There are more than a hundred sites of various sizes surrounding Central City.
Some belong to corporations, some to nations, and there are even parcels of land owned by individuals.
The purposes of these sites are also quite diverse—some are factories for production and manufacturing, some are used as bases by nefarious organizations, and others have been developed as residential areas.
To avoid the frequent solar storms that sweep across the lunar surface, most of these sites are built inside one crater after another.
These craters come in all sizes and depths, with enormous differences in area between them. Some have diameters of less than a kilometer, while others are vast pits stretching over a hundred kilometers across.
Today’s destination, the Sea of the Moon Resort, is located inside a small crater just five kilometers in diameter. After all, it’s only a resort—there’s no need for such a vast space.
As noon approached, the “Mobile Hangar” had already arrived at the lunar bus station on the outskirts of Central City.
Since this was the edge of Central City, one only had to look up to see the low, gaseous dome overhead. It felt a bit oppressive, but naturally there were no tall buildings here—only large expanses of unattended, fully automated greenhouses for fruits and vegetables.
“Let the robots handle the luggage, you all can just board and get comfortable. Lunch will be served on the bus.”
“Oh…”
Clara nodded and turned toward the VIP lunar bus parked at the station.
It was called a bus, but in truth it looked more like a double-decker RV, complete with kitchen and bathroom facilities.
Currently, it was parked on the ground, supported by heavy-duty tires, but once outside the dome’s gravity ring, the vehicle’s anti-gravity device would lift it up, allowing it to glide swiftly over the moon’s soft surface at speeds of over a hundred kilometers per hour.
If all went smoothly, they would reach the Sea of the Moon Resort in just over two hours.
After Clara and the others had boarded, Okuda Daruma, leader of their group, remained behind to coordinate—or rather, to argue—with the staff at the lunar bus station.
“I’m sorry, Miss Okuda, but I must remind you, if you depart at this hour, I can’t guarantee your safety. There’s a high chance a solar storm may hit before sunset. The lunar bus cannot withstand a prolonged high-energy particle storm, and there’s also a risk to human health. Our recommendation is to wait—”
J ….
Sigma Hero Company can’t afford to wait that long. Okuda Daruma simply said:
“This isn’t what we agreed on. How likely is it that a solar storm will actually hit?”
She considered whether she should consult with Producer S, but after a moment’s thought, decided it wasn’t necessary. Based on her understanding, even if a solar storm did occur, Producer S would stick to the original plan.
The staff at the lunar bus station was troubled as well, and said, “If all goes well, you’ll arrive at your destination before the solar storm hits… Otherwise, your only option may be to take shelter at a nearby site… if there even is one nearby. You know, this storm is expected to last quite a while, and you’d need to hide out for at least a week… Even as we speak, a huge wave of high-energy particles is crashing toward the lunar surface.”
“In that case, please depart as soon as possible. We’ll pay extra—the faster, the better.”
“All right. The bus you’re taking is Artemis Company’s newest model… If it’s this one, you just might make it safely.”
Perhaps they couldn’t argue with Okuda Daruma, or maybe it was the money talking, but in the end the trip wasn’t canceled and final preparations for departure began.
To make filming more convenient, Clara sat with the four Sigma Series members.
Clara sat on the innermost side, right next to the broad observation window.
On her left was “Pure White Storm” Sista. The beautiful boy was smiling, petting his own head, and even tried to feed himself a marshmallow…
Does he think he’s some kind of pet? Wasn’t the collaboration’s setting this time supposed to be as my little brother?
“Beep beep, welcome aboard Artemis Company’s luxury lunar travel bus.”
The cabin speakers played the inorganic, synthesized voice of the AI.
“Coordinates for your destination, ‘Sea of the Moon Resort’, have been entered. Estimated travel time: two hours and thirty-seven minutes. I am your smart driver, BB-0027. Please enjoy your journey.”
Lucia, sitting on the other side with the other staff, exclaimed in surprise, “Huh, it’s another AI?”
Fran, who was quite knowledgeable about AI, explained, “It’s a strong AI capable of autonomous learning and training. Its serial number is so early—it wasn’t manufactured with this vehicle, but had already driven other lunar buses before being transferred here.”
BB-0027 responded as well.
“Affirmative. I have seven years of continuous driving experience and know the lunar environment inside and out. You can trust me—and this newly commissioned vehicle—completely.”
Even though it was a strong AI, it still didn’t feel as agile as Nyx.
And based on what Fran said, to Clara, it kind of sounded like a flag had been raised.
Maybe she was just imagining it.
Besides, seven years of experience for an AI might be equivalent to fourteen years for a human driver.
Clara decided to trust BB-0027 and let it go.
No sooner had she sat down than Lucia got up and began to explore the double-decker cabin, looking around with endless curiosity at the advanced equipment.
After all, this was a luxury model for celebrities. The interior was lavishly decorated. Still, after living in an even more opulent company dormitory recently, the brother-sister pair no longer had the nerves they’d once felt entering upscale places.
Clara, of course, was even more composed—she could even smile calmly for the ‘Dragonfly’ camera.
Although, since she was wearing a gas mask, whether or not she was smiling was completely meaningless.
After a while, BB-0027 spoke up again.
“Beep beep, the runway has been extended. We will soon be leaving the gaseous dome. Please fasten your seatbelts and prepare for changes in gravity.”
Only then did Lucia return to her seat and fasten her belt.
Central City isn’t entirely on the lunar surface. There’s a vertical difference of several dozen meters between the edge of Central City and the true lunar surface, so the bus leaving the dome must glide downhill for a while, much like a plane’s descent, complete with the heart-fluttering feeling of weightlessness.
At the end of an extended runway, the anti-gravity system overcame its own weight and began to float. Then, it angled downward at about fifteen degrees, accelerating for a short stretch. Fortunately, the drop wasn’t long, and the vehicle soon leveled out and cruised steadily forward.
“Beep beep, we have entered cruise mode. You may now unfasten your seatbelts.”
“Next, I will be preparing lunch for all distinguished guests. I wish everyone a pleasant travel experience.”
With that, the large screen in the cabin was switched on.
And the news headline displayed at the top was—
[Due to solar storms, active lunar sandworms have attacked lunar buses, causing thirty-two deaths and twelve missing.]
…Dr. Fran.
Clara looked at Fran, her face grave.
“Until we reach the resort, please don’t say a word, all right?”
Flags, drat flags.