What slid out of the pod didn't appear human in any way. The mass of goo, bones, and ancient metal slid out of Stacy's pod in a jumbled mass, and hit the ground with a wet plop. When the voice rang in the ooze-drenched skull, however, twin points of light appeared where once were eyes, and, with a slight hollow groan, the creature lifted itself up, pulling itself together.

"A great ... purpose?" it asked, its voice empty and echoing. "I am ... honored." With slow, shambling steps, it began to move, but as it grew more and more aware, so too did the strength and ease of its movements.