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Chapter 16 Crisis and General Raszer

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“How much longer is this going to take?” asks Crisis as she taps her silver white metallic claw tips against the arm rests of a silver black leather chair that looks similar to something you find in a dentist’s office. The chair itself has dozens of wires attached and hanging from the ceiling are half a dozen scanning devices all moving slowly up and down Crisis’ body as they do their thing.

Crisis’ look has gone through another set of changes since she arrived, all of Croc’s symbols have been removed from her body, now replaced with her blue sickle claw symbol on her knees and center of her waist. Her eyes, head gemstone and chest gemstone have all returned to their original soft blue glow. Crisis wrist blade compartments, shins, sickle claws and anywhere else that used to be red was painted over back into Crisis traditional blue color, the rest of Crisis’ paint job and design remained unchanged that is including the black and white latex vest that has the shining gemstone in the middle.

“Not much longer,” replies Joshua as he adjusts his white lab coat as he types into one computer and then another before looking back up at Crisis.

“Haven’t we done these tests before? Several times in fact? And you better not be doing any more X-rays on me, I don’t want to glow in the dark anymore than I already do,” remarks Crisis.

“Sorry Mistress but I wasn’t the one that got her entire body remodeled… I mean how could you let him do this to you? Chaos Croc could have easily done things to you that we may not detect or worse he could have altered your programming. I mean… look at this, a rubber vest? The majority of your original body is gone, that is lot of our work, Karrie’s work, replaced by that robotic monster. Even your processing core is now incased in his handiwork, how do you think I am going to feel knowing his technology is wrapped around your mind,” explains Joshua.

“Relax, you worry too much,” replies Crisis as she hops out of the chair with a light thud and clank. “Look, I feel great, and now that I have my memories restored from before the mission, I know there hasn’t been a moment before where I felt this spectacular. I think faster, clearer, more efficiently, and my body is vastly improved. That’s not to say I will miss a few features of my old body, but this is an overall improvement, don’t you agree?” she asks a she walks up to him.

“I don’t know…” replies Joshua as he gives Crisis a once over.

“Tell me, there’s not one thing you don’t like about this new design?”

“Well… I do like the new sickle claw placement. Looks more… natural, that center idea whoever it was just didn’t look good on you. It worked well on paper, but aesthetically it was horrid, but that was the best we could do, so yes the claw placement I like.”

“Is that all?” asks Crisis with a smirk.

“Well…” says Joshua as he looks over Crisis once more, “It still wasn’t worth it in my opinion, but I’m glad we removed the tracking device and tweaked his relay to work with your network. That relay he installed into you is far more advanced than anything we’ve seen before. He said he was using you as a new prototype back up body?”

“That’s what he said, and that’s why I knew I had to steal it no matter what.”

“So… did you ever get close to Croc? You never mentioned if you were able to get near him.”

“A little, but no opportunity to finish him off, otherwise I’d be one happy raptor… now are we done here? It’s been three days since I got back and all you’ve done is worry about my systems. Although admirable especially for an organic, your loyalty to me has been proven several times over and I appreciate your concern and how well you handled things while I was away.”

“Yeah… I think we’re done Mistress Crisis,” says Joshua as he sighs and turns off the scanning equipment.

“Good, I have to prepare for a meeting with General Raszer about my recent discovers from the most successful spy mission this country has ever seen.”

“I know, I’ve seen the army on the other side of the city prepare for his arrival, but there are other things you need to go over before he arrives. The new smelting and production factories, the repair pods, along with the nanite production facilities that were built from the designs you’ve sent. The soldiers are concern about mind controlling affects of these nanites, but I looked over the design and these will be purely for robotic maintenance, but try to tell them that.”

“And judging by what I’ve heard those nanites are working wonderfully. They are keeping my army… forgive the pun, working like a well oiled machine,” remarks Crisis with a smirk.

“Regardless you should really look over all the changes. You were gone for a long time.”

“It really wasn’t that long…” replies Crisis.

“You didn’t have to hear the talk of the others making me the next you…” remarks Joshua trailing off.

“Oh you speak of it as if it was a bad thing,” chuckles Crisis as she pats Joshua on the back as the two walk out of the examination room.

“Speaking of bad things though… there is something I want to tell you,” Joshua says softly as he leans in towards Crisis.

“Hmm? What happened?”

“Well… I discovered this a few days ago and I haven’t been able to find a way to deal with it yet, but its abou—.”

“There you are! I’ve been looking all over for you,” says Maria as the solid black scaled raptor dressed in a pair of beat up jeans and a soft black tang top shirt.

“Who are you and how did a civilian get this far into my facilities? I don’t mind helping the orga— the city folk with repairs around the city, but I don’t want you all roaming restricted areas. They are restricted for a reason.”

“I’m not some crazy citizen of this city you dumb tin can,” remarks Maria as Crisis looks at the raptor her eyes glow a touch brighter as she flicks her tail behind her.

“What did you just call me? And if you aren’t a citizen of this city and by the way you’re dressed you’re certainly not military. How did you get in here?”

“I…I can answer that Miss Crisis,” stammers Joshua.

“I’m listening,” she says in a slightly annoyed tone as her tail sways back and forth vigorously.

“She’s the great granddaughter of Francis one of the elderly volunteers and she wants to keep an eye on her grandfather for a few personal reasons. I thought it be okay if I granted her access to stay near her grandfather.”

“I see…, though that doesn’t explain how she got this far into the facility without an escort.”

“That’s my fault Mistress Crisis,” states Arissa as she comes rushing in. “I was watching her till you were available to see her. I told her you were busy, but she wouldn’t have it and she slipped by me. I’m sorry,” she says holding her head down low.

“How did she get by you?” asks Crisis as she walks over to Arissa.

“I wouldn’t be too hard on her, I have years of practice getting into spots I don’t belong,” she says with a sly smirk.

“Is that so?” asks Crisis as she raises a metallic eye ridge.

“Yeah, what is it to you? You won’t have me working for the likes of you,” she growls.

“ __This girl is getting on my nerves_ …_ wait why am I getting angry? Just some organic spouting off words, why should I let that bother me?” thinks Crisis. “Very presumptuous of you, assuming I want you to work for me like that. So… assuming aren’t you? What are you some tabloid news reporter? Already making your story before getting any facts what so ever?”

“T-tabloid news reporter?! H-how dare you! I’d let you know I was a prize winning reporter, thank you very much.”

“Was a prize winning reporter?” asks Crisis as she gives a sly smirk and flicks her tail once before she says, “Did something happen to make you no longer a prize winning reporter?”

“Why would you care, you’re just some machine,” she growls.

“Watch… never mind,” groans Crisis as she takes a moment before replying, “I think we’re getting off on the wrong foot. So tell me what happened?”

“You really want to know?”

“Of course. My job is to help my country and defeat Croc, nothing more than that. I can see getting to know you will be helpful to our country.”

“I told you Maria that Crisis isn’t like who you think she is, just give her a chance,” pleads Joshua to Maria.

Maria looks over at Joshua before she replies, “Strange but okay…” Maria spends a moment to look over Crisis before she gives off a soft sigh, “Can’t hurt, so I worked for a prestigious newspaper company, in a the big gambling city of Veloci. Big gambling cities have big stories you know. I was away when Croc blitzed and took the city…, lost my home, my friends… my family. They say they evacuated everyone from the city before Croc got there, but that’s a load of propaganda, they get the most important people out first, then anyone vital to the war effort and the rest of us are on our own,” she growls.

“That will explain your animosity towards machines, that’s very understandable. Why don’t I hire you?”

“You hire me? I thought machines have iron clad memories, I told you I won’t work for you,” remarks Maria as she regains her composure.

“Hear me out before you jump to conclusions, and your assumptions are making me second guess this idea of mine.”

“What’s the idea Crisis? Come on Maria just let her speak before you decide,” pleads Joshua.

“Fine,” grunts Maria, “What’s the idea?” asks Maria with a sigh as she looks over at Crisis, her arms crossed as she waits.

“I am tired of rumors and fear, controlling people. I rather focus on dealing with Croc than on these issues. I like you to report the details of what I am trying to do and who I really am. I want to show to the people I am not Croc nor do I want to be like him.”

“What you want me to report on you to make you look good now? Give me a break,” remarks Maria.

“I’m giving you a break. I’m giving you exclusive rights to get up close and personal to what goes around here. Think of it, countless people will hang onto your every word. Though there are a few… rules if you were to be an exclusive reporter about me and what I do.”

“Oh here it comes, you want me to paint you in the best possible light possible isn’t that right?”

“That couldn’t be farther from the truth. I like to be put in a truthful light. The few rules are mainly not to reveal any information that can be used against me by Chaos Croc. I can’t have you report on my future battle plans and strategies against Croc so he can counter them now can we?” asks Crisis.

“You’d think I am a fool if you think I’d ever do something that stupid,” humph Maria.

“Does that mean you’ll take the job? Though now that I think of it, you may not be right for the job.” asks Crisis with a smirk.

“Now I didn’t say that…. Hey what do you mean I may not be right for the job?”

“Well I need a reporter who won’t jump to conclusions about me; I need someone who’d tell the truth good or bad, whatever it may be.”

“Hey! I can tell the truth, I just don’t like you, that’s two completely different things.”

“Really now?”

“Yes really!”

“Prove it then. Can you take the time to learn about me and what not only I do but the other machines do here and write honestly about it?”

“Of course I can.”

“Prove it.”

“Fine I’ll take your stupid job and report what you are doing. Mind you I will tell the truth, and nothing but the truth. Like it or not.”

“That’s the spirit. Now what did you want to see me for?”

“The hell I do. I want to talk about your roboticizing the elderly,” she grunts.

“And what about it? I roboticize anyone who’s willing, to free up resources of our already overburdened forces, and create a new army to fight against Croc, I see nothing wrong with that. I give our elderly a second chance to save our country from the clutches of evil.”

“Fine in theory and asides from the fact the sacrifice these people are making is downright horrible, but did it ever cross your mind that it may not a good idea to roboticize some of these elderly? One prime example is my great grandfather.”

“Oh? But from the reports I’ve received thus far he’s been nothing but extremely helpful. His knowledge is quite extensive and it’s helped get our production facilities up and running. He’s a prime example of why this is a good idea.”

“Do even know who my grandfather is? What he’s done? Who he worked for? Hell do you even know our own country’s history? I can only love family so much and for what he has done in our country’s dark past that should be allowed to fade away into the history books, not brought back to life for a second chance,” she remarks.

“Explain.”

“Then again… why should it matter to you? You’re just some government project. You’d probably support any plan they have, even if included returning to our self destructive ways.”

“Hmmph, how little you know me, though that will soon change. To let you know, my one and only goal is to stop Croc. I have no other motivation or desire other than that. I Want to save this country, not lead it to its own destruction,” explains Crisis.

“We’ll see about that.”

“And for now I will support Joshua’s decision to let you keep a close eye on your father. You may write about it as well. Could make a good story about how those from our distant past are working now to provide us all with a better, brighter future.”

“I’d probably not…”

“Your choice, everyone here has that. Now that’s done, I like to go visit the people of the city. I have some interesting ideas to help improve the economic situation of the city, organic and machines alike.”

“What about the other preparations that need to be made for the arrival of the general?” asks Joshua.

“He’s right we have much work to do before General Raszer arrives. The other army personnel are setting up the meeting place on the other side of the city and he wants to see your progress via video feed,” explains Arissa.

“Aye, I know. He wants to plan out what I discovered investigating Croc’s forces.”

“General Raszer is coming here? The head of the military?” asks Maria.

“Yup,” responds Crisis.

“When you see him ask him where our president is, no one has seen hide or scale of him in over nine months.”

“I’ll see if I can bring it up in our conversation, for now do you want to follow me Maria to see what I do around here?” she asks.

“Why the hell not. I just wish I had my notebook with me so I could take notes,” she remarks.

“This should work, it’s an electronic note pad, you should be able to take notes with this,” says Arissa as she hands Maria a sleek thin black tablet.

“This should work fine, thanks. How did you have one ready for me so quickly?” asks Maria as she looks at Arissa

“Let’s just say I like to be prepared for any eventuality,” says Arissa with a smirk.

“We should get going, I don’t have much time before the general arrives,” says Crisis as she walks down the hallway and is soon followed by Maria, Arissa and Joshua. The four don’t get far till they bump into Sasha who greets them with a smile.

“Finished with your repair and diagnostic checks?” she asks.

“I am, Joshua wanted to really make sure there was nothing wrong with my systems after I’ve been away for so long in Croc’s capital city.”

“Wait… capital city? You saw Croc’s capital?!” exclaims Maria.

“You still around? I thought you’d gone home by now,” remarks Sasha.

“Of course I’m still around,” growls Maria.

“Crisis… I don’t think it’s a good idea to mention where you’ve been so recklessly,” remarks Joshua.

“Hmm?” asks Crisis as she turns her head slightly to him.

“Well think of it Crisis, Croc’s been known to… change people. You’ve been to the heart of his empire for how long? Not to say it wasn’t worth it, but people might worry how… stable you are?”

“I see…, we’ll keep where I’ve been under wraps for now.”

“Already want me to lie?” comments Maria.

“Nothing of the sort, I didn’t say to tell the people I wasn’t in Croc’s capital? Informing I made a successful spy mission into Croc’s territory and came back with valuable information could be good, but probably not until the information I discovered has been used to its greatest affect. I don’t care if you report something I do wrong, but nothing that make people believe I did wrong, get my point?”

“Fine…” sighs Maria.

“A reporter? You have a reporter now?!” asks Sasha.

“Why should that bother you? Your job like everyone else in the military I work with is to kill me if I get out of line.”

“True, but I care about what things you could do that isn’t considered ‘out of line’ but still harmful to us,” remarks Sasha as she adjusts the massive sniper rifle on her back

“Is that true?” asks Maria in a whisper to Joshua.

“More or less,” he responds.

“So the military doesn’t trust their own creation.”

“And can you blame them? Being terrorized by machines for years, and they build one to stop him, if I was in their place I’d be worried too,” chuckles Crisis.

“She has good hearing doesn’t she?”

“Extremely… I should have told you that,” replies Joshua.

“Let’s go, I have some organics to meet,” says Crisis.

“You do know you have to meet with Lieutenant Andres before the General arrives,” says Sasha.

“I know, I’ll get to it,” she replies.

“Crisis you know how I told about calling people organics. It sounds bad.”

“Sheez, you do worry about everything I do, don’t you?”

“Of course I do… we should limit the Mistress calling as well and stick with ma’am and words like that, maybe like commander that could work….” replies Joshua as he starts to mumble to himself as the group heads out of Crisis’ main building. Outside Crisis’ machines are busily working building and preparing factories for their full time production or fixing any problems that arise from what’s already active.

“So Mist—commander Crisis what is this idea you have to help our standing with the people of the city?” asks Arissa as she walks beside Crisis while Joshua and Maria walk side by side directly behind them with Sasha being a half a step behind them.

“You’ll see,” replies Crisis as the group boards a nearby waiting truck which takes them to the civilian side of town. The sound of the city’s rebirth is heard echoing up and down the streets of the city. Construction crews some robotic most organic are busy repairing the damage from the years of neglect the city has suffered. Asides from the busses only a few cars roam the streets due to the lack of spare fuel to run them. Businesses have been steadily returning as signs of returning ‘normalcy’ is prolific through the city.

The truck makes its way to the recently refurbished town hall. The building based on medieval architecture with gray stone construction, shows signs of equal activity as the rest of the city. Crisis and the others step out of the truck where the nearby populace glance at Crisis and her crew suspiciously that is until a black and blue stripped raptor in a business suit comes up to greet them.

“Hello there,” says the male raptor as he approaches.

“So you must be the new mayor of Rioas,” replies Crisis as she walks up to him.

“You could hardly call me that, I am just the one picked to handle talks between us and you,” he remarks.

“Fair enough, but good to see you got my message about wanting a meeting with you… I can tell my talks with the people haven’t fully eased their fears,” remarks Crisis as the others in Crisis’ group come up from behind.

“Hardly, especially with the… new look of yours,” says the raptor as he eyes up Crisis.

“Really?” asks Crisis as she looks over herself. “What’s wrong with it?”

“It’s a tad intimidating… but meh, I bet the army prefers their equipment to look intimidating.”

“ __Equipment_ … I ’ ll let that one slide, I need their approval, ”_ thinks Crisis she enters the building, eventually she and the others make their way to the raptor’s office where he sits down at a worn out wooden desk. He motions for Crisis to sit down and says.

“Sorry, I didn’t think you were bringing guests or I’d been better prepared for this… now you said something about your machines helping us more than they do now? We do appreciate it, but we don’t want anymore of your machines helping us rebuild. We don’t want our jobs to be taken away by a bunch of machines.”

“Perish the thought, I wasn’t thinking like that at all, how little do you know me,” remarks Crisis.

“Then what is it that you were thinking of?” he asks.

“I want to be able to provide those here with jobs, or should I say with business opportunities. Despite the new shops around, there is little money entering the city save for what the few returning people bring, and that’s not enough to keep the city or its economy afloat.”

“What are you getting at?” he asks as he lifts an eye ridge as his claws gently tap the desk as he leans forward.

“Those machines that work for me are people just like you, who decided to make a sacrifice for this country’s future. They are still people, who have families and people to protect. Don’t you agree?” asks Crisis as she leans forward her elbows placed on the desk as she crosses her metallic claws and rests her chin on the her fingers.

“N-now that you put it that way…”

“Eventually their family might come to visit. That brings in some business, but I like to try to bring in business that would be more stable by the machines that are here now.”

“Your point?”

“My point is to let my fellow machines live their lives when they are off duty like normal people. Movies, entertainment, but also business that relate to their new needs, like a robot wash, it’s like a car wash but for us machines.”

“A robot wash?!”

“It sounds strange, but a place where someone like myself can get a good cleaning. With so many of us, I am pretty sure it can be good business. Everyone likes to be clean and the facilities I have will only do a basic wash. This would be like a pedicure level of clean. For when their families come to visit they look their finest for them. This has a few benefits, first to helps my machines our people retain a bit of what they gave up to help us. To feel like they aren’t banished from society for making this choice, for they chose to become machines in what is still our darkest hour. It also has the added benefit of adding new jobs they didn’t exist before, and shows we aren’t here to take away your jobs but to create new ones,” explains Crisis as she hears a companions behind her whisper amongst each other.

“Well… this is interesting thought. I’ll look into it to see if anyone is interested, but that does leave me with a few questions,” says the blue raptor as he leans back into his chair.

“Go ahead, I’ll be happy to answer if I can.”

“Well first of all how will they pay us? Last I checked machines don’t get paid, even ones who are formally organic.”

“A good point, a very good point actually and to be honest, currently the military doesn’t give my forces that much money, but I am about to talk to General Raszer today to change that. I’m going to talk to him to give my soldiers regular pay like the other soldiers, so they can earn money and conduct business like everyone else.”

“General Raszer? You’re going to talk to General Raszer?”

“I have a meeting with him today.”

“What?! He’ coming here?!... that would explain the commotion on the other side of the city. Really, no one tells us anything,” sighs the mayor.

“I’ll try to keep you updated, so no unexpected surprises like this happen again.”

“We’d appreciate that. Now for my other questions…” says the blue raptor as he and Crisis start conversing over Crisis’ robot wash idea not to mention a few others that Crisis has in a works. Suddenly the conversation is partially interrupted when Sasha’s cell phone rings. Sasha quickly answers it as the room goes silent.

“Hello… Yeah she’s here. She’s currently in a meeting with the mayor… some PR stuff. I understand sir, right away,” says Sasha as she puts down the phone. “Alright Crisis you had your fun here, but we must be going.”

“Is general Raszer here already?” asks Crisis as she looks over her shoulder at Sasha who is standing off to the side leaning against a wall.

“No, but he’ll be here soon and you still need to talk to the Lieutenant,” she replies.

“Very well, we’ll pick up this conversation another time,” says Crisis as she stand sup and offers her metallic claw in a friendly handshake.

“This meeting was… informative to say the least,” says the raptor as he accepts the handshake offer. “Strong grip you have there.”

“Sorry… hope I wasn’t too rough,” replies Crisis as she releases her grasp from the raptors.

“Not at all…” he says as he shakes his hand a few times as the group departs.

“Where did you come up with all those ideas?” asks Joshua.

“I learned a lot of things while I was gone.”

“Apparently…,” replies Joshua as he thinks, “I hope nothing too bad. I wonder what Karrie would think of your changes…” The group heads back to the truck which whisks them away to the other side of town, farthest away from Crisis’ base. Passed three sets of heavily armed military guard check points, eventually stopping at a heavily guarded bunker. The group is led out by the guards as Lieutenant Andres waits for them.

“Does the great General Raszer fear me that much to have set up an elaborate guard system?” asks Crisis as she approaches the white scaled black striped raptor Lieutenant.

“If you came to our meeting I’d informed you of the security measures we are putting in place, and they aren’t just about your arrival but what is to be discussed. We need secrecy… if Croc gets wind you know of his plans…” he grumbles as he looks over at Crisis’ group, “That girl from before, why is she here?” he remarks.

“You referring to me?” asks Maria.

“Yes you, this is a restricted area, no civilians allowed.”

“Don’t worry about her, she has my okay,” replies Crisis.

“Your okay won’t cut it here, she is to remain on truck,” he commands.

“Fine… so how long till the general arrives?” asks Crisis.

“Any minute now…” says Andres as the rumbling sound of helicopters is heard in the distance and within moments, a small squadron of small helicopters is in tight formation protecting a triple rotor engine helicopters, one at the front and two at extended wings in the back. The sleek black choppers are covered in radar absorbent paint fly over head as Crisis and the others watch them fly towards a makeshift landing pad behind the bunker facility, “He should be ready to see you soon now that he’s here…”

“Good timing… I don’t see why we had to have the other meeting then.”

“For one, only you and Sasha should be here, so no one else is allowed past this point aside you two. Everyone else will have to remain on the truck, if you came to the earlier meeting you wouldn’t have brought any unnecessary guests..”

“Why weren’t they stopped at the earlier check points if they weren’t allowed?”

“It been too much of a hassle, asides I know the group you tend to be with, they’re security is adequate up to this point… mostly,” he says as he eyes over at Maria who gives a humph and turns her head away from him.

“I don’t mind civilians, but at times like this they are more trouble than they’re worth,” he grumbles.

“I heard that,” she remarks.

“Damn women have devil hearing,” he grumbles again.

“I heard that too!” she exclaims.

“I know,” he growls and sighs.

“Come on we should be going,” says Andres as Crisis gives a nod as she and Sasha follow Andres into the bunker. Crisis’ tails ways behind her as her metallic feet clap against the concrete floor, marking her steps different from that of the hard leather boots of the nearby soldiers and that of Andres and Sasha, “I will let the fact you disobeyed me slide for now, but its best you don’t let that happen again. If Raszer thinks you’ve gone rogue, he’ll have no problems pulling a plug on this project,” remarks Andres.

“I know, I know, but you worry too much on that. Raszer is happy as long as I make progress on defeating Croc, I think I can get away with a few things,” she says with a smirk.

“You pushed your luck with how long you’ve been gone, don’t get cocky now,” he replies.

“You can be no fun sometimes,” says Crisis with a sigh as she is led passed three armed guard check points till eventually they reach a room with a solid metal door. There a soldier opens it and inside is General Raszer sitting across a metal table with no less than three heavily armed guards standing beside and behind him.

“Ah Crisis there you are, sit down, we have much to discuss,” he says as he motions her to come in. “Andres, Sasha, you two as well,” he commands as he sits proud and tall as his black talon claws motion them forward.

“Yes sir,” reply Sasha and Andres as they walk in. Crisis placing her metallic butt on the cold metal chair that’s before the desk with a notable clank.

“Now Crisis… I’ve been looking over the data you’ve compiled during your mission… I must say it’s quite extensive. Not only did you include battle plans, but behaviors and quirks of this Croc menace that has been causing us so much pain and suffering to our beloved country. You had to get quite close to Croc indeed,” he comments as he eyes up Crisis.

“I can see you’re concerned as to how close judging by the security, you weary I got too close,” remarks Crisis as she leans forward in her chair towards Raszer.

“I didn’t get to where I am today by being reckless. On a different topic, I am glad to see you redesigned the look of your body. The older form was most unbefitting.”

“Thanks… and I’m sure you’ve done a lot more than just be cautious to be where you are today. If you don’t mind before we begin, I have a few… requests that would improve requirement and desirability into my branch of the armed forces,” she asks as she crosses her claws before her face as she rests her elbows on the table.

“What kind of… requests?” asks Raszer as he lifts an eye ridge.

“Nothing too great, just a small salary for the troops.”

“You’re asking me to pay your troops?” he asks with a low growl.

“In a way. Don’t have to pay me anything, I have no use for your money, but those who are converted into my army, are still the same past the obvious fact they are now machines. If you want to prevent animosity for this project we have to show that we aren’t taking away the older generation to become some mindless drones. By giving them a small salary, nothing too big, since such things as food and living is all taken care of, but enough for entertainment when they’re off duty.”

“Off duty?”

“Even they need time to take a break, wouldn’t you agree? They may be robots, but we don’t have to treat them like machines now do we? Think of it, those who were hesitant at first might join in, increasing your army against Croc, but also give a boost to the economy. If you are unsure of this idea, we can always use this city as a test bed. Currently all my forces are stationed here but not for long. Allow those who are here to receive a pay they can use as they see fit. For entertainment, to send to family, whatever, an added bonus for doing this is you can use it as a PR stunt to show that those who are volunteering aren’t giving up but are gaining in service to our country. You get to look like the good guy, and I get a bigger army to fight Croc. And you shouldn’t worry about the money too much. It goes it the economy which you’ll just tax right back out anyway… won’t you?” asks Crisis as Raszer sits back in his chair as he growls softly to himself in though. He looks down at the table then back at Crisis.

“I’ll see what I can arrange…. Anything else?”

“Some civilians in the city have been asking about the president. How is he doing? I want to show that I am on their side and give them something about what is happening, news about the outside world is still rather limited.”

“That coward? What he does best, hide. He won’t show his face till this war is won, till then he’ll hide till there’s nothing else left of our country… Now if you’re done delaying me, I like to get this meeting underway. We have much to discuss.”

“Agreed, and the first thing I like to do is get communications going with the other governments that will be attacked. We stand the best chance of repulsing Croc’s attack if we coordinate with the other nations.”

“We’re working on it. They’re rather… cautious of our news. Which is understandable… they’ve been wearier of us than before since news of you became public. The tabloids in the peaceful nations are having a field day. For now we’ll plan based on the, ‘what if’ scenario they won’t help, and then we’ll come up with what if plans if they do decide to trust us.”

“Alright.”

“Lets get this started,” says Raszer as he motions one of the soldiers near him to bring a map, which he nods and quickly unrolls over the metal table.

“What about your other generals? Shall they be here for this meeting?”

“Resources are tight and I couldn’t risk my generals moving about… it look suspicious wouldn’t it? The fact we know about the assault has to remain top secret.”

“Good point,” replies Crisis as her planning with Raszer is just beginning. Meanwhile Joshua is having a conversation of his own with Maria as they and Arissa sit in the back of the truck guarded by two guards standing attention outside.

“So what do you think of her?” asks Joshua.

“Who? Crisis?”

“Yeah. I wish you could have seen her before she went and got her body remodeled… but yeah…”

“Tad surprised to be honest.”

“Surprised?”

“Yeah she has more personality than I’d thought she has.”

“Well we used only the most advanced AI programming to create her. Though to be honest the real reason behind her advanced AI is all thanks to Karrie.”

“Ah yes Karrie you mentioned her a few times. Where is she? Someone that important in Crisis’ design, you’d think she’d shown up by now. Either working on her to keep her going or working for her like Arissa here.”

“I resent that remark. I work for Mistress because I want to. And Karrie has been missing. We have no idea where she is,” she responds.

“Karrie isn’t around right now, but one day she’ll pop up again I am sure of it,” comments Joshua.

“Where is she? Someone that important can’t just disappear now can they?” asks Maria.

“Karrie was always a peculiar one in doing things, but wherever she is right now I am sure she’s safe.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“She’s someone who always has a plan. I doubt she’d do something without a reason behind it.”

“Like?”

“Like disappear.”

“Curiously is this the same person you dumped me for all those years ago?”

“Wait what?! Why would you say something like that? I-I-I’d never do something like that to anyone and I wasn’t with anyone when I left.”

“You sound a little defensive there.”

“I do detect a faster heartbeat, I think he’s being rather nervous about this topic,” comments Arissa.

“Hey! Who’s side are you on?”

“Crisis’ of course,” replies Arissa with a sly smirk.

“I can never win…” grumbles Joshua as the meeting between Raszer and Crisis drags on for a few hours before finally reaching a close.

“I believe with this plan we can’t lose,” states Crisis.

“Hope so, for if we fail we just might,” remarks Raszer as he looks over the map and Crisis, “With luck we can be the one advancing and taking back our home rather than Croc taking it away.”

“We can only hope,” says Crisis as she stands up and gives a mock stretch before saying, “If that’s all I must be going and getting preparations ready for the attack.”

“There is one more thing…” says Raszer as he takes a sip of his coffee, his yellow eyes locking directly into Crisis’ glowing blue ones.

“What is it?”

“My sources inform me that you’ve gotten some rather interesting converts recently.”

“Interesting? As in?”

“They have experience that is quite… valuable to us, and before you turned them they were far too old to be any use but now that they’ve been rejuvenated as it were, our need for their expertise has greatly increased.”

“Who are these people?” asks Crisis.

“Not too many here’s the list of volunteers of yours that I’d like to be working directly under me. Their talents will be put to far better use that way,” states Raszer as he pulls out a piece of paper and places it on the table over the map. Crisis picks up the list and scans over it, noting the first name on the list is Francis, Maria’s relative.

“Why do you need them so badly? I am badly undermanned as it is, and I need every machine I can get to defeat Croc.”

“Trust me, these few will greatly increase our chances in defeating Croc.”

“Will it now?”

“It shall, in so many more ways than you can imagine. All you have to do is make sure they’re ready to be picked up by tomorrow, so I can put them to use immediately.”

“Hmm…”

“Would I thelp if I said I think it will easily double our chances in defeating Croc.”

“Double? How is that possible?”

“You leave that to me, now hmmm?”

“Alright. I don’t see any harm in this,” replies Crisis as bids the General farewell. Sasha and Andres soon following her out the door and the moment the door closes with a thud Raszer sits back with a sigh.

“That machine is such a tool…thankfully so. If she wasn’t I’d had her turned to scrap metal by now. Mention anything that it would help defeat Croc and she jumps on the idea. Bet if I told her not telling the other nations save our dragon allies about the attack was going to help, she’d agree to that too.” he chuckles.

“Most likely sir, but I wouldn’t want to push your luck.,” says one of the guards near him.

“Did I ask for your opinion?” he growls as he glares over at the soldier who nervously gulps.

“N-no sir!”

“Good…I bet if I told that machine that the only way to defeat Croc was to delete her own programming she’d do it. I like that blind devotion and loyalty. With any luck we’ll be able to use the Crisis project to reclaim everything we’ve lost over the past dozen decades,” says Raszer with a toothy grin, “With our victory over Croc’s forces while those other nations fall to this major attack of his, our rise to power over the other lesser nations shall begin once more and this time we won’t stop till we reach the top,” groans Raszer as he pushes himself up from the chair. “Get my chopper ready, I don’t want to spend another moment here than I have to,” commands Raszer as he holds his ceramic coffee mug in his hands as he walks away from the desk taking another sip.

“Yes sir!”

“Still wish that damn machine didn’t get her body remodeled like that. We lost the device that would help verify this information of hers… Oh well, we have to take what we can get at this point,” grumbles Raszer as he walks off, “It would be problematic if my back up plan got affected in that remodeling as well,” he thinks.

Meanwhile after Crisis met up with the rest of her group and they were led back to her side of town…

“You want me to go through another round of tests?! Really Joshua, I don’t have time for another set,” groans Crisis.

“Trust me these are very important.”

“If they were so important why weren’t they done earlier?”

“I didn’t think of it till just now.”

“You didn’t think of it just now? Important tests that could prevent terrible things from happening to me, and you just remember them just now?” asks Crisis with a hint of sarcasm.

“Sorry, but it’s really important. It will be the last one for sometime, I promise.”

“You won’t drop this till I agree won’t you?” asks Crisis with a sigh.

“Yup, someone has to take care of you.”

“I don’t need someone to take care of me… but fine, one more round of tests, but this will be the last one, got it?” asks Crisis as she leans over to Joshua.

“I got it, I got it,” replies Joshua.

“Maybe after you do whatever you do with Crisis we can catch up. You’ve been so busy we’ve barely talked,” says Maria.

“Yeah, should have some time,” says Joshua as the truck pulls into Crisis’ section of the city.

“What do you want me to do while you’re being looked over Mistress Crisis?” asks Arissa as she jumps off the truck.

“Just get things prepared for me. We have a lot of work to do,” commands Crisis as she jumps off the back of the truck. The truck bounces from the sudden drop in weight as Joshua and Sasha follow suit, to Crisis’ maintenance area as Maria lets out a soft sigh as she and the others go in the opposite direction.

“Sounds like you know Maria from before,” comments Crisis.

“Ah… yeah we used to go out, way before I joined the project.”

“Really now?”

“Yeah… what about it?”

“Nothing, I just find it interesting.”

“Why? It’s nothing special.”

“You sound a bit… defensive.”

“Defensive? Me? I’m not defensive at all,” remarks Joshua.

“He is, I can tell,” remarks Sasha.

“Hey who’s side are you on?!” groans Joshua.

“What can I say, ladies stick together… even if one’s a machine.”

“I resent that remark,” comments Crisis.

“Anyway lets get you fixed up Crisis,” says Joshua as Sasha stands at the door way as she did last time as he and Crisis enter the maintenance bay.

“Fixed up? I thought you were going to run some more stupid tests on me,” groans Crisis as Joshua looks over his soldier back at the exit where Sasha is stationed before moving over to Crisis.

“It’s not about you… it’s about what I wanted to tell you earlier,” whisper’s Joshua as he motions Crisis deeper into the area.

“Oh? What’s that? I thought Maria was what you wanted to talk about.”

“It’s about Sasha… She’s a spy.”

“What? Of course she is, she works for the military; she spies on me all the time.”

“No… no, she’s a spy of Croc’s.”

“What?” remarks Crisis as she keeps her voice low, “How do you know?”

“I saw her talking to some yellow vixen. I barely escaped her notice, but there’s been little I could do. No one would believe me if I told them and she’s been watching me like a hawk, she suspects I know. It has put me in a difficult spot.”

“I see. If we did anything to her, the military would be suspicious and if we told them, they’d think we’re trying to remove her from getting too close and trust us even less. Quite a problem,” comments Crisis as she rubs her chin.

“It is… what shall we do?”

“I have an idea… Hey Sasha! Can you come in we need you!” exclaims Crisis.

“Crisis… what are you doing?!”

“Just stand back and watch, I picked up a lot of tricks while I was gone, I can handle this little dilemma of ours.”

“What is it? Do you need help being plugged in?” she asks with heavy sarcasm.

“No, I just want to ask you something,” asks Crisis as her eyes give off a soft blue, soon followed by her square gem on her forehead.

“What is it?” groans Sasha.

“Are you working for Chaos Croc?”

“Crisis?!”

“Didn’t I say stay out of this?” remarks Crisis as keeps her attention towards Sasha.

“What kind of moronic question is that, did you lose a few screws jut now?”

“You didn’t answer my question. Are you working for Chaos Croc?” asks Crisis as her voices gets softer, smoother, steady… hypnotic.

“Again I tell you it’s a stupid question,” replies Sasha as she draws her eyes down away from Crisis’ eyes into the small blue gem at the center of her black latex vest, the gem also giving a soft steady pulsating glow.

“Then you would have no trouble telling me. Are you working for Chaos Croc?”

“N-n-Yes… I am working for great Master Chaos Croc.”

“That’s a good girl… now tell me how long have you been working for Croc?”

“Since before we met,” respond Sasha in an increasingly monotone voice.

“How did you become to work for Croc?”

“I was in snipping duty and I had the great luck and spotted him, as a fool I took a shot at him, but thankfully a random machine of his blocked my shot and saved him. I was eventually captured he brought me under his power through hypnosis and the use of his wonderful nanites. I happily obey Master Croc.”

“I see… I guess we’ll have to…” says Crisis as she moves forward grabbing the sniper’s claws as she doesn’t put up an ounce of resistance, “Fix that.” Crisis eye’s glow more as she then says, “You want me to save me don’t you, from Croc’s evil control.”

“Yes… to be saved from Croc’s evil glorious control.”

“Good, now be a good girl and show me your neck.”

“Yes… show you my neck,” says Sasha as she tilts her head to the side revealing her scaled neck as Crisis moves in to give a quick bite, injecting her nanites through two small fangs hidden up until this point. After a few moments Crisis pulls away and grins her eyes returning back to normal, “M-Mistress Crisis you saved me! You saved me from Croc’s control!” says Sasha as she gives Crisis a big hug.

“Oh you’re most welcomed.”

“Is there anything I can do for you Mistress Crisis, just name it.”

“You will continue what you are doing, but serve me in the end. Don’t treat me any different than you already have. I don’t want to raise suspicions now. It would be bad for me. ”

“Yes Mistress Crisis… I mean Crisis.”

“Good, now why don’t you head back to your post and return to the same old same old. Keep me informed of any meetings you have with Croc’s forces. Feed them false information that will increase our chances against him. You’re going to make a great triple agent.”

“Of course… I’ll be keeping an eye on you as well, don’t want you to be doing anything you shouldn’t,” says Sasha as she returns to her same personality and walks off, adjusting her sniper rifle on her back as she walks off.

“H-how did you do that?” asks Joshua with his jaw dropped to the floor.

“I’ve picked up a few tricks Croc uses… don’t worry I won’t use them on you, but it’s good to know I can counter his work. My nanites have gotten much better than before. Using my nanites was the only way to remove any left in her, the side affect though is the same at the base where I was created, she is loyal and obedient to me now,” remarks Crisis with a smile.

“You don’t sound too troubled by that,” comments Joshua.

“Not so bad. Calling me here to get her to follow with just us, how clever.”

“Yes it was one place that Sasha doesn’t instinctually follow you and wouldn’t seem too out of place for me to call you.”

“Smart, now if you don’t mind, I have work to do,” replies Crisis as she turns and walks off.

“Crisis… what ma I going to do with you. How will Karrie think of you when she comes back,” thinks Joshua.

“Oh, Joshua one more thing,” says Crisis as she stops in the doorway and turns to him.

“Yes Crisis?”

“Thanks for your help. I appreciate it,” replies Crisis with a smile.

“Welcome,” says Joshua as he thinks as he follows Crisis out of the room, “Maybe it’s not as bad I as think…”