New Revolution 2:

Extermination

Prologue- The Final Solution

Doctor Neo Cortex was agitated. That fact in itself was unsurprising. The doctor had been continuously frustrated for years now, and there was only one cure for his overwhelming sense of anger. That was to wash away his past failures so that he could continue to move forward. In the beginning Cortex had been convinced that merely the death of his failed creation would be enough to satisfy this, however, he realized very quickly that he was mistaken. Although killing Crash Bandicoot would be a very welcome achievement, Cortex knew most certainly that this creature was not the sole source of his problems. He now had an entire infestation to rid himself of.

Cortex allowed himself a momentary distraction from his thoughts as his eyes drifted toward the training arena. Within the circular iron hold, Tina Tiger knelt upon one knee in preparation. Her muscular shoulders were relaxed, and her strong legs were posed in such a way that if any threat dared challenge her, she would be ready. Cortex tilted his head to the side casually, and caught the glance of one of his lab assistants. The doctor offered one curt nod and turned his attention back to the arena.

In a moment, three doors surrounding the perimeter of the arena slowly opened. Three giant beasts ambled inside with their jaws thirsting for fresh meat. Tina remained unresponsive to these new threats for a moment, and this lack of action encouraged the beasts to approach closer. Cortex had seen many training exercises like this one, and therefore he was not surprised as she waited until the last possible second before reacting. At the precise moment, Tina's golden eyes opened, shining with furious anticipation. She leapt high into the air and slipped her twin daggers into her hands. Cortex didn't expect her to encounter any trouble with these beasts. After all, during her initiation she had battled far worse. So Cortex left Tina to her playmates and returned to his previous state of pondering.

The entire island was now crawling with anthropoid abominations, and among those were the three creatures that Cortex abhorred with utmost passion. Crash Bandicoot, obviously, as well as his meddling little sibling. The third was a creation Cortex had believed he ensured complete obedience, and who was restored to all previous memory before his very eyes. Crunch Bandicoot was supposed to be his crown achievement. With this monster of a minion Cortex had planned to make simple work of Crash's execution as well as assist in the enslaving of the entire globe. However, it did not turn out to be so. Even after losing Crunch, Cortex had still held a secret plan in place. The toxin he had injected into Crunch was meant to affect his mind and destroy all form of mental control within him. To Cortex's dismay, even that simple instance was a failure. Cortex was growing increasingly tired of defeat, and even more dejected when he recalled his lengthy list of failures. It was enough to drive any scientist mad with rage. However, Cortex could not wallow too much in his own miseries. He had formed a flawless plan within his mind, and every time he considered it he felt absolutely giddy with excitement.

A loud siren wailed, signaling the conclusion of the training simulation. Cortex turned and focused upon the chamber. The walls were smeared with blood, and the large carcasses of Tina's former enemies lay scattered in various places around the arena. Judging from the pools of blood that the beasts were bathed in, their days of combat were over. Cortex caught sight of Tina standing off to one side of the chamber, licking a minor wound upon her forearm. Her blades were already stored in their sheaths, and her posture suggested arrogant easiness. Cortex felt a sneer tickle his lips. Although Tina had failed both tasks he had set out for her, she was not useless or incompetent. She was a dangerous adversary who simply could not change the course of fate, much like him. Cortex could not possibly fault his greatest warrior for tasks that he himself had failed to accomplish. The doctor leaned toward the silver microphone on his control panel and clicked a switch with his thumb.

"Another fine victory, my dear. I wish to see you in the laboratory immediately."

Tina faced him, her feral eyes sparkling with hidden mischief. Although Cortex knew the walls were reflective to obstruct any view of himself, Tina stared directly into his eyes. She offered one slow nod of understanding before turning and exiting out the open shaft. Cortex pressed his hands together thoughtfully. His plan was nearly set. There were a few more pieces that needed to be moved before Cortex was in complete control of the game. He needed to bar off any hope of defeat, and he needed to be sure Crash Bandicoot and his friends would attempt to challenge him. Once he removed these obstructions the planet obliteration device awarded to the mutants by that strange extra terrestrial would be easily claimed. Yet that was the final piece of the puzzle. The first act was much more rewarding.

When Tina entered the chamber Cortex didn't trouble himself to turn. He sensed her pause and wait with patience for him to offer the reason for his summon. Cortex allowed the silence to thrive a moment before finally speaking.

"I have no army Tina. I, therefore, cannot mount an expedition to N. Sanity Isle without a proper plan of action to reclaim the Obliteration Device those monstrosities have in their possession."

"If you would allow me to take this problem upon myself," Tina said fiercely. "I should not disappoint your expectation."

"I am sure you would not. However, you fail to comprehend that there is still a dominating force of mutated creatures that must be taken care of first. It is this problem for which I have need of your expertise."

"Of course doctor, I am ever at your service."

Now Cortex did turn, his thin lips upturned in a small grin.

"Allow me, then, to brief you."