The music was loud and could be heard from outside the building. As Sumeragi walked through the front double-doors she was welcomed by a man and a woman dressed in a suit and dress respectively who handed her a schedule for the evening's events walking under a carefully made sign. The sign read: "AEU Military School Class of 2298 Reunion."
No sooner had she entered the crowded gymnasium, extravagantly decorated with school colors, when someone put a hand on her shoulder.
"I'm so glad you came." It was Billy.
"Hello Billy. I'm glad to see you too. It feels good to see an old friend."
"It surprised me to hear that they were going through with it. What with everything happening with Celestial Being and all."
"I think that is why they wanted to have this night happen. It is important to do everything we can to keep our lives as normal as possible. It is in times like these where it is necessary to see school friends and be reminded of how things were, and how things can be."
"You never struck me as the kind of person who would say something like that. Another thing has been bothering me, though. A lot of our class mates went on to be high ranking military officials. Even though you are retired, you might also be a target for Celestial Being."
"What are you saying Billy?"
"I'm worried that Celestial Being will make an appearance here tonight."
"I don't think so. From what I've seen, they only intercede when there is threat of violence."
"Very perceptive. I see you haven't entirely left your old life."
"Professor Eifman!" Sumeragi's face lit up and she gave her old teacher a loving hug.
"So what is your opinion of Celestial Being?"
There was a pause "I haven't given it much thought."
"Nonsense. You just proved to me that you have kept up with recent events and your skills. You have thought this thoroughly through."
Celestial being's Tactical Forecaster knew Eifman would see through any lie she tried to tell, but of course, she couldn't tell him who she was – so she compromised. "I think…. You can't deny the world is in a bad place, and this Celestial Being may be an answer. I joined the military to minimalize casualties. If their true mission is, in fact, to end battles before they start… I think, it can't hurt to see how things will turn out."
The Professor nodded with understanding. "Have you had a drink yet?" No. "Billy, would get us three drinks?"
"I would love to." And disappeared.
Sumeragi was the first to speak. "Where is Kati Manneqin? I haven't seen her since…. It's been a while, I would like to talk to her. There are things I need to say."
"She won't be coming tonight. Kati is the lead Forecaster for the AEU in their war against Celestial Being."
Sumeragi felt a mix of fear, uncertainty, shock – but not surprise – discouragement, but also pride. Pride for her friend, and pride that she has been able to stay one step ahead. She smiled. "I'm glad for her. How is she? Have you been in contact?"
Eifman didn't answer her question. "Kujo. You are part of Celestial Being aren't you?"
Sumeragi knew that her teacher and friend saw straight through her, but she couldn't bring herself to tell him – but she didn't try to hide it, either. It was too late for that. "I don't feel well. Give my apologies to Billy. It really did me good to see him tonight. Will you do that for me?"
"I will."
"Thanks." She left relieved that someone knew her secret, also knowing that it would be safe.
Billy came back. "What happened to Kujo?"
"She suddenly stopped feeling well and had to leave. She wanted me to deliver her regrets and give you her apologies. She also wanted me to say that seeing you gave her pleasure and helped her face tomorrow. And for that, I thank you, too. Life has been hard on her, and for some reason – still is."
"What do you mean?"
"She was drunk again, tonight."
"But how can you tell?"
"She was smiling."