Lost in thought, you stood in front of the large window in the lunge and looked down on the lab.

So Mi had spent the last day dealing with Cynosure and you had to admit, the woman knew what she was doing. The temperatures in the lab had been lowered further on her instructions, which had improved the critical condition of the AI.

It annoyed you that you had lost one of your dogs because of such a simple mistake. But there were still five left and that was more than enough to keep an eye on her.

As clever as she was, she had already realised that you were watching her. Distracted from her work, she blinked, the red of the data disappearing from her eyes and a dark brown colour appearing as she glanced over her shoulder to look up at you.

A smile appeared on your lips.

She pulled a face, her fingers twitching, probably toying with the idea of flipping you off.

Even if there was no point in admitting it, you liked her. Her fighting spirit and bite were often something you could use. But as it was with dogs backed into a corner, she was snappy. And you wouldn't have been surprised if she had bitten your hand off.

So Mi turned back to her work. Like Kurt, she wasn't afraid of you. But unlike him, she wasn't crazy enough to think she could win you over.

Admittedly, in his case it was more luck than judgement. And the fact that he was a really charming bastard.

Taking a deep breath, you lifted your chin and turned away from the window, out of her sight and towards the door.

Only when your footsteps echoed on the metal staircase did she raise her head again. Your eyes met.

"Good morning.", you greeted her.

Even though it was her job to secure Cynosure for you, you saw no reason to be rude to her. She had already earned your respect.

Her lips pressed together in a grumpy expression, she nodded in greeting. She didn't say a word, so you tilted your head and glanced over her hands.

"You work well.", you remarked.

Not just well, but fast. If she continued to be so useful then you would be willing to consider a reward.

Her life, perhaps.

A snort escaped her. She turned away, strands of her magenta-coloured hair hitting her in the face as she moved hastily. A large part of the back of her head was exposed.

Chrome. Everywhere your eyes looked she was made of cyberware. More metal than human. You look at her thoughtfully.

Like you, Songbird's only prospect was death. Although, that didn't really apply to you anymore. Now it was just a matter of getting rid of the killswitch. Or at least disarmed forever.

"Need something?", she suddenly asked in a sharp voice.

Torn from your thoughts, you looked at her, your eyes half open. You yawned. Years of missed sleep were beginning to take their revenge. Now that the prospect of permanent death was no longer breathing down your neck, you couldn't help but feel tired.

Confused and a little offended, Songbird frowned.

"The fuck?", she mumbled.

You chuckled. Yes, the woman really amused you.

"Apologies, I haven't slept well lately.", you crouched down next to her, resting one arm on your knees to rest your chin in your hand. "I'm dying, you know."

She huffed in response. Her fingers continued to work on the shell of Cynosure. The silver chrome reminded you a little of your own, black and nimble. Only hers were not weapons but tools.

"Who doesn't?", she suddenly asked with a sour expression, removing a plate from the case.

A core emerged, shimmering a light red colour. The sight of it sent a shiver down your spine.

"Heard you were working for Myers.", trying to keep the convo running, though you weren't sure exactly why.

"No secret.", she shrugged and continued working.

Sluggishly, you looked at her out of the corner of your eye.

"If they declare you dead and take an oath from you, it's a secret.", you replied. "FIA agent."

Her fingers froze. Darkness burned in the brown of her eyes before she shook off the feeling.

"What do you want?", she hissed, looking directly at you for the first time. "I gotta work."

You smiled.

"We're both dying, So Mi, and we could both get a new life through Cynosure. That's why you're here, isn't it? To steal it."

She sucked in a sharp breath. But there was no denial.

Satisfied, you chuckled.

"Ah~ Honesty. Love it.", you stood up with a flourish, stretching your neck and glancing at the core amidst the cocoon of metal. "You know I can't let you do that."

Her fingers clawed at the metal. Thoughts crossed your eyes, thinking frantically.

"So Mi.", you carefully put a hand under her chin so she had to look at you. "Myers fucked over both of us. But it doesn't matter now, she's dead."

Her shoulders tensed.

"You killed the president of the NUSA?!", she asked.

Her voice was hoarse, trembling. But you just smiled.

"Don't worry, no one will know that you helped us. If you play your part."

Anger made her draw her eyebrows together.

But what could she say?

Her options were limited, because in the end she had contacted Kurt, giving him the opportunity to attack the president. And all to save her own skin.

"So you want me to give everything for you and then die?", she finally asked.

Taking a deep breath, you shook your head.

"Since we're in the same boat I... it's not sympathy, I don't think I'm capable of something like that.", you laughed. "Let's say understanding. And I'll be honest, since we're both dirty, it would be a waste to just kill you. It's not like you could snitch without risking your own neck."

"A slave would be better, wouldn't it?"

Your fingers detached from her chin.

"What if I rewarded you?"

She froze.

"Why?", Songbird frowned.

You shrugged.

"Because I can. I want to. You must have read my file. What did it say?"

She hesitated.

"Decisions are made almost at random. There's no sense of logic. The only explanation is that the object acts on impulse and whim."

The smile on your lips grew.

"Exactly. And now listen to me carefully.", you raised a finger to your lips. "Get me Cynosure. If you try to fuck me, I will kill you. Do as I say... then I'll ask Kurt to send you to the moon. With enough money to treat you."

"Why would he do that?", her fingers clawed into the metal.

"Because he'll do anything for me if I ask him to. Simple as that."