(Ten days have passed since Santo-bot and Vincent Barker were taken in by Critical Mass as Tidal Whale and Volt Kraken respectively. All the current members of the team are now gathered within Vincent's secret warehouse, which has become Critical Mass's headquarters.)

Santo-bot (To Mattrex): So, Jefe, I take it you haven't found the dos remaining members for el equipo yet?

REX: I haven't had any luck as of yet. However, I don't presume that anyone else has heard a certain strange rumor circulating on the Internet…?

(The other members lean in.)

REX: Apparently, a new type of Reploid is in the works, although news concerning this project had been supressed up until now. Rumor has it that a company is experimenting with creating shape-shifting Reploids, although it can't be confirmed yet.

Shadow: Shape-shifters, you say?

(He stands up.)

Shadow: That sounds cool! Get them to make me transform into a car! "Critical Mass, roll out!"

(Everyone else stares at him.)

Shadow: I'm gonna get in trouble, aren't I?

(A ceiling panel suddenly falls down on Axle the Red's head.)

Shadow: Owowowowow… @.@

(He falls over.)

Vincent (Ignoring Axle the Red and speaking to Mattrex): Is that all we know of the project? No names have been disclosed?

REX: All that I have told to you is all that I know about the subject. I wonder whether it will be conducted on X as an upgrade to his weapon-copying ability?

(He looked at the high window as he asked this question to the air, his voice quieting. Meanwhile, just across the way…)

Reploid #1 (Crouching down and speaking to his accomplice): Are you sure this is the place?

Reploid #2: I'm 99.9% sure I saw Axle the Red here the other day. Anyway, I've got the perfect plan to lure him in.

(He holds in each hand an absurd and rather obvious disguise.)

Reploid #1 (Taking one disguise set): Is this… Am I supposed to be a rock star of some kind?

Reploid #2 (As he puts on the other disguise): Not just ANY rock star of ANY kind: W. Axl Rose of Guns 'N Roses. I understand that he's a big Guns 'N Roses fan, which explains why he was singing that song when we encountered him in the Amazon last month— I did plenty of research to find that outdated song. So, you're going to dress up as W. Axl Rose and I'm going as Slash.

(Reploid #1 blinks before putting on a slightly annoyed expression.)

Reploid #1: Are you kidding me? Do you really think he'll fall for that?

Reploid #2: Why not give it a try? I mean: Nothing ventured, nothing—

Shadow (Looking outside the warehouse and suddenly shouting as Reploid #2 says "ventured"): OMGGUNSNROSES!!!!1! Well… some of 'em…

(Although he prepares to run out and ask for autographs, Mattrex yanks him back into the warehouse by the upper arm and stops him.)

REX: Those are those Reploid hunters from before in disguise, idiot.

Shadow: You don't have to be so mean to me… ;_;

REX: I'll do anything in order to get a point across. Now: Shadow! Use SPIKE BALL!

(AXLE THE RED used SPIKE BALL! A critical hit!)

Reploid #1 and Reploid #2 (As they are sent into the stratosphere): Looks like we're blasting off agaaaaaaaaaiiiiiin!!

SFX: PING!

Shadow: Am I gonna evolve any time soon?

(Another ceiling tile falls on Axle's head.)

Shadow: Owowowowow… (He falls over, a little hurt.)

REX: My word… That's the tenth tile today. While this is a much bigger warehouse than our last, our former base was considerably… better-built.

Indy: Well, what other option do we have anyway?

Dr. Zap: And when are we going to start this "working for money" thing, anyway? I'm running out of resources to support my research quickly.

Vincent (To Shining Firefly): What ARE you researching, anyway?

Santo-bot (To Volt Kraken): Nobody sabe.

REX: We haven't actually become that well-known yet, to begin with. Therefore, who would hire us at the moment? We simply need wait for news of us to circulate more so that we gain a little more recognition.

Vincent: But how can that happen without us accomplishing any "heroic" tasks?

REX: I never said that we hadn't been assigned a task.

Dr. Zap: So what does he want us to do?

REX: I never said that he who had assigned the mission had told me what the mission is in detail.

All others: -_-

REX: I understand, however, that there may be a dangerous Maverick on the loose.

Santo-bot (Now wrestling with Grizzly Slash): So, cuanto can we get for catching this Maverick?

REX: The informant didn't reveal that nor the Maverick name. However, based on a brief physical description, I believe that I may know who it is.

Indy (Pinned down by Tidal Whale): Well, c'mon! Tell us!

(Another tile falls; this time, it lands just right of Grizzly Slash's head.)

Indy: Okay, that was close… (He gets up as Tidal Whale gets off him.) On second thought, maybe the base comes first?

 

 

Vincent: Scratch that, gentlemen, I just received news concerning one of our long-lost comrades.

 

REX: And how, pray tell, did you fall upon this vital information?

 

Vincent: I made a website and fed the address through Google's ad campaign. *Clicks to the Critical Mass information network homepage.* It's quite user-friendly and tips can be submitted anonymously.

 

REX: Quite industrious, Mr. Barker.

 

Vincent: Oh, and each of you now owe me $100 a piece.

 

Shadow: What?!

 

Indy: Hey...

 

Vincent: It was a total of $550 dollars for a server to host this website and to have Google advertise it to make it effective. I knocked $50 off my tab as a... "service" fee.

 

REX: ... very industrious...

 

Dr. Zap: Why didn't I think of that?

 

Vincent: Because I'm brilliant and you're scatterbrained.

 

Dr. Zap: Nonsense! I've a mind like a steel trap!

 

Data: The ectoplasmic containment tank is overflowing. You forgot to change the filter.

 

Dr. Zap: No! Not the Ghost-tank 500! *Flies off*

 

Indy: Who's this informant, anyway?

 

Vincent: She's a scientist. Supposedly she restored the Dark Necrobat armor several years ago.

 

Later, at a cafe...

 

Vincent: So what do you have concerning Dark Necrobat?

 

Woman: Well, a few years ago I found his armor and started restoring it in order to reprogram him as an assistant, but one night the CPU basically restored itself.

 

REX: Restored itself?

 

Woman: Yes, it might be the innate intricacies of the programming that might have restored its own consciousness. Are you... looking for him?

 

REX: Yes, we intend to offer him a position in our band of... *Looks at Dr. Zap who is swatting Shadow with a flyswatter*

 

Dr. Zap: No. Bad Shadow!

 

Shadow: Ow! Hey!

 

Vincent: You're doing it all wrong. *Snatches the flyswatter and twists the metal handle around Shadow's neck, choking him* There, now since he can't breathe, he can't use his voice box.

 

REX: ...gifted... beings...

 

Woman: If you meet him, could you please give him this? *Hands REX a card*

 

REX: This is your phone number.

 

Woman: Yeah, he left before I could give it to him. *Looks up as though in a daydream* He was such a great kisser...

 

REX: ... right... I'll... I'll make sure he gets this... *Puts the card away*

 

 

(The next day, at nighttime…)

REX (To Vincent): Mr. Barker, have you received any more information on Dark Necrobat within these past twenty-four or so hours?

Shadow: I thought it was only the time to read an extra sentence, not a day!

REX: Hush. (He then turns back to face Volt Kraken.)

Vincent: Nothing yet… Although I DID get a tip regarding the other member we're missing.

REX: Oh?

Vincent: Sightings of him near where the Repli-Air-Force base used to stand five years ago.

(Mattrex gets up and heads toward the warehouse exit.)

REX: Shall we?

Shadow (Grumbling): Like I got a choice…

REX: Oh, you want a choice, do you? Well, you may come with us, or you may stay here and possibly be captured by those two Reploids from before with no help to save you this time. However, if you are still here when we return, then I promise you that as soon as we get our new base you'll be the first person to see the inside of my soon-to-be Iron Fist Room.

Shadow: Fine, I'm coming! But only because you lost me…

(One scene transition later…)

Santo-bot (Climbing over a slope made of metal ruins): ¿Hemos llegado, jefe?

REX (Standing in front of the semi-repaired base): Sí, Tidal Whale. The Repli-Air-Force base hasn't been fully rebuilt, but this is the proper location. I wonder what will be put in its place; it doesn't appear that it may serve the same purpose as before when its construction is completed.

Dr. Zap: It seems rather spooky here at night… You want me to shed some light on things?

REX: I insist.

(Shining Firefly uses Light Collection to spread small spheres of light which help the Critical Masters to see the entire area… and the time bombs set up ahead.)

Dr. Zap: Time bombs? (Makes a gulping noise) Oh dear…

REX: Someone was expecting us, apparently.

Vincent (Levitating and moving forward): Stand aside, everyone.

(Volt Kraken unleashes a Tri-Thunder attack, with one of the three bolts of electricity aimed at the nearest time bomb. He launches another one immediately after, but he doesn't have time to launch a third before the bomb explodes and forces everyone back.)

REX (Acridly, while recovering after having fallen over because of the large explosion): Perhaps everyone attacking the bombs would work much better?

(On that cue, Grizzly Slash rushes ahead and launches a Crescent Claw at the next time bomb. He then hurries to jump out of the way as Shining Firefly charges and releases a Tail Beam that hits the same bomb, destroying it while four seconds are left on the timer.)

REX: You see what teamwork accomplishes, Mr. Barker?

Vincent: If you say so…

(As the team advances, they try new tactics to destroy the bombs. Axle the Red pulls one in close with his Spike Rope, and Tidal Whale then smashes it under a series of Frozen Earth blocks to crush it at 0:05. Volt Kraken and Mattrex opt for a full-out assault on the next two, destroying them at 0:07 and 0:03 respectively. However, the next one after that is so far away that the team members could not possibly reach it in time.)

Shadow (As he is blasted back from that last bomb's explosion): Hey, that wasn't fair! She's cheating!

Indy: "She" who?

Shadow: "She" she!

(He points at the figure up ahead… an androgynous-looking character clad in dark blue is heading on further up the path.)

REX: Volt Kraken! Cut off that person's exit!

Vincent: As you wish.

(He flies on ahead and in front of the figure so as to prevent any progression forward. Then he notices…)

Vincent (Calling back to the group): Axle… "She" is a MAN!

Shadow (Shouting to Volt): Then what's with the long hair and slimmy waist and curvy chest? And thought I saw a hand on a hip.

(The others catch up.)

REX: That's not just any androgynous being… That's Dynamo. What is your business here, Dynamo?

Dynamo (Turning around, with his hand on his right hip): Oh, not much. Just perusing. (He flicks his hair.) This would just make a fabulous base, don'tcha think?

Critical Masters: …

REX: How are you alive?

Dynamo: I never died, remember? X and Zero tried all they might, but they can't kill me!

REX: Oh… Right… (As if embarrassed he turns away slightly.) I wonder how many zenny we would be awarded if we were to capture you and hand you to the authorities.

Dynamo: Great… You're working for the Maverick Hunters now?

Shadow: As if!

Dr. Zap (Hovering a little closer so as to get ready in case Dynamo tries anything funny): Er… What he means to say is we sort of work for ourselves and for zenny.

Shadow: Yay zenny!

Dynamo: So you're hired mercenaries? Why don't we team up? It'd be much better for you, I swear.

(Volt Kraken looks ready to either tell a detailed and convincing lie or zap the living hell out of Dynamo. However, Mattrex simply ignores this.)

REX: I'm convinced that you'd want just that in order to be able to get close to us and to deceive us. I'm not buying into it.

Dynamo: I was worried you wouldn't… Okay, then… DIE!

 

(Dynamo leaps towards Tidal Whale and turns around in midair as he makes a huge slash with his double-edged beam sword. The other team members do try to attack Dynamo; but he seems to be immune to all attacks by Volt Kraken, Mattrex and Axle the Red. Crescent Shot and Hotaru Laser seem to do minimal damage.)

Dynamo (As he lands next to Tidal Whale): Heh, that tickled.

(Grizzly Slash prepares another barrage of Crescent Shots and sends them at Dynamo. However, Dynamo nonchalantly spins his sword and deflects the Crescent Shots… sending a couple Tidal Whale's way.)

Santo-bot: ¡Carajo! Indy, be careful!

Indy: Um…

REX: Perhaps there is a less risky way to defeat him?

(His eyes dart around for a few seconds to look for a sturdy wall. In the meantime, Shining Firefly hovers around and starts teleporting randomly while Axle the Red activates Twin Dream and attempts to attack Dynamo from both sides. Dynamo throws his sword, by which Mattrex gets hit.)

REX: Shoot…

Shadow: Don't worry, we got him!

(While the sword is in the air; Axle and his copy seize Dynamo in a Spike Rope from both sides. Shining Firefly then stops teleporting randomly and lands a Tail Beam on Dynamo from above, doing a better amount of damage than was the Hotaru Laser fired before.)

Dynamo (Eyes shut tight behind the visor): Not bad…

(The boomerang-like shape of the sword allows it to return to Dynamo's lowered hand, severing the Spike Ropes in the process.)

Shadow (Flapping his hand in pain as the Axle copy fuses with him again): Ouch! Funny bone!

Vincent: What bone?

(Volt Kraken levitates forward and creates an insulated Electric Trap. Mattrex immediately climbs onto it and then thrusts himself at Dynamo in a powerful Body Crush maneuver. Dynamo narrowly dodges, and as he is jumping out of the way, Grizzly Slash steps forward, grabs the Electric Trap platform and throws it at Dynamo.)

Dynamo (Taking the hit): Ouch! Geez, you're not playing fair!

(He charges his fist with energy and thrusts it into the ground. By doing so, he causes pillars of energy to rise up from the ground in three different formations. The energy strikes and damages all of the Critical Masters; none of them were expecting this attack or able to figure out how to dodge it.)

Vincent: Ordinarily I'd be fine taking in energy, but this isn't the kind I'm looking for!

REX (A good-sized dent visible on the right shoulderpad): We probably won't be able to cast enough damage on Dynamo to destroy him before he destroys at least one of us.

(Suddenly, a light gray whisp falls from the sky right on top of Dynamo. A dust cloud forms and then clears.)

Vincent: You were saying…?

REX (Seeing the new figure): The Skiver… This may prove to be great timing on his part.

Dr. Zap (To Mattrex): But, er, how do you think he's here?

REX (Watching as Dynamo gets up again): I would prefer that he answer that afterward.

Dynamo (Charging his fist again): After I destroy all seven of you, you mean?

(He prepares to send energy through the ground again, but the Skiver stops him by launching a Wing Spiral just before Dynamo's attack can be completed. Dynamo is subsequently blown very far back; Mattrex, Volt Kraken and Shining Firefly instinctively get out of the way.)

Vincent (The wind from the Wing Spiral attack sweeping through his long, dark hair as he speaks to himself in his mechanical voice): Quiet and merciless… Admirable qualities, to say the least.

Dynamo (Clutching his left shoulder, from which sparks are flying): You can't beat me THAT easy!

(He tries to throw his sword again. Of course, the Skiver just flies up to dodge it. As the sword returns to Dynamo's hand, the Skiver lands and creates a Wind Shredder illusion which rushes at Dynamo and damages him greatly again.)

Dr. Zap: Do you want us to help out or… something?

Dynamo (As he gets up after that last attack, somewhat banged-up): Okay! I get the hint! But you haven't seen the last of me… Ja ne!

(He jumps back and then warps out.)

Indy: Well, that was anticlimactic.

REX: However, to be positive, we now have the seventh of our members. (He steps toward the Skiver and extends his arm for a handshake.) I am quite pleased to make your acquaintance.

(The Skiver shakes Mattrex's considerably-larger hand.)

Dr. Zap: Er… How are you here, anyhow?

Nine: Well, I sort of overheard and found out that Dynamo was laying a trap meeting for you guys. Oh! By the way, if you want you can call me Nine— yes, like the number.

Santo-bot: ¡Mucho gusto, Nueve!

REX (To the Skiver): Am I right in guessing that the Skiver famed for involvement in the Eurasia Crisis five years ago is not you?

Nine: Yeah. This wasn't my original form… You see, I was built with the ability to copy the appearance as well as the abilities of one other Reploid.

Vincent: REX…

REX: What is it, Mr. Barker?

Vincent: That sounds just like the rumored Reploid experiments you were mentioning to us the other day.

Nine: Yeah, but the only thing is… I wanted to be able to copy all I wanted, but I could only copy one other Reploid. I tried to find X or Zero, but that didn't work, so I decided on one of the Reploids they battled.

(The Skiver transforms into a humanoid Reploid clad in rather generic-looking blue-and-silver armor but lacking a helmet. His hair is dark brown, but each tress ends in a blond tip; his eyes are hazel.)

Nine: This is my original form. As you can see, nothing special, that's why I wanted to try copying a powerful Reploid like X or Zero.

(Nine transforms back into the Skiver.)

Nine: But nope, ended up as the Skiver. At least it's something, right?

Indy (To Mattrex): Are we going back to the base now?

REX: Yes; I believe our work here is done.

(The seven then turn to leave, but what they don't realize is that another Reploid is looking on. This one is clearly female, but she bears an uncanny resemblance to Dynamo. She seems to have only arrived a few minutes ago.)

??? (To herself): Well, they seem different… They seem good enough if they fought against Dynamo… I think I'll follow them.

 

(Back at the "base"…)

Indy: Hey bossman, what are we going to do for a new base? (The lightbulb from a ceiling lamp falls on the ground next to him and shatters.) Seriously, this place is falling apart worse than our last one!

REX: I can't yet think of anything that seems able to work. (He turns to Volt Kraken.) Have you any ideas with this predicament, Mr. Barker?

Vincent: No, but I think we have good news about the other issue. I believe Dark Necrobat's been spotted recently.

Santo-bot: ¿Donde está él?

Vincent: The report wasn't very specific; he must be good at evading the authorities.

??? (Appearing from behind the outside wall): Um… I think I can help you.

(Everyone's heads turn towards the young female Reploid who just arrived from nowhere.)

??? (Moderately firmly): I'm sorry for the intrusion, but I couldn't help but overhear. I can help you track Dark Necrobat down.

REX: Why are you interested in helping us?

Nine: We aren't obligated to pay you, are we?

REX (Muttering to Nine through clenched jaws, steam coming from his nostrils): Do not utter the word "pay" unless it is spoken to us first. That is the first rule of conducting a deal.

??? (Suddenly losing that sense of confidence in favor of seeming a bit more delicate): I… Well, I quit the Maverick Hunters, but then I realized I wasn't doing anything to help working alone, either. So, I heard about Critical Mass and decided to check things out about helping you… You're not the same Reploids as five years ago, right?

REX: That's correct…

 

???: My name's Tracii. Would you guys mind if I helped you?

REX: Wait. How did you find us?

Tracii: I was looking into the reports about the Skiver's armor being found at the old Repli-Air Force base and wanted to see about bringing the armor to be rebuilt and reprogrammed, but when I got there I saw all of you guys and figured I might be able to work for you if you allowed it.

(Mattrex listens carefully throughout, but after she finishes explaining he takes a pause of a few seconds before saying anything else; he seemed to be analyzing her. Then…)

REX: How much information regarding Dark Dizzy are you able to disclose to us?

Tracii: The research I did says he's been appearing in downtown a lot recently, and seems to be stopping robberies.

(Her eyes opened to their fullest as the words of a news report appeared on her visor.)

Tracii: There's a robbery in progress at a convenience store on the edge of downtown.

REX: Critical Mass, you have your orders. GO!

(The team leaves the warehouse and heads for the convenience store. The Skiver gives Tracii a lift while she relays any info that appears on her visor.)

Tracii (Pointing down at a train-shaped convicence store named "The Whistle Stop"): There it is!

REX: Good work, Tracii. Nine! Vincent! Dr. Zap! Watch the building from the sky, and keep Tracii with you!

Nine, Dr. Zap and Vincent: Got it. (The three hover above the building.)

REX: Shadow! Indy! Stand guard on the far side of the store.

Indy (Saluting): Gotcha! (He grabs Axle the Red and drags him around the back of the store to the far side.)

REX: Santo-bot! You will accompany me on the near side of the store.

Santo-bot: ¡Cierto, Jefe!

(All seven Critical Masters get into position. Just as they're doing so, a window in the front of the store breaks open and the Critical Masters scramble to seize the escaping robbers.)

Robber #1 (To his comrade): C'mon, what's the holdup?

Robber #2 (Rubbing his face and speaking quietly): It's this dumb mask; I can't see through the eyeholes since it's a little big and keeps shifting around.

(He pulls off his disguise, revealing himself to be…)

???: Ha! Didn't think you'd see US again, did you?

Indy: Um… Have we met before?

Reploid #2: ?! YES, we've met before! We were those guys dressed up as Guns N' Roses before; it was HIS idea! (Points to Robber #1… Or should I say: Reploid #1)

Reploid #1 (Removing his mask): The hell it was! That was YOUR idea; YOUR disguises!

Reploid #2: Well… whatever. Anyway, we ARE going to take Axle the Red back with us this time! We knew you'd catch the news reports and follow us here…

(He presents a long chrome-plated cannon and begins to spray flames everywhere; some do hit the Critical Masters.)

Shadow (Is hit): Owie! HOTHOTHOTHOT!

REX (Is also hit, but the attack does nothing to him): You dare attack ME with fiery weaponry?! (Prepares to lunge forward with a Burner Drive) You pathetic—

(Before he can complete his sentence or attack, a swarm of Bat Bones exit the convenience store and attack the two Reploids.)

Reploids #1 and #2 (Swatting away at the Bat Bones while saying the same thing, but not in unison): Get 'em off me! Get 'em off me!

(While the two Reploids are distracted, Mattrex signals to the Skiver, who swoops down and launches a Wing Spiral right where the Reploids are standing. It damages them, but also sends them up high into the air, and they disappear.)

Indy (Sighing): Man I wish we had some harder enemies…

(Dark Necrobat leaves the convenience store, but Mattrex blocks his path.)

REX: Wait.

Dark Necrobat (Folding his wings): Who might you be?

REX: I am Mattrex, and I would like to ask you to join us.

Dark Necrobat: You can call me "Elvont Lecarde"… Or you can call me "the one that got away." I don't have time for this.

(He tries to fly away; but Shining Firefly, the Skiver and Volt Kraken stop him.)

REX (Craning his neck up at Dark Necrobat): Please consider at least hearing what I have to say.

Elvont (Not all that convincing in his tone): Fine…

REX: I am the leader of Critical Mass; based on the armor which you possess, I have chosen you as the eighth and final member in this band of mercenaries.

(Dark Necrobat suddenly seems interested.)

Elvont: Mercenaries, hm?

REX: Yes; that's correct.

Elvont (Suddenly noticing Tracii): Have we met?

Tracii: I don't believe so.

Elvont: Tell me: Have you ever seen the Earth from space?

Tracii: No… Why?

Elvont: Allow me to show you my home, Lavender Castle.

Indy: You'll have to show us it, too; she works for us.

Elvont: … Fine then.

(And so, in the big space station known as Lavender Castle…)

Nine (In the gameroom with Axle the Red): SWEET! A PS10; I didn't think these were real!

Shadow: Meh, I'd take a Sega Neptune if they made 'em.

Nine: …

Santo-bot (In a sort of combat training room with Grizzly Slash): This is a great place para luchar!

Indy: You wanna go for a wrestle right now?

(Elsewhere…)

Elvont: Dr. Zap, Tracii: A lab/bedroom for each of you.

Dr. Zap and  Tracii: =3 Thank you! (Head into their respective rooms)

REX: Quite a remarkable home, Elvont.

Vincent: I'll bet it costs a fortune.

(Dark Necrobat says nothing.)

??? (From down the hall): Hi Elvont! (The half-horse Reploid gallops over and hugs Dark Necrobat.)

Elvont: And this is Shelly. We've been together for more than three years.

Shelly: Hi

(Mattrex and Volt Kraken shake hands with Shelly. Later, all ten are in the living room of the base.)

Vincent (To Mattrex): This is a great base.

REX: It's quite fit for a king. And this will be a great team as well, wouldn't you agree?

Vincent: Oh, yes.

Shelly (To Dark Necrobat): What team are they talking about?

Elvont: That's a story for another day, my dear. (He grabs the clicker, aims it at the "fourth wall" and presses the power button.)