This story uses characters and locations based on the Gunslinger Girl manga written by Yu Aida and published in monthly shōnen magazine Dengeki Daioh. The characters of Kara and Michele are original to myself.
Chapter Two – The Scientist
A number of years prior to the explosion…
Major Michele Pagani, Aeronautica Militare Italiana Reserves, Department Liaison for the Public Works Department of the Social Welfare Agency, drove his Ferrari 456 M GTA down a long and straight road surrounded by forest to the east of Rome. He approached a guard shack and slowed to a stop, pressing his credentials to the window. It was another hot and humid day in Italy's capital city, and he didn't want to waste the car's air conditioning.
The guard looked at the credentials, consulted a clipboard, and then nodded his head. He twirled his right hand twice and the massive gate started to pull back. The guard came to attention and saluted as Michele accelerated through the gate and turned right into the visitors parking area.
He stepped out of his car and started to walk towards the main building. As he approached, an attractive woman in her twenties dressed in a blue suit was waiting.
"Maggiore Pagani? I'm Ferro Milani. We spoke on the phone the other day. I want to thank you again for coming out today."
"Always happy to help our sister department," Michele said, only half-seriously. Though he was officially tasked to Public Safety, much of his time was spent smoothing the feathers of agencies that Special Operations had ruffled with their actions. As such, he did not hold them in the highest regards.
"If you'll come with me, please," she said.
Once inside, Ferro led him into a conference room with a number of people.
"Major Pagani, may I introduce Director Giacomo Lorenzo, head of Special Operations Section 2; Doctor Fernando Bianchi, Cybernetic Augmentation Project Director; and Doctor Ricardo Gilliani, Director of Development."
Pleasantries were exchanged and coffee was served. Doctor Bianchi stood and walked to a podium.
"Major Pagani, we asked you here today for your input on a new program the Social Welfare Agency is preparing to implement. Because of our medical group, Special Operations Section 2 has been chosen to oversee this program." He hit a button and the lights dimmed at the front as a projector turned on.
"The goal of this program is to being advanced prosthetics and cybernetic augmentation to grievously injured or disabled humans." He clicked a button and a slide show presentation began.
Over the next hour, Doctors Bianchi and Gilliani presented a blueprint for a level of biomechatronics that Pagani had not thought was yet possible. It called for the use of artificial implants and highly-advanced neurocognitive and neuromotor prostheses made from carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) and titanium with synthetic muscular systems all tied together with advanced biosensors and cosmesis. Micro-actuators would allow heightened strength and neuroprosthetics would enhance reflexes, improve visual and auditory acuity and reduce the transmission of pain impulses.
"What do you think, Major?" Ferro asked at the end of the presentation.
"I am thinking why you invited me?" he replied, truthfully.
"You bring some, frankly, unique background to the table, Major," she said. "Your background with composites and metallurgy, including structures and stress analysis, as well as your interest and knowledge of biotechnology all have direct bearing on this program.
"While the primary focus of this project is to the betterment of people with injuries or disabilities, we do see possible applications for such technology in the military or police forces."
"Are you planning to make killing machines like the movies?" Pagani snorted.
"That's science fiction, Major. We will deal with science fact," Doctor Bianchi laughed. "We're looking more at basic augmentation, including pain management to help wounded soldiers."
"Fair enough. How can I help?" Michele asked.