String - Interception 10.5

I was faced with a dilemma.

In order to get what I needed, I had two options. I could explain everything to Cyberspace and be upfront about why I was seeking out Splicer’s tech. A pretty simple yes or no all things considered and if I revealed what happened with Gaea, I’d likely be seeing Splicer within the hour. That did however come with the complication of being questioned about why I didn’t reveal the info earlier.

I would be scolded for omitting the details, but I was confident not much would come from it. The problem was that I didn’t want Cyberspace to know. Currently, Cyberspace held all the cards and we needed something to fall back on should our partnership with Cyberspace break down.

That led me to the second option: infiltration.

On the surface, this appeared impossible because despite my best efforts, the majority of my technology was still susceptible to Cyberspace’s intrusions. The security I had didn’t cut it, which meant that anywhere I went while wearing my suit, I’d be tracked. There was one exception to this.

The scrambler.

Cyberspace was still able to communicate with me, but even that wasn’t reliable. If Ajax’s war machines couldn’t pinpoint my location, neither could Cyberspace, at least not quickly, which gave me some time to work with.

The bigger problem would be navigating hallways and many more tight spaces filled with ex-military. They would be trained to spot inconsistencies and I couldn’t count on ignorance to get me by. Even with the camouflage module, sneaking through the complex to find Splicer would be borderline impossible.

It was stupid, reckless, and overwhelmingly risky.

It would destroy our partnership, and I would be putting Madhouse in danger. I couldn’t in good conscience commit to either of these options. I needed to come up with a third that wouldn’t put all of us in so much unnecessary danger.

So, after some thinking, I decided that a more neutral approach would be the safest option.

I picked up my phone and called Cyberspace.

“Maxis. Good afternoon. I take it you are enjoying your stroll?”

“I figured some fresh air would do me good.” I replied casually. “I know you’re very busy so I’ll cut to the chase. There’s been something on my mind for a while and I’ve been meaning to ask about it.”

“Let me guess. You want to see Splicer?”

I chuckled.

“Is it that obvious?”

“I figured it was only a matter of time before you asked about him. His technology interests you, no? Given what she accomplished with Ms. Coleman, I imagine the possibilities would be extraordinary.” Cyberspace explained. “Unfortunately, the young man is… troubled. He hasn’t been willing to cooperate.”

“Troubled doesn’t even begin to describe it. Is it safe to say his state of mind hasn’t improved since his capture?”

“If anything, it has deteriorated substantially.”

“That’s a shame, his mechatech could be very useful.” I paused, allowing my implication to hang for a moment. “Feel free to say no, but would it be possible to arrange a meeting with him? I would like to see him for myself.”

“He was uncooperative and only hinted at Grim’s weakness out of spite. Alice’s ability to pull information from him was vital. Since then, attempts to broker a partnership have not been productive,” Cyberspace explained. “I believe any meeting between the two of you would be unwise.”

I figured that might have been the case.

Splicer didn’t give me the impression that he had much left to lose. Chances were Cyberspace didn’t want to force him to cooperate. He could do far too much damage out of spite. To that end, I wondered why Cyberspace kept him alive – perhaps to ransom him back to Iron Maiden like Liam and I requested.

“Fair enough. I’ll take your word for it.”

Oh well, speaking to Splicer wasn’t vital, just a bonus.

What I really wanted was his Mechatech.

Whatever Gaea figured out could be buried within his tech's hardware and software. I was looking for something that modified human biology directly – something that could be overlooked by Mentalists or other Mechakinetics.

Getting Splicer to talk would simplify the issue since I would be able to ask the right questions, and in a perfect world, he would answer them without any fuss. That, evidently, was not the case, and Cyberspace was adamant that any meeting between us wouldn’t be productive.

“I take it you did not make this call if you were willing to give up so easily. What is it you really want, Maxis?”

“Shouldn’t it be obvious? The next best thing would be his technology. I want to see it – whatever you were able to seize. I might be able to do something with the scraps.” I said, changing gears. “You must have been able to find some of it from his hideouts before The ECU got to them. Even if it’s not the big stuff at the bunker.”

“What makes you think we were able to procure any of his technology? Better yet, why wouldn’t I have already given it to you if we had?” Cyberspace questioned with a tinge of amusement. “Believe me, Maxis, I am flattered you think we’re so capable, but you haven’t told me why you want it. Are you under the impression that your requests are to be met without scrutiny? Without even being questioned? I value your contribution and our partnership, but you do not have that authority.”

I suppressed the urge to roll my eyes.

Figures…

“You’ve delivered on all my other requests, why would I assume this is any different?”

“Is that why you are currently en route to my base of operations? It is rude to assume that I would simply greenlight this request.”

I knew I wasn’t going to be able to get through this without giving some answers. So, I had come prepared.

“Developing cybernetics is a delicate process and I’m not stupid, implementing my designs would require medical expertise I don’t have. Sure, I could have Alice perform any procedures with Orange, but what I’m looking to do includes Mechtech, and while Orange is good, she’s still only the best mundane surgeon, more sophisticated tools – tools Splicer’s tech could significantly enhance – will massively limit the risk.”

There was a noticeable silence from the other end before a light buzz of static – which I attributed to a small sigh – sounded.

“I see, an interesting work around. Do you believe that Splicer’s technology can fast-track your development of cybernetics?”

“Of course it can, everything about his power is geared towards surgery, his mechatech is leagues beyond anything mundane and bio-tech is quite a rare specialty,” I said, feeling like I was on a roll. “If you would rather, I can go the long way. Upgrading modern surgical equipment will take time but I’m sure I can get there eventually. Although, you and I both know that’s a pointless endeavor when the resources to skip all that are available at our disposal. Even just allowing me to scan the tech would save time by giving me direction.”

“It would be an egregious waste of time, yes. I have to admit, I did not consider this.” Cyberspace agreed. “And your other intentions?”

I expected this – a subtle probe to throw me off balance. Even if I didn’t have an ulterior motive, it would be a tactic for Cyberspace to use to fluster me. Fortunately, I was prepared for this too.

“Mia,” I said simply. “Whatever Splicer did to her is worth studying. Even if I can’t learn to grant powers, technology that’s able to interact with them is exceedingly rare. If I could find a way to disrupt powers, it could be a trump card.”

“You would make a lot of enemies going this route. Studying how to affect powers requires human experimentation, many do not take such a thing lightly. Publicly, it’s abhorred, but the secrets it can uncover are valuable enough for many organizations to justify the human cost. All operate in secret, most notably China and the Soviet Union. You may have heard of Darkarrow, the operation I blew the whistle on,” Cyberspace spoke with a hint of arrogance. “Lucy was quite versed in the topic.”

A jab at my expense. I didn’t need reminders about the school project I forgot about.

“It’s heretical if Wildfire’s reaction was anything to go by.”

“The Pandora Initiative views Evohumans as shepherds tasked by God to guide humanity to a brighter future. It is only natural that they view scientific intervention as blasphemy,” Cyberspace dismissed with undisguised disdain. “Such simple-minded thinking has no place in the world. Their beliefs are a plague on our society.”

“Preaching to the choir on that one,” I replied. “Regardless, I want to figure out the process, not to continue the experimentation. With my power, that kind of study isn’t necessary.”

“Indeed,” Cyberspace agreed. “Very well. I will grant you permission to view and interact with the technology we managed to salvage from Splicer’s laboratories. Bear in mind that what we recovered pales in comparison to what you saw in Grim’s Bunker. The Iron Maiden only provided him minimal support, so only one Bunker had been constructed and imported to Bayside for Grim to use.”

“I’ll take what I can get.”

“Lowest floor. I will send an escort for you.”

“Thanks—”

“Maxis,” Cyberspace’s voice was full of warning. “Do not take my generosity for granted. I cooperate with you because it is in my best interest to do so. I have given you a lot of leeway, please ensure that it was not a mistake. I do not like mistakes.”

“Sorry,” I said, feigning sincerity. “It wasn’t my intention to assume. I just figured this would save us some time. The sooner I see it, the quicker I can return to my work.”

“Hmm. My warning still stands.”

“Warning received.” I said.

The line went dead and I walked the rest of the way to their main base of operations in quiet contemplation.

When I arrived at the building, I made my way through the main entrance’s revolving door. The sign said it was a ventilation company. There was nothing to note in the foyer, but I noted a man in a security uniform waiting next to the receptionist. He was making small talk with her until he spotted me.

There was a distinct look of disgust on his face as he approached me.

“Follow me.” He said, his tone uncaring.

He led me to a door behind the receptionist and ushered me through. I muttered a half-hearted thanks as the door slammed shut. The guard followed me in and gestured for me to continue. We descended a concrete staircase for about a half dozen floors before we came to another door. This one was much more secure.

He opened that and pushed me through.

Damn, I must have really annoyed Cyberspace. That, or this guy is just a bad time.

I started walking down a mundane looking hallway, committing each door to memory. Each room had a plaque with a name on it indicating what was inside. The names were familiar as they had come up in many conversations I had with Cyberspace. One of the most notable was Kriegsmaschine, but I saw other names too.

Techies and Junkmonger…

The stooge duo that Abby took down.

I had almost forgotten about them, not that there was much to remember in the first place. They caused chaos and played childish games with the authorities which ultimately led to civilians getting hurt. As far as I knew, none of them had killed anyone. They were more known as escape artists than actual criminals if that made any sense.

Junkmonger was dead now, I remembered Abby’s stone-faced expression when she told me. When the conflict between The Cains and Pandora heated up, they tried to escape ECU custody and were shot for it. I didn’t know the details but their mechatech was made out of scrap. Worthless crap that they somehow managed to create to cause trouble.

In my opinion, it was probably a good thing they were out of the game now. As things are now, they wouldn’t have lasted much longer.

I peered in through the window and saw nothing of value. Piles of scrap metal littered the floor, and the only thing that really caught my attention was the steampunk-like weapons that were haphazardly scattered across a metal rack at the back of the room. Handheld canons and what looked to be some kind of Gauss rifle were just gathering dust.

Hmm… one man’s trash is another’s treasure. Maybe I could use my power on some of their stuff?

I banished my growing greed and moved to catch up with my escort. There had to be a dozen other storage spaces full of mechatech I could use and I was getting distracted by just one of them. I came here for a reason and that was to decipher Splicer’s work. I couldn’t do that if I was window shopping.

Let it be known, I tried to restrain myself.

I really, really did.

I couldn’t help but read every name and peek through the glass.

Tachion, Microdeath, Krawling, Oh-Six, Clockwork, Omegawatt… The names just kept on going. I recognized some of them as Supers, and they were active long before my time. It was like walking through a museum of aging Mechatech that could one day be framed as priceless art. Very few of the names were particularly famous, but a lot of their tech would likely be lost to time unless some smart minds could figure them out.

Or… someone like me.

“If you keep that up, we’re going to be here all day,” the guard said. I turned and stared at the man with a frown. “It would be best for you to get a move on, Upgrade.”

The tone bothered me.

“I didn’t realize we were on a time limit.” I crossed my arms and leaned against the wall. Call me petty but this felt uncalled for. “Did I interrupt your lunch break? Cyberspace has given me far more potent equipment to work with before.” I gestured to one of the doors. “Just because I’m here for Splicer’s equipment doesn’t mean I can’t try to find inspiration elsewhere.”

The guard muttered under his breath and shook his head.

“You don’t even realize how lucky you are. Don’t push it.”

“I’m not trying to push anything,” My brows rose. “I’m here of my own volition to try and perform my role to the best of my ability, which includes creating new tech to add to our arsenal.” I said, lying through my teeth. I couldn't deny I was curious as to why he seemed to think I was lucky. “So, I’d appreciate it if you backed off.”

“I’m to escort you to Splicer’s storage room, not play tour guide. If you’re going to waste time, come back when someone else can babysit you,” the guard moved forward and grabbed my shoulder. He forcibly spun me around and shoved me forward. “Keep moving. Splicer’s things are in the last room on the left.”

I stumbled and caught myself. I was sorely tempted to engage my laser pistol and put this guy out. One non-lethal shot would knock him clean off his feet. That, undoubtedly, was a moronic decision, but it would be cathartic.

Cool it, Maxis. No need to start a fight here.

“Yeah… push me around. Great way to get me to cooperate,” I started forward but turned to glance over my head. “You treat all your colleagues this way? Do I need to get HR involved?”

The guard said nothing and stayed a few paces behind me.

We came to a door that was already open. There was no plaque on it and someone was already rummaging around inside. I paused at the door to survey the room. There wasn’t much inside and all I saw were a few wooden crates with some items loosely hanging over the sides. Tarps concealed anything major, which prompted me to move forward.

I only made it a step inside before I was wrenched backward.

“Not that room,” my escort intoned. “End of the hallway on the left.”

I considered myself a fairly tolerant person, but this guy had managed to find my limit in just a few minutes. I was honestly kind of impressed, usually it took someone like Mirage to do so.

I pulled free from his grip.

“Message received.” I took a few steps back to put some distance between us. “You could stand to be a little nicer. It would make all this a lot smoother.”

“You fuckin’ kids think the world revolves around you. Just because you’ve got some fancy powers doesn’t change shit,” the guard sneered. “Keep moving and don’t give me a reason to mess up that face.”

I had never heard a more hollow threat in my life.

“Ahuh, right. Attacking one of Cyberspace’s most valuable working partners… hmm, yeah great idea.” I snorted. “I’m trying, I really am, but I can’t think of a dumber way to die.”

The guard’s lip curled, but he didn’t take the bait.

I’d expect Cyberspace’s people to be more professional. Francis was far more put together than this clown. In fact, everyone that worked in and around my workshop seemed like healthy, sane people. Maybe they wanted the best to protect their most valuable assets.

Whatever the case, I had nothing more to say to the man. If he tried to follow through on his threat, I wouldn’t hesitate to kill him.

Kill him?

My stomach twisted slightly. Why did I immediately jump to the worst solution?

Maybe I really do need therapy after all.

I turned, trying to mask how disturbed I felt. I continued on down the hallway to Splicer’s storage room and opened the door.

Stepping through, I surveyed the room.

Like Cyberspace had said, there wasn’t much to work with. There were some machines dotted around the room of varying sizes. There were boxes filled with smaller gadgets, but my interests lay in the larger machines. They were likely what Splicer used to perform the larger changes.

Before I continued, I looked over my shoulder to see the guard blocking the door. He took up the entire frame and he held his weapon down, but at the ready.

I felt myself frown.

Perhaps I judged him too harshly because there was every chance that Cyberspace had ordered him to stop me poking around. I thought it convenient that the one room that one of them was rummaging around inside was coincidentally nameless. Out of every door in the hallway, why that one?

With those thoughts lingering, I strolled further into the room and let my hands roam across the various pieces of mechatech collecting dust.

[DNA Reconstructor], [Bio-Transponder], [Blood Converter], [Fluid Combiner], [Stasis Tank], [Bio-Dimensional Metastasis Stabilizer].

Ignoring the names, I couldn’t help but note the odd shape they had.

The [Fluid Combiner] was familiar. I remembered seeing a lot of them scattered throughout the bunker. They created the orange fluid we saw the victims floating in. The fluid was capable of inducing deep sleep and opened the submerged subject to mental conditioning, enhancement, and optimization.

I recognized the [Stasis Tank] without even needing to touch it. It was the same piece of tech we pried Mia from. I interacted with one of these things before. I had touched the glass while it was active and it almost burnt me through my suit. I hadn’t been able to get a proper read then because I’d been in a rush, but the precautions to keep the subjects from escaping were very extensive.

I had scavenged my extendable blade from the [DNA Reconstructor]. It was a table with many knives, syringes, and other implements attached to automated mechanical arms. It was capable of performing safe alterations to DNA without the risk of incompatibility or unintentional unraveling.

The [Blood Converter] was… unnerving. It looked like an Iron Lung with hundreds of modifications, and it did exactly as its name suggested. It could convert blood into different forms. I supposed Splicer and Grim found this useful for keeping their victims alive after putting them through Hell.

I was thankful that Mia didn’t remember what was done to her.

Lastly, the [Bio-Transponder] and the [Bio-Dimensional Metastasis Stabilizer] puzzled me the most. From the looks of it, it seemed like the former communicated with… something that was being transmitted, and its job was to translate, decrypt, and encrypt those signals. The latter… Well, it stabilized something biological that could spread through some kind of foreign space.

If I were a betting man, I’d put everything I had on this being how powers could be altered. Part of me hoped for more equipment, but this was more than enough to use as a starting point. If Gaea was able to figure out the secrets behind evohuman evolution and power alteration, then with some help from Gold and enough charges, I could do the same.

I took some more time to rummage around through the various containers but I didn’t find anything that piqued my interest as much as the bigger tech. They were smaller bits, some of them even being modules to the [DNA Reconstructor] or the [Fluid Combiner]. There was copious amounts of biogel, all the different grades to boot, but we already had plenty of that. Still, it couldn't hurt to have.

“I need this stuff moved,” I stated, straightening up. The guard was still motionless in the doorframe. “This is exactly what I need.”

“Take it up with the boss,” the guard said bluntly. “Nothing happens until they give the green light.”

I sighed.

“Are you really going to make this difficult?”

“Precaution,” the guard replied. “Fuckers like you have tried to take advantage before.”

“Let me guess, they’re dead now?”

“Some of them. The others wish they were.”

I didn’t like that answer.

I retrieved my phone and made the call.

“I trust you’ve found what you’re looking for?”

I wanted to believe that I was just imagining it, but I heard an element of amusement in Cyberspace’s voice. It was hard to tell with it being all synthesized, but I’d talked to them enough to pick up on their quirks.

“Yeah. I need everything in here moved to my workshop,” I said, glaring at the guard. “Also, you should also find better employees.”

“Duly noted.”

I couldn’t see it, but I knew the guard was grinning.

Bastards.

“Can I just get this stuff moved?”

“Of course.”