Megaman Zero,episode 7: Attack of the Juggernaut
*Opening sequence*
Zero: Alouette had run off with a kid named Donnie & they were hanging around in the city. The X drones wanted them captured.
Me & Dande set off to find her,but we were held up by some new X drones with giant claw arms. I took care of them & eventually we made it to were Alouette was & killed the X drones that were chasing her.
Problem was...they had already claimed a victim.
Donnie was a brave boy. He gave his life for Alouette. Now,I'm going to make sure nobody else has to lose their life.
*Inside X's dark chamber in Neo Arcadia,X & Maha sit looking at the monitor screens,watching Zero & friends' various victories*
X: This is un-X-eptable! The lab,the plant,killing Aztec Falcon & Now he's destroyed a supply train & ruined an important field test of our latest drones! That Red Maverick & the rest of the Resistance must be X-terminated!!!
Maha: That is very true,but what can we do? We know their base is in the Megopolis ruins,but all attempts to ferret them out have failed. Perhaps we should try another search of the city?
X: No...I'm tired of all this ineffective searching! It takes far too long & it gives them time to get ready for us. I believe it's time for X-treme measures...
Maha: And that means?
X: We're going to level the city!
Maha: You can't be serious!
X: Dead serious,my pachyderm pal.
Maha: But...do you know how much that would cost?
X: Yes...we will need more funding. Put in a call to the big bosses.
Maha: The...the big bosses? Are you certain?
X: Yes. We need this done.
Maha: Alright. I just hope you no what for you are doing. *Maha turns on the vidphone & a young reploid girl with cat ears appears on screen*
Miichii: You have reached the Neo Arcadian chamber of commerce. Executive assistant Miichii speaking. How may I help you?
Maha: I need to speak to the big bosses.
Miichii: I'm so sorry...they're in a meeting now & cannot be disturbed. Can I take a message?
Maha: Tell them Master X wants to speak with them.
Miichii: M...Master X? Why didn't you say so? I'll transfer your call to them right away,Mr.Elephant-kun!
*The screen changes to show a bunch of silhouetted guys sitting around a table in a dark conference room*
X: Ah,gentlemen! I have an urgent matter I wish to discuss with you.
Boss #1: This had better be important,X. We have business to attend to.
X: It is,it is. I'm sure you've no doubt heard of Zero,the Red Maverick,& all the trouble he has caused?
Boss #2: Of course. What is your point?
X: I have a foolproof plan to eliminate him,as well as the rest of the mavericks living in the ruins!
Boss #3: And you are telling us this...why?
X: I need the military budget X-tended to finance the construction of a giant machaniloid to completely destroy the city,leaving them with no place left to hide!
Boss #1: Are you crazy? We can't go pissing away our money on some hairbrained scheme like that! We already have our hands full with the trade union revolts in El Salvador...which reminds me,why aren't you handling THAT?
X: I've sent my guardians there to take care of it. I consider the destruction of mavericks my highest priority & Zero is one of the most powerful mavericks ever! He is a threat to our national security who must be stopped!!
Boss #2: Mabye he's right,guys. They have cost us a lot recently. They even took that energeon plant.
Boss #1: Yes,but the cost far outweighs the benefits in this case. They are only one splinter group of reploids living in a bombed out ruin. We have more pressing concerns.
X: But...but,Zero is...
Boss #4: Look,the thing is,X...if you destroy the city,it might not go over well with the voters...it could cause problems. You know,the squatters rights thing & all that...
Boss #1: Hmm...hold that thought. X,could you hang on a second?
*The businessmen huddle & then turn back to X*
Boss #1: Alright...we've come to a descision. We'll have the Prime minister hold a referendum on the destruction of the city. If the voters agree that eliminating the Maverick threat is worth the cost,we'll increase the budget to acommodate your plan. Goodbye X.*The screen turns off*
X: They're going to put it to a vote?
Maha: Well,I suppose that is that,then.
X: And by that you mean?
Maha: Well,sir,with all due respect,I do not believe the people of Neo Arcadia would knowingly have their tax dollars used to build a giant robot of destruction. It does sound rather silly when you---
X: Enough! This IS going to work. It must. The fate of Neo Arcadia depends on it!
Maha: Well,I know that & you know that,but the latest polls seem to indicate that the people are not as concerned about the maverick threat as they once were.
X: Hmm...then we'll just have to make them concerned...yes.
Maha: How do we do that?
X: Simple. We'll show them the kind of things these Maverick scum are capable of. Are you any good at video editing?
Maha: I have the latest editing software installed.
X: X-elent...
*In the Resistance's lab,Cerveau & the Maintainence Bot are working on some kind of dish shaped device when Zero walks in*
Zero: Hey,Cerveau! What're you working on there?
Cerveau: Glad you asked. I'm rebuilding my first invention. I call it the Universal Compact Signal Reciever,or UCSR. It has all the power of an industrial satellite dish at only a fraction of the size! It can pick up signals from around the world with barely any static.
Zero: Hey,that's pretty good. That was your first invention?
Cerveau: Yup. In fact...it's very closely tied to how I came to be here...
Zero: Come again?
Cerveau: You see,I used to be a scientist for Neo Arcadia. I worked at the T.X. Light institute for advanced technology. I came up with the UCSR there. Everbody was quite impressed...especially one fellow...
Zero: He stole your invention?
Cerveau: Yes. He told me he wanted to have a look at the blueprints. He said he thought that studying the microcircuitry of the UCSR would help him with the microcircuits on his own project...& I was fool enough to believe him. He was at the patent office taking credit for my hard work within the hour...
Zero: That's terrible! Did you get back at him?
Cerveau: Never had the chance. He had a plan to get rid of me. He told the security force I was a traitor & I was funneling government secrets to the Resistance. I had no other choice but to actually betray Neo Arcadia & join the Resistance,& I've been here ever since.
Zero: How ironic. So,you finished this thing yet?
Cerveau: Almost. The Bot's putting the finishing touches on it. You done there?
Bot: Beep whirr beep!
Cerveau: Alright then,let's see if this works. Plug it into the monitor & turn it on.
Bot: Meep!
*The bot plugs in the reciever & switches on the TV. There is what appears to be the MM.exe show on the screen*
Cerveau: Sucess! It works perfectly. *Flips through the channels* Yup. Looks like it's all here. Let's see what,if anything they're saying about us on NAB.
Zero: Nab? What's that?
Cerveau: Neo Arcadian Broadcasting. It's Neo Arcadia's version of CNN...not that there's much of a difference.
*The NAB logo flashes on the screen & then an anchorwoman at a newsdesk*
Lonnie: Good afternoon,I'm Lonnie Chang. Our top story tonight,General Phantom & the rest of the guardians have arrived in El Salvador to assist in the removal of rebel forces. El Salvador is home to several low cost manufacturing plants that produce clothing & other goods for export. Recently,trade unions campaigning for worker's rights have turned violent. General Phantom has stated that he plans to return conditions in El Salvador to normal by the end of the month.
Zero: General Phantom?
Cerveau: He's one of X's guardians.
Zero: Oh. You know,one of these day's I'm going to have to read up on all this.
Lonnie: In other news,Megaman X held a press conference today to discuss the threat of Mavericks. Here's a clip...
Zero: X? Hmm...I wonder what he's got to say?
Cerveau: I don't like this...
*X is standing behind a podium with a crowd of reporters around*
X: The war on maverickism must continue! The threat posed by these beasts can no longer be ignored. Now I have heard that support is dwindling for this cause,& I find this very distressing. The mavericks still pose a marked threat to our families...our jobs...our way of life. We must continue to be ever vigilant & make sure they are all wiped out!
Various people in the gawking rappel: What about the El Salvador crisis? Is Leviathan & Ben's wedding still on? Is Wily really still alive or are all those videos doctored?
X: People? People,please! One question at a time. Yes,you?
Reporter: Thank you. Brent Kockman,J3 news. How do you respond to the claims that many reploids branded as mavericks are merely acting violent in self defence?
X: Self defense,eh? Let me show you all something. Now,I must warn you,what you are about to see is very disturbing...roll the clip,Maha!
*On a screen behind the podium there is a clip of Zero shooting his gun. In the next scene,Donnie gets hit by a shot & falls down dead*
Zero: *Shocked* Wha--?!
Cerveau: Jesus Christ...
X: Does that look like self defence to you?
*A loud gasp of shock & horror goes up from the crowd*
X: The maverick threat is indeed still there. And that maverick there was the worst of all. Zero,the red demon. A being made only to destroy & do harm. Not only was he a killer of the innocent,but also a liar. For years,he decieved the Hunters into believing his heart was pure. He pretended to be my best friend when really...he was the one...who killed my family! My brothers...my sister...my friends...my father...all dead because of him. Zero...if you're listening...I will not rest untill my loved ones & all the others whose lives you took are avenged with your painful death!!!
Zero: They...I...he...GRR!!!!!!!! YOU LYING LITTLE MOTHER FUCKER!!!!! I'LL KILL YOU!!!!!!! *Draws the Z-magnum & blasts the screen*
Cerveau: Woah! Zero! Calm yourself!
Zero: Rrrrr!!! How could he?! I didn't kill that kid...I'll tear that shitbag's heart out for this!!! If he even has one!!
Cerveau: Get ahold of yourself,man!*Slaps Zero*
Zero: Ow!! Hey! What'd ya do that for?
Cerveau: You can't let them get to you. This is all just a propaganda stunt. They're trying to drum up support against us...we have to get ready. We all know you didn't kill Donnie,or the Lights...you never even knew them,did you?
Zero: I don't know...I don't think...*[flashback]Dr.Light screaming in terror[/flashback]*
Cerveau: Zero? You alright now?
Zero: Wha--? Umm...yeah,I think so...
Cerveau: Good. Now I have to fix the monitor...get out of here before you break anything else.
Zero: Eh...heheh...sorry.
Cerveau: You'd better tell Ciel about what X said. I have a feeling he's up to something with this...
*Zero enters Ciel's office*
Ciel: Oh! Zero...what are you doing here?
Zero: We...we have a big problem,Ciel.
Ciel: A...problem?
Zero: It's X. Cerveau & I saw on TV that he's calling for more support in his war against us. He even...that little freak doctored a video of that boy...Donnie's death to show that...
Ciel: Zero? Are you alright?
Zero: He tricked them! He showed all the reporters a video where I killed that kid! He even said I killed his family!
Ciel: Donnie's family? They're dead,too?
Zero: No,not Donnie's family. X's. Dr.Light & the first Megaman & all the rest!
Ciel: What? That's crazy. What could he be trying to pull?
Zero: I don't know.
*Just then,Cerveau & the bot come in*
Cerveau: Ciel? You mind if I hook my reciever up to the screen in here? Somebody broke mine...*Glares at Zero*
Zero: Heh heh...
Ciel: Go ahead.
*The Bot plugs the machine into a monitor*
Cerveau: Ok,now switch it back to NAB.
Bot: Meep,click beep?
Cerveau: Because I'm a reploid & you're just a bot. You have to listen to your superiors.
Bot: Whirrrr,beep!
Cerveau: Well yes,but...fine,I'll do it. Stupid Maintainence droid...*turns on the TV & turns it to NAB* Let's see what's going on here...
News anchor: Welcome back. I'm Arthur Gyle. This just in; following Master X's press conference on the war against mavericks,the mother & father of the young boy Zero was shown killing speak out. Here is the footage of Robert & Mary Righto.
*The scene goes to a living room somewhere. A couple is sitting on the couch,obviously distressed*
Mary: I just can't believe...my baby's gone...it's terrible...
Robert: What I want to know is why this wasn't prevented! If we know those mavericks are out there why can't we just kill them all before they get us? I think that the government should do whatever they can...to make damn sure those sons of bitches pay for what they did to my boy & everybody else!
*Back to the newsdesk*
Arthur: On Monday,Prime minister Inafune will hold a referendum on the destrution of Megalopolis,a city believed to be the hiding place of Zero & numerous other mavericks. If the resolution passes,the drone forces will launch an all out attack on the city & smash it to nothing.
Cerveau: What the devil?
Ciel: They...they can't.
Zero: Of course! That's why X held that conference...
Ciel: He's trying to manipulate the voters.
Zero: I'd say he did a pretty good job of it. Nobody's gonna vote against killing us all after that!
Cerveau: And since there's no way we'll ever be able to convince them that tape was a phoney,it looks like that's that...
Bot: Beep boop click.
Cerveau: You can say that again.
Bot: Beep boop click.
Cerveau: ...you know what I meant.
Ciel: We have to call the troops together...this is going to be our toughest challenge yet.
*Later,in the main hallway of the Resistance base,all the reploids are gathered together with Ciel standing at the front*
Ciel: People,I've called you all here because we have a situation. In a few days,Neo Arcadia is going to launch an all out attack on the city. We need to get ready.
Dande: They're just gonna run rampant through the whole city? Can they do that?
Ciel: Because of the cost involved they're going to put it to a vote...but after what happened...there's no way the people will vote no.
Jay: What the Hell did happen?!
Ciel: ...
Zero: They said I was the one who killed Donnie...
Alouette: What?! How...how could they?!!!
Zero: That's what I said.
Mishaq: We're not gonna take this lyin' down,are we?
Soldier: Course not! We're gonna stand up & fight,just like Milan would've wanted us to!
Ciel: Settle down,Locke. We don't even know what we're up against. We need a plan.
Dande: Who needs a plan when you got Zero?
Zero: I appreciate the vote of confidence,Dande,but I think it's going to be harder than that. We're gonna need everybody if they really do send all the drones.
Locke: Exactly. If we all work together,we can push back anything they throw at us! Am I right?!
*The crowd cheers*
Andrew: Now hold on a minute,you kids! You just might be in over your heads,here. I've been in situations like this before.
Locke: What're you talking about,old man?
Andrew: Back when I was with the Repliforce in 21XX,we had our fair share of heavy urban combat. Being a navy man,I never saw any of it firsthand,but there were a lot of city fights back in my day,& I got a pretty good idea of how it works.
Ciel: Well Andrew,if you know about these kinds of situations,now would be the time to share your knowlege.
Andrew: Well,often times they'll send in at least one giant mechaniloid to knock down buildings & crush enemy troops & the like,with a bunch of smaller bots to cover it...
Zero: A giant mechaniloid?
Ciel: It's like a really big drone. I wouldn't worry about it,though. I don't think Neo Arcadia has any of those. They've never needed them since they're used to fighting less equipped opponents. The closest things they have that I ever saw were the the Golems & these huge mining robots used for energeon extraction.
Cerveau: Well who's to say they won't build one? They certainly have the resources.
Dande: Oh dear...I sure hope they don't bring out one of those...
Andrew: I wouldn't worry about it too much,sonny. Ya see,giant mechaniloids can dish it out,but they sure as Hell can't take it. Them things are notoriously weak against smaller,more manuverable targets. 'Course,that aint worth slag if you get blown to scrap before you can make your move.
Ciel: Agreed. We have to prepare for the attack,to make sure we get to make our move before they can pull out whatever big guns they've got waiting for us. I want scout teams to set up positions throughout the city. If you see any drone activity I want to know where & when. The rest of you,set up defensive measures. Cerveau,keep watching the monitors for any change in the situation. Zero?
Zero: Yes?
Ciel: You're on standby. If the giant mechaniloid does come,I want you to be the one to take it down.
Zero: No problem.
Ciel: I want extra guards around the energeon supply. Mari?
Mari: Yes,Ms.Ciel?
Ciel: Take Elijah,Adam & a set of rifles. High explosive rounds.
Mari: HE rounds? If they go off too close to the energeon...
Ciel: I know...if anybody gets in here,it's the best thing to do.
Mari: Well...ok,I guess. I doubt it'll come to that,anyway. C'mon boys!
*Mari,Elijah & Adam leave*
Jay: Now what do we do,oh Fearless leader?
Ciel: We watch,& wait...
*A few days later,inside X's citadel,he & Maha are working on some sort of blueprints*
X: Hmmm...lessee here...yes,put some more missiles there...X-elent...
Maha: You know,Master X,sir I'm not sure getting started on the giant mechaniloid of death at this point is advisable.
X: How's that?
Maha: Well,the votes aren't in yet. What if we can't get our budget extension?
X: Rela-X,Ganeshariff. There's no way the voters are going to argue with me about this matter after seeing what Zero is capable of.
Maha: But...what if they find out your video was a fake,Sir?
X: Don't worry...besides,even if the child killing isn't true,Zero is still dangerous & there is ample proof of that already. They simply needed a little tug at the heartstrings by putting a human face on this to make them recognize the threat he poses...& besides,designing giant mechaniloids is great fun! I'm X-tatic!
Maha: Oh,of course. So what have we got here?
X: The Juggernaut mechaniloid will be a masterpiece! It's 10 stories tall,it's got missiles,rockets,minelayers,drills to penetrate below the pavement & wreck any underground instalations,it can carry & launch several X-drones & flyers & it even comes equipped with a salvo of small nukes!
Maha: Nuclear weapons?! Are you sure about this? There are very,very dangerous...
X: That's the whole point,you curry eating cretin! If I nuke the city,they won't stand a chance! I'm not taking any risks here.
Maha: What about the Geneva convention?
X: What about them? I'm the one who's got the nukes.
Maha: Well...I certainly cannot flout that logic.
X: Damn right!
Maha: On another topic,do you ever worry that your power is corrupting you?
X: Of course not. I'm the greatest hero ever created. I am Megaman X,the perfect fighter for justice! Why do you ask?
Maha: Oh,no reason...
X: Oh! Shh...turn on the news. It's almost time...
*In Ciel's office,Ciel & Cerveau are gathered around the TV when Zero walks in*
Zero: Is it time yet?
Ciel: Yes...
Cerveau: Here it comes.
*On the screen,the NAB newsdesk appears with Art Gyle sitting there again*
Art: Welcome back to NAB. Our top story tonight; the votes are in on the resolution to attack Megopolis...
Ciel: Here it comes...
Zero: What's the point we know we're gonna---
Cerveau: Shush!
Art: The motion passed by a landslide 82%.
Zero: I knew it.
Cerveau: Looks like we will be fighting after all.
Ciel: Oh,God no...
Art: Megaman X has already begun the design & construction of a super powered giant mechaniloid to use in the assault. We could obtain no other details at this time.
Cerveau: Well,looks like Andrew's hunch was right.
Ciel: Zero,I want you to join the troops on the main defence line.
Zero: I don't think so.
Ciel: What?
Zero: If I'm on the main defence line,that mechaniloid is lible to kill everybody ahead of it. When that thing comes I want to get the first shot at it,as soon as possible.
Ciel: But...but we don't even know what it's capable of...
Zero: Well I'm just gonna have to find out.*dashes off*
Ciel: Zero...you're so brave...
*Inside a factory in Neo Arcadia,the Juggernaut is being welded together by a bunch of machines while X & Maha look on*
X: X-elent! It is almost complete! How much longer?
Maha: It will be ready for deployment in half an hour. The Commander says all the other troops are ready to go. We should be able to start the attack by sundown.
X: Perfect. Tonight,Zero dies!
*At sundown,Zero stands in the street near the edge of town. The sound of helicopters can be heard & a swarm of drones comes over a hill*
Zero: Here they come...
*Back in the base,Cerveau & Ciel watch the scanners*
Cerveau: I detect more than 10,000 drones,plus 4 Golems. As for the giant mechanloid,it's being airlifted in. ETA---10 SECONDS?!!
Ceil*Into comm system*: Listen up people. The enemies are headed our way. They'll be within city limits in 10...
*Mari,Elijah & Adam stand outside the energeon room*
...9...
*Jay,Dande & a bunch of other soldiers stand with a tripod mounted rocket launcher behind some piles of rubble*
...8...
*Alouette,Andrew & other refugees huddle in a shelter inside the base*
...7...
*Locke & his men stand in the street with another launcher*
...6...
*Shaq,Benny & Ibu stand watch atop a building*
...5...
*Commander & the operators sit at their consoles in the command center,directing the invasion*
...4...
*A group of people in the streets of Neo Arcadia watch on a giant TV screen*
...3...
*X watches manicaly the drones move in on the screen as Maha stands in the background*
...2...
*The drones come in closer*
...1...
*A pair of Bee bladers carrying the Juggernaut on cables releases it & it hits the ground with a crash*
ZERO!!!
*Zero ignites the Z sabre & charges the drones*
Zero: HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
*Zero cuts up drone after drone,not unlike something out of Samurai Jack. A Golem approaches,but Zero decapitates it & sends it crashing into the ground. The Juggernaut releases a barrage of missiles,but Zero dashes out of the way & they blow up more drones. Another missile explodes near him & sends him skidding into a ditch*
Zero: Gahh!! Ugh...no...I...I WON'T GIVE UP THAT EASILY!!!!*Gets up & charges into the swarm again*
*More drones & two Golems move in towards Jay & Dande's group. Several soldiers get blasted*
Jay: Holy crap! It's like ants at a picnic!
Dande: Stand together,people! Aim the rockets at the Golem's heads!
*A soldier fires at a Golem & blows its head off*
Dande: Yeehaw! That's the way! Now for the other!
*The other Golem fires its beam cannon & blows off Dande's arm again*
Dande: Well,that's no good...
*Shaq,Benny & Ibu stand atop the building as the drones move in closer*
Ibu: I'm going after that giant mechanloid! YAAAAAA!!!!!
Benny: Ibu?!
Shaq: *Grabs Ibu* Oh no you don't! Our last squad leader went & killed himself. I'm sure as Hell not gonna let that happen to you! Now sit yo' ass down,boy & help us snipe at these bastards!
Ibu: ...fine.
*They shoot at the drones in the street below*
Ibu: You'll all die!!!
Benny: Umm...ok...
*Zero climbs up the side of the Juggernaut & gets on a catwalk attached to it's side. A door opens & 3 X drones come out. Before they can fire,Zero spears them with the triple rod*
Zero: Alright,now to...uh oh...
*A Fanblaster drone pulls up along side & fires its rockets. Zero dodges & shoots it with the Z magnum. A squad of Tengu X drones comes & chases Zero up to the top,where he shoots them down. A hatch on the rear section of the Juggernaut opens & a Panzercheck weilding X drone emerges & opens fire on Zero. Zero gets knocked back by the blast,but he gets up & cuts the drones bazooka in half & then beheads him*
Zero: Hmm...no where is this thing's weak spot?
*Back in the Resistance base command room*
Cerveau: Zero is right on top of it!
Ciel: Oh my God...
Cerveau: Don't worry,Ciel. Remember,giant mechanloids are vulnerable to attacks from smaller---
Ciel: No,look at this reading!
Cerveau: *Looks at the status monitor* It looks like that thing is carrying some sort of radioactive material...
Ciel: Like nuclear weapons!
Cerveau: It can't be!
Ciel: We have to warn him! Mabye Zero can stop them...*Turns on the comm unit* Zero! Zero! Can you hear me?
*Back on top of the Juggernaut as it crashes through a buch of buildings*
Zero: Ciel! What's up?
Ciel: We have a problem! That mechanloid is carrying nukes!
Zero: Nukes? But where...
*The missile launch bay on the top opens & the missiles rise up*
Zero: Well that was conveniant. Alright,I'm gonna see about disarming these suckers. Zero out.
Ciel: Good luck.
*Zero goes up to the missile unit & examines a pannel next to it*
Zero: I'm guessing this is the launch control unit. Say bye b--*Gets shot by an X drone* Ugh...Oh no...
*Zero shoots the drone & heads back toward the launcher,but one of the missiles fires up into the air*
Zero: Shit! I'm too late! Ciel! Come in!
Ciel: Zero? What's wrong?
Zero: I...I was too late. You've got incoming!
Ciel: What?!
Zero: I gotta go...I gotta make sure the others don't...I gotta go...
*Back at the base*
Ciel: Zero!
Cerveau: Where's that nuke gonna hit?
Ciel: Let's see...point O-7...Oh no! That's where Dande & Jay's team is!
*At point O-7,the missile comes down while the Resistance men are fighting drones everywhere*
Dande: Um...what is that?
Jay: I'll tell ya what it is,Shecky. It's our cue to get our asses outta here!
Dande: Everyone! Escape units! Now!
*The Resistance guys teleport out as the missile hits with a spectacular shroom cloud. Zero watches it from the Juggernaut*
Zero: My God...Ciel? Come in. Are you alright?
Ciel: I'm fine. Everybody's fine. They all got out before it hit.
Zero: Good. I'm gonna take care of the rest of these. Zero out.
*Zero raises his sword & cuts open the pannel*
Zero: There. Now...I think...oh right,I have to remove the isetopes from the other missiles. I don't want to make this blast any bigger than it has to be. Otherwise it could reach the base.*Cuts open the missiles & removes the cores* Alright,now what to do with these...
*Meanwhile on the ground near where the Juggernaut is headed,Locke & his team are lying in wait*
Soldier: So,what's the plan again,Locke?
Locke: Screw the plans! We rush it & go from there. You can't overthink these things,Stoch.
Stoch: Right,of course not.
Female soldier: You're so brave,Locke...
Locke: You know I am,Beryl. Come on!
Stoch: Well...
Beryl: Uh...
Locke: Fine! I'll do it myself!!! YAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
*Locke rushes toward the Juggernaut,but a missile narrowly misses him & blows up,knocking him down*
Locke: Gahhhh!!
Zero: *Looks down* Locke?
Locke: Zero?
Zero: Hey,can you do me a favor? Take these missile cores back to base!
Locke: Well...ok.
Zero: Look out below!*Throws down the cores*
Locke: *Runs alongside & catches them* Urk! Got 'em!
Zero: Good,now get outta here!
Locke: Umm...ok. You heard the man,let's book!
*They teleport out*
Zero: Good thing I saved one of those missiles. I just hope I'm far enough away from the base...*Arms a missile* Time to go.
*Zero teleports away as the Juggernaut explodes in another mushroom cloud*
*Back in Neo Arcadia,X & Maha are sitting in the citadel while Commander is on a screen*
Commander: The Juggernaut was destroyed when Zero set off one of the nukes inside the launcher. The attack is a failure,Master X.
X: ...
Commander: Uh...Master X? Are you ok?
X: ...
Commander: Master X?
X: ...AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ZERO!!!!!!!! I'M GONNA KILL YOU!!!!!!!!!!
Commander: Uh...well,nice talkin' to ya,boss. Bye.*Switches off*
Maha: Master X? Are you alright?
X: Do I look alright?! DO I?!!! I can't believe this!!! I cannot believe this!!! That was the greatest war machine we had & it still failed...only one thing could make this any worse...
*The Big bosses appear on the monitor*
Boss #1: Oh,X...
X: Why do I give 'em these set ups?
Boss #1: You are in very serious trouble.
Boss #2: Your giant mechaniloid plot failed!
Boss #3: Do you have any idea what this is gonna cost us? You're going to pay for this...
X: How?
Boss #1: You need to be taught a lesson...yes.
Boss #2: Ganeshariff? Take him to the Re-education unit. Hahahaha!
Maha: With pleasure,Big bosses. Come along Mr.X,sir.*Grabs X by the torso & carries him off*
X: Put me down this instant!!!
Maha: Sorry Sir,but if I don't do this,what do you think will happen to me?
X: You...you can't...I was only trying to help...I thought it would work! I really did! I'm the good guy here!!! HEY,YOU BASTARDS!!! YOU CAN'T DO THIS TO ME!!! I'M MEGAMAN X!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Maha: Oh,quiet,you.*Puts his other hand over X's head as he carries him out of the room*
Big bosses: Hehehe...HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!
*Back in the Resistance base,Zero & Ciel are talking*
Zero: So...what's our status?
Ciel: Half the city is in ruins &...we lost 40 men out there...
Zero: Yikes. I didn't even know we had that many soldiers.
Ciel: Sure. We get new members coming in all the time...but still...oh God...so many...
Zero: Ciel...please,don't cry...please?
Ciel: No...I won't. I...can't. Look,I want to thank you for stopping that monster. If it weren't for you it would have been a lot worse.
Zero: Just doing my job,ma'am. So,what about the radiation from those nuclear blasts?
Ciel: They weren't that big. We've already got it under controll. Energeon radiation & nuclear fallout cancel eachother out. We have raw energeon piled up around the blast areas. All the radioactivity should be dead by tomorrow. The team laying out the energeon found a cyber elf. I want you to have it.*Pull out a cyber elf*
Winkie: Hiya! *Gets in Zero's containment unit*
Zero: Woah. Thanks. So,they're getting rid of the fallout,eh? Well that's a relief. Anything else?
Ciel: Actually,yes. Apparently,this incident has caused some major political problems in Neo Arcadia. The military is under fire from the people & the press for failing to destroy us. X is in for it,big time...
Zero: It won't stop him from trying to kill us.
Ciel: I know. He'll be back eventually. Still,it probably won't be for awhile...the best thing we can do for now I guess is to try to reorganize.
Zero: Yeah,I guess...
Ciel: You know,now that we have some free time...um,would you like to have a picnic with me? The drones didn't do much damage to the park.
Zero: Ciel...I'm sorry...I can't. Not yet.
Ciel: Why not? What's wrong?
Zero: Because...I have to train some more. I have to get ready for what's coming next. Think about it. If they sent something this powerful after us,what do you think they're gonna do for an encore? I have a feeling the guardians are going to show up soon...I can't take the risk of being unprepared...& there are...other things I have to sort out,too*[flashback]Roll looking terrified[/flashback]. I'm sorry Ciel. I'll see you later.*Walks away*
Ciel: Later...
*Alouette comes along*
Alouette: Ciel? Is everything ok?
Ciel: I don't think so...
Alouette: Why not?
Ciel: Because...Zero is worried.
Alouette: So?
Ciel: When the strongest among you is scared...it doesn't bode well for anyone.
Alouette: What is Zero scared of?
Ciel: I wish I knew...
*Roll credits*
Uknown: Next time on Megaman Zero...
When a group of escaped prisoners from Neo Arcadia crash their plane in the desert,it's up to Zero to save them,but the desert holds many dangers... Will Zero save the wrongfully accused reploids before it's too late?
Find out in...
Megaman Zero,episode 8: The curse of Anubis.
*Opening sequence*
Zero: Alouette had run off with a kid named Donnie & they were hanging around in the city. The X drones wanted them captured.
Me & Dande set off to find her,but we were held up by some new X drones with giant claw arms. I took care of them & eventually we made it to were Alouette was & killed the X drones that were chasing her.
Problem was...they had already claimed a victim.
Donnie was a brave boy. He gave his life for Alouette. Now,I'm going to make sure nobody else has to lose their life.
*Inside X's dark chamber in Neo Arcadia,X & Maha sit looking at the monitor screens,watching Zero & friends' various victories*
X: This is un-X-eptable! The lab,the plant,killing Aztec Falcon & Now he's destroyed a supply train & ruined an important field test of our latest drones! That Red Maverick & the rest of the Resistance must be X-terminated!!!
Maha: That is very true,but what can we do? We know their base is in the Megopolis ruins,but all attempts to ferret them out have failed. Perhaps we should try another search of the city?
X: No...I'm tired of all this ineffective searching! It takes far too long & it gives them time to get ready for us. I believe it's time for X-treme measures...
Maha: And that means?
X: We're going to level the city!
Maha: You can't be serious!
X: Dead serious,my pachyderm pal.
Maha: But...do you know how much that would cost?
X: Yes...we will need more funding. Put in a call to the big bosses.
Maha: The...the big bosses? Are you certain?
X: Yes. We need this done.
Maha: Alright. I just hope you no what for you are doing. *Maha turns on the vidphone & a young reploid girl with cat ears appears on screen*
Miichii: You have reached the Neo Arcadian chamber of commerce. Executive assistant Miichii speaking. How may I help you?
Maha: I need to speak to the big bosses.
Miichii: I'm so sorry...they're in a meeting now & cannot be disturbed. Can I take a message?
Maha: Tell them Master X wants to speak with them.
Miichii: M...Master X? Why didn't you say so? I'll transfer your call to them right away,Mr.Elephant-kun!
*The screen changes to show a bunch of silhouetted guys sitting around a table in a dark conference room*
X: Ah,gentlemen! I have an urgent matter I wish to discuss with you.
Boss #1: This had better be important,X. We have business to attend to.
X: It is,it is. I'm sure you've no doubt heard of Zero,the Red Maverick,& all the trouble he has caused?
Boss #2: Of course. What is your point?
X: I have a foolproof plan to eliminate him,as well as the rest of the mavericks living in the ruins!
Boss #3: And you are telling us this...why?
X: I need the military budget X-tended to finance the construction of a giant machaniloid to completely destroy the city,leaving them with no place left to hide!
Boss #1: Are you crazy? We can't go pissing away our money on some hairbrained scheme like that! We already have our hands full with the trade union revolts in El Salvador...which reminds me,why aren't you handling THAT?
X: I've sent my guardians there to take care of it. I consider the destruction of mavericks my highest priority & Zero is one of the most powerful mavericks ever! He is a threat to our national security who must be stopped!!
Boss #2: Mabye he's right,guys. They have cost us a lot recently. They even took that energeon plant.
Boss #1: Yes,but the cost far outweighs the benefits in this case. They are only one splinter group of reploids living in a bombed out ruin. We have more pressing concerns.
X: But...but,Zero is...
Boss #4: Look,the thing is,X...if you destroy the city,it might not go over well with the voters...it could cause problems. You know,the squatters rights thing & all that...
Boss #1: Hmm...hold that thought. X,could you hang on a second?
*The businessmen huddle & then turn back to X*
Boss #1: Alright...we've come to a descision. We'll have the Prime minister hold a referendum on the destruction of the city. If the voters agree that eliminating the Maverick threat is worth the cost,we'll increase the budget to acommodate your plan. Goodbye X.*The screen turns off*
X: They're going to put it to a vote?
Maha: Well,I suppose that is that,then.
X: And by that you mean?
Maha: Well,sir,with all due respect,I do not believe the people of Neo Arcadia would knowingly have their tax dollars used to build a giant robot of destruction. It does sound rather silly when you---
X: Enough! This IS going to work. It must. The fate of Neo Arcadia depends on it!
Maha: Well,I know that & you know that,but the latest polls seem to indicate that the people are not as concerned about the maverick threat as they once were.
X: Hmm...then we'll just have to make them concerned...yes.
Maha: How do we do that?
X: Simple. We'll show them the kind of things these Maverick scum are capable of. Are you any good at video editing?
Maha: I have the latest editing software installed.
X: X-elent...
*In the Resistance's lab,Cerveau & the Maintainence Bot are working on some kind of dish shaped device when Zero walks in*
Zero: Hey,Cerveau! What're you working on there?
Cerveau: Glad you asked. I'm rebuilding my first invention. I call it the Universal Compact Signal Reciever,or UCSR. It has all the power of an industrial satellite dish at only a fraction of the size! It can pick up signals from around the world with barely any static.
Zero: Hey,that's pretty good. That was your first invention?
Cerveau: Yup. In fact...it's very closely tied to how I came to be here...
Zero: Come again?
Cerveau: You see,I used to be a scientist for Neo Arcadia. I worked at the T.X. Light institute for advanced technology. I came up with the UCSR there. Everbody was quite impressed...especially one fellow...
Zero: He stole your invention?
Cerveau: Yes. He told me he wanted to have a look at the blueprints. He said he thought that studying the microcircuitry of the UCSR would help him with the microcircuits on his own project...& I was fool enough to believe him. He was at the patent office taking credit for my hard work within the hour...
Zero: That's terrible! Did you get back at him?
Cerveau: Never had the chance. He had a plan to get rid of me. He told the security force I was a traitor & I was funneling government secrets to the Resistance. I had no other choice but to actually betray Neo Arcadia & join the Resistance,& I've been here ever since.
Zero: How ironic. So,you finished this thing yet?
Cerveau: Almost. The Bot's putting the finishing touches on it. You done there?
Bot: Beep whirr beep!
Cerveau: Alright then,let's see if this works. Plug it into the monitor & turn it on.
Bot: Meep!
*The bot plugs in the reciever & switches on the TV. There is what appears to be the MM.exe show on the screen*
Cerveau: Sucess! It works perfectly. *Flips through the channels* Yup. Looks like it's all here. Let's see what,if anything they're saying about us on NAB.
Zero: Nab? What's that?
Cerveau: Neo Arcadian Broadcasting. It's Neo Arcadia's version of CNN...not that there's much of a difference.
*The NAB logo flashes on the screen & then an anchorwoman at a newsdesk*
Lonnie: Good afternoon,I'm Lonnie Chang. Our top story tonight,General Phantom & the rest of the guardians have arrived in El Salvador to assist in the removal of rebel forces. El Salvador is home to several low cost manufacturing plants that produce clothing & other goods for export. Recently,trade unions campaigning for worker's rights have turned violent. General Phantom has stated that he plans to return conditions in El Salvador to normal by the end of the month.
Zero: General Phantom?
Cerveau: He's one of X's guardians.
Zero: Oh. You know,one of these day's I'm going to have to read up on all this.
Lonnie: In other news,Megaman X held a press conference today to discuss the threat of Mavericks. Here's a clip...
Zero: X? Hmm...I wonder what he's got to say?
Cerveau: I don't like this...
*X is standing behind a podium with a crowd of reporters around*
X: The war on maverickism must continue! The threat posed by these beasts can no longer be ignored. Now I have heard that support is dwindling for this cause,& I find this very distressing. The mavericks still pose a marked threat to our families...our jobs...our way of life. We must continue to be ever vigilant & make sure they are all wiped out!
Various people in the gawking rappel: What about the El Salvador crisis? Is Leviathan & Ben's wedding still on? Is Wily really still alive or are all those videos doctored?
X: People? People,please! One question at a time. Yes,you?
Reporter: Thank you. Brent Kockman,J3 news. How do you respond to the claims that many reploids branded as mavericks are merely acting violent in self defence?
X: Self defense,eh? Let me show you all something. Now,I must warn you,what you are about to see is very disturbing...roll the clip,Maha!
*On a screen behind the podium there is a clip of Zero shooting his gun. In the next scene,Donnie gets hit by a shot & falls down dead*
Zero: *Shocked* Wha--?!
Cerveau: Jesus Christ...
X: Does that look like self defence to you?
*A loud gasp of shock & horror goes up from the crowd*
X: The maverick threat is indeed still there. And that maverick there was the worst of all. Zero,the red demon. A being made only to destroy & do harm. Not only was he a killer of the innocent,but also a liar. For years,he decieved the Hunters into believing his heart was pure. He pretended to be my best friend when really...he was the one...who killed my family! My brothers...my sister...my friends...my father...all dead because of him. Zero...if you're listening...I will not rest untill my loved ones & all the others whose lives you took are avenged with your painful death!!!
Zero: They...I...he...GRR!!!!!!!! YOU LYING LITTLE MOTHER FUCKER!!!!! I'LL KILL YOU!!!!!!! *Draws the Z-magnum & blasts the screen*
Cerveau: Woah! Zero! Calm yourself!
Zero: Rrrrr!!! How could he?! I didn't kill that kid...I'll tear that shitbag's heart out for this!!! If he even has one!!
Cerveau: Get ahold of yourself,man!*Slaps Zero*
Zero: Ow!! Hey! What'd ya do that for?
Cerveau: You can't let them get to you. This is all just a propaganda stunt. They're trying to drum up support against us...we have to get ready. We all know you didn't kill Donnie,or the Lights...you never even knew them,did you?
Zero: I don't know...I don't think...*[flashback]Dr.Light screaming in terror[/flashback]*
Cerveau: Zero? You alright now?
Zero: Wha--? Umm...yeah,I think so...
Cerveau: Good. Now I have to fix the monitor...get out of here before you break anything else.
Zero: Eh...heheh...sorry.
Cerveau: You'd better tell Ciel about what X said. I have a feeling he's up to something with this...
*Zero enters Ciel's office*
Ciel: Oh! Zero...what are you doing here?
Zero: We...we have a big problem,Ciel.
Ciel: A...problem?
Zero: It's X. Cerveau & I saw on TV that he's calling for more support in his war against us. He even...that little freak doctored a video of that boy...Donnie's death to show that...
Ciel: Zero? Are you alright?
Zero: He tricked them! He showed all the reporters a video where I killed that kid! He even said I killed his family!
Ciel: Donnie's family? They're dead,too?
Zero: No,not Donnie's family. X's. Dr.Light & the first Megaman & all the rest!
Ciel: What? That's crazy. What could he be trying to pull?
Zero: I don't know.
*Just then,Cerveau & the bot come in*
Cerveau: Ciel? You mind if I hook my reciever up to the screen in here? Somebody broke mine...*Glares at Zero*
Zero: Heh heh...
Ciel: Go ahead.
*The Bot plugs the machine into a monitor*
Cerveau: Ok,now switch it back to NAB.
Bot: Meep,click beep?
Cerveau: Because I'm a reploid & you're just a bot. You have to listen to your superiors.
Bot: Whirrrr,beep!
Cerveau: Well yes,but...fine,I'll do it. Stupid Maintainence droid...*turns on the TV & turns it to NAB* Let's see what's going on here...
News anchor: Welcome back. I'm Arthur Gyle. This just in; following Master X's press conference on the war against mavericks,the mother & father of the young boy Zero was shown killing speak out. Here is the footage of Robert & Mary Righto.
*The scene goes to a living room somewhere. A couple is sitting on the couch,obviously distressed*
Mary: I just can't believe...my baby's gone...it's terrible...
Robert: What I want to know is why this wasn't prevented! If we know those mavericks are out there why can't we just kill them all before they get us? I think that the government should do whatever they can...to make damn sure those sons of bitches pay for what they did to my boy & everybody else!
*Back to the newsdesk*
Arthur: On Monday,Prime minister Inafune will hold a referendum on the destrution of Megalopolis,a city believed to be the hiding place of Zero & numerous other mavericks. If the resolution passes,the drone forces will launch an all out attack on the city & smash it to nothing.
Cerveau: What the devil?
Ciel: They...they can't.
Zero: Of course! That's why X held that conference...
Ciel: He's trying to manipulate the voters.
Zero: I'd say he did a pretty good job of it. Nobody's gonna vote against killing us all after that!
Cerveau: And since there's no way we'll ever be able to convince them that tape was a phoney,it looks like that's that...
Bot: Beep boop click.
Cerveau: You can say that again.
Bot: Beep boop click.
Cerveau: ...you know what I meant.
Ciel: We have to call the troops together...this is going to be our toughest challenge yet.
*Later,in the main hallway of the Resistance base,all the reploids are gathered together with Ciel standing at the front*
Ciel: People,I've called you all here because we have a situation. In a few days,Neo Arcadia is going to launch an all out attack on the city. We need to get ready.
Dande: They're just gonna run rampant through the whole city? Can they do that?
Ciel: Because of the cost involved they're going to put it to a vote...but after what happened...there's no way the people will vote no.
Jay: What the Hell did happen?!
Ciel: ...
Zero: They said I was the one who killed Donnie...
Alouette: What?! How...how could they?!!!
Zero: That's what I said.
Mishaq: We're not gonna take this lyin' down,are we?
Soldier: Course not! We're gonna stand up & fight,just like Milan would've wanted us to!
Ciel: Settle down,Locke. We don't even know what we're up against. We need a plan.
Dande: Who needs a plan when you got Zero?
Zero: I appreciate the vote of confidence,Dande,but I think it's going to be harder than that. We're gonna need everybody if they really do send all the drones.
Locke: Exactly. If we all work together,we can push back anything they throw at us! Am I right?!
*The crowd cheers*
Andrew: Now hold on a minute,you kids! You just might be in over your heads,here. I've been in situations like this before.
Locke: What're you talking about,old man?
Andrew: Back when I was with the Repliforce in 21XX,we had our fair share of heavy urban combat. Being a navy man,I never saw any of it firsthand,but there were a lot of city fights back in my day,& I got a pretty good idea of how it works.
Ciel: Well Andrew,if you know about these kinds of situations,now would be the time to share your knowlege.
Andrew: Well,often times they'll send in at least one giant mechaniloid to knock down buildings & crush enemy troops & the like,with a bunch of smaller bots to cover it...
Zero: A giant mechaniloid?
Ciel: It's like a really big drone. I wouldn't worry about it,though. I don't think Neo Arcadia has any of those. They've never needed them since they're used to fighting less equipped opponents. The closest things they have that I ever saw were the the Golems & these huge mining robots used for energeon extraction.
Cerveau: Well who's to say they won't build one? They certainly have the resources.
Dande: Oh dear...I sure hope they don't bring out one of those...
Andrew: I wouldn't worry about it too much,sonny. Ya see,giant mechaniloids can dish it out,but they sure as Hell can't take it. Them things are notoriously weak against smaller,more manuverable targets. 'Course,that aint worth slag if you get blown to scrap before you can make your move.
Ciel: Agreed. We have to prepare for the attack,to make sure we get to make our move before they can pull out whatever big guns they've got waiting for us. I want scout teams to set up positions throughout the city. If you see any drone activity I want to know where & when. The rest of you,set up defensive measures. Cerveau,keep watching the monitors for any change in the situation. Zero?
Zero: Yes?
Ciel: You're on standby. If the giant mechaniloid does come,I want you to be the one to take it down.
Zero: No problem.
Ciel: I want extra guards around the energeon supply. Mari?
Mari: Yes,Ms.Ciel?
Ciel: Take Elijah,Adam & a set of rifles. High explosive rounds.
Mari: HE rounds? If they go off too close to the energeon...
Ciel: I know...if anybody gets in here,it's the best thing to do.
Mari: Well...ok,I guess. I doubt it'll come to that,anyway. C'mon boys!
*Mari,Elijah & Adam leave*
Jay: Now what do we do,oh Fearless leader?
Ciel: We watch,& wait...
*A few days later,inside X's citadel,he & Maha are working on some sort of blueprints*
X: Hmmm...lessee here...yes,put some more missiles there...X-elent...
Maha: You know,Master X,sir I'm not sure getting started on the giant mechaniloid of death at this point is advisable.
X: How's that?
Maha: Well,the votes aren't in yet. What if we can't get our budget extension?
X: Rela-X,Ganeshariff. There's no way the voters are going to argue with me about this matter after seeing what Zero is capable of.
Maha: But...what if they find out your video was a fake,Sir?
X: Don't worry...besides,even if the child killing isn't true,Zero is still dangerous & there is ample proof of that already. They simply needed a little tug at the heartstrings by putting a human face on this to make them recognize the threat he poses...& besides,designing giant mechaniloids is great fun! I'm X-tatic!
Maha: Oh,of course. So what have we got here?
X: The Juggernaut mechaniloid will be a masterpiece! It's 10 stories tall,it's got missiles,rockets,minelayers,drills to penetrate below the pavement & wreck any underground instalations,it can carry & launch several X-drones & flyers & it even comes equipped with a salvo of small nukes!
Maha: Nuclear weapons?! Are you sure about this? There are very,very dangerous...
X: That's the whole point,you curry eating cretin! If I nuke the city,they won't stand a chance! I'm not taking any risks here.
Maha: What about the Geneva convention?
X: What about them? I'm the one who's got the nukes.
Maha: Well...I certainly cannot flout that logic.
X: Damn right!
Maha: On another topic,do you ever worry that your power is corrupting you?
X: Of course not. I'm the greatest hero ever created. I am Megaman X,the perfect fighter for justice! Why do you ask?
Maha: Oh,no reason...
X: Oh! Shh...turn on the news. It's almost time...
*In Ciel's office,Ciel & Cerveau are gathered around the TV when Zero walks in*
Zero: Is it time yet?
Ciel: Yes...
Cerveau: Here it comes.
*On the screen,the NAB newsdesk appears with Art Gyle sitting there again*
Art: Welcome back to NAB. Our top story tonight; the votes are in on the resolution to attack Megopolis...
Ciel: Here it comes...
Zero: What's the point we know we're gonna---
Cerveau: Shush!
Art: The motion passed by a landslide 82%.
Zero: I knew it.
Cerveau: Looks like we will be fighting after all.
Ciel: Oh,God no...
Art: Megaman X has already begun the design & construction of a super powered giant mechaniloid to use in the assault. We could obtain no other details at this time.
Cerveau: Well,looks like Andrew's hunch was right.
Ciel: Zero,I want you to join the troops on the main defence line.
Zero: I don't think so.
Ciel: What?
Zero: If I'm on the main defence line,that mechaniloid is lible to kill everybody ahead of it. When that thing comes I want to get the first shot at it,as soon as possible.
Ciel: But...but we don't even know what it's capable of...
Zero: Well I'm just gonna have to find out.*dashes off*
Ciel: Zero...you're so brave...
*Inside a factory in Neo Arcadia,the Juggernaut is being welded together by a bunch of machines while X & Maha look on*
X: X-elent! It is almost complete! How much longer?
Maha: It will be ready for deployment in half an hour. The Commander says all the other troops are ready to go. We should be able to start the attack by sundown.
X: Perfect. Tonight,Zero dies!
*At sundown,Zero stands in the street near the edge of town. The sound of helicopters can be heard & a swarm of drones comes over a hill*
Zero: Here they come...
*Back in the base,Cerveau & Ciel watch the scanners*
Cerveau: I detect more than 10,000 drones,plus 4 Golems. As for the giant mechanloid,it's being airlifted in. ETA---10 SECONDS?!!
Ceil*Into comm system*: Listen up people. The enemies are headed our way. They'll be within city limits in 10...
*Mari,Elijah & Adam stand outside the energeon room*
...9...
*Jay,Dande & a bunch of other soldiers stand with a tripod mounted rocket launcher behind some piles of rubble*
...8...
*Alouette,Andrew & other refugees huddle in a shelter inside the base*
...7...
*Locke & his men stand in the street with another launcher*
...6...
*Shaq,Benny & Ibu stand watch atop a building*
...5...
*Commander & the operators sit at their consoles in the command center,directing the invasion*
...4...
*A group of people in the streets of Neo Arcadia watch on a giant TV screen*
...3...
*X watches manicaly the drones move in on the screen as Maha stands in the background*
...2...
*The drones come in closer*
...1...
*A pair of Bee bladers carrying the Juggernaut on cables releases it & it hits the ground with a crash*
ZERO!!!
*Zero ignites the Z sabre & charges the drones*
Zero: HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
*Zero cuts up drone after drone,not unlike something out of Samurai Jack. A Golem approaches,but Zero decapitates it & sends it crashing into the ground. The Juggernaut releases a barrage of missiles,but Zero dashes out of the way & they blow up more drones. Another missile explodes near him & sends him skidding into a ditch*
Zero: Gahh!! Ugh...no...I...I WON'T GIVE UP THAT EASILY!!!!*Gets up & charges into the swarm again*
*More drones & two Golems move in towards Jay & Dande's group. Several soldiers get blasted*
Jay: Holy crap! It's like ants at a picnic!
Dande: Stand together,people! Aim the rockets at the Golem's heads!
*A soldier fires at a Golem & blows its head off*
Dande: Yeehaw! That's the way! Now for the other!
*The other Golem fires its beam cannon & blows off Dande's arm again*
Dande: Well,that's no good...
*Shaq,Benny & Ibu stand atop the building as the drones move in closer*
Ibu: I'm going after that giant mechanloid! YAAAAAA!!!!!
Benny: Ibu?!
Shaq: *Grabs Ibu* Oh no you don't! Our last squad leader went & killed himself. I'm sure as Hell not gonna let that happen to you! Now sit yo' ass down,boy & help us snipe at these bastards!
Ibu: ...fine.
*They shoot at the drones in the street below*
Ibu: You'll all die!!!
Benny: Umm...ok...
*Zero climbs up the side of the Juggernaut & gets on a catwalk attached to it's side. A door opens & 3 X drones come out. Before they can fire,Zero spears them with the triple rod*
Zero: Alright,now to...uh oh...
*A Fanblaster drone pulls up along side & fires its rockets. Zero dodges & shoots it with the Z magnum. A squad of Tengu X drones comes & chases Zero up to the top,where he shoots them down. A hatch on the rear section of the Juggernaut opens & a Panzercheck weilding X drone emerges & opens fire on Zero. Zero gets knocked back by the blast,but he gets up & cuts the drones bazooka in half & then beheads him*
Zero: Hmm...no where is this thing's weak spot?
*Back in the Resistance base command room*
Cerveau: Zero is right on top of it!
Ciel: Oh my God...
Cerveau: Don't worry,Ciel. Remember,giant mechanloids are vulnerable to attacks from smaller---
Ciel: No,look at this reading!
Cerveau: *Looks at the status monitor* It looks like that thing is carrying some sort of radioactive material...
Ciel: Like nuclear weapons!
Cerveau: It can't be!
Ciel: We have to warn him! Mabye Zero can stop them...*Turns on the comm unit* Zero! Zero! Can you hear me?
*Back on top of the Juggernaut as it crashes through a buch of buildings*
Zero: Ciel! What's up?
Ciel: We have a problem! That mechanloid is carrying nukes!
Zero: Nukes? But where...
*The missile launch bay on the top opens & the missiles rise up*
Zero: Well that was conveniant. Alright,I'm gonna see about disarming these suckers. Zero out.
Ciel: Good luck.
*Zero goes up to the missile unit & examines a pannel next to it*
Zero: I'm guessing this is the launch control unit. Say bye b--*Gets shot by an X drone* Ugh...Oh no...
*Zero shoots the drone & heads back toward the launcher,but one of the missiles fires up into the air*
Zero: Shit! I'm too late! Ciel! Come in!
Ciel: Zero? What's wrong?
Zero: I...I was too late. You've got incoming!
Ciel: What?!
Zero: I gotta go...I gotta make sure the others don't...I gotta go...
*Back at the base*
Ciel: Zero!
Cerveau: Where's that nuke gonna hit?
Ciel: Let's see...point O-7...Oh no! That's where Dande & Jay's team is!
*At point O-7,the missile comes down while the Resistance men are fighting drones everywhere*
Dande: Um...what is that?
Jay: I'll tell ya what it is,Shecky. It's our cue to get our asses outta here!
Dande: Everyone! Escape units! Now!
*The Resistance guys teleport out as the missile hits with a spectacular shroom cloud. Zero watches it from the Juggernaut*
Zero: My God...Ciel? Come in. Are you alright?
Ciel: I'm fine. Everybody's fine. They all got out before it hit.
Zero: Good. I'm gonna take care of the rest of these. Zero out.
*Zero raises his sword & cuts open the pannel*
Zero: There. Now...I think...oh right,I have to remove the isetopes from the other missiles. I don't want to make this blast any bigger than it has to be. Otherwise it could reach the base.*Cuts open the missiles & removes the cores* Alright,now what to do with these...
*Meanwhile on the ground near where the Juggernaut is headed,Locke & his team are lying in wait*
Soldier: So,what's the plan again,Locke?
Locke: Screw the plans! We rush it & go from there. You can't overthink these things,Stoch.
Stoch: Right,of course not.
Female soldier: You're so brave,Locke...
Locke: You know I am,Beryl. Come on!
Stoch: Well...
Beryl: Uh...
Locke: Fine! I'll do it myself!!! YAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
*Locke rushes toward the Juggernaut,but a missile narrowly misses him & blows up,knocking him down*
Locke: Gahhhh!!
Zero: *Looks down* Locke?
Locke: Zero?
Zero: Hey,can you do me a favor? Take these missile cores back to base!
Locke: Well...ok.
Zero: Look out below!*Throws down the cores*
Locke: *Runs alongside & catches them* Urk! Got 'em!
Zero: Good,now get outta here!
Locke: Umm...ok. You heard the man,let's book!
*They teleport out*
Zero: Good thing I saved one of those missiles. I just hope I'm far enough away from the base...*Arms a missile* Time to go.
*Zero teleports away as the Juggernaut explodes in another mushroom cloud*
*Back in Neo Arcadia,X & Maha are sitting in the citadel while Commander is on a screen*
Commander: The Juggernaut was destroyed when Zero set off one of the nukes inside the launcher. The attack is a failure,Master X.
X: ...
Commander: Uh...Master X? Are you ok?
X: ...
Commander: Master X?
X: ...AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ZERO!!!!!!!! I'M GONNA KILL YOU!!!!!!!!!!
Commander: Uh...well,nice talkin' to ya,boss. Bye.*Switches off*
Maha: Master X? Are you alright?
X: Do I look alright?! DO I?!!! I can't believe this!!! I cannot believe this!!! That was the greatest war machine we had & it still failed...only one thing could make this any worse...
*The Big bosses appear on the monitor*
Boss #1: Oh,X...
X: Why do I give 'em these set ups?
Boss #1: You are in very serious trouble.
Boss #2: Your giant mechaniloid plot failed!
Boss #3: Do you have any idea what this is gonna cost us? You're going to pay for this...
X: How?
Boss #1: You need to be taught a lesson...yes.
Boss #2: Ganeshariff? Take him to the Re-education unit. Hahahaha!
Maha: With pleasure,Big bosses. Come along Mr.X,sir.*Grabs X by the torso & carries him off*
X: Put me down this instant!!!
Maha: Sorry Sir,but if I don't do this,what do you think will happen to me?
X: You...you can't...I was only trying to help...I thought it would work! I really did! I'm the good guy here!!! HEY,YOU BASTARDS!!! YOU CAN'T DO THIS TO ME!!! I'M MEGAMAN X!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Maha: Oh,quiet,you.*Puts his other hand over X's head as he carries him out of the room*
Big bosses: Hehehe...HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!
*Back in the Resistance base,Zero & Ciel are talking*
Zero: So...what's our status?
Ciel: Half the city is in ruins &...we lost 40 men out there...
Zero: Yikes. I didn't even know we had that many soldiers.
Ciel: Sure. We get new members coming in all the time...but still...oh God...so many...
Zero: Ciel...please,don't cry...please?
Ciel: No...I won't. I...can't. Look,I want to thank you for stopping that monster. If it weren't for you it would have been a lot worse.
Zero: Just doing my job,ma'am. So,what about the radiation from those nuclear blasts?
Ciel: They weren't that big. We've already got it under controll. Energeon radiation & nuclear fallout cancel eachother out. We have raw energeon piled up around the blast areas. All the radioactivity should be dead by tomorrow. The team laying out the energeon found a cyber elf. I want you to have it.*Pull out a cyber elf*
Winkie: Hiya! *Gets in Zero's containment unit*
Zero: Woah. Thanks. So,they're getting rid of the fallout,eh? Well that's a relief. Anything else?
Ciel: Actually,yes. Apparently,this incident has caused some major political problems in Neo Arcadia. The military is under fire from the people & the press for failing to destroy us. X is in for it,big time...
Zero: It won't stop him from trying to kill us.
Ciel: I know. He'll be back eventually. Still,it probably won't be for awhile...the best thing we can do for now I guess is to try to reorganize.
Zero: Yeah,I guess...
Ciel: You know,now that we have some free time...um,would you like to have a picnic with me? The drones didn't do much damage to the park.
Zero: Ciel...I'm sorry...I can't. Not yet.
Ciel: Why not? What's wrong?
Zero: Because...I have to train some more. I have to get ready for what's coming next. Think about it. If they sent something this powerful after us,what do you think they're gonna do for an encore? I have a feeling the guardians are going to show up soon...I can't take the risk of being unprepared...& there are...other things I have to sort out,too*[flashback]Roll looking terrified[/flashback]. I'm sorry Ciel. I'll see you later.*Walks away*
Ciel: Later...
*Alouette comes along*
Alouette: Ciel? Is everything ok?
Ciel: I don't think so...
Alouette: Why not?
Ciel: Because...Zero is worried.
Alouette: So?
Ciel: When the strongest among you is scared...it doesn't bode well for anyone.
Alouette: What is Zero scared of?
Ciel: I wish I knew...
*Roll credits*
Uknown: Next time on Megaman Zero...
When a group of escaped prisoners from Neo Arcadia crash their plane in the desert,it's up to Zero to save them,but the desert holds many dangers... Will Zero save the wrongfully accused reploids before it's too late?
Find out in...
Megaman Zero,episode 8: The curse of Anubis.