#12 Feat. Banner in Techno (Raw / Deep / Hypnotic)

As they were approaching the door, a sharp click made them freeze — a high-caliber blaster was aimed straight at them. Kujo stood in front of the door.. His massive body resembled that of a giant snail, but instead of the usual soft exterior, he was encased in intricate armor made of interwoven metal plates. These plates contracted and expanded in rhythm with his deep breathing, almost as if they were alive. His elongated head, thrust forward, gave him a menacing look, while a mohawk of his pulsating tendrils swayed, sensing every vibration in the air. Thin, glowing appendages along his face enhanced this eerie, almost mystical presence. — Who are you? — a raspy voice thundered. — Were here to inquire about the portal, — Spacelunch stepped forward. — Everyone wants to know about the portal. Get lost! — The endless rustle of Sivinerian centipedes, — Spacelunch replied firmly. — How do you know that? — The android said it would mean something to you. — Hows that old hunk of junk doing? Still running? — Kujo grinned but kept the weapon aimed at them. — Battered, but still operational, — Cat replied with a chuckle. — That code isnt given out easily. So, you helped him. Fine. One question — one answer. Spacelunch explained their mission. Kujo listened in silence, his expression growing more serious. — Thats Castafarian technomagic, — his voice carried a note of respect. — These technologies are no longer made. The keys to them are held only by the Castafarian Keepers. Their homeworld is Proxima Planet. — Isnt it great, — Cat rolled his eyes. — All weve learned is: go to Proxima. — Sometimes the truth takes longer than we expect, — Spacelunch said calmly, resting his hand on Cats shoulder. — And I believe the Smoring Queen can help us figure this out…

Nicolas Barnes

#34 Feat. Hype in Electronica

— Look, how weird! — Cat brushed away the top layer of ash with his paw, revealing snow-white ice. — As if hell and winter had merged. — This is Motown. Once a major mining town, now just ruins after an eruption. — I didnt think wed end up in a hole like this... Especially with Nomad missing. — And you know what the worst part is? Nomad didnt just disappear. The portal absorbed him. But who opened it, that is the real question. A massive tower was looming up ahead. Its antennas were sticking out like broken claws. Below, shattered adamantium slabs intertwined with charred tree roots. A sign, covered in ash, was barely legible: SL75 Experimental Center. Once inside, they were greeted by an oppressive silence and icy air that chilled to the bone. The corridors seemed endless in the light of flickering lamps, and the floor was strewn with rusty wreckage of robots and instruments. The control room, once bustling with life, was now filled with empty workstations and displays that were broadcasting only static noise. — What a creepy place. — A man once worked here, — Spacelunch ran his palm over the panel. — Kujo. If anyone knows anything about the portal, its him. A metallic creak echoed down the corridor. An android appeared in the faint light of the lamps, staggering and dragging a damaged leg. A short stump where his arm used to be exposed tattered wires sparking in time with his footsteps. Empty eyes wandered through space as if trying to focus on the strangers. — Looking for Kujo? — The mechanical voice was slightly distorted. — Youre not the first... — Do you know anything about him? I can give something in exchange for this information. An implant, for example. The android made a rattling sound like a short laugh. — I dont need an arm, but the brain module is another matter. It was stolen and pawned. — And you didnt try to get it back? — I tried, but it cost me my arm. If you get the module, Ill tell you where to find him. The friends looked at each other. The road to answers was not going to be easy, but they were ready to do anything to save Nomad.

Shannon Davin