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EGYPT
Both Atomach and Human Robot dropped the few hundred feet from the flying Silver Bullet without incident. The fall was not high enough to damage either of their robotic shells.
"All systems functional?" the Human Robot inquired.
"Confirmed," Atomach responded. "All systems performing at optimal levels."
The Human Robot scanned the sandy pyramid-filled desert with his photo-electric eyes. "I detect no sign of Comrade Future. What does the chronocrystal indicate?"
Atomach took the crystal out of his gauntlet and held it outwards. "Vector 36 degrees east from current position. Using current crystal intensity and frequency and extrapolating from previous data, I calculate that Comrade Future is 2,000 meters away."
Looking in the indicated direction, the Human Robot determined that the location would be behind one of the distant pyramids. His data tapes whirled as he accessed information. "Indicated pyramid has been designated by archeologists as belonging to the Pharaoh Rama-Tut."
"Irrelevant data," Atomach retorted. "Unnecessary to completion of mission to stop Comrade Future."
The Human Robot was surprised as how … robotic Atomach was. Apparently, Atomach did not entertain thoughts of acting human as the Human Robot did.
The two mechanical men began walking towards Rama-Tut pyramid. The Human Robot wanted to know more about Atomach, and he concluded that he would have to begin any conversation.
"What is the genesis of your construction," the Mechanical Marvel asked.
"I was constructed by the Golden Agent named Mr. Amazing," Atomach replied in a cold monotone. "The Doctor was a genius in every subject imaginable. I was the first of what he hoped to be many androids in the service of mankind. Sadly, he was slain by the Tzadkiel's old foe, the Super-Humanoid, before he could bring many of his post-war plans to fruition."
{See MV1's Liberators: Another World Not My Own #2 for Mr. Amazing's plans for a better world.
Now we know why Earth-S didn't turn into the paradise he envisioned in the Squadron Supreme's era}
They neared the pyramid and Atomach was adjusting his sensors. "Calibrating sensors to previous temporal energy exposures." He paused and the resumed walking. "Target is definitely on the other side of the pyramid."
The Human Robot circled around the north side of the tomb while Atomach circled around the south. They had synchronized their internal chronometers so that both would round the final corners simultaneously. When they did, they saw Comrade Future surrounded by a giant field of temporal energy. The temporal fireworks here were markedly bigger than that surrounding any of the other chronal clones.
"Target acquired. Activating atomic weapon systems," Atomach announced.
"The Mechanical Man of the Silver Stars," Comrade Future said as he took notice of the arrival of Atomach. He also saw the Human Robot approaching. "And a cybernetic cousin perhaps?"
Neither mechanical man responded to Comrade Future's witticisms.
Future sighed. "You never were one for conversation. All the better, since I'm enjoying absorbing so much temporal energy here. It's a literal gold mine. There's more than enough to materialize some temporal shadows to keep you from interfering!"
A burst of energy bolted out of each hand, one towards the Human Robot and one towards Atomach. When the bursts hit the ground, they had already shifted into the forms of the Thing and Wonder Man.
{The Thing was in Egypt in Fantastic Four #19; Wonder Man came to Egypt in West Coast Avengers #20; Dr. Strange was here too, in Dr. Strange #53, with Rama-Tut's travels to here as well, there's no wonder there's so much temporal energy}
"Do you have data on these shadows?" Atomach called out. He was already beginning to analyze the ionic energy beneath Wonder Man's colorful red-yellow-green costume.
"Negative," the Human Robot replied. He readied himself as the orange and rocky Thing closed in on him.
"It's clobbering time," the Thing proclaimed. He delivered a smashing blow to the Human Robot's midsection that sent the Mechanical Marvel flying. He dusted off his rocky hands. "Well, that was an easy one for old Benjy."
The Human Robot stood up. His shell had been only slightly damaged by the impact, and he had gotten a good reading on the Thing's strength level. Now he knew what to expect.
Seeing the Human Robot rise, the Thing put up his fists again. "So you want more, do ya, Robby the Robot?"
Grasping the Thing's hands, the Human Robot kept the FF'er from striking again. "I am not Robby."
The thrusters mounted on Wonder Man's back shot him into the air. "A suit of armor to fight me? I'm Wonder Man, the Man of Wonders. This ought to be quick." Hr swooped down and barreled into Atomach. He figured that Atomach would collapse, but the robot held his ground. Wonder Man was actually bounced back by the impact.
"So you're tougher than I though," Wonder Man declared. "I'll have to use more of my ionic strength. No holding back now, Galahad." He swung at Atomach with all his might, but the robot parried the blow. Wonder Man threw another punch but Atomach turned it aside. More punches were unleashed by Atomach kept each from striking him. Dr. Amazing had programmed him with all known forms of the martial arts, and Atomach could employ all of them with mechanical efficiency.
Quickly releasing his hold, the Human Robot boxed the Thing's ears in. The Thing staggered back, and tried to regain his equilibrium.
As strong as the Human Robot was, his calculations had indicated that his orange opponent was stronger, at least in terms of physical strength. A new tactic would need to be employed to achieve victory. The two combatants closed in on each other. The Thing hands' battered against the Human Robot's midsection, but the Mechanical Marvel did not try to avoid the blows. He waited for the right opportunity, and then encased the Thing in a bear hug. With his leverage, he knew he would be able to hold the Thing for a few seconds.
"You ain't gonna hold me long, Robby," the Thing exclaimed.
The Human Robot channeled his power and sent a massive electrical shock coursing through the Thing's body. The Mechanical Marvel's arms now hung loosely from his body. The Thing tried to wind up for another punch, but he staggered and then collapsed.
In addition to fending off all of Wonder Man's blows, Atomach now replied with some of his own. However, he did not have the physical strength to cause any damage to Wonder Man's body. His sensors had now fully analyzed Wonder Man's ionic energy, and Atomach performed the necessary calibrations to his atomic weaponry.
Atomach stepped back from Wonder Man and lifted his arms.
"Had enough, Galahad?" Wonder Man shouted. "I haven't."
"Here is more than enough energy for you." Silver bolts shot out from Atomach's hands and flew straight into Wonder Man's inhuman eyes. Atomach's energy reacted with Wonder Man's ionic energy, causing an overload within the Man of Wonder's body. Wonder Man stumbled to the ground with sparks of energy spurting out of his eyes.
"Mission accomplished." Atomach turned towards where Comrade Future was gone but the Chrono-Criminal was gone. The Human Robot walked over to Atomach.
"Our quarry has escaped."
"Return to Iceland." His hand shot out and grabbed the Human Robot's arm. He activated his Flashback Band and the two mechanical men disappeared.