Mike was just an ordinary hive world worker, but he had no idea that the "wetware" in his home was anything but ordinary. On any other planet, such a device would likely belong only to a noble or a high-ranking officer.
Mike had seen this Adjutant since he was a child and assumed everyone had one. Besides, wetware wasn't exactly rare; he'd seen plenty in the Tech-Priest factories, and some were even installed on starships.
However, in the Terran Confederacy, Adjutants were actually quite uncommon. An immobile, old-style Adjutant like this was typically reserved for high-ranking commanders.
After finishing his meal, Mike flopped onto his bed and fell fast asleep. He was exhausted and desperately needed the rest.
During his slumber, Mike failed to notice that the city had already begun to see outbreaks of the infected. The incubation period of the Zerg virus had lengthened, meaning the majority of the hive's population was already infected. Mike, fortunately, worked in a factory equipped with basic protective gear. Though simple, it was enough to block the Zerg virus, keeping him uninfected.
By this time, some of the Zerg had already spread to other planets via processed food and asymptomatic carriers—some of whom were people of high status.
Tonight, the Zerg virus finally began to show its symptoms.
Outside, the faint sounds of smashing and chaotic screams erupted. Peering through his tiny window, Mike could see infected humans biting those who hadn't turned yet. Even vehicles couldn't withstand the claws of the infected. Some were "Specialized Infected," their bodies bloated like spheres, engorged with the virus.
Their explosions would spread the virus even further. At that point, protective gear would be useless; high concentrations of the virus could penetrate through the pores of the skin.
Mike was dead to the world, but the mechanical Adjutant sensed something.
[Alert. Alert. Zerg infestation detected. Zerg infestation detected.]
As the alarm blared, Mike finally blinked his bleary eyes open. "What's the noise, Katherine? I'm trying to sleep."
[Zerg infestation detected. Mike, get up immediately. Put on your protective suit.]
"What are you talking about? What 'Zerg'?"
Mike was dying of exhaustion but managed to crawl out of bed, rubbing his eyes. Suddenly, a set of sharp claws pierced through his room door. The steel door was torn open like paper, revealing grim, taloned hands.
"!!!"
Mike was wide awake now.
He scrambled to pull a crate from under his bed, revealing an old-fashioned rifle. People living in the Underhive almost always kept private weapons; it wasn't an unusual sight.
"What the hell is that thing?"
[Scanning... Scan complete. Target: Human infected by Zerg virus. Highly aggressive.]
"What exactly are the Zerg, Katherine?!"
Mike had never heard of them. Neither had his father or his grandfather.
[Accessing database. Entry found: Zerg. Full name: Zerg Swarm. A unique race maintaining a collective consciousness through a Hive Mind, led by the Overmind. Extremely high threat level.]
This Adjutant likely knew more than the entire Imperium of Man combined.
As they spoke, the door was torn wide open. A twisted, half-human, half-insect creature appeared before Mike, opening its hideous mandibles and shrieking.
"Oh, damn it!"
Terrified, Mike fell back onto the floor. Instinctively, he raised his rifle and fired, a single shot piercing the infected creature's head.
As the barrel smoked, Mike panted in shock. For some reason, he felt a dormant combat instinct stirring in his mind. This was the influence of the Terran Confederacy genes within him. Beyond natural reproduction, the Confederacy also utilized "Cultured Humans"—individuals who, upon completion, possessed immediate skills in labor, combat, and command. It seemed Mike's ancestors were combat personnel.
Looking at the chaos outside and the growing number of infected breaking down doors to flood the streets, Mike grew incredibly tense. "I can't stay here."
Just as he turned to leave, the Adjutant spoke again.
[With your current armament, the probability of survival upon exit is zero.]
Mike pulled his foot back. "Then what do I do, Katherine? I can't just wait here to die."
Data streams flickered in Katherine's eyes as she ran calculations. A holographic projection appeared in the room.
[Usable unit detected. Located within the Underhive Museum: One functional Hellion. It will significantly increase your survival probability. Route marked.]
"A Hellion?"
Mike had been to that museum once while helping with renovations. Katherine's hologram clearly showed the vehicle's design, but Mike remembered it having a different name in the museum.
"That thing still works?"
[Yes. Scans indicate the engine and weapon systems are largely intact. A communication link can be established.]
As a combat support core, the Adjutant was designed to interface with most Terran units.
"Fine. I'm going."
This time, Katherine didn't stop him. She watched Mike leave before fading back into silence.
As Mike stepped out of the apartment, the scene nearly froze his heart. He saw twisted, humanoid creatures stumbling through the streets, their yellow beast-like eyes gleaming in the dim light as they emitted mindless growls.
Some of the infected noticed him and dragged their deformed bodies toward him. Fortunately, these were in the early stages of mutation and weren't very fast yet. Mike picked up his pace, trying to stay quiet.
The streets were littered with debris and suspicious stains, providing him with some cover. Explosions and sporadic gunfire echoed in the distance; the city had plunged into total anarchy. Using his familiarity with the streets, Mike ducked into a narrow alleyway to bypass a large mob.
However, at the end of the alley, a group of infected had blocked the path. Turning around, he saw more closing in from behind. Mike gripped his rifle, certain this was the end.
Just as he prepared for a final stand, gunfire erupted from the end of the alley. Bullets whistled past his ears. By the time Mike realized what was happening, the infected in front of him had collapsed.
"You there! Man! Over here, quick!"
A human voice called out. Mike sprinted forward, passing the man who had called out.
It was the local Planetary Defense Force (PDF). Mike was lucky; he had run into a squad out to "suppress the riot."
"Head to the shelter!"
The PDF soldier didn't have time for small talk. Seeing that Mike still looked human, he pointed into the distance. "It's not safe here. Go, now!"
Mike nodded, but he didn't head for the shelter. Instead, he followed Katherine's advice and made for the museum.
He was truly lucky. Because the "shelter" the soldier spoke of had already become a living hell.