At last, long last, the Mini Halberd reached the Gobi Desert. As Bladesmatter looked out the window, he expected to see sprawling buildings filled to the brim with defenses. Instead, he was met with nothing but the sea of sand. As the Halberd continued onwards, Martian states that they have arrived. As the crew confusingly looks everywhere, Martin exclaims:
You see that sad-looking blue robot right there walking towards our direction? Just 25 meters you'll find a small pipe sticking out. They'll be a door in the ground. We'll need either some sort of magnetic device or some other way of opening the door. Once there, we simply need to fly through a couple rooms, avoid the dozen of guards to be alerted, then find Kilroy's mirror. However, if there are any other ideas, those options may work too.

Under the cover of night, the Halberd approaches its destination. As Bladesmatter looks out the window, a soldier walks up to him.
What's up?
You are a Grey Matter, correct?
...Yes.
Don't you find it...hard to think about?
Find what hard to think about?
I mean...we, and by extension you, are basically killing your kin. Doesn't that weight down on your consiousness at all?

Bladesmatter turns around with fury in his eye.

Absolutely not! These things...all they...no....we. All we do is consume. When our Father perished at the hands of Kirby, we were spat out into the parallel world. And instead of trying to understand it, we lashed out at it. We stole any emotions we could get our hands on if it meant that we could feel, even for a second. We corrupted the newly crowned king under our will, scarring his mind thereafter. The most disturbing part of our practice was that we would draw machines into a state of despair in order to convert their emotions into joy. We took pride in the pain we afflicted because it was the only thing that gave us a warm, fuzzy feeling. We, myself included, deserve no solace. No shelter from the storm that's to come.
...
You though. Your people fight for a cause that dosen't directly impact you. You live knowing you may not see the outcome of your actions. You may not get what rightfully belongs to you. And it is this fact that I see your kind as well as others at...envious.

This time, it was Martain's turn to raise his voice.

You...envy us!?!
We force robots into slavery or conscription, regardless of if they surrender or not! We make deals that we don't even know we can keep! We're made through a combination of discarded flesh and machinery! I look vaguely human, but I know I have at least 10 different species that make up me! And that's not to mention the fact that we made a alliance with a race of creatures that consumes us!
Then why did you ask if I regret killing my own?
...
I guess it was because I wanted an answer to why despite the sins my kind commits, I still feel bad. I know we won't likely harm a single soldier, but we'll set Kilroy back years. I hate what we do, but I still see them as my friends.
No one's perfect, but everyone has their reasons. Besides, those enslaved robots...those are used for the Grey Matter soldiers, right? Once my kind is vanquished, a large amount of your complaints will go away.
...I guess...
Wait. By your logic, what about-
Your kind has a somewhat morally acceptable goal. We run off of selfish desires. Nothing more.

Bladesmatter looks to the full moon, it's glow radiating in its eye.
It's getting late. We should make it there in two days. Probably less. By then, you should find your answer.
...Thank you. I hope you can learn to agree with your own point of view though.

Martian walks back to his quarters, still wrestled in thought. He barely notices the reversed cross in the mirror before it disappears.

The Halberd shrinks into the size of a large drone.
I'm surprised that actually worked!

---

So this is the project the previous doctor was working on?
Seems, *yawn*, seems that way.
Based on the files, it seems to be almost done. Strangely enough, it seems that the last doctor stopped working on it yet kept making logs.
As Clover looks up from her monitor, the doctor seem to be lost in their work.

Uh...guys?
Yeah?
I...I just want to thank you for letting me help out and for now spilling my secret.
Truth be told...I had my doubts that you could help all that much, but you're knowledge of today's technology certainly came in handy.
You guys think I can become a doctor too?
Both Walnut and Emon look to one another before an file appears on the monitor.
What's that?
Oh. That's the analysis on what parts we mostly need. Shouldn't be all that much parts.
How do you scroll down again?
Well you simply...

Blades;Oh yeah. Duh.

Martin;There is one problem, the base is primary underground. Perhaps if we lure them out? Still...the portal/mirror would be within Kilroy's position.

Depends upon how big the mirror might be. They come in different sizes, though I'd imagine it to be big enough for legions to enter.
Us soldiers won't go down without a fight. I assure you. Prehaps a static weapon or knockout gas? We're bio mechanical; meaning that we're a blend of flesh and steel. We'll be ready whenever you are. Best to get your affairs and wills in order.

---

Gobi Desert, Hidden Base, C.Air's Office

---

You brought two of them!
Well...three if you count Dr. Emon.
Don't use that word around me!
...Three? Oh! Doctor! Sorry about that. I forgot that Doctor triggers you because of Doctor-
C.Air looks at U.Air with rage before sinking into his office chair, a troubled look on his face.
Don't tell me you're still sick! You need some E Cans or-

I said I was sick because I'm sick of puppeteers! I refuse to attend an event that promotes control.
Air, you're not making sense.
Listen. I fully support Kilroy's plan on restarting human society to before as it's got to be better than now. If no blood is spilled, then it's fine by me. But when Kilroy falls, he'll be rolling in his grave after he sees what I'll do.
...
Air. You mean what we'll do.]{wind}
Huh?
Air. Humanity has never done anything to me. And in fact, I've even met some strong humans and machines created by humans.
Don't even try to convince me that humans are good.
That's not the point. Despite all that, I'm willing to help you with whatever in any way shape or form. Because that's what friends do, right?
!
...

Unbeatable Air.
Yeah, Air?
Get lost.
What?
I'm not going to drag you down to the depths with me. And besides, you don't even understand why I'm fighting.
I do. Fighting for my friends and fighting in general are worthy causes.
What about if Metal Sonic tries to stop me? What about if Blues you met tried to stop me? What about if Wood tries to stop me? What then?
...
Exactly. So get lost.
But Air-
Get out! Or I'll call my guards! Now! Our friendship is over, you hear me?
U.Air stands still, unmoving. Then, without saying a word, he simply leaves.

Willing or not, I won't force anyone to follow me. I will go against everything Wily and these...humans stand for. For Kilroy's sake, he better succeed. Otherwise...
I will walk this world alone...

As multiple spots on the radar appear, a massive dot appears right at the Halberd's location.
That confirms it. The UKR really is working with Grey Matter.
What do you mean?
Well...
Michael zooms in on the radar until it can be pinpointed to a desert.
That's where the main base is.
Listen! If we strike here, we can put an end to this Grey Matter.
Kilroy has to have some sort of mirror that allows him to speak with the Parallel Dimension. We find and enter that mirror, we'll find the vessel that controls the Grey Matter. If we slay it, then all Grey Matter should disperse.

---

What the hill's a jerboa?

...
.Yes, I suppose by doing this, I only delay the inevitable .I have knowledge that two of you have a plan to end the UKR
What? I only want to temporarily stun Kilroy to address the real threat.
How do you know of our plan? The entire reason I blinded myself was to prevent becoming an unwilling spy.
Vangus seems to ignore Bladesmatter's question.
.Then get it over with .Time's wasting .There was never to be peace anyways

The connection ends.

---

Space

---

Well well...what do we have here?

---

Absurd Roleplay, Neo Yggrisdal

---

Hey Quin.
Yes Master?
...
I can't keep living in this illusion anymore.
?
I know that they'll speak of a vessel.
Who will speak of what, master?
I know who you are, Quin.
...
I know your a fragment of **********. I know your destined to infect me and use this body as a host. You've planned this from the beginning, right? Just get it over with.
...
...
Who spoiled the fun?
Whoever it is...I'll have to thank them for making this so much easier.

As Stache reads the email, he too sinks into his chair before thinking to himself.
Know this Master Gigure, even if you don't want me, I refuse to work with the enemy. Even if I never get a lick of gratitude, I will fulfil my duty; eradicate those that stand before my race. And if not for you nor my fellow Starmen...
Then for myself.
With this newfound sense of purpose, he simply looks out the window at the world he plans to destroy. Both a sense of awestruck and hatred fill his thoughts.

---

?Peon .I willfully assist them in their goals because they need help .They needed a hero, and for what's it's worth, I was chosen .I simply ask for my own knowledge as well as to prove a point .In any case
.Mystery voice ?May I ask your name
Just as quickly as Pop Star turned yellow, it turns back to grey. It seems that a force is h***bent on keeping it this way.

As a soldier drives the plane after U.Air almost crashed it(twice), Clover has a nagging feeling in her head. She looks over to Stache and wakes him up by nudging him.

Uh hey Stache?
Yeah?
So I was wondering...why are you trying to help me?
Pardon?
It's my dream to work somewhere as extensive as the UKR's research departments before setting off on my own. I thought you hated me. So, from that logic, why would you-
It's simple. I have no faith in you.
Huh?
The way I see is that if we go back home, you'll use that inferior junkyard technology to try and pry at my parts. With how rusty both that tech and you are, I'm 91% sure that I'd explode. Meanwhile with the UKR, I only detect a 21% chance, lower if you have nothing to do with it.
Oh...
And while I'll admit that before the finals, I would of gladly gone for the 91% if it means I wouldn't have to put up with you, something...changed.

Clover tilts her head.
This form...it's supposed to be a different model, a different suit if you will. How I managed to acquire this suit remotely is something I wish to find. Maybe my research will allow me to become accepted once more by Giegure.
Hey! I've have enough to hear with this Giegure fellow. Save for saving you from death, I've done nothing wrong. I don't deserve to treated like this.

Save for the pilot, the passengers are startled from the sudden uproar. Stache looks Clover dead in the eyes.
Like what?
Like I'm just a stepping stone for some higher goal.
Seems familiar.
What are you talk-
...
And there we go. The human finally uses her brain. How does it feel to actually come up with an original idea? Sure I helped nudge you along but-

Clover begins trembling as she speaks.

If you keep talking like that, I will scrap you. Are we clear?
No. No you won't. You need me.
No. No I don't.
Use that brain of yours. Shaker over there...
As Clover and Stache look over to Shaker, he's soundly asleep despite the yelling.
He couldn't harm a twig. Me though? I'm the only protection you have. Especially with Jade's power core broken.
...
So like I said.
You need me.
Clover sinks back into her seat, unintentionally locking eyes with U.Air. U.Air looks away, trying not to draw attention to himself. Meanwhile Walnut seems to be lost in thought. The rest of the plane ride is silent...

On screen, the planet Pop Star appears, now covered in a pristine grey. A hand reaches out from the ground before a figure appears next to it.

.Hello
.Until now, we have lead you into a false sense of security, making you believe that all encounters with us will be...winnable
.What you've just witnessed is when you have drawn our full attention
.The gloves have come off .But...they can be put back on
What?

...We will leave
Suddenly, the voice becomes pained as if each word slowly steals the breath from him.
.If you can answer one,simple,question
?What does it mean to exist

---

Bio Star Labs, Vents

---

As Fang rushes forwards, only the liquid lightning the path, suddenly it stops as a voices echos in the darkness.
No. Heel. Drop.
As the words ring out into the darkness, a flashlight blinds Fang before his vision comes to. What he sees is a surprising sight. A large amount of active grey and green machines appear, none of them focusing on Fang.
Boss? I...I thought-
Biocut? I thought you would never show up!
That's twice now you failed to show up at a raid.
I...I...
Suddenly a grey smoke emits from Biocut. As soon as it disperses, a smile comes across his face.
I thought you all died! Why didn't you pick up on the scanners?
We had to remove the locator chips to avoid getting picked up by the security. It was a last minute thought really.
So those piles of junk...
What piles?
You mean at the secret tunnel that no one is supposed to know about?
Yeah! Why didn't I think of checking for more than just tags-
Biocut looks to Fang.
Oh.
So how many of them are there?
Huh?
The UKR! They're swarming all around the place, right?
I think they're all gone. At least from the rooms we entered.
In that case let's head back to grab supplies. Hey purple weasel thing.
Vat Man throws him a green cell phone.
You ever need us, just call us. Weapons, potions, you name it, we'll provide it. We owe you a debt after all for what's basically you checking to see if the air's toxic to organic. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that a radiation leakage is in this area. If you need an escort out of here, we can pr-.
*gurgle*
Oh yeah. Him. Weasel, this is the Beast of Bio Star, or Bob for short. We would of gone for Bobs, but who name their children Bobs?
Fang and friends gained 2000XP in the form of transferable lightweight cookies.

---

Note that I'm not ignoring that he was erased; there's a reason, albeit secret, why he's back.

Halberd

---

As Mighty searches the radar, a soldier gets his attention.
Our commander and that grey matter thing want to speak with everyone on the Halberd. They say they've figured out how to solve this crisis.

---

Bio Star Labs, Vents

---

As Biocut Man and Fang climb up, a glowing liquid can be seen just ahead. It moves before suddenly jolting forwards. Rolling Cutter in hand, Biocut slashes at the beast. Sparks emit as the blade shatters. Not expecting this, Biocut is caught off guard as the creature grabs him and rushes forward into the dark, leaving behind drips of the glowing liquid, lighting the path.

---

Smithingstone Arena

---

Excuse me, the finals have just now ended, correct?
Soldiers all around the arena give a salute.
I'll take that as a yes.
Now then, let me take a look at the winner.
Dr. Walnut awkwardly raises his hand.

May I get your name?
I am Dr. Walnut. Who might you be?
I'm the stand-in for Commander Air. He was going to attend and give the position to the winner, but he told me he was "sick" and wanted me to go in his steed. In any case, could you stand in the center of the arena?

Oh, and you too.
Me?
Well you are a finalist, right?
Well yes but-

As the lights dim save for a spotlight residing on the center, Walnut and Clover find themselves lost in thought, albeit for different reasons.

First off, congratulations on your victory Dr. Walnut. I imagine it was a harrowing couple of rounds against some of the toughest foes this universe has to offer.
Even though save for the last one, they were just toasters with guns, sure, why not?
It's because of this that I'm offering you the position as the leader of the Science Division. Make you take it with pride.
And as for you...small blond girl. Though you lost, I doubt that your fights weren't any less exciting.
Even though save for the last one, they were just toasters with guns, sure, why not?

That's why I've decided both finalists are coming with her as his assistant.

Clover, Walnut, and the crowd each give each other looks of confusion.

What?
But she's-
No no. No buts. The way I see it is that having two excellent doctors means that work would be done even quicker.
Well actually I have a friend that's also coming with me; Dr. Emon.
Even better! Now three doctors can create a machine capable of fighting me-er...fighting those that oppose the UKR. Yeah...
With all due respect, I don't think Commander Air will let you-
Nonsense. This UKR said to be wealthy, right? Then it's more than able to pay for two-er...three salaries. Besides, Air said himself that I was to be charge of this...operation as he put it.
Yes sir he did. But if you would just listen for a secon-
Sorry. I've already decided.

---

Orb City Airfield

---

Everyone ready?
Clover, Stache, Shaker, Walnut and Emon*, their robots, and Blues if he wants find themselves stuffed inside a small plane.

A real shame we didn't get the chance to meet that MKII fellow that was broadcasted everywhere. No matter, next stop, the Gobi Desert!

---

Note that I'm not necessarily claiming Emon.

I object to that last part. Not the truth thing, but the idea of a cycle. Do you remember Morcery? Or Dark Man? Or Commander Panda? Or X7? No. No you don't. And you know that is?
Their creators have abandoned either them or this place. There is only one end. One definite end. All will return to nothing when the creators deem it so.

The genemi clone evaporates upon hitting Vangus. However, as Mighty tries to speak with Kirby, he's suddenly forced back to the present through a black chain.
Like I said. Futile. I can play this game all day while the Grey Matter infects other planets. It's your call.

So your the reaper named "an idiot who you don't want to piss off?" That's...oddly specific. In any case, I simply wanted to waste your time.
And there!
Using an strange magical power, Mighty's attention is forced on the now grey Pop Star. Every single inhabitant save for Grey Matter(excluding the one found in R.O.B.s arm and Bladesmatter) has been teleported to Earth.
Every time you try to save this planet, another falls. It's all futile. Quit wasting your time and save something worth saving.

Fine. I'm Vangus. Now I'll ask you once more reaper, who are you?

This has all been for nothing. I didn't want to scan those other piles of scraps because some part of me hoped they would be fine. But if there's not here, then that means...I'm sorry for wasting your time; the only soldier we found was killed by that creat-
A drop of acid lands on Biocut. Though it doesn't affect him, he looks up to see a large hole. Biocut's hands start to twitch before becoming fists.
This is the first time in a long time that I've felt anything. Sure it's rage but...
It's still something.
Biocut cuts some pieces of metal off of the wall to form a ladder.
It's your call, but I'm going get that "thing" before it gets anyone else.

Well...I learned how to turn my propeller the other way.
Hey what's the big idea!
Huh?
Never mind. It's not even worth it.
Clover then turns to Stache and Shaker.
Come on guys, let's go home.
Hold up.
Huh?
Stache looks over to U.Air and gets an idea.

So you made these two fighting bots?
Well n-
Yes. Built us from the ground up.
Clover looks over to Stache with a look of confusion.
Really?
Really. We even made to to the finals.
That must mean that you two are strong, right?
We most certainly are. All thanks to our doctor here.
Well in that case, come with me! Oh! Hey Blues, I got some business here. Want to come with me?

Clover then pulls Stache over to the side.
Are you trying to make me a laughing stock?
You already are though.
!
...That might be true, but you didn't have to say it like that.
Let's just follow and find out what's he up to.
...
...Fine.

---

Outer Space

---

...
Who are you?

---

Ninten's location

---

Honestly no clue. Where are we exactly...

OOC:Anyone else having issues with Imgur?

As Mighty stands in space, he starts to hear whispers.
Congratulations. You've bought them time. With that said, the ice has already infected the core. A simple teleport trick can't solve that.

---

No. We need doctors, not mechanics that pass on other's work as their own.
Speaking of which, where did she go?
Sure enough, Clover's nowhere to be seen.
As Clover runs out the stadium, she bumps into...U.Air, sending her tumbling down.

So Blues, have learned any new fighting skills?
U.Air doesn't even seem to notice her.

00C: I'm assuming you altered time?