Note: Hello everyone! I'm considering powering through the destruction of Abel City and the famous Highway Stage, but mainly because I want to take advantage of my current boost of motivation. Now that we're getting into the meat of the story, while I enjoyed writing it before, I'm incredibly excited to have finally gotten around to this part.

Also, no, Dr. Cain will not be forgotten. He will be a motivator for the heroes and, even if it's small, someone for the villain to talk to.

The X series is something I love with all my heart, but I also want to strangle it at times with many of the decisions it's made with its story, lore, and characters; I could go on and on. Dr. Cain's absence throughout the latter half of the series and his death in MHX are one of those things. True, he's an old man, so he shouldn't be expected to live forever, but after X4, it's like no one remembers he ever existed. Even if he didn't show up in the first game physically, he was a significant contributor to the plot and world. And to just forget about him is rather insulting, I think. True, he will eventually die in this series, but that'll come at a time when it's appropriate.

As with the last chapter (and maybe the next one or two), there's material here that may trigger some readers, so be advised.

The Cleansing

1:30 PM

When Sigma's message had ended, no one on the entire island had anything to say. What was there to say? They had seen their Commander murder a man! Murder a human! The first and most crucial of the Three Laws! And their leader, the one they looked to for support and hope, had betrayed the very Law he stood to uphold!

And even more disturbing to many was just so easy it was to do.

"Depose of this," Sigma commanded; a Reploid came out and took away Fujiwara's corpse, along with his head. Not long after disposing of the scientist, the cape-wearing Reploid turned to a smaller shape in the shadows, looking down at the floor, completely sad. "Why so glum?" Sigma questioned the figure. "I have no intentions to take your life, Dr. Cain."

The captured human said both at first, still not entirely able to grasp what he had just seen. "Sho…." He muttered. Cain wanted to plead with Sigma that there was still time to turn this all around, and he had planned to do so, but that was before the Hunter took the Japanese scientist out in front of all of Abel City.

"I promised him that he would share in constructing this new world," Sigma said. "It just wasn't the way he intended."

"Why, though?" Cain asked. "What did I do that he didn't?"

"Much," Sigma answered. "Seeing as the human species is our enemy, you should consider yourself fortunate that I'm still fond of you," his tone then grew dark. "But bear in mind, that is subject to change if you step out of line."

The elderly human was rendered silent. But he still had more to say when he finally found his voice again. "So, what do you plan to do?" Dr. Cain asked. "What's the next grand step in your plan?"

"This is more than just taking control of the city," the blue-eyed Reploid said. He paused for a moment; a sudden, itching sensation was felt over the synthetic skin around his eyes. He began to lightly scratch at the flesh, remembering it was the same area Zero had damaged during their first encounter. "Brilliant as Fujiwara might've been when it came to robotics, he failed to see the greater scope of a world of Reploids," he continued. "He believed that acquisition of the city would gain him notoriety and respect," Sigma explained. "Intelligent machines serving him and presenting his genius to the world through his Reploids."

Dr. Cain sighed. "That…certainly sounds like Sho."

"But Reploids are beyond being mere servants of humans like that of mechaniloids or robots," Sigma continued. "He failed to understand that, so his presence would only impede progress."

"But did you have to kill him?!" Cain questioned, growing more emotional. "He has a child!"

"As do the humans he was planning to rule over," Sigma added. "Why should his daughter receive more protection than others?"

Dr. Cain lowered his head. "Sho never planned to bring her here, did he? You sent your men after her, didn't you?" Sigma didn't answer, yet his silence was enough.

"I initially intended to use her to keep Fujiwara in line, but I realized that he would try to take control of this operation one way or another. So, I had to do what was necessary."

"So, you intend for her to die, along with all the other humans and Reploids there?" The older human suspected what sort of answer he'd receive, but what he got surprised him.

"She was meant to be a source of motivation, like you, for those left to come and find me," he explained. "But seeing as plans have changed, as long as she and everyone else get themselves to safety, she'll live for just a bit longer," Sigma answered. "There will be some lost before the missile strike, but everyone is free to go and find shelter."

"And what then?" Dr. Cain questioned.

Sigma looked at a nearby monitor displaying Abel City, several mechaniloids descending on it. "Then is when X's test will begin."

Midway between Arcadia and Abel City

The lines that carried the transport vehicles were slim, but Firefly was confident he could pull it off. He would have to, considering that Storm Eagle had to contend with Gravity Beetle. The green Hunter rode as fast as the bike would take him, and then he kept testing its limit. He had little choice, seeing as Beetle was right behind him. And, despite his best efforts, it appeared Storm Eagle was having a more challenging time dealing with the giant bug than expected.

"Damn bird!" Gravity Beetle shouted. "You know, you're just wasting your time!"

"Oh really?" Storm Eagle asked. "How?"

"Make no mistake, I don't like you," the blue rhinoceros beetle explained. "But Commander Sigma does, so I assume he would hate to lose you."

"And you are also a brilliant fighter," Storm Eagle answered. "And a brother," he then extended his left hand. "So, for his and your own sake, surrender yourselves so that the Commander won't have to hunt you."

To Eagle's bewilderment, Gravity Beetle barreled over laughing, almost losing his concentration on keeping himself airborne. "You think that the Commander's still on your side?!"

That made Firefly, despite the hurry he was in, stop dead in his tracks. Setting the bike to hover mode, he looked up at Beetle and Eagle, the latter confused as to what the giant insect was talking about. "What do you mean?" The green biker asked from below.

Gravity Beetle ceased laughing; his eyes centered on Firefly. "Oh, don't you know?" The more significant bug asked. "He…?" The giant bug was about to continue but then saw something rather peculiar. He, Eagle, and Firefly. From above, dozens of mechaniloids descended onto Abel City, leaving two of the three Hunters confused and startled. But it seemed that Beetle knew precisely what was going on. "Well, well," he said, folding his arms. He then looked at Eagle. "It seems he's gone and started things without you."

Abel City

Hunter Headquarters

1:30 PM

They came from everywhere, it seemed. From where she was, Trinity saw the multitude of mechaniloids, flying and grounded, swarming the metropolis. All with the assumed intention of carrying out Sigma's orders. "What do we do?!" She heard a Navigator cry out, looking at her for direction.

Trinity was trying to find words to say but came up dry. This entire situation was now out of their control. As far as she was aware, there was no stopping the mechaniloids, just as there was no stopping the missiles that would be launched in the later hours. "We," the head Navigator began, trying to get herself out of her shock. "We prepare the Underground Shelter for entry," She said, blue eyes watching in horror as more and more mechaniloids came. "Quick! Direct the human and Reploid populace to find an entryway! We can't afford to waste any time!"

"Wait a moment," Blu suddenly spoke up, checking the screen she was observing. "The HQ's security systems have been activated!"

"By who?!" Ai questioned. Not long after, she said that everyone in the chamber saw that a protective shell was covering the clear dome above them to withstand massive attacks. Only this time, no one felt a sense of safety as the sun slowly disappeared from view as the panels closed. "Wh-What the hell is this?!"

"What is it?" Trinity asked them blonde.

"I can't unlock the entrance! All escape routes are denying me access as well!" Ai exclaimed.

It was then that Trinity realized, to their horror, that every Hunter present in the building was trapped. Then, she heard the entrance to the chamber being busted open, two of their Hunters walking in. Spark Mandrill and Flame Mammoth entered, though no one felt comforted in their presence. The tall Reploids stood in front of the doorway, blocking the only way out. Then, Kuwanger began to speak.

"I imagine many of you are very confused," the red stag beetle said. "And perhaps more than a little frightened. The humans outside are certainly in a panic."

"Kuwanger, what is the meaning of this?" Blu asked, noticing how surprisingly calm he was. "Mandrill, do you know where the Commander currently is?"

"He's far off from here," Spark Mandrill said. "But that's not important. What's important is that you all have a decision to make."

Ai stiffened. Just where was A-1?! "And that would be?"

"It's simple," Kuwanger explained. "Our comrades are delivering the same message to the more combat-based Reploids employed here," he then produced a small Rolling Cutter, twirling the dangerous instrument around his finger as if it were a mere toy. "Should you wish to become part of the new world, you shall come with us and pledge your loyalty to Commander Sigma," he said. "No harm shall come to you."

"But if you don't," Spark Mandrill began afterward, his large hands starting to surge with electricity. "Then we'll be left with no choice," he said, seemingly uncaring about the implications of what he was saying. "Although, Sigma told us that would probably happen with most of you." The Navigators stared wide-eyed at their own Hunters, their comrades, and compatriots. Was this really happening?

"So," Kuwanger said. "What will it be?"

Midway between Arcadia and Abel City

"What's happening, Beetle?!" Storm Eagle questioned. "Answer me!"

"You're witnessing the beginning of a new world," the massive insect said. "Unfortunately, it seems," he then released a concentrated ball of gravitational force right in Eagle's direction. "You haven't been invited!"

Storm Eagle swerved out of the way at the last second, yet as the small black hole dissipated, the bird Reploid found that some of his left wing had been clipped off! He could remain airborne, as the prominent vertebrae wasn't damaged, but damage like this would eventually cause problems. Then, he realized that Firefly was still present down below, watching! "Get to Abel City!" Storm Eagle commanded. "Go to the Missile Base!"

"Why?!" Firefly questioned, still trying to grasp what was going on.

"No!" Gravity Beetle protested. "They can't be allowed to escape!" He dove toward Firefly, horn ready to pierce the order Hunter right through his core.

Thankfully, he never got the chance, as a powerful, freshly released Storm Tornado knocked Beetle off balance. This maneuver sent the giant bug flying until he landed in the water below the railings. "Go!" Storm Eagle bellowed. "There's no time to waste!"

Firefly nodded and sped off. Like Eagle, he was wondering just what was going on, but they both had an extreme suspicion that now given Beetle's own words, the blue, and red Hunters were somehow involved. Not long after Firefly had begun riding again, Gravity Beetle rose from the water, wings flapping furiously. He glowered at Storm Eagle, going to work on creating a new, more powerful Gravity Well, with the entire to rid that bird of one of his wings. Yet, upon reaching the halfway point, he was interrupted by a message on his audio receptor.

"Huh? Yeah, what?" Gravity Beetle asked. "What?! You want me just to come back?!" He argued. "I'm in the middle of a fight here!" The answer he received was loud and clear. And it was to be obeyed. "Ok, ok, fine. Yes, sir. Understood," Then, the call ended. He then looked back at Eagle. "Well, you're in luck," he told the bird. "The Commander's got a place for you after all."

Storm Eagle was growing impatient. "Enough! Get to the point!" He ordered.

"I'm not one of your men, birdbrain!" Gravity Beetle barked back. He then looked at Abel City, watching the distant chaos that was going on. "And after today, I wonder just how many more you'll have left." With that, Beetle flew off.

"Hey! Wait!" Storm Eagle shouted, but the giant insect kept going.

"If you're so curious, come and see for yourself!" Gravity Beetle laughed, heading towards Abel City. More scenically, the HQ. He felt his brother would need some help in weeding out the undesirables.

Outside of Abel City

He had long left the city perimeter, so the little Navigator was unaware of everything. Regardless, A-1 did not doubt that X and Zero's absence was related to something much bigger. And, one way or another, he suspected that they would be needed. The orange, rabbit-eared Reploid rode on a yellow ride chaser that he was pushing to its limits, trying to make the vehicle go even faster than it already was. He feared the vehicle would blow up on him, but he had to keep going.

The child-like Navigator was relieved when he saw the Missile Base up ahead, but he then noticed a destroyed blue and red ride chaser sitting near the entrance. So, they DID make it here, A-1 observed. But someone didn't want them leaving anytime soon.

But then, he realized that the entrance was being guarded. Two large, blue mechaniloids, a pair of Gun Volts, to be exact, spotted the Navigator approaching the base. Several small missiles were fired at the rabbit-eared Reploid, opening up their panels, all intending to destroy the approaching intruder. A-1 swerved left and right, doing his best to avoid the incoming projectiles. But unfortunately, he was a much better Navigator and delivery boy than a bike rider. When one of the missiles struck the ride chaser's engine, the entire vehicle exploded. A-1 was sent flying in the air until he landed and skidded across the ground until he was at the feet of one of the Gun Volts.

A-1 reached for the plasma pistol that he had brought with him, but the Gun Volt to the right lifted its foot, the small Navigator realizing that he would be crushed before he could even get a shot in. To his surprise, however, that never happened. "Hi-Yahhh!" A familiar male voice shouted as another ride chaser, green in color, collided with the Gun Volt in the center of its broad "chest." While he was in the air, the bike rider blasted down several shots that pierced through the mechaniloid's vital areas, crippling them to where they could no longer function. The Hunter landed in front of A-1 and looked down at the shorter Navigator. "You all right there, squirt?"

"Firefly?!" A-1 exclaimed, getting back on his feet. "I thought you were stationed back in Arcadia!"

"I was, but that was before Kuwanger and Beatle started causing trouble." Firefly told the Navigator. "Where's Roll and Fujiwara's daughter?"

"Back at HQ," A-1 said. This answer didn't seem to provide Firefly any comfort. "What?"

Firefly just shook his head. "There's nothing that can be done about it now," he said. "The only thing we can do is get X and Zero out of here."

"Wait!" A-1 called out, catching up to Firefly, who had begun to enter the Missile Base. "How do you know they're here? And what's going on at HQ?"

"For the first question, Beetle told me," Firefly answered. "He said they were last seen here," he looked ahead at the entrance, unsure of what lay inside, waiting for them. "And he also said that they couldn't be allowed to escape."

"And HQ?"

Firefly was quiet at first, unsure of what to say. "It's not just HQ," the green Hunter said. "It's the whole city."

Undisclosed Location

"It seems around time for you to go and collect our most important members," Sigma said, directing his attention to Vile. "Remember, they're not to be harmed." Currently, the two were before a large screen that displayed a far-off shot of the entire island, the Missile Base becoming the image's primary focus.

"I still say you're wasting your time," the violet-armored Reploid said. "Zero, I get, but why X?"

"Zero is where he needs to be in that his mind is already that of a proper Reploid," Sigma responded. "X is the one that needs cultivating."

"They won't do it," Vile argued. "They're never going to see your way of thinking."

Sigma was silent for a moment. Even if he'd never say it aloud, Vile found himself growing slightly nervous. Just what was this guy thinking? He could never tell. "Maybe, maybe not," he finally said. "But how will we know if they're not even here yet?" Vile had an idea of where this was going. "You're going to collect them for me and bring them here," he then looked Vile dead in the eye. "Unharmed and alive."

Vile hissed but didn't argue back. Save for one thing. "And how am I supposed to get there?"

Sigma smirked. "Given how their leader would surely not part with it willingly," he explained. "We had liberty to take some equipment from the 7th Air Unit."

"So, Storm Eagle ISN'T with you on your grand plan?" The former Hunter questioned.

"Not yet," Sigma answered. "But he'll come around eventually."

"There's no way you'll convince him to be part of anything after today," Vile scoffed. "Assuming he even survives what you're planning as the grand finale." He looked at the city presented on the monitor.

"I don't have to convince him of anything," Sigma responded. "All I need is to get him where he'll have no choice," he then changed the subject. "But back on topic, you are to go and bring X and Zero back here."

Vile hated the fact that he had been assigned to such a task. "So, where's the means of transport?"

The caped Reploid then gestured towards the elevator situated in the easternmost corner of the room. "Come," he ordered Vile, reveling in how the unruly, unhinged felon was forced to follow him around. They boarded the elevator that took them down into the depths of their new Headquarters, their hidden base, and after what Vile felt like was an eternity, they stopped. They stepped out, and Sigma gestured to the massive ship that was primarily concealed in shadow. "Your chariot awaits."

Inside the Missile Base

A human, X thought, the image of his Commander's saber piercing through Fujiwara repeating endlessly in his mind. Along with his subsequent beheading. He killed a human. He broke the Law.

Even if there were Three Laws for all mechanical life to abide by, the two following the first would've been useless without it. The First Law was the essential Law. So crucial to some Reploids that it bordered on reverence and devout regard. The very Law that X had installed the second Dr. Light built him. And ironically enough, it was the one Law that he was, technically, allowed to break.

And Sigma had just shown everyone how to do it, and even more, how easy it was. Fujiwara didn't stand a chance, and neither would Dr. Cain, if he was still alive. But if he was, what was Sigma planning to do with him? And what about those back at HQ? Ai, Trinity, A-1, Roll?

Roll, X's inner circuitry froze up. Roll, she wouldn't stand a chance. Chiyo. And, even if he was just speculating, X found no reason to believe that Sigma's forces would give Chiyo a second thought, given what just happened to her father. We have to get out of here! The only question was, how?

Then, both X and Zero heard the sounds of gunfire, even if no bullets were being fired. Before X or Zero could question what was going on, the door to the room they were imprisoned in burst open. A Gun Volt riddled with shots from a plasma pistol fell to the ground, its terminator coming in soon after.

"Firefly?!" X exclaimed, but before asking any questions, he saw another familiar face. "A-1?!"

"Yeah, it's us," the Navigator said, producing a small laser from his right index finger. He then went to work on destroying the locks on the cells. "I had a sneaking suspicion something happened to you two," the locks melted away, and Firefly opened the cell doors. Then, A-1 went to work burning away at the restraints, starting with X. "Who locked you up in here?"

A-1 wasn't prepared for X's answer. "Sigma."

"Wait…what?"

"Sigma," X repeated. "He….he's behind this," he said, almost as if he had been lamenting on this discovery for hours. "He's behind everything.

Firefly's expression turned grim. "So, it's true." He muttered. It appeared Gravity Beetle was telling the truth.

A-1 was both bewildered and confused. "What?! I…are you sure?"

"And Dr. Fujiwara," X continued. "He….."

"What about Dr. Fujiwara?" Firefly asked.

"You mean you don't know?" Zero asked the green Hunter. A-1 had finished with X and moved onto Zero.

"Know what?" A-1 questioned the taller Hunter.

Once Zero's cuffs were cut through and deactivated, he closed his blue eyes and sighed. "Fujiwara's dead."

Outside of the Missile Base

"So, you mean that this, what happened with Fujiwara, Vile's escape, the Maverick mechaniloids, all of it was orchestrated by our Commander?!" A-1 questioned X, still hoping that there was some sort of misunderstanding.

"Whether you believe it or not doesn't matter," Zero answered the Navigator in place of X. "It's what's happening now," he then looked at Firefly. "How bad is it in the city?" The long-haired Hunter asked.

Firefly shook his head. "I barely got here in time to keep him from getting whacked," he gestured to A-1. "And I also realized that we've only got one means of transportation." He was referring to his ride chaser, considering X and Zero's were destroyed, and A-1's was damaged beyond repair.

"I'll go with you," Zero said. "X will stay here with A-1."

"What?" X protested.

"Do you want to go instead?" Firefly asked the blue Hunter. "Because if it means that much to you, I could stay instead."

Before X could respond, Zero cut in. "I said that I'm the one going," he then turned back to face X. "Someone needs to stay and look after A-1." He then proceeded to get on Firefly's ride chaser, the green Reploid, a little stunned upon seeing someone else riding in front. "Well?"

"Ok, fine," Firefly said, begrudgingly agreeing to ride in the back.

Zero started the bike. "Don't follow me." He told X.

"But Zero-" X argued, but the blonde Hunter didn't give him a chance.

"Don't follow me."

And with that, he sped off, leaving X and A-1 alone at the base, unsure of what to do next if there was anything that they could do at all.

Abel City

Hunter Headquarters

1:56 PM

Upon Sigma's announcement (as well as the broadcast of Dr. Fujiwara's death), Hunters began attacking each other out of nowhere! No one had the chance to ask or demand answers, for a voice among the growing chaos shouted, "Wipe out any opposition!" The Hunter, known as Flame Mammoth, bellowed. "Kill every single last one of them!"

Those who realized what was going on quickly went to work fighting against their new opposition or protecting those who couldn't defend themselves. Anyone that could assist jumped in, but it wasn't enough. For every one Reploid that stood against all that Sigma said, there were two who decided to embrace his message. And for every two loyalists, there were four rebels. No, not rebels, Mavericks.

Roll mentally hissed the word at Kyle's killer, but she couldn't stay and glower forever; she had a human to watch out for. "Run!" Another Hunter among the already small group shouted. "I'll take them on!" He said. "You go get to the Navigators!"

Roll didn't get the chance to ask whether it was because Sigma wanted them alive or dead, as she was forced to continue running. Running, running, running, and then running some more. She couldn't afford to stop, for the slightest mistake or misstep would result in either her or Chiyo's death. Most likely both. And, once again, Roll was left powerless to do anything.

She had taken Chiyo from Arcadia for her safety, yet Roll had gone and led her right into a death trap! The small group of Hunters and Medics continued running for their lives; the one human among them looked back to see that, miraculously, no one was following them. "There!" A Hunter shouted. Chiyo looked ahead and saw that they were approaching a closed door that led to the Communications Chamber. Even if she hadn't used it since escaping Arcadia, she held onto the handle of her prototype and didn't let go.

The door was broken into while the sole human kept looking back. Again, she saw no one following them, but she couldn't shake the feeling that they were all being watched. The door was just about to be opened, but sparks began seeping through the slim opening that had been created in between the door panels.

The force of the electricity blew the door panels back, sending those in front of the door flying a good few feet before they came to a stop. Spark Mandrill and Boomer Kuwanger stood at the doorway. Between the two more prominent Hunters was the fallen form of Blu, Kuwanger's curved blade pierced through her chest and back. Roll and Chiyo kept themselves at the back, but both could see Blu crawl across the floor to her would-be saviors, though it was clear she didn't have much time left.

"R-Run….a-ah!" The blue-haired Navigator coughed before she began to spasm.

Even if she couldn't see much, Chiyo saw Blu's eyes change; the brightness in her eyes disappeared and was replaced by a still, blank stare. Her optics were cold and lifeless, like that of a human, Chiyo noted. Needless to say, she was left startled and unsure what to think. For a Reploid, let alone a machine, they mimicked the human body in its final stages very well. Perhaps too well, for even if she was a whirlwind of emotions, Chiyo found the sight of Blue's lifeless eyes greatly disturbing.

Upon peering into the chamber, several Reploid bodies were either sliced to pieces or electrocuted to the point of spontaneous combustion. "Take all non-combatants to safety!" One Hunter ordered.

"Roger!" The already small group was halved, Roll and Chiyo being led away from the scene as yet another battle was underway. "C'mon! Hurry up!"

He leaped forward to defend those behind him, but, despite his bravery, he couldn't have hoped to stand against them. "KYLE!" One of the Hunters with him cried out as the blue and green Reploid was riddled with laser shots. He fell to the ground from one last attempt to the head.

The one responsible for Kyle's termination stepped forward, a violet and magenta Reploid with a plasma rifle in his hands. Had it just been him, Roll would've had the utmost confidence that the Hunters around her would've been able to take him on. But it wasn't just him; the several others joining him were the problem. Those fighting for order were vastly outnumbered.

"Where too?!" A blonde Medic shouted; she, along with Chiyo and Roll, were the only ones left for the Hunter to defend. "All the exits are locked!"

Indeed, when some Reploids attempted to escape the HQ, they found all entries and exits locked from the outside, preventing anyone from leaving. There was no way out for anyone. The windows were sealed up, and the last sunlight some would ever see was taken away. All that existed was the war being waged against one another. It was near impossible to tell who was friend or enemy until it was too late.

"Hey!" A familiar voice was heard. Everyone looked to see Trinity and Ai peering down a corridor, urging the small band of survivors to come closer.

"Y-You two," Roll stammered, running up to the pair of Navigators. "How did you…?"

"Screw that; we can talk later," Ai said. "But tell me, how's Blu?" Roll didn't say anything, but her eyes said it all. Ai lowered her head. Then, she noticed Chiyo. "What is she doing here?" She then thought for a moment. "You know what? Doesn't matter. We can talk about it when we get out."

"Get out?" The Medic asked. "But any way out is locked!"

"That's why we need to get to the Central Processor of the HQ," Trinity said. "I'd hate to put this on you, but would you mind if we-"

"No, not at all," the Hunter guarding the small group said. "We're low on numbers as it is."

Trinity sighed in relief. "Thank you."

"Where is this Central Processor?" Roll asked.

"It's the core of the HQ, where every technological device is monitored and controlled," Trinity explained. "If we can get into that, we can maybe disable the security system."

"Well, if that's the case, lead the way!" The Hunter said, even if he went ahead of Trinity and Ai.

Locating a nearby elevator, the group of Reploids (and one human) boarded and began descending into the lower depths of the Hunter Headquarters. Still, even though she still couldn't see anything, Chiyo's flight or fight response wouldn't die down. As if danger was present with them all, and no one else knew it! But even with that realization, what could she do about it? Knowing that a threat was there but not seen was beginning to drive her crazy, but she remained quiet.

"So, how did you escape?" The female Medic asked Ai.

The blonde Navigator looked down and sighed. "Kuwanger and Mandrill had told us Sigma's ultimatum, and those who refused were taken care of," she said grimly. "Blu guided us to the back where a vent was," she explained. "She was about to come with us, but she was caught at the last second." The sight of the blue-haired Navigator being forcibly dragged out by her ankle still chilled the red-armored Reploid.

"Getting to the Central Processor was her idea," Trinity added. "I just hope no one else has figured that out."

Ai then looked at Roll. "You probably haven't," she said. "But…have you seen A-1 at all?"

"Yeah, I have," Roll answered. AI's features lit up immediately. "He said he was going to the Missile Base. I heard that's where X and that other Reploid were dispatched to."

"He left?" Ai questioned. "When was this?"

"Before Sigma had-" Roll began but stopped once she remembered Chiyo's presence. "Before all this happened." She answered, not daring to mention Dr. Fujiwara.

"So, he's safe," Ai said. "That's good."

"Hm, that's odd," Trinity interjected. "I thought you couldn't stand him."

Ai averted her blue eyes. "I don't hate him," she said. "It's just…they shoved him onto me as if I was expected to just bond with him," she clarified. "They made me a little brother, but it didn't feel genuine."

"Does it now?" Trinity asked.

Ai didn't answer. The elevator stopped, and everyone got off; the area they had entered was dark and was lit only by the massive machine in the center. "Is that…?" Roll questioned.

Trinity nodded. "Yep, the Central Processor. They all gathered around it. The processor was a cylindrical object with several monitors on its curved surface, each displaying several images captured by the other computers in the HQ. "All right," Trinity said, looking over at Ai. "Time to crack some codes."

The two Navigators went to work, took one of the four seats around the processor, and began working their way through the system. The Hunter, Medic, Chiyo, and Roll watched. The reconstructed DLN was quite fascinated with how speedily both Reploids could type. She then wondered whether or not it would've been a good time to ask, for, despite the situation, it was something that she had wanted to know. And perhaps later, something she would need to know.

"I've always wondered," Roll asked. "Just what does one have to do to be a Navigator?"

Trinity and Ai continued with their work, but the blonde Navigator answered Roll. "Why? Feel like signing up? Because it's not exactly a good time to turn in a resume."

"It's not that; I've just always wondered." Roll said.

"It's not that complicated of a process," Trinity explained, working her way through the system. "We Navigators are built-in with the ability to maintain communication with the Hunters out on the field."

"So, somewhat like a dispatcher for human authorities?" Roll questioned.

"Something like that," Ai said. "Of course, given we're all machines, we can gain access to various means of information, such as area layouts, suspected enemy territory, any sort of information that's available, we can search out and deliver."

"And how do you do that?" Roll questioned further.

"You know how you have to enter a password to have access to the internet?" Ai asked. "It's basically like that," she explained. "You request entry to a Reploid with an inscribed code, and once they grant you access, you're free to talk and give them anything they may need."

Roll took all that was being said in, logging each word into her memory banks. Was it selfish to bring up such a thing? To a degree, yes. But she felt as if she had to know. If not for now, then for later. "All right, just a little more," Trinity said, going through the very last obstacles before she could break into the security program. And then, finally, "Yes! We're in!" She then wasted no time going to work opening the ways out.

"Oh yes, you're in, all right."

Everyone's oil (or blood) ran cold; the lone human among the machines felt some smooth and hard touch her ear. "Watch out!" The Hunter shouted, pushing Chiyo out of the way.

It was then that the hidden assailant went in for the kill. A long object pierced through the Reploid's chest, skewering him with his still beating core at the tip. Then, the illusion was dispelled, revealing a long, green tail that ran from the center to a horned lizard that had climbed onto the ceiling. A pink tongue shot out of the reptile's mouth and seized the Hunter's core, coiling around it. The appendage then proceeded to crush it, electrical sparks shooting out before its white glow died down. The Hunter attached to the tail went limp, and the lizard then threw the terminated Reploid to the side.

Sting Chameleon jumped down from above, eyeing his hapless little lambs. "You're in here, with me!"

Note: It may seem like it at first, but there won't be too much graphic violence in this story or series, but I feel certain moments need to happen to drive the seriousness of the situation. But stuff like that will be rare, as I don't want those moments to feel repetitive or happen too often.

And while it's mostly been robot-on-robot (or Reploid if you want to be technical) violence, there will be a bit more robot-on-human violence and human-on-robot violence. And in one instance, there will be human-on-human violence, but it plays a vital role in the development of one character. And for that character, I plan to reveal what her connection to the series is.

Thanks to all of my readers, and I hope to hear from you soon!