RP (non-canon) The Forgotten

[Samanthia]

It was one of those forgotten planets in the rush and chaos of the battle during the invasion of the SMN. After heavy fighting and decimation of the SMN. That the SMN decided to abandon the planet to its own fate on the borders of both the SMN and Neplesia.

On the ruined ruin planet as nature struggled to reclaim the lands that had been devastated by war, The cities were true jungles of blasted concrete, metal and glass. what remained of the once proud, towering skyscrapers were nothing more than Jagged towering spike of what used be gleaming towering skyscrapers reaching for the stars. But they still held onto life of the decendance of those unfortunate gotten left behind as they struggled to rebuild and resume their life.

Neplesians pretty much continued on amidst the rubble and ruined city and reclaiming the devastated land for use. . Life still thrived amongst the ruins as Nepleslian continued on with their life of rebuilding and still rooting out remianants of the Mishhuvurthyar who gotten left behind, causing havoc when ever they get a chance and opporunity...

Huddled in a recessed doorway, watching the acid rain fall and hissing as it hit the ground, eating away the organic refuse in wisp of steam, till nothing but wet slicked cracked pavement and exposed rusting renforcing bars sticking out of jagged pieces of concrete blocks was left. Eyes darting back and forth, searching out the hidden threats over the rusting hulks of various vehicles in ruin dotting the street.

Stepping back into the building and out of the doorway to avoid the wind driven acid rain that an errant gust of wind whipped towards the the watcher.

~~ it's one of those days!~~ Watcher thought, while moving deeper into the building, avoiding any water dripping from the above cracked cieling.

Eyes still darted around, searching while advancing down a darken smoked filled corridor, towards the flickering light that shone from the cracks around the warped doorway and the makeshift door. It seamed that the Reclaimation crews hadn't reached this far out yet due to the sporadic patrols of troops out this far yet into outlaying areas of the city.

Watcher frowned with a soft sigh, tapping softly the coded knock to be allowed entry without getting blasted into a million pieces by those inside on watch.

"Enter!" Came the muffled responce through the cracks in the doorway.

The door hinges screech in protest as the Watcher shoved the door open and then closed it with a soft bang that echoed up anddown the bare corridor. Silence returned to corridor.

"How is it?" Came the gruff question.

"Acid rain again...." came the whispered reply, moving through those huddled around the meager fire and cooking food. Stepping gracefully and carefully not to step on those huddled and seated on the floor.

A collective sigh came from those that knew the dangers as nothing would be traveling about, unless it was by underground routes. But that would be tempting fate of another danger of the Mishuvurthyar. At least out this far from the City Core.

Entering through another door, more better maintained and into a short corridor with peeling paint from multiple grafitti left behind by previous occupants. Moving silently from habit and out of necessity, heading towards another doorway that emitted brighter steady light and soft murmerings of others in the room.

Sat on the stool and removed her boots, feeling the eyes shifting towards her. She straightened and removed the head wrappings and goggles to let them hang in front of her and returning the looks at those looked upon her with concern.

"No sign. Lost when going underground," softly to convoy the bad news, watching as an older lady nod with tears beginning to fall and rush from the room, followed by her mate in the silence following the bad news.

She didn't explain or make excuses as the older ones knew of the threat that lurked below as another had fallen prey to the Mishuvurthyar. The Mish, or just plain Mish or the brave spoke the full name of the hated enemy of all.

Picked up her boots and carried them with her through the room, down a different route than the couple. feeling some of the stares turn hostile, But she wasn't that insane yet...or was she and this was a sane moment where even they wouldn't dare to tread.

Then came the muttered soft comments from one of the males, "Now if a man went after the kid, he would've gone after them till success!"

Then came the heated arguement, some defending her as others argued against her. She shrugged, tunning them out as she moved deeper into the living complex pausing at the armory to replenish her stock of ammo. Taking note that they would have to make a run to the Core to get more ammo.

Had there been a recent fight while she was away? She looked puzzled around the room and sighed, dumping the empty bullet casings into the proper ammo can. It seamed it was taking longer and longer to fill casing can up. It was a pain to chase down and recover the spent casings after a firefight and then give chase to regain contact for another round of fighting.

She left the Ammo storage room and headed on down the corridor to a set of stairs leading up as the stairs leading down was blocked with a fresh barracade. She scowled as that was how the Mish had gotten into the complex and fled by the same route when they realized they was outnumbered.

Another set of nightmares to face when she fell asleep or would she sleep that night, still wired from her mission as she scrambled quietly up the stairs to the higher floors to her room.


TBC....

 

[Samanthia]

She reached her room that she was given and looked out the rain streaked window into the mist shrouded horizon, flinching as the wind drove the acid rain against the window pane. Seeing wisps of steam around the edges and hoping the storm will pass soon before the window fell from it acid eaten moorings.

Moved her meager belongings out into the corridor, so when the window moorings failed, she wouldn't get a rude awaking. She still bore the marks from the disobeince of youth and curiousity that had to be satified to the point of pain. Stacking it neatly as she did like the little corner room on the seventh floor as it gave her an excellent view of the distant muopntains and the edge of the gleaming core of the city that provided hope that one day to be part of that and not to worry about the raids from Mish-Beetles and other gangs roaming about the outer district of the city, As the Core City Citizen called it... "Wild town", or "Outsiders", "Slum Dwellers". But evenually will become part of the Core as thuis was were the bulk of the troops that protected the City Cores and Reclaimation Crews.

Crash! then came the tinkling of settling shattered glass as the window panefinaly fell onto the floor and hissing of what couldn't be gotten. She slammed the door shut in time to hear the splatterings of acid rain drops hitting the door and soft hissing as the acid ate into the doorway.

She swore to herself, grabbing what was left of her stuff and moving back to the interior common room to make herself a spot. Knowing she wouldn't be to welcome after this failer. She could move on and join the City Troops, leaving her family clan one less defender.

At least she wouldn't have to worry to much about the acid rain in the all metal barrack quosant huts. But then she would've given up privacy. Damn if you do and damn if you dont.

"Life was tough, but you had to be tougher". She smiled at the old proverb of her grandfather before he died.

She took it to heart and let nothing sway her from her cause. Hearing the yelling coming up the open stairs as the acid rain had found it's way through her floor to the level below. It was the same man that always flicked her garbage when she failed a mission, which thankfully was far and between.

Her mother would look at her sadly as she chose the way to be one of the protectors, not like her sisters, now gone, who'd stayed within the family clan building. She was far to curious and hyper to be cooped up. She wasn't pretty nor ugly. Maybe abit too skinny, but definity not weak. She had the wirey frame of a Neko and strength, other benifits to include her father's human gene.

She moved on back down through the building to the Armory, At least there was room aplently till the next supply run. Hoping that George was in top form when it came to haggling or this clan would be forced to raid other family clan buildings for much needed supplies and ammo.

She settled in reflecting back to her chase into the sublevels of this huge building complex. how it formed a ring around an open pit that went down ten levels and the moss covered mound in the middle. She saw the raised walkways that could be lowered to meet the mound in middle. She suspected that it was something important as there was tech manuels on some Mech that Benjiman kept and he would disappear hours at a time, missing the call to arms to help against the raiders, whether it was the Mish-beetles or another family clan coming a raiding. Only to appear as if he was rolling around in the grease and lubercants that kept the clan vehicle up and running. He knew something and he would just say he gotten lost in tinkering with the clan vehicle if asked where he had been.

It would be her turn as she saw him sneaking past the open Armory. She followed, grabbing her boots on her way out to see him slip past the barracade. She gave chase, glaring at the onduty night guard to keep his mouth shut.

Soon Benjiman stoped on the seventh lvel from the bottom and looked back the way he came, barely catching her as she dodged behind a large pillar with her heart hammering in her chest and ears. Soon she heard the squeak of hinges and the clank of metal against covered metal. Peeking out from behind the big support column and watching Benjiman walk across the lowered walkway to the moss/linchen covered shroud and open a cut section. Revealing a work scaffolding around some huge metal object. She waited till the shroud, dropped back in place and followed across the walkway to the shroud. Looking closely and finding the edge overlapping, making it hard to find if you wasn't looking for it.

She slipped past and into a well lit area. letting the shroud drop back in place behind her. It was as TRX-750 Akiashiro Main Battle Mech in near pristine condition with some of it's battle armor missing. She slowly walked around it, inspecting it. Running her fingers across the smooth battle scorched surface as she progressed.

"I see that you've followed me, Sheela," Benjiman's voice came from behind her ansd soon into view as she spun to face him looking abit sheepish. "I...huh.. hope you aint to mad... That I used some of your brass casings for parts for this monster...." Like a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

Sheela looked at him and then to the Battle Mech. She knew she had an obligation to the clan, yet this was a treasure beyond belief. With the Family Symbol on it, it could unite a lot of family clans together under this family clan's flag.

"Does it work?" Softly, turning her cold ice blue eyes on him.

"I'm pretty sure it does," Benjiman looking confident as his voice wavered for a sec as he continued. "I've done everything I could to it and double checked everything. It's fusion plant still serviceable and has 3/4 of energy rods to power it still."

She just nodded and worked her way up to the cockpit of the Mech and looked at the shattered protective cover and the myrid of sparkles of the shattered glassteel scattered about the control area. "How soon?" Looking down at him as he stood one level down from her, looking up at her.

"Depends on how soon I find and get a replacement for the missing armor pieces and the protective cover," nodding to the ruined cockpit cover.

Sheela fought between the warring instincts of reporting him to the Elders and keeping this a secret. If she found out, others could to. She stepped through the ruined cover and brushing off the glass steel bits off the operators control area and settled in place.

Grabbing the controls and giving them a squeeze, hearing the relays click and then myrids of control panel lights came to life with soft popping sounds and the acrid stench of some hidden short within the electrical system. But soon was forgotten as it had faded under the cooling ventalation system kicking in and the soft whirr of the hiddeen fan coming to life. Sheela smiled softly as Benjiman looked in through the remains of the cover.

"Three weeks," Sheela spoke softly barely heard above the noise of the Mech coming to life. Watching a screen with scrolling sentences rising at a fast rate, motioning Benjiman inside with her, making room for him within the cramped cockpit designed for one person comfortably...

TBC ...

 

[Samanthia]

Benjiman reached out and tapped in some commands on the little keybaord below the screen with the fast scrolling info on it and slowed it down to a readable pace. He wiggled and squirmed, forcing Sheela out of her spot, engrosed in the info being desplayed. In a panel next to the active screen, lights shifted from red to yellow and then settling on a steady green.

Benjiman glanced at the panel with majority of the lights showing green, with a few yellow and several reds. He cleaned off the panel and read the little tags under the individual light. He made notes and frowned abit as he worked, letting Sheela climb out and look over the Akaishiro Battle Mech...

::Core City::

He stood there, looking out the window in clean pressed fatigues of blacks and greys to blend in with the cityscape shadows. Boot shinely, yet well used. He stood there listening to the others complain and gripe about more trivial things as troop enlistments were down. He stared out over the well lit section of the core city out past the barriers that seperated Core city from the rest of the great metropolis of once vibrant city before the war fell from the stars upon the world.

He turned to glare at the one yelling at him, asking what his forray out into wild sections produced.

"The same. The clans are warring each other along with the Mishie-Beetles raiding..." only to be interupted by the snorts of disbeliefs from those listening.

"Legends and an excuse for them wilders to carry weapons! I say do a sweep and take their weapons! They are slowing down the Reclaimation Projects!" An Elder on the City Counsil spoke up, shifting in his seat.

"Draft them into work parties and those that are fit, draft them into the military." Another one spoke up. "You dont have to train them much, except for the discipline and a sence of honor to belong to something grand!" Another spoke up.

He turned and looked out the window, looking out across the rainswept city, speaking, "last time we tried that, they all disappeared into the warrens of that jungle out there made of concrete and steel."

"All the more reasons to just level it once and for all." The first one spoke up again as he stood to go to refill his glass. "I dont know how they stand to live in that squaller! And fighting each other like packs of rapid dogs!"

"And what about us?" The man looked at the others over his shoulder, "We can't walk more than ten feet without someone begging for a handout or being accosted to buy junk on the streets. And If you level their homes out there, where are you going to put them?"

"I'm sure they'll enlist either in the defence force or the reclaimation workforce to earn a place to stay. Or find jobs." Another spoke up to the back of the man looking out the window.

"And how are we going to pay them? Already defence force and reclaimation crews are making very little as is. Reclaimation Crews have a high turn over of people as is, due to low wages barely enough to get one meal per day already. And they sleep in any place that is out of the acid rain. Overcrowding buildings that aren't locked up at night." The man spoke to those reflected in the window as it grew darker outside as time slowly drifted towards night time.

It all remained the same in these meeting. Arguing over the same old tired subjects with nothing changing. He turned finally to the man seated behind the desk who just sat there and listened to his advisers, "I'm leaving. Hopefully I'll have something to report next time."

He strode for the door of the office and left. Making his way down through the building to the little corner office on the ground floor in back and close to the fire escape door if he needed to slip out unnoticed or enter unnoticed. Maybethose that lived outside the Core City were better off than those that were liviong within the confines of walled in Core City. At least they didn't pay taxes. but they paid in a different way.

He was worried about therumors he kept hearing about the remainiants of the NMX that was buried deep below the city and running elsewhere.

 

[Samanthia]

:: NMX Enclave ::

Splashing through the flowing acid laced stream of water deep in the bowels of the cities concrete tunnels, pipes and old mass transit network, Several Mishu-crabs scurry along, dragging their latest catch from the surface dwellers.

A phosphorious fungi, high on the walls and away from the cracks where the acid laced water worked their way down through the layers above that thrive in the damp musty tunnels, giving light in patches along the route the mishu crabs were taking back to their Enclave.

" *<Not a good haul this time>!" One in the lead guiding the other two that was doing the work of dragging their helpless unconscious victims fast under the influence of muscle relaxant and tranquilizer mix.

"<We got some good breeding stock this time around>" One of the crabs spoke chopping at the words as it helped drag the heavy laden steel sled behind them.

"<The fat one will at least hold two to term>!" Abit humorious and then fell silent as the group of them worked the steel sled over the rails of the now dead transit system.

Closer they got to the Enclave, they was joined by more and more of the Mishu-crabs to assist with the latest catch. It was a joval time for them as the group only lost three to the surface dwellers encounter.

"<How goes the new project> ?" Raider leader asked one of those that stayed behind.

"<Disaster in the making. It seams that their work parties leaders is concerned about what dwells down here>" The dust covered Mishu-crab eyes narrowed and tenticles pulled tightly against the underside in disgust. "<we need to tap into their drain systen to facilitate enterance into the Core City>"

"<Arent those loaded with scanners>?" Raider Leader asked, moving out of the way of the enlarged work party that was carrying the latest victims to the holding cells.

The dust covered Mishu-crab watched the load pass by, nodding his approval at the catch. "<You will be given the Choosing this time around. This is your tenth successful raid to the Above Dwellers>"

Raider Leader nodded, doing squats, raising and lowering his body in delight, and tapping the ground in a random pattern with tenticles with pinchers clacking together. "<I am looking forward to it. My Mishu-Chosen will be pleased that she doesn't have to worry about rodents carrying off her eggs>" Spins in dizzying circles for several three-sixty's. "<Come by to share my bounty!>

Both of them sped off so the Raider Leader could collect his prize. Already having chosen his prize. Raider Leader lets out a high sonic shreik to alert his Chosen that he is back and a prize to be shared.

Several hours later, the fat person was now minus 2 legs and 1 arm and in a sling, eyes wide in terror and awake. Somehow unbiddenly knowing Death was fast approaching. But not fast enough.

Watching the Mishu-crabs feast on the legs and 1 arm and chittering with triumph. Doing crazy squats and spinning in circles.

Footnote:: * "<speech>" translation from NMX to common

 

[Samanthia]

"No no no! How many times must I tell you! We only go so deep!" The big man yelled at the female operating the big ten story high cuttermachine with it's cutting boom extending out before the machine. Sending a plume of dust and sparks upward into the sky. And watching the conveyor belt moving the rubble of concrete, dirt and various mix of metals back under the cutter to the seperator machine. From there all the various metals went on one conveyor to another seporater be seperated again. As the dirt and grounded up concrete on their conveyor to be dumped on the ground in neat huge towering continuing line of piled up dirt, rocks and concrete refuse.

"The indicator says we are maintianing a level cut depth, Sir!" The female yelled back, pointing to the proper gauge. "I am keeping an eye on that!"

The Senior Cutter looked over at the gauge and blinked twice, then burpped loudly, letting out a noxious clouds of fumes from all the booze he had been consuming along with some noxious processed foods that everyone ate, cause it was cheap to buy and it had every nutrient for the body to stay healthy. "Good good, keep up the good work!" taking another swig of the rot-gut booze as he settled back in his seat to watch his set of guages.

"Sir! Our metal seporater is getting full again!" Female yelled back to him, applying the brakes to stop the advance of the cutter and it train of machines follwing in tandom.

"Dump it on the ground and let ore haulers come and pick it up!" Supervisor yelled back irratated at being interupted once again by this pesky female that his supervisor stuck him with.

The female rolled her eyes and began inputting the commands for the metal to be dumped next to the refuse pile. She watched the iron bin indicator drop down as it was emptied out. Once that was done, she swung the conveyor boom abit farther away from iron pile and began to dump the steel chunks onto the ground forming a new pile. Once that bin was empty, She advanced the Cutter Train foward fifty feet and began to empty the copper bin on the ground.

The once big bins qwere empty, She put the big cutter into forward and resumed cutting a huge five story trench deep trench and one city block wide.

"Hey Baby girl! Put the Cutter on automatic and snuggle with me!" Superviser yelled at the female, eyeing her abit lustfully.

"Last time I snuggled with you, we ended up in the river diverted into the swath we had just cut." Female scowled remembering the incident as the intimacies were awesome, but the trouble she had faced, cost her a three month wages and placed on probation for a year. And she had fifteen more months to go, before her wages increase again. All to swill guzzling jerk that rode shotgun to her.

Suddening a huge plum of dirts, dust, concrete, diamond cutting teeths, chains flew skyward as a shudder rippled through the big cutter's arms, making hydraulic lines spring leaks. Conveyor belt to jump their groove, spilling what they carried back to the seperators to spill and clog the machines belt rollers and tearing other sentive electronics wiring, bringing the big cutter train to a grinding halt as the Supervisors board indicator lights go from green to red.

The senior Cutter went pale, losing his alcoholic buzz and good demeaner. Eyes narrowed as his mind raced for a plausible excuse for the mishap and keep his job and position. He sighed as he radioed back for the maintenance crew to come out to fix his Train.

"I tell you that woman you assigned to me was nothing but trouble! She distracted me by taking of her clothes and demanding to have sex with me and getting in my way to view the monitors! I tell you! I'd notice that something was wrong and took positive steps to prevent the incident!" Killing the radio's transmitter before she could utter a word in her defence to the maintenance crew.

He looked at her with a smug look on his face, throwing the bottle of booze out of the cab to land amongst the debri of the broken down suburbs of the wilds section of the city that was still waiting to be removed.

"You should've had sex with me, missy and now you are all washed up and unemployed!" He chuckled as he began to write his version of the report that the both of them must write about of the incident.

She sighed and simply stabbed the Supervisor. "Ooops..Didn't see that piece of rubble coming!" Stabbed him again, "Nor that one either!" As she continued to stab her supervisor. "Damn, they just dont make safety cages like they used to!" Stepping away from the now dead superviser, wiping the blade clean on his clothing. She dropped the ramp and limbed down, leaving the Big Cutter running, tearing itself apart.

By the time she set foot on the ground, The big Cutter was beyond repair and silenced. She listened as to the clicks and fizzing of various electrical shorts, smiled as she moved into the run down section of the wild city and uncertain future.

She sighed as a tear fell at what she had did, for the loss of her job and now she couldn't go back into the safety of the Core City for the crime of murder. She would be hunted, like the rest of those that lived beyond the walled section of the Core City, where it was heavily patroled by the Law and approved military units that kept the Core of the city safe from such devient behavor of it's citizens.


TBC...

 

[Samanthia]

A deep muffled rumble was heard, causing everyone to look around to see if it was one of the big cutters that was headed their way. The most feared thing for an Outsider that lived outside the walls of Core City. For they just plowed through everything, forcing mass evacuations from their paths of destruction and leaving behind a five story trench behind with a line of piled rumble behind, Not to mention the occasional bio-organics of those to stubborn to leave their places of refuge.

Then therumble rose to a roaring thunder of rockets, as a four story Akiashiro battle mech rose from a large block wide compound of one of the more successful clan holdings on thrusters roaring and pushing the big Battle mech skyward from it's storage hanger.

Eyes widen in terror as thoughts of an NMX Battle Droid coming to lay waste to what was an already wasteland and battleground. Not even buildings could withstand the heavy weapons it carried and meduim range missile load of bunker busters, anti-heavy armor and anti-aircraft.

With trepidition watch the battle mech began to tilt forward and move in the direction of the forward tilt, clearing the building it had rested in over decades.

Sheela eyes glittered with excitement as she feverioushly worked the control to keep the monsterious battle mech upright and to clear the compound that was her home. Eyes darting over the lit screens and cleaned interior of the battle mech's cockpit.

>Beep beep beepbeep beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee...<

As the jump thrusters sputtered and died at the same time it registered in her mind that jump fuel had ran out.

"Awe shit!" Sheela muttered when gravity re-asserted it's dominance and then the horrible crunching and scrapping of metal against the crumbling building edge she just took out. "I am in sooooo much trouble!"

Then the pings and soft pops could be heard. She looked at the threat indicator showing small arms fire aimed at her. She sighed as she moved the big Mech from the rubble of the partially ruined building of her clan and moved it away from the hostile fire she was recieving. She slowly increased the speed to get away from the fire pouring at her from every direction.

"Cant these people read!" She muttered, hoping that none of the bullets finds it way through a chink in the armor to reach a vital spot.

The people gave cheers and smiled as they watched the big Battle Mech flee from their fire. They was surprised it didn't return fire on them or give chase to be grounded under one of it's foot pads.

Sheela ran the Big Akiashiro Battle Mech through the gauntlet of other clan held territories and small arms fire, leaving the city behind for the open countryside. Soon the pings stop as she left the city behind to find a safe spot to stop and check out the big Battle Mech for any damages.

 

[Samanthia]

::Core City ::

He opened one eye and looked at the offending device that dared to wake him up. Glancing at the clock, scowled as it way late and the secatary had left for the night. Reaching out to the com device and pressed the button. "Hello," he stated simply.

"Two missions. First hunt down the missing Cutter Crewmember for murder and second check out a rumor of a battle mech sighted in the outter city." the voice spoke without preamble of the greetings and plesantries of talking to another over the comlink.

"On it," He replied as he killed the connection. He smiled as the fax machine began to spit out several sheets of paper then stopped as he got up and moved to the machine.

Looking at the top paper, it showed a pretty lady in a Cutter Operator Utility coveralls Uniform with a name tag and "Cutter Sixteen". Reaching out and picking up the picture of the lady and then picking up the second paper with text on it. He looked it over, reading her employment history.

He hurmphed softly as he read about her problem of being a nymph while on the job with male co-workers and was fined and placed on probation with lesser pay. Now she was facing the same charges if the report from the now dead supervisor was true to cause the damage of the multi-billion credit Cutter and it's train of support vehicles. Also for dumping metals on the ground, instead of waiting for the metal haulers to get the metals transfered over to them. And now for Murder, unless the recordings of the big machine told a different story.

He filed the Dossier in his desk and folded up the picture of the woman and stuffing it in a pocket as he strode from his office and locking it behind him. Only thing that made this job worthwhile was the field work of bringing Criminals to justice.

Then he thought about the rumors of a working Battle mech. If it was true and in the hands of a Wilder. No Cutter Machine was safe from them, nor the Core City. Which to go after first? was the question. At least both was out in the ruins of the Outer City.

He headed down into the basement and went to another door. With a stiff finger, jabbed in the security code onto a electronic keypad. Seeing the light go from red to green, he entered the room and began to gear up for the trip out into the Outercity.

It would be so easily with the gear he had access to, to load it into a vehicle and drive out into the Outercity and live quite comfortibly as a Warlord. He gave a soft chuckle, leaving the armory behind.

 

[Samanthia]

::Core City ::

He left the building into the darkness of the poorly lit ally. Just another bum mobile in search for something to remove some of the heartache. It was a good disguise to get him away from the building where he held an office. Several blocks away, and exiting another condemmed building, looking more fit and rough to belong outside the wall of the Core City, made his way with confidence through various means of public mass transit systems.

He ignored the the looks of interest from the others as he rode amongst the city citizens. It seamed that each transport became less and less passengers.. He hated this part of the journey, cause it signaled the end was coming and from that point on, he would be walking till he returned. He could easily commandeered a driver and vehicle, but he didn't like his movements tracked, for a chauffered vehicle drew a lot of attention closer one got to the edge of Core City.

Hearing the final hiss of the pnuematics and the rush of cold night time air flooding the warm vehicle, he stood and slauntered off the bus and disappearing into the darkness of the poorly lit transit stop. He waited till the bus pulled away before he began his journey toward the well lit checkpoint.

He looked at the strip of the walled several meters high and fifty meters wide of metal spikes with it tangled concertina wire and barb ware tangle together with strands of electrified bare wires humming in the stillness. He paused as he fished out a set of documents that allowed him passage into and out of the Core City without much problems from the security forces that manned the checkpoint.

He always wondered why the barrier was there. Was it to keep the domesticated in from straying or the wilders..the predators... out? Anyone could leave Core City, but getting back in was the problem, once you'd left to visit. He chuckled at the term slumming that some still called it to get a taste of the wild lawlessness of the Outer City. They didn't venture far and definitely were back before the sun hit the horizon with tales of bravado and daring to impress their mates and girls.

If he was so inclined, his tales would make him an instant legend and popular to have a different girl each night to enjoy the company with. But as all things, even the legends die off or found out to be mere mortals with the simple desire to be accepted and wanted.

He liked his lifestyle, a confirmed bachelar and a job with more than enough excitement he could do without. But then as far as he could remember, He was always on the outside, never trying to be one of the insiders. People either accepted him or left him alone. Those that didn't... well they would end up regretting it. As fighting came natural to him, instinctively knowing the right moves, or words to get out of ugly situations. He thrived on such encounters, and trained those instincts and physical prowess to achieve where he was today. A trouble shooter, assassin, bounty hunter. As he referred to it, Seeker of Truth.

::Outer City ::

He blinked as he came to realized he just covered three hundred meters without realizing it and had the checkpoint well behind him as he flitted from shadow to shadow. Eyes darting around him, ears straining to detect the hint of trouble heading his way. He was in his element. A hunter in a jungle, except his jungle was concrete, steel and sparse vegetation that seamed to thrive on the acid rain that fell from the polluted skies.

He circled his prime hidey holes to hole up for the remainder of the night, to join in the outsiders in their foraging as he made his way to the site of the diabled Cutter.

 

[Samanthia]

::NMX Enclave ::

Raider leader looked over the new raiding team. He could sence that they was all very young and itching to get going to raid the surface, but listened to him with rap attention as he's been to the suface in many raids. He didn't have to speak or brag of his ventures forth into the human compounds for more victims for food and egg hatching for their yuoung. It showed in the many battle scarring on his armored exoskeleton.

He went over the plan and using a thin metal rod three feet long as a pointer to get his point across to the over anxious youngsters who wanted nothing better to do than head forth to the surface to raid and kill the surface dwellers so that they may live on the surface and the soft skinned two leggers live under ground in these dark poorly lit caverns and warren of the labyrinth ways of the NMX enclave.

"> Why we just dont rush into their strongholds from our tunnels? I'm sure that they whont suspect it?<" One of the troops spoke up, doing squats to burn off extra nervious energy, showing his ignorance.

">Because they have sealed off all our egress points to the surface with grates that can't be cut through in a timely manner and they have them set up with a strong energy that will even fry us through our armor, effecting our nerveous system.<" Raider leader spoke, glaring at the one bouncing up and down that spoke.

">Leader, the route you showed us will take for ever to reach the surface and the our hated enemy of the soft skinned two leggers!<" Another spoke up. ">The one that sired me, left me notes on his raids!<" Another spoke up, who managed to paint a purple strip down the back of his armored back.

">And how many raids he's been on? Where is he now?<" The Raider Leader spoke, looking at Purple Stripe.

">No-Not with us at all!<" Purple Stripe spoke sullenly at the Raider Leader.

">We'll do it my way!<" Raider Leader spoke, boastfully with seasoned pride.

Soon after more exchange of insults and odd questionings and plans of the youngsters being shot down by bringing deceased family members into the discussion. They left the Enclave to the well wishes of the others for success.

Leaving behind the warm humid enclave to the cold wet slimey tunnels, the NMX feet scrapped and tapped against the various harden materiels that made up the tunnels as they worked their way up towards the surface...

 

[Samanthia]

::In the Country ::

Sheela sat in the powered down Akiashiro main battle mech, looking through the data it had stored aboard it's internal computer. She brought up tactical maps to find the closest resupply point for fuel for the jumpjets, ammunition for the weapon systems. It would be interesting to see how she could load the stuff by herself into the mech.

Maybe there would be decendents of the people manning the resupply point to assist her in getting the mech re-armed. It would be interesting to find out as she came across the desired map. There was one several days away by the indicator on the map. It showed her location and the re-supply point.

She switched to topographical display hoping that the terriegn didn't help with the defence of the re-supply point. But it did. The resupply point was in a box canyon with two points of access to it. She would have to recon it out before entering the death trap if it was being held by the remeniments of the NMX.

Sheela powered up the Akiashiro and took off at a leasurely ground eating pace, going 50 kilometers an hour. Hoping she wasn't jarring age old equipment to pieces. But it was pretty smooth so far. Without tech support, this could become junk and her stranded out in middle of the countryside without the safety in numbers and being in unfamiliar territory that she wasn't used to.

 

[Samanthia]

:: Outer City ::

He woke with a yawn and a stretch and frozewhen he heard a growl and felt something firm yet yeilding at his feet. He sat up slowly as he drew his weapon and lookedat a stray dog. The dog looked at him and whined softly.

He smiled as it was only "Miss Spot", his watch dog that shared the hidey hole. "Heya Miss Spot. Sorry about that," Tossing her some of his rations to the dog. He watched it goggle up the food and move to lay down next to him.

He listened to the muffled sounds of the citizens of the outer city converse with each other and other various noises that made up the outer city. He absentmindedly ruffled the dog's fur and then moved to stand up, letting the dog shift onto the still warm spot he just vacated.

"you keep an eye on this place for me, ya hear?" He spoke softly, moving to the exit, getting a soft bark in return.

He left the hideyhole and worked his way out into the derelict building. He moved with silent grace of a predator of the concrete jungle avoiding highlighting himself in the shafts of sunlight that filtered through the holes in the cieling.

It was going to be a beautiful day in the outer city. He could already smell the stench of poor sewege and garbage management. He shook his head as it was the same in the innercity. At least the wind was blowing the stench away, but it was still powerful in the areas where the wind didn't reach.

Soon he was amongst the locals, moving in the carefree manner of those that lived without the oppressive government watchful eyes upon them. But then, they carried weapons from an unseen enemy that raided them from below in the depth of city amongs the labyrinth tunnels, pipes and conduits that criss-crossed the area.

He was thankful he didn't have to go down there anytime soon. For that was sure death and anyone ventured far down into them, usually never returned. The problem he was suppose to look into was on the surface.

He listened to the local chatter as he moved through the various sectors, looking over the offered wares for barter. a lot of the stuff was handmade at the various clan's sweatshops and gardens that were very well protected from the mild acid rain that fell occasionally.

He paused and looked over the weapons and ammo that was on display by the local weapon dealers and under the watch of clan thugs to prevent theft of weapons and ammo. He moved on under the watchful eyes as he traveled farther and farther deeper into the outercity.

"I tell ya man! That robot was at least 5 stories tall and our bullets didn't even scratch the paint!"

"No way! That beast of a weapon should've at least scarred it! Unless you are a bad shot!" Getting a laugh from the others nearby.

He paused, looking over some newly made shirts as he listened.

"No! No! I seen the bullets spark when they hit!" The shooter sporting a rifle told those gathered around him, looking earnest and abit red in the face from being laughed at.

"And then it broke into a million beetles and chased ya all the way here?" Another of the group laughed, bringing on another round of laughter.

"It took off towards the edge of the city. I watched it flee through the other territories where it recieved more fire at it!" Rifle -toter spoke even more earnest. "Bunch of us are gonna go hunt it down as soon as we can get permission to travel through Oinkma's territory!"

"If we go along, what is our cut in this venture?" A small runt of a man spoke, puffing on a hand rolled ciggy.

"The adventure of a lifetime!" Rifle-toter spoke calming down, becoming business-like. "I'll even give you a ride. To those that come along."

He smirked and moved off, heading towards Oinkma's territory to see what he could find out there. That was unusual for a Mech to flee. Normally the operator would just step on those shooting at it to conserve ammo, unless the weapons fire came from harden fortifaction, then just blast it with the guns or laser or missiles.

He kept an eye on the weapon dealers and they was doing some good business as at least there was several people bragging about having fought a Battle Mech along with various others.

 

[Samanthia]

:: In The Country : Military Base ::

Sheela looked at the mountains coming into view and knew she was getting close to the designated place of the old military outpost. She slowed down her pace and began to vere off to the side to circle the base to see what was there before barging in.

She topped a rise and saw there was several more Battle Mechs in ruins, laying about the place. It was not a good sign. But it looked like the ruined Mechs were being salvaged for parts.

Suddenly her coms crackled alive with static and then a commanding voice spoke. "Akiashiro Battle Mech 274, Authenicate Romeo Seirra Foxtrot?" Then static filled the cockpit of the big Mech.

Sheela looked over the unfamilar consoles, reading the labels seeing a handmike, picked it up and squeezed the button and spoke. "Huh..hi! I'm ...huh..friendly. Show yourself?"

Just then two smaller twin Mechs stood up from their place of hiding as the same voice came back over the radio. "Power down your Mech." As the two twin mechs aimed their weapons at her.

"I'm complying! Could you point them guns else where?" Sheela replied as she powered down her Akiashiro Main Battle Mech, knowing she was outclassed.

"Very good. What unit you belong to?" Same voice replied over the coms speaker.

"None.. I'm from River City," Sheela was puzzled as she looked over the battle mechs, taking in the same color scheme and marking they both wore.

"Your Marking state you're with the 22nd Heavily Regiment, Miss." Came the voice back to her.

Sheela giggles at hearing that as she activates her coms, "You're mistaken. 22nd is River City Defensive Force against the underground crabs."

"Crabs?" Came another voice over the speaker. "You mean the NMX?"

"Silence, Second!" The first voice spoke, then to her. "How did you attain the Mech?"

"Found it in my family enclave in the Outer city." Sheela watched the two mechs begain to circle her.

"Follow me!" One broke off and began heading towards the Military base that was designated on her map.

She followed as soon as she powered up big Mech. They traveled fast over at least familiar grounds for the two smaller mechs

 

[Samanthia]

::Outer City::

He entered Oinkma's territory as just another outer city dweller following the trail of conversation of the big Mech passing through without retaliating against those that fired upon it.

"Did you catch the markings on it?" He asked a street vender with a shot up hotdog stand and still doing business from it.

"It had a big 22-247 in black on the back and running down the arms of the big Mech. I wished my grand dad could've seen it!" As the vender fixed a trash-dog for the man that was talking to him. "That will be three .45 apc bullets, kind sir!" Holding out both hands. one empty and the other holding the dog with evrything on it.

He dug out the three requested bullets and dropped them in the vender's empty hand and took the Trash-Dog and wandered off, eating the food and slurpung on the cold bootleg beer.

******

Marcie sat in the meshed in cubbyhole with the door to her back and the street to the front of her. watching the passer-byes with little interest as she sat wearing very little in view of those walked by. It was going to be another very long day. She had given up trying to entice others to pay for her services, but she still came and sat there everyday for the three years she came to work for "The Master". People still took the time to pay for her services when the urge was upon them. She was equal oppertunity as long as you could pay the going rate for her. Ever scince the Big Robot passed by and left a parting gift from those that fired upon it. Two holes in the mesh. She took an advantage of them and saved herself a trip into the rooms with her cliet. She did them right there and which lead to more business.

It was a lull in business and someone passer by had squeezed some food through the mess to her and shared his drink with her through a straw as they talked about what ever came to mind as they shared the food...

 

[Samanthia]

::Outer City::


He moved down the street following the signs of the running battle. But no signs of damage from the Battlemech. Which puzzled him greatly. He paused and looked around the busy street, forcing people to go around him as he looked his surrounding over.

He needed information on the Mech and quick as he was running out of the Outer City and seeing the distance hills though the openings of the building. Eyes narrowed as a thought came unbidden. ~~Recon from the outside? Whose interested in our city? Are there more survivors out there?~~

He spotted a nude lady in a storefront cage talking with a possible customer or friend sharing food along with conversations. He nodded to himself as he slauntered in that direction, making it obvious that he was approaching the pair, causing the guy to scamper off after shoving the rest of the food through the mesh in the cage to the lady.

Marcie watched the man approach, looking him over with practive ease, easily taking note that this was an Inner City person out abit to far from the comforts and safety of the Innercity. She turned and bent over, letting him get a good look at her as she set the food in a box out of sight and straightened slowly as she turned for his inspection with a "smile" gracing her expression.

"Heya, looking for a reeee-ally goooood time, mista?" Marcie purrrrs softly in a soft husky voice, shifting into a very revieling seductive postion.

"Mmmmmm..." He felt the stirring of absences as he watched her moving close to her cage, taking in the well porportioned body of youth. "Sure..." Smiling at her as if she was the finest catch of the day without to much work.

"That'll be ten bullets, for the works for an hour," Marcie shyly looks up at him through her hair at him, yet still letting him see her whole face. "5 bullets for halfhour. Touchie Feelie all you want."

"You have a room where we .. huh.. can take care of business, fishing out ten bullets and holding them just out odf reach of her.

"Pink door to your right," Marcie reaching for the bullets of all the same caliber. "I'll meet you there."

He nods, once spotting the door and dumping the bullets onto her waiting palm. Watching her disappear through the door in the back of the cage into the building. He slantered on down to the door and waited till it opened to admit him.

He entered and joined Marcie in the dimmly lit corridor and followed her to her cubicle within the ground floor of the building.

 

[Samanthia]

:: Outercity ::

Bullets flew everywhere as the violance erupted with the force of a volcano erupting, sending the non-combatants scattering for cover and fleeing from the area as the haze of smoke, dust, debri and bullets flew into the air. Sounds of screams of pain and orders mixed into the chaos of the battle. Turning the area into rubble as war progressed in the graffitti laden area of the slums of Outercity.

Old rusted hulks of stripped vehicles shuddered under the impacts of the projectiles that tried to get to it's targets hidden behind it as rust poofed into the air and fell to the ground, leaving behind shiney bare metal exposed to the elements.

"Damnit!" The leader cried out as the battle started earlier than expected. "I told you to wait for my command, idiot!"

"Well it is tooo late no..." The voice was cut off as the owner's headed exploded in a mass of gore and crimson mist. >thud< The now dead body hitting the ground.

The gang leader scowled as he felt the slimey wetness settling on him, forcing him to move back, triggering the well hidden explosives.

The loud roaring of the explosives overroad all other sounds momentary as the deadly wave of debri, compacted air rushed outward into the killing grounds of the ambush site.

Silence ruled supreme for a few seconds and then the sounds of shattering brick, screeching of metal against it's proctective covering of shattering concrete as the building toppling over to add to the confusion
of the area as dust rose in a thick obscurring cloud, driving the air out of the area momentary till gravity reclaimed dominance to bring the heavier particles back to the ground.

The Leader looked up from his place of cover as the area was in utter destruction and not a soul moved. He stood up and moved away, heading down the street, getting covered with the dust settling. Squinting through the fog of the dust, seeing the rest..what remained of his gang appearing and joining him, ghostlike with the dust covering them from head to foot.

"Ought to teach them putzes from invading our territory!" he exclaimed muffled through the facemask he now wore to keep from breathing in the dust.

 

[Samanthia]

:: Outer City ::

He finished with the lady and left her place of business. He was looking thoughtful as he realized the Battle mech had left the city. Looking both ways as he slantered up the street heading back the way he came.

Listening to the people speak as he pasted them, already the Battle Mech was forgotten by the residence as it was no threat to them and getting on with their daily life when an expolsion rocked the Outercity.

He frowned abit as he glanced in the direction, seeing the settling cloud of dust several blocks away. "Must be murder living out here..." He spoke softly as strolled along with the crowd who was avoiding that area for awhile.

"You dont know the half of it. We've got the Crabs, the Cutters and each other," A nearby man spoke in reply to his mutterings. "recently a Mech comes tromping through. Squashed Old Man's Buggy!" Giving an insane giggle.

"Bet that was a sight to see?" He looked at the weirdly dressed man walking beside him.

"Funniest thing ya ever saw! Old Man came bursting out of building with shaving cream on his face, half shaven with the barber on his tail waving his razor yelling for Old Man to come back so he could finish and get paid!" The stranger spoke laughing once more, remembering the sight. "you would think it was a retarded superhero who got his cape on backwards!"

He gave a soft laugh, picturing that in his mind as moved on, backtracking the Battle Mech to it place where it started it's journey from.

 

[Samanthia]

:: Outercity ::

Her name? What did it matter out here. Anyone could give a fictious name for themselves. All they had to remeber was to respond to the new name the've chosen for themselves, "Annie." Keeping it simple as she looked at the man barring her way.

"We-ell..Annieeeeee," He sneers, drawing out the last sibyl of her new name. "You'll have to give me your coveralls as payment to enter." Wondering what she wore underneath the Cutter's Uniform Coveralls.

"That other girl didn't have to strip!" New named Annie spoke pointing towards the girl still visible from the open doorway.

"She lives here and pays for her services." He smirked, eyes full of lust, looking at her.

She sighed softly, thinking about moving on. But this was the last place to get off the streets as darkness fell indifferently over the innocents and guilty alike. She removed her coveralls and handed them over to the man, wearing a simple onepiece undergarment.

He nodded and steeping out of her way to allow her to enter the badly repaired building that was fast becoming crowded. She moved through the crowd, trying to ignore the "feelies" she was recieving, when forced to pass by the males, young and old.

Working her way up the stair, her booted feet clomping noisely on the stairs that creaked omnosily under her weight as she mad her way up to the second level. Hoping to find a place that was warm and private.

Her stomach rumbled at the various smells of cooking foods assaulting her scent of smell.

"Hey you? Come in here!" An old female voice caught her attention as narled old hands grabbed at her arm, beginning to pull her into the apartment.

She went wih the old lady, thankfull to be with another female and a place to spend the night. Once insidfe the room, she heard the door shut behind her and the door locking as the old lady threw the deadbolts.

Immediatly the old lady set her to work fixing her meal. Annie quickly complied, being thankful.

 

[Samanthia]

:: Countryside - 22nd Mech Regiment base ::

Sheela sat on empty crate as techs climbed, crawled, poked, repaired, refueled and rearmed the Akiashiro Main Heavy Battle Mech on various levels of the scaffolding in the well light carved out hanger from the cliffside.

"She brought it in, Sir," A male familiar voice spoke, catching her attention.

"I see... A citydweller," Tone snarled with a trace of sarcasm spoke as her eyes fall on the two speakers. One was obviuosly the escort light mech operator and the other that just finished speaking was his boss.

"That's what she told me," The operator shrugged his shoulders as he spoke as the two of them came to a stop near her, looking at the big battle mech.

"About time the dieties smiled upon us. Now we can hit that NMX Enclave and eradicate them for good." The Commander spoke gleefully, then turning to look at her. "Miss?"

"Sheela," She responded turning her attention back to her mech. Or was the mech still her's now? But then she didn't have much say in the matter as they was armed and more of them and her.

"Sheela... I'm Colonel Humpries of 22nd Mech Regiment." He introed himself to her, sitting univited next to her on the same empty crate. "How would you like to join our outfit?"

"I get to keep that mech," Sheela countered softly, nodding her head toward the mech she brought into the base.

He laughed softly. "You have much experience in fighting one of them?"

"How hard can it be?" She sp[oke holding up the manuel on the Akiashiro MBHM.

"Well a lot harder than you think. Manuel may be nice, but it takes knowledge, training, practice to effectively fight with one of them things against a determined enemy out to kill you before you kill them." He spoke with authority and confidence.

"I'll learn quick. It not much different than fighting without one," Sheela countered, looking at him defiantly. "What if I want to take this back to the city?"

"Where would you get the fuel? Ammo? Missiles for this beast?" He countered. "Besides if decide that you are no longer have control of the mech? Kinda makes that hard to reclaim it?"

Sheela scowled, "Can I get a smaller mech?" Loking at him with a cheeky grin.

He laughed heartily, causing a lot of people to look at them briefly, "My dear Sheela! Brave yet so foolish. If I wanted to. I can take that and have you escorted off my base of operations."

"Then you would have a nice mech statue to look at." Sheela spoke softly, looking unsure if her bluff would work.

The Colonel fell quiet looking at her with a thoughtful expression on his face. Looking at his companion. "take her out in a light mech and get her up to speed."

"Yes Sir!" The Operator motioned her to follow him.

 

[Samanthia]

:utercity::

He moved through the streets that was fastly coming vacant as night fell and a breeze moaned erie through the streets, blowing trash around like leaves in the wind. He tighten the bottom of his jacket and hitching it higher to expose the lethel pistol at his side. Listening to the ambient noises of outercity fall quiet, leaving behind the noises of those that were nocturnal in nature.

The darkness fell like an old friend that he was familiar with an embrace of a lover. Looking at the ruined Cutter Machine brightly lit up with techs and troops providing them protection to fix the dreaded machine that outter city residence hated so much.

He listened to the techs and investagers talk to each other over the small radio he carried for such purpose. It was simple plain neglect of the crew and the responcibility fell to the surviving crew member who was now missing. Turning to face the now dark foreboding deserted streets of the outtercity. Spying a pack of wild dogs giving him the eye and growling as he was quite far from safety of the troops protecting the workcrews on the Cutter.

He stared them down, ready to fight them to show who was boss. But the pack moved on after easier prey, leaving him to own devices or downfall. He faded into back into the warrens of the building. Ears, eyes, smell alert to the nuances of the life out here in wild outtercity.

He loved the night out here. It was quiet, not like the innercity with all of it's lights and constant 24/7 press of humanity and what ever else was moving about the area.

He moved through the streets and shadows like a ghost, avoiding trouble from the nocturnal life out here of both animal and humans alike.

Several hours later... finding himself before the building that was rumored to hold the old Mech. He flitted around it. Seeing where it crashed into the side of the building that onced housed it. It was a huge building and several blocks square and towered higher than most of it neighbors.

He began his plan of assualt on the building as the nightlife past him by, leaving him to own devices.

 

[Samanthia]

::NMX Enclave, way below the City::

The crabs moved about with purpose as something was felt in the stygian, damp air. Moving from one patch of glowing fungi to the next and throuhg puddles of dank pools of water with unknow parasites even they couldn't comprehend.

The older crabs and the very young went about their dauily business of living as the rest hustled with an urgency. Some totaly aimlessly, others with purpose.

Chittering and screeching at each other as groups formed and disolved into others. Some with a sence of purpose as other's hindered. Rumors flew fast and furious.

But the main topic as it was every year, the weather topside was changing, leaving the cold wetness of winter into a time of rebirth of Spring. Would it be this year that they leave the dank underground caverns for the light of day? Or more of their kind would go and disappear to the rumored other enclaves of their species?

Suddenly like a wave rolling outwards, crabs moved to the side of the passagway as they fell quiet to let the ruler with his/her entourage pass unhindered.

All squatted to their bellies as their Leader floated by serenly, eyes passing over the masses pressed against the sides of the passageway.

Once the Leader had passed by, they scurried into the vacant space and the speculations rose once more to a rumble of chittering and screeching.