Melody of the Future

by Tatsurou


CM: Stab the Back

As Epsilon predicted, it didn't take long to replace Epsilon's SFM power core with the Ether Crystal, which provided him with the power to stay functional but was more dangerous to overclock, keeping him at non-combat levels. As X held the SFM core, he stared at the glowing sphere that was apparently the source of this conflict. "Such a small thing...causing so much strife..."

"That is often the case," Epsilon confirmed. "Small things bring the greatest changes." He glanced significantly at Octavia.

Octavia shrugged, mentally brushing off the comment about her size. "Now all that's left is sending a signal to Colonel Redips-"

"No need," Redips suddenly spoke up from the entrance of the room. "When I didn't hear from anyone for so long, I came to investigate personally. While I'm not much of a combatant, my stealth skills were up to the task of locating the four of you. Sitrep?"

"Epsilon of the Rebellion has agreed to end hostilities," Octavia explained. "He's handed over all weapons-grade tech, and is ready to reopen communications regarding further development of SFM science for the good of the whole world."

"You're working with the Rebellion?" Redips asked in surprise.

"No," X corrected. "The Rebellion is working with us."

Redips rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "This is...troubling. It's going to be very difficult to balance public opinion on this one, especially since officially there isn't supposed to be any Maverick Hunter presence in Giga City in the first place."

"Our assistance was directly requested by several prominent citizens upon face-to-face meetings, when said requests sent through proper channels had been deliberately blocked by the Government," Octavia explained. "They thought they had everything under control. They thought wrong."

Redips nodded, his eyes flickering as he collated data. "Okay...I think I can work with that. And Shadow?"

"Corrupted and consumed by the power he betrayed us for," Zero declared flatly. "We terminated him like any other traitor who won't see reason."

Redips sighed softly. "Regrettable, but understandable. Do you have a base you can shift everything to for official communications? A spot these 'prominent citizens' are in control of?"

"Central Tower," Axl explained. "That's where it all began."

"In that case, if you'll give me the weapons-grade material to return to HQ and move everyone to that base, I'll be able to arrange a meeting, and all asylum and ambassadorial matters," Redips directed.

X shot a glance over at Epsilon, who nodded. "It's him," Epsilon confirmed. "This is the same Redips who is Commander of the Maverick Hunters. No way a copy could match his behavior this well."

As X handed over the SFM Core, Redips chuckled nervously. "A sensible precaution...but may I ask what would have happened if I failed that test?"

"You're the one who said you're lacking in combat protocols," Scarface said darkly as he stepped up behind Redips, plasma lance still drawn.

"...dully noted," Redips allowed nervously. "By your leave?"

At a nod from Epsilon, Scarface stepped aside to let Redips leave. "We should get to the Tower, then," Epsilon indicated.

X nodded firmly. "Let's go." With that, the group teleported back to Central Tower, two strong.


It was a few days before the transport plane was in sight. During that time, Epsilon and Chief R discussed the conflict and eventually came to the conclusion that their conflict - the one between the Resistance and the Rebellion - mostly boiled down to bad communication and overenthusiastic subordinates on both sides. Had communication between Epsilon and Chief R been established from the beginning, they likely would have been able to avoid a conflict between them. Overall, however, it was decided that the present outcome was the best for all involved, and the casualties regrettable necessity of the time.

As the dropship was sighted in Giga City airspace, the entire group moved to the roof to welcome the delegation from Maverick Hunter HQ. Ferham - now fully repaired - stood with Massimo on one side and Scarface on the other. Though Scarface had been ordered to not engage in any hostile action whatsoever, his gimlet glare towards Massimo any time he and Ferham started getting close. Epsilon stood on Scarface's other side, trying to keep the taller man in check. Chief R stood towards the middle of the Helipad, waiting to welcome the complement. X and the others stood to the other side of Massimo, while Spider stood with Aile and Nana on Epsilon's other side.

As the large whale shaped ship approached, Octavia managed a smile. It was beginning to look like everything was going to work out well. While they didn't know where the warhead was, once an agreement between the forces here and Maverick Hunter HQ was established, they could bring all their forces to bear to find it. At that point, it would only be a matter of time before it was recovered. She was certain, as she saw Chief R waving up at the ship, that everything was going to be just fi-

"Tango, merge!" Axl suddenly shouted out as he dashed towards Chief R, assuming Schrodinger configuration halfway there.

"Axl, what-" Octavia began, only to gasp as a massive blast shot down, obliterating the entire helipad. "AXL!"

As the smoke cloud faded, there was no sign of Axl or Chief R. The whale ship opened up, and began launching endless waves of Level 9 Security Mechanaloids, their armor design based off partial analysis of X's Ultimate Armor, making them incredibly durable and capable of shrugging off Zero's sonic-based tech.

"Tactical withdrawal!" Epsilon roared out as he grabbed Octavia, the entire group managing a controlled retreat into the tower. "Tactical withdrawal!"

"AXL!" Octavia screamed out again, reaching towards the crater that was the last sign she'd seen of her son.