by Greg Sorber
“Everything. They purge the world of everything. Well—they can. It depends on their configuration. They can wipe out everything or they can target specific features such as plant life, animal life, structures, or any combination thereof. Their primary function is to eliminate mech and human defenders from worlds to make it easier for Imperium forces to occupy.”
“An obvious violation of the Accords,” Therapy said.
“Yes. They must be after me because I have documented proof that the Imperium is still producing the Planet Cleansers and screevers even after the war ended.”
“Why is it here? Are they going to cleanse Mechhaven, or are they trying to intimidate us?”
“They wouldn’t bring something so blatantly violating all galactic standards of civilization this far out of their territory for a threat. I’ll guarantee you they plan on using it,” Angel said.
“Okay, so what are these screevers you mentioned?” Misty asked.
“A Planet Cleanser is both the factory and transport. The screevers are the weapons. The Planet Cleanser fabricates the screevers once it’s deployed and en route to its target. It lands near additional resources on the target planet to create more.”
“And what do the screevers do?”
“The screevers are basic bots, but each type has a destructive specialty. During my reconnaissance, I identified at least five unique variations. There could be more, but I only confirmed five. Screevers are cheap to produce, move fast, and are released in quantity to overwhelm any defenses in the areas they deploy. They’re small, just a little larger than a growling, and they’re wicked fast and maneuverable. Their specialized functions make them dangerous against mechs.”
“The Imperium designed the first type to distract. I call them blinders. They have spring-type assemblies built into their legs that allow them to jump significant heights and distances. Their primary function is to jump up to the ocular sensors of mechs and flash a powerful strobe light, which renders our optical sensors useless for a time. They work on humans, too,” Angel said, then nodded to the humans.
“Obviously,” Dennis said.
“The second type were designed to shred things. I call them shredders. They roll around on treads and have many blades designed for ripping and grinding. They can make quick work of most of the alloys mechs are made of—and they work well against humans.”
Misty said, “Angel, let’s assume that if they’re effective against mechs, they’ll be effective against humans. No need to keep pointing it out.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Angel said. “The third screever pierces through mechs and pulls them apart. I call these rippers. They have multiple appendages which aid in that function. They scurry around like spiders. They’re kind of creepy.”
Misty chuckled to herself that a powerful mech like Angel would describe something as creepy.
“The next type I call buzzers. These have four razor-sharp blades that act as rotors, which slice through lines of defenders or whatever they get close to, especially heads and upper bodies.”
That was one he should have mentioned would be effective against humans. And the names, they were basic and got the job done, but lacked any creativity. That’s why they should leave the naming up to her.
“What’s the last type?” Misty asked.
“The last screever is the most dangerous and the hardest to fight. I call them, sprayers. These have tanks of powerful acid which they spray on anything they want to corrode. If they hit you with their spray, you’re in trouble. If you hit their pressurized storage tank, it splatters acid everywhere and you’re in just as much trouble.”
“Those sound like trouble for mechs and humans alike,” Therapy said.
“Screevers are devastating on their own, but together, they are a terrifying force.”
“Thank god the Imperium didn’t deploy these during the war.” Ajax said.
“If they were used during the war, it would have been a fundamental change for the Imperium and the Monarchies. The fact they even exist now is terrifying,” Angel said. “In my investigation, I explored two Imperium worlds where they tested the screevers. The devastation was complete. It made the Decimation of Haldor-7 look like child’s play.”
The room fell silent. Misty looked at each of the others. Ajax had his head lowered, shaking it from side to side. Dennis ran his hand through his hair, something she’d seen him do whenever he was nervous. The mechs were stoic. They didn’t show outward signs of emotions, so it was hard to know what they were thinking. Misty herself was numb. They’d come through that long horrible war, all the way to this far off rock to find peace, but now fate brings this to them. How was that fair?
It wasn’t.
One of the toughest lessons she learned throughout the war was that life in this universe was seldom fair.
“How do we fight them?” Misty asked.
“If we had a fully armed division of two hundred mechs, we might survive a wave or two, but you have to remember the Imperium designed them to overwhelm and wear down resistance. So even if we survived the first wave, they’ll keep coming at us until they’ve taken all of us out. Even if I were at full strength, it would only delay the inevitable. My armor is tough and resistant to the sprayers’ acid, but I can’t protect everyone at once. With the power siphons on, I’m in the same escape pod as everyone else.”
“But we don’t have two-hundred fully armed mechs, we have two-hundred disarmed mechs, and the few armaments we had were destroyed. Not that it would have done much good, anyway,” Dennis said.
Misty paced across the room. “Perhaps we could disable Angel’s power siphons? I know he’s only one mech, but Archangels are force multipliers and bring hope. Hope is something we need. Ajax, what do you think?”
“It’s worth a shot, but what about the Accords?” he asked.
“The Accords state we can’t take up arms against any of the signatories. They don’t say anything about self-defense. And after all that has happened—with this Planet Cleanser on the way—I doubt that was an authorized inspection team, so we’ll do whatever it takes to defend ourselves, and I’ll deal with the consequences later,” Misty said.
“What about the Planet Cleanser? Is there a way we can take that out before it lands so we don’t have to deal with multiple waves?” Dennis asked.
“It’s fortified, with significant defenses. If we could take it out in orbit, or even the atmosphere, that would be ideal.”
“Our shuttles are unarmed and we don’t have any way to attack anything in space,” Misty said.
“In that case, once it lands, someone would need to penetrate its defenses and disable it from the inside,” Angel said.
“I volunteer for that mission,” Sly said. “Infiltration is one of my specialties.”
“I will assist,” Therapy said, “I’ve always wanted to see her at work.” He nodded at Sly.
“Thanks, both of you. Sly, I’ll take you up on that offer. Therapy, I need you for something else, but think of any others that would qualify for that mission and let me know.”
“I’ll do it,” Angel said. “I should have taken it out long before this.”
“Do you need anyone else?” Misty asked the SPDR mech.
“The fewer involved, the better. Although it would have been interesting to work with this one.” Sly said as she pointed at Therapy, “I’ll take the Archangel instead.”
“If we disable or destroy the Planet Cleanser, will that automatically take out the rest of the screevers?” Ajax asked.
“Unfortunately, no. The screevers connect to a network and can receive specific commands from a central location, but once they’re released, they have individual programming and are swarm networked. If you destroy the central command, they will still function on their own and can receive information from each other and act on that data.”
“Damn. Those things are devious,” Ajax said.
“Angel, you mentioned that your armor is resistant to the acid. What c
an you tell us about the materials you’re made of or about the chemical properties of the acid?” Dennis asked. “I’ll try to synthesize a protective coating that we can spray on the mechs to defend against the acid.”
“I’ll send you the data I have on the acid. As for my armor, I believe Ajax has some samples from my crash site he’s been analyzing. Perhaps those will help?”
Ajax shrugged and said, “You sustained significant damage and were unconscious. We needed to learn what we could about you.”
“Dennis, that’s an excellent idea,” Misty said. “Angel, Ajax, help Dennis in whatever ways you can.”
“Misty, what do you have planned for me?” Therapy asked.
“I need you and Wavelength to get the Communications Array back up and running. We need to get a message out to the signatories and the ACC as soon as possible.”
“It’s going to take a long time for us to rebuild the Communications Array from scratch, but with some modifications, we might be able to send a message with our secondary system. If my calculations are correct, Chruckariat Metatarsarian, is already back in the system and could be within hailing range. If we can get a message to him, he can relay it to the proper authorities.”
“That’s clever thinking. Let me know if you reach him,” Misty said, “I need to speak with him about several issues.”
“Very well. I’ll ask Wavelength to work with me. He was a communications specialist during the war and may have some ideas on how to boost our signal.”
“If we have to fight these things, our mechs will need something to fight with other than rocks and their bare hands,” Misty said.
“I’ve been thinking about that,” Ajax said. “When Brutus confronted Angel at The Black Hole, he pulled out a wicked-looking knife. Do you think the Legion can make more of those?”
“I’d bet the Legion already has knives for all its members.” Misty said. “I’m not sure if knives will help fight screevers, but it’s worth talking to Gladius about. Who wants to have that conversation?”
“You’re the only one that Gladius respects,” Dennis said, “so I think you have to do it.”
Misty didn’t like the idea, but Dennis was right. As prickly as the Legion was, Gladius had always shown her respect.
“That’s not my idea of a fun time, but if that’s what it takes, I’ll do it. First things first, though. We need to get everyone else preparing. Angel, you’re coming with me, Ajax, you work with Dennis. Therapy, how long do we have until the Planet Cleanser and screevers arrive?”
“It’s hard to say. So far, we’ve been lucky and they’re moving at a crawl. We should have a few days to prepare.” Therapy said.
“It’s not a lot of time, but I’ll take it.”
“One other thing, Misty. Climate sensors indicate conditions are right for an electromagnetic storm. If we are lucky, it will form and delay their landing. It will prevent most of our movements as well, but at least it will give us a little extra time to prepare.”
“Every bit helps. Therapy, send Lancer a message asking him to gather the Villagers in the amphitheater. That will be the easiest place for me to make an address. Okay everyone, you know what you need to do, so let’s get on it.”
Angel, Therapy, Sly, and Ajax filed out of the room. Misty grabbed Dennis by the arm. “Dennis, we need those special projects.”
“They’re not ready yet.”
“Ready or not, we need them. At this point we’re liabilities against the screevers.”
“I know the stakes, Misty. I can finish them when the storm hits. Don’t worry, they’ll be ready in time.”
Dennis paced around the interior perimeter of the ChemLab Module. They didn’t use it often, so hadn’t dedicated a lot of space to the structure. At each turn, he stopped and banged his head on a wall or support strut; whatever was in his way. He’d started analyzing the sample of Angel’s skin over an hour ago, but it was taking too long. They didn’t have the time. Their equipment wasn’t designed for the analysis of the advanced materials that made up Angel’s skin. He didn’t know how long it would take to finish. If it didn’t wrap up soon, he would have to find another way.
While Dennis paced, Ajax swiveled around in a rolling chair. Each had their own way of dealing with the wait. Because of the chemicals stored nearby, they were too far from their regular workshops to make working on anything else while they waited impractical. The computer emitted an audible beep, signaling its analysis was complete. Ajax pulled his chair forward and reviewed the data stream, searching for any useful information. From the look on his face, Dennis knew he was having trouble comprehending the data.
“Let me look.” Dennis pushed Ajax out of the chair and took his place. He reviewed the data. “I don’t understand. It identifies a few of the elements in Angel’s skin, but it can’t make sense of the others. His designers put some spooky advanced materials into him. Even if we could isolate the individual components, we don’t have the time or advanced enough equipment to produce anything close to this.”
“I think we might have better luck analyzing the acid sample Angel gave us,” Ajax said.
“Do it. I hope it doesn’t take as long as the other sample. Even if we figure something out, we’ll still need time to synthesize and coat everyone with it.”
Ajax prepped the sample, placed it into the scanner, and then set it to analyze. Dennis resumed his pacing and Ajax resumed his spinning. About twenty minutes later, the system beeped again, notifying them the analysis was complete.
Dennis reviewed the data. “Nothing too crazy here. It’s a powerful acid, but nothing fancy or exotic. We should be able to work with this. We need something strong enough to counteract it, or at least slow it. The chemicals we have on hand won’t cut it though.”
“My turn,” Ajax said. He took Dennis’s seat at the console. He scrolled through the screens of data.
Dennis returned to pacing. Out of the corner of his eye, he sensed movement. He turned and spotted a xenrat creeping its way along the base of the wall on the other side of the room. He drew his sidearm and shot the creature. His shot hit the critter and knocked it onto its side, but its strong exoskeleton deflected the shot. As it struggled to right itself, Dennis finished it with a well-aimed shot to its underbelly. Slimy green goo splattered all over the inside of the ChemLab.
“Hey!” Ajax put his hand to his ears. “Why would you shoot that thing inside? Next time, can you give me a little warning?”
“Those things are annoying,” Dennis said. He wiped xenrat guts from his face and flung the disgusting slime from his fingers.
“They are. But this mess is all yours. I’m not cleaning any of it,” Ajax said. He grabbed a towel to wipe off his coveralls. He threw one to Dennis as well. “Damn xenrats, it’s a shame they aren’t useful for anything.”
Dennis turned to Ajax and held his palm outward. “Hold that thought!” He turned back and looked at the dead xenrat. He spun back to Ajax. “I might have an idea.”
Dennis retrieved the remains of the xenrat and grabbed a pair of cutters from a nearby tool chest, then began pulling and cutting the xenrat apart. At one point he must have cut into a scent gland, because the smell coming from the creature was awful. After a few minutes, he had the exoskeleton chopped up into parts for analysis. He fed the parts into the scanner and waited for the system to analyze the remains.
“What’s your idea?” Ajax asked.
“If their exoskeletons are sturdy enough to deflect my rounds, maybe they’re strong enough to resist acid,” Dennis said.
“How will that help us?” Ajax asked. “Are we going to plaster xenrat bodies all over the mechs?”
“Nothing that simple. Let’s see what the analysis reveals.”
The analysis completed a brief time later. Dennis and Ajax reviewed the results. Ajax laughed. “So, we’ve finally found a purpose for the xenrats? Who would have thought?”
“Not me.” Dennis laughed. He grabbed his communicator and pressed t
he contact icon for Misty. He waited for her reply and said, “Misty, I have some interesting news.”
“Dennis, make it quick. I’m about ready to address the Villagers,” she said over the communicator.
“I think I found a solution to protect the mechs against the screevers’ acid.”
“That’s great news. How are you going to accomplish that?” she asked.
Dennis explained what he and Ajax had discovered—and what they needed for his plan to work.
“You’ve got to be kidding me. You two found a use for xenrats? Someone might give you an award. I guess I won’t be able to take Chuck to task for the xenrats this time,” Misty said. “Depending on how my speech goes, I’ll have some mechs bring you xenrats. How many do you need?”
“All of them,” Dennis said. “I’m serious. Bring me as many as possible. The more, the better.”
“Okay. Then what?”
“Then we’ll need to process them.”
“Process them?”
“I’ll fill you in on the grisly details later. It won’t be fun. Oh Misty, one other thing—your speech, it will go fine.”
Therapy stood by his initial damage assessment; the Primary Communications Array was a complete loss. There was no getting around that fact. It would take weeks, if not months, to rebuild it and bring it back online. They would need specialized parts from off-world to make the repairs, but to get the parts, they’d first need to send a message off-world. When Therapy missed the transmission of his scheduled reports, it would trigger an investigation by the ACC. However, one downside of being on a planetoid in the middle of nowhere meant that it could still be many weeks or months before any help arrived.
Therapy recruited Wavelength to assist him with boosting the signal of the Secondary Communications System. The secondary system relied on low-powered signals for transmissions on Mechhaven only. But if they amplified the power and directed the signal properly, they should be able to send a message to any nearby ships. Chuck was due back soon, so he could already be within range. The question was, would he be listening for their signal?