"Standby for Security Protocols."
An intrusively loud aftershock shakes the walls.
Groans and hisses heard all throughout the darkness. Alarming red lights flashing through with a repetitiously annoying sound, gradually waking up every living being.
"Sunshine! No! No! the sunshine! The stars, they burn!" One crazed inmate yelled out frantically, crying and laughing, hitting the blue lined ray shields of his cell repeatedly.
An uproar of inmates demanding explanations filled the soundscape. A ferociously shouted command echoes through the cell block - "Settle down!", but no one complied.
"Standby for security protocols." There it was again, just as the automated system spoke, a loud crash, echoing through to the Main Cell Block, shaking the facility.
"Shut that thing up!" - "What is it this time?" - "Did Vulkanus breakout again? That guy doesn't give up!" Various voices shouted amongst each other with intrigued confusion.
A ruckus in the prison quarters. The main corridor outside the blue beamed cells could be seen overflowing with a dozen Plumber Agents heading straight down to the ends of the block, establishing barricades.
Quarter Master: "I want four on top on each side, barricades secured. Are the upper turrets operational?" He talked through his commlink.
"Sir, security systems remain compromised, we're all that's left on Cell 102." Another Agent replied.
The Quarter Master did not bother replying, he could only show disbelief even through the visor of his helmet, but that expression was cut short.
On the other side of those doors, conflict could be heard. All the blaster fire and evident struggles from fellow agents were silenced just as fast as they had begun.
Quarter Master: "Set those weapons for termination. Nothing gets in, and nothing gets out!"
Sounds of weapons being recalibrated fill the room.
A dozen agents brace themselves into their defensive positions.
Tensions build up.
A metallic scraping sound, followed by Molten sparks begin to mark up the large doors, progressively forming a circular shape all across.
Agents could only stare, feeling unready for infiltration.
"Standby for security protocols."
Crash!
The large steel chunk comes flying straight towards two agents, crushing them, and rendering the frontal barricade useless.
"Open fire!" All agents begin to open fire at the opening, but nearly all shots are deflected by the red glowing surface of a weakening shield. Behind the artificial wall of protection, pushing forward into the main block, was a darkened helmeted figure bearing brace-like, red accented armor, and many technological accessories made for combat.
The shield diminishes, and the infiltrator quickly throws a sort of smoke-filled-flash grenade that stuns a few of the agents on the ground. Those unaffected continued raining fire, just as their attacker took advantage of their own barricades to shield himself.
He presses buttons on a device on his forearm, and the open encapsulation releases various projectile darts that target the agents on the upper level, neutralizing them.
Their enemy is swift and proficient, leaving the Plumbers with no time to react. Just as the Quarter Master regains his heads up display, he sees the infiltrator dodging two shots from a fellow agent. He grabbed his arm, pointing his own weapon to another agent, forcing him to shoot his comrade, then concluding the act with a swift and merciless headshot. Two more perfectly landed shots at other agents before hiding behind the nearest barricade.
While blaster fire continually rained in his spot, the Infiltrator activates a plasma blade that slides off his forearm contraption.
Remaining agents see him charging towards them, returning fire as they run down the block, hitting him once, but failing to stop him in his tracks, his armor proving to be effective.
The infiltrator mercilessly slices all of them down, granting them a quick death. One sneaky agent jumps out of hiding, landing a shot on him around the upper back, stunning him, but that only causes him to react through instinct, activating the first thing on his internal armory.
A blinding flow of flames, spawning out from his forearm, incinerated the valiant guard as he let out his final cries before his vocal cords too were turned to ash.
Being briefly tired, the infiltrator is pulled back into full awareness by the muffled sound of cheering around him. He realizes there's one remaining obstacle in the block, having a late reaction to the deafening battle roar of the Quarter Master, the superior began to physically overpower the infiltrator, sprinting and pushing him into a nearby cell's ray shield, burning the back of his armor.
The Quarter Master frantically shoots his blaster onto the infiltrator's stomach area, whilst simultaneously bashing his head straight into the burning ray shield but the armor proves to be durable, but not good enough. It begins to weaken, bending inward, causing much pain to the perpetrator. Distracted by rage, the Quarter Master is swiftly slain, by the impaling sensation of the infiltrator's plasma blade burning the insides of his abdomen region. The last agent falls to the ground, remaining still in a meditative position, staring at his killer, with utmost rage. The Infiltrator, exhausted, motions his weapon for a final blow.
In a last cry of rage, the Quarter Master gathers all of his remaining strength to charge and pounce at his foe. He grabs his arm, twists it hard enough to get a groan of pain out of his adversary. This gruesome move deactivates the blade.
Having the agent so close, the infiltrator instinctively headbutts him, brutally breaking a portion of his helmet, leaving half of his alien face exposed. He activates some sort of levitation equipment sprouting off his attire, pushing the Quarter Master up into the air, slamming him into the ceiling, then recklessly losing control, causing them to plummet many floors below.
Both remained on the wrecked stainless floor. The Quarter Master let out a defeated groan, significantly suffocating in his excruciating pain. The infiltrator barely manages to get up.
Gathering himself, he hears the dying Agent attempt to speak.
"Please." he somehow manages to gain the strength to slowly sit himself up. "Grant me..." He removes his helmet, revealing himself to be a Sotoraggian with a universal translator latched onto his neck. He breathes, green blood flooding through his lower armor plates. "A warrior's death."
The infiltrator looks at him, and nods. He activates his plasma blade, and unintentionally looks at himself in its reflection, unaware of his hidden hesitation, he decapitates his enemy. He notices the cheering in the background once again. He picks up the agent's access card and begins to drag himself to walk towards the Main Cell Block control panel at the end of the corridor, passing by every cell.
The inmates begin to slowly, yet collectively chant some sort of term in an alien language. They repeat this with each step he takes towards the panel.
They chant, and they chant, motivating him up to the very point he reaches the panel. He stops, he presses, he swipes.
With the full block at view, a loud mechanism begins to deafen the room, along with the chaotic cheering and chanting, an unbearable collective of sounds.
The ray shields are deactivated, the inmates are free. The guards are dead. The infiltrator removes his helmet, swiping off a strand of violet dark blood from his face, with a seriously damaged facial expression.
Now fashioning a devilish grin, most of the inmates recognize him, as they now begin to chant his name.
Psyphon.
Title Card
Falling ever so slightly into the Earth's atmosphere, the Orbital Correctional Institution's systems were hacked into and attacked by Vilgax's lackeys. Two of the former warlord's frigates could be seen fighting up against a High Union Flagship, operated by the Plumbers.
The Plumbers had just arrived at the scene, attempting to send in reinforcements and prevent the fall of the station, while also preventing the conqueror's potential escape, but to no avail, their adversaries were prepared.
High Union Plumber Flagship - Bridge - Interior
A darkened spherical room filled with countless holographic monitors and agents doing the best they could to maintain their ship's defences running. The shockwaves from incoming fire landing on their shields slightly shook the bridge, making the tense silence of the room even louder.
Prominent steps could be heard moving up to the center of the bridge, eerily stomping through the metal flooring. Agents nearby looked up at the eleven foot tall silhouette that passed by them. A figure which now sat in an overly sized captains' chair. Built like a tank, with dark blue scaly skin as tough as a dragon; the high ranking alien life form positioned itself professionally, revealing themselves to be of Highbreed descent. He analyzed the situation, gazing outside the view of the bridge, straight at the enormous orbital station past the two enemy vessels, as laser shots continued to hit the shields ahead, reverberating the hull.
"Report." - a singular word, produced through a deep authoritarian voice, which made everyone stutter.
A dracosian plumber agent lowers his crane-like armchair and heads on over to face their superior.
"Grand Magister Tol, sir, Intel indicates the attack is led on by Psyphon, and 'Doctor' Psychobos." A holographic image appears showcasing the two perpetrators. "We believe there is a third hidden ship docked someplace exterior to the station, but we've failed to scan its location, we are being jammed."
The Grand Magister stares expressionless.
"Should we continue to send in more agents?" Most of the control room takes a moment to look at him.
Grand Magister Tol: "No. We cannot afford to lose more agents. Order the remaining Plumber Starfighters to retreat." He pauses. The order is sent out. "Grant permissions to Project Cosmo."
SCENE
Orbital Correctional Institution - Interior - Central Recreational Sector
Stun shots and shock grenades off from every direction. Hundreds upon hundreds of inmates running free, pushing their way through to the nearest hangar or escape pod. Plumber agents and guards make their final stand protecting one of the large bay doors of the facility, on top a pile of debris. Countless inmates charged, climbing at them with survival intent, as the agents rained shock-fire at them.
They were being overrun.
"Fall back! Fall back!" He motioned at any guard that could see him at a distance. Before they could fully initiate a retreat, the quick silhouette of a speeding Kineceleran nearly knocked them off balance, as the intense gust of wind followed.
- XLR8 -
In a flash, the group of inmates that had been climbing up the debris were left knocked out cold. A guard that was about to be crushed by a Tetramand escapee was put at harm's way in the span of a second, as he checked his own safety.
Kicks, Shoves and Uppercuts, too fast to fathom, a few guards saved, some left nauseous by the intense speed from which they were moved. Inmates began to flee to the corridors, knowing full well who could display such efficiency.
With the green, dim light of the Omnitrix on his chest, Ben Tennyson, transformed as XLR8, cleared out the majority of the first floor in a matter of seconds, even as far as putting some of the inmates in their own jail cells.
He stops in his tracks at the sight of a pile of squashed up debris thrown straight at him.
- AMPFIBIAN -
He transforms and becomes intangible, but is somehow still affected by an unseen force that plunges him to the ground. Was it some form of Mana? Magic? Regardless, a floating figure was levitating in front of him.
A humanoid, with thorns on his head, pitch black eyes, and greyish dry skin. You could almost hear an organ instrument playing in the background upon his reveal.
Inmate: "At last, we meet again, Tennyson! I have been preparing ruthlessly for our reunion! You took everything from me! Prepare for-"
Ben: "Hey, hey, timeout." He struggled to lift his head, being crushed by the translucent force. "Who are you?"
The inmate is flabbergasted.
Inmate: "What? It is I! Varlon Derrom! Master of the eldritch arts! Rightful ruler of Proxima Quentari! Conqueror of- What do you mean who am I?!" He gets interrupted.
Ben: "Uh, right, yea!" He takes an awkward second of silence. "Doesn't ring a bell, man... Sorry." He lays on the floor, casually, next to knocked out prisoners, whilst continually being crushed.
Varlon: "But our battle! It was legendary! I- I- I trained my entire life to fight such a glorious challenge! How dare you dismiss my existence from your memory!" He was genuinely upset.
Ben: "Dude, do you have any idea how many bad guys I fight on a daily basis?" He fires an electric shock at the forgettable villain, freeing him from his grasp. "Can't expect to remember everyone, I'm only human. Half the time."
Varlon recovers, and is enraged. He sinks himself into the full might of his mystical powers. The facility's lighting flickers and dim down. "Then I will refresh your pathetic excuse of a memory, in a second!"
- FEEDBACK -
Ben: "Make it ten." He cracks his knuckles, releasing electric static off of his arms.
They both leap towards each other charging up their attacks.
SCENE
Orbital Correctional Institution - Interior - Control Room
The blast door to the station's control room began to be swiftly cut through by an orange blade, concealed from the other end. After the effort, Two pairs of feline-like hands struggled to push the door open.
Once slid open in their entirety, a slightly older, but still valiant Rovonnahgander stood at the doorway, scouting the half lit room. It was Magister Rook.
Rook: "Command. I have reached the control room. I believe the emergency protocols have not been initiated. The flight crew is offline." He talked through comms, beginning to attempt to reactivate the automatons.
Tol: "Magister Rook Sha. Has Ben Tennyson secured the facility and detain the inmates?" He asked, angered, yet monotone.
Rook wrinkled his face, knowing that Ben was getting distracted from the objective. The room began to power up after Rook's tempering, and one of the monitors lit up, showcasing surveillance around the station. Ben's fight could be seen as they wrecked havock across the station. Meanwhile a few group of inmates had already begun to abandon the station in pods.
Rook: "Grand Magister, Sir. Ben is currently occupied with Varlon D-" He's cut off by his superior.
Tol: "As expected yet again, Tennyson proves to be... Insubordinate, and Inefficient... " He taps on the side of his chair.
Rook says nothing in return through the commlink.
Tol: "We have sent in reinforcements."
Rook lifts his head from the holo-monitor, with concerned curiosity.
SCENE
Orbital Correctional Institution - Distributional Hallways
"I- I remember now, there's a pod room this way! Hurry up, we haven't got much time!" One of the prisoners shouted to the group behind him, composed of various species. They swarmed the corridors, reaching a sealed door. They halt at the sound of the doors opening.
Two robotic hands bend the door open, instantly sliding them away with equal force. Smoke cleared out, as the lights flicker. The inmates charge.
Out of the mist comes a tall metallic body, coated in white paint, Plumber's insignia, and blue dim lights. Shaped similar to the body of the dnaliens of the High Breed. Its robotic hand grabs one of the charging inmates and shocks him into submission. Countless of them move stiffly into the hallway, overwhelming the group.
The prisoners defend themselves, but the conflict is interrupted by a rupture from the floor. Whatever came out of the rupture quickly made another one up above the ceiling, continuing its ascension. It was Tennyson and Varlon, duking it out. Their silhouettes broke through various levels until they both ruptured through into a hangar. Varlon laid on the floor groaning.
- HUMUNGOUSAUR -
Varlon regained himself quickly and conjured up a magical shield that blocked Ben's enormous surprise attack.
Ben: "Wait I remember now!" He continues to punch his shield, forcing Varlon to back up. "You're that guy that tried to blow up the moon on Magnus Centuri!" He claimed.
Varlon: "What?! I'm from Transyl you moron!" He pushed him back with his shield.
With continuous slams, the shield broke through. Shocking Varlon momentarily.
Ben: "At least I'm trying to remember, ok?" He swung for a finishing blow.
Varlon conjured up a large illusionary fist, in mimicry to Humungosaur, and uppercut him before he could land a hit. Ben was momentarily stunned.
Ben: "Why's it always the space wizards that land the toughest hits?" He said to himself groaning in pain, as he laid on the steel flooring.
- SPIDERMONKEY -
As spidermonkey, he lets out his typical simian noises. He dodges an incoming barrage of energy blasts.
Varlon: "I understand now!" He sent waves of energy, attacking Ben relentlessly. "You pretend to have forgotten me!" He accidentally blows up a nearby ship.
The shockwave launches Ben near Varlon, and he looks up to face him. The villain stops levitating, and steps before him.
Varlon: "Your ego simply won't allow you to admit that I am your most fiercest enemy!" He exclaimed.
Ben: "Dude. No." He almost laughed, before dodging another attack in agile fashion.
On the other end of the hangar, one of the doors is forcibly opened. A wave of criminals barge in. Ben is distracted by the stampede in the distance, and gets hit by an energy blast from Varlon, which sends him flying behind a few supply crates.
"Ben!" No reply. He shakes his head.
"Ben!" - "What?" He taps his commlink.
Rook: "I do hope that you are done with your customary enjoyment of the job. We have a situation. I have regained most control frames of the station."
Ben was webbing up countless inmates before they could get to the escape pods, whilst also dealing with Varlon's murderous intents. "Hit me with the bad news."
Rook: "Psyphon has entered Cell Block 99."
Ben dodges blaster fire, and then dodges Varlon's magical conjuration blast. "Ok, ok, fun time is over. Got ya."
Rook: "Might I add that: Grand Magister Tol Is very displeased."
Ben mildly hisses in reply. He unleashes a spitfire of webs on all directions that traps most of the inmates, including temporarily webbing up Varlon. He transforms again.
- GUTROT -
"Nighty night!" He releases a rampant mist that plunges the hangar into a foggy mess. All who breath in was instantly put to sleep.
Varlon broke free from the webbing and flew above, avoiding the mist. Ben looked up, readying up for another rumble.
Varlon: "Pitiful... it will take more than that to put me back in chains!" He began to charge up.
As if on queue, a pair of chain-like inhibitors are launched and latch onto Varlon, rendering him stunned, and immobile. From below, by the entry doorway, stood a group of robots, the same ones from the lower levels.
Ben: "Great timing." He transformed back into human.
A slightly more mature Ben presented himself to the robotic group. Still the same lean scrawny guy, with a change of style. He sported attire quite similar to his first future counterpart that he encountered when he was a child. Latched onto his arm was a version of the Omnitrix that was nearly identical to the one his variant possessed. Tennyson was now all grown up. A young adult.
Ben: "I thought I was gonna have to have another round with Mysterio here." He made fun of the entrapped villain.
Varlon: "My name is Varlon Derrom, and I will have my revenge!" An awkward silence followed right after the tantrum.
Ben: "Jeez, you bad guys run off the same old cheesy script. See you next season." He walked away from the villain, as he kept shouting at him, but he was ignored.
Ben looks at the tall shiny automaton and pokes it. "I'm getting a sense of dejavu with that design." He fixed up his hair by looking into the robots reflection, but got interrupted.
One of the robots projected a live feed from Grand Magister Tol. Ben's charismatic mood quickly shifted to one of disdain. He did not greet the superior.
Tol: "Waste not a second longer Tennyson. The Cosmobots will cover the ground that you have sluggishly failed to secure. Complete the objective right this instant. Perhaps one of your transformations could grant you the power of... responsibility." The projection ended.
Ben completely ignored the encounter. Slightly tilting his head In annoyance.
The robots began to retreat to regain control of whatever inmates remained unconscious in the station, despite most having escaped already. They efficiently grouped up the inmates, and took Varlon, away to their cells.
Ben: "Right. See you later, terminator." He whispered, with slight fatigue. His commlink rang.
Rook: "Ben. I understand that you have a dislike towards the means in which the Plumbers are administered now, but Grand Magister Tol Is still your superior. It is unwise to continue to act the way you have been, regardless of your reputation." He advised his friend through the commlink.
Ben: "Come on Rook, the guy's a total control freak. He hates me because I don't go by the book, as if I would need to, when have I ever messed up on a job?" Ben began to leave the hangar, running past various robots.
Rook remained silent.
Ben: "Ok, ok, when have I ever 'Not' flawlessly fixed a mess I made on the job?" He debated.
Rook: "If my memory is consistent, then, numerous." He sighed.
Ben: "Correcto!" He tweaked the Omnitrix.
- FASTTRACK -
Tennyson was now focused on the objective. Phasing into a speeding silhouette, disappearing into the hallways.
SCENE
Orbital Correctional Institution - Cell Block 99
A giant pair of sliding doors opened up, letting out fog. Psyphon began to stiffly walk into the block, he was very worn out, showing signs of the troubles he encountered to arrive at this level.
The defenses were still deactivated. There were numerous automated turrets facing downward, and security automatons in sleep mode. He was safe for the time being.
Cell Block 99 contained the worst of the worst. Galactic and Local level threats alike, incarcerated in specialized cells designed to hold them. The Vreedles, Doctor Animo, Vulkanus, and countless more. At the very center of the structure, at the heart of the station, was Vilgax, among other highly dangerous inmates, like Darkstar, who was entombed in a Carbonite Sarcophagus with a magic seal.
Vulkanus noticed Psyphon. "Psyphon?! Out of all the lunatics in the galaxy, you are the least I'd expect to see here."
Psyphon can barely talk, but he nods at him as a show of mutual respect.
Vulkanus acknowledges his gesture, noticing his state. "Wake up! Our time here is over!" He slams the walls repeatedly, loudly across the block, waking everyone from their suffering.
Psyphon made his way to one of the control panels, as everyone looked upon him, anticipating their freedom.
From the communications device in his ear, a voice questioned his actions.
"Why do you insist on freeing these lower life forms?" He asked with bitter annoyance.
Doctor Psychobos was safely located within the confines of Vilgax's personal shuttle, which was docked stealthily on one end of the Station, close to the center.
Psyphon: "Might I remind you that we require as many distractions as possible? Tennyson has already infiltrated the station, along with that Rovonnahgander friend of his. That boy is too full himself to see the potential in his abilities." He argued.
Dr. Psychobos: "I demand that you seize your excuses and your sympathies for these mere criminals. Free our master, before it is too late to abandon ship!" He demanded, slamming a control panel.
Psyphon: "Another reminder... you are not the head of this operation, Psychobos." He spoke in angered annoyance.
Dr. Psychobos: "Perhaps, but clearly, I am the brains of it." He chopped his crab-like claws twice. "Lord Vilgax's chamber code is 12272005. You can figure out the chain code yourself with your grandiose 'head'." He complained, cutting communications.
Bothered by his obligation to work alongside the Cerebralcrustacean in order to free Vilgax, Psyphon began to work on the secondary computer. The cybernetic being managed to unlock the entire block.
Countless prisoners were freed. They wasted no time fleeing out of Cell Block 99.
Vulkanus: "I owe you one Psyphon. Catch you on Bar Oppah." He shouted at the cybernetic servant before running away, towering over most.
Psyphon walked down to the center of the block to free Vilgax. One prisoner stopped in his tracks to scan Psyphon.
Inspector 13, the former weapons master of Techadon was intrigued by Psyphon's physiology, making a scan of his schematics, before calmly walking away from the vicinity with his arms tugged behind his back.
SCENE
Plumber Flagship - Bridge - Interior
The station was about to plummet into the atmosphere. Grand Magister Tol reviewed the situation.
Plumber Agent: "Sir. Minus seven minutes to reentry. The station is in jeopardy. Magister Rook will not be able to recover the propulsion systems on time. In addition, Cell Block 99 has been compromised. Tennyson is in pursuit. What are your orders?"
Tol took his time to reply.
"Register protocol nine on the Cosmobots." He finally spoke.
Many Agents subtly and quietly gasped. Hesitant to follow the order. The more loyal agents were quick to register in the command of the Cosmobots.
Tol stared ahead sitting in his captain's chair, emotionless.
SCENE
Orbital Correctional Institution - Interior
Ben Ten practically flew through hundreds of levels, clearing hallways filled with runaway prisoners, and putting them back in their cells. All near the speed of sound, granted by his Citrakayah transformation.
He looked to his side after sensing something was off. He sees various Cosmobots simultaneously turn their visor lights from their dim blue to red.
The Plumber automatons began releasing deadly armaments, instead of utilizing stun based weaponry.
In near slow-motion, Ben sees the automatons readying up to open fire at groups of inmates. He widens his eyes, near disbelief and confusion, increasing his speed.
He moves the inmates from harm's way. Blaster fire was aimed straight onto any inmate, but not at Ben.
Being forced to destroy a few of the robotic prototypes, he dashed through a group of them, destroying their internal units.
The rescued inmates willingly returned to their cells. Ben looked up in horror, hearing the echoing sound of countless robots shifting to protocol nine, all the levels above now had a dim glow of red.
Ben: "That's not good..."
Realizing that all of the robots had changed their approach, he wouldn't be quick enough to save the remaining inmates. Unless...
- CLOCKWORK -
Time nearly stops. Tennyson analyses the situation, and looks up to see six upper levels containing the same situation. He clunkily moves, per level, relocating every single prisoner into their quarters, before his time fluctuation ability expires.
One level cleared, then the second, then the third. What's on the fourth? It was Solid Plugg, playing Chess by himself, while 20 blaster shots came right at him. Surrounded by Cosmobots.
Ben shrugged and moved along, knowing that his durability would suffice.
Level five and six were a breeze. His ability was starting to seize.
Ben looked at all the robots that were lined up. He had an idea that sparked up in his mind.
Time resumed. Countless shots fired, but instead of landing on mortal flesh, they landed on pure metal.
Most of the Cosmobots in the facility had been lined up to shoot at each other. By the time they had all damaged themselves, Ben was already making his way to Cell Block 99, although, greatly delayed.
SCENE
Orbital Correctional Institution - Cell Block 99 - Central Area
Steam pipes went off, mechanisms clashed, and liquid from a tank was drained. Mist covered the area as Psyphon looked in amazement. Odd toxic liquids come pouring out of the containment cell.
Two slow stomping steps overtake all other sounds.
Vilgax.
Psyphon kneels before him.
Vilgax regains his composure almost instantly. Opening his irritated eyes. His first words from his slumber.
"How long has it been?" His disembodied voice echoed.
Psyphon: "Too long, Master. The galaxy believes you to be dead." He notified him, with fear. "Some of your conquered worlds have already but forgotten their loyalty to you."
Vilgax slammed the tank he was imprisoned in, lashing out in anger. He walks away, turns around and sees the severed state that Psyphon was in. He seems displeased.
Vilgax: "You're in a worse state than I am, Psyphon..."
Psyphon: "The cost of saving you, my master." He bowed. "Our ship is near, we don't have much time left." The station rumbled, shaking. It was about to go into reentry. Backup systems were reactivated. "No! It's too soon!" The servant yelled out.
Automated turrets were reactivated. The two villains ran off, dodging the shots. Vilgax ripped a piece of metal off the floor, split it in two, and threw it towards the turrets.
Vilgax: "Psyphon! Get us out of here!" He demanded.
Psyphon led the way. Countless turrets shot at them. The two automaton guards at the entrance of the block attacked them, but they were useless to match up against two of the galaxy's most dangerous individuals. Vilgax grabbed the towering robot by it's leg before it could fire at them, lifting him up, making it lose its balance. It fell towards the second robot, tumbling down like two dominoes.
Psyphon made quick work of the opportunity, using the last items in his arsenal. Implosion grenades.
They swiftly left the block before the grenades went off, destroying the entrance of Cell Block 99, alongside the damaged robots.
SCENE
Orbital Correctional Institution - Interior - Control Room
Rook had reactivated the piloting droids in the control room. They were trying their best to reactivate the propulsion systems, but he knew it was too late.
Commlink: "Co- In- Rook." It was cutting off.
Rook: "Ben, the signal is weak. I have failed. The station is about to go into reentry." He walked around to get better signal.
Ben: "It's not too late, partner. I'm closing in on Psyphon and Vilgax. Tol has some explaining to do too."
Rook: "What happened?"
Ben: "I'll explain later. Focus on steering this thing for a safer landing. I'll focus on putting that squid back in the aquarium." He cut the commlink, and ran faster.
Plumber Flagship - Bridge
Both of Vilgax's frigates had been destroyed by the Plumber Vessel. They were at full view, turned to rubble, as the Plumber ship flew past them.
The bridge was dead silent. Only a slight energetic hum could be heard throughout the exterior of the hull.
Grand Magister Tol: "You may fire when ready..."
SCENE
Orbital Correctional Institution - Central Hangar Corridor
Vilgax and Psyphon tiresomely walked, as fast as they could pace themselves.
Psyphon: "Master, the ship is on the other end of these walls, we should be-" He stopped.
At the other end of the corridor, Ben Tennyson as Fasttrack, stood still.
Vilgax and Tennyson locked eyes, tensions rose up. Only 20 feet away or so, worlds apart, ready to clash.
- ATOMIX -
Ben transformed. Vilgax and Psyphon attempted to stand up straight in defensive positions. Ben charged up.
A few seconds of fully developed hatred filled the hallway. It was just them, in this moment, a neverending loop of adversary.
Vilgax began to grin, coming to an amusing realization.
Vilgax: "What a predicament you're in, Tennyson. Soon enough this station will become nothing but stardust, and because of your tiresome moral dilemma, everyone, including your friend, will perish. We both know you won't let that happen. You are forced to let me go."
Ben clenched his fists. A moment of silence.
Vilgax: "Which will it be, hero, me in a cage, or a thousand souls..." He chillingly stated.
Psyphon: "I- No- something is-" The weight of the world had suddenly shrunken down on Psyphon's shoulders.
In a sudden burst of agonizing pain, Psyphon began to malfunction, dropping to the floor in electrifying shock.
Orbital Correctional Institution - Control Room
Rook looked outside, from where he was standing, viewing space. A look of fear sparked up in his face, as a flash brightened up the room.
SCENE
Orbital Correctional Institution - Central Hangar Corridor
The entire central facility began to break apart, a mighty explosion shook the entire station, as a few remaining escape pods and stolen ships could be seen fleeing. Ben tried to fly straight towards Vilgax, but the hallway was ruptured. Both hero and villain, separated.
Over at the Control Room, Rook recovered from the ground and realized there were two projectiles incoming, that would ultimately annihilate the station and everything aboard. "Activate all shields now!" The piloting droids quickly complied.
The shield went up, and deflected the two projectiles. The kinetic energy from the explosion propelled the station downwards. This caused the station to finally go into reentry.
The Station was now falling down to Earth.
Orbital Correctional Institution - Control Room
Rook: "This is Magister Rook to Plumber Flagship, what is the meaning of this?! Do you copy? I repeat, do you copy?" No reply. He looked up to finally notice the station bursting into flames on the outside view. "Sweet Amber Ogia." He exclaimed in disbelief. "Activate Emergency Recovery Protocols!"
The droids complied. In an instant the area of the Station that had been hit was sealed and most of the extinguishers filled all affected areas. The ship was still falling into Earth, rapidly.
SCENE
Orbital Correctional Institution - Destroyed Central Hangar Corridor
A cut was made through the wall. Out came Dr Psychobos. The entire station was shaking aggressively.
Dr. Psychobos: "Lord Vilgax, we must leave at once!" He yelled frantically. A few of Vilgax Minions came out to assist the weakened War Lord.
Vilgax got up, and shook off the minions. He looked down at the unconscious Psyphon. Stared at him emotionlessly. He grabbed the cybernetic servant, opening the back of his head, unveiling a computer-like neural mainframe. The conqueror removed some sort of microchip from the servant's brain, emitting a noise. Psyphon became paler, and lost the glow of life in him.
Vilgax dropped Psyphon, leaving him behind like a ragdoll. Vilgax began to walk towards the opening on the wall, boarding his ship, along with his minions. Dr. Psychobos took one last look at Psyphon's body, laughing at it, then retreating. The Cerebrocrustacean sealed the opening back into place, leaving no evidence behind.
A few seconds passed, with no one else around. An amalgamation of long mechanical arms delicately grabbed and lifted Psyphon's body, away from the scene.
Vilgax's Ship detached from The Orbital Correctional Institution, and made its distance, jumping into hyperspace, escaping.
SCENE
Orbital Correctional Institution - Control Room
Chunks of the station broke free bit by bit as the exterior burned up. Rook was doing all he could, alongside the piloting droids, to steer the ship, but to no avail, the ship was nosediving into the planet.
Rook: "Computer, are there any casualties in any of the cell blocks?" He asked, worried.
Piloting Droid: "Negative. Scans indicate that all remaining inmates have suffered mild injuries from the previous event."
It was relieving news for Rook.
Rook: "Ben, do you copy? I could use your improvisational skills right about now!" He yelled through his commlink.
Orbital Correctional Institution - Recreational Area
A little insect-like alien could be seen squirming through debris, across destroyed sections of the station.
- NANOMECH -
Ben: "Don't stress Rook, I have a plan." He talked through the commlink.
Rook: "A plan? You have a plan? I certainly hope that it involves everyone leaving this station alive." He sighed.
Ben: "Dang, how'd you know." He joked. "Can a Galilean take the beating from reentry?"
Rook: "Keplorr does have a thousand times the gravity of Earth, that means that, theoretically, yes."
Ben: "Alright, well, since this place is- Oh- woah-" The station tilted, causing debris to fall towards Ben.
- BIG CHILL -
He became intangible "As I was saying, since this place is literally nosediving. I will use that momentum to tilt us, using gravity to glide us down to Earth, landing on the ocean." He was on his way to leave the station.
Rook: "I am impressed, for once you have properly conveyed a cohesive plan. Good job partner."
Ben: "Y'know, it's really hard to tell sarcasm from a Rovonnahgander." - "Ready up."
Rook prepared what was left of the station to maneuver a dangerous glide. Ben was nearly outside, phasing through walls. He arrived at a ravaged hangar.
- GRAVATTACK -
Ben: "Alright, about to feel the heat of a few suns right up in my face, just normal day at work!" He went up to a computer and set the hangar bay doors to open up. As the doors opened, the intense effects of the reentry began to affect the hangar.
"It's Hero Time!" Ben started running towards the opening. He jumped. His confidence was swooshed away, immediately being dragged upwards, as he screamed, hitting various parts of the station.
He managed to hold onto a ledge, only for it to be torn off, sending him flying again.
The young Galilean regained himself and started using gravity to his advantage.
Rook: "Ben, levitate towards the frontal tipping end of the station, right below it. You should then centralize yourself to the circumferencial mass of the station, equalizing your own gravitational field around it's centrifugal force, creating an artificial directional effect that will allow you to help me steer it."
Ben: "Awesome, now say it in English for the folks back at home, please." He joked, as he guided his gravitational pull downwards.
A large external piece of the station peeled right off, almost taking Ben with him. A few Cosmobots could be seen flying out of the torn segments "Uh, Rook?"
Rook: "Do not worry, all the remaining inmates were relocated to the main cell block at the upper levels of the station." - "Hurry, we do not have much time left, we will impact the ground in a minute and thirty seconds."
Ben: "Had me worried there for a second." He quickly made his way to the end of the station, and began the gravitational alignment.
Ben groaned in his efforts, a painful process by bearing the full weight of the station, along with the excruciating gravitational pull. He managed to take control, and began to tilt it.
Ben: "Beam it up, Scotty!" - Rook immediately hit all of the propulsion systems in the station.
The combined effort of the propulsion and the gravitational tilt made the entire station tilt upwards, gliding its way across the earth at great speed.
Ben: "Tu- turn it off!" He screamed. Rook turned off the propulsion. The entire station shrieked, pieces continued to be torn off.
Using Gravattack, Ben began to slow down their descent, ensuring great pain onto himself.
The station was practically gliding like a paper plane, although one that weight the equivalent of Manhattan.
Rook: "Ben? How are you holding up?"
Ben: "It's like giving birth to Saturn! No biggie!" He began to scream in his efforts.
What was left of the Orbital Correctional Institution flew across the Earth two times, until finally lowering its momentum enough to reach the watery surface of the Atlantic Ocean.
A massive splash followed. A loud crash of metal and waves, as the station began to sink.
Ben was forced to transform back into his natural form, and sunk into the water, unconscious. The remaining inmates and the more pivotal parts of the station were saved. In the midst of the debris, a dark sarcophagus could be seen floating ever so slightly off, away from the station. Everything faded into darkness.
SCENE
The Plumber Flagship, along with other Plumber ships, had landed on the ocean, next to the fallen station. Plumber Agents and Cosmobots could be seen doing their best to rescue and relocate all of the inmates that were still present inside the station. It was a mess.
Grand Magister Tol could be seen marching through to overview the disaster, followed by two Cosmobot guards. He noticed Magister Rook being attended by a nursing agent. He made his way to the Magister.
Tol: "Magister Rook Blonko." He stated, casting a shadow on Rook, while he was being attended to his minor injuries.
Rook took a moment to reply, almost uncharacteristically showing an angered expression. He composed himself and saluted him. "Grand Magister Tol, sir."
Tol: "I apologize for the lack of communication in this dire situation. I received direct orders from the High Council to eradicate the Station."
Rook listened without forming an opinion or a judging remark. He expected context, but was disappointed at the realization, that he wouldn't get any.
Tol: "You did what you could, and I commend your efforts." He said, emotionless.
Rook simply saluted yet again, hiding his true feelings on the matter. "What are these automatons? Are they Plumber issued?" He changed the subject.
"They're your replacement!" A squeaky voice could be heard. Two tiny hovering platforms came about. It was the two Galvan scientists, Blukic and Driba.
Driba: "Don't ask this guy, he's going to sugar coat it." He referred to Tol.
Blukic: "The High Council has issued an artificial authoritarian approach for most security matters. I hope you like doing paperwork, because you and every one of us is getting promoted to a certified office worker."
Grand Magister Tol was clearly annoyed by their presence. Dismissing them. "I assure you, they are only an assistive tool for all of our future protocols. The Cosmobot was designed to illustrate all of the physical and intellectual properties of any on-the-field Plumber Agent." He tapped one of them, to illustrate it.
Tol: "A formidable combatant, that will help save lives, on both fronts..."
"Yeah? Like you care about lives so much, right?!" Someone yelled, grabbing the attention of everyone on the exterior upper deck.
It was Ben. He was beyond angered.
Rook: "Uh oh." He sighed.
Tennyson charged right up towards Grand Magister Tol, facing him head on, despite his grand stature.
Ben: "You! I've had it with you! what's your problem man?! You're out here talking about saving lives when you couldn't look past your own damned bureaucratic mindset. You know what my Grandpa or Patelliday would've done? They would have ignored that order and done their best to save lives, because that's what Plumbers do!" He poked at him. "We're not here to fill in a quote! We're here to protect and serve, and you would've only served yourself blood if I hadn't come along!" He shouted.
Tol simply remained there, quiet. Unaffected. While everyone spectated the unprofessional event.
"Y'know, it's your fault Vilgax got away! I had him right in front of me. If you hadn't followed the order- hadn't attempted- mass genocide! Because that's what that would've been! We could all be calling it a day, but no!" He took a brief second to compose himself. "So I ask again, what is your problem?!"
The Grand Magister took a moment before speaking, in case of another temper tantrum from the reputable hero.
Tol: "My problem, Tennyson, is that you are a God playing amongst mortal men." He caught Ben off guard.
Ben: "What did you say?" He was taken aback.
Tol: "You have the power of Gods, creation itself latched onto your wrist. The ability to bend the laws of reality. Make it so that none of this could ever happen. You and that infamous celestialsapien transformation, where was that in your arsenal? You alone could have put the prisoners back in their cells with a mere thought, fixed the station with a wave of your hand, turned the infiltrator into a Gorän Centipede for all I could attain to imagine. What is your excuse for meddling in the affairs of mere mortal men, Ben Tennyson?"
Ben was clearly affected by this statement. A topic that heavily bothered him.
Tol: "My duty is to do as the High Council demands. It was in the treaty made by the High Council of Interplanetary Systems, that the Plumber Agency would answer to the calls of the High Council. I follow my orders, something that you clearly don't commit to, not because you can't, but because you do not wish to; Why would you?"
Ben looked down at the ground, angered.
Tol: "You have been dubbed 'Protector of Earth' by the people, and I myself have followed your career with great admiration. Years ago, you saved my people from their putrid views towards the universe, granting us our eventual position in this galactic hierarchy, and for that I will forever be thankful..." He paused, reminiscing.
"However, time and time again, you have put yourself through a down spiral of events that you seemingly allow to manifest around you, and regardless of my failure to understand why... the dark truth could never be more evident." He paused.
Ben paid close attention to his words.
Tol: "You will always be one bad day away from bending the universe to your will..." He concluded.
Total silence filled the entire area. Only the sounds of waves and clashing metal in the distance could be heard.
Ben sighed. Defeated.
"I quit." He dropped his Plumber badge on the railing, and began to walk away.
Tol didn't show any sings of a noticeable reaction, however, Rook and everyone on board was left in total shock and disbelief.
- JETRAY -
An all too familiar green flash of light blinded most who were present on deck. Ben flew away before anyone could have a say on his choice.
The sun began to set over the ocean. It may have been the end of another day, but the beginning of a new chapter in the life of Ben Tennyson.
End Card