Raiden Ryoma watched his daughter through the one-way mirror. They had sedated the girl after she had fallen into hysterics again. Eventually she stopped pulling against the medical restraints. The doctors had restrained even her fingers after she began scrabbling them against any surface. He'd be advised that whilst the nails grew back, they needed to be careful of infection or malforming.
'She's still so emaciated. I'd hoped by now the IV fluid would have begun to restore her natural body weight. Underneath that shift she's little more than skin and bones.'
The doctors had informed Ryoma that at this stage a medical gag wouldn't be necessary. The chances of her biting her tongue out was low. Still, Ryoma was seriously considering the option. He noted the presence of Hanakawa waiting patiently beside him. The woman held a tablet in one hand and printed documents under the other arm. She knew that he preferred to remain undisturbed in these moments. His chances to visit were few. His child may not have been aware of his presence. But it still mattered. Ryoma twisted his wedding ring absently.
'What would you think of all of this, Sachiko?'
His young daughter, even when unconscious, twitched occasionally. Not doubt plagued by what had been done to her in the final month before she had been rescued from the corporate terrorists. His disinterest grew. Turning from the girl, Ryoma strode by Hanakawa, holding his hand out to receive the tablet. Hanakawa passed it over before falling in line two paces behind. The pair traversed the sterile corridors on their way to the elevator.
"My schedule?" Ryoma asked.
"We meet with the Massive Electric board at 14:00. Further questions raised over the handling of the CSAR."
"The terrorists never publicly released information on the kidnapping of my daughter or what they did to her in captivity. I see no point in making it public knowledge. In the long term it would be best if this episode in my daughter's life was forgotten by both her and those few aware of it."
"Understood, sir. We have the United States arms trade contract renegotiation at 17:00."
"That's a late meeting for them."
"My contacts indicate that there are obstructionist elements within their senate. But the filibustering will only delay the inevitable."
"Have all relevant documentation on my desk by 16:30. I assume our corporate lawyers have screened everything."
"Yes, sir."
By now the pair had reached the elevator of the private facility. Located in a sleepy fishing town that few outsiders were aware of, the facility existed to provide medical aid for members of the Raiden family and their immediate associates within the ME company. Ryoma pressed the down button and waited patiently. He didn't need to look over his shoulder. Hanakawa had worked for him since he had assumed control of ME. Before it had exploded into the international scene. Under his deft hands it now commanded an impressive market share in electronics. One in ten appliances contained ME chips. That ratio was much higher regarding advanced military hardware. Only Schicksal stubbornly refused to utilise the equipment, munitions and resources that Massive Electric sold to national military forces.
"If you have something to say, Hanakawa, then please do so. You know I would not silence you."
Hanakawa took a deep breath, held it, and gently exhaled, modelling the same mental techniques that the Raiden family had used for centuries.
"Why did you wait so long, sir?"
"You mean Mei?"
"Yes, sir. You could have intervened just after her kidnapping. It was only when… this happened that you affected a rescue. I've seen her early psychiatric reports. The path to recovery may take months, perhaps years. Those wounds on her body. Not all the scars will fade. Why, sir?"
"You are asking what was worth more? My daughter or the weapons technology they were demanding?"
Raiden turned to face Hanakawa.
"My daughters' death would be a fleeting moment. Those weapons would leave their mark upon humanity for decades to come."
Hanakawa looked conflicted. Raiden Ryoma knew his personal assistant very well. That was vital. They needed to understand each other implicitly. She needed to anticipate and act before he even spoke. He needed to listen to her council and take under advisement everything she said. It was a matter of trust and the pair could not have been closer. Hanakawa nodded once before taking out her own tablet and plugging in several quick orders.
"I've cancelled your meeting with the board and the teleconference with North America."
Hanakawa handed the paper documents to Ryoma. The significance was not lost. Electronic materials, they were not secure. Any system could be hacked given enough time. Any deleted information could be constituted unless the drives were physically destroyed. With cloud storage, security was even more difficult. Paper. Paper could be burnt after use. Entropy at its finest.
Ryoma began flicking through the documentation. It was only three pages long. Possibly the longest three pages of Ryoma's entire corporate career. He went over them twice, eyes moving like lightning before the elevator finally arrived. The doors hissed open, the CEO and his PA stepping inside. Hanakawa tapped the button for the ground floor. The doors closing were a privacy the man sorely needed. He fell against the wall of the elevator as it slowly descended. His vision blurred, all sense of balance leaving him. Before he collapsed to the ground Hanakawa was beside him, arms steadying him. Ryoma went through the kinaesthetic pneumonic, inhaling, holding, centring his mind and regaining his composure. He stood tall. The elevator door hissed open. They made their way purposefully toward reception. Hanakawa was multitasking, tapping further orders into her tablet even as she made several discreet phone calls. Ryoma knew she would show the sort of discretion necessary to leave a trail of plausible deniability and obfuscation.
The Raiden family's personal vehicle waited for them at the hairpin driveway of the facility. His driver opened the door, assisting the two in getting seated before pulling away smoothly. The man was another professional, skilled in both driving and personal protection where necessary. He possessed augmentations and weaponry that would raise the eyebrows of Schicksal.
Ryoma pulled on his leather gloves. Taking out a lighter, he put it to the papers and held them as they slowly disintegrated. The driver keyed the electric window to slide down, the smoke and final fragments of ash whisked out into the cool afternoon air. The wedding band felt tight beneath the glove.
'This is one of those moments when I could do with your strength, Sachiko'
The president of Massive Electric eased himself into the leather chair. He was not a fan of the plush ones often favoured by others within the company. For him, something sturdy, ergonomic and minimalist was more than enough. His office reflected this mindset. Simple wood panelling, a dearth of fixtures or ornamentation, small bookshelves stocked with practical literature. Hanakawa closed the door behind Ryoma. Her presence would be purely passive. But she needed to be kept appraised of the situation.
Slender fingers ran across the wide wooden table, activating a fingerprint analysis that caused a cascade in security systems. His gait had been measured upon entering the office. Both irises were scanned, along with facial structure and breathing pattern.
"Raiden Ryoma, security phrase; child of bliss."
Confirmation of Ryoma's biometrics activated the holographic keypad and visual display. EM security barriers embedded within the superstructure of the room activated. Nobody would be privy to the conversation. A blinking icon in the corner of the screen was all Ryoma needed to see.
"Cocolia was quick to respond," Ryoma noted.
"I phrased the correspondence in such a way that she would be intrigued."
"Oh?"
"That you were considering joining the Innovation Faction."
"That would be sufficient."
Ryoma did not trust Einstein's quantum encryption system. Passive programs could still lurk within his own systems and read the information once it was decrypted. But long-distance communication precluded the possibility of paper mail. Tapping a few commands in, he activated the quantum encryption system and selected the encryption key tied to Cocolia. He tapped on the icon and awaited the read response. Long seconds passed before it glowed. Double-tapping the icon caused the holographic screen to enlarge and crackle before displaying Cocolia in her trademark military green uniform, blonde hair spilling down her back and a cruel glimmer to her eyes.
"To what do I owe the pleasure, President Raiden?" she purred.
"Formalities can be set aside. I am addressing you as an Executor of equal rank."
The look of curiosity was evident in Cocolia's face. Her formerly lounging body language shifted, the woman settling more into her chair and steepling gloved fingers.
"You have my interest."
"I wish to join the Innovation faction."
"Finally choosing sides, Ryoma? That's not like you. You have doggedly avoided the offers of Einstein and myself repeatedly. To the point of making quite the reputation."
Cocolia tapped a finger against ruby-red lips.
"Either you are in great need of our resources or something significant has happened."
"Both."
"As open and honest as always, I see"
"Are you interested?"
"You would seed ME Corp to us?"
"Not the corporation or its resources. I do not have that sort of power. I can however divert numerous technical and military resources to your endeavours. I understand you are in need of reliable and hardened AI processing architecture for your next generation of Mechs."
Coclia smirked.
"You are well informed."
"Each of the Executor's under the Sovereign make it their mission to know what the others are doing. We are not a hierarchy like Schicksal. That is both our strength and our weakness."
"What do you need from the Innovation faction?"
"Your Sovereign Resurrection data. All of it. I'll also need the Domination of Thunder."
Cocolia burst out laughing. It had no gentle feminine charm to it, no sophistication or composure. A raucous roar that carried through the speakers of Ryoma's office.
"Oh, Ryoma, it sounds like the pressure of managing such a vast business empire has finally made you snap. And just what makes you think that I am even in possession of the Core of Lightning, or even have the inclination to—"
Hanakawa had not been standing idly. As Cocolia began her speech Hanakawa handed the heavily encrypted USB key to Ryoma. Inserting the key, Ryoma used his biometric security clearance to activate the decryption system. Hanakawa provided the other half of the security clearance, her own biometrics turning the digital tumblers. Data was loaded into a hard-code cage before being streamed directly to Cocolia. The woman's words died on her lips as she began to scan over the three-page document. Her normally expressive face paled, the blood draining from her full lips. She licked them once nervously. That was all Ryoma needed to see. The deal was done. Now he needed to hash out the particulars.
"When?" she asked.
"Speed is not essential. My daughter is still growing. I want her older and stronger before we begin clinical trials. In the meantime if you could forward all the data on the Resurrection program. The Domination of Lightning I would prefer sooner. I will need to conduct multiple tests beforehand."
Cocolia leaned out of screen briefly. She returned with a glass bottle and tumbler. The Executor poured a thumb of an unknown clear spirit and began swirling the liquid, getting it to breathe.
"I was aware of the existence of the Artificial Stigma that Schicksal uses. And the two Houses that apparently have Natural Stigmata. But this is something altogether new."
Ryoma held a hand up, Hanakawa placing the documents in it. He quickly scanned over the genealogical research.
"My family are purely Japanese back to the Jomon period. In that entire time we have no single recorded account of a Natural Stigmata appearing."
"But this isn't a Natural Stigmata."
"No. It isn't. But it would appear to be something approaching it. Somehow my daughter has shown early signs of previously undetected genetic deviation. Unidentified hormones have somehow had an epigenetic reaction with her underlying genetic code."
Cocolia took a sip of her drink. Ryoma waited for her to talk. A woman possessed of singular hubris, callousness and drive. But she was no fool. Ryoma was currently in conversation with one of the foremost authorities in genetics and biochemical functions as they affected quantum mechanics.
"This isn't a complete genetic expression," she noted. "Still. Previously dormant intron sections have begun to encode protein chains I do not recognise. This should not be possible."
Cocolia took another sip.
"You have a holy grail, Ryoma. But why me? Why the Innovation Faction? Einstein has resources more suited to exploring your needs."
Another file within the USB key was uploaded to Cocolia. Her eyes moved quickly over its contents. The result was her knocking back the rest of the glass and swearing in Russian for several seconds. She poured another glass.
"I see now. Yes, you're right. There are sequences that are comparable to that of the Sovereign, your daughter and… this data. Three links in a chain. Just how did you come across it?"
"A third party sent it to me."
"Bullshit."
"I do not lie."
"A mole within Schicksal? At the security level needed to access this information. Even if that were possible, hacking into a computer and downloading this material would be next to impossible. Schicksal use Soulium computers for ultraviolet level security material. Even the Sovereign himself could not access such secure storage. So short of an incredibly highly placed traitor how can I trust this data?"
"I trust the source. They haven't failed me in the past. Independent. Discreet. Pragmatic. They infrequently feed information they deem necessary."
"Do they have a name?"
"I've never met them. Dead drops in locations that lack any electronic surveillance. I'm contacted after the fact. They are conscious of security to a level that humbles even me."
Cocolia poured another glass and pressed the tumbler against her forehead.
"I never thought the Overseer would be mad enough to try clone the 2nd Herrscher."
"You're trying to recreate the 1st."
"That is a different matter. He's splicing in materials from multiple genomes in ways that I cannot even begin to understand. If I can reverse engineer it, this data it will speed up the Resurrection project by a decade. Damnit! How can the Overseer research and collate information so quickly?"
"It doesn't matter. For now, we have a deal to make. You will keep knowledge of Schicksal's genetic experimentation to yourself. If the Conservatives found out they would act rashly. I will give you access to ME Corps resources, within reason. I will share all my findings in the experiments regarding my daughter. I will also send specialist technicians and relevant equipment to assist in the X-10 program."
Cocolia nodded. The deal was firmly in her favour.
"I will provide you with all experimental data on the Sovereign Resurrection program," she agreed. "I will also personally investigate and give you a report on the apparent epigenetic factors that appear within a Herrscher. If I find sound proof that your daughter's recently mutated genome contains enough sequences to allow expression of Herrscher like capabilities I will forward all data. I will personally deliver the Core of Lightning for experimentation of its compatibility with your daughter."
Cocola licked her lips nervously.
"What if that's the catalyst, Ryoma? Proximity to the Core could cause an unforeseen reaction. Her genes are somewhere between a Natural Stigmata and the sequences I've isolated for theoretical Herrscher expression. The same sequences that Otto, that insufferably intelligent bastard, has similarly isolated. She could become a complete Herrscher."
Ryoma didn't look convinced.
"I don't think the Core alone would be enough."
"Your meaning?"
"We could implant it within her now and it is unlikely she would simply manifest the powers of a Herrscher. If it were that simple then the Overseer could have implanted the Cores he possesses in any number of test subjects. Likely he has already and the results were negative. If the Overseer has not isolated it then we have little chance."
"We're playing a dangerous game."
"Let us hope it pays off."
Cocolia ended the call before further conversation could continue. Ryoma leant back in his chair and sighed. He wasn't in the mood for alcohol. It would dull the edge he needed right now.
"She will be suspicious, sir."
"I am counting on that. Her paranoia will keep her working hard."
Hanakawa removed the drive and activated the digital self-wipe feature. It was then doused in an accelerant and burnt. Ryoma's right-hand woman looked pensive.
"Speak," the man prompted.
"Why didn't you mention anything about Mei-chan's condition?"
"Firstly, family matters are not for public consumption. Secondly, I need to hide that information."
"Sir?"
"Cocolia no doubt suspects there is an activation catalyst. We already know what it is and it is certain that the Overseer does too. Honkai energy within a biological medium is manipulated and controlled through conscious will. However to truly bond with a Core that is not your own would appear to require certain genetic factors. Factors that might express when an individual has been placed under incredible stress and strain over an extended period of time. My daughter was tortured for several weeks and pulled back from the brink of death multiple times. The hormones released over this time are likely what caused the epigenetic changes."
"She could bond with the Core upon presentation?"
"No. As I said, the other factor is probably mental. Extreme mental stress. The Honkai cause madness. The individual with the implanted Core would need to be under incredible stress for their mind to become weak enough to allow the Honkai to take control. This is all supposition on my part. But it fits the scenario too neatly."
Hanakawa looked very uncomfortable.
"That's why you wanted to delay delivery. To give Mei enough time to be lucid again. But what if she were placed under such strain again?"
"Without the Core; perhaps she would manifest a complete Natural Stigma. With the Core; she will either disintegrate under the emanation of so much Honkai energy. Or she would become a Herrscher. It is a matter of her mental fortitude. If she realises that the Honkai is taking over then perhaps she could pull herself back from the brink."
Ryoma began typed up several quick letters. Hanakawa meanwhile adjusted the President's schedule to reflect the time he had lost that afternoon. They would catch up within the next week.
"I need you forward this letter to Siegfried through untraceable channels," Ryoma told his assistant as he typed. "It can take longer than usual. What matters is that he knows what is happening to his daughter and the clones."
"Understood, sir."
"Next I need you to put a contingency in place. I anticipate that Cocolia will become too greedy. After tasting the sort of resources that ME Corp has at its disposal, she'll want more to further cement her power and that of the Innovation Faction. She rightly doesn't trust me. If for whatever reason I lose control of the Company or die you need to forward all the information discussed this afternoon to the Conservative Faction. I do not like Einstein. However she has an appreciation for the long-term that comes with immortality. She will act as necessary."
Ryoma tapped his wedding ring.
'Our daughter will rise to splendour or become ashes, Sachiko. I pray she finds her path.'
Cocolia took another sip of her drink. The alcohol left a raw burn down her throat. Already her mind was going over multiple possibilities and theories. She would sleep well tonight. The right medication to leave her refreshed. Tomorrow she would take the data to the lab and begin further trials. The isolation of a possible Herrscher transcription factor raised all manner of possibility. She might be able to create viable Sovereign clones sooner than expected.
Cocolia did not have the benefit of near immortality like Einstein or Tesla. She could not afford to wait decades. Her plans needed to be completed now. She would crush her foes and finally eject Schicksal from the continent. Cocolia remembered what they had done. And had not done. Siberia levelled after their missiles had been launched.
'I know the real reason why. It took an immense amount of time to piece together all the necessary accounts and intercepted data from Schicksal's live satellites from the 2nd Eruption. Combine this with the accounts of Einstein and Tesla. You failed us and tried to cover everything up.'
Cocolia finished the last of her drink in one gulp.
"With the right memory engrams I can create a legion of Herrschers," Cocolia whispered to herself. "They won't be able to utilise the powers of the Sovereign. That requires years of training and study to attain the complete interpretation of a material object."
Cocolia leant back in her chair and smiled.
"The Star of Eden data might be enough. Encode into their memories the complete interpretation of that one thing. The power to control gravity is enough for now."