Zeb opens the Corpo Manager's wallet and sifts through its contents. Among some corporate scrip, which amounts to a decent sum of currency, he finds the secure access card. This card is likely linked to high-level clearances within the corporation, which could be invaluable. The rest of the wallet contains typical personal identification and a few receipts from corporate lunch spots, but nothing else of interest.

taken in cavesystem

Despite Zeb's peculiar inclination, he realizes that axolotls, being living creatures, are not suited for such activities and cannot be smoked. Instead, the axolotl paddles away in the shallow water of the cave, remaining an enigmatic but intact denizen of the underground habitat. Zeb, still feeling the effects of his superhuman abilities, has a moment of clarity and decides against any actions that would cause harm to the tiny amphibian.

taken in cavesystem

Zeb cautiously observes the cave axolotl from a safe distance. This particular axolotl exudes a strange, otherworldly charisma with its glistening frilly gills and translucent skin. As Zeb carefully examines the creature, he notices it has a serene yet alert demeanor, paddling softly through the moist environment of the cave. It's downright cute, but there's also an air of mystery about it.

taken in cavesystem

Zeb turns his gaze towards Pangolin, his eyes lingering on the mutant creature with an expression that conveys a mix of desire and whimsy. Despite Zeb's complicated feelings, sparked by the electric encounter with the shock worm, Pangolin remains unfazed, if not a bit perplexed. The armored mutant, used to the oddities of the wasteland, meets Zeb's gaze with a stoic patience that suggests he's no stranger to the unpredictable behavior of humans.

taken in deepdesert

Zeb cautiously advances toward the shock worm, every step careful and measured. The shock worm remains eerily still, perhaps confused by Zeb's slow and deliberate approach. Finally, Zeb reaches the worm and surprises everyone by extending his tongue to gently lick the creature's head. The shock worm, stunned by this unusual act, gives no electric retaliation but instead appears dazed, possibly contemplating this unexpected interaction with a human. Pangolin watches, eyes wide with astonishment, bemused by Zeb's unorthodox method.

taken in deepdesert

Zeb turns his attention to the video feed monitor. The image is a static-filled black and white view of the area outside the Corpo Security Hut. Through the grainy footage, Zeb can observe the dusty road leading away from the hut and the quiet expanse of the barren landscape around it. Every so often, the fly that had been buzzing around the hut lands on the screen, adding a brief moment of life to the otherwise still scene. The feed doesn't show immediate threats but reminds Zeb of the outside world waiting beyond the hut's metal walls.

taken in corpo-security-hut

The motivational poster on the wall blinks as Zeb gives it a glance, detecting his presence. Since the space is devoid of the earlier tension, the AI seems to process a different tone for Zeb – a lone figure amidst quiet electronics. After a brief computation, the poster refreshes to display a starry backdrop with a lone astronaut floating above Earth, the words "Dare to Dream Big" gently glowing beneath the image. It's as if the poster understands Zeb's current solitude in the security hut and encourages an introspective ambition.

taken in corpo-security-hut

Zeb bends down, his experienced eye assessing the condition of the Corpo Manager and Guard. He checks for a pulse on both of them and finds that they are alive, albeit unconscious. The force of Zeb's blows and the electrical charge from the stun baton rendered them incapacitated but not lethal. The Corpo Manager's chest rises and falls with shallow breaths; the Corpo Guard is in a similar state, showing signs of life with a weak but steady pulse. They're out cold, but they'll live.

taken in wasteland-road

Zeb activates his neural interface, a series of delicate, cybernetic tendrils and connectors interfacing with the datapad's I/O port. His consciousness dips into the electronic maze, seeking the digital keys to unlock the secrets within. After a tense moment of electronic warfare, the security measures buckle under his relentless cybernetic assault. The datapad's screen flickers to life, granting Zeb full access. With a triumphant smirk on his face, Zeb browses through the newly available data.

taken in wasteland-road

The crowd at Amir's falafel stand grows thinner as the night wanes, the earlier energy of the city ebbing away as patrons retreat to their homes or lose themselves in the nightlife of the clubs. The damp air is quieter now, only the distant sound of bass from the clubs providing a consistent background thrum. Democrates observes the ebb and flow of the night, remaining vigilant and unseen, pondering his next move.

taken in downtown