Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Armored Core series. That belongs to Agetec and From Software. I only own the original characters (now including: "Senior"). Thank you.

In TALON's Grasp

by: T.R. Fanatic

Chapter 13: Mobius

"Sora!" a friendly voice of a Murakumo executive called as he entered the massive MT and AC garage.

"Good evening, Senior." Sora replied, as always, in his monotone voice and not making eye contact with the executive. "I take it that you are the new executive that is overlooking Project Mobius?"

"That's right." Senior replied. "I came to see if you're still working on the AC design..." He turned to see what Sora was looking at. "but it looks like you're already done! That was quick!"

"Thank you, Senior."

Amongst the many reverse-jointed and close-combat MT's within Murakumo's garage, stood Mobius: a blue and black lightweight bi-pedal AC, armed with a heavy arsenal of a large laser cannon, a small laser cannon, a formidable laser blade and an energy sniper rifle.

"I think you overdid it..." Senior informed. "All of that weaponry for one wimpy AC?"

Sora shot a cold glare at Senior.

"N-not your AC, I mean..." he quickly corrected. "The target and his wimpy AC..."

"Do not judge a book by it's cover, Senior." Sora quoted, looking back at Mobius. "So is the same for AC's. If the AC and the pilot, that I had been informed about, are truly talented enough to rival my skill, then I shall leave no room for error, and no chance for him to return fire."

"I see..." Senior then looked over to the two generally-identical AC's on Mobius' right (their left). "What should I do about unit zero and unit one?"

"Nothing, Senior." Sora replied. "As of now, nothing. However, inform the pilot of unit zero that he will be on stand-by, just in case something happens between now and when I go on my mission."

"Just a sec..." Senior pulled out a cell-phone, that doubled as a two-way radio, and pushed a small button. "Guardian, please come in." he said into the cell-phone.

Silence.

"...Yes, sir?" the weak voice on the other end of the line said.

"You're on stand-by for a couple days. Remember, you may be needed at any time. Is that all right?"

More silence.

"...Yes, sir..." the weak voice replied.

Senior sighed as he put the cell away. "I don't get why you're putting your faith in him." he said to Sora. "He's still recovering from-"

"I know, Senior." Sora interrupted. "I know of the condition that Guardian is in. However, if I was to order unit one to be on stand-by, I would only sound desperate. Relying on one such as him may cost dearly... Who knows how many innocent lives he will take as soon as the battle begins?"

"...I suppose you're right. Sorry about that."

"It is all right, Senior."

"Well, I'm going to go and have myself some dinner before I head home." Senior informed as he began to walk back to the main office building. "You're welcome to come along if you want."

"No, thank you, Senior." Sora replied politely. "I must go and find an escort that will take me to the mission point tomorrow."

"All right, then. Just remember that the kitchen is always open..."

Sora didn't care. He was standing before the three most powerful AC's man has ever created. Besides, he never felt hungry...

"Hopefully tomorrow will be the day that I find the one that dares challenges Murakumo." he muttered to the lifeless Mobius. He then heard a beeping noise coming from Mobius' cockpit. He closed his eyes and let out a small sigh. "It would seem that I am needed sooner than expected..."

To be continued...