Melody of the Future

by Tatsurou


CM: Over the River

Once the group returned to Central Tower and Nana logged into the control center, they were able to prepare for their next objective. As Nana programmed the teleport coordinates, Chief R began explaining. "This is Professor Gaudile," he explained, calling up the image of a rotund, playpus-shaped Terran dressed in blue and red. "He's a highly skilled Force Metal researcher...and given that the Rebellion Army is entirely composed of FM Reploids, it's best we try and get him on our side before the Rebellion Army finds something they can use to force him to work for them."

Nana took up the briefing from there. "He's a renowned specialist in complex energy theories, and a highly skilled engineer. However, he stopped all public research when a lab accident cost his wife her life. He still observed other research, but devoted all his time to his private lab. When the Rebellion Army began their uprising, he withdrew there completely, refusing to have anything to do with the Rebellion Army, or the government."

"Then we're probably the only group he'd be willing to talk to," X murmured softly.

"If he researched Force Metal, maybe we can get his attention by mentioning what happened with Massimo's," Octavia suggested.

"Uh...maybe?" Massimo allowed, somewhat uncomfortably. His hand went protectively to his chest armor, where the FM was installed.

"Hey, you don't have to let him take it out if you don't want to," Spider reassured the larger man. "But knowing it happened might open the door to communications."

Massimo nodded, relaxing slightly.

"Still, we'll be sneaking into a lab heavily guarded against intruders, with security systems designed by a mad scientist," Spider concluded.

"What makes you think he's mad?" Chief R inquired curiously.

"He worked with brand new technology on the cutting edge of his field, and thrived there," Spider explained. "By definition, he's at least a little bit mad."

"So like a pre-End Times facility," X concluded. "We've dealt with those before."

"At least it will probably be cleaner and well lit," Octavia agreed.


Once inside Gaudile Laboratory, the group took in their surroundings. The vast majority of the lab seemed to be clear corridors connecting round rooms, all of which surrounded by deep forests. "Rather picturesque," Spider observed calmly.

"Doesn't look like a mad scientist's lab," Massimo spoke up. "Looks more like a family vacation spot."

"Except for the high tech security Preons," Octavia pointed out, indicating the black Commander unit and green Heavy Shooter units that guarded the first round room they entered.

"Who in the heck are you?" the black Commander unit barked out. "And what are you..." The voice trailed off, and the optics of the Preon unit beeped a few times. "Hello Nurse override activated. Welcome Miss Octavia. Is Axl with you?"

Octavia blinked several times. "Umm...no, I'm afraid not."

"A pity. Still, Miss Cinnamon would love to see you. It is good you brought backup. We gate guards are the only security programmed with the override. Good luck." The Preons then stepped aside, allowing the group to pass.

X glanced over at Octavia. "Who is Cinnamon that she has this authority, and when did you meet her?"

"I honestly have no idea," Octavia countered defensively. "But it sounds like she has a thing for Axl."

"Hey, a way in is a way in," Spider pointed out. "Let's go."

As the group moved forward, Massimo paused. "Hmm?" he murmured, turning towards a secondary path that was visibly locked.

"What's wrong, Massimo?" Octavia inquired.

"I...thought I heard something," Massimo murmured. "An...odd squeaking."

"Oh, that's probably Marino," Spider explained. "She's the local Queen of the Rogue Court-"

"The what?" X demanded in confusion.

"The Rogue Court is the underworld government that regulates everyone who works outside the law," Octavia explained. "Mostly used in works of medieval fiction, but occasionally crops up historically, though by other names."

"Exactly," Spider confirmed. "Marino normally leaves no trace, but the first sign her gear needs a tune up is when her shoes start squeaking faintly with every step. She never lets it go past that."

"And you know all this how?" X inquired curiously.

"We dated once," Spider explained dismissively. "It ended badly when I woke up the following morning short three upgrades and a month's worth of pay. But we don't need to worry about her here. She does not respect any authority beyond her own as the Rogue Queen, so there's no way she's working for the Rebellion Army or the Government."

As the group turned to continue, Octavia asked an odd question. "What's her hair color?"

Spider blinked in confusion. "Well, green normally. But she turns blonde when she activates Quicksilver...not that she'll stand still long enough for anyone to see then. It boosts her speed like crazy."

Octavia rubbed her chin thoughtfully. "Well...maybe," she allowed. "At least, if I can get her to be on her best behavior with him."

X nearly tripped when he realized the point of the discussion. "You aren't seriously considering setting Axl up with her, are you?"

"Axl runs a quasi-vigilante organization dedicated to dealing with threats the government agencies can't, and controlling crime," Octavia explained. "Technically, Red Alert was our local Rogue Court. No reason a King and Queen shouldn't court. She might just be the one to steal his heart."

"I thought you promised to give him Rafflesian's contact info?" Massimo asked in confusion.

"Right, set my son up with a pop idol named after a parasitic flower," Octavia countered sarcastically. "I'd sooner push that girl who took off her panties without removing her pants to give him her contact info."

X promptly walked into the wall.

Down the other corridor, a pink armored, green haired female with a shapely figure winced. "Damn. Of course the one guy who can ID me by sound is in their group." She smiled softly. "Still, looks like the rumors are true. Miss Melody-Light is wife hunting for her little boy...and he likes blondes. Something to keep in mind. But for now...time for a little treasure hunting." Turning, she dashed along the corridor, circumventing the lock at the end to see what she could find.