The land was bleak.
There was rarely any day that Zero considered a 'good day'.
Weather was fickle in this new world. The sterile halls of Gate's lab was a heaven compared to the unending storms and radioactive swirls that overtook the once beautiful world. Wounds on his body festered from the weather and dust that brutalized his body. The pain in Zero's heart eternal with only one beating in his chest.
Life here was a struggle. His body dragged across the barren wastelands. Unending in his journey to the promised land. But even Zero did not know what that exactly was. All he did in this unending hell was wander far and wide pondering his loathsome existence.
It had been forever since he heard his own voice.
Carefully Zero slide down a dune, his feet landing on the hard rocky ground filled with large shattered metal. The remnants of Eurasia. The place he tried to free the world from. Only to fail. His hand glided across the rusting metal. Observing the interior structure of the colony. Looking at the faded away brush strokes of labels and other identifying features that may have once been lived in. He wondered what this room might have been. A nursery for babies? A garden to replicate Earth? A kitchen for people to cook? A bedroom for those to sleep in? He passed through the somber room, and deeper into the confines of the space colony.
There were no joyous memories to him in this place. Only the memory of his death that swarmed him as he walked further into the miserable place. He remembered what it once was. Long ago he had once walked those halls of the colony. Walked through the beautiful trees and lush forests. It was hard to imagine that place looked so beautiful. How such beauty begot destruction. All thanks to Zero.
He sighed, stepping lightly through the decayed colony.
Was this all my fault?
He closed his eyes.
Those viruses looked so much like me.
The system buzzed in his mind.
The power it gave me was unbelievable.
It screamed in his mind.
Was this my true purpose all along? To kill everything?
Pounding. Pulsating. Consuming.
Zero slowly opened his eyes. Staring up into the sky once more. "I must have passed out again…" his voice felt strange. His body felt weak. Slowly he picked himself up from the ground staring around at the destruction all around him. Carefully he surveyed his surroundings before gathering himself up and walking back into the dunes. Walking back into the unknown.
Sleepwalking.
SUBJECT: Area Zero Rumors
To all Maverick Hunter Hunters, Contractors, Civilians, and Volunteers:
Several rumors involving Zero have been spreading throughout Maverick Hunter HQ related to an incident that took place on September 23 at approximately 1546 GMT-5 in Teleport Room 18.
Currently, these claims have not been validated by Signas nor any Area Zero personnel including that of the United States Military and United Nations Peacekeepers.
We understand that we are living under stressful times with an unprecedented upsurge of Maverick activity, internal restructuring, and the Earth Reconstruction Plan. However, we will be taking strict action against those who continue to perpetuate unfounded rumors throughout Maverick Hunter HQ, Maverick Hunter owned properties, and Maverick Hunter related business.
If you have any information pertaining to strange incidents within or around Area Zero, please e-mail Reborns ( reborns.i5011 maverickhunters.) to set a private meeting with Signas. For security measures, please do not discuss your concerns via e-mail.
We appreciate your patience during these times and will be continuously updating you when new information is available to us. Thank you for your continued service and support.
Stephen tapped a pen on her desk, boredom glazing across her eyes as she kept her gaze steady onto the wall in front of her. Thoughts still ran through her head about the ghostly figure that she had saw on the mission. Weeks had since past since the initial altercation between X and her mind had soothed the angered ripples across her body. Even she was beginning to doubt the validity of her claims. But she knew what she saw. Knew the face of the person that attempted to kill her. Yet, despite all that, could she really be so sure that it was the true Zero?
There was a knock at the door. "Come in!" she placed her legs down from the desk, sitting formally. The door was slow to open, but the person who stood was a welcomed surprise. "X…?"
X stood at the door. The ever-eternal youthful appearance seemed less so. His body tired and sluggish. He looked like he had just gone through hell.
"You look like shit," Stephen blurted out. "Sorry." X gave Stephen a bit of a glare before stepping into the pristine office carefully sitting on the other side of the table. "How long did they toss you in there for?" she leaned back in her chair.
X shrugged, "Only a few days." His eyes still avoided Stephen's. "I came here to apologize to you."
There was a bit of a smirk on Stephen's lips. "Was that your 'Get Out of Jail Free' card?" X did not laugh at her reply, merely staring. "Sorry," she sighed leaning forward on the desk. "I know you're serious, and I appreciate the apology. Signas gave me his own ear full after they threw you in the brig." She played with the tips of her fingers, nervous. "I know I was a bit too harsh on you back there."
That's why he's dead!
She regretted ever saying those words to him.
"I'm not expecting forgiveness."
"It's ok," X managed to offer her a small smile. "I know you didn't mean it." His voice was even. Steady. Calm. It was incredibly soothing, given everything between the two of them.
Stephen managed to offer her own smile. "Have they lifted your ban from Area Zero?" The tension between the two eased away.
"No," X shook his head. "I don't expect the ban to last for long, but I understand why Signas made his decision." His gaze took to his hands. Though he looked calm and collected, Stephen could see the trembling of his soul.
"Listen, X." Stephen sighed with a shake of her head. "I know you two were close, but I don't think Zero would want you to run in there after him without knowing everything that's going on." She reached her hand out to touch X's. "It could be a trap."
X gave a sigh before nodding his head in agreement. Though Stephen wasn't quite sure if he completely believed her. "I know." He pulled his hand away from her, shifting his body slightly. "They found the Brother Unit."
"Did they?" Stephen blinked. "Guess they updated the mission files. Anything interesting?" She reclined back in her chair, shifting uncomfortably.
"Only that the Sister Unit cut herself from the network." X shook his head with a sigh. "They can't determine if it did it by itself or if something manually did." Stephen narrowed her eyes suspiciously.
"Maverickism?"
"Undetermined."
"A flaw in the system then," slowly Stephen reclined further back into her chair. She lifted her legs up to the desk and laid backwards. "Wouldn't be the first time. Why this mission?"
"You never found out what was in the van, did you?" X gave her an even stare.
"But X, if I knew I'd get put down." She gave the other a small grin. "Off the record… one did. Asard." Her voice trailed off. "He told me they were weapons. But to tell you the truth, Asard has been acting strange since the mission. I don't entirely believe him."
X's gaze turned to the table. "He was close to Driftwood."
Stephen nodded. "I don't disagree with you. But it feels like its something different. Something…" she paused staring into the distance. "…else."
"What do you mean?" X leaned closer.
Stephen blinked carefully at nothing. There were one too many pressures in the world, and the loss of a teammate only added onto that pain. The careful glory of 0th Squad made a terrible fall from grace with the death of Zero. She had to take responsibility for the fall of their squad, even if it were things outside of her control. In such times, it was normal to act angry, depressed, or even reckless. Yet… Stephen couldn't help her suspicions.
"Do you know why Asard joined the Hunters?" Stephen pressed a hand to her cheek. X shook his head. "He used to work for Sigma." X's eyes widened, but Stephen merely smirked. "I know. Zero was about to kill him, but Asard begged him to stay his blade. You can read the mission report." She tossed her chin at the bookshelf. "The lucky bastard didn't get infected or anything, just got rolled up in stuff beyond his control. Zero vouched for Asard, he joined the Maverick Hunters for a second chance to redeem himself, and the rest is history." Stephen made a gesture with her hand. "I'm sure you know as much as anyone that once you've been with someone for so long you begin to notice their little quirks. In fact, any commander worth their salt should take note of it."
X nodded in agreement. "You think it has to do with Sigma that Asard's been acting strange."
Stephen did not reply for a moment. Sitting in thought. "Something out there spooked him." She tapped a finger on her cheek. "Something to do with Sigma."
There was an ill silence that filled the room. What Stephen insinuated was sickening. The two of them could hardly muster the ability to even utter such a phrase. Yet it hung on in their heads. A noose wrapping around their neck. A painful theory. One which could not be discounted.
"I think it's time I have a heart to heart with Asard." She slowly lifted her legs off the table, steadying herself on her feet. X merely stared at Stephen who rounded the desk and stood at the door. His face filled with pity.
"Before you go, Stephen." X stood from the chair, approaching her. "I just have one question to ask you. Please be honest with me." Stephen stared at him, carefully watching his face. "Do you really mean what you said back there? Do you really mean to kill him?"
Stephen drew quiet. She pressed a hand to the door, pushing it open. Did I really mean it? Even if I did… would I be able to go through with it?
She hardly glanced towards X. Her face somber and her heart heavy. "You'd do the same to me."
"Asard…" The giant beastloid turned his head from the stars down to Stephen who stood at the doorway of the rooftop. The wind blew soft against their bodies. Her hair flowing in the wind. A cold wind's chill swirling them. Their bodies illuminated by the dim lights of the rebuilding city below. The silence of the world enveloped them. Slowly Stephen approached Asard who sat atop the roofs in contemplation. His body still but glowing.
"What do you want?" he stared into the city lights. The flickering of the world below them.
Stephen sighed and tried to offer a smile. But it ended up falling flat. The snake was always able to look past pleasantries, and Stephen was never one for formalities. That's why they liked her. Because she got down to business without such pleasantries. Even still, she was unsure how to regard the other. Especially now. "I wanted to talk to you. About the mission."
"Which one?" he didn't look at her. But a smirk managed on his snout.
"Don't play dumb with me," she narrowed her eyes at Asard. Arms folding over her chest.
Asard slowly turned his neck to look down towards Stephen. Then back towards the glittering lights. Even in the dim illuminated world, he regarded her with contempt. "You mean the one we never went on."
"Are you upset about Driftwood?" she approached closer, her steps taking her barely a foot away from the towering snake. A silence was met. "Or are you upset about something else…?"
He tensed at her words. Stepping backwards from Stephen and coiling around himself. Was it fear? "Are you calling me a Maverick?" Asard spat.
Stephen shook her head, still keeping a calm and measured tone. "No," she raised her hands up. He towered over her. If he wanted to, he could easily snap her into two. But he wouldn't, she knew he wouldn't. "I know you're not a Maverick, you never were. But you need to be honest with me." She shuffled closer, holding her hand out to touch his beautiful scales.
"About what?" he spat again. Fear was growing in his voice. "About what?" he repeated again. Panic was setting in.
"About the mission."
"That doesn't matter!" he turned away from her towards the fence of the roof. Tail swished back and forth. For a moment, Stephen it almost looked as if he wanted to leap off. To end the torture. But for what? What did he hide that made her think that he would do that? "Driftwood is dead and the package is gone. It doesn't matter anymore."
Stephen sighed again, shifting her weight as she looked towards the city lights again. "Did you see what was in the van?" Asard was silent again. "If you did or didn't… it doesn't matter to me. The only person who really did care is dead." She pondered if Katsunari was in heaven or hell.
"Do you think I killed her?" Asard spat back again. Stephen stared at him in confusion. What a strange leap of assumption. "Of course you'd assume I had something to do with it. From an ex-Maverick like me!"
"Is that what you think I'm here to do? Kill you?" Stephen crossed her arms staring at the snake who hissed and flicked his tongue at her. "I wanted to come here to talk to you about why you've been acting strange." Asard drew back, "Is that what you did? Do you think you killed her?"
Asard was silent, and he turned away from Stephen. "No..."
Stephen rubbed her face, "Well. Even if you did, like you said, it doesn't matter anymore." Asard didn't react. "Tell me, Asard. What was in the van?"
Asard remained silent. His gaze still kept to the city below.
"What did you see in there?"
He kept staring down into the city scape below. The people who worked endlessly to bring the humans back to the surface and return the world as it once was. Would Asard be a part of that life cycle again? Would he live for that long?
"Are you scared someone will call you Maverick… because you looked?"
"That's not it…"
Stephen blinked as she leaned closer to Asard. Stepping around him to stand in front of the towering snake. Hoping that his gaze would look down to her. Hoping their eyes would meet and he would reveal his soul. "Then tell me. Please. I'm your commander. I'm your friend. I just want to help you."
"I said..." Asard turned to look at Stephen for a moment then his gaze turned to the empty fields of the Earth. Past the rebuilding city. Past the boundaries of civilization. Past everything. The scorched Earth. The endless darkness consuming him. The moon illuminated the world once more. The stars barely shimmered in the sky. The outline of Eurasia spread its wings towards the sky, outlining the mountain range. He was quiet. Silent. His face did not betray anything but contempt and malice. "I only saw weapons…"
Stephen regarded Asard for a moment. She stared at him, tried to stare at the human that was kept hidden in the machine. But his soul remained unmoved. Fixated on Area Zero. Fixated on the place that changed not only the Earth, but sealed away their destinies forever.
Stephen sat at her desk with her hands folded watching her squad mates slowly file out of the room leaving her and Alexander. It was in this moment she realized how empty it had gotten in the past few years and how much she missed the chaos that Zero left in his wake. Everything was neat and tidy and her heart ached at how different everything seemed when all her squad mates were in her tiny office. With Zero and Driftwood dead, Asard's presence hardly there, it seemed as if her squad were merely ghosts in their shells.
And now she had a small limp that irritated her because of the lack of resources. Or, she supposed, resources that were better spent elsewhere.
"Alexander," she folded her hands neatly on her desk. The Reploid stopping short of the door as he stared back at her. A raised brow as he closed the door. The words not needed to be said.
"Yes?" he reapproached the desk.
"Do you see the room half full, or half empty?"
Alexander paused at such a question proposed. She saw him think for a moment or two. His lips pursed as he stared at Stephen who sat quietly at her desk. It was not a trick question. She already knew what his answer would be. But she wanted to ask it anyway. She wanted to know if, perhaps, he still saw hope in this dying squad. Or if he saw it for what it was: a dying squad. The fall from grace.
"Empty," he focused back to Stephen. "But not because I'm pessimistic."
Stephen nodded her head, tapping her fingers against the wooden desk. "Do you care?"
"Of course I do," Alexander remained emotionless. Steeled to his heart. "But it can't be helped. We all signed up for this."
Signed up to die or was made to die.
That was how it went. Those that were created for the sole purpose to become a Hunter or were created in the flames of hatred to take up arms to perpetrate the cycle of violence. Which one was better? Was it the Reploid like Alexander produced on a conveyer belt line with the sole purpose to kill? Or was it the Reploid like Stephen who killed because of an innocence lost in a cycle of revenge? A child of war alongside another child of war. It was all the same, in the end. It was just the journey of how they got there.
Stephen always wondered what the purpose of the machine was. The purpose of their creation if they were to end up as all the rest. Maverick.
"I'll need to start recruiting people to 0th Squad again. We can't keep up with the missions anymore." She shuffled some papers around to look busy. But that's all it was. To look busy.
"I had always thought it was at Signas's discretion to assign combatants to squads." Alexander kept his eyes focused on Stephen who looked uncomfortable.
"Typically, it is," Stephen set the papers to the side. "But that's what makes us special. The commander of 0th Squad decides on who to take, with Signas's blessing. It was always Zero who did it, but now I have to."
"How do you plan to choose?"
"I'm not sure. Probably send a few e-mails out or visit some reploid factories." She looked at Alexander, a fish out of water. "To tell you the truth, I don't have much experience with picking teams. I'm used to following."
"Do you want me to do it?"
"No, but I would like your council. You were made to be a combatant. I figure you'd have more experience with this."
Alexander blinked, "Why not anyone else? Basalt is my senior. He used to be a captain on a ship."
Stephen shook her head, "Basalt is more the philosophical type. Asard does not care much about what happens in the squad anymore. And Driftwood is…" Dead.
"No one has to get along. They need to fulfil a purpose."
She scrunched her nose slightly. "A purpose." She repeated it slowly. A huff of a laughter escaped her lips as she stared at Alexander carefully. "Right. Because we're all just cogs in the machine." She leaned back into her chair, her hand tapping against the desk again. Her thoughts lingering to Zero. "If Zero—"
"You're not Zero."
"Humor me." She flicked her eyes towards Alexander. "If he was still here, do you think things might have ended differently?"
"Maybe."
"Do you think Driftwood would still be alive? Do you think Katsunari would still be here?"
"It wasn't your fault, if that's what you're asking."
"I know…" she lowered her gaze. "But I'm partially responsible, aren't I? That's the purpose of a commanding officer besides to lead. To take the guilt for everyone else." Stephen leaned forward, her hands resting on the desk. Her eyes stared hard at Alexander. "Do you feel guilty for what happened?"
Alexander was quiet for a moment. Shifting uncomfortably in the room. "We're moving on from it."
She stared at Alexander for a moment, watching him look at her. A thick silence descended down and it somehow felt horrible but normal all the same. She nodded her head in understanding, but not in acceptance. Her eyes drifting elsewhere.
"You can go then." She waved her hand. Alexander gave his typical salute before he turned on his heels to exit the office. Finally, a whisper from her lips. "But… are you really?"