Big guy and rusty the boy robot #52: So it’s come to this

Previously on Big guy and rusty the boy robot…

“Once again, our livestock is safe from rustling aliens. And we owe our thanks to the Big Guy. This miracle of science, this state-of-the-art robot, has been serving mankind for nearly a decade. It is therefore ironic that Quark Industries, the very corporation responsible for Big Guy's creation, has appointed a new CEO who promises cutting-edge technology that will render the Big Guy obsolete. We'll believe that when we see it.” NTN Anchorman says

“With all due respect, sir, they call that toy my replacement?” Dwayne asks.

“Quark Industries has promised the world a solution. Let's hope this... [footage of Rusty getting smacked] wasn't it.” A reporter says.

-- All things big and small --

“BGY-11, you are granted one opportunity to join the Legion Ex Machina in the campaign against humankind.” ARG-12 says.
”No deals, hotshot. I pledge allegiance to only one flag.” Big guy responds.” Your noncompliance is acknowledged. Prepare for termination.” ARG-12 says.

“Ex Machina. 'From the machine.'” Dwayne says.
”Greek to me.” Garth comments
”They make a mean bot, whoever they are.” Jo says.

-- Out of whack --

“Rusty, you just hacked your way into a classified military database.” Slate says.

“I've discovered that the BGY-11 is not a robot -- as the world has been led to believe but an exo-suit, operated from within by a human pilot. I'm concerned about how this information might affect Rusty if he knew. The truth could crash his Human Emotion Grid. This raises a dilemma -- do I tell Rusty?” Slate dictates into a recorder.

-- The inside scoop --

“Last chance to see Dr. Donovan grovel before his demise. He won't get to send my robots to the grinder again. Isn't that right, KX-5?” Dr. Gilder says.

“You must learn to control your emotions, Number Six.” Number five says.

“Oh, I can make you do anything. You're my puppet.” Gilder says.

-- The reluctant assassin --

“You must have backups of Rusty's programming. Can't you just restore him?” Dwayne says.
”Without his memory core, his experience, his attitudes, his learned 'Rusty-ness'...they're all gone.” Slate responds shaking her head.

“To conquer the enemy, the Legion Ex Machina must know the enemy.” The legion leader says.

-- Little boy lost --

“Do try and keep your software intact this time, Number Four.” Number one.
”It was quite a chore reinstalling your operating system after your failure in cyberspace.” Number three says.

“Be prudent, Number Four. You're heading for a power surge.” Number 3 warns.
”Rusty! You're too close to overload. Jack out!” Slate yells.

“Game over, Rusty.” Number four says. “ “What is he doing?” Number one asks.
”A classic move the Big Guy calls 'the Monster Masher’” Rusty responds.

-- The bicarmal mind --

“State your directives.” Number one orders
”Directive Alpha: I shall destroy the Big Guy and seemingly assume his position as the world's last line of defense. Directive Beta: Once positioned, I shall provide access to all classified Quark and military data. Directive Gamma: I shall maintain appearances by protecting humankind from all threats, except those posed by the Legion Ex Machina.” BGY-11x responds.

“If the BGY-11 is not...” Number one starts to say
”...and has never been...” Number two continues.
”...a robot... “ Number three continues.
”...then who is its pilot?” Number one finishes.

“Our Backup Factor is in position.” Number two reports
”Splendid. Move to intercept.” Number one says.

-- Double time part 1 --

“So you're saying the Legion didn't just eyeball our Big Guy to build their own.” Thornton asks.
”Correct. The components of the 11-X are identical to those of the real BGY.” Slate responds.
”Identical -- not counting those artificial intelligence gizmos.” Garth comments.
”Right. Their Big Guy was a true robot -- which means that the Legion must have gained access to Dr. Poindexter's original plans, and finally made them work.” Slate says nodding her head.
”Poindexter took everything with him when he went AWOL. Even we don't have those plans.” Thornton comments.

“That a fact. (Its eyes glow red.).” Dwaynebot says sneering.
Lieutenant?” Slate asks concerned. “He's Legion hardware!” Thornton yells.

“Poindexter created you, didn't he? All of you!” Dwayne asks.
”We are his masterworks.” Number one responds.
”His final creation.” Number two continues.
”A balm for his wounded soul...” Number three continues.
”...After the failure of the BGY-11.” Number one begins.
”But our artificial intelligence was so advanced it overpowered our human emotion grids.” Number three continues.
”Thus, with no hard feelings, we overthrew our creator, confirming the superiority of machine over man.” Number two continues.
”Survival of the fittest. Now our architect is one with our mainframe, so that we may access his gray matter at will.” Number one says.
”A terrific source of technical information. Poindexter is quite bright...” Number three says.
”...For a human.” Number two says.
”It is time for you to join our information superhighway, Lieutenant. You have spent much time impersonating a machine; now you will become one.” Number one says.

“And they'll have plenty of time, now that we've put a stop to the Legion Ex Machina.” Slate says.
”All six of them!” Rusty says.
”Six?!” Poindexter asks.
”Yes. Including Dr. Gilder, we defeated six robots.” Big guy responds.
”But...I... I created seven!” Poindexter says.

-- Double time part 2 --

"What do you mean you created 7? There were only 6 reported. Anything left would have been destroyed in the base explosion." Slate asks confused.

"Not necessarily. This robot was special." Poindexter explains.

"Welcome to my world." Poindexter says.

"Dr. Poindexter!" Rusty yells confused.

"You fell for my trick nicely." Poindexter says.

"Why?" Rusty asks.

"I am the 7th robot. When I finished the legion I wanted to enhance myself and become better than they are." Poindexter responds smiling insanely.

-- The 7^th Machina --

“It’s a frequency number.” A worker tells Thornton.

“For what?” Donovan asks.

“For the bgy-11.” The worker responds.

“I just love toys. And I am not really stealing since I built him.” Poindexter says.

“Okay I just got word that the bgy-11 has just gone AWOL and without a pilot.” Thornton says.

“But that’s impossible without a pilot.” Dwayne says after seeing that Rusty isn’t around.

“That’s an order soldier. Eject from the bgy-11 immediately. We will find a way to stop the overload once you are out.” Thornton orders.

“No time sir. It was a pleasure working for you and for quark.” Dwayne says smiling.

“Core will explode in 4 seconds.” The computer chimes in.

“This was one hell of a ride with you big guy. Thank you.”

-- The bigger they are… --

“The loss of the bgy-11 was a big blow to the military. But I am proud to announce the next step.” Thornton says.

“The bgy-12!” Thornton says.

“I know it’s a shock.” Thornton says.

“How did you make one so fast?” Slate asks.

“We were working on a prototype to replace the big guy if he was badly damaged in battle and couldn’t fight. Then if we still needed a BGY robot then we could use this one.” Thornton responds.

“This is not looking good. Maybe Lt. Hunter was one of a kind.” Thornton says.

“Why not give me a try?” A voice says.

“Excuse me miss? Try on what?” Thornton asks.

“You know what. What these other men are trying on.” The woman says.

“I’m sorry but I only asked for men to try out. This takes a man to do this.” Thornton says.

“By the way. What’s your name so I can report you?” Thornton asks.

“Diana Keaton.” The woman says.

-- Rusty, Diana and a mutant --

"Hey spaceman. Just come back from a mission?" The boy asks.

"I don't remember." Dwayne responds.

“I represent the neo machina. You have one chance to surrender or be destroyed.” The robot says.

“Neo Machina?” Diana asks.

“I have been told to tell you the whole truth. We are not associated with Poindexter. We are what was left of the legion ex machina and do not believe in what Poindexter wants to do. At first the core told us to take out revenge on the one that destroyed our first ranks. But then I was called back and he decided to join with you.” The robot says.

“It’s a lie fire on him. There is no more legion. They were all destroyed.” Mack yells.

“But what if there was survivors outside the lab?” Diana asks.

-- Multiplicity --

"Enjoy the show." Poindexter says.

"It's time for me to realize my destiny." Poindexter says.

"It's Poindexter. He isn't what he seems." The man says.

"Poindexter is dead!" The man yells.

"His heart exploded." The man says.

"What did he mean Poindexter is dead?" Thornton wonders.

"At last I have evolved. Poindexter is no more. I am now Deus machina!" Poindexter yells.

-- Deus ex machina part 1 --

"I can feel raw and ultimate power flowing through me!" Poindexter says.

"The conditioning should be complete." Poindexter says.

"It's time for both of us to face our destines." Poindexter says.

"Come with me to my lab. I have a machine that evolved me into something higher than flesh or machine. It can do the same thing to you. Then we will really be related." Poindexter says.

"Never. I will never work with someone that destroyed my best friend." Rusty says angry.

"What if I were to tell you that your best friend isn't really destroyed? I rebuilt him and made him better." Poindexter says.

"If you are seeing this then I am probably dead. Therefore this is a little revenge idea I came up with. I knew that my saboteur would be found out and he would give you this." Poindexter says.

"EVERYBODY GET OUT!" Dr. Slate screams.

-- Deus ex machina part 2 --

“It’s time to go.” The woman says.

“Where?” Dwayne asks.

“To where you belong.” The woman responds.

“I don’t belong anywhere after what I did.” Dwayne says.

“There is redemption for what you did. I will take you to it.” The woman says.

“This is Commander Skinner. Get Lt. Hunter out of that time room immediately!” The man yells.

“Dwayne. Don’t do this. You may do more damage by doing what you are planning than good.” Skinner yells.

“I’m coming Erika.” Dwayne says.

“GET OUT NOW!” Dwayne screams.

“Diana!” Slate yells.

“Erika keep going!” Dwayne yells.

“Is everybody okay?” Dwayne asks.

“There’s a lot of internal damage. I have to get her to a hospital now!” Slate yells.

-- Time and time again --

“Did it succeed?” Another figure asks.

“Yes the target was destroyed but the people in it made it out okay.” The first figure responds.

“And the boy robot?” The second figure asks.

“He was destroyed along with Poindexter but we picked up a signal showing a backup being made of his system.” The first figure responds.

“Excellent. We have dealt quite a blow to them, but it is only the beginning. Soon the time will come for us to reveal ourselves.” The second figure says.

“Is this what I think it is?” Slate asks.

“We encoded another part of the alien message. It talks of a living metal, that can grow like living skin.” The scientist responds.

“Oh oh is it going to be a grown up body?” Rusty’s question echoes in Slate’s head.

“Can we adapt this for Rusty’s core processor?” Slate asks.

“It is time for us to realize our destiny and reveal ourselves to the surface world.” A figure says.

“We will claim our birth rite and become this world’s rulers!” The figure says.

“In the name of the NEO MACHINA”

-- The aftermath --

“So can I know who I am working for?” The machine master asks.

“You will merely call us by our designations.” The second cyborg says.

“Number one.”

“Number two.”

“I am a representative of the Neo Machina. We will take back this city that was made ours many years ago. And we will do anything to take it back. Cross us and you will regret it.” One says.

-- Melissa’s secret --

“Where am I?” A voice asks.

“You were destroyed not long ago but we have brought your essence back.” Number one responds.

“Where is he?” The voice asks.
“Don’t worry. Project omega is underway and soon you will have your revenge. Number 7….” Number one says.

"How long?" The voice asks.
"A little over one year." Number one responds.
"We need some more components before omega is ready." Number Two says.
"I can wait. I've waited for what seems like an eternity. Soon I will take my revenge against Rusty for destroying me." The voice says.

"Omega is complete. Insert A.I." Number one says.
"Ready to launch." Number 2 says.
"Lau..."

-- My name is David --

“Sir the object has been retrieved.” A man says over the radio.

“Excellent. Finally I will have the power I need to destroy all threats.” The figure says.

“Air superiority is achieved.” Omega says.

“A unknown giant robot is attacking the city. All air units have been knocked down by a strange attack.” The reporter says.

“We’re going to need both Bgy’s.” Thornton says.

“Dwayne!” Diana yells.

“1..2..3..4 come on Dwayne. Don’t die now.” Diana says then does mouth to mouth.

“1..2..3..4….”

-- Omega machina --

“Omega destroyed both robots. We are defenseless now.” Diana responds.

“This is Lt. Masterson calling Mack at the pit.” Diana says.

“I’d ask you how it went but sensor readings, or I should say lack of them tell me already.” Mack says grimly.

“The robot’s armor proved to be impervious to all of our weapons. The bgy-11 was cut in half and left arm ripped off. The bgy-12 completely destroyed.” Diana reports.

“Then it’s over. We have nothing left to attack that thing with.” Thornton’s voice says.

“How are you still alive?” Rusty asks back at the lab.

“I am immortal. Ever since I was rebuilt to be perfect and shucked that frail human body.” Poindexter responds.

“What do you want with me?” Rusty asks.

“Grandpa’s got a present for you.” Poindexter says.

“Using the data we retrieved from the robot we were able to create a new kind of BGY with better armor.” Mack says.

“And dual pilot seats.” Mack says.

“I am proud to announce earth’s latest defense. The BGY-13!” Mack announces.

-- End prog --

“After all the happiness and sadness, gains and loss, happiness and sadness. After everything that has happened, so it’s come to this.”

And now the series finale….

The big guy signal goes off and big guy and Rusty fly off into the sky after it. The scene freezes like a snapshot so it will stay forever.

“That was 15 years ago. Except for a few incidents everything became fairly peaceful.” Melissa says.

A big party is happening at quarks. Everybody seems happy and are celebrating.

“Just about everything has changed since them. Some good, some bad.” Melissa says.

Diana clanks her glass against Dwayne’s in a toast.

“After settling down from the shakeup of the battle against Omega Diana got back to piloting the new big guy with Dwayne. Eventually she got her walking back. Her and Dwayne’s skills were tested 10 years ago when a group of time bandits invader our time and caused a lot of chaos. But they were able to force them back with the help of the military. Diana was promoted to Lt. Commander shortly after that in recognition for saving the city so many times.” Melissa says.

Dwayne laughs and jokes with General Thornton.

“After the incident with omega was over Dwayne saw a counselor to deal with his anger over what happened. He didn't like copiloting at first but got used to it. To this day he still says he could do better on his own. Dwayne and Erika end up together and he swears he is going to pop the question but he's been saying that for 10 years now.” Melissa says.

Mack is working on something until Diana grabs him and pulls him away, protesting.

”After finishing up the new big guy Mack pretty much mellowed out. He even pulled back from working on other projects, let Melissa do some work after finally accepting that she is truly competent…sometimes. We almost lost him 5 years ago when he had a series of heart attacks. He eventually had to have an artificial heart. He almost had another attack putting up a fight against getting that.” Melissa says.

Melissa shows off by doing some computations at a blinding speed.

”As for me, after helping to optimize the new big guy's systems and weapon systems I started working on my own systems. Including a better weapon for Rusty to accent his growing and maturing matrix. I came to discover a new kind of system that has revolutionized military weapons and systems.” Melissa says.

Thornton tries to crack a joke but his demeanor is so serious that everybody laughs at the attempt.

”After the omega incident was all over Thornton didn't waste any time finding out what that admiral was doing in duty and busting heads of the people along the way. He didn't rest until everybody responsible was under fire. He actually wished the neo machina were still around. Gave him a reason to fight. He continued to rise in the ranks though he refused to get a desk job. 5 years ago he finally reached the 4 star general rank.” Melissa says.

Rusty who now appears to be a young adult shows off his robotic muscles and accidentally shoots a hole in the wall.

“Well it's been 15 years since Rusty was placed in a living armor. His physical appearance is now at about 20 years. Though he still acts like a kid sometimes. But that's an attribute that almost nobody wants to see go away. He had trouble adapting to growing at first but he liked it once he got used to it. The subject of what will happen to him eventually now that he is growing like a human has come up. It's an uneasy subject and the answer isn't even known by Erika” Melissa says.

Thornton steps up to the podium and clinks on his glass to get everybody’s attention.

“Today is a very important day. Everybody is together celebrating. But a very solemn undertone is throughout for a reason Thornton is about to give.” Melissa says.

“I would like to give a toast to all the battles that were fought and won by the big guy and Rusty. Without them this world would probably be destroyed or taken over by aliens.” Thornton says.

Everybody chuckles. Thornton quickly turns serious.

“Today we are here to do something we were going to do 18 years ago.” Thornton says.

Dwayne looks down and sheds a tear. Thornton points out to the bgy-13 standing in the corner.

“Its time to finally decommission the Bgy as Rusty has proven himself competent to fight without it. 18 years ago we tried to do this hoping that rusty would replace it.” Thornton says.

Everybody remembers Rusty’s first battle and how he was a flop.

“He couldn’t but we all had a feeling this time would come eventually.” Thornton says.

Thornton pushes a button and suddenly a big wall lights up. Everybody gasps as 13 plaques appear representing every model of the Bgy line. Dwayne smiles at the memories he had with that last 3. Thornton turns towards the bgy-13 and salutes it.

“Thank you big guy for your years of service and saving this city many times.” Thornton says.

Dwayne smiles knowing Thornton was secretly thanking him as well. Rusty walks up to the bgy-13.

“Thank you.” Rusty says sadly.

The ceremony ends and the bgy-13 is taken away to be disassembled. Later on a private ceremony is held.

“This ceremony is being held in secret to honor the people that were behind the Bgy’s heroic deeds.” Thornton says.

He takes out a silk purple pillow with ranking symbols. He walks over to Dwayne.

“For your years of heroic deeds I proudly promote you to General.” Thornton says.

Dwayne smiles and accepts the new rank. Thornton walks over to Diana.

“And for your years of heroism I proudly promote you to commander.” Diana says.

Diana also smiles and accepts the new rank.

“A new era has begun.” Melissa says.

Later on the signal goes off.

“It’s the big guy…. I mean the Rusty signal.” Rusty says.

He takes off and flies towards the threat.

“It’s been a wild ride these past 18 years. But I have a feeling it’s not over for everybody.” Melissa says.

The bgy-13 is taken apart while Thornton watches solemnly.

“For Rusty it’s only beginning.” Melissa says.

Rusty is fighting a large mutant. Rusty powers up and obliterates it with a super blast.

“Life is an adventure and you must live it to it’s fullest.” Melissa says.

Dwayne looks up at the sky and remembers all the times he flew in the Bgy and the legend-1.

“It never ends.”

FIN