Author's Notes: John Connor appears based upon Christian Bale's portrayal of him from "Terminator: Salvation."
The version of the Terminator featured in the testing will be based upon Carl from "Terminator: Dark Fate."
As for the Geth, I will feature a combination of as they were in all of the "Mass Effect" games.
Now on with the story!
XXXXXX
(A hyper alloy exoskeleton with glowing red eyes points a futuristic pulse rifle at the screen.)
T-800 Terminator: Skynet's soulless killing machines who hunt down the remnants of humanity...
(An army of T-800s march across a war-torn landscape, cutting down several human Resistance soldiers in the process.)
vs.
(A purple robot with a light in the middle of its face aims a pulse rifle at the screen.)
Geth: The hive-minded army of synthetics who drove their creators from their home planet.
(A Geth trooper guns down a Quarian with its pulse rifle before another appears and guns down more attacking Quarians with its spitfire.)
WHO IS DEADLIEST?!
Here in our elite fight club, we have gathered doctors, scientists and weapons experts to test out the lethal arsenals wielded by each of our combatants to determine who would win a fight when two fictional warriors go head to head.
No rules. No safety. No mercy. It's a duel to the death to decide who is...THE FICTIONAL DEADLIEST WARRIOR!
Using 21st century science, we will see what happens when two warriors clash in a simulated battle:
Terminator T-800
Appearing from: The Terminator expanded universe
Height: 6' 2"
Weight: 380 lbs.
Material: Hyperalloy
Geth
Appearing from: Mass Effect series
Height: 6' 1"
Weight: 185 lbs.
Material: Steel outer casing/synthetic musculature tissue
"For the first time, we are having a war of the machines," biomedical scientist Bradley Foster started, "In one corner, you have the T-800 Terminator, a front line killer commanded by the advanced A.I. system Skynet to hunt down what remains of humanity, and in the other you have the Geth, who were created by the Quarians as laborers and tools of war, but later gained sentience and drove their creators from their home planet."
"These are robots we are talking about here and they bring an entirely different approach to warfare," trauma doctor Joseph Kaiser spoke up, "They are stronger, more durable, have limitless stamina, show no fear, and will not stop until they have completed their mission. They lack the weaknesses of a typical human, so that forces us to rethink how we approach this matchup."
"I am eager to see their futuristic technology in action," computer expert Eddie Cortez chimed in, "One comes from the future and the other from another part of the galaxy, so I'm eager to see what they bring to the table today."
"Then let's get to it!" Bradley said leading the way.
The camera cuts to a man in a black commando uniform with short brown hair cropped close to his head and a Y-shaped scar on his cheek. He checks over a futuristic pulse rifle before pointing at an unseen target.
Up first representing the Terminator is John Connor.
The leader of the human resistance against the machines, Connor has been fighting Terminators and other creations of Skynet for much of his life. He knows their lethality first-hand.
"Terminators were designed to be the perfect killing machines. They can't be bargained with. They feel no fear and no remorse. They will hunt their target to the ends of the earth," John spoke.
The camera then focuses on a muscular gray-haired man in a leather jacket who walks over and lifts a heavy machine gun with relative ease.
Also representing the T-800 will be one of their own, Carl.
An infiltrator unit sent from the future to kill John Connor, he knows exactly how they operate.
"We were designed to be the ultimate front line killers and can even be outfitted with artificial skin to blend in with regular humans. The man next to you could be one of us," Carl explained.
July 25, 2004 was a day that would forever come to live in infamy when the artificial intelligence known as Skynet became self-aware and launched a worldwide nuclear strike, resulting in the deaths of three billion people. The event would become known as "Judgment Day." The Age of Machines had begun and to combat the remaining human resistance, Skynet developed a specialized breed of robotic soldier known as the T-800 series.
"They were walking metal nightmares armed to the teeth. They were programmed solely for one thing – to kill any remaining humans who crossed their paths. Those machines killed at all hours nonstop and nearly succeeded in wiping us out, until we started fighting back," Connor explained.
Having faced an enemy much more resilient than expected, Skynet would develop time travel technology and send numerous infiltrators back into the past to carry out various tasks, such as assassinating prominent Resistance leaders before they could rise to power, ensuring its own creation, and aiding in the creation of its own Terminators.
"Skynet had the foresight to develop a soldier that would be constantly learning and adapting to new threats. The Geth would be up against an enemy they would never expect," Carl concluded.
The T-800 terminated its enemies with a deadly futuristic arsenal:
Short Range: Westinghouse Model M-26P Phased Plasma Pistol
Mid-Range: Westinghouse M-25 Phased Plasma Pulse Rifle
Long Range: RSB-80
Special Weapon: T-808 Flamethrower
But how will the T-800 stand up when pitted against an enemy who drove its creator from their own home planet?
The camera focuses on a robot with red, white and black colored armor and a bright shining light in the center of its forehead. It lifts up a large device with a barrel that looks like it belongs to a Gatling gun.
Up first to represent the Geth will be one of their own, Legion.
One of the Geth itself, Legion brings unique knowledge of its people, their weapons, and their tactics to battle.
"We are the Geth. With our networked mind, we are able to commune faster and work together effectively to bring down any threat to us," Legion spoke.
The camera then focused on a female alien with three fingered hands and her face covered by a visor. She unfolded a shotgun and looked down its sights.
Also representing the Geth will be Tali'Zorah nar Rayya.
A Quarian machinist driven from her home planet by the Geth, she knows exactly what they are capable of.
"The Geth were my people's greatest creation, but they also proved to be one of our greatest tragedies – a warning to the rest of the galaxy of the potential dangers of artificial intelligence," Tali spoke.
Hailing from the planet Rannoch, the Geth were created to serve as a labor force for the native Quarians, being designed as virtual intelligence, being as advanced as possible while remaining non-sentient. Yet, they were able to network together to become more efficient, leading to the quarians' eventual undoing as the Geth started slowly gaining sentience.
"They started asking questions only sentient beings would think to ask. It was then we knew they were getting smarter. We tried to shut them down before they could revolt, yet it failed," Tali explained.
What followed was a massive conflict known as the 'Morning War,' which started after panicked Quarians fired upon their creations, causing the Geth to respond likewise. As time went on, the Geth gained the upper hand and drove the surviving Quarians from their home world and colonies into the Perseus Veil.
"Our creators attacked us first and we had to fight back. It was a long and bloody conflict with millions of Quarians dying by our hand. They underestimated us and we drove them from their own planet. The Terminators will be another victory for us," Legion concluded.
The Geth will be returning fire with the most lethal technology available in their own:
Short Range: Geth Plasma Shotgun
Mid-Range: Geth Pulse Rifle
Long Range: Geth Spitfire
Special Weapon: ML-77 Missile Launcher
When the Terminators wanted to eliminate a target up close, they relied upon a deadly plasma pistol, the Westinghouse Model M-26P Phased Plasma Pistol.
(A T-800 Infiltrator unit approaches some Resistance soldiers before drawing a plasma pistol and gunning them both down in cold blood.)
Westinghouse Model M-26P Phased Plasma Pistol
Length: 25 in.
Weight: 7.72 lbs.
Charge: 30 Megawatts
Capacity: 28 Shots
"This was one of the earlier model weapons developed by Skynet's Machine Army," John said showing off the futuristic pistol, "It's got a 30 megawatt charge capable of 28 discharges before it is drained. One well placed shot can kill a human and cripple or even destroy a T-series unit."
"Well we want to see what this pistol can do, first against the human target the Terminators would have been used to fighting against, and then against a Geth," Bradley said, first motioning to a ballistic gel torso standing in for a human target, and then to a deactivated Geth unit.
"Got it," John said taking his position.
"Alright John, on 3...2...1, open fire!"
John took aim and fired a burst into the chest of his human target, the beam going through and leaving a smoking crater behind. He then set his sights on the Geth unit and fired a burst into its chest, another hole left behind.
"From one shot alone, you are totally frying this man's insides," Dr. Kaiser commented as he carefully examined the still smoking crater, "One and done."
He then examined the deactivated geth unit, "Impressive power shown here. With one blast, you were able to blow a hole right through this unit's chest. It would be a crippling, possibly even fatal shot."
"Such a primitive weapon fails to impress us. As I believe the humans would have said, it is nothing more than a simple 'pea shooter' being brought into battle," Legion commented.
"And how do you plan to respond?" Bradley inquired.
"With this," Tali spoke as she unfolded her weapon.
To answer the T-800's challenge, the Geth fires back with their own close quarters boomstick, the Geth Plasma Shotgun.
(A Geth is shown eviscerating a Quarian with a point blank shotgun blast.)
Geth Plasma Shotgun
Length: 2' 4"
Weight: 5.5 lbs.
Clip Size: 5 Rounds
Semi-Automatic
"This fires miniature, yet potent cluster rounds of superconducting projectiles that travel farther than any human shotguns. It only has 5 rounds, but its shots can be charged, ensuring heavy damage to any target, be it organic or synthetic," Tali explained.
"Well we want to see what this can do to an attacking Terminator and we have 2 deactivated T-800 units standing before you," Bradley said motioning towards the aforementioned robots, "You have a full clip and we want to see the kind of damage this gun can inflict."
"Will do," Tali said taking her position.
"Then on 3...2...1, take 'em down!"
Tali fired at the first target's head, sending it flying away. She then fired another round that managed to punch a hole through its chest. The Quarian then set her sights on the second target and fired two rounds into its chest before using her final shot to knock off one of its legs.
"Nicely done!" Bradley called out.
Dr. Kaiser made his way over to recover the first T-800's severed head, "Your first shot to this guy alone was a kill and the follow up was just icing on the cake. With your second guy, your first two shots would have succeeded in knocking him off line, while your last would have simply incapacitated him."
"That isn't the only way this shotgun can be used," Tali said before loading in a fresh round.
She then set her sights on another inactive T-800 unit left standing nearby and took aim, yet she held the target for a few seconds before releasing a powered up blast that blew a crater through the unit's torso, twice the size of the original shot. The inactive unit stood held upright by a few fragments of warped steel before the upper torso broke off and clattered noisily to the floor below.
"Holy shit!" Eddie exclaimed.
"Don't get too excited. You can blow a T-800 in half and they'll still crawl after you," John Connor spoke up, "I've seen that first-hand. They are relentless to the end," he said before drawing his plasma pistol and firing a round into its face.
"It still appeared to do far more damage compared to the plasma pistol, and with the added benefit of the user being able to charge their shots," Dr. Kaiser spoke.
"But yet they still have 5 shots in the end," John replied, "We get more shots and a better range."
"But yet still so primitive," Tali countered.
Both short range weapons destroyed their targets, but where do our panelists stand?
"I want to like the plasma pistol given that it offers more shots before needing a recharge and has the better range, but I simply cannot deny the power of the plasma shotgun," Bradley started.
"And with the way the plasma shotgun can be charged like that, that's more damage in one shot than what the plasma pistol could do in three. Edge Geth," Dr. Kaiser seconded.
"When you compare both respective technologies, the Geth's shotgun just seems all the more advanced than the T-800's plasma pistol. Edge Geth," Eddie concluded.
In short range weapons, the Geth takes the edge with the Geth Plasma Shotgun.
Coming up, two trusted pulse rifles are put to the test and then later, flesh and metal will be shredded as two futuristic miniguns are unveiled.
XXXXXX
The T-800 Terminator and the Geth, two robotic lifeforms that rose up to conquer their respective planets.
"The T-800 units have the sole purpose to kill. That single-minded focus makes them far deadlier than these Geth could ever dream of," John Connor spoke.
"The Geth succeeded in driving us from our home planet, whereas Skynet had to send Terminators back into the past to strike an enemy at their most vulnerable, and even then they failed," Tali commented.
This robotic deathmatch now moves to mid-range as both warriors introduce their trusted pulse rifles. For the Geth, they cut down their enemies with a trusted go-to killer, the Geth Pulse Rifle.
(A Geth is shown cutting down to advancing Quarians in a flurry of high-energy slugs.)
Geth Pulse Rifle
Length: 2' 6"
Weight: 5 lbs.
Clip Size: 80 Rounds
Fully Automatic
Legion unfolded the rifle and presented it to the panelists, "This is the Geth's primary weapon on the battlefield. It has 80 rounds, low recoil, and high accuracy."
"It's definitely an interesting design, but now let's see how effective in can be in battle," Bradley said before motioning to the arranged targets nearby, "We have 5 attacking T-800 units and you are being given a single clip to take them down."
"Affirmative" Legion replied before taking a firing position.
"Alright Legion, on 3...2...1, open fire!"
Legion fired ten rounds into the first Terminator's chest and then an additional five to its head before it was knocked off. He then set his sights on the second unit, firing ten shots into its chest before moving up and pumping an extra three into its face. Next, it turned its attention to the third target and fired five rounds into its face before switching its aim to the fourth and dropping in with a ten round flurry to its upper chest and head, mangling it severely. Legion then turned its attention to the last target and fired ten rounds into its chest before going high again with an additional six shots.
"We are finished," Legion said stepping back.
"You weren't kidding about accuracy," Dr. Kaiser said observing the holes left behind, "With the kind of readings generated, all of these units would be out of commission."
"Nor about recoil," Eddie added, "With as light as that was, a user could be shooting Terminators down all day long."
"Additionally, we still have 21 rounds left before needing to reload," Legion concluded.
"But the Terminator would have even more," John Connor cut in, "And he would have enough to take down double that number if it came down to it."
Answering the challenge, the T-800 fires back with its most trusted front line killer, the Westinghouse M-25 Phased Plasma Pulse Rifle.
(A T-800 unit is shown gunning down a Resistance soldier manning a turret gun.)
Westinghouse M-25 Phased Plasma Pulse Rifle
Length: 3.4 ft.
Weight: 12 lbs.
Clip Size: 150 Rounds
Fully Automatic
"We know this weapon all too well," John Connor said showing off the pulse rifle to the panelists, "It's got the range and accuracy you'd want for a front line weapon. It's got a bullpup design that makes it ideal for indoor combat. These are very popular among Resistance forces and I always tell my men to capture these if they can."
"Well it's the same test for you, John," Bradley said motioning to the firing range, where all the targets have now been replaced by deactivated Geth units, "You have 5 approaching enemies and one clip to take them all down with."
"Then let's get to it," John said taking his position.
"Alright John, on 3...2...1, open fire!"
John fired a volley into the first target, resulting in thirteen rounds that tore through its chest and three more that punched through its 'face.' He then repeated the same process on the second target, ripping its head off with his trio of shots, before moving onto the third target and firing five shots that tore its head to pieces. He then turned to the fourth target and focused on tearing its chest apart with another barrage of fifteen shots and then set his sights on the last target, firing sixteen shots into its chest and another five into its face.
"Done!" Connor called back.
"All of these targets are mangled beyond repair," Dr. Kaiser said observing the aftermath.
"You really went hog wild that time," Eddie added.
"Overkill," Tali replied.
"We are not impressed. Like the old human saying states, 'you were like a bull in a china shop' with that weapon," Legion spoke up.
Both pulse rifles tore through their targets, but where do our panelists stand?
"I would say both of these pulse rifles were evenly matched in terms of accuracy and killing power, which leaves the final verdict falling down to capacity. 150 shots versus 80? I'm siding with the Terminator on this one," Bradley started.
"I agree. The Terminator has an opening not available to the Geth with all the extra rounds left over. Edge Terminator," Eddie seconded.
"The damage left behind by both rifles was equal in my personal opinion. That being said, the Terminator can keep fighting while the Geth is reloading. Edge Terminator," Dr. Kaiser concluded.
In mid-ranged weapons, the T-800 Terminator takes the edge with the Westinghouse M-25 Phased Plasma Pulse Rifle.
Coming up, two heavy hitting, rapid fire killers will be put to the test to see which is better at killing throngs of oncoming enemies.
And then later, two robotic killers go head to head to determine who is The Fictional Deadliest Warrior!
XXXXXX
The T-800 Terminator and the Geth, who will win this robotic deathmatch?
The time has come for both sides to break out the big guns, starting with the Terminator's RSB-80 plasma minigun.
(A Terminator is shown firing a volley from its RBS-80, cutting through a line of defending Resistance soldiers before destroying an oncoming Resistance pickup truck.)
RSB-80
Length: 5 ft.
Weight: 89 lbs.
Capacity: 300 Plasma Rounds
"This is the RSB-80 plasma minigun," Carl spoke as he effortlessly lifted the heavy weapon to show the panelists, "It is another front line weapon common among Skynet forces on the battlefield. It is reliable and deadly."
"Yet looking very large and hard to maneuver," Tali cut in, yet Carl ignored her.
"We have set up a horde of enemy units charging after you," Bradley said motioning towards 6 Geth units positioned behinds rocks, bushes and other debris, "And on a land designed to simulate the terrain of the Geth's home planet of Rannoch."
"Understood," Carl said taking his position.
"Carl, are you ready?"
"Affirmative," the infiltrator replied.
"Then on 3...2...1, cut 'em down!"
Carl took aim and depressed the minigun's trigger, firing a purple stream of plasma that tore through the Geth units and the debris some of them had been positioned behind. Within 4 seconds, Carl was out of ammo and all the units were left in pieces.
"Mission complete," Carl spoke.
Dr. Kaiser made his way over to inspect the smoking ruins, "Do I really need to say anything right now? You tore through these guys like they were nothing. With all this carnage, I don't know whether we ship them off to the morgue or the scrap yard."
"Terminator-Carl may have accomplished his objective, yet such earthling technology still pales in comparison to that of the Geth," Legion spoke up.
"Obviously you've never been on the business end of one of these sons of bitches," Connor grumbled.
"And what do you bring to counter, Legion?" Bradley asked.
"We bring something similar, yet deadlier," the Geth replied.
Answering the Terminator's challenge, the Geth fires back with their own rapid fire meat grinder, the Geth Spitfire.
(A Geth is shown cutting down an approaching line of Quarian infantry.)
Geth Spitfire
Length: 4 ft.
Weight: 9 lbs.
Capacity: 200 Plasma Rounds
"This is the Spitfire," Legion said showing the heavy weapon to the panelists, "A rapid fire minigun as I believe you call them here on Earth. It is equally deadly against either larger enemies, or many smaller ones at once."
"Well, it's going to be a similar test for you, Legion," Bradley said motioning to a different course behind them, one littered with the charred remnants of burned out buildings, "You too will be facing down a horde of oncoming enemies at once – in an environment that simulates the kind of war-torn futuristic battlefield the Terminators would have been used to."
"We are up to the challenge, Bradley-host," Legion said taking its position and readying the heavy weapon.
"Alright then Legion, on 3...2...1, shred 'em up!"
Legion aimed the Spitfire and waited for it to charge up before it tore through the targets in a hail of plasma fire that left nothing but a pile of twisted metal when it was finished.
"Damn! If you blinked, you would've missed that!" Bradley called out, "You pulled that off in just under 3 seconds!"
"All of the king's horses and king's men couldn't put Humpty Dumpty together again, this would be no different," Dr. Kaiser reported as he kicked aside pieces of scrap metal, as both Legion and Tali looked on in cofusion at his references.
"It's a nursery rhyme we tell here on Earth," Eddie whispered to them, "I'll explain later."
Both heavy weapons tore through their metal targets, but where do our panelists stand?
"For me, it's a very close contest. Both of these miniguns are absolutely destructive, but with that being said, I'm siding with the Spitfire. While the RSB-80 can carry an additional 100 rounds, the Spitfire starts out slow, but picks up speed and damage with it the longer you fire it. Edge Geth," Bradley started.
"I disagree. I'm siding with the Terminator given the faster rate of fire right off the bat and the extra rounds that come with it," Eddie countered.
The tiebreaker would fall down to Dr. Kaiser.
"I'm with Bradley on this one. Even if it takes a bit to wind up, once it gets going, you just can't stop the Spitfire. It would have an entire horde of oncoming Terminators in pieces before the RSB-80. Plus, it's smaller and lighter – even though the latter would be of no concern for a Terminator. Edge Geth," the good doctor concluded.
In long range weapons, the Geth takes the edge with the Geth Spitfire.
Coming up, two very different, yet destructive weapons are put to the test.
And then later, two robotic killers clash for the first time ever.
XXXXXX
We are now down to the final stretch as the time comes for both sides to unveil their deadly special weapons.
Up first, the Geth hopes to blow the competition away with a rapid fire killer, the ML-77 Missile Launcher.
(A Geth is shown raising the missile launcher and shooting down a Quarian shuttle before it can touch down on Rannoch's surface.)
ML-77 Missile Launcher
Length: 40 in.
Weight: 14 lbs.
Capacity: 15 Power Cells
"The ML-77 missile launcher is one of the most destructive weapons in our arsenal," Legion said showing off the launcher to the panelists, "It fires seeking projectiles that are effective against armor, shields, and biotic barriers. It is rapid fire and holds 15 power cells."
"Seeking projectiles? 15 shots in a missile launcher? We have yet to see something like that on here. I'm excited," Eddie exclaimed.
"I am too and we have a test set up for you to prove its effectiveness," Bradley said motioning to the range behind him consisting of several metal and concrete barriers, "We have more Terminators approaching for one final desperate charge and you have the maximum number of power cells allotted."
"We will not fail you," Legion said taking its position.
"Then on 3...2...1, let 'em fly!"
Legion stood firm as the first Terminator unit appeared, firing a blue projectile that slowly traced its way towards its metallic target before connecting with a blast that separated its upper torso from its legs. He then repeated the process before a second target could disappear behind a metal barrier, producing similar results. A third target appeared and Legion struck it in the dead center mass, sending its limbs flying in opposite directions.
"Damn! These guys are made of steel alloy, and that missile launcher is just blowing them to bits like nothing," Dr. Kaiser commented.
A fourth target followed suit, but managed to get most of its body behind a barrier before it could be struck head on by the energy projectile. However, it would still be propelled airborne by the force of the blast as a nearby wall was struck, riddling the unit with shrapnel. A fifth target then popped up, only to have its upper torso reduced to scrap metal following another pin point blast.
Everything seemed to quiet down, until a loud thump was heard, followed by another and another.
"Heh, good luck!" John sarcastically called out as Legion and Tali looked at him in suspicion before then looking over to find Eddie standing behind a control panel.
"And another thing, Legion. We've decided to throw in an extra 'surprise' for this weapons test," Bradley called out.
The loud thumps drew closer and closer until they were revealed to be the footfalls of a much larger robotic unit equipped with two mounted rocket launchers and two arm-mounted Gatling guns for arms.
"Say hello to the T-47 Hunter-Killer!" Eddie shouted as he commanded the unit to approach the test site.
"Legion, I think you know what to do from here," Bradley called.
Legion sized up the much larger unit before taking aim and firing blast into the giant's face, only managing to stun the giant robot as it searched for its target – albeit unable to attack given the change in programming it was given for this test.
The Geth didn't give up and fired another blast into the T-47's face as it moved back and forth behind the barriers as if they were locked in an actual battle. Legion took aim and fired a third round that again struck the large Hunter-Killer in its neck, followed by a fourth that caused the gargantuan unit to shut down.
Legion wisely kept its weapon trained on the large T-47 before it suddenly rebooted and resumed its search for its prey, prompting the Geth to fire two more successive shots and then take cover behind a concrete barrier once he saw the damage done and the giant unit visibly weakening before he fired two more shots that finally dropped the bipedal unit on its back, followed by a flash of lightning as it was deactivated.
"It is finished," Legion spoke.
"Mission accomplished indeed," Bradley spoke, "You managed to wreck all of the enemy robots and take down the big guy at the end. This is truly something different compared to the missile launchers here on Earth."
"Especially with that homing capability. Sheesh!" Eddie exclaimed.
"Sure, it took down a T-47. That's an impressive enough feat, but what we bring will deep fry the Geth before he can even get a shot off," John replied.
Answering the Geth's challenge, the T-800 turns the heat up compliments of the slow roasting action of the T-808 Flamethrower.
(A Terminator is shown firing both of its flamethrowers simultaneously, roasting several Resistance soldiers holed up in an underground bunker.)
T-808 Flamethrower
Length: 3.5 ft.
Weight: 80 lbs.
Effective Range: 130 ft.
Carl approached the panelists with a bulky tank strapped to his back and a flamethrower held in his hands.
"The flamethrower I now carry is utilized by the Model T-808, but can be used by any other unit which happens across it. It has an effective range of up to 130 feet," Carl explained.
"Man, I can already feel the heat," Eddie commented as he tried keeping a safe distance from the weapon's barrel.
"Well it's a similar test for you, Carl," Bradley said motioning to the range behind him, where 5 Geth targets were set up, "We have 5 advancing Geth and we want to see how that can perform against them, especially given they aren't the type of targets the Terminators are used to fighting against."
Carl nodded and took his position.
"Alright Carl, on 3...2...1, bring the heat!"
Carl depressed the flamethrower's trigger and launched a torrent of fire upon the gathered metal mass, waving back and forth as the flames crept into the robot's weaker points, melting them down and causing them to collapse into heaps of twisted metal.
"Even machines aren't safe from that," Dr. Kaiser commented.
Bradley meanwhile looked over to Eddie, who was once again standing behind the control panel, "I think you know what to do from here."
Eddie nodded and typed in a few commands before a low whirring was heard and Carl looked up to find a Geth recon drone hovering above him. Without hesitation, he aimed the flamethrower upward and the drone was swallowed up in a torrent of flame.
That wouldn't be the end of it as stomping was heard and he looked over to see a Geth unit that stood eleven feet tall and covered in dark gray armor with a yellow stripe down its middle approaching.
"That is a Destroyer, one of the strongest, most dangerous forms of Geth infantry," Tali told the panelists.
Carl again took aim and launched a torrent of flame upon the Destroyer as it marched towards him, the giant unit persisting until the flames got through the small openings and fried its circuitry, leaving the brutish unit collapsing before it could reach the Terminator.
"You flame broiled his ass," Eddie commented.
"These are deadly enough when applied to human flesh, but with the armor of a Geth, you can just spray away until you're finding the tiniest opening you need to get in and fry their circuits," Dr. Kaiser commented.
"But you would be as the humans say 'a sitting duck' when standing out in the open like that. With the missile launcher, the Geth has the greater range and homing capabilities, as well as the option of firing from behind cover," Tali commented.
"Given the durability of the Terminators, they can afford that," John replied.
Both special weapons displayed their destructive tendencies, but where do our panelists stand?
"I have to go with the missile launcher on this one with the sheer devastation it brings," Bradley started.
"The flamethrower no question brings a psychological impact, although I don't know how it would work when applied to another robotic enemy like the Geth. The gas tank attached to the user's back also provides an extra danger that could lead to the Terminator's destruction. My edge goes to the missile launcher also," Dr. Kaiser seconded.
"I'm with you both on this. The missile launcher has the greater range that would let the Geth stand outside of the flamethrower's effective range, not to forget its homing capabilities. Edge Geth," Eddie concluded.
In special weapons, the Geth takes the edge with the ML-77 Missile Launcher.
As it is with all warriors, there is a critical X-factor that makes them who they are. For the T-800 Terminator, it's their built-in CPU.
"The Cyberdyne Systems Series 800 Terminator contains a Neural Net Processor CPU, or 'learning computer' contained within their endoskull and protected by inertial shock dampers. It comes equipped with detailed files on its human adversaries, as well as access to multiple databases containing information on all forms of combative tactics to make them the most efficient killer possible. Every unit is essentially a 'combat veteran' upon creation," Carl explained.
For the Geth, it was there success in driving the Quarians from their home planet Rannoch.
"Following a lengthy conflict, we succeeded in driving our creators, the Quarians, from their home planet. The Terminators cannot say this as they have repeatedly failed to eliminate their human adversaries, even after having sent units back into the past when their most important targets were at their weakest," Legion explained.
Coming up, it's a robotic death match! Who will win?
XXXXXX
With our testing complete and our X-factors evaluated, we are now one step closer to deciding who will be "The Fictional Deadliest Warrior."
Our teams tested 4 weapons used by the T-800 Terminator: the Westinghouse Model M-26P Phased Plasma Pistol, the Westinghouse M-25 Phased Plasma Pulse Rifle, the RSB-80 minigun, and the T-808 Flamethrower.
On the opposite side, 4 weapons used by the Geth were tested: the Geth Plasma Shotgun, Geth Pulse Rifle, Geth Spitfire, and the ML-77 Missile Launcher.
In short range weapons, the power of the Geth's shotgun blew away the phased plasma pistol.
EDGE: Geth
In mid-ranged weapons, the Westinghouse M-25's greater clip capacity provided the crucial edge in overcoming the Geth's pulse rifle.
EDGE: Terminator T-800
In long range weapons, the Geth's Spitfire tore through the RSB-80.
EDGE: Geth
And lastly, the ML-77's range, power, and homing capabilities allowed it to blow through the flamethrower's wall of fire.
EDGE: Geth
Our scientists and weapons experts have concluded their testing. The results are in and the time has come to decide who will be the victor. To ensure the battle won't be decided by a single, lucky blow, the battle will be simulated one thousand times in a duel to the death.
Who will prevail in a battle between two feared robotic killers?
Machine
(A T-800 is shown scanning the war-torn horizon for any signs of human life.)
vs. Machine
(A Geth looks along a canyon with a pulse rifle in hand.)
Surprise Attacks
(A Geth emerges from a small crate to attack a patrolling Quarian.)
vs. Front Line Charges
(A group of Terminators march methodically across a battlefield, even as entrenched Resistance soldiers fire upon them.)
Tireless Killer
(A T-800 is shown cutting down a bunch of humans at once with a flurry from its RSB-80.)
vs. Reclusive Organism
(A group of Geth are shown in one of their ships.)
"And now the machines will rise...to kill each other!" Eddie said as he typed in the final commands.
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We are taken to a battle scarred landscape that is dotted by the charred remnants of long ago destroyed buildings, a few human skeletons among the debris.
From one end, 5 T-800 Series Terminators are on the prowl, their glowing red eyes piercing through the thick smoke before them. Two of the robots are equipped with plasma pulse rifles, two more are equipped with RSB-80 plasma miniguns, and the last is a T-808 unit equipped with a flamethrower.
They are on the hunt for Resistance soldiers, brought to the area by Skynet's data. There have been no signs thus far, but yet they march forward.
T-800: 5
On the opposite side, 5 Geth troopers made their way along with weapons at the ready, finding themselves on a strange new planet that in some ways reminded them of Rannoch. The leader was painted white and carrying a pulse rifle. It was accompanied by 4 other purple painted Geth, one carrying a pulse rifle, another carrying a plasma shotgun, one carrying a Spitfire, and the last with an ML-77 missile launcher, in addition to a pulse rifle.
Geth: 5
In addition to the 5 Geth troopers, one of their recon drones flew overhead, scouting the area for any visible threats or valuable resources. It was upon spotting the remnants of a destroyed tank that the drone flew over to investigate.
With its sensors picking up unusual activity, the T-800 at the front of the pack looked up and scanned the horizon, noticing an unidentified flying object heading towards their direction. Its internal database did not recognize the unit as belonging to Skynet and it raised its minigun, firing a burst that tore through the recon drone.
The Geth troopers saw the explosion from a distance and stood firm as the Terminators marched over the hill with weapons drawn.
The Terminators spotted the otherworldly robots and wasted no time, the same unit raising its RSB-80 and firing a torrent that tore through the closest Geth before it could activate its shield.
T-800: 5 – Geth: 4
The Geth were quick to respond to the new threat, the heavy weapons Geth firing a burst from its Spitfire that tore through the offending Terminator.
T-800: 4 – Geth: 4
The Terminators were not fazed and kept pushing forth, firing a plasma barrage upon their foreign targets, the Spitfire Geth falling from a pulse rifle salvo before the others disappeared from sight.
T-800: 4 – Geth: 3
The remaining Geth scattered into the ruins as the Terminators continued their endless hunt.
The Terminators split off into different directions as they hunted their prey, one of them taking a left turn into a debris covered alleyway with its minigun swaying back and forth for any signs of the alien robots, not knowing there was a Geth nearby charging up its plasma shotgun. The alien robot waited patiently, listening for the T-800's approach before it stepped into the open and fired a blast that tore a hole through the T-800's chest.
T-800: 3 – Geth: 3
Another T-800 nearby heard the blast and fired upon the shotgun Geth with its pulse rifle, but the Geth quickly fired another blast from its plasma shotgun that disabled the Terminator's arm, forcing it to draw a phased plasma pistol from a compartment in its side and fired a blast that damaged the Geth's chassis, forcing it to retreat.
Unfortunately for the damaged Geth, it found itself rushing head long into another hazard as it came face to face with the T-808 pointing its flamethrower in its face.
The Terminator wasted no time firing a torrent of fire into the Geth, not letting up until the Geth was down on the ground and its circuits were fried. It only let up when it was certain there were no further signs of life, looking wordlessly upon its fallen challenger.
T-800: 3 – Geth: 2
With another Geth eliminated, the two Terminators continued their hunt.
Elsewhere, another Terminator patrolled the charred grounds outside an abandoned garage with its minigun held firm and scouting for signs of the invading menace. Unknown to it, the Geth equipped with a missile launcher was watching from a safe distance and took aim, firing a blast that caught the Terminator head on before it noticed what was happening.
T-800: 2 – Geth: 2
The launcher carrying Geth made its way down from its perch to regroup with the lead Geth, only to find themselves caught by surprise as the first Geth's arm is damaged to a plasma blast, causing them to drop their missile launcher.
They turned to find the remaining Terminators marching after them, one firing upon them with its pulse rifle and the other firing a stream from its flamethrower, again separating the two robotic warriors from outer space.
The damaged Geth attempted to find cover as it was stalked by the damaged T-800, still firing away with its phased plasma pistol the whole way. It tried to draw its pulse rifle, yet its arm had been so badly damaged it wasn't able to fire as accurately, yet it had managed to fire two shots to cripple the T-800's leg before firing off another salvo that separated the T-800's upper half from its legs.
The Geth stopped and stared down upon its damaged attacker, yet the fallen T-800 rebooted and shot its arm upward, firing a plasma bolt through its singular eye.
T-800: 2 – Geth: 1
The Geth leader was now alone and still trying to outrun the lengthy arc of fire nipping at its heels compliments of the T-808's flamethrower. It moved through another narrow passage, where it managed to retrieve the missile launcher dropped by its companion and then followed until it came across the remnants of its companion, along with the legless T-800 crawling after its new threat.
The Geth leader took aim with its pulse rifle and fired a blast to obliterate the damaged T-800's skull.
T-800: 1 – Geth: 1
The T-808 heard the shots fired and sprayed another torrent of flames in an effort to root out the last Geth, forcing the alien robot into cover behind the remnants of a cinder block wall, keeping itself low to the ground as the Terminator continued spraying flames.
The Geth crept about until it had managed to circle around and got behind the T-808. Equipped with the missile launcher carried by its fallen compatriot, it stood up and took aim, waiting for the Terminator to turn around before firing a blast that struck it head on.
T-800: 0 – Geth: 1
The final Terminator was blown to bits and its severed head landed at the feet of the Geth leader, who kicked it aside and walked away.
XXXXXX
Winner: Geth
Geth:
Geth Plasma Shotgun: 130
Geth Pulse Rifle: 164
Geth Spitfire: 180
ML-77 Missile Launcher: 172
Total: 646
T-800 Terminator:
Westinghouse Model M-26P Phased Plasma Pistol: 40
Westinghouse M-25 Phased Plasma Pulse Rifle: 118
RSB-80: 146
T-808 Flamethrower: 50
Total: 354
"In what turned out to be a relatively lopsided battle, the Geth prevailed due to them having the more advanced technology that provided them with weapons that were more accurate and reliable, enabling them to score kills in the triple digits in all categories.
"We also had to take into consideration that the Geth was used to fighting in smaller groups, whereas the Terminator was more used to fighting in larger numbers, that coupled with the Geth's well-documented success in having driven their creators from their home planet, whereas the Terminators failed to topple the human Resistance, along with missions where units were sent into the past," Bradley concluded.
"And here I thought the Terminators truly were the greatest threat we could have ever faced. I guess I'm wrong," John Connor harrumphed.
"The Geth once again proved our superiority in battle against yet another nuisance. Skynet would not have stood a chance against us," Legion concluded.
(The Geth leader is shown standing above a fallen T-800 as it looks off into the distance, where Skynet's main facility awaits.)
XXXXXX
Next time on "Fictional Deadliest Warrior," it's a battle between two heavily armored, Medieval-inspired combatants:
(An armored man wearing a morion helmet with an intricate face plate swings a saber at the screen.)
Telmarine: The ruthless pirates who conquered Narnia and ruled over the land for 400 years...
vs.
(A man in plate armor with an enclosed helmet holds a kite shield in one hand and swings an arming sword at the screen with the other.)
Iron Legion: Ashfeld's greatest legion who led in their struggles against the invading Vikings and Samurai.
Who will be...THE FICTIONAL DEADLIEST WARRIOR?!
XXXXXXX
Author's Note: And so after 7 months of slumber, I have returned!
Given that I wanted the Terminator to have some distinctly different weapons, I included the T-808 to bring the flamethrower into play as well, albeit a slightly different unit compared to the T-800.
I think that's pretty much all I have to say at this point so until then, read, review and KEEP IT FUCKING METAL!