"I’m…sorry, X," Dr. Cain stammered.

"It’s not your fault…I just wish," X got up and banged his fists against the wall, "I just wish I hadn’t left Zero behind!" This was followed by some more fist-banging.
"There, there," Dr. Cain said.

"Why didn't I do something? I could have just jumped down and...did something," X continued his moaning.
"There, there," Dr. Cain comforted.

"If only I was more careful, this never would have happened!" X cried, furiously punching the wall.
"There, there," Dr. Cain said helpfully.

"But I left him to die!" X practically screamed. Fist after fist rammed into the wall.

Dr. Cain, seeing that the MHHQ would soon collapse if X was allowed to continue in his remorse, decided that he had to get down to the unpleasant task of sympathising with X and maybe even (shudder) complimenting Zero and praising Zero's deeds.

"Don’t blame yourself, X. I should have known better than to force the glider to follow a program…I just thought…" Dr. Cain shook his head, "I was such a fool. I’ll give it freedom to act at its own discretion." He patted X on the shoulder as he walked by. When he saw that X was about to continue his abuse of the wall, Dr. Cain hastily added, "I’m really sorry, X. Take a rest, you’re doing no good acting this way. Zero died as a hero, he wouldn’t want to see you like this."

As soon as Dr. Cain had turned his back to X, he dusted off his lab coat and grimaced. Ick, I can't believe I said that...I feel so dirty.

X remained silent as Dr. Cain left the room. He had never felt so much bitterness before. I’ll destroy every one of the Mavericks, especially Theta. I’ll avenge your death, friend.

He had suggested programming Zero with entirely new memories, forcing him into a zombie-like state of servitude, and still somehow preserve his knowledge of abilities and battle experience. Vile seemed unable to grasp the fact that while a reploid could be reprogrammed, it was virtually impossible to change his basic character. Vile was asking that this wilful Hunter become a Maverick slave. Theta decided that Vile had seen too many Star Trek reruns.

"Oh yes, and be sure he retains his knowledge of the MHHQ secrets and passageways," Vile "advised"
"Yes, I’ll do that as soon as I finish deleting all his memory as you suggested," Theta replied.

The sarcasm was completely lost to Vile as he dreamt visions of conquering over cities, countries, continents, the world, "yes, yes, that will be very well, Theta. You are certainly one of the most useful members here. Keep this up, and you’ll be quite a genius somewhere down the road, perhaps almost as able as myself."

Theta, seeing that Vile had shut up, judged that he expected some kind of response. She nodded. Perhaps at other times she would have appreciated the not-too-generous praise, but Vile’s voice was really starting to irritate her.

Storm Eagle frowned slightly at the attention Vile lavished on her. "Theta dear, that should be a forward slash there, not a back slash," he said in his well-developed condescending tone, "you really ought to be more careful. Little slips like that could be quite troublesome." He gave her a patronising smile.

She corrected the mistake, and struggled to increase her level of tolerance. Everywhere she went, there were stupid jocks who thought they were smart because they found an insignificant mistake that she made. She sighed. Of course, her body never got tired, but her mental fatigue was really building up. She leaned back and rubbed her eyes gently.

"Tired, Theta? How very human of you," Eagle commented.

"I think that should be enough for now. I have to run a check on my alterations before I continue," Theta said. She carefully phrased her excuse as to leave it devoid of any suggestion that she herself needed a rest.

"Well, of course. As soon as the computer is done checking it, you will continue your work, correct?" Vile asked, pretending to give her a choice.

Theta nodded for the nth time, "yes, sir. And I still have a while to go. If Zero is reactivated before I’m done the proper programming, he might restore his old programming, or he might very well go mad."

"Well, we wouldn’t want that now, would we? Theta, do be careful and try your best not to mess up X’s loyal companion," Eagle smiled. This was tactfully ignored by Theta.

The three made their way out of the lab. Then Theta sneezed.

Storm Eagle stopped dead in his tracks. He stared straight ahead without moving an inch. Vile paused for half a second before continuing on his way. Theta hastily made a lame excuse and disappeared back inside the lab.

She could feel Eagle’s eyes on her as she closed the door behind her. She slumped down in a chair and breathed deeply. She found that she was shaking slightly. What am I afraid of? Vile needs me, they wouldn’t dare touch me. After calming herself down, she closed her eyes and went over her thoughts.

I must have caught a cold…I really hate this icy wasteland…On a completely different subject, Eagle is becoming a threat. Either I pretend to be as stupid and useless as the other Mavericks, or I show him with whom the power lies. Theta smiled. She opened her eyes and turned them towards the figure in the capsule. And you shall help me achieve this, Zero.

Onwards to Chapter Six
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