Theory#5: Asimov eliminated Gunvolt and Joule wrong.
If Asimov were to have been thinking logically, he would've disposed of Gunvolt and Joule's bodies. In this way, Sumeragi could not study their bodies and attempt to recontinue Project Gunvolt or Project Muse. While the Septimas cannot be reobtained after a short period of time has passed, the bodies can be studied.
The gunshot was still ringing in Asimov's ears. He was impressed, but also frightened, that a human could create such a weapon. Asimov was also dissapointed that Gunvolt and Joule weren't more compliant with his request. Currently, his ideal King and Queen were in a combined pool of their own blood on the floor.
It was an unfortunate sacrifice, but one that had to be made nonetheless. If Moniqa were to hear of this, well, what would she think? This was certainly something Asimov worried about. Both Moniqa and Zeno were waiting on Earth to hear about the mission's success.
Luckily, he had an idea. He would just tell the Team Sheeps members that Gunvolt died trying to fight Nova. As for Joule, while fused with Nova, Gunvolt tried to free her. However, an unexpected twist occured, causing both Firmament's master and Sumeragi's ex-Muse to pass on.
Playing it in his head again assured Asimov that this was the ultimate excuse. But, there was another matter he had to attend to first. Somebody would find Nova dead eventually, same for Gunvolt and Joule. The first thing they would probably do was bring their bodies to one of Sumeragi's testing facilities.
Then, they would try to ultimately retrieve their Septimosomes. Deciding to make this possibility nonexistent, Asimov used his Azure Striker to boil the blood into nothing and char the bodies beyond recognition. He knew what it was like to be experimented on, to be held against his will. To be seen as inferior, wanting a chance.
He felt awful for killing Gunvolt, not so much for Joule. When Asimov tasked Gunvolt with taking down Sumeragi's Muse, he expected no second thoughts from his most prized employee. However, when he heard what Gunvolt said, his thoughts about the new Striker changed. Thus, strain in their bond began to show.
Especially when Asimov forced Gunvolt to choose between someone else's life or his own. Asimov felt he taught Gunvolt the right thing. He was sacrificing himself for the sake of others after all. Upon hearing multiple sets of rapidly approaching footsteps, Asimov thought it best to take his leave.
Once the elevator doors opened, Moniqa and Zeno were shocked to just see their leader. Zeno looked to the left and right of Asimov while Moniqa gained a concerned expression.
"I'm confused, what happened to GV and Joule?" Zeno wondered.
"I'm afraid they're no longer with us." Asimov admitted.
"What!?" Moniqa cried as she held her hands over her mouth.
"Surely you've gotta be jokin' boss. There's no way GV could ever be defeated. Because, well, he's GV you know and there's no way anyone could stop him." Zeo refuted.
"It's true I'm afraid. Nova absorbed Joule to increase his power. GV did all that he could to save her. But, in the end, Nova's Clamator Aetherus attack wiped them all out." Asimov lied.
Zeno immediately turned depressed while Moniqa went pale.
Some time later, while looking over old footage taken from Firmament, Moniqa made a shocking realization.
"Zeno, come over here, there's something important I need to show you." Moniqa demanded.
Zeno walked over to where Moniqa was sitting in front of a monitor.
"I don't get it, what's all the buzz about? An empty hallway?" Zeno mocked.
"N-no, take a look at this. You know how Asimov said GV and Joule died from Nova's attack? It was all a lie. But, it would've been better than the truth." Moniqa notified as she continued the footage.
It showed Asimov having a showdown with Gunvolt and Joule. Zeno felt panic rising in his chest when he saw Asimov aim the gun at his friends. Nothing though, could have prepared him for what he saw next. Asimov actually had the nerve to fire the gun.
Not put on the safety, not put it down, or hand it to GV for him to use. No, he had to shoot his comrades. The sight made Zeno's blood run cold. Suddenly, Moniqa and Zeno heard footsteps approaching, so she turned off the footage.
It was a good thing she did, since Asimov was the one who stopped by.
"Are you two feeling okay?" Asimov worried.
"Would it be alright if we gave a two weeks notice? I just can't stand being here without GV. It's just too much, like there's a vital thing missing." Moniqa answered.
"I don't see why you would want to quit. But, I will give you both a couple of weeks off. I agree, losing GV was one of QUILL's worst misfortunes." Asimov informed.
Moniqa nodded and Zeno gave his thanks before the two left. During their supposed vacation, they messaged every single QUILL member globally. Sharing the truth meant they risked a lot. But in honor of GV's sacrifice and making certain nobody else suffered, they sent a warning.
Soon after, the whole of QUILL disbanded. Asimov was left with no employees and no means of fighting Sumeragi. Well, other than doing it himself of course, but the concept itself was preposterous. When the half year anniversary of QUILL's dissolve rolled around, Asimov had an idea.
If he couldn't fight Sumeragi on his own, then he would have no choice but to join them. Just like Gunvolt, he would constantly be on the run from Sumeragi. As long as he wasn't part of their company, he had a target on his back. Asimov needed someone with the firepower and influence that his plan required.
There was just one thing preventing him from doing this, and that was pain. Sumeragi caused him so much of it that turning to them for aid felt like admitting defeat. He made QUILL so he could help Adepts separate themselves from Sumeragi. If Asimov was going to do this though, he needed to get started on the plan ASAP.