The private Guardian quarters in the third and fourth levels of the HQ shared the same design and layout. The rooms were surprisingly wide, and the ceilling was beyond reach. The walls and ceilling kept a teal color divided by a grey supporting structure in the middle, with a large window at the ceilling allowing a view of the sky and the entrance of sunlight. All the quarters were designed for two Guardians to sleep in, and all the furniture shared the same color scheme; primarily orange with metallic gray frames, giving the rooms a more lively look. It included two lockers, one for each Guardian to store their belongings, a table with four seats, and a large bunk bed for the two Guardians to sleep in. Some of these quarters also included personal touches from their residents, such as small plants and flowers.

[Continued from Corridors]

"This is my room. You can stay here until our commander can have a word with you." The Guardian Carrelet spoke to Zexen as he entered his quarters, expecting his guest to follow. His colleague Chêne stood behind Zexen.

Zexen continued to be quiet, still wondering about his own past. He walked in without a second thought, slowly. He faced the wall with his face down. His parents had left him along with all the other refugee's back during the invasion of Province. All he really remembered was all the sadness and the atmosphere of burning laser and oil from the maverick forces.

"Hey, what's the matter?" Carrelet noticed that Zexen was oddly quiet compared to his sharp tongue from earlier, but he did not think much of it. "Come on, have a seat." The Guardian made a gesture towards the table, and then proceeded to open his locker. He put Zexen's weapon inside it.

Chêne walked past Zexen and took the front seat on the right side. She had then realized, the only time she stopped today was to treat her wounds in Muguet's room. It felt good to finally relax a little. To the girl, there was only something missing. "Is there anything to drink here?"

"Nope, sorry." Carrelet replied as he closed his locker. "I can grab something at the vending machine."

The girl sighed in mild frustration, but took up the offer. "Here." The girl tossed what looked like a small, glowing, light blue crystal at Carrelet. An Energy Crystal, to be exact; the Reploid caught it in the air. "If you can bring some E-Soda and a Dark Mantis Bar, that'd be nice."

"... That's a weird taste you got." The Guardian remarked as he pocketed the crystal.

"What was that?" Chêne replied with an annoyed tone.

"Nothing." The Guardian remembered who he was talking to. "I'll be right back, just make sure everything stays the way I left in the meantime."

"I'm not your roommate." The girl retorted as her colleague started to walk away.

Zexen raised his head slowly, taking a seat at the table where requested. He slid down into the chair and became quite comfortable. Getting rid of his past thoughts, he took a look at his surroundings. There, the girl from before, was seated as well. He thought he may need to say something to her.

He began to speak in her direction, hoping she'd catch it. "I hope you do forgive me for the hostility I had earlier."

Chêne glanced at Zexen after Carrelet left. She raised her eyebrows after he talked; she wasn't sure if she had just heard what she thought she heard. "Did I hear that right? You're apologizing?" Her surprise was evident as she found herself taken aback for a second. "... Well, don't think this is enough to make me trust a stranger like you." She frowned again as she reasserted her distrust.

Zexen shook his head. "Be that as it is, both of us had our own reasons for being there. Perhaps yours was a little more noble."

"Hmph..." Chêne briefly closed her eyes. "The Guardians banded together to fight the Mavericks. I'm no different." She gave Zexen another look. "What about your reasons?"

Zexen prepared himself for this. Somebody like Chêne may not understand what he's about to express. "I was there to take down some notes on the area... and my own curiosity couldn't let me resist exploring the building. It wasn't a good choice for me to make, but I put my work before my own safety."

Chêne understood Zexen's response well enough. But she did not believe it. "Do you seriously think I'm going to buy that?" Chêne crossed her legs as she rested her right arm over the table, giving Zexen an accusing look. "Just as I left, I heard you say that you're a 'treasure hunter'. There are only two types of those: the Hunters from the Guild, and the Raiders. The Slither Inc. building was declared off-limits by the government, and even the Guild is bound to the law. So what does that make you?"

"I was trying to stay covert," he remained firm with his claim. "Once I saw how deep this operation was, I decided to come clean."

"Well, you're failing spectacularly because you're not answering my question." Chêne replied bluntly.

"I remember explaining it to you earlier." He reached into his vest and brought out an I.D. "I'm a Private Investigator."

"I'd remember it if you did." Chêne unceremoniously snatched the ID from Zexen's hand to take a closer look. She had been transferred back to base after hearing the mention of "treasure hunter", and did not hear Zexen explaining his actual profession to her fellow Guardians. "'Zemaru Shien'? This is your name?"

The girl stared at the ID for a moment before flipping it back to its owner. "Okay, so let's pretend I believe you. What were you investigating? And why?"

She began to read his ID card, and with the look on her face she didn't want to buy it despite the genuine claim. She must have read his name, because she asked if it was accurate.

"That's why my alias is Zexen. I find it easier to say." He answered her, as she continued on. Handing it back to him, he placed it inside his vest once more. "I certainly would like to tell you, but I do hope you don't mind me not wanting to share.." Giving her a firm look. "It's a tale I don't like to talk about."

"'Zexen'? That's the most dorky nick I've ever heard." Chêne raised her right hand, which had been resting on the table to lean her face on it. "I'll just call you Shien. It's either that or 'Emo Boy'." She did not give Shien a choice on the matter. Although Chêne had not heard Zexen pronounce his real name, she was able to pronounce it as accurately as any person familiar with that type of name.

With Shien's hesitation to provide a satisfactory response to her query, Chêne turned her entire body towards him and folded her arms over the table. "I'm not asking for your life story. I just want to know what you're after." The girl insisted, returning the look. She could not imagine why Shien would not answer her question... unless he had something to hide.

Is it r-really a dorky name!? He wondered as she pondered on what to call him. He held back his emotion to disagree with her, so not to offend anybody. He continued to let her talk, until she re-worded her phrase and completely faced him now, asking for what he was after.

Zexen's eyes and lips morphed to a straight yet concerned face. "I'm a Private Investigator, as I explained. So to explain what I'm after could jeopardize my investigation here." Taking a deep breath, then slowly letting it out, "Miss Chêne, I would honestly like to tell you. I'd like to get the Guardian's help, but I feel like I have no need to pester you all with such a task, especially with what is going on in our world."

Chêne did not look appeased by the explanation. In fact, Zexen's efforts to not disclose information in a polite manner were ironically causing the opposite effect. "I'm babysitting you when I could be doing something else. It's far too late for that." The girl made no effort to disguise her annoyed expression as she responded to Zexen's statement about not trying to pester the Guardians. "Do you really think you can just come to our base and sit around without giving any satisfaction?" Chêne spoke this time with a slightly, but distinctly raised tone. "Beating around the bush doesn't work for me, so spill it."

Zexen did not want to come clean about his operation. Not this early in, at most. Given the circumstances, he finally gave up and let her have it. Not like he'll probably meet any of these people again.....

Wait, that's not good! He thought, coughing from excitement. "Fine, if you want it this way. I was taking up notes about Model W fragments because I'm studying the case about Anton Cordell, who was a scientist who fell from the light after being caught for attempting DNA resurrection. In order to perform this study, I needed to take field notes particularly from the ruins of Slither Inc. because of the conditions in which Model W were housed in."

Chêne was partly satisfied that Shien had finally decided to speak. However, what the girl had just heard gave her no reason to celebrate. "... What does that person have to do Model W? And what's 'DNA ressurrection'?" Now that she knew Model W was involved, she had to get to the bottom of it.

Now that he finally let her in, it was apparent that he had to continue. He would be careful on what he leaked. "He managed to completely modify and use a Model W fragment against its own will. How he did it, is not even known." Stopping to gather more thoughts to explain DNA resurrection would be quick.

"DNA resurrection is an illegal practice in which a reploid's DNA is used to resurrect them far after being destroyed. Why that's such a big problem is the fact that old maverick and pseuderoids could easily return in this manner."

For once, Chêne found herself speechless when the sound of the door opening caught her attention.

"I'm back." Carrelet announced as he entered the room, holding the items Chêne had requested. "How are things here?"

Chêne immediately rose from her seat and picked up the E-Soda and the Dark Mantis bar. "Carrelet, bring Fleuve here." The girl spoke. "You wouldn't believe what Shien was telling me just now."

"What are you talking about?" The Reploid gave Chêne a confused look.

"Just bring Fleuve here." The girl replied. "Trust me, he needs to listen to this. Hurry!"

"All right, all right...! But this had better be worth it, Chêne!" The Guardian quickly turned around and ran off on search for the vice-commander.

Zexen began to feel his heart-beat rise rapidly. His cover could soon be blown, and his entire operation may be discovered. In one word, they could have him disappear. They were the Guardians after-all. They had the power.

He didn't mutter a single word. He just began to conjure up an idea on how to explain it without blowing his operation. He needed the Government to lay off; interference can't be tolerated!

"What's wrong? You were acting all cool and mighty when that spider Mechaniloid attacked us, but now you're getting pale." Chêne tried not to smirk as she made the remark, instead opening her chocolate bar and taking a bite.

"What are you talking about?" Zexen stood up from his seat, ready to explain more. "I just didn't want my op to get too big. I don't like working in large groups."

Chêne swallowed the contents in her mouth as she stood up herself. She would not have Shien looking at her from above. "And who said that you'll be working with us?" The girl asked as she suddenly heard the door open again.

[Continued from Corridors]

"What's going on now?" Fleuve asked as he stepped inside, this time accompanied not only by Carrelet, but also Vent and Vince. "Did you say that our guest has something important to tell us, Chêne?"

"Yes, sir." Chêne answered to the elder Reploid. She was a little surprised to also see Vent and Vince, but it did not matter much. "It has to do with a scientist, Model W and 'DNA ressurrection'. I'll let him explain better." The female Guardian sat down again, giving Shien another look as she expected him to talk. She seemed a little more relaxed now that the others were present.

"Okay, if it has to do with Model W, you've got my full attention." Vent commented in response to Chêne's statement.

[From the Corridors]

Vince arrived right after Vent. He raised an eyebrow as he awaited for this Shien guy answer. "Model W? And... 'DNA Resurrection?'" he asked quietly aloud.

Model ó hovered by its Chosen One still. Its eyes lit up for a split second, seemingly in thought. "DNA Resurrection?!" it spoke. "How could this person know about such an ancient and illegal practice?!"

Vince remained silent. He waited for this other detective to explain himself. He himself wondered what this person knew about Model W.

A small Red biometal floated in along with the group.

"Model W, a scientist, and DNA Resurrection? Sounds like a few people I know..." Model R said, regarding the topic.

Damn you, girl... He took in a deep breath. "Are you really going to force this upon me?" He asked, anger brewing. "Fine!"

He slammed his hands onto the table. "I'll tell you the story.."
( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHk7loaFpP0 )


As he began, he kept his voice at a booming depth, so nothing needed to be repeated. "As a Detective I undertook a secret assignment... I'm doing research on Model W locations. They're not just normal Model W's, they're modified. Against their own will, modified and enslaved to work a different purpose.

"It all started with Anton Cordell, the name should sound familiar. He was one of Legion's number one leading scientists under the division. His technique was so skilled that his reploids and mechaniloids were above our own processing and scanning ability, and he took much pride in it.

"His career went down the tube one day when an accident left him without an arm. Of course, he was able to afford another cybernetic replacement but his higher-ups basically said 'No'; he was sent into retirement due to his reploid's rampage.... However," Zexen raised up his finger, "His reploid's cause of maverickism is as usual, the work of a Model W. He began to study it himself until he began modifying it with his own tools and means. Eventually, he began to resurrect dead mavericks from long ago, even ancient models! He was quickly discovered and placed in custody of the Penal Services..." He scoffed. "There, I've come clean. Anything else I need to clarify?"

Chêne briefly gave Model ó and Model R an attentive look before focusing her gaze on the shady investigator again.

"Wait a second, what happened to those modified Model Ws?" Vent asked. "I've been fighting Model W for a while now, and I haven't seen anything like what you're talking about."

"That is true." Fleuve followed. "Our equipment is capable of detecting Biometal energies. Model W included. I've heard of this scientist, indeed... but official records only state that he was arrested for conducting dangerous experiments. To think that his work involved Model W... I was careless, I should have investigated more." The vice-commander shook his head. "Nevertheless, Vent has a point."

"You may also want to ask how were those Model Ws modified." Chêne remarked. "I'm not a nerd, but I get that this 'Cordell' or whatever used them to bring back dead Reploids. What Serpent did was a lot worse." She took another bite on her bar.

"Cordell... I've heard that name before, too... Ahh!" Model ó yelped. Vince turned to the gold-rimmed Biometal and raised an frowned.

"Model Omicron, would you like to tell us what's on your mind?" he asked while crossing his arms.

"I remember an old friend of mine that had constantly been at odds with a man named Cordell centuries ago," Model ó explained. "Of course, that was a different Cordell. And he was also a Reploid. Anyway, the Cordell I knew about was also on the wrong side of the law. Did crazy experiments with Reploids, or so I heard. Quite an interesting coincidence."

Vince rolled his eyes and relayed Model ó's information. "Model Omicron said that there was a Reploid named Cordell centuries ago that also performed questionable experiments. It's probably a coincidence, but I guess there could be a connection somewhere." Vince paused for a moment. "Model Omicron, you said something about DNA Resurrection being an illegal and ancient practice. Could you elaborate?"

"Centuries ago, Reploids didn't have lifespans," the Biometal replied. "Reploids were technically immortal, so long as they were maintained. There were ethics issues regarding bringing destroyed Reploids back to life. If a Reploid's control chip or basic memory was intact, then it was simply a matter of building a new body. However, if a Reploid's memory or control chip was destroyed, then that Reploid was considered legally deceased. DNA Resurrection, however, uses what's left of the Reploid's basic DNA data to rebuild it. It was also possible to restore memories."

"In other words, DNA Resurrection was a way to cheat death?" Vince asked.

"That's how I look at it, anyway," Model ó confirmed. "I never knew too much about it since hardly anyone practiced it..."

Vince began to summarize what the Biometal said. "Model Omicron said that DNA Resurrection was an illegal practice centuries ago when Reploids didn't have lifespans. Basically like what Mr. Shien said, it was a way to bring back legally deceased Reploids long after they had been destroyed using their DNA data."

Model ó began to think. That one scientist that used it... I wonder if Model X and Model Z remember that incident after all these years...? Anton Cordell's creations couldn't be scanned? It sounds eerily similar to that incident...

OOC: If I'm wrong about DNA Resurrection, let me know and I will edit this post accordingly.

"Exactly like a few people I know. I know one scientist and Reploid who could do this and not have trouble of authorities, time, or being found out. Isolated and locked away, DNA research, resurrection, and even upgrade, but Model W was never part of the research..." Model R looked at Shien. The fact that he was chasing Model W's; especially modified ones, is extremely dangerous and risky. He'd go himself if he had a body, but ultimately, where he went was up to Kiriyama. "How funny that we're going to see one of those men." Model R said, with Chiba in mind.

"These Model W's were modified, as I told you... one of the special properties was to somehow reverse-engineer its abilities. That way, a counter for most scanning and tracking systems are rendered useless against them." Zexen stood up now, calming himself. "That's just a speculation from me, however. It has been difficult tracking them, which.. is why I haven't located one yet."

It wasn't so bad as he thought it was. He knew the girl didn't trust him, however these people didn't intimidate him.

( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utpTJ4voqww )

He needed to find a quick way to change the subject. Using his own wits would be enough. "I'm taking the assignment under orders. I was supposed to be discreet." He began to laugh underneath his anger. "After all, I doubt anyone remembers the Armani family."

"Right, so you can't tell us much about those Model Ws, or where we can find them." Vent folded his arms after expressing his disappointment.

"Armani... Could they be descendants...?" Model X spoke in thought. The mention of a scientist named Cordell and his experiments with DNA ressurrection did not escape his attention, but he chose to not dwell in it for the moment.

"Model X...?" Vent paused with a curious look on his face.

"I'll explain later." The blue Biometal replied. "We need to know more about who they are and what they're after."

"Right." Vent nodded. "Anyway... so, you were hired by someone from this Armani family? Are they after the Model Ws?" The Mega Man turned his attention to Shien again.

"Armani...?!" Model ó exclaimed in further surprise. "Who would have thought...?" The Biometal had memories regarding that family. Strange events seemed to entangle this family for generations; events that pained Model ó. Vince was about to ask but stopped himself.

Model X said it would explain later, the detective thought while rubbing his chin. And we need to focus on the situation at hand. I can't just continue to interrupt the conversation with questions about the past... Vince leaned his back against the wall next to the door and waited for Mr. Shien to elaborate further.

"... Hmm... Armani... Ugh, it must be part of my memory that's locked away still." Model R said.

"Hired?" Zexen shrugged with a smile. "I'm one of their apprentices! They fund my entire operation in exchange for my time." Knowing it was futile to continue with it, he needed to answer the last question. "To answer your question, it's nothing 'evil' or ill-fated..." This was getting hot, now. If he revealed any further as to why they are tracing Cordell. "It has more to do with Cordell himself."

"Whether it's evil or ill-fated isn't up to you to judge. You're right about one thing, I've never even heard of the 'Armani' you just mentioned. Who are they and why are you people still looking into this guy if he's already in jail?" Chêne proceeded to unceremoniously chug down her E-Soda. Although her choice of words had gotten a frown from Vent and Fleuve, the two did not intercede as they had the same questions in mind.

"A-Apprentice?!" Model ó exclaimed in surprise yet again. Vince made a quick glance towards the Biometal but returned his attention back to the other detective. He also wanted that same question answered. Shien seemed hesitent... Model ó spoke to Vince.

"His aura is hard to read," it said. "But I can make out a sense of hesitation; distrust... If he's like the Armanis I knew, he won't give away their secrets so easily. Don't ask why, but try asking him if E.D.E.N. means anything to him if his alibi isn't strong."

Vince frowned and tapped his foot twice on the floor. He looked towards Shien and waited for a response. He thought about various possibilities for why he'd be investigating Cordell. If this scientist has the know-how to analyze and modify Model W, as well as use DNA Resurrection, than they were dealing with a brilliant mind. He probably knew the Biometal's schematics... A thought then occurred to him, and his eyes widened, fearing the answer would be delivered.

If he can modify Model W, and if he can resurrect ancient Reploids... Then could he possibly create new ---?! he thought as he awaited

"Hmm... Where are we...?" Model R asked when wondering about the location of the Guardian's ship.

Model R remembered something in the past. Zexen/Shien's description of this man was identical to somebody else.

( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JiIZY-3U3c )
They still suspect me..? Argh, how much more can I say? Zexen remained calm, now. He would have to let them poke around for the answers. "I don't know that much into the minds of the Armani founders.. and, I must say: No disrespect, but did you already forget my mission?" Zexen's shoulders grew a few inches taller as he spoke. "The Modified Model W's are still at large!"

"Except that destroying Model W is our business and you're not helping with that at all!" Chêne stood up, slamming both hands on the table.

"Chêne!" Fleuve shouted immediately. "Please, settle down."

"Ah...! I mean... aye, sir." Surprisingly, Chêne quickly sat down again in compliance. The girl figured that she would have reacted differently if this happened just a few hours ago, but now she felt as if she should not have just let her impulse get the better of her again.

"Anyway..." The vice-commander cleared his throat as he took over the situation. "As Chêne said... quelling the Model W threat is one of our highest priorities. Model W has the power to corrupt machines and turn them into Mavericks. However, its influence means that it's dangerous for common people to approach the fragments, as they can be either corrupted or consumed altogether by Model W." The elder Reploid took a step closer. "If you're investigating the location of Model Ws, modified or otherwise, I believe it would be of mutual interest for us to exchange notes."

"We're en route to the Arcadian Ruins, Model R." Model X replied to the other Biometal. "You should know this by now."

Vince stepped away from the wall. "From one detective to another, the information you've given us already concerns me about this Cordell guy. More-so than the modified Model Ws," he said to Shien. "This guy is a scientist that knows how to modify Model W. If he knows how to modify it, then he must have analyzed its schematics. And he knows how to resurrect long-deceased Reploids if he can find their DNA data. He may even be a Mega Man. So tell me, Mr. Shien, is it possible that Cordell could create new Biometals with his knowledge of Model W and ancient Reploids?"

Model ó was speechless. Vince may be onto something. However, Model ó's Chosen One could be equally incorrect. But perhaps this speculation would be enough to get Zemura Shien to say more.

"Ack...I need to talk to Price when I return," he mumbled under his breath. This is all my fault. If only I stayed in the shadows for a longer time.. He was tensing up. What more can he say? If he revealed any further...

They may discover his true purpose.

"Model X, I wanted to know where we are, not where we are going..." Model R said in response to the blue Biometal.

"The airship has been on the move since before our transfer." Model X replied. "We should be near the ruins right now."

Fleuve was impressed by Vince's deductive reasoning, a true trait of a detective. It certainly gave him a reason to be more concerned about Cordell. However, it was still conjecture, and therefore he waited for Shien to answer Vince's question.

It was then that a beep announced an incoming transmission from the bridge.

"Fleuve, sir." It was Gardénia's voice. "Commander Prairie has returned to the HQ. Repeat, Commander Prairie has returned to the HQ. She awaits you in the command center."

"Wait, what about Aile?" Vent asked in impulse, despite knowing that the transmission was one-way only. The operators could not hear him.

"There is only one way to know." Fleuve replied before turning his attention to Shien again. "I'm afraid we'll have to interrupt this conversation for the moment. We currently have other matters to attend to." Fleuve began to walk towards the door.

"Wait, are we just going to leave him like this?" Chêne asked.

"You and Vince can stay with our guest and Carrelet if you'd like." Fleuve replied as he exited the room. Considering that Chêne has been reacting better than he'd predicted, he figured there was no problem in leaving her in the room as long as there was another Guardian to watch her. He was followed by Vent as he walked past the door.

"Come, Model R." Vent gestured at the Biometal to follow before leaving. "See you guys later." Vent waved as he followed the vice-commander to the command center.

Chêne decided to stay, just to be on the safe side.

[Continued in Main Deck (Fleuve, Vent)]

Vince was unsatisfied with Mr. Shien's response. His mumbling either indicated that it was something confidential that Vince had deducted or it was something that Shien hadn't even considered yet. However, the Guardian's commander returning was also a priority. Vince was unsure how to proceed when Fleuve and Vent left the room. The detective frowned. He turned to his Biometal with a glance that seemed to say, 'any suggestions?'

"You should try what I mentioned earlier," Model ó told him. "It might be best if you got him alone, though. If it works, I'm not sure he'd speak with just anyone." Vince frowned at this remark and crossed his arms. He sighed and turned to Chêne and Carrelet, as well as Model R.

"Do you all mind if I talk with him alone?"

"Right.. they said something about an excavation site," Zexen said out-loud. What purpose could they have had there? Perhaps another Maverick outbreak, but this remote?

Right... I need to get back on task. Zexen thought of an appropriate response when the Detective, asked to speak alone with him. He was frightened now, but perhaps it would be easier with a one-on-one conversation. That girl over there wouldn't intervene.

"Sure..." Model R said, following Fleuve out of the room to the [Main Deck]

"Um--"

"Yes, I do mind." Chêne replied sternly, interrupting Carrelet. "If you're going to say something, just say it. Don't you tell me to stay out of this after we fought for our lives together." The girl gave Shien another look.

"Chêne, there must be a reason he wants to be alone with him." Carrelet argued.

The girl stood up again and leaned towards Shien, seemingly ignoring her fellow Guardian. "We could have all died back in the building, and whatever we were doing up to that point would have been pointless. I won't lie: I still don't trust you. But you risked your skin as much as the Mega Man and I did, and I'd like to think that's worth something." Chêne stared into Shien's eyes as she waited for a reply.