Dangerous Intelligence
Chapter Four: Both Sides Now
The title is a Joni Mitchell song. But it has nothing to do with the story. Go figure. The point is...oh, you'll see when you finish reading this chapter. I'm still not quite sure what the heck you call those normal looking creations of Von Reichter, but I've heard them called Types, so....you know, don't nitpick on me for that. Just tell me if I'm wrong and I'll change it.
Cybersix opened her closet, dreading the meeting with James. She took as long as she could to dress, going over the angle of her hat too many times to count. Eventually, she made herself realize that she would have to face him sooner or later, and she might as well make it sooner-because later might be too late.
She'd tossed the stolen weaponry into a duffel bag, too terrified to touch it. After all, as Lucas had said, fistfights WERE fair for the most part, and that happened to be the reason Cybersix had never used a gun. Easily holding the duffel in her left hand, she opened the balcony doors and leaped out into the night.
James was waiting for her, leaning against a pile of crates. Nice to see you decided to show up, he commented dryly.
Cybersix made no reply and threw the bag at his feet, relieved to be rid of the weight (literally and figuratively), but still concerned for his motives.
James unzipped the duffel and dug through the stolen merchandise, his smile growing wider with every gun he took out. This is amazing....you could be a great thief, you know that? Full time, I mean...GEEZ, look at this one! Street sweeper... teargas launcher... Do you know what this one DOES?
snapped Cybersix, and I don't really care to know, thank you.
He looked up, slightly confused. Oh, you don't like guns, do you?
James laughed, half to himself, and closed the duffel. Well, don't worry about these. He lifted the bag and swung it onto his left shoulder, the strap catching on his sleeve and yanking it up.
Cybersix looked at James' arm, then at his face. Her expression was one of complete shock and bewilderment.
He quickly pulled the sleeve down, looking embarrassed and afraid.
Cybersix shook her head. You're a Type.
Why haven't you reported me to José? Are you just pulling me around for the FUN of it?
James rubbed the back of his neck. The answer to your first question..I haven't because I'm not in the ranks of that brat. I'm supposed to report only to Von Reichter. As to your second question...yes, I am.
Cybersix crossed her arms. Then why haven't you reported me to him? She spat out the word with hatred.
Well...I was supposed to find out your day identity for him, but...he'd just want to kill-or reformat-you. So I thought I'd let him think I hadn't found you yet, and just have a little fun. I wasn't going to do anything much more drastic, and you won't have to touch a gun again.
Well, thank you so much.
So...what are you going to do now? If you go tell Von Reichter, there's nothing in it for you. Even if I am punished, he'll still be able to get your identity from me. And if he can, he'll capture you while you're there. And there's still the matter of my telling the world about you.
Cybersix sighed in exasperation, knowing full well that she was trapped, either way she turned. James was right, and there was nothing-NOTHING she could do about it. The only possible way for her to escape blackmail and/or capture would be if James was dead.
He smirked, almost reading her mind. He KNEW she was trapped. And he was enjoying watching her inner struggle.
Kill him? To keep myself safe. But KILL him? The only way...No. No, that would be just like Fath - Von Reichter. I won't kill him. I can't.
Cybersix lowered her eyes. All right, James. I can't go to him, and I can't hurt you. What's next?
James drew several pieces of paper from his pocket. Blueprints to the Meridiana General Bank. That's your next stop. They're getting an upgrade to security sometime soon, so you'll have to go and come back tonight. I'll wait here. But don't even think about leaving this till tomorrow. I need the money tonight.
Cybersix took the papers from his hands. You realize that I could be caught quite easily.
Well, that's a risk I have to take. The codes for the vaults are on those papers. You'd better not screw up the codes, or a silent alarm goes off.
Cybersix leaped on top of the first warehouse. I'll be back as soon as I can, assuming I'm not spotted.
I'll wait. And make SURE you're not spotted. James' eyes flashed dangerously as he ducked back into the shadows.
Cybersix shook her head. This is not good.