Author's note- You guys get a double update today chapters 14 and 15. This is what happens when I come down with food poisoning and go horseback riding on the same day. Man I still can't feel my but.
Chapter 14- Rage and Loss
No more field trips for your Rico. I let you out of my sight for a few days and you get involved in a major firefight, but you did prevent a major incident. Not to mention you did it without killing anyone. Charlotte couldn't stop herself from beaming with pride as she pulled a specialized wine cooler from the back of her small car. Life sure is ironic, my long lost sister is back as a super solider wrapped up in a secret war, and now my wines are getting into premier restaurants.
Despite being later in the morning the café was still busy as the last of the morning crowd trickled in for a late breakfast and the lunch crowd slowly began meandering in. "Hello, I am…" Charlotte began.
"Ah you must be Miss Batiel, Mr. Lamprouge is expecting you," the hostess stated as she played with the ringlets of her long blond hair.
"Yes," Charlotte replied.
"Her let me," a waitress said taking the case. "Someone is going to have some fun today."
"She is here for a wine tasting, Marie, not a drunken party," the hostess shot back shooting the waitress a scathing look. "You'll have to excuse Marie, she is Mrs. Lamprouge's niece, and her mother is hoping her aunt can help straighten her out." Can't you just keep your mouth shut and stop overdoing it for once?
"I understand," Charlotte said before following the waitress into the back of the restaurant.
"Table for two please," a blond man in an Armani suit asked entering arm an arm with a young attractive red head in a tight fitting sweater dress.
"Right this way," Henrietta said leading them to a table, the red head receiving many an appreciate glance by the male customers, while the women scowled at the older man's obvious eye candy.
"Thank you," the man said as they took their seats making a show of pulling out the chair for his female companion, the light touch they shared causing her face to light up.
"You're welcome, and a waitress will be with your shortly," Henrietta said her ears picking up a unique sound as the young girl sighed in delight. Despite looking completely normal in all outward appearances the first and second generation cyborgs were anything but normal on the inside, which could only be picked up by medical screenings. What the doctors never counted on were their own creations developing abilities far beyond their conservative design estimates. In Henrietta's case her hearing could double as a stethoscope if she was close enough to her target. The cyborgs lungs were a unique bio organic construction allowing them to hold their breath underwater for extended periods of time and breathe normally in air with high particulate concentrations. As a result the artificial lungs create a unique pattern of sounds, a high pitched whistling stridor pair with occasional low pitched crackle.
Impossible, it can't be, how the hell could they have found us already. A cheery smile on her face Henrietta glided through the café back to the hostess station. Bystanders were never a problem for Dante before so why isn't he attacking… Unless he doesn't know where we are and he is checking out a lead.
Section Break
"Where is my sister," Charlotte asked looking around the room. "And who the hell are you?" Charlotte growled glaring at Elenora.
"Elenora Gabrielli," Elenora replied.
"And…." Charlotte pressed.
"She works for the Italian Social Welfare agency section 2," Mara added.
"Then what the hell is she doing here," Charlotte growled.
"She is Henrietta's big sister, and according to her the coolest woman ever, who just happens to have a crush on Jose. Personally I think Ferro is more fun, and Jean seems to like it when they go wrestling," Rico chimed in placing wine glasses on the table. "Oh hey Charlotte."
"Rico," a stunned Charlotte gasped. "But your hair….how….."
"Extensions and hair dye. Cera using them when she is cosplaying," Rico replied playing with the purple bow in her waist length black hair.
"Marie, Josephine needs you out front," another waitress said popping her head in the back room.
"Well time to get back to work," Rico sighed. "Enjoy the wine," Rico chimed as she left the room.
"So now what," Charlotte asked.
"I've got a lunch rush to prep for," Lelouch said taking leave from the ladies.
"I'll make sure my newest employees don't cause any trouble," Cera said following suit.
"But the wine tasting," Charlotte said growing confused.
"If Hilda recommended you, then I'm sure they are excellent. We'll be sure to enjoy some tonight, just in case but we'll take a case of each," Cera said with a wink.
"Anyway, where is Henrietta, I didn't see her when we walked in," Elenora asked.
Mara giggled. "You did," Mara replied as Elenora raised her eyebrows. "She was the hostess."
"What, that's impossible, your hostess is at least five years older than Henrietta," Elenora exclaimed.
"It's called puberty, something your doctors tried to take away from her and my sister," Charlotte quipped.
"I know but puberty shouldn't be this fast," Elenora replied.
"Chalk it up to a quirk of their genetics and their cybernetics," Mara said. "Ritsuko thinks that it is due to a brain body interface at least according to metaphysical biology."
"Hu, brain body interface….." Charlotte and Elenora said sharing a look eyebrows cocked in confusion.
"I don't really get it, but the idea is that the girls know how old they are actually supposed to be and that their bodies are trying to match those thoughts and desires," Mara explained.
"Rico didn't hit you on the head did she," Charlotte asked.
"No, but do you have any better explanations," Mara replied.
Section Break
"You're right it's got to be Dante, and his cyborg. Her face is perfectly symmetrical. So now what," Rico asked.
"We can't fight here it will be a blood bath," Henrietta replied.
"I know but we can't leave, Mara, Charlotte, and Elenora would be defenseless," Rico replied.
"You think they conditioned the second generation the same as the first," Henrietta asked.
"I don't know," Rico shrugged as they continued chatting at the hostess station between customers. "Probably."
"Rico did I ever tell you what happened the first time Jose took me out for dinner," Henrietta replied.
"Yeah, didn't you nearly stab a waiter or something," Rico replied. "What does that have to do with anything?"
"If the conditioning is the same then, our dear little sister should….." Henrietta stated.
"Henrietta you're a genius," Rico shot back. "If we pull a knife on her handler she'll go nuts."
"And hopefully the episode will cause them to leave to prevent making a scene," Henrietta added. "But we can't ask Nina or Shirley to do it."
"Why not," Rico said.
"Because if she doesn't stop," Henrietta replied.
"Got it," Rico said with a nod of her head.
"Nina I'll give you a hand with that one," Rico called out rushing over to help the petite waitress.
"Thanks," Nina said breathing a sigh of relief as Rico took one of the heavy trays from her.
"The quiche madam," Rico said placing the savory open faced custard in front of her little sister.
"Merce," the red headed step child of agency replied.
"And the Andouilette sir," Rico said using all of her restraint not to shove the bulging sausage down the international terrorist's throat. Come on take the bait…. Rico shot a quick glance towards her sister as she moved the steak knife across Dante at the level of his throat. The red head visibly squirmed, clearly distraught, but remained firmly attached to her seat.
"Nice try," Dante said with a grin as a hidden pistol barked multiple 9mm slugs slamming into Rico's exposed flank. Off balance from the blow Rico crashed to the table a woman's shrill scream ringing in the background.
"Yeah right," Rico growled swinging her legs around landing a glancing blow on Dante's shoulder as the table broke beneath her. Dam I was hoping to take his head off with that one.
"Sir," the red headed girl cried out as Henrietta leapt into the fray taking the girl to the ground with a series of improvised grappling moves. More gunfire sounded as the café dissolved into chaos, patrons and staff rushing to exit the premise.
Dante leapt back looking to create distance from the cyborg girl as more bullets peppered her frame. Slamming a new clip into his berretta, "Stupid handler stupid girl that had to be the dumbest move I've ever seen. What was Croce teaching you, I guess he was just lucky that he didn't get blown to pieces with his family that day," Dante taunted. A flurry of steak knives was Rico's only response as she tried to close the distance lacking a real weapon as she tried to continue to shield the remaining patrons.
"Let me go, you bitch," the older red head roared as she struggled to free herself from Henrietta's grip.
I can rip an engine block out of a car. Let's see if a cyborg arm is any stronger. Putting her great strength to the test wrenched one of the girl's arms behind her back and twisted hard. Henrietta's opponent fought with all of the power her man made body allowed, but the power of second generation paled in comparison to the force generated by the strongest cyborg alive. A loud pop cut through the din of battle alongside a painful wail, as the red heads right shoulder was brutally dislocated.
"You bitch, I'll kill you," the girl gasped pain shooting through her body.
Undeterred Henrietta continued to twist straddling her face down victim, grasping the already injured arm with both her hands. "This is for all of the cops you killed," Henrietta whispered in her sister's ear before beginning to bend her upper arm. A second loud crack echoed across the café as the red head let out a muffled scream before passing out, the girls arm a twisted mess.
"Charlotte," Rico screamed as the older blond leapt out from the back room slamming into Dante with all the force she could muster.
"You know this woman. Is she your handler's latest replacement," Dante sneered easily capturing Charlotte with one arm.
"Let her go, or we'll find out if my little sister can survive a snapped neck," Henrietta said her arms poised to twist her captives head off like a stubborn jar lid.
"Go ahead, I can always get another one, unlike you," Dante sneered tightening his grip in Charlotte.
Got to keep him talking….. "Nice try, but our big sister blew the second generation production facility sky high a few weeks back," Henrietta replied. "Not to mention you've never ratted out your comrades or subordinates," Dante's eyes widened in surprise.
"That's right, you've never once thrown away something that is still useful to you, and I'm betting she still is," Rico added jerking her finger towards his cyborg.
"Hahahaha, and here I thought that you were just the Croce's little attack dogs. I've taken you far too lightly," Dante laughed. "But you still have much to learn little girls….. Sylvia now…" Dante called out as his pistol flared to life once more.
The now revived Sylvia drove her head backward crumpling Henrietta's nose with a satisfying crunch. Breaking free of the older girl's grip Sylvia raced towards Dante her mangled arm flapping in the breeze. His cyborg now free Dante smirked as he shoved Charlotte towards Rico. "Be sure to tell Jean, that I will take everything from him even if I have to do it piece by piece," Dante sneered as blood erupted from Charlotte's chest. The advanced armor piercing rounds easily tore through Charlotte's unprotected body before impacting Rico's chest with enough force to cause her to stumble falling next to her sister as she began to bleed out.
"Dante," Henrietta roared launching the remains of a chair at the escaping murderer.
"Charlotte, why, why did you do that," Rico cried cradling her sister.
"I couldn't let him hurt my baby sister," Charlotte replied blood dribbling out the corner of her mouth.
"Idiot," Rico shot back, I'm a cyborg remember.
Placing her hand on Rico's cheek she continued. "No you are my little sister, who I would do anything for. A few extra parts doesn't define who you are, it's what inside your heart that does. I'm sorry I didn't realize that sooner," Charlotte said as the life continued to seep out of her.
"Henrietta get over here, Charlotte is hurt," Rico called out.
"Mother of … what the hell happened," Elenora gasped.
"Dante," Henrietta replied as she tried to help stem the flow of blood from Charlotte's wounds.
"Hang on Charlotte, you need to stay awake," Rico cried out tears flowing down her cheeks.
"Rico I want you to promise me something," Charlotte said softly.
"Anything," Rico replied.
"Continue to do the right thing and do not go down the path of revenge," Charlotte said her hand falling limply to the ground.
"Charlotte," Rico cried out.
"I'll always be watching over you…" Charlotte said as the light slowly faded from her eyes.
"AAAArrrrggggghhhhhhh," Rico roared in frustration and despair driving her fist through wooden floor in a cloud of splinters. "Dam it!"
"Rico," Henrietta said wrapping her arms around her sister. "I'm sorry," Henrietta whispered her eyes glistening from unshed tears. "I know she wasn't my sister, but she was a good person and I cared about her to."
"I know," Rico replied. "Now let's finish this," Rico said slowly standing her own dripping blood mixing with Charlottes.
"But what about…" Henrietta began to say.
"Mara can you…..." Rico stated limping towards the exit as her wounds caught up with her.
"Consider it done, but what about you," Mara asked as the sound of sirens grew closer.
"I'll be fine," Rico replied as the young girls limped out the door.
"What are you going to…?" Mara said.
"End it, end everything once and for all," the girls replied as they vanished into the crowd.
Section Break
The clear crisp morning did little to match the feelings of the small crowd gathered in a small cemetery in the French country side. Still single and engrossed in her wines it was a small crowd that braved the freezing air to pay their last respects to Charlotte Batielle. Several dedicated workers and friends eyed the woman in the wheel chair and her escorts standing at the edge of the small plot.
"Did you know Charlotte," Charlotte's chief grower asked walking towards the women.
"I only came to know her recently, but I would like to think she considered me a friend," Hilda replied.
"What are you doing here," another member of the group growled marching over towards them.
"Francis, these are friends of Charlotte," the man replied trying to calm his friend.
"The hell they are Adrien. Do you have any idea who she is," Francis shot back.
"No, but would you care to enlighten me," Adrien replied.
"Hilda Hartman, and Charlotte died because she was doing a wine tasting at one of her restaurants. Are you here to gloat now that Charlotte is gone, and you can buy up her life's work," Francis growled.
Hilda held up a hand silencing the men. "I had no intention of coming to gloat or buying up her life's work. Charlotte was doing me a favor looking after two of my more distant relatives, and she died while at one of my restaurants. I came to pay my respects and to see if there was anything I could do. I had no idea that someone was already trying to buy her winery," Hilda replied.
Silence lingered over the field for a moment before Francis spoke. "My apologies Mrs. Krupp, but it's just that Charlotte isn't even buried and already people are making moves to gobble up what she spent her whole life working for."
"That is not going to happen," Hilda replied.
"But…" Francis sputtered.
"I don't know who they think they are, but I will not have anyone trample over Charlotte's dream," Hilda growled.
"What can you do? Why would you get involved?" Adrien asked.
"A lot, Charlotte was a good person, and you seem like good people as well," Hilda explained.
"But its Nergal enterprises and they want to break into the wine business," Francis replied.
"Over my dead rotting corpse," Hilda growled as the battle axe surfaced. "Urd, we're buying the winery today. I don't care what you have to do but I want it in my hands by this time tomorrow."
You got that right. No one is going to try and steal from Rico and get away with it. "Consider it done," Urd replied.
"Mara, I think Nergal is long overdue for an antitrust audit," Hilda stated before turning back towards the men with a beaming smile. "You can now consider your selves under my employ, but that's really just a formality. Just keep trying to make Charlottes dream a reality and we'll call it a day." Hilda said. "Tea if you don't mind I'm a bit tired and I think it's time we headed back."
"Yes, Mrs…." Tea began to say feeling Hilda's eyes boring into her. "Grandma," Tea finished.
"But how can we ever repay you," Francis called out.
"I wouldn't mind first shot at buying your wines in the future," Hilda said over her shoulder.
Section Break
"In light of recent events in France which lead to the destruction of one of Hilda Krupp's original restaurants, and the death of Charlotte Batielle along with several other patrons, Mrs. Krupp has released a video statement to the press." The news anchor stated as the handler's watched while enjoying a first class prison lunch.
"Shit what the hell happened," Jose muttered as they rest of their eyes shot to the TV screen.
Rico….. I'm sorry…. You've become just like me….. But please do not travel down the same road I did. Jean closed his eyes offering the woman a silent prayer.
"Jean who was she. Was she a friend of Sophia's?" Marco asked.
"No, she was Rico's Biological sister, and the only real family she had left," Jean replied as the clip began.
"First I would like to offer my condolences to those who were lost or injured during this senseless act of violence. The families of those who suffered injury or loss I would like to offer my sincerest apologies, and my promise that you will be taken care of. I will be setting up a 10 million Euro trust fund to cover anything you may need, including transfer to the new Hartman medical center, for the duration of your recovery. I know this will not bring back those who were lost, but I would like to think they will rest easier knowing that their families are being taken care of." Hilda explained a few tears rolling down her cheeks.
"My fellow Europeans, I remember the history lessons of the last century and I am old enough to live through some of it. We share a rich history and culture unites us more than we can imagine," Hilda said pausing. "Yes, we have our differences, and we always will, but so do many other countries. Despite recent events, I still think we have more in common than separates us. I implore you to look in your hearts, and decide for yourself if you want to continue to march towards the bright future together or return to the chaos of the past. Do not let the actions of a deranged madman and his compatriots determine the fate of our shared homeland." Hilda implored.
"This madman is not a faceless monster. He is none other than Dante Giacomo, and his group thugs known as the Akatsuki. They are rumored to have planned the EU parliament bombing, the riots in Paris, the recent drug epidemic, the attempted assassination of Angela Merkel, and he is responsible for the death of Charlotte Batielle. I have no intention of letting him do as he pleases, and drag us back into chaos. Dante Giacomo, your days are numbered. As of today I am offering a 50 million Euro reward for any information that leads to his capture. I know you are out their laughing, right now you nihilistic nut job. So I'm going to leave you with a message. Dante your days are numbered the daughters of the Croce, Hartman, Toni, Espisito, and De Luca families will stop you. They are not going to kill you, but lock you up and throw away the key. So you can spend the rest of your days locked away with nothing more than your own thoughts of failure." Hilda said.
"Dam your mom is pissed," Marco said as the broadcast ended.
"You have no idea," Hillshire replied.
"Victor do you have any idea who your mother is up against. She just signed her own death warrant," Jose said.
"Yes, and my mom will be fine," Victor replied.
"Are you nuts," Marco shot back.
"No, Dante's an insane mad man, but he'll have enough on his plate dealing with our little girls to even think of bothering my mom. Not to mention he's got nothing on the Stasi. Mom ran missions in East Germany for a couple of years before the fall of the wall." Victor replied.
"You know, that surprisingly explain a lot," Jean replied. "But I'm more worried about Rico."
"Why, given what Victor's mom said. They are still alive," Marco said.
"Because I don't want her to go down the same path I did," Jean replied. "I don't want my daughter to travel down the same path I did. I would never be able to face Ferro again if our daughter lost herself to darkness." Jean said to a stunned crowd.
"I'm sure all of our daughters will be just fine. We did train them to be the best after all, and what happened to the bastard king of the SWA," Marco chuckled.
Section Break
"Mom are you crazy," Urd ranted frantically.
"No, that bastard is going to get exactly what is coming to him," Hilda replied.
"While I agree with you. You did take an unnecessary risk," Katerina added.
"Dante's is insane, but he isn't stupid," Hilda responded. "There is a method to my madness."
"I fail to see how making yourself a target is going to help mother," Mara said.
"She was already a target, all of you became targets the minute you helped my sisters. Dante, might not come after you, but other members of his organization will," Tea stated entering with the afternoon coffee. "However, this will draw some of their resources off my sisters. While we don't know the full extent of their reach, it is by no means infinite, and any heat we can draw off the others will be helpful." Tea explained drawing blank stares from everyone.
"Um, Katerina what are you teaching her," Urd muttered.
"Hey, I told you guys I was the agency maid, and the maids hear everything. You didn't think I was just window dressing during the strategy briefing, and all the other meetings Lorenzo had." Tea protested hands on her hips thrusting her chest out.
"We really need to stop underestimating our nieces," Mara
Section Break
"Is this the place?" a dark haired woman asked as the trio looked up at the Hartman estate.
"Yes," her male companion replied.
"It's a lot nicer than our usual places. Do you think she has a pool," the final shorter member of the team asked as the gate opened.
"Yes, the Hartman estate has a pool however it has been closed down for the winter," Tea said surprising the trio.
"And you are," the dark haired woman replied, the groups hands hovering over their concealed weapons.
"Tea Pavisi, the head maid for the Hartman estate," Tea replied with a curtsey.
"And why does a rich socialite have need of our services," the male asked.
"She has run into a bit of trouble recently, but it would be better if Mrs. Hartman explained her situation personally as it is very complex and I do not understand much." Tea replied leading the group into the house. They certainly are professional. One knife, primary pistol, and a hold out piece each. Gusty to if the short one sits down wrong she is going flash her piece to everyone in a skirt that short. A boot knife, I haven't seen one of those in a while. It's nice to deal with some consummate professionals for once.
"Thank you for coming on such short notice," Hilda said.
"It is part of the job, and your money is good," the male said. "Now what does a world renowned chef and socialite need of our services?"
"I thought in your line of work you would be better informed Mr. August," Hilda replied.
"You'll have to excuse us we have been on assignment in the mountains of Korea for the last two months," the taller woman added.
"Ah, yes part of the life of a mercenary, Ms. January, let me fill you in then," Hilda said as Tea brought refreshments. "I have recently discovered some long lost grandchildren, and several less than reputable groups dislike the assistance that I have given my long lost relatives." Hilda explained taking a sip of her coffee.
"So that's why you told off Dante," the younger girl replied.
"Yes, and it is about time someone put that sad excuse of a human being down, Ms. February," Hilda replied.
"We're done here. We do not carry out assassinations," August replied.
Hilda let out a light chuckle. "I have no need of such an operation, you are merely here to put my granddaughters at ease while they travel the world. They are worried that Dante might make me his next target."
"Alright, but why us, with your money you could have hired…." January asked.
"You come highly recommended and you have worked with my granddaughter before," Hilda replied.
"And your granddaughter is?" January asked.
"Triela Hillshire," Hilda replied. "I believe that you worked with on an assignment to capture several individuals wanted by the world court for arms dealing."
"That mission was FUBAR once the Padania showed up. I still don't know how she didn't get shot to pieces. I mean you would think she was one of those cyborgs the news is hinting about right now….." August said. "She is, isn't she?"
"I don't want to know," January added.
"I'm not hearing this," February asked.
"Yes, my granddaughters were created by the Italian government for less than reputable purposes, and they have decided to work for their own ideals from now on." Hilda explained.
"I don't know what is going on, but anyone who wants to pick a fight with Dante is ok in my book. That bastard would have started another Korean War if it wasn't for our interference." August said.
"Excellent, now Tea will get you settled in and let her know if you need anything," Hilda said.
"Follow me please," Tea said leading them out of the office. "Will you be needing anything?"
"Nothing you need to worry about, we have our own means of ….." January stated.
"9mm, 7.62mm, and 12.7mm rounds correct, and you might want to think about finding a new spot for your weapon. The small of the back is clichéd and can break your back if you fall on it wrong," Tea explained offering them a friendly smile.
"You're a…" February gasped.
"Cyborg, yes, but we really are just normal girls underneath it all, and besides some women still have more plastic in their bodies than we do," Tea replied. "Oh and do you mind if I train with you sometimes."
"Bloody hell," the three replied.
Section Break
Stupid German piece of junk. Why couldn't I give her a nice AK-101, I'll never understand. It's not a bad grouping but the first generation was better. The stern Russian woman was pulled from her mussing by the ringing of her phone. "Chiarra reload," Olga called to a pale girl with strikingly dark hair as her gun ran dry.
"She what… is that even possible… I will try sir," Olga replied ending the brief phone call.
"Is there a problem mam," Chiarra asked not once looking up from her magazine as she methodically reloaded.
"We have a mission," Olga replied.
"Who is the target," Chiarra asked.
"The first generation cyborgs. Dante and his cyborg caught up to Henrietta and Rico in Paris." Olga explained.
"Is Sylvia alright," Chiarra asked hesitantly missing the dark scowl that formed on Olga's face.
Those idiots are lucky they're not dead. Why we brought in someone so unprofessional I'll never know. The first generation handlers might have been bleeding hearts, but they knew how to get the job done. "You're older sister, if you can call her that, nearly ripped Sylvia's arm off. She is lucky, it's only a dislocated arm and shattered humerus."
"She is in big trouble when I get my hands on her," Chiarra growled. She might be a little nuts but Sylvia is still my friend.
"Behave and I might take you to the European figure skating championships," Olga replied as they headed inside.
"I love figure skating," Chiarra said quietly falling lockstep behind Olga. I wonder if I could ever learn to do something like that. The girls are so graceful and pretty. I would just die if I could ever get a chance to become just like them.