Vega was unusually perceptive, and so was Sara.

These skills, when in use against others, gave them a slight edge in most interactions. Sara was quite aware of her capabilities and wielded them artfully; Vega less so, not having even grown into his full potential yet.

But the interesting thing: these abilities ended up all but useless against one another.

Even as unusual as Vega's childhood had been - or perhaps, because of it - he was wise to Sara's abilities. Likewise Sara was wise to his, even if neither consciously understood it.

The end result was that two people, self-assured of their situational supremacy, had massive blind spots to one another.

It was of course the preferred choice of a mischievous young child that his mother not have psychic insight into his misbehavior. Just as it was the preferred choice now, of a child who was quite aware he'd fucked up.

He could still move his arm. Nothing seemed seriously wrong, expected pain and weakness aside. His shoulder would heal soon enough, but for the time being he had to keep it low, tucked close, and make sure the bandages stayed in place.

Then maybe Sara wouldn't notice.

This sucked, but so did just about everything else in his life right now.

He'd grown tired of being an unwelcome stranger in a place he couldn't call home, but he couldn't really leave. Where would he go?

He knew Sara would try to come after him regardless. And if he perceived nothing else from the woman, what he did grasp was her fear. He didn't understand it, and wanted to dismiss it… but he felt deeply uncomfortable exacerbating it.

On some level, he knew it was genuine.

But why was she so afraid? Of what?

He wanted to simply dismiss it as cowardice, wanted to go and take everything that made up Backdraft back. Wanted to make everything right again, wanted Sara to stop being so ridiculous.

With One by his side, it should be easy, after all. He was the King.

And all of this nonsense going on now? Was very, very unbecoming for a King.

With Bit's help, Vega dragged a mid-sized basin out of storage, and filled it with water. Bit had a strong impression from Zero that an uncomfortable Organoid might like to soak itself. For lack of better ideas, that's what they went with.

Both Organoids seemed very interested in the basin once it had water in it. Zero jutted its head past Bit with an undignified and excited wiggle, while One's head and neck snaked past Vega to peer.

After a moment of investigation, the two creatures started drinking out of the basin like over-large dogs.

Vega squinted at One's unspoken complaint. He left and returned shortly with a sack of salt, something he'd remembered seeing in the big pantry.

Bit at first watched, then helped the child pour the entire bag into the basin. The two knelt and each used an arm to stir, watching the Organoids react with delighted surprise.

Well, Zero reacted that way. Vega could tell One was pleased, though outwardly it looked the same as ever.

~This is quite clever.~ Zero said to Bit, who didn't really know how to react to a compliment regarding the existence of solubility.

~I thought water was all now simply bad.~ One said.

"Why didn't you guys say you were thirsty?" Bit said with slight alarm, as he watched the two continue to drink. Their efforts had removed a good third of the water.

Vega wordlessly asked the same of One, and received only confusion. Thirst wasn't a state it could relate with. Dry, though. Was thirsty dry? It didn't really care. It liked this.

"I guess Zi used to be a really different place." Vega said quietly.

Bit mumbled vague agreement, not particularly interested in pondering or discussing the past.

~We never saw it. But we know what was lost.~ Zero said, finally lifting its head.

~Our good fortunes never cease.~ One added, sourly. It too finished drinking, then clambered into the basin, its body almost completely filling the space. The black Organoid rumbled and sloshed gently back and forth, the splash and initial overflow soaking Bit and Vega both.

Bit sighed as he stood, flicking his wet arms. "We'll see if this helps."

Vega nodded, and knelt beside the basin. One dipped to the child's level, submerging its snout and the wound on its head. It exhaled a cluster of bubbles and dozed off like so, to a gentle background of Vega scratching the ridges on its snout and brows.

The Liger's anxious attention drove an uncomfortable Bit out of the hangar and deeper into the intact portion of the base.

Despite reassurances, Bit was quite worried. He wasn't upset with Zero or the Liger - he couldn't be, really. But between Vega's state, his worry about Naomi and Brad, what Sara had said, Polta's undesired presence, and everything else going on - he felt hollowed out, stuck, sick, and uncertain. Almost lost.

Zero couldn't - wouldn't - permit One to continue killing Zoids. Bit agreed wholeheartedly with the sentiment, but was more willing than Zero to grapple with the situation's nuance.

Vega put on a good front, but when his guard was down, he looked unwell. Being responsible for anything that pushed him further that way made Bit feel like garbage.

"I thought you fixed this," The blonde said under his breath to Zero, who was silently following him.

~I did.~

"Obviously, you didn't."

There came the distinct sensation of being scruffed, and Bit froze mid-stride. Zero caught up to him, curved its neck around, and regarded Bit. Intently and head-on.

~Bit. Allow me to explain.~

A blink and, though Bit was quite cognizant of standing in a hallway, he also saw and felt as if he were in the Liger's cockpit. Off to his left stood the Berserk Fury without its armor, uncharacteristically still.

~One? Is not whole. A part of who he is, is gone. Splintered off. Lost to time.~

Zero demonstrated the concept in abstract, and Bit found his focus forced to a gap where something was missing. Something small - but something significant, and the gap had dangerously-sharp, raw-looking edges.

~This is what caused One's prior… behavior.~

Bit was made privy to a deep, rip-tide-like current that wanted to drag him closer to this gap. At first, he took it as an example. But when it didn't let up, he grew alarmed. "Zero."

Zero narrowed its optics at him. ~What do you feel?~

It was difficult - no, it was impossible to resist for long. Bit just didn't have the strength. His mind kicked into a feral panic at being shoved up against the mere idea of One.

Zero stopped short of any pain being inflicted, but the implication was clear.

Then Zero imaged both Vega and Brad. They couldn't resist the current either, though their efforts to do so made Bit feel weak by comparison.

It didn't matter. They both eventually wore out, buckled, and were dragged close. The vicious edge cut them deeply - and identically. Bit already understood this concept in abstract, and didn't really want to see it being illustrated like this.

He looked away.

Zero forced him to look back.

It indicated at the gap's edges, and imaged the vicious edge being made molten, smoothed over, then cooled. No longer raw, no longer sharp. The gap remained, but the current died down.

~That. Is what we have done. That was the only way to stop One from destroying Vega - and Brad - alike.~ Zero shook its head mildly. ~It troubles me to consider how many lives were prior lost in such an unspeakably brutal way.~

Bit's pupils constricted against the imagery bleeding into his head. He tightly shut his eyes.

"Stop. Please."

~Do you understand?~

"Yes."

Bit wasn't chagrined, as Zero didn't seek to humiliate or scold. It sought only to prove its point. Which it had.

~I was able to mend Vega's wounds. But there will always be a scar.~ Zero breathed a sigh and shook its head. ~And Brad… as you know, would not accept my help. He may eventually heal, but One's nature makes it unlikely.~

Bit stopped, watching the creature continue down the hall for several seconds.

"I think he was just afraid of you."

~No. He was ashamed of his actions, and angry.~ Zero said, glancing back. ~It does not matter, either way. I do not intend to trouble myself nor you with the burdens of fools. I will always help those who ask.~

A pause.

~But they must ask.~

Bit frowned, but nodded. The two continued down the corridor.

"Bud." Bit said after a few moments. "Why didn't you go with Brad? Or Leon? Or even Steve?"

Zero's rhythmic steps filled the ensuing silence.

~Greed. Doubt.~ It finally said, then looked at Bit. ~Sadness.~

The answer felt far more personal than Bit expected, the blonde receiving Zero's precise recollection of each. But Steve caught him completely off-guard, and Bit squinted, confused. He knew Toros wore many strange hats and was many things, but sad wasn't one of them.

Zero rumbled and stood up straight as it arrived in the main lounge, where the ceiling was somewhat taller.

Bit took the rail and slid down onto one of the benches with the ease of practice. He looked up at his massive Organoid, who returned the regard.

"So. What can we do to help One?"

Sara sat silently in a small, dark room, her face and little else illuminated by the glow of a datapad.

The voice coming from it was a bit garbled, intentionally-distorted. There was no video. "I told you. I wasn't interested."

"I know. But things have changed."

"So I've heard." A pause. "You shouldn't have brought up the CPG to the Committee."

Sara shook her head, not that anyone could see her. "Alteil did that."

"I meant the Berserk Fury's."

"I know. But they had to know. Or else the Fury would've been swarmed the first time it fired. It was part of the agreement."

"Hmh." It was difficult to tell what subtleties the distorted voice expressed. "They're watching the base now, you know."

Sara went silent for several moments.

"Shit."

A different voice, also distorted, chimed in. "Don't flatter yourself. The CPG discharge is what drew their attention. Toros used to work for ZOITEC, so…"

"That's ridiculous. They should know civilians wouldn't have the components."

The second voice chuckled, dryly. "Ehh, lots of stuff showing up where it shouldn't. The Jackals have taken full advantage of Backdraft's silence. Law of unintended consequences… nobody's happy."

Sara faltered, then scowled down at the datapad. "I fucking warned them-"

The first voice returned, with an overtone of amusement. "As always, you were not heeded. Though I think your little coup may have dissuaded some."

Sara pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed, falling silent again.

After another pause: "You'll be paid once I have access to funds again."

"I don't need your money. And it's bold of you to assume you'll be getting access to anything back. Nevermind funding."

"Then what can I offer you?"

"The same thing I can offer you, Sara."

Zero had taken to pacing the circular border of the lounge, rumbling as it spoke.

~Our kind in long-ancient times was known to gorge and cache when food was plentiful. So that in times of scarcity, they and their colony would fare better. One is very much a creature of instinct, perhaps it is this behavior he indulges.~

Bit sat listening to one of what'd become many impromptu lessons. He wasn't sure whether to be amazed by or terrified of the imagery of an Organoid colony.

~But. Organoids within Zoidian society no longer had to hunt to feed. Instead we simply symbiose with Zoid Cores, and share in the bounty of processed energy. Zoids benefit because our systems are faster and boost theirs. We benefit because Zoids are bountiful creatures, and have much to share.~

Zero folded to a seated posture, and started idly grooming its shoulder.

~We also used to remove and consume parasites. From Zoids, and one another. But I have not seen such creatures for many years. Perhaps they have been eradicated.~

"Gross."

~No, they were quite good. Crunchy.~

"Gross." Bit insisted, shaking his head to dislodge Zero's unwanted sharing of the sensation. "Is there anything we can just… pull together, for One? For Vega?"

Zero snorted. ~It's likely One can symbiose, just does not want to. Or perhaps does not recall how. You know how… arrogant, he can be. Vega unfortunately magnifies these traits.~

Bit didn't enjoy thinking negatively of Vega, but... Zero was right. He squinted. "So… we just make One symbiose."

Zero arched a brow. ~I am unaware of how to go about 'making' him do anything.~

"I mean. Tell. Ask? Suggest?"

~It may be up to Vega. Who seems reluctant to disagree with One.~

"Then we'll both tell him."

~...your optimism is what I truly appreciate about you.~

"Hey."

Zero thumped its tail gently and chuffed, a chuckle.

~Though I unfortunately expect moderate conflict, I am confident we can set One and Vega straight. I do want to think that this issue is solely in their heads. But I am not certain.~

One had shared but a fraction of its experience as part of the Berserk Fury with Zero, in conversation. Zero knew better than to share this directly with Bit - but suffice to say, the recollection was not a healthy one.

It was difficult to understand how the black Organoid had arrived in such a state. But Zero likewise had difficulty recalling exactly how he'd come to be part of the Liger Zero. It'd been pondering the matter recently, as part of its larger effort to sort through the jagged mess of its memory.

Many things, it felt it simply didn't want to recall.

No one, not even it, could change the past. So why dwell?

Mid-afternoon.

Steve sat at a table filled with blueprints and schematics, pondering them intently. Every now and then he leaned forward with a pencil to draw or jot something down. The base needed extensive reconstruction; there was no reason to leave out long-desired improvements.

"Doc?"

It was Jaime, peering into the room.

"Mm." Steve briefly lifted his eyes in acknowledgment, but didn't stop what he was doing.

"You mind if I ask you something?"

"Mm."

Jaime watched Toros work for a few moments. Rebuilding the base was clearly a serious task, and when actually concentrating, Steve could look pretty grim. Jaime would much prefer that the man be engrossed in the playful levity of a Zoid model.

"Do you think some people are better than others?" Jaime finally said.

"More skilled, certainly."

"No, I mean… better."

The older man's eyes rose again, in a squint. "Better how?"

"Better everything. Height. Sight. Reflexes. Smarts. Stuff like that." Jaime loosely demonstrated himself. "You know. Genetically."

Steve set his jaw, silent for a moment. "Better is pretty subjective."

"C'mon Doc. You know what I mean."

"Things being uniform isn't necessarily better. Different doesn't mean worse." At length, the man gave Jaime his full attention. "Pretty complicated question, really. Can I ask what prompted it?"

Jaime only shrugged. "Just wondering."

Steve's purple eyes flicked in study, then he resumed what he was doing. "Alright."

Jaime didn't move or leave, and stared until it became uncomfortable. He stood, stiff and hesitant.

The older man glanced up again after a span, face one of wordless - and borderline impatient - inquiry.

"Did Oscar ever join the Backdraft?" Jaime asked, bluntly.

Steve looked sharply back down at his work, chewing his lip. "That's... a conversation you should have with him."

Jaime's eyebrow twitched. That was a yes if he'd ever heard one.

Bit stuck his head into the open door of Leon's quarters.

"Have you been in touch with Naomi, recently?"

Leon was resting on his bed, reading a book. He didn't look at Bit as he spoke.

"No. Tried to call her and Brad earlier in the week. No answer. Went to her apartment yesterday. Not there either."

Leon didn't like that he didn't know where the two were, especially given the unsettling new "friend" they seemed likely to be in the company of.

But. He knew that the two could handle themselves, whatever they did. He just wished they would have at least mentioned something. Anything. At least let him know where they were off to? Especially with how things had been. If they wanted to be alone, that was fine, just...

Well, no. It was fine for them. It was not fine for him.

Leon hated admitting it to himself, but he missed Naomi's company. Badly. He hated everything going on, in the base and otherwise. He'd made bad choices and now had to sit and simmer in the horrible, unhappy soup he'd made.

The man irritably hosed down his inner dialogue and, at length, looked up towards Bit.

"Why?"

But no one was there. The blonde had already ducked out.

Leon squinted and stood, heading out to catch up with Bit.

Layon was seated by the heater in his study, reclined and drinking straight from a bottle of vodka. The sharp rapping on his base's main door was audible even across the building.

He glanced at the window.

The recently-set sun left the sky a murky purple. Everything outside was covered in snow, and the temperature was well below freezing. The growing night would only add to that.

Who on earth would be out here? And why would they come to his base? It was remote for a reason. He didn't want to be bothered.

Layon took another deep pull from the nearly-empty bottle and lay back, closing his eyes. Not his problem.

"Layon!" A woman's voice.

He cracked an eye. The Fluegel Team woman. Naomi.

He closed his eyes again. Didn't care. He was warm and growing warmer, and wasn't about to open any doors to the cold.

Layon didn't perceive a flash of light beyond what his eyelids afforded, but the surprise of it startled him into opening his eyes wide - and he recoiled at Brad being right there.

"Layon!" Brad roared, snow in his hair. "Get up and help us!"

Well into the territories of inebriation, Layon swatted dismissively at the man.

"Get outta my base, asshole."

"There's something wrong with the Shadow Fox!"

"Yup. And it's standing right in front of me."

"I'm serious! We need your help!"

Slight focus came back to Layon's eyes, and he blinked up at Brad.

The man wasn't joking, was he.

This hadn't been a good night to get shit-faced, had it.