Colonel

"I too share the General's sentiment. Take heed, we have no other choice. Let us fight valiantly with courage and pride, without fear for we are the Repliforce... the most powerful army in history!!"

- Colonel

Colonel (カーネル) is a Reploid that appeared in Mega Man X4 as the main attack leader of Repliforce and Iris's over-protective big brother. The player faces him at least once; if the player is using X, he will face him twice — once after four Mavericks have been beaten, and once in the Space Port. In Zero's case, the first encounter is merely a cinematic cutscene, where Zero spares him for the sake of Iris, but in Space Port, Zero is forced to destroy him in a boss battle.

Appearance
Colonel is a tall, serious-looking Reploid. His armor is black, yellow, white, and red in color, and is made to look like a long military coat with a collar. His height is so great that he dwarfs X in the ending cutscene of Mega Man X4. He wears a hat with its bill pointing downwards. His shoulders bear spherical blue jewels in the center and a sharp spike on the top. He has a yellow tube going across his stomach to his back in his armor. Like most Reploids, his fingers are segmented. He is almost always seen with his weapon, a saber similar to Zero's own.

Personality
Colonel is a hot-headed yet dignified Reploid who desires justice. While he cares deeply for others, his ultimate flaw is his pride of the Repliforce. He will not hesitate to fight to defend his loyalty, and has a strict moral code that forbids him from besmirching Repliforce's name in any way. Because of this, he is very close-minded and oblivious to the effects of his actions. He simply does what he sees is best for Reploids, but does not realize Repliforce has been manipulated by a former and constant nemesis of the Maverick Hunters. He is also very protective of his sister, Iris.

Creation
Colonel's creation is the result of when Repliforce scientists attempted to develop an ultimate fighting Reploid similar to X; that is, a Reploid with both a pacifistic heart, as well as a strong fighting will and sense of honor. However, the differences were ultimately considered irreconcilable and the project was considered a failure. The scientists then decided to split them up into two Reploids, resulting in the creation of Iris and her brother Colonel. Her half was of the peaceful arbitrator, and Colonel's was of the strong-willed honorable fighter.

At some point, both Colonel and Iris came into contact with Zero. The three bonded, with Colonel becoming a friend and rival of Zero's.

Mega Man X4
When Colonel hears of the Sky Lagoon's fall, he recognizes that Iris is somewhere in the area and rushes to rescue her from the destruction. He appears in the burning aftermath, where he runs into the Maverick Hunters. Fortunately, Iris is safe (having been saved by Zero in his story). However, when the Maverick Hunters attempt to take Colonel in for questioning about the incident, he indignantly refuses to disarm and instead flees, preferring to start trouble than give up his pride for such an accusation. This encounter results in the Maverick Hunters labelling Colonel and, by extension Repliforce, as Mavericks. In response, General announces a coup for Repliforce to break away from the rest of the world, and a full-on war begins.

After defeating four Mavericks, the Maverick Hunters are contacted by Colonel for a duel. In X's story, Colonel faces him at Memorial Hall in a boss battle, from which X emerges victorious and Colonel flees. In Zero's story, Colonel faces him at Memorial Hall in a cutscene, where their battle is interrupted by Iris' pleas and the two part ways.

By the time all eight Mavericks have been defeated, Repliforce begins assembling at the Space Port to begin the immigration to the Final Weapon. Here X or Zero fights Colonel yet again, who refuses to let them interfere with the launch, as the boss of the stage. Colonel is destroyed in the battle, but he manages to stall for long enough for his Repliforce brethren to successfully escape into space. Additionally, Iris salvages Colonel's control chip and later uses it to battle Zero on the Final Weapon.

Power and Abilities
Colonel is a powerful and fast Reploid, being explicitly built for combat. He can perform a dash, which pairs with his ability to teleport. He is also quite skilled with his saber. He can perform surprising slashes with his teleport, shoot moon-shaped energy beams from it, charge electricity from the sky into it to create multiple (but avoidable) electric beams rising from the ground, or even slash a powerful wave of energy that grows in size as it travels.

Attacks
Colonel appears to fight Zero once and X twice through the course of the game. In his first encounter with X, he uses only two attacks:
 * "Shockwave" (衝撃波) - The first one is his most common, in which he uses his saber to shoot three arcs of energy towards the player.
 * "Teleportation" (瞬間移動) - The second is his teleportation attack, in which he teleports to the player's exact position while attacking, then dashes towards one corner of the room.

In his encounter with X or Zero at Space Port, his saber attacks move faster towards the player this time, along with acquiring more offensive speed. He adds two new attacks to his arsenal:
 * "Thunder Attack" (雷攻撃) - His signature attack. Colonel summons lightning and plant it on the floor, which then moves outward and upward in sequence. He says "Energy Breaker" during the attack.
 * "Huge Shockwave" (巨大衝撃波) - A desperation move which Colonel uses when his health bar is nearly depleted. It involves him leaping into the air and slamming the floor, saying "Ground Crush" and unleashing a massive pink energy wave, dealing more damage than his regular blue energy waves.

Other appearances and mentions

 * Colonel has a cameo fighting against Zero in the opening scene of Mega Man X5, and Spiral Pegasus mentions his loyalty to "the Colonel" when confronted by Zero.
 * In Mega Man Xtreme 2, Colonel is mentioned by Zero and X in the Extreme Mode ending.
 * An "image" of Colonel is used in one of Phoenix Magnion's attacks in Mega Man Zero 2.


 * Colonel is briefly mentioned by X in Project × Zone, in which the latter recognizes Iris as the younger sister of the former, as well as "the girl from the Repliforce incident".
 * Colonel is mentioned in Iris's description from Zombie Cafe.
 * Colonel is an unit card in TEPPEN, and is also present in some action cards.

Playing as Zero
(After defeating Eregion.)

Colonel: Zero! Long time, no see!

Zero: Colonel... What are you doing here?

Colonel: I've come to save my sister, Iris. I only hope she's okay...

Zero: She's fine! I just rescued her.

Colonel: Oh? Thanks, Zero! I owe you one...

Zero: ...Colonel. I have a question for you. ...Did your unit attack this place?

Colonel: What are you talking about? Repliforce came here for help. We weren't involved in the attack!

Zero: They suspect you've become a Maverick.

Colonel: What!?

Zero: Disarm and come with me to the H.Q.

Colonel: I'm afraid I can't. Soldiers never drop their weapons! I won't do it, not even for you Zero!

Zero: Then they'll think you're a Maverick!

Colonel: So be it! The Repliforce prefers war over dishonor and shame! Goodbye, Zero!

Zero: Wait! Colonel! Listen to me!

Zero: Damn! This isn't good, Colonel! They may decide the entire Repliforce is a group of Mavericks!

(Colonel sends a message to Maverick Hunter H.Q..)

Colonel: Zero! I'll be at the Memorial Hall! Be there!

(Memorial Hall cutscene.)

Zero: Colonel!

Colonel: What?

Zero: I'm disappointed in you, Colonel! HUUWAAA! (Zero attacks)

Colonel: What do you think you're doing?

Zero: It's not too late! Stop the coup now!

Colonel: Never...

Zero: If that's your decision... Prepare yourself!

(Colonel and Zero start fighting, their sabers clashing wildly. Colonel is just about ready to strike once more when Iris' voice stops him.)

Iris: Stop! Please! Brother, please! Don't you remember?! Zero saved my life!

Colonel: Very well, then... I'll spare your life for now... (Colonel starts walking away) But next time there will be no mercy.

Iris: Zero, please don't fight with my brother! If you do, I'm afraid that one of you might end up...

(Zero leaps down, his fist clenching in anger.)

Zero: Someone must stop Repliforce...!

Iris: Zero!

(Zero walks away.)

(Space Port: Pre-battle)

Zero: I don't want to fight. Step back.

Colonel: I'm sorry. I can't let you through...

Zero: Iris will be sad if she loses you...

Colonel: Don't be so presumptuous, Zero! Save it until after you've defeated me!

(Colonel is defeated.)

Colonel: ...Impressive, Zero! But it's too late!

Zero: What!?

Colonel: Repliforce has left for the space! Even if I perish, Repliforce lives.

Zero: ...Colonel.

Colonel: ... Zero. Tell Iris that her brother died happily! ...Goodbye, Zero!

Zero: Colonel!!!

Playing as X
(After defeating Eregion.)

X: Who are you?

Colonel: I'm the Colonel of the Repliforce.

X: Has the Repliforce been occupying this area?

Colonel: What are you talking about?! I only came to save my sister. The army responsible for all the violence in this region is not the Repliforce!

X: Nevertheless, I want you to disarm and follow me back to the H.Q.

Colonel: Never! You're asking my soldiers to drop their weapons? The only time we drop our weapons is when we aren't able to fight any longer!

X: You will be regarded a Maverick and treated as such!

Colonel: Do as you will! The Repliforce would sooner fight and die than discard our pride. Consider us Mavericks if this is what you wish!

X: Wait! Calm down, Colonel!

(Colonel teleports out.)

X: What the ...! Something's got to give. Otherwise the entire Repliforce will be considered to be Mavericks!

(Colonel's sends a message to Maverick Hunter H.Q..)

Colonel: X! I'll wait for you at Memorial Hall. Make sure you show up on time!

(X teleports to the Memorial Hall. As he enters a dark room, a spotlight appears on him.)

X: Colonel! Stop this foolishness now!

Colonel: Never!

X: Colonel, please! Think this over!

Colonel: The Repliforce must be independent! Our battle will determine this!

(X battles and defeats Colonel.)

Colonel: Impressive! But the result won't be the same next time. Until then...

 X: Colonel!

(Colonel teleports away. X teleports back to HQ.)

(X encounters Colonel as he rushes to the Space Port.)

X: Colonel, step back!

Colonel: I'll stop anyone who tries to interfere with our independence!

X: Enough of this! It's only an illusion!

Colonel: ... You Hunters will never be able to understand us! Get ready, X!

(Colonel is defeated.)

Colonel: ... Impressive... But... it's too late!

X: What?

Colonel: The Repliforce... already left for space! ... I'm beaten... but the Repliforce will never perish! ... The Reploids' nation will be born in the vastness of space!

X: Colonel!!!

Archie Comics
Colonel made a brief cameo in Mega Man #51, part eight of the Worlds Unite crossover, along with Iris. As the Maverick Hunters, Freedom Fighters, Robot Masters, and Team Sticks engaged Sigma's Genesis Portal-cloned Maverick army, Zero noted that both Colonel and Iris were absent.

Rockman X4 (manga)


"Protect subordinates, defeat enemies and return alive. That is the mission of a soldier!!"

- Colonel

Colonel is a proud member of the Repliforce that befriended Zero two months after he became a Maverick Hunter prior to the events of X1 in the manga, which differs from the games where the Repliforce was created between the events of X3 and X4.

Colonel acquired great respect for Zero over the years, and considered him his worthy rival in the battle against evil and Mavericks.

Colonel has a love of nature in the manga. In a flashback, he speaks to Zero about how majestic the tree they are standing under is, and how, in his mind, it "embraces the nature of humanity". He says in times of despair and sorrow, as well as in times of happiness, he remembers the beauty and grandeur of the tree to keep himself going and mentally sound, and recover his spirit to fight. He feels that nature and humanity are intrinsically joined together.

Eregion, a giant Mechaniloid, lays waste to a big portion of a city, causing many casualties before it is destroyed by X with the help of his fellow Maverick Hunters. Colonel's sister Iris was injured by the Mechaniloid, but husked away to safety by Zero. He then handed her over to Colonel, who happened to be in the vicinity, and he was very grateful to Zero for saving his sister. However, Colonel is suddenly snared with electrical chains from a hunter's gun, and Double from the 17th Elite Unit of the Maverick Hunters runs up to Zero, showing a piece of equipment with Repliforce's insignia on it that was spotted next to the Mechaniloid's corpse, and accuses the Repliforce of being involved. Zero then sternly demands for the Colonel to explain himself. Colonel angrily breaks free of the chain with his saber, and refuses Zero's request to disarm, saying it would be dishonorable to do so for a soldier such as himself. He then leaves the scene with Iris, saying he would owes Zero one for saving her.

Colonel then discusses what Repliforce should do next now that they are under suspicion of being Mavericks with Storm Owl and the General in the Repliforce Conference Chamber, the latter being the leader of Repliforce and the former a commander of their air brigade. The General decides to announce that Repliforce will break away from humanity and become an independent organization in a coup against the human government. The Colonel loyally goes along with the plan.

Later, the Colonel visits Frost Walrus at the Repliforce's secret snow base, and berates him for causing wanton destruction in riots that are completely unrelated to the Repliforce's plans. He sternly warns him not to engage in such conduct again, and that he will be reporting his behavior to the General. Colonel and Zero finally meet again, this time at the tree where they had a chat so many years ago, ready to battle. They both fight seriously, each warrior injuring the other with skillfully placed blows and attacks. However, their fight was interrupted by Iris, Colonel's sister, who went as far as to threaten suicide with a gun to get them to stop fighting. Colonel still tried to assault Zero even after Iris's threat of killing herself, only relenting when Zero laid down his saber. He said that as a soldier, he would not battle against those who have lost their will to fight.

After hearing that Iris has been heavily damaged due to a computer blowing up near her thanks to the machinations of Cyber Peacock, Colonel breaks military regulations and heads straight to the base where she is being held in a stasis pod to save her. However, Iris is already being treated with the vaccine Zero acquired from Slash Beast's corpse, and Zero tells him they have no reason to fight as Iris can be saved. Colonel isn't willing to listen, and tells Zero that their destiny is to fight one another no matter where they meet as they are in a war of ideals. Holding nothing back, Zero cuts off Colonel's right arm with his saber, which causes Iris's right arm to corrode, because of the significant mental programming bond they share with each other as Reploid siblings.

Despite all this, Colonel refuses to surrender, and charges at Zero one last time, at which time Zero reluctantly kills him by slicing him in half with his saber. Zero notices with bewilderment that Colonel has a smile on his face as he is dying, which was due to the respect Colonel had for Zero as a lifelong rival.

Trivia

 * In Spiral Pegasus' bio from the American port of Mega Man X5, his name is poorly translated, resulting in him being referred to as "Carnel," a literal Romanization of his name spelled in Japanese katakana.
 * Colonel, along with his sister, speaks with an Australian accent.
 * Colonel is one of the only Mega Man X characters with a NetNavi counterpart, Colonel.EXE. His sister, Iris, also has a counterpart.

Colonel