In an unknown location, three men were sitting around a table, discussing a very secret matter. The room had its lights turned off, except for one light, which was situated above the table, but the men's faces were in the shadows and cannot be seen.
"So, how long will it take to build?" said a voice in the dark.
"Well, according to the notes," said a second voice, "three months."
"Three months?"
"Yes. We also still need something called a 'X7 Geo-Laser' and a Raritanium Core to be installed in the station."
"A Geo-Laser? Isn't that something that GrummelNet is working on to create better technology for their merchandise?" asked a third voice.
"Yes," said the Second, "and according to the Grummel scientists, they've just completed it."
"So, we are going to steal that Geo-Laser from GrummelNet, are we?"
"Yes sir, tomorrow night we are, we already sent a team of our best men to retrieve it for us. They will arrive there tomorrow night and retrieve the laser without anyone knowing."
"Ok great, what about the Raritanium Core? Raritanium is, well… rare. An idiot can figure that out."
"Well, we are going to build one, but, according to the instructions and blueprints, we need half a ton of Raritanium."
"What?!" yelled the First. "We can't just find half a ton of Raritanium just lying on the ground! We need to mine the stuff, which will cost billions."
"Don't worry, sir. We will sort that out; there is a Raritanium mine on planet Aridia, they just recently discovered a whole bound of Raritanium in the billions… possibly trillions."
"I thought planet Aridia was a Galactic Ranger outpost?" asked the Third.
"It is, but since the Raritanium mine is underneath one of the biggest Galactic Ranger bases on the planet," explained the second, "the base is shut down until every part of the mine is emptied."
"Ah yes, which outpost is that?" said the First.
"Outpost X12."
"Outpost X12…? Is that the base that was attacked?"
"Yes, by the Tyrannoids years ago, they just rebuilt the base." explained the Second. "While they were digging really deep holes to bury the bodies of the Tyrannoids, they noticed something other than dirt and sand in the ground, that's when they discovered the Raritanium. They scanned the entire area to check just how much Raritanium they were dealing with, they stated there was so much of the stuff, the radar just conked out, due to just how much glowing dots there were of Raritanium."
A few seconds went by until the Third spoke.
"It looks like Raritanium is no longer… rare anymore, heheh." snickered the Third.
The First looked at the Third with annoyance.
"That's very funny," said the First.
"Thank you, sir," said the Third, still snickering.
"But that does not help out the situation!" the First suddenly yelled, the Third slightly flinched from the reaction. The First then turned back to the Second. "That's a lot of Raritanium, but why do we need a Raritanium Core?"
"The Raritanium Core is to function and charge the Geo-Laser." the Second explained.
"But surly we have other power sources to power the laser?"
"No, we don't. The Geo-Laser is functioned by Raritanium as well. But," said the Second as he held up a finger, "what most people don't know about Raritanium is that it is one of the most powerful energy sources in the universe, but it does not surpass Zoni technology however."
"What?" exclaimed the First, surprised by the response. "I thought Raritanium is just used to purchase valuable upgrades, not just used as a power source."
"Raritanium is rare because of the galaxy's climate; it has to be created in very certain areas that are very hot or very cold. And it has to form for millions… maybe billions of years. It also has to have enough pressure to form, a lot of pressure. When that happens, energy is created and stored inside the Raritanium."
"Wow… that's awesome!" said the Third, easily impressed.
Ignoring the Third, the First spoke again to the Second.
"So, we got that sorted out. Now, where do you suppose we build the station?"
"That information is classified," said the Second, looking at his notes.
"Classified?" said the First. "I was the one—ahem, we were the ones who came up with the idea!"
The Second raised an eyebrow slightly, "The reason being is because in case if anyone finds out about the station, they won't know the location. But we will witness its construction at the place it's currently been planned."
"Oh, good," said the First, pleased about the comment.
"But, what if the Galactic Authorities find out about this?" asked the Second. "Imagine what action they would take against this station? Not to mention those two creeps who keep saving the universe. Who were they again?"
"You mean that fuzzball Ratchet and that tin-head Clank?"
"Yeah, those two."
"Don't worry about them," said the First, relaxed. "I've already sorted something out that will put them out of the picture and away from fooling with our plans."
"Don't underestimate them," said the Second. "For over the past 10 years they have been saving the universe, stopping criminal masterminds, and protected galaxies. Lately, they've just stopped an intergalactic war from Stewart Zurgo."
"That fan boy who tried to kill Captain Qwark?" asked the Third.
"Ah yes, him," said the Second. "All he wanted was to be just like Qwark, and because of Captain Qwark's scandals, he found out that he was not who he thought he was, which really ruined his childhood."
"Yes, well," said the First. "Enough about that. So, in three months we shall see the station finish its construction. With this station, we can make the galaxy do whatever we want, and for those who oppose our power, shall be destroyed."
"Still, there is a risk that the Galactic Authorities—" started the Third.
"The Galactic Authorities shall be destroyed as well by this station, no questions asked." said the First, firmly.
"That would defiantly put fear through the people of the galaxy." said the Second.
"Exactly," said the First, putting on a smile. "Fear of this station and the destructive power it will unleash upon the galaxy, and eventually… the universe."
After that comment, the meeting ended.
The three men stood up from their chairs, walked to the nearest door from them (in fact, the only door in the room), and strode out, with the First smiling to himself.
'Nothing shall stop me'
The next night, in Meridian City on planet Igliak, citizens were going home from work, children were been put to bed, and the city turned from a busy day to a peaceful night. The city's skyscrapers penetrating the dark night sky, were coloured of green and white (which was their colour theme, although white isn't actually a colour).
Meridian City is the highest populated city in the Polaris Galaxy, as well as the capital. Since after the attack from Tachyon and the Cragmites, it had recovered well. Structure repaired, glass panels replaced, and anything that was unfixable, was either melted down (like metal) or thrown away.
GrummelNet HQ was in Meridian City as well. It was where weapons were constructed for their sales. During the Cragmite attack, it was shut down to prevent any intruders from breaking into the factory, which housed the weapons.
Hopefully, the people prayed, the city will not go through an attack like that again.
No more explosions.
No more people screaming and fleeing.
No more chaos.
Peace, just peace.
...or so they thought.
About two hours later around midnight, at GrummelNet HQ, there was a quick faint sound of running feet, five figures covered in black leather gear, silently and hastily, ran up to a nearby back door of the factory. Their eyes were the only parts left uncovered; otherwise, they would bump into things. One of the figures, reached for his belt, which contained a swingshot, a stun gun (which was used to stun robots as well as organics), it also held a miniature flamethrower, a few stealth bombs, and other equipment.
The figure then grabbed a stealth bomb from his belt and attached it to the door.
Stealth bombs were once used by the Agency to break into bases without disturbing security; a circular bomb, the size of a small dinner plate, was attached to the centre of the door and its wires were connected to the corners of the door's frame. Since it has less explosion frequency than a normal bomb, it was designed to force its way into the door when it detonated. With enough force, it would break the lock of the door and force it open.
Although, they made some noise when they detonate, they would still not be heard from inside the building.
The five figures put their backs up against the wall to avoid any shrapnel from the detonation.
The door exploded open (silently); smoke and broken metal was all that remained of the door as the five hastily rushed into the room.
Usually, whenever a door for employers was open or blown apart by an unauthorized person, an alarm was sounded, but not this door.
No. this door led to the ventilation system, which cooled the entire HQ.
Cool air travelled through the vents and around the whole building, it took approximately 15 minutes for the air to circle around the whole area before being sucked back into the engine (which operated the ventilation system), cooled, and started the same process of travel over again.
The men travelled over to a nearby medium-sized vent, which was blocked off by a steel-plated grill.
One of the figures took something from his belt; it was a small battery-powered screwdriver.
He walked over to the grill, which was held on the vent by four (slightly rusted) screws. After studying what size the slot was on the surface of one of the screws, he pulled out a screwdriver bit and attached it to the end of the battery-powered screwdriver, and stated loosening the screws.
At the forth screw, as he was loosening it, it suddenly snapped off.
He just gave a snort, thinking it didn't bother him; he then grabbed the grill and pulled.
Klunk.
It came off.
He set it aside and then signalled the other four to crawl inside.
They moved in, silently as possible, although there is the slight creaking of the vent from the amount of weight been put on it.
Although, it wasn't designed to hold five average-weight men inside, it still held, due to the excess amount of supports it had underneath.
The leader checked the map of GrummelNet HQ on his digital pocket mapper, and, following the directions given, whispered his men to open the grill entrance on the right of him.
As they moved, they noticed this grill was rusted, and without haste, one of the men told the others to move out of the way, he then laid on his back, and suddenly kicked the grill, causing it to buckle under the pressure.
"What the hell are you doing?!" one of the men yelled at him silently, the voice was slightly muffled by the black covering over his mouth.
"It's rusted, the screwdriver won't work on rusted screws," said the other who kicked at it, "and besides, the screws are on the other side of the grill."
He kicked at it again; it buckled more.
"Fine, but hurry up! We don't want to attract attention from security."
With one final kick, the whole rusted grill gave way, clanging onto the ground.
The five jumped carefully from the vent, and onto the ground.
"Let's hope we didn't attract any attention," said one of them.
"Shut up, Liam! Do you want to attract attention?" said another, half yelled, half whispered.
Liam, sighed "No, Zak sir."
"I thought so," said Zack.
The five quickly moved to a nearby door, Zak yanked it open and they went through.
They looked around; they were in some sort of storage room. 'Probably where they stored their weaponry' thought Zak.
Zak then checked the map; they weren't far from their objective.
Checking for guards, they moved to another nearby door, directed by Zak.
Just as they unlocked it, they heard robotic voices, not far from them.
The five ducked behind some storage crates, to avoid detection.
Two robots guards came into the room with torches in their hands, searching around.
"Are you sure you heard it, XJ-78?" said one of them.
"Yes, XJ-94, it definitely heard it," said the other. "It came from here."
The robot pointed towards the door, which was where the men came out moments ago, through the ventilation system.
"Oh, great" whispered Zak, behind the boxes.
The two robots walked closer to the opened door.
"I think your malfunctioning—" said XJ-94.
"I am not!" yelled XJ-78, frustrated. "I swear it! Look, the doors open!"
He pointed towards the door.
"So, what does that prove?" asked XJ-94. "Doors are normally always open anywhere, it probably an old door, with a weak lock."
The two robots moved inside, Zak then signalled the men to make their move.
In the small room, the guards looked around the area. After a moment, the robot spoke.
"Look as this!" exclaimed XJ-78, pointing at the broken grill, which was on the floor instead of attached to the vent.
"That's odd," said XJ-94, examining the grill, "isn't it supposed to be—" he was cut short, an electric shock caused him to collapse on his knees and fall to the ground.
"Supposed to be what?" asked XJ-78, with curiosity. "XJ-94?"
He turned, looked to the ground and saw his robotic friend, not moving. He was about to alert the whole building on his com-link, only to become face to face with a black figure, with four others behind him.
"Ahh! Security, there are—!"
He was suddenly kicked into his metal chest.
Hard.
Causing him to malfunction, before falling to the ground beside his electric-shocked friend, unconscious.
"Nice work, Bob," said Zak. 'These Grummel creatures (whatever they were), seriously needed to upgrade their defences on these robots.'
He was cut short when an alarm was sounded throughout the whole building.
"Oh, crap," he said with great annoyance. "Go!"
He ordered his men to go through the door which they just unlocked and went further into the building.
The five were running as fast as they could, avoiding robot guards searching for them.
Directed by their leader Zak, they managed to get to a nearby door which had an X-90 security lock installed.
A stealth bomb would not work on this sort of door.
Teeth clenched in anger, Zak eyes scanned around the area, searching for anything that could open this piece of crap blocking their objective.
He noticed a small panel on the right of the security door… an ID scanner.
'Great, we don't have an ID, unless…'
"Stop!"
The five turned to see one guard robot, pointing a Combustor directly at them.
Zak snickered slightly, "Where's the rest of the guards? Did they run off?"
"Silence!" yelled the robot, squeezing the trigger slightly. "I don't need others, I got my skills!"
"Oh really?" asked Zak, still chuckling. "An average robot holding a Combustor, who doesn't need back-up? I think you're mistaken."
"I'm not average!" screamed the robot, putting more pressure on the trigger, "I'm a class-one!"
'Class-one!' Zak screamed in his mind. 'That means he could have access to this door!'
"You're going to regret calling me 'average', boy," said the class-one robot.
Zak silently signalled one of his men to sneak up on him. Since the robot is too busy going on about himself, he'll be distracted while one of Zak's men sneaked around the room and behind him to take him out.
"You know," said the robot, after a moment of silence, "I met scum like you before, who insulted me like that, and do you know what I did to them?"
'I wouldn't like to find out.' thought Zak, as he eyed the robot and the man who sneaked up behind him, his stun gun at the ready.
The robot squeezed more on the trigger; the gun was about a millimetre away of going off.
"…I shot them in the chest, and kicked them right in the—" the robot suddenly froze, and fell down to the ground without another word.
"Nice one," said Zak to the man who stunned him, "Now let's see if he has identification on him anywhere."
The searched the unconscious robot, after a few moments, they found some sort of imprint in the palm of his hand. Zak then took the miniature flamethrower from his belt, put the muzzle of it up to the robot's wrist, and pulled the trigger.
Hot blue flame came from the muzzle of the gun and cut through the robot's wrist without any problems. Zak the picked up the hand (slightly flinched from the heat), and placed it against the scanner of the door.
The computer scanned the imprint from the hand and the spoke.
Scan complete. ID Recognised. XJ-325, Class-One. Access Granted.
There was the sound of clicking from the door as it unlocked, it then opened a second later. The five scrambled into the door without hesitation.
Meanwhile, two robot security guards were waiting patiently by a door, with guns in their hands.
"He should have been back by now," said one of them.
"Maybe we should check on him, to see how he's going with the intruders" said the other.
"No, he said wait here!"
"Just because he's class-one and he thinks he's better than other robots, so he doesn't need back-up! I'm going in."
"No! He said wait here!"
The robot followed the other into the next room.
"Gosh," he said to his companion, "you're really such a—"
He stopped speaking, he saw to his horror, the class-one robot lying unconscious on the ground, with his hand completely melted off.
The five walked into the cargo room and the stood still on the spot, before them, was their prize.
It was about five metres high, and a metre in width. It was shaped like a claw with four pincer-like prongs which pointed upwards from the four corners of its base, each of the prongs was a small laser, which curved outward from it and curved back inward towards each other. The reason being was because in the centre of the base, was a larger laser that was pointed straight up, beyond the small four curved ones which were positioned towards the end of the taller one. When it was powered up, the four smaller lasers fired at the end of the taller one, to charge up the power of the laser.
Zak was gobsmacked at the beauty of the laser, before realising they could not carry it out of the building; he looked around searching for anything that would transport this laser out.
He noticed a cargo ship on the far side of the hold; it had a huge disc-like panel hanging from it… it was a magnet. It's designed to lift heavy cargo such as crates and place them on its back. By its design, it is sure to lift this 2-ton laser.
Signalling his men, Zak rushed over to the transport. Breaking a window, he went inside the ship, noticing the keys were still in the ignition, he started it.
There was the sound of the transport ship as the two robots stood over the unconscious class-one robot guard wondering what happened; they turned to see the transport ship moving towards the claw-like laser.
"Halt! You have no right to move that transport!" said one of the robots, running towards the moving ship, with his companion following behind him.
Zak, not paying attention to the robot guards, started loading the laser onto the ship by using one the ship's magnet, with his team on the back of the transport helping load it on.
The ship magnet attached itself to the laser and began to pull it up.
"I said halt!" said the robot again, pointing his gun at him, "Get out of the transport and surrender peacefully, or we'll use force!"
Still ignoring, Zak loaded the laser onto the ship with the magnet, the laser set itself onto the transport, the others on the ship started to tie it down.
"Your choice…" said the robot, he and his companion fired their guns.
Zak ducked behind the dashboard of the ship, avoiding fire from the robots. His com-link buzzed to life as a voice came through.
"Zak, we have it tied down, it's all ready to go."
Zak picked up the com-link and spoke into it, "Good, now quickly open the cargo door on the far side of the building. Hurry!"
One of the men jumped from the transport and rushed over to a nearby control panel, after a few seconds the cargo door opened, the figure ran back to the transport and jumped inside.
The robots kept firing, but still could not get them to surrender. Zak and the others were all inside the transport, the ship begun to start its engines and, after a few moments it flew out of the hold through the door and disappeared from the robots view.
The transport flew away from GrummelNet HQ, as it did; Zak reached for his com-link and set up a link to his executive as he was driving away from the city.
"Sir… we have the Geo-laser."
Somewhere on the other side of the galaxy, someone was sitting at his desk; the place was quite expensive, paintings hung on the walls of his office, a glass chandelier hung from the golden-like roof, documents practically on every bookshelf, and of course his rare black wooden desk and leather chair shining in the glow of the light. The whole place was worth practically millions.
He was speaking into the com-link on the table beside him.
"Excellent," he said. "Bring it to our base as soon as possible; watch out for the Galactic Authorities."
"Will do, sir," said Zak on the com-link, before cutting off.
The man relaxed in his leather chair, opened a nearby drawer in his desk and brought out a bottle of whiskey and a glass, opening the cap of the bottle; he poured some into the glass and drank it. He then pressed one of the buttons on his com-link and spoke to his secretary.
"Ms. Jones, tell the scientist we have the laser ready for transport."
"Right away, Mr. Aaron, sir," said the secretary on the com-link.
Aaron put his feet up on the desk, the glass in one hand and the bottle of whisky in the other; he poured himself another round as he thought to himself.
'Soon, all those who refuse to co-operate shall be destroyed at my hand'
Disclaimer: I do not own Ratchet & Clank, all rights go to Insomniac Games.
Author's Notes: This is the updated version of the prologue, fixed errors and other parts not needed or are now arranged.
