Note: Hope to get this arc halfway done by the end of the month.
Harvesting
"Watch out!"
With a firm grip on X's wrist, Marty surged forward, her tail propelling her through the water with incredible speed. She pulled the Mavierck Hunter along, their desperate bid for freedom from the clutches of the Anglerge unfolding in a blur of motion.
Ultimately, however, it was not enough.
The deafening roar of the explosion, coupled with the chaos that followed, compelled the mechaniloid to pivot its massive scope. It locked onto the silhouettes of two figures darting away, one of whom fit the profile of the target they had been ordered to capture. From its lower sides exited two small yet compact missiles, the projectiles heading toward both Reploids fast as Marty and X only just realized that they were still being pursued.
Marty clutched him tightly around the waist, trying to veer to the side just in time. The missiles whizzed past, narrowly missing them by mere inches. But those inches mattered. The force of the twin explosions was enough to throw even the most agile mermaid off her feet, sending her and X tumbling through the air before they landed with a thud in the soft sand.
"HE REPLACED ME!"
The sharp crack of glass splintering and the thunderous crash of drywall collapsing echoed through the Maverick Hunter's audio systems. His eyes were drawn to a red and white helmet looming just inches from him, the dark visor shrouding much of the face beneath. Yet, X could almost sense the tumult of emotions behind it—rage, confusion, and a deep-seated pain flickering in the eye he predicted most barely glimpsed.
Yet then, the environment changed.
Suddenly, he was thrust into total darkness, feeling the sensation of his head hitting the ground while a woman's voice called out a name he didn't recognize, yet it held a sliver of familiarity.
"Quake Woman? Tempo!? Tempo, what's wrong?! Please, tell me so I can help you!"
X sensed a pair of arms envelop him, his weight pressing heavily against the woman's frame. Still, she gently lowered his head onto her lap, her fingers brushing against the delicate sensors embedded in his skull. Despite the warmth of her presence and the soothing sound of her voice, an unsettling awareness gnawed at him—something was terribly amiss. Yet, his body remained utterly immobilized, trapped in a silence he couldn't escape.
And then, the blackness opened. Or rather, "it" opened.
Initially, X thought it was an odd insignia, a relic of a bygone civilization that had faded into the annals of history. Or maybe it was just a figment of imagination, never real to begin with. However, this notion was shattered when the marking seemed to "blink," its brilliance fading for a brief moment before erupting into a dazzling display of light that nearly overwhelmed his senses.
He stammered, "W-Who are you?" His lips formed the words, but the voice that emerged was not his. Instead, it belonged to a young girl, possibly in her early teens. Her delivery was awkward and flat, leaving X to ponder whether this was a reflection of her apathy or a clever mask for the mounting anxiety that churned within her. Or, at this moment, himself as well. From the deep abyss of darkness enveloping him, a multitude of wires and cables slithered forward, creeping closer. Though he was not physically bound, an invisible force held him in place, rendering him immobile. He could do nothing to evade the approaching tendrils, which crackled with sinister energy at their tips, their purpose unmistakably hostile.
He let out a desperate shout. In response, she shrieked in terror. Suddenly, he was back in the same spot as before, the red and grey robot with a golden scarf now positioned before him, their demeanor noticeably less hostile than it had been. He extended his hand toward X, and the Hunter began to speak. Yet again, it was not his own voice that emerged.
"Get out."
"I…I didn't mean to-" the robot began, yet his statement was cut off.
"Get out." It was her voice again, yet beneath its usual monotone lay a hidden emotion, stifled and restrained. It felt as if the anger the other robot had shown earlier had seeped into her, leaving her grappling with an unfamiliar heat that surged within her, unsure of how to channel this unexpected intensity. The heat of fury covered the icy cold shard of fear that had pierced her akin to a shard of glass.
"I wasn't trying to-"
"Get out."
"I-"
"Get out!"
"What are you doing, you idiot?! Get out of there!"
Jerked back from the charged atmosphere's stillness to the battlefield's chaos, X suddenly noticed Marty waving frantically as if pulling him from a fleeting moment of distraction that had momentarily clouded his thoughts.
"Huh? W-What?"
Marty's eyes grew wide, utterly astonished by the Hunter's response, as if he had just shaken off a deep slumber. "What do you mean 'what'?! That massive brute is about to blow us to bits, and you're just drifting around, lost in thought?! Did that explosion scramble your circuits or what?!"
To be honest, he was grappling with the same confusion, still trying to wrap his mind around the chaos that had just unfolded. Yet, the urgency of the moment demanded his full attention. X pivoted sharply, confronting the approaching Anglerge, the metallic behemoth, as openings on the sides of its yellow core unleashed a barrage of new threats hurtling toward them. Metallic green sea serpents emerged from their hidden lairs, gliding gracefully through the water. With jaws agape, they unleashed a barrage of tightly focused laser beams, each one targeting the two unwelcome visitors with deadly precision.
The lasers sliced through the vibrant coral and swathes of underwater vegetation, scattering fragments in all directions, the devastation spreading far wider than the earlier blasts. X sprang into action, targeting the serpentine foes, but to his utter disbelief, Marty lunged ahead. Right into the peril.
"Hold on!" Marty shouted, and, to X's astonishment, tried to catch the attention of the mechaniloid that was assaulting them. "Hold on! You're pushing it too far!"
With each crack of X's charged shots, the sea serpents plummeted into the depths, their sleek, blue forms spiraling down as the Hunter meticulously targeted their heads to ensure the entire unit was taken out. In the fleeting moments, he had to divert his attention, he couldn't help but watch Marty, pondering her cryptic remark about the mechaniloid "pushing it too far." What could she possibly mean by that?
The turquoise mermaid cried out, her voice echoing through the vibrant waters, "This is a sanctuary! You mustn't risk harming it!" She implored the Anglerge, desperation lacing her tone. "You promised to safeguard this haven, not bring ruin to it! Please, stop!"
The massive mechaniloid paid no attention to her pleas, completely dismissing her existence. Its submarine-shaped body had vents that began to inhale, pulling her toward it with an irresistible force. She struggled desperately to swim away, but the Anglerge persisted, relentlessly drawing her nearer, making it all too simple for it to end her life.
"Rolling Shield!"
The familiar voice rang out like a battle cry, compelling the mermaid to glance upward. There she saw X springing into the air, unleashing another blast from his buster. However, this time, the wave of energy was strikingly different, boasting an unusual shape and an even more extraordinary hue. The explosion manifested as a small, glowing sphere of deep indigo energy, pulsating rhythmically and casting brilliant beams of light in all directions. As it brushed against her side, she felt a surge of warmth radiating from its surface before it collided with the vent, drawing her into its powerful grasp.
"That weapon…!" Marty whispered, watching as X continued to fire at the mechaniloid, Armadillo's weapon serving to cripple and break in the vents that previously drew the mermaid and Hunter in. "So…then it is true."
The Anglerge's vent was utterly compromised, a gaping hole torn right through its base. This breach provided X the perfect opportunity to unleash a fully charged blast from his standard weapon. The shot pierced through the opening, hitting the intricate mechanisms of the massive mechaniloid, triggering an instant and explosive reaction that put the previous examples to utter shame. The obliteration of the Anglerge unleashed a tremendous explosion, hurling the two Reploids backward and sending anything not anchored to the ocean floor spiraling into chaos. As X's senses gradually returned, he became aware that they had been tossed several feet from their original position, surrounded by a swirling mix of smoke and the remnants of the shattered machine, which seeped into the water like a dark, ominous cloud.
Marty's voice trembled as she took in the devastation wrought by the explosion, her face a mask of disbelief. "Oh no, what have you done?!" she cried out, her eyes wide with shock. X opened her mouth to respond, but the words caught in her throat as Marty continued, her anger directed at the shattered remnants of the Anglerge. "How could you let this happen?! You swore it wouldn't end like this!"
X observed intently, captivated by the sight of the mermaid as she appeared to cry out into the emptiness. Was there anyone out there who might catch the echo of her voice? From the way she spoke, it was almost as if she were expressing her grievances to an unseen figure that somehow held command over the domain he currently resided in.
Be careful of who you trust.
"...Marty…are you…?" X whispered, the realization present before, but now it was becoming impossible to ignore. Too many signs were there.
The turquoise mermaid erupted with rage, her fists tightening and her brows knitting together in a fierce scowl. "How can you claim to protect this place while carelessly unleashing all your weapons into the open? You're ravaging the very nature that you swore your life depended on! You made a promise!"
"...promise?"
Marty spun on her heels, confronting the probing questions and the wary look she had anticipated. Deep down, she understood that the success of the entire mission rested on his trust. With that crucial element, all their efforts would be worthwhile. "...yeah, a promise," the mermaid began, trying to conjure a reasonable counter. "A promise…to…"
"To what?" X inquired. "I'm beginning to believe that you have other motives than simply keeping this place intact and without disturbance."
"Wait, what?" Marty questioned, immediately going on the defensive. "Are you saying you don't trust me? After everything I've done for you?"
In the distance, hidden from the awareness of both individuals, the same enigmatic multi-armed shadow watched intently. This time, however, it was not solitary; massive, fish-like forms floated nearby, poised and ready, anticipating the signal to advance.
"Everything you've done?" X questioned, taken aback by the other Reploid's audacity.
"Absolutely! Everything! Marty snapped in reply. "I'm the one steering you toward your destination! Without my guidance, you wouldn't have a clue which way to turn!"
X replied, "I can't shake the feeling that every single time, we've ventured straight into the depths of peril." He leaned in closer, his gaze piercing. "There's more to this than meets the eye, and I have a hunch you're aware of it as well. In fact," he folded his arms defiantly, "I can't help but wonder if you have a hand in it."
Marty's eyes grew wide as she caught a glimpse of fear darting across X's face. However, that moment of vulnerability was fleeting; the dread of possibly being exposed was swiftly masked by a surge of indignant rage. "What are you implying? Are you suggesting that I'm one of the villains in this scenario?" she challenged, pointing an accusatory finger at the Hunter. "That I belong to their ranks?" Her eyes narrowed, filled with intensity. "A Maverick?"
From a distance, the figure realized that things were spiraling beyond control. If action wasn't taken soon, their disguise would be compromised. With a swift motion, they directed the round, fish-like forms encircling them, extending their numerous tendrils in a wordless signal to take the lead. The shapes moved gracefully through the water, inching closer to the two Reploids while expertly keeping themselves concealed.
X shook his head, a flicker of skepticism dancing in his eyes, but his feelings toward the mermaid remained untouched by hostility. "That's not what I meant," he clarified, his voice steady. "I'm not implying anything of the sort."
Marty glared, her hand firmly planted on her hip as she relentlessly poked X's chest. "So what's your point? What are you trying to say?" she snapped, her voice laced with irritation. "In this job, there's no room for mistakes, is there?" she pressed on, her finger continuing to prod at his armor. "You've got to stay sharp and vigilant every single moment, don't you? Trusting anyone is a luxury you can't afford, right?"
To her astonishment, X replied. Although she had anticipated a response, eager to provoke him and maintain the facade she had been given, his words were far from what she had envisioned. Instead of a reply filled with rage, irritation, or spite, his voice carried a weight of exhaustion. There was a hint of sorrow in it, too.
"At the moment, I can't. But I want to."
Marty hesitated, her knitted brows easing slightly as her lip quivered, his reply appearing to freeze her in place. The confidence that once sparkled in her eyes had vanished entirely, her posture wavering as the beliefs she had held so steadfastly began to crumble, revealing fractures in their very foundation. Everything she knew was unraveling before her. In a final, frantic effort to reclaim her authority and uphold the facade she had carefully crafted, the turquoise-armored mermaid clenched her fist tightly and brought it crashing down onto the Maverick Hunter's chest. While the blow wasn't truly painful, X could certainly feel the significant power behind it.
This action turned out to be either a blunder or an unexpected advantage; X found himself uncertain. Strange events had unfolded ever since he integrated the chipped topaz sample into his core, yet he hadn't directly linked it to the game—or more accurately, to something within it. What happened next forced him to reconsider that viewpoint.
Marty's fist slammed into his chest once more, and an unexpected jolt surged through her striking hand, sending a shockwave of electricity that made her yelp. Instinctively, she recoiled, cradling her hand as she scrutinized it for any signs of injury. X experienced a brief jolt that coursed through his systems, and although it was abrupt, he found it difficult to classify the feeling as pain. Instead, it was as if he had unexpectedly acquired something, though he couldn't quite pinpoint what that something was. Just as she prepared to hit him once more, her gaze was drawn to the distance where X's red gemstone glimmered, revealing a shadowy figure swiftly approaching them, accompanied by several others that mirrored its movement.
"Look out!" X yelled, capturing the mermaid's attention just in time. She spun around, her eyes widening in disbelief as she faced the unexpected threat looming behind them. To her astonishment, the figures racing toward them transformed into the unmistakable forms of large, plump fish.
Their shape was undeniably rounded, yet the design seamlessly blended beauty with practicality. The sleek body boasted a lustrous metallic finish on the back, while the front dazzled with blue, shimmering scales reminiscent of a living fish. Though the fins were modest in size, they were expertly crafted for agility, enabling swift turns and a lifelike swimming motion that belied their impressive scale compared to typical reef fish. Equipped with LED sensors and a compact camera, their eyes facilitated exploration of underwater realms, and the tail featured LED lights to ensure visibility in the depths.
"Gulphers?!" Marty exclaimed, clearly perplexed by their sudden presence. "What are they doing…?!"
The moment froze as the metallic fish suddenly unlatched their jaws, their mouths stretching to astonishing angles. With a powerful suction activated, both the mermaid and Hunter were instantly caught in the fierce pull, feeling the relentless force of the fish trying to drag them closer.
"Huh?!"
One of which tried to take X from behind.
"X!" Marty shouted, propelling herself through the water to push the stationary Reploid aside. But in a twist of fate, she was suddenly engulfed by the Gulpher's gaping maw, which snapped shut behind her, leaving only the tip of her tail visible, the last remnant of her freedom.
"Marty!" X called out, firing at the Gulpher that had ensnared his mermaid companion, his shots managing to damage a few of them by blowing off their fins and denting their hides. As he attempted to pursue from the right, X also became engulfed, his form compressed and his knees drawn up to fit into the constricted confines of the mechaniloid fish.
Deep within, the predominantly blue Hunter observed that the Gulpher lacked many exposed weak points. The inner workings of its metallic belly were a tangle of cables and wires, effortlessly channeling energy to every part of the machine. Then, the walls ignited with a crimson hue, the entire spherical chamber of the mechaniloid heating up rapidly. X instantly realized that this was just the beginning of what it had in store for him, surges of electrified pain assaulting his systems and working to slowly disable him from the inside out.
The Gulpher struggled to maintain control over its captured prey, but soon felt a tumultuous commotion brewing within its abdomen. The jarring sensation of energy clashing against its insides signaled a looming threat, prompting the creature to nearly unhinge its jaw in a desperate bid to expel the troublesome parasite. This epiphany arrived far too late, as the Gulpher's target soon rendered its internal workings almost completely nonfunctional, the Hunter's buster blasting all around, hitting vital components and making it difficult for the mechaniloid to maintain buoyancy on its own.
Soon, with one last blow, smoke poured out from its vents as the Gulpher slowly sank down to the sandy floor, hitting the ground and tilting over its optics going dark as it ceased to function.
Underground HQ
Roll's eyes widened in surprise as she exclaimed, "Hold on, are you telling me she was captured?" The latest twist in X's mission had her on the edge of her seat.
"Absolutely," her brother replied, a heavy sense of regret lacing his words. "She even shoved me aside. Now, I can't help but wonder if she's still in one piece or if she's even functioning."
"Well…don't let yourself get too dower just yet," Roll assured him, trying to keep his spirits up. "After all, you said that what you experienced inside one of Gulphers means that they can control how they deal with things they swallow," she explained. "If you still see the one that took her, then maybe they haven't undergone the process of damaging her systems."
"I can only hope," X answered, yet his tone was far from conveying any sense of hopefulness. "Although I don't know how much good that will do."
"You have no idea," Roll said, her voice steady yet filled with emotion. "There have been moments when despair felt overwhelming, when victory seemed utterly out of reach," she paused, biting her lip thoughtfully. "But through it all, I've never witnessed a single brother of mine fail to rise to the occasion when someone needed them."
X was quiet for a few moments. "I'm not sure if I'm exactly a good comparison to Rock just yet." he confessed. Let alone Blues. He mused, keeping the latter part to himself.
"No, you are X," his sister informed him. "That is more than enough. And seeing as we are the only two left, then surely we would want to show the world what Dr. Light intended for both us and humanity, right?"
Silence followed her question, yet she eventually received an answer. "Right."
"Good," the blonde impromptu Navigator replied. "Now, do you have any idea of where exactly the other Gulphers are going? Perhaps they're going back to where Marty said she originally escaped from?"
"I think you're right on the money with that, Roll," X responded, taking his sibling by surprise with his sudden confidence.
"Oh? And why do you say that?"
Coral Triangle
"Because I see it right in front of me."
Before the Maverick Hunter lay the very spot he had been searching for, it didn't take much to conclude that this was the hideout of the criminal responsible for the explosion of the rescue vessel. It seemed less like a majestic fortress and more like an assembly of soaring glass edifices, each one encasing a mysterious, thick, viscous liquid within. He followed the Gulphers close behind, none of them seeming to catch on to his presence just yet.
However, that could be because he was using one of their own as a vessel to sneak his way through.
Indeed, it might not have been the most elegant or clever method to track enemy troops, but X understood that, despite wielding his buster, he was outmatched in the water. However, with the shell of this Gulpher providing some measure of defense, he could at least find a way to ready himself for what lay ahead. True, navigating the mechaniloid from the inside was somewhat taxing, yet some searching led to him eventually finding the control module that commanded movement. Still, he had to not draw too close, lest the others take notice of how their companion was a little more "beat up" compared to the rest.
He wrestled with the decision of whether to quicken his stride, observing that the Gulphers, even without actively swimming, were gliding through the water at a commendable speed, keeping Marty firmly within their reach. It wasn't long before he caught sight of them, the shimmering turquoise tail of the mermaid still protruding from their jaws. A fierce urge to launch a rescue ignited in his heart, but deep down, X understood that making a move now could lead to dire consequences—perhaps even costing Marty her life.
For her sake, he had to wait. Every step counted.
As the Maverick Hunter glided through the shimmering waters, a wave of curiosity washed over him. The colorful coral reefs and a myriad of marine life swirled gracefully in the currents, their vibrant energy a stark contrast to the massive, submerged cylinders that lay hidden beneath the sandy ocean floor. "Hey, Roll?" X murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. He was uncertain if the other mechaniloid fish could hear him from within the remnants of their fallen companion, but he preferred to err on the side of caution. "This might sound a bit strange, but do you think the Coral Triangle has any… well," he hesitated, searching for the right words. "Tubes filled with liquid?"
"Tubes filled with liquid?" the blonde questioned, her inquiry heard over the com-link. "What kind of tubes?" she asked, wishing for more details. "How big are they?"
"Huge," X answered, surveying the environment through the optics of his Gulpher vessel. "And it looks like the lower sections are buried," he then paused. "Could they be collecting the fluid from under the surface?"
"If that's the case, it sounds like they're drilling for oil," Roll responded, then silence fell between them. "Wait a moment…X, you know about offshore drilling, right?"
"Yeah," X replied. "Although aren't the wellbores where the oil is filtered through usually above the ocean's surface?" he questioned. "The process in itself is already risky in itself, yet these tubes are completely submerged. Any one of them breaks, then the entire Coral Triangle could be polluted."
"That sounds like a concern Marty would have," Roll observed. "But yes, offshore drilling in itself is rife with controversy, yet the goal is to extract petroleum that rest in rock formations beneath the seabed."
"Petroleum," X mused aloud, searching up the particular element in his internal database. "Huh, quite a history, this substance has."
"Indeed," his sister agreed. "Even with its impact on the environment, I remember a time where machines like myself still had to rely on such things to function," she relayed. "Of course, it served as an energy source for far more than just robots. Once it's been refined and separated, it can be used for almost anything."
"Mostly relating to manufacturing." Certainly, despite the significant momentum towards embracing alternative solutions and energy sources, when refined, petroleum continued to maintain its stronghold in the realm of production.
Fuels like gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and particularly jet fuel—crucial for the Maverick Hunter's Air Unit—trace their lineage back to the crude oil hidden beneath the sands. The very essence of Abel City is intertwined with this precious resource, which, while not heavily utilized for asphalt, has given rise to a myriad of other products. These include lubricants and chemical reagents essential for crafting various plastics, solvents, textiles, paints, and synthetic rubber. Additionally, this bounty extends to refrigerants, fertilizers, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and countless other applications that flooded X's thoughts.
"It's no wonder Marty wanted to put a stop to all of this." he remarked, optics once again locating the Gulpher that served as both her prison and her transport.
"Given what she said her position was, it's not surprising," Roll commented. "Still," she continued, pausing for a moment, as if somewhat reluctant to relay what was on her mind. Yet, for her brother's sake, she knew that, if it wasn't spoken, she would most likely regret it. "Maybe you shouldn't get too eager to be her hero just yet."
X was puzzled. "What do you mean?"
"Well, if I may be so bold as to say, and this is all just speculation," Roll clarified. "I'm not immune to making false judgements," another pause, the Hunter donned in fiery red armor coming to mind. "But given the situation you're currently in, I would advise that you proceed with caution."
"I am," X responded. "So far, none of the others have noticed that something is a little off about their friend."
"That's not what I meant," Roll answered, firmly. "You know what I mean."
X didn't answer at first, but the painful possibility he was trying to deny steadily rose to the surface. "At the moment, she's someone who's in trouble."
"Or that's what she wants for you to see."
The blue Hunter bit his lip. "...so, you think that she's actually with…?"
"I can't confirm or deny anything," his sister answered matter-of-factly. "Yet remember, it is rather peculiar that she somehow knows of your history regarding three of Sigma's men, isn't it? Where would she get that information? Better yet, why would she make sure to keep it to herself save for her accidental slip up?"
X pondered deeply. Even though her frustration with his faltering faith in her was palpable, he recalled Marty's comments about the Hunter's past interactions, specifically with Penguin, Mandrill, and Armadillo. "Yet," he found himself unable to hold back a small objection. "She had such a warm affection for this place," he said. "Beyond my presence, her worries were much more about the health of the coral and the surrounding life than her own well-being."
"I'm not ruling out the possibility that she may be potentially tied up in things where she has no choice," Roll clarified. "Yet still, if that's the case, then the danger is still waiting for you to make your move. And when you do, you need to make sure you know where that attack is coming from."
"Right. I got it." X answered.
"Do you though? Truly?"
"I got it, ok?" X responded, somewhat feeling put on the spot at the moment.
"Really X, I understand that none of this has been easy. But we need you," she paused. "I need you. We all need you come back here safe."
X sighed, letting his optics shut for a few moments. "...I will come back. I promise you that."
Silence fell in between them, nothing save for the ambiance of the ocean filling the Hunter's audio units. "...all right. I trust you," Roll answered at last. "But still, be careful."
"I will." X responded. However, if he were to be more honest, he would've spoken what was truly on his mind. I'll try.
Shifting his attention to the scene unfolding ahead, the Maverick Hunter observed the Gulphers abruptly halt their advance. In a swift motion, they veered to the side, taking the one that clutched Marty with them. X, wanting to stay concealed, mirrored their movement while keeping a vigilant watch on the situation unfolding behind him. He could feel that the metallic fish were retreating from an unseen threat looming above.
BOOM!
As a menacing shadow crept over the cockpit of the Gulpher, X glanced upward, his heart racing. Above him loomed a colossal ship, its vast underbelly casting an ominous gloom. Suddenly, a circular hatch yawned open, revealing a formidable, claw-like limb that descended with purpose, its pincers unfurling as they reached for him, ready to grasp at whatever it could reach. This train of thought, though not entirely precise, provided sufficient impetus for X to sidestep just in time. He didn't pull back completely, maintaining a cautious distance as he observed the claw seize one of the lower segments of the tubes. The container, brimming with valuable black gold, was spun around repeatedly until it was effectively hoisted from its position, its base securely sealed to trap the precious oil within.
"What was that?!" Roll's voice asked over the com-link, concern evident in her voice. "Are you all right?! What's going on over there?!"
X's emerald eyes fixated on the claw as it hoisted the container skyward, inching it closer to the ship's hull before it disappeared from sight. "Wait a second, I need to see this," he said to Roll, maneuvering the Gulpher to the surface and catching sight of the entity that had come to retrieve the precious resource hidden in the ocean's depths.
As X broke through the surface, his gaze, filtered through the malfunctioning Gulpher, fell upon an enormous vessel painted in vibrant shades of green and yellow. It resembled a whale-inspired submarine, adorned with an array of mechanical features like propellers and windows. Soon, he noticed the storage tanks perched atop the craft. To his surprise, the oil container they had salvaged was positioned toward the rear, while the other compartments stood vacant, eagerly anticipating their future cargo.
"X, what do you see?" Roll questioned, hoping her inquiry wouldn't draw any unwanted attention.
"A Cruiziler," he answered. "One of our ships for the Marine Unit. At least, it used to be."
Roll went quiet, absorbing this information. "So, it's under Maverick control now?"
"Yes," X answered. "And, I believe I understand," The blue Hunter replied, "It's clear how far Sigma is prepared to stretch his resources to support his war initiatives."
Note: Please alert me of any errors I may have missed if you see any, thanks.
