Chapter Two: Useful Data

Gaignun Kukai, Director of the Kukai Foundation and heir to the Soze Kukai fortune stood by the window, looking out across the small empire that was his. Sometimes he would smile and shake his head, marvelling at the sheer extravagance of such a fate. Other times he wished for a simpler life, but whatever the mood, Gaignun was aware of how easily his world could crumble. This world that was so much like a dream to visiting tourists was also very much a dream to the man who controlled it. He was grateful for every moment knowing that, like a dream, one must eventually wake up.

For now, the Durandal slept soundly in the bay nearby, but Gaignun felt the future was fast approaching when its metallic peak would once again descend and disappear into the void, into whatever dangers awaited out there in space. Rubedo was planning to do something drastic and in Gaignun's mind, drastic meant crazy. Their conversation two weeks ago was short, but it had given him enough proof. He had tried to keep an eye on his other self, but the stubborn fool persisted in jumping into the fire at every opportunity.

Presently, Rubedo was recovering from a near fatal run-in with local pirates. It angered Gaignun when the only thing Rubedo could say after returning from the scuffle was that he needed a new A.G.W.S. He needed more than that, thought Gaignun, when he visited Rubedo in the infirmary. He had seriously contemplated knocking some sense into the red-head.

And then, there was the whole aging thing.

Gaignun closed his eyes and took a few long breaths to clear his thoughts. He'd deal with that later, he told himself. Right now, there was another problem. Well, not so much a problem but a minor nuisance. That woman was here and she had brought the girl with her. He could hear Rubedo's laugh right now accusing him of being overly cautious, but it wasn't that. Gaignun's instincts were never wrong. There was something not quite right about that woman.

Just then, as if by some ominous cue, his secretary buzzed with a message that someone was here to see him. Gaignun's eye brows rose a good inch when he heard who it was. He told his secretary to let her in and faced the door, preparing himself... for what, exactly, he didn't know.

The door to his office slid silently open and she entered, looking as young and fresh as he remembered her. She was out of uniform, dressed modestly in a deep blue dress with yellow trimmings. Her hair was loose and perfectly straight, its auburn colour so unlike Rubedo's fiery red.

At first, she appeared not to see him. Her eyes looked around the large office, catching on a bright or unusual object every now and then before finally settling on his equally impassive form. He had been standing so still that he must have seemed like a piece of furniture to her. He put aside any suspicious feelings he had and walked around the desk to extend his hand in greeting.

Like the first time, her eyes darted nervously to the branded mark in the palm of his hand. It was a fleeting look, almost imperceptible, but very little escaped Gaignun's notice. He chose not to address the question in her eyes, wondering how much of the answers she had already pieced together on her own.

Rubedo said very little after returning from Proto Merkabah. It seemed as if some sort of pact had been made between all who were involved, a silent understanding that whatever secrets they discovered onboard the monstrosity of a creation would go down with it. All those dark little secrets... fallen and sunk into the ocean. Lost forever.

Gaignun's eyes closely examined the woman in front of him, trying to glean every bit of information that he could from her expression. The smile that he gave her was pleasant, harmless, but the eyes that watched her were the shrewd eyes of a hawk.

Shion, what a pleasant surprise. How have you been? he asked, shaking her hand.

I'm doing well, she answered with a warmth that came easily. I'm so glad to see the Foundation back on it's feet again. That Gnosis attack was no trifling matter. She let go of his hand and stood back, taking in a wide appraisal of his office. I've never seen so many antiques, she exclaimed. I hardly know what half this stuff is.

Gaignun found himself smiling in amusement. He strode over to the nearest wall where her attention had fallen on a pair of rusty metal gears. The truth is, he replied, picking them up and turning them around in his hands, sometimes, I don't quite know myself.

Her laughter was refreshing and utterly charming. The light in her green eyes danced. Those large eyes of hers, so like a child's. They seemed incapable of deceit. Yet, the uneasiness in Gaignun's stomach did not lessen. Just because she can't tell a lie, doesn't make her trustworthy. She works for Vector, after all.

Well, they all worked for Vector in one way or another, he thought, the irony not lost on him. We're all pawns in some elaborate game. His thoughts focused on the woman standing before him and he found himself relenting, just a little. She didn't seem to realize what kind of involvement either of them had in any conspiracy. She only seemed concerned with her small corner of the world.

As he watched her walk about the office, laying a hand on the various antique pieces he had collected over the years, her demeanor suddenly changed from shy to self-assured and he had an inkling of how someone as young and inexperienced as her could become the head of Vector's most top secret project. She turned to face him with a business-like attitude, clasping her hands behind her back and walked over to stand directly in front of him.

I'm sure you're wondering what brings me here, she said.

The thought did cross my mind, he replied, casually.

I have a favour to ask.

Gaignun remained silent and politely detached, unwilling to encourage her further.

It's quite a huge favour and I'm ashamed to ask, but I don't know what else to do and well, she does like it here and Jr.'s here so she won't be lonely--

His eyes narrowed, pinning her to the spot. Are you asking what I think you're asking?

She blushed profusely and ducked her head in embarrassment.

I know you have enough to deal with already without having to watch out for a girl like Momo, but I don't feel safe leaving her anywhere else. And well, I thought... I thought you would understand her situation, since the Foundation has been a sort of refuge for people like her.

Not quite like her, thought Gaignun dryly.

What about her mother?

Juli Mizrahi?

Gaignun nodded. A little too forcefully.

Shion looked away, her eyes strangely bright. She... she doesn't want her.

Somehow, Gaignun wasn't surprised.

And you? he asked more softly.

she replied, startled. I... I can't.

Can't or won't?

He knew he was being harsh, but he had to know the circumstances. Shion sighed and her shoulders slumped forward. She could not deny the accusation in his simple question.

I have... responsibilities. I've already taken off too much time from work. Who knows what kind of damage they're doing to KOS-MOS while I've been gone. If it weren't for my obligations to Vector, I would take Momo in a heart beat. But...

I see, said Gaignun, understanding what she could not bear to say. You already have one mechanical girl to take care of, taking in another would be asking too much of anyone.

It's not like that-- she began, but abruptly cut herself off. A dark shadow had fallen across her pretty features. I wish it wasn't like that, I really do. They're both important to me and I don't want to choose between them, but Momo... at least, Momo has somebody. KOS-MOS doesn't have anyone. If I'm not around, I'm afraid of what she'll become. I'm afraid of what they'll make her into.

Suddenly, the guilt was replaced by a sense of urgency.

That's why I have to get back right away. If Momo were here, she wouldn't be alone and Jr. would protect her. My brother is close by, too, and he's already promised to be there if she ever needs him. Please, she said, shutting her eyes tight and turning away. I don't know what else to do.

And how does Momo feel about this?

Shion faced him, a half smile on her lips.

She... understands. She always does.

Gaignun thought momentarily that he had never been this close to her before. He had never been close enough to notice how soulful those eyes were. There was so much pain locked away. It made him feel sorry for her and very wrong to question her motives.

He sighed and crossed his arms in front of him, looking off into the corner and wondering why he was even considering doing something that was so unlike him. He didn't have anything to gain by taking the girl in, and almost everything to lose. That girl was trouble for whoever took responsibility for her. He had his hands full running the Foundation and dealing with U-TIC and, of course, he had his own child to watch over.

He didn't owe Shion anything.

But, there was that nagging feeling again, telling him not to ignore her. Her idealism was clearly written on her face, making him question the strength of his own beliefs. All he had ever known were harsh truths and every decision he had made in his life had been cut-and-dry. It was cynicism that prevailed in his world. Her world was not so simple, but it was in her world that real truths existed.

The laws of the universe would bend differently for someone like her. Physical strength and intelligence were valuable assets, but Shion's true strength was something else, something intangible, and because of this it was far more powerful. In her world, the nonexistent became real by sheer will. Her will. Somehow, Gaignun believed, Shion would find a way to make that android of hers human, even if she had to squeeze the life from her very own soul.

Was that the power he sensed in her? Could this woman make dreams a reality? Gaignun's lips quirked at the thought. He was suddenly very curious to find out.

All right, he said solemnly, feeling the weight of his words. I'll take care of the girl for you.

Shion's eyes lit up with gratitude. Gaignun's smile was predatory. Perhaps, by gaining her trust, the secrets that laid behind those eyes would be revealed in time, and then he would see what possible way he could use the knowledge to his advantage.

she cried, wanting so much to throw her arms around him, but quickly sobered and turned shy again. Thank you. She clasped her hands over her heart, as if making a pledge. I will never forget this.

Little did Shion know, it was her who was doing him the favour. He had already gathered some important details about her, observations about her weaknesses and her strengths. Her devotion to the android and the girl was admirable, even if it was unusual. Gaignun thought with some disdain, the things she loved so dearly would either destroy her in the end or they would be her salvation. It was the same with all obsessions.

Shion seemed oblivious to the looks that Gaignun cast her way. She was already thinking of the troubles that awaited her back at Vector. It had been nearly three months since she was assigned to the Woglinde. Three months since KOS-MOS unexpectedly woke up and turned her life upside down. In that short time, she survived one dangerous encounter after another, saw and did things which should have not been possible, and discovered the tenuous link that existed between herself and those around her. Both human and machine. And yet, Nephilim's words echoed grievously in her mind.

I wanted you to face your pasts, but I see... you are not ready yet.

Shion didn't think she would ever be ready for what Nephilim had planned. Every time she found herself brooding over the matter, the question always came up... why me?

I'm just Shion. Plain, old Shion. Nothing special about me.

Gaignun assured Shion that he would take the best care of Momo and told her he would make the necessary arrangements immediately. When he showed her to the door, it appeared as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. The gratitude she felt shone through her eyes... eyes that seemed to promise strange and wonderful secrets.

Shion, what is it that defines you?

His highly evolved instincts told him that she was somehow an important piece of the puzzle, even if his eyes dismissed her as insignificant. Gaignun smiled darkly as he watched her walk out of his office, satisfied with the knowledge he had unexpectedly received. He bowed his head as she gave one last wave before stepping onto the elevator.

May you find the answers you're looking for.



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A/N:
this chapter was mainly to move Momo from Shion's custody to Gaignun's custody and to show that Gaignun senses something very weird about Shion
I wrote Gaignun as a shady character--doesn't mean I think he's a bad guy. I just think he's creepy and manipulative
next up: Shion returns to Vector (who's in this chapter? Allen/KOS-MOS/Nephilim, albeit briefly)