Here's a brief Q and A for this chapter.
Thomas Holmes II: I have an explanation for the lack of a tail, and it'll be told when Rivet meets them both, and asks about it.
Finally Disclaimer: The following is a nonprofit fan-based story. Ratchet and Clank is created, and owned by Insomniac Games, and Sony Interactive. Please support the official release.
Chapter Seven: Raiding the research on Daxx
Back on the Phoenix, the Q-Force was in the middle of speaking about their battle that took place on Tyhrranosis, as they were also speaking about their fights that they had against the Noids, especially the Queen of the Tyhrranoids. With Ratchet providing his version of how the fight went, alongside Angela, Cora, and Brax.
Beforehand though, they went through a couple more rounds of battles against the Noids as they fought against them on a different section of the Planet.
Which was on one of the important islands of the Planet that they fought on, known as Kavu Island.
Where their operation known as, Operation: ISLAND STRIKE ended up happening. And Ratchet, and Angela, was also explaining that battle to Sasha, Skidd, (Who went back to the Phoenix after the Noid Queen's demise.) Al, Hydro Girl, and Elaris.
Not to mention Captain Qwark himself, who was making sure to lead the battles on the different sections of Tyhrranosis, which was why he wasn't there on Kavu Island either. But he was confident that the Q-Force could take that Island with the help of a regiment of the Rangers, that was also trying to accomplish the mission in their Operation on the Island.
Which was an Operation that the Q-Force, especially Ratchet, and Angela, lead, and fought in as they continued their fight for Tyhrranosis, on Kavu Island. Where there was one of the Noid's fortresses on the island, that they needed to take out in order to ensure that they won't lose their upper hand against the Noids.
Which would ensure to them that their victory on Tyhrranosis will be certain, and soon to be theirs. Which should deal a major blow to Nefarious, and his forces, and turn their battle against him towards their favor.
"And how did Operation: ISLAND STRIKE go?" Al asked, with Qwark also interested in hearing the tale.
"Well, our Operation began with their assault on Kavu Island, with Angela, and I, leading the Rangers in their assault, alongside some of the other Q-Force members, while simultaneously defending the base that they took on Kavu Island during their battle against the Queen. And that would be before we proceeded to capture a Hover ship to help them against the Noids." Ratchet began.
"And it's a good thing too, since the Noids launched a huge air assault against the base. Which had Cora using the Hover ship to help protect the base from the Noids, alongside both Starlene, and Brax, providing anti air support against them with their missiles. Cora took some hits, but she's okay." Angela said.
"Seriously? Wow, that could've been rougher than it was for the Rangers if they didn't get that ship." Sasha said, feeling relieved that the Rangers had them as leaders during that battle.
"In the meantime, we were helping the Rangers with taking down an impenetrable forcefield that surrounded the main base of the Tyhrranoids, that we knew, would stand between us, and our victory in the taking of the Island, and by extension, the rest of the Planet. And with the forcefield up, it would make it next to impossible for us to get to the base, and take it." Ratchet then explained.
Which would be a bad thing, as at that rate, it would give the Noids time to either retreat the rest of their forces out of the Planet, to fight another day, or, in the worse case scenario, it'd give them a chance to mount a counterattack, that would turn the tide to their side, and would put them at a stalemate, or probably help the Noids avenge their queen, and force the Rangers to retreat from their Planet.
At least, the Rangers seemed to think so.
Which was not an option for the Rangers to do the latter, since it would give the Noids an invitation to launch another counterattack, which could not only put the other Planets at risk, but also the Phoenix. And that would be a disaster for the Rangers, and the Galaxy by extension, if they did that. So they kept up the pressure, while making sure to find a way to deactivate the forcefield.
"And while the Rangers were finding a way to deactivate the forcefield, we also defended the base from not only the Noids in the air, but also the Noids that was on foot, that also tried to assault the base." Angela said. "And that led to another mission for us to take, as I was on foot, while Ratchet was in the air."
That other mission, was what they also were trying to accomplish, in order to complete another Operation, (Making it an Operation within an Operation.) known as Operation: Thunderbolt, came into play.
"I used Clank's levitator attachment to fly my way to the Noids, where I ended up blasting the other Noids in their mechs with my weapons, as well as the anti air homing rockets that tried to shoot me down, I was able to maneuver around the missiles though, so I ensured not to get shot down as I blasted the mechs." Ratchet said.
"You should've seen me there, I was flying in the sky, dodging the missiles, and shooting some of them down, as well as the mechs, all while the Noids were determined to make my battle end there on the Island, in chunks! They tried to avenge their fallen Queen as they tried to shoot me down in masse with their own missiles, and their mech lasers. It felt like there was no escape, the explosions were getting closer, cloooser! What am I going to do, right? Even closer, I feel like my blaster jammed!" He said. All while he also made some blasting sound effects, shooting his imaginary guns, while he also made some fake panic sounds.
Which brought a giggle out of Sasha, Hydro Girl, Elaris, and Angela. While Al, Skidd, and Qwark was looking on in awe at that, feeling proud of Ratchet for surviving the ordeal. (Otherwise, he wouldn't be there talking about it.)
"But I never got hit by the missiles throughout my flight since I kept on maneuvering, while I had to make sure the mechs were unable to hit me with their lasers, as I knew that having to dodge both the lasers, and the missiles, would've been a pain. But I prevailed since the mechs were no match for my Mini Rocket Tube." He said.
"And it's a good thing that Angela had them taken care of, along with the Anti-air rockets, huh." Sasha said, smiling at him and Angela.
"Well, it's what a lovebird would do to protect her future mate from danger." Qwark said, much to the others' amusement, while both Ratchet, and Angela blushed at that.
"Damn it Qwark, she's not my-"
"So, what happened after you were done with the ground forces, and once Cora finished her mission?" Skidd asked, before Ratchet could respond to Qwark out of embarrassment.
"Well, the force field was taken down after some hotwiring from one of the rangers, who we heard was called H-26. Whom sadly, got vaporized in the ordeal." Angela said cringing.
"Yeah, that Ranger had a rough break. Almost forgot about that poor guy." Ratchet said somberly, briefly mourning the poor Ranger. "Anyway, once we got the Noids taken care of, and once the Bridges were open, and once the forcefield was down, we ended up leading our assault on the base. It wasn't easy, considering that the dropships kept on bringing in more Noids, and they were determined not to lose Kavu Island, and especially when it came to those dang Gatling defense turrets connected to the base." Ratchet said, cringing at seeing a bunch of the Rangers getting obliterated by the defense turrets.
"But we persevered. And we've beaten the Noids, and proceeded to take their base after destroying their energy core inside of it, which would be after we destroyed those turrets. Which was good, as they sting like a Freaking Yeti from Grelbin." Angela said.
Sasha, and Elaris, was pleased, and excited to hear that from them. "Well, that means we've taken out the Noids on their home Planet. That should be something that Nefarious could be horrified, and furious of hearing about."
"Speaking of whom, Captain Qwark. Mind if we ask you something?" Angela asked.
"Oh, ask away." Qwark said casually.
"When we got to the second chapter of your Vid-Comic series, we saw that Nefarious used to be… whatever alien he used to be before becoming a robot. So, I gotta ask. What happened to him, that turned him into the robot that we all know, and hate?" Ratchet asked.
Qwark was a bit surprised at the question. But he played it cool as he laughed a bit. "Well, how about you get the next Vid-Comic first, and find out. Don't worry, at the rate you're collecting them, you might get the next one, and get your answer, soon enough." He said coolly.
Which was much to their dismay, but they knew that their answer does seem to be on the Vid-Comic that they should be getting next, once they have their opportunity. After all, there is a benefit to learning more about their foe, if they could be able to beat him that way.
They just hope, that the next Vid-Comic, is indeed going to be received by them, soon enough. Probably on the next Planet, or the Planet after that.
"By the way Ratchet, what happened next after the Queen's demise?" Al asked, wondering if he, and Angela might've kissed, or hugged.
Before Ratchet could answer that however, they were interrupted by the sudden appearance of both holograms of Dr. Nefarious, and his robot butler named Lawrence.
"Yes. Do go on. We're all riveted." Lawrence said, as the group looked on in surprise.
"So, this is the 'mighty Q-Force' that I've heard so much about." Nefarious said smugly, while Ratchet, Angela, Hydro Girl, Qwark, and Elaris glared at him, while Al, and Skidd was looking on in confusion, while Sasha looked on in shock.
"PATHETIC!" He then spat. "I could obliterate the lot of you within an instant, and they wouldn't even mention it on Supervillain Weekly!" He said, looking like he was still confident in his victory, regardless of the loss of the battle on Tyhrranosis. It was like he either was insane enough to merely see that loss as a minor defeat, despite evidence to the contrary, or he could indeed be stronger than they thought he'd be at this stage, if even the loss of the home Planet of the Tyhrranoids isn't enough to beat him, or his forces.
Stars help them if it's the latter. But that isn't stopping even Sasha, from glaring at him on the last part.
"Indeed sir, but you'll have done the fashion world an enormous service." Lawrence said.
"Oh yeah? Well, we could destroy your army… and then you… without too much trouble, with only the Q-Force in the fight. And they wouldn't mention it on Superhero Weekly!" Skidd said, hoping to make a comeback line.
Which was decent in the eyes of the group, maybe even good, but not enough to insult Nefarious into getting angry, let alone enraged.
"Ohh, sharp tongue for a squishy." Nefarious said sarcastically, almost like he was non-verbally asking, 'Is that the best you got?' in his tone.
"As for you Secret Agent Clank, I have far grander plans for you." He then said, making Clank glare defiantly at him.
"Oh, I'm guessing that they're 'Nefarious' plans that you have?" Angela said, making a pun to annoy him.
Which was a success. "*Ggn* I never liked puns. Especially horrible ones like that one." Nefarious said.
Ratchet suddenly had a small idea. "Well let's be fair here, Radiohead, at least they couldn't be as Pun-ishing, compared to what Qwark could do to you once you fight."
"Especially, once Qwark is able to defeat you, and bring your Nefarious Plans down to the drawing board." Sasha said, also bringing in her puns to wind him up.
All while she was also nonverbally telling Al, and Elaris, to trace where the Holo-vid is coming from. Which is what they're doing.
All while Nefarious continued to growl at the puns that was being flung out against him. It was like they were trying to get under his skin, to provoke him into making a mistake.
Even Qwark got in on the action with his own puns. Which, even by his allies' admission, they were either so bad that they are actually pretty funny, or was just as unfunny as Nefarious thinks they are. But they didn't care, they just wanted to wind him up long enough for them to trace the call. Even making fun of him, and whatever plan he had for the Galaxy, for him to stay long enough for the trace to work.
Which, was what Al was able to do, little did Nefarious know at the moment.
"RAARGH! When this is over, you will all be apologizing for those bad puns you've made! I SWEEAR IT!" Nefarious yelled out before demanding Lawrence to end the call.
All while both Al, and Elaris, were grinning. "I got it! Apparently, the call has come from the Planet Daxx!"
"Now, to access their computer files…" Elaris said while both Lombaxes were wondering what Planet Daxx is.
"Ah-ha! I found something suspicious. Patching it through, now!" He said, showing them the video of Daxx.
"Tonight, we take a journey inside the enigmatic mind of our galaxy's most evil genius, Dr. Nefarious." The narrator of Supervillain Weekly said, as it showed a DVD cover of what looked to be a purple skinned monster wearing a cyan blue mask that covered his upper face, but not his red eyes. Before it then showed Nefarious' robot head.
Then it showed a guarded building that looked like it was on Daxx, as it had a main cannon turret over the main room, as well as tower buildings that was also on the roof of the facility building, along with a radar dish. All while there was some robotic guards that was in front of the facility themselves. "We'll take a tour of this secret facility on Planet Daxx, home to some of the Galaxy's most insidious superweapons; including the dreaded 'Rainbow Afrolizer'." He said, before showing a scientist that wore an afro that was colored in a rainbow.
Not much of a scary superweapon, as the Narrator was making it cut out to be, at least in the eyes of the Q-Force.
Then it showed Nefarious himself, as well as Lawrence, as they both stood on a floating platform, while they were both surrounded by fan blades that was likely holding up the platform as the camera panned to them. "Dr. Nefarious, we've all enjoyed your past work, but how do you respond to critics that says that your galactic schemes are just more of the same trick?" He then asked Nefarious.
"I WILL ANNIHILATE THEM!" He proclaimed loudly in anger, likely at being called stale.
Then it just showed a figure of what looked like a moon shaped space station behind a shadow, and a Question Mark. "Lawrence, tell us a little about this 'Top-Secret Superweapon' being constructed on Planet Daxx."
"Well, 'super' is such a strong word. And for that matter, 'weapon' may be a tad overdoing it. We do, however, have a lovely view of the ocean at sunset." Lawrence responded as the camera focused on him, and Nefarious, the latter of whom, was nodding with agreement on the last part of the sentence as he looked back at the camera.
"Is Dr. Nefarious himself, poised on the brink of intergalactic domination? Or is this 'Superweapon' just the latest in the series of maniacal pipe dreams? Stay tuned for more of Supervillain Weekly, after these messages!" The Narrator said as it showed some towers with a crosshair design on the top of them, before showing the DVD cover of the same monster again, before ending the broadcast.
"Whatever Nefarious is doing on Daxx, it cannot be good." Sasha said seriously.
"We'll check it out." Ratchet said, with Clank, and Angela, in agreement.
"I'll send Starlene, and Hydro Girl to be your ally, on this mission to Daxx. Just to ensure that this little raid, will be a success." Qwark said. Much to Ratchet, and Angela's delight, since they have two extra allies that they can check out the place on Daxx with. "Also, be sure to go to the Holodeck Training suite. A pair of Hyper-shot gadgets, and hackers, is waiting for you both there. And there's a little course that was made, to train on and help you use those gadgets properly. They may be of great use for Daxx, after all." Qwark then said.
"You're welcome." Al said impatiently as Ratchet, Angela, and Clank was now on their way out of the room, and into the hall of the Phoenix.
Where they were headed to the holo-deck suite where they were going to get their Hyper-shot gadgets there. When they figuratively bumped into Helga the Valkyrie bot.
"So, you've come back vith the intent to impress me, like on Maktar, und zhe Megacorp Games, und Annihilation Nation, huh?" Helga asked respectfully.
Which was a sudden contrast to the first time they met, on Kerwan. When Ratchet pissed her off for his 'mediocre' performance on her obstacle course for the Swingshot, causing her to force them to pay in Bolts, for it. Much to Ratchet, and Clank's dismay. Afterwards, she merely looked at them with disdain, even as they were saving the Solona Galaxy from Drek, even when Qwark's involvement with Drek was exposed. Heck, even with that in mind, she somehow still respects Qwark, and was happy to see him back in his role as a hero of the Galaxy.
But it seems that his gladiatorial performances on Maktar, the Megacorp Games, and even on Annihilation Nation, has won him newfound respect from her. Which, considering how dangerous those games were to him when he fought in them, then why shouldn't he gain such? It still felt a bit odd that she's now nicer to him than last time they interacted.
"Actually, we were just trying to see if we can get the gadgets, and split." Ratchet said in response.
"We have a spaceship to catch." Angela said with Clank in agreement.
"Hmph! People are usually looking for ze easy vay out. Not zat I blame you for it, ya. There are some things zat are impossible after all. Macht nichts, (No matter,) if any of you can complete ze course, you can have ze gadgets." Helga said.
As much as Ratchet, and Angela wanted to get the gadgets, and go to Daxx, before Nefarious could get away, they knew that rushing in without practicing how those gadgets work, would be a detriment to their goal in raiding Dexx, and hopefully taking Nefarious out, while they were at it.
"Okay. Let's do this." Ratchet said, as he, and Angela got into the Virtual obstacle course that was just added to the Holo-deck, in order to test out the Hyper-shot.
Which was just an average obstacle course in the virtual world, where they used the Hypershots to grapple onto some spheres that it was designed to attach to, similar to the Swingshot that Ratchet used before, in his previous adventures in the Solona, and Bogon Galaxies. And yet there were also some spherical machines that also had platforms over them, that they activated by zapping them with the same gadget to have the platforms open up. Sorta like the Dynamo from the Bogon Galaxy, that he gained from Oozla.
In fact, the Hyper-shot looked like a mix between the Swingshot, and the Dynamo, too. And that had both Lombaxes surprised that the gadgets can be combined into one. Which had them wondering if Al might've had a hand in creating this gadget. It seems that he's outdone himself if that is the case.
And there were also some segments in the obstacle where they were blocked by forcefields, which was where they used the recently acquired Hacker gadget that they also might need for Daxx. Which is a gadget that Skidd used back on Aquatos.
And hacking with it, merely consisted of using the gadget, by inserting it into the three holed nodes, where they ended up playing some sort of game that was like the arcade shooter, where they would spin a little barrel on the inside, and shoot out the red glowing spots, while using the tractor beam to grab the green ones that also slowly moved up the grid lines, which builds up a bar of green energy nearby. Once it's full, then the stage of hacking was complete, and in this case, their hacking was successful. And they were able to deactivate the forcefield.
Which was different from the Electrolyzer, and the Infiltrator, both from Bogon. At least in terms of whatever he should do whenever he uses those gadgets during his journey. But the only fact remains, is that this is nothing new for Ratchet, in terms of activating, or deactivating something, or unlocking doors. He just hopes that Angela is either good at this too, or if she'll get the hang of it during their current journey.
Right now though, they were skimming through the obstacle course with the Hyper-shot, after using the wall jumping to get to the top, (While Angela accidentally had Ratchet's head in her bust again, after they reach the top.) and was putting the Hyper-shot to great use, as they continued onwards through the course, until they came to another forcefield that blocked another wall jumping section. Causing Angela to put another one of the Hackers to use, which she was able to competently do too. Even if she had some close calls of the red glowing dots almost hitting the top of the barrel, which she felt, would lead to her failing the hacking. But she succeeded with her hacking nonetheless as the forcefield faded.
Now the Lombaxes got past the wall jumping part, after Angela helped Ratchet up to the top. Even though Angela accidentally pulled hard, to where she fell backwards, with Ratchet on top of her. Leading to both of them blushing at their accidental position that they were in at the top, before separating.
"W-We've got to stop meeting like this." Ratchet said embarrassed.
"Agreed." Angela said, even though she did like the feeling of having him close to her, even if his head was in her chest. All while Clank made sure not to giggle at their accident.
For now, they just kept on going on through the course, making sure to swing through the path with the spheres with the Hyper-shot until they got to the end of the path, where they were at the large round-square door, likely the exit of the course, that was closed. No problem though, since Ratchet got the hacker ready, and put it to use on the node near the door, making sure to aim for the red ones with the blaster, while making sure to beam the green ones closer to get the hacker mini-game done with in success.
It was three stages of this, but it wasn't difficult. But both Ratchet, and Angela, felt that it was gonna get harder from there on out, so they made sure to brace themselves for the increase in difficulty, as they completed the course, and got through the door to the exit. (While they also got the Titanium Bolt on the way out.)
Once back in the Phoenix, the Lombaxes were now ready to be on their way to Daxx. "Okay. We'll just take those gadgets, and be on our way." Ratchet said after leaving the Holodeck alongside Clank, while Angela followed closely behind him, where he got the Gadgets from Helga.
"Oh Ya, go on little man, ho ho ho. Someday, if ve have a chance, you would like to see me, und Nefarious on ze wrestling mat, hmmm? We'll see how cocky zat maniac is, while he's twisted up like a vet noodle!" Helga said, like even she was hateful towards Nefarious. Which, considering that he's an enemy of Qwark, that's not a surprise.
Both Lombaxes were smiling on the inside, finding it to be a humorous, and appealing sight in their heads, to where they were tempted to see if they could bring Helga along in the final battle against Nefarious, if only to see that happen in front of them. All while Clank cringed on the inside at the thought.
But they needed to get to Daxx first, to see if they can still catch him there, as they got to the Hanger after telling Helga that they'll see her later, then they entered the Star Explorer, before they flew out of the Hanger to the coordinates of where Planet Daxx is. While on the way there, much to Clank, and Angela's horror, Ratchet used the Gravimetric Warp Drive to ensure that they can get to that place quick enough. So, they were in another warp vortex that consumed the Star Explorer, before it then popped out not too far from the Plane while the ship suffered no effects from the Warp, again.
Which did leave both Angela, and Clank, a little bit more confident that the Gravimetric Warp Drive won't be the death of them all. But they still hope that Ratchet won't be using it plenty of times, just in case the Star Explorer ends up getting torn apart by the energy of warping, on one unlucky day.
Where they saw that in orbit, Hydro Girl's mothership was near the Planet, showing them that she should be there, and waiting alongside Starlene, for them to arrive.
They proceeded to enter the Planet, as they looked around for where to land that is not too far from the Facility. And they were able to find it, along with both Hydro Girl, and Starlene, also there, flagging them to their location.
They proceeded to that location, where they docked nearby Hydro Girl's ship, before exiting the ship together, meeting back up with Hydro Girl, and Starlene.
"Sorry if we took long, we were just training in how to use the hacker, and the Hyper-shot." Angela said, a little embarrassed.
"Don't be. You're not late." Hydro Girl said with a smile. "We didn't see Nefarious's ship exiting the facility, when we got here, so he should still be in there."
"If that's the case, then let's go, and get that bad robot, and end this soon!" Angela said.
All of them agreed, before they all charged ahead to the path that was after the Hyper-shot spheres to use, as they ran on one of the few natural grounds of Daxx that was surrounded by water. Which they hoped they won't fall into, if the Lurker Sharks were inside.
After they swung their way past the water with the Hyper-shots, they took up an elevator that sent them to the upper section of the facility, where they were now charging ahead through the facility, fighting against the robot guards. Which they were able to take on without too many problems due to the Spitting Hydra that Angela shot, along with her Flux Rifle.
After slaying those robots though, the crew suddenly came across a large top-heavy robot that had gatling gun hands, and was floating in the air without any legs, as it floated over the walkway, before shooting at them with its gatling hands. Which forced them to take cover from the shots, before they shot back at it with their weapons.
The Spitting Hydra, and the Flux Rifle were able to make short work of the robot though, when they were able to shoot it with them. But they felt that they shouldn't take that bot lightly, if there's more of them.
Right now though, the Flux Rifle suddenly evolved in Angela's hands, to where it was now the V2 version. Which should mean that its shots should be more damaging in its upgraded form. Much to her delight, as it should make it easier to support her friends as they raid the facility, as they entered it.
Where on the inside of the facility, they continued to fight against more of the robotic guards as they shot at them. Some of which, hit Ratchet, Angela, and Hydro Girl with their bolts, but they bared with the pain as they shot back with their blasters, with Ratchet using his Golden Blaster against them as they got deeper into the facility, where they fought more of the robot guards, and some of the smaller zapping guards that looked like they could be sucked into Ratchet's Golden Suck Cannon.
Ratchet didn't test if that was true though, as they kept on shooting at the guards with the N60 storm, while strafing around their shots that almost grazed his fur. While using the double-sided saber sword to whack the smaller robots that tried to zap them with their hands. All while Hydro Girl also shot at the guards with her Annihilator missiles to devastate them.
All while both Starlene, and Angela covered them both with their Flux Rifles. Which also proved devastating for them as they took out the guards, and the rest of the smaller zapper bots as they jogged through the hall, after opening a gate that blocked their way, and destroyed more of the robots. While keeping themselves braced for the bigger robots.
"Whoa!" Angela said.
It was a good thing that they did, because they found another gatling bot that tried to shoot them, but they were in cover again, despite all of them taking some shots, but they were only minor wounds as they were now shooting back at the robot. Which took it down with only a little effort with the Spitting Hydra, and the Flux Rifle from Starlene, and Angela, before they all went onwards.
Where they were in the walkway outside of the interior of the facility, where they fought against more of the guards there, and shot them down on their way to the end of the walkway, while also taking down another large bot. Before they got to the locked door. Thankfully, there was a node near it, that they could use the hacker on, as Ratchet used it on the node.
After some hacking, he, and the rest of the crew entered the facility's entrance, when they came across some more guards that patrolled the room like they were waiting for someone to enter through either door. It is too bad that they didn't seem to expect them, as they shot them down with their weapons while taking advantage of their surprise before entering the next room.
Where they fought some more guards, but Hydro Girl got hit in her shoulder when a sniper also shot at them. Luckily for them though, that sniper bot wasn't a good shot. Especially compared to both Hydro Girl, and Angela. Both of whom, shot back against the sniper bots while the other bots got destroyed by Hydro Girl, and Ratchet.
"Are you okay?" Ratchet asked Hydro Girl after they were done with the bots.
"I'll be fine, Ratchet. Just a scratch. It'll heal." She said, assuring him that she'll be fine.
Ratchet took her word for it, as they got to the next door.
After another hacking by Angela, (And after getting another Titanium Bolt from the walkways outside the Facility.) The crew was now in the halls, fighting a lot of the robot guards that became dangerous, if they weren't using the Spitting Hydra, or the Flux Rifle.
Not only that, but the crew saw a yellow box with an orange flame on it, showing that it's an inferno Crate right there. Much to Ratchet, and Angela's excitement as the latter was quick in breaking it, putting her back in the skintight armor that helped her make short work of the guard bots, some of which, tried to run away, but got sniped in the process bu Starlene.
Now it was the crew themselves, as Ratchet hacked through the next door to the next room. Which was merely a supercomputer in the room's center. But so far, no sign of Dr. Nefarious, or Lawrence.
Despite the latter fact, they were satisfied with what they got so far, as Clank got to the supercomputer. "This terminal should give us high-level access to Nefarious' project files." Clank said, typing into the computer until they saw a sphere on the screen. "I found something." Clank said.
Then he got a little somber at what he was reading. "I'm afraid, it does not look good." He said as the crew was concentrating on the screen.
"Bio-bliterator?" Ratchet, and the crew asked in unison.
"Huh… I see what you mean. What exactly does it do, though?" Ratchet then asked.
"That information got deleted. It seems that they knew we were coming." Clank responded.
"Oh F#$!." Angela said in dismay. Causing both Starlene, and Hydro Girl to flinch at what she just said.
"You said it, Angela. Where is that thing, though?" Ratchet asked.
"Location unknown. But A large transport vessel has left this facility yesterday. And it was headed straight for the Obani Moon System." Clank said.
"The Obani Moons, huh? Well, we better check that place out, once we're done here." Ratchet said. Noticing that there was another path outside that they could take. Which they hoped, could lead to Dr. Nefarious himself.
Which the crew agreed with him on, as they all exited through the warp pad, and was back at the section near their ships. Now they were ready to go through the other path through Daxx, and see if they can get to Nefarious from there, if Nefarious hasn't left the Planet yet.
*Later*
"Watch out guys, this guy's loaded!" Ratchet said in alarm.
The crew was fighting against a large gunship as they were strafing around the ship's shots, jumping over its lasers, and avoided the missiles that it fired, as they felt that they were in a fight for their lives.
Beforehand, they were running through that section of Daxx, when the gunship appeared, and tried to shoot them with its missiles. Which in that section, was a dangerous hazard, since the missiles destroyed the Platforms that they were on, as they traversed through the path they took. Which, concerning the Lurker Shark infested waters that was under them, made the whole section more perilous than it normally would've been.
Not only that, but it also shot at them with lasers, as they shot back, while they kept moving through the section, making sure to avoid the platforms that was about to get destroyed by its missiles, so they won't fall into the water. All while it could also teleport too. Which made the section scarier as well since it could also pop out and appear on the other section of the path that they were on.
While both Lombaxes, alongside Starlene, and Hydro Girl, swung across the whole section with their Hyper Shots, using them for grappling towards the spheres over the platforms, or swinging across the gaps to the other platforms, making sure to make it to the other end, or help each other when they only barely make it to the edge of the other end. All while it shot at them throughout their swinging. Even giving them scrapes from its laser fire.
It seems that Nefarious was desperately making sure that they were gonna be stopped before they could get to him, and destroy him. Thus, ending the war early in their victory.
But they kept on going until they were at a section before the large open arena spire where they knew they have enough space to fight the gunship on, after they refilled their ammo in the Vender, and had some nanotech to heal them for those that got hurt on the way there, before they swung to the arena.
Which is where they were now, as they were now bringing their fight to the gunship. And they were ensuring that they're going to shoot it down, regardless of its arsenal that it had in the missiles, and the laser beams that it shot out against the crew.
They wondered who the pilot was, that shot at them in the dropship. But it wasn't important. They just need to take the ship down before it kills them all.
Which wasn't hard, as they still had the Spitting Hydra used against it, as well as the Flux Rifle that Angela tried to shoot at the cockpit, trying to hit the pilot. But it seemed that the glass of the cockpit was just as strong as the rest of the ship, because the shot didn't penetrate through it, and into the cockpit to hit the pilot. So, she kept on shooting at the ship itself. While she also had some of the mini turrets that was deployed as well, that added on to the damage dealt to the ship.
It just wasn't easy either, as they also took some hits from the missiles' explosions. At least they weren't direct hits as they jumped, and strafed around them, and the lasers while they fought back against the drop ship.
"Be sure to watch out for those rockets! They could blow us up into bloody chunks!" Ratchet said.
"Right!" They said in unison as the rest of the crew was keeping that in mind as they continued to fight back against the dropship.
The fight lasted for minutes, and some pain was involved until they were able to take the ship down as it exploded in the air. Now there was nothing stopping them as they swung with the Hyper-shot to the little indoor room.
Where unfortunately, there was no sign of Nefarious inside. It was a purely empty room that had only some posters, and computers inside.
Which is such a disappointing discovery. Since it meant that Nefarious has escaped from Daxx. But at least they have some valuable info about him from the Planet, so it wasn't a complete loss.
But now, they scanned around the room, and saw the posters on the walls. All of which had a certain female droid that Ratchet, Clank, and Angela, knows of, and met on Annihilation Nation.
"Whoa. Check it out. Someone seems to be a big fan of Courtney Gears." Ratchet said amused.
"Courtney, who?" Clank, and Starlene asked.
"You know, the bombshell that handed out prizes on Annihilation Nation?" Ratchet asked.
"And the same lady that we got the Tyhrra-guise from?" Angela said with some envy, noticing Ratchet's attention on Gears' posters.
"Ah, yes. Her specifications were remarkable." Clank said, complimenting Courtney.
"Well, she isn't the hottest pop star in the Galaxy, because of her singing." Ratchet said as Clank scanned the terminal.
"How odd. It appears that this computer was used to edit one of her music videos." Clank said.
"Ooh! Let's watch it!" Ratchet said excitedly, much to his embarrassment at what he said when he noticed a pair of teasing smirks behind him, courtesy of Starlene, and Hydro Girl. "I mean… just in case it comes with a clue, or something." He spoke.
Clank obeyed, and turned on the Terminal.
The video started, in a room that had a wall of windows showing the view of outer space, as the room was also illuminated in neon colors, particularly purple, and pink, as there were at least six violet colored female dancer bots with raven colored metal hair in the style of pigtails, that surrounded the center of the podium in the center of the room, as they made a few poses, as the camera shots changed around, during the intro.
While the center of the podium rose upwards, showing that Courtney Gears herself, was in the center as it rose up as she held a pose herself, until the podium she was on reached the top to where she towered over her dancers, before she started to sing.
"Hey, what's up people?! It's Courtney Gears!" She said, walking down the podium's stairs to the lowest floor of the circular floor of the room, while the dancers stepped down a single step behind her. Then they all began to dance alongside Courtney. "Are you feelin' me robots? I'm feelin' you!" She spoke. Then she began to sing.
I see the future, and what do I see?
Robots goin' crazy 'cross the Galaxy!
Can't stand organics, they're soft and squishy!
The time is now… We robots must be free!
After the last verse, it then showed what looked like three virtual marionettes of the dancers that was dancing around as a floating head of Courtney moved around them.
"You wanna be free?! Then shout with me, yeah!"
Then it focused back on the actual dancers as they continued to dance around the center, as the camera continued to change shots in a few seconds. Then it focused back on Courtney as she sang alongside her dancers as she started to walk back onto the center of the podium.
This goes out to all you robots 'cross the Galaxy! (Cross the Galaxy.)
It's time for you and me to rise up and strike back! (Rise up and strike back!)
Don't stop until we dominate, won't you feel great! (Won't you feel great!)
When we exterminate, all organic life! (All organic…)
The video then ended with all the dancers kneeling around the center of the podium, and Courtney, as she posed with her fist up in the air, as the center of the podium descended back down until it hid Courtney from view. Then the screen cut to black.
The whole crew looked at the screen with surprise, at what they just saw. Courtney Gears happens to hate the Organics too. If the lyrics to her music video is any indication. And considering that her posters were on Daxx, which should be Nefarious' territory Planet, they had another very likely possibility.
"Hmmm… It appears that Courtney is in league with Dr. Nefarious." Clank said, pointing out her affiliation.
"Yeah, who knew?" Ratchet said, after getting over his surprise. "She did seem so sweet, and innocent in her videos. Well, except for the one with the…" Then he started to dance around a bit. "You know, the…" He said, before posing like a lady giving a kiss. Much to almost the whole crew's amusement as they all tried not to laugh.
All while Clank was briefly looking at him like he grew a second head. "Ahem… She might possess information about what Dr. Nefarious could be planning." He spoke.
Which had Ratchet ending the embarrassing pose. "Oh… right. And I bet that if we win another prize from Annihilation Nation, we might get another chance to speak to her."
It seems like a good idea to Clank, and the rest of the crew. But Starlene was unable to resist.
"Are you sure, that you're merely trying to speak to her about Nefarious, and not trying to get a date with her too?" She asked teasingly.
"WHAT?! No! No! Nononono. Definitely not… going for a date. Trust me, she's nice looking I admit, but even if I want to, I'm way out of her league- er I mean she's way out of my league." Ratchet said embarrassed. All while Angela, Starlene, and Hydro Girl were trying not to laugh at his reaction.
Even though the former was feeling jealous at that as well, as she hoped that Ratchet was telling the truth, and that he isn't going to date her.
"So, you feel that you have no chance with her?" Angela asked.
"Yep. And considering that she's on Nefarious' side, it ain't a complete loss." Ratchet said. Not minding the fact that he isn't gonna be a boyfriend to Courtney Gears. For once at least.
Which was much to each of the female's joy, since they did take a liking to Ratchet. At least in Angela's case, as well as Hydro Girl's. While even though Starlene also likes him, she was waiting to see if either girl is going to take him first.
"Well good. That means that she isn't going to kill you that way. Considering that you're a hero saved this Galaxy before, with Clank, and all." Angela said in relief.
"Thank you, Angela, for the support. I appreciate it." He said, still happy to be her friend. "Quick question though? Why are you so relieved that I'll never be Courtney's boyfriend?"
Angela was startled, and blushing at what he asked, feeling that he might be onto her about her crush on him. Sure, they weren't together a whole lot during their journey through Bogon, after Tabora, when she showed him her face. (Accidentally.) But she did find him to be cute, and she knows of his selfless nature if him saving Clank back on Planet Endako, is any indication. As well as him, and Clank saving her on Snivelak from the Thugs.
And once the journey in Bogon was over, they did get to know each other a bit more, during their stay in Bogon, where they did hang out before, and played some games with each other in Megapolis. And Ratchet, and Clank, told her about his first journey with Clank, when they first met on his home Planet of Veldin. As well as about their run in with Qwark, and his true affiliation with Drek, resulting in their strained friendship that was able to be repaired near the end.
That fact, was the reason why she admits, she started to love him. And the love started to build as they hung out more in their apartment before, and when this journey began.
But now, was this the time for a confession of love? And could Ratchet reciprocate that love if she were to say it? And could it mean that Courtney will never gain his love, regardless of being affiliated with Nefarious, and knowing of their relationship?
Angela didn't know. And she hopes that nothing bad could happen once she knows of their love.
"Oh, no reason. Just glad that you're my friend that won't be taken from me, by that metal har-" Angela stopped herself on the last part at the realization of what she said.
"Why don't you want me to be taken by her? Are you okay?" He asked.
"Fine! Fine. I'm fine. I just… want to say…" Angela tried to say, while Starlene looked on, bracing herself for what she thinks is going to be Angela's confession. While Hydro Girl wondered what she was trying to say, alongside Ratchet, and Clank, while Angela did some deep breathing.
Finally, after some breathing, Angela felt calm to say it. "I… love you." She softly said.
Ratchet was surprised, and was wondering if he heard that right. "What?"
"I… I love you Ratchet." Angela finally said, hugging him. "I love you so much. And I'm glad that knowing you, you'll never hook up with Courtney Gears."
Ratchet was definitely surprised, alongside Clank, and Hydro Girl, at that confession, while Starlene was hiddenly smiling with satisfaction at that confession. All while Angela was feeling the weight of that confession start to get lifted off of her.
"You… love me? That's won- but why?" He asked, cutting himself off.
"That's a good question, I admit." Angela said. "But It's cause you're so adorable to me. And so, endearing, even if you're a dork at some times. And you can be selfless if saving Clank is any indication. So why shouldn't I start to love you, and want to get to know you more, after we've met?"
"That's… a good question." Ratchet said. Then after he got over his own surprise, he knew what to do now. "Before you continue, I just want to confess something too."
"And what's that?" She asked.
"I… I love you too, Angela." He confessed himself.
Now Angela was surprised at what he said. But she was pleasantly surprised at that, before she smiled. "Really?"
"Really really. I admit, you… looked nice when I first saw you unmasked on Tabora. And even though we didn't start off on the right foot, when we shifted our goals to Qwark, I admired how friendly you were to me, and Clank, as we were stopping Qwark from infesting Bogon with the Proto Pets. And even now, I still like that you're selfless yourself if joining me on our quest to defeating Nefarious, is any indication." Ratchet said, smiling. "It's because of that, that I hoped… that by the end of this journey, we would become a couple. I guess it's happening sooner than even I thought, right?" He asked, taking her hands into his own.
Angela continued to smile at him with happiness at his own confession. Before drawing her face closer. "Right." She spoke.
Then she kissed Ratchet on the lips after bending down, while Ratchet returned his own kiss to her own lips. Establishing their hook up as a couple.
All while Clank humorously smiled at the scene. Feeling coy at the sight in front of him. And feeling supportive of Ratchet's recent relationship with Angela. While Starlene was also smiling at the scene herself, feeling delighted that Angela spat it out to him, and was glad to see that Ratchet also loved Angela too. It was such a cute sight for them.
All while Hydro Girl looked on in envy. She took a liking to Ratchet for saving her back on Aquatos, after all. But she admits, she finds the scene to be pretty adorable herself, and despite her envy at what happened, she knew that there's nothing she can do, now. And it'd never be worth it to betray them to Nefarious, as a result.
Besides, she still hates him too much to side with him, because of something like this. So, she just folded, and let Angela have him.
Pretty soon, their kiss was done. "How about we go on dates together, by the time we put a stop to Nefarious. Get to know each other more." Ratchet said.
"I was thinking the same thing." She responded with a grin. Knowing that they have their opportunities once they're done with Nefarious.
Right now, they were getting back to the Star Explorer for their coordinates back to Annihilation Nation for their chance to get to Courtney Gears, then to the Obani Moons once they have their lead from her.
Once they got the last Titanium Bolt from Daxx, they were now going back to the Star Explorer, and Hydro Girl's ship, feeling that even though they couldn't even find Nefarious here, it wasn't a complete loss. Especially in Ratchet, and Angela's case.
Since they hooked up, and became a couple before this journey's end.
And done.
I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter on Daxx, as Ratchet and Angela has hooked up.
Little trivia for this Planet, the Lurker Sharks (Or sharkigators, as they're also called.) were here, since Insomniac had no choice but to put them on Daxx, since they were trying to see if they could add in a different water hazard to this Planet. But they couldn't within their time limit of release, so they put them in. Even though if I was old enough, and worked there, I would take a page from Jak 3, and have a large tentacle used, to eat Ratchet if he falls in. But oh well.
Also, sorry that I didn't add in a part 2 of their battle, that detailed their fight in Operation: ISLAND STRIKE. I feel that I can add it in a side chapter fic later on though.
And also, sorry if it was too soon for Ratchet, and Angela to hook up here on Daxx. It seemed to me, that here, or on Obani moons, or at least on the Leviathan before eventually going to Zeldrin seemed like a good time for a hook up. And I chose this Planet.
Finally, one more thing.
I hope that you enjoyed the chapter,
please give constructive criticism,
And do not forget to read and review,
and once again, I do not own Ratchet and Clank. Ratchet and Clank is created, and owned by Insomniac Games, and Sony Interactive. Please support the official release.
Theodore the Poet signing off.
