The Meta
Background:
The Meta, formerly known as Freelancer Agent Maine, was a rogue Freelancer agent with goals to obtain armor enhancements and artificial intelligence to increase his power. He became a mute after a severe throat injury and could only speak through growls. He served as the main antagonist of the Recollections Trilogy and a main character turned antagonist of the Project Freelancer saga.
Before he was the Meta, Agent Maine was a brutal Freelancer who strived to become the best. When he was given the A.I. Sigma to communicate after losing his voice, Maine slowly fell under Sigma's influence and became a monster who betrayed Project Freelancer for two new goals: the acquisition of all armor enhancements and A.I. to become the most powerful being, and to reach 'Metastability', taking the name 'Meta' to represent his objective. His actions have threatened Project Freelancer, UNSC, the public, and the Reds and Blues.
Powers and Abilities:
Superhuman Physical Characteristics,
Regeneration (The ability to heal wounds that would normally leave large scars, such as severe burns or deep injuries.),
Invisibility,
Time Manipulation,
Enhanced Senses,
Bubble Shields and Overshields (Bubble Shield protects whole area, Overshield acts as a personal shield),
Adaptive Camouflage,
Bio-Scanning,
Analytical Prediction and Hacking (via A.I.),
Limited Self-Sustenance (Type 1. His suit recycles air to allow for extended survivability under low-oxygen conditions),
Martial Arts,
Weapon Mastery,
Resistance to Explosion Manipulation (his body armor was designed to deflect bullets and absorb explosions),
Cosmic Radiation and Extreme Cold (his armor allows him to easily survive in the vacuum of space)
Weaknesses: Armor is prone to power malfunctions due to the overuse of his enhancements, and places a tremendous strain on his power, Considered a sociopath even before the Meta stage, Obsessed with gaining anything AI related (to the point of killing innocents and putting himself in harms way)
The Predator
Background:
The Yautja, more commonly known as "Predators", are an extraterrestrial race of warriors and hunters who travel the galaxy seeking dangerous quarry to hunt for sport and honor. While they live in nomadic tribes, they are highly advanced and possess highly dangerous technology to help them in their hunts. They stalk their prey by using their technology, before killing them and ritualistically mutilating them, usually claiming a trophy as well. They have hunted on Earth for centuries.
Powers and Abilities:
Superhuman Physical Characteristics,
Enhanced Senses (Yautja see in the infrared spectrum, Predators can also emit a pulse from its body that immediately tracks and highlights the location of its prey),
Martial Arts (Elite and Veteran Predators are stated to have a more complex and dangerous martial art than any that Machiko Noguchi had ever seen who was heavily trained from a young age in multiple martial arts),
Weapon Mastery (Predators are trained in many different weapons. Spear Masters and Disc Masters are stated to be impossibly skilled in their respective arts),
Longevity (Predators can live to be thousands of years old)
Regeneration (Low; Predators have a minor healing factor which lets them heal broken ribs in around a day),
Acrobatics (Predators can jump several meters and jump across trees with ease),
Stealth Mastery (Most Predators sneak up on, stalk, and ambush their opponents),
Greater Enhanced Senses, Information Analysis, and Vocal Mimicry (The Bio-Mask; Allows Predators to know the targets emotional state, whether they are hostile or civilian, as well as the health of the target. It can also to mimic voices to intimidate or lure prey),
Analytical Prediction (The Bio-Mask can predict and anticipate strikes and calculate the trajectory for killshots),
Extrasensory Perception (The Sat-Com can map the terrain, as well as locate nearby enemies or objects),
Statistics Amplification and Forcefield Creation (When a Predator is severely injured The Second Wind Device will send a jolt of energy that cauterizes all wounds while giving the hunter a burst of speed and a temporary forcefield),
Limited Technology Manipulation (Predators such as the Disc Masters have the ability to control Smart discs with their minds),
Camouflage (Via Cloak; which allows them to become virtually invisible),
Energy Manipulation (Predators can shoot energy blasts out of their Wist Gauntlets),
Fire Manipulation (Predators can attach portable flamethrower packs onto their wrists. The Blazer Military Armor uses arcing Inferno Beams which can reach temperatures that are hotter than many stars at their core),
Electricity Manipulation (Electroshock Bolas carry a powerful electrical current strong enough to instantly kill most victims),
Plasma Manipulation (Many different weapons used by Predators are plasma based. Scout ships come armed with Plasma cannons),
Deconstruction (The Vanguard Armor has a Killscreen Generator which emits unstable streams of dark plasma particles that vaporize incoming enemy projectiles),
Self-Destruction (Via Self-Destruct Device)
Weaknesses: Predators evolved to breathe a slightly different atmosphere than Earth's and often require breathing apparatuses to breathe properly, though these are not necessary for survival. Their blood glows in the dark, making it easy to track them by it in low-light conditions. A Predator's cloaking systems short-circuit when exposed to water. Their code of honor makes many Predators reluctant to fight those that cannot fight back, or those that are ill or pregnant. They dislike using their advanced, high-powered weaponry against worthy prey unless necessary, often handicapping themselves by abandoning their ranged weapons and even armor to better enjoy a hunt or honor a skilled foe, though there are those that lack such morals. Since their Bio-Masks use infrared to see, Predators cannot see things with low temperatures.
Song: Predator and Prey (Brandon Yates)
The fearsome Meta navigated a UNSC base situated near a thick forest, efficiently neutralizing the remaining A.I. units still active there. Once he had integrated the new AI, the Meta's armor once again hummed back to life, bringing back the formidable enhancements he once possessed. The sensation of regained power surged through him, filling the armor with renewed might.
The Meta donned his helmet once more and took his Brute Shot in hand, walking away from the base filled with the bodies of dead UNSC soldiers. As the security doors closed behind him, he heard the unmistakable sound of a ship flying above. Looking up, the Meta caught sight of an alien-looking vessel that he had never encountered before.
The Meta observed that the ship was setting down somewhere deep within the forest, and he began moving towards its position. At the same time, a Yautja had touched down in a clearing, exiting his ship and scanning his surroundings in search of formidable prey on this planet.
The Predator activated his cloaking device, rendering himself invisible to the naked eye, before proceeding carefully in a random direction, hoping to find more impressive trophies. Suddenly, a rustling noise caught his attention, emanating from somewhere off in the distance. Without wasting a moment, he swiftly leaped up into the trees and waited patiently, anticipating the arrival of whatever was causing the disturbance.
The Meta finally reached the ship, gazing upward at its imposing form. Amidst the rustling foliage, he detected something nearby and responded with a precise shot from his Brute Shot, causing a nearby tree to fall to the ground. The Predator leaped off the falling trunk, hovering a few feet in front of the Meta. In a sudden move, the hunter revealed himself, roaring fiercely before the rogue agent. In response, the Meta snarled and hurriedly reloaded his Brute Shot, preparing for a confrontation.
The Meta unleashed two rounds from his Brute Shot, but the agile Predator quickly evaded the projectiles, nimbly dodging to his right. In a swift motion, the Yautja hurled one of his deadly shurikens, successfully striking the Meta in the shoulder. Despite the hit, the rogue agent merely grunted in response before firing another two rounds at his opponent. However, the resourceful hunter took cover by cloaking himself in invisibility, swiftly disappearing into the shadows of the nearby woods.
The Meta swiftly retrieved the shuriken from his shoulder and crushed it within his grip. Employing his own invisibility, he pressed forward, prowling after the Predator. With caution, the rogue agent navigated his way through the woods, having lost the tracks of the elusive Yautja. Meanwhile, the Predator trailed closely behind, concealed by the trees, his infrared vision tracking the Meta's movement. This time, the hunter moved with even greater care, wary of giving away his presence to his quarry.
The Predator patiently waited for the opportune moment, closely observing the Meta's movements. The rogue agent, growing increasingly frustrated, switched on his motion tracker and scanned the tree line. Just as he finally noticed the concealed Yautja among the trees above, the hunter struck, launching two plasma bolts at the Meta. Simultaneously, the Meta fired a shot of his own towards the Predator.
The two plasma projectiles struck the Meta, overwhelming his overshields and propelling him backward a few feet. He landed heavily on his back with a pained grunt. Despite his own injury, the rogue agent's shot had found its mark, severing the limb upon which the Yautja had been standing. The resulting impact sent the hunter to the ground, landing on his left shoulder and breaking one of his precious plasmacasters in the process.
The Predator swiftly rose and sprinted off, fleeing from the injured Meta as he fired off two more rounds in pursuit. Despite his efforts, the Meta found himself failing to catch up with the elusive Yautja. The wily alien had skillfully concealed himself once more, this time crouching at ground level. The hunter quickly removed the damaged plasmacaster from his shoulder mount and cleverly converted it into a potent plasma pistol, keeping his weapon at the ready.
With determination and a renewed focus, the Predator stalked his prey, this time intending to kill. Meanwhile, the Meta cycled through his various vision options until he reached his x-ray vision. Upon activating it, he spotted a moving skeleton equipped with a discernible object, immediately recognizing it as the elusive alien.
The hunter's whip sprang out from the foliage, nimbly grabbing the Meta's Brute Shot and wrenching it from his grasp. As the rogue agent attempted to react, the Predator hurled his whip again, only forthe Meta to swiftly seize it, using it to send the alien crashing into a nearby tree. Undeterred, the Yautja quickly regained his footing, aiming both his plasmacaster and newly fashioned plasma pistol at his quarry, firing rounds from both. However, the Meta evaded the onslaught by swiftly rolling out of their path.
The Predator charges forward, lunging toward the Meta with its menacing wristblade poised to strike. The rogue agent once more rolls out of the way, skillfully avoiding the attack. Now locked in close quarters combat, the Predator roars, launching itself with a powerful leap and aiming a sweeping slash at the Meta. The rogue agent swiftly raises his own fists, successfully parrying the move. The Yautja continues its relentless barrage, slashing furiously at its quarry, pushing the Meta back with its superior martial prowess.
In a swift maneuver, the Meta grabbed hold of the Yautja's arm, tearing off its bracer and crushing the deadly blades in his grip. Infuriated, the predator retaliated with a powerful kick, sending the Meta stumbling backwards. Drawing out its formidable Combistick, the Yautja charged once more, colliding repeatedly with its opponent until a forceful blow left the rogue agent exposed. Sensing an opportunity, the hunter lunged, driving its spear deep into the Meta's shoulder.
The Meta unleashed a menacing snarl as he swiftly counterattacked, landing a precise headbutt on the Predator's heavily armored forehead. The impact jolted the alien, dislodging the Combistick from the Meta's armor. The rogue agent followed up with a mighty punch that sent the Yautja flying backward, crashing into the hull of its own spaceship. Though wounded, the Meta remained undeterred. Steadily, he continued advancing towards the Predator, albeit at a slower pace this time, maintaining an ominous stride towards his adversary.
The Meta quickly drew his magnum pistol and fired a shot, but the agile Predator swiftly darted out of the way, evading the bullets with breathtaking speed. Taken aback by its incredible agility, the rogue agent tried to track the Yautja's movements through his motion sensor, but the alien proved elusive. Suddenly, the Meta felt a powerful electric shock coursing through his body as he was ensnared by the Predator's electric bolas, causing his legs to give out and collapsing him to the ground.
The Meta struggled to tear off the electric bolas, only to find himself engulfed in intense flames as the Predator unleashed its fearsome flamethrower. The rogue agent gritted his teeth through the searing pain, his fury evident. Attempting to fight back, he tried to aim his magnum at the Predator, but his hand was brutally stabbed into the ground by the hunter with its ceremonial dagger, rendering him unable to fire.
With calculated, cold precision, the Predator flicked on a plasma scythe from its back, a weapon known for its ability to slice through any conventional armor with ease. Raising the scythe in a manner reminiscent of an executioner, the hunter prepared to deliver the final blow, poised to decapitate the Meta. However, at the last moment, the rogue agent activated the ability to pause time, a desperate maneuver to secure his chance of survival.
Acting swiftly within the confined window of paused time, the Meta wrested his hand free from the dagger that had pinned it to the ground. He hurriedly rushed to his Brute Shot, its ammo supply exhausted. He seized it and swung the massive blade at the Predator's exposed torso. With time resuming, the Meta drove the blade deep into the Yautja's chest, a devastating blow.
Wounded and weakening, the Predator gasped in pain as thick streams of green blood flowed from the gaping wound, trickling down from its mouth. As the Meta dealt a powerful punch, knocking the alien to the ground, the rogue agent began to walk away, quietly growling in triumph. However, unbeknownst to the Meta, the Yautja's Second Wind Device activated, surging through its body to cauterize the injury and rejuvenating the hunter. The revived Predator let out a ferocious roar, regaining its strength and ready to continue the fight.
Caught off guard, the Meta turned abruptly, surprised to see that the Predator had miraculously recovered from the previous blow. In a desperate move, the rogue agent hurled the Brute Shot at the alien, but the agile hunter swiftly dodged the attack. Seizing its ceremonial dagger from the ground, the Predator retaliated by hurling it at the Meta. The blade cleanly skewered the Meta's throat, causing it to struggle and gasp for air. Unrelenting, the Predator seized the opportunity and delivered a brutal gut punch to the vulnerable rogue agent.
With an effortless show of strength, the Predator seized the Meta's armored head, mercilessly twisting it around until the neck snapped. The hunter then tore off the head, spine and all, a gruesome trophy in its grasp. Victorious, the Yautja let out a deafening roar, proud of its conquest.
Strength: The differnce in strength between the two is quite obvious. Sure, the Meta seems stronger in order to lift a 3.25 metric ton Warthog, but it requires 100 ton force to rip a person's spine out relatively cleanly. That's a 30.77X strength difference, and Yautja can rip through steel with their bare hands.
Speed: This is also clear cut. Freelance agents are fast enough to dodge bullets, about as fast as up to 600 mph in reaction time, but Predators can react to laser fire, showing light speed reaction and movement. This makes the Predator 1.1 million times faster.
Skill: While the Meta's freelance agent training makes him a deadly opponent, the Yautja possess a martial art more complex and deadly than even Earthen masters possess, meaning any close quarters were unlikely in his favor.
Experience: For all the A.I that the Meta steals, giving him more at his disposal than a single freelance agent, Yautja can live for centuries, giving them way more battle experience.
Powers: While the Meta had better armor that covered nearly all his body, and possessed a brief time stop, the Predator brought more to the table with more varied weapons, could predict the Meta's intentions, and had a resusitation device in case it suffured a non-fatal injury, which was more unlikely to happen even if the Meta used the time stop. And shields would do jack squat against having your neck snapped and your head torn off.
The winner is the Predator.
Next time:
"Yes... Amongst the thousands of comrades... and the tens of thousands of enemies... there was only one man... you were the only one... who ever made me forget my dream. I sacrifice."
"One is born either noble or common. This destiny cannot be changed. Has a sheep any hope of leading wolves? No!"
