Opening File: Drone Generals

Over the centuries the Racing Drones would slowly grow in numbers and strength, creating underground factories to produce large numbers but to counter the threat of the Grimm, the Earth's warriors along with other threats such as the Gem Empire, the Cybertronians and the Galvans the Drones began working on creating new and lethal models based off of the technology of other races they could find. Gelorum eventually succeeded in crafting new models based off of the Cyberronians, seeing them somewhat as kindred spirits despite their flawed programming. The first three models were made to mimic a jet, a tank and a motorbike and eventually were followed by a twin rotor assault helicopter and a six wheeled assault tank. The new drones were modified to mimic the Cybertronian ability to transform between a vehicle and bipedal mode but Gelorum was faced with another problem.

Though powerful the new drones had no sentience like their older counterparts and would need her constant control by her or by other suitable drone commanders. Deciding this was an unacceptable weakness Gelorum took five drone models and spent over a decade refitting and modifying them, introducing advanced personality programs into them to increase their effectiveness and programmed the drones they had been modified after to follow their commands. This led to five new types of drones known as general units being created to serve Gelorum.

Tankor: Commander of the Tank Drones, he's slow, simple-minded and immensely powerful. Lovably dim, his limited intelligence can be a drawback; he can easily be confused, misled, or even turned against Gelorum, though temporarily. However, this is balanced out by his natural state of blind frustration and destructive rage, which makes getting him to listen to any cajoling a less than simple task.

Thrust: Commander of the Cycle Drones, he is a dark, cold, brooding type, and is absolutely devoted to his leader's goals. He is almost completely fearless, says exactly what is on his mind and takes a delight in tormenting his foes both physically and psychologically.

Jetstorm: Commander of the Aero Drones, he is arrogant and cocky with the skills to back them up. The only thing he likes more than cracking wise is cracking heads. He takes great pleasure in tormenting his enemies and lets them know at every opportunity how much better than them he is. He has a nasty temper that is barely hidden behind a thin veneer of cool indifference, and it really doesn't take much to set him off.

Despite his smarm, bravado and temper, Jetstorm knows when to cut his losses and run for it. He may have a whole load of personality flaws, but he's not stupid.

Obsidian: Commander of the Copter drones, Obsidian is unique as he and his fellow drone known as Strika were given enhanced strategic programming, making him more sophisticated and canny, able to concoct strategies with layers upon layers but like his fellow drones he has a single purpose: carry out the orders of his leader. He is loyal to Gelorum and perhaps to his fellow drone Strike and no one else. Unlike his bombastic aerial counterpart Jetstorm, Obsidian plans ahead and waits for the right opportunity to strike any enemy his master designates.

Strika: Commander of the Artillery drones, Strika's very presence on the battlefield often turns the tide in favor of the drones. Unlike Tankor who fights with rage and brute force Strika combines sheer cunning with brute force, preferring to lure her enemies into a rough terrain to give herself the advantage.

Together these five generals lead a powerful and deadly machine army that strikes fear into any who oppose them or Gelorum's plans.

Close File

Xxx

"A brain is like a computer, it allows us to retain memories, allows us to control our bodies and it allows us to process information. However there is one thing that separates the brain from being an actual computer. Creativity and free will." TOM stated as the file closed. "I am a robot but I can think like an organic, I know how to be creative and I have free will. That's what makes me more than a soulless walking automaton."

"Or a series of ones and zeroes." SARA said appearing next to TOM's seat. "There comes a point when one's experience changes who they are and outweighs what they are meant to be."

"Leaving the question: what do we become?"

Xxx

"What exactly are you planning?"

In deep caverns underneath his castle Sammael opened his eyes, looking upon the massive fusion even as he heard Gelorum's voice from behind. "You'll have to be more specific."

Gelorum narrowed her eyes. "You know what I mean. You are searching out organics to be sent on this retrieval mission. My drones would be more than enough to retrieve your Elementals and deal a crippling blow to the Gems."

"Would they?" Sammael turned around, facing the drone leader. "You have spent the last centuries hiding underground, manufacturing an army of machines. You may have watched and studied but your drones have barely baptized themselves in the blood of your enemies or in a Gem's case their…shards. I am not one to complain about boasting but I prefer when my acquaintances are able to back them up."

Gelorum harshly glared but Sammael showed no fear. "You think I can't back up my claims?"

"You misunderstand, Gelorum. You look down on organics, even the ones you have employed but you underestimate our useful they can be, especially when they are emotionally involved." Sammael said as a Seer appeared, floating between them with images appearing in its crystal ball. "These organics will be more motivated than the both of us to find and retrieve the Elementals. Your drones will have their chance and in fact they might have their chance now."

Gelorum raised an eyebrow. "And what would that chance be?"

"There are other Gems on this planet. Rebels, traitors and a unique one that can help destabilize the Empire." Sammael dismissed the Seer. "I believe your chance will be with them."

"…Very well."

Xxx

"So, evil Gems came to Earth and heroic Elementals stopped them. Why come after them now? Vengeance?" Rolf asked, getting back to the main topic.

"I am not entirely sure what they want." Bonnibel admitted.

"They want to use us to make them strong again." Nigel answered. "The Elementals stopped them once but their leader named White Diamond thinks we can make them unstoppable."

"White Diamond?" Bonnibel perked up. "She's behind this?"

"You know her?" Abby asked.

"I know of her. She's one of the four matriarch rulers of the Gem race: the Diamond Authority." Bonnibel replied. "White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Blue Diamond and Pink Diamond."

"There are only three of them now. Apparently the one called Pink Diamond was, for the lack of a better word killed during the war on Earth." Nigel pointed out.

"I see. Still, it makes sense now. The Diamonds would not have forgotten the Elementals even after all this time." Bonnibel stated. "They would not allow a power formidable enough to resist them to remain out in the open."

A shadow fell over them. "No, they would not."

Everyone spun around, coming face to face with a dark skinned and long poofy dark hair and a woman with tan skin and long blond hair while having slitted eyes and patchy brown colored scales. They both wore a light blue cloak, covering a robe, shirt and sash that were all a darker shade of blue.

"Oh no! It's finally happened, Plank!" Jonny exclaimed and sighed. "Well, let's just get it over with."

"Get over wh-WHAT THE COB ARE YOU DOING?!" Abby shouted in horror as Jonny turned around, bent down and lifted up his loincloth to reveal his posterior to everyone.

The two new humans quickly covered their eyes, along with everyone else.

"Jonny, for the eighty-seventh time no wants to probe us up the butt!" Eddy shouted, looking away in disgust.

"Seriously!" Nazz groaned, completely traumatized.

"Is this normal with him?" Nigel asked, closing his eyes and looking away.

"Jonny Wood-Boy, this is Rolf's last warning about that!" Rolf barked, whacking Jonny up the head. "My patience is thin and your head is fat!"

"Last warning?" Abby asked when Jonny finally covered his rear end.

"He kept on thinking they were going to probe us and pretty much showed his furry butt to everyone." Eddy grumbled.

Xxx

On the way to Homeworld

When the Peach Creek kids woke up they found themselves in cells with energy walls keeping them in and the Topaz and the Aquamarine watching them.

"Oh no! It's finally happened, Plank!" Jonny exclaimed and sighed. "Well, let's just get it over with."

"What are you-WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" Aquamarine shouted as Jonny bent over and pulled his pants down.

Xxx

Being taken to the Special Zone

"Well, let's just get it over with."

"What are you-WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" Holly Blue Agate shouted as Jonny bent over and pulled his pants down.

Xxx

About to be sent through the Assimilation Bay

"Well, let's just get it over with."

"Uh, what are you doing?" The Amethyst guards watched as Jonny bent over and pulled his pants down.

Xxx

"Seriously?" Abby looked at Jonny with a deadpanned look. "Is there something wrong with this boy?"

"His best friend being a piece of wood not enough to clue you in?" Eddy retorted.

"This is…normal for people on Earth?" The newly arrived man asked.

"Unfortunately yes." Bonnibel massaged her temples. "As sad as this may sound it almost feels like humanity's entire culture revolves around their butts."

Ed marched up to Bonnibel. "They are not just butts, lady of bubblegum. They are a way of life!" He declared, pounding a fist into his chest.

Bonnibel groaned. "It's just like the musical said: pray that there's intelligent life somewhere up in space…" She murmured. "Because there's bugger all down here on Earth."

"We're not on Earth anymore, lady of bubblegum." Ed reminded her.

…

"I left my island paradise for this." Bonnibel deadpanned.

Monty coughed loudly, regaining everyone's attention as he looked at the new arrivals. "If I may ask, who are you?"

The man gestured to himself and the Faunus. "I am Wy-Six and this is Jay-Ten. We come to welcome our new friends into the zone."

Eddy glared. "Get lost!"

"Hold on." Monty held up a hand and stepped forward. "You know where we are?"

"Yes." Jay-Ten nodded with a smile. "You are in the Special Zone. A home created by the Gems for our ancestors who were taken from Earth in the hopes of preserving the organic life due to the colonization and later because of the beasts of darkness."

"The Grimm." Monty muttered.

"Yes, what you call the Grimm. We have studied the history of Earth from the Gem records of Era 1." Wy-Six nodded. "Until recently we believed all life on Earth had been destroyed by these Grimm."

"How recently?"

"About…possibly twenty Earth years ago when a strange came into the zone." Jay-Ten answered. "He was not brought by the Gems and he told us much about Earth, claiming he had come from there though he had not been on Earth for thirty Earth years. He even found ways to prove he was not delusional or lying. We have been learning much in secret."

"We can show you if you wish." Wy-Six offered. "We offer a tour of our city as well."

Monty shared a look with the rest of the group, seeing all of them looking to him. "Very well. Show us."

"This way." Wy-Six gestured and led the group through the forest and into the crystalline city.

As they took in the sight of the beautiful city they also looked at the people who walked past them. Many of them were dressed similar to the Gems they had seen and others looked similar to the clothing worn in the Victorian era of England, most colored blue, green, white or even pink. Others wore bodysuits colored black and yellow while those who were close to the age of the kids were dressed more like the Gems, colored either blue or white.

"Since the dawn of Era 2 our ancestors lived here in the Special Zone by the order of White Diamond and under the supervision of Blue Diamond. Due to our needs being completely different from the Gems the Diamonds wanted us separate from the Gem population but over time both sides learned enough so that we would have all we needed and we could learn how to function without constant supervision." Wy-Six began, leading them down the cobblestone streets. "After the loss of Pink Diamond her, I guess you could call her a sister, Blue Diamond took charge of the Special Zone and the people were brought here. Her court studied how we organics functioned; ensuring we were healthy and well looked after and then taught us how to survive on our own with minimal supervision. Over time as the city was built Blue Diamond introduced a learning system, teaching us about art, entertainment, farming, diplomacy and history."

"Notice how our houses and even the trees are made of crystal." Jay-Ten spoke up. "They grew out of the ground."

"Yes." Wy-Six nodded with a smile. "Basically they made sure we had everything we needed to survive and taught us how to manage it on our own. We are sorted out into divisions based on our studies that are modeled after the colors of the Diamonds. White Diamond is the head of Gem government, Yellow Diamond is leader of the military and Blue Diamond is in charge of diplomacy."

"And what was Pink Diamond in charge of?" Nigel asked.

That question made the two guides stop which in turn made the rest of the group stop.

"I am not entirely sure." Wy-Six admitted. "You must understand that Pink Diamond is a sensitive subject for the Gems. She was a Diamond and Earth was meant to be her first colony. The war started by her own subjects and what happened to her is considered a very dark time for the Gems. No one speaks of it."

"Fair enough." Nigel nodded. "And I hate to sound like a poor guest but…would you happen to know how this mystery fellow from Earth got here? And did he leave the same way afterwards?"

"Hm...The old memory is a little blurry about that." Wy-Six rubbed his chin. "All we know is that he came and went of his own volition, without the Gems knowing. I barely understood what he was trying to say."

"Wait, you met him personally?" Monty asked.

"It was only twenty earth years ago."

"You don't look that old." Abby observed. "You'd have been younger than us back then."

"Oh, right!" Wy-Six snapped his fingers. "In the Special Zone we age a little…differently thanks to Gem medical knowledge. I'm actually about eighty-seven Earth years…and still young by our standards too!"

"As you say on Earth…" Jay-Ten spoke up. "Ninety is the new twenty!"

This revelation floored the entire group.

"Rolf has not met such good looking elders!" Rolf declared. "At least not since Nana's third-cousin's ill-fated Thanksgiving dinner!" He shook his head and murmured. "Those poor people…"

"Well that's the truth of it." Wy-Six shrugged. "We're aware that by your standards we are essentially living in a cage, but we've never wanted for anything. Most of the Gems treat us well, at least those of the Blue and Pink Diamond courts while those of Yellow and White are…somewhat disinclined to visit unless they have to. And best of all, our mystery guest left us a way sating the curiosity of anyone wishing to know of the outside world."

"So everybody knows?" Nazz asked.

"Only the ones who we feel can be trusted to not reveal it." Jay-Ten looked around cautiously. "You see, this is something we don't really want the Gems to know about, but given your recent arrival we feel that you can be trusted to be discreet."

"Give me some pants and it's a deal." Eddy deadpanned, sick of wearing a loincloth.

"Oh rest assured those are only for the unsorted." Wy-Six chuckled. "Tailors will assist you at your convenience. After which, you may see…the big secret."

"What would make the Gems knowing about this secret a problem anyways?" Nigel asked.

"As far as we know: no other race has succeeded in resisting Gem colonization." Jay-Ten explained. "Our ancestors fought them, the Grimm…it's a bit of a sore spot on their spotless record if you get what I mean. We don't talk about it with them, they don't talk about it with us…and I think if they knew that we have a way of seeing our home world as it is now, as in not as a wasteland or Gem colony as they prefer, they might fear that we'd get ideas of trying to break out."

"You mean you actually see Earth? In real time?" Monty asked.

"Mainly news channels, weather, sports channels, entertainment…but yes." Jay-Ten nodded. "We call this wondrous thing…" She looked around again and whispered. "The television."

…

…

…

The group just stared at Jay-Ten as Wy-Six whispered in her ear. "They do not seem impressed."

"So…You watch TV here?" Nigel asked, wiping the deadpanned look off his face.

"There is only one and we have a small window of time to watch it." Wy-Six explained.

"Only one TV?" Eddy mumbled. "It's a wonder you haven't clawed each other to death yet."

"Do you guys get monster movies?" Ed asked.

"Or the nature channel?" Jonny asked.

Abby face palmed herself. "Isn't there something more important to talk about?"

"More important than monster movies?" Ed glared at Abby, actually making her step back. "Movies good for Ed!"

Eddy quickly stepped in between them. "It's okay, big guy. We all know movies good for you. Just relax."

Ed's glare was instantly replaced by his usual smile. "Okay, Eddy."

"So, everyone here except me, Abby and Ed are considered unsorted." Nigel gestured to himself and then to Abby and Ed. All three of them having been separated from the others and dressed differently compared to everyone else.

Wy-Six and Jay-Ten considered, looking at the three. "We are not sure."

"It is possible that as the Elementals you three are considered special, even for organics." Bonnibel spoke up, having been listening the whole time. "You could even be considered Earth's version of the Diamonds which is essentially royalty."

"Great. Another reason to get stuck in this." Abby grumbled, gesturing to her dress again.

Nazz chuckled. "Not into dresses are you?"

"You have no idea." Abby grumbled in disgust. "I've never felt so much like a bimbo in my entire life."

"Abby!" Monty admonished.

Nigel did his best not to snicker, knowing that any form of laughter would definitely guarantee suffering Abby's wrath and that was a fate likely worse than whatever the Diamonds had in store for him and the others. Nonetheless he had to admit, at least to himself, that she looked stunning beyond belief and did indeed resemble a nobleman's daughter instead of the fierce young warrior to be he had known for a long time now.

"In the meantime, let us move. There is more to see."

Xxx

"So how do we find this GrimmFall?"

Peridot held up her 'fingers' and the formed into a screen while her other 'fingers' connected to the console in front of her. "The Steven appears so be some form of Quartz type Gem. By modifying my personal scanners I can determine the Steven's location." Peridot answered.

After warping away from the Beach House, Peridot and Connie had arrived back to the downed colony ship. Peridot had immediately headed for the bridge of the ship and had begun modifying the console, using the ship's power core to increase her scanner range to better locate the Steven.

"Peridot!"

The green gem and the human with her spun around and spotting Pearl entering the bridge with her spear in both hands. "I won't let you anywhere near Steven!"

Peridot grumbled as she changed her fingers into their blaster form as Connie pulled out her sword. "This is getting really annoying. Can't you take a hint? Nothing is going to stop us from getting off this planet."

"Except me!" Pearl retorted.

Peridot growled and charged a blast. "Fine, let's end this!"

Xxx

Systems Activating

.

.

.

Power Core: Online

Weapon System: Online

Mobile System: Online

Transformation System: Online

Visual Sensors: Online

Audio Sensors: Online

.

.

.

Core Programming: Uploaded

Stasis Pod: Deactivated

Awaiting Commands

Xxx

A dark feminine figure stepped into view as the machine visual sensors activated, staring at them with one glowing green eye. "Arise."

From the pods emerged three large machines of various form and sizes.

One was large and hulking, coated with armored alloy head to non-existent toe and colored silver and blue. The turret shaped 'face' had a red glowing visor and behind the left shoulder was a large spring loaded missile launcher and twin sawblades built into its massive arms.

The second was a colored maroon and blue with yellow stripes and an insectoid like head with red glowing 'eyes' and an orifice shaped 'mouth'. It arms were blue and yellow, shaped almost like pipes with claws and at the end with cannons built in. Instead of feet this machine stood on a single wheel.

The final one had a blue and gold colored cone shaped lower body attached a torso resembling rear jet fins with grey panels, a robot head with wings attached to it, giving the robot a sleek and elegant appearance. Its face was smooth with red glowing 'eyes', small antennas at the top of the head, the mouth resembling a breathing mask and its arms resembled wings with clawed hands and shoulder cannons.

"You are the first of my new drones. You have been given life, power and you will be given more." Gelorum stated, pacing in front of them. "Please me and you will be rewarded. Fail and I'll have you scrapped and simply create new models."

She stopped and looked them in the 'eyes'. "There are several targets you will hunt down for me. Find them and defeat them."