Russian Dolls: A Novel
The soulless phantoms that cross the face of our ever-changing world; we know them as Contractor's and Dolls. They do not leave a trace; and if they do, we clean it up quickly. Many PANDORA scientists have theorized that Contractors are deficient Dolls. So, in a sense, Dolls are predecessors of Contractors. Again PANDORA scientists believe that the term 'doll' came from the blank faces of many Dolls and Contractors. But I believe that they are like Russian Dolls: they each have many layers, and each one is different.
Today, the Syndicate has arrested many members of the terrorist organization, and I have been allowed a thirty-minute interview with them. I plan to find these layers.
Hei
Please sit. I hope you are comfortable.
*mutters something unintelligible*
Now my name is Mirabelle Asowaka. On behalf of the Syndicate, I am tasked with recording your final statements for the Syndicate. I thank for your cooperation.
*mutters something unintelligible again *
Well, let's get started. You are Codename Hei, Messier Code BK-201. Please tell me how you became a Contractor.
*looks at me for the first time*
I am not sure how. Your men arrested me, before I could confirm.
Well. It says in your files, that you previously worked with Amber, in Heaven's War, along with your sister Bai. Tell me about that.
The Syndicate had tasked us with the killing of certain Contractors interfering with the Gate My team was Havoc, Amber, Bai and me. The mission was a success until Heaven's Incident.
Please describe the event.
It was…everything, but nothing. Words cannot describe what happened. Have you ever watched a clock, trying to see the numbers morph into the other numbers, but no matter how hard you look, you will miss the sudden transformation. That's what it was like: the clock turned, and hell broke loose.
It is said that your entire team disappeared when it happened.
Yes.
Including your sister, Bai.
That is correct.
What happened after that?
Everything. I was recalled by the Syndicate, and tasked with a new team.
How did you feel?
I felt nothing, Mirabelle; I am a Contractor.
*He smiles at me, playing with me now*
I do not believe that for a second.
What does this have to do with the Evening Primrose?
Let's continue. When did you first meet the EPR?
I met Amber in South America. We began a relationship. During this, she would mention the idea of fighting for rights: I agreed with her, mainly because I liked seeing her happy. But even after Heaven's War, the idea stuck with me, but it had a bitter taste, because it reminded me of Amber. When she began to bombing organizations, and declaring rights for Contractors, and I was shocked, to put it lightly. I wanted to kill her, for betraying me.
But you joined her anyway?
It was because of Bai: she had information about her, and that consumed me. So I joined her. Huang and Yin joined with me.
What did they do?
The bombings were their's. They kidnapped Dr. Schroeder. It was a playground to them.
Did you ever participate in any of their activities?
Not until Hell's Gate. And it was only to find Bai.
Enlighten me.
The Syndicate who you so blindly work for discarded us like an unwanted hand. They fear change, and we posed change. We joined the Evening Primrose. It was a rational choice; any Contractor would be proud of it. That was the night we broke into Hell's Gate. Wei Zhijun escorted us in, and then turned on us. He wanted a final fight. I killed him. He blew the wall up, using his ability. Behind it was the Syndicate. They shot Huang, and arrested Yin and me on sight.
And after that?
I was lead here, and now I sit here answering questions. Am I done?
A few more questions: what do you think happened to Bai?
I am not sure, nor will I ever be. But if I were to go to Heaven, I imagine I would find her; waiting for me. That is, of course, that Contractor's dogo to Heaven.
*he smiles at me, but his eyes convey a sadness, darker than black*
The Syndicate will view this tape, as soon as it is finished; would you like to say anything to them?
What you have started here will not end as quickly as me. Like Victor Frankenstein, you have raised a monster, and it has awoken. It has started to play with you: I have lost my game, and I lost it to you: but your game is only just beginning, and you will lose.
...Please escort him from the room; I am finished.
*he smiles, once more*