The year is 22XX...

After the Jacobs Elevator incident, Maverick activity has been on a steady decline. Sigma had been destroyed, possibly for good, his broken body left to decay on the moon. Recent advances in technology have begun to slowly render the Maverick Virus inert, though no one knows for sure if it can ever be eliminated. However, with Sigma dead, it has become easier to keep the Maverick virus under control.

This does not mean that Mavericks are no longer a threat, despite the decline in maverick activity, mavericks continue to pose a threat to humans, whether it be from a virus, or of their own volition, but these days, mavericks aren't the only threat. Once upon a time, humans were just as dangerous, perhaps even more so. Gangs, crime syndicates, mafia, before the advent of robots and later reploids, the most dangerous criminals were humans themselves, and even to this day, humans are more than capable of making mavericks look benign.

Maverick Hunter main Head Quarters, located in Neo Metro City on the east coast.

Signas, supreme commander of the Maverick Hunters relaxed and sat back in his chair, enjoying the peace and quiet for a change. There haven't been any major outbreaks, and the city itself is relatively calm, at the same time however he is currently missing three of his top hunters, as X and Zero had been sent to the Far East HQ to help Colonel Redips with the recent uprising over in Giga City, and Axl had taken a leave of absence, the incident at Jacobs had shaken him considerably, after the revelations regarding the new generation reploids, who could honestly blame him?

Signas sat back in his chair, rubbing his eyes for a moment, and yawning briefly. Perhaps it would be best to turn in early? 'The city has been relatively peaceful, nothing serious has happened that the regular patrols can't handle.' He stopped in his thoughts, thinking for a moment. 'Well there was that incident in the Bay Area involving the Striders, local police and way too much jurisdiction pissing contests.' he sighed. 'Makes me glad I'm a Maverick Hunter, so much more simpler.' Signas smiled for a moment. 'You know what, I think I'll do just that. I'll get a drink over at Riley's, then head home and get some much needed slee-" he was cut off by his intercom ringing, followed by the voice of his secretary coming through it.

"Commander Signas, you have a call coming in, long distance."

'Long distance?' Signas thought to himself. Couldn't be Redips, he operates independently of the main HQ. "Whoever it is, tell them I left for the day." he said as he approached his door.

"It's Mayor Grange, sir." said the receptionist.

Signas stopped. Did he hear that right. "I'm sorry Fiona, did you say Mayor Grange? As in HAMILTON Grange, of Aria City?"
"Pretty sure." said Fiona over the call, with a bit of snark to her voice. "Do you know of any other Hamilton Granges?"

Signas knew he was going to regret it, but part of him was curious as to why Grange of all people would be calling here. The more rational side of him was saying not to take the call, nothing good could come of it, and besides the Maverick Hunters have no jurisdiction in Aria City what so ever, and for the most part, most sane Maverick Hunters wouldn't touch that play with a 50 foot pole anyways.

"Patch him through." Signas said, Curiosity winning out over reason as he returned to his desk and sat down, the view screen of his Com Phone turning on, revealing the face of a human in his late 50's early 60s with steel grey hair and a clean shaven face, he had brown eyes and a sharp, expensively tailored suit that Signas was sure came at the expense of the citizens, probably also the amount of food he eats to look the way he did, despite being a man of above average height he was fairly hefty for his eyes. An equally expensive looking handkerchief was used to wipe sweat from his brow as he seem to glare at Signas.

"Commander Signas? This is Mayor Hamilton Grange of Aria City. I have been trying to get in touch with you for nearly a week now with no luck until now!"

'Thats because I had Fiona screen my calls.' Signas thought, wondering to himself why exactly she let this one go through. He cleared his throat and put on his best friendly appearance. "Mayor Grange, what an unexpected surprise. I was under the impression the Maverick Hunters were not needed in Aria City."

"This isn't the time for making jokes Signas!" said Grange. "I need you to send me X and Zero! My city is crawling with Mavericks and lives are in danger!"

'Translation: re-election campaign is in jeopardy if all the voters are dead.' Signas thought to himself, rubbing the bridge of his nose. Out of everyone to call him on this quiet day, it had to be this man. Hamilton Grange, mayor of the one hell hole of a city that the Maverick Hunters can't touch. Again, Signas put on his best smile. "Mayor Grange, I regret to inform you that X and Zero are out of the country on assignment and thus we cannot spare them at the moment. And even then the Maverick Hunters have no jurisdiction to operate in Aria City under any circumstance, besides do you not have your own Maverick Hunting task force within your police department? I am sure they are more than capable of handling whatever problems are threatening your fair city." 'and you re-election.' Signas thought to himself.

"They are ill equip to handle this!" said Grange.

Signas blinked. " 'Ill equipped?' What do you mean 'Ill equipped'? Mayor Grange I thought your police force was capable of handling mavericks on a daily basis, which is one of the reasons Aria City does not allow regular Maverick Hunters into the city." 'and also everyone is corrupt as hell and we'd risk exposing everyone.' Signas thought to himself.

"You don't understand Signas!" said Grange. "This isn't some corner store robbery! This is a full on INVASION! Hundreds, THOUSANDS of mavericks have been showing up in my city over the past WEEK and the chaos is escalating."

"And you didn't think to contact us sooner?" Signas asked. "Or did the people lining your pockets not agree to such an idea?"

"I TRIED!" growled Grange, looking very angry at Signas's comment. "But apparently you were busy."

"I'll be honest with you Hamilton." said Signas. "I have every right to turn down a request like this. Your city reeks of corruption that makes me sick just thinking about it, and the Maverick Hunters aren't even allowed jurisdiction within your city, which I can come up with more than a few reasons why. So give me a good reason, why in the hell would I risk my two best hunters, or ANY of my hunters for that matter, to clean up your mess? Because that's what I'm hearing out of you, an easy way to clean up a problem that you can't make disappear."

"What do you want?" Hamilton asked. "I'll give you anything, just send me hunters that can deal with these Mavericks."

"You know what I want." said Signas. "Full jurisdiction for the duration of the assignment. However long it takes for whoever I send to deal with your maverick problems, THEY are in charge, not you or anyone else you got that?"

"Fine! Just send SOMEONE!" said Grange.

"Don't worry." said Signas, smiling rather dryly. "I know just who to send, good day Mayor, and sit tight." With that he'd cut the call before Grange could protest any more.

Signas sat back and sighed, if Dr. Cain was still alive he'd kill him for accepting this assignment, hell SIGMA would kill him for accepting this assignment. Ah well, no use complaining right? He looked off to his left, taking notice of a picture he kept on a small shelf. He walked over, picked it up and looked at it. It was taken prior to the Eurasia incident, to commemorate his appointment as Commander of the Maverick Hunters. In the picture was himself, along with X and Zero, Alia, Lifesaver and Douglas.

However, there was a 7th figure in the picture, a reploid of average height and build, with white armor over a grey body suit. He was tanned with short black hair and a mustache and no helmet, and had a stoic expression on his face. The shoulders of his armor were squared off and the waist of his armor had a utility belt with various pouches on it. A small smile crossed his face as he examined the picture.

'I can think of no one better to send into that hell hole.' Signas thought. 'If anyone can do it he can. The question is, will he accept?' he set the picture back on the shelf and headed for his door, leaving his office and passing by his secretary's desk. Fiona was non combat hunter who handled paper work, and had predominately purple armor as she looked up from some files, she had a youthful appearance but her personality was anything but. "Going out sir?" she asked.

"Yes I am." said Signas. "If Grange calls again, tell him I'm out."

Fiona smiled. "Of course sir."

"Also get in touch with West Coast HQ in Portland, have them look into the recent maverick activity occurring in Aria City, I want to know if this so called 'invasion' of mavericks is real or not."

"Right away sir." said Fiona.

Neo Metro City, Westside.

The reploid who answered the door looked different from the one in the picture. At the moment he was currently in Civilian attire, having traded his armor out for something much simpler involving a vest and lighter armor. He was staring at Signas, standing there on the front steps of his small suburban home, and in particular was eyeing the brown bag Signas held in his hand. "That bad huh?" he asked.

Signas blinked, trying to feign surprise. "Whatever do you mean Xaine?" he asked.

"Don't give me that." Xaine said. "Every time you sent me and my team on a particularly nasty mission, you always brought Scotch and cigarettes to the barracks, and always in a brown paper bag just like that one." He looked at Signas. "You do know I've been retired for a year now right?"
"I know that." said Signas. "But I need your help."

Xaine said nothing for a moment, but opened the door wide and let Signas in. "Alright lets here it." he said as Signas walked in. The two stood inside a small foyer that lead into the house proper, by the way was a small table with a dish with change, keys and unread mail, a small hall connected to the foyer and had a closet which was used for clothes. The two now sat in Xaine's living room, Signas on a couch and Xaine himself in an arm chair, lighting up the cigarettes and pouring the scotch.

"First of all, why are you coming to me? Why not just send X and Zero?"
"I can't." said Signas. "They are on assignment and currently under Colonel Redips's jurisdiction."

"Redips?" Xaine looked at Signas. "You serious? He still around?"
"He's running the Far East HQ and handling the Giga City assignment."

"Yeah that probably won't end well." said Xaine.

"I'll get straight to the point." said Signas. "I'm reactivating the 21st combat rapid response platoon."

Xaine paused for a moment, and looked at Signas. "In this day and age? What could you possibly want my unit for?"

"Because hell pretty much froze over." said Signas.

Xaine blinked, and set his glass down. "Signas, tell me you didn't do what I think you did."

"Afraid so." said Signas. "You're going to Aria City."

Xaine leaned back in his chair, sighing and face palming. "You have got to be kidding me. If Sigma was still leader of the hunters he'd kill you!"

"Yeah I know." said Signas. "But here's the deal Xaine. Mayor Grange called me personally requesting I send someone, anyone to help with apparently a massive Maverick outbreak."

"We have no jurisdiction in that hell hole." said Xaine, picking up his drink and downing it in one shot before refilling. "I'm surprised the mayor had enough balls to make the call, considering how that place is. And he expects us to what, drop everything we're doing and send Hunters in to clean up his mess? Whoever you send would be lucky enough to do their job without getting in the way of every corrupt cop, politician, and mobster in that city."

"As far as the Mayor or anyone else is concerned, you'd answer to no one but me. The mayor was kind enough to agree to giving us full jurisdiction regarding this Maverick outbreak?"

"Is it even real?" Xaine asked.

"I put in a word to the Portland offices to check thing out." said Signas. "We'll know soon enough." He took a sip of his whisky. "A mission like this is right up your alley, and you know damn well the 21st has handled worse."

Xaine leaned back, and took a puff on his cigarette. "All that's left of the 21st is me and Roadbuster. Everyone else is either dead or MIA."

Signas went quiet for a moment. "Eurasia was hard on everyone. Too many lives lost because of Sigma's actions that week."

"Back to the topic on hand." said Xaine. "What about their local law enforcement? "

"According to the mayor the Aria City Police Department and their Maverick Hunting Task force is overwhelmed." said Signas. "Mavericks showing up in drove for the past week or so according to Grange. My guess though it's been going on a lot longer."

"That place is a powder keg ready to go off." said Xaine. "This could just be the fuse finally burning out."

"Thing is, the Mayor specifically asked for X and Zero." said Signas.

"Nothing wrong with that. They're legends." said Xaine. "Unless you find that suspicious?"

"A little bit." said Signas. "But I could just be imagining things."

Xaine looked at Signas. "You look worried. Something about this doesn't feel right does it?" he asked

"If you ask me, there is too many coincidences at work here." said Signas. "Provided Mayor Grange is not lying and there's more mavericks in Aria City than anywhere else in the world."

"You're suspecting it's organized and someone is pulling the strings?" Xaine asked. He looked at his glass as he sat forward. "That many mavericks in such a short amount of time, during an era of relative peace with minimal maverick activity does seem a bit suspect."

"I'll admit the thought crossed my mind on the way here." said Signas.

"Any suspects?" Xaine asked.

"Take your pick." said Signas. "Nearly all of Aria city is controlled by some criminal organization or criminal gang, any one of them could have brought the mavericks in."

"If that's the case this should be handled by the FBI or something." said Xaine.

"Under normal circumstances yes." said Signas. "But this is more than just human criminals up to their usual dealings. Mavericks are involved and therefore it falls to us."

"I don't like it." said Xaine, tapping cigarette ash into the try on the table between them. "This whole thing reeks of conspiracy, and there's no real guarantee that we won't run into interference."

"Then focus on just eliminating the mavericks and avoid the human element." said Signas. "You don't have to concern yourself with their activities."

"And what if we do find a connection?" Xaine asked. "Between the mavericks and one of the human criminals that control Aria City?"

Signas sighed and looked at his own glass. "I don't know."

Xaine rubbed the bridge of his nose before looking at Signas. "Medi is going to kill me for this."

"Medi?" Signas asked.

"My wife. Medical reploid, works at the Metro General Hospital."

"Congratulations." said Signas. "I'm happy for you."

Xaine gave a nod, and finished off his glass before pouring another. "Alright, if you need the 21st on this, I need 3 things no questions asked."

"Of course, name them." said Signas.

"Number 1, access to the entire Hunter database, I can't do this with just myself and Road Buster, I'll need a solid field team and a support unit for communications and medical, and to do that I'll need to be able to recruit from any and all units currently active in the Maverick Hunters, Including X and Zero's unit. I'd also like to get permission to recruit from organizations allied or affiliated with the Maverick Hunters to get some diversity."
"Done." said Signas. "How many do you think you'll need?"
"Job like this?" said Xaine. "Nothing large scale, no more than 10 or so, 7 for field work including me, and a 3 man support team."

Signas raised an eyebrow. "Only ten?"

"The only time I've had to ever recruit more than that was the repliforce incident." said Xaine.

"Alright. Whats number 2?" asked Signas.

"Absolute guarantee that we're not going to get fucked over by local law enforcement or political red tape." said Xaine. "Especially if the local criminals are somehow involved in this mess."

"As far as everyone there is concerned, when it comes to the maverick outbreak you have full jurisdiction and answer only to me." said Signas. "I made that clear earlier."

"You did, but it's best to cover all bases." said Xaine. "I want authority to arrest any and all human criminals as though they were considered Maverick."

Signas paused and stared at Xaine. "That kind of authority isn't given out without justification." he said.

"Given the current status of Aria City, it'll be necessary to get this job done." said Xaine. "I wouldn't make such a request if I didn't think it was necessary."

"Very well." said Signas. "No one over there is going to like it though."

"Sucks to be them." said Xaine.

"And number 3?" Signas asked.

Xaine smiled. "Come on Signas, we're the 21st combat rapid response platoon, you know damn well what third request is."

Signas sighed but smiled. "You do know it's that particular 'tradition' of yours that got the 21st its nickname right? And it's reputation."

"Commander." Xaine said, raising his glass in a toast and giving him a wide smile. "That's the best part."

4 days later, Neo Metro City Airport, Hangar bay 5 sunrise.

Approaching from the outside was a tall, well built reploid styled like a martial artist. His upper body and legs are modeled after a martial arts 'Gi' with a torn sleeve design for shoulders, the torn parts flared out like wisp of flames, with the exposed shoulders resembling horned dragon maws, with a red Karate belt tied around the waist, dull 'tron lines' accented the body. The Gi design carried into the legs resembling the pants of a Gi with flared out bottoms. His feet were modeled after the Japanese "Geta" sandal, and made a distinct 'click click' sound as he walked along the asphalt to the hangar. He wore two small beaded bracelets on his wrists, and a larger set of prayer beads were around his neck. His hands were clawed with a draconic look to them, his face consisted of an expressionless face mask with a blue opaque visor, blue spiky 'hair' with a center top knot and a red bandanna around his head above the ear caps. He carried with him a simple shoulder slung duffle bag, as he was told, upon getting his transfer notice, to pack light.

'This looks like the place.' he thought to himself as he approached the side door and entered, the hangar was quiet, and he took note of a lot of crates and boxes which had the Maverick Hunter insignia on the side, so this had to be the right location.

"Hello?" he said walking toward the center of the hangar. "I'm here about the transfer."

No answer. 'Huh, must be the first one to arrive. Well always good to make a good impression and get somewhere early.' He walked over to one of the crates, put his duffle bag down and sat down on the floor, his legs crossed as he placed his hands in his lap cupped, taking a deep breath his visor dimed as if his eyes were closed as he settled into a meditation exercise.

"Oh someone is already here?" A female voice called out causing the reploid to look up from his meditation, watching as a female reploid approached. She was small and petite with green hair and eyes and a cute look to her face. her ear caps had a antenna's attached to them and their looked to be a flip down visor perched on her forehead. she had a black body suit with silver armor over the upper body with rounded shoulders and narrow forearm armor, her waist bare save for a utility belt with a buster gun holstered on the side, so she probably didn't have a built in buster. Her lower leg armor was silver with bronze accents, and her feet were styled with a short heel, overall her figure was flattering and quite attractive. Respectfully she bowed to the reploid. "My name is Raem, I'm a navigator reploid and have been assigned to this unit."
"Nice to meet you Raem." said the dragon reploid as he stood up, giving a bow in return. "I am Shenlong, disciple of Ansatsuken Karate."

Raem blink, tilting her head. "An...sat...huh?"

"Ansatsuken. It's an old and very traditional martial art." said Shenlong. "I am a student of the current master, Naomi Kasugano. Ansatsuken has passed through the Kasugano family ever since Sensei's Great Great Grandmother Sakura Kasugano became a master herself."

"I see." said Raem, tapping her chin. "But can martial arts really be useful in the field?"

"Anything is useful if you apply it right." the new voice made Shenlong and Raem turn to see another female reploid approaching them, she had green full body armor with brown hair in a pony tail and red eyes, and rounded shoulder pads. Her upper arms were bear showing the black bodysuit underneath, he lower legs consisted of flat soled, solid black boots with white kneecaps at the tip. She was carrying a large case in her hand. "Hi there, I'm Jane from the 10th Sniper Division. Guess we'll be working together."

"Shenlong." said Shen giving a bow. "I'm a rookie hunter so this is my first assignment actually."

"Raem." Raem said with a nervous smile. "I'll be acting as navigator."

Shenlong blinked, realizing something. "Wait you said you were from another unit?"
"Yup." said Jane as she set the case down. "I was transferred to this mystery unit and told to report here."

"Does anyone know what exactly this unit is?" Shen asked.

Raem and Jane shook their head.

"No sorry." Jane had said. "I'll be honest, I've never heard of a '21st combat rapid response platoon.' until now."

"It could be an old unit." said Raem. "Recently reactivated?"
"That makes sense." said Shen. "If this unit has just been reactivated after not being used for a long time, then the leader would need to fill the ranks somehow."

"if you ask me it's probably a scam." The new voice was male, and the three turned to watch a slim reploid with brown armor on a blue body suit walk in. His helmet was open ended, trimmed blue with short horns on the side and a pair of goggles on the top of the helmet. His skin was tanned with yellow eyes and he had blue hair in a rat tail coming out the back of his helmet, the feet of his armor was blue while the leg armor itself was brown. He was leaning against one of the crates, shuffling cards.

"Why would you say it's a scam?" Raem asked.

"Oh come on." said the brown reploid. "Look around you, we're in some half empty hangar twiddling our thumbs, probably a prank played by co-workers or something."

He'd nod at Shen. "Especially for you, being a rookie hunter and all, probably a hazing ritual or something."

Jane looked at the brown reploid, then up at the crate he was leaning against and smiled. "Okay wise guy, if this is all one big hazing ritual, how do you explain him?" she asked this as she pointed.

"Him? Him who?" The brown reploid looked confused, turned, looked up and jump back. "Gaah!" standing on the crate above them was a man, human, arms crossed and staring down at the group. He had a shaved head with a single pony tail off the back with an orange face mask over the lower part of his face, exposing his black eyes, a long orange scarf hung off the back of the mask. His body was toned and muscular, a sign of regular exercise and training. He wore an orange sleeveless ninja Gi with Black arm guards on his forearms over white arm wraps. A black sarashi around his stomach. His feet were wrapped in ninja Tabi and tied off with black shin armor. A silver utility belt hung loosely on his hip, attached to it was sword with a narrow thin blade, and a dual hilt like a tonfa, along with various tools. Standing by him was a mechaniloid Wolf, black with gold highlights and sharp red eyes. His tail swishing side to side.

"Strider Musashi, at your service." he said.

The four Reploids all blinked, a mix of awe and confusion in their eyes.

"I've never seen a Strider this close up before." said Shenlong.

"I don't think anyone has." said the brown reploid. "at least not anyone that's alive."

"So." Raem said, looking at Musashi. "You were transferred from the Striders to a Maverick Hunter unit?"

"Apparently." said Musashi as he calmly jumped down to the floor, his wolf taking the opportunity to lie down on the crate with a yawn. "The Strider organization has lent a hand to the Maverick Hunters on occasion."

"Whoever our new commander is sure has some connections if he can get a Strider." said Jane.

"Must be someone very high up." said Raem.

"Well whoever he or she is, certainly has good taste." said Jane with a grin.

Shen looked to Musashi, and would bow. "it's an honor to be able to work a Strider. I am Shenlong, student of Naomi Kasugano."

That made Musashi raise an eyebrow. "Kasugano you say? So you know Ansatsuken?"

"Yes, you know of it?"

"Indeed, the martial art is legendary." said Musashi.

"So do you know anything about this unit Mr. Musashi?" Raem asked. "It seems like no one here knows anything, other than it may be an old unit recently reactivated,

Musashi shook his head. "This is my first time working with Maverick hunter directly, the one who may know is Strider Hiryu, one of our top members, he has been active for a long time, and would probably know."

"So why isn't he here then?" asked the brown reploid.

"Because he is on assignment that's why." said Musashi. "I was sent to this unit in his place. I am an A class Strider, my skills speak for themselves."

"Ah you guys use a ranking system as well?" Jane asked. "I'm S rank myself, best sniper there. Few more years and I should be Special S."

"Thats amazing." said Raem. "I'm A myself."

"Same." said the brown reploid.

"E rank sadly." said Shenlong. "But then again this is my first assignment as a hunter and I am new."

"so is it just us 5?" said Jane. "Feels like there should be more."

As if on cue footsteps echoed, causing them to all turn and seeing another reploid approach. He was of average height and build and wore armor with a slight purple tint to it with elegant gold trimming over a black bodysuit, a light purple colored mantle was draped over his shoulder and hung down his back bearing what looked to be an old style coat of arms. A beam saber was sheathed at his hip and on the gauntlet of his right arm was a small round shield like a buckler. The helmet looked pretty standard, but it included a visor that seemed to flip down for combat, resembling the visors on medieval knight armor. He looked to the group and gave a polite bow.

"Ah greetings, you must be my new team mates I take it? My name is Galahad, Special S class hunter, Knights of Avalon." the accent was very noticeably British.
Everyone raised an eye brow at him.

"Knights of Avalon?" asked the brown reploid. "what the hell is that?"

"Ah my apologies deer hunter." said Galahad. "I forgot that you American hunters may not be familiar with the name. The proper designation would be the 18th Knight Corp, stationed in the London HQ, which, in turn, makes up part of the Maverick Hunter European Branch."

"Is that so?" said the brown hunter, scratching the back of his helmet in confusion.

"This is the meeting is it not?" Galahad asked. "For the 21st Combat Rapid Response Platoon."

"Yes it is, you are in the right place." said Musashi.

Galahad looked over at Musashi, a little surprised. "You're human?"

Musashi nodded. "I'm on loan to this unit from the Strider organization, you may call me Musashi."

"Interesting. I've not met a strider before." said Galahad. "I had always thought them a myth." he smiled. "I must say, Commander Xaine was right when he had mentioned that working under him for this mission would be interesting."

The brown reploid blinked, and turned a glare at Galahad. "What did you say?"

"Hmm?" Galahad looked at the brown reploid, confused. "Is something wrong?"
"That name, say it again!" the brown reploid said, a hint of anger rising in his voice?"
"You mean 'Commander Xaine?' " Galahad asked. "He is the leader of this unit is he not? He picked me up from the airport personally yesterday and informed me of where the unit was going to meet and..." he stopped talking, watching the brown reploid started to walk away, more importantly, toward the exit.

"Hey, where are you going?" Shenlong asked. "Everyone isn't here yet! Hell our commander isn't here yet!"

"Back to the 5th Calvary." said the Brown reploid. "Where it's safe."

"Safe?" Jane looked at the reploid confused. "what the hell does that suppose to mean?"

"It means at the end of the day I'll still be alive, and all of you will probably be dead." said the brown reploid, he got to the door and started to open it.

"Stand down hunter." the voice did not belong to anyone in the group, and it made the brown reploid grit his teeth. "Step away from that door now."

Approaching from the other end of the hangar were three reploids. Xaine among them wearing his old Maverick Hunter armor, a bit of polish and some new gold accents on the squared shoulders, forearms and legs, as well as a holster for a buster gun on the belt. He kept his arms folded behind his back and his eyes were on the brown reploid attempting to leave. To his left was a tall reploid who practically towered over everyone there, with heavy armor over a green bodysuit. the chest was orange with large brown shoulder pads, brown forearm armor with green fists, heavy brown leg armor with green boots. Various panels on the forearms, shoulders and legs gave hints to hidden weapons, and he had what appeared to be a belt fed beam cannon mounted on his left shoulder, the belt attached to a pack on his back, and two holstered Buster guns. His helmet was brown with orange antenna and a green V visor. On Xaine's right was a female reploid with a helmet styled like shoulder length brown hair with a grey streak on one side. She was tall and fairly attractive with a segmented Skirt that came down to her knees, the feet of her boots modeled after high heels and she wore a lab coat over her silver red armor. Across her chest was a red Cross emblem, which was also visible on the skirt.

The large reploid, who had given the order, looked at the brown reploid. "Did you hear me? I said step away from the door hunter."

"Fuck you." the brown reploid said, turning and eyeing the three.

"What did you say?" the large reploid asked.

"You heard me." said the brown reploid. "Fuck you, fuck him!" here he pointed at Xaine, who didn't give a response. "and fuck the Wreckers! I'm not going on a suicide mission!"

Shenlong blinked. "Suicide mission? This is a suicide mission?"

"Oh what you didn't know?" the brown reploid asked. "Anyone who follows that old fool over there never comes back! This unit is cursed and bad luck."

"You done complaining?" Musashi asked. "If you can't handle a little danger then leave."

"Oh shut up Mr. high and mighty Strider!" said the brown reploid. "You don't know this asshole like I do! He takes hunters with bright futures and potential into this little 'wrecking crew' of his and gets them all killed, well all except him and his bitch there." the last comment was aimed at the large reploid, rather than the female.

"You little bastard!" said the large reploid. "This is insubordination you know that?!"

"Then Arrest me and throw me in jail!" said the brown reploid. "It's safer then wherever the hell you're going."

Musashi stepped toward the brown reploid, staying calm as the cyber wolf rose his head, sensing the commotion. "We face danger every day, regardless of our organization." he said. "Every mission I'm assigned I treat it as if it's my last, because I may not come back from it. This assignment is no different. All you're doing is whining about nothing. If anyone should shut up it should be you."
"Don't preach to me Strider." said the brown reploid as he turned back to the door. "You want to throw your life away pointlessly go right ahead and follow that fool. Me, I'm going back to my unit."

"This is your unit now." said the female reploid. "You were transferred from the 5th remember?"

"Then transfer me back!" said the brown reploid. "I'm not staying in this unit, I'm not throwing my life away for some stupid cause." He turned back, glaring venom at Xaine. "And I sure as hell won't take orders from that murderer!"

Another silence. Everyone looking back and forth.

"Murderer?" Jane asked. "Isn't that a little extreme?"

"If the shoe fits." said the brown reploid. "The entire unit goes maverick and only the commander and his bitch survived?"
"Okay that's it!" said the Large reploid as he stepped toward the brown reploid. "I'm going to give you a piece of my mi-" he stopped when Xaine raised his hand to block him. "Sir?"
"Stand down Road Buster." said Xaine. "Everyone stand down." He lowered his hand, and quietly approached the brown reploid, stopping when he got close. "Whats your name son?"

The brown reploid glared. "Why do you care?"

Xaine said nothing. The brown reploid glared at him again. "It's Breaker." he said.

Roadbuster looked up hearing the name. "Did you say Breaker?"

"And what if I did?" Breaker asked.

"I'm confused." said Raem. "whats going on?"
"Apparently, bad blood." said Musashi, crossing his arms.

"This is about Crash isn't it?" Xaine asked. "That is why you are so opening hostile and angry with me."

Breaker twitched, his anger boiling over as he reeled back and punched Xaine in the face, causing the older reploid to stumble. "DON'T YOU DARE SAY HER NAME IN FRONT OF ME! SHE'S DEAD BECUASE OF YOU!"

"Commander!" Roadbuster again moved toward Breaker, but Xaine raised his hand.

"I said stand down Roadbuster!" Xaine said. He rubbed his jaw and looked at Breaker. "Hell of a punch you got there." Breaker said nothing to this.

"Who is Crash?" Galahad asked, confused.

"Hell if I know." said Jane.

"Crash, was Breaker's sister." said the medic.

"Was?" Galahad asked.

"As you just heard, she's dead." said the medic.

"You want to be punched next doc?" Breaker asked looking at the medic.

"Lay a hand on my wife and you'll back a stump." said Xaine.

Breaker looked at Xaine. "You wouldn't be able to cut my arm off if you tried old man."

"It wouldn't be me cutting your arm off." said Xaine.

Breaker said nothing, and merely turned his gaze back at Xaine. "She had a future old man. Crash made S rank, worked her ass off to get there. She would have made Special S, possibly join the 17th unit or one of the other elite units, but no, no you had to come along and recruit her for this!" he said this as held his arms out. "You drag her away from her life and what happened huh? WHAT HAPPENED?!"

Xaine said nothing, merely looked away.

"I'll tell you what happened you son of a bitch! SHE GOT INFECTED AND TURNED MAVERICK!" Again, Xaine said nothing.

"Well?" Breaker asked. "Say something!"

"What happened to your sister...was terrible, I know." said Xaine. "Nothing I can say could calm the anger that you carry. But please understand the circumstances."

"Circumstances?" Breaker asked. "WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES? What can you possibly tell me that justifies MURDERING MY SISTER!?"

"No one murdered Crash!" said Roadbuster.

"You might as well have!" said Breaker. "She'd still be alive if you didn't drag her off to god knows where!"

"Damn it Breaker listen!" said Roadbuster.

"No! Nothing you say will ever make me listen to you!" said Breaker.

"It was the Eurasia incident." Xaine said finally.

Everyone went quiet, even Breaker, who up until now had been doing nothing but yell and rage at Xaine, went quiet.

"My god." said Raem.

"Christ." Jane added.

"The Virus was everywhere." said Xaine. "Sigma saw to that. No one was safe and it was extremely dangerous. Every mission carried with it the risk of being infected by the virus, regardless of what unit you were in."

Breaker gritted his teeth and looked away.

"He is right." said Galahad. "There would have been no telling when and if someone went maverick the next time they deployed, even I lost close friends and comrades to that disaster, but if I got angry and blamed Commander Arthur for every Knight we lost, then I am not worthy of being called a Knight."

Breaker said nothing.

"Crash was one of the best hunters to serve the 21st." said Xaine. "And you're wrong about one thing."

"Huh?"
"I didn't recruit her, she volunteered." said Xaine. "during the Doppler riots when HQ was attacked, she helped fight off the invaders, and was more than ready to take the fight to Doppler. Dr. Caine was planning to send the 21st into Doppler Town ahead of X and Zero to cause a distraction, when she heard about it she came to me and volunteered her services."

"There is one other thing you're wrong about." Roadbuster added. "She didn't go Maverick like the others did, in fact she's the reason the commander and I are still alive."

Breaker blinked, staring wide eyed. "But when you came to tell me Crash had died, you said everyone went maverick and..."

"And you didn't even let us finish." said Roadbuster. "You slammed the door in our faces before we could tell you what happened!"

"Your sister meant a lot to you." said Xaine. "So I understand your anger." He sighed, and then smacked Breaker upside the head.

"OWW!" Breaker said rubbing his head, Galahad stared confused while Jane tried to hold back her laughter as Raem gasped.

"Next time pay attention before jumping to conclusions." said Xaine.

"The hell did you hit me for?!" Breaker asked.

"Well not for nothing you did punch me in the jaw." said Xaine. "I'd say we're even now. Now then, are you done with your temper tantrum? Crash would be disappointed to see you whine and carry on like this."

Breaker said nothing just grumbled.

"You know she recommended you for the 21st." said Xaine.

"Huh?" he looked up. "She did?"

"Yes." said Xaine. "So instead of crying and throwing a fit, why not honor your sister's memory."

"Fine." Breaker said with a sigh. "Better be worth it."

"Oh I'm sure you'll find it interesting." said Xaine. He turned to the group, hands behind his back again as he walked over to them. "He is right about one thing, this may end up being a suicide mission. The odds will be against us make no mistake. This will not be easy."

"If I may ask sir." said Raem. "Where exactly are we going?"
"Aria City." said Xaine.

Everyone blinked. Jane let out a low whistle, even Musashi looked a little surprised.

"Tis a tall order to be certain." said Galahad. "While this is my first trip to the states, even I have heard about that place."

"Yeah, none of it good." said Jane. "You won't find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy that's for sure."

"Seriously?" Breaker said. "You're quoting Star Wars?"

"What can I say, I'm a movie buff." said Jane, she looked around at the group then back at Xaine. "Is this all of us sir?"
"There should be one more." said Roadbuster. "Looks like he's running a little la-" Roadbuster was interrupted by a loud crash causing everyone to turn as a loud "OWWW" echoed in the hangar.

"That must be him." Xaine said. The 9 of them walked in the direction of the sound and found themselves staring at a stout reploid with a round Orange body with short orange arms and legs trimmed with construction caution stripes. His helmet styled like a construction helmet with white ear caps which resembled a mettaur in a way. His chubby face had a nervous look as he rubbed his head and sat up. Several boxes of what appeared to be tools scattered all over the floor.

"Hey you okay there buddy?" Jane asked.

"Huh?" He looked up. "Oh yeah, just tripped is all." He stood up and saluted. "Class C Hunter Gear reporting for duty. I'll be handling any and all mechanic work for the duration of the mission."

"The hell did someone that clumsy become a mechanic?" Breaker asked.

"Sorry about that, I was late and running as fast as I could." said Gear. "I apologize for my tardiness."

"At least Gear." said Xaine. "We're all here, that is what matters."

"So ten of us all together." said Shenlong. "Against what exactly?"
"The largest Maverick outbreak in history that's what." said Roadbuster.

"A Maverick outbreak?" Breaker asked, deadpan. "In Aria City? Seriously? Those are like a dime a dozen in that place."

"I do agree with Sir Breaker commander." said Galahad. "I mean, from what I've heard Aria City is flooded with crime."
"And not for nothing sir." added Jane. "we don't have jurisdiction."

"We do now." said Xaine. "Full jurisdiction in all matters regarding this outbreak."

"When did it start?" Musashi asked, they were all gathered in the original spot, with Musashi leaning against the crate where his Cyber Wolf sat.

"A week ago Sunday." said Xaine.

"But today is Thursday sir." said Raem. "Why did it take this long?"

"We needed to make sure this outbreak was legit." said the medic."Signas had the Portland HQ investigate while he, myself and Roadbuster recruited all of you. We got confirmation this morning, that's why we weren't here right away."
"Who are you again?" Breaker asked looking at the medic.

"Medi, at your service." she said. "I'll be acting as Field medic and nurse."

"Why even bother though?" Breaker asked. "I mean, this is Aria City we are talking about."
"Even so, there are regular civilians." said Galahad. "To leave them to such a fate is unbecoming of a Knight, let alone a hunter. If the situation in Aria City is so bad that they are finally allowing Maverick Hunters to operate in the city, we should help however we can."

"I agree with Galahad." said Raem. "I mean, even if Aria City is the scum of the earth, not everyone living there is corrupt, those are the ones we should be fighting for and saving."

"I have a question if I may." said Musashi. "What will happen if we end up crossing someone other than Mavericks? Aria City is pretty much controlled by the mob. Sooner or later we are going to start stepping on toes that would rather not be touched."

"Then we arrest them, be they human or reploid." said Xaine. That got everyone staring.

"Maverick Hunters, arresting humans?" Raem asked. "Is that even allowed?"

"In this situation it is." said Xaine. "We have full jurisdiction in Aria City, we answer to no one but Commander Signas, and anyone who tries to interfere in our mission to clear out the Mavericks and restore some semblance of order in Aria City will be labeled Maverick and arrested on the spot."

"You sure know how to pull out all the stops sir." said Shenlong.

"It's how the 21st gets the job done." said Xaine. "Alright everyone, I think that's enough orientation."

They all looked from one to another.

"Just the ten of us against potentially thousands of mavericks." said Jane with a grin. "Sounds like I'm in a Kurosawa movie."
"I'll do my best to help." said Raem. "my abilities as a navigator will not fail you."
"And I'll keep our equipment in top shape." said Gear rubbing the bridge of his nose. "If you break it I can fix it good as new."

"Leave the recon to me and Raijin." said Musashi, patting the Cyber Wolf on the head. "And if need be, I'll be the one to take care of any human threats."

"Can't believe I'm actually doing this." said Breaker. "But if Crash wanted me on the team who am I to argue? You got yourselves a pilot, I'm also handy with demolitions if you need something blown up."

"I will do my best as well." said Shenlong. "As a disciple of Master Kasugano, you will get no less than 100% from me."

"On my honor as a Knight of Avalon, I will protect you all with my life." said Galahad. "So long as I breathe none of you will come to harm, on this I swear."

"God I hope that doesn't mean you'll be following us around like some creepy stalker." Breaker said.

"Perish the thought Sir Breaker." said Galahad. "I only meant while on missions."
"Well technically this is one long extermination mission." said Breaker.

"Um, Commander Xaine, sir?" said Gear.

"Yes Gear?" asked Xaine.

"How exactly are we getting to Aria City? It's on the west coast."
"Simple." said Roadbuster, nodding toward the end of the Hangar. "We fly."

The group looked ahead, seeing what appeared to be a Hunter class Rogumer drop ship parked there in the hangar. It was predominately Blue with red trimming on the wings and 'tail fin' on top.

"Once we load up the Rogumer we'll head out." said Xaine.

"Load it up?" Jane asked tilting her head. "With what?"
"Everything in this hangar." said Xaine. "All of these crates and their contents are property of the 21st combat rapid response platoon." he turned to the group and smiled. "Straight from the Hunter Armory, unlimited access."

Jane and Breaker both stared in awe, like kids at Christmas.

"Did you just say?"
"Unlimited access?" the two of them said.

"That's right." said Xaine. "Welcome to the Wreckers everyone. Those Mavericks won't know what hit them."

AUTHOR'S NOTE: THIS FANFIC IS BASED ON AN RP DONE BY MYSELF AND FRIENDS ABOUT A GROUP OF HUNTERS ASSIGNED A MISSION TO ELIMINATE A LARGE AMOUNT OF MAVERICKS DURING THE EVENTS OF MEGAMAN X COMMAND MISSION. EACH CHAPTER IS A CONVERSION OF LOGS OF THE RP THAT WERE SAVED, OFTEN WITH EXPANDED SCENES AND NEW DIALOUGE TO EXPLAIN THINGS BETTER. WITH THE EXCEPTION OF XAINE, ROADBUSTER, BREAKER, SHENLONG AND MEDI (who is only mentioned once in the original rp), THE REMAINING 5 CHARACTERS WERE CREATED BY ME TO ACT AS REPLACEMENTS FOR THE CHARACTERS USED BY MY FRIENDS IN THE ORIGINAL RP, DONE SO OUT OF RESPECT FOR MY FRIENDS AND THEIR CHARACTER'S, WHO DID NOT WISH TO HAVE THEIR CHARACTERS USED IN THIS VERSION OF THE STORY, AS SUCH, SCENES THAT WE HAVE DONE IN THE RP WILL BE SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT WHEN TRANSLATED TO THE FANFIC VERSION, OR EVEN EXPANDED ON FOR STORY PURPOSES, IN ORDER TO ACCOMODATE THE CHANGE IN CHARACTERS, AS THERE ARE ONLY 10 MAIN CHARACTERS IN THIS ITERAION OF THE STORY WHEREAS IN THE RP THERES AT LEAST 13 OR SO CHARACTERS WITH EVERYONE RPING MULTIPLE CHARACTERS AT A TIME. ALL THE SAME, WE DO HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS FANFIC. (and for all the Zero/Gate fans, the next chapter is coming soon, I promise.)

THE NICKNAME 'WRECKERS' ALONG WITH THE HUNTER ROADBUSTER PAY TRIBUTE TO THE SAME NAMED GROUP AND CHARACTER FROM THE TRANSFORMERS SERIES. THE WRECKERS WERE ESSENTIALLY AN AUTOBOT BLACK OPS TEAM, AND ROADBUSTER WAS A LONG TIME MEMBER ACROSS THE FRANCHISE. I ALWAYS LIKED THE CONCEPT OF THE WRECKERS AND THOUGHT THEY WOULD WORK WELL AS A MAVERICK HUNTER UNIT.