Ace quickly turned away, face flushed, and slipped on the black boxers and the pair of baggy cargo pants Cynthia had chosen for her. Her body had finally calmed down, and she had no intention of getting hard again so soon.
She adjusted the waistband and cleared her throat.
"S-so... what do we do now?" she asked, desperate to shift the mood.
Cynthia, still wiping the last traces of fluid from her lips and chest, noted Ace's change of attire with a respectful nod. She straightened her bodysuit, recomposing herself with mechanical grace and calm.
"Yes, Master Ace. Your father moved most of his equipment and research to a different location," she said, voice steady again.
Ace frowned, glancing around the room. The once-bustling lab of her childhood looked barren now-hollow in a way that made her chest ache.
"I figured. It looks emptier than I remember. Did he hide it all somewhere else?"
Cynthia nodded. "He did. Your new place of residence-carefully selected by your father-is located inside one of the strongest safeholds left on Earth: New Haven City."
Ace blinked. "New Haven City? You mean... like, New York?"
"Formerly, yes," Cynthia explained. "After the Great Collapse, New York was rebuilt into New Haven City. One of the last major city-strongholds still standing. It houses surviving tech, military personnel, and one of the few operating Core Reactors still functional in North America."
Ace ran a hand through her messy hair. "So... we're still in New Jersey, then?"
Cynthia shook her head. "No, Master. After the Collapse, New Jersey was absorbed into a larger dead zone now referred to as The Rust Belt. Most of the United States' borders and state lines no longer exist."
Ace let out a low whistle. "Damn... So, should we head out now, or is there something else I need to know?"
Cynthia stood at attention. "Yes, Master. I've already packed your belongings and secured safe passage. There are additional details to brief you on during the journey. Please-this way."
Ace followed Cynthia through the lab until they reached a section she didn't recognize. A hidden panel slid open with a soft hiss, revealing a ramp that descended into a vast underground garage, lit by flickering overhead lights.
There, standing in the center under a beam of white light, was a blood-red motorcycle that looked like something out of a dream-or a sci-fi movie.
Its frame gleamed with metallic armor, aerodynamic fins, a visible methanation tank, and a dual exhaust labeled Bomber Class. Embedded near the seat were diagnostic panels and a soft teal glow coming from the core chamber.
Ace's eyes widened. "Whoa... What is this?"
She stepped closer, and her gaze caught on a small, handwritten note attached to the matte-black control bar:
"For Ace Ukiyo. - Boost Striker. From Dad."
Her breath caught in her throat.
Cynthia approached quietly. "That, Master Ace, is a Boost Striker X2 CyberCycle. Your father custom-built it for you before cryostasis. It runs on a methanation cell and is equipped with Glide 120/180TL suspension for vertical terrain and urban bypass travel."
Ace rested a hand on the seat, eyes glossy. "He... He really did care about me..." she whispered, brushing away a stray tear.
A silence settled between them.
"...Is he really gone?" Ace asked softly, voice barely audible beneath the low hum of the garage.
Cynthia stepped forward, placing a hand gently on her shoulder. Her expression, though artificial, carried something remarkably human.
"Yes, Master. Your father passed away five years ago. Peacefully. His final command to me was simple: protect you... and help you find your place in this world."
Ace wiped her eyes again, standing tall despite the ache in her chest. "Then let's go."
Cynthia nodded. "Understood, Master Ace. Activating Boost Striker."
"What happens when we get there?"
Cynthia picked up the matching red helmet and handed it to Ace. "Once we arrive in New Haven, you'll inherit his estate, his lab, and his legacy. You'll be among the most important people in the city."
"...Okay." Ace pulled the helmet on, its HUD flickering to life with soft blue light.
Cynthia mounted the motorcycle first, hands on the controls. Ace climbed on behind her, as Cynthia revs the Boost Striker's engine, she leans back slightly, pressing her ass more firmly against Ace's still-sensitive crotch.
As the Boost Striker pulled out into the tunnel, Ace asked, "So... was there a reason my dad made me like this? I mean, superhuman?"
"Aside from his love for you?" Cynthia revved the engine, voice calm. "Dr. Ukiyo wanted to ensure humanity had a future. You were created as the pinnacle of human potential-stronger, faster, smarter and more adaptable."
Ace's voice softened. "Am I the only one?"
Cynthia's golden eyes flicked toward her in the mirror. "As far as records show, yes. You're the only successful subject. All previous trials failed. You're... his legacy, Ace."
Ace swallowed hard. "That's a lot to live up to..."