March 3rd, 1999
Alternate Reality Part 2: I know the pieces fits Written by: Frundock

Alternate Reality concept from: Apocalypse Watcher47

March 3rd, 1999

The man is named José Von Reichter, got this information from a guard I took sustenance from. He seemed so scared just speaking the name. I went around the headquarters to look for the newly arrived commander, but I saw no new officers. A kid was standing outside the house: probably just some German aristocrat's child who wanted to see war.

I met Lucas again, the night after Adrian went to see him. He spoke to me about this kind, polite Adrian Seidelman and wanted information about him. Is he jealous? I wonder…

Tonight…

She closed the book.

The pub was quiet. People had all come in small groups and the conversations were kept in those circles. There was some beer, coffee, but no one was partying like they were only 3 months ago. Instead, there was a very tense and stressful mood in Carlos' Vaults… As if everyone was watching and listening to what the others were saying.

The TV near the bar was spouting an incredible amount of information. So much that the few people caring about them could hardly keep the pace.

"And now for today's news, let's go speak with Hans"

A blond haired guy, apparently Hans, appeared on the screen with some distortion of the feed.

"Thank you sir." Pause "Today was another great day of victory for the German's Army. The 2nd Army of Fixed Idea, led by the Von Reichter family, finally destroyed a part of the Global Government's wall of defense in Argentina. The losses are minimal and should be replaced by newly made units in no delay, thanks to the third Reich's superior technology and officers. On the other news… "

Two men, both blond haired, were listening very closely to the reporter. When he finished, the smaller took the rest of his beer while the bigger one lit another cigarette.

- "Lucas Amato! When will you stop smoking? You know it's bad for you!"

- "I'll stop when crazy shit like this stops appearing on TV, okay with that Frank?"

- "Eh! That's a deal…"

They both stopped speaking for a few seconds, realizing what they had just talked about. They knew the truth… Germany's army had been completely shredded by the Global Forces. Simply wiped out. Lucas heard rumors about the Russians doing some test with Telsa's theories on electricity. Maybe they could do the damn thing.

- "I've got to go Frank. Someone's waiting for me."

- "Hoy, no problems, see ya Amato!"

- "Bye."

- "Hope this person his worth all those cigarettes."

He was on his way, leaving the pub, when he heard that last comment. So cruel, so true, just like Frank Rabitti is, and would always be.

-"You wouldn't believe it…"

Lucas left the building and walked slowly to his apartment. He was now used to the constant sounds of war… The battlefield was not far from the city. The distant sounds of people fighting, of people dying always reminded him that he had to keep providing the allied forces with information. It had to be important… A little…

The two officers were waiting in the lobby with the report of today's losses. The old city hall of Meridiana was now headquarters for the German forces. The tallest, named Mikel Früder was the one in charge of the southern assault on what was now called the "Wall of terror" among the regular troops. He was with Hans, who was supposed to bring some new information to the new commander. Both had never seen or spoken with him, but the rumors were enough to make them uncomfortable.

- "I head that the new commander is a child…"

- "Yah, heard the same thing, but how could that be?"

- "Don't ask me… But I don't see myself reporting my defeat to a stupid child who doesn't understand a bit about strategy."

- "So true…"

At that moment, two huge Fixed Ideas opened the door. They must have been 2.5 meters high, and so strong… Both officers rose and stood still…

- "Officer Früder reporting commander."

A high voice came from behind the Fixed Ideas, from the shadows. A little child emerged from that place. An angry look on his face, he went between the Fixed Ideas and looked at the two officers for a few seconds.

- "Are you stupid officer?"

Strange question from a child! What does he want to receive for an answer?

- "No commander!"

- "Then why do you think high command would put two dumb Fixed Ideas in charge?"

- "I…I…I was mistaken sir! I hadn't thought you would be the commander…"

- "And why is that? Officer… Früder."

- "Well sir, you look like an 8 years old child…"

- "How perspicacious of you…"

- "Thank you sir!"

This had to be the strangest moment he had ever lived. The little man looked at him. He seemed so evil, so dangerous. It was as if he was containing his anger, and was ready to explode and kill anyone in the room.

- "Alright Früder, give me the report on the south fight."

- "Sir, we made no progress. The wall is well guarded and they are using some strange technology against us. When soldiers go near the wall, they are hit by electric charges and die. I lost 400 men and more then 2 000 Fixed Ideas in the fight."

- "No progress then?"

- "No sir, I'm sorry, we…"

- "Enough!!! Fixed Idea 345.C?"

The huge Fixed Idea on the left answered. A brute voice, ready to do anything he is ordered to. The Perfect Soldier.

- "Yes Sir Von Reichter?"

- "R-Rei-Reichter ?!?!"

- "Kill this man now! I'm tired of him."

- "Yes Sir!"

Fixed Idea 345.C grabbed the commander, who started yelling, and went with him behind the old city hall. Hans, who is still standing, is sweating. Now the boy is looking at him. Such an evil look in his eyes…

- "Now for you! Do you have good news for me?"

- "Yes sir! Our service has located an informant of the Global Government in the city."

- "Ahhh ! And who is it?"

- "A man named Lucas Amato…"

TO : GG02

FROM : A.I.A.

FOR YOUR EYES ONLY – DESTROY AFTER READING –

REPORT FROM MERIDIANA INDICATES GROWING NUMBER OF TROOPS. SOURCE REPORT TO BE SAFE. SOUTH WALL OFFICER WAS KILLED. NEW COMMANDER OF AMERICAN FRONT. ATTACKS ON THE SOUTH WALL HAVE STOPPED. ORIGIN OF ORDER IS UNKNOWN.

APARNET PASSWORD WILL CHANGE AGAIN. CONTACT SERVICE A/33 FOR YOUR NEW PASSWORD.

END OF TRANSMISSION

His diet was still terrible… Never had Cybersix seen someone eat burritos for dinner and then eat a whole carton of ice cream. She was visiting him as Adrian. She wanted to know more about this intriguing man who was working so hard and long.

- "You know Lucas, I was thinking about getting an apartment in the neighborhood. Would you had some places to recommend?"

- "Well, if you go look on road Zenobie, there's an old building, and the lady has some nice rooms for a decent price. I lived there for a few months about two years ago. What does you current apartment have?"

- "I found it too near the German troops. I would like to find a quieter place…"

- "Ah! Well, can't find much of a quiet place in a city engaged in war, but still, it should be nice there."

- "Thank you…"

Lucas on his part, wanted to know more about Cybersix. He was sure Adrian wasn't telling him everything and he wanted more. This tiny guy sure didn't talk much about himself…

- "Adrian, can you answer me something?"

- "Sure! Just ask."

- "Well, I was wondering… Does Cybersix use sustenance like the German Fixed Idea troops?"

The reaction of Adrian surprised him, for he seemed very nervous for a moment. Did he touch a delicate subject? Sustenance was well known around the world. After all, 75% of the German's troops were man made creations, and this information had leaked out soon after they started to be involved in battles. Maybe…

- "Relax Adrian! I know she's not from the Germans! I just want to know a little about her…"

- "Well… Yes she needs sustenance, and it's kind of hard to get in these hard times."

- "Well, maybe I could help on that…"

- "H…How?"

- "Well, I often wander around the ships to gather information. Taking a box of sustenance wouldn't be too hard."

- "Well… That would be great, but I'm not sure she would want to see you risk your life for her."

- "Nah, don't worry, I never got caught there…"

- "Well…"

- "I'll do it for free buddy! All I want is to meet her again…"

Why is he insisting so much? Adrian went to the window, thinking about what to answer. A wrong answer would reveal her secret to Lucas Amato, and she didn't want that, not yet, at least.

- "I'll speak with her about that Lucas…"

- "Great ! Hum, by the way, are you eating your last burritos?"

- "Didn't you just eat ice cream?

- "Yeah. So?"

- "Arggghhh!"

She could not believe a man could have such a strong stomach, but he did eat all of it. He was sitting on the couch when she noticed that a truck loaded with soldiers was stopping in front of the building.

- "Lucas…"

- "What?"

- "The Germans are coming here I think."

- "WHAT?"

Hans Piperfelt was looking at the soldiers: they were preparing to enter the building. This mission had been given to him by José Von Reichter himself. It was an honor, and it deserved to be done successfully.

- "Everyone, listen to me. This mission is simple, capture a man named Lucas Amato, and maybe anyone else in there alive. They must be brought to the commander for interrogation. Are you ready?"

- "Yes Sir!"

- "Let's go then!"