Thomas, Dr. D and Luna were overjoyed to see Fiona and Van were both safe and sound. Fiona helped Van lay down after everything that had happened to him. Yet before anyone else could rest, Fiona had dire news to present them, the return of the Death Stinger and Death Saurer, also, "…The Decepticons also have two Zoids that were never deployed by the ancient Zoidians. They are Mad Thunder and King Gojulas."

Nichalo and Dusk seemed to be the most worried of the group. "Mother never mentioned these Zoids. And you said they were built to combat the original Death Saurer?"

"Yes, just like the two ancient scorpion Zoids who were fused together by Hiltz to create the Death Stinger, the ancient Zoidians tried many different tactics to halt the Death Saurer's rampage. Other than what I remember, these Zoids never saw battle because the Death Saurer destroyed them before they were complete. The Decepticons did show off a scientist that they called a facsimile construct. A bio-technological organisms grown in fusion tubes they said."

The Autobots didn't seem sure what that was either. "They sound like clones created by the Cons to be their eyes and fingers to places where they couldn't go."

Vibes turned to Firestar, "How long ago did you all land on the planet again?"

"Scrap, after we started that shut down routine and deactivated the beacon we sorta lost track of time and just asked the Zoids we rescued to bring us back online if we had to start moving again or if they were going to leave us. The Houndsoldier is the oldest one still with us, but he's far from the first Zoid we encountered."

Shepard didn't like this. "If the Decepticons had these clones, why did they need Fiona at all?"

"Suspect genetic discrepancies." Mordin had gotten scans of Dan, Dusk and Nichalo, recently getting one of Fiona as well. "Bioengineered organisms must be altered to serve Decepticons, yet remain organic enough to blend with populace. Might be minor, might be major. But discrepancy enough that Zoids don't register as Zoidians. Worth only for their infiltration purposes, nothing more."

Fiona had to agree, "When the scientist appeared before me, he didn't alive. Although it might have something to do with our surroundings. They also mentioned something about altering the CNA of the Zoids."

That was something the Autobots knew, though how this could relate to the Zoids seemed to be the mystery now. Skids looked down to the Organoids now, "CNA, also known by Cybertronians as cybernucleic acid, is comparable to organic DNA. I would assume that the Zoids must have their own type of CNA that could be manipulated somehow…"

Dr. D pointed to Skids, "Zoid cores! They're talking about the Zoid cores!"

Dusk turned to Nichalo, "That would explain why these Zoids felt so strange. Their cores have been altered."

Whirl quickly interrupted this little chat, "Now moving on to the good questions. When do we go to their base and blast them to the pits? I'm dying to make them dead."

Luna couldn't hold back her yawn any longer, "Look fight happy, we're tired and we don't even know where their base is."

"Sure we do," Whirl looked up, "We've got two rocks sitting pretty right above us. We got a 50/50 chance of wiping them out if we blow up one moon."

Skids stopped Whirl, "The ecological ramifications for this planet from such a radical change could be drastic!"

"So we just make sure we hit the right one on the first try."

Roadbuster punched Whirl out of the tent, "Now that we can talk, I do agree about one thing though. If not underwater, then the Cons are hold up on one of the moons."

Thomas quickly retorted, "Not to rain on our plan of attack, but most Zoids aren't rated to fight in zero-g environments, and most of our Zoids only have a limited oxygen supplies used for emergencies like being dragged into an aquatic battle, not for a prolonged assault."

"There base had sufficient oxygen inside," Fiona looked up to Vibes, "But I doubt they would be too concerned with any breaches."

"Beyond the initial suction and pockets of gravitational displacement, no they wouldn't have anything to fear. And I'm sure their Zoids are capable warriors without pilots too." Vibes however had other concerns, "We're now on borrowed timed until those Zoids are ready to unleash their destruction here…"

Shepard could see this wasn't something that was helping them. "We've been through a lot already, we'll worry about what's next in the morning when we're not so tired."

Vera started to walk toward the exit, "Agreed, Commander. None of us will be useful without our wit about us." Dr. D though returned to the Zoids to finish the adjustments on the ones repaired by Firestar and Nautica.

The next day, Dr. D was stretching out from a late night of work. Dr. D had a pot full of coffee with him now as he drank most of it in one go. "Nothing like a good night full of work to keep ya going. Thanks for the help last night!"

Nautica seemed happy, "We Cybertronians don't really need to sleep or rest as long or regularly as you humans. We shut down to stay hidden mostly. Beside, being able to help our friends even more was worth it. Isn't that right, Legion?"

"Affirmative."

EDI was looking to the Zoids they had worked on. "I am concerned however regarding the compatibility between Zoid and pilot. As you have mentioned, Dr. D, a Zoid and its pilot require a certain level of synchronization in order to bring out their full potential."

"That I did, EDI. Which is why I was poking through the Zoids' combat data. I've also managed to pull a few strings to bring us a few Zoids and attachments for your group. They should all be arriving later today. Though I do have two that are available to give some of your friends now."

"You are well connected for a retired military researcher."

Dr. D started to pat EDI's back, "That's what you get when working with a knowledgeable scientist with friends in very high places!" He couldn't help but laugh aloud now, though he had to stop himself when he started to cough a bit.

Vibes walked out of the Xantium, "What has you all active this early?"

Nautica smiled, "Technically we never powered down for the night."

"I didn't either." Vibes noticed Legion and EDI was with them as well. "Working on the Zoids? Need an extra hand on that?"

"No. We have just finished with adjustment. Dr. D was about to bring out Zoids more appropriate for some of the crew."

"That includes you my geth friend." Dr. D smiled to Legion, "EDI's told me you're quite an excellent shooter. I've been working on a few new Zoid design, though one of them could use your uniqueness."

While Dr. D was busy getting something, the others were still getting used to the new hours on the planet. James found Dr. D's coffee maker already full of coffee. "Nothing like a good cuppa joe to get the morning started."

"Ah, Mr. Vega wait…!"

Vera was a little too late when he downed some of his cup before spitting it all out. "What's wrong with this coffee?"

Luna already had a second cup to hand to James, "That's D's blend of coffee. With salt. Lots of salt."

"Salt?" Everyone getting coffee looked to Luna thinking she was joking.

Vera already got herself one of the other cups, "No one really can explain why Dr. D has such a strange taste."

"Besides the old doc, we only know of two other people who can stand the stuff."

Dan was yawning as he dazedly walked through and poured himself a cup from D's blend. James was about to warn him about the stuff, but Dan looked too tired to even hear him as Dan drank some. "Ah, coffee…good…"

Luna smiled, "Him and his mom are those two."

Shepard turned to Vera, "So, what do you think Dr. D has up his sleeve?"

"Best guess, a new Zoid or weapon we might be able to use against the Decepticons and the Death Saurer."

"Is the Death Saurer really that much of a threat?"

"My father, Dr. D, General Flyheight, Colonel Schubaltz and Mrs. Fiona were there during the second Death Saurer battle. Using a gravity weapon that should have destroyed it, the Death Saurer not only survived but used that weapon to attack several cities across the planet with a single shot of its Charged Particle Gun."

Shepard noticed what Vera said, "Second battle? So it managed to survive the first assault?"

"No, there were two Death Saurers. The second battled was against the original Death Saurer frame that nearly destroyed Zi, reawaken a few years after the first battle in Guylos, the Imperial capital. The first was a clone grown by an insane man named Prozen fought in a combined assault by the Republic and Empire. It was a disgraceful period for the Empire. Both were destroyed thanks to General Flyheight and his Blade Liger."

Luna finished her cup, "Yeah, from how dad used to talk about it, if Van wasn't around the whole planet would have been dust. Though I don't think he'll be making that third miracle save any time soon. He wasn't looking all that hot this morning. Speak of the devil…"

Van was trying to reassure Fiona, "…I'm fine. I just need to get something in me, and I'll be back to…"

He almost tripped while talking with her, though fortunately she caught him. "You're pushing yourself too hard, again. They strapped you in that machine the entire time. Your body needs to rest."

Shepard had concerns with that news. "What kind of machine are we talking about?"

"I…don't remember much after that helicopter Decepticon captured me, but I felt like I was fighting a massive army to try and save Fiona."

Garrus quickly speculated, "A simulator, perhaps? They were probably using that to run through possible scenarios they might be up against when they attack in full force."

"I'm not so sure…" Tali was looking through something on her omni-tool, "Dr. D mentioned the Zoids develop with each battle. Maybe they were using those simulations to somehow hasten the growth of their army of Zoids and give the yahg pilots more practice."

Rago'Za didn't seem to like that idea, "Unfortunately that's the most likely scenario. As much as I despised the yahg personally, I cannot deny their abilities. Not only are those fiends physically strong but they are all very intelligent and incredibly fast learners. I've witnessed firsthand an individual yahg memorizing and adapting to enemy tactics after watching it thoroughly once. If they are using Van's combat data, then they will quickly and easily overpower him and anyone who fights in his style or uses the Zoids he was in the simulation."

Vera smiled, "Fortunately for Lieutenant Flyheight he doesn't fight like his father when piloting the Blade Liger. And Zeke helps in combat more than just as a boost in power."

"Careful V, he might actually hear you praise him more than your usual yearly quota allows."

"And I don't think you've whored yourself with as many men as you usually do in a day…" The two women were now shooting daggers at each other until Thomas cut in. Vera quickly saluted, "Colonel!"

"Just calm down, niece. We're all just a bit on edge with this news." Thomas turned to Van, "Van, I think you should leave the rest to us. In your condition you have no chance of piloting the Liger or fighting against this new enemy. That and, you're death would upset Mrs. Fiona."

Fiona hugged Van, "Thank you, Thomas."

He quickly turned away, burying his face into his arm so they couldn't see him crying, "D-don't mention it…"

Dan whispered to Shepard, "Dad said he's had that crush on my mom ever since they first meet."

"Alright, Thomas. I suppose I'd only be a hindrance against an enemy like that. But if I'm not joining you guys on the ground, I will at least help you with strategies and things."

Kasumi suddenly popped in, "So, when is D going to show us that present he promised?"

There was a roar from one of the Zoids that sounded like a raptor, though when everyone got outside to see, it wasn't from one of the Rev Raptors. This was a completely different raptor in design. The body was mostly a light blue body with the limbs white and the tail, claws and canopy black. The tail was obviously a rifle of some sort though there didn't seem to be much else on this Zoid. The canopy on this Zoid even came with a spike that pointed back toward the gun.

When it opened it was revealed to be piloted by Dr. D himself. "Meet one of my latest developments. The Snipe Master! A truly specialized sniper Zoid."

Van and Thomas both seemed impressed. "I'm assuming you've made improvements from the Gun Sniper's design?"

"Yep. Whereas the pilot has to lock the Zoid down and shift into sniping position to utilize the sniper rifle the Snipe Master eliminates the need to transition and has a separate cockpit from the pilot."

Garrus was rather interested however. "What kind of position are we talking about, when it comes to using the sniper rifle?"

Thomas was looking at what could assumedly be the sniper pod on the back, "It's probably the prone position, just like the Gun Sniper."

"Damn, well that means I won't be using either Zoid." Garrus knocked on his armor, "Turians aren't exactly built to lay down like that in combat armor. Also, those cockpits are a little cramp around my back."

Luna brought the conversation back to the Snipe Master, "That would mean you need a pilot and a gunner to even use this thing to its full potential. There's gotta be a lot of trust between the guy piloting and the guy shooting."

"Agreed. However," Dr. D turned to Legion, "I do believe our mechanical friend here is more than capable of controlling both. Even if we don't have two pilots, this will prove useful for gathering data on its potential usage."

Legion started to scan the Zoid, compiling his own analysis. "It is possible to use my targeting and combat programs to remotely operate the rifle from the cockpit. However such a situation poses many risks. Direct data link with the Zoid will be required. During this period damage to the Zoid's systems could have negative effects on my systems. Without additional armaments, the Zoid's usage will also be limited to long-range combat only."

"Which is why I've also been developed these systems." Luna's Gustav drove up from the lab pulling two sets of parts on its trailers.

"Hey, I should be charging you for using my baby!"

"Oh I wouldn't do that. After all, those parts on your Command Wolf have been missing in the Republic's testing inventory for some time. It'd be a shame to alert them as to who has them now."

"You blackmailing bastard!"

Vera stopped her, "That's enough. Now, Dr. D what do these components do for the Snipe Master."

Dr. D moved to the first bed, "These are the flexible boosters, and as the name implies, these will not only boost the Snipe Master's already impressive speed and mobility but they also come attached with a pair of 40mm beam cannons for midrange combat." Dr. D then moved to the next bed, "This is what I like to call the active shield unit. This boasts movable defense panels that can cover most of the Zoid's body from fire though if that should fail there's the two shield generators that projects around the Zoid in two hemispherical shields. This attachment also carries smaller 30mm beam cannons along with a triple-barreled 20mm cannons. I also threw in a pair of strike tonfa for anything capable of getting too close."

Legion was scanning the two sets of components now, looking up to the Zoid. "The active shield unit would provide more options during engagement. Defensively and offensively." Legion climbed into the Snipe Master to follow the Gustav to get the parts acclimated onto the Zoid.

Garrus walked up to Dr. D, "Are there any other Zoids that uses a sniper rifle that doesn't require the shooter to lay down in?"

"I might have something just for you my reptilian friend." Dr. D then ran off into his lab, leaving them to wonder what other Zoids Dr. D had hidden in his lab.

Whirl pointed to Sky-Byte, "As long as the next one has a spine, unlike finbot over here I think we can manage."

"What was that?"

Whirl pushed his head against Sky-Byte's, "You heard me, barnacle breath. You were useless and cowering while the rest of us tangled with the DJD. Other than finding these wrecks, and saving the skidplates of three Autobots, what have you done?"

Sky-Byte backed off a bit, though he wasn't completely backing down. "You listen to me, Autobot. If the DJD spotted me, then we would have been in more trouble. Their job is to hunt down traitors and deserters, torture them and put them out of their misery when they're finished. And anyone who stands between them and a mark becomes a smear on the ground. I wouldn't have been much use if they decided I was their next hit."

Whirl wasn't going to stop. "Right, and you wouldn't have been a…"

Shepard called out, "Lay off him. He might be right. They were trying to play up the act that the Autobots were villainous. Even so, they weren't pushovers and probably had to hold off using their more brutal tactics."

Vibes had to agree with Shepard, though she was dividing the two bots, "Enough. What matters now is we're all working together for the sake of this planet."

Dropshot looked up to the sky now, "So we getting any more reinforcements, or are we this planet's last line of defense?"

"No worries about that," Dragonblade rested his hand on Dropshot's shoulder, "I sent an encrypted message to my sister. She and a few of the others should be coming in the next solar cycle or so. I also told them to be careful with their approach if they pass the moons."

They were interrupted by a powerful roar followed by small tremors. To their shock they were seeing a massive blue and white Zoid that looked more like Grimlock's Tyrannosaur form with two rows of spines going down its back and tail. The Zoid then stood up right, standing taller than even Roadbuster before roaring again at the group.

Grunt was grinning, "Mine…"

Dr. D popped out of the cockpit before sliding down the massive Zoid's back. "This is also the first of its kind. Meet the Gojulas Giga. As the name implies, this is an improved model of the Gojulas. Not only does the Giga have stronger armor, but the jaw and tail are capable of crushing most opponents. As an added bonus for destructive capabilities, the tail has a pair of laser blades to cut through nearly any armor."

That seemed to wake Dan up now. "That's a monster… Gojulas are tough to bring down alone, how is this better than them?"

"I'm glad you asked. The Gojulas and the Mk II always lacked in speed and maneuverability mostly due to their massive size and weight distribution. The Gojulas Giga no longer suffers these problems. As you witnessed earlier the Giga can shift between two postures, pursuit mode and battle mode. The position it currently stands in, and is more reminiscent to its predecessors, is the battle mode. While in pursuit mode we've estimated that it capable of doubling its speed and is far more maneuverable. And as an added precaution, we created a prototype energy shield that encompasses the entire Zoid in a protective dome."

Van didn't seem as convinced about these 'improvements'. "I'm noticing a lack of any ranged weaponry on the big guy. Did you focus solo on close-quarters combat?"

Grunt scoffed, "With armor as thick as that, and teeth like those, who needs a gun?"

Dr. D seemed to like the enthusiasm behind the young krogan, "While true the Giga is more than capable of closing the gap between it and an opponent using pursuit mode and still delivering the winning blow, but the Giga is capable of being armed with the cannons of its predecessor as well. I've also arranged for a set to be delivered to us." Grunt was trying not to drool now, only because he wanted to throw himself into the seat of this bad boy and crush a few things. "However I must warn you, there is one built in ranged weapon and must only be used as a last resort, the 32 Shot Zoid Core Cannon. This weapon is so energy demanding it has to draw power on the Zoid Core and is channeled through the spines all along the Giga's back, raining the energy around you. The stress on the Zoid core is so strenuous the Zoid must anchor itself during the ordeal, leaving both you and the Zoid completely vulnerable even during the attack."

Grunt huffed, "Like I'd need to use that. If it's as fast as you claim, and that cannon you're getting for us, I think I can manage."

"No fooling." Garrus vouching for Grunt, "This crazy krogan not only fought a thresher maw on foot with just a shotgun, he killed it," overlooking the fact that Grunt was fighting with Shepard and him on the ground.

"An impressive feat," Vibes noted. "The data from the codex you provided us when we first met Shepard suggest these Thresher Maws could easily destroy or consume a Cybertronian, if caught unaware."

Garrus was still waiting for that other sniper Zoid. "So, doctor, you said you had something in mind for someone like me?"

"I do. Unfortunately it's at another lab. I requested for it to be transferred here and won't get here until two days from now."

"Figures…"

Tali was more interested in the Giga's shield. "…the Rev Raptor is not too dissimilar in purpose though survivability is the real difference…"

Dr. D noticed her mumbling. "We do have a few spare components for shield generators you could take a look at."

Vera knew better than to assume Dr. D just happen to have these components available. "So which Zoid's weapon were you testing against all of those shields?"

Dr. D smiled, "Always the clever one, like your father. Originally I was trying to calibrate a new set of special anti-shield rounds for the Snipe Master, for law enforcement purposes. However with the news of a new Death Stinger I had to readjust my calculations, testing on the small scale first."

Thomas seemed hopeful, "So you're saying that the Death Stinger's shield will no longer be an issue as long as we have the Snipe Master's sniper rounds?"

"Yes and no. These round should penetrate the Death Stinger's shield, but with the modifications mentioned by Fiona, I'm not entirely certain they'll be tough enough. And even if they penetrate the shield, the armor will be another matter altogether. I'm a genius but even I can't anticipate every curveball possibility."

"No, that's what the living probability computer is for." Whirl looked around, "Speaking of, where is that mopey bot?"

Vibes looked out to the dunes, "I asked Skids and Riptide to patrol around the perimeter with Nichalo and Dusk. The pair didn't seem all that comfortable just staying still with everything that we're about to face."

Ash then joked, "Which, the bots or the kids?"

"Both…"

A/N: I know King Gojulas is supposed to be a product of design evolution from the Gojulas line, however I can't believe the Zoidians would have put all of their faith into the hope that two Scorpion-Type Zoids or unknown strength were able to temporarily subdue the Death Saurer. But Mad Thunder on the other hand was built specifically to kill Death Saurer. I'm sure Dr. D could have designed Mad Thunder if he thought another Death Saurer was constructed, but I find the idea that the Zoidians attempting to construct it and losing the design sounded more appropriate for the Zoid.