The Enemy Within

 

Sigma has been long destroyed (or in hiding as the more seasoned Hunters say), though his name still remains on the Maverick postings.  Even though he seemingly vanished, the Mavericks still continued their premeditative assaults on capital buildings and businesses across the country-wide metropolis.  In Sigma’s wake, a new faction emerged, the Deliveration Army, headed by General Cutlass Cricket.  The Army sets up skillfully-coordinated attacks, all in the name of “bioroid liberation.”  Though, despite the name or their “cause,” they are still Mavericks.  And the Maverick Hunters will still defend the civilians from these vicious attacks.  The Maverick (or Zero) Virus still spreads and it’s up to the Hunters to keep the malicious infection contained.

The Maverick Hunter Guild touted itself as a peace-keeping organization.  In reality, it is an army of money-hungry guns-for-hire.  Bounty hunters with a boot camp.  They’ll work for whoever gives them the biggest paycheck.  Currently, the employer and apparent “general” is Signas.  Signas has the deepest pockets and the intel for where Maverick factions can be found.  He also has contact with other Guilds around the world, making him the most powerful leader many of the Hunters had ever worked with.

Signas also updated the bounty postings.  He had control over who hunts who, who gets paid what and how much they get depending on results.  Signas was not one to rely on word of mouth when it came to completed jobs.  No, he wanted proof.  He wanted his Hunters to bring him the heads of the slain Mavericks.  Each deployment, he stressed that the heads remained undamaged.  How else will his Reploid scientists be able to study the growth and spread of the Virus if the very place it manifests is destroyed?

After being tinkered with, the heads are reassembled and proudly mounted on the walls of Signas’s private quarters.  One day, he hopes to add Sigma’s head to that wall, but each defeat only brought him a hand or a finger as a trophy.  Once, it was an entire arm, cleanly cleaved at the shoulder by Zero’s beam saber.  The head was destroyed, impaled through the brain.  While Megaman X was careful to concentrate firepower on the torso, it was Zero who sliced Sigma’s head in half.  Every time.  “Sorry sir,” X would say “Zero destroyed the head.”  Many times Signas almost didn’t have a trophy at all if X hadn’t deterred Zero from plunging his saber through a Maverick’s eyeball.

That was the problem with Zero; he was too ruthless.  Probably due to that damn Virus… Signas mused.  Signas knew of the Virus Zero carried, he’s studied it many, many times and has instructed X to routinely check Zero’s virus levels.  He knew of the Virus since the days before his tenure, whenever a pre-infection Sigma brought in the damaged Red Maverick to be studied and repaired by Dr. Cain.  Immediately, Zero’s name was placed and has remained on the bounty postings.  Though, Signas never dispatched any Hunter to destroy Zero.  No, that would be too suspicious and would tarnish his name if he destroyed one of his best warriors.  Signas preferred Zero to remain alive and active in order for him to study the spread and the course of the infection.  One day, though, he planned to give the order and have the long-haired Hunter handed over to his Reploid scientists.  All he needs is a reason.  Just one reason.  Just one burst of rage, that’s all that’s needed to give the order and have Zero strapped down, his head sawed open and his brain dissected.

He just needs to get X away from Zero.  X has always been so protective of Zero, especially after learning of the Virus he carried.  It infuriated Signas; those two could not be separated.  So, he instructed Lifesaver to set up “treatments” to get Zero away from X.  Maybe that way, Zero’s true nature will be revealed and the catalyst of this cursed war will finally be destroyed.

 

“Finally!  I was looking everywhere for you guys!”  Axl bounded into the cantina in the basement of the Guild headquarters.  “You guys just took off without telling and you forgot to bring me along!”

Zero rolled his eyes upward, taking a very long swallow of his ale.  “Gee, I wonder why…”  He belched, put the cup down and ordered another round.

X shook his head, turning to look at Axl.  “Sorry.  Look, sometimes we just like to be alone.  I know you look up to us, and really, I’m flattered.  But, sometimes you’re…”

“Annoying.”  Zero finished X’s sentence.

X put a hand on Zero’s forearm.  “Enough.  Don’t be rude.”

Zero snorted, knocking back another drink, this time straight from the bottle.

Axl ran his fingers through his spiked brown hair.  Like X and Zero, along with many of the other Hunters, he was without his amour, dressed in civilian garb.  He hopped up onto a barstool beside Zero.  “So, when’s our next mission?”

Zero finished his beer, ordered another bottle and moved to a different barstool.  His long blonde hair seemed messy, his bangs overhanging his eyes.

X shook his head. “Whenever Signas locates a faction, we’ll head out.  Right now, other Hunters are handling things.  We don’t do everything.”

Zero nodded, peering over the mouth of his beer bottle at Axl.  “You’re too young to drink.”  With that, he took a swig.

Axl snorted.  “Am not!  Bartender!  Gimme an ale!”  A frothy mug was handed to him and he slugged it down.  His face contorted to a grimace, but he managed a forced smile.  “Mmm… good!”

X stifled a laugh. 

Axl pushed the mug aside and leaned on the bar.  “I’m an awesome gunner, you know.”

“I know.” X ordered himself a pint.

“You saw me bulls-eye Mavericks.  So why can’t I hang with you?  I’m a Maverick Hunter, too!”

“I know.” X nodded.  “Look Axl, no hard feelings, but sometimes we just like to be alone.  We’ve known each other for a long time, Zero and I…”

Axl shrugged. “I just wanna hang out with you guys.  I mean, you guys are cool.  I’m actually hanging out with the X and Zero!  How cool is that?”  He ordered a different, more pleasant-tasting drink.  “Guys, I’ve admired you since I was with Red Alert.  I’ve always wanted to meet you.  I wanna be just like you.  It’s really, really cool working with you.”

X smiled. “I’m flattered.  Really, I am.  But Axl, all these compliments are really getting unnecessary…”

“What X means is that you’re annoying.” Zero mulled over his drink.

X shook his head. “Zero, enough of that.”  He sighed.  “Look, it’s alright if you wanna hang out with us, Axl.  All you hafta do is ask, and if we don’t want you tagging along, then no hard feelings.  Axl, you’re alright.  But sometimes, you’re almost smothering.”  He put a hand on Axl’s forearm.  “Sorry pal.”

Axl nodded slowly.  He glanced at Zero, hearing a pager go off.  “Someone’s calling.”

Zero huffed, looking at his watch.  Rolling his eyes upward, he slugged down his last drink and stood, swaggering.  “Gotta go.”

X watched him stumble off, and then looked to Axl.  “Hey, you wanna do something for me?”

“Do I??” Axl brightened, standing.

“Zero had a little too much to drink.” X jerked his thumb behind him.  “Go with him and make sure he doesn’t bump into anything or get into any fights.”  He smirked, relieved to unload Axl onto someone else.

 

“Why are you following me?” Zero’s words were slurred as he staggered down the hallway, Axl hot on his heels.

“X said so.” Axl said matter-of-fact.

Zero belched loudly.  “I’m not drunk, Axl… don’t follow me.”  He tripped over his own feet, losing his balance.

Axl caught him by the arm as he fell.  “Yes, you are.”

Zero shook his head, laughing.  “No, I’m not…”  He laughed some more, slipping away from Axl, stumbling and brushing hard against the wall.  “They know about the things in your head…  The things that make your head clear…  You’re just sitting there, and POW!” He spun about on his toe, tripping over his long hair and falling flat on his rear.  “You get so… happy!”  He laughed, and then frowned, staring hard at Axl. “They don’t like it when your head is clear and you’re happy.  They want to take it from you, out of your head.”

Axl shrugged, helping Zero stand.  “You should really consider getting a haircut…”

Zero laughed some more, continuing down the hallway.  “Have you ever had your mind clear like that?”

“No,” Axl shook his head, following. “Well, I’ve had a clear head, like whenever I can focus or I get something off my plate that’s been bothering me.  That what you mean?”

Zero turned around suddenly, grabbing Axl’s shoulders and pressing his forehead against the other.  “Really clear.”  His breath stank of alcohol.  “Can you feel it?  Can you?  It’s like this warmth…  First everything just melts away, dissolves…”  He glanced nervously over his shoulder, his voice low.  “They don’t want you to have it.  They don’t want you to have it; They’ll take it out of your head.”  His eyes met Axl’s once more. “Your head gets so clear… you’re so happy… But They won’t allow it.  They don’t want you to be happy.  They’ll take it from you.”

“Zero, let him go.”

Axl managed to lean back to look passed Zero, seeing Lifesaver standing in the hallway.  Zero released Axl’s shoulders and swayed back, his stare locked.  “You can feel it, can’t you?  Don’t let Them know.”  His voice dropped to a whisper. “Don’t let Them know.  They’ll take it out of your head.”

Lifesaver stepped up behind Zero and took him by the arm, his voice calm.  “Come on, Zero.  Leave Axl alone.”  He pulled the long-haired Hunter away, leading him toward the door of the medical bay.

“No!  You’re gonna try and take it away from me!”  Zero wrenched his arm free and shot a wild look in Axl’s direction.  “They’ll take it from you, too!”  He ran up and grabbed his shoulders again. “You understand, don’t you?  You won’t let Them get to you.  I’ll keep Them away from you.”

“Zero!  That’s enough!”  Lifesaver stormed over, grabbing him by the arm once more.  “Don’t play games; I’m not in the mood.  Now come along or I’ll sedate you.”

“Don’t let Them know!” Zero didn’t release Axl’s shoulders. “They’ll take it from you!  They’re taking it from me!  Don’t let Them know!”

 

Total clarity.  That’s what he claimed.  Total clarity and happiness.  Signas slammed his fist on his desk.  Once he was so close… so close to stopping the spread of the Virus.  He was so close to getting to the source.  Zero had gone Maverick on a mission, had one of his “berserker rages” only worse and more bizarre.  He kept spouting “how clear his mind was,” how he “had so much energy, how wonderful it was…”  How he “was so happy.”  Signas could have handed him over to his scientists that day, but Zero was on a mission and X had interfered.  However, that didn’t stop Signas from updating the bounty postings and moving Zero’s name to the top of the list.  Higher priority was attached and Hunters looking for a big pay-off were instructed to be on the look-out for any bizarre behavior, especially the “clarity and happiness” crap.  And that behavior is what brought a hesitant Axl to Signas’s office today.

“I still think he’s just really drunk.  I mean, I saw him slugging down bottle after bottle…”

Signas nodded slowly, clasping his hands together and bringing his thumbs to his lips.  “Probably…”  He inhaled sharply, standing and walking around his desk, his gaze locked on Axl.  “Do you know why he was saying that?  What he means?”

Axl shook his head.  “He’s drunk.  I don’t think even he knows what he was talking about.”

Signas nodded curtly, pointing at Axl.  “I don’t want him touching you.”

Axl raised an eyebrow.  “What?  What does Zero grabbing my arm hafta do with him being drunk?  What’s going on here?”

Signas folded his arms, standing in front of Axl, his expression stern.  “Don’t let Zero touch you like that again.  In fact, go straight to Lifesaver and get a complete physical check!”

“Why?  All he did was grab my arm; you act like he molested me or something!”

“Young man, don’t talk back to me!”  Signas snapped.  “Listen to me, get a Virus check now.  I don’t want this goddamn infection spreading through the base.  Zero is more than enough; I don’t want him spreading the shit by going through you!”

“Zero is a Maverick..?”

“Report to the medical bay now!” Signas barked.

Axl nodded slowly, backing out of the office and walking down the hallway.  Zero is a Maverick?  Those words hit him like a baseball bat to the back of the head.  It hurt him tremendously.  Axl worshipped the ground that X and Zero walked on, especially Zero.  Axl sighed, shaking his head and raking his fingers through his hair.  “Zero?  You mean the Zero?”  He chewed on his bottom lip, thinking back to that fateful day whenever he was “found” by Zero.  Of all people, he was found by his hero, Zero.  His hero is a Maverick?  No, that can’t be true.  Zero was drunk, that must be it.  Just really, really drunk.  Axl knew, he saw Zero knock back pint after pint.  He was drunk, schnockered.  His speech was slurred; he could barely walk in a straight line.  He was obviously intoxicated!  The whole “clarity” speech?  That’s what happens when you’re hammered; you act like an idiot.  Axl’s seen it with other Hunters.  He could clearly remember the night Locust played the full monty while singing “I am the very model of a modern major general.”  Drunken fools.

Axl turned the corner, walking into the medical bay.  Automatically, Lifesaver addressed him. “May I help you?”

“Signas sent me.  He wants me to get a physical.”

“Any reason why?”

Axl shrugged.  “Zero touched me.”  He let out a gusty, annoyed sigh, sitting.  “Hey, can I ask you something?”

Lifesaver paused in calibrating his diagnostic scanner.  “Yes?”

“…Is Zero a Maverick?”

There was a long pause.  “He was.”

“So, there’s a cure for the Virus?”

Lifesaver shook his head after another long pause.  “No.  There’s not.”  He heaved a sigh, fumbling with his words.  “Zero is in ‘remission,’ I guess.  He carries the Virus and has been in very close proximity with it, and I speculate that he may have antibodies.  I’m not quite sure, though.  I have been monitoring his levels, as he hasn’t shown any effects from it for a while.”  He pointed the scanner at Axl and glanced at it.  “It’s not communicable through touch, though, Signas is overreacting.  You would have to be in direct contact with Zero’s brain or his body fluids, which I gather you weren’t.”

Axl nodded.  “Then, how’d it spread?”

“An accident before Sigma went Maverick.”  Lifesaver said simply.  “I’ve told you enough, any more and I’d be breaking confidentiality.  If you want to know more, you’d have to ask Zero yourself.”  He checked the scanner, set it aside and glanced at his watch.  “You’re fine.  Tell Signas not to worry so much.”

Axl nodded again, standing.  “Thanks.”  He turned to leave, but paused.  “Why does Zero go here every day?”

“Confidentiality.  You’ll have to ask him.”

“Okay.”  Axl walked out of the medical bay, his hands in his pockets.  His mind still a whirl, he decided that he had better find X or Zero, as he didn’t want to be caught alone by the other Hunters.  Being the new recruit and one of the youngest Reploids made him easy prey for the other members.  Much like a high school boys’ locker room, ranks were determined by the most kills or the biggest trophies.  Among other things.  Axl stooped, trying to make himself small as he hustled down the corridor.  There were two other, larger Hunters walking in his direction as he rushed by, hoping he wasn’t seen. 

One of them caught his arm.  “Hey, Axl!”

Crap.  Axl peered over his shoulder at the much taller Reploid. “Uh, yes?”

“Where are you going in such a hurry, lil man?”  The Reploid, Hackett, sneered.  He flung Axl to the arms of the other Reploid, Egon.  “We just wanna chat with ya, but you keep pushing us away.”

Axl wriggled away, trying to get passed.  Egon grabbed him and rushed him against the wall.  “You’re not going anywhere!  You think you’re so special, hanging out with X and Zero.  But they’re not here to protect their lil baby, now are they?”  He sneered.

“I’m not a baby, you ugly bitch!” Axl snapped.

Egon slugged him across the face.  “Such a filthy mouth!  We oughta teach you a lesson, right Hackett?”

Hackett laughed.  “Yep, teach the baby!” He slammed his fist into Axl’s gut.  “You gotta learn some day, boy.”  Grabbing Axl by the shoulder, he threw him to the floor and kicked him in the side.  “We were just trying to be your friend, Axl, but you won’t let us.  Now look at what you made us do!”

Axl tried to wriggle away, only to have Egon plant his foot squarely on his back, holding him down.  “Leave me alone!”

“Awww… the baby’s crying!”  Egon snickered.  “You gonna cry for X and Zero, baby?  You gonna cry for your mommy?  Awww… poor baby Axl!”  He cracked Axl across the back of his head with his fist.

Hackett yanked Axl to his feet and hit him again, sending him stumbling back against the wall.  “Yeah, cry for your lovers, Axl!  We know you’re gay with those two fruits!  Cry for ‘em, Axl!  Cry!”

“That’s enough, Hackett!”

Axl peered passed Hackett, seeing X standing there.  “Oh thank god, X!”

X stormed over and threw Hackett aside.  “Leave Axl alone.”  He skewered him and Egon with a venomous glare.  “I mean it.”

Hackett feigned innocence as Egon stepped beside him, shoving Axl to the floor.  “Aw, we just wanted to chat with the kid.  No harm in that, right Commander?”

“Don’t play dumb with me, Hackett.” X’s voice was stern.  “If I see you guys around him again, I’m reporting both of you to Signas.”

“Oooh, you’re gonna tell on us!”  Egon laughed.  “What’re we gonna get, detention?”

His response was met with a punch to the face.  “Shut up.  I’ve had enough of this stupid shit.  You were ordered to leave Axl alone by Signas himself and you’ve routinely disobeyed every goddamn word.  One more time, and you two are done.  Got it?”

“Look Commander, all we--“

“Just shut up!” X snapped.  “Every time, it’s the same story.  Do you think I’m stupid?  Do you think I don’t hear you not only picking on Axl but slandering me as well?  This stupid bullshit is gonna stop and it’s gonna stop now.”  X’s glare darkened. “Or I’m gonna have Zero shove his Z-Saber up your ass.”

Axl nodded curtly.  “So there!”

X regarded him with a sharp look.  “You keep quiet, Axl.  I’ll deal with you later.”  He returned his glare to Hackett and Egon.  “Get outta here.  If I ever see you around Axl again, you’re done.  Your track record’s bad enough as it is and you’re only making it worse.  Keep this up and you can kiss your jobs and your license good-bye.  You are dismissed.”

Hackett hung his head, nodding.  Turning, he and Egon trudged down the hall.  Axl watched them go; his left eye swollen shut and bruised.  He turned to X, thankful and relieved.  “Thanks X.  I really owe you one.  I mean it, thanks.  Anytime you—“

X silenced him with a raised hand.  “I’m sick of those two anyway.  They joined just before you showed up and their progress report just kept going downhill.  Once you got here, things got worse.  I’m surprised Signas hasn’t dismissed them yet.”

Axl nodded.  “So is Zero really gonna shove his saber up their asses?”

X laughed.  “No, he’s not.  He’d get reported.  He’s got enough to watch out for, what with Signas being so paranoid about his Virus infection and all.”

“So, that’s why you kinda act like his mum or something?”

“What?!  I don’t act like Zero’s mum!”

“But you’re always telling him to stop getting angry and stop yelling and such.  You act like his mum.”

X glowered.  “Listen, Axl.  I only do that ‘cause I’m watching out for Zero.  If I just let his anger go outta control, Signas would have him destroyed on accounts that he’s going Maverick!  Zero is a powerful warrior and a good friend and I’m not about to let anyone go over my head to dismiss him due to some goddamn Virus.  I don’t act like his mum!”

Axl backed off.  “Oh.  Sorry…  It just seemed that way to me…”

X nodded.  “Zero’s got a shaky reputation around here, ‘specially with Signas.  We’ve been working hard to keep his anger and such under control.  Any sign of rage and Signas thinks Zero’s going Maverick.”  He shook his head.  “Signas ordered that Zero report to the medical bay every day for ‘treatment.’  To tell you the truth, I’m not sure what these ‘treatments’ are or if they’re actually helping to contain the infection.”

Axl nodded slowly.  “Um… what would happen if he became a Maverick?”

There was a long pause as X shrugged and heaved a sigh.  “I try not to think about it.  A while back, we promised that if either of us went Maverick, we’d take care of each other.”

Axl nodded again.  “Um, how so?  I mean, if he went Maverick, would you take care of him like a nurse or something?  Whaddya mean?”

X shook his head.  “No, nothing like that.  I’d be forced to... retire him.”

“How so?”

“...Why are you so curious about this?” X raised an eyebrow.

Axl shrugged.  “Sorry, I just wanna know.”

“Well, you can’t because it’s none of your business.  It’s bad enough that practically the entire goddamn base knows that Zero carries the Virus; I don’t need you going around and blabbing about how I’d hafta retire Zero if he ever went Maverick.  And I certainly don’t want any of this finding its way to Signas.”  X looked Axl in the eye.  “This doesn’t leave this hall, got that?”

“Yes sir.”

“I’m serious, Axl.”  X’s voice was stern.  “Don’t repeat any of this to Signas.  Not one word.  I don’t need his involvement and neither does Zero.  This is between you and me got it, Axl?”

Axl nodded.  “Yes sir.”

“Good.”  X patted Axl on the shoulder.  “And don’t worry about Hackett and Egon.  They won’t be a problem anymore.”

 

“One of our scouts has located a faction on the outskirts.  We believe that it may be the Deliveration Army, judging by the size of the group.  It’s a very large faction and they’re camped out in an equipment bunker.”  Signas paced around the room, activating his holographic display.  “Here are the coordinates our scout sent back.  As you can see, this group is very, very large.  There was a recent bioroid liberation rally in that area and word has it that General Cutlass Cricket appeared at that rally.  The group’s progress has been monitored since that rally and I have reason to suspect that General Cutlass may be with this group.  If we can take him out, then we can take down the Deliveration Army.”

Colonel Redips, a tall Reploid with the build of a vending machine, stepped forward clearing his throat.  “The group hasn’t tried anything yet, but they’re planning something, as all Mavericks do, and I have intel that they are stockpiling weapons for an attack on our sector.” He tapped on a control panel, the readout showing a run-down warehouse.  “The Mavericks haven’t made any move, but they will.  That is why I want you to stop them.  The Deliveration Army is not about pull one over the Maverick Hunters.”

There was a murmur among the Hunters and Zero stood.  “So, this is a pre-emptive attack?  And how do you know that they’re stockpiling weapons?”

Redips sneered.  “You tell me, Maverick.  Maybe you’re their intel?  Why else would you contradict me?”

“You can take your bullshit and stuff it, Colonel!”  Zero snapped. “I’m not a Maverick!”

“How dare you raise your voice at me!”  Redips stormed over and cracked Zero across the face with his fist.

“Enough!”  Signas barked.  “Control yourself, Colonel!  I will not have you smack around my warriors if they so much as disagree with one word!  And Zero, watch your language!  As for this meeting, I would rather not hear a word out of you!”

Zero snorted, shooting a dark glare to Redips as X put his hand on his shoulder.

“Just calm down, Zero.”  X’s voice was quiet.  “I really don’t need this fighting right now...”

Redips stepped back.  “Continue with the briefing, Signas.”

“Thank you.”  Signas nodded.  “As we were saying... We have received word about those weapons.  I have the intel to prove it, so I would appreciate it if you didn’t question my word.”  He cleared his throat.  “Alright, I’m going to send out three strike teams for this mission, each consisting of six members.  Commander X will head the Epsilon Team and already you have Zero and Axl on your side.  I’m going to assign Locust, Alger and Alia as your navigator.”

X nodded.  “Yessir.  However, I’d like to request Dirk instead of Alger.  I’ve worked with Dirk before and he has more experience with heavy arms.  I like to keep my team well-balanced, sir, two snipers, one heavy arms, one storm trooper and one melee.”

“Good.”  Signas agreed.  “Alger then will be with Team Kappa with Hackett, Egon, Elrich, and Griffon.  Your team, Hackett, will head the frontline and will approach the Maverick base from the south entrance.  Your team is my storm troopers; I need you to draw any fire so that Team Epsilon can get in on the west side.”   He tapped the control panel again.  “I want a third team to move in on the north side here, again to draw fire.  Team Omega will be headed by Garrick and his troops.”  He switched off the projector.  “We will be heading out at 0400 hours tonight, so I want each team to prepare for this mission.  Commander X, brief your teammates and plan your attack strategy.  When Teams Kappa and Omega secure the perimeters, I want your team to move in and take down General Cutlass.”  He looked to Redips.  “Anything you wish to add, Colonel?”

Redips nodded.  “Remember to bring the heads back.  We want the heads intact, so concentrate your firepower on the torso.”  He stepped up to Zero.  “Do not destroy the heads.  The General will not tolerate an arm or a leg.  He wants the head.  The entire head.”

Signas nodded, looking at X.  “Yes.  Commander, make sure that Zero doesn’t destroy the heads.”

X nodded, saluting.  “Yes sir.”

“Good.”  Signas folded his arms behind his back.  “Report back here at 0200 for deployment.  You are dismissed.”

 

“Why the heads?”  Axl asked, cleaning the barrel of one of his blasters.  “I mean he asks for heads all the time, why does he want ‘em?”

“Trophies.” Zero said simply.  He was working on repairing his beam saber after a training run in the dusty yard.  The dirt and dust had clogged the emitter port, causing the saber to sputter when ignited.  It infuriated Zero, and he knew that he had other sabers to use (as he’s collected plenty of them after eliminating sword-swinging Mavericks), but he needed to get this one repaired.  He hated having a broken saber just lying around.  Closing the access panel, he activated the saber, brandished it, swung it around, and then deactivated it.  “Dammit...”  Opening the access panel, he removed the power pack.  “I’m gonna hafta take the damn thing apart... it’s not igniting right...”

Axl watched him for a moment, then cleaned his gun some more.  “I take it you destroy the heads a lot.”

Zero nodded.  “Yep.”  He squinted, looking through the hilt’s empty shaft.  “Got something jammed in here real good...”  He took a tool and dug at it.  “I really gotta get this thing working right... I hate having a broken saber lying around.  I need ‘em all to work.”

“It looks fine to me... Can’t you use it as is?”

“And have it blow up in my face?!”  Zero shook his head.  “Personally, no.  I’d much rather use this to take off some Maverick’s head, not my own.”  Reassembling the saber he ignited it, watched it sputter to life, and then threw it clean through the wall, the plasma blade creating a sizzling molten hole.  “God dammit!”

Axl jumped as the saber plunged through the wall and into the next room.  “Geez!  Hopefully no one was over there or you would’ve taken off their head!”

“God dammit Signas!”  Zero yelled, kicking a bench across the room.  “If he didn’t have us train in the goddamn dust bowl, my saber wouldn’t have been clogged with shit!”

At that moment, X rushed in, holding the deactivated beam saber.  “You almost took off my head, Zero!  What in hell is wrong with you?!”

“What in hell is wrong with me?!”  Zero snapped back.  “What the hell do you think is wrong with me?!  It’s the same goddamn thing that’s always been wrong with me!”

“That’s not what I meant!” X argued.  “No, why’d you throw your saber through the wall?  What’s wrong?”

Zero didn’t answer.  Instead, he stormed over to a corner bench and sat, hands on his head and grumbling.  Axl glanced over at him, then to X.  “His saber’s clogged up and he’s mad at Signas.”

“You’re goddamn right I’m mad at Signas!”  Zero growled, gripping the sides of his head with both hands.

X shook his head.  “Zero, you need to calm down.  You gotta stop getting so worked up over stuff.”  He set the saber aside.  “Have you checked your levels today?”

“I don’t care about my levels!  God dammit, why does everyone worry about my levels?!  Can’t I just be pissed off for once without people thinking I’m losing my mind?!”

Axl nodded.  “He’s got a point.  Heck, I’d be pissed if my guns misfired or something equally stupid.”

Zero gestured to Axl.  “See?  He understands!  And he hasn’t got my damn Virus going through him!”

X shook his head again, approaching Zero and sitting.  “Even still...”  He fished through his pockets, taking out a small case.  Unzipping it, he took out a small pen-like device, and then reached for Zero’s hand.  “Here.  Check your levels.”

“No!”  Zero moved his hands away from X’s reach and stood.  “They don’t change anyway, it’s pointless!  All that stupid thing says is that I’m positive for the Virus, that’s it!”  He stormed across the room and sat on the bench beside Axl.  “At least Axl doesn’t think I’m going crazy every time I raise my voice...”

“Zero, I’m not trying to be your enemy, you know that.”  X stood, calmly walking over.  “You’re tired, aren’t you?  Go see Lifesaver and don’t worry about the mission, I can get someone to stand in for you.”

Zero peered up at X with hooded eyes.  “Oh no...”  He stood up, an odd smile on his face.  “Oh no, I see how this is...  You’re pulling this intervention shit again.”  He spread his arms.  “So, where are they, X?  Come on, I know what you’re doing.  Where are they hiding, X?”

X raised an eyebrow.  “Where are who hiding?  What’re you talking about?  I’m not—“

“You know who!  Where are they?  The guards?  Lifesaver?  Where are they hiding?”  Zero backed away, looking around.  “Don’t play games with me, X.  If you’re gonna pull an intervention, then do it!  Just like last time!  Hell, add more drugs while you’re at it!  I take plenty of mood-stabilizers as it is, what’s a few more?”

X sighed.  “Zero... listen.  I’m not pulling an ‘intervention.’  Just calm down, I need your mind clear for the mission.  If you’re not feeling up to it, I can have someone fill in for you.”

Zero stared at him.  “Why is it, X, that any time you think I’m being affected by the Virus, that you think I’m getting sick?”  He shook his head.  “Is that what you think of me?  You see me as sickly?  ‘Oh poor Zero.  He’s very sick.’”

X shook his head.  “No, no, not at all... Zero, you hafta understand that I care about you and I worry about you.  That Virus—“

“It’s always about that Virus!  Always!”  Zero paced around the room, gesturing with his hands.  “Always you’re worried about me!  Always you’re asking if I’m tired or not feeling well... How sickly do I look to you?!”  He shook his head again.  “It’s just really, really frustrating!  You do this all the time, every single time I raise my voice!  Any time I get frustrated with something, you act like I’m gonna have a heart attack and die!”

Axl sat there silently, watching the argument.  He understood Zero’s point, but he also understood X’s as well.  Though, after dealing with similar stuff in Red Alert, Axl has become a bit more sympathetic to Zero’s side of the argument and felt that he needed to step in.  “X, just leave Zero alone.  Stop worrying about him so much, he can take care of himself.  He’s not a baby.”

X was rendered completely speechless while a small grin graced Zero’s face for a brief moment.  However, X’s silence was not to last as those words were met with a scowl.  “Axl, stay out of this.  This is none of your business.”

“No, X... Axl’s right.” Zero spoke up, noticeably calmer than he was.  “Just stop worrying about me so much.  Stop acting like I’m so sickly when you know that I’m not.  Really, ease up on it.”  He gave a nod of “thanks” to Axl.

Axl returned the nod, then looked to X.  “Sorry, sir... I just kinda got tired of watching you two fight.  You fight like a married couple.”  He smiled nervously.

X blinked, then shook his head, threw his arms in the air, turned on his heel and left the room, mumbling to himself.  Zero watched him leave, and then walked over to a locker, opening it.  “Hey, Axl?”

Axl glanced up.  “Yeah?”

“Catch.”  With a fling of his arm, Zero tossed a deactivated saber over to Axl.  “I’ll show you how to use that later.”

Axl marveled at the weapon he held in his hands.  “Wow... really?  Um, thanks!   Really!”

Zero gave him a grin and walked to the door.  “I’m gonna go cool off for a minute.  Get your weapons ready, you’ll definitely need ‘em for this mission.”  With that, he left the room.

Axl’s gaze never left the hilt of the saber in his hands.  Zero’s saber.  He was holding Zero’s beam saber, and Zero was going to show him how to use it.  He was going to be one of the greatest Maverick Hunters ever; a perfect combination of firepower and melee.  Oh, won’t those guys at Red Alert be jealous of him now!  Axl is going to surpass everyone’s expectations, even his own.  “This is so totally awesome!”

 

“There’s an access tunnel that leads directly below and into the warehouse.  I have already sent a scout droid through there, and it was all clear until I lost the signal.”  X pointed at the dusty, hand-drawn map.  It was pitch black and windy, dirt and dust flying through the air, making it almost impossible to see his team.  “That access tunnel’s not gonna stay clear for long, so I need to keep the Army’s attention on the outside so Zero can get in there.”  He glanced up, his eyes squinted.  “Axl, go to this small barrier here on the west end.  Locust will cover you.  I need you two to pick off the Mavericks before they get wise to us.  You got a good eye, Axl, and you’ll need it at that distance.”

Axl nodded.  His amour bore a black paint job, as did X’s and Zero’s.  “But… I’m better as a run-and-gun!  Why can’t I storm the place with you?”

“Axl, you’re gonna be sniping.  You’re still in training, I don’t want you going out and playing ‘hero.’  I won’t tolerate it.  If you wanna be a Maverick Hunter, you hafta follow my lead.  Now get out there and get to your post.”

“But… But…”

“Axl!” X barked.  “Do not question my authority!  You are still in training and as your commanding officer you will do as I say!  Get to your post!”

Crestfallen, Axl started off, following Locust in a stooped gait to the makeshift barrier.  His chest burned, he hated being scolded in front of the others.  He knew he would hear about it later whenever he got back.  The other Hunters would have a field day.  “Ha-ha!  Axl got in trouble!  He just doesn’t know how to listen!  What a whiney little brat!”  Axl seethed inside as he trudged to his post.  Grumbling to himself, he threw down his rifle case, opened it, and assembled the sniper rifle with as much force and noise as he could, just to show that he was a tad pissed off.

Locust watched him for a moment.  “Don’t let Commander X get to you so much.  Just don’t question his orders and you won’t get yelled at.”

Axl snorted loudly but he didn’t answer.  Instead, he turned his glare to the strike team, awaiting his signal to commence firing.

X glanced over at the embankment, and then returned his gaze to his group.  “Alright, Zero you’re gonna take the tunnel.  It’s a tight squeeze but you’re our stealth.  There’s no doubt gonna be some Mavericks in there waiting for you, General Cutlass isn’t stupid.  He’ll cover all entrances.  So, be ready to take ‘em out.”

Zero nodded.  “You can tell Signas that he’ll have his trophy; Cutlass Cricket’s head.”

X shivered, Zero’s tone was almost sinister, cold and efficient.  X shook his head, sighing.  As much as he hated to go out on missions like this, it has to be done.  The Mavericks have to be stopped and as a Maverick Hunter, it is X’s duty to stop them.  Even if it means putting a bullet through a bioroid’s head.

“X?” Zero tapped him on the shoulder.  “…Is there a problem?”

X snapped himself back to the dusty whirlwinds and pitch blackness around him.  “Uh… no.  No problem.”  He cleared his throat, activating his comm. unit.  “Locust?  You copy?  You’re our eyes and ears for what’s going on inside.  If you see anything unusual, you let us know.”

“Copy that.” Locust’s voice crackled over the receiver.

“Good.  You guys get ready over there. We’re heading in.”  X nodded.  “Zero, hit the tunnels and watch out for yourself.”

Zero gave a curt nod and dashed off.

X clapped his hands together and put away his map.  “Dirk, cover me.  I’m heading in.”  He looked back toward the embankment and nodded to Axl.

Axl returned the nod and crouched down behind the scope of his sniper rifle, watching the warehouse.  “Hey, Locust?  I gotta know…”

Locust glanced up for a moment, and then promptly looked through his rifle’s scope, keeping a very sharp eye on the Maverick shadows beyond the dirty warehouse windows.  “You’d better keep your eye on the warehouse, Axl…”  Locust was one of the few bioroids on active duty in the Guild.  Since bioroids are susceptible to the Maverick Virus, it took Locust a long time to gain some tolerance among the ranks.  He honed his dead-eye sniping abilities by playing video games all day and it earned him a high rank in the Guild.  Though, no matter what title or how many medals he carries, other Hunters still fear and distrust Locust.

Axl, however, was one of Locust’s few friends, due to having common interests.  “What do you think of this mission?”  He scanned the perimeter, seeing movement just beyond an open doorway.  Squeezing the trigger, he picked off the unwary Maverick, driving a plasma shot straight through the neck.  “Got one.”

“Personally, I think the mission’s stupid.”  Locust peered through the scope, taking aim.  “There was a bioroid rally last week in this area, and that got Colonel Redips suspicious.  He sent out the scouts all because of the rally.  From what I gathered, this warehouse is just where a local pro-bioroid group meets.  Though, the Colonel wanted us to check it out and he claims that the Deliveration Army is involved, so…”  He trailed off, firing the rifle, a Maverick slumping to the ground in the distance.

“So, there aren’t any weapons in there?”

Locust shook his head.  “I haven’t a clue, Axl.  Just follow the Commander’s orders and cover his back.”

Axl heaved a sigh, returning his gaze back to his scope.  He wanted so much to be out there, fighting Mavericks alongside X and Zero.  But, he wasn’t allowed to.  He was still in training and therefore had to follow X’s orders to a fault.  Being a new recruit meant that he had all the boring tedious jobs dumped in his lap.  Sniping, however, wasn’t tedious and it wasn’t just reserved for Hunters-in-training.  It was just boring and something Axl just didn’t want to do.

 

Plasma bolts sizzled over his head as X yelled into his comm.-link.  “Kappa!  Omega!  We’re getting some heavy fire here!”  Turning around, he launched a charged shot across the dusty lot, holding his arm as it was thrown back by the weapon recoil.  Throwing himself onto the ground, he felt the heat of an incoming blast on his back, the light from it temporarily blinding him.  “I need you guys to bait ‘em so we can get in there!”

“Copy that!”  That was Waller’s voice over the comm. 

X rolled over onto his back, firing away as shots screamed above him.  One of his shots hit their mark, exploding through its victim’s body, internal explosions sending debris spewing out like a ruptured water main.  “Dammit!  Dirk, fire a mortar in there!  We gotta disable them!”

Dirk nodded, loading the shell.  “Fire in the hole!”  Covering his head with his arms, he squeezed his eyes shut and turned his back to the weapon as the gun launched a rocket into the warehouse, sending building materials and sand bursting into the air along with a few chunks of obliterated Mavericks.

X shielded himself with his arm as the garbage rained down on him.  “Zero, do you copy?!”  X risked a glance over the small embankment, only to duck back behind it, barely avoiding a blast that would have taken off his head.  “We’re taking some heavy hits up here, so I’m counting on you to breach the place.  Dirk just set the place off, now get in there!”

“I here you, X.”  Directly below the firefight, Zero crawled through the dark and dusty drainage tunnel.  “Damn dirt’s getting up my nose, but I’m going in.”  Closing the connection with a loud, echoing sneeze, he pulled himself along on his belly, deactivated saber hilts clenched in both hands.  Occasionally he dual-wielded his sabers depending on the severity and amount of Mavericks in the mission, and considering the way Signas went on about the mission dealing with the Deliveration Army, Zero decided at the last second to pack another saber.  Just in case.

There was pounding above him and a muffled explosion, rocking the metal tunnel like an overturned trashcan, dirt and cobwebs raining down.  Zero coughed up dust, still pulling himself along by his elbows.  The tunnel was too small for him to stand up in, so he was forced to crawl through it on his belly like a lizard.  X was right; this is a tight squeeze…  Holding one of the sabers in his mouth, he used his free hand to activate his floodlight for a moment, tapping the jewel on the brow of his helmet, bathing the tunnel in a blue glow.  The access lid was just ahead.  Another tap and the floodlight switched off, bathing him in darkness again.  He didn’t want to draw attention to himself, so he only used his floodlight for brief moments just to get his bearings.  Rolling onto his back as another blast hit the compound above, Zero brought his knees to his chest and kicked a vent open.  Leaping through, he cleaved the heads off of two Mavericks, their bodies pitching forward and slumping onto the floor.  Others took notice to the intruder and drew their weapons, ready to fire.  One skeletal, four-armed insect-like bioroid stepped forward, brandishing large curved blades.  “Zero… at last we meet.”  A deep, raspy chuckle emerged from his throat.  “Put down your weapons, I don’t intend to fight you.”

Zero snorted, his hands tightening on the hilts of his sabers.  Another mortar hit the building, the walls quaking from the impact.  “I doubt that, Cutlass…”

Cutlass Cricket laughed, motioning for his hidden troops to disarm Zero.  “We’re ‘brothers’ Zero.  We’re like family, us Mavericks and yourself.  You made us; it was your Virus that infected our minds.  You’re our father.”

Zero spun around on his heel, cracking the approaching Mavericks in the skulls with the butt of his saber, sending them reeling backwards.  Stepping forward, he brandished the other saber, bringing it to Cricket’s throat, surprised that he didn’t move to defend himself.  “Cut the crap, Cutlass.  I’m not like you, I’m not a Maverick.”

Another laugh, this one as if he was told a funny joke.  “It’s a mask, Zero.”  Calmly, he put his hand on Zero’s forearm and moved the saber away.  “We all wear masks.  This do-gooder attitude of yours?  It’s a mask.  It’s not your true nature, Zero.  Just accept your true nature, accept your true self, who you really are.”  In a flash of movement, he wrenched Zero’s arm behind his back and pinned the long-haired Hunter to the dirty stained floor.  “You’re fighting a losing battle, Zero!  It was you who started this war!”  Sliding the cutlass blade under Zero’s chin, Cricket bent his elbow, ready to slice his head off.  “So kill the source of the infection!”

His arms restrained and his legs pinned, Zero swung his head back, bashing Cricket in the face.  Cricket stumbled backwards, the blade of his weapon catching on Zero’s chin.  Ignoring the searing pain that sliced across his jaw, he spun around, kicking Cricket’s legs out from under him.  Stomping the end of a saber hilt so that the weapon would flip up into the air, Zero caught it in his hand, activating it and swung.  A crash of electrical blade-against-steel as Cricket caught the sword inches from his throat; he used his third and fourth arms to slam his fists into Zero’s sides. 

Zero doubled over momentarily, blocking another hit.  Dammit Zero… you’re getting careless!  I forgot about his other arms…  A kick to the midsection sent Cricket stumbling backwards.  “Right now, Cutlass, I’m just happy with treating the spread.”

Cricket laughed, folding his arms behind his back and stepping behind the group of followers that flanked him, blasters drawn.  “I’d hate to do this to ‘family members’ but…” He gave a curt nod to his troops.  “Kill him.”

The air exploded with blaster fire, Zero doing his best to deflect as much as he could.  Flipping around the room, he launched the plasma bolts back to the gunners, the bright blue blade sizzling through the air, illuminating the dark room.

One of the gunners hit their mark, Zero slamming to the ground, his saber knocked from his hands.  The building shuddered from another mortar hit, sending chunks of the roof crashing in.

“Fall back!”  Cricket threw his glare to a few of his faction members.  “You stay at your posts!  Kill him!”  Throwing a vent panel aside, he dropped into another access tunnel, followed by most of his guards.  Zero whipped the blade of his saber behind him, slicing into the torso of an unaware Maverick.  Jumping to his feet, he continued his assault, ignoring Cricket’s retreat.  Right now, he had too much to worry about than to run off after one Maverick bioroid.  Signas isn’t gonna be happy…  He would no doubt never hear the end of it, and Redips may use it in an attempt to finger him on some outrageous charge of treason.  Or something along those lines.  Colonel Redips never took a liking to Zero, especially after hearing the widespread gossip about the Virus he carried.  Everyone knows about it… Lifesaver starts more crap than prune juice… 

“How’re things going in there, Zero?”  X’s voice crackled over the comm.-link.

Diving and rolling across the dusty floor, Zero shoved his sword upwards, impaling another gunner in a way that is best left to the imagination.  “Took a couple hits, but I’m okay.  Cricket took off.” 

“We’ll handle him.  Just get out here.”

“Gotcha.”  Zero took a plasma grenade from his belt and tossed it into the middle of the room, smoke billowing from it as it counted down.  “Fire in the hole!”  Crashing through the warehouse window, he threw himself to the ground, large portions of the building hailing on him from the explosion.  “Just took out several of ‘em.  How’re things out front?”

“Teams Kappa and Omega got most of ‘em and I took out a good portion of the inside troops ‘fore you got in.  We’re waiting for you, now.”

“The wait is over, X,” Zero stood, dusting himself off.  “Tell Signas that he has his trophies.”

 

Axl closed his rifle case, looking to Locust.  “How many you get?”

“I lost count passed 23.”  Locust laughed, peering over the embankment at the fiery remains of the compound, other Hunters picking through it for trophy heads.  “I’m not reading anything from there or behind me, so I think we’re all set.”  He disassembled his sniper rifle, putting it back into the case.  “So, you wanna play paintball when we get back?”

“Ssh.”  Axl held up his hand.

“What?”

“I see something…”  His voice was barely audible.  “There’s three of ‘em… I can take ‘em.”  He reached for his holstered blaster but paused.  The silencer wouldn’t fit on his gun and they make a hell of a bang.  Axl’s hand moved to the saber hilt clipped to his belt.

Locust’s eyes widened as he realized what Axl was planning to do.  “Are you insane?!  That’s General Cutlass Cricket!”  His whisper was shrill.  “He’ll shoot you dead ‘fore you even pull the trigger!  And he has guards!”

“Cover me, Locust,” Axl nodded to the sniper rifles.  “I’m gonna take him.”

Locust pulled Axl backwards by the arm.  “Are you outta your mind?!  You don’t go up against Cutlass by yourself!  What’re thinking, Axl?!”

“I’m gonna prove to X that I’m a great Maverick Hunter.  He’ll be proud whenever I show him I took on Cutlass Cricket.”

“You don’t go out on suicide missions just for something to prove, Axl!”  Locust shook his head.  “I’m contacting the Commander…”

“No!” Axl grabbed the comm.-link away.  “Don’t call X!  I’m gonna destroy Cutlass Cricket myself, he can’t be too hard!”

“Oh no, I can’t possibly be that hard to destroy…”

Axl and Locust spun around, seeing Cutlass Cricket standing on the embankment.  Locust let out a scream.  Jumping to his feet, he dashed around the embankment and to the warehouse rubble. 

Cricket held up a hand, seeing his guards move to fire.  “Let him go.  He’s a bioroid.”  He returned his gaze to Axl.  “As for you, kid…” With one of his arms, he yanked the young Reploid to his feet and stepped back.  “Let’s see just how brave you are.”

“I’m brave!  And I’m a great and powerful Maverick Hunter, you scum!”  Axl ripped the saber from his belt and ignited it, awkwardly swinging the blade.  Whoa!  I never thought this thing would be heavy!  Gripping it with two hands, he tried to steady himself, striking.

Cricket laughed, easily blocking the attack.  “You are outclassed, kid!”  With his other arm, he jammed the butt of one of his swords into Axl’s stomach, sending him stumbling backwards.  “You think you could take me on?  You can barely heave that saber over your head!  The only greatest thing you have is your ego!”  His third arm grabbed the saber and ripped it from Axl’s hands, then sent him falling on his back.  Cricket pointed the blade of his sword at the Reploid’s throat.  “I could kill you right now, you cocky fool…”

Axl scrambled backwards on his hands and rear.  What the hell was I thinking?!  His breath came to him in quick gasps, his mouth as dry as the sands beneath him.  He would grab his blaster, but Cricket would slice his arm off.  And right now, the only fighting energy that surged through him was fear.  Good going Axl… now you’re gonna die…

Cricket chuckled at cowering little Axl.  He took great delight in watching him shake and shiver.  With a swing, Cricket sliced Axl across the thigh with the blade.  “Let that be a lesson to you, rookie.  I suggest growing up a bit more before you fight me again.”  With a laugh, Cricket teleported, vanishing into the night.

Axl squinted his eyes shut.  The wound wasn’t bad, but it hurt like hell.  He gritted his teeth as X ran up to him, knowing full well that he wouldn’t hear the end of it. “Look X, I—“

“Save it, Axl.”  X helped him stand.  “You’re lucky to be alive; General Cutlass could have killed you if he wanted to.”  Giving him a once-over, X’s tone changed.  “Axl, never pull a stunt like this again!  Never!  You’re a good gunner, I don’t wanna lose you!  You could’ve been killed!  What the hell was going through your mind?!”

“I just wanted to prove that I’m a good Maverick Hunter…”

“So you send yourself out on some mindless suicide run just for something to prove?!  We don’t do that on my team!  It’s not a goddamn popularity contest and I won’t tolerate that shit!”

Axl toed the ground, his hands behind his back.  The pain in his leg no longer bothered him, now it was the pain in his chest.  His gaze was locked to the ground, not wanting to know just how many other Hunters were witnessing his scolding. “Sorry sir…”

“This isn’t high school, Axl!  This isn’t a game, Axl!  This is real life, people die in real life!  Do you understand?!”  X bent to look Axl in the eye.  “Don’t do that again!  You don’t go after General Cutlass alone.  In fact, I don’t want you going solo at all, not until you gain more experience.”

“But X…”

“Don’t try and argue with me, Axl!  You may have experience from your tenure with Red Alert, but not with me.  When you’re on this team, any crap with Red Alert doesn’t count, you understand?!  One day you’ll get a solo mission, but not now.  Not until you gain more experience.  Is that understood, Axl?”

Axl nodded slowly, his cheeks red and his voice quiet.  “Yes sir.”

Unnoticed, Zero bent to retrieve the saber and walked up to X and Axl.  “Also, don’t use the saber until you’ve been properly trained.” He handed it to Axl.  “Good first try though.”

Axl nodded, clipping the saber to his belt.  “Thanks…”  His voice was still reserved, embarrassed to be scolded yet again in front of all the other Hunters.  “Sorry X…”

X nodded.  “Don’t be sorry.  Just remember what I said and don’t do that again.  And let Zero train you before you use that saber.  Understand?  I’m just trying to watch out for you.”

“I know.” Axl’s gaze was locked on the dusty ground.

“Good.” X patted him on the shoulder.  “Let’s go.”

 

“The mission went as planned, Sir, however General Cutlass got away.”

Signas nodded slowly.  “Who on your team was targeting General Cutlass, X?”

“Zero, Sir.”

Signas nodded again.  “I see…”

“Axl tried to go after Cutlass himself, Sir.” X explained, sitting back in his chair.  The two were in Signas’s office, discussing the outcome of the mission.  “Cutlass wounded him and vanished.”

“I’ll have our scouts track him down… again.” Signas stood, walking around his desk, his fingertips sliding along its smooth surface.  “X, do you know why I called you here?”

X watched him.  “Progress report on the mission, Sir.”

Signas shook his head.  “Other than that.”  He sat down behind his desk again.  “No, Lifesaver has updated me and it seems Zero hasn’t been reporting for his treatments.  Care to explain why?”

X raised an eyebrow.  “I don’t know what you mean…”  He shook his head.  “He asked Lifesaver to stop the treatments.  I need his mind clear for missions.”

Signas sighed in annoyance.  “X, it is important that Zero has these treatments.  I don’t want the infection spreading through the Guild.  If his levels go unchecked…”  He shook his head.  “X, you know as well as I do that we have to keep the infection under control.”

“But Sir… the treatments and the mood-stabilizers… they make him so tired.  Zero’s one of our best fighters, but after each treatment session he can barely hold his head up!  I really need his mind clear.”  X sighed.  “I really don’t think this is fair to him… Ever since we discovered he was infected, you’ve had Lifesaver watching him.  He can’t raise his voice because you assume he’s going Maverick.  It’s not fair!”

Signas shook his head, stood, leaned over his desk and smacked X upside the head.  “I’ve told you once already about this.  I won’t tolerate your whining.  Cut it out.”  He sat down again.  “Zero is infected with the Maverick Virus and he needs to be treated.  I’m not going to risk him going Maverick again.  He is a danger as it is treatments or not.  You’re lucky, he’s lucky that I haven’t ordered his dismissal.  Or his destruction.”

X nodded slowly.  “Understood, Sir.”

“Good.”  Signas nodded in satisfaction.  “Now, I’m going to contact Lifesaver and I want you to escort Zero to the medical bay.  You are to stay there with him to make sure he gets his treatment, understand?  Don’t leave him alone, stay there with Zero, I will not have him just get up and leave.”  He fingered his desk-mounted comm.-unit.  “Lifesaver, X is bringing Zero in.”  There was a murmured reply and Signas turned his attention back to X.  “You are dismissed.”

X stood, his voice reserved.  “Thank you, Sir.”  Shoulders slumped, he left the room.

“I heard what he said.” Zero didn’t look at X as he entered the hallway.  “And I heard what you told him.  You buckled again, didn’t you?”

X sighed, shaking his head.  “Look, Zero, just go get your treatments.  I tried to convince Signas—“

“No you didn’t!”  Zero snapped.  “You caved in!  Just like last time!  You cave in every single time!  God dammit, X!  He just twisted your words around and convinced you of this whole ‘treatment’ shit!  You didn’t even try to fight back; you just nodded your head!”

“Zero, listen to me!” X grabbed his shoulders, shaking him harshly.  “Signas explained to me already that you might be a danger, treatments or not!  And he’s our superior, and I’m not about to go over his head!  I care about you, Zero and I’m only doing this because if you don’t follow along, he could have you destroyed!  Destroyed!  Do you understand me?!”

Zero wrenched his arms free and stepped back.  “Even so…  If you can’t get him to stop these…” He turned around.  “Then I will.”  With that, he stormed into the office, kicking the door shut with a loud bang.

X heaved a deep, exhausted sigh, putting his fingertips to his forehead.  “Just don’t do anything stupid, Zero…  Promise me, Zero… Don’t do anything stupid.”

 

“Signas!”

Signas calmly stood.  “Zero, you’re supposed to be in the medical bay.  Have you checked your levels today?”

“Enough about my levels!”  Zero slammed both palms on the desk, the sound as if the whole room would shatter from the impact.  “Stop the treatments now!”

Signas shook his head, regarding Zero as if he were a young child.  “Zero, you know I can’t do that.  You’re much too dangerous to be left unchecked.  Even with your treatments, we’re just barely keeping the infection under control.” 

“Shut up!  The infection is under control!  I’m controlling it!  I’m not a danger, I won’t go Maverick, I have it all under control!”

Signas shook his head, walking around his desk.  “You need to calm down, Zero.”  He put his hand on Zero’s shoulder and bent to look him in the eye.  “You don’t want to lose your mind, do you?  You don’t want to lose control, do you?  You don’t want to end up like Sigma, do you?”  He shook his head.  “I didn’t think so.  Sit down, Zero, we can work this out.  I know the treatments bother you, but it’s the only way we can contain the infection.  We don’t know why you react so negatively to the drugs, we don’t know why your system won’t respond to them… but that’s what treating a disease is about.  It’s all a touch-and-go guessing game.  No one knows what drugs will work for whom and what won’t work for another.  It’s all trial and error, you know that.” He nodded to the chair in front of his desk.  “Sit down, Zero.  I can speak with Lifesaver, and together, you and I can work—“

Zero’s hand shot out, grabbing Signas by the throat.  “Stop the treatments, Signas.”

Signas tried to remain as calm and professional as he could, but his hands went instinctively to his neck, trying to pry Zero’s fingers off of him.  “Z-zero… listen to me… we can w-work this out…”

“No we can’t.”  Zero’s voice was a low growl, his expression that of determination.  The look on his face and efficient mannerisms are what sent shivers crawling up Signas’s spine.  “The treatment’s aren’t needed, Signas.”

He could see Zero’s free hand go for the saber holstered beyond his shoulder.  Soon, the sword’s aperture was pressed firmly to Signas’s abdomen.  His chest tightened with Zero’s vice grip on his neck.  “Don’t do this, Zero…  We can work this out!”

“Zero, put him down!”  X stood in the doorway, flanked by Lifesaver and a guard.  “Don’t do this, Zero… Don’t do it!”

Zero’s eyes went immediately to X.  “He wouldn’t listen to you, but he’ll listen to me, X.  See?”  A strangely-satisfied and nervous chuckle emerged from his throat.  “See?  He’s one of Them, X… But I got him to listen to me, X.  See?  I got him to listen to me!  You couldn’t get through to him, but I did!  See?  See?!”  His grip tightened on the hilt of his saber.  “He’s in no position to argue now, X!”

“Stop it, Zero!  Just put Signas down!”  X stepped forward, but was held back by the guard.  “Zero, listen to me… Listen only to me.  Put Signas down and step back.  Keep your eyes on me and listen only to my voice, Zero…”

“He won’t listen to you!”  Signas coughed.  “He’s already succumbing to the Virus!  Can’t you see that?!”

“No!  I won’t let it!”  Zero screamed.  “I’m not going Maverick!”

“Listen to me, Zero… Don’t do this…”

“No!  Make him stop the damn treatments!  Stop them now!”  The blade of the saber exploded through Signas, his body going limp in Zero’s hands.  He slid off the blade and slumped to the floor, Lifesaver rushing to his side, followed by a guard.  Everyone’s voices sounded muddled, distant and tinny, as if through a long, metal tunnel.  The saber dropped from Zero’s hand.  Everything was in slow motion, shadows trailing Lifesaver and the guard as they hustled Signas out of the room.  X yelled something inaudible.  Zero turned to face him, his jaw slack.  He couldn’t hear what X was saying, but he could read his lips.  “Zero!  What’d you do?!”

“I…” The words wouldn’t come out.

Another guard appeared in the doorway, firing.  Intense pain in his neck.  The room around him dissolved and Zero slumped to the floor.

 

“…So I laughed in General Cutlass’s face, deflecting every swing!  I had him on the run; I was totally kicking his ass!”  Axl sat in the cantina beside a female Reploid, Layer, elaborating on his recent mission.  “He almost got me a few times, but no big deal.  I just whipped out my blaster, got in a few shots and sent him crying!”

“Wow!”  Layer was either overly impressed or she was just humoring Axl.  “So, you were all alone against General Cutlass Cricket?”

“Yup!”  Axl beamed.  “I fought him all by myself!  X wasn’t gonna let me, but I showed him what a good Hunter I am!  I even used Zero’s saber and was I ever awesome!”

Layer clasped her hands together, her voice still somewhat sarcastic and over-excited.  “No way!”

“Yes way!  Wanna see?”  Axl unclipped the saber from his belt, handing it to Layer.  “Cool, huh?”

Layer nodded, almost drooling, the saber held in her hands.  “Very cool.  Can I have it?”  She had developed a crush on Zero since joining the Guild during the Jakob Project crisis and owning his saber meant the world to her.

“Nope, sorry!  Zero gave it to me!”  Axl snatched the saber back and clipped it onto his belt.  “So, you wanna hear how I bulls-eyed all those Mavericks all by myself?”

“Axl,” In the cantina doorway was Colonel Redips.  “You need to come with me.”

Axl nodded, and then smirked at Layer.  “Gotta go.  They’re prob’ly getting my medal ready.”  Three-quarters of his face was taken up by a wide grin as he walked over to the Colonel.  “So, when’s the ceremony?”

“What ceremony?” Redips raised an eyebrow.  “This has nothing to do with your inflated imagination, boy!  Signas has been injured; there was an attempt on his life.”

Axl swallowed.  “Then… then why do you need me?”

“I’ll explain on the way, let’s go.”  He turned to leave, Axl following.

“How bad is it?”

Redips regarded him with a glance.  “That’s none of your business.”  He huffed, stopping in the hall just outside of the room.  “Where did you get that saber, young man?”

“Zero gave it to me.  He’s gonna show me how to use it.”

In one movement, Redips turned around and ripped the saber from Axl’s belt.  He nodded to one of the guards that were waiting in the hallway for him.  “Take this to the lab.”

“Yessir.”  The guard nodded curtly, took the saber, and walked down the hall.

“What was that about?”  Axl raised an eyebrow.

The Colonel heaved a sigh.  “Those sabers are evidence.”

“Evidence to what?”

“Evidence to the attempted assassination!  Don’t you ever listen, boy?!”  Redips snapped.  “Signas was lucky to have Lifesaver nearby when it happened.”  He shook his head, grumbling.  “I told him.  I told him countless times that he’s too dangerous to be running loose like this.  We tried to contain the infection, but it’s too dangerous, it could still spread.”  He skewered Axl with a sharp glare.  “You haven’t been feeling… angry lately, have you?”

Axl shook his head.  “Just annoyed at some stuff sometimes, why?”

“You haven’t been feeling any different at all?”

Axl shrugged.  “What do you mean?”

Another annoyed grunt.  “Lifesaver’s already given you a clean bill of health about a week ago, but you’re going to see him again.”

“Why?”

“Don’t ask such stupid questions!”

Axl drew back, startled.  “Sorry…”

Again, Redips grunted. “Don’t expect to be training with Zero anymore.  In fact, don’t expect to even see him again.”

“Why—err…” Axl reworded his question.  “Where is he going if he’s not gonna be here?  He getting transferred to a new base or something?”

“Axl… Zero tried to kill Signas.  He went Maverick.”

 

Axl dragged his feet as he entered the detention area.  Guards were posted everywhere, two flanking him and Colonel Redips as they walked down the hall.  Stopping in front of a heavy iron door, Redips nodded to the small window set in its thick frame.  “There you go.  You can see him.”

Axl shook his head.  “No, let me in there.”

“Are you crazy, boy?!  He’s a dirty Maverick!”

Axl sighed, standing on his toes to peer through the window and into the cell.  He put his hands on the door to steady himself as he searched the cell with his eyes.  On a bench in the corner, Zero sat, stripped of his amour and clad in prison garb.  He seemed thin, his hair stringy and wet with sweat.  “Zero?”

Zero glanced up for a moment, then returned his gaze to his hands which he held in his lap.  “They got to you, didn’t They?”  His voice sounded reserved through the cell’s intercom.  “They’ve told you I’ve become a Maverick… and now you believe Them, don’t you?  They got into your head…”

Axl shook his head.  “I don’t wanna believe them… I mean, maybe it was an accident?”

“It wasn’t an accident.”  Redips cut in.  “He clearly knew what he was doing; you could see the look in his eyes.  He went Maverick, Axl.”

“I wanna hear it from him and not from you, Sir.”  Axl’s voice took on a very brief and almost authoritative tone.  He returned his gaze to the cell.  “What happened, Zero?  Maybe it was an accident.  Where’s X?”

Zero shook his head.  “X is with Signas.”  His gaze remained locked on the floor.  “I… it just happened.  It just happened, I got angry and it happened.  Signas wouldn’t stop the treatments and he wouldn’t listen to me.  So, I made him listen.”  He shook his head again and stood, pacing back and forth.  “The infection is under control!  It was Signas who overreacted!  He’s the one who started these goddamn treatments, so why won’t he stop them?!”  He pounded the wall with both hands and put his forehead against it.  “It just keeps going outta control…”

“It could just be an accident…”

“I can’t save anyone!  I try, but everyone dies!  I try to help but I end up hurting people!  I hurt Signas because I lost control!  He wouldn’t listen to me!” Zero slammed his fists against the wall then grabbed his head, sinking to his knees.  “It all keeps going outta control and it’s all because of my Virus.  My god damn Virus!  I started this whole goddamn war, my Virus started it all!”  His fingers tightened in his hair.  “My Virus created Sigma… My Virus created Mavericks… My Virus killed so many people… I killed so many people… And I won’t stop killing them!”

Axl looked to the Colonel, puzzled.  “He doesn’t seem like he went Maverick…”

Redips snorted, shaking his head.  “He went Maverick, Axl.  It’s obvious.  Look at him!  Look at your ‘hero,’ Axl!  Look at that Maverick!  The Virus is everywhere; you can practically smell it off of him!”

Zero caught their gaze.  “I didn’t go Maverick, Colonel…”

“That’s impossible!”  Redips spat.  “You clearly went Maverick!  You knew what you were doing, you had it all planned!  I saw that look in your eyes when my guards dragged you here!”

Zero stood and charged the door, Axl and Redips jumping backwards.  “You know nothing Colonel!”  His gaze snapped to Axl.  “Don’t let Them get to you, Axl… Don’t let Them get into your head!  I’m not a Maverick!  I’m not a Maverick!”

Redips shook his head, taking Axl by the arm.  “Come with me.  I’ll brief you for your testimony and we’ll leave this filthy Maverick to his fate.”

Axl looked back, hearing Zero scream.  Over and over.  “I’m not a Maverick!  I’m not a Maverick!”  Axl shook his head slowly, following Redips out of the detention level.  I wanna believe you, Zero…

 

“Due to the attempt on his life, Signas has temporarily resigned his position, leaving me to take over his duties while he recuperates.”  Colonel Redips addressed the large gathering of Hunters in the Memorial Hall.  “We have a new threat now, an enemy from within.  We also know that General Cutlass Cricket has unfortunately eluded us again and this may be in part to our new threat.  Video of the Deliveration Army has surfaced in the Northern Sector and Hunters deployed in that sector have translated and sent the recording back to us.”  There was a murmur among the crowd and Redips cleared his throat.  “I apologize for jumping around so much as these new developments have caught me off-guard.  Concerning the video that turned up, it contains slander against the Guild along with a possible attack on the Globatech Corporation’s headquarters in the financial district.  No other details about the attack were found, but all security personal have been put on high alert.”

Alia, a slender Reploid, stepped up beside the Colonel, tucking a wayward strand of blond hair behind her ear.  “As head of security I’ve been working to update not only our security systems but also the personal at Globatech and transportation facilities.  Shuttle pilots are again carrying concealed weapons and have been instructed to be alert for any suspicious activity.  Also all suspected bioroids will be detained for weapons and Virus checks.”

Redips nodded.  “We will be deploying Hunter Units to suspected Deliveration Army hideouts as well.  I’m not about to give General Cutlass even a slim chance of pulling an attack in our sector.  So, we’re going to get him before he gets us.  There is also a substantial bounty on his head and he is wanted dead or alive.”  He cleared his throat once more, fumbling with something on the podium.  “Now about our… interior threat.  The attempted assassination of Signas was made by one of our own.”  There was a loud gasp and collective murmur from the crowd.  “It is very unfortunate that this has happened and it is even more unfortunate to know that this was done by a respected Hunter.”  Again, Redips paused to allow his words to sink in before dropping the bombshell.  “Zero tried to kill Signas.”

The crowd erupted into a chorus of gasps, chatter, and even a few shouts of “I knew it!”  Alia leaned in toward the microphone in an attempt to silence the crowd.  “Please everyone, calm down.  Lower your voices, the Colonel isn’t finished.”

Redips smiled.  “Thank you Alia.  Now, Zero claims that he did not go Maverick, but I have reason to suspect he is lying.  All Mavericks lie and after all, he is infected and carrying the Maverick, or ‘Zero’ Virus.”

Again, more chatter from the crowd.  “Zero started the war!”

“I knew it, that hippy can’t be trusted!”

“He’s a Maverick-Hunting Maverick!”

The Colonel chuckled at the accusations.  “Order!  Order!  Now’s not the time to be pointing fingers at Zero.  We’re not an execution squad, we do have democracy.  There will be a trial to decide Zero’s fate and the outcome of that trial will determine whether or not he will be allowed to continue his service as a Maverick Hunter.”  He cleared his throat.  “Aside from this unfortunate incident, I have reason to suspect that Zero has involvement with the Deliveration Army.  He allowed General Cutlass to escape during that mission and I have received word that there was a brief exchange between those two during the battle.  All Mavericks are threats and all have ties to General Cutlass as he has become one of the biggest influences leading bioroids into rebellion.  If Zero is found to have any involvement at all with General Cutlass, especially in connection with any attacks in our sector, he will be tried and imprisoned justly.”

There was a cheer from the crowd as Alia put her hand over the mic, her voice a whisper.  “Zero’s with the Deliveration Army?!  How?!  He only fought General Cutlass once!”

Redips silenced her with a glare.  “I know that!  Open your ears, woman, you heard what I said!  Zero let General Cutlass get away after an exchange they had during the mission!  It was obviously all a cover-up!  Zero is obviously their intel, why else would he let Cutlass get away?!”  He moved Alia’s hand away from the mic.  “Right now, Zero is in custody in the detention level.  A trial date has not been set, but soon we’ll get to the bottom of this threat.”

A hand shot up from the crowd.  The Hunters parted, Layer standing there.  “What… what will happen to Zero if he’s found guilty?”

There was a long pause as Redips’s eyes narrowed.  “If Zero is found guilty of these crimes… he will be punished accordingly.  An eye for an eye.”  Once more, the room exploded with gossip.

Layer shrank back, her gaze to the floor, her purple hair hiding her eyes.  Axl put his hand on her shoulder.  “I don’t think he went Maverick… I think this is all a big accident and maybe he’s innocent?”

Layer shrugged, her gaze locked on her shoes.  “I hope…”

 

“Hey!  What’s going on?!”  Locust spun around in his chair, his door kicked open by guards, ripping it off the hinges.  “Can’t a guy get some time alone?!”

Colonel Redips snorted.  “Just a routine inspection, Locust, nothing that you should worry about.”  He nodded to the computer.  “What’re you doing?”

“Playing an MMORPG.”  Locust turned his attention back to the computer.  “Now wait a second, my clan’s gonna get some of these freakin’ god-moding PKers.  They’ve been offing newbs for far too long, we’re gonna take ‘em down.”

Redips raised an eyebrow, looking over Locust’s shoulder.  “Interesting…” He nodded to his guards.  “Take the computer.”

The plug was pulled as the guards gathered up the equipment.  “Hey!”  Locust turned an angry glare to the Colonel.  “What the hell are you doing?!  My clan was gonna win!”

“Save it.”  Redips took the bioroid by the arm and pulled him to his feet.  “You’re coming with me.”

“What?  Why?!”  Locust yanked his arm free.  “What’s going on?!”  Around him, the guards dug through his room, knocking things off shelves and confiscating whatever documents and files they could find.

“Just a routine inspection.  Now go with the guards.”

“Routine my ass!  You just busted in here, screwed my game and now you’re trashing my room and stealing stuff?!  Colonel or not, this is still way unfair!”

“Report to Lifesaver for your Virus check, Locust!”  Redips snapped.  “Guards!  Take him!”

Two guards flanked Locust, grabbing him by the arms.  “Stop it!  I’ll go, alright?!  Stop twisting my arms!”  He wrenched his arms free and stormed out of the room, shooting a dark glare at Redips.  “This is still unfair, Colonel.”

 

Signas stood slowly and carefully, his hand on his stomach.  “Good lord…”  He squint his eyes shut, pain exploding inside him.  “Could we save this for another day?”  He started to sit back down.

Lifesaver took him by the arm, helping him stand.  “I’m sorry Sir, but you need to walk.  You need to keep yourself moving, it’s the only way you’ll heal.  If you don’t you could develop bed sores or worse; clots and embolisms—“

Signas held up a hand.  “I’ve heard this before.  Stop it with the horror stories…”  He took a few careful, cautious steps before looking across the room to X, who was sitting quietly, working on something on his laptop.  “Come here X, walk with me.”

X nodded.  “Yes sir.”  He put the laptop aside and stood, approaching Signas, holding him upright by the elbow and walking slowly with him around the medical bay.  “You’re looking better today.”

Signas laughed it off.  “I look and feel like hell.”  His posture was hunched over his injury, his breath shallow from the pain.  “X, has Colonel Redips set a trial date?”

X nodded.  “Yes he did.  Next week, I believe.  You have a few days to rest and heal.”

“Wonderful.” Signas grumbled, looking to Lifesaver who also walked with him.  “I do hope you’re not planning to have me walk there…”

Lifesaver shook his head.  “No, you’ll be wheeled to the courtroom and remain seated until you’re asked to testify.”

“Good lord…” Signas moaned in pain and annoyance.  “It should help my case though, the court seeing me shuffle up to the stand like an old man…”  He chuckled then winced.  “You haven’t spoken to Zero lately, have you, X?”

X shook his head.  “Not since he was placed into custody, Sir.”

“Good.  I don’t want you talking to that Maverick.  I don’t want you sabotaging his testimony.”

“Sir, Zero’s my friend and I should be there for him.  Right now he needs to talk and I’m the only one he’ll talk to.”  X protested.  “I need to know what happened in his head and I need to hear it from him.  It’s not fair that you’re imprisoning him like this, after all he’s done for the Guild.”

“X, I’ve asked you before to stop your whining.”  Signas scowled.  “You have to understand, X that Zero is a danger to the Guild.  I mean for God’s sake, he tried to kill me!  You saw it for yourself!  Are you blind?!”  He grunted in pain.  “Just stop it!  I know you’re friends with Zero, but for once put your friendship aside and look at Zero for what he really is!  He is a Maverick.  He was born a Maverick and he will die a Maverick.  He started the spread of the infection; that is his Virus.  His Virus!”  He paused in his painful stroll around the medical bay.  “I know this is hard for you to take, but Zero is a Maverick.  He’s not your friend, he’s a Maverick.  A disgusting murderous Maverick.”

X looked away.  “I understand, Sir, but Zero—“

“Good god X just stop it!”  Signas recoiled in pain.  He looked to Lifesaver.  “I’ve walked far enough; I’d like to sit down.’

“Very well.  You’re making progress.”  Lifesaver left Signas’s side to fetch the chair.

Signas snorted, waiting until Lifesaver brought the chair.  Carefully he sat down, leaning back and exhaling.  “Finally…”  He looked to X.  “I want you to prepare your testimony.  And don’t converse with Zero.  In fact, do not go to the detention level at all for any reason.  I can’t risk having your presence and involvement contaminating his testimony.  Is that understood, X?’

X nodded.  “Yes sir.”  He sighed.  “Is it alright if I speak with Axl?”

“Yes, yes, of course.”  Signas nodded.  “Help him with his testimony.”

“But he didn’t see the incident…”

“I’m aware of that.  Axl is a witness to Zero’s behavior, however and he’ll be needed for the jury to decide Zero’s fate.”

X swallowed.  “Fate?  What’re you planning to do if Zero’s found guilty?”

Signas shook his head, raising his hand.  “Let’s not worry about that right now.  You go speak with Axl and prepare him for the trial.  I’ll see you bright and early here tomorrow morning.”

“Why, sir?’

“To walk me to the bathroom.”  Signas flashed him a smirk.  “I’m not using that damn bedpan again.”  He huffed, sinking into the chair.  “Bloody awkward…”

 

“All rise for the honorable Judge Maynard.”  Clad in dark robes, Maynard, a tall sophisticated Reploid sat at the large stand.  The bailiff nodded curtly, continuing his announcement.  “Trial 228 of Section 13 of the Penal Code, the People of the Maverick Hunter Guild versus Zero, Judge Maynard presiding.  You may all be seated.”

Axl sat down, looking over his shoulder at the Hunters seated in the courtroom.  “Hey, where’s Locust?  I figured he’d be here after all the stuff said about General Cutlass…”

Layer shrugged, shushing Axl with a gentle hiss.  “I don’t know, but keep your voice down.  We could get in trouble.”

Axl nodded.  “Maybe he was deployed to the Northern Sector or something; I haven’t seen him for days now.”  He sank in the uncomfortable wooden bench, his hands in his pockets.  He was wearing his military dress uniform, his pants pressed and his shoes shined.  “I hate these clothes.  They’re itchy and the hat looks stupid.”

Layer smiled.  “At least we don’t have to wear them all the time.”

X turned around in his chair beyond the wooden railing.  “Hush, you two.  And be glad you’re not the only ones who have to suffer in these uniforms.”  He smirked, adjusting his cap.  His olive-green blazer bore colorful stripes of the badges and ranks he earned, the light glinting off of his medals and a few Purple Hearts.  He sighed. “Signas is coming in right now, so I need you guys to be quiet.  If you disrupt the trial, Signas will have my head.”

Axl nodded.  “Sorry X.”  His gaze went to his own blazer which had only insignia patches on the shoulders; nothing fancy except for his Purple Heart.  That’s what you get when you go to war… Alotta battle scars… He scratched at the large scar on the bridge of his nose, turning his gaze to X.  “I hope this trial is short, I’m bored.”

X chuckled.  “So am I, now keep quiet.”  He nodded to Signas as he was wheeled into the courtroom, sitting behind a large desk with Colonel Redips.  “Sir.”

Signas returned the nod.  “Just concentrate on your case and keep the kids behind you quiet.”  He sat back, hearing the doors open again.  “They’re bringing in the Maverick…”

The room became silent, the benches creaking and fabric rubbing together as everyone turned to look.  Two guards and Lifesaver entered, pushing a chair.  In the chair sat Zero, barely alert, his hands and ankles bound by thick leather restraints.  He looked very thin, almost unhealthy, in his jailhouse grays, his hair unkempt and draped over his shoulders so as not to be caught in the chair’s wheels.  The room became abuzz with murmurs and gossip.

“Geezus, look at him…”

“I can’t believe he attacked Signas… What’d Signas ever do to him?”

“It was only a matter of time…”

Maynard nodded aside to the bailiff.  “He doesn’t look like much of a Maverick now…”

The bailiff laughed silently as Lifesaver parked the chair at the table beside X and took a seat.  “All yours, Your Honor.”

“Counselor, approach the bench and present your case.”  Maynard gestured, permitting Colonel Redips to stand and speak.

“Your Honor, Zero had attempted to kill Signas in a fit of rage.  He is a Maverick and he is too dangerous to be allowed to serve on the force.  Zero is unstable, he’s already presented himself as a threat before and this time he has crossed the line.”  Redips stated almost proudly.  “Due to an exchange between him and General Cutlass Cricket, along with the timely manner that this attempted assassination occurred, there is reason to believe that Zero has ties to the Deliveration Army, as all Mavericks do.”  He paused.  “Right now, I’d like to direct the court’s attention to Sir Signas.  Two weeks ago, Signas reported with X on the status of a recent mission to disable the Deliveration Army.  During that meeting, X was informed of the fact that Zero had not been reporting for his mandatory, daily treatments to contain his infection.  This tardiness and inconsistent treatment schedule will risk having the Virus take over Zero’s mind and causing him to go Maverick.  Zero has been informed of this several times, along with why he needs to be treated, but he has argued and refused the treatment several times.”

Maynard raised an eyebrow.  “Is that correct, X?”

X nodded.  “Yes it is, Your Honor.”

“Good, Counselor?”

Redips nodded, continuing.  “During the meeting between X and Signas, there was a small argument concerning these treatments and X left the room.  Shortly afterwards, Zero stormed into the office, yelling at Signas.  Signas tried to calm Zero down, but Zero proceeded to grab Signas by the throat and thrust the hilt of his saber against his stomach.”  He demonstrated by grabbing his own throat, then thrusting his fist in the air.  “At this point, X entered the room, telling Zero to stop.”

“Did he?”

“No, Your Honor.”  Redips shook his head.  “Zero refused to listen and then ignited the saber, the blade going through Signas’s abdomen and exiting through his back.”

Maynard nodded slowly.  “Thank you Colonel.”

Seated and fidgety, Axl watched the proceedings and looked to Layer, whispering.  “That’s what happened?’

Layer nodded.  “I guess.  What I don’t get is the Deliveration Army involvement.  I know that Redips explained it, but I still don’t understand why Zero would betray us like that…”

“Me neither.”  Axl sighed deeply.  “I mean, he’s so loyal to the Hunters… I really don’t think he went Maverick, I think this is all a big mistake.  At least I hope so…”  He sighed again, and then tapped X on the shoulder.

X turned around, his voice a harsh whisper.  “Now’s not the time Axl, make it quick.”

“Zero’s drooling.”

X heaved an agitated sigh.  “Thanks, now keep quiet.”  He fished a napkin out of his pocket, his voice low.  “Zero, you alright?”

Zero only glanced at him with glassy eyes, his jaw slack, a string of saliva dangling from his bottom lip.  He made a sound, but was too heavily sedated to speak coherently.

X sighed again, wiping Zero’s mouth and chin with the napkin.  “I don’t know how you’re gonna testify like this…”

Zero nodded slowly, his eyes half open and glazed over.  “I know…”  His words were slurred and he continued to drool, completely unaware of it.  “…what’s happening now?”

“Redips is gonna present some evidence and have Signas testify.”  X again wiped Zero’s mouth.  “You’re drooling.”

“Counselor X,” that was Maynard’s voice.  “Keep your client quiet and for god’s sake get him a bib if you have to!”

X nodded.  “Sorry Your Honor, but if Lifesaver hadn’t drugged him like this—“

Maynard raised his hand.  “I don’t want to hear it.  Bailiff, get a towel.”  He shook his head slowly.  “Colonel, you may call your client to the stand.”

Colonel Redips nodded.  “Thank you, Your Honor.”  He faced the rest of the room.  “The court would like to call Signas to the stand.”

Signas stood with some difficulty and limped to the witness stand.  His hand on his stomach, he walked with a hunched gait, stepping up onto the stand and carefully sitting down.  He heaved a painful grunt, sweat beading on his forehead, he was in obvious pain.  The bailiff waited until Signas had sat down and caught his breath before addressing him.  “Raise your right hand.  Do you solemnly swear that the testimony you are about to give is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth so help you god?”

Signas nodded.  “I do.”  His voice was strained with pain; Lifesaver hadn’t supplied him with any narcotics to ease it.  Or rather Signas had refused them, as he figured his discomfort would help his case, seeing as how the court would pity him.  A little pain was worth it in order to have this work to his advantage.

“You may proceed.”  Maynard spoke, looking to Colonel Redips.  “Counselor?”

Redips stepped forward.  “Signas, in your own words will you describe to the court what happened?”

Signas nodded.  “I was in my office speaking with X about his most recent assignment and I told him that Lifesaver has updated me on Zero’s levels and how he has not reported for his treatments.  X argued with me, saying that Zero asked Lifesaver to stop the treatments for they were making him too tired to function…”

Axl sank lower in the bench, his hands stuffed deep in his pockets.  “Do we hafta hear this again?”  He groaned in annoyance, looking to Layer.  “This isn’t like on TV!  This is gonna be so boring… don’t people listen the first time around?  Why do we hafta hear the same stupid thing from Signas, too?”

Layer shrugged.  “It’s the way it goes, I guess.  I’m not real familiar with the judicial system, to tell you the truth.  In fact, if I wasn’t required to be here since I’m a navigator, I’d be doing other things.”  She shrugged again, sighing.  “All navigators and anyone who worked with Zero have to be here from what I was told… I hope I don’t have to testify, I have no information for them about any involvement with the Deliveration Army.”

Axl kicked the chair in front of him.  “This is boring!  When will they get to all the gory evidence photos?  I wanna see some blood!  I wanna see disfigured bodies!”

X turned around, hissing harshly.  “Hush, Axl!  You’re getting loud and stop kicking my chair!”  His words were growled through gritted teeth.  “You’re gonna get yourself tried in contempt of the court if you don’t knock it off!”

“Sorry.”

“And sit up straight!”

Axl did as he was told, leaning his head back to stare at the ceiling.  “That does it… I’m going to sleep.  This sucks.”

Layer nodded.  “I might join you.”  She sighed, settling a bit deeper in the bench, stretching her legs.  She scratched at her thigh, her green skirt itching her.  “With the way Commander X has been biting your head off, god forbid if you ever have to go to the bathroom.”

Axl swallowed.  “Hopefully I can hold it…”

A smile graced Layer’s cheeks.  “Oh no… you don’t…”

His face flushed a tomato red.  “I do.”

“Take your mind off of it.  Braid Zero’s hair or something.”

“Yeah, I’ll give him dreadlocks!”  Axl snickered, reaching for a long, thick section of hair.  “Oh gross!  It’s dirty and funky-feeling!”

“Axl!” X growled sharply through gritted teeth.  “Enough!  Be quiet and leave Zero’s hair alone!”

Zero leaned forward in an attempt to move his hair out of Axl’s reach.  Being so that his hands were bound together, he couldn’t reach behind his head.  He twisted his body around, wiping his mouth with both hands.  “Stop pulling my hair.”  He seemed a bit more alert but was still heavily sedated as evident by his slurred speech and drooling.  He turned around and sat back, sliding to a slouch to make him a bit more comfortable.

“…and that is why I have reason to believe his Deliveration Army involvement and why he went Maverick.”  Signas finished.

Colonel Redips nodded, pacing back and forth before the bench.  “Signas… before the accident, have you noticed anything unusual about Zero’s behavior?”

Signas nodded.  “Yes I have.  Zero has become increasingly unstable, his hygiene has dwindled considerably.  While he doesn’t stink, his hair is often a mess, and he’s very thin and unhealthy.  Every now and then, I see him whispering to himself as if he’s talking to someone, but during that time, he’s alone.  He’s resumed his nightly wandering, which was curtailed whenever he started the treatments.  And more recently, Axl has approached me concerning an odd exchange between him and Zero.”

“Thank you, that’s all I need, Sir.”  Redips glanced at the judge.  “If I may, Your Honor, I’d like to ask Signas to step down so I may call my first witness.”

Maynard nodded.  “You may.”

Redips waited until Signas had returned to his seat before speaking.  “The court would like to call Axl to the stand.”

Axl swallowed, standing, accidentally catching his fingers in a snarl of Zero’s hair.

Zero’s head snapped backwards, pulled by his hair.  “Ouch!  I said stop pulling my hair!”

X reached behind Zero to swat Axl’s hands away.  “Knock it off and get up to the stand.”

Axl nodded, stepping passed Layer and walking to the witness stand. “Sorry and you’re still drooling.”

Zero reached with both hands to wipe his mouth, his arms weighted down by the heavy shackles.  “Thanks for telling me the obvious…”

Maynard raised an eyebrow.  “You’re going to have to control those kids and your client a bit more, X.”

“I’m sorry, Your Honor.”  X busied himself with adjusting his chair and moving Zero’s long, matted hair out of reach of Layer.  He handed another napkin to Zero and sat down again.  “It won’t happen again.”

“For your sake it better not.”  Maynard snorted.  “Lifesaver, prepare another sedative if that Maverick gets loud.”  He looked to Axl.  “Approach the bench.”

The bailiff caught Axl by the arm before he could sit.  “Axl, raise your right hand.  Do you solemnly swear that the testimony you are about to give is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you god?”

Axl smirked, waiting for a chance to crack a joke and get a cheap laugh.  “You want the truth?  You can’t handle the truth!”  He laughed, but stopped, seeing the stony faces glaring at him and X smack his hand over his eyes.

The bailiff rolled his eyes upward.  “This isn’t a movie.  Do you swear to tell the truth, answer ‘yes’ or ‘no,’ Axl!”

Axl’s face flushed and he nodded, utterly embarrassed.  Real smart there, Axl… Way to make yourself an even bigger dork than you already are. “Yes…”

“Finally.  You may be seated.”

Axl’s lips were tight, as he tried his best to hide his embarrassment.  He sat in the chair, averting his gaze, his chest tight.  He could feel the stares of everyone on him; he could hear the quiet snickering of some of the other Hunters.  He wanted to cry, he couldn’t believe he tried to make a joke like that.  I thought people would think it was funny… It’s just too boring; I had to spice things up a bit.  He shook his head slowly, his eyes on the low wooden wall that separated him from the rest of the courtroom.  He wanted to hide.  He wanted to run away and hide and hope everyone would forget this faux pas. 

Maynard spoke, bringing Axl’s attention to the room around him.  “State your name for the court.”

“Axl.”

“And what do you do, Axl?”

Axl swallowed, his throat dry and gritty.  He crossed his legs, uncomfortable.  “I’m a Maverick Hunter training under X and Zero.”  His voice was quiet and reserved, he felt rather ashamed for that stunt he pulled.  He knew he would hear it afterwards; X would chew him out as he always does whenever Axl fouls up.

Colonel Redips stepped forward.  “Axl, do you remember when you and Zero had that little chat outside the medical bay one evening?”

Axl nodded.  “Yes I do, Sir.”

“You’re going to have to speak up, Axl.  The court can barely hear you.”  Redips cleared his throat.  “Young man, describe in detail about that evening.”

Axl nodded, fidgeting.  “Well… I had just left the bar with Zero and he started saying about ‘the things in your head.’  He grabbed me and bumped his head against mine and he started saying to not let Them know.  He said that They were taking something out of his head.  He said that I shouldn’t let Them know or They’ll take it out of my head, too.”

“Who are ‘They,’ Axl?”

“I dunno.”  Axl shrugged.  “I figured he was drunk.”

“What happened next?”

“Well… then Lifesaver came out and dragged Zero inside the medical bay.  Zero kept yelling ‘Don’t let Them know!’ over and over.  Then I went back to the bar to hang with X.”

Redips nodded.  “Let’s move on to when you were in Signas’s office.  What brought you there?”

Axl looked to the judge, his voice low.  “Can I make it quick?”

Maynard raised an eyebrow.  “Why?”

Axl blushed.  “I hafta go to the bathroom.”

“Can it wait?”

“I hope…”

“Good.  Then answer the question.”

“Yes sir.”  Axl returned his gaze to the courtroom.  “Well, I went to Signas’s office to ask him about what Zero said.  I told him that I think Zero was just really drunk, and Signas said to not let Zero touch me.”

“Oh for…”  At the table, Zero threw his head back in frustration.  “That’s a load of shit!  Signas is overreacting as he always does!  God dammit, he practically deserved what I did to him!”

The courtroom gasped as Maynard banged the gavel.  “Order!  Zero, you are to be quiet!  I will not have a filthy Maverick disrupting my courtroom!”  He shook his head.  “And wipe your mouth you’re drooling like a dog!  Lifesaver, sedate him and give him a towel.”

Lifesaver nodded standing and preparing a sedative.  Zero skewered him with a glare, jumping to his feet and taking a two-fisted swing at the Reploid.  “Stop it!  Stop it with all the drugs!  You want me to drool?!  Fine!”  He spit on Lifesaver, swinging his fists again, the chains clinking together.  A guard came up on his other side, grabbing his shoulders and motioning for another.  Zero used his poor balance and shackled ankles to his advantage, pushing the guard into the table, sending the furniture scraping across the floor. 

X jumped up, backing away as two more guards joined in on the fight.  The combined force of three guards shoved Zero down to the floor, rolling him over on his side.  Lifesaver reached between the guards, grabbing Zero’s pants by the waistline, yanking them down to expose his upper thigh.  Zero caught on and struggled some more, screaming, the chains of his restraints hitting the floor, his elbow bashing a guard in the mouth.  “No!  Stop it!  Stop it!” 

His breathing heavy and stressed, X turned away, covering his eyes with his hands, not wanting to watch.  He couldn’t stand to see Zero like this; being pinned to the floor and screaming.  He couldn’t stand to see anyone like this, it hurt and it was distressing.  He heard Zero shriek and he knew that Lifesaver had stabbed the syringe into his thigh.  Turning around, X saw Zero on the floor, panting heavily, his eyes half-open as the sedative took effect.  The guards were backing away, Lifesaver shaking his head and disposing the needle in a small red canister.  X shook his head slowly, heaving a sigh.  His eyes went from Lifesaver, back to Zero lying on the floor in a twisted heap, his hair splayed out, his pants still pulled down, showing the red mark where the syringe was plunged into his leg.  X sighed again, stepping forward and kneeling, pulling Zero’s pants up, trying to give him some dignity.  He looked to the judge.  “I’m sorry, Your Honor.”

Maynard nodded, dismissing X with a wave of his hand.  “Bailiff, show Axl to the restroom.  Just get him out of here; he’s too young to be witnessing such things.”

The bailiff nodded, taking Axl by the arm.  “This way young man.” He led him out into the hall, and then stopped.  “Before you go, I’d like to remind you to never pull a stunt like that ‘You can’t handle the truth’ stuff.  Trials are a serious and adult matter, and you shouldn’t be making jokes like that, you understand?”

Axl nodded slowly, still in shock from what he just witnessed.  “Yeah… sorry.”  He shrugged.  “Where’s the bathroom?”

The bailiff nodded down the hall.  “Right there.  I’ll wait out here to escort you back.  Hopefully they’ve cleaned up that mess by then.”

“Yeah…”  Axl rushed into the bathroom.  Walking up to the sink, he took off his peaked olive-green cap, setting it aside.  Zero’s outburst had left him shaken, he certainly wasn’t expecting it.  It was scary, watching the guards rush up and slam Zero to the floor.  Axl winced whenever Lifesaver sedated the long-haired Reploid.  The whole process was violent the needle was stabbed into his thigh with enough force to draw blood.  There was even a sickening puncture sound to accompany it, and it made Axl’s stomach turn.  It took everyone’s attention off of him and his stupid joke, but the way it did made him feel even worse.  He had never ever seen Zero that violent against other people.  Mavericks, yes, but never toward other Hunters and officers.  His screaming sent shivers up Axl’s spine; he never witnessed anything like this whenever he was with Red Alert.

Removing his gloves, Axl turned on the faucet and splashed water on his face.  His hands shaking, he smoothed his hair a bit, staring at his reflection in the mirror.  His cheeks were red, his jaw slack, beads of sweat on his forehead.  He had never been this frightened of his own hero until he witnessed the mess out in the courtroom.  He could only imagine what the guards were doing out there; he could only imagine how everyone’s perceptions have changed.  Zero had confirmed the Maverick label they slapped on him.