Roleplay:Paradise Lost: Scorched Earth (COMPLETED!)

This is the seventh part of the Maverick Hunter X series and final part chronologically before Sigma Wars. It is an original story that leads right into the aformentioned mini-series and the second part of the two-part Paradise Lost saga.

Summary
It is the year 20XX, and the new Maverick Overlord, Sigma, has succeeded in his ultimate goal: to use the Jakob Project to wipe out all of the Mobians and rule over the world as its king--Sigma Prime! A new war has now begun and only X, Zero, Axl, and a small band of surviving Maverick Hunters can help Repliforce put a stop to it!

Characters

 * X the Hedgehog
 * Zero the Hedgehog
 * Axl the Fox
 * I the Hedgehog
 * Dynamo the Cat
 * Alia the Hedgehog
 * Nana the Echidna
 * Layer the Cat
 * Pallette the Cat
 * Vile the Weasel
 * Blackarachnia the Widow
 * Iron Maxxima the Dragon
 * Geneva the Cat
 * Quake Woman
 * Nellia the Echidna
 * Nutra Millipede
 * Smokescreen the Hedgehog
 * Cinnamon the Cat
 * Cut Man
 * Bomb Man
 * Time Man
 * Elec Man
 * Ice Man
 * Signas the Echidnahog
 * General the Wolf
 * Colonel the Hedgehog
 * Sari the Hedgehog
 * Double the Cat
 * Arcee the Cat
 * The Skiver
 * Magma Dragoon
 * Mattrex
 * Slash Beast
 * Wheeljack the Cat
 * Freeze Man
 * Gyro Man
 * Crystal Man
 * Star Man
 * Wave Man
 * Burner Man
 * Search Man
 * Galaxy Man
 * Bright Man
 * Pharaoh Man
 * Splash Woman
 * Mega Man
 * Silverbolt the Fuzor
 * Wing Saber the Jetidna
 * Air Raid the Batfox
 * Jetfire the Jethog
 * Jetstorm the Jethog
 * Ratchet the Echidnahog
 * Skyshadow the Raven
 * Nightscream the Bat
 * Sigma the Echidna
 * Lumine the Cat
 * Elpizo the Cat
 * Ranch Ponica
 * Spur Ponica
 * Petal Blossom
 * Bloodbat Temptress
 * Kraken Dolphina
 * Cyber Peacock
 * Split Mushroom
 * Twilight Buttercup
 * America Eaglyde
 * Megatron the Destroyer
 * Soundwave the Fox
 * Shockwave the Weasel
 * Starscream the Batfox
 * Skywarp the Batfox
 * Dreadwing the Batfox
 * Skyquake the Batfox
 * Knock-Out the Wolf
 * Red the Hedgehog
 * Gemini Man
 * Hard Man
 * Snake Man
 * Needle Man
 * OVER the Hedgehog

Prologue: End of the Maverick Hunters
Skiver: -aboard his airship, looking upon the wreakage sadly, contacts Repliforce HQ- Skiver to command, Skiver to command... Olympus has fallen...I repeat, Olympus has fallen...preparing to engage in search and rescue operations...

(Elsewhere, with X...)

X: Ngh......Z-Zero....no.....(growls)

(Meanwhile, some Mavericks are searching the ruins of the Maverick Hunter base for potential survivors)

Megatron: Leave no stone unturned! I want every Hunter dead, no exceptions!

Mavericks: Yes sir! (continue searching through the rubble)

Megatron: Shockwave, I understand you have found a new way to expand our armies.

Shockwave: Indeed, my liege. It is known as Project Predacon. An army of Reploids based off this world's most strange and powerful creatures known as Pock--

Twilight Buttercup: Daddy, Megatron! I found someone!

Megatron: (approaches her and sees Alia) Ah, Starscream's former lackey. The one called Alia, is it?

Alia: -out cold-

-Repliforce ships begin to break through the Sigma defensive line-

Megatron: Starscream, assemble your forces! Annihilate them!

Starscream: Yes, master....(Just you wait....my time will come...)

(Starscream and his air fleet begins to counter the Repliforce fleet)

Megatron: Knock Out, kill her.

Knock Out: Why not? I'm better at breaking dumb blondes anyway. (activates a drill) Say 'ahh...'

(just then, a charged shot from out of nowhere blasts Knock Out back, as well as some Mavericks)

Knock Out: GAAH!!....my PAINT? Who crunched my paintjob?!

Megatron: (looks up) Well, well. It appears you survived after all....

(the attacker is revealed to be X, angered and ready for battle)

X: (brandishes saber) You Mavericks may have killed Zero, but you won't kill me! I made a promise to myself I would not stop until Sigma was finished, and I don't go back on my word!

Megatron: (growls and charges at him)

X: HAAAAH!!! (charges his saber and attacks)

-the Repliforce fleet manages to disable one of the Sigma ships-

Repliforce solider: Enemy ship disabled, Commander!

Skiver: Good. Tell the others to form up on us, we need a wedge. We're breaking through.

Repliforce solider: Yes sir. -contacts the other ships-

-the Repliforce fleet moves into a V formation, splitting the Sigma defense line, allowing the lead ship to break through, and begins to lay down surpressive fire on the grounded Mavericks-

Megatron: Starscream, why do you not fire back?!

Starscream: We are, my liege! Their firepower is--

Megatron: I grow tired of your excuses!

Shockwave: Lord Megatron, I recommend our other target. The Main Repliforce Outpost.

Megatron: (fires Fusion Cannon at X)

X: (uses uncharged Violent Mirror attack)

Megatron: It appears we will need to postpone our battle for another time, X! All Mavericks, to the Repliforce base!

(the Maverick vessels and units retreat)

X: (sighs and picks up Alia) Alia......I'm sorry....I was too weak...I couldn't--

???: Will you stop blaming yourself already?! None of us could have known, so shut up about it!

X: Huh? Z-Zero?! But you're--

Zero: -has an arm missing and is heavily damaged all over, some of his face is burnt- X, I don't die easily. You should know that.

-Skiver's airship draws close to the ground as he and other soldiers begin searching for survivors-

(just then a burst of Dark Energon shows up and several Repliforce soldiers get killed by violent gunshots)

???: DIE MAVERICKS!!!!

X: Axl?

Axl: (in his Unicron Armor) Hey, X; Zero. You two feel better? Practically everyone's fuckin dead cuz neither of ya even bothered to stop this! Whaddya got to say for yourselves, huh?!

X: (sighs)

Axl: WELL?! (holds them at gunpoint)

X:....(fires a Thunder Dancer)

Axl: (sent back a bit, and reverts back to normal armor)

X: That's what. You coulda stopped this too, so don't go accusing us!

Axl: Grr....

Cut Man: (trying to get out, groaning) Anyone get the number of that snipshot?

Time Man: (groans) I'm not even going to dignify that pun with a response....

Zero: -about to punch Axl in the face, but then decides against it- We have no reason to be at each other's throats. The enemy is Sigma, and he outsmarted us this time. All of us. What we need to do is regroup, recooperate, and figure out what exactly is going on. This is not a time for self-loathing-- -looks at X- --or blaming others-- -looks at Axl- --if we do those, Sigma wins. I'm pretty damn sure neither of you want Sigma to win, so shut up, get your processors out of the wreakage, and get some work done. Got it?

Axl: (nods)......

(the trio hear some groaning and run to the source)

X: Commander Signas! Hang in there!

Zero: Signas...

-some Repliforce soldiers attempt to pull Signas out of the wreakage-

Signas: No....it's too late for me.....I am too damaged to lead....I was never fit to lead this force....

X: Signas....

Signas: X...Zero....I am counting on you....to take my place....you both....are our--no, the world's....only hope left....it's been an honor....serving with you....

X: Signas........we won't let you down....now rest easy.....

Signas: (weakly smiles as he dies)

Axl:.....

Zero: ... -growls-

Skiver: -flies down- X, Zero, Axl! Pardon the interuption, but you're needed. Our bots here will find any and all survivors, you're needed elsewhere, after you're repaired, obviously. Please come with me.

X:.....Alright then. (still holding Alia tightly)

Zero: -stares at the rubble- Iris...

(Later, X, now fully repaired, stands in a large medical facility, lined with critically damaged Reploids, all survivors of the base attack)

X: (sighs)

Star Man: How d'ya feel, X?

X: Nevermind me, I'm worried about the others.

Star Man: They'll be fine....I hope.

X: This is serious, Star Man!

Star Man: I know it's serious, X--

(just then, he gets a call from Gyro Man)

Star Man: Huh?

Gyro Man: Get your tin can over here! We need back up!

(Just then, I wakes and looks at X, worried)

X: Will do! Hang in there, Gyro!

Star Man: Mind if I tag along?

X: (nods)

Skiver: -from behind them- He meant Star Man. X is needed elsewhere. X, take a moment with some of them, one of them looks like they want to speak with you, and then come to my office. I'll brief you there. Don't take too long, this is a pressing matter. -walks off-

X:....Understood. (goes to I as Star Man leaves)

I: X... -reaches up to him a frail and damaged arm- Wh-What's going on...?

X: I, don't waste your energy. Take it easy....

I: Are...are we...going to be okay...?

X:.....We will. I promise we'll win this. I dunno when, and I dunno how....but we will. I promise, sis.

I: -smiles and falls asleep again-

X: (smiles) Wonder what's gonna happen to her....when I leave the field....

Zero: -chuckles- If she's anything like you, she'd leave with you.

X: But I can't tell her what to do...I sometimes wish she'd just live her own life like a real bot. But I can't force her to do something she doesn't want to...

Zero: I think she's attatched to you, can't seem to think of a life without you. Please, you're worried about you telling her what to do, forcing her to do things she doesn't want to do. Guess what? I did those very things to her and Dynamo. Made Hunters out of them, and had I not, they might have died with Signas. Why? Signas was never a Hunter, hell, I doubt if he was ever even a solider. Adler is mainly a strategy bot like Signas but at least he could hold his own, and he lived.

X: Maybe....(walks to Skiver's office)

Arcee: (casually walks out) Right on time.

X: Arcee? I heard you got fired.

Arcee: I may still have my job. It's up to Colonel. Anyway, Skiver's waiting for you.

X: (nods but before he walks in) Wait.....what were you even doing in Skiver's office?

Arcee: (blushing) Umm....protocal procedures. Reporting my scout stats to my....former Commander.

X: (still unconvinced) Mhm....(walks in)

Arcee: Phew...(walks away)

X: You asked to see me sir?

Skiver: Yes... I'd hate to put you on call on such short notice, however there is not much time. I cannot order you around because I am not your Commander, therefore it is your choice whether to take it or not. Forewarning, you may not come out of it alive.

X: What is it?

Skiver: We have learned that the Mavericks had more than one target, aside from the Hunter Base. A target that is nearly as prominant as such. Can you figure out what that target may be?

X:.....I can. Repliforce's main outpost!

Skiver: Correct. Our forces are already on the move in response to this threat, but there is a problem. They won't reach it before the Mavericks do. And if we lose that base, we're done. We have the means to send one bot at a time there with a high-speed manned missile. We need you to take one, get to the base, and hold of the enemy for as long as you can until reinforcements arrive. We also have reason to believe that they'll take it out the same way the Hunter Base was. Intelligence reported that the carriers are high-speed armored transport vehicles, very long and tall, at least six meters in length. If they appear, you need to find a way to destroy them if our forces haven't arrived yet.

X: I understand! I will do it!

Skiver: We will send other Hunters as they are fully repaired. We'll make the preparations now.

X: Alright. Thank you.

Skiver: Good luck.

7:22 PM - REPLIFORCE MAIN BASE

Double: (casually napping)

-suddenly, a siren goes off-

Double: AAAH!! (falls off his chair) ooh, now what?

General: We are under attack! All units, prepare for battle! This is not a drill! Repeat, this is not a drill!

(Repliforce warriors begin rushing all over the place)

Rattrap: Yo, Jello-boy! Y'here the announcement? Git ya servos in gear! We're all gonna die!! (runs off)

Double: What took 'em?

Outside....

(Maverick ships and units are bombarding the base and the Repliforce squadrons)

-Freeze Man's squad attempting to hold off an enemy battalion-

Splash Woman: (firing her Laser Trident) They just keep coming!

Wheeljack: (sees the high-speed trucks) We got company!

Freeze Man: Where are our reinforcements?! -blasts Freeze Cracker-

X: (appears and uses Melt Creeper on the carriers) Right here!

-the carrier explodes violently, the Supra-Force Metal bomb exploding before intended usage-

Freeze Man: Glad you could join the party! You've got your work cut out for ya!

Crystal Man: -blasted by a tank- GYAAAAAHH!!

X: I noticed....huh?

(X and the Robot Masters see a young Reploid that resembles X)

X: Another clone? Perfect!

???: Looks like Sigma was right....

Galaxy Man: ...The reversal is astounding...

Freeze Man: Indeed...

Splash Woman: Wait....I know that voice.....

Wave Man: We are aware...we know who that is...

Crystal Man: Gahh! Death has come again! We don't even deserve it this time!

???: (charges up his buster and fires at X)

X: (blocks with his Saber) Who are you?!

???: Me?....I'm Mega Man!

Chapter 1: Return of the Rockmen
X: You're Mega Man? I thought you'd be taller....

Mega Man: I tried that once....no one liked it. (shoots from his buster)

X: (wall-jumps to dodge then fires Storm Tornadoes)

Mega Man: (jumps to dodge) Anything you can do....(tries to wall jump but easily slips and falls flat, taking damage from Storm Tornado) Huh?! It didn't work?!

Freeze Man: It appears that you lack the dexterity that others who've been in this world longer have acquired.

Mega Man: Grr....scrap this! (throws Metal Blades at X)

X: UGH!!! Homing Torpedo!

Mega Man: (sliding under to dodge constantly)

Freeze Man: -smacks him with a Freeze Cracker- Hmph!

Mega Man: (thaws out after a while) FIRE TORNADO!!

Wave Man: -counters it with Water Wave-

Freeze Man: Good work.

Wave Man: Thank you sir. We'll need to watch each other's back now more than ever.

Freeze Man: -nods and gives a hand signal-

Search Man: -starts sniping Mega Man from afar-

Mega Man: (uses Chroma Camo to turn invisible)

Star Man: Huh?! Where'd he go?

Freeze Man: Bright Man!

Bright Man: Right! -uses Flash Stopper to break the Chromo Camo-

Mega Man: Surprise! (uses Power Stone on Star Man and Crystal Man....and does considerable damage)

Crystal Man: GYAAAHH!!

Freeze Man: Look at how Maverick the great hero has become...

Gyro Man: -in a screaming dive towards Mega Man- Hey! You don't do that to my friends! -slams him with a Gyro Kick-

Mega Man: If you guys are all that stands between me and Wily--

X: Wait...who?

Splash Woman: Don't ask.

Freeze Man: Wily does not exist. We're working for this world's government now.

Mega Man: Nice try, but Sigma's told me everything that--

X: Wait, Sigma?.....Listen, Mega Man. I hate to take a page from Alia's book, but I think you've been tricked, because Sigma's the real menace here!

Mega Man: Well half of those were made by or very loyal to Dr Wily! How am I supposed to believe they're supposidly good?

(just then, Freeze Man and the Robot Masters are hit by several attacks)

???: Because they put me on Prison Island getting to you!

Mega Man: Metal Man?!

X: So you escaped....

Freeze Man: Grr! Metal Man...! Do you not know when to quit?! Platoon! Assemble and engage Metal Man and his gang!

-the rest of Freeze Man's platoon appears and attacks Metal Man's gang, Search Man sniping them from a distance-

Metal Man: (smashing through) Mega Man! I went through a lot of trouble to find you! Now you'll die!

Mega Man: (throws some Metal Blades at him, which connect, but do little damage)

Metal Man: I've become more resilient against my own weapon, Rocky! (unsheaths chainsaws and charges at him) GO DOWN!!!

Mega Man: Gotta think quick......got it! (uses Acoustic Blaster)

Metal Man: (holding his ears) AAAH!! CUT THAT DAMN NOISE DOWN!!!!

Freeze Man: -jumps Metal Man from behind and smacks him with a Freeze Cracker- Hmph!

Quick Man: (homing attacks Freeze Man)

Gyro Man: -intercepts Quick Man and grapple throws him away- Hiyaah!!

Quick Man: Heh!

Bubble Man: AAAH!!! MY SPLASH WOMAAAAN!!!

Splash Woman: (facepalms) Oh no....

Wave Man: Get out of here, your bubbles contain too much stupid! -punches Bubble Man in the gut and then punches him in the face-

Buibble Man: Why you--(shoots a stream of bubbles)

Splash Woman: (deflects them with her trident)

Bubble Man: (hearts in his eyes)

Splash Woman: (starts running away from Bubble Man's creepy infatuation, but gets shot by a Maverick tank) AAH!!

Wave Man: Sister!

Galaxy Man: -blows up the tank with a Black Hole Bomb-

Splash Woman: Thanks for the assist, bro. (uses Laser Trident on some Insecticons)

Metal Man: Time to finish you, Mega Man!

(just then a Rolling Cutter appears from nowhere)

Cut Man: (with the rest of his squad) Hands off our brother, Metal Punk!

Mega Man: Cut Man?

Freeze Man: Now do you get it, Mega Man? Wily is no more and Sigma intends to destroy this planet to replace it with his own idealized world! Have you not noticed his ships destroying everything and anything in sight? Or do you intend to help him?

Mega Man:......Alright. I'll help you. But I don't trust you Freeze Man....(points to Search Man, Gyro Man, Wave Man, Burner Man, Star Man, and Crystal Man) Or you, or you, or you...or you, or you, and especially not you!

Freeze Man: The only one I'd give merit to that is Crystal Man. He's had a record of stabbing me in the back. I can provide a full report after this, now don't get shot! -blasts Freeze Cracker at a tank about to shoot Mega Man-

Mega Man: (activates Sharp Knuckle and punches away at invading Mavericks)

X: (fires a Splash Laser at Marauders)

Cut Man: Ice Man, dropship inbound!

Ice Man: Alright! (begins rapid firing Ice Slashers)

(the Maverick dropship crashes into the majority of the Maverick force)

Mega Man: Nice shooting Ice Man!

Ice Man: Thanks!

Flash Man: Our beautiful friends....we must help them retreat!

Air Man: If you could hear yourself sometimes....

(the Maverick forces and the Eight Sons retreat)

Mega Man: Well, we won!

Cut Man: Mega Man! It is you, Rock! I heard you were dead!

Mega Man: Dead? Where'd you hear that?

Cut Man: Well--

Ice Man: (holds back from saying anything)

LATER, INSIDE THE BASE....

General: Mattrex, how many casualties?

Mattrex: Still calculating, but at least half of our forces... If X hadn't arrived, we would not be speaking now... Medics are already repairing the wounded. We can expect a second attack.

Colonel: We cannot take such a risk. Another attack could mean the end of us, even with X. Skiver reported that the only Hunter close to being fully repaired is Axl and his repairs could take another hour to deal with his intereaction with the Dark Energon.

X: What about the others?

Colonel: The others are in stable otherwise critical condition, aside from Zero, whose arms are being overhaulled on top of being repaired. Gate decided put in a special order for parts, trying to take out two birds with one stone. Depending on how fast he can work Zero could be ready before Axl but that doesn't seem likely at this present moment.

X: I see....

Arcee:.....

Colonel: 'Tis a very sad state of affairs... Skiver should arrive here within the hour to support the base more fully with stronger air support; however, we have no idea how long Sigma's forces will take to regroup and come in for a second attack. -looks at X- ...I'll see if we can't spare more medics to speed up repairing your friends.

X: Cinnamon is in just as much pain....

General: Speaking of which....that leaves a pressing issue of a certain soldier. (turns to Arcee)

Colonel: With all due respect, I believe it is better if we prioritized. We'll need every soldier on hand, and since we are in a war, we do not have the time or resources for court-martialling loose cannons like Arcee. Therefore, I suggest we wait until we at least have some breathing room before we deal with those type of issues.

General: Of course. Arcee, you will remain with the Air Force for the time being. But know this; when time is not of the essense, your trial will be done.

Arcee:....Yes sir.

Colonel: Until Commander Skiver arrives, you will remain on-base to prevent arousing suspicion. We don't want to trigger the second attack. Understood?

Arcee: Alright....(walks away)

Double: (runs in) Did we win?

X: Ummm....yeah.

Frost Walrus: No thanks to you, shrimp! (slugs him backward)

Double; (sent back a bit as most of Repliforce laugh at him)

X:.....Leave him alone. He's still young and--

Magma Dragoon: And was missing from the battle!

Slash Beast: What a loser...

Mattrex: Well, in all fairness, it's not like he was critical like X was. Even if he did do what he was supposed to do it wouldn't have changed the count much if at all.

Frost Walrus: Oh right, I forgot, we woulda gotten killed if his useless ass was out there! My bad!

Mattrex: Nah, more like he'd get himself killed. The equivalent to sending out a mere processor against a scrapping machine, pretty much the same thing.

Sari: Will you guys cut it out?! You'll just hurt Double's feelin--(sees Double crying off) Way to go....sirs! (runs after him)

X: Not exactly proud of you all....

Mattrex: Speaking of "all"...where's Elpizo? Did he take another lavish holiday? Haven't seen him since he reported Arcee's attack on him. That guy is going to get on my nerves...

Wing Saber: I can answer that....

Mattrex: Oh? What is it? Can you back it up?

Wing Saber: Yeah. Colonel, do you still have that recording I gave you?

Colonel: Yes, but we cannot deal with such things right now. I need to discuss with the General how we can repel another attack. Time is of the essence, and it is fleeting quickly.

Wing Saber: Umm, hello?! Elpizo's missing and that recording's got the reason why!

Colonel: Stand down, I know what is on it, and I am moving things more carefully than you would. Move too rashly and you'll burn yourself. Trust me. There is a method to this.

Mattrex: Could you at least let us know?

Colonel: I'll brief all of the Commanders when the dust settles here. Please be patient, multitasking isn't exactly what we need.

Wing Saber: But sir--.....damn that Elpizo. This is what he wanted.....(walks off, punching the wall)

Colonel: -sighs- It doesn't matter how right you are, Wing Saber, perhaps we'll see the confirmation sooner than you realize.

Mattrex: ...I am not liking the sound of this...

Colonel: ...That statement has merit.

Mattrex: ...HIs ego will turn up, I'm sure of it.

Colonel: That too, has merit.

Axl: (walks in, with Nana, though she is still depressed) Hey....

Zero: -barges in, with a barely patched up burn mark on his face, appearing to be a scar- Ngh... I hate hospital beds...

Mega Man: WHOA!!

X: Welcome back to the land of the living, old friend.

Zero: It was like I never even left, oh wait, that's true.

Mattrex: Well that's our Ze--

-a call comes through from Skiver-

Skiver: Skiver to command, we are in visual range. ETA: 15 minutes.

Colonel: Excellent. Upon arrival I want you to come on base, I need to speak to all of the Commanders.

Skiver: Wilco. Over.

MEANWHILE.....

Soundwave: (plays the transmission between Colonel and Skiver)

Sigma Prime: (laughs) How great it is to have the entire communications network at our disposal....and with Dr. Wily's original eight Robot Masters and our limitless army of followers, the Repliforce will fall! Starscream, Eaglyde! Assemble your squadrons! Annihilate the air fleet!

Starscream and America Eaglyde: Yes, Sigma Prime! (leave with their squadrons)

Sigma Prime: It looks like Double isn't completely worthless after all....

Elpizo: It appears to be so, Lord Sigma.

Sigma Prime: Ah, Elpizo! What a sight for sore-eyes! But, I would like for you to refer to me by Sigma Prime from now on.

Elpizo: Understood, Sigma Prime. So it appears that our air force is to intercept The Skiver's, correct?

Sigma Prime: Precisely.

Elpizo: If I may ask, what is the ETA to contact with the enemy?

Sigma Prime: At this rate....no more than 5 minutes

Elpizo: Hmm... The transmission stated that The Skiver's ETA to base is less than 15 minutes; however, Skiver tends to overestimate. meaning, our forces will make contact much closer to their base than we would like. Close enough for their base defenses to open fire on our forces.

Sigma Prime: You misunderstand, my prince. It will take less than 5 minutes for our forces to ambush Skiver and his unit. And with Eaglyde's exceptional flying skill, and combat arts from our squadron, it will only be the beginning of Repliforce's end!

Elpizo: I won't argue with you, Sigma Prime, but it does not appear to be as simple as it sounds.

Sigma Prime: I never said it was. But I do have complete faith that it will cause some.....in-fighting.

Elpizo: -raises eyebrows- Loose cannons?

Sigma Prime: Just observe, my comrade....

MEANWHILE.....

Wing Saber: They didn't even wanna hear me out! I'm sorry, Arcee.

Arcee: When I get my hands on that Elpizo, I'm gonna scrap him down and use him as spiked toilet paper!

Nightscream: I have a feeling you won't get that chance.

Arcee: I have to! This can't be--

(just then, a rumbling is felt on the fleet as its attacked from behind, and alarms sound)

Skiver: -on intercom- All hands to battle stations! Specials and fighters sortie! Capitals, form a defensive front against the enemy!

Silverbolt: Roger!

Jetstorm: How'd they know where we were?!

Arcee: Who cares?! Let's just smash 'em!

Jetstorm: Umm, hello?! You're fired, remember?

Arcee: I don't have time to argue! (rushes out)

Nightscream: Look in the mirror, dead weight. You're about to face the same fate. -rushes out-

America Eaglyde: (blasting away at enemy ships) Concentrate all firepower on the main flagship!

Skyshadow: -flies up- So...we meet again...thought you'd learn your lesson...

America Eaglyde: (hearts in eyes) Hi there.....

Starscream: (blasts him from behind)

Skyshadow: Ngh!

Nightscream: -appears behind Starscream- Nope. -starts blasting him relentlessly-

Starscream: AAAH!!! WAIT IT!! (flies off) Skywarp!

Skywarp: (gives Starscream cover fire)

Nightscream: -disappears-

Skyshadow: Nightscream can handle two bots at once...now, where was I...? -turns back to Eaglyde-

America Eaglyde: (already flown off to assault the flagship)

Arcee: (shooting at her)

America Eaglyde: (effortlessly dodging) Did your dead boyfriend even teach ya how to aim?!

Skyshadow: -as a shadow, strikes Eaglyde from several angles-

Arcee: Thanks for the assist, partner! I'll take it from here! (activates her jetpack and engaes Eaglyde)

America Eaglyde: (using some Sky-Fu techniques)

Skyshadow: Chickfight...hot...

Jetstorm: Yo! Shaddy! Less wanking, more shooting!

Skyshadow: -blasts a winged Sigma drone that was ready to shoot Jetstorm- Less talking, more watching!

Waspinator: Shadow bot not get Wazzpinator! (shoots at Skyshadow from behind)

Skyshadow: Ngh! -disappears into a shadow and and flies backwards straight into Waspinator-

Waspinator: (spinning and shooting uncontrollably)

Arcee: You're done, Eaglyde!

American Eaglyde: I don't think so! (unleashes some missiles onto her and some nearby Repliforce ships, destroying them and downing Arcee) Bon Voyage!

Arcee: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Skiver: Arcee! -growls- Think! I need to think! I need to end this now! -clenches eyes shut and focuses for a second before snapping them back open- Of course! Tell the other ships to move away from the flagship and move them around the enemy fleet.

Repliforce solider: Yes sir.

Skiver: Starscream should be dumb enough to take the bait...

-the rest of the Repliforce ships start to move away from the flagship and slowly surround the enemy fleet-

Starscream: (laughs) Fools! They've just made it easier to annihilate! OBLITERATE THEM!!!

-the flagship starts taking the concentrated fire from the enemy fleet as the Repliforce ships finish surrounding the enemy fleet and thus forcing them to close up their formation-

Repliforce solider: We can't take this for long!

Skiver: We won't have to... Steady...! On my mark, all ships open fire...

-the Repliforce ships finish surrounding the enemy fleet, forming a killzone-

Skiver: You are the fool, Starscream... MARK!

-all the Repliforce ships open fire on the Sigma fleet, causing severe damage-

Starscream: AAAHH!!!

America Eaglyde: Starscream, you idiot! You boxed us all in! I'm outta here! (fflies away with more than half of her surviving comrades)

Jetfire: (carrying a heavily damaged Arcee) Starscream! It's not too late to rejoin us!

Starscream: I'll join your pathetic cause when you all burn in the inferno! All units, fall back!

Soundwave: (showing the entire failed ambush on his "face")

Sigma Prime: STAAARRRRRRRSCCRRRRREEEEEEAAAAAAMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Elpizo: I saw that coming kilometers away! A textbook manuver and he falls for it?! This is Skiver's student, we're talking about...and Skiver beat him at his own game... What an incompetent bucket of bolts...

Sigma Prime: The minute he returns, I am relieving him of his commander duties.....PERSONALLY!!!!

Meanwhile....

Arcee: (having herself being fixed by Ratchet)

Ratchet: Take it easy, Arcee. You sustained a great big amount of damage from Eaglyde's attacks....

Skyshadow: ...I don't get how she can do this much damage...

Arcee: I was really made for land-based missions and endeavors. I'm still getting used to being in the air, and my gun still does little to enemy fighters....OW!!

Ratchet: Hold still! I'm almost done!

Skyshadow: Oh, right! We need to get you a higher-caliber buster!

Wheeljack: Have to talk to your boyfriend about that?!

Arcee: (blushes) How--how do ypou know me and Skiver--?!

Wheeljack: I didn't. Sheesh, you're sometimes dumber than Screamer himself....

Arcee: (gives him a 'I fucking hate you man' look)

Oil Man: Awkward......

Skyshadow: ...Would it be strange if I said that Eaglyde had a "I'm in love with you" kind of look when I first approached her today?

Jetstorm: Ehh, not really....by the way, Colonel and General already know about you and the Commander. Me and my bro told you two off!

Jetfire: We thought that they needed to know about this....

WITH THE COMMANDERS.....

General: With the Maverick Hunters now mainly annihilated, it stands to reason that Sigma now seeks to destroy us, plotting perfectly planned ambushes to neutralize our numbers...

Colonel: This is mainly due to their first direct attack on the base being repelled by X, which bought enough time for reinforcements to arrive. It also stands to reason that Sigma wants to keep us off-balance for our eventual destruction. Gentlemen, we are at war. This isn't just the Hunters' problem anymore. This is a full-blown war, and I'm certain that none of you want to lose it.

General: But we must make sure to keep our emotions in check. That especially includes you, Skiver....

Skiver: Hm? Pardon, General?

General: Jetfire and Jetstorm have told me and Colonel that you and Arcee are in a heavy romantic relationship. While I am not against these type of relationships, I will warn you that if you prove to be unable to lead fully and capable, I will have Jetfire take your place. We cannot allow emotions to get in our way, not at this critical moment in the war.

Skiver: -clears his throat- Yes sir...

General: Good. Now we must prepare strategies if we are to win this war.....

Colonel: I highly recommend we go on the offensive, to turn their attention away from destroying us, and focus on protecting key stratigic areas, such as the Abel Missile Base.

Mattrex: An offensive at this point?!

Colonel: Yes, because if we try to hunker down and settle in for the long haul we'll suffer a war of attrition and be slowly destroyed bit by bit.

Skiver: Air superiority is crucial in an attack like this. We can easily set it up because they are too busy trying to attack us.

Magma Dragoon: I'm more worried about what they intend to do....that attack was too calculated, too perfect....

Skiver: ...What are you suggesting?

Magma Dragoon: That we have a spy in Repliforce!

Mattrex: What?!

Skiver: We have a mole...?

Colonel: ...That statement may have some merit.

General: And I do not believe Arcee's accusations about Elpizo at this point in time to be coincidental. Nonetheless, we need to know for certain who the spy is, or if we have one at all....

Colonel: It is true, that we had a traitor among us. He is not present now. Allow me to present the evidence. -looks at General as if asking for permission-

General: (nods)

Colonel: -looks back to the audience of Commanders- Wing Saber acquired this from our radio room, sensing that something about one of our one was suspicious. His suspicions turned out to be true. -plays the sound bit-

Magma Dragoon:.....

General: So Elpizo was a traitor.....

Mattrex: Unbelievable! A Commander no less! He played us all for fools!

Skiver: ...No, it all makes sense now...the way he acts, the way he fights...Elpizo would do something like this... ...Call it a swordsman's intuition.

Slash Beast: I'll track him down! His screams'll be heard from a mile away!

Skiver: Don't be reckless! If anything he'll set a tiger trap just for you!

Slash Beast: Grrr.....

MEANWHILE....

Starscream: P-Please master! My intention were---GAAAH!!!

Sigma Prime: (eye-visioned him) Starscream, I have put up with your incompetence for the last time!!

Starscream: Lord Megatron! Please save me! You do not believe I deserve this misery, right?!

Megatron: On the contrary, Starscream, you deserve more than enough of what Sigma Prime has in store!

Starscream: What?! No, please--

Sigma Prime: (bashes him around with cyber-claws) GRAAAA!!!!

Elpizo: Falling for a textbook manuver is a mark of shame! Do you not know that if you're surrounded you're screwed?! Like perhaps, how you're surrounded now?

Starscream: We were able to destroy over half the air fleet, on my lead!

Sigma Prime: That much is true....however, it was Eaglyde's command and abilities that allowed that minescule victory, not yours! She may be young and her perseptives of Storm Eagle and Skyshadow are quite disturbing, but her charisma and ability to deliver results surpass yours! Which is why she will be replacing you as commander of the Aerial Assault Unit!

Starscream: WHAT?!?!!?

America Eaglyde: (salutes Sigma) Sigma Prime sir! I will not disappoint!

Elpizo: You better not. Incompetence in the air will surely mean defeat.

America Eaglyde: Fear not, 'your royal highness'. Unlike Screamer, I don't let people down! And I 'will' take my job seriously!

Sigma Prime: That's good to hear....now Shockwave, you had this idea of a Project Predacon, did you not?

Shockwave: Indeed, my liege. Buttercup and I discovered that this world contains incredible and organic creatures known as "Pocket Monsters". Because we must have our enemies outnumbered, it is most logical to use strands of DNA and artifacts linking to these creatures to create new warriors.....new Predacons....

Sigma Prime: Hmmm.....

Elpizo: So...you are taking organic creatures and making them into... Reploids?

Shockwave: No, only cloning them to create new Reploids, whilst still maintaining their own unique habitats and behaviors intact.

Elpizo: How about their abilities? It would not be logical to use such things if there were no militaristic value in them.

Shockwave: The Pocket Monsters have their own special abilities, and control different powers to attack their foes for self-defense. Once implemented, they will be of great help and use to us. But I need samplings.

Twilight Buttercup: With your permission, my lord, I will lead the main expedition of the Monsters.

Sigma Prime: Very well. Project Predacon shall commence. In addition to calculated and pre-meditated ambushes on Repliforce, we will put all our resources into locating these Pocket Monsters from which to create our army. Soundwave, inform Red Alert of this immediately!

Soundwave: (nods)

Elpizo: Hmm... I'm curious, how long will this process take?

Shockwave: As long as is logically possible, until I believe I have sufficient enough specimens to clone....

Elpizo: Are you able to give an estimate, given that you have gathered a sufficient amount of specimens?

Shockwave: The longest it could take would be mere days. If we were to work fast enough, it could take hours.

Elpizo: I see. A very timely strategy indeed.

Shockwave: Any other questions?

Elpizo: Yes, how does one expect them to be controlled to a reasonable level so they only tear our enemies apart?

Shockwave: Do not worry. Maverick codes will be implated within them. Though they can have the choice to turn to the side of good, the codes are very complex and attempts to rewrite them with ease will be most....illogical.

Elpizo: I see. Someone should be assigned to take care of them. Hmm... -smirks, getting an idea-

Chapter 2: Project Predacon
Arcee: (getting worked on by some technicians) Hey, easy....

Nightscream: ...I was going to ask if your repairs were going okay, guess I got my answer.

Arcee: They say that after I've recovered, they're going to upgrade my buster to fit in with my new environment. Meantime, I have to just sit back and wait til I'm fixed....

Nightscream: Skyshadow has been holed up in the Commander's office waiting for him to return from his meeting. He wants to talk to Skyshadow about something...

Arcee: Sure has been busy as of late....when I get that Eaglyde, I'm gonna have some grilled bird!

Nightscream: Skyshadow wouldn't like that...

Arcee:....Right.

Repliforce Technicians: All done! Now stay here, while  we get that upgrade ready!

Nightscream: You'll find that that kind of caliber buster to be rather all-purpose, though in cases other than air-to-air combat, might be somewhat overkill, but does the job nevertheless.

Arcee: (nods)

Meanwhile....

Mega Man:...and then I woke up, and Cyber Peacock upgraded me to look like....well, this. Like how Sonic and his friends look. Freaky.,...

Burner Man: Some luck...

Cut Man: Well, I'm just glad you're back, Rock. Maybe now we stand at least a bit of a chance!

Mega Man: It's kinda weird though...you guys look a little...too different.

Gyro Man: Look in the mirror, you're as strange-looking as we are!

Mega Man: Oh ha ha. Very funny, Gyro.....

Crystal Man: He's a funny guy, ain't he?

Freeze Man: Silence, idiot.

Crystal Man: Grr! Why you--!

Mega Man:....Hey Search Man. Didn't you used to have two heads? What happened?

Search Man: Firstly, the format of my new body couldn't support it, and the soul of the other had already perished before being reformatted into this new body.

Mega Man: I see....

Reisa: (loudspeaker) Attention all available units! Report to the control room immidiately!

Nightscream: What could this be about?

LATER.....

(all former Maverick Hunters and Repliforce members assemble)

General: The army is spreading far more rapidly than we anticipated....

Colonel: However, we are not without a plan. Sigma intends on chipping us down until he can finish us off. We do not intend to allow this to happen.

Double: Colonel! It looks like they're searching for stuff! We should, like...find out or somethin....

Colonel: I would consider it if there was merit in that, but there isn't. Their tactics clearly suggest total destruction. This is why you're still low on the totem pole. Remember that.

Double: But sir, it's true!

X: If it is, why don't we find out? Split up our forces.

Colonel: We can't afford to devote resources on sheer hearsay. You, the Hunters, can go if you so wish, however it is not advised. What would happen if we found whatever it is? Sigma would probably take it out from under us, just like how they nearly destroyed the Maverick Hunters right under our noses.

Zero: -in deep thought-

X: Alright. But I still suggest we split up our forces to stop them. We can use our comlinks to stay in touch.

Zero: ...I don't like this. I have a very bad feeling about this.

Colonel: If you would let me finish, X, we are already preparing to split up. The Commanders know the task at hand, and will begin their mission tomorrow afternoon. Commander Skiver has requested that all Hunters discharged from the repair bay to see him in the base's hanger. He has something for you.

X: Very well.....

Double: (silently chuckles)

Colonel: -glances at Double oddly, and appears to ignore the facial expression- That will be all. The Commanders will explain more to your units. Be ready to move out. -whispers to General- A word, General?

General: Very well....

-Later, the repaired Hunters are walking together toward the large hanger of the Repliforce base-

Armored Armadillo: What could Skiver have for us?

Zero: No idea. They said that he'd meet us at the front and he'll take us to whatever it is.

Axl:.....Where's Smokescreen?

Delta: We dunno. He wasn't in the wreckage. Not a trace of him to be found....

Pallette: Does that mean....?

X: We don't know for sure yet.

Gravity Beetle: We probably don't want to think about that yet.

-Skiver is seen at the mouth of the hanger, and waves them over-

Zero: There he is.

Skiver: Hunters, follow me. This is something you will need in the days ahead.

Armored Armadillo: Then show us.

Skiver: This way. -turns to walk inside and up a flight of metal stairs onto a catwalk as the Hunters follow him, and stops in front of a large ship that looks a lot like the Repliforce capital ship- This is the newest class of capital that we've been developing, and it is nearly complete. It is the Athena class, but its sister ship, the Athena, was destroyed in the mass blitzkrig-like attack Sigma pulled. This ship will be called the Olympus, after the codename we gave to the Hunter Base. -gestures to it- It may not be much, but this will be the replacement for your base. All it needs is tying up a few loose ends and a paint job, and she's ready to fly.

X: Thank you so much, Skiver.

Zero: Yes, thank you, old friend. -shakes Skiver's hand-

Skiver: She's ready to be boarded at any time. I'm sorry, but I can't spend more time with you, I have several more things to do today before the mission begins tomorrow. I'll contact you later. -walks off to talk to one of the workers about fighters-

X: Signas asked us to take over....to stop Sigma....

Zero: Yes...

Armored Armadillo: I think Zero would do the best job leading us. He practally did between the time Sigma betrayed us and when Signas walked in.

Gravity Beetle: He was also under direct command of Sigma back in the day, the highest ranking of all of us, and the most skilled. Do the rest of you agree?

(most of them are in agreement, though some say X, and a few say both)

X: (silently nods)

Armored Armadillo: Commander Zero, we are yours to command.

Zero: Alright, thank you. X, you will be the captain, you'll lead the Hunters on the battlefield. Axl, you will be the lieutenant commander, taking over my duties in my absence, otherwise  you will assist me in devising strategy, and other duties. As of this moment, you and X are of equal rank, answerable solely to me. Understood?

X and Axl: (salutes him) Sir!

Zero: Now, let's board the Olympus. I will figure out the ranks of the rest of you later.

Geneva:.......

Marino: I know Glow's in bad shape, Geneva....but he'll be okay. I promise.

Geneva:....

MEANWHILE....

General: You believe Double to be a spy?

Colonel: The pieces fit together enough to raise suspicion. He is in Elpizo's unit, he did not participate in the first battle, and the way he acted just now suggested that he has an agenda.

General: Perhaps, but there is little proof to suggest he himself is in fact a spy....

Colonel: I understand that; however, we do not have any other leads on this mole case. A court martial is out of the question regardless, if he is a mole, he will be branded a traitor and thus a Maverick. Therefore, I would suggest that we interrogate him, but that would not be fruitful without finding out more information. Thus we should open an investigation on him and look back through the past week and see where he has been precisely.

General: (nods) But there's one problem....

Colonel: Which is?

General: Sari has grown intensely attached to him. This could upset her, especially if we are to explain this without full proof or merit.

Colonel: Nobody else needs to know anything about the investigation unless or until we do acquire proof or merit. That is why an interrogation would not be fruitful until we acquire proof or merit. Mainly we will be looking at records and security tapes.

General: Very well....I'll leave you to it....

Colonel: I will track down and shut down this mole, whoever he is. -marches off-

MEANWHILE....

Megatron: Repliforce is waiting for tomorrow? (laughs) Oh, they truly are more idiotic than they appear! As we eradicate the rest of these foolish mortals and gather Predacon clones, they sit back and watch it all unfold!

Elpizo: No, Megatron, they are waiting for tomorrow so that they can gather as much strength as possible before making a move. That Colonel is up to something...

Megatron: Oh I am perfectly aware, Elpizo. But we will be given a head start in our conquest. And Buttercup tells me she and the others have recovered at least 5 different specimens for which to clone.