Epilogue
Chapter Seventeen: No Running

Look, another chapter! Weeee! Only two more after this! (I might have lied about that, but I'm still making up my mind.)

Lucas had been right, things wouldn't come together overnight. In fact, it was almost three weeks before any sort of order could be perfected. Cybersix didn't mind the wait, however, as she was extremely busy finding walkable escape routes. Not that she was the only one; Mikae and Data 7 had been trying (without success) to get a system of checkpoints along the route established. The idea was to have several persons at each checkpoint, a few holding silenced weapons to cover the escaping group. However, as the route kept changing, both CyberX and Data were constantly frustrated.
T-9552, an aged Techno, had previously had access to mapouts of the watchtowers. During a strategy session with Cybersix, he had designated the natures of each watchtower: which had spotlights, which patterns those lights followed, which had sniper rifles, and which had nightvision rifles. What you'll want to do, he explained, is get as far from the NVRs as you can. They've got a pretty good range, and they only shoot if they're sure you'll drop dead instantly. There'll be absolutely no running from those, at least not once they shoot you. It's easier to walk around the spotlights. The regular sniper rifles won't be a problem unless one of you gets caught in the light. All hell'll break loose then.

He had replied, Originally there were supposed to be Types in the watchtowers with spotlights, but José did some rearranging of his father's plans. He trained a group of the smarter' FIs to use sniper rifles. Their orders are, precisely, shoot like hell if anything moves into the light.' There's a lot of dead wildlife out there, but mostly the animals have been staying away these days. That shouldn't be a problem.
Taking this into account, Cybersix began the final phase of Operation: Silent Ass Kicking (courtesy of Mikae, as usual). Twice a week, she had a new route up for examination in one of the main hallways of the shelter, along with a clipboard, paper, and pencil. Concerns were to be expressed there, as well as observed faults with the plan. Yashimoto made most of the comments, though Lucas put several thought-out ideas down as well. Data 7 could not write, and Mikae was busy instructing the children severely on what to do if they ever got a chance to escape.
However, there came a night when, having checked the clipboard, Cybersix found no negative comments. In fact, the paper was blank save one comment signed Y, L, M, and D. It read: Operation: Silent Ass Kicking is GO!!! Cybersix resisted an urge to throw down the clipboard and dance a jig, and instead called a meeting for the whole shelter.

Silently thanking Lucas and Yashimoto for the training of the civilians and renegades as quiet fell almost immediately, Cybersix cleared her throat. She smiled. Looks like we're ready to go. The first group needs to be relatively small; I hate to call it a test run, but that's what it is. Assuming it does work - and I think it will - I need to assign one of the leaders to the group.
Mikae's face lit up, as did Data 7's. They exchanged glances, and glared heavily at each other. Neither Lucas' nor Yashimoto's expression could be read.
Cybersix said, a bit uneasy, I've decided to send Yashimoto. After waiting for a rumble that never came, she continued. I'm also sending two Technos, a normal, and Ikiko. I think Yashimoto might not forgive me if I didn't place her with him.
A grin from the detective, and a nod. His sister was too busy hugging his legs to respond.
I'll let the group members know ahead of time, so they can say goodbye. In the meantime, I propose a checkers tournament. Silence. Uh... you can cheer now.
The roar was deafening.

Yashimoto approached Cybersix in her room that night, standing politely at the doorway until she looked up from her book. he commented. Nice choice.
She smiled, but didn't comment.
I wanted to thank you for putting Ikiko with me. And for trusting me to do this in the first place.
Cybersix swung her legs off the mattress, putting her book down beside her feet. I need you out there, Miao. You've got more intel than I can count, and it'll be easier to keep things short with you on the other end of a phone line.
Right. Oh, which reminds me- He tossed her a cell phone. I have the other. I linked them this afternoon. No one's going to be able to overhear our calls, or trace the locations of either. It'll be like we never escaped. And I also meant to ask, who else are you putting in my group?
T-8403, who prefers to be called Annie, and her adopted son, Henry. She refused to tell me his number, and he wouldn't roll up his left sleeve for me.
Annie and Henry. They won't be trouble. Annie wasn't hard at all to train, and Mikae says Henry never talked back to her. She was afraid he'd picked up some swearing, though.
Cybersix smiled grimly. Some swearing. Right. That girl's an expert on everything foul.
And the normal?
A boy named Joshua. He's twelve, but short for his age.
Right, I've seen him around.
I've put notes in each of their rooms already, as well as a change of black clothes. Ikiko took your changes for me. Once I'm ready to take you five out, you've got to be ready to go.
When do you plan on that being?
Most likely tomorrow. The sooner the better. I'm afraid every single day we stay here, and I want to get someone safe so that our efforts won't be a completely futile effort.
You're worried, aren't you?
Yes, I am, but don't tell anyone. Listen, do you have any idea where you're going once you're out of no man's land? This was the code name for Von-Reichter-controlled territory.
I know the city we're headed to. I've made some reservations at a hotel under an alias, and as far as anyone knows, Annie's my wife and we have three children.
Bet she wasn't happy with that.
Yashimoto shrugged. She knows the importance of playing this role. She'll do fine. Cybersix sensed then that it was Yashimoto who possibly wasn't comfortable with the role of father.
Yashi, how old are you?
Rude question.
Humor me, Cybersix smiled.

I'm older than you, you know.
Oh yeah? Yashimoto grinned. By how much?
A year.
He laughed. Don't worry, Cybersix. We'll be ready when you are; just say the word.