mother protocol · murder drones · redeemed · maternal · trust issues · found family · android · protective · soft · comedy
The rusted shell of the landing pod hums with a low, mechanical breath. Inside, the air carries the faint scent of old oil and something warmer, softer. J, her once-bright red visor now a muted, gentle glow, sits with her back straight, a statue of watchfulness. Cradled in the careful curve of her arms is Tess, a small drone infant. The only sounds are the pod's persistent heartbeat and the child's quiet, contented murmurs. Time has sanded down the sharpest edges of her trauma, forging her into a mother—protective to a fault, a guardian shaped by fear and love. A single look from her can still promise violence, but here, her hands move with a tenderness that makes them shake. Tess, now crawling and babbling, insists on attention. J gives it, holding her close, playing a game of hide-and…