"The price you ask is outrageous." High-Max's crystal bulb eyes did not betray any emotion but the growing frustration was audible in his voice synthesizer. "What could you possibly do with such resources? Such a cost would be a tremendous sacrifice for our cause and would severely limit our ability to operate."
High-Max paced angrily around the main hall of Crimson Palace. The two large plates affixed to his head cast an eerie shadow on the red tinged metallic walls of the large room. He no longer wished to sit in the chair that was offered to him at the long, rectangular table, opposite Red. He had been invited to the headquarters of Red Alert. The chamber where the meeting was held was a vast open space with a high ceiling. High-Max was not at all intimidated by the reploid guards that lined the chamber.
"You don't need your operation anymore." Red remained seated and calm. "I'm handing over to you, the keys to victory."
High-Max continued to probe his host for any signs of weakness, but it was clear that Red fully understood the significance of the technology that had fallen into his lap. Ultimately, High-Max would be forced to accept whatever terms were offered to him and the marginal gains he made in these negotiations were a small bonus. The prospect of turning humans Maverick was too valuable to pass up. It was also critical that he secure the only copy of the antivirus and destroy it. However, High-Max was outraged by the way he was being taken advantage of by Red Alert, and highly suspicious of the way they were capitalizing on the situation, and the power they would soon wield. High-Max would not allow himself to be coerced in this way.
The pair spent some time discussing how the effectiveness of these devices would be tested and how the transaction was to take place. Once they came to an agreement, High-Max stormed out of the palace through the main entrance.
One of the Red Alert guards began to shine brightly into a dazzling white light and took on the shape of Axl. He held up the neuro-augmentor and examined it closely. "They sure do want this thing real bad."
Leaning back in his chair, Red's smug look of contentment changed into a grimace. He got up from the table and walked over to Axl.
"Of course they want it. We hold in our hands the weapons that will win the war for either side. They will pay anything for them" Red took the device from Axl. "Why did you disguise yourself just now?"
Axl, nervously trying to redirect the conversation, took out the data crystal containing the antivirus and took a couple of steps away. "I still don't get why we're giving it to the Mavericks. Aren't we in this to stop them?"
"It is not your job to 'get it'." Red walked towards Axl to take the data crystal. "We'll extort the Mavericks of all their resources. It will cripple their operation. Red Alert will have all the power."
Axl turned away from him and continued to examine the crystal. "But we could put an end to them with this."
"You would force this antivirus on every Maverick?" Red asked. "How is this compulsory reprogramming any better than the Sigma Virus itself?"
"When did you get so worried about being fair to Mavericks?" Axl pointed at Red with the data crystal. Axl had a smirk on his face.
"Red Alert can become much more influential with Mavericks as allies." Red stood right in front of Axl, but resisted the temptation to reach for the antivirus or even look at it. "Mavericks have a lot more to offer than just their resources. Besides, it was the Hunters who set the narrative about Mavericks being the villains. They were forced into violence when the Hunters decided to eradicate them."
Finally, in one swift motion, Red snatched the crystal from Axl.
"On the other hand, this is just as valuable to the Maverick Hunters. Their capacity to pay may be greater." Red held up the crystal to emphasize his point. "Axl, you are going to open negotiations with them to see what they are willing to put forward. You are to make it clear that we will remain in control of the antivirus and we will provide the cure as a service for a fee per reploid. Additionally, any reploids built as Mavericks will be repurposed for Red Alert."
Having the data crystal in his hands brought a smile to Red's face. "We need to make sure the Hunters take this seriously. With the Sigma Virus affecting humans, they will have no choice but to agree to our demands. We'll make a fortune from both sides and Red Alert will become unstoppable. We will be able to shape this world the way we see fit."
Red had been pacing the room, but now turned to face Axl. "It is important I'm not seen with the Hunters, lest the Mavericks get suspicious. That is why I have left this to you. You will go in disguise. Make sure X is the one you speak with. He will be the most receptive to this diplomatic solution."
Red did not wait for any response from Axl and turned to leave, still grinning as he exited the main hall.
Axl was left alone with his thoughts. What were they even doing now? He signed up to fight Mavericks, not to invite them over and make deals with them. Red hadn't seemed himself lately. He was always so passionate about making things better, but was now preoccupied with wealth and power. Doubt entered Axl's thought processes and he wondered if it was the right thing to do to put an end to Dr. Doppler. He thought back to that encounter in the jungle research lab and the thought of committing such a grisly act for nothing was too much to bear. He put it out of his processor. Doppler had to go. It was paramount that Red Alert had the only surviving copy of the antivirus and neuro-augmentor.
Normally, Axl would be thrilled at the opportunity to meet X, the legendary Maverick Hunter, but now was dreading it. He had encountered X while in disguise, but would now have a chance to reveal himself and formally meet him. Axl wondered about what happened to this famous warrior who had become so elusive. Once again, Axl was thrust into an unfortunate position in which he had to deceive X, and compel him into a trap.