Apocalypse Shelter Administrator

Rescue Operation (1)

“In accordance with the quarantine protocol, you will need to undergo tests in the isolation zone for a while after moving in.”

[Understood. But is it possible to separate the prisoners from the guards in terms of living arrangements?]

“We’ll try our best, but I can’t guarantee it. We’ve been severely hit as well, so we don’t have much leeway.”

[Got it. So, what do we need to do?]

“Tell them to wait calmly for the rescue team to arrive. Make sure they follow our instructions properly.”

[The prisoners in the east wing might listen, but do you think the prisoners in the west wing will comply?]

“We have enough armed security personnel. Let them know that there will be a ruthless crackdown if they do not comply. Also, warn them not to expect something as soft as batons or tasers. We’re past the point where anyone or any organization cares about prisoners’ rights. Given how wild the situation is on your side, we don’t have much choice.”

Seyoung seemed oddly satisfied with my response, which indicated that we wouldn’t hesitate to use violent suppression. In fact, she appeared more relieved knowing that a well-armed group was ready to step in.

“You can repay us with hard work.”

[Naturally. We don’t expect a free ride.]

Seyoung was a negotiator I could communicate with easily. Now, the remaining task was to assemble the special forces.

Bang! Bang! Gunfire echoed through the training field, which was filled with makeshift buildings and obstacles. The security robots fired gas guns to initiate the mock operation. Not a single robot stopped mid-shooting.

Thwack! Thwack! Each shot hit the targets—depicting infected beings—right in the head.

They didn’t even need to shoulder their weapons. Since the cameras attached to the guns shared their field of vision, they could aim and shoot accurately from any position. Because they didn’t breathe, they didn’t need to hold their breath while shooting, and there was no trembling due to unstable nerve impulses or muscle strain.

These combat robots, free from the limitations that hinder human precision, without emotions or pain, and capable of non-verbal communication, were transformed by Artemis’ meticulous programming from civilian guards into veteran soldiers.

The training, in various forms, had been ongoing even before external communication was reestablished, and the day had come when they would finally be used in actual combat.

Bang! As the last target was blown away, the security robots slung their gas guns behind them and pulled out riot-control shotguns.

Crash! One powerful kick shattered the door of a makeshift building. After a swift entry, they approached signs marked with human figures.

[Move!]

[Follow us, and we’ll guide you to a safe, disaster-proof city.]

[Comply with our orders. We have the authority to use unlimited suppression.]

As they delivered their pre-programmed crowd control messages, the signs moved in the indicated direction.

Bang! Suddenly, some of the signs tried to ambush the security robots, but they immediately fired their shotguns. The signs, struck by dozens of salt pellets, meekly returned to their original course.

Beep-beep! With the alarm signaling the end of training, everything returned to its place, and the squad of security robots formed into three divisions.

“Very impressive.”

Honestly, their operational ability surpassed even that of the soldiers I had commanded during my active duty days.

“They’ve been training every day. Artemis never skipped an update, and on some days, she even sent dozens of mock training courses.”

The beautiful woman standing at the head of the security squad answered me. Her long black hair flowed down to her waist, and she appeared to be at least 180 cm tall. Her face was beautiful but without a trace of a smile, and her poised stance was flawless.

She was a refined flower. No better description could capture her appearance. Though she would look great in a suit or uniform, she was currently dressed in riot control gear.

“Thank you for granting my request,” said Rose.

“Actually, it was something I had hoped to ask for myself. There are negotiations that need to happen on-site, and guiding so many people while possibly mediating any trouble—sending only robots wouldn’t have worked. I should be the one thanking you.” I spoke as I placed my hand on her shoulder.

***

[Administrator, I have a request.]

Earlier, after the meeting and communications ended, Rose spoke to me. She requested to be transferred into an android body and participate in the rescue operation alongside the special forces.

[Artemis' programming for autonomous combat actions and crowd control software is excellent. However, we’re dealing with exhausted human groups. Having a human negotiator on-site will make a significant difference in guiding them.]

What would happen if heavily armed robots entered a place filled with people who were starving, terrified, and under extreme stress, and then told them to comply? They might comply out of fear, but there was also the risk of mass panic.

From their perspective, the infected and these unknown robots might not seem all that different. This is why I had originally considered leading the robots myself, but as soon as I suggested it, Artemis, Rose, and Chloro all opposed the idea in unison.

[Absolutely not!]

[Absolutely not!]

[Absolutely not!]

And with that, Rose immediately volunteered to take on the role of the leader.

"Operating within this body of a second-generation android is a completely different experience from observing from cyberspace. It's not just about the physical senses. Interacting with the real world brings back an overwhelming mental response."

"Feelings like stress, fear, anxiety, and tension?" I nodded.

Humans experience a wide range of sensations through their bodies over a lifetime, which helps the mind develop a protective shell, making it resilient to external feedback.

Remember how we were scared of thunder as kids or hid under the covers while watching horror movies? Over time, those experiences accumulate, and eventually, we can sit back with a beer and comfortably enjoy a horror movie on a stormy night.

But AI is different. They always exist in a different axis—a cyber world. In that space, they receive filtered feedback while indirectly observing, whereas in the physical world, they experience feedback directly through their android body. There is a vast difference between the two. There are even academic papers about AI falling into a state of panic due to this issue.

"I can do it. Please trust me."

Rose’s eyes were determined.

"I've often talked about this with the other two."

She meant Artemis and Chloro.

"Artemis always talks about the future. She talks about the plans she's preparing, the perfect city, and a purified world. On the other hand, Chloro talks about love. At first, it was about the many romance novels she read, but at some point, it shifted to being about you, Administrator. She even sent me some rather awkward materials."

I couldn’t help but feel awkward myself as Rose gave me a wry smile.

"As for me, I pursue duty. To uphold the order of the city, to guide people in the right direction, and to devote myself to carrying out your directives."

"Duty is always a valuable pursuit," I said.

Rose nodded at my response. "I've watched your recorded videos countless times. Your journey through a city filled with death, using all the skills and experiences you had acquired. It was the most noble fulfillment of duty I have ever seen."

I was at a loss for words as I looked into her calm, duty-bound, and courageous black eyes.

"I want to follow in your footsteps now."

Though Rose was an android standing before me, her gaze was overwhelmingly human.

"I will succeed. I will bring the survivors here safely." Rose saluted.

"You’re taking on a big job. Things will get chaotic once they arrive," I said and returned her salute.

"That’s exactly what I want."

For the first time, I saw Rose smile.

***

That night.

"Open the rear gate."

At my command, the shelter’s lockdown was temporarily lifted. With a heavy sound, the outermost rear gate opened. The smell of the sea, tinged with salt. The sound of the waves crashing against the cave walls. Far beyond the dark cave, the horizon of the night sea.

It had been so long since I breathed in the outside air that it felt incredibly refreshing, but there was no time to savor it. One platoon of heavily armed security robots, along with Rose and small reconnaissance drones, boarded three boats, all prepared for departure.

The security robots not participating in the rescue mission were on standby, armed with gas guns and flamethrowers, ready to respond to any infected that might appear. Sentry guns, which had once been placed all over the subway, had been relocated here, seemingly modified by Artemis. Savage-looking iron spikes were hung along their ammunition belts.

Cargo drones, vehicles, and industrial robots were also standing by, ready to set up temporary bridges. There was an air of tension, the highest since the city's restoration efforts began.

"Then, let’s depart."

With a small noise, the boats set off and disappeared into the dark sea. The machines immediately got to work and began the construction of the temporary bridge.

The rescue operation had finally begun.

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