Frozen Butterfly Arc 3 Chapter 2 a story of Bubblegum Crisis
Stepping outside, the darkness didn't seem to fill the promise that finally seeing the exit had inspired. Always before for me escape meant sun and fresh air; the liberty to spread my wings and escape into a wide blue sky.
Tonight it was giving me anything but. It was dark, the stars shrouded in murky clouds. Only a few lights were twinkling against the sullen overcast sky that blanketed the city. Moving quietly away I felt like a thief in the night. I didn't walk triumphant, but skulked as though my escape was something shameful. Slinking down the alleyway I wondered. Yes I was free, but what was the cost? I discreetly jumped the stile and got on the subway before taking the time to consider the question.
I couldn't be Kari Ceallaigh anymore. She died in Irene's apartment, or would die if the Knight Sabers ever found her again. I couldn't be Mr. Flint's Amber as I'm sure even he would notice if that identity was being used. I could only assume the last of the identities I had created. Unfortunately Alice Delaney only existed 'on paper', and due to my own lack of foresight didn't have an MPI card, or stash of money squirreled away.
I felt like crying.
Stopping at the first ATM I could find I liquidated Kari Ceallaigh's account, or rather as much of it as I could. I got enough yen to last a little while but there was no way I could risk trying to get the rest hopping from machine to machine. Even this withdrawal would show Nene which way I went, and the fewer bread crumbs I left the better.
Blinking back the tears thinking how disappointed she would be, I swallowed and moved on. The subway was an ally at this hour. I travelled all night taking short catnaps, switching from one line to the next at random hoping to inexorably tangle my escape.
With dawn, however, throngs of humanity began to join me. The once safe tubes filled with the cloying scents of humanity. Even starved of social interaction I was repulsed by the faceless masses. Getting off quickly I stood on the street corner, my body still shaking in response to the unspoken sea of wants needs and desires I gathered myself. Taking several breaths my lips turned down in a frown.
What I wanted wouldn't be found here. Forcing myself to move, to just start walking I let myself ponder. Humanity needs food, water, and shelter to survive. For something like me I think companionship may be just as important. How long could a 33-S go without it? Would I go berserk, waste away, or just philosophize myself to death in the meantime?
This wasn't helping. Moving with a purpose greater than simply getting lost, I found a cyber café. This time though I had more in mind than trying to look up lost friends as I headed inside to pay for an hour.
Hesitating, I took a breath then dove in. This time I found skirting the store's tracking software easy. A fraction of my attention to play internet games was enough to divert the security software and let me get on with the rest of my plan unobserved.
The government server was just as vulnerable today as the first time I had stumbled into it months ago, but with one small difference. As I cautiously entered I almost stumbled into a trap. I got the impression of barbed netting that I almost didn't notice in time. My synapses seemed to tingle with how close it was. If I had gone in the whole way I doubt I could have gotten out again. Even if I had the effort would definitely make its progenitor aware of my trespass.
Nene had been here before me. The thought made warm little shivers run through my mental presence as it seemed I could detect the lingering spearmint of her presence in the servers around me.
But this was too important to give up. I needed an ID if I was going to live as anything other than a criminal. Finding another way in was tricky but not too hard. Luckily I have a major advantage over Ne-chan in this contest.
I remembered exactly what my old MPA card had for biometric readings, and having worked with them intimately know just how much leeway the scanning machines provide. I would make a card close enough that I could pass automated tests and sensors without using readings that were a copy of the information Nene already has access to. She wouldn't be able to simply pluck my new name out of a database by searching for my old information.
Inserting the information for my new identity took only a few moments. I would have to pick up the printed card in person, but without a place to mail it was the only option I had for retrieval.
The Prefectural office I chose was small, dingy and I had to double check the cracked sign to make sure I was in the right place. It had taken three trains, each increasingly barren and worn, to get here. Poor planning maybe but it was also the furthest I could get from the Silky Doll and still technically be in MegaTokyo. Inside the office was a little better, dingy windows, and dusty floor. Only a trail to the desk was brushed relatively clean by infrequent visitors.
Making my way along the cleared path I stopped before the worn boomer serving the desk. A thin film of grime coated its non-moving parts. I carefully avoided touching the counter, I might be homeless now but I still had standards and looking like a hobo was against all of them.
"Alice Delaney, here to pick up my replacement card." I said, extending my hand to let it verify my false identity.
While old and highly specialized, at least this boomer was good at its job. And stable, unlike me. In moments it finished its scan with a chime. A slightly concerning rattle echoed for a few moments before a card dropped out of a slot beside the boomer. "Alice Delaney, here is your card, have a nice day."
Finished with my errand I paused, looking back over my shoulder as the door swung shut behind me the boomer remaining serenely alone as it waited for its next visitor.
Was it happy? Would I be just as comfortable, as content if I went back to Mr. Flint for a life of service? The disturbing thoughts swirled in my mind. Turning away, footsteps sounding against the cement walk I shook my head. That kind of serenity was beyond my reach. I had a sudden epiphany; it might even be why my model didn't last in the real world. We were made too human to be content with what life gives us.
Heading back into MegaTokyo I started trying to decide where to hide. As tempting as the outskirts were, there just wasn't enough camouflage for me there. A beautiful woman moving in would be noticed, and both jobs and housing would be harder to find. Unfortunately once back I let myself get too absorbed thinking in circles and let my subconscious guide my steps.
That's what kept me from realizing just where I had chosen to sit to consider my future. I caught a glimpse of bright red hair; attention subject Nene Romanova present, my subconscious almost blaring brought me back to earth. The warning came just in time. I scooted back trying not to be noticed. Blinking I groaned, and settled deeper into the shadows of the booth I found myself in. The morning light streamed through the windows illuminating the coffee shop and bringing a surreal quality to my surroundings.
A quick stolen peek around the edge confirmed what I already knew, Nene was here, now, and I was an idiot for having let myself choose this Starbucks to have my existential meditations. The large sign proudly advertised the building across the way as AD Police Headquarters. Just how had I let myself ignore a nine story, 42.52 meter, tall sign?
I caught myself squirming at the sound of her voice as she ordered. Listening intently I could hear that she was dejected about something, subject tone and inflection indicate depression 78% probable. Even if my instincts weren't positive the fact she was getting her coffee without her customary frills was enough to make me certain I was right.
Staying still, waiting for her to go was hard. Every part of me wanted to jump up, to explain, to beg or plead for understanding and forgiveness. I didn't like hearing her upset. I didn't want to be the cause of making her unhappy! But I just couldn't risk it. Instead I forced myself to wait as she ordered; to wait as they made her drink, and then finally to wait for her to go. My heart was racing, faster than necessary to operate and only after she was gone for one hundred seconds, was I able to fully calm down.
Suddenly I couldn't stay here anymore. I got up and fled the restaurant, leaving my drink behind. That was too close a call. Just seeing her, hearing her voice was almost enough to give myself up. I needed to get as far from her as I could. Thankfully MegaTokyo has a population around 13 million. If I couldn't get lost here, I don't think I could manage it anywhere.
After that close call I took another ride on the MegaTokyo loop line to give myself time to think. Unfortunately it wasn't working. Although isolated and alone in my mind, the lingering pheromones of humanity permeated the train car. The distraction grew stronger with each passing moment.
So instead of thinking about what I should or could do I found myself focusing on the young dark haired man standing across from me. He leaned close to his companion, almost but not quite touching her. I could feel a vicarious thrill building inside. Lean forward damn it! Touch her hair, brush your fingers along her arm, do something! It was hard to watch and not to scream advice at him.
I wasn't sure if I wished I were him, or her, my own thoughts too muddled by envy and confusion from my own situation to decide. The only choice left was to flee as the train pulled into a station. Stumbling out onto the platform I took deep breaths of fresh, clean air. Panting as if I had just finished a marathon I angled my path, slipping out of the exit crowd to huddle at the end of the platform in blissful isolation.
Starting to calm down I had to fight hard to forget the slight smile on the woman's face. I was still thinking about the way the light reflected in the man's eyes as the next train rumbled to a stop. Disgorging its own human bounty finally provided enough stimuli to break me out of the trap my perfect recall had me in.
I was a bit surprised as one fact about the passengers reached me. Everyone getting off the train was young, the oldest in their early twenties. My curiosity had me slipping unobtrusively into line behind the last of them as followed the flow from the station before realizing why: college. This stop served the main campus of Tokyo University, and as I contemplated the surroundings, I realized I had somehow found a hiding spot without looking.
I didn't stand out, not for age, or hair color, not even for carrying a backpack filled with all my worldly possessions. I did get my fair share of admiring glances, but I am a 33-S, and that was something I have grown used to. Although even there I was not unique. Enough other pretty young women walked the campus that I could blend in with only a little effort.
Following mechanically in the wake of the human exodus a though came to me. If this is where I could blend in, then why not stay? I enjoyed college the first time, and now, it would be a second chance. Who would look for me here? Certainly until this very moment I hadn't considered it at all. Nene, Sylia, and the other Knight Sabers knowing the truth about me would probably consider it even less.
The decision on where to hide lead quickly to how would I do it? Times like this I missed my smart phone. I had a lot of research to do, and only a little time to do it before living as a vagrant for a week made all my options more difficult.
Luckily a pretty face is still a pretty face and tracking down the nearest computer lab wasn't too difficult. With a little smile I inveigled my way inside; the poor student worker could hardly find his tongue around me. With a little more effort to get a temporary log in ID because I had 'lost' mine and I was set up in the back. Settling in to a game of solitaire with a fraction of my mind the rest of me dipped a figurative toe into the local area network.
Avoiding network security was like doing the limbo while blind. I could see where I needed to be, but had to contort my efforts to get there without making a mistake and touching an invisible bar. Going slowly though I was able to hear the obstacles in my path, they sounded something like cicadas. Once I was finished avoiding the lab's tracking I stretched letting myself feel for the light tingling itch that indicated the way to secure servers.
I imagined myself smiling as I found them. I could hardly have picked a better time to do this, at least for my purposes. It was late March almost the end of the school year and hundreds, no thousands of new entries were being made daily for those students moving up a grade or would start the new year in April. Making myself one of them was simple, a little copy and pasting to make sure I had all the codes correct and voila!
Feeling especially clever I registered myself as a sophomore. Not only could I skip a lot of classes that would be nothing but boring make-work, but if anyone was looking for me they would probably expect a freshman. Instead I took extra time to make sure to get my cover just right. I trolled through the databases, examining and fabricating details everywhere records for having attended classes should be.
The final details were more difficult, and I knew I would have to make at least one more visit before I could be sure I had them correct. Financial aid, and a dorm assignment. Picking out and applying for scholarships looked like it could be done entirely electronically but I had to be sure they wouldn't want to talk to any of my previous professors to check on my suitability, I didn't even want to think of what kind of a mess that might cause.
Shifting to housing I had more luck. Taking advantage of my theoretical change in seniority; I submitted a request to change to single living. Granting it was as simple as checking an electronic box. I sat back figuratively and let the computer work to find my new room and update my records.
12.4 seconds later and it was done. I had a room assignment, student ID#, real log on and email address. And everything was postdated for authenticity. Stretching I disconnected and worked out the slight kinks and achy feeling that had grown in my limbs from sitting so long, subtle reminders that no matter what else I was living on borrowed time.
At first keeping to myself was easy. All the other students were busy studying for finals I didn't actually have to attend. I spent most of my time hiding in my room, afraid to go out in case I was somehow spotted by the Knight Sabers or recognized as an imposter by the other students.
As the last few days of term ticked by however I grew antsy. That's the only real way to describe it. I could hear students in the halls, in neighboring dorms, talking, playing, living. The solitude ate at me. If this was going to be my life I could have stayed locked in the Knight Sabers basement. I actually got more social interaction there then I was right now!
At first I just took short little visits to the common room. Meeting my neighbors and spending an hour or two talking about their classes or friends. Keeping the topic of conversation off me was trivial for my instincts. Having lived through college before, slipping comfortably into the social life of the dorm was a snap.
It was almost enough to make me forget about Nene and the others, that gnawing sensation in the back of my mind quiet while I was with Nanami, Sakura, or their friends. But alone, in bed with time to think it always returned. I was fairly safe here. The students didn't suspect anything and I felt the chances of the Knight Sabers stumbling upon me were falling every day.
The only problem I couldn't solve was once again my lack of bone marrow. Or more particularly, the breakdown of my fluidics system without any natural way to replace the dying cells. Cautiously at first I searched the net. But although all the components were available there was no possibility of my being able to synthesize it, and with growing desperation I realized Mr. Flint had been right. There really was no source of synthetic fluidic 8100D available.
A transfusion looked like it would be the only option but I wasn't sure how to get one. I was positive trying to sneak that online would be noticed; it just had to be the first thing Sylia set Nene to monitor. Still if I couldn't find another way soon I might have to try anyway. I wasn't quite to the low I had reached before Irene was attacked but it was getting close, and the deterioration was starting to speed up.
More worryingly the lethargy it imposed was becoming obvious to my new friends.
"Alice-chan, come on, please?" Nanmi begged, taking my hand as she pretended to try and drag me to the door. "Everyone's going to be there, we need to celebrate and unwind. Plus you look like you could use some fun, a night out is just the thing!"
I tried shaking my head, and pulling free but she was a bit like a leech and it would take more than a token effort. "Nanami-san, you know I don't like going out, and this is the only time I'll have to relax before classes start up again next week."
Not accepting my argument she actually tugged me to my feet, not impressive given she overtopped me by at least 15 centimeters. "No way, I'm not going to let you use that as an excuse now. I know your type. Once classes start you'll be claiming you can't go out because they're taking all your time. You know what you need; you need something to pick you up before classes wear you down. You're coming with us, and that's final."
Well, in her head it might have been, but I was yet to be convinced. At least until I realized that by next week I honestly might not have the energy to go out, that this could be my last chance. Besides, I hadn't heard a peep out of Nene since accidently spying on her in Starbucks. "Fine, fine I'm coming, but I draw the line at dressing up."
"That's just fine, you'll fit in alright just how your dressed, now come on let's get the others." So much for getting out if it passively that way.
I glanced down wondering where in Tokyo we were headed that jeans and a t-shirt were perfectly acceptable alongside the more fashionable mini-skirt she had on. Oh well, it's not like it was my problem, and besides, I'm a starving college student now. It's my prerogative to get away with a lot more than a salary woman could.
Of course as I followed them off the train I felt my feet start to slow as perfect memory helped me recognize the stop. Only one possible destination came to mind, Hot Legs.
As we walked through the falling dusk, flickering streetlights tried valiantly to light the trash lined street, the prominent glow of neon only adding to the feeling of grunge as we approached the entrance. "Nanami, I don't think this is a good idea… maybe we should go somewhere else." I resisted the light tug on my arm as I let doubt color my tone.
"Oh don't be a spoil sport, it'll be fine. We've been here loads." Improperly guessing the source of my disquiet she went on. "I know it doesn't look nice but we'll be fine, it really isn't that bad."
"Riiight" I said dubiously as we passed a row of bikes with gang logos on them. Actually the trouble I was afraid of wasn't going to be from them. But even though I privately agreed we should be safe, as long as we were careful of what we drank, I didn't want to set one foot inside Priss' stomping grounds. "And the biker gang is full of fluffy bunnies?"
"Don't be a spoil sport Alice-san," Sakura chided her hand warm against my back as she pushed lightly to keep me from slowing the rest of them up any further.
Heart pounding faster, I could feel myself gearing up for a confrontation even as I made good use of my short stature to hide behind my friends. Slipping inside, the smoke and smell of alcohol poured over us like a wave carried on a deep baseline rhythm. It infected my friends with excitement, but it was the pheromones that struck me an almost physical blow.
Reeling mentally from the concentrated humanity I still managed a sigh of relief when I didn't recognize the thrum of the music, and through short breaks in the crowd saw no sign of Priss or her band. She wasn't playing tonight, it was safe. My relief was a bit premature.
Unlike Linna and Nene, Nanami and Sakura weren't willing to just let me hide in a corner and I soon found myself in the middle of the dance floor, head reeling and body moving automatically. It was all I could do to stick near my new friends rather than let one of the men nearby sweep me away. At least now I could really dance...
Two songs later and shaking like a junkie I managed to drag Nanami aside. From my last glimpse of Sakura and how surrounded she was there would be no way to get her off that dance floor short of midnight.
Excitement, need, jealousy, arousal, confusion I was picking up a veritable maelstrom of feelings and desires from my companion. Enough that I didn't really remember why I had pulled her from the dance floor to begin with. She really was cute, a small piece of my mind, the part not currently trying to process what she wanted most from me thought.
Before I could finish that thought I found my arms around her, head resting on her shoulder as I subtly guided her into a dim corner, lips only inches from her bare neck. It didn't matter that she was taller, and probably stronger than me. She was like putty in my hands.
Only as the salt taste on her skin met my tongue did my eyes fly wide with recognition of what I was doing. The haze of instinctive behavior that had descended over me shattered. Swallowing nervously I stepped back, fingers brushing along her arms as I tilted my head back to see her wide brown eyes blinking hesitantly.
Subject receptive to advance 85% probable, and I wasn't quite sure I could stop myself from making one. Only the sudden impression of green and disappointment stopped me short of meeting those lips with my own. Trying to play it off I spoke up, ruthlessly killing the blush response my body wanted to engage.
"Sorry Nanami-Chan, the dancing can get to be a bit much, I just needed a break!" My voice intentionally loud, but while that might have excused leaning against her for balance or as if for a kiss, it did nothing to explain away suckling at her neck like I was doing moments ago.
At least she was just as discombobulated by the events as I was, it was easy to see even in the poor light, how shoulders hunched, arms held close before her, and with darting eyes unwilling to meet mine, indications of frustration and defensive uncertainty, subject likely to take action in next 60 seconds 89%.
While I couldn't hear her heart thumping beneath the noise I could certainly see her pulse racing against the delicate skin of her neck. Nanmi swayed toward me minutely and then back, almost in tune with the shifting thoughts I could see passing behind her eyes. Did I want her? Did she want me? Was it a joke? Was I serious before and lying now?
The complexity of emotion was enough to captivate me entirely as I tried to analyze just what she was feeling and caused me to remain standing before her almost frozen as well, the pair of us caught in a cycle of mutual indecision.
It was broken, 53 seconds later a smug piece of me noted, when her arms curled around me and she snatched me tight, her lips dipping down to meet mine. Instinctively I tilted my head back to meet her half way as I recognized her intentions. It was soft, warm, gentle, tight, wrong yet ever so natural.
I have previously noticed that thanks to my new nature I don't really have to breathe, at least nowhere near as often as a regular person. Nanami on the other hand seemed to be somehow able to match that without enhancement of any kind.
Time seemed to blur, it was electric, thrilling and consuming. When we did finally stop for air I couldn't help but feel ashamed. Here I was taking advantage. Nanami was young, inexperienced, and I felt drawn to her as though she were a siren. I was so absorbed in what was happening I missed the changeover of the band as she took my hand with a smile.
Drawing me back to the dance floor we began to move to the beat. It was low, primal and a subtle wrongness tickled at the back of my mind. It was the flagging exhaustion that finally broke me from the trance like focus dancing with Nanami inspired.
The first thing I realized as I took my eyes off her flushed cheeks and dilated eyes was that I recognized this song. Swallowing I drew Nanami closer and tried to guide us off the floor unobtrusively. "I'm sorry I've got to go I can't keep this up any longer." The excuse, no matter how true it might be, sounded weak on my lips.
"But Alice…" Nanami started to protest before wiping at the sweat on her forehead and giving me a wide grin. "Maybe you do have a point." Glancing around for the others and not spotting them she bit her lip before nodding a decision made. "Let's just head back alone then, okay?" Only the need to speak up to be heard keeping her from making the proposition in the tone of voice I could tell she wanted to use.
"That sounds great!" My agreement sadly was only partially in response to her enthusiasm, the rest based on the sensation of something crawling slowly up my spine. As we neared the door I just couldn't resist and looked back. My gaze unerringly finding Priss, our eyes locking.
The surprise and shock of recognition was followed quickly by anger and disgust. To her credit she only faltered slightly but then her music has always had a bite of anger that she let seeing me fuel.
Remembering the 'fight' we had didn't help my peace of mind. As I practically dragged Nanami the rest of the way out I could feel Priss' gaze like a physical thing resting on my shoulders. I was just grateful she didn't have a gun up there, or a hardsuit.
The trip home was unnerving. Not just because of the specter of the Knight Sabers stalking my path but by how close Nanami was sitting, and how, out of control I was feeling around her. One part of me wanted nothing more than to draw her closer, into my lap preferably, to lean her back, dip my head down and kiss.
The logical part of my mind argued that I hardly knew her, she was too young, the differences between us too vast, my secrets too large. However it was a quiet little voice that provided the final incentive to stop. Calling out quietly that it would be a betrayal and helped me stay in my seat, hands to myself.
Of course that didn't necessarily mean the same for Nanami who was fidgeting clearly uncertain how to regain the feeling she had found in the club. As the kilometers quickly passed the tension in my shoulders began to fade, while I was amused to notice the strain in Nanami's was growing. Subject nervousness due to lack of continued affection 79%, alleviate symptoms by taking hand to squeeze 77% probable to calm, to kiss 69% probable to escalate affection.
I sat a few moments longer trying to decide myself what to do, but soon enough I was giving her hand a gentle touch. "Nanami-chan, thank you for taking me dancing. It was fun, and a little overwhelming. You're nice, and attractive, but I'm not really sure if…" Watching closely I saw the exact moment she realized I was giving her the brush off.
Her expression was priceless. Upset and offended I was cutting it off. A bit of uncertainty over if she wanted me to, her own frustrated desires mixed with gratitude that she wouldn't have to make a decision. Subject virgin 89% probable, repressed bisexual tendencies 74% probable. "Well I'm not sure if I'm ready to take that next step, even with a girl as nice as you are, and definitely not tonight."
Before she could make up her mind over being angry or sad I went on. "Maybe we could go out again sometime, after we've had a chance to think about it a little?"
That brought a slight smile and relieved nod, as well as a return squeeze of her hand. The last minute of our trip spent in comfortable serenity. The rattle of the tracks, the hum of conversation and the general mayhem of a large city combined into a pleasant backdrop for the last leg of our journey home.
Stepping off still hand in hand we walked together for about a hundred yards, 97.45 meters, beating my estimate by a good 5% before Nanami's growing self-consciousness had her let go under the threat of being spotted by classmates. Parting at the door to my room I scooted her along with a smile, one perfect for putting her at ease because it was designed that way.
"I'll see you in the morning Na-chan, sleep well." And then my door was closed, cutting me off from sight and sound of her. Lying back in bed I lifted my hand up to my nose, still enveloped with her scent. It was nice putting me in mind of cinnamon but nothing like the spearmint I longed for.
No matter that I needed to decide how to handle Nanami in the morning I couldn't get Priss out of my head. Seeing her again at the club, the recognition in her eyes when she spotted me, the anger. As irrational as it was I missed it, missed her. How was she doing, was she okay, were Nene, Lina?
Pulse still racing from my contact with Nanami, and my degrading fluidics supply I finally gave up on rest, hurling my pillow across the nearly empty room to hit the far wall. Getting up I was out the door and on the subway before I even realized my plan.
Or rather lack of one. I was going to see Priss. Not figuratively, there was no way I was going to walk up and talk to her, just, literally. I would just take a peek. See that she was alright. If she was, then the others probably were too, Linna, Sylia, Nene. I just had to know they were alright.
That decision calmed me down enough to start paying attention and recognize how late or rather early it was getting. The subway was almost abandoned aside from drunks and gangers.
Getting off I longed momentarily for a gun. Not because I wanted to use one, but because simply being armed would keep a certain proportion of trouble away at this time of night. As my feet lead me inexorably back to Hot Legs I found myself sticking to the shadows more and more as something didn't feel right. Baseline not associated with Replicant's portfolio 87% probable. Of course, that's what was bugging me, Priss wasn't on stage anymore, and that meant she could be anywhere, even…
I stopped and looked down the shadowed ally behind the club, breath catching in my throat someone was there. If I had taken even four more steps I would have been in perfect view. As my vision quickly adjusted for the darkness I recognized Priss talking with another woman.
They were just outside the back door of the club, beside a pair of high quality racing bikes. I was about to dismiss the second woman as unimportant when I realized I recognized her. Not a Knight Saber, she was too tall for Nene, too curvy in her riding gear for Linna, and her hair was both too long and a lighter brown rather than Sylia's black.
No, what I recognized was that she was another 33-S! Where I was of the short 'cute' somatotype she was a tall leggy sexy version. My mouth instantly went dry. What was she doing here, why was Priss with her, talking, even smiling? She couldn't know could she?
Falling back behind the corner of the building I leaned back against it for support. I needed the assistance as blood thundered in my veins, pulse increasing to help support the signals from the half of my mind that wanted to run or fight.
Before I could make a decision with throaty growl of a well-honed engine Priss swept past my hiding spot headed I was unsurprised to see in the direction of the Silky Doll and Sylia. No doubt about to report sighting me, the hunt was back on.
This is a dumb idea, a terrible plan, you shouldn't do this, it's going to end poorly. These thoughts and more raced around my mind in circles as I stepped into the ally. My footfalls were light and quick seemingly filled with confidence as I strode up to my taller counterpart.
Hearing me approach she paused, a moment before pulling on her helmet. "Anri? No..." she corrected herself almost immediately, her eyes darting to check the exits and I could see her tensing to move. Subject 33-S motion analysis indicates compression of operational speed and activation of conflict management system; warning unable to match compression for greater than one minute due to fluidics level.
"Wait, it's okay, I don't mean you any harm." My voice was smooth, giving no hint at the butterflies in my stomach. Subject dropping out of conflict management programing returning to ordinary operational levels. Holding up my hands I approached her slowly not wanting to spook her any more than I already had.
Wondering all the while if there was a secret handshake I settled for an introduction instead. "Hi I'm Kari." There was no reason to lie, either she was with the Knight Sabers and would report my fake name, an unacceptable risk or she was hiding the truth from them and wouldn't go talking about having met another rogue 33-S.
"I'm not going back." Her voice was firm, but I could tell she was still uneasy, tense and ready to run the moment I made a false move.
"It's okay, I'm not with them." a quick nod of my head in the direction of Genom Tower, visible even from here. Making a split second decision I smiled. "It's a relief to meet another free… sister."
That was obviously the right thing to say. Her entire body language shifted, and I realized suddenly that we were talking on a whole extra bandwidth. Together we shared an entire secondary language so completely in reading posture, movement and physiological ques that there was another entire layer to our conversation.
Now that I was paying attention I could see that we were now both, guarded but optimistic, and trending toward reconciliation and trust. Intentionally shifting my posture, dropping the guarded optimism in favor of one of open trust her reaction was immediate, and I knew what she would say before I even finished my question.
"Would you like to go somewhere we can talk more openly?" I felt a little bad, lying with my body like that. I didn't really trust her so soon but by all indications the appearance of doing so had immediately earned her faith. Her posture matching mine, subject trustworthy 99% likely. Only my lifetime before let me realize that the remaining 1% was just as important to keep in mind.
Nodding she offered a delicate crafted hand to me. "I'm Sylvie; it's great to meet you." Taking it we shook, conveying friendship, trust, and the deep bond linking each of us to the other. "I have a place, get on I'll drive us." Her smile was blindingly happy even in the dark of the ally.
I had to hop up to straddle the bike behind her, my legs not long enough to reach the ground. Leaning in against her back I wrapped my arms tight across the thick leather of her bike suits stomach and held on. A part of me felt it should be an intimate pose but it also felt entirely sisterly.
It was an interesting experience in trust. On the one hand I felt I should be terrified. We were whipping through the city streets as Sylvie drove like a maniac. On the other I felt perfectly safe pressed tightly to her back. I could hear her heartbeat, slightly elevated, like mine but clearly under no strain but for the heightened awareness our special metabolisms can give us.
Pulling up to a crumbling apartment building near the fault zone Sylvie helped me down before regarding me closely. "It's alright, you can relax we're safe here." Her own pulse slowing to normal levels, even as my own remained elevated.
"What? I know." I offered her a smile, my entire posture relaying my ease in her company. I could tell she was a little confused and starting to get nervous. My mind raced trying to figure out what was wrong and it was only as her own pulse began to increase that it dawned on me.
"Oh, I'm sorry," I flushed, somehow admitting my problem felt shameful. "I, my systems require the increased flow to maintain operating at a standard level." The very sentence felt like ash in my mouth; admitting to weakness and being a machine at the same time.
The hug I got for my trouble however made it well worth the sacrifice. "I'm so sorry Kari." The warmth of her embrace sinking through the thin shirt and warming skin still chill from the ride. "I didn't even realize…"
Stepping back and holding me at arm's length her eyes widened in surprise. "Then, those glasses aren't a disguise either are they?" A hint of horror tinged voice. At the slight shake of my head she gasped. "What happened? No, wait, let's go inside there's someone else you should meet and we can talk freely."
At the slight bunching of muscles in my back she gave a gentle squeeze. "It's okay, you're safe with me." Slipping an arm through mine as if to escort me to a dance she led the way into the building and upstairs to a battered but still solid door. It was a moment's work before it was unlocked and she led me inside.
Forewarned I didn't gasp or stumble when I saw her. Instead I offered a slight welcoming twitch of my lips and stopped. Looking over her from head to toe I understood now why Sylvie had for just a moment thought I was her companion.
Dressed, or rather not, in panties and undershirt Anri and I were identical below the neck. Thankfully, though our faces were alike our designers had introduced enough differences that it wasn't quite like looking in a mirror, just, eerily similar. Her face was a bit softer and rounder than mine, her hair an odd green shade reached down past her shoulders, much as mine had before I cut it.
"Anri this is Kari, Kari Anri." Sylvie introduced us quickly letting social programing guide the interaction as she closed and locked the door behind me. She didn't bother stating the obvious.
Anri was examining me just as closely and so when our eyes finally met it was with a mutual little laugh. Extending my hand she took it after just a moment and we shook her pulse fluttering if anything even more rapidly than my own.
Stepping back from her there was a half second of hesitation as we both realized the other was about to speak, and then with a subtle shift she indicated I should go first. "I wasn't really expecting to meet another sister today, much less two. How long have you been here, how did you get free? What's it like for you, I just have so many questions."
One of which came to mind as I realized that Anri was injured, damaged. A large gauze pad taped to her side just showing against the thin cotton of her top.
Anri waved me to join her, sitting on the edge of a large western style bed, one of the few furnishings in the dimly lit and rather dirty single room apartment. Though I could tell she was burning up with questions she managed to restrain herself and tackled my flurry of questions one at a time.
"This will go better if we take turns. We've been in MegaTokyo for almost a week now. We escaped from Genaros. Freedom is wonderful just not everything we hoped. Only Sylvie can really go out, I'm too badly damaged. But once I'm fixed we're going to leave the city, leave Japan itself."
"But what about you? How long have you been free? I didn't know any of us were left alive on earth. They told us we were the last ones taken up to Genaros. Are you from a foreign market? I met a few from Europe that also shake hands."
Nodding I considered her questions sequentially as she paused to let me speak. "I've been free for months now, but it hasn't been easy. I was programed for the west; I guess shaking hands is just too ingrained to completely forget." I might have said more but it was obvious Sylvie had a question.
"Does that mean you have access to 8100D?" A quick glance at Anri's injury explained her interest in our approved fluidics source. The hope in her tone unmistakable.
"I'm sorry no, I don't. I have to use blood transfusions, it's part of the reason why I'm not running optimally and have to wear glasses." My news clearly dashing her hopes.
"That's unfortunate; with a fresh supply I'm sure we could have repaired Anri swiftly. It will take weeks using fresh blood to achieve the same results."
"You have access to fresh blood?" I asked blinking, the solution to my own problems suddenly coming into view.
Sylvie smiled at me, but there wasn't even a hint of compassion in her eyes. "Of course it's all around us, we just need to take it." Subject indicates no emotional conflict over proposed action. It felt as though a stone was suddenly lodged in my stomach and my expression must have given something away because she hurried on to try and reassure me.
"It's alright, it's safe, perfectly so." Leaning in she whispered, "We have a battlemover."
"A what?" I asked, hoping that she wasn't really saying what I thought she was. But because of the sinking feeling in my gut, I locked myself out of my own autonomous reactions and engaged my socialization instincts in their place. Provide positive feedback and show appreciation for subject's achievement.
"A battlemover, it makes harvesting very safe and easy."
"That's amazing" I heard myself gushing at her. "But, aren't you worried you might get caught?" The concern over her wellbeing thick in my voice as I leaned forward and clasped her hands. Almost exactly as expected she shook her head willing, even eager to confide in me and I realized that she was reacting exactly as predicted, societal cues following stochastic model with 99.8% accuracy.
I realized she was doing the exact same thing I was, only, for her it wasn't a cover. It was the only guide she had on how to behave and it never occurred to her to do otherwise. She shook her head smiling, her demeanor that of a confident sharing a secret, or a joke. "Humans are careless. It's easy to find one isolated, and get away before their police respond. It's nothing like Genaros. There are hardly any camera's here and none where I hide the DD. Don't worry, I'm careful."
Nodding along I let out a sigh of 'relief' and offered the expected reassured smile. "That's good to hear. Just," I felt like chewing on my lip nervously, and after a moment put a bit of concern and fear into my posture. "I worry that if you do something like that too much they might start hunting for you. Can you, be more cautious, go slower?"
I shot Anri an apologetic gaze. "I know it will take longer to fix you, but it's safer that way." I breathed a silent sigh of relief when after a brief moment looking at one another the pair nodded in synch though it was clear they weren't happy with the idea making me happy was important to them.
"Alright Kari, I'll, slow down and be more careful. You've been here longer, and I guess it's better to be safe and sure. Does it really bring that much attention attacking a few humans?" Sylvie asked. The lack of compassion, of recognition that there might be the slightest moral problem with her activities left me feeling if anything more isolated than before.
Here they were, my sisters, perhaps some of the only other people in the world I could relate to and they were like… this. I wanted to cry. Killers, my sisters were killers and I didn't have even the slightest idea how to explain what they were doing was wrong!
To Be Continued.
Version 2 completed 9/19/2013
With thanks to my pre-readers Matthew Campbell and David Morgan