Chapter Six: Beyond the Ruins

The gate opened to a small metal room and tossed them to the floor. Lucca cried out rubbing her head.

I guess we're still not used to the transition, Crono said as he helped Marle up.

There's no way the Chancellor can reach us here, Marle said as she leaned on Crono's arm for support, But, where is here?

Lucca walked to one a door engraved with strange ruins. Small crystals set into the door glowed with a strange light. The civilization here seems so... advanced, Lucca said.

Like we're on another world, Marle said.

Or maybe in the future, Crono said.

Lucca replied absently, Let's go find out.

The room they were in was small and neglected. The metal floors had all begun to rust and looked as if someone had not walked on them in some time. The three friends left the room and found themselves in a nightmare world.

The ground was cratered and covered in a fine layer of ash. Winds gusted constantly shifting the ash through the skies. Behind them, the dome they had entered was cracked open like an egg. All around them they could see the signs of destruction. If this is the future, Marle said, Then what happened to everything? Was there a war?

I don't know Marle, Lucca said as she looked around, Let's find someone to ask, if anyone has survived.

That's a cheerful thought, Crono said sullenly.

To the south another great dome sat. It too was open to the elements. The three set off for this dome. Inside they found a small room. There were people clustered inside, trying to stay alive. They were dressed in torn and dirty rags. one of the people said.

The group looked up at them but no one paid them much attention. They went back to there conversations or thoughts. Excuse me, Marle said, But do you people know of a place called Truce?

Truce Dome, one of them said, I've never heard of that, this is Trann Dome.

So we're not in Guardia Kingdom?

Kingdom? What are you talking about?

Just forget it, Marle said at last.

Lucca wandered over to a curious looking machine sitting near one of the doors with the curious symbol on them. What is this, she asked the man leaning against it.

Don't you know, he said unbelieving, This is an Enertron. It gives you a full nights rest in just a few seconds. Unfortunately it leaves you hungry.

Lucca peered at it curiously then stepped inside. The device hummed a bit then beeped. Lucca stepped out looking thoroughly refreshed. Hey Marle, Crono! You've got to try this.

The two took turns entering the machine. As they stepped out they felt as if they had just awoken from a very refreshing sleep. This is amazing, Crono said, But I'm still feeling a little hungry.

If you want food, go to Arris Dome, to the Northeast, one of the huddled survivors said, You'll have to go through Lab 16. But the monsters there don't all react to weapons like swords and guns.

Well, let's go then, Crono said, There's not much for us to do here. Maybe if we can find Arris Dome we can bring some food for these people!

Sounds like a good idea Crono, Lucca said.

Lab 16 was just north of the Dome they had entered. As they walked along the path leading to the Lab they found a sign lying in the dust. Bangor Dome, it declared in faded writing.

Maybe that's where we appeared, Lucca said.

Could be, Crono and Marle agreed.

A lighting bolt flashed from the sky. Marle jumped with a small shriek and latched onto Crono's arm with a viselike grip. I'm sorry, she said turning red with embarrassment, I've always been scared of lighting.

It's alright Marle, Crono said patting her arm gently, We all have our fears.

A long silence followed as the Marle rested against Crono. Lucca broke the mood when she cleared her throat. Hey guys, shouldn't we keep going?

The two looked away in embarrassment and separated. Yeah, let's go, Crono said.

Lab 16 was a mass of jumbled debris covered in dust and ash. Curious poles with green, red and yellow circles affixed to them sat embedded in the ground. I wonder what this used to be, Lucca said as she stared at the destruction.

As they walked they could see strange ratlike things running around on the ground. As they walked along a path they found three craters clustered close to each other with a strange plant growing nearby. As the three approached the cluster the craters rose from the ground, revealing small beady eyes. The plant uprooted itself and slowly stumbled towards the group. Crono jumped into the craters who were still clustered closely together. His sword bit through there sides into the flesh beneath. They twitched as they died then laid still. Lucca fired a blast of flame at the plant, cooking it thoroughly.

That wasn't so bad, Marle said as she put away her crossbow.

It looks like these creatures pretend to be harmless until someone steps close, Lucca said examining the bodies of the animal, We should avoid them as much as we can.

As they rounded a corner they found a small box with a red arrow inscribed on it. Crono opened it and found another sword. At this rate, Crono said thoughtfully as he tested the sword, I'll have more swords then I know what to do with.

The blade seemed good so he took the old blade from his scabbard and put the new sword in. It's amazing how all these swords have the exact same length and curve as the ones before them, Crono thought amusedly to himself, It's like I was meant to find them all.

Let's keep going, Lucca insisted.

The group found another of the small boxes which contained a crossbow similar in material to the sword Crono had found. We seem to be finding things everywhere, Marle said as she tucked the bow under her clothes.

They avoided another pair of the strange plants but found the way beyond blocked by five of the craters. Marle fired her new bow at the nearest.

The bolt shot from the weapon and buried itself in the crater. The creature died without a sound. Lucca hosed some flames over the group. Some died from the heat and the others were injured. Crono flew between the surviving two, slashing first left then right with his new sword. The weapon seemed to weigh nothing.

Well, this doesn't seem to bad, Lucca said, I thought the man said the creatures didn't react to weapons.

Maybe he was talking about something else, Marle said as they moved on.

They passed a wrecked vehicle. Three strange glowing triangles sat on the ground and hood of the vehicle. As they walked the three triangles moved to block there path. They grew larger, becoming a strange ghost like being with hands and an evilly grinning face.

Crono, who was in front, swung his sword but it passed straight through the thing. What the..., Crono said in shock.

Get out of the way Crono, Lucca shouted as she aimed her airgun.

Crono dove to the side as the searing blast of flame leapt from the nozzle of the weapon. The ghosts, or whatever they were, backed away from the flames. One was too slow and dissolved into mists. Lucca pressed her attack. They don't like the flames, she called.

Another went the way of the first followed quickly by the next. I guess we know how to deal with those things next time we see them, Crono said dusting himself off.

Let's get out of this place, Marle said glancing about nervously.

The three set off once more. The exit was nearby but a strange sleeping creature woke as they strode past. It had two legs and a very bulbous head and body. The creature stood about three times as high as they did.

It ran at Crono, kicking at him with its legs. Crono slashed it with his sword, drawing blood. Marle and Lucca fired at it, but it didn't slow it down. Go for the head, Crono shouted at them as he fended off the legs of the thing which were impossibly hard, his sword didn't even cut them.

Marle reloaded her bow and fired. The bolt struck home and the creature fell down with a mighty crash. Thanks Marle, Crono said trying to catch his breath.

No problem Crono, Marle said with a giggle.

As they stepped from the wreckage of Lab 16 they could see another of the broken domes. As they entered the dome they found a twisting series of catwalks that seemed to travel in circles. As they finally reached the end they saw a little girl, probably no more then six, staring at a tiny sapling. The little girl saw them and gave a little shriek.

An old man with a large white beard and propping himself up on a wood stick moved towards them slowly. You there, he called to them in a strong voice that seemed out of place from one so old, Where are you from?

We came from the Laboratories to the west, Lucca told the man.

the man said in disbelief.

He turned the others huddled around the room, Hey! We've got people who crossed the ruins!

The disheveled people stood with murmurs of disbelief running around the room. So there are people who can kill those freaky mutants.

The group looks at the three with a mixture of awe and fear. Few who tried to cross the labs ever made it. Crono walked to the old man, who was obviously in charge. Pardon me, he said apologetically as he caught himself staring in awe at the friends, I am Doan, the descendant of the director of this info center. In the basement, down those stairs, the old man said nodding towards a nearby ladder set in the metal floor, of this building is a giant computer and storage facility for food.

Why don't you go down there and get some food, Marle asked, These people look like there starving.

We can't get through cause of the robot guards, the man said sadly, It's a pity.

Marle looked at Crono. We have to help these people.

Crono nodded his head and strode to the ladder. Doan stepped forward, Are you going down there?

Of course, Marle said a bit too loudly.

But no one's come back from there, Doan told them.

Gotta try, right, Lucca said.

The man looked at the three companions. It's nice to see such spirited young people for a change. Be careful and come back alive, Doan told them.

Crono a hold of the ladder and clambered down the rungs. Marle and Lucca followed after him. The ladder led to a small room. Through a small passage the three adventurers found a pair of control panels. To the left was another ladder and to the right a closed door. The path leading to the door was missing a piece. One of the panels had a screen that glowed brightly. Enter password, glowed at them from the screen.

It looks like we need a password to get to the door, Lucca said.

Well then, let's go up the ladder, Crono said, We've got to try and help those people.

The ladder led to a massive room. It was criss-crossed with narrow metal girders. The ladder ended at the start of one of these girders. Watch your step, Crono said to the two girls, Wouldn't want to fall in here.

They made there way carefully along the narrow beams. The path was twisted and they continually had to fall back and try again as they came to dead ends. They could see the exit but as they passed an intersection they saw a small statue of a rat frozen in surprise. Attached to its leg was a small not reading, Anyone in the vicinity of the stock room will be attacked.

Well that's cheerful, Marle said, Wonder why they would have a statue like that?

Crono said as looked at the strange statue, It looks almost real.

We'll never help those people if we don't keep moving on, Lucca told them.

After a few more wrong turns they finally made it to the end of the room. They stepped through a small doorway and an alarm shrilled in the air. The three tried to run through the room to the door on the other side but a giant machine dropped from the ceiling. They were thrown to the floor. A metallic voice rang out, Executing program.

Marle called out, What's going on?!

Get ready, Lucca called out.

Two smaller machines slowly dropped from the ceiling on either side of the larger. The large machine was lumpy with a large crystal eye set in the center. The two smaller machines were round with strange antennae sticking form the top. Lights flickered along there surface. A hatch popped open on the machine to the right. Three missles sprang from the machine and closed on Crono. He rolled to the side, avoiding the missles. In a flash, he was on his feet again and charged the machine. He slashed the thing with his sword which rebounded from the metal surface. Lucca fired a jet of flame at the machine, scorching its armor.Marle fired at the large machine. The bolt struck a few inches to the side of the crystal eye.

The bit to the right fired a blast of light at Crono. Marle called a warning to him. Crono saw the beam and sidestepped out of the way, slashing the machine he was standing near with his sword. The blade cut through the skin of the machine, damaging the mechanisms beneath. With a sound of ripping metal the bit crashed to the ground. As Crono moved Lucca noticed that the great crystal eye of the machine tracked his path. Aim for the eye, she yelled out.

Marle fired another bolt at the machine, the bolt missed the eye again. The machine to the right fired another laser at Marle. She didn't notice the blast come at her. Crono dove at her, knocking her to the floor. Lucca took careful aim and fired at the eye.

The machine rocked the ground. The bit to the right dropped to the floor. The large machine shuddered as small explosions rippled its skin. The great metal body tilted to the side and crashed to the ground. I guess they weren't kidding when they said no one had made it through the guards, Crono said as he helped Marle back to her feet.

They were serious about keeping anyone out of the storage area, Lucca said, Hopefully, it's not much farther.

The three walked through the door the machines had been guarding. The room was lined with boxes, some broken open. A smell of rot pervaded the air. Marle said holding her nose, Something reeks!

Lucca checked the contents of the boxes. Everything's completely rotten. The refrigeration must have gone.

Marle looked around the room and say a figure hunched under a cloak. Crono! Look, she called as she ran to the shape.

It was a person, or it had been, huddled under a dirty cloak. The man clutched a small object in his hand. He's got something in his hands, Marle said as she pried the object from the mans hands.

Crono and Lucca lookedo over her shoulder to see what it was. It looks like some kind of seed, Lucca said.

A seed, Marle asked, Do you think it could grow in a place like this?

It's possible, Lucca replied.

Crono spotted a dirty piece of paper sitting next to the man. On it was written: The rat is more then just a statue. It knows the secret of this dome. Catch it. Do you think this is talking about that statue back in that other room, Crono asked when he showed the note to Marle and Lucca.

Let's find the statue and find out, Marle said.

The three ran from the room to where they had seen the rat. As they stepped through the door they could see the rat just a few feet away. There it is, Marle called.

The rat spooked and ran. Crono took off at a run. The ran dashed nimbly across the girders trying to escape Crono but he was still gaining on the creature. As the rat neared a small hole that would have allowed it to escape Crono dove at it. He caught the creature by its tail and lofted it into the air. Got it!

Marle and Lucca jogged up to stand with Crono. The rat gave a frigtened squeek before saying in a high pitched voice, I give up! I'll tell you the secret! Hold the L and R buttons and press A to open the passage!

Crono let the creature go. As it ran off it shouted at them, Don't make any mistakes or you'll be sorry!

Maybe that's the password for that door we saw, Lucca said, Hurry, it's not far away.

The three clambered down the ladder into the room with the control panel. Next to the panel was a series of buttons. L, R, X, Y, A and B. Lucca examined the controls for a moment then pressed the buttons the rat had indicated. A hiss of pneumatics and the panel of floor shifted into place allowing them access to the door.

The door had a simple wheel to unlock it. Crono spun the wheel quickly and opened the door. The path led to a room with several catwalks running around it. In the center of a platform, two rats circled a squat green machine. The companions looked warily at this new machine. They didn't want to have to fight it. They ran up the ladder leading to there left. This took them to a catwalk leading around the room. The catwalk ended at another platform patrolled by strange looking bugs.

Trying to creep by the insects proved impossible and they started to swarm the three friends. The insects took to the air and started flying low over there heads trying to sting them. Crono slashed one of the insects in two but another jabbed its stinger into his arm. Crono gave a cry of pain as Marle shot the insect.

Lucca tried to swing a hammer she had drawn from a concealed pocket in her clothes, but the bugs were moving to fast for her to hit. Crono dashed forward with Marle at his side. Marle fired off a bolt that skewered one of the insects and battered another with her crossbow. Crono took out two more with quick slashes of his sword.

Crono helped steady Lucca who had taken a few stings from the insects. He pulled out a tonic and gave it to her to drink. His arm throbbed a bit from where the insect had hit him. Marle looked concernedly at the wound. Will you be all right, she asked Crono.

he said confidently, I've had worse before.

The three continued to move along the metal walkways and up another catwalk to a door set into the wall. Crono stepped through with his sword drawn. A lone robot paced the metal platform in steady regular steps. Crono dashed behind the robot and up onto another catwalk. Marle and Lucca followed his lead. From there vantage point they could see several robots scattered around the room. There must be something important here to have all this security, Lucca observed.

Crono said, I wonder what it is.

We'll find out soon enough, Marle said as she pointed to a door at the end of the catwalk.

The door led to a room with a set of controls and a giant screen, at least three times the height of Crono. So this is the info center, Lucca said as she dashed giddily towards the computer.

She examined the displays before announcing, The computers still working. I can do a search for time warps. Maybe we'll find our gate. It says here that the year is 2300 A.D. We really are in the future.

Kind of a bleak future to look forward to, Crono said darkly as Lucca typed on the keypad.

she called after typing quickly on the keypad, I've got it!

The screen clicked on and gave a steady humming sound. East of Arris Dome, Lucca said as she examined the monitors before her.

The screen panned slowly from the dome they were in east, past another destroyed city with a road running through it, and ended at another destroyed dome. A small label displayed the name of the dome, Proto Dome.

Leave it to Lucca, Marle said happily, I'm beggining to think you could find anything with this machine.

A flashing blue button caught her attention. She walked over to the button and asked, What does this button do?

Lucca said, Give it a try.

Marle pressed the button and new information flowed across the monitors in front of Lucca. 1999 A.D.? Visual record of the Day of Lavos, Lucca read from the screen as the main monitor hissed with static.

The main picture stablized enough to show a small island with three domes. The screen darkened suddenly so that details were hard to make out. The island looked to be green, with none of the ash that covered the ground now. The screen de-rezzed for a moment as a giant gap formed between the domes. Red light poured from the hole and chunks of molten rock spewed from the entrance. A shape like a giant porcupine rose slowly out of the gapping wound in the Earth. Beams of strange light flew from its back and the ground was burned where they struck. The monitor switched to show a dome under the fussilade of fire from the skies. Its shell cracked like a egg. Buildings crumbled under the onslaught. The screen de-rezzed one final time and went blank. Only a sibilant hiss of static remained.

Marle stared in shock, Wh... what... is that?!

Marle took an unsteady step back, Is that what's destroying our world?

Marle was silent for a moment. We must really be in the future..., she said quietly before she burst out, No! No way! I refuse to believe it!

This... this can't be the way the world ends, Marle said as she fell to her knees.

The screen clicked off in a final hiss of static. Crono and Lucca just looked at there friend, unsure of what to do. Marle sobbed for a bit before she jumped up and faced Crono. There's only one thing we can do, Marle said determinedly, We have to change history. Just like Crono did when he rescued me.

She looked pleadingly at the two,

Lucca thought for a moment then said nervously, I.. guess so. It was a stroke of luck that we were sent here through that gate.

Lucca stepped up to Crono, Crono, let's go.

Crono nodded his head, Let's go save the planet!

Marle grinned foolishly when Crono agreed. Let's get out of here, Crono said.

The three quickly dashed to the ladder leading out of the lower levels. The old man was sleeping on the floor. He apparently slept lightly because when they got to the top of the ladder he woke. You're back, he said in disbelief.

The others stood up and gathered around the three companions. Doan asked, What did you discover?

This is... our future, Marle said without thinking.

Doan looked confused and one of the crowd shouted, Where's the food?!

Marle pulled out the seeds and handed them to Doan, This is all we could get.



You don't know how long the Enertron will hold out, Lucca explained to the old man, These seeds may be your only hope.

You have to stay alive, Marle said to the group, And so do we.

Doan looked at the three in curiousity. You're strange... You're different from us...

I think it's because we're healthy, Marle said.

Heal-thy? Got a nice ring to it, Doan said pronouncing the word, We'll try growing the seeds.

A young child walked to look at the seeds in Doan's hands. What're those, the young girl asked.

They just might be our future, Doan told the girl.

If you're heading for Proto Dome, Doan said turning back to them, Go by way of Lab 32 and take this with ya.

The old man handed them a strange looking key. It's the key to the jet bike in Lab 32. I used to ride it in my youth.

Be careful, he warned, There are more powerful robots over there. Take care, and stay... healthy.

We will, Crono told the old man.

As the three walked towards the door. There's an old man over by Death Peek. You should talk to him some time, Doan called to them, You can get to the southern continent through the Sewer Acces just to the east of this dome.

Thanks Doan, Crono said as he waved a final goodbye.

It was just as bleek outside as it was before. The winds threw ash and dirt through the air making it difficult to see. They could make out the Sewer Access that Doan had told them about. Do you want to go inside, Crono asked the two ladies.

We've got to get back to our time to see what we can do about Lavos, Lucca said, We can come and explore later.

The three trudged through the winds towards Lab 32. A strange looking machine sat in a small clearing. It was painted blue and yellow and looked like it could seat all three of them comfortably. Crono pulled out the key that Doan had given him but just before he could try it on the door several alarms went off in the rubble surrounding them.

Four robots rolled towards them and made a loose wedge. The three friends drew there weapons and readied themselves for a fight. A voice called out, Hold it right there!

A man with a purple bodysuit and a mohawk rolled towards them on what looked like a motorcycle. Only... when he stood up the wheel lifted to fit into a niche on his back. What the..., Crono exclaimed.

The robots turned towards the new arrival. One started to speak in a voice filled with awe, Hey, it's...

The MAN, they all exlaimed.

The Man raised his arms as if he were playing himself up for an audience. Like, thanks for the intro, babe.

The robots repeated, The Man.

You low-lifes can call me Johnny, The Man said adressing the three friends, Now listen, part of an old highway runs through this Lab. Think you can beat me in a bike race?

Crono nodded. Use that Jet Bike and don't chicken out, babe.

Johnny quickly explained to them how to use the bike then the three clambered aboard.

The race started immediately. Crono drove the vehicle while Lucca figured out the other controls. She quickly found the boost button that Johnny had mentioned. Crono kept the vehicle moving and tried to keep from running off the road when Johnny rammed them from the side. Marle just sat back and tried to keep from getting torn out of the Jet Bike by the wind.

Lucca pressed the boost button. The Jet Bike surged ahead of Johnny. Crono swerved the Bike in front of Johnny to keep him from passing them. The road was straight but the bike/man wasn't making it easy for them, he kept zooming ahead and trying to block them from passing but Crono managed to get around him. The halfway point passed in a surge of motion.

Johnny took the lead again and kept the Jet Bike from passing him. Almost to the end, Crono could see the checkered finish line. Lucca hit the boost a second time sending them zooming over the finish line a hairs-breadth ahead of Johnny.

The three cheered as Crono slowed the vehicle down . They leapt from the Jet Bike and waited for Johnny. He rolled up looking thoroughly dejected. You BEAT me! I don't get it, he said, You can challenge me anytime, we'll ride the wind babe.

The three left Lab 32 and stepped back into the world of blowing ash and dust. Ahead of them they could see what looked like some sort of broken down factory, at least that was what Lucca insisted on calling it. To the south was the building that Lucca had mentioned, Proto Dome. That should be our way out, Lucca said.

The three trudged through the blowing winds to the dome. Just inside the entrance on a raised platform sat a four legged robot of some sort. The three tried to sneak around the robot but it spotted them. Two more dropped from the ceiling next to Lucca and Marle. Crono wasted no time, drawing his sword and slashing the robot closest to him. The sword broked the shell of the machine but it kept working. Marle tried to batter the robot that had landed near her but as soon as she touched it a jolt of electricity coursed through her body. She fell to her knees as her muscles relaxed.

Crono saw Marle fall and dashed to her side. He lashed out with his sword and sliced deeply into its side. The machine fell silent. Lucca fired a shot at the first robot Crono had struck. The machine shuddered as the round entered the gash in its side then it fell silent. Crono checked to make sure Marle was uninjured before he ran to help Lucca. Lucca had managed to back away from the machine but hadn't gotten a chance to hit it. Crono dashed in like a bolt of lightning, his sword a blur as he demolished the final machine.

It seems like we can't go anywhere without having to fight something off, Crono grumbled as walked to where Marle was lying and helped her up.

Marle's legs were unsteady but she managed to stand. Marle giggled, Well this is more fun then sitting around listening to tutors try and teach you the proper way for a lady to act.

Crono and Lucca agreed with her. I think we can go on, Marle said as she tested her legs.

Keep your weapons ready, Crono said, We don't know what else might be in here.

The three walked on. At the end of the hall there sat an Enertron. The three friends took turns using the machine. Again they came out feeling well rested but hungry. Marle noticed a series of steps that led to a catwalk that traveled along one wall. At the end was a landing with a door at one side. To either side of the door stood a control panel and in the center of the platform a robot sat slumped.

The robot was not moving. It had green eyes and was a tan color with an almost portly look to it. Marle wandered over curiously. What's this?

It's in bad shape, Lucca said as she examined the machine, but it appears to be a humanoid robot. Incredible!

Lucca dug around a bit, examining the workings of the machine and declared, I think I can fix it.

What?! It might attack us, Marle said.

Marle's got a point, Crono said, The other robots we've met haven't been altogether friendly.

Lucca shook her head, I'll make sure it doesn't. Machines aren't evil it's humans that make them that way.

Marle looked at Lucca for a second, You... pity them, don't you?

Lucca turned back towards the robot, Let me get back to my work now, okay?

Crono and Marle watched as Lucca went about repairing the machine. The two checked the door but it wouldn't move. In about an hour Lucca declared, Arlight, that should do it! I'm going to give it some juice.

Lucca flipped a switch on the machine and stepped back. The robot started to convulse wildly then jumped to it's feet. It leapt about the platfrom then finally settled down, standing in front of Marle.

Good morning, Marle said cheerfully.

The robot started speaking hesitantly,

It paused for a second before continuing rapidly, Good morning, mistress. What is your command?

I'm not your mistress. I'm Marle, she said correcting the machine.

She gestured to Crono and Lucca and said, This is Crono and Lucca here fixed you.

The robot turned to Lucca and gave a bow, Understood, Madam Lucca fixed me.

Just Lucca will do, Lucca said with a shake of her but she was smiling slightly.

The robot shook his metallic head, Impossible. That would be rude.

Look I hate formal titles. Don't you Marle?

Marle stiffled a laugh as she answered, Hate

The robot paused for a moment then said, I understand, Lucca.

All right, Lucca said enthusiastically, What's your name?

If the machine could have expressed confusion it would have but it only replied,

Then as if in comprehension, Ah, my serial number. It is R66-Y.

Lucca adjusted her glasses, R66-Y? Cool!

That's no kind of name, Crono interjected.

Come on Crono, Marle said, Let's give him a name.

How about Robo, Crono said.

Marle thought about it for a moment, That's perfect. Your new name is Robo, okay?

My name is... Robo. Data storage complete.

Hey Robo, Lucca asked, Why aren't there any people here?

Robo looked around as if for the first time. What... What happened here? There were many humans here as well as others of my kind.

It think something awful happened here, Lucca said gloomily.

It would appear so, Robo replied, But then how did you survive?

We came through a time warp from the year 1000, Lucca explained.

While we were exploring Arris Dome we discovered that there was a gate here, Marle continued.

Lucca continued again, We found you when we came to look for the gate.

Marle continued, But the door to the inner chamber is locked.

Robo stepped to the door and tried to open it. After several tries he declared, The power is off. If we can get to the factory up north I can pass through the security and activate the power generator for this dome.

You'd do that for us, Marle asked Robo.

Robo banged his fists on his chest making a loud clanking noise, You repaired me, now it's my turn to help you. But the generator won't run for long. Someone must stay behind to open the doors when power is restored.

Lucca, you should stay, Crono said, You know how to get this stuff to work.

Lucca agreed, I'll take care of things here.

Lead on Robo, Crono said.