Ok! Next chapter, my proofreader ran off screaming the other day so I must track him down. Hopefully, it's not too horrible. And I'm trying a new format to allow all the fancy writing. So if it goes wonkey I'll fix it…eventually.

Disclaimer: rhymes with flamer, as in I own nothing so don't flame it you don't like.

Chapter 2: Mood Swings and Elevator Music

Most of the personnel who noticed the two reploids that entered the main lobby of Maverick HQ didn't even bother to spare a second glance. Those who did wore facial expressions of ether amusement or pity. The ones with amusement noted it only as a cute couple leading each other off to possibly a more secluded place. Those with pity actually knew who the 'couple' was and also knew of both of X's legendary status of clueless towards the opposite sex, as well as Alia's denial of any feelings towards X. Sufficed to say the drama that ensued was not only loud, but damn near amusing to watch ta boot. 

 Of course X didn't seem to think this. Quite the contrary, at this current moment in time he thought the situation was anything but humorous. Like a child in the hands of his mother X was led to a nearby elevator lift where he stood motionless as Alia tapped her foot impatiently for the lift to arrive. He noticed with morbid interest as her scowl deepened, briefly he toyed with the notion of running away flat out. He quickly shoved the idea aside though almost hearing the onslaught of teasing it would result from afterwards. Besides if he could face evil the likes of Sigma six times and survive then Alia would prove no problem. 

 X's confidence however was short lived. As soon as the doors open Alia's short response of " Get in." immediately put a snag on his moral. A maintenance personal officer made his way in the lift also and for a brief moment X thought he was safe, however before the man could take another step his eyes caught Alias threatening glare. Not missing a beat, he shot X a pained look and immediately did an about face exiting the lift. Then again, I'd rather face Sigma any day of the week than Alia when she's this pissed. 

 As the doors closed and the gentle hum of the lift started, there was an uneasy silence between the two reploids. Alia who was in front of X had her back turned, keeping her face and temperament hidden from him. This move only succeeded in making X even more nervous. Finally after scraping up every last bit of courage he could muster, X made the first move to speak. " Look Alia I'm really sorry, and I can expla…"

  However to his surprise Alia had suddenly turned around and covered his mouth with her index finger, effectively silencing him. Her expression had softened considerably, as her eyes lock with his for a brief moment, then quickly darted away out of embarrassment, " X it's not your fault, don't worry. I…I shouldn't have gone off on you like that. Can you forgive me?" 

  X was now in a current state of shock, out of all the possible scenarios that flashed in his mind, some of witch involved his head on a pike. This was the last one he imagined. As soon as Alia removed her finger X's mouth opened to speak; however words failed him as his mouth did its best impression of a fish. " Alia…I…uh…your not mad at me?" 

 Alia smiled, " Well truthfully, not anymore. Once I saw Zero I kind of figured the red menace was behind it." 

 Breathing a sigh of relief X let his guard down, " I'm glad, honestly I thought you'd use my fanny as a dart board for that remark."

 A brief mental image flashed in Alias mind depicting the scene but quickly pushed the thought aside blushing. " And what did you mean by that remark anyway? Don't think I've let you completely off the hook" she added coyly while raising an eyebrow. 

  X's face immediately went flush as the pit of his stomach did flip-flops. However Alia noted his uneasiness and lightly laughed, " Oh jeez X I was only kidding! Breath X breath!"

 " Not funny."

 Alia giggled, " I thought it was."

 X only snorted, " Yeah aside from everyone using me as means of amusement, is there any reason where in the elevator?" 

 " You mean I didn't tell you? Signas wanted you to report to his office."

 " Why not just tell me over the con? You where at your station I take It." replied X lightly. 

  Alia was taken back by the question as she fumbled lightly with her arm, " Well…it was such a nice day, and where not really busy…I just wanted…how's the book X?"

 " Eh? The book?" X fumbled about looking for the data pad he had earlier. " Ah, the book is currently on the bench outside." He smiled sheepishly. 

  Alia rolled her eyes, " Jeez if your head wasn't attached to your body you'd lose it also." 

   Before X could respond however the familiar hum of the lift subsided, shortly afterwards the soft whoosh was heard as the doors opened. Letting the conversation drop, X motioned Alia to lead the way. 

  As both reploids made their way down the hallway, X idly let his feet follow Alia while his mind wondered. Truthfully he had no idea what Signas wanted to see him for, recently the Maverick activity had been all but nonexistent. In a way it was much like the days prior to Sigma leaving the MH. Back then the threats of maverick where isolated and didn't require a force as large as today's. And even then whenever the likes of Sigma appeared HQ would only dispatch Zero and himself, something X thought was irony at its best. Secretly X surmised the entire HQ sat down in front of monitor stations waging bets on the outcome while he and Zero lead a two man suicide charge, all the while having Alia keep score. He couldn't prove it, but he wouldn't put it past them to have some damn videogame with their like ness blasting hordes of robots on hand as well-the bastards.

  The mentioning of Alia de-railed his train of thought bringing X back to reality. X's eyes began to focus on the heart-shaped object in front of him, if it was possible he would have had a nosebleed on the spot. In his state of spacing out X's eyes had inadvertently locked on Alia's ass, subsequently becoming mesmerized by her eloquent figure. Try as he might X couldn't take his eyes off Alias pleasantly feminine curves. The way her armor complemented certain aspect left little to the imagination.

 X immediately started smacking himself upside the head. Gahh, bad BAD X. Alia's a good friend nothing more. What the hells wrong with you!? But still…she is cute, and the way her butt…NO NO NO, LOOK AWAY X! She'll kill you if she finds out! 

 Alia had stopped in front of Signas office and turned to see X banging his head profusely while mumbling. Staring blankly at the blue hunter she cleared her throat to get his attention,  " Um…X, are you all right?" 

  X saw the look she was giving him and immediately started to rub the back of his neck while trying to laugh lightly, " Heh…yeah I'm fine. I guess Zero hit me up side the head a little too hard, heard some rattling that's all."  Oh yeah real swift comeback X…not. 

 " Oh…I see…well in any case Signas is waiting." Poor guy, he's starting to act like Zero.  She then motioned X to enter threw the door, while doing so she glanced down at X's hind end and let a smile curve. However she quickly reprimanded herself for such conduct. 

 X calmly walked in to Signas office, which coincidently was on the thirteenth floor of the massive building. Most humans believed that the number thirteen was unlucky, and in attempt to ward off such luck would purposely leave out the 13th floor. However when reconstruction of Maverick HQ was put into motion Signas made it abundantly clear that there would be a 13th floor, much to the distain of both human and reploid alike. Whenever questioned about the decision Signas would only respond, " Proper incentive for Maverick retaliation."

 Of course it didn't stop people from trying. There where unspoken rules in regarding the floor, one was you never spoke of it. As far as everyone was concerned it didn't exist. Secondly, in an attempt to thwart off fate, the button in all the lifts for thirteen where turned upside down so instead of '13' you had 'E1'. At first Signas had demanded that the buttons be placed right, however he soon gave in when Zero flat out refused to acknowledge any order given from 'that floor'. 

  Signas was currently stationed at his desk idly reading one of many reports piled on his desk. One of the perks of being high up in rank was the nifty heavy oak desk, something Signas was proud of. If you had to pick one quirk from the blackish reploid commander, it would be his almost unhealthy obsession with antiques. His office walls where cluttered with antique guns, swords, and miscellaneous paintings of ancient earth aircraft. In fact one of the few things he and Zero agreed hardly on was the 'coolness' factor.

 But the down side to this perk would have to be paperwork. Hell the entire Maverick population could up and quit and he'd still have enough work to last him till doomsday. Inwardly he frowned, to make matters worse after the Cain incident all of his work had been transferred to his office. Secretly Signas wished he could follow Zero's literal example and just toss it out the window. A light cough interrupted Signas concentration, looking up he spotted X standing in front of his desk. A small smile emerged as he also noted Alia slightly bushing behind X; secretly he wondered what their conversation had been about this time.

  Still smiling, Signas stood to greet the two hunters, " X, Alia its good to see you. Please have a seat."  Both hunters sat in the chairs opposite of where Signas desk was placed. " Not to sound cliché, but your probably wondering why I asked you hear." 

  "The thought crossed my mind, yes." Nodded X.

 Signas sighed, always strait and to the point that boy, though if you where to get technical X was everyone's seniors. " As you well know, Maverick activity has been steadily declining after the Gates incident. Sense the reconstruction, their numbers and organization have become erratic. Roughly a year ago Maverick activity declined even more, only appearing in isolated incidences, and three weeks prior halted indefinitely."

  X cracked a smile, " So does this mean I get to put in for my vacation?" 

 Upon hearing this Signas laughed, " Hardly, if anything we need to redouble our efforts. Historically, whenever we enter a 'Maverick Drought', Sigma reappears like the damn bloody cockroach that he is and raises merry hell in the process." 

 X nodded, " True, so what do you intend to do?" 

 " With Sigma its never easy, wishfully thinking, you and Zero eliminated him permanently. However realistically, if he survived he's rebuilding not only his army but also himself."

 " That's a big if." Mused X

" Indeed it is, however the problem lies at exactly that. Not once have we been able to confirm Sigma's termination. And without confirmation, we can only assume." By now Signas's light mood had dissolved and replaced with the all too serious Commander facade. 

 X by now was leaning to the side of his seat equally as serious, " Why do I get the impression that this isn't just a social call." 

 Signas only response was the grim outline of his face. " I order to prevent a disaster similar to the colony drop, a pre-emptive strike is necessary."

 X's eyebrow shot up, " Pre-emptive strike? Colonel you said it yourself that we don't have confirmation on weather or not Sigma is alive. And it's a waste of resources to have squads running around blindly looking for an enemy that may or may not exist." 

 The Colonel smiled, " I'm glad we agree then. Because that's exactly what we wont be doing." 

 This response obviously caught X off guard as he currently stared blankly at Signas, " I'm not following."

  " Then perhaps I should let Alia explain." Signas motioned to where Alia sat silently. The Blonde reploid slowly stood and made her way over to a wall panel, the picture of a B-17 went static and was replaced with a map of earth. 

 " Using satellite telemetry, we've been systematically scanning the surface for any abnormal readings that may be Maverick oriented. Of course this is a big planet, so we've been selecting probable hot spots using past data and various sightings of supposed Maverick activity." 

 X whistled, " You've been busy Alia." 

 Alia suppressed a blush, " Um…until recently we've been unable to detect anything substantial. However three days ago, we detected an energy spike her, at coordinates GA-062."  The monitor highlighted and enlarged a portion of the map, revealing a large and substantially hot desert.

 X nodded, " That's an awful big sandbox, is there any way you can possibly minimize the area?" 

 Signas shook his head negatively, " Unfortunately no, at best Alia has been able to detect abandoned ruins, mostly derelict cityscape. The only thing even remotely considered would be the old Replaforce base, however its been gutted of anything useful sense the 4th sigma war."

  " I see…so when do you want the my unit to head out?" 

 Both Signas and Alia exchanged glances, making X a little weary. Signas shifted his weight as he meditated on what to say next. " The thing is X, where not planning on sending an entire unit out. You said it yourself that it would be a waste of resources. If there is any mavericks in the area, hopefully seeing Zero and yourself will make them think that MHQ is on to them and force there hand."

 X was now glaring at his superior, nether moving or making a comment. Silently he waited for the catch.  Signas didn't wait long, " You see this is not the only reason I called you in today. Lately you're emotional state has been…erratic."

 " Erratic?" X's voice was slow and monotone. Alia visibly flinched at the tone, Signas however continued.

 " Yes erratic, for a better word your moody X. You blow up at people over trivial maters. I can see Zero doing this, however coming from you its reason enough to give alarm." 

  X didn't show it, but inwardly he was furious. What right did they have in questioning how he acted? So what if he had gotten irked? Who doesn't? " So what your saying is Zero can go off and raise 9 levels of hell, but I cant get a little miffed every now and then is that it."  The venom in his voice made even Signas wince.

 " That's not the case, you see..."

 However Signas didn't get to finish as X shot up slamming his hands on the desk. Even though he was shorter than Signas, somehow X was looming over his CO and looking very menacing also. " There is no case Signas, what I do and how I react is my choice alone. Got it, Commander?"  

 Signas was at a loss for words; this was a completely different side to X, one that he wasn't accustomed to. At the most he'd expected shock or even idle curiosity, but this?

 Alia watched as X went off on Signas. She couldn't believe how dramatically X's personality had shifted. It enraged her, yet at the same time she felt fearful and sorrowful. With newfound determination Alia did the only thing she could do in a situation like this. She walked over to X and slapped him across the face. " That's enough! X what the hell has gotten into you? Look at yourself! You're swearing for god's sake! You, lovable calming X who everyone cant help but feel comfortable with!" 

 The word lovable immediately bought a blush to both recipients' faces, not only that but X finally caught a glimpse of himself in a nearby mirror. What he saw immediately made him sick to his stomach, his face was twisted to a sneer as well as his eyes that glowed will malice. Slowly X's facial features softened as he turned to see Alia now brimming on the brink with tears, this action only made X feel a hundred times worse. 

  Signas seeing X's state decided to act on it, " This is what I was referring to X, and you've been going into mood swings like this for the past week."  X said nothing as he sat back down in his chair expressionless, Alia did like wise avoiding eye contact with the blue reploid. Pursing his lips the Commander continued, " Both you and Zero are showing signs of anxiety, because of the break in battling both of you feel restless and are unable to adjust to the tranquility."

 X continued to stare intently at Signas motioning him to continue, " Zero is naturally like this, however recently he's becoming a menace to everyone's sanity with his antics. You however are a different matter; the prolonged peace has left you on edge. And although you may not show it, you're becoming stressed out. This is resulting in you lashing out at anyone who provokes you enough. Of course Zero has a natural affinity for this, and quite frankly I'm worried you two might bring down this whole complex if left unattended."

 X sat quietly absorbing the information that Signas had given him. Has he really been stressed out? If anything he should be relieved, at one point in his life he didn't believe in violence.  But why was he so good at it? More importantly when had this change in attitude regarding the subject occur? The more X thought about it, the more his despised the person he was becoming.

 X's eyes flashed with newfound determination, he wouldn't stand by and let it happen. Looking up at Signas X came to a decision, " Well you seem to have a grasp on the situation, what do we do?"

 Signas smiled, " Its simple, we need to relieve the tension. While at the same time try and flush out a possible Maverick uprising. Are you willing to accept?"

 X nodded affirmative, as Signas relaxed a bit. " Trust me X, it'll do you some good. Tomorrow 06:00 I want you and Zero to report to Douglas for some equipment. From there you'll be briefed on the mission." 

 X saluted and turned to exit, however he glanced at Alia who still sat quietly while refusing to acknowledge. The guilt soon engulfed X as he sighed and left the office.

Signas watched the event, soon after Alia rose and turned to leave.

 " You know Alia you really should tell him."

 Alia stopped dead in her tracks from Signas's remark, " Tell him what sir?"

 This caused Signas to smirk, " I'm not a tactician for nothing dear, it's my job to read between the lines. And what you two are displaying even a six year old could point out."

 Alia slightly blushed, " I'm afraid you're mistaken, it's nothing like that…"

Sighing the commander nodded, " Of course not, just remember this; sometimes in order to achieve the results you desire one must take a risk." 

" I see…well then, I guess I'll take my leave commander. Good day." With that Alia left, leaving Signas to wonder if perhaps he should switch his profession to an advice columnist. Sighing, he put the thought aside and went back to his mountain of paperwork.

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Whoohoo! Angst! Way to go X! err…yeah. Don't worry, well get back to Zero next chapter. He'll fix this mess up, anyhoo R &R welcome, keep it clean and constructive…ohhh another fancy!