A/N: It has been far too long; my apologies.
Chapter Fifteen: Then There Was Light
Alia smiled as the console next to her door beeped, and she hurried over to press the button, opening the doors to throw her arms around her guest. "Good morning, David!"
"Man, I hope I never get used to this. Good morning, beautiful," he greeted as he held her tightly. "You smell nice."
"Th-Thank you," she stuttered as they broke the embrace. "Do you want some coffee?"
"Yes, please," he replied, then gave her a gentle pat on her bodysuit-clad bottom as she turned to head toward the kitchen.
"David!" she squealed as she hurried to the doorway to the kitchen. Once safely on the other side she turned back, partially hiding behind it to peek out at him. "Go ahead and sit and I'll be out shortly."
"Okay," he said with an impish smile, then headed for his usual spot on the sofa as she turned back into the kitchen.
A few minutes later she came out with two steaming mugs, which she set on the small table before claiming her seat next to him. "Have you figured out what to do about Layer's situation?"
He leaned back on the sofa, sighing noisily. "I have a basic plan, yeah. I don't envy the commander his situation though; classified information pulled from a personal terminal by two of his own subordinates? I wouldn't want his job."
She giggled sympathetically. "I wouldn't, either. So, what's your basic plan?"
"Well for starters, I was hoping that Miss Ginny could hook your friend up with some new clothes," he replied as he leaned forward to claim his mug. "Since this is my bright idea, I figured I'd pay for it…if you're okay with it."
"Me?" Alia said, laying a hand on her chest. "Why would I need to be okay with it? It's your money, isn't it?"
"Not anymore," he replied with a lopsided grin as he put his mug back down to wrap an arm around her. "You're my wife, which means we share the finances. I may make the money right now, but how it's spent can affect you as well."
"I see…" she said, her eyes losing focus. "I never thought of that."
"That's how it is," he declared, reaching for his mug again. "So would you be okay with paying for a new outfit for her?"
"Absolutely!" she exclaimed, her expression quickly brightening. "She's always been such a good friend to me and to Palette… In a way, I'd see it as an investment."
"Kinda like what I did for you, huh?" he mused, then paled. "Not like I'm interested in her, I mean!"
"No, I think I understand," she giggled. She then thought a bit more. "How would getting her new clothes help, though?"
Max took a long, thoughtful sip of his coffee. "It's kinda hard to explain, but…" He sighed. "My thinking is that if she has a change in her appearance – other than a new body, I mean – that could help her change her outlook when it comes to herself and to Mr. Zero." He shrugged with one shoulder. "It's just a hypothesis right now, so if it doesn't work then I'll think of something else. The main thing is that she has to be comfortable with herself first if she wants Mr. Zero to be comfortable with her. Does that make sense?"
Alia had to control a sudden urge to hug her husband; she loved hearing him talk like a researcher more than she had realized, even if it was outside her field of expertise. "I-I think so; she…needs to understand who she's presenting to Zero?"
"I like that!" he exclaimed while nudging her with his shoulder while being careful with the coffee mug. "Do you mind if I steal that?"
She giggled. "Not at all; just make sure to give proper credit to the creator."
He laughed loudly, broadening her smile. "Sure thing, beautiful."
Music from a popular video game suddenly blasted from his hip, startling them both, and David quickly grabbed the offending device and pressed a button before putting it to his ear. "This is Max."
Alia watched her husband's expression as he conversed with whoever had interrupted their snuggle time.
"Seriously?" he griped into the phone. "And at the last minute? Dammit…" A pause. "Fine. Fine, I'll head in and take care of it. No, it's not your fault; I'm not trying to shoot the messenger. Yeah, enjoy the rest of your day." He grimaced as he pressed the 'disconnect' button more forcefully than necessary and dropped the phone into his lap with a sigh. "I'll need to stop by Miss Layer's place and apologize."
"What happened?" Alia asked worriedly.
David sighed again as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders to pull her close. "I'm needed at the office today, love; Mills and…well, a bunch of my so-called coworkers decided to quit at the same time, and we have a contract that needs to be finished by Monday."
"Wow…" Alia mused. "What are the chances?"
"Pretty good, where I work," he grumbled with a snort. "Anyway, it seems that I'm the only one left who knows enough about it to finish the job, so I have to head in." He gave her a squeeze before releasing her and getting up from the couch. "I'm really sorry, but I need to get going; like I said, I need to stop by Miss Layer's to let her know, and then scoot to the office."
"I'll see you to the entrance," she said as she rose to her feet as well. "If I'm going to be missing you for most of the day, I want as much time with you as possible."
He smiled warmly down at her before drawing her into an embrace. "Thanks, beautiful."
The young couple held each other just outside the entrance to Maverick Hunter Headquarters; in spite of their spoken farewells, however, it didn't appear that they would be letting go of each other any time soon. "Have a great day, beautiful," Max murmured into her hair as they snuggled.
"You, too," she replied before pulling back to gaze into his eyes. "Hang in there."
He chuckled softly before planting a kiss on her forehead. "I'll do my best."
They finally released each other, and as he turned to leave an impulse had Alia give her husband's butt a gentle pat.
"Oh ho ho!" he laughed, reflexively covering his posterior as he looked over his shoulder. "Revenge for earlier, is it?"
She smiled impishly. "Let's just say that you gave me an idea and the motivation to see it though."
He half-turned to wag a finger at her. "You're fun. See you later." With that, he turned once again to head away from HQ and to the drudgery of his job.
She smiled a silly smile as she watched him depart before entering MHHQ to try to find something to do for the day.
On her way in, the new receptionist stopped her. "Mrs. Hannity, Commander Signas is requesting your presence in his office."
"Thank you…" she trailed off as it occurred to her… "I'm sorry; I know we've talked before, but I just realized that I don't know your name."
"It's 'Jazz', ma'am," he replied politely.
"'Jazz'…" she repeated. She then smiled at the receptionist. "Well, it's nice to meet you, Jazz."
"Likewise, ma'am," he replied with a smart nod. "No disrespect intended, but the commander's request came several minutes ago."
"Right, thank you," she said before making her way to the elevators. "Thank you for your hard work."
Jazz wasn't sure how to respond to her expression of gratitude, so he simply gave another smart nod to her retreating form before returning to his duties.
As the elevator carried her up to HQ's command level Alia couldn't help but wonder what Signas had summoned her for; she and David had already agreed to keep him apprised of their situation regarding Dr. Light and their…future together. In the end, the only thing she could come up with was her future with the Maverick Hunters. This caused her a little worry, but… "I'll just have to see what he says," she finally decided as the lift stopped at the command level.
She exchanged greetings and waves with several of the technicians as she made her way over to the huge double doors leading to Signas' office. She reached out to knock on the door, only to have it abruptly open to reveal her former boss. "Good morning, Mrs. Hannity," Signas greeted before stepping aside to allow her entry. "Thank you for coming on such short notice."
"You're…welcome," she replied awkwardly; she still hadn't quite adjusted to the change in the nature of their relationship. "Oh, and good morning to you as well."
"Thank you." He gestured to the seats in front of his desk, and she noticed that a fidgeting Shortwave already occupied one of them, giving her a clue as to what he had called her for. She also noticed that X was present as well. "Please, sit."
She made her way over and slid into the seat next to her substitute. "Good morning," she greeted the redheaded navigator.
"G-Good morning, Mrs. Hannity."
"Are you okay?" Alia asked as the commander claimed his seat on the other side of the desk.
Shortwave cast her gaze down, where her fingers repeatedly knotted themselves. "I-I don't know."
"Navigator Shortwave, Mrs. Hannity," Signas greeted, nodding to each of the women in turn, "I have called you here to discuss your respective futures with Maverick Hunter Headquarters." He then looked to the blue-clad warrior standing by Shortwave's seat. "Hunter Commander X, I do not recall requesting your presence. Why are you here?"
X had expected the question but hadn't been able to figure out an easy answer. "Morale support, sir?" he managed while snapping to a salute.
"Explain."
"I'm sorry, sir!" Shortwave cried while fighting the urge to jump to her feet. "When I heard your call I was really nervous so X offered to come with me!"
"I see."
"I'll leave if it's a problem, sir," X offered, still locked in a salute.
"As you were, commander." Signas' expression was unreadable as his gaze shifted from the hunter commander to his navigator. "I do not see a problem," he finally decided. "Our discussion may impact your working relationship."
It was hard to miss the relieved expression on the former receptionist's face.
Signas briefly regarded the trio before speaking again. "I have called the two of you this morning to discuss our-"
Everyone suddenly jumped as the perimeter alarms sounded; at nearly the same time a button on the commander's desk started to flash, which he promptly pressed. "Report."
"Unknown entity incoming, sir," the female voice on the other end informed him. "And it's coming in fast."
"Just one?"
"Yes, sir."
"Activate the defenses; I will be there momentarily."
"It's coming from underground, sir."
For the first time since his creation, Signas actually paused. "Am I to understand that it is approaching quickly while underground?" Excepting perhaps Tunnel Rhino, he'd never heard of a maverick that could do that before so the possibility was unsettling, as all of their defenses were geared toward surface and air attacks.
"Yes, sir; based on its heading, it should emerge in Training Room Two."
"Send five squads of Hunters," Signas ordered. "One to Training Room Two, the others to adjacent rooms. I do not want us taken by surprise any more than we already have."
"Understood, sir."
Signas quickly closed the channel, then opened a new one. "Hunter Commander Zero; please report to Training Room Three. Hunter Commander Axl; please report to Training Room One." He closed that channel and addressed the trio. "I'm afraid that our conversation will have to wait. X, please accompany me to Training Room Two."
"Commander Signas, may I come with you?" Shortwave asked while repeatedly glancing at X.
The tall reploid briefly studied the fidgeting navigator before giving a brisk nod. "You may, but stay behind us."
"Thank you, sir."
"It's too bad that Max isn't here," X remarked as they hurried from the office. "He could've helped with one of the other teams."
"Agreed," Signas grunted, drawing a look of pleased surprise from Alia. The group then paused briefly in the Situation Room. "ETA on the intruder?" he asked.
"Three minutes, sir," a technician replied.
"Then we should hurry," Signas said, more to himself than anyone as he broke into a jog toward the elevator doors, the other having to run – or sprint in Shortwave's case – to keep up.
Two minutes and thirty-seven seconds later, they burst through the doors to Training Room Two. "Report," X ordered, singling out a red-and-blue armored hunter.
"ETA of intruder: twenty seconds, sir!" he replied while snapping to attention.
No sooner had the words left the soldier's mouth than the room started to shake, warning all present of the intruder's imminent arrival.
"Weapons!" Signas barked, and all present immediately raised their rifles to the spot where the intruder was expected to surface. Next to Signas, X shifted his arm to the X-Buster and positioned himself in front of Shortwave; a moment later he adjusted his position to protect Alia as well.
A moment later the floor ruptured, and X lowered his arm cannon at a familiar sight. "Stand down!" he ordered as Dr. Light's capsule emerged from the floor. "Everyone, lower your weapons!"
The cylindrical structure finished its entry, dust and dirt tumbling from its exterior and raising a small dust cloud. As the dust cleared a form began to appear in the capsule's chamber.
"Group: Atten-tion!" Signas ordered, and everyone immediately stood ramrod straight, their weapons at their sides. "Sa-LUTE!"
"My my, what a welcome," the image of the father of robotics said as it finished materializing. "I apologize for not calling ahead."
"Hello, Doctor," X greeted as he emerged from the mass of artificial humans to stand before the hologram of his creator. "It's good to see you again."
"Ah, X…" Dr. Light smiled down fondly at his greatest creation. "It's good to see you as well." He then looked past him, and an amused smile appeared. "Perhaps you could let them…relax…?"
"Huh?" X turned to find everyone still locked in a salute, Shortwave, Alia, and Signas included. "Um, as you were," he said, feeling awkward at effectively giving his commander an order.
"Please, everyone; I appreciate the gesture, but please stop saluting me." As everyone dropped their arms his smile broadened. "Thank you all for working so hard to create a peaceful future for all."
"It is our privilege and our pleasure to honor your legacy, Hakase," Signas said with his hand still attached to the brim of his hat.
"Commander…" Alia prompted with a nudge to her former commander's side. "He asked us to drop the salute."
Signas somehow managed to return his arm to his side, though it appeared to take a great deal of effort.
"Now…" the good doctor said as he surveyed those in attendance, "…I'm supposed to be meeting a young lady today? Is she here?"
Alia opened her mouth to reply, but the doors to the training room opened and Axl and Zero charged into the room along with their respective squads. "We're here to back you up!" Axl yelled as he brandished his twin pistols. He then caught sight of the visitor and quickly holstered his weapons to salute. "D-Dr. Light, sir!"
As the soldiers continued to pour in only to stop and salute the father of robotics, X shared an amused smile with his creator.
"Well, that was exciting," Dr. Light said as the last of the soldiers left Training Room Two, leaving just X, Alia, Signas, and Shortwave.
"My apologies, Hakase," Signas said as he snapped a salute; fortunately, he was able to drop it more quickly this time. "We did not recognize your signature and assumed that you were a hostile. I accept full responsibility."
"Oh, we've been over that already," the hologram chuckled good-naturedly. He then looked over at the wide-eyed and trembling blonde reploid. "So, you must be Alia."
"Y-Yes, sir," she trembled while fighting the urge to salute. "Thank you f-for coming, d-doctor; it's an honor to meet you."
Dr. Light shook his head at the young reploid with a fond smile. He then turned his attention to the others in the group. "It is my understanding that Miss Alia wishes to speak with me about a personal and rather delicate matter. Would it be possible for us to have some privacy?"
"Of course, Hakase," Signas replied with an unconscious salute. "X, Shortwave; please come with me."
X nodded his acknowledgment, and Shortwave bowed to the hologram as the trio began to leave the room.
"X, I'd like to speak with you once I am finished here," Doctor Light called just as X passed through the doorway into the main hallway. "We've never really had a chance to talk."
X froze mid-step, and Shortwave's eyes widened as she saw a flicker of pain cross his expression. "I'd…like that," he said in an uncharacteristically tight voice as he glanced over his shoulder at his creator. He then turned back to leave the room, his navigator looking worriedly up at him as she followed him.
Dr. Light sighed heavily as the doors closed behind his beloved 'son'. "I wish I could have been there for his reawakening…" he murmured. He then blinked out of his reverie to turn his gaze on the young blonde before him. "Now then, if I understand correctly you wish to be able to carry life."
"Y-Yes, doctor," Alia replied nervously. "This might be hard to believe, but I'm married to a human, and after meeting a mother and her baby I realized that David might want to be a father, and-"
"I believe I understand," the good doctor replied with a gentle smile and a raised hand. "If you don't mind, I'd like to perform a low-level scan on you to determine your current level of technology."
"Would I need to step into…in there?" she asked, gesturing to the capsule where X had received several improvements over the years. "What would I need to do?"
"Just stand right where you are," he replied with a kind smile. "I don't need you to stand perfectly still, but if you could avoid running around, that would be very helpful."
"Understood, doctor," she giggled. "Um, I'm ready whenever you are." She saw him narrow his eyes at her, and she could feel an unusual energy pass over her body; it felt like a regular scan, but something about it was…different. Less intrusive, she realized.
"Very impressive…" he murmured as he focused on her face. "Unless I'm mistaken, you have human DNA in your skin overlay."
"That's right, sir," she confirmed while trying to move as little as possible. "It was cloned from the DNA of my creator, Dr. Alyssa Kuznetsov."
The hologram blinked but otherwise showed no reaction before returning to his scan.
Moments later, he was done. "Thank you for your patience, Mrs. Hannity; I have collected all the data I need." He cupped his chin with a thumb and forefinger, the gesture reminding Alia of several of the visual records she'd seen of the good doctor. "I will need to confer with Dr. Kuznetsov regarding the incorporation of DNA into Reploid design. Also, I would like…" He trailed off with a faraway look in his eyes before waving a hand. "But that is of no importance at this time." The hologram focused on Alia once again. "I will confer with your creator and return in a week."
"Thank you, doctor," Alia replied, though his momentary lapse in concentration worried her. "Are you going to be okay, sir?"
"Hm? Oh!" It was interesting to see a look of surprise – however brief – on the century-plus-old projection. "Don't worry about me, dear; just an old professor feeling a little nostalgic."
"Nostalgic?"
The hologram smiled down at her from within the cylinder. "You may have already surmised this, but I am a copy of Thomas Light's mind." He glanced around to indicate the capsule. "This was programmed to record his brain activity up to the time of his death so that my knowledge would be as complete as possible. I am him, yet not."
Alia blinked at a sudden realization. "So you remember Rock and Roll and Blues and the others, don't you?"
"I do." His voice sounded thick with suppressed emotion.
Compassion welled up within her for the simulated doctor. "I'm so sorry for your losses, Doctor Light; I can't imagine how hard it must be for you."
He smiled at her again. "Thank you for your kindness, but I'm doing remarkably well, all things considered; I am able to support X and his friends, and…" He trailed off again, but this time he allowed the thought to remain unfinished. "Thank you for your time, and I have enjoyed our conversation, but I would like to speak with X now. I hope I'm not being rude."
"Not at all, sir," she replied, unconsciously bowing to the creator of one of her best friends. "Thank you for your time as well, and I look forward to seeing you again." She started toward the door, only to change course for the communicator mounted on the wall. "Would you like me to call X for you?"
"Thank you, but that won't be necessary," Dr. Light replied as the doors whooshed open to reveal X and Shortwave. "I called for him shortly before the end of our conversation."
"Oh." Alia looked from the good doctor to her friends and back. "Then…have a good day, Doctor Light."
"You too, dear."
Alia left the training room, and something about her expression as she passed the pair caused X to look back at her departing figure. "She seemed…sad for some reason."
"She will be all right," Dr. Light said in a reassuring tone. "Please, come; let's talk."
X took a step toward the capsule, only to be stopped by a tug on his arm. "Is…it okay for me to be here, sir?" Shortwave worriedly asked the hologram. "I'll wait outside if you want, but I'd really like to be with X…if that's okay."
The hologram studied her briefly. "Perhaps it would be good for you to be here. After all, X may want the company with what I will be discussing with him."
Understatedly, the doctor's words caused X some anxiety. "Is something wrong, Doctor?"
"Not at all," the hologram replied. "It's just that I will be sharing some….potentially sensitive information with you, and you may want a friend around for support."
"But Alia was just here," Shortwave pointed out, somehow having found her voice again. "Wouldn't she be a better choice?"
"No," he replied simply, and his expression told her that he knew everything, causing her to feel quite vulnerable.
"So, what did you want to talk about, Doctor?" X asked, partly in an effort to ease his navigator's discomfort.
The two artificial life forms' eyes widened at the doctor's next words: "X, I would like you to find my old lab."