Chapter 10

Midnight Rendezvous

With a gust of cool night air, the doors to the balcony of the royal bedchamber were pulled open and a lone figure stepped out onto the parapet. Being the captain of the Misurugi Imperial Guard, Riza Rundog was able to schedule patrol shifts in a way that allowed her to come and go as she pleased. Of course, ever since the attack on the Dawn Pillar, it wasn't as if there were very many guards now to dodge anyway. Behind her, his sleeping form laying peacefully in his bed, Emperor Julio remained oblivious to her absence. She had initially thought that gaining access to the Imperial Family would be a challenge but his Majesty's secret desires had played right into her hands. Once she had caught his eye and was invited into his bed, it had been child's play to seduce her way into becoming his right hand. And while she regretted that doing so meant sacrificing his parents and younger sister, Riza would not be detained from her mission. Like all of the false humans in their empty and false prosperity, they had stolen what they had no right to take. The sins of their forebears had been deferred long enough and their debt against her people would soon be paid.

With a final glance to ensure no one was watching, Riza stripped out of her robe, the silken fabric falling to the ground as the great wings underneath extended to their full length. A quick moment to stretch out the stiffness from being held in for so long, and Riza rose into the sky. Like a great bird of prey, she soared against the backlight of the moon as she flew over the castle grounds and towards the Dawn Pillar. In the distance, the lights of the Imperial Capital shone around the pillar grounds like a ring of jewels. Did any of them wonder why they were so prosperous? Did none of them question where the Light of Mana came from? Perhaps if they had then their fate could have been avoided.

Alighting on an outer balcony, Riza lightly stepped through the empty halls until at last she reached the control room. As her own energy was not derived from the "Light of Mana" but rather by the refined Dragnium pellets she had been provided, the Pillar's sensors would not detect her presence as they would a false human. Standing before the main control system, Riza activated the pillar and across time and space itself, the image of an ornate shrine appeared before her on the screen. Comprised of several steps, on each level was positioned a feminine figure hidden behind a silken screen. And at the very top, a small figured looked down upon her from behind a folding bamboo blind.

"Lizardia," the High Priestess greeted. "Have you made any progress in your investigation?"

"I have," she answered. "From what I have uncovered, these renegade humans implant themselves with cybernetic devices that prevent them from absorbing Aura's power into their central nervous system."

"And that is why that man is unable to read or control them?" a figure beneath the high priestess asked.

"Correct Lady Salamandinay. However, they can still absorb it through their peripheral nervous system. It seems they view Aura's power as too great a weapon to be discarded entirely." At the shrine's base, two figures sat with their weapons lying before them.

"Then in truth they are still nothing more than thieves," one snarled, her hand clenched atop her twin swords. "Just like the rest of their kind. They shame Aura with the abuse of her power."

"And what of their relationship to the Norma?" Salamandinay asked. "What have you learned in that regard?"

"It's very difficult to say," she answered. "The false humans have a very complex system when dealing with the Norma mutations. Some nations like Rosenblum send every Norma to their military base. Others only supply a fixed quota and then send any excess to other facilities. The Marmeria Republic has the most moderate policy, sending excess Norma to a penal colony where they live in fairly peaceful conditions. In contrast, the Velda Dynasty euthanizes any and all Norma that are born past their required quota. This 'Network' however, seems to focus on the location and evacuation of any Norma before the authorities can identify them. It would seem that 10 years ago, they were part of an alliance between the Norma of Arzenal and the handful of the surviving people native to this world. However, their central base was located and the majority of their forces annihilated. As a result, they were unable to participate in the attempt to dethrone our enemy."

"I see," the high priestess nodded. "Then what is your verdict on them?" Riza frowned as she considered her answer. Lady Salamandinay had specific instructions on how to investigate this matter and Riza knew she wasn't going to like what she had to say.

"I don't think we can consider them as potential allies. Despite their rejection of that man's vision, they are still his creation. Nothing I have uncovered has led me to believe that they would be willing to give up the use of Aura's power. Especially since they were amassing the same weapons used by the Norma. And considering how they alter their bodies, I doubt our song will affect them to the same extent as the other false humans."

"And the Norma?" Salamandinay asked. "Is there no chance we can turn them to our side? They have suffered as greatly as we have because of that man."

"I'm afraid not," the High Priestess decided. "If these renegade humans do establish an alliance with the Norma, we will be facing a united foe who will continue to plunder without restraint. This is a matter of survival and I fear compassion is a luxury we cannot afford. Lizardia, your next step is clear. Have the Misurugi Emperor open the singularity as planned. Salamandinay and her vassals shall lead the attack."

"Yes priestess," Riza bowed.

"Wait!" Salamandinay called out. "Lizardia, what of the one you fought? From what you have told us, for a brief second he wielded not the Light of Mana, but the pure energy of Aura herself. Have you been able to determine how exactly?" Riza shook her head.

"I have reviewed the footage many times Lady Salamandinay. And nothing I have uncovered indicates that they have had any special contact with her. All I can guess is that like the Norma, this is yet another random mutation."

"I see," Salamandinay sighed. "Very well then, I shall have the Ryuu-Shin-Ki prepared for battle."

"What of Susano'o?" Riza asked. "Despite being stripped down from its original configuration it is still an extremely powerful weapon. Shouldn't we use all assets at our disposal?"

"Unfortunately," Salamandinay replied, "the operating systems remain locked. There is simply none of our people who are compatible with it." Riza nodded and cut the transmission. As she flew back to the castle, Riza failed to notice the figure who watched her from the shadows at the pillar's base.

"Master Embryo," Dark reported. "It seems they are making their move."

As quietly as she could, Salia put on her uniform. Across the room, in her makeshift hammock, Vivian snored happily in her full body Perolina pajamas. It was lucky for her that Vivian was a heavy sleeper. That was one reason why Jill had arranged for them to be roommates so the more punctual Salia could ensure that the younger girl didn't oversleep. Salia had born it among with Jill's other requests. After all, Vivian was a prodigy at combat which is why she was assigned a Razer despite her age. The other reason of course being that she would be less likely to wake up and discover Salia sneaking out to meet with the others.

With a glance to her wristwatch, Salia saw that the dorm security had already made their rounds and she quietly opened the door to her room. All seemed clear so she crept out and hurriedly sneaked down the hall towards the stairwell. Up she climbed to the command deck where she cracked open the door and drew her knife, the polished face reflecting the image out in the hall. In front of the door to Jill's office, the others had already arrived. She saw Jill of course as well as Maggie, Zhao Mei, and Jasmine with Vulcan. However, one person was missing and the sight inspired both relief and disappointment in her. Where is he, she wondered. Ever since the disaster in the mall storehouse, Salia had dreaded coming face to face with him. Jasmine already knew of course but what about the others? Would they be able to determine what happened simply by how Rio and Salia acted around each other? What if he blurted out what he had seen? But he promised he wouldn't, she thought. And he didn't laugh at me for it. That was her greatest dread, that the others would see through the act that she put on and realize that she really wasn't at all like Jill. But Rio had seen her as she really was and he didn't treat her any differently. He had even entrusted her with a secret of his own. Of course, Jill and the rest may have known it as well but that didn't mean it wasn't any less of a secret. He trusted me so I'll trust him, she decided and finally stepped out to the join the others.

"Hey Salia," Zhao Mei said. "You ready?"

"I am," she nodded. "I'm sorry for keeping you waiting."

"No worries," Maggie shrugged. "At least you don't drag your feet like Jasmine. I guess age is catching up to her."

"Watch it," Jasmine warned. "I'm not so old that I can't still give you a good wallop."

"If we can cut the schtick," Jill interrupted. "I'd like to get started."

"Hold on," Salia said. "Shouldn't we wait for Rio?"

"I agree," Zhao Mei added. "From what his buddies told us, he had some vital intel he was going to share with us."

"You did pass along the meeting time and the guard's rotation, right?" Maggie asked Jasmine.

"Yep. He and the Inspector came by earlier today and I managed to slip him the info when she wasn't looking." Despite her assurance, Jill grunted and pulled a cigarette from her case.

"We can't afford to wait," she decided. "If he can't make it then that's his own fault."

"I wouldn't say that," Maggie countered. "Maybe the Inspector is keeping him occupied."

"Occupied?" Salia repeated as she blushed. "You don't mean that they're..."

"Well I wouldn't be surprised," Maggie said. "From what I've heard she's attached herself to his hip from the moment he arrived. To be honest I wouldn't mind a little male company myself."

"I can't really see why," Zhao Mei said. "I saw him and he's kind of scrawny. He doesn't look at all like the men in the calendars the other mechanics put up in the hanger." Salia felt her blood grow cold at the thought. Rio wasn't the kind of man who would just sleep with any woman who came on to him right? But then again, she didn't really know what kind of man he was. Maybe she could ask Hilda? She had been alone with him for over two days. No don't do that! she fretted. If he and Hilda had slept together she certainly didn't want to know. Especially since Hilda was the type of person who would take him for herself just to spite her. Forget about it for now, she told herself. Just focus on Libertus and if the Network and Arzenal do reestablish ties then I'll have plenty of time to get to know him. The realization made her feel better as the door opened and the five conspirators piled in, oblivious to the presence in Jill's office until he spoke to them.

"About time you got here." The five Norma jumped as one while the tall one drew a revolver big enough for a Para-mail and aimed straight at him. "Easy," Rio said. "I get that you're still steamed about this morning but that seems a bit much." One of the others lit an oil lamp and a warm glow was cast about the darkened office. Most of them he recognized from earlier in the day; Jill, Salia, Jasmine, her dog, Zhao Mei; and another he didn't; a buxom red head the same age as Jill wearing a lab coat. As they stared at each other across the room, Rio took a swig from the liquor cabinet he had helped himself to while he waited. "Gallian scotch. Good year too. But a bit mild for my tastes." Jill grimaced and finally holstered her gun.

"Apologies," she said. "But unlike in Neo-Zion, we prefer our liquor to not be distilled from engine coolant."

"I resent that," Rio countered. "And I'll have you know it's made from bathroom cleaner." The Zhao Mei girl gave a slight snicker but a warning glance from Jill shut her up. The dog meanwhile, trotted up to him and Rio extended his hand to let him have a sniff. Once he was certain the animal was comfortable around him, Rio then began to scratch under his ear and the dog's tail began to frantically wag back and forth.

"How exactly did you get past the guards so quick?" Jill asked.

"I didn't," Rio answered. "Remember, I'm a human and a visiting officer so technically nothing in this base is off limits to me. The patrols I did run into, I simply told them I was out for a brisk nightly stroll and sent them on their way. They were too intimidated to press any further."

"Fair enough," she admitted. "Well then, let's get introductions out of the way. Everyone, this is Rio. He's the Network agent who found Hilda and later aided Tusk and the assault crew in rescuing Ange. As you already know, the Network sent him here to keep the Inspector occupied while we finish preparations for Libertus. Some of you may have already met him." Standing up from the couch, Rio gave a half wave.

"Nice to meet you," he said as the girl in the coveralls came up first.

"Hey there," she cheerfully said. "I'm Zhao Mei. And I'm the heir to the Armorer Clan."

"Yes, I know," Rio said as he shook her hand. "I hope you know that despite how it sounded earlier, I meant no disrespect."

"No worries," Zhao Mei beamed. "My girls were more upset then I was." Next was the woman in the lab coat, her auburn hair bobbing up and down as she walked towards him.

"So, you're the famous Rio?" she asked. "I have to admit, I'm a bit jealous you didn't stop by the infirmary today."

"This is Maggie," Jill explained. "She's our chief of medical staff."

"Doctor," he greeted her.

"Please call me Maggie," she purred. "And please come by if you ever need a checkup. I'd love to have a look at your medical history." Maggie leaned forward, giving Rio an even better view of her cleavage and leaving him more than a little flustered until Jill gave a chop to Maggie's head.

"Put a leash on it!" she warned.

"Aww, party pooper!" Maggie pouted as Jasmine came forward.

"Don't mind her," she laughed. "Maggie likes to get under everyone's skin. Both in and out of the infirmary."

"Jasmine right," Rio asked. "Boss told me all about you. He said you and he were good friends back in the day." Jasmine chuckled softly.

"Well," she admitted, " I suppose you could call us that. And the mangy fleabag is Vulcan. You should be honored. He doesn't let anyone pet him." That just left Salia who blushed furiously as he came towards her. Of course, they had already "met" at the Mall today but for the sake of her dignity he could keep up the charade.

"I think we met on the beach," he said. "But I didn't get your name." With a jolt so sudden she almost launched into the air, Salia gave a crisp salute.

"Salia Tereshkova," she said. "Captain of the first troop sir." Rio gave her a bemused expression but ultimately extended his hand to her as well.

"You don't have to be so formal," he told her. "I'm not really an officer."

"Yes...yes of course." Nervously, she extended her hand to Rio who accepted it with a shake though it almost looked as if she was about to pass out. He let her go and she rubbed it slightly. I didn't grip it that hard did I, he wondered.

"Now that we're all acquainted," Jill said. "Let's get down to business." Jill took a seat behind her desk and the others gathered around her. "Jasmine, how is Aurora's..."

"Before we do," Rio interrupted, "I'd like to clear the air if possible." Jill harrumphed and exhaled a cloud of smoke in his direction.

"Go ahead." Taking a deep breath, Rio turned to face each of them in turn.

"I'm not so blind as to not realize that my presence here hasn't stirred things up."

"I'll say," Maggie agreed. "Most of the Norma here are afraid you're going to ship them off to some gulag. And the rest are trying to figure out how to sleep with you."

"Well...be that as it may," he continued. "What I'm actually referring to is this room. I'm well aware that our two organizations haven't been on the best of terms for a good long while."

"Really?" Jill asked as she snubbed out her cigarette. "Because from the looks of you, I doubt you were old enough to appreciate that scotch you were drinking when Libertus first occurred." Rio knew this game. Though she had hidden it well during her interactions with him as Joseph Algren, her body language screamed of her distaste for him. In a way he could understand how she felt. But they had bigger problems then old hurts and he wasn't about to let her intimidate him into dictating how he ran his mission.

"You're right," he agreed. "I did join the Network after the failure of Libertus. And everything I know about the fall of Zion was obtained second-hand from Boss and a handful of others. We lost the majority of our militia on that day and we had non-combatants we had to take care of. The last Boss and the others did what they felt they had to do to protect the ones under their care."

"And because you failed to participate," Jill added, "Libertus failed. You say the Network had to protect the ones under their care but they wouldn't have to if they had fought like they promised. Because of that, we and the Ancient Folk had to fight Embryo on our own and we were slaughtered Though some of us..."and Jill paused as she lifted up her prosthetic arm for him to see "...were luckier than others." Well this was going downhill fast. Rio decided he'd better wrap this up while he still had some face left with them.

"I'm not here to debate whether they made the right choice or not. Remember, you were the one who called US for help after your two riders escaped. We could have refused but we agreed to return them, even though it stands against everything the Network believes in. Now we can't change the past but we can do something about the here and now. So, what I want to know is...can that Ange girl really pilot Vilkiss? Does Libertus stand a chance this time?" The room suddenly fell silent and Rio knew something was up.

"It's true," Zhao Mei finally said. "Trust me. I know the units under my care and Vilkiss clicks with Ange in a way that he hasn't with anyone else."

"However," Salia interrupted, "following her defection from duty, Ange has had all her assets seized as part of her punishment. We're currently screening potential candidates to replace her?"

"Replace her?" Rio asked. "Wait a minute. I thought only a Royal Norma can pilot that machine. If she's not the pilot then what chance do we have of winning?"

"What?" Salia gasped. "What are you saying? How could you think..."

"Salia, lower your voice," Jill warned. "The last thing we need is for the Inspector to stumble in here and think the Captain invited us all in for a six-way." Salia's face grew a hurt expression and she backed away. "I think you may have misheard. It's not the royal blood that awakens Vilkiss, but the Royal Ring. That's what activates it."

"Okay fine but what about everything else? Does she know the true history the world? About Embryo and the other Ragna-mail? And what about the Archangel system and the Discord Phasers? You seriously can't expect her to fight without knowing everything that machine is capable of, can you?" Jill lit another cigarette and leaned back in her chair.

"All that is strictly need to know," she answered. "And Ange isn't ready yet to know all that. She's undisciplined, impulsive. As an agent, I think you of all people would understand the importance of subtlety and patience."

"We can't really tell her much anyway," Zhao Mei added. "After all this time, I'm afraid the Discord Phasers are still locked." Rio frowned as he crossed his arms.

"I get the message. I'll keep quiet about it...for now anyway."

"Well now that it's settled," Maggie said, "what's the big intel you have for us?" Rio gestured them to move in and they all clustered around him.

"When I picked up Hilda, I had a run in with a man named Dark. It seems as if Embryo had sent him to personally capture Hilda and bring her to him." Jill raised an eyebrow in interest while the others exchanged mutual looks of shock.

"Any idea why?" Jasmine asked.

"The other Ragna-mail," Jill said. "If all seven are gathered together, they have the potential to destroy and recreate the entire world. It looks as if Embryo has grown tired of his little experiment and has decided to pull the plug."

"That's exactly what Boss said," Rio agreed. "Humans like me can't use the Ragna-mail. Something about the Light of Mana disrupting the power source. But Norma are another story. Chances are he's targeting the Para-mail troops here on Arzenal to operate them." Jill nodded and exhaled another plume of smoke.

"Well, I doubt he'll make his move right away," she said. "The human governments would make too much of a stink if any more Norma suddenly disappeared from Arzenal. It looks like Ange and Hilda may have done us a favor after all."

The rest of the meeting proceeded without any further incident; mostly updates on the progress of stocking up the Aurora. Just another six days, maybe five and they could all get out of here. Rio was insistent however that all non-essential personal be allowed to be taken under the protection of the Network, especially the children and all cadets 14 and under. Jill begrudgingly promised to take it under consideration and Jasmine finished the meeting with an update from Tusk. According to his message, Tusk had snuck into Emperor Julio's office and had placed a listening device. He'd contact them once he uncovered any useful data. With the meeting over, the group dispersed from the office though Rio requested that Jasmine walk with him for a bit. She had to admit, she was impressed with the young agent. Not many people could hold their own against Jill in debate. He's Blitz's protégé alright, she thought. He's got the same fire as he did when he was younger.

"So, whatever happened to that Ackerman guy?" she randomly asked. "You'd think that the humans would have noticed that one of their own has gone missing."

"He's alive," Rio answered. "Just on a little "spirit quest" courtesy of our narcotics expert Doc. Our head of Intel Chaplain is personally overseeing him and making sure his superiors don't get wise."

"I remember him," Jasmine commented. "Used to be with Velda security until he learned what they did with their excess Norma. No better way to get around government security than with one of their own. Anyway, what is it you wanted? Don't get me wrong. I enjoy the company of a handsome gentleman escort the same as any woman. But if anyone saw us it might start rumors. And not the fun kind."

"I won't be long," he assured her. "It's just that Boss told me that if there was one person here I could trust it would be you. I have two favors to ask and I'd like you to keep Jill out of it." Jasmine frowned at that. She never liked intrigue amongst comrades but realized that a lot of work still had to be done to rebuild trust between Arzenal and the Network.

"Depends on what you ask for."

"When I was in the mall, I saw a few things that caught my eye. I was hoping you might be able to slip them to me discreetly."

"I suppose I can do that," she admitted. "You gonna use any of that reward money to pay for it? Zion money isn't any good here." Rio reached into a pocket inside his shoulder cape.

"Actually, I was thinking more along the lines of a trade." From out of the cloak, he pulled a leather pouch which he handed to Jasmine. Jasmine tugged open the drawstring and was greeted to the sight of dozens of marble-sized gold nuggets. "From a vein we discovered in the mountains behind Neo-Zion. If it's not enough I can get you more later." Jasmine chuckled and pocketed the pouch.

"Kid, I think you and I are going to get along just fine. What did you need?" Rio handed her a slip of paper and Jasmine frowned as she read down the list. "This is some pretty serious hardware. What do you need all this stuff for?"

"I'm undercover in hostile territory," he explained. "If worse comes to worse and I have to shoot my way out, I'd like to be prepared."

"Well I suppose that makes sense," Jasmine nodded. "I'll put it together tomorrow morning. You can send Momoka to pick it up while you're out with the Inspector. Now what was the other favor?" Rio took a look around to make sure they were still alone and leaned in towards her.

"Does the name Sarah Honister hold any meaning for you?" Sarah Honister? The name struck Jasmine like a lightning bolt and she felt her entire body grow cold. Down by her side, Vulcan sense her discomfort and whined softly. "You do know her," Rio said as he grabbed her shoulders. "She's here isn't she? Where is she? Is she safe? Please I have to know." The desperation in his eyes pulled Jasmine back to her senses and she laid her hand on his.

"Calm down kid," she told him. "She's...she's here. But I can't take you to her now. Give me a day to plan it out. I'll take you to her first thing tomorrow evening after you've done your rounds with the Inspector." Rio's face shone with relief and joy and he let her go.

"Thank you!" he whispered. "Thank you so much! And please...don't tell Jill about this I'm begging you!"

"Don't worry," she said as she patted the pouch of gold nuggets. "I won't. Least I can do after your little present." Rio nodded and left to return to the guest villa but Jasmine stayed where she was to think. Did Boss know about this? She doubted he would send Rio if he did but then again...

"Well well," a voice suddenly said. Jasmine's heart skipped a beat as she spun around and to her relief saw that it was only Maggie. "It seems our guest came here with an ulterior motive. So tell me...who is this Sarah Honister? I admit the name sounds familiar but I can't seem to place it."

"There's a very good reason for that." Maggie gave Jasmine a bemused look as the older woman shook her head. "To think that after all this time...he'd actually show up."

As she expected, Vivian was still sound asleep by the time Salia got back to their dorm. Once again, this time into her nightgown, she changed as silently as she could and returned to bed. But through she tried, sleep wouldn't come for her. A thousand thoughts were racing through Salia's mind and all of them were planted by that man. What did Rio mean by a Royal Norma? Did that mean the only reason Ange could pilot Vilkiss because she was a princess? But that didn't make any sense. This was real life not some fairy tale. He had to be wrong. After all, Jill had corrected him by saying it was a Royal Ring that activated Vilkiss. And Jill wouldn't lie to them. So then why did she give that Ring to Ange instead of me, she wondered. Now that she thought about it, when Ange was put in solitary, she still had that ring of hers. Jill hadn't stripped it from her like her other possessions. Did that mean she wasn't going to assign Vilkiss to someone else like she promised? If that ring is all it takes then that's what I'll do, she decided. I can claim that it was an oversight and take it from her once she's released. Jill can't go back on her own orders so she'll have no choice but to entrust me with Vilkiss. And then I'll prove myself to her...and to him. As Salia relaxed she reflexively began to rub the hand that Rio had taken into his. She could still feel the warmth and pressure and how completely different it felt from another woman's.

I did it, she squeed to herself. I can't believe I actually held hands with a man.

Author's Notes

So I like to think I've dug a little deeper into the history of the relationship between Arzenal and the Network and how they fell out. Though to really understand it, one might need a quick lesson in history. One of my inspirations for the Network were the Bielski Partisans, a Jewish resistance group who fought the Nazis in what is now western Belarus. Unlike other resistance groups, the Bieslki Partisans were more concerned with the rescuing and protection of their fellow Jews then in fighting the Nazis directly. One of their greatest victories was the evacuation of over 100 Jews from the local ghetto by means of a secret tunnel they dug under the wall and into the camp itself. They eventually established a hidden Jewish community in the Naliboki forest that eventually numbered around 1,200 individuals; the majority of which were noncombatant children, woman, and elderly; which went undiscovered right up to the war's end. Unsurprisingly, their relationships with other groups was frequently strained due to their unwillingness to abandon those under their protection. That's kind of what happened between Arzenal and the Network. The original Zion was discovered and subsequently attacked. The majority of their fighters were killed and they had a difficult choice to make, to either donate what was left of their militia to the first Libertas or staying out of it and ensuring the protection of their noncombatants. Ultimately, it's one of those situations where the individual has to choose if what they did was right or wrong.