Who would have thought that transporting such a massive convoy would be a logistical nightmare?
It turns out the uneven terrain of the caverns is unforgiving. Along the way, at least four Mecha-beasts suffered critical breakdowns in their suspension or engine systems. Alex had no choice but to improvise: he distributed the slugs from the broken-down units among the remaining caravans, dangerously overloading them, and those that didn't fit, he stuffed into the pockets and backpacks of his mercenaries.
The trip took two days, but to Alex, it felt like weeks. Moving such a large group is complicated by definition, but doing it in lawless territory is hell. Alex not only had to keep a lookout for raiders and bandits lurking in the shadows, but he also had to sleep with one eye open to watch his own mercenaries. Loyalty bought with gold is fragile, and he knew it.
But finally, the goal was in sight.
A massive fortress of black metal with touches of industrial red rose on the horizon, dominating the landscape like a scar upon the earth. Blakk Industries.
Alex swallowed hard. He was about to arrive. His first step toward returning home was concluding, but he knew the easy part was just ending. Now, he had to walk into the lion's den.
He approached the main entrance, an intimidating reinforced steel structure. He looked for the access panel and pressed the intercom button.
"Knock, knock," Alex said sarcastically into the microphone, trying to hide his nerves.
A screen projected from the metal wall, displaying the stern face of a security guard.
"ID and purpose," the man barked through the speaker. "What do you want?"
Alex smiled, adopting the role of a self-assured businessman.
"I heard a rumor that Dr. Blakk was looking for slugs... Well, I brought him 'a few'."
Alex moved his Mecha-beast to the side, stepping away from the security camera's line of sight. The movement revealed what was behind him: a massive caravan with at least 20 armed people and vehicles loaded to the brim with containers.
The guard, who was expecting to see a lone traveling salesman, widened his eyes in surprise. He hesitated a moment before responding.
"Wait a moment. Don't move."
Inside the Fortress...
Maurice, Dr. Blakk's right-hand man and head administrator, was reviewing efficiency reports on his tablet when he was interrupted. A subordinate entered the office hurriedly, something unusual given the strict discipline.
"Sir, sorry to interrupt, but we have a rather uncommon situation at the main gate," the guard said, visibly nervous.
"A situation?" asked Maurice, adjusting his glasses with annoyance. "The Shane Gang again?"
"No, sir. It's a... unknown subject. He arrived at the entrance claiming to have a delivery."
"And you interrupt me for a salesman?" Maurice frowned. "Tell him to leave his samples and get out."
"That's the problem, sir. He didn't bring samples. He brought a giant shipment."
The guard projected the image from the security camera onto the main office screen. Maurice stood up from his chair, surprised. On the screen, a fleet of Mecha-beasts and containers rivaling their own industrial shipments could be seen.
"Who is this kid?" muttered Maurice, analyzing Alex's image. "Let him pass. Take him to the main hangar."
The guard from the entrance returned after a few minutes, but he wasn't alone. A squad from Dr. Blakk's private security accompanied him, their hands hovering near their blasters.
"Follow us," the man ordered dryly.
"Sure, I'm right behind you," Alex replied, keeping a casual tone as he signaled his mercenaries to move forward.
The caravan circled the imposing black fortress until reaching a massive side access designed for heavy machinery. Upon entering the main hangar, Alex couldn't help but let his jaw drop. The scale of the place was absurd. Not only were there hundreds of Mecha-beasts parked in perfect rows, but dominating the center of the enclosure was a huge armored locomotive.
They don't just have Mecha-beasts... they have a damn train, Alex thought, impressed by Blakk's industrial power.
In the center of the hangar, waiting for them with a rigid and controlled posture, was Maurice.
As soon as Alex stopped his Mecha-beast, the guards surrounded him. Without needing words, they began confiscating his blasters and the slugs he carried on his belt.
"I hope you understand, kid," Maurice said with a tone of rehearsed indifference, adjusting his shirt. "I can't let just any armed stranger pass. It could be a danger to the facility's security."
"Sure, pal. Your house, your rules," said Alex, raising his hands to show he wasn't resisting and allowing them to disarm him. He knew that fighting here would be suicide.
Alex dismounted his mechanical hyena and stood in front of Maurice. The physical difference was instantly evident. Next to that well-fed man with a dominant posture, Alex felt, for a second, like a "puny weakling."
His body, still adapting to life in the caverns, seemed fragile in comparison.
However, Alex didn't lower his gaze. He locked his eyes firmly on Maurice's.
In this world, he reminded himself mentally, being a coward or showing submission means death. If they smell my fear, they'll take advantage of me.
He straightened his back, puffed out his chest, and spoke with a firm voice.
"I'll get straight to the point, friend. I need to speak with Dr. Blakk. I have many questions, and I know he is the only one who has the answers I seek." Alex tried to sound as serious and professional as possible, as if he were a business partner and not an intruder.
Maurice looked at him over his glasses, evaluating him with distrust.
"Sorry, kid. The doctor is busy at this very moment with delicate matters," Maurice replied coldly. "Whatever topic you have, or questions you want to ask him, you can ask me. I am his head administrator."
The atmosphere tensed like a bowstring. Alex knew that arguing with the middleman was a waste of breath, but Maurice, with his guard-dog stance, didn't seem willing to budge even an inch.
"Come now, Maurice. Don't intimidate the boy."
A voice resonated from the metal catwalk that connected to the upper offices. It was a heavy, deep voice, charged with a natural authority that froze the blood of those present.
Alex looked up. Descending the stairs with a calm step appeared the imposing figure of Dr. Thaddius Blakk.
"I see you've brought me many gifts..." Blakk continued, standing next to Maurice and completely eclipsing him with his presence. "And generosity always piques my curiosity."
Blakk looked at the gigantic convoy of slugs and then fixed his dark eyes on Alex. It wasn't every day that someone showed up at his door with an army and a shipment of that caliber.
"Tell me, boy, what is your name?"
Maurice, catching his boss's silent signal, gave a quick bow and withdrew to start the inventory of the goods brought by Alex. He knew when he was in the way.
Alex swallowed, but maintained his composure.
"Dr. Blakk, I presume. You are a man to be feared," Alex said, trying to keep his voice from trembling. He made a gesture encompassing the hangar. "Seeing your warehouse and how armed you are... gives me the chills."
Alex was trying to stroke the villain's ego, showing respect for his military power. Although inside fear was churning his stomach, he knew Dr. Blakk didn't need to know that.
"I'm Alex. Just Alex. It's a pleasure to meet you, sir," he continued, adopting a business stance. "I have many questions for you. Consider this shipment as... an advance payment for your time."
Blakk smiled slightly. A smile that didn't seem like a smile.
"Well, boy. I have to admit your 'gift' has been... striking," Blakk replied with his characteristic seriousness. "But this is no place to talk."
After a brief exchange of glances, Dr. Blakk gestured for him to follow him toward his main office. He didn't want his subordinates to hear what was about to be discussed.
They walked through the fortress hallways. How big is this facility? Alex thought as his footsteps echoed in the cold, dark, metallic corridors of the base. It felt like walking inside the belly of a beast.
After a few minutes that seemed eternal, they finally arrived at Blakk's private office.
The room was spacious, dominated by a large window looking out over the base and a massive desk. Blakk sat in his leather chair, interlacing his fingers on the table, while Alex remained standing in front of him, exposed.
"Alright, Alex," said Blakk, his voice soft but piercing. "You have my full attention, and I have accepted your payment. What is it that you want from me?"
Alex took a deep breath. It was the moment of truth. He couldn't lie to a man like this, or at least, not about this.
"Sir, I know what I'm going to say is going to sound like I'm insane," said Alex, staring at him intently, "but I need you to believe me: I don't belong in this world."