After it all (Agent 8 x 3)

15. Enter the Wasteland

POV: Remi

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After everyone is patched up and mentally stable, we group up to talk about the investigations.

"Ashe filled me in about what happened at Grizz before she went home. It looks like the base for whatever operation these carpheads are pulling is located in an old government base science research facility on the outskirts of Splatsville. Originally It was a marine life testing and research lab, so whoever's behind all of this probably has some high level equipment that refined the sanitization serum. Milos, what were the sanitized inklings and octolings like?"

"They seemed almost normal. Their skin was a pale green and there tentacles were a blue-green color, but other than that they acted like normal inklings and octolings."

I paused to think for a second. "So it seems they're able to think on their own now. When Tartar controlled me back in the metro my brain went blank and I can't remember anything that happened, so I don't know how different they are now".

"I do". Iris' tone is serious and a bit spiteful. Did I mention she looks scary when she's mad? "They didn't talk at all. Most of them weren't that ruthless, and it was almost like they were more AI then human. Like a computer programmed them instead of quick thinking combat skills. The only one that was different was you Remi".

She turns to look at me. "When I fought you it was like we were actually fighting. You were reacting with the battle and acting with more purpose".

She goes back to facing the group, breaking the eye contact that felt like daggers on my face. "I think whatever Tartar used on you is what he used on the guys you encountered, Milos".

Pearl speaks so softly that it startles me. "And Marina... When she got sanitized and held us hostage she was definitely thinking on her own in some form."

I nod. "So it looks like they now can act with more 'freedom' even though the mind control is still present. That makes them even more dangerous than the ones in the metro".

"So you'll need better armor and gear", Octavio interjects. "Me and Cuttlefish can handle that. We probably shouldn't be goin into the field, but I can get a new mech built".

He looks over to Cap'n with a sort of fondness that I never thought I would see him display. "Think you can help me with that Craig?"

Cap'n beams. "Of course Tavi! We'll get started right after we get to the new location."

Me and Iris look at each-other in shock. Craig? TAVI?? Since when were these two so friendly?

I turn back to the group. "Okayyyyy... Milos, you text Ashe. Everyone else get packing. We gotta head to the Splatlands". Everyone nods and walks off. Iris walks up to me.

"Wowww since when did you have the balls to give orders?" Her tone is smug, along with the smirk on her face.

I shrug. "Well, someone had to do it. Besides, I'm pretty good at it".

She then gets close. Real close. She drapes her arms around the back of my neck, resting them on my shoulders as she leans in close to my ear. "Oh, you're something alright".

I can hear the teasing in her soft voice, but instead of returning the tease I freeze and flush up. She pulls back, removing her arms. She gives my arm a small joking squeeze as she walks off, while I'm there, frozen in place while my face burns up in embarrassment. Was that flirting? No she couldn't have been flirting with me. Could she? Either way that was really ho-

Another voice cuts through my thoughts.

"So you and my Granddaughter, huh? I'm not gonna lie, I thought you were gay".