Chapter 13: My Man, Zug
(Intro)
Battle Force 10 were battling the Sark in the Mudland Zone. Agura bashed a Zurk into a mud pool. "Gotcha." She said as the Zurk sank into the mud pool. The rest of the team drove by with Stanford bringing up the rear. Little did they know, Zemerik was spying on them as he was studying them. "Battle Force 10 is organic. All organics are flawed. So, there must be a weakness. There." Zemerik said, discovering a weakness in Stanford. "The one they call Stanford is relatively distant from the other members. That exploits a lack of trust. But how to exploit his own trust?" He asked himself.
As he thought about it, Zug and a couple of Zurk walked up to him. "Lord Zemerik, Zug test Master's hyper-shock baton." Zug said. He zapped the Zurk and himself with Zemerik's latest weapon. "Working well." He said. "Insufferable underling." Zemerik said, taking the baton. "Um, thank you, Lord Zemerik." Zug said. He switched his drills to buffers and started buffing Zemerik's feet. It was then, Zemerik thought of an idea. "No, thank you for inspiring my most brilliant plan. Rise, Zug, and prepare to serve your new master." He said, pointing to the picture of Stanford. "But Zug serve Zemerik." Zug said in confusion. "And so you shall, by deceiving this distant loner organic." Zemerik said, zapping the screen with his baton while laughing evilly. Zug smiled, up to the challenge.
Meanwhile, the team were battling the Zurk after they took the Battle Key. The Buster and Reverb caught the Zurk with the key in a wedge. "Okay, guys, stop playing with that Zentner and get that Battle Key." Vert said over the com-link. Just then, another Zurk bashed into Stanford, causing him to spin out of control. "Copy that." Stanford said, dizzily. Zoom drove past him, following the Buster. "Time for some big air." He said. "This gamer loves a challenge. Zoom, alley-oop." Spinner said, activating the Buster's ramp. Zoom rode off the ramp, glided over the Zurk and swiped the Battle Key. But another Zurk bashed into him and swiped it back. "Oh no, you don't." Ivan said. He activated the Dune Cat's rope cable and whipped it at the Zurk's Zentner, snagging its rear tires. He reeled in his cable, causing the rear tires to break off, sending the Zurk flying. "It's all yours, Talia!" He called. Talia drove up and snagged the key from the Zurk before it landed on its roof. "And I didn't get you anything, tin man." She said before driving away. But then, another Zurk bashed into her and snagged the key again.
Agura readied her Tangler's snare trap as the Zurk was heading her way. The Zurk got its tire caught in the trap and was reeled up to the Tangler. "All yours, Vert." Agura said. Vert drove off the side and snatched the key as he landed. "Got it. Offensive maneuvers. Return to the Earth portal." He said. As he drove back towards the Earth portal, a Zurk squad chased after him. Luckily, Olivia and the Cortez brothers drove over and bashed a few Zurk. "We got your back, Vert!" Olivia called. "On your right!" Spinner exclaimed. Sherman bashed another Zurk, causing it to crash into the rocks. As more Zurk continued to chase them, Horace blasted them as he and the others regrouped with the team. "No Zurk tailers today, thank you." He said. "Nice work, everyone. Back to the Earth portal." Olivia said. "You guys keep going." Stanford said as he turned around. "I'll cover you." He activated his sonic blasters as a few more Zurk drove towards him. He blasted every last one of them. "Well, another Battle Zone, another victory for Battle Force 10." He said as he drove away and made his way back to the Earth portal.
Meanwhile, Zemerik prepared Zug for his master plan. "Zug, attack the filthy human!" He ordered.
Just then, Zug's Zendrill dug its way up out of the ground, in front of the Reverb, surprising Stanford. He tried to stop, but the Reverb crashed into the Zendrill, knocking Zug out of his driver's seat and knocked him out. Stanford exited the Reverb and looked over at Zug. "Did I just…take out Zug?" He asked himself as he carefully walked over to check on Zug. But then, Zug got back up. Stanford tripped and fell down in shock as Zug walked towards him. Just then, 2 more Zurk drove towards them.
"Let's begin, shall we?" Zemerik said as he pressed a button on his control panel.
Zug's optics turned green and looked directly at the incoming Zurk. And suddenly, he leapt at them and destroyed them, much to Stanford's shock. "You…saved me?" Stanford said as Zug walked back to him. "Zug's duty, Master." Zug said as he bowed to his new master. "Master?" Stanford repeated in confusion.
Meanwhile, the team was waiting back in the Salt Flats for Stanford to come through the portal. "What's keeping Stanford?" Spinner asked. "Don't know. Something must've happened." Agura said with worry. "Let's give him another minute and if he's not out, we'll go back in." Vert said. "Battle Force 10, do you copy?" Stanford said through the com-link. "Stanford, are you okay?" Olivia asked. "I'm fine. I'm on my way through the portal. And I'm kinda bringing something…extra." Stanford said. "Wait. What kind of extra?" Olivia asked in suspicion. "Incoming!" Zoom exclaimed. Stanford and Zug came through the portal. "Stanford! Bad guy! Slipstreamed behind you!" Agura exclaimed. "Force him back through!" Vert exclaimed. Everyone got their vehicles ready for battle. "Ready to ram!" Sherman exclaimed. "Wait! Hold your fire! Something's wrong with Zug! He just saved my life!" Stanford protested. "No time to argue, Stanford! Gotta get Zug out of here before-" Vert started to say. "That!" Zoom exclaimed, pointing to the portal. 2 Zurk managed to drive through to Earth. "Uh, Zug? Destroy those Zurk." Stanford ordered. "Destroy Zurk. Destroy Zurk!" Zug exclaimed as he hopped out of his Zendrill. He smashed the first Zentner with his drills, forcing the Zurk driver out of it. As the Zurk recovered, Zug stabbed it with his drills and ripped its head off. As the second Zentner drove towards him, Zug tossed the Zurk's head at the front left tire, jamming it and causing it to flip onto its side. Zug destroyed the Zentner with a single punch and held the Zurk up before stabbing it with his drills.
"Seal it before more come through!" Vert exclaimed. He tossed the key to Zoom, who kicked it at the portal, sealing it. "Zurk destroyed, Master." Zug said. But Agura and Talia surrounded him and readied their vehicles for battle. "So, the robot's on our side now?" Agura asked, skeptical. "What happened in there?" Talia asked. "I don't know. One minute, I knocked him out of his vehicle and then the next, he's calling me Master." Stanford said. "Forget it. We're not keeping a Sark." Vert said. "Yeah. We already have 4 pets and a Vandal, but no Sark allowed." Olivia said. "But why? It could be a good opportunity for Sage and TRINA to analyze Zug's eternal Sark circuitry." Stanford said as Zug switched his drills to buffers and started buffing the Reverb. "Stanford makes a good point, guys. It's a goldmine of advanced technology." Sherman said. "And it looks like Zug's really proven his loyalty." Horace joked. Stanford looked at Zug as he continued buffing his Reverb. "Okay, thank you, that's enough." He said. Vert and Olivia sighed in defeat, pinching their nose bridges. "Okay, fine. We'll take him back to the Hub. But as a prisoner." Vert said. "Yes. If he tries anything funny and he's scrap." Olivia said. "Okay then. Well, come on, Zug." Stanford said as he hopped back in the Reverb. The team and Zug drove right back towards the Hub.
Later, Sage and TRINA hooked Zug up for diagnostics. "So, what do you girls think? Have you found out what happened to Zug?" Stanford asked. "The diagnostic is almost complete." Sage said. "It would appear that the impact from your Reverb damaged Zug's logic cord, affecting his memory." TRINA said. "That explains his lack of allegiance to Zemerik." Stanford said. "Perhaps. Apparently, the only memory remaining in Zug's database is the desire to serve a master." Sage said. Zug was unhooked and a hologram of him was uploaded. "A holographic alias for further study. Zug is free to go." Sage said.
"But I don't get it. Why did Zug decide to make me his new master?" Stanford asked as he, Sage, TRINA and Zug took the elevator up to the deployment station where they met the rest of the team. "It's my understanding that Zug must've rebooted in battle and you were the first thing he saw." TRINA said. "Kind of like how a baby birdy imprints on its mommy." Agura said. The others agreed. But Vert and Olivia just glared at Zug. "I don't know. I'm not exactly cozy about having a servant." Stanford said. "Well, you don't, Stanford. That Sark is our enemy." Vert said. "Yeah. We don't want him wandering around the Hub." Olivia said. "Actually, my analysis of Zug indicates that he poses no danger." Sage said. "And I think Zug will be a big help to all of you. No permission required of course." Stanford said. "So, if I need to take a quick look at the Buster's transmission…" Sherman started to ask. Zug walked over and lifted the Buster with a single hand. "Wow. Thanks, Zug." Sherman said as Zug put the Buster down. "The Tangler could stand to have its tires rotated." Agura said. "The Chopper needs some welding done. Zug, do you have a torch attachment?" Zoom asked. "The Steaming Wok has some dents that could use some buffing." Rayona said. Vert and Olivia couldn't believe how easily the team was taking in Zug. "I hope he's got a pizza oven." Spinner said.
Little did they know, Zemerik was watching everything through Zug's optics. "The organics have embraced my subservient spy as I expected. As soon as the gullible fools lower their defenses completely, Zug will locate the Battle Keys and then the invasion of Earth WILL BEGIN!" He exclaimed as he stood before his Sark army.
Meanwhile, the team was doing their chores and personal matters with help from Zug. Sherman and Spinner played fetch with Zug, Junky and Houndoom. Zoom practiced his archery skills with Zug holding a target. Agura played checkers with Zug. Rayona was grilling sandwiches for lunch with Zug piercing them with toothpicks with olives as a finishing touch. Talia was doing cheerleading practice with Zug catching her for her finishing pose. Iguanarox was fixing up the Spine Crawler's rear axle housing with Zug holding up the back like a jack. Horace was playing a racing video game with Zug, which the robot proved to be quite the racer.
Later, as Zug was carrying a wine glass of orange juice, he heard violin music echoing through the Hub. He followed the music to Stanford's room. Inside, Stanford was sitting on his bed, playing a sad violin music. "Music sad, but Master play pretty good." Zug said as he walked in. Stanford just sighed sadly as he stopped playing. "Why Master so sad?" Zug asked as he handed him the glass. "I'm just feeling…lonely." Stanford said. "Lonely?" Zug repeated in confusion. "I've been isolating myself for 14 years. My parents died in a plane crash 3 years ago. My older brother, Simon, was the only family I had left. During my parents' burial, I never shed tears when I cried. After the burial, I ran away from home, leaving Simon behind." Stanford explained. "But why Master leave brother behind?" Zug asked. Stanford sighed. "I never told any of the team of this. But I have psychic powers." He revealed. Zug was surprised by this. "And I hurt Simon because I never had any control over my powers. I ran away to keep Simon safe because my powers are dangerous and unstable." Stanford explained. "Zug, do not tell any of the others about my powers or my backstory. I don't want to put them in danger while I'm keeping my powers in check." "Yes, Master." Zug said before leaving.
After he left, Zug came across the door that leads to the Battle Key vault and examined the lock. "Hey! Get away from that door!" Vert's voice exclaimed as he and Olivia ran over to the door. They got ready to fight as Zug held up his hands in surrender. "Whoa! Take it easy." Stanford said as he ran over and stepped in between them. "Stanford, he was eyeing the door to the Battle Key vault." Olivia said. "This can't go on. Zug has to go." Vert said. "But Sage and TRINA cleared him. And he's been a big help to the others. Are you guys willing to put your own voices over everyone else's? Even your own beloved's Vert?" Stanford asked. Vert put this to thought. Just then, the alarm went off. "Alert. Stormshock opening." Sage called over the P.A. "We'll finish this later. Let's go." Vert said as he took off with Olivia following. "You heard him, Zug." Stanford said before following with Zug.
Meanwhile, Zemerik watched the whole thing. "The organics leaders will never allow Zug access to the vault. And their devotion to the mission won't be able to win them to his side. Then perhaps once they secure the Battle Key, they will no longer have any use for you, Zug." He said.
The team drove towards the Stormshock. Ivan chose to stay behind and let Iguanarox take his spot for this one. Zug drove up beside Vert. "Whoa! No way are we going into a Battle Zone with that Sark on our flanks." Vert said venomously. "Sorry, Vert. But Zug's highly loyal. It's inevitable." Stanford said. The team drove into the Stormshock and crossed through the portal.
As they passed through the portal, they ended up in a Battle Zone that resembles a stone maze. "Whoa. Now this is a freaky Battle Zone." Spinner said. "Stanford, echolocate this maze so we don't lose our way back." Vert said. "Roger." Stanford said, using his soundwaves to echolocate the maze. "Alright, everyone, split up and search through every path. Find the Battle Key." Vert said as he ordered. "And if anyone finds it, contact the rest of us immediately." Olivia added. Each of the team took off down a separate path. They search along the paths, not finding any sign of the Battle Key. As some of the team met back up when their paths intercepted, another portal opened and the Vandals came through. "Vandals, search everywhere! Find the Battle Key!" Kalus ordered.
The Vandals all split up and searched for the Battle Key. "Head's up! Vandals!" Olivia exclaimed through the com-link as Tigress attacked her. "I still owe you for taking my betrothal necklace, sub-creature!" Tigress exclaimed. Olivia bashed into her, sending her crashing into the wall. As the rest of the Vandals start attacking the others, Stanford continued looking for the Battle Key. Zug followed closely behind, preparing to carry out Zemerik's orders. A minute later, Stanford located the Battle Key. "Vert, I found the Battle Key." He called through the com-link as he snagged the key. "Good work, Stan. We got the Vandals on the run." Vert said. After getting overwhelmed by the team, Kalus ordered retreat and the Vandals retreated back to their portal. "Meet us back by our portal and let's seal this zone." Vert said. "Copy that. I'm on my way back." Stanford said.
But Zemerik was ready to spring his trap. "Now, Zug, attack the organic!" He ordered. Zug's optics changed back to red as he bashed into the Reverb. "Zug, how could you?!" Stanford exclaimed, hurt by his betrayal. "Zug carry out orders of Lord Zemerik." Zug said as he continued to attack. "Vert! Come in! Zug's attacking me! I need backup!" Stanford exclaimed through the com-link. "Hang on, Stan! Liv and I are on our way!" Vert called. Stanford activated his sonic cannons as he dodged Zug. "Don't make me do this, Zug!" He exclaimed. But Zug didn't listen and bashed into the Reverb so hard, Stanford flew out of his seat, hit his head and got knocked out.
Zemerik cackled as he watched the brutal knockout. "Excellent work, Zug. Now finish the organic and bring me the Battle Key." He ordered. Zug got out of the Zendrill, walked over to Stanford's body and prepared to stab him with his drills. But suddenly, Zug grew hesitant. He remembered everything Stanford told him, about his childhood, his family and his powers. "ZUG! What are you waiting for?! Finish the organic! That is an order!" Zemerik exclaimed. Zug continued to hesitate. But then he did something unexpected. He severed his connection to Zemerik. "What?!" He exclaimed in shock as his screen went dark. Zug gently picked up Stanford and turned around to see the shocked expressions of Vert and Olivia, having saw everything after they arrived. "Master Stanford hurt. He need help." He said. Vert and Olivia looked at each other and nodded.
Later, after the team returned to Earth, locked down the Battle Zone and brought Stanford to the medical bay. "He's stable. He will recover overnight." Sage said. "So, Zug, care to explain what Zemerik's plans were?" Olivia asked. "Yes. Zemerik wanted Zug to act like reprogrammed servant bot to Master Stanford, earn trust of organics and steal Battle Keys from vault. But after spending time with Battle Force 10, Zug saw error of his ways." Zug explained before he kneeled down. "Please, forgive Zug for attacking." Vert walked up to Zug and offered his hand. "You made things right in the end, Zug." He said with a smile. Zug accepted his hand and stood up. "And if you want, you're welcome to join the team." Olivia said. "Zug accepts." Zug said. "First thing's first. To protect you from viruses and corruption programs, I will install a protection program into you. And I will install an identity module into your Zendrill." Sage said. "And I'll affix an official Battle Force 10 symbol on your chest too." TRINA added. Zug smiled, happy to be part of a new team.
Later that night, as Stanford rested in the medical bay, he started to have a dream.
[Dream]
Stanford stood in what appeared to be an ancient city. "Where am I?" He asked to himself. "Welcome, Stanford." A voice greeted. Stanford turned around and saw a man that looked just like him, except his hair was different as it was long and braided to resemble a scorpion tail. "You. Are you…" He started to ask. "Yes. I am Zodiac Scorpio." Scorpio said. "Why am I here?" Stanford asked. "Because it's almost time for you to reclaim what is rightfully yours." Scorpio said.
[Dream End]
As Stanford woke up, he noticed a purple glow coming from his forehead. He reached over, grabbed a mirror and saw the symbol of Scorpio glowing on his forehead before it disappeared. He started to wonder what's going to happen next.
Meanwhile, Zemerik was not taking Zug's sudden betrayal all too well. "So, Zug dares to betray me and side with the filthy organics. Well, that's not enough to stop me from achieving what will soon be mine." He said. "Wouldn't you say…Zug?" He turned to face another Zug model Sark. "Yes, Lord Zemerik." The new Zug said, sounding like an average mindless Zurk as he bowed to his master. Zemerik cackled as thunder roared across the Sark home world.
Wow! Wasn't that just magnificent?! As Battle Force 10 acquired another Battle Key, Zemerik reprogrammed Zug to infiltrate the team as Stanford's new servant. But as Zug spent so much time with BF10, and after hearing Stanford's sad story, he began to question his loyalty to Zemerik. After injuring Stanford, Zug betrayed Zemerik and helped Vert and Olivia get him back to Earth. And because of that, the team decided to make Zug a full-fledged member of Battle Force 10. But now, as Stanford recovered, his past life as Zodiac Scorpio started to awaken. Will Zemerik's new Zug be stronger than our Zug? What dangers will the team face now that Stanford's past life is awakening? Leave a review if you'd like.
