We took our prizes and went upstairs with them. There were lots of PEP units on the street level. I initially thought that they were all just concerned with the transmission hub since there was a major clan war. The new leader just shook her head. "They were fighting us. When the hub is in danger, it sends a signal to all units in the area. It was something to see. They ran here from all over the city. First to help us, then they turned on us for half and hour. Then they left when you dealt with the invaders." she explained. "That seems rough. Luckily we were here to help Code, Break and Ers with the hackers." Paul said. The leader gave him a strained smile. "It certainly was a bad day for them to come on this operation." she said. "What are we going to do now? Water and Toxic Clan have proved that they really won't rest until they eliminate the Researchers because humans like us keep joining their clans. I want them gone." I said. "She looked at the AEP units on our shoulders." "Yes. I'm sure you are really hating them around." she said blandly. Neither of us rose to the bait. She sighed out loud.
Since this was their territory, we waited with them. It took the hostile clan about a day before they decided to send someone to meet us for a meeting. The bastards had been waiting on the edge of the transmission hub's range for the signal of victory. I had no clue how they were expecting a signal from the AEP units. Even the Erosion transmission hub changing over did not mean the fighting would be over. As we watched, they wanted their AEP units back. We did not let the AEP units go. Toxic Clan was also called. Apparently, they disowned 10-002 because they had no intention of kicking of the war after they split up. We could do whatever we wanted with him. The deal was that Erosion Clan had the right to decide that. They immediately killed him. 10-002 could not defend himself as he did not have any energy. Water Clan really wanted 05-003 and 004 back. I was not going to give mine up that easily. Paul was not either. "This will teach you to fuck with our allies. And remember this, we're allied with all Advocate faction clans." he said. They were furious, but they knew they could not win.
Both 08927 and 03 showed up to pick us up in their car. They were shocked when they heard what had taken place. Erosion Clan was really upset to see that members of another Conqueror faction clan was here. 03 looked at me and then my captive. I just smiled and said "We just went to war. You couldn't help us because Water Clan is on your side." He frowned and said "No way we'd betray you for those losers in Water Clan." he said. I had no reason to not believe him. We put the captured AEPs in the trunk and then got in the back of the car. 03 was riding shotgun. I looked at 08927. "So, did you get pregnant yet? I hope your baby grows up big and strong." I said. I genuinely appreciated him for coming to get us. It was a small smile on his face when he looked at me in the driver's mirror and said "Yes. I hope so as well." We then got on the road. Water Clan watched us from the street as we left. They were glaring at us the whole time. That did not phase me or Paul at all. We then relaxed as we got to drive nonstop to our destination. We called Brett and told him we were on our way.
