Authors note- Again I do not own GSG. Kinda rushing this release but it's that or I'll never get to the work I should actually be doing. Only two more chapters to go until the end. Enjoy.
Chapter 28- Healing
"Why am I the team pet," Beatrice huffed.
"Well, you have a really good sense of smell, like the chiefs dog," Rico replied.
"But what about Henrietta, she has good hearing like dogs to," Beatrice shot back.
"True but you don't have to stay in the same room as her. She can really hold a grudge, she's really scary when she is angry," Rico whispered shivering at the thought of an angry Henrietta.
"Henrietta what are you doing," Rico asked looking up at her roommate still half asleep.
"Tying you up," Henrietta replied with a smile.
"Why," Rico asked.
"You know why silly, you broke my present from Jose," Henrietta replied tightening the last rope across her chest.
"Would saying I'm sorry again help," Rico begged.
"Yes, but you're still not getting up anytime soon. I know how much you love running around so a day tied to the bed should help teach you a lesson," Henrietta said.
Beatrice nodded. "You're right, Lancer it is," Beatrice replied.
Henrietta returned a minute later with some biscotti and three large glasses of milk balanced precariously in her hands. Rico, and Beatrice each took a glass eagerly munching on biscotti in predawn darkness.
"If Triela is the leader, then who is the big guy of our group?" Henrietta asked searching the many channels offered Hilda's satellite TV.
"Rico," Beatrice replied munching on biscotti in pure bliss.
"Yes, definitely Rico," Henrietta said nodding in agreement.
Smiling Rico took a big gulp of milk wiping her mouth on her sleeve. "Cool."
Henrietta finally settled on a channel as Hilda made her way downstairs awoken by the noise shocked to find three of the girls huddled around the TV. They really are just little girls underneath it all.
"Morning girls," Hilda called out startling the group.
"We're sorry for waking you, but Rico saw that Negima another world was going to be on this morning and well we weren't allowed to watch much TV while at the agency. Jose said it would rot my brain." Henrietta replied.
"Jean said that if I had time to watch TV then I had time to train," Rico added.
"This episode is boring, I'll go switch with Angelica, she'll like all the lovey dovey stuff," Beatrice said slowly walking away clutching the container of biscotti a big grin on her face as she munched on the sweet treat.
"Is Beatrice alright," Hilda asked heading toward the swaying girl as she headed out into the cold morning air.
"Don't worry about Beatrice, it is best not to disturb her while she is in her happy place," Henrietta said her eyes glued to the TV as the show began. "We learned quickly not to bother her when she has cookies, especially good cookies." Henrietta shuddered while munching on biscotti of her own.
A loud bang shook the agency as smoke billowed from a hastily thrown open window. "Henrietta, what happened," Rico said gasping for air as she laid eyes on their destroyed room, which despite all the destruction seemed to avoid damaging any of Rico's meager belongings. Covered in soot Henrietta gazed back at her roommate. "I don't know one minute I'm dreaming about Jose and the next I'm thrown across the room." "You don't think she's," Henrietta began.
"You did eat the last cookie," Rico replied.
"Hit me the next time I try to take the last one," Henrietta sighed turning back to salvage her room.
"No problem," Rico said with a grin.
Angelica was more than happy to come inside after sitting watch in the early morning hours tucked in the crook of a large pine tree. A light bout of freezing rain came through during her shift coating her in a thin layer of ice and freezing most of her hair into a giant ice cube.
"Angelica, Negima another world is on," Rico called out her eyes never leaving the TV.
"Cold," Angelica chattered shucking her frozen overcoat falling to the ground with a heavy thump as ice cracked off onto the floor.
"My word you are positively frozen," Hilda exclaimed wrapping Angelica in a heavy quilt.
"Are you sure you should be up right now. I don't want you getting sick," Hilda said laying Angelica on the sofa in front of the TV.
"Not sick, are bodies can survive just fine in the cold, it just sucks as much as the next person. Stupid freezing rain froze my hair." Angelica replied.
"And why were you outside in the rain long enough for your hair to freeze," Hilda asked wary of the answer she would receive.
"Keeping watch," Angelica replied straining to catch a glimpse of the TV around Hilda.
I really should be surprised but I'm not. They still don't feel completely safe even out here in the middle of nowhere. "How about a nice hot drink to warm you up while I make breakfast, those biscotti simply won't cut it," Hilda said with a smile.
"Hot chocolate," Rico and Henrietta asked in unison.
"Something warm," Angelica added the color slowly returning to her cheeks.
"Alright, and what about something for Beatrice?" Hilda asked.
"Hot chocolate," Rico and Henrietta replied.
Soon after their drinks were delivered the house was filled with the delicious smells of a homemade breakfast as the sun began to peek above the horizon. Claes guided by the fresh coffee brewing slowly wandered down stairs groggy from a long evening of watching over Triela while Henrietta, Rico, and a much warmer Angelica engaged in a heated discussion over one of the cyborgs favorite shows.
"He should get together with Asuna," Henrietta said in heated discussion with Rico and Angelica.
"Come on, Ku Fie is much cooler than Asuna. She has cool fighting skills that are much better than anything Asuna can do," Rico shot back.
Angelica looked at the pair like they were crazy before replying, "No Chachamaru is the one for Negi."
"But she is a robot," Henrietta replied.
"True, but Negi is helping her discover her humanity. She is becoming much more than just a robot," Angelica replied.
They sat in silence as Angelica's words hit home before Henrietta shot back. "Ok, but I still think Asuna is better.
"You're both wrong, Chisame is the best. Negi needs someone normal to keep him in line," said Claes silencing the pair.
"Breakfast is ready," Hilda called from the kitchen barely managed to move out of the way as the twin rockets of Henrietta and Rico shot past her into the kitchen. The hyperactive duo quickly dove into the food eager to try all the sweet smelling foods they had never seen before.
"Um, what's this," Henrietta asked holding up a long strip of black and brown food.
"I don't care, it's really good," Rico said stuffing another piece in her mouth.
How can they not know the wonder that is bacon? I really need to start educating these girls. "That is called bacon, it is a cured meat made from pigs," Hilda explained.
"mmmmm, bacon," Rico sighed stuffing several more pieces in her mouth.
Hilda watched with an amused smile as the girls tried all the food before settling in on their favorites. Henrietta ate like the little girl she was on the inside stuffing herself with so many sweet foods Hilda was certain the small thing would be going into a diabetic coma. Rico on the other hand stuck to the bacon and sausage making an impromptu sandwich on rye.
"If you keep that up Rico, I'm going to call you my little Hillshire," Hilda said with a smile as the food continued to disappear.
"But I'm not Triela's handler," Rico replied her mouth full of food.
"Yes, but you love bacon and sausage as much as Victor does. That's why his grandfather started calling Victor, Hillshire after a popular brand of American meat products." Hilda laughed.
"So that's why the big dumb idiot loves bratwurst so much. He stunk up the car so much on the last stake out with that dam currywurst." Triela wheezed one hand on the wall with the other wrapped around her stomach.
"Triela," the girls exclaimed as plates, and utensils clattered to the floor as stared in shock.
"Are you all better now," Henrietta asked wrapping her up in a big hug.
"No problem it was just a scratch," Triela replied sucking in a sharp breath.
Bullshit, you can barely stand. Angelica watched Claes nervously finger her new pigtails, frowning. Dam it, I'm relieved you're awake, but just how bad is it. Claes never would have let you touch her hair for just anything. Hilda I don't know what you have up your sleeve but your granddaughter needs a miracle or Italy will burn when she falls. Her phone began vibrating loudly pulling Angelica from her thoughts.
Beatrice- Company is coming advise
Angelica- No action, that's Hilda's doctor friend
Beatrice- Ok, can I get some breakfast. I smell it from here
Angelica- I'll send some out ASAP
"Angelica, what is the situation, Claes wouldn't tell me anything," Triela asked as Hilda helped her into a chair.
"It's been four days since you've been injured and a day since Hillshire's mother found us here. I've given her the basics and she arranged for a doctor to come who according to Beatrice has just arrived." Angelica explained.
"Good, let's keep up the watch for now, and do a full check of our supplies. Make a list of what we need. As soon as we are healed we start training again, it is remote enough here that we should be ok for a while. Claes check up on what is happening back in Italy, and see if you can make any headway on that hard drive Jean gave you." Triela ordered while Hilda loaded her plate high with food.
"What the hell is going on Hilda," an irate blond woman yelled barging into the room, while a timid mousy haired woman followed behind her.
"Nothing much I just need your medical expertise to check over my granddaughter and her friends." Hilda replied with a smile.
"Then take them to a dam hospital, and since when did you have a granddaughter," the blond shot back.
"I'm sorry, I wouldn't let her smoke in the car, on the way here and she didn't get her morning coffee either," the timid woman spoke up from behind the blond.
"And who might you be," Hilda asked young woman barely out of her teens.
"Maya," the woman replied in shock getting a good look at the silver haired woman.
"You're…." Maya gasped.
"Hilda Hartman, formerly Hilda Krupp, and a royal pain in the ass." Ritsuko snarked.
"Wait are you that Krupp," Maya stammered.
"Yes," Hilda replied.
"Hilda Krupp Hartman, world class chef, and heiress to one of the oldest and largest conglomerates in Germany." Claes explained.
"Triela, if your grandma is so rich why was Hillshire such a cheapskate." Beatrice asked.
"What, who said that," Triela screamed bolting up out of her chair.
"Bernardo," Beatrice replied.
A chorus of why am I not surprised came from the girls as the adults stifled their laughter.
"Beatrice what was one of the rules Bernice gave you," Angelica said.
"Don't act like Bernardo," Beatrice said hanging her head. "Yeah, yeah, but he said I could do anything except what he wouldn't do," Beatrice grumbled.
"What is it that Bernardo won't do," Hilda asked tempting fate.
"You really don't want to know," Claes said clamping Beatrice's mouth shut. "Trust me,"
"Um, Mrs. Hartman, could you teach me how to cook," Henrietta asked timidly looking down at the floor.
"Sure, as soon as Ritsuko fixes you up," Hilda replied.
"Don't let her nice act fool you. What she is, is a royal pain in the ass, with more money than she knows what to do with," Ritsuko snarked. Although her son was a nice enough man, too bad he went and joined Europol and disappeared.
"Maya, be a dear, and get set up in the master bedroom, while I get Ritsuko her coffee," Hilda said handing the blond a large cup of coffee leading the blond out of the room.
"Ok," Maya replied heading upstairs.
"I know this is asking a lot, but I need you to treat them as best you can and then forget this ever happened," Hilda said giving her friend a stern look.
Ritsuko slowly drank her coffee before replying. "Why what did you do Hilda, who are these girls?"
"For once keep your curiosity in check. This is one time where it really could kill the cat. Just do this favor for me and I'll owe you one." Hilda said more serious than Ritsuko had seen her in a long time.
I don't see what the big deal is. The girls probably just went out hiking for too long or something. Either way a favor from Hilda could help deal with that pain in the ass Zepplin. "Alright, I'll just treat and street them," Ritsuko replied as Hilda breathed a sigh of relief.
Section break
"What were you able to dig up about the doctor," Triela asked as they waited for her assistant to finish getting ready.
"Ritsuko Akagi, age 29, MD PHD, in bioengineering. She is currently working for cyberdyne systems in creating neurological implants to replace brain functions in patients with severe neurological damage. She also helped her mother create the MAGUS system the world's first biological supercomputer, which she currently maintains after her mother's apparent suicide." Claes explained.
"How did you find so much so fast," Henrietta asked surprised by the wealth of information.
"Facebook stalking, people put way too much information on social networking sites. She also made it to Wikipedia for her mother's breakthroughs in computer technology," Claes replied to several confused faces. That's right I'm the only one with regular access to the computer and those lessons from Priscilla are starting to come in handy.
Facebook, so that's what Mimi was checking while texting her boyfriend. Hillshire made sure she knew how to use a computer for work. The most fun she got to have on the darn thing was listening to music while helping to translate files and maybe the occasional game of solitaire or free cell when he wasn't looking.
"There is a problem she is currently employed by Neu Auferstehung, showing them the company logo," Claes added.
"I've seen that logo on some of the medical equipment in the labs," Rico said as a collective gasp ran through the group.
"It gets worse, Neu Auferstehung, is a subsidiary of Nergal," Claes said.
"She could reveal our location we need to get out of here," Angelica gasped jumping up from the table.
"No, Grandma wouldn't have called Ritsuko if she couldn't trust her," Triela said praying her words were true.
"So what do we do if she turns on us, in our present state we won't last long," Claes said taken aback by Triela's blind trust in a woman she only just met.
"Well can't we test her or something," Rico asked.
"Yeah can't we give her some information and see what she does with it," Henrietta added.
"Bernardo did that one time to ferret out a Padania agent. Well it was that or sleep with her, he wouldn't tell me which." Beatrice added.
I wonder why. Either way it could work. "Perfect, Rico, Henrietta, and Beatrice you will go first and display some of your abilities. I don't care which one. This should be enough to give her a hint as to our true nature. If she is truly part of the group that created us then she will try to contact her superiors ASAP." Triela explained as Angelica cut her off.
"And if she isn't then we have exposed ourselves again," Angelica said.
Loose lips sink ships. Marco told her after saving her from a Padania agent.
"Angelica I agree with you, but…" Claes said.
I know, how else can we help Triela. Angelica slowly nodded in agreement as Triela rested her head in her arms dosing off. I never thought I would be saying this. "Henrietta, Rico, Beatrice, your mission is to drive the doctor nuts, so go crazy."
"Hehehehehehe," a trio of girls giggled.
Section Break
"So what seems to be the problem?" Ritsuko asked the young tomboyish blond sitting across from her.
"You're not going to replace my hand are you? Claes said that when bones break they heal back stronger and since I broke it knocking out Triela it's gonna be even stronger right. Then once it doesn't hurt anymore maybe I can start breaking other stuff with it." Rico blurted out.
What the… Of all the things Ritsuko expected that was certainly not it. Why in the world would she think I was going to replace her hand? Sure hand transplants have been done but that's only when someone loses their hand in the first place. "No I am not going to replace your hand. There is no need when your existing hand will be just fine. Now let me take a look." Ritsuko replied.
"Cool, you are much better than the other doctors they would just tell me to shut up, before putting me to sleep and take away the cool scars I got while on missions. I once had this really cool one on my face that was badass but they replaced it," Rico rambled on as Ritsuko examined her hand. Rico winced as Ritsuko pressed down on the middle of her right hand before moving onto the left.
"So did I break it, Henrietta said she heard a crack when I knocked out Triela, but she couldn't tell if it was my hand or her jaw," Rico asked while Ritsuko jotted down a few notes. "What does fractured 3rd metacarpal mean," Rico asked reading over her notes from across the room.
"It means you have a broken hand, but you will be fine in a few days. It wasn't a full break and it is set properly," Ritsuko replied.
"Cool," Rico replied with a smile. Ritsuko finished a small write up for Hilda before gasping in surprise.
"Wait how did you read that from all the way over there," Ritsuko asked in shock.
"I have really good eyes and you didn't try to hide it at all. The doctors normally turn their backs to me or write stuff down outside," Rico replied. "Wait here," Ritsuko ordered before rushing out of the room.
She returned a few minutes later with a large sheet of paper with hastily written letters on it, hanging it at the far end of the room. "Please stand over here," Ritsuko ordered pointing to a spot on the floor opposite the paper.
Rico obliged smiling as she looked at the large sheet on the other side of the room. "Are you testing my eye site?"
"Yes, what is the smallest line you can see," Ritsuko replied pointing to the sheet.
Squinting her eyes Rico began reading the smallest line she could see. "E, T, O, L, E, B." Pausing briefly she rattled of the rest of the line, "W, E, F, D, C."
Impossible that puts her eye site at 20/7. I've heard of people with 20/15 eye site and 20/10 is supposed physiological limit to human eye site. Who the hell is this girl?
"So how did I do," Rico asked.
"20/7," Ritsuko replied still in shock.
"Awesome, that's better than last time," Rico cheered pumping her fist in the air. "Um so am I ok to go," Rico asked the still silent doctor.
"Yes, and send the next one in," Ritsuko replied.
The next exam went much smoother as the short brunette only spoke when Ritsuko asked her a question. The poor girl was nursing a fractured 8th rib and zygomatic bone. Also like Rico the bones were already healing and well set despite the fracture based on her palpitation of the affected areas. The only disconcerting thing about the whole affair was the odd look the girl would give her from time to time.
"Is something wrong," Ritsuko asked as the girl fidgeted on the bed.
"Um,…" Henrietta stuttered.
"It's alright, go ahead," Ritsuko urged.
"Can I ask you a question?" Henrietta asked.
"Sure," Ritsuko replied.
"Why is your breathing making funny noises," Henrietta asked blushing.
What the hell. "What is funny about my breathing," Ritsuko asked.
"Um, it sounds like there is a rattle in your chest from time to time and well I've never heard a person breathe like that before. I've heard Jose huffing and puffing after a mission but never a rattle." Henrietta asked.
… You have got to be kidding me. That shouldn't even freaking be possible. There is just no way she could have heard that. One more reason to quit smoking I guess.
"Did I say something wrong," Henrietta asked.
"No, you didn't do anything. That sound you heard is because my breathing is different because I do some adult things, not meant for little kids." Ritsuko replied.
"Oh, it's not anything bad is it? Jose said smoking is for adults but it makes him smell bad so I don't think it's very good for you," Henrietta asked.
"Depends on who you ask I guess," Ritsuko replied before sending the young girl on her way struggling to maintain her composure. What the hell is going on here, super sight, super hearing, what's next super smelling, and just how did they fracture those bones hiking without a scratch on them. Henrietta's face should look like a chipmunk and yet she looks like she could be the cover model for a children's clothing magazine.
"Is there something wrong," Beatrice asked as the doctor as Ritsuko began her exam. "No, what makes you ask," Ritsuko replied.
"Well Bernardo, always said that women got really weird once a month and that it was best to avoid them or be really nice to them during that time. Right now you kinda smell a little bit like Triela does when she gets really mad with Hillshire, so are you having a red letter day? If you are is there anything I can do to make it better?" Beatrice asked dreading the day the long time roommates had one at the same time.
What did I do to deserve this? It's like I'm being punished for being a mad scientist who helped to create bastardized copies of a divine being to help to bring about the end of humanity as we know it. Ritsuko continued to bang her head against the wall cursing in her native tongue.
Crap, what was it that Bernardo said. Never tell a woman she is on the rag. "Um, I'm sorry if I said something to upset, but do you think you could fix my arm now please," Beatrice asked snapping Ritsuko out of her moment.
"What's the problem with your arm?" Ritsuko asked slowly coming around.
"When the doctors put it back on they didn't reconnect all of my nerves so my arm doesn't feel right," Beatrice explained.
No scars…. Don't bother. "Alright, tell me when you don't feel this anymore," Ritsuko said running a pin wheel down the girls arm checking for any loss in sensation. "Just how did you hurt your arm in the first place," Ritsuko asked as she had Beatrice hold a variety of objects testing the strength of the muscles in her hand.
Beatrice grimaced remembering the hot searing pain that shot through her body that day. "Shotgun accident while out with some friends," Beatrice replied scowling. "Then that rat bastard Donato wouldn't replace it, so I sent him a nice package in the mail as a thank you," Beatrice said.
"Why did you thank him," Ritsuko asked.
Beatrice's only response was to suppress her giggling. Hehehe only if you call a mail bomb a thank you.
Wait Donato, wasn't that the name of the doctor that died in a home explosion in two weeks ago. Wasn't that ruled an accident. What the hell is going on around here?
Section Break
Seven pistols, five assault rifles, three submachine guns, a shotgun, and a thousand rounds of ammo, it's a good start but we'll need more ammunition once we start training again. We have plenty of explosives if you count that new stuff Beatrice picked up in St. Gallen. This would be a lot easier if we had… Triela was pulled from her thoughts by a gentle knock on the door. "Come in," Triela called out.
Holy shit, I knew they had weapons but this is nuts. "Well this is something you don't see every day." Hilda remarked eyeing the massive arsenal littered around the room.
"Sorry," Triela replied hastily moving to conceal the weapons.
"It's alright, one of my uncles had a rather large gun collection," Hilda replied with a wave of the hand.
"Ok, but these aren't exactly showroom pieces," Triela replied.
"I know, and I believe that you had a good reason for using them. Could you tell me about my son, your sisters say that he was your handler? Why did he take you to Italy, and what happened to you and him?" Hilda asked desperate for any knowledge on her wayward son.
"Have we met before, you called me Aisha before. How much do you know about me?" Triela asked in kind.
"You don't remember do you," Hilda said as Triela nodded in response.
Section Break
"You sure about this Victor," Mario asked pulling up to a small home in the middle of the black forest.
"Yes, we need to lay low for a bit before crossing the border to Italy. Once there she can get the help she needs," Victor said looking at the young dark skin blond laying across the back seat whimpering in her sleep.
"Alright, but remember once we get her to Rome I'm gone." Mario replied.
"I know, you have already done enough," Victor said lifting the girl out of the car.
It will never be enough. I should have put a stop to this a long time ago, but I have my own family to consider. "Victor we have a problem," Mario said staring at the rather attractive older woman staring at them from the porch. If I wasn't already married…..
"Hello mother," Victor called out with dread.
"Victor what the hell did you do," Hilda bellowed marching toward her son. "The news just reported that you kidnapped a girl from the hospital and that she is gravely injured," Hilda added noticing the girls missing limbs.
"Not now mother," Victor replied as the girl clung tightly to him.
"Yes now, I thought you went into law enforcement to help people" Hilda fumed.
"Mario take her inside please, and make her comfortable," Victor said handing the poor girl over.
"Explain now," Hilda ordered. "First that cluster fuck you made in Amsterdam and now this. What the hell is going with you Victor?"
"I'll admit rushing in blindly in Amsterdam was a mistake but they were making snuff films and we couldn't stand by and let it happen anymore," Victor answered returning his mothers fierce glare.
"But why did you take her from the hospital," Hilda asked.
"They weren't helping her," Victor replied.
"Victor, surely a hospital full of doctors can do more for that girl than you can," Hilda replied shocked by her son's actions.
"Not when they were under orders not to treat her so that she would make a more compelling witness," Victor replied seething with anger.
"No, they wouldn't" Hilda gasped.
"Tell that to, that rat bastard, Mason, he wants Aisha in the courtroom on a stretcher to gain points with the jury," Victor replied clenching his fists.
"That poor girl, does he have any compassion," Hilda said as they headed inside.
"Only if it concerns his perfect record," Victor scowled.
"Hi there, my name is Hilda, what's yours," Hilda said as the girl woke up.
"No, I won't let you hurt the others," the girl raged screaming in broken german as she lunged at Hilda using her only good arm.
Easily overpowering the small girl Hilda pulled her into a hug. "I'm not going to hurt you, I promise." Hilda replied holding the struggling girl.
Trashing with rage the girl continued to fight, until what little strength she had left her. "The other lady said that to, just make it quick," Aisha said in defeat.
"I don't know who this other lady is but I am the mother of man who saved you and I will not let anyone hurt you," Hilda replied softly.
"You know Mr. Bratwurst," the girl asked quietly.
"Hahahahaha," Hilda broke out laughing. Yes I am his mother but, he prefers to be called Hillshire," Hilda added.
"Can I call you Grandma Bratwurst then? The scary people who put me on the boat said that I would get a new family in Europe, but I haven't met any nice people except the other kids I traveled with" the girl asked struggling to find the right words in German.
"Yes, you can call me Grandma," Hilda replied struggling to keep her tears at bay. Dam it Victor, I know I was pestering you to make me a grandma but a little warning would be nice.
Thank you, was all Hilda could make out between muffled sobs as the poor girl soaked her shirt with tears of happiness. "Now why don't you tell me you name," Hilda asked.
"Aisha El-Hashem," the girl replied.
"The living crusher, you must be a tough girl," Hilda replied.
Aisha nodded in response happy to have found another nice person like Mr. Bratwurst.
"Now I need you to be a big girl while I go make us some dinner ok," Hilda said looking down at her.
"You're not going to leave me cause I'm broken are you," Aisha asked trying to cover up her missing arm and leg.
"No, never, and don't think for one second you are broken," Hilda said quickly hugging the girl again.
"Grandma is right, I am taking you to Italy to get you all fixed up so don't you worry," Victor said watching over the touching scene.
"Promise," Aisha replied in Arabic.
"Yes," Victor replied in Arabic. "Here Seigfried can keep you company while we get you some food. He is really strong after dealing with my sisters fighting over him while they were growing up." Victor added in German handing over a steiff bear dressed up like a German knight.
The pair left Aisha happily clutching her new bear stepping out into the hallway. "Victor she mentioned others did you find them," Hilda asked.
"Yes there were several children left behind that weren't touched yet and are currently in foster care while the Dutch government figures out what to do with them. They said Aisha always volunteered to go so they wouldn't be hurt. She was their protector," Victor answered.
"Thank goodness, what of the men who did this," Hilda asked.
"Dead or in police custody," Victor said. "I just wish it hadn't taken the death of Rachel to get the higher ups off their collective asses."
"I know," Hilda replied placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"What are you going to do about that prosecutor," Hilda asked knowing her son was never one to let some jackass get in the way of justice.
"Urd and Mara, are taking care of it for me," Victor replied.
"The twins, you're not playing around this time," Hilda gasped.
Section Break
"You disappeared several days later with Victor and his Italian friend. The next time I spoke to my son he told me you had been treated and sent back to Tunisia to be with your family, yet he never returned home not once since that day." Hilda explained finishing the story.
"I'm sorry, if it wasn't for me you would still have your son," Triela said.
"Don't be, Victor has always done what he thought was the right thing even if it is over his head. I'm just happy I'm able to see my only granddaughter again. So what can you tell me about my son?" Hilda asked.
"Victor is…" Triela began.
"It's alright, I know what he can be like," Hilda said urging her to continue.
"He is a great detective and we were the best Fratello at the agency. No one ever escaped our grasp for long. I learned everything I know from him and if he didn't know how to do it he found someone who could teach me." Triela said thinking of the near disaster with Pinochio.
"But he can be such a stick in the mud sometimes. He never told me if he wanted a partner, a daughter, a niece, or an attack dog. To be honest I don't think he knew himself, since he only wanted to keep me safe, but the only way to do that was to place in me in battle or be decommissioned by the agency." Triela explained.
"Well at least his sense of fashion seemed to have improved judging by the clothes you're wearing," Hilda said pointing out the stylish ensemble Triela picked up in San Marino.
"Victor, fashion, are you nuts, he wouldn't know a thing about clothes even if it was downloaded into his brain." Triela laughed.
"So it's still boring suits, then. He is never going to get a date at this rate," Hilda chuckled. "Don't tell me he dresses you in suits to," Hilda gasped.
A blushing Triela could only nod in response. "But I like the clothes he gets me," Triela stammered.
"I'm sure you do, but let's just say he can a little clueless when it comes to women's fashion. I blame his sisters for that though, Mara and Urd liked using him as their own personal dress up doll. I should have put a stop to it but he just looked so cute," Hilda explained showing her an old snap shot of a young Victor Hartman trussed up like a holiday turkey in a lace monstrosity.
Victor in a dress. A small giggle escaped Triela's lips before she burst out laughing. "Ow," Triela winced stressing her damaged abdominals.
"Isn't there anything you'd like to purchase that might require a more feminine touch," Hilda added.
Fidgeting in her seat Triela was unable to respond in fear of the potential embarrassment as a hand rested on her shoulder.
"Don't worry after some of the things I caught my daughters with nothing shocks me anymore. Seriously what would they want a whip and handcuffs for, plus all that leather," Hilda said shaking her head in confusion.
Oh god they couldn't be into that could they. Victor nearly had a heart attack when we raided that place. Hell he nearly killed Bernardo for explaining it to Beatrice and me. That's one memory I wouldn't mind having erased. There are some things you shouldn't do and some people should never be seen naked. Well I guess what I want is normal then. "Um, I'd like to get a swimsuit, so I can go to the beach sometime," Triela said quietly. "A bikini,"
"Hahaha, I think I we can manage that." Hilda laughed. "Planning to pick up some boys are you."
"No, I just want something nice to go to the beach and play volleyball in," Triela said swearing there would be no repeats of her performance with Dino despite the inner joy she still felt from being considered a beautiful woman.
"I understand, you are a bit young for that after all," Hilda replied still bemused by her young appearance.
Young I am not young, I'm 18 years old dam it. It's not my fault the conditioning process stunted my growth. Triela glared at chest daring them to grow now that her fellow sisters were primed to leave her in the dust. I'm the older sister dam it. I can't go to the beach with Mimi if I still look like a kid.
"Don't worry Triela, you will develop soon enough. I was a late bloomer myself, and we'll be better for it in the end since it will last longer." Hilda said putting an arm around her. "Now what else can you tell me about Victor and your time in Italy. Has he found a girlfriend yet," Hilda asked a blushing Triela.
Section Break
Thank goodness for small favors, we owe Fillipo's boss big time. Despite the shock a bank robbery was in Switzerland, it was relegated to the internet's version of second page news, with no mention of the girls beyond the actions of Triela, when she saved a young boys life. Fillipo's boss had the government running around in circles while trying to down play the severity of the event as a high jacked security drill. So much for freedom of the press. The death penalty Well that's just freaking great. I hope they have a good lawyer who isn't on the take. Claes frowned as she caught the main headline coming from the highly controlled Italian media outlets. Angelica you're handler is a genius.
La Republica
Padania the Truth behind the Violence
by- Patrica Ricci
Where did the five republics faction come from, what do they want, and what is the government doing about it. This will be the first in a series of articles trying to explain the violence gripping all of Italy today, and maybe a way to stop it.
What followed was a detailed explanation on the origin of the five republics faction, including their links to big business and the mafia. Perhaps the most telling revelation was the leak of early Padania documents absolving them of their role in the Croce affair and fingering the akatsuki as the real culprit. Angelica I could kiss your mother right now, this is going to make our job a whole lot easier. Now all we need to do is cut off the dragons head and public opinion will do the rest.
"Hilda," Ritsuko called out storming through the house pulling Claes from her reading.
"She is with Triela," Claes replied carefully examining the Doctor's mannerisms for any sign of deception.
"Keep it down, Triela's getting some rest," Hilda said slowly closing a door behind her.
Sleeping again, this isn't good. We've never gone this long with a major injury before.
"We need to talk," Ritsuko said.
"Sure what do you need," Hilda replied.
Ritsuko glanced toward Claes. "Not here, outside" Ritsuko said dragging Hilda outside.
Shit, she knows. Now what will you do Hilda, can we really trust your friend? Claes moved to find Angelica and prepare for the worst.
Tucked away behind the noisy generator Ritsuko finally released her friend. "Who are those girls," Ritsuko said glaring at the larger woman.
"My granddaughter and her friends, one of which could really use your help as they had a little accident with a local hunter," Hilda replied.
"Bullshit, Urd, and Mara aren't married, and you haven't heard from that stick in the mud son of yours for years. Plus those girls are hardly what I would call normal," Ritsuko replied.
So you figured it out, now what are you going to do. "Whatever do you mean?" Hilda asked feigning ignorance.
"Cut the crap, the younger three have senses that are off the charts, and it took Maya and me together to pull Angelica's shoulder back into place. You know who I work for and I've seen some of the research being done, so who are these girls Hilda. You don't get some of the injuries I've seen them with from just hiking." Ritsuko asked.
"Please just treat Triela and go. I don't want you involved anymore than you already are." Hilda replied.
"No," Ritsuko replied.
"Ritsuko, you have no idea, what you are talking about," Hilda shot back sweating bullets.
"You're right, but I know enough," Ritsuko said.
Hilda sighed in defeat. "Just what do you know then?"
"Those girls have carbon fiber integrated into their bones, and their skin as well. It's the only way they could have gotten the injuries they did with so little physical evidence. They have bio engineered replacement sensory organs as well and some degree of electro reactive polymers strengthening their musculature as well I think. Someone went to a lot of trouble to enhance these girls in such a way that would not raise any eyebrows." Ritsuko explained.
I'm sorry girls. I never thought it would end like this. "What will you do now?" Hilda asked. "If you think I'll let you take them back to your lab and be dissected you got another thing coming."
A resounding smack echoed away from the house as Hilda's head reeled back from the powerful and unexpected blow. "I am not my mother, god dam it,"
"Ritsuko," Hilda gasped in shock.
"I take my oath seriously, I will not use anyone for the sake of scientific discovery no matter how revolutionary it might be. I couldn't help that girl but I'll be damned if I let another suffer her fate. Now I want the full story."
Convinced of her friend's convictions Hilda slowly explained the girl's tale in all its dark and sordid glory. My god, I knew we were close to a tipping point in cybernetic technology but to be at true organic replacements already, is incredible. However to do this to these girls is inexcusable, this technology should be used for the betterment all, not just the government for their secret wars. Mother what did you do, they almost certainly needed the magus system to pull this off. Mom, Kyoko, Yui, Lloyd, Cecile, Rakshata, and me, did I have something to do with this atrocity as well. Unwilling or not this stops now, I won't sit by on the sidelines again. I'll need an operating suite, dialysis, chelation, hhmmmm, there should be one of those ritzy drug rehab places nearby.
"Hilda, get out your check book," Ritsuko asked.
"You're going to blackmail me now?" Hilda snarked.
"No, I need to get Triela to an operating room, I can't remove bullets in this setting." Ritsuko replied. "Oh and don't be a smart ass it doesn't suite you,"
"How?" Hilda asked in shock.
"If you give a nice donation to one of the local celebrity rehab centers around here, then they will of course look the other way. Especially if it's from the Waffe benutzt," Ritsuko replied.
"I hate that name," Hilda replied pulling out her phone.
"If the shoe fits," Ritsuko replied.
The click of a rifle being cocked startled both women as Angelica stepped around the corner her HK416 held at the ready. "What are you planning?"
"Treating, you and your friends," Ritsuko replied.
"Why the secrecy then," Angelica said.
"I wanted the truth," Ritsuko replied.
"Angelica please we only want to help you," Hilda said.
"That remains to be seen," Angelica shot back.
Ritsuko sighed, surprisingly calm despite the assault rifle pointed at her chest. "Listen there is a short list of people who could have created the technology used in your rebirth, and I happen to be one of them."
A string of Romanian curses flew out of Angelica's mouth, while shouldering her rifle. "I'd say I won't enjoy this but I would be lying,"
"Wait it's not what you think," Hilda said blocking her line of fire.
"If it comes out that anything I've discovered was used in your creation, then I will take any punishment you think I deserve, but before then let me save you and your friends." Ritsuko said staring down rifle bore.
"Why should I believe you," Angelica said coldly.
"I've seen the result of human experimentation, I couldn't do a thing to help that poor defenseless girl, but I can this time. I promise you, I will do everything I can to help you. I can't let another innocent be harmed for the sake of scientific advancement." Ritsuko said.
"Alright but I still don't trust you," Angelica replied.
