Chapter 5: Eudora
Meanwhile aboard Executive Chairman Drek's flagship…
Location: Eudora Orbit
(Drek is looking over his new planet-in-progress)
Drek: Yes, quite lovely. That should just about do it. (Presses an intercom button) Commander, we are finished with this world. Commence towing our planet to its next destination. (Presses another button and sees the Lieutenant leaning against a tree through his planet cam) Lieutenant!
Lieutenant: Yes sir!
Drek: You have fulfilled your tree quota. Barely.
Lieutenant: We are ready to return to base!
Drek: Not so fast, lieutenant! Just because we don't need any more trees doesn't mean THEY should have them! Destroy everything! Hehehe!
During transit to Eudora…
Location: TARDIS
(One of the ethereal butterflies starts blinking above the center console, and Xoruxshy touches it, opening up a message from Asrielle)
Asrielle: Hey, Xoruxshy, I've been hearing about your work with Verity's Bulbasaur line-themed Blasters, and I asked her for permission to have you test my first weapon, the Emberheart Blaster. It utlitizes Fire-type energy donated by Pokemon from the Chaririffic Valley, in the Pokemon World, donated via conjunction with the Mushroom Kingdom and the Smash Bros. Community. I'm having it sent to you via Digistruct. (The Emberheart Blaster appears on one of the circular panels with a misty substance flowing underneath it, appearing like it was built by nanites in front of Xoruxshy and IF) And IF, here is a Charmander-themed pair of Qatars that will deal Fire-type damage to enemies. These weapons will avoid damaging the environment any more than Drek already has. Just a heads-up, though. Arfoire has informed me through some of her remaining neutral contacts that Drek is going to start using Heartless soon, and that means he'll be opening Keyholes to let the big guys through. Anyway, good luck, and let me know how the first stage of the weapons work out for you.
Location: Eudora
Upon landing their ships, Ratchet and his companions immediately spotted Drek's Axebots destroying the trees. Ratchet took out the Axebots from afar with his Blaster, but this attracted nearby Sawbots.
While Xoruxshy used the Aridia Mirage to dispatch the Sawbots quickly, Ratchet raised the nearby bridge with his Omni-Wrench. They continued on the middle path, encountering more Sawbots and an upper area guarded by another one. IF's new Charmander Qatars made short work of these enemies, leaving only smoldering scrap metal behind. Xoruxshy used her Emberheart Blaster's fire-type projectiles to burn an Axebot to a fiery explosion.
Ratchet raised another bridge by tightening the Omni-Bolt with his wrench. He then posed a curious question: "If I'm the only one using an Omni-Wrench, why are there Omni-Bolt locks everywhere?" Xoruxshy offered a humorous but unhelpful response, comparing the answer to the meaning of life, which according to her, was 42. IF, clearly exasperated, sighed and questioned the timing of such philosophical ponderings.
Refocusing, Xoruxshy urged them to continue their mission. They crossed the bridge and found a group of Sawbots and Blarg Troopers, their first encounter with actual Blarg aliens. Using the stumps as cover, Ratchet utilized his Blaster's long-range capabilities to eliminate the Sawbots and Blarg Troopers from afar.
After clearing the area, they climbed a set of natural stone steps. Before reaching the next clearing, they spotted even more enemies: Sawbots, Axebots, and a Blarg Trooper. Xoruxshy swiftly sniped all the enemies with her blaster, then entered the clearing and almost got shot by a hiding Blarg Trooper. Luckily, Ratchet saved the day by dispatching the Blarg with his trusty Omni-Wrench.
They continued, using their combined skills to overcome each obstacle. Xoruxshy used her vantage point on the upper catwalk to take out enemies with her blaster, while Ratchet cleared out hidden pockets. IF sliced through Axe-Bots with her Charmander Qatars. They reached another Omni-Bolt lock, but this time, there was no bridge, only a device and a hulking Big Axe-Bot guarding the other side.
Exercising caution, Xoruxshy decided to take out the Big Axe-Bot from a distance, but their weapons weren't powerful enough. Left with no choice, they glided across the gap to confront the Big Axe-Bot in close combat. This attracted nearby Sawbots, which Xoruxshy took care of with her melee attacks. Another Big Axe-Bot appeared, but the more open space made it easier to deal with.
Finally reaching the other side, they encountered more Blarg Troopers, Sawbots, and even more Big Axe-Bots inside the building. They easily dealt with the Troopers and Sawbots, but the Big Axe-Bots required a different strategy. Glove Bombs proved to be the most efficient way to eliminate them from a distance.
Their journey finally led them to the Suck Cannon. Disappointed by its ineffectiveness against large enemies, they collectively declared, "This thing is very sucky!" However, upon discovering that the path continued beyond, they decided to give it another try. This changed their minds quickly. Back at their ships, Xoruxshy, impressed by the Suck Cannon's potential, decided to submit her ideas for improvement to the Nexus Station's Weapon Design Committee. Their next challenge awaited them on the left path, guarded by an Invinco-lock. Suddenly, Xoruxshy had an idea.
Xoruxshy: Hey, Ratchet, hand me the Trespasser for a second. If I can find the right frequency, I should be able to… ahah! (Uses the Sonic Screwdriver to bypass the Invinco-Lock)
Clank: May I inquire how you did that?
Xoruxshy: Simple. All I had to do was figure out what frequency the Trespasser used to unlock the Invinco-Lock and align that frequency with a blank function of my Sonic Screwdriver. Meaning, I just skipped an unnecessary puzzle.
Upon going through this gate, they have to glide across another gap, then jump to a rock outcropping with another Omni-Bolt Lock, which upon cranking into place, brings two swingshot targets into position, which Ratchet, Xoruxshy, and IF use to cross the otherwise impassable canyon to another outcropping with yet another Omni-Bolt Lock. Cranking this into place lowers floating platforms to where Ratchet, Xoruxshy, and IF can use them to cross to another outcropping across from a yellow building. Cranking the bolt here into place brings two more Swingshot targets into position, and the quartet cross the gap and unlock the nearby Invinco-Lock with Xoruxshy's Sonic Screwdriver. Once they get inside they are able to confront the Lieutenant. After a short stand-off between the Lieutenant and Clank, ending with the Lieutenant farting out an infobot after seeing how outnumbered and outgunned he is, and running off somewhere, supposedly the robot's bathroom, they activate the infobot
Infobot
Drek: Is your current occupation leaving a rotten taste in your mouth? Then you need to know about BTS - Blarg Tactical Research Station. Hi, I'm Supreme Executive Chairman Drek, and we here at BTS are seeking motivated individuals to fill positions in these exciting careers. Grindboot tester, warhead assembly technician, mutant animal husbandry, robot repairman, Suck Cannon test dummy, administrative assistant… So call BTS! Build our weapons while you build your future!
Random Worker: I'm calling BTS today!
Ratchet: Now we're talkin'. Did you see all the cool gadgets they're making? Let's go get some!
Clank: No. We must continue our search for Captain Qwark.
Ratchet: You're absolutely right.
Clank: I am?
Ratchet: Sure. We need to find Qwark. Although when we find him, wouldn't it be nice to be able to tell him where Chairman Drek is?
Clank: I suppose.
Xoruxshy: And I didn't mention this to you guys beforehand, but Drek's going to be unleashing the Heartless upon this galaxy soon. I think it would be wise to chase down any lead we have.
Clank: That is definitely more concerning. If Drek has plans on utilizing those creatures, they not just this galaxy, but the whole entire universe will be in danger. Ratchet, you are right. I am sorry for doubting your logic. We must go to that research station.
Quests Complete!
Confront Lieutenant! Reward: 1 Ultra Ball + Lombax Alien Scan for Omnitrix
Complete Eudora! Reward: 4 Master Balls + Eudora Mirage Keyblade
Emberheart Upgraded to Flareheart!
Charmander Qatar Upgraded to Charmeleon Qatar!
Forging Elegance: An Interview with AsrielleReporter: Welcome, Asrielle! We're thrilled to chat with you today about your new company, Celestial Forge, and its fascinating debut weapons, the Emberheart Blaster and Charmander Qatars.
Asrielle: (Smiling) Thank you for having me! Celestial Forge is all about creating weapons that are not only effective but also possess a certain elegance and mystical touch.
Reporter: That's certainly evident in the Emberheart Blaster. Can you tell us more about its design and inspiration?
Asrielle: Absolutely! I was captivated by the fiery spirit of Charmander, a Pokemon known for its determination and powerful flames. I wanted to capture that essence in a weapon that felt both beautiful and formidable. The Emberheart Blaster utilizes a combination of advanced technology and mystical gemstones to channel fire-type energy.
Reporter: And the Charmander Qatars? They seem perfect for close-quarters combat.
Asrielle: Indeed! The Qatars are designed to mimic Charmander's claws, infused with the same fire-type energy as the Emberheart Blaster. They offer a graceful yet potent option for fighters who prefer a more hands-on approach.
Reporter: It's interesting to see a weapon manufacturer focusing on aesthetics alongside functionality. Is there a market for such weapons?
Asrielle: I believe so! While raw power is important, there's something to be said for a weapon that inspires awe and respect. Think of it as an extension of the wielder's personality. A beautifully crafted weapon becomes a trusted companion, not just a tool.
Reporter: Speaking of aesthetics, can you tell us about the Celestial Forge logo? It's quite striking – a shooting star with a rainbow trail crossed by two swords.
Asrielle: Ah, yes! The logo holds a special meaning to me. It's actually inspired by my namesake, Asriel Dreemurr, and his ultimate form, known as the God of Hyperdeath. The shooting star represents hope and the potential for great power, much like Asriel himself. The rainbow trail reflects the beauty and complexity of life. And the two scimitar-like swords symbolize the duality of creation and destruction, a constant theme in the universe.
Reporter: That's a very personal and interesting connection! Asrielle, thank you for sharing your insights and introducing us to Celestial Forge's creations. We can't wait to see what wonders you come up with next.
Asrielle: (With a wink) The future holds many exciting possibilities. Stay tuned!
Cut to black void:
A single, glowing red eye materialized in the inky blackness. The unmistakable form of W.D. Gaster, the skeletal figure from Waterfall, emerged from the shadows. Static crackled as he watched the interview on a shimmering holographic screen.
Gaster (translated from Wingdings): "Interesting... This timeline... I could use this... to my advantage..."
The red eye narrowed, a single tear of shimmering data tracing a path down Gaster's skull. A cruel smile, hinted at by the gaps in his form, spread across his unseen face. He reached out a hand, a skeletal finger with a single, glowing green claw tapping the holographic screen. The interview flickered before shutting off. Gaster remained in the void, a silent harbinger of chaos, the implications of his interest in this new timeline hanging heavy in the air.