Tygan wasn't often called to Central's private chambers. (Well, a single chamber.). While the most amicable towards him, their relationship never seemed to elevate beyond 'Professional'.
"You called?" Tygan asked as he entered, hands behind his back.
"It's about the Skirmishers." Central said right away. Tygan couldn't help but perk up at that. While technically not one of them, he had been part of them for a while before joining XCom. "We're finally making headway into their negotiations with the Reapers." Central said, before sighing. "Being a mediator is not my expertise, but I managed to make them agree to at least have two of their members meet up and talk." He crossed his arms. "We need all the factions to work together if we want to have any sort of chance."
"Is my help required?"
"A bit. How familiar are you with someone named 'Pratal Mox'?" Central asked. Tygan perked up even more. To the point he had to resist smiling. "Were you two… friends?" Central asked, noticing it.
"You could call it that. Back when I was with the Skirmishers, we were often placed on Missions together. Mox is a very talented fighter, but also somewhat reckless and requires medical aid frequently. We became close. Closer than friends, even." He couldn't hide a small smile creeping on his lips.
"Good. Because he's the one Betos picked for the negotiations."
"That is probably the right decision. He is one of our… their best people." Tygan had to correct himself.
"I'll take your word for it. You know them better than I do." Central said. Something about his tone did not sit well with Tygan.
"You don't trust them?" He asked. Central just looked down.
"They were once ADVENT. You can't really blame me for…"
"I was once ADVENT." Tygan interrupted him, letting some hurt slip through. "Do you not trust me, either?" No answer. Tygan looked down. "I see…" He simply said. "If that is all, I would like to return to my research."
"Tygan, what I wanted to say was…!" Central tried, Tygan simply turned around and went to his laboratory.
"You said enough." Was the last thing he said before he left. Whatever good mood at the chance of seeing Mox again evaporated with the realization that even Central, who he figured at least trusted him, didn't. No one did. No one on this entire blasted…!
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He should keep his temper. The last thing he needed was to get angry. It would not help the situation in the slightest. But he needed an outlet. He needed someone to talk to….
Opening his eyes he went to a small corner of his lab that he had transformed into a modest living space. It really wasn't much; a mattress on the floor, a desk with some personal items strewn about and an office chair with a thick leather coat hanging from the back. He hardly had the time to be there but just having it was often a relief. Rummaging through the items, he picked up a small earpiece which he put on.
"Please work…" He whispered, turning on the device. There was a moment of static before…
Richard?
Came through. Somewhat unclear but clear enough for Tygan, who sighed in relief.
"Hello, Mox."
Is something wrong?
Mox sounded worried.
"Nothing too serious. I just…" Tygan started before taking a big sigh. "I wanted to talk to you." He softly said.
Are they treating you well?
"From a certain standpoint, yes. They try their best to let me do my research and overall treat me with respect…" Tygan started. "But it's clear they don't trust me."
They are foolish not to do so.
Mox replied, sounding somewhat angry. It made Tygan feel a little better. Not that Mox was angry, but that he seemed to care about how he felt.
"What about you, how are you fairing?" He asked. "I've heard you volunteered to speak with one of the Reapers." He could hear a small growl.
Yesterday I received the news two more of us are dead by their hands. This has to stop. Whatever it takes
"Do be careful. I wouldn't put it past them to use this to kill one of the Skirmisher's best warriors."
They are welcome to try
"I'd rather have you try when I'm on hand to fix you up." Tygan couldn't help a small smile. Even if they weren't together, it felt good to talk like they were. Even if it was for a few minutes.
I have to go now. Take care.
"You as well," Tygan answered, before disconnecting.
That made him feel a little better. To know there were people that trusted him. Even if they weren't with him right now. It gave him the strength to move on and get back to work.
Because as he picked up his tablet again, it was pretty clear he had a lot of work to do.