Chapter 123-Out of his way

Chapter 123: 123-Out of his way

The first sign that something had changed aboard Noel and Ambrose’s ship was the sound of metal scraping against metal.

Noel jerked awake from the chair where he had been attempting to rest, while Ambrose hurried out of the cramped storage room, clutching a wrench as though it were a weapon.

"What was that?"

Before Noel could answer, a small drone emerged from above the damaged railing. Its compact body hovered steadily despite the heat, and a cargo container hung beneath it.

Ambrose blinked. "Is that thing carrying supplies?"

The drone descended onto the deck and released its cargo with a soft mechanical click. A message appeared on its display.

DELIVERY CONFIRMED. AUTHORIZED RECIPIENT: 009.

Noel stared at the screen. "Wait. This is for the robot?"

As if responding to his words, 009 emerged from the cabin. Its damaged metal body moved stiffly, one arm hanging at an awkward angle, but its optical sensors brightened when it detected the container.

"Repair materials received," it announced.

Ambrose immediately lowered his wrench. "Well, that’s a relief. For a moment, I thought another monster had come to finish the job."

"Your survival instincts are truly remarkable," Noel remarked sarcastically.

"Thank you. I work hard at them."

009 ignored their exchange. It opened the container and began sorting through the contents with its functional hand.

Inside were metal plates, replacement joints, wiring, miniature processors, reinforced bolts, and several specialized components that neither brother could identify.

There were also tools and materials for repairing the ship’s damaged systems.

Noel crouched beside the container, examining the contents. "Who sent these?"

"Roa," 009 replied, knowing well that Roa was in charge of the bunker. "The delivery was dispatched under Nathaniel’s authorization."

Ambrose’s expression changed. "Nathaniel sent this?" He was stunned. "That friend of yours is truly remarkable, Noel," he added.

"Correction. Roa dispatched the drone and selected the materials according to the repair specifications supplied by 009. Nathaniel authorized the action."

Noel exchanged a glance with his brother. They had barely escaped the metallic crab, and without 009, their ship might have been nothing more than floating debris by now. The robot had fought until its own body was badly damaged, yet Nathaniel had still gone out of his way to ensure it could be repaired.

"That guy really is something else," Ambrose murmured. "This is what it means when they say a friend in need is a friend in deed. Nathaniel proves everyday that he is your friend. The way he goes out of his way for you... makes me jealous of you. I wish I had even one friend like him."

Noel nodded. "We need to thank him properly the next time he calls."

"Definitely. I’ll even try to sound polite."

Noel gave him a skeptical look. "Try very hard," he joked. "I must admit, I didn’t know he valued me this much. I am touched."

Before Ambrose could respond, 009 placed the first replacement component against its damaged arm.

A series of precise clicks followed. The metal plates shifted. Tiny mechanical joints rotated into place, and thin cables extended from its wrist to reconnect severed circuits.

The robot worked methodically, using the supplied parts to replace damaged components and reinforce sections of its frame that had nearly collapsed during the battle.

Within minutes, its movements became smoother. The broken arm straightened. Its fingers opened and closed with renewed precision, and the damaged plating across its chest was replaced by a sturdier layer of metal.

Noel watched with open admiration. "That’s incredible."

"Self-repair complete," 009 announced.

Ambrose grinned. "Welcome back, you magnificent tin can."

009 turned its head toward him. "Designated name is 009. ’Tin can’ is not an approved form of address."

"See? You’re feeling better already. You’ve got your attitude back," Ambrose joked and struck his fist onto 009’s arm as one would do a friend.

Instant regret hit him! "Ouch!" He recoiled his hand back as the impact of colliding with metal struck him.

009 proceeded to repair the ship, ignoring him. It began with the damaged railing, replacing the bent metal sections and reinforcing the weakened supports.

Next came the engine compartment, where it inspected the damaged components and replaced the parts that could no longer function safely. It repaired electrical connections, sealed leaks, and restored the ship’s damaged systems one after another.

Noel and Ambrose helped wherever they could, passing tools and moving debris out of the way.

By the time the sun had climbed higher, their vessel was in better condition than it had been before the mutated crab attacked but 009 wasn’t finished.

It stood in the middle of the deck, scanning the ship’s interior with its optical sensors.

"Environmental conditions are unsuitable for prolonged human comfort. Cabin temperature exceeds recommended limits in this extreme heat."

Ambrose wiped sweat from his forehead. "You don’t have to tell us that. I feel like I’m being roasted alive in here."

"An effective cooling system is required."

Noel stared at the robot. "Can you build one?"

"Available materials are sufficient for a basic high-capacity cooling system."

"Then please do," Ambrose said immediately. "I’ll personally name my first child after you."

"Your offer is unnecessary."

"Fine. I’ll name the second one after you," Ambrose switched his offer.

009 began working, once again ignoring the funny and unreasonable fellow.

It assembled a powerful cooling unit using the available components, reinforced tubing, a compact compressor, and a carefully designed ventilation system. It installed the unit near the main cabin, then connected insulated ducts to distribute cool air throughout the ship.

When it finally activated the system, a steady hum filled the cabin. Cool air flowed through the vents.

Noel closed his eyes as the refreshing breeze touched his face. "Oh, thank goodness."

Ambrose hurried inside and stood directly beneath a vent, spreading his arms.

"Wonderful! Beautiful! This is what civilization was supposed to feel like!"

"You were complaining about the heat five minutes ago," Noel reminded him. "Now you know what civilization is supposed to feel like?"

"And now I’m celebrating its defeat. People are allowed to grow, Noel."

Noel shook his head, laughing. For the first time since the apocalypse began, the ship felt like somewhere they might actually survive in rather than a temporary shelter waiting to fall apart.

Noel glanced at 009, then at the supplies Nathaniel had sent. They owed that man more than a simple thank-you.

But their peaceful moment didn’t last long as a faint cry drifted across the ocean.

At first, Noel assumed it was a seabird. Then the sound came again, unmistakably human. "Help!"

Both brothers froze at the cry for help. Ambrose moved to the railing, scanning the water. "Did you hear that?"

"Over there!"

Noel pointed toward a small survival boat drifting several hundred meters away. It was barely visible between the waves, its sides battered and one of its inflatable sections partially deflated.

A makeshift paddle floated nearby, while a small bag had been tied to the front with a strip of cloth.

Someone was inside. A young woman stood unsteadily in the boat, waving both arms above her head.

Her clothes were soaked, her hair clung to her cheeks and exhaustion had left her face pale. However, even from a distance, there was something striking about her appearance.

Her features were delicate but well-defined, and her dark eyes remained alert despite the obvious fear in them. She was beautiful.

It was not the polished, carefully maintained beauty of someone who had never struggled but the kind that remained even after hunger, sleepless nights, and hardship had taken their toll.

Noel found himself staring a moment longer than necessary. "She’s alone," he muttered.

Ambrose leaned over the railing. "And that boat is about to fall apart. We need to get her aboard before she ends up in the water."

Noel was already moving toward the equipment cabinet. "009, can you bring us alongside without damaging the boat?"