Prologue

6 Months ago there was an incident in New Teck City, a city that for its time was the most advanced in technology however when a terrorist faction managed to infiltrate its entire defence system and killed hundreds of innocent people and caused carnage that would take thousands upon thousands of credits to rebuild the city started to revolt against technology.

Alpha Team a specialised Private Military Company had being trying in vain to prevent New Teck from taking heavy casualties but even that proved to be nothing more than false hope to the citizens. It had being revealed at that time that the commander of the unit was actually an old combat cyborg, one that struck fear into the hearts of everyone man never merged with machinery it was completely out of the norm and only occurred before the 1000 year war happened. The machine was classed as an outcast and left the city behind way to much bloodshed had occurred not just affecting the people of New Teck but the people who tried to prevent a bigger disaster occurring, the machine didn't care it had enough of mankind and its stupid ideology that it could prevent another disaster like the 1000 year war from occurring again but even as he started to leave one person stood in his way, a 19 year old girl who claimed the machine was her brother who disappeared over 38 years ago.

The machine however couldn't take any more lies or just anything that even referred to human emotions and as a result snapped at the girl shouting the worst kinds of profanities even switching into a different dialect that no one but it and the girl knew and that's what made it even worse.... After that it left New Teck behind and started drifting what it couldn't figure out was why? What was possessing it to continue walking, to drift from location to location and what had the outside world have in store for the cyborg unit only known by its code name? What these chronicles cover is a man's desperate struggle trying to understand why he must keep fighting, what his real purpose is and can he find a way to exist with mankind despite the obvious differences? And the most obvious thing what really happened to the man that would be known as the 7^th dark saviour during the events of Alpha Team Death and Destiny that was never released to the public? This archive is the only version that covers those events.

Archive 1) Becoming The Dark Saviour

The shadows...they felt eternal like nothing could penetrate them not even the most smallest of lights, the worst thing was these shadows took forms mostly resembling humanoids but the others were much more terrifying, ones that looked like machines ones that looked like skeletons armed with rifles it was a nightmare that couldn't be escaped from, but no the worst part right at the end was when that girl appeared with bloodshot eyes demanding no begging to know why he was lying and that's when the gunshot occurred and he was snapped back into reality.

 

He jolted upwards looking around his surroundings realizing he was safe for now anyway. Each day that nightmare continued to get worse and worse first it was the shadows now it was that damn girl what was next a nuclear weapon going off? He grabbed his pack of Raulbutter's looking for his next smoke fix but found it empty....

“Frigging typical...” He thought to himself as he discarded the box aiming it at the nearest wall and throwing it. He could hear it outside the rain attacking the structure that he was resting in, it sounded like it was howling maybe even calling his name but it sounded endless like how the days dragged on and on.

He now checked his status via his user interface:

CURRENTLY RUNNING AT 95% OPERATIONAL CAPACITY

WEAPON CALIBRATIONS RUNNING AT 100% CAPACITY

SYSTEM DIAGONSTICS RUNNING AT 85% CAPACITY

MEMORY SYSTEMS 50% INTACT.....

WARNING A MEMORY SYSTEM ERROR OCCURRED PLEASE CONTACT AN ADMINSTRTOR FOR ASSISTANCE.

“Why does it always stop there?” He said.

“I wish I could tell you that but since we have no access to a type-3 computer system I'm afraid I can't run diagnosis protocol.” a voice replied in his skull.

“Always the same thing eh Aya?” He replied as he once again scanned the room checking to see if everything was like it was yesterday.

For those people who don't know the cyborg 106 combat series is issued with an on board AI that tracks and monitors the condition of the unit they can do various tasks from activating additional sub routines, activating combat nodes and executing combat directives, in other words the AI controls the machine but in this case (and a very interesting one indeed) the AI and the unit co-existed as two different entities in fact this particular AI was programmed with even more sub routines.

“Yes always the same, the tech in this time is currently unsuitable for this kind of situation, not that I need to remind you of that Subject 214.”

“Subject 214 huh? You know I do prefer my code name Aya....” He replied with a sense of anger in his voice.

“Sorry.......DXP, I just find these kind of names hard to get used too.”

“Yeah I suppose.....after all your nothing more than an AI you don't have actual interaction with real people, as far as I know anyway.” DXP replied as he picked up his 9mm pistol off the rusty bench.

“When.....During the 106 uprising I was attached to the net server I had access to lots of information, and people to interact with, humans though are very crazy in nature.”

“Depends on your definition of humans though... all humans are stupid and don't understand when they will die and ironically by their own hands.” DXP replied grimier than usual.

The room was nothing more than an old storage unit stacked up with metal transport trailers, although they were rusty and showing signs of age they must have being here for some 250 odd years the logo on the side of them proved that too. Sections of the ceiling had broken through maybe the acid rain had caused it or maybe it had something to do with the age of the building DXP didn't care it was a shelter and provided it as much what it was used for meant nothing to him at all.

“Hmmm that logo is B Corp a military contractor that would eventually become the Blitz Corp company one of the biggest providers with military weaponry and artillery.”

Aya replied as information appeared in DXP's user interface images of the company logo, initial history and various other materials cycled through the list interface hell even videos of the commercials were there.

“I know more about that damn company then any archive could tell me.” He replied as he scanned a few of the files while also looking in one of the trailers, inside was nothing more than rusty metal several boxes of weapons from what looked like the 1000 year war were also inside but funnily enough were all de-activated.

“Jesus....the K-Owls” DXP replied as he looked closely at the scrap metal he managed to see what looked like a laser canon mounted to a battle arm.

“I Have no information about a K-Owl, What is it?” Aya replied with intrigue in her voice.

K-owl's were advanced mech prototypes used for civil war situations. B Corp created oh about 100 prototypes and only 35 were ever deployed, so I guess these were going to aid the war effort or were just about to be added to the scrap pile.” DXP answered resourcefully.

“I see...Did these mechs have online AI's like the 106 series?”

“No back then the AI was much more basic they only had one AI and even then it was basic it couldn't be fully updated and coding for one required years of sitting in front of a monitor hacking the next firmware update together.”

“Sounds...Basic.”Aya said.

 

DXP continued his search in each trailer but found nothing useful everything was de-activated and as for the K-Owl's they were nothing more than a mere shadow of what would have being unification between man and machine, that's when he spotted a very rusty beaten up metal box.

“Hey...that marking...” He replied as he opened the box slowly.

“Looks like the United States Military logo.” images of the logo appeared in DXP's user interface.

“Ha you call them a military I call them a bunch of tech bastards...” DXP scoffed as he peered inside of the box and found what looked like an old shotgun.

“Interesting I can't seem to find that sort of information in my data streams, is this a prototype?” DXP picked up the weapon it looked like a basic block and on the side of it was the one thing he dreaded....

“Encryption lockout just frigging typical.” He replied looking at the small attachment, weapons from long ago had encryption lockouts added so that only the original user could use them if they ever fell into enemy hands they would be useless.

“Looks like basic encryption to me.” Aya replied as the encryption lockout fell off the box DXP approached it and pressed the small button on the left hand side, suddenly the box started to transform a barrel emerged from the front and became longer until it stopped, the bottom part of the box transformed into a grip the trigger moved down into position and within 10 seconds the thing that had once being a box was now a fully usable F-67 Harabich Shotgun.

“Harabich...the gun that was a bitch to use.” DXP said chuckling.

“I take it all you grunts used that slogan huh?” Aya replied sarcastically.

“Hey I resent that!” DXP exclaimed as he checked in the box and found some ammo for the Harabich. The gun itself wasn't heavy in DXP's hands but he did remember the bitch of a recoil that it had when a round was fired but he kept that part to himself for now.

“Aya have you got today's weather forecast?”

“Give me a few minutes.” various numbers and symbols started to pan on DXP's user interface it felt like an eternity had passed when suddenly Aya replied.

“Seems today's weather is rain luckily no acid hazard has being detected.”

“That's always good to know.” DXP replied as he started to pack what little things he had up. He had hardly anything of use apart from the pistol and now the Harabich, two sets of dog tags, a few thousand credits and another pack of Raulbutter's complete with the glow lighter he used.

“Ah...Sweet I needed my tobacco fix.” He replied as he pulled one out and lit it taking in the advanced nicotine in the process.

“You know smoking Is bad for you right?”

“Oh yeah bad for a human maybe, if you haven't realized I’m not exactly human am I?” was DXP's reply as he continued to smoke as he approached the door.

 

During the war old steel bolt type doors had being created that could nullify laser blasts and this very door that DXP was now staring at with his left eye was that kind of door except for the copious amounts of rust plaguing it, with a deafening roar the door opened letting DXP witness the outside world again...

 

for miles there was nothing more than wasteland with the exception of what DXP described as mech carcasses what they were was in fact the rusty remains of machines from long ago. Due to the acid rain and the environment the metal started to rust quicker and to make matters worse plants and trees just died this was again due to the environment. In the distance 30 miles away was New Teck City completely shrouded in neon glow, as DXP looked around he realized he had no idea what was further away apart from Kipton Forest and the remnants of that girls home town.

“So any ideas?” DXP asked.

“According to my information there is a small settlement to the east about 25 miles ahead, I suggest we try there.” Was Aya's reply.

“25 miles huh, should be a blast.” He replied as he started to walk to the east despite the rain hitting him like a barrage of bullets.

 

3 hours had passed and the rain continued its assault on not just the ground but DXP himself it was at this point he cursed himself for not bringing decent footwear, the basic alpha trooper boots were just that basic materials that couldn't absorb water so as of now he had waterlogged feet. Suddenly something caught his eye in the distance there was several miles of tracks with utility lines mostly cut and broke others still hung there as a reminder that long ago there was some form of tech.

“They look like X3 Lines to me.” Aya replied once again displaying as much information she could gather in DXP's user interface.

“Yeah X3's would have made travelling from one section of the world to another easier, they estimated the quickest journey to the USA and the UK would take only 30 minutes.

“Sounds more like a damn pipe dream to me.”

“Oh it was a bunch of crap don't worry no one actually believed it and then the war broke out and this whole thing got forgotten...” DXP said as he continued to walk further ahead when an old train cart caught his eye.

“Was it really just a pipe dream? This looks like a turbo train.” Aya replied as she started to scan the metal rust pile in front of DXP.

“No need to scan its a tempest transportation unit, military transport for short.”

“I'm detecting no life signs but seems like plenty of ammo is inside.”

“Perfect.” DXP replied as he stood on the small stairs leading to the carriage the door though looked rusted to hell, DXP started to push it open and with a ear piercing screech the door slowly opened but inside was what made DXP shudder a little. Corpses littered the train floor obviously skeletal in appearance looked like the elements hadn't being in their favour at all. The uniforms again all military issued but some of them were small enough to be children remains....

“I can detect several child skeletons in this carriage.”

“Yeah....I can see that, poor bastards...” DXP replied softly as he looked around the dark and stale structure he managed to procure several handfuls of shotgun shells for the Harabich some disused missile pods and some net logs.

“Net logs Jesus I didn't think I would see something like this here.” DXP replied as he picked them up.

“We need a type 3 for those.”

“Yeah when do we not need a type 3 for anything?” DXP replied back sarcastically.

The rain could be still heard outside beating at the train carcass, but there was something different.... like something was moving but at a slow pace like a human.

“You picking up anything?” DXP whispered as he got into a crouched position.

SCANNING....

…...

….

…

..

.

TARGET ACQUIRED

“Seems we have something following us.”

“What do you mean following us?”

“Its signature is that of a Blitzer.” Aya replied sending chills down DXP's spine.

The walking started to get closer and closer but then it suddenly stopped ever so slightly, a dazzling red glow exploded through the carriage's rusty windows illuminating the corpses on the interior.

“The Blitzer is doing a bio scan of the carriage.”

DXP sighed since a bio scan could not work on a cyborg as the entire skeletal structure was metal it could not be picked up like skeletons could, so to the blitzer DXP was as cold and rusty as the train carriage, seconds later the blitzer continued to walk away from the carriage unfortunately in the direction DXP was going.

“That's just bloody typical isn't it?” DXP asked in a angry tone.

“I think destroying it would be the best course of action.”

“Agreed.” DXP replied as he jumped out of the carriage back into the rain, the blitzer turned round and looked at DXP standing ready to eliminate it.

 

Blitzers were mechanoids that were created by the terrorist faction Blitz Z they loosely resembled a human shape mostly encased in heavy armour somehow this allowed them to carry heavy weapons especially caster cannons, these were their specialist weapons but the one thing that made a blitzer a blitzer was its head. It looked like a modernised knight but the eye piece was just a visor with a blinking red light that scanned back and forth and now it was doing that at DXP.

“Confirming Identity....” it said in a typical robotic monotone voice, several seconds later it had its answer.

“Confirmed Identity as DXP commander of the PMC Alpha Team, High priority target elimination necessary.” It replied as DXP unholstered the Harabich from his back.

Wow I became a high priority target huh that's a first.” DXP replied as he aimed and fired at the blitzer at that point time slowed down, the shells exploded from the Harabich some of them scattering and hitting the blitzer, one hit its left shoulder, another its upper torso but one which was DXP hoping would hit was the visor shattering it into pieces, the shards smashing everywhere, with the machine terminated it collapsed in a heap on the floor, however what DXP hadn't taken into consideration was the recoil on the Harabich so he felt himself flying backwards until the floor hit his back and the thing went flying into the distance finally hitting the ground.

It was painful to say the least, if falling on the ground wasn't bad enough falling into rusty metal was just as painful.

DXP gasped in agony pain shooting up his back and his right arm, the right arm was easy to explain that was the recoil but the back pain....

“We have a rupture!” Aya replied as the user user interface showed a diagram of DXP's anatomy several red sections on the back showed piercing but from what.

“What the hell pierced me!?” DXP exclaimed as he lay there blood starting to flow from unseen wounds.

“Looks like some metal was protruding through the ground where you fell.” Aya replied.

“Well don't just sit there do something!” DXP exclaimed as more sharp pains occurred, this time his entire user interface was starting to blur.

Activating healing meds....

Activating artificial platelets...

Activating Antibiotics...

“It should start kicking in within a matter of seconds.” Aya replied as DXP groaned in pain, then the healing systems kicked in DXP's eye opened wide as relief spread through his entire body the healing meds working with the antibiotics kicking out any form of infection, the platelets clotting the wounds stopping the blood from escaping.

“How do you feel?”

“Like I got bitch slapped by a centurion.” DXP replied as he slowly sat up looking around.

“Have you ever being slapped by a centurion before?”

“No...that was a joke Aya.” DXP said as he slowly got to his feet feeling a sudden light headiness kick in.

“A joke...what you mean one of those funny things a human says to another in a social exchange?” Aya enquired. DXP thought about his next answer carefully since Aya was an AI she could never actually understand human emotions apart from sarcasm, so being asked this by her put DXP on edge slightly if that was the case for her would that mean everything he knew was nothing more than a programmed memory?

“Yeah...its what humans do and sometimes they are not funny.”DXP answered.

“I see...” DXP stood there for a moment thinking and then those painful memories from a few weeks ago re-surfaced, the elders disregarding his whole existence rather than being called a he an it, his entire team looking at him in disbelief after the entire incident was recounted how he had murdered an enemy but also John's girlfriend well not even girlfriend it was fiancé that's what the ring on both her and John's fingers showed... The entire ranks of humans wanting him deactivated and then he saw that girl again.....

“Bex....” he said to himself, the girl who stood by him no matter what happened, the girl that claimed he was her older brother who had vanished over 38 years ago, the girl that had invaded his dreams for months before they actually ever met...

“Are you OK DXP?” Aya replied DXP ignored her question he was too deep in thought.

That moment when they first met and she had that look of relief on her face, then it switched to dread as she held him in her arms trying to keep him awake as he stared at his unit, at the other rebels powerless to do anything his wounds were that bad. How she had that depressed look in her eyes when he kept telling her she had the wrong person. But no the worst image that now shot through his memory was of her eyes seeping tears and him shouting profanities at her whilst everyone in the lobby looked at him, Jill stared In horror trying to cover her mouth, the guys playing that stupid game on the table all turning their heads, and the civilians that were joining up for the unit were sat there speechless. And that's when he turned away because it would have killed him to see her face after he shouted “I am not your brother now leave me alone you waste of space!” It was like a bullet from a barrel tearing through his brain he himself at first couldn't believe what he had just said but he had and what made it worse was the amount of crying he heard after the main doors slammed shut on him for the last time.

“Hello Earth to DXP?” Aya replied but no that didn't even register but suddenly a sharp pain shot through DXP's right side of his face and he knew that pain all to well... It happened when he first came face to face with Bex and Ellie for the first time, it was a battlefield situation people were getting killed left right and centre and Bex was behind Ellie ,Joel, that crazy American and that girl with brown hair who's name eluded him. Standing in there way was Stageboard a member of Blitz Z if anything a sword tactician and with the amount of facial scares on his face it was apparent at how much of a professional he was so when DXP engaged him in a sword battle it was inevitable that he would lose but no Stageboard went further using the scar of death skill he knew he slashed down DXP's right eye causing it to permanently shut and no there was nothing the doctors could do it was shut forever, and now once again that very pain was shooting up his face.

“AH Jesus!” He exclaimed coming back into reality.

“Welcome back to the realm of the living.” Aya replied.

“Sorry did I doze off or something?” DXP asked as he looked around, he was still in the same position he was a few minutes ago.

“You have being stood deadly still for over 10 minutes doing nothing but stare into the distance, is everything OK?” Aya asked.

“Yeah...just you know thinking...” He finally replied.

“Yeah I sensed a slight elevation in your thinking processors.”

“Oh really?”

“Mind if I ask what you were thinking about?”

“Not at this moment in time Aya....maybe later.” Was DXP's reply as he walked over to his Harabich and picked it up re-holstering it on his back as he continued to walk in the rain to the east but this time he heard something in those drops that were hitting the floor and it sent chills down his spine.

Bro.... That's what he could hear and the only thing he could do was start to run as fast as he could anything to keep out of the rain...

 

Aya had being right about a settlement to the east but it was something that DXP wasn't expecting. There were several big buildings but nothing as impressive as New Teck, the architecture was something out of history book but as he proceeded closer he saw something implanted into the wall....

“Biometrics?” DXP asked.

“Looks more like an organic detector give me a second...” Aya replied as she started to scan the metallic object sticking out of the massive rusty wall, it had several lights illuminating back and forth like a neon ripple, but the dome in the centre is what caught DXP's attention, it looked like it was processing information but what kind?

“It's nothing to worry about DXP its only as I suspected an organic scanner you should be fine.” Aya finally replied.

“So what is it actually transmitting?”

“Its checking basic parameters, weather, temperature that sort of thing.” DXP approached the object when it suddenly burst into life a bunch of static started to rise when a voice started to speak the accent was thick.

“State your business Stranga.” Said the voice it sounded male or at least it did.

“I'm looking to do some shopping....” DXP replied as he took another puff of his cigarette.

“Well you have come to the right place stranga.” replied the voice as the object came to life once more this time scanning DXP luckily finding nothing out of place, seconds later the doors started to grind as they moved apart several hydraulics whirred into position as DXP was exposed to the town within.

 

It looked very delicate structure wise and as DXP had predicted it was old age architecture something he hadn't seen in quite a long time, tech wise was astounding there was terminals in position that were once again transferring information some people within the town were actually using them and the place was bustling full of different cultures buying items, some looked like they were going to work others were just being idle and a minority were now staring at DXP with a questioning gaze.

“Didn't expect a town like this to exist...” DXP replied as a man approached him, he was slightly taller than DXP by a few inches was bald and had several facial scars but the eyes caught his attention were they transmitting information?!

“Seems some of the residents are cyberized.” Aya answered, the man stood in front of DXP and she was right his eyes were beaming out information that was scrolling up and down the massive rifle in his hand though was giving DXP the creeps.

“So looking to some trading eh stranga?” the man replied in a thick accent.

“Yeah that's if you don't mind me passing through?” DXP replied staring at the man something felt wrong but maybe that was just instincts kicking in after all he had being on edge for several months...

“It seems our terminal couldn't get an actual visualization of who you actually are stranga you wouldn't be a newly added 2^nd gen woulds ya?”

“No I’m not 2^nd gen that much is for certain, just think of me as wandering from New Teck.” The man looked at DXP puzzled a questioning face started to appear but then it slipped off his face like he was letting it go.

“Well if ya from New Teck what the bleeding hell are ya doing here stranga? Did ya's get lost in the rain?”

“Yeah you could say the rain dragged me here, and as for why I am here...let's just say that place is the last place I want to be...” DXP replied again looking at the man's expression it changed to an understanding expression when he suddenly spoke again.

“Sorry for all the questions stranga the name is Dennis Zech, I’m the bloody sheriff of this town it might not look like much but its a little slice of heaven, well that's what we think anyway.” Dennis replied as something caught DXP's eye trundling up the street was a construction bot must have being the ARKS – X2 it was a quad legged metal frame with arms that could only be described as lobster pincers with grippers, they were seen all over in New Teck doing obviously construction work but this one was not restricted it was walking around freely this made DXP stare in awe.

“What that thing? Don't ya not see these things in New Teck?” Dennis asked.

“Yeah...but not as free as that one.” He replied as the X2 came to a halt in front of him and Dennis.

“Mr Zech construction of the main street is at 90% completion.” the X2 replied.

“Ah bleeding hell cut out this Mr Zech crapoready its Dennis plain old bloody Dennis.” Dennis replied with a hearty chuckle.

“I see Mr....I mean Dennis.”

“OK Mr bleeding Dennis too will that make things easier?”

“Yes thank you Mr Dennis.” The X2 replied as Dennis continued to chuckle. DXP couldn't understand how this was possible was he actually standing in a town that had somehow managed to merge both man and machine without any wars? Without any prejudice towards one another? Dennis again started talking back to DXP.

“So do you have a name stranga?” DXP froze inside he couldn't give away his actual identity it would cause all kinds of problems...

“Call me....Wintermote.” DXP replied.

“What kind of a bleeding name is Wintermote? It sounds bloody like a comic book villain... Wait your not a bloody villain are ya?!” Dennis exclaimed with a joking expression plastered all over his face, DXP breathed a sigh of relief.

“Ah bloody hell where did my hospitality go!” replied Dennis as he slapped DXP on the back with his right hand, to say the least it bloody hurt.

“You a drinking man Wintermote?”

“Yeah... you could say that.” DXP replied as Dennis started leading him into what looked like an bar.

“This place is the best if not the most amazing bar in the entire continent don't let that bunch of crappy terminals in New Teck blind you with crap ya hear me?” Dennis replied as the door to the bar open with a whir.

 

Inside tobacco smell was everywhere as were lots of people all from different cultural backgrounds and ages too and as Dennis and DXP entered they all looked at the both of them. The bar itself had that old school feeling to it, the tables looked like they were synthetic mahogany as were the stools, but the bar looked like it was made of actual marble, and the panelling around the room was again synthetic mahogany in fact the entire inside was synthetic not that anyone minded as long as it looked like it was real what was there to complain about? But behind the bar was enough booze to down any mortal human some rare brands were on display and hundreds more that DXP had never heard of before. The bartender was looking at DXP maybe trying to read him but couldn't, he looked like he was of Indian decent must have being in his late 40's wearing a pair of unusual glasses.

“Sinjaz get some bloody brandy in those glasses of yours!” Dennis replied as he sat down at the bar.

“Right away Dennis.” Sinjaz replied as he grabbed a couple of glasses and filled them with brandy.

“Well what ya waiting for Wintermote get ya butt sat down!” Dennis exclaimed as DXP sat on a empty seat at the bar taking in the atmosphere, a glass rolled next to him perfectly not going over even by an inch.

“Just so you know Wintermote Sinjaz has the most amazing brandy this side of Galacticus, ain't that right Sinjaz?” Dennis replied once again with that chuckle that only he could do by the look on Sinjaz's face he was blushing.

“Ah come on Dennis its not that impressive I bet you could get a better one in Z-opolis.” Sinjaz replied in a thick accent which consisted of half Indian half whatever Dennis was.

“Z-opolis what kind of bloody stink-hole that must be to live in, and stop knocking yourself down its bloody amazing this drink!” Dennis exclaimed as he downed the entire glass contents in one letting out a happy sigh at the end, DXP picked up the glass and stared at it a bit swirling the contents it looked like brandy and the consistency was fine.

“What are ya's a bloody drink critic?” Dennis asked.

“You could say that to a degree I've had my fair share of brandy in my time.” DXP answered as he took a sip of the brandy, somehow this brandy had a really nice taste on the back of the throat before it slipped into the stomach and created a burning effect not a bad one but one that made a person get up and work twice as much as usual all in all DXP couldn't believe just how well the drink fitted together until he himself let out a happy sigh to Sinjaz's questioning face that suddenly slipped into that of happiness.

“See that's the ticket right bloody there!” Dennis exclaimed as he once again hit DXP on the back and again it bloody hurt but DXP didn't seem to mind.

“Right then I’ll leave you guys to it I’ve got a job to do.” Dennis replied as he rose from his seat and left the bar, Sinjaz and DXP stared at each other.

“Is he always...this bloody crazy?” DXP asked as Sinjaz laughed

“Yeah you could say that Dennis may look like a soldier on the outside but inside he's a soft as a kitten.”

“Yeah those arms of his pack a bloody.....punch.” DXP said as he realized he was also now saying bloody in everything he said Sinjaz again started to laugh.

“Oh great and infectious.”

“But a good infection though?”

“If you could call it that.” DXP replied as he continued to sip his brandy.

“So what brings you to our small town Mr Wintermote?” Sinjaz asked.

“A few things, mainly just passing through though.” DXP replied as he sipped a bit more brandy.

“Anything in particular?”

“Mainly weapon smiths, merchants that can show me some rare stock from say 500 years ago.” DXP said as everyone went silent in the bar.

“500 years ago you say?”

“Yeah...lets just say these weapons I have so far are ineffective for my needs.” the sound picked back up again of people having conversations.

“I can help with that.” Sinjaz replied as he continued to clean the glasses.

“You can?” DXP asked.

“Seems Mr Sinjaz was a black market weapons dealer in New Tech before he was appointed a member of Blitz Corp.” Aya finally replied as information filled the user interface.

“Just name any weapon...providing it exists.” Replied Sinjaz who continued cleaning the glasses behind the bar. DXP thought for a few minutes when he remembered one specific weapon.

“Ever heard of the 14 gauge offensive rifle?” he replied as Sinjaz dropped a glass instantly staring in DXP's direction their eyes meeting.

“A 14 GOR?!” Sinjaz exclaimed.

“That's correct.” DXP blankly replied as he finished his brandy, setting the glass on top of the bar.

“No one knows about those things.....no one but higher up company personnel...”

“I cannot find anything referring to a 14 gauge offensive rifle in my database.” Aya replied.

“That's because you won't...like Sinjaz said not many people know of its existence.” DXP replied.

“How do you know about that?” Sinjaz asked colour draining from his face as he spoke.

“I just do...so do you or not?” DXP replied as he stood up from the bar chair.

“Outside if you look to your right you will see a hanger, meet me there at 10PM.” Sinjaz replied.

“OK I will.” DXP said as he left the bar.

 

The town hadn't changed from when DXP had entered it hours before, looking to hid right he did see a big structure that of course was a hanger.

“I have to meet him there huh?” He thought to himself as he lit another Raulbutter, the mixture of that and the brandy produced a warmer feeling.

“I don't understand....” Aya Replied.

“What don't you understand?” DXP asked.

“When I first came online within your operating system a month back there was no mention of anything military wise, and all of a sudden you mention this 14 GOR.”

“You want too know what it is?” DXP enquired as he started to walk up the right street, most of the buildings were well lit from the inside but most mainly the older derelict ones were standing like empty tombs.

“If it means me being able to effectively plan a combat strategy then yes.”

“pffft combat strategy....when it comes down to it you can't ever plan a 100% perfect combat strategy.” Was DXP's reply as he approached what looked like a place to stay. The building looked really old and beaten, bullet holes littered the walls and DXP could barely make out some logo or insignia but it was to faded to see. He approached the doors two rusty metal things hanging on by threads.

“Looks like a supply cache.”

“An L10 to be precise.” Aya replied showing schematics on the user interface.

“whatever.” DXP replied as he pushed on the large doors with an earth shattering screech they both opened.

 

Inside was various rusted boxes all piled up, one instantly collapsed as DXP opened the doors.

“Kind of a health hazard.” he replied. As far as he could make out the electric system had either been disconnected or had just died from the disuse of the building.

“I can detect no life signs, or anything of use....apart from a type 2 system.”

“Sure its not a Type 3?”

“My calculations are always correct....its a type 2.” Aya Replied.

“And how can a type 2 help me?” Was DXP's reply as he stumbled up the rusty stairwell, bullet casings littering the place.

“Apparently It allows updates to certain parts of your software....well any form of software.”

“What kind of updates?”

“Mainly stats, OS updates that sort of thing.” Aya again replied as DXP arrived in front of the type 2 room.

The room doors displayed symbols, the access panel was busted, must have being busted years and years ago, the door itself was a jar with a bit of pushing DXP managed to open it entirely, he looked around the room. To his surprise most of the control systems looked like they were still functioning, he stood in the middle of the room seeing all the wires and cables zigzagging on the sealing most of them leading to what looked like terminals and monitors that were attached to the walls, each screen only printed one word and that was “ERROR” again bits and pieces were littered everywhere, suddenly DXP stopped and looked around the room.

“I can see the type 2 its there embedded in the wall....” Aya said but DXP wasn't listening everywhere he looked things looked familiar. He looked again at the panels in the walls and one point he thought his eyes were fooling him as they were now saying “PROJECT ECHELON ACTIVED,

ACCESSING DATA FILES.....”

“Wait....Project Echelon....?” DXP thought to himself as his vision blurred suddenly everything was clean and fully operational like he was looking at a data entry via AR.

He stared round the room all the monitors were beeping, information was being displayed but then something caught his eye, standing a few feet in front of him was what looked like a child, unfortunately is vision wasn't 100% and that's when it happened... Suddenly the wall in front of him was clawed open a red tint emerged as more of the wall was clawed apart revealing....

“A CENTURION!?” DXP exclaimed as the red tint suddenly pointed at him but it wasn't a tint that was its optics, its eyes locking onto a human ready to tear it apart, more of the wall suddenly vanished DXP could now see behind the hulking machine standing in front of him, all around was chaos and carnage buildings on fire, explosions left, right and centre. The centurion once again was staring at DXP the child had vanished, his jaw was open how the hell was he seeing this sort of thing? was this happening now?! So many questions revolved inside his head as a massive fist reared itself ready to strike, in that instance DXP had unholstered the Harabich and fired an explosion rippled through the air as once again he was flown back with the recoil into a server the promptly sparked and also exploded knocking DXP back into reality once again.

“DXP ARE YOU THERE? IS EVERYTHING OK?!” Aya exclaimed. DXP looked through his eye and saw nothing, well apart from the newly dented wall where he had fired.

“OK what the hell just happened?!”

“You went off the scanner and into sleep mode according to my diagnostics.”

“Wait so you didn't see it?!”

“See what?”

“That damn Centurion, that kid?!” DXP exclaimed as he slowly righted himself from where he had landed, pain was shooting up his back.

“A centurion and a child? DXP what are you talking about?” Aya asked with intrigue.

“Your telling me nothing showed up in the VDU? Nothing at all?” DXP asked with a sense of stress in his voice.

“As I said you went into sleep mode, then you armed your Harabich and fired at that poor wall over there for no reason whatsoever.” Aya replied with the same tone she always had.

“That can't be...it was right there I tell you!” DXP exclaimed as he pointed at the damaged wall.

“DXP there is nothing there no killing machine, no kid your imagining it all.”

“That's bull and you know it Aya!” He continued to exclaim.

“Why would a 500 year old killing machine just suddenly tear a wall apart, hell while your at it why would a child be in a room of this calibre?”

“I....No.....What the hell did I see....?” DXP replied as he walked towards the type 2 terminal that was slowly blinking, the light nodes reflecting off his person.

“We can worry about that later...for now touch the panel with your hand and I can get one with seeing what updates this system can offer.” Aya replied.

“Fine....” he replied as he slammed his left arm on the panel, it started to activate and within seconds combinations of zeros and ones were scrolling up and down the interface.

“Anything useful?”

“Just bare with me.” suddenly a set of words scrolled into the interface.

Year 2049......

Human DNA confirmed

Project Echelon inactive.....

1ST Gen Citizen confirmed.....

Welcome back...

Commander Rairix.

“Wait...Commander Rairix?”

“One moment....” Aya replied as information scrolled up on the other user display, then a face appeared that forced DXP to jump out of his skin. It was his face....give or take a few hundred years.

“Who the hell?!” DXP exclaimed.

“He was the commander of several command units, worked alongside the American Army and was the number one contributor to project Echelon, and was the brother of Bex Rairix.....” Aya was cut off.

“Bex's brother...he was a military soldier who vanished what 38 years ago?”

“Actually it was 538 years ago DXP. Kol Rairix vanished under unknown circumstances leaving both his sisters Bex and Ellie to fend for themselves.”

“No wonder she mixed me up with him....

“I agree the resemblance is uncanny, but that then makes a new question arise don't you think?”

“What question?” DXP asked sweat starting to form on his forehead.

“If he vanished 538 years ago how is it you have his face? In fact what is this project Echelon?”

“Its simple isn't it? They made me look like this in order to lure her out into the open, and as for this damn project Echelon I don't have a damn clue.”

“Really?”

“What the hell? Are you actually interrogating me?”

“No but is that really the truth?” DXP started to grit his teeth slowly.

“Of course its the bloody truth!!”

“No need to grit your teeth you'll run them down.”

“Well thanks for that 'helpful' insight Mom.” DXP replied sarcastically as he picked up and re-holstered his Harabich.

“Only telling you the obvious.”

“Well don't...did you find anything of interest at all?”

“Several updates...doesn't look like anything special...but then again...”

“So we can leave here now right?”

“Now what the ell ya's doing here....Mr Wintermote?” DXP Spun round to see Dennis standing in the doorway.

“You know ya's shouldn't be in this crappy building right? Its scheduled to be knocked the ell down.”

“Ah....sorry didn't know that.” DXP replied trying to get as much suspicion off him as possible.

“Yeah ya's has a point, not like I pointed it out to ya's when you entered, anyway what the hell are ya's doing in here?” Dennis enquired a slight grin appeared.

“Well....I do a bit of salvage collecting, and generally I look in places like this, because you never know what you can find right?” DXP replied hoping Dennis would buy his excuse.

“Interesting....Well ya's should have tried the other door further down this is or should I say was a control room.” He replied as he looked around the room.

“A control room you say?”

“Yeah ell....must have being what used 500 years or go or longer?” As soon as Dennis said that DXP's jaw dropped mainly in shock at Dennis' statement but also to again try and make his lie work.

“500 you say?”

“Yeah, 500 bloody years, tech then was very different to what we have now...” Dennis replied again looking at things now he was eyeing up the type 2 interface.
“Now that's something...ya's managed to get this bloody thing working again?”

“Well yeah I just tapped it and blam it started showing all this stuff.”

“You know he won't buy this right?”

“Hmmm ya's know I remember something about this place from a long time ago.” Dennis finally replied still inspecting the interface.

“Really? Oh wait you did mention something about being a Gen 1.”

“Nah I didn't....” Dennis replied fear rose in DXP.

“Told you....” Aya replied.

“My dad and mother were, ell they lived ere all that time ago....before the 1000 year war began.”

“I see....”

“Back then this place was known as Streryl, now its just a dump where techno-freaks like me can live in harmony.” Dennis replied like he was recounting an old war wound story.

“So those hands are actually cyberized arms?” DXP asked.

“Well what did ya's think they were prosthetics?” Dennis replied with a slight annoyed tone.

“I didn't mean it like that I apologize....”

“HA. That's what I like about ya's Mr Wintermote your easy as ell to wind up!” Dennis replied with a hearty laugh.

“You...are one hell of a comedian aren't you?” DXP replied with relief.

“Ya's could say that, my old arms were useless then years later I had them cyberized.” Dennis started to recount his tale as he walked out of the room DXP following behind.

“Of course there is more to this story I take it?”

“Course there is, ell bells there is a whole book I could tell ya's.”

“Please...DXP knock him out I can't bare listening to this....”

“Deal with it like I am, don't be so damn impatient...” DXP replied internally.

“Ya's remember that attack in New Teck couple months back?” Dennis asked, DXP paused in thought he knew all about that attack 2 months ago he was there....

“Yeah Heard about it on the networks, was hell on earth....”

“Nah nothing compared to the crap from years ago, thousand year war tore this bloody continent into pieces.” Dennis replied as he walked up a set of old rusty stairs each creek off the metal under foot emanated through the hallway, DXP followed him up to the rooftop. Outside was an a view of the town itself, in the distance was several big hangers DXP had already noted the one he would be meeting Sinjaz later. But in the distance something else caught his eyes as he zoomed in for a closer look.

“See those things there?” Dennis replied as he pointed with a metal finger at the object in question.

“What are they buildings?”

“Not just buildings, they were residents for people too live in a long time ago.” Was Dennis' reply as he walked to the edge of the rooftop.

“He's right they look like they could house at least a thousand families in one building.” Aya replied scanning and calculating as she did.

“What happened?” DXP asked as he joined Dennis who was closing his eyes.

“That bloody war wasn't the only thing that caused half of the population to die out here, it was the bleeding mercs.” Was his reply as he slowly opened his eyes.

“Over 50 years ago this place was still usable then that damn unit appeared....”

“What unit?” DXP asked.

“Scanning now.....seems it has something to do with some Guerilla faction called Asteroth.....” Aya replied as more information appeared on the HUD.

“Asteroth....didn't they attack that reserve 6 weeks ago?” DXP asked as more information flooded the HUD.

“Yes they did indeed, very well organised military unit too...well private military. There nothing more than thugs.” Was Aya' reply as Dennis continued.

“Was Asteroth...some bloody guerilla's with powerful guns. This town might not look like much from here but back then it was full of life.”

“And then they came along on trashed the place?” DXP replied.

“Yeah...trashed and murdered a lot of innocent people like typical bloody guerilla's do.”

“And is that how you lost those arms of yours?”

“What...Don't be so bloody stupid, I lost these a long time ago when 'they' attacked...

“You mean the machines huh?”

“Bleeding rusty buckets, with no soul that's all they ever will be to me.” Dennis replied as he slammed his fist smashing a portion of concrete, DXP flinched.

“I vowed to protect this town from anything, whether its those guerilla's or damn machines they get in my way...” Dennis replied as he started straight at DXP who gulped slightly.

“He's lying, stress levels in his voice prove that.”

“And why the hell is that a problem?”

“I just thought you should know.” Was Aya' reply.

“Oh bleeding ell, here I was smashing things and creeping you out Wintermote.” Dennis replied with a hearty laugh at the end.

“It fine honestly.” DXP replied, suddenly a beeping sound started ringing out from Dennis.

“Ah Bleeding ell now what?” He replied as he pushed a few buttons on his arm, a screen appeared with what seemed to be a cop or soldier.

“Sir we need you at the front gate some of them showed up...” The soldier replied.

“Them...Ah Jesus...'old them there i'm on my way.” Dennis replied a sense of dread in his voice.

“Problem?” DXP replied.

“Nah nothing to concern ya's with, if ya's need a room the inn over there should be able to accommodate ya's.” He replied again pointing as he started to run down the creaky metal stairs again.

“Something was bugging him...” DXP said.

“Don't need an IQ of 300 to figure that out.”

“Hey what the hell....” DXP was interrupted by the rain that started to fall.

“Seems its going to be a 17 on the acid scale tonight.” Aya replied.

“Bloody rain....” DXP replied as he started running down the building and onto the street, big puddles starting to form.

“You really need to invest in better attire DXP.”

“What does that mean? My fashion statement sucks?”

“Never mentioned anything about your fashion statement, but yes its lacking.”

“Bloody typical AI....”

“I can hear you even when you think it DXP.” Was Aya' reply as DXP continued to run, opening the door to the inn as a massive downpour occurred.

Inside was a small metal desk, the lights inside must have being artificial so not connected to any main electric supply, a few chairs were littering the place seemed like they were comfy. Behind the counter watching a very wet and dripping DXP was an old man must have being in his 60's.

“Darn seems like another cold shower eh sonny?” He replied coughing at the end.

“Cold shower indeed.” DXP said as he approached the counter.

“Let me guess Dennis sent you here didn't he? He always sends travellers here.” The man replied as he drew a tablet from a desk behind the counter.

“Yeah I could do with a room for the night if that's not a problem?” DXP asked.

“No not a problem sonny.”

“So how much is a room?”

“For you sonny nothing, seems Dennis paid for your room in full.”

“He what?....” DXP replied.

“Yeah ordered the master suite, haven't a clue why it only has that darn computer terminal thingy.” The man replied as he started digging around in another desk.

“He's so literate isn't he?”

“Hey respect your elders.” DXP said internally.

“Here it is room 3, its up those stairs and to your right.” The man replied as he handed DXP the key.

“Thanks.” He replied as he started to walk upstairs.

The stairs themselves were old creaky and worn, DXP liked the sound and feel it felt old and refined to him. Several seconds later he was in front of door 3, a lone card reader sat there etched into the wall.

“A card reader door eh?” DXP said as he swiped the key he was given a green light appeared as the door unlocked. He slowly opened the door to reveal the standard things room has a bed, table, a chair, a nice view of the town but in the corner....

“Is that another type 2?” DXP asked Aya.

“Yeah want to connect?”

“Sure what's the worst that could happen?” was his reply as he put his hand on the small display on the machine, suddenly more information was displayed on the HUD, files were getting installed and updated.

“Anything interesting?”

“Can't see anything yet, its mainly kernel updates.”

“That's all...bloody hell...” DXP replied as he removed his jacket and un-holstered his weapons laying them on the bed.

“Just bare with me.....”

“Do I have any choice?” He replied sarcastically.

Files Found: 25/25

Files Recovered: 22/25

Corrupted Files: 3/25

Install files? Y/N

"What kind of files?” DXP asked.

“Seems its a collection of information and a few video files that may prove useful.” she replied.

“Install them then...” He replied as again like before zero's and one's started scrolling up and down the HUD.

“Some thing’s wrong....”

“What?!” DXP exclaimed.

“Are you there?.....” Was Aya' last words as DXP found himself in a place he couldn't recognize, as he watched the corners of the room started to peel revealing another construct altogether, seconds later the entire room was nothing but a long dusty road with buildings scattered around.

“Where the hell am I?!” DXP exclaimed as he looked back and forth and saw nothing. All around was nothing more than deserted buildings, that's when he heard it first it sounded dull but then it got louder and louder, as he looked round his jaw dropped.

“What kind of shit is this?!” He exclaimed as in the distance machines in different shapes and forms were rumbling towards him, dust flickering everywhere, he checked he had no weapons...

“Ah crap!” He exclaimed as he started to run, when he suddenly stopped he was surrounded at every angle.

“Aya I could use your help right about now!” He said as he looked for any way out but every machine had each section covered now they were closing in on him further.

“Damn it what the hell is this?!” DXP exclaimed as he heard the charge of a heavy cannon, when suddenly someone appeared next to DXP, but the thing was it looked exactly like him just with longer hair, shades a longer beard and wait....

“That weapon....” DXP registered it as the man standing beside him loaded it, a 14 Gauge offensive rifle a very rare one of a kind weapon and this man was loading it like a pro.

“Who the hell?!” He exclaimed as the man stood his ground aiming the 14 Gauge at the on coming machines, like clockwork they all locked onto this person and started firing.

The man dived In the air using a blast from the 14 gauge to gain momentum, in his free hand was a blade looked like a sword that sliced through wave upon wave, another two shots from the 14 gauge blasted through half of the others leaving only a few standing.

“This is impossible...” DXP said as he stared in awe as the final wave of machines engaged the man who just dived and fired the last rounds from the 14 gauge dropping at as he did and switching to another weapon, it looked like an ordinary sawn off shotgun but when it fired and tore an entire machine to pieces DXP realized it was more powerful than a standard one. Several seconds later and the battle was over all the machines in their hundreds lay in pieces all twisted and blown up and standing in the middle of them all was a lone man who DXP couldn't identify, suddenly the pair stared at each other.

“I guess you have many questions right?” The man replied as he holstered his weapons.

“I wouldn't bother asking me anything, I’m nothing more than a recording.” He continued.

“So your wondering who the hell I am and how I have access to weaponry that I have right?” DXP nodded.

“I am one of the members of a small unit known as the death wings, that isn't our real title though.....

“Anyway if your seeing this then she is in danger, and now my friend you are the only one who can help her.”

“Help who?”

“I guess its who right? My little sister, you probably already have met her Rebecca?”

“No.....”DXP replied a sense of dread in his voice.

“She is in mortal danger and as of now many forces will be gathering to try their best to kill her. You cannot let that happen are we reading the same page?” The man asked.

“......”

“I have entrusted you with this information subject 214 she must live no matter the cost. Make no mistake the mission you have being given is going to be difficult but I know you can pull it off.” The man continued.

“Wait....What about...”

“These munitions exist, the locations have being uploaded with this message. There is one other thing Subject 214....

“More bad news....” DXP replied.

“If for any reason the mission fails mankind is doomed, but if things become too impossible your memory will be terminated, she needs to live otherwise everything will be for nothing, and now 'they' will know where you are. Good Luck 214.

“Wait....terminate?! They?! What kind of bullshit is that?!” DXP exclaimed as the man vanished before his eyes, suddenly DXP's vision went black and he felt himself collapse.

 

1.2

DXP woke up his eyes adjusting slowly to the light, but there was no light it was dark barely light at all. And he could feel something hitting him all over was it rain? His eyes slowly adjusted, he didn't know where he was but he did know that there was a person staring back at him from the ground where he was laying, long brown hair wearing a pair of glasses it was his nightmare happening all over again.

“How long do you plan on lying there huh?” She replied looking at DXP who was in turn staring back at her.

“What do you mean how long? Am I dreaming?” He replied as he slowly sat up again taking in his surroundings his gaze met with an old house, it looked over a 100 years old cracks had started to form in the stonework but it looked sad and miserable like it had lost its way all those years ago.

“You see it too?” The girl again replied this time looking where DXP was.

“I remember seeing this months ago in my dreams....”

“But machines don't dream do they?” The girl replied with a sense of bitterness.

“......”DXP was about to say something when he continued to stand up again looking around it was still dull in fact the only thing he could see was the house and this girl who he knew all too well..

“Finally you got back on your feet didn't you?” She replied with a small smile on her face.

“You can't be here its impossible your back in New Teck...”

“Nothing is impossible is it?” She replied back as she walked in front of DXP near to the house.

“Why do you people persist on saying nothing can be impossible?”

“Because your alive and have been for a while like I knew you were.” She again replied.

“How can a machine be truly alive if its nothing more than a machine?” DXP replied folding his arms.

“Your asking me that after what has happened so far?”

“Yes I am, even though I know your not really here.”

“I believe your alive I always did, but no you had to put your ethics in front of that didn't you?”

“I....”

“Not to mention you left me there crying my damn eyes out over your little outburst, how do you think that made me feel?” The girl continued.

“Do you think I wanted to do that?!”

“Yes I do, because your so stubborn and stuck up thinking you are something your not.”

“What.....”

“You lied to me to everyone you fight alongside and you let them hound you with all their crap!”

“But I....”

“You took the fall for all of them protecting everyone when that siege went down, and now what are you some sort of recluse?”

“I took the fall because it was my damn fault!”

“No you took the fall because your nothing but a puppet that follows every command.”

“Maybe I am, but for that instance it was my fault....”

“Violet dying wasn't your fault, Ellie dying was that your fault too?”

“......”

“You are walking away because you don't want any responsibility, that's the real reason!”

“Bex that's not the reason and you know that!” DXP exclaimed slamming his fist against what felt like a rock fragment.

“So what is the truth then? Why did you abandon me when I needed you?!” Bex exclaimed tears starting to pour down her face.

“I......”

“See look at you now you can't come up with a real answer can you?!”

“I did it.....”

“For my own safety? Don't make me laugh.”

“But I did I left to make sure you were safe if I hadn't....”

“If you hadn't you would have what died?” I thought machines couldn't die?”

“......” There was a long pause between the pair of them. The rain that had started before was getting worse, tears still were running down Bex's face making here eyes bloodshot.

“I don't know what the hell this is....but i'm getting sick of it....”

“What getting sick of me invading your dreams?”

“For all I know your nothing more than a memory implanted because I know your still alive and in New Teck.

“Yeah that's true. I am in New Teck but I’m also here.” Bex replied looking straight into DXP's eyes.

“So for all I know you could be a glitch in my system and I created you as some coping mechanism.”

“Hmm and you would love it wouldn't you if I never really existed at all?” she replied.

“Wait.....” DXP remembered his last 'dream' and it never got farther than this.

“For what?”

“This was like last time...but we never got this far.”

“Yeah we never did, so am I still just a part of your memory created to punish you?”

“I wouldn't be surprised if you were a part of my memory, some bug that just created you to look like her.”

“Or I could be the real her somehow projecting myself into your mind, but how would you be so sure?”

“That's impossible....”

“So how would I know you still look at that picture?” Bex replied as DXP looked in shock at her.

“Its always in your back left pocket since you use your left hand for reading and looking at things.”

“No way....”

“How do I know that your in there somewhere bro huh?”

“But.....Bex we went over this before.”

“No we didn't you just lied to me like you always do.”

“I never lied to you how can you say that?!”

“When you left me behind after screaming at me that's when you told more lies, the first was always denying that your my brother.” She replied.

“But I’m not your brother how can a machine have any family? How can I ever be anything like family to you after failing to protect Ellie?”

“You idiot....you don't get it do you? She died so that you could remember even a fragment of your previous life! She died protecting me and you!”

“But there's nothing there I don't remember you or her or anything you keep going on and on about!” DXP exclaimed.

“So this house doesn't look familiar huh?” Bex replied as she again looked at the house.

“No I don't, Should I?”

“This is where me, you, Ellie and Kahn all grew up, you remember the tree outside?” She replied as a tree suddenly grew out of the dark floor.

“No.....”

“When you were 6 you fell out of it and broke your arm, you cried for four hours until you had it fixed.”

“You wouldn't know that you weren't born then.” Was DXP's reply.

“Interesting so we agree on one thing do we?”

“..........Bex.”

“So it seems there is at least one fragment in your mind DXP.” She replied a small smile starting to develop on her face.

“But for all I know that particular memory could be just programmed.”

“So why are you clutching your right arm like that huh?” Bex replied as DXP looked she was right he was holding his right arm, the same arm that had being broken when he had fallen out of a tree when he was 9.

“Impossible....”

“Why does it have to be impossible?”

“Because your not here.”

“Not this again....”

“No listen you are not here, you are at New Teck where I left you 2 months ago. You aren't here your a glitch or a bug that resembles Bex either to trick me or punish me!” DXP exclaimed as he felt a slap on his left hand side of his face, Bex again her eyes filling with tears.

“Punish you is that ALL you can think about?! Always about you?!” she exclaimed.

“Cut the crap!” He exclaimed as Bex Slapped him again and again even a few punches were thrown, in that whole exchange DXP didn't retaliate once, in the end with all her energy gone Bex collapsed DXP grabbing her before she hit the floor.

“I hate...you” She exclaimed tears continuing to fall down her face.

“I don't blame you....but please move on with your life and forget about me.”

“How can you say that? After everything you have been through, after all the blood that has being shed you want me to give up on you?”

“Yeah...I'm not asking you to I'm telling you too I’m a bad influence on you.”

“Your lying again....why.....why are you saying all this to me what are you hiding from me Kol? How many more lies will you say in order to get to where you need too?” She replied with bloodshot eyes again.

“Bex....enough. Get a grip there was a reason why I had to leave and I am not telling you why, its none of your damn business.”

“Liar....see your doing it all now, you carry that picture, you remember things, you were distant with me and you tell me honestly that the reason you can't tell me is because its none of my business?”

“Your not my problem anymore, you never were so leave me the hell alone!” He exclaimed dropping her to the ground.

“How could you be so....so...” Bex replied looking like she did in that hall months ago the exact same pose the exact same shattered spirit, those eyes again bloodshot, tears rolling down them.

“Because i'm not who you think I am!” There was a long pause between the pair the only thing making any noise was the rain drops.

“To think I trusted you.....all those times and now you do this to me I hate you DXP!” Bex exclaimed as she collapsed crying her eyes out, DXP just looked away and continued walking to where ever the hell he could go.

“DXP are you there?!”

“Aya?!” DXP exclaimed as he shot up, staring around the room, he was in the inn like he was last night.

“What happened to you?!”

“I don't know....I haven't moved from here have I?” DXP asked as he slowly stood up pain was shooting all over his face, he looked in the mirror and saw bruises that looked like...

“Fists?!” He exclaimed.

“After we interfaced with the Mark 2 you collapsed, you again vanished from my logics and remained there until now.”

“But these....bruises, how the hell.....No there is no way in hell that was even real!”

“What wasn't?”

“No It couldn't have being real,I must have punched myself that's the only logical thing that could have happened.”

“DXP you couldn't have hit yourself like that, As I said you were away from my logics you couldn't have done anything like that....”

“Then how in the blue hell did this happen then?!” DXP exclaimed as he winced at some of the pain.

“I can't come up with a 100% answer DXP, for all I know you could have sleepwalked, banged into something anything.” Aya replied.

Before DXP could answer any of that logic someone banged on his door.

“Who's there?”

“It's me kid!” Dennis replied sounded like he had jogged there.

“What's ups?” DXP asked as he opened his door letting him in.

“Somebody iced Sinjaz last night!”

“WHAT?!” DXP exclaimed.

“A clean shot to is bleeding head, when I find the bastard that did this!” Dennis exclaimed as he slammed his fist making a nice dent in the wall.

“What do you need from me?”

“Need ya's to come and look at this!” He exclaimed as he grabbed hold of DXP's arm and dragged him into the street below. Outside lots of people were standing around causing commotion as DXP and Dennis moved closer DXP could make out one thing. It was all in red letters spray painted on the wall was the words

“DXP LIVES!”

DXP looked in shock who the hell had written this?

“Bleeding DXP that's all we need is some ass-hole with a gun running loose...” Dennis replied.

“Isn't he a bad guy?” Said one person.

“No he's that commander from those mercs.” Said another.

“Do we have to prepare the defences?” said another. The commotion was getting worse but what made it even worse for DXP was he was standing in front of all of these people who were all mixed about him and if they ever found out who he was....

“CAN I GET SOME BLEEDING ORDER HERE JESUS?!!” Dennis exclaimed as everyone quietened down apart from some small coughs here and there.

“So we may have a certain soldier poking around's here that shouldn't mean we all start to panic.”

“What do you intend to do Dennis?” Asked one of the residents.

“Increase the security on this place, only for a couple days too makes ya all happy, I will start my own investigation....”

“You think he was the one that killed Sinjaz?!” another resident exclaimed causing more commotion.

“LISTEN!!!! I don't think he had anything to do with his death, but if I finds out he has....” Dennis replied.

“This seems bad don't you think?”

“Well no shit, now I have some nut-job gunning people down in my name!” DXP exclaimed internally.

“What's do ya's think then?” Dennis asked making DXP jump out of skin.

“Do I think DXP is behind this?”

“Yeah ya's think he is?” Dennis replied folding his arms looking at the graffiti

“No...DXP would never do something so revealing he's what a soldier isn't he? Why would a soldier do something like that?”

“Hmmm ya's do make a valid point.”

“You don't seem convinced?” DXP replied.

“Keep this between ya's and me ok?”

“Ok what?”

“We detected him on his way in, couple days ago, and not only that...we had word that Asteroth are here...”

“What?!” DXP exclaimed.

“I don't want to worry the townsfolk....I need ya's help Wintermote.”

“Why me?” DXP asked.

“Ya's came in here with guns so I assume ya's can use them?”

“Well yeah....”

“I need ya's to help keep the place safe I haven't a clue when they will appear....” Dennis replied with a grim tone.

 

Suddenly the earth shook as dust started to emerge a few feet away as thousands of screams occurred at once.

“What the ell?!” Dennis exclaimed, as a entity emerged from the shadows it was tall, walking on two feet but they were slow and deliberate.

“Scanning....” Aya replied as numbers scrolled up the interface. Massive thuds continued as the entity continued to move concrete exploding into clusters as it did.

“What the bleeding elll!”

“IT'S A METAL FRAME!!!!!” One person screamed as they ran past.

“A Metal walker?!” Dennis exclaimed.

“Final scan confirmed: Machine is K-Owl K -10” Aya replied.

“That's impossible those things vanished 500 years ago!” DXP exclaimed.

The K-Owl stopped in its track red beams appeared as it scanned the area, they were given the name due to them resembling owls, on the front and back there was metal rods that supported a round upper body that could move 180 degrees in any direction to emulate an owl's head moving, the feet were again shaped like a birds for quick grab methods when in close quarters, the one thing these were famous for was the multi machine guns that were its arms one soldier reported they were like wings of hell that exploded with instant death.

“Its impossible....just like that dream last night...” DXP replied.

“DXP what are you going to do?!” Aya exclaimed as the K-Owl started to move again still scanning.

“Turn the damn thing into scrap metal!” DXP exclaimed as he started to walk forward, un-holstering the Harabich

“Wintermote where the ell are ya's going?!” Dennis exclaimed.

“How do you want to approach this?” Aya asked.

“Easy we take the damn thing down without loss of life.” DXP replied as he continued walking in the heavy rain that started to pour on what had become a battlefield.

“You do know that sort of idea is suicide right?”

“So what would your suggestion be?”

“Not to walk right into a battle, your smarter than that remember?”

“I won't let anyone get hurt by this thing...don't you think there is enough bloodshed in this world?” DXP replied as he loaded the Harabich with armour piercing rounds.

“Confirming Target....Target confirmed as DXP, preparing to intercept.” The K-owl replied.

“DXP?!” Dennis exclaimed as murmurs also followed, all eyes were now on DXP who stood a few feet away, cocking his head to one side.

“Well aren't you a chattering one?”

“Hold position and prepare for termination.” The K-owls one toned voice commanded.

“I have a better idea....how about I blow you to little pieces?” DXP replied as he fired a round from his Harabich damaging the K-owls scanning system.

In that instant DXP was running and taking cover behind a cluster of overturned concrete while assessing his situation.

“We can lure it...”

“Impossible its not stupid and this one isn't running on an old AI it looks new.”

“But that's....” DXP replied as a massive talon tore through the concrete like a knife through butter, he instantly started running up a couple of more streets as the K-Owl gave pursuit firing rounds as he did.

“This is not a real K-Owl....” DXP said as he continued running gasping for air.

“Hate to say I told you so.” Aya replied.

“There has to be a way to stop this damn thing!” DXP exclaimed as he reloaded the Harabich quickly.

“Maybe aiming at those metal rods on its front and back may help, they seem to be the weakest structure wise.”

DXP began to turn back and fire when he realized the K-Owl had vanished.

“Ok where the hell is it?!” He exclaimed. Suddenly DXP was blown off his feet by artillery fire, he rolled into cover and realized what had happened.

“Damn that thing is using its machine guns!” he exclaimed as he took a quick look and dived behind the scrap metal he had fallen behind, the K-Owl was in combat form its wings in machine gun mode and they were tearing things apart.

“We can't approach it from the front now that would be suicide...” DXP replied. Screams started to burst into the air as the K-Owl continued its assault, when DXP looked again he saw bodies scattered everywhere but one...a kid was still alive and the K-Owl was about to kill him.

“Not on my watch!” DXP exclaimed as he ran out firing every round he had in his Harabich until it clicked dry, each one hitting an area outside of the front metal rod,.only one managed to damage it.

“GET OUT OF HERE KID RUN!” DXP exclaimed as he pushed the kid further up the street where Dennis was watching on, his and DXP's eyes stared at each other as he felt something wrap round his leg and drag him upwards.

“AHHHHHH!” he exclaimed as he felt the atmosphere crush his body, water was hitting him at a astonishing rate soaking him as he felt his body slam into the ground below.

“Hull integrity is at 85% DXP” Aya replied, he laid there for a few minutes trying to stand until he felt himself getting lifter up again and slammed into what felt like a lamp post and again the floor.

“Damn it DXP do something!”

His eyes shot open as pain ran through his body, it felt like a few joints had broken one hand felt the same, and now he could taste and feel blood dripping from his face.

“AHHH JESUS!” He exclaimed as he once again could see where he was going and this time it was a building full force.

“Impact in 10 seconds!” Aya exclaimed.

“Activate the main blades!” DXP exclaimed.

“Main blades activated!” Aya replied suddenly blades emerged from DXP's arms both at the sides and the shoulders of both arms, each one displaying hazard signs and were very rusty.

“So you want to play rough huh you son of a bitch?!” DXP exclaimed as he saw the building looming in front of him, he adjusted his arms in a horizontal position as the blades impacted the building sticking into place.

“Use code vector 12 to plot coordinates for final assault!” DXP exclaimed.

“Plotted, your drop point should be here marked on the UI map” Aya replied as DXP with what strength he had left pushed off the wall and managed to drop on the top of the K-Owl tearing the wire it had fired at DXP earlier allowing it to throw him around like a rag-doll, it was now moving around trying to shake DXP off.

“Oh I don't think so you piece of junk!” he exclaimed as he slammed a blade through the K-Owls hull and started tearing it to shreds, suddenly he located the power source.

“I Guess this is goodbye AHHHHHHHHH!” DXP screamed as he lunged a blade into the system sparks and explosions occurred as he was knocked off back onto solid ground as the K-Owl started to kick and smash into buildings until it suddenly collapsed into a heap causing one hell of an explosion.

DXP lay there on the ground as the rain poured over him battered and bloody he didn't have the energy to move.

“Your energy levels are fine DXP but you have taken several degrees of damage, activating the antibiotics.” Aya replied.

“So I’m not dead?” He asked.

“No just badly battered, or as you would say several degrees of crap kicked out of you.”

“Ha really?” He laughed weakly, as he looked up his and Dennis's eyes met.

“Oh Crap...”

“So ya the one they call DXP huh?” Dennis replied with a dead serious tone in his voice.

“Yeah....I am former Alpha Team commander DXP that a problem?” DXP asked again still lying on the floor.

“So ya's lied to me?! To my face no bloody less!” Dennis exclaimed as he cracked his knuckles.

“I didn't lie to you intentionally if that's what you think.”

“Intentionally?! Ya a wanted man and ya didn't lie to me bloody intentionally?!!!” He exclaimed looking like he could pound DXP instantly.

“I told you to knock him out when you had the chance.”

“Oh shut up Aya I don't harm innocent people!” DXP exclaimed Dennis looking confused.

“Now who the ell ya talking to?”

“My on board AI unit, she told me to knock you out because you talk too much.” DXP replied as he stood up slowly his head felt like it had been smashed around like a wrecking ball, which wasn't far from the truth.

“On board AI oh great ya have one of those?!” Dennis asked.

“Well yeah, that's what a cyborg like me would have right?”

“Bleeding cyborgs and now ya's....Jesus what else could go wrong huh?!”

“Sir that K-Owl's markings....their Asteroth's!” A trooper exclaimed as he looked at the wreckage.

“Not them!!” Dennis exclaimed as he looked at the insignia on the metal that remained of the K-Owl, and sure enough there was one a skeleton wearing a pirates hat.

“Kinda ironic to have a insignia like that.” DXP replied.

“This doesn't concern ya!”

“Really so why was it after me?” DXP asked grabbing Dennis's arm and dragging him round.

“Get ya arm off me!” Dennis exclaimed knocking DXP's arm away.

“Then listen Dammit! This militia Asteroth are after me, they sent this hunk of junk to capture me.” DXP said.

“Then leave this place! If anything ya a bleeding curse!” Dennis exclaimed.

“Fine I will...” DXP replied as he started to walk away.

“HEY WE AIN'T FINISHED HERE!!!!” Dennis exclaimed.

“YES WE ARE!” DXP exclaimed back as he continued walking away as Dennis ran after him catching him up.

“Now what the hell do you want?” DXP asked as he continued walking picking his Harabich up as he did so.

“I....I don't know how to react to ya's!” Dennis replied.

“What the hell are you babbling about?”

“Ya DXP the leader of the PMC Alpha Team, ya a legend!”

“Believe me I’m not what you think I am.....”

“Why are guys like you always like this? Can't ya take a compliment?”

“No I can't...its not a worthy compliment.”

“But....”

“Look what do you want Dennis?” DXP replied as he stopped and looked Dennis square in the face.

“Look...I need a guy like ya here.”

“A guy like me?”

“A soldier who knows right from wrong, someone who knows who to kill.”

“I'm not a soldier any-more and your wrong, I don't know anything....”

“DXP all those campaigns against Blitz Z, bringing down several major military weapon companies, and ya telling me ya don't know anything at bleeding all?” Dennis asked, as DXP lit a Raulbutter.

“Think what you want but all that bullshit isn't the truth its just some lies spun by the government to make people feel safe....”

“But back in New Teck when there was a siege you saved the entire HQ didn't you?”

“AND KILLED AN INNOCENT PERSON LOOK JUST LEAVE ME THE HELL ALONE!!!!” DXP shouted in an angry tone and walked away, as his gaze met with several uniformed troopers all of them with skull wearing a pirates hat....”

“Asteroth!” DXP exclaimed as he drew his Glock aiming it at the men in uniforms.

“HOW THE BLEEDING ELL!” Dennis exclaimed as he drew what looked like a imitation Glock from his arm holster.

“Well its been a long time hasn't it Dennis?” One of the soldiers replied.

“Ya bastard....after last time I thought ya would be dead!” Dennis replied with clenched teeth.

“DXP you are indeed a tricky man to track down I can see why they call you a professional.” The soldier replied.

“And who are you supposed to be the resident jar head?” DXP asked still not lowering his Glock.

“I am an enigma a bit like you.” He replied as he removed his mask, underneath was a face made up of human and mechanical parts, a bright red LED acting as one of the eyes, he looked like he was in his late 30's to late 40's and had a longish beard and short black hair. But his face was like Dennis in every way.

“Who the hell are you?” DXP asked.

“Asteroth commander Troy Barry, Dennis's little brother isn't that right bro?” Troy replied.

“You little bastard, if your mother could see what ya became she would die all over again!” Dennis replied in a really pissed off tone.

“No is that anyway to treat your sibling huh? After all we have been through you won't accept me as your brother?” Troy enquired a snarling smile appeared on his war torn face.

“Shut ya effing mouth!” Dennis exclaimed as he ran at Troy, only realizing at the last moment he was firing a taser at him, Dennis was hit with 50,000 volts and instantly collapsed.

“You sick bastard what kind of person would do that to their family?!” DXP exclaimed as he continued to aim his Glock.

“The same sick bastard that murdered an innocent person and left a girl broken inside wasn't that what you did DXP?”

“Don't you bring me up in all this!” He exclaimed.

“But its the truth isn't it? You left New Teck because everyone hates you.”

“Ignore him, he's what do you say...all talk no...”

“Enough Aya!” DXP replied internally.

“Care to repeat that AI?” Troy replied.

“How did you know what she said?”

“It said, it only sounds like a she come on DXP!” Troy replied.

“Your not answering the question!”

“I thought that would be simple?” Troy replied as he removed a device, information streaming up and down.

“An AI decoder?”

“Yeah I know what you two have been talking about for a while now, very interesting conversations about what makes a human a human, why can't you answer some questions though DXP?”

“That's none of your damn business...” he replied.

“Is it because you know what kind of monster you really are?”

“I'm warning you....”

“Deep down your nothing but a killer aren't you? I mean that's good keeps the blood pumping doesn't it?”

“I am nothing like you....”

“Oh so what about Bex huh? Your sister isn't she?”

“I WARNED YOU!” DXP exclaimed as he aimed his Glock at Troy sniggering face, when suddenly something weird happened.

ACCESS VIOLATION PROTOCOL 113 appeared on the user display.

“What the hell?!” he tried to fire his Glock again.

ACCESS VIOLATION PROTOCOL 113 this time the user display went red and a piercing pain hit DXP straight in the head.

“AHHHHHHHH!” he exclaimed as he collapsed to the floor.

“I'm trying to figure out what's happening.” Aya replied.

“I wouldn't try we did some tinkering to your programming DXP you can't harm any of us no matter how hard you want to.” Troy replied letting out a gleeful laugh.

“You bastard...” he managed to get out.

“Its true some code has being completely re-wrote, and its all to your main processor!” Aya exclaimed as more stuff continued to pop up on the UI.

“You can't fix it no matter what you do, I'll prove it.” Troy replied as he pushed the kid DXP saved before gun to his head.

“Leeeet.....let him go....” Dennis barely replied.

“So DXP can you save him? Be the hero again?” Troy replied the kid had fear in his eyes and even DXP could see that.

“You bastard....” he replied as he again tried to aim his Glock

ACCESS VIOLATION PROTOCOL 113 more sharp pains filled DXP's mind.

“Guess you failed.” Troy replied as he shot the kid in the back of the head his body falling to the ground, at first it was a spasm but then he moved no more that same scared look was on his face, the same face DXP saw only moments ago except now it was permanent.

“HOW COULD YOU DO THAT?!” DXP exclaimed still holding his head.

“Because I can and you can't, see your no hero if you can't protect a kid how are you going to protect this sister of yours?”

“LEAVE HER OUT OF THIS!!!” DXP suddenly lunged at Troy who moved out of the way as DXP went head first into the ground.

“You know you shouldn't fight with your emotions, isn't that what they first teach you as a soldier?”

“You bastard!” DXP once again lunged at Troy but felt a swift kick to the chest that one of the other soldiers did knocking DXP flying over near Dennis.

“Vitals are at 45%, DXP you need to stop this!” Aya pleaded.

“An AI pleading with a machine this is just hilarious!” Troy said chuckling.

“I won't let this ass-hole live!” DXP replied internally.

“But you can't attack him he's rewrote some of your code and if you keep this up you will die!”

“hmm I wonder what all these memory files are...” Troy replied.

“DXP he's trying to hack your memory files!” DXP couldn't hear Aya's reply he was in deep thought so many things were running through his mind so much darkness was clouding and he couldn't see anything, all the while his memory files were been erased one by one.

“At the end of this you will be nothing but a shell, then I can take you back.” Was Troy's reply.

“I'm sorry DXP.....” Aya replied but again she couldn't be heard when suddenly DXP looked up and saw someone standing behind the troops but it was impossible she was dead.

“Don't you dare give up, that's not the brother I know!” She replied.

“Ellie?!” DXP exclaimed.

“Wait Ellie?!” suddenly all pain in his head had vanished, his vision back to normal, Aya had now full operational control, the small device in Troy's hand exploded.

“Ahh shit!” he exclaimed dropping the device that shattered.

“You can take him down bro you know you can!” Again Ellie replied.

So...no device now huh?” DXP replied shaking off any of the infection he just had.

“Oh shit...” Troy replied as DXP once again aimed his Glock at the troops.

“Technology its a shit when it breaks isn't it?”

“I suppose!” Troy replied slowly backing a way DXP's expression had gone blank and now even Troy was scared, DXP's open eye was flickering orange and red.

“DXP I detect a spike surge in your system!”

“Ha... what are you idiots waiting for?” He replied.

“What do you.....” Troy replied as one of his troops fell over dead a clean shot to the head from DXP who now moved slowly forward.

“Why don't you grab another innocent person to use as a shield huh?”

“Impossible!” Troy exclaimed as he ran up the street.

“Oh I love it when the run....gets the blood flowing.” DXP replied as he ran in burst speed.

“DXP are you ok?” Aya replied concerned to DXP's sudden change in attitude.

“Never better....” He replied as he continued to pursue Troy.

“Defend me!” Exclaimed Troy as more troops appeared armed with machine guns however each bullet was hitting nothing as DXP ran at each one.

The first one was instantly killed when DXP grabbed his neck and snapped it, the other had no time to react as the machine gun the dead troop had been holding was now pumping through his chest, the other and final one forgot about the massive blades that DXP had and felt the extreme force as one pierced his torso killing him instantly and when all that finished the place was nothing more than a blood bath.

“DXP..........what is happening to you?!” Aya replied.

“TROYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!” DXP screamed as he continued pursuit, the rain continued to pour mixing the blood into the concrete as Troy continued to run for his life, just a few miles away was a chopper and old X-2 model that he had used to get there.

“DXP your energy levels are at 25% you need to stop!” Aya pleaded.

“Not when the hunt is on, besides this is just getting started!” He exclaimed as he continued chasing Troy civilians all moving out of the way.

 

Troy had finally made it back the X-2 was still powered up its rotor blades spinning ready for take off when something jumped in front of him that made him let out a small scream, standing there was DXP covered in blood his one open eye blood red and what made it even more sinister wasn't just the big blood smeared blades it was the inhuman smile now looking at him.

“DXP!”

“I told you...I would kill you!” He exclaimed as he plunged a blade barely missing Troy as he dived out of the way.

“Are you out of your frigging mind?!”

“Me no...but you your a whole different level of scum bag and you know what I do those kind right?” DXP replied still looking at Troy with a look of death plastered on his face.

“Let me go please I’m begging you!” Troy begged, DXP cocked his head to one side.

“Let you live?.......What about that kid you killed did you let him live?” DXP asked again poising himself for the next attack.

“He was collateral damage even you should know that!” Troy exclaimed, suddenly a explosion rang out as DXP was knocked back on his back, a troop inside the chopper had hit him with a shotgun full force.

“DXP YOUR ENERGY LEVEL IS 10%!!!!” Aya exclaimed.

“Well is this the great DXP?” Troy went back to sniggering as he picked up a metal bar off the ground.

“Gee I wonder what you look like on the inside?” He again replied as he approached DXP's body when suddenly he felt a sharp pain hit his side and realized he had been attacked by a blade, Troy felt blood drip on his shoes as his gaze met with DXP's.

“No....I wonder what you look like on the inside!” DXP exclaimed as he kicked Troy into the chopper, the impact made a massive dent appear as DXP fell to his knees his UI all spewing warning errors all over the place.

“GET ME OUT OF HERE!” Troy exclaimed as some of his troops grabbed him into the cargo bay of the X-2 and started to take off, when it was in mid air it locked onto DXP who again was still on his knees blood pouring from a deep chest wound.

“DXP I can't control your bleeding you need to get out of here now!”

“I'm not finished yet!” DXP exclaimed as he with pushed himself up with unknown strength in hand a small portable Missile Launcher that he aimed at the now ascending chopper.

“Said I would get you, you son of a bitch!” He exclaimed as he aimed and fired the launcher it instantly hit the side of the chopper turning it into a hell fire, it crashed into an old rusty structure causing several explosions, then there was nothing more than silence as DXP collapsed to the floor blood still continuing to pour from his wounds.

“DXP SPEAK TO meeee.......” Aya's voice drifted away as DXP closed his eye the last image he saw was Dennis looking at him as his functions ceased.

 

1.3

DXP woke up again in the same place as last time, that old house and again there she was looking back at him.

“You Ok?” She asked.

“Yeah I think so...” He said looking around he had no wounds, no damage, he then turned his attention to her again.

“You still hate me?” He asked her, Bex looked at him with sorrowful eyes.

“How could I hate you?” she replied.

“Because of what you said last time....” DXP replied as he again looked around.

“So you still think I’m some creation you thought up?” Bex asked him.

“I don't know....if this is a way that we can communicate I can live with that.” He replied.

“Good.” Bex replied walking over to him.

“You do know your dying right?”

“What?!” DXP exclaimed.

“Aya warned you not to over do it but typical you, you did and now your on the verge of death.”

“I had to get that bastard....” was DXP's reply as he sat down on a turned over log.

“Did you really?”

“He killed a kid Bex, A damn kid anyone that does that deserves to die!”

“But do they?”

“What do you mean do they?!” DXP exclaimed.

“Yeah what gives you the right to kill a person?” She asked adjusting her glasses.

“Well......”

“Yeah see you can't come up with an answer to that can you?” Bex replied as she sat down next to DXP.

“I don't know...” he replied.

“Do you remember anything at all?” She asked him looking into his eye, DXP looking back at her.

“There was a few things that spoke out to me nothing major.”

“Tell me about them.” Bex replied as a smile appeared on her face.

“I saw this man looked a bit like your brother, and he dived into all these machines blowing and tearing them apart.”

“Sounds like him.” She replied back with the smile still appearing.

“He then told me something.”

“WHAT?!” Bex Exclaimed.

“He said Anyway if your seeing this then she is in danger, and now my friend you are the only one who can help her.” DXP began, Bex listening on with intensity.

“I guess its who right? My little sister, you probably already have met her Rebecca?

She is in mortal danger and as of now many forces will be gathering to try their best to kill her. You cannot let that happen are we reading the same page?” DXP repeated the words.

“Bro....” Bex replied as tears started to form in her eyes.

“In other words I'm now your protector like I always was originally.” DXP replied.

“I see...” Bex replied.

“Yet you don't seem happy?” DXP asked.

“They really have done a number on you haven't they?”

“Maybe I don't know....” DXP replied as he slowly stood up.

“I hope you get your memories back.” Bex replied.

“Bex tell me something, what is this place?” DXP asked.

“Its a place where I can talk to you when you need to talk to me or I need to talk to you, you can come here.”

“So where are you in New Teck right now?”

“I'm asleep believe it of not.” She said chuckling.

“But how can you do this if your asleep?” DXP asked with a confused look on his face.

“Maybe its a bond we have forged, or its something else I’ll let you decide.” Bex replied.

“And why this particular house?”

“Its the house I grew up in with Kahn,Ellie and Kol so many happy memories of when I was a kid....”

“Makes sense....” DXP replied.

“How are you feeling DXP?”

“Like hell....but I'm used to it.” he replied as he looked back at Bex.

“How is everyone at the base?”

“Chaos as you know, Lin misses you a lot, as does Rick and the others.”

“I knew that old sod would.” DXP replied with a blank expression.

“He's not old he's only 35 you know?” Bex replied.

“I know, just a joke between me and him.”

“You mention this joke thing again?”

“Aya?!”DXP exclaimed as a number of binary code appeared standing next to Bex.

“Yeah she can come here too.” Bex replied.

“You humans all look weird you know.”

“Hang on a minute, last time you said you couldn't find me because I was out of logistics range, so how can she be here now?” DXP asked confusingly.

“Its simple I showed her how to find you.” Bex said grinning.

“Oh no.....”

“What?”

“You do know now she knows about this place she won't shut up 24/7 now right?” DXP said as Bex chuckled.

“And what is wrong with that DXP?” Aya replied.

“I need my own space once in a while you know?”

“We share the same space DXP, deal with it.” was Aya's reply.

“Hey now hang on a minute!”

“No we share the same space and I’m not taking no for an answer.”

“But I wasn't.....”

“Look I don't care I’m staying here and you can't tell me what to do.”

“Fine bloody hell....bloody Ai's and their nature...”

“What was that?”

“Nothing Mom.” DXP replied as Bex burst out laughing.

“Tell me how I’m doing Aya.” DXP asked.

“Your doing fine, Dennis picked you up and rushed you to hospital. They patched your wounds up and your responding well to the treatment.” Aya replied.

“That's a good thing....”DXP replied.

“Do you two always argue like this?” Bex asked.

“All the time.” the pair replied at the same time.

“HA, your even in perfect synch!” Bex exclaimed as she laughed again.

“Now that was a lame joke.” DXP replied.

“I still don't get this joke thing you know?” Aya replied with a confused tone.

“Well you and DXP said it at the same time, and since your both in the same system...” Bex started to say.

“I get that now!” Aya replied as she started to do what sounded like an artificial laugh but it sounded more one toned then anything the sound an old dial up modem would make.

“Ahh....Aya you might want to work on that laugh a bit...” DXP replied.

“Yeah I see what you mean.”

“Why don't you have a physical form Aya? Your just all numbers at the minute.” Bex asked.

“Well I am an AI after all we aren't created for are looks just for what we can do.” Aya replied.

“So you haven't tried?” DXP asked.

“You humans have a difficult frame to you, so many years and you age and your bodies do the same.”

“Yeah I get what you mean.”

“But would you try maybe a little bit?” Bex asked.

“To look more human?”

“Yeah I bet you would be able to look like us no problem!” Bex said with a smile on her face.

“Well....I've never been asked to look more human, but for you Bex I’ll try.” Aya replied.

“Although I think it will freak old DXP out, he only sees me as a voice having a body might take him over the edge.”

“I am here you know!” DXP exclaimed folding his arms as Bex laughed.

“But don't you fear that aspect?” Aya asked Bex.

“Why would I fear that?” Bex asked.

“Because even if you look human you lack any emotions that would make you human is that what you mean?” DXP replied.

“Yes.....Mankind once feared that machines would become more like them to the point that you wouldn't be able to tell the difference.”

“Yeah that changed when the war broke out....” DXP replied.

“DXP are you aware of the law of robotics?”

“The three rules of robotics? That every machine should be built to follow?”

“Yes those, why didn't humans follows those rules when they made us?”

“Because humanity is a weak species that's why.” DXP replied with a cynical tone.

“Are you sure their all weak? The amount of information I’ve looked at about humanity and what it has achieved.”

“So you know how much carnage they made when they created the nuclear bomb? When they killed one another for 'peace'?” DXP replied.

“That doesn't apply to all aspects though does it?”

“She's right DXP.” Bex replied standing next to him having to look up since he was taller than her.
“Maybe...but that's the way humanity is to me OK?” he replied.

“I....See.” Aya replied.

“Does that include what you still fight for?” Bex asked.

“I don't know what I’m fighting for at the moment....” Was his reply.

“So you vanished and left but you don't know why?”

“Yeah Bex I did.....” DXP replied as he looked Bex straight in the eyes.

“I see...” Bex replied.

“I better get back make sure all your diagnostics are running.” Aya replied as she vanished.

“And I have to stay here until I wake up...” Bex replied with a sad tone.

“Bex.....about last time.”

“Forget it...”

“No....I'm sorry I shouted at you.” DXP replied.

“Really?”

“Yes I still can't get over that I can actually communicate with you here.”

“Yeah last time you did say something on the lines of I must be a part of your conscious or something like that.” She replied.

“Yeah....again I’m sorry.”

“It's OK don't worry about it.” She said as she smiled.

“Tell Lin something from me will you?”

“Sure.”

“Tell her that she better be training because she won't improve otherwise.” DXP replied.

“I will anything else?”

“And tell the old sod that he shouldn't worry too much.”

“Yeah but you know how Rick is.” Bex chuckled.

“Unfortunately yeah I do.” DXP replied.

“And Bex?”

“Yeah?”

“Take care of yourself ok?” DXP replied.

“You know I will if you do, just come back to me safe don't do anything stupid.”

“I won't....I have too keep my promise don't I?” he replied.

“I just hope you can find him....”

“I hope so too, then you can be a family together again.” DXP replied, Bex looked at him sorrow wrote on her face.

“Get some sleep.” DXP replied as he disconnected from the system section marked as sanctuary.

 

DXP opened his left eye of course he couldn't see much, his vision wasn't 100% seems some sections of the core code hadn't re-activated yet..... He took a quick glance around the room, he could see equipment printing and showing readings a lot of it didn't make any sense however he couldn't see anything perfectly that's when something else caught his eye. About a few yards away was a girl sitting on a chair staring back at DXP, he couldn't make out any features only the long hair, on her right arm was some kind of chunky device but what it was unknown. As he stirred she suddenly rose walking over to him.

“You gave us a nasty shock there DXP.” She replied except the voice was monotone had none of the functions been 100% fixed yet, what the hell was Aya doing?

“Don't try and speak just listen ok?” she replied again putting her left hand on DXP's shoulder easing him down.

“You were on the brink of death, that is why I sound monotone to you. All commands and functions are already being repaired as I speak by Aya. You took quite a bit of damage so just rest up ok?” She replied although DXP couldn't be sure he saw what looked like a smile appear on her face.....but who was she?

“I guess you want to know who I am right? Let's just say I’m a friend and we will meet again soon don't worry, just relax DXP and rest up.” She replied as DXP went back into a hazy gaze and back too sleep.

He woke up again in the place only known as sanctuary Bex was not there but a familiar man was, it was the same guy DXP has seen before.

“So you are alive after all?” The man replied.

“Why are you here?” DXP asked.

“Thought that was obvious I needed to see how you were doing.”

“Don't give me that you were here for something else!” DXP exclaimed as he walked towards the man.

“I forgot me and you are the same, no wonder you question my reasoning.” the man replied chuckling as he turned round folding his arms.

“How are we the same?”

“Well isn't that your story? You need to figure out why we are the same I can't tell you everything can I?” he replied.

“I know this, you are Kol Rairix, a famous military commander....” DXP replied.

“Well you have been busy haven't you?” Kol replied smiling as he did.

“But you vanished never to be seen again, what happened to you?”

“That I can't answer as you need to answer that for yourself.” Kol replied.

“What the hell?! You can't even answer me that?!”

“I don't need too in time you will know all the answers.”

“Ok then answer me this, when you mentioned 'them' before, these people who will be after me, who are they?” DXP asked hoping this question could be answered.

“You downloaded a file, read that and it will become clear.” Kol replied, as a shadow appeared next to him, DXP recognized it straight away.

“Who is this girl?”

“She is an ally in your battle, you could call her your moral compass in a way but she knows you very well.”

“Why would she need to be my moral compass?” DXP asked.

“Because the corruption has already begun DXP that is why....” Was Kol's reply.

“Corruption what corruption?!”

“In time you will see....or maybe you won't. Now wake up!” Kol replied as DXP suddenly woke up in the room he was scanning before he went back into a slumber. He could see clearly he was in a hospital bed, rain could be heard splashing against the windows trying desperately to break in. The door suddenly slide open and Dennis slightly drenched walked in.

“Got the call straight away about ya's.” was his reply.

“Christ you have seen better days.” DXP replied looking at Dennis, his face was badly bruised and even one of his arms had been totalled.

“Nothin but flesh wounds.” he replied.

“You sure about that?”

“Yeah I’m damn sure DXP.” he replied his ordinary expression has vanished.

“I guess this is it then huh?”

“What are ya's talking about now?”

“Well what did you say when you found me?”

“Ha ya's has a good memory.” Dennis replied.

“I know I do....”

“But I can't do that....”

“Why not?”

“Because he isn't allowed that's why.” A voice said as another person entered the room, it was a woman must have been in her early to mid twenties, long brown hair wearing a pair of googles, and on her right arm a chunky device.

“you?!” DXP exclaimed.

“Yeah?”

“You were in here before telling me to calm down and relax.” DXP said looking at her.

“Yeah I was DXP you have been resting for 3 whole days you know.” She replied.

“So you do know's each other?” Dennis replied looking at the pair.

“New Teck City DXP a few months back, NTPD were called to a protest situation down-town?”

“Wait I remember that.....you were there and somehow managed to stop cops opening fire on a bunch of gun nuts, who you somehow managed to persuade to surrender peacefully.”

“Ha yeah that was me.” She replied smiling.

“Well I’m glad that's over been like a bloody bee in china shop this one I tell ya's.” Dennis replied as he left the room.

“Damn you took one hell of amount of damage, had a lot of people worried.” she replied sitting on the end of DXP's bed.

“You look puzzled?” She asked DXP who was really bloody confused.

“Who are you?”

“You forgot me already?” She asked.

“I only remember seeing you, I never remember talking to you.” He replied.

“That's true we never did really talk, only glanced at each other, but you did lecture me about my attitude towards the situation, and how “I could have been killed.”” she replied.

“Wait.....Danni?” DXP suddenly replied as Danni smiled back.

“Yeah that's me.” she said with a smile on her face.

“Hang on what the hell are you doing here?”

“Well I got let out by your sister, she asked me to track you down and keep and eye on you.”

“Is that all?”

“Yeah why you think there is more?”

“At this moment I need to ask everything...” DXP replied.

“Well.....I am also here under Free Nation instructions that Joel passed along.”

“I knew it....”

“Its not what you think.” Danni replied.

“What does he want?”

“He needs your help.”

“Pfft my help? Tell him from me if he wants my help he can bugger off, I’m not fighting some bloody warfare battles so he can blow things up.”

“That's part of the terms if you can’t abide by that, then you will be executed.” Danni replied.

“WHAT?!” DXP shot up exclaiming.

“There are soldiers downstairs just entered the lobby of this building after you.”

“Shit....” DXP replied.

“So are you in or not?” Danni asked.

“Fine I’m in....” DXP replied.

“So are we rogues now? Awesome.” Aya replied.

“What the hell are you talking about?!” DXP exclaimed.

“Get changed and follow me.” Danni replied as DXP got out of the hospital bed slipping back into his clothes, each movement was painful.

“Ok I'm done.”

“Follow me.” Danni replied as she opened the door slowly looking both ways.

 

DXP and Danni walked down the long hallway of the hospital complex, each door they passed looked the same.

“You sure we are even moving?” DXP replied.

“Yeah we are just keep walking...” Danni replied as she carried on.

The pair of them turned the corner and saw the emergency exit door.

“This is the way out.” Danni replied as she approached the door.

“Isn't it a bit stupid and risky using that door?” DXP replied as he finally caught up with Danni resting his weight on the wall.

“Well why don't you go and gun people down instead isn't that how you operate?” She asked.

“No....I don't operate like that at all.”

“Then help me out here.” She replied.

“What do you need?”

“For you to turn around and keep an eye out.” Danni replied.

“Ok fine...” DXP replied as he turned around.

“They are on the 2^nd floor, advancing quite fast.” Aya replied as information once again flooded the user interface.

“Shit what kind of jar heads are they?”

“Look like a private militia.”

“What do you mean looks, have you not actually ID'd them at all?” DXP said sighing.

“Well if you want to ID them go and get yourself shot up.”

“Is that some kind of sick joke?”

“I'm almost done.” Danni replied as DXP heard her fiddling on her device.

“What are you actually doing?”

“Hacking into the network and unlocking this door so we can sneak out.” Danni replied as she continued tapping.

“Great..” DXP replied as he un-holstered his Glock.

“Now on the same level.” Aya replied as Danni finally cracked the network and the door unlocked.

“Come on lets go!” She exclaimed as she looked back at DXP who was now aiming down the hallway.

“What are you doing?!” Danni exclaimed as she grabbed DXP's arm and dragged him outside onto the fire escape.

“Waiting for them to show themselves....” DXP replied.

“Your prepared to kill more people in the process?” Danni asked.

“She has a point.”

“Are you both ganging up on me?”

“Yes to stop you doing something stupid.” Danni replied as she once again yanked DXP's arm and started running down the stairs each one creaked a metallic groaning sound as she and DXP did. Suddenly an explosion rung out as the hospital exploded, people screaming from within as gunfire erupted and more explosions occurred, DXP and Danni both looked back in horror.

“I told you to let me take them out!” DXP exclaimed.

“If I had done that you would have been killed!” Danni exclaimed.

People started running down the fire escape as more were gunned down, suddenly a bullet whizzed past DXP's left side of his head, as he looked round he was faced down by 3 heavily armed troops.

“Surrender DXP!” One said the other cocking his shotgun.

“This is how far you have to go, attacking a hospital?!” DXP exclaimed as his Glock aimed and shot two of the troopers dead.

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!” Danni exclaimed as DXP ran up to the last trooper plunging a knife into his chest and pushing it further and further in, the only sound coming from his mouth was gurgling.

“You have killed people, Innocent people to get to me and for what purpose answer me!” DXP exclaimed still plunging the knife further and further in, Danni looked on in shock.

“Why....are you doing this?” She replied in a horrified tone. DXP couldn't hear her as he continued to scream questions, a red haze slowly filling the user interface. More troops appeared as did more innocent people, most were getting blown away like they meant nothing, DXP was now in the shadows his left eye burning crimson red the only way to tell if he had a twisted expression was by the flicker of the flames as he walked forward Glock in hand shooting at the troopers, each shot hitting its intended target, until one grabbed a woman and used her as a human shield.

“Take your best shot DXP!” he exclaimed, but it was already running back into DXP's mind a terrible nightmare that was made reality and now it was happening again, he still aimed his Glock.

“Let her go you pathetic waste of space.” was DXP's reply.

“You don't get it I’m holding all the cards now!”

“I said let her go!” He exclaimed.

“DXP you can't do this!” Danni exclaimed.

“What the hell are you talking about?!”

“Listen you both need to stand down no one needs to die needlessly right?” Danni replied as she took a step towards the troop who aimed his gun at her.

“Are you out of your frigging mind?!” DXP exclaimed.

“No I'm not, and neither are you aren't you?” She asked the troop her looked at her still aiming his gun.

“You don't want to hurt her do you?”

“No I want him!” the troop exclaimed.

“Then come and get me you asshole!” DXP exclaimed.

“No I have a better idea...” Suddenly the trooper pushed the girl aside and aimed at Danni until DXP fired a round from his Glock that hit him straight in the eye instantly killing him, Danni looked at him with a horrified expression.

“I don't....”

“He was going to shoot you!” DXP exclaimed as he shook Danni on the shoulders.

“Let go of me!” She exclaimed.

“Your an idiot you know that, he could have killed you!” DXP exclaimed.

“I had it under control!”

“Not from where I was standing!” DXP exclaimed anger rising in his voice as the pair looked each other in the eyes.

“When ya's have finished having a bitch fit maybe ya's could help out!” Dennis exclaimed as he came running from the front of the now burning hospital.

“Where is the fire crew?” Danni asked.

“There won't be one for another hour.” Dennis replied.

“What?” DXP exclaimed.

“I'll try patching through as much as possible.” Aya replied.

“So it's up to us to protect these people.” Danni replied.

“For now yeah, I've got transport en route but again that won't arrive for at least 20 bleeding minutes.”

“We need to help these people DXP.” Danni replied.

“Do we?”

“What the hell do ya's mean do we?!” Dennis exclaimed.

“I don't owe humanity anything...”

“What the ell?! Did something get detached when ya's collapsed?”

“I don't care about these people why the hell should I?!” DXP exclaimed.

“Why are you acting like this?” Danni asked.

“Has anyone seen my son!!?” a voice called out as Dennis looked.

“Have you seen my son!?” a woman asked DXP tears running down her face.

“MOM!” A voice shouted out from above in the burning hospital complex

“OH MY GOD JOSH!” the woman exclaimed about to run into the building as Dennis stopped her.

“Are ya out of ya bleeding mind?!”

“I have to save him!” she exclaimed.

“I'll go in...” Danni replied as she walked to the burning lobby when someone else stood in front of her.

“You know I can't let you do this...” DXP replied.

“And your going to stop me are you?”

“I didn't mean it like that....”

“Then what DXP because as you probably have noticed we haven't got time to chat about it?!” Danni exclaimed.

“Well...”

“Look you said why bother saving them so I will do it instead ok?!”

“Stop!” DXP exclaimed.

“NO!” Danni shouted in his face, “there is a kid up there and he needs help and all your doing is stopping that!”

“Dennis hold her back, I’m going in....” DXP replied as he ran into the burning building.

“DXP WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!” Danni exclaimed as Dennis grabbed her.

“Isn't this what ya wanted him to do?” Dennis asked.

“But not in this way, he's bloody crazy!” Danni exclaimed.

“Wouldn't be him if he wasn't would it?” Dennis replied looking on as the hospital started to erupt into bigger flames. Fire was beginning to erupt in every direction as DXP staggered through, the lobby, viability was going down by the minute.

“Anything you can do to make it more visible?” DXP asked Aya.

“Looking into it now.....” she replied.

“Well better now than later don't you think?” DXP replied as he staggered into the stairwell, through what visibility he had he made out the sign that indicated the 2^nd floor, as he climbed the stairs he failed to notice a extinguisher that instantly exploded throwing onto the second floor.

“AHHHHH!” DXP exclaimed as his body impacted the floor.

“Your Hull integrity is at 45% DXP, be careful...” Aya replied as DXP staggered back up looking around seeing if anything popped out.

“HELP!” Josh screamed, DXP could hear him clearly he had to be on the second floor.

“JOSH KEEP TALKING I NEED TO PINPOINT YOUR LOCATION!” DXP exclaimed as he continued to move, the fumes beginning to make him feel faint.

“Damn this can't be good....” he replied as the User Interface started to lag suddenly with information glitching.

“Your body wasn't designed for this kind of intensity.”

“Really could have fooled me...”

“I'M HERE!!!” Josh exclaimed.

“Pinpoint the location Aya!” DXP exclaimed.

“Looks like he's in the next corridor.” The user interface enlarged a map with various locations.

“HANG IN THERE JOSH!” DXP exclaimed as a massive back draft occurred, knocking DXP off his legs and into the wall on his left hand side.

“Your at 35% DXP you need to hurry!”

“I...Can't....fire too intense...” he replied as he looked around, the fire was everywhere and the user interface was playing up nothing made any sense had he been blown in the wrong direction?

“Aya I can't do this.”

“You have to do it your the only one who can!”

“Are you kidding I’m messed up!”

“You can't give up now Josh needs you!”

“But I can't see anything and this heat!”

“So your giving up here?!”

“Get Danni up here now!” DXP exclaimed as suddenly someone was looking at him crouched down her face was easily recognizable to him.

“Bex?!” he coughed out as she stood up and walked to the end of the corridor.

“What are you doing?!” DXP replied getting back on his feet and using what strength he had to push himself along the wall. Bex turned around smiling at him as she suddenly vanished Josh opening the door as he and DXP stared at one another.

“Help me!” He replied tears running down his face, his eyes said it all he was barely 8 years old by the look of things and now he was staring death in the face.

“Give me your hand and stay close to me!” DXP exclaimed as he held out his left arm as he realized the skin had broke revealing some of the metal chassis underneath, this didn't scare Josh in the slightest. The pair staggered down the hallway Josh having problems breathing but did his best as he continued to move, when massive flames emerged up the second floor stairwell cutting off their exit.

“Damn it not now!” DXP exclaimed in a angry tone as he punched the wall with his right fist.

“Where do we go now?!” Josh exclaimed.

“Going to go back and use one of the windows.” DXP replied.

“Are you crazy!” Josh screamed.

“Listen kid I need you to trust me ok?” DXP asked seeing a bit of hope appear in Josh's eyes.

The pair returned to where they had originally started from and saw a window that would easily gain them access to the outside.

“This will help, seems the front area is just below this window.” Aya replied as DXP smashed the window shielding Josh.

“OK kid we need to jump out of this window, I need you to hold onto me as tight as possible ok?” DXP asked as he bent down to Josh's level.

“OK mister, I can do that.” Josh replied DXP could sense the fear in his voice.

“We are going to get out of this Josh trust me.” He replied as he stood up and was staring at something or was it someone standing in the hallway in the flames. Judging by the way he looked he was the same height as DXP same build.....

“What the hell is that?” DXP asked as the figure stared at him, flames erupted showing his facial features, a scar down his right eye....but it was the smile that started to creep DXP out it was shark like but was cracking the sides of the face and it was staring at DXP not moving or flinching.

“To hell with this....Josh hold on!” DXP exclaimed as he grabbed him and dived out of the window falling on the hard concrete below, creating several cracks to occur.

“DXP ARE YOU OK!” Danni exclaimed as she ran over with several other people, Josh was alive and breathing as he stood up looking at DXP who was lying there groaning slightly.

“Yeah....but god do I need a drink right about now.” He replied coughing slightly as Danni sat him up.

“Don't you do anything like that again you idiot!” She exclaimed a look of concern on her face.

“You know for someone who is angry at me you have such a concerned look.” DXP replied.

“Hey don't you act like that with me Mr sarcasm!” Danni exclaimed.

“I was joking....”

“Well it wasn't funny!” Danni exclaimed as she let DXP go who in turn hit his head on the concrete.

“Oh crap i'm sorry!”

“Stop apologising damn it!” DXP replied as he slowly stood up, he nearly fell again until Danni helped him balance.

“Damn ya's look like ya's have been in a bloody war.” Dennis replied who was now standing in front of DXP and Danni.

“Do I look that bad?” DXP asked Danni.

“Yeah you do...part of your face is burned and I can see your metal skin underneath, same for your left arm. And your clothing god its burned.” Danni replied.

“And here is me wanting a smoke.” DXP replied as Dennis chuckled.

“Think ya's had enough smoke to be honest.” Dennis replied.

“JOSH!” Someone screamed as Josh was suddenly grabbed and embraced by what looked like his parents.

“Mom I’m fine!” Josh replied who was getting hugged to death.

“Ya's saved the kids life DXP.”

“Yeah I guess I did.” DXP replied looking around at the carnage, the hospital was still burning glass and concrete littered the pavements as did the amounts of people helping one another and on closer inspection DXP realized he was still in Streryl.

“Didn't see this area on my travel.” He replied looking around.

“Ya's wouldn't this is further down the line so to speak.” Dennis replied.

“Did we figure out who those soldiers were?” Danni asked.

“Look like a bunch of bleeding loose cannons to me.” Dennis said as he walked up the solider DXP had shot before he could have potentially hurt Danni.

“Some kind of skull symbol is on the armour.”

“I can't find any information about this unit, however I will keep it for later reference.” Aya replied.

“What is my status?” DXP asked.

“Damage has been done to your whole body, you really need to rest so I can handle the small bits and pieces.”

“For how long?”

“How long is a bit of string DXP?” Aya replied.

“Hey don't get cocky with me!”

“I'm not I’m stating the obvious, you need to rest.”

“He will get that rest I'll make sure he does.” Danni replied.

 

Danni helped DXP to the hotel he had been currently staying at, each step was beginning to hurt more.

“You really shouldn't have done all that work in your state DXP.”

“What and put you at risk?” DXP asked.

“I didn't mean it like that.”

“I'm expendable, I can take more pressure and pain than you can.” He replied.

“That maybe the case but Bex said I had to make sure you don't die.” Danni replied.

“She did?”

“Yes I wasn't lying when she sent me to keep an eye on you.”

“But why?”

“She's worried something is happening to you.” Was Danni's reply as she opened the room door and shifted DXP on to his bed.

“Happening to me?”

“Yeah she wouldn't say exactly what but she had her reasons.”

“I see...” DXP replied as he lied on his bed staring at the ceiling, a single light glared back at him.

“Now you need to rest, don't try and move much Ok?” Danni replied.

“Do I have a choice?” DXP replied as he looked at Danni, he hadn't had much time to look at her before so he missed the fact she was wearing denim clothing, a pair of goggles stuck out of her long brown hair, somehow looking into her eyes he could sense some form of sorrow, another interesting fact was when she removed her denim jacket on the back was two angel wings.

“Angel wings?”

“Yeah you like them?” Danni asked as she sat down removing her boots.

“Their interesting never see those sort of things in this day and age.” DXP replied.

“Really?” She replied as she walked over to the window and looked out of it.

“Yeah no one believes in angels only the devil.” DXP replied back.

“I see...Hey DXP what happened here in Streryl?”

“It was attacked over 500 years ago by the machines.”

“The machines?”

“A battle broke out between man and machine over 500 years ago.” Aya began.

“No one knows who started the war first but it happened over the course of a thousand years and In that time 85% of the human population was wiped out.”

“85%?!” Danni exclaimed.

“The worse thing was mankind itself made this planet worse, it used nuclear missiles that were launched into the atmosphere to somehow disrupt the machines but that failed. The rain you see constantly is a result of that.”

“But why couldn't they co-exist, why fight at all?” Danni enquired.

“Because they were never intended to co-exist.” DXP replied.

“Mankind only wanted more power, it didn't care at what cost, originally not every nation on earth was allied, until the war broke out and the human act treaty was signed.” Aya replied as information appeared on Danni's hacking device.

“So mankind singed a treaty to help one another in the war and that was it?”

“After it ended each nation was still power hungry some acquired the technology others were against it. The eventual downfall was that anyone who was not 100% human was outcasted saying they had been tainted by the war. DXP replied as he slowly sat up.

“I don't recall that happening?” Aya said.

“Look around you Aya, people live in places like this because its the only place they can, they try going to a major city like Z-opolis what can they ever achieve?”

“But laws were put into place to prevent that kind of backlash.”

“And yet it happens, you never trust the word of a politician or should I say the New Teck Government.” DXP added.

“But I don't understand, you came from New Teck that place has people who have cyber-parts so why did you leave?” Danni asked as she sat in the window pane looking back at DXP.

“Because I’m not what you would call a pure human, as you can see.” DXP replied as he lifted up his right hand showing the exposed metal parts of his chassis, his left eye was also shining red.

“So your not a human at all only taking on the shape of one?”

“If that will make things easier to handle then yeah.” He replied.

“That still doesn't answer the question of why you left New Teck, your supposed to be a highly ranked soldier in Alpha Team.” Danni replied as Aya downloaded a news report to her hacking device.

“I'm standing here in the aftermath of another riot, several people have been killed others have been wounded including members of the New Teck PD. This all stems from the recent announcement that DXP a high ranking soldier in the New Teck Alpha Team unit is a complete cyborg, charged with several murders that have occurred over the last couple of weeks.” The newscaster replied as images were displayed of the riots, people lay dead and bloody, guns were being fired and tactical AI mech units were been deployed.

“You killed innocent people?” Danni asked.

“Would you call them innocent if they prayed on the innocent?” DXP asked as he lit another cig.

“It doesn't matter if they are bad you do not kill people who can be brought to justice!” Danni exclaimed.

“You really don't know how this world works do you? People like that can pull any strings, can get the innocent plea but have murdered several women, scum-bags can hack into a security system and kill thousands of people including children and your telling ME not too kill these people?” DXP replied.

“I never....”

“And lets get one thing straight right now, I am not some hero in black so don't think I am ok?”

“I understand....” Danni replied looking at the floor.

“Good so can we get some sleep here?”

“One more question.” Danni replied now a serious look on her face.

“Shoot.”

“What does Bex mean to you then?”

“What do you mean?”

“So your not a hero I can understand that, so why are you trying to find her brother? And if your not a hero why save that kid before?”

“That's two....” DXP replied.

“Does it matter? You are a soldier, highly ranked because you protect people that makes you a hero. This quest to find Bex's brother only a hero would do something like that.”

“Or someone with a guilty conscience....” DXP replied.

“What do you mean by that?”

“I'm through talking for the night Danni please let me get some sleep.”DXP replied as he lay back down and turned to face the door.

“Sure.....Goodnight DXP....” Danni replied as she sat looking outside the window seeing the rain fall beating the outside trying to get in.

 

DXP once again woke up in sanctuary Bex was looking at him as he stood up.

“Hey.” She replied.

“Did you send Danni to keep an eye on me?”

“Yes I did.”

“I see.....” DXP replied.

“You did great saving that kid.” Bex replied smiling as she did.

“Thanks....”

“You don't seem happy though?”

“Don't worry its not because of that its what I saw...” DXP replied.

“And what did you see?” Bex enquired.

“This thing in the shadows that took the form of a man, looked like me had the same build as me....but his smile it cracked his face making him look inhuman...”

“I saw the images Aya sent, I'm not entirely sure what it was or who but now that isn't important.”

“Not important? That thing might be something important!” DXP exclaimed.

“How?”

“I don't know...”DXP replied when suddenly he felt another presence its wasn't Aya's and it felt...wrong, as he turned round he saw it or rather him, it was the same person he had seen before in the hospital.

“Who are you?” DXP replied standing his ground as Bex ran up behind him.

“How did he get in?” Bex replied.

“Thought that would have been obvious.” the man replied as he stepped into the light, DXP realized he was looking at himself or rather someone who looked like him, dressed entirely in black, a skull in flames on his t-shirt but his eye and smile were menacing and cold like a killers eyes.

“You are not me!” DXP exclaimed.

“Who said I wasn't?” It replied as it stepped forward.

“What are you?!” Bex exclaimed.

“I am DXP and you are the fake the one using my name, but of course you remember me don't you?”

“It can't be!” DXP exclaimed the voice was the one from months ago when he busted out of a Z-inc compound with a captive Alpha Team, the one that made him kill all those people....

“Ha you do remember me now...good, so now we don't need this girl do we?” the voice replied as Bex vanished.

“What the hell did you do to her!” DXP exclaimed as he grabbed the entity by the neck.

“She's disconnected from here that's all, Its not like I will kill her that goes against what I stand for.....Those people on the other hand.”

“WHAT OTHER PEOPLE?!”

“The ones we need to kill obviously, but in your current state your not going to get far are you? So allow me to help.”

“Why should I?” DXP asked still holding the entity’s neck.

“What is it you want to do? Protect Bex but also to protect the innocent?”

“Yeah but what is it to you?”

“I can help with that, DXP you have been selected to be the 7^th Dark Saviour.”

“Sorry but that is nothing more than a myth!”

“Really? Well maybe you should see for yourself, Sinjaz had some information and he was going to pass it on but you will see that for yourself in the morning.”

“What about Bex?!” DXP exclaimed.

“You can't have any-more contact with her too many people are watching.”

“WHO IS WATCHING ME AND WHO THE HELL ARE YOU?!”

“You will find out in time DXP until we meet again...Wake up.” the entity replied as DXP opened his eyes gasping for air looking around the room.

“Hey sleepy head.” Danni replied as she turned round from the window, rain still pouring.

“I need to see Dennis.” DXP replied as he shot up from his bed, shoving on his broken boots and running down the stairs.

“Hey wait!” Danni exclaimed as she chased after him.

DXP ran up a few streets people were walking about, repair work had commenced on the hospital then he saw him in the distance.

“DENNIS!” he exclaimed as he continued to walk in the rain that was now drenching him, Danni in pursuit behind him.

“Where's the fire at?” Dennis replied as he folded his arms.

“I asked Sinjaz to look into some potential weapons, I was wondering if before he died he had got round to that?” DXP asked.

“Yeah he did follow me.” Dennis said as he started to walk to a warehouse the number was 00214, it was rusty and badly damaged on the outside.

“This is or should I say was Sinjaz's warehouse.” Dennis replied as he opened the shutter it agonizedly started to rise making a horrific screeching sound.

“Follow me.” Dennis replied as he walked inside the warehouse the lights started to react and turn on revealing several cases and boxes marked with B-Corp insignias, but one thing stood out to DXP and it was some for of motorcycle, was blue in colour and looked like something from 500 years ago.

“Yeah old tech think Sinjaz called it the Leviathan.” Dennis replied.

“Wow....” Danni replied looking at the Leviathan.

“According to this Sinjaz was going to give you this and several other pieces, that trench coat so ya's wouldn't be running in the rain and getting drenched and some locations.”

“What locations?!” DXP exclaimed.

“Calm down its locations for weapons from long ago, something called a 14 gauge Offensive Rifle was one of them.” Dennis replied.

“Interesting....”

“Thing is DXP that rifle is a myth 'ell was a dark saviours weapon!” Dennis said chuckling.

“No way....” DXP replied looking like he had seen a ghost.

“There is one other thing I want ya's to have, a small thank you really.” Dennis replied as he handed DXP two long metal objects.

“What are these things?” he replied as he was handed them.

“Put them on the floor and put on feet on both of them after ya's remove those crappy boots ya's have on. Dennis commanded.

“Ok?” DXP replied as he sat both pieces of metal on the ground putting both feet on them. Suddenly both of them sprung to life each part unleashing other parts some mechanical whirring, occurred as metal plates emerged shaping to DXP's feet, two metal parts rotated around from the back creating sides, a third part shot up creating a front, more whirring occurred until finally they both came to a stop.

“What are these?” DXP asked.

“Special boots created to prevent radiation or anything else from damaging them, its a Streryl speciality item.” Dennis replied as DXP looked in awe, each boot was shiny so shiny he could see his own reflection and despite them been metal they were very comfy.

“Ya's like?”

“Yeah the are amazing Dennis thanks.” DXP replied gratefully.

“Don't mention it least I can do.”

“Do you have a pair that I could have?” Danni replied.

“Don't tell me ya like them too?”

“YES!” Danni exclaimed.

“I'll see what I can find.” Dennis replied.

“So this stuff here is mine?” DXP pointed to the leviathan and the trench-coat.

“Yeah Sinjaz personally made sure these were for you at no cost, don't know what the bleeding 'ell he was playing at there.” Dennis said chuckling. DXP grasped the trench-coat in his hands, it felt lightweight, a small gleam bounced off it slightly in the light.

“Its a special trench-coat, designed to withstand any environment, light weight for quick draw apparently or so Sinjaz said.” Dennis replied as DXP slipped it on it was a perfect fit.

“Ya's look like one of them geezers ya's see in those bars.” Dennis said as DXP walked forwards.

“You look like your ready to kick ass DXP.” Danni replied smiling and looking in awe as she did.

“Yeah maybe I am...” DXP replied.

“I just think you look like an idiot.”

“Oh I knew you would somehow cramp my style.” DXP replied.

“What's black and red all over?” Aya asked.

“What?” Danni replied.

“A sunburnt DXP.”

“Hey I am here!” DXP exclaimed as Danni started laughing.

“That's not bad coming from an AI.” Dennis replied chucking slightly.

“Yes it was bad so bad I need to give it a zero!” DXP once again exclaimed but also thinking why had Aya made a joke? AI's couldn't do that without going outside of their programming had she started to do that?

“You Ok DXP looks like your in a deep thought?” Danni replied.

“It's nothing...” DXP answered as he walked out the warehouse looking on the street, seemed to be clear of any major problems.

“So are ya's leaving now?” Dennis asked.

“Yeah don't want to stay any longer in case something else happens, and I would rather that be away from all you people.”

“So we are leaving then?” Danni replied.

“Yes we are sooner the better.

“Well hadn't ya's get the bike set up?” Dennis said pointing at the Leviathan.

“Good point.” DXP replied as he walked up to the bike and sat on it, the main panel had millions of buttons and switches.

“Oh great.....”

“Lucky I have a manual for this huh?” Aya replied as information scrolled up the user interface.

“Yeah lucky...” DXP replied as he pushed some buttons moments later a roar emerged from the engines the Leviathan was back online and ready to go.

“Wow she sounds powerful.” DXP commented.

“Sinjaz said she is a very fast bike compared to those crappy ones they make now.” Dennis replied as he smiled a bit, when Josh and his parents appeared from outside.

“Hey mister!” Josh replied.

“Hey kid.” DXP answered back.

“Is he leaving?” Josh's mother asked Dennis.

“Yeah e's going for a spell.”

“Then before you go I have to thank you for saving my son.” She replied to DXP.

“No problem.”

“And I want you to have this.” She said as he walked up to DXP and handed him what looked like several credits.

“Its all I have, but I want you to have it.” She replied.

“I can't accept that, But I want you all to have this.” he replied as he stood up walked over to Dennis and handed him roughly 50 thousand credits.

“What in the bleeding ell!” He exclaimed.

“To repair that hospital of yours and to get this town working how it should be, and before you ask no I have plenty of cash.”

“I don't know what to say....” Dennis replied with a sound of happiness.

“Just keep your word make this town work, protect its citizens and educate your kids, and when I return show me what you can do as a community.” Was DXP's reply as he walked out onto the streets, rain was getting heavier but he felt none of it hitting thanks to his new trench-coat, he looked into the sky and for one brief moment sun rays started to cast showing their beauty until it continued to rain again.

“Thank you DXP.” Dennis replied as the two shook hands.

“Don't mention it.”

“I don't believe what you just did.” Danni said.

“What me giving away credits that I had spare?”

“Yeah why?”

“Because some people deserve some happiness and this town sure as hell needs it.”

“DXP?” A man and woman approached DXP recognized them as the parents of the kid that was murdered in front of him days ago.

“Yes.....?”

“I know you tried everything in your power to protect out son, and I know due to complications you couldn't fire, but in the end you tried in vain to protect him no matter what.”

“I see....”

“Wait let me finish.” The woman replied.

“And sure our son is gone but his legacy will live on, don't let his death destroy you we don't blame you.

“Thanks.” DXP replied breathing a sigh of relief when the man spoke.

“Promise me this, you will continue to fight these ass-holes and bring them all down.”

“I promise I will, you have my word.” Was DXP's strong reply.

“Thank you.” they both replied as they hugged each other crying tears of happiness sure they had lost their son but had gained new hope, that no one else would die in the same way.

“We ready to go then?” DXP asked Danni as he turned round looking at her.

“Yeah ready when you are.” She replied smiling.

 

With both DXP and Danni on the Leviathan, they started to slowly pull up the street to the exit point of Streryl, Dennis and a few troops were at the checkpoint.

“So this is where ya's leave eh Mr Wintermote?” Dennis replied as he chuckled.

“Looks like it.” DXP answered as the metal gates whirred open slowly.

“Just to point out there is a city about 40 miles from here in case ya's want to check it out.”

“Might just do that.”

“Be sure to do, so ya's will come back will you?”

“Of course we will.” Danni replied.

“Then take care the pair of ya's, but Danni take care of this old geezer.” Dennis replied as he chuckled slapping DXP on the back and like before It bloody hurt, not even the trench-coat could resist that.

“Hey I can handle myself!”

“Ha I bet ya's can!” Dennis chuckled to himself.

“Where would you be without us DXP?” Aya replied.

“On a nice pension scheme, maybe an island?”

“Hey we aren't like that!” Danni replied punching DXP on the shoulder.

“Take care now!” Dennis said as DXP pulled out on the long dusty road in front of him, cracks all over the concrete and to every side reminders of the days gone past rusted mech parts, and tanks eerie reminders of the wars that had happened.

“I do have a confession....” DXP said as he looked at the road.

“And that is?” Danni replied as she held onto the Leviathan.

“Well....I've never drove a bike before....”

“This is your first time driving one?!” She exclaimed.

“Yes....”

“Oh hell...” She replied wrapping her arms around DXP's waist.

“Oh thanks for the comforting thoughts.” DXP replied.

“Well you can't drive this thing!”

“Hey just because I can't drive this thing doesn't mean I can't attempt to learn to!”

“Hey guys what do you call a man with no legs or arms?”

“What?” Danni asked.

“grounded.” Aya replied.

“......That was so god damn lame Aya.” DXP replied as he continued looking at the road.

 

In an office high above New Teck City several scientists were monitoring subject 214's movements, it had obtained a bike and a new companion as it continued to drive along the original T-33 highway.

“Sir all life signs are stable.” One voice replied.

“How is the AI responding?” another asked.

“Seems to be running at full capacity.” Said another.

“So all information is as is now I see?” A much louder voice shook the others out of their ego dreams.

“Huskari sir!” One voice replied, as Huskari sat down on his chair looking at his terminal.

“Just got word from the higher ups that robo hunters are in pursuit of subject 214.” He replied.

“Are you sure he knows something?”

“What subject 214 knows is a matter of international importance, if it remembers anything all of this will be for nothing.”

“So what do we intend to do?”

“Bring it back here and remove all its memories, that has always been the initial objective.”

“And if that won't work sir?”

“Then we have no alternative but to execute subject 214.” Huskari replied.

“But he's the prefect configuration of man and machine!” One scientist replied.

“That thing is not a man, just a combat chassis created for war and nothing more.” Huskari replied as he lit a cigarette, as he looked around information was been streamed on several huge monitors all of it was mainly combat and logistics data, but others showed others like subject 214's entire operating system and user interface....

“Aya report now.” Huskari replied.

“Sir?”

“What is the status of subject 214 what does he know?”

“I don't know sir, at the moment some fragments have occurred but not a lot.”

“Is your cover still intact?”

“Yes sir.....”

“It cannot be allowed to remember its past do we understand each other?” Huskari replied.

“But why sir? What does subject 214 know that is so bad it could destroy the entire council?”

“He knows way too much Aya...its in the governments best interest that he never remembers what it is.”

“He looks like Kol Rairix sir.”

“That thing is not Kol Rairix no matter which way you look at it, don't let some idiot from the past blind your judgement.” Was Huskari's reply, as he walked to the window gazing at all the neon glows, sirens roaring in the distance, gun shots on the streets below in some sectors, thousands of other people walking around living their lives.

“You see all this? If subject 214 remembers anything of the past all this will cease to exist even you are we understood?”

“.......Yes sir.” Aya replied as she disconnected.

“Seems to be quite a day out there today sir.”

“What's the acid counter on today?” Huskari enquired.

“Think it was given a 13 today.” A scientist replied as she read over some data on her worktop.

“Interesting...” Huskari replied as a Blitz Corp commercial streamed itself on the window advertising weapons and defence.

“Ha more of this crap? How can New Teck even afford that kind of gear?”

“Because it can.” Huskari replied as he continued to watch the skyline of New Teck various advertising boards all streaming on other windows he could make out from his distance. Sitting in her room Bex Rairix stared out of the window seeing only millions of lights and information been streamed, some had even streamed on the windows all she was doing was gazing outside.

“I know your out there I can feel you bro.” She replied to herself as she put her hands on the glass still peering out into the depressive atmosphere waiting for any sign to appear that he was acknowledging it but nothing happened.

“Please say something.....reply please anything.” She said as tears started to pour down her face, when Lin Kurosawa entered the room.

“Bex are you Ok?” she asked.

“I can feel him out there Lin why won't he reply?!”

“Bex.....” Lin replied as she looked out the widow looking at the rain.

“You know he's out there as much as I do.”

“I know Bex but he doesn't know who he is at the moment.” Lin replied.

“Do you think he will ever know who he is?”

“I hope he does, then he can come back and be your brother again.” Lin said smiling slightly.

“Your his apprentice Lin how do you feel about how he left?” Bex asked.

“That what happened was wrong, he shouldn't have been outcasted like that but he had to in order to protect you.”

“LIN PUT THE NEWS ON NOW!” Rick exclaimed as he ran into the room.

“Why?!”

“Just do it!” he exclaimed.

“Ok fine.” Lin replied as she switched on the TV embedded in the wall.

“This is Carly Jenkins reporting live for New Teck News and in this exclusive I am at Streryl where apparently DXP has been sighted.”

“What?!” Lin Exclaimed.

“He saved my son from a burning hospital without any cause for his own health.” Said a voice from a woman who was been interviewed.

“Ah this DXP is he the one who got outcasted?” Said another interview.

“Bro...” Bex replied.

“Ah that geezer e's a bloody crazy man but e's someone to count on in a crisis situation, specially when when we had some bleeding mercs trashing this place, see these guys?” Said a familiar voice as the camera pointed to the corpses of the dead enemy troops.

“These guys are preying on innocent folk and this DXP brought these idiots down, bit like those K-owls over there!” he continued as amateur footage was shown of DXP defeating one of them.

“That's our commander out there.” Link replied.

“Yeah....I'm pissed with this whole entire situation.” Rick said as he continued to watch as more propaganda against DXP interrupted the news report obviously hackers were involved.

“Oh Rick....He said something I had to pass onto you.” Bex replied.

“Oh he did?”

“He said to stop worrying you old sod.” Was Bex's reply

“Ha...sneaky son of a gun, old sod indeed.” Rick replied smiling a little for the first time in months.

“So at least we know he is still alive out there.” Lin said as she sat down on Bex's bed.

“Yeah that's a good thing should hopefully boost the moral of the guys in the platoons all over.” Rick said as he now looked out the window.

“Jesus its coming down more, wasn't happy with the predicted acid level either.”

“Yeah 20 by the end of the week....that's utter madness.” Lin replied as she and Rick spoke to one another as Bex continued to stare out of the window tears flowing from her eyes...

 

 

2: Archive 2: When things start to go bad.