What should to be hidden, should be kept hidden…
Seta Sakimoto's journal, translated by Aya…
12th August 1989
I arrived in Nice at 0930hrs. The weather was cool and its refreshing morning air after spending hours in the stuffy crammed airplane. At 1030hrs, I board a bus, heading towards my temporary staying place – Hotel du repos. On the way, I rested my head upon the windowpane and watched the grass plains…. At 1230hrs, after my first taste of French food for lunch, I received a packaging from my Company, which filled me in the details of my assignment to investigate the French actress, Sophie Amiel, who was rumoured about her taking drugs before each performance. I felt very enthusiastic about taking this task and told myself to do well….
15th August 1989
My investigation on Sophie Amiel was leading me to a dead end. There was no physical evidence to prove her taking of drugs. Her performance was divine and captivating despite the disappointment. I sometimes wonder if the Company assigned this pointless task as a way to 'get rid' of me for the time being. Nevertheless, I paid close attention to her as much as I could get close to her in a tasteful manner. After all, one must be careful in a foreign land. At the dining hall of the theatre, I was interested by a peculiar group of hers. Politely asking a waiter, I was told that these people were the established associates of a company named Âme who specialized in genetically modified plants. Instantly, I sensed a faint glimpse of hope in salvaging my pitiful findings. The President of Âme, Gerald Hermil, whose face and structure were like those of a shriveled gorilla; his co-president, Jeremy Jorom and his wife, Lilia Jorom who wore excessive jewellery to compensate for her roundness, so did her equally round husband. There were 4 more companions surrounding the goddess of theater - Jean Lobe, Nicolas Numasm, Phile Raginwald and Fideline Josette. The most noticeable person whom I find the most opportunity as a reporter is Jean Lobe. His cheeks were thin and narrow, which protruded the hooked nose like a wooden puppet with a stick nose. The eyes seemed like they would budge out any moment as his hand kept on fiddling in his outer jacket pockets. The rest seemed indifferent in his irritating movements and carried on their conversation. What disturbed me was why would Sophie Amiel engrossed herself in the company of scientific people rather in theater or film directors and producers that had the potential power to further glorified the goddess statue that she presently possess?
Then back at a corner of the dining hall was a child, dressed in frills and flocks. Her beauty inside the child was spell bounding. Golden hair like the morning sun, blue eyes as the bluest sea… …. … She walked her way towards the Sophie (who was happily chatting away about fashion like all women do), brushed past Sophie's arm and down towards the entrance. At the corner of my sharp eye, I was very certain that child did put a jeweled bangle into folds of her sleeve. I put out my hand to stop her but my hand went past her like she was made up of air. Rubbing my eyes, I thought at first that I had too much to drink but I was extremely sure that I did witnessed what I did saw.
16th August 1989
Alas, I woke up at 1400hrs with a dreadful hangover. With a cup of strong black coffee by my side, I read the papers. At the front page was a huge article about Sophie Amiel had lost a bangle worth 90 thousands francs. The first thing that came to my mind was the child. Yet, it puzzled me that I wasn't able to touch her. A ghost? Impossible! Then again, it could be since such old theaters would be the home for wandering spirits. God bless them and keep them away from me.
17th August 1989
Today, I decided to go and do some sightseeing at the tourist attractions in Nice….
20th August 1989
A most strange incident had happened today, I was walking down late at night along the pavement outside the bank when I thought I saw two children climbing onto the outer pillars and up onto the roof. Though the night was dark, the moonlight rays helped in assisting my night vision. I was startled for I had never seen anyone doing a dare devil stunt let alone a child. My feet automatically stepped backwards and went straight for my hotel yet my mind was screaming at me to get back there and investigate as a reporter. I didn't. Thankfully. Well, I guess it must be the French air that must had clouded my mind into playing such tricks on me.
21st August 1989
I stared very hard at the morning papers; it was like being a thriller movie or something. The bank that I walked past by last night was robbed! The policemen were bluffed by how the robbers went in the out of the bank. The doors had shown of forced entry, even the locks in what one say the 'money room'. There was no way that they could know the code numbers since it was known to a very small group of people and even if they knew, how would they pass by the security guards who patrolled at regular intervals? Instantly, my thoughts were on the children that I saw. But there was no possible explanation for this. Further readings on the article, some organizations were affected by the great financial losses except for a few like Âme…. Âme! They appeared on the day that Sophie's bangle was stolen… could they be a part of this crime? The money and the jewel bangle could be enormous financial source for their genetically modified plants research. But how did they do it? Those children that I saw? But how? There was no way that they have the capability to do it. This company, Âme was surely the source of this. Unfortunately, I had to think of a good reason for extending my stay in Nice…
25th August 1989
Lady Luck was smiling at me as my Company had approved of my proposal to give a report of genetically modified plants after waiting patiently for 3 days. With no doubt, the readers in Japan would be interested this and this would make the rivals green with envy. Putting on my best suit that I could find, I went to the Âme Company like a professional reporter. The secretary led me to Mr. Nicolas Numasm's room. I sat down and waited for him to return from a 'very important' meeting, as stated by his secretary. Not long, Mr. Numasm appeared. His features were so well defined that an amateur would be able to draw him in quite details… …. With his nasal French accent, he went on talking about the history and the development of Âme and its genetically modified products after the discovery of the structure of DNA by James Watson & Francis Crick in 1962…
"…. With these genetically modified products, we are able to decrease yield losses and solve the problems of starvation and agriculture issues." (I wonder how did I manage to keep myself looking so keen about them.)
Then, I asked a very bold question, which made me regret it very much. "That was all very interesting, Mr. Numasm but I was wondering, forgive me if this sounds very ridiculous but would it be possible to have genetically modified humans?"
Mr. Numasm stared at me with such a frown yet I looked at him like I expected him to provide me with a suitable answer. There was an awkward moment of silence. With my wits, I quickly filled in the space.
"Don't get me wrong. What I meant to say is that Âme is able to produce crops that are resistant to insects, herbicides and diseases through genetic modification. Would it be possible to genetically modify the genes of a human being to be resistant against death causing diseases like cancer?"
"That may be a possibility of such advanced improvement. Yet, we are still dealing with pressing issues such as environment impact and other heavily arguments on ethical values posted by the religious groups in France.
You see, Mr. Sakimoto. They defined genetically modified plants and animals as a blasphemy to God and that we are defiling his wonders and His works. Diseases and insect infestation are part of His works, which I believe in and so does my colleagues. Yet, it would a blasphemy to God if we didn't use our brains as he so wisely has given them to us. Of course, there is a limit in everything including science. To create genetically modified human beings is…" He took in a deep breath. "Beyond the intelligent limitations that our human brains possess. The mystery of the creation of men has been the most disturbing topic of the century. There are simply too many theories to conclude the best. As for me, I prefer not to interfere on how God create his most magnificent creations of all."
With that end, I ushered out of the building as quickly as possible. Somehow, I felt that they hoped that would be the last they would see me.
26th August 1989
I decided to stay in my room for the day. While lazing about on the bed, I received a telephone call. Feeling surprised, I put up the receiver and greeted the caller. His voice was in a harsh whisper, almost in a panicky tone.
"If you want to get the scoop, meet me at the cafe 3 blocks away from your hotel at 11p.m. the name is savoureuse."
Before I could reply the caller, he had already slammed down the phone. Picking up a pen, I thought and wrote the pros and cons on the decisions that would probably affect my life forever. If I chose to go, my life would be in perilous danger with no coming back. If I chose not to, I would still have my job based on the report on Âme and maybe live my life that way for the next 20 years or so. Then again, if I chose to go....
After spending the whole afternoon till late evening, I came to the conclusion to meet this 'informer'. At the cafe, I sat at the far end that was less conspicuous from the rest. Ordering myself coffee, I settled myself reading a magazine and observed the cafe. The place was decorated with... An hour later, a man sat across me. I peered at the corner and looked at him for a moment. His hands were shaking and kept on fiddling the menu. I (pretending to be very composed) said, "Your name is Jean Lobe, I assume?"
Immediately, Jean Lobe became a startled rabbit. "You know about it, don't you?" He stammered.
"Know what? I only saw you at the theatre with the lovely Sophie Amiel, who lost her bangle jewel recently." Almost enjoying being the tormentor. "Other than that, what else should I know?"
"I saw her, didn't you?"
"Who? Sophie Amiel?"
"The child. The girl."
"Girl? What girl?"
Jean Lobe took out his handkerchief and wiped his sweat beads on his forehead. "Look, you don't have to pretend. You saw her, didn't you? If you haven't, you wouldn't be at Âme yesterday."
"I was there based on my occupation, Mr. Lobe. I need to show something to my boss back home in Japan if I want to keep my job."
Mr. Jean Lobe looked at me trying his best to determine what sort of character am I. Taking in very deep drink of his beer, he rubbed his hands, pulled his face, straightened himself up before continuing, "If I tell you what you want to know, would you promise that you never hear this from me and that state in your article that I was never involved in it?"
"This proposal sounds rather murky, don't you think? What is it that you wouldn't want yourself to be involved with this?"
"Do you want to get the scoop or not?"
"Why do you want me to get it?"
"Because its better for an outsider like you to handle this than getting someone from here."
"Why? Can't the police handle this?"
"If they could, I wouldn't be here!" His looks looked pleading. "Please, I cannot stand it any longer. The more I stay like this, I will lose my mind and soul."
I arched my eyebrows. "Go on…"
"Man has been always trying to go beyond the limitations of everything under the sun. Through genetically modification, we are been able to solve the world's agriculture problems and yet invest in a fair share of the market. The success was so great that it came to us that if we are able to modify the genes of plants and animals, we might be able to modify the genes of a human being. Theatrically, it sounds possible but there is a consideration that the human body would not be able to withstand the modification. Yet, the urge to experiment overpowers us and we made a deal with the army to fund us while we carried out the experiments. The deal was that as long as we succeed the desired creations without any defects, they would provide us with the subjects."
"So, the experiment was indeed conducted with humans."
"The army classified them as the 'unwanted'."
"Care to define the meaning of 'unwanted'?"
"I was not given the information of where and how they get them."
"So, by using these 'unwanted' people, Âme was succeeded. But how was it done? It is not possible with the biotechnology that we have now. In the future, maybe…"
"Although there were doubts, acceptable hosts were found during the process."
"Like the child who stole Sophie Ameil's bangle?"
"She was one of those who undergoes the modification without much harm. Very fortunate for her age."
"And yet she is used by Âme to do low lying crimes like pick pocketing. Quite ironic, don't you think?"
"Maybe but how was she able to take the bangle from her when she had it on her arm? The bangle was made to fit her like a glove."
"I suppose that she and the others are able to do other unexplainable things that baffled the police. Let's say like robbing a bank?"
Mr. Jean Lobe's face nearly drained its entire colour. Instantly, he took another gulp of his beer …. "You saw them, too?"
"You shouldn't be so vexed since the police will assume that I'm insane if I mention things like children climbing the pillars of the bank with any safety gear. Nobody will believe a wild tale especially from a foreigner."
Mr. Jean Lobe left the place seconds after I said my last sentence. Overall, it was very bizarre that he would reveal the doings of Âme to me. Wouldn't it place him in a dangerous position?
27th August 1989
Once more, I thought of lazing around since it won't be long before I return to Japan. Yet, I received an invitation from the divine actress, Sophie Amiel, to come to her lodging and have an exclusive interview of her. I was dumbfounded. It seemed that Âme had known of my meeting with Jean Lobe. To turn it down would spell disaster for him and me, as this was my initial assignment. With not much of a choice, I put on my best suit and prepare to her. … … … …
… … then her lustrous lips parted, "You must be wondering how did I get to know your whereabouts? To be honest, I notice at the dining hall the other day. My manager did too and he suggested strongly I should have an interview with you as an opportunity to expand my fame to other parts of the world beside Europe. So," her fingers folded together. "Shall we get started? I know that you have a lot of questions to ask."
"Well then, first of all, let's start with the basics….
… … … … "Mr. Seta Sakimoto, you are indeed a professional journalist. Is there any other questions clot in your creative mind of yours?"
"Yes, I do have." Mentally preparing for any reaction. "What do you know about Âme?"
The divined actress's eyes squinted at me before enlarging them and shaking her head. "What do I know about them? Just a bunch of scientists doing something apart from their locked up dull lives."
"You seemed rather to be more than that."
"As someone famous, one has to put on a good show at all times even after a performance. This is what I have to bear as long as the media has their eyes on me. I'm afraid that's all the time, we have. I do hope that you enjoy the remaining days in Nice before returning to Japan next week."
With that, her butler led me out. It was a stroke of luck for me, which I think that would earn me a promotion or a rise in the salary. Maybe I could a buy a new apartment or get myself a wife. Or maybe I should… … Then, a thought came to me.
How did she know that I was returning to Japan next week?
28th August 1989
I pondered over the bizarre things that are happening to me. First, I saw a child pick pocketing. Second, children robbing a bank. Third, a secret meeting with Jean Lobe. Fourth, a once in the lifetime interview with Sophie Ameil. Coincident? One thing for sure, it was simply too easy. Too smooth and slick. There is something going on at Âme and I must poke my nose into this matter even if it makes my boss upset for extending my stay in Nice. … … …
Aya lifted his head and looked at the clock, dawn was coming soon. He could hear Omi getting out of his room and preparing to go to school. Poor kid, he must have been staying up all night trying to extract information from that zip disk. Guess that the information was in Japanese after all. He flipped the remaining pages of Seta Sakimoto's journal and heaved a sigh. A few hours' of sleep would do him good before he continued.
Omi moaned as he stretched his aching limbs in his classroom while his other classmates bickered among themselves about the things that they are supposed to do after school, mainly hanging around the shopping malls. The hot topic of the day was that the changing of the school system to be a 5 day instead of a 6 day. Everybody was in high spirits of the news including some of the teachers. To them, it wasn't the issue of how they might be affected; it was that they could have a free day to themselves without the burden of schoolwork and grades upon their frail backs. After all, youth happen only once.
Closing his eyes, Omi laid upon his crossed arm for a mini 40 wrinkles. Staying awake after night duties is extremely tedious, fortunately, the teachers were informed about him being an orphan and had to work nightshift in order to fend for himself. So, they were quite lenient on him and allowed him some time extension for any individual homework or report. Despite the accommodations given, Omi always handed in his work on time, not wanting the other students to feel jealous of his so-called privileges. Deep down, Omi always wondered what was it like to be a normal student, to 'hang around' at places. He bit his lip in envy. Suddenly, the bickering fell into a dark silence. Omi peered up and saw the principle standing by the doorway; standing beside him was someone familiar.
The principle stepped into the classroom, his hand folded behind his back. With hawking eyes, he encircled the entire classroom, making every student squint under his view. Grunting, he spoke like an officer from a concentrated camp.
"Today, you will have a new English language teacher," He beckoned the teacher to step in. Omi blinked his eyes in surprise. It was André Masson from the bakery shop. Thin-rimmed glasses were placed before the seaweed eyes and he was dressed in neat and crisp working clothes. Omi could hear the girl sitting behind him sighing. Somehow, he could sense that the girls in his class were having an intense crush on him. The principle seemed to be approving of the excellent attention that the class was expressing.
"His name is André Masson. He will be taking you for the next few months in replacement of your former teacher who has gone for maternity leave. I do trust that you will study hard for your coming tests and exams." He patted his head on André's shoulder. "They are all yours."
André quietly took out the registrar booklet and parted his lips to speak. The girls automatically leaned forward. With a slight French accent, he spoke, "Since this is the first day that we have met, I would like to take this opportunity to get to know each other. When I read out your names, please raise up your hand. As you would probably tell from my accent, I'm not born in Japan. So, after taking your attendance, we could spend some to get to know each other, as it is not my policy to give lessons on my first day. Is everybody agreeable on this?"
All the girls showed their enthusiasm while the guys nodded their head dumbly. Within a few minutes, André was showered with questions from everybody, from usual ones from his background and to cheeky ones. Omi leaded his head upon the palm of his right hand. Not because he couldn't be bothered but because he had heard them all at the florist shop with the rest of the gang. With listening ears and half opened eyes, he observed André's ability in handling the students' questions ranging from basic questions concerning his background to cheeky and even flirtatious ones. Overall, it was obvious that he was in total control of the situation. Yet, the most curious thing that Omi noticed that André remembered everybody's names like he had been with them for a long time.
And he had only seen the register booklet once.
Manx clicked the mouse several times as she viewed the footage of the intruder fighting Aya and Omi at the exterior perimeters. Thankfully, the hidden camera had almost a clear view of the scene. The intruder was indeed a professional, maybe much more than Weib could handle. She cringed as she watched the intruder had Omi electrocuted. With a blackball point pen, she wrote 'ruthless' onto her note pad. A moment of satisfaction took her but it instantly changed when she amplified the sound volume. A deep voice penetrated into the room.
"The electric charge is set to stun mode. The health status of your comrades will not be affected. Let this be the first and last time we see each other."
She clicked onto the rewind button.
"The electric charge is set to stun mode. The health status of your comrades will not be affected. Let this be the first and last time we see each other."
She clicked onto the rewind button again.
"The electric charge is set to stun mode. The health status of your comrades will not be affected. Let this be the first and last time we see each other."
The red lips twisted with doubt with the word 'ruthless' is appropriate as it seemed that it doesn't fit into the description of the intruder. If he was really ruthless, Weib could be like the charred corpse of the late Jean Lebo. How was the intruder connected to Jean Lebo? Was he sent to finish him off?
She inserted a CD-ROM disc into the computer, waited for a few minutes for the screen to show something useful. General Gloven personally had his men to deliver the disc during the late evening; the note attached to it said that she would be able to find some leading clues about Âme. She sucked in another mouthful of coffee and watched the screen showing up a several of icons. Moving the cursor, she clicked onto one of them. It was a French newspaper article, followed by a translation in Japanese.
"16th August 1989, the renown actress, Sophie Amiel was pick pocketed of her arm bangle worth 90 thousands francs. The divine actress swore that she had the bangle with her all the time and that was impossible for anyone to steal it from her without her knowing it. Footage had revealed that she was completely surrounded by celebrities and close friends…" she murmured. "No one knew how the bangle was stolen despite the tight security."
"21st August 1989, thieves were able to break into one of the most secure banks in France…. Police found no traces of the criminals and found it bluffing that the thieves were able to carry out their operation without being detected by the sensors and the intensive routine duties..." Her eyebrows arched at the end. "Why am I not surprised?"
She proceeded onwards to a media file icon and clicked on it. The screen changed to the blank screen with white bold words – 15th August 1989. 12 30midnight.
It switched to a crowd of people gathering in the extremely decorated dining hall and in the center of the crowd was a woman whose beauty was like a Geek goddess. Her copper red hair plied in thick lock upwards, exposing the curved neck donned with priceless jewellery. Beads dangled down her ear lobes. The evening grown was made of the softest satin lined with fur. The way she laughed and chatted with her guests like she was life itself. Upon her right arm was the famous bangle.
"Sophie Amiel…" Manx held up a couple of photos by her side, watching the actress placing her attention onto another group of people. "The late President of Âme, Gerald Hermil; the late co-president, Jeremy Jorom and his wife, Lilia Jorom, Nicolas Numasm, Phile Raginwald, Fideline Josette and the recently decreased Jean Lobe."
Then, the screen moved towards a little girl, dressed in a long sleeved flock. Her hair was as golden as the brightest sunray and the eyes blue as the bluest sea upon the ivory skin and lips full in pink. She moved smoothly along the crowds of adults and towards Sophie Amiel. She brushed past her and onwards to the exit. On her way, a Japanese man seemed to be reaching out his arm towards her but seemed to miss her. Manx frowned and quickly enhanced the image repeatedly till her view was like she was at the very scene herself.
Her eyes widened.
"What the…"
À Suivre