Gunner turned his attention to him. The man was in a constant state of ‘hibernation’ although that wasn’t really what was happening with him. Cypher just always appeared to be asleep, but that was mostly because he was regularly tied into the Network, monitoring all of the information that flew across Ghost City. Many underestimated the Cybernetic bear, but anyone who pulled him out of his cyber vigil risked serious consequences.
A hologram appeared and Nightheart’s figured filled one of the chairs next to the central table.Bastard looks grim. Gunner felt some small pleasure in knowing his boss was...brooding. Nightheart’s eyes searched the room before he started speaking.
“Gunner.” His eyes landed on him.
“What is it now?” Fuck greetings. The man had a tracker onhisship. The only reason Gunner continued working for the EPED was because it gave him access to most of their after-action and exploratory reports. And spite. Spite had a lot to do with it.
“I have your next mission.”
“And you couldn’t give it to me through Mia, on my ship, where you’re not wasting everyone’s time directly?”
“It concerns everyone present.”
Breco stepped forward. “How so? We’re separate entities. The EPED isn’t supposed to know of our existence. Just because a couple of Cyborgs worked as your monster hunters doesn’t mean you can lay claim on all of us. Nothing concerns us. We are sovereign.”
“This does concern you and it will result in repercussions that will echo across all of humanity if not dealt with immediately,” Nightheart said. “Zeph has gone rogue.” He leveled another look at Gunner. “Like you did back in the day. The EPED is after him, and the government is itching to get involved. We can’t let that happen.”
Gunner sighed, pulled out a chair, and sat down. “And what do you want me to do? Apprehend him? Retrieve him? Wipe his existence from the universe?”
Gunner could literally feel Breco and Cypher bristle at his words. The room was growing smaller still by the second. A Cyborg threatening to kill another Cyborg...wasn’t standard practice.
“Preferably one of the first two but kill him if you must.”
What a cold-hearted, deliciously unhappy bastard.Gunner smirked. He hated his boss, but who didn’t? But fuck did he really enjoy him sometimes.
“You’re talking about destroying a Cyborg! One of us!” Breco slammed his fist on the table this time. “And you’re bringing us into this? We won’t help you.”
Nightheart turned his cold, dead eyes to Breco. “I’m not asking for your help. I’m telling you to stay out of it. If Zeph asks for sanctuary, deny it.”
“Why the fuck would we do that?” Breco sneered. “What’s the point of having a haven if it’s not to get away from fuckers like you?”
“Because you won’t like what happens if you do.”
“Is that a threat?” Cypher spoke up for the first time, eyes half-open now.
“Absolutely.” Nightheart shrugged.
Gunner interjected before Breco roared some more, overall amused. “What did Zeph do?” He twiddled his thumbs. “Wasn’t he supposed to be with that shark guy? What’s his name? The one you’re trying to recruit to take over Stryker’s position?”
“He abducted a woman.”
“Against her will?” Cypher asked.
“And a child. Against their will,” Nightheart answered.
Gunner sat back and closed his eyes.Fuck.
