But for now, it seems the rocket launch center hasn't suffered large-scale damage. We can try using robots to manually ignite the rocket.
I've already taught myself about rockets, so I can prepare for your departure at any time.
Mercer nodded upon hearing this, and then quickly led V and Lark to the rocket launch center at the base.
Currently, the Moon Base has only four rockets available for launch.
Three of them are short-range transport rockets used for docking with the Space Station, capable of carrying people or cargo. However, their recyclable engines and fuel are only meant for docking with the Space Station in Moon's orbit.
In other words, there's absolutely no way to execute a return to Earth operation.
The only manned rocket that can directly return to Earth... only has two seats.
[V: Looks like we'll have to squeeze in.]
Hmm... it's not like anyone said a two-seater manned rocket can't squeeze in three people, right?
But Mercer, after examining the rocket, turned to look at V.
V, with hands on hips, looked at Mercer, seemingly sighed.
[V: Okay, just joking, let's go, take Lark back, I'll go with you to find Arasaka Base!]
[Mercer: You go back with her.]
[V: ???]
[Mercer: Isn't this the perfect two-seater?]
[V: Are you fucking kidding me!]
Her tone was clearly angry, even through the squad communication.
[V: I've followed you all the way out here, and now you want me to go back?]
[Mercer: Your task is to protect Lark for me, and getting this far is enough...]
[V: Say that again?]
Even though he couldn't see her expression, Mercer could guess what she looked like right now.
V took a step forward and pressed her helmet hard against Mercer's, making a clang as they touched.
Neither of them said a word. In the voice channel, Mercer could even hear her angrily breathing heavily inside her helmet.
Lark timidly raised her hand.
[Lark: Actually, I don't need that much protection, as long as you can drop me somewhere New America can't find me...]
Seeing V staunchly hold her ground, helmet pressed against his, Mercer could only sigh, then suddenly smiled.
[Mercer: If we say going back from here, I'm 90% sure we can make it, but at Arasaka Base... I can't guaranteed we'll all make it out alive.]
[V: Cut the crap, I've even plugged in the Relic, worst case, I'll become an AI with you... shit, are you seriously telling me to leave?]
The more she thought about it, the angrier she got, giving Mercer a hard punch before turning to leave.
[V: You take her away yourself, I'm going to find oxygen equipment, then a vehicle, to get to Arasaka!]
[Mercer: Got it.]
[V: (grinding teeth sound).]
[Lark: You've really pissed her off this time.]
[Mercer: Why don't you come along too?]
[Lark: Bro! I'm begging you! I really can't! My head still hurts a lot from the surgery you did on me, don't you know my condition?]
[Mercer: Xiao Song, don't say your bro isn't generous—here.]
Suddenly, he reached out and took out a storage chip.
Lark hesitated for a moment, then took it.
[Lark: What is this?]
[Mercer: A money chip, not much inside, 50,000 Euros, but enough for you to find a place to stay temporarily... I'm guessing you probably didn't have time to prepare much escape money, go live the life you want, a free life.]
[Lark: ... Can I really just leave?]
She was momentarily unable to believe everything happening before her eyes.
[Mercer: Feeling reluctant? Then why not stay?]
Mercer asked with a smile, whereupon Lark immediately ran toward the manned rocket without another word.
But before she boarded the rocket, she turned to look at Mercer.
[Lark: I'm really leaving.]
[Mercer: Go on, Lark, next time, be careful not to get caught in a cage, or... goodbye, Song Zhaomei.]
[Lark: ... Mercer, you... better not die at Arasaka! When you come back... maybe we really can be great friends!]
[Mercer: You dying won't kill me, now scram!]
Mercer smiled and flipped her the bird, watching as she eagerly slipped back into the manned rocket.
Nearby, the robots hijacked by Black Light were controlled by Venus, rapidly setting up the manual launch parameters on the instruments.
These robots began physically connecting to adjust the rocket's settings while Venus mischievously asked Mercer a question.
[Venus: What do you think, if we launched her straight to Washington, what would her expression be?]
[Mercer: Hmm... probably wouldn't cry?]
[Venus: XD~]
[Mercer: Send her to the European Community territory, and prepare a fake identity for her from the Sky Net System, go all the way in lending a hand.]
[Venus: You're really kind.]
Mercer looked at the several space aviation employees, whose consciousness had been taken over by Black Light, now walking in a daze looking very much like zombies, and he shook his head.
Kindness?
He's always felt he's just a willful and selfish person. Kindness? That word seemed quite distant from him.
But when compared to other people in the Cyber World, he might indeed be considered a good guy.
The robots were busy setting the parameters, while others under Venus's direction rapidly scoured the base for supplies, preparing Mercer for his journey to the Arasaka Base.