The following morning, the conference room at Hunter HQ was packed to the rafters with Reploids of all makes and models, all of them hopefuls for the current wave of recruitment. More and more cases of Reploids gone Maverick had been cropping up of late, and so the ranks of the Hunters needed to be increased as much as possible while also being replenished as more and more of their own were put to scrap. The job carried that convenient occupational hazard – those who were unfit to serve were quickly put off duty by the opposition; however, although the screening process had been loosened in this time of urgent need, none of the Hunters had thus far turned Maverick themselves. The losses were not taken lightly, though, and it was the aim of all who joined forces with Maverick Hunter that those losses not be in vain.
Zero was on his way to the inaugural ceremony for new members of the force, as were most of the Reploids in the present mob that filled the halls. In the hustle and bustle that surrounded recruitment, through the sea of unfamiliar faces, Zero spotted Sigma. He'd been looking for him, but had been conveniently unable to find him. Until now. But Sigma headed in the opposite direction, weaving his way through the stifling traffic with purpose in his step.
Zero thought a moment, decided that his presence would not be sorely missed at the ceremony, and turned to work his way back against the swelling current of people of machines. At first, he politely manoeuvred this way and that past his obstacles, keeping an eye forever trained on his target whilst it disappeared behind larger Reploids, only to emerge seconds later in an even further spot.
I'm letting him get away, Zero lamented, craning his neck as he now pushed his way past all comers to keep Sigma in his sights. An angry word from the odd stranger resounded now and then above the din of the crowd, but Zero paid them no heed. He would have broken into a full-speed sprint if he could, and his frustrations were growing. Why today, of all days…?
Suddenly, his footing lost, Zero panicked as he felt himself become airborne. Time stood still for a moment before he fell to the floor with a crack of his helmet as it struck the grimy floor tile. When the stars cleared from his vision, the view around him showed many feet in motion.
Many feet, he thought, that would soon be upon him if he didn't stand up.
Collecting himself, he rose as far as his knees before his head was jerked back. A sharp pain shot through his scalp as a foot trampled his hair and stapled it to the ground. He let out a cry, but the foot remained in place. Furious now, Zero lifted the foot with all his might, until it finally gave way and released him. He got to his feet.
"I'm so sorry," he heard in a female Reploid's voice, the apologetic face of his assailant regarding him as he scanned the crowd for Sigma. He saw no sign of him.
Dammit. She made me lose him! Zero heaved a sigh and slackened his shoulders as defeat settled in.
The girl continued to apologize, but Zero barely heard a word of it. When he turned to face her, it was a beautiful girl that stared back, with long brown hair covered by a beret that came up to his chin, and glittering, worried blue eyes that pierced his own.
He followed her gaze as it fell upon his hair, and saw that a great muddy footprint marred his ponytail, having broken and frayed several hairs. She outstretched a hand and retracted it, as though afraid to touch the damage.
His anger turned to embarrassment and the breath caught in his throat as he fumbled his reply.
"Oh, me?" he stalled, gathering his wits, "I'm fine, I… sorry, I… didn't mean to be so rude… thank you..." He winced at the disorder of his stuttered words, and tried to recover, mind racing for a next move.
"I'm Zero. I work here." He winced again.
The girl's eyes widened and her jaw dropped into a huge grin in surprise. "Zero! The famous S-Rank Maverick Hunter, that Zero?" She laughed her recognition, bounding giddily and clasping his hand with both of hers, giving it a hearty shake. He looked on awkwardly, unsure of how to react.
"It is such an honor to meet you! You're a hero to all of us trying to join Maverick Hunter! I'm Iris, though I'm sure that doesn't mean a thing to someone like you!" She removed the top hand and fanned her face with it. "Of course, I don't mean to say you don't care, but I'm not famous unlike yourself… oh my goodness, do I ever feel foolish, gushing like this!"
Zero had all but forgotten about his mission. Not only did he have admirers, but they were perfect strangers. Beautiful ones, to boot. The other Hunters can read it and weep, he thought to himself smugly… but quickly got his ego in check.
"Oh, Iris, I have to go. I was looking for someone but I lost him," he explained as best he could. Then he had an idea.
"Did you see a ..." he struggled to give distinguishing traits, "bald, well-armored Reploid with …beady eyes go this way?" It was worth a shot.
"Yes I did as a matter of fact. He pushed past me so roughly!" Iris scowled. "Then he went down that hall." She pointed to a small, unpopulated corridor behind them.
"Oh, that's great, thanks." He turned to leave, but caught himself. "I've got to be going now," he said, "but good luck today. Maybe I'll see you again some time."
With that he left, Iris watching his back as he went.
