A lone Maverick was outside the base perimeter, moving through the shadows as not to be seen. It made it's way to the open where two Lode Runner sentries were discussing how it had become too quiet. With one quick movement, it drew a glowing blade and decapitated the unsuspecting soldiers. Sheathing it's blade, it continued towards the base. Shortly, a passing sentry came across the corpses. Examining, he said into the two-way radio he was carrying, “He's here.”
Meanwhile, inside the base, Zero looked around, obviously uneasy over something. Jackson, tired of sitting silent, asked, “So, why does everyone call you Snips?” The put tow fingers against the teen's neck, saying, “keep bugging me...” he then moved the fingers in front to his face and made a motion of scissors closing, concluding, “And I'll show you.” After a moment of confusion, the teen donned a look of realization, saying, “Oh I get it. Blade user removing heads. Snips... Not very clever. So, why the long face, man?”
Zero shook his head, saying, “There hasn't been a report over the comm for close to an hour. They should have at least given a perimeter report by now.” Butting out his cigarette, he muttered, “I'm going to see what's up.” As he walked off, Jackson noticed the soldiers glaring evilly at them. He ran over and said, “What's with the looks? You take the last twinkie at ration time?” Zero looked out the corner of his eye to see the soldiers angry expressions. Several of the soldiers walked up to him and said, “General Zero? You have to come with us.”
“Really?” he replied. “Why is that?” The soldier drew their weapons and stated, “Because we're the ones that are armed. Don't make this harder that it has to be.” Jackson sighed and muttered, “When you put it that way, how can we refuse?” After a moment, he added, “Oh yeah. Now I remember.” With that, the teen tossed a bomb on the ground. The soldiers immediately ran for cover and the two warriors ran, Zero yelling, “You armed a Bomb in a Refugee shelter?” They ran past a set of blast doors amidst the panic screams as the teen yelled, “I'm a troublemaker, Not a Psycho! It's a fake!” The bomb went off, setting off a series of fireworks.
Beaming, He said, “I meant to use that one a month ago. Nice show, huh?” Zero yelled angrily, “You Idiot! You set it off next to the Munitions supply!!!” They turned a corner and Blond warrior hit a panned, sealing a set of blast doors. “What the hell is going on?” The comm blared as Jake said, “Zero! Jackson! You guys okay?” Jackson muttered, “Yeah, dad. We're here. What's up with the unit?” Wes replied, “They tried to take me into custody.”
“Same with us,” Zero replied. Jake then said, “Same here. Looks like we have a coup on our hands.”
“What's rock's status? Wes asked. “We're going to need to get him out of here.” Rock replied, “I'm functional. That brat still running rampant?” Jackson muttered, “I'm right here, you know.” Zero sighed. “We don't have time for grudges. We have to figure out what's going on here.” The comm remained silent before Jake said “Looks like some Reploid in gray pajamas is talking to the guards on the other side of the door you closed. Looks strong. But I have to say, I like his taste in shades.”
“Get out of there!” Rock snapped. “That's Protoman!!!”
“Protoman?!?” Zero exclaimed. “Jackson! Get the hell out of here! I'll hold him off!” The teen said, “I have a better idea to get this guy.” With that, he snapped his arm forward and it turned into a cannon. He then began shooting some gelatinous adhesive across the door and all over the walls. When he was done, Zero asked, “What's that stuff?” Jackson turned to run as he said, “If we're smart, something we're going to want to get as far as possible from before this guy tries to break through. Now quit yapping and RUN!!!”
Knowing full well what the youth meant, the two of them took off at full speed. As they ran, Zero asked, “How much punch does that goop have, exactly?” Jackson replied, “Remember those big guns I took out?”
“Yeah, what about...” Remembering the fiery spectacle, he muttered, “Oh, Slag!” With that, he increased his speed to the point where even Quickman would be hard pressed to catch up to him. Jackson yelled, “Wait up! Those things only cover Twenty meters! You're clear now!”
Jake came over the comm, saying, “According to Rock, this Protoman guy is more likely to get pissed then hurt by an incendiary blast!” Zero replied, “Why do you think I'm running so fast?!?” Jackson started to pass him , yelling, “I don't have as fast as Dash right now, Just faster than you!” The sound of an explosion accompanied by a massive tremor told them that the enemy was coming. Zero yelled, “If we somehow manage to survive this, kid...” catching up to the teen, he finished, “You are going to be so-o-o-o-o-o-o dead!!!” In defense, Jackson yelled, “Well, how the hell was I supposed to know?” Protoman's voice came from behind them, yelling, “You can't run forever!!! When I catch up to you two, you're worm food!!!”
Jake said over the comm, “Normally, I'd ask why one of my bases just blew up, but I'm going to guess you're too busy running for you're lives to even bother answering.”
“Your aptitude for stating the obvious is astounding,” Zero snapped. “Now how the do we get the hell out here?” In reply, the soldier muttered, “Your guess is as good as mine. You tow blew up the only exit!” Looking at the fast approaching wall, he yelled, “This had better work!” He pulled out a small crystal and inserted it in the back of his neck. Next he raised his hand and pointed his arm ahead of him, yelling, “If ever there was a time to have my buster shot, this is it!!” His hand disappeared into a bright light and a massive burst of energy shot out of his arm, destroying the obstruction.
Jackson yelled, “You could have done that this whole time and you wait till now to use it?”
“Not NOW twerp!!!” the two of them jumped through the hole and into the outside perimeter. Still running, Zero said, “Can the rest of you get out?” Wes replied, “Already did. We released chloroform gas through the vents and got out while psycho was chasing you. Keep him busy while we secure a ride.” Zero skidded to a stop, yelling, “Hey, Kid!” Jackson stopped and looked at the suddenly emotionless Reploid. “Don't go too far. You'll miss the show.” Protoman caught up the the duo and Jackson yelled, “What are you doing? We don't have our defaults! We have to get out of here!”
Zero turned to Protoman and said, “I've been waiting a long time for this, traitor.” He snapped his hand to the side, causing it to turn into a glowing blade. The enemy looked stunned at the sight. Grinning, he added “It's Zero Hour, and your time's up.” Jackson sighed and muttered, “That was the worst catch phrase ever...”
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