Following the incident in the South Tower, Sue had told the others that she would do her best to cover up what had happened. True to her word she did, but was not entirely convincing. Sue was not comfortable with lying, especially to the authorities whom had kept a close eye on her since the time she confessed to hiding a D-Cellular organism in her apartment.
The next few days, Sue spent almost all of her time at the hospital watching over Cassie. The rest of the staff were particularly understanding, mainly because she was a regular feature there anyway.
Cassie herself took the entire incident in her usually good humour. "I'm just glad I don't have to do that again!" She had joked when informed of the automatic pass gained to Gal Da Val Island. Sue could tell that she was smiling even through the pain.
The disruption of the VR field had been quite terrible and Cassie had faired the worst of those caught out by it. She had suffered third-degree burns on sixty-seven percent of her body, and first-degree burns on an additional fifteen percent. She had received medical treatment immediately after the accident but it was not enough to prevent her skin being transformed into a mass of scar tissue. She would now have to face many weeks of nanite cellular reconstruction therapy sessions before she could return to a normal life.
In the meantime, she had returned to a limited active duty on the wards. The endless stream of Hunters through our doors don't just heal themselves, didn't you know? But that was so like her, she always put the needs of others before her own.
Of course now that Cassie was up and about, it meant that Sue should be too. These past few days of inactivity had thrown off her usually well regimented exercise routine. Since she wanted to be close to Cassie, going on missions was out of the question and the very thought of training in a VR room brought her out in a cold sweat. It would probably take her a while to get over that.
Jogging was the answer. Pioneer Two was locked in a geosynchronous orbit over Ragol and at three hundred and thirty Beats the sun would gloriously rise above the rim of the Dome slowly covering everything below in its warming rays. Ramos Memorial park was located a convenient two kilometres from the Guild and was quite picturesque at dawn.
Today though she had stopped to catch a breather by some park benches and was surprised to see a FOmar and FOmarl feeding some pigeons. She only recognised the FOmar, his name was Cilantro Dumas, quite renowned for the power of his Techniques. Many Newman FOrces competed for the limited places available to train as his student.
As she neared the pair she noted that they were quite old in appearance, both of them at least fifty years old. Sue had very few human friends, she preferred the company of Newmen and because of their greatly reduced life-span it was always a sight that she would never get used to.
"Don't get many Hunters out here this early." Sue said greeting them with a smile.
"We prefer it early... Before the hustle and bustle of the city." Said Cilantro. "Oh by the way, I don't believe you've met my sister Celebra. Celebra, this is Sue Biopal. You might remember her from the Guild inquiry a few months back over that creature she was hiding."
"Pleased to meet you." Said Celebra extending her hand for Sue to shake.
Sue blushed at the mention of that. "I was hoping that people wouldn't remember!"
Celebra leaned forward, "Don't worry, it adds a little spice to the hum-drum of everyday life."
"I would have thought that as you two were Hunters that you'd prefer the peace of the Ragolian forest."
"Maybe in time." Replied Cilantro. "But for the moment, the animals there are a little too hostile and I have no wish to hurt any of them unnecessarily..." He paused, fingers to his mouth, to think for a moment.
"But I can tell you who has made the forest their new home, a mutual acquaintance, the FOnewm Zi'Zuku. It looks like the whole Falz thing affected him profoundly. Last I spoke to him, he was playing guitar for the Rappies."
Sue raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Well I guess that I never did get round to thanking him for his advice. Perhaps I should pay him a visit?"
Cilantro pulled back his sleeve and tapped a couple of buttons on his Comms device. Sue's one beeped twice in response a few moments later.
"That's my Guild card. When you feel ready, I'll show you where he's hiding." He said with a chuckle.
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The area around the bar was quite packed. Ash centre-stage surrounded by friends, fans and those who liked a free drink. He was in the middle of another rousing tale when he spotted Sue off near the back watching him.
"Excuse me!" He said rather loudly, "I have a date with a girl!" He pointed across the bar at her.
There was a burst of raucous laughter as he made his way through the throng.
"I glad you came! You never could resist me right?" He put his arms around her and danced to some imaginary music.
"Not quite." She grinned broadly. "I just came to wish you luck for tomorrow." She kissed him softly on the cheek and took a step back.
Ash put his hand to his cheek. "Is that all? You know, I could ditch those guys so we could be alone..."
Sue laughed. "See you around okay?" She said as she headed for the exit.
Ash smiled and shook his head in disappointment before returning back to the party.