#gate flashback

-Fade in to a peaceful meadow on a sunny day.-

 Caption:  June 5th, 2120.

 Tall trees provide shade around the hills of Pine Meadow Cemetery as a large community of Reploids is gathered around a gravestone.

 -Zoom in on the headstone, which reads: -

EDWIN LAURENCE CAIN

Beloved Doctor, Creator and Father of all Reploids

Sept. 22 2047                        -            June 1 2120

 Reploids, Maverick Hunters and Repliforce Soldiers join in a circle around a human pastor who begins his eulogy.

 PASTOR: Before we begin, I would like to introduce myself.  My name is Reverend Jonathon Crowne, but you can all call me Pastor John.

 Some reploids smile at this. Others take in a breath of fresh air.  While others remain grim and exasperate with something of a sigh.

 PASTOR JOHN: …I have had the pleasure of knowing Edwin through the Church of our Holy Father.

  X, the light blue Reploid who felt like a son to Dr. Cain, folds his hands as he looks down at the ground with a solemn face.  ZERO, his partner and trusted friend looks down at X with concern.  Nearby IRIS and COLONEL of the Repliforce take note of X’s disposition as they listen to the pastor.

 PASTOR JOHN: It was there that I discovered this man’s unique faith in the Lord. It was not only his devotion to God, but to all Mankind, which made him stand out in our Community. It is.. unfortunate that he no longer has any living relatives from his Biological Family to join us here, today.  However… It is that same fact, that makes your presence here even more special.  …He created a new family when he created Reploids like yourselves.

 -pan back to the reploids in the crowd-

 The 17th Elite Unit lightly smile at the Pastor’s words from behind X while Zero’s Shinobi Unit share their leader’s indifference. 

 As the Eulogy proceeds, X’s mind begins to wander.

 X: (v.o, thinking) Hm…. He created his own family after he met me… I still remember that ride home…

 -ripple effect-

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LOCATION E… – Doctor Light’s Mountain Lab - DAY

 ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Caption: April 16, 2114

X marvels at the sight of a large Nom Corp. aircraft hovering outside and anchoring itself to the mountain with a landing ramp.

X: Whoa!  What’s that?

Doctor Cain smiles at his extraordinary discovery.  He can’t believe what he’s found and couldn’t wait to see the look on his crew’s faces when they saw X.

DR. CAIN: That’s for us.  We’re going home.

X: (quizzical) Home??

At that moment, a Pilot and two of his Crewmen step out onto the landing ramp.

PILOT: Hey there, Dr. Cain. What's the rush? You were only gone for a week.

 CREWMAN 1: Yeah, Doc!

 CREWMAN 2: Did you find something good?

 DR. CAIN: (pleased, excited) Good morning, gentlemen. I would like to introduce you to my new friend, X.

 X walks up to the airship; Dr. Cain following closely behind him.  He waves to the crew with a smile.

 X: (smiling) Hello.

 CREWMAN 2: Whooooaaaa, we got a robooooot!

 X: (confused) Huh?

 Dr. Cain clears his throat loudly, causing the excitement to die down.

 DR. CAIN: (ordering) Show some respect!  This is more than a mere robot.  This is a person!

 CREW: Uhhh, okay.

 As they enter the ship, the crew all look at Dr. Cain like he's insane.  The Co-Pilot lays eyes on X from the inside and reacts accordingly.

 CO-PILOT: What the-

 DR. CAIN: (Commanding Authority) This is X, and starting today he is going to be a new member of our team!

  The Pilot quickly walks by and gets back to his seat as Doctor Cain leads X to a window seat where they can begin to settle in.

 PILOT: (wary) Yeah sure…  You got it.

 DR. CAIN: Now... I promised X a nice view of the sky as we enjoy our flight back home. I expect you'll show him just as much respect as you show me.

 The pilot clears his throat and the rest of the crew scatter back to their posts.

 PILOT: Uh... of course, sir. Whatever you say.

 -fade to-

Moments later they are up in the air.  Once the initial excitement of being airborne has faded into normalcy, X’s mind fills with questions once again.

X: Um…  Dr. Cain?

DR. CAIN: Yes, X?

X: Where’s ‘home’?

DR. CAIN: What’s that?

X: You mentioned that we were going home.  Where is that?

DR. CAIN: Oh. Well… I meant that we are leaving South America and heading to our base in North America.

X: (gradually more confused) Oh… What is a base?

DR. CAIN: A base is.. um…  Well, it’s a place of operation.  A place for people to work.  It is where you and I will work together to help build positive relationships towards humans and robots.

X: Oh okay.  That makes sense.  So… is that my purpose in life?

Dr. Cain is surprised at X’s completely open question. 

DR. CAIN: (answering carefully) Well… I think you were created… to make that decision for yourself.  However, at Nom Corp. I feel like you and I could begin to-

X: (interrupting) What’s Nom Corp.?

DR. CAIN: (explaining) Oh…  That’s where you and I are going.  That’s where I work.

X: (curious) Why?

DR. CAIN: (muttering) This is going to be a long ride…

 -ripple effect-

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EXT. PINE MEADOW CEMETARY – DAY

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X lightly chuckles to himself as the pastor proceeds with the eulogy.  Then his smile quickly fades into numbness once again.

 PASTOR JOHN: At this time I would like to share a poem by American Poet, Bessie A Stanley, called “He has achieved success”:

He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much:

 -Pan to the Reploids from the 15th Research Department who had worked the closest with Doctor Cain.-

PASTOR: (continuing) …who has enjoyed the trust of pure women,

-Pan to Iris and Colonel who stand alongside the Repliforce GENERAL.-

PASTOR: (continuing) …the respect of intelligent men and the love of little children;

-ICE WOLFE, WHITE WOLF and NIGHT WOLF of the 13th Unit Wolfpack nuzzle their sad young pups.  The 5th Unit Police Squadron stand by them with folded arms.

PASTOR: (continuing) …who has filled the niche and accomplished his task;

The 11th Unit Medics and 12th Unit Miners nod. 

PASTOR: (continuing) …who has left the world better than he found it;

X looks up to the sky while Zero looks away.

PASTOR: (continuing) …whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul;

ZARRICK, an ex-Maverick Hunter smiles from the back along with his friends GEAR-RIG and SKID. Despite leaving the group, they are still close friends to their former Unit, the 9th Special Ops Battalion, who stand by them.

PASTOR: (continuing) …who has never lacked appreciation of Earth’s beauty or failed to express it;

The 16th Environmental Unit perk up and smile at the thought.

PASTOR: (continuing) …who has always looked for the best in others and given the best he had.

Pan over to CAPTAIN, the Commander of the Maverick Hunters who frowns.  The 7th & 8th Armored Air Cavalry stand with the 6th Maritime Unit as they comfort one another.

PASTOR: Whose life was an inspiration; Whose memory a benediction.

With folded arms, Magma Dragoon shares a stern nod with his grim, 14th Unit.

The Pastor looks at them after finishing his reading.  Then he takes a deep breath.

 PASTOR: To say that Doctor Cain was a good man is an understatement.  He was a diligent scientist, a dignified scholar and a gentleman.  He put his heart and soul into all of his work, and gave it to you; his children.  He was the type of person who would stop everything, no matter how important, just to make sure you were having a good day.

X sniffles at the reminder.

PASTOR: These are the qualities that bring us to God.  They allow us to enter the Kingdom of Heaven and grant us a life Eternal peace and happiness.

X nods as he lets out a breath of relief, while Zero sighs with rolled eyes.

ZERO: (v.o, thinking) What a crock...

PASTOR: On Earth, his legacy will continue to thrive now and forever through you; his Reploids.  But I'd like to think that somewhere up in the sky… right now Doctor Cain is already working on his next exciting project.

He offers a warm smile and allows time for a brief pause.

PASTOR: Thank you for joining me this afternoon.  This concludes our service for today.

-pan up to the sky above-

 NARRATOR: (v.o) Personal Log:  File - 00

Today was the passing of my creator.  And to be honest, it was quite numbing to my sensory receptors, for I had never even met him. However, his Eulogy was so moving. So touching to the DNA Soul… that it feels as if I’d known him throughout the entirety of my short life.

Which is impossible, considering that my Pod would never activate had the circumstances…. Well anyway… 

Dr. Cain's notes must live on through me now...  But who am I?? For now, just consider me an observer. In time, I think the entire Reploid Community will come to know me very well.

 -pan down to the ground -

 With Doctor Cain's coffin freshly buried in place, there is no need for the Reploids to congregate at Pine Meadow Cemetery any longer.  The Maverick Hunters and Repliforce begin to bid each other farewell.

 NARRATOR: (v.o) He was clearly loved by his peers, the Maverick Hunters. 

 We see members of the 5th - 9th Unit slowly leave the area as they console one another.

 - Pan to SLASH BEAST, JET STINGRAY and  STORM OWL of The Repliforce, who slowly take their leave. –

 NARRATOR: (v.o) The Repliforce seemed a bit more distant, but their mere presence was honorable.  Dr. Cain was clearly a highly respected member of their Community.  I can only hope that I would receive such high regard in the future, given the chance.  In the meantime though, I shall follow through with his Initial Plans.  I will monitor the progress of The Maverick Hunters and The Repliforce carefully.  He trusts that my A.I Processor will allow me to decide which faction to join when the time comes. 

 The 11th - 14th Unit slowly file out of the cemetery towards their Squadron Carriers.

 NARRATOR: (v.o) My only question is…. if both organizations are cooperatively working in tandem towards the same goal…. How will I know the difference…?  I trust that this will be answered in time.  Or perhaps that is just another mystery to life, that I’ve yet to discover…

 As most of the Reploids in attendance clear the area, Captain shakes General’s large hand with two of his own.  Their Silver and Gold bodies shine against the sun as the whiskers on their faces bear an uncanny resemblance.  Although General is approximately 3 feet taller than him, Captain cannot help but smile at his Repliforce counterpart and like him more, simply out of vanity.

 CAPTAIN: Thank you for coming.

 GENERAL: Of course.  I wish I could stay and join you for the reception, but I must return to Headquarters.

 CAPTAIN: No worries, General.  We shall meet for lunch another time.. I must be on my way as well.

 -pan over a short distance from the two-

 Colonel, the General’s second in command, and his sister Iris stay behind to make sure X and Zero are okay.

IRIS: This is so sad!!  How are we going to live without him now!!?  Everything’s going to be so different!

X sniffles at her raw display of emotion.

She buries her head into Zero’s chest, who comforts her with a light rub on the back.

ZERO: I know, I know….   But its gonna be alright.  All we have is each other now…

Colonel gives Zero a crooked look out of his periphery. Innocent as it may be, the sight of Zero's hand running through her long hair while rubbing her back bothers him. 

X’s tears stream down his cheeks very slowly as he lets them go. He needs them for release at this point. Otherwise he felt like he would internally combust.

 COLONEL: Are you okay, X? 

X: (shaken) I…  I will be. 

Colonel marvels at the state of X.  No other reploid has ever been designed to emote at such a capacity.  So what made him so special?

X: (crying, upset) It’s just…  He was.. like a. ff..ahAhather to me.. And now he’s gone!!!!

 X could not contain his sadness any longer. Embarrassing as his sobbing might be, with each sniffle, a brief wave of relief would pass over him, before the weight of his loss came down once again. 

Colonel places a firm hand on X’s shoulder.

 COLONEL: Don’t cry, X.  There’s nothing more you can do…

IRIS: Don’t say that. He doesn’t need to hear that right now!

ZERO: Its true…

IRIS: Hey!!  That’s not nice! 

X: Its okay Iris..  I know what they mean.

 ZERO: Stay strong brother. We're gonna get through this.

 X: I know… 

X becomes numb as his drying tears swell his cheeks, just under the eyelids.

 COLONEL: Gentlemen, if there’s anything that we can do…. Please let us know.  We are here for you. 

X nods and lets out a short smile.

X: Thank you, I know… 

COLONEL: The Repliforce are your brothers in arms and comrades in life.  Do not forget that the good Doctor created Iris and I as well.  That means that the link between us can never be severed! 

X smiles again and nods feeling better.

 ZERO: Thanks Colonel. Its great to know that you have our back when we're down.  We're not really used to that.

X: You were.. a great help to us on Laguz Island, last week.  Thank you for everything. 

ZERO: (smiling) What, this guy!? He didn’t do anything. His troops did all the work! 

Zero mocks the Colonel in jest as Iris gasps.

COLONEL: Excuse me?

ZERO: (mocking) All you had to do was sit in your fancy chair next to General, I bet!!

IRIS: (offended, worried) Zero!! 

ZERO: Relaax, I’m only kidding.  Cernie knows that. 

COLONEL: …Who do you think sent Out those troops and directed them you nit-wit!?  …and don’t call me that! I already told you. No nicknames in public… 

Colonel starts to lighten up and show a bit of good humor as he adjusts his hat with a sheepish grin.

Zero shares a look with the Colonel and they both burst out laughing.

X’s emotions jump from worried to confused.  Unsure as to why or how, for some reason Zero was very chummy with the Repliforce Colonel.  X believes it might have had something to do with their training sessions this summer.

 GENERAL: (calling out) Colonel!  …Time to go.

 Colonel turns to his superior and offers a respectful salute. 

COLONEL: Yes sir.

He turns back around.

COLONEL: Well, I must be going.  You take care of yourselves; especially you, X. 

He turns around and walks away.

ZERO: Hey Colonel! We still on for sparring on Tuesday?

COLONEL: You know it, bud.

With that, Colonel runs off to the General and teleports away with him.

IRIS: I'd like to stick around for the reception if that’s okay with you… 

Zero's eyes brighten up as his smile grows wider.

ZERO: (excited) Yeah! That sounds great.

 He looks at Iris and puts his arm around her. Then he starts to lead them to the front gate.

She rests her head on his impressive bust as her cheeks flush into a rosy red complexion.

 X follows behind the two with a melancholy face.

 X: (v.o, thinking, sighing) Oh Marty…  We were never like that, but Damn do I miss you…

 -a purple flash blinks on the screen-

 An image of BERKANA, a wicked, but beautiful witch, lustfully sitting on top of X's pelvis passes by.

 X quickly shakes the image out of his mind.

 X: (whispering) God Damn it, Berkana…

 -       Fade to-

 NARRATOR: (v.o) Recently the Maverick Hunters and the Repliforce have endured a hardship at Laguz Island.  Berkana, a once respected Scientist, unethically experimented with artificial reploid resurrection.  She did so by taking the existing DNA Souls, or 'Erasures', of ordinary reploid citizens and placing them into the bodies of formerly deceased Mavericks.  Within minutes, every Maverick the Hunters had ever defeated were alive once again. This became known as “The Erasure Incident”.  But they had help in the Repliforce…

-fade to-

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INT. RECRUITMENT STATION – DAY ------------------------------------------------------

Caption:  June 1st, 2120

A large reploid with slicked back blonde hair sits at a table with a stamp, quickly reviewing the paperwork of new Repliforce Recruits.  His nametag reads “RED”.

In line, SPIRAL PEGASUS and JET STINGRAY are waiting to be cleared for duty.

After looking everything over carefully, Red firmly stamps both forms, looks up at the two and smiles.

RED: Okay!  Jet Stingray and Spiral Pegasus. Welcome to Repliforce.  Your Commanding Officers are in the next room.

He shakes their hands and points them to the door, where they meet their Team Leaders TIDAL WHALE and STORM OWL in the next room.  Standing by them are team leaders; SLASH BEAST and FROST WALRUS.

-cut to-

A grainy image of a Repliforce air carrier looming over Laguz Island appears.  The back hatch is open to reveal the team ready for battle.

 At each dash, quick grainy images of the Repliforce attacking Mavericks on Laguz Island pass by.

 NARRATOR: (v.o) With the help of /Storm Owl, /Spiral Pegasus, /Slash Beast, /Burn Dino-Rex, /Tidal Whale, /Jet Stingray and an Ex-Maverick Hunter known as /Web Spider, the Repliforce were able to defeat every revived Maverick by nightfall. 

/Storm Owl clashes cyclones against tornadoes with Storm Eagle.

/Spiral Pegasus blasts heavy winds at Flame Stag.

/Slash Beast savagely slashes Gravity Beetle to death.

/Burn Dino-Rex roasts Morph Moth.

/Tidal Whale overpowers Wheel Gator.

/Jet Stingray destroys Bubble Crab.

/Web Spider feeds on Armored Armadillo's fried corpse.

NARRATOR: (v.o) Maverick Hunter X and Zero were able to quell the threat of Berkana within 24 hours.  But there was another threat too, that came to everyone as a surprise.  It was what caused my creator's heart attack.  And given his data files… I'm not entirely convinced that he won’t return from the grave once again...

-cut to-

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INT. BIO LABORATORY – DAY

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In a dark, dank Lab room, ISOC, a tall, sinister Reploid Researcher with red eyes and a distinguished white beard works with his new partner.

????: Muahahahaha!  At last the time has come!!

The small mushroom-themed reploid rubs his hands in anticipation.

ISOC: Yes, Split Mushroom.  It’s time to bring our master to the physical plane.

SPLIT MUSHROOM: Hehehehe!!  I can hardly wait.

On the large display monitor, SIGMA can be seen in his virus grid-like form, with a large purple aura surrounding his large face.  Standing next to him is CYBER PEACOCK, who looks pleased.  While Sigma failed to destroy the Hunters on the physical plane, he was able to successfully revive him in cyber space.

SIGMA: (filtered) I trust that you have created the form I designed this time?

Isoc and Split Mushroom look at the body behind them lying dormant on a work table.  It is draped underneath a thick black cloak.

ISOC: Yes sir.  We followed every specification you desired.

SIGMA: Splendid.  Then let’s get on with it.

ISOC: Indeed.

He types in commands and points to Split Mushroom who quickly runs to another console and pulls a lever.

A pointed terminal from the ceiling slowly points toward the body as the device warms up with power.

SPLIT MUSHROOM: (grinning) Hehehee! Very soon, very soon!

ISOC: Stand by.  Priming the converter.

The triangular tip of the ceiling terminal opens up to display a pointed barrel of a laser gun.

ISOC: Get ready for transfer…   Applying the DNA Signature...

A mechanical cylinder within the barrel of the terminal glows with purple energy.  On the display monitor, Sigma's large head slowly begins to stretch and funnel through a digital terminal.

SIGMA: Whoa whoa whoooaaaa!

ISOC: You’re going to feel a pinch, sir.  Be patient.  Not much longer now.

SIGMA: Ohhh, God! 

His purple energy and grid-like face flatten into a straight line as he is virtually siphoned from the Cyber Network and his DNA Signature is transferred into the Energy Converter behind them.

SIGMA: Aaaaagh!

SPLIT MUSHROOM: He's in!

SIGMA: Note to self.  If I EVER die again..  I need to learn how to phase through the Network in my Virus Form.

ISOC: Fire on my Mark.

Isoc rushes over to the body and makes sure that it is lined up in proximity to the Energy Converter.  Then he shuffles a safe distance away and looks over to his assistant.

ISOC: Now!!

Split Mushroom fires the device and successfully blasts a ray of Sigma's DNA Signature into his new body.

The dormant body on the table comes to life with a spasm.  He jerkily sits up on the table as he slings the cloak around his back and puts his hood on.  Turning to his right, Sigma plants his feet on the ground and slowly stands up.  With the new cloak, he looks as foreboding as the Grim Reaper himself.

SIGMA: Heheheh. Thank you Gentlemen. That’s much better.

ISOC: It is our pleasure.  Now that Berkana is out of the way, what is our new plan?

SIGMA: Hm.. As I stated before…  This 'Repliforce' group could play a very strong hand in my favor this time around. If I could just find a way to manipulate them.

ISOC: Ahh.  ..But as I have brought up before, I think it would be wiser to add numbers to our operation before we attempt to overthrow any Armies.

SIGMA: Don’t misunderstand me, Isoc.  We won’t be overthrowing anyone. For now, we wait and gather information on the Repliforce.  There is still much we do not know about them.  I also agree that we could do with a little more.. company...

ISOC: Yes.  Well, this is Split Mushroom - the Reploid who formerly owned this Laboratory.  I rebuilt him as a Maverick to assist us in our efforts.

Split Mushroom looks up at them with an evil grin, eager to help.

SPLIT MUSHROOM: Split Mushroom!  At your service.

He creates a duplicate of himself and they take a proud bow.  Then they dive back into each other as a singular entity once again.

SIGMA: Hmph.  I'm sure you could prove as a useful… distraction.

He gestures to the monitor screen, where Cyber Peacock is casually standing by.

SIGMA: You already know Cyber Peacock, I presume.  Courtesy of the Late Doctor Doppler. I'm sure he'll prove to be quite an asset to us.

Cyber Peacock unfurls his sharp deadly tail feathers and grins at the screen.

ISOC: Mm, yes indeed.

Sigma walks over to the computer and pulls up a file labeled DN.  On screen we are shown the blue print schematics of a bat-themed Reploid.

SIGMA: This is my latest design, Dark Necrobat.  We need to build him and finish completion as soon as possible.

ISOC: Ooh, what a remarkable design! Where did this come from?

SIGMA: I worked on it before paying a visit to Laguz Island.  If you and the Mushroom build him, I can focus my efforts on manipulating the Repliforce to do our bidding.

Isoc offers a sinister smile.

ISOC: Why stop there? Why not manipulate the Hunters as well to ensure that these two factions will both wipe each other out, completely!?

Sigma's eyes glow as they widen, impressed.

SIGMA: Ooh. I like the way you think. Yes… I think that could do just fine…

He strokes his chin and begins to grow inspired.

- Fade out –

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INT. REPLIFORCE SANCTUARY – Study – NIGHT

-------------------------------------------------------------------

- Fade in –

Caption: September – 2 months ago.

The General sits at a long table in a gigantic luxurious chair reading until he hears a knock on his door.

 GENERAL: Hm?

The Colonel walks in, humbly and apologetically.

COLONEL: General, I'd hate to bother you, but I've received some disturbing news.

GENERAL: Hm?

COLONEL: Our intel indicates that Sigma is still alive, sir.  And he’s requested an audience with you.

GENERAL: Then I shall meet with him.

COLONEL: But General, are you sure??

GENERAL: I have read his file. I am not intimidated by a Maverick whose true form seems to be that of a parasite. 

Colonel's eyes widen.

COLONEL: But sir-

GENERAL: I find it sad, really.  Why not sit with him and find out what he wants?

COLONEL: It could be a trap sir. What if he attacks you!?

General simply smiles.

GENERAL: That. Is something I'd like to see.

He cracks his knuckles as his huge hands create an echoing crack at the room. Then he folds them behind his head.

GENERAL: We shall discuss whatever he wants like civilized gentlemen. And if he tries anything, then that will be his last mistake.  I assure you.

Colonel looks at his superior with shock and awe.

COLONEL: Sir. For all our sakes, I hope you are right.

GENERAL: Fear not.  Let him in.  Soon we will all know what this is about.

-       Cut to –

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EXT/INT.  REPLIFORCE SANCTUARY – Study - NIGHT

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Thunder clashes on this stormy night, just outside of the Repliforce Sanctuary.  Inside, the large Golden General sits at a long table in his Study.  At the other end of the table is a cloaked figure who bears two eerie red scars across his face as lightning strikes against the window.  Sigma was back from the dead, no doubt. But how?

SIGMA: It’s about the Maverick Hunters, General. They are far too eager to please the humans, and continue to hunt down the Reploids. Do you believe they pose a significant threat? GENERAL: …Perhaps… SIGMA: You already know the truth, General. Their sole mission has been to destroy any Reploids who fail to do as the humans order! GENERAL: Hmm… SIGMA: (insistent) It’s in your best interest to stop them now, before they turn on you! You possess enough power to /destroy them! At the dash a heavy bolt of thunder and lightning strikes from nearby, ominously. The General lets the bolt of lightning flash by. He is unfazed by it completely as he seems to stare down his guest. GENERAL: …You are dismissed. 

SIGMA: (shocked) What?! GENERAL: I will not betray the humans. Remove yourself from my sight. My business with you has concluded…

SIGMA: (muttering, laughing) Eh, Heh heh heh… very well. But you will change your mind soon, I assure you! /Ha ha ha ha… HA HA HA HAH! At the dash, he gets up from his chair and walks away.  A spark emits from Sigma’s staff, resembling that of a very sinister, scythe. It is at that moment, where the General almost feels as if he had been paid a visit from the Grim Reaper himself.  Fortunately for him, he knows that logically such a thing could never possibly exist.

 Once he is gone, the General slumps in his chair and places his large right hand against his temple.  The Colonel knocks on his door and walks back in.

COLONEL: What happened sir?

GENERAL: …He means to start another war with the Maverick Hunters and the Humans.  And he dared ask for my help!

COLONEL: What the-?  He must be stopped!

GENERAL: No…

COLONEL: Huh?

GENERAL: The Maverick Hunters are our friends, but their battles are their own.  We will only engage with Sigma if he personally attacks our Armies.

COLONEL: But sir!!  At a time like this, we need to preserve Solidarity.

GENERAL: (shaking head, aggravated) We must remain Neutral.

COLONEL: Its what the Admiral would’ve wanted!!

GENERAL: (piqued) Well I’m not the Admiral!!!  All Leadership Programs have been placed in me!!  And I determine what’s best for us.  Not you.  Is that understood?

Colonel stares at his superior and slowly salutes his commanding officer.

COLONEL: My apologies sir.  I will leave you to your thoughts.

He abruptly turns around and walks toward the door.

COLONEL: (v.o, thinking) The Maverick Hunters..  X and Zero…!  If Sigma comes after you again, I hope you’ll be prepared for him.  For I fear that we may not be much help this time around…

-fade out-

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INT. MAVERICK HUNTER BASE – Training Room - DAY 

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Caption: November 5th, 2120 - TODAY

X stands in the middle of the Training room and channels all of his power.  A white-goldish aura surrounds his body as his normal blue armor is coated in white light by his helmet, chest, arms and legs. 

X: Hee-yah!

In a flash of power, X transforms into his Third Armor where he continues to power up.

X: (v.o, thinking) That’s it X.  Just keep pushing.  Dig deeper into your Potential. (aloud)  AaaaAAAHHHH!!!!!  HYPER MODE!!

X’s armor coats itself in Gold as his aura is shrouded in a continuously charged state.

X bends his knees and prepares to test his powers once again.  Despite this time of Peace, X has learned the hard way that he must continue to train his body in order to maintain his fullest potential.

X: /Yah!!

X dashes around the room across the floor and through the air at all angles as he leaves a trail of golden light behind him.

X: (v.o, thinking) Whatever comes next…  I need to be Ready!  (aloud) /Hah!  /Yah!!

X /punches the air, then turns around with a /kick.

X: (v.o, thinking) Doppler’s Army and his Nightmare Police almost ended us!  Then Berkana revived every reploid including an even more-powerful Sigma…  Never again.  NEVER AGAIN!!

X rages as he air-dashes high in the air, and feels his power heat up through his dash.  The reminder of his latest battle with Sigma burns him at his core, and he feels that heat begin to release itself externally.

X: AAAAGH!!!!

X’s Golden Armor fades into a darker shade of bronze and brown at his core, as his outer aura begins to turn purple.  He performs a flaming dash that exhausts his entire system and causes his armor to neutralize itself back into his blue form.

X: Whoa!!  /Ughgh!

He puts his hands out as his body /slams to the ground.

X: (panting, exhausted) Ah.. hah.  I.. can’t…  Ugh…  I can’t do it yet.

X slowly rises to his feet as he wipes the sweat off of his face.

X: There is definitely a higher plateau to be achieved…  I just can’t do it in this armor…

-cut to-

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

INT. MAVERICK HUNTER BASE – Meeting Room – NIGHT

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

MAGMA DRAGOON: YES!  I KNEW IT!!  Finally.  We’ve got some dirt on the Repliforce!

TURIAN: Hm??

At the 14th Unit Meeting Room, Magma Dragoon and his Unit continue to investigate the Repliforce’s activity at the surmised request of the deceased Dr. Cain.  In his final evaluation report, Dr. Cain declared “REPLIFORCE v3 proven ineffective and potentially dangerous,” however the reasoning for this report remained a mystery until now.

MAGMA DRAGOON: Its Burn Dino-Rex! I can’t believe it!  I KNEW something was off with him and here it is!!

FRENZY FOXKIT:  What are you on about, boss?

TETHLON: What did you find??

MAGMA DRAGOON: He has an Illegal Weapons Warehouse located in Southeastern Kenya and Repliforce doesn’t know anything about it.  He’s funding their own crime-prevention!  If word of this gets out, their whole organization is finished!!!

FRENZY FOXKIT: Whoooa.

BLIZZARD: Oh my God. 

BLAZE: This is huge!!

TURIAN: So what do you want to do??

MAGMA DRAGOON: I’m gonna pay the Maverick a visit myself. Have a little talk with him; Reptile to Reptile.

TURIAN: …You don’t want us to go with you?

MAGMA DRAGOON: No.  I can handle this myself.

BLIZZARD: What!?  But why??

MAGMA DRAGOON: Maybe we can negotiate and handle this peacefully for once.  The rest of the Repliforce are clean as a whistle and they were an immense help to us on Laguz Island.

FREEZE ALOPEX: But he’s a Maverick!  What if he fights you??

MAGMA DRAGOON He’s a Fire Element like me.  He can’t hurt me….

BLAZE: (insisting) By that logic, I’m a fire too!  At least let me go with you.

Magma Dragoon stubbornly shakes his head.

MAGMA DRAGOON: Nope.  I just want to talk to him.  I’ll make those intentions very clear. Coming as a full group would create a hostile environment.  And then you’d all be a liability if he doesn’t cooperate.

TURIAN: Hmph.  Well, it looks like you’ve made up your mind then…. Good luck, sir.

- fade to -

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

EXT. SOUTH EASTERN KENYA – Illegal Weapons Warehouse – DAY

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Magma Dragoon teleports into the area and averts his eyes from the sun.  He walks amidst the patchy dirt looking for Burn Dino-Rex amongst a series of warehouses.

After a moment, he spots Burn Dino-Rex placing a crate of ammunition down in front of a huge stack of crates.  Then Burn Dino-Rex closes the gate behind him.

MAGMA DRAGOON: (casual) Hey…

BURN DINO-REX: (surprised) WHAT!?

He immediately turns around and gives Dragoon a look of fear.

Magma Dragoon takes out a badge and holds it in front of him.

MAGMA DRAGOON: (smiling) Maverick Hunter Special Investigations Unit.  Got a minute to talk?

BURN DINO-REX: I.. have nothing to say to you!

He immediately guards himself, ready for battle.

MAGMA DRAGOON: Now lets take it easy, friend. Engaging into battle will get us nowhere.  We’re both Fires.

BURN DINO-REX: (powering up) Hmmm, I don’t care!!!

He powers up into an aura of flame and dashes after him.

Magma Dragoon sighs and readies himself.

MAGMA DRAGOON: (sighing) So much for that…

He charges into a flame aura of his own and catches his hands, as they begin to pursue each other in a power struggle.

BURN DINO-REX: How did you find me!?  No one knows that I’m here!!!

MAGMA DRAGOON: I’m a detective.  It’s my job to know things like this.

BURN DINO-REX: You’re going to wish you never found me!

MAGMA DRAGOON: Is that a fact?

Magma Dragoon puts his right foot behind Burn Dino-Rex’s right leg and trips him to the ground, while still holding onto his arms.  The abrasive trip turns the move into a tackle as he holds him down on the ground.

BURN DINO-REX: Agh.

MAGMA DRAGOON: Stand down. I just.. want to.. talk!

BURN DINO-REX: Never!

He blasts a heavy wave of fire out of his mouth, which causes Magma Dragoon to lose his grip and cough.

MAGMA DRAGOON: Aghhh. –kuh- -kugh-  Come on man!!

Burn Dino-Rex punches him off and gets up.

BURN DINO-REX: Lets go!

MAGMA DRAGOON: (getting up) Ahh.  No!  You’re a member of the Repliforce who is engaging in Illegal Activities! You have no ground here!

BURN DINO-REX: You just had to stick your nose in my business.  Now I have to kill you.

MAGMA DRAGOON: No you don’t.  Our factions are allies.  If word of this got out, your whole organization would be compromised.

BURN DINO-REX: That’s why I cannot allow you to live.

Magma Dragoon shakes his head.

MAGMA DRAGOON: No man.  You don’t get it.  You can’t hurt me.  And we can’t be seen fighting!

BURN DINO-REX: Hahahaha.  You’re scared.  I get it..

He pounds a fist into his hand.

MAGMA DRAGOON: Hah.  Hardly…  I came here to help you out, you moron.  I tried to be nice and civil.  Maybe cut a deal with you.  …But if you’re too dimwitted to see that, then forget it.  I’ll just have to beat it out of you to cooperate.

BURN DINO-REX: Hrrraaaaahhhh!

MAGMA DRAGOON: Nyaaaaaahhhhh!!!!

The two flame up and run after each other with burning hands of fire.

-cut to-

------------------------------------------------------------------------

MAVERICK HUNTER BASE – Meeting Room – NIGHT

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Turian, Tethlon, Blizz, Blaze, Frenzy Foxkit and Freeze Alopex watch the footage of Magma Dragoon’s failing negotiation with worried faces.

FRENZY FOXKIT: Aw no!!

BLIZZ & BLAZE: Shit.

TURIAN: I knew this was gonna happen!

TETHLON: What now??

FREEZE ALOPEX: Don’t interfere…!

They all turn to her.

14th UNIT: What?

FREEZE ALOPEX: He doesn’t want us there.  You heard him. We’d only be a liability.

BLIZZARD: Are you out of your mind?

BLAZE: What the Hell is wrong with you!?

FREEZE ALOPEX: Excuse me?

BLIZZARD: We have other powers than him.  Hell, if you and I double-teamed him, maybe we could stop him for good.

FREEZE ALOPEX: And what good would that do, huh?  The Repliforce are supposed to be our allies.  Doing that would only create problems.

BLIZZARD: Not if they knew all the facts…

TETHLON: (nervous, hopeful) L-Lets not give up hope yet…  Dragoon’s doing pretty okay out there.  Maybe he can.. calm him down and.. t-talk him out of it.

Just then, the power goes out for a second and comes back on.  The Satelitte Feed has cut off and only shows static.

FRENZY FOXKIT: What the-? 

BLIZZ & BLAZE: Shiiiit!

TETHLON: The power went out.

TURIAN: Damn it!  We’re offline.  We won’t be able to track his progress now.

FREEZE ALOPEX: That’s a sign!  Let’s just leave it alone.  He’s got this and doesn’t want us there.  Those were his orders.

BLAZE: …coward.

FREEZE ALOPEX: You know what?  I don’t have to take this.  Until I hear otherwise from our Leader, I’m outta here.  And you should all respect his wishes too.

She opens the door and walks out of the room.

BLAZE: Hah!  Look at her go!!  …Bitch.

Frenzy Foxkit turns to her, shaken to his core.

FRENZY FOXKIT: Are you KIDDING ME!!?  That’s my Sister!!  You guys are…  Unbelievable!!!

He grips his Spark Whip extra tight and resists the urge to hit her with it.  Or to hit something anyway.  Instead he just runs out of the room and follows his sister.

TETHLON: Aw jeez…  Now look at what you did.

BLAZE: Shut up Tethlon!

TURIAN: ALL OF YOU. BE QUIET!!! 

The group looks at him shocked.

TURIAN: I get that tensions are high right now, but I’m very disappointed in you right now.

BLAZE: We need to-

TURIAN: (Authoritative) We will WAIT HERE, until the System Reboots.  …Then we’ll decide whether or not we need to intervene.

-cut to-

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

EXT. SOUTH EASTERN KENYA – Illgegal Warehouse - DAY

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Magma Dragoon dashes after Burn Dino-Rex and throws flaming fists at him.

 MAGMA DRAGOON: /Hrrgh, /grr, /rrr!

Burn Dino-Rex blocks them all as he backs up with a grin on his face.  He turns to whip him with his fiery tail, but Magma Dragoon jumps up and flame kicks him hard in the head. 

BURN DINO-REX: Kaaaugh.

Burn Dino-Rex gets dizzy and falls to the ground as his head hits a hard rock.  The knock to his gears cause Dino-Rex to go into stasis as his eyes become vacant.

MAGMA DRAGOON: Oh shit…  He’s out cold.  Well good.  That means I can finally talk to him when he comes to.  Let’s see…

He looks around to see if there is an open warehouse where they can talk.  He’s also probably going to need to tie him down or something.

 Just then, Sigma teleports in.

 SIGMA: My my…  Well done Magma Dragoon!

Magma Dragoon turns around and is spooked by the sight of him.  He feels like he just spotted a ghost. 

MAGMA DRAGOON: (spooked) Haw!!

His eerie red scars glimmer through the black cloak as his blue eyes glow.

SIGMA: Well… I was kind of hoping to do this with Burn Dino-Rex, but this works out much better, I think. 

MAGMA DRAGOON: Wha-  What the…  Who are you?? Are you his weapons contact???

SIGMA: HAHAHAHAH.  Don’t be absurd.

 Sigma takes out his scythe and stabs Magma Dragoon with it right in the chest.

 MAGMA DRAGOON: Gaaa-aaa-aaa-aa-aahh!!!!

 Magma Dragoon is shocked at his core as dark purple energy seems to seep into his armor.

SIGMA: You have a lot of darkness in you. I can sense it.  You always have..

MAGMA DRAGOON: (confused, hurt) D-..darkness?

He tries to grip the scythe and fight it, but it just shocks his hand.  He has no choice but to bear the pain and succumb to the darkness within.  He falls to his knees.

MAGMA DRAGOON: Gaaaaah.

SIGMA: Yeees.  That’s it.  Look further into yourself and think about what it is that you really want.

 MAGMA DRAGOON: …to be the strongest.

 He grins evilly.

 SIGMA: Yes.  You want to be the best.

MAGMA DRAGOON: Better than… X.. and Zero!!  It should be ME!!!

SIGMA: Yeeess.  That’s it.  Now you’re beginning to see.

 Magma Dragoon looks up and squints his eyes at the cloaked figure.  Then he starts to realize who he’s speaking to.

 MAGMA DRAGOON: You’re Sigma!

SIGMA: Yes.  It is I…  Come to reap your soul and show you the way.

Magma Dragoon nods his head in agreement, corrupted.

MAGMA DRAGOON: (dark, epiphany) I DO want to fight them.  I want to defeat them.  I always wanted to!!  Just to wipe that smug look off of their faces.

SIGMA: Hahahaha!!  I can give you that chance… I can grant you that power. If you just do one thing for me.  

He looks up at his dark master in awe.

 MAGMA DRAGOON: Name it.

 SIGMA: Take down the Sky Lagoon.

 MAGMA DRAGOON: ..The Research Colony?  Why??

 SIGMA: A grand gesture such as that marks the perfect return of Lord Sigma to his adoring public!!

Magma Dragoon looks up at him in awe.

MAGMA DRAGOON: O..okay.  I’ll do it.

SIGMA: Splendid!

He takes his scythe out from his core and allows Magma Dragoon to stand.

MAGMA DRAGOON: (mystified, brainwashed, perplexed) But first… I h-had.. unfinished business here… with /him!

He looks down at Burn Dino-Rex and points at his comatose body once he remembers why he was there. 

SIGMA: Yes.  Please attend to your business.  I’ll see to it that he cooperates with you completely.

MAGMA DRAGOON: Huh?

SIGMA: Not only will you two agree to keep this little operation hush hush, but in turn, he will allow you to join the Repliforce.  That way everyone here can reeeeally learn to trust each other!

He puts an unsettlingly soothing hand on Magma Dragoon’s shoulder as he leads him towards Burn Dino-Rex.

Sigma reaps Burn Dino-Rex’s soul with his scythe and injects his own dark influence into his core, just like he did with Magma Dragoon.

SIGMA: There.  That should wake him up.

CYBER PEACOCK: (o.s, filtered) Lord Sigma!  Come in.

Sigma receives a com-link from his faithful servant, Cyber Peacock.

SIGMA: (whispering) What is it Peacock?

CYBER PEACOCK: (o.s, filtered) I’m holding the signal for as long as you need, but if we want to make this look authentic, you need to leave soon.

SIGMA: Very well.  I’ve done what is necessary.

MAGMA DRAGOON: Hm?

Sigma turns to his new pawn and smiles.

SIGMA: It is time for me to take my leave.  But when the time is right you shall receive my signal.  And then we will all get what we want.

Magma Dragoon offers a crooked smile, as Sigma disappears.

Standing in front of Burn Dino-Rex’s fallen body, he looks down at his fist with a dark grin.

MAGMA DRAGOON: (v.o, thinking) Soon, X and Zero.  I will show you  how powerful I really am!

 -       cut to -

----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

INT. MAVERICK HUNTER BASE – Meeting Room – DAY

----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Turian, Tethlon, Blizzard and Blaze gasp as the satellite feed finally links back up to their monitor.

 TETHLON: (gasp) Hey it’s back!

TURIAN: Finally…  That took longer than usual.

BLIZZARD: Heeey guys look!  He did it.

BLAZE: (smiling) Son of a bitch.  He pulled it off.

TETHLON: Hahaha, look at him!  He’s so smug, I love it.

 Turian runs over to the console and com-links into Magma Dragoon.

TURIAN: Sir!  You did it!!

-       cut to -

 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

EXT. SOUTH EASTERN KENYA – Illegal Warehouses – DAY

 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Magma Dragoon stirs at the sudden sound of his companion’s voice.

 MAGMA DRAGOON: Huh!?

TURIAN: (o.s, filtered) We lost the feed there for a second, but it looks like everything turned out all right!

MAGMA DRAGOON: (dark) Heheh. HAHAHAH!!!  Yeees, it did.  Now if you’ll excuse me, I still need to talk to this worthless piece of garbage.

TETHLON: (o.s, filtered, stoked) Hahaha, ohhh man!  He is fired Up!!

 Magma Dragoon smiles at this.

 MAGMA DRAGOON: I’ll be home soon guys.  Closing Communication now.

 He walks over to Burn Dino-Rex and grabs him by the collar of his armor.

 -Freeze Frame. Grainy Effect-