Chapter 17 Subplot: Their Past, Our Future

A couple days into my mandatory rest, Dad made a surprise visit. He had told me that the hospital had notified him of my injuries after I had been released.

Though I'm a bit embarrassed that he came over.

It has been a year since I last saw him

It wasn't like I done it on purpose.

Just that I've been too busy to go see him.

Even though I was embarrassed, I was also glad he decided to show up. The brief memory of meeting Howzer when I was a child had nagged me too much.

"I should expect you to get injured sometimes. You're out there in the front lines."

"Sorry Dad, I'll try to not be so rash next time."

"You're the only family I have left. And we still haven't made amends."

"Right, Mom wouldn't be so happy if I died without making amends with you."

"Well, seeing that you're better has put my mind at ease."

"Hmm? This isn't the only reason why you're here?"

"As much as you don't like it, you do remind me of myself."

"You wanted to tell me something."

"Yeah."

I was a bit confused at what he wanted to tell me.

It could be anything.

A year is a good amount of time to date again.

...what? It's a realistic possibility.

"I found a new job."

Oh

"Oh? You have been working with that private firm for too long."

"That's not all. It's with GRM."

...

What?

Dad explained that he had received a call from the new president, asking to have him back. Dad was one of the very few employees who had no ties with Illuminus. When he had gotten the call about my health, he had just finished a meeting with him and had accepted the position. I was worried. There was still little news about the actual identity of the new president. Something about that just didn't settle with me.

"Don't worry Ami, you can trust him."

If Dad had confidence in him, I would too.

Dad can call people's characters pretty well.

Though, he wouldn't tell me his identity. As much asking as I did.

"He'll make an official appearance soon."

Dad offered to take me to a restaurant within the Colony. I remembered the place well. Mom and I used to go a lot when she was living. It was a bittersweet moment going back. Mom had wanted us to go there as a family. Now, she isn't here to experience it.

"Dad?"

"Yeah?"

"Did Mom ever tell you time someone was searching for you?"

"Being classified as a genius and having a degree in Photon Applications is highly sought after."

"Even with the Illuminus?"

I never seen Dad so surprised before. So he did have some run ins with the Illuminus. That one look he gave confirmed it all.

"How did-?"

"It was a long time ago. When I met Howzer the first time a few weeks ago, he mentioned Mom's death. That information was classified within the Guardians. Then after he died and I passed out from my injuries, I remembered the meeting."

"I see.."

Dad disclosed everything to me. It wasn't the first time Illuminus had asked GRM to help them. The president at the time had refused. Dad had believed that his death was tied to them. In the midst of everything, Dad left GRM. It wouldn't have been safe for him to remain in GRM while I getting ready to be born. It was the reason why he left without a word.

In that moment, I understood him.

All those years he was gone with little contact

It was done to protect Mom and me

Since that time, I took time out to give Dad a call. I had a feeling I should before I would be called back into duty again. But on a particular day Dad had told me to watch the news that afternoon. Sure enough, it was a special report of the reveal of the new president of GRM. I had to admit, I was getting excited.

Then he came out.

Wait, what was Hyuga doing there?

...

Holy shi-

I couldn't stop my mouth from gaping in shock. Hyuga was the new president of GRM. The youngest actually. His father was an actual founder before he died.

Wait.

Dad said that the man he worked for previously had died

Dad knew Hyuga's dad.

I had woken up to my Partner Machine looking at me. I think that I passed out at the news. I laughed to myself realizing it. The one person I've begun to love has become the president of one of the largest manufactures in Gurhal, who my dad is working for now.

Things got complicated fast.

I took a few moments to calm down. I came to a decision that I wouldn't tell either of my connection. I wouldn't tell Hyuga that my dad worked for him now. Our last names are different and unless someone did some digging, they won't ever find out that my real last name is Tusakanova-Satomora. And I won't tell Dad that Hyuga and I are actually friends and worked together. The situation would be too awkward for all of us. I think it would be better for all of us that this happens.

Even with Illuminus gone, I still have a lot of problems to sort out...