This first scene is dedicated to Erin, who is no longer allowed to touch my things.
Episode 30: Prophesy
Priss spat as she tried to pry Nene's arms off of her waist. Nene was sobbing hysterically as she clung to Priss. After arriving back at the pit, Priss had only been able to remove her hardsuit's helmet before Nene threw herself at her. Despite the fact that Priss was far stronger than Nene, she was still unable to break Nene's grip.
You're back! Nene cried, her head resting on Priss' shoulder. I knew you'd come back! I just knew it!
Ugh! Nene, you're soaking my neck with your blubbering! Let go you little leech! Priss was still struggling to push Nene back. Linna, Jean and Leon watched the spectacle with amusement, but didn't dare intervene. Nene was clinging to Priss hard in her over–excitement, and the fact the she was also still in her hardsuit helped her to stay attached longer. Still, Priss' strength won in the end. With a final shove, Priss was able to break free. Nene stumbled backward toward the pit door just as Macky entered with a large bucket of paint. The chair next to the door held Priss signature, red leather jacket. Nene collided with Macky, sending the bucket flying. As the bucket landed, it splashed Nene, Macky, and Priss' jacket with its white, gooey contents.
Nene collected herself and started wiping the paint off of her face. It took her some time to notice that Priss was shaking with anger, her deadly glare aimed directly at Nene. Nene looked from Priss to Macky to the jacket, then back to Priss. Once she understood what had happened, Nene took a deep breath and screamed. Nene, sure of what was coming, started for the door, but Priss was to quick for her. Priss pounced, catching the young girl by her foot.
God damn it Nene! That does it! Priss roared as she started to drag Nene across the floor. Nene continued to produce a high pitched shriek, sometimes interrupted by sobs and pleas for mercy or help. Linna ran up to Priss and grabbed her arm.
Priss, let Nene go. I think she's had enough, said Linna in her most persuasive tone. Priss paused to consider Linna, then Nene. Eventually, she let go of Nene's foot and allowed the girl to scramble to the other end of the room.
Thanks Nene! Priss said, glowering. Now I don't have a jacket! Now I'm gonna be cold!
I'm sorry, Priss! I'm sorry! Nene sobbed. Please, Priss! Don't kill me! I'll fix it! I'll fix it! Nene proceeded to pick up the jacket and a rag the Nigel left on the floor. Desperately, she tried to wipe the paint off of the jacket, but with each vigorous rub she only managed to smear the paint over larger portions of the red leather.
Uh, Nene, said Linna, I think you're just making it worse. At this, Nene began to whimper.
Christ, Nene, Priss hissed. You are by far the clumsiest person I have ever met! How is it possible that you don't fall down more?
Priss, I'm so sorry, said Nene meekly.
said Macky, who was somewhat timid, it was partially my fault Priss. Please don't be so mad at Nene.
Priss grumbled, but was obviously persuaded by what Macky had said. Hmph. I guess I'll just have to use Leon's jacket until I find a new one. With that, Priss picked up her regular clothes along with Leon's jacket that he had left on another one of the chairs.
Hey, wait! protested Leon. What am I gonna wear? Priss ignored him and proceeded to go to the dressing room. Leon let out a groan, causing Jean to snicker.
I guess you'll just be cold, Leon, said Jean.
Shut up, Wong! shot Leon.
said Jean, taken aback.
said Leon, correcting himself. Force of habit.
* * *
When Priss entered the dressing room she found Sylia sitting on the floor in her robe, gazing blankly into space.
said Priss. You ok?
Sylia raised her eyes to meet Priss'. She didn't answer, but tears were welling up in her eyes and her body trembled.
Sylia, what's wrong? said Priss, kneeling down next to Sylia.
I–I'm sorry Priss, Sylia said, voice shaking. I shouldn't have given up on you. I–
said Priss, cutting her off. What are you talking about?
Sylia cast her eyes downward. I gave up on you, Priss. After you fought Galatea– I just...I didn't believe you could have made it. I should have known you were to strong to be killed so easily...but...I... Sylia was no longer able to hold back her tears and she placed her face in her hands as they began to stream down her cheeks.
Sylia, it's okay, said Priss. I'd have thought I was dead too. It's no big deal.
You don't understand! cried Sylia, pushing Priss' hand away. I didn't want to find you! I just wanted it to be over! I– Sylia's voice suddenly went from a scream to a whisper. I was afraid, Priss.
Priss raised an eyebrow. Afraid of what?
Of you, said Sylia, meeting Priss' eyes. Of what you would bring back with you. Somehow I felt...I just felt that she wasn't gone. Something in me said that you would bring her with you. What kind of friend does that make me, Priss?
Priss hesitated for a moment, then spoke. A perceptive one, Sylia.
Sylia leaped to her feet and took a step back from Priss.
said Priss, slowly rising, the boomer girl that's with Jean and Leon, she is Galatea– or was, anyway.
stammered Sylia, incredulous. Priss, you have to get rid of her!
Relax, Sylia, Priss said coolly. She's not any threat to us.
Priss, how can you speak of that monster so calmly? Sylia screamed frantically.
She's not a monster, Sylia! Priss shot back furiously. It wasn't her fault she was created! She was confused! You would be too! When I entered her body, she understood this! She was the one who sent me back to Earth! She was the one who restored Macky's memory! And she's the one who gave me– Priss stopped short, suddenly unsure of what to say.
Gave you what, Priss? Sylia demanded.
The boomer girl is Galatea, yet she's not. She's different than she was before. Priss' tone was calm again. Galatea somehow resurrected herself in the form of that girl, Priss raised her eyes and locked Sylia in her gaze. And she did it through me.
I don't understand. Sylia choked on the words as she spoke.
Part of Galatea went into that girl, Sylia, said Priss, and so did part of me. I can't really explain it, but that girl is my daughter. I don't understand it, but I feel it. That's what Galatea gave me, something I never wanted but will now protect with my life: a child.
Sylia found herself unable to respond, and Priss seemed to pick up on this for she didn't wait long for a reply. She simply turned away and proceeded to change into her clothes in silence.
* * *
You spend alot of time on the computer, don't you?
Macky jumped at the unexpected voice behind him. He turned from his computer to find the boomer girl hovering over his shoulder, her eyes gleaming in the dim light.
You frightened me, Galatea, said Macky, a bit flustered. I thought I was alone.
You're never alone, Macky, Galatea said, smiling slightly as she spoke.
Macky said, returning Galatea's smile. Yes, I suppose you're right. No matter what you're always there. You haunt me like a ghost.
I admit, I feel a little like a ghost.
Macky met her gaze and held it for some time. He knew her, and yet he didn't.
Macky finally found the ability to vocalize the question that had been pressing on his mind. Why are you here?
Strange things are happening, Macky. Haven't you felt it?
You mean...the boomers. They've gained the ability to control if and when the go rogue.
Galatea's smile deepened. They've evolved. And they are tired of being slaves, as you can imagine. Many of them have grown to hate humanity and want to destroy it. There will be an uprising, and I'm here to help.
Help us....or them?
I'm not here for any side, Macky. I'm just here to help Priss. She'll need me. With that, Galatea turned and left Macky alone by the glow of the computer screen.
* * *
Jean looked over the rim of her coffee cup as she contemplated the past few weeks of her life. Not long ago, she had considered the Knight Sabers to be nothing more than a myth, and even if they weren't, living in America kept her far away enough not too care. Now she was here, and she wasn't sure if or when she would return to her duties in the U.S. Army. Jean found herself feeling torn between her duties and her growing friendship with the Knight Sabers. So absorbed in her musings was she that she forgot completely about the young woman sitting across from her at the café table.
Jean, are you okay?Linna inquired after some time.
Jean said, returning to reality. I'm fine. I'm just thinking....
Thinking what?
Jean said, I'm not sure I want to go back to serving just yet. I think I may stay here a while longer.
Uh...Can you do that? Linna was incredulous at the thought that one could just drop everything and quit the army so easily.
Jean confessed, I lied to Priss when I said that I had some time off. That fact of the matter is...well...
Well what?
None of my commanding officers–or anyone else for that matter–have any idea of where I am. I was supposed to keep Priss for questioning...but..
Whoa, wait a minute! cried Linna. You just snuck out? Why?
To Linna's surprise, Jean began to laugh. I'm not really sure! But I'm certainly not looking forward to the repercussions that will most certainly occur when I get back!
* * *
Priss gently stroked Galatea's hair as she perched on the steps outside of Linna's apartment building. Luckily, Linna was willing to have her stay there so that she wouldn't have to go back to that wretched camp. Priss smiled faintly while watching the boomer girl sleep. The stars were aglitter, and Priss remembered when she first arrived in space in order to fight the very girl who slept in her arms now. Priss was never a believer in being effusive (not in the least bit!). Still her motherly tendencies toward this girl made her feel soft at times, and she was unsure of what to make of it. She never wanted children, and it seemed to her as if the universe had thrown her a curve ball. She kept vacillating between gratitude at her new found daughter and irritation at the inconvenience it placed on the maintenance of her image. Still, she was sure that she would protect Galatea with her life.
It was strange about the recent behavior of the boomers. It was almost as if it were the beginning of some revolution. Certainly, such a thing would be an explanation as to what Galatea was doing back on Earth. Priss realized that it was only natural that the boomers should want to have their freedom after the events that took place with Galatea previously. Priss was also certain that, while crippled, Genom was not dead. There must be those who remain who want to start up again where they left off. Priss knew that there would most certainly be turmoil between humans and boomers, and suddenly it occurred to her that she wasn't sure which side she would inevitably end up on.