Part 2

The Trail of the Wounded Warrior

Prologue

Mil Research & Development Compound, Main Sector - The Polar Regions of Iron Star, 2:15 AM

The early morning hours were graced with the beginnings of a powerful snowstorm. Lights lined the outside of a helipad on-base, paving the way for an incoming carrier. The aerial vehicle achieved a steady landing despite the increasingly heavy snowfall. The carrier's door opened shortly after, and a group of three robots were escorted outside by accompanying Mil soldiers. The soldiers positioned themselves in two perfect rows on either side and stood at attention. It was for the bot coming to meet the group.

The three robots casually waited. They stood with slight discomfort, occasionally shifting back and forth in the cold. Even robot armor wasn't enough to combat such freezing temperatures. Layered over their metal was the latest winter gear.

Dr. Exavolt eventually emerged from the building. He came up to meet the team of three at the helipad. Immediately, he knew something was not right. His optics pierced the trio's very souls.

"Where is he?" His words were delivered slowly and with malice.

Vex, Epsilon, and Vlax awkwardly stood before Exavolt, unsure of what to tell him.

"I said…WHERE IS HE?!" Dr. Exavolt exploded. "WHERE'S THE BLOODY MINER?!"

"We were able to track his location with our satellites." Epsilon spoke up first. "But we weren't able to apprehend him."

"And why is that?" Dr. Exavolt demanded.

"We were ambushed," Epsilon elaborated. "But we don't know by who."

Exavolt calmed down a bit, surprisingly. The information intrigued him more than it angered him somehow. He placed one hand behind his back and the other up to his chin. "Ambushed, you say?" he asked. "Hm, peculiar. A rescue, perhaps. For Glitch, that is. It couldn't have been by the Droids, surely. Glitch is a suspect to them. If it was them, it could have been to apprehend him, not save him." He shook his head. "Never mind that for now," he continued. "I must update you all on recent developments. Come."

They followed the Doctor into the facility. The trio was more interested in escaping the bitter cold than whatever Exavolt had to show them. It was Vlax in particular who hated it. "Curse that blizzard," he grunted to the other two bots, making sure Dr. Exavolt couldn't hear him. "Why did the research facility have to be placed in the middle of a tundra?"

"It's remote," Epsilon answered, making sure to keep his voice low, as well. "Completely off the books. As it should be."

Vex walked alongside them in complete silence. He seemed to be troubled about something. Epsilon and Vlax both noticed.

"What's got your tongue all of a sudden, spy?" Epsilon asked. "You haven't said much since we left the desert."

"He is probably still upset over me shooting the miner," Vlax tauntingly proposed with a snicker. "Isn't that right, Vex?"

"Awww." Epsilon pretended to have pity. "Poor baby."

Vex tolerated their jeering comments. He turned his head, refusing to even look at them, much less entertain them with a reaction. Of course it upset him. He just wasn't going to let either of his partners have the pleasure of hearing him admit it.

"Ha!" Vlax gave a cold laugh. "I knew it," he went on. "He is not a true Mil. If he were, he would not give so much thought to destroying the enemy. A true Mil shows no remorse, no matter who it is they must kill."

"Of course I'm a true Mil." Vex could no longer stay quiet. When he looked over at Vlax finally, his optic strip had become red instead of green. It surprised Vlax a little, but he didn't express it too much. "Don't get it twisted, pal," Vex snarled at him. "You must've forgotten I ain't a real Droid. I'm just disguised as one. Now you either keep ya facts straight, or get a fist to ya metal face!"

Vlax rolled his eyes. "Oh, please," he laughed. "Have you forgotten who's carrying the weapon?" He held up his Rocket Launcher. "One shot from this and you'll get to experience the same thing your miner friend felt earlier!"

"You can try," Vex challenged.

"Are you kids done yet?" Epsilon broke them up, growing annoyed. "Both of you hush up already."

Vex and Vlax backed off from each other for the time being. Dr. Exavolt led the group to an elevator. They proceeded inside and stood quietly during the brief descent underground. Once they stepped out, Exavolt led them down a corridor to a large, automatic door. He pressed his right hand against a scanner designed for authorized clearances. The door unlocked seconds later and began to slowly open. Vex, Epsilon, and Vlax reservedly stood next to each other, waiting to see what was on the other side.

They found themselves entering a grand laboratory facility, specifically its atrium. It led to multiple areas of research, with rooms dedicated to several different projects. The three bots had to move themselves out of the path of busy Mil scientists as they hurried about the lab to tend to their work. Dr. Exavolt turned to the trio once they reached the center of the atrium. He outstretched his arms, motioning to everything around them. "Welcome, my dear robots, to the age of progression!" he exclaimed.

"What is all this?" Vex asked.

"Why, the latest in our advancements, of course," Dr. Exavolt replied. "My staff have been busy at work developing the next generation of Milbots. Larger, faster, and fiercer." He completed his explanation with a devious chuckle.

Just as he finished his sentence, a large crane machine carried in new cargo. The subject was unfathomably massive in scale, a mech-like robot with a design equal parts powerful, complex, and menacing.

"Ah, here is a fabulous example!" said Exavolt. "This is the Goliath. It is a new generation of Ultra Titan. It can crush an entire Droid army with a single step."

Vex witnessed Vlax's face lighting up at the information. Vlax saw him turned his way and looked at him. Vex averted his eye again. He didn't want anyone noticing his visible reluctance. His mind repeatedly showed him Glitch's mangled body lying on the desert ground. Before they left to escape the ambush, their gazes met. Glitch's blue optics were flickering, hardly representative of the life draining from them. Regardless, they exhibited rage—a rage any robot would experience after getting betrayed by his best friend.

Vex lowered his head in a battle against his own conflicting emotions. His life among the Droids had been a lie. He was a Milbot operative, a spy planted in Droid territory to inform his side of the Rebellion's most recent developments. Glitch was a part of that. In fact, Vex had been sent by Exavolt primarily to keep tabs on the Droid soldier. Staying close to him, learning his habits, and reporting everything back to Exavolt. Vex was the Doctor's most valued informant. He had always worked with him from the beginning. His identity as a Droid—his time under Mil imprisonment, his love for drag racing, his reasons for arriving at Droid Town—was nothing more than a complete fabrication. Dr. Exavolt molded him with those prefabricated traits upon his creation.

What Exavolt didn't know was how much Vex had grown to care about Glitch. About Shooter and Tank. About the Droid cause, about everything the rebels stood for. In the months he spent among the Droids, he was changed as a robot. He no longer felt like a Mil at heart, but a Droid, instead.

But he ruined all of that the night before. The minute Vlax blasted Glitch, and the minute Vex locked eyes with the half-destroyed rebel miner, he knew their friendship had been tarnished for good. He knew Glitch no longer saw him as a brother. He knew Glitch would live. He was going to recover from his wounds, the physical ones, anyway. They were going to cross paths again, Vex was certain.

The soldier would come for him. And he would obtain his revenge.

But Vex wasn't going to be the only one. He looked at the bots he was assigned to work with. Epsilon and Vlax. He studied them one at a time. Vex wasn't sure if Glitch would come for him, the high-ranking Mil soldier, or the former military Droid first. Whoever he chose, it would be for valid reasons. Glitch and Vlax had history already. Epsilon was the one who delivered the final shot. And Vex, well…

"Vex, what are you doing?"

Dr. Exavolt questioned him with fury. Vex sharply looked up at him. "Yeah, what?" he quickly asked.

"Are your auditory sensors not functioning correctly?" Exavolt berated. "How many times must I call your name to get your attention? Are you coming or not?"

"Um, yeah." Vex followed along.

They were led to a specific room, an individual research department. The team of three looked all about them, taking in the sights of various experiments being conducted. One involved a new model of Mil troop. The scientists were beating and shooting it with various weapons to determine its durability. They recorded their discoveries in computer logs. Throughout the lab, models were subjected to an array of extreme conditions. It was enough to make even Vlax and Epsilon shudder slightly.

"Ah, here's the one!"

Dr. Exavolt stopped at a particular test site. He stepped aside and allowed Vex and company a full view, as if it were a feature presentation. The scientists running this experiment had semi-automatics trained on a special new model of Milbot. They opened fire. The Mil dodged every last bullet with uncanny mastery. Vex watched in a mix of awe and unease.

Dr. Exavolt got his scientists' attention. "Stop," he said. The scientists quickly dropped what they were doing to see what he wanted. Exavolt pointed to the test subject. "Bring that one here," he ordered. "Now."

The scientists went to collect the Mil. They grabbed it by both arms and forced it to walk forward. It looked like it wanted to fight them off, and there was no doubt that it could. But when the scientists threatened it with another one of the shocks it received before, it calmed down and complied with their demands. They shoved it before Dr. Exavolt and the others. Exavolt gladly introduced the Mil.

"Meet Lieutenant Ivy, one of the latest in our lineup of elite Mil soldiers," he explained. "She is one of the most advanced so far. You've just been given a small demonstration of her combat capabilities."

"Lieutenant?" Epsilon repeated. "Fascinating."

He was being sarcastic; he and Vlax stifled a laugh. Vex immediately understood why. The Milbot was female. The style of her build was reminiscent of the foreboding elite Mil guards. The shape of her frame, however, was different, curvier. Her color was also a different shade, closer to a dark magenta than red. Her optics, though, were indeed a burning red as they revealed her rage. She had picked up on the laughter. The she-Mil summoned her halberd and menacingly pointed the blade toward Vlax, who was standing the closest. He flashed her a stunned, cold glare. "As if I was the only one laughing!" he cried, sounding offended.

Dr. Exavolt snapped a finger. It was a signal for the scientists to correct their creation's behavior. One of them stepped forward and administered a searing shock from its fingers, stopping Ivy in her tracks. When the shock was over, Exavolt snatched her down to his level. "You might be an officer," he scolded, "but you will show reverence. You are still a subject, a prototype at that. I can have you terminated whenever I please. So do me a favor and remember your place while you still have the chance."

Lieutenant Ivy gave him a brisk nod, showing she understood. Her optics softened to a mellow aqua shade once she composed herself.

Dr. Exavolt released her. "Now," he said, "on to pressing matters. I've brought Ivy to your attention as she will be joining you three in your endeavors. She will assist in overseeing the soldiers assigned under your direction." He suddenly gave a smile to Epsilon. "How would you like to be a general again?" he asked him.

Epsilon smirked. He didn't need to verbally express his love for the idea.

"Why can't I be general?" Vlax objected.

"Enough with the tantrum, Vlax," Dr. Exavolt snapped at him. "You will stay in your place. You will continue your duties as second in command. Understood?"

"Fine," Vlax huffed.

"As for you, Vex…" Dr. Exavolt turned to the Droid-disguised Mil informant. "You are to return to Droid Town and continue collecting valuable intel," the Doctor instructed him. "Understood?"

Vex nodded. "Of course," he responded.

Exavolt directed his gaze back to Lieutenant Ivy. She promptly stood at attention. "Your test trials are over for now, Lieutenant," he told her. "You will take Epsilon and Vlax for briefing back on the ground floor. I will meet you all there shortly."

"Yes, Doctor." Ivy's voice was feminine and elegant-sounding while still carrying the signature accent many of the Milbots possessed, including Vlax. She motioned with her head for Epsilon and Vlax to follow her. The three of them started for the room's exit with the advanced female prototype at the lead. Exavolt called after one of them.

"Epsilon!"

Epsilon glanced over his shoulder. "Yes?" he called back.

"Glad to have you on board, General." Exavolt stated this welcomingly.

Epsilon gave a diabolical smile before leaving.

Dr. Exavolt looked over at Vex again. "I'd like a word with you," he said to him. "Before you depart on your next mission."

...

"You have impressed me thus far, Vex."

Vex quietly listened to Dr. Exavolt from the other side of his desk. He could see the Morbite lodged inside the Doctor's chest. It was hard not to notice as it gave off a faint, pulsing glow. Gnarly, Vex thought with a chill. He wondered if it caused pain or, at the very least, a minor discomfort. It was best not to comment on it. He decided to merely hear the former head Droid scientist out and only speak when having to. He wasn't afraid of Exavolt, per se, but the last thing he wanted was to be sent to his destruction for "talking out of line."

"They haven't suspected anything of you," Dr. Exavolt continued, "have they?"

Vex promptly shook his head. "No," he answered.

"That you're aware of, at least. Correct?"

"Correct, sir," Vex answered again. He made sure his responses were immediate and concise, for the Doctor expected such.

"You do remember what will become of you if you have been compromised," Exavolt curtly reminded. "Imminent destruction, no?"

"Of course." Vex's vision briefly shifted as he underwent a feeling of slight discomfort at the prospect of such a fate. He tried not to think about how abysmally he betrayed Glitch. He was never supposed to get close to him, or anyone else. But he had. It was a terrible mistake, if it could be called such. Now it was something he had to keep secret if he valued his life.

Exavolt's eyes suddenly narrowed. "You've grown to appreciate the Droids." His voice became low, suspicious. "Haven't you, Vex?"

Vex froze. Exavolt had picked up on his discomfort. He could see the look in the Mil spy's eye. He was in the middle of an internal struggle, a fight between himself and his differing emotions. Was the Doctor aware of this?

"Answer me, Vex," Dr. Exavolt snapped impatiently. "You have developed a fondness for them, have you not? It is a simple, yes or no question. Answer."

Vex had to think of something. He looked up at Exavolt, quickly shaking his head. "No," he denied. "I ain't gone soft. Honest."

Dr. Exavolt studied his spy in silence for nearly a full minute. If Vex could sweat bullets, he would be. The Doctor, however, smiled suddenly, and relaxed. "Good!" he said.

Vex relaxed, too. Exavolt had only been testing him, apparently.

"So, Vex!" Exavolt carried on. "You understand you'll be spending more time there, yes?"

"Yes, sir," Vex confirmed.

"Excellent," said Dr. Exavolt.

...

Meanwhile, Vlax and General Epsilon were seated across from Lieutenant Ivy prior to their briefing. Epsilon watched her with a sort of inquisitiveness, as though he were sizing her up in his mind, wondering what more she was capable of. She had a level of decorum about her that the freshly reappointed general could respect. Vlax gave her an intense grimace. The advanced military officer sat with her halberd in hand. She was sharpening it with her razor-like fingers. Her aqua-colored optics glowed sternly as she concentrated on achieving the perfect sharp edge on her blade. It doubled as a battle axe and a spear. It was like the halberds the previous elite guards carried, but even more advanced and intricate in form. It was also double-edged. Lieutenant Ivy was merely focused on one end at the moment. The quality of the deadly weapon impressed Vlax deep down, but he didn't dare admit it. He feigned spite toward the bot who wielded it.

"I don't like you," he flatly told her.

"That is fine by me." Lieutenant Ivy came off equally cold, her thick Mil accent complimenting the bitter sharpness in her tone. She didn't even bother looking Vlax's way, maintaining focus on her halberd, instead. "Our forced collaboration does not mean we have to be friends."

"When did they create you, anyway?" Vlax demanded. "You act as if you've been around long enough to have already used that thing in battle."

"I have not," Ivy affirmed. "I was only created three weeks ago. In that time, I have already been subjected to more than 2,000 tests. Combat, aptitude, endurance, speed. I do not need to be trained or taught. I have a self-improving design that enables me to learn instantly. My interface is constantly evolving, developing new battle tactics, even. I have already generated another 4 million since we have been stuck in this room together."

"Whatever," Vlax scoffed. "I just fail to understand why they had to make you a…"

"Make me a what?" Lieutenant Ivy immediately turned menacing. Her eyes glowed a searing red again as she quit sharpening her blade to glare threateningly toward Vlax.

Vlax blinked a couple of times, wondering if it were wise for him to continue with what he was about to say. Epsilon chuckled with amusement at his obvious fear. Vlax glared at him. "Shut up!" he hissed. "I am not afraid of her."

"Yeah you are!" Epsilon cackled.

Vlax rolled his eyes at Ivy, more agitated now than anything. "Ok, ok, I am sorry," he admitted begrudgingly. "Will an apology satisfy you, at least?"

Lieutenant Ivy's eyes returned to normal and she sat back in her chair again. The apology seemed to suffice.

"I should apologize, too, Miss Lieutenant Ivy," Epsilon puffed from behind a freshly-lit cigar. He was in the middle of polishing his revolver while he spoke. "The way we've been acting toward you is no way to treat a lady. I should know. I hope you can forgive me and my friend here."

"We are not friends!" Vlax yelled.

"Anyway…" Epsilon ignored him. "…I'm mostly curious about what our next mission's going to be. Especially after we fumbled the last one."

"Well, it wasn't our fault," Vlax objected. "We would have succeeded if not for whoever ambushed us. I say we should have stayed and fought back. We likely would have crushed them."

Dr. Exavolt entered the room in the middle of their conversation. Vex came in close at his heels. They were followed by a few Mil officials, all of whom were either militantly high in rank or corporately prominent. The door closed behind them; Vex took his seat with the others while Exavolt went to the front of the room. The lights dimmed, the presentation came on, and the briefing commenced. "Welcome, one and all," he began deviously, "to the next phase."