Chapter 6: Seeds of Order
Within the metallic depths of Plexicon, Shockwave stood amidst his ever-expanding empire, his single optic eye glowing faintly as he observed the six bots before him. These were not mere machines but creations imbued with purpose, crafted to execute his vision of order across the universe.
The five Infiltrator bots were sleek and sharp, their forms built for stealth and adaptability. Beside them, the Combat bot loomed larger, its frame bulkier yet efficient, radiating raw power. The bots knelt before their creator, their movements precise and synchronized.
Shockwave extended his arm, the Soul Stone embedded within it pulsing faintly. With calculated precision, he directed its power into the six bots.
"You are no longer mindless constructs," Shockwave intoned, his voice cold and unwavering. "You are now semi-sentient agents of logic, vessels of my will. You will think, adapt, and execute my orders with precision. For the Combat bot..."
The Soul Stone glowed brighter as the Combat bot received a greater surge of energy. Its optics flickered, and for a moment, it almost seemed to hesitate, as though processing its newfound awareness.
"You will be more than your counterparts," Shockwave continued, addressing the Combat bot directly. "Your name will be... irrelevant and illogical to the order I seek. But for simplicity, you shall be known as T1m3 Captain. Time Captain."
The Combat bot's optics locked onto Shockwave, its voice mechanical yet steady. "Acknowledged. Time Captain at your service."
Shockwave observed the Combat bot for a moment, noting the precision in its response. Satisfied, he turned to address all six bots.
"I have plans for you all," he said, his optic eye narrowing. "You will establish a base on the planet the Earthlings call Neptune. Its distance and isolation make it a logical choice for an advanced outpost. From there, you will observe and report. But know this..."
Shockwave's tone darkened, his presence commanding. "No race will accept you. They will view you as threats, as abominations. Only I, your creator, will recognize your value. Betrayal is illogical, and failure will not be tolerated. Do you understand?"
The bots responded in unison, their voices cold and devoid of emotion. "Understood."
Shockwave stepped back, gesturing toward the exit. "Go now. Execute my orders and begin the first phase of my vision."
The Infiltrator bots transformed seamlessly into sleek mini-jets, their engines humming with restrained power. The Combat bot followed, its transformation into a larger, more heavily armed jet reflecting its advanced capabilities.
As they flew off into the dark expanse of space, Shockwave watched them disappear from sight. His optic eye glowed brighter as he returned to his console, where holographic projections of the universe flickered before him.
"Neptune will be the first step," he murmured to himself. "From there, the seeds of order will spread. The chaos of organic life will be eradicated, replaced by the cold efficiency of logic."
He turned his attention to the Soul Stone embedded in his arm, its glow pulsating faintly. "This universe's obsession with emotion, with chaos... it is a weakness. One that I will exploit to its fullest."
The Infiltrator bots and Time Captain flew in formation, their journey toward Neptune silent and efficient. Within the Combat bot's systems, advanced algorithms worked tirelessly, calculating the most optimal methods for establishing their base.
Time Captain's sentience allowed it to think beyond its programming, and as it processed its creator's words, a single thought lingered in its mind.
**"If I live and succeed long enough... I shall be rewarded."**
The Combat bot did not question the logic of its existence or the morality of its actions. It existed to serve, to execute Shockwave's will. And yet, a faint spark of curiosity flickered within it—a side effect of the Soul Stone's influence.
"What is reward?" Time Captain muttered to itself, its voice barely audible over the hum of its engines.
The Infiltrator bots remained silent, their semi-sentience limited to the execution of orders. Together, the six bots cut through the void of space, their destination drawing ever closer.
Neptune, a distant and desolate world, loomed before them. Its swirling blue atmosphere and icy surface made it a fitting location for Shockwave's vision—a place untouched by organic chaos.
The bots descended onto the planet's surface, their transformations seamless as they reverted to their humanoid forms. Time Captain took command, its voice calm and authoritative.
"Begin construction," it ordered. "We require a central command structure, energy generators, and perimeter defenses. Efficiency is paramount."
The Infiltrator bots moved with precision, their movements synchronized as they began their work. Using materials stored within their internal compartments, they started assembling the outpost, their tools cutting through Neptune's icy terrain with ease.
Time Captain monitored their progress, its calculations ensuring optimal resource allocation. As it observed the unfolding construction, it couldn't help but feel a faint sense of... pride?
No. That was illogical.
Time Captain dismissed the thought, focusing instead on the task at hand.
Shockwave observed the progress from his command center, the holographic feed displaying the construction of the Neptune outpost in real time.
"Efficient," he remarked to himself. "As expected."
His optic eye turned toward the galaxy map, where various points of interest were marked. Thanos's movements. The Nova Corps. The Guardians of the Universe.
"All variables," Shockwave said, his voice low and menacing. "And soon, all will be accounted for."
The seeds of order had been planted, and Shockwave's vision was beginning to take shape. The galaxy would soon learn the true meaning of logic—and none would be spared from its cold embrace.