They emerged from the shadows like mechanized phantoms, each one soundlessly carrying out his task. Within minutes, the MTs established a secure perimeter around the Black Ruins, home to the Build Station. Only Infiltrator and Hades would be allowed to pass when the time came. The troopers were given strict orders not to reveal themselves as MT-01 wanted to learn more before making contact. One thing he knew for certain; the masters he had faced in battle were nothing compared to these two veteran combatants.
The very planet seemed to be holding its breath, waiting for the attack. Nothing stirred as tension grew and pressed mercilessly down upon Rilleco. MT-01 felt he may be crushed under the weight of it if something didn't happen soon. Come on...come on! His typically unfaltering patience was threatening to betray him when suddenly the silence was broken.
"Commander...this is MT-48", the trooper stated, his voice barely audible through the heavy static. Something in the area was
interfering with their communications equipment. "Targets are inside our perimeter and heading towards the main entrance of the Build Station. Advise."
Relief swept over him as he responded. "Do not engage under any circumstances. Maintain cover and await further instructions".
From his position, MT-01 had a clear view of the front of the building. The smooth, windowless facade gave off a dull glow not unlike the
head of Hades, its surface covered with intersecting lines. The structure appeared alive and a low, pulsing hum emanated from somewhere deep within. It looked abandoned but almost inviting,
daring you to enter.
*******************************************************************************
Infiltrator and Hades slipped out of the ruins and made their way towards the menacing structure. During their final approach to Rilleco they were attacked by bizarrely configured, flying Buildmen, and were forced to exit their ship to destroy them. The experience made them realize that conventional weapons were not enough. Using his backpack and right arm, the metallic gendrone had built a powerful blaster especially for the assault, and held it at the ready. Hades carried a glowing green phase arm with its power disc mounted
on his back.
Without warning, the Build Station erupted, spewing forth a mass of abominations. Hulking red and blue gendrones with heavy cannons swarmed, and sickly greenish white walkers picked their way across the terrain. Translucent, smoky Buildmen combined with their pitch black brethren to form large, arachnid-like figures, bringing to mind the ancient beings that once inhabited the planet. These gendrones acted differently than the standard Metran built units, as if they were programmed by some alien life force. Infiltrator and Hades traded knowing glances and opened fire.
*******************************************************************************
It was there when the fighting began, hidden amongst the crumbling dark rock of the ruins. The Armodoc's black body was barely visible against the stone, making its silver head and limbs float in the nothingness. It was sent to stop the atrocities taking place on Rilleco, and would let the gendrone and Pheyden eliminate the initial waves of Buildmen before joining the fray. The Armodoc stood and watched as two brave warriors battled an army of manufactured mutants.
Close Call
He watched as the veiled spacecraft landed in a remote sector of Rilleco. MTs possessed advanced optical sensors that allowed them to identify virtually anything, even if it was cloaked. MT-01 was unsure if Infiltrator had this capability, but chose his camouflage based on the assumption that he did.
The ship was still powering down when the hatch opened, releasing a trio of auto probes. The small, spherical units split from each other and rapidly conducted a sweep of the immediate area. Finding nothing unusual, they regrouped and disappeared into the vessel. The hatch remained open and there was no movement of any kind for some time. MT-01 was motionless, anticipation welling up inside of him. Infiltrator exhibits great caution...an admirable trait.
Finally, a ramp extended forward and came to rest. A pair of shining, silver boots materialized in the opening, the rest of the form obscured by shadow. After a pause, the figure moved down the walkway and into full view. The metallic gendrone shone brilliantly in contrast to the dark vegetation, his blue visor glowing as he scanned his surroundings. He stepped on to the planet's surface and abruptly stopped, his gaze locked on MT-01's distant hiding spot. Neither Buildman stirred.
Never before had MT-01 experienced this feeling of trepidation. Has Infiltrator detected me? He had taken every precaution to make himself invisible! Time stood still as the warriors faced each other silently. Just as he was preparing to break cover and retreat, Hades strode down the ramp and spoke to the gendrone. He was fully clad in black with a scarf of some kind covering the lower half of his face. Deep, light green scars marred the surface of his faintly glowing head, one running across the darkness where his left eye used to be.
MT-01 was too far away to hear what was said, but it was enough for Infiltrator to turn his attention to Hades. He took this opportunity to withdraw unnoticed. As he made his way back to base camp, MT-01 processed what had happened. Did Infiltrator actually see him or just sense that he was being observed? Either way, he knew that he should never underestimate the formidable powers of his potential ally.
*******************************************************************************
"Something out there you do not like?" Hades asked as he walked towards Infiltrator. "I assure you, the probes are flawless. I programmed them myself."
The gendrone looked at his companion. He did not doubt the quality of the probes or believe a threat was lurking nearby. It was something else; a persistent thought forcing its way into his consciousness. Change is coming, and nothing I do will stop it. I can only hope it is for the best... Infiltrator quickly answered the perceptive Pheyden before he could question him further.
"All is well. We will begin preparations for the assault at once."
The ship was still powering down when the hatch opened, releasing a trio of auto probes. The small, spherical units split from each other and rapidly conducted a sweep of the immediate area. Finding nothing unusual, they regrouped and disappeared into the vessel. The hatch remained open and there was no movement of any kind for some time. MT-01 was motionless, anticipation welling up inside of him. Infiltrator exhibits great caution...an admirable trait.
Finally, a ramp extended forward and came to rest. A pair of shining, silver boots materialized in the opening, the rest of the form obscured by shadow. After a pause, the figure moved down the walkway and into full view. The metallic gendrone shone brilliantly in contrast to the dark vegetation, his blue visor glowing as he scanned his surroundings. He stepped on to the planet's surface and abruptly stopped, his gaze locked on MT-01's distant hiding spot. Neither Buildman stirred.
Never before had MT-01 experienced this feeling of trepidation. Has Infiltrator detected me? He had taken every precaution to make himself invisible! Time stood still as the warriors faced each other silently. Just as he was preparing to break cover and retreat, Hades strode down the ramp and spoke to the gendrone. He was fully clad in black with a scarf of some kind covering the lower half of his face. Deep, light green scars marred the surface of his faintly glowing head, one running across the darkness where his left eye used to be.
MT-01 was too far away to hear what was said, but it was enough for Infiltrator to turn his attention to Hades. He took this opportunity to withdraw unnoticed. As he made his way back to base camp, MT-01 processed what had happened. Did Infiltrator actually see him or just sense that he was being observed? Either way, he knew that he should never underestimate the formidable powers of his potential ally.
*******************************************************************************
"Something out there you do not like?" Hades asked as he walked towards Infiltrator. "I assure you, the probes are flawless. I programmed them myself."
The gendrone looked at his companion. He did not doubt the quality of the probes or believe a threat was lurking nearby. It was something else; a persistent thought forcing its way into his consciousness. Change is coming, and nothing I do will stop it. I can only hope it is for the best... Infiltrator quickly answered the perceptive Pheyden before he could question him further.
"All is well. We will begin preparations for the assault at once."
Strangers on Rilleco
The atmosphere hangs heavy above the ancient planet, the haze broken by pulsing, greenish blue dots of light. Countless shades of purple and gray paint the shadowy undergrowth. Rising ominously above the landscape, mountains of the blackest stone cast their darkness. Legend speaks of an advanced, colossal race, long
forgotten by the inhabitants of Glyos, that still sleeps within the deepest recesses of the foreboding rock. A sensation of uneasy
peace pervades Rilleco: the calm before the storm. In the distance,
the silhouette of a large facility is barely visible.
I don't like it here. A feeling of dread crept over MT-01 as he waited in hiding. His previous reconnaissance of the area was brief and focused mainly on the Build Station, and the environment didn't impact him then. Now, however, he and his troopers were bivouacked in the heart of the gloom and it was taking its toll. It seemed as if they had been there for eons. The ability to think and feel is a doubled edged sword...
A ship linked to Hades and Infiltrator had recently been detected by an MT patrol in a desolate sector of Glyos, and a flash scan of its navigational system revealed a course set for Rilleco. Based on their last known location, they could touch down on the planet at any time. MT-01 would not engage the duo right away, but would observe their movements to better gauge their intent. His renowned combat record had not been attained through hasty actions and misplaced trust.
*******************************************************************************
As he deftly slid the spacecraft through a field of debris in Rilleco's outer atmosphere, Hades felt a foreign presence. It emanated from the planet in powerful waves that threatened to overpower his intuitive senses. Concentrating on the source, his mind brought forth startling imagery; Hades saw an organic being, a great warrior, encased in a kind of metallic exoskeleton. This warrior was struggling to break free of his prison-like shell, but at the same time was bound by his solemn duty to remain inside and fight for those who could not fight for themselves. Hades had received a vision similar to this once. It came to him just before his first encounter with Infiltrator.
The Pheyden thought hard about what he had just experienced. Telling Infiltrator would undoubtedly alter the gendrone's behavior and actions during the raid on the Build Station, but not telling him could leave him vulnerable to an unseen enemy. Hades was hesitant to speak and perhaps interfere with the destiny of another. Infiltrator can take care of himself well enough. Besides, I sense no evil in the stranger below...only torment. Just outside of radar range, Hades activated the ship's cloaking device and began his descent.
forgotten by the inhabitants of Glyos, that still sleeps within the deepest recesses of the foreboding rock. A sensation of uneasy
peace pervades Rilleco: the calm before the storm. In the distance,
the silhouette of a large facility is barely visible.
I don't like it here. A feeling of dread crept over MT-01 as he waited in hiding. His previous reconnaissance of the area was brief and focused mainly on the Build Station, and the environment didn't impact him then. Now, however, he and his troopers were bivouacked in the heart of the gloom and it was taking its toll. It seemed as if they had been there for eons. The ability to think and feel is a doubled edged sword...
A ship linked to Hades and Infiltrator had recently been detected by an MT patrol in a desolate sector of Glyos, and a flash scan of its navigational system revealed a course set for Rilleco. Based on their last known location, they could touch down on the planet at any time. MT-01 would not engage the duo right away, but would observe their movements to better gauge their intent. His renowned combat record had not been attained through hasty actions and misplaced trust.
*******************************************************************************
As he deftly slid the spacecraft through a field of debris in Rilleco's outer atmosphere, Hades felt a foreign presence. It emanated from the planet in powerful waves that threatened to overpower his intuitive senses. Concentrating on the source, his mind brought forth startling imagery; Hades saw an organic being, a great warrior, encased in a kind of metallic exoskeleton. This warrior was struggling to break free of his prison-like shell, but at the same time was bound by his solemn duty to remain inside and fight for those who could not fight for themselves. Hades had received a vision similar to this once. It came to him just before his first encounter with Infiltrator.
The Pheyden thought hard about what he had just experienced. Telling Infiltrator would undoubtedly alter the gendrone's behavior and actions during the raid on the Build Station, but not telling him could leave him vulnerable to an unseen enemy. Hades was hesitant to speak and perhaps interfere with the destiny of another. Infiltrator can take care of himself well enough. Besides, I sense no evil in the stranger below...only torment. Just outside of radar range, Hades activated the ship's cloaking device and began his descent.
An Impending Convergence
Going to battle because your master commands you to or programming forces you to is...wrong. But facing death by conscious choice, for something you truly believe in, is nothing short of glorious.
Much time had passed since the launch of the Gen-Cog Offensive, and MT-01 knew first hand what it meant to lay his life on the line for the cause. He had all but declared war on the gendrone masters of Glyos in hopes of freeing his fellow Buildman units. Squads of M.A.I.M. Troopers were fighting throughout the system to liberate their brethren and give them the gift of sentience. MT-01 led by example and could be found at the forefront of any given assault, his remarkable strategy and unfaltering courage now legendary.
As successful as he and his troopers were, MT-01 knew that things would only get more difficult as masters formed alliances and pooled their resources to protect their property. It was also rumored that the Metran government now planned to get involved. He continued to replenish his troopers with any suitable gendrones willing to join the MTs after gaining their independence, but it was not enough. MT-01 needed someone, or something, much more powerful.
Several Build Recon teams had reported crossing paths with a heavily armed, fully sentient Buildman unit known as Infiltrator. This silver warrior did not travel with a contingent of soldiers; he seemed to be in partnership only with Hades, a dark Pheyden from an unknown dimension. Together they moved throughout Glyos like shadows, attacking masters without mercy and granting freedom and consciousness to gendrones. It makes sense that we should join forces...unless their true motives are not what they appear to be.
A recent intelligence report indicated that the mysterious pair is targeting a Build Station on Rilleco. MT-01 had personally executed a covert operation on that world to gather information. From what he could see, it looked like the facility was heavily fortified and well prepared for defense. The operators of the station were even building and programming armored gendrones for additional security, so the MTs would have to terminate their own kind to accomplish their mission. We do what we must to achieve victory...
Based on the data he had compiled, MT-01 formulated his plan. He would recall as many MTs as possible from the field and amass a large force for stealth transport to Rilleco. Once there, he would take full advantage of the dark vegetation and black rock formations to camouflage his troops. They would reassemble into combat configurations and stand at the ready. He had a hunch they wouldn't have to wait long for Infiltrator and Hades to arrive. When they did, MT-01 and his troopers would be prepared.
Much time had passed since the launch of the Gen-Cog Offensive, and MT-01 knew first hand what it meant to lay his life on the line for the cause. He had all but declared war on the gendrone masters of Glyos in hopes of freeing his fellow Buildman units. Squads of M.A.I.M. Troopers were fighting throughout the system to liberate their brethren and give them the gift of sentience. MT-01 led by example and could be found at the forefront of any given assault, his remarkable strategy and unfaltering courage now legendary.
As successful as he and his troopers were, MT-01 knew that things would only get more difficult as masters formed alliances and pooled their resources to protect their property. It was also rumored that the Metran government now planned to get involved. He continued to replenish his troopers with any suitable gendrones willing to join the MTs after gaining their independence, but it was not enough. MT-01 needed someone, or something, much more powerful.
Several Build Recon teams had reported crossing paths with a heavily armed, fully sentient Buildman unit known as Infiltrator. This silver warrior did not travel with a contingent of soldiers; he seemed to be in partnership only with Hades, a dark Pheyden from an unknown dimension. Together they moved throughout Glyos like shadows, attacking masters without mercy and granting freedom and consciousness to gendrones. It makes sense that we should join forces...unless their true motives are not what they appear to be.
A recent intelligence report indicated that the mysterious pair is targeting a Build Station on Rilleco. MT-01 had personally executed a covert operation on that world to gather information. From what he could see, it looked like the facility was heavily fortified and well prepared for defense. The operators of the station were even building and programming armored gendrones for additional security, so the MTs would have to terminate their own kind to accomplish their mission. We do what we must to achieve victory...
Based on the data he had compiled, MT-01 formulated his plan. He would recall as many MTs as possible from the field and amass a large force for stealth transport to Rilleco. Once there, he would take full advantage of the dark vegetation and black rock formations to camouflage his troops. They would reassemble into combat configurations and stand at the ready. He had a hunch they wouldn't have to wait long for Infiltrator and Hades to arrive. When they did, MT-01 and his troopers would be prepared.
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