Epilogue
Chapter Twelve: Black Cat, Good Luck
I have very little to say about this chapter. It basically gets everyone together again (yay) and leads into the set up for a climax. So uh, hurray!
Data 7 had been pacing the alleys ever since Julian had been captured. The boat wasn't safe enough, as it could be sunk at the leisure of Von Reichter's troops. So even though it meant dodging the occasional bursts of gunfire, Data 7 was quite pleased to run through the town and sleep in whatever bombed-out building was available. His sleek muscles tired from a day's running, he slowed to a stop near the waterfront, to check on the boat.
It was exactly as he'd left it: the boxes somewhat tidied up (his efforts), the netting piled in a corner, and the door to the cabin shut. He was sure that whenever Julian got back, he wouldn't like it if his blanket or pillows had been stolen by scavengers. He padded about on deck, looking over the boat with a sad rumble in his throat. I'm sorry, Julian, he thought, I shouldn't have left you alone.
Data 7 could almost hear Julian's voice, telling him that if he'd taken the boy along, Ikiko would have been caught, or worse, because after all, it was Julian who coaxed her onto deck. Right, then. Data 7 cut off his rumble with a small, gruff bark of determination, and put his enhanced sense of smell to work. Julian's sent was gone, probably because a Fixed Idea had carried him off, so that option was out, but the stench of Fixed Ideas was everywhere. The panther wrinkled his nose as best as he could, then picked up on the scent of a Techno who had (probably) been shooting his MIL-15 like mad, because there was a hint of gunpowder beneath the general cloak of flesh and sustenance.
Cybersix smells so much better than these stinking minions, he grumbled as loped along the trail, keeping to the shadows as much as possible. Instead of that awful smell from sustenance -it's still there, but not as prominent- she's got a book smell on her. Sounds crazy, but she smells like she's just come in from a library. Then of course there's the expected blood-slash-skin smell, but instead of gunpowder, it's a hint of roses. I think it's roses, anyway. Could be lilacs. Anyway, it's probably her bath oils. Data 7 briefly wondered why he was analyzing what his sister smelled like, but shrugged it off to pure boredom. The Techno's scent was dying off, besides, and Data 7 slowed to a stop, prowling in a circle pattern inside an alley.
So, Julian. I seem to have lost your trail. How about a little help down here?
The high-pitched protests of frightened children reached his sensitive ears, and he looked toward the source, wondering. Short cries punctuated the night, and there would be a lull of talking after one. Slowly, the volume would climb again, but never too far, for another cry would silence the children almost immediately. Data 7 sank low to the ground and began to slink towards the alley's opening, keeping low and quiet. If a panther could wince, he would have, for a loud, complaining yell suddenly burst into his ears. SHUT UP AND KEEP MOVING!
José, he thought to himself, and held in an angry growl. The half-sized clone was riding atop a Fixed Idea's shoulders, and grinning, seeming very pleased with himself. The Fixed Idea marched by, and the murmuring was easier to hear now. Data 7 watched two armed Types walk past without much interest, then blinked his eyes wide open at attention. The smallish herd of children scuffled along, jabbed by the butt of a gun if they were too loud or out of step. Fixed Ideas guarded them, and Data 7 realized that he could not take on the whole group at once. Children didn't trouble the creations a whit, and Fixed Ideas weren't smart enough to care about saving innocent lives if they had a shot at a black panther. Better to hang back, he thought, and follow them. With any luck, José will lead me straight to Julian and Ikiko. Then maybe I won't feel so useless.
It was nearly morning by the time Data 7 reached the destination of his quarry. There was only one tent, and it was guarded lightly. Farther off, he could see barbed wire fences, and several stone buildings inside. Camps, probably. For the adults? Data 7 snorted, hating the reminder of Von Reichter's mindset. It's a wonder he hasn't gassed these kids. Silence came from the tent, except for the snuffling of the newly arrived.
One thing was for sure, he wasn't going to get kids out of that tent without calling unwanted attention to himself. Data 7 finely tuned his ears to the sounds of sleeping children, and waited for the silence to become unanimous. As he waited, he noted that the only guard near him was a Type. He studied the gun. USAS-12. Rapid fire shotgun. Gas operated. Used mainly for close range attacks. Large pellet spread, heavy collateral damage. Maximum rounds and clip size, twelve. DAMN. Data 7 growled. Von Reichter is serious about rounding up civilians. One slug could pass through maybe two kids. That sonofabitch. He's got to have connections EVERYwhere to get the guns he has...
The sun was beginning to peek over the horizon. Data 7 realized that if he was going to rescue Julian and Ikiko tonight, he was going to have to do it now. So, sneaking around the brush to the side of the tent, he pushed up the rough fabric with his nose and slipped in. Immediately, he was forced to sidestep a child's head and arm. His nose whiffed for the familiar scent of dirt and sea water, and was rewarded with a fresh wave. Data 7 caught sight of Julian and Ikiko, curled together on a dirty cot, and made his way through the maze of sleeping children.
He nosed Julian's arm, and lightly tugged at Ikiko's sleeve. Both awoke, blinking at the yellow eyes in front of them, and stared stupidly for a moment. Data 7's low growl of relief seemed to wake them completely, and in the silence, both children wrapped their arms about his neck. He delighted in the warmth for a moment. Julian, Ikiko, let's get you out of here.
Julian was undecided. The other kids, he whispered, You can't just leave them here...
I can come back for them later. It's too late now. My sister and Ikiko's brother would kill me if they knew I got this close to getting you out. No arguments now; get on my back, and stay low.
Ikiko smiled briefly at Julian, and hopped up onto Data 7's sleek back, her hands holding the loose fur at his shoulders. Julian followed behind her, and held on around her waist. Sorry, Ikiko, he murmured.
That's okay, she replied, and patted Data 7's head. We're ready.
Good. He sneaked out of the tent again, and bounded for the cover of Meridiana's alleys. I'll take you to sister dear. If anyone will know what to do now, she will.
You know what, Data 7? Ikiko said happily.
What?
For a black cat, you're awful good luck.
