Shadowman, Crashman, Princess Luna, Princess Twilight and a number of Regular Equestrian Force engineers worked around the clock as they repaired as much of Kuwanger's base as X and his Hunters prepared the material and personnel. While Shadowman worked within the base's systems it self and making sure as many backdoors in and out of the systems were shut and bolted, Luna and Twilight help with faring personal to and fro the site and Canterlot with magic circles and spells to allow them to withstand the vacuum of space. Crashman himself was put on guard duty but ocassionally ran around to pass tools from one engineer to another. The two geniuses Winch and Wench were unfortunately not available as they were busy working Canterlot side with Kuwanger's Time-Space Teleportation ability. They were hoping to outfit Shadowman with this tech although Shadowman himself was not comfortable with the idea of using such unstable technology. At least not until the Reploid researchers can contribute to it's safety.
While all of this was happening however, MedaBee was dealing with allocating resources with Princess Celestia to ensure that the migrating Reploids will be able to settle into Canterlot and various other towns and cities with ease. As MedaBee dropped another stack of paperwork for land allocation for Celestia to review, he looked around to see a lot of other activities.
"Hey sun butt, I'm going to take a walk around the castle if it is alright with you. Can't be to careful after all," said MedaBee as he slowly took a few steps towards the door, not expecting Celestia's reply.
"If you must Bug-head."
"... Well what do you know, you do have a sense of humor."
"If you grew up with Luna, you kinda have too, especially getting back at her for all the pranks she pulls."
"Right-o, I will remember that."
MedaBee walked out of the room and started to patrol around the castle, noticing that Skiver and Yammark have set up air patrols as well. While not unusual, he did notice something very very off. As in the sky's are turning purple. MedaBee quickly ran back towards Celestia's office and and barged though the door.
"Er your highness, the sky is turning purple over one of the drop zones."
"What? So soon? But it should have taken a month and they would still-"
"No time for buts and whats and whatchamacallits, get your sunny butt in gear cause its happening now!"
"Right. I'll send Twilight to get the others. You pick up Skiver and Yammark, they'll be your back up until the rest of your team arrives."
"Roger-roger."
*****
The Equestrian welcome wagon were waiting for the dropships to land and power down their engines, which was a welcoming change of pace rather than the constant attacks from the Mavericks. While Celestia and Luna was waiting within the places (MedaBee said it might not be a good idea if all the rulers were in one spot, especially if there were snipers), Twilight stood at the fore-front of the group with the Maverick Hunters surround thing them. Eight fully loaded dropships came down from the portal, each marked with the Maverick Hunter's logo and gently touched the ground as the purple skies faded back to blue. As the dropships bay doors opened with a loud hiss, the first being to walk out was one none was suspecting.
The large green giant was taller than Skiver but only by a hand, wielding a long beam waraxe and wearing a large M on his belt, he walked up to the group and looked down onto Twilight, Yammark and MedaBee providing backup just in case the green giant did anything.
"Greetings small purple one, I am the great steel warrior MASSIMO! Adventurer! Hero! Hunter! and of course, metal worker." said Massimo with the last of his titles the most humble," Now which one of thee if this MedaBee I hear of? I believe I have to report to him."
"That would be me you great big lug," said MedaBee," So your a two in one deal eh? If you don't mind We'll keep you in the defensive side of things."
"Most favorable! Especially since X has sent thee more surprises and one from that strange human fellow as well!"
"What do you mean more surprises and what human fellow?!"
Massimo waved his wand towards the dropships and out came three female and one male reploid, each coming up to the group. Shadowman recognized one of them and drew his signature blade and went up to 'meet' him. The first of the girls, the one with the 77 across her chest spoke first.
"Please forgive the intrusion," said the female reploid," I am Nana and this is my fellow operator Irene."
"Please to meet you!" said the operator with the floating pigtails.
"Operator?" asked Twilight," Whats that?"
"Ah so there are no assigned Operators yet? Er, either way we Operators guide Hunters in the field and provide information and technical data for their use."
"Indeed!" interjected Massimo," There were many times I can count that the extra data provided save my green butt, X knew you guys might have not have operators trained yet so he asked around, and these two volunteered."
The third female reploid who was modeled like a nurse was about to speak when MedaBee had to get between Shadowman and the camo reploid," You two seem to know each other already so stop trying to stare each other to death."
"I am Searchman," said the Camo Reploid," And this net Navi cannot be trusted."
"Same goes for you Searchman, don't you work for your government as an military Navi? What are you doing here of all places then?"
"That's classified Shadowman."
"Why I aught to-"
"Both of you stop it," said the nurse reploid," your both on the same side here. You two could at least not fight each other."
" As you wish ma'am."
"So long as he doesn't get in my way."
"Right. Oh I'm sorry, I forgot to introduce myself. I am Cinnamon. A class B-Hunter and Medic."
"Oh so you know how to treat other reploids?" asked Twilight
"In a way but I'm still learning. I'm mostly here to help Massimo and to help ensure the work force are in tip top shape."
"That awesome," said MedaBee," Welcome to Equestria. Honestly speaking here, you guys came way to early."
"Indeed, however it was mostly due to the response X received after corresponding with the leaders of our world. So they made sure X got everything he needed," answered Nana.
"Well that's good to hear," said Yammark," But then again, the Mavericks will have noticed this by now."
"Yammark is right," said Twilight," Please follow MedaBee's instruction and move the according materials to the designated areas."
"ROGER!"
*****
"Kekekekek. Look at them, moving around like god damn ants."
"You think you can handle them alone Sting?"
"Of course Double but you know I love to share the fun, Kekekekeke."
"Well then let say hello to the new arrivals."
*****
The ships had landed on the outskirts of Canterlot without incident, although like Yammark said, they do tend to draw a lot of attention. The Hunters got together and started to unload the amount of cargo and many of the worker reploids have already started building living quarters for themselves at the foot of the mountain. Part of Celestia's plan was to have them build their own living requirements as well as the hunter HQ within Canterlot Castle itself. Eventually, the plan for Reploid Sector Alpha, as some of the reploids are calling it, will merge with Lower Canterlot.
However after an hour of the worker reploids have built their foundations, Searchman and Shadowman started to attack thin air, to mostly reveal that they in fact were not just shooting thin air.
"Kekekekekeke, looks like I was found out, it's a pity though. But then again I wasn't briefed on you Camo boy."
Searchman did not reply, however he did fire a few more times with his Search Buster. The maverick revealed itself only to jump out of the way but was faced with Shadowman's blade.
"Oi oi oi oi! Weren't you two at each others throats earlier!" complained the Maverick," Whats with this perfect sync all of the sudden!"
"Identify yourself," ordered Searchman.
"No need,' said Shadowman," Remind MedaBee to allow you access into the databanks later, this is Sting Chameleon, status Maverick."
".... Affirmative, commencing deletion."
"Well you got to catch me first!" Sting used his camouflage and ran from the two Navis, however their skill kept the stealthy Maverick from getting any heads up," God damn hunters, Double I could use a little help here!"
"Sure but I brought a few friends as well," said Double as he and his Mavericks stormed the area. Sting took this opportunity to get his scaly butt out of there even if Double is bringing out a lot of other Maverick Commanders to the fight.
"Welcome new Reploids," said Double as his team started to surround the area," Seeing that this is your first time in Equestria, let me ask you all one question. Do you want to work for the organics or rule above them?"
Before Double could continue, Shadowman and Searchman were backed up by Crashman, MedaBee, Skiver, Yammark, and Steel Massimo. Each of their display hubs listing off the many Mavericks that now surround Reploid Sector Alpha.
The first was Double himself, and MedaBee signaled that he was going after the leader, next came up the large Flame Mammoth whom was setting himself to fight Steel Massimo, the third maverick was Tunnel Rhino who Searchman was lining up in his sights. The next maverick to line up their sights was Neon Tiger whom Shadowman was edger to test his katana on Neon Tiger's claws. Blast Hornet, their flyer was starring straight at Yammark while Magna Centipede was setting up his own brand of explosives to go up against Crashman. Lastly their main speedster, Overdrive Ostrich kept his eyes locked with Skiver and giving him a what seems to be a pure look of envy.
"Well then looks like the entire party decided to show up," said Double with glee," well I'm pretty sure most of you have already picked your targets. SO LETS GET READY TO RUMBLE!"
The two group charged towards their marked number with gusto and the clash of metal and flame could be seen from all the way in Ponyvile.
** Search & Rhino **
The forest camoed reploid ran though the dense forest as his prey rammed tight though the overgrowth, Tunnel Rhino as his hub had registered was a fast yet heavily armored Reploid with the thanks of Nana and Irene quickly setting up the Reploid database for the rest of the Hunters. The main problem was his large drill arm which if Searchman didn't put enough distance between himself and the Maverick could end him easily.
"Come out come out wherever you are," taunted Rhino," Your not going to outlast me anytime soon with that little peashooter of yours."
Searchman gave himself a little smile as he aimed with his scope buster. While the rather large weapon is useful and can go though most armors, its best feature has to be the Search Scope, his personal Navi ability. Searchman the took the first shot as his Scope targeted the tube between the drill and the rest of the arm, severing it and giving Rhino a lot of pain. Too bad it gave a away his position. As Rhino screamed in pain, Searchman moved towards the next hiding spot. Just as planned.
** Skiver & Overdrive **
The two reploids raced each other going far away from the battle that took place within the vicinity of Lower Canterlot and Sector Alpha. While Skiver could match Overdrive's speed on land, he could not bring himself to hurt one of his former comrade. Too bad Overdrive didn't share the same opinion. Throughout the race, the flightless reploid kept throwing his energy boomerangs at Skiver, unfortunately Skiver is mostly a very close combat fighter, which puts him at a disadvantage in this fight. Skiver however had a plan, one that would give him an edge and perhaps allow him at least talk with the speedy reploid.
** Shadow & Tiger **
Shadowman stood with his Munemasa drawn, leaning towards his prey. The tiger like reploids however kept his claws sheath throughout the whole encounter, just dodging out of his slashes and keeping his distance when ever possible.
'What's your game tiger," asked Shadowman as he lowered his blade," Or do you think that Vile is not worth the pain and suffering?"
"Nail on the head," said Neon Tiger as he sat down," Frankly I would side with you and the ponies. But I also cannot allow myself to become a slave to the ponies."
"So you want to be free but you don't want to work for the Hunters is that it?"
"Ah this time you miss, Shadowman. Its more along the lines of which I want to be free but if I do, what shall I do with myself? But alas, that option does not exist anymore."
Shadowman knew what Neon Tiger was saying now, he wished it would be a honorable fight, one of skill and strength and not of powers and tricks, raising his Munemasa again he gave his opponent a bow of respect which was returned to the ninja. Neon then lit his laser like claws and got into battle stance, the fight of these two warriors had now begun.
** Yammark & Hornet **
"Traitor!" shouted Blast Hornet as he fired his explosive stingers at Yammark, who casually flicked her arm and her dragonflies swarmed in front of her like a shield.
"Please, if you really think that you'll be trying harder to kill me."
"We were made to serve Vile and the Nightmare, so why brother have you gone to be enslaved by the ponies?"
"Firstly jackass, I am not YOUR brother. Secondly I have my reason."
"Very well 'brother' if that is the case then I shall ensure that you do not suffer anymore. AFTER I KILL YOU!"
"Great, looks like Hornet's reprogramming has cause him to become even more unstable than he was before. Looks like I have to go all out in this fight!"
** Massimo & Mammoth **
Massimo and Flame Mammoth gave each other the best they got, trading blows as often as possible yet neither gave ground to the other large warrior. However it is plain to see that eventually one would give out to the others attack. Unlike the other fighters who had pushed to pulled their fight away from the construction zone, these two fought where they stood. Almost all the reploid and a good chunk of ponies (and maybe one or two stray griffons, a changeling spy and the Minotaur ambassador) could watch.
"HA HA HA HA! Indeed this is the most favorable battle!" exclaimed Massimo," Two juggernauts duke-ing it out, mano e mano!"
"Shut it you over sized windbag!" said Flame Mammoth as he returned a punch right into Massimo's face," I will burn EVERYTHING to the ground!"
Flame Mammoth then proceeded to blow flames at Massimo to stagger back a few steps before pulling out his signature poleaxe," Alas looks like we have to fight with our weapons and abilities now. I quite enjoyed our little brawl."
"Your nuts you know that!" yelled Flame Mammoth as he charged the Steel hero.
"Kick his metal butt Massimo!" yelled Cinnamon,
"You got it honey!"
** Crash & Magma **
Crashman fired another one of his Shock Missiles at Magma Centipede who retaliated by letting one of his magnetic mines towards the missile and with another explosion made contact in the space between the two.
"How unfortunate, we seems to cancel each other out." said Magma Centipede as he sat down on a piece of rock.
"Doesn't mean I will not stop trying," said Crashman as he prepared one of his Crash Missile," So tell me what is it like to work for a mad-bot?"
"Sucks that's for sure," said Magma Centipede as he stood up," Which is funny in a sense, tell you what. If you can find a way to deplete my ammunition before I deplete yours I'll tell you something interesting."
"Then lets the games begin."
** MedaBee & Double **
Medabee and Double jumped from cover to cover as they shot at each other, with Medabee's energy bullets passing Double while Double's energy disks went right over Medabee.
"Tick, so the bug actually has some skill eh?"
"Hey your not so tough when you don't have any walking shields in front of you now do you?"
"What was that you over sized dung beetle?!"
At that last exclamation, Double jumped to his next cover and fired his Energy disk only to not find Medabee doing the same. The Disk went into the wall where he though Medabee would be to only see that Medabee was standing in the same spot as he started with a red and yellow aura steaming off of him.
"Its time.... TO KISS YOUR BOT GOODBYE!" Shouted Medabee and he aimed his two fist at Double," MEDAFORCE!"
Medabee fired the Medaforce at Double, the streak of golden light hitting Double right in the chest and breaking out the other end. Double stared in disbelief as he fell to the ground, he knew that he was played but what the hell was that. That wasn't part of what they knew of Medabee's capabilities, nor was it part of any reploid abilities. Double stood himself up to look at Medabee who was standing strong and leveling his revolver arm at him.
"I-impossible! My new armor.. was made to withstand any reploid attack and abilities...."
"Too bad Double, I'm not a Reploid," said Medabee as he let of the final shot that ended the maverick," I'm a Medabot."
** Search & Rhino **
Tunnel Rhino slugged along the forest undergrowth, his drills locked up from the sniper shots save for the drill that is his horn. Despite the shots from the enemy unable to penetrate his armor, they could still damaged his joints and jam his equipment. He slogged forwards with his wheels completely immobilized and his right leg completely useless, his arms limp on both of his sides, fluid leaked out of the joint connectors in his armor. In front of his was Searchman, one of the new reploids that came down with the workforce.
"Wh- What are you," asked Tunnel Rhino as Searchman leveled his Search Buster at Rhino's head.
"A hunter," answered Searchman as he fired though Rhino's eye socket and though the back of his head. Tunnel Rhino feel backwards, as Searchman turned around," Maverick Deleted."
** Skiver & Overdrive **
Overdive ran as fast as he could, after all it was the only way he could keep up and fire his Sonic Slicer, his only long range attack. He knew he had the upper hand but at the same time the two were pretty much at a stalemate. Overdrive would spam his Sonic Slicer at Skiver which would miss while Skiver could not get close enough to deal any of his melee attack that he is famous for. With all of his attention focus on bring Skiver down he failed to notice where he was being lead to.
Overdrive speed up once again but only to find that his feet had no solid mater to run on, looking down he had run off the cliff side of the Ghastly Gouge, Skiver took this opportunity to rush up to him and grab him before flying higher and higher into the sky.
"At least you will be flying for a while Overdrive," said Skiver as he let go and and gave Overdrive an uppercut that ripped his beak right off his face before plummeting to the ground....
** Shadow & Tiger **
The two stood in the clearing with Neon Tiger clutching the remains of his left hand, despite he pan he was feeling, he was at peace with himself.
"You fought honorably my friend," said Shadowman with a bow," As such I will honor your last request, should it be in my power to do so."
"Yeah I got one, my only regret and one of the only things that was keeping me with Vile before he implanted the new command chips, my little brother... Slash Beast... save him from my fate if you can."
"I will... Goodbye, Neon Tiger," and with the final slash of his sword, Neon Tiger was no more.
** Yammark & Hornet **
"You fought well brother but looks like we are in a stalemate," said Blast Hornet," Never the-"
"OH SHUT YOUR FUCKING TRAP HORNET! I'M NOT YOUR BLOODY BROTHER!" shouted Yammark as she sent a swarm both in front of and behind Blast Hornet. The swarm insured that Blast Hornet could not fly and were rigging his explosive stingers to self destruct. As he plummeted, Blast attempted to grab Yammark but missed and exploded before he hit the ground.
"I hope the others have had a easier time, wait.... damn," said Yammark as she saw Blast Hornet speed away from the explosion but not before dropping a few explosive down towards Sector Alpha. Yammark had to intercept and let Blast Hornet get away.
** Massimo & Mammoth **
Massimo swung his plasma poleaxe as it cut into Flame Mammoth's trunk as the Maverick staggered back in pain," Haha! looks like your primary fire-spouting tool has been damaged! Well to make this a fair fight let go back to duking it out!"
"Your crazy! Your bloody ass crazy!" shouted Flame Mammoth as he attempted to run away before a well placed bullet pieced his skull.
"Hey! Who took my fight?!"
"Hunter Massimo," said Searchman as he walked out of the forest," You shouldn't allow your enemies the chance to run."
"Well I was going to let that one run back to his little hidey hole. But that plan is out the window now."
"Ah, my apologies then."
"You got to see further than your scope my friend."
"Understood, sir"
** Crash & Magma **
The two stayed at a stalemate, until the two ran out of ammo.
"Alas, looks like our match turns out to be a draw. Now tell me, how are you going to beat me now?" asked Magma Centipede.
"With a little help from an old friend," said Crashman as his hand transformed into a very familiar weapon.
"What?! How did you?!"
"It was included in my reploid schematics by my Megaman's creator, Dr Light, as a back up. Now talk before I blow you to bits with this Mega Buster."
"Tsk, Well then all I got to say, bye bye." and with that Magma Centipede ran as fast as he could while Crashman fired the Mega Buster's charged shot at him and hit him. Damaging him slightly that was enough to capture the maverick.
"Hunter HQ, this is Crashman, I have marked a maverick for extraction."
"Copy that Crashman, we'll have Skiver and Massimo over to help with the collection."