X-87 needed some time to think strategy. Given the efficiency of B-04’s security systems, the distress signal I launched should have been reported to the authorities given that it was received in the first place. I’ll need an eta on getting this supposedly mobile storage bay, well, mobile, so I can plan for the worst-case scenario. Since the Fighters should be about 6000 ticks away and considering the minimal task force to retrieve a War Fighter core is 3-5 and we have a War Fighter whose specialty is tracking and only moderate fighting capacity, and a Builder who is exceptional at hiding but is extremely temperamental. Even a Fighter with an array of circuit failures could see that we won’t win. The alliance is almost in control of the planet and the first place they will expect us to go is the rebellion of the last outposts of rogue Fighters…

I need J-71’s information before I calculate further. In the wise words of R-24, “Always be sure you check for mines before the battle, or the consequences are obvious.” X-87 was always delighted by that quote.

X-87 looked outside the repair room and quickly discovered J-71 hadn’t even made it to the first corner on the way back to the area of the ‘incident’. That’s going to be a problem if we have to run at some point. They started on an approach vector to catch up with J-71.

“So… J-71,” X-87 said in trying to initiate the conversation.

“Maintain data efficiency X-87,” said J-71 while having difficulty containing their residual wrath.

“Normally, I wouldn’t bother you so soon but if anyone received the distress signal I sent out earlier in the bunker then we don’t have a lot of time before they arrive.

“Confirmed, I calculate 6204 ticks at the minimum possible time. Even with your outburst, it is well within the timeframe of mobile storage bay completion at 2031 ticks.”

“Can this device outrun the recon teams?”

“The Mobile Storage Bay’s current configuration is calculated to be able to reach a maximum speed of 119 meters per tick, with the risk of infrastructure malfunction of 78.86%. This is well outside of the top speed of any documented War Fighter.” J-71 explained confidently in X-87’s approval.

“The only words I understood from all of that is that it’s going to be fast,” X-87 said completely without the understanding of the sheer magnitude of J-71’s creation.

J-71 without stopping, turned their sensory node to look at X-87. My explanation was completely wasted. Perhaps a simple confirmation will suffice in future conversations. “It seems your understanding of this topic is, sufficient.”

X-87 notices the unusual behavior of J-71’s observation of them. Why are they looking at me? They take a moment to be concerned before speaking. “...Well alright then. That leaves only the prospect of where we will go once we do get moving.”

J-71 realizes they are still observing X-87 and looks forward again. “I have calculated only one location where War Fighters are not present.”

X-87 was bewildered at such a prospect, “A place like that exists?! You MUST tell me!”

“There is more than just one planet. In fact, many Builders have confirmed the existence of 4 other planets orbiting the same star as this planet does.”

“This is incredible! We will be able to leave this world!" X-87 was absolutely ecstatic. "And this thing will be able to take us?"

"Unfortunately, no. This device is limited to a maximum altitude of 125478 meters, as it relies on the planet's electromagnetic field to facilitate movement. However, I do have three locations we will visit to attain the data that will allow for the removal of this limitation." J-71 explained.

"In that case where are they?

"The locations are: A-01's labyrinth, the builder asylum, and the non-metallic ruins."

X-87 was in shock, "You can't be serious J."

"There has never been a time when a builder was not serious."

"No one's ever made it back from A-01's labyrinth, the builder asylum is a death trap, and the location of the non-metallic ruins is highly classified!"

"X-87." J-71 was slightly annoyed now. "I've met A-01, the builder asylum is completely safe and unguarded, and I have been to the ruins."

"YOU'VE MET A-01!" X-87 said with added shock.

"All builders are welcome to see A-01."

"And to think that it took the War Fighters until recently to find out it had more than one layer."

"It has 113 to be precise."

"Incredible."

J-71 found an odd feeling. Something not unfamiliar. They felt big in comparison to X-87. I think… I believe the War Fighters call this pride. It doesn't seem like something to start wars over though. They noticed they were coming upon the location of the incident. "I will notify you when the structure is complete," J-71 said while turning the corner and climbing the wall to complete their work.

As X-87 watched J-71 maneuver up the wall all they could think was: They really are better than us, aren't they.