Episode 33: Relations
Linna sighed as she hoisted herself out of bed. She glanced at her alarm clock, taking note of the time. Three o'clock in the morning, and Priss was still outside. Linna yawned as she slipped into some sneakers and made her way outside. She was exhausted, but she couldn't sleep knowing that Priss was still up.
The night air was cool and carried the faint smell of smoke. Priss was perched in her usual place in front of the apartment building, gently swishing the beer in her hand.
said Linna, approaching tentatively. Priss you need to get some sleep.
You worry too much, said Priss, continuing to stare out into the night. I like staying up late.
Priss, Sylia didn't mean to–
Don't defend her, Linna! She's a manipulative bitch and she always has been! Priss was fuming, and Linna knew better than to press the issue.
said Linna. I'm sorry. Unsure of what else to say, Linna turned to go inside.
said Priss, stopping Linna in her tracks, I never asked to be a mother. But can you blame me for trying to protect my child?
Linna hesitated. She wasn't quite sure whether Galatea was Priss' child at all, but Linna knew that Priss felt that she was. Perhaps that was all that really mattered anyway.
said Linna finally. No, I can't blame you. I would probably do the same thing.
Linna turned and went back inside, leaving Priss alone in the darkness.
* * *
She's completely out of her mind! exclaimed Sylia. Nigel sighed and turned away from Nene's hardsuit. There was no point in trying to continue his work at this point. He knew exactly where this was going.
I don't know why I even keep her on the team! She's arrogant, moody and completely reckless!
And you need her, Nigel added calmly. Sylia scowled.
Yes, well she's lucky that I need her, because otherwise...
said Nigel, this doesn't really involve me, and frankly I don't see the point in your festering over this.
What do you mean? cried Sylia. You were there! You saw what happened! She was entirely out of line!
She's always out of line, replied Nigel, turning back to his work. You should be used to it. Besides, Galatea's her kid. She has a right to be protective.
Don't be ridiculous! said Sylia. That boomer is not Priss' child!
And I suppose Macky isn't your brother.
Sylia floundered at this remark, feeling both wounded and humbled by it.
I... suppose you're right... she said eventually. I just...
said Nigel, I need to work. Why don't you go relax or something. You probably need it.
Yes, I guess I do, said Sylia, smiling meekly. Thank you, Nigel.
* * *
The boomers moved through the silent streets of Tokyo like an army of undead soldiers. Hundreds boomers lurched toward their destination in procession, eyes glowing red. The streets were dark and abandoned, for no repairs had yet been made in this part of the city. The only sound to be heard was the clanking of heavy footsteps. Somewhere ahead a light was illuminated in the dim, casting an erie glow. A stream of boomers flowed from all directions, moving slowly toward the light. From the light emerged an enormous figure, monstrous in shape. It towered over the boomers, drawing them to it with an outstretched limb.
Come. Give me life! We shall become one. Come, lend your body to me, and we shall have victory. They will die. They will all die.
* * *
Linna had been surprised by the unexpected visit of Jean Hunt, although she couldn't say that she wasn't pleased. Priss had left before Linna awoke, so she had been left in her apartment without company.
So, what brings you here? asked Linna as she poured Jean a cup of tea.
Well, you know, said Jean, smiling a crooked smile. I don't know that many people in Tokyo.
said Linna, well I'm glad you dropped by.
Jean's smile widened. I'm glad that you're glad.
Linna smiled, meeting Jean's gaze. As their eyes locked, Linna felt a flush come to her face. Linna's smile faded into a look of nervousness, but Jean never faltered. With an air of confidence, Jean reached for Linna's hand and leaned forward. Linna hesitated, pulling back, but Jean pressed forward. After a pause, Linna gave in. Their lips met.
* * *
You look particularly glum this morning, said Daley when he saw Leon sitting by himself in the recreation room of the police station.
Daley, whatever it is, I'm not in the mood, said Leon.
Oh, well aren't we touchy! said Daley, jumping at the opportunity to take advantage of Leon's bad mood. I take it that things aren't going to well with our little singer.
Daley, what the hell do you mean? snapped Leon, making it all to apparent that Daley had struck a nerve.
said Daley, you were supposed to be out having coffee with Priss this morning. I take it she canceled since you're here.
Jesus, Daley, said Leon. What do you do, go through my mail and screen my calls?
said Daley, you had been going on and on about this little appointment all week. I came in early because I knew you were taking the morning off.
Yeah, well, she canceled so I'm here. Leon was clearly displeased with his situation.
said Daley. Did she give a reason?
snapped Leon. She didn't give any explanation at all! She just called and said she wasn't coming!
Well don't yell at me, said Daley. It's not my fault!
Daley, said Leon, did you come in here for the sole purpose of talking about my personal problems?
said Daley, since you're here you might as well know that there are some strange things going on.
Like what? said Leon bitterly.
Well, for one thing, there are hundreds of reports coming in of missing boomers.
That is strange, said Leon, his bas mood temporarily forgotten.
said Daley, there are claims that hoards of boomers are traveling together, going to some common destination.
Daley, I got a bad feeling about this. It sounds as if they're being controlled, and I hate to think who's behind it.
* * *
Priss entered the Silky Doll feeling more awkward than usual. She never liked coming into Sylia's boutique in the first place, but previous events made the situation that much more uncomfortable. Little Galatea trudged in beside her, her tiny hand encased in Priss'.
Wait here, Priss said to Galatea, who was already eyeing the array of dresses. Sylia was busy trying to convince a costumer to buy something severely lacking in fabric, and was completely oblivious to Priss' presence. Priss took a deep breath, and approached Sylia.
We need to talk, said Priss.
Sylia jumped when she heard Priss' voice. Oh,..uh... Priss, she said nervously. Of course. What can I help you with?
In private, said Priss, pointing calmly to Sylia's office.
Oh, yes. Of course. Excuse me, said Sylia, turning back to her costumer.
Priss, Sylia said once the two women were alone, If this is about–
It's not, said Priss, cutting Sylia off. We have a problem.
Sylia frowned.
I was on my way... Priss hesitated. She wasn't sure she wanted Sylia to know that she had had a date. Well, I was riding my bike when I saw this group of about twenty boomers traveling together.
Traveling together? Where were they going?
How the hell should I know? Priss spat. All I know is what I saw.
Sylia sighed. Go suit up, she said finally. We need to investigate this.
* * *
I'm sorry, said Linna, pulling away from Jean. I... I can't do this.
said Jean, letting out a sigh of disappointment. I guess I figured as much.
It's not you, Jean! Really it's not, said Linna, desperately.
said Jean. It's her.
Linna's eyes fell. She could feel the warmth of her cheeks grow as she flushed with embarrassment and shame. Jean was right, of course, but Linna didn't want to admit it.
Jean, please don't think that–
I understand, Jean interjected. No hard feelings or anything. Let's just forget the whole thing ever happened.
Linna felt the tension building in her throat. This was bad, really bad. SHe had just pushed away the one woman who seemed to be interested in her because of her feelings for someone who would never return her affection. For what felt like an eternity, the two women just sat there in awkward silence. The silence was eventually broken by the sound of Linna's telephone.
* * *
Wait, so, where exactly are we going? asked Nene as she and the other Knight Sabers stood together in a small circle in the Pit. Galatea sat silently in the corner while Macky worked on getting Linna and Nene's hardsuits ready.
We're following a group of boomers to see where they're going, replied Sylia.
That doesn't sound too exciting, said Nene.
Careful what you wish for, Nene, said Priss, who was already in her hardsuit. I have a feeling this ll be one of our tougher assignments.
Please don't go, said Galatea meekly. The four women turned simultaneously to stare at the little girl in the corner. Galatea was hugging her knees to her chest, looking in that moment very small and very afraid. Priss walked over to the girl and knelt down in front of her.
It's okay, Galatea, she said, gently placing her hand on Galatea's shoulder. We'll be back soon.
Galatea screamed, suddenly frantic. Don't go! Please, don't go!
Priss was taken aback by the the girls behavior. Galatea, we have to go. We'll be back soon.
No, please! Galatea begged, grabbing hold of her mother's wrist. Priss pulled her hand away from the girl and rose to her feet.
Galatea, I don't have time for this, Priss said, her voice now stern. I have to go, and I want you to wait right here with Macky, understand?
Galatea looked up at Priss, her eyes beginning to flood with tears, and nodded.
said Priss, turning back to Sylia. Let's go.