Requiem for a Reploid, Chapter 2
A Run-down Lot
*After getting through the Trans Server, Ciel and Zero take a small rest from the experience they had that day. Eight hours later, we open with Zero talking to Ciel, at the base of operations...*
Ciel: Welcome to our Resistance Base, Zero. This is a shelter for the injured Reploids who are suspected of being Mavericks. We have fought so hard to survive... However, we know that the end is coming... But that's why we have been searching for you. You are our last and only hope. Most think you're a myth, a fairytale told to children to easy them to sleep. However, a few still believed in your existence and have looked for you... You ARE Zero, the legendary Reploid who fought with X to save the world 100 years ago.
Zero: X...? That name sounds familiar.
Ciel: X...is now the leader of Neo Arcadia, and he's trying to retire all of us.
Zero: X is trying to... retire you...?
Ciel: His plans have already begun. Many innocent Reploids are being retired as we speak... We need your help. Our future depends on you...Please...
*Zero takes a moment to think for an answer*
Zero: (Honestly, I don't think I'm up for it. Even if I am this super soldier, I must be ancient technology compared to what X has this day and age...
*As Zero thought, he suddenly remembered Ciel mentioning they were accused of being mavericks. Suddenly, his mind was more alert and suspicious about the predicament he's in. Why did they choose a decaying base? Why did only a 12-year-old girl to represent as the base commander? He needed to know more...for all he knew, his next mission would be a terrorist attack*
Zero: (Wait, did she just say mavericks? For all I know, this girl might be a hostage, fooling me to fight on their side! (beat) ...Either way, I'll need to know about who I'm helping.) Sorry, I can't right now. I just...*groan* I just don't know.
Ciel: I understand... You need time to think about it. Okay then, we'll find a way to work it out by ourselves. You can try visiting Cerveau downstairs; maybe he can give you a tune-up. Still, if you change your mind... please talk to me... Okay?
Zero: Thanks.
*Zero proceeds down the elevator, and looks around to see the base's condition. He spots a familiar sign as he reached one of the levels*
Zero: (Wow...I think I remember this place...didn't this used to be on the list of the top 100 cleanest cities on the planet when I was around? Man time is a bitch.)
*Zero heads to the bottom floor, and makes his way to a run-down shack. As he makes his way inside, we see Cerveau running about, testing gadgets left and right*
Zero: Uh...hi. Ciel said you could give me a tune-up...
Cerveau: Sorry, I'm busy with a couple –engagements-, just come back later...
*Cerveau turns around to face Zero, and immediately drops his pen*
Cerveau: *Amazement* Wow...so you're Zero, huh? I never thought I'd get to meet you...
Zero: Hold up...you called me Zero? I don't remember you...
Cerveau: Well, you're a living legend for the scientific community! For instance...that Z-saber, when properly tuned, has unlimited potential for upgrading! And your system can adapt for other weapons too. Did you notice that gun you have shooting plasma instead of regular rounds?
Zero: Whoa, whoa, whoa, easy. (How does he know that?) But...I did notice. I just picked up this gun on the battlefield, and I checked the clip. The only thing that would allow me to fire buster shots was a backup battery that shoots stun rounds.
Cerveau: Astounding...can I see that gun?
Zero: Uh, sure...
*The screen blacks out as Zero puts his gun on the table*
Cerveau: Sorry for being rude back there, I got a little too carried away and jumped to conclusions. Heh heh...Well, I'll examine this in a second. You still have your Z-saber on you, right? I'm sure if you keep practicing with it, your combat experience will come back to you eventually.
Zero: One more thing, Doc. While I was with Ciel, I picked up this thing called a...a "Cyber-Elf". Know what this thing is?
Cerveau: Well, I wouldn't know a better way to describe it than Ciel could...but I know a girl next to the e-crystal storage room that knows a lot more on the subject than I do. Try talking to her.
Zero: (Another girl? A… A… "Cyber Elf" know-it-all? If they are a Maverick clan, they must be nuts.) Thanks, Doc.
*Zero turns to leave*
Cerveau: The name's Cerveau!
Zero: Got it!
*As Zero heads for the elevator, Hibou, in a corner, looks up to find a new stranger. Desperate for sustenance, he tries to call out to Zero...*
Hibou: *weakly* H-hey, sir...
*The words were too faint to reach Zero, as he had other matters on his mind...*
Zero: (So far, nobody seems suspicious...could they really be Mavericks? Maybe ^"Irregular", but nothing to be killed over.)
^Irregular (personal definition) – the politically correct term for dysfunctional reploids. Rarely used, due to most Irregulars being accused of Terrorism
*As Zero was halfway to Alouette's room, Zero hears a soldier trying to grab his attention*
T. S. Soldier: Hey, Zero! I want to tell you something!
*Zero backs up the elevator to the "Trance" level to see this soldier*
T. S. Soldier: Sorry to bother you, but I just want to thank you for saving Dr. Ciel. By the way... Know how to use a Trans Server?
Zero: Well, Ciel tried to explain it to me, but I didn't get all the details.
T. S. Soldier: Let me explain. A Trans Server basically moves something to someplace. It can transfer you to wherever you've been.
Zero: So, that's all it does?
T. S. Soldier: Oh, that's not all. If you want to download an electronic entity called a Cyber-elf, this is also the place to do that. Some of the Cyber-elves that you capture aren't useable at first. Make sure to give these Cyber-elves Energy Crystals, which you will sometimes find on an enemy. As you feed a Cyber-elf with Energy Crystals, it will grow. Once it is fully grown, anyone can use them. However, once you use a Cyber-elf, it runs out of code and its energy is used up... Remember, they're only
electronic code, but if you treat them poorly, they will turn on you.
Zero: That's...good to know. (beat) *jokingly* Well, at least it's not some magnetic torture device, right?
*Zero then gives off a small laugh with a hint of nervousness. After a second or two, the soldier breaks down into a louder, more genuine laugh. A few larks later, the soldier calms down enough to say...*
T. S. Soldier: Don't worry, we haven't had any casualties yet, but the price we paid for it, we might as well have!
*As the soldier breaks into a stronger laugh, Zero stands dead silent, as he observes the soldier, not quite understanding the humor behind this. It's obvious that these soldiers haven't been around long enough to know what a malfunction is like...the chuckles slows down until it disappears*
Zero: All right, thanks for the help!
*Zero heads back to the elevator, still intent on seeing this "girl". Even though the soldier down the elevator explained some details about cyber elves, but one question still remains...how did they get here while he was gone? The elevator rises to level 1, where Zero is greeted by Alouette.*
Alouette: Huh? Who's that? *gasp* Oh cool, it's Zero! Hey! Over here, Zero!
Zero: Oh, hey.
Alouette: Um...nice to meet you. You're the one that saved Ciel, didn't you?
Zero: Yeah. So, I heard there was a little girl that knows about Cyber Elves...
Alouette: My name's Alouette. Ciel gave me that name.
Zero: *genuine* Oh, seems cute. So, my question is, some of the guys have told me what Cyber Elves are, but they just gave me generalizations. I want to know all the facts.
Alouette: Sure. All right, since I heard you're new to this, Cyber Elves aren't like reploids. Instead of being built from metal, they're actually power cells using their own data to show
a picture of themselves. They're creatures so smart, even though they're made from a string of programs, they're more than that. It's almost like a reploid's ghost!
Zero: So, Cyber-Elves come from a reploid after it dies...?
Alouette: No no no! Well, wait... (beat) Hmm...what I'm trying to say is, they're as smart as a reploid, but can't do much, like push things. But, they can do neat things with robots. There are three types that do different tricks.
Zero: *nodding* Okay, I'm listening.
Alouette: First are nurse elves. They help with how a reploid uses fuel, and give them more power to do things like, take more damage. They even use their power to absorb into the person they're helping to give them extra energy.
Zero: Sounds like something I could use.
Alouette: Next are Animal Elves. They can make reploids do stuff they couldn't normally do by themselves, like climb up walls easier, run faster, and even run on spikes!
Zero: Nice...
Alouette: Finally, there are Hacker Elves. Those Pantheon meanies really hate these ones, these elves can stop them in their tracks for over a minute by getting under their skin! They can also eat up bullets like they were food pellets, and turn down a reploid's strength inside-out!
Zero: That's...pretty cool. So, know where I find these guys? This will be the perfect way to get back in shape...
Alouette: *frustrated* No! You can't do that!
Zero: Whoa, didn't mean to step on a toe here...
Alouette: If you use them like that, they die! (beat) ...and everybody in Neo Arcadia treats them like that...like they were dirt...
Zero: *empathetic* I'm sorry if I hurt you, I...I just didn't know they worked like that. (beat) Tell you what, if I find any the next time I help Ciel, I'll give them straight to you!
Alouette: ...promise?
Zero: *smiling* Promise!
*Zero heads back for the elevator and goes downward, surprised at what he said to cheer the girl up.*
Zero: (Jeez, why am I such a softie sometimes? I just had to make a promise that I would regret...still, these people aren't that bad. Heck, I'm not even sure they would last in a real war! (beat) Speaking of war, better go check on Cerveau...)
*Halfway down the elevator, a seemingly-old man raises his voice to beckon to Zero...*
Andrew: Young man, over here! Let me look at your face!
*Zero stops the elevator and draws closer. Andrew then grabs Zero by the chin and examines him closely, as an appraiser would gaze at a statue for value*
Andrew: I don't think I recall you from before...say, are you a new recruit? *Andrew then lets go*
Zero: *scratching his head* Yeah, I guess you can say that...so, what's your name?
Andrew: They call me Andrew, my boy, and I whip these young'uns some fighting spirit! Now, I might not have done service time, but you never know what you'll need when you're out there.
Zero: I'm sure that's...helpful.
Andrew: ...say, son, would you like to hear a short story?
Zero: *nervous* W-well, uh, I just heard Cerveau needs me downstairs, and after that I've got to help Ciel. So...maybe later.
Andrew: ...all right, but remember, you're going to have to destroy several patheon if you expect to keep pace with the others!
*Zero finally goes down the elevator to the engine room. On his way down, Hibou spots him again. Learning from last time, he lets out a stronger call...*
Hibou: S-Sir! I'm over here!
*Zero finally notices Hibou, back hunched against a concrete wall. Even though he appears barrel-chested, he doesn't act like he ate a large meal...on the contrary, he moves like someone on the third day of starvation. Zero rushes over to Hibou with many apologies...*
Zero: Oh, I-I'm sorry I didn't see you back there! I swear, I wasn't trying to be cruel!
Hibou: *melancholic* ...crystals...do you have e-crystals?
Zero: No problem. How many?
Hibou: About...250 units.
Zero: *searching his pockets*...They're the blue containers, right?
Hibou: Uh-huh...
Zero: Okay, got them. *counting* But I don't think I have 250...maybe around 100. But I'm sure you can manage.
*Hibou takes a glance at Zero's e-crystals. He tried to be reasonable…but how could he live off so few? Was this man playfully condescending him, like all the others? "Dance, gorilla, dance!" He could hear the mockery a mile away…The rage slowly bubbled up, unable to be contained…*
Hibou: ...That's all? What do you take me for? *He knocks them over with the back of his hand* That wouldn't even make an old fart feel full! *glaring* I bet you already ate half of them, hippie!
Zero: Fine, be that way, loser!
*Zero then rushes off to Cerveau's house. As Zero closes the door, we can hear Hibou suffering.*
Hibou: So...hungry...
*Cerveau looks up from his schematics and at Zero, and lets out a chuckle*
Cerveau: Guess you already met Hibou, huh?
Zero: That's the fatso's name?
Cerveau: Believe it or not, he's actually big-boned. When he has energy, he's not a bad guy. In fact, with the e-crystals he melts in his belly, he's three times stronger than the soldiers around here, and can take one heck of a beating! However, that
makes his fuel sensors a little touchy as well. He gets a little...hysterical.
Zero: Bet that's got to do with how he ended up here?
Cerveau: He was caught by the Pantheon for "Disturbing the Peace", trying to panhandle the citizens. But, I couldn't blame him. Even over here, we don't have enough to keep him satisfied, so he spends his time out of the way..."hibernating".
Zero: Guess that's a common theme around here. Everyone's got a screw loose...
Cerveau: Got to meet the others, huh? Hold on, I'm sure I've got a record somewhere. *He pulls out a tablet from a pile of hardware* Let's see..."Al-013, privately-owned reploid for a wealthy family. Arrested for trespassing into a power plant and destroying cyber-elf harnesses. Subject was very hostile, but easily dealt with. Sentenced to retirement, for unreasonable time and resources to cure behavioral problems."
Zero: *whistle* That girl's got guts.
Cerveau: "Au-073, worker-class reploid, manager of a packaging facility. Arrested for suspicion of assisting Mavericks via rigging the mailing system. Subject claims he has no memory, even though the package was sent 5 days before questioning. Further testing of the subject reveals no problems with cognition or memory."
Zero: Guess that leaves just you.
Cerveau: Well, if you insist... *ahem* "Ce-058, reploid scientist. One of the main scientists of Neo Arcadia's R&D Department. Arrested for using network for illegal and personal use."
Zero: Must have been worth it.
Cerveau: Just one torrent. If one of the guys sees you, they try to ask for a seed, but if one big-shot gets a look, then they give you the fire and brimstone.
Zero: *laughing* If you were around in my day, all you would've needed was one day in solitary!
Cerveau: *sigh* Yeah, it's weird, huh? Guys like you don't have to worry about stuff like that. Once you set a name for yourself, you're set for life! (beat) ...But, the one thing that perplexes me is how people like Ciel can turn our direction and help us, even though she had a name...and lost it for our sake. Heck, even the reason why we're not blasted to bits with a missile is because of her. Her guardians are paying a huge reward for her return, and even if Neo Arcadia claims she died accidentally, the press will make it the scoop of the century. "Scientist prodigy, wiped out by big bang!"
Zero: So, is she the only leader around here?
Cerveau: Surprisingly, yes. Ever since she organized this resistance, she made every call, every decision, every meeting...I wouldn't be surprised if she dreamed of someone else doing the dirty work. She's only twelve, too...she's a piece of work, all right.
Zero: *sigh*
Cerveau: Now, I know it's a lot to ask someone like you to do something that goes against everything he was raised by. If I was a maverick hunter, this would be the closest thing to be called a slave. At least look at the bright side; there's one girl waiting for you in a fortress, once this is all over.
*Zero couldn't help but laugh at that one. Ever since he woke up, he knows this gag would never end. Cerveau extends his hand, and Zero responds back with a handshake*
Zero: Besides, I'm not much of a pencil-pusher. Tell that to my record, I've been a daredevil more times than you could count.
*Zero lets go of his grip, then starts to face the door*
Cerveau: All right, just remember not to die on me!
*Zero then heads for the door, and once he does, the scene fades out*
FIN