Stockman was roaming the hallways of the Hamato Compound. Wandering, it seemed to anyone who would see him in the hallways, aimlessly walking through the corridors with seemingly no destination in mind. Next to him, Xever lumbered in step down the corridors, growling at any Hamato foot soldiers that would pass by them or any other fool that worked willingly for the brats.
As aimless as the two seemed, appearing to the grunts as the scientist walking down the hallway to clear his mind enough to get a spark of inspiration. But it wasn't as aimless as it appeared. Buford had gotten the little pests away from the Sanctuary, at least for a little bit. Stockman's neutrally pleasant face melted into a frown.
They didn't see him as smart as the eldest Hamato brother. That snot-nosed, angsty, hormonal teenager of all people was smarter than him.
And now that little brat and his Neanderthalic brothers had acquired a fascinated specimen, one that he wouldn't be able to touch because of some strange desire that they had. That freak of nature being treated as though it was sentient and actually understood what was going on. It was laughable, at best, and a dangerously naïve thought process at worst. To think that that thing was actually capable of complex thought….
Stockman chuckled softly to himself.
Those foolish brothers didn't know when to stop feeding into those emotions of theirs and actually take hold of an opportunity! I mean for all we know, the cure for cancer, or even the common cold could be locked away inside that mutant's bloodstream or DNA. Maybe will be unlock the secret of the ooze, and that'll open the door for other things, like armies of super mutants! Oh the possibilities were endless!
Agent Bishop, and Eric Sacks would be able to give him a seat in history among the greatest scientists.
"Ey, Boss? Where are we even goin'?" Xever asked, snapping him out of his thoughts.
"We are going pay a guest a visit."
Xever smirked. He twirled the pocket knife he always kept on him between his fingers before using it to pick something out of his teeth. The two walked in relatively silence, with Doctor Stockman ruminating. If he could get just a small sample of that mutant's DNA, then he would be able it off to his employer. He would be able to work for someone who appreciated his genius and wasn't some sniveling brat.
They were there.
The doors to the Sanctuary, as the Hamato brothers called it, were sealed. There wasn't any way he could get in without the one of the brothers' approval. A shame he wasn't going to be able to hack into the systems without leaving a trace. His left eye twitched as his gaze landed on the mutant freak
Oh, the things we could learn from you.
The mutant watched them as closely as he and Xever watched it. Out of the corner of his eye, Stockman watched Xever twirl his blade about. The turtle moved slowly, cautiously backing up before slipping behind a tree for cover. It disappeared, blending in with the greenery. It could still be seen, but it was barely visible.
"Heh. What a freak. Guess that proves that the Hamatos will take any thing in." Xever glanced at Stockman as he chuckled and twirled that blade in his hands. But Stockman didn't care about his companion's joke. His eyes never left the turtle. Not even when the freak left their field of vision. Xever tensed, stopping his twirls as he stared at the scenery that was beyond the door. He leaned against the door, cupping his hands around his face in order to get a better look. The crook didn't stay like that for long, as a three fingered hand slammed against the door.
"AH WHAT THE FUCK!?" Xever proclaimed as he flailed backwards.
Stockman just watched with cold calculation as Xever ended up on the floor, a frightened expression on his face. He ignored the thug as he let loose a string of curses, in both Spanish and English, while he held the mutant's gaze. It was a cold, calculating blue, but no predatory gaze.
At least, one that didn't hold any animalistic predatory gaze.
Interesting.
"Why that little…..I'm gonna carve my name into its shell!" Xever moved forward, knife in hand, but Stockman held his hand up. Held him back.
"No. Not yet."
Xever growled.
"We must be patient. All good things come to those that wait."
The turtle bared its teeth, its scales bristling in a threatening manner. Stockman raised an eyebrow, smirking as he studied the mutant in front of him and imagining him underneath his scalpel, before walking off.
"Watch your back, Tortuga. I'll be coming for that pretty little shell of yours when you least expect it."
Stockman rolled his eyes. "Come, Xever. We have work to do."
Stockman didn't see what the man did or said. All he knew was that he had work to do and he didn't have the time to wait on some imbecilic muscle man.