VAKS

the Vehicular-based Access Clearance Systems, or VACS,
were used in the initial stages of the recolonization
of Metru Nui. these heavy vehicles were used to clear 
rubble, blast unsafe buildings, and generally do basic
destruction work to clear the way for new houses and
businesses.

the vehicles got the nickname of VAKS, or Vahki Arse
Kicking Squads, from the fact that even one of these
vehicles, either the Clearance or Detonation systems,
could hold their own against an entire Vahki hive.
the Matoran were soon proved right as dormant Vahki
suddenly sprang back to life all over Metru Nui once new
Matoran started arriving.

the two main styles of vehicles are the Clearance type,
and the Detonation type. The Clearance, or Mantis, as 
it has been nicknamed, is in charge of scooping up debris,
shearing off cables, and ripping metal into small chunks.
the Mantis can rear up onto its hind legs to more than
double its height to reach extremely tall rubble piles.

the Detonation type, nicknamed Stompy, is in charge of
blasting usafe and unstable buildings, bringing them down
before they pose a danger to matoran recolonization.
the Stompy is suitably armed with twin helm-mounted
protodermis flares for light demolition, ground-hugging
rolling charges, for long-distance precision demolition
at ground level, and a tail-mounted kanoka launcher that
doubles as a charged-particle cannon to take out even
the largest of buildings. matoran working nearby claim
that a mis-aimed shot once punched a hole in the ancient 
colloseum.

the VACS from Pei-wahi are piloted by the GaKo twins,
Shira and Nairu. these matoran are not actually twins,
(Shira is from Ga-koro and Nairu is from Ko-koro,) but
they displayed a strage telepathic capability and a 
fierce loyalty to protect each other. they were 
subsequently exiled from their respective koros for being
"too dang freaky" at times. they now pilot Mantis and 
Stampy with a level of expertise unrivalled by any of 
the other Koro's laborers.