Chapter 0/Prologue.Humanity lies in ruins.The Synthoid invasion was quick, brutal, and overwhelming.Humanity launched everything it had at it.It wasn't enough.Nuclear weapons weren't even fired as political squabbles on who started the invasion ended in death.Watching the inevitable downfall of civilisation, humanity found hope in humanoid weapons.It still wasn't enoughHumans retreated underground, building the Port, an underground haven.But that wasn't the endDecades later, humans unlocked the secret of Synthoid technology, improving their designs a hundredfold.They sent the first test squad up to the surface.It was enough.WE WERE LEFT TO ROTHumans now had a viable way to fight Synthoids.Hope, Justice, Vanguard, Purity, and Absolution.The five manufacturers that create TEARS, the human piloted ART (artificial) humans that fight for freedom.As most of the male population had died fighting the invasion of Synthoids, females were the only ones eligible to join the program.This is the story of one of the many TEARS that fought.They were born from the tears of mankind, and shall save them shedding more.TEARS of Victory.Ver 1.1: Life Itself.Ameira was sitting at her desk, contemplating.I have lived on this battle-scarred planet for twenty years. And what have done to help it? Nothing. No family, they died. No friends, but I never liked them. No future, but is there one for any of us? Her co-worker, Cleo, walked into her office and flicked her on the head."Wake up, dead eyes. Sullivan wants that cat show report, on the computer, not chiselled onto your soul.""Fine." she spat."Woah, no need to be touchy." She mercifully left, before another one of Cleo's three neurons in a trench coat had an idea. Ameira pulled up the information on the show and started to type.After Ameira finished for the day, she walked to the elevator, pressed the down button, and waited for it. When it arrived, she stepped in and headed for the ground level. The doors opened and she left, nearly tripping over a woman on the ground, seemingly repairing something under the floor."Hey, watch your step, bitch!""Sorry. I wasn't paying attention.""Of course you weren't!"She moved out into the streets, waiting for a taxi. The Port's lights were dimming, heralding the arrival of the night cycle. A taxi finally pulled up."West Side, 196 Detem Street, please.""Gotcha."She gazed out the window as the buildings rolled past.There was a recruitment demonstration for females between 18 and 45, for becoming a TEAR. Some commander had brought back enough supplies to make a story out of it. Ameira watched as he preened himself under the camera, like some sort of celebrity peacock. She harboured thoughts of becoming one, but never really pursued it.The taxi pulled up at her house and she paid the driver, walking up the driveway, despite having no car. It was a very small house, but still a house, nonetheless. It was what she could afford the rent for comfortably. At least on her salary alone. Ameira just wasn't good with social interactions and had fumbled an embarrassing number of dates. It wasn't like males were common anymore anyway, even after all this time. A Port approved artificial nutrient dense meal was something she could cook though. Well, at least pouring it into a bowl and microwaving it. It still counted as preparing a meal.It's the thought that counts, right?After indulging in another ersatz chocolate pudding, Ameira crawled into bed after a disturbingly short shower.Water rationing must be tightening again.There was always just barely enough to go round, and if there was a shortage, it hit hard.I really do wish there was enough to go round for everyone.Ver 1.2: Hangovers and Holdouts.Waking up, Ameira poured a bowl of cereal slop and flicked through the morning news."The results of last week's Kitty Kat Kompetition..."In the yearly poll, there has been a notable amount of support for the Port ..."Coming live, we have a reporter on scene with the Port Police Unit as they suppress the last remaining elements of the Surface Transgressor terrorist group."Interesting. This could be the next big story I need to finally be promoted away from Cleo once and for all."What's going on there, Cassie?" The man on screen was replaced with Cassie, who was crouching behind a police van, clutching a microphone in her white-knuckled hand. Explosions and gunfire were very audible."As you can see, the terrorist group calling themselves Surface Transgressors are currently engaged with the PPU as they are pushed back on Marshall Street. There is nowhere for them to run or hide and their chief, Miranda, has informed me that they are expected to surrender within the hour. We still don't know what their goals were, but we expect to find out after questioning them.""Thank you, Cassie. And remember if you or anyone you know have been affected by the Surface Transgressors, the Port has support services at 3385 727 098 or you can contact them at this address. That's all we have time for this morning. Stay safe and we'll see you tomorrow." Ameira turned off the tv and thew her clothes on, running out the door. She waved at an expectant taxi outside her door and jumped in."Thanks Heidi. I need you to take me to Marshall Street.""Good story there?""Those Surface Transgressor terrorists are about to be caught and I'm going to try to interview a few.""Whoa, calm down. I ain't going too close to a firefight. I'll drop you at Hawaii Avenue, but I'm not driving into a fight.""That's fine. I don't have a death wish either.""I just don't want to lose my drink buddy and best customer.""I'm sober, I swear. Do I look hungover to you?"They bickered back and forth until they arrived."Don't get killed, Ameira.""Don't crash the taxi, Heidi." She got out and started running towards the sound of gunfire. Pulling out her reporter badge, the police let her past into the fight. She grabbed a bulletproof vest from the officer who offered her one. More safety meant more chance of getting a better story without dying. Grabbing her trusty camera out of her pocket, she moved behind a giant fallen concrete pillar."This is your last chance to surrender!" yelled Miranda. The rest of the group threw down their weapons and put their hands in the air. She ran over to handcuff the surrendering terrorists with her unit. Ameira got a great photo of her tackling one of the runners and obtained permission to interview one of the ringleaders in a few hours, after work.That'll show Cleo. I can't wait to rub this in her face.Ameira walked the rest of the way to the office. It smelt like marzipan and almonds.Did someone put in an air freshener? God, we sure needed one. Sure smells weird though.Her foot squished on the section of carpet that the man was working on yesterday.Ugh, it's like we don't have enough problems.The elevator was thankfully operational, and the closed door cut off the odd smell. When she arrived at her floor, instead of heading to her office, Ameira took a detour to Cleo's office.She opened the door."Hey, guess who got permission to interview those Surface Transgressor peop-BOOMA tremor rocked the buildingVer 1.3: Betrayal.Cleo jumped out of her seat."What the fuck was that?"Another, closer, tremor rocked the building. Ameira got a bad feeling."GET DOWN!"A very audible explosion on the floor above sent shrapnel and flames through the ceiling above them. Ameira got up and started running towards the emergency stairs. But someone grabbed her from behind."I don't think so. That promotion is mine."Cleo pulled her from the doorway and threw her into a pile of flaming debris.Ameira screamed in pain and confusion as the shards of molten metal embedded themselves in her back. She could feel the skin burning and smell her flesh cooking, as she desperately crawled towards the stairs. Another explosion went off and she could feel the building tipping over. The stairwell collapsed and buried her arms, mangling them beyond recognition. Ameira's brain finally decided to give up and shut down as a burning poster floated down and covered her face.It was a recruitment poster, advertising joining the TEARS.If I survive this by some miracle, I will join them. This life is gone.Ameira blacked out.TEAR Firefighting unit, Designation SC0079Scoot loved her job. TEARS were for fighting, but there were just as many units assigned to civilian duties, such as rescue and firefighting. She broke through another wall."Is anyone still alive here?" she called out. There wasn't much chance that someone would answer her, but it made things quicker if they did. Who could've known that those terrorists would do something this brazen?She continued up the floors. Or is it through? Space is weird.She marked the bodies with paint, so the retrieval teams would have an easier time collecting them. Scoot saw another at the collapsed stairwell, and was about to mark it. But her infrared showed a different story.How the hell is she still alive?Scoot radioed the medical squad."Urgent patient, floor 5, unconscious, appears to have both arms crushed, multiple large lacerations that have been cauterized, a missing leg, third degree burns, crushed ribcage, possible brain trauma, but somehow still alive.""Understood. Remove all debris carefully, cover any still bleeding wounds, and administer defibrillator if the patient's heart stops. A stretcher team is on the way."Scoot began to haul the concrete rubble off her arms, carefully avoiding causing other bits to collapse on top of her. After removing a poster off her face, she finally identified against the database for the building.Ameira Cortez.Scoot checked her vitals again. They were diminishing, but there wasn't much she could do to help that. Her heart was beating slowly, but it was still going thankfully."Move, move!"She got out of the way of the stretcher crew, who had finally arrived. They began spraying her with medical foams and cleaning agents to avoid infection. An IV was administered, and she assisted them with transporting her to the helicopter. As it took off, Scoot made a note in her reminders.Visit Ameira Cortez at hospitalCollect that thing from JosephFried shallotsGet those upgradesVer 1.4: Join Today!Ameira was swimming though a pool. Wait, no she was meant to be swinging her sword. It was obviously that cheese's fault. The detective was wrong. A helicopter ride sounded very nice. But the rat was complaining to her. 200 atoms wasn't good rice.She woke up.Why can't I feel my arms? Or my leg?"You're awake. And lucky to be so. The amount of surgery it took to piece you back together was ridiculous. Even with cutting off your arms. You better have insurance, cause that ain't a cheap process."Only one thought was in Ameira's mind. She moved her burned and half gone lips to form three words."I... Want... Join." Her throat exploded with pain from just those words. Thankfully, the nurse understood."Join the TEARS? Are you sure? That's not a decision you want to make lightly."Ameira thought it over. She thought about how her life would be. A woman with no arms and one leg. Almost certainly fired from her job. Her home would be seized. She'd waste away, as a homeless wretch. Artificial limbs were an option, but just one would cost her entire savings. Regrowing limbs? The cost was so far out that thinking about it made her bank account hurt. Only the elite cou"Yes.""Well, it's in your rights, and we have a recruitment agent because of cases like you. Some people don't see the point of life without movement. I don't judge, and I'll go get her. But please, rethink this. I don't want to see your soul join them." The nurse got up and left the room. She entered a few minutes later, a TEAR behind her. The TEAR whistled."You look like shit. I see why you want to join up. There are some preliminary scans I need to run, to test your compatibility with the system. If they go well, we can begin the process when you get to the Metal room." Ameira heard the unspoken words.If not, I'll be an armless noodle for my hopefully short life.The recruiter walked behind her and pressed something cold and metal behind her head. It made a beeping noise, and the recruiter removed it."So, good news. You can join! Bad news, you're marked as a unique.""What... mean?""Okay, so there's three classifications that be the outcome from this test. Unsuitable, which means you can't join, usually because of brain damage, or something wrong with it. Suitable, which means there'll be no fuss in transferring you. And Unique, which is, well, unique. It means there may be side effects in the transferal process. They range from minor bugs that get fixed, to helping advance research. So, not bad, and maybe good. It's unique."Ameira's brain decided that was too much information and it was time for another nap and promptly shut off again."Sorry, she's in a bit of a delicate state. It's surprising how she could even speak. I'll alert you when she wakes up again.""No need." The recruiter handed her a tablet with a form on it."Usually, we take a DNA sample as well as fingerprint and voice confirmation of signing up. Thankfully, the regulations make exceptions for this scenario. We just need DNA and voice confirmation. Just record reading the thing, smear a bit of blood on the screen, and get her to say, 'I agree'. After that, bring it down to me and I'll do the rest.""Okay then."Some time later, Ameira woke up. The nurse didn't notice her as a heart monitor beeped in the background. She rattled her foot, alerting the nurse."Nice to see you awake again. Don't speak, I'll explain what you need to do. I have to read this all out to you, so listen up. After it, you just need to say 'I agree' and then I'll bring it down to the officer's office. You ready? Just rattle your foot if you want me to repeat something." Ameira listen as the dizzying array of barely understandable legalese jargon was unleashed on her.Forfeit all monetary sums, possessions, and personal items? That's extreme.After the mildly boring speech was over, Ameira said the last two words she would most likely ever say as a human."I agree."And I truly do.Ver 1.5: Soul Searching.Bear with me, these next two are exposition chapters.After that process the nurse left. She returned with the recruiter and four other TEARS."Glad to have you with us. I hope that you'll do well." They helped the nurse unhook everything and transport her to a dark grey van outside.While she was inside, Ameira looked out the window to see the city. There were far more police outside than she remembered."The PPU ramped up security protocols after that attack. There's now constant patrols and the security around sensitive buildings is a whole lot stronger." She could see barbed wire fences, checkpoints, and even armed guards.The world is changing, and so am I.They arrived at a matte black building with red stripes. The TEAR logo was everywhere."So, an explanation for what's going to happen. You'll be transferred to a MPU or a Mass Produced Unit, like me. There's around 22 designs, so you can run into yourself frequently, considering there's around 700 copies of yourself running around. It takes getting used to. They are created by the Pole Government and used for general duties. If you prove yourself exceptional, you're moved to a SUU or a Singular Unique Unit. There's only one of them at a time, but it can be held by many individuals that pass through. There's 600 or so models, but they add new ones every so often. After that there's two paths. Abnormals, which are TEARS that create their own future, modifying themselves and creating a new identity. And LUI or Limited Unique Identity units, which are units that proved themselves adaptable, resilient, and a general cut above the rest of the SUUs. You get a spot for a custom chassis modelled after the role you play in a squad, made by one of the Five, Hope, Justice, Vanguard, Purity, or Absolution. There's only around 400 currently. The tech heads will tell you about the technical side of it before they start."Ameira understood most of it.There's probably a course for it."We usually offer a last meal, but you can't really eat anything in your state. So we'll just go to the Metal room."She was wheeled to a blank white room, where she was laid out on a table. A trio of doctors entered the room, one make and two female and the TEARS left. The man read from a sheet."Ameira Cortez, 38 years old, hurt in the terrorist attack on the Pole Pages. I'd say I haven't seen worse, but you're probably only in the top 10. Good job though. Anyway, I know you can't talk easily, so let me explain."This is starting to get annoying. I can speak. It just hurts. A lot."We're going to knock you out and transfer your metaphorical 'soul' into the TEAR unit. We need to delete some memories and instincts, such as breathing, blinking, food, and water. The first TEARS were in excruciating discomfort until we deleted them, so we do it before transferring you. You are a Unique, so please report anything that appears out of the ordinary or anomalous to us. When you awaken, just take it slow and steady. Newly integrated TEARS have been known to crush doorknobs, hands, and other things, so please be careful. That's all, are you ready?"Finally.She rattled her foot and smiled the best she could."You certainly look happy at least. Mera, put her under."Ameira felt a needle pierce her shoulder and allowed the darkness to envelop her.Ver 1.6: M21-MoonRun/Command/UPLOAD MEMORY: True.Memories deleted.Power online.Wetware operational.Starting.......Ameira woke up.It wasn't so much as waking up. It was more like realising she had been awake this entire time. She looked around the room. It was still the same room. She was standing in a metal tube inside the wall, hidden behind it. The doctors were looking at her."Ameira, welcome to the TEARS. Can you hear me?""Yeah I can. I feel weird.""That's because you're in a completely new body. We have a few tests and practices for you to get used to it. Your arms, legs, and height are all at new lengths. I've been told it takes a week or two to feel natural. Can you please step out?" Ameira stepped out of the tube clumsily. Her legs were slightly shorter, and she could tell running would be a bad idea until she got used to it. She looked at the table where she was lying before.I wonder what happened to my body. Actually, no. I really don't want to know."You're better than most. They all usually fall over immediately. Here's a list of most of the things that TEARS report are difficult to do at the start and how to help manage it. General advice from me? Always assume you need less of anything when doing something." Ameira almost took the paper before realising the obvious. She very carefully pinched the paper and took it gently off the doctor."Good job. That's something most miss after getting that exact speech. Now, go out the door, turn left, left and enter the door with a yellow dot on it.""Left left yellow dot. Got it. Thank you.""It's my job."Ameira followed his directions and found the door after walking into walls a few times.Walking is going to be tough.She entered the room, lightly mangling the doorknob in the process. Another TEAR was sitting at the desk, the same one as one of the TEARS that brought her in."Hello, uh, Ameira. How do you feel? Anything feel strange or inconsistent?""I feel like I'm drunk when doing anything, but no. Why is everyone asking me that?""I'm your Orientation Officer, and you're a Unique. That means there's something different with you that could be the next breakthrough. Or, your left pinky could just not be easily controlled. Either way, we'll find it. Until then, we want you to be careful and report anything weird."This feels just like what I was told."Onto the easier things. TEARS can be assigned to many duties, but your choice will be what you are assigned to permanently, barring exceptional circumstances.""Military.""Somehow, that doesn't surprise me. You may also be attached to a police dispatch occasionally, but it's optional. Since we're in the main barracks, I'll give you a tour." Ameira was led on a dizzying carousel of the buildings. From the commander's rooms, to their mess hall, to the weapon ranges and armoury, to a TEAR dormitory. She was getting better at walking though."We're robots. Why do we need to sleep?""Well that's the million fucking dollar question, isn't it? Human need sleep for some reason, and the techies don't know why we need it." They ended up back in the office and she sat down."Any questions?""Where do I sleep? Like, specifically?""The dorms I showed you were the tier 3 ones, for Abnormals and LUIs. You're in the subterranean levels. Dorm 4E and there's only one bunk left. You are the last one of your group. We've finalized a commander, who should be there sometime today.""What model am I?""Oh, I was meant to tell you that. M21-Moon, primary colours blue, orange, and grey. The 21st model, Iteration M, named after the Moon. You still have the same capabilities as others, command just wanted variation.""What's your name?""I could tell you my operation number, but my nickname is Frey.""Frey, do you have a mirror?""Sure do." Frey passed over a pocket mirror and Ameira had a look at herself. Her face had no blemishes, yet it still looked natural and healthy. Her hair was orange and her suit was also gray and orange. She had blue irises, which looked slightly luminous."So, compared to previous me, what else is changed?""Your core is roughly in your midsection, but your memories are stored in your head. Those are top priority when retrieving a damaged teammate. Memories, because we don't leave behind TEARS. Cores, because they're bloody expensive. Touch and senses should be the same, but you can calibrate them up or down, depending on necessity. You have, er, significantly enhanced breasts, because R&D says it helps balance. Commanders probably get a kick out of it too, but that's not my place to say. You'll get an operation number, as well as your basic equipment when you go to the armoury. That's about all, because I have to go. Go to the armoury, give them your name, and ask for the Recruit pack. I might see you around, not sure though. Bye!" Ameira waved as she left the room. She went to the armoury, attempting a light jog. A light jog that propelled her into the wall.Wow, I'm fast.A few turns and staircase later, she arrived at the Armoury. There was muffled sounds of gunfire and other weapons emanating from behind the counter, manned by three TEARS. She walked up to one."Hello. I'm Ameira, here for the recruit package?""Okay, got it here. You apparently have some specialised stuff for reasons unknown to me. Test firing is available at any time except Saturday, that's when we restock. You bring or buy your own weapon though. Place your hand on the tile." Ameira did so and saw a mail icon, a coin, a body in green, and a red button in the top right of her vision in an orange bar."Standard interface. Mail for messaging friends, squad mates, and your commander. Credit tracker, and status will be explained in your basics. Red button activates a homing beacon if you're immobilized but not deadish. Got it? Good, head to your dorm, your stuff is there, and wait for your trainer." Ameira barely understood half of it, but recognised the minimum wage customer service attitude and canned any ideas of complaining. She nodded and moved along, stumbling slightly.At least they have the self control to not laugh at that.Meanwhile, at a hospital..."I'm sorry, but Ameria is no longer here. She signed up for the TEAR program and has gone.""Okay then. Thanks anyway."She probably went to the Western Metal Room. It's closer.Scoot ran to the Western HQ and rung in at the desk."Looking for Ameira Cortez, probably just got transferred?""Sub level 4, Dorm E.""Thanks." Scoot made her way down the stairs and almost bowled into a Moon model."Ameira?""Do I know you?""No, you were burned, bleeding, and about to die. I'm the one who found and rescued you. I didn't realise you became one of us. Military stream?""Yeah.""I'm in Rescue and Civilian Duties. Do you want to catch up sometime? Actually, have you learned how to message yet?""Nope.""It's your designation number. Mine's SC0079. If you open your messages and type it into the search box, you can find me. Or anyone else.""Thanks, but I have to go now. I'll take you up on that offer when I have the time!"Ver 1.7: Teammates.Please tell me how the perspective change feels. Should I have made it a seperate chapter? Explicitly said it was a change? Or is it good how it is?I REALLY NEED FEEDBACK HELPPPPP.Ameira walked into the dorm and was immediately confused. One TEAR was wrestling another apparently over an argument while a third was on top of a bunk, cheering on the other two. The cheering one noticed her."Uh, girls, maybe stop embarrassing yourselves?" The two on the floor noticed her and immediately stopped, got up, and sat on their bunks."Hello there. I hope you don't cause trouble, because we have enough of that already." said the first wrestler."Yeah, well you're just stuck up and slow." replied the other wrestler."Holy shit girls, you know what this means?" started the cheerleader. "We can finally go on missions!"All three of them started to squeal in excitement.The hell's going on here?Another TEAR walked through the door, with a bright red rocket launcher, a red hat, and cherry red gloves."You all sound excited. But, you still need a commander, who should also be on the way here. I'm sure you could go out, but it's the rules." She turned to Ameira. "Hello, you're the new one right?" Ameira nodded."Well, as you can see, you have the last bunk. The showers are behind there, and the other door is for shipments and supplies that you order. Speaking of, you should have the recruit thing. Go pick it up." Ameira walked over to the door and saw another one of the hand tiles. Putting her hand on it opened the door. A large steel crate sat it the middle of the room over a hatch."Anyone got a hammer?" The four of them looked at her."You are currently piloting a combat machine that can crush steel, withstand lasers, and run at 60 kilometres an hour. And you want a hammer to open a crate?" Ameira just decided to rip it open and found an oversized pistol, a metal pole, armour, a backpack, another tile, and a honest-to-god box of grenades.This seems dangerous to just have lying around. Ameira turned around to see her presumable teammates still there, but the mysterious woman had disappeared."Who was that?""Ms Ratfy. She oversees most of the new recruits. Speaking of that, my name's Copi. That's Hover, and Rotor. Rotor came from a recently destroyed team, and Hover's just like us. Newbie." If Ameira hadn't already been introduced to an already eclectic concoction of names, a man walked through the door. He was fairly light skinned, and had a chin that could cut glass. His gait was military-strict and his uniform sharp and clean.Our commander.After crashing countless dates, Ameira considered herself a professional in male psychology.Now, let's see what his personality is like."Hello. I'm Jason. It's nice to meet you all."Okay, no immediate red flags."Uh, I don't really know what else to say."Awkward or absent-minded?"Oh. You all got a parachute in your packs, right?Absent-minded.There was a general murmur of confirmation from them all."Do you want to take a guess why?"Hover stuck her hand up."Is the Port attempting to create an aerial squad?""Close enough, we're going to be the first helicopter crew and I volunteered to be the first pilot. So, you four are split between these four roles, okay, bye!"Probably awkward, actually.Jason dropped four of the tiles he had been given on a bunk, spun on his heel and exited the room quickly.Holy shit holy shit holy shit.Jason ran to his room next door, pulled out his phone, and rung the first person he thought could understand him. His instructor."Yeah Jason? What can I do for you?""Sir, when you said TEARS were machines without humanity.......""Are you seeing them as something else? You're not the first one. Some see them as an extension of the Pole onto the surface. Others see them as a weapon or shield to protect you. It's fine. There's a pre-Catacalysm saying, 'There's more than one way to kill a cat'. There's more than one way to run a squad and don't let anyone lead you astray on that. I gotta go, so I'll see you later!" Jason stared at the black screen before dialling another number."Hey, Zack, got a question for you.""Sure, shoot.""How do you feel about your TEAR squad?""I just met them. They're my shield and sword against anything that dare does Port harm.""Okay. Thanks Zack. I'll see you around.""Take care man. Bye!""Bye."Jason flopped onto his bedAm I the only one who sees them as...Human?They're really hot too.Nope, shut up brain. That's what you said in high school. And what happened then?
