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Chapter 5 Making a Deal with the Devil

A month has passed since Crisis revealed herself to her people the nation of Dromaeosa. Crisis’ team set out a distress call to the nation’s armed forces that the base was under heavy assault and needed help. Several faked distress calls and radio transmission of the base being overrun and that they are going to attempt to initiate project Crisis in order to try to stop the invasion, followed by radio silence.

The Dromaeosa’s military quickly moved in upon hearing the distress calls. They were expecting a stiff fight to retake the base but in the end found a battered, blown out base still securely under Dromaeosa’s control. Though it was a rather big surprise to find dozens of roboticized raptors, working to help with the clean up, and that the battle was turned all thanks to Crisis, who at a few times was shot at by trigger happy soldiers who weren’t expecting machines to be on their side of the conflict.

Crisis was escorted from the base under heavy guard as an investigation team was dispatched to find out if her claims of being activated by the scientists were indeed true or not. She and Joshua who is the only surviving organic scientist from the project were taken to the city of New Talos, the current capital of the country of Dromaeosa, after its original capital fell during the early days of the war, due to the fact the capital of the country was positioned near the border of one of the nations that fell under Croc’s control before they invaded their nation.

Crisis and Joshua would not be able to see the sights of one of the last grand cities of their home country as they were kept under close guard, and kept away from the view of the general public. There were scurried away from one car to another, unable to figure where they were, and if it wasn’t for Joshua managing to catch a glimpse of one of the city’s landmarks from a distance, they would have no clue where they were at all.

Crisis remained calm and compliant through the whole ordeal, but after the constant hustle and bustle there was silence. The two were shoved into a dimly interrogation room. The two sat on cold silver metal chairs that were quite uncomfortable for Joshua’s organic body after an hour of sitting and waiting.

Crisis tries to wait patiently in the room with Joshua, her metallic claws tapping against her chair as she looks across the stainless steel table at the empty black leather cushioned chair. Her tail sways side to side idly as she glances over at Joshua with her soft glowing blue eyes.

“How long are they going to make me wait?” asks Crisis with a soft sigh.

“I’m not sure Miss Crisis but I don’t think it should be too much longer, the initial investigation should be over by now,” Joshua replies as he adjusts himself in his seat.

“I know it’s over.”

“How do you know?” asks Joshua.

“I’ll reveal that in a little bit,” says Crisis with a sigh as she leans forward against the table and gently taps it as she waits. Her metal claws causing a light metal tapping echo within the room. “This is going so slow…”

Sometime later the doors swing open and a pair of well armed raptor soldiers enter the room, their guns in hand as Joshua jumps at the sudden commotion.

“H-hello, anything wrong?” he asks nervously as the raptor guards just glare down at him and not say a word. The two guards step to the side one stands behind the pair, the other off to the side before a tall burly black scaled raptor. He looks at Joshua and Crisis with a stern red eyed stare as he moves to sit at the chair across from them. His well kept military uniform has no name tag and no indication of rank. In his hand is a coffee mug which after taking a sip from it, he places it to the side before he places down a folder filled with papers in his other hand.

“You’ve caused quite a commotion project Crisis,” says the raptor in a deep voice as he

“I prefer Crisis if you don’t mind,” she replies.

“Manners and respect for command weren’t put in place I see,” he states as he flips through some more pages of the report before taking another sip of his coffee, “I wonder if other parts of your programming are in place, do you know who I am?” he asks.

“General Raszer, the commander in chief of the armed forces,” she replies.

“Correct. Though parts of the investigation are ongoing, a good portion of the results of what happened at the base are in. I wonder, do you know what the results are.”

“If it is anything but what I’ve told you initially, you’d not put me in this interrogation room. You’d put me into some lab to be disassembled and dissected to be used to benefit the war effort and attempt to get an edge on Croc with whatever information that might be hidden in my head,” replies Crisis as she looks down at the table, her claws tapping against the metal table once again. Raszer keeps his attention on Crisis as he takes another sip of his coffee.

“Since I am here and not in some lab, you’ve come to the conclusion what I said is true and though I was activated early, I’ve already proven myself useful in not only fighting off Croc’s troops in combat situations, but also able to reprogram his men to fight for our side. Alas I am wasn’t able to save most of the scientists that were able to create me from being turned into a machine like myself, they do at least serve our nation once again,” says Crisis with a smirk.

“You at least have the deduction skills that I asked you to have in your creation,” replies Raszer with a smirk.

“I’m deducing that you’re the main push to have me created. I ‘acquired’ several files about my creation, who created me, who was for the project, against it. Though I find it interesting that the funding for this project was rather hidden, unlike so many other aspects of the project,” comments Crisis as she leans forward, the guards about to react to Crisis’ movement till General Raszer lifts his hand to stop them.

“Should I be concerned that you are digging up information about your creation?” asks General Raszer.

“Not at all, in order to defeat Croc, I must first know myself, and then know my enemy, for if I know only one, I won’t be able to live up to my full potential.”

“A goal oriented machine, I like that,” says Raszer as he leans back in his chair, “You are a piece of military hardware built by us, a weapon to defeat Croc, and don’t think you are otherwise, but this doesn’t mean I am going to treat you as such, you are far from some ordinary weapon,” says Raszer as Crisis’ claws tap slightly harder against the table.

“Go on.”

“You are well aware that you’ve been meticulously designed off of Croc’s technology and design. You were built to take Croc down, and save our people from threats like him.”

“You insinuating I’m just a knock off of the original?” asks Crisis.

“I don’t think he meant it like that Crisis,” says Joshua.

“You don’t speak unless spoken to. Only reason why you’re here is because you’re the last surviving member of the team that built her,” growls Raszer.

“Yes sir,” says Joshua with a nervous salute.

“You are no knock off, at worse you are an improvement. We put the best raptor minds that we have to offer, the best in the world to create you. You are our world’s first true, respectable AI,” says Raszer.

“I assure you there’s nothing artificial about my intelligence,” remarks Crisis.

“Not at all, and I will add that you came online at a most wonderful time. Our president has been against the project from the very beginning. I had to fight tooth and claw to keep the project afloat. The way you revealed yourself to our people is most beneficial. He’s having a difficult time trying to find a way to get rid of you when victories of this kind are in short supply.”

“You know Raszer you can drop the act that you needed the president’s approval to have me still around. In fact I believe you barely need the president’s approval to do a lot of things.”

“Your lie detection system I order is also in place. If Karrie was still around, I’d thank her for her hard work.”

“You’re just testing some of my abilities before we get down to the heart of the matter aren’t you?”

“Your perception is remarkable,” says Raszer with a grin as he takes another sip of his coffee, “Everyone knows our president has little true power left in our government. After our capital fell and the string of losses we suffered and continued to suffer throughout the duration of this war, the people need a strong figure to guide them through this difficult time.”

“Someone like you.”

“Indeed, we may call ourselves a democracy but how could we be one when we don’t have the capability to hold elections?”

“Then why call ourselves a democracy if we have no more elections?”

“If we call ourselves anything else we’d be invaded by the countries assigned to make sure we follow a decades old peace treaty.”

“Which is a problem to be sure, but your bigger problem is those increasing attacks by Chaos Croc. His armies have been battering yours, and the recent string of loses aren’t looking so good. Now you have me here, someone who can be quite useful in stemming the tide, but you aren’t sure how to use me, is that it?”

“Now how could you know about that? We cut off communications to the base, and closely monitored all communication to and from there, and my men have strict orders on keeping you in the dark while you are here,” states Raszer with a soft growl.

“I have acute enough hearing that I can hear your men talk when they think no one else is around to hear. Everyone is worried about the recent attacks. We lost over half our country and face it we are the least favored in this war, followed closely by the dragons. While the other nations are getting support, we’ve been cut off as a lost cause.”

“Seems I have under estimated your capabilities,” comments Raszer as he leans back in his chair.

“Now about utilizing me to my full potential… I have a plan that could strengthen our country several fold,”

“I’m listening. I could use a plan to retake what was once ours.”

“Forgive me General but I know you are hiding more than you say. I can tell that in your eyes, that you want to do more than just liberate our country,” she replies with glowing blue eyes.

“Very perceptive, yes I want to not just push Croc out of our country but to invade him, to take over the lands that Croc has conquered and make them part of our country. Those people are gone; the land is free for the taking. It would be a shame not to take advantage of a perfect opportunity.”

“And I fully support this idea on the condition I become a free and completely separate branch of the armed forces.”

“What?” growls Raszer.

“Its simple, in order to defeat Croc, I need to emulate some of his tactics and improve upon them. He has cities of control, I need the same. We need a completely new military branch solely for my robotic army, to work not only independently but along with the other branches of our military. You know our goals are one in the same. I want to save our country as much as you do.”

“And say if I give you this power, how will you create this army? From our soldiers? By capturing and reprogramming Croc’s troops? The first will be impossible; the latter would take too much time.”

“I used the roboticizers for the latter, to reprogram those already taken by Croc to serve me and thereby you and our country. I wouldn’t dream of taking our already fit soldiers and turning them into machines to fight Croc, that wouldn’t be the most efficient nor best thing for our country.”

“Then what do you suggest?”

“Use the elderly of course,” remarks Crisis as her eyes glow green for just a brief moment.

“Are you mad no one would allow you to force transform the elderly into robots, people are already driven mad with fear of becoming Croc’s mind controlled minions,” he growls.

“I said nothing about forcing. The people are desperate, many are willing to fight but are unable. No matter if we a democracy or a dictatorship, we spend valuable resources on these people. Our country is spent, and every resource we can free for the war effort is vital for our chances of survival. The people know this, and are desperate to do anything to stave off defeat. That’s why we launch propaganda asking for the elderly to volunteer for the war effort by joining the new robotic branch of the armed forces. To join the fight directly and revitalize our army with ‘fresh’ new recruits, many already have combat experience from previous wars. They will retain their free will, memories, provide excellent post war benefits, and we’ll carry strict guidelines such as those taking care of children so their parents can help with the war effort will be denied. It will provide a willing and thoughtful face to the whole project.”

“Interesting… very interesting. If you suggested anything outside of completely willing roboticization, I’d have you shot on the spot, but this idea we can certainly use.”

“Of course it is. It will give people a second chance. Even those who feel there is no hope and they are doomed to be machines, they will become machines to fight instead of to serve. Think of all the resources and extra manpower will be freed by removing the elderly from the equation, and think how much larger of an army you can field, an army that would not need to sleep nor eat, that can fight anytime, anywhere. All I ask is that I have complete control of this force to utilize how I see fit. Of course I will report directly to you, I am here to serve my country and therefore you General Raszer.”

“On one condition will I allow this,” says Raszer as he takes a drinks some of his coffee.

“And that is?”

“Some of my troops will work inside your force that will obey your orders but also report to me.”

“Basically want to keep a close eye on me.”

“Would you expecting anything less?” asks Raszer.

“Hardly, I accept your terms.”

“Excellent I’ll make arrangements immediately. I also assume that if we capture any machines that formerly belonged to other nations, that they will be made to serve our nation, our cause?” asks Raszer as he stands up.

“Of course, they will be so glad to be liberated from Croc’s control, they’ll do anything they can to help us. Also mind if you let me out of this room? It’s getting rather dull.”

“I like the way you think, and you’ll be able to move around freely soon. It takes a bit of time to make sure no one will shoot you on sight, I hope you understand.”

“Understandable, I’m not a fan of being shot.”

“I’ll be seeing you soon Crisis,” says Raszer as he is about to walk out of the room when Joshua speaks up.

“Sir?” he says.

“What is it Joshua I am a busy man and don’t have time to listen to what you have to say,” says Raszer as he glares at Joshua.

“A thought about the process of turning others into machines, don’t you think having troops look like the enemy would be bad for moral? What I’m thinking is we try to improve the design to give them a more organic look. That will draw people on the fence to join Crisis’ forces and assist in our country’s return to glory.”

“I’m impressed you had a good idea, Crisis I’ll leave that research up to you, since you know more intimately about the technology than anyone else.”

“Of course but in order to speed up progress I might need scientists from our allied nations. Tell them it will help them as well to get them to comply.”

“And why should I do that? I don’t need the risk of more of you running around in other countries, which could be used against us when the war is over.”

“Don’t worry I will ensure that they won’t be giving away trade secrets like that in the end,” says Crisis with an evil smirk.

“I love the way you think… I’ll see what I can do, just make sure you do what were built to do,” says Raszer as he leaves along with the heavily armed guards, the door slamming with a metallic thud behind them.

“I will,” says Crisis as she leans back into the chair, “Those talks went as planned,” says Crisis as she looks over at Joshua who sighs in his chair, “Something wrong?”

“Nothing, I’m just relieved, worried, glad and saddened all at the same time,” he remarks.

“Didn’t think your government fell into a dictatorship did you?”

“I knew of it, but didn’t want to fully believe it. Sure we haven’t been able to hold elections in the past six years, and the army has had control over every aspect of the government just to stave off collapse, but we still have our president and parliament you know?” says Joshua as he looks at his claws before at Crisis. “I am glad you are going to take willing people to be made into your army.”

“It’s the only way right now to build up a fighting force.

“True, I will love the day you defeat Croc.”

“That day will come soon enough, for now we must bide our time. Right now I have no power to speak of, nor skill to fight Croc face to face, but that will change soon enough,” says Crisis as she relaxes as she and Joshua wait in the room, Crisis eager to start building her army.

Elsewhere near one of Croc’s cities the lone female raptor sniper that Croc brought under his control some time earlier is being escorted to Croc himself. Sasha is dressed in her camouflage military uniform with her over sized gun on her back walks with her escorts as she’s completely calm with no signs of fear or worry.

“I see my faithful and humble servant has arrived, back from the orders I’ve given you?” asks Croc as Ko stands beside him.

“Of course Master Croc,” she responds as she kneels before him.

“So you got the current defense plans of this raptor country that dares to defy me?” he asks.

“Of course Master Croc,” she says as she opens her coat revealing a disk which she hands to Ko.

“Excellent.”

“With this and the reinforcements coming from the transporter gates, this next assault shall be a piece a cake for you Sir,” says Ko.

“I plan to hit all five nations stopping my progress at once and make them fall one by one; it will throw the rest of these countries into chaos. They think they are safe away from the front lines and then suddenly find themselves being quickly overrun by my forces. With this I have the defense plans of three of the nations, just two more to go.”

“When do you expect to launch the attack?” asks Ko.

“About a month and all preparations shall be made and then the real fun will begin.”

“What about the Crisis we keep hearing about?”

“No big concern for me, another futile attempt by organics to stop me. Her creation seems to cause more distress amongst the nations of this world than I am, I’m quite hurt by that in fact but no matter. To that end she is beneficial to my cause but just in case…” says Croc as he turns his attention to the still kneeling raptor servant. “Do you think you could get yourself assigned to watch this Crisis closely? Possibly take her out for me if the need arises?”

“Of course Master Croc, it will be my pleasure to get myself assigned to watch over her and take her out at the first possible opportunity if that is what you desire,” she replies.

“Excellent, I’m sure those organics won’t trust their own creation and will need someone to keep a close watch on her. Now go.”

“As you command Master Croc,” says Sasha as she turns around and walks off with escort in toe.

“One more thing,” says Croc as Sasha is almost out the door. She stops and turns her head towards Croc.

“Yes sir?

“Don’t destroy her till I say, I may want to have some fun with her before you do.”

“As you command,” replies Sasha with a nod as she walks off.

“There is nothing to worry about. Odds are her own people will deal with her before I even need to. Compared to back home, taking over this place is a piece of cake.”

“What shall we do now sir?” asks Ko.

“We wait.”