Up to Speed

Up to Speed is a pilot episode for ARES.

## Plot

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**(First person view)**

{*Vision is hazy as it slowly starts to become clearer. The view shifts around, observing the surroundings of what seems like a Plumbers ship. Muffled noises can be heard until it became clearer. }*

**???**: Mis... trol... Wha... ing on...? 87... under fi.... Back....

{*Muffled noises continue. Suddenly, a large explosion occured. The view crashes and falls to the floor. Hazily, the view shifts to an unknown pilot, panicking frantically. They look behind them and see you. }*

**???**: Wha... you...? Hey....

*The figure approaches you and picks you up. }*

**???**: Don.... I'll...

{*Thunders crashed. Everything turns white. All noises fade away.}*

**(Normal view)**

{*M-8 jolts awake with a loud gasp. He takes a few deep breaths as he climbs out of his bed. He walks into the bathroom and washes his face. He stared at his reflection for a while, breathing heavily.*}

**M-8 (breathing heavily):** Relax.... It was just... Calm down...

{*M-8 checks the medicine cabinet and takes out a small medicine dispenser. He pops a tablet on his hand and swallows it. After a few seconds, he breathes a sigh of relief. He retreats to his room and sits down on his bed.*}

**M-8 (slowly recovering):** Ok.... Ok... I'm fine. It's a new day. **(smiles)** Time to get to work.

{*M-8 perks up and opens his cabinet, pulling out his Plumbers uniform. As he was getting dressed, he glances at his watch and gasps.*}

**M-8 (panicking)**: AH!!! I overslept! I'm late!

{*M-8 quickly gets dressed in his Plumbers uniform and grabs his gear as rushes out the door. After long while of running and bumping into people, he finally arrives at the command hub. He immediately runs toward Magister Patelliday. As he sees M-8 approach, Patelliday glances at his watch while tapping his foot. M-8 arrives to Patelliday's station as he salutes him while catching his breath.*}

**M-8 (panting)**: Reporting... For Duty... Sir...

**Patelliday**: Welp... This may be the third time this week. But at least you got here 10 minutes earlier than last time.

**M-8**: Sorry about that, sir. I... overslept. It won't happen again, I swear.

**Patelliday**: That's what you said the last two times. Anyways, we got trouble brewin' around Undertown. Suspicious illegal arms smuggling activity. I gave the details to your partner, he'll brief you all about it.

**M-8**: Alright. Thank you, sir.

--Skip--

{*M-8 arrives at the loading bay. He looks around the many trucks parked there, looking for his partner, Oron. He sees him, sitting on his truck with paper and pencil in hand. Oron is sketching something as he sees M-8, faintly waving at him.*}

**Oron**: What took you?

**M-8**: Hehe... Sorry. I woke up too late.

**Oron**: Nightmares...?

**M-8**: What? Oh... no no no. I was... uh... up late last night working on these babies.

{*M-8 takes out two pistols out of his holsters. He spins them around a bit before showing them to Oron.*}

**Oron**: Oh those uh... pulse pistols right?

**M-8**: Yep. Semi-automatic. Pulse combustion. And with an addition to coolers from Eislitech, it can fire 200 rounds per minute without overheating.

**Oron**: That's nice... But... didn't you already fini-

**M-8**: Anyways, we got a new mission, Oron. Finally, we can get some action! So what's the deets on the mission?

**Oron**: ...I'll tell you on the way.

{*Under the heat of the summer sun, M-8 and Oron are driving towards a sector in Undertown. Oron decided to take the surface freeway as a shortcut, which they stopped for M-8 to get a Mr. Smoothie. M-8 slurps his smoothie as he gazes over the cityscape of Bellwood. He couldn't help but feel excited for his new mission.*}

**M-8**: Oh man! **(slurps)** I can't wait! I so can't wait! **(slurps)** Are you excited as I am!? Cos I'm excited! **(slurps)** We finally get to have an actual mission. Yes! Oh, it's been so long. Like, around 3 days, 3 weeks?

**Oron**: Months.

**M-8 (talking fast)**: 3 months! Just wish they pumped out more missions for us to do. **(slurps)** Though, I guess cos of Ben Tennyson, crime has gone a bit down. Don't get me wrong here. I'm happy about that there being less criminals. **(slurps)** And, you know, the fact that Earth was saved from the Incursean invasion. Ben 10 is just so awesome and does a great job at beating baddies. But, like, you know, save some for us Plumbers, you know. Hehe. **(slurps)** But, no matter what, I'm still grateful for his work and the fact there's few crime rate. But, yeah, we finally got a job to do that's not boring. **(slurp)**

**Oron**: ...That's great and all. But.... where do we start?

**M-8**: Oh.... Um... We're looking for weapon smuggling in Undertown right?

**Oron**: Yeah...

**M-8**: So, maybe... we could start by asking my dad? He's got a weapon shop there in Undertown. Maybe he knows about this black arms thing going on.

**Oron**: Sounds good....

{*Oron parked the truck in front of a shop, The Bullet Storm, as they step out. M-8 stares at the sign a bit, feeling a sense of nostalgia before he and Oron enter the shop. M-8's nostalgia grew stronger as he entered. The shop was just the same the last time he worked here. Lines of rifles and machine guns stacked across shelves. handguns and components lined the counters.}*

**Oron**: So... you used to work here huh?

**M-8**: Yea. But this shop is more like home to me, **(sigh)** Brings back a lot of memories.

{*At the counter, there's a sonorosian working as the clerk. M-8 has never seen him before, though he recalled his dad mentioning new workers.}*

**Clerk**: Welcome to the Bullet Storm. Where we make sure you're armed and dangerous. How can I help you?

**M-8**: **(waves)** Hi there. Uhh... Is my dad here?

**Clerk**: Ah. You must be his kid. He's grabbing new parts. But he'll be back in a few min-

{*Before the clerk could finish, something zoomed inside the shop. The figure zipped into the back then across the shelves and counters. It zipped back and circled around M-8. The figure slows down and it's shown that M-8 is being hugged by an excited older Kineceleran.}*

**5-L**: Hey! If it isn't my lil trooper!

**M-8**: Hehe. It's awesome to see you again, dad.

{*5-L let go of his son and pats him on the back.*}

**5-L**: Hey, Spud, we got an order for more blasters. Could you pack it up for me?

**Clerk**: Sure thing, boss.

{The clerk *hops of the counter seat and goes into the backroom, leaving him, M-8, and Oron.*}

**5-L**: Sorry about the hug, son. It's just... been a while since you last visit.

**M-8**: Yeah, sorry about that. They got me busy doing clerical work lately.

**5-L**: You must be his partner, right? Ehhh, Oron was it?

**Oron**: Yes sir.... It's nice to meet you...

**5-L**: So what brings you here?

**Oron**: The Plumbers suspect there's illegal weapon smuggling going on here in Undertown. Do you know anything about it?

**5-L**: Black arms, eh? There are rumors. But... I did hear some people talking about a weapon deal going down when I was getting drink at Mama Mooga's last night. I didn't pay much attention cos it was none of my business.

**M-8**: Big Meanie Mooga!? Oh, no! Not her! She's the worst!

**5-L**: Hehe. Quit whining. You're an adult. I'm sure she's already forgiven ya. She was in a good mood when I went there for a drink.

**M-8**: Yeah, well, her "good moods" last longer than I can throw her. **(sigh)** Though, it's still our job to look into it. Thanks for the info, dad. I love stay to longer. But, you know...

**5-L**: It's alright. Just be careful out there, son.

{*M-8 and Oron arrived at a shanty tavern with a neon sign next to the door. They both exit the vehicle as M-8 stares worryingly at the sign "Mooga's Mug"*}

**Oron**: What's the deal with you and this Mooga person?

**M-8**: I might've played around with a rocket launcher before... and blew up half of her bar. Despised me ever since.

**Oron**: Oh... I'm sorry...

**M-8:** No worries. Still, my dad's right. She won't intimidate me anymore. Count on it.

**???**: I knew a herd a liver-livered lizerd outsad ma door!

The tavern doors flew open as a figure steps out. It was a large stout alien with bar apron. She places her hands on her hips as she stares furiously at M-8.

**M-8: (surprised)** AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!

**Oron**: Calm down... It's just a lady.

**Mooga**: Ya got some nerve showin' yer 'ere. Ya 'ere to cause treble again?

**M-8**: Lighten up. I said I was sorry. Besides, my dad already paid for the damage.

**Mooga**: My bar may 'ave been fixed but that don fix how destructive ye can be. If I had a taydenite fer every time ye blew somethin' up, I'd be a rich woman. Now wat you wan?

**Oron**: We're here to investigate about suspicious black arms going on... Someone informed us that they made a deal here. Do you know anything about it?

**Mooga**: Oh myyy, officer, dat sounds very dangerous... Well, lotta people come and go here for a drink or two. But where are my manners? A vary.... strong and... muscular... and handsome man like yerself must be parched frum all the crime fightin these days.

{*Mooga seductively struts towards Oron. She gently holds on to his arm and gently caresses it. Oron gives her an nonchalant blank stare.*}

**M-8 (nervously)**: Whatever you're doing to my partner... please stop. You're gonna make me lose my smoothie.

**Oron**: Well... I am kinda parched.

**M-8: (whispering to Oron)** Please don't humour her. We still got a job to do.

**Oron**: But we still need info on these smugglers.

**Mooga**: Naw need to be rushin' it, hunk. Lemme gib you somethin' to drink and I'll reveal it all to ya.

**M-8**: Stooooop.

{*Oron sits down by the bar as Mooga pours him a glass of a white drink into a mug. M-8 crosses his arms and pouts, watching his partner interacting with the alien that considers him a menace. Oron guzzles down on the mug and wipes his mouth.*}

**Mooga**: Soooooo sugar... Waddya thank?

**Oron**: Wow.... (smiles) Taste... amazing...

**Mooga**: Ha, am glad ya loved it. It's a lil somethin' I made maself. It's based on some human drank. Eggnog somethin' somethin'. But I made a few twist to ta recipe.

**Oron**: Hmm... So good. Another please...?

**Mooga**: Haha... anythang fur ya, handsome. Lemme go make some more fur ya.

When Mooga turns her back, M-8 rolls his eyes and silently gags. He walks up behind Oron and taps him on the back.

M-8: Ehem.

Oron: ....What?

M-8: We gotta focus here, bud.

Oron: Oh... Ok....

Mooga returns with two more eggnog and places one down on the table. Oron delightfully grabs it down and it down. She offers the other one to M-8 as he gives her a confused look.

Mooga: What? To weak of a stomach for alcohol? Am tryin ta be nice ere, even though ya still a piece of shit.

M-8: Thanks. but I already had a smoothie. Anyways... we're here cos' we got info that a bunch of smugglers came here to this bar last night.

--skip--

{*M-8 opens the door and enters the room. The gambling den is a complete mess with cards scattered on the table and on the floor, some chairs are toppled over, and beer bottles are strewn about. M-8 gags a bit from the foul stench of alcohol.*}

**M-8**: Wow... Must've had a rough night. Now, then, there's gotta be something here that's useful.

{*M-8 wanders around the room, checking everywhere for clues. He searched under tables, under the carpet, looked through the shelves, and even checked inside mugs and bottles. M-8 has been searching for almost an hour as he starts to get irritated*.}

**M-8 (frustrated)**: Agh! It's hopeless.

{*As M-8 was about to leave, he notices something on the table. He rummages through the gambling cards and discovered a different one. Upon closer inspection, it looks like a business card. The title reads: "Peaceful Sleep Funeral Services". It also has specks of red glittery dust on it.*}

**M-8**: Hmm... Someone must've left it. What's this red stuff?

{*M-8 examines the dust closer. He scraps a bit of it with his claws and sniffs it. M-8 snorts and gags from the pungent scent.*}

**M-8**: Ugh.. Strong distinct sulfuric smell. Looks like it has bits of oscillation crystals in it. Plus with the red color... I think I finally found a clue.

{*M-8 excitedly exits the den and joins Oron who's been drinking another glass.*}

**M-8**: Hey, Oron, I-... How long have you been drinking?

{*Oron lets out a loud burp as he finishes his drink before setting it down.*}

**Oron**: I lost count.

**M-8**: Well, whatever. I found us a clue. The smugglers are probably at this funeral services. We should head there now.

**Oron**: Yeah... Alright...

{*After Oron paid his bill, he and M-8 left the tavern and drove off to their next destination.*}

**Oron**: So... what makes you think that... can lead us to the smugglers?

**M-8**: Well, Mooga may be a meanie, but she isn't a liar. So, if we believe what she said about the smugglers using the gambling den recently, then they probably dropped this card.

**Oron**: What if it came from other aliens before the smugglers came into the den?

**M-8**: Well, it's because of this bit of red dust here. You see it? This is novemium. It's a pretty strong chemical explosive used in artillery. Though this kind of stuff is classified as illegal due to being infamous in being main ingredient a bunch of dangerous and illegal weapons.

**Oron**: So, the same smugglers we're trying to catch are using this stuff for their guns?

**M-8 (determined)**: Could be. That's why we gotta catch them before they could smuggle more novemium-powered arms. With the two of us, we're unbeatable.

**Oron (smiles)**: Yeah...

--skip--

{*M-8 and Oron arrive at a small building situated on a hillside of Undertown. A small sign on the door shows the logo of the "Peaceful Sleep Funeral Services". M-8 opens the door and checks inside as Oron follows. Inside the building were lines of decorative funeral caskets of many different types and sizes to accommodate for different aliens. By the counter, there is a Thep Khufan, reading a magazine. The two Plumbers approach him.*}

**Oron**: Hello... You in charge here?

**Thep Khufan**: No...

**Oron**: ....

**Thep Khufan**: ....

**Oron (frustrated)**: ....

**M-8**: Um... What's your name?

**Thep Khufan**: ...None of your business.

*{Thep Khufan continues reading as M-8 glares at him frustratingly.}*

**M-8 (whispering):** Psst. I'll have a look around. Try to get some info from him.

*{Oron nods as M-8 checks out the displays carefully to lower suspicion. Meanwhile, Oron walks up to the clerk as he lays his hands on.}*

**Oron:** We're Plumbers and we're to investiga-

**Thep Khufan:** If you're not gonna order anything, I suggest you take your lizard friend and get lost.

**Oron:** Hrrmm... Excuse me, but we're searching for smugglers who are illegally running deals around Undertown.

**Thep Khufan**:

--skip--

{*M-8 opens the large door. He gasps as he discovers something big. Inside the room were a few aliens loading up weapons inside the caskets and coffins. M-8 observed the red-powered weapons on them and realized they were powered with novemium. He unholstered his firearms and pointed at them.*}

**M-8**: Nobody move! Puts your hands in the air!

*{The aliens denies that request and instead points their rifles at M-8. They open fire against him. M-8 quickly jumps behind a coffin to take cover.}*

**Thep Khufan:** Tch. Busted.

*{Oron was about take out his pistol when the Thep Khufan behind him wrapped his bandages around his arm and pulled him off balance, causing him to drop his gun. The bandages starts to slowly wrap around his legs and arms. Oron struggles to try to break free.}*

*{Meanwhile, the goons continue firing at M-8 while he ducks down for cover. He reaches into his belt and takes out a concussion grenade. He activates and quickly throws it at them. The grenade successfully lands between the goons as it explodes, incapacitating them.}*

**Oron**: Grggh.. Ahrgh!

{*M-8 looks behind him and sees Oron completely restrained in bandage as if he was being mummified.*}

**M-8**: Leave him alone!

{*M-8 open fires at the Thep Khufan. He dodges to the left as he tosses his bandages at M-8. M-8 backflips behind a casket as he reloads his weapons. The Thep Khufan snatches his cover away as he attempts to grab him again. M-8 tries to jump out of the way, but his leg gets caught. He is immediately tossed up in the air and slams back down on the ground. With a loud gasp of pain, M-8 is thrown again to a wall, knocking him out unconscious.}*

*{M-8's head aches in pain as he slowly starts to come to. His vision is hazy until it slowly starts to clear up. He looks above him and notices a weird ceiling with crates stuck on it. He also notices that his body feel restrained and floating in the air.}*

**Oron:** M-8... Hey, M-8...

**M-8:** Gngh... What happened? Did we get catch the bad guys?

**Oron:** Other way around....

*{M-8 was confused until he realized that they were both upside down. They are restrained and hung to the ceiling by wrappings. M-8 and Oron both struggle virgoursly to try and break out, but the wrappings as strong. They heard a laugh below them and sees the smugglers looking at them.}*

**Thep Khufan:** Glad you finally decide to wake up from bedtime. How's it hanging?

**M-8:** You smugglers are so under arrest once we get out of here.

**Thep Khufan:** Pfft. Struggle all you want. As if we're letting two coppers ruin good business here.

**Goon:** Hey, boss, we should test you-know-what on them.

**Thep Khufan:** Why, that's such an excellent idea. Bring it in!

*{Two goons steps out of the room. Meanwhile, M-8 tries slip one of his claws out of the wrapping. One breaks loose as he tries to cut through the wrappings. The goons return, carrying a large cannon into the room. One of them presses a few buttons on it as it starts charging up. The Thep Khufan holds it in his arms as he aims at the two Plumbers.}*

**Thep Khufan:** Hehe. This is gonna be fun.

**Oron:** M-8... If we don't make it out of this. I want you to know you've been a wonderful partner and friend....

**M-8 (struggling):** Same too, bud... But... We're not getting blown up... today...

*{The cannon reaches full power with a loud hum. The Thep Khufan steadies his aim at the two, slowly squeezing the trigger. M-8 starts panicking as he tries to cut faster.}*

**Thep Khufan:** Good bye...

*{M-8 panics to cut himself and his partner loose. The cannon fires out a large red beam as it flies toward M-8 and Oron.}*