The files were true: Elenor had evolved into a new, hybrid kind of android. Combining mechanical strength and precision with the demi-organism's ability to evolve, the new Insa-Elenor had the required abilities to withstand a full all-sides attack and get out of it with bare fists.
Rumors about her soon became facts. Insa-Elenor still hung out in Pioneer II, fully taking advantage of her organic abilities. She could eat and drink, fight with exceptional agility, run at extreme speeds, and evolve her form temporarily to suit the needs of any situation. An all-purpose machine.
However, following her transformation, she had become bitter and more cunning. She wasn't afraid of anyone anymore, and was reported to constantly pick up fight with the people she found a little too cocky for her tastes. Moreover, she was obsessed with the idea of fighting and exploring alone.
But that wasn't the end of the files. Behind her transformation was another layer. The body of Doctor Jean-Carlo Montague had been found in the upper part of the ruins, his torso in several gory pieces.
Diagnosis: A kick into the ribcage From Insa-Elenor.
Murder of a high-placed member of Pioneer II. Consideration Criminal. The hunt was on.
Hunters had assembled at the guild to share strategies, drinks, and form teams. Of course, old friends quickly assembled and new hunters found themselves out of luck for the spots. The target was considered dangerous, and the bounty was only open to people of clearance number 75 or over. Even then, they suggested 90.
And to discourage heroic attempts, no reward if you were under the required clearance. The rules were strict and the goal was to have as few people killed as possible.
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"They're searching for you, 'Lenor. Why didn't you hide the body?"
"Didn't think about it..."
"Oh well; too late. You'll just have to stay here in the meantime."
Elenor sat down. The room was circular. It was the inside of an old reactor; it had been hollowed out seven years ago and used as a conference room. Of course, not a lot used it. The lights were minimal, and most seats were uncomfortable.
But not to androids.
Quickly, Shurikane had turned this reactor into a full-scale defense station and base of operations, with the help of the transformed Elenor. The reactor now sported radars, working high-power computers, spare android parts, cannons, weapons, communication devices, better lighting, and ultra-modern commander-style chairs. Deluxe version.
The pink android turned a computer on, connected her ports to it and began downloading some bits and pieces of information from the news network. Shurikane had just finished hiding a new batch of weapons.
"I've put four pairs of Charger Vulcans in the fourteeth panel. Mark it down."
"Noted!" Elenor replied.
The black and neon-green android then turned to a freezing box, from which she took a small container and a needle, and stored it into a side panel of hers.
"Who's our next member?" Elenor queried.
Shurikane turned her head slightly, for her voice to carry over to her teammate.
"Blue-type RAcaseal Special K. Soon enough, Insa-K."
Elenor opened a new notepad file and jotted down a few lines of codes.
"Configuration?"
"I need a hollow shaft in her hairpiece, separation techniques, thruster bow, and paw-morph modes. I think she'll love the idea of being a tank."
The computer was suddenly hacked into using Shurikane's extendable demi-spike. She downloaded the newly saved procedure and configuration files, and then double-checked with her organism to see if everything would work out. Soon as the affirmative was heard, she was out and heading back to Pioneer II in her Kaseri Wildsider Custom TX-5.
Elenor disconnected from the computer. She began looking at the security screens in turn, patiently waiting for the return of the third member.
Man, this whole organization's gonna be a lot more fun than I thought! She calculated. Evolution, comin' through!
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