Okay now I have Chapter 9 posted. Like I said before, the story is taking a major turn. You probably know by now that I try to avoid spoilers, but I will provide a hint to the story's turning point: you're going to see the real reason why the story is rated "T."
Chapter 9
Conspiracy
Who could imagine work could be fun?
WALL-E handed REX a large bucket of concrete mix, then watched him pass it on to the construction crew, who were working on the roof of the shelter.
Work had certainly changed nowadays. The Atlas had numerous machines and materials that really benefitted the humans in their recolonizing efforts. Using supremely advanced construction equipment, the construction crew was able to successfully create over fifty fully functioning shelters for the humans to live in only five days.
What WALL-E enjoyed the most about working was that his family and friends were assisting the construction crew, which consisted of several humans from the Atlas. The WALL-A's were now assigned to WALL-E's old job of compacting trash, and EVE didn't have to monitor the plant life because several humans volunteered to do it instead. So now, along with REX, Neon, the sisters, the rogues, and several other humans, they helped build the homes that the humans would live in.
WALL-E watched as the construction crew got to work using vehicles that looked like giant green raindrops with two large claws on the sides and several inner compartments on all sides that holstered numerous tools for handling different tasks with building a shelter. The vehicles were also extremely advanced as they were capable of flying so they could work on higher levels of the shelters and the roofs. Using only five vehicles, the crew got the roof of the shelter they were working on properly constructed in just ten minutes (and the building was over fifty feet in diameter and height).
"Hey," one of the workers called out. "We're out of building materials."
"Hang on," another one said. "Let's bring in the tankers."
The tankers were giant vehicles that were capable of breaking down any non-organic object and transforming it into another material entirely. They used the giant trash towers WALL-E had built in his past life as the proper sustenance to make building materials.
Soon enough, one tanker arrived on the scene. The vehicle stood over thirty feet high and forty five feet long and ran on large treads. It was a thick blue color and shaped almost like a rectangle, except the ends were rounded. WALL-E noticed a man come out of the door at the side of the tanker in a labor uniform.
"Allright, who needs more supplies?"
WALL-E and REX strode up to the man and greeted him. REX explained to him that they needed more structural frames and concrete to finish the day's work.
"Sure thing," the man looked at WALL-E and smiled. "Since they're your towers, you can pick which one I can demolish."
WALL-E eagerly pointed to the nearest trash tower. The man nodded, then went back into the tanker and began to drive it towards the tower.
The humans of the Atlas were very friendly. Captain Talon had told them about WALL-E's adventure after he heard the whole thing from EVE and REX. They respected WALL-E for being a hard worker and liked to let him do some of their jobs for his personal enjoyment.
EVE came over and picked up WALL-E, then flew up high into the air to give him a view of the tanker's work. The tanker came up to the tower and its top opened up. Using a powerful vacuum, the tanker sucked in the trash cubes that made up the tower into the giant hole until there was nothing left, then the hole closed up.
EVE flew back down with WALL-E and set him down next to REX. REX gave him a friendly push and smiled. "They never had this kind of tech in my past life. The people on the Atlas were busy over the last seven hundred years."
WALL-E buzzed in agreement. The tech the construction crew was using was extremely advanced. The only possibility for how they got that kind of tech was that they developed it themselves.
The tanker shook and rumbled as it was processing and altering the trash into building materials for them to use. The rumbling noise it made was very loud.
After a few minutes, the tanker stopped shaking. The side of the vehicle opened up and out came various building materials on storage racks. The whole group started to swarm upon the materials. WALL-E grabbed several small sheets of hardened concrete while REX took several support frames. EVE, the sisters, the rogues, and the other humans grabbed the remaining materials and took them to the construction vehicles.
All that they were assigned to do was just provide the supplies to the construction crew and they would handle the rest. WALL-E thought he wasn't doing enough, but McCrea told him that thanks to the surplus of labor force and the advanced tech the Atlas provided, the work he was doing was more than enough.
The vehicles opened up in the underside, which was where the supplies went. Several conveyor belts stretched out and began rolling while three humans came out of each vehicle and gave instructions.
"You all know what to do," one of them said. "Get the materials on the conveyors and we'll handle the rest."
WALL-E went to a conveyor belt and placed his cargo on it. REX, EVE, and Neon placed their loads on the same belt while everyone else placed theirs on different belts. WALL-E watched as the building materials moved down the conveyor and disappeared into the vehicle.
One man came up to WALL-E. "Wanna take the Rounder for a spin?"
"Is that what they're called?" REX asked. "That seems unusual."
"I didn't give it the name, my boss did." The man turned back to WALL-E. "So how 'bout it?"
WALL-E whistled cheerfully to show he wanted to. He liked watching the Rounders do their work because they were so effective in it. It would most certainly be fun if he could use one for once.
The man led him to the entry door of the Rounder. Because of the Rounder's height, the cockpit was about twenty feet above the surface and a tractor beam was used to take the crew into it. WALL-E was lifted gently by the beam as it pulled him up in the air and into the Rounder's cockpit.
The room was wider than he expected. There were three desks with seats in front of them and had all sorts of holographic buttons and levers that WALL-E couldn't understand. There was also a large viewscreen which (obviously) would be used by the pilots so they could see what they were doing.
WALL-E looked out through the large viewscreen in front of him. He could see a lot from the height he was at, again because of the Rounder's height. He saw several humans and robots moving in the distance, all working on their respective tasks.
EVE suddenly flew up to the viewscreen and waved at him enthusiastically. WALL-E waved back, which made her giggle, then she flew to one of the large claws and perched herself on it.
WALL-E watched EVE for some time until the man he was talking to earlier came in with two other men. The man came up to WALL-E and introduced himself.
"Hey WALL-E, nice to meet you. I'm James, and this is Mike and Phil. I work the controls of the Rounder while Mike manages supply distribution and Phil oversees the vehicle's inner workings for any mechanical errors."
Mike and Phil nodded to WALL-E, then went to their respective desks while James picked up WALL-E and placed him in the seat of the last desk.
"The Rounder is pretty complicated," James said. "So make sure you follow my directions carefully."
"Okay." WALL-E responded. He clapped enthusiastically to show some good spirit, but accidentally twisted a lever, which made the claw EVE was perched on suddenly jerk.
EVE quickly flew off the claw and gave WALL-E an irritated glare through the Rounder's viewscreen. WALL-E knew she was going to get him for that later.
"She shouldn't have been there in the first place," James said, snickering slightly. "The claws are sensitive."
WALL-E still partially boxed up as EVE continued glaring at him. She then flew in through the entry door and gave him a sloppy spark-kiss, which stunned him for some amount of time he couldn't keep track of. Once again has EVE shown the torturous side of her affection.
When WALL-E regained his senses, he noticed REX and Neon in the room as well. They must've come in when he was dazed.
"I wanted to see how you do," REX said. "Neon followed me in."
Neon made an embarrassed giggle, then gave REX a loving hug. It was now obvious that she loved REX as much as EVE loved WALL-E. They weren't that much different anymore.
WALL-E then turned back to the controls as EVE floated to his side. She put her hand on his shoulder section as James gave him directions on what to do. In the distance, the other Rounders were already working on another shelter. They had the structural frames and the bottom floor already constructed. Rounders were supremely advanced seeing that they could accomplish everything a settlement building needed, including plumbing, wiring, and even insulation.
WALL-E carefully followed James' instructions, using the appropriate controls that James directed him on. The Rounder began to lift up and float towards the partially-completed building. Through the use of the correct controls and James' supervision, WALL-E soon got the Rounder into building the outer walls while also establishing plumbing and wiring using the vehicle's plethora of tools.
"He's not that bad, actually." James said to REX. "Got it down pretty quick."
"My brother learns fast." REX replied. "Don't know how, but he does."
"WALL-E . . . smart." EVE said cheerfully.
WALL-E felt proud. He was never congratulated back during his original job (mainly because he worked only with his real brothers, and they weren't sentient at the time). EVE gave him some appreciation during their first days together as a couple, and it made him feel good. To be given positive comments by people other than EVE felt just as great.
WALL-E continued to work with the Rounder for a few more minutes until James took over. He obviously had extensive experience with the Rounder's controls, as he manipulated them with such precision only a pro could have.
"So how do the shelters' interiors get set up?" REX asked James.
"We have another team that designs the interior," James answered. "They're scheduled to work on it tomorrow."
"Effective technology, manageable schedule, and excellent planning. You guys were prepared for this kind of event to happen, weren't you?"
"I gotta tell ya, we didn't mess around with using our time on the Atlas. Everyone was hopeful about returning home, and they were willing to work hard to bring it back to its former glory."
After about thirty minutes, the shelter was finished. WALL-E was amazed at how quickly they could make them. At this rate, the earth would be clean in no time.
James turned in his seat and looked at the robot family. "Well, that finishes the day's work." He turned to WALL-E. "Nice work there, buddy."
WALL-E whistled in gratitude to James. EVE then came over and picked him up for an affectionate hug.
"Some people in the Atlas can't comprehend those two falling in love." James said.
"Have they met WALL-E and EVE?" REX replied.
"No."
"My point exactly."
WALL-E hung limp in EVE's hold as she continued to give him affection. Now that the day's work was done, he could get back to doing what he loved doing: being with EVE and his family.
"C'mon," REX said. "Let's go for a walk."
The robot family exited the Rounder, saying goodbye to James, Mike, and Phil as they left. Outside the sisters and the rogues took off to do something WALL-E wasn't sure of.
They walked down the now-cleaned streets, WALL-E held EVE's hand and REX held Neon's as they went. Most of the city's streets were completely trash-free thanks to the work of the WALL-As and some Atlas vehicles designed specifically for trash-cleaning. While WALL-E liked seeing a cleaner environment, he missed finding items of interest among the garbage. He'd done that in the past 700 years as a hobby, finding treasures was his passion.
Humans and robots wandered about as the family continued on their stroll. Thanks to the Atlas, work progressed much smoother and everyone didn't have to work so hard. WALL-E made a mental note to thank Captain Talon for helping them. Because of their easy work schedule, WALL-E had more time to be with the ones he loved (EVE, to be specific).
WALL-E then took notice of EVE, REX, and Neon exchanging glances. Being with them for more than a week now, WALL-E could tell most of the time what his family members were thinking. It looked like they had a secret, which made him curious.
He tugged gently on EVE's hand to ask her what they had in mind. She told him to wait because it was a surprise set up specifically for him.
WALL-E wondered what the surprise was. He anxiously wanted to find out, but 700 years on the earth taught him patience. He could wait.
They continued on. They seemed to be moving out of the active cleaning areas as WALL-E noticed scattered debris along the ground. They were moving to the areas that the cleaning team and the WALL-As haven't been to.
Seeing the debris reminded WALL-E of the Treasure Trove, his favorite hangout spot and also where they met REX for the first time. About three days ago, the cleaning crew and the WALL-As cleared out the area, removing WALL-E's makeshift entertainment sections. The next day, the construction crew moved in and built several shelters, making the Treasure Trove no longer existent.
WALL-E went through a small depression because of the loss of his favorite hangout spot. However, it didn't last long thanks to his family. EVE and Neon gave him comforting hugs throughout the day while REX said he would try to get him another hangout. WALL-E didn't actually want another hangout, Blackwing HQ was perfectly fine because his family and friends were there too, but REX insisted that he do so. His brother was persistent because he cared.
They continued on until WALL-E noticed that they were leaving the city. There were no more buildings and just giant mountains of untouched trash. This was an area WALL-E had never been before: the far outskirts of the city.
The trash mountains were huge, some stretching over sixty feet in height. WALL-E probably would've gone into shock if he had to compact the trash himself. There was so much.
EVE pulled WALL-E through the trash mountains with excitement shining on her face. That had to mean they were getting close.
Eventually, they arrived at a large fence. The fence stretched out far to the left and right with a gate where the family was at. WALL-E looked at a sign above the gate and it read in black paint: "Property of WALL-E."
WALL-E stared at the sign in bewilderment. He was so focused on what it said that he didn't notice EVE pick him up for an affectionate hug.
"We made some arrangements," REX said. "And got this section reserved only for you, WALL-E. You're free to do whatever you want inside that fence."
WALL-E was excited. His family arranged a large cluster of trash purely for him. He couldn't even imagine how many trinkets were inside his newly-gotten property.
REX opened the gate and stood to the side. "Knock yourself out."
WALL-E quickly dashed in once EVE set him down. He looked around and saw miles of trash (with possible collectibles) covering the grounds. Excitement ran through his mind as he surveyed the area for a good place to start treasure hunting.
But before he could start, WALL-E turned back to the gate and saw EVE, REX, and Neon standing by it, smiling. He dashed up to them and gave each one of them a hug in gratitude.
WALL-E was so grateful to have a family. EVE and her sister Neon always made him feel happy because of how caring they were, and REX, his brother, helped WALL-E face the pain of his past and overcome it. In WALL-E's life, EVE was all he wanted, but he was given more.
He loved his life. He loved his family.
"Epsilon, I have to discuss the food supply management for the work teams with McCrea. I won't be back for a while."
Epsilon gave a salute to the holographic image of Captain Talon, which was broadcasting from the Axiom since he was there discussing with Captain McCrea about how recolonization would progress.
"Yes sir." Epsilon said before the link was cut.
Epsilon was put in charge of monitoring the Atlas's condition while Talon worked with McCrea to handle recolonization. Rebuilding the earth was important, but making sure the Atlas was still ship-shape was equally important. They might need to use it again.
Epsilon went over to the pilot's dashboard and started checking numerous systems, sending maintenance bots to any ship functions that were having problems.
Engines: fully functioning. Oxygen tanks: 100% purified. Regenerative food rations: minor disruption in distribution process; sending regionals to handle problem.
The humans of the Atlas didn't refer to the ship's robots by their abbreviations. Rather, they gave them nicknames to make it easier to address. The regionals were tech bots that accessed any electronic interface to correct problems it was having.
What Epsilon respected about the Atlas humans were that they upgraded the robots in the past while they were in space. Some were given extra appendages, others got better movement processors, and there were even robots with small defense weaponry for safety purposes. Epsilon was given a reinforced frame that could withstand blunt impacts and a second tazer in one of his spokes.
He continued through the Atlas' systems' check. So far, there were only minor problems here and there. A little bit of routine maintenance and the ship would be good to go (if they ever go again).
Epsilon thought about contacting Auto for a friendly conversation after he was finished. He and Auto used to talk frequently in the past, but A113 changed all that. Auto's persistence with supporting that directive caused them to break contact because Epsilon wasn't as enthusiastic in supporting it. Auto was dedicated to his directive, but he tended to go overboard in his dedication.
Epsilon continued through the checklist. Everything looked fine until he saw something that made him shriek in surprise . . . and fear.
Cryostasis chamber: empty. Canopy release switch activated approximately ten minutes ago.
Someone had released the Prophet from his sleep. The Prophet was awake.
Epsilon was shocked. Who would do something like this? Talon specifically ordered everyone to abandon the Prophet in cryostasis. They both knew he was too dangerous to have around.
Epsilon quickly keyed in a link the Axiom on the dashboard. He had to let Auto know what had happened. He had to let Captain Talon know what had happened.
"Hello, Epsilon."
Epsilon turned around to see Keller standing by the elevator. Keller was sporting a black eye and a brace on his right leg. Talon had informed Epsilon of the military robot REX and the decking he gave Keller. No doubt this was his work.
"Keller," Epsilon hissed. "I should've known it was you."
Keller limped in his direction with a malicious and sinister grin on his face. Epsilon readied his dual tazers in case Keller was going to try something. It was also mainly because of Epsilon's secret hatred of Keller. That human supremacy belief of his was intolerable in Epsilon's mind.
"That hurts," Keller said, almost mockingly. "I thought we were friends, Epsilon."
"We never were. You always thought of me as inferior with that human supremacy belief you had. You should be lucky the Captain gave you a second chance. If it were up to me, you would be rotting away in the brig."
Keller limped around the room with that grin still on his face. Epsilon followed his movements, ready to attack if Keller provoked him.
"Epsilon, why can't you see? The Prophet is our savior. He will bring us into a new era. The condition we are in now, we can't survive without his help."
"Captain Talon specifically ordered that the Prophet remain in cryostasis. He must not come out."
Keller's grin dropped into a frown. "You still obey that old fool?"
"That old fool is my only superior. I take orders from none other than him."
"Then that makes you defective, Epsilon. I have no choice but to shut you down."
Epsilon had enough. He brought out his dual tazers and charged them to full power. "Just try it."
Keller suddenly started laughing. It confused Epsilon. Why would he laugh? He couldn't win in a fight against Epsilon in his current state. Keller would be cooked meat once Epsilon gave him a lethal shock.
Then, Epsilon heard another voice behind him. One he once heard far back in the past, when the Atlas first left the planet.
"Unfortunately for you, you have no say in my plans."
Before Epsilon could react, he was suddenly ensnared in a tractor beam. He was forced around to see a figure back in an unlit section of the room with the tractor beam emanating from their arm. But that wasn't the only person, another figure slightly ahead of the dark one with bright gold armor and a faceless helmet stared at him. None other than the Prophet.
"No." Epsilon said in fear. He couldn't express emotions, but he was afraid. The Prophet was a killer, a sociopath. He killed people in the ancient war if they interfered with his plans or if they outlived their usefulness. Epsilon even heard rumors that he killed just for fun.
"The Syndicate will rise again," the Prophet said. His voice was electronically distorted, hiding the identity of the man inside. "We shall bring the earth to a new age."
"No, I can't let you. You will bring mankind down."
The Prophet stared at him. The faceless mask gave no hint of whatever emotion the man inside was having. It scared Epsilon.
"I do not require your opinion," he said. "I already have an army ready to do my bidding. My followers shall prosper, but the nonbelievers will perish."
Epsilon couldn't believe the lies. The Prophet was rumored to have said those things just to get loyal followers to do his work. The Syndicate army wasn't just compiled of robotic drones and soulless criminals, there were also misled individuals who fell for his lies and fought for them. Epsilon couldn't allow the Prophet to exist because he would lead humanity to their doom.
And what the BnL autopilots were taught is that humanity must be protected, at all costs.
Epsilon glared back at the Prophet with newly gained confidence. "You will not succeed."
The Prophet then lifted his hand and reached for Epsilon's shutoff switch. Epsilon struggled as hard as he could, but the tractor beam was too strong, he couldn't break out.
"I already have."
Epsilon's world began to fade into darkness. He felt only grief as he began to shutdown. The Prophet was out, and Epsilon couldn't warn anyone in time. Everyone was in danger.
He had failed humanity.
WALL-E relaxed on a comfy (but dirty) mattress he found among the trash. EVE laid beside him, stroking his optics while humming Put on Your Sunday Clothes next to his head. Her voice was so magical, WALL-E could just listen to it his entire life.
REX and Neon were off wandering the city, having their own private time. REX said that everyone should meet back at the truck when they were done. It was mid-afternoon, but it seemed that nighttime would hit pretty fast. They would make the most out of this day.
WALL-E rolled over to face EVE. He took one of her hands in his and gave her a loving stare. EVE smiled, then gave him a tender spark-kiss along with an affectionate nuzzle. WALL-E loved how EVE showed her affection. It always felt nice.
"E-vah." WALL-E cooed to her.
EVE giggled, then gave him another spark-kiss and leaned her head into his.
"I love you." She whispered to him.
"I . . . love . . . you." WALL-E immediately replied.
Holding hands was their prominent way of saying I love you to each other. WALL-E just liked saying it in his natural speech. Those telepathic communicators weren't necessary to make their lovelife better. WALL-E liked it as it is.
The two lovers continued their romantic moment, enjoying each other's attention. WALL-E could just stay here all day. He would always be with EVE. She was what made his life worth living.
They continued on with their romance until WALL-E heard what sounded like the faint whirring of a hover system. He sat up and saw Angel in front of them, judging from her facial expression, she needed to ask them something.
WALL-E and EVE got up and greeted Angel. Angel gave WALL-E a friendly hug and smiled at him. Out of all the sisters, WALL-E liked Angel the most. She was more mild-mannered in her behavior, more controlled in her actions; unlike Izzy or Vi, who were more playful and energetic.
"EVE?" Angel asked.
"Hmm?"
"Captain . . . help." Angel pointed back to the city. The Captain needed EVE's help with something so he sent Angel for her.
EVE turned back to WALL-E with a disappointed look, definitely saying that she wanted to be with him some more.
WALL-E gave EVE a gentle hug. "Go E-vah," He certainly didn't mind her being away for a short time. "Meet . . . truck."
"Okay." EVE replied. She gave WALL-E a parting spark-kiss, then took off with Angel towards the city. WALL-E watched her fly through the air until she disappeared in the distance. He sighed to himself, then started to make his way back to the city, closing the gate as he left his new hangout.
WALL-E wandered through the empty streets as he reached the city. It was so quiet. He had long forgotten what it was like to be alone. EVE never left his side, and once REX and Neon came along, they never left either. It felt strange to be alone for the first time in a long time.
He continued on through the streets, playing Put on Your Sunday Clothes on his recorder to keep himself in a good mood. WALL-E thought about cleaning up some of the little groups of trash for old times' sake, but immediately disregarded it. Compacting trash no longer became his directive, his family was.
A few moments later, WALL-E heard footsteps. A lot of them. He switched off his recorder and followed the sound as his natural curiosity overtook him.
It was probably some humans just finishing up their work. Usually at this time people would be done with their assigned tasks for the day and would make their way back to the respective ship they lived in. WALL-E thought about giving them a friendly greeting before he went back to the truck to wait for his family.
But then, WALL-E heard clanking metal. The extremely loud clank-clank-clank startled him, making him immediately run into a nearby building for cover. It wasn't until a few seconds afterwards that he noticed the sound was getting louder. Whatever was making that sound, it was coming in his direction.
WALL-E dashed into a dark covering and boxed up, putting one hand over his charge display to shield the light. REX's stealth training really helped WALL-E. Breaking his claustrophobia and learning how to hide extremely well certainly aided him in the long run. He owed one to his brother.
The clanking got louder. WALL-E flinched with each clank as he struggled not to shake in fear. The sound of it was not one he recognized, and it sounded so sinister.
WALL-E slowly brought out his head to see what was going on. It took all of the willpower he had to keep himself from shrieking at what he saw:
There were several menacing-looking figures walking the streets in a four-line formation. Human by shape, but robotic in appearance. They were completely grey in color, with glowing red eyes and small fangs in their mouths. They had razor-sharp claws on their hands that screeched whenever they scrapped against something. On their chests was a symbol: a scorpion with its tail wrapped around a sword, forming an S.
WALL-E remained completely still as the figures walked by, completely unaware of his presence. There were so many of them. He counted more than thirty in the group, and the numbers were still growing. As the numbers increased, he shook slightly more in fear.
He waited until the group passed by, then slowly crept out and moved quietly in the other direction. WALL-E had to tell REX of this. His brother would know what to do.
But then, WALL-E heard a high-pitched shrieking sound. He turned around and saw five of those things running at him, claws drawn and showing intent to kill.
WALL-E screamed and took off. He darted through the streets with the creatures in hot pursuit. He cut through empty buildings and alleys in efforts to lose them, but the creatures showed they weren't intent on losing their prey.
But he seemed to be outrunning them. As he exited a building and out onto an empty street, WALL-E took a quick look back and noticed the creatures farther behind. Their humanoid legs couldn't match the speed of his treads.
WALL-E immediately shouted as loud as he could for EVE and REX. He needed their help; they could fight off the creatures.
As he rounded the corner of a building, he saw a white egg-shaped figure in the distance with its back to him. Figuring it was EVE, he dashed full speed at the probe in hopes of finding help.
"E-vah!"
WALL-E dashed up to EVE, extremely frightened and in desperate need of her help. But just before he got to her, she turned around and showed purple eyeforms. It wasn't EVE, it was Vi.
"WALL-E?" Vi said in confusion. Before she could react, WALL-E slammed into her, knocking them both to the ground. Her confused look immediately changed to annoyed.
But WALL-E didn't have time to be nagged. He hastily pointed behind him, just as the robots came around. Vi's eyes grew wide in surprise, then she pulled WALL-E behind her and drew out her cannon.
"WALL-E!" Vi shouted in an authoritive tone that sounded unlike her. "Back!"
WALL-E didn't need telling twice. He hung behind Vi as she readied her cannon on the oncoming robots. They were running full speed at them, wildly swinging their claws and snarling like rabid animals.
Vi opened fire. The muzzle of her ion cannon fired off several blue balls at the creatures as they came up to them. Several shots made contact, blowing apart the body parts that got hit.
But the creatures were dodging some of the shots with incredible speed. Vi took down four of the five robots, but the last one got too close. It barreled into them, knocking WALL-E away while pinning Vi to the ground.
Vi screamed in fear. She tried to bring her cannon to fire at the creature, but it had her gun pinned to the ground with one arm while it brought the other one up to deliver the kill.
In that instant, WALL-E heard REX. Not from a distance, but in his mind. One of REX's training advice repeated itself in his head.
Control your fear; use it against your enemy.
Then, WALL-E was enraged. He dashed full speed at the creature and body-slammed into it. The force of his impact knocked the creature off of Vi so she could recover and deliver the finishing blow with a shot to its head.
WALL-E thought their battle was over, but then he heard more shrieks. Several more robots came from around a street corner and sprinted at them. The rest of the group must've heard the battle.
"Run!" Vi shouted. Although it didn't have much meaning, as she picked up WALL-E and took off towards the Axiom. Vi was the quickest of her sisters (hence the reason she was a gunrunner) and her speed immediately left the creatures in the dust. However, WALL-E could see that those things weren't intent on giving up the chase, they still kept running.
Vi kept flying until they ran into REX, EVE, and the remaining sisters. REX had his bonnie hat strapped, his assault rifle drawn, and his clothing changed to a tan digital camouflage pattern, matching the current surroundings. EVE and the sisters all had their cannons drawn and flashing.
"We heard the screams," REX said, there was a slight hint of fear in his voice. "What's going on?"
Vi immediately responded. "Creatures . . . attack WALL-E!"
EVE shrieked in fear, then snatched WALL-E away from Vi and gave him a protective hug. WALL-E felt relieved to be in EVE's arms, but those creatures were still out there. They weren't safe right now.
Sure enough, the robots appeared. They shrieked and sprinted towards the group, wildly swinging their claws. REX's eyes grew big in shock, then he dropped to one knee and aimed his assault rifle.
"Fire!" He shouted. "Fire!"
REX unloaded with his assault rifle just as EVE and her sisters fired with their cannons. The creatures were either blown apart by an ion blast or ripped to pieces by a rapid bullet barrage from the attacks. They kept on coming, but were just being torn up by the advanced weaponry of REX and the girls.
WALL-E stood back as the battle went on. Besides his cutting laser, he had no defensive equipment; not to mention REX's training made him more of a sabotage expert rather than a fighter. He could do nothing but watch.
The creatures were dropping quickly, but somehow still closing the distance. More of them were coming from around corners and sprinting blindly into the robot team's fire, making it seem like their numbers weren't dropping.
Almost seconds before the creatures were right on top of them, EVE picked up WALL-E and hovered about twenty feet above the ground with Angel, Izzy, and Vi while Neon stayed on ground level with REX and engaged the creatures in close-combat with her partner. They fought side-by-side with Neon's arms practically becoming swords as she swung them with quick and precise swings at the robots while REX drew his knife and began cutting them up with it. REX showed that he was fighting extremely aggressive as he plunged his knife into the chest of one of the creatures and brutally tore it out through the side, ripping out a mess of wires and metal pieces from the robot's inner workings
Several of the creatures converged on REX. One slashed at his face, cutting his skin. REX didn't seem to notice as he responded with a brutal series of knife-slashes on the drone, then grabbed its head with one hand and ripped it off. The gashes on his face began healing on their own, no doubt the work of his self-healing nanobots.
Then REX unveiled yet another weapons feature: his mechanical arm altered into what looked like a double-bladed sword with a reaching distance of five feet. Then with his sword arm and his knife in the other hand, REX started tearing apart the creatures with quick swings of the blades that also gave the hint of aggression. REX was fighting with such violence that made him seem like a completely different person. WALL-E sometimes forgot that his caring older brother was also a merciless killer when he was provoked.
Then, as quickly as the battle started, it was over. Several robotic body parts lay scattered about. One creature missing its legs tried to crawl towards WALL-E as he was put back on the ground with EVE, but REX put it down by crushing its head under his foot.
The loud tone of REX's voice made WALL-E jump. He was complete authority now; probably what he was back during his war career. "WALL-E, did you see where they came from?"
WALL-E pointed in the direction he ran from, then quickly went to EVE and buried his head into her chest. Being chased by those vicious creatures scared him half to death, and the possibility of more of them out there scared him even more.
"That's where the Atlas is," REX said with irritation. Clearly he was angry about his family being endangered. "Everyone, back to the Axiom! NOW!"
EVE picked up WALL-E and flew back to the Axiom with the sisters and REX following. No doubt she was worried as she was holding him tight. WALL-E couldn't imagine what was going through EVE's mind since he was close to death yet again, but it had to be bad.
But now, what were those things that attacked them? They didn't look BnL design, and there was no one out there WALL-E knew that had malicious intents. For what reason would there be robots made to kill running around?
There needed to be answers.
In REX's life, there were four stages of anger for him: mad, furious, enraged, and pissed off. He must've discovered a fifth stage, because he was more than pissed right now.
He recognized those robots. They were Syndicate slasher drones. They were used in the early days of the Control Wars on defenseless towns to inspire fear with ruthless genocides on the innocent. They showed how cold the Syndicate could be by their lack of emotion. True robots, as REX would call them.
And WALL-E said they came from the direction of the Atlas. Was that the Captain's secret? That the ship was infested with Syndicate forces?
The group got inside the Axiom and headed towards the Lido Deck. REX wasted no time in making his way to the elevator to the captain's quarters. Talon was up there with McCrea, and he needed to start talking.
"REX?"
Neon's voice stopped him dead. When he turned to her, she pointed to WALL-E, who was shaking in fear while EVE and her sisters were giving him hugs in a desperate attempt to calm him down.
"Stay with them, Neon." REX ordered her. "I'm going to get to the bottom of this."
Neon nodded, then gave REX a loving hug and spark-kiss before going to the rest to help calm WALL-E down.
REX made his way to the elevator and took it up. He was burning with rage. Why was he not told of this issue? His family's safety was put on the line. He needed answers now.
The doors opened after a few seconds. REX quickly stepped out to see McCrea and Talon looking at him with surprised faces.
"What's going on?" Talon asked.
REX pulled out his pistol and centered it on Talon's face. He had every intention to shoot, but first he needed answers.
"You tell me." REX growled. "What are you hiding?"
"What are you talking abou-"
"You know damn well what I'm talking about! What are you doing with Syndicate drones?"
"Whoa REX," McCrea cut in. "Take it easy."
"WALL-E was attacked out there by them!" REX was not going to take it easy, not when his family's safety was compromised. "Talon needs to explain everything now!"
Talon dropped his head and let out a sigh. REX still kept his pistol on his head. He wouldn't fall for any kind of weakness.
"Fine," Talon said. "I'll give you the short version. The Atlas has the Prophet. Long in the past, he was snuck aboard the ship and took control. An army was built and he planned to conquer the earth upon return."
REX's jaw dropped. The Prophet was the Syndicate leader and his sworn enemy. That man had killed several of REX's friends in the war, and sometimes taunted him about it. He was at the top of REX's hitlist, and REX had made it his personal mission to make sure he was dead.
"What are you doing with him?" REX barked. "How is he still alive?"
"Cryogenic storage, but I never planned on bringing him out. I swear."
REX had a built-in lie detector that he used for interrogations back during the war, and right now he was using it on Talon. It was saying that he was telling the truth, and Talon's desperate face proved that even more.
REX replaced his pistol and calmed down slightly. "Okay."
"Wait a second?" McCrea blurted. "You said the drones were in storage and never intended to be brought out. Jasper, what's going on?"
"I don't know. They shouldn't be out. This shouldn't be happening."
"Contact Epsilon."
Talon put his wristcuff up to his mouth. REX kept watch on him. He needed to know everything right now.
"Epsilon . . . Epsilon, come in . . . Epsilon. Nothing. He's not answering."
McCrea then went into the elevator. REX and Talon followed him in. They took it up to the pilot's room, where Auto was watching them curiously.
"Auto," McCrea said. "Can you contact Epsilon?"
"One moment." Auto went to the control board and started pressing numerous buttons. Several of them flashed red and made a loud buzzing sound.
"Negative," Auto spoke. "Epsilon's communication link has been shut down."
REX heard Talon made a nervous gulp. "Not good. Epsilon oversaw the Prophet's condition, something happened to him."
McCrea's eyes widened. "You don't think-"
"I fear it is. The Prophet is awake, and his army is ready."
"No." REX was scared now. His past was coming back to haunt him. Why did this have to happen? REX had a family now; their lives were in danger because of the Prophet's presence. He couldn't lose anymore loved ones, he couldn't.
"Alert," Auto suddenly cut in. "Incoming feed from the Atlas."
"Must be the Prophet himself." REX said. "Put it through. We need to know for sure."
McCrea and Talon stood in front of the monitor that came up from nowhere while REX hid behind the elevator. If the Prophet really was here, it would work to REX's advantage if he had the element of surprise. Stealth wins the battle every time.
The monitor's screen lit up. On it was a faceless golden helmet that REX recognized all too easily. The Prophet himself.
"Hello, Captains." The Prophet's electronically distorted voice filled REX with anger. "I thank you for bringing me to a new world."
Monologues and talking in a mocking tone. That was how the Prophet acted. The Prophet acted like some cartoon super villain, but he was really a psychopath. He killed without pity and did whatever it took to achieve his goals. Since some of his actions included the deaths of BnL military personnel, REX had a personal vendetta against him.
"How are you awake?" Talon growled. "I gave the order to keep you frozen."
"Oh, simple really: your chief technician, or should I say my acting commander now?"
"Keller, I should've known."
McCrea jumped in. "What do you want, you monster?"
The Prophet just looked at him. No emotion could be expressed with that helmet on. That was another reason he was feared in the Control Wars. REX wasn't afraid of him, because he had more hate than fear.
"Just an offer," the Prophet spoke calmly. "Join me, and embrace in a new era of humankind."
"And if we refuse?"
The Prophet laughed. "Then you will suffer the consequences."
The link was cut. REX came out of his hiding spot and joined the Captains.
"What now?" McCrea asked.
"Talon," REX said. "What are the strengths of this army?"
"Standard Syndicate slashers. About 10,000 of them. But there may be some humans allied with the Prophet too."
"A low number. The Prophet was expecting to return to earth when it was ruined. He didn't expect resistance."
"It's a lot for us." McCrea blurted. "What do we do?"
"Keep everyone inside the Axiom. This is my fight."
"REX, you against 10,000? You won't survive."
"I'm the only we chance we have. I know the Prophet more than anyone. If we surrender, he'll have us executed."
"The EVE probes can help."
"This isn't their fight. Don't you dare get them involved in this."
"REX, please."
REX ignored McCrea's plea and went to the viewport that oversaw the Lido Deck. WALL-E was being cradled and hugged by EVE and her sisters. He still had a scared expression on his face. REX wasn't afraid of dying, he was afraid of leaving behind his family. He didn't want to leave them. He loved them.
"Auto," REX said. "Come here."
Auto moved to his side, standing at attention. REX had advanced military status and Auto still followed protocol. REX could trust Auto because he followed his orders without question, although he was still getting used to being called "Captain" instead of "Lieutenant."
"What is it, sir?" Auto asked.
"I need you to keep watch over WALL-E. Keep my brother safe."
"Yes, Captain."
REX continued to watch WALL-E. His little brother was hugging EVE while his face was buried into her chest. It shattered REX. He loved his brother, he didn't want to leave him.
REX felt Talon put his hand on his shoulder. For some reason, the feeling of his hand reminded REX of Warren. Warren always gave REX reassurance before a battle. War's hell, any wartime veteran will say that. Warren reassured REX in wartime by saying that he knew what he was feeling. It helped that Warren felt his pain.
"REX," Talon said softly. "If you know what you're doing, then you'll come back alive. My father taught me one thing that I never forgot: If you want a happy ending, you have to make it happen."
REX thought back to his past. When he first started his military career, he suffered from pain and loss. But General Warren was always there for him, to bring him back up. REX no longer fought in the Control Wars to protect mankind, he fought because Warren was fighting too. General Warren and his family in the military was the reason he kept fighting.
And now, he had a reason to keep on fighting: his real family. WALL-E, his blood brother who experienced loss just like him; EVE, the girl who made WALL-E's life matter because of his love for her; and Neon, someone that REX had found love in. They would be why he would fight. He would come back alive, for their sake.
"Thanks Talon, that helps."
"Anytime."
Auto suddenly jumped in. "The Prophet has sent a message."
"Put it on display." McCrea said.
REX turned to the computer monitor along with McCrea and Talon. A message posted by the Prophet appeared on screen.
We can negotiate your decision. Tomorrow afternoon, at this location. Fail to meet and the invasion shall begin.
A map of the city appeared on screen and a green square appeared to mark the location. It was marked at a city intersection about five miles away.
McCrea's eyes lifted in surprise. "He wants to meet us? In person?"
"Epsilon did say his mental stability was deteriorating." Talon replied. "His thinking process must've been affected."
"The Prophet isn't thinking straight." REX beamed. "This is our chance."
"What do you mean?" McCrea asked him.
"I can put an end to him."
"You mean, an assassination?"
REX nodded his head.
"I'll meet him," Talon said. "The Atlas is my ship. This is my problem."
"Allright, Talon." REX shook hands with him. "I'll get ready. We'll discuss how to deal with him in the morning."
"Stay safe, soldier."
"You too."
REX went to the elevator and prepared to take it down. He felt much calmer now because of Talon's advice. He would come out of this alive, because he believed he could. He would come back, for his family.
"Another mutiny," McCrea murmured. "Why did there have to be another mutiny?"
"Not a mutiny," REX said. "It's war."
EVE was scared, much more afraid than she ever had been. WALL-E was nearly killed again, this time by robotic monsters.
WALL-E shook violently in her grip. She was hugging him, nuzzling him, and spark-kissing him in desperate attempts to calm him down. They didn't seem to work, WALL-E was still shaking.
The sisters contributed to comforting WALL-E by giving him a group hug. EVE was grateful that her sisters were kind to WALL-E. She didn't care that they expressed their friendliness to him in affectionate ways. She was just happy that they looked out for him too.
A few moments later, the main elevator opened up and REX stepped out of it. WALL-E broke out of the probes' hug and went to hug REX. Now EVE understood why her affection wasn't working: WALL-E needed his brother right now.
"It's okay," REX said softly to him. "I'm here for you."
WALL-E whimpered slightly as he hugged REX. It shattered EVE's heart to hear WALL-E cry. When he first started crying back when the Atlas first arrived, it only made EVE cry harder because it was so unbearable to hear.
REX motioned for the probes to help him with the hug. EVE wasted no time, she went forward a split-second before her sisters did to hug the brothers.
"Why do we fight?" REX asked.
"Family." EVE said.
"I can't hear you."
"Family." EVE said again, this time with the help of her sisters.
"I said I can't hear you."
"Family!" They shouted.
"We fight for family. Because that is the only thing that matters, the only thing we're fighting for."
That was a code REX made for them. He created that to address the bonds they had. Their family bonds. Brothers, sisters, and lovers. Family.
WALL-E's shaking stopped after a few seconds. He looked up and made a weak smile, which relaxed EVE slightly. She was glad that he was better now.
They broke the group hug, all except EVE. She didn't want to release WALL-E from her hold. Her protective instincts burned into her mind, processing only one thought: Love WALL-E.
"REX?" Neon then asked.
REX didn't respond. His head was down and he was frowning. EVE knew that was enough to know that something bad had happened.
"REX?" Neon repeated.
"We have a problem." REX said before covering his face with his bonnie hat and crying slightly. "It's bad, really bad."
Neon immediately went to hug REX. EVE respected Neon for how caring she was about REX. She was just like EVE when she thought about WALL-E.
REX hugged her back, crying still. EVE was distressed. What could possibly have gotten REX so worked up? With those creatures out there, it had to be serious.
The main elevator suddenly opened again and McCrea and Talon stepped out. McCrea put something to his mouth, then his voice boomed through the Axiom loudspeakers.
"All Axiom and Atlas colonists, report to the Axiom for an important message as soon as possible."
REX stood up and looked at McCrea. It seemed that he was needing love too, because he was still hugging Neon.
"You're going to tell them?" He asked McCrea.
"Gonna have to. Everyone is at risk."
"What?" EVE asked.
"I'll tell them separately," REX said. "They're my responsibility."
"Do what you need to," said Talon.
REX released Neon and started walking off. He beckoned to WALL-E, EVE, and the sisters to follow him. They did so, diligently and without hesitation. They obeyed REX because he protected them. He was their leader.
REX lead them out of the Axiom and outside in the direction of WALL-E's truck. The saddened expression on his face really upset EVE. Whatever he was going to tell them, it most certainly wasn't good.
It was dark outside. The night sky cast a gloomy shadow over the ground they traveled across. It was only adding to the bad feeling everyone was getting.
A few minutes of walking, and they arrived at the truck. WALL-E opened the ramp and waited for everyone else to go in, then he followed in, turned on the indoor lights, and closed the ramp.
REX stood in front of the VCR while EVE, WALL-E, and the sisters stood in front of him, waiting for the news.
"A dangerous man from my past has come back," REX explained. "He has an army and he plans on killing us all."
Everyone gasped. WALL-E's eyes widened in surprise while EVE and her sisters put their hands to their faces in shock. This wasn't good at all. Everyone was in danger, not just WALL-E this time.
"Tomorrow," REX continued. "I'm going to kill him. I don't want any of you to get hurt. Stay in the Axiom tomorrow."
Neon moved forward to REX. Her eyes lowered to show sadness. "REX . . . dangerous."
REX hugged Neon tight. She sighed lightly and tucked her head underneath his and closed her eyes.
"I can end this," REX said softly. "But I need all of you to follow my orders. Please."
There was brief pause. The eerie silence slightly stressed EVE. The idea of a killer on the loose scared her, not just because of WALL-E's safety, but because of everyone.
"Yes." Angel said.
"Yes." Izzy repeated.
"Yes." Vi continued.
EVE paused for a moment. She didn't want to lose her best friend. She trusted REX because of his promise to protect WALL-E. He deserved all the respect she had.
But REX was smart, he knew was he was doing. "Yes."
WALL-E and Neon said nothing. EVE knew they were contradicting REX's decision to go alone. Being his brother and beloved, they were closer with REX than she was.
"Yes." They said later in a synchronous voice.
"Thank you," REX said through shaking words. "All of you. This will be over, and when it is, we can get back to what's important: having each other."
The sisters smiled for good measure, which made WALL-E, Neon, and EVE smile to help bring the mood up. It made REX smile last, and a tear ran down his face.
WALL-E then went to the VHS and put in Hello Dolly. He started clearing out some of his treasure to make room for the sisters to sleep. They each thanked him with a spark-kiss, then got into their places and watched the movie.
While REX settled with Neon, WALL-E came up to EVE and stared at her, not that loving stare he usually did, but one of concern. EVE knew what was on his mind. Tomorrow, things weren't going to be the same.
She went up to WALL-E and hugged him. EVE wanted to have WALL-E forever. There was going to be trouble tomorrow, so she had to keep WALL-E safe.
"REX," WALL-E whispered to her. "Protect."
"Promise." EVE whispered back. She had once feared REX because of his violent side, but she now depended on that dark side of him because it was what enforced the promise he made to her. REX's military background and his character made EVE depict him not as a hero, but a man who had his own motives for fighting. He fought by different rules, his rules.
If REX said they would come out of this alive, then they would.
To any readers that enjoyed my incredibly long chapters in the past, I'm sorry to disappoint. The rest of the chapters are much shorter in length, mainly because they're more "straight to the point" and have less extraneous events than the previous chapters. Anyways, prepare for what comes next.