[Zero eyed him, but did not immediately respond. What he was insinuating was a heavy request, and one not to be made lightly. Though the reploid couldn't disagree with Hajime, there was still the question of how far he could ethically pursue his authority.

There was a tense silence as he tested out how the joints felt in his hand - one, two, open and close, he flexed his fingers before deciding they were still a bit too stiff.]

...Drop the formality. You're asking me to get rid of him.