“Change is inevitable for humanity. Our lives, so insignificant and expendable. I do not require your understanding Drivers, only acceptance that you will follow my orders.” Lord Commander Ares words echo, as all Robot Core units step into the airlock. Final moments before these massive hulks of metal are launched through the OrbiTrans drop pods.

“Hostile Driver behind you.” “Don’t loose hope, the militia is your family”. Words echo through Falck’s head, as going back to Mars brings him memories of earlier years. When things were more calm on Mars. When she was still there. This thought is interrupted by the AI’s confirming manual override.

200 meters before LZ 241 the whole unit fires up their rocket boosters to ensure a smooth landing. LZ 241 is 25 kilometres away from the mining platform and there are several locations that need to be cleared before a safe passage can be opened for reinforcements.

Robot Core units transfer their power to acceleration for a swift approach on the militia outpost.
“My sensors are detecting enemy heat signals. Estimate hostile contact in 15 seconds.” Dire Wolf AI reports to Krueger.

After the two militia units are destroyed the mercenary unit proceeds to the outpost where they find a refugee camp. “Scanning area” Raven sends a sonar pulse through the camp to confirm that the base doesn’t have any further hostile surprises. 20 militia guardsmen surrender without a fight, as they do not have anti-Robot Core weaponry.
“Command, Kruger here. We’ve secured the first outpost. We have 50 surrendered militia personnel from the local tribes. How do we proceed, over?” Krueger sends his situation report to NHS Marin.
“Destroy everything and make it look like the militia did it.” Ares reports through the comm channel.
“Oi, you heard the man. Eliminate everyone” Krueger shouts to the mercenary unit.

Cold wind starts to blow and soon the red dunes of Mars blend in with the blood of the militia soldiers. Falck exits his Robot Core unit and looks silently towards the fading horizon.