--- Part 4: Unfinished Business ---
Ash looked down at the ground. In his blind panic he had moved away from his weapon which had rolled some distance and now lay near Mandroid's feet. Mandroid's head traced the direction of Ash's gaze.
"I think you might really need that right about now." It sounded exactly as if he was smiling.
Ash checked Mandroid's hands, he was not carrying any photon weapons but held in one hand a large brown cube, which he seemed to be trying to conceal. Ash took a few hesitant steps backwards.
"Where are you going? You cannot escape me here, and no one can save you." Mandroid patted his chest lightly. "My upgrades ensure that this experience will not be spoiled by the untimely interference of others, especially THAT hunter, the one that saved you before..."
Ash gasped and clasped his stomach, a light phantom pain wracked his body as the memory of that terrible day in the Ruins came flooding back. A top-secret mission to recover a survey team had very nearly end with the death of him at the hands of someone he knew and had trusted. But he had been saved, saved by the Hunter that would go on to defeat Dark Falz. As his life ebbed away he had witnessed the epic battle that had resulted in the destruction of...
"Kireek!"
The White android gave no response, standing motionlessly in front of him.