Chapter Text
When you give the man who has seen all parts of you that can be seen an inkling that there is more to uncover, he will take it with fervor.
It is even more of a prize if the person is of… significance.
And so, when Vincent Fabron, the collected French arms dealer offers Cypher a gift, he is absolutely enthralled.
"For you, monsieur. Your actions during last mission were impeccable," the Frenchman gave a gentle smile. Compliments and cordial manners from Chamber were nothing new, and he has certainly given gifts to other members of valorant before but- this was something else.
In Fabron's hand was what appeared to be a simple business card. It mimicked his official cards. Chamber is intent on keeping appearances.
"Ah, I can tell you're confused, friend. This is…" Chamber almost looked.. flustered? "Something you may enjoy.. but I know how you are, with gifts. Always suspicious- and I can assure you this is merely a business card, monsieur." He smiled, gesturing the card towards Cypher again. "I do hope you're willing to take up a transaction.."
Cypher gently takes it from the man's hands, inspecting it immediately. He was genuine, there was no trace of trackers or anything of the sort. The only meaningful sign on the card was… a string of letters and numbers.
"Ah. Hm." Cypher put it up towards the light, his eyes fixating. "Yes. I have no idea what this is."
Chamber chuckled, "Well… I'm sure you can figure it out. Au revoir!"
He waved and spun around to leave the main hall. His footsteps eventually dissipated. Killjoy and Raze, sitting a few feet from the interaction, exchanged skeptical glances.
"Uhhhh. What was that?" Raze started laughing, and gestures over towards Cypher, "Chamber doesn't just give people nothing! What is it Cypher?"
"Seriously," Killjoy flashed a cheeky grin, "You're somewhat of a genius. Figure it out and tell us!" They sat on the edge of their seats, looking in anticipation for some sort of rich man's treasure.
Cypher took a long look at the card. His eyes narrowed. "CVJ-4728-1630".
Meaningless… but that was a hasty assumption. There had to be more. This was Chamber, after all.
"Ah I won't fret. Probably a red herring for Chambers amusement. But I will engage in his offer… to some degree."
Cypher put it off for now. There was no immediate interest, he had other items to attend to that needed his attention.
Furthermore, it held no distinguishable substance. Chamber hadn't given him anything to go off of, besides the card, and thus, it was a dead end for now.
Chamber however, seemed different the coming days. His cool, charismatic demeanor remained, but whenever Cypher was in the immediate vicinity he noticed a minor shift.
A few days after the interaction, Cypher was in the training hall as others practiced against Killjoy's bots, playing another round of chess. The playful banter and competition was amusing, while also allowing him to study their attack patterns. Kay/o and Phoenix sat by the glass, waiting for their turn.
The front entrance opened, and the iconic clicks of business shoes followed.
"Hello my friends! I do hope training is going well." He shot a quick glance at Cypher. It's as if he had felt a chill. "Ah, Cypher, my chère!" A slight pause. "Did my gift not entice you?"
Phoenix immediately lost interest in the fight, despite Raze being chased around by Killjoy's deathbot. "Whoa whoa whoa- you're tellin me Chamber gave CYPHER a gift? Now thats something," he grinned, "What was it Chamber? You gotta spit it out."
"Oh nothing special." He cleared his throat and adjusted his tie. "Just a business card. I thought he would find it.. useful."
"Well that's not typical." Kay/o said, not removing his gaze from the glass. "You even gave Phoenix a fancy ass gift."
Phoenix immediately began to start a rebuttal, something about 'how is that surprising' but Chamber let out a soft chuckle.
"Ah non.. it is not just a card." He had a hitch in his throat. "It is. Hm, how do I put it, information. I thought it would interest him."
Cypher's head shot up.
Chamber lit up, "Aha! I see I've finally got your attention, monsieur. Don't worry, I won't spoil the surprise." He smiled and turned to go to the shooting range, pulling out his sniper. He waved as he turned down the hall.
"Interesting." Cypher murmered.
"T'hell you mean interesting. Chamber doesn't just, give out ""information"". At this rate I think its a damn trap, cocky fucka." Phoenix slightly hit his fist against the wall as a form of assertion.
"Hm. No, I don't think so. He's been acting as if it's more sensitive information." Cypher folded his hands under his chin. "I believe it is genuine."
"I've noticed." Kay/o still appeared barely interested. "His heart rate spikes when Cypher is in the vicinity."
Phoenix looked back at Cypher in astonishment. Cypher shook his head, chuckling.
"Ah. I know what you are thinking. But I don't think that's it." Cypher left for his room before Phoenix could begin a tirade.
Cypher was ernest in that statement. Chamber's shift in attitude had to be due to what the information detailed. And so, he ought to find out.
His monitors emitted a faint blue glow in the dark room, on each a different part of Chamber's files. He had been doing this for a few hours, now. Leaning back in his chair, he let out a long exasperated sigh.
"I have no idea as to what this thing is." He strummed his fingers on his desk. What sort of business card has these numbers? Why only the numbers? Why have it mimic your other gadget cards? Was it just for aesthetic?
Suddenly, he put his finger up in exclamation, "Ah. Nevermind, I got it!" Chamber's cameras were made to order by him, and each had its own model number. Cypher had no interest in what the numbers, or even the letters meant. It was evident that this string was attached to his type of camera. This was childs play in terms of "hacking". It could be anything. But after submitting the code, Cypher discovered that Chamber had given him access… to a singular camera?
Suddenly his discovery wasn't as intriguing. But, he might as well see what it saw. Never any harm in just checking.
And so he did, finding the camera's exact location and access its wireless camera… "It is in the building? No. It cannot be that simple." No doubt it was in the building. A perfect connection. What did Chamber want him to see?
He activated the camera. It was evident that it was somewhat hidden, a single plant leaf could be seen obstructing part of the view. A soft warm glow from a bedroom light illuminated a modern room, mostly white with shining gold accents. Wallpapers showcasing custom guns, as well as a display of distinct familiar guns that reflected the light. A large bed in the centre of the room has perfectly tucked maroon sheets and a blanket that appears as if it had never moved.
But alas, there was nothing more than what appeared to be Chamber's room.
"You are kidding me." Cypher threw his head back. All this for a prank of sorts? But what kind of prank is this? Suddenly the sound of a door opening drags his attention back to the screen.
Vincent enters the room nonchalantly. He pauses, and waits for the door to shut.
The moment it does he's a different man. He's visibly exhausted, and stretches out his back letting out a long, desperately needed sigh. His shoulders are sore, his back is disgustingly sweaty, and he is in desperate need for a shower.
He begins his standard routine. He takes off his accessories first, placing them in a small marble holder on his nightstand. He takes off his vest, folding it meticulously and placing it in his hamper.
Cypher doesn't look away. His eyes remain locked onto the screen, as if he were entranced. Chamber moved his body in such a musical way, gracefully as if every movement was calculated. Despite his exhaustion, it seemed as if he could never be subpar. Eventually, he was only in his maroon boxers and an undershirt. His figure was almost menacing from the low angle. Usually, his tight fitting suit would mask this. Evidently he was more fit than initially anticipated.
His back facing towards the camera, he lifts up his shirt, the white fabric revealing toned muscle and gold nanometal beneath. It shined, glistening from the bedroom light. It perfectly accented his back, its as if he were a living sculpture. The gold curved into his spine. Racing down his back. It's as if the metal was feeling him over. He nonchalantly placed the shirt on the bed, and stopped in place. Cypher held his breath. He turned his body slowly towards the camera's side of the room. He looked down, tilting his head so he could just see the camera's exact position.
He winked.