Epilogue
Chapter Two: Keep This Quiet
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Just like every night, there was only a solitary figure on the rooftops. She was agile, slender, and almost always, attracting trouble. Tonight, however, was relatively quiet. There had been very few Fixed Ideas about, but she wasn't troubled. She'd hunted last night, after all.
Cybersix was about to turn in the cape and gloves, when a flash of white down below caught her keen vision. She stopped on the next roof and peered down over the edge, hands on the stone guard. It was a little girl, who seemed to be frightened and lost. Cybersix smiled softly, then swung over the edge, landing quietly beside the child.
The child cowered a bit, then looked up fearfully at this woman in leather. Y-y-you're Cybersix, she stammered, and fumbled in her dirty dress for something.
...well, yes...who are you? Are you lost?
N-no, not lost. I'm supposed to give you... She produced a crumpled paper and held it up triumphantly. This, I'm supposed to give you this.
Cybersix took the paper from the girl, but did not look at it. You're a Techno, aren't you?
A what? Oh, that... well, Father calls me Marie.
The word felt like a sharp elbow in the stomach. Cybersix inhaled sharply. This girl was a creation like herself, but without the free will that the Cybers had possessed. Seeing the struggle in this child tore at her heart... Imagine, to be frightened of freedom... Let me help, she suddenly offered, kneeling beside the girl. I can help you get away from him, and you wouldn't be alone.
Marie bit her bottom lip. No, I'm supposed to go now. Father said I couldn't... She turned, and took a few steps away, but Cybersix caught her wrist.
Please, Marie. I'll help you. You could be free.
No! No no no, please let me go, let me go! Don't hurt me! Tears spilled down the Techno's cheeks as she jerked at her arm, her free hand shoving at Cybersix's. Don't hurt me, Father says you're bad! I don't want to go with you!
Cybersix let go of Marie, who stumbled at the recoil, then tore off through the streets, her sobbing fading away as she went. But it echoed in Cybersix's head, and the tone of it - fearful, desperate - saddened her. I.... DAMN him. She clenched her fists and was startled at the sound of crunching paper. Looking down, she remembered the note the Techno had given her. She smoothed it out and looked with puzzlement at the equations. What is he... Realization was elusive for a moment, then she was hit with the full implications, and stumbled back against the wall, struggling to breathe. Oh God, this works, it all works... He's going to attack the town!
Calm down, calm down... Cybersix held the paper tightly. Who could possibly help her now... Who could find out what was going on right now, at this moment... she murmured. Please be home. She leaped back to the roofs, then tore madly for Yashimoto's building, half-blinded by fear.
Ikiko had been dozing on the couch for the past half hour. Her brother was hard at work in the inner office, and she had taken it upon herself to make dinner - he hadn't been interested, and so she'd peeled an orange and eaten it. Most of it. Then she'd gotten tired. But it didn't matter now. When Yashimoto worked late, she played a game, trying to see how long she could keep herself awake.
An urgent knock came on the door. Ikiko looked up, at the closed door of her brother's office. she called, but there was no answer, just the rapid typing on his keyboard. she said again, and the typing slowed. She sighed in relief, but the clicking began again, and she stomped her foot lightly. The knock came again, still soft, but more urgent. Ikiko pushed a footstool against the door and stood on tiptoe, peering through the peephole. Who's there? she called, unable to see much but sky.
Ikiko? It's me, Cybersix. Is your brother home?
Yes, hold on please! Ikiko hurriedly shoved away the footstool, unlocked the door, and pulled it open, smiling grandly. It's good to see you again! I thought you'd forgotten about us!
Cybersix laughed quietly and laid a hand on Ikiko's head. Oh, how could I do that? She closed the door behind her. Where is Yashimoto, Ikiko?
In his office. Ikiko pointed at the closed door. But I'm not allowed to go in there while he's working.
That's not a problem. I'll take full responsibility. ...Shouldn't you be in bed?
Well, you see...
You should, shouldn't you?
Yes, I guess so. Ikiko hugged Cybersix around the waist, then waved as she scampered off through the next doorway.
Cybersix smiled briefly, then crossed the room to Yashimoto's office, where she knocked once and then opened the door. Yashimoto- Oh! Books were piled on the floor, most of them phone books or reference material. This place is a mess, detective.
Yashimoto looked up tiredly from his computer, but seemed to be instantly awake. Well, I apologize, but I wasn't really expecting visitors at this hour. What brings you here again?
Cybersix handed him the paper, and waited while he studied it.
A lot of this escapes me. Are we talking about energy conversion here?
Energy conversion, and mass production of certain creatures.
Yashimoto blinked. Those big ones again?
Among other things. Von Reichter's playing with me. I think he plans to attack the city.
Yashimoto turned and began typing the paper's contents into his computer. It's certainly possible. You know the man better than I do; is that really what he's planning?
There's nothing else. Cybersix leaned heavily against the doorway. This puts everyone in a lot of danger, Yashimoto. I need to know what he's doing up on the peninsula. Can you install cameras up there, and keep me posted?
Most likely, and yes. Yashimoto turned back to look at her. But keep this quiet. If he has the creatures already made, then a mass panic would only get more people killed. You realize that.
Of course I do. It's why I'm so worried. Innocent casualties are not what I'm aiming for.
Good. Where are you off to, then?
she replied, but just a bit too quickly. Cybersix took a deep breath. Just... tell me if you notice anything that puts us in immediate trouble.
I will.
Cybersix turned and headed for the door. Thank you, Yashimoto. Tell Ikiko I said goodbye.
Yashimoto nodded, and watched Cybersix leave before slumping against the wall. The things a detective goes through for a friend... ah well. Where IS Ikiko? -she's actually in bed! Thank you, Cybersix!
Cybersix was not, however, headed home. A slight detour landed her outside of Lucas' window, and she slid open the shutters, stepping inside. she called softly.
He looked out from the very cramped kitchen, where he had been in the middle of a midnight snack - and The Late Show with David Letterman. Cybersix! Um... what do you need?
She smiled gently at him. Just making sure you're all right. Can you do me a favor?
Of course... what is it? He rubbed the back of his neck, slightly confused.
Please be careful, Lucas. Don't go looking for trouble.
He chuckled. I don't usually look for trouble. Trouble finds me pretty easily. Guess it works by association.
I'm not joking. Please, don't do anything dangerous, Lucas. Promise me you'll be careful?
Yeah, sure, Cybersix. Lucas crossed his arms. I'll be fine, though. You've got nothing to worry about.
For all our sakes, Lucas, I wish that was so. Thank you, my friend, Cybersix sighed, and turned, leaping out the open window.
Lucas stepped over and closed it. You be careful, Cybersix... you're in the line of whatever fire this is more than I am.
