Epilogue
Chapter Sixteen: King In Check
Took me a while, I know. And it's short. So shoot me.
No, Julian, you don't go backwards. You can only go forward diagonally till you get kinged - Ooh, hey, nice move Ikiko, but you left your last rook standing out in the open. Try again, there's a better move you can - Julian, you put those pieces back onto the board right now!
At the suspected urging of Yashimoto, Ikiko and Julian had challenged Mikae to playing two different games at once: checkers and chess. She was now constantly on the move; though her quick mind and eyesight found all possible moves and the best one in roughly five seconds, Julian insisted on attempting to cheat while her head was turned. Eventually, most of the hideout inhabitants had left their rooms to see what the laughter was about. They had now formed a ring around the competitors, and called out advice between their own chuckles.
A cheer broke out suddenly at a very good (but unintentional) move by Ikiko, and no one noticed the entrance of Cybersix and Data 7, who arrived in time to hear Mikae's indignant response to the move that had put her king in check. Oh shit! she blurted, and abruptly was forced to smack Julian's hand. No touching my pieces!
Cybersix smiled. Hey Mikae - can I borrow you?
The crowd parted as Mikae stood up, grinning, pushing some hair behind her ears. in fact you can keep me. Hey, T-4053, you take over. As a blushing teenage Techno girl took her place, Mikae sauntered over to Cybersix. The group reformed its cheering circle, and Cybersix led Mikae a small way down the hall.
Your hair could use a trim, she observed.
Yeah, I know, Mikae agree, But I don't trust anyone in here to do it. So, you feeling any better?
Yes, and I want your opinion on a little something Data 7 and I cooked up.
You two cooking? That could be disastrous. Mikae ducked a swat.
Hey, come on, I'm serious.
I know, Cyb. Shoot, I'm all ears.
Cybersix reviewed the threadbare plan she and her brother had formed, emphasizing the possible dangers and difficulties a group could face. she asked when she had finished, I want to know if a CyberX thinks it could work.
Mikae tilted her head. You don't want to raise hopes until you're sure.
Well... you should go ahead and tell them. I think it's a fab idea, and in any case, worth a shot.
Cybersix smiled. You really think so?
Hell yes! Tell you what - Hey Yashi! she shouted, using her recently developed nickname. The detective made his way through the crowd. Come she added, unneccesarily.
I thought I said not to call me that, he said, smiling as he walked to her side.
Eh? What's that, sonny? Hey look, Cyb's got an idea I think you ought to hear.
Another recap, and Yashimoto was ready with an answer. Could work. All you really need are untraceable cell phones. You're in luck; I've got just what we need. My only concern is for the children. They'll be all right, won't they?
They're first on my mind, Yashimoto, Cybersix reassured him.
The only skeptical adult was Lucas. Cybersix, we can't transform a bunch of ragtag citizens into obedient troops just like that. It's not possible - and besides, not everyone will follow along with the idea as easily as Mikae has.
I know, Lucas. And I know it'll take time to transform these people enough so that we can safely get them out. She glanced at Mikae, Data 7, and Yashimoto. I think we can do it, though. So listen. Mikae, Data 7, and I will figure out the fastest and least guarded escape route. You and Yashimoto put your heads together-
Mikae snickered, but was quickly suppressed by the prick of a claw on her shoulder.
-and come up with a way to make our job easier.
You mean training the civilians.
In a nutshell, yes, Yashi, that's exactly what she means. Mikae grinned. Have fun.
And good luck. Data 7 blinked at the stares he received. What? They'll need it.
