Episode 27: Search and Rescue
Linna awoke to the sound of a helicopter setting down not fifty meters from where she and Nene had curled up for the night. She opened her eyes slowly, allowing herself to adjust to the bright white light of the late morning sun. As she lifted her head she saw the helicopter land on the white sandy beach ahead of her. Relief filled her as she witnessed a familiar figure step out of the aircraft; a woman, with white hair gleaming in the sunlight.
"Sylia," whispered Linna. Beside her Nene stirred. Linna smiled at the sleeping girl next to her.
"They've found us, Nene," she said. Nene shivered, but did not wake. It was no surprise that she was cold, for the two women had been left on that beach without any clothing, and it had been a cold night. Linna figured that they must have been on that beach for four days, although she really wasn't sure. So much had happened. Linna felt different, years older than she had felt before.
"Linna! Nene!" The call from Sylia interrupted Linna's thoughts. She looked back toward the helicopter to see Sylia running to her. Three other figures had emerged from the helicopter, men, and they too were running toward the two stranded women. Sylia reached them first, followed by Nigel who was carrying blankets, then Daley and Leon.
"Are you alright?" asked Sylia as Nigel began to wrap the sleeping Nene in a blanket.
"I think we'll be fine," said Linna. "How did you find us?"
Sylia smiled. "I'm not sure," she said. "I just knew where to look."
Linna smiled back at Sylia. "I suppose that makes sense."
"Uh...Linna?" Leon stepped forward cautiously as he spoke. "Where– where's Priss?"
Linna looked down. "I don't know, Leon. We...we left her behind. I'm sorry."
"I see," said Leon, choking on his own words. Linna was surprised by his attitude. He didn't yell, or demand further explanation. He simply lowered his head. He didn't even try to stop the silent tears that began streaming down his face. He was truly more upset now than she had ever seen him before.
Leon, I– Linna began to speak but was stopped by Daley who held his hand up as a caution and shook his head.
Let him be, Daley said. He needs space now.
Linna was aware that Daley knew Leon better than anyone else, but she still felt as if she should console him. After all, she was the one person who truly understood what he was feeling...
She's not dead, Linna whispered. She can't be. She's alive somewhere, I can feel it.
* * *
Where she was, she could not tell. She was somewhere far from earth, somewhere in between life and death, light and darkness, heaven and hell. She was surrounded by both the celestial glow of a thousand spherules, and the empty, cold blackness of space. In her mind's eye she could see faces–the faces of those she'd loved, the faces of those she d lost, the faces of allies and enemies. These strange phantoms were her company, and yet despite them she felt very alone. For phantoms were all they were, and she could not be sure if she would ever see any of these people ever again. But two faces haunted her more than the others. One was the face of the man who once held her heart, a man who left her alone in the world of the living as he moved on to the world of the dead, leaving her broken and alienated. Painful as the first face was to look upon, the second was worse. It was the face of the man who she feared held her heart now.
Priss awoke from her strange nightmare with a start. She had no idea where she was. The last thing she remembered was wandering around in the desert. She sat up and looked around, taking in her surroundings. She was in a small room in some kind of hospital with no windows and dim lighting. She looked down to examine herself, finding that she was wearing a typical hospital robe. She did not notice the woman who sat in the corner, hidden by the shadows.
So you're finally awake, said the woman in decent, but somewhat faulty Japanese. Priss spun around to face the woman. She noticed that she was dressed in American military garb, her fiery hair pulled back in a tight ponytail.
Priss raised an eyebrow. So, do you mind if I ask who the hell you are and what the hell I'm doing here?
Not to mention where the hell here' is, the woman added, laughing. I'm Lieutenant Jean Hunt of the U.S. Army, and this is our secret base in the Sahara.
I didn't know there was a secret American base in the Sahara, said Priss, frowning.
Well of course, replied Jean, grinning. That's why it's a secret base.
said Priss, now explain why I'm here.
Well I was hoping you could explain that to me. I mean, you are the one who was wandering around naked in the middle of the desert. We found you while we taking some of our new tanks on a test run. You kept babbling about someone named Galatea and something called Motoslave. But most interestingly, said Jean, her smile widening, you kept saying something about the other Knight Sabers'.
Priss glowered at the red-headed woman. What the hell is that to you?
Oh, not much, said Jean. I really could care less about the Knight Sabers, especially since I never lived in Tokyo. I just find the whole thing intriguing. After all, our satellite photos seem to show that the Knight Sabers were actually in orbit three weeks ago.
Three weeks ago? exclaimed Priss. Just how long have I been unconscious?
Well, we found you about two weeks ago, said Jean. You weren't unconscious when we found you, but you weren't exactly acting normal either. You were pretty delusional and passed out as soon as we got you here.
said Priss.
Jean continued as she rose from her seat, I'm going to be taking two months off starting tomorrow. I thought I'd escort you back to Tokyo, help you find somewhere to stay and whatnot.
said Priss. Can I ask why you're willing to do that?
Jean shrugged. I guess I feel responsible. I've been the one looking after you, so I feel like I still need to take care of you.
I don't need to be taken care of, Priss said dryly.
Well, that much is obvious, replied Jean. Still, Tokyo is a real mess right now. A lot has been destroyed and it's taking time to rebuild. But there are places to stay for those who haven't found homes. Some camps have been set up in abandoned apartment buildings for people who have no place else to go.
Camps? God, it sounds like America during the Dust Bowl.
said Jean, I never thought of it like that. But as far as I know these camps are nothing like that. They're more like homeless shelters.
Great, than I won't be uncomfortable, said Priss, seething with sarcasm.
Hey, free food and shelter can't be a bad thing, said Jean. Besides, it's only temporary, and you might make some friends.
I like my privacy, said Priss.
Well I'll stay there with you for a while if it will make you feel better. I'll go find you some clothes and we'll leave for Tokyo tomorrow. Jean started for the door, then stopped. By the way, what's your name?
My name's Priss.
* * *
Sylia stepped off the elevator where Nigel was busy working on the new hardsuits.
Well, the reconstruction of the Silky Doll is almost complete, she said, walking forward. Can you believe it's been a month since we picked up Nene and Linna? Everything had been happening so fast. I mean, Daley and Leon have already started their new jobs as police detectives and things seem to be getting back to normal in Tokyo. Why, now that you're almost done with the hardsuits, Nene, Linna and I will be able to get back to work in no time!
You shouldn't be putting on a hardsuit, Sylia, said Nigel. I made one for you, but I strongly urge you not to use it.
Slyia sighed. I appreciate your concern Nigel, and I am truly grateful that you care about me...but...
Linna and Nene can handle rouge boomers, Sylia, especially now that rouge boomer incidents are down. Nigel rose and looked at Sylia sternly.
I....I know you're right, Nigel. I just... Sylia sighed as tears began to well up in her eyes.
I know, said Nigel, coming over to her and wrapping her in his arms. Sylia leaned into his protective embrace gratefully. They stayed that way for a long while, until Macky came bursting in.
Macky stammered. I just came to find out how you were doing on the fourth hardsuit.
said Sylia in surprise.
Well, yeah, said Macky. The suit for Priss. Linna and Nene both insisted...
It's been a month! exclaimed Sylia. Nene wasn't able to find anything on Priss in any government files or anything! I don't understand why those two keep insisting. Even Leon has come to terms with the fact that Priss is gone. Granted, he drinks him self stupid every night and hardly speaks to anybody, but at least he's acknowledged that Priss is not coming back. I worry about Linna and Nene, holding on like that.
They seem to really believe that she's alive somewhere, said Nigel.
I wish I could believe that, said Sylia, but after a month I think it's time to move on.
I told them the very same thing, said Nigel, but they wouldn't take no' for an answer. They believe she's coming back, and you never know, they might be right.
* * *
McNichols and Wong, come in, the voice chimed from the radio in Daley and Leon's patrol car.
McNichols here, answered Leon. What's the problem, Nene?
There seems to be a situation in Camp 12, Leon-Poo, said Nene, playfully.
Damn it! Why is there always some situation at these stupid camps?
If you ask me, said Daley, I think that these camps are managed very poorly. There extremely disorganized and so somebody is always causing trouble. Just like the government to take poor care of people in need. Plus, these places are full of bad tempered people like you, Leon-Poo.
Shut up, Wong! snapped Leon.
said Nene, it seems that there was a brawl and an American officer who's staying there was stabbed. You'd better go check it out.
I guess so, said Leon.