Chapter Fourteen: Temporary Fix
X cuddled up to Zero, staring at the ceiling as the blond snored lightly. Despite trying to be civil and offer peace, each and every Repliforce commander refused to cooperate and would rather die than betray their beloved General. Each one was more insane than the one before, and the last X had fought, Cyber Peacock, didn't even bother to talk, instantly launching into attack with an animalistic roar quite unbefitting of him. He had hoped that perhaps Zero had better luck, but in his true flippant style, Zero reported similar results and dragged X for a shower, hair brush session and a nap.
X idly played with Zero's clean ponytail, now also tied in a braid. While he understood absolute loyalty to one's leader, X failed to see any good intention or reason behind a war against the Hunters. Did he really burn General's pride so bad by asking a few simple questions and following typical protocol? Even if he did, General would have been expected to have done the same if the roles were reversed, so why let something so minor cause such a catastrophe? Zero snorted in his sleep, his hold on X tightening as he curled even closer to the brunette, and X couldn't help but smile, allowing his thoughts go to happier things.
Before this whole thing with Repliforce, X had easily seduced Zero to share a little intimate time with him. Despite his child-like innocence and thinking, X found the act more exciting and pleasing than he ever imagined. The only thing that could have made it perfect was if X would have finally told Zero he was in love with him.
The thought made X feel guilty. All these days together, declaring themselves boyfriends to the entirety of HQ and acting the part, and X never told Zero directly he loved him yet. Truth be told, nothing of such magnitude was supposed to happen until X was sure… but if it all did happen, than X had to be sure, right?
Don't second-guess yourself, X scolded himself. You love Zero, and you have for the longest time. You just wanted to make sure it was serious, that it wasn't temporary like Delia.
Perhaps when he woke up, X would tell him? It would certainly lift Zero's spirits, especially since he knew Zero was stressing himself out over Iris and Colonel's lack of response to any form of communication. X and Zero had been to the medical bay for simple repairs from their mission, and he had seen how dangerously low Zero's power reserves and batteries were. While Zero was offline to recharge faster, Lifesaver had commented that stress caused a Reploid to over-exert themselves and waste energy.
Now you're being prideful, X frowned. Yeah, hearing you say you love him will lighten him up, but that's a whole different ball game from worrying over friends.
Then again, what if some of that stress is from not saying it? After all, I was Zero's first in terms of a male, and that was an incredibly special moment for us… even if he did nearly fall over in nervousness. But, all this time and no 'I love you' would make me worry, too.
X lightly kissed Zero's lips, careful not to wake him. Take a nap. You'll feel better.
Self-talking had a way of helping in the oddest ways, and X closed his eyes and allowed himself to sleep.
A couple of hours later, X was woken by a light shake to his shoulder. He slowly brought himself out of hibernation, cracking his eyes open. As he did, he heard a soft click and felt Zero tuck something over onto his nightstand. As he became more fully aware, X yawned and sat up, rubbing his eyes. Zero propped himself up against his headboard and leaned over, lightly kissing X's cheek.
"Rise and shine," Zero whispered. "You realize how adorable you look when you're waking up?"
"You realize you snore?" X smiled.
"I do not," Zero retorted. "I got a transmission from Signas… he has some news for us and wants to see us ASAP."
Signas, you suck. "Sure, let's suit up and go."
Zero tossed X his helmet, giving him a quick kiss on his lips. "Love you."
X closed his eyes, raising his hand to cup Zero's cheek and giving him a deeper, more meaningful kiss. "I love you, Zero."
X opened his eyes, and the look on Zero's face made waiting until now totally worth it; X took a picture of it and stored it into his media files with a smile.
~*~
Zero had practically skipped to the briefing room, X laughing and shaking his head at his happy boyfriend. Who knew three little words could soften the battle-hardened warrior and temporarily remove all evidence of stress? Axl met up with them halfway, and even he saw the change in Zero and turned to X with a questioning look. X only smiled contentedly in return and let Axl's overly-imaginative mind make up its own conclusions.
"So," X walked next to Axl as Zero waved and smiled at anyone passing by. One would think he had overfilled his energy cores. "What special mission did Signas give you?"
"Infiltration, of course," Axl shrugged. "We captured a special Repliforce commander, and he wants me to try and take on his form… problem is, he's kinda big."
"Is that why we got called? POWs?" X frowned.
"Yeah, I think."
Zero reached the door first, and as he turned to face the pair, the door opened as it detected his presence. As soon as it did, however, a shrill shriek was heard from the briefing room and Zero turned toward it, a surprised and confused expression on his face even as a blur of red, blue and brown slammed into him. X shouted and ran to Zero as the blond literally flew to the hallway's opposite wall, hitting it with a grunt.
Before Zero could really react to being so violently tackled, a deep chuckle from the now-closed door snapped his attention, and as he glanced down, the tackler glanced up, huge brown eyes sparkling. X skidded to a stop, Axl hitting his back as Zero exclaimed in relief.
"Iris!"
The door opened and Signas stood in the frame, smiling. "We attempted to stop her…" he shrugged.
X saluted him as Axl peeked around to see the girl hugging Zero closely. Zero had one arm around her, the other in a messy salute toward their commanding officer. "Sorry I can't salute you properly, sir…" Zero smiled a bit. "I'm a bit… tied up."
"Quite all right. Miss Iris, if you'd please come back, you are supposed to be a prisoner." Signas turned back into the room as Iris detached herself, only now looking embarrassed.
"I'm sorry," Iris said as she helped Zero up. "I was just so happy to see you…" she turned her head and the same happy expression from before filled her face. "Oh, X, you're here too!" she greeted him with a large hug as well, although much calmer than the one she gave Zero.
X awkwardly patted her back. "Eh heh… Hi, Miss Iris."
Zero blinked as a sudden thought dawned on him. "Wait, if Iris is here…" Zero dashed into the room, and Iris giggled as his voice carried out, "Colonel!"
Dislodging her hold on him, X motioned to Axl. "Real quick, this is Axl. Axl, Miss Iris of Repliforce."
Axl gave X an odd look before extending his hand. Iris grasped it with both of hers with a wide smile. "You must be the one Zero mentioned," she said pleasantly. "You're a cutie; you even look like their child!"
X actually blushed and Axl gave her an open-mouthed look of surprise. Leave it to Iris to say some weird things like they're completely appropriate…
When the trio finally made it inside, Zero and Colonel was happily talking together, even as Signas was leaning over to look at what Alia was furiously typing on her keyboard. Colonel glanced at X and Axl, making Zero look over as well. Iris went to her brother and wrapped her arms around one of his with a smile.
"Don't they make an adorable family, Brother?" Iris asked as X and Axl stood at Zero's sides.
Colonel smiled a bit. "You're embarrassing them, Iris."
X waved it all aside, his curiosity burning bright in him. "So what did Signas mean, saying you're supposed to be prisoners?"
Colonel nodded to X, appreciating the turn for business. "We heard of General's ridiculous call for war, and were summoned back from our station in America. When I tried to ask for a reason, General acted suspicious. I contacted Signas here, and he relayed his part of the story to me. Comparing the two sides, I'd have to say the Hunters sound much more sane and composed."
"We could not just abandon Repliforce," Iris cut in, her cheeriness suddenly evaporating and replaced with a seriousness X had never seen in the woman. "But we cannot say we support them, either. Unfortunately, Brother cannot turn his back, being the Colonel. I'm a little more expendable, however, so my inclusion has no impact."
"Iris," Colonel admonished.
"Don't 'Iris' me, Brother. Repliforce has plenty of Ride Armor pilots; what's one loss?"
X gaped at her, as did Axl and even Zero. "You're a Ride Armor pilot?" Looking her over, in all her feminine c harms and armored dress, Iris looked like anything but.
Iris nodded and her usual smile returned. "When Brother was being constructed, they wished to make the perfect Reploid warrior. However, something went wrong, and so they split his blueprints to make me, his sister-Reploid. What battle skills he does not have, I do. That includes Ride Armor piloting." She shrugged. "Most common Ride Armors are easy to pilot, but those Reploids with the programming and training pilot much more advanced ones."
Colonel waved it off and Iris frowned that he was essentially knocking her off her boasting box. "Regardless, we made plans with Signas to make it seem as if we were taken prisoner by the Hunters. Already General is trying to, at the very least, get me back."
Zero crossed his arms. "So what's the plan? I don't want to go up against you, Colonel…"
"Signas is going to play the big bad Maverick Hunter asshole. He'll give General me, but will keep Iris. This gives me a valid excuse to not be physically present in the front lines." Colonel placed a hand on Iris' shoulder. "I will be keeping close contact with Iris and, through her, I will tell you what I learn of General. I hate to think it, but I suspect someone else is behind General's actions and pulling his strings."
"Sounds like a plan," Axl quipped. "But he'll suspect something and will monitor what you send out, even if it's your private connection. He has that authority."
"Let's say Iris and I have ways of encoding our messages," Colonel smiled. Signas waved at them and he nodded toward the Maverick Hunter Commander. "All right. You three are going to form a triangle around us, pretending you're holding us hostage. Look stern. Iris, quit smiling."
"Shut up and I will." Iris let out a final giggle before releasing her brother's arm and folding her arms behind her back, as if cuffed. Colonel did the same and they stood shoulder to shoulder, faces blank, as the Hunter trio surrounded them.
Signas took his place in front of the large monitor and Alia flipped the switch to allow transmissions. General's face filled the screen, and when he saw Colonel and Iris trapped, that face flared with anger.
"Return my soldiers to me," General demanded.
"Have you POWs to trade?" Signas retorted. General remained silent, allowing the commander to go on. "No, of course not, you destroyed any Hunters you got a hold of. What makes you think I should not do the same?"
For added effect, Axl raised one of his pistols at Iris' head. Colonel tensed visibly, eyes widening, even as Iris' own eyes looked to the left without moving her head. She swallowed hard, and Zero admired her acting skills. She was the picture of damsel in distress…
General seemed to settle down just a bit at this display. "What are your terms?"
"Would your surrender and peaceful end of this war be too far-fetched?"
"Of course."
Signas seemed to mull over it, even rubbing his chin in mock thought. Through it all, Zero could see he had already practiced this scenario several times, and knew exactly what to say.
"We have already decimated your forces in the jungle, your own Snow Base, and even crippled your supply trains." Signas held two fingers in front of his face, making a diagonal line between his eyes. "Really, it looks like we're winning."
General would not be bluffed. "Your terms, Commander."
"Very well. Surrender your Marine Base and your hold on the old Bio Laboratory. Despite our victory over your officers there, they remain in your grasp. Those two strongholds for one of these two."
"One?" General look outraged, his eyes glinting red. "You demand two footholds for one soldier?"
"One of these soldiers happens to be your Colonel," Signas reminded him. "Truly, to give you such a powerful piece should require four strongholds, but I will settle for those two and nothing else. You pick which soldier you want."
"I assume this is your idea of mercy," General practically spat. "Very well. The Marine Base and the Bio Lab, for the return of Colonel."
"Sir!" Colonel spoke up. Axl pointed his pistol at him more in reflex than acting. "You would leave Iris in enemy hands?"
"Accept my apology, Colonel, Iris," General responded, although he sounded anything but apologetic. "You are far more valuable than your sister. I assure you we will get her back."
Signas looked thoughtful, but nodded. "I will send a squadron of Hunters to both locations. When the areas are completely empty and your forces gone, I will send you Colonel."
The transmission ended and Alia locked it from further calls, and she pulled off her headset as everyone relaxed. Colonel turned to Axl, who now folded his arms behind his head.
"You sure this will work, Signas?" Colonel asked. "I can do the secret maneuvering myself."
"With Axl, you will be able to be in two places at once," Signas said. "Plus, should you find something that is tangible, he can carry it to the frontlines and bring it to us. Axl," the young Reploid saluted when he was addressed. "Do you feel comfortable with this?"
"Of course, sir." Axl then smirked. "But maybe you should ask my parents if they are."
Zero immediately protested when Signas turned to him and X. "Axl is going to copy Colonel and pretend to be him? Do you realize what'll happen if he's discovered?"
"If, Zero. I thought you'd have more faith." Signas waved his hand. "Dismissed, Hunters. Colonel, Miss Iris, please remain here."
Iris grasped Zero's hand before he left the room. "We'll get through this easy," She smiled. "We'll be okay."
Zero smiled in return and left with X and Axl, and Iris turned to Colonel, her smile gone and replaced by a sad, sober expression. Colonel simply put his hand on her shoulder and shook his head slightly, closing his eyes as Iris looked at the ground dejectedly. Colonel embraced his sister, and Signas turned to Alia, his own face reflecting apathy.
That was the first time anyone heard Iris outright lie to Zero.
~*~
Sure enough, the squadrons Signas sent out gave the okay at both the Marine Base and Bio Lab. Colonel bid farewell to Zero and X, and shared a quick hug with his sister before he and Axl teleported to the meeting point with a full squad of Hunters. Axl would use his camouflage ability to sneak into the Repliforce base and copy a common soldier, using the data Colonel gave him to move about until he was needed to act as Colonel.
When they were gone, Iris was moved to an unused dormitory room near X's and Zero's, and was properly accommodated for, despite being classified as a prisoner. Although her access was limited throughout HQ, Iris spent most of her time in her room anyway, listening to the news and putting old machines like her sewing machine to work after so many years of neglect. Zero and X visited her often, of which she greatly appreciated, and the visits allowed her to actually become real friends with X. After a few days, as X and Zero left her dorm room after a visit, the blue-clad hunter looked at his boyfriend.
"I can't believe I used to be such an ass to her," X said. In his hands was a red scarf Iris had made just for him. With a shrug he put it on, tossing the loose tail of it over his shoulder to dangle down his back.
"See?" Zero poked his helmet. "Iris is a good girl. I don't get why you never liked her."
"I was probably jealous. I had to share you with her for a while there."
Zero raised an eyebrow, although his helmet hid the action. "You're implying you were in love with me long before I was with you."
"Ma~ybe I was," X smirked. He grabbed Zero's hand. "I just hadn't realized it."
"Tease." Zero bent down and gave him a quick kiss.
X's smirk became a gentle smile as they walked toward the lifts. Despite still not having heard from Colonel or Axl, there had been no skirmishes against Repliforce and they had made no attempts to reclaim the Marine Base or Bio Lab. It was almost peaceful, like it had been before General's insane declaration. Perhaps Colonel was talking sense into his superior?
They had barely reached the lifts when X heard running behind him. When the two glanced back, Iris was racing toward them, waving her hand and shouting their names. They turned to fully face her as she caught up.
"I got word from Brother," Iris said. "He sent me an e-mail."
"Let's see it." Zero placed his hand over the section of his helmet covering his ear, and X did the same. Iris covered both of her ears and closed her eyes, and sent the e-mail to them.
Zero opened the forwarded file, and his face scrunched in confusion as he read it. Colonel had an odd way of typing.
To my sister,
He is doing well. The General, I mean. Despite not understanding him before, I think I do now.
Everything is going according to plan, and we shall rescue you from the Hunters soon. Be safe.
Generally speaking, we are mobilizing an impressive force. Keep your signal to me a secret.
Even if we believe it's private, the Hunters could try to hack it. Don't look obvious reading this.
Never let yourself be left alone with Zero. He may try to use your past friendliness to his favor.
Everything will be all right, keep your chin up. I have not abandoned you, nor has Repliforce.
Repliforce morale has improved since my rescue; even you will be impressed once you're back.
All of the soldiers speak of independence from the humans after this. A second war maybe?
Let us hope not. I do not want to risk you possibly being captive again. I will find out more.
Is everything well for you? The Hunters have not harmed you, have they?
Soon you'll be free. I keep repeating it to keep myself calm; I hope you forgive me for it.
In due time, the General will tell me of his grand plan. I hope we rescue you first, though.
No matter how much he tries to tell me otherwise, I refuse to allow you to wait there long.
Fact is, Iris, I can hardly concentrate on fighting now, with all my worry for you.
Even if I know Zero won't let harm come to you, I wonder if we can trust him anymore…
Certainly we can't. He is a Maverick Hunter after all, and he is one of the enemies.
To me, our friendship is dead. I can bet he feels the same. Detach yourself from him, Iris.
Even if you still love him, remember only I and Repliforce matter now.
Don't give up hope, Iris. All will be well.
Your brother,
Colonel
X frowned. "Okay, most of it is common sense. I hope he doesn't mean some of it, though."
"Look at how he's typed it," Iris answered, a bit irritated. "Each line is a new line."
"Yeah, and?"
"Read down, not across. It's lined up as such for a reason."
Zero went back to the e-mail, a little more confused. But as he scanned it, he understood what Iris meant and read down. X must have done the same, because both donned an expression of shock and horror when they were through.
"This…" Zero muttered, "is getting complicated."
<--- PREVIOUS CHAPTER NEXT CHAPTER --->
X cuddled up to Zero, staring at the ceiling as the blond snored lightly. Despite trying to be civil and offer peace, each and every Repliforce commander refused to cooperate and would rather die than betray their beloved General. Each one was more insane than the one before, and the last X had fought, Cyber Peacock, didn't even bother to talk, instantly launching into attack with an animalistic roar quite unbefitting of him. He had hoped that perhaps Zero had better luck, but in his true flippant style, Zero reported similar results and dragged X for a shower, hair brush session and a nap.
X idly played with Zero's clean ponytail, now also tied in a braid. While he understood absolute loyalty to one's leader, X failed to see any good intention or reason behind a war against the Hunters. Did he really burn General's pride so bad by asking a few simple questions and following typical protocol? Even if he did, General would have been expected to have done the same if the roles were reversed, so why let something so minor cause such a catastrophe? Zero snorted in his sleep, his hold on X tightening as he curled even closer to the brunette, and X couldn't help but smile, allowing his thoughts go to happier things.
Before this whole thing with Repliforce, X had easily seduced Zero to share a little intimate time with him. Despite his child-like innocence and thinking, X found the act more exciting and pleasing than he ever imagined. The only thing that could have made it perfect was if X would have finally told Zero he was in love with him.
The thought made X feel guilty. All these days together, declaring themselves boyfriends to the entirety of HQ and acting the part, and X never told Zero directly he loved him yet. Truth be told, nothing of such magnitude was supposed to happen until X was sure… but if it all did happen, than X had to be sure, right?
Don't second-guess yourself, X scolded himself. You love Zero, and you have for the longest time. You just wanted to make sure it was serious, that it wasn't temporary like Delia.
Perhaps when he woke up, X would tell him? It would certainly lift Zero's spirits, especially since he knew Zero was stressing himself out over Iris and Colonel's lack of response to any form of communication. X and Zero had been to the medical bay for simple repairs from their mission, and he had seen how dangerously low Zero's power reserves and batteries were. While Zero was offline to recharge faster, Lifesaver had commented that stress caused a Reploid to over-exert themselves and waste energy.
Now you're being prideful, X frowned. Yeah, hearing you say you love him will lighten him up, but that's a whole different ball game from worrying over friends.
Then again, what if some of that stress is from not saying it? After all, I was Zero's first in terms of a male, and that was an incredibly special moment for us… even if he did nearly fall over in nervousness. But, all this time and no 'I love you' would make me worry, too.
X lightly kissed Zero's lips, careful not to wake him. Take a nap. You'll feel better.
Self-talking had a way of helping in the oddest ways, and X closed his eyes and allowed himself to sleep.
A couple of hours later, X was woken by a light shake to his shoulder. He slowly brought himself out of hibernation, cracking his eyes open. As he did, he heard a soft click and felt Zero tuck something over onto his nightstand. As he became more fully aware, X yawned and sat up, rubbing his eyes. Zero propped himself up against his headboard and leaned over, lightly kissing X's cheek.
"Rise and shine," Zero whispered. "You realize how adorable you look when you're waking up?"
"You realize you snore?" X smiled.
"I do not," Zero retorted. "I got a transmission from Signas… he has some news for us and wants to see us ASAP."
Signas, you suck. "Sure, let's suit up and go."
Zero tossed X his helmet, giving him a quick kiss on his lips. "Love you."
X closed his eyes, raising his hand to cup Zero's cheek and giving him a deeper, more meaningful kiss. "I love you, Zero."
X opened his eyes, and the look on Zero's face made waiting until now totally worth it; X took a picture of it and stored it into his media files with a smile.
~*~
Zero had practically skipped to the briefing room, X laughing and shaking his head at his happy boyfriend. Who knew three little words could soften the battle-hardened warrior and temporarily remove all evidence of stress? Axl met up with them halfway, and even he saw the change in Zero and turned to X with a questioning look. X only smiled contentedly in return and let Axl's overly-imaginative mind make up its own conclusions.
"So," X walked next to Axl as Zero waved and smiled at anyone passing by. One would think he had overfilled his energy cores. "What special mission did Signas give you?"
"Infiltration, of course," Axl shrugged. "We captured a special Repliforce commander, and he wants me to try and take on his form… problem is, he's kinda big."
"Is that why we got called? POWs?" X frowned.
"Yeah, I think."
Zero reached the door first, and as he turned to face the pair, the door opened as it detected his presence. As soon as it did, however, a shrill shriek was heard from the briefing room and Zero turned toward it, a surprised and confused expression on his face even as a blur of red, blue and brown slammed into him. X shouted and ran to Zero as the blond literally flew to the hallway's opposite wall, hitting it with a grunt.
Before Zero could really react to being so violently tackled, a deep chuckle from the now-closed door snapped his attention, and as he glanced down, the tackler glanced up, huge brown eyes sparkling. X skidded to a stop, Axl hitting his back as Zero exclaimed in relief.
"Iris!"
The door opened and Signas stood in the frame, smiling. "We attempted to stop her…" he shrugged.
X saluted him as Axl peeked around to see the girl hugging Zero closely. Zero had one arm around her, the other in a messy salute toward their commanding officer. "Sorry I can't salute you properly, sir…" Zero smiled a bit. "I'm a bit… tied up."
"Quite all right. Miss Iris, if you'd please come back, you are supposed to be a prisoner." Signas turned back into the room as Iris detached herself, only now looking embarrassed.
"I'm sorry," Iris said as she helped Zero up. "I was just so happy to see you…" she turned her head and the same happy expression from before filled her face. "Oh, X, you're here too!" she greeted him with a large hug as well, although much calmer than the one she gave Zero.
X awkwardly patted her back. "Eh heh… Hi, Miss Iris."
Zero blinked as a sudden thought dawned on him. "Wait, if Iris is here…" Zero dashed into the room, and Iris giggled as his voice carried out, "Colonel!"
Dislodging her hold on him, X motioned to Axl. "Real quick, this is Axl. Axl, Miss Iris of Repliforce."
Axl gave X an odd look before extending his hand. Iris grasped it with both of hers with a wide smile. "You must be the one Zero mentioned," she said pleasantly. "You're a cutie; you even look like their child!"
X actually blushed and Axl gave her an open-mouthed look of surprise. Leave it to Iris to say some weird things like they're completely appropriate…
When the trio finally made it inside, Zero and Colonel was happily talking together, even as Signas was leaning over to look at what Alia was furiously typing on her keyboard. Colonel glanced at X and Axl, making Zero look over as well. Iris went to her brother and wrapped her arms around one of his with a smile.
"Don't they make an adorable family, Brother?" Iris asked as X and Axl stood at Zero's sides.
Colonel smiled a bit. "You're embarrassing them, Iris."
X waved it all aside, his curiosity burning bright in him. "So what did Signas mean, saying you're supposed to be prisoners?"
Colonel nodded to X, appreciating the turn for business. "We heard of General's ridiculous call for war, and were summoned back from our station in America. When I tried to ask for a reason, General acted suspicious. I contacted Signas here, and he relayed his part of the story to me. Comparing the two sides, I'd have to say the Hunters sound much more sane and composed."
"We could not just abandon Repliforce," Iris cut in, her cheeriness suddenly evaporating and replaced with a seriousness X had never seen in the woman. "But we cannot say we support them, either. Unfortunately, Brother cannot turn his back, being the Colonel. I'm a little more expendable, however, so my inclusion has no impact."
"Iris," Colonel admonished.
"Don't 'Iris' me, Brother. Repliforce has plenty of Ride Armor pilots; what's one loss?"
X gaped at her, as did Axl and even Zero. "You're a Ride Armor pilot?" Looking her over, in all her feminine c harms and armored dress, Iris looked like anything but.
Iris nodded and her usual smile returned. "When Brother was being constructed, they wished to make the perfect Reploid warrior. However, something went wrong, and so they split his blueprints to make me, his sister-Reploid. What battle skills he does not have, I do. That includes Ride Armor piloting." She shrugged. "Most common Ride Armors are easy to pilot, but those Reploids with the programming and training pilot much more advanced ones."
Colonel waved it off and Iris frowned that he was essentially knocking her off her boasting box. "Regardless, we made plans with Signas to make it seem as if we were taken prisoner by the Hunters. Already General is trying to, at the very least, get me back."
Zero crossed his arms. "So what's the plan? I don't want to go up against you, Colonel…"
"Signas is going to play the big bad Maverick Hunter asshole. He'll give General me, but will keep Iris. This gives me a valid excuse to not be physically present in the front lines." Colonel placed a hand on Iris' shoulder. "I will be keeping close contact with Iris and, through her, I will tell you what I learn of General. I hate to think it, but I suspect someone else is behind General's actions and pulling his strings."
"Sounds like a plan," Axl quipped. "But he'll suspect something and will monitor what you send out, even if it's your private connection. He has that authority."
"Let's say Iris and I have ways of encoding our messages," Colonel smiled. Signas waved at them and he nodded toward the Maverick Hunter Commander. "All right. You three are going to form a triangle around us, pretending you're holding us hostage. Look stern. Iris, quit smiling."
"Shut up and I will." Iris let out a final giggle before releasing her brother's arm and folding her arms behind her back, as if cuffed. Colonel did the same and they stood shoulder to shoulder, faces blank, as the Hunter trio surrounded them.
Signas took his place in front of the large monitor and Alia flipped the switch to allow transmissions. General's face filled the screen, and when he saw Colonel and Iris trapped, that face flared with anger.
"Return my soldiers to me," General demanded.
"Have you POWs to trade?" Signas retorted. General remained silent, allowing the commander to go on. "No, of course not, you destroyed any Hunters you got a hold of. What makes you think I should not do the same?"
For added effect, Axl raised one of his pistols at Iris' head. Colonel tensed visibly, eyes widening, even as Iris' own eyes looked to the left without moving her head. She swallowed hard, and Zero admired her acting skills. She was the picture of damsel in distress…
General seemed to settle down just a bit at this display. "What are your terms?"
"Would your surrender and peaceful end of this war be too far-fetched?"
"Of course."
Signas seemed to mull over it, even rubbing his chin in mock thought. Through it all, Zero could see he had already practiced this scenario several times, and knew exactly what to say.
"We have already decimated your forces in the jungle, your own Snow Base, and even crippled your supply trains." Signas held two fingers in front of his face, making a diagonal line between his eyes. "Really, it looks like we're winning."
General would not be bluffed. "Your terms, Commander."
"Very well. Surrender your Marine Base and your hold on the old Bio Laboratory. Despite our victory over your officers there, they remain in your grasp. Those two strongholds for one of these two."
"One?" General look outraged, his eyes glinting red. "You demand two footholds for one soldier?"
"One of these soldiers happens to be your Colonel," Signas reminded him. "Truly, to give you such a powerful piece should require four strongholds, but I will settle for those two and nothing else. You pick which soldier you want."
"I assume this is your idea of mercy," General practically spat. "Very well. The Marine Base and the Bio Lab, for the return of Colonel."
"Sir!" Colonel spoke up. Axl pointed his pistol at him more in reflex than acting. "You would leave Iris in enemy hands?"
"Accept my apology, Colonel, Iris," General responded, although he sounded anything but apologetic. "You are far more valuable than your sister. I assure you we will get her back."
Signas looked thoughtful, but nodded. "I will send a squadron of Hunters to both locations. When the areas are completely empty and your forces gone, I will send you Colonel."
The transmission ended and Alia locked it from further calls, and she pulled off her headset as everyone relaxed. Colonel turned to Axl, who now folded his arms behind his head.
"You sure this will work, Signas?" Colonel asked. "I can do the secret maneuvering myself."
"With Axl, you will be able to be in two places at once," Signas said. "Plus, should you find something that is tangible, he can carry it to the frontlines and bring it to us. Axl," the young Reploid saluted when he was addressed. "Do you feel comfortable with this?"
"Of course, sir." Axl then smirked. "But maybe you should ask my parents if they are."
Zero immediately protested when Signas turned to him and X. "Axl is going to copy Colonel and pretend to be him? Do you realize what'll happen if he's discovered?"
"If, Zero. I thought you'd have more faith." Signas waved his hand. "Dismissed, Hunters. Colonel, Miss Iris, please remain here."
Iris grasped Zero's hand before he left the room. "We'll get through this easy," She smiled. "We'll be okay."
Zero smiled in return and left with X and Axl, and Iris turned to Colonel, her smile gone and replaced by a sad, sober expression. Colonel simply put his hand on her shoulder and shook his head slightly, closing his eyes as Iris looked at the ground dejectedly. Colonel embraced his sister, and Signas turned to Alia, his own face reflecting apathy.
That was the first time anyone heard Iris outright lie to Zero.
~*~
Sure enough, the squadrons Signas sent out gave the okay at both the Marine Base and Bio Lab. Colonel bid farewell to Zero and X, and shared a quick hug with his sister before he and Axl teleported to the meeting point with a full squad of Hunters. Axl would use his camouflage ability to sneak into the Repliforce base and copy a common soldier, using the data Colonel gave him to move about until he was needed to act as Colonel.
When they were gone, Iris was moved to an unused dormitory room near X's and Zero's, and was properly accommodated for, despite being classified as a prisoner. Although her access was limited throughout HQ, Iris spent most of her time in her room anyway, listening to the news and putting old machines like her sewing machine to work after so many years of neglect. Zero and X visited her often, of which she greatly appreciated, and the visits allowed her to actually become real friends with X. After a few days, as X and Zero left her dorm room after a visit, the blue-clad hunter looked at his boyfriend.
"I can't believe I used to be such an ass to her," X said. In his hands was a red scarf Iris had made just for him. With a shrug he put it on, tossing the loose tail of it over his shoulder to dangle down his back.
"See?" Zero poked his helmet. "Iris is a good girl. I don't get why you never liked her."
"I was probably jealous. I had to share you with her for a while there."
Zero raised an eyebrow, although his helmet hid the action. "You're implying you were in love with me long before I was with you."
"Ma~ybe I was," X smirked. He grabbed Zero's hand. "I just hadn't realized it."
"Tease." Zero bent down and gave him a quick kiss.
X's smirk became a gentle smile as they walked toward the lifts. Despite still not having heard from Colonel or Axl, there had been no skirmishes against Repliforce and they had made no attempts to reclaim the Marine Base or Bio Lab. It was almost peaceful, like it had been before General's insane declaration. Perhaps Colonel was talking sense into his superior?
They had barely reached the lifts when X heard running behind him. When the two glanced back, Iris was racing toward them, waving her hand and shouting their names. They turned to fully face her as she caught up.
"I got word from Brother," Iris said. "He sent me an e-mail."
"Let's see it." Zero placed his hand over the section of his helmet covering his ear, and X did the same. Iris covered both of her ears and closed her eyes, and sent the e-mail to them.
Zero opened the forwarded file, and his face scrunched in confusion as he read it. Colonel had an odd way of typing.
To my sister,
He is doing well. The General, I mean. Despite not understanding him before, I think I do now.
Everything is going according to plan, and we shall rescue you from the Hunters soon. Be safe.
Generally speaking, we are mobilizing an impressive force. Keep your signal to me a secret.
Even if we believe it's private, the Hunters could try to hack it. Don't look obvious reading this.
Never let yourself be left alone with Zero. He may try to use your past friendliness to his favor.
Everything will be all right, keep your chin up. I have not abandoned you, nor has Repliforce.
Repliforce morale has improved since my rescue; even you will be impressed once you're back.
All of the soldiers speak of independence from the humans after this. A second war maybe?
Let us hope not. I do not want to risk you possibly being captive again. I will find out more.
Is everything well for you? The Hunters have not harmed you, have they?
Soon you'll be free. I keep repeating it to keep myself calm; I hope you forgive me for it.
In due time, the General will tell me of his grand plan. I hope we rescue you first, though.
No matter how much he tries to tell me otherwise, I refuse to allow you to wait there long.
Fact is, Iris, I can hardly concentrate on fighting now, with all my worry for you.
Even if I know Zero won't let harm come to you, I wonder if we can trust him anymore…
Certainly we can't. He is a Maverick Hunter after all, and he is one of the enemies.
To me, our friendship is dead. I can bet he feels the same. Detach yourself from him, Iris.
Even if you still love him, remember only I and Repliforce matter now.
Don't give up hope, Iris. All will be well.
Your brother,
Colonel
X frowned. "Okay, most of it is common sense. I hope he doesn't mean some of it, though."
"Look at how he's typed it," Iris answered, a bit irritated. "Each line is a new line."
"Yeah, and?"
"Read down, not across. It's lined up as such for a reason."
Zero went back to the e-mail, a little more confused. But as he scanned it, he understood what Iris meant and read down. X must have done the same, because both donned an expression of shock and horror when they were through.
"This…" Zero muttered, "is getting complicated."
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