Chapter 88 : Reunion

Somewhere in the Arctic Circle, Servus base.

The man formerly known as Edgar Stark, newly re-programmed as the Organic Interface had been turned off while the drone of the Metal worked on his hardware. While the gonites were an amazing new invention which would serve them well, the rest of his body left much to be desired. The way he was now, he could barely be considered as part of the Rithm and would stand no chance against the champions of the other elemental forces.

So, it was decided an upgrade on his hardware was required. Now, after a few days, the O.I. was finally ready !

« Initializing Organic Interface program… » A dispassionate voice echoed all around, coming from the walls, ceiling, but also each and every one of the drones. « Program initialized. »

The champion's eyes opened, a red glow shining in the depth of his eyeballs. Outwardly, the body still somewhat resembled a human's, since some of his mission parameters required him to blend in with the Red denizens. However, on the inside, most of his organs had been replaced by mechanical and more effective parts. His muscles, and bone structures had also been enhanced. And of course, his armor had also undergone a similar improvement.

The O.I.'s gaze was completely devoid of emotion, as was his face. The reason for his glance was only in order to assess his surroundings. Of course, he knew where he was and knew it to be a safe place. Nonetheless, his program required him to assess his surroundings once he booted up and every time he entered a new location.

The information sent by his optical sensors were almost instantly treated before he started moving. He had to complete his mission…

* * * * *

Ned's group of three joined Robin and the other trio in their search for allies. Unlike Robin, who was somewhat ignorant of the Culling (besides knowing the name), the other three had been here for a while now. They knew the layout of the place, as well as its players. And moreover, they knew the reason for the sick game Harvest was having them play.

« So… we're all here to fight to the death ? And the winners join this Ravager group ? » Robin repeated a brief summary of what had just been explained.

Winston and Sombra were also in the loop since Ned had briefed them prior to coming here. Like Ned (or rather as he introduced himself, Lucio), they stayed silent. Although they were knowledgeable of the general situation, obtaining information about the different groups and areas was a good thing. Maybe they could learn where Ned's other children were…

As they were speaking about this or that group, Sombra lost patience :

« Do you know where our other sisters and brother are ? An Indian woman wearing a somewhat asian-looking outfit, but more futuristic, a female pervert with blue skin, and a robot right out of a Star Wars movie… »

« Huh… » Bloodsmith, whose real name was Daniel (or Dan), was at a loss for words. Those were her siblings ? In that case… He turned his head to Lucio and Winston. Were those her brothers as well ? What kind of wacko family was this ?

Ned could almost hear the man's inner monologue play out. He smirked knowingly and added fuel to the fire :

« I'm actually their father… Winston too ! »

He imagined the man's head exploding from the information overload (but in a cartoonish and not gore-ish way). The calmest and most silent of the group answered Sombra's query :

« They are… » She closed her eyes. « … not far. We are bound to meet them. »

Artemis raised an eyebrow but otherwise stayed silent. Ned eyed the young woman. There was something weird about her eyes… At first, he thought she was blind the way her gaze was often vacant and unfocused, but since she sometimes looked him and the others in the eyes. Perhaps she was seeing something else… A gift of foresight, maybe ? That would explain the way she fought. Especially since she didn't seem very athletic. It was obvious, even to his untrained eyes, that the girl had never done martial arts before. And yet, she easily dodged the attacks of the cyborg.

« What about… my friends ? » Robin suddenly asked.

He meant the other Titans, obviously. His hesitation probably stemmed from the fact that they were hardly friends. But they weren't a team either… Not yet. They had almost no cohesion, or sense on how to work together. In fact, something Ned noticed by mixing with heroes was that they were more often than not, profoundly individualistic people. They learned to work a certain way, because of their training, their equipment, their intellect or their powers. And so, when it came down to working together with other people, they would face some difficulties. Let's not even talk about their ideals or the reasons behind their actions…

The young golem/tech spirit was brought out of his thoughts by the conversation. Robin had given descriptions of his 'friends' and now Artemis, who seemed to have met them, promised to reunite them all.

Ned was getting excited. He wondered how Mel would react seeing him… She was his firstborn. Would she recognize him maybe ? He smiled slightly, feeling mischievous. Maybe, he shouldn't out himself just yet…

* * * * *

And now, he was feeling foolish… She had recognized him instantly. Well, she didn't exactly recognize him for who he was, but she knew him to be a tech spirit. Also, since she knew about Winston's project and that Lucio's spirit hadn't been finished, she easily put two and two together.

The group had swelled with all the Titans, the Overwatch team and the three add-ons put together. However, now the Teen Titans were arguing among each other. Robin was mad at Solstice for hiding how deeply involved she was with N.O.W.H.E.R.E. while Kid Flash defended her. Cassie was against Superboy joining the team since she wasn't sure they could trust him. Skitter was… being Skitter. And Bunker was trying to diffuse the brewing conflict.

Ned decided to interrupt :

« Mini-Supes ! »

Everyone turned toward him, but only one reaction was important right now… Superboy was at first confused, but then, he frowned. It seemed he didn't like the nickname. Good ! That was the aim. Before the clone decided to smack Ned in the face though, he should probably say his piece :

« Are you interested in unlocking your full Kryptonian heritage ? » To himself, he added : « … and then some. »

The frown was slowly wiped from his face while a series of conflicting emotions replaced it. Confusion, wonder, determination. Finally, after a second or two, he nodded, determined. Ned/Lucio, smiled as he retrieved a suspicious-looking device from his belt. Clicking on a button, the device unfolded to impossible proportion. Robin was flabbergasted : this defied logic and the laws of physics !

« Alright, then ! Step into the circle my young padawan ! »

* * * * *

The Ravagers were sitting inside a conference room with their master, looking at a plethora of different screens all showing various areas of the Culling field. Rose Wilson, Thunder and Lightning, Ridge, Grunge, Warblade, Leash, Fairchild… They were all here, alongside their leader at the head of the table and Omen, sitting at his right side.

However, the people suspiciously absent from this room were those that actually considered themselves leader in the organization : Templar and Centerhall. In fact, Harvest himself considered them little more than convenient tools thanks to their intellect. They wouldn't serve his grand plans, beyond making more soldiers for him. Besides… Despite how brilliant they considered themselves to be, he saw them more like intelligent monkeys than real genius. Compared to the people of the 31st century, with their science and history, in addition to the technology… They just couldn't compare !

The Ravagers on the other hand were the tools he forged painstakingly. They were powerful, trained to be ruthless and loyal and they knew to fear him ! Could he ask for more ? Of course, mind control might have been a better alternative to the breaking of their spirits, but there were always limitations… So, he preferred it this way.

Elbows on the table, he crossed his fingers in front of his mouth before commenting in a low voice :

« It's almost time to start the festivities ! »