Chapter 18
Sometime past evening, around 2100.
The party had made the trip back up to the surface. The sun had set long before they've reached the open sky. Lou Feng led the party down the familiar sights of the various storage units. Their armored boots echoed with resonating thuds, upon the pavement ground. Echoing in the air with each foot fall. They walked on for a few minutes before they came upon a particular unit that seemed to be larger than others around it.
Stopping in front of the sealed gate before Lou Feng halted in his steps.
"Han Xin help me with the other side please."
Lou Feng gestured one of his teammates to the opposite side of the portal. His teammate replied with a simple grunt in turn. Making his way to the side where he is needed.
"Alright get ready to have your minds blown." Lou Feng then said before giving Han Xin the signal, then the duo began to push. The sliding iron doors slowly slide apart, with squeals of forced gears that have been dormant for too long. The moon and star light from high above shone through the opening gap.
What was unveiled behind the steel doors was a sight to behold indeed. There was a trove of 2-meter-tall humanoid figures held suspended within multiple stalls. Or stations all of which followed the same design structure. A box frame with two long metal legs, which extends up the rear to support two overhead bars, which also appears to be adjustable in height by two hydraulic pistons. These are found upon the sides of the station. Connecting all this together was a two-piece unit on the back. Formed by two struts with a wide base.
Though the key objects themselves. The metallic humanoids or rather robots such as they were. All of whom followed the same structural figure. Their external features were all different, yet they all stood inert motionless, lifeless. Though within the lifeless form hid a sense of hidden danger as though it would spring to life at any minute.
"Wow~. Now that is badass." Mi Liu whistled at the sight. Marveling at the sight before the group. He wasn't alone, others too were bewitched at the display of power. Many even rushed forward, each almost instinctually taking a spot to inspect the goods.
"Look they even have their control consoles here!" Someone ahead of the group cried out excitedly, pointing a single digit towards the rear of the station. Towards the said device. A connected station which resembled that of a gaming console. Layered with controls and three suspended glass monitors above the controls.
"Is that all-?" One of the few who stayed back along with Yue Fei stammered out. Marveling at the mechanical giants before them. The details and the craftsmanship of the machines were beyond anything he has seen in his life. Not even those military drones could match these, at least in looks. Yet the hint of the mechanical ingenuity behind its inner workings. Could be seen through the seams, along the joints and armor plating.
"Yep, its not much with just these selection of metabots right now though these are just pit bots. Should still be enough for the moment."
Lou Feng responded with vigor, with profound pride as though it was his own handiwork.
"Pit bot?" Yue Fei asked confused by the term that was used. Looking at Lou Feng for clarification.
"Oh, right sorry, of course you wouldn't know what I meant. A pit bot, you know the fighting pits. Yeah, that's what these ones are for just sport entertainment." Lou Feng explained, gesturing towards the inert robots. "Even if just for entertainment they should still be of use. They're still made with pure Durasteel steel alloy. The skeletal servo frames are covered and layered with Metasteel synthetic metal muscle fibers. Providing its incredible motion and power. So, no need to worry that they would break that easily."
"Yeah, I can imagine getting punched in the face by these things ani't no joke." Lee Shin commented on the side. Tapping a single digit against the tapered harden steel frame. At the enlarged gauntlet fist of the machine before him. Walking around the station, admiring the marvel of steely sinew. The dream of so many young men in the world.
"You know sometimes I forget that you guy actually come from the future." Yue Fei's flustered response was all that he could muster at that moment. Looking at the rows of motionless steel automatons.
"Hey, it's hard to swallow I'll give you that. I still cannot fathom the fact it's real. Yet here we are, as real as it can be."
Lou Feng replied casually with a shrug.
That was correct, Lou Feng's team no, he and his entire school, the Wu Li One World Academy apparently were from the future. At least to Yue Fei and his peers, even all the female students of Saint Maiden Scholars Institute are from a different time period. Each being well nearly fifty years ahead in the timeline for those of Sun Tech University.
How and why such a thing has happened. It was but one of the many mysteries of the current predicament that they find themselves currently in. Certainty one of many phenomena that will never have an answer to. At least not any time soon. So, they didn't focus or linger on that thought for very long.
"Sweet so how do these things work?" Yue Fei asked curiosity filling his tone. Eyes growing hopeful, with a smile slowly creeping on his lips as he waited for Lou Feng's explanation to drink in the information.
"Easy you can control them via their interface controllers." Lou Feng pulled out a rectangular device from one of the stations. The size of it resembles that of a tablet. Resembling the size of cutting board. With handles at the sides, centered around a screen. Tapping at a corner of the device. With a mechanical beep the screen then glows with life.
The robot in turn also reacted. Gears shifting, motors squeal in life with forced effort. Probably being inert for an extended period. It's lifeless mechanical lenses, then flared with light.
"Typically, there are two types of controllers: handheld robot controllers like this or the more competitive WRB robot control consoles. Ok releasing the holding locks, right~, now."
Lou Feng then tapped at the screen of the controller. The device beeped with each command given. This time it was the locking stations that reacted. The pistons and levers controlling the manipulars arms. Groaned and hissed loudly in the air with effort. Releasing their hold upon the contained humanoid machine. The machine then took its first step. The impact footfall resounded within the storage bay loudly. Akin to a gunshot. Standing in front of its holding station it then ceased all other motions. Was again being stationary yet again. Awaiting further commands, while its life core hummed with power. Vibrating the air around it.
"So, the common features for the handheld controller. Are things you should be familiar with, touch screens with input commands and sequences. With the handles at the sides acting as joysticks for your era console gaming."
Lou Feng twisted and twirled the handles at the side of the controller. At that very moment the robot got into a stance. Bearing its two fist in front of its chest. Before throwing a set of fists forward in rapid succession. In accordance to what Lou Feng motioned with the handles.
"The side handles control the basic functions, such as the command such as attacks, steering and moving." He continued the demonstration as the robot danced to the tunes of his will.
"It does take a little getting use to, as its not just twisting and moving the handles around. Sometimes, you have to move your whole body with the motion for the proper command you want."
Everyone in attendance focused upon Lou Feng as he continued his lecture along with the demonstration.
"The controller features a subroutine program functions as well. Two such alternatives for such controls; shadow functions and voice command. The latter I don't think anyone needs an explanation for. Shadow functions however."
He trailed off tapping at the control before stepping in front of the machine. Passing the controllers to the nearest person. Its armored lenses locked onto Lou Feng. As he tilted his head from side to side. The machine also mirrored his actions. When he threw a punch, it mirrored him as well.
"Oh~." The audience around muttered together in near unison. Marveling at the show before them. Lou Feng then signaled his teammate holding the controller. With a raise of his chin towards that individual. Receiving the command he tapped at the controller. The robot creased in its mimicry of Lou Feng.
"It mirrors whatever action that the machines sees and then memorizes and records it within its data base. Then with a sperate program. It can be used to create custom combat moves however the user programs it. The handheld robot controllers are essentially no different than computers created by various computer companies back home. Each with its own specs, functionality, and style."
He then tucked the controlled in between the gaps of his breast plate. Guiding the group to the side of the holding station.
"While on the other hand, the more advanced WRB robot control terminals." Lou Feng gestured towards the stationary control console.
"What is the acronym supposed to be?" Yue Fei interjected suddenly. Pure curiosity radiated off his tone.
That caught Lou Feng off by surprise. Genuine surprise plastered his features, before quickly replaced. By the thoughtful look of one thinking.
"You know I actually don't remember what it was but that's just the boring details." Waving his hand dismissively, before continuing on.
"WRB Controllers as you can see are not portable. Being more sophisticated compared to handheld controls. Being used for more advanced league bots in national tournaments. The WRB controllers have joysticks which control the robot's actions and feedback systems which sends the robot's status to the controller. The response time is next to near zero in delay speed so much, one couldn't even tell. Some even has more than just manual controls even automatically if desired. Well~, what do you guys think?"
Many of the guys felt their hearts beat loudly in their chest. Adrenaline pumping through their veins. Hope flaring through the crowd, all of whom but one. The joy and expectation in his eyes had dimmed significantly by the time Lou Feng had concluded his tour.
"So, bottom line we have to remote control these things in real time while in a fight. That doesn't change the number of hands available to fight then. The only difference is who will be fighting at the moment. We would be leaving ourselves vulnerable just controlling them. Since we have to be within the line of sight to control them." Yue Fei said flatly. His tone is now almost dismissive.
"Yes." Lou Feng shrugged slightly before quickly continuing his words. "However, remember what I said? We can program them to move automatically if need be. They can also ordered to attack on command through visual and audio frequency if they have the program installed."
Yue Fei retorted then to his words.
"Via the WRB Controllers perhaps, but what about the handheld controllers those are only manual right? Plus, it's not like there's a target indicator for us to point out a target for them to attack. So, the automatic function is useless here. Logically it would work in a ring, with other logistical equipment around to aid in that function but. We don't have any of that here. Which is why we would need to be within line of sight to direct them properly. Plus, in that tight space the wireless connection would be a problem."
He had almost turned on his heel right then and there. However, Lou Feng's next words halt his actions.
"Which is why we're doing that now. We have the WRB Controller Terminals from what I see there should also be UNAC system installed too."
"Am I supposed to know what that is?"
"Wait for it I'm getting there. Basically, it's a link system that allows you to link together multiple machines and have them act according to preset commands. So instead of each controlling one machine." He once again gestured his hand towards the multiple rows of station present. Punctuating his point across.
"We can link together at minimum two or three machines together. Potentially we can double our number if we were to do this. Wouldn't that be a bonus for us in this raid no?"
More of the boys now beaming with hope and fury in their hearts at the prospect of such new avenues of
"You think you can link and program a simple control to each to each handheld controller for us?"
"I can probably link it to a rudimentary control command sequence. Since there's not much time to fine tune it. The attack controls will be a little-"
Lou Feng's
"Can you do it?" Yue Fei asked forcefully his patience was running short at this point. This snapped Lou Feng out of his stupor before he continued his mindless chatter.
"Yes, without a doubt."
"How long?"
"Not long only about ten-twenty minutes." Lou Feng answered with pride and confidence in his voice.
"You got ten, we've not the time for that get to it."
"Alright don't expect a miracle. If you're only giving me that much time. Let's get started then."
For the next few moments there was chaos. The group was divided into two. One focusing on the computer programing aspect, the other doing the physical labor. Many among Yue Fei's team fell upon the second category. As for Lou Feng's team being the more experienced in first matter. As they have more experience in the technology, so they handle the tech work. Processing each machine for one person at a time. One by one at a time till finally it was Yue Fei's turn.
As Yue Fei was powering up one machine helping his crew to position the machine he halted in his steps. Yue Fei then saw something that caught his eye. A peculiar sight one that seemed out of place.
"Hey, think you can pass this off to Luo Feng for me I want to check something for a minute."
"Sure, it's not a problem for me. I'll let you know when it done." Yue Yang replied briefly his hands grasped at the controller Yue Fei handed to him.
"Thanks." After Yue Fei said his piece, he then strode away. In the direction of his interest. He strode towards it. Moving away from the rest as they dabbled in their new equipment. Soon he reaches the object of interest. A lone box.
A single box that sat alone upon a work bench. Though not seemingly out of place. Something about it seemed to draw in Yue Fei. Like a calling of sorts. Wiping away at the dust covering it. Revealing the hidden characters underneath the compacted dust particles. Still blurred slightly, along with the passage of time had eroded the print. Though it was legibly enough for him to decipher what it said.
HL-1 Defibrillators, along with an equally faded picture of said product held within. With a second thought he tore at the box till the said item lay bare before his naked eyes. Held tightly within its compact space with fillings and plastic wrappings. Protecting it from elements of the outside world. Still pristine as the day it was packaged and shipped out from the factory.
Dragging a single digit along the smooth white hard plastic frame of the Defibrillators. As though sensing a long-lost sensation seeming ingrained into the tool. Retrieving the articles form its cage. Of carboard and plastic seals. The Defibrillators were of a design not familiar to Yue Fei. Clearly distinctive of a different era.
Looking at the design of the Defibrillators it resembled to Yue Fei a hot iron. With its square shaped frame built in handle design. It felt heavier than it looked, more so than what the steel panel plate could offer. Unknowingly tightening his grip upon them. As if in response to the weight he felt from them.
Yue Fei hefted them up again to his eyes, then looked down at his armored gloves and gauntlet. Then back to the Defibrillators then again to his armor. An idea then suddenly popped into life within his mind. His eyes then darted around looking for something new now. There along the side of another bench another component. A massive battery pack. He hoped at least judging from its shape. He made his way to the now empty holding station where Lou Feng gave his demonstration. Doffing his armor suspending it upright by the latches. He then asked out loud while beginning to work on his idea.
"Hey, can someone pass me a wrench?"
At another location.
Within a dimly lit enclosed space. With the hint of a candle fire. Paired with the moonlight peering through the blinds covering the open window. The gentle night breeze flowing through the enclosed space within its walls. Illuminating the space within revealing a small table near the center of the room. Several figures were huddled around it.
"My prince you must rest. You've had a long day no need to push yourself too hard." A concerned voice echoed in the air coming from the taller figure of the trio. Standing a bit further from the duo before them.
One sat behind the other apparently tending to several wounds on the individually in front of them. Warping what appears to be bandages around the figures out stench arm.
"Its fine Demor, we all knew it wasn't a breeze coming here." The small figure being tended to, replied nonchalantly. Without a care in the world.
"But my prince," Demor began to protest, however the smaller figure waved a hand dismissively.
"It's just Ravus now I'm no prince in this place." Ravus brushed aside his aide's concerns.
A hand then was placed upon the young man's shoulder. The moonlight shone a figure similar in age to Ravus. He too seeing the concern expression on that face. Signed gently before once again. Dismissing the concern expressed.
"Stop worrying Sam I'm not that weak. This is nothing we can't handle."
Sam didn't say anything. His face was placid, devoid of anything that could hint. At any sort of emotion visible on his features. Nothing but an arch of his brow occurred then.
"On come on already stop worrying. If we were to cower before something this trivial, we will never beat those who look down on us."
Sam, his face still placid, said nothing but slightly nodded his head. Ravus grinned and nodded back at Sam.
"I promise, whatever they might throw at us we will surpass it mark my words." his words carried the conviction and will to conveying to Sam. Who nodded his head again. He then signaled his work completed by tapping on Ravus's shoulder. He rose from his seat then testing his mended limb. Flexing and rotating his shoulder. Satisfied, he flashed a happy grin at Sam. Who still just nodded his head slightly towards him.
"My lord if you are done let's get some sleep, we've a long day ahead of us tomorrow." Demor then cut in then.
"Yes lets. We do have a day ahead of us don't stay up too late Demor you need your rest too." Ravus said making his way to his bed in the far side of the room
"I will bear that in mind my lord." Demor said bowing his head, his right palm pressing against his chest. Sam having stowed away his tools. Also began heading towards the bed next to Ravus's bed. While Demor made his way towards the doorway. Sitting upon a couch seated facing the door. His hands gripping the article of death laying on his lap. After the duo made themselves conformable underneath the thick fur upon the blanket. It didn't take long after the long-exhausted day they quickly found the comfort of deep sleep.
Extra
Yue Fei's team
Kim-sing translate to: (Sword Saint)
Yue Yang
Mi Liu
Lee Shin
Nip Fung translate to: (Whispering Wind)
Qin Xa
Mou-ming (Nameless)
Zhongqing/Zheng Qing (the Twins) (2)
Shen Yi (Hou Yi)
Han Zhuo
Kai
Fei
Han Xin
Ying Zheng
Mengya (Teammate that was taken)
Wei Li Jing
Wu Song
Lou Feng's team:
Alex
Walter Feng
Ying Zheng
Wu Song
Han Xin
Steven Cho
David Yen
Kevin Lui