Epilogue
Chapter Eleven: Unordered Chaos
Ohhh, was this first conversation fun to write! Anyhow, read, review, you know the drill. The Fixed Idea doggies come after you if you don't review. You canine crackpots! That's not Cybersix! ^_^
Mikae?! Mikae Krubens- what the heck are you doing in Adrian's apartment? Lucas stared at the intruding teenager, slack jawed.
Yeesh, Mr. Amato, Mikae grumbled as she stood up, Close your mouth, it's not a big deal-
I think it's a pretty big deal, Mikae! You're at a teacher's apartment, at night, with no lights on! How do you think THAT looks?
Cybersix stopped rubbing her temples for a moment. Oh nuts, I hadn't even thought of that...
Mikae didn't seem to care, and only became more infuriated. I wasn't doing anything, I was watching the freaking television! And Mr. Seidelman's not even HERE, how the heck could we have POSSIBLY done anything? Go check, will you, the phone's on the hook and Mr. Seidelman doesn't even HAVE a computer.
Hey, I meant to get one...
That doesn't MATTER, Mikae, it's the public image that counts! Adrian could get fired!
Not if you don't TELL ANYONE. Nothing was going to happen anyway, I'm not a whore like Lori Anderson!
Dead silence filled the room.
Mikae collapsed on the couch as she realized what she'd just said. Shit... shit, I'm sorry, I didn't... I didn't think...
Cybersix said quietly, No, you didn't. She sat down beside Mikae and rested a hand on her shoulder. Everyone's bound to slip up sometime, but there's no use kicking a dead girl, Mikae.
I didn't mean to! Mikae turned around, eyes flashing with tears and frustration. I didn't mean to say it like that! Look, my friend Jeremy's missing too, okay? It's not like I'm totally clueless, you know!
Lucas rested against the wall, looking extremely tired. We didn't say you were, Mikae, but...
This isn't even about me being here. I wanted to make sure Mr. Seidelman was okay. My mom told me to come over here, it wasn't my idea.
A frown. How did you get in?
Cybersix gave Lucas a Don't-Go-There look, but it didn't get through. Lucas continued waiting for an answer, and Mikae replied as simply as she could. Through a window.
But- we're on the fifth floor- you couldn't have...
Yes, she could have, Lucas, and she probably did.
Lucas eyed her warily. You know something about this, don't you?
I do, but if I wanted to tell you the story, it would take too long. Cybersix turned back to Mikae, and sensed that there was something more than making sure Mr. Seidelman was okay. She poked Mikae's shoulder softly. You've got something else to say, don't you?
Yeah, I do. She looked up. And it's really important. I was going to look for you after I checked on Mr. Seidelman for Mom, but since you're here... Mikae nodded and proceeded to ignore Lucas for a moment. Look, you know how really bad it is out there. Well, I was out scouting - I'm okay, don't worry, she said quickly, noticing the concerned look on her friend's face. But I found a group of people hiding, and they freaked out big time when I jumped down in front of them. Anyway, turns out they were Technos.
Technos? And they didn't have guns?
Well, two of them did, but they didn't look too thrilled. They were mostly women and a couple of kids. Anyway, turns out they were running away. José had an underground shelter built for some prisoners, but it was never used. Von Reichter favored the camps, apparently.
I don't understand, where do I come into this?
They were running to the shelter. José's never going to use it, and they want to hide out there until they can get out of the city. And after I explained that I was a friend of yours - well they kind of went insane. You're really popular with the rebels, you know. So... they want you to come help out.
Cybersix sighed and leaned back on the couch. Everyone does, or at least they need it. Lucas got himself shot-
-I believe YOU were the one carrying me.
-yes, well... Julian and Ikiko are kidnapped and in a camp somewhere, Data 7 is still looking for them, and I have no idea where Miao is...
Mikae blinked. Refresh my CyberX-1 memory, please?
Julian's the cute little urchin, Ikiko is Miao's sister. You KNOW Data 7, and... Oh right. Yashimoto Miao is the detective who found- well, YOU know.
Mikae nodded. Oh, right. She glanced to her left, as a means of indicating Lucas and leaned closer to Cybersix, keeping her voice low. He doesn't know?
And he's friends with Adrian.
Mikae flung herself backwards against a pillow, laughing loudly. I don't believe it! I just don't believe it!
Cybersix cautioned, it isn't a funny matter.
No, of course not... But she calmed down slightly, a smirk still on her face. All right, so will you help us? They're waiting down there for you now.
Cybersix stood up and stretched slightly, considering the alternatives. That should be my last action; to get people out of the city. I've got to find Data 7 and the kids first, then check in with Yashimoto. They'll join you in the shelter, and I'll come help out then. Do you have a map?
You won't need one. It's in the bombed out building with the holes.
Lucas blinked. How is she supposed to find it? There's hundreds of buildings like that.
Mikae rolled her eyes at Cybersix, as if to say, You see what I mean? She pulled a wrinkled piece of paper from her boot. Here, that's a map. You start from the angel statue.
Cybersix nodded, though not appreciating the joke at Lucas' expense. Thanks, Mikae. I'll try to let you know when I'll be there. In the meantime... take Lucas with you.
Wince. No, look. I can't watch over Lucas in my place, I can't leave him here without inconveniencing Adrian, and I can't let him go out being the hero like this. Take him with you.
Lucas crossed the room quickly. Cybersix, I can take care of myself-
No arguing with me, Lucas. I know you're capable but I need to be sure.
Dammit, Lucas, don't do this to me!
Lucas simply stared at her, surprised at the outburst of caring. After a few moments of studying the confused expression she wore, he nodded weakly. All right, Cybersix... if it helps you.
Mikae groaned and shrugged in defeat. You go out first, Lucas, I'll catch up in a sec. As Lucas headed out the door, Mikae crossed her arms and gave Cybersix a heavy Look. Why do you bother with him? This Yashimoto guy sounds so much... smarter.
Cybersix shook her head and smiled. You'd understand if you were in my position, Mikae.
Well, I'm not. So tell me anyway.
...The difference, Mikae, is that Lucas wants me to love him because he loves me. He'd go anywhere for me and I know it.
said Mikae.
Cybersix laughed. Go catch him, Mikae.
You know what, you can have him. And, with a wink, she ran out the door after Lucas.
Yeah, well... maybe someday I will, CyberX-1.
