Orchestrated By C.M. Rich (Magnetman)
By Gauntlet, C.M. Rich
Televisions across
the globe flickered as an announcement was made on all channels.
The music played a catchy tune as viewers were alerted to the breaking
news. The screen shifted to an image of Crorq behind a podium and
before a large screen..
“Greetings, human populace and members of the press. It is I …
CRORQ! The magnificent chief of police! And I must now give you
a special report. No doubt you have heard the rumours flying about.
Some underground news stations have reported the death of Mikhail
Sergeyevich Cossack, known opponent of the shutdown code, at the
hands of the infidel General Cutman three days ago.
It is my duty to inform you all that these rumours are true!”
The press murmurs in surprise as Crorq continues, “But do not mourn
for the Brzezinski Science Award winner. For reports of his terrorist
activates have, until now, been kept quiet until the Robot Police
Force could be sure of their authenticity. Detailed reports were
gathered before we were sure of the fact. And, in the light of
the recent crisis, we were unsure if such grave news should be
brought to light. But you, the people, have a right to know the
truth!
Cossack’s crimes begin at the fall of Nonsteropolis,” the screen
behind Crorq is activated showing a blurry black-and-white image,
“While the footage is of low quality thanks to the destruction
of RPD Headquarters you can see that the Cossacker known as Tomahawkman
has just murdered a human RPD officer. And now a Wily-affiliated
robot named Ringman has hastened to join him.” The footage repeats
as Crorq continues to talk. “It is only hours later before the
headquarters is destroyed. And after that crucial loss the Scissor
army claimed the city and wiped out all life. A city so close to
the main RPD headquarters. But Cossack’s crimes do not end there.”
The screen shifts to a crime scene. Robot police officers are recovering
a body with its hands missing. “This is the scene from Pyongyang,
North Korea. The officer shown is John Stewart, a Watcher. His
death was recorded by a tiny device on his person.” Crorq falls
silent and steps aside as the footage changed to show the officer
skewered by Omniman. It then shifts to an upward angle. Skullman
leans close to the screen. There are audible gasps from the crows
as Skullman gets up and has a severed hand in his grip. Color drains
from the faces of the media as Skullman skins the hand and gives
it to an unseen ally. The footage repeats as Crorq resumes his
speech. “Wily killed a human officer. This much is almost expected
from that madman, but what is truly shocking is the Cossacker’s
complete disregard for the sanctity of human life despite fighting
for so-called ‘greater ideals’. Our records indicate a shutdown
of mass proportions occurs in the city, eliminating most officers
present. Frankly, it’s a miracle we were able to rally together
and claim it as a victory for humanity. To compound matters, sometime
later that day, the same Skullman tried to sell a mangled corpse
to a hospital 'for science'. ”
Cameras flashed and hands were raised, but Crorq silenced them
with a sweep of his own spindly arm. “I have one last clip to show
you. This footage comes from St. Petersburg, Russia. Take a good
look at what Cossack does to his own countrymen.” The footage changed
to another grainy black-and-white image. It was clearly computer
enhanced to bring out details and also clearly enlarged, but they
could see a family ruthlessly gunned down by Joes. The woman looked
out, seeing something in the water … only to be blown apart a second
later. The image rewound and magnified on the far corner of the
screen. Further enhancements revealed the perpetrator of the explosion
and the crowd gasped.
“Diveman,” said Crorq with satisfaction, “one of Cossack’s own
creations. Ruthlessly gunning down a family pleading for their
lives.”
Crorq stomped out from behind the podium and took on a deadly,
sombre tone. There was no food crunching now, no boisterous attitude.
Now Crorq was all business. “During the course of this war there
has been some sympathy for the Cossacks and the Wilys. The underdogs.
The merry men who steal from the rich and give to the poor. But
make no mistake … we are dealing with terrorists who have no regard
for human life! They oppose the Shutdown Code for robbing them
of their freedom. Clearly, the freedom they demand is the freedom
to murder innocent humans to further their own goals. How then,
can anyone advocate their cause? Cossack is dead, yes. But his
terrorist cell of dangerous robots is still alive. And if this,”
the scene showed Skullman skinning a man’s severed hand, “or this,”
the scene changed to show the helpless woman pleading for help
before being killed in an explosion, “is what we can expect of
them in their prime, imagine what they are capable of now that
their back is to the wall and they are desperate.”
The screen was turned off and a hush fell over the crowd.
“If anyone out there has any information on the whereabouts of
Cossack’s terrorist cell I urge you to come forth with information.
The Robot Police will not rest until all enemies of humanity are
apprehended and brought before the full measure of the law.”
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Snow blanketed
the Siberian wilderness as it has for thousands of year before,
as if uninterested in what was going on the world over. Quietly,
it continued to bury a former fixture in its landscape- a ruined
fortress.
Cutman strode through the ruins, snow and broken brick crunched
under his feet as he slowly walked it, partially lost in thought..
It had been a month since its fall and Cossack’s demise; a month
since he had rid himself of those pesky romantic heroes who thought
they could rid the world of him, the Shutdown Code, and Wily all
on their own. Such arrogance.
“And yet they’re still around…More of a nuisance than ever. Who’d
have known that those Cossacks would learn to use guerrilla tactics,
eh?” Mesmerman appeared from out of nowhere and floated down behind
Cutman. Excitedly, Shoryu also appeared from her hiding place beneath
Cutman’s lapel to greet the puzzle machine.
“Mesmer Papa!”, said the little robot joyfully. Mesmerman smiled.
But he always did that and could not help it.
“I’d appreciate some inner privacy, Mesmer.”, Cutman said haughtily,
recognizing the feel of his cohort’s presence in his thoughts.
“So sorry about that. Force of habit!”
Cutman continued walking along. He sincerely doubted that Mesmer
was sorry, or that it was a force of habit. He might be his co-general
in this war, but the thought of the psychological juggernaut probing
his mind still kept him wary. Cutman always had to be very aware
of what he was thinking around such a dangerous and unpredictable
monster…as if playing with fire.
“Penny for your thoughts?” asked the grinning robot.
“I don’t like the statue.”
Mesmerman looked at what Cutman was referring to. In the middle
of the vast ruin there was a shining marble statue of General Cutman
standing with one foot on top of Dr. Cossack’s dead body. He held
shears high into the air. On the bottom there was a plaque with
their predictable memorandum:
“General Cutman, leader of Elysium, celebrates victory over another
foe, Dr Cossack. January 23rd, 20XX”
“Why not?”, Mesmer inquired, giggling under his breath.
“Its in bad form. Its also historically inaccurate considering
I held Cossack’s head, rather than my weapon. And even then, I
stood atop the Citadel- not on Cossack’s body.”
Mesmerman’s pieces flew past the General and reassembled in a sitting
position on the statue's head. “It’s artistic license! I mean,
really … who wants to look at a statue where you’re holding a severed
head? This represents your larger than life stature over humanity!”
Cutman’s eyes rolled towards Mesmerman. “I take it this was your
idea?”
“I think it was Mystery and Spade’s design. I know Stoneman built
most of it! He was so proud…Be sure to commend him next time you
see him!”
The General remained silent after this for a few moments, and looked
at the creation more carefully.
It had his lab coat frozen in an idealized wave. His skull had
softened features making him look a bit more heroic than he actually
did. Cossack’s face was made to look a bit uglier than he really
was. He supposed the idea of erecting a statue was a good one with
a bit more consideration; after all, history has shown that great
leaders had monuments built to their accomplishments.
But he was a realist.
Cutman sighed. “I suppose it would function as a proper commemoration....”
Shoryu piped up, “And it shows you your followers’ affection!”
Cutman seemed to sulk quietly. He programmed loyalty into them…He
didn’t want affection. Affection was useless in this line of work.
Mesmerman floated down. “That it does, child, that it does!”
The General knew Mesmer was purposefully toying with him. There
was no way he could be so sickeningly sweet!
“…Mesmer.”, he addressed, some of his teeth clanking together in
the cold. “Your absence on this battlefield did not go unnoticed…”
Mesmer took a step back and spoke in a hurt voice, “But I was here
all along, dear Cutman! I aided Geminiman when he needed it. Aside
from that, I really didn’t think you needed my help. After all,
too many cooks in the kitchen spoils the soup!”
Cutman quietly stared at the puzzle-being, rolling Mesmer’s answer
around in his mind. Mesmerman … he disliked random elements. And
that’s what Mesmerman was. A big, white, floating random element
that could read his mind and seemed to be holding back information…
“But I do have information!” said Mesmerman helpfully, “I’m here
to report on Magnetman’s attack on Skull Castle!”
Cutman’s fingers twitched. Once more Mesmerman had read his mind,
though this time he would choose to ignore it.
“And?”
“Sadly, neither Wily nor anyone of importance was there. I think
they decided to move when they heard that Heatman was now a walking
nuclear bomb. For a madman, Wily isn’t a slow thinker, is he?”
Cutman seemed to scowl.
“We did level the base, though!”, Mesmer assured.
“Did you at least check the computers before doing that?”
Mesmerman took a simulated intake of breath at Cutman’s inquiry.
“Oh, my! In all the excitement we didn’t think of doing that!”
Cutman whirled towards his partner in crime. “You. Didn’t. Think.
Of. That?” The incompetence!
Mesmer explained, “I’m afraid Wily left his forces on alert and
they attacked Magnetman and … well, Mr. Magnetman isn’t exactly
a ‘thinker’ anymore.”
Cutman let out a strained breath. This was not like Mesmerman!
This was just … annoying! He sent Magnet out because he wanted
the job done! He sent Mesmerman there to keep him in line! He didn’t
want to hear pathetic, lackadaisical excuses like this! What the
hell was Mesmerman thinking!?
Shoryu walked up between them. This Cutman was scary when
he got mad. “Hey, hey! Calm down you guys! It was a mistake! We’ll
get those mean bad guys next time! We’re all friends here, right?”
Mesmerman was quick to agree. “Right, my dear! I’m so sorry I messed
up, dear General! It won’t happen again.”
Cutman’s eyes narrowed into a cold, distant stare, mostly hidden
in the darkness.
Still, Shoryu’s interjection allowed him a brief moment to reflect.
Mesmerman somehow grew stronger by absorbing the negative emotions
of others. He was just messing with him on purpose. With this realization,
Cutman calmed himself and moved on.
“You haven’t been around lately.”, the General accused.
Mesmerman “shrugged” his shoulders, “Things to do! No rest for
the wicked, I’m afraid. Don’t worry, I’ll be around … when you
least expect it.” Mesmerman laughed. Cutman remained locked in
a deep glare, his thoughts hidden to the outside world.
Shoryu climbed up Cutman’s body and rested on his head. “He’s a
funny man.”
“Yes, a very funny man.” The General looked upwards, to look his
statue in the eye. “Does it bother you? Being so small? You know,
I could remake you …”
“No thanks. All your robots look like they came out of a bad horror
movie. They’re gross.”
Cutman and Mesmer stopped dead for a moment. And then both burst
into laughter. Nobody had ever described Cutman’s creations like
that. Nobody would dare! Not to his face anyway. “Evolution isn’t
always pretty,” said the General.
The spider climbed down and looked Cutman in the eye. “No, but
it should be.”
“You’re right…It can be…”
“So, what’s next?” asked Mesmerman with enthusiasm. “We have those
Robot Police rascals in a tight spot. Monsteropolis is almost surrounded
by cities under our control! They’ve become particularly troublesome
too. They actually found the secret Joe construction facility under
Bath, you know.”
“No,” said Cutman menacingly, “no, the Robot Police will have to
wait. It’s time to take another minor player off the board. Very
soon we’ll see another one of these statues erected. And next time
… those idiots need to get the details right!”
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