STARLIGHT UNBOUND by Deus Ex Machina - HTML preview

STARLIGHT UNBOUND

reroute power from the central districts, we should be able to get basic functionality back.”

Corin folded his arms, frowning. “The agreement with the Order includes shared utilities. Shouldn ’t they be prioritizing a permanent connection for us?”

Lyra shook her head, her voice sharp. “They won’t prioritize anything for us unless it serves their interests. We can’t wait for the Order to act – not when people are depending on us. We need to take destiny into our own hands.”

Lucien nodded in agreement. “We’ll keep it subtle. Just enough to get the sector running. Once we stabilize, we can set up independent generators and cut ties entirely.”

Harun clapped Lucien on the back, his grin returning. “You and Lyra can handle the power situation. I’ll deal with the bots and the civic hall. Corin can...”

He trailed off, glancing at Corin, who was already scowling. “Security. I’ll make sure no one interferes while you ’re all playing with wires and tin cans.”

Harun gibed. “Of course, our fearless protector.”

***

The sound of footsteps echoed through the streets—hesitant, uncertain.

The first wave of citizens had arrived.

They came in small clusters, carrying bags and bundles, their faces a mixture of hope, wariness, and exhaustion.

Lucien stood near the repair bots, watching as families navigated the cracked pavement, their eyes darting between the unfinished buildings, the rusted support beams, the idle maintenance bots.

Some clung to their belongings like lifelines, their grips white-knuckled — as if afraid that at any moment, someone might take them away.

A civic transport bot rolled up, its hollow mechanical voice repeating the same message over and over:

“Welcome to Harmony Sector Fourteen. Please proceed to the civic hall for orientation. Welcome to Harmony Sector Fourteen...”

Lucien let out a breath, shaking his head.

Harmony. Right.

He glanced over his shoulder, watching as Harun and Corin directed the new arrivals toward the civic hall.

Harun waved his arms theatrically, cracking jokes in an attempt to ease the tension. Some people smiled, hesitant but real. Others simply nodded and kept

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