CHAPTER 6 FANTAISIE (I MEAN, PHANTAISIE) SIGN


Ein had been waiting for about ten minutes, and was beginning to get impatient. However, it seemed that there was no one in the vicinity, which meant that no one would see him if he chose to groom that one particular spot that was rather impolite to groom in public.

He had just spread his legs and leaned over when he heard Ed's footfall in the landing bay. Hurriedly, he sat up and tried to look composed; but she smiled at him and laughed softly as she approached.

Oh, go ahead. I won't watch, she told him.

he began. What makes you think I was—

I can read your mind, she explained.

He looked up at her, shocked.

it's all right, she reassured him, kneeling. Don't worry about a thing. Why do you think I said I was more than fine?

I don't know, he admitted.

At any rate, I can now look into your memories and see just what happened, Ed said, laying her fingers on either side of Ein's head and closing her eyes.

What—? I—I'm still confused Ein whimpered, but received no response.

——————


Ed floated through the halls of Ein's mind as easily as navigating the Internet. She found a thought that led to a pair of men in lab coats, then to an austere, stainless-steel laboratory room. Buried in this memory was a tightly-woven mass not unlike an encrypted file. She reached for it, pried it open, and looked inside.

This laboratory—founded by a Martian scientist named Charles Zhou and named for him—had specialised in genetic manipulation, both of animals and humans. Ed was repulsed by the casefiles of human test subjects—some of them had been specially bred, but most had been mutated through various means. They were attempting to create a superhuman race known as . Ideally, Newmans were to have senses superior to those of humans, as well as the ability to manipulate certain quasi-magical techniques. Ed came upon one casefile that was tagged WINNER, CARLOTA and her heart skipped a beat—that was her mother's name. She delved deep into that particular datum, horrified but unable to turn away.

Carlota Winner had been a secretary and receptionist at the Zhou Laboratory, and it seemed that at one point, she had volunteered to assist with an experiment. However, the scientists in charge of this particular experiment had not given her the full details of what was to be attempted, so she had not expected what they had done to her. They injected her with an infusion of retro-DNA intended to cause mutation in the host's genotype, slowly turning the host into a Newman. Or maybe not so slowly. Though she seemed to resist the change, it had taken effect much sooner than expected, and she turned on the scientists, using her newly-heightened physical abilities to cause large amounts of damage to their facilities. They had sedated her, put her in a capsule, and shot the capsule into space from a vessel orbiting the planet. Not wishing the results of their failed experiment to be easily accessible, they implanted the data in the mind of one of their specially-bred Data Animals, and attempted to forget about it.

——————


Ed exited Ein's mind, shaken and livid. She threw back her head and let out a shrill, reverberating scream that made Ein's head swim and the metal edges of the Bebop melt slightly. Then she fell onto her back, covered her face with her hands, and began sobbing.

Ein whimpered and walked over to where her head was. He leaned down and licked her hands, but was interrupted by the sudden appearance of Canal, who looked messed-up somehow—almost as if the person who coloured her hadn't stayed within the lines.

Genx!o! Holanis! Genx!o! Holanis!! she screamed, clamping her hands to her ears (the s represent clicking sounds). Toliex! yama'x!a endeiro! Ushira kariyam vrainil!

What in the name of—!? Ein began. What the hell language is that?!

Ed removed her hands from her face and looked over at the hologram, who was gradually beginning to look more normal. What?! What's going on!?

Canal said slowly, and blinked a few times. Then she looked around her.

What was that you said? Ein asked, utterly confused.

Ein wants to know what you said, Ed translated.

Canal looked down at them and took a deep breath, smoothing her skirt. Oh, I'm sorry. I thought I detected a horrible hardware malfunction in this area, so I went on auto-alert. Forgive me.

But what language was it? Ed pressed.

There were two. First I spoke the warnings in Sebacean, then in Tarhatli.

Oh. Okay

You see, I thought I sensed some dangerously high-magnitude vibrations and metal fatigue in this area, Canal explained. But it must have been an error, because the reading lasted only a very short time.

I see. Well. I'm gladthat's over, Ed said, rubbing the back of her neck. Sorry you were disturbed.

Canal looked at the human with a hint of suspicion, then shook her head as if to dispel the notion. Right. I'm sorry. But if you do notice anything, please notify me right away, won't you? She smiled weakly and disappeared.

——————


Ein looked up at Ed. What the HELL did you do?! he asked, bewildered.

She glanced down at him and smoothed her hair. I'm not entirely sure. I was just horrified at what I had discovered and chose to vent my anger by screaming. It felt weird, though. Did it cause something to happen?

Yes, but more importantly— Ein said, sitting down —what did you find in my head?

Ed clenched her fists and a dark look passed over her face. Those scientists killed my mother.

They what?! he barked.

The human looked down at him, and the anger in her eyes frightened him. They performed an experiment on my mother and then got rid of her when it didn't turn out right, she explained in a quiet voice through clenched teeth.

Oh, God, that's horrible! Ein whined. I'm sure glad I got away from them!

I'm going to kill them Ed hissed.

I think they're already dead, he pointed out.

Then I'll raise them and kill them AGAIN! she roared, slamming her fist into the Bebop.

Hey! What are you doing?! Don't damage my ship! Jet's voice called from the entrance.

I'm pretty sure I'm entitled to be angry, Ed retorted. After all, I just found out how my mother was deceived and MURDERED! At the last word, she whirled around to face Jet, and glared darkly at him. You know the scientists that you got Ein from? Well, they performed genetic experiments. One of them was on my mother, who was a secretary. A fucking secretary!! What did she ever do to anyone?!

Hey, Ed. Calm down, Jet said, approaching her. I'm not an expert on women, but I do know there's a particular time of month when they, uhreally need chocolate. Do you need some chocolate?

What I need is REVENGE!! she roared, causing him to flinch slightly. I need to find the people that did that to my mother and cause them pain and suffering!

I've never seen you this angry, Ein whimpered. Maybe that potion had someside effects.

Like hell. If it weren't for that potion, I wouldn't know the truth, she snapped.

Potion? What potion? Jet asked, furrowing his eyebrows.

She looked up at him, and some of the fury in her face gave way to looking-busted-ness. Please don't tell Bob or Kane.

About what?

She closed her eyes and sighed. Oh, nothing.

? Ed, what happened? he asked, taking a step towards her.

Well, there's nothing that can be done about it, is there? I'm a Reverend Mother now. Ein whined and folded his ears back.

A what? Jet asked, confused.

She sighed and turned away from him. I don't feel like explaining it now. I did something foolish and without permission, and it can't be undone. I need to be alone for a while. She hit a button on the keypad, a hatch opened, and she went inside.

Jet sighed and rolled his eyes. I guess she's just at that age. Then he spooked, realising that he had never given her the code to open the outer hatch.

——————


Faye was sitting in the kitchen, watching Milly prepare food, when Kane came running in.

Miss Valentine, have you seen—Oh no, what are you doing?! You mustn't be in the kitchen while Milly cooks! He took hold of her arm and pulled gently.

What? Huh? Eh? What's going on?! she asked, confused.

Please! It's dangerous. Somehow, Milly makes the kitchen blow up every time she prepares food! In response to Faye's blank stare, he just shook his head and tugged on her arm. Just believe me and step outside the kitchen! Please!

Faye muttered, taking a step out the door. It seemed fine to——

She was cut off by a loud bang and a brief flash, then the smell of smoke filled the air. Milly ducked outside the kitchen and rubbed the back of her neck. Well, I'm getting better! At least I didn't make the whole kitchen explode!

Yeah, like the last twenty times, Kane huffed, rolling his eyes. Anyway, Miss Valentine, I was going to ask you if you've seen your friend Françoise within the last hour.

Faye repeated. No. Why?

Kane sighed and looked a little worried. Well, she came to me and was asking a favour that I couldn't really perform for her. When I refused, she stormed off, and I'm afraid she might have gotten into something on her own.

Faye thought for a moment, then shook her head. I—I don't think she'd do something like that. She may be a hacker, but she's not—well, spiteful, or anything.

Milly gasped. You brought a hacker on board!?

Oh, crap, Faye hissed, biting her lip.

Kane raised his hand to hush them and said, Right now, that's not an issue. We need to find Françoise and make sure she's all right.

As they walked down the hall, Faye inquired, Just what do you think Ed might have gotten into? What did she ask you for? A naughty thought entered her mind, and she shot Kane a sly look. Was itthat kind of favour?

He twitched. N—no!! What kind of question is that?! She was asking me to give her psychic powers.



Yeah. Kind of like I have. I told her I couldn't—not without lots of training on her part. She wanted me to do something that would instantly grant her powers, but the only thing that could possibly do that is a certain alchemical brew, and I told her I couldn't do that either.

Faye didn't quite believe him, but chose not to say so. Why couldn't you?

Well, for one thing, I don't know exactly where the recipe is. For another, it might cause some system shock if she's never had a potion before.

Oh. I see. So do you think—

I think she may have attempted to make the potion herself.

Canal appeared beside Kane and matched his stride. Oh, you're looking for Françoise? She was in your room a while ago, and I think she's in the cargo bay right now.

Kane stopped in his tracks. CANAL!! WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME THIS EARLIER!??!

She rubbed the back of her neck in a cutely nervous way. you didn't tell me you were searching for her earlier

AND SHE WENT IN MY ROOM?? WHY DIDN'T YOU STOP HER!? Kane roared.

Hey, hey, you don't need to raise your voice that much, Canal admonished, trying to calm him. I'm standing right here, and I can hear you just fine.

HOW did she get into my room? Kane hissed.

She looked into his eyes. she said you had given her permission. Didn't you?

he barked.

Bob/Spike came running up, looking slightly worried. Hey, people! Let's try not to fight, okay? What's the problem?

You remember when Françoise asked me to make that potion for her? Kane asked slowly, glaring sideways at the ghola.



She went and did it herself.

WHAT? Oh, God! Françoise! We've got to find her!!

That's what we've been trying to do! Faye put in.

Canal sighed and rolled her eyes. You know, you could have asked me to check the ship at any time to find out where your friend is

Bob/Spike clenched his fists. Well, I'm asking you now! Where is Françoise?

Like I said a minute ago, she's in the cargo bay, Canal answered, apparently beginning to be irritated by the whole proceeding. She's within your ship.

Thank you! Spike cried, dashing off. Faye sighed and followed him.

——————


Spike nearly crashed into Jet in the hallway. Whoa, slow down, Spike! What's wrong?

Françoise—I need to get to Françoise! She's in the Bebop, right??

Jet nodded, looking confused. Yeah, but—uh—what's the rush? I saw her a minute ago. She's fine. In a horrible mood, but perfectly fine.

Are you sure? Spike demanded.

Pretty sure. She said something about being a Holy Reverend Mother or something weird like that. I figured she was playing around or high or something.

Well, at least we know she isn't dead, Faye observed, having caught up.

Dead? Why would she—

Bob sighed and put a hand on Jet's shoulder. I've just found out that Françoise did something risky and without permission.

Um, okaywhat might that be? Jet asked, still confused.

She entered Kane's quarters without his permission and brewed a potion in order to give herself psychic powers.

Jet looked at his old friend for a moment, his expression flat but with shock in his eyes. She said something about that. He glanced up, thinking. she also told me not to tell you or Kane. But if it was without permission, and if she could have been hurt, it would be better to tell you, wouldn't it?

Bob nodded grimly. Kane especially. I'm sure he's the only one who would know how to treat Françoise if the potion she made had any side effects.

Faye smoothed her hair nervously. Do you think Kane is going to kick us off the ship for this?

God, I hope not, Jet muttered. Well, we should probably check on Ed just to make sure she's okay.

——————


Bob stepped up to the door of the Bebop and calmly punched in the code to open the door. Then he paused and shook himself.

Must be another memory, he commented. I don't remember you telling me how to get in the ship.

Oh yeah, and there's that, Jet said, remembering. I know it seems really unbelievable, but maybe Ed actually is psychic. I know I never gave her the code to open the door, yet she entered it and got into the ship a while ago.

Maybe she was watching you one time when you did it, Faye suggested.

Jet shook his head. No, I'm sure I would have remembered.

Climbing into the ship, Bob looked around. He heard the sound of running paws approach, and looked down the entry tunnel to see Ein galloping toward him. The dog stopped in front of him and barked.

Hey, Ein! Can you take me to Françoise? he asked. Ein barked again, turned, and scampered off. Bob followed, after gesturing to Jet and Faye to come after him.

Ein led Bob to a closed door and looked up at the handle meaningfully. Not wanting to just barge in, Bob knocked on the door and called, Françoise? Are you in there? A second later, the sound of light footfalls was heard from inside the room, the door-handle turned, and the door opened a crack. A golden eye peered out.

Yes, Bob? What is it? Her voice sounded frighteningly calm and mature.

are you okay? he asked.

She pulled the door open wider and glared at him. Of course I'm okay. Why wouldn't I be?

Well, II heard something I wasn't supposed to hear about, and

You did? Damn that Jet! she swore, looking irritated. Oh well, it probably wasn't going to stay a secret long anyway.

you did it, didn't you? You did what Kane told you not to do.

She looked down and nodded slowly. I'm sorry. It was very rash of me to do so. I can see more clearly now, and I realise that I could indeed have suffered horrible consequences.

Well, it's good that you're so mature, and able to understand the risks of what can happen as a result of your actions.

She looked up at him, and he saw longing in her eyes. Oh, Bob. It's times like this that I love you the most.

he asked, feeling a blush spread across his cheeks. Faye lunged at him and jealously wrapped her arms around one of his.

Oh—forgive me. I shouldn't have said anything, Ed murmured, looking embarrassed.

Is this another effect of the potion? he asked uneasily.

No, no! II've actually been infatuated with you for a very long time, and I think it just recently turned into actual love. But I don't think we could ever have a future together. Her voice thickened, and she looked on the verge of tears.

Sorry, Ed. You spoke up too late! Faye said, clutching the ghola's arm.

Ed glared at her. My love for him is much purer and deeper than you can imagine. I truly care for Bob, and have for as long as he has been in my charge. You aren't like that. You used to hate him.

Shut up! Faye barked.

Hey, ladies, calm down! Jet directed. There's no need to raise voices. You all right, Ed?

Just fine, she replied, still angrily gazing at Faye.

That's what I thought. what's going on here?

My love for Bob is sincere, unlike Faye's, Ed growled. She's—well, I don't know what her motives are, so I'm going to look! She narrowed her eyes slightly, and Faye felt a peculiar sensation in her head, as though someone else was there.

What—what are you doing? she demanded. S—stay out of my head!

After a moment, Ed closed her eyes and turned away. Well, if you had really loved him that much, you would have stopped him before he went and got killed by Vicious.

Killed by—!? Bob gasped.

She looked up at him. Yes. I went into your memories just briefly, but found quite a lot. One of the last memories before you died was your fight with a man called Vicious, who used to be your friend. In that fight, you managed to kill him, but not before he mortally wounded you. Can you remember?

Bob's heart sped up. Vicious—he used a sword, didn't he? Ed nodded.

He staggered back and put a hand to his face. A memory was returning like a slowly-loading Quicktime movie from the Internet.

——————


So you are finally awake, Vicious said, descending from a long stairway. I told you before, Spikethat I'm the only one who can kill you.

I'll make you eat those words, Vicious, Bob/Spike had retorted.

Either way, we were destined to end up like this, Vicious stated.

They had come to blows at that point—Vicious with his katana and Spike with his gun, but surprisingly, the odds hadn't been in favour of the one with the projectile weapon. Spike had been wounded but managed to shoot the katana out of Vicious' grasp; then they had laid hands on each others' weapons.

Julia passed away Spike had told him. Let's end it all.

If that's your wish, Vicious had said.

They tossed their weapons to each other and struck simultaneously. Vicious dropped from the shot to his chest, but Spike had felt the cold steel blade slash across his front, and knew he wasn't far behind. As he began to fade, another memory had entered his consciousness—holding Julia after she had been fatally shot.

This isa dream she had whispered.

Just a bad dream was the last thing she had ever heard.

Later, he had managed to find his way out of the room in which he had fought Vicious, but got only halfway down the stairs before he finally succumbed to his injury.

That was it. That was the end.

——————


Bob shook himself, covered his face with his hands, and screamed. Oh, God!!! Why did this have to happen!??! He felt his throat tighten, and he leaned back against the bulkhead and sank down onto his knees. His memories were gushing back, as heavily and unmitigated as the tears pouring down his face. He knew who he was and who he had been—but now he realised that he didn't want to. Unable to control himself, he broke down sobbing.

Faye looked down at him, full of shock and pity. She quelled the urge to strike Ed and instead hissed at her, Look what you've done!