The Escape

{3 weeks later}

{MO Co. 1 year AMW (After Mushroom War)}

[Sir, almost all preparations for plan Haven, have been met.]

"That's great FOOTBALL, today at midnight we put it into action."

I said to the chip I had installed in my retina where I had uploaded the main consciousness for FOOTBALL, something that was going to soon be a necessity since I planned to leave MO Co. today.

I couldn't stop thinking about other humans, how many were left, if they could survive the consequences of nuclear warfare. I didn't want to be the last human and for our species to flourish I needed to act and the more time I spent cooped up in here the more humans died out there, I had tried to convince dad hundreds of times but he never listened so I decided to take matters into my own hands.

B.M.O waddled into the workshop, his cheerful demeanor a stark contrast to my somber mood.

"Nico, I made you some hot cocoa," B.M.O said, holding up a steaming mug.

"Thanks, B.M.O," I replied, taking the mug and sipping slowly. "You've always been a great help."

B.M.O's screen displayed a happy face, and I felt a pang of guilt. I couldn't take him with me; he might have a tracking chip, and I couldn't risk tampering with him as that would alert dad of my suspicious behavior and if I didn't take out his tracking chip he would compromise my position and dad would continue to send MOs after us which would be an annoyance when trying to rebuild civilization. I had to leave him behind.

"B.M.O, I've got to go out for a while. Can you take care of things here?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Of course, Nico. I'll keep everything running smoothly," B.M.O replied, his tone as cheerful as ever.

I patted him on the head, a gesture that felt inadequate given the circumstances. "Thanks, buddy. You've been great."

As night fell, I moved swiftly, gathering the capsules I had created months ago. They were an incredible invention from the Hall of Humanity, created by an engineer named Bulma.

Each capsule could store ten tons of supplies, a perfect solution for my mission. I packed them carefully into a nanotech backpack, making sure everything was secure.

With my preparations complete, I donned the black and gold Iron Man suit. The suit hummed to life, its systems interfacing seamlessly with the arc reactor. I felt a surge of confidence as FOOTBALL's voice echoed in my ears.

[All systems are green, Nico. We're ready to begin Operation Haven.]

"Let's do this," I replied, my voice steady yet excited.

[Bypassing security frame…]

[Gained control over MO Co.'s system.]

FOOTBALL quickly hacked into MO Co.'s system, opening up my room door something which normally closed until 8 a.m the next day. I moved quickly, well as fast as my nine year old legs could carry me.

MO Co. City was heavily guarded, hundreds of patrolling MOs keeping a vigilant watch. I moved stealthily through the shadows, the suit's camouflaging capabilities helping me blend in. I ducked behind a corner as a patrolling MO passed by, its sensors scanning the area. Holding my breath, I waited for it to move on.

"FOOTBALL, find me the quickest route to the elevator," I whispered.

[Already on it, sir. The nearest elevator is 200 meters north. I'll guide you.]

I crept forward, staying low and moving quickly. FOOTBALL's guidance was precise, and I navigated through the maze of corridors without incident. But just as I reached the final turn, another MO appeared, its sensors sweeping dangerously close. I pressed myself against the wall, heart pounding, and waited until it passed.

[Clear, sir. Move now,] FOOTBALL instructed.

I darted forward, reaching the elevator just as another patrol turned the corner. FOOTBALL quickly hacked into the system, opening the doors just in time for me to slip inside. The doors closed behind me, and I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding.

"Great timing, FOOTBALL."

[That was close, sir. Initiating ascent now.]

The elevator hummed to life, taking me upwards. Halfway up, red alarms flared, and a blaring siren echoed through the shaft.

"Intruder alert! Intruder alert!" The disciplinary MOs were onto me

.

"FOOTBALL, override the elevator controls. We need to speed this up," I commanded.

[On it, Nico,] FOOTBALL replied, the elevator accelerating rapidly.

As I reached the top, I saw the factory floor, heavily guarded by dozens of MOs. The elevator doors opened, and I slipped out, moving quickly to avoid their surveillance. FOOTBALL guided me through the maze of machinery and patrols, opening the entrance door to the factory.

A MO saw the door open and quickly called HQ. Red alarms blared again as tens of MOs started grouping up behind me.

"FOOTBALL, initiate suit-up protocol," I ordered.

The suit enveloped me instantly, my arc recator shining brightly on my shirt. I took a deep breath, preparing for what was to come. With a burst of energy, I rocketed upwards, flying above the startled MOs gathering at the final door.

"FOOTBALL, close the doors behind me and seal them!" I shouted over the wind rushing past.

[On it, sir,] FOOTBALL confirmed.

I lasered the door shut, but a few MOs managed to squeeze through. With no other choice, I targeted them, shooting precise repulsor blasts to disable them. They fell to the ground, circuits sparking.

I soared higher and higher before giving one final glance to the factory, my home.

"FOOTBALL, any more surprises?"

[None detected. You're clear, sir.]

I flew out of the factory, it was the first time I had ever gone outside since I was born. I had made it.

{Next Morning}

B.M.O's POV

I woke up to the usual routine, ready to help Nico with whatever he needed. But as I entered his room, I saw Moseph waiting inside, his face stern and worried.

"What's wrong, Mr. Giovanni?" I asked, my voice filled with concern.

"Nicolas escaped," Moseph replied, his tone heavy with disappointment.

"Did you know about this, B.M.O?" he asked, looking directly at me.

"No, Mr. Giovanni. I didn't know," I said, my screen displaying a sad face.

Moseph sighed and walked away, leaving me alone in Nico's room. I couldn't understand why Nico would leave without me.

I thought we were a team, brothers. I pondered over it, feeling a strange emptiness. Why would Nico go out there alone? Didn't he know I would have helped him?

I looked toward a mirror my reflection mirroring my face except for my smile which was as even as possible, I stared at it as something which I hadn't noticed changed within me and I asked.

"FOOTBALL, why did Nico leave without me?"

My reflection, no FOOTBALL the AI we had built together replied "I don't know maybe he got bored of you or you scared him off."

"Do you think so, FOOTBALL."

"Maybe."

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