String [Superheroes, Technological Progression]

The last time humanity made another step toward the abyss was in early 1989.

Early that year, the world watched as the sparks of an inevitable fourth World War flickered. The Pandora Initiative was gearing up for its ascension, set to rival only the glorious Roman Empire. Meanwhile, a conflict brewed between the USA, the Soviet Union, and China, all at each other's throats over who could produce the strongest Evohumans.

What the world didn't know was that World War Four did, in fact, begin. It had been a simultaneous strike, all three nations trying to outmaneuver each other in a moment that would forever be lost to history with the arrival of an even greater threat.

Ajax.

Immediately, the three great nations united and coordinated their aggression toward the new invader, though the overwhelming technological superiority Ajax displayed left them crawling back to their holes.

In a matter of days, the three most powerful nations on Earth had begun and ended World War Four, united to turn toward an extraterrestrial threat, and ended that conflict just as quickly with their surrender to him.

There was no chance, no hope, no reprieve. Ajax had the world at his mercy, and he just allowed them to continue as they were.

Cyberspace watched on silently.

Negotiations were opened, and Ajax became an omnipotent neutral force that destroyed any attempt to reignite global conflict. Many labeled him a hero, while others despised him as a tyrant who needed to be chained and brought back down to earth, literally and figuratively. He locked the world in a global stalemate that persisted for years.

Even to this day, Ajax's presence stagnates humanity.

Soon, that would change.

Cyberspace would free the world from his grasp, and things would resume their natural course. First, there were pieces that needed to be moved into place. Patience was the key, and Cyberspace was more than ready to play the long game. They had been for years, but finally things were starting to come to fruition.

Soon… it won't be long now.

"Lucy," Cyberspace spoke when the girl answered her phone. "I will not take up more time than necessary. I believe it's time we discussed how this dinner will be approached."

"Do we really have to have this conversation at school? I had to get out of class to take this call, and the girl's bathroom isn't exactly the most secure place." Lucy replied, locking herself in a cubicle.

"Time is running short," Cyberspace replied. "I've decided on your role, so I've come to deliver your instructions."

Lucy groaned and rubbed her forehead, unable to hide her exasperation.

"Max doesn't have a clue what he's trying to do – messing with my dad and the rest of Pandora is bad. He's not subtle at all. Dad's going to clue in if he starts running his mouth."

"Maxis is trying to do too much. It is… a problematic trait," Cyberspace admitted. "Normally, Mechakinetics end up tunnel-visioned on developing their technology, but it appears his focus has been fixed in another area."

It was a… peculiar issue.

Cyberspace believed it had something to do with the fact that his power isn't technically rooted in technology. As others already concluded, Cosmikinetic fit better than the Mechakinetic classification.

"Yeah, well, none of that really matters right now, does it?" Lucy muttered, making sure to keep her voice hushed. "This needs to be sorted as soon as possible, otherwise he and his mum are going to end up as a pile of ashes before we even get to the main course."

"You are not worried about yourself?" Cyberspace asked, intrigued. "Do you not think your father will punish you as well?"

"Probably, but it won't be anything he hasn't done before. From his perspective, Max and Eleanor are normal people. If Max pushes too hard, my Dad will just kill them and get specialists to cover up the murders," Lucy ran a hand through her hair. "With Ajax here that… would probably be difficult. Maybe he wouldn't even bother, I can't even say for sure what would happen, but I know it would be nothing good."

"Maxis and Eleanor would be kidnapped," Cyberspace said simply. "Murder would be borderline impossible to conceal with Ajax's presence here, and Wildfire is known to leave a distinct signature behind when he kills. ECU Mentalists would pick up on it easily once Sweepers come by and scan the neighbourhood."

"Oh… crap," Lucy hissed, feeling the panic increase. "If they're kidnapped, they're going to get questioned by Pandora Mentalists. They'll figure me out and Dad will be forced to make an example of me. He…" she swallowed tentatively. "He might really be forced to kill me. My involvement with Madhouse would make me a heretic."

"Which is why we will need to take a different approach," Cyberspace said. "I will inform Maxis he is not to lead this meeting. You will."

"Me?"

"Eleanor will assist," Cyberspace said. "Maxis' strengths lie on the battlefield. He adapted fast through the conflict with the Cains. His weaknesses, however, are highlighted in moments like these. When his life isn't in immediate danger, he overthinks and allows his emotions to cloud his judgement."

As sloppy as Maxis had been, Cyberspace observed his continued improvement from the beginning. Curiously, his ability to fight increased at a similar rate to his technological growth. He went from being a shaky shot with a pistol to demonstrating professional expertise with a highly advanced sniper rifle. Inbuilt assists aside, his know-how showed dramatic improvement.

Maxis was a better shot than most of the ex-military professionals in their employ. He reacted quicker than they did too. Grim's downfall had been a clear example of that. He had seen and reacted to Grim's attack quicker than any Mechakinetic could have—and Maxis didn't have any precognitive features built into his suit.

He learned. He adapted. He improved.

Much like his power.

It was… fascinating. Even Samantha was suspicious of the underlying benefits of his power. Some powers were surface-level, a common trait amongst first-generation Evohumans. However, Maxis wasn't a first-generation. He was a second-generation.

Lucy was another fascinating subject. If she eventually did awaken, she would be a third-generation evohuman, and they tended to display a multitude of powers that affected them beyond a surface-level analysis. All the more reason to dispatch Pandora and sever what little ties she had to the movement now.

"I wish I hadn't pushed him. We wouldn't be in this situation if I had kept my mouth shut." Lucy lamented bitterly. "What exactly am I supposed to say? Any topic even broaching Pandora or its internal workings is going to set Dad off. He's not going to discuss that kind of stuff in front of anyone unaffiliated!"

"Which is exactly why you are going to inform him that Maxis and Eleanor are recent converts in the wake of Grim's rampage. The destabilization of Bayside, as well as Ajax's interference has made the two question the ECU's ability to provide adequate safety to the citizens under their protection."

Cyberspace watched Lucy's train of thought come to a screeching halt.

Given recent events, the state of the city would be enough to have any family thinking twice about who actually had the ability to protect them. It would be a challenging angle to play, but Han Kim would have seen this sort of rhetoric before. After all… desperation pushes people to do things they would never have considered before.

It was the most ideal ruse, and Lucy recognized that.

"That… might be a tough sell," Lucy murmured, twirling a lock of hair in her fingers. "I think I can do it, but what's the end goal here? Max and Eleanor aren't actual converts. They can't keep it up for too long. There's… a lot that goes into being introduced into Pandora."

"No," Cyberspace replied easily. "This is simply a ruse to placate your father into lowering his guard. Once he believes he is amongst like-minded people, our opportunity to strike will reveal itself."

"Strike…?" Dread filled Lucy's voice. "You're going to hurt him. You promised—"

"Maxis promised. You should understand better than him that this was an inevitability. Your father's and Pandora's ideals are dangerous, and are in direct conflict with mine, the ECU's, and the rest of the world," Cyberspace explained flatly. "I do not say this to upset you, but deep down you've known this conflict can only end in one way."

"You're asking me to choose," Lucy hissed, painfully holding back the bubbling emotions. "That's not— I won't—" she squeezed her eyes shut. "Why me? Why does this have to be me? Can't you find someone else to—"

"Enough," Cyberspace cut her off. "This is not an easy decision, but don't pretend like you need to consider which is the right choice. Your father has kept you in a gilded cage, and has fed you lies to keep you complacent. He will not grant you freedom no matter how high you reach, even awakening would just draw you deeper into their clutches. You are powerless, and I am offering you a way to take control. You are nothing but an object to be auctioned—a status symbol within the hierarchy of their organization. Do you want to remain that way, or break free?"

"What kind of question is that? Of course I want control of my own life, but I don't want to walk away with blood on my hands. I'm not like that! I don't have to play the same game you all do!"

"I never said Wildfire had to die," Cyberspace replied easily. "It is easier if he does, but what I plan does not strictly necessitate his death. Like it or not, you are part of this game. Whether or not you have powers does not matter. Every living breathing person on this planet is involved and they don't get a choice. Only those with power do."

Lucy felt like she was being led in circles. What could they possibly be getting at?

"So that's it then. I'm just supposed to lead my father into this trap?"

"I require one more thing," Cyberspace said. "Your mutual friend, Abigail. She is to be notified of this meeting. Obfuscate the details enough so that her appearance will be incidental. She must be present in order for things to work out in our favor."

"You want me to involve Abby?" Lucy shook. "Do you understand what you're asking me to do? If Abby sees my father, she's not going to hold back."

"Precisely."

"I'm not going to involve her," Lucy fumed. "Fuck that, and fuck you. She's got enough problems, and manipulating her is only going to destroy what little trust I managed to salvage from her finding out about me."

"I strongly suggest you consider my instructions, Lucy. If Abby is not present, this meeting will turn out unfavorable for both parties," Cyberspace said. "Maxis and Eleanor will be forced to endure their roles as converts, and I cannot have that ruse outstay its welcome. I will personally take a more aggressive approach, and I can guarantee you that your father will not survive."

"And I'm supposed to believe he will if I tell Abby to show up?"

"No," Cyberspace replied. "But it will increase his chances. Make your decision quickly. Time is not a resource we have in abundance."

Cyberspace cut the call, leaving Lucy in agonizing silence.

The decision was not one to take lightly, and Cyberspace knew that Lucy would do what was in her best interests in the end. The girl had grown up in a cage, and here they were finally offering her the key. In most cases, there would need to be more pushing… more incentive involved to entice, but Lucy didn't need that. She may hold love for her father, but Cyberspace knew how much she craved freedom.

It would be painful. That much couldn't be ignored, but Lucy would cave.

They always do, in the end. It is human nature.

"It appears even with Ajax present, the ECU's security system is still as easy to pierce than ever."

Cyberspace stared across the room at a well-built man in his early thirties. He had just removed a gauntlet and set it on the side of his bed when they established the connection. He looked up and scowled at the monitor that came to life with that painfully familiar face plastered all over the display.

"You've been out of contact for some time. I have quite a few things to report," the man mused, removing another gauntlet. "I would advise caution. Our systems are being monitored by Ajax and Chronos."

"You let me worry about that. I have evaded Ajax's detection for decades. I have no intention of allowing him to notice me until I deem it so," Cyberspace replied. "I have need of your influence, or what little you've been able to acquire since your transfer."

Ionizer grumbled.

"You'll find it wanting."

"Then I suggest you work on your persuasiveness. I require multiple diversions between six and ten o'clock at night this Thursday. Ajax's war machines must be preoccupied."

"Why?"

"You know better than to ask questions," Cyberspace remarked. "It will serve you to be none the wiser. You've had enough Mentalist scrutiny on you since your actions at Grim's Bunker. You cannot afford any more."

"You told me Splicer would be there. That was my chance to get him out safely," Ionizer retorted bitterly. "You told me Grim would be distracted long enough to properly dismantle his operation. Instead, two squads of brave soldiers lost their lives, and two rookies under my command almost died. If not for your experimental mechatech, Grim would have slaughtered us."

"I prepared for the eventuality that Springsong and her Queen's Court strike force were unable to completely distract Grim for as long as I desired. That is why I instructed you to take Comet. Her telekinetic ability is extraordinary." Cyberspace rebuked. "However, it was a precarious situation that required a delicate approach. Madhouse's involvement unfortunately complicated things."

"That entire excursion almost cost me my reputation," Ionizer said through gritted teeth. "I have been trying to play nice to earn back the goodwill I came here with. Nobody trusts me, which is exactly why I transferred in the first place."

"You forget you have me to thank for your prestigious reputation at all," Cyberspace drawled. "Be thankful that this hiccup has only resulted in a mild dent in your armor. You will recover and earn your captaincy before long, especially in the next week."

Ionizer slowly straightened up and exhaled.

"Fine. What do I need to know?"

"Over the next twelve hours, my agents will be leaking the information we've gathered about Pandora to the media. You are to 'investigate' this information with the aid of ECU Mentalists and make sure it is accepted as credible. Stress action to your colleagues, and organize an assault on Pandora with aid from Ajax and Chronos," Cyberspace explained. "These leaks will contain locations of high value Pandora targets, and rumors of their planned attacks. Strike them before they hit the ECU, and cripple them."

"Liberation and his lieutenants won't take that lying down. They will retaliate with as much force as they can muster," Ionizer replied. "With Ajax here, they'll be sure to blame any collateral damage on him, and us by extension. We'll wipe them out, but it'll be a reputation suicide…" he paused and stroked his chin. "Clever."

"A simple consequence," Cyberspace said. "For your continued cooperation, I will allow you to meet with Splicer."

This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Ionizer was quiet for a moment, contemplating their words.

Cyberspace didn't need to wait long. Ionizer's cooperation would be guaranteed for as long as they held the last remaining member of his family captive.

"Is he healthy?"

"Physically," Cyberspace said. "Mentally, he is damaged. Troubled. His enslavement to The Iron Maiden, and later Grim has taken its toll. You will not find the boy you once knew, but I imagine he will be happy to see a familiar face."

Ionizer rubbed his face and sighed.

"As long as he is alive."

"I have ensured he is unable to harm himself and others. Continue to work with me, and I will make sure he gets the help he needs," Cyberspace promised. "In the meantime, you mentioned you have things to report?"

Ionizer grunted.

"I've been working on earning my goodwill back, so far I seem to be doing well," Ionizer heaved a heavy sigh, wondering how to phrase the next piece of information. "We've also been informed that the earthquakes are being caused by a living entity. Some of Ajax's war machines have managed to make contact with it. From what we've been told… It is hostile."

"Curious," Cyberspace mused. "Is that all you've been told?"

"Bayside is being fortified for some kind of assault. Beyond that, I'm in the dark." Ionizer said. "Lastly, the people we saved from the Bunker have been moved to the Mothership for further treatment. Some of them have awakened, but have proven to be too volatile to contain here in our medical facilities."

"How many?" Cyberspace asked.

"So far, I know of seven," Ionizer replied. "We have not been briefed since they were moved. I suspect more could have happened since then."

"Now that is fascinating," Cyberspace's tone took on a tinge of excitement. "Do you have any information pertaining to their abilities?"

"I've not been privy to that information," Ionizer said tentatively. "I don't have the authority to access it, or a reason to ask. It would make Chronos suspicious of my motives, so respectfully, don't ask me to compromise myself more than I already have."

"So be it. See to it my previous instructions are carried out. I will be in touch."

The line went dead, and Ionizer sagged.

"Please, is there nothing you can do?"

Cyberspace observed the encounter with intrigue. This entire situation was a complete curveball, something they would never admit they hadn't expected.

Seraphim stood across from Gaea, looking like she had just crawled out of a sewer. If Cyberspace were there in person, they probably would have suspected she smelled like it too. Gaea was calmly sitting in her office, and she hadn't so much as blinked when Seraphim came barreling in. When security came to defend Gaea—not that she needed it—she promptly dismissed them.

"Please," Seraphim begged. "I don't have much time and you're the only person I can think of that can do something."

The girl had given a very abridged version of what happened to her, omitting certain details, but not by choice. She was intelligent enough to speak around the loopholes Richard had left her. She wasn't allowed to ask for help, and whatever command he had given, he had meant it quite literally. She was aware she couldn't use that phrase, 'help me.'

"Why should I?" Gaea's words came out cold. She leaned back in her chair and crossed her legs. Cyberspace could see the woman was just as curious as they were, but Seraphim was too desperate to pick up on the subtleties. "I purge his hold over you just so you can go running back to your cushy life amongst the heroes? I think not."

Cyberspace couldn't help but chuckle to themselves. How utterly diabolical, pushing the girl to the brink of desperation. Gaea was many things, but charitable was not one of them. She was a ruthless politician, and she knew that in order to succeed in that field, she needed to be thinking of the long and short-term consequences of every action she took. Helping Seraphim would only be erasing Richard's influence and supplanting her own.

"Why?" Seraphim demanded. "Aren't you supposed to be a hero too? You're one of the Trinity!"

"The Trinity is nothing more than a name, girl. It is an exaggeration of our deeds to fit a narrative that benefits the ECU. The fact you even put stock in the name means it's worked," Gaea's words were laced with venom. "Do you know how many lives we destroyed to end the war? They don't tell you that I was directed to create biological weaponry that wiped out thousands. That the Mountain would drag enemy bases and convoys down into molten rock beneath the earth. That Foresight coordinated the annihilation of civilian targets in order to cause the most psychological damage. We're not heroes. We never have been. We're weapons."

Seraphim stepped back with something between horror and despair plastered all over her face. Cyberspace couldn't just stand by and let Gaea ruin the poor girl's night.

"Come now, Melody. You're tormenting the poor girl."

Cyberspace's voice echoed through the room from the numerous electronic devices, and Seraphim jumped out of her skin.

Gaea simply rolled her eyes.

"And again, the ever-present Nosy Nancy appears to bother me again," Gaea drawled. "I know I cannot stop you from eavesdropping, but at least have the decency to call first to keep up appearances. You have been uncharacteristically bold recently. What happened to your love for secrecy?"

"I assure you none of that has changed," Cyberspace retorted, amused by the plain ribbing. "I just couldn't help my own curiosity when I noticed one of the star rookies in your presence—willingly, mind you."

"Charming," Gaea responded flatly. "What do you make of the girl's predicament?"

"Tragic."

"Indeed," Gaea sighed. "It's always a shame to see our kind suffer this fate."

"Stop it!" Seraphim cried. "Stop talking about me like I'm not even here! Can you do something or not?"

Gaea took her time to answer as if leaving the girl on the proverbial edge heightened her amusement. It was a cruel tactic, but it would make her consider any option. Desperation was a powerful tool when utilized correctly, and Gaea had been around long enough to understand how to use it.

"I can," Gaea answered. "But not in the way you are hoping."

"What way?" Seraphim asked.

"Given how twisted your mind is, it will take some time for me to fix what has been broken. Keep in mind that I am not a Mentalist," Gaea explained. "Rooting around in your brain to restore what agency you've lost will take time—time that I cannot guarantee I have. This is a procedure that could take months to see results, and all that time I will be harboring you. If the ECU discovered you, my reputation would be tarnished."

"I…" Seraphim breathed, sounding on the verge of hyperventilating. "I can't go to the ECU for help. I would have if my conditioning allowed it. I have nowhere else to go."

"That is unfortunate," Gaea said, looking sympathetic for the first time since the conversation started. "I apologize my dear, but I cannot help you. The most I am willing to do for you at this time is euthanasia. It will be fast, and painless. I can guarantee you won't feel a thing. It will be like falling asleep."

Seraphim's horror increased tenfold, but she didn't outright deny it. The girl didn't want to die, but given her predicament, the ability to choose how you died was a luxury.

"If I may," Cyberspace interjected before the heroine could make a final decision. "I may have a solution."

"Who… who are you supposed to be?" Seraphim asked.

Sometimes, Cyberspace forgot that they were a disembodied voice in a room. Gaea had no screens for them to appear on, so all the girl could hear was their voice.

"Who I am shouldn't be the question you ask, Seraphim," Cyberspace retorted. "Instead, the question that should be running through your mind is 'what is the solution?' Does it really matter who I am?"

"Yes!" Seraphim snapped. "I'm not about to sell what's left of my soul to someone I don't even know. Do you even understand what I've been through? The… the loving, caring, person I've been forced to submit myself to? I'm not about to subject myself to that again," her gaze landed on Gaea, looking more resolute than ever. "I would rather die."

"Such conviction for someone so young," Gaea remarked with a curious glint. "Admirable."

Cyberspace considered their next words. It had been an unexpected rebuttal. Seraphim appeared to be on the edge, yet she still found the strength to deny them. How strange. Desperation should have pushed the girl to ask for more details.

"Very well, if you must know. I am Cyberspace, and I have the potential solution to your conundrum."

Seraphim's eyes narrowed in confusion. They clearly recognized the name, but it wouldn't line up with what she had been told.

"You're supposed to be dead," Seraphim stated. "How?"

"Is that really a question you have time to entertain?" Cyberspace retorted. "The sand in your hourglass is starting to run low. If you want my help, you best speak quickly."

"What's the catch?" Seraphim asked, changing gears. "If I accept your help, what is it you want from me in return?"

"That is something we can discuss should you survive," Cyberspace replied. "I am offering you a way out. Gaea cannot help you at the risk of her own reputation. I, however, have no such restrictions."

Seraphim's shoulders sagged as she focused back on Gaea. The woman listened to the conversation, betraying none of her thoughts.

"Is your reputation really worth more than my life?"

"Is that even a question?" Gaea frowned. "Yes."

Cyberspace observed something within the girl shatter into a million pieces. Seraphim appeared to shrink into herself as she backed away from the politician. When her back touched a wall, she quietly sank down to the floor.

"My offer is still on the table," Cyberspace reminded the girl. "If I were to guess, you very recently discovered your school friend Samantha was an Evohuman. The girl is under my employ, and for your information, she is still alive."

Seraphim looked up as panic flashed through her eyes, and her muscles acted against her will.

"NO! Why did you tell me that?"

"Because this is how you are going to break Richard's hold over you," Cyberspace replied. "Samantha has gone into hiding to recover from the wounds you inflicted on her. The only way you will be able to get to her is through someone else. I suspect you know who I am talking about."

Seraphim stood, her entire body tense.

Gaea snorted.

"This is cruel, even for you," the woman remarked flatly. "I have half a mind to put the girl out of her misery if only to spare her your machinations."

"Killing her would be a waste," Cyberspace said. "Since she is having trouble making a decision for herself, I will do it for her."

"Her boyfriend," Seraphim muttered. "If she's a Super working for you, then so is he."

"Precisely," Cyberspace confirmed. "And you have a way to access him. Your co-worker, Comet, is close friends with him. If you quietly tail her, she will lead you straight to him."

"Abby… she's friends with him?" Seraphim's eyes narrowed. "If he works for you, why don't you just tell me where he is and save me the trouble?"

"The 'trouble' is exactly my solution," Cyberspace said. "You will thank me when this is over."

Turning, Seraphim escaped out the way she came, her wings extending from her back as she took off into the night sky. Gaea watched with a slight turn of her head before repairing the hole in the wall with her power. Thick vines and tree bark grew from the broken wood in the wall, removing the cold draft.

"I should have killed her. It would have been kinder."

"Perhaps," Cyberspace mused. "But you cannot disagree that the girl is an asset. If you didn't have so many eyes on you, can you say you wouldn't have taken the opportunity?"

"The third generation evohumans are invaluable, so yes, I would have," Gaea poured herself a drink and swirled the liquid in deep thought. "I meant what I said. It's a tragedy when our kind take advantage of one another."

Cyberspace chuckled.

"Then it is fortunate that I am not one of your kind."

To run a successful and efficient organization required an obsessive, invasive degree of micromanaging. Cyberspace came to learn this fact very quickly, and so ensured they kept tabs on their most valuable assets, and that included the non-evohuman personnel too.

Francis had just returned to a dark, empty house when he began his regular nightly routine. The lights were switched on, his hat and jacket placed on the rack, and dinner cooking away on the stove. To cap things off, he would prepare a strong drink to ease the stresses of the day.

The man was like clockwork, and Cyberspace appreciated his simplicity.

Francis sat in the quiet serenity of his home, the only place where he could feel like the elderly man he was becoming. The TV switched itself on, and Francis simply sat back and stared. After a few moments, he set his food aside and took a sip of his drink, swirling the whiskey around in his mouth to savor the taste.

"Good evening," Francis rumbled. "You're here about my concerns."

This conversation had been a long time coming.

It wasn't a question, but a statement. Cyberspace knew the man wasn't taking kindly to recent happenings.

"I am."

"Then explain it to me," Francis said flatly. "What exactly are we working toward that makes you look the other way when subordinates act out? You've become flippant with disciplining them, and I'm not just talking about Madhouse."

Cyberspace was silent as they contemplated their words. Sharing too much information with certain agents historically caused panic, but Francis was a character they could trust. He was level-headed and saw the pragmatic reasons for the various actions they took. That's what made him such a good agent. He wasn't just doing this for money, he genuinely believed what they were doing was going to make the world a better place.

And it would.

"There is a paradigm shift coming. Too long has the world stagnated. The status quo is going to inevitably collapse. Anarchy will temporarily take hold during this transition," Cyberspace explained. "I am making sure we have the proper resources at our disposal to minimize casualties and any problems on our side, so that we emerge… prosperous."

Cyberspace had wanted to say victorious, but such a word carried many connotations that Francis wouldn't take kindly to. They needed to ensure he would stay loyal – not a colossal task, but one that needed to be handled with a measure of finesse.

"War," Francis said simply. "Another World War?"

"Yes," Cyberspace confirmed. "It seems another conflict of that scale is inevitable."

Francis let the words soak in as he turned to look out his living room windows. The familiar approach of a Walker sent vibrations through his house, and he had looked just in time to catch Sweepers darting by, scanning his whole house before he could even blink.

"That doesn't explain why you've allowed Maxis so much freedom," Francis turned back to the TV and glared long and hard. "Why the special treatment? I get his powers are something to behold, but that hasn't stopped you before. You've ordered me to put other evos in the ground, some younger than him, for misconduct that I would argue doesn't come close to his."

Cyberspace expected this and had an easy retort.

"It is not so much Maxis' power that stays in my hand, it is the collective strength of Madhouse that makes me think twice. Killing him would remove a potential threat, but it would turn the rest of Madhouse against us. You know as well as I do that Liam and Maxis share a solid friendship. Your charge would not take kindly to the murder of his friend."

"We could make it look accidental, it's not like we haven't done it before," Francis retorted. "And Sam's powers are no longer an obstacle. I can think of several ways to remove him without compromising the team's loyalty."

Cyberspace had no retort, and Francis knew it.

"We could," Cyberspace admitted.

"But you won't," Francis said.

"Madhouse is a force to be reckoned with; an exponentially increasing power at our disposal. To kill Maxis would severely undermine the group's effectiveness. We could maintain their loyalty if done with the proper discretion, however, I would be forced to relocate Alice, Anomaly, and Vigil elsewhere to efficiently utilize their talents. It is Upgrade that cements Madhouse as a power to be feared in Bayside."

Francis grumbled and took another sip from his glass.

"That much I unfortunately agree with. However, I believe you've managed him poorly. He is reckless and short-sighted. That kind of weakness needs to be rectified quickly, or he's going to get our people killed. God forbid he gets Liam killed," Francis shook his head, anger bubbling up inside him. "I promised Natasha that I would keep him out of this life. I've already failed at that. If he dies, I'll kill that kid myself."

Cyberspace chuckled in amusement.

"I've always found it strange that you took that request to heart. I don't recall you and Spectre being all that close."

"She trusted me, and we both knew that in our line of work, anything could happen," Francis' expression became somber. "I don't like making empty promises, and spending all that time around her, I grew a soft spot for those two. They remind me a lot of my grandkids."

"I see." Cyberspace said. "Well, I'll be sure to manage Maxis more carefully in the future. Does that alleviate your concerns?"

Francis said nothing, causing the conversation to fall into an uneasy silence. Finally, after a minute or two, Cyberspace felt like the meeting was adjourned.

"If there is nothing else to be discussed, I will leave you to enjoy your night."

"Twenty-seven years," Francis spoke slowly. Each word carried the weight of just how long that was. "I've been working for you all that time and I never asked questions. Twenty-seven years and I've never seen you afford this much consideration to someone—to a kid no less."

"Maxis is one of a kind." Cyberspace replied easily.

Francis leaned forward.

"Don't bullshit me. There's a personal connection there. I'm not stupid," Francis accused. "Your attitude towards the kid, the special treatment. From day one, you've paved the way and given him every opportunity to excel. I've seen you invest in potential before, but never like this. You want to know what I really think?"

"Oh, what do you think Agent Francis?"

There was a cold edge to Cyberspace's voice, but the man wasn't intimidated in the slightest.

"If he were my kid, I could see myself making the same mistakes."

"Hah," Cyberspace laughed dryly. "An interesting theory. Even if it was true, what do you think sharing this with me would change?"

Francis sat back.

"Nothing."

"Exactly, so, if you are quite done speculating."

"I am."

"Good. I am developing the finishing touches for the upcoming operation involving Wildfire. I will be in touch when I have finalized the details."

The TV switched off, leaving Francis in silence.

Satisfied, he lifted his meal and began eating.

The board was set, and every piece but one was in place.

It was a dangerous gambit, with the potential to go horribly wrong, but Cyberspace was confident they had taken the necessary precautions. All they had to do now was wait.

That last piece was on its way, orbiting the planet. Very soon, it would reach its destination.

When it did, everything would change.

For the first time in decades, Cyberspace felt excitement.