Bubble Gum HYTE (Fan-fic)
Source: Bubble Gum Crisis/Crash
Author: LV426
NOTE: I apologize to you all now for how long this took to come out. You can blame classes, but I sitll apologize... this was a long time.
Chapter 16: Studies
The door hummed closed behind them and Sylia removed her helmet, a deep breath escaping from her. She glanced quickly around the back of the van, taking comfort in both her friends and the familiar location, however limited that comfort might be.
Nene, however, was not in the back this time. Since everyone else climbed in there, she took her place behind the wheel. "Shall we go back now?" she asked, her tone not peticularly upbeat, but far from depressed either.
Sylia responded with a nod. "Yes, Nene. Let's go back now."
"Hey Sylia. are you ok?" It was Linna who asked. She had been keeping a concerned eye out for Sylia since they had arrived here at the Wiz-Labs. That eye had apparently not left yet.
"Yeah. I'm alright." Sylia smiled slightly, "Thank you."
As they all heard the motor start and felt the van begin to move under Nene's control, all she could get from her friend was an unconvinced nod, but it would have to be enough for now.
"Alright, we are in private now, so spill." This time, it was Priss, her usual aggravation at being outside of yet another secret barely in check in her voice.
"Please, let's wait a few minutes, I want to be away from the labs first."
Priss glared, and would have argued, had Linna not placed a hand on her shoulder. The glare instantly snapped at her, but subdued below the surface with a growl when Linna only shook her head sadly. She turned back to Sylia. "Fine. But this better be worth the wait."
"You couldn't possibly know how worth it' it really is," Sylia thought to herself, a sigh escaping her, "He didn't mean for you to see what he showed me."
The ride was quiet for several minutes after that, as if Sylia's sigh signaled the tension to begin, but no one dared ask her what was going on just yet. Finally, after about ten minutes of silent driving, Sylia spoke up once more. "I know who was leading Dr. Yoshida."
Everyone's eyes jerked up at Sylia as she said this, as if she had just ripped the tension off of them like a hair. "What?" Nene managed to say.
Priss recovered enough to respond immediately afterwards. "So tell us already."
Sylia wouldn't even look at the others yet, "It's Largo."
"Yeah right! You destroyed him!"
"I thought I did," she looked up now, her expression showing just for once how hard she is trying to face what she now has to, "But we thought that he was dead before. and like before, we were apparently wrong."
"How do you know?" This time, it was Sylia who spoke up.
"Remember when we first went into the room Dr. Yoshida had been using? He contacted me there."
"Well that's just fucking great!" Priss exclaimed. "Here we are dealing with a rampaging boomer who no one has managed to kill yet, and the reason is someone even more psychotic. How the hell did he survive this time!?!?"
"I don't know yet. All I know is he did."
Once more, Astis remained completely alone and in total darkness. He had disconnected himself from the net an hour ago, and spent the time sitting and digesting what he had collected. To the best of his knowledge, Armstrong had not been able to see him, but he didn't know if Armstrong would have known to look for that terminal's signature instead of his internal one. It was possible, he surmised, since he had been the one to draw the Hou Bang's attention to him, that he could have gotten the information from their databanks, but would he think to?
"Most likely not," he concluded. "I've always patched into him directly, so why would he think I would do otherwise?"
But this was not the most pressing matter on his mind. He had found all he could on the two members of the Knight Sabers that he knew enough to look for information on: Linna Yamazaki and Priscilla Asagiri. While Priss, according to various records on her, was definitely the kind who could destroy a boomer for simply being one, it was once again Linna that proved to not fit into this picture.
"Why? Why was Linna, on a team of boomer killers? Or at least according to Armstrong, boomer killers." He drew in his mind various possible ways that fit Linna and Armstrong's view into the equation without conflict, but found very few. In the end, he found only two possibilities that would fit. "Either something happened that made Armstrong believe they are the enemy, or Linna is a new member and hasn't adopted the boomers are evil' attitude yet," he contemplated. "I highly doubt, since Kou knew her as a Knight Saber that Linna is that new a member."
So this left the first theory: Armstrong and the Knight Sabers had fought before, so he now saw them as the enemy. "If that's true, then why did they turn on him? If they are not out to destroy boomers, what could he have done to make them turn on him specifically?" It was this last question that bothered him the most. Linna had already shown him she does not have it in her to turn without a reason, so if she isn't that new, what could Armstrong have done to warrant it? Could the one who freed him be the really dangerous one? He shook his head, not ready to face that possibility yet, but also unable to argue well against it. His mind kept returning to the changes he had detected in his friend, and how unnerving they were to discover. "as if he wasn't entirely himself anymore."
Doing his best to block this thought, he stood up and walked out the door. His neighbors wouldn't question a midnight stroll. It wasn't the first time, nor would it be the last. He walked out the door and went down the hallway. Somewhere public, he could access the net like he had here, and he would have to use this way to find Linna and talk to her again. As much as he hated the possibility that Armstrong was the real dangerous one, he couldn't take the risk of drawing his attention until he disproved the slowly rising suspicions. "lets hope," was the most certain he could be about it for now.
Sylia stepped inside her private computer room and let out a sigh. She was convinced she made the right choice sending her friends home to get some sleep, but that didn't make Nene any more complacent. Still, she of all of them needed to rest. She was going to have to be at her own offices earlier then any of them. "After all, she has to see what the ADP might have on this Armstrong' business," Sylia reasoned.
She didn't waste any more time on these thoughts, moving quickly to a small console. "And I need to see what she found in the labs tonight." She tapped a few buttons, giving the command to her systems to download all information from the hard suits currently in storage. With a slight yawn, she stretched and leaned back. This would take a little time.
"I have come as you requested," Kou said with little emotion, "now, can you explain what information you have that may help in the capture and destruction of the boomer I now hunt?" They were sitting in a restaurant not far from where they met. It wasn't the most elaborate or expensive location, but never the less, it was obvious that a lot of couples were here. they were seen with no exception.
"In due time," Moria responded with a slight smile on her face. "I can't just give up my trump card without being given something in return."
"Ms. you claim to be a member of the Hou Bang, yes? Then why is it that the removal of the one responsible for the death of Ms. Chang should not be your top priority?"
"His removal is my top priority," came the cold and almost bitter return.
"Then tell me what you have found."
"More like what I observed. I have in my possession tapes of the attack on Mr. Leon McNichol," she paused to let that sink into Kou's head. "Tapes I recorded myself, when this was Mr. Clax's assignment."
"I see, but I assume you did not bring such a thing with you, did you?"
Moria laughed quietly. "And give you the chance to steal them before hearing out my case?" She sipped her water, knowing that it would not be long before they would have to break off such talks. the waiter would be returning with their orders.
"Alright, Ms. you have me at a disadvantage. The idea that you would put your own personal goals before the goals of Mr. Chang disturbs me, but what are your terms."
"That I join you in this hunt." The words came out little too eagerly, but she didn't care yet. She had gotten Kou to admit his position. something Clax would have been amused with.
"Why do you wish this?" Kou's face showed no signs of what he might be thinking.
"I have my own reasons, as I'm sure you have yours." She watched in satisfaction as Kou was unable to hide that she had just stunned him. She had no idea what Kou's personal reasons might be, but she wouldn't let him in on that. All she needed to know was that Clax was right. he had been the first choice because Kou would have gotten personally involved.
"Very well," Kou finally spoke up. "If you understand my reasons, then I cant in my right mind deny you yours." He looked up casually as the waiter made his way to their table. "But enough business for now. the main course has arrived."
Sylia sat wide eyed in her chair, all thoughts of her own exhaustion gone. In their place was nothing but bewilderment and admiration: Bewilderment at why someone would even think to do as the plans Nene had grabbed showed her, and admiration at the skill in which it was pulled off. "So, that's what he did," she allowed herself to say audibly. A few key taps later, she was looking more in depth into the designs of the eyes. "Incredible. but why would anyone think to try this?" She shook her head, knowing such answers were gone with Dr. Yoshida's death. "Besides, more important at the moment is how to counter the effects of this eye."
Again, more tapping at the keys, looking for any weakness in the design. but this was one task Dr. Yoshida had taken on very seriously. "No structural faults, no shortage possibilities. no nothing. so how do we deal with it? How do you stop it from looking in slightly in your own." her words trailed as she realized her dialog could well have just given her an answer.
Quickly, she typed several commands into the system. Leaning back, she watched the simulation in front of her. She nodded with satisfaction, "Then we are already able to counter this. the hardsuits wont be effected."
But that wasn't entirely true either. When Largo had shown her what he did, none of the others saw it. The thought of that scene brought a shiver through her, but it was important now. Either he had taken over the sensory systems in her suite to show her, or theirs to stop them from seeing. Either way, she and Dr. Raven had a lot of work ahead of them. "I just hope we have time," she thought wistfully.
Had he been human, Astis would have shivered. Since he was not, he could simply turn off the temperature sensors he was equipped with and in the process, disable the discomfort. He stood outside of a large apartment complex. Several hours ago, he would have been inside, but to avoid causing any undue alarm, he let a security guard change that.
Astis sat in the lobby. His internal clock told him how late it was, and that most likely, Ms. Yamazaki would have gone to bed a few hours ago. Still, he came here with a purpose, and he couldn't bring himself to go back home. not when it would only mean returning a few hours after he got there. Instead, he decided to do as he was now. He would wait for her.
He had considered standing right at her apartment door, but he already knew that was a bad idea. He may not mean her any harm, but that was the kind of thing humans usually associated with a stalker. Instead, he had taken temporary residence in the lobby, where he had remained for the past few hours, casually holding a newspaper in front of him like he was actually reading it. What he was actually doing, however, was preparing himself for the interview he was going to have with Linna. He still wasn't entirely sure what he would ask, but he knew he needed to ask what they knew about Armstrong.
"Excuse me, Sir." The voice came from behind him, followed by a tap on the shoulder.
Causally folding the paper and placing it beside him, Astis turned to face the person responsible and found a cop about a foot from his face. "Can I help you?"
"Do you live here, Sir?"
"Pardon?"
"Do you live here? In one of the apartments above us?"
"No, Sir."
He didn't get a chance to say any more. "Then I'm sorry, Sir, but I must ask you leave. This apartment complex doesn't take too kindly to the homeless taking residence in their building."
Astis considered for a split second trying to explain his situation, but that whole concept of being seen as a stalker stopped him short. Instead he sounded apologetic. "I'm sorry, Officer. I didn't mean to get in the way. My friend said she would be back in ten to fifteen minutes." He then looked at the clock. "Guess she stood me up."
The cop nodded, almost apologetically. "I'm sorry to hear that, but I must still insist on you leaving."
"I understand." Without another word, Astis walked outside.
Until a few minutes ago, he had let himself wander about the neighborhood, but never strayed more then a few blocks from the complex. People, for the most part, left him alone. He expected no different. He had stopped once on the way, though, watching a report on the local news. Apparently, the chief of the ADP was now under fire for the release of the Dr. Yoshida that was found dead in the Wiz-labs. While this was interesting, it only pointed to the idea that this was the same guy the Knight Sabers were looking for, which only pointed to another question for him. "Why? He is dead, so what about him draws their attention?"
He had decided to ask Linna about that too, and soon he would ask. He returned to the lobby, knowing the guard he had dealt with that night would be gone now, and on average, humans would be waking up in the next 30 minutes.
He stepped inside, and waited an hour before going to the elevator.
Priss groaned and turned in her sleep. It wasn't the dreams she was having that caused this. Rather, it was the incessant banging sound from somewhere beyond them. It was slowly waking her, despite her best efforts to remain asleep. With a final effort, she groaned and tossed herself completely around. Then her eyes opened with a look of defeat in them. "Linna, could you get that?" she mumbled as she stretched, but soon after, realized she was also hearing the shower as well as what turned out to be someone knocking on the door.
Mumbling to herself about how rude people could be, she stumbled out of bed, grabbing for an old shirt on her way. The first pair of jeans she found on the way also became part of the makeshift outfit on her way to the door. "You better have a damn good reason for getting me out of bed, buddy!" she yelled as her hand reached the lock.
"Ms. Asagiri?" came the surprised and quasi-muffled voice behind the door, but it wasn't muffled enough for Priss to miss who it was.
"ASTIS! WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING HERE!?!?"
"Forgive my intrusion, but I was under the impression that this was the residence of Ms. Yamazaki, not your own."
"That doesn't answer my question. now you have three seconds to reply before I come out there and show you why this was a big mistake."
"Priss? What's all the commotion?" It was Linna speaking from the doorway behind her. She had taken the time to get dressed, or at least start to, since getting out of the shower. She was still missing her business jacket, tie, and shoes that would complete her outfit for the office.
"An unwanted guest stopped by for breakfast."
"Ms. Yamazaki? Are you there?" came the questions again from the boomer on the other side of the door,
"Astis? Is that you," questioned Linna.
"Yes, now may I please come in? I need to talk to you."
"At seven in the morning?!?!?"
"Was my timing inopportune?"
"What do you call coming over while she is in the shower, bucket head!" Priss bellowed, angered a little more by the reminder of the sleep she had just been deprived of.
"I apologize, but I need to ask a few questions. I need to straighten things out."
Linna spoke up once more, "Alright Astis. we can talk over breakfast. Priss, would you let him in?"
Priss did not speak for several moments. "You're joking, right?"
Linna shook her head. "Priss. It will be alright. You know as well as I if he was really a threat, we would both be dead by now."
Priss again, was silent for a while, grudging the fact that Linna was right. After a short while she opened the lock. "Consider this my dept for saving me in the hospital, rust pile," she muttered as she opened the door and let Astis in.
The ADP headquarters was rather quiet at the moment, but the calm did nothing to help his mood as the chief stepped into his office. He had hoped coming in this early would have given him a chance to avoid the press. "As if the press ever rested when they smelled blood," he thought moodily. "Why did this have to happen now?" Taking a deep breath, he began a listless treat toward his office, already dreading the messages that would already be awaiting him: either from his superiors or from the same press he had left outside.
"But how did this happen?" he asked out loud, though not by much. He knew he did not issue the order to release Dr. Yoshida, but he could not deny the signature and fingerprint on the order thrown in his face were indeed his own. "Who could have forged it so well?"
"Hmm?" a feminine voice responded nearby.
"Huh?" He turned toward the sound to see Suvan Hikari looking back, slight confusion in her face. "Oh, it's you, Ms. Hikari. It's nothing, really."
"It doesn't sound like nothing, Sir." It was if she had prompted him to divulge some further information to her. He would not, but he could understand how someone might be more willing to talk to her then most. She eventually continued on, unwilling to let the silence linger any further. "Well, whatever it is, I wish you the best of luck on it."
"Thanks, Ma'am. Oh, and tell Allen I said hello, would you?"
With a curt nod, she was off, leaving the chief once more alone with his thoughts.
Source: Bubble Gum Crisis/Crash
Author: LV426
NOTE: I apologize to you all now for how long this took to come out. You can blame classes, but I sitll apologize... this was a long time.
Chapter 16: Studies
The door hummed closed behind them and Sylia removed her helmet, a deep breath escaping from her. She glanced quickly around the back of the van, taking comfort in both her friends and the familiar location, however limited that comfort might be.
Nene, however, was not in the back this time. Since everyone else climbed in there, she took her place behind the wheel. "Shall we go back now?" she asked, her tone not peticularly upbeat, but far from depressed either.
Sylia responded with a nod. "Yes, Nene. Let's go back now."
"Hey Sylia. are you ok?" It was Linna who asked. She had been keeping a concerned eye out for Sylia since they had arrived here at the Wiz-Labs. That eye had apparently not left yet.
"Yeah. I'm alright." Sylia smiled slightly, "Thank you."
As they all heard the motor start and felt the van begin to move under Nene's control, all she could get from her friend was an unconvinced nod, but it would have to be enough for now.
"Alright, we are in private now, so spill." This time, it was Priss, her usual aggravation at being outside of yet another secret barely in check in her voice.
"Please, let's wait a few minutes, I want to be away from the labs first."
Priss glared, and would have argued, had Linna not placed a hand on her shoulder. The glare instantly snapped at her, but subdued below the surface with a growl when Linna only shook her head sadly. She turned back to Sylia. "Fine. But this better be worth the wait."
"You couldn't possibly know how worth it' it really is," Sylia thought to herself, a sigh escaping her, "He didn't mean for you to see what he showed me."
The ride was quiet for several minutes after that, as if Sylia's sigh signaled the tension to begin, but no one dared ask her what was going on just yet. Finally, after about ten minutes of silent driving, Sylia spoke up once more. "I know who was leading Dr. Yoshida."
Everyone's eyes jerked up at Sylia as she said this, as if she had just ripped the tension off of them like a hair. "What?" Nene managed to say.
Priss recovered enough to respond immediately afterwards. "So tell us already."
Sylia wouldn't even look at the others yet, "It's Largo."
"Yeah right! You destroyed him!"
"I thought I did," she looked up now, her expression showing just for once how hard she is trying to face what she now has to, "But we thought that he was dead before. and like before, we were apparently wrong."
"How do you know?" This time, it was Sylia who spoke up.
"Remember when we first went into the room Dr. Yoshida had been using? He contacted me there."
"Well that's just fucking great!" Priss exclaimed. "Here we are dealing with a rampaging boomer who no one has managed to kill yet, and the reason is someone even more psychotic. How the hell did he survive this time!?!?"
"I don't know yet. All I know is he did."
Once more, Astis remained completely alone and in total darkness. He had disconnected himself from the net an hour ago, and spent the time sitting and digesting what he had collected. To the best of his knowledge, Armstrong had not been able to see him, but he didn't know if Armstrong would have known to look for that terminal's signature instead of his internal one. It was possible, he surmised, since he had been the one to draw the Hou Bang's attention to him, that he could have gotten the information from their databanks, but would he think to?
"Most likely not," he concluded. "I've always patched into him directly, so why would he think I would do otherwise?"
But this was not the most pressing matter on his mind. He had found all he could on the two members of the Knight Sabers that he knew enough to look for information on: Linna Yamazaki and Priscilla Asagiri. While Priss, according to various records on her, was definitely the kind who could destroy a boomer for simply being one, it was once again Linna that proved to not fit into this picture.
"Why? Why was Linna, on a team of boomer killers? Or at least according to Armstrong, boomer killers." He drew in his mind various possible ways that fit Linna and Armstrong's view into the equation without conflict, but found very few. In the end, he found only two possibilities that would fit. "Either something happened that made Armstrong believe they are the enemy, or Linna is a new member and hasn't adopted the boomers are evil' attitude yet," he contemplated. "I highly doubt, since Kou knew her as a Knight Saber that Linna is that new a member."
So this left the first theory: Armstrong and the Knight Sabers had fought before, so he now saw them as the enemy. "If that's true, then why did they turn on him? If they are not out to destroy boomers, what could he have done to make them turn on him specifically?" It was this last question that bothered him the most. Linna had already shown him she does not have it in her to turn without a reason, so if she isn't that new, what could Armstrong have done to warrant it? Could the one who freed him be the really dangerous one? He shook his head, not ready to face that possibility yet, but also unable to argue well against it. His mind kept returning to the changes he had detected in his friend, and how unnerving they were to discover. "as if he wasn't entirely himself anymore."
Doing his best to block this thought, he stood up and walked out the door. His neighbors wouldn't question a midnight stroll. It wasn't the first time, nor would it be the last. He walked out the door and went down the hallway. Somewhere public, he could access the net like he had here, and he would have to use this way to find Linna and talk to her again. As much as he hated the possibility that Armstrong was the real dangerous one, he couldn't take the risk of drawing his attention until he disproved the slowly rising suspicions. "lets hope," was the most certain he could be about it for now.
Sylia stepped inside her private computer room and let out a sigh. She was convinced she made the right choice sending her friends home to get some sleep, but that didn't make Nene any more complacent. Still, she of all of them needed to rest. She was going to have to be at her own offices earlier then any of them. "After all, she has to see what the ADP might have on this Armstrong' business," Sylia reasoned.
She didn't waste any more time on these thoughts, moving quickly to a small console. "And I need to see what she found in the labs tonight." She tapped a few buttons, giving the command to her systems to download all information from the hard suits currently in storage. With a slight yawn, she stretched and leaned back. This would take a little time.
"I have come as you requested," Kou said with little emotion, "now, can you explain what information you have that may help in the capture and destruction of the boomer I now hunt?" They were sitting in a restaurant not far from where they met. It wasn't the most elaborate or expensive location, but never the less, it was obvious that a lot of couples were here. they were seen with no exception.
"In due time," Moria responded with a slight smile on her face. "I can't just give up my trump card without being given something in return."
"Ms. you claim to be a member of the Hou Bang, yes? Then why is it that the removal of the one responsible for the death of Ms. Chang should not be your top priority?"
"His removal is my top priority," came the cold and almost bitter return.
"Then tell me what you have found."
"More like what I observed. I have in my possession tapes of the attack on Mr. Leon McNichol," she paused to let that sink into Kou's head. "Tapes I recorded myself, when this was Mr. Clax's assignment."
"I see, but I assume you did not bring such a thing with you, did you?"
Moria laughed quietly. "And give you the chance to steal them before hearing out my case?" She sipped her water, knowing that it would not be long before they would have to break off such talks. the waiter would be returning with their orders.
"Alright, Ms. you have me at a disadvantage. The idea that you would put your own personal goals before the goals of Mr. Chang disturbs me, but what are your terms."
"That I join you in this hunt." The words came out little too eagerly, but she didn't care yet. She had gotten Kou to admit his position. something Clax would have been amused with.
"Why do you wish this?" Kou's face showed no signs of what he might be thinking.
"I have my own reasons, as I'm sure you have yours." She watched in satisfaction as Kou was unable to hide that she had just stunned him. She had no idea what Kou's personal reasons might be, but she wouldn't let him in on that. All she needed to know was that Clax was right. he had been the first choice because Kou would have gotten personally involved.
"Very well," Kou finally spoke up. "If you understand my reasons, then I cant in my right mind deny you yours." He looked up casually as the waiter made his way to their table. "But enough business for now. the main course has arrived."
Sylia sat wide eyed in her chair, all thoughts of her own exhaustion gone. In their place was nothing but bewilderment and admiration: Bewilderment at why someone would even think to do as the plans Nene had grabbed showed her, and admiration at the skill in which it was pulled off. "So, that's what he did," she allowed herself to say audibly. A few key taps later, she was looking more in depth into the designs of the eyes. "Incredible. but why would anyone think to try this?" She shook her head, knowing such answers were gone with Dr. Yoshida's death. "Besides, more important at the moment is how to counter the effects of this eye."
Again, more tapping at the keys, looking for any weakness in the design. but this was one task Dr. Yoshida had taken on very seriously. "No structural faults, no shortage possibilities. no nothing. so how do we deal with it? How do you stop it from looking in slightly in your own." her words trailed as she realized her dialog could well have just given her an answer.
Quickly, she typed several commands into the system. Leaning back, she watched the simulation in front of her. She nodded with satisfaction, "Then we are already able to counter this. the hardsuits wont be effected."
But that wasn't entirely true either. When Largo had shown her what he did, none of the others saw it. The thought of that scene brought a shiver through her, but it was important now. Either he had taken over the sensory systems in her suite to show her, or theirs to stop them from seeing. Either way, she and Dr. Raven had a lot of work ahead of them. "I just hope we have time," she thought wistfully.
Had he been human, Astis would have shivered. Since he was not, he could simply turn off the temperature sensors he was equipped with and in the process, disable the discomfort. He stood outside of a large apartment complex. Several hours ago, he would have been inside, but to avoid causing any undue alarm, he let a security guard change that.
Astis sat in the lobby. His internal clock told him how late it was, and that most likely, Ms. Yamazaki would have gone to bed a few hours ago. Still, he came here with a purpose, and he couldn't bring himself to go back home. not when it would only mean returning a few hours after he got there. Instead, he decided to do as he was now. He would wait for her.
He had considered standing right at her apartment door, but he already knew that was a bad idea. He may not mean her any harm, but that was the kind of thing humans usually associated with a stalker. Instead, he had taken temporary residence in the lobby, where he had remained for the past few hours, casually holding a newspaper in front of him like he was actually reading it. What he was actually doing, however, was preparing himself for the interview he was going to have with Linna. He still wasn't entirely sure what he would ask, but he knew he needed to ask what they knew about Armstrong.
"Excuse me, Sir." The voice came from behind him, followed by a tap on the shoulder.
Causally folding the paper and placing it beside him, Astis turned to face the person responsible and found a cop about a foot from his face. "Can I help you?"
"Do you live here, Sir?"
"Pardon?"
"Do you live here? In one of the apartments above us?"
"No, Sir."
He didn't get a chance to say any more. "Then I'm sorry, Sir, but I must ask you leave. This apartment complex doesn't take too kindly to the homeless taking residence in their building."
Astis considered for a split second trying to explain his situation, but that whole concept of being seen as a stalker stopped him short. Instead he sounded apologetic. "I'm sorry, Officer. I didn't mean to get in the way. My friend said she would be back in ten to fifteen minutes." He then looked at the clock. "Guess she stood me up."
The cop nodded, almost apologetically. "I'm sorry to hear that, but I must still insist on you leaving."
"I understand." Without another word, Astis walked outside.
Until a few minutes ago, he had let himself wander about the neighborhood, but never strayed more then a few blocks from the complex. People, for the most part, left him alone. He expected no different. He had stopped once on the way, though, watching a report on the local news. Apparently, the chief of the ADP was now under fire for the release of the Dr. Yoshida that was found dead in the Wiz-labs. While this was interesting, it only pointed to the idea that this was the same guy the Knight Sabers were looking for, which only pointed to another question for him. "Why? He is dead, so what about him draws their attention?"
He had decided to ask Linna about that too, and soon he would ask. He returned to the lobby, knowing the guard he had dealt with that night would be gone now, and on average, humans would be waking up in the next 30 minutes.
He stepped inside, and waited an hour before going to the elevator.
Priss groaned and turned in her sleep. It wasn't the dreams she was having that caused this. Rather, it was the incessant banging sound from somewhere beyond them. It was slowly waking her, despite her best efforts to remain asleep. With a final effort, she groaned and tossed herself completely around. Then her eyes opened with a look of defeat in them. "Linna, could you get that?" she mumbled as she stretched, but soon after, realized she was also hearing the shower as well as what turned out to be someone knocking on the door.
Mumbling to herself about how rude people could be, she stumbled out of bed, grabbing for an old shirt on her way. The first pair of jeans she found on the way also became part of the makeshift outfit on her way to the door. "You better have a damn good reason for getting me out of bed, buddy!" she yelled as her hand reached the lock.
"Ms. Asagiri?" came the surprised and quasi-muffled voice behind the door, but it wasn't muffled enough for Priss to miss who it was.
"ASTIS! WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING HERE!?!?"
"Forgive my intrusion, but I was under the impression that this was the residence of Ms. Yamazaki, not your own."
"That doesn't answer my question. now you have three seconds to reply before I come out there and show you why this was a big mistake."
"Priss? What's all the commotion?" It was Linna speaking from the doorway behind her. She had taken the time to get dressed, or at least start to, since getting out of the shower. She was still missing her business jacket, tie, and shoes that would complete her outfit for the office.
"An unwanted guest stopped by for breakfast."
"Ms. Yamazaki? Are you there?" came the questions again from the boomer on the other side of the door,
"Astis? Is that you," questioned Linna.
"Yes, now may I please come in? I need to talk to you."
"At seven in the morning?!?!?"
"Was my timing inopportune?"
"What do you call coming over while she is in the shower, bucket head!" Priss bellowed, angered a little more by the reminder of the sleep she had just been deprived of.
"I apologize, but I need to ask a few questions. I need to straighten things out."
Linna spoke up once more, "Alright Astis. we can talk over breakfast. Priss, would you let him in?"
Priss did not speak for several moments. "You're joking, right?"
Linna shook her head. "Priss. It will be alright. You know as well as I if he was really a threat, we would both be dead by now."
Priss again, was silent for a while, grudging the fact that Linna was right. After a short while she opened the lock. "Consider this my dept for saving me in the hospital, rust pile," she muttered as she opened the door and let Astis in.
The ADP headquarters was rather quiet at the moment, but the calm did nothing to help his mood as the chief stepped into his office. He had hoped coming in this early would have given him a chance to avoid the press. "As if the press ever rested when they smelled blood," he thought moodily. "Why did this have to happen now?" Taking a deep breath, he began a listless treat toward his office, already dreading the messages that would already be awaiting him: either from his superiors or from the same press he had left outside.
"But how did this happen?" he asked out loud, though not by much. He knew he did not issue the order to release Dr. Yoshida, but he could not deny the signature and fingerprint on the order thrown in his face were indeed his own. "Who could have forged it so well?"
"Hmm?" a feminine voice responded nearby.
"Huh?" He turned toward the sound to see Suvan Hikari looking back, slight confusion in her face. "Oh, it's you, Ms. Hikari. It's nothing, really."
"It doesn't sound like nothing, Sir." It was if she had prompted him to divulge some further information to her. He would not, but he could understand how someone might be more willing to talk to her then most. She eventually continued on, unwilling to let the silence linger any further. "Well, whatever it is, I wish you the best of luck on it."
"Thanks, Ma'am. Oh, and tell Allen I said hello, would you?"
With a curt nod, she was off, leaving the chief once more alone with his thoughts.