PART 1

Never before had Harpuria seen X so furious as he was now as he, Leviathan and Phantom stood in X's office, having just told them of how the Resistance managed to escape during the confusion caused by the appearance of the maverick in the Forest of Dysis.

"12 members of the resistance." X said, his eyes flaring. "INCLUDING Zero. And you managed to let them ESCAPE?! AND WITH VILE'S BODY?!"

Leviathan winced and looked away, Phantom said nothing.

"The Maverick that appeared took priority." said Harpuria. "If it managed to get into the city, millions of lives would have been lost. I made a judgment call Master X, and protecting Neo Arcadia was more important than capturing the resistance."

X twitched, slumping into his chair and gripping the arm.

"It was the right call." said Harpuria.

"I want them found Harpuria." said X. "Wherever they're hiding in the other world. I want them FOUND do you hear me? They are making us look incompetent in the eyes of the empire. If we lose them as allies, we lose our chances to acquire the resources we need to rebuild our world and end this energy crisis that continues to haunt us."

"Of course Master X." said Harpuria. "About the Maverick though."
"What about it?" said X. "It's dead isn't it?"
"It is, however the maverick didn't seem to belong in those ruins." said Harpuria. "We think it may have been planted there, deliberately."

"Deliberately?" X looked up, he seemed calm now, worried. "are you sure?"

"It was too new." said Harpuria. "Imagine what would have had happened had the Archeological teams found it before we pulled them out."

X went silent, looking down. "You made the right call Harpuria." he said.

Harpuria bowed. "Thank you for understanding Master X, I promise you, next time we will capture the resistance for sure."

X shook his head. "There won't be a next time Harpuria." said X.

"What do you mean?" Harpuria asked.

"You've already failed me 3 times, and twice already the resistance has made us look like fools in front of the empire." He looked at the Shittenou. "As of now until further notice you will be reassigned."

"But Master X!" Leviathan stepped forward to protest but Harpuria stopped her.

"Fafnir is still recovering from injuries at the hands of the Mage girl who can cyber fuse." said X. "and you Leviathan we're badly wounded by the Apostle. That is half the Shittenou beaten down worse than when you all fought Zero a month ago."

The three looked to one another, and then Harpuria stepped forward. "Master X, given the opportunities that the other world presents itself, perhaps it would be best to seek peace with the resistance?"

X looked up. "Seek peace? With mavericks?"

"With all due respect." said Harpuria. "Our fighting with the resistance has gotten nowhere, even more so after Zero was revived. Now we have this new world, ripe with resources and fertile land, is there really a point to fighting with the resistance? If we can get them to surrender, make them realize that continuing to fight us is pointless now that we have the gate. It's all a matter of spinning it in our favor in order to save face with the empire."

X sat back, he seemed to be contemplating it. "It's a sound idea Harpuria, but we all know Ciel will not surrender, even if the reasons are just."

"At least consider it Master X." said Harpuria. "You can put an end to the fighting!"

"Enough!" said X. "We will discuss the matter another time, you are dismissed for now."

Harpuria opened his mouth to speak, but stopped himself, bowing to X before turning and leaving with Phantom and Leviathan in tow.

"That was rather odd." said Anita.

"He makes a valid point though." said X as he rubbed his forehead. "Having access to the Falmart continent makes our conflict with the resistance moot, but Ciel would never surrender to us. We have no choice but to apprehend her."

"And who will lead our army in doing so?" Anita asked. "You just benched the entire Shittenou until further notice."

"I'll find someone." said X. "If only just for the purpose of bringing in the resistance."

He gritted his teeth.

"There is still the matter of Vile's body." said Anita. "If Ciel can revive him."

"All the more reason we need to find where the resistance is hiding." said X. "If Vile comes back online he'll go on a killing spree and he won't stop. The other world will be helpless."

"But if they can secure him as an ally?" Anita asked, concerned.

X laughed. "Vile? Allied with the resistance? Fighting alongside Zero? Don't be ridiculous Anita! Zero would be the first one he kills if he gets the chance."

"But Vile despises you more does he not?" Anita asked. "Zero could easily point him at you."

X twitched at this. "Find them. I want the Resistance found, I want Ciel in custody, and I want both Zero AND Vile dead and scattered, do you hear me Anita?"

Anita bowed. "Of course Master X. If need be, I will lead the attack on their base myself when we find it."

X shook his head. "No. Considering that we know for a fact that the resistance is on the Falmart Continent, I don't want to upset the Emperor by marching our forces on whatever backwater village Ciel is hiding in. It might be best to ask the Emperor for help in apprehending the resistance once they are found."

"The princess then?" asked Anita. "She'd be able to negotiate with the village who is harboring the resistance."

"Maybe." said X. "But I'm not sure if she would be willing to turn her sword against her own people. We'd probably need someone a little more...ruthless." He sat back, thinking for a moment before looking to Anita. "Pina isn't the Emperor's only child, correct?"

"So what do you think Harpuria?" Leviathan asked as the elevator descended to the lower floors of the Central tower from Area X.

"Master X acted the same as always." said Harpuria. "That doesn't mean he's infected."

"Then why wave away the idea of peace?" Leviathan asked. "Master X should have jumped at the opportunity to end the war, and we know Ciel wants the war to end."

"It doesn't prove anything." said Harpuria. "He gave a viable explanation based on the world's current view of Ciel and the resistance, they are considered Maverick after all."
"And benching us?" Phantom asked. "He's forgiven our failures in the past prior to dealing with the resistance, and let's not forget that day when we reported the resistance base blowing up, the way he lashed out." Phantom stopped for a moment, thinking. "I hadn't thought about that day since, not until that girl brought up the subject of X's irrational behavior."
"The girl? You mean that mage? Leilei was her name right?" Leviathan asked. Phantom nodded.

"There is nothing unusual about benching us Phantom." said Harpuria. "we're down two people case you forget." Leviathan looked down, holding her arm.

"I still think they're right." said Leviathan. "about Master X being Maverick."

"And what if he's not?" asked Harpuria. "What if all of this is a smokescreen caused by the resistance? Zero could have said that to make us let them leave." the elevator dinged, letting them off at the military wing of the central tower, Harpuria looked to Phantom and Leviathan as they may their way to their quarters. "Until we find hard evidence, the idea that Master X is still nothing more than a baseless rumor."

"You're sounding like Emperor Molt." said Leviathan. "The way he was quick to dismiss the rumors of an Elder Dragon, and yet there it was roasting villages."

"Leviathan is right Harpuria." said Phantom. "we should not dismiss the possibility so lightly, this is Master X we're talking about."

"Alright." said Harpuria. "suppose Master X is infected, when did happen? How did it happen? How could it POSSIBLY happen?"

"When?" Leviathan thought as she sat down in a chair upon entering the Shittenou quarters, legs crossed. "during the maverick purge. Thats when his behavior started to change."

"Are you sure?" Phantom asked. "Before the purge, he passed so many laws restricting the freedoms of reploids to keep humans safe. "

"So your saying before the Energy Crisis?" Leviathan asked. "But he was fine back then. Nothing like how he is now."
"The crisis could have triggered the virus." said Harpuria. "It could be he's been infected for a long time, but it never took hold."

"So the Maverick Virus lays dormant inside Master X." said Leviathan. "Come the energy crisis, he's under a lot of stress."

"And the virus activates, causing the impossible to happen." said Phantom.

"That covers the when, to a point." said Leviathan.

"All that's left is how and why." said Harpuria.

"More importantly, who." said Phantom. "Who would have the most to gain from X going Maverick?"

"Sigma?" Leviathan asked. "I noticed you didn't mention his name to X."

"We don't know who Sigma is, information like that is restricted even to us." said Harpuria. "I don't want to throw his name out carelessly."

"So what do we do now?" asked Leviathan.

"We'll investigate." said Harpuria. "Leviathan I want you to talk to Senator Rime. If X is indeed infected, he has to be getting a vaccine from somewhere to mitigate the symptoms so he can function properly."

"And you think Rime is supplying it?" Leviathan asked.

"Possibly." said Harpuria. "If not him, he may know who." he looked over to Phantom. "Phantom I need you to speak with the Hachishinken, find out what you can about the maverick that X executed during trial."

"Understood."

"And what will you be doing?" Leviathan asked.

"Figuring out a way to search X's office for any indication of his infection."

"He's always in his office though." said Leviathan. "And considering what we now know, I don't blame him."

"You have a way to get him out of the office right?" Phantom asked. Harpuria said nothing as he walked toward the door.

"Harpuria." Leviathan said, speaking up. "Please be honest. I know your trying to rationalize everything, but do you actually believe that Master X is infected?"

Harpuria stopped, looking down. "Yes, I do." he said reluctantly, before leaving out the door.

PART 2

From the imperial capital to Alnus hill, where the gate was located, it was a week on horseback, 4 days tops by carriage. So you can understand the disbelief in Panache's eyes when they reached the gate in 4 hours in one of Neo Arcadia's transports.

"This is amazing." said Shandy. "That we covered this much of the continent in such a short amount of time."

"Well considering we are in a bit of a hurry." said Fafnir from the driver's seat. "It was necessary to break a few traffic laws."

"A few?" Helm asked.

"Well, speeding mostly." said Fafnir. "Plus we had to drop off Luhra, Pina and Bozes at Italica." he looked ahead, watching as the gate was coming into view. "I just hope Harpuria and the others don't try anything stupid before we can get to them."

"Didn't you contact them?" said Panache. "I thought Neo Arcadia had their power to speak across the gate already in place?"
"We do." said Fafnir. "But I couldn't risk it. All communications are monitored for security purposes, and there wasn't exactly time to set up a secure channel."

"So we need to find them as soon as we get there." said Panache, watching as the transport went through the gate.

"Yeah." said Fafnir keeping an eye ahead. "Considering this plan is a little spur of the moment."

"Very spur of the moment." said Shandy.

"Agreed." added Suissesse.

"Gee thanks." said Fafnir, looking ahead as light came into view. "Brace yourselves, you may not like what you see."

"What are you talking-" Panache stopped as they came out into the ruins, the four of them staring in disbelief.

"This...is your world?" said Helm. "It's in ruins."

"Welcome to the future." said Fafnir. "A few miserable streets and endless desert."

"Ciel told us about your world when we talked but-" Panache was staring out the windows, trying to find the right words.

"Hearing about it is one thing." said Fafnir. "seeing it firsthand however, that's when you understand."

"Understand what?" Shandy asked.

"Understand why war leads to nothing but disaster." said Fafnir. "This sight, it may one day happen to Falmart."

"I hope not." said Shandy staring out at the devastation. "I don't think I'd be able to survive in such a world."

"I'm not sure how anyone can." said Helm, watching as they left the city and began to cross the desert.

Panache, looking out the window at the passing scenery, turned back to Fafnir. "So what is the plan?"

"Well." Fafnir said as he made a turn. "As I mentioned back at the Jade palace, we're going to get X out of his office so we can search it." said Fafnir.

"Won't he get suspicious?" Shandy asked.

"Not at all." said Fafnir. "Panache is here to see Neo Arcadia and find a place where you can set up your Rose Order Branch school, and the three of you being here is easy to explain, after all, a school is pretty useless without instructors right?"

"I see." said Helm. "Panache is the head instructor as chosen by Pina, so X would assume that Panache chose us to join her in running the branch school."

"Exactly." said Fafnir. "And with X out of the office showing the four of you around, I can grab Harpuria and the others and search the place."

"You haven't even made contact with them yet." said Panache. "How exactly are you going to coordinate all this?"

"Don't worry I'll figure something out." said Fafnir. "For now let's just stay focused on reaching the city."

The great Eden dome which housed Neo Arcadia was coming into view, leaving Panache and the others in stunned silence as they approached.

"So that's Neo Arcadia?" Panache asked staring at the dome, they were heading for one of the entrances.

"Huge." said Suissesse looking at the dome.

"Huge is an understatement." said Shandy. "So the whole city is under that dome?"
"Yup." said Fafnir. "The Eden dome protects the population from danger. Those who live outside it though are pretty much on their own, we just don't have the resources to protect everyone."

"Or they don't want anything to do with you." said Panache. Fafnir flinched.

"Panache!" said Helm. "You shouldn't say things like that."

"No, she's right." said Fafnir. "We're not exactly popular with everyone who lives outside of Neo Arcadia."

"With the way you go about branding everyone who opposes you as Maverick, why should they like you?" Panache asked.

"It wasn't always like that okay?" said Fafnir. "There was a time that Neo Arcadia meant something to everyone."
"Doesn't that tell you something though?" Shandy asked. "I mean, it only adds to the evidence of X being infected, as well as possible corruption within the government."
" 'X says it is so, who are we to argue?' " said Helm. "Thats how it's been right? Considering how much you all revere him."

Fafnir said nothing as they pulled up to the gate, one of the pantheons stationed approaching.

"General Fafnir." The Pantheon said, saluting. "Welcome home sir."

"Thanks." said Fafnir.

The Pantheon peered into the transport, seeing Panache and the others. "Oh, guests from the empire? I didn't know we were expecting company."

"This is a private matter." said Fafnir. "Lady Kalgi here is on assignment for the princess and we'd like it if you kept things discreet and not let anyone know."

"Of course sir." said the Pantheon.

"Also, get in touch with Sage Harpuria and the other Shittenou, let them know I am here and will be heading for the central tower and wish to meet them at our personal quarters." said Fafnir. "Use a secure channel, the resistance has been tapping our communications lately."

"Understood sir." said the Pantheon. "I'll get right on it." he'd salute once more, before opening the gate and allowing Fafnir in.

"That went well." said Shandy.

"Better than I had hoped." said Fafnir as they drove down the entry tunnel. "The guard will contact Harpuria for us and we'll meet up at the tower."

Emerging from the tunnel onto the main road, the transport made its way toward the city in the distance, passing through a more rural area nestled within the forests and outskirts. Panache looked out toward the forests, thinking for a moment before speaking. "So are these the woods that the resistance raided during the banquet?"

"Yeah, that patch there is Anatre, there is also Notus and Dysis."

"Sky..." said Suissesse, looking up through the window.

"Hey your right, it is the sky." said Shandy. "I thought we were in a dome."

"We are." said Fafnir. "The sky is artificial, so is the sun, part of a weather control station that keeps the dome temperate, even create proper seasons." He looked ahead and smiled. "Master X always made sure there was snow during the winter seasons, he always felt the holidays didn't feel right without it, though if you ask me I think he just wanted to goof off in the snow."

"He seems like a great leader." said Helm.

"He is." said Fafnir. "He always has. Infected or not, X has always had Neo Arcadia's best interest in mind."
"Are you sure that's still the case?" Panache asked.

"Of course!" said Fafnir. "Virus or not X still cares for Neo Arcadia, and he will do everything in his power to protect them." After passing through the rural area they were now driving through the city proper, the three knights staring out the window in wonder.

"What do you think the princess and the others thought when they saw all of this place?" Shandy asked.

"Speechless..." said Suissesse staring up at the towering skyscrapers.

"You got that right." said Helm. "Such a massive city, built beneath an even more massive dome structure. I shudder to think how long it took to complete such a place."

"You get use to it." said Fafnir. "and all things aside, it's not a bad place to li-" he'd stop, hitting the breaks and nearly throwing everyone out of their seat as he nearly avoiding a collision at a crossroad.

"HEY WATCH WHERE YOUR DRIVING BUDDY!" said the owner of the other car.

"FUCK YOU ASSHOLE!" said Fafnir. "I HAD THE RIGHT OF WAY!" He grumbled as continued down the road. "Asshole should learn how to drive."

"Your one to talk." said Shandy.

"Oh be quiet." grumbled Fafnir.

After another ten minutes of driving Fafnir pulled up in front of the Central Tower complex, Fafnir parking in an available space and the five of them getting out and heading for the entrance.

"Already here is how things are going to go." said Fafnir. "I'm going ahead to see Harpuria and inform him of our plan, if the gate guard did his job I'll be speaking with him once I walk into the Barracks." They'd go through the front doors, entering into the large main lobby as Fafnir pointed to the receptionist desk. "You four meanwhile will get X out of his office to show you around Neo Arcadia to pick out a spot for the branch school."

"How long do you think we can keep him going like that?" Panache asked, a little concerned. "Won't he get suspicious?"
"Him? Nah!" Fafnir waved off the concern. "When it comes to Neo Arcadia and its people, Master X will go on for days about it, seriously he'd spend a whole week if he could showing you every alley and trash can in the city, believe me no amount of viral infection can change that about Master X, just head over to the receptionist there and tell her your here to see Master X on behalf of the Princess."

Panache nodded as the two split up, with Fafnir heading for the elevators.

PART 3

"Yes can I help you?" The receptionist looked up, seeing Panache and the others approach and, recognizing the armor, smiled. "Oh, you are with Princess Pina's Rose Order yes? I was on duty when she first showed up here in Neo Arcadia."

"Oh is that so?" Panache asked.

The receptionist nodded. "Yes, I even helped a little with getting your language translated, well maybe not all that much but, anyways, what brings all of you to Neo Arcadia? I trust you are enjoying your stay so far."

"Yes we are, it is an amazing city." said Panache. "We are here on behalf of the princess actually."

"Ah is that so?" Said the receptionist. "In that case let me get in contact with Servo, he is the liaison between Neo Arcadia and the Rose Order and has helped out the princess in the past."

"Actually." said Panache. "We wish to speak with Master X directly, if that is possible. This is an important matter."

"I see." said the receptionist. "I will see if he's available and ask him to come down if possible, but I can't guarantee anything, as Master X is a very important person."

"I'm sure he can make an exception for the Rose Order." said Panache. "He and the princess are very close after all.

"Very well, if you would have a seat over there then." said the receptionist pointing to some chairs. "I'll have Master X report down here as soon as possible, would be easier if he came to you yes? Wouldn't want you getting lost." She gave a warm smile as she typed some things on her keyboard as the four of them sat down.

"This place is so busy." said Shandy looking around, taking note of a long line at a desk area, people speaking with the workers behind the desk apparently discussing complaints or other problems. "is it just me, or does it seem like the people go about their day not really noticing they are at war with a group of rebels?"

"They have the protection of the dome and the army." said Helm. "for them Neo Arcadia is the safest place to live in this world."

Panache looked around once more. The people were happy, moving about and doing their thing, ordinary citizens coming in to speak with officials about matters, she lowered her head smiling. "I guess everyone was right."

"Hmm?" They all looked at her.

"Ciel said this city was once great, and looking around I can tell it still is, and Fafnir, he was also right, I shouldn't condemn a people I don't know because of my interactions with their leader."

"I'm glad to hear that." Panache went rigid, and, on reflex, stood and turned at attention. the crowd of people were all quiet, looking on in awe and a bit of amazement as Megaman X himself, along with his secretary Anita were now standing there before them.

"And I'd also would like to apologize for my own behavior at the banquet." said X. "I did not mean to antagonize you as I did, and I am sorry."

"No, the fault is my own." said Panache with a bow. "If anyone should apologize it should be me. I was blind and ignorant of the circumstances due to the slowness of communications in our world."

X just smiled and looked to the group. "I see you brought friends."

"Ah yes, allow me to introduce Shandy Gaff Marea, Suissesse Co Mein, and Helm Fure Maio." X was raising an eyebrow at Helm.
"I thought the Rose Order was all women." Anita said.

"We are." said Shandy. "But the order also trains men as well, upon graduating they merely join with the regular army."

"Helm got dragged into a 'boot camp.' Sir Fafnir set up for the Rose Order back in the capital, that is why he is here actually." said Panache.

"A boot camp by Fafnir?" X smiled. "You have my sympathies."

"So what can I help you with?" X asked. "I was told that you were here on behalf of the princess?"

"Yes we are." said Panache. "Regarding your proposal of establishing a 'branch school' of the Rose Order here in Neo Arcadia. The princess has agreed to go along with the idea and has sent myself, along with Shandy, Suissesse and Helm to act as instructors."

"I see, I am glad to hear that." said X. "But what does that have to do with me?"

"We would be honored if you could show us around the city, perhaps help us find a place where we can set up the school." said Panache. "We were told that no one knows Neo Arcadia better than you." she paused for a moment, trying to chose her words carefully. "and given my behavior at the banquet, I'd like to get try and get to know you as the princess does."

X looked a little surprise by the request. "Me? I...surely you could find someone better, I mean, you made your distain for me clear at the banquet, plus there's a lot of work to be done what with managing the city, continuing negotiations with the empire, tracking down the resistance, I'm not sure if I even have the time and-" He was cut short by the sound of Anita clearing her throat, and it made him visibly twitch.

"Master X." Anita said rather sternly, adjusting her glasses. "Considering the amount of stress you have been under recently with all of the above, I highly advise you take this opportunity in order to relax."

"But...Anita..." X said, a hint of nervousness in his voice. "I have a mountain of paperwork to get through, I'm sure we can get Servo and-"

"She specifically asked YOU." said Anita. "She didn't ask for Servo or anyone else. Lady Kalgi and the Knights ASKED. FOR. YOU. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes...but..." X's voice was wavering, almost whimpering.

"No buts." said Anita. "I will take care of the paperwork while you are away, that is why I am your secretary after all. Now go, enjoy yourself, take the whole day off." She leaned in close, and her voice sounded menacing. "and if I find you back in the office for any reason what so ever today, no matter how benign, so help me god I will tie you to the flag pole outside and leave you there for a week, do I make myself clear?"

X nodded. "Yes, of course Anita, you're right as always, I have been under a lot of stress and could use the day off."

The Knights all blinked, trying to wrap their brains around what just happened.

Anita turn, giving the knights that same stern look which made them instinctively stand at attention. "Please, be sure that X enjoys himself, and do everything you can to keep him from coming back to his office, for his own sake of course."

"Y-yes ma'am!" Panache said nervously, giving Anita a salute.

Anita smiled, and bowed. "Then I leave Master X in your care." she'd turn and walked off.

"Is it just me?" Shandy asked, watching Anita leave. "Or is Anita more dangerous than X?"

"W-well." X said, turning to the group nervously, this was not the same X who belittled her at the banquet, perhaps what Panache was seeing right now was the Real X, the kind, gentle leader that Ciel remembered from her childhood. "shall we be off?"

"This better be important." said Harpuria watching as Fafnir walked into their quarters.

"Trust me it is." said Fafnir. "Hey where's Phantom and Leviathan?"

"Investigating other matters." said Harpuria. "Now what is it?"

"Master X is out of his office." said Fafnir. "So why don't you and I search it."

Harpuria blinked. "Wait, how do you know he's out of the office?"

"Because I set it up that way." said Fafnir. "as we speak Panache and members of the Rose Order have X focused on showing them around Neo Arcadia."

Again Harpuria blinked. "Wait, you set up Master X...as a tour guide?"

"Yup." said Fafnir.

"And it worked?" Harpuria said in disbelief.

"Yup." said Fafnir.

Harpuria was speechless.

"Look I don't know how much time we'll have." said Fafnir. "So we need to get up there and search as fast and as thorough as possible. It would be easier if Leviathan and Phantom were here."

"As I said, they are investigating other matters." said Harpuria. "and as clever as this plan is, there is still Anita to deal with."
"What her?" Fafnir asked dismissively. "I'm sure we can deal with a single secretary, besides it's not like she lounges in that office 24/7 especially when X isn't there."

"I suppose your right." said Harpuria.

"One more thing." said Fafnir. "I know where the resistance has been hiding."

"You what?" Harpuria looked at Fafnir. "Are you sure?"
"Yeah I am." said Fafnir. "However I'm keeping that information to myself for the time being, what I can tell you is that Senator Luhra is there speaking with them personally."

"So that's it huh?" said Harpuria looking down. "We're secretly allying with the resistance. If Master X found out."

"If he finds out, we just fight him." said Fafnir. "Don't forget Harpuria, he's infected, and we have to do everything in our power to cure him, even if it means beating him into submission and locking him up."

"To hear you of all people say something like that." said Harpuria.

"Hey, I've had a lot of free time to think." said Fafnir. "Now come on, short of Anita scaring the crap out of X, we're not sure just how long Panache and the others can keep him out of his office."

"That is even more surprising." said Harpuria. "That she is helping you, especially after what she did at the banquet."

"She's also had a chance to sit down and think." said Fafnir. "In light of the situation, I think we all have." Fafnir folded his arms, looking down. "I still can't believe Master X is actually infected, and yet it explains everything."

"We still need to prove it." said Harpuria. "And the sooner we get up to his office, the faster we can do that."

"Right." said Fafnir. "Then let's not stand around here any longer." The two nodded, and quickly headed out the door, their next stop, Area X.

I APOLOGIZE FOR THIS CHAPTER TAKING SO LONG, THINGS CAME UP, I GOT SIDETRACKED BY OTHER PROJECTS, AND WRITING THE CHAPTER IN GENERAL WAS A SLOW PROGRESS. HOPEFULLY I CAN GET BACK ON TRACK AND START WRITING UP MORE CHAPTERS AT A SLIGHTLY FASTER PACE.