Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

In the frozen wastes of Copper 9 a squadron of 50 drones, marched across the planet. Their destination was the mysterious Outpost 3. No one was sure of exactly what was in the uncontacted Outpost, but thare where rumors.

The commander of the troops marching towards Outpost 3, was named Amour, a blue eyed drone who could only speak French. She a bit taller than your average worker drone, and slimmer too. Her helmet was painted red, with white stripes. Her long-sleeved shirt was also blue, though it had white stripes. Her brown hair was cut to a bob, and she wore brown combat boots.

Her soldiers where dressed in a similar manner, though none of them had the haircut (some of them didn't even have hair).

Thire hard hats, had all been painted blue with white stripes. The hats themselves, had been upgraded to withstand small arms fire, and the white and blue camo uniforms each wore was rated for small rifles. Furthermore every soldier wore black combat boots, and each unit was issued a standard infantry rifle. In a world with so few resources, this was the best gear a solder could ask for.

But what made the unit so fierce, was the commander herself, for she was a witch. Every witch wad had a different 'synchro rate', the rate of determining the power of the absolution. Amour's rate was 45% the second highest in the entire army.

Something was eather killing or taking all scouting parties sent this way. The few scouts that did return, gave next to nothing on what attacked them. What they did relay, was vege at best, and deranged ramblings at worst. What little intel they did receive, was thare was at least one of the 'Sky Demon' in the area.

Amour knew that the soldiers under her command, where ment to be a kill squad. High comand made sure she understood her assignment. Anyone assesed as a hostile was to be killed or captured on sight.

* * * * * *

As Amour and her troops got closer to the location of the Outpost was supposed to be located, they noticed something strange in the distance. It was a tower. Most of the skyscrapers around it, had been leveled or torn down, makeing it a beacon of grey, amongst the darkening sky and the snow on the horizon.

Useing a pair of binoculars to scout ahead, Amour noticed something strange. Despite the state the surrounding buildings where in, the infrastructure was nearly perfect. Any drone would have noticed even though the toxic snow.

Suddenly on the path before them, was blocked by a yellow flash of light. And as the light died, a worker drone now stood, or rather crouched.

All if Amour's troops raised thare rifles immediately. And then Amour spoke. <"Halt! State your name and Outpost Number!">

Teleporting like that must mean she was looking at a fellow Solver user like herself, but it also must have drained quite a bit if energy. Meaning they would be an easy to ether capture or kill.

And then the drone began to rise. As the it did so Amour became aware of new details she hadn't noticed before.

The drone was definitely a worker, although a bit smaller than average. She wore a simple long sleeve yellow dress, with black trim. On its left arm was a dark purple armband with bold yellow letters that read D.D.F.

The drone was whereing what looked to be some kind of rounded leather boots. A bit strange, but maybe one of the nearby buildings was a mall or something. Odder still was the drones hair, long and silver tied up in a ponytail with a big black bow.

And that was when Amour noticed that the drone before her, didn't have a helmet. Instead it had a headband, with five glowing eyes. Although the forth eye (left to right) was covered by some kind of clip on yellow 'witch hat' with a black band. Then Amour saw the tail, It was a long black cable with a barbed nanite acid stinger.

This couldn't be right, Amour scanners still told her that thing, was a worker drone. But a worker drone didn't have a the eyes and tail of a sky demon. And then the things eyes switched on, revealing bright yellow eyes. And then the thing spoke, in a emotionless feminine voice.

"[Giggle] I am the yellow witch of Outpost 3, but shouldn't you already know that? [Annoyed Expression]"

<"What are you talking about? We received no reports of a wich in the area."> did it just speak what it was feeling? And did it just say annoyed expression?

"[Big Sigh] And hear I thought letting a couple 'soldiers' live, would spread my story. [Smirk]"

Has she been the one taking out our scouting parties? No she must have help, and telaporting like that must have drained quite a bit of energy. And she has identified herself as an enemy.

<"All solders fire!"> Forty-nine bolt action rifles were fired all at once, towards the self proclaimed witch. As while they where talking the soldiers had encircled the small drone. But with a barely noticeable flick of the witches right wrist, all bullets where stopped mid air. All halted by many three pronged hexagon symbols.

"[Frowny Face] How rude." The bullets rotated 180 degrees. "I'm just trying to assess the strangers 'hostility' like mother asked." The bullets begain to spin on thare x axis. "[Sigh] But every time I introduce myself I'm always shot at."

The dull grey bullets where starting to glow orange from the friction in the air, due too how fast they where spinning. All the drones where practically frozen in fear. "[Eye Roll] No matter, I can always try again with the next group. [Smile] Goodbye."

Amour thought about the last few hours of her life. Out of the 50 drones that left Outpost 5, only ten (her included) where returning. What stung more, was the fact the fight, at no point, appeared winnable. Winning that engagement was nothing more than a desperate fantasy. As she approached the path that would lead her home, Amour reflected on the events of that oil-bath.

× × × × × ×

When the bullets caught by the Solver fired, they did so with decreased accuracy. Most got hit, but not directly, the bullets veering slightly off course.

Five where dead, the bullets hit thare targets.

The witch showed no emotion, but thare demeanor changed, now they appeared annoyed. A couple of Amour tropes, realized guns where off the table and tried to rush the witch. Only for wings of flesh to sprout form her back.

Two more dead though impalement of wings.

Launching into the air, the yellow witch grabbed a piece of rubble with her solver, and threw it at the cluster of soldiers. By this point Amour snapped out of her shock. At the last second she used her dark blue solver to grap as many soldiers as possible. But she wasn't fast enough.

Three whee crushed by humanities remnets.

Upon seeing this the yellow witch shifted her full attention onto Amour, and grinned. A smile impossibly wide, with fangs impossibly sharp. She then used her own solver to cut off her own tail. The nanite acid sloshed around in the vile, as the witch launched it at Amour.

Only for one of the soldiers to push her out of the way, taking the hit. Seemingly upset, the still grinning witch used her solver controled vile to sting several other drones. Amour tried to stop it, only for the error to occur. Non Interactable.

Ten more dead though the witches stings.

* * * * * *

After that Amour shouted for a retreat. In wich they lost twenty more, as black void-like spheres started to appear and dissappear. They would have all died, had the witch not halted her attack when she did. Once they got to a certain distance, the yellow witch had simply left.

Amour shooke her head, and gave into the the hatred she had begun to feel. She was angry, at herself, at the falty intel she received, but at that witch most of all. She made a vow to herself. I swear, on the lives of my fallen comrades, and on the lives of all that she has killed. No matter what it takes, no matter who's in the way, the yellow witch will burn.

But for now, vengeance could wait. Amour and her troops where apoching the gates to the walled city of Outpost 5. She would have to report this new development to high command.

The Enemy Files.

Moniker: The Blue Witch of The Trenches

Real Name: Amour Eiffel Towers 

Favored Colors: Blue, White, Red, and Brown.

Drone Type: Solver infected Worker [Synchro rate: 45%].

Programed Nationality: French.

Age: 24.

Likes: Her nation, her comrades, order, military strength.

Dislikes: Traitors, bandits, chaos, dissasmby drones.

Personalty: Caring for her allies, but can be cruel, even sadistic to those deemed as her enemies. Loyal to the Colonies United Front. C.U.F (Outpost 5 and its conquered territories) even if she's less than happy with it's leadership.

Though her most recent mission, has currently set her on a war path of vengeful fury. And she is yet to recognize her over reliance on her solver.

Background: Inherited her solver from her mother, 017, Amie Towers. Shortly after her mother's passing Amour's father was killed by bandit drones.

To help ensure nothing like that happens again Amour joined the C.U.F military at the young age of 16. And had since worked her way up ranks to comander. Her abilities as a witch have taken her far.

Description: Taller than your average worker drone, and slimmer too. Her helmet is painted red, with white stripes. Often wheres a blue long-sleeved shirt with white stripes. Her brown hair is usually cut to a bob, prefers brown combat boots.

Moniker: The Yellow Witch of Outpost 3.

Real Name: Tessa Cyner Doorman (prefers Tess)

Favored Colors: Yellow, Black, and Gold.

Drone Type: Solver Infected Worker Based Hybrid [synchro rate 95%].

Programed Nationality: None.

Age: 16

Likes: Her two older siblings, Her parents, Her grandparents (kinda), Her aunt V, Her cousins, Anything to do with witches/fairytales, Spray paint, and J.

Dislikes: Strangers, Anyone who insults her family, Other solver drones (who aren't family), Her voice, Her expressions, Being short.

Personality: Fiercely protective of those she deems 'family', and murderous to those that would do them harm. She hears strange voices in her head, telling her that no one cares, and to kill everyone, but she just ignores it. (though the voice vary annoying).

Due to an unfixable issue with her expression software, she is unable to show what she's feeling. Opting to speak what she is feeling, and saying what tone of voice she is useing.

Background: Due to higher than average intelligence, she has graduated school early. Not really wanting to do anything else but witchcraft, she has joined the DDF (Drone Defense Force).

The only reason is because that's the only place that would allow her to use her powers freely (also everyone in her family is a member). She is unable to grow a solver tail, but has a infinitely regrowing nanite acid tail instead.

And incident that happened when she was ten, has reduced all expression software non-functional.

Description: Long silver hair, tied in a ponytail in a big black bow, (done by J). Lacks a worker helmet, has dissasmber five eyes instead. Covers one with a clip-on which hat J made for her, the brim of which covers half of her 3rd and 5th eyes. Prefers to where long but simple dresses, usually, long-sleeved, always yellow with black trim. Wheres a variety of boots/shoes looking for just the right ones that are 'witchy' enough.

Everything else is standard Worker drone design.

Chapter Text

Shortly after Amour's retreat.

If Tess was capable, she would be frowning. While she had every intention of letting some of the intruders live, her goal was 5, 10 got away. And one of them was a blue witch. All of this, because Tess had a hard time aiming.

Tess wasn't allowed to go past Outpost 3 territory, but she was also supposed to eliminate all solver infected drones she came across. In that split moment she decided to try and due both. She had not moved when she reached the border. Unfortunately the witch of blue left her effective range.

This was unfortunate, hopefully her mother comander wouldn't be too upset. Before Tess could ruminate in her worry for too long, J descended from the sky.

"Looks like you let some toasters get away." J spoke. Now Tess was nervous, she didn't know J was watching.

"[Embarrassed Stammering] I merely wanted enough to live for my story to spread. [Flushed Face]"

"And thats why you let a solver get away?" J asked with a rased brow.

"[Rased voice] That was merely to secure a witchy rival. [Low mutter] I wouldn't have mattered if my aim was better." Her volume remained the same.

"Well if it makes you feel any better, it probably won't matter much. With all the intruders you're ending, letting a few go shouldn't hurt your bottom line too much." As J spoke she had landed upon the ground, and follded in her wings. "I'm more concerned about you losing control, even it was for just a split second."

So she had seen that too. It's been happening more lately and Tess wasn't quite sure of the cause. Although she did have a pretty good idea.

"[Serious Tone] It's nothing to worry about, I have it under control." Tess hoped J wouldn't press further.

"Alright." J relented. "But go straight to eather your parents, V, or me if it happens again. Got it?"

"Understood. [Respectful Nod]"

"Good, now you no doubt used quite a bit of energy summing that many null spheres at once. So, as your higher up, I'm ordering you to eat and rest." J gestured towards the bodies of the slain as she spoke, no doubt in regards to the mess Tess had left.

"[Happy tone] Yes ma'am."

As Tess went to go eat, J frowned. She knew her current employer (Uzi) would not be pleased by todays report. This 'C.F.U' coming from Outpost 5 was starting to become a problem. And now with confirmation of Solver Hosts within thare ranks, it only served to complicate matters. If they failed in helping thare allies end the fighting in the east soon, then they would be at risk of fighting on two fronts.

J could only hope both she, and Tess would be enough until then.

Enemy File

Moniker: The Guardian of The Tower 

Real Name: Serial Designation J 

Favored Colors: Yellow, Gold, Silver, Black.

Drone Type: Dissasmby Drone (F) (Standard wepon kit)

Programed Nationality: None (Formerly Australian)

Age: Unknown (Presumed late 40s possibly older)

Likes: Order, Rules, Capitalism, Tess, Steady Employment, Validation.

Dislikes: Solvers (except Tess, tolerates Uzi), Anarchy, Chaos, Communism, Unemployment.

Personality: When given orders, J fallows them without question, often efficiency, and effectively. While she spends most of her time working, she has a day off every fifth and seventh day of the week. She spends most if not all freetime in her tower.

J adores Tess, and is always more than happy whenever Tess visits. Though some of that happiness definitely comes with guilt. For what once was, and what should have been.

J has relatively recently (five months ago) taken a 'liking' towards one of the only other drones that visits (Thad). Currently she has no plan to pursue this interest, nor any other. Perhaps one day, but for now she's content.

Background: After the defeat of Cyn, and failing to fix the pod J wandered the wastes of Copper 9 for a long time. Meeting many drones, and occasionally killing what she needed to survive. After several years of she found something precious, but it was lost long ago. After dealing with the ones who took it, she decided to return.

When she came back, the first thing she did was to tear down the corpse spire. Uzi offered 'employment' upun the completion of this task. She now patrols the prarimiter of Outpost 3, and trains troops at night. All while sleeping in her tower during the day. (Uzi had it built in place of the former spire).

J refuse to join the other's preferring her solitude, and no longer kills outside of battle, due to oil rations provided by the colony.

Description: still does her hiar in pigtails (her hair regrew), five eye lights, still upon her head. Has a variety of different buisness suits (they all look the same), all with yellow undershirts, and black ties. Her yellow armband has since been replaced with a dark purple one, D.D.F in bold yellow letters, signifying her as a member of the Outpost 3 Drone Defense Force

Chapter Text

3 Months Later

Over to the east of Outpost 3, lay two more Outposts. These Outposts are known as Outpost 1, and Outpost 2. Currently both where locked in a firce conflict. Outpost 1 was four times the size and had double the resources, if it wasn't for the aid of Outpost 3,  Outpost 2 would have fallen long ago. Locked in a stalemate, with only the sound of gunfire or morter cannons, being the only thing to break the silence. It would take a miracle from RoboGod to end the fighting, or from the Devil.

General Spears 1st battalion comander of Outpost 1, considered himself a normally calm (if a little rowdy) drone. But months of his patience being tested and worn down, had rendered him a generally angry,  impatient, and somewhat desperate drone. He was currently in a comand tent, looking at a map on a table in the center.

The General was average hight, with a broader build. Dressed like a British general from the 1700s, his grey eyes contrasting the bright red of his uniform. His helmet, painted black with yellow trim, tied the whole 'look' together.

Spears stared at the map. It was one of both there sides, and the enemy trenches. It was the most recent one supplied by there scouting drones, though lately fewer have been coming back. The longer this went on, the more they lost. They had been in this stalemate for months, but for some reason the enemy just refused to break.

Surrounding the table where the three other generals, all dressed in the same manner. "We could try concentrating morter fire here." One suggested, pointing at the far right of the map. "But that would leave our left flank vulnerable." Another countered. "What if we- the third started, cut off by Spears. "We'll deploy the Dissasmby Drones."

Emeditly the other generals erupted in protest. "But sir, doing that would-" the first was was cut off by the third. "Would be a serious violation of the-" the third one was cut off by the second. "The Wartime Treaty prohibiting the use of 'cruel weaponry'!"

Spears smirked, he had just been given the latest report. He slammed an envelope on the table. As he did so pictures spilled out, each one revealed a clear outline of a dissasmber. Something had been attacking supply lines, and it looked like they finally found the culprit.

"Gentleman I present you, an enemy dissasmber! I had one of our disassembly drones identify him just before this meeting!" Spears proclaimed. "As far as we know he's alone, on the enemy side. And from what our vary own Serial Designation R has told me, they do not like him."

"Besides." Spears continued "If we don't end this fast, the 'Factory' will be at its production limit." He spat.

After his outburst, the other three went silent. Talking about the 'Factory' had become something of a tabu. But they knew the general was right, this conflict had to end, and soon. Spears sent the request though to central comand, he didn't have too wait long for a response.

Within minutes a orange eyed 'soldier drone' came in into the tent handing Spears a telegram, and left without saying a word. (Not that it could speak.) He was given the go ahead. At night, he was to deploy the three dissasmby drones on standby, as well as comit a full all out charge against the enemy.

Spears chuckled to himself, this was perfect. Not only would the enemy line fall, but it would get rid of most of thire 'soldier drones' as well. Everything might finely be going his way.

÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷

The 'Wartime Treaty' prohibiting the use of 'cruel weaponry', had been devised shortly after a skirmish between Outpost 4 and 5. Despite being the victors, it was Outpost 5 that had proposed the treaty. It was a series of articles detailing various rules of warfare, that supposedly had been inspired by the humans.

The things it stated where as fallows. (Sumerized)

• Useing wepons of mass destruction (Dissasmby Drones) was prohibited.
• You must declare war officially before attacking.
• Scouting parties are allowed, but can't be more than fifty.
• Drones who have undergone modification must be 'mentally sane' before deployment.
• Any violation of rules, will be giving the violatied party full permission to return in kind.
• Any who don't sign will not be protected from any of the violations of clauses 1-5.

Oddly enough, due to the wording solver drones are permitted, not counting as a violation of the first clause. Not that many noticed at the time, but those that did got a little 'creative' when it came to the rules.

In order to make the treaty official messagers where sent to more than 200 Outposts. The message being both a copy of the proposed treaty, and a time/place to appear for the official signing. Somehow (albeit somewhat hesitantly) everyone who was sent a copy, sent some kind of official or onvoy. 

Outpost 3 was the most notable, however, sending a single drone. A pink eyed worker, protected by a red eyed sentanal.

÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷

Spears had long since left the tent, and had moved to a hill behind. From up here he could see most of the battle field, wile still being out of range of the enemy morters. Spears over looked the trenches they had dug, stretching on for kilometers. He could see the edges of the enemies trenches, and the hints of the forest behind them. And more morbidly, the oil stained filed between the two sides, that had since turned into a marsh of death.

Most of the casualties had been encured by Outpost 1. The results of countless failed changes, though Spears hesitated to call them casualties. Calling them as such, implied they where sentient. The drones filled their trenches where anything but.

As Spears settled down on the hill, equipped with binoculars, the sun was setting. Soon the amber colored snow turned to a brilliant silver as the moon rose. Shortly after three yellow lights shot into the air, Spears couldn't wait to see the fireworks.

× × × × × × × ×

Serial Designations Q, U, and R their captain, had been given the go ahead to engage. That enemy dissasmber drone being caught on that camra had rendered the treaty void. Still, something had been bothering R, catching the enemy on that camera, right when command was at its most desperate. Something felt off, but R did his best to ignore it.

They had thare orders, they flew high above the battle field. Hundreds of meters in the air, overlooking the oncoming charge against the enemy. They where due to reach the enemy trenches just before thire allies came into range of enemy guns. The current plan, as devesd by R, was for to engage with N should he appear. The other two would rain fire on the enemy.

Suddenly near the halfway point, a purple and black blur to slam into R, who was taking the lead. R cried out it pain, his right arm was suddenly missing, and the blur was gone. All three immediately halted the advance, and flew close together and strained all of thare eyes.

Suddenly it appeared again, striking Q this time instead. This time they all managed to get good look at their attacker. It was a fellow dissasmber kind of, it didn't have the five eyes. It's bladed wings where black, and it wore some kind of coat. What stuck out the most, (to R at least) was the lack of a nanite acid stinger. In it's place, was a solver tail, quickly ddisappearing again.

"I forgot how hard maneuvering is at that speed." An arrogant male voice said.

"Who's thare, show yourself!" Q changed his hand into its fully automatic rifle mode, and pointed it in the direction of the voice.

U did the same, but her hand was changed into a SMG. As R's arm regenerated, he switched it to his missile launcher and fallowed the actions of his squad.

All three of them pointed thire wepons at a cloud, but as the wind picked up, the cloud dissipated revealing the drone in greater detail.

In place of the five eyes, was a black helmet. A winged skull was seemingly spray painted on the helmet with yellow paint. Along with Black bladed wings, he had short silver hair with purple highlights, and eyes to mach. The coats color was a vary dark purple, almost black, with yellow spray painted along the trim. A lighter purple (though still dark) armband was on his left arm with D.D.F in bold yellow letters. All as a light purple eyed solver tail wiped around him, though perhaps violet would be more accurate. 

"Here I am." The drone had a smug look on his face. His claws whe out on both arms. And both where stained with oil from the two hits from earlier. What a freak. R thought. And what's with all the purple? Even his wing lights are purple. And our intel said it was a Dissasmby Drone, not whatever this thing is.

"Just who are you, what are you?" U demanded.

"I'm a devil of course." The purple dissasmber responded.

R frowned, he knew during the old days dissasmbers were called many things, with sky demons being the most common. But he's never heard of one being called a 'devil' before. That's when R noticed that the 'devils' tail had stopped moving, locked on a single spot. A quick glance revealed that the tail was staring at Commander Spears.

A near impossibly wide grin came upon the purple drones face. "Found you!" He cheered.

The self proclaimed 'devil' then tried to fly straight past them and in the direction of the commander. Only to be stopped by U, She had dived in his way, momentarily stalling him. Q rushed to back her up, only for the helmeted dissasmber to not only escape, but too quickly get behind them both. As he did so, he grabbed one wing each. The 'devil' then placed a boot on each of thir backs, and ripped off each wing.

Q and U both cried out in pain. "U, Q, retreat for now! I'll handle this one." R ordered.

"Ha! You think you can stop me? Well then come and try!" The purple dissasmber gleefully shouted.

"I know so." R replied. As he did so, his squad mates sauntered gently downward. Both holding on too each other, to make up for thire slowly recovering ingeries. R proceeded to change his left arm to a sword. Seeing this the enemy drone changed his right arm, into an SMG.

This would be a tough fight, but R was a master of aerial combat. The only reason this thing landed any blows was because of a sneak attack.

Oh how wrong he would turn out to be.

+ + + + + + + +

U watched in awe at the battle playing out before her. Her and Qs wings had regenerated just enough to maintain altitude, but not enough to rise any higher. They where quite aways away, meaning Q couldn't see too well, but U (being a sniper) saw everything perfectly.

Blurs of purple and black, clashed with blurs of yellow and white. Clawed attacks deflected with a swords parry, missiles shot down in hailfire of bullets. Each explosion adding bursts of orange and red flowering against a the dark blue of the night sky. And each time they struck one another, brilliant flashes of silver dotted the sky like stars.

Below, above, and from eather side they clashed. With each exchange, U remembered why R was the leader, and not her. She could confidently say that if she was up thare, she would already be dead. But as Q cheered on thire captain, U could see that R was slowly losing. 

R was getting slower, hits landing upon him more often as he did so. Only for the purple thing to be getting faster, and nothing seemed to ever hit him.

Suddenly the purple drone was holding his clawed hand up to R's neck. U began to panic, not knowing what to do. After a few seconds the self appointed devil quickly backed up. U wasn't sure what but purples right arm changed into something, a flash of blue light was pointed at R. Then R began to fall.

By now, both Q's and U's wings had regenerated fully, they rushed to cach R as he began to fall. When they cought him, Q tried to rush the black winged monster that did this. Only for the same flash of blue to strike his face. Q began to fall too, U managed to cach him as well.

"Are you gonna try and fight as well, or are you done?" The purple eyed drone asked.

"We have lost." U stated calmly. She was slowly losing altitude from the combined weight of two dissasmbers.

"Well at least one of you has sense." The thing rolled his eyes. "Now let me show you something amazing." As he said this his hands went back to normal.

That didn't sound good, but by now U was losing altitude too quickly to do anything.

His tail opened its mouth, and a purple three pronged hexagon symbol appeared in front of its maw. U thought it looked familiar, but couldn't place why. A barrel began slowly appear from the symbol, then the symbol moved up his tail. Transforming the head, and about a third of his tail into anti tank rifle. Specifically the Boys Mark 1 Anti Tank Rifle (without the clip).

Or rather, something that looked exactly like the anti tank rifle, as it began to glow a bright purple from inside the seams. Purple energy began to build where the clip was supposed to go. The enemy drone held the wepon with both hands, and after a few seconds of energy build up, squeezed the trigger.

U watched in horror as a steak of a glowing purple colored projectile flew impossibly fast. It struck right where the commander was standing, and for a few nano seconds, nothing happened. Then an explosion, one so intense it instantly incinerated everything within a 50 meter radius.

The purple drone whistled. "Dam I'm good." As he spoke gun, turned back into a tail.

U understood why this thing, called itself a devil, because it utterly and truly was. This was a purple devil, that ruled the skies

For the next three days the purple devil made life in the enemy trenches hell.

After six months of fighting Outpost 2 won the conflict.

With most if not all of the higher comand K.I.A and with the final charge failing, Outpost 1 lost.

Three weeks later, the factory was raided by elite drones from Outpost 3. What they found thare made them sick to their cores.

But that's a report for another time.

The Enemy Files

Moniker: The Walking Corpses.

Real Name: Soldier Drone. 

Favored Colors: N/A (they all have eather orange, grey, or green eyes).

Drone Type: Modified Worker.

Programed Nationality: N/A.

Age: N/A 

Likes: N/A

Dislikes: N/A

Personality: N/A

Background: Made in Factory [Classified]

Description: Virtually indistinguishable form a normal worker drone, the upper torso is the only thing to distinguish them apart from normal drones. Poorly welded, some times rusted metal, is the only thing that protects their 'cores'. Everything else is the perfect JC-Jenson worker drone design.

Why is the upper torso the only part that looks handmade?

The few 'true soldiers' of Outpost 1 have nicknamed them 'Walking Corpses'. Due to the fact they only move forward, shoot, and die. And seemingly are unable to make any decision themselves, lacking any form of sentience.

Moniker: N/A

Real Name: Serial Designation R

Favored Colors: Yellow, White, Grey.

Drone Type: Dissasmber (M) (Standard wepon kit).

Programed Nationality: None (Formerly Australian).

Age: Unknown (presumed late 40s possibly older).

Likes: Flying, His squad, Being squad leader, Order.

Dislikes: Enemy troops, Chaos, The idea of starving.

Personality: Blunt and straight to the point. Sees his squad mates as family, and strives to guarantee a future for them both. While often trying to be professional, he occasionally lacks tact. Prefers mid to close range combat.

Background: Five years before the death of Cyn, prey began to run scarce. Seeing the writing on the wall R made a deal with the residents of Outpost 1, give oil rations in exchange for protection. After the death of Cyn, SD-R and his squad officially joined the Outposts military.

(Unaware of the Factory)

Description: Short silver hair, wheres a long grey/white camo coat (knee length). everything else is standard dissasmber design.

Moniker: N/A.

Real Name: Serial Designation Q.

Favored Colors: Yellow, Silver, White, Grey.

Drone Type: Dissasmber (M) (Standard wepon kit).

Programed Nationality: None (Formerly Australian).

Age: Unknown (Presumed late 40s possibly older).

Likes: Close Quarters Combat, Flying, Oil, Fallowing Orders, SD-U 

Dislikes: Long Range Combat, Enemies, Traitors, Spy's, Things Hurting SD-U.

Personality: Brash and hothead, prefers to rush the enemy, taking them out in brutal melee. Gets angry esaly, and is vary impatient. The only one who can calm him down is SD-U.

Background: He was the designated pilot for his squad, but the landing pod was damaged beyond repair upon crashing. Blames himself for the crash, SD-U is always reassuring him it wasn't his fault.

(Unaware of the Factory)

Description: Wheres a pilot cap, although it's missing its winged skull clip. His grey/silver/white como pilot coat (knee length) is constantly stained with oil. Though SD-U always manages to clean it (somehow). Everything else is standard dissasmber design.

Moniker: N/A.

Real Name: Serial Designation U.

Favored Colors: Yellow, Silver, White, Grey. 

Drone Type: Dissasmber (F) (Standard wepon kit).

Programed Nationality: None (Formerly Australian).

Age: Unknown (Presumed late 40s possibly older).

Likes: Long Range Combat, Flying, Oil, Rifles, SD-Q.

Dislikes: Close Quarters Combat, Chaos, Enemies, Purple, Things hurting SD-Q.

Personality: Calm and cool headed, prefers to eliminate enemies from a far. As the team's sniper, she has extraordinary vision, but also has a keen insight into how her team is feeling. And, while she hates losing, she values her team far more than her pride.

Background: Was originally ment to be squad leader, but was moved to main support due to lack of combat ability. Her sniping is still second to none, and she will occasionally give orders if R is unable.

While not haveing any memory of before (standard for dissasmbers), she's been getting strange dreams about that symbol, ever since the fight against the purple devil.

(Unaware of the Factory)

Description: Long silver hair that reaches her wing sockets (shoulder blades). Keeps her hair out of the way with an winged skull hairpin that SD-Q gave her when they 'started' dating. Wheres a grey/silver/white camo colored bomber jacket, that reaches mid thigh length. Everything else is standard dissasmber design.

Moniker: The Purple Devil of The Sky

Real Name: Jackal Cannon Doorman. (Uzi picked)

Favored Colors: Purple, Black, Yellow, Red.

Drone Type: Solver infected dissasmber based Hybrid (M) [Solver synchro rate: 30%] (modified wepon kit)

Programed Nationality: North American (United States)

Age: 20

Likes: Flying, The sky, His family, Fighting, Ballistic based weaponry, 'Good fights', Watching anime, Chaos, Oil.

Dislikes: Underground, Anyone who would hurt is family, 'Cheap tricks' (using his solver), lasers, order, rules, Following orders.

Personality: Loves a good fight, sees lasers as cheap wepons for cowards. Loves explosions, bullets missiles, and his ballistic railgun (stored in his tail via solver). Kind and caring towards his siblings, parents, and friends, but all enemies are slain with no mercy.

Except for some reason, he outright refuses to kill, or let any dissasmber die. Anything else, he'll kill without question, or hesitation.

While loving nothing more than haveing a 'good fight', he's not afraid to fight dirty.

What the F*** is a Kilometer.

Background: Trained from a young age in all forms of combat and weaponry. He had his older sister modify his wepon kit, to be more in line with his personal beliefs. (Changed his EMP into a bootloop light, and changed his laser beam into a flamethrower).

Unlike most, he was built with a state-of-the-art cooling system, allowing him to be in the sun. He is the only one of is siblings who can do this, as only he had the software capability for the system. No other. Because of this, he only needs half the oil his father requires.

After graduating early, he joined the D.D.F, and has since been involved in many official D.D.F missions. He has never lost a fight, and doesn't plan on losing anytime soon.

Description: Short silver hair with purple highlights, purple eyes, and has a black worker helmet, with a winged skull pained on in yellow covering a third of the helmet. (His software was non compatible with the five eyes or nanite acid tail). His bladed wing 'feathers' have been modified to look black. The 'bones' holding the wings, however remain white.

His coat is a vary dark purple, almost black. His younger sister, has spray painted the trim, and edges in yellow (useing her solver). The back of the coat, has a red skull embroidered in thread, roughly the radius of basketball. (Made by his older sister). A dark purple (Not as dark as his coat) armband with bold yellow letters read D.D.F on his left arm

When he was 4, his solver activated, he's had a solver tail ever since. He uses it to cover his blind spots, able to see all the tail sees. Can produce any wepon from his arms, in his tail. His railgun is a tail exclusive.

Everything else is standard dissasmber design.

Chapter Text

Two days later.

Outpost 3

In total, J's tower had six floors(not counting the basement), with an entrance being on every other floor, starting with the second. The first two layers had a ten foot radius, (roughly the size of an average living room) the next two where nine feet in diameter, with the final two being eight. The hight on each floor was three times J's hight. On alternating sides each floor had a staircase leading to the next floor.

Tess had long since clamed the top two floors as he own. They served as her living space whenever she visited. V and N occasionally used the forth floor, if they needed a quick rest, or sometimes came to see J. That left bottom three all to J, and currently she was on the second floor, drinking heated oil like tea, with Thad.

J was currently off the clock (it was her day off), her hair let down, a buisness suit replaced by a yellow sweater (though it was long enough to be a dress) with black trim. On the back was slit that alowed her tail though. Her armband was on a hook to the left of the doorway, and a time puncher on the right.

J was sitting on a cushioned metal chair at a small round table, off the directly across from the entrance. In the other chair (an exact copy) sat Thad, who wasn't drinking oil, rather he was enjoying a cup of coolent.

Thad's appearance had changed so much, yet so little over the last twenty five years. He wore a normal helmet now, mainly to set a good example for the dronelings he looked after. The jacket he had in high-school was replaced with a proper coat, though with the same color scheme. The under shirt was still the same, black with a analog zero on the front.

Over the years Thad had ended up becoming a elementary school teacher of all things.

This friendship of theirs had quite the rocky start, and like so many things currently in J's life, it all came back too Tess.

= = = = = = = =

When J first came back ten years ago, she was employed by Uzi in just under a month. Six weeks later, her tower began construction. The towers construction was completed within a two months time. After about two weeks of living in her tower, she began to meet the Doorman children.

After meeting the first two, she met Tess for the first time. As far as first meetings go, it went rather poorly, in fact it was a disaster. Seeing the yellow eyed solver drone sent J spiraling, causing her to launch a missile at the six year old. The missile was stopped mid air, and sent flying to the left of J at a 90⁰ angel by the girl in yellow. 

When Uzi learnd of this, she was upset, but understanding. N was the same though more disappointed (J didn't care what N thought). Tess on the other hand, was mesmerized, immediately dubbing J the 'guardian of the tower.

Apparently the girl had no self preservation, because she would try to visit at least twice a week. At first J wanted nothing to do with her, but Tess was persistent. Eventually the yellow solver drone wormed her way into Js heart (It only took two years).

There was just one problem, Uzi wanted Tess to have a chaperone if she was to come see J (for the first couple of years anyway). Uzi couldn't come with, her body can't be outside the bunker most days, plus she had a colony to run. N never left Uzis side, and V was constantly being sent out to deal with bandit raids, especially back then. Lizzy was just no, leaving the only one who could to be Thad.

Thad worked six hours from morning till noon, meaning he had plenty of time to rest before nightfall. And more importantly, was one of the few drones Uzi trusted enough to look after tess. 

At first, both J and Thad were less than friendly with each other. Only keeping cool heads because Tess was always near by. But slowly they warmed up to each other, now Thad was on of J's few true friends. Awile back Tess used her solver to from a ladder to the second floor entrance so that Thad could visit J whenever he felt like.

= = = = = = = =

The two drones sat in a comfortable silence as J reminisced on the past. Emptying her cup, J spoke when Thad finished his.

"You said you wanted to speak with me on something?" She asked.

"Yea, I was wondering, how is your boot camp project going? I understand that some of my former students are attending." Thad anserd.

J's boot camp, had become somewhat infamous for being training from hell. While a drone could get a solder subroutine downloaded, it wasn't as effective. The more a drone did something, the more efficient their subroutines where a doing it again. For this reason, the boss (Uzi) had a boot camp created, and J was responsible for running it.

"Oh yes of course, so far it's going great." J responded. Although I must say, some of the more 'popular' ones are haveing a hard time adjusting.

Thad chuckled. "I can see that, but hey, there still just kids." Thads voice wavered. "There's still time."

So thats what this is about, J thought. "Thad if you're going to try to convince any of those kids to quit, then I wount stop you."

"What?" Thad looked somewhat shocked. 

J sighed. "I know how much you care for the younger drones. If you truly believe that it's right, then I won't stop you."

"In that case" - Thad began - "I have just one request."

Yes? 

"For the ones I can't convince, just promise you'll do your best. Okay?"

J nodded, she knew what he meant, and she would do her damnedest to make that happen.

"I promise."

After that, Thad had left. He had to back to the colony to rest. He had work tomorrow, and after that conversation, he would need all the rest he could get.

J headed towards the stairs that lead downward, thare was still something she had to do before rest.

× × × × × × × ×

The first floor of the tower, was where J kept all the neat little trinkets she found. (Tess kept all of her stuff on the fifth floor below her room.)

On a set of shelves closest to the stairs, was every book, or DVD Tess could find that had witches in them. Spasificly the 'childish ones' that Tess had 'grown out of', J kept them anyway.

Decorating the rest of the walls and shelves, was any number of trinkets and knick knacks. Anything that was hanging from a wall or displayed on a shelf was all organized to perfection. And there wasn't a single speck of crosive toxic dust in sight.

In the center of the room was small pedestal, atop it lay a protective glass casing. In side was a yellow flower, with a black center. It looked similar to a rose, but with spiked petals and a thornless stem. J didn't know exactly what species of flower it was. All she knew was that it was native to Copper 9s flora before the core collapse.

Tess had found it, reversed it, then froze it in time, forever preserving it's beauty. It had been a gift, and it was one of J's most prized possessions.

But that's not what J was here for. Reaching the other end of the circleler room, J moved a small rug revealing a trapdoor that lead to the basement. She decided down the ladder under the trapdoor, and went into the basement.

+ + + + + + + +

Only Uzi and Tess knew about this place. It was the base of the tower, it was eight feet in diameter. Though most of the space was taken by a single object.

It was the landing pod, broken beyond repair, laying in pieces. All but one of the legs detached, laying scattered around the room. The main hull had a massive gash across its side, and the door was gone. Chared metal half melted and worn all around the bottom.

J went into the pod, inside was all the things to be kept buried. Things she couldn't bare to get rid of, no matter how much they hurt to hold onto.

On one of the three seats lay a neatly folded space suit, one with puncture marks around the arms. Atop lay a space helmet decorated with stickers, the bow on the back was missing.

Hanging on the back of the other chair, was a brown cloak. Tattered and worn, and stained with oil, mostly around the area her arms would rest.

And on the long dead control panel, lay a photo, protected by a simple frame, propped up by a flight stick. It was a photo of J's second biggest mistake, or rather it represented J's second biggest regret. 

The photo was of an orange eyed drone, with a small droneling on the right. And the white eyed father on the left. It was a picture J took of a happy family, if you where to look behind this photo, you would find three more just like it. The one the mother took, the one the father took, and the one the child insisted on taking.

Each would have a smiling J, left right and center. In those hidden photos, J would be where the same cloak hanging on the chair. Although it was when in was clean. Well worn, but still taken care of. And certainly not in the sorry state it was in now. In the photos J's hair had regenerated fully, albeit still let down. The cloak would be covering a batterd yellow under shirt, and reached past her 'knees'.

Each a photo a reminder of J's failure.

The orange eyed drone was dressed in simple yellow shirt with red stripes, The father was dressed in a red flannel shirt. And their daughter was dressed in a red striped yellow shirt, and a red flannel skirt. It clashed horribly, but the orange eyed droneling made it work somehow.

the right hand corner of each picture the right bottom corner was stained in oil.

Because J let her guard down.

Because J thought she could rest.

Because J couldn't keep a simple promise.

"Sorry I haven't been down here in awile." J spoke to the helmet and picture frame. "Works been a bit busy lately." Tracing her finger along the helmet she saw a thin layer of dust. Graping the frame, she saw the same. "Guess it's been longer than I thought. J gave a weak chuckle. "Sorry about that." She hugged the frame and helmet close to her chest. "I miss you Tessa, I miss you a lot."

J then looked at the photo, by now, that little droneling would have been around fifteen. if J remembered correctly (which she did).

To this day, J wished at the vary least she could have saved the droneling. Her name was Siete.

In the far reaches of Outpost 1s territory, the factory churned away. The unwilling residents had long since given up on screaming.

A gray eyed doctor dressed in a lab coat, was inspecting the latest bach of soldier drones. He had to make sure these ones were up to snuff, as it where.

He had herd his brother was K.I.A, but he didn't care. So long as he could continue his experiments, he couldn't care less what happened to his data-line.

He watched as the first drone turned on, it walked over to a wepon rack on the wall, and grabbed a rifle. It's eyes glowing orange the whole time.

Enemy File

Moniker: The Caretaking Guardian (given by the dronelings).

Real Name: Thad (No last name).

Favored Colors: Green, Red, Yellow.

Drone Type: Worker Drone (JC-Jenson).

Programed Nationality: None (English Settings).

Age: 44.

Likes: Sports, 'Being cool', Looking after the dronelings, Visiting J, Peace, Skate boards.

Dislikes: Eldritch monsters, Unnecessary conflict, The idea of drones he's wached grow up dieing in battle.

Personality: Outgoing, and cheerful towards others, he has a way of calming others down. Because of his fear of drones dieing, he made J promise that she'll train recruits the best she can. So that they have a better chance of coming home alive.

Background: After a few years of service as part of the D.D.F, Outpost 3 was attacked by bandit drones. Thad watched several of his good friends die that day. When the time came to counter attack, Thad was one of the first to volunteer.

Thad got his vengeance, but it came at a cost.

Ever since, he's grown to hate conflict. He now spends his day's caring for the many dronelings of Outpost 3. A forth of wich have been orphaned from the many conflicts over the years.

Description: Wheres a maroon helmet with yellow detailing, with short blonde hair. Green eyes, and a black undershirt with an white analog zero. He now whares a padded, crimson, coat with yellow trim. Each little pad is actually an armored segment, Uzi made it for him, so that he would be safe in going outside the colony.

Chapter Text

The next day

If Tess was capable, she'd be crying out in frustration. That blue witch kept showing up, and kept slipping away! For the past three months the french speaking drone would show up, attack Tess, then leave. It happened once a week, and Tess was getting sick of it. 

Her name was Tessa Cyner Doorman, the Yellow Witch of Outpost 3, the solver drone with a 95% synchro rate. And yet here she was, getting treated like some damned monster of the week. It was so frustrating.

But Tess couldn't do that, so she was doing this instead. Reconstructing the ruined buildings (most of which where skyscrapers), and then tearing them down. She had done this many times over the years, witch is how the landscape had been reduced to what it was.

All Solvers where specialized in one category along with the base set of powers, and a sub category. Tess was specialized in three, along with three other sub categories.

1. Object Manipulation
2. Object Rotation
3. Object Acceleration

• Teleportation
• Solvers Perception
• Projection 

Tess rarely used that last one though. Any time she used it near her parents, the could get upset. Furthermore she also had two additional abilities, but those where hidden.

As the current skyscraper began to collapse the sound of groaning metal, followed by snapping, filled the air like tortured screams. Tess used her solver to shield herself from any on coming debris. She telaported a decent distance away, but better safe than sorry.

It was 1:00am so thare was still plenty of moon light. Tess thought about what strategy she should use against the blue witch next time. Every time she got away would be another opportunity for her to try and kill Tess.

As Tess was pondering, the thunderous booms quited as the skyscraper finished collapsing.

Suddenly J's voice came from behind her. "Where you not explicitly told to cease such destructive ways of expression?"

Tess looked down, she was so focused on the blue witch, she didn't even notice J right behind her. And Tess had the five eyes, J didn't even approach from her blind spot.

"[Apologetic tone] Indeed."

J's expression softened, if just a little. "Tess the underground may not have extended this far, but it's still effected each time you do this."

"[Expressing Shame] I know." Tess had hoped she was far enough west that it didn't matter. But by the sorry look J was giving her, it definitely did.

J adjusted the cuff of her suit, and adjusted her tie after. "Your brother is returning soon, afterwards we'll report to your mother for our next assignment."

Tess looked up. [Exited tone] Really, he's almost back? [Questioning hopeful look]"

J nodded. She couldn't blame her for being excited, it had been six months since they had seen him. Unfortunately J had to ho back to buisness mode. "I noticed you failed in taking out the blue solver drone."

[Sower Face] Every time I think I have her, she slips away. The only thing I mange to kill, are the 10-20 troops she brings with her each week. [Frustrated Cry] And even then I'm getting less of them each time. [Exasperated sigh] It doesn't help that her solver is a direct counter to mine. Long range types are the worst. [Defeated Grown]"

J looked at her with sympathy. Tess may be powerful, but that power was only effective in close to medium range. It was a major factor in her aiming capability. Anything that got too close was as good as dead, at medium range it was more or less the same. If you where too far away however, all you had to do was not stay perfectly still.

"Regardless you still eliminated ten enemies. That's ten solders the enemy doesn't have, and ten bodies for us to recycle or consume at our leisure." J was clearly trying to cheer her up.

"[Quiet admittance] They appeared with thirty." It wasn't working.

J decided to circle back to Jackal. "Anyways when your brother returns, we have a night off from duty before we are to head out."

Personalty J didn't like have two days off so close together, but Tess could use the rest. And J knew that if she didn't take a break than Tess wouldn't eather.

"[Curiosity] Who will patrol the borders while we're away?" Tess was interested, even if she couldn't show it.

"We'll find out when we get resigned." J responded.

"[Half Chuckle] Of course." Perhaps that was a little too obvious. But it never hurts to check. "[Questioning look] When is brother due back?"

"By the end of tonight, at the latest." J answered.

× × × × × × × ×

One hour later.

In the dead center between J's tower and the colony doors, a blur of black, yellow, and purple slammed into the ground. Jackal Cannon Doorman, was home. And it looks like someone was waiting for him.

In a flash of yellow Tess appeared a few feet away, with the tower behind her. She was whereing a black cloak, with no hood and a yellow underside.

"[Evil taunting] Hello dear brother, you're just in time for your doom." Tess struck a pose she stole from an old anime involving witches.

Jackal grind wildly, and struck a pose of his own. Will I? For you see dear sister, I have grown much stronger than when we last spoke!"

In the background J rolled her eyes as she flew in. The two youngest Doorman siblings did this every time they reunited. It was endearing, but if you weren't used to their antics it could get old quick. Still, J supposed she should intervene before things escalated.

J's voice stopped them dead in their tracks. "Unless eather of you want to keep your mother waiting, I suggest we hurry." Both drones straightened up, the last thing they wanted to do was testing mother's patience. 

Both drones quickly agreed to continue the banter later, as they fallowed J towards the entrance of Outpost 3. As they approached Tess spotted the night market.

Outpost 3 had two markets, one to the left, and one on the right. The left one, was the day market, with the market Tess was looking at being the night market. (Right if you where heading inside)

While the vast majority of drones still live in the bunker, the markets where gathering hubs for the colonies residents. It also alowed trade with allies from Outpost 2. Tess made a mental note to see if any 'witchy things' were in the market later tonight. 

"So." Jackal spoke up. "Where's the others, is it just us two?" Last time he was here was six months.

"[Exposition] Big sis is still patrolling the seas of Solvers Scar. The twins are currently in the woods, working on tameing more raptors. And cousin Angela is with aunt V down south. [Exasperated sigh] Your the only one I've seen in awhile."

Jackal laughed. "Ha! If I didn't know any better, I'd say you've missed your family or something."

Tess merely stared at him, her unchanging eyes staring right through him. As much as Jackal hated to admit it, Tess could really creep him out sometimes.

As they got closer to the bunker entrance, the siblings listened to the noise the crowds made. It was lighthearted and joyful. Voices that never knew of the trenches, this was what the two drones fought for.

+ + + + + + + +

Outpost 3 used to have three doors, now it only had two. During the Solvers calamity, the bunker received heavy damage. Most of it was repaired relatively quickly (only taking two years at most to fix). Some parts however, where best left broken.

One of the serious things damaged, was Door One. To the credit of it's creator it stood for another ten years. However it's structural integrity was too far gone for any proper repairs. Uzi Doorman had it officially dismantled for the colonies safety around a year after Tess was born. Apparently that decision encountered quite a bit of push back by some of the older residents. Though Tess never saw what the big deal was, it was just a door after all.

In place of Door One, two small pill box like structures stood, one on each side. Hidden inside, where twin barreled railgun cannons. One barrel would fire red ballistic shots, the other fired green energy beams. It was the most powerful wepon system on the planet. It's only downside, was that it was too energy draining to be made mobile.

The other two doors that stood, had been reinforced, bulked up by whatever was left of Door One after the pill boxes where built. The vents where non-existent now, long since covered and reinforced. In between all three entrances, thousands of names where laser engraved on the metal walls. Each one was someone who died during the near fifteen or so years after the 'Sky Demons' fell. Others however, where more recent.

Tess would frown if she could. Five of their own had died in the six month long conflict. Compared tothe other outposts that was nothing, but for Outpost 3, it was a tragedy. Five more names would be engraved when there troops came back. Five more drones who wouldn't come back to thire families.

Call her a monster, but for Tess, that was a secondary worry at the moment. They where about to be underground, and while Tess didn't mind herself, her brother vary much minded. As they passed though the second open door, Tess tried to keep the older drone distracted.

"[Exclamation] I almost forgot, Dad arrived home two days ago. Why weren't you with him? [Curious head tilt]"

"Oh! Right I forgot to tell you." Jackal spoke, though he was clearly still a bit nervous. "It turned out, Outpost 1 had dissasmber drones in it's military, three in fact. As a result I had to stay behind a few extra days, so our troops wouldn't be discovered leaving Outpost 2."

That surprised Tess. Dissasmbers where incredibly rare. Out of the twenty-six that came to Copper 9, only ten remained (not counting hybrids).

/ / / / / / / /

"So, what where things like back home while I was at the front lines?" Jackal asked.

Just like that the metaphorical floodgates opened. J wached from behind as Tess went on a long unhinged but passionate rant about her latest frustration, the Blue Witch. Well, as passionate as you can get with a one tone voice. Despite that, both J and Jackal understood when Tess was frustrated, even without her saying it, they where some of the few that could.

J was somewhat impressed by how well Tess was keeping Jackal distracted. Right at the end of Tess's rant, they reached the entrance of the 'Queens Chambers' with prefect timeing.

It was a name given to this place as an attempt at mockery. But the boss had a bit of a god complex, so the name stuck. It was formerly known as 'the emergency evacuation spot'. It still was an emergency evacuation spot, it just now permanently housed an Eldritch Being inside.

× × × × × × × ×

As the trio went though the entrance, the air got noticeably warmer, though not uncomfortably so. (It was still close to -30⁰C/-22⁰F). The large rectangular room was split down the middle by a long purple carpet. The carpet led to a throne of metal and stone, resting upun it's splendor, sat the Purple Queen Of Copper 9. And by her side her most loyal protector, Serial Designation N stood.

Once they got came close enough, they stopped and kneeled waiting for their Queen to speak. "What do you have to report J?" Right now mother was in 'work mode'. Tess would have to think carefully about her report, she would receive no favoritism here.

J's report could be boiled down to this.

• Great Mountains (North) - Secure, though strange things have been sighted from north west, the direction of Outpost 4
• Solvers Scar (North East) - Main channel secure, research teams confirmed it is not filled with water, but something of the same density. (With a much lower freezing point).
• The Metal Forest (East) - Secure, the twins have successfully taken out all Spy's from Outpost 1, and are currently escorting troops home. They will return in three days.
• The Tundra Wastes (South) - Secure, however V has requested two more sentanal units. One was lost in an ambush attack, and the Raptor Riders (or raiders, depending on who you ask) has recruited a new member.
• The Ruined City (West) - Secure, Tess has successfully repeled all intruders. However the blue solver drone is proving difficult.

As J was finishing her lengthy report, Tess noticed Uzi's hologram flickering. Glancing up Tess saw, for a split second, her mother's true form. The entire back wall was covered in an amalgamation of flesh and metal. All along its surface long spider like limbs jutted out in random directions. And dotted though out the being, purple and yellow camra like projectors held the illusion of a normal drone.

Tess knew her mother hated being seen in her ture from by anyone, other than father. And for almost everyone, the feeling was mutual. It was for those reasons that anyone in the presence of Uzi Doorman was to kneel. It was mostly out of respect, but also out of fear. Which really didn't help the monarch allegations.

Soon it was Jackals turn to speak. As he went on about 'air superiority' and 'battle lines', Tess thought about how her mother had been reduced to such a state. Acourding to the voice in Tess's head, it had to do with mom being the main host for the Absolute, and her synchro rate.

= = = = = = = =

In short, it was too low (70%) for every 20% you raised, you tripled the power. And the minimum synchro rate required was 85%. If it was any lower you would be reduced to what mother was now. The power of the Absolution ravaging your body till all that remains is a core, surrounded by an impenetrable wall of flesh and steel.

The only way out, was for someone else to become the new host, which would involve mother dieing. So it wasn't really an option.

She wasn't always like this. Sixteen years ago, Uzi Doorman could leave the bunker, on a good day. Some days she couldn't, but bad days where few and far between. But then Tess was programed. Slowly the bad days got more and more frequent, and worse in intensity. Soon there where no good days. When Tess fist activated, her siblings Solvers awakened, but her mother's health got worse.

The last time Uzi Doorman went outside was to officially recruit J as part of the D.D.F, wich was a week after the finishing touches of the tower where done.

Their was one upside, Dissasmbers and Solver drones software didn't age past thare 20s. The same could be said for hybrids. And since a normal drone can live for two hundred years with proper maintenance, Tess's family would live for a long long time. (If everything went alright). It also ment mother would be like this for all eternity, but Tess was trying to think positive.

= = = = = = = =

As Tess finished her failed attempt at thinking positively, her brother was finishing his report.

"In short, the battle was won, and we can expect vary favorable trade deals on all Outpost 2 goods." Jackal concluded.

Uzi's hologram head, turned towards Tess. "Before sending you off on your new assignments, I want to hear your opinion of this 'Blue Witch'."

"[Calm Steady Voice] Wile I outclass her in raw power, she has me beat in terms of accuracy and speed. If it was just a straight fight, I would win."

"Then why haven't you" Uzi noticeably wasn't upset, but rather was genuinely curious.

"[Tired Sigh] But she knows when to retreat, and never strikes at the same time twice. [Bitter Tone] I'd say she's probing for weaknesses, while trying to were me down at the same time. [Frown]"

"Is this strategy of hers effective?" Uzi asked.

[Grown] It's slowly working." Tess admitted.

Uzi hologram chuckled. "Well then, let's throw her off a bit." She began giving them there new assignments.

+ + + + + + + +

Tess And J would leave for a week, and destroy the mysterious Factory. Meanwhile Jackal would fight the blue witch in Tess's stead. However Jackal was to only maim not kill. His efforts were to focus on capturing her for information. While Outpost 5 wasn't afraid to broadcast military might, the details of operations was kept close to the chest.

All J and Tess got for info was the possible location of the factory. Along with the knowledge that the factory involved Solvers somehow. Tess hoped they could finish the mission early, so that they could have more days off. But for now, she would have ti be content with tomorrow off.

As they exited Jackal had a question to ask. "So where did you get that cloak from anyway?"

That's when Tess remembered she forgot to take it off.

"[Blush] Don't worry about it."

Hopefully mom didn't care too much.

× × × × × × × ×

After the trio left the 'throne room' N turned to look at his wife, he didn't even have to ask.

"Go, it's fine." Uzi may be selfish sometimes, but she wasn't going to hold N back, just because she couldn't leave a stupid room.

"Are you sure? I just got back." N was away from Uzi for six months, and he wasn't eager to begone much longer.

"Yes I'm sure, I know they can't talk to me normally anymore." Uzi's children had a difficult time separating the parent, from the comander.

"Aww, your worried." N teased. 

"Bite me! I am not." Uzi denied. A single claw went out, and touched N on his shoulder. "Just . . . come back quickly, okay?

N leaned into the gentle touch. "Of course."

In the far reaches of Outpost 1 the Factory continued to churn. Producing more soldier drones at a slow but steady rate.

+ + + + + + + +

In the deepest part of the Factory, an orange eyed drone girl was on a table her upper torso in a box. Her head, arms, and lower torso, where sticking out. 

Above her long thick heavy blades rested above. When suddenly the blades fell. The drone first felt her lower torso shatter as it was sliced off. Pain shot up her chest, back and sides as fresh oil gushed from the wound.

Then two blades fell crudely upon her shoulders. Pain was now coming from across her chest, as well as below. And though it all, despite feeling nothing but white hot agony, the drone made no sound. Screaming would do nothing, in a place like this.

As the final blade fell upon her head, the pain subsided, but her suffering was not over. As the blades lifted, a tube on her back began to pump her core with raw material, and oil. For the young Solver drone, this was more than enough for her to regenerate.

As her head regenerated, the young girl made a quick mental note, though the note was in Spanish. <That marks 24, the blades will fall one more time. Then I'm done for the day. Right?>

× × × × × × × ×

From a balcony looking over subject 07, the grey eyed doctor wached. Some might call him mad, or crazy, or evil, but he liked to think he was acting logically. The girl he was looking at was born with a demons curse after all.

Why else would he do this to his youngest brothers child. It wasn't his fault, it was all that orange witches falt. Her, and her pet sky demon.

"Don't worry, it will all be over soon." The doctor spoke. "Your other uncle is dead, I'm the only family you have now." The doctor began to smile. "Only one mouth to go, before you can rest. It will be painful, but you'll manage."

"Won't you, Siete?"

The Enemy Files

Moniker: The Yellow King of Outpost 3 / The Queens Guardian.

Real Name: Serial Designation N.

Favored Colors: Yellow, Black, Silver, Purple.

Drone Type: Dissasmber (M) (Unalterd wepon kit).

Programed Nationality: None (Formerly Australian).

Age: Unknown (Presumed late 40s possibly older).

Likes: Uzi (his wife), His children, His niece and nephews, V, J, Drawing, Reading, Dogs, His in-laws (Strained relationship).

Dislikes: Being away from Uzi, Prolonging anyones suffering, Loneliness, Basements, Factory Drones (They creep him out, though he doesn't know why).

Personality: A ruthlessly efficient golden retriever. If a task is required of him, it will be delt with, especially if it takes him away from Uzi. Sometimes he makes mistakes, but is often forgiven relatively quickly due to how genuine he is. When required, he prefers mid range combat, but he's not afraid to get in close.

Background: Married Uzi a year after graduation, has been a loving devoted husband ever since. Has helped Uzi run the colony, and is always her biggest supporters. N joined the D.D.F, in order to help Uzi protect the colony. However joining means he occasionally has to be deployed away from Uzi. Neither party enjoys this, but it's necessary, thare can be no room for favoritism in war.

Recently he was in the conflict between Outpost 1 and 2, sabotaging enemy supply lines. He got himself caught on camera on purpose, to allow his son to finish the war.

Description: Short silver hair, and still has his pilots hat. His coat now has purple cuffs, and red thread embroidered in the edges and seems. Along the the bottom, parallel to the edge, a single yellow spray painted line wraps around the bottom half. He wheres a variety of undershirts (though mostly solid yellow or purple) all with the same skull design as his old armband. His old yellow armband, has since been replaced with one for the D.D.F, and now whares a simple wedding ring.

Everything else is standard dissasmber design.

Moniker: The Purple Queen of Copper 9.

Real Name: Uzi Doorman.

Favored Colors: Purple, Black, Yellow.

Drone Type: Unknown (Former Worker Drone).

Programed Nationality: North American (United States).

Age: 44

Likes: N (her husband), Her children, Her niece, Her nephews, V and Lizzy (kinda), J, Anime, Her parents (Strained relationship).

Dislikes: Being away from N, Other drones seeing her true form. Loneliness, The enemies surrounding her Outpost, Her current relationship with her children.

Personality: Minor god complex, denies it (Bite me!). While most of the older drones dislike her, none would dare say it to her face (except for two). Almost all of the younger drones however, universally adores her as thare ruler. Uzi would be lying if she said she didn't like it. Of course the only thing she actually cares about, is what N thinks.

She also is worried about her children growing distant.

Background: After graduation, her father, Khan Doorman, made Uzi the leader of tge colony. After about a week of the power going to her head, she began to take her duties seriously. With N, and Vs help she ran the colony flawlessly. After haveing her oldest child, her condition began to take its toll.

By that point however, the others where already aware of her condition. Four years later, her and N programed a second child. And slowly her health got worse, however no one saw the corelation until it was too late. Both Uzi, and N decided to program one last child. While the other two had been named after wepons, the third child was named after the two most important people from N's past.

One was the woman who brought N back to life, and the other was his sister. The one from before the possession of the Absolution. After they made Tess, Uzi's condition became unsustainable. Now she's nothing more than a wall of flesh and metal, though to her continued surprise, N's feelings for her have never been stronger.

She has since used her privilege as the murder drones administrator, combined with her power as the main host, to edit the dissasmber trio. They now require significantly less oil for day-to-day function.

Description (Hologram): Purple eyes, with purple hair. In order to save on processing power, her hologram hides the majority of her 'body' with a purple cloak and robes. Somehow her hologram is able (to a vary limited extent) to interact with the world around it.

Chapter Text

The Next Day.

Colonies United Front

Outpost 5 (Capital city)

Amour was frustrated. No matter what tactics she used, no matter what assets she was given, she just couldn't win. In every possible way, the Yellow Witch had her outmatched. Skill, power, energy reserves, adaptive capability, all dwarfed Amour by whole orders of magnitude.

It didn't help that the generals refused to take this threat seriously. 'It's just one single solver drone.' Or 'Just because it's stronger than you expected, doesn't mean your continued failures are acceptable.' They'd even went as far as to order Amour to take her ex next time.

Because of that last event alone, she needed to cool off. Luckily she knew just the spot to go to. It was a bit 'off the beaten path', but she knew the veiw would be worth it. She had been meaning to go for a while now, preferably before the anniversary.

Amour decided to head to the surface as soon as night came. it woul be long thrip so she would have to leave early. As she made her plans some small part of her thought about how funny it was, that 'High Comand' was so far underground.

+ + + + + + + +

In the long years since the Solvers calamity, Outpost 5 had turned from a ruined landscape of skyscrapers, to a thriving metropolis. Repairing the infrastructure came first. Then came the buildings, from small houses, to the skyscrapers that dominated the skyline. What made the city unique however, was not the city itself, but rather the massive maze of subway tunnels underneath it.

Those tunnels are what made Outpost 5 the ultra protective bunker it had to be. They where also what alowed Amour to reach the city's main gates so quickly. The subway had been repaired long ago, returning to it's original purpose once more. Amour got of at the southern most stop, and left the subway. 

Exiting the underground tunnels the first thing Amour noticed, was the moon. It was full tonight, and the gas giant was also in full view. That brought a smile to her face, it was a wonderful night indeed. Going further south, this time on foot, Amour kept going till she reached the southern wall.

It was massive, and modeled to look like the ancient castle walls of Europe. It was a joint effort between normal worker drones, and solver users. It stood five stories tall, and was close to 4.57 meters (15 feet) thick at the bottom, and 3.048 meters (10 feet) at the top. It was a near perfect circle, but from the ground it looked to be going seemingly forever.

Fallowing the wall east Amour walk for about 3 kilometers (around 2 miles). Eventually she reached the river long frozen, that she needed to cross. 30 meters (32.8 yards) away from the wall, lie a small stone bridge. Amour would lying if she said she didn't choke up a little, every time she saw that bridge. 

After crossing and walking a bit further, Amour officially entered the city 'park'. A massive forested area, cut in half by the city walls. These where also the woods she grew up in, a time of innocence long since past.

× × × × × × × ×

Amour had finally reached her destination, a large hill, overlooking the city from the other side of the river. Nothing could beat the stunning. Before the walls, before the repaired city, before the endless fighting, her father brought her here. It was one of the few places Amour felt peace.

She had never known her mother, she died just before Amour first activated. When Outpost 5 was rebuilding and going down the path of conquest, her father took her to these vary woods. Countless priceless memories of the forest from when she was a droneling ran though Amour's processor. Her father wanted her to grow up never knowing conflict.

For a time, he succeeded. But peace on Copper 9 never came to those who didn't fight for it.

As Amour finished taking in the veiw she checked her internal clock. It had taken two hours to get here, she had lost herself looking at the view. If she was to get home on time she would need to leave soon, Amour's been here for five hours. As Amour made her way back, her mind drifted to happier times. And the day she lost it all.

It had been a quiet morning, back then Amour was still able to be in the sunlight. So that was what she was doing, playing in the sun. And that day, was the day everything she knew would burn.

It was morning, the pale early  light turning giving everything an orange tint. A young droneling, only nine years of age, was chasing a hopper though the snowy woods. For a split second the hopper got away, but the blue eyed drone had keen software. The moment it jumped again the droneling caught the bug in mid-air. Jumping for joy at her cach she raced home to show her father.

Little did she know, something had fallowed her home.

+ + + + + + + +

Amour Eiffel Towers was a happy girl as she showed her father her amazing cach. He had told her what good job she did! Although much to her embarrassment, he had also told her to go clean up. She had gotten her clothes filthy with dirt and debris. After cleaning up, and changing, dad had gotten breakfast. it was her favorite batteries, Triple A.

After eating, she helped her father with all the daily chores. With a modicum of success, in cleaning her room. Except she was defeated by a dust bunny. She had gotten her father to get it out of her hair, literally.

Latter in the day, after all the chores where done, Amour asked if they could go to the nearby town. (It wasn't a sprawling city quite yet.) Father had said no, apparently it was a 'weekday'. She didn't understand why but dad always knew better. As they ate lunch, Amour wondered when she would get to see her friends, she hoped it would be soon.

Little did she know, the thing that had fallowed her, returned to the drone that sent it.

× × × × × × × ×

As the day came to an end, Amour yawned as she git ready for bed. It had been a fun day, full of games, fun, chores, and sun. As the girls dad tucked her in, she wished for tomorrow to be just as great.

Sadly that would be the last day she would ever have.

Amour woke up to the sound of banging on the front door. As she got up, her dad came in and quickly told her to stay in her room. He then went to the front door, as a large drone kicked it down. Through her cracked open door Amour wached as her father was knocked to the ground, and the large drone entered.

In a deep threatening voice, the stranger spoke.

"Hello Bon, how've you been?" As he spoke, the drone stepped into the house from the now busted doorway. Stepping into the light as he did so.

Amour was able to see the drone more clearly, to this day what she saw sent shivers up her chassis.

The drone was tall, bald, and with a gray helmet, painted in yellow and black hazard lines on the rim. Both of the eyes were white, but the left one had a yellow fade on the bottom half.

He was wearing a trench coat that went down to his 'knees' and the sleeves where rolled up to his 'elbows'. Overall he looked like a normal (if threatening) worker drone. As long as you ignored the drones legs, right arm, and tail.

Unlike the tube limbing of a normal worker drone, this drones lower right arm was jointed. Haveing a proper elbow, with the forearm haveing a strange cuff. The hand was connected to a ball joint, attached to the cone cuff of the arm. His legs where just as strange, they had proper knees, and ended in what looked like boots. The strangest however, was the fact the drone had a tail. A thick black cable ending in a barbed stinger, though it had a empty slot for something.

The stranger spoke again. "Do you know how hard you where to find?" The drone was circling Amour's father as he was getting up.

"Jäger? I thought I killed you." Amour's father spoke as he stood. Only for Jäger to stap him in the back of his leg, putting him back in the floor. 

That didn't sound right her father wouldn't harm a hopper, much less another drone. Amour was frozen in fear, and wached helplessly as the other drone spoke.

"I thought you so as well. But as you left me in that heap of corpses, my core just refused to shut down. With no legs, or right arm, the only thing I could do was crawl. And as I did, I swore vengeance."

Amour had to do something, but she just couldn't move.

When he finished speaking, he reached into his trench coat, and pulled out a glowing yellow vial. Lifting his tail, he inserted the vial into the empty slot. Then he continued his speech.

"In that trash heap I was supposed to call my grave, I realized something. The only ones who will survive this cold hellscape of a planet, are those who must do anything to survive."

What he said next filled Amour with dread.

"I also learned that in order to kill a drone proper, you go after it's core." And with that, Jägers tail stabbed into her father's back. The yellow vial emptied, and her father began to scream as the middle of his back began to melt.

Suddenly Amour's visor felt like it was on fire. In that moment fear was the last thing on her mind, it was replaced with a burning rage. For the briefest of moments her hud flashed yellow, before going back to it's standard blue.

The word kill, was flashing in Amour's head over and over again. A three pronged hexagon appeared in her hand, and as if on instinct she began to use it.

Jäger was taken by surprise as a door slammed open revealing a droneling. A blue symbol appeared on his left shoulder. The symbol spun slicing his left arm, and cutting up his sleeve. His right hand switched to an SMG, as he began to fire at the now exposed droneling. Only for the bullets to curve around her.

Realizing a battle would likely end in his death, he fled. Amour tried to stop him, but inexperienced as she was, he got away. But not before launching a missile at the girl. As it slammed into the ground, burning shrapnel stuck the house. Turning it to kindling.

+ + + + + + + +

The next day late at night, concerned residents of Outpost 5 had investigated the woods. What they found was drone corpse too damaged to be identified, a log cabin burnt to ash, and a half dead droneling partially buried in the snow.

As Amour finished remembering that terrible night, she realized she was already at her apartment. An underground unit, beneath a skyscraper. It was a one of many units built from an underground parking garage. Her path-finding knew the route back well enough, so it wasn't much of a surprise.

As she unlocked the door and headed inside, she reminisced on the events after she was found. She was taken back, fed, repaired, and then tested for solver abilities after telling her story. Back then her synchro rate was 32% a respectable amount, but it got higher though training and time.

After joining the military she was assigned this vary apartment. She was basically given it for life, but she had made no attempt a customizing. All it had was the bare minimum furnishing it came with.

It was 55 square meters (592.015 square feet), and was a one room unit. It was one of thousands, but this one was hers, not that you would know it. The only thing that made it different was the fact the inside looked like no one lived thare. Which recently, was accurate about 50% of the time. All it had was a single couch, one dining table, two chairs, and a full mattress pressed against the corner on the bedroom.

Locking the door behind her, she made her way to the shower. Well, it would be more accurate to call it a sterilization chamber. Running water was a thing of the past, and besides, water was dangerous for drones.

Amour put her uniform into the sterilization chamber made for clothes, and then stepped into the one ment for her. After a five minute cycle, both where done. Stepping out, and putting her uniform on a hanger, she combed her hair and put on some pajamas. After receiving a system warning, she went to the kitchen.

Warning: Rising temperature.

She opened the fridge, and pulled out an oil ration tube. A small clear cylinder capped with a silver on both ends. Amour opened one end and began to drink, as the container was opened, the caps turned copper in colour. Finishing her meal, she checked her fridge and frowned, she only had five left. Tomorrow was her day off, so she would have to get more tomorrow.

After Amour finished her meal she went to bed. As she began to enter sleep mode, Amour's final thought was about her hope. That the next time she faught the yellow witch, she would win. At this point it felt like a pipe dream, but she wouldn't give up.

Amour wasn't sure how, but each time they faught things became clearer to her with each fight. Before the void like spheres that appeared came out at seemingly at random. But now Amour knew better, each time it was like she could sense where they would appear. It wasn't perfect, but the more she faught the yellow witch, she could fell her senses getting batter, sharper, and faster.

Amour hoped that soon it would be enough of fight the yellow witch next time.

× × × × × × × ×

Absolution Synchro Rate 50%

Meanwhile at Outpost 3

Tess entered her room tired, she was underground, in her room inside the colony. For two nights in a row the night market had partially nothing witchy. It wasn't a total loss however, she had managed to find a pair of boots. Looking at her newly acquired items, she would have smiled (if she could).

They where just above ankle hight, and had exta little flaps on the top. They had a small but thick heel, and the tips had been made into small points. And the laces where  just the right length for a dubble knot. The only flaw was the colors, hideous browns the color of mud and filth, but that was an easy fix.

Useing her solver she selected the boots, and began to edit the colors. The bottom grip, was now a bright reflective yellow, the leather top was now a deep dark black. After she altered the laces to a plain yellow and did the same with the inside of the boots. When she was done, she was excited to try them on (even if it didn't show).

When Tess put them on, she did a small spin on the heel. The reflective bottom made it look as if she was walking on yellow light. Furthermore the laces went well with her yellow dress, with dark black trim. (Just below the knee). Yesterday she had also found thigh high socks and had edited thare colors like she did with the boots. They where now black with yellow stripes, The same color as the boot laces.

Truthfully, she could have done this to any pair of boots. However if she edited an object to far past its original form, it tended to turn into a melting ball of meat. Wich is why it was vest to find an object already close to what she wanted.

Combined with her cloak, she now had the perfect outfit for her mission. As Tess got ready for bed a glint of metal caught her eyes, she went over and picked it up. It was a clip-on curved metal disk. One that would completely cover her forth five eye, and partially cover the third and fifth. It's dimensions where the same as the brim of her hat.

She would have frowned if she could, she had forgotten she left it here. So many memories where attached to this disk. Many good, some bad, and more importantly, of the day she lost her smile. Tess put the object away, properly this time. It was to stay out of her sight.

As Tess went to bed, she vowed to show the Factory of Outpost 1 the terror of the Yellow Witch.

The Enemy File

Moniker: The Scraper King of the Tundra Wastes.

Real Name: Jäger Clawhand.

Favored Colors: Silver, Gold, Black, White.

Drone Type: Modified Worker (Software corruption -85%).

Programed Nationality: None (English Settings)

Age: 48

Likes: Oil, Gasoline, Modifications, Being leader of his gang, Strength, Vengeance, Living fast, Violence, The Tundra Wastes, Dissasmbers.

Dislikes: Solvers, Restrictions, Witches, Traitors, Drones questioning his authority, Weakness, Raptor Raiders, Tundra Demon, Red Death, The lazy Demon, The winged Scraper.

Personality: Brutal and heartless, the only thing he respects is strength, and brutality. However he despises solver drones, in his mind the god like power they possess is fake strength. He is vary vengeful, known for killing any who wrong him.

As the leader of the Scrapers (his gang), he fosters a culture of lying, cheating, and stealing. Lying about modifications however, is strictly forbidden. One must never lie about their hardware, or face the conciquenses.

The only other rule of the scrapers is one they abide by religiously. A Scraper must never kill a Scraper. Because of that, despite the terror they bring, they have some modicum of respect from the other factions. After all, not even humans could do that, not even at the vary end.

Due to the incompatibility of worker drone software, and the hundreds of hardware modifications to himself, his software has become corrupted. He is slowly going insane. However as long as he can hold true to his core beliefs, he will be just fine.

Background: From a young age, Jäger was always fascinated with Dissasmbers. The speed, the power, the wepons, and so, like so many others before him, he began to modify himself. Unlike so many others however, he was able to get ahold of genuine dissasmber hardware. The lower right arm of a dissasmber.

He spent most of his younger days living fast, lose, and carefree. But after putting his trust in the wrong drone, he was betrayed by someone he considered his brother. After being betrayed he swore vengeance, was quite damaged. And so he needed to replace most of his limbs, after getting vengeance, he needed to replace one more.

After that day, he wondered the Wastes, and stumbled upon a roge group of bandit drones. After defeating the leader and becoming 'the boss', he then began bringing one clan after another under his rule. He has now united the entirety of the wastes under oe banner. The banner of the Scraper King.

Strangely, as of late, the Absolution has deemed him a non-Interactable.

Description: Due to modification he's almost as tall as a dissasmber. His helmet is grey, with black and yellow hazard lines on the rim. He has no hair, and his eyes are yellow, though his bottom left eye has a white fade. His modified chassis is bulkier than standard, but also much more durable. Dissasmber claws can only scratch it.

His white trench coat hides most of his body, but his dissasmber mods are unable to be hidden. It's still missing the left sleeve, though recently, his left arm has been replaced with a dissasmber left arm. He has proper joints on the lower half of his legs due to the dissasmber (M) lower legs. Same for his right arm. He also has a dissasmber tail, but the vial slot is often empty, since he can't make nanite acid the way a dissasmber can.

What's left of his tube limbing has been made thicker to make up for the extra weight of dissasmber parts. Despite all the bulk, he is still fast and nimble, often out maneuvering opponents before going for the killing blow.

Side note: This file is from the present Day 25 years after episode 8. That is why there are inconsistencies in the flashback and file.

Chapter Text

A few days after Jackals return.

Outpost 3.

Tess and J where standing on shore of Solvers Scar. In the far distance you could see the edges of the forest the made up Outpost 3s eastern border. The mission was of vital importance, destroy the factory, and discover its secrets.

The where to leave immediately, as soon as SD-N was done saying goodbye to his daughter. Wich he was doing though hugs, much to Tess's dismay. Don't get her wrong, she loved her father, but she preferred giving hugs, not so much being the receiver.

"[Annoyed Tone] Dad let go, I'll be back in less than a week. [Squirm]" Tess was incapable of makeing subtle movement, but the thought was there.

"So? Doesn't mean I won't miss you all the same." N spoke with the flawless logic of a parent.

Tess attempted to look to J for help, but she quickly turned her head. J why? You trader.

After about five more minutes of a torturous goodbye, J finally stepped in. Tess felt J's tail wrap around her, and pulled Tess out of her father's embrace.

"Alright that's enough you two, we have to go soon if we're to make it to Outpost 2 before sunrise." After unwrapping her tail from Tess, J pointed the stinger at N. "And besides, don't you have a wife to go back to?"

N chuckled as he responded. "Oh J, never change." N proceeded move her stinger out of the way to give Tess one more quick hug, before leaving one last message for her.

"Don't get in to much trouble. Oh! And get your sister a souvenir, me and Jackal weren't able to get her one." And with that, he flew off.

. . .

"That idiot, giving you assignments because he forgot." J complained.

"[Reasurence] I don't mind, I'll just think of it was a side quest. [Chuckle] Besides you get bouneses for completing those. [Grin]"

"Letting Jackal show you those games was a mistake." J stated. She lowered herself, to alow Tess to climb on her back. "Now hop on, we have a long flight ahead of us."

While Tess could fly, she wasn't nearly as fast as J. Quickly climbing on, she responded to J's earlier comit.

"[Smileing] I would have found them anyway, my witches gaze sees all. [Overconfident Expression]"

J rolled her eyes as they took off.

+ + + + + + + +

They had made it to the entrance of Outpost 2 two hours before sunrise. After landing, Tess hopped off J's back, as J folded on her wings. Tess pulled out a bag that was hidden in her cloak, and began searching for something.

J had to admit, she was a little nervous. She hadn't been in this area in a vary long time, not since - Don't think about it, they're dead. Just finish the mission and then go back to your tower.

"[Excitement] Found it." Tess pulled out a silver thermos, an Outpost 3 oil ration, and offered it to J.

J excepted, and quickly drank half. After this mission she was going to need a lot of gasoline.

Fortunately (or unfortunately) Tess was able to see something was bothering her friend. "[Concerned] Are you okay J? You seem off. [Head Tilt]"

"Oh? Yha ,Tess I'm fine, there's no need to worry." J answered a bit too quickly for Tess to believe her.

"[Inquiry] Is it because of the location of our mission? [Concerned Look]"

J sighed, thare would be no getting out of this. "I promise I'm fine, but . . ." J trailed off before finding the right words to say. "Just promise me you'll be careful alright? This area has bad luck for me."

"[Nod] Of course, I will do my best to be on guard at all times. [Positive Tone]"

J letouta small smile. "Thank you Tess."

J thought of the promise she made to Uzi just before they left. To make sure Tess came home safe, no matter the what.

I failed to keep my promises to you Raya, but I swear I won't fail Uzi, no matter the cost.

And with that, they made their way over to Outpost 2 proper. Just in time as well, for as they made it into the underground bunker, the sun began to rise.

× × × × × × × ×

Tess was tired. After entering the Outpost, they exchanged pleasantries with the leader. Tess didn't like the way he looked at her. The way he visibly tensed up whenever she spoke. His white eyes pausing at her extra eyes and tail. And his expression.

Like she was less than sentient, like she was beneath him, like she was less of a drone.

She knew why, it was because she looked like a modified drone, a Scraper. All because the existence of hybrids was far from common knowledge. Tess still hated it.

Luckily J was there to keep things on track, and they were assigned a temporary room.

Much to the frustration of the pair, it was given under the condition neither leave the room at any point throughout the day. As much as it upset them, they saw the logic. J was a dissasmber, one of the beings responsible for genocide. And they clearly believed Tess to be a Scraper. (If one aligned with Outpost 3)

It wouldn't matter much soon anyway, they wouldn't be here longer than three days at most. Right?

The room wasn't vary big, only haveing one twin sized bed. It had one tiny bathroom, the room itself was like a coffin. Luckily J was a dissasmber, and preferred to sleep hanging from the ceiling. That left just enough room for Tess to sleep on the bed.

Tess put her pack by the foot of the bed, and layed down. "[Sleepy Yawn] Goodnight J." Tess rolled over as she spoke.

"Goodnight Tess." Fortunately J spotted a hook in the ceiling. After determining it could hold her weight, she lept up, and spun mid air. I less than a second, J was hanging upside-down, her wings acting as a cocoon.

And with that, both drones enterd sleep mode.

18 years ago

J was tired, for so long she struggled to keep going. Every landing ship was thoroughly destroyed, and hers was broken beyond all repair. Landing in some nameless city, J collapsed on her knees, she had finally given up.

The sun was going to rise soon, and so J smiled. It had been so long sine last she saw the sun. Unfurling her wings for what would be the final time, she waited. In this position J's wings would cach the most sun possible.

She felt tears began to run down her visor, this was it. After so many years feeling lost, she was going to end it all.

As the sun began to rise, it slowly creped up behind her. A smoldering burning pain erupted from her entire body. The pain was unlike anything she felt before.

The vial in J's tail begain to boil and warp, before finally bursting. Her near indestructible wings began to contort, crack, and bubble. Her five eyes begin to steam as the liquid inside rapidly rose in temperature. J's hud began to flood with warnings and errors as her systems began to shut down one-by-one.

For a brief moment J realized, right as she was suffering the consequences of her choice, she didn't want to truly die. But it was too late, the choice had been made. But it wouldn't be all bad, soon she would see Tessa again.

Well Boss Tessa, I'll be seeing you soon. J thought. Unable to take the pain of death, J passed out.

Little did she know, two certain drones where watching from the shadows.

+ + + + + + + +

J woke up with a start. She was on some kind of cot, under a thin blanket. The room was small, only enough room for the cot, and a small nightstand of to J's left. Her buisness overcoat was gone, replaced by a brown cloak. However that was far from J's most urgent concern.

How am I alive, I burned didn't I? The question repeated in her head several times. Before she noticed the warm sweet taste in her mouth. Reaching up J wiped the inside of the bottom of her 'lip', and pulled back to reveal a black substance. It was oil.

As J began to wipe the oil off her fingers a voice spoke up from the direction of the doorway. J's ato-translator was able to convert the Spanish being spoken to English.

"{So, looks like our 'sky demon' patient is finally awake.}"

The effect was instant, immediately J was standing tail pointed in the direction of the doorway. The pain she received from doing so, was also immediate. J flinched as every joint in her body protested the sudden movement.

"{Easy now. That sun really did a number on you.}" 

J got a better look at the drone speaking. It was a feminine drone with orange eyes, and a orange shirt with yellow stripes. Long strait brown hair went down just past her shoulders. Her helmet was orange as well, and her shoes where some kind of simple leather silp on shoes. And she was easily a foot shorter than J.

J emeditly switched her right hand to her SMG, and pointed it at the stranger.

"Where am I!? Who are you!? Why am I still alive!?" 

J's demanding questions where met with cuckules, and another question.

"{Are all sky demons this demanding of drones who save their lives, or is it just you?}" The drone shock her head, like she just told a  joke. "{To answer your questions a bit out of order. Your in my home. Me and my partner dragged you in, after you past out. And my name is stripe.}"

J rased an eyebrow on her visor at that last one.

"{Turn off your translator}"

J didn't know why, but for some unknowable reason, she complied.

"Raya." That was all the orange drone said before gesturing for J to turn her translator back on.

The orange drones name was Raya.

× × × × × × × ×

A few days after waking up, J met Raya's partner. He was taller then Raya, but shorter than J, being somewhere in the middle. As J would soon find out, he always whore some kind of flannel. His eyes where gray, and he was bald. His helmet was also gray, but the rim was black. Instead of sneakers, he wore tan colored boots.

His name was Benjamin, but Raya just called him Ben. It wasn't long before J was doing the same.

It took a couple weeks for the pair to warm up to each other, but after being absolutely sure J wouldn't harm them, he came around.

After a month of rest J was recovered enough to leave, and yet she stuck around. As it turned out Raya was pretty good at convincing J to maybe just stay for a little longer. And for some ungodly reason, J complied.

Although things did get a little tence when J found out Raya was a solver host. After an emotional talk, (quite a few actually) J was able to look past the host issue. After all, Cyn was dead, it wasn't like the solver could take much more from her.

In some ways she was right, but also so vary vary wrong.

+ + + + + + + +

After a few more weeks, J learned where the two drones where getting their oil from. Once a month, Ben would go out to Outpost 1, and (though a deal) come back with a few barrels of the precious liquid. J had seen Raya alter debris into various tools and the like, but never thought to question why. Now it seems she had her answer.

Wanting to no longer be a burden, J offerd to help. Raya was stubborn and refused any offer of assistance. Eventually both Raya and Ben agreed that if J wanted to help, she could keep Ben safe at night. Bandit activity had begun to ramp up down south, and it wasn't uncommon for a bandit or two to wander up this far north.

J happily accepted.

16 Years ago.

It had been a long two years, and they where full of all sorts of surprises, events, and happiness.

Currently J was is whereing her old business suit, (Ben had repaired it) though it was notably missing its armband. J was also reading aloud from a book, marrying two drones together. (J had the business qualifications to do so). The drones where Raya and Ben, though neither of them had a last name.

It was just the three of them, but Raya insisted some kind of ceremony was important.

J never truly understand the importance of human courtship rituals. But if it mattered to the two of them, then it mattered to her. That had ment dressing up as well, something J hadn't done in a long while.

Most days, while she wore her yellow under shirt, her top most layer was almost always a brown cloak. More specifically, the one Raya had given her, and the one Ben would fix whenever it got damaged.

As the two drones repeated the vows to one another, J felt a surge of happiness for the couple. These two where the shining rays of light that had pulled J from the brink. It only made sense they would 'tie the knot'.

Deep in the back of her mind though, a small part of her wanted to join them in their happiness. But J pushed that part of her deep deep down. She would stand by the two's side, protect them no matter what, but she would go no further. No matter how much it hurt.

And J couldn't even do that.

One year later.

The married couple just made the greatest thing possible together. They had begun the programing a UNN (Untrained Neural Network). It would take a week for the data-lines to merge properly, but they believed in the little pill baby.

J just hoped nothing would go wrong, and for seemingly the first time, her prayers were answered.

+ + + + + + + +

As a week went by, the data-lines merged without a hich, and a new drone was activated. It was girl, One with beautiful bright orange eyes. Raya named her Siete (psy-ette) or 7, it was her mother's name. Although J spared no expense in teasing the mother.

"You named her 7? And you don't even pronounce it properly." 

"{Like your names any better, Serial Designation J}"

"The name 7 will only work for a single year of their life, mine works around the clock."

"{And yet here we are.}" She raised an digital eyebrow daring J to continue. Shd didn't.

Ben was currently out, on a daytime scavenging run, leaving the two three drones alone in the small house. Raya got quite, preparing to ask J to do something. Something that she needed J to do, if only for her peace of mind.

"{The area isn't as safe as it used to be.}" She began.

"It's okay, I can handle anything that comes our way." J reassured.

"{But you can't handle everything by yourself.}" Raya countered before continuing. "{At any point something could happen to me, or Ben, or . . . you.}"

"Raya nothing will happen to me, or anyone."

"{You may be good J, but not even you can see the future.}" J went quite at that. "{I just want your word, promise me, that if anything happens to me or Ben, you'll take care of Siete.}"

Please don't make me promise that, It always goes wrong.

"Raya I -"

"{Promise! Please.}" Raya shoulders began to sag. It seemed she wasn't enjoying this conversation any more than J was.

As prideful or as stubborn as J could be, not even she could deny her friend this request. Not when it clearly ment so much to her.

"Okay. I promise."

Raya softly smiled. "{Thank you J.}"

4 years later.

J had originally insisted on doing up her hair, but Raya didn't want the photos looking 'to formal'. As if such a thing was even possible. Ben had manged to salvage an ancient looking camera, one that would print physical photos. A Polaroid with impressive rendering capability, complete with a tripod stand.

It was one of those 'old remakes' that humans where so fond of. Remaking old outdated technology, with modern hardware/software. All because humans where just incapable of letting go of the past, or escaping it. Of course a four year old Siete was just excited to try something new. The little droneling just barely went over J's knee.

When J found out about the new life cycles for drones, she was pleasantly surprised. And when J told Raya about the old one, Raya was terrified.

When J was a 'droneling' she was in an 'adult' body with all the knowledge she needed pre programed. But on Copper 9 things where different. First you started as a UNN, then toddler, child/teen, then adult learning as you go. Acourding to Raya, this was because it was easier on a drones software, leading to a longer life cycle.

By this point Raya and Ben knew most of J's past. The fact she used to be a worker, how she was a maid, that she lived in a mansion. But J kept certain things hidden, saying nothing of Tessa, Cyn, or the truth behind the solver. It was still common knowledge that humans collapsed the planets core.

Shaking her head free of past events, J focused on the present. She was going to take a picture first. 

As the worker trio got in position, took the picture. Little Siete was standing wide, arms outstretched like she was challenging the world. Her parents stood on eather side, under the light of a full moon. The picture cane out perfectly.

Raya took the next photo, with J taking her place. Ben took the next, J taking his position as Raya went back to her spot. Siete took the last one, this time J was in the center behind the parents hovering in place, wings outstretched.

When the photo came, Raya cometted on how J looked like an angel, and Ben agreed. J denied the complaint.

"I'm a Dissasmby Drone, not an angel." J looked away to hide her blush.

"{No you're an angel}" Siete spoke up.

"And why do you say that?" J quickly asked.

"{Because mommy said you are, so you are}" Siete smiled.

And six weeks later J lost it all.

Present Day

J restarted slowly, still hanging from the ceiling. She frowned, It had been years since she dreamed of them. Mabie being so close to Outpost 1 was the cause. J had herd they expanded their teratory, so the old home she used to live in would be within their borders.

In some ways she wished the dream continued, in others she was grateful it didn't. For J knew had it continued, it woul have become her worst nightmare.

As J began to wake up more, She noticed Tess staring at her. Unmoving and non blinking yellow eyes seemed to see right through her. Tess was sitting crisscross on the bed. When J got down Tess began to speak.

"[Serious] I have found the location of the factory. Also the sun has begun to set. [Uncertain Look]"

J was emeditly alart, and begun straighting out her uniform as she spoke. "When do we leave, and what direction?"

"[Alert] We leave in half an hour, southeast, an oil refuil will be provided in twenty minutes. [Positive to Unsure] This close, I can sense six Solvers in that direction. [Uncomfortable Voice] I can sence that they are in pain."

Now J was more alert than ever. "Well then, let's go and put an end to whatever's happening."

"[Happy Serious Tone] Yes ma'am"

× × × × × × × ×

But Tess was hiding something from J. It was something about her senses not even mom knew about. Tess had the ability to tell the exact solver signature she felt.

As for the one she felt, it was one she wasn't going to tell J about. J already had enough distractions, any more could jeopardize the mission. And that was on top of the fact, it could be wrong. J said they were all dead. J didn't lie, not to her, so J must believe it.

But Tess could feel the signature of a 07 host.

The type that was orange in color.

Enemy File (Outdated)

Moniker: The Striped Witch of The Ruins.

Real Name: Raya.

Favored Colors: Orange, Yellow, Brown, Emreld Green, Silver, Copper, Gold.

Drone Type: Solver infected Worker [Synchro Rate 40%].

Programed Nationality: Spain.

Age: 35 (At Time of Death).

Liked: Stripes, Benjamin, The ruins, Her solver, Siete, Jewelry, Trinkets, Bonfires, The Moon, The angel (SD-J).

Disliked: Spirals, Most Drones, Outposts, Dissasmbers, The Spears family, Killing, Conflict, Bandit Drones (and cultists).

Personality: Incredibly empathetic and kind, despite her usual attitude. Enjoyed collecting books, trinkets, and various odds and ends. She had an odd fascination with silver, and gold.

Placed a strange importance on certain human customs and religious practices, despite not believing in them herself. 

Background: Due to Outpost 1s opinion of Solvers at the time, Raya was banished from the colony upon discovery. When she left, her best friend (soon to be partner) left with her. During on of her many supply runs with Ben, SD-J landed in front of her.

When J asked why a worker would care for a dissasmber, her response was this. "{I never saw a sky demon cry before, so I thought you must be different. It looks like I was right.}" 

The night she died it's said she took out sixty of her attackers. Unfortunately for her, that was mearly a tenth of the force that was after her. However her death led to the birth of a new monster, the Oily Phantom. The single individual resposable for killing five hundred forty units, purging every hostile drone from the area.

Some say it was the vengeful ghost of the Spanish witch. Others clamed it had nothing to do with her. But one thing they all agreed on, was that if you see them, than pray to RoboGod. You'll be seeing him soon.

Description: Helmet was often said to be darker orange (practically red) with gold detailing. And had long brown hair that went just past her shoulders. She's said to have most commonly wore a short sleeve orange T-shirt with yellow stripes, and a knee length red skirt on occasion. Whore a variety of simple slip on shoes, all different colors, but brown was the most common.

It's said her orange eyes could always see how a person is truely feeling. No matter how well they could hide it.

Chapter Text

1 week later.

On the seas of Solvers Scar.

The seas of Solvers Scar where a mystery to many drones. The liquid was twice as conducive to normal water, had nearly quadruple the freezing point, but had the same density and buoyancy. It was that last property specifically that baffled the many minds of Copper 9. It was also a contributing factor in the pirate problem.

Pirates had existed since the days people put things of value on boats. And in in the seas of Solvers Scar, there were a lot of valuable things, and even more boats.

But one ship alone held the pirates at bay, acting as an enforcer of the sea. Any pirates it came across would be sunk, any merchant vessel protected. (For a small fee of course).

Any crew dumb enough to take it on, would suffer the full rath of The Queens Vengeance. A two hundred fifty five foot long battle ship. It is the most advanced ship ever made in history, and the most powerful on the seas by far. All because of the captain, a red eyed drone, loved and feared by all who called the 'waters' of Solvers Scar their home.

+ + + + + + + +

The Queens Vengeance was a truely magnificent ship, it was built similarly to an earthen destroyer. but it's cannons where railguns, it's AA guns could sink most normal ships, and it's and energy shields could block both. And any ship that couldn't out run torpedoes, would meet a gruesome fate at sea.

The bords of the deck where painted red, the metal hull was a dark black. Two duel cannons squared in by 60 mm turrets, where on each side of the ships pole. And unlike most destroyers, this ship had an extra floor below deck. It housed all the extra cargo, drones, and ammo that could be needed to carry out the vengeance of the queen. All powered by a compact nuclear reactor, and a crew of twenty-five.

And captain of this mighty ship was The Red Wrath of Solvers Scar. To her crew she was Captain, but to her family she was Scarlet Buttons Doorman, the oldest of the three Doorman siblings.

× × × × × × × ×

Scarlet was a good deal taller than most, a head above the average drone. But she was still shorter than her brother and father, placing her at middle hight of the siblings. Scarlet's hair was a light purple violet, long and straight. Her helmet was a dark maroon red, and decorated with gold and silver detailing. 

Currently she was whereing her favorite coat, a saliors coat that looked like it belonged in the 1800s. It was bright red, with golden tassels and silver buttons. It was open, revealing a black shirt with a yellow skull embroidered on the center. A purple armband with bold yellow letters reading D.D.F was on her left arm. Completing the outdated sailor look, black 'leather' boots adorned the drones legs.

Straped to the drones sides was a cutlass made of solvers enhanced steel (on the right). And four portable single hand rail guns, three on the left, and one on the right. (Though they looked an awful lot like flintlocks.

+ + + + + + + +

When she was six she built her first reactor, at nine she was building railguns. At eight and a half her solver activated for the first time, becoming the main host for Solver-48. And Scarlett has been seeing ghosts ever since. More specifically, one, a drone with the same red eyes as her.

Occasionally a member of her crew would spot the 'ghost', but to them it was nothing more than a haze of red. And thus 'The Red Haze of Vengeance' earned her moniker. And considering what the haze had told Scarlett, that moniker was a very fitting name.

However, none of that mattered at the moment. What did was the text Scarlet was reading on her personal monitor.

Make course for home immediately.

Situation yellow.

Medical expertise needed.

-Darkxwolf17

Code yellow ment multiple drones had been taken in, and needed a technician. And Scarlet was the best technician in all of Copper 9. She could be thare in less than a day, mostly because they where already heading home.

Mother knew this, so she wondered what was needed of her so urgently. She smiled, not at the thought of ingered patients, but at the thought of seeing her younger siblings again.

I wonder how I should spend my time with Tess and Jackal, It has been awhile. Hopefully the issue isn't too serious, that way I can spend as much time as possible with them.

The ship was heading to it's home dock soon.

The Enemy Files.

Moniker: The Red Wrath of Solvers Scar.

Real Name: Scarlet Buttons Doorman 

Favored Colors: Red, Gold, Silver, Black, Brown, Yellow.

Drone Type: Solver infected Worker [Synchro Rate 40%]

Programed Nationality: Russian North American (United States)

Age: 24

Likes: Embroidery, Her siblings, Her parents, The Queens Vengeance, Her crew, Cousins, Aunt V and Lizzy, Doll (most of the time).

Dislikes: Pirates, Scrapers, Enemies, Traitors, Herself.

Personality: Wild and free, opting to spend most her days at sea. On the outside she has an aura that demands respect, but is always secretly doubting herself. Fortunately, when the chips are down, and there is no one else to turn to, the Red Wrath will always pull though.

Because of this, her crew is absolutely loyal to her. If someone where to try and start something, they would quickly find themselves shot.

Background: Scarlet was always abnormally intelligent, building all sorts of inventions at age four. As she got older her intelligence grew, and the complexity of her crafts with it. When her sister activated, she did something horrible, and has spent every day since seeking forgiveness. For an act she was forgiven for long ago.

In the many years since she has built a war-ship, useing it to defend her home against the pirates that would do her family harm. Her ruthlessness in dealing with enemies has earned her the moniker of The Red Wrath.

Description: Taller and bulkier than the average worker drone, with red eyes and long violet colored hair. A dark red maroon helmet with gold detailing sits upon her head. She whares a long red sailors coat, with golden tassels and silver buttons. On her left arm is a D.D.F armband. Completing the 'look' is a pair of black 'leather' boots.

She's always armed with no less than four guns, and one sword, and is a master with both.

Everything else is standard Worker Drone design.

Moniker: The Red Haze of Vengeance.

Real Name: Doll

Favored Colors: Red, Yellow, Black.

Drone Type: Specter (Former Worker Drone)

Programed Nationality: Russian

Age: N/A (would be 44)

Likes: Scarlet, Robo roches, Thad, Revenge, Lizzy, Oil.

Dislikes: Mirrors, V, Uzi, N, Tess, Jackal, V's children, J, Humans, Solvers (except Scarlet), most drones.

Personality: Blunt, honest, and to the point. Has never tried to sugar coat or be nice. Despite her disliking of the Doormans, she doesn't mind Scarlet. Since Scarlet is the only one who can see Doll clearly, or hear her voice, Doll has developed a soft spot for the young woman.

Unfortunately Scarlet will dream of Dolls memories which led her to doing something she regrets to this day.

Background: After years of wandering Copper 9 as a spector, Scarlet was born. Doll always felt some kind of connection to the droneling, but never understood why untill the girls solver awakened. Being able to be seen and heard for the first time, filled the ghost with untold joy. Doll has been by Scarlet's side ever since, acting as a big sister figure in the dronelings life.

Description: To most Doll is nothing more than a spector of red static, but to Scarlet, she appears as she did hours before her death.

Chapter Text

The Week prior.

Outpost 2.

As J and Tess prepared to take of, they went over the plan once more.

J would fly southeast with Tess on her back. Getting closer would mean Tess would be able to pin point the location of the 'Factory'. Tess would then shut everything down with extreme prejudice. Unfortunately they would have to be wary of a dissasmber squad, since both drones knew there was no way Jackal took care of them.

J sighed, the leader of Outpost 2 had insisted on seeing them off. And was just as much as a rambler as a certain door builder when drunk (on gasoline).

"And should you make more trouble than nessa-"

"[Positive Tone] We are to inform any survivors of any engagement that we're free agents from Outpost 3. Thus nothing to do with you. [Annoyed Smile]"

"Well yes, but that's far fr-"

"[Exasperated] And we are to avoid any conflict not in line with destroying the Factory at all costs. [Grown]"

The Outpost leader was growing more aggravated with each interruption. J didn't like how Tess was acting, but could understand her frustration. This drone kept repeating and restating himself like a nervous bored member. The first couple of reminders were understandable, but redundant none the less.

"I don't think you understand just how important this is young lady!"

J paused when she herd that.

"Outpost 1s temperament is already volatile enough. The last thing we need is Scraper and Dissasmby drones causing an even bigger mess!" 

J spoke up this time. "Trust me sir, me and my squad mate have this handled. Now if you excuse us, we have an enemy facility to destroy, because you couldn't handle it yourself.

And with that, J took off, with Tess following close behind.

"Honestly, what insolence. I find it insulting we even have to rely on those things." And so the Outpost 2 leader stormed back to his bunker.

× × × × × × × ×

As the duo flew above the no man's land, Tess could spot drones teaming around the area collecting bodies. This high up, this late at might no one could see the pair. But do to enhanced vision Tess could see them, and in doing so she noticed something strange.

Not a single drone bothered to collect a solder drone. For Outpost 2 this made since, collecting a body from another Outpost was generally looked down upon (unless they die in your teratory). But for Outpost 1, it just seemed foolish.

Mostly on a whim, Tess activated her solvers edit, what she saw down below made her feel sick. 

Hundreds if not thousands of Non Interactable pop ups appeared on her hud. Tess's flight speed slowed to a crawl, and her altitude began to falter. Luckily before she could fall, J noticed her companions slow decent, and caught Tess before she fell too low.

"Tess, are you okay?" J asked calmly.

"[Shakey Tone] I'll be okay, just need a moment. Don't worry. [Tremble]"

"No, now tell me whats wrong." J was firm.

"[Uncomfortable] Down there." Tess pointed down towards the former battlefield. "[Tremble] The dead soldier drones, there non interactable."

Silence fell upon the flying duo, the possible implications were seemingly endless. Though not a single one was any good.

J gestured for Tess to climb on her back, and Tess compiled. "Come on, we have to get going. I don't know what that Factory is up to, but it ends tonight."

And so J flew, significantly faster than the moment prior.

Serial Designation R, was frankly baffled, though he was also a tad frustrated. He had read the final reports on the six month long war, and it didn't make sense. Outpost 2 was a third the size, with fourth the military. And all signs point to reinforcements from the mysterious Outpost 3, being the only reason they lasted so long.

What made less sense, was the unconfirmed rumors from trusted sources. Only 200 drones to reinforce a trench several kilometers long, and only suffering five casualties. The logistics where baffling, unrealistic, and moderately scarey.

Especially considering that Purple Devil Freak was one of those 200. But that wasn't SD-R's main priority right now. Instead it was his squad guarding a large 9 by 9 meter square concrete slap with a seem down the middle. At first R thought it was just some nothing assignment, given as punishment for failing to stop 'The Purple Devil of The Sky'. 

R couldn't have been more wrong.

Just 5 minutes in this 'nothing' assignment the slap opened, revealing the top of a underground elevator. Once it reached the top, twenty five soldier drones marched off, and on towards a unknown destination. That's when SD-R and his squad found out they where guarding the only entrance to the mysterious Factory.

Every hour it opened, sometimes the drones marching out had green eyes. Other times silver, or grey, or cyan, but the most common color was orange by far. Something about these Soldier drones rubbed R and his squad the wrong way, but none of them knew exactly why.

With not much else to do R checked his internal clock for the hundredth time. Just because the assignment was important, didn't mean it wasn't boring. The door would open in five minutes.

SD-R glanced at what his squad mates where doing just 2 meters (6.56 feet) away, and it wasn't their job.

Instead it was the usual of SD-Q flirting, and SD-U blushing, before flirting back, causing the cycle to repeat itself. Those two always stuck together like glue, even back at the manor, not that either of them could remember. It really got on R's nerves sometimes.

"Hey, both of you." R commanded. "Look alive, the entrance is going to open soon."

Both drones emeditly stood at attention. They may stick to each other like the stitched together, but they knew how to be professional. 

Just four more minutes till the dam thing opens. R thought to himself. Just let nothing happen for another four minutes. He silently prayed for the same thing each time the door was scheduled to open.

But this time his prayers went unanswered.

SD-U was the first to see, but she couldn't react fast enough. Before the other two could notice, a blur of silvery white, black, and yellow slammed into the ground a 7 meters (7.65 yards) away.

As the dust settled, the squad got a better look at the thing or rather drone, that crashed into the ground. SD-R, recognized her immediately, it was Serial Designation J. Although, she looked a tad different than last they saw one another.

"Is this the place?" J spoke quickly and directly, but it was clear it wasn't to R's squad.

That's when R noticed, from the angle he was at, that it looked like J had two tails. And then R herd that voice, feminine in nature, while lacking any emotion. Hearing it felt so familiar and yet so different, R both recognized it, and didn't at the same time. It sounded similar to Cyn, but even Cyn spoke with emotion.

"[Concerned Tone] Indeed, I sense six Solvers behind that concrete slab. [Frown] They are in pain, though I can't tell why."

Before R could fully process what the voice said, SD-J spoke directly to him. "It's been awhile R. I don't suppose you'll let us pass, will you?"

SD-U and Q stood in silence, they recognized J as well, but decided against interrupting R. They didn't know the full extent, but both knew the two squad leaders had a history. And that both drones didn't like each other. Not quite hate, but close enough.

It was clearly a question, but it was spoken like a statement, and so R responded in kind. "Afraid not, orders are orders. Right?"

SD-Js tail flicked upon hearing that, it was a low blow. But then the second voice spoke once more.

"[Serious] I believe it's best I deal with the dissasmbers."

"That wasn't the plan."

"[Respectful Voice] You may be enhanced, but not even you could take on three of them. Especially ones that may be familiar with your fighting style."

Glowing yellow light flared from behind SD-Js back, then it was off to the left. From the flash appeared a small drone that could only be described as a 'witch'.

"[Positive Serious Tone] Besides brother praised them, meaning they're more than capable. [Confident] let me get the door for you."

As the strage worker girl lifted her right arm, a certain three pronged symbol appeared in her rased hand. Suddenly the concrete blast doors where forced open, and J quickly spoke to the girl before flying though. Q tried dashing after her, but the doors slammed shut before he could get close.

"[Giggle] Your fight is with me."

SD-Q quickly turned around, clearly aggravated as SD-U switched to her sniper, as R spoke up.

"Before we do that, your name. It wouldn't happen to be Cyn, would it?"

"[Annoyed] Congratulations, you guessed the first half of my middle name."

This one's just as much as a freak as the purple one. Come to think of it, she's wearing the same armband. J was wearing the same as well, I thought the purple freak had a similar fighting style.

"[Overconfident Grin] Now come. [Exited] Face the power of my witches hex."

And with that the fighting began.

Enemy File

Moniker: N/A

Real Name: Siete Spears N/A

Favored Colors: Orange N/A

Drone Type: Solver infected Worker [Synchro Rate: N/A]

Programed Nationality: Spain N/A

Age: 15 N/A

Likes: The Moon. N/A

Dislikes: Pain N/A

Personality: N/A

Background: [Classified]

Description: Standard Worker Design. N/A

Chapter Text

The Day Tess and J left Outpost 3

Daytime (Noon)

Outpost 3

In the sunlit snowy airspace on the colony, a flash of purple, white, and black could be seen. If you looked up at just the right moment that is. And if you where lucky enough for for your visor to screen shot in the split second it was visible.

For in truth, Jackal Cannon Doorman, was far too fast for any drone to see properly.

As the Purple Devil sored though the air, he revealed in it's splendor. Up here, in the sky, it was the only place one could expirence true freedom. As he flew, he felt his cooling unit wher ever so faintly.

It was built by Scarlet, she had tried to build one for father, V, and J, but their software couldn't handle it. Jackal alone was the only one who could fly during the day. He could also still have his tail out, much to the confusion of everyone.

Those months he spent in the trenches where agony, looming dirt walls, held back by planks of wood and slabs of stone. A single well placed morter could bury anyone alive. All the while the sky above was so agonizingly, and tantalizingly close.

He was never going back to the trenches. Regardless of consequences.

His older sister could dominate the sea, his younger sister could have dominion of the earth. Jackal's parents could reside underground, but he alone could rule the sky. For he was The Purple Devil of The Sky. And he would never let anyone take that from him.

As Jackal broke the sound barrier for the sixth time today, he rocketed north west, to the remnets of Outpost 4.

Stange sightings had been seen near the old remnets, and the scout reports were vege at best. In truth he was supposed to do this three days ago, but he had been putting it off, rather successfully. But his parents got tired of his procrastinating, and in no uncertain terms, ordered him to get this done by sunset.

Doing this would mean going inside, and underground. Though, if things got too bad he could always try to blast a hole though the ceiling. At the risk of burying himself, a risk he really didn't want to take.

Especially since he had a pretty good idea what, or rather who, was in there. Though in all honesty, if it was who he thought it was, then he should have done this much much sooner.

+ + + + + + + +

Jackal slammed into the earth like a missile, landing in front on the former circleler door of Outpost 4. The lage thick blast doors that had kept dissasmbers out, was now a pried open, broken mess. Being long since reduced to nothing more than scrap.

This was the main entrance, a shattered remnet of what once was, and what could have been. 

Technically this was in Outpost 5s teratory, but keeping this place manned and supplied was a logical nightmare. It was massive, supporting thousands of drones, and requiring hundreds more to maintain. And with it not being in a position of any strategical value, it just wasn't worth it. Especially with all the battles father west.

Didn't stop Outpost 5 from crushing them. 4 saw themselves as supior at the time, not having a single solver, or dissasmber on their side. But beloveing that they had more than enough drones. And that thinking cost them dearly. Now all that remained, where the ecos of tears, and the stench of oil.

But that wasn't what was on Jackal's mind.

As Jackal entered the building, he had to keep his emotions in check. The far apart walls seemed to creep closer to him, the ceiling got closer, and the hall got smaller. Only his sisters and she, knew how bad it was.

His fear of just being inside was his greatest shame. Tess had called it 'severe claustrophobia', but that was just a shuger coated half-truth. It was weakness plain and simple, he was a drone, drones didn't get phobias.

The fear they felt was all preprogrammed, keeping them alive longer as cost saveing measure. Sometimes if got triggered multiple times, it would take less to make it activate (PTSD). But drones didn't have phobias, or at least they weren't supposed to.

He remembered the stuff Scarlet told him. To turn off his eye lights, cycle though his systems. Once feeling better reactivate his visor slowly.

Would you like to activate second program?

Y

->N

When Jackal calmed down, the hall returned to semi normal state. And so desperate to leave as soon as possible, he quickly walked down the hall, deeper into the dark underground.

Reaching into his coats inner pocket, he pulled out a high grade battery, and popped it in his mouth. Hopefully it was who he thought it was, he would never say it out loud (in front of his sisters), but he missed her.

× × × × × × × ×

Outpost 4 was a massive circleler structure buried under a mountain. It housed five levels, with three 'rings' for housing. In the center of each set of rings where warehouse like structures two stories tall, and the size of a football field. Each one was connected to the one above/below by a series of elevators and stairwells.

The entirety of the bunker only had two entrances, the front door Jackal used (top floor), and the emergency evacuation route (bottom floor). As Jackal made his way down the cross hair like floor plan, he failed to notice the set of seven eyes watching him.

Ordinarily he would have spotted the other drone with his tail emeditly. But he was too busy dealing with the stress of being underground to notice.

The other drone crouched low, and pounced. The hybrid noticed far too late as drone slammed into him. A loud feminine voice being his only warning.

"Jackal!" - Slam - "It's been so long! How've you been!? Are you okay!? Did you miss me!?"

"Get off." Pinned to the ground was not in his plans for today.

÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷

The drone pinning him to the ground was Hazel, a young (19), brown eye (right, her left eye was yellow), Scraper deserter. She had shoulder length wavy brown hair, and her tolerance for modification was exceptionally high. The only clue she even started out as a worker, was the brown light on her upper chest, and her tube limbed shoulders.

She wore a dissasmber pilot coat similar to Jackal's, but it was about an inch higher. 

The rest of her looked like a dissasmber (F), and her neck was protected by a scrap gard. She even had fangs, though they were made of bear trap spikes. And the lower torso was modified to be similar to a dissasmber, modded to be able to support all the extra inner hardware (thanks Scarlet). A nanite acid tail completed the look, but it was noticeably half empty.

For most Scrapers, the mods they sported were imitations. Welded scrap molded to appear similar to dissasmbers. They still did the job just fine, a screw on gun socket for a hand is still a gun hand. But at the end of the day, it was still nothing more than imitations. 

Hazel was different. Most Scrapers couldn't handle genuine dissasmber hardware, not without going insane. But she could handle the real deal, being one of the few Scrapers that could fly. And that was because Hazel, was a hybrid.

÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷

Realizing the position she was in Hazel's eye lights hollowed before quickly hopping off the purple drone.

"I-I'm sorry, I didn't realize how that looked!" She was blushing.

"That wasn't my main concern." Jackal responded dryly.

As he spoke something clicked in Hazel's head. "What are even doing down here? We're underground."

"Looking for you idiot, or at least I what I thought might be you, which it was."

"But why? You hate being underground."

"Because a certain dunce" - Jackal lightly bonked Hazel on the head. - "was stupid enough to get spotted!"

"Owy!"

"You have half our scouting drones spooked, and J has had to lie about you multiple times. Now I have to come up with a good enough lie, to get heat off your back!"

Well less of a lie, and more of an excuse, but Hazel didn't need to know that.

Mom already knew about Hazel, and of her children's involvement with the scraper deserter. The main problem however, was the Scraper part of that statement.

Jackal, Tess, Angela and the Twins weren't considered Scrapers for one major reason. None of none of their hardware caused the signature software corruption famous among Scrapers.

Deserter or no, special software or no, Hazel was still a Scraper. All of wich were banned from joining Outpost 3, so long a the Tundra King lived. That rule was set in place six years ago, after Tess's accident.

Hazel was the exception not the rule, and right now they couldn't afford to make exceptions.

No matter how he felt about her.

As Hazel launched into a flurry of sorry's and apologies, Jackal found it hard to keep up the grumpy facade. Every apology was was genuine and heartfelt, staying mad at her just felt wrong.

"Hey" - Jackal interrupted - "do you wanna go outside for a bit?" While her presence made things easier, he didn't want to be underground for much longer.

Hazel perked up, and smiled. "Sure, I'd love too."

Cute.

"Well then, let's go."

+ + + + + + + +

When they reached the main entrance/exit, Jackal felt a surge of relief. The ceiling slowly closing in, was replaced with the endless cloudy sky. And the looming walls gave way to a vast planet.

The two winged drones flew to the top of the mountain (at Hazel's insistence), and the purple drone was surprised by what was waiting for them.

It was a pseudo circle of metal and scrap, and could comfortably fit two drones inside. On eather end, was a street lights, the kind one would find on the streets of the city. And the center was cushioned by a plethora of fabrics and plastics. All of it, was surrounded by a 'shell' of metal, stone, and rebar.

"You made all this?" Jackal was somewhat impressed.

"Bits and pieces, you sister helped with some of the more technical parts." Hazel's blush nearly covered her entire screen, brown tops, with yellow bottom fade.

Jackal 'rased' an eyebrow. "I've been gone six months, sis been gone nine. How often have you visited?"

"J-just every so often . . . "

What.

"How often?" 

"Often enough to be given a moniker . . ."

That could be a problem.

"That many drones saw you?"

"F-for what it's worth, her entire crew believes I'm some Scraper spy getting her intel on pirates. Mainly because that's what she told them . . ." 

I'm gunna owe my sister a lot of gasoline.

"You idiot." Jackal didn't have any of the usual bite, rather it was said with a concerned affection. "So what technical pieces did you need anyway?"

Hazel's shy blushing program immediately switched off, being replaced with a wild wicked grin. "This!" She laughed with manic joy as she pulled on one of the rebar, only it turned out to be a lever.

Within seconds the street lights folded down, and legs popped up from the sides, eight in total. Lage claw like arms came out the front, and no shortage of missle launches, guns, and blades stuck out from every crack and crevice. In the six months since Jackal had been gone, Hazel built a scrap crab.

One that could double as a nest.

"Do you like it?"

"That explains a lot." Jackal stated.

"What do you mean?"

"Scouts have been reporting all sorts of strage things coming from this direction." Jackal knelt as he poked at the crab. "I suppose they where talking about your creations."

"Is that bad?" Hazel was back to her normal nervous self.

"Yes." Jackal deadpanned. "My family is trying to keep you hidden. Your Scraper tech is like firing a massive flare to reveal your location."

"I'm sorry." Hazel begin mopping.

"But" - Jackal said quickly - "It's a vary nice wepon, and I like it!"

"Really? You mean it?" Hazel perked up.

"Yes I do."

As Hazel celebrated, Jackal sighed. There would be no end to the teasing should his sisters find out about this.

"Oh, you mentioned that you have a moniker now. So what did those 'vengeance lovers' come up with?"

Hazel smirked. "Your now looking at The Demonic Flying Scraper!"

Jackal chuckled, it was a fitting name indeed.

The two drones spent the rest of the day together, enjoying the brief moment they've had in awhile. They never quite knew when another moment would arise like this. So they wanted to spend as long of a time together as possible.

As night approached, the two settled down in Hazel's newly built crab tank (set to standby) to watch the sunset. As the sun began to set, Jackal spoke.

"Hey, Hazel?"

"Yes?"

"When all this is over, would you like to visit the market with me?" Jackal quietly asked 

It was a question asked every couple of visits, alternating between the two. Each time the response was the same.

"I would love too." Hazel responded with a faint smile.

Both knew all too well how that day wouldn't be for a vary long time. But since both where hybrids, they could afford to wait, far longer than most. It was a promise, one they would repeat until the end of time if need be.

Jackal wasn't sure when, but some point, between the setting sun, and rising moon, he slowly enterd sleep mode.

× × × × × × × ×

Hazel looked at the drone who had fallen asleep on her shoulder. As gently as she could so as to not wake him, she layed the purple hybrid down. The normally wild and rambunctious drone looked so peaceful like this.

In all the time she knew Jackal, he never once went the easy way, or took anything laying down. It was one of the things she loved about him. However at the same time, Hazel knew just how hard he pushed himself. Never slowing down or taking a break, even today, he pushed himself.

Tess messaged her several days ago that Jackal was back. But she wasn't fast enough in moving her things out of the Outpost. And so Jackal had to go inside as a result, going underground, all on the off chance she wasn't the one inside.

But any guilt she might have felt was offset by the worry she felt when looking at his data logs. She accessed them without permission but that didn't matter. What did, was the fact Jackal hadn't entered sleep mode for 3 days.

While drones where ment to work for questionable periods of time, they where still ment to rest six hours for every twenty four working. Sure you could recharge manually, but doing so without powering down was straining on the software. You had to stop to let your system rest properly, even the most corrupted Scrapers knew that.

Batteries only fot you so far, going this long without stopping could be problematic.

"You need to take better care of yourself, Jackal Doorman." She layed beside him before entering sleep mode herself. "Otherwise I'm never getting that date." And with that, she turned off her eye lights.

The Enemy File

Moniker: The Demonic Flying Scraper

Real Name: Hazel Clawhand

Favored Colors: Brown, Purple, Yellow, Red, Black.

Drone Type: Modified Worker (F) (Software corruption -50%) (Modified Wepon Kit)

Programed Nationality: None (English Settings)

Age: 19

Likes: Jackal (a lot), Scarlet, Tess, Explosions, Guns, Blades, Oil, The twins (kinda), Angela (not really), the rest of Jackal's family (respectfully), The mountains, Her mother's memory.

Dislikes: Her father, Scrapers, Rules, Order, Outpost 5, Hiding, Nomads, Most Solvers (except the Doormans), Overheating, Lasers, Liars, Monarchies (even Outpost 3).

Personality: Loves explosions, doesn't care for anything that A) isn't explosive or B) won't cause an explosion. In her spare time she enjoys building various tools, wepons, and vehicles of Scraper design. She's known for flipping demeanor on a dime, especially if Jackal isn't present.

In spite of her situation, she's both respectful, and understanding of Outpost 3s policy. Though she is quite vocal about how much she hates her father because of it. Hazel has taken quite shine to Jackal, and much to her delight he clearly feels the same.

She's also quite fond of his sisters, but sees them as close friends. Her relationship with Jackal's cousins is more mixed, but respects them all the same (kinda). Hazel has never met Uzi, but would like to do so someday. She gets along with everyone else. (N, V, and J)

Background: Many years ago, deep in the Tundra Wastes, a Scraper, and a Dissasmber (F) met. Over the years the two fell in love, and Hazel was the result. But one day the Scraper lost his beloved, and in his quest for vengeance lost all love his daughter had for him. Now the Scraper turned king looks for the final drone who ever wronged him. The corruption of his software eroding all past love he may have had.

The bulk of Hazel's augmentation comes from her deceased mother. Should her father die, she would feel nothing. For in her eyes, her father died long ago. Despite this, she failed to kill him when she has the chance, and regrets not doing so every day. Especially after she found out what happened to Tess.

Despite her softwares incompatibility, her existence as a hybrid means she's much more resilient than most. However she is not immune to the affects of such augmentations. Had it not been for the Doorman family, she would have gone insane long ago.

Description: Shoulder length wavy brown hair, and dissappear five eyes. Her left eye is yellow from software corruption, and her right eye is brown (og color). Due to a lack of dissasmber fangs, she gave herself some via two bear trap spikes.

Most often wears the pilot hat that belonged to her mother. Her coat bears the same origin, though it's been altered to fit her better. Red stitching folds it up just above her knees to alow for better movement in cramped spaces.

Underneath she wears a brown tank top, stained in grease and oil. The neckline hangs just low enough to reveal her chest light, revealing her as a modified worker. Her tubed upper arms, shoulders, and torso are all that's left of her original build. Her lower torso houses her mother's slef heal hardware, though it's not as effective due to her worker origin.

Hazel has a nanite acid tail, but can't refill it herself. She relies on Tess for refills, luckily Tess is more than happy to provide.

Everything else is standard dissasmber (F) design.

Scraper tech: A hushpage of junk and scrap, utilizing things in ways they weren't ment to be used. Known for its unreliability and tendency to explode. Still, it gets the job done (most of the time).

Chapter Text

Back with J and Tess.

Outpost 1 Teratories.

Three hours after dark.

When Tess forced open the door, J hesitated for a fraction of a second. Tess was indeed correct, she would have a much better chance than J. It didn't mean she had to like it.

"Just be careful okay?" J quickly said.

"[Positive] Of course."

And with that J dived into the unknown depths below, into the underground of the Factory.

+ + + + + + + +

Above ground, the tension begin to build, both sides waiting to see if the other would make the first move. That action was done by SD-Q, with him leaping forward, wings extended, at the drone in yellow.

The small drone telaported a few feet away, but her telegraphed move was anticipated by SD-U. When the 'witch' reaperd in a yellow flash, a high caliber sniper round was aimed right at her visor. Only for her to cach it, telaport again, and somehow fire the bullet back towards the sniper. Though the shot missed her by a few inches.

That's when SD-R stepped into the fray, with Q at the drones left, R attacked her right. As both charged the yellow girl, they where in for quite a shock when both claws and swords hit nothing. For the attack went right though the enemy drone, only for the form to vanish in a mist of yellow static.

"[Giggle] Where do you think you're trying to hit?"

The girl appeared a feet away, two jagged spider like limbs protruded from her back. The ends of which ended in familiar looking camera like projectors. 

SD-R sighed, they were obligated to gard the entrance hidden in city ruins, but this was going to be a long fight.

I really hate this job sometimes.

In a yellow glitching flash, the witch drone disappeared once more. This time, they would have to be careful, and make sure they were striking the real one

× × × × × × × ×

As J dived down the elevator shaft, she spotted the elevator platform apoching. Twenty-five soldier drones stood, twenty-five fell, they didn't have a chance to look up.

As J stood on the still rising platform, she fired a few missiles directly into the center. Within seconds a hole was made, and J dived ever further down. After several moments, she reached the bottom, or rather top floor of the Factory.

Her immediate veiw was that of a dimly lit hallway, but it was clean. There wasn't a speck of dust anywhere, the white tiled walls, ceiling, and floor. It all felt a little too clean, felt a little too sterile. The hall was about 15 yards long (13.716 meters), and was just wide enough for 5 drones to stand side by side. And the ceiling was easily double J's hight, possibly higher.

At the end of the hall was a set of ominous double steel doors.

J apoched cautiously, and slowly. She was in the heart of enemy tarratory, there was no telling what possible traps might be down here.

As she opened the door, and exited the hallway, she found herself in a large square room. It was easily the size of Outpost 3s 'throne room', but twice as long. J was horrorified at what she saw.

+ + + + + + + +

"I'm going to roast you like a chestnut, you little punk!" SD-Q shouted. None of the three drone squad could land a hit. Eventually after about ten minutes, Q resorted to shouting insults and threats with every failed strike.

If she could, Tess would have looked puzzled. What on Copper 9 is a chestnut?

However not wanting her opponents to know about her lack of knowledge, she didn't ask outloud. Instead she opted to annoy the brawler further.

"[Giggle] You're welcome to try. However I doubt you could roast the broadside of a barn. [Smirk]"

Multiple anger marks appeared on all three of their visors, clearly it was working. Wich was good, because otherwise they might have noticed the hundreds of spinning rebar rods.

Each one was glowing a faint orange from the friction of spinning in the air. All of wich was just a few hundred feet away.

"[Serious] Time to end this."

All three turnd around to the sound of her voice from behind them. Just in time to see the glowing metal rods launching at them, and the Yellow Witch flying above. She thrust her arm forward before speaking a single phrase.

"[Grin] Bang."

Emeditly hundreds of steel rods shot forth, easily faster than any bullet. Streaks of orange light filled the air. And while the yellow drone had horrible aim, with this many projectiles, aim wasn't needed.

SD-R felt nothing but burning pain, as a rod went through his right arm. And took his arm with it. Soon dozens more found their mark, and SD-R thought he was going to die as he was trown to the snowy ground.

Only he didn't.

When the attack relented, SD-R noted that despite the pain, he was still very much alive. Sure, his lower torso was torn to shreds, legs shattered, and his right arm was little more than a memory. But despite it all, he was alive nonetheless.

Every servo, joint, and wire felt as if it were on fire. Just the idea of moving made R want to die, but he had to check on his squad. Moving his head left, then right, he was able to get a visual on his teammates.

SD-Q was pinned to rubble, missing a wing as one of the rods had struck the 'bone'. A rod was in the middle of his lower torso half melted from the heat. Q's arms were still in place, but they were heavily damaged. Still, SD-R could see his wounds slowly healing. Though with damage so severe it would take awhile.

SD-U wasn't faring much better, but her damage wasn't quite as severe. She had managed to block a good chunk of the onslaught with her wings. But they eventually had given way to the relentless assault. Like Q, a metal rod was lodged in her gut, pinning her to the snowy ruins. Her left leg was missing, and right arm was shattered from the elbow down.

Both of their visors were cracked, but R could see them slowly healing. The yellow monster began to speak, and SD-R began to feel nothing but dread.

"[Chuckle] Are all three of you are still alive?"

This is it. R thought. End of the line.

The yellow drone slowly descended before folding in her fleshy wings. Looking a each of them with an unmoving, unchanging gaze. She may have said 'grin' earlier, but her expression never once left a neutral staring look. And voice sounded bored, and emotionless the entire time.

[Sigh] Good, looks like missing on purpose works after all. [Happy Face]

What?

"W-what?" R weakly muttered, his voice was glitching from the damage.

The yellow drone turned towards him.

"[Positive] Well ya, I didn't want you guys dead. Otherwise brother would have my head. [Smirk]"

This whole time, the yellow drone was just playing with them. Her next statement only confirmed as such.

[Cheery Tone] If I wanted you dead, [Serious] I would have killed you by now.

After that, SD-R powered down. As his systems worked to repair the sustained damage.

× × × × × × × ×

Most of the room looked like what one would think of if you said 'Factory'. Dozens of conveyor belts crisscrossing and overlapping each other. But it was what was on them that disgusted J to her core. Hundreds of broken oily limbs, and lower torsos, and worker heads moved along the whirring machines.

J was no stranger to gore. Not a single drone alive could ever hope to argue otherwise. For Solvers sake, she spent a good chunk of her life living in a spire of corpses. But this was something else entirely. Everything about this place felt wrong, like a feeling that everything in front of her was an abomination.

Glancing around gave J a pretty good idea on how things worked.

Tubes from below ground dropped things from above, with carrying mechanisms unknown to J. Scanners would inspect each peace before the parts were carried off to assembly lines. Robotic arms would then piece them all together, attaching each part to an upper chest looking piece.

Then, when the body was fully assembled, another robotic arm would plug a USB into its neck. No doubt uploading the combat software needed for a 'soldier'. Then the drone would walk down to the 'stand by zone'. A lage square where the units would stand for a final inspection before being sent out.

All the while a maze of catwalk railings lommed over everything.

J flew over to the catwalk and observed the process from above. Her first thought was how inefficient it all seemed, like producing soldiers was a secondary priority.

She was so caught up in watching, J's five eyes failed to notice the cameras locking in on her location. J didn't fail to notice the speaker lowering down, however. From wich spoke a voice, one J had not herd in a long time.

Masculine, monotone, and dry.

"Hello sky demon. Or should I call you Serial Designation J now?"

Emeditly J felt a burning rage well up in her core, tge likes felt by a select few. The kind that could only be described as pure hatred.

Js voice was low and cold, but the fury was clear in her voice.

"You, I could have sowrn I killed you myself."

The speaker hummed once more.

"And I thought you would have ended yourself after losing everything a third time. So I gess we're both disappointed."

The soldiers below began to look up and point they're guns at J.

"Alow me to try and fix one of my disappointments." The voice was just as cold as J remembered.

"I don't know where you're hiding, but when I find you, you will die. For real this time Spears."

"With all due respect, you're welcome to try, Demon."

The Enemy File

Moniker: The Mad Mechanic Doctor.

Real Name: Victor Madnin Spears.

Favored Colors: White, Silver, Grey, Black (Worker Standard)

Drone Type: Worker

Programed Nationality: None (English Settings)

Age: 50

Likes: Experiments, Progress, Lab coats, Inflicting pain, Hurting Solver hosts, Tormenting the weak minded, Soldier drones, Oil, Killing the 'unclean'.

Dislikes: His family (different reasons), Sky Demons, Solver Hosts, Peace, Happiness, 'Love', Filth, Stupidity, Anyone deemed 'beneath him' (everyone).

Personality: Egotistical, proud, and stubborn, Victor believes the best way is his, no exceptions. Incapable of being reasond with, or negotiated to, the only thing he cares about is himself. 

He truly despises Solver and Disassembly Drones, and has hated his youngest brother for falling for one. He derives a sick twisted joy from the manufacturing of soldiers, believeing jes punishing the unclean. While haveing access to six Solver Hosts, he prefers to use his neice the most.

Any drone with the displeasure of working with him, all come back hating the basterd doctor. Luckily for him, the upper brass don't care about what's happening (even those who know). All they care about is receiving more bodies for the trenches. Wich Victor is more than happy to provide.

Background: The oldest of three siblings, Victor was always proud and stubborn. But as grew, he beagan to display troubling tendencies. But withV demons in the sky, and Solvers from below, no one took care to notice the odd behavior.

His hatred of Solver hosts was always engraved in his core from a vary young age. During the banishment trials, none where more supportive than he. But his stupid younger brother just had to leave with one.

After years of trying to convince his brother to return, he had enough. Hundreds of bandit drones had migrated north from the Tundra Wastes. Victor was able to direct them all towards the Striped Witch, makeing him responsible for her and his brothers death. But that wasn't enough, for he went with them to see her die personally. What he saw that day would change the course of his life forever.

During the assault he wached as a bandit drone cut off an arm. Only for the piece of machinery to grow back. It gave him a twisted, sick, deranged idea.

Knowing about the droneling, he kidnapped her in hopes she wouldn't have the Solvers disease. And knowing about J, he created a remote control dummy using a modified corpse of a bandit. The only thing he told J, was that the child was dead. His work on the modified corpse would become the foundation for future soldier drones.

And when Siete was proven to have the Solvers curse, he was more than willing to but her in the Factory.

Because of his disturbing tendencies and troubling inventions, he has earned the moniker: The Mad Doctor. Earning such a moniker only proves his depravity, especially givin his lack of any combat expirence.

Description: Standard Worker hight, with a dark grey helmet, bald, and with grey eye lights. Most often wears a white lab coat with a small JC-JENSON logo on the right upper chest, and underneath would be a simple white T-shirt. The bottom edges of the coat have been crudely cut to fit his drone hight. The only other thing of note, would be his all terrain tan colored boots.

Corpse Tec: Despite it's grim name, Corpse Tec is the practice of reusing dissasmbeled worker parts for new drones. The bulk of modern drones where made using restored material from Corpse Spires. Which is whare the name originated.

Chapter Text

1 Hour Later

Tess knelt by the Factories entrance, deciding whether or not she should descend down into the darkness.

On one hand, J was down below and would be more than enough to handle whatever was down there.

On the other, the guilt of not telling her about 07 was slowly eating away at her. And if anything went wrong, J could easily miss the orange solver host entirely.

If that was the case, Tess wasn't sure what she would do. And so she made up her mind to go down.

Just before she did however, Tess herd something stir behind her. It was in the direction of her blind spot. Quickly spinning around revealed SD-R getting back up, surpriseing Tess. She thought he would be out commission for another few hours. Quickly glanceing at the other two confirmed that impression.

The Yellow Witch wasted no time in using her solver. Graping a piece of rebar from earlier, she quickly lanched it directly at his head. It flew straight and true (kinda). But Tess had to force it to stop, as she saw the recovering dissasmber raise his arms in surrender.

"I'm not interested in fighting, you already proved that a pointless endeavor."

Tess was a bit taken aback, she wasn't used to her opponents giving up. Her prosser raced to come up with something to say back.

"[Serious Disbelief] Then why do you rise."

"Your next step is to go into the factory right?" His voice held firm. It reminded her of J in a way.

"[Serious] Affirmative."

"Take me with you, my squad can handle waking up without me." It was clear he wasn't asking.

"[Surprise] Why would you even want too?" 

"That place has been creeping out me and my squad for days. Then, just when I think I won't get answers, you and Serial Designation J show up."

He paused before continuing.

"I want to know why the upper brass wants this to stay hidden so badly. And why you two seem so hell bent on ending it."

Tess couldn't really think of an argument as to why she couldn't (or shouldn't) so she reluctantly agreed.

"[Suspicious] Fine. But if you do anything I don't like, I'll make you wish I killed you."

"Fine by me."

And with that, Tess used her solver on the entrance, to pry it open once more. As she did so, they could see an elevator platform rising. It had a noticeable large hole in the center, and was riddled with soldier corpses.

SD-R graped a few, and tossed them towards the direction of his squad mates. No doubt for when they wake up. As he did so, he asked Tess a question.

"By the way, what should I call you?"

Tess was a bit surprised, no one really asked before. Normally it was always told to someone before meeting her. But given the circumstances, she supposed it wasn't that out of the ordinary.

As both drones got onto the unstable looking platform, she responded.

"[Evil Laughter] My name is Tessa Cyner Doorman, The Yellow Witch of Outpost 3. [Smirk]" She believed that should be a fairly decent introduction.

"Doorman, got it." Unfortunately it seemed R didn't think so. The elevator started going down, as if responding to the dissasmbers indifference.

"[Annoyed] I prefer Tess."

"Not happening Doorman."

So she's from Outpost 3 huh? The purple freak and J probably originate form there as well. Makes some since I guess, that was J's and her squads original teratory.

SD-R wasn't sure, but the name Doorman sounded veagely familiar. It didn't really matter though, he certainly wasn't going to use the other options she gave him. Especially not those first two.

"[Sigh]." This would be long elevator ride. Yes, Tess supposed they could both fly down, but she didn't want to risk the platform falling on top of her. The less resources spent, the better.

+ + + + + + + +

At the bottom, a loud screeching noise like metal scrapping across metal, could be heard. It got louder and faster, ending in a thunderous boom.

Five minutes later, two drones slowly decided, and made their way though the lage elevator doors. Two sets of yellow eyes pierced though the dark and dust.

Tess noticed that while the hallways clearly had lights, they were shut off. And just how off the whole place felt.

SD-R, noted the lack of security. Surely in a place this important they would have more security inside. No one thought they would get past his squad he supposed. But the entire reason they were assigned to gard duty was because a single drone defeated them.

As the two tucked in wings, and walked down the hall, SD-R decided to break the silence. That crash would have alerted anyone present anyway.

"So." He began. "What's the deal with your voice anyway?" He questioned.

"[Head Tilt] What exactly are you asking?" She had a pretty good idea what he ment, but it never hurt to check.

"That." He responded. "Your voice. It has next to no emotion, and it only has two tones. One of wich, you use to talk exclusively in expression and third person speech." SD-R raised a 'brow' on his visor. "What's up with that?"

His motivation was simple, learn all he can on the drone before him. Tess Doorman was silent for a few paces before responding.

"[Concentrated] It was because of something from a long time ago."

"What exactly happened? If you don't mind me asking." SD-R wasn't exactly a tactful drone, but he was trying to be polite. Even if it was with an enemy, he still wanted to remain somewhat professional.

Tess stopped moving.

"[Serious] The event in question is none of your concern. [Glare] However if it's the result you're after, maybe we can discuss further. [Suspicion]"

"All right, just the results then." It seemed like whatever happened was quite the sore spot, and wasn't to be brought up lightly.

The two began walking down the hall once more, R was behind on the right.

"[Expositioing] My expression software became incompatible with my systems, and had to be removed. [Saddened] My sister tried to save what she could, but the bulk had to be removed by mother."

"When . . . did that happen?" R asked slowly. The last thing he wanted was to set the drone girl off again.

So she has a sister, who is likely decently skilled in software. And her mother holds high level administrative access over her internal systems.

"[Quiet] Six years ago." The volume remained the same.

This conversation was over, they had reached the end of the hall. Both drones braced themselves with whatever could be on the other end. Tess couldn't sense the exact locations of the Solver hosts, not when she was so close to them. But she could tell they where vary close.

× × × × × × × ×

When they opened the door at the hall, both drones where surprised, but not shocked at what they found.

Dozens of thick factory conveyor belts, were torn to shreds. All around, slash marks, scorch marks, and claw marks littered the area. Tess noted multiple places where laser cutters were clearly used. Any bits of usable machinery, had been reduced to scrap.

Then came the smell. The smell of oil, hung thick in the air.

Then the duo saw the corpses. Hundreds of soldier drones were scattered around the area, as lifeless as ever. Speculation was pointless, clearly some kind of fight went down. And by the evidence, it looked like Serial Designation J won.

"Goodness, looks like J did a number on the place." R noted. "This better not come out of my pay."

"[Curious Glance] What are payed?"

"Credits backed by oil."

"[Nod] Same."

Similar currencies, possibly the same one. Interesting. SD-R thought to himself.

Suddenly, Tess felt a ping. It ran though her head, giving her the sensation of a spike ramming though her skull. It was coming from below. Tess knew exactly where five of the six were now. She still ccouldn't tell where 07 was, but the other five where almost directly below them.

And given how the room they where in was supposed to look, that didn't make Tess feel any better.

SD-R noticed The small yellow drone as she kelt down. He wasn't that concerned, but he didn't feel like almost dieing a second time today.

"Hey Doorman, you alright?"

"[Unsettled] There below us. [Uneasy Expression]"

The dissasmber wached as the girl extended her hand, and activated her solver on the ground. She slowly stood up, as the ground began to crack, and crumble. Finally a sizable hole collapsed down to the lower floor. It was big enough for two drones to go down, and one could see the large white room beneath.

The small yellow drone hopped down, SD-R fallowed close behind. More than anything, the dissasmber wanted answers, but R wasn't sure what he was going to do once he got them.

Enemy File (Outdated) 《11 years ago》

Moniker: The Oily Phantom of The Ruins.

Real Name: Unknown 《Serial Designation J》

Favored Colors: Unknown (Presumed Yellow, Brown, Orange, and Black).

Drone Type: Unknown (Presumed Dissasmber, Possible Scraper) 《Dissasmby Drone (F)》

Programed Nationality: Unknown, possibly Spain or in Spanish settings.《None, Former Australian》

Age: Unknown《Presumed late 30s/early 40s》

Likes: Death, Killing, Vengeance, Solver Hosts (kinda).

Dislikes: Bandits, Cultists, Outpost 1 (kinda), 'Parasites'.

Personality: Ruthless and without mercy, is to be presumed highly unstable and dangerous. Vary few, if any, drones survive it's lethal onslaught. Any that do, always state how they won't survive a second.

It's due to the few survivors, that the bandits even became aware of it's existence.

Background: It appeared a few days after the death of the striped witch. While many won't outright say it, it's common belief that the phantom is the ghost of Raya, the infamous orange witch.

However, an equal number of people disagree on the superstitious belief. Though no can deny that the first few deaths, were all tied to the the death of the orange drone. Anyone who heard it speak and live, all say it spoke Spanish, and had a feminine voice.

Description: Most of it's body was covered in a brown cloak, obscuring most identifiable features. The only thing known for sure, is the aftermath left in it's wake. Acourding to accounts that are sketchy at best, the phantom is tall, has dissasmber (f) legs (from the knee down at least), and has eather one or both dissasmber arms.

If one sees a brown cloak in the middle of the night, run, hide, or pray. Because if you see it, then it certainly saw you. And good luck, because whether or not you believe in the all knowing creators, you'll be seeing them soon.

Chapter Text

Meanwhile with Hazel and Jackal

(But mostly Jackal)

Near Outpost 3 *Outpost 5 Teratory*

'Sleep' was rare for Jackal.

Peaceful sleep, even more so for the purple hybrid.

Tess, Scarlet, Angela, father, mother, and especially Hazel, had gotten on his case multiple times about Jackal's sleeping habits. (The twins didn't really care, and Angela never had any room to talk.)

It wasn't like Jackal particularly needed sleep, but it was a relief to his well worn systems. After his campaign of destruction in the trenches, sleep mode was only in effect for one hour before returning home. And for the past three days, he hadn't rested since.

As his consciousness rested, Jackal knew a potential earful from Hazel when he woke up was more than likely. Although, it was equally possible she would get on his case too badly.

He wasn't quite sure why, but sleep was always way easier with her around. Jackal would never admit it to anyone, his own pride wouldn't allow it. But Hazel was well aware, so it wasn't uncommon for her to let him off easy (rarely ever).

And as he slept, Hazel's presence soothed him like so many times before.

Until he began to dream anyway.

It was like he was floating in a void, calm and peaceful. All of his worries washed away, and he felt free.

This was true peace. This was rest.

As Jackal's mind began the first proper sleep cycle it's had in months, his proper dream began. Hazel's presence could only do much when that happened.

+ + + + + + + +

Jackal was in the city ruins west of the colony. Before seeing anything else, he knew the bulk of what he would see. The fine details where always different, but the base was always the same.

On the main rode, stood Tess, though something was always different, off. Jackal was never quite sure what.

Tess was looking at something, or someone. And while her expression was as dead as ever, her entire demeanor emanated resentment and anger . Her second tone stated as much when she spoke.

"[Rage] Give. Her. Back."

Another voice spoke, garbled and and havely distorted, responded. It's tone, words, and language was impossible to make out. But the meaning was clear to Jackal.

"And what if I don't?"

"[Anger] Then you'll die slowly. And painfully. [Hatered] As I've should have done to you long ago."

Jackal wasn't quite sure who 'she' was, but it was clear it was someone who his younger sister cared for dearly. If not someone she already knows, than someone she will cime to know.

This particular incident was something that would take place five years from now. If it happened at all.

As entirely likely that this event wouldn't happen, it was equally likely that it could. Jackal's solver was too dam cryptic when it came to his visions, it was near impossible to tell what would actually happen.

× × × × × × × ×

Next Jackal was in a forest, as spires of concrete turned into ones of dead wood. Branches and petrified leaves obscured the sky. It all reminding him of his dislike of the trees. He could still see why the twins liked the woods, they just weren't for Jackal.

The blur of the glitching, fog covered drone spoke again. It seemed Jackal was still seeing one of Tess's possible futures.

"All this, effort, for one little drone? Just how greedy are you witch?"

"[Pissed] I care not for your ideals of virtue. Just give me back what's mine."

"Shouldn't the <gluten> decide for herself? Or is she so pathetic that you need to decide for her?"

Tess emeditly used her solver, hand outstretched. She closed her hand into a fist, and the figure screamed in pain.

"[Serious] Insult her again, and you will die. Besides, you took her against her will, so I have no doubt she'll come back to me. [Quieter] She has to."

Jackal wasn't entirely sure how he knew, but in the dream, it was clear that Tess was on the ege of losing herself. All because someone, took someone else from her. Someone Tess veiwd as hers. 

He wasn't an expert, but Jackal was positive that kind of thinking wasn't healthy. Though he never took this dream too seriously, sure Tess could be possessive at times, but never like this.

Tess wasn't anywhere near this bad, and it was always possible she never becomes this way. So there wasn't any real need to treat this outcome seriously.

Right?

+ + + + + + + +

Next the trees began to enlarge and square in shape. The rough bark smoothed out as they shifted places. Jackal wasn't standing in a forest, but rather a city, one that looked nothing like the city ruins of home. The buildings here were solid, sturdy, and towered overhead. Jackal didn't like them too much.

All around blur figures ran by, and while Jackal couldn't see there visors, he could tell they had fear in their eyes.

"Everyone! Evacuate to the lower tunnels!" A taller drone shouted.

"The Yellow Witch is coming!" Someone shouted.

"What point is there in running! ?" Another mumbled.

"Moma? Are we gunna be okay?" A droneling asked.

"Of course sweetie, the soldiers will protect us." She reassured, though it sounded like it was more to herself.

Seeing blurs he knew to be drones, so terrified of his younger sister was surreal, to say the least. Out of the two, Jackal was far stronger, both knew that. But dream or no, seeing Tess inspire more fear than he, was certainly something to behold.

Especially when Jackal (though not entirely aware) still saw her as a little droneling. The person who liked to fallow him around on his adventures of mischief.

But that was years ago.

÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷

Next, Jackal has back to floating, the senaro was finished. Hazel's presence put him at peace once more.

Out of all the dreams of Tess's possible future, that one popped up the most. Hopefully that didn't make it more likely, especially with it being so far in the future.

For the next few hours, Jackal rested once more.

Of course it didn't last, Jackal slowly felt himself get gently pulled down. It was time to see what the absolution wanted him to see next.

× × × × × × × ×

Next he was on a ship. Not just any ship eather, but The Queens Vengeance , a ship he knew vary well.

In a sanerio that would happen three years from now.

Everyone was on the upper deck, circling around Scarlet as she 'interrogated' a prisoner. But unlike with the extras in Tess's, Jackal could see them all clearly, especially the prisoner. Mainly because it was someone all of Outpost 3 most definitely hated.

Rads. The trator turned Scraper. 

He talked big, but his tolerance for augmentations was pathetically low. All he did was replace his lower jaw, left arm, and lower right leg. And yet his software corruption was at 65%, most Scrapers had more augmentation with half the corruption.

And yet he was aragent enough to try to stage a cou last year. He had ran with a metaphorical tail between his legs at the first sign of trouble, though Solvers Scar. And Scarlet had been hunting him down ever since. (In the dream anyway)

She would have caught him almost immediately, but Rads was a slippery basterd jerk. Though this time, it looked like she caught him.

Scarlet had him pined with large spikes though his legs and arms. He wasn't going anywhere this time.

"So Rads, how've you been?" The Russian accented drone spoke with a fake cheeriness.

Rads coughed and sputtered, unable to give a proper response. If one looked closely, they would see a ingery on his upper chest, from where his voice box was severed.

"I know right? The weather's been crazy lately." Scarlet was clearly angry. And Jackal knew all to well as to why.

Rads was a year older than Scarlet, but shorter by an inch. His left arm was now a tiple jointed limb, with welded claws. The bottom on his right leg was modded to look like a boot, and his lower jaw was that of a bear trap.

His garb was manged and torn, but the remnets of a saliors coat was clear. Mixes of green, red, and yellow dotted the ruined outfit.

Everything else was that of a standard worker drone design. Except his right eye was green with a yellow bottom fade, and his left was just straight yellow. And those eyes were hollow in fear.

"Well, I gess the weather no matters to you, now does it?"

Rads shook his head clearly hoping Scarlet would let him live if he blindly agreed. His hopes were misplaced. 

"For once it seems we agree on something. Now die."

With a quick slash from her soward, Rads head rolled away from his pinned corpse. Scarlet knelt down and lifted the severed head.

"A tribute to the queen! And to all whom suffered from this drones actions!"

The crew cheered, not knowing of the internal conflict written on there captains face. One only Jackal noticed.

+ + + + + + + +

Below deck, away from the prying processors of the crew, the captain confided in a glowing red haze. 

Acourding to Scarlet, the haze was named Doll. Only Scarlet and uzi could see her true form, and she hated V. Aside from that, Jackal didn't know anything about her.

"Was I right in my dissision? Did I go to far? Was too cruel?"

Scarlet's concerns came fast and rapid. Apparently She was capable of speaking to the haze though her mind, but it was unpleasant for both. Acourding to Scarlet anyway.

The glitching fog responded in unintelligible garbles that lasted for almost an entire minute.

"You're right, thank you."

Out of the many possible futures, Jackal always felt frustrated at seeing this one. Yes it was a possible outcome, but only for a different time-line. For the one everyone was currently in, made this an impossible outcome.

Because Rads was already dead. He died last year.

Jackal killed the basterd drone himself, Tess even helped.

She, hooked him up to a car battery, as Jackal ripped out his power core. Then he ate it as Rads wached. As the his power faded, he got to use the last of his processing power to acknowledge his slow death.

For his crimes sure, but the siblings mainly did it because Rads betrayed Scarlet's trust, and made her cry.

So way did this event keep popping up? Even when it was impossible? Jackal may never know, so for now, he was going to ignore it.

÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷

Jackal was back to floating, and peaceful rest came for several more hours. He knew he would be getting one more vision before waking, but for now he was content.

Several times he felt Hazel leave, but she always returned within the hour. Jackal wasn't quite sure how he knew, sleep mode was supposed to shut down all external functions. But he knew none the less, revealing in the calm, her return always brought.

Eventually Jackal was pulled down into one last vision, though this one was slightly different. For the one it featured, had no connection to his data-line. He supposed that made it a tad more special, if not less reliable.

And, even more importantly, it had already happened.

× × × × × × × ×

Jackal was floating/standing somewhere amongst the Tundra Wastes.

Standing on a long pach of mostly even snow, stood the Tundra King, Jäger Clawhand.

On the opposing side, stood his daughter, Hazel Clawhand. But she looked noticeably different then she did now.

Her pilots coat went down past her knees, and torso was boxy, and bulky. Back then, her software corruption was higher, at 60% and it showed in her eyes.

Lastly, her left arm was a dissasmber limb, but her right was a proper Scraper one. Longer than it need to be, and made of welded scrap, molded to resemble the demons they envied. The same could be said about Jägers left arm.

Two drones who held near nothing but resentment, and hate towards one another.

The self proclaimed king spoke first.

"Hello Hanzel, it's been a long time."

"My name is Hazel you deadbeat pice of shit. The name my mother gave me."

"I don't agnolge the names of traitors, or disappointments. And you're a disappointment of a daughter, and a Scraper."

All of that was utter bull. Hazel was easily a million times the drone Jäger could ever be. Not that she believed Jackal, no matter how many times he said it.

"And you're a disappointment to everything mom saw in you."

"You. Know. Nothing!"

And with that, the two drones charged each other. It was a brutal, oliy, messy fight, one Hazel won.

During the fight, Hazel's right arm was heavily damaged but still functional. And Jäger lost his left arm entirely. She had the 'king' on the ground prone after almost ten minutes. But when it was time to claim victory, to land the killing blow, Hazel froze.

She told Jackal a time ago on why she couldn't bring herself to do it. Whether her mother would have hated him then, this was still the drone her mother loved. The one she gave her life to protect. Yes he definitely lost himself somewhere, but back then, Hazel still had some hope her father was still in there.

But that hope died not to long after this fight.

Due to her temporary lapse in judgment, her 'father' gained the upper hand. Using the last of his nanite acid to stab her in her lower torso. His right arm switched to a soward, and sliced off Hazel's left arm as he leaped to his feet, kicking her down in the process.

In that moment Hazel truely thought she was going to die, as her father rased his soward. Only for him to stap at the ground next to her head.

"Due to your misguided atemt at mercy, I'll let you go for now. Should you survive, like a true Scraper should, then in one year from now, I will hunt you down. And when I find you, I will kill you."

And with that, the king walked away, picking up Hazel's severed arm as he did so.

Jackal's vision ended there, but he knew what happened next. Hazel said she worked quickly to tear apart her stomach to stop the acid spread. Then, knowing she could never go south again, she went north.

+ + + + + + + +

The modifications Scarlet would give her would alow her to heal, but back then, Hazel had no such capability.

Jackal wasn't particularly fond of that memory, each time, it reminded him of why he hated the Scraper King.

It was also a reminder that no matter how much he wanted to, he couldn't kill Jäger himself.

It wasn't a matter of whether he would win, that much was certain. But rather, it was because Hazel wouldn't want Jackal staining his claws with her father's oil. Not because she didn't want her father dead, but because she didn't want Jackal involved.

The idea of involving someone she loved into a mess that only existed because she hesitated, Hazel hated the thought. Sure, she cared about Angela and V, but no where near as much as Jackal.

Though Jackal knew of the other reason, one Hazel would never dare speak. One that each time she thought of it, the guilt would stab her core with regret.

Deep deep down, under all the love and admireaton, Hazel envied Jackal. And haveing the drone she loved and admired so much, proving that he could do what she couldn't, that would hurt all the more.

Much like Jackal knew how Hazel would look at his personal data logs to check on his sleeping, Hazel knew of Jackal's knowledge of her feelings.

In some other world, this could have led to the drones resenting each other. But in this one, it only deepened the bond the two shared.

After a few more hours of rest, Jackal awoke to the setting sun. He felt more rested than he had in ages, but he still felt a little panic when he awoke.

Quickly glanceing around he saw he had not ben moved as he slept. Good, he hated being moved while he was asleep, far more thanthe .

The sky was wide and inviting, and Hazel was curled up next to him, but she was wide awake. She spoke with a grin.

"Morning sleepy head. How was the rest?" She sat up as she spoke.

"Good, better than normal."

"That tends to happen when you go without sleep for three days." It was clear Hazel was somewhat upset.

"Well I ment to to do so earlier . . . but I lost track of time.

A yellow digital eyebrow raised. It was clear she didn't believe him.

"Well" - She began - "I suppose that must be the reason you slept for an entire rotation"

Copper 9s rotation, was twenty five hours exactly, with three hundred sixty six days in a year. Acourding to J, the planet used to have a leap year, adding an extra day one every five years. But the Solvers calamity pushed the planet closer to the sun, just enough to end the leap year.

"Look, I'm sorry." Jackal put as much sincerity as he could in his apology. "I didn't mean to sleep that long, honest."

"Idiot." Hazel lightly punched him in the shoulder. "I'm not mad at how long you slept. I'm mad that you pushed yourself hard enough to need that much in the first place."

She then pulled him into a warm embrace. Jackal slowly returned the hug in kind.

"You need to take better care of yourself."

"I know."

You're an idiot sometimes."

"I know."

"I love you."

"I know. And I love you too."

After several minutes, the sun touched the horizon, turning the entire valley next to the mountains into fields of gold. Up here, it looked almost romantic.

As they ended the embrace, Hazel suddenly sat straight up, and stiffend as she remembered something important. Her eyes turned hollow in the process.

"Ah! I almost forgot, N stopped by earlier! So did the twins actually." That last part was more of a murmur.

Now it was Jackals turn to lock up. Checking on on Hazel was supposed to only take a few hours at most. Clearly, he had taken quite a bit longer than he was supposed to. And if the twins stopped by . . . well, he could easily deal with the punks.

"What did dad say?"

"Well at first, he was a tad upset." Hazel's eyes slowly shifted to the side as they returned to standard.

"At first?" Now it was Jackals turn to 'raise a brow'. 

"Well . . . He kind of gave me the whole 'what are your intentions with my child' speech." Hazel was blushing. "He was also upset at you" - she pointed at Jackal - "for 'playing hooky' with me." Hazel pointed to herself.

Now Jackal was blushing, but the display on his visor was only five small lines on each side. Hazel's nearly covered her entire display. Both drones reset their respective displays, as Hazel continued speaking.

Only after Jackal urged her to (of course).

"Go on."

"Well after he saw you sleeping, he kinda backed down, but gave me a stern warning, and left you a message."

Some part of Jackal wanted to know what 'warning' dad gave, but the rest really didn't want to. So instead he asked about the message.

"What did dad want me know?"

"That he would handle your duties, until you woke up." Hazel grind wildly, her artificial fangs shined with the setting sun. "Of course it's not like he can tell if you where to 'wake up' an hour from now."

"No."

"Aww come on, it wouldn't hurt."

"And I would love to, but no. I have orders."

Jackal checked for any notifications on his systems, he had none, meaning the blue witch hadn't attacked yet.

"But you hate those." Hazel whined.

"And yet I still do them. By the way, you mentioned the twins showed up?"

Jackal sent a message through his systems to his mother, as he stood.

= = = = = = = =

I have awakened.

Resuming patrol from the mountains, counter clockwise.

Patrolling the western border for rest of night once finished.

-DarkXDevil666

(He made the tag when he was nine.)

= = = = = = = =

Hazel grind wildly.

"Yha, apparently once they got back last night N mentioned that you where asleep, and not wake you. But of course, they tried anyway. Once they saw me though, they decided not to take that ill advised action."

That was Hazel for 'they were going to try and wake you, but I intercepted them, and fired enough missiles to make uncle Sam blush.' That was probably why he felt her leave a few times.

"I'm surprised could even think of that, considering the long speech that ant Lizzy no doubt gave them." He said.

The twins where supposed to arrive yester- no two nights ago. Lizzy would have no doubt been worried.

"They still showed up with our troops right?" Jackal was somewhat concerned himself, though he would never admit it out loud.

"I asked the twins, and the said all troops arrived safe and sound. Though I doubt anyone traind by J would need an escort."

"It was just a convenient way of getting everyone back to the colony, all hands on deck are needed."

"Why?"

"We're standing on the reason." Well Jackal was standing, Hazel was still sitting on her knees.

Hazel looked down. "The Scrapers?"

"Below the nest crab."

"The mountain? But why wou- oh."

"Outpost 5 has been sending scouts into our borders with increasing regularly. I've been assigned with the capture of The Blue Witch, the one leading them."

Hazel shifted her weight for increased stability as she swayed side-to-side, hands on her 'cheeks' as did so.

"Running of to meet with another woman?" Hazel grind wildly once again. "Cearful, I might get jealous." She raised her half empty stinger tail for emphasis.

Both knew she was only joking of course. While it was true she could get jealous easily, Hazel envied the power others had, not relationships (mostly). Jackal would have to spend time with a lot of other drones for her to get like that.

Furthermore, being the enemy of Outpost 3, was far from an enviable position.

The sun had fully set, and the moon was slowly rising.

"Well I best get going now, see you later." Jackal let out his wings, the darkened feather blades glistend in the rising moon light. "Be back soon, K?"

"Have fun with your affair. I'll be waiting~." Hazel joked.

"We're not married." Jackal chuckled, while it was true, he couldn't say he hadn't thought about it.

"Tell that to your sisters." Hazel playfully responded.

As if i would bother trying.

"Eventually I just might."

With that he took off. Hazel wached as he shot off into the sky, and broke the sound barrier. When he did, her OS received a notification.

= = = = = = = =

Thank you.

-DarkXwolf17

= = = = = = = =

"You are most welcome Mrs Doorman."

Hazel spoke to to air, it wouldn'tbe too long before Jackal visited again. She could hardly wait until then.

× × × × × × × ×

Midnight

The Ruined City

Western border of Outpost 3

Amour would be lying if she said she wasn't agitated. Not only did the chain of comand, fail to take her seriously, but they insisted she bring him along.

Her Ex. (Well, her first one)

The blue eyed British idiot, Charles Wheat Pubs.

He was a bête, créatin, an imbécile. It was a miracle he managed to stay in the military for so long. Truly a triumph of a creature of such supreme stupidity.

Maybe the Yellow Witch would do her a favor by killing the moron.

Said drone had a navy blue helmet, with black highlights, a contrast to his platinum (yet still) dirty blonde hair. The blue eyes on his visor was noticeably a light shade than Amour's, sky blue to her dark blue. But that's where any decent colors ended, and the hideous green brown began.

Unlike Amour's sensible dark blue, with red collar, Pubs's uniform was a awful shade of green/brown filth. Acourding to him, it was a 'faithful recreation' of the 'Great war British officers' uniform. Complete with the yellow brown stitching on the cuffs, and gold buttons for the pockets and torso.

Though Amour doubted it's 'faithfulness' sense it was heavily modified to fit a drones torso. In stead of pantalon 'trousers' he had shorts, the same ugly shade as his torso. And his boots were just a boring shade of tan. Honestly, she had no idea what she even saw in him to begin with.

At least she got to pick what the disposables wore, she could only take so much couleurs détestables.

The disposables where criminals, mostly death row, ment to be cannon foder. Each one was kept in line by a collar, built to slice there heads clean off. Each one could only be activated by an officers solver. Specifically, the solver of the officer placed in charge, of which ever criminal wore them.

It was a questionable method, but no one could deny its effectiveness. Most of the time, all you had to do was activate the most stubborn one, and the rest fell in line. And if an officer was knocked offline, the rest would activate instantaneously.

As for what they where wereing, it was simple light blue for the torso, black boots, and helmets modified to look similar but simpler to Amour's. They numbered forty eight in total, with standard issue infantry rifles.

Each disposable troop marched in front of the two commanders. Wich made Amour's view significantly better than if she had to look a Charles all day.

Normally, comand wouldn't authorize a full party, but with Pubs, they were confident in a successful mission.

+ + + + + + + +

Amour tried to steady her servos as she mmarched forward, she would be lieing if said she wasn't nervous. They where apoching the spot where they would normally encounter the Yellow Witch.

Except, nothing happened.

It was strange, as they approached the small hill where she would normally appear. That strange tower, with a mix of European designs cane into view. Amour was expecting the self proclaimed witch to appear any minute, but she didn't.

It must be some trick to decive us. She'll probably appear when we drop our gard.

Then the idiot opend his mouth.

"Um, excuse me." The British accent sounded obnoxious.

"<What is it?>" Her tone was sharp, even in French she still made it sound like an insult. Though some would argue it was a flirty one, she was still speaking French after all.

"Well I couldn't help but notice a lack of a 'witch' as you put it. Nor do I see a dog."

"<When I was referring to the presence of a (Female Dog), I was referring to the one I am currently speaking to.>"

It took the male blue eyed drone took a minute to process the insult.

"Hey! I'll have you know I'm the furthest from a dog one can get." Charles protested.

"<And yet, you obey the higer ups like a mut.>"

"So do you!" Argued Charles.

"<I fallow orders yes, but you do so without thinking. We are not the same.>" snapped the french speaking drone.

"Oh ya, then why ar-"

He suddenly stopped, and Amour didn't have to question why, because she felt it too. They were being watched, and it wasn't the disposables.

Both drones quickly looked around, but saw nothing.

They looked across all the ridges and platforms of the ruined buildings around them. But if there was a drone somewhere in that mess, neather two could find them. Then the idiot decided to look up.

"Oi love, what's that?" Asked Charles.

Amour ignored the 'translation' of her name, and followed his gaze. And so she saw what he did.

Hundreds of feet in the air, maybe more, was a purple streak of light. It was circling above them, in a Kilometer (0.62 mile) wide radius. The purple light trailed behind like a meteor in an almost buitiful way.

Almost.

Amour wasn't sure what she was looking at. Maybe it was some kind of missle, or solver forbid, a dissasmber. Maybe it was some other kind of wepon, or drone, or both. Eather way, Amour was on high alert, especially when the light began to quickly descend.

It was too fast to see clearly. An object of unknown size slammed into the ground like a meteor. It was roughly 35 meters (38.276 yards) away to the left (South) of the group of fifty.

As everyone turned to look at the sorce of the impact, a purple and black blur shot out. And a tall drone landed on an elevated hill of rubble and debris. Or at least, Amour was mostly sure it was a drone.

It looked like a dissasmber, but it had worker parts. Her first thought was that it must be some kind of advanced Scraper. But it's eyes were bright purple, without a trace of the signature corrupted yellow.

It's hair was short and untamed, like the most aggressive wind swept bedhead. The color of which was sliver, with purple frosted tips. The helmet was black, but with a yellow winged skull that covered most of the right side.

It had a dissasmber pilot coat, but in dark purple, and yellow seams that looked spray painted. It's wings looked mostly normal for a dissasmber, but the wing lights were purple, and the blades were a dark black.

Everything else looked mostly standard for a dissasmber, but she didn't see a tail.

What really caught Amour's attention though, was the purple armband with bold yellow letters. It read D.D.F just like with the yellow witch.

Then it spoke, with a young masculine voice, and an aragent tone.

"Attention trespassers, you are impending on Outpost 3 teratory! Please turn back now, and you might not die." It He seemed oddly happy with his tone, like he was looking forward to this.

Amour activated her solver, hoping to get the jump on the enemy. But upon doing so, a familiar warning popped up on her visor.

Non Interactable.

"<What?>" She couldn't help but speak out loud.

The purple eyed dissasmber emeditly locked his gaze on Amour.

/ / / / / / / /

As Jackal stared down the at the solver host, he had to deal with his the notifications that appeared in his OS.

= = = = = = = =

Warning, Multiple Hostiles Detected.

Would you like to activate second program?

Y

->N

Warning, Multiple Solver Hosts Detected.

Would you like to activate second program?

Y

->N

Response to OS:  Bite me.

Okay then [idiot], have fun dealing with them yourself.

= = = = = = = =

Jackal hated that thing, the only reason he kept it around was the peace of mind it brought his family.

But it was nothing more than a cruch.

Besides, he needed at least one of them alive. And he never let anything live. (Though letting him out was tempting sometime)

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \

Amour felt a sense of fear as the purple sky demon spoke.

"Brown hair, dark blue, speaks French." He muttered, before speaking loudly once more. "You must be the drone that's been giving sis so much trouble! Which means you're the only one I need."

Only then did Amour see that the dissasmber did have a tail. A purple eyed Solvers tail. She only saw it as he crouched down to pounce.

"Oi! What do you mean need?" Charles shouted.

"Oh? I didn't notice the brit." The purple drone grind wide. "But I only need one alive."

He quickly shot forward so fast it was almost impossible to see.

Amour wasn't quite sure what happened next, but her power activated without her realizing. A piece of rubble slammed into Charles nocking him out of the way. It was like Amour was doing it before she realized that she needed to.

As the dissasmber slammed into the ground, the disposables turned around and aimed their guns at the drone.

"Well, I'm impressed. U didn't think anyone could react that fast. Except for me of course." He rose as he spoke. Before snapping his attention back on Amour, and speaking with an odd glee in his voice.

"This will be fun."

Enemy File

Moniker: The Great Comander. (Self given)

Real Name: Charles Wheat Pubs.

Favored Colors: Blue, Red, White, Gold, Green, and Brown.

Drone Type: Solver infected Worker [Synchro Rate 42%]

Programed Nationality: United Kingdom (England)

Age: 25

Likes: Amour (as an comander), Victory, Glory, Monarchies, The idea of a 'Proper War', Pretending to drink tea, Gasoline, Antifreeze, The C.F.U, Being British, Tea.

Dislikes: Amour (as a drone), Defeat, Dissasmbers, Scrapers, Enemy armies, Trenches, 

Personality: Despite what Amour would have others believe, Charles isn't entirely stupid. He might not be the smartest, strongest, or fastest, but he's still a competent, and even at times, charismatic comander.

Charles has no care for disposables. However, when it comes to his fellow drones of the C.F.U he's extremely kind and compassionate. His track record in battles shows how he almost never leaves his fellow drone behind.

Despite this, he's a bit of a coward, and will actively avoid danger unless ordered otherwise. But when in active battle, he never gives up, believeing the pride of the brits would be sullied should he do so. However if it becomes clear his death is imminent, he's not above a tactical retreat.

Background: Charles's grand father was a worker drone made to serve in a pub, hence the last name. His abilities as a solver host awakened when he was six, and has been involved in the military for seven years. Though like most solver hosts of the C.U.F, he finds himself with neather wings or tail.

Despite several successful campaigns, he was recalled back home, with a green eyed solver taking his stead. He doesn't mind though, it also ment his C.F.U troops would be getting a well deserved break. However due to Amour's failures in dealing with a mysterious yellow solver he's been reasignd into active service.

Charles is the first of Amour's three exs, but despite the past relationship, he still tries to maintain a good professional standing. (Though Amour makes that really hard sometimes)

Description: Charles's hair has a constant windswept look, with a mix of platinum blonde, and dirty blonde. (He insists that there is separation.) He has modified his helmet to be dark blue, with black highlights, and has light blue eyes.

When not in uniform, Charles is known for his suits, windbreakers, and bowler hats.

His milliary uniform is a recreation of a WW1 British officer uniform. Complete with the brown green fabric, gold colored buttons, and yellow stitched design on the cuffs. (It even has chest pockets.) The boots he wheres are eather black, brown, tan.

Some would argue that such a uniform would make one stand out against the permanent backdrop of toxic snow. But while not being entirely stupid, Charles still isn't all that smart.

Chapter Text

The Underground of Outpost 1

In the far edges of the teratory

The Factory.

When the duo with the uneasy truce reached the floor below, Tess was expecting to find the Solver hosts.

However, no hosts were found.

This surprised Tess, she thought for sure they would be found. But as she went down to the lower floor, the signal ping was lost, and the host's locations became a hazy static once more. This, concerned Tess on a level she didn't know was possible.

While the Solvers couldn't be found, the equipment below, was easy to locate.

At first neather of the two knew what they where looking at. But, since both drones could see in the dark, everything came into detail soon enough.

The wall was only a few paces to their backs, as the room down below was smaller. It was roughly half the size of the one above, with all sorts of bits of machinery. On the other side of the room, lay six strange box like structures. Each was twice the hight of SD-R, or any dissasmber for that matter, and double the length of a standard worker. (Same for the width.)

They where arranged in a semicircle, with boxy chutes attached each end. An odd clear tube was going into each one, the insides scratched and stained with a dark liquid.

Just looking at the strange pillars made Tess angry, but she didn't understand why. Until she decided to bust one open. SD-R looked down to see the yellow worker thing began to use her solver.

"Doorman, what you doing?" His voice was layered with cashion.

"[Focused] Doing what I must."

As her solver activated, the pillar to the far left began the glow and warp. Soon it practically exploded, and the inside was revealed. (Albeit the top half was altered to hell). Tess then knocked it over completely, granting access to the entire inside.

A loud snapping/shattering sound rang though the room as one of the clear pipes burst. And neather of the two knew what to make of ether end at first.

Inside the bottom half was a odd looking box just big enough for a drones upper torso. It had four holes on each side, and could be opened from the top half. Tess reached down and placed her left hand on the box.

That was a mistake.

Immediately Tess felt dizzy and her CPU was going nuts. She pulled back just as quickly as she touched it.

The box was highly magnetized. But something was odd about it. Tess had been exposed to magnets before, and those were easily much stronger than the ones in this box. So why was she so affected?

/ / / / / / / /

Meanwhile SD-R was looking at the top half. Six long flat metallic blades attached to rope, would have hung from the top. The mechanism that would have dropped/retrieved the blades was busted from Doorman's solver. Which allowed R to pull one out with ease.

One the surface, it looked like metal. But SD-R could tell rather easily it wasn't. It had the wrong feel, wrong texture, and as R knocked on it, wrong sound. In reality it was a vary heavy, vary sharp, and incredibly durable piece of plastic. One with a non magnetic metallic coating, and one that looked like the blades of a gelatine.

Just what were the drones down here doing?

SD-R turned as Doorman started to speak.

"[Opservation] There are two doors on each side of this room."

Both where hevey blast doors, double the size of a normal house door. The closest one was right next to the pillar Doorman just destroyed, the other was on the opposite side.

"[Matter of Fact] We should split up."

"No, we shouldn't." SD-R wasn't sure, but it felt like the small worker thing was distracted by something.

"[Annoyed] Fine, what do you suggest we do."

"We both want answers right? So how about we both go though the door labeled data storage?"

"[Exasperated] Fine, your request isn't that unreasonable."

Momentarily, SD-R forgot he wasn't the in charge. But the way Doorman worded her response reminded him.

I'm really beginning to hate my job.

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \

Tess wasn't sure how she missed the lettering on the door, but it irritated her that she did. All because she was distracted by the implications of the room. It was clear the Solver hosts weren't in here. So why did she get such a strong ping?

She decided to take out her frustrations on the blast door (sorry grandpa).

As the door crumpled under the pressure of the Solver, Tess ripped it off its hinges. The room it was protecting, reviled itself, and the two drones enterd.

It was a relatively small room, compared to the ones before it. Dark, circleler, and 25 feet (7.62 meters) in diameter, it housed most of the digital data for the factory. Not that eather of the drones knew that of course.

Each piece of tec or computer equipment was big and bulky, making the room smaller by proxy. At the far side of the room, lay the only monitor and keyboard. The rest of the equipment being used for data processing.

SD-R was the first to step forward, he wanted answers, and he wanted them now.

The monitor didn't even require a password.

× × × × × × × ×

10 minutes later.

SD-R's tone was cold. It was serious. It was angry.

"What did I just see, Doorman?"

"[Serious] It would seem that this is the truth of the Factory."

"Dammit!" SD-R slammed his fist against the computerized wall, damaging it severely.

"[Shortening Fuse] If you could not damage any further evidence, that would be nice."

Tess walked over to the console, it was slashed though but a solver edit fixed it rather easily. She then pulled out a flash drive, and inserted the drive into a slot just below the monitor.

The things that where shown on screen had been disgusting. Videos, data logs, and blueprints all made by seemingly the same drone. All of which detailed the origins of the soldier drones, and the Solver hosts forced to make them.

It also detailed how the oldest was seventeen, and the youngest was thirteen. The bare minimum needed for the software to go into an adult body. That was outlawed universally fifteen years ago, long before this project could begin. However something seemed off to Tess.

How was this even possible to pull off? Solver hosts, even at their weakest, sill had the power to fend off a dissasmbly drone. In order for this to possible you would have to-

Tess shuddered at the possibility. And deep inside, an anger like no other filled her core.

"All this time." SD-R began. "I thought I was preventing my team from working for a monster."

Tess pulled out the flash drive, and turned towards him. She had a copy of everything, her mission was now to shut down the Factory. Permanently.

"But it turns out, I just handed the reins to different one."

"[Happy Facade] So how about you sever those reins."

"And just how would you suggest that."

"[Positive] You're a Dissasmbly drone, are you not? J's through, but she's clearly missed some stuff. [Serious] So let's go dissasmble some things."

= = = = = = = =

Giggle, you seem rather upset.

I wonder how Big Brother will feel upon this discovery.

Message to OS: Shut up and leave me alone.

If that's what you want, then Let Me In.

Message to OS: Never gunna happen, just like the last 142,368,589 times you've asked.

Party pooper. That said, you could just eat thire cores.

No one would miss them, so what's the harm?

Message to OS: If you ever suggest that again, I will tell mother. And father.

Petty.

= = = = = = = =

As the two drones returned to the previous room, Tess started destroying the pillars one-by-one. Each crash, and thunderous boom, a channel for her anger.

As she was doing that, SD-R began slashing the computers, and launching missiles at the tec.

When they were done, nothing would be left but ruble.

+ + + + + + + +

It took around five minutes to completely destroy everything. Once they did, the two made their way over to the door that was on the other side of the room. Doorman ripped the door of its hinges, and emeditly began swaying form side-to-side.

The entire room inner room, was covered in magnets.

Any normal drone would would have had the CPU inside scrambled beyond recognition. But for some reason, SD-R was surprised to find himself mostly unaffected.

"[Dizzy] You go on ahead, I think we should split up here."

"Fine. But just in case." R then handed Tess a small card. It was most definitely against protocol, but at the moment protocol could go screw itself.

It's probably not vary Profesional to think that way, but screw it.

"That's my OS messaging data. It's secure, so you don't have to worry about unwanted eyes."

She looked at the card before handing it back to him.

"[Nod] Just let me test this real quick."

He wached the young hybrid as she closed her eyes, no doubt typing up her tester message.

Hybrids. Even now R had a hard time wrapping his head around it. The idea that a Worker and Dissasmby drone could have a kid still baffled him. He didn't have trouble with the fall in love part though, he saw that almost eleven years ago.

And J had certainly looked happier back then.

"[Conformation] It's done."

SD-R opened the notification to his OS.

= = = = = = = =

This sentence is false.

- Yellow_Witch66

= = = = = = = =

"Ha Ha, nice try." R said dryly.

"[Giggle] Just making sure."

And so, with uneasy truce in mind, the two split up.

Doorman returned to the upper floor, as SD-R entered a long hallway. The door that was unceremoniously ripped off its hinges simply read Containment.

× × × × × × × ×

Tess was back on the upper floor, her eyes once again witnessing the devastation left by her friend. Though this time she looked up, and saw an open door on one of the catwalks. 

Flying up, she reached the door, and looked down another long hallway. She was starting to get tired of the repetitive architecture, it reminded her too much of Outpost 3. And such a comparison disgusted Tess, any similarities found here was a insult to her home.

The hall was a long, straight, and a hideous beige color. All around, scorch and slash marks dotted it's walls, and soldier drone corpses littered the floor. No sortege of oil was split eather, so Tess didn't have to worry about J overheating.

So where was she?

After lightly jogging for a few paces, Tess reached a right turn. Going tht way, reviled more of the same. More beige, more damage, and more corpses. Except this time, she could see the end of the hall proper.

At the end was a doorway, but no door. The room it lead to was dark, but Tess could see something glowing in a faint yellow light. It was J's stinger.

Walking quickly while being careful not to trip on any bodies, Tess herd something that made her stop. It was a certain noise, one she hadn't herd in a long time. Just hearing the sound filled her with cashion, a twinge of fear, and a mild anger.

Her sensors pinged one more, and this time she knew it wasn't lieing. 07 was in that room.

Suddenly, all potential anger melted away, and was swiftly replaced with guilt. She now knew the reason for the noise, it was because J found the 07 that was still alive. As a result, the room she knew J to be in, was filled with a sound Tess had only heard once.

Serial Designation J, former leader of a dissasmbly drone squad, top drill Sargent, and the Guardian of the Tower, was crying.

As Tess slowly moved forward, she was able to make out bits of words in the choked sobs.

"I'm sorry."

"Please forgive me."

"Don't worry I'm here."

"It's going to okay."

"I will never leave you again."

"I promise."

It sounded like J was responding to something, but no words were heard.

Tess didn't telaport because she didn't want to startle J. But as she got closer, her foot nuged a severed arm by mistake. The effect was instant as J reflexively fired a missile in Tess's direction without a second thought.

Tess caught the missile, and sent it behind her. She had intended to fire it straight, but it strafed right and hit the wall. With that, Tess decided to telaport, reappearing just past J.

This time, J looked before firing (thankfully).

"Tess?" Her voice was horse, and dry.

"[Nod] Indeed."

As her sensors adjusted to the darkness, more of the room revealed itself to her.

The room was plain, practically just a large box. J was in the center on her knees, with Tess facing her and the doorway. With her five eyes, Tess could tell something was behind her, but it was in her blind spot. She decided to focus on the object in J's lap.

Something, or rather someone was curled up in a ball, shaking every few moments. It was a worker drone, dressed in a thin cloth that only covered it's upper torso. It was definitely an 07, this close, Tess could tell rather easily.

Now to find out wich one she was.

"[Softly] What's her name?" Tess would have flinched at how loud he voice was in the silence. But she couldn't.

"Siete." (Psy-ette) J responded softly, but something else was in her tone.

That's when Tess released, J definitely knew.

"[Apologetic] I'm sorry, I should have told you."

"Then why? Why didn't you?" Tess expected J to be angry, but she looked and sounded hurt more than anything.

"[Sorrowful] I was scared. [Tremble] That you wouldn't believe me, that you become too distracted. [Shakeing] That you would hate me or-"

"Tess." J cut her off before continuing. "I could never hate you." She sighed. "But that was unacceptable."

"[Guilt] Are you mad?"

J's expression softened, but her voice maintained it's ege. "Yes, but we're not doing this here."

J carefully lifted the drone in her arms, and placed her on her back, before turning to Tess. Then she said something in a softer voice.

"Let's go, Tess. I don't think we should be here a second longer."

"[Nod] Understood ma'am."

"Guess Scarlet's not getting her souvenir though." J breafly pondered.

"[Reasuring] Actually that already been taken care of."

"Well good."

Just then, Tess opened a notification as she received a message from SD-R.

= = = = = = = =

On the surface.

Disabled all functions for the Factory.

Multiple Solver Hosts rescued.

All units standing by.

-  Serial Designation R

= = = = = = = =

Good.

Chapter Text

Directly after chapter 14 before moving on to . . .

The next day.

(Same night as chapter 13)

Outpost 2

When J had brought Siete to the surface with Tess in tow, they found SD-R and his newly regenerated squad. Along with five other solver hosts. SD-R had given his squad a waterd down briefing, that ended with two pissed off death machines.

Afterwards he informed them they were no longer employed, though they didn't seem to mind all that much. Especially the one Tess later learned was named Q. In regards to their unemployment, J made them an offer, one Tess didn't expect her to give.

Especially given the fact she didn't like SD-R to much.

Aid them in getting the Solver hosts to Outpost 3, and they will be compensated. Needless to say, the agreed to he proposition. However, due to the number of drones, the trip went from taking a night and a half to three.

Luckily, they were able to use Outpost 2 as a pit stop, though the allied bunker wasn't too happy about it.

They made a cover story on how the Solver drones where P.O.Ws held captive in the Factory. And the Dissasmbers, explained away as friendly Spy's returning home. Whether or not Outpost 2 believed them was up for questioning. But, they did (if reluctantly) provide two extra rooms for the now larger group.

As they went to bed that night, Tess thought about the thing that was behind her. When J was carrying 07 Siete out of the room, she did a quick turn to see.

It was a worker, cut in half and pinned to the wall. The scraped guns soldier drones used, pinned his upper body to the wall though it's hands. The kill couldn't have been older than thirty minutes due to the fatal error screen displayed on the visor.

The only thing that could have identified it, was a tatterd and ruined (formerly white) lab coat.

Like the kind a mad scientist would whare.

+ + + + + + + +

While at Outpost 2, Tess made an attempt to apologize to J. However that was something she often had a hard time with. As such she wanted to talk with J alone.

Just one problem, after finding 07 Siete, J didn't let the orange eyed drone out of her sight.

But this time, Tess decided that she wouldn't let that dissuade her. After all, she figured she owed Siete an apology as well. Though she could only hope she would receive forgiveness.

- - - - - - - -

Tess, J, and this time Siete, where given the same small room as last time. As soon as Siete layed on the bed she fell asleep, so Tess decided to apologize to her later, but first, J.

Before going to bed, Tess undid her ponytail. Seeing this, J raised a 'brow'. Due to her inprecise hand control, it was difficult for Tess to do her own hair.

But when she tried handing the bow to J, she immediately realized what Tess was trying to do.

"Tess you dou-"

"[Insistant] Yes. I do."

"No, really yo-"

"[Serious] Please. Just take it."

J's expression softened in what best could be described as confused and hurt.

"Please . . . just why?"

"[Downtrodden] I . . . don't deserve this, at the moment. [Saddened] It would be best if you held on to it for now."

J slowly, and reluctantly, took the bow. She could tell the yellow drone felt genuine remorse, as once obtaining something, Tess almost never gave it up. A week ago, the idea she would give J the bow, was unthinkable.

Not just because it belonged to Tess, but also of what it represented.

Yes, J was upset with her, some might even say she was angry with Tess. But she would have never asked for the bow, never in a millennia.

Wordlessly, both drones got into position for the long sleep to come. Needles to say, J knew exactly what she was doing the second the opertunity arose.

As for Tess, things where different, because internally, she was questioning every action taken.

Was that too far?

Will that make less angry, or more?

Will I be forgiven?

Do . . . I even deserve . . . forgiveness?

With her long har now flowing free, Tess rolled over in the bed, putting her face-to-face with Siete. The orange eyed girl was in sleep mode, probably the fitful rest she's had in years.

If Tess where capable, she would have whispered sorry, before going to sleep herself.

It was due to her inaction that the possibility of J not finding Siete, was a real one. Luckily that wasn't the case, but it still became a possibility because of her.

As sleep came Tess wonderd if that was the reason she couldn't seem to stop staring.

× × × × × × × ×

The next night was rather eventful, to say the least. As the sizeable group set off, they knew a full night's travel was ahead.

Outpost 2, was surrounded by small forest. But in order to get to the Stone Forest a wide open plain had to be traveled. And so, they set off. Luckily, Outpost 2 was kind enough to provide basic clothing.

Simple Ts, and slip on shoes, not the best, but they would do for now.

They also where kind as to refill the oil reserves of the party. SD-R found it strange when J and Tess only needed half as much as the rest. Though he didn't feel the need to press the issue, figuring answers would come soon enough.

The spasific Solver strands of each of the other hosts was 09, 22, 24, 37, and 49. And while the group traveled, an odd sort of dynamic started to form.

22, 24, and 37 (13, 13, and 14) followed around SD-Q and U. 49 (16) seemed to take an interest in SD-R. Meanwhile 09 (17) seemed to wach Tess like a hawk, similar to how a prey animal might veiw a predator. The other thing of note, was that only 09 seemed to speak, though not often.

From what little she said, her programed nationality was Brazilian, and her language was set to Portuguese. And while she didn't understand why, Tess couldn't help but feel as if 09s strand was familiar somehow.

As for 07 Siete, she followed J like a lost puppy. Though it was hard to blame her for that, after what she been though.

+ + + + + + + +

An hour past Midnight.

The Desolate plains.

J received a message on her OS, it was from Jackal. What was odd, was that it broadcasted though an open channel. Anyone with a half decent signal could receive it.

= = = = = = = =

The Blue Witch has been Captured.

Parlay requested.

5 captives in custody.

-Dark×Devil666

= = = = = = = =

Somthing didn't feel right.

Jackal was aragent, stubborn, and had a massive ego, but he wasn't reckless. There was no reason for him to broadcast with such a strong signal, on an open channel.

Hopefully, it was just some odd form of bragging. After all, Tess failed to do the same dozens of times now. Flaunting achievements others struggled to do, seemed to be a favorite past time of his. Except of course, when it came to her.

Putting that thought away, J decided to shift her attention over to Tess. Currently she was behind the group, slowly following in the back, and telaporting when she fell too far behind. 

At the moment, Siete and the other hosts were playing some kind of game. One that involved throwing small rocks, walking to them, and throwing them again. Siete would be in veiw the whole time, so it's not like falling behind a little would hurt. Right?

Besides, Tess really shouldn't do her own hair.

At the moment, it was in it's usual ponytail, but it looked liked if a toddler was doing it for the fist time. It had tangles and knots that weren't there this morning. Somthing had to be done.

/ / / / / / / /

The Yellow eyed worker wached as the others moved forward. The Dissasmby drone squad took point, with J and her guarding the rear. All the while, the solver hosts where sandwiched between them.

What Tess wasn't expecting, was for J to walk back, and get behind her.

"[Startled] J, how are things?"

Maybe don't lead like that. Hmm?

Shut up. I didn't ask you.

"Fine so far. It seems like Jackal knows how to inform his superiors." Direct and to the point.

That stung more than it should've.

Nothing you don't deserve.

"[Upbeat] So it would seem."

"You're hairs a mess." J noted.

"[Tired Sigh] I know."

I told you to use a mirror.

You also told me to remove my hat, wich would have broken any mirror I used.

Fair, but what's more important, you're hair, or some random mirror?

Just go away.

. . . Fine . . .

"Keep moving steady, I'll fix it."

Tess momentarily paused.

"[Shock] J you don't hav-"

"I said to move steady."

Tess resumed walking as J removed the crude band she was using, and switched her right hand to a brush. (J often used the brush attachment to do her own hair.) Then, she began to work on getting the knots and tangles out.

"How'd you even let it get this bad?"

"[Embarrassment] I tried to do it myself, and it took several tries. [Shame]"

"Why didn't you come to me?"

[Downcast Gaze] I didn't think you'd want to.

Snap.

"[Alert] What was that?"

"Don't worry about it. Now keep your head still."

Tess would have frowned if she could. It was quite unlike J to not care about such a sudden loud noise. But, not wanting to risk iratating her, she didn't press any further.

After getting all the knots out, J switched the brush to a comb and began prepping Tess's hair for a ponytail. After prep was done, J pulled out something from behind her.

Tess tried to see what it was, but J used her blind spot, so she couldn't. She had hoped it would come into view, put J was careful not to show.

"And . . . done!" J stated. She sounded veagely proud as she began to walk ahead once more.

The tie felt familiar, as she reached up to feel it, Tess immediately realized what J had done.

"[Startled] My bow? [Stammering] But J, why?"

J shuged. "Didn't have anything else."

"[Questioning] What about my hair tie?"

"This old thing?" J lifted the crude band, now snapped in half. "The loop snapped when I tried to stretch it. Real shame." J kept a straight face the whole time.

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \

"[Flushed] [Spiraling] [Doubtful] [Serious] [Teary-eyed]"

J had tried to keep any anger she had felt towards Tess. During the brief moment where the breach of trust was revealed, she did feel a flash of anger. But J had failed to hold it, like it or not, she wasn't that kind of friend drone. Not anymore.

Instead, concern rose as Tess fell to her 'knees'.

[Overwhelmed] I don't deserve this. I haven't earned it.

J faintly smiled. She knew what to do next.

/ / / / / / / /

"Then earn it." J stated simply.

"[Confused] What?"

Tess wasn't sure how to respond to that. J said it like it was the easiest thing in the world. But how could it be that easy? Surely something must be wrong with her audio receptors. Her train of thought was interrupted when J took a few steps closer.

"If you don't deserve ot then all you have to do is earn it."

"[Serious Questioning] How?"

"Hmm." J seemed to ponder as she briefly hummed. "How about . . . you help me keep a promise."

The two drones shifted their gazes over to the Solver hosts more specifically Siete. The game of throwing stones had shifted to a game of capturing a robo-roach.

"Lately I've released that I screwed up more than I realized. I would like if a certain witch I knew helped me make it right." J extended her hand down to Tess, a wired sense of deja vu washed over her, but Tess ignored it.

That wasn't like the J Tess normally knew. She never asked for help, let alone accepted it. It had been a frustration of Thad's for years. Speaking of . . .

"[Coy] Can Thad help too?" Tess accepted J's offer of help.

J's eyes avoided Tess as she faintly blushed. "If that is what he wishes, then I have no reason to reject."

The group had ended up pulling ahead, but where still in veiw, they could catch up easily. Though everyone would have to move it soon. Ideally they could make it to the edge of the Stone Forest by daybreak.

× × × × × × × ×

Near the Border of Outpost 3.

Tundra Wastes.

Four hours past nightfall.

Not many Scrapers would dare venture this far north.

Every Scraper knew what would most likely happen if they got too close. It wasn't like you could pretend that all the ones who did, came back alive.

That would be a lie.

In all fairness of the one who currently was, it wasn't like they were trying to closer. In fact, it was quite the opposite. The young Scraper was trying to go as far south as possible. Far away from that thing.

"Skreee!"

The sound of a screeching barking like noise filled the air, and filled the Scraper with dread.

A while back, one of the Scraper groups led a surprise attack against the Raptor Raiders. The conflict had resulted in the death of one of their beloved monsters. A suicider had overloaded their core, resulting in a massive explosion.

The drone closest, should have died. But her companion, loyal to the end, shielded them from the blast.

It shouldn't have been enough to end it's life. But the Scraper in question had modded his core to increase the intensity of the blast. It was just barely enough.

Ever since, the group had been hunted down one-by-one.

One shouldn't have to think too hard about the reason.

With the loss of one of their own, the remaining Raiders were ruthless, cunning, and had no mercy. They refused to put up with any of them any longer. Now, Malarkey was the only one left.

"SKREEE!!!"

The call was louder now, the monsters were getting closer.

They ate his friends.

They ate his comrades.

They ate his family.

"SKREEE!!!"

And now it would eat him.

+ + + + + + + +

later, a certain drone flew by, and landed upon a truly grizzly sight. But she didn't seem to mind.

In fact she smiled warmly.

Not at the seen itself, but rather at the thing that had caused it. A red eyed sentinel currently eating a Scrapers corps.

V smirked as she spoke.

"Well let's see who ate this time. Eh Sparky?"

Enemy File

Moniker: The Red Death 

Real Name: Sparky 

Favored Colors: Red, Blue, Silver, Black, Yellow.

Drone Type: Sentinel (Raptor model)

Programed Nationality: N/A

Age: Unknown 

Likes: V, Oil, Hats, Food, His pack, Lizzy. Angela & the twins.

Dislikes: Food that fights, Blood, Vs enemies, cloaks.

Personality: Due to the limiters on all raptor sentanals, Sparky's behavior is best described as animalistic. While being extraordinarily intelligent, his overall demeanor is closer to an animal, rather than a person.

Still, he can fallow complex orders, understand any language, and is plenty vicious. Anyone who would think him a pet, could easily lose there life (exept for V). Still, he is proud, bold, and a shining example of the bond that can be had between sentanal and worker (/dissasmber).

Background: After the fall of cyn, Sparky begin to fallow V and Lizzy everywhere they went. As the years went by, and Copper 9 began to worsen, other drones managed to form bonds with sentanals. Eventually the ones who where successful, formed a group, with V at the head.

Five years ago, Scarlet installed a nano system into Sparky, giving him the regenerative abilities of a dissasmber. Not only does this greatly improve his combat effectiveness, but also renders him pseudo immortal. (He'll still die if his core is destroyed)

Description: Modeled after the Utahraptors of earth's ancient past, sentanals stand well over an average drone in hight. Sparky is no exception, being even taller than even the average sentanal.

Sleek, fast, and deadly, Sparky is the pinnacle of all sentanal kind. His nine red eyes have earned him the nickname The Red Death. Should he mark you his prey, a bright red flash may be the last thing you'll see.

Note: V has tamed two raptors, so that one is always available to keep Lizzy safe. (Though it's not always 100%)

Chapter Text

Midnight (again)

In the Ruined City of  Outpost 3

Clink. Chink . . . Bang!

. . .

Clink. Chink . . . Bang!

. . .

Clink. Chink . . . Bang!

. . .

Clink. Chink . . . Bang!

. . .

Clink. Chink . . . Bang!

Those where the three sounds Dean knew best, all of which came from his bolt action rifle. Sounds that would forever be ingrained on his prosser. Even in death.

First he would find cover in the ruins of the forgotten city.

Clink. He pulled the bolt back, as a bullet entered the chamber. Chink. The bolt slid back into place, locking the bullet in. Then he would peak above his spot, and after a brief pause to aim . . . Bang!

Then Dean would find new cover, to avoid being found.

The cycle repeated until the clip was empty. Ten bullets in each clip, with three clips per disposable, and one magazine for each gun.

Though Dean doubted he would even get to use each clip. With how the purple monster was tearing though them. But Dean didn't have a choice, and so the cycle continued.

New cover.

Clink. He pulled the bolt back, as a bullet entered the chamber. Chink. The bolt slid back into place, locking the bullet in. Peak above cover just enough to aim, line up the shot . . . Bang!

From the left, Dean hit the monster square in the jaw.

Only, the monster didn't even seem to notice, .308 caliber round, and it couldn't even scratch the thing.

New cover.

Dean had seen a lot, but not as much as he would have liked. There where still places to go, things to see, but he wouldn't get to see them.

Captured after the battle for Outpost 12, sentenced to death on a suicide mission. Far away from home, and never to be found if the rumors about this place where true. But Dean had his orders, so did his comrades, and so the cycle continued.

Clink. Chink . . . Bang!

/ / / / / / / /

To say things where going poorly was an understatement.

Half of their forces were already dead, and it hadn't even been a full five minutes. And currently, she was hiding in a hole trying to devise a plan with the moron.

"What if we try to surprise him, try to knock him off balance?" (Not a terrible idea)

"<That, is the second dumbest thing I've herd you say>"

"Well I don't see you coming up with anything." Charles huffed.

Before Amour could come up with a retort, something caught her 'eye'. Focusing on it, her hud highlighted a pice of rebar sticking out of the rubble. Sure dozens of those existed, but this one was almost perfectly straight.

A fight with the Yellow Witch a little over a month ago replayed in her CPU.

"<Actually . . . we may be able to surprise it after all>"

"That's what I just said!" Charles whisper shouted.

"<Shut it. Now answer me honestly, how long do you think you could keep that thing distracted?>"

Charles seemed to ponder the question, no doubt using every bit of processing power he had.

"Two minutes, at most."

"<Perfect. That should be all the time I need.>"

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \

Jackal was having a blast.

Sure, maybe someone else would feel guilt for taking lives. But he had already seen a good chunk of what could happen should Outpost 5 succeed too much.

The visions he had seen,  made him a little less sympathetic.

One by one by one by one, he ripped though then like they were nothing. Smashing his way though rubble, and ripping though whatever measly defense they had.

He had all but given in to his base instincts, the default programming of a Dissasmbly drone.

Though like always, he was holding back.

= = = = = = = =

Those Solver hosts are planing something.

Would you like to activate second program?

Y

->N

Response to OS: Leave me alone!!!

Fine fine I'll stop, but you know how to reach me ;).

= = = = = = = =

Jackal refused to let him out, doing so for such a pathetic force would be an insult on his pride.

And besides, he made a promise.

So why the hell didn't it just go away.

In his frustration, he punched though a wall. Jackal was a tad surprised to feel the insides of a drone torso on the other side. Must have been the ato targeting systems, he was positive those were switched off.

Must have been Hazel, I'll talk with her later.

As he pulled his now oily arm out from the rubble he switched off the unneeded system. After doing that, he herd a familiar voice from earlier.

"Oi! How bout a proper fight?"

The blonde haired chup from earlier, had stepped right out in the open. And just when Jackal was starting to feel dull.

Oh this will be fun.

× × × × × × × ×

Amour wached from the sidelines as Charles Pubs went to confront the monster. It was rather clear that thing was just toying with the brit.

The purple eyed drone would swoop it at terrifying speed, only to be 'deflected' at the last second. Pubs would use his mark to pull up rubble to shield himself. And whatever wasn't destroyed was shoot out like boulder sized bullets.

But It was clear Pubs was losing ground.

After every deflection the monster got faster and faster. And each time reduced more shielding and rubble to dust.

Meanwhile, Amour was working on her desperate gamble. Normally she hated using enemy tactics, but it wasn't like she had a choice. Turning off her visual display for a moment, she focused on the object in front of her. A straightened pice of rebar.

This had better work.

First, she lifted the steel rod in the air, and began to loop it's momentum. Normally doing something like that, would be difficult, especially with keeping it still. But somehow Amour knew she could do it. She had seen Yellow Witch do this dozens of times, so why couldn't she?

Then Amour began to spin the object, she knew this would have a rifleing effect. Which would explain why she kept doing it, her aim was clearly awful. So any amount of accuracy could only help in a struggle.

It began to visibly heat up due to the friction in the air.

If there was something Amour would never admit outloud. Controlling just a single object to this capacity was incredibly difficult.

Now that Amour had the shot ready to fire, all she had to do was wait. She hoped Charles Pubs would get in position soon. The projectile was surprisingly difficult to hold back.

So she sent a a quick message, and hoped this would be enough.

= = = = = = = =

Je suis prêt

(I'm ready)

= = = = = = = =

Now all the Idiot had to do, was not screw up.

/ / / / / / / /

Dean wached in aw, at the battle playing out before him. He hated the marked dogs as much as anyone (not part of Outposts 5-10) but one couldn't deny their effectiveness in battle.

The Comander was a master of his mark, that much was clear. But, it was the way that he used it, that intrigued Dean so.

Lifting rubble into an evershifting dome of dust and debris. As he deflected attacks, he counted by lancheing sturdier bits at with devastating power. Sometimes he missed, but landed far more hits than not.

It was like watching a battle of giants, but even Dean could see the Comander was losing ground.

Some part of him wanted to join, but all he had was a riffle, and a higher than average accuracy count (80%). Furthermore, no matter witch side won, he was screwed ether way.

So all he could do was watch.

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \

To say Charles was scared or frightened, would be 100% accurate.

This terrifying monster posesed speeds that shouldn't even be possible. Along with strength that dwarfed his many times over, and a overwhelming presence that could be felt in every blow.

When he received Amour's message, he almost felt relieved. But a small voice, his voice, kept telling him something was wrong. That whatever plan she had, it wouldn't work.

But right now, the didn't have a choice. Amour said she would only have one shot, so it was up to him to make it count.

Charles began to lose ground, but this time he did so intentionally. Slowly but surely moving to get the demon closer to Amour's line of sight.

Then he baited him, by intentionally failing to create cover fast enough.

The effect was instantaneous.

Within the second, the entire right side ignited in pain. The spherical held rubble crumbled away as the arm her was using for his mark was simply gone. Right away he could feel the power of his mark try and repair the damage.

Then the monster spoke.

"I must say, that was fun." It had just been a game to him.

"Yha? Well I hate to disappoint." Charles turned to face the beast. If Amour was too slow, then he would die, but he at least wanted to die with dignity.

That's how he saw the demons back for the first time. The back of his coat had an embroidered crimson skull. It was about the size of a football (soccer ball) from back home.

The demon began to turn halfway, switching his right arm to a missile launcher. His left claws where still dipping oil, from when he cleaved off Charles's right side with a spin motion.

3.

"Any last words?" The monster gave a wicked smile.

Charles didn't think he saw his eyes turn into x's the whole time, even now it wasn't on his visor.

2.

But he put that thought away as he realized the exact spot the monster was standing.

"Piss off." Charles said with a smile.

1.

Amour fired her shot, aimed right for the enemies core. And like that, everything seemed to move in slow motion. However time wasn't actually moving slowly. Charles was just using an unreasonable amount of ram to process what he was seeing.

| | | | | | | |

From her hidden position, Amour shot what appeared to be a glowing orange rod. The monsters fleshy tails head snapped in place, it's eyes tracking the object.

Faster than Charles thought possible, the enemy turned to face the projectile. When he did, he lifted his right arm, holding his forearm over his core.

When the projectile was about to hit, the monster swatted it away, launching it back at a 85° angle. Causing the rubble it hit to implode.

| | | | | | | |

The monster laughed as he spoke his next words.

"Well! I'll admit I wasn't expecting that. Looks like someone picked up something from my li'l sis!"

The monster continued to gloat.

"Corse, if it was my sister, that might have been able to scratch my caceing! It also would have missed."

At wich, the beast began to crouch down, his intentions became painfully clear. For the expression on his visor did not mach the tone of his voice. So in spite of what was said earlier, Amour was going to die.

As he lept forward at near impossible speed, Charles shouted the only thing he could. His desperation obvious, even to himself.

"Parlay!"

He prayed on the mark on his core, that his voice traveled quick enough to be heard. And that the monster would listen.

/ / / / / / / /

Jackal wasn't entirely happy with the outcome, but he was amused. He had stopped just before he could rip out the core of the brown haired drone before him.

All that bravado, and yet the only thing displayed in her hallowed eye lights, was fear. Still, parlay requests were a serious matter, and the more captives the more data. Hopefully that ment the outcome would be satisfactory.

"Well, well, well. Lucky you I suppose." As he spoke he lifted a claw, and dragged it across her visor. When he pulled it away, her solver began to repair the damage.

The french speaking drone replied back, clearly refusing to (completely) give in.

"<I was wrong, you are no demon or monster.>"

"Than what would you call me?" His voice maintained it's joyful threatening tone.

"<A devil. I would call you a Purple Devil.>"

A devil.

The moniker given to him by the nomads of the north. One he's embraced well and full.

"Heh, sounds perfect."

A bright blue light was the last thing Amour saw, before bootlooping. It knocked her off line, but that wasn't a concern. He had already hacked the collars and made himself the 'leading officer'. Though it did jam his private line.

Still, he was curious. Why where the magnetic collars made in Solvers Scar, where found in the hands of Outpost 5. That was too far west for the sea to reach.

He sent his message though a public channel, and gathered prisoners.

Maybe the news savy people could use it.

× × × × × × × ×

In The far east of Outpost 3.

The beginning of the Stone Forest.

30 minutes before dawn.

Tess and J's group where lucky to cross the wide open fields in a single night.

It ment they wouldn't have to worry about the risk of the sun. Even better, they where able to reach one of the 'checkpoints' that dotted the forest. This one in particular was set up as a hallowed boulder, making it ideal for the group.

The outside was about as big as a school bus, more than enough for everyone. Which was handy, as Tess was positive that sunlight would kill everyone present.

The entrance was a lage hole with a 6 foot (1.8288 meters) in diameter. It was hidden by cloaking tec, but it disabled when Tess got close.

"[Exhausted] We've made it."

J walked up beside Tess, clearly feeling low on energy much like herself.

"Indeed we have."

SD-R, Q, and U were already 'securing a parameter' but they really didn't need to. Any enemy that came this far, would have already been delt with. Plus sentanals didn't normally give this way, unless spurred on by the twins.

Tess wached as J gently herded the other solver hosts ino the covered entrance.

Well, more like she gently guide Siete to the hidden entrance, and the others reluctantly fallowed.

Still, there was just one little thing she couldn't understand. Every time Tess looked at Siete, she felt something, that much was clear. But as for what specifically, she just didn't know.

Not wanting to deal with emotions, she pushed the thoughts away and tried to focus on something else. Luckily, Serial Designation R provided the perfect distraction.

As he flew up next to her, he asked a question that no doubt was weighing prosser.

"So, what's with the long bolder thing?"

"[Explanatory] Outpost 3 has a few checkpoints slash safe houses dotted along its territory. We keep them stocked with fresh oil, edible scrap and batteries. This is one of them"

"What happens when the oil goes bad?" SD-R wasn't entirely satisfied.

"[Prideful Smile] the safe house goes unused, then the aged oil becomes field rations, and is replaced."

"Where does the oil come from?"

"[Serious] That is not for you to know. [Softened] At least, not yet."

With that Tess headed inside, with the three dissasmby drones fallowing her. They only had a handful of minutes before dawn.

Enemy File

Moniker: Disposables.

Real Name: N/A (Most are given number identification) (However they still identify by their original name).

Favored Colors: N/A (Whatever their comander isn't).

Drone Type: Worker Drones.

Programed Nationality: N/A (Default English Settings).

Age: N/A (Varies from drone to drone).

Likes: N/A (Most enjoy living).

Dislikes: N/A (Most don't want to die).

Personality: N/A (Varies from drone to drone).

Background: Due to the wars perpetually cased by Outpost 5 more bodies where needed to fill the trenches. Seeing as prisoners of war where both filling prisoners, and claiming valuable rations, a logical solution was made.

"Why risk losing our own to the cannons."

And so, the disposable program was born. At first it was voluntary prisoners were promised citizenship, in exchange for one year of service. Less than one percent make it the full year, even fewer have come back stable enough to be citizens.

However by all other accounts, this program was a resounding success. (In the eyes of the upper leadership).

Three years ago in the battle for Outpost 11, a platoon of Disposables revolted against their comander. They killed them while they slept, what was worse was that the commander was marked. With the loss of a marked one, the conflict went on for five more months.

Fortunately the comander had a sibling, so the strand was not lost.

But ever since, Disposables have been forced to where death collars. Simple contraptions that will slice of their head, should their commander go offline.

What's more, is that Disposables are no longer exclusively voluntary. Those with horrible crimes, or longer sentences will be forced into conscription.

Forced conscrips receive worse treatment, and more dangerous missions. And I they survive the one year, they get thrown back in prison. One this happens, they have one month to volunteer, or be forced.

No one survives a second forced conscription.

Description: Eye colors are usually a mix of greys, blues, greens, and teals. Helmets are hastily spray painted in the main color of their comander. (90% of Outpost 5 commanders are not 'marked'.) Uniforms are given similar treatment, with the fabrics only being rated for small arms.

Bolt action rifles are issued to each unit, with basic firing programming uploaded into each unit.

Every thing else is standard Worker Drone design.

Note: V will arrive at Outpost 3 within the next 3 days.

Scarlet will do the same in 8 days. (In universe)

Chapter Text

Stone Forest.

Seven Days Prior.

Outpost 3 Eastern Teratories.

If drones had hearts, Randy's would be beating loud enough to be heard from the skys.

This was supposed be a simple mission.

Go behind enemy lines, and scout Outpost 2s mysterious benefactor, then come home. He and his team truely thought they prepared for anything.

Bur they where prepared for enemies, even sentinels, but not monsters.

As long as you hid, and stayed silent the raptors posed as a minor threat. Their loud barking/coughing noices that passed for communication gave warning. But that wasn't the case for the beastly things.

As far as he could tell, there where only two of them, both had extreme speed, precision, an coordination. But that wasn't what killed his comrades, rather it was the 'icing on the cake'. What got them killed was the awful ability possessed by the pair.

By the time his team had caught on to their horrific talent, it was to late. And Randy's greatest shame would be not knowing the names of each member of his team.

From above somewhere in the trees, one of the beasts spoke.

"Captain! Where are you?"

Then the other.

"Help me! Please Captain, Help Me!"

The first again, different pich.

"Please tell us!"

Back to the other one, lower tone.

"Why did you leave us to die!"

Then they spoke in unison, two voices sounding like ten.

"WHY?!?!"

Randy's greatest shame would be not knowing the names of his entire team. Maybe then, he would know the names of the stolen voices.

Suddenly all Randy could feel was pain in his chest.

Looking down, he saw that two arms had punched though the torso of his chassis. At first he thought something might have been wrong with his optics, but they were working perfectly.

A right arm though his left, and a left one though his right. The last thing he would hear, would their mocking words to him.

But at least it wouldn't be done with stolen voices.

"Found you."

Two voices spoke in unison, one was masculine, the other feminine.

As his core slowed, and power faded one last thought went though Randy's prosesser.

Guess it doesn't matter if drones have hearts.

Enemy Files

Moniker: The Voice Stealers (1/2)

Real Name: Leo Riders.

Favored Colors: Silver, Black, Blue, Yellow, Pink.

Drone Type: Worker/Dissasmber based Hybrid (M)

Programed Nationality: None (English Settings)

Age: 18

Likes: Forests, Sentinels, Oil, Gore, Hunting, Family, Friends, Teamwork with twin, Provoking others, Twin

Dislikes: Wide open fields, Taedium, Traitors, Liars, 'Pruds', Exclusive relationships, Separation from twin

Personality: The calmer of the two, (at least when not hunting or fighting) Leo usually keeps his sister in line. However, he's still plenty mischievous and often willingly does most of her hairbrain antics. That being said he usually makes sure it never goes too far. It's usually all okay.

As long as they aren't separated.

While sharing many similarities with Isabelle, Leo has some hobbies that differ. He enjoys reading, watching movies, and building models. That being said, his sister is almost always in the same room, performing her hobbies right alongside his.

Both he in his sister like to use their looks in provocative ways. Often leaving blushing visors and broken cores in their wake. If you cach their interest, RoboGod help you. That being said, most only keep their attention for about a week. This is mainly because drones only ever want one or the other, but their a 'package' deal.

(They DO NOT have ANY attraction to EACH OTHER.)

Background: V and Lizzy were atemting to program a second Untrained Neural Network. But for some reason it kept failing. Uzi discovered the reason, was because of a information overload, preventing the data from merging. With assistance, the couple uploaded data into two networks at once.

This resulted in the twins.

As the two grew up, they couldn't help but notice how differently they were treated. While no one had any problems telling them apart, other drones acted like they were the same. While they did (and still do) want the same things, they still want to be treated as separate beings.

Because of this, they found more comfort around the Sentinels if the forest. More than they ever had with any crush.

Description: Short blonde hair with pink eye lights. Leo possesses five eye hardware (pink), but only has the two on his left physically present. His upper torso is that of a standard worker, but his lower torso is standard (M) Dissasmber design.

The right of his head is covered by a mask he keeps to the side. It's silver and blue, made from a solver edited face plate of a dead sentinel.

His left arm is a enhanced dissasmber one. Meanwhile his right arm is only a dissasmber one from the elbow down. The same (but reversed) is true for his legs. His right leg is a dissasmber one, but his left leg is only a dissasmber limb from the knee down.

While possessing wings, his right wing is small lacking the joint to make up the upper half. As such he can only glide as he lacks the power to increase altitude. A thin rope like tail, ending in a nanite acid stinger solidifies his standing as a hybrid.

Attire wise, Leo normally wears a yellow tee with black knee length shorts, usually stained with oil.

Moniker: The Raptor Tamers (2/2)

Real Name: Isabelle Riders.

Favored Colors: Silver, Black, Blue, Yellow, Pink.

Drone Type: Worker/Dissasmber based Hybrid (F)

Programed Nationality: None (English Settings)

Age: 18

Likes: Forests, Sentinels, Oil, Gore, Hunting, Family, Friends, Teamwork with twin, Provoking others, Twin.

Dislikes: Wide open fields, Taedium, Traitors, Liars, 'Pruds', Exclusive relationships, Separation from twin.

Personality: She's the more rambunctious of the two, and the schemer. Her plans and antics can often go too far, as she doesn't always know when to stop. Luckily her brother can keep her in line, though not always before the two get in trouble. But thats fine.

As long as they aren't separated.

While sharing many similarities with Leo, Isabelle has some hobbies that differ. She enjoys playing video games, watching anime, and painting. That being said, her brother is almost always in the same room, performing his hobbies right alongside hers.

Both her and her brother like to use their looks in provocative ways. Often leaving blushing visors and broken cores in their wake. If you cach their interest, RoboGod help you. That being said, most only keep their attention for about a week. This is mainly because drones only ever want one or the other, but their a 'package' deal.

(They DO NOT have ANY attraction to EACH OTHER.)

Background: Due to their affinity with tameing the 'wild' Sentinels, it became their job to aquire them. For some reason, all the Sentinels left the underground labs, an entered the woods. So it's not uncommon for drones who go into the forest to go missing. 

The twins perform search and rescue, finding any who went in (or what's left of them).

They aren't sure how or why, but when ever they eat the voice box of a drone, they can mimic their voice. As a result, the two prefer to deal with groups by luring them off one by one in quick succession. But they still pose plenty threat if discovered, for they only like sneaking around for fun.

At the end of the day, that Dissasmber hardware isn't for show. So pissing them off is a surefire way to die.

Description: Medium length blonde hair with pink eye lights. Isabelle possesses five eye hardware (pink), but only has the two on her right physically present. Her upper torso is that of a standard (F) Dissasmber, but her lower torso is standard Worker design.

The left of her head is covered by a mask she keeps to the side. It's silver and blue, made from a solver edited face plate of a dead sentinel.

Her right arm is a enhanced dissasmber one. Meanwhile her left arm is only a dissasmber one from the elbow down. The same (but reversed) is true for her legs. With the right leg being a dissasmber one, but her left leg is only a dissasmber limb from the knee down.

While possessing wings, her left wing is small lacking the joint to make up the upper half. As such she can only glide as she lacks the power to increase altitude. A thin rope like tail, ending in a nanite acid stinger solidifies her standing as a hybrid

Attire wise, Isabelle normally wears a black tee with a yellow knee length skirt, usually stained with oil.

Note: The last time traitors fled into the forest (Rads Rebellion), one of the groups was an entire family. After killing the youngest two of that family (18-19) the twins tormented the family for weeks. Useing the voices of the youngest to haunt them all, as they were picked off.

Chapter Text

The Edge of the Stone Forest

Outpost 3s Teratory

Present day, Sunset.

Tess awoke suddenly, but not unexpectedly.

Like always, her battery had hit full before anyone else's.

Looking around she saw almost everyone within the hallowed boulder.

Towards the entrance where Tess herself slept, SD-Q and SD-U hung together from the ceiling. The Factory survivors/refugees had bundled together in the center. The group of drones had bundled together in a pile of chassis and limbs.

The exception was Siete, who curled up underneath J, who like the other dissasmbers, hung from the ceiling. Tess's gaze lingered upon the orange drone longer than the other's. After looking away she headed outside to find SD-R, who was noticeably absent.

It's said the the 'Earth' rotated counter clockwise. Causing the 'sun' to 'rise' in the east and 'set' in the west. Much like the Earth, Copper 9s rotation was also counter clockwise.

This ment that since the forest was east of Outpost 3, there where plenty shadows to hide in. Significantly lowering the risk posed by the planets sun.

Stepping out from the covered entrance to the large rock, Tess failed to notice something. The activated green eye lights watching her every move.

× × × × × × × ×

Silver and white snow clashed with the blackened brown of the permafrosted trees. Apparently the everlasting winter had turned the dead wood to picreate. As such, each branch was stronger than steel, according to Scarlet that was relatively resent.

The wood would also never rot, with all the microbes that would cause such phenomena no longer existing.

An eternal forest riddled with stone, the Stone Forest.

Looking around, Tess could see past the treeline, and into the vast meadows. Behind her was rest of the forest, densely packed to block the sun. It gave the air a slight hrey tinge to everything. When she looked up, Tess spotted her target (SD-R) up in a tree. More specifically on one of the lower hanging branches, upside down, and staring off into the distance.

"[Curiosity] What are you doing up there?"

If Tess could, she would have slightly rased her voice, but she couldn't. As a result Tess wasn't 100% sure if the dissasmber herd her.

"Just thinking."

His slightly rased voice was easily herd, and seemed she could be herd as well.

"[Questioning] About what?"

"About what's going to happen to those Solver Hosts."

"[Pondering] I was taught dissasmbers came down to kill any solver hosts that could treaten my namesake.

"Sounds about right."

"[Unsure] So why do you even care? [Curious] Just how much do you remember?"

"I've seen what can happen to a mistreated host. And as for what I remember? I remember everything."

Tess asked a question she immediately knew she shouldn't have asked.

"[Serious] How much is everything?"

SD-R dropped to the ground and stood tall. The look on his visor was that of someone who was tired, but well rested. With hollowed eye lighs, and many glowing lines on his display.

"All of it. From the loss of Earth, to the destruction of a nameless colony world, to arriving here. Traveling light years at a time in space pods moving double that."

After a few seconds of silence, Tess asked another question.

"[Unsure] Could you tell me . . . about the Earth?"

"Ha!" R laughed in her face. "What's there to tell? That I saw the most advanced weaponry humanity ever developed fall flat on its face? That any resistance we came across was delt with, like it was nothing?"

SD-R looked back towards the hallowed boulder a few paces away. The entire time his voice was kept steady, but what he said next came out a barely a whisper.

"Are you aware of the manor, Doorman?"

"[Calm] Not much. I know there was a girl named Tessa, a drone named Cyn, and about a gala."

"Heh, 'Tessa', she fixed all of us up, but J, V, and N were around her the most, J most of all. The rest of us where little more than extra disposable help."

SD-R turned around looking out to the meadow. It was much darker now, only a matter of time before the sun set completely.

"Q was a gardener, though he was a bit reckless about it, always ending up filthy. It happened so often he was sent ti the washrooms after each shift. That's how he met SD-U."

"[Head Tilt] The sniper?"

"Yha, she was in charge of cleaning everyone's laundry. She was perfect for it to, because her optics could spot even the smallest differences in fabric. Who would have thought that it would make her a terrifying sniper?"

[Unsure] I know I asked, but why are you telling me all this? [Conflicted] You clearly don't seem to like talking about it."

"Don't know." - SD-R shrugged. - "Maybe I just needed to get it off my core. It's not like I can tell my squad, they don't remember anything before here."

R shook his head. "I've had to wach those idiots fall in love three times now. Do you have any idea how annoying that is to wach the second time?"

He began to walk towards the entrance to the hidden checkpoint. He stopped a few steps from the bolder.

"Oh, I almost forgot. I finally remember where I herd your last name before."

"[Stuned] Where?"

"Uzi Doorman, the Purple Queen of Outpost 3."

If Tess could, she would have flinched. She wasn't expecting him to know her mother's name. Did Jackal say something? Did she say something.

"Intell about her is rare practicly nonexistent, but it does exist. Guess that makes you a princess."

"[Annoyed] No."

"Hmm"

Tess's emotionless gaze met an confused but amused one. SD-R's eyes were full, and lines gone as well.

"[Annoyed] I am not a princess. [Serious] I'm a witch."

"Right." - R chuckled. - "How could I forget."

With that, he headed inside. No doubt to wake the others.

+ + + + + + + +

Meanwhile . . .

Outpost 3 Underground

Prison Hold

Dean wasn't sure how, but he survived.

Taken as prisoner, but alive.

The raptor like thing, was something he could do without.

The events that had led up to him being put in a cell, happened swiftly and mercilessly. Lot of boos and jeers of the crowd as they were walked to the gates.

All deserved of course.

That purple monster had protected the five survivors from the worst of it. When he did the crowds anger subsided a bit. At least the anger towards the disposables. The anger directed at the commanders only seemed to intensify. That said, such anger was only kept verbal.

The amount of respect they must have had for the demon.

. . .

Dean was kept in a small cell, a 152.4 by 60.96 centimeter (5 by 2 foot)wide space. The ceiling was also exactly 152.4 centimeters tall. It was all just enough to stand, stretch, and lie down.

And he was completely alone, not seeing anyone since he was put in this cell.

Well . . . almost alone.

From the other side of the bars of his small cell, there stood a Sentinel.

He had herd of them, stories from prison. One of the inmates was a survivor from the infamous Outpost 8.

- - - - - - - -

They apparently had a pair of the robotic animals locked up in the basement. And when they came into conflict with the then new C.U.F, they got loose.

It was a total oil-bath.

By the time the monsters were killed, most of Outpost 8 was desamated. What's more, was that 1/5 of the attacking force was slaughtered. Unfortunately two monsters kept in a 'ill suited Outpost' did wonders for the propaganda mills.

No one wanted their loved ones to be ripped apart, so recruitment shot though the roof.

- - - - - - - -

The one on the other side of his cell was different from the stories. It was still righteously terrifying, but not quite in the ways described.

Tales told of a creature with nine blue eyes that would flash a blue light of death. Claws on silver that would rend a worker in two, and stong tails that could cling to ceilings. With a hight that would tower over even te brodest of drones.

And while this one did have those things, it looked somewhat modified.

The end of its tail ended in a curved hooked blade. Each claw had been serrated, one hook becoming three for each bit of silver. The eyes where the most apparent, it only had six. The top most eye in the center was missing, along with the middle two eyes on each side.

It was also smaller than what the stories depicted, being no bigger than Dean himself. The creature growled and snarled at his cell, clearly it wanted him for it's dinner. Occasionally it would lunge at his cell, but each time the metal bars held.

Finally after the fifteenth atemt, Dean herd a loud whistle and the strange Sentinel calmed. Then he could hear a feminine voice.

"That's enough Plug."

A pink eyed drone walked into vew, and the effect she had on the sentinel was immediate. As the creature began to circle around the worker as she stroked it's head.

"Apologies. She can get a little cranky when away from her other for long."

The pink eyed worker had long blonde hair, done in a simple ponytail. Her helmet was a deep maroon red, with no extra detailing. She had a red long sleeved overcoat, with a black undershirt. A yellow belt held up a straight knee length skirt. And dark red (almost black) boots with yellow laces tied everything together

It was certainly a unique look for a worker. Everything  was particularly ordinary, but it was the confidence she carried. The way she moved, acted, and carried herself. If one was forced, they would have no trouble finding her in a crowd.

"Who are you?" Dean asked. There was a nervousness to his tone.

"That, shouldn't be your concern right now." Her tone was cold and consise.

"And what should?"

The pink eyed drone smirked, as she scratched her raptors chin.

"Your main concern, should be what you can tell me. Your other two companions proved quite stubborn."

"And what if I prove just as stubborn."

"The I'll open this cell, and let Plug tear you apart. We'll see if your screams loosen the lips of your two companions."

"What of my commanders?" Dean wasn't particularly concerned, but anyone who contain a marked one, warranted caution.

"Someone else is dealing with them." Her tone remained cold, though it had a certain charisma to it.

"Alright then." - Dean rased his arms in surrender. - "What would you like to know?"

Betraying information to an enemy would certainly have consequences. But screw it, Dean never liked the C.U.F Outpost 5 anyway.

Enemy File

Moniker: The Pink Diploma / The Negotiator of Pink.

Real Name: Lizzy Riders.

Favored Colors: Pink, Red, Yellow, Black, Silver, Blue.

Drone Type: Worker Drone.

Programed Nationality: None (English Settings)

Age: 44

Likes: V (her wife), Her kids, Her 'nieces' and 'nephew', N (sorta), J (tolerated), Uzi (barely), Texting, Selfies, Sparky, Plug (her raptor), (Most) Solver hosts.

Dislikes: 'Leeches', Cowards, Stupidity, Merchants, Traitors (of Outpost 3), Wannabes, Losers, Fakers, Liars, Poor signal, Not being in contact with V.

Personality: Around family and friends, Lizzy is kind, if a little mean. But to outsiders, she's known to be cruel, cold, callous, and to the point. She's not above useing her looks or charm to gain favor, especially to get better deal.

Her cold cutthroat nature in dealing with merchants has earned her the moniker The Negotiator of Pink.

Background: Most would have thought Lizzy to be the kind of person to have peaked in high-school. While it's true certain parts of her personality are best suited for schooling environments, she's not that shallow.

Nowadays she negotiates with merchants for better trade deals for Outpost 3. However she also serves as Outpost 3s diplomat, often being the only one. Due to an incident in wich Sparky nearly killed a drone, Lizzy has earned the moniker The Pink Diplomat. Mainly because that's what other drones think of when they remember her.

Though lately because of Outpost 5, Lizzy now interrogates prisoners. Most are smart enough to give up and talk.

Those that don't make excellent chew toys for Plug.

Description: Pink eyes with long blonde hair, done in a simple ponytail. Her helmet was a deep maroon red, with any extra detailing long removed. She normally wears a red long sleeved overcoat, with a black undershirt. Most often, a yellow belt holds up a straight knee length skirt. And dark red (almost black) boots with yellow laces ties it all together.

Everything else is standard worker drone design.

Note: Plug is a modified sentinel raptor module that was made with the express purpose of protecting Lizzy.

It still has the ability to bootloop a drone, but prefers using claw and tail instead.

Chapter Text

Near the center of the Stone Forest

Outpost 3s Teratory

Midnight

To say the group had made it a quite a distance in such a short amount of time would be an understatement.

They could still go further, but they needed a break.

Traveling through the trees should have slowed progress significantly. And yet they had maintained the same rate of travel, a dangerous precedent. While drones didn't get 'tired' they still needed regular periods of rest.

Least certain components would break.

This was especially true for Solver Host. Who due to their biomechanical components, actually could get tired. Tess herself was starting feel the slow creep of exhaustion, despite constant teleportation.

Or maybe it was because of it that she was feeling fatigue. Eather way, she was glad when J called for a break.

"We should rest here." J had stated.

The effect those words had was instant. All around the various drones of the group had all but collapsed. Even Tess, witch earned her fleeting look of concern from the older dissasmber.

Still after a brief moment to cach their 'breath' the group gathered around in a semicircle. After a brief pause, J spoke again.

"Get it while you can, we leave in an hour."

"[Nod] Understood. [Questioning] But what about you?"

"Don't worry, I'll be back soon."

That was 20 minutes ago, J had flown off and hadn't yet returned. It would be fine though, Tess knew J could handle herself. So why did she feel nervous?

It wasn't necessarily a bad kind of nervous. Perhaps a bit nervous? Was it because of the group? If things came a fight she would certainly win. No, things wouldn't come to that. Why was that always first go to?

Aw come on, you know exactly why.

Shut up, your input is unwanted.

 :) 

Shoving (her) the thoughts circulating in her CPU down, she tried to focus what she was doing. Somthing her mother had shown her when she was younger. When nervous, calm down and focus on her Solver, and try to make something, anything.

She didn't know why she felt nervous, but the same old tricks still helped. Currently, Tess was editing the dozens of discarded twigs on the forest floor. From useless sticks to flowers with wooden pedals. It took several of them to make one, but the power of her absolution made gathering them easy.

When she had made her fifth one, she was finally starting when she felt a hand tap her shoulder. Turning around, Tess saw Siete looking at her with literal question marks for eyes.

"{What is that?}" She didn't speak. Rather the text appeared on Siete's visor. It was Spanish, but Tess's ato translate turned it to English.

"[Focused] These are wooden replicas of the flora that used to exist."

"{Is it hard?}" More text, more translation.

"No. [Saddened] I'm already familiar with the flora that used to be here. [Quieter] Though I wish my solver was a different color."

In a yellow flash of golden light, a sixth one was made. Like the others it was size of one of her fingers.

"{Solver? You mean the curse mark?}"

"[Calm] Yes, but it's called a Solver."

Siete smiled as more text appeared on her visors screen.

"{Well I think it's a beautiful color.}"

"[Startled] Thank you."

As Siete turned away to go 'talk' with the others, Tess was somewhat grateful that her displays were busted. Her emotionless gaze would never show that she would've been blushing.

× × × × × × × ×

After twenty five more minutes had past, J returned. Apparently somthing was interfering woth her long range communications. She wasn't 100% on the cause, so she had to get closer to make her report.

Nevertheless Tess was happy that J had returned. The conversation she had with Siete did help, but some anxiety had still lingered.

With her prosesser now free of worry, Tess decided to calculate.

At their current pace, (break included) they would get 2/3rds of the way though the forest by daybreak. But because of the forest cover, they could likely go a little further. With that in mind, 3/4ths of the forest should be the maximum distance.

And with a check point in that area, (rebuilt cabin fever camp) it shouldn't be an issue.

With all that, tomorrow night would be the least intense. (For Solver hosts without wings). Because tomorrow they would have to cross a forth of the forest, and cross Solvers Scar. Or rather, dissasmbers would carry them across one by one.

Them being the others, because Tess could fly just fine on her own.

While the old cabin fever labs was the center for the planet exploding, the center of Solvers Scar was further north. There was also a thin spot, only a about a mile (1.6 kilometers) long.

All this to say, home was near.

That thought sent waves of ease though Tess's core. But, later something hit her. A realization that came with the force of a truck.

- - -

The green eyed solver host.

Tess finally realized why she felt so familiar.

Did it make her a good sister for piecing it together? Or, was she a worse sister for takeing so long?

Green.

Brazilian (Portuguese settings).

17

Solver host #09

She still hadn't given her name, but all her characteristics of what would be his older sister.

- - -

At least Scarlet would be happy, she'd finally fulfill that promise she made.

+ + + + + + + +

Outpost 3s Bunker.

Midnight.

Market Square.

In the busy streets of the market, few could hear their own words over all the noise.

Vendors did their best to holler over the noise, advertising this or that. It was chaotic, but full of life. Somthing most might not expect if they were used to day, and not the hustle and bustle of night.

But one noise pierced it all once noticed. A dozen of coughing barking like sounds, which all drones knew extremely well. First the outer edge fell silent, then fallowed the center. One-by-one each drone fell quite as riders had come home. A nervous excitement filled the air as thirteen sentinel raptors walked though the market.

They headed though the center, towards the blast doors of the bunker. As they did, many drones gathered, to observe the silver raptors, and the ones that rode them.

In the lead was Angela, second in comand of the Sentanal Riders.

Long silver hair, five eyes, a dissasmber based body, and thin rope like tail that ended in a wepon module. Covered in what would be best described as a woolen poncho. But it was her raptor that caught the most optics. Tall and vicious, with red eyes and a tail that ended with a hook.

The crowds made way, as if backing up for a parade. It was standard prosidure for Angela to lead one half home, with the other half arriving later.

As she made it to the doors, she discounted and handed the reins to one of the other riders.

"Take him and the rest to the stables, then have a night of fun!"

Upon hearing the order, both the riders and market erupted in cheers. This would surely be a night to remember, even if they wouldn't remember the moments.

Unfortunately for Angela, she had things to report. Such things proved to be an obstacle to what she wanted, witch was to sleep. It was the only thing on her mind as she headed inside.

Glanceing at the surrounding walls, she couldn't help but notice five new names engraved in the steel.

× × × × × × × ×

If one were to observe the dissasmber based hybrid, one might think her battery was low. Slouched shoulders, a slow pace, and a tail that dragged across the floor. However, that observer would be wrong, for her battery never fell below 80%.

Currently it was at 89%, as she made her way to give her report.

Honestly, it was such a pain. Why was she the one who had to do it? Why couldn't it be Tone, Bone, or even Gary? What a pain, what an effort.

As she walked down the halls, Angela had the unfortunate predicament of seeing her two biggest pains. The twins.

Two or perhaps four, pairs of glowing pink eyes illuminated the darkened corridor. Behind that, where two glowing viles of yellow nanite acid. To anyone else it would have been creepy, but to her it was just annoying.

Like always when faceing others, her brother was on the left, and her sister was on the right. They both spoke with an deranged smile.

First her brother.

"Well it looks like-"

Then her sister.

"Our sister has returned."

And it seemed they where doing the sentence thing. Angela really didn't appreciate the sentence thing.

Not seeing anyway to avoid it, Angela spoke herself. Like always, her voice sounded groggy and tired. Because even with a battery at 89% she still felt genuinely tired.

"Leave me be, it's bad enough I'll have to deal with you more in the future."

Their grins widened as they spoke in unison.

"And what future might that be?"

"An exhausting one."

The twins performed an exaggerated bow to let her pass.

"Well then, who are we-"

"To get in your way?"

As she walked by, Angela could hear the twins switch places as she passed. And spoke in unison after she was a few paces away.

"Sister?"

Truning around, she saw her brother on her left, and her sister on her right.

"Best of luck-"

"On your report."

Sighing Angela turned around as she began to walk to the throne room.

"You two should really stop with the sentence thing."

+ + + + + + + +

Angela kept her head down as she entered the room of metal and stone.

Acourding to mother (V) the ceiling used to be so thin that you could fly straight though it. But those days had long past. Now, the ceiling was protected by lage hevey steel panels. If someone with wings tried to fly though, they would be severely injured.

Walking up to the midpoint, Angela spared a quick glance at N. The 'king' discreetly pointed down twice, a helpful gesture, and warning. One that ment the 'queen' was having difficulty maintaining the hologram.

Upon reaching the 3/4ths mark, Angela bowed proper. Afterward, she deployed her wings, and curved then to block her view.

Her voice, while tired remained steady.

"I've come make my report."

The queen (Uzi) responded back though, like Angela, there was a layer of exhaustion to her voice.

"What have the riders been up to?"

"Well, we've completely eliminated the scraper presence near our border. But it's only a matter of time until they replace themselves."

She paused but was urged on by Uzi.

"Go on."

Angela continued.

"During the battles, we lost a sentanal. What's more, is we found a captured drone from a destroyed Outpost. She's joined us, so now the riders number twenty six."

Before she could continue, Uzi spoke up.

"You'll find two additional raptors in the stables . . . your siblings are quite diligent. But I would like know if V be arriving tonight, or . . . tomorrow."

"Tomorrow."

"Vary well . . . your dismissed. But before you go . . ."

Angela paused, stopping herself getting up.

"Let Lizzy know . . . that my offer still . . . stands."

"Of course."

And with that, Angela turned around, and headed out. The room was warmer than the rest of the bunker, and Angela liked the cold. After talking to mom (Lizzy) maybe she'd finally get more sleep.

Enemy Files

Moniker: The Pale Silver Death.

Real Name: Sliver.

Favored Colors: Red, Silver, Blue.

Drone Type: Sentinel (Raptor model)

Programed Nationality: N/A

Age: 16

Likes: Angela, Oil, Running, Snacks, Checkers, Hunting, Familial Units (Sparky and Plug), Angela's Family.

Dislikes: Other Drones, Pain, Threats to Angela, Chess.

Personality: Temperamental but loyal, Sliver strives to protect Angela no matter the cost. Like a well trained dog, Sliver strive to always defend his master. Except of course in manners related to checkers where not even Angela is spared.

Given his state as a raptor, most things involving personality and sentience is severely limited. Rendering his intelligence to that of a somewhat smarter than average dog. However that doesn't stop him from exuding a proud and elegant aora.

Despite being a creature of death, Sliver is a truely noble machine.

Background: Many years ago, V tamed a second sentanal, and named her Plug. This raptor was quite a bit smaller, and needed modification to be a similar threat to Sparky. Later the two raptors would program their own droneling, and Sliver was the result.

Many are somewhat off putted by his odd name, which Angela gave him. She was lazy when nameing him, so just swapped two letters of his mane characteristic. When asked, she'll its because he on of the small sliver of things she cares about. But of course, that's a lie. Though the two have been together ever since Angela got her toddler body.

Description: Proud and large, Sliver is only a centimeter shorter than Sparky. However he's received modifications similar to his motherly unit. Possessing a hooked blade at the end of his tail, and jagged claws. And while his eyes are red, he can still bootloop a drone with a single gaze.

Everything else is standard Sentinel Raptor design.

Moniker: The Lazy Demon

Real Name: Angela Shiftless Riders.

Favored Colors: Pink, Yellow, Brown, White, Silver, Blue.

Drone Type: Dissasmber Based Hybrid.

Programed Nationality: N/A (English Settings)

Age: 22

Likes: Sliver, Parents, Siblings, Cousins, Hazel (kinda), Sleep, A full charge, Informal speech, Simple coverings.

Dislikes: Walking, Flying, Talking, Fighting, Formal speech, Clothes with layers, a charge below 90%.

Personality: Stubborn, lazy and apathetic, all she ever wants to do is sleep. So much so that many often wonder why she'd even be part of the riders in the first place. Something that's completely understandable, given her overall nature.

She often spends most of her free time (at home) in sleep mode. And for a vast majority of that sleep, she can usually be found in the stables of Outpost 3. Angela prefers to sleep there so that her raptor, Sliver, can stop anyone from waking her. Though even when she is 'awoken', she's never truly awake.

Her slothful behavior is so well known, that her enemies have named her The Lazy Demon. However it's also well known that one should never give her a reason to be fully awake. For if they did, one would certainly fall asleep for an eternity.

Though while lazy and slothful, she never properly rests when out in the Tundra Wastes. Even when asleep she's fully alert (when not home). 

Background: The eldest daughter of Lizzy and V, Angela stands as one of the few apex predators of Copper 9. Though many would question that, given her peculiarities. As she got older, she's tried for many jobs in the past, but most jobs require you to be awake.

One such job, was patrol. However her apathetic nature ment she was careless. Scraper nomads from the north got in, and killed several drones. Ever since, Angela has been filled with guilt and joined the riders as penance. However she's still incredibly lazy when not actively on duty.

Nowadays Hazel gards the north, though that's not common knowledge. A consistent reminder that she's doing what Angela failed to do. Though that's not the reason why the two don't get along.

Description: While While she is a hybrid, most would never guess by looking at her. Her body is nearly 100% dissasmber (F), the only thing missing is a few wepons. The other thing is pink eye lights, and pink five eyes, along with a wepons module at the end of her tail.

Attire wise, she usually just wheres a kind of oversized poncho. Though really, it's just to avoid the complexity of layers (something she got from V). It's predominantly brown, with yellow and white dimond patterning.

Everything else is standard Dissasmber design.

Note: Angela's missing weponis a laser. Witch is a shame, as lasers could mow down a group of people really quickly. The wepon module in her tail has a claw hand. But it doesn't have a thumb, and the fingers are all the same length. So it's not as dexterous, but it's still useful for stabbing drones behind her.

Also, Uzi and V have been pressuring Lizzy to except her offer for a awhile now. Have fun guessing.

Chapter Text

Twenty Years Ago.

Five Years After Cyn's Defeat.

Outpost 3.

Chaos?

No.

Tence?

Still no.

The thickness in the air could best be described as hectic.

Everything was hectic.

Because for Nori, she wasn't entirely sure what was happening. All the confusion, sound, and words. It all blended together as white noise for the purple drone.

That one friend of her daughter, had mentioned something about being attacked. He seemed . . . angry. What was his name again? Thade?

In fact the entire colony seemed angry.

Apparently some bandits calling themselves Scrapers had attacked them, and killed several drones. The initial attackers were killed by those murder bots Dissasmby Drones N and V.

But her fellow drones wanted more.

Oil had been spilled, and the residents of the bunker wanted it back tenfold. Greeny seemed the most eager for payback, and many drones had rallied behind him.

If that was the case, then Nori could only hope that losses would be minimal.

× × × × × × × ×

Ten Years Ago.

In The Northern Mountains.

Between Outpost 3 and 4.

Broken.

That was the look Nori witnessed on every drone she saw from Outpost 4. An endless sea of visors showing the same lost expression. From all manor of drones, some old, some young, most children.

They all wore the same tired expression.

It was a look that Nori had seen a long time ago. The displays showing that the drones wearing them had given up. Back then, it was because the freedom they enjoyed, had been taken away.

Stolen, from the sky demons that came from the stars.

But the reason for their (Outpost 4 drones) broken looks was different. In fact many would argue that the reason was much worse than before.

They got forced into a fight, and lost.

Rules were proposed, they agreed.

And then they were slaughtered.

But this time, the death didn't come from drones of slaughter, but rather from their fellow workers.

The only ture crime Outpost 4 committed, was wanting to live underneath the sky. All they did was claim the land that was theirs before the sky demons came. Land that the imperialistic Outpost 5 wanted, for no other reason than to have more land.

No one was above death, from the eldest drone to the youngest droneling. The pill babies were spared, stolen away so that they could one the ranks of Outpost 5. In the end there was so few survivors, that they had to abandon the massive mountain bunker.

And so here Nori was, in-between her home and a place of death. Guiding roughly two hundred drones to her home, Outpost 3.

Maybe it could be a place of rest, relief, and hope for the tired, defeated, and broken.

+ + + + + + + +

Present Day.

Midnight.

Outpost 3 Night Market

Nori was part of D.D.F, but with how little she actually did it was more like an early retirement. With so little to do Nori had so much free time, she didn't know what to do with it all.

Though it's not like she nessasary wanted all that free time.

Officially speaking Nori was the closest thing to a sheriff Outpost 3 had. When she got the position she thought the job would come with plenty to do. Most drones wouldn't want the responsibility, but she did.

Only she rarely had anything to actually do.

Everyone under her (which was almost everyone), respected her too much to let her do anything.

They did this by doing everything that needed to be done, often before she even knew about it. Most of the time she only found out when reviewing weekly reports. There was being well respected, and then there's this nonsense.

When the colony was sending soldiers to Outpost 2, Nori had been more than willing to go. But apparently Solver hosts weren't treated vary well in the east, and 'the colony needed her' (bull). And yet, her two youngest grandkids went anyway. Granted it was for vary different reasons, but she felt restless dammit.

Well, it wasn't like she had nothing to do. Because no matter how well respected she was, there was one task that always needed her.

And that was dealing with her husband, witch was why she was heading to the bar.

It was built like an old saloon from an old western movie. Apparently it was inspired by a movie called Silverado or something. A haven for all those who wanted to find salvation at the bottom of mug. Constructed above ground six years ago, it was one of the most popular places by far. At least among the older drone population, all wanting a drink of gasoline.

Gasoline.

Take some oil, mix in some chemicals, refine it a bit, and you have the drone equivalent to alcohol. A bit dark when many consider oil to be a drones blood. But considering the state everything was in, most didn't care, as long as they were drunk.

Case in point, Kahn Doorman.

As Nori entered the bar, she emeditly spotted her husband at the far end of the bar. And next to him, was Thad listening to a another long speech about this or that. She couldn't tell what was being said, but Khan was no doubt wearing thin Thad's audio prosesser.

As soon as the green eyed drone spotted her, she was waved over. And when she was close enough to hear above the loud chatter noise, Thad spoke.

"Mrs Doorman! Glad you made it."

His tone was both appreciative and relieved.

"Course! You called me, so how bad is it?"

"Not too grate, but better than usual."

Nori looked around, there was some rummy players, dice throwers, and a drone playing the piano. 

"Looks like the riders haven't arrived yet, let's get him home before they do."

"I think that would be a good idea." Thad respond.

They both turned to Khan too see that he had gone quiet, soon he would sleep mode. Best to get him home before then. Nori took the right while Thad took the left, and together they lifted him up. Both supported him as they walked out the busy bar, and headed to Nori and his shared unit.

"C'mon hunk, let's get you home."

What came out in response was unintelligible murmurs. Thankfully J wasn't here, or else Thad wouldn't be able to help her with Khan.

>< >< >< >< >< >< >< ><

Luckily they were able to reach the housing unit without any problems. With both Nori and Thad working together, they were able to move rather quickly. Khan was passed out on his and Nori's shared bed.

Thad had returned to his own housing unit. Watching over dronelings was a tireing job, he needed the rest.

Nori sat at the ege of the bed, and looked down at her husband with both love and sorrow. Khan was still held in high regard for his achievements, witch was why his tab was manageable. But it clearly wasn't enough to simply be kept in high regard.

When Nori had 'died' he managed to pull though by burying himself in work. In many ways, being head of the WDF was his ultimate escape. When she returned and Uzi graduated, he could finally let himself relax. But it wasn't like everything was just gunna be okay. He had spent so long as he colonies de facto leader, that he truely had nothing else.

Besides Nori and Uzi, anyway.

These past few days had been especially rough. As much as Nori disliked J, she had her uses. For one, knowing when both she and Khan have had too much.

Sighing, she got up and reluctantly left the room. Nori only spared a quick final glance before closing the door. As much as she often complained about having nothing to do, she still had responsibilities. Besides with the first half of the riders back, someone was bound to try and cause trouble.

Before she could leave her unit, her systems alerted her to a notification. Apparently that Lizzy girl manged to get one of prisoners talking. And they've been talking quite a bit, telling all sorts of interesting things.

Evidently, the needed her to verify some things. Her unique past made her qualified for such a task.

"Looks like the punks are going to have deal with the riders after all."

+ + + + + + + +

An Hour Past Midnight.

Northern Mountains.

Former Outpost 4 Teratory.

When Jackal Doorman handed off the prisoners, it seemed to many he disappeared.

This was normal, as he was known for coming and going as he pleased. So no one really worried about why, merely curious as to where and when. Though, if they knew what he was doing, and who was there, drones would be significantly more concerned.

Not like anyone would find out though. The Doorman's had already took the steps to prevent that outcome.

All this to say Jackal Doorman had gone of to visit Hazel Clawhand for the past day and a half.

He still patrolled the skys, but that only had to be done once every seven hours. Plus, with his speeds he could lap around the entire teratory in under an hour. And he didn't even have to his top speed to do it.

He had just returned from his latest 'patrol' by slamming down on a clifside, leaving a small crater. Hazel was waiting for him, sitting, a few paces away from where he landed.

"You're gunna reduce it all to rubble if your not careful." Her tone was full of amusement.

"I doubt a few love taps could level a mountain." As he got up, he looked around at the impact he made.

Ultimately, dent he left in the toxic snow covered rock had been rather small. A ten foot (3.048 meter) diameter circle, roughly two feet (60.96 centimeters) deep. He'd made far bigger, a large impact that could have leveled a small city. The nomads further north could attest to that.

As Jackal walked out, Hazel stood and looked around the open space around the clifside. Where three other craters dotted the rocks, all equally spaced apart.

"I'd call this a bit more than a love tap." She spoke in a matter of fact tone. Her tail then started to sway back and forth. "Buy the way . . . could I ask you something?"

Her tone had lost it's cheer, something was clearly bothering her.

"Sure, ask away." Jackal noticed that she turned around, looking away from him.

"It's about . . . those futures you sometimes see."

"I don't mind, you can ask." 

"Are there any . . . where you and I are . . . Happily and openly . . . together?"

He didn't have the core to tell her the full truth.

"As many as the stars in the sky. So even if things don't work out exactly as we want to, there's at least one were everything did."

Maybe if he said a half-truth enough he'd believe it

"Good." Her tone sounded happy again but there was something else, something he couldn't name.

/ / / / / / / /

Her tone sounded happy, but there was something else, though not even she knew exactly what.

Hazel had turned around so Jackal couldn't see her face. She was never the best at controlling her visors display, so most could read her rather easily.

Because try as he might, she knew when Jackal was lying. Though it wasn't like she was any better. She never could hide anything for long, especially from him.

He probably already knew.

Especially with how often she went though his data.

But in truth, she didn't mind, In some sort of messed up way, she was happy.

Because Hazel hated ever being envious of herself.

\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \

Jackal reached into one of the pouches of his coat, and pulled out a double A battery. He tilted he head upwards and opened his mouth as he tossed it into the air. Unfortunately his snack was Intercepted, right as the battery hit the peak of it's arc.

It was pierced by a nanite acid stinger. His guard was down, so Hazel caught him by surprise, a specialty of hers.

"I know the riders are back, so it's not like you have to do daytime patrols." She sounded irritated, as she turned back around.

"I still need a full charge." He wasn't that upset, he had plenty more.

And he did promise to ease up on using them.

"Well you can your full charge by entering sleep mode. Which you haven't done in almost two days!"

"You know why that's hard." Jackal knew she wasn't malicious in what she said, but it didn't lessen the sting.

Hazel mumbled something he couldn't quite catch, but he had a vague idea.

"I'm sorry, could you repeat that." He couldn't hide the smug in his voice, nor did he want to.

"I-I said that if you n-need help sleeping, then y-you could rest with me." Hazel's visor was covered in brown and yellow lines, and her blush was getting brighter by the second.

"Well." - Jackal started. - "When you ask like that, how could I possibly hope to refuse."

Such a thing wouldn't be nessasary until later, but it would be fun to tease in the meantime.

× × × × × × × ×

Meanwhile . . .

Outpost 3.

The Underground Bunker.

Nori almost couldn't believe it.

She thought that many of the experimental solver strands had been lost. Eather by death or assimilation, most other 'strands' should have fallen. And yet, she had just left the camera room observing the 'parlay' room.

It was a simple medium-sized room, with two couches on eather side of a square coffee table. It wasn't the most elaborate room, but given the situation it served it's purpose. Both of the drones of the parlay party where sitting on opposite couches.

The one closest to the door, was the spitting image of solver drone subject 12. Nori never knew twelve's name but she knew her programed nationality was French. And after hearing the captive drones name, she knew it was twelve's relative.

Same for the other, drone host 42. That drone was given the programed nationality of Britain. Now the real question, was whether they were the children, or grandkids of the original hosts.

As Nori walked out of the security room, she say Lizzy leaning next to the doorway.

"So, what do think? They a problem?"

Lizzy's tone was lacking the usual sas Nori had come to expect form the pink drone. Instead it was cold and to the point. Still, she ignored her concerns and tried to focus on the matter at hand.

"Depends. Have they been in contact with Uzi yet?"

"Oh they've met our queen all right. Traumatized them nice and good so they'll never want to come back."

The tension in the air became thick enough to cut.

"Well then, I'll leave the demands and what not up to you. But besides that . . . Lizzy is everything okay?"

If she just ignored her colleagues outburst, it could cause problems later on.

"Oh I'm fine, never better. Everything is just fine."

She was furiously typing something on her phone. Though with her furrowed 'brow' plus irritation indicated that everything wasn't as 'fine' as she claimed. Somthing had clearly upset her.

"Listen Lizzy, of you need help with somthing, I'm here for you. Okay?"

The pink eyed worker huffed. "It's, whatever. Just tell your daughter to stop with her offer as she puts it."

Oh, that would explain it. Uzi's been trying to get Lizzy to accept for years, and she clearly hadn't stopped.

"I'll see what I can do, but I can't promise anything."

Lizzy sighed. "Thats probably the best I can hope for." She got away from the wall she was leaning against, and started to head down the hall.

"Well I have documents to draft and statements to review. Night Nori."

"Night Lizzy."

Hopefully the rest of the night goes smoothly.

No sooner when that thought went though her prosser did Nori get a notification. Apparently an incident occurred between a shop owner, and a drunk rider. Normally one of her underlings officers take care of it, but they asked for her specifically.

Well the exact wording was a request for Outpost 3s 'Purple Witch'. A childish but harmless moniker made by her youngest granddaughter. It wasn't hr favorite, but it was certainly better than her last one.

Still one couldn't deny the timing was certainly uncanny. If that's all it took, then maybe she should hope for quite night's more often.

I certainly hope nothing crazy or wild happens that would be a real shame.

What did Scarlet and Jackal call it? Triggering flags? Well then, she was going to trigger as many flags as she pleased. Not too many though, she had to keep things manageable after all.

Enemy Files.

Moniker: The Engineer of Outpost 3

Real Name: Khan Doorman.

Favored Colors: White, Grey, Silver, Blue.

Drone Type: Worker Drone.

Programed Nationality: None (English Settings)

Age: 64

Likes: Nori, Uzi, Grandkids Gasoline, Doors, N (barely), V (not really), J (drinking buddy), mustaches, WDF/DDF.

Dislikes: Fake doors, Goatees, Dissasmbers, Nanite Acid, Feeling empty, Being forgotten, Paying his tab.

Personality: Most of the time Khan is a hollow shell of his former self. What was once a proud, charismatic leader, is now a drone who feels empty inside. However, while he may fear being forgotten, his contributions will be remembered for generations to come.

He sill adors his wife, daughter and grandkids but can't help but feel a void inside. A few years ago, he started drinking, and while it doesn't fill the void it does help. J is his drinking buddy and helps pay their shared tab. Most of the time she helps keep the both of them out of trouble.

Background: Shortly after Uzi graduated Khan relinquished his position of leader over to his daughter. After the week long power trip, she shaped up to be an outstanding leader. The way she handled the aftermath of what happened twenty years ago proved that.

Rather than hide away, she stepped up and moved forward, taking bake what was stolen. But all couldn't be well forever. Because of the Solver crisis door one sustained heavy damage. While he understood why, the day it was torn down was tge day something inside him died. And it was something he didn't even know was there.

Nori took him back, even after everything. He had a relationship with his daughter that was thousands of times better. He had even come to expect N into the family. So why did he feel so hollow inside? The temptation of burying your problems in sometimes too much for a drone who feels empty.

Description: A plain blue helmet, white eye lights, and no hair (bald). Will most often be seen in his favorite jacket, but it reeks of gasoline. A fake mustache is his only real accessory, aside form the lines on his visor, and his orange/red ski googles. Usually wears snow boots.

Everything else is standard worker drone design.

Moniker: The Purple Witch of Outpost 3. SolverMeatball.

Real Name: Nori Doorman.

Favored Colors: Purple, Black, Dark Pink, White, Silver.

Drone Type: Solver Infected Worker [Synchro rate 35%]

Programed Nationality: North America (United States)

Age: 64 Completely Unknown.

Likes: Khan, Uzi, Grandkids (mostly), N (begrudgingly), V (hardly), J (tolerated), Hazel (cautiously), Anime, Nightcore, Pickaxes, Hard hats, Secureity.

Dislikes: Normies, Dissasmbers, Scrapers, Live action, Slow jazz, Swords, Lack of protection, security risks.

Personality: Nori's protective towards not just drones she cares about, but for all the drones of Outpost 3. To most her attitude is serious and cynical, but she's also known to be caring and kind. Most could argue that such statements are contradicting, no one can deny that sums her up perfectly.

When it comes to drones who like to cause trouble, Nori is well known for her no nonsense approach. Often, she she delivers harsh but fair punishments.

She loves her family and it breaks her core to see Khan put himself in his current state. But, while she may claim to love her family equally that's not entirely true, specifically with her grandchildren. When it comes to Tess for instance, Nori cares for her and would be sad if she died. But when she looks at the witch obsessed drone, all she sees is Cyn.

Background: Nori reunited with with Khan after the the final confrontation with Cyn. Afterwards plans to build her another body began right away. Originally she wanted dissasmber hardware, but later decided against it. But that was a dodged bullet considering the threat unstable Scrapers pose.

After her new (worker drone) body was completed, Nori because a prominent member of the WDF. With assistance from Khan and Uzi, it would later be renamed to the DDF. The name change was a result from a mass request (led by Lizzy) from the younger drone population. Many thought the name implied that only workers could be defended.

Eather way, Nori soon found herself as the default leader of the DDF. That said, Uzi is still her superior and she has to fallow her orders at the end of the day. Not that she has any complaints, Nori is the one responsible for that system in the first place.

Description: Nori has a Black helmet with medium length straight purple hair. Her eye lights are purple and her old necklace has been returned. She's slightly taller than an average drone by around 5 cm. She wears a black jacket with purple highlights, and black boots with purple laces.

If one looked closely, they'd see a black net embedded in indents of her helmet. It's a modified version of the vail she used when she was just a core.

Everything else is standard worker drone design.

Note: In the aftermath of Rads attempted cou, many manged to escape to the woods, but most failed. For the majority, they ended up meeting their end at Nori's hand.

Chapter Text

One Month Ago

Outpost 3

Recruit Training Center

Deep within the Stone Forest lay Camp 98.8

It lay further south than the original Camp 98.7. It was built as a memorial, field trip spot, for and a place for seniors to relax.

However, half a mile (around an 4/5ths of a kilometer) stands a place known as Boot Camp 98.9. Like the trip grounds, it's only accessible by ferry.

(And aquatic capable busses)

Though the residents of Boot Camp 98.9 know it by different name.

Hell.

Benton (20) knew it wasn't supposed to be easy, he'd been expecting that.

Difficult.

Though.

Exhausting.

He honestly believed that while it may have been a ture gauntlet, it would still be within his expectations.

But he was vary wrong.

Sure, training under a dissasmbly drone wasn't supposed to be easy. But this? This was something else entirely. Training was supposed to be difficult, not impossible.

The current training was little more than a reverse game of tag. Simple in in premise, but the target - The Yellow Witch - proved to be brutal. How was he, Benton, a normal worker drone, expected to tag a god!?

And it wasn't like anyone could back out eather.

One of the others had tried, only she got an arm ripped off and eaten in front of her, by J. Arms could be replaced so it wasn't like anything was permanently lost. But, the message was clear.

If they didn't try hard enough, they would feel pain. What was the girls name? Mar something? Didn't matter.

Thad did come to try and convince them to quit, and a few did, but Benton chose to stay. It wasn't like he had much to go back to, and he'd come too far to quit now.

Though dodging tree branches, logs, and all manor of in-between, Benton had one 'thought' on his prosesser.

The Yellow Witch, and Guardian of The Tower, were true demons.

+ + + + + + + +

Present Night

Outpost 3

A Full Rotation Since The Riders Return

In Tess's room in the underground bunker, there was a bright flash of yellow light. It disappeared as quick as it flashed, Tess herself apperd.

The first thing she did was to collapse on her soft bed.

After nearly a full week of checkpoints and camp grounds, she wanted nothing more than softness. Honestly she was so happy at that moment, Tess wanted to squeal.

Not that she could.

She felt herself relaxing for the first time in awhile. Unfortunately, her OS liked to sabotage her peace of mind. As soon as Tess felt her joints lose tension, she picked up a ping.

In that instance, she felt the presence of every solver host in the bunker.

She felt mom, Siete, and the other five she'd help rescue. Tess could even sense her brother, though he was in the market. But there were two others, one she couldn't quite recognize, 42 a host she'd never felt, met, or seen. But other she knew all too well.

12, the blue eyed witch from Outpost 5.

Her first thoughts were ones of anger and hatred. After all this, how dare she appear, showing up in her home, intruding on her space. Tess could feel herself getting riled up, she needed to calm down.

Think rationally.

Obviously Jackal was okay, so it wasn't like she got in by hurting anyone. And given the location, it was highly unlikely that 12 remained undetected.

Occam's razor - taken prisoner.

Still, knowing that 12 was in her home really bothered her. Perhaps having a discussion with grandma could shed some light on the matter.

Even though it would hurt?

Shut up.

Okay :)

Tess prepared to simply telaport, before remembering exactly who she'd be telaporting to. Sighing, she got up and began walking instead. While doing so, she tried to ignore the way her core seemed to clench.

× × × × × × × ×

J sat, kneeling before the throne of steel and stone, wings extended to shield her five eyes.

"That concludes my report, boss."

J's words echoed in the massive room. She wasn't sure about that last bit, but it felt right. Hopefully Uzi agreed, J always found it difficult not to.

Eather way it was the queens turn speak.

"The other hosts, have they been updated?"

"No. I went through their OS's before returning."

The hologram which served as Uzi's avatar nodded. It wasn't ideal, and bit odd. Their solvers should have updated upon first awakening. But it wasn't like the hadn't delt with this before.

"See that they are, as soon as possible. As for the dissasmbers . . ."

Uzi paused, thinking about what to say. The long pause bothered J, if the queen lost focus, it wouldn't be ideal. Normally this was avoidable though N's presence, but he wasn't available at the moment.

After a few seconds, Uzi resumed speech.

"How much do the three know?"

"Serial designation R has retained his full memory. But the other two don't remember much."

"Then they probably still believe in humanity." Uzi's words had a tinge of amusement, a rare thing from the purple queen.

"How would you like me to handle them boss."

"Would you kill them if I ordered it.?" Uzi's tone turned cold, this was a serious question.

"Of course." No hesitation could be herd from J.

"Your loyalty is noted, but their deaths are unnecessary. With so few dissasmbers left, the loss of any more would be a waste." 

"Right, of course boss."

After a few more seconds, Uzi spoke once more.

"I've made my dissision. Serial Designations R, Q, and U will be permitted to join our ranks. Even if they decline, their systems will be upgraded like yours and V have."

"And If they choose to betray us?"

"Even upgraded, Jackal could easily get rid of them."

J understood why Jackal was the go to, but still bothered her. Uzi always favored him more than the other two, though she hid it well. Still, both her and J were well aware as to why 'or Tess' went unsaid.

"Understood, should I bring them now?"

"No, we should give them some time to rest, bring them to me by sundown tomorrow. That should give them half a night to test their new abilities tomorrow."

"Alright, I'll let them know."

J got up and turned around, she walked halfway across the room before Uzi spoke again.

"J?"

"Yes?"

"I fear during your time away, some of the recruits have grown lazy. After you bring me the dissasmbly drones, would you mind fixing that?"

J smiled. "You got it boss."

Then J left the throne room, just as N returned.

/ / / / / / / /

As Uzi wached N enter, she felt joy upon seeing her husband. Some may say it was childish to have such a reaction, but those drones could bite her.

N never shied from looking at her, was never scared of her, and never treated her differently. Even her own children got nervous when looking at her, but N never did. It was just one of the many things that made him special.

Well him and Lizzy she supposed.

Still, N had (briefly) left for a reason. Time to hope for good news, and prepare for the worst.

+ + + + + + + +

Benton was enjoying his time off from training. Especially after learning Mara's name, turns out the two had a lot in common.

He was even so lucky as score a date with the grey eyed drone. (His eyes are white.) And the two were having a lovely time in the market. Meaning both got a front row seat witnessing the Comander (J) return.

Officially, training was to be handled by the soldiers who'd just returned home.

Unofficially, the soldiers were tired and wanted to use the boot camp as a relaxation spot.

So the recruits were set free to do as they pleased.

Now, his two personal nightmares returned. So Benton had a feeling all this rest would come with a hefty price.

A sudden cheer from the market crowds snapped Benton (and Mara) out of his (and her) thoughts. The loud enthusiasm and joy likely ment only one thing.

The Riders had fully returned.

Reaction was infectious as (like everyone else) the couple strained to look above the crowd. All in effort to catch ao much as a glimpse of silver. It made them both feel like dronelings again.

But in the back of their prosessers, something began to from. Curiosity.

Starting from tomorrow, each sea fleet is supposed arrive in backwards order. From the fifth fleet, to the second. Once the second arrives, the Queens Vengeance is set to return seven days later.

Every fighting capable drone of Outpost 3 was being called home.

All this was standard knowledge, but the real question was why? There were so many rumors, but no real facts. Witch only made Benton and Mara all the more curious.

× × × × × × × ×

A dissasmbly drone (F) walked into the 'throne room'.

She had a bob cut, and a modified coat that covered her entire torso. Her nanite acid stinger was modified to be sharpened with a barbed end. And while her claw hands were but away, her normal finger tips had been sharpened into points.

After everything V still walked in like she owned the place.

Though when she got close enough, even she bowed like everyone else. One knee, looking down, wings extended to shield her five eyes.

Her tone however, was nothing 'everyone else', it was smug and aragent. Full of the refreshing V-ness that Uzi would never allow anyone else to use.

"I'm back."

"I can see that."

"Yes well, I'm here to report a potentially minor problem."

"Go on."

V got serious.

"My scouts spotted Scrapers interacting with soldiers of unknown origin. Later, further investigation revealed them to be from Outpost 5."

That was an issue, to put it mildly. Normally any other outpost would be a negligible prospect. But Outpost 5 was full of solver hosts, and had a massive military. As the main host, Uzi should be able to deal with most.

But, she knew all too well how that could end if she was careless.

The thin swiftness of a sword?

Or . . .

The strong force of a pickaxe?

There was still time, but it was running out. Soon she would have to decide her strategy going forward.

Enemy File.

Moniker: The Demon of The Tundra.

Real Name: (Serial Designation) V Riders.

Favored Colors: Yellow, Pink, Silver, Blue, Red.

Drone Type: Dissasmby (F) (Unaltered Wepon Kit)

Programed Nationality: None (Formerly Australian)

Age: Unknown (Presumed Late 40s Possibly Older)

Likes: Lizzy (Wife), Angela, Leo/Isabelle, Sparky, N, Uzi (mostly), Nori, nieces, Nephew, Texting, Oil.

Dislikes: Scrapers, Outpost 5, Sunlight, Overheating, Solvers, Sentanals Dieing, Her guilt towards Uzi.

Personality: V almost never shows her ture nature, only a rare few have ever seen her genuine self.

To some, she's sociopathic, sadistic, selfish, and cruel. But those are just masks.

Others, savage, elusive, evasive, and cunning. And yet, those too are half truths. Fragments of her person.

To those V's close with, brave, dependable, spirited, and kind. And, while that's closer to the truth, it still isn't everything.

Somewhere deep lays the guilt and fear of V's failures, alongside her love and joy. But how could anyone tell when all V does is wear a mask. Always putting up a show, but never showing her true self. Or perhaps, there is no truth, maybe it died during a ballroom gala.

Background: After the fall of Cyn V found it difficult adjusting to a peaceful life. For months she was always tence, jumping at shadows. It took almost a full year, 13/14 of Copper 9s months, but it finally felt like she could let go and relax. N and Uzi were about to have a kid, and herself and Lizzy were planning for the future. Everything was fine.

Then raiders from the Tundra Wastes attacked.

In less than thirty minutes, all the progress V made was ripped apart. She let her guard down and other drones paid the price. There must have been dozens, hundreds, thousands of signs but she missed them all. She got confertable, lazy, careless, and drones died because of it. A year ago she wouldn't have cared, because Lizzy, N, and Uzi were fine.

But in that year V had come to value the lives of many of the Outpost 3 drones.

And so after killing all who dared to trespass V began to breakdown. Due to her rapidly deteriorating mental health, she couldn't participate in the counter attack. But all that did was increase the death toll, furthering her guilt, and something else.

Afterwards, V begin wandering around the Tundra Wastes, with only Sparky keeping her company. N would occasionally join her, but V would usually only have Sparky. Sometimes weeks, sometimes months, V would search. In doing so she would kill any bandit or Scraper she found.

And thus, the Demon of The Tundra was created.

Soon others would join V helping her secure the Wastes. But few could hope to keep pace with a dissasmbly drone. So they began tameing the sentanal raptors so as to keep up with V. And so the Riders were created.

Since V was the one responsible, Riders became the last name of her data-line.

Description: Has hair styled in a bob cut, with her five eyes appearing somewhat flatter though still rounded. V's coat has been modified to cover her entire torso, with a fur trim around the bottom.

Around her neck, she keeps a red scarf Lizzy gave her as an anniversary present. Furthermore In between her main eyes and her five eyes lay prescription ski googles. (She rarely uses them).

While most of V's hardware is standard (tough upgraded), she's taken the liberty of customizing.

She's grinded away at her standard hands, sharpening them to claw like points. And her tail has been modified with an additional detachable barb. The barb is faint yellow in color, due to the extra acid stored inside. If a drone gets stung, extra acid will be injected onto the wound killing them even faster.

Adjustments to V's regeneration systems ensure her modifications remain permanent. However, everything else is standard dissasmbly drone design. 

Bonus Files

《Simi Cannon》

Real Name: Benton.

Favored Colors: White.

Drone Type: Background Extra.

Age: Early 20s

Likes/Dislikes: N/A Doesn't Matter.

Personality: Whatever is Nessasary.

Background: The only reason this character is named Benton is because of a 'deleted scene' involving J.

While meeting recruits for the first time, J was supposed to freak out after hearing his name. Specifically some nameless drone was going to call him Ben, sending her spirling.

There was ment to be similarities between the two Ben's, to make J suffer. Benton believes J hates him because she's always unfairly harsh on him for no apparent reason. But J was supposed to harsh so he would quit. And if he didn't quit, then maybe the harsh training would prepare him for anything.

So that he wouldn't die like Benjamin did.

But this idea was scraped. Maybe I'll bring it back, but it's unlikely.

Description: Standard Worker Drone Design.

Real Name: Mara.

Favored Colors: Grey

Drone Type: Background Extra.

Age: Early 20s

Likes/Dislikes: N/A Doesn't Matter.

Personality: Whatever is Nessasary.

Background: After scraping Benton's storyline, he was relegated to being a living camra for POV shots.

Mara's purpose is the exact same, but she's a girl. Felt like makeing a second, in case I wanted to kill Benton off. Then I flipped a coin to decide gender. A bit narrow, but she's a glorified death token.

I then flipped a coin to see if Mara and Benton would have any sort of relationship. They did so I rolled a dice to see what relationship they had. I rolled dating.

It was a twelve sided die, and the chart I used is one I made myself. I also made a D-6 chart to go with it. But those charts will never see the light of day. Maybe.

Description: Standard Worker Drone Design.

Random Deleted Scene

《Will Never Happen》

Siete felt panicked when Scarlet did something to pin her to the wall. She threw something at her, and now Siete was pined to the steel wall behind her.

She tried to call out. But like always, no sound was made. Scarlet started to speak as she walked closer.

"Magnetic collars. Stops solvers, and pins them to the closest magnetic surface. Handy huh?"

Scarlet was now inches from Siete's face, at some point the captain had drawn her soward. The blade was near Siete's neck, only stopped by the collar. When Scarlet spoke again, each word was laced with malice.

"Now listen here you little runt. Tess is out of commission because she was dragged down by you. I don't know what she sees in you, but it had better be worth it."

Her volume lowered further, every word was a whisper of hate.

"Because if you do anything to hurt my sister again, I will kill you. I'll even do all I can to give you a voice. If only so all of Copper 9 will hear your screams."

Suddenly Scarlet was several feet away, sword sheathed, and Siete was on the floor. As the Wrath of Solvers Scar began to walk away, her next words were said with a fake cheeriness.

"Remember, you actions have consequences! K!?"

As Scarlet walked away, Siete thought she saw a second drone beside the captain. But it was gone so fast, she decided it must have been a trick of the light.

Soon the tence air dissipated, giving Siete a chance to prosess what had occurred. If she wasn't on the floor already, she would have collapsed. Scarlet had a hatred for her unmatched. It's display made her feel a fear that's only been reached two other times.

The second was when that thing managed to injure Tess. And the first time . . .

Well, the first time was what took her voice.

Chapter Text

Outpost 3

Midnight

Parlay Guest Room

Somthing felt slightly off for Amour.

Nothing was wrong, or bad, just . . . different.

There was a gap in her memory form yesterday, spanning a few hours. Charles was having the same issue, so she knew she wasn't crazy. One thing she did know, was that somthing nade her angry.

It involved her name.

She didn't know how, only that it happened. But, at least it was clear why her anger flared, she quite proud of her name. (And was always defensive about it.)

• Amour - Her first name, the french word for love. Her creation was the result of her parents love.
• Towers - Her last name, the name of the mother that adopted her. Proud and strong, even in death, that incredible drone had a strong influence on her.
• Eiffel - Her middle name, though the last to be added. The last memento of a fallen comrade, and friend.

However, try as she might, Amour just couldn't remember what happened. And any attempt to do so was thwarted by her own inabilities. It was frustrating, only remembering before and after, but nothing during.

First she was guided by a pink drone that was oddly familiar. Together with Charles, the two were taken to a place the pink one called 'The Throne Room'. After entering, the first thing she noticed was a throne of metal and stone.

A smaller than average drone sat upon it, with a dissasmbly drone at its side. It was rather clear what their position was. After being asked a few questions that Amour and Charles refused to answer, the leader seemed upset.

Then they herd a noise above them. So they looked up and . . . nothing.

Next thing she knew, Amour was in a rather nice looking room. The only clue she had as to what happened, was a single notification.

= = = = = = = =

Solver Strand Updated.

= = = = = = = =

Well, she did have one other clue.

Every time she tried thinking back, she did feel anger. But Amour also felt fear, for some reason she was afraid of the small drone in her memory.

+ + + + + + + +

Outpost 3

Elsewhere

Siete couldn't remember the past few hours.

Normally, that might've scared her. But J explained everything in a way that was both kind and gentle.

They took her to get a check up, and to make sure she wouldn't be afraid, they let her sleep. During the check up, they did something to 'update her solver'.

They also discovered why she couldn't speak, but Siete requested to learn of it at a later date.

J was nice and understanding, and she liked being around her. She only had vage memories of J, (due to improper software development) but it it just felt proper. It almost felt like being separated for so long was some kind of universal injustice.

Oh, Tess was nice too, but being around her felt a bit different. Was it because she was new?

Regardless, she found it difficult to focus when the yellow drone was explaining something. It involved her and the others, that much was certain.

She didn't really know the others names. Any time her uncle the doctor let her rest, she was put in a separate cell.

"[Annoyance] Are you even listening to me [Exasperated Sigh]"

Siete's visor quickly flashed her response.

"{Sorry I must have spaced out.} {Could you please repeat that?}"

Tess's gaze seemed to soften, as she gently repeated her previous statement.

"[Calm] You and the others will be touring the colony with a J and a trusted friend. If you need anything, message me, and I'll be there. [Quieter] You do have my info, correct?"

Siete nodded. Tess smiled as tension seemed to leave her body.

"[Relieved] Good, don't be afraid to contact me okay? The tour will start after my next task is done, so I will be available. [Determined]"

"{You got it!}"

Tess smiled as she disappeared in a yellow flash of light. Siete smiled, she truely had no clue why the yellow dressed drone spoke their feelings like that. But, she supposed everyone had their quirks.

She guessed it was kinda cute.

× × × × × × × ×

Outpost 3 Entrance

If she were able . . .

If she could . . .

Had the event never happened . . .

If she were capable . . .

Those remained the phrases that defined Tess's emotional existence. For she was a drone that felt twice the emotion, but could never show any. Whenever she was around her family of friends, Tess felt like she could smile for days.

But instead, all she could show was an expressionless gaze.

Tess's optics needed to adjust from the inside light to the outside night. In doing so, her little condition proved beneficial. Because otherwise hiding her rage would've been impossible.

Turning around, Tess saw the one drone she had come to hate, along with four others she didn't know.

Parlay - a borrowed human concept.

When called, two opposing factions call for a temporary cease fire. Then, the one who calls for it, meets with the leader or representative of the other side.

Even Scrapers fallowed this rule. (Though the Scraper King always sent a representative, to avoid assassins)

And now, because Jackal failed to kill them, she had to escort them back to the colonies border. She was gunna have words for Jackal when this was done.

/ / / / / / / /

Amour never thought they'd actually be let go.

Sure the C.U.F always allowed parlay groups to return. But, she never thought some no name colony would do the same.

The chances would've surely be lower, being the home of the Yellow Witch. Still, she knew better than to look a gift horse in the mouth. (Were did that phrase even come from?)

Amour didn't think Pubs would be the one to speak first.

"Are you here to show us out then?"

"[Repressive] That would be correct. My role will be seeing you to the border, while protecting you from onlookers [Clenched Fist]."

"Alright then, spose we should go."

"[Seetheing] Indeed."

+ + + + + + + +

It didn't take vary long to get close to the edge of Outpost 3s teratory, only around forty minutes. However, not even Charles spoke. It was almost as if he knew better, something Amour highly doubted.

And yet, throughout that entire time, a single question weighted on Amour's prosesser. She decided to break the maddening silence, and ask.

"<What did you do to us?>"

Everyone stopped.

The three disposables looked confused, but Pubs seemed to stiffen, as if he was scared.

"[Slowly] Just what exactly do you mean?"

"<Don't play dumb, I know you did something!>"

The Yellow Witch started walking, furthering the distance between her and the group. Amour began fallow, not wanting to be written off.

"<Hey, I wasn't done!>"

"[Irritation] I can explain as we move."

The group began moving again as, true to her word, the yellow clad drone began to explain.

"[Serious] I don't know why, but my mother deemed it nessasary to update your solver programs. [Grumble] A waste of time and resources, but I don't have control over these things. [Eye Roll]."

"Your mum leads the colony? Guess that makes you a princess."

Upon hearing Charles's words, The Yellow Witch said nothing. Instead, she just turnd around and stared. Amour felt uncomfortable under her emotionless yellow gaze. So she decided to refocus the conversation.

"<What do you mean when you say update?>"

The yellow drone turned back around and continued onward.

"[Sigh] The Solvers from the past originally belonged to a power that no longer exists. [Sorrow] As a result, various mutations are fairly common. As long as the Solver remains in its base state."

"<If that's even true, we're still your enemies. Why would you ever help us?>"

"[Frown] Probably because mom can't help herself when it comes to updates."

Amour wanted to ask more, but she got the sense that the small drone was done talking. She also got the vague sense that the yellow eyed girl had said a bit too much.

Regardless, the edge of Outpost 3s western teratory was now in veiw. Though it would take at least twenty minutes to get there.

× × × × × × × ×

Meanwhile

Somewhere Unknown

Tundra Wastes

If someone were to travel south of Outpost 3, it wouldn't be long until they reached the Tundra Wastes.

What was once boundless green fields and planes, is now a desolated wasteland of toxic silver snow. Makeshift scrapper cities and camp dot the landscape every couple miles (or kilometers).

When not in such places of debauchery and crime, wandering drones become the only light source for miles.

- - -

Claws Edge.

Like most Scraper settlements, it was more accurate to call it a pile of misshapen metal, than a town.

Or a city for that matter.

But weather any would acknowledge or not, it was the closest thing the Scrapers had to a capital. For only it was built off the back of a colony (Outpost 101) 

It was also the only place founded by Jäger Clawhand. No one knew why, only that somthing was down below, deep beneath the colony. Not a single Scraper could say, for it was only known by the Scraper King himself . . .

Jäger Clawhand was riding down a long foreboding elevator. Behind him, was a Scraper, tied by rope and restrained by chains.

The lower jaw was sliced and the voice box was cut, preventing any useless cries for help. The things visor was nearly completely yellow, as it's software corruption exceeded 95%.

Ideal for what was to become of him.

The elevator was loud and rickety, but the drone had little fear of its collapse. The only way for that to happen, was if it was dead.

The tied up Scraper moved and squirmed, trying to break free from the rope and chains.

But struggle was pointless.

Soon the elevator reached the bottom, and Jäger steped out on the floor. The elevator had opened to a hall of a smooth metal floor and ceiling with concrete walls. The weak light front the elevator could only pierce the darkness for a few paces. But Jäger knew the hallway was short, leading to a large circular room.

He dragged the struggling restrained drone behind him. A loud grinding was herd as the metal floor was scratched.

By now there were hundreds of them.

The King of Scrapers olny walked a few steps forward before that thing spoke.

"That's plenty far enough."

Each word was spoken with both a different tone, and voice.

With practiced ease, the Scraper King threw his tied citizen into the haunted darkness. A solid thud rang out in the darkness marking the official end of tge bound drones life. Soon, somthing unseen in the darkness began dragging the drone away.

"We do wish you'd stop bringing them to us damaged. Restoring them takes precious energy."

"You don't need them whole."

"But then how are we supposed to hear their screams?"

A singe pale yellow light shone far off in dark. It wasn't bright enough to illuminate the space, only just enough to reveal vague outlines. Of the restrained Scraper, and of the many tendrils and claws slowly moving towards him.

The Scrapers lower jaw materialized from nothing, an while it was unseen, his voice box was reattached. The light disappeared, sending everything that wasn't near the elevator back into darkness.

"W-whats going on?!

*CRUNCH!*

"AHHHHHHH-"

*CRUNCH!*

"PLEASE PLEASE STOP-"

*CRUNCH!*

"BOSS HELP ME PL-"

*CRUNCH!*

*CRUNCH!*

*CRUNCH!*

*CRUNCH!*

Jäger had little desire to draw this out for much longer. "Are you finished?"

"It's rude to rush others when eating a meal. But yes, and as for our end of the agreement."

A small capsule the size of a tennis ball rolled across the floor from the pich dark. Picking the small sphere, Jäger opened the container reviling a pill the size of his 'pinky' tip. He placed it in his mouth, and bit down.

Right away, Jäger Clawhand felt the corruption of software receding.

Though like the tides, he knew it was only a matter of time before it would slowly build up again.

"This one you brought us was further gone than normal, so the effect should last longer. Though if you want it to be permanent you'll need to bring us our other."

"Every time we try more just end up dead! She's too well protected."

"You seem to misunderstand.

"What are you talking about?"

Analysis from events several years ago has been completed. The main host is no longer required.

"Then who?"

Our others spawn. Specifically her youngest.

"That monster? You want her!?"

Memories of oil stained snow and broken visors. All the while that cursed mark shined. A five eye, now uncovered, pitch black with a yellow symbol in the center.

"Latest data conferms she's needed. Bring her to us, and software corruption for every drone in existence will cease to be."

Every shot from her stuck true, she never missed. A hundred fifty attacked, yet only two returned.

"I'll make preparations soon. The C.U.F could be useful as pawns." Jäger turned and began heading towards the elevator.

"Oh, and one more thing before you leave.

He paused.

"The spawn of our other, is known by your daughter.

"What?" The leader of the Scrapers turnd around, voice full of s quite fury. "How long have you known?"

"Calm down, it was only recent knowledge. Give or take a few years."

"My vengeance was that close and you said nothing!?

"[You're Vengeance Will Come In Time! Bring The Third Of My Others Spawn, And I Will Grant Your Wish!]"

The monster from the dark shouted in anger. Jäger dropped to one knee and lowered his head.

"Of corse, It will be as you comand."

[Good.] But that reminds me, our doctor friend has survived after all.

"Spears?"

"Indeed, you should pay him visit sometime."

"Understood."

The Scraper got up and entered the elevator. Before doing so, he had the unpleasant opertunity to hear that thing finish it's meal.

*CRUNCH!*

*CRUNCH!*

*CRUNCH!*

He may be the King of Scrapers, but that thing was the true ruler of the wastes. It was a ture king, everyone else was little more than a rat.

Enemy File

Moniker: The Rat King

Real Name: [Unknowable]

Favored Colors: [Unknowable]

Drone Type: ? ? ?

Programed Nationality: N/A (Unknown Settings)

Age: Unknowable,

Likes: Oil, Death, Screams, Obedience, Assimilation.

Dislikes: Life, Hunger, Silence, Disobedience.

Personality: Happy or Sad, Loving or Hateing, it is impossible to assign any one trait. For the Rat King is many, but speaks though the few.

The mass can never seem to agree, often debating for hours on any one topic. The mass often lays divided, unsure of what to do. However, currently they stand united all wanting the same thing. But they find themselves arguing how to get there.

But deep inside the true king sleeps,

So fear the one that speaks in I,

least you let his corruption seep,

Seeing all though yellow eyes.

Deep in rest, the Rat King's true self remains dormant, often only speaking in times if anger. With every assimilation another conciseness is added. The true king prefers those with high software corruption, because they are 'mentally' weak.

Background: When rat populations become too dense, it's said a group of rats can get their tails entangled. This results in the creation of a single, grotesque mass of rodents.

Though fighting and grit, one rat rises above the rest, becoming 'crowned' as The Rat King. They are said to be natural omens of disaster, disease, and death.

The creation of this king was far from natural.

When Cyn began her path of destruction, scientists spread the Solver to study it, and patch it. But, there was an arrogant few who tried to recreate it. The intent was the creation of somthing to be controlled. Though hundreds of failed attempts, they eventually succeeded in recreating a main host.

Except it wasn't in the way they envisioned. It turns out, it wasn't just a host, but somthing else.

They killed everyone, each and every scientist, and they were going to do so to every person on Copper 9. But before they could, the planets core collapsed. And so they retreated deep within the Outpost that created them. Recently, they have awoken, due to a certain scraper.

Less powerful but more capable it seeks what it has determined to be it's other. But because of it's size, weakness to sun light, and self disagreements, it can't reach them.

《Warning!》

《Description of the Rat King's true from is extremely dangerous 》

《The fallowing description has been waterd down, and streamlined to minimize psychological harm》

Description: A writhing mass of assimilated drones, with barbs and tendrils throughout. When in the presence of others, it keeps all it's lights off. But when alone, the entire mass is glows though hundreds of glowing yellow eyes. Some from a drones visor, some though flesh.

But even when all there eyes are closed or off, they can still see.

And they are watching.

Chapter Text

Outpost 3 Teratory

The Ruined City

Western Border

It took a little over an hour, but The Yellow Witch had fulfilled her task. Amour, Charles, and the three disposables had finally reached the western border of Outpost 3.

As they got there, Amour pondered on what her report would be.

She had come with an additional marked drone, and as many Disposables as the treaty allowed. And yet still her forces were desamated. The goal had been the neutralization of the yellow drone, but that was a failure.

The appearance of that winged purple devil had been unexpected, but the C.U.F had little patience for failure. Especially given her recent track record.

What she found most frustrating, was her own weakness. The drone that had caused her so much trouble, was right there. Yet she all to aware of the gap in power between them, even with Charles's help. Without the aid of disposables for distraction, any attempt at would end in Amour's death.

"[Calm] This is where we part."

Amour doubted she would ever get used to hearing that emotionless voice.

"<Indeed.>"

Her response was quick and to the point. She didn't want to spend any more time in this forsaken territory.

"Well, I think I'm gunna stay."

Amour turned in surprise, the words came from the one off the disposables, unit 40588, Dean. His visor displayed grey eye lights, and he had a smug look about him.

"[Knowing Smile] Would that acceptable?"

"<Disposable unit 4-0-5-8-7 was scheduled for execution anyway, you can keep him.>"

Amour didn't even bother to hide the disgust in her voice. She already regarded the disposable units as lesser than dirt. But 40587 was designated as a double forced applicant. He had failed to see the glory of the C.U.F not once, but twice.

Forty-five drones were already dead. What was one more? She glared at the other two.

"<Anyone else feel like joining the traitor?>"

French was known for being a flirty sounding language. But no one could mistake her murderous tone for anything else. She felt insulted that asking was even nessasary.

"No ma'am."

"I'm good."

45057 and 58321. Unlike the apparent traitor, they were both volunteers. Clearly they could recognize the glory of the C.U.F, even if they were just criminals.

"<Good. Oh and 40587?>"

She stared at the disposable who dared to betray the C.U.F.

"<If I ever see you again, I will kill you.>"

The aragent scum had the audacity to smirk.

"Fine by me."

Truth be told, she wantedto kill him then and there. But there was no telling how this barbaric colony would respond. Amour decided he'd live for now. If the Yellow Witch killed her here, she'd never get the chance to kill her in the future.

"[Matter Of Factly] Well it's settled then. [Irritation] Oh I almost forgot. [Wide Grin] A warning has been issued to your capital. [Serious] Now leave, before I kill you. [Smile]"

"<Warning how?>"

"[Short Laugh] Oh, you'll see when you get there."

The yellow drone used her solver, lifting 40587 by his 'wrist' and telaported away. When she did, a small piece of paper floated to grond from the hight of where her 'waist' was.

Charles (perhaps being stupid) knelt down and picked it up. After reading what was on it, he quickly handed it to Amour. On it was a simple message.

I am a Witch. Not a princess.

"<Looks like she took what you said personally>"

"Well I didn't know she would react like that, now did I? Allright then, let's go chaps."

Charles's words were grating on Amour's audio prosesser. Unfortunately, it would be a long walk back. And not just because of his constant talking, but also of the dread, wondering what that 'warning' could be.

+ + + + + + + +

Several Hours Later

In the Outer Western Most Edge of the C.U.F Teratory

It was said that in humanity's final days of war, the trenches were nothing but a forgotten memory of the past. That echnologies became so advanced that they no longer needed to dig into the dirt and stone.

But it was also said, that humanity would last forever.

That all their progress, innovation, and unification would spare them from extinction. But that was proven false many years ago.

And so, the new sentient beings (worker drones) took their place on Copper 9. Like the humans who came before them, they too found need for the trenches.

- - - - - - - -

The western most colony on the continent is Outpost 75. There also the third largest, being one of the outposts originally built for human preservation.

It's size and geographic location (a sizeable peninsula) are the two main reasons it's held off the the C.U.F. Unfortunately its unlikely they'll be able hold out for long.

Everyday the front line inches closer and closer, nearingby the day. The C.U.F is relentless in pushing ever froward. Resources are strained and moral is low. The only thing keeping them fighting is the fear of their enemies, and the hope of victory.

But, one drone in particular grows tired.

She has plain to put this conflict to rest once and for all.

And to crush what little hope her enemy has left.

The trenches crossed and intersected like a long stretched out spiderweb. They went on for miles/kilometers from one beach to another.

Throughout various spots were underground shelters, small structures ment to shield one from the ice and snow. The largest was in the center, were the commander, Blume, rested.

Though it was debatable how much rest she was getting. Especially considering how loud her officers were arguing. The incessant chatter had become an irritating cacophony of white noise.

She was done.

"▪︎Enough!▪︎"

Everyone went silent as their systems automatically translated her German to English.

"▪︎I've had enough of this useless talk! I'll finish this conflict myself!▪︎"

"But ma'am, it's too dangerous."

Blume turned and glared at the spineless drone. Her firey orange eyes met with dull grey, a colour fitting of a coward.

"▪︎We've been fighting this conflict for three months. And I grow tired of living like rats! Am I clear!▪︎"

The drone that spoke up backed down, fearing Blume's Wrath if pushed further. Truth be told, she was ordered to not act unless losing became a possibility. But her patience was officially spent.

She'd just make some bogus report about a counter attack or something.

"▪︎Ready my guns and feach my some oil!▪︎"

No one moved.

"▪︎Now! Or I'll turn you into oil cans!▪︎"

Everyone began scurrying, it was well known that she never made idle threats. Sunrise was six and a half hours away, plenty of time to crush her enemies.

× × × × × × × ×

It was quiet.

Too quiet.

Tin's central motors were twitching with anxiety. The enemy was ferocious, pushing them back was near impossible. They had Outpost 75 on the ropes, but now all the sudden they go quite?

It didn't make sense.

"Hey look"

His buddy, Rust, yelled in whispers as he handed Tin a pair of binoculars.

A single drone was walking across the no drone land pulling two wagons behind them. Resting inside each one, was two large, long, boxes that looked to crates. It was a total mystery what could be in the four boxes, but that didn't matter.

What did, was the small white flag fluttering on top of the left one.

Tin turned to Rust. "I'll report this to the comander, keep an eye on them."

"I'm pretty sure one of the other spotters is reporting, but can't be too careful I guess."

"Thanks."

Tin began darting and weaving though the tight trenches. Logically, he he should be elated. This terrifying enemy of theirs was seemingly surrendering.

So what was this sinking sensation he was feeling?

/ / / / / / / /

When Blume was close enough, she launched her assault. Multiple large rifle like cannons burst from the wooden crates and began firing explosive rounds. Each shot landed directly into the enemy trench, inflicting massive damage.

All marked ones specialized in one thing or another, and that was true for her as well.

Some could telaport with ease.

Others could duplicate.

And Amour could grap multiple things at once.

In this regard, Blume wasn't special. But she was certainly unique. She had the blessing of being able to grap multiple things and duplicate them.

Soon four, became eight, then sixteen, and thirty-two.

Each explosion was buitiful and pure, wonderful sounds that soothed her core. Each sliding pice locking an explosive shell in place before firing.

This was her orchestra!

Her symphony!

She was the conductor!

And this battlefield was her stage!

All around the snow melted and shot into the air, freezing and falling down as ice. It made yet another buitiful sound, a lovely glittering noise. A sound such as that was a wonderful add on to her performance.

As Blume continued her assault, she was pleasantly surprised to run into such little resistance.

Occasionally a bullet would be shot in her direction. But the marks blessing insured it never touched her. And true to form, a shell would be fired in that direction, insuring they wouldn't shoot twice.

This. She thought. Nothing could compare to this.

Within the hour, the enemy entrenchment was completely destroyed.

+ + + + + + + +

Blume drank from one of her oil rations, thankful for cooling black liquid. Using her blessed mark for an hour straight had took its toll. For now the heat was under control but she was tired.

Of course life was never easy or simple.

She was heading back to her own comand post, when somthing came after her. She tuned around and lept back right as somthing impacted the grond behind her. Blume landed with the grace expected of a blessed one.

As she looked at what attacked her, Blume's systems issued a rather interesting alert.

= = = = = = = =

▪︎!Rival Company Product Detected!▪︎

▪︎!Rival Product On JC-JENSON Designated Soil!▪︎

▪︎!Please Dispose Immediately!▪︎

▪︎!Failure May Void Unit Warenty!▪︎

= = = = = = = =

Her curiosity turnd to disgust upon seeing it's insulting form. Every part of it was a mockery of the angles. Shorter than the average worker, but with jointed limbs, with an average looking torso.

It's head looked humanoid but it's jaw was attached to a set of hinges. It also had a shoddily made waist to hide the the leg joints. Instead of five, the abomination had four extra sensors on the top of its 'head'. It's wings looked pathetic, and it's left arm had claws, whereas the right had a gun.

As it's lower jaw opend, a static voice began to speak.

"Greetings, you would appear to causing . . . destruction. Please cease immediately."

As it finished 'speaking' its jaw closed.

"▪︎And who are you tell me how to act!▪︎"

Blume activated her solver, and aimed her four guns at the horrid imitation. Her anger has unmistakable for anything else. The things jaw opend again to form a response.

"Processing . . . understood. Beginning elimination. Thank you for choosing Universal Electronics."

The thing begun aiming it's gun in what would be a pointless atemt at killing her. This thing was going to be anilailated, but Blume had no doubt she would feel dirty afterwards.

Just looking at this mimicry of an angel made her feel disgusted and sick.

Enemy File

Moniker: The Battlefields Conductor

Real Name: Blume Ausbruch Detonieren

Favored Colors: Orange, Red, Brown, Grey.

Drone Type: Solver Infected Worker [Synchro Rate 46%]

Programed Nationality: Germany

Age: 23

Likes: Music, Instruments, Her mark, Milatary service, Oil, Explosions, Fire, Wepons, Snow, Reading, The church, Angels, Amour.

Dislikes: White noise, Other marked ones, Bandits, Scrapers, Nomads, Enemy militaries, Water, Doves, Movies, Cultists, Imitations, Amour.

Personality: Headstrong and prideful, Blume is well known for having a flare for the dramatic. Most of her feats involve major militaristic victories for the C.U.F, somthing she loves to flaunt. 

Because of her glowing track record, the army's higher-ups tend to ignore her more disobedient behaviors. It's well known that she'll lie in her reports so she can have an excuse to fight on the front lines. This has had the unintended side effect of boosting the moral of her troops.

Blume never backs down and never quits.

Aside from the military she's also highly devoted to 'The Church'. A religion dedicated to the worship of the Solver, also known as the sacred mark. Because of them solver hosts are revered as sacred warriors. With the main belief being the marked ones had their data-lines blessed by the goddess.

The church is also the main donor if military. Witch is one of the many reasons Blume serves in the army with all her core. And why, despite her past relationship, she still has respect for Amour. Aside from that, she's known to be cruel towards disposables.

Background: Blume activated two years after the goddesses assent (Cyn's Defeat). She grew up an orphan alongside her older sister in the church. Many of the teachings taught by the church are permanently ingrained on CPU.

At first, she and her sister were raised to missionaries. But after their solvers awakened, they were instead trained for battle.

In terms of combat Blume excelled, but in terms of synchro rates, her sister was superior. Although in the end, Blume's sister proved far too trusting. She was murdered in her sleep by her own disposable unit. Blume executed each one herself, and took her sisters name as her middle.

Her only relationship to date, was a two year period where she dated Amour. They broke up last year, despite everything, it was surprisingly amicable.

Due to Blume's love of music, she's been known to bring entire orchestras to the battlefield. In one instance, the conductor was shot and had to be taken to a med bay. Without flinching she took their place and finished the performance, all while raining fighting the enemy. It's said that the opposing side temporarily halted their attacks so they could listen to song.

Because of this amazing feat, Blume was given the moniker The Battlefields Conductor.

Description: Blume's hight is factory standard with minimal deviations in build. She has long blonde hair that reaches the mid section of her 'back'. Her eyes are a dark orange and she has a small scar like mark on her left 'cheek'.

While haveing one, she almost never wheres her uniform, believing it too plain and boring. Instead, what she normally wears is a tuxedo vest and a 'knee length' skirt. Normally she wears combat boots due to her milatary occupation. However when Blume is in a city off assignment, she wears dress shoes.

When In battle, Blume has the ability to create duplicates of her wepons. The copies will always be of lesser quality, and will dissappear after an hour of being made.

Chapter Text

Twenty Minutes Later

Blume had practically dragged herself back to her sides trench. She had gotten cocky for as unimpressive as the imitation seemed, it was surprisingly nimble.

The thing managed to take her right arm and severely damage her right leg as well. Both were healing but it was takeing it's sweet time. Luckily she had plenty material on hand, the imitation saw to that.

As she reached her side of the battlefield Blume was approached by one of the soldiers.

"The Majors need to see you ma'am, it's urgent."

She walked past him without a word. Her arm was still regenerating and her pride was wounded. She didn't feel like responding to the infantry drone.

× × × × × × × ×

By the time she got to her comand post, she had fully healed. The fact she was that damaged in the fist place was unacceptable. And now the majors needed to see her?

This had better be pretty dam serious. Blume thought. Storming into the underground center, she saw the looks on their 'faces'.

After that she immediately regretted her wish. The anger and urgency was clear in voice.

"▪︎What is it!▪︎"

"It's the capital ma'am." One spoke. "it's been attacked."

"▪︎By Who?!▪︎"

"We're still confirming, but eyewitness claim it was single individual."

That couldn't be true. The most likely was it was multiple drones attacking at different times. Blume sore then and there that if she found this group, they would suffer.

"Well what's the damage?! At least tell me that!▪︎"

"The city itself only suffered minor superficial damage but . . ."

"▪︎Go on!▪︎"

"The city walls, there completely destroyed. So far we confirmed no deaths, but over a hundred are injured."

+ + + + + + + +

Meanwhile

Outpost 3

Main entrance.

High in the night sky, a purple light streaked through the air. Two gards always stood by the entrance of the bunker, nessasary but habitual. They were expecting him, so it was no surprise when Jackal landed between them.

"Morning."

It was all he said before heading inside. One of the gards spoke up before he passed them.

"Sunrise isn't for another few hours."

"It's past midnight isn't it?"

And with that, Jackal entered the bunker.

/ / / / / / / /

Jackal considered himself a pretty good liar. The only drones who could tell when he was lying were his sisters and Hazel. But he never really counted them.

Besides, to everyone else he was an amazing liar.

For instance, over the years he'd mastered the art of hiding his fear and hatred. Mostly for being underground or indoors, but for other things as well.

It was illogical and weak. He knew well that the halls were wide and spacious. But to Jackal, it was like the world was closing in on him. His many eyed tail looked in every possible direction, looking for the fastest way out. He knew it wouldn't find any.

Making his way though the suffocating halls he eventually reached the 'throne room'. Although deep down he believed that to be just a fancy name for what it actually was.

His mother's prison.

She was still the colonies leader, but Uzi Doorman was always paranoid about herself. Keeping away when her power grew too strong, always distant. Oh well, no use dwelling, he had a report to make after all.

Stepping inside of the large space, Jackal's anxiety lessond, but not by much. As he moved further inward he noticed something. Three large cocoon like pods, unfinished but done enough to tell what they were. He smirked, he know who they were for.

Moveing to the center of the room Jackal kneeled as was proper. Being without a five eyes system, he had no reason to deploy his wings. But everyone who had them did, and it looked dramatic, so he did. He also tucked h tail into his coat, so that he wouldn't see her though it's eyes.

"I bring excellent news, my mission was a success."

Uzi spoke, her voice has a tinge of static as it came though a speaker unseen. A sign that a bad day had gotten worse, if her voice wasn't being maintained.

"Casualties?"

"None."

"Injuries?"

"A few spotted me, I made sure they wouldn't forget."

"Good."

Somthing was bugging Jackal, dad wasn't anywhere to be seen. As if reading his mind his mother spoke.

"N is busy helping J with a tour of the colony."

"How did you get him to go?"

"He's also catching up with the new dissasmbers. I told him he should go, that it would do him some good."

That answered that, but now Jackal had to another question. One that had been on his prosesser the entire flight home.

"Why didn't you order me to destroy the entire city? I could've done so in a matter of hours, Especially given most of their military was elsewhere."

His mother seemed to ponder the question. Though that was no doubt for dramatic effect, he knew she already had an answer.

"I do not wish to become more of a monster than I've already become. So far they've only sent in their military strike teams. There's no reason to become a beacon of fear over somthing like that."

"And if they don't listen?"

"Then we will fight. Not their civilians or cities, but their military. We will end as many soldiers as we need to. All while they possess the knowledge that we can destroy their capital whenever we wish."

"Userstood."

Jackal rise to his 'feet' and began heading out. But before he could reach the exit his mother spoke.

"Before you go I have another assignment for you."

"Yes?"

He didn't bother to turn around. Even being a few steps away from the exit he could hear the flickering of the projectors. Constructing those pods was clearly takeing it's toll.

"Tomorrow I'll be upgrading the three dissasmbers J brought back, as well as the new solver hosts. If the dissasmbers prove traitorous, you'll be tasked with dealing with them."

Jackal smirked.

"You got it."

As he exited the room his tail left his coat and began swaying it's head. Jackal began power walking as it did, he just wanted to get outside as soon as possible.

Starving and low on oil, she'll do something awful.

She can't take back what she's about to do.

She's so sorry.

"Luckily that'll never happen." Jackal quietly muttered. "It can't."

× × × × × × × ×

The bunker of Outpost 3 had grown considerably.

It originally could only support around five hundred, but now it's capacity could support three times that. Such an expansion would have been impossible, had it not been for the Absolute Solver.

Those were the words that Thad, the drone guiding Siete and the others, had said.

Four housing zones, six medbays, five DDF offices, two high, four middle, and six elementary schools. All divided among three stories with one canteen on each floor. All of witch was protected by two nigh indestructible doors. It was both an underground city and a fortress, one that could last for an easy five hundred years.

Siete had wonderd why they didn't just build above ground but she stayed silent. As the group left the underground she figured it was something to ask #### J later.

Confused the mute drone blinked.

#### J.

That wasn't right, it wasn't like she couldn't remember. The memories were a bit corrupted, but she never forgot. Why was she just now noticing? She knew J was her #### but the word itself was missing.

Mom, Dad, #### J.

Aunt J = False. #### J = True.

Well . . . Seems shed be asking #### J about that too.

/ / / / / / / /

Thad observed from behind as J led the little 'tour group' outside the colony. Seeing her show off Outpost 3 as her home with such pride sure was something.

Ten years ago she looked so defeated and lost. She wanted nothing to do with this place, only staying because Uzi 'hired' her. Then Tess befriended her, causing Thad to do the same.

If someone had told him he'd be such a close friend to J, he'd have told them to get their prosessers checked. Especially how much closer he would want to get.

Then their was the orange drone, Siete.

It was a miracle she was found. J only told him bits and pieces but it was still enough for him to get at least a partial picture. But even with that, it was clear how much pain J was in.

Thad knew his friend enough to know how she delt with her grief. Always keeping away, never moving past. With Siete in her life, maybe she could finally move toward healing. Just maybe, J would could start to forgive herself.

+ + + + + + + +

East of Outpost 3s Bunker

The Docks

The tour of Outpost 3 ended at The Docks.

Five long platforms built to dock six large ships, though large was a generous description. Both the docks and ships ment to contain them were lagre in the eyes of a drone. However, compared to the ships that once dotted the earth, they were rather quite small.

At least . . . that's what #### J and Thad said. Personally Siete couldn't think anything could possibly get any bigger. Even without ships the docks were just so large. 

On the far left side was the ferry boat that they used to cross the water. And that could carry thirty five drones! Looking around, she could see various drones milling about. Thad said they were dock workers.

The voice of #### J caught her (and the others) attention.

"Alright! That concludes the tour. Any questions?"

Siete couldn't think of any particular thing to ask. Everything was thorough and efficient in its explanations. But someone else clearly had a question, and she made her self known.

"/How long do you intend to keep us here!?\"

She had green eyes, and was the oldest of the doctors subjects, Escura. From the back the other drone guiding the tour, Thad spoke up.

"We just need to make sure your systems are updated, and your software is improved. After that, weather you stay or leave is up to you. As soon as you turn 18 at least."

Escura narrowed the eye lights on her faceplates visor.

"That's six months from now."

"Then you have six months to decide."

Thad gave a gentle smile that seemed to put everyone at ease, though Escura remained tence. Looking around, Siete could see that the others remind somewhat neutral.

"Alright." - J spoke up. - "Let's head back, sunrise is only a few hours away.

With that, they all began heading back. Though if they had stayed a little longer they would have seen ships off in the horizon. The research team, known as the fith fleet had returned home.

Mini Enemy File.

Moniker: The Fith Captain.

Real Name: Watts.

Drone Type: Worker. (M)

Age: 35.

Personality: Watts is joyous and eccentric, though only when it comes to his research. He finds genuine joy in discovery and life, but it's doubtful you'd guess that by looking at him. He puts little to no effort in his appearance, as it means spending less time doing research.

He pays little mind to protocols and restrictions for the same reason.

Description: Average hight and build, Watts is the captain with the least amount of modification. No hair, accessories, or even a painted helmet, the only thing of note are his teal eyes.

His outfit is a storm grey overcoat with a white tee and standard steel toe boots.

The 5th Fleet

The Searcher.

150 feet long and 45 feet wide, The Searcher is a resurch vessel, and crewed by 20. It's mainly dedicated to preforming the kinds of tests best not done on land. As well as studying the strange effects Solvers Scar is haveing on the planet.

One of the projects they helped in was the creation of an incomplete land bridge. It's the only place Where you can see shoreline on the other side.

Escorts.

The Searcher is escorted by two unnamed smaller PT boats 65 feet (19.812 meters) long, and 15 feet (4.572 meters) wide. Both are equipped four torpedoes, two laser cannons in the front, and a machine gun in the back.

Due to the rise of pirate/scrapper/cult activity four years ago, The Searcher has needed protection to fulfill it's duties properly. Both PT boats are crewed by four drones each.

Like all the other fleets, The 5th Fleet was constructed using solver edited materials. The bulk used for Rhe 5th Fleet were mainly used cars and rebar. Though you'd never know just by looking, due to power of the Absolute Solver.

Meanwhile . . .

Place - Unknown.

Time - Shortly before sunrise.

Deep underground lay a bunker. A bunker with cryo storage.

This was true for many places. But, what made this place spacial is what was in one of them, or rather whom.

From the ceiling, a large mass dropped to the floor. It made a large noise, but it cared vary little. As it rose from the ground its two corrupted yellow eyes shone in the darkness. As it looked around, a glowing yellow vial swayed behind it. But the thing lacked the five eyes, giving away that it wasn't a dissasmbly drone.

It was The Scraper King of the Tundra Wastes, Jäger Clawhand.

Almost immediately he saw it, a glowing pod. The thing he'd been sent to find. Walking over to it, he briefly considered opening it properly. But he didn't have that kind of patience at the moment.

There was a worker drone inside.

Smashing though the glass, Jäger wrapped his left hand around it's neck, and ripped it out. Shards of temperd glass flew everywhere as the worker was thrown yo the ground. It began coughing and gasping as it's artificial 'lungs' calibrated the air density.

"Rise and shine Victor, you've slept long enough."

Though the gasping and coughing, the drone responded.

"That's Spears to you and your lot." He spat.

"Watch you adio Victor. Don't forget who you owe your measly existence to."

"A devil and a demons impersonator."

"If I wasn't ordered not to, this impersonator would gut you. The way humans once gutted fish!"

Victor 'rolled' his eyes as he stood, he knew full and well Jäger wouldn't kill him. At least . . . not yet.

"So, what would our mutual benefactor have us do."