Utopia (6)
Chapter 11: Aftermath
The casualties of the Repliforce war were very high. Many of the Maverick Hunter members had comrades and partners there who had been retired. Since there was little maverick activity for the time being the majority of soldiers were able to take temporary leave for bereavement.
Behind the scenes of Maverick Hunter Headquarters it became disorganized as a whole. Out of guilt the leader of MHHQ had quit and left the military institution with no one to run it.
This made Dr. Cain scramble to produce a reploid who could take over the position. He had been playing with the idea of using his most cutting edge technology to create a reploid who was designed for a commanding position, but it would take time. He had to hope that a severe maverick threat would hold off until then.
Zero and X used their vacation time to spend a few days at the shelter with Jade, Kate and the gang. They needed some time away and they both felt comfortable enough to relax there without any interruptions from work.
Zero and Kate sat in one of the small offices near the navigation room. They were planning out defense strategies for if X and Zero were away during the time of attack. He also suggested an escape plan incase their defense plan failed.
Kate eyed the map on the table in front of them as Zero pointed out plausible escape routes until Kate suggested they take a little break.
“Zero… Thank you for helping us with these plans. None of us here have any extensive military training or background at all.”
“No problem” Zero said leaning back in a relaxing position.
“Zero… I heard about what happened from X and I just wanted to say I’m sorry. Iris sounded like a very nice girl… I know because your voice would light up every time you so much as mentioned her name. It’s ironic because when we first met you said you weren’t interested in the icky love stuff and that’s usually when you find someone and then Iris comes into your life… It’s just so tragic. I guess what I’m trying to say despite all my babbling is… If you need anything we’re all here for you…”
“Save it Kate. It happened and talking about it won’t make it go away, so just drop it ok?!”
Kate winced and pulled back like she had just been smacked in the face by someone she cared about. Zero saw this and his face softened slightly.
“*sigh* Thank you Kate. I’ll keep that in mind.”
Kate wisped a small smile as she drew her attention back to the map on the table averting her eyes away from Zero.
In the Barracks sector of the shelter Jade and X were sitting in the dining room enjoying some hot chocolate and snacks.
“What’s wrong X? You look sad. This is happy relax time!”
“I’m sorry Jade… I am trying to be happy.”
“I understand. It’s the events of the 4th war isn’t it? You miss the friends you had there now that they are retired?”
“Yes, but I am more worried about Zero. He lost Iris his love. I want to help him…”
“Don’t you miss her too?”
“I do, but I didn’t know her that well. She was more of an acquaintance really.” X sipped his hot chocolate.
“It takes time to get over a massive war time like that. This grief will pass.”
“I hope so…Jade…?” X asked looking up at her and setting his cup down in front of him.
“Yes?”
“How do you do it?”
“Do what?”
“How do you keep going? Fighting? Helping people? Trusting people? Holding on to your beliefs and what’s right? How do you keep from giving up?”
“I don’t know… Well I… I guess it’s because I am strong in my beliefs just like you. I believe in justice and a peaceful world for all reploids and humans. That’s why I helped build this place. It’s because of my beliefs that I trust people. I think there is good in the world and there is good in everyone. I think that’s why I help people. I want to protect them and surround them with good things because the world can be so harsh. I don’t agree with violence to achieve peace, but sadly the way the world is… we have to fight. We have to face reality and the reality is that we have to fight to defend ourselves.”
“You’re wrong we don’t have to fight!”
“Only we control our actions. I would love to stop fighting and live peacefully with Kate and my friends, but it’s because of them that I keep on fighting. To prevent anything terrible from happening to them, that is why I fight, but if I could I would stop this instant!”
“So… you fight to protect the people you love… I do too… But we’re killing countless people who will never get to see the peaceful world once it arrives.”
“I keep repeating this phrase in my head whenever I am on the battle field -Kill one save a thousand- The mavericks we kill would have disrupted the world we fought for sooner or later. We can’t change others only ourselves“
“I’m sorry… I just can’t turn my back on my belief in true peace being achieved by peaceful means not through violence!”
“So then quit! No one is forcing you to stay. Either way I admire you X! You fight hard to protect everyone and you value all living things. If you stop fighting then you are honoring yourself, demonstrating your beliefs and setting an example for others. You are a leader by example X whatever you decide… It’s up to you…”
“You know I read in history books about humans that had done the same thing. Gandhi sticks out in my mind the most.”
“Yes, people have done it, but it takes strength to follow your heart. Could you sit back and watch your comrades battle on the field? It would be a hard thing to watch.”
“So I’m damned if I do and damned if I don’t is that what you’re saying Jade?”
“No, just choose wisely that’s all. No regrets.”
X smiled and put his empty cup in the sink. Jade stood up and looked at X.
“Let’s go see what Zero and Kate are up too.”
“If I know Zero he has dragged your wife to the briefing room.”
“Let’s go see what’s up. It could be important.”
“Good idea.”
X and Jade entered the small office aka the briefing room to see what their colleagues were up too. Zero informed them of the defensive and offensive plans Kate and him had discussed while X and Jade sat and listened. Everything was in the process of being arranged incase a surprise attack were to take place on the base. The plans were set.
“I see” Jade commented leaning over at the map “So we exit through the side door to the right of the base and sneak down that long hidden pathway between the mountains, then we turn and travel deep inside the forest outside of Beat Village. We set camp by the stream and we wait for you there gotcha!”
“That was the best route we could come up with for now.” Zero spoke up.
“I agree. It is the most isolated from all the other alternatives.” X jumped in.
“Then it’s settled” Kate said standing up from her chair “I’ll inform every one of the plans we came up with. See you later.”
“We have to get back to Headquarters now.” Zero arose from his chair as well stretching his legs and arms.
“Yes, I think we’ve overstayed our welcome and besides we have some new members arriving. We have to be there for some of the interviews.” X added.
“Ok, see you boys later!” Jade waved “Thanks for everything. We enjoyed your visit!”
“So did Zero and I. Take care.” X waved back exiting the shelter.
X had a lot to think about on his way home after his talk with Jade. He never thought about things the way that Jade had explained it. It hadn’t dawned on him that he could just stop fighting whenever he wanted, but he still wasn’t entirely sure if quitting front line work was worth the consequences. With that in mind he felt it safe to continue fighting until he felt totally sure what his decision was.
Zero had much on his mind too. He had a week roughly to grieve over Iris’ death and even though it wasn’t a lot of time he felt it was time to move on. He always lived in the here and now and the present time was telling him to continue his job before something terrible happens. He realized he had to get over Iris someday. He also knew that he had plenty of support from X and the shelter members whether he wanted it or not, so until that day came he had to distract himself using his surroundings.
Chapter 12: All Is Fair In Love and War
Darkness filled the night sky in the city of Mettool Town, not even the moon dare cast its presence. In a small building near the outskirts of town a man wearing torn jeans, a wrinkled T-shirt, and a short brown leather jacket entered Aaron Dyson’ office. The man had dirty blonde hair, white complexion and wore sunglasses. He looked between the ages of early to mid 40’s by the condition of his skin.
Aaron sat at his desk arms folded awaiting the mysterious mans report “Is this it?” Aaron asked impatiently grabbing the folder from his grasp.
“Yes it is.”
“Are you sure that’s where they are?”
“Positive I even had my most reliable sources triple check the coordinates. The Yashichi Mountains to the far north my spies recorded some of the members entering the mountain they couldn’t believe their eyes at first. It’s all here on this Data Disk.”
“What took you so long finding it?” Aaron demanded snatching the Data Disk from his clutches.
“The shelter they are hiding in is well hidden. It was in the last place we would have suspected. Who knew they had that type of technology?”
Aaron stroked his chin in deep contemplation as he put the Disk into the computer “If I remember correctly Jade won’t go down without a fight. I hate to think about having to fight her after all she is my daughter… But she won’t listen to reason, so I have no choice. She refuses to open her eyes to reality! She persists on protecting those dangerous war machines they call reploids! She wants to stay blind to the truth! No, I can’t let paternal feelings stand in the way of justice! I have to do this for mankind’ survival…!” He leaned in and turned the computer off. He turned back around to face the older man still standing there with a concerned look on his face.
The man stood paralyzed refraining from saying anything that might offend his boss “Sir…”
“Set the plan in motion. Get your men in position. We will join you soon. The plan is set and we shall execute!”
Back at Maverick Hunter Headquarters…
“Ok, that’s all for now. We’ll call you when we’ve reached our decision.” X stated sorting a pile of papers on the desk in front of him.
“Thank you for your time sir.” The male reploid arose from his chair shaking Xs hand before exiting the office.
“That’s the last one for today…” X sighed leaning back in his chair folding his arms behind his head “I wonder who the counsel will decide to hire? We certainly aren’t in a position to be picky.” X said to himself as he organized all the papers and shoved them in the top drawer.
X jumped when he heard a loud knock on the door. He looked up and saw Zero standing in the doorway “Hi Zero.”
“Hey X, are you done all your interviews? Dr. Cain sent me to fetch you. He has someone he wants us to meet.”
“Ok let’s go.”
Zero and X sauntered down the hallway chatting on their way to Dr. Cain’ laboratory.
“So X, did you interview anyone who you predict will be hired?”
“I… don’t know.”
“I know what you mean; I haven’t been having a lot of good steadfast candidates either… accept for this one girl. Her resume was brief, but her experience far outweighed her short resume. I could see her being hired.”
“Her quality outweighs her quantity?”
“Yes. I would be surprised if we didn’t hire her.” Zero winked as they both entered Dr. Cain’ study room awaiting the news.
“X, Zero, I wanted you two to be the first to meet your new commander. His name is Signas and he will be running Maverick Hunter Headquarters from now on. Please make him feel welcome.”
Zero nodded in agreement.
“Yes, Dr. we will.” X said cheerfully walking over to shake the tall, muscular reploids hand “My name is Mega Man X. Everyone calls me X for short, nice to meet you Signas.”
“Nice to meet you X.”
“I’m Zero. Welcome to Maverick Hunter.” Zero bowed then shaking his hand after X stepped back.
“Thank you. I look forward to bringing a new era of peace by running this institution.”
“Good to hear. Now, I will show Signas around and show him his duties. You two have the night off to do what you like. Your duties will resume in the morning.” Dr. Cain ordered leading Signas out of the room.
A few weeks later Maverick Hunter Base was running smoothly. Signas quickly settled into his job and the overall atmosphere was much more positive among the members. New blood came flooding in and headquarters seemed to be bustling again like it was in the good old days.
X, however did not notice the busyness because he was cramped in an office in the basement. His work load had increased in paperwork due to the lack of maverick rampages. X considered this a good thing in the sense that he did not have to fight anyone, but he didn’t like how it gave him lots of time to dwell on his troubles.
“Hello my good friend!” Zero greeted slyly leaning against the doorway.
“Zero, I’m busy go away.” X responded with an exasperated tone.
“You’re always busy now X. Take a break for a bit. Have you had a chance to introduce yourself to the rookies?”
“No, because I’m swamped with reports to write!”
“Well there is one rookie who wants to meet you. I have a feeling me and you will be working with her quite a bit, so drop your work for a second. Come on in Alia.”
“Alia…?” X looked up and pushed his laptop aside. He saw a reploid girl walk in with an average build, black spandex, and pink and white armour. She had a white complexion with short blonde hair and dark blue eyes. On her head she wore a headset with a microphone on it.
“H-hello sir” Alia said shyly walking into the office “My name is Alia. I am the new commanding navigator here. I look forward to working with you on the frontlines.”
“Pleased to meet you Alia and call me X it’s fine.”
“Ok X. I hope to see you around sometime.” She smiled walking out the door.
Zero and X both waved goodbye as Zero closed the door leaving just him and X in the office. Zero smiled at X “Well, when you’re done how about we hang out tonight maybe go eat and hit the bar?”
“Sure. I’m tired of being stuck indoors!”
Late evening X packed away his reports and left to go meet Zero when he ran into Alia in the hallway.
“X, I’m so happy to see you. Are you off for the night?”
“As far as I know… yeah”
“Great! Wanna grab a bite to eat?”
“Actually I was just going to-“
“Where would you like to go?” Alia asked excitedly.
“Uh… Um…” X knew he agreed to meet Zero and spend time with him, but something inside him couldn’t say no to her. He decided to go with Alia and spend some time getting to know her since she was new and probably didn’t have any friends yet. He and Zero could go out another time he figured as he mustered up an answer to her question “How about Maison de Ballade?”
“Oh no I meant a casual place. That’s too expensive!”
“No, it’s my treat. It’s ok.”
“But… We just met…”
“So… Think of it as a welcome to MH.”
“T-thank you X. You’re very sweet.” Alia blushed smiling.
X drove Alia to the restaurant on the hover bike. He parked and they walked inside. It was a half hour wait since X didn’t make reservations in advance. Neither X nor Alia minded however. They figured it was more time to get to know each other one on one.
“What do you think of this place Alia?”
“It’s nice… but you really shouldn’t have felt obligated to take me here.”
“Like I said it’s no trouble at all. Please don’t feel guilty.”
“Ok… I’ll focus on enjoying myself.”
“What made you want to join Maverick Hunter?”
“For a change mostly, before I applied I used to work as a researcher with my lab partner Gate. We were reploid engineers. Gate and I would analyze data, new parts, and even build reploids ourselves. Sadly one day our lab was destroyed by mavericks. Gate along with most of my other colleagues were trapped inside at the time. I was lucky to have been using one of my vacation days at that time… Oh I’m sorry I trailed off from your question… While analyzing the data I studied different programming codes and languages. That’s what made me interested in this job prospect. As a navigator I can put these skills to good use.”
X looked sympathetically at Alia “I’m sorry that happened to you…”
“It’s ok. It was about a year ago now… I have a good feeling about Maverick Hunter I already feel at home there.”
“Good I’m glad.” X smiled warmly.
“What about you X? What made you join Maverick Hunter?”
“To sum it up… obligation…”
“Huh?” Alia stared in confusion.
“I joined because… I blame myself for the maverick uprising… Every reploid in existence is based off parts of my design, so when something goes wrong and they become mavericks then I think I am responsible for taking them down… If it wasn’t for me then this wouldn’t have happened...”
“X… I don’t think it’s your fault at all… How could you predict it would happen?”
X took Alias hand in his “Alia… I am not a violent man. Please believe that…”
Alia looked into Xs deep emerald green eyes. She was almost mesmerized by the pure, heartfelt honesty he portrayed to her. Suddenly X snapped back into reality and quickly let go of her hand pulling away from her “Alia… I-I’m sorry… I shouldn’t have done that! Please forgive me!”
“No it’s ok! I admire your honesty X. I find it endearing.”
X looked over at the waiter who was signaling them to come over “Looks like our tables ready. Let’s go.”
“Ok. I’ll follow you.”
Alia and X were seated at the table. They continued talking all through the night about a variety of different topics. They discussed every topic under the sun practically in Xs opinion. Before they knew it, it was 2:00am.
“Holy shit, look at the time!” Alia said in shock as the waiter ushered them out of the restaurant.
“I guess we had too much fun.” X laughed.
“I think we did too.” Alia giggled pushing him out the front door playfully.
“We’re going to be zombies at work tomorrow.”
“I know!” Alia laughed “But I’m having too much fun I don’t want this night to end.”
“I don’t either… I have an idea. I have a special place in the woods where I like to relax in solitude would you like to come with me? It’s beautiful at night.”
“Sounds pretty, but… I don’t know…”
“I know it sounds creepy… Some guy you’ve only known for a day… But, there’s something about you… I can’t describe it… I’ve never been this open with anyone before.”
“I haven’t either… I really like you too X.”
“So why not trust me? You know I’d never hurt you Alia… Like I said I’m not a violent man…”
“Well… Ok.”
Alia and X rode to the forest on the hover bike, they parked next to a tree in front of a nearby stream. The air was cool and fresh, the sound of the stream mixed with the chirping of crickets made the area very soothing. The only light in their vicinity came from the moon and the stars above.
X and Alia lay in the fresh grass continuing the conversation from the restaurant.
“So that’s what you’re hoping to accomplish someday. I wish you success!” X said happily. He couldn’t believe how much he enjoyed hearing her talk. She always had interesting things to say.
“Thank you X. I wish you luck in writing your novel and finding your own career path once we have achieved peace.” Alia responded encouragingly. Alia loved the evening with X. She was glad she persuaded him to come with her. She never wanted the night to end. She always wanted to be by his side; to have many days and nights just like this one.
“Alia…?”
“Yes X?”
“I… No nothing.”
“No, what is it? Tell me.”
“It’s just that I’m having so much fun with you. I don’t want to leave your side. I always want to be with you. I want you for our mind and… other things…” X said hesitantly, his facing turning a deep crimson red.
Alia turned a deeper red “I… always want to be by your side too X. I want us to have plenty of days and nights just like this one because I… I love you X… Yeah I know we just met, but I have never felt this way about anyone before…”
X took Alias hand and leaned in giving her a passionate kiss on the lips. After he pulled away only slightly “I feel the same way Alia… I just didn’t want to scare you off by saying so…”
“No you haven’t… If anything you have reassured me that I am safe with you… X, I want to stay with you forever… Please never leave me…”
X held Alia close in his arms. She leaned her head on his chest as she listened to his cybernetic heart beat. Right then she knew what she wanted to do and she knew that X would agree to it. She had never been so sure of anything in her life “X… Do you know what humans normally do when they want to commit to each other?”
“Yes, I am a big reader remember. They perform a ritual called marriage. The bride and groom have a ceremony and then they have a big party afterwards. They write vows and exchange rings as a symbol of how much they love each other.”
“Why can’t we do that?”
“The law hasn’t granted reploid marriage legal yet.”
“Oh yeah”
“But there isn’t any reason why we can’t do it ourselves”
“How…? We don’t have a minister or a judge.”
“We don’t need those people to marry us. We can say our own vows here right now and then we can stop off at a jewelry store on the way back to base early in the morning.”
“Really…? That’s a great idea! Let’s do it… Um, I mean… Only if you want too”
“Alia… I do” X smiled staring into her shining blue eyes
“X… I do” Alia smiled as she caressed him with kisses and hugs.
When they woke up they scrambled back to Maverick Hunter Base, picking and purchasing their wedding rings on the way. They ran into the back door hoping that no one would notice how late they were out. Unfortunately they had an unexpected visitor greet them at the door.
“Zero” X exclaimed “What are you doing here?”
“Where have you been? The commander’s been looking for you! You’re lucky it hasn’t been long since the alert!”
“Alert…? Uh-oh” Alia panicked.
“Come with me and don’t worry I’ve got your back. X you owe me an explanation after this!”
“I promise. Thanks!” X said thankfully.
“Whatever… Wait… What the hell is that on your finger?”
“Oh… these…? That’s the reason we’re late…” Alia responded in a timid tone of voice.
“Wow! Congratulations! But I don’t know if Signas is ok with workplace relations and he’s quite peeved at having to track down you guys, so I don’t think now is the best time to bring it up, so I’m going to stick to my plan for now.”
“Thanks Zero. I owe you one!”
“Come on hurry up!” Zero urged leading the way.
X, Zero, and Alia all ran into the command room where Signas was waiting for them “You two better have a good excuse as to why you’re late!”
“Sir they were here in the data room downstairs with the door closed. The overhead intercom doesn’t seem to be working in there. I tested it. We should have tech-support take a look at it right away.”
“I will see to that, but right now we have bigger problems.”
Alia hurried to her navigation post ready for duty while X and Zero sat to await the briefing.
“What’s the situation sir?” X inquired.
“The Earth is in total chaos. As you know the humans have begun building colonial habitats in space. A virus has taken over the colony of Eurasia and is heading towards Earth at an alarming speed. The sigma virus is our most likely perpetrator. This could cause serious damage to the planet if we don’t stop it now!”
Zeros communicator on his Z-buster began to beep “Excuse me commander this is important.” Zero dashed out of the command room and snuck to a secluded part of the hallway “This is Zero.”
“Zero, it’s me Kate! We’re under attack! We’re surrounded. Jade is fending off the people blocking our escape route. Please hurry!”
“Shit! I can’t get away right now! Eurasia is going to crash into the Earth and mavericks are storming through out the city!”
“Oh my God, ok we’re implementing the plans we had discussed and any other plans we have made last minute. Don’t worry we’ll be ok at the meeting point! Please come as soon as you can.”
“Wait… Kate… I’m on my way!” Zero disconnected and ran back to the command room.
‘Shit! What do I do?’