“++Verification. This unit was requested by designation ‘Hail’ to refrain from divulging that information. Query. Does command designation ‘Snake Eyes’ wish to override this request?” Nines must be able to recognise abject-fucking-shock on human faces, because he follows up hurriedly at x1.5 dialogue speed. “++Assurance. The current modifications have 0.003% of adverse impact on the overall mission objectives.++”

“How about I word my override like this? ‘Nines, order reads as follows. Will you pretty please tell me what the fuck is going on here?!?’”

This time your raised voice does catch the attention of the other Red Hand rebels in the room, several heads popping up and squinting at you but absent any hostility. Crane tries not to be too obvious about it, but makes sure he has his back positioned against your and a clear line of fire on at least one side of the room. That’s sweet, but if this was an ambush you’d already be dead. After a few seconds, and one annoyed grunt from the big Boscht bugger, they get back to work.

“Glad you could join us, Snake Eyes.” You turn to see Alexander Hail walking towards you from the length of the room, decked out in a greasy singlet and brushing down his oily hands with a mechanic’s wipe. “I was wondering how long Breaker might be keeping you.”

[3/4]