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Chapter 18- Shadow of Worth
Kay stood at the window of his quarters watching the last vestiges of daylight burn away, casting shadows through the unlit room. It had been nearly a month since his encounter with Omega had left him in such a brutalized condition that he required massive rebuilds to over 85% of his physical systems and 60% of his Primary/Secondary Systems. Clenching the fist of the cybernetic replacement arm Kay growled deeply as it clicked and whirred loudly with his movements, audibly indicating the inferiority of the replacement limb. Kay had almost crushed the life from the medic when he'd awoken after seeing the garish nature of his repairs.
"What... Is... THIS?!" he barked as he snatched the smaller Reploid doctor's throat with his undamaged hand and lifted her from the floor. The doctor struggled and gasped in Kay's vice grip as she attempted to inform the general that they had taken most of their time repairing his delicate, and life sustaining, systems before starting the process of physical rebuild.
"We...were under orders...from the...Commander! She...she wanted you...functional immediately!" The flailing doctor choked out as Kay resisted the urge to slam her skull into a wall.
"You've had a MONTH to repair me! And the only suitable replacements I have are ARCHAIC ROBOT APPENDAGES?!" Kay begrudgingly released the doctor as his comm unit chimed and Null's voice summoned him to her study.
He noticed his mangled face in a steel wall as he departed the Med Floor and drove his good fist into the reflection, further distorting his now grizzly visage. He'd arrived at Null's study several moments later. It had taken a greater amount of time to traverse the halls due to a limp caused in part by his 'new' leg. Although he hadn't been sure of what his summons meant, Kay had spent his overly long walk formulating his resignation speech. He knew that he was no longer worthy of the rank General and fully expected Null to say as much. If she didn't, he was prepared to step down regardless as he felt he was no longer capable of his duties to the Armada or, more importantly, Null.
When he entered her study he noticed that Null was scanning him from head to toe as he limped forward and saluted before leaning heavily against a chair. She offered him a smile that any other day would've filled him with pride and power, but this day it only furthered his own distaste in his condition.
"Glad to see you back on your feet, General." She had greeted him in an uncharacteristically kind fashion, which Kay took as a bad sign instantly.
"Thank you, ma'am. Unfortunately, I'm nowhere near efficient operational capacity. I don't believe I will be for some time. Which is why I've decided to resign my commission as General."
"Resign? You do me an injustice, Kay. To what purpose are you relinquishing your post? Surely not your current, and might I add temporary, condition?"
"It's exactly that, ma'am. It's obvious that I'm incapable of my duties, as I'm now physically less than before. And although it's unproven as of yet, I'm not sure I'm mentally suited for task. The weak cannot lead. And, at this moment, I am weak. I cannot perform my duties as your personal guard either. I believe it to be in the best interests of the Armada that I give my command to someone able to adequately perform."
Kay would never forget the look of astonishment on Null's face. It was a look he'd never seen from her in all the years he served and it was enough to gouge deep into his heart. He knew he let her down, and that fact was more unsettling that his loss at Omega Zero hands. Her next words, however, would hurt him more than any physical or mental trauma could.
"So, you're a quitter? No drive to better the situation? No will to better your circumstances? I never pegged you as half-hearted, General. I always figured you to be the one to take your losses in stride and return stronger for the lesson. And, for that reason, I deny your request. You're better than you're allowing yourself due to injury. Dust off, MY General, and return stronger. If I ever see you wallowing in self-pity again, I'll grant your request as you break my faith in you... As well as my heart. Dismissed."
Unable to formulate a response, or any cohesive words for that matter, Kay had saluted Null once more and limped away back to his quarters. And now, in the final moments of daylight as he stared out his window, Kay came to understand what Null had meant. Marred and broken he may be, but he was still Kay the Ever-Flame, Nihilist Inferno and General of the Armada's Legions. 'I thank you, Commander, for reminding me of my place.' Turning from the window with head high, Kay exited his quarters and made his way towards the elevator with the thought of tying up a final loose end in this whole debacle.
Descending towards the Detention Levels he exited early, looking for an individual who could help him solve his problem. Unfortunately, as he rounded a corner, he found himself in the presence of Cyrus. One of the remaining Elites, he was a zealot of the Omega Prophecy. 'Why ANYONE would program Faith into a Reploid built for War I'll never understand.' Kay thought sourly. Cyrus' next words only deepened his distaste for the acolyte, Kay drawing upon every fiber of his officer's decorum not to smash him into the walls.
"General! HE spared your life... You have garnered HIS blessing in HIS return! Rejoice-"
"Cyrus! Normally I'd let you rant on about Omega's Glory, however, today my time as well as my patience is limited. And, personally, I don't feel 'blessed' or 'graced'. So, unless you've got something other than babble for me, I'll be excusing you from my presence."
Cyrus grinned at the larger Reploid and bowed slightly before stepping to the side.
"Forgive me, General. I forgot then you are among the non-believers. Even after you've witnessed His Return and His Power. HE spared you. You will see that there was a reason and that He has a plan for you. Good evening to you."
Cyrus slid past Kay towards the elevator, casting a final look back before the doors closed and he was gone. Kay huffed in annoyance as he continued down the corridor in search of someone rooted in logic, reasoning and sanity. Rounding a corner he found someone perfectly fitting those traits, even if his archaic attire of Stetson hat and desert duster Longcoat said otherwise. As Kay approached the Reploid gave a hat tip and quick salute.
"General." He said in a very rustically accented voice.
"Edaan. I require your assistance."
"A mission? Please tell me it's a mission, sir." Edaan asked eagerly.
"Nothing major, Chief. As you can see, my mobility isn't up to par. I need you to head down to Detention and retrieve Darkhood's cloak for me."
"Her cloak, sir? If you don't mind a question: why?"
"That's not relevant at the moment." Kay said matter-of-factly, pondering for a second if a reprimand was needed. Edaan, however, simply nodded then gave Kay an almost nervous glance. Kay saw the gears turning behind Edaan's eyes and knew the soldier wanted to ask him about his encounter. Growing to himself, Kay glared before speaking.
"Spit it out, Chief. It's obvious you have something you'd like to say."
"You know I'm not the god-fearin' type, but Cyrus has been clamoring about Omega's return since they started patching you up. I wanna know if he's really something to be feared."
"He's just another Reploid. Omega-Class Destroyer Reploid, but still just a Reploid. There's no such thing as Gods. Yes, he's to be feared, but he's nothing more than extremely powerful. Nothing is invincible. Now, bring me the cloak and I'll keep you in mind for the next mission"
Edaan tipped his hat again and walked past Kay towards the elevator. A thought occurred to him as the cowboy-esque soldier moved away and he stopped him.
"Where's your other half?"
Edaan smiled smugly.
"Most likely beating the hell outta unworthy warriors. You know he's always looking for a fight worth his time. Check down in Training. Might be a good show."
Edaan chuckled as he rounded the corner, disappearing towards the lift. Kay grinned slightly as he opened a comm channel to Command Operations and an Operator promptly answered.
"Good evening, General."
"I need a point to point beam out to the Rec Center."
"Understood. Have you locked, sir. Reading several non-standard electronic devices on your person. Recommended you deactivate before beam to avoid any disruptions or failures."
Kay growled away from the mic, glowering once again at his 'replacement' limbs. Locking the joints to remain stationary, and allow him to stay standing, he deactivated the cybernetics then signaled to the Operator to beam him. Immediately his body was flooded with a tingling sensation, akin to the pins-and-needles of numbness, as he was engulfed in energy and beamed away. Seconds later the feeling faded as he materialized in the Rec Center.
Re-powering his arm and leg, he made his way to the Combat Arena, knowing that was where he was likely to find Edaan's 'brother'. He was correct. Standing at the viewing window, Kay looked down upon what would normally be called an unfair fight, but he knew the only disadvantage was on the side of the six fully armed and armored Armada fighters surrounding a single opponent. 'I wonder if he outmatches himself on purpose to lull others into false security. I feel sorry for those fools against him.'
Unarmed and adorned in nothing more than grey gi pants with a blood red stripe down the side, the martial artist set himself into a ready stance reminiscent of the Shotokan fighters of old. Two opponents, wielding metal staffs, stepped forward and took tentative jabs with their weapons only to have them swatted away with great force as the martial artist blocked and closed the distance. One of them, still fumbling to recover his weapon, was struck with a roundhouse kick of such force he cartwheeled away to land face down with a loud thud. The second was floored with equal force as a backfist to straight punch combo connected with his head, sending him into a viscous backflip and knocking him out cold. Resetting into his starting stance, the martial warrior glared at his remaining foes.
The remaining four attacked as one, two with Sabers two with Busters, but the martial combatant seemed prepared for such action as his arms from the elbow down ignited in blazing orange energy and he rushed forward. The Saber wielders were thrown off immediately as their blades were grabbed bare-handed and wrenched from their grips. A jumping roundhouse caught one square sending him sliding across the floor, the other just barely evading the follow up thrust kick with a quick roll. Several small Buster Shots pelted the unarmed warrior as he continued his forward motion, his glowing fists swatting down the further incoming fire as though the energy busts were nothing more than water balloons. Just before reaching the two gunners the martial artist spun around and threw his arms up in an X block to catch the descending Saber blow that had been aimed at his back. A spark of fury burned in his eyes as he disarmed the Saber once more, took hold of its master's wrists, pivoted into a hip check and flung the swordsman over his shoulder into the wall behind the gunners. The shocked and disoriented gunners never saw the approach of their opposition as he dashed forward with amazing speed and unleashed a cyclonic series of aerial kicks that crushed one of them. The final opponent attempted to back pedal from the fighter but found himself overwhelmed by viscous punches to the body that ended in a magnificent display of fiery energy from a spiraling uppercut that launched its target before dropping him like a stone in a river.
Powering his fists down and looking around at his defeated foes, the fighter dipped into a bow and began walking away. The sound of clapping caught his attention causing him to turn towards its source and immediately salute Kay. Kay quickly returned the salute and surveyed the arena.
"That's was, as always, highly entertaining Abel. Your skills and fervor are a boon to the Armada."
Abel nodded with a small smile of warrior pride before pointing at Kay's replaced limbs and tilting his head in inquiry. Normally Kay would've demanded one speak their mind instead of pantomiming, however he held no ill will towards the fighter as Abel was mute.
"A hard battle as well as a lesson learned." Kay clenched the replacement fist. "Nothing that will stop me, though. What about you? Any progress on vocal repairs?"
Abel shook his head then shrugged, his response of uncaring about the mutism. Kay chuckled.
"True. A warrior needs no words, only actions. After you get yourself patched up from that bout, come to my quarters. I have a mission for you that I believe will pit you against someone worthy of your skills."
Abel raised a curious eyebrow before nodding then, once more, gave the General a questioning look to which Kay smirked.
"I'll give you the details later. For now, go get some salve for those burns. Should you happen upon Edaan, send him to R&D on 12. I'm expecting him with equipment in need of an upgrade."
Abel again nodded and with a salute left Kay in the arena. Comming the Operator once more with directions, and locking down his limbs, Kay beamed away with his thoughts of rectification of mistakes firmly engrained in his mind.
Although there was no way of telling, as her cell was devoid of anything but a cot, Andromeda could tell from the quiet it was the latest hours of night. As usual she was seated on the floor of the cell in lotus, meditating to clear her thoughts and sharpen her focus. It was this focused state that allowed her to hear the thudding and whirring steps approaching her cell. She didn't need to see, or hear for that matter, who was coming as only one being she knew could create such powerful footfalls. 'Aside from Brav, I've had no visitors in my captivity. It can only be HIM...' she thought as the steps grew closer. A moment later the huge mass of Kay stood at the electro-gate of the cell, a length of charcoal colored cloth slung over his shoulder and a neutral expression on his scarred face. Reaching over to the control panel, he deactivated the barrier.
"Stand, Assassin. You're time has been served."
Andromeda did as ordered and saluted her commanding officer. Her whisper like voice, although slightly raspier, was clear when she spoke.
"Good to see you well, General. I feared my actions had caused irreparable damage."
"Close enough, SERGEANT."
His emphasis on her reduced rank irked Andromeda, but she just nodded in contrition bringing a sinister looking smirk to the larger Reploid's face that burned away her ire and replaced it with unease.
"You're aware of your position. You're to be returned to Probational Duty under my command. Null has informed me of the terms, and I for one hope you DO step out of line. But, until such a time, I'll treat you as an asset. And as such, I have a mission requiring your specific skills."
"My life for the Armada." Andromeda replied causing Kay to sneer in derision.
"Indeed. I know Brav came to you before his 'separation' from us. What did he tell you?"
"Of his plans to escape. He also offered to take me along, which I obviously refused."
"Did he say where he was going?"
"No, sir."
"Although I'm inclined not to believe you, I'll take your word this time. Your mission is to bring him back. Preferable alive, dead if needed. But his body must be returned. He can be rebuilt and reprogrammed if necessary, so destroying him outright is unacceptable. As Solo missions are your stock in trade, you'll be handling this task alone. Failure is NOT an option, as you'll be useless should that be the case. Are we clear?"
"Crystal, sir. When do I set out?"
"Immediately. Time is critical to the task. Here." Kay tossed the grey cloth to Andromeda and she unfurled her cloak. "Your 'prized' possession and the mark of your class."
Shock rode freely on Andromeda face as Kay returned her cloak. She quickly put it on relishing in its familiarity for a split second before a burst of electrical energy surged through her body, dropping her to her knees. Glaring up at the deceitful smile worn by Kay, Andromeda's icy blue eyes screamed out for murder only to be met with equal intent by the general's grey-green gaze.
"Wh-what did you do?" she croaked.
"No more running or hiding for you, Assassin. From now on, I'll ALWAYS know how to find you. Fibers woven into your oh-so-precious cloak have introduced a colony of nanites into your system. Only I have their frequency. So, if you decide to run, I'll be there to catch you. No Stealth Tech, no distance too far, no HOPE of survival should you fail. They've also disable your Emergency Teleport Protocol. No more running for you, ever! Should you try, the consequences would be...painful to say the least. Now, get up! Go and carry out your mission, return here when it's complete. And, good luck sergeant, I have a feeling you're going to need it."
Andromeda knelt on the floor of her cell attempting to collect her thoughts and composure, but the deep and dark laughter of Kay as he departed shattered any hope of that. For the first time in as long as she could remember her confidence, her resolve, was weak, replaced by a rising dread that heralded what promised to be a dark future for her.
A/N: The General has returned! The last of The Elites revealed. Andromeda free...kinda. Forgive the wait on this one, things have been exceptionally busy as of late and I'm getting in as much work as possible when possible. This was another chapter in which I thoroughly writing, and I hope everyone enjoys reading. As usual, please R&R and let me know what you think. Until the next chapter!