Chapter
CCCLXVIII: –It Corrupts Absolutely ~Multehx
Nonth anxiously shifted from boot to boot. He had been standing in this line for near an hour now and it hadn't moved but a few steps forward. Bored, he glanced about for anything that might be of assistance. Menial staff of the robotic breed walked to and fro. Some bustled about in small groups here or there, doing whatever tasks their leaders there were assigning them to. And, one of these leaders caught his attention.
Nonth's optic receptors blinked off for a second as they switched to greater magnification as to see over the distance between him and this fellow. As he focused in and took a good look, he mentally chuckled. This 'bot was a bit crude indeed, resembling the same appearance of the “lizards” he had encountered on this planet, though somewhat larger and a tad crudely built. A first attempt at his design, the deviant mechanamatron estimated.
A plan formulating near instantly in his constantly computing mental circuitry, he set off towards this specimen. He crossed the distance in only a few moments. But, instead of stopping there and mingling in with the other workers he was ordering around...
Nonth promptly walked up to the larger robot, withdrew his fist, and delivered a savage right cross that took the bot, model number EV-700 said the information present in this model's mind, by surprise indeed. EV-700 fell to the ground with a terrific crash and Nonth took off towards the woods surrounding the grove as fast as he could. The fallen bot got to his feet, barked obscenities, and took off after the maverick assailant.
Nonth could not help but snicker as he dove through the foliage and concealed himself. His pursuer broke through the forest's boundary a moment later, rushing a few more yards into silent gathering of trees. Eventually, he screeched to a halt, having lost his quarry's trail. He stopped, puzzling over what to do next. So was his puzzlement that he failed to notice the rustling of the bushes behind him until a firm metallic hand grabbed him by the head and pulled him into the bush.
There was a clattering and shifting about of metal plates, reorganization of composition, and a general hectic commotion, the robot EV-700 rose from the bush. Tapping a finger to his brow he stood still for a moment. Then, slowly he opened his eyes, quirking a brow.
"Mecha....Vector??" he murmured. Slowly, a grin spread
across his face. "Fascenating
indeed."
-----
Back in the camp
by the fallen ship, several of the laboring robots
noticed unit EV-700 walking rather determinedly through their midst, not
stopping at his usual post, and continuing on through the forest along the
opposite side of the grove. They shrugged this off, as it must have been
something quite official.
-----
After a short period of walking, EV stumbled upon what he had been searching for. Clearing the distance between him and the fallen metal "husk", he knelt down beside it. Mecha Vector. The body of this inactive robot lay in all its glory...well, former glory anyway. This was the pride and joy of the nefarious villain, Richter Sprint. EV was just the first of this wily fellow's inventions. Mecha was one of his better ones. And, if EV had so many helpful weapons on hand, who knew how helpful an advanced design might be!
The metallic
ringing din filled the area again, startling off numerous members of the local
wildlife. The foliage was deftly parted as Mecha
Vector emerged from it. With a brief sneer his turbines activated and he headed
off in a blur for the camp site again.
------
No one really questioned him as he dashed back onto the scene. Nor did any oppose him as he headed for the fallen Pentastar. Two workers, standing as makeshift security guards at one of the entrances to the ship saluted, moving aside as he silently passed between them. They simply nodded at Mecha's casual pat upon each of their shoulders. Though, they found themselves compelled to leave their posts and mingle with the other robots, workers and leaders alike.
As he continued
on through the various passages in the ship, several other guards recieved a pat on the back for their good work. As he
walked through an unlit passage, he sneered maliciously again. Unit ABYvK shall have no
trouble gaining entry soon. In a matter of minutes, all robotic personnel
outside, and some inside will be infected and under my control. Any similar
beings who come into contact with them will succumb as well. He
continued walking, clenching a fist as a rather uncharacteristic thought
crossed through his mind. Though, it was hardly inappropriate.
That felt GOOD!