Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Chapter 1: Veldin under attack

It was peaceful in the Bogon galaxy, and on the planet Endako, in the city of Megapolis ever since the Proto Pet incident happened. As the duo that saved the galaxy from the incident, a Lombax named Ratchet, and his little intelligent robot sidekick named Clank, was celebrating saving another galaxy from trouble. Now it was peace and quiet time for the duo that saved not only the Solona galaxy from the Ultimate Supreme Executive Chairman Alonzo Drek, but also the Bogon galaxy from the Proto Pet incident that was caused by former hero, Captain Qwark, as they rested afterwards.

With a bit of help from a new friend they made during their journey, and after the incident.

And now they were in an apartment in the city as they relaxed and rested from the incident that they saved the galaxy from, and they were now playing alien chess against each other, next to their tv that they play on too.

"Oh yeah! My blargian snagglebeast devours your mutant swamp fly. Bet you didn't see that coming did you." Ratchet said, looking like he was now winning a round of alien chess against Clank. Only for Clank to tap one of the pieces to another square, much to Ratchet's confusion. "Huh? What are you doing?"

"Check, and mate." Clank said, looking like he smiled, despite his limited jaw movement in terms of facial expressions.

"What?! Th-th-that's cheating!" Ratchet said exasperated and accusingly.

"On the contrary, the rules clearly state that the blargian snagglebeast has an allergic reaction to swamp flies, that lasts for two turns." Clank responded as Ratchet looked through the manual, to see that Clank was right. Which had him bummed out.

"Dang it." Ratchet said somberly.

"Ah don't worry. You'll get him next time." Another voice said, amused as she entered the room.

Ratchet knew who she was, being Angela Cross. A former scientist and employee of the Megacorp company, as well as another Lombax like Ratchet, and creator of the notorious Proto Pet that she was forced to rush to production by a disguised Captain Qwark who played the founder and CEO of Megacorp, Abercrombie Fizzwidget. Causing her to defect from the company, and under the guise of the Unknown Thief, (Complete with cape, hood, mask, and voice changer.) was forced to steal the Proto Pet to prevent it from being duplicated and sold to the public.

Unfortunately for her, Qwark teleported Ratchet and Clank from their home, and to the Bogon galaxy, where he had Ratchet trained by Megacorp, then sent him out against her to steal back the Proto Pet.

Which forced her to recruit the dangerous mercenary group, known as Thugs-4-less, to protect her from Ratchet and Clank until she's able to destroy the Proto Pet so that it'll be unable to be sold by Megacorp. Which little did she know at the time, was bound to end in failure since Ratchet and Clank was more skilled and stronger than she thought, as both of them were able to beat the thugs at every turn. Including the leader.

Or to be precise, it was initially just Ratchet that was able to beat them, while Clank relaxed in the apartment room that they both share now. Only for Angela to come to that place, kidnap him, and disable him with electricity torture to lure Ratchet to his location. Where she had Ratchet trapped with Clank in the room. Only for Ratchet to repair Clank, and for Clank to use his intelligence and have help from some allied bots, to help release both Ratchet and himself from her trap. Thus, resuming the chase against her.

Which ended on planet Siberius. Where they defeated her and destroyed her chemical convoy, before rescuing the Proto pet from her rocket. Though she was able to escape from them, they were able to deliver the Proto Pet to Qwark, still disguised as Fizzwidget, on the planet Tabora. Thus, putting the Bogon galaxy in danger of their infestation and rampage. She had them at gunpoint before she accidentally exposed her true face to them, and had them going to Dobbo to explain to them why she tried to destroy the Proto Pet.

To make matters worse for her, Thugs-4-less ended up being hired by Qwark to defend him and Megacorp from their revenge, thus betraying her. Thankfully, the duo still kept on defeating the thugs, regardless of them trying to imprison them both on their ship. Only for them to escape once again, and rescue Angela when she was also captured.

And even more thankfully, the duo knew they made a mistake after learning about what the Pet was gonna be, so they tried to tell Qwark disguised as Fizzwidget to destroy or delay the experiment. (They didn't know that Qwark was Fizzwidget at the time.) Only for him to not listen to their requests, and avoid them at every turn.

And it was when they met him in person after they grabbed the Helix-o-morph from Angela's home, that they learned that Qwark was the one that rushed the Proto Pet, and had them duplicated to be sold, so that he could save the day once they rampage, and then revive his tarnished heroic reputation that was ruined by Ratchet and Clank. All by capturing the duo and Angela, while taking their Helix-o-morph, to then use it to pacify the Proto Pets and make them harmless as a result. Thus becoming a hero of the Bogon Galaxy while making them the villains.

Unfortunately, as clever as it was on paper, Qwark botched the execution by putting the batteries in the Helix-o-morph backwards, causing the Proto Pet to become more aggressive and bigger, before eating Qwark and the Helix-o-morph, then fighting the duo. Fortunately, they won against the Proto Pet, Angela found the real Fizzwidget, and after the pet vomited out Qwark and the Helix-o-morph, Angela fixed the Helix-o-morph and used it to save the Bogon Galaxy alongside the duo and Fizzwidget, from the Proto Pets by taming them all.

Afterwards, Fizzwidget offered to rehire Angela Cross, along with a Promotion for her as an Employee while paying in damages. Only for her to decline, and become Ratchet's fellow ally and sidekick alongside Clank. But the doors to Megacorp are always open for her, just in case she changes her mind.

And Qwark ended up becoming an employee for the Megacorp in the Bogon galaxy, testing out an inappropriate gadget of theirs, but he disappeared later on.

Now though, she was staying with Ratchet and Clank at their apartment in Megapolis. Where they were currently resting off their adventure from a month ago, and playing around with each other, as she sat down on the couch alongside Ratchet.

"Hey Angela. How ya doing?" Ratchet asked happily. As he did start to find friendship with her during their journey in the Bogon galaxy, which got better after the journey ended. After all, he did start to love Angela a bit, but he isn't letting her know that.

"I've been doing fine so far. Witnessing you and Clank playing together, while occasionally joining in, having plenty of me time and hanging out with you, and lazing around without a job as a Megacorp Employee." Angela said, sorta missing her job as an employee of Megacorp. But she felt that being a fellow hero alongside Ratchet would be more exciting.

And little did Ratchet know, she started to reciprocate that feeling to him. But she too isn't letting him know that.

"That's nice." Ratchet said. "I did have fun having you with us."

Angela smiled at him in return. "Thanks Ratchet."

"Ooh! It is on again!" Clank said as he switched the holovision channel to the new show that Clank liked watching.

Which stars him in the show, 'Secret Agent Clank' that came out in both Galaxies shortly after the Proto Pet incident.

Where Clank is the titular agent that in the episode, whom was currently gambling with some female robots around him, against the other golden colored robot, Maxmillon. Which ended in victory when he ended up winning a round of Craps, getting an applause in return.

"Your luck is extraordinary sir." The golden colored robot said. "But do you lose as gracefully as you win?"

"I do not know Maxmillion. I never lose." Agent Clank responded.

The villain robot ended up chuckling at the response before gently pressing the red button to summon minions with. "There is a first time for everything, AGENT CLANK!" He said before his minions appeared around Clank.

Whom then fought against the minions of Maxmillion's that he sent out, defeating them with a tray that reflected lasers from Maxmillion's gun, before defeating him via a chandelier overhead that landed on him.

Before the episode then ended in Clank getting a ride from his clumsy butler and chauffeur named Jeeves.

Which is a reason why Ratchet isn't really fond of the show compared to Clank and the others. Because he plays said clumsy chauffeur in it. (And he feels that it cramps his style to play one, seeing that he is a commando after all.)

"That was terrific." Clank said excitedly, as Angela tried not to laugh at how silly Ratchet looked in chauffeur clothing, as well as in the show in general.

"Right… yeah… Please change the channel." Ratchet said quietly, feeling annoyed about the show.

"But the man said to stay-" He tried to say, only for Ratchet to snatch the remote, before changing the channel to a news channel.

Where he saw something shocking to him.

"Breaking news!"

"This is Darla Gratch reporting again live in Veldin. Where just hours ago, the planet was unexpectedly under attack by a vicious alien race known as the Tyhrranoids." The robot news lady known as Darla Gratch said, showing some aliens that had stalk-eyes, round rotund builds, and were blue and greenish colored. And they were destroying everything in sight.

"Officials believe that the mastermind behind the attack, is the evil robotic supervillain known as Dr. Nefarious." She continued to say while showing the face of a tall, humanoid robot with a green transparent egg-shaped head dome with gears and cogs inside, and brightly colored red eyes in the blue skull of the robot that has a big underbite.

Then it cuts to the other robots which happened to be dark green warbots, having a single orange cyclops-esque eye in the middle, as well as a white reticle on their torso, and an arm cannon shooting lasers on their left hands. "As you can see, the Galactic Rangers are putting up a valiant fight, but they're no match for these terrors." She said as, if proving her point, an explosion was made between the robots, destroying them in the process.

"It seems that at this rate, this backwater planet may be completely destroyed in a matter of hours. Darla Gratch, Channel 64 news." She finished the news before it faded to black, ending the broadcast.

The trio was shocked and horrified at the news. Most of all Ratchet himself, before he then got angry. Sure he wasn't fond of being stuck on Veldin as he did find living there to be boring, and pretty dangerous. Not to mention the fact that he was trapped there with nothing to fly out of Veldin with until he met Clank after building his ship. (That later got destroyed shortly afterwards. But he got another one.) But he viewed it as his home regardless, and he won't let anybody destroy it, or conquer it, as Drek learned the hard way.

Which Clank and Angela noticed, and they were unnerved at the sight of him. Especially Angela, who learned about Ratchet's home from Ratchet and Clank themselves when they told her about their past adventures back in the Solona galaxy before their mission from Fizzwidget. Which had Ratchet apologizing to Clank for being bad to him a few times when they told her about how their friendship was strained, after Qwark betrayed them to a minion of Drek's. Which caused Ratchet to put a vendetta against Qwark while Clank kept on reminding him to keep his goal on defeating Drek too. No matter how much it get's on his nerves.

Which had Angela feeling mad at Ratchet for, but she knew that he learned his lesson after witnessing Drek destroy a planet. Especially since he was nicer to Clank too. But she did learn to not mess with Ratchet's home while he still kicks. As Ratchet's quiet but angry declaration was telling her.

"We're going home."

Later on, at the ship that was given to Ratchet from Megacorp, that was named Star Explorer, Ratchet was making preparations to the ship as well as last minute modding for the ship as Angela and Clank looked on at Ratchet himself.

"But Veldin is in the Solona galaxy." Clank said, trying to assure Ratchet that the Galactic Rangers can save Veldin.

But Ratchet was not listening as he got out what could be described as a new mod for his ship. Which had both Clank and Angela horrified.

"Oh no! Not the Gravimetric Warp drive!" Clank called out to him.

Ratchet proceeded to put the warp drive in the ship's engines, intending to use the attachment.

"The untested Gravimetric Warp drive?!" Angela said, not wanting to die in hyperspace, because of Ratchet saving his home. "The one that you've built, homemade from the Blargian scrap metal?! Are you listening Ratchet?!"

"Coming guys?" He asked, still not in the mood for arguments.

If Clank had a human face, he would've felt it turning white at what they were about to do. As Angela would've too as she was also horrified at the possibility of what was gonna happen to all of them once they use the Warp drive, as they looked at each other. "We're F#$!ed, aren't we?" She said, scared.

"I'm… afraid so." He also said as they both boarded the Star Explorer with Ratchet.

Later, at the Solona galaxy…

It was quiet, not too far from Veldin, when a ship appeared from a bright orange flash as it zoomed through the space with a spin before righting itself. It was nothing other than the Star Explorer as it survived the hyperspace journey. "WHOOOOOHOOOOO!" Ratchet yelled out in excitement as he and his friends was now in space again as he was now flying in the direction to Veldin, feeling fine in his seat as he smirked at his success. "You guys were saying?"

Beside him was both Angela and Clank holding each other as they were haphazardly upside down on the seat. Nevertheless, they were relieved that the test of the Warp drive didn't kill them. "We stand corrected." Angela said between breaths.

After smiling at them in relief, Ratchet instantly got serious again. "I just hope we're not too late." He said as he now zoomed his ship to the direction of where his home is.

It was minutes of some chatting and getting back on their proper position on their seats afterwards, until they saw Veldin on the horizon. And it looked like it's seen better days as it was still under attack as they witnessed from afar. So Ratchet was preparing to send the battle back to the Tyhrranoids. Only to realize something that had him inwardly facepalming.

"Uhh guys?"

"What?" Clank asked, only to realize the same thing. "We forgot our weapons from Megacorp, didn't we?"

"Y-yep." He responded awkwardly with a chuckle. "I didn't think this one through."

"Welp, it seems we might've been defenseless ourselves, if we didn't have that wrench of yours." Angela said deadpan. Referring to his new upgraded wrench that he gained from the Thugs-4-less prison ship during his escape. Which is darker grey with orange highlights, and what he usually keeps with him, as he never leaves his home without it.

"Ah don't sweat it. Hopefully we still have the weapons from our first adventure in my home for use." Ratchet responded.

"Or hopefully the Galactic Rangers are generous enough to hand us one of their own." Clank also said.

Which relieved Angela as she felt that she isn't that good at hand to hand combat herself, as Ratchet had her learning the hard way back when she was still the thief. But she feels that she's good enough as she is in ranged combat. So she hopes that the Rangers would give them guns to fight with as they were now entering the planet.

Where after some flying around in the battlefield, with nobody aiming or shooting at them since they looked like an unimportant ship, or for the Galactic Rangers, they were probably some potential allies. Which for the Tyhrranoids, is a huge mistake that was about to bite them, and for the Rangers, they were about to be proven right, as Ratchet landed near one of the more safer sides of the battlefield, which is near his home, before they all exited the ship.

Where they quickly came across a small force of two Rangers and two Thyrranoids fighting each other as the Thyrranoids were starting to gain the upper hand on their walker vehicles. At least until an explosion was made between the noids from one of the Rangers throwing an explosive, taking them all out. Giving the Rangers room to run ahead.

While Ratchet ended up trying to find his house, only to see that the bridge to his house was out. "This isn't good. I just know that our weapons were in there when we were sent to the Bogon galaxy." Ratchet said somberly, as was Angela also.

"Do not worry. The Rangers can still give us a weapon." Clank said, still remaining hopeful.

"Clank's right. We must not give up so soon, since we can still be armed and ready to help them!" Angela said, still willing to help Ratchet with this situation.

Ratchet ended up snapping out of his somber mood after a second. "Right! Let's go!" He said, before following the path that the Rangers took when they charged ahead.

It was a short run when they quickly met up with the robots themselves as they were crouched down to avoid the fire overhead. "It must be the Galactic Rangers." Clank said, recognizing them from the news broadcast.

"Yep, it's them alright!" Angela said, happy to meet them in person.

They ended up seeing Ratchet and Angela getting closer to them with surprise in their robotic eyes. "Hey look! Our new Sergeants are here!" One of them said in a mechanical voice that sounded like a southern accent.

"Huh!?" Both Ratchet and Angela said confused at how they suddenly were seen as Sergeants by the Rangers themselves. "Wait! Wha-"

"Here female Sarge, you can have my gun! You seem to be a great shot with it anyway." One of them interrupted Angela, as he tossed a gun to her hands. It looked like a short, dark blue cannon, with silver highlights, a glowing scope, and what looked like a grip on the left side, showing that it's meant to be held with the right hand pulling the trigger, while the left holds it for stability. "It's a shock blaster, it's like a shotgun. Take care of it for me!"

"Thanks?" Angela said confused, but relieved that she has a gun in her hand to protect Ratchet, Clank, and herself with.

"There's too many of them! We're gonna die!" One of the Rangers on the left said panicking as another noid mech was running to them, causing two of them to pull back behind the gang. While the third one on the left… jumped off an edge to the abyss below.

Now the noid was gonna fight the gang as it got closer. "I got him!" Angela called out before shooting the Thyrranoid at close range. Taking it down in an explosion. While the gun recoiled in her hand, and knocked her down like she got kicked in the belly, as she landed on her butt.

"Whoa! You okay Angela?!" Ratchet asked concerned. (And trying not to crack up at the accident with Angela.)

"I'll be fine. Just gotta get used to the recoil again." Angela said getting up while rubbing her butt, feeling that she needs to get used to firing a gun again after some time. "Nonetheless, I always did like firing a weapon like this."

"Okay then. Then that weapon is yours. I'll just wait and see if the Rangers will give me another gun. Let's go." He said smiling that she's alright. Before they all ran through the battlefield, while Angela continued blasting more Tyhrranoids both on foot and in the mechs that get in their way.

As well as jumping over the gap to the other side of the flat mountains they were jumping to. With Clank helping Ratchet with the thruster pack gliding. And they also broke the boxes in their path for the bolts inside. (Since bolts are currency in the Solona and Bogon Galaxies.)

Until they came across the other Rangers that was by the doorway to the hanger, where a Thyrannoid ship was inside and shooting at the open doorway by the Rangers, preventing them from getting out of cover to shoot back at it as they fired at the other noids. So they had to remain in cover as Ratchet and Angela jogged closer.

Where they took out the smaller Thyrannoids for the Rangers. Much to their relief. "Are we glad to see you sergeants! We're pinned down by that enemy ship! Somebody has to take that thing down!" One of them said.

"Let me guess. That somebody is me." Ratchet said, seeing his opportunity to help. As well as for another gun.

"Look! We have a volunteer!" The Ranger called out to his friend.

"Thank goodness. Here Sarge, Take this!" The other called out, tossing the Nitro Launcher to Ratchet, which looked like another cannon, only more whiter looking with glowing blue lights, and a lime green handle, and grip on the left side. Which Ratchet smiled at as he held it. "We'll be behind you… literally!" He then said as they both ran the way Ratchet and Angela came. But not pulling back to safety as they stood back and watched Ratchet do his work.

As he then proceeded to blow up the ship with the nitro launcher, before he then noticed that there was a hole in the floor of the hanger. Which he and Angela decided to use to jog to another section of Veldin with the pair of rangers behind them, to blast more Thyrranoids.

As well as help the rest of the Galactic Rangers in fighting the Tyhrranoids. And save Veldin from their attack.

Which Ratchet and Angela was doing a good job at, as they entered an area out of the tunnel they entered in the hanger, where they ended up blasting more of the noids and defeating them despite them having the high ground, which the noids thought was a superior position. But the Nitro launcher convinced the noids otherwise.

Before they then took the path to what could be what's left of a hanger they were going in that had a lowered platform, and open hanger doors that was open just enough for them to go through as they destroyed more noids, and crates full of bolts, and ammo.

"Take that! Tyhrranoid punks!" Ratchet yelled out after bombing one of them.

"Eat this you freaks! This is for my boy- best friends home!" Angela yelled out, almost accidentally saying that Ratchet is her boyfriend. Which fortunately, Ratchet ignored as they both kept on blasting the noids with their shock blaster and nitro launcher. (And on occasion, with Ratchet using his wrench to whack them with.)

As they continued onwards, and blasted more Tyhrranoids, they saw that the tide was starting to turn, where the Rangers were now taking down more Tyhrranoids than the noids were to them, thanks to their intervention. And being their sergeants, they did seem to be a morale boost since they started to become more brave and bold in fighting the noids because of their presence, to where the noids were starting to fall back to another section of Veldin.

Now they had to take the fight to the noids over there, as they came across a dropship that was open with the rangers inside. Looking like it was open for them to ride in.

Which it was, as the Rangers started to greet the trio. "Hello guys. What's the situation?" Ratchet asked.

"The noids have fallen back to the base in the F-sector of Veldin. We've got orders to go to that place and take them down there." The ranger on the right said.

"F-SECTOR?! Are you kidding?! No way! Game over man! I don't wanna end up as scrap metal." The ranger on the left said, trying to walk away.

Only to be grabbed by the torso by Angela. "Listen soldier! We've got no time for cowardice! If you try to desert us, then if the noids don't kill you, we will!" Angela said before shoving the Ranger back onto the ramp, before getting on herself alongside a surprised Ratchet. "Now get back in there Ranger! We've got a planet to save!"

"Yes ma'am!" Both Rangers said saluting her as she and Ratchet entered the drop ship before it took off.

On the drop ship, Ratchet looked at Angela with surprise, and admiration on his face. After all, he did like it when she showed her tough side to anybody that they meet. (As long as it ain't himself that is.) Especially since it shows that she can take care of herself without his presence nearby.

As long as her clumsiness doesn't become her downfall that is.

Angela noticed his staring, and she felt that it was because of her preventing the Ranger from running away. And that left her feeling flattered towards him. "What? Something on my face?" She asked innocently.

"Oh! Uh, no! Not really. I just t-thought that you were cool, keeping that Trooper from leaving like a coward. Who knows what would happen to him out there." Ratchet said.

"Thanks Ratchet." Angela said smiling. "It's great to have you for a friend, regardless of how we met each other firsthand. And I hope to stay with you and see what this planet would be like without this battle happening."

"That would be nice, but this planet isn't anything special. And trust me, I used to live here for a while before meeting Clank. I had no choice since I was stuck here." He said.

"Right, sorry I asked." She said somberly. Reminded of Ratchet telling her about his life before his first adventure with Clank.

"It's okay. I did have some fun on Veldin. And I feel that it's my home regardless of how dangerous it was on occasions. So I also look forward to seeing it as it should be once we're done here." Ratchet said.

"I hope so too. This planet isn't so bad looking. At least compared to Tabora." She said, feeling somber again at how Tabora used to be a pretty rainforest, before Megacorp came along and drained the planet dry of its riches, and destroyed all of the trees, turning it into a desert. But she didn't dwell on it as she prepared to fight alongside Ratchet again.

The rest of the ride was silent for a few minutes when the dropship was now over the battlefield in F-sector, where the Noids were making their last stand on Veldin. And Ratchet, Clank, Angela, and the Rangers were gonna defeat them there. As the door opened, signaling a deployment, freefall style.

The Rangers were now lining up with Ratchet, Clank on Ratchet's back, and Angela behind them, also ready to jump out the dropship. "Not me man! I'm afraid of heights! I wou- WOAAHHHHH!" One of the Rangers tried to say as he wanted to bail from skydiving with his fellows, only to be pushed forwards into bailing out of the dropship instead by his fellow Rangers, on Ratchet's orders as they all jumped out of the dropship, with Ratchet, and Angela close behind them.

Now they were all skydiving into the fray as the Tyhrranoids shot out a lot of rockets and missiles in an attempt to blast the Rangers and the trio out of the sky before they could make it to the ground.

They only succeeded on some of the Rangers as some of them was blown to bits before they could even get close to the ground, some were also destroyed just twenty seconds after jumping out of the ship, and even some were only halfway to pretty close to the ground when they also got blasted.

While Ratchet, Clank, and Angela, along with some of the Rangers, (Which there was still a good enough number of.) were able to reach the ground unscathed regardless of how much missile fire the noids threw at them.

"Okay Ratchet! Time to pull- OH CRAP! I DIDN'T GRAB A PARACHUTE!" Angela screamed out as she realized she only had her suit to wear for jumping out of the ship with. But Ratchet knew what to do at that point.

As Ratchet made sure Angela reaches the ground safely by slowing her descent with Clank's thruster pack after grabbing her hands, shortly before they could hit the ground. Saving her life, much to her relief.

"Are you okay Angela?"

"I'm okay Ratchet. Thank you for the save." She responded, shaking his hand.

"We both should be thanking Clank, he has helped me plenty of times back before in jumping around." Ratchet said, remembering Clank on his back helping him with his heli pack and thruster pack when it comes to navigating some gaps.

"It was no problem. It's always a pleasure to help my friends." Clank said smiling.

After they briefly rested on the ground, they quickly joined with the Rangers in battling the rest of the noids as they made their last stand against them. Which was one heck of a last stand, but with Ratchet and Angela leading the charge, the tide was too strong for the noids, and they had no chance to turn it. No matter how much walkers they rode into battle in, or how much their dropships dropped in, or they did some ambush tactics, they still had no way to win the battle.

During the battle against the noids, Angela's shock gun ended up glowing in her hands, which had her curiously looking at it. Before it ended up changing shapes in her hands to a stronger version that she fired seconds after it evolved.

She's heard of this phenomenon, and was even told about this from Ratchet himself when he was on his journeys. Where once they take down enough enemies, they end up causing the weapon to start upgrading itself, via some sort of nanotech technology. It is said that the enemies they kill, drops nanomites that quickly gets absorbed into the weapon that dealt the lethal blow. And collecting enough of them, would make the weapon 'level up' as it's called, which changes the weapon in hand to a more stronger, powerful version of the original article. Whether they increase the stopping power, increase the rate of fire of its shots, or even gives it some beneficial side effects to the shots.

Like making a chain of lightning that zaps the other enemies near the enemy getting shot, or catches them on fire, etc.

Whether the nanomite thing is the truth or not, she doesn't know. She was merely a former employee in the Genetics division in Megacorp. And a newbie soldier that somehow got the rank of Sergeant shortly after setting foot on her best friend's home planet. But at least she has some skill in combat to earn the Sergeant rank. As Ratchet also learned the hard way when they fought on Siberius.

He won the battle for the Protopet, but it wasn't an easy victory. And he dreads to see how she preforms if they fight each other again, and when she goes all out.

On the other hand, Ratchet ended up feeling his nitro launcher starting to grow stronger, which was a tell tale sign that it was gonna evolve too once he takes down more of the enemies that he fights along the way to his goal of saving the planet.

It was a couple minutes of fighting, and for Ratchet, using his levitator attachment on Clank to fly to the other mountains to take down more of the noid's bases when the battle eventually ended in Ranger victory.

It wasn't an easy one for Ratchet or Angela when they fought against the last attack ship that was on the ground, that fired at them while the remnant of the noid invasion force retreated out of Veldin, ensuring that they'll be able to fight another day. The attack ship only half did its job as it got shot down by Angela, who shot the ship with a charged shot from the Shock blaster to destroy it.

While she also got sent flying back a foot from the recoil, which knocked her on her butt. Ratchet felt concerned, but Angela was alright. "Oof! That was awesome! But I better not use it if I have a bottomless pit behind me." She said nervously on the last part.

Nevertheless, they both were still fighting and winning as they took down some of the retreating forces of Tyhrranoids as the rest of them were able to escape. Much to Ratchet's dismay, but he knew he can take them out next time. He just needs to prepare to fight them.

Currently though, they were now at one of the dropships of the Galactic Rangers as the Rangers cleaned up the sector of the aftermath of the battle that they won. With some celebrating their victory, some giving Ratchet and Angela thanks for their leadership and bravery, and some even learning about the heroism of Ratchet's last adventure in both Galaxies, causing them to want an autograph from him. (He proceeded to write some of them for the Rangers as thanks for their help. Much to Angela's slight envy.)

Then one of the Rangers stepped up to Ratchet. "Sir! We have an incoming transmission from the President!" The Ranger said before a HD screen appeared by his side, showing a large male Cazar with dark brown fur and blue eyes that showed a gentle look in them. He wore a dark blue suit with golden highlights that showed that he's a president of the Marcadia planet. A planet that Ratchet visited after Drek's defeat, and before his Bogon journey. Where he learned about the Casares from the museums, though he didn't meet the President at the time.

"How are things on the frontline soldier?" He asked the Galactic Ranger, until he spotted Ratchet and Clank, causing his eyes to widen. "Is… is that…?" He asked while Ratchet was expecting him to recognize himself as the hero the Solona Galaxy. "Is that Secret Agent Clank!?" he asked, much to Ratchet's dismay and Angela's amusement.

"It's an honor to make your acquaintance sir. We're here to help." Clank said, feeling proud and a little weirded out about his Tv show's success.

"Well it's an honor to meet you too Agent Clank!" The president said happily. "And I see you've brought your chauffeur along, the one who defeated Drek." He then said, hearing about Ratchet's heroism from Behind the Hero.

"What? Hold on a minute sir! Thank you for the praise, but-" He tried to say while Angela was trying not to giggle at his expense.

"And I see that you've brought along a new gal, have you not? Name and rank rookie!" The president commanded.

"Sir! Sergeant Angela Cross! Former Employee of Megacorp in the Bogon Galaxy, sir! Resigned after the Protopet Incident that put the Galaxy in danger, only for them to save it with me! I'm with them now!" She proclaimed while saluting the President, referring to Ratchet and Clank.

"Well color me impressed, you've got a pair of great soldiers, one of which defeated that planet destroying monster." The president said referring to Drek. "I have to admit, I hope they'll have a wedding someday."

If Ratchet was drinking some soda, he'd be spitting it out in shock at the last part. "Wait! WHAT?! Sir! I swear, we're just-" He tried to say as Angela blushed at what he also said, feeling embarrassed, yet flattered about the wedding with Ratchet. She just isn't ready for one yet in this situation, and she feels that he's the same way.

"But there's no time for autographs or love! We must stop Dr. Nefarious!" The president said seriously.

"Yes. That's what we're planning to do once we save Veldin." Clank said. With Ratchet and Angela in Agreement.

"Well, as you might know, only one man was able to fight Dr. Nefarious, and live. Not only that, but he also beat him." The president then said. "And I have received a secret report on that man's whereabouts. Here, take a look." He then said before the screen changed.

"Tonight! On Nature's Mysteries! We examine the swamp forests of the Planet known as Florana, where the mysterious Florana tree beast resides!" The announcer said as a blue moon with a yellow question mark on it appeared on a black screen.

Then it showed a swamp that had both tall trees that covered the sun, and some jamboo plants that both Ratchet and Angela heard about from a museum in Megapolis. "Deep in the Florana's jamboo forest lives a mysterious creature. Or maybe, it isn't a beast. It's, ONE OF NATURE'S MYSTERIES!" He said showing the same moon.

Then it showed an old looking miner guy with a white moustache and chartreuse green skin wearing a white t-shirt with tears on it. "I've seen him run right through our camp site!" He said with a southern accent. "He was buck nekkid! Screamin, and holdin a banan'r! Or maybe it wasn't a banan'r, but it could be-"

"ONE OF NATURE'S MYSTERIES!" The announcer said interrupting the miner.

Then it showed a blurry picture of a top heavy muscular man that wore some primitive clothing, and was walking and looking at the camera when the picture was taken, even though it looked like it was taken from an old black and white camera that wasn't HD quality, so it was only barely enough for someone to distinguish who the man is if they look hard enough at the picture. "Legend has it that this mysterious creature, is one of the greatest heroes of the Galaxy. Shamed by his recent memory, he is now… ONE OF NATURE'S MYSTERIES! Tune in and find out the truth, next time." The announcer said before the screen went black.

Before it then showed the president again. "You three must travel to the Florana swamp planet. And see if that man is truly there. If so, then you must find this man. The fate of our galaxy might depend on it."

Ratchet and Angela was confused about that though. "Are you sure that could be the guy to defeat Nefarious?" Angela asked.

"Because he seems like some… you know… wacko." Ratchet then said, emphasizing the last part with his hands open.

The president ended up thinking about it for a millisecond. "You both may be right, but he's the only chance we've got at defeating that mad doctor. I know that none of you will let me down."

"You can count on us sir." Clank then said.

Afterwards, after the trio helped with the clean up on Veldin, they took the dropship, and had the Rangers fly them back to Ratchet's ship, where they had the coordinates to Florana downloaded to their computer with Clank's help.

Then, they ended up having some help from the Rangers in getting to Ratchet's home, where he was able to regain his weapons from his first adventure with Clank. Including his personal favorite weapon, the Tesla Claw, and some Golden weapons that they got from the Gemlik Base where they fought Qwark to end Ratchet's vendetta against him.

Which included the Golden Bomb glove, the Golden Pyrocitor, the golden Blaster, and the Golden Suck Cannon.

After they said goodbye to the Rangers, they were now flying out of a now saved Veldin as they were on their way to the Florana planet where Ratchat and Clank's third journey, and Angela's second journey with Ratchet, was about to begin.

Chapter Text

Chapter 2: The search for the Florana tree beast… or man.

The trio of heroes were flying through space in the Solona Galaxy, on their way to the Florana swamp planet to find the mysterious Florana tree beast. And to see if he's the one that might've defeated the notorious Dr. Nefarious, that attacked Ratchet's home planet of Veldin.

Sure they feel that they can beat the doctor themselves, after all, Ratchet defeated the Supreme Executive Chairman Drek, Angela herself in her Unknown thief costume, the Thugs-4-less mercenary group alongside herself, (Before, and after her capture that is.) and even the main protopet that they were able to cure. And Angela was able to beat Ratchet a few times when they sparred back in their apartment on Endako. Making her almost as skilled as he is. But they couldn't just disobey the President's request like that. After all, they might need all the help they can get.

For now though, they were flying to the Planet of Florana to find the tree beast, as they were armed with the weapons from the Galactic Rangers, and Ratchet's first adventure with Clank. Including the Golden Weapons that Ratchet got from the Gemlik base that they fought Qwark on to end Ratchet's Vandetta against him. Which they plan to use to defend each other from whatever hazards that Florana could send their way, as well as what the tree beast itself would do to them, once they're there.

"So Ratchet, how long has Veldin been your home?" Angela asked, making conversation with Ratchet.

"For as long as I can remember from my childhood. I don't know how I got there though, I was a baby at the time." Ratchet said casually. "It got pretty lonely, but I had some friends on Veldin. Sadly though, they were from other home planets, and none of them were interested in helping me out of Veldin." He said glumly.

"I'm sorry Ratchet. It must've been rough on Veldin." She said sadly.

"Don't worry, it was boring and dangerous, but I lived. And I've gotten stronger out of it. That's something to be proud of." He said, smiling at her.

"After all, it is said that 'whatever doesn't kill us, makes us stronger.' And Ratchet was the strongest friend I've ever had from our journey." Clank said happily. "Even if it had some turbulent moments, Ratchet always came through for me." Clank said.

That had Angela smiling at them, feeling that they're great heroes, since they stayed together as friends regardless of their arguments back in their first adventure in the Solona Galaxy. And that had her admiring the strength of their friendship.

She was glad to be their friend, and she hoped that their friendship will strengthen like with Ratchet and Clank's.

"By the way, what was it like on Grelbin?" Ratchet asked, having been there himself, and fought against a bunch of dangerous yeti's.

"It was somewhat like you living on Veldin. Only without the loneliness since I kept in touch with Megacorp. And it had its fun and dangerous moments." She responded.

"Oh. And I guess they usually protect you from the yetis and the other creatures of that place?" Ratchet asked curiously.

"Nope. Most of the time, I protect myself." She said casually with her hands behind her head. Much to Ratchet's and Clank's surprise. Which had them figuring out that her tough and no nonsense attitude could've been from her experience of dealing with the Yetis that Ratchet himself faced off against when they went to Grelbin to meet her there to get her ID badge.

Which was a hard job, since they were large beasts, they fought in numbers, and they were strong creatures that he had to face for the moonstones, to give to the guru to help him get through to Angela, and to have him hand Ratchet a hypno-matic part. (Not to mention a ton of Bolts for all the moonstones collected afterwards.) Which made collecting them only barely worth it for him. So to hear about her having to defend herself from them, had him admiring her a bit more.

Even though he also felt sorry for her as he cringed at what she might've went through on Grelbin. "Geez. It must've been rough over there."

"Yes. It was a bit rough at some moments, and there was some days where I thought I might die there. But I'm alive still. And thank the stars that I am, since without me, the Bogon Galaxy might've been screwed." She said relieved that she's still alive. "That is, if neither of you were there. And if the protopet was made anyway."

"Well, that's a relief." He said with a sigh. "And that's good too. Because if that happened, we would never became friends."

Angela felt touched about what Ratchet has said, causing her to smile at him as she softly punched his shoulder. "Thanks Ratchet. It's nice to be your friend too."

"No problem." He said rubbing the shoulder that she punched.

After that, they were now not too far from Florana as they saw the planet in their sight. Now they prepared their weapons for firing when they touch down on the planet.

They now flew on the planet as they searched for the location to land in to begin their search for that Tree Beast that they should look for. And they found one in the jamboo nabla forest, near some pyramids where a conveniently placed landing pad was put. Which they proceeded to use to land his ship.

Now they were on land as they got their stuff packed with them for their trek on their first planet together. With both of them armed, with one of them armed with the Gold weapon, being the blaster.

Now, with their weapons in hand, they trekked along the platform's walkway as well as jumped over some gaps that led to one of the pyramid buildings, all while shooting at the Floranian blood flies that flew over the ooze, all of which looked like fire wasps, while also taking down the boxes for more Bolts, but not before coming across the weapon Vender that had two buyable weapons, one of which was a plasma whip. Which Ratchet proceeded to buy, feeling that it's not a bad start for their search for the beast.

Once they entered the room in the pyramid, they ended up getting ambushed by some swamp warriors with triple blade glaives that they threw like boomerangs, which gave Angela a cut on her left arm when she tried to dodge. But she ignored the pain as she and Ratchet fired back at them with their Nitro Launcher, and the other weapon being the Tesla claw.

As she fired the Coil, she could see at that moment why Ratchet enjoyed firing that weapon at his enemies. It was devastating and it had a long reach to medium range enemies while always leaving them stunned and unable to attack back at her due to getting shocked by the green electric beam that it shoots out. All while Ratchet launched his Nitro Launcher at the enemies to destroy them, or weaken them for her to finish off. While the ones that got too close, ended up getting taken down by Ratchet swinging his recently bought whip.

She wondered if it's possible that the Coil could upgrade the same way if she takes down more enemies with it. While Ratchet fired out the bombs from the Nitro Launcher to clear the room, and to have it evolve like the Shock Cannon did. After all, the Nitro Launcher's upgraded form could be useful in the future. All while they also looked around in the room, and saw that the pyramid place looked pretty abandoned. Like there was those that used to live here in Florana before they moved, letting the swamp take over the place.

"Are you alright Angela?" Ratchet asked after they took down all of the warriors, and was done looking around, noticing her cut on her arm.

"I'll be fine. It's just a cut, it'll heal." Angela said trying not to have Ratchet concerned for her.

"If you say so." He said, before he then thought about the weapon Venders that he bought the Plasma whip from, as he felt that the Whip is a useful tool for longer range melee combat, that he feels he's gonna dominate in.

Even though he wonders which other weapons that he's gonna buy from the other Venders that they'll both come across sometime in the future. Especially since they left the room in the pyramid, and came across another weapon vender, where they decided to spend some Bolts to refill their ammo for their weapons.

Including Ammo for the Plasma Whip, much to both of their dismay, since it made no sense that each swing of the whip would waste ammo for it, considering it's a 'melee weapon' not a gun.

Right now though, they had the Golden weapons, the two weapons that they got from the Rangers, and the whip.

Which Ratchet still put to good use against the fire wasps that they came across more of when they exited the pyramid they were in to another walk way. Which they were prepared to glide to.

At least until it was during their crate breaking for more Bolts to use to buy, when Angela accidentally dropped to a lower floor when she used the plasma whip on the boxes. Ratchet ended up being startled when he heard her yelling and saw that she was gone. "Angela?! Where are you?!" He loudly asked, scared.

"I'm okay!" She yelled back, as she climbed to the lower floor of the pyramid after being able to grab the ledge before she could fall into the ooze, where she came across a Titanium Bolt. "Hey Ratchet? Can you come down here?!"

Ratchet ended up doing just that with Clank's help, where he came across her, and the Titanium Bolt. "Woah! You found a Special Titanium Bolt?! Nice!" Ratchet said happily, having collected some of those himself.

"So what are they used for?" She asked, wondering why they made him happy.

"Weapon modding. A guy named Slim Cognito helped me mod my weapons in exchange for them." He responded.

"So that's where you got those mods for your weapons. I always wondered how you were able to install those mods, and whether you had help or not!" She said, having got her answers to her questions that she felt at this point, didn't feel important to have answered. "And I believe, you plan to collect this too?"

"Uh-huh. Who knows what I'll receive in exchange, whether it'd be the weapon mods, or even the more Golden versions like the ones in our pockets, either way, it's gonna be so cool!" He said excitedly, wondering what else they're gonna get as he collected the Bolt itself. "Let's get more of these from here on out."

"Works for me." She said smiling, also feeling excited about what rewards they're gonna get, as they continued on through the swamp.

Where they had to fight more warriors that they saw were natives to the Nabla forest. Which was a section in Florana's planet that they were in, and they felt that the tree beast was in too. Which they hoped, wouldn't be too hard to search for.

Both Angela and Ratchet kept on going through the path that they know could lead to the Tree beast while continuing to blast and whip the nabla warriors and the Florana blood flies that gets in their way on their way to the tree beast. And right now, with the Nitro Launcher and the Tesla Claw, as well as the Gold weapons, none of them stood a chance against them both.

Not even the large swamp monsters with tentacles were a match for them, despite towering over them and spitting out acidic saliva at their direction. But they dodged it and kept peppering the monster with the Golden blaster fire, and the Nitro bombs until it got taken down in seconds.

Where it was when the Nitro Launcher ended up glowing in Ratchet's hands, before getting upgraded. Much to Ratchet's excitement since the upgraded weapons become more useful and devastating to him when they upgrade in his hands. Not to mention more fun to use against his enemies, like when he used the Bouncer gun in its evolved form to easily clear a room of enemies with. (Including the aforementioned Yetis from Grelbin.)

"Hell yeah! With this thing fully upgraded, Dr. Nefarious is screwed!" He said excitedly. Feeling stoked to fight Dr. Nefarious himself, should this 'hero' that defeated him be either dead, or unable to fight.

"Easy there Ratchet. Don't get too cocky when fighting him. Trust me, learned it the hard way on Siberius." She said, having underestimated Ratchet herself when they fought, only to get beaten by him, due to his weapons, and skill. "And I still feel a little tingle from that shock mod on that Lancer."

Ratchet felt embarrassed at the reminder of their fight on Siberius. "Hey sorry, Angela. I didn't know that you were not a villain at the time."

"Eh, no problem. I guess I should've just told you outright, and as soon as I could, on why I stole the Protopet instead of trying to scare you away, or killing both of you too. But I guessed that you wouldn't believe me." She said.

"Considering that you kidnapped me, I'm certain that he wouldn't have believed you." Clank said.

Which had Angela also feeling embarrassed about having kidnapped Clank from his Apartment in Endako. "And I'm really sorry I did that. At the time, I thought that Ratchet would be scared away by my threat to make him leave by using you. I didn't think he'd be that determined to save you regardless."

"Well, that's what friends are for." Clank said.

"And we forgive you. After all, you were just trying to protect the Galaxy from Megacorp's biggest mistake, mostly caused by that arrogant hero wannabe." Ratchet then said, referring to Qwark. "Even if you were being a little villainous, especially at Oozla."

"Well… I guess I was taking my anger out on Megacorp for rushing the Protopet's release date. I guess I was hoping to run them out of business at the time." She said ashamed of her actions. "But considering how powerful Megacorp was in the Bogon Galaxy, it would've been close to impossible to do it that way. And I didn't think about that at the time. And I'm sorry."

"And like we said, we forgive you. You didn't think that one through in terms of how we'd view you for doing that. But Megacorp was hardly better, at least while Qwark was in charge. So nobody's perfect in Bogon." Ratchet said.

"That's reassuring. I guess." Angela said, still feeling regretful about attacking the other employees of Megacorp, but she didn't dwell on that too much, since they still had a job to do.

So they continued onwards through the swamp, while continuing to blast the blood flies, Nabla native warriors, and the Swamp Monsters that continued to fight them by popping out of the water to spit their acid at them. But like with the others, they was no match for both of them.

Then they were at another pyramid, where they were gonna enter it when Ratchet found something that caught his eye. A yellow box, that had an orange fire symbol on it like it had some sort of fire weapon inside, or had some red hot Bolts inside it too, neither Lombax knew. All they knew, was that it had something inside it that should justify the fire motif that it showed on the crate. But what?

"Any ideas Angela?" Ratchet asked.

"None whatsoever. It must be some sort of fire weapon." Angela responded. "Or it could be a fire Power-up?" She then said, going off video game logic that she's sure, would be fictional.

Little did she know, she was gonna see how correct she was gonna be.

"Only one way to find out." Ratchet then said, before he then gave the box a little thwack with his wrench.

Which caused the box to suddenly explode in a fiery ball that engulfed Ratchet and Clank, as Angela covered her eyes. When she turned back around after the explosion was done, she tried to call out Ratchet's and Clank's name in panic, only to keep her mouth open in shock at what she saw.

Clank was okay and unmarked since he was on Ratchet's back. While Ratchet himself had fiery orange colored armor, with yellow glowing highlights all over his body, as well as his helmet, which covered even his entire face, giving him the intimidating and badass space soldier look on him. And he was also on fire all over his armor while holding a pair of flaming wrenches.

Which is a fact that is not lost on him. "AAAHH! I'm on fire! I'm on fire! Put it out! Put it out! Put it out!" He yelled out in alarm at his burning looks as he jumped and ran around, as well as stop, drop, and rolled around. At least until he quickly realized that he's on fire, but he isn't in pain from the fire on his armor. "Wha? I'm burning, but I'm not turning to ashes." He said.

All while Angela looked on in awe at the sight of him in the inferno armor. (As well as trying not to crack up at his reactions to being in flaming armor.) "Wow. You look so cool! I wonder if this is the power up that I was talking about."

"It looks like it." Clank said. "I'm actually curious about what use this has."

"Only one way to find out." Ratchet then said as he and Angela proceeded to enter the room.

Where they suddenly saw the walk way that they walked on to a platform floating on the ooze, to suddenly rise up like a drawbridge. Trapping them both on the arena as two pairs of Nabla natives ended up ambushing them both. They were out for blood as they were ready to take down the pair of Lombaxes. Unfortunately for the natives, they were already outmatched even before the battle started.

For Angela took out her Shock Cannon and shot at some of the Nabla natives that tried to rush at her, while Ratchet fought against the other natives in hand to hand combat with his flaming omni-wrenches, and was easily winning against them as he dominated them in combat with his skills, and his surprising strength with his swings, all while they were on fire too when he hit them with his flaming wrenches.

Even as more of the natives were coming in from up above, they were no match for Ratchet's inferno armor. And Angela was no slouch either as she blasted more of them as they were unable to strike against her because of her reflexes and distance keeping, while she kept on shooting.

It looked less like a survival fight, and more like a contest of who can take down more of the natives faster. And they were both neck in neck in that contest.

Then it ended with a pair of swamp monsters that rose out of the water…

…just as soon as the Inferno power up expired, putting Ratchet back into his regular armor.

"Aw come on! And right at the best part!" Ratchet complained to no one other than the swamp monsters, as Angela tried not to laugh at the comedic timing of that happening, regardless of feeling like they have a challenge on their hands.

Thankfully for them, it wasn't an actual challenge, as she dispatched one of the monsters with a charged Shock Cannon after switching to it, while Ratchet whipped the other one with the plasma whip. Which didn't take too many of those to take the other one down.

That isn't to say that it was an easy one though, as they did get in a shot on both Ratchet and Angela. With Angela getting grazed by an acidic saliva on her right foot, while Ratchet got hit on his left shoulder when the spit grazed it. And it burned them both on where the acid hit them as they both grunted loudly in pain.

Thankfully, all the acid did was burn them, as they still had their fur and their skin intact. But they knew they better be careful during their time on Florana, lest they take the full shot of the acid, and probably melt to the floor.

After a little recovering from the acid shots, both Lombaxes kept on going as they climbed upwards with some wall-jumping. All while they made sure that they weren't too close together to where they'd splat against each other by mistake.

Not that it'll do them any good, since Ratchet reached the top first, and stayed near the edge as he had Clank off his back so he can scout ahead while he helps Angela up, just in case she grabs onto the ledge. Only for her to accidentally overshoot and jump over the ledge and onto Ratchet by mistake.

Now they were on the floor with Angela on top of Ratchet as he had his face in her chest. Much to his embarrassment and slight fear since he was sure that Angela would've been mad at that.

Only for her to get up, while pretending to not notice the fact that he had his face in her bosom. Since it was more her fault that it happened. "Sorry. Overshot the edge." She apologized with a blush on her face, as she helped him back onto his feet.

"N-No problem. Let's be more careful from here on out when we do some wall jumping." Ratchet said, trying not to nosebleed at the feeling of her chest in his face.

Angela kept that in mind as Clank ran back to them, telling them that they're getting close to a likely place where the Florana Tree Beast could be at. Which is a village that happens to have huts on the trees and some rocks.

And near the huts, was a humongous stump that had a glass dome near it, with a large door on the front. Which he believes is a 90% chance that it's where the Tree Beast is. And they're headed right for it.

Which was much to their delight since even though they didn't have any annoying or bad moments on Florana's swamp so far, they didn't have any fun moments, and they guessed that it was gonna get annoying later on. So they knew that the sooner they find the Tree Beast, the better.

So they kept on going forward, while using the vine as a zipline to get to the platform. (With Ratchet using his wrench to hold on to the vine while Angela held onto his hips.) Where they both ended up getting assaulted by another pair of Swamp Monsters and some more Nabla Natives to open the drawbridge that blocked their path forward. Which they fought more of with her Shock Cannon on both the Natives and the monsters, and with Ratchet's Nitro Launcher on the Nabla Natives to clear up the platform to make sure that they still have room on there.

Until she ran out of ammo on her Shock Cannon when she used some charged shots on one of the swamp monsters, causing her to switch to the Tesla Claw again, to fight the Natives with, while Ratchet switched to his Golden Bomb Glove to take down the last of the Swamp Monsters.

Now with the draw bridge down, and after taking out more crates for the bolts, and the Shock Cannon ammo, they used another zipline to get to the platform that was in front of the huge Stump, and glass dome building, which they were prepared to enter to find the Tree Beast.

"Uh Ratchet, Angela, we've got company." Clank suddenly said as they prepared to enter the stump.

"Whuh? Where!" Ratchet asked looking around alongside Angela.

"Behind you." Clank said, sounding like his voice was muffled. Mainly because it was muffled.

"Where?!" Ratchet asked impatiently looking behind him, causing Angela to see what was muffling Clank's speech and what was behind Ratchet.

It was a one eyed chestnut brown furred Floranian monkey.

"On your back Ratchet!" Angela said, aiming her gun at the monkey.

The monkey ended up getting scared as it pointed its hands up at the sky like it was surrendering. While Ratchet then ended up turning his head enough to see that indeed, there was monkey on his back. Which he could've panicked, but he then saw that Angela had her gun pointed at it, which was a sign that she has it covered.

And he'd only make things harder for her to shoot it if he panics.

"Okay monkey, time to get off his back now, then scram, and you won't get hurt." Angela said threateningly towards the monkey.

The monkey knew better that time than to make her mad. So it did just that and ran a short distance to another figure. Which had Angela then looking at him in shock.

"Thanks Angela, it would've been so annoying to search for the beast with a monkey on my baaa-AAAAAUGH!" Ratchet then said when he too looked at the figure that Angela saw.

Which was a top heavy muscular jungle man, with a shredded bright green costume that happened to be darkened, and stitched on his right shoulder, with dark blue pants, and fur shoes, and he was wearing an admittedly intimidating metallic jungle mask that had red eyes, sharp teeth with some orcish fangs on the bottom, and the metallic feathers on the top of the mask.

It seems that they've found the Tree Beast that they were looking for.

And judging by his breathing patterns, and his calm, yet ferocious posture that he was currently using, he didn't seem thrilled that Angela pointed a gun at the monkey friend of his, or viewed them as unwanted trespassers that shouldn't have come to his property. He even seem to be furious, yet silently showing his rage in a kind of anger that ran serene, and cold.

"You all trespass on sacred ground!" The beast in the mask said, before making breathing and monkey noises. "Now all of you walk Path Of Death!"

"But sir-" Clank tried to say.

"PATH OF DEEEAATH!" The beast bellowed out loudly.

Although Ratchet and Angela didn't feel intimidated in the slightest of the Beast's wrath, they felt that it'd be better to obey the demand of the Beast's for now, as they proceeded to enter the stump's door that the Beast pointed out as the Path of Death for them to go through.

Which, was where it lived up to its name, as they had to traverse the platforms that were held up by poles that drops like inverted draw bridges that goes down when they land on them, paths littered with Nabla warrior natives, slanted paths that had rolling and bouncing boulders that tried to crush them, floors that had little fire geysers that tries to burn them, and even some pushing pistons that tried to push them into the lava, or tried to crush them flat from in between them.

All of which, while they also had to ensure that neither of them falls into the lava that was below them. And Angela had no robot buddy on her back to help her glide to the other side of any gap in the path of death like Ratchet himself does. And along the way, they saw a little tower hut that had another Titanium bolt in it. Which Ratchet ended up jumping to before collecting the bolt itself, before going back onto the Path of Death. Where their struggles continued.

They even had to fight some of the Natives that tried to ambush them on the traps themselves, and that when the natives themselves didn't end up becoming victim to those traps themselves. Much to the trio's amusement.

Nevertheless though, they had one heck of a challenge on their hands. Full of dangers, and enemies. Not to mention a ton of close calls.

Especially with the fire geysers that they had to dodge on the floors. As well as some crushing pistons that they were barely able to dodge, a couple times.

Thankfully, it wasn't a long path, as they eventually got to the end of the path after some of the close calls, to the room that had a circular arena in the center of it. Like they were about to fight something on it.

On the arena though, they saw the Beast itself as it now looked surprised at their survival. "Can… not… be!" He said in surprise.

Both of them were hurt by the path of death, but not to badly as they were merely a bit tired from the trip. "Okay! We ran through your path of death!" He said taking breaths.

"Now, tell us what you might know about Dr. Nefarious!" Angela said.

"Hurrrgh?" The beast asked.

"Dr. Nefarious! They said that you're the only one who was able to beat him!" Ratchet said impatiently.

"Huuuuuurrrrrgh?!" The beast asked again.

Which was much to Ratchet's and Angela's annoyance as he looked at Clank in exasperation. "I guess we've found the wrong guy." Angela said.

"Or this guy's even dumber than-" Ratchet tried to say, only for Clank and Angela to witness the one eyed monkey pulling off the mask off of the Tree Beast to show its true face. Showing that it's a man, and a very familiar one at that.

"Captain Qwark?!" Both Clank and Angela said in shock.

And in Angela's case, annoyance. After all, she still remembers that it was Qwark that caused the Protopet incident by kidnapping her boss, Fizzwidget, and forcing her to rush the Protopet out the door while disguised as Fizzwidget. Which caused the entire situation, as well as Ratchet's adventure in Bogon to happen all because of Qwark wanting to revive his reputation. And Angela still didn't like Qwark for that reason, seeing him as what Ratchet described as a hero wannabe with an ego that is bigger than his muscles.

Seeing him as the Tree Beast though, was quite a shock. And seeing that Qwark might've been the one that defeated Dr. Nefarious, was also a huge shock for her.

"Hahaha! Yeah, dumber than Captain- OOOOOF!" Ratchet then got kicked by Qwark as he got sent flying across the arena, as Qwark glared at them in anger, like he knew he was insulted by Ratchet, despite his unintelligence.

Ratchet was helped up by Angela, while Clank got back on his back like he knew a fight was coming. Which it was, as both Ratchet and Angela glared back at Quark with anger. "That's it Qwark. You had this coming for a loooong time!" He said angrily.

"And this time, we're not gonna give you mercy." Angela also said angrily.

The fight began with Qwark throwing a glaive at them, but they dodged the glaive before shooting back at Qwark with their guns. Which Qwark withstood as he kept on throwing the glaive at them, trying to throw it faster to hit them.

Which wasn't fast enough, as they continued to dodge the glaive throws from Qwark while continuing to shoot him with their weapons. With Ratchet using the Nitro Launcher to damage him, while Angela continued to use the Shock Cannon, since she seemed to enjoy shooting the gun regardless of the recoil.

Seeing that he's not winning the fight so far, Qwark brought in some Nabla Natives to help him against the trio. But they were no match for the Lombaxes as they continued to dodge and weave their glaives before shooting them down with the Shock Cannon, or the Tesla Claw.

Qwark then threw a pair of glaives which they didn't expect as they both dodged the first one, but got some cuts from the second one on their torso's and their armor. Which did expose some of their chests a bit, making them blush at the sight of some of their skin exposed through the cuts in their suits.

But they ignored the pain as they continued to fire their guns at Qwark. Who sent in more of the Natives to help him alongside the Blood flies. But like last time, the Lombaxes were too much for them.

And eventually, they were too much for Qwark, as they took him down with one well placed shot from the Shock Cannon at close range from Angela. Defeating him, but not killing him, since he was still too tough to kill.

Which they felt, was the only few good qualities that they know about Qwark, being that he was one tough son of a… whatever Ratchet can think of for Qwark.

Right now though, he was unconscious, and Ratchet and Angela was about to see if they can finish the job until Clank stopped them by going in between them and Captain Qwark. "WAIT! I'm sure that we might need him!" Clank said.

"For what?! He obviously lost it when he came here after his failure in Bogon!" Ratchet said. "I say, let's take him down and avoid another repeat of the Protopet incident!"

"I'm with you Ratchet! He still needs to pay for what he could've done to Megacorp, and the Bogon Galaxy." Angela said, agreeing with Ratchet.

"Not to mention working with Drek. I'm curious about how he'd react when he realizes he worked for a monster that profits from destroying planets?" Ratchet then said.

"I KNOW!" Clank said loudly, making both of them cringe at the sudden loud tone. "But I know he can redeem himself for what he's done!"

"Redeem!?" Ratchet asked exasperated.

"REDEEM?! He could've caused an apocalypse in Bogon! All out of a desire to revive his reputation that he doesn't deserve, even if he did defeat Nefarious! And you think that he can be redeemed, let alone redeem himself?!" Angela said, still remembering Qwark being behind the situation in Bogon.

"Of course guys! I know he can atone for what he's done in Bogon, and with Drek. But he can't do such a thing if you guys keep treating him poorly! Give him a chance, please! I know he can do good this time! After all, both of you redeemed yourselves for what you've done in the past, in my eyes at least!" He said, feeling that anybody, even Qwark, can redeem themselves for their past.

Both Lombaxes were reluctant to let him live considering their history with Qwark. After all, Clank does acknowledge that they have a point, but they also acknowledge that Clank might not be wrong either, since he didn't even leave Ratchet's side regardless of his vendetta against Qwark, during their adventure to taking down Drek. Which resulted in Ratchet eventually feeling remorse for his vendetta, and redeeming himself by bringing his fight back to Drek, and eventually defeating him before he could destroy Veldin.

Angela on the other hand, they quickly became friends with, when they learned about what Megacorp planned to do with the Protopet after they took it back to them. And working together with her as a team, they were able to defeat Thugs-4-Less, and save Bogon from the Protopet, and Qwark's failed plan, by using her Helix-o-Morph to tame the Protopet. Which in their eyes, redeemed her for the villainous things she did before her unmasking. (Once again, remembering Oozla's footage.)

So, what's to say that Qwark isn't gonna do the same thing once he is given the chance?

Ratchet and Angela decided to lower their weapons after thinking it over for a tense few minutes. "Okay Clank. We will let him live. But it is for you." Ratchet said.

"After all, your our friend, Clank." Angela said. "But he better not try to create another Protopet incident, or whatever different disaster he could make, especially during our battle against Nefarious, or we will not give him any mercy, by the time we're done with him." Angela said.

"I understand. Thank you both." Clank said, relieved that they're being merciful and understanding.

A short time then ended up passing, before Qwark then woke up, still acting like a monkey himself as he currently remained docile while Ratchet wore the Metallic Tree Beast mask that Qwark wore before their battle. "So, like I said, Qwark has lost his mind this time. Now what?" He asked as Angela was snickering at Qwark's acting like a monkey.

"Just keep that mask on. He thinks you're his new leader. Which could make it easy for us to take him to our ship." Clank said as they all started to venture back to the Star Explorer.

"Just one problem. Where is he gonna sit?" Angela asked, noting how huge Qwark was for the Star Explorer, which was not a big starship that they rode to Florana. And Qwark was a massive top heavy guy.

Ratchet felt confused as he also started to dread what they were gonna do with Qwark. Seeing that they were gonna be forced to have Qwark ride with them in the Ship. "That's… a good question." He said awkwardly.

Suddenly, they felt a large ship approaching their current location that was near the Star Explorer. Which they saw was the Galactic Ranger's dropship that they rode on to the F-sector of Veldin. And it was going to land near their location. (And thankfully, not on their ship like last time.)

Then the door opened, showing the Galactic Rangers themselves running out of the ship in two straight single file lines. "Okay Rangers, secure the perimeter and make… sure… oh. Hello again Sergeants! Sorry we're late!" The leading Ranger said saluting them. As well as recognizing Ratchet through his mask.

"It's okay, we've got the target already so you're all good." Ratchet said, relieved that they might be taking Qwark into their ship as he had to be calmed down by Angela and his monkey.

"We could've gotten here sooner, if 'somebody' didn't take the wrong turn at Albuquerque Planet!" The leading one said, gesturing to a clumsy Ranger who stood a little ashamed.

"Well, we could've avoided that if we had a GPS to use." The clumsy one responded.

"Save your squabbles for later Rangers!" Ratchet said, defusing what could've been an argument. "Besides, we have Qwark, and he might need some therapy since he's obviously lost his marbles. So, is there a therapist bot in that ship?!" He then called out.

None of the Rangers ended up raising their hands though. "Negative sir. But we'll find a way once we return to the Phoenix. Hey! Speaking of which, our commander has heard of your success, and now she wants to speak with you. Putting her through now." He then said before showing an HD screen to Ratchet's face.

Which then showed another Cazar on the screen. Only that one was a female, and looked more thinner than the male one. Having similar brown fur, she wore a lilac captains suit that hugged her figure, at least from the upper parts, while having some golden decorations that showed her Rank. And she had ocean blue eyes.

"This is Captain Sasha Phyronix of the Starship Phoenix. The President has asked me to assist you folks." The female known as Sasha said on the screen as she saw Ratchet as he lifted his mask up, showing his face.

"Uh, hello." He said, trying to be formal to her, as both he and Qwark started to find her attractive. But the latter kept it to himself by Angela's nonverbal command.

"I see you've located Captain Qwark." She said smiling at him.

"Yeah, we've got him, but… uh, he… thinks he's a monkey." Ratchet said, noting Qwark's mannerisms.

"I see." She said awkwardly. "Bring him to the Phoenix, and we'll see what we can do. Also, we have given you all some quarters in our Phoenix too, so just in case you're coming with him, feel free to visit us and check them out yourselves. I'm uploading the coordinates to your ship as we speak. Sasha out." She then said before ending the call.

"Well, we don't have anything better to do so far, other than try to strike back against Nefarious ourselves. So why don't we go to that Phoenix too?" She asked Ratchet.

"Good idea. We might need help at our current strengths. So might as well go to the Phoenix." Ratchet said to Angela. Then he turned to the leading Ranger as the other Rangers struggled to put in a resisting Qwark in the dropship with them. "Here, wear this on your face. It'll trick him into thinking you're his leader. That'll calm him down." Ratchet said, giving the mask to the leading Ranger.

"Thanks Sarge. We'll take it from here now." The Ranger said before doing just that, which calmed Qwark down before he then was put on the ship with the Rangers, before it then took off into space.

Ratchet and his friends weren't far behind when they too took off into space after collecting what's left of the bolts nearby. Now they were headed to the Phoenix.

*Time skip*

The trio entered the Phoenix through the hanger door of the Phoenix, which they saw was a beautiful looking ship from the outside. Now that they were inside, they looked around at the hanger room that they were in, and saw that it was a spacious place. And it looked amazing as well. Especially since it looked like it could fit a few more dropships inside.

"Woah. This looks awesome!" Angela said.

Then a screen of Sasha appeared in front of them. "Welcome aboard the Phoenix ladies and gentlemen. Or, lady and gentlemen." Sasha said, noting only one lady, being Angela.

"Wow!" Ratchet then said.

"Impressive isn't she? The Phoenix is the pride of the Galactic Fleet.

She is equipped with the latest in technology: including

o A Holodeck Training Suite,

o Autovenders for Armor and Guns,

o Virtual fighting arena, and firing range,

o Starfighter upgrade system, like the ones for your ship there,

And even a Gadgetron VG-9000 gaming system." Sasha said, listing off the amenities and showing images of them on the screen.

The last one had both Ratchet and Angela feeling awed at that. "A VG-9000?" He asked excitedly, yet quietly.

"Of course. It even comes with a Mavox Fireball Pro controller, VR headset, and a Zero gravity dance pad attachment." Sasha then said showing more of the images.

Ratchet and Angela felt like they died and gone to heaven at that. Both of them did feel like they were gamers in spirit, which they felt, was what they had in common and what might've fueled their friendship during their Post-Protopet incident days. Angela also admits, she was hooked at the Zero Gravity dance pad. (Which she hopes to dance with Ratchet on for the fun of it.)

"Will you marry me?" Ratchet accidentally asked. Before facepalming. "Err, no sorry! Didn't mean to ask that, forget I asked!" He said quickly as Angela also tried not to laugh at that accident.

Although she did feel a pang of jealousy at her as well.

"Well, you both do seem to feel a little wore out. That's why your quarters are prepared for you both. And, Qwark is also in the room, but don't worry, he's in a custom made cage so that he won't get in your way. Come meet me on the bridge when your both ready. Sasha out." She then said before ending the call. Leaving the Lombaxes to their devices.

*Time skip*

They were now in the quarters themselves as they were looking over a caged Qwark who was currently eating bananas alongside the one eyed monkey. Who he named Skrunch. "So, this is really the guy that defeated Nefarious? How do you think he got like this?" Ratchet asked.

"Well, the life of a Galactic superhero can be very stressful." Clank said with a giggle.

"I know. But this guy really was the guy that defeated Nefarious?" Angela then asked, feeling like she was told a joke about Captain Qwark. (And not a very funny one.)

As they saw Qwark fighting Skrunch for a banana that the latter snatched from his hand, both Ratchet and Angela had similar thoughts about the situation they were in.

"We're hosed/F#$!ed."

Chapter Text

"We're losing the signal! Try boosting the power!" Sasha, the captain of the Starship Phoenix said on her bridge to one of the Rangers as Ratchet, Clank, and Angela entered the room.

The Lombax duo, and Clank, was playing some games on the VG 9000, including the exclusive games with the dance pad attachment, (Which had them blushing when they did some songs that put them too close to each other.) while they also watched Qwark and made sure he doesn't starve in the cage, or escape.

Then they did some training together in the VR simulation holodeck training arena, where they fought against bots with their weapons to not only keep themselves in fighting shape when they fight against Nefarious's forces, but also to make their weapons stronger against them since the training bots also counted as foes that drops the Nanomites that strengthens their weapons.

So they fought in some warm up competitions against the bots that toted Pyrocitors, (Like the golden one they still had.) among other old gadgetron weapons that Ratchet used in his first adventure, then there was the other challenge of fighting the bots, while some sections of the arena ended up retracting to make some gaps that had the electric floor below it that they avoided while blasting the bots. While also making the center of the arena retract too to turn it into a ring that they fought on.

Which was among the other challenges, like the speed round, where they had to destroy the bots in a time limit of one minute. Which Ratchet finished in the nick of time at two seconds to spare. As well as the weapon limit challenge where they were forced to use only the required weapon to destroy the bots with. In this case, it was the shock cannon that Angela used.

The former challenge, was where Ratchet was able to evolve the Plasma Whip, to where its whipping power increased, its visual color was changed from Orange, to an Orange with bluish tint, and bluish smoke that emits from the whip. And best of all, its ammo increased to seventy-five. (Which is a sign that it could never run out when fully evolved.) While the N60 storm that they bought from the Phoenix's weapon vender was also strengthened up by the training.

And finally, there was a tougher challenge at the last part where they had to hold off the bots on the arena as it changed shapes with the retracting sections of the arena, as they did suffer some burns from the zapping floor underneath. But they were able to defeat the Bots, had the N60 storm evolving to become stronger, and they got the Titanium bolt as a result of their win against the waves of bots that fought them.

And also, Ratchet and Angela was given some gifts from one of the Rangers. Being a pair of double bladed laser swords that happened to have pink lasers, that extends out every time they swing it. Angela admits, she isn't as good as Ratchet is in melee, but she can learn how to fight from Ratchet.

It was a fun little set of challenges that was one way to help with their warm-up, which would help prepare them for what is to come from their journey to defeating Nefarious.

It was when they were called onto the bridge of the Starship Phoenix by one of the Rangers. Which was where they got to the bridge via a sort of gondola system. (Which was made of glass, giving them a view of the major room of the Phoenix, that went from the hanger to the bridge.)

Which was where they walked in on Sasha trying to talk to somebody who was breaking up on screen as the screen was buzzing with static, probably because he was under attack. Which judging by Sasha's desperation in her tone, the latter seems likely, and it was happening to someone Sasha is friends with.

That's when they noticed the screen and who was on it as it buzzed. "Isn't that the President?" Ratchet asked.

"They came out of nowhere! *BZZT* -Tyhrrannoid invasion force! *BZZZT* -Presidential compound is holding, but might be breached at this rate!" The President said in desperation as the screen was buzzing, interrupting his sentences.

All while Sasha was looking on in fear at what was happening, much to Ratchet's and Angela's concern and confusion, with both of them wondering if the President was best friends with her.

"-can no hold out much longer! If I die, I wanna say that I lov- *BZZZZT*" The image then shown only static.

"Mr. President! DAD! Are you there?!" Sasha then said, much to both Lombax's and the robot's shock.

"Dad?" Ratchet asked, surprised that she happens to be the daughter of the President. While Clank also looked on in confusion.

"Wait! That was your dad?!" Angela then asked surprised.

After nodding in response, the static image then showed what looked like Dr. Nefarious's image on screen, like a message was about to be sent.

It then turned on, showing what could be Dr. Nefarious himself, who happened to be wearing some sinister cape that split down the middle and ending at his butt, that connected to a vest with a red light in the center. He happened to look gangly thin, and lithe.

And for some reason, there was a grey colored robot with blue eyes, who happened to have a head that was shaped like a lava lamp, and he was wearing a tuxedo suit that had him looking like a butler. Which he could be to Nefarious.

"Robotic citizens. THE HOUR OF YOUR LIBERATION IS AT HAND!" He suddenly shouted getting out of his chair.

"Too long have we robots suffered under the bigotry, the stupidity, the squishiness and the foul stench of these organic lifeforms!" He then said, as the butler bot started to make hand gestures, probably to communicate with the viewers that is hearing impaired.

"SOON! All robots will bask in the liberty, and equality, of my benevolent iron-fisted rule!" He then said as the camera hovered over him for some reason.

Then the camera was now in front of him. "And, as for you filthy squishy organic lifeforms, you can look forward to BEING DESINTIGRATED!" He then said, shoving his face to the camera before dropping it on the floor, leaving it getting cracked as he cackled. "That's all for now." He then said before the signal got cut.

After the broadcast was cut, the people in the room looked at the screen in total silence for a bit, before Sasha then got determined.

"Plot a course for Marcadia! Maximum speed! Prepare the dropship for planetary assault on the Noids!" She then said determined.

Then she turned to Ratchet, Angela and Clank. "We're going in." She then said determined.

Ratchet, Angela, and Clank didn't need to be told, they knew what to do once they get to Marcadia with or without the Phoenix. "We'll see you on Marcadia." He then said, before running out of the bridge, and through the Gondola, and to his Star Explorer alongside Angela with Clank in tow.

Where after they got in, they punched in the Coordinates to Marcadia, and proceeded to launch the ship out of the Phoenix's opened doors.

They were zooming onward through space on their way to Marcadia, with plans to save it alongside the Galactic Rangers, which they were sure wasn't far behind them. Sure Ratchet merely went to Marcadia for only a little walk in the city which he didn't see as anything to write home about in terms of beauty and sightseeing, and sure, Angela never even went to that place, (Considering her life in Bogon before she met Ratchet.) but they couldn't just let Marcadia be destroyed by the Tyhrranoids.

Especially since as they just learned, Sasha is the President's daughter. They didn't want to have her lose, her possibly only parent.

"So, have you been there before?" Angela asked curiously.

"Yes. It was probably a week after we beat Drek, and before Qwark teleported us to the Bogon Galaxy. I wasn't really there for a vacation, just a sight seeing was all, and while there, I did a little errand for somebody." He said, remembering his time there. "And in case you're wondering who she is, I think her name was… Cora."

"Cora Huh? What did she need from you?" Angela asked curiously.

"Papers, last I remember. I didn't know what she was going to do with them, nor did I know what kind they were in the envelope, but I didn't open it since I wasn't curious. I just wanted to get it done so I would continue with my sightseeing." Ratchet said, feeling uninterested in the errand but was glad to help nonetheless. "She seemed to be quite thankful though, so I didn't mind doing the job."

"Well, if those were important papers, then I'm sure she'd thank you for the help when you and her meet again." Angela said. "And you never met anybody else important there?"

"Nope. Not even the President. Even though I'm sure he would've known who I am if we did, considering that I saved the Galaxy from Drek, and exposed Qwark's scheme with him." Ratchet said.

"And I'm guessing you and I are about to make him more proud, by saving his planet. I have hopes that we shall be heroes together once Marcadia is safe again." Angela said smiling a little bit flirtatiously.

Which Ratchet, nor Clank was able to notice. "I hope so too. Since it would be fun to have a fellow hero to fight Nefarious with." Ratchet responded.

"Not to mention, helpful to have an ally." Clank added in.

"That too." They both chorused as they were now getting closer to the Planet that they were going to, being Marcadia. And they noticed that the Starship Phoenix was there too as they were now dropping a dropship to the planet too, while doing some orbital bombarding against the invasion force on the ground.

Which is good for them, since they have a army by their side to fight the Tyhrranoids with. Now they were going to land in the city of Marcadia.

After entering the Planet's atmosphere, and after going through the clouds, they were able to go to the city, which has seen better days due to the invasion force's destruction that they caused. They were going to make the Tyhrranoids pay for that.

Once they landed in a safe place in the city plaza that was occupied by the Galactic Rangers, they immediately got greeted by one of the Rangers.

"We're glad that you've both made it sir and ma'am, the President's compound is on the other side of this City, but the Noids are crawling all over the place! Keep your heads down!" The Rangers said before they both charged ahead with Ratchet and Angela behind them. (After they examined the weapons in the nearby vender, showing a Spitting Hydra, that they couldn't afford yet. Much to their dismay.)

They then fought against the noids that got in their way, whether it was the smaller ones that tried to bite them, or the bigger ones that shot at them with their multi barreled guns. They were no match for the Rangers with Ratchet, Clank, and Angela in the lead.

Especially since Ratchet blasted the Noids with his Nitro Launcher, while Angela was shooting them with the N60 storm against the more weaker of the Noids, or at the ones wounded by the Launcher that Ratchet Fired.

Which continued to strengthen the N60 Storm with the nanomites of the Noids as they kept on moving through the riverside Plaza until they were in a courtyard where they met more of the Noids.

Some of the Rangers got destroyed by a Noid's grenade through, but Ratchet and Angela continued to do some damage against the noids that continued to fall to their guns, and the Plasma Whip that Angela continued to use against the Noids. While Ratchet used the Golden Bomb Glove to use against them too.

Then they were in a Plaza that was inside the city, that led to a bridge that was out as they fought against more of the Noids. Making sure that they aren't going to conquer or worse, destroy the Planet of Marcadia if they're able to take it over.

Then suddenly, there was mech riding Noids that was across the bridge's gap. Which they were able to defeat with some well timed Bomb explosions from the Golden Bomb Glove that he threw between them to weaken them both. Before Angela finished them off with the N60. There was also some smaller Noids that she and Ratchet took out at close range with his Wrench, and the Plasma Whip in Angela's hands.

It was easy to take them out, since they just ran towards them, trying to either bite or punch them, as none of them were retreating to safer pastures to ambush them from, or to leave the battlefield. Which was good since even though they could have the instincts to predict and spot the ambush, they still could be caught off guard if the Noids were cunning enough to catch them at their most vulnerable.

"So, who do you think is going to win the rocket kickball competition?" Ratchet asked, wanting to make some conversation with her during their battle, having seen some sports with Angela. Who happened to be into that stuff. Where there would be contestants who would jump through some portals to the platforms that floated in a checkerboard pattern, and kick the ball into an opponent's goal.

"Oh, probably the Oozla sluggers. They had the meanest kicking feet of the entire team." She responded, shooting more of the Noids with her N60, and plasma whipping the ones that gets too close to either of them. "But I'm going for the Maktar gladiator players. Those guys are flexible with their players."

"Really? Cause the Tabora desert rats seem to have an ace among them, and that guy could carry the whole team himself." Ratchet said, blasting more of the Noids with the Golden Bomb Glove. With no Noid gaining an inch on them.

Once they crossed the bridge, (After getting another titanium bolt through some wall jumping to the walkway inside the buildings to their right.) they destroyed some more of the Noids with the help of another Inferno Crate that Angela smashed this time. Where she ended up wearing some form fitting armor that showed off her figure, especially her rear end and her bust. Which was much to her and Ratchet's embarrassment as the latter tried not to nose bleed.

Nevertheless, she was still a dangerous fighter in that armor as she destroyed the Noids that gawked at her figure in the Inferno Armor, as she wacked them with her Plasma Whip, and her flaming Double Bladed Sword, and then proceeded to annihilate them all on their way to the Ranger dropship.

Which was only a small distance away as they were greeted by a surviving Ranger who was fighting the Noids that was in the way.

"Nice shooting Sir and Ma'am! The second wave of Tyhrranoids has just landed though, and they're attacking the Compound from the otherside. We could use your assistance." He said.

"You got it!" They both said in unison.

"Follow me to the dropship. It's close ahead." He said as he proceeded ahead with both Lombax's following him as they took out the Noids themselves alongside the lone Ranger. Soon, they were on the dropship where the defense of the Compound was beginning. (Just as Angela's Inferno Armor faded in the ship, much to her dismay.)

"Alright Rangers! Listen up!" The leading Ranger said as he walked. "Our mission is to protect the Presidential compound from the Noids, and ensure that the President doesn't get vaporized!"

He spoke out to the legion of Rangers that was in the dropship, while to the right of Ratchet, Clank and Angela, also giving out some orders to the legion.

"That is where our little operation shall commence. We shall call it, Operation: IRON SHIELD." He then proclaimed as he had a projector showing off the little slideshow that was now illuminating the room in the dropship. Where it then showed a large open plaza that was behind the Presidential compound.

"First, we're going to secure that section of the area, which is the Compound's back yard. We're going to make sure that the area is under our control once the first round of the battle ends, and once their attacks at the next wave fails! We're also going to have some help from some of the Rangers that is already there by the time we arrive, along with the Guards of the Compound that too are fighting the Noids. Our sergeant will lead the fight there!" He said, pointing his stick at the spot on the board.

"Next, we're helping out our boys that is in another section of the back yard to the south-east to the south-west of the palace, that happens to be pinned down! So we're going to save and protect as many of them as we can. That's where the female Sarge comes in!" He then said, referring to Angela. Who has been given a jet pack from one of the Rangers.

"Then, there will be some Noid dropships that'll be trying to rush in and deploy their soldiers out into the battlefield! And judging by the size of those ships, and the number of Noids inside of them, then at least ten of those ships could carry at least… um… at least over forty of em!"

"There's too many of 'em then! WE'RE GONNA DIE!" One of the Rangers said, almost causing a little panic in the ship until another Ranger slapped some sense into him.

"Pipe down Soldier! Even if they're carrying that many, then we have some help! The President has given us authorization to use one of his anti air turrets to blast them out of the sky! That is where the male Sarge comes in!" The leading Ranger said referring to Ratchet.

"Which is where you Rangers also come in! All of you must protect me and the turret from the Noids that should be on the ground, and should also be trying to impede my progress against them, by attempting to destroy the turret. Even if I can shoot them on the ground too, I fear that there'll be too many for me to fight against while alone." Ratchet then said.

"If by any chance, the Noids are able to damage the turret that the Male Sarge is on, then it ain't the end yet. Some of you are to repair that turret until it's active again. Which is where more of you, and the Male Sarge, and then the Female Sarge would come in to protect those repair bots while they get the turret back in shooting condition. That is, once the Female Sarge finishes her mission in saving our troops first." The leading Ranger said.

"And finally, there'll be automatic turrets that are shut down as we speak! But they can be brought back online with the Bolt Cranks being turned. Which is the job for the Male Sarge with his wrench weapon!" The Ranger then said, showing the power nodes that has the Crank Bolts on their podium, which is next to a deactivated anti air turret that poked out of the ground. Then the spots where they're located in the Compound. "Once the turrets are online, then the area is secure, and the President, the city, and Marcadia Planet shall be saved from the Noids! Any questions?!" He then said, retracting his pointing stick.

One of the Rangers raised his hand. "Can I go to the bathroom?" He said, causing Ratchet, Angela, Clank, and the Leading Ranger to face palm at that.

"You can't you idiot! We're all robots! None of us can use the bathroom!" Another Ranger said annoyed.

"Well what about them then?" Another asked, pointing to Ratchet and Angela. "Are they Robots too?"

Ratchet and Angela felt like Face Faulting at the question that was just asked. "And they said, that there are no such things as stupid questions." They both thought exasperated.

"There'll be no bathroom breaks for us Rangers until the upcoming battle ends! So get your tin hides ready to fight hard, or get destroyed trying! Am I right Rangers?!" The leading one said.

"SIR YES SIR!" They all yelled out.

"Damn right!" He said as the Ship was now close to the backyard of the compound. "Now let's move out! Double time!" He then said to the Rangers, once the ship landed, before turning to Ratchet. "Hope you're ready to separate from the Female Sarge, while fighting here." He then said to Ratchet.

"I'll be fine." He said, assuring the Ranger that he's ready to fight alone with Clank on his back in one section of the battlefield, while Angela fought in another section. "Take care Angela, and I hope we'll meet again after this. Good luck." He then said to her.

"You too Ratchet. And I hope the same." She said, slightly sadly, since there could be a slight chance that Ratchet would go down. But she believes strongly that they'll both prevail in the impending battle as she saw Ratchet running into the battlefield, before the ship then took off for the different section of the compound's backyard.

With Ratchet and Clank, they continued their fight against the Noids with their weapons as they assisted the Rangers that was fighting against the Noids on the ground. While Clank did some flying with his levitator attachment to glide away from any explosions that the Noids would use against them.

"Eat this you punks!" He called out as he continued his use of the Golden Bomb Glove, and the Nitro Launcher, among other weapons that he has but didn't use yet.

Like the Golden Agents of Doom Glove, that throws out a metal egg that instantly shatters to release little robots. Where they end up rushing to the enemy then explodes when close enough, in the regular version. But for the Golden version, they end up growing a bit in size, which made their explosions pack more of a punch. Which was useful for Ratchet, as he blew up the Noids with them.

There was also the Golden Suck Cannon. Where he sucked in the smaller noids, as well as the boxes containing bolts, then fired them out of the cannon to the other foes, where they end up exploding for some reason. (Including the wooden non-explosive boxes.) And with the Golden version, he had larger storage space inside so that he can carry more small Noids to suck in and shoot out against his foes.

Then there was the Golden Pyrocitor, which was basically a Flamethrower. In its regular form, it was devastating against the small enemies of his when he fired its fire at them. Now that it was Golden though, it shot out green fire that reached farther than the regular one, and it was a bit more damaging against even the large foes, like the mech riding Noids.

And he was putting them to use during his big battle against the Noids in the compound, defending the Rangers like they were his men. (Which so far, they were. Even though he's not their General yet.)

As he battled, he noticed that there was a Sniper that was shooting at the Noids too, as he then saw someone flying on a Jetpack over the battlefield, before landing on the higher grounds of the battlefield, (Like on some raised podiums, or some broken pillars.) before shooting some more with the sniper rifle that he saw looked like a Plasma Striker. Which looked like it was designed as like a crossbow, if it was made in the times that Ratchet lived in, and shot out plasma ammo instead of bolts.

And she happened to be a crack shot with it. (Her armor was sleek enough to show Ratchet her feminine features. Including her bust.) As she was able to hit any Noid in the sections where their eye stalks met their torso, and they kept on going down in one shot even in their mechs, like she was shooting their brains there. Which impressed Ratchet as he continued to fight against the Tyhrranoids himself alongside the Rangers, and the mystery sniper that was shooting them down.

As well as dealing devastation towards the dropships, when she shot the pilots of the dropships to make them lose control and crash. Which Ratchet saw a few times, and all of those times, he thought that it was impressive.

Minutes into the battle, he was in the middle of whacking the Noids when he found himself behind cover and blasting more of the Noids with his Agents of Doom, when the Sniper was now by his side. And they just met face to face.

"So I heard that you are a Sergeant for the Rangers! I wonder how- Wait! Do I know you?" She asked, looking at him through her helmet, which barely showed her eyes and most of her face.

"Um… Have we met?" He asked, confused if he saw her or not. And a tiny bit nervous at how close she is to his face.

On closer inspection, the Sniper ended up getting surprised at what she saw. "Is… Is that you Ratchet?! Holy Makron, it is!" She said recognizing him.

"I ain't surprised, considering that I saved this Galaxy. And happened to have played someone from 'that' show that stars my buddy." He said deadpan on the last part.

She shook her head a bit though. "But I know you from before that show came out! Don't you remember?" She then said, pulling off her helmet, showing her face to him.

Which looked pretty human, though she had some sort of scales on the sides like some sort of lizards, especially on her forhead. And she happened to be wearing a tiara-like headband with a light blue Gem on it too. With short raven hair that was combed back, and had red streaks on it as it reach only the back of her neck. And she had pointy ears like an elf of galaxy's legend.

"It's me! Cora Veralux! You know, the lady that sent you to find that envelope full of documents!" She said. "And is that Agent Clank? He doesn't look much like an agent."

Which surprised Ratchet when he saw what she looks like. "Wait! You mean the lady that I got the envelope to give to, that was you?!"

Clank was also surprised, since he was with Ratchet during his sightseeing on Marcadia when they met Cora.

"That's me alright! And it's thanks to you that I was able to take the job as a Galactic Ranger! Those were very important papers that I left home by accident." She said embarrassed. Then she piped up. "Then you came, and helped me get them back, making my recruitment possible! Thank you." She said, putting her helmet back on.

"Eh, no problem." He said, feeling surprised that he was able to meet the lady that he met while sightseeing on Marcadia. "I didn't think that we'd fight alongside you."

"Neither did I." She said, sniping out another Noid. "Where have you both been all this time?"

"It's a long story. But a small part would be, we got teleported." Ratchet said.

"Teleported? Where?"

"To the Bogon Galaxy. By a founder of Megacorp." Clank responded, while Ratchet shot another Noid with his suck cannon after sucking in a box.

"Bogon? Wait! You mean that Galaxy that suffered an infestation that got stopped by a scientist that made that thing?" Cora asked shocked, having heard about that on the news from the Rangers.

"That's the one. And it was because of a certain disgraced hero, rushing the subject of that infestation to completion to salvage whatever reputation he had left by saving the Galaxy from his mistake." Ratchet said deadpan. "Care to take a guess?"

After a few moments of thought, and a couple more shots from the Plasma Striker, she had an educated guess. "Captain Qwark?"

"Captain Qwark." Ratchet and Clank responded in unison.

"Oh. Figures." Cora said deadpan. After all, she wasn't fond of Qwark after learning about his exploits with Drek. And his failures, which ruined whatever feeling of invincibility she thought he had. And she is not fond of him now, especially as she learned about what he did in Bogon after his escape from prison. "Where's he now?"

"On the Starship Phoenix, which is in orbit of this planet. While in a cage. Since he thinks he's a monkey from Florana." Clank then said with amusement.

Which got a small laugh out of Cora. Whom continued to Snipe out the Noids. "Ah, serves him right for the Bogon business. And you do not wanna know about his Hygenator scam." She said, rubbing her buttocks while cringing.

"Oh trust me, I'd rather not know either. And I feel your pain, just don't ask." Ratchet also said cringing. While he also fought the Noids with her. "By the way, what's your rank?"

"Sergeant!"

"Really? Then I guess we're fellow Sergeants! I'm guessing that you're a Sergeant through promotion?" Ratchet asked.

"You got it! What about you? Have you been promoted to Sergeant too?" She asked curiously.

"Actually, I was made Sergeant by the Rangers on the spot. I don't know why though." Ratchet said nonchalantly.

"Really? This war must be that bad if they're making anybody a Sergeant. No offense." She said.

"None taken." He said, continuing the battle against the Noids.

Which went on for minutes until the Noids were beaten back for now. Much to the Ranger's relief. "The area's secure. Nice work men and ladies, let's move out!" The leading Ranger said. "And you Male Sarge, the Anti-Air turret is active now. Get ready with it once the Counterattacking Noids are ready to fight."

"Roger that. Hope your forces are ready." He said to the Ranger, and Cora as he proceeded to the Turret via Levitator. With Cora not too far behind, feeling that he'd want her help too.

Meanwhile...

Angela Cross was in another section of the compound's backyard as she got out of the dropship. Where she saw that there was at least six rangers taking cover behind some metal parapet walls that curved and protected them as they were firing back at some huge forces of Tyhrranoids that was shooting at them.

"Your just in time Female Sarge! The whole squad needs your protection!" One of the Rangers said, continuing to shoot at the Noids. "You must keep us all alive. Or it's all over for this section of the battlefield if we all go down!"

"You got it! I'm ready!" She said, taking out the Golden Blaster. Which is also what Ratchet had from his first adventure. Where like the original Blaster, it was one handed and fired like a machinegun. With the Golden version though, it also had its shots ricocheting off of the Noids and into the other foes, causing damage to their numbers.

She also had the Golden Bomb Glove, that Ratchet gave to her before they got off the dropship. It did what it said on the tin. It summoned bombs, (Ala, the little bombing video game character that wore white.) and threw them at the enemies. The Golden version of it did it too, but its bombs were a bit bigger, and the explosions it made were larger.

She also had her Whip that she used against the Noids that was in close enough range.

"They're everywhere!" One of the Rangers said, feeling scared of being surrounded by the Noids that kept on coming from the dropships, or flew in on their floating ships to the battlefield as they spawned out the little berserker Noids.

"Keep firing at them! We can hold them off now that I'm here!" She said. Boasting a little as she continued to fire from the Golden Blaster, seeing if she can have it Evolve like the other guns that she and Ratchet uses. Including the Golden ones.

As she did, she also broke some boxes that had bolts, and ammo inside of them to refill the ammo of her guns that she and Ratchet shared with each other throughout their time in their journey through Solona. Which was great since she had guns to protect herself with alongside the double bladed laser sword that she used alongside her whip against the Noids. Both of which, she starting to get better at using against the Noids, just not as good as Ratchet.

"Incoming!" A Ranger said seeing another Noid dropship, which Angela was able to shoot down with a Golden Devastator that Ratchet shared with her, which fired out an extra missile when she gets scoped in and fires out the primary missile. Which is what the Golden version of the regular one does.

Which proved useful in thinning out the small berserker Noids that ran for them in small crowds, especially when she flew over the crowd for air striking, while the rest got finished off by the Rangers.

"Continue firing! Don't let the Noids gain more ground!" She called out, hoping to keep on rallying the Rangers.

It worked regardless of their cries of fear about how they don't wanna die, or wanting to give up. As they continued to fire their plasma weapons on their hands, and throwing out their grenades against the Tyhrranoids, blowing them up.

"Eat this and like it, you Noid freaks!" One of the Rangers said, using another grenade to defeat the Noids with. While there was some other Rangers with plasma shotgun attachments that also shot at the Noids from their cover.

All while Angela noticed that there was a Sniper among them. And she too had a jetpack that she was flying around in. Only she happened to have blueish-green skin, that looked like an unnamed Rilgarian native that she heard about from an Encyclopedia back on Bogon. And she had armor on her, that fit over her clothing, which was her purple hat that covered her head spikes, a purple tank top and a pair of form fitting Yoga pants that looked metallic, along with her knee high shoes.

And she was giving Sniper support for the Rangers, with what looked like a Flux Rifle. While Angela gave her support for the Rangers with the weapons in her possession as the battle went on.

Suddenly, a Noid dropship was flying above the Ranger's position as it was preparing to drop its troops. "They're right on top of us!" One of the Rangers said.

Angela was surprised, but she was able to aim her Shock Cannon's charged shot against the dropship to badly Damage it. While the Sniper ended up sniping out the pilot Noid, causing the ship to descend into the ground before exploding after hitting the dirt. Unfortunately, the ship was able to drop some gunner Noids and Mech Noids, on the Ranger's position.

But thankfully, there wasn't many, and they weren't strong Noids, which she continued to fire at with the Cannon, while the Sniper got them all. (Although one of the Rangers wasn't lucky.)

Soon, the battle was winding down as the Noids were falling back, or getting destroyed by the now rallied Rangers. "Thanks Female Sarge. You saved our cans." One of them said relieved.

"No problem." She said, before focusing on the Female Sniper that was descending down to the floor to meet her.

"So you're the new Sergeant of the Galactic Rangers? I never thought that there'd be others. Let alone someone who looks like Ratchet." The Female said, taking off her face cover, showing her face that Angela was a bit relieved, looks just like an average pretty female Rilgarian native. (She slightly expected to see an ugly face.)

"Well, I was made one on the spot. The Rangers must've been desperate." Angela said, then she got surprised at what she heard about Ratchet. "Wait! You know Ratchet?!"

"A lot of us knows who he is, considering that he saved us from Drek." She said with a smile at the memory. "But I know him, even before he became a hero. Did you know that he's a Hoverboarder?"

"Yep. He told me about his Hoverboarding during his first adventure with Clank. Why?" Angela asked.

"I was hosting the Hoverboard competition when he competed. You should've seen him there. He was impressive on the track on Rilgar." She said with a grin, remembering Ratchet's performance. Much to Angela's surprise. "And he told me he was there as a replacement for Skidd, who later on, challenged him to a Hoverboard race after Drek's demise."

"Really? You used to host those races? Why are you here then?" Angela asked surprised.

"I got tired of handing out trophies and prizes. It was pretty boring to merely be the eye candy for the crowd and give prizes to the winners. So I retired." She then said. "Then I tried out some Hoverboarding of my own, before I eventually decided to become a member of the Galactic Rangers when I wanted some action in my life, as well as to become a hero to show the people that I'm more than eye candy. And when a friend of mine recommended them to me."

"Wow. She must've been supportive if she felt that you'd make a great Ranger." Angela said.

"That's what friends are for. By the way. Name's Starlene."

"Angela Cross. Formerly an Employee of Megacorp in the Bogon Galaxy."

"Bogon? Wait! You mean that Galaxy that suffered an infestation of those little 'Protopet' creatures?!" Starlene asked surprised.

"That's the one. And you're looking at the creator of that little creature. Here me out!" She quickly said the last part before Starlene could even try to accuse her of doing bad things. "I was the Employee in the Genetics division of Megacorp, that was creating the Protopet, and I was developing it so that I can fix its flaws, just so that incident won't happen."

"Really? Then what happened, to make it happen?" Starlene asked, feeling that she might not be at fault.

"I was 'this close' to ironing out its bugs, when Qwark, who was disguised as the CEO and my boss, ordered me to rush the Protopet to production before I could finish it." She said, before then explaining to Starlene about what happened when she tried to destroy it, only for Ratchet and Clank to be sent to Bogon by Qwark, who sent them to take it back from her. Then she explained the chaos that ensued after they succeeded.

Which ended in Qwark getting beaten by them after the Protopet ate him, only to spit him out after it lost to Ratchet.

"Wow." Starlene said surprised. And feeling more disappointed in Qwark than last time. After all, Qwark lost some of her respect after Ratchet disgraced him by exposing his business with Drek, (Not to mention his Personal Hygenator scam that she was unlucky enough to fall for too.) and after what she heard, he lost some more of it from her. "Where's he now?"

Angela had to stop herself from snickering at the answer she was going to tell her. Before then telling her about Qwark being an employee to Megacorp, before disappearing, then he was found on Florana by Ratchet and herself. Only to see that he thinks he's a monkey.

Which had Starlene also trying not to laugh at that. "S-so he actually believes that he's a monkey? He really has lost it hadn't he?"

"Pretty much. Serves him right though. Now he's on the Starship Phoenix for a psychiatrist. If there are any in Solona or Bogon." She said.

"Hard to believe, he beat Dr. Nefarious once." Starlene said.

"Yeah. I agree." Angela said deadpan as she then realized that Ratchet could (Unlikely.) need her help. She was sure that he could take care of the threat in his section, but she just wants to make sure. So she, with Starlene in tow, was now proceeding to where the knows where Ratchet could be.

Whom is in the turret as he was shooting down the Noid dropships alongside Cora.

And he happened to be grinning and laughing throughout his time in the turret as he shot down the dropships that was trying to drop their forces onto the ground. While Cora was continuing to snipe, and blast at the Noids on the ground that attempted to take down the turret.

All while there was some power nodes that was activated. And now there was some automatic turrets that was shooting at the Noids as well. Whether in the air or on the ground. But there was still some more where that came from, as Ratchet has some more Bolt Cranks to turn with his Wrench.

But he had to take down the Noid dropships first, before he can go for the other Bolt Cranks, just so that turning them to activate the auto turrets wouldn't be next to impossible with all the Noids on the ground.

Which in a situation like this, would also mean that the battle would end in the Noids favor if he and Cora doesn't take down the dropships first.

"Whoa! You're mowing them down Ratchet! Have you used a turret before?" Cora asked.

"You betcha! I remember using one back on Planet Batalia! And there was also destroying one of Drek's ships with another, on Hoven!" Ratchet said through the fire. "It was hard on the first part! In fact, I was knocked unconscious on Batalia when my turret got shot up! But I lived, and an allied plumber helped repair the turret so I could use it again!"

"Wow! That must've been rough on Batalia!" She said, sniping the Noids.

"At least I lived though! And at least I took down another one of Drek's ships on Hoven with another before it could shoot my turret up too!" He said smiling. "I'm sure that I got this in the bag!"

Right as he said it though, "LOOKOUT!" he heard Cora and Clank say, as he saw a missile headed his way. He didn't have time to shoot it down though, so he just bailed out of the turret to save himself and Clank.

Which is the good news. The bad news though, is that the turret was damaged enough to where it was unable to fire, even though Ratchet and Clank was fine. But now he had to contend with shooting some more of the dropships that was headed to his section of the battlefield without it. Thankfully though, there was less of them, so the invasion force was still a little disadvantaged.

Just not enough to destroy them, or force them to retreat.

"Alright men! Just as we planned it, be sure to fix up the turret while we and the Sergeants protects you guys!" A leading Ranger said as some of the Rangers with their repair kits were now on the Turret. Now they're repairing it while the battle raged on around them.

As was predicted by the Rangers, the Noids were determined to destroy the repair crews to keep the turret inoperable. Which was easier said then done for them due to Ratchet and Cora's prowess on the battlefields.

Not that it was easy for both of them due to the Noid's determination to destroy the crew, but they know that they'll manage.

Especially with Ratchet continuing to use his Agents of Doom against the Noids, causing destruction against them with his little kamikaze bots. And his fighting prowess with his Wench and Laser Sword was no joke either.

Although he thought that he felt the Golden Agents of Doom Glove getting stronger through nanomites. Is this the sign that his Golden weapons also might evolve? Or is it just is imagination?

All while Cora had some other weapons of her own. Like the Constructo Pistol with the Beam chamber mod. As well as the Annihilator weapon that is like the Devastator that they use, except it shoots out rockets at a faster rate.

There was a couple close calls, like with the Noid gunners trying to ambush both Cora and Ratchet, but they were beaten back, although they also shot at the Repair crew, taking one out as a result. Now there was only two left that they had to protect.

It was a couple minutes of blasting the Noids that passed, when the Repair crew were now finished repairing the Turret. But before Ratchet could get back on, one of the Rangers intercepted him.

"Say Sarge, with all due respect, may I take over Turret duties? I want to take down more of those dropships. And there are still more Power Nodes for you to find and activate to turn on the automatic turrets." The Ranger said.

At the latter part, Ratchet quickly understood why the Ranger would want the turret. As much as he wanted to get in the Turret again, he knew that it'd be important to turn on more of the nodes. "As you wish soldier. But be careful on there, the Noids could destroy you if you're not careful." Ratchet said.

"Yes sir!" The Ranger said, as Ratchet proceeded to use Clank's levitator to fly to the other Nodes, alongside Cora.

It seemed that the tide was turning in the Marcadian's and the Ranger's favor. Even though at that point, the Noids were also going to go all out.

The battle was now starting to wind down, as the Tyhrranoids were now in retreat once all of the automatic Turrets were activated. The battle was still going, but the President was no longer in danger of getting killed by the Noids. Much to the Relief of Sasha, once she heard from the Phoenix that the Rangers, led by Ratchet, Angela, Cora, and Starlene was the victor of the battle.

During the battle, Ratchet met back up with Angela as they were glad to see each other alive and well. As they then saw Starlene and Cora being glad that they too were still alive and fighting hard against the Noids, much to Ratchet's and Clank's surprise at seeing Starlene again. Who was told by Angela about their journey through Bogon. All while they were going through a tough battle when the Noids were going all out on their attack.

Complete with some close calls, where Angela ended up getting hit in the shoulder by a gunner Noid. But Cora sniped that Noid before it could follow it up. All while Ratchet destroyed more of the Noids out of revenge too, causing him to get shot at by a Mech Noid, but Starlene saved him with a shot from her Flux Rifle. Much to Angela's and Ratchet's relief.

And they all also were talking about Qwark, and his current condition. Which set off a series of jokes, and Monkey puns at his expense from all of them, like the joke about "Qwark putting a net on his head to 'catch his breath'", as well as "Getting his gossip through the ape vine", among other jokes that had even Clank chuckling at that, even though he's sure that Qwark could eventually snap out of his insanity, and show them how he beat Dr. Nefarious. Which should prove to them that he can do better now.

But that remains to be seen.

Now though, they were now being met by the President himself.

"Well color me impressed Agent Clank. You're even more impressive in person than on the Holovid. Especially since your chauffeur fought so well against them. I have never seen someone like him fight like he does before. Who says you can't find good help these days?" He said, shaking Clank's hand, then Ratchet's hand as the latter rolled his eyes.

"And I see that you all fought well too. And I have to say, Clank really knows how to choose his allies if you know what I mean." He then said, referring to Angela, Cora, and Starlene.

All of whom didn't know if he was either thinking that Clank was one hell of a ladies man, or if he had one heck of a strong posse of bodyguards. Either way, they blushed at that remark.

"By the way, my daughter's told me a lot about you both, considering the fact that you're part of the Rangers. I know that she's quite safe with you guys as part of them. Just don't get any ideas kid, she's way out of your league. Especially with her around." He then softly said to Ratchet while referring to Angela.

While Ratchet pinched the bridge of his nose in embarrassment and annoyance.

"She also filled me in on the uh… Qwark situation. And let me get this straight. I'm told that the man thinks he's a monkey?" He then asked in disbelief.

"Pretty much." Angela said.

"It seems he has lost his memory, sir." Clank then said.

"Well then you're gonna have to find it for him. Cause we need our star back on the plate ASAP! Am I clear?" The President then said.

"YES SIR!" The whole crew said in unison.

"Good. Now, for our current business. My daughter has told me that you're a man who's good with his hands, eh Ratchet?" He then said grinning.

Which had Ratchet embarrassed at what he was implying to him. "SIR! I swear, I never… I just-" He tried to say, which had Angela and the others trying not to laugh at the reaction. Let alone the implication of what the President said to him.

"The city's laser defense system just went down as the attack was in full swing. Without it, we are defenseless. I just know that I sent a Mechanic to fix it, but he disappeared. We need you guys to get that shield system back online." The President then said. "I'm giving you all the authorization to go to the defense facility as we speak. The rest of the Rangers shall keep watch here until the system reactivates."

"We're on it." Ratchet and Co. said.

"Oh! Before I forget, you're gonna need this." He said, pulling out a gadget, which looked like a teal colored weapon with a green glowing cylinder for the body, which connected to what looks like a satellite dish on the front of it. And it had two handles for holding it with. "It's called a Refractor. It can reflect lasers through a small shield that forms around the holder, and through this little dish's center here." He pointed at the center of the dish. "It'll be useful for what you're gonna do." He then said, giving it to Ratchet.

Who proceeded to thank him, before going to the dropship that waited for him.

Ratchet, Clank, Angela, Cora, and Starlene was now getting off the Ranger's dropship as they were now in the defense facility to reactivate the shield defenses, and possibly find the mechanic if he's still alive.

They all saw a Gunner Tyhrranoid among the other Noids inside the room that they're entering as they also saw a laser that was dancing out a wall socket nearest to the doorway entrance. Which quickly gave Ratchet an Idea.

He equipped the Refractor as it created a shield around him. Then he jogged to the laser, where when the Noids noticed him, it then tried to shoot him while the smaller ones tried to rush to him, only to get zapped by the laser that Ratchet then aimed at them as they got caught on blue fire. Which proceeded to vaporize them on continued contact.

Which had everyone in the room cringing at the sight. They almost felt bad for the Noids that time.

Emphasis on 'almost'.

They then quickly saw that there was another socket on the wall that looked like a receiver dish. Which Angela immediately figured out, was where to aim the laser towards. So she had Ratchet aiming the laser at the receiver through the Refracter as it caused the door to open, while the laser then connected the receiver to what looked like a sphere that redirected the laser, to the receiver, to keep the connection in place.

Which saves Ratchet the trouble of having to hold the door open for his allies to go through until they can keep the door open from the other side, or to find the mechanic, or the defense system to put back online.

Suddenly, more of the small berserker Noids showed up. They tried to swarm the crew, but Ratchet continued to use the Refracter for Offensive purposes as he zapped them all with the laser. Taking them all down in seconds due to their squishiness and weak status.

Ratchet and Co. continued onward to another room after taking the Noids down with the laser, where they saw a Bolt Crank, and what looked like a stand on the track with a dish on the side facing the laser, while there was a laser pointer to the left of it, that looked like it could be used to redirect the laser to the wall receiver. They just needed to move the stand into position.

Which Ratchet was quickly on it, as he turned the Bolt Crank with his Wrench after giving the Refractor to Angela to aim and reflect the laser to there once it's in position.

"Do you know how to work that thing?" Starlene asked curiously.

"I might. It should be like holding an empty gun. Simply aim where you want to point it." Angela responded as Ratchet fully turned the Bolt Crank.

"Okay. It's ready!" He called out.

Angela proceeded to aim the laser to the dish like Ratchet did for the first one. Which reflected from the dish to the wall receiver. Opening the door, causing more of the berserker Noids to run out.

Angela decided to just use the Plasma Whip on them instead of the Laser, feeling that it'd be quicker and easier, and to make the Whip stronger through the Nanomites. Then she did the same to the Mech Noid on the other side of the Room.

Which had the Whip upgrading itself due to the battles against the Noids on Marcadia, and now, being used against them in the facility. Now it was a V3 Plasma Whip that had a bit more of a blue fire on the Orange plasma that the whip had. And she could feel the Ammo for the Whip rising dramatically.

She hoped it'd get unlimited usage once fully upgraded.

For now though, there was more Noids to shoot with her Shock Cannon to help it upgrade itself to V3 as well.

All while Cora, and Starlene had their other weapons too. Like the aforementioned Annihilator, Constructo Pistol, and another weapon of their own, being the Mini Turret Glove. Which was useful for shooting at the Noids from around the corner when they toss one out.

Which too was getting stronger through the Nanomites.

They proceeded onwards through the rooms, continuing to use the Refractor on the lasers to either redirect them to the socket receivers, or zap the Noids that attempted to take them down. There was some variants, like the double laser mirrors that split the lasers in two. Which makes it useful to open up the doors that are only activated by the double wall socket receiver dishes.

There was another variant, where as they zapped away the Noids, they saw that there was a spider bot that also acted as a redirector for the laser in the room. And it only followed the laser that Angela shot out in front of its eyes until it was on the pad that showed the crew where to make the spider move to open the door to the next room.

It was minutes of the Laser puzzles throughout the facility that had the crew's gears turning in their brains as they planned on where to redirect the lasers with the Refractor gadget, as well as the other dishes that redirected the lasers, until finally, they were in the room where they saw that there was a Titanium Bolt on the ceiling where there was a pattern of metal on it. Almost as if it's foreshadowing what Ratchet would need in the near future.

"Say Angela. Can you get that?" He asked.

"No problem. I hope I won't splat against the ceiling." She said, before activating the Jet pack to fly upwards to get to the Titanium Bolt.

Unfortunately, as if some sort of law in Video Games was in place, her Jet pack suddenly turned off as she was almost got to the Bolt. And soon, gravity took over.

"Wha? OH F#$! MEEEEEEE!" She yelled out as she descended.

Ratchet was below her as he had his arms out to catch her. He knows that he's able to catch her and save her from a high drop that could hurt.

He just didn't know that he's going to fall on his back in catching her, although Clank guessed it'd happen as he got off his back, just as he had her in his arms when he fell backwards. "OOF!" Where he ended up feeling his face in her bust again. Which had him blushing again at the feeling of her bust on his face again.

All while Cora and Starlene was cringing as they braced themselves for what could be a beatdown coming his way.

"*Grunts* Whew. T-thank you… Ratchet." She said, hugging him. Then she noticed that his head was in her bust again. Much to her embarrassment as she got off of him to pull him up.

"N-no… problem A-Angela." He then said awkwardly.

All while Angela didn't get angry at Ratchet for his supposed Perverted moment, since it was a genuine accident that happened. And not his fault. Which both Cora and Starlene expected her to think, but they were a bit surprised when they saw that she wasn't getting angry at him.

Guess the anime world was lying to them that time.

Getting out of their awkward moment, Angela took a look at the Jetpack, noticing that it was out of power. "Oh damn. It seems that it needs recharging to use again. Guess we're not getting that Bolt." She said Disappointedly.

"For now at least." Ratchet then said, telling her that they can come back for it later.

As for Cora and Starlene, they saw that their own Jetpacks were low on power, which they felt, wouldn't be enough to grab the Bolt themselves. So they agreed with Ratchet on that, as they continued onwards.

Where they saw a pair of figures that was behind a shield wall near a hi-tech computer. One of which was familiar as Ratchet and Clank approached him.

While the other, was a tall woman with light blue skin and dark blue markings along her face and hands, and two dark blue horns curving downward on the back of her head, and she wore white and black clothing too.

"Hey, it's Al!" He said, not expecting to see him again. "And… who is she?"

"Hey, Elaris, what's up? Are the shields up yet?" Cora asked, wondering why the woman known as Elaris was with Al.

"Shush please! We're concentrating!" Elaris said, as she and Al was on the computer, possibly playing a game on it.

That was when they noticed a purple colored cartridge that was on the slot by their right side. And a familiar one at that considering the Symbol of Qwark's. "What the… That's a Qwark Vid-Comic!" Ratchet said surprised, having saw a few of those in the past.

"For your information, that would be a Historically Accurate Interactive Graphic Novel Game." Al said, indignant as he berated Ratchet.

"And it is supposed to detail the past journeys that Qwark went through. Including his battle against Dr. Nefarious." Elaris said.

That was when they put two and two together. "How could you use the city defense network's computer to play a Video Game?" Angela asked exasperated.

"That's simple. We just bypassed the security server with a 626-hex-matrix adapter, and reprogrammed the graphics sup-processor, then Reversed the Polarity of the neutron flow," That was when Al and Elaris when through their technobabble that had Angela's, Ratchet's, Cora's and Starlene's heads spinning. After all, Ratchet's just a Commando, a mechanic for ships, and a hero of both Galaxies, while Angela is a former employee of the Genetics division of Megacorp, and while Cora and Starlene are just great soldiers for the Galactic Rangers.

Once they were done, Ratchet and Angela was struggling to find words. "What we mean is… why would you both use the defense network computer to play video games instead of a laptop?" Angela said, more exasperated.

"Let's just say we prefer the PC over the laptop for playing games. Laptops are so last millennia." Elaris said.

Al gave her a high five for that remark.

"But to use a defense network computer, for a game? Which would require that you'd have to use this 606-hex… Blatrix… Ugh! Clank, you speak… Nerd." Ratchet said, unable to wrap his head around hacking, unlike Clank.

Whom focused on the Computer's screen. "It appears you both have a feedback loop in the induction coils of the DB-3 signal Processor." He then said.

"THAT'S IMPOSSIBLE! We both ran a recursive checksum on the Signal Matrix prior to our-" Elaris said, before noticing something that she had Al looking at it too. "Ohhh, there is a feedback loop. We've got it."

Al and Elaris proceeded to type on the Computer to unhack the feedback loop in the system. All while Clank examined the Vid-Comic. "May we borrow this Vid-Comic?"

"I have a few of those. So go ahead, just treat it gently. It's the first edition after all." Al said, letting Clank have the Cartridge as he continued to type away.

"Perhaps this should restore his memory." Clank said, feeling that showing Qwark one of his past Adventures in Video Game form could help him become himself again.

"let's hope so, or we're probably gonna have to deal with Nefarious ourselves. Which I don't mind. It's about time we show ourselves as great heroes too." Angela said.

"You said it." Ratchet said, feeling that if Qwark is too out of it, then it should be up to them to fight Nefarious.

"Let's just be careful during our battles against him and the Noids." Cora said with Starlene in agreement as they walked away from the room.

That was when the intercom said that the shields power is restored, putting the shields back over Marcadia, putting it under protection again as Elaris and Al wiped their brows. "See you back at the Phoenix!" Elaris called out to them before they teleported back to the Dropship.

Where they took it back to the plaza of Marcadia's city, now that the Noids were in full retreat away from Marcadia, where Ratchet and Angela's Star Explorer was at as they both were ready to ride it back to the Starship Phoenix.

"Well see you both back in the Phoenix. We just need to do some clean up." Cora said, feeling happy that they were the victors in the battle that took place on Marcadia.

"We'll see you both there too." Ratchet said as he, Clank and Angela was now flying out of the city and out of the Planet, and to the Starship Phoenix.

They felt that their journey is just beginning. And they hoped that it'll get interesting, and they hoped that it'd end in them saving the Galaxy.

Chapter Text

Chapter 4: Amnesia fixed. Another day, another death course. (And Gladiatorial arena.)

Ratchet, Angela, and Clank returned to the Phoenix after successfully defending Marcadia from the Tyhrannoid invasion. After that, and after reactivating the Laser defense grid with Al, and Elaris's help, they ended up grabbing a cartridge that contained a Qwark vid comic game, which is supposed to be about Qwark's past adventures, as told by the people that has witnessed him in action.

Although in Ratchet's, and Angela's eyes, they're possibly a bit exaggerated, and they were expecting the game that they're taking to the Phoenix, to have the same sort of exaggeration to its tale, just as Qwark would've wanted it to be written, knowing his ego.

But nevertheless, they were going to be playing this in front of Qwark himself, as a sort of chance to see if he's going to either come back to his senses, or remain as the monkey man of Florana, and prove to them that he's too out of it to return to action against Nefarious, forcing them to fight against Nefarious by themselves.

Which neither of them would mind, as they get to prove themselves as great heroes in their own right, and show the galaxy, that what Qwark can do, they can do too.

Which should be enough for them to bring the battle to Nefarious, and save the galaxy from his wrath.

Right now though, they had a game system that was eligible to playing the vid comic that they have, being the VG 9000. Now to make sure that Qwark is watching them play to recover his memory. Then it's off to another planet, probably to fight more tyrrahnoids.

"Are we ready Ratchet?" Angela asked him.

"Just about, just getting something for the show." Ratchet said, picking up some snacks for himself, and Angela for their little game break.

"Would that show involve watching me play?" Angela asked, intending to play the Qwark vid comic, regardless of her dislike for Qwark, and his boasting. After all, the game did seem like fun.

"Yes. Although I can accept switching hands for the controller, if you pass it to me. The game could become challenging after all." Ratchet said, up for that kind of challenge.

As was Angela. "Fine by me. Ready Ratchet?" She asked, seeing that he has the snacks, being a bucket of popcorn, and some soda pop.

"Ready." He said, sitting on the couch with her while setting them down, preparing to eat as he watches her play the first of the Qwark vid comics in front of Qwark.

"Are you both sure that you're both able to play this game?" Clank asked, having seen them play games before back in Bogon, but not seeing them play any games that stars Captain Qwark.

"Hehe, watch and learn Clank. Let us show you how the real heroes gets it done." Ratchet then said as monkey Qwark, and Skrunch looked on in fascination at the TV as it turned on, before a loading screen of the Captain's head that was inside a large comic star appeared, ready to show the game.

"These are the real life adventures of Captain Qwark, the greatest superhero the galaxy has ever known." A narrator said, showing Qwark's logo, along with the comic issue number, being the first one.

Before showing a comic panel of Captain Qwark, as he wielded a laser gun, while standing on a certain planet, with a large purple glowing planet was behind him, along with a cyan blue glowing gorge of the planet that he was standing on being shown behind his left, alongside a pirate's flag, that happened be purple, with a white skull and crossbones on it, as it was surrounded by what looked like alien pirates that was also behind him, to his right.

Both Lombaxes had to admit it, this looked like a fun kind of story, putting Captain Qwark up against those robotic pirates in the comic that they were playing, looked like it was so bad, that it crosses over to being a fun kind of bad story that they might like to read from a comic. Even though they also expect it to be an exaggerated story about Qwark's journey.

"*Tap* *Tap* Hey. Is this thing on?" Qwark's voice suddenly said through the HDTV.

And considering that Qwark is taking part in telling the story as well, both lombaxes knew that he could be around to make sure that the story is told 'his way'. So they both prepared for the cheesy boasting from him, and the shilling from the story, that could ensue, and annoy them to no end.

"*Ahem* Meticulously reconstructed by our crack research team, with the aid of eyewitness accounts, bathroom gossip, wild speculation, and a magic eight ball…" He then said, showing some of the planets as the comic panel moved to the left, showing more of the planets in the panel, before ending at a purple nebula.

"Oh hey, even the narrator seems to be bracing himself for the cheese that could follow from this story." Ratchet said. "I guess he's as annoyed about telling this story, as we might be in listening to it.

"It would be nice to have someone to snark with, considering 'what' the story could be about." Angela said.

"In the early days of the fifth Solarian Equinox, the Solona Galaxy was terrorized by the notorious Pirate known as Captain Blackstar…" The narrator said, before showing a comic panel that showed a Pirate ship that was floating through the purple colored section of space in the Solona Galaxy.

"Ahoy! Anybody else got a craving for Fish'n Chips?" Qwark's voice said.

"If it involves one of those Pirates, putting their boot up where the sun don't shine, then I'm game." Ratchet said deadpan. Leaving Angela smiling at that, much to Clank's dismay.

"Though in the prime of his youth, Captain Qwark…" The narrator said, now showing Qwark, standing triumphantly in front of a planet as the camera zoomed out from the panel.

"*Rowrrr*" Qwark said.

Already, a minute in, and the comic didn't disappoint. At least in the boasting department that they expected from it.

"…was already a living legend." The narrator finished after the interruption.

"I kinda doubt that." Angela said annoyed.

"I was beating 'em off with a stick!" Qwark's voice said.

"Oh really? I'm guessing it's cause you ran out of ammo to use against them?" Ratchet asked sarcastically, referring to the Pirates, getting a chuckle out of Angela.

Then it showed a panel that zoomed in on the upper part of his face, as his eyes was now looking nervously at something to his top left.

"However, no previous adventure could've prepared Qwark for his encounter with the dreaded Captain Blackstar, and his crew of… Oh please tell me this is a typo." The narrator said deadpan on the last part as the next panel then showed a bunch of shadowy figures.

"That's 'Robotic Pirate Ghosts'. I guess reading wasn't your subject, eh professor?" Qwark's voice then said.

"Says the hero, who utterly failed to talk like my boss does." Angela said, remembering how 'intelligently' Qwark spoke during his time disguised as Fizzwidget.

"Right. Now we begin the first chapter of Qwark's adventures, in this first interactive portion of episode one: Booty is in the eye of the beholder." The narrator then said, as it showed the final panel, showing Qwark, laser in hand, staring down those 'Robotic Pirate Ghosts' as he prepared to fight them, before it then faded to black.

The lombax duo, and Clank had to admit, the title's pun name that replaced Beauty, likely to make it pirate themed, did get a chuckle out of them. (And that was without the innuendo getting involved.)

Then it dropped Angela into the game, which looked like a side scrolling 2.5D platforming game, and beat-em-up, where you can play as Captain Qwark himself. Which, considering that when Angela pressed square, the in game character, being Qwark himself, punched the air while dashing forward a little bit, established that it was the latter as well. All while they saw that they were in a pirate ship's interior bow, that was mechanical with the spinning gears in the background, looked quite mechanical for a pirate ship, and likely to keep to the theme of a ghost Pirate, there was a lot of webs that was in the ship itself as well.

Neither of them knew what sort of spider would create that much webbing, all they knew, was that they hoped that they won't meet it in the ship. (Not to say that they can't beat it, as they can. It's just that it looked like that spider could be nightmare inducing.)

As Angela went forward, while there was a tutorial box with Qwark speaking to her about the rules, which she didn't need, since she played a game like this before. So she ignored the tutorials as she saw that there was some robotic skulls that was jumping out of some death pits while covered in blue embers, which Angela had to dodge when she makes VG Qwark jump over the pits.

While also punching rats that seems to have helmets on them, like they were being mind controlled.

Then there was the coins that happened to be designed from Qwark's logo, with the normal colors giving them one of those coins. While, after some platforming, the red version of the logo, that Angela decided to grab, gave them ten. Which the tutorial also pointed out, but she too ignored that part as well.

There was also the health bar on the top left that looked like the portrait of Qwark's head was connected to a battery icon, what with the bars inside looking like sections of energy, that goes from green to red. And it showed them that they have only five hits to take before Qwark's character in the game, dies.

So Angela was being careful about that, as she got to the platform to the very right of the room after collecting the Qwark coins in the game. Where she suddenly saw that the platform was an elevator, that was going up. Which was a pleasant surprise, as she stood in it until it reached the top.

As it rose though, a flaming skull came out of nowhere, and hit Angela's character, taking a point of health off of Qwark, and changing his portrait's expression to a slightly less happy look.

So she avoided more of the flaming skulls that came down, while suddenly seeing some rats coming out of some sections of the elevator shaft that was open, to try to attack Qwark, only for her to punch them away. All while avoiding the skulls, and continuing to wait until she reaches the top, where she saw an enemy that threw those flaming skulls, and clobbered him.

Before collecting more of those logo coins, seeing a counter at the top right of the screen that showed how many she has, and how many she should collect, which was a hundred coins for what she needs to collect for this level.

Angela decided to try to collect more of those coins, to see if there'll be a prize that she'll get from doing that. So she continued onwards, while clobbering another pirate, and got to the glowing platforms to jump onto, where they suddenly started to fade into itself, which she knew would mean that they'll disappear under Qwark's feet if she doesn't keep moving, so she did as she kept on collecting the coins, as well as collected another red one that was at the top when she got there, bringing her closer to the one hundred goal.

After that, she got to another section of the ship, showing that there was a huge hole in the background that showed space in the background. How Qwark, or the Pirates wasn't getting sucked out, none of them knew. But they guessed that it's cause the pressure, and atmosphere inside the ship was now equal to the ones in space. Which begged another question as to how Qwark wasn't suffocating at that point. But it wasn't an important question to ask.

They just kept on jumping, and clobbering the Pirates, and had them falling into the death pits that they jumped over. While avoiding the jumping blue fire skulls even though Angela got hit by one of them, giving her two empty bars of health, and having Qwark's portrait changing again to a more nervous look.

But she kept on going, collecting the coins, and clobbering more Pirates, until she was able to get to the large empty room, where a laser weapon was in the middle, which judging by the dark green glowing aura around it, was something that Qwark could pick up and use. So Angela picked up the laser blaster.

"Old timers say that a giant space eel haunts this ship. What a bunch of hoopl-AAH!" Qwark said, before suddenly seeing the said Giant Space Eel flying over him into the walls. Which looked robotic, and it also happened to look more like a snake, considering the serpentine pattern it makes as it flew, and happened to have sharp teeth. But Eels also had sharp teeth, right? Either way, it seems to have scared Qwark.

Which also startled the duo of Lombaxes, as they then saw that the Eel had a health bar on the bottom of the screen. Which meant that it can be killed. But what can they do?

Angela went with shooting the Space Eel. Which caused the Eel's health to go down, while showing the green bar decreasing, showing the yellow bar that was behind it. It was when she knew that she could kill the Eel that way, by shooting it while it was flying around.

Even though she saw the Eel going into the surrounding walls to hide, and cover itself from the blaster shots that she shoots out at the Eel. So she knew that she might want to wait until the Eel pops out again.

Which it did before too long could pass, so she resumed firing at the Eel, even though it tried to fly towards Qwark, but she quickly had Qwark moving away to another spot in the room, hoping that the Eel wasn't headed to that direction. Much to her relief, it wasn't. Now she continued to shoot the Eel, putting the health down to yellow, while showing the red health behind it.

Even though she was now running out of ammo for Qwark's blaster, as she had only a few shots left. Which she knew, much to her dismay, that it wasn't going to be enough to kill the Eel boss. Sure enough, it popped back out of the wall again, as she shot it up more, before losing her ammo, being forced to punch the Eel when it passed close to Qwark. Which also damaged the Eel, before it ended up retreating into the walls again.

But not before she was able to put in punches onto the Eel, putting it down to red health. Although she also got hurt in the game, again changing Qwark's portrait, and giving her down to two hits left before death.

"Careful Angela, otherwise I'm next." Ratchet said, feeling ready to play the game. Regardless of it starring Qwark in it.

"And I'll hold you to that in my case, once you fall too." Angela said.

Then, once she lost the ammo for the blaster, she was prepared to punch the Eel, until she suddenly saw that there was another blaster that was coming down, which she saw, was going to refill the ammo of the blaster that she has in Qwark's hands.

"Whew. I thought that it'd be a hard fight for a second there." Angela said.

"You said it. This would've been unfair game, that not a lot of people would want to buy. Unless they're fans of Qwark's that is." Ratchet said.

"As well as if they'd like a big challenge that Qwark could give to them in this game." Angela said, as she got the ammo for the blaster, before blasting the Eel to death after a couple more shots, making it fall apart like a robot would.

"Nice shot Angela. That thing looked like bad news." Ratchet said, praising Angela.

"No problem. This game doesn't seem different from the other side scrolling platform games after all." She responded, having played those games herself, before moving onwards through the level.

Which then lead to the next section of the game's stage, where she would end up continuing to collect the rest of the coins in the level, continue to be platforming over the pits, among other stuff.

Where on the one hundredth one, she suddenly got a Platinum Bolt. Much to her surprise, as she kept on going through the level, feeling that she could celebrate later, no matter how tempting it was for her.

Then she got to the final room, where she suddenly got the Green Qwark coin, which suddenly had another Eel inside, only this one was ridden by Captain Blackstar. Much to both Ratchet, and Angela's slight dismay.

Before they then decided to work the same strategy that they had for the first Eel, and shoot the second one until it would fall to the blaster like the last one did, which ended the chapter right there, as the Eel, and Captain Blackstar exploded into several pieces.

And while Angela had only three bars of health left. (The Green Qwark coin gave her a little health upgrade, and restored her health.)

"Yeah! This is how we do it!" Angela said. "I admit, this game was pretty fun." She then said, willing to admit to Qwark, that his game was getting good so far.

"No kidding. Nice to see that your gaming skills are as good as your fighting ability." He said.

Leaving her with a small blush on her face.

Then it showed a cutscene from the vid-comic.

"…I mean I've worked on some real junk, but this one takes the cake. Pirate Ghost Robots? What, do they think we're idiots?" The narrator said.

"Ah, don't worry narrator, I feel that it's more the writers that are the idiots, and not you." Ratchet said.

"Hey professor, snap to it!" Qwark said, before a thumping sound was made, along with a screeching of a microphone being made.

"OOF! Anyway, once gain, the citizens of the Solona Galaxy has owed their lives to the dauntless courage of the remarkable man behind the 'Q'." The narrator said, showing Qwark standing triumphantly in front of a flaming wreck.

"Nah, he's more like the unremarkable man behind the 'Q'." Angela said deadpan. Making Ratchet chuckle. All while Clank continued to feel dismayed at the snark that the Lombaxes was flinging at Qwark. But he felt that they had good enough reasons why.

"With 'great reluctance', Qwark accepted a meager fee for his services, and promptly donated the entire sum to a charity, known as the Qwark for Tots Scholarship Fund." He then said, showing a comic panel, of Qwark being rewarded with a large check that had a lot of zeros on it, that went up to at least a billion, but the exact number of it was blocked out by a mayor that stood in front of the number that showed how much Qwark got.

But both lombaxes agreed, that it must've been a lot of bolts. Much to their shock.

"Which included makeovers, and Buxom Bimbo's for needy people… named Qwark." He then said, showing another panel, with Qwark laying on a roman-like chaise longue, with a pair of robotic ladies, one of which was fanning him with a large plant leaf, while the other had grapes in her hand.

Ratchet had to admit, he wished he was in Qwark's place in the chaise lounge, with himself getting fanned by a robotic lady, and getting offered grapes by Angela Cross, even going far as to kiss her, and-

He had to keep his mind out of the gutter, as he viewed her as a friend first, lover second. Even though a part of him still had love for her.

All while Angela, little did Ratchet know, was thinking the same thing. Except that it was Ratchet that was offering her grapes. But she kept her own mind out of the gutter.

"I've got a big heart." Qwark's voice said. While a robotic whirring sound was made, likely a noise of delight from the robot ladies.

"Not as big as your ego though." Angela said with Ratchet in agreement

"Mr. President? Yes I got the fruit basket, thanks. Apparently I'm allergic to prunes. Yeah, who knew?" Qwark's voice said as it then showed another panel where he was dumping out a bunch of fruit into the trash.

"If only there was a prune cannon that I could shoot. That'd take him down in no time." Ratchet then said, making Angela laugh a little.

"What? Blackwater city is under attack?! Yes sir, I'm on my way!" He then said, showing his shocked look on the next, and last comic panel. Before the comic's chapter ended.

"The exciting, all true, *Cough* right! *Cough* adventures of Captain Qwark, continues in Episode two." The narrator said, finishing the comic as the Qwark logo zoomed into the screen, ending the episode.

Both Lombaxes admitted it, they were looking forward to playing the rest of the vid comics, if only to see more cheesiness that would ensue, thanks to Qwark's presence, which they would proceed to snark at, to hell and back.

And the reward in bolts, and a Platinum bolt wasn't bad either.

Meanwhile, monkey Qwark was looking on in fascination at the screen, before looking like he was thinking about something for a minute there. "AH!" He then said as he suddenly felt flashbacks coming back to him.

Which brought the Lombaxes attention to him as he was looking like he was starting to remember who he was, prior to being a monkey on Florana. It seems to them that Qwark is coming back to his senses, much to Clank's relief, and delight.

Sure enough, he ended up looking into a mirror. "Well, who is this handsome devil?" He said grinning at his bearded appearance. Showing how full of himself that he is.

"It appears that he's finally regained his memory." Clank said.

Qwark then looked around at the interior of the cage that he was inside. "Hey! This dressing room isn't fit for an ape! What shoddy production are you people running?!" He then said, affronted.

"That's him alright." Both Lombaxes said. Before Captain Sasha came into the room.

"He'll need some time to adjust. In the meantime, I've got a mission that should be perfect for you three. You see, we've just learned of a pair of prototype holographic devices that can disguise someone as a Tyhrranoid, even allowing them to speak their language." Sasha said.

Both Lombaxes were smiling at that, all while Qwark was continuing to look around, before smelling his armpit. "Is it just me, or do you smell bananas?"

Whatever Qwark did in that cage of his, neither Lombax wanted to know.

"Anyway…" Sasha said awkwardly. "Those devices happens to be the grand prize at this weeks Annihilation Nation. A death course, and Gladiatorial Arena games that we hold on station Q9 in Solona. Check it out." She then said, showing the Lombaxes the video on the HDTV.

"Tonight on Annihilation Nation, we feature an all new, DEATH COURSE!" The Announcer said, as it showed the logo of Annihilation Nation. Followed by the audience chanting Death Course.

"Let's meet tonight's Victim. Oops, I mean, contestant, Fred!" The announcer said, showing an alien that looked like the one that Ratchet and Clank rescued back in the Blarg Tactical Research Station.

"Fred is a Gadgetron Accountant, who claims that he once had a Morph-o-ray going off in his pants." The announcer then said, making the crowd laugh. "What a champ!" He then said, as Fred gave the camera a thumb up.

"Now, let's take a look at what he's up against!" The announcer said, before showing images of the death course that Fred was going to take, being fire geyser platforms, lasers that was near some catwalk paths, and a robot that was on the other side of those lasers, then some pushers that came out of the walls that could push someone into the lava, then some more sections that had fire geysers, and a death bot at the end. "Doesn't look too bad now, does it?" He sarcastically asked.

"But hey, if you're able to make it to the end, and beat our Gladiator Arena, you can win, a Tyhrraguise!" He then said showing a picture of the item in question.

The viewers, (Including the Lombaxes.) knew that Fred had no snowball's chance in Tabora, in making it to the end of the course to win the Tyhrraguise.

"GOOOOOOD LUCK FRED!" The announcer then said, as Fred walked forwards a bit at the sound of the alarm…

only to get blasted to oblivion just seconds after the course began.

The announcer ended up laughing at the misery of Fred. "NEEEXT!" He then yelled out.

Sasha, and Angela was in shock at the sight of what Fred went through. Mainly because of the fact, that it looked like a dangerous death course that could give the path of death on Florana, a run for its money in the challenge department. And the look of the death course did leave Angela feeling a little nervous about taking it. Even though she was going to go through with taking it on, after the aforementioned path of death. That is, if she's forced to do so by Annihilation Nation.

Ratchet on the other hand, was merely unintimidated, as he looked on deadpan at the screen. "Another day, another death course." He casually said. "Come on Angela, Clank." He said, having them both following him.

"Just a minute!" Sasha then said quickly, stopping them in their tracks. "Before you all take on the course, I also came to inform you, that we have new sets of armors for you both, to wear. I'm certain that they'll be of great help for you when you both go to Annihilation Nation." Sasha said.

"Really? New armors?" Ratchet asked curiously. As was Angela.

"You're correct. These armors are called the Magnaplate Armor. It's made out of the eponymous alloy that should absorb energy from the shots that the arena, and the Tyhrranoids, could shoot at you, and reduce the damage taken by at least 33%. Which is better than your current attire. So I recommend putting on those suits before competing in the death course." Sasha said.

"That could be useful. Let's try them on Ratchet." Angela said, going to the armor vendor in the Phoenix with Ratchet in tow.

Where once they were there, they ended up getting into the armor vender, (Which looked like an automatic suiting-up capsule that puts on the new armor for those that buys the armor.) one at a time, where it suited them up in the new sets of armor, being the Magnaplate Armor.

And the Magnaplate armor, was a brightest of grey metal vest with a blue glowing light in the middle, that went with a blue jumpsuit with black trims, with a matching pair of gloves, and combat boots that was black with metallic blue metal trims, and for the gloves, had neon blue lights on the wrist sections of the gloves. Which fitted well with Ratchet's build.

While Angela then dressed up in the same new armor as Ratchet was wearing, being the same vest with a blue light, and a blue jumpsuit with black trims, and matching pair of gloves, and boots. The difference between them though, was that it was form fitting for Angela, and showed off her curves like it was a catsuit for Angela, if it had armor on it. Which had Ratchet blushing up a storm when he saw Angela in that. Which was echoed with Angela blushing herself. Even though she was also smiling a bit at how just plain hot she looked in Ratchet's eyes.

All while Clank was trying not to giggle at the sight of his best friend getting embarrassed by another best friend's sexy looks.

Either way though, they felt that the armor would be of good help for Annihilation Nation. So they made sure that they were suited up, before they then boarded the Star Explorer, and zoomed off into space, and was now headed towards the station Q9, where the games were taking place.

"ARE YOU READY TO PLAAAY!?" The announcer bellowed out to the cheering crowd.

"Alright! Let's meet our new contestants!" He then said, referring to both Ratchet, and Angela.

"The male is an unemployed rocket mechanic who has claimed to have saved two galaxies, but most people knows of him as Secret Agent Clank's bumbling Chauffeur!" The announcer said. Much to Ratchet's dismay.

After all, there was another reason why he's not as fond of the show as the others were. And it's because the people would know him more as that said Chauffeur, than as the guy who saved both the Solona Galaxy, (From Drek.) and the Bogon Galaxy. (From Qwark, and the Proto Pets.) He felt that if there was something that he'd be unable to live down, it's being in the show as the Chauffeur.

"And the other, is a former Employee of Megacorp, another company that's similar to Gadgetron, only they're in the Bogon Galaxy. Which is the Galaxy that happened to have suffered an infestation of the creatures known as the Proto Pet! Only to have been saved by this lady here, with this guy's help!" He said.

Which did flatter her, and Ratchet, who was glad to have received some credit at least, alongside herself.

"And they hope that disguising themselves as Tyhrranoid, would make them more attractive for the ladies, and gentlemen, or each other!" He said.

Which was much to both their chagrin. "Hey! She's not my girlfriend!" He defensively cried.

Even though Angela might've heard someone say "You keep telling yourself that dude!" And she couldn't help but think the same thing to him.

"Give it up for, RAAAATCHET, and AAAANGELA CROOOOOSSS!" The announcer yelled out, as the crowd cheered for them both. Making both of them raise their fists in excitement.

"Ratchet, will attempt to be the first contestant to survive our death course! Meanwhile, Angela shall attempt to survive our Gladiatorial challenge of ten rounds! If both Lombaxes are able to win, they shall get a Qwark vid comic, and a pair of Tyhrraguises! Contestant #1, are you ready?!"

"Bring it on!" Ratchet said.

"Contestant #2, are you ready?!"

"I'm ready alright! Bring it!" She said, before both Lombaxes got teleported to the separate challenges, while Clank kept himself attached to Ratchet.

With Ratchet, he began his run through the death course, beginning with timing his jumps on the platform that had fire geysers on it, so he won't get burned, before jumping, and gliding onto the next one to make it to the next sector of the course.

Before he could get to the next section though, he entered a room that lead to the next section, where he saw that there was at least over five little robots with spinning axe blades for weapons that spun around them like a ring. And they tried to take down Ratchet, only for him to shoot them all down with his N60 storm to strengthen it.

None of them stood a chance, as he stepped on a button that had a rectangular slot that decided where to make him go, before choosing left. So he went left after the door opened, where he saw a bridge that looked like a ridiculous shape that moved left, then right then forward, instead of going straight. And right next to the bridge, was six turrets that was soon to open up, and shoot at him with their lasers.

Which Ratchet decided to avoid by strafing around them. Which wasn't hard since they were unable to turn their barrels at him while shooting their lasers. Much to his relief.

Now he only had to contend with the death robots that he had to face off against. The first being past the lasers that he passed. And even though it looked like it was capable of shooting a large hole into him, or clobbering him with its large upper body, it was still no match for his golden weapons, or the N60 storm. And the same could be said for the next pair of death bots that shoots lasers.

Now he just kept on going through the course, making sure to avoid the fire geysers on his way to the safe place in the middle of the section. Even though it wasn't as safe as it was, as he got hit by a laser from another death bot when he got there.

It didn't hurt as bad as he expected it though, but it still hurt nonetheless, as he shot back against the bot with the N60 storm. "It's a good thing we got the Magnaplate armor." Ratchet said to himself.

As he went forward, he ended up noticing something that was off of the beaten path, and that was on the large rock next to the area that was before the platform fire geysers that he was trying to avoid. And on closer look, he ended up seeing the Platinum Bolt on there. Much to his pleasant surprise, as he decided to grab it after going back to the area where it is, before jumping onto the rock to get it since it was in his reach near the stars, leading to the fire geyser platforms.

After putting it in his possession, he resumed continuing onwards through the course, after going through another room with the slot block that chooses where he should go.

Where he continued to battle the robots, whether it'd be the death bots, or the little green, spinning blade robots, as well as having to contend with the pushing green blocks that tried to push him into the lava, but they were short enough in height for him to jump over them, and even onto them to jump onto the next ones so that he won't risk getting pushed off of them.

And that was the last area that he had to survive in the course, before he reached the end, and got another Qwark vid comic as a reward.

"I don't believe it folks, Ratchet has made it to the end! Note to self, never mess with the trigger happy lombax!" The announcer said.

"Damn right." Ratchet said, proudly. Before he suddenly got teleported.

Where he suddenly found himself in the arena. Which wasn't too surprising since he did the arena fights before, back in the Bogon Galaxy with the Maktar Resort in the Maktar Nebula, and the Megacorp games on Planet Joba. After all, how could he forget fighting against Chain blade, and the B2 Brawler, in Maktar? Or the Arachnoid, and the Megapede, on Joba?

What was surprising though, was that he was in the same arena…

that Angela was on, fighting off the Gladiators with a new weapon, as well as the Plasma whip. Much to her own surprise, when she saw him.

"It seems, that Ratchet has won a bonus from the course for collecting the Titanium Bolt! He gets to lend a helping hand to Angela in her fight in our Gladiator arena!" The announcer said.

Angela was surprised to see Ratchet in the same arena as her, and both she and Ratchet was wondering if this was planned to happen, but she did feel like thanking the producers of Annihilation Nation, for having Ratchet enter the gladiator's arena with her. Not that she feels that she can't take on the arena without help from Ratchet, as she can take care of the Gladiators, and make them look like pansy children's cartoon characters when she's done with them, but it was nice to have a friend to take on waves of enemies in the arena with.

Which Ratchet ultimately felt happy about too, when he got into the arena with her. Now he gets to see her kicking butt in person, and make sure that the arena's Gladiators won't kill her on his watch.

"So, what wave are you on?" Ratchet asked Angela.

"I believe I'm on the fourth wave, out of ten. And I think I would defeat all of these waves, even if I didn't have an ally with me." Angela said.

"I can see that too. But it's nice to have me here with you though, considering the arenas I fought in, back in Bogon." Ratchet responded, feeling assured that Angela's got this, even if he wasn't on the arena with her. But here he is, and he might as well make the most of it, and fight in another arena, like back in the Maktar Resort, and on Joba.

All while Angela was glad too, having seen Ratchet fight in Bogon's arenas before on TV, especially having seen his fights against Chain blade, and B2 Brawler in the Maktar Resort. And against the Megapede, and Arachnoid on Planet Joba, where the Megacorp games was held.

Ratchet was in the middle of taking out the other combatants, before he noticed that Angela had pulled out a new weapon in her hands that she was ready to use. "What's that?" He asked.

"It's called a Spitting Hydra. It's basically supposed to be used as a lock on weapon that is supposed to destroy every enemy that it locks on to. Even though I'm about to fire this thing for the first time. And it cost quite a bit of Bolts to buy." She said, as there was a group of Gladiators that was lined up for her to use it.

So she did, as she noticed that it was charging up. While Ratchet noticed that it had some lock crosshairs on the enemy Gladiators that was trying to kill them. Only for her to let go of the trigger, causing it to fire out a devastating wave of electricity that destroyed the Gladiators that it locked on to, while knocking her onto the floor.

Nevertheless, it was a devastating shot that took out most of the Gladiators, which impressed Ratchet at how strong the weapon was in her hands, as well as his own, if they were to switch. Even though she got knocked down by it, as she had to nurse her butt for the fall. But she just got back up to continue to take down the Gladiators.

"Whoa, it's no wonder it costs plenty of bolts!" She said, continuing to use it against the Gladiators.

Which wasn't too hard, since some of the Gladiators were clumsy. Especially the ones that has whips in their hands. Because when they swing those whips around, they end up hitting their allies in attempting to hit either Lombax, before getting hit in return. Which was funny to see, and both Ratchet, and Angela, had to put their willpower into making sure that they won't fall to the arena's floor, laughing.

Even though the Gladiators did end up hitting the Lombaxes with their whips as well, which hurt them, but they were still able to fight well. And they continued to dodge the whips, while being relieved about the armor that they were wearing for protecting them. All while breaking the Nanotech crates to heal their wounds. But still, the whip Gladiators did some more damage to themselves, than they did, and could do, to the Lombaxes.

The same could be said for the laser murder bots, to a lesser extent, as they also hit their comrades as well. Not as much as the whip Gladiators though.

All while Ratchet assisted with the N60 storm, that continued to take down more of the Gladiators in the arena. While making sure to have it upgraded, which could help them well in their fight against Nefarious.

And speaking of upgrades, the same could almost be said for the Plasma Whip, that Angela was using too. She felt that it shouldn't take long for it to upgrade itself if they were inclined to use it against Nefarious's forces, and make it her own melee weapon alongside the purple double bladed saber sword that she uses too. (Though not to the same extent as Ratchet and his Wrench, or his own double bladed saber sword.)

All while Ratchet used his Golden Suck Cannon against the smaller bots, and then shot them out against the Gladiators, and the death bots, that shoots out lasers, or swings their maces at them. Which was a useful weapon against them, since the small bots were usually paired with the death bots, and the Gladiators, or sometimes gets sent out against the Lombaxes on their own, in large numbers. Which considering the weapons that both Lombaxes were using, and the skills that they have, didn't seem like a useful tactic for them.

It was a couple minutes of fighting against them, that passed, before the Lombaxes got to the final wave.

"It's amazing folks! The Lombaxes has made it to the final wave of this survival challenge! I guess it's time to bring out the big guns for this one!" The announcer said. Then suddenly a pair of bosses has entered the arena from the largest door with the Nation's logo on it, that was beside the arena.

One of them was a broad, fat, yet muscular, heavily armored, dark grey, and red-colored robot with shoulder-mounted missile launchers, and he held what looked like an immense rapid firing chain gun with for barrels in a diamond pattern.

The other looked like a plump, fat, Valkyrie robot, with two horns on her head, and what was supposed to look like braids of hair that trailed to under her bust, and she wore what looked like female Viking clothing. And she held a thinner laser whip.

"We have saved the best for last folks, these two are going to be the final obstacle that the Lombaxes are going to face for the Tyhrraguises, give it up for the Terrible Two, GARY, AND HEEEELEEEEN!" The announcer said as Gary was flaunting for a cheering crowd, while Helen was blowing them kisses.

It seemed for the Lombaxes, that they were going to be fighting what could be the toughest fighters that Annihilation Nation could throw at them. So they were bracing themselves for their fight against the pair of bosses that they were going to defeat for the Tyhrraguise, and the next Qwark vid comic.

"Hey there little fighters, soon, everything will be whiter!" Gary bellowed out, before he shot out his lasers from the chain gun, that Ratchet strafed around, and jumped over due to the pattern that he was shooting it. All while Ratchet continued to shoot out the N60 against Gary.

While Helen on the other hand, was attempting to whip Angela Cross, aiming her whip for her feet. Only for her to jump over the whip, and continue to shoot the spitting hydra against her, as well as use her own Plasma Whip against her as she dodged Helen's whip when she tried to swing it in a vertical direction.

All while Ratchet continued to shoot back against Gary, with his V2 Nitro Bombs to damage Gary with the explosions. Which did start to show, but Gary wasn't done. Since he then shot out some rockets from his shoulders into the air, before having them raining on the Lombaxes that was going to get caught by them.

"Uh, Angela!" He said, making sure that Angela's attention isn't solely on Helen as he got ready to dodge them.

"What is it Ratchet? I'm in the middle of something… Oh. Oh Crap!" Angela said, now noticing the impending rain of missiles that they were going to get blown up by, if they didn't move quickly.

So they did, by scattering. So that they'd be harder to hit, and so that they won't get hit at the same time by the missiles, while strafing around the pair of bosses of the arena, as they continued to attack them. With Helen using another attack of hers, being a shockwave attack. Which, was faster than the whip, and did land a hit on the Lombaxes, hurting them both, but they jumped over the rest of the shockwaves, knowing how to dodge them.

"Thank you, thank you! I know, I'm beautiful!" Helen said, flaunting her 'beauty' for the audience.

The Lombaxes begged to differ on her beauty though.

The fight went on for a couple moments, as they strafed around Gary's laser, and jumped over Helen's laser whip, and scattering when Gary launches his missiles out of his shoulders, and jumping over Helen's shockwave attack. And even taking some hits from either of them, which they healed with the remaining Nanotech crates, which they were glad that they saved for this fight, cause otherwise, they could've been in trouble. Even though the armor that they have on, would do good enough in protecting them.

Nevertheless, they continued to fight against the Terrible Two, until Helen eventually went down after one more shot from the Plasma Whip being thrown like a boomerang by Angela, leaving only Gary for them to face off against.

And also, the plasma whip evolved again, to the V4 version, with even more blue fire on the now blue plasma whip, which helped not only raise up its ammo counter, but it also gave it some more power behind the whips, and gave it a burning effect to damage enemies with. It seemed that Angela has chosen her signature weapon for use.

All while Ratchet kept on launching the Nitro bombs at a now angry, and vengeful Gary, who continued to shoot out the lasers from his chain gun, and the missiles from his shoulders. Which the Lombaxes were dodging, since they were getting used to dodging his attacks, and they felt that they have this now 2V1 battle in the bag. Especially since Angela was also shooting at him with the Spitting Hydra.

And, after some more minutes, they were right, as Gary eventually went down after one more shot from the Nitro Launcher. Which upgraded itself to a V3 version, that made his weapon able to create a bigger explosion after firing it out, and he was sure that its damage has increased. Ratchet felt that he has a favorite weapon to shoot against Nefarious's forces, when they fight.

All while Angela's Spitting Hydra also upgraded itself to the V2 Spitting Hydra, which she correctly guessed, would give her one more enemy to lock onto, and fire at with it, while also increasing the damage of the Spitting Hydra, against their foes. It seemed that Angela has another favorite weapon to use.

"I don't believe it folks! Ratchet has survived the death course! And Angela has survived the Gladiatorial arena by his side!" The announcer said, as the crowd cheered for the Lombaxes, much to their delight, as Ratchet winked at the cameras. After all, they're proving themselves as quite the combatants, to where they know that they could stand toe to toe with Nefarious, just as well as Qwark has in the past.

Something, that could have Nefarious feeling nervous of fighting them as long as they're together. Even though they would be as much of a force to be reckoned with while apart too.

Then suddenly, a female robot appeared, whom had silver metal alloy for her skin, brown metallic hair held by a red band, and glowing metallic eyes, who was wearing a long-sleeved Crop top that exposed her midriff, along with her matching miniskirt that hid her black mini-shorts, and a pair of red wedge boots. And she was holding their prizes.

Ratchet thought that the robotic girl that had their prize was gorgeous, what with her pretty looks that she had. But she was a robot who looks pretty, and not as pretty as Angela is.

Angela on the other hand, was hiddenly glaring at her, hoping that she isn't attracting Ratchet to her.

"And here to hand you both your prizes, is the lovely Miss Courtney Gears!" The announcer said, telling the Lombaxes the name of the robot as she handed them the Tyhrraguises, before motioning to the Lombaxes as she left.

Which would be before the Lombaxes decided to test out the Tyhrraguises to see if they work. Sure enough, they looked like the Tyhrranoids once they attached them to their uniforms, and turned them on.

With Ratchet looking like the small berserker noid, while Angela looked like the more larger gunner noids. Both of whom, were looking at their forms.

Then they got a message from Sasha, who was messaging them when she saw their forms. "AAH!"

"Don't be alarmed, it's just Ratchet, and Angela." Clank said, calming Sasha down.

"Oh. It seems that you've both won the Tyhrraguises. They're very convincing." She said a little awkwardly.

"Anyways, there's something that I think all of you might need to see." Sasha said, before showing them a video.

"Qwark personal log: entry 101301.

After I personally vanquished the Proto pet menace…" Qwark's voice said, showing the image of him cowering before the bigger mutated Proto pet.

"And after revamping the Megacorp testing facility…" He then said, showing an image of him strapped to a wall, with a Crotchitizer bearing down on him.

"I decided to focus my efforts on protecting the endangered creatures of the Florana Planet's jungle." He then said, showing an image of Qwark, with Skrunch in his hands, who happened to be unruly to him, almost looking like he was preventing Qwark from kissing him.

"But when news arrived that Dr. Nefarious has returned to power, to once again threaten the Galaxy, I knew where my true destiny lied." He then said, showing an image of Nefarious's face in the shadows, with his face illuminated, along with his red glowing eyes.

"So I had to go through plenty of necessary training to put me into tip top shape, which was exhausting…" It then showed Qwark on the masseuse bed, getting massage therapy from his trainer, whom was a plump android named Helga. (Whom Ratchet, and Clank, met back on Planet Kerwan, in Metropolis city. And whom was in disapproval of his performance on the Obstacle course that he took there.)

"But it was worth it to make me strong again, and my mind overflows with brilliant concepts." It then showed Qwark with Al, who was tutoring Qwark on basic math equations, like what 2+2 equaled, while Qwark merely looked at his paper with nervousness, while he only doodled on his paper, which showed his doodles, being a flying rocket ship, a monkey with a banana in its hand, and what looked like a medieval knight on some sort of alien two legged creature that got obscured by Qwark's hand.

Which in the Lombaxes eyes, looked like he was blatantly lying to them about his intelligence.

"And though I yearn for the bittersweet smell of my monkey companions… *Sniff* Aaaahhhh." He then said, showing Qwark covering his face, possibly out of sadness, while Skrunch hung on a vine of the tree that they were on, possibly trying to cheer up Qwark by handing him a banana while other monkeys of Florana surrounded them both.

Then it showed Qwark standing triumphantly on the moon in the middle of space. "The time has come for me to resume my duties, as the greatest hero that the Galaxies have ever known! CAPTAIN QWAAARRRK!" He then hammily called out on the last part as his logo came onto the screen, before it then faded to black.

Sasha reappeared on the screen after the log ended. "You're not going to believe this, but the President has put Qwark in charge of the fight against Nefarious." She then said, sounding like even she was in disbelief.

As was Ratchet, Angela, and even Clank himself. The latter of whom, was looking down at the ground of the arena, while both Ratchet, and Angela face palmed themselves, or more accurately, palmed their eye stalks in disappointment.

While if Angela was still in the form of a Lombax, she would've been asking a question, being, "Are you F#$!ing kidding me?!"

"Our new commander just called in his first team meeting. I think you better come back to the Phoenix right away. Sasha out." Sasha then said, ending her video com.

Ratchet proceeded to speak the language of the Tyhrranoids, in obvious dismay. Like he was saying, "This is gonna suck." to Clank.

Which was echoed by Angela.

"I agree guys. This does not sound good." Clank said, feeling dismayed at the choice that the President made, regardless of his support for Qwark in their fight against Nefarious.

It seemed that the Lombaxes were gonna be in for a tough ride in their fight against Nefarious, as they decided to leave the station, and return to the Phoenix.

Chapter Text

Chapter 5: The Q-force is born. (Much to A certain member's dismay.)

There were times where Ratchet was wondering to himself 'what have I gotten myself into?'

Considering, back when he, and Clank first adventured together, he had to fight his way through the polluted Planet Orxon after getting his O2 mask, due to the creatures over there being dangerous, particularly the land lobsters, and the fact that he had to also fight the Blarg saucers with his devastator, or Visibomb, which were dangerous foes that he had to fight back there.

Or, Traveling through Gorda city, on the Planet Oltanis. Which was going through one hell of a storm, causing Clank to get struck by lightning. So, he was forced to wait back in the ship while Ratchet navigated the city alone. Which was dangerous due to not only the foes he had to beat, like those danged Plasma Bots, but there was a lot of sections where he could've fell and suffer plenty of high drops that could kill him, or break his femurs in several places. Which, had him wishing that he kept Clank with him through his little journey through that Planet.

Even fighting Drek himself was a bit of a challenge to him, considering that his mech that he was inside, took one heck of a beating from his other weapons, other than the R.Y.N.O I, (Which was an expensive buy back in Rilgar.) and because his shots were pretty hard to dodge unless he grinds on the rails just around the Deplanetizer's arena platform.

Then there was his adventure in the Bogon Galaxy, where during his time on the Planet Boldan, in the Silver City, he had to fight against the Thugs-4-Less. Which wasn't hard until that time, when those mercenaries were quite armed to the teeth, and elite in skill. Showing both Ratchet, and Clank that the Thugs-4-Less may be pretty dumb, but they were dangerous. And they don't mess around when it came to their job. And that would be before they took both of them to Angela's old flying lab on Aranos, as prisoners. Even though they later escaped.

Which was before their rescue of Angela, in their HQ on the Planet Snivelak. Where they continued their fight against the Thugs, who continued to show them that they won't be messed with, as they fought against the duo. There were some sections where they both thought that they could die there. But they won, against all odds against them, and fought against their leader, who was going all out against them, even piloting a Gigantic mech that held Angela prisoner in its torso. Whom they freed after their victory.

Then there was the aforementioned Yetis on Planet Grelbin, where they collected the Moonstones in the snow desert for a way to Angela's home, and a Hypno-matic part, which was where they fought those Yetis who were strong, came in packs, can take a beating while swinging back with equal strength, and they happened to be quite an aggressive bunch that they could've been clobbered by if their strong weapons, like the Bouncer, wasn't in their inventory.

All those times in their adventures, both Ratchet, and Clank, viewed, as possibly the hardest part of their journeys through the Solona, and the Bogon Galaxies. Worst even, at least on Grelbin, Oltanis, and Orxon.

And yet, the situation that they were currently in, was quickly outdoing those past moments as the worst situation that they got into, along with Angela, as they saw Captain Qwark marching back and forth across the giant black screen on the bridge of the Phoenix, in front of a line of people.

"Ladies, and Gentlemen! Oh, and Helga." He then said as a morbidly obese robot with Raven hair in pigtails, named Helga looked at him meanly, before smiling at him for acknowledging her too.

"Welcome to, THE Q-FORCE!" He then said to his members of the now made Q-Force, that he just formed.

Which consisted of Al, Helga, Skidd Mcmarxx, Skrunch, the monkey companion of Qwark's, Cora Veralux, Starlene, Elaris, Ratchet, Angela, Clank, and Sasha.

Not to mention another member of the Galactic Rangers, who was a top-heavy reptilian man, with tanned, and yellow scales, and spikes on the back of his head, and two purple spikes on each of his shoulders, (With an extra pair on his Proto-suit armor.) who happened to be around the height of Qwark, and even having a broad upper body comparable to his. And he wore a Proto-suit, that was darker blue cyan next to the bright cyan blue color of the uniform in the middle, with blue pants, metallic dark grey boots with glowing cyan lights on the front, and dark blue gauntlets that also had cyan blue lights, and gloves that covered his three fingered hands.

His name was Brax Lectrus. A field operative of the Galactic Rangers, as well as a soldier for them too, who was mentioned by Elaris, and Cora, as one of the more dangerous soldiers on the battlefield, who also fought in a Gladiatorial game that was said to be illegal, known as Dreadzone. Easily the most helpful on the battlefield against the Noids. He may not be as intelligent as both Cora, and Elaris, and he might not be well spoken, but he is loyal, and he is warm to his allies.

And he too is a member of the Q-force.

"Each of you were assembled here into this little crew, because of your mastery in your particular field." Qwark said, looking at all of his recruits, which also included Ratchet, Clank, Angela, and Sasha. The latter of whom, looked on in indifference, and boredom, alongside Ratchet, Angela, Clank, Cora, Elaris, and Starlene.

"From Al's and Elaris's mastery of Electronics, to Skidd's, and Brax's nerves of steel," He said, before Helga patted the former on the back, making him flinch, thus contradicting Qwark's statement about him. "To Helga's, and Starlene's sensual powers of seduction. Rrrawrr!" He then said making a growl at the end for them both, the former of whom was flattered. Even though Starlene wasn't amused about his description of her. Despite it being true in her case.

While Helga's obese looks, and aggressive aura, begged to differ, and contradict Qwark's statements of her.

"And then there's some great soldiers from the Galactic Rangers, like Cora Veralux, Brax Lectrus, Elaris again, due to her hacking skill, Captain Sasha who is a captain of this ship, and finally those three. One of whom… is known as one half of the saviors of the Solona, and Bogon galaxy. And is Secret Agent Clank's bumbling chauffer. " Qwark reluctantly said on the first part, then amused on the last part, referring to Ratchet.

Who was unamused at the jab that Qwark seems to have made towards him.

"Give it up for, Ratchet, Angela, and Clank!" Qwark then said.

The other members of the Q-force, including Brax, ended up clapping their hands for him, having known of him from the show. But they also know him as the hero of the Solona Galaxy, by defeating Drek, and as the hero of Bogon, for stopping the Protopet infestation alongside Angela. (After all, the infestation could've spread to the Solona Galaxy if it was unchecked.)

Whom was also being applauded for helping Ratchet in defeating the Protopet menace, as she decided to take a bow to them herself, alongside Ratchet, and Clank.

"Each of you have shown yourselves as worthy of wearing the Mighty Q! Years ago, I've saved this Galaxy, by singlehandedly defeating Dr. Nefarious. But like a rash on the Galaxy's backside, he's flared up again." He then said once the applause was done, as Al scratched his buttocks through his pants. Possibly inadvertently adding in a visual metaphor of what Qwark said.

"But no matter. Our first mission is to infiltrate the doctor's top-secret base, on the Planet Aquatos. Impossible you say? Well, perhaps for the lesser Strategerist." Qwark said, mispronouncing the last word.

Which wasn't a surprise to Ratchet, and Angela Cross, after the way he spoke as Fizzwidget. (And they were looking forward to having him never live that one down.)

"Behold! My! Brilliant Plan!" He then announced, gesturing to the black screen on the bridge.

Then it showed what looked like a child's crayon drawing of the ocean, complete with a fish, that connected to a long pipe that made a wide serpentine pattern, as it was colored green inside, likely to make a colored representation of sewer water.

"First, Ratchet, Angela, and Clank will descend to the sea floor, and wade through the series of tunnels filled with waist deep raw sewage." Qwark said.

"WHAT?!" Both Ratchet, and Angela said.

"Please wait until the end of the presentation, for the Q&A's." Qwark then said in a calm, yet firm manner.

"Next, once they get into the base, our agents will split up. Where Clank will enter the base's ventilation system where he will deploy this Banana-Guided Autonomous Monkey Device. Or BGAMD for short." He then said, showing another Crayon drawing, this one showing Clank going through another serpentine pipe, before then showing three things on the left, and two on the right, one of which showed a gun, Skrunch the monkey, and a banana set, that each made arrows that pointed to two signs that showed a figure of a monkey on the bottom sign, and a gun over a figure of bananas on the upper sign.

"Meanwhile, both Ratchet, and Angela will use their extensive knowledge of the Tyhrranoid language, and their behavior, to win the trust of those blood thirsty alien guards." He then said, showing a drawing of a bunch of Tyhrranoids that was on the paper, with a pair of Noids having arrows pointed at them, while the shorter one was cyan blue colored, while the taller one towered over the other Noids, just to have them represent Ratchet, and Angela, infiltrating the place, and to tell the pair apart from the actual Noids.

"And Finally, our agents shall make their way to Nefarious' office, steal every item that isn't nailed down, or too heavy to take, and exfiltrate the base, completely undetected!" He then said, showing the next drawing, which is of the pair of Lombaxes, being Ratchet and Angela, swimming through the river in a panic, with Clank on the former's back, as they swim away from a large alien fish. Possibly representing their escape attempt that they felt, could be full of trouble for them both.

Once the presentation was done, both Lombaxes were in shock, even though they felt that they should've expected that sort of plan from Qwark. At least it didn't seem like they were going to be sent to their deaths by facing impossible odds. (And they expected Qwark to do that to them, considering his past with them.)

But still. "That's Crazy!" Ratchet said.

"Not to mention, with all due respect, pretty stupid." Angela said, although she felt that she could be understating her view of that plan.

All while Qwark was unfazed by the last part as he held a crayon in his right hand. "But it just might work. Whenever you're both ready, I expect you both to be there, and in your positions. Do I make myself clear?" Qwark asked.

"Yes sir!" Both Lombaxes said, reluctantly saluting Qwark.

Even though they wished that the President made either of them Commanders, instead of Qwark. Oh how they'd be happy at how they'd be ordering him, among the other members of the Q-force, and the Galactic Rangers, around, for a change.

But still, it's the President's orders after all.

Once the meeting is dismissed, the members of the now made Q-force was chatting among themselves as they left the bridge. With Sasha also leaving the bridge herself, for now at least.

"Don't worry Ratchet. I'm in as much disbelief as you, and Angela could be, when he became the Commander of this new force." Cora said with Starlene, Sasha, and Elaris in agreement, shortly after they left the bridge with the Lombax duo.

Which did give comfort to both Angela, and Ratchet, since at least they weren't the only ones that seems to think that the idea of letting Qwark become Commander was the craziest idea that the President has ever had.

All while Brax merely looked indifferent to the news, almost like he still feels that Qwark could still surprise them all in what he can do, now that he's fighting Nefarious again. Which was a feeling echoed by Clank.

"That's Brax by the way. Brax Lectrus. He's one of our operatives, and a strong one at that." Starlene said.

"He looks like a tough guy." Ratchet said. With Angela in agreement.

"Thanks. I hope that I may be quite useful to you all in this battle against Nefarious." Brax said, giving Ratchet, and Angela a handshake.

Which both Lombaxes accepted, feeling that they could be good friends with Brax as they fight against the Tyhrranoids, and Nefarious.

"Anyways, I see that you have the Vid Comic from Annihilation Nation. Are you probably going to finish that thing after your assignment at Aquatos, or before?" Cora asked.

"Probably after Aquatos. He might need us to be there quickly, and this game isn't too important not to play right now." Ratchet said, continuing to speak with the other Q-force members.

All while they were in the hanger, on their way to the Star Explorer.

"Just in case our cover is blown, and we might need someone to help us bail out of there, we'll be sure to call you guys up." Angela said, on her way to the Star Explorer.

"Got it." Cora, Brax, Sasha, and Starlene said in unison as they saluted Ratchet, and Angela. They could've done this themselves, but they didn't have those Tyhrra-guises that Ratchet and Angela won from Annihilation Nation. And Ratchet, and Angela looked like they were competent at sneaking around, let alone infiltrating the place with the Tyhrra-guises helping them.

"Good luck, both of you. And be sure to use those Tyhrra-guises well. They should be of great help in infiltrating that place." Sasha said, waving at them as they got on the Star Explorer.

They made sure to keep that in mind as they waved back before departing on the Star Explorer towards Aquatos. Where their first mission as Q-force members was about to begin.

Ratchet, Angela, and Clank was prepping themselves for the trip to Aquatos, when they heard some noises from their ship's com. Which, told them, alongside Clank, that they were receiving an incoming call from somebody.

And when Ratchet saw that a certain other Planetoid on the screen, he knew that it was the Director of the Secret Agent Clank series, which had him inwardly face palm when he saw who it was that was on the screen. "Oh no." He quietly said.

"Claaank. Buddy, you're killing me here!" He said desperately.

"Excuse me?" Clank asked.

"I was just about to make the picture here, and the mister big shot star is nowhere to be found!" He then said, while glaring at Ratchet behind his shades.

Which was another reason why he wasn't fond of the show. Not only did he play the clumsy Chauffeur, whom he felt was a stain on his style of hero of the Solona, and Bogon Galaxy, but he didn't have much in a way of a friendship with the director of the Secret Agent Clank series. If anything, they get on each other's nerves.

Especially since Ratchet wasn't that good at acting himself. And his clumsiness as Jeeves was not acting. He really was clumsy when he played the Chauffeur, and those accidents that happens cause of Jeeves's clumsiness, really did happen. Which luckily for Clank, it made the show, in the opinions of the fans, and the director felt that his accidents on set was good slapstick comedy relief for the show. But there was moments, where the accidents also got under his skin, as much as it gets under Ratchet's.

Which did lead to some hostility on the set between him and Ratchet, and Ratchet felt that even though he didn't mind working with Clank on the show, especially since the pay was good, he did mind having that guy directing the show. And he did start to hope that he would either get fired, or if the director would get replaced. Either way, he'd be thankful that he wouldn't be working with him again.

Especially since even though Ratchet saved the Solona Galaxy from Drek, and the Bogon Galaxy from Qwark, and the Protopets, the director didn't seem to acknowledge him as a hero, let alone as the savior, and instead, he sees him as a moronic actor that can't follow directions, even though he was just starting out as an actor.

Which is a profession that he hopes to master someday. (He would like to show that he can do more than just the Galaxy saving business, after all.)

But for now though, he was just looking on in indifference and annoyance at the screen, since he had no time for this. Which was a feeling echoed by both Clank, and Angela.

The latter of whom, wasn't there, throughout their time of acting in the show, and instead she was just lazing about in her Apartment room back on Megapolis.

"We're currently occupied with a mission that is important for the sake of Galactic security." Clank replied.

"Right right. I get it. You want a bigger trailer? Done! You want a daily oil massage? Done! I just need my star on this set, ASAP, Capiche?" The director said.

"This mission we're on, is too important for us to ditch right now. You're gonna have to delay that shoot for a few days." Angela said, also knowing that they have no time for acting when they already have a mission to take. All while she too looked annoyed at him.

After all, she did hear about the director from Ratchet's complaining about how much of a jerk he was. And from what she was seeing, he looked like a jerk to her eyes too.

Even though he did notice her, and judging by his stare, she felt that he was thinking that she looked sexy, much to her chagrin.

"Weelll, I don't know who you are, but I'm sure that the show may have room for you as well, in case you're interested. Maybe as a background showgirl in another Casino that Agent Clank goes to, in this upcoming episode?" He asked Angela.

Much to Ratchet's chagrin, as he hoped she won't take his offer that seemed to be pretty… disgraceful. (Not to mention making him jealous of his attention towards Angela.)

Angela had to think about it for a minute, even though she was hiding her frown at what the director offered her. "Let me think about it for a minute. How about… NO!" She then said, before ending the transmission.

Which had Ratchet smiling at her for doing that to the director. He felt that he had it coming for that flirty question that he made.

All while Clank shook his head in disappointment. After all, he did love his acting job as Secret Agent Clank, and he did feel a little reluctant about telling the director to delay the shoot. But he knew that the job that they're taking, was too important to ditch, for that shoot.

"Ah, don't worry Clank, he'll figure something out. Remember, we've got work to do." Ratchet reassuringly said with Angela in agreement, as they all flew their way to Aquatos.

They thought that they might need a transformation mod for the Star Explorer, just in case they were going to a planet that was entirely covered in water. After all, they could need to have it turn into a sub in order for them to get into an undersea planet where they're gonna have to infiltrate it.

And yet, they didn't need to do that, since the Aquatos Planet had a large enough pipe that stuck out of the surface of the water, that was able to fit the Star Explorer inside, before they then saw that it was leading them down into an undersea room that was full of air, and had walls of glass that blocked off the water. It was like the Aquatos planet also had some surfaces of air to put some space ships in, for Nefarious to use to go to his HQ from.

And now they were using it to infiltrate that same HQ for Qwark. They just hoped that it won't end in a wild goose chase on Aquatos as they prepared to go to the platform elevator that lead down the glass pipe into the deeper levels of Aquatos, that they were sure lead to the sewer pipes like Qwark's plan said it would, after they saw that the sub that lead to the HQ of Nefarious', was blocked by a forcefield.

Before they entered the elevator, they saw that there was another ship that beat them there, which looked like Qwark's ship. Even though it looked a little smaller. But that wasn't an important matter. Instead, they wondered if there was another operative of the Q-force that was here, or Qwark himself, as they took the elevator through the glass pipe as they went deeper into Aquatos.

Once they got to the end of the pipe, they saw that they were in the sewer, which had a path over the green sewer water nearby. Which had both Lombaxes feeling grossed out at how rank the smell was for them. But they weren't surprised at the smell, considering that they were going to go through the sewer.

Instead, they were surprised that there was a pair of figures that was in the sewer with them. Both of which, were the two other members of the Q-force, Skidd, and Starlene.

"Skidd? Starlene? What are you both doing here?" Ratchet asked. Noticing the former looking around through his visor like he was in an Agent Clank movie, as a fellow agent. While Starlene was merely looking at him like a dismayed big sister figure would.

"The code name's 'Shadow-Dude' bro. Black ops is my es-speciality." He said, as Starlene rolled her eyes at him.

Before she then focused on Ratchet, and Angela. "We figured that you both might need some help with the sewer part of the mission, before the Infiltration section can begin." Starlene said.

"Well, thanks Shadow-Dude, and Starlene, but I think that Angela, and I have this one covered." Ratchet said with Clank, and Angela in agreement.

"You sure? Because there could be some things that even you guys may need help on. Especially with the locked doors that Skidd can hack into." Starlene said, as Skidd pulled out a gadget. "This Hacker can help bypass the electronic security defenses, and also allows operation of some machinery."

"Hacker?" Ratchet said, surprised. "You know, on second thought, I think we'd like for you both to join this mission."

"After all, if there are truly some locked doors ahead, then we'll take all the help we can get." Angela then said, much to Starlene's delight, and Skidd's excitement.

"Awesome, this is gonna be sick!" He said excitedly.

"Thank you both for this. We'll be great help to you guys." Starlene said, pulling out her constructo pistol, while Skidd pulled out his Agents of Doom glove. "We'll help you both to the other end of the sewer pipes. After that, you're both on your own from here, once your Tyhrra-guise infiltration objective begins." She then said

"Understood." Ratchet, Angela, and Clank said in unison, before they all marched forward with her, and Skidd by their sides, after their brief visit to the Gadgetron Vender.

Where Angela was able to buy a new gun, which was the Flux Rifle. Which she felt she might be a good shot with, like with Starlene, and Cora during the battle on Marcadia.

Especially while in the pipes, which even though they were open, they were linear, and didn't offer too much in the way of cover, and strafing inside. Which would be an advantage to snipers. Especially while their target was distracted with battling their allies.

But she felt that right now wasn't the situation for sniping, just yet.

For they were fighting with an Ameboid that came out of nowhere. Which was an irritating enemy to fight since every time they shoot one, it splits into a pair of smaller Ameboids, that then splits into another smaller pair, until they get shot when they're small enough. That's when they get killed.

And yet Skidd's Agents of Doom kept on destroying the large Ameboid, while Angela shot both the large, and the smaller ones, with the Spitting Hydra, to split them apart for Ratchet to finish off alongside Starlene, before they all ran forward through the pipe, while taking on the other Ameboids that popped out of the water.

Once they got to the end of the pipe, and was able to open the door, they saw some robot minions that was fighting the Ameboids, with their own Pyrociters, which felt like a situation for the Flux Rifle to shine, at least against those robots, as she shot the robots in their weak spots while they, as well as Ratchet, Skidd, and Starlene fought against the Ameboids. And she was proving herself to be a pretty good shot with it. Especially since the minion bots had little to no cover in the room.

But it was a double edged sword for them, since that was also their weakness if they battle some enemy snipers in the pipes, and a room like that. But they all know that risk, which is why they hope that there won't be any snipers on their side. Which they doubt that there could be, since the Noids weren't so good at accuracy, compared to the Lombaxes.

All while Skidd was cowardly keeping his distance from the fights, yet fighting pretty well with those Agents of Doom robots covering him, and his allies when they fight against the Ameboids in the sewer pipes. Ratchet had to admit, he was starting to make him proud.

Then they got to a bridge, that was currently out. "Piece of cake. I got this." Skidd said as he used his hacker gadget on the bridge controls. Causing the bridge to extend inside the pipe, which they all took to the other end while Skidd used another weapon, being his own mini turret gloves to take down the robot.

Now they were still on the move through the pipes as they continued to blast away the bot minions of the Noids. Until they came past the room with the floor button, which was after Skidd hacked a door to their left, which had an elevator ride that Ratchet decided to take to see if it lead somewhere. Only for it to just go to a room with a Titanium Bolt that he grabbed after riding through it.

Now they were in the room past it where they saw a large entrance to an underwater cave. Where Skidd was being skittish.

"Sorry dudes, I can't swim." He said nervously.

As much as they believed that it could be cowardice talking, they felt that he might be telling the truth that time. That, and there could be dangers down there, like either lurker sharks, or even mines. So neither of the Q-force members put it past him.

"Don't worry Skidd, we'll swim our way through there. And hopefully it could lead to the other end of that door." Ratchet said, looking at the door that was to their right as they stood near the entrance to the underwater section, which looked like it was outside of the base in Aquatos.

"Just be careful, and stay here, Skidd. If you find trouble, be sure to keep your weapons at the ready. We'll make sure to come back for you once we get that door open." Starlene said.

"I'll keep that in mind dudette." Skidd said, keeping his cool, despite being a bit nervous of the risk of the robots coming to ambush him while his four companions of this mission is gone.

While Ratchet, and Angela put on their oxygen helmets to help them remain underwater for hours, with Starlene doing the same herself with her own oxygen helmet designed for a Rilgarian. Before they all dived down underwater.

It wasn't a long dive, since they quickly saw the other end of the underwater room that they were in, which looked like it was surrounded by thick forests of Seaweed. Which they felt would keep them from exploring the rest of Aquatos, so they just got to the other end, that had them surfacing on the other side of the underwater room.

Where they then saw that they were near an entrance to a pipe that they felt, could lead back to the room where Skidd was. But when they got out of the water and entered it, they saw that the pipe was blocked by a buildup of dried slime. And there was some Ameboids that was nearby too.

"Ech. Those Tyhrranoids really need to clean up their sewers." Starlene said, fighting the Ameboids with the Lombaxes.

"I'm with you, Starlene. That thing really needs to go. I swear, it's like it's attracting those Ameboids." Angela said in agreement with Starlene, alongside Ratchet. "I'd rather not know what that wall is made of."

Either way, they all agreed, they need to get rid of it. So they prepared to blast it with their explosive weapons, when it suddenly shattered, showing what could be the largest Ameboid they've ever seen, behind it. It happened to have blank red eyes, sharp teeth, and shiny green skin that glistened in the light of the sewers. And it was trying to eat the Q-force members.

Even though they were surprised at that, they didn't get scared away as they fired their weapons at the King Ameboid, firing at it with everything they've got.

Luckily for them, their focused fire was able to take the King Ameboid down without too much trouble. Now there was nothing stopping them from taking the pipe that they hoped, would be a short walk through it to the path back to Skidd. (And they got some sort of green Crystal out of it when the Ameboid got taken down.)

Which, had their hopes answered as they ended up making it to a room out of the pipe. And they then noticed that the door to the room where Skidd was at was to their left. And they had a floor button to press to open it. Which they did.

"So, what'd I miss?" Skidd asked.

"Oh, we just fought against the largest Ameboid I've ever seen in the pipe behind us. Nothing special." Ratchet said casually, having fought against bigger before. Especially against the mech that he rescued Angela from.

All while in Angela's eyes, considering that she fought against the Protopets, as well as the Yeti's on Grelbin, a King Ameboid wasn't anything new, or too dangerous for her, either.

All while Starlene was humorously rolling her eyes at their casual attitude towards the fact that they just fought against the most dangrous Ameboid out there. At least in the eyes of the Rigarians.

"Whoa, really dudes? I wish I was there for a helping hand." Skidd said, wishing that he would end up fighting the monster alongside the hero of the Solona Galaxy. Even though he was relieved that he wasn't fighting the King Ameboid himself.

All while Ratchet hiddenly rolled his eyes at him. Feeling flattered that Skidd was trying to be brave, but he felt that, knowing Skidd, he would've retreated at the first sight of such an Ameboid if they were to meet another one in the pipes. But he was certain that Skidd might be getting a bit braver than last time he saw him. (Thinking about the Infobot broadcast that he saw on Novalis after paying the Plumber for it.)

Which is before they ended up in another yellow pipe together with Skidd. Where they fought against more of the robotic minions of the Noid's that was in there, and had Skidd extending another Bridge for them to cross it. (After gaining another Titanium Bolt.)

After that, they proceeded to another room with the underwater opening, causing them to dive down underwater till they reach the other end, got back up to the surface, got through another pipe with the King Ameboid in it, which they slayed, (Causing the Shock Cannon to evolve to the V4 form.) and got another Crystal from it as they opened another door to let Skidd through.

Where they fought against more of the minion bots while Skidd extended another bridge with his hacker, to let them through the pipe to the pipe elevator that took them to another room.

"Psst!" A mysterious noise was made, startling the members, especially Skidd.

Whom screamed a little in fear. "AHH!"

"SHH! Clank, Angela, Starlene, did you hear that?" Ratchet asked.

Clank nodded at him. "We're not alone." He said, noticing a cylinder in the middle of the room. Which seems to have eyes inside it. And familiar ones at that.

Something that Angela, Ratchet, and Starlene also noticed while Skidd continued to fearfully look around. "Hey, uh, Dudes? I… forgot to feed my fishes. We'll see you dudes back at the- WAHH!" He then screamed out after hearing another noise, causing him to dive into the teleportation podium, where he vanished.

Much to Starlene's dismay as she shook her head. "Listen guys, I'm going back there too. Just to make sure that 'Shadow-Dude' is able to make it back to the Phoenix safely. We'll meet you guys back there, once you're both done with the Infiltration mission objective."

"You can count on us." Ratchet, Clank, and Angela said.

Making her smile. "Good. Just be careful. And, good luck." She then said, before walking to the same teleportation podium, where she too vanished.

After that, they ended up looking at each other, bracing themselves for their next objective. "Well… if it ain't my two best customers. And I see that you've gotten ya'self a lady friend?" A familiar voice said as they then focused on the cylinder.

Where they noticed that indeed, there was familiar eyes inside it, which belonged to a familiar acquaintance, and ally to Ratchet, and Clank, back in Bogon.

"Slim Cognito?!" Ratchet asked in surprise.

"Wait! This is the guy that you told me about, that gave you some weapon mods, back in Bogon?" Angela asked in surprise.

"Ya know it, toots. I helped him out in exchange fawh some Platinum Bolts dat he found throughout Bogon's Planets." Slim said. "He paid well, and he was a good customuh, what wit' his pay in dose Platinum Bolts, and de Raritanium Gems, when I modded de Star Explorah."

"So that's how Ratchet got the shock mod, among the other mods that he used against the Thugs." Angela thought. "I don't know whether to thank him for the help, or throttle him for giving him those things, when he used them against me on Siberius. Probably the latter once he's out of that safe haven."

"Well why are you in here then?" Ratchet asked.

"Let's just say, I had a little run in wit' de cops, concernin' a Suck Cannon Upgrade dat I mistakenly sold tuh a Minor. I swear he looked eighteen." He said, as Clank glared annoyed at him while shaking his head.

All while neither Lombax felt curious enough to wonder what happened to the Minor when that happened.

"Anyways, I now needed a less conspicuous place to do business. I reckon you two are still in the Market? And may I guess that she's also buyin?" He asked.

Ratchet felt curious to see if he's still in business in the weapon modding business. "Well, let's see what you got." Ratchet said, before looking at the list of things that Slim Cognito was going to give them.

Which, much to his, and Angela's pleasant surprise, was a couple of the weapons from the Bogon Galaxy that was on sell. Especially the Bogon Mini-Turret glove, and the Lava Gun. As well as the Bouncer. Which was surprising to see for them.

"And dere's also good news. If either of ya's got some discount cards from Megacorp, den dese things are all yours. No paying necessary. Oh, and in case you're wondering, yes. I can still do some mods for ya weapons in exchange for some bigger Bolts. Except dis time, I can take da Titanium Bolts, not just the Platinum ones." Slim said.

Ratchet was pleased to hear such a thing from Slim, especially what he said for the latter, but unluckily for him, he knew he had none of the cards from Bogon. But luckily for him, Angela did.

"Don't worry Ratchet. I got this." She said, using her old Megacorp employee card.

Which, was the right card that they used, to regain the weapons that they accidentally left back in Bogon. Although much to Ratchet's dismay, they were new, and unevolved to where they were in their V1 forms. Which meant that he was going to level them up again. But at least he has them back again, and ready to reuse them, alongside Angela.

And then there was the mods that they exchanged the Titanium Bolts for.

Like the shock mod for the Shock Cannon, and the N60 storm. Or the lock-on mod again for the N60 storm. Which had Angela reconsidering the throttling that she had in store for Slim.

"Pleasure doin business wit you again. Come back to this room, Via that teleportation Podium, anytime." Slim said, sounding pleased with the exchange that they made as they were headed to the sub, that lead to the HQ.

Where they were a little dismayed to see that they aren't in a situation to take those Bogon weapons out for a spin on the Noids. Instead, they had to take only the Tyhrra-guise out for a spin as they began their infiltration of the HQ, by taking the sub to Nefarious' Base.

But they know that they have more opportunities to test them out in the future.

*Time Skip*

Once they were in the room after some sneaking, after getting out of the sub of Aquatos's, Ratchet, Clank, and Angela was looking around until Clank spotted something that gave him hope. "There's the ventilation shaft. We must split up here, now." Clank said.

All while Ratchet, and Angela was bracing themselves for the mission that they were going to partake in. They felt that they could've had another way to do this. But they felt that they might as well get it over with.

"Okay… Well, guess it's time to put on the Tyhrra-guise, and meet our new pals." Angela said as she and Ratchet prepared to push the button on their Tyhrra-guises.

"Good luck. I'm counting on both of you to make it through this place." Clank said before they turned into their Tyhrranoid forms.

Which had them speaking some Tyhrran-ese, that Clank was able to understand. "How do you work these things?"

"Perhaps you both should've read the instruction manuals." Clank said.

"What Instruction manuals? They didn't have them as prizes back in Annihilation Nation!" Angela said in Tyhrran-ese, annoyed.

Clank had to resist face palming at that as he decided to go on ahead. "It was nice knowing you guys." He said, much to their dismay.

"Oh, Son of a Qwark!" Ratchet said in Tyhrran-ese.

"Damn it." Angela also said in Tyhrran-ese, echoing Ratchet's chagrin at their language skills in their foe's tongue. Or lack there of due to their lack of a manual.

All while Clank went through the room when he got out of the Ventilation Shaft, where he had to avoid the lasers, and the flashlight guard bot, while pushing the floor button to deactivate the shield wall, for him to continue onwards. Where he immediately saw a case that was on the floor.

Which could be the BGAMD gadget that Qwark was deploying for him, as Clank opened it up. Where sure enough, there was the banana gun, and the banana ammo to shoot out, and then there was Skrunch the monkey, who was wearing a smaller version of the Qwark costume as he climbed out of the case. (Which Clank had to admit, he wondered how the monkey was able to fit inside it. It must be bigger on the inside, like that time machine that a certain alien from another Tv show likes to use.)

"No monkeying around." Clank said, making sure that Skrunch won't misbehave. Which had Clank starting to smile at that, feeling like he made an accidental pun. "Hmm… Monkeying…" He thought with a chuckle.

"Mk-Kwak!" Skrunch said, possibly amused at the pun himself.

Which had Clank reminding himself of the mission that they were both on. "We're on an important mission. Let's keep ourselves focused."

Skrunch didn't need to be told twice as he obediently waited for Clank to shoot out the banana out of the gun to the other end of the chasm. Which Clank did, as he shot the banana out to the other end of the chasm where the floor button was, which attracted Skrunch to that place where he climbed his way across the chasm to the banana via a yellow pipe that connected to the other end. Where he ended up pressing on it, causing the bridge to extend to there, luckily for Clank.

Now there was a flashlight guard bot that was in the way. And no matter where Clank could walk to, he'd get found by the light, and he'd get obliterated. So, he used the banana to provoke Skrunch into baiting the guard bot into focusing on him.

The guard's light covered Skrunch as he then shot at the monkey, causing him to run all over the place to avoid the shots, which, luckily for him, none of them were able to hit. All while Clank merely jogged by, undetected, and untouched.

Soon he was at the other end of the room, while Skrunch was following up behind him when the guard bot lost interest. Where Clank saw that a bridge to the other end of the room that he was now in, was down.

"Ratchet, Angela, I need both of you to extend the bridge, at junction G5." Clank said into his communicator to Ratchet, and Angela.

Whom were now in position to get past the other Noids, now that they were closer to G5 after some practice with their Tyhrran-ese. "We're on it." Ratchet said in Tyhrran-ese.

Before both of them jogged their way to the shield door with another Noid behind it. Where they flagged the Noid to get closer to the door. Where they put their practice to use, along with their previous successful attempt.

It took some time, (And some accidental, yet amusing insults that they found to be pretty funny. Like the "I emit a noxious effluvium in your general direction!" insult that they had to prevent themselves from chuckling at.) but they were able to talk to the Noid.

"We have a message to deliver to Dr. Nefarious." Angela said.

"You look suspicious. Who are you?" The other Noid said in his language.

"We both look alike. And I didn't do anything wrong yet. Why am I looking suspicious?" Ratchet thought to himself. Before he decided to just make up a lie on the spot.

Angela decided to beat him to the punch before he could say it. "We're definitely loyal servants to Nefarious. Not a pair of Lombaxes." Angela said.

After some thinking, and hesitation, the Noid on the other end of the shield door ended up shrugging. "Very well, one can't be too careful." The Noid said before opening the door.

Where Ratchet, and Angela entered the room, where they saw that a piece of the bridge was down to their level. And there was a Noid near it that could raise it up for them.

And Ratchet had an Idea on what he could tell the Noid as he approached him. "Don't tell anyone, but I hid a couple Bolts under that bridge." He said.

The Noid laughed at that. "Hehehe, sucker! They're mine now!" The Noid said after some laughing, before raising the Bridge piece for Clank to walk on. While both Ratchet, and Angela quickly passed by before the Noid could notice that he got tricked.

Now Clank was continuing onwards with Skrunch by his side. Where he had to avoid some floor lasers that moved around in circles. Then they were on the other side of the lasers, where Clank saw that there was a shield door that would open up when he's on the button, only for it to turn off when he steps off of it.

Which quickly gave him an idea, as he used his BGAMD to have Skrunch standing on the floor button, until Clank was able to get to the other side of the door, where luckily for Skrunch, Clank found another floor button to stand on to keep the shield door open. Now using another banana, he had Skrunch running to the other side of the shield door, before continuing onwards with the monkey by his side.

Only to come across another hazard, being a floor fan blade that could cut them both to ribbons if they weren't careful.

Before Clank could get dismayed though, he noticed a hall way that lead to a room, where he noticed some small briefcases that was his size. Which opened up near him to show a spawning pad for his familiar friends that helped him throughout his time of running solo through his journeys.

"Ah, am I glad to see you fellows again." He said with a smile to the Gadge-bots that spawned inside. All of whom were now following Clank as he lead them back to the main hall.

Skrunch was confused about where they came from, but he felt that they could be of assistance to them.

Which they were, as Clank ordered them to attack the fan, since they were tiny enough to go under the fan blades. Before they then broke the fan into pieces after it blew up, giving both Clank, and Skrunch a way forward.

Where they had another flashlight guard bot in their way. But Clank knew what to do, even if he felt a little bad for Skrunch. But he used him to distract the guard bots while he and the Gadge-bots kept on sneaking by without too much trouble.

Other than with the other flashlight guard bot, but it was patrolling left and right, so Clank lead the Gadge-bots around the bot when it moved to the left. Luckily, it wasn't joining in on the shooting of Skrunch, who continued to dodge the shots that the flashlight guard bot made.

Now it was only the fan that he had to deal with, which the Gadge-bots were able to demolish, before going into the other room, with Clank close behind, while Skrunch wasn't far behind him when the flashlight guard bot lost interest.

Now Clank used the elevator that raised itself up when Skrunch stepped on the button on the floor, where he had to make the Gadge-bots enter themselves into the little door near the shield door to deactivate it, leading to the hallway that they feel that it could lead to Nefarious' office.

Which both Skrunch, and Clank, took.

Back with Ratchet, and Angela, they both were continuing onwards through the place, making sure to remain inconspicuous in Aquatos, while they moved onwards.

Soon though, they were headed towards Nefarious' office that they were sure that he was at. While it was blocked off by some guard Noids.

They felt that their objective was close to ending, they just needed to get to the office without alerting the Noids, as they came to the one behind the shield.

Ratchet had an idea for what to say. "I'm here to repair the Holovid in the Break room."

It didn't take long for the Noid to respond. "It's about time! We missed yesterday's Secret Agent Clank episode!" It said, before opening the shield door.

Now it was just another Noid they needed to persuade, to extend the bridge for them to take. "Could you kindly extend this bridge sir?"

The next Noid wasn't so willing. "You have no clearance here. Why should I trust you?"

That was a pretty good question as Ratchet, and Angela had to think up another lie on the spot. But what could Ratchet say?

"Umm… I'll give you my sister's phone number… and I'm not a Lombax." Ratchet said.

"Ooh why didn't you say so? And I'm guessing that's your sis-"

"You better not be asking or a date, or I'll F#$!ing kill you!" Angela thought as she glared at the Noid at the bridge, making him very nervous.

"Nope! Not really!" Ratchet said quickly, noticing the glare that Angela was making, in her Noid form. "Are you gonna extend the bridge, or not?"

"No problem. Just tell her I said hi." The Noid said, extending the bridge for them both, while Angela was cooling down since she knew that the Noid wasn't gonna try to take her now, as they were now crossing the bridge together.

Which was good, since she was saving herself for Ratchet. (Or any other guy that she may fall in love with, in the future, should Ratchet find someone else to love. But she has doubts about that.)

Once they were sure that they were inside the office, and once they were sure that no Noid had their eye on them, they proceeded to deactivate their Tyhrra-guises, putting them back in their Lombax forms.

"Whew. That was easy." Ratchet softly said.

"You said it. I thought that those guys could've been very paranoid of us when we didn't do good on our language in Tyhrran-ese. It's a good thing they're pretty stupid." Angela said.

Now it was just them, and possibly Nefarious that was behind the large office chair that was turned towards the computer screens. They felt that they could end their mission on Aquatos in a Critical Mission Success, by taking Nefarious out, and ending the war against him early. So Ratchet had his wrench ready, with Angela having her Lava Gun at the ready too, just in case they'll have Nefarious covered in his office.

Only for the chair to turn, showing that Clank himself was in the chair, having beaten them to the room alongside Skrunch. Whom was sitting near a shelf, eating some bananas. "Heh heh heh heh, what took you both so long?" He asked.

"Clank?!" Both Ratchet, and Angela said, in unison.

"What are you doing here? I thought we agreed to meet each other on the surface." Ratchet asked.

Clank merely shrugged. "I thought I would help." He said.

Neither Lombax wanted to reject his help, since he did have the intelligence of a Genius. "Very well. You can give us a hand in searching this office." Ratchet said, looking around in the room alongside Angela.

Before he then noticed a shelf that looked like it was full of holovid DVDs. Not only that, but when they both got closer, they ended up noticing that those were Secret Agent Clank DVDs. "Whoa, look at this." He then took out one of the DVDs. "A complete collection of Secret Agent Clank holovids."

Angela was surprised at seeing that. "Wow. I didn't know that Nefarious was a huge fan of your series." Angela said, surprised.

"I didn't either. And that fact is rather disturbing." He said awkwardly, noticing the large shelf behind them that seems to house a huge collection of those holovid DVDs of his show.

Clank was pretty flattered nonetheless.

"Anyways, what else did you find here?" Ratchet asked.

That reminded Clank, as he typed on the computer. "I've downloaded an encrypted star map. Perhaps Al, or Elaris, can decode it." He said.

Angela, and Ratchet was pleased to hear that from Clank. "Great. Let's get back to the Phoenix."

"There's something else that I found." Clank said, before Ratchet could find a way out of the office. "I've just found out, that there is a prisoner that is in this base, who's being held here as we speak."

"There's a prisoner here?" Angela asked, wondering who it could be.

Clank nodded as he typed in the command to have the computer looking through the cameras in the cell block where the prisoner was being held. Then they flipped through the channels of the cameras to see which one was viewing the prisoner, and was showing what he/she looks like.

Soon, they saw who the prisoner was.

And it was a she, that was in the prison cell. Who had cyan blue skin, with darker blue hair in a ponytail, teal eye colors, and she happened to have a pair of Manta's tail-like antennae on the top of the front of her head. And she looked to be fishlike in looks due to the fins on the sides of her jaw, and her forearms, and she had three fingers on each other hands. Not to mention the fact that she happens to be pretty tall. Possibly as tall as Starlene. And she wore a violet one piece jumpsuit that covered almost all of her body, up to her head, while keeping her ponytail, her antennae, and her face uncovered, while she also happens to have some boots worn that connected to the suit. And she also had a metallic vest on her torso that happened to show her bust, and had what looked like a double hose regulator over it.

And she was inside the cell, glaring at the other Noids as she patiently waited for someone to either rescue her, or for the cell to be opened so that she may attempt to escape. And she happened to be determined to escape, regardless of her situation that would've left them nervous at what was going to happen to them, if they were in her shoes.

"According to the prisoner's log, this lady appears to be a native to this Planet." Clank said. "And she goes by the nickname, 'Hydro Girl.' Whom was captured, and sent here for fighting against the Tyrranoids, and Nefarious, to help in constructing a shelter for baby lunar seals injured in an interplanetary tanker accident." Clank said.

Angela had a soft spot for the baby lunar seals, and she was touched that Hydro Girl helped with the shelter building. And after what she heard, she found another reason to hate Nefarious.

Same could be said for Ratchet, who was also touched with the shelter building. And that's regardless of his indifference towards the seals.

"We need to save her. Can we let her out of that cell?" Angela asked with Ratchet in agreement.

Not to say that he wanted her for a girlfriend, as he felt that she's out of his league. Plus, he still had a crush on Angela.

"No problem. Let's just make sure that we're able to escape too." Clank said as he typed in on the computer, making sure to type in a command to turn off the cell, to free the Aquatosian, known as Hydro Girl.

As they expected, the force field keeping her inside fizzled out as one of the guard Noids that held another Constructo Pistol, had his back facing the cell. Hydro Girl was initially confused at what happened, but she then started to smirk when she realized that the cell was open, before sneakily getting behind the Noid, before dragging him back into her cell, where there was noises of the Noid getting clobbered being made.

The alarm ended up blaring however, which alerted the Noids of a prisoner getting out of the cell, as Hydro Girl got out of her cell, and was able to run with the Constructo Pistol in hand as she was able to take down more of the Noids that tried to take her down, before she got to the armory.

It was a moment, before she then got out of the armory, now armed with more weapons, like the Annihilator missile launcher, another Plasma whip, another Spitting Hydra, and a new weapon that was what Ratchet recognized was a Groovitron.

The latter of which she used to distract the Noids into dancing as she continued to run through the halls, trying to find a place to flee through, all while shooting the Noids that couldn't stop dancing around, due to the Groovitron's influence.

Pretty soon though, she found a pipe that looked like it led to the sewers. And after some hesitation, she jumped in, with no Noid being willing to follow her into the pipe.

Much to the trio's relief, as they then noticed another pipe that looked like it led downwards and could lead them to the sewers. Which they felt, could be the same one that Hydro Girl could be inside.

None of them knew another way out of the office, and back to the Star Explorer, and the Noids could be coming to their current location due to the alarm.

And hearing some footsteps that could be approaching the office, they felt that they're right. So, after putting Clank back on his back, both Lombaxes dashed to the pipe with Skrunch in tow, and proceeded to jump down into it as they heard the Noids entering.

The Noids ended up noticing the figures jumping into the pipe, as they ran to its edge. "Dang it! They jumped into the sewers." One Noid said.

"Then follow them into that place and kill them." The other Noid tried to command.

"Oh no. I don't do dirty places. And you do know why we put the bots, and the other soldiers down there, do you?"

"I thought you swallowed your fear of those Ameboids!" The other Noid said, considering that they were scared of the Ameboids, and didn't really see eye to eye with them, after Nefarious' defeat by Qwark's hands.

"What about you then? Have you swallowed your fear?" The first one asked.

After a shake of his head, both Noids ended up facepalming. "Our boss, is not going to be happy about this." The other Noid said, fearing Nefarious' wrath at how not only have they just lost the figures that Infiltrated the place, but also the fact that one of the Prisoners escaped as well.

It was a long dive through the pipe, feeling like an hour ended up passing, of them descending through the pipe that they guessed, lead to the sewers. It looked like it was long enough for an unlucky Noid to scream for minutes, before having to draw in a breath to scream again, before gasping in another breath to scream again, it was so long.

Not that either Lombax was screaming during their descent, even though they hoped that they won't end up landing in a place that would be packed to the brim with Ameboids, let alone landing on a patch of land in the Sewer that could cost them their ankles, or their shins from the high drop, if Clank wasn't there to help levitate both of them to the ground at a soft rate. (Skrunch was screaming like a little girl, as he descended with them, though.)

Eventually, they were in the sewer section of Aquatos, where they saw that they were going to land in a river of green water. Which, luckily for the Quartet, was deep enough to cushion their fall, and prevent them from hitting the bottom of the pipe. Before they were then pushed through the river that they were swimming in as they tried not to submerge themselves, due to how disgusting the water was being.

Which was why, both Lombaxes made an agreement that they're going to take a shower after they get out of Aquatos. Either in the Phoenix, or probably in a hotel room on Rilgar, Kerwan, Kalebo III, or even in Ratchet's home on Veldin, before reporting into the Phoenix afterwards.

After the current died down, they swam onwards until they were in a pipe, which wasn't a long swim until they found land in the sewer, causing them to climb out of the water.

Where in Ratchet's, and Clank's eyes, a familiar face was, as he was working on the pipes.

That face, being the Plumber that they met on Novalis, and on Aranos, in Angela's flying lab, who was currently bent over, showing them his backside.

"Whoa. Deja vu." Ratchet said, approaching the Plumber.

Whom hit his head on one of the other pipes after getting startled. "OW! Oh. It's you two again. Right on schedule." The Plumber said, recognizing Ratchet, and Clank from a year ago from Aranos. Before he then saw Angela. "And I reckon, that you might be his Mrs. by any chance?"

Both Ratchet, and Angela was blushing at what he asked. With the latter making a little giggle at that innocent question. "Not really. I'm Angela Cross by the way. I'm from the Bogon Galaxy."

"Ah yes, Bogon. I remember meeting those guys there while on Aranos. The ones in charge of that ship were good payers, but boy were they rude. And it's a good thing that I hightailed it out of that Galaxy, when the infestation hit. I could've been their dinner too, if I was slower in escaping. Oh, and I had to unblock a perfectly good Statuette of Captain Qwark out of one of the pipes, before givin it to them. Honestly, who would flush a Statuette like that down the toilet?" The Plumber said, annoyed at the memory.

"I've got no idea. Why not ask one of the thugs that? That is, if there's still some of them that's in my lab." Angela asked, annoyed at the memory of the Thugs taking over her flying lab.

"That ship was yours? Is it still operational?" He asked, which Angela didn't answer, since it was a little while since she was back there. So she didn't know for sure. In fact, she feels that Ratchet should go there back in Bogon for their aforementioned shower time. Just to make sure.

"Ah well, that's not important. This here, is one of the smelliest, nastiest, sewers in the Galaxy. Most people wouldn't dare set foot in a place like this, but me? *long sniff* Ah, I just can't get enough." He then said.

Neither Lombax wanted to know about his fixation in going into sewers like this one.

"Right… well, we're just passing through. You can get back to… whatever it is you're doing." Ratchet said as the Plumber scratched his buttocks through his overalls.

"As you wish. Oh, and if you guys have any time, can you folks get me some Sewer Crystals? I'll pay you guys for them in Bolts. I'm making something special for my Mrs." The plumber then said.

"Sewer Crystals… you mean like these ones?" Ratchet asked, showing a pair of Sewer Crystals to the Plumber.

Whom took them out of their hands, before sniffing on them. "Ahhh. Fresh from the bowels of the King Ameboid." He said, delighted, much to Ratchet's, and Angela's disgust at the description. "Here you folks go, as promised." he then said, giving them Four thousand Bolts for the Crystals. Which was a plus in their eyes.

"There are some more Crystals where that came from, in this pipe to my right. If you folks have the time, do you mind exploring that pipe for them?" He asked.

The Lombaxes were mixed about that. The sewer was Ameboid infested, and it was disgusting to go in there. But the pay in Bolts seemed beneficial for them. "We need to report to the Phoenix, so we don't have time. But once we do… We'll keep that in mind." Ratchet said, willing to go collect the Crystals for the bolts when the time comes. Which could be never.

"Oh, and if a girl that is native to this Planet comes through here, be sure to tell her that we've given her help towards freedom, and that we'll be sure to see if-" He tried to then say.

Only to then hear splashing sounds, like someone was running through the water. Which came from the pipe that the Plumber gestured to, as they suddenly saw a girl running out of it. And she happened to be the same girl that they freed from the prison cell, being Hydro Girl, who was now running out of the pipe.

"Whew. Good thing those Noids were scared of that place. And it's a good thing that the Ameboids were too slow to give chase." She said, exiting the pipe. Before she then laid eyes on the trio. "Oh, hey there! I'm Hydro girl. Who're- wait! Secret Agent Clank? Is that you?" She asked, surprised.

"That's me alright." Clank said. "Though you can just call me Clank."

"Ah, and I see that your cute Chauffeur is here too. Didn't I hear that he saved this Galaxy?" She then said.

"Indeed." He said, deadpan. Even though he blushed at what she said about him. "And my name is Ratchet. And I'm indeed the one that saved this Galaxy from Drek. And I'm only the Chauffeur in the series. That's all."

Hydro Girl was a little surprised that he was the one that saved the Solona Galaxy from Drek.

"And I'm Angela Cross. I'm a friend of his. I'm from Bogon." She then said.

"Bogon? You mean the Galaxy that got infested by those Protopets?" She asked.

"That's the one. It's a long story though, so do you mind if we tell you about it as we leave this Planet?" Angela asked.

"No problem." Hydro Girl said. "Mind if I come with you guys? I'll be your friend. That is, if you're fighting that Nefarious creep." She then said, hopeful that they aren't Nefarious' minions.

"Of course. And don't worry, we're fighting him too. So, you're safe with us." Ratchet said.

Much to Hydro Girl's joy, as she hugged them all, while showing them that she indeed was tall, to where even towered over Angela, to where she was up to Hydro Girl's chest in height. All while they were flattered by the hug, regardless of the sewer smell. Now they were exiting the sewer through the submarine, after giving their farewells to the Plumber, who saw the whole thing.

"Ah, I have a feeling that your friendship with each other is going to be quite strong in the future. Especially in your case with the tall catlike lady." The Plumber mused to himself on the last part as he saw them enter the sub.

The (Currently) Quintet was now in the room where the Star Explorer was, as they were prepared to leave the entire Planet for greener Pastures, and for a shower. They just needed to decide on which shower to use, whether on Rilgar, or the other Planets with cities inside, all of which should have hotels inside for them to use, or use Ratchet's home on Veldin that Ratchet knows has a shower, or go to Aranos, where Angela's flying lab should be intact, and may have a shower for them to take.

Even though they were leaning for Aranos. Despite the fact that it's in the Bogon Galaxy. And it might take another use of the Gravimetric Warp Drive to go to Bogon, for them to get to that place.

All while they were thinking about the mission that they went through, that Qwark had them take. And they were surprised at how they were able to live through it. And they were quite surprised that, true to what Qwark said, it worked. They were able to infiltrate the base, get the encrypted star map, that may get the dirt on Nefarious' plans, and be of use to the Q-force in their battle against him, and they got out of the base without too much trouble, thanks to the sewers. And they got another ally from the mission, being Hydro Girl.

Whom, they later heard, was another contestant in Dreadzone, alongside Brax. Which was said to be Illegal as was mentioned, but also dangerous, and full of the baddest of the bad Gladiators in it. And she was able to escape it alongside Brax, before her capture by the Noid's hands for Nefarious. Which did show them, that not only did she look pretty, (In Ratchet's eyes at least.) but she also happened to be a great fighter herself. Which in this case, makes her quite a great ally in their fight against Nefarious. Whom seemed like he was gonna give her back to the Dreadzone host, who was in charge of the game show. Which would mean death.

And both Lombaxes were inclined to invite her into the Q-force as their newest member. Regardless of her own dissappointment in the fact that Qwark was in charge.

But it seems to them, that he's trying to be a hero for once. And after the successful plan that they pulled off, it seemed that he has gained newfound respect from them. But they still haven't forgotten their history with Qwark. And they intend not to make Qwark forget it either.

But at least in terms of gaining their forgiveness for his past, it was a decent start.

"Are you ready to use the Gravimetric Warp Drive again? It should be quite a stable ride as it was the first time." Ratchet asked.

"Oh trust me, I feel that we could be safer in a hotel on Kerwan." Clank said nervously, with Angela in agreement. Even though she was gonna support the decision to go to Aranos again.

But Hydro Girl piped in. "Why don't we go to my place for showering? It's not too close to Aquatos, and we'll be safe there due to my home security."

Neither Lombax argued with that, as they decided to go with her idea. "We'll do that. What Planet is it on?"

"It's not on any Planet here. It's my personal spaceship that's also my home, complete with all the amenities." Hydro Girl said, smiling at them. "By the way though. Did any of you free me? The cell door couldn't have been on the fritz at the best moment for me to run." Hydro Girl asked.

"You can say that. I did tell Clank to hack into the security system of this place to free you, so- MMPH!"

Ratchet suddenly felt himself getting hugged by Hydro Girl, with Clank still on his back as he too got hugged. "Oh, thank you for rescuing me Ratchet. I knew you were a good hero." She said smiling, before kissing Ratchet, and Clank on their heads.

Much to Angela's envy. But she didn't show it. And she felt that it was just a thank you hug and kiss. And nothing more romantic than that. (At least, she hopes so.)

All while Ratchet felt that he might have a chance with Hydro Girl, if he was more inclined to be her boyfriend. But he was still hopeful to be Angela's boyfriend if he still has a chance with her first.

Either way, they were delighted to have her for an ally as they continue their fight against Nefarious, as they all proceeded to board the Star Explorer, and exit the Planet Aquatos, the same way they came in.

Nefarious was not gonna be happy about his base being infiltrated.

Speaking of whom, the doctor himself was in the middle of watching an episode of Secret Agent Clank, in his private space station's room, when he was approached by his Robot Butler.

"I'm terribly sorry to disturb your work sir, but you may want to know that your 'Impenetrable' secret base on Aquatos… has been penetrated." The Butler said.

Which had Nefarious both shocked and angry at the news. "WHAT?! IMPOSSIBLE!"

"If you say so, sir. They apparently stole some sort of datadisk, and one of your prisoners escaped from her cells." The Butler said. "Well, I must be off now, dirty laundry and whatnot…" He said.

Before he could leave, Nefarious had him stopping in his tracks by his command. "Hold it! First, tell me. Who is responsible for this outrage?" Nefarious asked angrily.

"I believe it was a Captain Qwark, or something." The butler responded casually.

Captain Qwark.

That name left Nefarious feeling quite agitated, and angrier when he remembered who the man was that had that name. That man being Captain Qwark himself, whom beaten him years ago. Which would be years before Drek came into power, and tried to destroy the Planets in the Solona Galaxy, only to be stopped by some sort of new hero, named Ratchet.

And Nefarious was going to become an ally to Drek himself, but two things stopped him from going through with it.

One: Drek destroyed, and polluted Planets, to create a new one, and then do the same thing after destroying some more of them, for Bolts, which contrasted with Nefarious' goals of merely conquering them, and turning all of their inhabitants into robots. (Even a villain like Nefarious had standards after all.)

And Two: Qwark worked for Drek as well, according to his spies, who spied on Qwark. Whom he hated since the day he first fought him, prior to becoming a robot himself.

And the fact that Qwark happened to have penetrated his base in Aquatos, was the news that left him to say the least, very unhappy.

"QWAAAAAAAAAA-"

"Oh Janice, you'll always be the love of my life. *Kissing*"

Nefarious suddenly glitched out as he stood, frozen in place as he sparked a bit near his head, while his head suddenly played a sample from a Soap Opera radio show that Nefarious either doesn't know about, or happens to be a fan of, alongside Agent Clank, the Butler didn't know.

All he knew, was what he usually had to do when Nefarious gets like this, as he walked forward to him, putting down the basket of clothes.

"You really should have that looked at." The Butler said, before slapping Nefarious upside his head.

"-AAAAAAAAARRRRK!" Nefarious finished saying, now that he was unfrozen.

"That loathsome moron could never hope to match wits with the likes of me!" Nefarious said.

"If anyone could beat a moron at his own game, it'd be you sir." The Butler said, subtly insulting Nefarious. Whom didn't even notice he's being insulted. "He did, however, assemble a group of Elite Agents, known as The Q-force. And it's said, that the one that saved the Solona, and Bogon Galaxies, is among them."

"WHAT?! This Q-force must be stopped! Especially that little savior of the Galaxies! Destroy them! Eradicate them! Annihilate them all!" He said before cackling evilly at the intention.

"That's on my to do list, after I fold your undergarments." The Butler then said, leaving Nefarious to his own devices as he let himself stew in his own excitement at the thought of the Q-force being destroyed.

The battle against him, for the fate of Solona, has just begun.

Chapter Text

The Star Explorer flew through space as the occupants of the ship was following the directions of their recently made friend, Hydro Girl, on their way to her home in space. Where they were going to shower off the now dried gunk, and the bad smell, from the sewer that they had to wade through, and get cleaned up, before going back to the Phoenix, where they were going to report to Qwark of their success.

Speaking of whom, this was Qwark's plan in the first place. And even now, the Lombaxes were surprised that Qwark's plan worked. They were able to get to Aquatos, go through the sewers to get to their positions, and then make their way through the compound while disguised as Tyhrranoids, then they stole a datadisc from Nefarious's HQ, and freed one of his prisoners that was held there, whom is known as Hydro Girl.

They had to admit, if this was to earn their forgiveness, then he's on the right track. But this is only the beginning of his road to atonement in their eyes, as he had a bit of a ways to go.

But for now, they felt like giving it to him, he made a plan, and it wasn't doomed to fail from the start. Even though they thought that it'd be, at the time. And Angela thought that it'd be a stupid one, alongside Ratchet. But they're eating their words right now.

And in this case, they didn't mind. They needed to take down Nefarious, and Qwark was quickly proving himself as the man to do it, as he showed that he was getting better than last time Ratchet fought him, while Drek was around, and when the Proto Pet incident was still in full swing. He deserved a bit of a pat on the back for this mission's success.

Now though, they were on their way to Hydro Girl's home for washing up in.

"Okay, we're getting closer to my house. It's got the amenities that you'll like in a house like mine." Hydro Girl said. "It even has a VG 9000 that I have. And I'm sure that you guys enjoy gaming like I do."

Oh how right she was in both Ratchet, and Angela's case as they then saw the ship after a few minutes of driving. And they were pretty impressed to see what it looked like.

Sure it isn't as huge as the Starship Phoenix, but they didn't expect it to even be like the Phoenix. They just expected it to be pretty nice looking in its own right.

And it indeed liked pretty nice itself, as well as pretty big. Looking like a round mothership only with tan colored brown as the colors, while having a globe on the top of it in the middle of it. It also had plenty of turrets on the ends of it, and they happened to be active, but not firing at their ship since Hydro Girl had them deactivated for now. And it had a large hanger to the left of the globe that they were prepared to dock inside.

It looked a little like the mothership that Clank fought against on one Planet during their journey through Bogon. At least this one wasn't controlled by the Thugs-4-less goons that tried to kill them.

"That's your home ship?" Angela asked.

Hydro Girl nodded with a smile. "It is indeed. Motherships are nice to live in when it comes to space homes after all."

Neither Lombax could argue with that. As Ratchet did think about having such a home like this when he becomes a hero. Even though he still has a home in Veldin, he still feels that he would love to retire to a place like this once his hero days are done. And who knows, he might have Angela with him in that home as well, if they are to be married.

Soon they were inside the mothership as they all got off the Star Explorer together. "Home sweet home." Hydro Girl said, stepping off of the Star Explorer, followed by Ratchet, Angela, and Clank.

Now they were making their way to the living space of the mothership.

The Lombaxes, and Hydro Girl was now in her living room, all of which wore bathrobes for modesty, as they waited for Clank's own robotic cleaning to end. Not only that but the Lombaxes were talking to Sasha via holovid call to show her that they're okay, and that their mission was successful. All while an also clean Skrunch was in the room, behaving himself.

"Well I'll be damned. The mission was successful, for a mission that Qwark created for you guys that is. And it seems that you've gotten another friend?" Sasha asked.

"Yep. And she's just as ticked off at Nefarious as we could be, so we think that she could be a great ally for us." Ratchet said.

"Which is why we're hoping that you could make her another member of the Galactic Rangers. As well as… the Q-force." Angela said, still feeling a little bummed about the fact that Qwark is the leader, and that he created a team like this, that she also happens to be a member of. And that Hydro Girl was on the verge of becoming such, herself.

"Well, with a track record like that in her case, especially having fought in, and escaped Dreadzone, and having escaped Aquatos with help, I'd say that she's eligible for recruitment. And I'm confident that Qwark would think the same thing. I'll be sure to tell him to recruit her once she's here in the Phoenix." Sasha said.

Much to Hydro Girl's delight, as she gets to fight Nefarious, alongside the group that freed her from Tyhrranoid occupied Aquatos. Even if she's going to be another Q-force member. Not to say that she hates Qwark herself, regardless of knowing his history with Ratchet, its just that she's indifferent towards him. So she wouldn't really mind joining the Q-force at this stage.

"In the meantime, you are granted permission to rest for a couple more hours if you like. Just be sure to report back to the Phoenix, and to Qwark, once you're done with relaxing. We're going to strike back against those Noids now that we have the info from that datadisk that you've given us. And at this rate, Nefarious's days in power is numbered." Sasha said.

Which was delightful to hear for Ratchet, and Angela, as Ratchet still resented his attempted invasion of Veldin. Which was shared with Angela.

"And another thing, both of you shall expect a new set of armors to be available in the Phoenix once you return. It's called an Adamantine Armor, and it is one of the hardest substances in the Solona Galaxy, and the scientists of Gadgetron says that it'll absorb at least 50% of the energy of any incoming projectile, or energy blast. I might recommend putting those on before our upcoming battle that Qwark might send us on, if you have enough Bolts to pay for it. I'll see you on the Phoenix. Sasha out." She said before ending the call.

Ratchet, and Angela felt that the Armors could be expensive. So it seems that they have a reason to return to Aquatos for the Crystals, just to get their pay in Bolts. Even though it'd also mean that they're gonna have to shower again to get clean for their meeting with Qwark, and the Q-force. As well as for their Armors.

But they're confident that they might have enough for those Armors.

Now though, they were relaxing together, waiting for Clank's cleaning to be done, as well as their clothes to be clean again. Which would be boring to just wait around in her house.

Which is why Hydro Girl had an Idea. "I know, why don't we play some games on my VG 9000 together? It's a great way to pass the time, after all." She said.

Both Lombaxes agreed with her on that part, as they decided to power on her VG 9000 for some playing.

And they immediately knew what game to play on her VG 9000, which was the second Qwark Vid Comic that Ratchet won on Annihilation Nation. (That he was relieved he took out of his suit before it got washed. Though he wondered how it didn't fry when he swam underwater, or in the Sewers, in Aquatos.)

"No way! You got the second Vid Comic in your collection?" Hydro Girl asked surprised, having not noticed him removing it out of his suit and putting it on the dresser.

"Yep. Did you also play them?" Ratchet asked curiously.

"Oh yes. I actually completed the first chapter of the Vid Comic myself, just days before I got captured. I guess we're all going to get to see what the second chapter has in store for us." Hydro Girl said, as Ratchet got the game set up for playing.

Now, the trio was prepared to play the second in the Vid Comic series that stars Captain Qwark himself, as both Ratchet, and Angela got ready to snark at the game's story, as Clank suddenly entered the room, wearing… his usual clothing.

"I'm guessing that you guys are playing another Vid Comic game?" Clank asked.

"You know it dude." Ratchet responded, as they got the VG 9000 on, as it showed a list of the games in the Vid Comic series on the HDTV. Possibly to show them that they could play the first one again if they wish. Which, so far, they didn't want to, as they selected the second chapter to play, as the game began after loading.

"Qwark Comic episode two: Arriba Amoeba!" The Narrator announced, beginning the chapter, as it showed the same comic panel as the first one.

The title was not bad, in Ratchet, and Angela's opinion. In fact, it was pretty amusing.

"A new evil was gathering in the shadowy swamps of Blackwater City." The Narrator then said as it showed a conveyor belt machine creating an assembly line of Ameboids.

"A horrific new breed of monsters known as the Ameboids, was being created. Born in the laboratories of a twisted scientist known as Dr. Nefarious." The Narrator then said as the camera panned over the comic line of the Ameboids, before showing a silhouette of a pair of villains in the backround.

"Guess we now know where those Ameboids were created." Ratchet said deadpan.

"Now we have a new reason to hate that guy." Angela said, with Hydro Girl in agreement.

Sure the Ameboids weren't dangerous to fight against, compared to the Grelbin Yetis, but they were annoying since they split off into smaller Ameboids, which would make the areas that they would fight them in, start to become a little crowded. Especially if they were to fight them in small rooms.

But at least they would make their guns get stronger by killing them, so that's something to praise.

Then it showed what the figure looked like. Or what he currently looked like from the limited space on the panel that showed his face behind his hands. And he looked bald, has a large head, and even round ears that was near the glaring eyes that seem to have black eye colors. He looked familiar to the Lombaxes. To where he could be Nefarious.

He even sounded familiar too. "To think they called me insane Lawrence! We'll see who's insane, when my pets have exterminated all the life on this miserable Planet!" Nefarious's voice said.

Which surprised the Lombaxes, Clank, and even Hydro Girl, when they saw that they could be seeing Nefarious himself, when he was still a… whatever Alien species he is, before becoming a robot. Which did beg the question, could this be what Nefarious used to look like? If so, what happened to him, that turned him into a Robot?

And why is it that he seems to hate the 'squishies', when he used to be one himself?

Such questions, they might have answers to, when they ask Qwark later. Or, when they play the rest of the Vid Comics in the series.

"That should clear things right up sir." The robot butler, known as Lawrence said, as he dusted the Ameboids in another panel.

It also seems, that the robot butler named Lawrence, was always a robot, unlike Nefarious.

Then it showed a panel of Qwark, nervously looking at the Ameboids as their shadows were shown on the panel. "When Captain Qwark encountered the Ameboids for the first time, he immediately executed immediate response plan: Number two." The narrator said, as the dramatic music suddenly stopped.

"Hey, wait just a minute!" Qwark's voice said, indignantly.

Which had the Lombaxes, and Hydro Girl, trying not to laugh, as they quickly knew what the narrator meant by the last part, while Skrunch was chuckling too. After all, this is something that they did expect Qwark to do, if he ever faced an Ameboid for the first time. Especially concerning the 'Number two' part.

"Qwark, then proceeded to stall for time, while he coordinated the city's defense's from the women's bathroom… at Galaxy Burger!" The Narrator then said, as the music stopped again, as it showed Qwark in a urinal as the Ameboids tried to get in, before showing the Galaxy Burger restaurant with more of the Ameboids around it.

"GIVE ME THAT THING, YOU LYING NO GOOD…!" Qwark then yelled out as there were then noises of the Narrator getting knocked upside his head.

But it was too late, the Lombaxes, Skrunch, and Hydro Girl, were in stitches as they laughed their heads off at what they just heard. This seemed like the appropriate response that Qwark would do in a situation like this. And that was the most hilarious part of this chapter.

"Whew! Those Ameboids sure looked scary for that 'legendary hero' of the Solona Galaxy to make him lose his quarter pound happy meal from that place!" Ratchet said, mid-laugh.

"Clean up on Aisle Qwark!" Angela then said, mid-giggle.

"Boy he must've been really flushed afterwards! No pun intended." Hydro Girl said, mid-chuckle. With even Skrunch giggling along with them at his companion's expense.

Which had Clank in dismay. Sure he wasn't as confident about having Qwark leading the charge against Nefarious, and he did deserve his friend's snark, but this was probably going to be something that Qwark was never going to live down. And that's a shame for Clank, as he knows that there's still good in Qwark. And his current leading of the battle against Nefarious was possibly enough to help him atone for his past with Ratchet, and Angela.

He hopes that the Lombaxes would give him a benefit of a doubt as the battle goes on. And he hopes that Qwark would earn it, and gain their respect someday.

Then the game showed what happened to be a crayon drawing of Qwark getting ready to fight the Ameboids. With some of them dead by his feet if the X's on their eyes were any indication. "Right, now where were we… From the very second that I touched the ground, I knew that this situation called for a head-on assault. Without fear, or hesitation in my mind, I rushed into Blackwater City, to do heroic battle with the ugly, monstrous Ameboid horde." Qwark's voice said before the screen went black.

Which would be before the game began with Qwark now in Blackwater City on Rilgar, in the same 2.5D side-scroller gameplay. This time, Ratchet was in control of VC-Qwark as he ended up going forward.

"Its time to fight blob, with blob!" VC-Nefarious's voice said, referring to both the Ameboids, and VC-Qwark, as the former started to jump out of the glass windows on the building in the background until they were on the platform that Qwark was on to fight him.

"Actually, I think slime is a better description for those things." Ratchet said, fighting against the Ameboids with VC-Qwark punching them. Which was an instant kill for the Ameboids since they were small.

Ratchet then jumped upwards to a higher section of Rilgar, collecting three tokens along the way. Where he ended up meeting an Extermibot along with the Ameboids. Which Ratchet remembered having met during his fight through Rilgar to the Hoverboard competition, before finding Qwark there, before his true colors were revealed, after having to run through a room filling up with water.

And he remembered the fact, that they were designed to kill the Ameboids, yet they attacked him too. Which both surprised him, and ticked him off as he proceeded to lay waste to them as well.

And it seemed, that according to this Vid-Comic, Qwark also had troubles with them, as they also tried to shoot their gas at him, only for Ratchet to jump over them, before clobbering them with Qwark's fists. (Even though he still got hit by the gas that barely touched him when he landed, taking a health point off.) Before continuing to punch the other Ameboids. Including the big ones that split into two smaller ones that Qwark continued to punch. Even though VC-Qwark got bitten, losing another health point.

It was there at the end that they saw some familiar textured walls that Qwark could wall jump on, like what Ratchet also did when he sees the textured walls that he could wall jump from himself. So he correctly guessed that Qwark would do this too, as he ended up having him jumping on the wall. Which wasn't hard in the slightest as he collected more coins.

Soon he was at the top, where he fought another Extermibot, along with more of the Ameboids along the way, until he was at the end of the path, where he unexpectedly saw another differently designed weapon. Which looked like a spraying weapon if the orange colored tank, connected to the barrel of the gun isn't any indication.

"Wow. I wonder what kind of weapon that is?" Hydro Girl asked.

"Only one way to find out." Ratchet said, before having Qwark grabbing it after running to it.

Which was where an Ameboid popped out not too far from him, making itself a test dummy for the weapon that Ratchet fired, shooting out a plume of fire that incinerated the Ameboid.

"It's Barbeque time!" VC-Qwark said during his incinerating the Ameboid. Which the trio had to admit, it was a pretty good one-liner to go with defeating their foes with the Pyrocitor.

Which was surprising to see, as they didn't think that the Pyrocitor was what Qwark also used in his journeys, before himself.

"Wow! I quickly love that weapon!" Hydro Girl said excitedly, with Angela in agreement, as they didn't expect that Qwark used a different kind of Pyrocitor as well.

Although Ratchet doubts that Qwark used it against the Ameboids if the cutscene with Qwark in Galaxy burger was any indication.

Either way, he continued onwards with some more platforming, and meeting another Extermibot that he incinerated too, along with the Ameboids that was raining down on him trying to kill him, only to get incinerated too, while collecting the red Qwark coin that he barely saw in an alcove just offscreen.

Then he used some floating platforms to go higher upwards through the room, while avoiding a platform with a little dip inside that had a pair of antennae that was making an arc of electricity, that he knows would harm VC-Qwark, till he got to another wall jump section, where he incinerated more raining Ameboids.

"Geez. With this thing in his hands, no Ameboid stands a chance." Ratchet said, actually having fun with the game.

"At least until the ammo runs out. So try not to go wild with those Pyrocitor shots." Angela said.

Ratchet made sure to keep that in mind as he wall jumped upwards. (Not that he needed to be told twice as he played games like this before.) Where he met a single, more larger Ameboid that he pushed back with the Pyrocitor, into the arc of electricity, that proceeded to shock and split the Ameboid in half, before shocking the smaller Ameboids to death. Which Ratchet thought was satisfying to see, alongside Angela, and Hydro Girl, as they all were grinning at the screen.

While Ratchet then kept on going upwards, quickly meeting another Extermibot, before knocking him into another electric arc floor, to defeat the Extermibot, before they then noticed that there was a platform that was close southwest of another platform that was bigger, but the section of it, on Qwark's side, was just inches under the ceiling.

"Oh no. I don't think I can get on it." Ratchet said, feeling annoyed at the game for doing this to him.

At least until Hydro Girl piped in. "Can you grab onto the ledge of that platform though?"

At seeing that it was just inches under the ceiling, he quickly got the idea to grab onto the edge of the platform in hopes that it could move to where he would be able to get onto it to continue onwards.

Luckily for him, he was able to do that, and the platform moved to the right to where it was now under nothing, while Ratchet collected more coins. Much to Ratchet's relief as he then climbed onto the top of the platform, then got on the next platform, where luckily for him, it had another Pyrocitor on it, which refilled the ammo of the Pyrocitor that he had in his hand. Which was a relief, since he felt that he was running a bit low on ammo for it.

Then he used it against another Extermibot that he pushed back, before incinerating it. Now he was continuing onwards after grabbing another red Qwark coin. Where he incinerated another Extermibot, before getting to the next platform, where he incinerated more Ameboids that rained on him, before he moved onwards, fighting another Extermibot,

Which was like this for most of the trek along the buildings of Blackwater City as Ratchet had VC-Qwark continue to use his fists, on the Extermibot to save ammo, and used it against the Ameboids to easily take down the small ones when they rain down to ambush him. Only to get incinerated by VC-Qwark. And just in case Ratchet gets low on Ammo, he got more from another Pyrocitor that was on the walkable part of the tall building of Blackwater City, before he kept on moving through the city, exterminating the Ameboids, and collecting more coins along the way.

Before he then got to another interior of a building that looked to be a shaft that was full of pipes, and electric arcs that still could kill VC-Qwark if he was not careful.

Which he was, as he jumped along the platforms as he went higher and higher in the shaft full of platforms. Where on the highest and last platform in the room, Angela noticed something.

"Ratchet! Look, right there!" Angela said, pointing at the item on the screen, being a green Qwark coin. Which was a health recovery item, and health upgrade.

"But how can he get to it? It's blocked by the wall." Hydro Girl said.

"No problem." Ratchet said, as he was able to jump onto the section of where it was while using the punch, feeling that since the wall that was in the way was different from the others, it must mean that according to his gamer instincts, the wall must be breakable.

Sure enough…

"Oh, I knew that." Hydro Girl said when Ratchet was able to break the section of the wall, while being able to grab the ledge to pull VC-Qwark up, where he got the green coin after breaking enough of the wall for VC-Qwark to get through. Much to his own satisfaction, as well as Angela's and Hydro Girl's. Before continuing onwards while defeating more of the Ameboids, and the Extermibots.

He then got to another section after wall jumping to there, where after he killed another Extermibot, he ended up seeing some rolling slime balls that rolled down the slanted floors. Which looked harmful, and apparently, is harmful when he got hit by one of them, so he had to contend with jumping over them as he continued upwards. Much to his irritation.

"Why would they put this in?! This isn't that game where you jump over barrels." He said, referring to the game that he played back in Megapolis, where he had to fight an alien gorilla.

"For the challenge? Maybe?" Hydro Girl said.

After all, if there was a way to defeat the level, and the game was not being unfair to her, when she plays it, and especially when her life isn't at stake, she enjoys the thrill of the challenge.

Which, so does Ratchet, and Angela. But this was more of an annoyance, than a challenge to jump over the slime balls that they swore was made from the same stuff that the Ameboids were made of.

"I'd ask if those are Ameboid eggs. But I'd rather not know how those things reproduce." Angela said in disgust.

Both Ratchet, and Hydro Girl agreed with her on that, as Ratchet continued onwards while sticking his tongue out for a second.

It took another health point from Ratchet, before he was able to get to the top, and past the slime balls. Where he saw what he feels, is going to be the pretty hardest section of the Vid-Comic chapter, being a gap between the electric arc platforms, that he could only go through after grabbing on to the platform's edge in the platforms edge to have it float him to the middle.

It was a tense moment for Ratchet, as he had to make sure that he was right there in the middle to drop, if he doesn't want to get shocked. Which if they weren't insta-kill, then they'd hurt VC-Qwark and take away a few of his health points, which Ratchet felt that he may need for the boss of this segment.

Once he knew that he was in the middle, he had VC-Qwark dropping down. And luckily for him, he was able to drop down in between the electric arcs. Now he was able to continue onwards after getting another red Qwark coin after busting down another breakable wall.

All while Angela, and Hydro Girl was congratulating him for the close call. Feeling impressed that he was able to pull it off. Much to his delight as he kept going.

After continuing onwards, in jumping along the buildings of Blackwater City, exterminating more Ameboids, and Extermibots, and collecting more of the coins along the way, Ratchet was now on the other side of the city as he was in another shaft, where he was now jumping upwards along the slowly descending platforms, that was plentiful enough for him to ascend upwards by jumping platform to platform to move up.

Where pretty soon, he was able to make it to the top that way, where he got the last coins, before touching a lemon yellow Qwark icon that made afterimages that expanded into the background. Which then, looked like a portal that VC-Qwark vanished into. Thus ending the level.

Which was a relief, since the level was feeling a little long at this point. So thank goodness that he was able to finish it. (And thank goodness he got the Titanium Bolt too.)

Pretty soon, after some loading, a cutscene ended up playing.

"His Ameboid army defeated, Dr. Nefarious had no choice but to flee from Blackwater City in disgrace." The Narrator said, showing a panel of a shadow figure of Nefarious preparing to board his ship alongside his butler, whom merely stood like a butler would, as he looked at his Ameboid army as they laid on the ground, either dead, near death, or merely unable to move, or fight back.

"So in the real verse, the coordination of the defenses was successful in taking them down. Didn't think Qwark had it in him." Ratchet said, feeling impressed at Blackwater City's defenses being strong, especially while being coordinated by Qwark too. While still disbelieving that he fought the Ameboids himself, if what the comic said about his hiding in Galaxy Burger was true.

Which, knowing Qwark, Ratchet, Angela, Hydro Girl, and even Clank felt that the Vid-Comic might've been true, and the level was merely Qwark exaggerating himself again. Especially since Qwark interrupted the Narrator's story, and put his own spin on it.

Typical Qwark.

"You have not seen the last of me! I will have my vengeance, even if it takes, A THOUSAND YEARS!" Nefarious said, before cackling, as the panel showed his full face, which was indeed his face that had a bald head, pointy ears, and looked like he had dark patches on his face, while also showing his sinister uniform's upper half, which looked like he had shoulder pads with blue fins on his pads, while having elbow length gauntlet-like gloves on himself too.

"So that's what he looks like as a… whatever he is." Angela said, surprised that she was seeing Nefarious's old form.

Now there was the aforementioned question, of why he's a robot now, that needed answering. Which they felt, that they'd get from the next Vid-Comic chapter.

"Dr. Nefarious was right about one thing, and it's that he, and Qwark, would meet again. And sooner than he realized… for a true hero like Captain Qwark, will stop at nothing in the name of Justice!" The narrator said, showing a section of a panel of Qwark holding on for dear life onto the same escape ship that Nefarious was on, before the narrator then chuckled when it then showed the face that Qwark was making during the ride. Where he had his cheeks puffed up like an inflating puffoid.

Cue another moment of laughter from Ratchet, Angela, and Hydro Girl, and even Skrunch, when they saw that face Qwark made, that they thought was quite a funny, and silly face that he had. Even Clank was chuckling at the sight of it, finding the face to be oh so silly.

"What?! I held my breath!" Qwark said defensively. Before the comic chapter then immediately ended.

The trio felt that the games were so far, entertaining. And they looked forward to playing more of the games in the Qwark Vid-Comic series, once they gain another Vid-Comic in their journey through Solona.

Especially, to see Qwark's history with Nefarious, and what lead to the latter's rivalry with Qwark.

With the game done, the Lombaxes, and Hydro Girl continued to laugh at the face that Qwark made, still finding it to be quite a funny sight to see.

"What a riot! He looks like he got caught with marshmallows in his mouth, and he tried to hide them inside!" Hydro Girl said mid giggles.

"Hehe, no kidding!" Angela said, continuing to laugh alongside Ratchet.

Once they were done laughing, they were ready to try out some new games when Hydro Girl heard some buzzing. "Oh, it looks like our clothes are done now." She said, getting up from the couch. Which was both a relief, and a slight shame, since she did hope that she could see some more gameplay with Ratchet, and even play alongside him, and Angela in her home.

At least she has more opportunities for such, when they defeat Nefarious.

As she walked to her laundry room, she ended up turning to the Lombaxes. "By the way, there's no need to fly back to the Phoenix in your ship once our clothes are cleaned up. I can fly my ship next to the Phoenix, then we can all ride your ship inside."

"So this means that you're definitely on our side, to where you're putting your own ship into this fight?" Ratchet asked.

"You know it. After all, Aquatos is my home. And I refuse to let Nefarious, or those Tyhrranoid freaks take it, without donating some of their teeth." Hydro Girl said determined. "And I bet you anything that Nefarious was going to send me back to the Shadow Sector, and the Dreadzone arena, had you guys not let me out of my cell. So allow me to thank you for my freedom with my help." She then said, smiling on the last part.

That left both Lombaxes, and Clank smiling at the fact that she was even putting her ship into this battle against Nefarious. She was that thankful to them for her freedom from Nefarious. Not to mention helpful.

They had to admit, this was going to be a fun time to be them right now. And they were relieved that Hydro Girl was not their foe.

"We'll lead you to where the Phoenix is while you're flying your ship to it. After that, we'd be honored to have you as part of our team. And… I reckon that, so would Qwark." Ratchet said.

"Fine by me. Let me just get us dressed first. It'd be unusual trying to fly my ship in my birthday suit after all." Hydro Girl said, walking to the direction of the laundry room before stopping for a brief moment. "Not that I'd mind, in your case at least." She then said, teasing Ratchet, as she swayed her hips as she walked.

Which was much to his embarrassment as he blushed up a storm, while Angela was inwardly steaming with jealousy at that, wishing that she gave Ratchet a similar offer, if they were in her flying lab, and if she decided to fly it to the Phoenix instead of the mothership that they were in.

But she knew that it was just teasing, and that she may let Angela have Ratchet, once she tells Ratchet how she feels.

For now though, she was making sure to find the proper moment to confess her feelings for him, later on during their battle against Nefarious. She just hopes that it won't be too long down the line, as she waited alongside a blushing Ratchet for their clothes.

The battle for Solona was about to begin.

Chapter Text

Chapter six: Assault on Tyhrranosis part one

A happy Captain Qwark was on the bridge, with the large black screen behind him, as he looked at his Q-force members that got back from the successful mission on Aquatos, being Skidd, Starlene, Ratchet, Clank, and Angela. Not to mention Hydro Girl. As he was feeling glad at their survival. As well as their success.

"Well team, I believe some congratulations are in order." He said with a smile. Which had them smiling at him, feeling that they were going to be given some praise for the mission going successfully well. After all, not only did they get the datadisc for the Q-force, which would end up giving them some info on Nefarious's plans, but they also freed a prisoner of Nefarious's as well. Who looked like a useful ally for them.

With Ratchet, Angela, Starlene, Skidd, and even Hydro Girl expecting the congratulations.

"After all, my plan worked more perfectly than expected." He then said grinning.

And like that, their smiles vanished. Before they then looked at him while deadpan. After all, the Lombaxes, and Starlene expected him to boast about 'his' mission's success, and end up taking the praise, and credit, for it being successful.

And the worst part about that, was that he was right. It was his plan, for them to go to Aquatos, and to infiltrate it, and it was a success. So his boasting could actually be warranted here. Even if it annoys them to no end.

"Well?" He asked, expecting the praise, and the thanks, for his success. Which Ratchet, Angela, and Starlene wasn't going to give to him as they merely kept silent throughout the moment, alongside Hydro Girl.

Skidd on the other hand, was not gonna be silent. "Uh… way to go dude?" He said.

"Don't mention it. After all, I'm just doing my job." He said grinning.

Which had the Lombaxes chagrinned at him, while Starlene, and Hydro Girl, merely rolled their eyes. (The latter doing it while indifferent.) They expected this to happen after all.

"And now that I know where the Tyhrranoids are coming from, I can finally put a stop to their menace once and for all." He then said grinning.

"Oh, could it involve hiding in another Galaxy Burger restroom, to help coordinate the invasion from? Like back on Rilgar, against those Ameboids?" Angela sarcastically asked, leaving the Q-force, and the Galactic Rangers, other than Brax, and Clank, laughing. (Though Brax did end up smiling at that too, but he hid it.)

"What?! How did you- It's all a bunch of- I had only one accident! ONE!" Qwark angrily said, embarrassed, as he realized that one of his Vid-Comics must've gave her the info, and he was too late in stopping it from being told to her. Much to his embarrassment, as they laughed it up. "Note to self, throttle that narrator, at the next time we meet." He thought.

Once the laughter was dying down, he got their attention. Or he tried to, when Clank piped in. "Say Captain Qwark, there's something that you must know."

"Oh? And what is it?" Qwark asked.

"While I do support your leading the fight against Nefarious, I feel that I must insist that you should give your team the credit as well." Clank said, much to Qwark's surprise.

"I'm in full agreement with him, Captain Qwark." Brax piped in. "You may have my support, along with his, but you could risk alienating your team with your lack of acknowledgement for their efforts if your self congratulating antics continues. Which isn't what a great leader, and a better hero should do."

"Wha? But aren't I a great enough hero, and leader, as I am?" Qwark asked in surprise and shame.

"Yes. But there are others in the Q-force who knows that you can be better. And they hope that you can prove yourself as such, but not if you're refusing to give your credit to the team members that pulled this job off." Brax said.

"And trust me, that could lead to a betrayal, if you're not careful." Clank said. "Especially if they don't take credit for how they put their efforts into making sure your plan works."

That had Qwark looking shocked, and stunned at what he just heard from both Brax, and Clank. While Ratchet, Angela, and Starlene was pleasantly surprised about Clank, and Brax, standing up to Qwark, regardless of his position in the Q-force. Even if it was in a polite, but firm way. But still, what he, and Brax said, was something that needed to be said to him, to ensure that if he'll atone, then he needs to make sure to legit earn their trust instead of remaining as an ego driven leader of his team that merely wants the glory of beating Nefarious again, instead of legitimately fighting to save the Galaxy.

After a few minutes, Qwark returned to focusing. "Ahem! Thank you all, for the mission's success, by the way. We all appreciate it. Really we do." He then said, listening to Brax, and Clank's advice. Feeling that they're right. He needs to start to give some more credit to his teammates, if only to show that he's getting better as a hero.

The Lombaxes told him that he was welcome, and that they're grateful for his congrats. But Angela was hiddenly smirking at his flustered look over his Galaxy Burger incident. While she, and the whole gang hoped to thank Clank, and Brax for what they said to Qwark.

"After all, we also have our new recruit. Whom, is a former prisoner of Nefarious's on Aquatos. And the pilot of the Mothership that is near our current ship. Please welcome, Nika A.K.A, Hydro Girl!" Qwark then said, introducing Hydro Girl to the rest of the Q-force.

Whom gave her an applause for her performance in Dreadzone, and for her escape from that place, as well as from Nefarious. Not to mention, out of thanks, for adding her mothership alongside the Phoenix, as their second base of operations against Nefarious, and the Tyhrranoids. Which had her curtsying out of thanks for the applause.

"Thank you guys. But I prefer to be called Hydro Girl, just to let you know." She said to Qwark with a hint of annoyance.

"Eh, I'll keep that in mind." Qwark said, not wanting to anger her, if she'll clobber him for it.

"Now, without further ado, it is time to strike back against the Noid menace, using the information from the datadisc that we've got from Aquatos. And with utter disregard for my own safety, I have drawn an ingenious plan for our invasion of their main Home Planet of Tyhrranosis!" He then said, putting the focus back on himself, and his plan, as he then had them watching the screen.

It then showed what was was a crayon drawing of Ratchet, and Angela as they both were in free fall, screaming as they were facing off against the rockets that was coming towards them as they descended. While Qwark was with his monkey, as they both were just running in the background.

"Frist, I shall humbly stand aside, and allow both Ratchet, and Angela, to freefall down, and take out the enemy mortar launchers at the landing sight." Qwark said. Contradicting his statement about his 'Utter disregard for his own safety.'

Then it showed three tower turrets on the ground that was shooting out red lasers at the sky, while Qwark, and his monkey was in the background raising their arms.

"Once the Mortars have been silenced, the dropship will make its descent." He then said, telling Ratchet, and Angela that they're gonna get some help from the Galactic Rangers after they get those turrets taken down. Which would mean that it won't be just them that would end up fighting the Tyhrranoids on their Home Planet.

Much to their relief, since it'd mean that they won't be fighting a suicidal battle against the Noids because Qwark made them do it without reinforcements.

"Next, Ratchet, Angela, Brax, Cora, Starlene, Skidd, Skrunch, and I, will take four of the Ranger's assault vehicles from the dropship, make their way to the four plasma turrets, and destroy them all, while Hydro Girl provides cover from her mothership!" He then said, showing Ratchet, driving an assault vehicle, alongside Cora, who's also driving another vehicle, while Brax is her gunner, alongside Angela, who is Ratchet's gunner on his vehicle, while Starlene was driving the third one, that had Skidd as her gunner, as they got shot at by the plasma cannon turrets. All while Qwark is again, in the background, only he too is driving while Skrunch is his gunner.

"And once they're all knocked out, Ratchet, Angela, Brax, Starlene, Cora, and I, shall lead the assault on the main enemy base." He then said, before showing a drawing of Angela, Brax, Starlene, and Cora fighting the Noids, while Ratchet runs away.

"Alrighty men, let's get to it!" He then said proudly.

Then he noticed that Ratchet, and Angela were raising their hands. "Yes? You guys in the front." He asked.

"Yeah, I was just curious. What are you guys going to do, while Angela, and I, are down there, getting shot at, and risking getting blown up, on the first phase?" He asked.

"We'll be… monitoring the situation. Closely! From up here in the Phoenix." He then said. Before he got closer to Helga. "Actually, we're going to be on deck five in the cafeteria. It's meatloaf day. Even though I should save my meatloaf for later." He quietly said to Helga. Whom was smiling at that.

Which Angela, and Ratchet barely heard. And they weren't surprised at what he was saying, and what he really planned to do. But considering that he's going to be driving an assault vehicle himself once the next phase begins, they were delighted that Qwark isn't cowardly hanging back and letting them do all of the work.

"But we'll be with you guys every step of the way! And I'll be sure to join in as soon as I can, once the assault vehicles are soon to be on the ground, and once we're fighting against their leader. Whom, should be the Queen of the Tyhrranoids." Qwark then said to save face for Ratchet, and Angela.

"Yeah man, we got your backs." Skidd said, offering his own support for the Lombaxes.

"Go get zhem, mein Kamerads." Helga said, supporting Qwark's plan, and Ratchet too. Regardless of her dislike for him back in Kerwan, after his 'mediocre' performance on the obstacle course. Back in his first adventure with Clank.

"If you say so." Ratchet said as they all prepared to go to the Planet as the meeting was dismissed.

Now all of the members of the Rangers, that was about to attack the Planet, was in the Hanger of the Starship Phoenix.

While both Ratchet, and Angela were now clad in the new Adamantine Armor. Which was more orange colored for both of them, with a bright grey metallic vest that was around the orange glowing light that was upside down trapezoid shaped, on the center of the torso of the armor, which also had dark orange shoulder guards for both of them. While having a bright grey metal belt on Ratchet's hips, that held up his dark orange pants with a brighter orange trim, and black patterned section on the shins, bright grey metallic gloves, with a dark orange trim, and bright orange lights, while also having darker grey shoes with a bright black trim in the middle of them, that also had orange lights in the very center of them.

For Ratchet, it had slightly baggy pants for him, but it fit him quite nicely, along with the rest of his suit of armor. While for Angela, it was just as tight looking as the Magnaplate Armor was, to where it was like a catsuit that showed off her body's shape to the Galaxy, most of all, to Ratchet. Which had him blushing just as much as when he first saw her in the previous Armor. But he feels that he'll get used to it, later on.

While Angela was both embarrassed, yet flattered that she was making him blush by wearing this suit. Feeling confident, and happy that he still might be crushing on her.

The Armor was indeed pretty expensive though, and wiped out most of their wallets of their Bolts when they were able to buy them. But they felt that it'd be worth it for their upcoming battle on Tyhrranosis.

And they felt that they could earn plenty of Bolts from fighting in more of the rounds, and obstacle courses back on Annihilation Nation, and gathering the Crystals for the Plumber, back on Aquatos, if they're inclined. They just knew that they should prepare themselves for the smell, and for their next shower time, once they leave the sewers with the bolts in their pockets.

For now though, they were in the hanger, as they spoke to each other, and Sasha.

"So, what happened to him that first made him hide in Galaxy Burger?" Sasha asked Angela, still smiling at what she mentioned.

Angela ended up explaining to them about the scene inside the second Vid-Comic that she learned it from, that she watched Ratchet play, alongside Hydro Girl, back in her ship.

"Heheheh, I'm guessing that the Ameboids were his nightmare at that time. It seems he should've been wearing brown pants in that bathroom." Starlene said grinning.

"No kidding. The toilet papers from that bathroom must've been on a roll at the time." Ratchet said with a chuckle.

Which started off a string of jokes that involved bathrooms, the Ameboids, Galaxy Burger, and even the… mess being made. All at Qwark's expense, behind his back. Which had Ratchet laughing alongside Angela, Starlene, Hydro Girl, and even Sasha was laughing her butt off at the jokes that was being made.

Poor Qwark.

"Before we get ahead of ourselves, we should get ready to fight those Noids in their Planet. I'll be sure to remind Qwark of his duty when you guys are ready to assault the base." Sasha said, chuckling at the beginning of her sentence, as she was still laughing at the jokes on Qwark.

"Roger that Captain Sasha. We'll be careful during out impending battle on Tyhrranosis." Ratchet said to Sasha. "And we'll meet you guys on land once I'm done with my first mission." He then said to the rest of the Q-force that was also going to fight on the Planet.

"Be careful Ratchet. I hope that I can fight by your side instead of witnessing your bloody demise on the battlefield." Hydro Girl said, as she walked to her ship, to fly her way to her mothership to bring in her support via airstrikes.

While Starlene, Brax, and Cora, entered the dropship together with the robot troops of the Galactic Rangers, as well as the vehicles that was ready to deploy on the next phase of the assault. "Also, hope you two love birds try not to get too close to each other while battling those Noids. Especially by the hip." Starlene said, teasingly.

Which had both Ratchet, and Angela blushing up storms at the tease that Starlene did, as the doors to their dropship, closed. While Ratchet, and Angela was headed to the Star Explorer.

"Ready Angela?" He asked her, getting a nod from Angela in response. "This is going to be fun." Ratchet said as he was headed straight to the Star Explorer alongside Angela while the rest of the squad was headed to the dropship, ready to use it when Ratchet is done with his objective.

Soon, he was in with Angela, and Clank, as they were now out of the door, and into space, where they were now on their way to Tyhrranosis with one of the Ranger dropships not too far behind.

Once they were over the skies of Tyhrranosis, Ratchet was doing some last minute check ups to make sure that he and Angela are ready. Before he then ejected all of them along with himself, out of the Star Explorer, which launched them into the sky, before they then descended, after Ratchet put Clank on his back.

And this time, Angela had a parachute on her own back, just so she won't be falling to her demise, or be forced to use Ratchet and Clank to save her again.

As they were descending, they then saw that there was a Ranger dropship that they were going to fall past, that had some Rangers now funneling out of the ship, and was now going into freefall, as they descended with Ratchet, Clank, and Angela, close behind them, like back on Veldin.

And also like falling on Veldin, the Noids were now firing their rockets, and missiles at them from the ground in an attempt to blast them out of the sky, before they can make it to the ground.

With only limited success like last time, as they were able to blast some of the bots, just seconds after they jumped out of the ship, while a few were also destroyed only over ten or fifteen seconds after jumping out, and some were only half way, to pretty close to the ground when they got hit.

And like last time, the Noids ended up missing Ratchet, Angela, and at least a good number of the lucky rangers, as they reached the ground unscathed, regardless of how much missiles the Noids fired at them. It seemed that the Noids were pretty lousy shots, even on their home turf.

This time though, it was where they were landing, that was different. For they were landing on a little island of land that was connected via walkway, to what the Lombaxes could describe as a building that was shaped like a larva worm, with legs. It even looked like it could be a humongous larva walker mech, that was currently stationed in the section of shallow water, and that it could rise up if the Noids were able to pilot the thing.

Now the Rangers, Angela, Ratchet and Clank, were on the ground, with Angela using her Parachute to safely descend to the ground. While the Rangers used their rocket boots to slow their descent alongside Ratchet and Clank. Now they were assaulting the base with the Ranger bots, as they met the small berserker Noids at the entrance.

Where they immediately did battle with the Noids as Ratchet, and Angela lead the assault with their weapons against the small berserker Noids, while the Rangers laid down covering fire.

The small berserker Noids were no match for the Lombaxes and the Rangers since none of them had weapons of their own. Causing them to get destroyed by Angela's Spitting Hydra, and Ratchet's N60 Storm.

The latter of which, had the Shock Mod that he bought from Slim Cognito, which caused an arc of lightning to come out, and electrocute the Noids that was nearby the ones getting shot. Easily a favorite mod of Ratchets.

None of them were able to even touch the Rangers as Ratchet, and Angela lead the assault with the Rangers close behind them.

A mech Noid came around the corner and tried to shoot them both with his lasers, but Ratchet used the Nitro Launcher against the Noid to blow him up. Then they got in the room where they fought against the gunner Noids, and the flyer Noids that shot at them.

While they shot back against the Noids while strafing around the shots. Even though they got hit by some of the shots, which they withstood due to the Adamantine Armor that they wore.

"Oof! Good thing we were wearing this Armor." Both Lombaxes thought as they shot back against the Noids with the Rangers also returning fire against the Noids.

With the Lombaxes now using their weapons from Bogon. Like the Lava Gun that Ratchet enjoyed using against his foes on Tabora. While Angela used the Bouncer gun.

Which shot out the large bomb ball, that explodes into smaller bombs that continues to hurt the Noids that she shot it out at, as they didn't get out of the way in time until it was too late. Yet the Gunners continued to fight regardless.

Where despite their efforts, the Noids in the room was destroyed, despite taking a few of the Rangers with them. Now Ratchet, and Angela was leading the Rangers into another room.

Where they met more of the berserker Noids that rushed at them while the gunner Noids provided covering fire in the hall to the room. But the berserker Noids were still no match for them due to their tiny sizes, and lack of Armor. So they still went down to either Ratchet's Nitro Launcher, and modded N60 Storm, or Angela's Spitting Hydra, and Plasma Whip, among their other weapons.

The gunner Noids couldn't stop them either, as they continued forward through the hall while taking them down along the way before continuing on, and entering the next room. Despite Angela tripping a few times along the way.

Where they fought against more of the mech Noids as well as the gunner Noids as the latter shot at them while behind some cover. Only for Ratchet to use the Nitro Launcher, making sure to have it detonate past the cover that the Noid hid behind, to blow him up.

"Boy, if they were smarter, they would've noticed this weapon that I'm using. And try to avoid those explosions. Good thing they aren't." Ratchet said to himself.

While the Lombaxes then noticed that there looked to be what was a control room that was inside a glass dome. With the glass looking to be strong. Which confirmed to them that they could be inside the larva mech with the turrets. Now they feel that they could either destroy the mech, or pilot it themselves, and turn it against the defense forces of Tyhrranosis.

No one was inside the dome though.

"Thank goodness it's empty. I'd rather not know if it's the turret controls, or the cockpit to this large mech. If it is the latter that we're inside of." Angela said in relief.

"Look on the bright side though, we could hijack it, and use this thing against the Noids, if this was a mech." Ratchet said.

They had some doubts that it was a mech that they were inside of, however.

So the Lombaxes, and the Rangers continued onwards through another hall, where they took a left in the hall where they met more of the Gunner, and small berserker Noids, that they shot down together with the N60 Storm. While along the way, they continued to grab the Bolts from the now broken Boxes.

Angela also used the Lava Gun. Which had the Acid mod on it, where any foe that gets shot by it, would end up having acid that continues to harm them as well as poison them for a couple seconds before fading. But the effect can be extended as long as the foe continues to get hit, until he or she falls.

Which also stacks with the fire damage that the Lava Gun can do to their foes as well. Making this, another one of Ratchet's favorite mods. And Angela quickly liked the mod as well.

And they were putting this to good use here as they continued onwards through the halls of the building, blasting the Noids that tried to intercept them, despite taking some more hits from their shots.

But they withstood those as they kept on going through the halls, till they got to another room. Where they opened it to see that there were more mech Noids, flyer Noids, and small berserker Noids. All of whom were attempting to take out the Lombaxes, but Angela shot back with her Spitting Hydra, taking a few of them down, before shooting them again.

Which was the moment when the Spitting Hydra evolved into the V3 Spitting Hydra. Much to Angela's delight as it could mean that she could lock-on to two more Noids that she could aim at as she fired it again, obliterating the Noids in the room.

Where they also noticed a shield wall, that was a literal wall made out of a shield. Which separated another section of the room, where there were more Noids, and another generator that they were guarding. Speaking of which, the first generator was in the middle of the shield. And the Lombaxes guessed that it could be what was holding up the shield wall.

So they destroyed it, regardless of the Noid's efforts. Causing the wall to vanish, leaving the rest of the room free for the taking.

They had to admit, the Noids weren't being smart with their shield generator placements, since they were giving them an opportunity to try to defeat them, Noid resistance be damned.

An opportunity that neither Lombax was going to waste. As they ended up defeating the rest of the Noids regardless of taking some more hits, before destroying the generator that was inside the dome.

Which, not only deactivated the building's power, but as they heard from the explosions that was outside, it destroyed the turrets that was on the building as well. Crippling the anti-air capabilities that the building they were in, had. Which meant that the other Ranger's dropships had their opportunities to enter the Planet without risk.

"Alright! Now they have a chance to send their support to us!" Angela said smiling. "Now let's see how Qwark is going to perform on the battlefield."

"If he's able to fight hard, then I feel that we're in for a fun ride." Ratchet said, hiddenly feeling excitement at seeing Qwark fight by their side for once, despite expecting him to merely leave the work to them, and the other members of the Q-force, as they were now proceeding to the other exit to the outside of the building.

Once they were outside, they saw a few things.

The first, was that the Star Explorer was okay, and still operational, while nearby their location near the building, just in case they want to leave the Planet once the fight ends.

The second, was that there was a bunch of Tyhrranoid ships that was in the air, as they fought in the skies against the Ranger invasion force that they tried to destroy, or drive off of the Planet, alongside the big turret guns that tried to shoot down the forces of the Rangers.

Which they saw, before they quickly got a call from Sasha. "Nice work Ratchet, Angela, now some of the Q-force are coming in on the dropships now. And Qwark is in one of them too." Sasha said, assuring them that Qwark is going to fight by their side.

Which was relieving to know, since he can show his stuff to them now, and truly lead the charge against Nefarious to prove himself as a hero, again.

Which, if it's to show his atonement for what he's done in the past to Ratchet, and Angela, he's on the right track.

Then they saw the dropships coming to their location, before opening up to show the assault vehicles, that looked like reverse designed snowmobiles, with the skis on the front, and the tires on the back, if the tires were large, while also having turrets on the top of the back of the vehicles.

And Brax, and Cora was on the first one, with Brax as the gunner, while Skid and Starlene was on the second one, with Skidd as the gunner, while Skrunch, and Qwark was on the third one, with Skrunch as his gunner.

And the fourth one was empty, showing that it's Ratchet, and Angela's vehicle to ride to battle on.

"Let's go Ratchet! Get across that bridge!" Sasha said. "Hydro Girl will lay down air support as you guys get those turrets dealt with. But try not to dawdle, or she'll be forced to retreat for a bit to recharge her shields, and her support from the air will cease for awhile. And believe me, I also hope that she won't get shot down while in orbit."

"Got it!" Ratchet and Angela said, before getting on the empty assault vehicle, with Angela as the gunner.

"Alright men, we're splitting up and getting to those turrets, to take them out!" Qwark yelled out to them. "Ratchet, Angela, you guys take the one to your north-east! Cora, you and Brax will take the eastern-most gun! Starlene and Skidd will take the north-west one, while Skrunch and I take the western-most gun!" He then said, pointing in the directions of those big guns. "Anybody who takes down the first guns shall unite with the other duos, until we're all done! Then we unite at the main gate that should lead to the leader of this resistance! Now let's move out!" He commanded.

The guys proceeded to do that, as they used half of the bridge as a ramp to the other side of the land, (Some of them hollering in excitement at the ride. With Ratchet, and Qwark among them.) before driving onwards.

With Ratchet, and Angela going for the north-east turret, while getting shot at by the Noids. But the resistance wasn't too stiff, as Hydro Girl laid down her air-strikes from her Mothership, on the Noids. Each getting blown up, or zapped by her air strikes from orbit.

They knew that it could stop, and they'd probably see debris, if they don't hurry to the guns, and if they focus on her mothership instead of the other Ranger ships, so Ratchet kept on driving, and Angela kept on shooting at the Noids that shot at them along their way.

It wasn't too long, until they were blocked by a small cliff that they were forced to climb up, on foot, leaving their vehicle behind. Which had them running on foot through the path that was towards the gun, while fighting against the Noids trying to defend the gun. Which had Angela using the Lava Gun against the mech Noid, while Ratchet used the Bogon mini turret glove against the small berserker Noids, while using his Nitro Launcher against the gunners.

None of them were any match for the weapons that both Lombaxes wielded, as they got taken down in just two explosions of the Nitro bombs. Now with determined glares, both Ratchet, and Angela was on their way to the gun, making sure to use some cover to protect them both from the Noids as they shot back against them.

"You mess with us, you mess with your makers!" Ratchet said, continuing his fight against the Noids.

"What he said! You're going down for my friend's planet!" Angela said.

It wasn't long, till they were at the gun in question, when they continued to battle the Noids. With Ratchet, and Angela shooting them down with their weapons. And while they were at it, Angela got her Flux Rifle out to shoot at the Noids from a distance, giving Ratchet some sniper cover as he ran on the gap of the cliff that he jumped to the other side of.

Which was where her training with the Flux Rifle started to bear its fruit. Remembering her training with such a weapon while she still worked for Megacorp, before her work in the Genetics division, and before her work on the Protopet that lead to Ratchet's journey through Bogon.

Also remembering her training with the Disintegrator, the evolved form of Bogon's Flux Rifle, that she went through with Ratchet, on the shooting range buildings of Megapolis, with her using a manual on how to use it like a sniper would, with Ratchet watching her shoot it, impressing him.

After all, Ratchet wasn't as much of a good sniper himself, let alone, having interest in fighting like one, despite having taken out enough enemies to evolve the Flux Rifle back in his journey through Bogon. He was more of a big gun sort of Lombax, that enjoys blowing his enemies up, as well as using the other big guns, and his Wrench, than using the Flux Rifle against his foes.

Which was where Angela came in as his sniper, when dealing with the big foes that she would either take down in one swift blow, or weaken enough for Ratchet to finish off.

And so far, she was getting good at it. She isn't perfect though, showing that she still had a ways to go, since she missed some of her shots, whether she shot over the Noids, or even under them trying not to. And she had some ways to go when it came to leading her targets when they end up moving to either dodge, or go after Ratchet.

Luckily for Ratchet though, at least he ain't getting hit, as he continued onwards, blasting more of the Noids, while Angela followed him, once it was clear for her to go too.

"Hurry up Ratchet, Angela, my ship's shields are holding, but the Planet's guns are gonna risk destroying my ship if you're getting slow!" Hydro Girl's voice said on their intercom.

They didn't need to be told twice, as they kept on going through the path to the generator.

Where they ended up wall jumping their way up to the roof of the building of Tyhrranosis, with them taking turns up the wall, with Angela making sure not to overshoot the edge, just so she won't accidentally end up squishing his head in her bust again. And pretty soon, they were smiling as they continued onwards, where they saw some Noids that was being dropped out of their ship, along with having some more flyers, and gunners coming from around the corner.

Ratchet continued to use his N60 storm, and the Nitro Launcher, against the Noids, while whacking the ones that get too close to him and Angela with his Wrench, or his double bladed laser sword. While Angela used her Spitting Hydra, and Bogon's Mini Rocket Tube, against the rest of the Noids. She felt that she was too close for the Rifle, so she was now using the other weapons at the moment.

Despite the resistance, and taking a few more hits from the gunner Noids, both Lombaxes was too determined to back down, as they continued to lay down their fire against the Noids with glares on their faces, while they continued to fight forward to the generator.

It took some more fighting, and some hits that they suffered, but was able to heal from, with some nearby Nanotech crates, (Thank the stars.) before the Lombaxes ended up smiling when they saw that they were now at the gun in question, which had a generator right next to it, that was being defended by the Noids. Whom were getting determined to protect the gun.

But Ratchet, and Angela ended up taking them down, with Ratchet using another Bogon weapon, the Seeker Gun, which had plenty of kick to them, as they ended up clobbering the Noids in their explosions. Sure it wasn't upgraded to the HK22, but it'll get there someday.

Now though, it was destroying the Noids that defended the gun, until there was nothing left of them, leading to Ratchet, and Angela, grinning as they proceeded to destroy the generator under the gun. Which lead to the collapsing into several pieces.

Now Ratchet, and Angela was now withdrawing back to the Vehicle, where once inside, they rode their way to Cora, and Brax.

Meanwhile…

Where with them, Brax ended up dominating the fight with his own Annihilator gun, that he shot out against the Noids while Cora covered him with her Plasma Striker.

Her sniping also was a huge pain, at least for the Noids, that they had to run for cover whenever they see her sniping at them. Giving Brax the space to cross the bridge with Cora behind him, continuing to shoot his Annihilator missiles against the Noids on his way to the generator. With Cora following behind.

After all, they were like brother, and sister, in battle, and Cora was glad to have him for a fellow ally in her past battles that they fought together in, prior to their battle against Nefarious's forces. And they protected each other in battle, as Cora continued to fight by his side, or give him sniper support, while Brax continued to overpower their enemies, and made sure to have Cora reposition herself when the situation requires it, or when their enemies start to head for her position, forcing her to do such.

It was no exception here, as Cora continued to fire her Plasma Striker at the Noids, while Brax either used the Annihilator, or his fists, against them. While Cora occasionally got closer to shoot out her Constructo Pistol against them.

"Let's not let up our pressure, Brax! We're getting close!" She said, noticing that just across the bridge, was the generator that powered the gun.

"Roger that! Let's take that generator down while we battle those Noid freaks!" Brax said, charging forward with Cora not far behind, against the Noids.

Whom tried to defend the generator against Brax, but Cora made sure that it'd be a hard job with her other weapon, the Plasma Coil, which there was another one of in Solona, that she was able to buy from Gadgetron.

While Brax used the other Suck Cannon, that she was using to suck up the small berserker Noids, and some boxes, to shoot at the rest of the Noids as they tried to fight back while some of them were running away.

And why not, as both Rangers were now headed for the generator, that was inside the building that the Noids were trying to protect, but Brax, and his Suck Cannon was too fierce for them as he ended up beating them on the bridge, and on the other side of the bridge, close to the building.

While Cora, also sent her support with the Coil. And regardless of her getting hurt by the Noids, alongside Brax, she kept on shooting back against them, making sure to gain breathing room for herself, and Brax, when they destroy the generator.

It wasn't too hard, just not too easy, since the Noids were determined to fight to protect the generator from the Rangers. Up to the point that they were suddenly giving them stiff resistance when they were nearly across the bridge, and was about to enter the room where the generator was.

Which even Brax felt that he could be unable to break through with the Suck Cannon. And there was more Noids that could protect themselves from the other Annihilator missiles that Brax could throw at them alongside Cora.

And even though they could eventually take them all down to get to the generator, it would waste a lot of time. And time is not on their side here, considering that it could mean that Hydro Girl's mothership is now getting fired at.

And even though she could dodge some of the shots, the mothership mainly blocked them with its shields for the shots that are too fast to dodge. And at this rate, the shields are taking a beating, and could end up vanishing if the pressure keeps up from the big guns that they are destroying.

Which, at this rate, it could be two guns left if Ratchet, and Angela got their objective done, along with Qwark, and Skrunch, or Skidd, and Starlene. And they would still be of trouble to Hydro Girl's ship.

So they had to see if they could find a way in as Cora was running around the building to see if there was another door to the inside. Only to see that there was only one door that leads inside. (She did grab a Titanium Bolt though, feeling curious as to what they do.) And it was crawling with Noids.

So they felt that they could need to sync their shots of both the Plasma Coil, and Annihilator shots against them, together, to take a lot of them out as they can before destroying the next generator.

Where they were able to gain an opening against the Generator with a gap between the Noids.

And Cora decided to take the shot after switching back to her Plasma Striker.

It was a direct hit, which was able to destroy the generator, and the nearby gun that they were after. Much to their joy, as the Noids ended up getting demoralized from that shot, and yet they decided to charge at them, trying to at least get revenge for the shot.

Even though Brax was sure he could take them, Cora could get swarmed with him if she wasn't careful, so they both withdrew back to their vehicle.

"Great shot Cora! You definitely showed those Noids, why your sniping shouldn't be trifled with!" Brax said, praising her shot as they ran.

Which had her smiling back at him in gratitude. "Thanks Brax! You also showed them that you were a strong survivor of Dreadzone for a reason!" She said as they were getting to the vehicle.

Where fortunately for them, back up arrived in both Lombaxes driving to them both, before shooting at the Noids to cover them as they got back to the assault vehicle to reposition themselves to supporting the rest of the squad that had yet to get done. With the Lombaxes close behind them.

While the Lombaxes also saw the Noids getting blasted by Hydro Girl's mothership blast.

"How are things on your end Hydro Girl?!" Ratchet asked.

"My shields are still strong, but they're at least at 50%, and still counting down! So you have some time, just not plenty of it." She said.

Something that they kept in mind as they were driving their way to where Skidd, and Starlene was, while Cora, and Brax were on their way to Qwark, and Skrunch to lend a helping hand for them both.

And they all agreed to unite at the main gate to assault the main place to fight against the Queen of the Tyhrranoids.

For now though, Ratchet, and Angela was on their way to Skidd, and Starlene.

Where once they got there after a not too long drive, they ended up seeing that both Starlene, and Skidd was fighting to the best of their abilities, while on a path of cliffs that should lead to one of the other generators.

With Skidd still using his Solona Mini Turret gloves against the Noids, while behind one of the rocks, making sure to toss one out to cover Starlene, and to distract the Noids into focusing on them, while he shoots at them with his own Blaster. (The regular version of Ratchet's Gold Blaster.)

While Starlene fought bravely against them, with her own Flux Rifle, as well as her own Devastator gun, making sure to protect Skidd from the Noids while he does the same for her, using his Mini Turret glove.

And yet even though they were holding out just fine, they weren't making progress to the generator, since the Noids were fighting hard to defend it from them.

And to make matters worse for them, a Noid dropship was now dropping down some other Noids behind them, threatening to flank them. Which Skidd noticed, much to his horror.

"OH CRAP! LOOK BEHIND US DUDETTE!" Skidd yelled out to Starlene as he shot out some more Mini Turrets in hopes that they'd protect them both.

Whom ended up seeing that too. "Oh geez! We might need some backup soon!" She said, continuing to shoot out her weapons against the Noids on both sides, feeling that they have little cover from the flanking Noids that she was attempting to take down with her own Shock Blaster.

Only to then see that the flanking Noids were getting taken down by the Lombaxes, that just arrived on their position as they were now by their side. "Anybody call for Backup!?" Angela asked, joining the fight alongside Ratchet, and Clank.

"We were about to, dudette, thanks for the save!" Skid said, smiling at the Lombaxes in appraisal. Before continuing to use his Blaster against the Noids.

"No problem Skidd. Leave them to us. Just make sure the generator goes down." Ratchet said, bringing the fight to the Noids, alongside Angela.

"Roger that!" Starlene said, as she, and Skidd ended up moving out to the Generator, while also fighting against the remaining Noids that isn't fighting Ratchet, and Angela, on their way to the Generator. With Skidd continuing to use the Agents of Doom against the Noids to cover them as they charged the generator together while the Lombaxes keep the Noids busy.

It was a little difficult when the remaining Noids that had yet to do battle with them, ended up bringing the fight to Starlene, and Skidd, but they were able to fight back. And that was despite the latter's cowardice, as when he kept on skirmishing away, and jumping, and running along the path to the generator, while his Agents of Doom glove.

Which caused him to inadvertently run to the generator, much to his pleasant surprise as he shot the generator with his Solona Blaster. Which blew up the generator, and the big gun, leaving only one left for taking down.

Much to the joy of the Q-force, and the Galactic Rangers as they now were ready to assault the base once Qwark was done with the last one.

Whom, was jumping through the path through the tunnel, with Skrunch behind him, as they were now close to the generator of the last big gun.

Which ended up making it a bit harder for him, since he won't have any air cover from the Phoenix, or Hydro Girl's mothership, leaving him, and Skrunch to use their wits in the cave.

And if the rest of the Q-force was there, they'd see that even though Qwark was fighting hard against the Noids himself. And he was doing a good job at his fighting as he was shooting at them with his own Annihilator missile launcher, as well as his own Lava Gun that he remembers getting from Bogon himself.

While also punching them himself, showing that he is quite a strong hero himself, which would be impressive to see if Ratchet, and Angela was there.

All while Skrunch was moving along himself, shooting out his weapon, being the Bomb Glove. (A regular version of the Golden one that Ratchet had.) Making sure to assist his buddy against the Noids.

"Haha! You think that you're all vicious?! I've fought robots that was more menacing than you guys! None of you could even hope to match fists with the likes of a Snagglebeast!" He said, grinning as he took down more of the Noids.

Not only that, but he also jumped on the cliff spire platforms that gave him a path to the generator, where he also took down more of the Noids that was in the way of his path to the generator.

"Ha! You guys think you're tough? This isn't a battle, this is just pest control!" Qwark continued to boast out.

He was on his way, there with Skrunch now on his shoulder, when he got ambushed by more of the Noids, almost like they were taking him up on his boasts. Rather than be scared though, he merely remained determined to fight to his last breath should this be his final stand on Tyhrannosis.

Which he doubts it'd be, with his members, and the Rangers, on his side.

Luckily for him though, Brax ended up making it to him, and was now fighting by his side alongside Cora, as he punched the other gunner Noids.

"Nice to see you here Brax! Have you achieved your objective?" Qwark asked.

"Yes sir! And so has Ratchet, and Angela! They're now helping both Skidd, and Starlene!" He responded.

"Excellent! Now our mission is going smoothly. At this rate, our battle on Tyhrranosis will conclude in our victory!" Qwark said, continuing to shoot, and punch the Noids alongside Brax, while Cora, and Skrunch laid down supporting fire, just to make sure that no Noid will ambush them mid fight.

As they were on their way to the generator, they ended up noticing a Swingshot node for use. So Cora used it to swing to the other end, where she ended up finding a Platinum Bolt. Which she decided to collect, feeling that Ratchet could use that.

Now they were headed to the last of the big guns.

"My shields are at least at 20% here and still going down! Quick! Destroy that last gun!" She said, noting to them that the second squad that Ratchet is leading, has destroyed the other gun.

"Roger that! Hang in there, Hydro Girl!" Qwark said seriously, proceeding to go onwards towards the big gun at a fast pace, with his squad not far behind, while Skrunch was on his shoulder.

Which was a pleasantly surprising thing for Cora to hear. Sure she wasn't fond of Qwark for what he's done in the past, particularly if it had Ratchet involved in any way, so she did expect him to probably be continuing to attempt to retake his former glory as a hero, from Ratchet, but here, he seemed to be fighting to save Hydro Girl.

Which is what she did start to expect from him, when both Clank, and Brax lectured to him about what he should do as a better hero. It was nice that he was starting to learn from his past. Otherwise, Cora feels that she would totally walk out of the Q-force, probably alongside Ratchet, Angela, Starlene, and even Al, should Qwark remain ego driven during his fight against Nefarious.

For now though, they were on their way to the last gun, jumping over the river of ooze, blasting the Noids, until they eventually got outside of the cavern. Where they ended up seeing the big gun that was being protected by the Noids.

"Alright Cora, blast the generator while Brax, Skrunch, and I, holds off these Noids for you!" Qwark said, proceeding to fight the Noids with Brax, and Skrunch continuing to throw the bombs at the Noids too.

While Cora obeyed, and ended up shooting out the generator, destroying the big gun itself, and ending their second objective of the battle.

"Nice job Cora! Hydro Girl! How is your ship holding up?" Qwark asked after taking down the demoralized Noids near the gun.

"At 11% Captain! They should be full again in a few minutes now that the pressure's off." Hydro Girl said, sounding happy. "And I still got enough juice to blast an opening into the leader's base on the island that you're on."

"Good! Be sure to do that, then withdraw to a safe distance from the Planet until the shields are charged again. We'll take it from here now." Qwark said, now headed to the main gate where he'd reunite with the rest of his Q-force squad.

The now reunited Q-force was now in front of the large gate door, as it was now being blasted by a powerful air strike from Hydro Girl's mothership, blasting the door into several pieces as it left an opening for the group to enter the interior of the base that the Noid Queen should be inside.

"Go get 'em guys! Just dry not to die!" Hydro Girl said, putting her ship into a tactical retreat.

The Squad made sure to keep that in mind as they not entered the place, before standing in an elecator that was carrying them up to the room where they could be fighting the Queen of the Tyhrranoids.

As they were getting higher in the elevator, the members of the Q-force felt a little bit of dread at the thought of fighting the Noid Queen. Not that they were going to run, or even dare to not fight back against the Queen, it's just that they all felt nervous about it.

Especially Qwark, who admits that he might not want to fight the Noid Queen herself, and that he wants to run. But he knew that should he do that, then Ratchet, and Angela, along with the rest of his Q-force would resent that, and could quit his team to join Ratchet's own team. Or worse, join Nefarious's side. (Not that he believes, Ratchet would do such a thing, regardless of his past with Qwark. Considering his own resentment towards Nefarious.) So he knew he has to swallow his fears, and fight the Queen as well.

Something that he hopes, would please his squad members if he does.

While Skidd on the other hand, was just as nervous about what they were going to face off against, but he was making sure not to panic.

Meanwhile, there was some conversations being made.

"So, Angela. What have you done with Ratchet, when the Protopet business was over with?" Starlene asked.

"Oh, we were just hanging out with each other, talking, playing some games with each other while back in the Megapolis apartment, and we even talked about what a journey we had back in Bogon." Angela responded. "He even talked about his journey that he was on, before he was sent to Bogon by Qwark."

"So he even told you about his journey to defeat that loathsome Drek? That is interesting to know. I got to ask though, did you guys kiss?" She privately asked her.

Which had Angela blushing at that when she heard the question. "Uh, n-no? I d-didn't even ask. I felt that it'd be uncomfortable for him. B-Besides. I don't think we're that far in."

"What a bummer. I think he'd be a cute boyfriend for you, considering your similarities to him." Starlene said, feeling like she was supportive of her friendship, and future relationship with him.

Which had Angela blushing more as she thought about what she said about him, and her, together. While she also felt a little surprised that she was not going for Ratchet herself, and instead, she seems like she was letting Angela have him. Which if so, then she would be happy that Starlene was getting generous if she was.

"Just be sure to spit it out to him when you feel that you're ready to tell him. Don't let your hesitation overtake your courage." Starlene said.

Angela kept that in mind, hoping that she'll do such a thing in the near future as they were now approaching the top floor of the base, where they saw a bridge that connected to a large walkway that they were now walking on, as it was over a pit of acid. While it was also under what appears to be a ceiling of thick web-like nets that was held up by some strong mud structures.

"Alright, we're here n-now. All we need to d-do now, is take down the Tyhrranoid Queen. Now where is she?" Qwark asked.

They didn't need to look for long though, as they ended up hearing some sounds like something was getting closer. And was on the ceiling as they ended up noticing that there was a large shape that was climbing to their direction on the ceiling.

Then it landed on the center path of the walkway, showing them that it was the Queen herself as it roared at them, showing that it was the hugest of the Tyhrranoids, with four tentacle arms, a pair of stubby tentacles that made up its feet, a mouth that opened up like a lamprey, as it also showed a hundred teeth inside of its mouth, and it had lime green colored skin with a greener back. And on its back was a turret, controlled by two two-eyed Tyhrranoids, that was assisting the Queen.

Skidd was tempted to scream like a girl at the roaring, as he nervously backed away from the Noid, but he was kept in his place by Starlene's stern glare. "Don't run away. We will survive this battle." She whispered to him.

A tense stand off ensued as the Q-force stared down the Noid Queen for a few minutes.

Before the battle ended up starting with Angela firing off her Spitting Hydra against the Noid Queen, hurting it, while Ratchet also shot at it with the Nitro Launcher.

That lead to the rest of the Q-force shooting at the Noid Queen. With even Skidd lending his hand with his Mini Turrets.

Even though the Queen was getting hurt, it was not going down just that easily as it was running to them, trying to crush them in its tentacles that it was now swinging around to hit them with.

It missed all of them though when they backed away, or jumped over the tentacles before running back, with Angela, and Ratchet doing the latter as well. Now they were all being chased by the Queen as it continued to try to crush them with its tentacles, or try to eat them whole in its lamprey mouth.

But the Q-force continued to elude its tentacles, as their weapons continued to blast the Queen all over, which it withstood even if it was starting bleeding from the shots.

"Keep up the pressure, that thing's going down sooner or later!" Qwark said.

Knowing that the tentacle tactic isn't working, the Queen got on the ceiling, before using the turret on her back to try to blast them with. Which was harder for them than her tentacles as the turret was now shooting in a spinning pattern, forcing the Q-force to duck, or jump over the fast moving lasers that it shot out.

But they weren't giving up, as they returned fire against the Noid Queen. Trying to take it down with their weapons, which was proving to be damaging the Queen, and weakening it a bit.

Which cause the Queen to end up switching to some missiles to shoot at them with. And to make matters worse, it was now shielded by the gun making a bubble shield around her, as it was now shooting her missiles out of it.

Which forced the Q-force to run from the Queen, as it chased them to another path that was just being made for them via a opening bridge, that lead somewhere that they decided to take, knowing that their way out through the way they came in, was blocked by a shield wall.

So they ran, with the Queen in pursuit as it continued to shoot at them with its missiles.

While along the way, there were little berserker Noids that tried to block their path, and try to harm them, but they were no match for their guns. Not only that, but the Queen's Noids in the turrets were also shooting at them in their attempt to shoot the Q-force. Which was a plus as they continued onwards through the halls, avoiding the berserker Noids until they get to the next walk way that also went around in a square with a cross in the center.

Where the battle resumed as they were shooting back at the Noid Queen's shields in hopes that it could weaken the shields, and make the Queen a sitting duck against them.

All while the Queen continued to try to shoot them with the turret on its back.

Even though it was able to get a hit on some of the Q-force, particularly with Ratchet, Angela, Cora, and Starlene, they were merely baring with the pain as they continued to return fire against the Noid Queen, trying to take down its shields.

All while it either got back on the ground, and tried to smash them again with its tentacles, or even tried to eat them with its lamprey mouth, or got back on the ceiling, and shot at them with the turret on its back, trying to blast them with its missiles, or turn them into swiss cheese with its laser turrets.

And it had some minions in the flying Noids joining in on the fight, forcing some of the Q-force to shoot at them as well to bring them down.

It was an intense battle that the squad, especially Ratchet, and Angela was facing in the base.

It was a couple minutes of fighting, along with some other members of the Q-force getting hit, particularly Qwark himself, when they were able to eventually able to take the shields down. Or so it seemed to them.

"You can think me later for taking down its shields, you're welcome by the way!" Elaris's voice sounded, telling them that her hacking took down the shields that the Noid Queen was using.

Which was much to the Joy of the whole Q-force, as they hoped to remind themselves to thank her for her hacking prowess in saving them from the Queen's wrath as long as it remained inside the shield. Which could've made it into a doomed fight.

Now the Queen was getting hit itself, as they were shooting at it, while it was also shooting back, regardless of it suffering the shots from the Q-force.

Then of course, Angela got close enough to blast it with the Spitting Hydra a couple times, only for her to be hit by its tentacles, as it flung her away like a finger to a mosquito, making her soar over the Q-force and a horrified Ratchet. "AUGH! OH F#$! MEEEEEEEE!" She yelled out during her flight.

Luckily for her, she merely fell back onto the walk way behind them, and not into the acid that was below them. Much to Ratchet's relief as he ran to her.

"Are you okay Angela?!" Ratchet asked, seeing some of the minor wounds on her body from the Queen.

"I'll be fine, Ratchet! Besides, I think I know how we can take it down!" She said, before taking him aside, while the Q-force kept the Queen busy, then explaining to Ratchet what she plans to do with him against the Queen. Then, once she was done, she got ready to put her little plan to action after some preparations.

"You following my lead?!" She asked Ratchet.

"Ready!" He responded. All while Clank was hoping that this plan would work, having heard the plan from her mouth too.

They then saw Qwark suddenly getting scooped up by the Queen when he tried to retreat with the rest of the Q-force. Rather than scream like a little girl, he merely kept on shooting at her with his gun, trying to make her drop him.

At that, both Lombaxes were dashing past the Q-force. As they were now putting the fight to the Queen with Ratchet keeping the Queen busy, and shooting the Queen in one of its eyes, causing it to drop Qwark to the floor as it screeched in pain. All while Angela was running behind the Queen. With the Q-force wondering what they were doing.

Qwark though, guessed that they were doing something that could help them against the Queen, and so he gave his support. "Go get her, Ratchet, and Angela!" He called out, despite not knowing what they could be doing against it. All while continuing to shoot the Noid Queen himself to weaken it further.

What they were doing, was that Ratchet was distracting the Queen, dodging its tentacles, and shooting her with his N60 Storm, while Angela ended up running behind the Queen, making sure not to grab its notice herself, before she then ended up shooting both of the Noids in the turret with her Flux Rifle, making sure to target both of the Noids inside the turret. Obliterating them both, before climbing onto the back of the Queen, and got to the turret before putting a Hoverbomb inside the turret's interior, to obliterate the turret on its back, now that it was damaged enough from the shots.

The turret ended up blowing up after Angela got off of the Queen, and rejoined the rest of the Q-force. All while the Queen was roaring in pain as the exploding turret dealt a massive blow to the Queen, before it then fell on her belly, now dead.

The Q-force ended up celebrating at the victory that they gained from defeating the Noid Queen, as Qwark proceeded to stomp on one of its eyes for good measure, in hopes that it would remain unmoving regardless of the eye loss as it got stomped into a green blood puddle.

It didn't move in the slightest. Proving to the group that the Noid Queen was truly dead.

Much to his joy as he ended up grinning at the group for a job well done, especially towards Ratchet, and Angela, for their maneuver that finished off the Queen.

Once they were outside of the base to celebrate their victory over the Queen, thus giving the Rangers an upper hand in their battle against the Tyhrranoids on their own Planet. At this rate, the Galactic Rangers were going to win, and deal a major blow to Nefarious's army.

All while the Q-force was with Qwark, looking over the celebrations, and recovering together, especially Ratchet, and Angela, after their battle against the Queen, when they saw a news ship come out of nowhere, and ended up landing near them.

And out of the ship, came the News Anchorwoman bot herself, Darla Gratch. Whom was unharmed despite being in the battle on Veldin, and seemingly was a prisoner of the Noids that they might've freed her from, and they didn't notice.

Whom was smiling at Qwark as she, along with her camera crew was jogging towards Qwark. "Hey Captain Qwark, a moment of your time?"

Qwark couldn't reject an impending interview from her, so he accepted. "Ask away."

After some prep time, she ended up beginning her interview. "Captain Qwark. First, you have made another miraculous comeback, and now you have defeated the Tyhrranoids in a spectacular battle on their own home Planet." She said in the interview.

Much to some of the Q-force's dismay, particularly Ratchet, and Angela's.

"How do you explain your recent success?" She asked, before putting the microphone near him, cueing him to speak.

"Courage, Compassion, Dashing good looks, and Iron hard abs!" He responded, causing her to roll her eyes at that.

"Seriously though, to be a true hero of heroes, you need more than loads of charisma, and a brilliant tactical mind! But most of all, I couldn't have done it without…"

Ratchet, posed heroically, thinking he'd be praised by Qwark for the job well done. All while Angela rolled her own eyes in a humorous way.

Remembering what Brax, and Clank said, Qwark prepared himself for his praise. "*Ahem* I couldn't have done it without our saviors, and the slayers of Chairman Drek, Ratchet, and Clank." He said, much to Ratchet's joy as he smiled at the cameras.

"Along with the co-savior of the Bogon Galaxy from the Protopet menace, Angela Cross!" Angela made a little bow at that.

"Along with the fellow sergeants of the Galactic Rangers, Cora, Brax, and Elaris!" He then said, thanking Elaris too, if she was watching the interview.

"As well as pro Hoverboarder, Skidd Mcmarx, and former host of the Hoverboard competition, Starlene!" He then said, as the latter bowed for the camera, while the former threw out his peace signs.

"As well as the former contestant of Dreadzone, Hydro Girl, who has given us her air support from her ship." He also said, hoping that she was watching too.

"And my monkey companion… AND THESE MASSIVE GUNS!" He then boasted, kissing his muscles after gesturing to Skrunch.

Which was much to Ratchet, and Angela's annoyance at that. But at least they were given some credit for the Queen's demise as well. As they should deserve too.

"You heard it here first folks, Qwark has returned from his dark age, and is now fighting Nefarious for the fate of the Solona Galaxy." Darla said, smiling again. "Is he going to succeed, and bring Nefarious his just just due repeat of his defeat? We will have to wait and see as this battle continues. Until next time, Darla Gratch, Channel sixty four news."

"Okay, that's a wrap!" One of the camera crew said, ending the interview there, as they were now getting back to the Van, and to safety. After all, the battle on Tyhrranosis wasn't over yet.

Before they could enter the van though, Darla had Ratchet's attention. "Oh, and Ratchet, thank you. Had you and your girlfriend not been there for the Rangers, and for us, I would've remained as their prisoner." She then said, smiling at him in praise.

Which had him blushing alongside Angela, at what Darla said. The Q-force ended up smiling at the thought of them together. They also thought about teasing them for that, but they felt that they had better things to do than that.

Like assisting the rest of the Rangers in their own battle on a different section of Tyhrranosis.

Chapter Text

Chapter Seven: Raiding the research on Daxx

Back on the Phoenix, the Q-Force was in the middle of speaking about their battle that took place on Tyhrranosis, as they were also speaking about their fights that they had against the Noids, especially the Queen of the Tyhrranoids. With Ratchet providing his version of how the fight went, alongside Angela, Cora, and Brax.

Beforehand though, they went through a couple more rounds of battles against the Noids as they fought against them on a different section of the Planet.

Which was on one of the important islands of the Planet that they fought on, known as Kavu Island.

Where their operation known as, Operation: ISLAND STRIKE ended up happening. And Ratchet, and Angela, was also explaining that battle to Sasha, Skidd, (Who went back to the Phoenix after the Noid Queen's demise.) Al, Hydro Girl, and Elaris.

Not to mention Captain Qwark himself, who was making sure to lead the battles on the different sections of Tyhrranosis, which was why he wasn't there on Kavu Island either. But he was confident that the Q-Force could take that Island with the help of a regiment of the Rangers, that was also trying to accomplish the mission in their Operation on the Island.

Which was an Operation that the Q-Force, especially Ratchet, and Angela, lead, and fought in as they continued their fight for Tyhrranosis, on Kavu Island. Where there was one of the Noid's fortresses on the island, that they needed to take out in order to ensure that they won't lose their upper hand against the Noids.

Which would ensure to them that their victory on Tyhrranosis will be certain, and soon to be theirs. Which should deal a major blow to Nefarious, and his forces, and turn their battle against him towards their favor.

"And how did Operation: ISLAND STRIKE go?" Al asked, with Qwark also interested in hearing the tale.

"Well, our Operation began with their assault on Kavu Island, with Angela, and I, leading the Rangers in their assault, alongside some of the other Q-Force members, while simultaneously defending the base that they took on Kavu Island during their battle against the Queen. And that would be before we proceeded to capture a Hover ship to help them against the Noids." Ratchet began.

"And it's a good thing too, since the Noids launched a huge air assault against the base. Which had Cora using the Hover ship to help protect the base from the Noids, alongside both Starlene, and Brax, providing anti air support against them with their missiles. Cora took some hits, but she's okay." Angela said.

"Seriously? Wow, that could've been rougher than it was for the Rangers if they didn't get that ship." Sasha said, feeling relieved that the Rangers had them as leaders during that battle.

"In the meantime, we were helping the Rangers with taking down an impenetrable forcefield that surrounded the main base of the Tyhrranoids, that we knew, would stand between us, and our victory in the taking of the Island, and by extension, the rest of the Planet. And with the forcefield up, it would make it next to impossible for us to get to the base, and take it." Ratchet then explained.

Which would be a bad thing, as at that rate, it would give the Noids time to either retreat the rest of their forces out of the Planet, to fight another day, or, in the worse case scenario, it'd give them a chance to mount a counterattack, that would turn the tide to their side, and would put them at a stalemate, or probably help the Noids avenge their queen, and force the Rangers to retreat from their Planet.

At least, the Rangers seemed to think so.

Which was not an option for the Rangers to do the latter, since it would give the Noids an invitation to launch another counterattack, which could not only put the other Planets at risk, but also the Phoenix. And that would be a disaster for the Rangers, and the Galaxy by extension, if they did that. So they kept up the pressure, while making sure to find a way to deactivate the forcefield.

"And while the Rangers were finding a way to deactivate the forcefield, we also defended the base from not only the Noids in the air, but also the Noids that was on foot, that also tried to assault the base." Angela said. "And that led to another mission for us to take, as I was on foot, while Ratchet was in the air."

That other mission, was what they also were trying to accomplish, in order to complete another Operation, (Making it an Operation within an Operation.) known as Operation: Thunderbolt, came into play.

"I used Clank's levitator attachment to fly my way to the Noids, where I ended up blasting the other Noids in their mechs with my weapons, as well as the anti air homing rockets that tried to shoot me down, I was able to maneuver around the missiles though, so I ensured not to get shot down as I blasted the mechs." Ratchet said.

"You should've seen me there, I was flying in the sky, dodging the missiles, and shooting some of them down, as well as the mechs, all while the Noids were determined to make my battle end there on the Island, in chunks! They tried to avenge their fallen Queen as they tried to shoot me down in masse with their own missiles, and their mech lasers. It felt like there was no escape, the explosions were getting closer, cloooser! What am I going to do, right? Even closer, I feel like my blaster jammed!" He said. All while he also made some blasting sound effects, shooting his imaginary guns, while he also made some fake panic sounds.

Which brought a giggle out of Sasha, Hydro Girl, Elaris, and Angela. While Al, Skidd, and Qwark was looking on in awe at that, feeling proud of Ratchet for surviving the ordeal. (Otherwise, he wouldn't be there talking about it.)

"But I never got hit by the missiles throughout my flight since I kept on maneuvering, while I had to make sure the mechs were unable to hit me with their lasers, as I knew that having to dodge both the lasers, and the missiles, would've been a pain. But I prevailed since the mechs were no match for my Mini Rocket Tube." He said.

"And it's a good thing that Angela had them taken care of, along with the Anti-air rockets, huh." Sasha said, smiling at him and Angela.

"Well, it's what a lovebird would do to protect her future mate from danger." Qwark said, much to the others' amusement, while both Ratchet, and Angela blushed at that.

"Damn it Qwark, she's not my-"

"So, what happened after you were done with the ground forces, and once Cora finished her mission?" Skidd asked, before Ratchet could respond to Qwark out of embarrassment.

"Well, the force field was taken down after some hotwiring from one of the rangers, who we heard was called H-26. Whom sadly, got vaporized in the ordeal." Angela said cringing.

"Yeah, that Ranger had a rough break. Almost forgot about that poor guy." Ratchet said somberly, briefly mourning the poor Ranger. "Anyway, once we got the Noids taken care of, and once the Bridges were open, and once the forcefield was down, we ended up leading our assault on the base. It wasn't easy, considering that the dropships kept on bringing in more Noids, and they were determined not to lose Kavu Island, and especially when it came to those dang Gatling defense turrets connected to the base." Ratchet said, cringing at seeing a bunch of the Rangers getting obliterated by the defense turrets.

"But we persevered. And we've beaten the Noids, and proceeded to take their base after destroying their energy core inside of it, which would be after we destroyed those turrets. Which was good, as they sting like a Freaking Yeti from Grelbin." Angela said.

Sasha, and Elaris, was pleased, and excited to hear that from them. "Well, that means we've taken out the Noids on their home Planet. That should be something that Nefarious could be horrified, and furious of hearing about."

"Speaking of whom, Captain Qwark. Mind if we ask you something?" Angela asked.

"Oh, ask away." Qwark said casually.

"When we got to the second chapter of your Vid-Comic series, we saw that Nefarious used to be… whatever alien he used to be before becoming a robot. So, I gotta ask. What happened to him, that turned him into the robot that we all know, and hate?" Ratchet asked.

Qwark was a bit surprised at the question. But he played it cool as he laughed a bit. "Well, how about you get the next Vid-Comic first, and find out. Don't worry, at the rate you're collecting them, you might get the next one, and get your answer, soon enough." He said coolly.

Which was much to their dismay, but they knew that their answer does seem to be on the Vid-Comic that they should be getting next, once they have their opportunity. After all, there is a benefit to learning more about their foe, if they could be able to beat him that way.

They just hope, that the next Vid-Comic, is indeed going to be received by them, soon enough. Probably on the next Planet, or the Planet after that.

"By the way Ratchet, what happened next after the Queen's demise?" Al asked, wondering if he, and Angela might've kissed, or hugged.

Before Ratchet could answer that however, they were interrupted by the sudden appearance of both holograms of Dr. Nefarious, and his robot butler named Lawrence.

"Yes. Do go on. We're all riveted." Lawrence said, as the group looked on in surprise.

"So, this is the 'mighty Q-Force' that I've heard so much about." Nefarious said smugly, while Ratchet, Angela, Hydro Girl, Qwark, and Elaris glared at him, while Al, and Skidd was looking on in confusion, while Sasha looked on in shock.

"PATHETIC!" He then spat. "I could obliterate the lot of you within an instant, and they wouldn't even mention it on Supervillain Weekly!" He said, looking like he was still confident in his victory, regardless of the loss of the battle on Tyhrranosis. It was like he either was insane enough to merely see that loss as a minor defeat, despite evidence to the contrary, or he could indeed be stronger than they thought he'd be at this stage, if even the loss of the home Planet of the Tyhrranoids isn't enough to beat him, or his forces.

Stars help them if it's the latter. But that isn't stopping even Sasha, from glaring at him on the last part.

"Indeed sir, but you'll have done the fashion world an enormous service." Lawrence said.

"Oh yeah? Well, we could destroy your army… and then you… without too much trouble, with only the Q-Force in the fight. And they wouldn't mention it on Superhero Weekly!" Skidd said, hoping to make a comeback line.

Which was decent in the eyes of the group, maybe even good, but not enough to insult Nefarious into getting angry, let alone enraged.

"Ohh, sharp tongue for a squishy." Nefarious said sarcastically, almost like he was non-verbally asking, 'Is that the best you got?' in his tone.

"As for you Secret Agent Clank, I have far grander plans for you." He then said, making Clank glare defiantly at him.

"Oh, I'm guessing that they're 'Nefarious' plans that you have?" Angela said, making a pun to annoy him.

Which was a success. "*Ggn* I never liked puns. Especially horrible ones like that one." Nefarious said.

Ratchet suddenly had a small idea. "Well let's be fair here, Radiohead, at least they couldn't be as Pun-ishing, compared to what Qwark could do to you once you fight."

"Especially, once Qwark is able to defeat you, and bring your Nefarious Plans down to the drawing board." Sasha said, also bringing in her puns to wind him up.

All while she was also nonverbally telling Al, and Elaris, to trace where the Holo-vid is coming from. Which is what they're doing.

All while Nefarious continued to growl at the puns that was being flung out against him. It was like they were trying to get under his skin, to provoke him into making a mistake.

Even Qwark got in on the action with his own puns. Which, even by his allies' admission, they were either so bad that they are actually pretty funny, or was just as unfunny as Nefarious thinks they are. But they didn't care, they just wanted to wind him up long enough for them to trace the call. Even making fun of him, and whatever plan he had for the Galaxy, for him to stay long enough for the trace to work.

Which, was what Al was able to do, little did Nefarious know at the moment.

"RAARGH! When this is over, you will all be apologizing for those bad puns you've made! I SWEEAR IT!" Nefarious yelled out before demanding Lawrence to end the call.

All while both Al, and Elaris, were grinning. "I got it! Apparently, the call has come from the Planet Daxx!"

"Now, to access their computer files…" Elaris said while both Lombaxes were wondering what Planet Daxx is.

"Ah-ha! I found something suspicious. Patching it through, now!" He said, showing them the video of Daxx.

"Tonight, we take a journey inside the enigmatic mind of our galaxy's most evil genius, Dr. Nefarious." The narrator of Supervillain Weekly said, as it showed a DVD cover of what looked to be a purple skinned monster wearing a cyan blue mask that covered his upper face, but not his red eyes. Before it then showed Nefarious' robot head.

Then it showed a guarded building that looked like it was on Daxx, as it had a main cannon turret over the main room, as well as tower buildings that was also on the roof of the facility building, along with a radar dish. All while there was some robotic guards that was in front of the facility themselves. "We'll take a tour of this secret facility on Planet Daxx, home to some of the Galaxy's most insidious superweapons; including the dreaded 'Rainbow Afrolizer'." He said, before showing a scientist that wore an afro that was colored in a rainbow.

Not much of a scary superweapon, as the Narrator was making it cut out to be, at least in the eyes of the Q-Force.

Then it showed Nefarious himself, as well as Lawrence, as they both stood on a floating platform, while they were both surrounded by fan blades that was likely holding up the platform as the camera panned to them. "Dr. Nefarious, we've all enjoyed your past work, but how do you respond to critics that says that your galactic schemes are just more of the same trick?" He then asked Nefarious.

"I WILL ANNIHILATE THEM!" He proclaimed loudly in anger, likely at being called stale.

Then it just showed a figure of what looked like a moon shaped space station behind a shadow, and a Question Mark. "Lawrence, tell us a little about this 'Top-Secret Superweapon' being constructed on Planet Daxx."

"Well, 'super' is such a strong word. And for that matter, 'weapon' may be a tad overdoing it. We do, however, have a lovely view of the ocean at sunset." Lawrence responded as the camera focused on him, and Nefarious, the latter of whom, was nodding with agreement on the last part of the sentence as he looked back at the camera.

"Is Dr. Nefarious himself, poised on the brink of intergalactic domination? Or is this 'Superweapon' just the latest in the series of maniacal pipe dreams? Stay tuned for more of Supervillain Weekly, after these messages!" The Narrator said as it showed some towers with a crosshair design on the top of them, before showing the DVD cover of the same monster again, before ending the broadcast.

"Whatever Nefarious is doing on Daxx, it cannot be good." Sasha said seriously.

"We'll check it out." Ratchet said, with Clank, and Angela, in agreement.

"I'll send Starlene, and Hydro Girl to be your ally, on this mission to Daxx. Just to ensure that this little raid, will be a success." Qwark said. Much to Ratchet, and Angela's delight, since they have two extra allies that they can check out the place on Daxx with. "Also, be sure to go to the Holodeck Training suite. A pair of Hyper-shot gadgets, and hackers, is waiting for you both there. And there's a little course that was made, to train on and help you use those gadgets properly. They may be of great use for Daxx, after all." Qwark then said.

"You're welcome." Al said impatiently as Ratchet, Angela, and Clank was now on their way out of the room, and into the hall of the Phoenix.

Where they were headed to the holo-deck suite where they were going to get their Hyper-shot gadgets there. When they figuratively bumped into Helga the Valkyrie bot.

"So, you've come back vith the intent to impress me, like on Maktar, und zhe Megacorp Games, und Annihilation Nation, huh?" Helga asked respectfully.

Which was a sudden contrast to the first time they met, on Kerwan. When Ratchet pissed her off for his 'mediocre' performance on her obstacle course for the Swingshot, causing her to force them to pay in Bolts, for it. Much to Ratchet, and Clank's dismay. Afterwards, she merely looked at them with disdain, even as they were saving the Solona Galaxy from Drek, even when Qwark's involvement with Drek was exposed. Heck, even with that in mind, she somehow still respects Qwark, and was happy to see him back in his role as a hero of the Galaxy.

But it seems that his gladiatorial performances on Maktar, the Megacorp Games, and even on Annihilation Nation, has won him newfound respect from her. Which, considering how dangerous those games were to him when he fought in them, then why shouldn't he gain such? It still felt a bit odd that she's now nicer to him than last time they interacted.

"Actually, we were just trying to see if we can get the gadgets, and split." Ratchet said in response.

"We have a spaceship to catch." Angela said with Clank in agreement.

"Hmph! People are usually looking for ze easy vay out. Not zat I blame you for it, ya. There are some things zat are impossible after all. Macht nichts, (No matter,) if any of you can complete ze course, you can have ze gadgets." Helga said.

As much as Ratchet, and Angela wanted to get the gadgets, and go to Daxx, before Nefarious could get away, they knew that rushing in without practicing how those gadgets work, would be a detriment to their goal in raiding Dexx, and hopefully taking Nefarious out, while they were at it.

"Okay. Let's do this." Ratchet said, as he, and Angela got into the Virtual obstacle course that was just added to the Holo-deck, in order to test out the Hyper-shot.

Which was just an average obstacle course in the virtual world, where they used the Hypershots to grapple onto some spheres that it was designed to attach to, similar to the Swingshot that Ratchet used before, in his previous adventures in the Solona, and Bogon Galaxies. And yet there were also some spherical machines that also had platforms over them, that they activated by zapping them with the same gadget to have the platforms open up. Sorta like the Dynamo from the Bogon Galaxy, that he gained from Oozla.

In fact, the Hyper-shot looked like a mix between the Swingshot, and the Dynamo, too. And that had both Lombaxes surprised that the gadgets can be combined into one. Which had them wondering if Al might've had a hand in creating this gadget. It seems that he's outdone himself if that is the case.

And there were also some segments in the obstacle where they were blocked by forcefields, which was where they used the recently acquired Hacker gadget that they also might need for Daxx. Which is a gadget that Skidd used back on Aquatos.

And hacking with it, merely consisted of using the gadget, by inserting it into the three holed nodes, where they ended up playing some sort of game that was like the arcade shooter, where they would spin a little barrel on the inside, and shoot out the red glowing spots, while using the tractor beam to grab the green ones that also slowly moved up the grid lines, which builds up a bar of green energy nearby. Once it's full, then the stage of hacking was complete, and in this case, their hacking was successful. And they were able to deactivate the forcefield.

Which was different from the Electrolyzer, and the Infiltrator, both from Bogon. At least in terms of whatever he should do whenever he uses those gadgets during his journey. But the only fact remains, is that this is nothing new for Ratchet, in terms of activating, or deactivating something, or unlocking doors. He just hopes that Angela is either good at this too, or if she'll get the hang of it during their current journey.

Right now though, they were skimming through the obstacle course with the Hyper-shot, after using the wall jumping to get to the top, (While Angela accidentally had Ratchet's head in her bust again, after they reach the top.) and was putting the Hyper-shot to great use, as they continued onwards through the course, until they came to another forcefield that blocked another wall jumping section. Causing Angela to put another one of the Hackers to use, which she was able to competently do too. Even if she had some close calls of the red glowing dots almost hitting the top of the barrel, which she felt, would lead to her failing the hacking. But she succeeded with her hacking nonetheless as the forcefield faded.

Now the Lombaxes got past the wall jumping part, after Angela helped Ratchet up to the top. Even though Angela accidentally pulled hard, to where she fell backwards, with Ratchet on top of her. Leading to both of them blushing at their accidental position that they were in at the top, before separating.

"W-We've got to stop meeting like this." Ratchet said embarrassed.

"Agreed." Angela said, even though she did like the feeling of having him close to her, even if his head was in her chest. All while Clank made sure not to giggle at their accident.

For now, they just kept on going on through the course, making sure to swing through the path with the spheres with the Hyper-shot until they got to the end of the path, where they were at the large round-square door, likely the exit of the course, that was closed. No problem though, since Ratchet got the hacker ready, and put it to use on the node near the door, making sure to aim for the red ones with the blaster, while making sure to beam the green ones closer to get the hacker mini-game done with in success.

It was three stages of this, but it wasn't difficult. But both Ratchet, and Angela, felt that it was gonna get harder from there on out, so they made sure to brace themselves for the increase in difficulty, as they completed the course, and got through the door to the exit. (While they also got the Titanium Bolt on the way out.)

Once back in the Phoenix, the Lombaxes were now ready to be on their way to Daxx. "Okay. We'll just take those gadgets, and be on our way." Ratchet said after leaving the Holodeck alongside Clank, while Angela followed closely behind him, where he got the Gadgets from Helga.

"Oh Ya, go on little man, ho ho ho. Someday, if ve have a chance, you would like to see me, und Nefarious on ze wrestling mat, hmmm? We'll see how cocky zat maniac is, while he's twisted up like a vet noodle!" Helga said, like even she was hateful towards Nefarious. Which, considering that he's an enemy of Qwark, that's not a surprise.

Both Lombaxes were smiling on the inside, finding it to be a humorous, and appealing sight in their heads, to where they were tempted to see if they could bring Helga along in the final battle against Nefarious, if only to see that happen in front of them. All while Clank cringed on the inside at the thought.

But they needed to get to Daxx first, to see if they can still catch him there, as they got to the Hanger after telling Helga that they'll see her later, then they entered the Star Explorer, before they flew out of the Hanger to the coordinates of where Planet Daxx is. While on the way there, much to Clank, and Angela's horror, Ratchet used the Gravimetric Warp Drive to ensure that they can get to that place quick enough. So, they were in another warp vortex that consumed the Star Explorer, before it then popped out not too far from the Plane while the ship suffered no effects from the Warp, again.

Which did leave both Angela, and Clank a little bit more confident that

Where they saw that in orbit, Hydro Girl's mothership was near the Planet, showing them that she should be there, and waiting alongside Starlene, for them to arrive.

They proceeded to enter the Planet, as they looked around for where to land that is not too far from the Facility. And they were able to find it, along with both Hydro Girl, and Starlene, also there, flagging them to their location.

They proceeded to that location, where they docked nearby Hydro Girl's ship, before exiting the ship together, meeting back up with Hydro Girl, and Starlene.

"Sorry if we took long, we were just training in how to use the hacker, and the Hyper-shot." Angela said, a little embarrassed.

"Don't be. You're not late." Hydro Girl said with a smile. "We didn't see Nefarious's ship exiting the facility, when we got here, so he should still be in there."

"If that's the case, then let's go, and get that bad robot, and end this soon!" Angela said.

All of them agreed, before they all charged ahead to the path that was after the Hyper-shot spheres to use, as they ran on one of the few natural grounds of Daxx that was surrounded by water. Which they hoped they won't fall into, if the Lurker Sharks were inside.

After they swung their way past the water with the Hyper-shots, they took up an elevator that sent them to the upper section of the facility, where they were now charging ahead through the facility, fighting against the robot guards. Which they were able to take on without too many problems due to the Spitting Hydra that Angela shot, along with her Flux Rifle.

After slaying those robots though, the crew suddenly came across a large top-heavy robot that had gatling gun hands, and was floating in the air without any legs, as it floated over the walkway, before shooting at them with its gatling hands. Which forced them to take cover from the shots, before they shot back at it with their weapons.

The Spitting Hydra, and the Flux Rifle were able to make short work of the robot though, when they were able to shoot it with them. But they felt that they shouldn't take that bot lightly, if there's more of them.

Right now though, the Flux Rifle suddenly evolved in Angela's hands, to where it was now the V2 version. Which should mean that its shots should be more damaging in its upgraded form. Much to her delight, as it should make it easier to support her friends as they raid the facility, as they entered it.

Where on the inside of the facility, they continued to fight against more of the robotic guards as they shot at them. Some of which, hit Ratchet, Angela, and Hydro Girl with their bolts, but they bared with the pain as they shot back with their blasters, with Ratchet using his Golden Blaster against them as they got deeper into the facility, where they fought more of the robot guards, and some of the smaller zapping guards that looked like they could be sucked into Ratchet's Golden Suck Cannon.

Ratchet didn't test if that was true though, as they kept on shooting at the guards with the N60 storm, while strafing around their shots that almost grazed his fur. While using the double-sided saber sword to whack the smaller robots that tried to zap them with their hands. All while Hydro Girl also shot at the guards with her Annihilator missiles to devastate them.

All while both Starlene, and Angela covered them both with their Flux Rifles. Which also proved devastating for them as they took out the guards, and the rest of the smaller zapper bots as they jogged through the hall, after opening a gate that blocked their way, and destroyed more of the robots. While keeping themselves braced for the bigger robots.

"Whoa!" Angela said.

It was a good thing that they did, because they found another gatling bot that tried to shoot them, but they were in cover again, despite all of them taking some shots, but they were only minor wounds as they were now shooting back at the robot. Which took it down with only a little effort with the Spitting Hydra, and the Flux Rifle from Starlene, and Angela, before they all went onwards.

Where they were in the walkway outside of the interior of the facility, where they fought against more of the guards there, and shot them down on their way to the end of the walkway, while also taking down another large bot. Before they got to the locked door. Thankfully, there was a node near it, that they could use the hacker on, as Ratchet used it on the node.

After some hacking, he, and the rest of the crew entered the facility's entrance, when they came across some more guards that patrolled the room like they were waiting for someone to enter through either door. It is too bad that they didn't seem to expect them, as they shot them down with their weapons while taking advantage of their surprise before entering the next room.

Where they fought some more guards, but Hydro Girl got hit in her shoulder when a sniper also shot at them. Luckily for them though, that sniper bot wasn't a good shot. Especially compared to both Hydro Girl, and Angela. Both of whom, shot back against the sniper bots while the other bots got destroyed by Hydro Girl, and Ratchet.

"Are you okay?" Ratchet asked Hydro Girl after they were done with the bots.

"I'll be fine, Ratchet. Just a scratch. It'll heal." She said, assuring him that she'll be fine.

Ratchet took her word for it, as they got to the next door.

After another hacking by Angela, (And after getting another Titanium Bolt from the walkways outside the Facility.) The crew was now in the halls, fighting a lot of the robot guards that became dangerous, if they weren't using the Spitting Hydra, or the Flux Rifle.

Not only that, but the crew saw a yellow box with an orange flame on it, showing that it's an inferno Crate right there. Much to Ratchet, and Angela's excitement as the latter was quick in breaking it, putting her back in the skintight armor that helped her make short work of the guard bots, some of which, tried to run away, but got sniped in the process bu Starlene.

Now it was the crew themselves, as Ratchet hacked through the next door to the next room. Which was merely a supercomputer in the room's center. But so far, no sign of Dr. Nefarious, or Lawrence.

Despite the latter fact, they were satisfied with what they got so far, as Clank got to the supercomputer. "This terminal should give us high-level access to Nefarious' project files." Clank said, typing into the computer until they saw a sphere on the screen. "I found something." Clank said.

Then he got a little somber at what he was reading. "I'm afraid, it does not look good." He said as the crew was concentrating on the screen.

"Bio-bliterator?" Ratchet, and the crew asked in unison?

"Huh… I see what you mean. What exactly does it do, though?" Ratchet then asked.

"That information got deleted. It seems that they knew we were coming." Clank responded.

"Oh F#$!." Angela said in dismay. Causing both Starlene, and Hydro Girl to flinch at what she just said.

"You said it, Angela. Where is that thing, though?" Ratchet asked.

"Location unknown. But A large transport vessel has left this facility yesterday. And it was headed straight for the Obani Moon System." Clank said.

"The Obani Moons, huh? Well, we better check that place out, once we're done here." Ratchet said. Noticing that there was another path outside that they could take. Which they hoped, could lead to Dr. Nefarious himself.

Which the crew agreed with him on, as they all exited through the warp pad, and was back at the section near their ships. Now they were ready to go through the other path through Daxx, and see if they can get to Nefarious from there, if Nefarious hasn't left the Planet yet.

*Later*

"Watch out guys, this guy's loaded!" Ratchet said in alarm.

The crew was fighting against a large gunship as they were strafing around the ship's shots, jumping over its lasers, and avoided the missiles that it fired, as they felt that they were in a fight for their lives.

Beforehand, they were running through that section of Daxx, when the gunship appeared, and tried to shoot them with its missiles. Which in that section, was a dangerous hazard, since the missiles destroyed the Platforms that they were on, as they traversed through the path they took. Which, concerning the Lurker Shark infested waters that was under them, made the whole section more perilous than it normally would've been.

Not only that, but it also shot at them with lasers, as they shot back, while they kept moving through the section, making sure to avoid the platforms that was about to get destroyed by its missiles, so they won't fall into the water. All while it could also teleport too. Which made the section scarier as well since it could also pop out and appear on the other section of the path that they were on.

While both Lombaxes, alongside Starlene, and Hydro Girl, swung across the whole section with their Hyper Shots, using them for grappling towards the spheres over the platforms, or swinging across the gaps to the other platforms, making sure to make it to the other end, or help each other when they only barely make it to the edge of the other end. All while it shot at them throughout their swinging. Even giving them scrapes from its laser fire.

It seems that Nefarious was desperately making sure that they were gonna be stopped before they could get to him, and destroy him. Thus, ending the war early in their victory.

But they kept on going until they were at a section before the large open arena spire where they knew they have enough space to fight the gunship on, after they refilled their ammo in the Vender, and had some nanotech to heal them for those that got hurt on the way there, before they swung to the arena.

Which is where they were now, as they were now bringing their fight to the gunship. And they were ensuring that they're going to shoot it down, regardless of its arsenal that it had in the missiles, and the laser beams that it shot out against the crew.

They wondered who the pilot was, that shot at them in the dropship. But it wasn't important. They just need to take the ship down before it kills them all.

Which wasn't hard, as they still had the Spitting Hydra used against it, as well as the Flux Rifle that Angela tried to shoot at the cockpit, trying to hit the pilot. But it seemed that the glass of the cockpit was just as strong as the rest of the ship, because the shot didn't penetrate through it, and into the cockpit to hit the pilot. So, she kept on shooting at the ship itself. While she also had some of the mini turrets that was deployed as well, that added on to the damage dealt to the ship.

It just wasn't easy either, as they also took some hits from the missiles' explosions. At least they weren't direct hits as they jumped, and strafed around them, and the lasers while they fought back against the drop ship.

"Be sure to watch out for those rockets! They could blow us up into bloody chunks!" Ratchet said.

"Right!" They said in unison as the rest of the crew was keeping that in mind as they continued to fight back against the dropship.

The fight lasted for minutes, and some pain was involved until they were able to take the ship down as it exploded in the air. Now there was nothing stopping them as they swung with the Hyper-shot to the little indoor room.

Where unfortunately, there was no sign of Nefarious inside. It was a purely empty room that had only some posters, and computers inside.

Which is such a disappointing discovery. Since it meant that Nefarious has escaped from Daxx. But at least they have some valuable info about him from the Planet, so it wasn't a complete loss.

But now, they scanned around the room, and saw the posters on the walls. All of which had a certain female droid that Ratchet, Clank, and Angela, knows of, and met on Annihilation Nation.

"Whoa. Check it out. Someone seems to be a big fan of Courtney Gears." Ratchet said amused.

"Courtney, who?" Clank, and Starlene asked.

"You know, the bombshell that handed out prizes on Annihilation Nation?" Ratchet asked.

"And the same lady that we got the Tyhrra-guise from?" Angela said with some envy, noticing Ratchet's attention on Gears' posters.

"Ah, yes. Her specifications were remarkable." Clank said, complimenting Courtney.

"Well, she isn't the hottest pop star in the Galaxy, because of her singing." Ratchet said as Clank scanned the terminal.

"How odd. It appears that this computer was used to edit one of her music videos." Clank said.

"Ooh! Let's watch it!" Ratchet said excitedly, much to his embarrassment at what he said when he noticed a pair of teasing smirks behind him, courtesy of Starlene, and Hydro Girl. "I mean… just in case it comes with a clue, or something." He spoke.

Clank obeyed, and turned on the Terminal.

The video started, in a room that had a wall of windows showing the view of outer space, as the room was also illuminated in neon colors, particularly purple, and pink, as there were at least six violet colored female dancer bots with raven colored metal hair in the style of pigtails, that surrounded the center of the podium in the center of the room, as they made a few poses, as the camera shots changed around, during the intro.

While the center of the podium rose upwards, showing that Courtney Gears herself, was in the center as it rose up as she held a pose herself, until the podium she was on reached the top to where she towered over her dancers, before she started to sing.

"Hey, what's up people?! It's Courtney Gears!" She said, walking down the podium's stairs to the lowest floor of the circular floor of the room, while the dancers stepped down a single step behind her. Then they all began to dance alongside Courtney. "Are you feelin' me robots? I'm feelin' you!" She spoke. Then she began to sing.

I see the future, and what do I see?

Robots goin' crazy 'cross the Galaxy!

Can't stand organics, they're soft and squishy!

The time is now… We robots must be free!

After the last verse, it then showed what looked like three virtual marionettes of the dancers that was dancing around as a floating head of Courtney moved around them.

"You wanna be free?! Then shout with me, yeah!"

Then it focused back on the actual dancers as they continued to dance around the center, as the camera continued to change shots in a few seconds. Then it focused back on Courtney as she sang alongside her dancers as she started to walk back onto the center of the podium.

This goes out to all you robots 'cross the Galaxy! (Cross the Galaxy.)

It's time for you and me to rise up and strike back! (Rise up and strike back!)

Don't stop until we dominate, won't you feel great! (Won't you feel great!)

When we exterminate, all organic life! (All organic…)

The video then ended with all the dancers kneeling around the center of the podium, and Courtney, as she posed with her fist up in the air, as the center of the podium descended back down until it hid Courtney from view. Then the screen cut to black.

The whole crew looked at the screen with surprise, at what they just saw. Courtney Gears happens to hate the Organics too. If the lyrics to her music video is any indication. And considering that her posters were on Daxx, which should be Nefarious' territory Planet, they had another very likely possibility.

"Hmmm… It appears that Courtney is in league with Dr. Nefarious." Clank said, pointing out her affiliation.

"Yeah, who knew?" Ratchet said, after getting over his surprise. "She did seem so sweet, and innocent in her videos. Well, except for the one with the…" Then he started to dance around a bit. "You know, the…" He said, before posing like a lady giving a kiss. Much to almost the whole crew's amusement as they all tried not to laugh.

All while Clank was briefly looking at him like he grew a second head. "Ahem… She might possess information about what Dr. Nefarious could be planning." He spoke.

Which had Ratchet ending the embarrassing pose. "Oh… right. And I bet that if we win another prize from Annihilation Nation, we might get another chance to speak to her."

It seems like a good idea to Clank, and the rest of the crew. But Starlene was unable to resist.

"Are you sure, that you're merely trying to speak to her about Nefarious, and not trying to get a date with her too?" She asked teasingly.

"WHAT?! No! No! Nononono. Definitely not… going for a date. Trust me, she's nice looking I admit, but even if I want to, I'm way out of her league- er I mean she's way out of my league." Ratchet said embarrassed. All while Angela, Starlene, and Hydro Girl were trying not to laugh at his reaction.

Even though the former was feeling jealous at that as well, as she hoped that Ratchet was telling the truth, and that he isn't going to date her.

"So, you feel that you have no chance with her?" Angela asked.

"Yep. And considering that she's on Nefarious' side, it ain't a complete loss." Ratchet said. Not minding the fact that he isn't gonna be a boyfriend to Courtney Gears. For once at least.

Which was much to each of the female's joy, since they did take a liking to Ratchet. At least in Angela's case, as well as Hydro Girl's. While even though Starlene also likes him, she was waiting to see if either girl is going to take him first.

"Well good. That means that she isn't going to kill you that way. Considering that you're a hero saved this Galaxy before, with Clank, and all." Angela said in relief.

"Thank you, Angela, for the support. I appreciate it." He said, still happy to be her friend. "Quick question though? Why are you so relieved that I'll never be Courtney's boyfriend?"

Angela was startled, and blushing at what he asked, feeling that he might be onto her about her crush on him. Sure, they weren't together a whole lot during their journey through Bogon, after Tabora, when she showed him her face. (Accidentally.) But she did find him to be cute, and she knows of his selfless nature if him saving Clank back on Planet Endako, is any indication. As well as him, and Clank saving her on Snivelak from the Thugs.

And once the journey in Bogon was over, they did get to know each other a bit more, during their stay in Bogon, where they did hang out before, and played some games with each other in Megapolis. And Ratchet, and Clank, told her about his first journey with Clank, when they first met on his home Planet of Veldin. As well as about their run in with Qwark, and his true affiliation with Drek, resulting in their strained friendship that was able to be repaired near the end.

That fact, was the reason why she admits, she started to love him. And the love started to build as they hung out more in their apartment before, and when this journey began.

But now, was this the time for a confession of love? And could Ratchet reciprocate that love if she were to say it? And could it mean that Courtney will never gain his love, regardless of being affiliated with Nefarious, and knowing of their relationship?

Angela didn't know. And she hopes that nothing bad could happen once she knows of their love.

"Oh, no reason. Just glad that you're my friend that won't be taken from me, by that metal har-" Angela stopped herself on the last part at the realization of what she said.

"Why don't you want me to be taken by her? Are you okay?" He asked.

"Fine! Fine. I'm fine. I just… want to say…" Angela tried to say, while Starlene looked on, bracing herself for what she thinks is going to be Angela's confession. While Hydro Girl wondered what she was trying to say, alongside Ratchet, and Clank, while Angela did some deep breathing.

Finally, after some breathing, Angela felt calm to say it. "I… love you." She softly said.

Ratchet was surprised, and was wondering if he heard that right. "What?"

"I… I love you Ratchet." Angela finally said, hugging him. "I love you so much. And I'm glad that knowing you, you'll never hook up with Courtney Gears."

Ratchet was definitely surprised, alongside Clank, and Hydro Girl, at that confession, while Starlene was hiddenly smiling with satisfaction at that confession. All while Angela was feeling the weight of that confession start to get lifted off of her.

"You… love me? That's won- but why?" He asked, cutting himself off.

"That's a good question, I admit." Angela said. "But It's cause you're so adorable to me. And so, endearing, even if you're a dork at some times. And you can be selfless if saving Clank is any indication. So why shouldn't I start to love you, and want to get to know you more, after we've met?"

"That's… a good question." Ratchet said. Then after he got over his own surprise, he knew what to do now. "Before you continue, I just want to confess something too."

"And what's that?" She asked.

"I… I love you too, Angela." He confessed himself.

Now Angela was surprised at what he said. But she was pleasantly surprised at that, before she smiled. "Really?"

"Really really. I admit, you… looked nice when I first saw you unmasked on Tabora. And even though we didn't start off on the right foot, when we shifted our goals to Qwark, I admired how friendly you were to me, and Clank, as we were stopping Qwark from infesting Bogon with the Proto Pets. And even now, I still like that you're selfless yourself if joining me on our quest to defeating Nefarious, is any indication." Ratchet said, smiling. "It's because of that, that I hoped… that by the end of this journey, we would become a couple. I guess it's happening sooner than even I thought, right?" He asked, taking her hands into his own.

Angela continued to smile at him with happiness at his own confession. Before drawing her face closer. "Right." She spoke.

Then she kissed Ratchet on the lips after bending down, while Ratchet returned his own kiss to her own lips. Establishing their hook up as a couple.

All while Clank humorously smiled at the scene. Feeling coy at the sight in front of him. And feeling supportive of Ratchet's recent relationship with Angela. While Starlene was also smiling at the scene herself, feeling delighted that Angela spat it out to him, and was glad to see that Ratchet also loved Angela too. It was such a cute sight for them.

All while Hydro Girl looked on in envy. She took a liking to Ratchet for saving her back on Aquatos, after all. But she admits, she finds the scene to be pretty adorable herself, and despite her envy at what happened, she knew that there's nothing she can do, now. And it'd never be worth it to betray them to Nefarious, as a result.

Besides, she still hates him too much to side with him, because of something like this. So, she just folded, and let Angela have him.

Pretty soon, their kiss was done. "How about we go on dates together, by the time we put a stop to Nefarious. Get to know each other more." Ratchet said.

"I was thinking the same thing." She responded with a grin. Knowing that they have their opportunities once they're done with Nefarious.

Right now, they were getting back to the Star Explorer for their coordinates back to Annihilation Nation for their chance to get to Courtney Gears, then to the Obani Moons once they have their lead from her.

Once they got the last Titanium Bolt from Daxx, they were now going back to the Star Explorer, and Hydro Girl's ship, feeling that even though they couldn't even find Nefarious here, it wasn't a complete loss. Especially in Ratchet, and Angela's case.

Since they hooked up, and became a couple before this journey's end.

Chapter Text

With the raid on Daxx done, the crew left the Planet with the now Lombax couple in Ratchet, and Angela, as they were on their way to Annihilation Nation, before going to the Obani Moons next. While Starlene, and Hydro Girl, returned to the latter's mothership, where they were intending to fly it near there, where they can meet up with the Lombaxes when they get there.

As they were out of Daxx though, they contacted the Phoenix, intending to talk to Captain Sasha. But instead of her, or Qwark, Skidd was the one that picked up the call.

"How do you work those camera-doo-hickeys?" Skidd said on screen. Before dropping something. "Whoops, that's a bummer." He said, trying to pick it up.

Only to hit his head on the camera. "Ouch! Oh, hey there Ratchet, Angela, what's up?"

Ratchet felt a little bit dismayed that he was speaking with Skidd. "Hi Skidd." he responded.

"Hey, is Sasha there? We need to speak with her." Angela said.

"Sasha, and Qwark is meeting with the President, man. They left me in charge of the ship, for now at least." Skidd said.

"What?! I mean, I see." Ratchet said, as he, and his recent girlfriend cringed inwardly at the thought of Skidd in temporary command. "Well, is Al there?"

"He's out for lunch." Skidd said, cleaning his visor.

"Helga?" Angela asked.

"She's in the sauna." Skidd said.

"There's a Sauna on the Phoenix? We should go there sometime." Both lombaxes thought in surprise, and interest. Though they made sure, not to think about Helga in the sauna herself. For obvious reasons. (And instead, they hiddenly thought about each other being together in there.)

"Qwark's monkey perhaps?" Clank asked.

"With Qwark. He seems to be his best friend after all." Skidd said.

"Well, fine. Just tell Sasha that Clank, Angela, and I, are going to Annihilation Nation for Bolts to buy a new gun. After that, we're checking out a lead on the Obani Moons." Ratchet said.

"The Obani moons?! Sounds like you guys could use some backup. Well, sorry to say, but I'm about to head off to the races." Skidd said.

Even though the Lombaxes were still intending on going to Annihilation Nation, they were feeling curious about what he said. "Races?" Ratchet asked.

"Yeah. Haven't you heard? A racing competition is being held on Florana, the same swamp Planet where you first found Qwark. And it's for a chance to win another Vid-comic. And I'm competing for it." Skidd said. "You guys seem to be fond of playin' them, anyhow. So, I figured that I could compete, and see if I can win it for you guys. But do ya wanna join in too? Sure, we may not be a team in these races, but I promise that if I win, the Vid-Comic is still yours."

At that, both Lombaxes were intrigued. "Really? Well, I'm afraid I'm declining. But I'm rooting for you to win the race. Be sure to let us know if you win the Vid-Comic." Ratchet said.

"Are you sure dude? I heard that Courtney Gears was gonna be there too, and that she's giving out the prize. Are you sure that you're declining?"

At what Skidd said, both Lombaxes were surprised at the news that they got. "Courtney Gears is there? And she's handing out the prize?" Angela asked.

"Yep, that's what I learned. And I was hoping that she'll sign my shirt when I win." Skidd said smiling, imagining himself winning the race, and earning a kiss from Gears.

That was surprisingly good news in this case. Cause they were looking for her, and they were hoping to meet her for info on Nefarious. And probably gain another Vid-Comic to play, to learn more about Nefarious. And even though they expected that she'd be on Annihilation Nation, they were surprised, yet thrilled that she's on Florana instead where it wouldn't really hurt to race on it like the last time Ratchet raced on something. Like on the Hoverboard on Rilgar, and Kalebo III, and the Hover-bikes in Bogon.

"On second thought, maybe I should compete in the race on Florana. We'll meet you there, Skidd." Ratchet said, changing his mind.

Skidd was delighted to hear that from Ratchet. "Right on! Thanks buddy! This is gonna be fun!" He said before ending the call.

While the Lombaxes, and Clank were redirecting their course to Florana, where they were going to meet Skidd there.

As they were going to Florana, the Lombaxes were thinking about what just happened between them. Being that they just hooked up as a couple back on Daxx, after taking down the dropship, and learning about Courtney's affiliation with Nefarious. And even though they were both glad that they have become a couple, they were wondering if it was mainly due to the fact that they were the only Lombaxes that they have seen in their lives, if it was out of hormonal love since Ratchet did find Angela to look sexy and since Angela found Ratchet to look cute, or if they were truly in love with each other.

Only this journey they were on, and their dates that they'll have in the future, probably during, or after this journey, may answer those questions later on down the line.

For now, they just flew their way to Florana, where they know Skidd was going to be.

Once they were on the surface of Florana, the Lombaxes were on the beginning of the path that they took towards Qwark's home in the stump, as they were looking for the starting line of the Florana races, when they got to the temple that was on the left path of the beginning section. Where they ended up entering it to find that it was a garage that they were inside.

Where there was a pair of the same wheeled vehicles with turrets, known as Turbosliders, that Ratchet, and Angela remembered riding in on Tyhrannosis. Only those were now colored bright green, kinda like Captain Qwark's suit. And they also had jet thrusters behind its skies at the front, as well as by the back part's sides, and a much smaller turret on top. Showing that it was modified for racing.

And Skidd was on one of them as he saw them. "Hey little dude, you're just in time, the race is starting soon!" He said smiling. "You probably got the hang of that vehicle, back on Tyhrannosis. So, I reckon, that you might not need any pointers for this race?"

"None whatsoever." Ratchet said, remembering his driving on Tyhrranosis.

"Good. Now, let's get in, while your girlfriend, and Clank can spectate." Skidd said, entering his vehicle.

Ratchet blushed at what he said when he referred to Angela, (Who also blushed at that.) but he merely got in his vehicle, as they got ready. After all, in this case, Skidd is right for once. She's finally his girlfriend. And Ratchet was ultimately happy because of it. Even though he was also bracing himself for the teasing that would be coming from his friends, once they learn about their hook up on Daxx.

Especially if it is Qwark himself. Oh, how much he dreads to hear Qwark talking about them as a couple. Probably intending to embarrass them to no end. But Ratchet kept his mind on the road as the garage door leading to the track was opening up.

Soon, he and Skidd were now driving out of the garage, and they were now driving onwards onto the track after a moment of driving around. While Angela, and Clank were being sent to the spectating stands that overlooked much of the track.

Which was a dirt path that was in a jungle of trees, with some buildings also there, which was filled with spectators that came to watch the race in person, along with some stadium stands that was also put in place to watch the whole race too.

And there were now at least nine similar vehicles that was on the racetrack, with him, and Skidd among them. And there were tall towers that had an audience inside of them, as they were cheering for Skidd, and Ratchet.

"Welcome everybody, to the Turboslider racing competition, which is being held on the Planet Florana!" An announcer said on the intercom. "A while ago, this Planet was said to the place of where the Florana Tree Beast of myth resided! Which has postponed this race! Now, with word that the Tree Beast actually does not exist on this Planet, and was merely Captain Qwark going native here, before his return to fight Dr. Nefarious, this race is now underway!"

"Now watch, as the racers are now going to race through this dense forest's dirt path, that also consists of log speed bumps, and dirt and log ramps, and hills, in three laps! And as you know, the one who reaches the finish line in first place, wins the next Vid-Comic of Captain Qwark's adventures!" The announcer continued, as the Vid-Comic cartridge was now unveiled from near the winners' podiums, to the whole crowd, and the racers. Along with who was holding it.

Whom was Courtney Gears herself, along with her posse of dancing female bots, that was just like the ones from her Music Video that the Lombaxes saw on Daxx. And they were by her side, likely as her bodyguards as well as her co-dancers, as she held up the orange cartridge, which was the 3rd Vid-Comic itself.

And she was on the Planet too, just as Skidd said she would be. Now Ratchet just needed to talk to her, alongside Clank, and Angela. And he felt, that he needed to win the race in order to do so. (Though he hopes that Skidd could let him speak with her too, should he end up winning instead, as well as gives him the Vid-Comic.)

"As you can see, there are turrets on those Turbosliders. So that comes with the territory that this is also a combat racing competition! But the turrets, and the jets, will only activate, and be in use, once ten seconds pass after the start of the race! Anybody that activates them prematurely, and shoots the other racers are instantly disqualified, and must leave the track under risk of getting disintegrated." The announcer said. "And once the ten seconds are up, then it's free for all from there on out, until the first man reaches the finish line on the third lap! Are you all ready?!"

The racers, including Skidd, and Ratchet, were all ready.

"On your marks!

Get set!

GO!"

The Turbosliders were now racing off onto the track, where they were quickly neck in neck with each other, with Skidd, and Ratchet up front of all of them. And they were racing each other for first place while ensuring that they'll both remain ahead of the rest of the racers.

They also ensured that when the turrets activate, they're going to be shooting at the other racers that are behind them out of self-defense. Just so they won't end up getting blasted just shortly after the race began.

"Say Ratchet, try not to shoot my vehicle, and let's just shoot at them, if they dare try to destroy us, once the turrets activate." Skidd said on the Q-Force comm.

"Roger that." Ratchet said, agreeing with Skidd that they should only focus on the other racers to shoot at, and not on each other too. It'll be either Ratchet, or Skidd that'll be crossing the finish line, like last time they raced in Blackwater City.

So they merely focused on the road as they were turning on the dirt road that curved to the right. Where they were up to the fork in the road of the race track. With two of the paths of the track being shown to them. Which they both hoped, could conjoin back to the main path through the track, before it would lead to the finish line.

Both Skidd, and Ratchet, along with some of the racers, chose the right, as they both raced over the large partially buried log on the track, that launched them up a bit, before they landed, likely showing that this is going to be a bumpy ride from here on out. Sorta like some off-road derby hoverbike races that Ratchet saw on Bogon, and was thinking about joining, before his current journey with Angela.

After they went over another large log, they were continuing to race on the dirt path that winded left, as they also raced through a shallow stream of murky swamp water that was on the track, before they raced around the large standing trees, before coming up to the large partially buried logs that they were now launching over, to the next set of thinner logs, that doubled as speed bumps.

"It'saspectacularlineupwithSkiddtakinganearlylead! ButthelogsonthetrackaredoinglittletostoptheGalaxysavingLombaxfromhisvictoryasheandtheracersaretrailingclosebehind!" The announcer said, speaking almost as fast as the Turbosliders as they continued to drive forwards.

But not before seeing a long bridge that they were driving under, as they saw that it was empty, with not a single audience member on the bridge. Possibly because it was part of the track, and they were going to be on it later on in the race. For now, they just kept on going through to the logs, where the track winded to the right.

Where they were coming up to another pair of large logs, while they also saw a bunch of spiral catwalks on a couple of trees that was nearby the track. And they all had audiences on them that was looking over the race. And Clank, and Angela, along with Hydro Girl, and Starlene, was among the audiences on one of them. And they were cheering for Ratchet, or Skidd, to win, as the racers were racing by them.

Which was much to Ratchet's slight surprise when he saw them too. It was like they decided to follow him to this place, to watch him race, before reporting back to the Phoenix. Probably so that they'll both be watching him play the third Vid-Comic back in there, once he wins it from the race.

Which he plans to, after they try to get something out of Courtney Gears, that involves Nefarious. And after they get their lead on the Obani moons as well.

"GO RATCHET! KICK THEIR BUTTS!" Angela called out, obviously rooting for Ratchet alongside Clank, Starlene, and Hydro Girl. Although the all didn't mind if Skidd were to win instead, just so that he can win them the Vid-Comic too.

Then, the turrets were now active, along with the jets, as the racers were now shooting at each other, and at both Ratchet, and Skidd, while both of them shot back, covering each other's backs as they raced on, over the logs, as they were then taking an immediate left. Where they both got over the log speedbumps that took up only some of the track in this section as they were still neck in neck with each other.

All while both Skidd, and Ratchet, were shooting back, to continue covering each other as the racers were shooting at them, as well as each other. And while they ended up noticing that they can boost their Turbosliders whenever they drift. Thus, both Skidd, and Ratchet stayed ahead of the other racers by using the drifting boosts.

"Itischaosonthetrackfolks,astheracersareshootingeachother! But what's this? Itseemsthattheleadingracersareagreeingnottoshooteachotherandinsteadaresootingtheotherracers! Itseemsthattheyhaveasenseofteamworktowardseachother, buthowlongisitholdingupuntilthey'retheonlyonesleftonthetrack?!" The announcer continued to talk fast as the race continued.

Then the track was moving left again as they were continuing onwards through the dirt path, where they saw more of the catwalks on the trees with the audience members on them, as the track winded left again, leading to another log ramp that they were going to be launched from. So they made sure that they were speeding up to make the launch, to ensure that they'll make it to the other end.

Soon, they launched forward off of the log ramp, and over the gap of the racetrack, to the other end, where they immediately were on the bridge, that held them up as it only slightly curved, and was barely thin in width, for them to go through, which forced them to line up with each other so that they won't get knocked off of the bridge.

Fortunately for Skidd, he was in front of Ratchet as the was racing forward, giving him an upper hand in the race so far, which had Ratchet knowing that he could be in trouble as they got off of the bridge, before they were now going left, and literally going downhill, as they passed by some oozy muddy sections of the track, ensuring that they won't get slowed down when they drive over them, as the path now started to wind to the right in a U turn.

Which was where they were now going up to the hill, where they were now crossing the finish line after going up the hill after slowing down a little due to the gravity, putting them on Lap two. Now they were continuing to drive on the track, while Ratchet attempted to pass Skidd, while ensuring that the other racers won't end up passing either of them.

One of which, got his Turboslider destroyed due to getting shot up enough by some of the racers before he could make it to the finish line, making him the first to lose the race in a DNF, much to his chagrin.

Now it was only eight as they were now on lap two, as they were coming back up to the hill that led to the fork in the road again, all while they were continuing to either boost, or shoot each other. Only this time, Ratchet, and Skidd were going to the path to the left. Which lead to the ramps that they used to launch themselves over the oozy muddy water of the swamp, that lead out to the ocean of Florana.

Which had a bunch of small tower-like stands that also had an audience on them, along with some windmills that was also in the ocean as they moved slowly. And the audience was also cheering on the race as Ratchet, Skidd, and the racers were racing by as they launched over the swampy muddy water.

Only for one of the racers to get bumped to the left towards the ocean, where his Turboslider was now rolling into the ocean water, where it sank down. Thus, taking him out of the race as well.

With seven racers left, and Skidd still in the lead, Ratchet was finally able to drift boost his way to where he was now neck in neck with Skidd as they both continued to race onwards through the track, that was now winding to the right, as they raced over the log speedbumps, and the shallow water that ran through the track from between the ocean, and the lake that also had some towers that had an audience on them.

Then the track quickly winded left, and came up to the large partially buried log that they were launching from, back to where the track was now conjoining as they were now moving left again with the racers behind them.

But not before one of the racers ended up wiping out, and landing roof-first on the Turboslider track after it accidentally tried to do a front flip. Taking him out of the race due to that wipeout, and leaving only six racers on the track.

"Be careful Ratchet! You're still able to win this!" Angela called out.

"Keep going Ratchet! You're still doing good!" Hydro girl also called out. Also rooting for him to win.

Skidd, and Ratchet, along with the other racers, were now turning left again as they were on the conjoined track again, launching themselves over the partially buried logs on the road. Before they made a sharp left again.

This time, Ratchet was able to gain the lead as he was in front of Skidd, who was now trying to catch up with him, along with the other racers as they raced over the set of log speed bumps that they were racing over, before turning left again.

Where they literally went uphill again as Ratchet and Skidd were now preparing themselves for the launch across the tracks as they were now going left again, along with the other racers.

Even though one of them forgot that they were supposed to turn, or wasn't keeping his eyes on the road, because he didn't turn with the racers, and ended up not only raced off the track, he also launched off of the hill, and onto the rock pile that was just by the lake, that it then crashed onto. Leaving only five racers left.

All of whom, were now launching off of the ramp, and onto the other side of the gap of the racetrack again.

Or to be precise, almost all of them, as one of them reached just short of the gap, due to firing back on the other racers instead of focusing on accelerating as they came up to the log that launched them, as they landed on the racetrack under it, putting them in dead last. Rather than try to recover from their accident, they were merely quitting the race in a fit of rage, instead.

Which left only four racers left as they were now racing on the bridge, with Ratchet in first this time, as they were racing on the bridge with Skidd and the other racers close behind him, as they were now driving off of the bridge, and was literally going downhill, while racing around the muddy puddles of the last leg of the track, as they were continuing to drift boost while coming up to the finish line after the path winded all the way to the right in a U turn, now they were going up to the hill, where they were passing the finish line.

Now the remaining racers were now in the last Lap, as they raced back on through the beginning track that lead to the hill, and the fork in the road. With Ratchet, Skidd, and the racers going right again, as they were going over the large partially buried logs again, with Skidd trying to catch up to Ratchet as the remaining two racers were also trying to catch up to them.

"Keep on going Ratchet! You're almost there!" Angela cheered out.

And they were nearly going to, as they were now shooting at them both, deciding to put their own fight on hold, and focus their efforts on Ratchet, and Skidd. Causing them both to return their fire on them too.

They turned left, over the shallow stream of water, as they were back onto the large partially buried logs, as they exchanged their fire with the two racers that were shooting at them. Until they were now past the logs, and was at the section of the track, where the track conjoined with each other. Where one of the racers' Truboslider was too damaged, as it broke down. Leaving the racer as the last one on the track that isn't Ratchet, or Skidd.

Which was unlucky for him, as he had both of them to deal with as they were now teaming up against him, but nevertheless, he was too determined to back down, as he was still exchanging his fire against both Ratchet, and Skidd.

Both of whom, was also determined not to get destroyed by the racer that is trying to shoot them both down to win either by default, or get to first place by slowing them down with his turret fire.

All while they were now turning left again at the same log speedbumps on the path, before they turned left again, and went literally uphill again, before turning left to get to the gap over the racetrack again.

Where, luckily for Ratchet, and Skidd, they were able to make it to the other side, while the racer that they were shooting at, was not so lucky, as he failed to get launched over the gap, putting him in last place again, and putting him out of the race.

Now it was only Skidd, and Ratchet. Both of whom were damaged by the exchange, but their Turbosliders were still operational, and still able to race forward. Even though Ratchet's was slowing down a bit, with Skidd starting to gain on him. At this rate, he'll pass him, and get to the finish line to win.

So Ratchet was counting on his Drifting Turbos to carry him the rest of the way to the finish line as they both were going back downhill once again. Where they were neck in neck again as Ratchet, and Skidd were on their way to the finish line, trying to see which one of them is going to pass it first.

It was anyone's game at this point, as Ratchet, was starting to lag a little, as Skidd was starting to catch up to him. Which made this last leg of the race intense as they were now turning towards where the track was going to take them, as they were coming up to the finish line. Skidd felt that he could win this at this point.

But Ratchet was still confident that he could just barely win the race as he continued to drift boost until they were getting to the finish line.

It was a tense few seconds that felt like minutes, as the whole crowd was wondering who it could be that would end up passing the finish line first. Could it be Skidd? Or Ratchet.

The next few seconds had an answer to that, as the Turbosliders were now past the finish line, with the crowd cheering for the first place winner, while giving the props to the second place runner-up for trying.

"AND RATCHET IS THE WINNER!" The announcer proclaimed, as Ratchet was able to pass the finish line, just a few milliseconds ahead of Skidd.

Which had the crowd cheering for him, especially Angela, who was overjoyed to see that her boyfriend has made it to first place, and was able to keep it, even with Skidd nearly taking it himself.

Not that she would ultimately mind, if it was Skidd that won instead, as he did say that the Vid-Comic is Ratchet's if he won. It's just that ratchet needed to meet Courtney himself.

Speaking of Skidd, once they were now at the winners' podiums, he was basically getting out of the Turboslider alongside Ratchet, while in a huff, as he looked a little bit sore about his loss by Ratchet's hand, as the latter was getting out, victoriously. And even though he didn't look angry enough towards Ratchet for winning, he was visibly unhappy as he, and Ratchet was now at the winner's podiums.

"Dude, I totally would've won my chance to meet Courtney! But my… my hair got in my eyes!" He said, though he's bald on his head. "Uh, and… then I got a flat tire." He said, referring to his Turboslider's tire.

Even though, despite the damage done to it from their exchange with the last racers, His Turboslider's tires were still intact, and wasn't flattening.

"A-And then my engine exploded!" He then said.

Even though, again, despite the aforementioned damage, his Turboslider was still fine enough to drive. Which had Ratchet staring deadpan at him.

"Well… it's better now." Skidd then said.

Ratchet continued to stare deadpan at him, like he was thinking, "Excuses excuses excuses." in disappointment.

"Anyways, Congratulations for winning. Guess that makes us even, huh dude?" Skidd said. Referring to the last time he raced Ratchet on Blackwater City, after Drek's defeat.

Ratchet ended up smiling at the reminder of that time. When he, and Skidd, raced each other. With Skidd showing Ratchet how much of a Pro he is at hoverboarding, despite his cowardice in battle. And Ratchet had too much fun with the race, and was too impressed with his skill to be angry at his loss in that competition.

Besides, at least he won the Turboslider race on Florana. "Yeah, I guess." He said with a smile, as he was being cheered for on the podium.

Then Angela, along with Clank, Hydro Girl, and Starlene, was now on the stage with him. (All of them had permission to join, when they mentioned their friendship with the winner.) As the former was hugging him, and gave him a dozen victory kisses, as she hugged him into her chest. Showing how tall she is compared to him.

Ratchet didn't mind the hug, and the kisses, since he was happy to get those from Angela, even though he was blushing at that kind of thanks from Angela.

"Ladies and Gentlemen! Give a big hand for the winner of the Florana Turboslide races, the Lucky in Love Lombax, Ratchet!" The announcer proclaimed, referring to Ratchet getting kissed by Angela. Which had both him, and Angela blushing at that. "He'll take home a rare third edition of the Qwark Vid-Comic!" He then said, showing the game in question.

"And here to give you your prize, the Incredible, Incomparable, and Talented, the lovely Miss Courtney Gears!" The announcer said, as Courtney Gears was now approaching Ratchet and his friends with a saunter in her steps, with the Vid-Comic in her hands, as her dancers were close behind her.

Ratchet felt that he could set off Angela's jealousy if he were to try to flirt with Courtney, (Especially as he noticed her glares towards her.) and he knew that he was probably not that good at the flirting himself, which could lead to trouble with the bodyguard dancers, so he feels that Clank could handle this, as he merely accepted the Vid-Comic. "If you play this right, she can lead us to Dr. Nefarious. Show us what you can do." He quietly said to him.

Clank obliged, as Courtney now gave the Vid-Comic to Ratchet. Before she then focused on Clank with a flirty look in her eyes. (Which was echoed by her dancers.)

"My my, you're even more cuter in person, than on the holo, Agent Clank." She said, telling him that she's seen the series herself. "I've got a few secrets of my own, that… might need your special… investigation?" Courtney then said with a small giggle. Which was echoed by her dancers as she picked him up.

"Uh-yes, um… Ahem, I will report your concerns to the proper authorities." He said, looking like he could be blushing at the attention he was getting. While Ratchet admits, he was feeling a little jealous at the sight. But at least he has Angela. And at least the plan was working.

"Oh, Agent Clank. You always know exactly what to say to a woman. You know, I'd do anything to play a part in one of your holo-films." She then said flirtatiously.

Clank was hiddenly grinning at the fact that their plan seems to be working better than even he thought it could. "That could be arranged, Miss Gears. That is, 'if' you can provide to us the whereabouts of Dr. Nefarious." He said.

"Dr. Nefarous?" She then asked confused. "You must've been busy, weren't you? Very well. You just give me that part, and I'll tell you anything you want to know." She then said, putting Clank on the ground.

"Excellent! Meet me at Holostar Studios." Clank then said, with him, and Ratchet, feeling excited at how well their plan was coming together.

"As you wish, handsome." Courtney said as she winked at him, before sauntering off, swaying her hips as she exited the stage with her dancers following closely behind her, ensuring that she'll be safe from any fanatic that tries to get close.

Particularly Skidd, who was jealously glaring at Clank, due to how lucky he was, to get closer to Courtney Gears, than he could ever be. But he kept his cool, feeling that he can have another shot with her, someday, as he intelligently kept his distance, so he won't get hurt by the dancers.

All while Ratchet was also smiling alongside Angela, Hydro Girl, and Starlene, at how lucky they were, to have Clank there with them. Now they felt that they have their info on Courtney Gears, as they were now on their way back to the Star Explorer, (While Starlene, and Hydro Girl were returning to their ship, then the latter's Mothership.) with the Vid-Comic in their inventory, as they intended to play it, once they get back to the Phoenix.

Which shouldn't be too long, as they were all now intending to go to the Obani Moons next. Then they'll play it, once they're done there.

It seemed that their trip back to Florana, wasn't pointless after all, after what happened with Courtney Gears. And they have Skidd to thank for it, later on.

Chapter Text

Now that the race is over, and now that the Lombaxes has gotten their Vid-Comic from Courtney Gears on Florana, and more importantly, got themselves a time and place to meet up, and make conversation with Courtney Gears herself, once Clank gets to his Agent Clank shoot, they were now on their way to their next important objective.

They must go to the Obani Moons, and find the transport that must be holding the Bio-bliterator, and see what it does, and see what they can do to destroy it once they are able to find it, before Nefarious starts to put it to good use.

They also felt that if Nefarious is there, then that should mean that if they meet him there, and defeat him, that could end their fight with him then and there, and the Tyhrranoids has to surrender from that point onwards, due to morale loss from his defeat. At least, they hope so, otherwise they hope that the rest of the fight will be easier because of Nefarious' demise demoralizing the Noids.

But they had to ensure that they get there to find out, as they were now flying to the Obani Moons.

Oh, and Skidd was going to follow them there, but he seems to be taking his time, or was being slow in getting to the battlefield.

"Do you think he's going to get to the Obani Moons to assist us?" Angela asked curiously.

"Maybe. But the battle could end before he arrives." Ratchet said, predicting that they would win the battle, shortly before his arrival. Which would mean that he would be late to the party. Which would be a bummer for him, considering that they would be interested to see how he would perform in a battle, like on Tyhrannosis

Either way, they felt that they can take care of the Obani Moons without him around.

Even though they were being followed by Starlene, and Hydro Girl, as they also know of the lead on the Obani Moons. And they hoped to assist both Lombaxes through the fight on the Obani Moons if it'd help them win.

And after that, they were ready to go back to the Phoenix to finish the next Vid-Comic, which would tell them more about Nefarious, and his past with Captain Qwark, before this whole battle happened. Then it was off to the Holostar Studios to finish off that shoot.

So, they were bracing themselves for what they could find there, and the Tyhrranoids that they could fight there if it was escorted. If it was, then they knew that the Tyhrranoids were going to give them one heck of a fight once they get there, and try to take the Bio-bliterator from them.

Which had the Lombaxes, Clank, Hydro Girl, and Starlene bracing themselves for a fight there, as the latter two were in Hydro Girl's mothership that despite its size, was keeping up well with the Star Explorer. Which had Ratchet wondering how she could do that. But either way, he was relieved that she was an ally where that ship is concerned.

Which, Angela was relieved about as well. Along with the other Q-force members. Now, they were almost at the Obani Moons.

On the way to the Obani Moons, the gang ended up receiving messages that was from the Mayor of Obani Gemini. A neighboring Planet not far from one of the Moons that they were headed to. And he had a request to make for the gang.

They needed to reconnect the Satellite laser link for all of the satellites that was on the Moon that they were headed towards. That way, their defenses will be operational again, and they can be protected from the Noids that has come to their Planet, as well as to fight back against them. They hoped that Ratchet and Clank would do it, with the help of their gang.

Which, they decided to do for the Obani citizens on their way to the Noids' base, and the Biobliterator, as they were touching down on the surface of one of the Obani moons, known as the Obani Gemini, they saw that the moon had a bunch of platforms on it, each with a satellite near it, like they were intending to use them for defense, but possibly ran out of time, when they arrived.

Now though, they all found a place to land, which was inside a landing pad that was surrounded by walls, and a drawbridge gate that was seemingly built to trap them all inside it. Stopping their quest on the Obani moons before it could ever begin. Or it was a safe place for them to begin their operation of hooking up the laser links for the satellites, and that they needed to begin here for their operation of linking up the lasers to the satellites. But where they could begin the linking of the lasers, none of the gang initially knew.

Fortunately though, Ratchet saw that there was a laser that was getting shot into the floor of the path just in front of the landing pad. Which had him immediately thinking of the Refractor that he still had in his inventory.

So, he put it to use, as he was able to aim it, and reflect the laser to the receiver dish near the draw bridge exit. Causing it to lower. Now they were leaving the facility as they were looking around, seeing that there were other satellites that was floating around, waiting for the laser to hit them for redirecting.

It is obvious that the Obani folk built this so that Ratchet has to reflect the laser into the dish, causing it to open the gate, so that he would reconnect the satellite uplinks through those lasers, likely so that the Obani folk can fight back against the Noids. It's too bad that the Noids might've arrived sooner than they thought they would, leaving this uplink incomplete.

Before they left out of the pad, Ratchet decided to go to the Vender to see if there's something new inside. Which there was. It was a Disc Blade Gun. Which judging by the design of the gun, and the name of the gun that was inside, it seemed to fire razor discs as well. Which was like the Chopper from Bogon that he used against his enemies. It was a good weapon to use. But could this Disc Blade Gun work too? Only one way to find out, as Ratchet was able to buy it before putting it in the inventory.

While Angela had the Chopper that they bought from Slim Cognito back on Aquatos. Before their infiltration mission. Which was much to her delight since she did like the Chopper as well.

Now they were on their way out when they saw that there was a jump pad in front of them. Which Ratchet guessed, could be strong enough to launch them to the floating platforms

Which Ratchet was familiar with, as he used them before when he destroyed a jamming array, the size of a moon, that the Thugs-4-less tried to use to jam the broadcasting of the Maktar Resort's show, probably to cover the Unknown Thief's tracks, back in Bogon. And now he was doing this again.

"It seems that we're about to jump high again, eh Clank?" Ratchet asked.

"Indeed. I wonder if they're going to follow us though." Clank responded.

"Of course, considering that there could be foes on those platforms that could be trying to kill us as we get those lasers connected. So we might need their help as we do this." Ratchet said. "Why don't we split up? Angela, you and Starlene can take care of the bottom, just in case the Noids try to join their allies on those platforms. We'll take care of those platforms and connect the lasers."

Hydro Girl was pleased to hear that from Ratchet. Knowing that she would spend some time with him. Even if he already was taken by Angela. But she wouldn't dare take him from Angela. Instead, she'd rather that she could have him alongside Angela, if she doesn't mind. But she knew that it won't happen, but she ain't going to complain.

"Okay. Just be safe, Ratchet." Angela seriously said, hugging Ratchet into her chest.

Ratchet was ensuring that he will, before he reunites with Angela, as he was jumping onto the nearest Platform from the Jump pad with Hydro Girl close behind him.

Once on there, he quickly saw that a laser was there, so he had his refractor out to redirect the laser, before aiming the laser at the nearby satellite that Hydro Girl pointed out, seeing it connect to the satellite, as it then shot out the laser out of its plate, showing them where to go next.

So, they trailed after the laser to the next platform, flying their way there with Clank's levitator, and with Hydro Girl's jetpack. Flying over the gaps that was made on the moon, which also had lava in it, showing how dangerous it'd be if they fall in. But they weren't nervous. Soon they were there and connecting another laser to the other satellite. As they did, they continued to zap away the bots that tried to shock them.

Once there, Ratchet reflected the laser to another satellite. And to another satellite, and to another one, until he was sure that they were all connected. Causing the last satellite to remove the shield that blocked their way to the warp pad. Giving them a way to another part of Obani whether it's to another moon, or a space station, but first, Ratchet and Hydro Girl descended to the first floor of the moon to meet back up with Starlene, and Angela, and see if they were okay.

The latter of whom, was hugging him into her chest. "How were things up top?" Angela asked.

Ratchet shrugged. "Not much was out for us. Hopefully things weren't too much for you and Starlene."

"Oh, don't worry. We fought against those Scout Bots. And that's all. No Noid, or another more dangerous bot crossed our path. So far at least." She responded casually.

"That's good. Our operation on this moon is complete now. Now we need to get to continue to another Moon and bring our fight against those Noids. And hopefully, we catch that Biobliterator too. Hopefully it is on the third moon in the Obani Moon System." He spoke.

The gang agreed, as they were now going to a teleportation pad that they learned, led to Obani Gemini: Pollux, which they took.

Now they were on another moon, some of which, was shaped like tall mushrooms. Almost like they were built that way to camouflage themselves so that they have refuge in those things. There were also the traditional tower buildings that was taller than the mushroom buildings. Which showed that they were on a populated part of one of the Moons of the Obani system, considering the fact that they were still in space, and that they still noticed the curvature of the moon's sphere that they stood on.

They were obviously on a different moon, which is known as Pollux. So, they kept going as they fought the shock drones that tried to shock them. But Ratchet used the disc blade on them, shooting them with the discs that indeed were like the Chopper discs that he used back in Bogon. Which is what Angela was also using against those bots as they fought on the moon. So that Angela can level up the Chopper and make it stronger.

There were also the other enemies, being the Elite Sharpshooters that tried to snipe at the gang. And even though they grazed the gang, they weren't successful, since they still lived. Not only that, but they were also shooting out a different gun that shot out only a pair of electric bolts that connected to fire a wave of electricity. Which is not a good weapon for sniping, and long-distance combat. Especially when it comes to sneak attacking. Which is why they saw them coming, before Starlene sniped them back before they could do damage.

There were a few more that came, as they continued onwards through the path in the moon until they were at the section around a pond of lava. And despite the danger of their electric wave, they weren't hard to jump over. While they defeated them with the Disc Blade Gun, and the Chopper, each of which also destroyed the Scout Bots as they continued.

There was also a gun that Hydro Girl used against them, known as the Rift Inducer. Which did as it said on the tin. It created some rifts that sucked in their enemies. Particularly the Scout Bots, with no effort on them. While it took a bit more effort to suck in the Elite Sharpshooters. They did seem dangerous, which was why they kept their distance from the rifts, which wasn't hard, since Hydro Girl kept on shooting them when she knew that they were far enough from those Rifts,

"Nice shot, Hydro Girl. That gives us some breathing room against them." Starlene said, complimenting her as she fired her Annihilator against them.

"No problem." She said with a smile. Before they continued onwards.

Where they used a jump pad to ascend to a higher section of Pollux. Where they were now on the tallest tower of Pollux, that connected to a bridge. (They also quickly grabbed another Titanium Bolt after noticing it near the tower.) Where they fought against more of the Scout Drones. As well as another Elite Sharpshooter who tried to use his electric waves on them, feeling that the bridge they're taking has no space for them to strafe around his blasts. So he was using his current location to his advantage.

Unfortunately, though his position was smart, he was only able to only hit some of them once with his weapon, being Angela, and Starlene. While Ratchet and Hydro Girl was able to jump over those shots. Before Ratchet, having seen Angela getting hit by the electric wave, was ticked off, before he ended up clobbering the Sharpshooter with his wrench before he could try to fire at him, and the gang again. With Hydro Girl also assisting him by taking out the Scouts.

"Anyone who hurts her, is going to PLASMA CITY!" He proclaimed, as he beat the Sharpshooter.

Thankfully, the Armor she and Starlene wore, was able to lessen the damage. And she knew that some nanotech would heal her wounds. But Ratchet wasn't going let anybody hurt his girlfriend. Which left her touched at him, for protecting her from their enemies that Nefarious throws at them.

After they took out the minions, the gang was on the move again as they were launching themselves onto the top of the tall building tower, with the jump pad. Where after a second of them looking around, they saw that there was a pair of piles of boxes, and a grind rail. However, before they could get to the grind rail, another Guard bot from Daxx suddenly appeared.

"Oh F#$!ing stars! Not these guys again!" Angela said, both scared and angry at seeing another Guard bot from Daxx, since they were not easy foes to beat to begin with. (While Hydro Girl and Starlene flinched again, at the word that they heard.)

They quickly took cover behind the boxes as the bot was revving up his chain guns, before firing them at the gang. Thankfully, the boxes were made of tough metal. So they had cover that could protect them well from the bot's shots. Now they needed to take it out.

Which they tried to, with the rift inducer, as Hydro Girl thought that the rifts could suck the bot in, regardless of its size. Unfortunately, it was staying in one place. Much to their dismay. But they didn't give up, as Ratchet, and Angela used their disc blades against the bot. While they also used the Spitting Hydra, knowing how effective it was back on Daxx. And they did noticeable damage against the bot. Now they had to launch a few of their discs against the bot before taking cover again once it fires its guns again.

Despite some grazing wounds from the shots, the gang was able to take out the guard bot after a minute or two. Now they were headed to the rail, where they were all now grinding on the rail. Which sent them around the tallest building of Obani Pollux, before sending them to a different section of Pollux, where they were at a gateway.

Which had some Scout bots that was being sent against them. But they were little trouble, since Hydro Girl continued to use the Rift Inducer against them. Before they all kept going once the rifts vanished. While they broke a few of the boxes for Ammo to refill.

Where there were more bots to fight, as well as those 'Elite' Marksman that continued to try to shoot them with their lightning wave guns, but they continued to fail, since Ratchet, and Angela continued flinging around their disc blades from the Chopper and Disc Blade Gun. While Hydro Girl continued to make more rifts from her Rift Inducer. Which continued to suck in and destroy the Scout bots, and the Marksmen, regardless of them being bigger than the scouts, but not too much.

There was another jump pad, but there was also another Guard bot as well. Much to their dismay as they saw that they were forced to strafe around its shots since they had little cover. At least the area was pretty open enough for them to do that. While Ratchet and Angela used the disc blades against the guard bot, while Starlene continued to use her Annihilator against the Guard bot.

The Guard bot put up a good fight, but it was able to be taken down. Now they were jumping upwards with the pad, as they were beset by more of the Sharpshooters that tried to stop them, but they were no match for the Rift Inducer. Now the gang kept on moving as they used another jump pad to continue onwards.

Where they saw more of the Scout bots, and the Sharpshooters. That they took down with their guns, even though they did suffer some shocks from the Scouts when they landed close to them. But they didn't hurt badly as they were taken down before Ratchet and the gang continued their trek through Pollux.

Soon, they were at a green triangle pad that Ratchet guessed was a different type of pad, either for jumping, or for teleporting. But they had another Guard bot to worry about, as they were now shooting at it again with their guns. Since they were strong guns, (For unevolved guns that is.) it didn't take too much effort. Regardless of how strong the Guard bot was.

Soon, they were able to beat the bot, and end their battle against those foes for now, as they were now using the jump pad that launched them to the catwalk pathway that led them to where their path to the third moon, being Obani Draco, should be. Which is where they should end up finding the Biobliterator, and the Noids there. But before they launched themselves to the catwalk, they noticed that there was a shield around it. Much to their dismay, since they need to take it down. And they hoped that they could be heading to a generator on this Moon through the doorway into the tower.

Once they got on the catwalk though, they saw an unexpected member appearing out of the green teleport pad. Being Skidd himself. "Okay dudes, cover me!" He said, charging ahead on the path. Only to end up tripping on the ground chest first. "MAN DOWN!" He called out.

"Hey it's okay, Skidd. The fight's over already." Ratchet said, as the gang was shaking their heads at him. Mainly at how amusing he was to make an appearance like that.

"Whew. Thank the stars…" He said quietly. But he knew they could've heard him. "I mean… no, that blows, dude." He then said, acting disappointed.

They knew that he was merely relieved that he wasn't fighting on Obani, though. As they merely looked at him with some exasperation.

"I would've gotten here sooner, but… I encountered some heavy-duty resistance." He spoke defensively.

"Enemy troops?" Clank and Starlene asked.

"Well… uh, not necessarily those guys. It was mainly because the drive-thru at Galaxy Burger was wicked slow… and…" He tried to say.

They knew that he was just making up excuses though. And they weren't fooled in the slightest. But at least he wasn't obliterated on the way here though.

"Anyways, it looks like that last moon is surrounded by an omega class disintegration shield." Ratchet said, interrupting Skidd. While pointing out Obani Draco, which was indeed covered by a shield that surrounded the whole moon, leaving no ship able to enter it unless they're Noid ships. And it looked strong enough to where not even Hydro Girl's mothership could take the shield down by wailing on it with its bombs among other weapons.

"Whatever is happening in there, can't be good. So, if we had the right tools, I could get to the generator that should be in that tower." Angela said, noting that the gang, along with herself, might need to go back to the Phoenix to get the tools for the job.

Skidd was smiling at them though. "Luckily for you dudes, and dudettes, I got this." He said, pulling out a crowbar. "Stand back bros, I'm a professional. Don't try this at home." He spoke.

All while the gang was staring at him in confusion, wondering what he was doing with that crowbar.

"Aw dang, this thing's busted." He suddenly said, much to the gang's exasperation. But they did expect this sort of thing from Skidd. "Oh wait. Never mind." He said, as he was now working on the lock on the doorway, trying to pry it open to unlock their way in.

As he was working on it though, A ringing noise sounded. "Incoming call from the Galactic Rangers." Clank said, pulling out a screen out of him, before letting it float in the air, to show the gang where the transmission was coming from.

"Sergeants! Blackwater City is under attack!" One of the Rangers said in alarm. While showing in the background, plasma bolts were being shot around by the Rangers, and the Noids. "The Noids came out of nowhere! The situation is extremely… uh, it's… well… we'll be hosed at this rate, unless you are here." He spoke.

"RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!" Another Ranger screamed out, interrupting him before running offscreen while yelling. Showing more of the battle that was in the background. 

"Sir! We're requesting immediate assistance!" He said, desperately hoping that Ratchet and his gang would be seeing this. Before ending the video call.

The whole gang was looking on in surprise, and slight horror at what they just learned. Rilgar was being attacked by the Noids. And they need to save it from them, or the whole planet will be taken over.

"Woah! I guess I'm skipping that hoverboard trip to Blackwater City. Too bad bro, since I would've loved to race you again, and see how much you've learned." Skidd said to Ratchet. Feeling disappointed about that. Even if he's relieved that he wasn't there.

As was Ratchet, who felt that he could've had some fun with Skidd on the hoverboard track, and see how much he could've improved on the hoverboard.

"The Rangers need our help." He said, determined nonetheless, as was the gang. "Let's go." He said to this gang. Then he concentrated on Skidd. 

"I uh… will try to catch up with you guys. This lock's gonna probably take a while." Skidd said. Planning to stay behind, where it should be safe. And to try to open the door to the tower, where the Generator to the shield, should be. Then destroy it for Ratchet and the gang.

"Okay, just give us a call if something comes up." He said casually, not minding letting Skidd remain behind on Obani Pollux to open the door. As was the gang as they got the coordinates to Blackwater City, on Planet Rilgar. 

"Just be careful, Skidd. If anything dangerous comes, be sure to call us, and retreat back to your ship, and to the Phoenix." Starlene said seriously. While hugging Skidd.

"I'll be sure to do that, sis." He said, reassuringly. Hugging her back, before she and the gang was using the green teleportation pad to go back to the first moon.

Now the gang was going back to their respective ships. Intending to go to Rilgar, to save it from the Noid invasion.

They just hoped that they're not going to be too late.

Chapter Text

Chapter Ten: The Battle of Blackwater: Part 1

The Lombaxes, along with Hydro Girl, and Starlene, were now in the dropship of the Galactic Rangers as they were now on Planet Rilgar. After Ratchet and Clank and Angela flew their Star Explorer to the Planet Rilgar, they ended up dropping down to the battlefield, where they assisted the Rangers with Hydro Girl, and Starlene not far behind as they assisted the Rangers in making a Command Post for them to plan their battle plan against the Noid invasion. Which involved them skydiving like last time, except this time, Angela was able to have her parachute this time, so she didn't need his help like on Veldin when they skydived. After that, they assisted the Rangers against the Noids as they defended their Command Post that they could've lost had Ratchet been too late to assist.

There were surprising faces that was there though. Those faces, being Cora Veralux, and Brax. Who also came to the Galactic Rangers to assist them in Blackwater. And they were surprised to see the group at Blackwater as well, as they spoke at the Command Post, where they talked about Ratchet's previous journeys with Angela prior to coming to Rilgar to help them out.

Which involved their raid on Daxx, winning the next Vid-Comic from his race on Florana, and their search for the Biobliterator on the Obani Moons after that. The latter of which, wasn't a success so far, since they currently had no way to get to the third moon to see if it is there.

"So that's why Skidd is there? To try to find a way into that moon?" Cora asked.

"Indeed. So we might return to that place once he has the way opened. Or once this battle is over, we could play the next Vid-Comic that we won. Then we return there once we get Clank's shoot over with." Ratchet responded casually. Still remembering the Agent Clank movie that they needed to shoot with Courtney Gears.

"Either way would be fine." Cora said shrugging. "By the way, what brought you back to Solona, Ratchet?"

Ratchet, Clank, and Angela proceeded to explain that they came to Veldin when the Planet was attacked. Much to Ratchet's chagrin, since he viewed the Planet as his home. Which was why he came to Veldin in order to save it through his Gravimetric Warp Drive. That was when he met the Rangers. Whom made him their sergeant on the spot, as they mentioned back on Marcadia during their battle there.

"Wait. That Planet Veldin was your home?" Cora asked surprised.

"Indeed. It wasn't much, and it certainly isn't nowhere as beautiful as Pokitaru, but it was my home, nonetheless." He spoke. "And now, I plan to make Nefarious pay for trying to destroy it with his Tyhrranoids. The Planet didn't deserve to be destroyed after all."

Cora agreed with him on that part. As she felt that Nefarious might've attacked that Planet for the evil fun of it, as well as to show the Galaxy that he has returned, not knowing that he ended up bringing Ratchet to that Planet, causing him to join their fight against him. Which might've come back to bite Nefarious on his metallic posterior if Ratchet is as mighty as he was claimed to be, if his Galaxy saving journey back in Solona, and Bogon is to be believed.

Which she did believe, as she was glad to be with Ratchet and his friends once they end up beating Nefarious.

"That we can agree on. And I'm delighted to see that the Planet is still intact." Brax said.

"So am I, Brax." Ratchet said in relief at seeing that his home is still around. "By the way Cora? Why did you join the Rangers?" Ratchet asked curiously.

"Well, let's just say that I was inspired to join even before Drek's defeat by your hands. You see, his Planet destroying business ended up giving me a goal to become a hero, especially when my home was targeted. And… Qwark inspired me to join the Rangers in hopes that I can be a hero." Cora reluctantly said on the last part.

"Wait! You mean that egotistical green hero inspired you to join the Rangers?" Angela asked.

"Yep." Cora responded while nodding. "Don't get me wrong, after hearing about him and Drek being together, and after hearing about how you put him in his place, I lost respect for him, and I was just as annoyed as you guys were that he was made the leader of this battle against Dr. Nefarious. And yet, after what he did so far, I'm starting to wonder if I might forgive him for his past antics, once we win against Nefarious, thanks to him."

"I'm kind of the same way." Ratchet said.

"Me too." Angela also admitted. "In fact, if he is doing this to atone, then I'll forgive him for what he did in Bogon, with that Protopet business, if he continues to be quite helpful against Nefarious."

"And at the rate that he is helping us out with no signs of betraying us to Nefarious, he can deserve our forgiveness and our friendship once we beat Nefarious." Brax said, supporting Qwark's redemption for his past with Ratchet.

"For now though, I think we should keep on our toes towards him, just to ensure that he isn't going to run away once the fight against Nefarious gets dangerous." Ratchet said.

The gang was in agreement.

"By the way Cora, what Planet is your home Planet?" Ratchet asked.

"Novalis. It was my home Planet." Cora said, somberly.

Ratchet was startled at what he heard. It was a while since he had been to Novalis, since he first visited the Planet after crashing his recently fixed ship onto it. Then he left the Planet after gaining a new ship from the other chairman of that Planet, who was forced to work for Drek after gaining a pair of infobots' coordinates from the Planet. After that, he didn't really know what happened next until he learned that it indeed lost a major piece of itself to Drek's new Planet. Leading to it to indeed drift into the sun, and explode, leaving a bunch of pieces behind. The latter of which would be either just before, or after Drek's defeat. Which left both him and Clank somber at the news. But they were also feeling relief that with that monstrous Drek gone, there won't be any more Planets that'll be destroyed like Novalis was.

"Sorry about your Planet." Ratchet said.

"It's okay. I was able to move on thanks to the Rangers. Anyways, I planned to join the rangers after coming across a recruitment ad for them. So I ended up applying for the job. Which involved the paperwork that I remember asking for you to retrieve for me, when I accidentally left them in my apartment back on Marcadia. And after that, I got the job, and did some fighting alongside the Rangers until I got promoted to Sergeant by Sasha." Cora explained.

"Wow. And I'm guessing that you proved yourself as a tough soldier for the Rangers in those fights?" Angela asked.

Cora nodded. "Indeed. And I plan to prove that I'm also a tough Sergeant as we fight and defeat Nefarious before he executes his plan with that Biobliterator that you told me about." She said, having heard of the Biobliterator from the gang, earlier.

"And I look forward to seeing that, knowing that you're an ally to us." Angela said appraisingly as they were prepared for battle on Blackwater as the leading Ranger was now talking by his slideshow projection.

"Okay, listen up boys!" He commanded. "It's time we initiate our save for the Planet Rilgar, and ensure that Blackwater City, and by extension, the whole Planet of Rilger, won't get taken over by those Noids!"

Then he showed a projection of the battlefield on Rilgar that they were in, as they were planning to do a counterattack against the Noids.

"We call this, Operation: Dark Tide." The Main Ranger announced. As he soon ended up explaining the whole plan to the regiment alongside Angela Cross and Ratchet. "This is how it goes. The leading Sergeant shall make an assault on the bridge with us, as we make our offensive against the Noids in our attempt to get to their Command post and make it ours. Then once we have this side of the bridge secure, we shall make another offensive to the paths that divide into the columns on each side of the bridge section that is on their side, where those Noids' command posts shall be! That way, once taken out, those CPs shall be ours, which will give us an advantage in taking on the main Command Base where the Noids are making their assault!" He then said.

"Once that base is taken out, and is ours, the invasion force will be pushed back, and be at a major disadvantage to where they'll be forced to end it in their defeat, and retreat from this Planet, giving it time to recuperate!" Angela said.

"Male Sarge, Sergeant Cora, and Brax shall lead the left bridge column assault to the left side of the battlefield. While Female Sarge, Hydro Girl, and Starlene will lead the right." The Ranger said.

"And we shall join each other in the middle before we make the main assault against the main base of the Tyhrranoids!" Angela announced. "If all goes well, they'll be out of here, and the locals can relax, knowing that with us around, those Noids won't take this place by force!"

Soon the slideshow was done. And so was the planning. "Okay. If there are no more questions, we shall now get our plan started! And quick! Or the Noids might end up creating their own scheme for this planet, and execute it before our plan gets off the ground!" The Ranger then said.

"SIR YES SIR!" All of the rangers replied as they were about to execute their operation in place.

A couple minutes after the meeting, the group was now on the bridge, going through their last-minute preparations, before they were prepared to charge the Noids on the bridge in order to get to the other end of the bridge.

As they did, Ratchet and Angela was feeling hopeful that both of them can make it out of the battle without trouble. After all, this seemed like a serious battle that could test their strength as Sergeants of the Galactic Rangers.

And considering that this was an invasion battle that they were protecting the Planet from, the Noids were going to give everything they got. And there could be a chance that one of the Q-Force might not make it out of this fight, unless it is in a body bag.

But all of them will fight hard. To ensure that none of them will end up in one, after the invasion is over.

Not only that, but they hope that they won't end up losing the Planet either, if it'll mean that Nefarious, and the Noids will gain an advantage over them.

So right now, Ratchet was with the group. Preparing for their battle for Blackwater.

"If you're feeling worried that I could perish here, then try not to. I'll take care of myself." Angela said, assuring Ratchet that she'll be fine.

"I'll take your word for it." Ratchet said. "But I'll be sure to help if you're pinned down with the rangers, and Starlene and Hydro Girl."

"And I'll appreciate it. Regardless of the fact that it'll be the second time you saved me." Angela said, remembering being rescued by him from Thugs-4-less. "I just hope I'll return the favor Someday."

"If you do, then I'd be glad to be rescued by you." Ratchet said, not minding the rescue in the slightest. If anything, he's admittedly feeling intrigued by that possibility if so that he'll see that Angela can take care of herself well.

Angela smiled at him in response. Appreciating what he said to her.

Now though, they were prepared for battle. As they were joining up with the Rangers and the members of the Q-Force that was on the battlefield with them.

Where soon, they were on the bridge, ready to fight the Noids together for the Planet as Ratchet was soon speaking to the group and the rangers.

"Remember, Rangers. If we lose, this Planet is doomed to be conquered by the Noids! So, we must not let it happen if it'll mean that Nefarious is going to gain a victory against us, so soon after we won on the Noids' home Planet! If it does, then this war is going to be continuing for a bit longer! So, we must not let that happen if it'll mean more rangers will be lost, along with some lives! We shall fight hard, if it'll mean that doing so will yield us a victory for Blackwater, and Rilgar!" He spoke.

The Rangers made battle cries in response to the small speech that Ratchet made.

Soon, they were facing off against the Tyhrranoids that was on the other side. "Charge!" The leading Ranger said.

The group along with some of the Galactic Rangers were charging up the ramp that led to the bridge as the Noids also charged too. With the mech Noids, and the floating Saucer Noids that shot out plasma bolts was also floating over the water as they attacked back on the sides of the bridge.

Fortunately, Angela had a Rift Inducer for that, as she shot out rifts that were able to suck in the Saucer Noids to destroy them, while the mech Noids were taken down by Ratchet's Annihilator, and Brax's Shock Cannon.

Soon, they were on the circle section of the bridge, where they were now quickly establishing a CP on there, as the Rangers soon took cover behind some blocks that was on the bridge's circle section as they shot at the Noids together. While Ratchet and Brax were continuing to defend them alongside Angela, and her own squad in Hydro Girl and Starlene.

With each of them having the N60 Storm, Rift Inducer, and the Annihilator respectively.

Now they were defending the point on the bridge that they were on, as they were trying to weaken the attacking forces first, before making a charge to the next circle section of the bridge, then charge the command posts that were nearby on the two upper sections that connected to the circle on the other side of the bridge where the Noids controlled it.

However, their path was blocked by a force field wall that was separating them from their section of the bridge to the Noids' section with the CPs there. But they knew what they could do.

Ratchet, remembering that he has his Hacker, was now getting to the gate, where he was able to find the slot where the tower that made the forcefield was. "Cover me! I'll hack it down!" He said to the group.

They didn't need to be told twice about that, as they were covering his back, while shooting their weapons at the Noids that tried to shoot them down. And by extension, prevent Ratchet from busting down the force field wall.

Which, for the Noids, was easier said than done, as the group were great enough fighters to hold them off well, plus, the Rift Inducer from Hydro Girl was putting to use against the Noids as she covered his back.

Angela also did so, as she shot down the Noids that tried to go after Ratchet. She refused to lose her boyfriend to those guys after all.

Even though it was also easier said than done for the Rangers as well. As they saw they were fighting the different looking Noids as well, which showed that they were stronger versions of the original Tyhrranoids that they fought against prior to their battle on Rilgar. As they were a bit more durable than the ones that attacked Marcadia, and tried to defend Tyhrranosis from their invasion to no avail.

The Gunner Noids especially showed off their different colors of a olive green tone to their skin, in comparison to the seafoam green tone of the previous Tyhrranoids that they fought. And they were a bit more durable than the previous ones.

Fortunately, they were not much more durable than the previous Noids. And they were still going down without too much trouble, proving that they were not invincible. Which was a plus in the Rangers' eyes since they hoped not to fight such Noids in the near future.

As was the Q-Force that defended Ratchet as he was continuing to use the Hacker on the node.

It was minutes of them defending him, when he was able to get the force field down.

Now Ratchet and his squad were now charging ahead once they were sure that the offense from the Noids were weakened enough to temporarily halt their advance.

Where once past the gate, they were soon charging ahead and separating from each other as they were soon heading towards the CPs in separate directions, with Ratchet, Brax, and Cora going left, while Angela, Hydro Girl, and Starlene went to the right path.

Ratchet, Cora, and Brax continued onwards, promising to assist the other half of the group once they were done with the CP that they were headed towards. Right now, they have to take it to gain their advantage that they need to take the main base that the Noids have.

It didn't take too long, until they were soon shooting at the mech Noids and the Saucer Noids as they tried to shoot at the group. Who shot back at them, with Ratchet switching to his own Disc Blade Gun against the Noids, while Cora switched to her own N60, and Brax switched to his own Nitro Launcher.

Which proved to be a good combination since the Disc Blades defeated the Saucer Noids and left them falling into the water for the Lurker Sharks to eat them, or onto the ground, where Brax launched the bombs to destroy them and the Mech Noids during the battle, while Cora weakened them with the N60, or killed the weakened Noids that were unable to stand up to the weapons being put to good use against the Noids.

The Noids did end up striking back though, as they were able to end up hitting Ratchet in the return fire as they were able to land some shots on him. But he continued to shoot back with the Disc Blades on the Saucer Noids.

Cora also got hit too, which did leave her running for some cover behind the blocks that were also on the ascending bridge that they were running up. Lucky for them, since the Noids were determined to keep the CP under control, and ensure that their invasion of BlackWater City, and Planet Rilgar will not be stopped.

Even Brax suffered some hits, making him take cover too, but he and Cora fought back with their own Shots, while Cora also switched weapons to her own Suck Cannon to use against the Noids since there were also small Berserker Noids that tried to run towards them and bite them. Only for her to suck them in, and shoot them back out against the other Noids.

Which ensured that they won't be driven back to the Rangers' side of the field. Speaking of whom, the Rangers were able to send a couple of them with the group before they split up. And there was still some of the Rangers that was still around that was able to provide some support for Ratchet and his friends that were by his side.

Which made their push forwards less hard than it was since Ratchet led the charge alongside Cora and Brax, as the latter also punched some of the Noids around when they get to close.

Particularly the Small Berserker Noids that he also stomped on, uppercutted into flying into the water, and even kicked them around. While also taking down the Mech Noids when they get too close to them for comfort. Showing that Brax was the Juggernaut of the Q-Force when in combat situations like this.

Which made Ratchet and Clank glad that they were on the Q-Force's side, and his by extension. As he felt that he'd have a lot of competition in taking out the Noids when Brax is on the field with him, and Cora. And Ratchet felt, that Brax could make for a difficult spar if he were to fight Brax even with his weapons fully evolved.

Speaking of evolved, the Disc Gun that he fired, was also evolving. Much to Ratchet's delight as it now became the V2 version of the Disc Blades that it shot out, similar to the Chopper from Bogon.

Except here, as he fired the evolved gun, he saw that the Blade was instead ricocheting off the enemy it hit, and targeted another Noid afterwards. Instead of splitting off into multiple blades like the Multi-Star did after the Chopper evolved.

But Ratchet felt confident that once it is a V6 version, or if it fully evolved, the blades would split into multiple ones like the Multi-Star does. Which made him wish that he brought the weapon with him when he zoomed his way to Veldin.

He did feel fond of the evolved Chopper after all.

Nevertheless, the Lombax and the other two continued their charge up the path, where they were now mowing down the Noids at the CP, where they were starting to eventually take it over.

Despite the efforts of the Noids, some of the bigger ones even brazenly charged at them, but Brax took them down without too much problems with his own Annihilator rockets that he put to good use against them.

It wasn't an easy fight, but they eventually were able to end up beating the Noids at the CP, half ending the objective here.

"Whew. We got the CP. Now I'm hoping that Angela and her squad is also done with the other one." Ratchet said.

"Wouldn't that be good if they were able to do such. That'd make this little battle against these Noids a sure victory for the Rangers if that is the case." Cora said.

"I agree on that one, Cora." One of the Rangers ended up saying. Glad to see that the CP is theirs, as was Brax.

But they were bracing themselves just in case that the Noids could be ready to counterattack them in their attempt to retake the CP.

Sure enough, Cora was in the middle of looking up in the sky, where she saw a few Dropships that was coming their way.

"Guys. There might be more of them coming!" She said as she looked upwards, and ended up seeing the ships coming.

"I see them. Brace yourselves, Rangers!" Ratchet and Brax said on the last part.

The Rangers quickly obeyed, and were now bracing themselves for the Noids that were coming to fight them after diving from the air.

Which consisted of the Gunner Noids that were jumping out of the sky to fight against them all. As they were shooting at them.

And they were dangerous since some of the Rangers were shot down. Which left only a few, and Ratchet's squad that was their opposition.

And worse, they were not alone, as there were also the Mech Noids that were also getting deployed too, along with the Saucer Noids that also shot at the Rangers, and Ratchet and his squad. All of whom were fighting hard against the Noids.

"They're trying to Flank us!" One of the Rangers ended up saying.

"Good thing that there aren't enemies that are in this CP!" Cora said, relieved that they were not fighting against any Noids in the CP, as they could've been assaulted and squeezed on both sides of the bridge.

But since there weren't, the battle wasn't becoming too difficult for them.

Especially as Ratchet continued fighting well with his Omni-Wrench. As well as his own weapons being the Disc Blade launcher. Which continued to kill the Gunner Noids with the ricocheting blades that showed how powerful they were against the Noids. Even the Saucer Noids weren't more durable than the Gunner Noids as they fell out of the Sky, and into the water, where the Lurker Sharks ate them. (While ignoring the Saucers that also fell into the water.)

The Noids were determined, but there wasn't enough of them that could end up beating them back. And soon, Ratchet's squad, and the remaining Rangers that were still intact, were able to drive them off. Much to their relief.

"That should be the last of them." Brax said, feeling glad that they were able to take them down before they could retake the CP that they just took from the Noids. Ensuring that their objective won't be compromised, along with their efforts to keep Rilgar from getting controlled by Dr. Nefarious' forces.

"Now our objective should be easier from here, if we have both of them." Cora said, delighted at the victory that they just achieved. While hoping that Angela and her squad were able to achieve the same result.

"Hopefully this wasn't difficult for you guys, considering that we might be facing some stronger Noids in this fight." Ratchet said.

"They aren't too tough. Especially since we're together." Cora said.

"The past fights back in Dreadzone were more of a challenge to me. It made teamwork important considering the foes we face in the Shadow Sector." Brax said.

"Speaking of, how is Angela and her friends doing?" Ratchet asked.

Which caused him and his squad to use their comm to contact Angela. Particularly when it rang for them, as Ratchet picked up the call.

"Angela, we've finished taking the CP from those Noids." He said.

"It's about time! We're trying to take our objective as well! But we're in an ambush!" Angela said on the other line. Sounding like she was going through one major battle, and a serious one at that. "We're holding them off decently enough, but I'm having serious doubts that we may be able to grab the CP without retreating back to the Rangers!"

That had Ratchet getting shocked, and scared at the sound of the battle that was going on, for Angela. Plus, looking at the other side of the circle bridge where Angela and her squad was fighting, there were indeed plenty of Noids that were starting to flank the Rangers and Angela's squad. Which was a sign that they might end up getting shot down, or get captured if the tide of their fight doesn't turn to their favor.

"Keep fighting Angela! We'll be there as soon as we can!" Ratchet said seriously after keeping himself together.

"We'll keep that in mind! Just be careful, Ratchet! They could be expecting you guys!" Hydro Girl's voice then sounded on the Comm.

They kept that in mind, as Ratchet and his Squad, and the remaining Rangers that isn't guarding the captured CP were soon running back down the arch to the main bridge. Where they were soon running up the other arch leading to the CP that Angela's squad was trying to take.

"I hope you're doing fine, Angela." Ratchet said, as he and his squad, and the Rangers were mounting their rescue assault for Angela's squad. They just hoped that they won't be too late.

Chapter Text

"Angela, we've finished taking the CP from those Noids." Ratchet said on the comm as Angela was behind cover.

"It's about time! We're trying to take our objective as well! But we're in an ambush!" Angela said. Fighting hard in her battle on her side of the battlefield on the bridge, considering that she, Hydro Girl, and Starlene were fighting against the Noids that ambushed them from behind, forcing them and the Rangers to hold off both sides of the bridge section they were at, near the bunker. "We're holding them off decently enough, but I'm having serious doubts that we may be able to grab the CP without retreating back to the Rangers!" She spoke.

Which was unfortunately going to be difficult to do, for Angela, as she was looking at the flank of theirs on the arch bridge leading to the bunker where Angela and her squad was fighting, there were indeed plenty of Noids that were starting to flank the Rangers and Angela's squad. Which was a sign that they might end up getting shot down, or get captured if the tide of their fight doesn't turn to their favor.

It was like they knew that Ratchet wasn't here, so they were taking their chances with making sure that at least a few of the Q-Force members are going to bite the dust if to either turn the tide in the Noids' favor, or make their victory on Rilgar become Pyrrhic due to losing a few members in the counterattack.

And that possibility was leaving Angela, Starlene, and Hydro Girl feeling nervous of losing, which was why they were trying to lead the Rangers into making it out of this section of the battlefield, just in case their defensive battle is going pear shaped.

"Keep fighting Angela! We'll be there as soon as we can!" Ratchet said seriously after keeping himself together.

"We'll keep that in mind! Just be careful, Ratchet! They could be expecting you guys!" Hydro Girl's then spoke into the comm. Before they all continued to battle it out with the Noids.

Where they battled, as they saw and felt a few explosions going off not too far from them, even getting close as the Noids were trying to Mortar them, much to their nervousness, but they kept fighting.

"Count on me to forget to bring my Mothership to this Planet's orbit." Hydro Girl said in dismay. Wishing that she had her mothership driven to this place, instead of riding with the others to Rilgar.

And now it seems that in forgetting bringing her mothership here, or having a remote to fly her mothership to Rilgar, she is now facing a harder battle than was necessary. She just hoped that Ratchet will arrive soon with his intervention saving them, and ensuring the tide won't turn in the Tyhrranoids' favor.

"Don't be so hard on yourself." Angela said, putting a hand on her shoulder while keeping cover from behind any debris. "You just forgot to take it with us here. That's reasonable." She then said, feeling that it was just an accident in Hydro Girl's case.

It did cheer her up a bit as they continued to take cover behind the debris of the battlefield, which isn't big enough to cover them more efficiently from the shots of the Tyhrranoids. And unfortunately, it was losing some more of its pieces by piece, threatening to expose Angela and Hydro Girl to their fire.

And not only that, but their own regiment of the Galactic Rangers was mowed down. They had only at least under ten left.

As the battle raged on, Angela, Starlene, and Hydro Girl could see how the tide was slowly turning against them. They were struggling to hold their position and protect their little forward CP from the Noids, as they were starting to overrun their position. They were running out of ammunition and energy, and the Noids seemed to have an endless supply.

"Keep fighting men! Sergeant Ratchet will save us!" Angela called out to the Rangers that was still with them, ensuring that they won't end up losing heart.

Even though Angela was beginning to feel like they are going to lose this fight, and it was just a matter of time before they could get swarmed, and captured. Even though they did fight hard, particularly with the various weapons that Angela used against them.

Which included the whip. Which was already upgraded again from the battle that was raging. Along with the Shock Cannon that she also used against the Noids.

And she wasn't the only one who's weapons also upgraded to the next Tier. As Hydro Girl also had her blaster also upgrading to the V3 tier. Along with the Groovitron, which she used too, to distract the Noids.

The upgraded weapons, and the Groovitron distracting the Noids into dancing, leaving them open for their attacks, was the reason why the tide wasn't turning in the Noids' favor any faster. As they were continuing to hold out for longer than the Noids expected.

And they hoped that it'll be enough time to let Ratchet get to them, in order to ensure that the tide doesn't turn in the Noids' favor and probably have the Q-Force suffer some casualties, with either Hydro Girl, Angela, or Starlene being the first ones to fall in battle.

Either way, they all were trying to ensure that it'll be none of them that will die here. And that they will all leave the battlefield alive and well.

But the Noids were making this difficult. As they were swarming to their side of the battlefield, shooting at the Q-Force members in their attempt to kill them and the remaining Galactic Rangers like they were aware that Ratchet wasn't there. Thus, the Q-Force members are not as tough with Ratchet currently gone and thus is vulnerable to attack.

Which little did they know, was the gambit that the Noids were pulling. They were aware of how dangerous Ratchet was, along with the other Q-Force members. Especially the former even while on his own. So, they were trying to use a strategy of numbers in hopes that they could swarm the other Q-Force members in order to kill them and drop their numbers down. In hopes that it'll drop their morale and have even Ratchet getting demoralized to the point that he could either be broken enough to not fight at his best, or get scared enough to run from the battlefield, since he lost his girlfriend.

Only time could tell if they could succeed, or fail, as the Noids were continuing to try to shoot at the group, trying to shoot them down, and destroy all of the group.

So far, they weren't succeeding. As they were fighting back hard, as Angela shot a couple of them back with her Shock Cannon, with her charged shots taking out a few Noids.

Alongside Hydro Girl's own weapons, and Starlene's shots of their own. But the Noids were not making it easy for them due to their numbers.

Which, due to that, the battle continued to get harder by the minute. But they ensured that they will all hold out for Ratchet to come just in time. For now, they kept on fighting defensively.

"I don't wanna die!" One of the Rangers proclaimed, yet continuing to fight alongside his fellow Rangers, Angela, Starlene, and Hydro Girl. Like the determination to win and live, was outweighing his fear. Though it was a pretty common line for them to hear during the battles. Heck, even Angela, Hydro Girl, and Starlene thought the same thing when things were starting to go against them. "I got a family at home, waiting for me!"

"Excuses, excuses, excuses! There are others in this battlefield that has families, and you don't hear them crying about it, mid-battle!" Another Ranger said in annoyance. An emotion that Angela, Hydro Girl and Starlene echoed.

But considering the fire that was coming their way due to the Noids, all the rangers was admittedly in agreement with that sentiment. But as long as they were led by the Q-Force, and as long as Ratchet is coming their way, they know they have no excuse to turn tail and run. Especially since they were surrounded on both sides.

They kept fighting though even as they were shot at on both sides. Until Angela was looking up.

"OH F#$&!, LOOK UP!" Angela called out. Seeing a mortar shot that was coming above them in an arch, probably launched by the Tyhrranoids. Much to their horror.

And it was probably well aimed because it was going to land on their location. Forcing them to dive aside.

Fortunately, they didn't jump off the bridge by mistake. And even more fortunate, they all dodged and survived the mortar attack.

Unfortunately, the blast wiped out the Rangers that was with them, leaving only the three of them to fight back. And unfortunately, all of them were a little wounded by the blast. Not enough to be unable to fight, as Hydro Girl and Angela were quick to get back up and shoot back.

But now it was feeling like it was a last stand for them, right now, they just hoped that Ratchet would be here soon, so that they can live to see the day. As they could tell that the tide of the battle is beginning to turn in the Noids' favor. Even as they tried to hold them back.

At least, in this part of the battlefield, it felt like it. As elsewhere, it seemed that Ratchet, and the others, were having an easier time.

They fortunately still have some cover from the shots that the Noids would be doing to them. But the Noids were sure to swarm them if they are aware that the numbers are on their side, and that the trio is on the verge of losing.

Something that the small berserker Noids tried to do to them. But the trio continued to take them out. Despite them being a tad bit stronger than the previous berserker Noids that they took down.

All while using the Groovitron to distract them. But at this point, it was low on ammo. Along with their other guns that they shot out at the Noids. At this rate, they would be forced to rely on their other weapons that they hadn't used, as well as their mele weapons. Like Angela's double bladed laser sword.

As the battle went on, the Noids continued to fire their shots at the trio, which forced them to continue to take cover.

Yet despite their numbers, the trio was still holding out. As they were taking out the Noids one by one. Even though the Noids were trying their best to overwhelm the trio, they were determined to survive. Even as they were beginning to get pretty weary and tired from the battle.

Finally, the Noids were charging. Trying to swarm them out of desperation to get to them, and end their battle here, before their allies end up coming. While they also were shooting at the trio. And unfortunately, they were given some grazing wounds from the plasma shots, which was not enough to incapacitate them, but it was enough to leave them hurt and weakened a bit. Which made them feel that they might be about to die here.

"Angela, Hydro Girl, it's been an honor." Starlene said, feeling that this is it.

They were in agreement, but they kept on fighting back to the last breath, trying to make the last stand count, even as they were even hit once by some shots that left them dropping, still fighting and alive, but feeling that they were on their last legs. With Angela hit on her shoulder, Starlene hit on her abs, and Hydro Girl hit in her knee.

And soon, the Noids to their right were trying to swarm them. Feeling that this could really be it for those Q-Force members. Just a little more, and they're goners.

*BOOOM*

But some explosions put a stop to their swarming plan.

"CHAAAAARGE!" A Ranger's voice sounded.

Soon, there was a regiment of Galactic Rangers that charged against the Noids. And leading the charge, was the other members of the Q-Force.

Ratchet, Clank, Cora, and Brax Lectrus. All of whom has arrived with the Rangers in the nick of time.

The former especially as he was running fast, blasting the Noids as he was making his way to Angela herself, ensuring that she isn't going to get shot down and killed. As was Cora and Brax, ensuring that Starlene and Hydro Girl isn't getting shot down either.

Fortunately for them, they succeeded in saving the trio, much to their relief as they were able to stand again.

"Are you okay?" Ratchet asked Angela, pulling her up as the Rangers, Brax and Cora were holding off, and defeating the Noids.

"We're fine Ratchet." Angela responded. "We took a few scuffs, but we're still in fighting shape." She then said with Starlene and Hydro Girl nodding in agreement. Despite some fatigue from the fight they were in.

Which did relieve Ratchet in seeing that they are all okay, and that they are ready to continue to fight with him. While he was especially relieved that Angela was okay, as he was hugging her in relief, with a smile. "Thank goodness. I'm glad to see that you're okay."

"I'm glad to be okay." Angela said. Accepting the hug in relief, even hugging him back, before they kissed each other. Both Lombaxes being happy that neither of them are dead.

As were both Starlene, and Hydro Girl.

Though they were going to be a bit more careful about their battle against the Noids on Blackwater as they were soon following the other Rangers, as they were fighting back against the Noids on their end of the arch connected to the bridge, before they go to the main base.

It was minutes of fighting against the Noids, when they were able to gain the other CP. Where while there, they took the Nanotech boxes that healed the wounds off of Starlene, Hydro Girl, and Angela. Before going back to the bridge's middle once they were assured that both CPs were in Ranger control.

Now they were charging against the base itself. Moving across the bridge, to the other end. Where they were soon shooting at the turrets.

"Get to the pad! We'll keep the Turrets focused on us!" One of the Rangers said, knowing how dangerous the defense turrets were, on the HQ.

Ratchet obeyed, as he was quickly running to the pad that looked like a teleportation pad. With Brax and Cora behind him, deciding to charge with Ratchet, while Angela, Starlene, and Hydro Girl stays back to both recover from their fight, and to assist the Rangers against the defense turrets that were shooting at them.

It was a short but dangerous run that could've ended for them in seconds should those defense turrets focus on the three, considering how devastating the defense turrets are. But the Rangers were able to keep the turrets off of the trio. Until they got to the pad.

They were able to put it to use, as they were now inside of the base of the Noids' HQ. Where they in a hall that led to a room. And considering the Noids that were inside, they knew they had to be on the right track to the power core that they can destroy to disable the rest of the base, putting the battle to a decisive conclusion in the Rangers' favor.

So, the trio was quickly going through the hall, taking out the gunner Noids that shot at them. Dodging their shots, and shooting back.

It was a fast, yet dangerous run. As the trio was dodging the shots of the gunner Noids that were firing at them, and trying to keep the Noids from focusing their fire on them, if they would end up hitting them.

Fortunately, Ratchet, Brax, and Cora were fast and agile enough to avoid the shots and strike back with their own. They were able to take out the gunner Noids, and proceed into the next room.

The next room was a huge hall. It was dark, and they could see some Noids walking around. They could also hear some noises that sounded like machinery, as they were probably trying to defend their power core.

Easier said than done for the Noids, as the three were going through the hall, blasting the little defense turrets and the Noids in their way. Even when a door opened up, and a couple of those mech riding Tyhrranoids appeared, along with a bunch of regular ones.

But even though they were big and strong, Ratchet, Brax and Cora were easily able to shoot the giants down, alongside the rest of the Noids in the hall, making the way forward open.

And after the minutes of running through the hall, they were now in the room with the power core. Which is a metallic room, with walls that looks like he could walk on them if he kept his gravity boots from Bogon with him.

Now though, they were focused on the core. Which was in the center. And happened to look like a Sci-Fi computer that had a few smaller screens connected to the main one. Obviously showing on screen the power levels of the base.

And it was quickly under fire from Ratchet, Brax, and Cora as they were focusing their fire on that, while also keeping the other Noids at bay, as they attempted to either kill them or drive them out of the base to try to turn the tide of battle back to their favor, or to the stalemate.

Emphasis on 'attempted' as Cora and Brax were shooting back at them. While Ratchet was continuing to fire at the core. Trying to destroy it to bring the tide to the Rangers' favor. And save Rilgar from the invasion force.

It was because of their protection that Ratchet has succeeded. And soon, the base was powering down.

The gatling Turrets were deactivating due to lack of power, and the Noids were cost a major base that they established in Blackwater City, prior to the Rangers getting help from Ratchet.

The Galactic Rangers have won.

The battle was winding down as the Rangers had the Noids in retreat. While the other rangers were in their HQ base with a few of the Q-Force members, Angela included, getting out of the medical wing, after having been assisted in healing from their battle wounds, due to the Rangers' nanotech healing that assisted their healing process. Along with removing the effect of fatigue that they were feeling from the hard fight.

While throughout the whole recovery process, Ratchet and Angela were together, practically inseparable. As Angela didn't want to

Ah, the wonders of modern medicine in the Solona Galaxy.

It was now a couple minutes later, when the Q-Force were now near the Galactic Rangers' HQ with one of the rangers seeing them off. With Ratchet, Clank, and Angela back in the Star Explorer, while Starlene and Hydro Girl was on the latter's ship, and with Brax and Cora on their ship since the battle is enough in the Rangers' favor that they can take care of business from there. As the group were now going back to the phoenix, where Ratchet planned on playing the third Vid-Comic of Qwark's, to find out more of his history with Dr. Nefarious. Before he, Clank and Angela goes to Holostar Studios to shoot another episode of Agent Clank there.

"That was pretty close, Sarge. Thank you and your fellow Q-Force members for the backup." One of the Rangers said, grateful for their help.

"No problem, Ranger. Just making sure that the Noids won't get a foothold against us. Particularly after they lost their planet." He said, not wanting to know the scenario of the Noids gaining a new main HQ on Rilgar, giving Nefarious another planet to dominate, and make plans on.

"Ain't that a relief that it didn't happen. By the way Sarge, before you go, I think you could need these." The Ranger said, pulling out a pair of boots that were silver in color, with a dark blue trim, particularly at the ankles, and some arches that was around the sections where the laces could've been, while the soles of the boots are dark grey. "I accidentally tripped over these while running from those Tyhrranoids back to HQ. I believe they're your size. So, I thought you'd like these when I decided to take them." He said, tossing the pair to Ratchet. Much to his curiosity, and interest.

"Thanks. What are these?" He asked.

"Last I checked, they're Gravity Boots. Recently brought here from Bogon. I think one of the Rilgarians bought these from that Galaxy, intending to use them when the invasion hit. And probably dropped them on his or her way to the Shelters. I could've searched around for him or her to give them back, but oh well, finders keepers I guess." He said casually.

That sounded nice to hear for Ratchet. As he felt that he could use these. (While also feeling a remembrance of now gaining the ability to collect a familiar something back on Marcadia, now that he has them.) So, he decided to take them. Even if he feels bad for the Rilgarian that lost them. But if they've been abandoned, or if the Rilgarian got vaporized, then Ratchet feels that he might as well keep them. He might have more use for them than the Rilgarian does, after all. "Thanks Ranger. Hope to fight alongside you again next time." Ratchet said, waving goodbye as he was ready to take off.

"Likewise. Take care Sarges!" The Ranger called out before Ratchet was soon closing the cockpit door, before he was soon going back into space, with the other Q-Force members not far behind.

Now back on the Phoenix, the group were now in Ratchet and Angela's room, which is also the lounge room for the Rangers and the Q-Force, as they were now in front of the HDTV as the group were on the crescent sofas, with Ratchet, Angela, Clank, and Hydro Girl on the left one, and Cora and Brax on the right one. With the former two cuddling with each other.

Which was noticed by the other Q-Force members, but they didn't really talk about it. As they each felt that both Lombaxes were becoming lovey dovey with each other, due to hooking up. Brax and Cora didn't know when or where they hooked up, but they didn't care. They felt that they were an item now, and that their loving relationship was adorable.

And yet now, they were ready to play on the Vid-Comic that they won from the Florana Races, and Courtney Gears. Which is the third Vid-Comic.

"I didn't think of you as a gamer, Ratchet." Cora said. Feeling intrigued by the Vid-Comic that he was putting into the VG-9000.

"Well, I did play plenty of games to pass the time back on Veldin, before my first journey through Solona with Clank, to beat Drek." Ratchet said. "But there's a reason why I'm playing these things, specifically." He spoke.

"Could it be to learn more about Qwark, and his history with Dr. Nefarous? After all, those comics are supposed to be historically accurate retellings of Qwark's adventures in the past." Brax spoke.

"Yeah. Pretty much." Ratchet said. "Though considering that Qwark is also telling the story, I have some doubts about its historical accuracy."

"I'm with Ratchet on this one. Knowing Qwark, he might make some exaggerations again. Which I suppose is what makes these Vid-Comics entertaining nonetheless." Angela said. Feeling like giving Qwark that, he is a fun entertainer, as well as a hero. Even with the stuff he pulled in the past.

"No argument here." Cora said, having had little love for Qwark after learning about his exploits with Drek, and his antics in Bogon. But considering that he has gained a few victories against Nefarious, particularly infiltrating his base on Aquatos, and their successful invasion of Tyhrranosis, she started to respect him even more than last time.

"But I'm sure that this Vid-Comic's story with Nefarious could be accurate enough to give us a clear picture of his past with Nefarious, as well as how he has beaten him in the past." Angela continued. "So, if you're willing to tolerate his ego, then this could be a good learning experience about Nefarious." She finished.

"I'm game." Cora said casually. "So, let's just get this thing on, so we can get some answers."

"Right." Ratchet said as he was soon turned the VG 9000 on, as it showed a list of the games in the Vid Comic series on the HDTV. Particularly the recently added third one that was highlighted. Which he proceeded to choose, to start the game after loading.

"Qwark Comic Episode Three: Shadow of the Robot!" The Narrator announced as it showed Qwark's logo, then showed the number of the episode, before showing the same comic panel as the first and second one.

Before it then showed Qwark still clinging onto the ship, still holding his breath as it kept on flying through space, around the planets on the panel, with him connected to it. "For Six days, Captain Qwark clung to the ship like the dung of a giant green space-bird."

The group were surprised at what they just heard. Even Brax had his eyes widening in surprise. Apparently, Qwark is strong enough to not only cling onto the ship but also hold his breath and live through the vacuum of space for six whole days. They felt that the comic is exaggerating his accomplishments, but this was actually pretty amazing.

"Six whole days?!" Ratchet said.

"Six F#$&ing days?!" Angela then said. "Holy Makron! Qwark is full of surprises."

"I know. That guy's crazy tough." Hydro Girl said, feeling impressed that Qwark lasted that long in space, while clinging onto Nefarious' ship. They guess that Qwark's determination knows little bounds, once his mind gets focused enough.

Even with the fact that his comics exaggerates himself, it was impressive if that was true, and that Qwark did last that long in space while following Nefarious to his home base.

"Finally, the ship arrived at its destination - a secret robotic laboratory on the Planet Magmos." The Narrator then said. "Drawing on his mastery of the ancient art of disguise, Qwark slipped into the laboratory undetected." The Narrator then said as the panels showed Qwark using a trashcan disguise as he walked around some patrolling bots, that seemingly saw him walk with the trash can and yet wasn't noticing that it's him. Before showing him wearing a French maid's outfit, which was black, with a pink trim on the sleeves, and the skirt's ending, while he was wearing a blond wig as well as a maid's cap, as he was delivering a pizza to a door of an HQ. Likely Nefarious' HQ.

"Somebody… *Ahem* Somebody order a pizza?" VC-Qwark said, using a feminine voice and a French accent to sell his disguise of a female delivery person delivering a pizza to Nefarious.

That image was amusing to see in the group's eyes as they were resisting the urge to laugh their butts off at the sight.

"Heheh, right. The mastery of disguise, eh?" Ratchet said, smiling amused at the sight.

"I know. Those robots must be stupider than Nefarious could be, if he fooled them." Cora said.

"No kidding. If he wasn't a superhero, I'd say that Qwark is a comedic genius." Angela said, amused at the sight of Qwark in the dress. "Hard to believe, he was disguised as Fizzwidget, and none of us knew about that until he exposed himself near the end of our journey in Bogon." She then said in disbelief.

As was the rest of the Group, including Hydro Girl, who heard of that story back in her mothership while they showered. "Maybe he's gotten better at the disguise game, since that time?" Ratchet said, feeling that he must've practiced his disguising skill, after Drek's demise. How else was he shockingly superb at impersonating Fizzwidget? (Other than failing in speaking as intelligently as he does, of course.)

Either way, they kept watching as the next panel, showed Qwark's face that was on the large TV screen as the camera showed his footage to Nefarious. Showing his grinning face as he wore lipstick on his lips, while showing most of his face. Including a section of his sea green mask that was still on him. "Qwark's Plan was flawless." The Narrator said, as the panel was shown.

The group begged to differ though. "Uh, Qwark. You seem to have forgotten something." Ratchet said, referring to him not taking off his mask that covered his upper face, mainly his nose.

"Ah, if only he knew." Angela said, feeling that even Nefarious could tell that it is Qwark disguised as a maid.

Sure enough…

"But unbeknownst to our hero, his every move was being watched." The narrator then said as the panel zoomed out to show Nefarious and Lawrence's silhouettes as they looked at the screen, with Nefarious sitting in his large chair.

"The famous Captain Qwark couldn't possibly this stupid. Could he?" VC-Nefarious said as he was looking on in confusion, as he sat on his chair, while Lawrence was looking at the screen while holding a tray with vase and a snack on it, the latter of which was being fed to Nefarious by fork.

That confirmed it to them. Nefarious has seen through the disguise, and isn't fooled. So much for Qwark's mastery of disguise, then.

"Even drooling imbeciles can achieve success in certain fields, sir. Mad Science for example." VC-Lawrence said as the panel showed his deadpan face. Subtly insulting Nefarious. Which was much to the group's amusement, at how amusing the insult is, as well as how subtle it was. "Shall I have him annihilated, then?" He then asked.

"Let him come to us. I'll have a special surprise waiting for him!" VC-Nefarious then said, as the panel then showed Nefarious again, speaking with a wide laughing grin on his face as Lawrence was in the background looking on in confusion and boredom as Nefarious was laughing. Before the screen faded to black.

At that, the group were facepalming, while trying not to laugh. Feeling that in hindsight, Nefarious should've gone with the different option. After all, though Qwark isn't smart, he is much tougher than even Ratchet thought he would be. In fact, everyone agreed, that in a fist fight, Qwark would dominate Nefarious. Even Ratchet feels he could struggle, as Qwark makes him work for his win, should they spar.

"Let him come to you. Great plan Nefarious. That'll teach him." Ratchet said sarcastically.

"I'm wondering who is more stupid, Qwark, or Nefarious after what we ended up seeing." Angela said, feeling that in terms of Intelligence, Nefarious is hardly better in that field.

"Both, maybe?" Cora said, choosing the third option.

Either way, they were feeling pretty stoked to be seeing how the plan would go down in flames, as the game began, as it showed VC-Qwark in a foundry section of the laboratory, as they saw a crucible that was filled with molten metal in the background, along with some wires, among other structures in the lab as they made an orange glow, making a pretty dark and intimidating vibe to the level.

"Woah. Wicked." Angela said, feeling that so far, the third level has the coolest background design, what with the molten metal filled crucible. And the foreboding orange color tone throughout the level. It made them feel the seemingly hellish nature of Nefarious' HQ that the level should.

The rest of the group was in agreement, as Ratchet moved forward, immediately being given a blaster weapon as he was soon shooting at the first enemy, being a henchbot, before punching him a few times to destroy him, in order to save ammo, as he kept moving onwards, seeing more of the steel crucibles in the background. While quickly, he was being surrounded on both sides by the henchbots, trying to shoot VC-Qwark with their blasters.

But Ratchet kept shooting them back with his own blaster, taking each of them down in a few hits and punches, before he was on the move, collecting the Qwark tokens as he was jumping upwards on some ascending platforms to the elevated section of the level. Where he was soon jumping over some rolling bombs. Obviously another one of Nefarious' traps.

It's too bad that VC-Qwark was jumping over those bombs, showing how flexible he is as he dodged the rolling bombs, before jumping to the ascended floor inches over the dispenser, where he shot and punched more of the henchbots. Before jumping over more of the rolling bombs. This time there was a pair of them together.

"Oh geez. Nefarious is getting serious." Ratchet said, jumping over the pairs of rolling bombs. Which he was able to do without too much trouble, but any bigger and they could make the jumping challenge more difficult.

"Hopefully Nefarious didn't pack any bigger bombs to roll at Qwark." Cora said.

"He couldn't. He can't have the budget for the bigger bombs." Brax said, feeling that it would take a lot more material to create the bigger explosives. Let alone enough to be plentiful enough to roll down at Qwark.

Which did relieve the group to know, as Ratchet kept on jumping over the rolling bombs, while collecting the other Qwark coins. Even the red coin that was above Qwark, which Ratchet noticed when he could've passed around it on the ascended floor. Thankfully, he did, and wasn't stopped from coming back to grab it from the thick platform that was above him, before continuing.

Where on the next floor, the bombs that rolled were now three. Which did ramp the difficulty of jumping over them upwards. But VC-Qwark was jumping over them like his shoes had springs, or his legs were mighty enough to jump high. Either way, Ratchet was relieved that VC-Qwark was pretty acrobatic for his size.

He continued onwards, now shooting at the next bot with the blaster, pushing it into a molten metal pool. Which couldn't be a good way to go.

"Good thing that was a robot that I destroyed. That is a pretty painful way to go." Starlene said. Never liking the lava, or molten metal due to how hot it is.

Ratchet didn't like lava, or molten metal either. Having got his tush burnt by some after some accidental jumping into some, back on Gaspar when he got the Pilot's helmet there, among other planets. But he didn't think about it too much as he was jumping over the molten metal pool, shooting at more of the henchbots as he jumped onto a conveyer belt, that rolled him right.

He kept going right where the conveyer belts were going, collecting more coins, before he was soon climbing up a ladder where he collected more coins, until he was in a room, where a blaster was levitating downwards towards VC-Qwark, much to Ratchet's relief as he grabbed it to refill on ammo, before he then saw some Heli-bots that rose out of the background. Where they got to the level, where they were soon dropping bombs on the floor, trying to drop them on Qwark.

Ratchet was quick on the draw though, as after he ran left to dodge the bombs, he was able to have Qwark aiming up to shoot the bots. Which took only one shot to destroy them.

Nevertheless, they did get some hits in on Qwark due to the bombs they dropped being plentiful. Along with the fact that there was more of the Heli-bots that came from the background.

"Geez. Talk about Glass Cannons." Ratchet said, feeling that they could exemplify the term, due to them being able to hit pretty hard with their bombs, yet only go down in one shot.

"At least they're weak to his blaster, like a Glass Cannon should be." Cora said, relieved that those bots weren't hard to beat.

Ratchet agreed, as he was continuing onwards after taking down the Heli-bots, and after collecting the coins in the room due to the wall jump. Before continuing right through the facility after the door opened, where he was soon jumping over the molten metal pool, only for VC-Qwark to eat a rolling bomb due to a pair of them coming from out of nowhere from the right. Costing him another HP.

"AH! Note to self, no charging ahead." Ratchet said, as he was soon jumping over more of the rolling bombs, before jumping over the dispenser, ending the bomb jumping there.

Now he was shooting at the henchbots that tried to make VC-Qwark halt. Only to eat some of the blaster that pushed them back, making them fall from the edge, into a molten metal pool. Before Ratchet kept moving as he jumped on the platform, then jumped again as he saw a fireball that was on it. None of the group knew why there was a fireball on the platform that was crawling around on it, but it could be a game thing, as well as another one of Nefarious' traps.

Either way, it didn't work, as he dodged it before jumping downwards, where Ratchet blasted another henchbot off the edge, and into the molten metal pit, continuing onwards after collecting another coin as he kept moving, jumping over the platforms with fireballs. Until he got to the other end of the firepit. Where he continued onwards through the facility, collecting coins, jumping over more molten metal pools, and shooting down the hench-bots. Not to mention jumping over more rolling bombs.

Until he got to the elevator, where it slowly went upwards, as more of the henchbots were trying to shoot Qwark with their missile launchers. But Ratchet jumped over the rockets and was soon blasting the bots with his blaster. While ensuring to grab all of the coins on the way up the shaft of the elevator, even another red coin. Putting his counter closer to 100.

Once at the top, Ratchet was now in the room with the gears turning in the background, while showing some fire geysers that blew out fire. Thankfully, he saw them coming, and avoided the fire, before jumping over the geysers once the fire stops. Which meant that another one of Nefarious' traps has been foiled.

"Nefarious really needs to go back to the drawing board. Because these traps are becoming a cakewalk." Ratchet said to Angela. Who nodded in agreement alongside the group, as Ratchet continued to play.

And VC-Qwark continued avoiding the fire, while collecting more of the Qwark coins, before getting onto the conveyer belt that rolled left. While the upside-down fire geysers were spraying down. How the conveyer belt wasn't melting from the fire blasting downwards, none of the group knows. But it's just a game, don't question it.

After avoiding the fire, and collecting another red Qwark coin, Ratchet moved VC-Qwark to another room that had Qwark in the background. And a lemon yellow Qwark icon making afterimages that was on the top platform. Signaling that it was the end of the level.

Ratchet was questioning that it could be the end. But considering that he had all the coins, he decided to take the exit. And was soon touching the icon. Which VC-Qwark vanished into, thus ending the level.

Which wasn't as long as the previous level. But Ratchet didn't mind. As the previous one was a little bit too long and was becoming pretty boring at the part where he jumped over the cars. So, this one ending sooner than the previous one was not a bad thing, even if he wished there was a boss fight against Nefarious or his mechs. But oh well, still a fun level. Plus the reward in bolts and the Titanium bolt was nice.

Pretty soon, after some loading, a cutscene played.

"It's over Nefarious!" VC-Qwark said, as the panel showed that he was on the catwalk that was near some crucibles that was filled with molten metal, as they billowed out some pillars of smoke that wafted towards the west of the panel.

"Never!" VC-Nefarious yelled out. "I am the greatest genius the Galaxy has ever known! You're no match for the likes of me!"

"Oh really? I think in a fist fight, Qwark would take you down without breaking a sweat." Ratchet said, feeling that Nefarious was doomed to fail.

The group is in agreement. Including Angela. "I guess letting Qwark into your HQ is starting to become a bad idea at this point." Angela said. Still smiling amused at Nefarious' predicament.

The panel then showed Qwark now in front of Nefarious, as he pointed at the latter with a bent arm in a 'We met before right?' stance as Nefarious was looking defensive. "Heh! That's rich! I used to beat up jocks that were more threatening than you currently are, back in high school. Not to mention evil geeks like you. I bet your prom date came in a box that said, "Batteries not included"!" VC Qwark said.

The group were trying not to laugh at what VC-Qwark has just said to Nefarious as they were also surprised. "Wow! What a burn!" Cora said with the group in agreement. Feeling that it was actually a pretty funny insult that came from a guy like Qwark. Even if it's also a bit of a low blow.

"I know. That was a sick insult at his expense." Angela said, feeling a tad sorry for Nefarious. Though not much.

Then the panel continued to focus as VC-Qwark was in thought. "Say… come to think of it, we've met before, haven't we?" VC-Qwark asked.

"NO! Uh, no… Of course not!" VC-Nefarious said, as the panel showed his scowling face.

Which then transitioned to the same scowling face of Nefarious, if he was a bit younger, and was back in high school as he wore braces.

"Mr. Bozell's 9th grade Biology class!" VC-Qwark said, mid transition.

"Wait! They were in high school together? Once?!" Ratchet said in surprise.

As was the Q-Force. Though they were also amused. "Huh. Didn't see that coming." Cora said, feeling amused at seeing Nefarious in high school.

"Arrrrgh! I always… hated Biology!" VC-Nefarious said in anger and anguish as the camera zoomed out to show more of the panel of Nefarious, showing that his bald head was covered in a pink liquid that was dumped onto him by some bullies, as Qwark was looking on amused. While also showing a desk with a puddle of green potion on it, along with some more potions.

"Well considering your profession with robots, it's no surprise at what I've heard." Angela said in response to what VC-Nefarious said about Biology.

"That's right! You were that freak with the headgear!" VC-Qwark said amused. "Remember how I saw some jocks that cleaned the chalkboard with your pants? While you were wearing them? Ahh good times." He then said, while the panel showed Qwark looking on at the said jocks as one of them was indeed lifting Nefarious up to erase the chalk off the board, with the seat of his pants.

Now the group was feeling a tad sorry for Nefarious. After all, it isn't fun to be the bully victim. Even if Ratchet doesn't know how it feels since he had no bullies back on Veldin. Which he supposes, is one of the only upsides about growing up on Veldin. Being that no one who is a bully, or a jerk, is there to make Ratchet's life worse.

If Nefarious wasn't what he is now, and if he wasn't trying to rule the Galaxy, then he would've earned more sympathy from them.

"You and your fellows were three times my size, you stupid oaf!" VC-Nefarious said.

"I was always big for my age." VC-Qwark said, as the next panel then showed him holding up Nefarious by his pants.

"You were Twenty-Six!" VC-Nefarious then yelled out.

"Oh, so he was twenty-six while still in High School? I guess that speaks volumes about the extent of Qwark's intelligence." Ratchet said. Knowing that an average person would graduate high school before reaching such an age.

"I know. That poor dude." Angela said with Cora and Brax in agreement, feeling pity for Qwark being a late bloomer, at least in terms of graduating school.

Then it showed a panel of a zoomed in look on VC-Qwark's face, before then showing Qwark near Nefarious as he was up against the railing of the catwalk they were on, with his arms out, like he was about to do something to him. "Say, how about a wedgie for old times' sake?" VC-Qwark said.

"QWAAAAAARK!" VC-Nefarious yelled out as it then showed him falling to his doom down to the orange light below. Which happened to be machinery. Likely having been pushed off by Qwark, by mistake.

As is the case, as the next panel showed VC-Qwark, looking on below with shock and some cringe at the pain that Nefarious was suffering, while audio of machinery breaking down was sounding.

Which also had the group cringing as well as they watched the panel, while cringing at the audio.

"Sheesh. What a way to go." Ratchet said. With the group in agreement. As that had to be a painful way to end someone's villainy. Though considering Nefarious' presence in the now, they were now certain that this was how Nefarious was turned into a robot.

Then the next panel showed Qwark as he was walking to an open doorway on the catwalk. "I think it's safe to say that we've seen the last of Dr. Nefarious. Time to celebrate another job well done!" He said as the camera zoomed out to show more of the panel.

"But the danger was far from over… for in defeating one menace to the galaxy, Qwark had created another, even more terrifying evil." The Narrator said as more of the panel was shown, showing a robotic three fingered hand rising out of the pile of gears, and other metallic parts. Before the panel then faded to black, showing the silhouette of the hand, before fading entirely to black before the chapter ended.

That settled it. This was the origin of Nefarious' current form. Being that he was thrown (by mistake) into the machinery. Which somehow cost him his body, and put his consciousness, and his soul into the robotic body.

"Welp. Now we know why Nefarious is a bot." Ratchet then said casually.

"But now this begs the question. How was he able to beat him while he is a robot?" Brax said.

"It seems that the end of his journey as told by the Vid-Comics isn't over yet." Clank then said.

The group agreed. As they were ready to find the rest of the Vid-Comics to get the full story of Qwark's history with Nefarious.

Speaking of Qwark though, he was suddenly entering their room. And he had his hands behind his back. While Al and Elaris was behind him.

"Salutations my fellow Q-Force members. I see you have beaten the third Vid-Comic?" Qwark said.

The group nodded. "We have. And it answered our question about how he became a robot." Ratchet said.

"Which means, now there is only two of the Vid-Comics left. I reckon the next one tells the tale of Nefarious' return, and your fight with him?" Brax asked.

Qwark nodded, still smiling a bit. Though Clank observed that the smile was feeling a tad forced. And he also observed that Qwark had his hands behind his back like he could be holding something behind him.

"Is there a reason why you have come here? And that you could be holding something behind your back?" Clank decided to say.

Which had him flinching. Which was a telltale sign that Clank is right, as the group was now noticing. "H-How did you know? I-I mean, what makes you… say that?"

"Well, why else did you come here to congratulate us on beating your Vid-Comic?" Clank said, feeling that Qwark had to have a good reason to talk to them about the Vid-Comics.

Which was then echoed by the group, beginning with Ratchet.

"Well… let's just say that…" Qwark then said, awkwardly. Before he was groaning. "Do I have to?"

"Go on. You know you need to." Al said, ensuring that Qwark isn't going to back out of what he is doing.

"Besides, you're showing them that you're going to do better, right? So, prove it to them. And give them what they need." Elaris said

Qwark ended up obeying. Before he finally moved his hands out from behind his back, and in front of him, showing to Ratchet and the group what he was holding behind his back.

The fourth, and fifth Vid-Comics. That he held in his hands.

Which was a surprise for the whole group. "Wait! Issue four and five of your Dr. Nefarious series Vid-Comics?!" Ratchet asked in shock.

Qwark nodded. Not bothering to try to hide them again as he held them out to the group, mainly Ratchet and Angela as they were taking the Vid-Comic cartridges.

"Specifically, the fifth one is the fifth issue of the Dr. Nefarious series with Qwark. But as everyone knows, only four of them were ever published, and released publicly." Al interjected.

"That's true. Not even the huge fans of Qwark, or Al's pals in the Qwark Cadets fan club has ever heard of that issue. And they're all real geeks, if you ask him." Elaris then said, referring to Al. Who nodded in agreement.

"I sure do." Ratchet said, feeling that seeing Al and Elaris, he felt like agreeing with them. "But why did you give them to us?" He asked Qwark.

"It's… well, how do I explain it?" Qwark started. Before softly coughing into his fist. "*Ahem* I admit it. What Brax and Clank has told me back on the bridge, prior to our invasion of Tyhrranosis, was the truth. I knew that if I don't give my team, which is the Q-Force, the credit, then I would be alienating you all. Which, is where I'd become a lousy leader."

The team was surprised again to where they couldn't speak. Qwark was speaking with humility and was showing a humble side to them. When they expected him to probably try to make up an excuse as to why he gave them the rest of the Vid-Comic series, while saving whatever dignity that he should have left, remembering his antics with Drek, and back in Bogon.

"In fact, when I come to think about it, I admit that giving you guys the rest of the series looks like a good move. For you all deserve to know more of my story with Nefarious. And I shouldn't withhold that information from you all, once we fight Nefarious. After all, learning about his defeat, and how I've defeated him, is essential to ensuring that history shall repeat itself, and have him lose again. So, go ahead. Use the Vid-Comics. Play them. Learn from them. And hopefully we shall all be ready for the final battle when it comes, as we save Solona from the menace of Dr. Nefarious." He then said.

"S-So you're giving us the rest of your series just like that?" Ratchet asked, surprised that Qwark was humble enough to give them the Vid-Comics. "I never expected that you could do this."

"Well, it's like you said, I am full of surprises." Qwark said, smiling like he was told a compliment. "But that is not to say that I am perfect. In fact, I admit that I am not historically perfect, let alone currently perfect myself. But I desire to always be there for the Galaxy when it matters most. Because that is what a Hero like you, and Angela should do." Qwark then said, pointing at Ratchet, sounding serious and genuine about it. Which is very unusual for Qwark, but is a good sign for the group. And for the Rangers as a whole.

Qwark could be swallowing his pride. And he is acknowledging that he wasn't a good guy back in the days of Drek being in power, and his antics in Bogon, that involved his engineering of the Protopet disaster. If that is the case, then Qwark is becoming humble for once.

Ratchet doesn't know what to think, other than feeling comfort at the fact that Qwark is trying to legit earn his forgiveness. As well as the forgiveness of the group by extension. Even Angela was touched at his gesture, feeling that he has given her extra reasons to forgive him for kidnapping Fizzwidget, and trying to cause an infestation in Bogon.

"Qwark… that's actually pretty nice of you to do that. Thanks." Ratchet said, with Angela echoing that emotion.

"Ah, don't mention it." Qwark then said. "N-No seriously. Don't." He then said seriously again. "By the way, I heard you have a little filming to do at Holostar Studios, don't you? And that Courtney Gears is going to be there too, right?"

That shocked Ratchet to know that, as he was looking on wide eyed. "Ah! Right. Thanks for the reminder, Qwark. I appreciate it." Ratchet said. "See you later guys!"

He then said to the rest of the group, with Qwark saying that he's welcome as he was on his way to the Star Explorer with Angela and Clank in tow. As they were now on their way to Holostar Studios, where a shoot of Secret Agent Clank was going to take place with Courtney gears there.

While there, he was inwardly in thought. "Welp, this is going to hurt." He thought, cringing at his upcoming job to do. As he hopes that he won't be flubbing up himself while doing a film with Courtney Gears.

While he also hopes that the director isn't going to becoming flirty with his girlfriend in Angela.