Reticence Saga
The Aliens Within
Chapter 14: Diamonds are Forever
As the Skyraid III started its return to the Novus Star, Matt asked, "Ok, does everyone know our plan for dealing with a savage and bad-tempered Kai?"
"Shameless groveling for mercy," said Skurd dryly.
"Don't worry, I have a plan," said NegaMorph. As soon as the door opened, NegaMorph shouted, "It wasn't my fault! I told them you should have been brought along but they didn't listen! Do whatever you want to them but spare me!"
Matt glared before blasting NegaMorph. "Silence, traitor!" he snapped before turning to Kai, "I told them to bring-" before he was sonic howled back up the ramp.
"Kai, I can explain..." started Ben before Kai snarled at him.
Kala stepped out and probably gave a very reasonable explanation that got lost in the translation. However, her presence did have a desirable effect: Kai squealing, picking her up, and saying, "Omigosh, she is so cute! Where did you get her?"
"That's my girlfriend," said Matt in a muffled voice, muffled as a crate was stuck over his head.
Kai paused before looking more closely at Kala, who had a rather irked look on her face. "I thought she was taller than this," said Kai.
"Yeah, she got cured of her nanite problems, but that also voided her humanity membership card," said Techo.
Kala glared before saying something in tantalog that made NegaMorph look shocked, "Kala, take that back."
"So do I need to keep sticking around here or what?" asked Elena.
Kai glared and asked, "What's she doing here?"
"She is helping us find the Anur mirror, as well as being protected from the nanochip Regent," said Rook.
"Of course, if she tries anything, I'll shoot her," said Matt cheerfully.
"You do realize she's a notorious thief, right?" asked Kai, "The kind that'll remove everything valuable as soon as you turn your back."
"She can try. Has Mina been any trouble?" asked Matt.
"Uh...she's kinda locked herself in the bar," said Kai.
"What? Why would she...oh God, we gotta stop her," snapped Matt.
"Can we stop her?" asked NegaMorph.
...
A simple override opened the door to the bar, though Matt ended up being sent flying from one of the many kr'ta bottles. "Mina, you've had too much, far too much," said Matt.
"Hey...godfatheeeer...hic," said Mina, her eyes looking in different directions, said eyes red.
"Lumina, who told you that you were allowed to drink?" demanded Matt.
"Aunt Chloe did, the fun Aunt Chloe," hicced Mina.
"The fun aunt Chloe was a fake, a chaos spirit," said Matt pointedly.
"The real Aunt Chloe was a partypooper," said Mina.
"The real aunt Chloe is trapped on a DARKRIFT penal planet," snapped Matt angrily, losing his temper.
"And why haven't we gone there yet?" asked Mina, "Why are we stuck here with nothing to do but get, hic, drunk?"
"Because we need to stop that revenite, get his mirror, and cure Kai...the Kai that's not in Kala's head," said Matt.
"Aunt Kala's better?" asked Mina.
"In a manner of speaking," said NegaMorph as he held up Kala.
Mina took one look at Kala before she started laughing her head off. "Aunt Kala's a koala!" she laughed.
Kala growled at that before extending her extra arms and lunging at Mina, clamping over her face and repeatedly hitting.
"Well, I can see that this problem is sorting itself out," said Matt cheerfully, "Now let's start looking for that revenite ship."
On cue, the alarm began to ring. "Warning...revenite jump signature detected off starboard," said the computer.
"Wow, that was quick," said NegaMorph.
...
Matt and NegaMorph, followed by the still dazed Mina and an angry Kala walked onto the bridge, emergency lighting on and crew running between stations, a small revenite ship visible on the screen. "Erm...that's not a dreadnought," said Matt.
"It looks more like an escape pod," said Rook.
"Bring it into dock 6. I'm going down personally," said Matt darkly.
Kala said something in protest. "She said 'Don't do anything reckless'," said NegaMorph.
"I'll be going there with a solarite cannon," said Matt, stepping into the lift.
...
The pod sat, literally in the bay, a squad of security troopers aimed at it as Matt walked in. "Anything?" he asked the squad leader
"Nothing yet, it could be that whoever's inside is in stasis or unconscious," said a trooper.
"Or playing possum," said Matt darkly.
With that, he aimed his solarite cannon at the ship and fired, the pod shaking from the blast. "Come out or the next shot's an anti-tank round," he called.
A little while later, the pod gave a hiss as it started to open up. Immediately, the troopers aimed at the opening hatch. Matt also aimed, and was surprised when the Archon, bleeding from various wounds staggered out. "Parley," he managed before falling down.
"Do those wounds look self-inflicted?" asked Matt.
A tech slowly backed up and took a look. "Not a chance...looks like a sonic blast," he said.
"Hmm...well, he's got a lot to answer for and questions to answer. Take him to the medbay, heaviest guard possible," said Matt.
"Yes, sir, we'll call you once he's awake," said the squad leader, two of his men, picking up the Archon and dragging him away.
...
Having your face assaulted by a disgruntled genetic experiment is quite sobering. Knowing that the person who is the source of the majority of your 'family's' current problems is in a defenseless state and in captivity is VERY sobering. Or at least makes you sober enough to direct your blind rage at.
The medical drone looked over as Mina waked into the medical bay. "Ma'am, is there a problem?" it asked.
"Yeah, we have that guy on life support when he should be getting the death penalty!" snapped Mina.
"The commander wishes to question him," said the drone calmly.
"Then he can rip out his brain and get the info he wants from it," snapped Mina.
"Miss Lumina, you are acting enraged. Would you like-" began the drone before Mina pushed it aside.
"I'll deal with him myself," snapped Mina.
"That is not per-" began the drone before a scythe shaped from shadows sliced it in half. Mina barely noticed what she did as she advanced on the door.
The Archon stirred at that, looking over. "Well, well, a Shar...of all the things..." he said quietly, smirking coldly.
"Damn right I am," said Mina as her claws extended into shadows.
"Interesting, the files I dug up said that Mr. Lynch kills Shar-Virk for a living," said the Archon smugly.
"I am not a Shar-Virk!" snapped Mina.
"Really? About to commit cold blooded murder? And call it justice?" said the Archon evilly.
"Don't tell me you don't deserve being killed for what you've done," said Mina.
"Some would say I do, but the reasonable ones would say I also deserve fair trial, to give me a change to validate my actions."
"Like you ever could," said Mina dismissively.
"I know I cannot. The NSC murdered my entire race down the last hatchling. You think they will let anyone know where they got their nanotech technological leap?" sneered the Archon.
"From the Ancients of course," said Mina.
"Not their medical nanites. They managed to reverse engineer a small batch, but they couldn't mass produce it. And then along we came...and those animals came for us, provoked us, then swarmed us like draki beetles when we retaliated," said the Archon in an old voice.
"You're alien vampires, you conquer other planets for a living, there couldn't have been that much provocation required," said Mina.
"And the Shar-Virk wiped out their own leaders. Murdering me will just make you as bad as me," laughed the Archon.
Mina paused and said in genuine confusion, "Uh, I cannot see any real reason for me killing you would make me as bad as you. If it's because you're helpless right now, it's because you're only vulnerable to be killed while you're in this state."
"Of course, because murdering someone on a medical bed is so good on the resume. Your parents will be so proud," laughed the Archon.
"What, do I have to drag you out to the training room and kill you there?" snapped Mina.
"Why not ask your godfather?" sneered the Archon, nodding to behind Mina.
Mina turned around to see with a disapproving look on his face. "Oh don't tell me you weren't thinking of driving a stake into this guy too," said Mina.
"No, the alarm went off in security. There's cameras everywhere," said Matt in a cold voice, hand on his blaster, "Step away from the prisoner."
Mina could hear a tiny little voice whispering in her head, "You don't have to take orders from him. You're superior. If you back down to him, you'll have to back down to everyone. This is your chance to exert your dominance." Mina wasn't quite sure where these thoughts were coming from, but she didn't want to listen to them. "Fine..." she grumbled in a disappointed tone.
"Ok, Chris, take her to her quarters and leave her there," Matt said coldly, an equally angry-looking Chris coming in behind Matt with NegaMorph not far behind.
"Yes sir," said Chris before taking Mina's arm and leading her away.
"He deserves to die," snapped Mina, pulling against Chris's grip.
"Yes he does, but we need to get his information first," snapped Matt, "If you're to going to keep 'kill them now' as your first option, you're not going to get very high up in this organization."
"No, no information's worth him living," snapped Mina, her eyes slowly turning red
"Enough!" snapped Matt, "If you won't calm down, I'll just make you calm down. Chris, give her enough tranquilizer to keep her in Happyland for 48 hours."
Mina snarled at that before letting loose a blast that knocked everyone over. "NO! HOW DARE YOU?" she snapped.
"I dare because I am the captain, your godfather, and because you are having a temper tantrum that's getting out of control," said Matt.
Mina glared and lunged at Matt, only for Matt to spin to the side and crack her across the back of the head. Mina glared and snapped, "You will pay for-OW!" She jumped a bit in the air before turning to see that three quills were sticking out of her butt.
"One two-day pass to Happyland as requested," said Morph as he waddled in, his tail shrinking back down at losing the spines it had before.
Mina stared before glaring. "You'll pay for-duuuuuuh…" she said, her face turning goofy.
The Archon lifted an eyebrow and said, "What have you injected into her?"
"Oh, a little neurotoxin that makes 99% silly," said Morph.
"Fascinating...your creator must be a genius," said the Archon calmly.
"An evil genius," said Morph proudly.
"I suppose so," said the Archon before his hand shot out and grabbed Matt's wrist. "I would be careful. My people know alot about the Atlantean folly into nano-biotechnology, their 'Shars'. She has all the signs. Lock her up or kill her. She'll do the same to you eventually," he warned.
"We were on our way to take care of that problem until your bloody mirror put us on one hell of a sidetrip," said Matt.
"Your computer decided to rob my life's work. I was more than within my right to deal out a penalty," said the Archon loftily.
"Well your little penalty's snowballed out of control, hasn't it?" snapped Matt.
"Oh, I am sorry, I'll try to be more convenient to a grave robber," sneered the Archon.
"Ladies, can you put a raincheck on your bickering until a point where somebody cares?" asked NegaMorph.
The Archon turned to glare at NegaMorph. "Fine, the mirror is damaged. my...hijackers will want it, but they will need a very specific crystalline relay to bring it up to usability. There is only one local planet in the region capable," he said.
"And what planet would that be?" asked Matt.
Before the Archon could answer, Matt's comm beeped and a voice said, "Captain, we have a ship hailing us, looking for Ben apparently."
"Tell em to take a number. What planet, bat boy?" snapped Matt.
"Petropia," said the Archon.
"Uh, wasn't that one of the planets that Vilgax blew up a couple years ago?" asked NegaMorph.
"Survivors found a suitable planet to colonize. It's indistinguishable from their old homeworld now," said the Archon before the com came back.
"Sir, that ship's getting insistent," said the techie.
"Alright, alright, fine," snapped Matt before stomping out and muttering, "Can't get a moment to myself." He paused when he saw Mina apparently trying to eat a microscope and Chris trying to stop her from doing so. "On second thought…" he muttered, turning on the com. "I'm busy, make it quick," he snapped.
"Captain Lynch, I need Ben Tennyson urgently," said a deep voice.
"Ok, and who's needing him?" asked Matt
"Tetrax Shard of Petropia," said the voice.
"Well, speak of the devil. We were about to go there," said Matt in surprise.
"Ah, well, that makes things easier," said Tetrax's voice, "Assuming you do have Ben."
"Yeah, we have Ben. What do you need him for?" asked Matt.
"I think it would be more convenient to tell you in person if I may come aboard," said Tetrax.
"Bay two," said Matt, before Mina jumped him.
...
Matt, Ben, and Rook were in the bay as Tetrax's ship, The Resolute, landed in there. "So, you and Tetrax go way back?" asked Matt.
"Real way back," said Ben, "He's been good help over the years."
"Good to hear. The Archon says that little fiasco in bird land damaged the mirror. They're looking for a replacement for the crystal systems," said Matt calmly as the ship landed, raising a hand, "And yes, I had a Condor sent to get Kai. We're not missing another cure chance."
"Does anyone else think it is a very remarkable coincidence that Tetrax was out looking for us when this has occured?" asked Rook.
"Well obviously Gralen is attacking Petropia and Tetrax came to me for help," said Ben.
"Tetrax, what brings you to the madhouse?" said Matt bluntly.
"My homeworld is being devoured and I need Ben Tennyson's help to save it," said Tetrax before pausing and asking, "Is someone...chewing on me?"
"Mina had a little accident. She needed a time out via neurotoxin," said Matt, facepalming as Mina chewed on Tetrax's leg.
"Uh, I see..." said Tetrax uncertainly as he tried to shake Mina off.
"So you need me to stop the Loboan invasion?" asked Ben.
"Not just that. The Loboan invasion was partially a welcome relief since it gave the nanochip infestation something to fight with," said Tetrax.
"Nanochips?" said Matt weakly.
"Yes, the hive has been attempting to stripmine Petropia for the last two days," said Tetrax, "We've been able to heal the planet to cancel it out, but they grow more numerous. If we don't do something soon, they'll eating away at the planet fast than we can patch it up."
"They can eat planets?" said Matt, aiming a glare at Ben, "How come nobody tells me about the bad guys being capable of eating planets?"
"Hey, the nanochips haven't done it before. They always just made more out of themselves from nothing. Always wondered how they could do that," said Ben.
"That is because the nanochips you have faced before had been controlled by a queen that has the self-replicating ability," said Rook, "The Regent, who is obviously behind this, does not have that ability and thus would need a large supply of silicon to manufacture more drones."
"And they have Aria, which means knowledge of crystalline computer systems. Hence why they're eating crystals," said Techo.
"I thought we were forgetting something," muttered Chris, earning him a glare from everyone else, "I was kidding, geeze."
"One good thing: mirror shouldn't work on Tetrax or the others. No blood to infect," said Matt.
"True, but their crystalline body structures make them particularly vulnerable to sonic attacks," said Rook.
"Great, so we go in, get that mirror, and solve this problem...permanently," said Matt icily.
"How are we supposed to stop a horde of werewolf aliens and a hive of nanotech bugs at the same time?" asked Chris.
"I'm sure I can handle this," said Ben cockily.
"Yeah, I bet. We're all helping," said Matt, annoyed, Kala yelling something angrily in tantalog.
"Uh, Skurd, I think you're blocking the Omnitrix's translator again. Kala didn't ask for an ice cream, did she?" asked Ben.
Then Kala grabbed Ben by his shirt collar and pulled him down to her level. "Meega...coming...or else," growled Kala. Ben nodded weakly at that before Kala let go and smiled sweetly. "Thank you," she said happily.
"Her language skills are improving," said Rook.
"Like bicycle," said Kala.
"Kala, you are not going on a joyride in a time machine," snapped Matt, reaching to grab her and being absently thrown across the room by Kala without her even noticing.
"I've forgotten how much fun she is when she's like this," said NegaMorph cheerfully.
"Mutiny..." moaned Matt.
"Uh, we don't have to bring her along, right?" asked Tetrax, indicating Mina who had somehow gotten a bucket stuck over her head.
"I'm not leaving her onboard. Not in her current state. I want her where I can see her," said Matt.
"You want to drag her onto a battlefield between three armies?" asked Tetrax, "Isn't there anyone else among your crew who can supervise her?"
"No, I'm her godfather so she's my responsibility," said Matt.
"Can't we just drop her off at a daycare?" asked NegaMorph. This got him an odd look from everybody. "What? It's not like we can find a babysitter way out here," said NegaMorph.
"No, she'll have to come with us," said Matt coldly.
"Fine, but I'm not getting the blame if she breaks something irreplaceable," said NegaMorph.
...
Gralen smirked, looking around the bridge of the revenite dreadnought. While the revenites had proven mostly immune to the nanite bombs Gralen had made, his few remaining clan had easily overwhelmed and sealed them up below deck. Better, the ship he now had was easily overwhelming any attempt by the locals to destroy it.
"This is the best thing that ever happened to our clan," said Gralen smugly.
"I thought finding that nanite plague was the best thing that ever happened," said his second.
"Alpha, some of the metal insects are attacking again," said another, the ship shaking faintly as it fired on automatic at the attackers.
"They're wasting their time. Nothing can overcome this ship," said Gralen.
"Still, wouldn't it be easier for everyone if we settle some sort of peace treaty with them?" asked his second.
"Of course, maybe share everything? Invite them for a meal?" said Gralen sarcastically.
"Well, maybe, not sure what they eat..." started the second before Gralen smacked him upside the head.
"I was joking!" snapped Gralen, "Where is your brain today?"
"I...I don't know," said the second in confusion.
Gralen rolled his eyes and said, "Well go and find them."
"Yes sir," said the second before heading out. Gralen sighed and said, "Why did I make him second-in-command?"
"Because he showed the blindest loyalty?" suggested one of the crew.
"Watch your tone," said Gralen warningly.
"In any case, we shouldn't be putting off our goal much longer," said the crewmember, "Those walking geodes aren't going to be more forthcoming."
"No, the hive comes first," said another crewman in a dull voice before looking surprised.
"What did you say?" asked Gralen, his hand going to one of the blasters he had appropriated from the revenites. He stopped as he began to hear a buzzing, inside his head.
"Wait, those nanochips, they're attacking the ship to get in, they're attacking to keep US in, where we can be converted," said Gralen with mounting horror.
He looked down with horror to see that his left paw was covered in metal, before his second said, "And you fell for it perfectly."
...
"Ok, we'll be arriving at New Petropia at any moment," said Techo.
"It's not New Petropia, it's Old Petropia. I mean, we didn't have a New Petropia," said Tetrax.
"Uh, I know you're upset about your home planet being blown up, but you don't need to be in denial about it," said Techo before the Novus Star came out of hyperspace.
The crew was amazed at the sight of the crystalline, oddly tower-shaped world with its three similarly shaped moons. "Petropia is still here," said Tetrax with relief.
"Enemy ship in range," said a crewman, a light box going around a ship in orbit: the missing frigate.
"Oh good, this should be easy. Nuke it," said Matt nastily.
"So, do you guys have any other ships?" asked Ben.
"Petropia have suffered some setbacks since you help resurrect it," said Tetrax, "They are less willing to venture into the universe, afraid of what might follow them home."
"Great, xenophobes...wait, NSC records say the planet was vaporized. How'd you resurrect it?" asked Matt.
"Well, it's a very awesome story involving me, Chromastone, and the back-up crystal for Petropia," said Ben smugly.
"Oh boy, he's going to be like this for the rest of the trip," groaned Skurd.
"Ok, tell us later after we've wiped those wolves out. Tactical, lock on to the biggest concentration of those wolfs and drop a thermal missile on them," commanded Matt.
"Uh, we're not showing that many Loboans on the planet," said a crewman.
"What?" said Matt in confusion, pushing the tech aside and looking himself. "This...could the nanochips have wiped em out?" he asked.
"It's possible. The nanochips do have superior numbers," said Tetrax, "Perhaps we should focus on them first."
"No way to lock onto silicon signals. Not on this world, sir," said the crewman.
"Well, against my better judgment, I guess we'll have to go down there and face them ourselves," said Matt.
...
Matt decided to only have the core team go down with Ben, Rook, and Tetrax, including Kai, who had been picked up enroute...though she'd more or less threatened her way aboard the dropship.
As they approached, they received a transmission from the planet, "Unidentified spacecraft, you are violating Petropian airspace. Identify yourselves or be shot down."
"Tetrax...over to you," said Matt, tossing a com set over.
"This is Tetrax Shard, I have returned with Ben Tennyson and other help," said Tetrax.
"Tetrax, you brought Tennyson?" said the officer on the other end.
"And some backup," said Matt down the line
"Well, I suppose we can't refuse Tennyson's help," said the officer, "Proceed to the gulch and head straight to the Temple of the Sky when you land."
"Erm, ok, Tetrax, you're in charge of the map," said Matt, before he turned to look at Kala and Kai, "You two are in charge of looking after Mina. She might try to chew on you." Kai gave Mina an uncomfortable look. "Oh, don't let her size and dragon powers discourage you. She's no tougher to take care of then the kids you've probably babysat," said Matt cheerfully.
"Uh, I didn't do any babysitting," said Kai.
"Really? You had to have done some," said Matt.
"No, I earned my pocket money by going on expeditions with Grandpa," said Kai.
"Well, you've had to have looked after your younger siblings," said Matt.
"I don't have younger siblings," said Kai.
"Younger cousins?" asked NegaMorph.
"No."
"Kids of your mom's friend who were foisted on you while she and your mom were busy?" asked Ben.
"Nope," said Kai.
There was an awkward pause before Matt said, "Maybe Mina isn't the best starter course."
Techo said frankly, "Have you ever been in a life or death situation where one wrong move would mean imminent demise?"
"Occasionally," said Kai.
"Great, you can handle Mina," said Techo flatly, pushing Mina at Kai.
"Doggy!" said Mina happily before squeezing Kai.
"That's...nice..." rasped Kai, being squeezed.
Matt noticed Ben's concerned look. "She'll be fine," he said.
"We're approaching the landing zone," said Tetrax.
"Ok, what can we expect? How bad is this bug infestation?" said Matt, readying a blaster.
"The nanochip hive has infested most of the southern hemisphere," said Tetrax.
"Uh, this planet isn't really sphere-shaped," said Ben.
Tetrax gave him a brief look before continuing, "We've been able to repair their damage so far, but they have almost amassed a large enough force to directly engage our populace."
"Hmm...that could be a pain. I'm guessing they won't want us thermal bombing the southern hemisphere," said Matt.
"Preferably not," said Tetrax, "Anyways, we wouldn't be able to tell for sure if we had succeeded in wiping them all out."
"Our best option may be to have Elena seize control of the hive from the Regent," said Rook.
"Maybe...wait, where is Elena? Did we leave her behind?" asked Matt.
"Oh, I've got her in here," said NegaMorph, tapping the N-mouth on his chest, "Didn't think it would be a good idea to let the Regent know her usurper's here until too late."
"Let her out before she goes nuts," snapped Matt.
"Fine, but don't say I didn't tell you so when the hive start battering down our door before we're ready," said NegaMorph before he spat up a shivering Elena.
Kai raised an eyebrow and asked, "This is the girl Ben had his first crush on?"
"I thought you were his first crush," said Chip.
"Uh..." said Ben awkwardly.
"Preparing to land," said Tetrax, thankfully interrupting the awkward atmosphere.
"Good. Ok, NegaMorph, you're going to a planet made of precious diamond. Best behavior or else," snapped Matt.
"Oh like you're gonna keep track of every little chip," said NegaMorph sarcastically.
"Pardon?" asked Chip.
"I'm warning you..." said Matt, only for NegaMorph to smirk.
"Or what? You'll use plasma control and squash me? Oh, wait, that's gone," he said, slapping the back of Matt's head .
Everything went silent as everyone expected Matt to explode and pummel NegaMorph the old-fashioned way...until Matt just smiled and said, "Eh, easy come, easy go."
NegaMorph paused at that. "Hey, you can't use explosives in a shuttle," he warned.
Matt said sinisterly, "No...I just believe in choosing my moment."
"So, Tetrax, tell us about your people," said Chip casually, "What can we expect from them asides from their distrust of offworlders?"
"My people has been isolated from the universe for almost our entire history. We were a subterranean race, not even knowing there was a sky above the ceilings of our tunnels. That changed when a war between different clans accidentally cracked open the Great Gorge and showed us the surface. We only spent two century exploring the outside universe before Vilgax destroyed Petropia," said Tetrax.
"We're landing. Remember, NegaMorph, best behavior," said Matt, grinning evilly at NegaMorph who shuddered .
After a minute, the hatch opened and everyone stepped out. "Ooh...shiny..." said Mina. Given the crystalline structure of, well, everything and the few Petrosapiens there, that was a given reaction.
"Good evening, I'm the exterminator," said Matt cheerfully before anyone could gag him .
The Petrosapien guards narrowed their eyes and extended the spikes on their arms. "We're going to the Sky Temple to confer with planetary defense," said Tetrax.
"Yeah, we don't want to start a fight here," said Ben.
The guards suddenly all bowed. "We are grateful that you have come to help us once again, Savior of Petropia," said the apparent captain.
"This feels more normal," said Matt grumpily .
"Let's not waste more time," said Tetrax, "We must head to the temple."
"Fine, let's go so I can get to work killing those nanochips," said Matt, annoyed .
...
The Sky Temple was pretty impressive, resembling a massive cathedral whose steeples actually penetrated the cavern's ceiling and presumably extended into the outside world. Waiting for the group at the front of the cathedral was a figure in a crystalline sky blue and green robe, though it was not a Petrosapien. His body appeared to be made out of mostly purple rock with red crystal growing out of it which made up its hands and one-eyed face. "Ben, it is good to see you again," said the alien.
"You too, Sugilite," said Ben.
"Interesting name," commented Matt innocently before his brain realized an incoming incident. Kai had already had dirty looks all the way here and she was about to enter. "Uh, just for the record, Kai doesn't normally look like that," said Matt, "In fact, she's not really a Loboan. She's just been infected with some nanites that made her into one." Sugilite however still looked suspicious. "Really," said Matt .
"As I recall from my time in the Omnitrix, Kai was not a very kind person," said Sugilite.
"She's changed, she's my girlfriend now," said Ben.
"Oh, well, in that case, come in," said Sugilite.
Matt paused at that as he processed part of that statement. "Time in the Omnitrix?" he said as Elena came in, still with a distant look from her time in NegaMorph's pocket dimension .
"Yes, my DNA was originally stored in the form of Chromastone and when I was needed to remake Petropia-" started Sugilite before pausing as Elena came near. "Halt!" he commanded as he pointed a glowing hand at Elena, "This one is infested with nanochips, why did you bring her here?"
"Whoa, easy, that's Elena, she's on our side and she's gonna help stop the hive," said Ben.
"Yeah, we need her to deal with your bug problem," snapped Matt.
"Have we met?" asked Sugilite.
"If it's because of something I blew up previously, then no," said Matt quickly.
"An offworld mercenary?" said Sugilite, Matt glaring and saying "A guy with a name like a candy bar?"
"You didn't complain so much about Rad," said Tetrax.
"Yes, but he has not been proving to be a gracious guest," said Sugilite.
"Wait a minute, Rad? As in Captain Rad Profit Danger Trouble Dudesman?" asked Matt.
"You know him?" said Chris in surprise.
"Know him? I shot him once," said Matt icily.
"Over what?" asked Chris.
"He tried to scam me out of my ship," said Matt in an annoyed voice.
"And you only shot him?" said Chris .
"It was my earlier days, didn't have as much experience. We sure did perforate the place up though," said Matt, his tone turning nostalgic.
...
4 years ago according to Matt...
"Explain to me why I should hand over my ship, and my bounty," sad Matt, a hogtied thin toady creature next to him .
"Because I called dibs and I'm in need of a new ship," said the blue duck-like creature talking to Matt.
"Then get your own ship, I'm not letting you sell mine," said Matt.
The duck laughed and said, "Like I'd be caught dead flying that rattletrap. I just need the spare parts to sell."
"That just makes me not want to sell my only ride home even more," said Matt coldly, least of all to a reject from Ducktales.
"Listen, kid, you're new to the merc business so I'll cut you a break," said the duck, "I'll tow you to the next spaceport instead of just dumping you off right here."
"Got more experience than you," said Matt scathingly, before the bounty spat his gag out and said "Does my opinion matter?"
"No," said Matt and the duck at the same time.
"Look, smeghead. This bounty's mine. The DNA locked to me and the spiderbots'll just pluck you," said Matt rudely .
"Which is why you're going to willingly hand him over," said the duck.
"Nah, don't think so," said Matt, drawing his plasma magnum. "How about I just make some crispy duck," he said smugly
"Kid, you can't possibly be a faster shot than me," said the duck who already had his laser pistol pointed between Matt's eyes.
"Armor's pretty well-rated," said Matt, his armor helmet folding down, neither noticing the bounty slipping away .
"Your rating is not what I would call my rating," said the duck.
"The alloy's not even in this universe," said Matt smugly .
"Pull the other one, it has bells," said the duck.
The sound of an engine starting caused them both to turn to see a shuttle powering up. "They never learn," muttered Matt, aiming at it and firing, the blast sending Matt off his feet and blowing the back of the shuttle to pieces .
"I might give you a teeny bit of the bounty for that," said the duck.
"Yeah, no, it's all or nothing," said Matt.
"I am not thinking so," said the duck.
"Tough, I found him first. So bugger off or I give you the same treatment the shuttle got," snapped Matt, the bounty staggering out the wreckage.
"Police brutality," it coughed before falling face down .
"I'm not a cop," said the duck.
"Neither am I, which means I can play dirty," said Matt before taking a smaller gun and using it to shoot the duck in the leg. The duck made a squawk before he fell over.
"Now come on, squidgy. The Incursians promised me that quantum flux capacitor you stole for my ship. This place is too nuts. What next? DNA blobs?" snapped Matt .
...
"Wow, can't believe you got away with Rad's bounty," said Ben.
"Yeah, that duck's not as tough as everybody thinks," said Matt.
"I beg to differ," said a voice behind Matt.
Matt turned around to see Rad right behind him. His eyes narrowed and he said, "Dudesman."
"Lynch," responded Rad before both of them pulled back their fists. Everyone winced at the coming slugfest only for Matt and Rad to do a fist bump. "Long time no see, Lynch. Aren't you supposed to have a monocle?" asked Rad.
"Actually, I recently got sent forward into the future but I'll be going back to my right time soon," said Matt before questioning, "Monocle?"
"But I thought you guys were archrivals or something," said Ben.
"We made up later," said Matt.
"Then why did you tell us about that story?" asked Elena.
"Probably wanted to tell you about the only time he beat me," said Rad.
"You only broke into that Incursian prison ship to steal that bounty back." snapped Matt, before grinning evilly, a shadow covering his eyes. "Oh, they regretted backing out on that deal," he said, chuckling evilly .
"Bet they did," said Rad, "So, Tetrax, where are the bugs you're paying me to spray?"
"Wait, you hired Ducktales? Get off the floor," said Matt, snapping the last part as almost everyone hit the deck.
"I had to bring all the help I could get," said Tetrax.
"Then why not get more red spots?" asked Elena.
"Petropia is not yet ready to enter the Plumber's Union," said Sugilite, "But hopefully more exposure will bring them out of their shells."
"Fine, let's squish some metal bugs. I brought that nova rifle," said Matt.
"So what's the game plan?" asked Ben.
"We blast through the hive until we can locate the Regent," said Tetrax, "Your friend should be able handle it from there."
"That's a plan I like," said Matt
"Then let's go," said Ben, "Elena, wait here until we find the Regent."
"Like I have a choice," grumbled Elena.
"Mina, stay and play with the nice doggy," said Matt to Mina who just stared back at him .
"You're kidding," said Kai.
"You're right, I wouldn't leave you alone with her," said Matt, "Ok, who else wants to stay behind and help watch Mina?" There was pure silence at that. "Nobody at all? Well, that means Kai's stuck with Mina till she purges that neurotoxin."
"I demand to be paid for this," said Kai.
"We'll discuss it later," said Matt, flatly before Mina yelled "DOGGY!" tackling Kai .
"Hey, Kai won't be completely on her own," said Ben, "Elena will be waiting here until we find that wannabe queen."
"Ben, is it safe to leave your current girlfriend with your former girlfriend?" asked Rook.
"Elena's not, wasn't, my girlfriend. We're just friends," said Ben.
"Yeah, keep saying that," said NegaMorph to himself in amusement .
"Really, it was she who had the crush, the freaky, murdering-jealous, obsessive crush," said Ben.
"Yeah, we're such good friends," said Elena dryly.
"Kai, here's a new mission: improve Elena's attitude. Royalty shouldn't be so snarky," said Matt.
"Ha, I'd like to see that happen," said NegaMorph.
"Oh, you will. Someone needs to be carrying messages in case the nanochips jam our communications," said Matt evilly.
"Oh no...don't you dare," snapped NegaMorph, before Mina tackled him .
"You all behave now," said Matt as he walked, leaving NegaMorph and Kai to their torment.
...
It was a shorter flight than Matt would have preferred to the front lines. When they got there, there were dozens of Petrosapien soldiers blasting at a thick blanket of nanochips that was thickly covering the ground in a way that reminded one of army ants.
"Take us over. That many nanochips and their base will be practically empty," called Matt to the pilot .
"That is nothing something we should do," said Tetrax, "If any ship tries to fly over, they swat it out of the air and disassemble it and the crew."
"Fine, set us down at the forward command center. My team have gear to turn this tide but they'll need coordinates to drop," said Matt .
"Ok, though it might take a while to find it. It has to be moved back every hour to keep the nanochips from devouring it," said Tetrax.
"Just get us down there," called Matt .
"Or we could just jump out, start blasting those bugs, and meet up at your mobile base later," said Draco.
"Sure...you let me know how being eaten goes," said Matt scathingly .
"You'll just have to wait until later," said Contrinus. Draco just grumbled about 'no fun'.
"You're supposed to survive fun," snapped Matt, as the command center came into view finally. The command center looked like it was built by the same people who made Kevin's taedenite car, though it probably wasn't the same material. It largely resembled a giant APC made of crystal.
"I had no idea that your crystal-based technology could be so versatile," said Rook.
"When your whole planet is made of one kind of material, you get really good at using it," said Tetrax.
"Ok, let's get this going," said Matt
...
The leader of the unit was pretty easy to identify due to being the craggiest Petrosapien there. Apparently Corporal Zircon was the hardheaded type to not heal his war scars until the war was over or he had no other choice. He was also identifiable by his grey crystals. Evidently, Petrosapiens came in as many colors as Earth gems depending on which part of Petropia they're from.
Mat didn't help mattered by immediately saying "Ok, what's the situation?" like he owned the place .
Zircon gave one short glare at Matt's group and snapped, "This is the 'help' you bring, Tetrax? They're a bigger disappointment than I thought. Look at them. A kid could snap them in half."
"Many people told me that in the past, famous last words. I got a ship parked in orbit with a small army, but I'd prefer to drop my bombs on the correct people," said Matt scathingly, getting in Zircon's face, "So, you gonna help or hinder me?"
"I knew Matt mellowed out later, but I forgot just how much mellowing he had to do," said Ben.
Zircon gave a glance at Ben and said, "Well, at least you brought someone worthwhile back, Tetrax. I hope you also got better tech support than the one we've got."
Matt glared, Kala saying "Uh oh." as she spotted an incoming 'little moment.
"Now listen here you art class project reject, I did not travel halfway across the galaxy just to be judged on my surface value. If you can't get it through that solid block of stone you call a head that we're here to help and treat as such, every last one of us is packing up and leaving and you and your whole planet can be turned to shavings for all I care!" snapped Matt.
There was a nervous silence at that as Matt continued, seemingly to himself, "I shoulda just cut my losses and learnt to live with fur...everyone here is a damn ungrateful git!"
"Stress," said Rad calmly walking towards Matt before tapping him on the shoulder and knocking him out.
"Uh, Matt does remember we already took care of his Loboan problem, right?" asked Draco.
"He got caught up in the moment," said Chip, "Now, as for tech support, you have some of the brightest minds in the galaxy right here."
"Yeah, yeah, that's what she said," said Zircon.
"Uh, is that supposed to be a joke or-" started Chip before the sound of breaking glass was heard.
"Stupid crystal tech," snapped a female voice.
Matt shot upright at that, proving that, like his various electrocutions had made him resistant to hit, he was starting to get resistant to being knocked out...not that this would fill anyone with hope for his career. "And who the smeg is that?" he snapped, Rad looking at his fist before grabbing a chair and smashing it over Matt's head, this time a bit more effective.
Just then, a brown-skinned girl in cyborg armor walked around the corner and said, "Couldn't you guys make this thing out of something easier to integrate with?" Then she noticed the group and said, "Oh scrap."
"Hi Minerva," said Morph happily.
"Minerva? Who's Miner...oh dear, the repressed memories are starting to come back," said Chip, his voice sounding more haunted.
Kala just chuckled to herself before Chris said, "Zircon, despite everything, you have here the best and probably most violent mercenary army at your disposal."
"What good is that against a swarm of something that eats everything you throw at them?" asked Zircon.
"You haven't been throwing the right stuff at them," said Draco.
"Yeah, we throw everything at them and then throw more of what made less of them." said Techo cheerfully .
"Well, let's see what you've got," said Zircon, "Worst that could happen is you get eaten."
"Well, we can't use railguns on what's basically a giant glass planet. Let's try thermal bombs," said Techo cheerfully .
"Or better yet, subthermal bombs," said Ben as he set the Omnitrix and activated it. In a flash, he had changed into Big Chill.
"And I suppose adding fire to your arsenal would not go unwanted," said Skurd as he created a Heatblast mace for Big Chill.
"What about Matt?" asked Chris, kicking the still out-cold Matt .
"He probably will be up in 5 minutes," said Rad, "He better still be able to bring his A game."
"Well, we brought his armor for backup," said Contrinus.
...
Zircon looked at the boxes of rifles being unloaded. "That's it?" he said scathingly, looking at the tuning fork ends.
"EMR's, perfect for anything even slightly robotic," said Techo .
"And even if the bugs aren't caught directly in the blast, their sensors will be completely, well, bugged up," said Chris.
"Meaning you guys can slice and dice em," said Matt, loading a power cell.
"And once we've cut a large enough swathe through them, we can take out the Regent," said Tetrax. "And how do you plan to do that?" asked Zircon.
"Secret weapon," said Matt.
"Excessive violence," translated Techo .
"Fine, how about you show me those rifle things are what you say," said Zircon.
On cue, a swarm came into sight. "Oh look, convenience," said Matt casually, aiming and firing a dome of electrical energy at them, shotgun style . The blast scattered the swarm which dropped to the ground lifeless, though more were coming in. "Ok, it works. Blast em, boys!" called Matt .
The battle quickly unfolded with the mercs blasting at the swarm with the EMRs. The magnetic pulses were proving quite effective, though the swarm was starting to encircle them. Fortunately, the others were able to provide more wide-spread attacks of different varieties. Eventually, the swarm began to back off. "There we have it, technology," said Matt smugly .
"Not bad, but there's still a couple more million to go," said Zircon.
"Oh...damn," said Matt weakly.
...
The Regent, wearing Aria's body, glared as she realized how many of her drones were gone . Petropia was the perfect world for her to mine, though she had some minor trouble from the locals and then that ship full of Loboans showed up. But she had already taken care of the Loboans and the Petrosapiens were losing their advantage when reinforcements arrived. It was that merc and his team again. She should have flushed out all the atmosphere in their ship while she had the chance.
Aria's voice in her head said, "I'd give up if I were you. You can't win."
"They're only organics. Even organics have limits. My hive will multiply faster than they can take out," snapped the Regent.
"Your replication's still only a fraction of what a queen can do," said Aria.
"Silence! I will find her!" snapped the Regent, a couple of drones looking confused . "I don't care if I have to scour every rock in this galaxy, she can't hide for-" snapped the Regent when she froze in shock. Just now, she picked up a blip at the civilized center of Petropia, an unmistakable energy signature. "The Queen, she's on his planet?" she asked, not sure if she could believe it.
"Oh...bollocks," muttered Aria .
"This can't be a coincidence. They must have brought her here to usurp me. I am not giving up my position, she does not deserve to be queen!" snapped the Regent before pointing at some drones and snapping, "Send out the hounds. I want her ripped apart."
"Didn't you want her on the throne 3 seconds ago?" said Aria smugly. "Is somebody incompatible with my operating system?"
"Will you stop messing with my thoughts?" snapped the Regent.
"Oh, you don't need my help to muddle your thoughts," said Aria.
"Send out the hounds anyways," snapped the Regent to the drones, "Bring the Queen to me."
"Somebody's going crazy…" sang Aria .
"SHUT UP!" snapped the Regent.
"Make me. Oh wait, you can't," laughed Aria .
...
At the Sky Temple, Mina was proving to be rather...hard for Kai and NegaMorph to keep their hands on.
"TAG YOU'RE IT!" she laughed, poking Kai, causing Kai to snarl angrily. It had been like this for hours now .
"How long could it possibly take for them to find...whoever it is they're looking for?" growled Kai.
"They're in a big fight. Knowing Matt, it could be days before they even remember what they were looking for," said NegaMorph, who had somehow remained unscathed .
"And when is that neurotoxin in her supposed to wear off?" asked Kai.
NegaMorph pulled out his pocket watch and checked it. "37 hours," he said.
"37 HOURS?" snapped Kai, accidentally sonic howling NegaMorph .
"Please keep your voice down," said Sugilite, "The structure here is very sensitive to sonic vibrations."
"I can't take much more. There must be a faster cure!" snapped Kai.
"There is, but considering that toxin's the only thing holding Mina back from a major tantrum, Matt thought it would be best to leave her like this for a while," said NegaMorph.
"Give me the cure," said Kai warningly .
"You do not know what you're asking for," said NegaMorph.
"No tantrum could be worse than this," snapped Kai before there was a sound like breaking glass.
"Actually, it could," said NegaMorph, "What Mina's doing right now is pure accident. You don't want to see it'd be like when she's doing it on purpose."
"I don't CARE!" howled Kai .
A small swarm of nanochips swarmed over the three of them and Elena snapped, "Will you guys shut up?!"
Mina called "I HATE BUGS!" before laughing insanely .
"Ugh, I should have went to the NSF prison instead," groaned Elena.
"Hey, you'll get to be Queen when this is over," said NegaMorph.
"Who said I wanted to be Queen?" snapped Elena.
"The alternative is that," said NegaMorph, pointing to Kai .
"Like anyone will trust a former criminal to be the queen of a swarm of alien bugs," said Elena.
"Elena, you know you can turn your reputation around. It's not that hard," said Kai.
"Not that hard?" snapped Elena, "Do you have any idea what kind of reputation I've been stuck with? My father was a good man, but when he tried to remove alien technology for the good of the planet, everyone only saw him as a thief. Everybody saw me as a thief. All anyone ever expected me to do is do something rotten at some point and each time I mess up just a little, they immediately start crowing about how they were right all along. And when my father got taken over by the alien tech he was trying to stop, everyone immediately labeled him as a monster. And after he got cured, he didn't live long enough to undo the years of tarnish to his reputation. Then I got infested by the monster that killed my father and I hear it whispering all the time, trying to push my desires to the extreme to work for its benefit. Even now I can barely keep her blocked out. Does that sound like something you can just turn around like an on/off switch?"
"No..." said Kai after a minute, before saying, "That doesn't mean you can't try."
"There are people who have rebounded from worse," said NegaMorph, "Heck, everyone thought I was nothing but a complete monster but they gave me another chance."
"Yeah, like you're a model citizen," said Elena dryly.
"I'm not claiming to be," said NegaMorph, "Nobody said that being a good guy means you have to be a parallelogram."
"Paragon," corrected Kai.
"Whatever. Point is, you don't have to be absolutely good to be a good guy. Just make the best of what you have and try to avoid acting too much like a jerk," said NegaMorph.
"Squishy has good point," said Mina in a lucid moment.
The other looked at Mina with surprise. "Did she just say something smart?" asked Elena.
"Does that mean the venom's wearing off?" asked Kai hopefully.
There was a moment of silence before Mina said in her goofy voice, "Hug me!"
"Well that didn't last long," said NegaMorph.
"That's it! Give me that cure!" snapped Kai .
Just then, there was a howling sound from outside. "Uh, how big are the dogs on this planet?" asked NegaMorph.
"They don't have dogs," said Kai weakly before the doors were sonic howled down .
"Well, I suppose it was only a matter of time before those cultists showed up," said NegaMorph.
"Er, you sure that's them?" asked Kai as she looked at what was coming through the door. They did look a lot like Loboans, Loboans made of metal, wires, and showing very little sign that they had ever been flesh.
"Huh, they got an upgrade. That's a new twist," said NegaMorph.
"Subdue the queen," hissed one of them .
Kai growled and was about to howl when Sugilite said, "Please try to avoid howling. We don't want everything to start crashing down over our heads."
The Robo-Loboans all lunged at the group at that. Elena quickly removed the nanochips holding the others in place and had them swarm the Robo-Lobos. However, her usual methods of dealing with robots was not so effective this time as they were of the same tech she was using and working against her.
"Put your back into it." snapped NegaMorph, slashing at one of them .
The Robo-Loboans continued to march forward, only focused on Elena because she was the Queen and NegaMorph, Kai, and Sugilite because they were fighting them. They completely ignored Mina was staring in a derpy way at nothing in particular.
Kai pushed an attacker back before snapping, "Mina, do something for once!" Mina just cocked her head.
...
Mina's dark side rolled her eyes before kicking her other side. "You heard her! Do something!" she snapped, only to get a snore. "Oh come on, that venom can't have completely incapacitated you!" snapped Mina's dark side, "We still have 1 percent of cleverness left."
"I can lick my own eyeball," said Mina's light side dizzily, this last part apparently out loud as Kai was heard swearing .
"I can't believe you're going to let all those evil werewolf guys pass by without fighting them!" snapped Mina's dark side.
"Puppies shiny," said Mina's light side.
"Yeah, they're shiny because they've had all their living organs replaced with mechanical stuff," said Mina's dark side dryly.
Mina's light side frowned and said, "Puppies...undead?"
"Erm...yes?" said Mina's dark side, unsure where this was going .
"Mina doesn't like undead," said Mina's light side, sounding a tiny bit more lucid.
"Erm...yes...undead bad. Your godfather would be happy if you crushed them," said the dark side calmly.
"Mina crush puppies...Mina forget how," said Mina's light side.
"Let me give you a little reminder," said Mina's dark side.
...
The Robo-Loboans were starting to overwhelm the group when Mina suddenly started twitching. They didn't really notice until she let out a roar. Everyone turned to look at Mina who now had a berserker rage similar to Matt's in her eyes. "My name is Lumina, daughter of Spyro, and I HATE ZOMBIES!" she roared.
The Robo-Loboans looked at one another before deciding Mina was the main threat, even more so when one of them was hit so hard his metal covering came off, revealing an unconscious Loboan . Mina continued charging through the Robo-Loboans, sending them flying in every direction. Every once in a while, she grabbed one and started using it to hammer the others until she lost her grip on it.
Finally, the Loboans began to back off, abandoning their defeated comrades to flee as fast as they could from Mina. "Your sugar has ants in it and they just won't go away!" yelled Mina as she threw fireballs indiscriminately in the direction of the Loboans.
"Ok, Mina, you can stop now," called NegaMorph .
"There are too many stickers, tags, and plastic thingies on new stuff and they keep getting in the way!" yelled Mina as she picked up a crystal table and got ready to throw it.
The target, one of the freed Loboans, yelped and covered his face, only for a shadow portal to devour the table mid-flight. "I said stop!" yelled NegaMorph .
Mina blinked and asked, "Wait, why are we in a big crystal room? What's going on here? I didn't do anything embarrassing, did I?"
"No, you went into a full on berserker rage," said Kai, grabbing the Loboan as he tried to slip away .
"Oh...did I do anything embarrassing before that?" asked Mina.
"Nothing goofier than what Morph would have done," said NegaMorph.
Mina covered her face at that. "Oh ancients..." she moaned .
"Hey, it could have been worse," said Kai.
"How could it have been worse?" asked Mina.
"You could have gone streaking," said NegaMorph.
"Yeah, that'd be worse," said Mina in a slightly haunted tone.
"Look, at least we can call Matt and tell him you're back to normal," said NegaMorph .
"And since she's back to normal, we can go to the front lines, right?" asked Elena.
"Eh, not sure about you," said NegaMorph, "Pretty sure that was the Regent's attempt to make sure you don't take back the throne and that won't be her only one."
"Then I'll be a bodyguard," said Mina loftily .
"Against a swarm of alien techno-locusts?" asked Elena.
"I beat those things while hyped up on dumb-dumb toxin," said Mina .
"Yeah, but those were concentrated nanochips. The others will be coming at you like a storm front," said Elena.
"Then I'll use lightning element to cook them," said Mina .
"That could work," said Elena, "Besides, the Regent has to be running low on nanochips by now if your friends are anywhere as good as you guys have been saying."
"My godfather's probably taken most of them out by now," said Mina smugly .
Just then, there was a beep on NegaMorph's comm which he answered. "Hey, the nanochips are pulling back. Now might be our best chance to get the Regent," said Techo's voice.
"Sounds like a plan. We had some trouble here with Robo-lobos. Nothing we couldn't handle...and Mina's come to her senses." said NegaMorph .
"Is she threatening to burn anything down?" asked Techo.
"Nah, think she spent up that rage with burning out the venom," said NegaMorph.
"Good to hear. Keep her there. Matt won't want her within a mile of this mess," said Techo's voice .
"But I wanna fight," whined Mina.
"This is not a good place for your first job. You mess up here, you die if you're lucky," snapped Techo's voice
"But-" started Mina.
"No buts. You'll get your first big battle when it's something lower leveled," said Techo's voice.
"I'm not a kid anymore. I can-" began Mina only for Techo to yell "Oh shi-" and for the line to go dead .
"Mina, you can be our reserve, but only if it's absolutely necessary," said NegaMorph.
"And how will I know when it's necessary?" asked Mina.
"When I let you out," said NegaMorph suddenly swallowing her.
"That is seriously messed up," said Kai.
"Tell me about it," said Elena.
"Ok, I'm sure the line cut's nothing. Probably just a surprise attack. Kai, your new friend know anything?" said NegaMorph, pointing to Kai's captive .
"I've almost got it out of him," said Kai as she shook the Loboan more.
The Loboan finally yelped, "No...no more...not back to the buzzing...so silent..."
"Don't think being part of the swarm agreed with him," said NegaMorph.
The Loboan turned to see Elena and screamed, "No...Queen must put me back...need the buzzing!"
"Uh, I'm not sure I'm comfortable with this," said Elena.
"Regent will consume...consume us all!" laughed the Loboan distantly .
"That sounds even worse," said Kai, "We better stop messing around."
Suddenly, the ground shook and nearly knocked them over. "I think the Regent is thinking the same thing," said NegaMorph.
The com came back on at that, Aria's voice coming through, "My queen...are you there?"
"Uh, this is her...receptionist, can I take a message?" asked Kai.
"Ah, the Loboan human hybrid. The queen is with you. We have most of your companions. She will return to us...or I will be forced to...take steps...YES...steps!" said Aria's voice, shouting the 'yes' to everyone's shock.
"Uh, where you wanna meet up?" asked Elena.
"You know where you must go, majesty," said Aria's voice, adding, "One terran hour...then someone else joins us."
Elena turned to the others and said, "Ok, somebody better have some kind of idea of what to do about her."
"Hmm...if she's wearing Aria's walkabout body, there ought to be a manual reboot system," said NegaMorph.
"If we can get close enough. There's no way we can fight through her guards within an hour," said Kai .
"Wouldn't those guards want us to go to her?" asked Elena.
"If you believe that, there's a nice bridge I'd like to sell you," said NegaMorph dryly.
"Yeah, it's a trap. The Regent didn't sound that stable," said Elena.
NegaMorph looked thoughtful before frowning. "Exo-gene...I heard they booby trapped their AIs with viruses to prevent hacking. Regent musta triggered one...or all of them."
"That'll mean she's just about ready to bite the dust, right?" asked Elena.
"Maybe, but she could still do a lot of harm before that. If we gave her just one big shock, it'd be enough to fry her for good," said NegaMorph.
Kai nodded before saying, "Wait, that'll just leave the nanochips rampaging looking for another leader. We can't just take out the leader and leave it at that."
"Yeah, someone's gotta step up," said NegaMorph, looking at Elena meaningfully.
Elena looked around to see everyone staring. "Oh no...not a chance," she said, backing up .
"Hey, you can't keep running away from this forever," said NegaMorph.
"Besides, the hive wouldn't be so bad if you're running it," said Kai.
"Have you forgotten how corruptive they are?" asked Elena.
"It just takes an iron will and a strong virus to shut up the naysayers," said NegaMorph.
"You're saying I can control these things?" said Elena in a disbelieving voice .
"Well what do you think being 'Queen' is all about? Just lying in one room, eating ice cream, and laying thousands of eggs a day?" asked NegaMorph.
Elena looked horrified, Kai glaring and hissing, "Not helping."
"I was joking. Elena's already shown the Queen in her head who's the boss. Once the Regent is rejected, she'll have no opposition," said NegaMorph.
Elena snapped, "Fine, I'll do it."
"Attagirl, you should consider yourself lucky to have a whole race of aliens who can do just about anything with technology obeying your every wishes," said NegaMorph.
"Except when they twist my wishes into something too extreme," said Elena.
"You're just lacking confidence," said NegaMorph, "Let's get a move on before we lose any more time."
...
The Regent meanwhile was not having a nice time. Matt had settled into his usual method of making kidnappers regret everything...by singing .
The others were barely able to tune Matt out so they tried to have a conversation of their own. "So...you're supposed to be Chip's future daughter," said Chris conversationally to Minerva.
"Probably shouldn't be talking too much about it," said Minerva.
"How comes your armor isn't upgraded from last time?" asked Morph.
"What last time?" asked Minerva.
"You know when you went back in time, we fought Mantichrome..." started Morph before Draco bopped him.
"In case you've forgotten, we're only 6 years in the future, the Minerva we encountered was from 7 years in the future," he said.
"ENOUGH! ALL OF YOU! SHUT UP!" screamed the Regent, gripping her head .
"Aw, does someone have a headache?" asked Morph.
"Yes...yes...make that...thing stop trying to sing!" snapped the Regent .
"Ok, Matt, I think you can give it a rest," said Morph only to be bopped by Draco again.
"You want her to proceed with the painful disassembling/assimilation?" asked Draco.
"Encore, Matt, encore," said Morph quickly .
"You will be silent or-" snapped the Regent before sparks started coming from the side of her head.
"I think one of her hearing sensors blew out," said Chip conversationally .
"Darn, guess I'll have to sing twice as loud now," said Matt before taking in a big breath
"NO! NOOOO!" shrieked the Regent hysterically, sending a blast of nanochips at Matt .
"Just as well, I think my ears are starting to bleed," said Chris.
"Now...as soon as the Queen arrives...I remove her...make her the Regent!" snapped the Regent, apparently talking to herself .
"Oh, back to the evil monologue. That'll make the time fly by," said Techo dryly.
"Silence...you will all pay...shielding her from justice!" snapped the Regent .
"No, we were shielding her for justice," said Morph.
"SILENCE! WHO ASKED YOU?" snapped the Regent
"You did," said Morph.
"LIES! All of you lying!" snapped the Regent before pausing, looking at the door.
"Ooh, is the pizza arriving?" asked Morph.
"You didn't actually order pizza, did you?" asked Chip.
"It's here in 30 minutes or it's free," said Morph.
"She's here," said the Regent in a small voice before the doors exploded inwards.
When the smoke cleared, Elena, Kai, and NegaMorph were standing there. "I've come for my friends and my throne," said Elena.
"As well as a cure for my nanite problem," added Kai.
"You are not worthy to be queen. You abandoned us!" snapped the Regent insanely .
"You were twisting my mind from the inside out. Why would I want to be with you?" snapped Elena.
"You won't be, except as another minion. I am a far better leader then you. I will devour your homeworld like I will this one," snapped the Regent .
"That's yet another reason I didn't like hanging out with you guys," said Elena, "Isn't one world enough for you?"
"There must always be more," snapped the Regent .
"Well that's gonna change when I'm back in charge," said Elena, "We're going to be a positive influence on the galaxy, not an insatiable scourge."
"You won't be in charge," hissed the Regent .
"Yes I will," said Elena before shooting her nanochips at the Regent. The Regent snarled and sent her own blasts out, the blasts impacting in the center .
"Elena's the true queen and the Regent's blown a few fuses," said Ben, "This should be over pretty quickly." Matt, his mouth covered by a nanochip created gag, pointed behind Elena though, to where more Robo-Lobos were getting ready to pounce . "Kai and NegaMorph can handle those guys," said Ben.
Matt glared before grabbing his ion blade, tossing it overarm at a space in the air. The ion blade hit something and a severed biomechanical arm fell out of thin air. There was a slight buzzing before several robo-revenites appeared on the ceiling. "Oh...that's a bigger problem," said Ben.
Matt made an expression as if to say 'ya think?' before he lunged at the nearest revenite However, without any powers, Matt was pretty easily pinned to the wall. The revenite glared at Matt before juddering as Matt fired a solarite blast through its chest . "Ha, can't heal from that," said Matt before more robo-revenites pinned him down.
Kai had also been pinned down by the Robo-Loboans and NegaMorph had been buried in more nanochips. All it took was one more minion to grab Elena from behind to tilt the playing field. "Now we end this," said the Regent as she readied one final blast.
As she prepared to fire, Minerva suddenly called out, "Mom, don't do it!"
Now there is one emotion that can cut through any situation, no matter how much brainwashing was applied or how close someone is to crossing over the moral line: complete and utter bafflement. "Mom?" asked Aria, breaking through the Regent's control.
"Mom?!" asked Chip, looking like he was about to lose it. The nanochip constructs and minions froze completely in place, the Regent's confusion having stalled all orders. The robo-minions also froze, before their coverings fell away, revealing confused revenite and Loboan troopers, who took one look at one another before lunging at each other .
The Novus Star crew probably could have taken advantage of this confusion and escaped their bonds...if they weren't overwhelmed by Minerva's little mind bomb. "Chip...and Aria...made Minerva?!" asked Matt, his brain trying to find a logical reason for that to be possible.
"I don't get it either," gibbered Chip .
"Ugh, think I'm gonna be sick," groaned NegaMorph before gagging and spitting out a similarly-grossed out Mina.
"What did I miss?" she asked in a dazed tone.
Fortunately, Elena wasn't shell-shocked and was able to use the Regent's temporary paralysis to grab onto her. "You've been dethroned," said Elena before zapping Aria's body and eradicating every trace of nanochip in her.
Aria staggered back at that, shaking her head. "Oh...well that was unpleasant," she muttered .
Minerva hugged her and said, "It's good to have you back, Mom."
"It's good to be back," said Aria before double-taking, "What did you call me?"
"Erm...nothing," said Minerva innocently .
...
Meanwhile, Elena was struggling as a mental assault was going on in her. She could hear the basic instincts of every nanochip clawing at her, telling her to assimilate everything, assimilate everyone, she would lead them in devouring the universe. "No, we're going to do only what I want!" she snapped as she pushed away the nanochips' influence.
The nanochips response was to simply push harder, though there was less of the voices . "I am not your factory. I am not going to let you use me. I'm the one who's giving the orders," snapped Elena as she pushed even harder.
More of the nanochips went silent at that, until just one, half-insane voice was heard: the Regent, ranting away . "You don't deserve to be queen, you just got it by dumb luck!" snapped the Regent.
"Maybe, but you're not fit to be queen, Regent, or anything. You're just a faulty program," said Elena as she smothered that one last bit out.
"No...NO...NOOO!" screamed the Regent before she went silent.
...
From the outside, the others could see Elena transforming into her nanochip queen form. "Uh, Elena, you still you?" asked Ben nervously.
There were a few moments of tension before Elena's head lost the horns and returned to looking like her human form's. "It's over," said Elena, "The nanochips will never trouble anyone again as long as I'm here."
"Good...good..." panted Matt, the revenites having used the distraction to flee. "Petropia PDF...situation's under control...nanochips contained," he said into his com.
"Best news I heard in days," said Zircon, "What about all the Loboans?"
"My team can mop them up but I doubt they'll be a problem much longer..." said Matt.
"But what about that mirror?" asked Kai.
"I'm just about to call about that," said Matt.
...
The Archon was tinkering in the Novus Star's lab to pass the time. He could have easily escaped after he incapacitated the crew with a sleeping virus, but he needed to wait until the dreadnought had been cleared out before he could take possession again. And from the look of things, that time was now. He looked up as the com beeped, pressing the button to answer. "Ah, captain. I'm a little busy. Can I help you?"
"Yeah, we need to find your ship. Where did Gralen park it?" asked Matt.
"I know exactly where. I'm about to go there right now. I'm afraid your men are indisposed so I will let myself out," said the Archon in a distracted voice, finishing the personal teleporter he'd been working on.
"Not with that mirror you won't," snapped Matt.
The Archon sighed and said, "If it's about clearing up that one last bit of nano-plague, I've left what you need to cure it the lab. Consider it a reward for getting me back my ship."
"You're not going anywhere!" snapped Matt.
The Archon grinned. "Oh, I'm sure you'll get another chance. Your backup AI was very easy to hack...a stable temporal rift of all things..." he said smugly, typing in the command for his new teleporter, "Hopefully the next time we meet, you'll be a bigger challenge. You can bet I certainly will be." With that, the Archon vanished...
...
...and reappeared on the bridge of the dreadnought. Most of the surviving crew had already made it back to the dreadnought by then. "Sir, you're ok," said one of them .
"Just fine, had a chance to learn from my captors," said the Archon.
"We have the location of the last plague victim. Should we fire?" said another crewman.
"No, no, I don't think so. Power up the mirror, set it to deactivation and fire on target. I'm feeling merciful today," said the Archon .
"Sir, would it not be simpler to just reconfigure this world?" asked the second-in-command.
"This is a silicon world with similarly-built inhabitants. The mirror won't work on them and there are too few creatures of compatible physiology to waste the effort on. Do as I have ordered," said the Archon.
"Yes, my Archon," said the crewman.
...
"Let him escape AGAIN!?" snapped Kai.
"He had already incapacitated the crew," said Matt, "But they'll be up soon I'm sure." He checked the comm and said, "Commander Lynch to medbay, status report."
"Here, sir. Checked the cure...it's tap water," said a voice on the other end .
"Tap water? TAP WATER?!" roared Kai.
"Now Kai, as captain of the ship you've been travelling on, I forbid you to attack me and reinfect me with nanites," said Matt.
Kai just growled...before a beam of light smashed down on her, the others looking up to see the revenite dreadnought hovering before it vanished, its cloak kicking in . "Did they just atomize my girlfriend?!" snapped Ben.
"Uh, no, looks like they cured her," said Draco. Indeed, the smoke was clearing to show an unconscious and very human Kai.
"Techo, can double check to see if her nanites are gone?" asked Matt.
Techo checked his scanner at that. "She's clean, a few stragglers but I doubt they'll cause any trouble," he said .
"Well, that takes care of every last nagging detail for why we're still here instead of looking for Chloe, right?" asked Matt.
"Yeah, we have a prison planet to break into." said Chris sarcastically .
"Right then, any knowledge of the future that needs to be purged from our memories?" asked Matt.
"I'm having a daughter with Aria," groaned Chip.
"Oh...right...anyone else feel like they'll need to forget about Minerva's parentage?" asked Matt. Aria held up her hand too at that . Actually, more than a few other crewmembers did too.
"Ok...get the mind wipers," groaned Matt .
...
"So, how are you guys gonna go back to your normal time anyways?" asked Ben once they were back on the Novus Star and Aria was reinstalled.
"The computer logged the rift. We should be able to get back that way," said Aria calmly
"After that, it's a straight shot to Mundus," said Matt.
"Tamriel," corrected Chip.
"I thought it was Nirn," said Morph.
"The planet's called Mundus! Next person to correct me will be fired at Mundus!" snapped Matt, causing everyone to jump .
"Well, I guess I'll see you later...earlier...whenever," said Ben.
"Yeah, see you around, kid," said Matt.
...
Gralen groaned as he woke up. His head was buzzing as if ants were crawling over his brain. As such, it took him a while to notice he was strapped to a table.
"Wh...Hey...who dares tie me down like some earth mongrel?" he snapped.
"I do," said the Archon as he walked into view, "You've stolen and abused my technology, Loboan."
Gralen glared and tried to pull free. "When I am free, you will die by my claws," snapped Gralen .
"Oh, that's not very likely to happen. I keep my test subjects very secure," said the Archon.
"Test subject?" said Gralen in confusion .
"Oh yes, I have many experiments planned and sadly we can't spare any lower caste revenites at the moment. It is quite fortunate that you're here actually," said the Archon as he idly held up a tool that looked more like it was meant for carving meat than surgery. Gralen tried to pull away as the Archon leaned in and said, "I'm curious to see what makes you tick."
"Wait a minute, I know my rights, you can't do this!" yelped Gralen.
"Oh, I can. This is my ship and you have no rights here," said the Archon. Gralen gulped as the Archon said, "I hope you last longer than your friend."
Gralen nervously turned his head until he could look at the operating table next to him before he started screaming.
Well, there's the end of the story and everything's wrapped up. We might run into the Archon again, but that probably won't be happening any time soon. Now we'll be heading on to the next big adventure which might take a while to get up as me and my co-author are still working on the first few chapters. Shouldn't take very long though. So keep an eye out for the next story and please review.