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                      One winged hope                      
                     -by dirtymike69-                      
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                    Meeting the family                     
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Meeting the family
Private Zackary "Zak" Griffin a former member of a assult recon unit is sitting in a diimmly lit conference room observing the new mechanical mech limb A-3000 or as he knows it his right forearm and hand. He watched as the titanium steel alloy components of his arm moved almost as fluently as his once present muscles and tissue. He turned his arm to see the symbol, that has become burned into his memory. The symbol for his new military carreer a shield with a regular angle wing going one way and a robotic one going the other. Over the shield right through the middle of it a sword. And above all that a halo of fire is prominently shown.
He sat there observing it remembering the insident that put him in the position he is in being recuited into the O.W.A.. A organisation he knew about before it became as successful as it has. Remembering his fathers words as he spoke to him about the beginning of the O.W.A.. "This all started when this engineering Marine lost a limb during a mission... I think his name was if I recall from the news... His name was George F. Link." Zak shifted in his seat uncorfortably remembering the exact details as his father told him. "A scar ran from the middle of his forhead though his left eye and below his jaw. The scar was not clean by the look it was jagged and gnarly looking like something out of a horror movie. He was bald the only hair he had was grizzly like a survivalist on his face. He was built like a brick shit house. His biceps were at least 7 inches. Lookin' like Arnold from Terminator. A tattoo of his patrols nickname the One Winged Angels across his right bicep."
Zak remembered the rest very quickly how George soon after his injury was cast out of the military. George outraged that his Sergent First Class standing ment nothing to them and that his injury was too severe for them to allow him to continue his carreer. Then again that is what happens when you lose your left arm. A humvee an estimated 5 to 6 thousand pounds crush your arm right off, but he refused to give up. Using his engineering expertise and funding from a close friend of his he began work into advanced mechanical limb replacements. After 10 years of trial and error he created his first working mech replacement. The mech limb A-100 named that due to it failling 99 times before. Things all go down hill from there ,from legs to arms and even internal limbs like: lungs, hearts, liver you name it he probably made a mech version of it. That's when things got really interesting because the military just about did everything imaginable to acquire these "weapons".
   The world was afraid at first sight of these mech/man soldiers that became like gods to this world, and as time went by and life's we're saved they got pretty popular with the civis. They we're and still are talked about all over the world. I said it once and I'll say it again treated like gods, and they sure are close to a god if I've ever seen one. Now look at him soon going to be one of them. Zak snapped out of it as the general walked in, his face showed old age and his uniform had various types of metals and stars on his shoulders.
He looked at Zak and said " so...your the new blood to the O.W.A. hm?" Zak looked at his eyes, those brown eyes seemed to be glazed red with the blood of enemies and the blood of fallen allies.
Zak replied"Yes captain. My name i-"
   The general interrupted Zak "You can save it Private Zak, I've seen you files." He picked up said files and throwed them on the table. Zak saw his face, the brown hair and blue eyes that were once pure...but now had seen war and death for the last three years. His pale white skin seem to be out of place with the rest of him. The general continued "Your a rifleist with a excellent accuracy rate with assult riffles and hand guns, is this right Private Zak?"
"Sir yes sir." Zak said
   The general smiled "Well you'll do fine is the new division then. I have assigned you to the O.W.A. because you have talent and skill worthy of saving. So that your light doesn't burn out...like mine did." The old man looked sad only for a moment before snapping out of it.
   Zak payed no attention to this, every soldier has dead people they drag behind. Their bodies and memories like thick chains attatched to heavy weights...Zak was lucky enough that he didn't have to deal with this crushing burden....yet. "General? What are my orders?"
   The general turned away from him, searching for a file then turning around and putting it on the table. It was quite an impressive file at that at least seven or eight inches thick. "What I want you to do is read over these files, Private. That way you can meet your new..."family." The general put little air quotes and a little luster with that word. "Everything about them that's on your pay role is readable on there. I want you to get nice and comfortable with them, sence their going to your new 'family' for quit some time."  Yet again with the emphasis.
   "So your saying they might have a welcome party for me sir?" The general laughed and told him that wasn't a option. Soon after that Zak was getting up from the chair. He herd the general clear his throat and speak.
   He looked at him with eyes serious, "Private, good luck." As he finish he got up and shakes his hand. Zak smiled as he griped the general's hand, ready for this 'New Way' of combat.
   Zak walked out the office and into the hallway that lead to the main lands of the military compound. The thick file under his arm as he made his way to his bunks and grabbed his stuff. As he proceeded to acquire his gear he herd a engine of what sounded like a helicopter outside. Sure enough  he has right. Right outside he saw a greyjacket helicopter, much like a black hawk but with a slightly thicker tail and grey metel instead of the trademark black of a hawk good to know I don't have to hich hike it Zak smiled as he borded the familiar machine for he had ride in these many times before. As the copper pilot flipped a few switches and pushed a few buttons to get the greyjacket ready for takeoff Zak pulled out the files book now lets look at my new...family he laughed at this thought. As he opened it he saw that there was five files, each with it's own label and class...he knew about this, the O.W.A. did this so that the soldiers were evenly balanced in all aspects. The same strategic usages as in any fight, if there arised a situation one type couldn't get through. It would be simply solved by another class of elite soldiers. There were six as far as he remembered, the gunner, the assult, the scout, the infiltration, the captain and medic. These classes supported each other and filled out there weaknesses. Although they tend to get on each other's nerves.
   Zak opened up the medic class gift sence this person was most likely going to save his ass more then once. The medic was a brown haired green eyes man, with a clean shaven face. He had a small scare on his left cheak that seemed to go for five inches. well you look like fun. He thought Ashe read the medic psychology report, he was a little obsessed with spicy food but other than that...me was a OK guy, at least Zak though he was ok.
   Next was the infiltrator, and Zak had to admit... She was beautiful. Her hair was long and blond, and her eyes like sapphire they were so blue. She seemed alright in the head to...just shy is all. It also seemed she was a trained sniper, her skills at the top of her class. She sure is impressive, 550 yard head shots are not easy. she also had a small scare on her forehead but nothing noticeable.
   After that he looked at the Scout's file, he was slim with lean muscle. He had brown eyes and dirty blond hair, that was short. His psychology report said he had a very laid back joking personality. His skill in explosive weapons was also incredible. So will just let anyone hold a grenade now adays....greaaaat. Zak though as the mental image of this young man holding any explosive devices made him cringe.
   There was no assault file....so he assumed he was going to fill that role. Makes sence...but why me? I'm not exactly front lines material, what with this ONE mech arm. The assult class was ment to do one thing, charge in and do some damage. The only problem being that they were usually light in mech apartment. Why? Zak had no idea his limited knowledge on them as far as why was...lacking.
   Now for the captain, he was a median build and had light blue eyes that were very...well leader like. Zak took note that he had no scared tissue and had dark brown hair with a beard. Well you definitely look like a leader. At least from your picture. Zak looked at his psychology report and saw that he was top of his class in strategic planning. Also seemed that keeping the team together was at the top of his priority list as well. At least he knows what to do first...good man. Zak though as he looked at his records, he felt fine serving under this captain.
   Finally came the gunner, the largest of the mech soldiers. If the picture was anything to go by. His neck was thick and his face was wide. He had a large scare from the middle of his forehead to his left ear that went around his head. His eyes were a dark brown, and his hair a deep black. His psychology report said that he had real bad mute but did talk...rarely through. Big strong silent type...I can live with that. Zak thought as he saw his specialty was heavy weapons and jugernot war fair.
  Zak was startled as the greyjacket landed with a slight thoud. The pilot turned around and told Zak that they had arrived at his destination, the complex was, to say the least...A shit box. It was just a little shack nothing more, he turned around to see the greyjacket fly off... Greaaaat, just what I needed stranded in th-
   "Hey! Come over here you big dume ass." Zak turned around to see the scout standing there, a smile on his face.
   Zak walk towards him "Are you the scout? With the O.W.A tanswered suppose to meet?" As he approach him he noticed he had a cap on and standard military wear...but it had a different look to it. It was camo but black and grey...like winter camp but lacking any white.
   The scout smiled, "Well who the hell else am I waiting for in the middle of this god forsaken place?"  He laughed as he shook Zak's hand and told him to follow.
   As Zak followed, he noticed that scout went around to the back and of the shit shack. "Hey what you doing back there?" The scout answered "hold on damn it! I just...got...to- ah! There it is." As soon as he said this the shack folded down. To reveille a small elevator with a control panel on it, scout walked on, "So, ya gonna get on? Or do you want to take the stairs?" He said as he leaned on the side of the elevator. Zak looked at the recently discovered elevator... and didn't want to see where these steps were. As he walked to the elevator he noticed that it was quite old, and really scratchy.
  The scout noticed his eyes, "oh don't worry. Old reliance here has seen it's fair share of use...and if it can carry fat ass, it can sure as hell carry you." He said still leaning on it, Zak hoped he was rig- wait a minute.
   "Who's fat ass?" Zak asked as he stepped into the elevator.
   "Oh that's just my Nick name for Tank. Trust me when you see him, you'll know what I mean." The scout pressed a button and down they went. Deep into the earth they went, Zak saw the earth go from ground and mineral to rock.
  "I never asked your name." Zak heard scout say as the elevator descended.
   "My name is Zak." He said as he leaned on the opposite side of the elevator.
   The scout smiked, "Nice to meet ya, names John but call me Recon." He said as he smiled.
  Zak looked confused "Why not John? Why should I call you Recon?"
  Recon smiled as he looked at Zak "well we all get cool code names, you know like..." Reckon thought for a bit "like thorn, or breaker. Little nick names, that are easier the remembering then are real names. I assume you'll get your own later."
  Zak thought about this "so like...for your own protections?"
  Recon laughed, "yeah" he whipped a fake tear from his face "our own 'protections'" he laughed some more.
  Zak again looked confused "what do mean...'protections' aren't you all like...safe?"
  Recon looked at him "look... When your fighting what we fight, your never really safe. Your always in danger but..." Reckon broke into a huge smile. "I love my job, ha ha! If I had to pick between this and fucking anything else, I'd pick this. It still dangerous as fuck yeah, but it's better compared to like being a accountant or a fucking paper pusher."
  Zak agreed to that, he hated being a wossy, he cared more for a good fight than paper work. "So what happened?"
  Recon looked at Zak "what do you mean?"
  Zak referenced to his forearm "what...happened?"
  "Oh...well" he scratched the back of his head. "Ya see I was fighting in Afghanistan and ah old mine from the terrorist days goes of BOOM! and I loss both my legs from the knees down." He lifted his pants legs to reveille the titanium plates and artificial knees that were now his leg, they were seem less and looked like regular legs just made of metel. No other differences then what they were made of.
  Zak looked at the legs till he put the pants leg back down. Recon smiled "ya see, I've been in here for two years now. I've had the pleasure of meeting all of these guys for the first time and getting my new legs. If it wasn't for the One Winged Angles... I don't know where I'd be right now." He looked down but soon smiled "hey were almost there, grab your stuff and get ready...your about to have one hell of a bad case of D.J." he laughed.
   Zak looked at Recon "what do you mean D....J...." His jaw dropped open as the elevator came came to a end of rock on one side. Only to open up to to a entire underground civilization...but there was no civis just soldiers. Along with all kind of vehicles and test sites. Some were trying out new mech limbs and others were...wearing exo suits?
   Zak looked over to Recon and asked "why are they still using exo suits, aren't the mech limbs enough?" Zak turned back to the view and watched as they pushed heavy carts, jumped almost 50ft and ran around a quarter mile in repeat successions.
  Recon watched with Zak as he spoke "ya see, the mech limbs do give us a certain advanced physical trait but only to one part of our bodies." The elevator hit the bottom and then Recon walked out followed by Zak. "The exo suits are our little boost, mostly for lack of being completely made of metel and not being super human. We have to fight machines on a daily basis with no hope of going up against them with just are mech limbs." Zak thought about that makes sence I mean...I don't think this *one*mech forearm . As Zak and Recon moved through the busy sections Zak noticed that there were way more verity as far as exo suits went. Some were thicker the assult class, some were thin others were thick in some places and thin in others. All he could do was watch as they all did different things.
   "Pretty amazing right? I've only been here two years but the O.W.A. have been here for only thirty and look how far they've come." Recon gestured to the whole entity of the underground army. As they walked around Zak noticed shooting ranges and even bomb testing areas. Though Zak didn't see it, he could definitely hear it. After a twenty minute walk and a lot of talking from Recon, they finally made it to a bunker and Recon entered. As Zak looked up he saw a number a dash then another number. 1-1 The Fire Halos, was what he read as he made his was way inside.
   The building was messy to say the least, there was a ceiling fan going but that didn't stop the heat from making Zak sweat. Recon beckoned him in from a side room and told him to follow. Zak walked over there trying to keep from falling or tripping on anything. Zak made it to the room, only to see the individuals he was reading about in the files to be there...well almost all of them the captain and the gunner were absent.
  "This is the team, hey guys! The new guys hear!" They all looked at Zak, and he couldn't of fealt more out of place but...he noticed that the infiltrator had lost one of her deep blue eyes. It was instead a red glass eye or something of the like, her eye socket was rimed with metel not replaced but rimed. She was also missing a arm all the way to the shoulder, she was cleaning what looked to be a sniper rifle...but he had never seen one quit like it. Seemed to look like a DSR50 but it had modifications made to it, the barrel was thicker and the caliber seemed larger if the slightly larger hole was anything to go by. It had a slightly wider stock then usual along with a strange scope that had all kinds of gadgets on it. As she polished the barrel she glanced at him with he other eye...it was still deep blue just like her picture but her hair was cut. Most likely for safety reasons. He was startled when the medic wraped a arm around his neck.
   "Welcome young blood! Hope you enjoy it here, I was just cooking some good old military grub. Would you like some?" His voice was loud and smelled of hot sauce but Zak replied "well if there's enou-"
  "Of course! there's no reason to threat like that, just sit down and it'll come back with some food for ya." He walked out and Zak looked around. The room was decent in size and so was the table, as he looked around Recon decided to sit next to him. "So...how do you like it here hm? Doing alright I hope."
   Zak nodded "yeah it's alright a little...well never mind." Recon looked at him with a quizzical look "ah little...what?" He nudged him a few times "you holding back or something rookie?"
  "No no just...I thought that well...I thought you guys should all be..."
   "Antisocial." Recon leaned back "yeah well we're not like that...at least not all of us."
   "What do you mean?" Asked Zak
   "Well remember when I mentioned fat ass up there? Well he's...antisocial to the max I mean he's one loyal bastard but...he has something, something he's not telling use. I just wish the big guy could find someone to confide in, ya know?" Recon looked distraught as he looked around, only to smile as he looked towards the entrance. Zak turned around only to find the other remaining two soldiers from the files looking at him.
   "Hey Boss! This is the new guy I thought it be a good idea to come introduce him to the team." Recon said while wrapping a arm around Zak's shoulder. Zak looked at the two men, it was painfully obvious who was who. The gunner stood at least 6 ft 10inches and was built, not huge but he sure as hell wasn't gonna start a fight with him. His military outfit was the same as the rest of there's but his had it's arms torn off, fully displaying his mech arm and mech forearm. His left forearm has gone and by the mech foot on the left leg he seemed to be missing a leg or foot. His eyes were fine same dark brown, and his hair still deep black but...ah part of his neck was missing replaced by mech metel. Did he lose more then just his arm for it was that part that was missing, the one related to the mech arm. Who did he live through that?
   The captain had a missing hand...or part of a missing hand. His right hand was missing the top half and his thumb, pointed, and middle finger. His right foot was also mech so again must be missing it or the whole thing. He's hair was...gone and all that remained was a thick beard. His eyes were powder blue just like the picture, but they held more then just pain like all soldiers his held a sort of hope...like a true leader should. "So...your our assult class hmm?" The captain's voice was sterm but honest, smooth but a little rough at the same time...it reminded Zak of HIS father when he was young.
  "Sir yes sir!" Zak answered, only for the captain and Recon to both burst out laughing. The captain walked over to Zak and put a hand on his shoulder, now that it was not occupied by Recon's arm.
  "Look here rookie, I appreciate the sentiment but...were not like that here. We're family and when it comes to familys we look after each other, as far as I'm concerned your like my brother." The captain grabbed his hand and through it to the sky. "We're all brothers and sisters to the end and we fight even in death!" His voice was full of power and raised Zak's spirit high! The whole bunker raised there voice high with a mighty "HORAH!" that filled the home with morale. He swore he even herd the infiltrator speak in a soft but equally up lifted voice.
  Zak's hand was freed and they all sat down as the medic came from the kitchen and set out the food. Through the dinning Zak had a conversation with the captain, Recon and the medic. He learned that there names or code names were Boss, Laz, the gunner was Tank and the infiltrator was known as Shadow. He was introduced to them all only for Shadow to just look down and for Tank to ignore him. Once dinner was done Zak was shown to his room by Boss, and left to settle him settle in. As Zak looked around there wasn't much just a small dresser and a bed that looked like hell. He laid down not caring enough to take off his clothes and fell asleep. The last thought he had was I wonder what's gonna happen tomorrow?

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               History lesson and a gear up                
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History lesson and a gear up
    It was around eight or nine when Zak was awakened by Boss. He keep saying things like, "time to suit up" and "lets get your fitting over with" but Zak was at a lost as to what he ment. After a hasty gear up and getting himself ready, Zak was out the door to meet the captain. He stood there in his military attiar wearing a bulit prof vest over it and a belt with a side arm...at least he thought it was, looked like a damn revolver but only in size. It was if he had to guess a m1911 hand gun, but it's size was also altered to be a little bit longer and bigger.
   "Hey there Boss, how you doing today?" Zak was still not use to this...layed back 'family' form of command. The words the general said now made a lot more sence, he was probably giving him a heads up on the whole 'were all family' thing. Good thing he got the warning and didn't make a complete ass of him self, right?
   "I'm doing fine rookie, just fine. Who was your first night in the room? Did it treat ya alright?" Boss said as they both started walking.
   "It was alright, just a little to rock hard for my taste." Zak said while cracking his back.
   Boss laughed "you'll get use to it, anyway you ready?"
   "Ready for what, sir?"Zak said as he ducked under a low hanging pipe.
   "Ready for your exo suit fitting, you gonna be our new assult class right?" Boss stepped over a few thick wires laying on the ground.
   "Yes sir." Zak remembered not seeing an assult class in the files.
   "Now rookie remember no sir off the battle field. Unless there's a bulit shit storm going over our heads I don't want no formalities. We're brothers here all of use...were all family." The captain keeped walking.
   Zak stopped it took a second for the captain to notice he wasn't walking anymore. "Boss...why do you keep saying your all well, family?"
          Boss looked at him for a second before walking over to him and putting his mech hand on his shoulder. "Look, rookie" Boss gestured to everything around them with his spare hand. "All these men have three things in common...there all part mech. Whether they like it or not there all not completely human...their own body went into helping, or fighting or even saving another person's life. The second thing is for most of these soldiers that's where it would of ended and they would of been forgotten. Of course not by the people they fought, or saved but...by the world they would. There military branches would give them there metels of heroism, and a pat on the back...Only to be kicked out! Have the world look at them with empty eyes and never be given anything more! There money then goes to booze to numb the damn pain...but these mech limbs give them a chance and a new place in there military! They don't have to worry about being forgotten for as long as WE remembered who we are...they can never die. As long as we hold on to them they stay. That is what makes us family, we remember the other so they never die and that is what we ALL really want in life to be remembered...if you were to die. I would hold your memory in my head and remember your actions, just as I would expect you to remember me...brother." Boss let go off his shoulder and smiled. The crowd around them which had formed shouted a loud HORAH as the captain continued to walk down the lane.
   Zak was...speechless. He had never...how could...he didn't even have the compacity to think. He just keep on walking with the captain and thought about what he had said. After about thirty seconds he spoke "captain... I promise to remember you."
  "Not just me! Rookie you need to remember all of your team. If you remember one you forget the all." Boss and Zak continued walking for at least forty minutes till they walked up on a machine that was large but only one section of it moved. With twelve arms it seemed to be a measuring machine but had smoke coming from behind it. "What's is that?" Boss walked up and leaned on it.
  "This big beautiful thing is known as the A.E.F. or the Autonomous Exo Fitter. This bad boy measures your strength and then takes your class and meched limb into account to make you a exo to best fit to you." Boss smiled, till a small amount of sparks landed on his shoulder and he cringed before he walked back over to Zak wipping his shoulder of any access sparks.
   "How does it work, Boss?" Zak asked as he looked at it.
   "Well get in the bloody thing and you'll find out!" Shouted what was a British voice with a little no alot more grit then usual. Zak looked up to see a rather thick man moving controls at a rapid pace.
  Boss had a welcoming face as he saw him. "Hey there Broiler, how are ya?" Broiler then looked from his panel and smiled his teeth were...god awful. "Boss!" He practically screamed when he saw the captain and jumped down running over and giving Boss a hardy hand shake.
   "How's the world been treatin ya Broiler?"
   "Oh ya know the usual shet with the blokes up stairs, they never understand the problems we have. *yelp* Oy who's that wanker over there?" Broiler noticed Zak after he made a noise readyburning his none mech hand on the A.E.F. heating chamber.
   "Oh that's our assult class, brand new. He was on a assult Recon team when he lost his arm."
Boss seemed sad at the last part but quickly and easily retrieved his joy. "Ya see, he needs to get an exo suit and his customs ready for a test drive."
    "Oy!" Broiler said as he went and shook Zak hand, ah little to hard. "Ya still haven't POPED your technological cherry! Oh don't worry though, I'll help ya out boy oh." He made his way back to the control panels and leaned up on them. "Ya see boy, I've been fitting exos for seven years with this." He patted the controls "Fine mechanical marvel for all seven of them. I can assure you that I will get you fitted with the most ass kicking titanium plated exo. On this planet... Well for you at least and I can assure you that I am a professional in my field." As he leaned the panels shifted and a loud crack followed by a equally loud scream of pain could be heard. "Heh heh...sorry about that just uhh...walk it off! "
    "I can't FEEL my legs!" Replied a very upset and pained male voice.
    Broiler just went back to adjusting his controls after waving him off, Zak could only stand there with pin prick eyes. Boss looked at him assurinly, "Look rookie just...relax I've had the honor of knowing Broiler for a long time. He's put exos on all of these men including me. The man's a professional, I promise you'll do just fine." He impersonated a British accent. Zak could only nod with his eyes still pin pricked. Boss moved him to a platform where small pincher like claws, that were bright yellow with a white stripe going down there sides. Zak's eyes went back to normal as he looked at these small hands. "Oy ya bloody wanker! Stay still and don't move or these things might take a little off the top, ha ha!" As Broiler said that one of the pinchers took a small amount of hair from his head.
    "Ow damn it that hurt!" Zak said as he rubbed his head.
   "Oy what I say!" Zak put his hand back so the machine could take his measures. As he waited he saw Boss standing there leaning off to the side. "Hey captain, what's going on with those uhh mech other then we're still keeping them at bay?" As he was speaking the platform started spinning and four more arms with what looked like lazer points were going over his body.
   "Well...I guess I could bring you up to speed. Should I start all the way from the beginning or..." Boss looked at Zak expecting an answer.
    "Yeah sure! Ow, I could use a quick once over, OW!" Zak was trying to speak louder then the commotion going on around him. The fact that even when your still and these damn things keep poking ya doesn't help at all.
   "OK, lets start from the beginning then. The corporation that started this damned war is known as Teresa and they specialized in robots and house hold appliances that made the world better for the common man. Then the new mech limbs came out and Teresa's business started to go down the craper. As this happened the CEO of the corporation known as Terence B.Rogen tried and succeeded in getting his hands on some of these new mech limbs and started research into robotic house service that also doubled as a security system, had been last seen entering his corporation and then was never seen again. We have reason to believe he's still alive and is angry at the world for letting his empire fall. He is then speculated to of created these new mech soldiers from the mech limbs and these robot home bouncers. These machines were given the code name, D.E.R. or Dangerous Engineered Robotic. They were first fought in Afghanistan during the terrorist wars of 2020 and have sence been our main foe for the remainder of this time." Boss had been moving about as he speaked just as he finished Zak waked down from the platform. His exo suit was balanced perfect and the mechanical components were light. The back plate was somewhat thick and so was the chest piece that was grey wit out color unlike all the other exos that he saw. The arms that clamped to him were thiner on the side with his mech forearm, thick on the side without. His legs were covered thick with armor, Zak could feel the little mechanics and metel tendens move around his legs. He looked towards Boss and smiled.
    "I could get use to this." Zak said as he moved around in the suite.
   "There that should do ya." Broiler said as he stop moving the controls "It's got all a assult suit has to offer. It's got pulse high frequency for crowd control. High compacity recoil reduction, instinct medical for minor wounds and two primary weapons holding with a side arm holster. There's your exo rookie, take good care of it. You only get one after all." Broiler then climed down and walked next to Boss.
  "Yep looks good Broiler, good to know you still got it." The captain said as he shoke the man's hand.
   "Yep so you said you also wanted to get him equipped with some O.W.A. level weapons?" Broiler had walked over to a small machine and found a chair to sit in as he started typing at a computer. The machine in question looked large, the computer part was in front of a bulky block like part with lights that shined from the few holes in the body.
   "Is that safe?" Asked Zak as he walked up to the contraption. "Those holes look Dangerous."
     Broiler laughed like it was the stupidest question in the world, "boyoh this thing has a on board all time stabilizers. What's in there is gonna stay in there no matter what, I promise ya." He then went back to typing into the computer, next to the computer was a strange looking printer it was plain white with two lazers that were dark blue running parallel to each other. They were at least a meter and a half long both running into two slim metal poles that  seemed to be holding the lazers together. As Broiler let his fingers dance across the key board, a long list of weapons came up. Broiler looked to Zak as Boss made his way to the left of the screen next to the made engineer. "So what's your preferred type of lead shooter?" Broiler leaned back in his chair and looked up to Zak from his sitting position. Zak scaned the screen, and pointed at a little column named ASSULT RIFLES.
    "That's my preferred lead shooter." Zak answered, Boss seemed to be looking around not really saying much. The engineer pulled up a list of assult rifles not a giant list but still impressive nun the less. Zak probed around till he selected two rifles and a pistol, he choose a SCARAB and a Grendel the SCARAB was like the SCAR but more compact with a higher Fire rate and the same amount of power. The Grendel was a open options weapon because he could switch between simi auto to automatic it has a high power for a rifle and a good history against armor so he thought that would help. Broiler typed in some code then asked what attachments Zak would like his guns.
     "I can have attachments? I thought I'd only get the weapons." Zak thought the weapons were enough.
   "Look young one, you can't have a lot but maybe two or three for the rifles and one for the pistol. I normally would of just said to bugger off but, the captain over there insisted you'd get the 'full treatment' ask me I don't know what he's talking about." Broiler loaded up a image of the weapons and again leaned back. Zak started staring at the images he decided on a acog scope, a grip and a adjustable stock for his Grendel rifle and a red dot scope, a under barrel shotgun and a extended mage for his SCARAB assult rifle. Broiler went back to typing and finished the making process as he booted up the mechine. As it came to life two small arms poped up from the sides and started sparking some kind of weird blue...liquid metal. The arms started to place and glob the blue liquid and the lazers started spinning around, moving along their poles and shaping the weapon...but it looked like they were changing the weapons in shape. Elongating the barrels and thickening the weapons all together, the barrels also looked like they were increased in diameter not by alot but still a difference could be noticed.
     The first weapon to be made was his pistol, a five seven with no attachments. Why mess with perfection? Zak grabbed it and took notice of its increased weight. The five seven was a lighter pistol, but this thing weighed at least ten to five pounds. The exo's ability to make him stronger wasn't helpful neither was the fact he picked it up with his mech hand.
   "You should probably get a chance to look and try the new weapon," Broiler turned toward Zak, "O.W.A. gear can and usually has a little more kick then your standards," Broiler then turned toward his computer screen again. Boss came and put a hand on his shoulder pointing to the sounds of a firing range down a path to the right.
    "Come on will go for you some practice," Boss said while he made his way down the path towards the sounds of weapons being fired.
    "What about the other guns?" Zak asked. Only to have Broiler speak, not turning away from the monitor.
    "I'll be some time till there done rookie, you should have plenty of time to go and take some target practice in." Zak thought for a minute then jogged after the captain, putting his new pistol in to his holster. The suit Zak was wearing was making this jog more like a light walk. The gears, hydrologic system and small joints and moving parts made it easy to move. The metal that would surely weight him down was manageable thanks to the suits enhancing ability. As Zak rounded the corner to the firing range. He noticed that the area was ended with thick and high walls of what he assumed were steel. The object's that were located in there consisted of building sides with window and door openings, along with sandbags and barrels. He noticed that Boss had already started and was shooting at targets with that souped up m1911. The targets would fall as he shot them, the sound his pistol mad was a little louder then a typical m1911 but Zak just suspected the slight increase in caliber size to be the main reason for this.
     "So Boss what are ya gonna show me?" Zak was honestly interested in this new knowledge he was about to receive.
     "How NOT to hit yourself in the face with these guns while shooting them," He shot another target and it blew to pieces.
      "That's all... I thought I'd get a little more out of this," Zak said a little down casted.
       "Well other then that you'll learn how to use that exo to the fullest extent along with how to compliment it with your exo," Boss took one more shot then went to a mechine that dispensed ammo...how did that work?
        "So what's first Boss?" Zak asked while taking out his new pistol.
        "First is holding, really simply just hold it normal. Next is for the recoil, you need to be ready these exos especially yours is made to take recoil like nothing so use that." Zak listened and did as told, taking a breath like he normally did at a firing range. Zak looked down the iron sights lining up and gently squeezing the trigger. The gun shot back the barrel only moving a inch or two from its original position. "There ya go! Your a natural born shooter!" Boss was surprised that Zak picked it up so quick, and on the first try no less!
        "Wow, it sure does have one hell of a kick," Zak said while rubbing his hand from the force of the pistol.
       "Don't worry about that you'll get use to it," he took aim with his pistol and let out a few shots. "You just need to build up a little resistance to the force,"
        "Alright so....now what?" Zak asked.
         "Well now we focus on your mech hand and exo suit, this way please," Boss walked to another part of the field with Zak following. I wonder what's gonna happen here? was the last thought Zak had before opening a door and talk into a large yellow building marked 'Exo Testing Area'
Meanwhile back a Fire Halos barracks
    "I don't know Tank, I think the kids alright," spoke Laz as he was cooking the squadron's next meal.
       While Boss was off getting the rookie his new equipment. There rest of the Fire Halos were sitting around and talking. Excluding Laz who was taking part of the conversation from the kitchen. Shadow and Recon were sitting in a couch and Tank chosse to stand in-between the couch and the doors that lead to the kitchen.
     "All I'm saying is that he's not exactly made of mech," Tank exclaimed "I mean all he lost was a forearm nothing else soldiers like me and you lost a lot more then just a limb,"
     Recon turn towards Tank, "Well we don't all have the privilege of being a metal monster like you fat ass," Recon chuckled a little at his joke.
     Tank grunted "Well we all don't have the luxury of becoming a glorified cripple, now do we?" Tank smirked thinking he cornered the damn scout. He only got a smirk right back as Recon took the plate of food he had and stood up, walking calmly over to Tank and then fluently took said plate and placed it's contents and squashed it in his face before running off. Tank was furious as he chased Recon around while Shadow tried to be as small as possible.
      Laz walked in, "What the same hell is going on in here! Recon did you start this!?"
      Recon continued to avoid Tank and his rage as he answered, "No he started this when he called me crippled," Recon continued to avoid Tank now dodging punches.
      Laz got in-between them, "Damn it Tank! Knock it off your scaring Shadow!"
      Tank keep trying to get to Recon who his behind Laz, "He called me a monster!"
      "Oh well excuuuuuse me mister roid rage!" Recon said.
       "Oh I'm gonna ki-"  *BANG* Tank stopped mid sentence as they all turned towards Boss who had entered a few mminutes before hand. He held the pistol high and had a look of anger that rivaled that of Tank just a few seconds ago. He put down the gun and holstered it, Boss walked into the room staring at the three soldiers in front of him. Laz quickly slid to the left and walked away a little bit before turning towards the enraged captain.
      "What are you to doing?" Despite his angered face he talked calmly and clearly. "Did I just see two of my men...military trained soldiers acting like two year olds!" Boss's voice increased in anger as he spoke. "You to are a disgrace to this army! I'd sooner scrap the dirt from your boots and eat it then run into battle with you some asses!" Both Tank and Recon couldn't help but look down as their leader hurled insults at them. "I hope you enjoyed you little disagreement, cuz now I'm gonna make you two run laps around the entire base,"
      "But Boss h-"
       "Save it Recon so help me you say one more word I'll put a bullet in your head," Boss looked at Recon with very stirn eyes. "I don't want to hear another damn thing from either one of you," he looked to both of them. "We're a team...we don't fight each other even if we do you should save it for the enemy," Boss walked to the middle of the living room. "I want you both of you to take whatever's putting rust on your mechs and clean it up, cuz whatever's possessing you to bust each others balls better fucking stop right now! I didn't put you two into this rank just to rip each other's throats out. I want you to get the idea through your head that we're a team no were a family... We cover the other's back," Boss had turned around and was facing the group of soldiers with determined eyes.
       Tank let out a puff of air, "yeah...some family," Tank walked by hitting Boss's shoulder along the way. Boss and the other's watched a he walked off. As he did Zak walked through the door and looked around.
       "Did I...miss something?" Zak asked looking confused.
       "No...just a family meeting, just a family meeting...." Boss answered while he looked to Laz and asked what's for dinner.

//-------------------------------------------------------//
                 The start of an invasion                  
//-------------------------------------------------------//
The start of an invasion
Teresa CORP Research Facility
         The facility was huge as a storm raged outside. There were scientists running around and pushing papers through higher ups in the company. The commotion was over the new invention that was just deamed operational, and was going to be used to pull off operation Portal Invasion. A particular scientist was running through the halls and trying to avoid any inconvenience that may hit him. He turned down a hall and faced aa electronic elevator door that he opened using a hand print. The door opened and a female voice repeated his name "Good morning doctor Jerico, have a pleasant day" greated him as he entered his brow was covered in sweat from the exercise he received just a few minutes ago. He wiped his chubby face as he stood in the elevator while pressing the button that would send him to the CEO'S office. Jerico looked behind him to the glass curved back of the elevator to see the crowning jewl of his work. The D.R.O. or Dimension Rift Opener. It consisted of a large ramp that lead to two giant steel pillars with electric coils wraped around their tops, out of said coils lightning followed by left over sparks shot out and made a raging electronic zap sound. Under these pillars were computers, cables, and other electronic objects keeping them stable and under control. As they ran around and prepared for a test run, the door to the elevator opened and the doctor turned around to enter the office. CEO office reached, please exit the elevator now, the female voice spoke as it always has. Jerico waked into the office it was fairly plain and dark with what little furnishings in side smooth and grey, which contrasted with the dark blue polished floors.
     "Hello good doctor, please sit down...there is much I wish to discuss with you," said a man in a swivel chair behind a large desk. The doctor took a seat in a chair, though it was hard to stay in it. "I'd like to congratulate you doctor Jerico, I heard your responsible for this beautiful mechanical marvel in front of me," he stood as he finished his sentence. The large windows in front of him showing the D.R.O. which he'd been waiting on for soooo long.
       "Yes mister Rogen, we've been having trouble with the unknown force around the dimension that we had deemed livable and suitable for a invasion," Jerico moved around in the chair trying to get comfortable. "We've just now developed a electronic charge that should split their energy field in half. We're fairly certain that this test will let us dispense our extra troops right into the unknown lands," the doctor's voice was full of pride and satisfaction.
       Mister Rogen turned to reveille his face, it was oldish with dark black hair. His eyebrows were thick and his hair covered in hair gel. He walked next to the doctor, "What your doing right here doctor Jerico, is changing our world. We have a bright do ahead of use, if your scan was accurate the resources on this planet will full our robots for a long time...it may even help us wipe out those damned mech soldiers that have been a pain in my ass for far to long!" He had left the doctor's side and made his way to the large window to look out of it in anger. Ever sence that damn corp of military came up...his robots have had quite a difficult time killing them. The math heads had said that for every ten D.E.M.s that fought they could kill ONE of those mech soldiers. He at first thought little of this but after many losses he needed more supplies... and this new world was exactly what the needed. The only problem was getting there but now that is something they could over look now.
       "Umm...Mister Rogen sir, their is one thing I still don't understand? Why not destroy the mechs at their home base, one D\t-1000 and their taken care of. It's all over and we wouldn't even have to worry about them," Rogen walked around his table and lean on the front of it facing Jerico.
       "I already have a few....surprises in mind for them. I'm not worried about them because I have already dealt with them. One of our agents inside their compound have already placed charges all over their energy generators and reactors." As he finished Rogen put on a wicked grin, "They think they have the upper hand for the better part of three months, if I wanted them gone they'd BE gone! The only thing keeping them on this planet is the fact that I want to make them suffer... I want blood." Regon turned towards the window again, looking out of it. "Is it ready yet doctor? For a test run mean?"
         The doctor turned the back of his head, "yes but...there is still one problem, we don't have a significant amount of energy," he started rubbing his chin while thinking of possibly solution. Then it hit him like a punch to the face, "the mech base's reactors! They would serve a adequate amount of energy for us to use," the doctor looked at the face of Mister Regon which held a smile.
       "Yes, perfect... this will make them bleed THIS will make make them regret their thoughts to fight me!" He walked to the elevator waving the doctor to follow. "Prepare your self's Mechs," Regon turned as he entered the elevator and smiled wide. "For DEATH will be your only means of escape from my rage," Regon laughed as the elevator door closed.
In Equestria's capital Canterlot
               "Sister! Sister! The disturbance has happened again!" Luna screamed while running down the halls of Canterlot. She made a few turns till she found her way to Celestia's bed room door and knocked on it, jumping from left to right waiting for her sister to open the door. The door open to expose Celestia ruler of Equestria and riser of the sun.
             "Come in sisiter," Celestia moved to the side while Luna entered the room which was strongly sun related and bright even in the middle of Luna's night.
              "Sister we...have fealt another disturbing wave of energy from an unknown source," Luna looked to her sister hoping that now she'd take action, after this happening over the course of several weeks.
              Celestia smiled, "Sister I heard you coming from here. I may be old but I can still hear you when you scream in royal canterlot voice," Luna blushed from the embarrassment then cleared her throat.
             "Sister...we fear the unknown force is close to breaking through, what will we do sister?" Luna was scared mainly because she has see horrors unbelievable to most, has faced deamons along side her sister. Fought the god of chaos Discord, and felt the pain of being possessed by nightmare moon...but this new disturbing energy, was like nothing before. It felt like a cold claw that forced it's way up her spine, and made her and her sister feel a type of pain unknown to them both...fear.
           "Sister we still haven't pin pointed where this unknown force is even going to appear," Celestia walked over to her bed and offered Luna a seat which she accepted gracefully. "Lulu we must keep our heads in the upcoming endeavor... I can feel the disturbance as well but I try to hid this from our little ponies," she looked to Luna's eyes and said, "We must not make our little ponies worry about this...we both know what will happen," Celestia had a slightly sad expression on her face. Luna knew this very well their subjects are loving ponies there still...very quick to be scared of new things.
          Luna looked to Celestia, "sister what will happen if these unknown forces come to our kingdom and...hurt our little ponies," Luna had worry written on her face as she got up and walked to a window looking apon their subjects as they waked around Canterlot not knowing of the danger that was coming. Celestia moved to hug her sister with both her arms and wings, Luna accepted her sister's embrace. They stayed like that for a few minutes comforting each other before they let go and smiled to each other. "Tia...what ever comes through, WE will stop it...together," Luna smiled as her sister agreed with her before letting out a yawn.
         "I should get to bed, I'm not to stay up during the night," Celestia made her way under the covers of her bed and said goodnight to her Luna. Luna said goodnight as she left, still unsure of the dangerous situations to come.
Mech soldiers underground base
             Recon sat on the roof of the Fire Halos barracks, he was throwing a rubber ball against the wall of a neighboring barracks. As he did he was thinking on what the captain said...about them being a team and covering each other's back. He was so deep in thought that he didn't notice Tank walk up behind him making a slight metal cling as he waked. Tank sat next to Recon who finally noticed him as he was sitting down. For a while neither said anything. A long time of silence later Tank opened his mouth only to close it shortly after, rethinking he tried again with more success.
           "So....things got ah little heated yesterday," he rubbed the back of his neck. Recon looked like he wasn't listening but he was. "I shouldn't of said what I did-"
           "Yeah no shit." Recon turned away from Tank, anger taking his mind as he tried hard to ignore Tank but found it hard. Tank could only sit there, thinking about what he should say next. Then it came to him.
           "Look, I know you don't like me and I HATE you...but were stuck with each other. The captain said were a family and he's right. One of use alone is a force to be reckon with but together... We're a true super power. I don't very much care that you called me a monster, but I'll put it behind me. Now I don't think I need to be any bigger of a man then I already am now...do I?" Tank smiled or at least what he thought qualified as one, the gestured was forced but not in a bad way just Tank rarely smiled. Recon couldn't help but laugh a little at the fat joke Tank just made. He rised rised up and looked at Tank.
           "Sure...anymore more added to you and you'll fall right through the earth, fat ass," Recon smiled as Tank made a fake hurt gesture only to go back normal a few seconds later. Recon looked down and remembered what Boss had told them. "I always got your back, ok Tank?" Recon looked back up to Tank as they walked back into the barracks.
          "Sure I do...just like I got yours." Tank walked along side his brother. They entered the barracks and walked into Zak.
         "Hey guys what's up?" He was still wearing his exo, so he could get use to it. Tank and Recon looked at each other exchanging a silent conversation before they both said just talking about the next mission. Zak looked confused and asked what they ment.
        "Well according to the captain we got a mission over in some back water town. Nothing huge after all you are just a rookie we wouldn't want you to go and die on use the first day, right?" Recon said in his usual playful manner. Zak became nervous, so nervous it was painfully obvious to both Tank and Recon. "Hey don't worry rookie you'll do fine, just remember what Boss drilled into your brain back in training, ok?" Recon gave a assuring smile to Zak, which helped his nerves a little.
       "Yeah if you die, then you'll be no better then the last guy! Right?" Tank said in a happy tone, right before Zak collapsed from the thought of the last assult class. Recon punched Tank, while Tank just looked confused not knowing what he said.
        "Oh it's ok Recon I... I just gotta get use to you guys is all," Zak said while getting off the floor an smiled. They all made there way to the living room where Boss, Shadow and Laz where. Shadow was cleaning her sniper rifle and Boss was talking to Laz about the mission. The lights inside were going dim and then becoming bright again in rapid sucsesion, the three of them looked at each other in confusion when Zak looked back at Boss and Laz. They were standing over a hologram table that displayed what looked like the mech base, what with a long blue line leading to a huge open area. Then there were these...large red drill looking things moving towards it. Zak looked at both Tank and Recon to see a look of worry on their faces. All this did was start the growth of his own look of worry. They all waked over to the table while Boss was explaining something to Laz.
        "...I told you Laz I don't know what HQ is going to do about them, all they told me is to make sure you guys are ready for a fight," Boss looked pissed as he watched the drills move closer to the mech base.
        "Well all I know is that ever sence that little hiccup with the generators our powers been acting really shity," said Laz as he crossed his arms while looking at the holo table which was starting to get all flickery
         "What's going on?" Asked Tank.
         "Well...ya see Tank HQ found a reading of these drills and there not doing anything about it," said Laz while leaning back and pointing his finger at the hologram.
         "Shut it Laz!" Shouted Boss while glaring at Laz, a few moments later he sighed and then looked at Zak and the others. "Look the generators were sabotaged and now our turrets along with all our other automatic defenses, now we have a giant target on our base and where all that's left to defend this base," Boss had pointed out the generator's location on the hologram table.
         "Sooo, what your saying is....were gonna see some action? Hell yeah, lets do it!" Said Recon while pumping his fist in the air. Boss only shoke his head while pinching the bridge of his nose. Laz just smiled, Tank also pumped his fist in the air. Boss looked at all of them, before he cleared his throat to calm them down.
          "Look guys this is gonna be different then what we're use to. There are going to be hundreds maybe thousands of D.E.M.s coming from those drills....not just ten or twelve like we'd usually see. I don't doubt any of your skills sence I've worked with all off you for a long time, but Zak. I want you to be careful this is going to be dangerous even after your training with me," Boss had turned to Zak and looked at him.
         "It's ok Boss, I understand what you mean and I won't let you down," Zak had enthusiasm written on his face, Boss smiled genuinely glad that another young soldier was ready for battle. Shadow walked over to the holo table and noticed that the drills were getting very close. She stood on her tippy toes and poked his shoulder, he looked away from the conversation and then to where she was pointing.
        "Uhh...guys I think we hav- woah!" Tank feel to the ground as the drills finally reached the mech base. The drills rumbled and then made a huge wave like a earthquake of force shaking the base and everything inside it. Boss and the others slowly awoke, as they did they heard a ear shattering alarm. Calling all mech teams Calling all mech teams D.E.R.s have breached our base, I repeat D.E.R.s have breached our base all able bodied personal are advised to suit up, immediately! Tank grabbed onto a small dresser and started running for there suits. Zak looked to Boss who was getting his weapons ready.
        "Boss! What are we gonna do!" Zak was panicking and breathing fast, Boss noticed this and grabbed him by his exo.
        "Get a hold of yourself Zak, Zak!" Boss slapped him hard leaving a red mark on his cheek. "Your a soldier a mech bad ass! Now act like it! You're the only one with a exo suit, now you need to get out there and help the other men....now!" Boss let go of Zak and then ran off in the same direction as the others did. Zak stood there. Not sure what to do should he go out there or wait for them....No! You have your orders, now get out there and fight! Zak ran out the door only semi sure what he'll find on the other side of the door.

//-------------------------------------------------------//
                  Landing in a new world                   
//-------------------------------------------------------//
Landing in a new world
Equestria ten minutes earlier in Cantorl
      Celestia sat at her desk, organizing papers and stamped  a few as she sorted threw them. As she did this the sound of hurrying hoof steps could be heard outside her door. As she was getting up to open the door, she fealt a sting run up her spine. The sting that she and her sister have been feeling for the past three weeks but, it was different. This was only a sting compared to the pain they would normally feel, as jpif the disturbance was some how....smaller all of a sudden. Celestia quickly made her way to the door and opened it. Luna waited on the other side, rubbing her spine trying to make the stinging go away.
    "Sister, I have fealt a opening to our world." Luna said as she walked into Celestia's work place.
    "As have I Lulu, it fealt supremely smaller though from the normal disturbance," Celestia had closed the door and enchanted the room with a sound proof spell, to keep their conversation secret.
   "It feels like it was near....ponyvile, in the everfree forrest." Luna had sat on Celestia's desk and looked worried. Celestia walked over to her and wrapped her arm around her sister trying to comfort Luna.
  "Don't worry sister, I'll have the elements go and investigate this disturbance." Celestia said.
  "But sister what if there's a dangerous enemy, or a possible trap!" Luna said as she moved in front of Celestia.
    "Sister, I'm sure princess Twilight Sparkle and her friends can handle what ever came from this small opening. They have gone up against many dangerous foes, some they even conformed to assist us. I have the up most faith in her." Celestia said, and with every word realization made it's way to Luna's mind.
    "Very well sister, I'll trust your judgement. If anything happens or their lives are I danger, we will help them correct?" Luna asked.
    "Of course we will sister, I don't want them to be hurt Luna I just know they can handle this." Celestia said while holding up some papers. Luna seemed satisfied as she leaves the room. Celestia floated a quill and paper over along with Ink.
Dearest, princess of friendship
I have noticed that a possible new coming danger may have made it's way to our lovely Equestria. I in trust you to go to the evergreen forest and make sure nothing dangerous has entered our world, if you feel it best you may ask your friends to assist you in your endeavor. I will worn you Twilight this is a very dangerous task, I will not make you investigate this anomaly unless you feel up to the task. If you refuse I will under stand, Princess Luna and I will instead make our way there and cheak on the situation.
Yours, Celestia
    Celestia used her magic to send the letter hoping that her once star pupil will be able to handle the problem and that nothing dangerous came threw the anomaly was peaceful.... She was half right.
ponyvile: Twilight's castle
    "Twilight! We're did you put my stash of jewls!?" Yelled Spike as he rumiged threw the fridge.
   "Aren't they behind the carrots?!" Twilight Sparkle said while reading one of her many books.
   "I checked but couldn't find them!" Spike yelled as he continued searching.
    Twilight let out a aggravated huff before closing her book and walking to the kitchen that had a slight western theme. Applejack had decorated the kitchen after the problem with her friends trying to decorate her new castle. It lead to one heck of a mess and apparently a argument between her friends. In the end though her friends gave her the most beautiful gift she could ever ask for. She entered the kitchen to see Spike's tail in the air trying to find his jems. He wore a pair of jeans and a white t-shirt.
  "Spike, did you try looking behind the apple basket?" Asked Twilight, while wearing a Sunday like dress. It was yellow with a pink bow around her waist, she was standing at least 5 foot 1inch tall.
   "No, I couldn't find them. Oh what could of happened to them? I left them right here in the fridge to get them nice and cooled." Spike answered while turning around to face Twilight. He was at least four foot five inches, not counting the green spikes sticking out of his head. Spike's face had dropped into a frown as he walked by Twilight. Only for him to cough up a scroll with a puff of green flames and smoke.
  "Oh! It's a letter from the princess! I wonder what she needs me to do?" Twilight said as she picked it up and opened it. Twilight read the letter then reread it, making sure what was written was accurate.
  "What is it Twilight? What's it say?" Asked Spike as he tried to read the letter.
  "Spike go get the others, were going to the Everfree Forest." Twilight proclaimed while running up stairs to get ready.
  "Got ya Twilight," Spike said while walking out the door.
Entrance to Everfree Forest
   The elements of harmony were all gathered by the entrance of the Forest. Twilight was making here way to the entrance Spike following close behind.
  "Hey Twilight!" Said Pinky Pie as she appeared in front of Twilight. She wore a pink shirt with pieces of candy on it and a skirt cotten candy pink skirt."What ya call use here for hm hmmmmmmmm! Is it another epic quest from Princess Celestia? Or Princess Luna? OH! What about- mhh mhgh." Pinky's jaw had almost popped right off what with the speed of which it moved. Twilight had put her hand over Pinky's mouth to keep her from talking.
  "I was just about to say something about that before you interrupted me, Pinky." Twilight's voice was calm what with having to deal with the pink hyperdrive of energy. "We're here because a strange anomaly has occurred and Princess Celestia wanted use to check it out, does that satisfie you Pinky?" Twilight explain while letting go of here mouth.
  "Sure does, we just have to go scope out a strange anomaly.... What's a anomaly?" Pinky asked looking confused.
  "A anomaly, darling is when a unusual occurrence happens with no explanation." Rarity stated with her head held high and finger pointing in the air. She wore a dazzling skirt with blends of purple and light blue, she also wore a matching shirt.
  "Ooohhhh....ok!" Said Pinky as she bounced around.
  "So what kind of anomaly?" Asked Rainbow Dash while flying over Twilight's head, she wore a pair of jeans and a short sleeved shirt. "are we looking for something in particular?"
  "Ya two, what's the big deal? Is there a certain somthin the Princess is looking for?" Applejack said while walking over to her. She wore a Jean skirt with red pants, along with a plade shirt.
"Well....I don't know," said Twilight, "all the Princess was able to tell me was that something or somethings that came from the portal." Twilight had walked right in front of the Everfree, and turned towards her friends.
  "I hope what ever it is it's not dangerous," spoke Flutershy, while hidding behind her long hair. She wore a simple white shirt and a light green skirt.
  "The Princess said it would be dangerous....and that we didn't have to do this if we don't want to, so I'll ask you all. Do you or do you not want to do this." Twilight said while looking at all her friends. They all glanced at each other, all thinking the same thing....well almost all for Flutershy had turned around and was about to leave. Rainbow Dash swooped up Flutershy and brought her back to the group.
  "Of course we'll help you Twilight! We're your friends right guys?" Said Rainbow Dash.
  "We sure are Rainbow we'll help ya twi, after all what are friends for?" Spoke Applejack as she looked back at Rarity, Pinky and the rest. They all voiced their agreement and Twilight looked on in happiness, knowing that her friends would always have her back.
  "Alright gang....lets do this!" Twilight said as her and her friends made their way into the Everfree, not knowing of the new inhabitants that had dropped in.
Everfree Forest near ruins of old castle
    Rookie's eyes slowly opened as he placed a hand to his helmet, trying to steady his brains for they felt like a roudy gang fight. He sat up with his hand still on his helmet and looked around.... Trees? Rookie looked around some more putting his hand down and heard a grown from behind him. Rookie turned around to find Recon with his body stuck on a branch in a tree. Recon slowly came to life as he was greated by a Forest floor.
   "Am I....in heaven?" Recon asked while he tried to move only for the branch to break, and for him to hit the ground hard. "Oh god! Never mind still feel pain, not heaven if there's pain." He rolled around on the ground in pain. Rookie stood up only to cringe at the pain in his guts, it was like they were ripped out then put back in. He slowly walked over to Recon holding his stomach, slowly at first but finally made his way standing over Recon.
   "Hey Recon, you ok?" Recon stopped rolling around looked up at Rookie.
   "Rookie? You made it!" He said as he got up slowly, giving Rookie a huge. "Oh I thought we were goners man, where are the others?" Recon asked while looking around letting go of Rookie.
   "Don't know, I just got up same as you....do you think the others made it." Rookie asked, while he walked around a little.
   "If I can make it they can make it," said Recon. "Especially Tank, there around here somewhere. I mean they couldn't of gone far," Recon started looking around, trying to fine the rest of the Fire Halos. As he made his way threw the thick Forest, he tripped over something and landed on a hard metal plate. He looked up to see two bright red slots look at him, "Tank! Your alive!" Screamed Recon much to Tank's dismay.
   "Ahh, shut up!" Said Tank as he grabbed Recon by his exo and tossed him aside. Tank got up and stretched his body, his exo made hisses and grinding could be heard from one of the leg joints. Tank looked down and hit it once with his fist making the noice stop. He waked on as Recon got back on his feet, Rookie went over and asked if he was alright. "Oh I'm fine, just a few scraps and bruises is all," Tank looked around for a second, "Hey where's the launcher?" He asked as he walked around trying to find it. Rookie smiled at his teammates, knowing that there ok. After that Shadow walked out from the forest, seeing Rookie she ran and huged him. Rookie put his arms in the air a little thrown off from Shadow's huge. She some realized what she was doing and let him go looking down at the ground.
   "Sooo....umm....you ok?" Asked Rookie, Shadow shook her head and put some distance between her and him. As the two odd the tried to forget what just happened, Recon came out of the woods.
  "Guys...I found Laz," Rookie and Shadow didn't like the way Recon spoke. They followed him till they came to a clearing with Laz's body there. There was a large piece of wood sticking out his leg, luckily he was still knocked out from the portal. Rookie, Recon and Shadow went to Laz's body and inspected him.
   "Ok....looked like the Exo stopped the bleeding, the stick didn't hit bone but it went right threw his muscles." Said Rookie as he took some medical gel from Laz's front pocket.
   "Is he....is he gonna be alright?" Asked Recon.
    "Yeah he'll be fine, just needs to stay off the leg for ah while." Said Rookie, Recon sat down near Rookie and relaxed for a bit.
    Rookie had finished putting the gel on the wound and was getting a bag of morphine when he heard voices. He grabbed his Grendel from his back and heald it to his shoulder. Recon grabbed his spas-12 and took aim at the noises they sounded like Laughing.
   "What is that? Some kind of D.E.R. scouting party?" Asked Recon taking a knee next to Laz. Shadow had also drew her sniper rifle, standing over Laz.
   "Don't know...but I want you and to check it out, Shadow and I will stay back and guard Laz." Said Rookie, Recon slowly made his way to the edge of the clearing.
   Recon moved slow as he walked threw the forest crouched. He tried his best not to make any noice or step on any branches. Leafs and tree limbs hung in his way and brushed his face and exo, the sun light came in like it was cut by the canopy of the trees. Recon came to the side of a path and heard the voices clearly.
    "So Twilight what do ya think will find in here" asked a very southern accent.
     "Don't know Applejack, all I know is that we've never seen it before" said another female voice.
What the fuck is a Applejack? thought Recon as he made his way closer the the voices.
     "Well whatever it is I can handle it if things get out of control," said a tomboyish voice that was way to cocky.
Oh I think I can take ya, I'll make a mental note of you. Recon finally found a good place for him to look at who he was listening to. What... The...fuck...is this? Recon's thoughts were completely justified as the image he was looking at, there were horse....no human....no horse humanoid like things. Recon slapped his face lightly making sure he wasn't seeing things. There where six of them, each one just a colorful as the next. One was pink on fucking dark pink, another was butter yellow with a pale pink color of hair. One was orange with blond hair, and another was marshmallow white with a indigo hair. Out of the last two one was purple with a darker purple colored hair with a bright pink strip going down. The other was a cyan blue with raindow hair, Recon was speechless. He could only stair at the group as they had their conversation. When they finished talking he found out some good information, one of which being their names.
    The orange one was the Applejack he heard of, the butter one was....Flutershy. Damn he already didn't like this, anyway the marshmallow one was known as Rarity. The cyan blue one with a mouth that rivaled his in size was Rainbow Dash. The purple one was known as Twilight Sparkle and was obviously the ring leader. Finally that to pink to be alive name's was....Pinky Pie. Great we landed in LaLa land, wait till Tank hears about this. Recon slowly backed away till the small group in front of him looked to the forest and appeared scared as hell. Recon didn't have time to wonder what it was because befor he knew it he saw sets of yellow eyes glowing in the dark of the woods. They looked more like orbs floating in darkness, just as he was going to leave out popped....a wooden wolf....well then. Recon got ready to fight but what he saw next made him stop dead. Apparently he didn't notice the horns and wings on these things! The white one had a horn, the blue and butter ones had wings and the purple one had both. The purple one shot the wolf and it broke apart, only for it to pull it's self together and be backed up by three more wolfs. The humanoid creatures looked scared, maybe the purple one ran out of juice? Recon had a choice to make, help these things or....run back and not look back. Like he really needed to think this one out.
Everfree forest Main six
     The main six backed away from the four ravenous timberwolves that were about to pounce on them. The only thought that went through the minds of the group was they were gonna die. One of the timberwolves ready to pounce, it's legs like coiled cobras prepared to strike. They heard it jump into the air, followed by what sounded like thunder. They looked in the sky but saw no clouds, when they looked back to the timberwolves they saw that it had a massive hole in it's chest. As the timber fell behind it stood a strange looking monster. It had a long stick with smoke coming out of it's end. It was bipedal standing on two strange grey legs. The creature wore armor on it's chest shoulders and arms, excluding forearms. It's face was a helmet with two blue slots. Twilight and Rainbow Dash got ready to fight but the other three wolves turned toward the creature and snarled at it. The creature took the stick and grabbed it with it's other hand getting in a fighting stance. The three wolves circled the beast, one tried to attack from behind but it didn't seem to phase the creature as it turned around and hit it with the back of it's stick. As it was turned another pounced on it taking it to the ground. As the wolves tried ripping it apart they seemed to have problems getting their teeth into it. The creature slowly started moving, standing up even with three timberwolves on it's back. Once it stood tall it kicked on of the wolves in the face sending wood flying everywhere. The other two continued to assult while the third one started regenerating. The creature took it's stick ansd shoved one end into the wolves mouth and then....its head just blew off. The sound was so much louder then last time as it hurt the group's ears. The wolf's head was gone as was the wolf's behind it. The last one retreated knowing this new monster had the upper hand. The one the creature kicked in the face had gotten back up so had the one that had a hole in it's chest. The three of them looked at the creature and were about to ran at it, till he pointed the stick at them and they froze. The three timberwolves slowly backed away, knowing what that stick would do to them.
     Twilight slowly approached the creature, as it turned towards her it's blue eyes glowing at her. Sh swollowed a lump in her throat, getting herself ready to speak.
    "Umm....hello their, creature. I am Princess Twilight Sparkle, and these are my friends." Said Twilight as she pointed at her friends. The creature cocked it's head as if it fits understand, Twilight tried again. "Do....you understand me, can you comprehend me? I'm speaking your language correct?" Asked Twilight, she taked louder and louder as she spoke for she thought the helmet had impaired the creature's hearing. She then tried a game of charades acting out the actions of hearing, and where he came from. She only got another head tilt in return.
     "Umm....can I try?" Asked a certain pegasus named Flutershy. Twilight walked away in a huff and told her to go for it. Flutershy slowly made her way to the creature as a breeze blew through the forest. She stood right in front of the creature who took it upon itself to bend down slightly, Flutershy shyed back some but stood still.
     "Ummm can you, umm.....understand me?" Asked the shy little pony, the creature went back to standing straight. It cocked it's head left then right, it proceeded to scratch it's helmet....as if it was thinking something over. It then shrugged and put it's hands to his head, pulling off the helmet. Underneath it was a....strange looking what the group thought was a man. It had a very short main and no fur, it's eyes were brown dark brown. He's main was blond and he smiled while he pointed at Twilight and surprised everyone when he spoke.
    "First off that dance or whatever you tried was funny as hell, second yes I can understand you and third my name or Recon and forth," he looked back to Flutershy. "Your just adorable."
    Twilight fainted, the rest of the ground was speechless and Flutershy blushed at the compliment. The creature known as Recon looked around confused, " What, I thought she wanted me to speak?" Asked Recon while pointing at the fainted Twilight Sparkle.

//-------------------------------------------------------//
              The battle to a whole new world              
//-------------------------------------------------------//
The battle to a whole new world
underground mech base
             As Zak busted through the door he saw a drill coming out of the ground, it seemed to have ripped through a large orange bull dozer they had what looked like sikver round capsules most have opened. Most likely allowing D.E.Rs to be deployed on the mech base. He saw where others were ripping through the ground and destroying anything that was in there way. He could see Fire, explosions, Zak could hear screaming as brave soldiers lost there life's. There power doing nothing for the pure numbers and there own unreadiness. Zak looked around at the destruction and damn near froze at what he saw near the drill. It was a soldier, looked like a scout class, crawling without his left leg. He was in agony from the look on his face as he crawled with his arms but didn't notice that one of the silver capsules hiss and open. The thick streams of smoke and steam made it hard to see the D.E.R. move out, the only clue being a bright red light moving in the fog. The scout turned around as he heard a metal foot hit the ground behind him. Zak saw it emerge from the cover, it looked very human from the head down it seemed to most resemble one of those terminators from that old movie. But it's head was more....drone like, blank smoth but keeping a human look. The real difference being that in the middle of it's head was a large bright red light. The scout pulled out his pistol and cursed the mechine as he fired off a few rounds. Only for the mechine to grab it from his hand and shooting him twice in the head.
            Zak now realized that his out weapons were still inside the barracks. The mechine looked at Zak analyzing the threat before charging with the pistol raised and fired on Zak. Reality came back to Zak as a bullet hit his mech arm, he raised his right arm and it opened into a small shield that took a few bullets. As the D.E.R. was half way to Zak it ran out of ammo and decided to charge at Zak. He retracted his shield and tried to pull out his side arm but had no time. The D.E.R. tried to punch him, but he ducked and roled to the left, pulling out his pistol and shot at the mechine twice before it was on him again. It tried to punch and kick Zak but he douged it's attempts and shot it three more times. It stepped back but continued to pursue him, Zak used it's charge to his advantage and punched it square in the chest with his mech arm. The metal on it's chest dented some even riped off as he made contact with the mechine's torso. Some circuits hung and small amounts of electricity sparked from the openings, Zak took the opportunity and shot it in the semi exposed chest. The bullets cut threw the weakened metal and hit core circuits that made the mechine's move ments become wild and erratic. It swung it's arms around trying to hit Zak as he ducked and moved out of it's range but the mechine connected with Zak's face and sent him flying threw the air hitting the drill behind him. Zak was stunned, trying to make sence of the world as it went from clear to fuzzy. Then he fealt a cold metal hand grab him by the throat and lifted him up pushing him against the drill. The exo's healing ability started to take effect as the world became clear just in time to see the mad D.E.R. Pull back it's fist ready to kill Zak.
This is it. Zak thought, I'm gonna die the first day just as the mechine's was about to come down, *BOOM* a loud shot ran out and Zak saw time slow as a huge bullet ripped through the D.E.R.'s drone head. He dropped from the mechine's grasp, gasping for air. He looked in the direction of the bullet to see Shadow kneeling on the roof of the barracks still aiming her rifle as she cocked it ready for another shot. Shadow's exo was slim all around her body hugging her in a supporting way. Her chest plate formed her breasts and she wore a helmet with a face mask that left her face covered except her eyes. The color was black with streaks of white running down the sides of her legs and her chest. Three more D.E.R.s came up behind her, Zak tried to worn her but she turned still kneeling and shot the one furthest from her. Another one tried to jump her but was interrupted mid jump, grabbed by a large figured that crushed it's neck making it's head shot off and land near Zak's feet. He watched as it's eye blinked rapidly before going black, he looked up to see the last one which was wondering where the assailant that poped the head off his allie had gone to. The mechine looked towards Shadow settling for this new target before another loud BOOM happened leaving the D.E.R.s electronic guts shot out it's chest. It twitched and tried but failed to move, sounds like grinding gears and popping electronic sounds were heard as a foot stomped on it's head. It was Boss his exo seemed moderately portioned except by his leg which was thinner then the rest. He wore a visor that covered his left eye. A bent piece of metal covered his mouth and chin, he pulled out his pistol and shot the D.E.R. In the head twice as it's light flickered then died. Boss looked at Zak who's mind was still processing this new image in front of him.
        "So rookie, how's fighting with out your primary weapons doing?" Boss smiled as he walked off the barracks landing with ease and walking over to him. Following him was Recon who's exo was thick on his legs and his chest plate was thinner then the rest, he wore a full on helmet with two blue slots for eyes and a very slender design much like a hockey mask but more armed and colored a greyish black. On the other side was Tank, his exo was huge covering him completely with a sheet of titanium. His helmet was also thick with protection more angled with two red slots as his eyes. He tossed Zak his weapons, Zak grabbed them from the air with ease thanks to his Exo. Tank's exo's hydrologic system was quite large most likely from all the weight that titanium was putting on him. The chest plate did have a little extra on it. It was the Fire Halo's logo, the shield with a sword over it. Two angle wings one normal one rrobotic both behind the shield crossed over each other. They all seemed to have it....except him.
        "Hey rookie, how was it?" Asked Tank, his voice was deep and mechanical like. Most likely from the his helmet's audio function.
        "How was what?" Asked Zak.
       "Your first tast of robot oil!" Screamed Recon as he wraped his arm around his head. Tank laughed as he walked over and picked up Zak and Recon with his arms which looked massive in his Exo suit. As the lack of air took it's tool on the both of them, Las walked out in his exo. His was a light blue color with a red cross over his chest the exo it's self was mainly light not that different from Shadow's Exo though he had far more pockets for medical resources. He was the only one not wearing any face covering. He instead wore a regular helmet with straps and a pluse exactly like the one on his chest.
       "Look boys we have alot more important things to do other then celebrate one or four measly dead mechanical pains in the ass. Now let's move out," Boss agreed with Laz and told the three of them to knock it off. Tank stood still for a second before dropping both Zak and Recon. As this happened Shadow made her way to the group, holding her sniper rifle on her shoulder. Zak and Recon slowly fot got back up from there crushing experience with Tank who just keep on walking.  Laz and Boss walked forward and held there weapons at the ready Boss held a assult riffle with a grip and acog sight. Laz held a submachine gun a Victor kid to be precise with a larger mag and a red dot sight. Tank held a light mechine gun a hk21 with a stock and a for grip along with a red dot sight, it also looked like he held two more assult riffles and a large pistol most likely a magnum of some type they all had a pistol at there side. Recon also held his weapon out a shotgun it looked like  spas12 but had two barrels, and as you might guess they all had one similar thing in common. The O.W.A. Power and larger caliber like Zak's weapons of which he had out his SCARAR with it's larger barrel ready to kill. They made there way to a large opening that was covered in the bodies of fallen mech brothers. Boss stopped and rested his weapon as he looked on the scean of gore, some had their bodies shot with what looked like a large caliber type of round what with most of their heads limbs and intestines scattered all around the area. The blood was everywhere it looked like a Jackson Pollock painting on the ground and other areas. Zak covered his mouth trying not to add to the master piece of blood. Tank cringed under his helmet and Recon tried not to look, Boss walked up to a pile of bodies and took a knee.
       "Rest my brothers let your fate be kind to you in your land of happiness," Boss closed a pair of eyes as he started collecting tags. With each tag he collected a feeling of pain and sorrow filled his heart. I can live with the death...but their so young, why is the O.W.A. even recruiting these kids. These are someone's children for gods sake. This thought was then noted as he finished collecting the tags and told the others to continue.
       They stopped near the A.E.F. Where one of the drills had pierced right through it. Their were lots of moulded metal left about that would be used to make other exo's. Then a huge stomping came round and all but Zak knew what it was.
       "D\t-1000 coming in everyone get down!" Tank yelled as Boss and the others ran for a building near by. Zak was confused but didn't have long to wonder as Tank scooped up Zak and ran for the building.
       "Hey, what ar- hmm mhhfff!" Tank covered Zak's mouth as Boss walked over to him, the stomping growing louder.
       "Look rookie a D\t-1000 or as I call it a Titan is one of the most threatening mechines in the Teresa corp. If one of those things are here then that would explain why the others are having such a hard time," Boss looked around as the stomping grew even louder, Tank lifted open a drap to see what was happening outside. A giant robotic leg came down with it's components moving and shifting around as another giant metal foot came down on a pile of bodies squishing them easily. Tank slowly closed the deal, and looked to Boss who had figured exactly where the mechine was.
      The giant mechanical beast moved around looking left to right with it's giant red eye. As it finished the mechine stood still and shot flares from its shoulders that lit up the sky. Zak and the other's stood there wondering what was happening but soon found their answer when a large hover jet raised into the air and carried what looked like a large panel and small electronic poles with electricity coming out of the top of them. When it hit the bottom trucks and jeeps started to pull up, D.E.R.s coming out and a figure in a long black trench coat. His hat covered his face to well all that showed was a lit cigarette in his mouth. As they exited  three mech soldiers emerged from some rouble and held their weapons out, the D.E.R.s all aimed at them but the cloaked figure held up a hand. The mechines stood down and started to set up the transporter as the three soldiers started to take aim. The figure slowly moved to them, as they started shooting at him he crossed his arms over his chest and a shild made of electricity and shots of lightning that stopped the bullets dead and let them drop. He advanced slowly as the men reloaded their guns only forthe figure to pull out a large pistol that looked quite strange. It was quite large and when he pulled the trigger and out came a pure shot of what looked like electricity shoot out and go right through the soldier and left a large hole in his chest as he slowly fell. The other two tried to shoot him but by the time there weapons were ready he had already put another clip in his weapon and fired killing the second one.
         The last one looked at the bodies of his fallen brothers and slowly dropped to his knees. His head hung and his eyes showed tears as he grieved for his team. The figure walked over to him stopping with some distance between them. He walked around him and it looked like he was talking to the soldier but Zak and the others couldn't hear what he said, but after a few minutes the soldier's hands balled into fists and his sadness was replaced with pure anger. He screamed and charged the lone man with his knife out and his rage being heard by all....only for the figure to easily dough the attack and put the pistol to his head. Time slowed as the soldier's head was blown off by the power of the side arm. The Fire Halos watch as there fellow O.W.A. brothern were killed, Boss closed his eyes and looked away as the figure went back to commanding the D.E.R.s.
       The team grieved for these men but there was nothing they could do now. Shadow was about to speak when a thud from up stairs gained everyone's attention. They all looked up stairs and then to each other.
      "Hey Boss...should we umm...cheak on that?" Recon asked while looking at Boss.
      "Yeah....Tank follow after him," Boss said while Recon was making his way up the steps.
       As Recon and Tank moved up the stairs the smell was horrible it was a mix of death and fear. As they came to the top of the stairs Recon moved to the door where the noise was heard. He signaled form Tank to cover the other side of the door. Tank made his way slowly to the door and waited for Recon to give the order, Recon looked to Tank then nodded his head. Recon kicked in the door and scaned the area with Tank following close behind.... Only to be greated by Broiler how was trying to get up. He was barely moving as he tried to get up from the floor. His face covered in blood around him was the bodies of at least seven D.E.R.s around him, next to Broiler layed a double barrel shotgun. Tank put down his gun and assisted Broiler. Broiler coughed up blood as he took a deep breath trying to stay alive.
       "Recon go get Laz, now!" Recon made his way down stairs and grabbed Laz. Broiler coughed as Laz made his way up to the room followed by Boss, Shadow and Zak. Laz started administration medical gel and some bandages. Recon made his way to the left along with Shadow and Zak, to the right stood Boss, Tank, and Recon. Laz finished fixing up Broiler and stood to the left, while Boss moved in front of Broiler and got down.
      "Broiler... What happened to you man?" Boss couldn't stand seeing his friend like this, and he barely heald back tears.
      "We, we were lined down *cough cough* me and a team tried our best to fend the bloody tin cans off but, *cough wheez* once that big metal fuck came in we didn't stand a chance," Broiler was near death and Boss could tell....he didn't want to admit it but Broiler was going to die. "Hey Boss there guys are trying to *cough cough* are trying to invade another dimension *wheez cough* there going to....invade another planet with more resources then all of China and Afghanistan have together. You *cough* and your team have to stop him....that damn bastard's plan has to be stopped!" Broiler grabbed Boss's exo and brought his face to his, "You need to stop him, agh...he needs to be....s-stoped," Broiler was to weak to continue.
      "Hey hey, calm down there old timer just....calm down," Broiler laughed when he heard this, Boss smiled at his friend was now looking better. He helped Broiler up from the ground which was harder then it sounds. As Broiler stood up his exo which was large but mainly in the leg and arm areas. Squealing could be heard mainly from all the rust on it. Tank had decided to stand guard at the door, not really liking Broiler after the A.E.F. had "accidentally" took a large chunk of hair from his head. Recon shook Broiler's hand firmly as he smiled at the like minded individual standing in front of him.
      "Hey there ya old rust bucket! How ya holding up?" Asked Recon.
      "Just fine, are the legs still giving you any problems?" Asked Broiler.
      "Nah they work fine, I just wish they were made of flesh and blood," Recon let a empty smile spread across his face.
      "Hey there boyo just keep your head up, your still a great soldier lad ya just can't let this leg thing get ya down. It's been three years already man just let it go," Broiler looked at Recon with assuringly.
      "Ummm....as much as I'd love to get along with this little reunion here, we kind of have a situation out there," Zak pointed a thumb out the window he sat next to, interrupting the group's get together.
      "Zaks right, we need to get this under control." Boss looked at Broiler, "brother you've been here longer then anyone else as far as I know. I need information, what have here?" Boss stood over Broiler by at least six inches.
      "I bet ya do, well....where to start? I remember the drill bursting from the earth like a damn whale ripping apart my beautiful girl out there. As I got ah hold of my double barrel and started opening fire on the bloody tin cans I got shot in my leg. I managed to crawl killing wha I could, as I crawled I watched as man after man fought with his knife in one hand and a rifle in the other! ....but it didn't last long, that Titan raised from the dirt soon after that damn metal shredder broke through. The men didn't last a chance as it opened fire....so I hid in here. I know I should of fought but I'm crippled and I knew if we won this they'd need me to help rebuild the A.E.F. then I saw a group of them D.E.R.s came after me. I made my way up those stairs there and found a hiddin place in that closet over yonder." Broiler limped around as he takes, pointing at the closet.
      Boss nodded at his words putting everything together, Zak raised his hand as if he was in a class room. "Yes Zak what is it?" Boss asked.
      "Well that doesn't quite help me understand the whole, giant mechanical electrical thing out there along with the trench coatof. figure with the bubble shields for arms," Zak looked out the window pointing every object out as he sad them.
      "That would be their plane," spoke Broiler as he waked to the window Zak was looking out of, staring at the shoking development outside. "Like I said they want to open up to another world and take it over, I got lucky when those D.E.R.s luod audio speakers gave me that what info I got. I know a way to destroy that damn portal and knock out the robots around the area, but first your going to need what's in that closet there," Broiler pointed at Tank then back to the closet.
      Tank looked confused before he made his way from the front door to the closet, as he opened it his eyes shot open. It was a grenade launcher with a drum magazine underneath where it's pump would be and what looked like a enhanced sight. Tank just stood there stunned, he knew there were ideas of heavy weapons for gunner classes but this was....so damn amazing! He grabbed after putting his hk21 away and held it. Heavy....that was all he could think, and Tank smiled wide under his helmet as he pulled and cocked the weapon hearing a loud and resounding *CLICK*.
     "Ya I thought I'd put those damn gossiping soldiers to shame and actually made one my self, thought you'd like it." Broiler smiled as the gunner damn near hugged the launcher with how much he was inspecting it. Boss looked at the weapon and a idea poped into his head, one that might earn them a victory.
     "Hey Broiler, that did you have in mind for the thing out there?" Boss asked while looking out window.
     "The computer out there can print out more then enough to deal with that fuckin mechine out there probably put it down for good if not then give it one hell of a fry," answered Broiler as he made his way across the room.
      "But what about those tin heads out there?" Recon asked, "I don't think asking politely will cut it, that and tall dark and creepy, might have our asses for trophies," he said while nodding towards said figure as it played and tinkered with some controls while the D\t-1000 helped put it together.
The team looked at this and Shadow was going to suggest something but was interrupted when Tank suggested something. "Tank that makes no sence, the launcher would do nothing to that thing but piss it off." Said Recon.
      "I'd hate to say it but the lads right Tank, that could kill any other D.E.R. in at least two or three shots. Though I like the way you think my brother, guns blazing isn't the way to go." said Broiler as he put his hand on the disappointed Gunner's shoulder.
      "No but it could distract it or cripple it for a short time, right Broiler?" Boss asked hoping for a yes.
     Broiler did some mental math before speaking, "well....a well placed shot at the leg joint could bring it down for a while, at least. What you should do is aim for the eye, one grenade in that area will break and possibly short circuit a few inner components that will DEFIANTLY put it down for a while." Broiler finished speaking as he walked from Tank to the door.
    "Good, that's all I need to know. Tank! Your gonna knock out that D\t-1000 and then support use once it's done," Tank stood straight as he heard his name, Boss pointed at Zak. " I want you to put your new exo to work with this," he threw a helmet at Zak who caught it, observing it. It had a very knight helmet look to it but without the moving facve part. It was instead bolted on and the three slits that mirrored each other were glowing a faint orange, the most noticeable difference was a big red plate with the word rookie written on it the plate was right across the forehead. "I thought that name would fit you best," Boss smiled, as did the rest of the team. Shadow, Recon and Tank's smiles were covered but some how still noticeable. Broiler walked over to Zak and started working on the spinal area.
      "What are you doing Broiler?" Asked Zak slightly uneasy.
      "I helped in making that helmet and it comes with a hook up to the rest of your exo, as he said kid welcome to the team." Broiler's hands slipped into the cord and flipped a switch and on came some lights around Zak's head that popped up a small amount covering his neck.
    "What just happened?" Zak looked curious at the new mechanic added to his suit while Broiler grabbed the helmet and looked it over, "what do they do, are the- OW!" Broiler had finished his inspection and slammed the helmet on Zak's head. It appeared to hit the top of his head a little hard.
    "There ya go youngen that should hold your brains in your head....or at least in the same place." Broiler gave him a once over before nodding in agreement at his work. The lights on Zak's helmet lit up as bright as Tank's red slots.
    "Wow Rookie ya look like a real O.W.A. with that helmet on," said Recon as he looked Zak up and down.
    "Yes he does Recon now let's put him to work, Rookie I want you to assult that group of D.E.R.s over there guarding our bad guy." Zak shoke his head understanding his orders. "Shadow I want you to get that guys attention and keep him busy for a little bit while Rookie takes out the back up." Shadow nodded in agreement along with Rookie, who was gearing up. "Laz I want to you to hang back and cover fire while Tank takes out the big guy, once he's done rendezvous with me and Broiler I'll be covering his ass while he prints out the emp grenades." Laz saluted casually with a few fingers. "Recon I want you to support Rookie and make sure his back is covered, understood?" Recon made a resounding yep.  Boss made sure they all understood the plan, which everyone voiced their agreement.
     "All right lads! Let's go kick some metal arse!" Broiler's blood boiled with excitement and it showed on his face. Tank grabbed two more clips for the grenade launcher and put them on his exo's back. Shadow climed out of a side window her rifle slung over her shoulder, Recon grabbed his double spas-12 and shouldered it following Rookie as he went down stairs. Laz took his Victor kid and followed Recon and Rookie.
    "So....ya ready? You old British fossil," Boss said while grabbing his assult rifle.
    "As ready as these old bones will ever be friend," Broiler grabbed Boss's arm. "Hey....if I don't.... Make it just," Broiler looked down as he looked for the words, "Just make damn sure I don't die in vain, ok?"
    "Broiler it won't come to that, I swear to you. We're all going to make it through that portal, I won't leave a man behind," Boss had pulled Broiler in close for a brotherly huge before letting go of him. "Now come on you big sack of emotion lets go kill,"
    "Is that sack comment a fat joke?" Asked Broiler.
    "Consider it pay back for toyin with Rookie back in the A.E.F." Boss smiled as he and Broiler got ready to fight before heading down stairs, Broiler grabbing his shotgun.
    Tank waited at the front door waiting for the signal from Boss, after Boss came down with Broiler he got ready. Knowing the symbol was coming, after ten minutes of waiting Boss nodded and Tank bust down the door making it fly. The figure and the robots all looked to the sound some taking aim only to start ducking for cover as Recon and Rookie came from Tank's left and right. Opening fire on the group of D.E.R.s hitting one of six of them in the head making it pop with a shower of gears and wires. Tank angled the launcher as the D\t-1000 took aim with one of it's shoulder mounted weapons just as Tank pulled the trigger letting a 40mm grenade sail through the right through the Titans fingers and hitting it on the side of the head. The weapon it was aiming shot at the ground twenty feet from Tank coating him in dirt. Recon and Rookie had advanced continuing to fire as the figure put up his bubble shields on his arms, deflecting most the rounds in random directions. Boss and Broiler snuck over to the printer as Broiler started typing at the computer, Laz followed Tank close and shot down any D.E.R.s that came to close. Tank took three more shots with the launcher each one making the D\t-1000 shooting it's weapon in an direction. The figure started taking steps towards Recon and Rookie as shots were fired on him, his feet picking up speed as he moved closer. Recon and Rookie had to move out the way as he charged right through them and turned around....only to see that they were still advancing towards his guards. As he pulled out his pistol he heard a loud *CLICK* from behind. He turned just in time to see Shadow aim down the sights of her rifle. He quickly put up one of his shields blocking the shot put was staggered from the force. He pointed his pistol pistol at Shadow and took a shot only for her to roll over to the right and take another shot hitting his shield again.
     Broiler's hands moved like lightning as he searched over the computer's server trying to find the emp grenades. He finally found them entering them into the printer he also printed a amp to them so they could do more damage.
    "That should do it," said Broiler. "These coupled with this amp should definitely take that mechine down," Boss noddesd in approval as the shots from the launcher made more D.E.R.s show up, some whole while others were crawling by arms and trailing oil behind them. Boss took aim and opened fire at the robots, he shot three in the shoulder while two where shot in the leg and ended up like the ones crawling on the ground. Broiler took out two with no problem thanks to the shotgun, Boss and Broiler ran off while shooting at the mechines. They came just in time to see Tank finally land a grenade in the titan's eye making it shake and twitch as it shut down it's eye flickered off and it's head fell limp. Tank pointed at the small stack of metal and scrap and blew up the cover exposing the robots behind. They were ready to shot Tank if Recon and Rookie hadn't of closed the gap and took down the opposition.
    Shadow was busy with the figure dodging the pistol shots and timing her attacks carefully. Making sure not to let the plan be found in her fighting stance. After some odd amount of minutes later she witnessed the figure turn around only to cross his arms and activate his shield. She heard a soft *POP* and the figure flew right into through a building. She turned to see Tank holding the launcher at the spot the figure stood, the barrel smoking after shooting a fresh grenade. She made her way back down and rendezvoued with the team.
   "Hell yeah!" Recon said while high fiving Rookie who had a smile on his face from the victory. "We kicked some major tin cans," Recons smile was quite large and made Boss feel proud that his family had put their problems behind them for now.
   "Oy boyo help me set this, would ya?" Broiler was lugging the emp devices in his hands. Recon went over and started to assist Broiler in setting up the explosives. As they started to put things together Rookie walked over to Boss.
   "Hey Boss, what do you think will find on the other side of this...thing?" Said Rookie, as he looked at the mechanical marvel.
   "Don't know, though we're going to need a open mind. We can't let our views of our world cloud our thinking-actually it be best not to think and just roll with what we find." Boss put his assult rifle down and sat down near Tank who was standing near Shadow. After ten minutes of tinkering with wires, Recon let out a yell of triumph.
   "Finally that damn black wire was a bitch to place!" As he stood up they all heard some rock move by the building with it's new person sized hole. "....no fu-" but Recon didn't have a chance to finish as the figure raised from the concrete chunks and steel debris. He grabbed a chunk and lifted it high sounding like it was quite the feat. He swirled it around his head and threw it at the group, Tank grabbed Shadow and leapt to the left Boss and Rookie went right as the chunk of stone flew through the air and hit the mechine making steam and smoke appear.
    "Damn it! Tank Shadow! Cover those holes!" Broiler yelled.
    "With what?!" Asked Tank as he got up.
    "Anything!" Broiler replied as the figure started to make his way to them. Boss looked at the approaching figure and made a decision....he charged at the figure. Screaming for his team to stay back, he sprinted at him no rifles nothing just his knife and pistol. The figure seem to laugh as Boss charged at him, the Fire Halos all watched as Boss headed in an tried to punch the man only for him to side step and drop a eldow on the captain's back luckly the platting took most of the damage. Though it was slightly dented, the figure tried to stomp on Boss but he rolled and tripped his opponent and tried to land a punch but the figure grabbed his fist and threw it back sending Boss on a five foot journey in the air. When he landed he got back up and pulled out his pistol and knife. Broiler looked on and knew he needed to get the portol open now. He raised up, ungracefully and made his way to the control panel. He started typing as Boss hit the figure in the face making him reel back before countering and dodging his blows though it was getting hard to keep up with the figure. Broiler had a glaze of sweat as he typed faster then he thought he ever could, after he finished a portol finally opened. It was like a giant blue dot but had a strange almost smokey lining around it's edge. The center looked like a ocean during a storm as a strange liquid slouched around, the electricity was moving over it like fingers holding a delicate water balloon. Broiler quickly turned to the group as they continued to watch their commander fight. He was trying to shoot the figure with his pistol but the figure just keep misguiding his aim. Making him shoot to far to the left or right, the figure placed a well angled kick to Boss's leg and the group watched as a exo hydrologic was ripped off from his leg making it hard for him to get back up.
   "Oy go threw the portal, NOW!" Broiler ordered as he grabbed his double barrel and ran towards the fight, but Recon grabbed his shoulder and looked the man in the eyes.
   "Are you crazy! We're not gonna leave you, or Boss behind! We need to be leave together," Recon said.
    ".....we never leave a brother behind," Rookie said as he moved behind Recon. Broiler looked at them both before he nodded, but as he did the D\t-1000 started to reboot. It's eye was dimly lit and it's arms started to move slowly. Broiler looked to the Titan of metal then to the Fire Halos, as the group looked back to Broiler he held a trigger and pushed it. The emps detonated and a large electric pulse shot threw the air and ran up two giant cables that ran behind it. As the blast finally subsided the D\t-1000 eye went dead and arms limp. The mechine's portol was becoming unstable and it's perfect circle was warping badly. A female voice spoke over the near by speakers, Warning Warning: portol has reached critical overload, portol shut down immanent, I repeat portol shut down immanent Broiler grabbed Recon by the shoulder and yelled at him to get in the portal before it closes.
   "But what about you!" Recon yelled back, "we can't just leave you and Boss here, he's our leader!"
    "I'm afraid you don't have a chose boyo," Broiler loaded his shotgun and ran towards the fight, but turned back around to the Fire Halos. "That world....is in danger boyo if this, gets their what ever is their won't last long....thanks to the emps this machine won't be operable for at least three months so don't wor-."
     "But what about you and Boss?" Asked Rookie.
      Broiler looked down for a while thinking, "....by way of class your now commanding officer assult class Rookie...." Broiler looked down before he ran into the fight stopping the figure from killing Boss.
     Rookie looked on and just....blankly starred into space. The rest of Fire Halos zoned out till a large crumble of rocks and granite rolled down from piles of ruble. D.E.R.s started crawling and limping and hopping in large numbers. Rookie and the rest of the group looked to the portal and made their way to it, knowing that not all their ammo put together could possibly take out this army of robots. As they neared the portal the D\t-1000 started moving again and the team double timed it to the portal entrance. As they looked back they saw Broiler and Boss fighting the figure as a ocean of hostile metal circled around them the metal arm of the D\t-1000 made it's way to the ground helping it back to its feet. Shadow grabbed Tank's shoulder and gave him a sarrowed filled look before she ran threw the portal, Tank looked back one last time before he to ran into the portal. Recon ran in shortly after Tank as the robots made their way to the portal entrance. Rookie looked at the portal taking a deep breath, before he jumped in.
     Laz had watched everything transpire from the chunk of rock that hitthe mechanical marvel. To Boss almost getting killed by that strange figure. He looked to the portal that was some distance away and took aim with his submachine gun. He let loose a few shots hitting whatever D.E.R.s stood in his way, as he ran for the portal. The portal was starting to bend long ways and more D.E.R.s were getting in the way. Laz jumped for the mechine as he made his way to the portal. A D.E.R. grabbed his leg, it's drone like head with scratches and it's body had dents all over it's body. Laz kicked at it and finally it let go, he got back up and dived through the portal just as it imploded.