AN: This chapter came after a prayer, and I'm greatly pleased with the result. I thank God for the chapter, and I hope all of you enjoy and review it. I'll see you next chapter.

Pagliacci-11

Disclaimer: The music for Sylvia's meditation is taken from the soundtrack of Mary Shelly's Frankenstein from the track; Please Wait. All rights belong to the property holders therein.

Chapter 83

Yolanda had heard Sylvia's discussion with Nicolette, for she'd stood silent in the anti-chamber as she listened to her leader's view of humanity. There was truth in what was so vehemently expressed; there was so much truth in it that Yolanda hated to admit the fact itself that served as the roots of Sylvia's basis of contemplation. She had not said a word, standing silently to the left of the door as Nicolette had passed, heading back to the main complex.

Yolanda stood in the entryway, watching Sylvia as she stood in contemplation looking at the blue gem, the burning sapphire blue of the High-Command. She'd heard of the gem's greatness when she was younger and now saw it for what it was, a beautiful crystal which the leaders of North-Gate used to center themselves after fits of rage.

Yolanda remembered when Sylvia's father had told Terry about it years ago, "It is the heart of the North-Gate command functions much as the red crystal is the heart of Lyoko. It was Waldo and my vision to unite our daughters as rulers for what was to be. However, in light of what came to be, what is to transpire, safe-guards will need to secure each component from the other. As you told me in the early days, Terry, the unity of the two sisters isn't possible. They're too distant, and with the division, as it is, one feels more entitled by birthright than she has right to be.

So, to you, I entrust with North-Gate's secrets. Sylvia can't be trusted with them just yet. She's too young, and I would prefer she not know the horrors and evils of this world before her time."

That was the week before the massacre at the house before Sylvia had been forced into what Yolanda was slowly realized was the hell of North-Gate's leadership position. As Yolanda watched, she saw Sylvia clutch the crystal, cupping it with her hands on either side as an impromptu lampshade. Then, to her amazement, music emanated from the crystal's top, and filling the room with beautiful and yet mournful music done in such a gorgeous orchestral sound, she was astonished.

As Yolanda continued to watch, with different stanzas, different faces shined in cyan-colored reflection all around the room. These were faces of those Yolanda knew long in the past, faces that she'd missed, but as she observed, Sylvia visibly missed them more. As the music continued to play, those faces vanished as if dust. Visions filled the room of the wars, the battles, those same faces, twisted in agony as the reverberations of faint shell-fire shook the room. The bodies of countless thousands were bloodied and dismembered in the muck and mire of the homeland's ancient battlefields.

Still, other faces emerged, twisted in sadness and agony; their limp bodies hanged from trees, swinging in the desert sun. More faces showed themselves, and as they faded, revealing the fates of the men and women who had come before, Yolanda, for the first time, was moved to pity as she that these faces were being fueled and prompted by the tears that fell from Sylvia's eyes. Her cries and moans were overshadowed by the music that surrounded her. It was as Yolanda was reminded, in the echoes of Sylvia's father when she herself was young, "It's not true genuine leaders are hard-hearted; they're just better at hiding their pain than others. Sylvia's arrogant, yes. But she believes that station shouldn't differentiate or favor others unfairly. But you cannot and should not condemn her for what she will become and say she has no heart; it simply isn't true."

Yolanda gently entered the room and placing her hand upon Sylvia's shoulder; the music suddenly faded, and the visions faded. Sylvia opened her eyes, and to Yolanda's amazement, they shined just as elegant in sapphire like the crystal.

She backed up, and Sylvia looked at her, "Yes, Doctor?"

"You okay?" Yolanda asked, beholding the mesmerizing element the crystal bestowed on Sylvia.

"I'm okay, I guess. Just reflecting on how best to proceed, you know? It's a long process, the work we do, and if I'm going to upset humanity's preconceived course of events, it's best to have a plan in place for the kids to wake up to. To quote Marcus Aurelias, 'The best revenge is be unlike him who performed the injury.' I have heard many people speak of the temporary pains, even I have said it. But the temporary pains for the greater good while, temporary, it depends equally the actions you take that are temporary towards a better tomorrow that will be remembered, no matter the intent of the long-term goal."

Yolanda nodded, "And what of the people who willfully serve the tyranny we fight against? What will you do with them? The dissenters must be dealt with if our vision to proceed properly."

"And they shall be, but not in the eyes of the public except for setting an example. But what we tell the public will be far different than what occurs, simply due to what will occur is to the everyman a bit too much."

Yolanda nodded, "I've heard that declaration before from your mother when she led the charge against your father. I know very well what that means, but are you willing to live with that taint on your name?"

"You said to have to deal with dissenters, that much is true. So, why not simply reeducate the dissenter to turn them into supports to build up our society as opposed to simply doing away with them. Only the most barbaric will be made an example of, the genuinely uncaring, unsympathetic, and abusers of power. Those who still have a chance, will be given that chance, even if their guidance at fist is a bit more hands-on."

"That's why you didn't order armed troops for us. To repurpose enemy assets has been your vision all along."

"Hey, it works, and it saves us a lot of time and money from the ministry coffers. Which given they're hunting and rooting out their sister's resistance cells back home, they'll need them. Those guys are like cockroaches, you think you've killed them, but they can live seven days without their heads and still cause damage."

"Also, it's rare I say this, but good job on negating a lot of genuine workforce lab or with automation and repurposing. I wasn't quite sure how you intended to go through with that at first. But I can't argue with your results; the same way critics can't argue with accruement on the box-office after opening night. To see your restaurants blend both robotics and human workers is nothing short of fantastic."

"I appreciate that Heidi; I really do. But, considering what will be happening in the next few weeks, I need you on battle-station detail. I've already picked out your designation on our field aligning with your traditional venue of battle, but I've given you a slight upgrade. Come with me."

Yolanda followed, and they entered out the other side of the room and came into a segment that Yolanda had no clue even existed. Sylvia turned on the lights and revealed the craft. Yolanda couldn't help it and dropped to her knees. All her years in North-Gate's service, Yolanda had dreamed of piloting the vehicle that was before her.

"I-I can't believe it!" She said, "I-I…don't know what to—"

Sylvia gently touched her shoulder, "Well, please say yes."

Yolanda got up and embraced her, "Yes, fucking yes!" Yolanda headed up to the craft, and as she made her inspection, Sylvia received a message on her implant.

"High-Commander, the first phase has been initiated, board-room level discussions will commence in a week. How should we proceed?"

Sylvia replied, "Send in Clean-Face to keep the eyes and ears open. I need to know the outcome of that meeting first and foremost, the key points, and the primary people with enough power to even speak."

"Understood. What about Stanley? He's great for a more in-depth if it needs—"

"No, we don't need in-depth; we need exfoliant elements with this kind of thing. Send Stanley in but under the silver referral. He's done good planting roots here; I want to make the most of those with that vanilla-pudding he's fond of."

"Of course, Commander. Anything else?"

"Until we hear back from Berlin, nothing yet. Also, when you hear the verdict, simply tell me Protein for yes, and Synthetic for no."

"Understood, ma'am. That's all I have to report."

"Very good, remember the rotation, report in every half-past twelve integers. Pass it on to Lenny, and we'll move on from there."

Sylvia disconnected and, looking at the craft before her as Yolanda continued to marvel over it, she thought back on the operation she'd had implemented in the Spanish countryside earlier in the morning. However, the operation was shining success; however, Sylvia wondered if the transition for what would transpire in Berlin would be enough. It's why she'd agreed to Stanley's presence; it was simply an insurance element to enact should the need arise. However, she wouldn't know until the day before the meeting if her gamble had been in vain.

Reaching into her pocket, Sylvia took out a vial of black liquid that had shining particles within it. She knew the power she held in her hand very well, her genuine secret weapon for what would come, but she knew better than to use it at any phase at present. Some things needed to be taken care of, and for that to happen, she knew she couldn't rely on Yolanda for such a delicate task.

Placing the vial back in her pocket, she thought, "I need to be sure of my tests first, however. It'd be a damn shame to come this far in making it only to have it go tits up at the finish line."

In the early morning, Aelita was disturbed by a clattering sound nearby; she whirled suddenly and turned on a flashlight. She saw Amelia shield her eyes as she lay down.

"For goodness sake, Pinkie, turn off the light." She whispered harshly.

Aelita turned off the light and looked at the clock; it was 4:30 in the morning. She whispered harshly, "Where have you been?! You got up around midnight and were gone until now. What the fuck happened?"

"First time I hear you using profanity in context, princess." Amelia replied as she pressed a bag of ice against her eye, "To answer your question, I was out making some relatively easy money. That's all. I can fight, so I put those skills to the test in the knacker's yard. It's a lot easier than applying for grants and all other shit that you told Odd to apply for; more fun too."

"You went for a fight at the slaughterhouse? What the hell, Amelia?! If you get busted, don't come to me."

"Ah, shuddup." She said a little bit quieter, "There's two people in life, Pinkie, the fighters, and the eggheads. I know how to speak with my fists; you speak with your brain keeping him from destroying the world if he has a bad day on a test."

"Oh, cute," Aelita replied.

"Hey, hold out your hand."

Aelita did so, and she felt the telltale texture of Euros in her hand, "Keep your big bazoo shut, and you'll continue to get a sentinel's cut." Amelia replied.

Aelita could see the notes in her hand, four hundred dollars total. She was amazed that this was won in a night. Aelita put the money in her small coin purse, and Amelia said, "Hey, you're complicit Pinkie. If I go, you go."

Aelita nodded, "I'm versed in law, Milly."

Amelia nodded as she applied the ice to her eye, "Good to hear."

"Oh, heads up, Jim's inspecting in two hours. Can you hide that shiner convincingly enough?"

"It just means sleeping on my right side is all. Thanks for the FYI. Best get some sleep while I can."

Amelia was heard to turn over, and a gentle hiss was heard as Aelita knew she was truly in pain. But wanting to keep it somewhat bearable, Aelita asked, "How did you do?"

"I won, and that's all that matters, Pinkie. Now, let me get some sleep, 'kay?"

Aelita nodded and turned over, her back to Amelia, and she closed her eyes, but Amelia's voice spoke softly, "Thanks for asking, though."

Aelita smiled to herself and gently pulled her lighter comforter over herself.

In the morning proper, as the sun truly peered through the window, Aelita woke fully while Amelia groaned at the light's growing power as the next few minutes passed. Now that it was light, Aelita had a chance to see the damage her roommate had done to herself the night prior. As she looked at her, it was true that she was given a true shiner, but the pack had definitely helped what was likely massive swelling at the time.

Aelita gently said, "Hey, Ame, Kadic frowns upon violence, you know that, right?"

"Not truly concerned," she replied, "Mercier's stances are a touch different, and since both you and I are under the Kadic roof in extension only, I don't have to worry about such petty trivialities as much. Besides, It's easier to hide with makeup." She got up and, taking Aelita's compact, looked at her eye, "Yeah, totally doable."

Aelita was surprised as Amelia handed the compact back, "How can you be so nonchalant about this kind of thing?"

"I'm just used to it, Pinkie, that's all. Anyway, I have a match or two tonight anyway. The pot's 3,000, and I fully intend on winning it."

Aelita smiled, admiring Amelia's determination, if only slightly, "Three-thousand. Who sponsors the fight?"

"Oh, a few venture capitalists for the underground. It's good money, high stakes of injury, but good money. I've made a few acquaintances there already, so I consider it progress, you know?"

"Can I—come to watch?" Aelita asked. "I mean, if you're participate—"

"No, Pinkie, just no. It's not your crowd for one and two; it's a place where you can easily be nabbed. I don't want your vanishing on my conscience."

"What about you? You stand—"

"I'm sponsored, Pinkie. I've got a good deal of protection from a few of my dad's friends from Japan and Germany. They've got their profits riding on it. So, yeah, I have the protection you wouldn't have. But, Daddy's friends from Vision Optic record the events for posterity. Would you like me to get you a smart disk copy?"

Aelita nodded and she said, "I'd greatly appreciate it. I really want to see how you fight, not spar."

Amelia grinned, "Got a plan for me, Pinkie? You didn't show much vested interest before."

"Hey, as Odd would say, 'I may not understand your hustle; I won't disrespect it because I don't get it.' Besides, if it makes you money and gives you the life you like, who am I to complain?"

Amelia chuckled, "Yeah, Pinkie, sure. But my pleasure is bought by pummeling other girls into pulps, even sometimes older teen guys. So, let me ask you, even though I have this thuggish ability and exterior to match, does it make my actions any more justified to wreck lives just because it lines my pockets?"

Aelita got up and stretched, "Those people are throwing their hats in that ring, same as you, risking the same as you. I think morality went out the window when they agreed to do that kind of thing."

Amelia looked at her and, chuckling a bit more, replied, "Okay, sweet-cheeks, if that's how you see it."

"Why do you fight then if it, on some level, bothers you?" Aelita asked as she gathered her towel and soap for the shower, "I'm just curious."

"Hey, Aelita, we all have to get our start somewhere. Usually, that means for a lot of us, cutting our teeth on nere-do-wells like ourselves who are just as thirsty and vying for the same cash as we do. Is it 'easy money,' as I've heard some cocky shits say? No, there's no such thing as easy money; no such thing as a free lunch, either. Why do I take my risks? Because life is made of risks, and you either do or you don't. Either way, I'd rather try and live life to its fullest, and if that means being a stronger person faster on the jab and cross, so be it."

Aelita nodded, "Are you happy doing this? Fighting, I mean?"

"Eh," Amelia shrugged, and she opened the window. Taking a cigarette from a stashed pack near the foot of her bed, she lit up and blew the smoke downwind to the east, "I don't want to fight my whole life if that's what you mean. But so long as I have the strength in my fists and quickness in my feet, why not make the most of them while I can? Besides, my uncle, Joey, is keen to hire me on as an apprentice for his plumbing and shop assistant at the body shop back home. This fighting phase is just to help me pass the time while I'm here. Also, the money will help; invest in the proper tools when those opportunities come along, I'll be prepared out the door. If there's common factors of employment, it's cars needing work, and pipes needing to be snaked, jigged, or replaced."

Aelita smelled the smoke, and of all things, she found the smoke delightful. However, she'd more than been warned about smoking from Jeremy, so she knew what to expect. But still, she couldn't deny the sensation she got from the smoke itself. Sweet but smokey. Dare she think it? It was invigorating.

Aelita thought a moment and asked, "Something occurred to me, Ame. If your uncle is keen on your apprenticeship why are you saving up for tools? Wouldn't he give them to you, you know, starting out?"

"My Uncle's an old fuck. He believes accordingly, let's put it like that. If you're interested in the details, we can talk about it over breakfast. Meantime, I'm gonna' get showered up and contemplate my life upon reflection, in the words of Kierkegaard."

"You're such a guy sometimes in your frankness it's actually kinda' funny." Aelita said with a smile.

"Yeah? So is a boy named Sue. Anyway, I'll see you in a bit."

Amelia headed out with a towel and a small bottle of soap, and as Aelita stood in the room alone, she thought, "What a strange girl. At the same time, her humor is growing on me."

In his room, Jeremy was reviewing the various elements of Lyoko. As he wished to trust Odd in his testimony about Sylvia, Jeremy figured it was the least he owed to his friend to look over the scans they were able to get in-depth. However, as he looked at the modifications captured by the analysis scanners, he wasn't comforted in the slightest. Looking at the breakdown of the code in accordance with what he and Aelita could put together for the system, the code that Sylvia's programmers had given to the monsters of Lyoko was uniquely foreign, and as he looked further, throughout the night, he was very much disconcerted, borderline scared.

Jeremy saw amalgamations and deliberate alterations in the code that were far beyond what he'd been exposed to. Considering what XANA was, that was saying quite a bit. He knew some basics of what was being applied. But even he was struggling to fully come to terms with what was displayed in the monsters' codes. It was entirely revolutionary; in many ways, the programming and subroutines that had been integrated into Lyoko's already complex code, were radically advanced even years ahead of their time.

Jeremy looked behind him, seeing Alfonse still asleep in his bed. Deciding to stop for the day, he saved his progress. He took his phone and texted Aelita, "Meet me at Breakfast. We have a lot to talk about. Your sister's been really busy."

At breakfast, Aelita got her food and, sitting with Jeremy, asked, "What's going on, Jeremy?"

Jeremy looked at her, "Here's what we're dealing with. North-Gate is far more militarized than I think XANA ever was. Even if it's not, it's filled his shoes quickly enough. I had time to break down the code into select categories due to the search algorithms compared to data I gleaned from XANA through our time fighting him.

Sylvia's made augmentations that are profoundly advanced Aelita. We thought those modifications she made were more than surface level; we were right. The Kranks are made physically weak, but their weapons are insanely powerful, and from what I can tell, there are other functions in them as well that are being integrated and likely are by now. Integrations to allow for more steadfast and easier command allowances.

We know that a lot of the monsters of Lyoko are derived on some level from animals, specifically insects, mollusks, and crustaceans. Sylvia took that concept a bit more literally and gave them genuine feral elements that allowed them to be weaker or more robust in terms of health. This flux is compensated by augmenting their weaponry across the board."

Aelita nodded, "Continue."

"We're looking at autonomous, even regenerating units both of themselves and their allies. The sad reality is this: Sylvia's made an army of beasts built for long-term sustainability, she'll fight us until we exhaust and move in for the kill. That's just from the Kranks and Tarantulas alone; I don't know what else is in store for us."

Aelita nodded, "She's truly been watching us and even making up for her predecessor's weaknesses. And what about Franken-Clank?"

"Him, I don't know. That's what scares me. I know he has a high armor element to him, that's not disputed, but until we face him in actual combat, we won't know his strengths or how they play a role. For right now, as you and I agreed, it'd be best to stick to reconnaissance right now. We'll be sure of direct and quick routes to key sectors.

Thankfully, the tower locations haven't changed, but their interior is unknown as far as what's inside. It doesn't seem too much has changed on the surface, but that's yet to be confirmed internally. I don't want to send you into one until I know what we're dealing with."

Aelita put her hand on Jeremy's, seeing the concern on his face, "Jeremy, you're going to have to send us in to get an idea of what's inside at some point. You can launch scans, but you can't get into the tower with our duplicator bots. Even before they were in Sylvia's possession, I can tell you the towers had a negation feature that had to be accessed through avatar only. It's a default failsafe. It was XANA's weapon before you installed the element that negated his entry.

But you raise valid points. If this is what we're seeing, we'd have to make small duplicates to train against, and it's as simple as that. Thankfully, we have the training room nearly set up, and so we can make the most of its use. How long did that take you to make anyway?"

"The foundation was there in the tower program itself. I duplicated the tower and simply added levels to the tower to test our various tactics. Odd would like that it's a lot like a videogame that way, but this is far more tangible than that.

I must give Sylvia credit; she made the elements of Lyoko and, by consequence, our training center highly realistic. However, the training center will have to undergo regular maintenance and update checks because if we're behind, North-Gate's sensors will notice an unofficial download of fixes.

I've noticed there's a lot of power in the North-Gate element, but they've been through quite a few restructures due to baseline energy resets and then eventual spikes. So, logically, their energy is closely monitored. Sadly, we'll have to blend in. That said, whatever changes come in will tell us just how closely Sylvia is watching us, as well as what she's doing that, she doesn't tell us directly."

"I'd caution you, Jeremy. Skim too much, and Sylvia would be onto us, and her retaliation would be, in all likelihood, catastrophic."

"I'm aware, which is why I say, we'd have to keep an eye on her updates which thankfully they share a united key three digits in repetition, so I know what to look for in my scans, it's an easy part for now. That said, getting access codes for operation, it's far more difficult. So, we won't cross that bridge until reconnaissance is completed. That way, I'll have time to figure out just how to do what we need to should a crisis arise."

Aelita nodded, "Also, it's good to note this progress; it is. Remember that Ulrich has a luncheon today with Sylvia. Whatever he hears, he'll report back. He can't have an open mic because even I consider that Sylvia can jam the signal if she finds it's transmitting, and it can get worse easily from there. So, he'll have to report verbally what's going on. Equally, given what's happened to Yumi, I know Ulrich won't join Sylvia.

Despite her pretenses, Ulrich knows you can't trust her; he says so himself. That said, I don't know what tricks of persuasion she has up her sleeve."

"Speaking of—how's Yumi doing?"

"She's going through some homeschooling until Akiko says different. In a way, I think she's happy. I mean, it gives her a bit of time to fully process everything that's gone on lately. But, I can tell she wants to come back to help us. But with her clone running about, we can't trust Sylvia won't pull a three-card Monte last minute. I mean, it's—" she stopped. A thought had occurred to her, and it wasn't at all comforting.

She took out her phone and texted Ulrich a question.

"We'll know if my suspicions are correct soon. I pray they aren't."

"What are your suspicions?" Jeremy asked.

Aelita extended a finger, gesturing to wait a moment as she ate her breakfast. Soon her phone vibrated, and she looked at it. Her eyes went wide, and she handed Jeremy the phone.

The texts read, "Ulrich, when was the last time you made love to Yumi?"

"Uh, just after the Mercier transfer before Sylvia went Independence Day on the place, why?"

Jeremy looked stunned at Aelita, and she nervously nodded. He handed the phone back, and for the first time, Aelita could see him becoming truly angry, "That twisted bitch." He said to himself, his harsh whisper becoming more pronounced, "Th-that sick twisted bitch!"

Amelia, who was passing, asked, "What the hell, Brain? Someone piss in your cornflakes this morning?"

Aelita raised her hand gently, "Ame, not right now, okay?"

Amelia shrugged and sat beside Jeremy across from Aelita, "Oatmeal, Pinkie. It's not bad, but where be the berries? For Oatmeal devoid of berries, does not a full breakfast make."

Jeremy looked at Amelia and asked, "Hey, Nosferatu, let me ask a question. Are you genuinely oblivious to people telling you to take it easy, or do you not give a damn?"

Amelia chuckled, "Nosferatu? Jeremy, honey, you need to update your insult dossier. Of course, I am rather pasty and thin. I read the newspaper every day; I'm a silent predator of the night having rare steak for victory dinner; I prefer my plasma TVs to be made with real plasma confiscated from the peasants via the blood tithe; yeah, I get your point. But equally, it's not that I don't give a damn, but muck like Pinkie, don't be so serious all the time. I finally was able to get her off the Sylvia rage train, don't undo my work, 'kay?"

Aelita nodded, "Jeremy, apologize to her, please? Just because our friend pissed you off, it's no reason to snap at a girl who can turn you into a fine powder."

Jeremy sighed, "I'm sorry, Milly, it was uncalled for. It's just we're going through some shit right now, and I wasn't in the mood."

"Hey, you had an outburst; it happens. So, Pinkie, do you like Planet of the Apes?"

"Eh, it's okay, honestly. It's kinda' campy, but it works. I mean, the monkey suits were so genuinely of the time it was like, "Wow, practical effects came so far."

As the girls continued to continue in their discussion, Jeremy thought, "So, you've achieved physical form, have you? You're a cunning jackass, and it's for that, I would only trust you to act much akin to your brother, out of your own self-interest. Marabunta, yeah, your brother feared me for that. Maybe I should give you a reality check."

A tap was felt on his shoulder, "Hey, Heathcliff, chill out with the brooding." Amelia replied.

Jeremy looked at Aelita, and she winked at him with a smile, "Yeah, chill out, Jeremy."

Jeremy sighed, "Oh, very well."

The time for lunch came, and Ulrich met Odd outside Otavo's,a lovely independent Italian bread and sandwich shop, and as he met him, he saw Odd was a great deal more cleaned up than usual. He was wearing navy blue cut blue-jeans and a black shirt. His hair was cut and combed back; his shoes were Ralph-Lauren Runners with black socks. He was so surprised by this change, this uniformed but professional look that Ulrich had to pinch himself to ensure he wasn't dreaming. It wasn't that Odd was a sloppy dresser, far from it. But he was far more uniform than he'd ever been.

He approached and said, "Uh, nice duds, man. Seriously what's with the new clothes?"

"Hey, I'm experimenting with my look. Besides, this works for me. Clean and neat. Come on, Sylvia's inside."

"Hold on, Odd." He put his hands on his friend's shoulder, "Before I go in, I know you have come to like Sylvia. I'll hear what she has to say but let me understand something first. Why are you so head over heels, it seems, with her view? Tell me in your own words before I head inside?"

Odd sighed out of slight vexation, "I told you. But to save time, it's because she's got a lot of good selling points. Work is worth the effort. That effort is rewarded, and your worth is recognized due to your merits. Equally, your merits are used to justify that you may have power, but you must learn that power is not to be wielded over others but to help them. That's why Sylvia appeals to me. Does that help you?"

"So, what, you go to her for your validation? Are you that insecure, Odd?"

"It's not validation, for goodness sake!" He sighed, "Just—you've heard my reason, take it or leave it, and there the matter rests." He went to the door, and it opened automatically, "Are you coming?"

Ulrich thought, "Oh, Odd, you poor soul. But for you, I'll listen to what will be said." But he said physically, "Ready as I can be."

He passed through the doors, and the sandwich shop was so inviting in its aroma, and Odd led him back to where he saw a young teenager. She was a little bit older looking than Yumi but not by much. She was beautiful, though. She was around Yumi's height, but her hair was flowing with gentle curl down to her mid-back, a natural towhead. Her eyes were of a gorgeous sea-green, and her complexion was fair and without blemish. She was dressed linen so white it hurt Ulrich's eyes to look at it. Her hands were long and thin; her nails elegantly and painstakingly polished in clear gloss. Her forehead was high, and she had thin lips and nostrils and a high nose. Brynja came to mind, but Ulrich admitted, looking like six-day-old roses compared to the young woman before him

She stood up and extended her hand, "Herr Stern, so good to meet you at last. I am Sylvia-Anna."

Ulrich was mystified. This was not the arrogant person he had all but experienced secondhand through Aelita and Jeremy. This girl was different; she was gentle and yet professional. She had this aura to him that made him at ease. She was clean-cut and organized, and when he looked into her eyes, he noticed a look that concealed but not out of deviousness, out of necessity. Was this indeed the Machiavellian monster Aelita had described? Ulrich certainly wasn't feeling that from her.

"Please, Herr Stern, we don't have much time." Sylvia said gently, "May we please get to business?"

He sat down across from her with Odd to his right in the booth. Sylvia snapped her fingers twice, and a young busboy came up, "A glass of lemon water for me, please, Johann, and a drink of Leo's Necter for the gentlemen."

She looked at Ulrich, her eyes slowly but very naturally undoing his anger and suspicion, "Now, what shall we talk about?"