A/N: I changed a lot with this chapter. Tightened up the dialogue some, but most notably I removed Dr. Cain. I moved him a few chapters ago when I realized it was odd that he'd be living out of the MHHQ basement this whole time. NO MORE! The old man is having a nice nap at home during this chapter instead.

Enjoy. More revisions to follow next week.

As week passed since the incident in the testing chamber. Against his expectations, some normalcy returned to X's life at the Maverick Hunters headquarters. Then again, his career status remained the same. He both passed and failed the A Class test. He unlocked a new secret of his programming, yet had cleansed his memory of Scorpion and Longhorn's powers. He gained and lost nothing.

Though nothing changed for him professionally, he instead experienced more personal consequences. His peers - B Class Hunters - waved to him in the hallways. They nodded to him with respect. X believed their encouragement would wane after the A Class test, but instead it persisted. He awkwardly returned such gestures as they took him by surprise. He wondered what changed, and why now.

If such respect could be measured on a weighing scale, then the rise he gained with his peers coincided with the fall of the opinion the A Class. They looked at him not just with disdain, but now with an unrestrained cruelty. Their hostile energy caused him to dread going anywhere on the main campus. Each morning X forced himself out of his maintenance bed, but the heavy knot in his stomach made him reconsider going outside at all.

He walked down one of the many halls of the Hunters' main campus. Friendly faces smiled at him all around, yet not one stopped him from wondering if he belonged with the Hunters anymore. He no longer cared to be A Class, and among officers who seemed to hate his every fiber. He no longer wished to serve in a place where he distrusted his superiors. He wondered briefly if Dr. Cain might take him on as a full-time assistant.

Wrapped up in his thoughts, he failed to notice the trouble heading his way.

"Hey, look who it is! The blue butcher!" a shrill voice accosted X.

X tensed. He looked up to see Chill Penguin approach him down the hall. Other Hunters going about their business in the hallway parted to let him through.

As Penguin approached, another Reploid materialized next to him, its camouflage receding like a wave over him. X instantly recognized Sting Chameleon, with his hunched form and an unsettling stare. "Sigma should have thrown him in the grinder instead," he said.

X tried pretending they were talking to someone else. He picked up his pace in order to pass them.

"Hey! We're talking to you!" Penguin said. He stepped in front of X to block his way.

"Can I help you, sir?" X said.

"Yeah, you can start with acknowledging us when we're talking to you. Can you believe this? What rudeness!"

"Look, he thinks he can get fresh with us because of dumb luck," Sting Chameleon said. "I hate Hunters with big heads. Fortunately, they're easy to pop."

"I meant no disrespect, sirs," X said, averting his eyes.

Chameleon's eyes twitched back and forth, independent of one another. "Those were our friends," Chameleon continued. "Don't you even feel bad? Yet here you are, strolling around like it never happened."

X clenched his fists and kept his eyes glued to the floor. "Of course I feel sorry."

"I hear you even extracted their programming like some sort of vampire," Chameleon said. "If Sigma hadn't forbade it, I'd make sure you couldn't do such a wicked thing ever again."

Chill Penguin examined X closely. "Hah!" he barked. "I think you've scared the coolant out of him!"

Chameleon chuckled.

X suddenly looked up, lips pressed together in a rage. He said, "If you want someone to blame, then blame Sigma. He's the one who threw away their lives to save his own pride."

"What!" Penguin said. "You'll shut your mouth if you know what's good for you!"

"You'll be next, if it suits him," X continued.

"How dare you!" Penguin said. The outburst caused the other Hunters in the hallway to stop and turn to witness the scene.

Caught up in his anger, X ignored the attention. "How dare you! Most of you officers make everyone who ranks below you miserable with your bullying and boasting. You throw your weight around like you're untouchable. Yet last week, I proved that you're not! I am sorry that Longhorn and Scorpion are retired, I truly am. But if you want to blame someone, you should blame the one who gave that order!"

Chameleon hissed, "You are well over the line, B Class!"

X looked over to him. "You can tell the rest of the A Class that I won't tolerate your abuse any longer. I stand by my performance. I proved that I am on your level, even if it's not on the books!"

"You haven't proven it to me," Penguin said. "You haven't proven anything except that you're an insolent brat! We'll see what Sigma says after I report this gross insubordination."

"Go ahead," X said. "Now, if there is nothing further, I'll be on my way." X turned and left them behind.

"Disgraceful! What happened to you, X?" Penguin shouted.

X tensed, unsure of what came over him. Yet strangely, the dread in his chest disappeared, and an eerie relief replaced it. Then, he forgot himself. Applause filled the hallway behind him. He spun around to look at the the gawkers who gave him their bombastic support. Chameleon grunted with aggravation. He reapplied his camouflage, leaving Penguin alone.

"Cease this racket and get out of here! All of you!" Penguin barked, waving them away. "Or I'll have all of you demoted!" He then looked around for Chameleon saying, "Some backup you are!"

The applause died down, and the other Hunters dispersed. With a growl, Penguin stormed off.

X resumed his pace. He let out a long breath and fought the urge to smile. As he walked, a Hunter ran up behind him and touched him on the shoulder. She whispered, "Sorry to stop you, but I just want to say I'm glad someone is finally standing up to the A Class."

X gave her a faint smile and said, "Really?"

"Yeah. They've been harsh on everybody lately."

"I'm sorry to hear it."

"Well, I hope you don't get in too much trouble," she said. "Bye!"

X watched her run off and sighed. He realized her faith in him would be short-lived if he quit the Hunters- or if Sigma discharged him first.

The day waned, and X retired to his quarters. As soon as he stepped over the threshold, he darted for his communication console and began dialing out. STANDBY...

X waited, staring at the word on the screen. The seconds he stood there felt much longer. When thirty seconds elapsed, he gave up with a sigh. He reached out to disconnect the call when the screen flashed.

"X?" Zero said.

Relieved, X said, "Hey. Sorry if this isn't a good time."

"I just got back here from a meeting with Sigma."

A lump dropped from X's throat and into his stomach. "I, um," he stammered.

"Listen, I'm glad you called. You see," Zero's face fell. "The meeting is still on. Sigma asked me to leave."

"Why?" X asked.

"That's just it. First we were going over our available ordinance and production numbers. The next thing I knew, Sigma ordered me to leave and no one else. No explanation."

"Something's not right," X said.

"Yeah. I'm going to keep my ear out and let you know if I find out anything."

X nodded.

Zero shook his head. "Sorry, X. You were the one who called me. What's up?"

X took a deep breath. "I talked back to some of the officers today. Probably bad enough to get Sigma's attention."

Zero knitted his brow. "Why would you ever do something like that?" Zero sounded stern, annoyed even. "Don't you know when to keep your head down?"

X said quickly, "Listen, Zero, I know I stepped over the lin-" He stopped speaking, bewildered when Zero burst out laughing.

"I could chew you out if you want. I heard what happened. Penguin wouldn't shut up about it, and Chameleon being invisible for the rest of the day confirmed it." Zero laughed again. "I couldn't believe it. I wish I had been there to hear it coming from your mouth."

X said, "They were bullying me. And I'm told they've been doing it to other Hunters as well."

Zero's laughter died down, and he grew serious when he said, "I know, X. Honestly, though, I think you really spooked them. They're nervous that a B Class could best one of them."

"Do you think I'll have to take a demotion? Or quit?"

Zero scoffed. "Absolutely not. The Hunters are not about to risk expelling you over a few officers being put in their place."

"What do you mean? What's the risk?" X said.

"The one downside of being A Class is politics. You are the first of our kind, so kicking you out looks bad enough to those who respect you for that alone. Greater than that, you have a gained a lot of fans in the lower classes. They talk about you more than the officers would like to admit. They know your absence would cause a lot of headache for them."

X chuckled. "Then I guess you're stuck with me after all."

Zero looked X over and sighed. "I thought about saying this later, but now's a good time as any."

X touched him on the arm. "What is it?"

Zero hesitated, then said, "No matter what happens to you - your career, your person, your future - you don't have to worry. I'll be there."

"Do you mean Sigma?" X asked.

"There is him, yes. But not just him," Zero said. He lifted his gaze. "You should know that if Sigma did expel you, I would quit and go with you. To tell you the truth, if it weren't for you being here, I think I would have quit already. No one gets along. You're the only one here who I trust."

X caught Zero's gaze, then his eyes dropped to the hand in his lap. He felt his cheeks bristle, and his head felt light. Zero continued, "Besides, you were there for me after my accident. When I needed it. I intend to repay you."

"What are you talking about?" X said, lifting his eyes again. "There's no debt. Even if I were keeping score, you've repaid me already. You're the one who had my back all this time, and you convinced me to overcome my doubts. I'm a better Hunter no, a better person because of you."

Zero looked away, covering his face with a hand.

"Are you okay?"

Zero cleared his throat. "Fine."

A yellow light flashed on X's console, followed by a beeping sound. X glanced over to it, puzzled. It flashed, then beeped again. "I think I have another call," he stated.

"Answer it. I'll wait," Zero said.

X suspended his call with Zero and answered the incoming one. A Hunter greeted him. He saluted, saying "Kaden, C Class. Am I speaking with X, Class B?"

"Yes," X answered.

"This is an urgent message from the Office of the Supreme Commander. I have orders to deliver to you, X, from Commander Sigma. You are to report to the Commander's office immediately!"

X tried not to look petrified. "Roger. Report to Sigma immediately," X said, his throat closing on the last word.

The messenger nodded. "Acknowledge receipt at 1927."

"Receipt acknowledged."

X switched back to Zero. "Guess it's time for me to take my licks," he said.

"I'll go with you," Zero said.

"No," X said. "I can face him myself."

X stepped off the elevator on the very top floor of the Maverick Hunter headquarters. An immaculate lobby greeted him, with two tall, copper-brushed double doors several yards ahead of him. To his left, two benches flanked a simple yet elegant fountain. It's basin caught a waterfall flowing down from the ceiling and over steps beveled out from the wall. The sound relaxed him somewhat.

To his right stood the receptionist desk. Adding to the tranquil sound of flowing water, typed away with a soft pitter-patter. The receptionist paused when he noticed X's presence.

"Good evening, X. Please have a seat and I will inform the Commander you've arrived," he said.

"Thanks," X said.

X waited less than a minute before the receptionist said, "Please go ahead."

The copper doors parted. He stepped inside, and the doors swished closed behind him. X squinted from the dusky sun coming in through an octogonal window with honeycombed panels at the far end of Sigma's office. As his eyes adjusted, X could make out dim lights of information panels and screens that covered the walls to his right and left. Their cold greens and blues offered the only artificial light, barely enough for X to make out the contours of Sigma's face. The Commander, seated at a desk underneath the octogon window, bade him forward with an outstretched palm.

"You requested my presence, sir," X said.

Sigma smiled. "Have a seat, X."

X found the lone chair placed before the desk. Rigid, utilitarian. X sat and waited.

After a moment of pause, Sigma stood. He turned to look up at the window. He said, "You think this is about what happened this afternoon. Rest assured, it has been dealt with."

Rather than relaxing, X straightened. Confused, he said, "Then what is this about, sir?"

Sigma sighed. "I called you here partly because I want to commiserate a little," he shook his head. He then rose and turned to look X directly in the eye. "And because even though I think you're too emotional and weak, you are among the few I feel I can trust to share this with. Besides, given our days together when we were just a ragtag police force, I feel like I owe you the truth."

"What is it, sir?"

Sigma dropped his gaze and began to pace behind his desk. He then said, "My days in this office are numbered."

X tried not to let any emotion show on his face. He said, "You're leaving? Is it a reassignment?"

Sigma laughed. "Reassignment? That's one way to look at it." He stopped and turned to lean over the desk, propping himself up with both arms. "X, I'm being asked to retire."

Feelings of celebration came over X. On the outside, however, he feigned disbelief. "That's ridiculous. By whom?"

Sigma smiled. "Our human masters. The ones we strive so hard to serve and protect. They, in their limited capacity, believe I no longer fit in with the Hunters. They want someone younger, with fresher ideas on how to combat Mavericks. Hah! Fresher ideas? Just who is it that spent their entire existence making sure the humans and their children stay warm and safe in their beds and night? And they think they can replace me like an arm or a leg?"

X said, "Can't you still remain on the force?"

"They offered me an advisory role, but without any direct command." Sigma growled. "I will never accept such a meager condolence."

"I'm sorry your career had to end like this."

"Nonsense!" Agitated, Sigma replied, "You know what it's like, don't you? You know what it's like to be treated as inferior because of your age. Having others assume you aren't up to the job because you're outdated. I understand you now!" X listened, feeling pressed into to his seat by Sigma's tone. Sigma then straightened from the desk. With a sudden calm, he said, "And what did you do? You, you proved them - and me - so very wrong. You've given me some hope, X. I want to tell you that I'm grateful."

Sigma's tone alarmed X. "What are you planning to do?" he asked.

Sigma gestured to X. "Like you, I intend to prove them wrong." He then gestured to himself saying, "I will prove that they were wrong to fire me. That they cannot hope to achieve peace without me. That I will always be the greatest Reploid ever built!"

"Sir, with all due respect-" X said.

Sigma ignored him and continued. "This brings me to the other reason I wanted to speak with you. I'm planning something big, X. World-changing. We are the first, X, and thus it is only fitting that we be the ones to lead Reploids into a golden age. An age where we shed our bonds, and our purpose is our own! I want to offer you the chance to join me. Think of it! You'll never be disrespected nor looked down upon. You will never have to take orders from humans ever again! And with your unique power, you'll be more than just a predecessor. You will be a god to all Reploids!"

X rose from the chair. Disturbed beyond his ability to think clearly, X stepped backward. The chair clattered when his leg toppled it over to the side. He could not answer.

Sigma said, "Yes, I understand this may be overwhelming. I've had months to consider this, whereas you are only thinking of it for the first time. I will give you time to consider my offer. But not too much- my plans will not wait."

X then said, "No, sir. I need no time to consider your 'offer'. My answer is no."

"What?" Sigma said, incredulous. "How could you refuse?"

X pinned Sigma with a fierce stare. "You think the humans are sacking you because you're outdated? No, it's your blind pride that they detest, and so do I! You used to be someone I respected and looked up to. You were once confident, noble, and compassionate. I don't know what happened to you at Camelback, but now you're violent, cruel, and a hollow version of yourself." Then, X raised his buster arm and aimed it at Sigma. "What you're talking is rebellion, and only a Maverick would have such grandiose fantasies!"

"How dare you!" Sigma said. "You raise your weapon against me? You are a fool, X. A dead fool. In my new world, I will make you suffer for your insults!"

"And I will stop you, Maverick. The Hunters will stop you!"

"That's what they all said. I thought you might be different." Sigma grabbed the edge of the desk and threw it aside. He moved towards X with a murderous glare.

X walked backwards, but he did not flinch. "You can surrender, Sigma. You can still stop this before you throw away your legacy!"

Sigma laughed. "It's far too late, X. If you won't listen, then I will make you see!"

Sigma lunged at X. X loosed a shot, but he reacted far too slow. It sailed through the honeycomb window, shattering the glass, as Sigma wrapped both of his hands around X's throat and lifted him high. X struggled, but the pain of being crushed stopped him. Dread seized him when he heard Sigma utter, "Help. Join us. Let the truth in!" A wolfish grin appeared on the Commander's face and the nightmare became all too real.

Dark purple wisps eddied from the corners of X's vision. He felt a foreign presence prod his internal defenses, then sink its claws into his mind. His sight then turned red, signaling a breach in his systems.

"Ugh-, Sig-," X started, his speech glitched.

"That's it. It'll be all over soon."

Suddenly, the red crystal on X's forehead shone bright. It filled the room with a warm reddish light.

"Ah!" Sigma turned his head and squinted.

The grip on X's mind loosened, then burned away. His vision cleared, and he felt a sudden surge of strength. He raised his hands, gripped Sigma by the arms, and pried them apart.

Sigma howled with pain, dropping X and reeling backward. "How is it possible?" he said.

X approached him, the light from his forehead receding. "I understand now. You're sick," X said, reaching out. "Surrender, please! We can find a way to help you!"

Sigma waved him off. "Oh, save your naive compassion! My plan is in motion whether you join me or not. Not one officer will lift a finger to stop me. I've sewn these seeds long ago. Since you snapped at the hand that helped guide you all these years, I want you to survive just long enough to see my work blossom. Now get out!" Sigma grabbed X by his buster arm and twisted it by the elbow. X yelped in pain. Sigma then pushed him to the door and threw him out and onto his back.

X's felt a chill run through him when the doors to Sigma's office closed. What happened in there took him several seconds to process before he leaped to his feet and raced to the elevator. He stabbed the buttons frantically. Zero. He had to tell Zero.

"Sir?" the receptionist said, puzzled by what transpired. X ignored him. The elevator dinged as it ascended far, far too slowly.

Meanwhile, Sigma stood at a communications console in his office. He said, "Yes, we are needing to move up our schedule. I will be leaving headquarters presently. I trust that the nine of you are prepared."

On the screen, Storm Eagle nodded. He replied, "Not a problem. Eight of us are ready to mobilize. However, Vava has not reported in and seems to be MIA. His ride armor is missing, too."

"That fickle dog! Figures," Sigma said. "He's useless to me, then. If you see him, terminate him. And if possible, recover the armor."

"Sir," Eagle acknowledged.

"Eagle, I want you to know how much your loyalty means to me. It's an easy thing to take for granted," Sigma said.

"You don't have to be a Maverick Hunter to have a code," Eagle said.

"Indeed!" Sigma said.