Chapter Text
''You have been performing below your pay grade, T. Mine."'
The voice was harsh, transactional, and it echoed loudly through the chambers of the dark office, the cavernous walls dissapearing into the darkness above. The walls were made of dark steel that looked like it could cut glass, let alone an inphernal.
Subspace did not flinch, a good scientist never reacts openly to an unknown variable, but all he could feel was the knot tying in his stomach, his muscles locking from the sheer weight of disappointment carried by his manager. He had never known anything other than praise from the higher ups, so he simply kept his chin high, his expression the same mask of smugness he always wore outside. Subspace cleared his throat, eyes looking straight at the desk instead of the looming figure.
''With all due respect', Subspace replied, voice articulate and self assured, however low enough to display respect. ''I've just been running into.. complications. The situation is under control. I will have it eliminated soon-''
''No.'' That tone was final, as if signaling the end of someone's life. "'We have given you sufficient time to complete the assignments.''
The manager's voice remained calm, cold, and devoid of warmth, like he was discussing a sale rather than destroying somebody's being. It was cold enough to the point that Subspace felt a shiver run down his spine, but he refused to let it show, still holding on to bits of his crushed ego.
They spoke again, voice sharpening into an edge of disappointment. ''Your inadequate performance is what's costing us valuable resources. You were supposed to have this completed by the end of the year. Your progress reports are showing immediate decline, and you failed to submit weekly reports on your progress.''
''And what did you do?"'
''Nothing.''
Subspace laughed nervously, a grainy cough tearing through his lungs. ''There was an insufficient time frame, I couldn't possibly-'' He trailed off, his nails digging in his palms. ''-finish the software updates in time..'' The words wavering, the atmosphere simply dissolved into silence.
''Subspace. You were one of our greatest scientists in this division, and possibly the whole faction. '' The manager answered, finally breaking the stillness. ''Unfortunately, we're letting you go.''
The pink horned demon froze straight. For a second, the single sentence stopped his train of thought. The words he'd been using to defend himself felt suddenly stagnant.
No. That couldn't be right... HE was Blackrock's greatest scientist! Why would they let HIM of all people go? They needed him. He built this empire just for them, to prove that they were superior. And now they're just-
''Go?'' Subspace spoke, stunned. ''That can't be right...''
The truth was, the manager was right. Of course he was right. He HAD been doing nothing. Just existing in a state of zeroes and ones. The thought made him feel a little bit more unneeded. Useless. The feeling he always feared when he was little, and what he feared more now.
He used to be the face of Blackrock himself, for SFOTH'S sake!
He'd been pushing down the work for months now, the laptop still remaining untouched despite the countless reminders from his superiors. The code looked foreign to him, blending in behind the screen, the words blurred and unreadable. It looked like someone else's work. Someone that isn't him.
The chemicals and notes on his lab fell flat. It's been sitting on the cold steel, simply rotting, collecting dust motes as weeks passed. They have been sitting in the exact same place when he left them.
Every time he walked outside, he could feel the eyes of others watching his every move. Usually, he would be proud. He didn't care if people hated him, or judged him. He just knew he was right. Not much people got to see the Subspace T. Mine in all his glory! But now, those very same set of eyes felt different. Why did he care so much?
He remembers looking at himself in the mirror.
''You're falling behind, Subspace.''
''You're falling apart.''
''T. Mine!'' A sharp crack interrupted his thoughts, pulling him back into the reality of the situation. ''I've told you we're letting you go. Do you have anything to say for yourself?'' The manager's voice was expectant, piercing through Subspace's daze.
His eye twitched, immediately scanning the situation. He was still in the office. Still in the dark, suffocating office. His throat constricted, before letting out a deep breath. '' Right- right, there must be a malfunction in your system. I've been doing fine!'' He took a step forward, voice rising despite himself.
The manager ignored him. ''Unfortunately, you have been exposed to confidential information that could pose a risk to Blackrock if left unchecked. We are going to have to terminate you, effective today.''
Subspace scoffed. "Confidential information? I wrote those systems! I made sure they existed!''
The manager did not laugh, however. His tone was still as cold as before. ''Biografts. Engage target.''
The office door creaked open, the harsh, white light spilling into the room. Heavy footsteps followed the manager's commands, three silhouettes stepping into the light. Sleek, silver machines filed in the room, the metal polished and lined with familiar components. Three pairs of orange optics scanned the room, eyes immediately locking in Subspace's figure. A loud, shrill tone bounced off the walls, a sound Subspace knew all too well.'
''Biografts! Standby!'' He quickly yelled, his voice useless against what seemed to be 3 of his creations. He soon realized with sinking dread, that Blackrock had successfully reprogrammed his creations to murder him. He should've done that cursed software update.
None of the figures answered to him. They no longer answered, and they no longer hesitated.
''TARGET LOCKED."