"Well, that was unexpected."

It was a rather boring statement, but ROB couldn't think of a better one to describe the recent turn of events. They had been surprised that the peace summit her pet had been summoned to had not ended in bloodshed, but that was hardly a problem: they didn't mind letting him enjoy some peace before it was dashed by their actions. The trespasser was also a curveball, but they had rolled with it: the interloper had moved Flame to action, and perhaps a show of force on his part would sow the seeds of paranoia among the colonists. What had transpired at the base, though, could pose a problem to their plans.

The existence of XCOM in this universe was unexpected: no hints of it had been dropped in the game, and they hadn't noticed their presence when she had observed other variations of this universe. What it meant was currently unknown, but the mere fact XCOM existed meant that there were additional variables that they had not planned for, ones that could be problematic in the future. They would have to wait and see how things panned out before they acted. How troublesome.

Turning their attention away from these troubling developments, they returned their attention to Commander Flame. He was keeping himself busy setting up a care center for all of the people he had rescued from the Blind Eye crime syndicate, which, if they had understood the conversation that the XCOM commander had had with his subordinates correctly, was merely a front for EXALT. They were impressed that said organization had managed to survive this far into the future, though they were still scum of the Earth. Not that ROB had room to judge, considering their actions.

Pushing those thoughts away for now, ROB began to consider what they could do to interfere with Flame's plans.

"Um, my liege? May I speak with you?"

Popped out of their thoughts for a moment, ROB turned to face the one who had questioned them. It was a being not unlike Mortarax, both insectoid and reptilian in appearance. The similarities were no coincidence: this being and Mortarax were part of the same species, merely belonging to different castes. This one was a member of the worker caste, specifically one meant to be a servant, as its obedient demeanor made clear.

"Of course. What do you wish?"

"Forgive me, but we were unable to acquire the item you desired. We were out-bided. I apologize for the inconvenience..."

"Stop."

The being went quiet, stiff with fear. He was unsure how his lord would react, and if they were unhappy...

"You were out-bided, I understand. I didn't give you much to place a bid with any ways. I'm not going to punish you."

"...really?"

"Would it benefit me in any way other than personal pleasure?"

"Um...um...no..."

"Exactly. I don't stand anything to gain from punishing you, and besides, I'm the one at fault here. You're free to go. You can have tomorrow off."

"...What?"

"Do you want to work tomorrow?'

"N-n-no, it's just..."

"Then go."

Not willing to anger his master, the being quickly scuttled away.

ROB sighed. It looked like they would have to wait awhile to get that mauler fiend miniature. Oh well.

Their focus on messing with the commander had made them slip up on their other interests. True, it was fun to screw over Flame, but if it was done too often, it became boring, and it also interfered with their other interests. It was not something they liked to acknowledge, but it was true.

In spite of that, their attention once again turned to the Commander. Now, what would rile him up the most?

Additional conflict? They may have wanted him to suffer, but breaking him too early would be counterproductive to their plans.

Harm the subjects? Even they wasn't that cruel or petty.

Hack his drones? That would be fun, but he would probably destroy the rogue machines before too long.

This was not a productive session of thought, ROB realized. Adding to this was the ever-present fear that the OverROB would show up unannounced-Oh. Yes. Yes indeed. That would work. That would definitely rile up the Commander. Plus it would give them the satisfaction of seeing him completely lose his cool.

Silently, they reached out with their mind until they found who they were looking for.

"Skal'lax, could you please ask Elling and Mortarax to come to my office.. I have need of you again. I apologize for interrupting the break I just gave you."

"It is nothing, your grace. Your will shall be done."

"Thank you. Could you also ask the flight crew to prepare my ship and fetch my guards. I believe it is time that I...did some sight-seeing."

"As you command...um, do you wish to bring Cassidy along? She really would like to see some new locals."

"...um...well...sure. Make sure that she's constantly under watch."

"Of course. Any other requests, sir?"

"It's fine."

"Understood. Your will be done."

With that, ROB ended the telepathic conversation. Beneath the mask on their face, ROB smiled. They was going to enjoy this immensely.

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AN: Read and Review! This is Flameal15k, signing off!