Relic from the seas
By
Dr Facer
-17-
"What matters here," Zero started as he sat on a chair next to Layer. "Is to find out who made that Nightmare Drive that Dynamo used when he fought X."
"I agree with Zero, we should try to find out who is behind it," Layer concurred. They had returned to the Control Room and were discussing the recent development with Signas, in hopes that the highly intelligent leader of the Maverick Hunters could see something which escaped them.
"I'm more concerned about the Nightmare Drive itself," Pallette threw in. "There's a chance other reploids could start using it if it's available in the black market."
"Yeah, and going by X's fight with that Dynamo guy, it wouldn't be a pretty thing if other reploids start using it against us," Axl rejoined. He was sitting next to Pallette, and casually placed his arm around her shoulder. "I think Pallette here has a point. We should check if some of the usual arm dealers we always deal with have heard about it."
"And I believe someone is already creating more of the Nightmare Virus," Alia announced, she was, as usual, sitting next to X. "We really should try to find out where this is happening."
"Alia is correct," X agreed. "We find this person's hideout, we get the Nightmare Drive, too."
"You all have good points," Signas conceded as he paced around the Control Room, considering the situation. "We unfortunately don't have any leads since we couldn't recover the Nightmare Drive from Dynamo's body."
"You couldn't?" Pallette asked. "Why?"
"According to what Lifesaver and his recovery team reported last night, it was because X vaporized it," Signas explained, activating the main screen so that the three hunters and their navigators could see the forensic report on the mercenary. "The footage sent by the recovery team clearly shows Dynamo is little more than an empty shell. His inner circuits, I.C. and electronic brain as well as his power core all melted, taking the Nightmare Drive with them."
"Well, never say X can't erase the competition when he has to," Axl joked, earning a not so discreet elbow jab from Pallette.
"No time for jokes," she hushed.
"Sorry, won't happen again," he whispered back.
"We are lucky that nobody has challenged us with an army and eight generals and fortunately no attacks have been reported… yet," Signas continued, ignoring the bickering between the two youngest members of his elite team. "But I fear something may be about to happen, so it would be wise to try and preempt it for a change, whatever it may be."
"That's a great idea, Signas. What are your orders?" Zero asked.
"To begin, Zero, you'll work with Layer and try to find leads on who Dynamo worked for before he attacked the Orbital Observatory," Signas commanded. "That may give us some clues about who created the Nightmare Drive."
"Shouldn't be difficult," Zero smirked. "It'll give me a chance to visit some old 'pals' in certain places."
"Axl, Pallette," Signas called. "You two will go and talk with any illegal weapon dealer that we are aware of, see what the word on the street is, you may learn something useful. I'm sure Axl's copy ability will let you blend in without drawing any attention back to us."
"We'll go undercover? Cool!" Axl grinned, excited by the mission. "Don't worry, Signas, we'll get the job done!"
"What about us?" Alia asked. "X and I won't get a mission together?"
Signas nodded. "Of course you will. I want you to investigate if someone is producing Nightmare Virus. I suggest you start by visiting Gate's old laboratory and work from there; you may find something."
"Understood, we'll do that," X accepted.
"Well?" Signas said both hands on the large table. "Why are you still here, didn't I just give you your assignments? Move it! Hunters, go get your gear!"
"Yes, sir!" X, Zero and Axl said, standing up and rushing out of the Control Room.
"And what about you ladies?" The Maverick Hunter Commander asked with a chuckle. "Go with your counterparts. This is not a hunting mission; they'll need you on the field with them."
"I'm on my way," Layer said and left the room.
"As am I!" Pallette said hurrying up to catch up with Axl.
"Thanks for letting us go together, Signas," Alia said once she was alone with the commander. "I wouldn't like to go by myself to explore the ruins of Gate's old lab…"
"I know. Now hurry, X is waiting for you."
She nodded. "We'll bring back good news, I hope."
Notes:
Extra thanks to Adam for beta reading duties.
A new arc starts in this chapter, I hope you'll find it interesting.