-Battleship Altenburg control:
--Botzler do you copy? Our scanners show that you are leaving the mission area.
Botzler:*static* . ..to hell with the mission, open the main hangar doors. My ship is falling apart I need to dock now! Sh*t I got 4 on my tail I cant shake them..
Battleship Altenburg control:
Capt.Schneider: All laser cannons open fire on sector 18430921634 ( Botzler gets caught in the crossfire )
Botzler: *static* In the name of!!! Hold your fire, you are not helping me much.
Computer WPC-0000 : Dangershield generator: destroyed, left engine: destroyed. Sir, now may be a good time for some evasive maneuvers, one more direct hit and the ship will be destroyed. The chance to survive this battle is 1483659 to 1.
( Botzler begins to spin ). I know the odds Zero, they were quite clear when my left wing broke off.
Battleship Altenburg control:
Capt. Schneider: Open the main hanger door and lower the shields.
Hangar control room: Botzler, the hangar is now open, you can start your landing.
Botzler approaches the battleship, but the Hessians are right behind him. The red lasers were everywhere. He had to dodge them like they were raindrops.
Botzler: *static* Id love to, but the Hessians got my other engine. Clear the landing pad! This is wont be a soft dock.
WPC-0000: Sir with all due respect, with the current speed the chances are ..
Botzler: Shut it rust bucket! Lucky for you Am an excellent pilot..
WPC-0000: For all your expertise this wont be a very excellent landing.
Botzler: Then its a crash-landing.
WPC-0000: Impact in 5 , 4, 3, 2, 1, 0.
Altenburgs bridge: Marine Botzler abort! There are fuel cells in the hangar! ABORT!!
Botzlers wraith rams the battleship. The whole hanger is covered in flames and the automatic system begins to extinguish the fire. Medic teams were sent immediately to recover Botzler. The remaining Hessian ships were destroyed by the laser flak cannons.
Battleship Altenburg sickbay:
Doctor : Broken ribs, skull fracture and God knows what else, we must work fast or he wont make it. Begin with the operation.
(2 Hours later in the captains briefing room)
Doctor: Captain Schneider, his condition is stable for now, but his injuries are bad. By the time we got him out of that inferno 70% of his body was burned. Its just a matter of time before he dies.
Captain: There must be something we could! There must be a way to safe him. Doctor, that man devoted his life to the Republic. He protected Rheinland to the last moment.
Doctor: Its beyond medical science sir. We cleaned the burned wounds and there shouldnt be any infection.
Captain: Shouldnt be?! Am not a specialist, but that doesnt sound like a proper answer.
Doctor: The burned wounds are not the biggest problem sir. He has a serious skull fracture, until he wakes up we cant tell what the effects of it.
Captain: And if he wakes up, what will he see. A crippled body.he wont live a normal life anymore. This is all my fault, I knew the mission was risky, but he is a good pilot. What went wrong out there.
-Com link: Hans to captain Schneider
Captain: Go ahead Lt.
Sir, it seems that Botzlers board computer transferred all its programming to our data base before the impact. We are about to check its memory for any details of the mission.
Captain: Very good Lt., Am on my way to the Engineering.
Battleship Altenburgs Engineering room.
Engineer: Well we are lucky, WPC-0000s memory is not damaged. Now Ill just reactivate it.
Loading data..
.
(completed)
Captain: WPC-0000 open mission log file: Spearhead, access code: 480412378
Synchronizing data filesopening video file Spearhead
Main objective: Locate RHA base in the Giftnebel nebula.
Observation: No base located at the intels coordinates.
Statement: Mission failure, returning to battleship Altenburg.
Threat: RHA fighters detected, 2 heavy cruisers moving in to attack positions.
Threat: Incoming anti fighter rockets detected, sustained extensive damage to the cruise engines and weapon systems.
Illogical strategy: Attempt to dock at the home base with high speed.
Error..Error..memory lostshutting down..
Captain: Hessian cruisers? Where do they get those warships from? Chief repair the memory core for this WPC. Well need all the info we can get. Ill head to sickbay.
(Battleship Altenburgs sickbay)
Captain Schneider was in the observation platform. He was watching whatever was left of Botzlers body.
Captain: This shouldnt happen to any soldier. No one deserves this fate. Id better inform Admiral Malte. She'll know what to do with him.
3 days later
Botzlers condition was getting worse by the minute. Even his life support systems couldnt keep him alive anymore. Knowing that Botzlers time running out fast, Captain Schneider sends a message to his parents. They must know, it might be their lasts moments with their son he said.
Captains briefing room:
Doctor: There is nothing we can do. We tried everything, but his body is a train wreck. With the huge explosion in the hangar the temperature was too high due to the H-fuel tanks. His lungs are burned bad and its a matter of minutes or days. Poor man, he needs a miracle, but I dont think that will help either.
Captain Schneider: I understand Heinrich, I know you did your best.
Doctor: My best? What I did was only prolonging his pain and suffering. I have been injecting with drugs to keep him asleep. If he wakes up in that condition his heart wont be strong enough to bare the pain. Am sorry for saying this, but hed better if he died in that crash.
Captain Schneider: I know how it is, you want to help where there is no hope. Alright doctor, get some rest, youll need it.
Captain Schneider: Computer, has there been any word from the admiral?
Computer: Answer: Negative, no message logs from admiral Malte were found.
Captain Schneider gets up from his chair looks out of the window. He didnt know what to do anymore. With all his military experience he was helpless.
Com link: Lt. Hans Clausen to Captain Schneider
Captain Schneider: Go ahead Lt.
Lt Clausen: The repairs to the main hangar are almost complete. Some of the power couplings are burned pretty bad. We had to cut a whole in the blast doors to get in here. Most of the mechanisms are melted. Well need a special technician to help us with the plasma conduits. I just checked with the military and daumann data. Guess what, Botzlers father is the best qualified man for the job. I know this isnt a good time sir, but if we dont repair that conduit well have a far worse situation. If the plasma gets out it will eat a whole in the Battleship.
Captain Schneider: This nightmare never ends, alright if there is no other way Ill let him know, after he sees his son.
Lt. Clausen: No sir, we dont have any time. I dont know how much the old conduit can hold.
*10 minutes later Botzlers parents land on the Altenburg*
They were greeted by Captain Schneider. He explained the situation to them. It was a hard moment and a very inconvenient position for the captain to ask them for such favors. But after a short talk they agreed with Schneider and went down to the engine room. After 1 hour the ships main power was restored, which meant that the main power conduit was repaired.
Relieved from the good news the Captain almost forgot about the recent events. The ship was saved and with it thousands of lives were also saved.
Captain Schneider: Contact Botzlers parents. I want to thank them for their heroic act.
Lt. Clausen: Sir! A power terminal just blew up in the engine room. Good lord!........Watch out!!
Captain Schneider: Lt. Do you copy? Can you hear me? HANS!! Get a medical team there at once!!
3 minutes later:
Doctor: Captain we found Lt. Clausen and Botzlers parents.
Captain Schneider: Excellent, are they alright?
Doctor: They are alldead sir.
Its been 6 days since the incident and all seemed for marine Botzler. He was slowly dyeing in the sick bay.
Doctor: Captain we are receiving a message from Munster station. Theyll send a team to retrieve Botzler.
Captain Schneider: It was about time, tell them to hurry and prepare a medical pod.
Doctor: Sir, high command gives a strict order. We are to
Captain Schneider: What? It cant get any worse than this.
Doctor: We are to turn off all life support and let him die.
Captain Schneider: What! Are they out of their mind, Am wont kill a rheinland officer intentionally.
Doctor: Those are the orders sir. It says in the message that if we dont follow them youll be relieved from command and the entire medical crew will be punished.
Captain Schneider: I cant believe this. Alright, we cant do anything else. Do it and make sure its fast. I dont want him to suffer anymore.
30 minutes later a transport ship docks with Altenburg
A group of scientist takes Botzlers corpse without an explanation and prepares to leave as fast as possible.
Captain Schneider: Hold it, this is my ship and as long as Am in command here I demand an explanation! What are you going to do with?
Head Scientist: You got you orders Captain. Thats all you need to know. Botzler will have the honor to be in one of the greatest experiments known to medical science. Now please open the hangar doors.
Captain Schneider: That pilot is dead! And I was order to kill him. You cant do the dirty work yourself. I wont allow this. Botzler will be given a honorable funeral.
Head Scientist: I thought you might say that. Thats way we didnt come unprepared. Security! The Captain has been emotionally influenced. Please remove him from the hangar and escort him to the brig.
Thats when Captain Schneider realizes that all military officers in the hangar were not from his ship.
Captain Schneider: Well played Ill give you that. Very well Ill follow my orders, but that doesnt Ill approve them.
Head Scientist: Good, very good. We knew youd see our point of view. You can have you honorable funeral anytime you want. But for now keep this quiet, this meeting never took place.
The transport takes off from the battleship and heads
towards Munster station
...................
Munster Station medical Lab:
Blood pressure steady.Initiate the DNA transfer.Put the titanium helmet.Ready to place the battery sir. Alright give me a few seconds Ill need to drill a bit deeper.Darn skulls thick..Robotic parts are ready to implant.So far so goodWell done gentlemen, now lets see if It will function at all
Project Valhalla
A top secret rheinland project, its goal- To replace the fighter pilots with AI soldiers, reducing the casualties within the Rheinland military. Killed in combat pilots or in critical condition will be given a second chance to serve Rheinland. Using the most advanced technology known to medical science the fallen RM officers will be reborn as the AI guardians of our proud fatherland.
Projects location: Classified
AI guardians produced: Classified
Members involved: Classified
The transport ship that left from battleship Altenburg arrived at Munster station. It was there, where Botzler was going to be given a second chance to serve and protect the fatherland.
RM-Convoy|375: Munster station this is Convoy|375 on a special delivery mission from Battleship Altenburg. Requesting permission to dock. Over.
Munster station control: Roger that 375. You are cleared for docking point 3. Welcome back. Over.
Inside the stations hangar:
Botzlers body was held in a cryogen pod. The station its self was heavily guarded. There were fighter patrols and defense platforms everywhere. A group of marines was waiting for the science team in hangar 3.
Head Scientist: Its alright boys, I dont think our package is lethal. You can check it yourselves.
Major Himler: You know the drill, every cargo pod must be scanned. Not that I dont trust you, but these are the orders.
Head Scientist: Yes of course. Feel free to scan, but do it fast. I have a lot of work to do.
The marines carefully scan the pod and every scientist.
Major Himler: Another one eh. Looks like you are too late. Hes already dead.
Head Scientist: Its all part of the project. You know better than to ask such questions. But where are my manners its just top secret stuff.
Major Himler: Sometimes I hate this job, all of the classified stuff end up here. A man cant have a drink and normal chat in the bar.
Marine 1: All clear Major. There is no evidence of contraband or any suspicious readings.
Major Himler: All clear as always. Doctor you are cleared to proceed in the medical lab. General Flick is expecting you.
Head Scientist: My rank is Lt. Commander Blitz. Why cant you remember it?
Major Himler: I just cant resist annoying you. Heh cmon dont keep the general waiting.
The Medical team takes the cryo pod to the lower levels of the station. After a 10 minute walk they finally arrive in the Bio lab.
Lt. Commander Blitz: Alright leave the pod here. Ill go in the observation platform to brief the general.
In the observation platform:
General Flick: Herr Blitz, I take it that your mission went well?
Blitz: Yes sir. This one is the perfect subject for the project. His parents died days after he was injured and he has no family. I have great faith that the experiment will proceed as planed. Everything is prepared for the operation. My men are ready, just give the order sir.
General Flick: This had better be worth the expenses. The last 3 tests didnt go according to your planning. The project must remain a secret, did you have any problems at the Altenburg?
Blitz: Minor problems, but they were quickly resolved. I assure you general, no one else knows about this.
General Flick: Good, lets keep it that way. With the ongoing events the Rheinland Republic is in danger. Factions like the Liberty navy seek more and more information to exploit or weakened state. After the Crisis in 810 A.S. we dont have many pilots or ships left to maintain the peace. But enough about this, you and I know very well why the project was started. Tell me Lt. Commander how will you proceed with the operation now?
Blitz: I did a full bio scan on the body. Most of the vital organs are badly damaged due to the explosion. But I think we can use him. Ill explain first.
My team will dissect the heart, lungs and the brain. All of the organs are already beyond medical treatment. Well have to clone the heart and the lungs. Thats the easy part. The brain cant be cloned, its structure is complex. Well use nomad DNA for the brain, nomad regenerative cells to be exact.
General Flick: You cant be serious, you know very well what the nomads do to humans.
Blitz: Yes sir, I do know quite well. Our studying on these creatures will pay of here. As you know the Nomads are organic beings. Though their entire nerv. System is different from our own the infested rheinland officers in 810 A.S proved to us one thing. These creatures are very adaptive and have the ability to rebuild our own DNA code to make it compatible for them. That is how they managed to survive inside a living human.
General Flick: Yes, I have seen many video logs about this. According to your reports, when the human DNA is changed from nomad DNA, the host gains longer life, strength..Ill just say that they make the host more deadlier. My point is that they take control over us.
Blitz: Indeed they do sir. I spent a lot of time analyzing the nomad brain cells we have here. I was searching for a way to understand how the nomads communicated. They obviously dont talk like us since sound cant travel through space. We use radio equipments and I think the nomads must use the same way to communicate. Of course they are organic creatures and dont use the same methods as we do. Thats when I finally figured it out. Sound cant travel trough space, they dont use radio signals like us, but they have one big advantage. They dont need complex technology to communicate, because they are born with it.
General Flick: What do you mean?
Blitz: Brain waves sir. Or in one word telepathy. They talk by using telepathic abilities. I did many tests to find out the exact frequency of their signals. But its like trying to count all raindrops when its raining. All these tests were a failure. The nomads use numerous and complex signals, its impossible for me to decipher them, but each time I detected a high frequency signal. Its was like a beacon, fading in and out, I suspect that was their way of seeing and coordinating in space. That signal was not only strong, but it also capable of penetrating nebulas, planets and all kind of metal.
General Flick: So you are saying that this is their organic radar?
Blitz: I believe so sir. Its quite fascinating.
General Flick: Every signal can be jammed, what about this one?
Blitz: Uncertain sir. I cant measure the frequency of the signal and that makes it impossible to be jammed. However I exposed many materials to the signal and my patience finally got rewarded. The signal cant be blocked, but I can block the signature coming from the nomad cells. Each cell from the nomad is emitting the same signature. By using deuterium I was able to mask that signature making it invisible for their radar. The Nomads will detect the robotic body and the ship, but they wont detect the alien cells. We can use nomad regenerative cells on the brain. If the operation is successful the brain will be healed in a matter of hours. We wont be able to extract the nomad DNA from it. The cells will remain there and of course once the healing process is complete the cells will start signaling like a beacon. Every nomad will sense it. But since we are not dealing with the complex nomad brain the signal will be very weak. And like I said well use deuterium to block it.
General Flick: Interesting theory. And how exactly do you plan to use the deuterium?
Blitz: We constructed a titanium body, the head or helmet is a mix from deuterium and titanium. It will work as force field and it will jam the alien signature. The brain will be safe and it wont fall to the nomads influence.
General Flick: I see and you are certain that it will work?
Blitz: 100% certain sir.
General Flick: Well then I have great faith in you abilities Lt. Commander. That solves one problem. Anything else?
Blitz: During the last 3 attempts to rebuild an officer in to an AI unit we didnt know what kind of power source to use. Such a complex mechanoid will require a lot of energy. Thats where the heart will take part. Its a powerful muscle making it the perfect choice for an energy source. Well implant several battery chips and a power converter which will make the kinetic energy from the heart to electric. As long as the heart keeps beating the power problem will be solved. We wont need nomad DNA to revive the heart. As for the lungs, well need for the brain. The brain cant function without air. All we have to do is clone them and hit the heart several times with electric shocks. If the heart is revived then the rest of the organs will function. It wont be a problem.
General Flick: Lets hope for the best. I dont want any more failures. What about its memory? I doubt that, Herr Botzler was it, will be happy to see what we did to him.
Blitz: That is easily repairable. We know a lot of the human anatomy. I believe that the last failed test was due to the large stress from the subject. When it was activated the human personality couldnt handle the stress and went in to a coma. Ive carefully studied the subconscious of the human brain or the so called dream state. Well just keep the subject asleep, that way we can control him a lot easier. Ill make more implants for the brain to control the subject and prevent the brain from waking up. Thats pretty much everything sir. You know about the rest. We used the standard robotic equipment to build the body.
General Flick: Very well, you have my approval to proceed with the operation.
Botlzers body was literally opened like can. The Medics were working carefully under the command of Lt .Commander Blitz.
Blitz: Alright lets do this by the book. Lets take the heart first.
Medic 1: I see it..and cutting.
Blitz: Easy now. Dont damage it. Cloning is expensive.
Medic 5: Heart is removed. Placing it in the bakta tank.
Medic 3: Good God. His ribs are a mess. Looks like there are 2 no make that 3 ribs. Yes 3 ribs have pierced the lungs.
Blitz: Ill cut and remove the ribs you guys just keep an eye on the lungs. Almost got it..
Blitz cuts all of the ribs and successfully removes the lungs. The brain was the last part of the operation.
Medic 2: I dont like this. You cant just play God and wash your hands after this.
Medic 4: Yeah, but we are the best of the best and we have a job to do. We are ordered to do it and well finish it. Our personal thoughts are for ourselves only.
Blitz: Cut the chatter. Stay focus on this one. Medics 2 and 5 watch the pressure, if it gets too high the entire brain will pop like a popcorn bag. Number 3, you watch the monitor, while I cut the scull youll be my only eyes. Keep an eye on the markings Ive made. Number 1 and 4 you two cut lose the spine. When we are ready, well carefully extract it. And.cutting.
Medic 5: Pressures steady
Medic 2: Bloody business Ill give you that.
After 1 hour of carefully removing the 3 organs the operation was a success. All of the organs were placed in special bakta tanks to keep them safe from further injury.
Blitz: Alright, bring in the new body!
The medical doors opened and the technician team entered the room.
Lt. Gruber: Another one eh Blitz? Arent you tired of these experiments, this is never going to work.
Blitz: Well see that. Unless you are intentionally sabotaging my work?
Lt. Gruber: Your sense of humor is improving. Alright, there is your new toy. My team and I put a lot of sweat building it. It is as you requested. The head is mixed with deuterium. The new motors are twice powerful than the last ones. Its arms can crush the bones in a human hand like breaking a nut. The Armor is reinforced with titanium making it heat resistant and at some point laser resistant, but dont push your like with it. It still can be destroyed. The nero processors are best in their class: Resistant to Alpha, Beta and Gamma radiation. Ive also installed a new targeting system and a new hand to hand combat program. The shape and design are also new. With the current design it will have 67% more flexibility and movement speed. And my personal masterpiece: The Positron System Network. It is still untested, but I rarely make mistakes. This system network will be the connection between the brain and the robotic body. Youll have to carefully connect the chips with the brain. Dont worry Ill be also here to make sure you dont mess things up.
The robotic body was about 1,80 meters tall and in weight about 97 kilos. It was black like the wraiths armor. It wasnt crude like the older versions. With the design it was slim and it was build for speed and agility. The body was looking like the human skeleton with several titanium platings to protect it. The head was like the regular pilots helmet with only one difference: Instead of having a protective glass for the eyes it had 2 small triangular openings for the cameras.
Blitz: Lets get work people we are not done yet. Open the up that walking toaster Gruber and lets place the lungs.
Gruber: You just give them to me Ill wire them up.
The lungs were placed in the metal torso. Gruber connected them with 2 cables.
Blitz: That should do it. Now for the heart.
Gruber: This wont as easy as the lungs. Ill have to connect the wires on at a time. Lets hope you are right, because my generator will fry the heart in seconds.
Blitz: Bloody technicians.
Gruber: There we go. The heart is wired up with all of the power converters.
Blitz: Here comes the hard part. For this to work Ill tell you the synapses paths.
Gruber: Why couldnt you make a program for this or something? Doing everything by hand is so frustrating. Alright am listening.
It took them 3 hours to complete the operation. Each brain synapses was connected and synchronized with the positron network. The transplantation was a success.
Blitz: Well done gentlemen. Now lets see if itll work. Gruber are you ready to light up you toaster?
Gruber: All set here. How much do you think 1000 or 3000 volts?
Blitz: Make them 4000 just to be sure.
Gruber: And..CLEAR!!
The electric shock went trough the robots body in a matter of seconds.
Blitz: OK! Thats enough we dont want to make barbeque out of it. What do we have? Status report?
Medic 3: Heart is dead, no change so far.waitI think, yes there it is again. Faint, but its getting stronger. I think we did it.
Medic 2: Powering life support systems. The lungs are moving. 100% functional!
Gruber and Blitz were watching on the monitors. The heart and lungs were slowly moving the only thing left now was the brain. After 2 hours of carefully monitoring the life signs the scanners detected the nomad cells.
Medic 5: Lt. Commander! I think you might want to see this.
Blitz: Its working. See there they are, right where the injured spots used to be. The number of the cells is getting larger.
Gruber: When will it regain conscious?
Blitz: 30 minutes maybe an hour. Prepare the control program while we wait.
Gruber: Right, dont you worry about this well be ready.
Test Drive
General Otto Flicks log: New entry
The new test subject is working out quite well. Am surprised that there were no difficulties during the operation, but the doctors and engineers proved their skill. The project is near its end. Right now Lt. Gruber is preparing to upload the main command program into the AI unit.
Engineering deck
Gruber: Ok.why isnt it working? Hans, check the network connection pls.
Hans: Its fully functional.
Gruber: Then we must have forgotten to plug in one of the cables. Or the whole program is damaged.
Hans: No, that doesnt make any sense. We went trough the whole procedure a thousand times. It worked well in the simulation.
Gruber: Lets give it another shot. Transfer the data on my mark. Andbegin.
Hans and Gruber watch carefully the upload progress, but the same problem shows up and the program interrupts the transfer.
Gruber: This isnt right. Its like the whole process is bouncing right back at us.
Hans: What if we didnt make any mistakes. We checked every system and there was no error. We might no be dealing with technical malfunction here.
Gruber: Call Herr Blitz, he might know something.
4 minutes later
Blitz: And here I am, always here to do your job.
Gruber: Bloody doctors. Take a look at this. ( Gruber plays the recorded uploading progress ) What do you make of this.
Blitz: Fascinating
Gruber: Yeah like that was helpful.
Blitz: Oh, yes excuse me. Ill need some of my bio scanners for this. Lets see..Now play the recording again. There! Did you see that?
Gruber: What?
Blitz: There is a distortion. Each time in 5 seconds.
Gruber: So what? The darn monitor is old. Ill get a new one.
Blitz: No, no. Not that. Now look at his brain activity on my bio scanner. Do see something strange?
Gruber: Ill be damned! The distortion matches his brain impulsesAndwhat does that mean?
Blitz: Well am not sure. I have never seen anything like it. Your implants should keep the brain pacified. And yet its functioning. Almost too well.
Gruber: Look if this has anything to do with your nomad DNA test you are taking the blame for it not me.
Blitz: No, thats not it. Look at the nomad cells, if they were active theyd be emitting that strong nomad signal. They are passive as they should be. Am not sure, but I think this is Botzlers subconscious. Its somehow resisting the program.
Gruber: What? You told me that his memory is blocked and now you are saying that he is alive?
Blitz: Hmmm turn off all implants in the brain.
Gruber: Are you out of your mind! If we do that hell fall instantly into a coma like everyone else.
Blitz: He would have done that hours ago, but his condition is stable and all of the brain synapses are fine. Turn the implants offnow.
Gruber: I dont like this one bit. Shutting down all implants in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
All of the implants were shut down and didnt seem to be any change, but suddenly.
The robots arm moved a bit and a few seconds after that.
Gruber: Am reading a massive energy buildup. All of the positron network capacity is rising. 60%....80%...100%.
Blitz: Lt. Cmdr. Blitz to General Flick, please come to the engineering deck immediately!
Moments later:
General Flick entered the deck with a squad of marines and was very surprised of what he saw.
The AI unit was standing in the center of the deck. It was slowly moving its head and observing the room. All of the marines loaded their blaster rifles and were ready to fire. The robots eyes were glowing with an intensive green light. Everyone was standing still and waited for the generals order.
Major Himler: Ahh sir? What do we do?
Blitz: Shoot the bloody thing!!
Gruber: No! Its armor is too strong youd only scratch it. General lets not provoke it.
General Flick: Alright I want to know what happened here.
Gruber: Ask Blitz, its all his fault.
Blitz: Ok, ok. Sir its just a theory, but I think the AI unit is pilot Botzler. We shut down all of the implants. The robot is operating on its own now. There are no programs installed on it.
General Flick: I want suggestions how to fix this mess, you can tell me the details later!
Blitz: Alright then. SHOOT IT!
The robot turned towards the marines fast and the marines aimed at it. There was no telling what could happen. Suddenly one of the marines accidentally fired and by reflex all the other soldiers opened fire. The robot jumped towards them, it was moving very fast with the reflexes of a cat, it dodged all of the laser shots and engaged the marine squad in to a hand to hand combat. The marines didnt have a chance, they were getting mopped up. The AI unit grabbed general Flick, with its right leg it kicked a blaster pistol and grabbed the pistol, pointing it at the generals head. The emergency alarm went on. All of the exits were closed by thick blast doors and 4 more marine squads entered the room. Major Himler attacked the AI unit, but he was knocked out by the robots powerful kick.
General Flick: Gruber! Shut this bloody thing down! NOW!
Gruber: HOW? Its not a program we are dealing with here. Its operating on its own.
Major Himler: Somebody do something!
General Flick: Blitz! You can fill me in on the details right now, what are we dealing with here?
Blitz: Judging by the high brain activity and the positron network capacity use Id say that we are dealing with a person here.
Gruber: Dont let a doctor to do an engineers job. Ill handle this.
Gruber slowly moves towards the robot. The AI unit watches closely his every move.
Gruber: Guten.Abend. I am Heinrich von Gruber. Lt. in the rheinland military. I..I welcome you to Munster station and I hope that we come to a reasonable understanding.
The robot was not responding. It only hardened its grabbing on the general and it was ready to fire with the pistol.
Gruber: Look, you obviously feel cornered right now, but lets think rationally. The whole station is sealed, more rheinland marines are coming and you cant escape. Youll only make the situation worse than it is. Now, why dont you let go of the general and I promise you wont be harmed. After all we are brothers in arms, we are the brave men of Rheinland, are we not?
Blitz: Gruber what are you doing? Get out of there its too dangerous!
Gruber: You said yourself that we are dealing with a person here. So people talk things out instead of killing each other!
The robot looked around the deck and at each of the 4 marine squads. It looked back and saw the rheinlands flag The two headed eagle . Then It looked Lt. Gruber again and released the general. After that It dropped the gun.
General Flick: Well done Herr Gruber. ( General Flick turns towards the AI unit, he smiles at it, and throws an EMP grenade )
1 day later
The Robot is held at the prison level of the station. It is placed under heavy guard in a special EMP cage. The Valhalla project took an unexpected turn and it was not certain if it was for the best or the worse.
In the generals ready room:
General Flick: None of this was suppose to happen! What were you two thinking! I should have you both locked up in the brig!! Now explain everything, what happened in that room?
Gruber: The command program failed to upload sir. I tried 5 times, but the same type of error showed up every time.
Blitz: Yes, it appeared that the subjects subconscious was rejecting the program. And now judging by what happened in the engineering room Am 100% sure that the AI unit is Hauptgefreiter Lothar Boltzer.
General Flick: If IT was Botzler then why did it attack us? It almost killed me!
Blitz: Well sir, thats mostly my fault. I shouldnt have provoked it. The fact that it released you proved it could hear and understand us.
General Flick: It was the only logical choice. Am not surprised it released me. Now things are out of control its too dangerous to keep that thing alive. I want it scraped ASAP.
Gruber: Arent we jumping to conclusions too fast sir? As a technician I must say that the robots behavior was.well it was human. It only defended itself. Just think of it, no computer program can simulate the human instinct. Programs are just numbers and algorithms and now we saw robot acting on instinct. Sir this is an amazing chance for the military. With your permission sir Id like to go and talk to it again.
General Flick: Hmm alright you can go, but am only giving you one chance.
Later in the stations prison level.
Lt. Gruber shuts down the energy field surrounding the cage. The AI unit wasnt paying any attention to him. It was just watching its metallic hands.
Gruber: Hello there.
The robot still didnt notice the Lt.
Gruber: Am sorry for the inconvenience, but orders are orders.
Still no response
Gruber: Lothar?
The robot stopped moving its hands and turned its head towards the Lt.
Gruber: FascinatiI mean amazing. Its really you isnt it.
The AI unit was just looking at him. Suddenly it jumped on the Lt. and grabbed him at the throat. It lifted him from the ground. The security teams loaded their EMP weapons.
Gruber: *coughs* Everybody.stay back!....put down your weapons!
AI unit: What did you do to me! * metallic voice *
Gruber: If youd let go..*coughs* of my throat Id be happy to explain.
The robot lets go of Gruber and takes a few steps back, then it looks at its hands again.
AI unit: Give me a mirror. I want to see my face.
Gruber: Alright, please come with me into the generals ready room.
Generals ready room:
When Gruber and the AI unit entered the room Herr Blitz spilled his coffee and the general was not at his best mood.
Blitz: I knew this was a bad idea.
Gruber: General Flick, meet Herr Botzler. Herr Botzler this is the man who brought you to live, general Flick.
Blitz: Actually I was the one who
Gruber: Oh shut it.
The robot didnt bother greeting with the general, it went straight in front of the mirror. It looked closely at its face. There were only the 2 green lights that resembled eyes on the black armor.
AI unit: Fear.
General Flick: Pardon me?
AI unit: While I was coming here, everyone looked at me with fear. I could hear their hearts beating fast and strong with fear. Now I know why they are afraid.
Blitz: Actually your brain is using the implants to magnify the.
General Flick: Shut it Blitz!
AI unit: What happened to me?
General Flick: You were injured in an incident during your last mission. You were in critical condition and eventually..you died.
AI unit: I remember the missionthe explosion and after that.nothing.
General Flick: After that you were brought here, where our teams reconstructed you. We brought you back to live as Lt. Gruber said.
AI unit: How? Wait how gave you permission to do this to me!
Gruber: Well you were the only available subject for this.
AI unit: Available?! What about my parents, do they know am here? I want to see them
Gruber, Blitz and Flick looked at each other without saying a word. It was a dangerous situation. There was no telling what Botzler would do if he knew of his parents death.
Blitz: We cant allow you to speak with your parents at the moment..Herr Botzler. This is a classified project and no one else must know about it.
AI unit: To hell with your classified stuff! I want to leave this place NOW!
General Flick: Hauptgefreiter take a seat pls! *rises his voice* You are in my room now and I expect you to behave like a real rheinland officer!
The robot looks at the general for a few seconds
AI unit: Yesgeneral. I apologies for my arrogance sir.
General Flick: Good, now Lt. Gruber and Lt. Commander Blitz will escort you to your new coaters and they will explain everything you want to know.
AI unit: Yes general.
A fresh start: 3 days later
Lt. Savalli Grubers log: Personal entry
Even the best synchronized systems and the best calculated programs can surprise you. Ive learned that in only 3 days and all this time I thought that working with computers will be an easy job: Just pure logic and no mistakes. Ever since the so called incident with subject 04 I have a new understanding for machines. We told Herr Botlzer everything he wanted to know and I think he is taking the whole thing very well. Lt. Commander Blitz told me that he finally found why the command program didnt work. Heh nomad cells, it seems the tiny jellyfishes didnt like my algorithms. Still this is a great breakthrough within the medical science. In 20 minutes a ship will take us and well do a basic trainings test for Herr Botzler. I cant wait to see how hell perform.
A rheinland gunboat class ship arrived; Herr Botzler, Gruber and Blitz came aboard the vessel. These final tests will put an end to the Valhalla project for Botzler. It was also a good way to see how far his abilities can stretch.
Major Himler: Attention all personnel, prepare for a system jump in 1 min.
It was a quiet trip. Gruber was just finishing the diagnostic check on Botzlers new body.
Gruber: We should be arriving any time now. Ill guide you during this test. The test itself will include every possible threat and obstacle. Lets head to your special pod.
AI unit: Special?
In the life pods deck:
Botzlers special pod was far from the word comfortable. It looked like a big dart with an engine. There was no piloting equipment on it.
AI unit: Is that thing safe?
Gruber: Sure it is. Its made from the same material we use to build battleships.
AI unit: Looks shiny just like me. Is it used before?
Blitz: Well we never tested in on a living organism, but its pointless to do so, because no living creature can withstand the pressure inside the pod. When we launch it the gravity will be 20 G.
Gruber: Dont worry, that shouldnt be a problem for you. Cmon get in.
Botzler enters the Dart pod. Gruber and Blitz leave the deck and take the elevator to the pod control room.
Blitz: Are we ready?
Major Himler: Aye, just give the order and well engage the pods engines.
Gruber: Launch in 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0. LAUNCH!
The Dart pod takes off like a rocket and heads towards a planet.
Major Himler: Hes entering the atmosphere. Temperature is rising-107130173.
Blitz: You want to toast him?
Gruber: Relax the armor was made to withstand 300.
Major Himler: Impact in 10 seconds.
The Dart rams the land like an asteroid
Gruber: So far so good. Phase 1 completed. Botzler do you copy?
AI unit: Yeah am still in one piece, more or less. Just a bit shaken, you knew that it was going to get hot in there didnt you?
Gruber: Heh if I asked you to jump of a 30 storage building would you have done it?
AI unit: Very clever. * Botzler looks at the sky, he switches to infrared vision*. Am on Nuremberg right?
Gruber: I wont ask how you guessed it. Yes thats Nuremberg- The Po..
AI unit: Polar region sector 41938.53270. You forgot that you uploaded the star charts in my positron network data base. Thats some crater the Dart made. Alright what do you have for me now?
Gruber: Well test you titanium skeleton and motor system. Am uploading a waypoint to your net. Get there as fast as you can. Start on my markand GO!
Botzler starts running with an amazing speed, the terrain was not easy to cover.
RNC-Thor command deck:
Major Himler: Thats 30 miles to cover; looks like this will take a while. Ill just get a coffee while we wait.
1 hour later
AI unit: Way point reached. Whats next?
Major Himler coughs: 1 hour! How fast can he run again?
Blitz: Actually hes running 10 minutes late. I thought you build the body faster.
Gruber: You just watch hes vital signs and Ill worry about his tech. Botzler its time to check your vision modes. Ive installed several vision modes into your system network. So far you had access to only one of them- The infrared. Now Ill upload the access codes to the rest of them. Try each one of them. We hid special objects around you, each vision mode will detect a single object.
AI unit: Roger that, switching to heat vision- object 1 located, its location 326971.
Switching ultraviolet- object 2 located, location 347480. Switching to night vision, I cant see a thing its day, the night vision is useless right now.
Gruber: Its ok, that still means it works fine. Now well send a second Dart pod near your location, 100 meters away from you to be exact.
AI unit: You are kidding right? That shock wave will blow me away.
Gruber: Sending the pod in 3,2,1.
AI unit: Oh crap!
The second Dart pod hits the ground and makes an impact crater. Botzler was blown away by the shock wave and berried beneath tones of rocks.
Gruber: Botzler do you copy? If you are still there am uploading a waypoint to the second Dart, head to it.
Botzlers robotic body was intact he was reading the waypoint strong and clear. The only thing left for him to do was to dig his way out. He did that with an amazing speed-1 minute.
AI unit: When I get back, you and I will have a serious talk about your sense of humor.
Gruber: Great you made it. I knew you would, I made you that way. Now open the pod, youll find a fragment from an asteroid. I want you to use your internal deflector and scan its composition.
AI unit: Scanning. One moment.
AI unit: Am reading 34% of iron and.something else.
Blitz: Something else? Hardly a scientific phrase.
AI unit: I cant get a clear scan. The iron stands up, but all of my signals are bouncing back at me.
Gruber: Give me a sec, Ill see what I can do.
Gruber: I think I found the problem. Its the new enhanced deflector.
AI unit: Doesnt enhanced mean better?
Gruber: It is better in most ways. It has better scanning range and 5 times more available data
Major Himler: Results please Lt.
Gruber: Yes, sorry about that. One of your dilithium cores is running on 16 milicocrans less than the other 3. Ill adjust them in no timeThere try again.
AI unit: Scanning..better, much better now. Am reading 34% iron, 45% ice, 8% nickel, 5% helium and 8% copper.
Blitz: That settles the scanners test. Whats next on the list?
Gruber: We are supposed to test the hand to hand fighting program, but ever since you mopped up our marine squad we decided to skip it. Lets move on to the targeting practice. Youll find a blaster rifle next to the rock you just scanned. There are 30 targets you need to take out 3 miles from you. Am uploading a waypoint, proceed to it now.
Minutes later:
AI unit: Am at the waypoint. There is nothing here.
Gruber: Oh are you sure? Check again. * pushes a red button*
From the ground spring up 30 laser turrets, they automatically lock on Botzler and begin to fire. Botzler was in the center of the turrets, there was no place to hide. He began to dodge the lasers while shooting the turrets. With his new reflex program and his robotic body he was able to take out 21 of them when 1 shot hit him directly. He fell on the ground.
Major Himler: What did he do wrong, did he pass the test or not.
Blitz: Yes and no. Looks like his heart reached its limit. He cant keep up against 30 opponents for more than 18 minutes, but he performed better than I expected.
Gruber: Yes, we calculated that it was impossible for him to take out all of the targets. There were simply too many of them, but he was putted in the hardest situation. He had no cover and he was surrounded. Am surprised that he managed to get this far.
Major Himer: Sure there is more room from improvements then.
Gruber: Maybe. Botzler, how are you holding up?
AI unit: Am fine. Those turrets packed a bigger punch than the regular blaster rifle. I didnt expect that. So how did I perform?
Gruber: Not bad, 21 of 30. The basic targeting system seems to work fine. Now lets try something harder. 1200 meters from youll see your new target. Use your internal scope to sniper the target. Weve marked the 4 vital spots you need to take out. Fire when you are ready.
Botzler zooms on the target and aims at it. He fires the first shot.
Gruber: Ok, you hit that big rock instead of the target and its 26 meters away from it. Keep firing Ill try to find the problem.
Botzler continues to fire. It took him 15 shots and on the 16 shot he got the head of the target.
AI unit: I think I got him. If you count a beheaded target as dead.
Gruber: Wait let me check. Yes that should do it. Ill skip the explanation on the problem. Am sure you dont want to hear it.
Major Himler: Please skip it.
Gruber: Well then we are done here. Herr Blitz what do you say?
Blitz: Ill try to improve the power systems. Maybe it will work 10% or 20% better next time. His lungs are alright. The impact of the second Dart didnt affect them, but just to be certain Ill want him later for a full bio scan. The only thing that concerns me right now is his brains temperature. Its getting too high while hes doing multiple tasks like fighting or running. Can you do something about his cooling system?
Gruber: I could install several liquid nitrogen tanks for extreme temperatures. Yeah it wont be a problem.
AI unit: Am glad that you wont have to open my head again.
Major Himler: Alright, Ill send a ship to pick you up Botzler. Good work gentlemen.
Space test
Major Felixs Himler log: Personal entry
Today is the day we get to play with the big guns. Our next mission is to test Botzlers piloting abilities. I am looking forward to this, so far the walking toaster performed well, almost too well. I still have second thoughts about this project though, I dont think that the military should turn in to one big video game. Over the past few days Ive seen Botzler in the bar. I feel sorry for him. Everyone in the station fear him, there are many ridiculous rumors about him. There is a fine example for not to judge a man by his look . Only Gruber, Blitz, Flick and I talk to him like a normal person. I have a feeling that hell never fit in here.
Botzler spent several days in his coaters downloading infromation about the new events within the military. There were many new recruits, many battles and old friends. Those were the things he missed the most, those were things he cant take back. The thought of seeing his parents and friends was the only thing that kept him going so far.
Major Himler ( on the radio ): Herr Botzler please report to hangar 4.
Botzler removed the connection cable from his head and headed to the hangar. On his way he met Lt. Commander Blitz.
Blitz: Guten tag, ready for todays exercise?
AI unit: As always.. Can I ask you for a favor sir?
Blitz: Sure, what do you have in mind?
AI unit: Can we change this crude metallic voice? Id love to hear my old one again and besides I dont want to scare the living daylights from everybody when I speak.
Blitz: Well. Ill ask Gruber for that one. I cant tell you anything right now, but he might help you.
AI unit: Thank you sir. I better get going.
Blitz: As always Gruber and I will be in the command deck aboard the RNC-Thor monitoring you.
Blotzer finally got to the hangar. At last, something that he was familiar with- the Wraith fighter. Lt. Gruber was waiting for him near the fighter.
Gruber: Took you long enough. Hop in and Ill fill you in on the details.
AI unit: Dont worry sir, Ive flown these things a thousand times. I dont need any guiding.
Gruber: With this one, you will need them. (Opens the cockpit)
There were no monitors, switches or even a single button- Just the ejection seat.
AI unit: What is this? Theres not even a protective glass. How am I supposed to fly if wont see where am going?
Gruber smiles: So, do you need my help or not?
AI unit: Alright, am listening.
Gruber: Get in then soldier!
Botzler seats inside the cockpit, Gruber looks at his head then he takes a cable and plugs it in Botzlers neck. The whole fighter shines up like a Christmas tree.
AI unit: Holly sh*t!
Gruber: So what do you think? Oh and think carefully of what you think when you are plugged in with your fighter.
AI unit: I can see every system. I see all command systems at the same time, but its pretty garbled.
Gruber: Thats why I wanted to connect you first. This is an experimental fighter I made just for you. It can be only flown by you. Now stand still and dont do anything, Ill remove all of the glitches in a matter of minutes. Tell when the view clears out.
The synchronization didnt last long- about 2-3 minutes. With this new program Botzler was in full control of the fighter. The wraith basically did what Botzler thought. Everything was set for the space test. The prototype Wraith undocked from Munster station.
Gruber: Ive plotted the way points into your Positron Network. It will be a good sensor test, if it works fine the synchronization was successful.
AI unit: The route will take me to the Braunschweig system.
Gruber: Correct, we dont want to take any risks so we decided to proceed with the test in a secured system. I know from your personal record that you used to spend a lot of time practicing with your fellow officers there. We dont expect anyone at the coordinates, but if you encounter one of your old team mates dont hail or send them any data. Understood?
AI unit: Yes, as always, powering up cruise engines.
Botzler arrives safely in the Braunschweig system. There was a lot of activity. The new recruits were training hard under the command of the Admiral herself. The Battleship detected Botzlers ship and requested an ID and designation.
AI unit: Ill need some help over here. The guards want an identification code.
Gruber: Hold on a second, am transmitting the data trough your positron network.
The data were valid and Botzler was clear to proceed, as much as he wanted to hail the admiral he continued to the last waypoint.
AI unit: Waypoint reached.
Gruber: Alright, wait there for a few minutes. Ill tell the general to send the training ships.
Minutes later the promised ships came. It was an entire cruiser with 4 wraiths as an escort. One of the wraiths hailed Botzler.
Major Himler: Well boy, are you ready for you final test? The general wanted to give you some asteroids to shoot, but have a better idea.
AI unit: Am here to complete these frustrating tests. Whats the last one?
Major Himler: You cant put the test to the max on a few floating rocks. Youll need a real target, one that will bite you back.
AI unit: I that a challenge sir?
Major Himler: Aye, that would be the proper term for it. So what do you say? Forget those rocks they wont do you any good.
AI unit: Youre on Ace. What are the rules?
Major Himler: There is only one rule- There are NO rules. Load your dummy mark missile heads and set your laser to low simulation intensity. The computer will calculate the damage. Show me everything you got. I wont hold back, because I owe you for that kick of yours. Ready?
AI unit: Ready. Call it.
Major Himler: GO!
The fight went on for 1 hour. Both the wraiths computer calculated extensive damage.
Major Himler: Arent you tired?
AI unit: You forgot one thing- I dont need rest.
At the end Botzler destroyed Major Himlers Wraith.
Major Himler: Well done, you passed the final test, but remember that it takes more than a big gun to win a battle. Experience and tactics will always be your winning card. Now lets head back to Munster station.
Picking up the pieces
Lt. Commander Patrick Blitzs log: New entry
It all started with subject 04. When I picked him from Altenburg I didnt even bother read his record. I was the one who send the message to Captain Schneider to shut down the life support systems. I dont know how can I repay to Botzler for what I took away from him. The Phrase I was only following orders doesnt help here. It only makes it worse and I think that our personal choices matter more than blindly following orders. And now we did it. We fused the pure logic with the human sense and experience. It is a miracle how we got so far for such a short period of time. My job is done with Herr Botzler, I just hope he finds a good way to live properly his second chance.
After the space test Botzler was called in the engineering deck for a special upgrade. Each day brings a new surprise. Herr Blitz held on his word and Lt. Gruber made for a Botzler a new voice transmitter.
Gruber: Its a bit crude, but youll sound more like yourself. I did my best by copying your voice patterns from your old video and audio logs. As for the metallic sound effect, well I cant help you with that. Youll have to get use to it.
AI unit: Thank you.my friend. Now I wont forget what was like to be human.
Gruber: Hey! You are more man that most of the crew I know on this station. Modesty is good, but self critics can drag you down fast.
AI unit: I know, but its not easy for me. I feel left aside and I know that when you make an advanced version of the AI guardians Ill be just decommissioned and replaced.
Gruber: You cant be left aside or decommissioned. Do you know why, because you are unique. Its what every living creature has. Our own character, our own way of thinking or just what we like to eat or drink. Thats what separates us from the machines. You might be constructed from cold metal, but you have a real heart that beats and feels and sometimes logic can deceit you, because sometimes we all have to do what we feel right. Do you know who showed me that? You did and I thank you for it.
AI unit: You know what. You are right. My fate isnt made of metal, my own actions will make my fate. And I will continue to press on and life will go on. There is no shame in defeat as long as my spirit remains strong and my heart keeps beating! I choose my own path.
Gruber places his hand on Botzlers shoulder: You see, I didnt made you to think like that and now you are better than everything I ever made. Well done you passed the real final test.
AI unit: What?
Gruber: Your final test didnt have anything to do with diagnostics, programs or weapon systems. We wanted to see if youll hold on to your human side. Every one of us lives for something and now you proved that you are more human than a machine. You live to make yourself a better man and thats something worth living and dyeing for.
AI unit: What are you a technician or a poet?
Gruber: Ha ha actually I got the lowest score on my literature test when I was in the Academy. Now the general wants to have a word with you, go to his ready room ASAP.
AI unit: Yes sir!
Botzler walked fast trough the corridors and levels of Munster station. As always every one from the crew watched him with fear and mistrust. But that didnt bother him anymore, he found a real goal in his life. He reached the generals ready room.
General Flick: Hauptgefraiter, Ive been expecting you.
Botzler salutes
General Flick: At ease, Ill get straight to the point. All of your tests were a 100% success and from what I heard about you, youd make a good soldier. No, even better- A good friend. Now I have received an order from the high command to place a new implant. That implant will pacify your brain synapses and youll become a full robotic soldier. But Ill be damned before I let you lose what little you have left. So Ill be reassigning to your old service to Admiral Malte.
AI unit: But sir youll lose you rank if you do this. Or even worse youll be kicked out of the military.
General Flick: Sometimes we all have to do what we feel right my friend. And this is the damn right thing to do. Ill send a message to the Admiral about you.
AI unit: I..IIt will be nice to see my old friends again sir.
Botzler salutes again
AI unit: From all of the military officers I have ever met, you are the best sir!
General Flick: Before you go I have one final mission for you. The Dauman mining station in Munich has reported several unioner attacks on their transport and miner ships. I want you to escort a convoy to that station. It is imperative that the convoy reaches the station intact. Its holding food, medical supplies and mining equipment. When you finish this assignment, report back to me.
One final mission and it was back to the old life. Botzler couldnt believe what the general told him. He was free to go just like that. Suddenly life itself felt good. The Wraith prototype undocked from Munster station and headed to the missions coordinates. After 10 minutes Botzler was at the waypoint. Everything was going according to plan. The transport ship were there waiting for the fighter escort.
DHC-Convoy|16: Guten Tag officer. Your timely arrival frees our ships for departure. It will be a dull trip, but my crew prefers it that way.
AI unit: Copy that. Ill enter formation, feel free to engage the cruise engines.
DHC-Convoy|16: Understood, engaging cruise engines. The first half of our route should be safe, but we are worried that the second half will be the risky one. So stay sharp out there and try not to fall a sleep.
AI unit: How ironic that I cant.
DHC-Convoy|16: Am sorry what was that? The transmission is pretty garbled.
AI unit: Ignore the last message. Lets concentrate on the mission.
After 1 hour half of the waypoints were reached. There was no sign of any hostile ships, but this was the critical moment. The transports were to far away to call for help if they were to be attacked. However all situations have a nasty habit of going bad when you are hoping for the best.
DHC-Convoy|16: We are picking up something on the long range sensors. It looks like a military patrol.
AI unit: What are they doing this far out.
DHC-Convoy|16: They appear to be on an intercept course. Are you expecting any company?
AI unit: No, I was not informed. Hail the incoming fighters.
The lead ship of the convoy tried several times to hail the incoming fighters, but they didnt respond. They just kept getting closer.
AI unit: Good Lord Its a trap!! Convoy|16 get out of here!! Those are Wild ships!
DHC-Convoy: Incoming torpedoes! Impact in 5 seconds! We are hit..all crewabandon sh.AAAAAA!!!!
All 3 transports were destroyed by the first torpedo run. The Wild Wraiths were too many for Botzler to handle alone. He was surrounded and when the Wild finished their job with the transports they opened fire on him.
AI unit: ****!! Theyre everywhere. Mayday, mayday!!
Dr.Pod: Ohhhh yes, yes, yes General hes regaining conscious.
General Flick: Good, keep him restrained.
Botzler woke up looked in an energy cell. He didnt know here he was, the explosion from the last battle still had its effects on his systems.
General Flick: My mechanical friend welcome back. We were starting to worry that you wont make it.
AI unit: You!! You did this! The whole thing was a setup wasnt it.
General Flick: You catch on pretty quick as always. I knew you were a gold mine from the first moment when I saw you. * the generals eyes begin to glow with an intensive blue light*
AI unit: Impossible, howwhen did this happen.
General Flick: Am afraid that the overconfidence of your tribe will always be its greatest weakness. And now that I have you, am going to make sure that you execute your real mission.
AI unit: Ships, credits..human lives.it was all the same to you wasnt it. You wanted to gain my trust so that you could lure me in to a trap.
General Flick: Of course, I lied about everything.
AI unit: Just let me out and Ill smash your scull on the floor.
Dr.Pod: Aaaaaa truly a magnificent specimen, a machine with a human personality. Ohhhh I cant wait to open your head.
General Flick: Herr Botzler, meet the good Dr. Pod. He was the one who made the first schematics for you. Although the military will never admit that.
Dr. Pod: Dont worry my metal friend. Youll be my greatest creation and when you see your brother youll open your eyes to other possibilities.
Pod opens a door to another cryogen capsule. Botzler understood what did the mad doctor meant by brother. There was another AI guardian in the capsule and an exact copy of Botzler.
Dr.Pod: Cmon out my child. Come and see your new friend.
Dr.Pod: Herr Botzler you will be the key of bringing back the human instincts into your brother. The original specimen wasinsufficient.
AI unit: Stay away from me you wacko.
Dr.Pod: This wont hurt a bit, or it will hurt like hell.. HAHAHAHA!!
Pod takes a fusion cutter and begins to slice Botzlers helmet
AI unit: AAAAAAA!!!!
2 day later
Dr.Pod: General!! They are both finished. Yes, yes, yes lets make them fight each other just for fun.
General Flick: Be silent you! Now have you loaded the new command program?
Dr.Pod: As you requested. They will follow your orders to the letter.
General Flick: Activate them.
Pod activated the robots. They didnt do anything. They were just standing still.
General Flick: Assassin droids!
The robots heads turned towards Flick. He moved closer to them
General Flick: Identify yourselves!
AI unit1: Assassination droid 04: Code name Death
AI unit2: Assassination droid 05: Code name Decay
General Flick: What is your primary mission!
AI unit1 and AI unit2: To infiltrate the rheinland territory and gather information about ship, weapons, plans, stations and officers.
General Flick: What is your secondary objective!
AI unit1 and AI unit2: To assassinate the commanding officers of the rheinland fleet: Primary target- Admiral Malexa Malte.
General Flick: Excellent work Herr Pod. Are all preparations for their mission ready?
Dr. Pod: Yes, I have fabricated false military signatures and ID cards. They will blend in perfectly and you will supply them with Wraith fighters.
General Flick: Send them immediately!
They 2 robots undocked from the unknown station. The station turned out to be a slave liner. Both ships headed towards Rheinland space.
No one knows why he calls himself POD. He was a head scientist in the Cambridge Research Institute, working on a secret project. The Project itself was a success, but Pod had plans for his own benefit. He discovered the formula of eternal life, but fled from Cambridge and took all of his work with him. That was 200 years ago, ever since then Pod is more of a machine than a human. He still seeks to evolve in to a greater being, but he couldnt do all the work by himself. The infested general Otto von Flick offered Pod a deal. Pod would have all the materials of his experiments and in return hell use all of his knowledge to build the perfect killing machines known as the Assassin Droids.
Subject 04: Codename Death
Subject 04 is the first fully functional assassination unit. He was part of a secret military project, but mixing his DNA code with unknown alien DNA awakened its human personality. Lothar Botzler, a pilot in the rhienland military, was killed in action and he was the perfect choice for the project. When he gained full control of his new robotic body the military generals saw in him the ultimate soldier: A machine with human instincts. Botzler was betrayed by a high ranking officer and lured in to a trap. He was taken by Dr. Pod, who installed a new command program for him. With new program Botzler became another pawn in Pods hands and he was named Death. Unlike Decay , Death prefers to use stealth and cunning tactics. Death would strike when his enemies are weakened and kill all with no mercy.
Subject 05: Codename Decay
Little is know about the assassin droid Decay. Normally these units are build from the remains of killed pilots. Internal scanning shows that there is no organic material within the cold metal. Decay was constructed aboard Dr. Pods slave liner, since it had no human brain to power its positron network it was only 50% functional. Both Decay and subject 04 Death were constructed at the same time. When subject 04 was brought to the slave liner Dr. Pod used part of its brain to awaken the primal instincts in Decay. Both Death and Decay were identical not only physically but also they shared the same mind. With the exception that Decays programming took an unexpected turn. Decay would charge its enemies without second thoughts, destroying them with brute force
Subject 06: Codename Defile
Defile was once Argunder the Vile a Corsair with a religious belief in the C'tan a Goddess who demanded only death of any too weak to withstand her servants. Argunder considered himself chief amongst those servants and meted out destruction on a terrible scale murdering Transports, Liners, Cargo Ships and anyone who came to stop him in his Corsair Gunboat.
Only those who provided a challenge to Argunder were permitted to survive. However he began to hear of bizarre craft called Death and Decay and sought them out. Sought the secrets of their power. After a long conversation with the man responsible for their transformation, and a lot of back-and-forthing on morals Argunder decided to join willingly. As such he became Defile.
Defile is much like Argunder, with the willing process he retained possibly more personality than Death or Decay, and demonstrates that he still has his religious belief intact and envisions himself a better instrument for serving the Goddess though not capable of rendering her services on quite such a large scale as previously. Defile fights the battle before the first shot is fired by targetting weaknesses in the targets mind. Aiming for soft spots and demoralising his targets. Then he utterly destroys them.
In the darkening lights of Sirius space even the dead need a voice, even the dead need respect. And more importantly, the dead need to be taken home: Undertaker, Steward of the ++Tombship++
'Light thinks it travels faster than anything but it is wrong. No matter how fast light travels, it finds the darkness has always got there first, and is waiting for it. '
"In a society that has abolished all adventure, the only adventure left is to abolish that society."
![[Image: borg_picture.gif]](http://www.youhavebeenassimilated.com/borg_picture.gif)
![[Image: C__Tan_Lords__Nightbringer_by_Gannadene.jpg]](http://th01.deviantart.net/fs41/300W/f/2009/023/f/1/C__Tan_Lords__Nightbringer_by_Gannadene.jpg)
![[Image: Necronlord.jpg]](http://th09.deviantart.net/images3/300W/i/2004/12/f/0/Necronlord.jpg)
![[Image: Your_scream_by_torture_device.jpg]](http://th05.deviantart.net/fs44/300W/f/2009/164/2/1/Your_scream_by_torture_device.jpg)