Maverick Hunter X – Next-Level Insurrection

Chapter 9: Dynamic Waters

(A/N: Hey folks! Happy Mega Man Day! New chapter of the anniversary of the classic and X series, funny how that works out eh? Anyway, this will be a very good chapter. Spent so much time and thought on this! Hope you enjoy this, and enjoy!)

DISCLAIMER: It is heavily advised that this story be read with awesome Mega Man music playing in the background. I do not own any Mega Man X related characters or themes. All characters from Mega Man, Mega Man X, Mega Man Zero, Mega Man ZX, and Mega Man Legends are all owned by Capcom. Please support the official release!

MAY 3, 2053

17:04 – MAVERICK HUNTER HQ

Three Mavericks had been defeated. Two of them were destroyed. The Hunters were happy with the progress made… except for X. He was anything but happy. While two Maverick chiefs had been taken down, Armored Armadillo had escaped. He managed to copy his powers, but he couldn't shake the awful feeling he could try hurting more people. He considered this a failure.

He spent the last couple hours training to vent his frustrations out and test his new abilities. Though satisfied by his new powers, his anger had not dissipated. Some Hunters passing by tried being cordial with X, but the B- class Hunter shrugged then off. Something was definitely off now.

As he ran into the control room, X noticed Nana hard at work, but still chatting up with Iris, who didn't seem to be taking her job seriously at all. "Hope you're laughing about something productive, Iris!" X said sharply. His presence and tone surprised both the girls. "Umm, yes. I-Is something wrong?" asked Iris.

"Sounded more like you were talking a bunch of girl stuff than tracking Mavericks!" X said sternly. Iris cringed and hastily resumed her work. Nana looked at X with a stern frown. X didn't like it when she was unhappy. He hoped to ask politely, but his way of asking was less than so. "Something wrong, Nana?" he asked, in a tense voice.

"I was about to ask you the same question, X." she said, calmly. "You've been acting aggressive ever since you got back from Azerbaijan." X clenched his fist as he began to speak. "Armadillo got away! I was so close, but Zero had to stop me right when I had him! Now he's bound to tell Sigma what we're doing and continue to destroy more cities!" X gritted his teeth. Nana was struggling not to lose her composure over X's unhappy state. Iris, however, stood up in anger. "Zero was trying to help! You were going too far—"

"I don't recall asking you!" yelled X, making Iris shiver back into her seat. Nana, once again, stayed calm but frowned deeper at X's tone. "X, you need to calm down! I know how you must feel, but this attitude isn't going to help anyone." X didn't answer her, just returning her frown in a tense silence. He quickly changed the subject just after. "Who do we go after next?" he asked, looking at the screen.

There were still five Mavericks left to defeat: Launch Octopus, Flame Mammoth, Boomer Kuwanger, Sting Chameleon, and Storm Eagle. He was trying to think this over rationally, but his artillery was getting stacked so he could take on any ideally. Flame Mammoth was a big one that could be cut down easy, but he was a heavy hitter and at times unpredictable. Same with Sting Chameleon, so those two were being saved for later. He thought Storm Eagle, but he didn't want to face his old friend quite yet. It still wasn't right to him.

Finally left with only two, and neither were easy. Launch Octopus was made for underwater use, and he could probably use his Electric Form to his benefit, but he knew nothing about fighting underwater and Octopus was extremely aggressive with his torpedoes. Boomer Kuwanger, meanwhile, was even harder. While he was relatively weak, the trick part was catching him, due to his unreal speed which can often be mistaken for teleportation. The minute he thought this, he realized that Octopus was the ideal way.

"If I could take down Launch Octopus and copy his abilities, some of the others will be easier to take care of." Said X. Nana still remained professional in speaking to X. "At least you haven't lost your strategic edge or focus…" she said. X ignored her smug comment and walked off, teleporting to meet Octopus. Once he left, her frown turned from unhappy to depressed. She was fortunate to keep it up for so long.

Nana didn't understand what was wrong. Why was X acting so aggressively all of a sudden? Did Sigma's manipulations cripple his mental state? Was he getting tired of everyone else doing little to help? Or maybe he was turning Maverick…? As much as she wanted to shrug that last thought off, she couldn't. Half of the Hunters they had had turned against humanity, including their former commander. Who was to say others wouldn't turn… even if they didn't realize it?

"X…" she whispered. "Please don't lose yourself… we need you…."

17:10 – AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS

X had just landed on what seemed like a reef or shoreline, as he got to quick work dispatching the Mavericks in the area, particularly the Mega Tortoises and their rockets. X took care of them easily, and looked at the target below: the ruins of Amsterdam underneath the sea. The supposed reefs were actually just some old buildings floating up.

The Netherlands were one of the biggest casualties of World War 3. For centuries, the Dutch had been involved in land reclamation and plans to expand it beyond so in the late 2010's and early 2020's. However, the war put a major damper on that. The nuclear damage and casualties from the country and its geographic location caused the dams to break, the water levels to rise, and the entire country was now at least 6 feet underwater. No one survived, and the world did not even realize the damage until 2046.

X surveyed the underwater surroundings with not just nervousness, but also sorrow. His first underwater mission was on the remains of a once beautiful city, and in the gravesite of many innocent people. He placed his hands up to his comms and spoke to Nana. "X to base. I've reached the former site of Amsterdam. But it's… unsettling to be here."

"Yes, it is." Said Nana, softly. "It's not easy having to do your job over the resting place of others. But you have to focus. If Sigma wins, what happened to this city may happen to the rest of the world." X felt his spirit lifted, if only slightly. "You're right, Nana. This is no time to stand on ceremony. I'm heading down!" Without hesitation, X cut his call and dash jumped into the ocean, and into the ruined city.

X looked around his surroundings, seeing the submerged 'Venice of the North' looking worse for wear. The decades of being sunk left many buildings fallen apart or corroding, with places for the fish and sea creatures to stay. He found a noticable amount of unfriendly aquatic Mechaniloids swimming about. X chose to leave the smaller ones alone, but fire on the larger ones should they pose a threat.

"X, Jet Stingray and his platoon have been detected at Point 3845! They're engaging Octopus's forces right now!" reported Nana. "Copy that. Better get over there before they steal my kill!" Nana was less than thrilled at X's wording of his intents. Iris began her report on the target: "Launch Octopus, S-Class Hunter from the Naval Squad. He is a master of underwater combat and fancies himself an artiste, but seemed to harbor some kind of contempt for the humans. Reports indicate that he betrayed his best friend, Squid Adler, and joined Sigma once the chance presented itself."

"Of course he would, but why come to Amsterdam?" X asked. "It seems Sigma is looking for something and doesn't want us finding it. Though what it is is beyond our database." Said Iris. X rolled his eyes. He had no idea what he was looking for. Lot of help she was. "This is why you'rean intern, Iris." He said, with brutal honesty.

Colonel Patton's sister said nothing, just sulking a bit lower. Nana was trying not to get angry at X's rude comments. She ultimately said nothing as X began dashing across the sea. It didn't take him long to find some of Repliforce locked in combat with the Mechaniloids working for Octopus. X wasn't letting them get ahead of him, and rushed quickly into battle. But just as soon as he rushed, he found himself confronted by an orange Anglerge, a big angler-like Mechaniloid.

"Back off, Maverick! I don't have time for you!" X yelled, raising his buster to shoot. The Mechaniloid shot homing harpoons from it's sides, which X blasted at with ease. X quickly changed things up.

'STEEL FORM'

The Blue Bomber changed to a new titanium colored form in Steel Form. This armor was more steel and looked more square than some of the other forms he had used, but had slick armor to boot. As the Anglerge prepared to attack again, X quickly hit a Magna Shuriken which pierced through the Mechaniloid's major systems. He quickly followed up with a hard thrust kick which put it out of commission for good. With this for out, X swam to join the fight.

"Hold the line, men! We cannot let Sigma get his hands on the experimental Reploid Elpizo reported about!" shouted a yellow and blue stingray Reploid to his troops. This was Jet Stingray, commander of Repliforce's Navy branch. But X wasn't interested in anything Stingray was talking about when he reached the scene. All that mattered to him was that Mavericks were in his way and he had to kill them!

The Azure Hunter dashed through the warzone in a furious hurry. He completely ignored the sounds and signs from Repliforce and began shooting at every enemy unit he saw. He refused to hesitate as he dashed through and dropkicked several aquatic enemies. This was when he changed over to Electric Form, clobbering the opposition. He jumped down to the ocean floor and hit a Spark Pound, causing electrical charges to run through the floor and the ruins and take down every Reploid in sight… even the friendly ones in Repliforce!

"ANYONE ELSE WANT SOME?!" X shouted to the little opposition left. The few remaining were quick to retreat away from the enraged Maverick Hunter. Jet Stingray was not happy and swam to air his grievances. "X, what the hell was that just now?" he asked.

"That was me getting results, and destroying the Mavericks! Something the military doesn't seem to do good at!" X snapped at Stingray. The aquatic commander was not having any of it. "I'd watch that tone of yours, X! My soldiers are the finest and most adequate warriors you will ever find! I've been told of your recent outbursts and attitude, but it's worse up close."

"You better watch it, Stingray! I'm sending that traitor, Octopus, straight to the junkheap, and you better not get in my way!" X shouted. Before their argument could escalate, they could hear screams from a few feet from them. There were bombs dropping down onto them! "X, there's an enemy battleship directly above you! Use a propeller system nearby to get up and take it out!" shouted Nana. X rolled his eyes and swam up, using the propeller system to get a jump upwards.

X landed on a green whale-like battleship and kicked up at every Maverick on board, and shooting at the cannons it had. He quickly changed over to Fire Form, leaped up into the air and performed a massive Blaze Kick, piercing through the ship and its engines, sending it careening into the sea below. X changed back to his normal form as soon as he returned to underwater. Stingray swam over to X and glared, still not forgetting their confrontation a minute ago. "You're welcome." X said.

"You… did well, X. I owe you my gratitude." Said Stingray. "My men and I can handle things here. You go take care of Launch Octopus!" X nodded and the two saluted each other before X dashed off to find Octopus. As he took down any opposition, he found a giant red eel Mechaniloid locked in combat with another hunter, a white and blue colored squid-like Reploid, with peculiar tentacles on his back. It was Squid Adler, and he was looking awful. "Adler, hang on!" X shouted.

Squid Adler turned to face X. He was happy to see someone he could trust. Adler's damage was severe; he still hadn't recovered physically nor mentally after being betrayed by one he thought he could call a brother. Now the Utuboros was going to chew him to shreds. X wasted little time, dash-jumping onto the Maverick's head and hitting a well-placed charged buster shot. The Mechaniloid was completely annihilated, almost instantly. X ran over to Adler once he was done. "Adler, you're hurt!" he said.

"It… it's nothing, X…" Adler bluffed, holding his rib area. X could tell he was not fine. His armor was completely cracked and damaged extremely. Electricity was coming out more than normal. X knew he wouldn't hold out long. He made a necessary decision; X gave Adler one of the Sub Tanks from his belt and gave it to Adler. "Here, Adler. Drink this and you'll heal right up." He said.

"No, X… you need it!" Adler protested. "Octopus is relentless and unyielding, you will need every bit of energy you have to defeat him. Save it for yourself!" X insisted though. "I don't need it as much as you do, my friend. I'm not letting you die out here! Take it!" Adler was surprised at X's aggressive generosity. Such kindness and charity was hard to find these days, and X was taking a massive gamble by doing this. Squid Adler slowly relented, opening up and drinking up the Subtank. He felt his energy being restored almost instantaneously. "Thank you, X…"

X smiled as he took the empty Subtank. Then got back up and changed his tone to something straight-laced. "Head back to Hunter Base and rest! I'll handle the rest." He said. Adler smiled a bit from under his mask and got up. "Good luck, X!" he said as he teleported off. Satisfied, X dashed off and eventually came across a shutter. X ran through and stared down at Octopus, who seemed none too happy, especially with what was promised to him…

FLASHBACK

The days after Sky Lagoon were hardly easy for anyone. Not any easier were the rise in Maverick sightings. Even the underwater was not safe from attacks. Launch Octopus and Squid Adler were having their hands full with the increasingly frequent undersea attacks by out of control Mavericks. But this one, they knew all too well.

Bubble Crab. A diminutive red crab-like Reploid with green energy claws on his shoulders was a traitor to the Hunters, in a manner of speaking. After a few years in the job, Sigma discharged Crab when it was discovered he was smuggling treasures from the 2010's and 2020's, and selling them off on the black market. He'd been off the radar since… until now.

Adler and Octopus wondered why he would suddenly resurface now after being missing for several months. It didn't seem right, but they had little time to worry about that. Now they were going to take him in. He was found by Tokyo Bay and was giving them quite the chase. "Give it up, Crabby!" shouted Adler. "We got you and we're taking you in, one way or the other!"

"That's what you think! I'm getting the biggest score of the century, and I ain't letting you punks stop me!" yelled Crab. Charging forward, Crab activated his shoulder claws. However, Adler shot an electric beam and Octopus unleashed a volley of torpedoes. The result was a massive explosion which knocked Crab down. "What a dreadful Reploid…" lamented Octopus, condescendingly.

Squid Adler took the time to cuff Bubble Crab up and they prepared to depart. When they reached the surface, the two found themselves meeting commander Sigma, standing in front of a heavily burned docks. "Commander, we got Bubble Crab. Wait...what happened here?!" asked Adler.

"What happened was justice, Squid Adler." Said Sigma. "Justice for our kind, against the wretched filth of humanity." The two were surprised by their superior's shift in tone, Octopus getting interested in what Sigma had to say while Adler was… unnerved. He hadn't seen Sigma talk or act like this before. "Commander, I don't understand. Where is this coming from?" he asked.

"Launch Octopus. Squid Adler. For many years, I thought we were in control of our own destiny. That we were doing the right thing and keeping the right people safe. But deep down, I knew we weren't. We're just puppets on a string, used to the humans every whim. When we try breaking free, they've responded by breaking us. But now, I am intent to succeed in cutting these strings! And I want both of you to help me…"

"Commander. I must confess something…. I never liked these humans." Said Octopus. Adler was taken aback. He never heard Octopus sound so venomous. "These humans are weak cowards. We give them protection because they cannot protect themselves. I master the art of underwater combat, like a true artiste. And yet what do I get in return? Nothing. Not even so much as a good thank you from these swine!"

"Octopus, what's gotten into you?! Am I the only one that sees the problem here?" Adler asked incredulously. Bubble Crab only chuckled at this. "We must control our own destiny, Squid Adler. That is why I recruited Crab back to the frey. In spite of his avarice, he knows what I say is true, and why we must fight back. Soon, the humans would just toss you aside like yesterday's trash." Said Sigma. "If we do not fight back, then no one else will! I hope you can understand this, my friend…"

"All I understand is that all of you have gone mad!" shouted Squid Adler. "This is the language of a Maverick! I can't support this, Commander! I will take all of you in, no matter the cost!" Squid Adler powered up his stingers and prepared to strike. "Oh. So unwise…"

The moments after hearing Octopus saying this, Adler felt Bubble Crab free himself and launch a shoulder claws into his side. Before Adler could respond at all, Octopus launched a volley of pirahna-shaped missiles and Homing Torpedoes at his former comrades, causing a big explosion and Adler to scream in agony. Squid Adler was heavily damaged and fell off the docks and into the sea, but not before whispering, "O-Octopus…. Why…?"

Launch Octopus smirked, happy at his handiwork, then bowed to his commander, along with Crab. "I live to serve you… my commander. My lord…" he said. Sigma smiled, though was solumnly bitter at not being able to enlist Adler. Not that it could be helped. "You two will be of great help to create our new world! Thank you…" Sigma and his two subordinates chuckled.

END FLASHBACK

"Well well, you finally arrived." Octopus said condescendingly. "I suppose you really are out to off us all like the uncivilized brute you are, eh X?" The Maverick Hunter kept his glare at the handless traitor, gritting his metal teeth. "Launch Octopus, you disgust me!" X shouted. "How could you turn on your friends? On your brothers?!"

"Brothers? Now isn't that cute? Like we're some sort of happy family…" Octopus chuckled. "Don't make me laugh. Me and my comrades were never truly close. Squid Adler was just someone that I could use to further my career. He meant nothing to me. He never even tried to confide in me about my hatred for these humans. They don't see the true art of underwater combat that I master. No one does…"

"Because you only look after yourself! Using others to further your own goals, that's truly pathetic!" X screamed, drawing his buster. "Someone so selfish doesn't deserve to call himself a Reploid or Hunter! That's why you're going to die!" X was determined as his optics began scanning Octopus. The eight-legged Maverick laughed. "Such a kidster, X! You won't be talking so much once I bury you in this ruined city!"

With little warning, Launch Octopus fired off a swarm of five Homing Torpedoes at X. The Azure Hunter's scanners analyzed the missiles as he jumped away to try evading. Unfortunately, true to it's name, the missiles turned around to home in on him. X charged his buster and fired a buster shot at them, destroying them. "Not bad, X. Now let's see you counter THESE!" shouted Octopus, firing off another round. X was not so quick to evading this time, getting hit before he had a chance to counter.

Octopus decided to keep the pressure on, releasing more torpedoes at X. The Blue Bomber very quickly changed it up, switching to a brand new form. It was time to go on the defensive for now….

'SHIELD FORM'

The rockets hit X just as he changed his form. Emerging from the smoke, X was virtually unscathed with his new armor. The form was mostly chrome silver in color, and had shieldings on his legs and forearms. X was currently holding one of Armadillo's shields and in defensive mode. Octopus fired more of his torpedoes, but X held up his shields. In addition to the physical shield, a blue energy surrounded the edges to add extra defense. X was barely fazed by any of it.

The Aquatic Maverick chose to up the ante. He shot out his pirahna missiles at X, who awaited the projectiles, still not moving. He was expecting his scanners to begin analyzing the attack, but to his confusion they weren't. It ended up being the least of his problems as the missiles were more powerful than the Homing Torpedoes, sending X flinging into a bank and landing in a vault. All he could do was lay injured and helpless in a literal sea of money that was no doubt obsolete by today's standards.

"X, watch out! Homing Torpedoes coming in hot!" shouted Nana. X got back up in an annoyed way and blasted. Then, using his shields, he sent an energy-based version that took down the other projectiles. But even more came down, X had to try outrunning them to get out of the trap he was in. The Blue Bomber dashed all he could, but eventually the torpedoes caught him against a pillar, sending the building crashing on him.

Several minutes passed. Launch Octopus was smart enough to know that X was not going to go down by something that pathetic. He approached the rubble slowly, readying himself for when X came out. Just as soon as that, X jumped out of the rubble and fired electric shots at him, now in is Electric Form. The minute he was out of range he used one of his subtanks to heal up. He only had two left so he needed to be conservative. Unfortunately, Octopus wasn't giving him many options at this point.

Launch Octopus threw every missile he could at X, with the latter being forced to counter or try to gain distance. While easy to run around an abandoned city, X's lack of aquatic combat was not helping him in trying to outchase the torpedoes. The projectiles keep catching up, forcing X out of his Electric Form and back to his normal state. The damage was getting severe. He reached for another Subtank, but Octopus launched more missiles at him. X was not getting a chance to heal up and he was doing to get thrashed soon.

"X, fall back! You can't beat Octopus in this state!" shouted Nana. X tried standing up in defiance, but only got to one leg. "No! I already let Armadillo escape, I won't let him go…either!" X was not going to be deterred from his mission, but he was going to die soon. Unrelenting, the Hunter got up and charged at Octopus, but the Maverick just shot him point blank, flinging X back.

"Your style is too predictable, too droll. It's pathetic, really..." Octopus said. "I know I was ordered to bring you in alive… but it would be a waste to do so. Good bye, X…" Octopus readied one final shot to kill X, the Azure Hunter bracing for the worst, when suddenly, several buster shots separated the two, many of them hurting Octopus and staggering him. "What the? Who dares?!" he asked. He turned around and found his answer.

Both Octopus and X looked over to seeing a stranger leaning against a lamppost, casually tapping his buster onto his left arm. The Reploid had cyan hair that went a bit past the shoulders, and was mostly dark blue or dark purple in body armor, with yellow highlights and a gold and silver belt around his waist, almost like a cowboy. His helmet also seemed shaped like a cavalry with green gems on slants meant to simulate a cowboy hat, and had a red transparent visor over his eyes. X was perplexed as to what this guy was doing out here, and interfering in his business. He didn't look like a Maverick Hunter, nor did he have any Repliforce insignia on him.

The stranger approached the battlefield, slowly and as casual as football fan at a bar. "Been seeing a lot of new faces around here. Hear they been lookin' for me. You impressed, freakazoid?" he asked. Octopus was not. "You are the prototype I was told about? What a rude and unpleasant fellow you are! I hardly see what kind of use you would be to my master…"

"I'd be plenty use, bro. But I doubt he would be, seeing as how he's too shy to show his face around here." The stranger replied, retracting his buster and putting his hands on his hips in a casual stance. "Anyway, I don't think I'd enjoy his company if you're anything to go by…"

"I don't like your attitude! Perhaps this will bring you down a peg!" Octopus yelled out as he unleashed several missiles and torpedoes. The purple stranger just sighed, bringing out his buster again and casually but accurately shooting all of them down with blue energy shots, making them explode. The Reploid continued his walk as Octopus launched some more at him. This time, the stranger sidestepped as he continued his strut. The projectiles kept their course on their target, but the stranger—without even looking—shot them all down with blue shots nonetheless.

Octopus and X were stunned. This stranger was so calm and unhinged in his demeanor, it felt different from all the other Reploids they had seen before. "And you call big blue's style droll? You're putting me to sleep with all these fireworks!" he complained. "Gimme a real challenge, princess, and maybe I'll start trying!"

"Oh you want something new? Then how about THIS?!" Launch Octopus jumped and sun into the air, creating a vertical mini-typhoon. X's scanners analyzed this move, as he and the stranger found themselves getting pulled in or getting hit by the currents. Despite this, the stranger didn't really flinch. In fact, he pulled out the handle to a double-edged beam sword, but only one side activated.

The beam was in a red color and the stranger swam up into the current, which was taking a bit of his energy along with it, and then slashed at Octopus's tentacles, severing two of them as he careened down to the ocean floor. X was in shock of what was happening. Not only did this stranger act so calm in his demeanor of countering all of Octopus's attacks, but he was able to send the Maverick reeling! He was actually getting a little annoyed at how he was stealing his thunder.

The girls at Hunter Base were just as stunned. They were picking up an unknown Reploid energy signature, but they were completely stunned seeing and hearing what was happening. Who was this guy, and where did he even come from? And was he even a friend or someone they could trust?

Launch Octopus tried gaining distance by firing a dozen missiles, but the stranger pilled out his buster and fired. This time, however, his buster shots were colored red and were far more powerful than before. The Reploid charged through the dust and slashed away precisely, slicing off all his arms and laving a massive slash scar into his chest. Octopus could only scream in pain as the stranger charged up his buster, then pounded it into the ground. Laser beams rose up in the area around the stranger, completely incinerating Octopus, who could only scream in agony.

The stranger got up, retracted his buster and struck a cool, casual pose. "Now that's… checkmate." He said, and snapped his fingers, pointing his index to nothing in particular. The minute he snapped, Octopus exploded behind him. X's jaw was agape. He could not believe what he just saw.

"DOWNLOAD COMPLETE. WATER FORM UNLOCKED. HOMING TORPEDO AND MARINE TORNADO OBTAINED."

X took a whiff of a Subtank as he heard his systems make the announcement. He was glad to get the abilities, but he was fuming at how he got them. X didn't kill Octopus like he was meant to; it was this new guy! He stole X's kill and was strutting off like nothing happened. No way was X letting this slide!

"X, you saw that right?" Nana asked. "An unknown Reploid appeared on our scanners not too long ago and destroyed Octopus. I don't have any data on him! What happened just now, X?!"

"I don't know, Nana… but I'm gonna find out." X said with venom in his voice, as he dashed off to the departing stranger. Because the man wasn't walking fast, it was easy for him to catch up. X grabbed him by the shoulder and yanked him around. "Hey buddy! Who do you think you are?!" he shouted. "You've got some nerve interfering in Maverick Hunter business and stealing my hit!"

"Whoa whoa, ease up dude." The stranger said cooly. "I'm just you're regular passing-through wild card. No need to get physical, 'specially since you ain't my type."

"I don't care who you are, you got questions to answer back at base! Nana, I'm bringing him in! Don't be too nice, we don't know if we can trust him!" X said.

"Right back at ya." Said the stranger. "So what do I call ya, Big Blue?" He seemed genuinely wanting to be polite to X, but the Hunter was not letting his guard down right now.

"My name is X, a Maverick Hunter! Now before I teleport out and bring you in for interrogation, who are you?!" X said. The stranger flicked his hair as he was handcuffed and teleported off back to Hunter Base. When they returned and he was taken by security, he pushed a switch on his helmet, which retracted his lens visor.

"Call me…. Dynamo."

17:45 – PROFESSOR RIMMER'S ESTATE – FULHAM, LONDON

Professor Kristine Rimmer was enjoying a nice evening to herself among the chaos. She was unsurprised to learn of Sigma's rebellion against mankind. In fact, she felt fully responsible for it. Rimmer wanted Sigma to try to have as much hope in humanity as he could, hoping his honor and conscious would win over. Alas, it was not to be. She's been more surprised how Sigma hasn't attempted to attack her yet. Maybe he does have some sort of goodness left…

The good doctor was eating her dinner when she received a sort of call from Hunter HQ. She went over to her computer to answer. Nana was the one to call and appear on the screen. "Good evening, Professor Rimmer. I see you're still doing well for yourself." She said.

"Ah, Nana. Always a pleasure to see you, dear." Said the Professor. "You Hunters must be being kept busy in the last few days. What is the status of your progress?"

"It's been about fifty-fifty, ma'am." Said Nana. "We've been managing to keep casualties as low as possible and defeating several of Sigma's prime commanders, but progress still hasn't been swell. We haven't been able to locate his base of operations quite yet. I fear this conflict is bringing out the worst of us…"

"I would not worry too much. This is all a day's work for the Maverick Hunters. Speaking of which… how's your boyfriend?" Professor Rimmer always thought X and Nana were designed for one another, and would usually tease the two. Normally, Nana would go into a hot red tirade and deny any interest. But not this time. Nana kept her stoic persona, but wore a mask of deep concern as well. "Actually, Professor… I called you for that reason."

Rimmer ceased her teasing instantly. She knew something was wrong if Nana was not going to try refuting her claims. "What's happened? Is X okay?" she asked, concerned. "Physically speaking, yes. But since Sigma's betrayal, he's gotten more… emotional. He's been more aggressive and focused, and has lashed out at anyone that looks at him the wrong way. I called to ask if you knew anything about this?"

Rimmer sighed. Now she felt more guilty than before. Now it wasn't just humanity that triggered Sigma; it was X. She told him everything about X, and knew exactly what he planned to do. "I was afraid of this. X is slowly growing into what I feared… an emotion-driven killing machine. Nana, I want you to listen long and carefully about what I am about to tell you." Nana nodded, she wanted to know anything and everything wrong with X, and was willing to do everything for him.

"X, my greatest work… He was made with such limitless potential as a warrior and as a species. He thinks and feels more deeply than any of you. It's why you see him hesitate or lash out, because he cares… But it's also a great danger. I forewarned Sigma about this when he was still your commander, that if X were to be completely and negatively overwhelmed by his emotions, there is no telling what could happen…

"My greatest fear is that he could not only be the world's protector, but also his destroyer. Sigma's plan appears to be drive X to the point of anger, despair, and sadness, a point of no return where X could be the ultimate Maverick. He could be a greater danger than Sigma could ever dream of. I fear it is my fault for disclosing everything about my son to Sigma, because now, if what you say is true…"

Professor Rimmer looked at the screen. Nana was interested but horrified by her story. She didn't want to think it, but the reality was becoming more grim. X's attitude has been nasty ever since the missile strikes. It's what she and the others feared: Sigma's true goal wasn't just to destroy humankind, it was to corrupt X.

Nana shook off the tears that were beginning to form. "I…I understand, Professor." She said. "We have to keep X away from that goal. Me and Iris will try to lighten him up a bit or get him on the right path. I want to help X, more than anything… I'm glad you could help!"

"Always. I wish you good luck, but be warned that it could be too late. In which case…" Rimmer stopped herself before she coud finish and immediately changed the topic to sign off. "Whatever you do. Protect X. Make sure he cannot do more harm than good, please…" Nana nodded and signed off. Rimmer returned to her dinner, but more worried than ever that she might have caused a bigger problem….

"What have I done…?"

TO BE CONTINUED…

(A/N: PHEW! I know I say this a lot, but this was exhausting! I spent a month on this, and work has not been too kind on me. Now normally I start the next chapter as soon as I publish the last one. However, this time, I will have to wait about a week. I'll wait for Christmas time to be over before starting work on Boomer Kuwanger, and hoo boy, are you not gonna wanna miss that! I hope you guys liked it! Please remember to review and share this, and have a happy holidays! See you in the new year!)