THIRTEEN

ASK, AND YE SHALL FIND

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mobmal: No, Cleto is still here. He's Kenny's "scooter" so he still follows Kenny around like a little puppy. I think I forgot to mention him on the last chapter. Thanks for the note, I will fix the text for the "Director's Cut" edition.

New Helic City,
Central Continent, Planet Zi,
February 17, 2128

It had been 5 years since Saskia was in this city, but nothing much changed. It was still the metropolitan colossus that was the heart of Helic Republic. Five years removed from the Guardian Force insurrection and the city didn't even seem to remember the gruesome conflict that almost tore Helic Republic apart. It was as calm and oblivious to war as ever.
Saskia used to spend a lot of time on a hill near her home, overlooking the grand capitol building. As she stood idly on the top of the hill, she realized both of them were still there, as if time stopped. It was still vivid in her memory when she ran up and down the hill with her zoid toys, imagining it was her flying high above the ground. And once in a while her father would land on that hill bringing his Pteras with him. What a sweet memory to relive.

"So where is this friend of yours?" Royce asked, clearly getting impatient.

"She has regular lunch and dinner with Wolff Muroa's daughter," Saskia replied without taking her eyes off the hill. "The place shifts invariably, but there are some that she had chosen more than once. We start from those."

"You are very well-versed in the private life of Helic Republic First Daughter," Royce commented. "A most impressive treat. Being the champion of Helic Republic is not without benefits."

"I have no such laurels," Saskia wheezed. Royce's compliment made her blush, but she knew well how quickly vanity would destroy her if she indulged herself with it. "I am but an ordinary girl."

"Modest to the vain last," Royce replied with a smirk. "You foiled a plan that would see Helic Republic turn into military despotism. Any man in your measure would have seen themselves command an elite squad. Or live out ample wealth and fame. You did neither. You moved to Easten Continent where nobody recognized you, and worked as a ZOITEC slave with minute payment. You are of many things, ordinary is not among them."

"An unfitting embellishment, falling out of turn," Saskia rebuked, but she couldn't help smiling from ear to ear. For five years she fought the urge to embrace pride, but Royce's constant compliment started to seep in and grow the seed of vanity she tried so hard to destroy. It felt good to be recognized. "For once, I did not work at ZOITEC as said. They offered competitive salary, good benefit, and stock option equity sharing program."

"Yet your heart swells with joy whenever you fly," Royce sneaked up behind her. "I study your dossier, Saskia. You do not belong in an office like ZOITEC. You belong in the sky. Why did you pass a command of an elite Helic squadron in favor of a boring office job?"

Saskia closed her eyes and took a deep breath. That decision still hurt, even after 5 years. "Marshall Diavel would dismantle Gilvy if I stayed."

"Even in your degree as the hero of Helic Republic?"

Saskia turned to face Royce. "That luxury had been removed from my hands when Marshall Diavel took command of Helic Military. Leaving Helic Republic was my only choice to keep Gilvy alive."

"You love that zoid, don't you?"

Saskia huffed as she turned around and looked at the capitol building. "You said it yourself: I belong in the sky. Gilvy is the only zoid that would fly with me, as far as I want, as high as I want, as fast as I want."

"What if you had that chance?" Royce sneaked up behind Saskia and put his arms around her shoulder. "What if fate presents a gift to be one with zoid forever? For all eternity?"

"I would bless fate for that," Saskia replied huskily. Royce's move turned her spine to mush. His breath felt warm in her earlobe, and it made her knees buckle. She had never been this close to a man before, especially somebody as gorgeous physically as Royce. Still, Saskia wished he were a bit more respectful toward her, but in the heat of the moment like this, she was willing to overlook his attitude.

"Then let's not lose precious time," Royce whispered hotly in her ear. "Seek the girl and see her lead us to Wolff Muroa."

Saskia couldn't find the strength to speak, so she just stood still until Royce left her. It was hard for her to even walk. Her head spinning and her knees wobbled. She needed to sit, or even lie down. But she didn't want Royce to notice that. She didn't want to come out as too easy in Royce's eyes, even though all she could think was to strip all her clothes and have Royce ravish her in a steamy night.

So she scrambled her strength and led Royce to a bus station. They had parked their zoids out of town so as not to make people suspicious. New Helic City was far away from Owl City, but after their stunt at the port people might still recognize the zoids on the run. Besides, no zoids were allowed inside the city.

The bus took them into the heart of New Helic City, around busy streets and tall buildings. Saskia didn't know how much she missed this part of Helic Republic. She grew up in this city, and although she didn't spend a lot of time in downtown New Helic City, she still remembered every moment her father brought her to the toy store just around the corner. She saw a man holding hand with his daughter, trying to rein her in as she tried to drag her father to walk faster. She couldn't hold her tears as she saw herself in place of the little girl. Such a bittersweet memory.

"Past grief?" Royce muttered, seeing the tears rolled on Saskia's cheek.

"No… none that merit consideration," Saskia quickly wiped her tears off.

Royce moved his arm to give her a comforting tap in the shoulder, but Saskia mistook it as a move for embrace. They moved at the same time, and next thing she knew, she was leaning on his chest with her temple grazing his chin. Saskia thought she would faint. Her heart drummed in her ears, and her breaths came in hard and fast. She could see the reflection of their faces on the bus' window. His face was composed. She could feel his breath on her forehead, blowing gentle breeze in steady rhythm. Her face was red with panic. She tried to find some dignity to pull herself up, but her body betrayed her mind. Her body wanted it. For some long, agonizing minutes, Saskia didn't know what to do. She just kept motionless, letting the unbelievable warmth seeped into her heart.

What am I doing? Saskia mulled as she fought hard to breathe normal. Set mind to purpose! Royce is but a Rottiger dog, a man absent future whose life is dictated by Rottiger top brass, a man with… with… with abs as rocks, and arms as tree branches, strong yet comforting… She had hard time thinking, and she just let the new sensation overwhelmed her, taking her to a place she didn't know existed. It was shameful and exciting at the same time.

Mercifully the bus turned into a street with a row of expensive restaurants, and Saskia mustered all energy to push herself off Royce. Her throat still clenched, so she just gave Royce a sign to follow her. As they dropped off, Saskia took some time to assess the situation. It was not hard to find out where Mio was having lunch. A few guys, dressed in sharp jackets and pants – scattered in front of one restaurant. Their outfit was completely out of sync with the casual tone of the area.

"Secret Service," Royce scoffed as he started walking toward the restaurant. "Their ego imagine themselves swollen beyond their worth. In reality they are but hollow shades of dogs, licking ass for treats…"

"No!" Saskia grabbed Royce's hand before Royce made a scene with the Secret Service. "We cannot thrive that way!"

"No?" Royce turned to Saskia with his eyes flared. "I am a captain in Rottiger Special Operation Force! The Secret Service will have to aid my mission! "

"Your rank speaks absent form!" Saskia sneered, finally getting tired of Royce's constant gloat of his unit. "You expect them to yield to your demand? Put head to work for once! Rottiger does not stand above Helic Republic! And even if it did, Rottiger is a Guylos Empire Special Operation force! We are deep in Helic Republic territory! Rottiger means nothing here!"

Royce was about to launch a tirade against Saskia's argument, but his common sense won over his rage. Flashing his Rottiger card might work in the bar, but not for the Secret Service. Their only concern was the safety of the President and his immediate family. They didn't care about Rottiger unless he became a threat for the President and his daughter.

"You offer better solution?" Royce scoffed.

"Try the back door," Saskia said and proceeded to the alley behind the restaurant. There were a couple more Secret Service agents standing next to the door, but a large group of cooks and janitors were coming in, carrying fresh food and supplies. The two agents tried to inspect each one, but Saskia and Royce slipped into the queue and pushed the cooks and janitors from behind. The agents tried to hold the line but food and cleaning supplies started to fell down on them. Frustrated, they just let all people in, cursing as they scrambled for clean towels to clean their blacked-out jackets.

Saskia winked and flashed a smile at Royce before she sneaked behind cooks into the main room. Mio, the President's daughter, was just wrapping up her dining with a few other girls. They chattered gleefully as she waved her card to the waitress. As the waitress disappeared into the back room, one by one Mio's friends left the restaurant, trading hugs and kisses with the First Daughter in the process. There were only a handful of Secret Service agents in the room, all stood in the corners, watching the girls intently as they left one after another.

"I will deal with this," Saskia said as the last girl stood and traded hugs with Mio. "She knows me. She will not raise alarm if she sees me alone."

"We do this together!" Royce snarled. "This is still my mission. My mission, my move!"

"The Secret Service will split ass in two upon seeing you," Saskia warned him. "Let me do this."

"I am coming with you!" Royce wouldn't budge. "I would not see myself idle!"

Saskia was about to rebuke Royce's demand, but the last of Mio's friends left, leaving her alone in the restaurant. The window of opportunity was small, and Royce wouldn't be persuaded to stay anyway, so Saskia made her move. She walked briskly toward Mio without looking like she is making an attempt at her. The Secret Service agents spotted her and Royce, and immediately they moved toward Mio with guns in their hands. Saskia walked faster, and she caught Mio by surprised, seconds before the Secret Service agents surrounded her with their guns on her head.

"Miss Mio, remember me?" she said with trembling voice. "I am Saskia van Leewenhoek. We had acquaintance 5 years ago."

It took a few moments for Mio to remember everything, but when she did, her smile lit up the restaurant. "One that returned Helic Republic to tradition! Saskia! How can I forget? You raised arms against General Krauser! My father's tongue is still flapping in your honor. How have you been? Does fate favor you these days?" She switched to Royce. "And who's this fine escort of yours?"

"This is Captain Royce DesGagne of Rottiger Special Operation Force."

"Special Operation? The name spurs my interest," Mio shot a wink at Royce. "So what brings you here?"

"First, call off your dogs," Royce said. "Then we talk."

"Oh, of course!" Mio smiled and raised her arms. "False alarm, boys. They're with me."

Reluctantly the Secret Service agents retracted their weapons and returned to their posts, but they still watched Saskia and Royce in high alert.

"Apologies for inconvenience," Saskia said as Mio returned to her seat. "This is the only way to make way to you…"

"No, none required," Mio leaned on her chair and waved for the fortress. "Being the First Daughter is not without its curse." She ordered something and slipped a handful of money into the waitress' pocket. "But let's forget about me. You must be fit to bursting with stories of your adventure. Well then, let lips part and words flow! My ears yearn for good stories!"

"We don't have good stories…" Saskia started.

"We are on a mission for Rottiger," Royce interjected, "We are in search of Wolff Muroa, and you are to get that information from his daughter."

"You pressed yourself to wrong extreme!" Mio snapped. "I would not see my acquaintance with Empress Muroa be taken advantage by Guylos dog like you!" She gathered her belongings and put them in her purse. "Saskia, it is nice to see you again…"

"Apologies, apologies Mio," Saskia scrambled to hold Mio off. "Long journey has taken away our manners. But please, we need you. We bring you but bad news, one that can smash Helic Republic to ruin. We can put it to stop, but we need you. Our mission will fail absent your aid. Please, abide with us."

Mio shot a disgusted look at Royce, then stared into Saskia's eyes. "Fine. I will do this in respect of my father. But one word falls from his mouth, and I shall have Secret Service ram guns in asses!"

"Deal!" Saskia chimed, flashing a stern look at Royce. "Wolff Muroa stole my zoid. We believe he intends to raise an army of Gilvaders, using mine as the basis. We must stop him before his plan comes to fruitition."

"How did you come upon this?" Mio squinted. "You lost zoid, then suddenly Helic Republic is in danger?"

"Words in the street say Wolff Muroa is bidding for Neo Zenebas domination of Zi. I had been observant where my feet stepped, but he found me regardless, and stole zoid away."

"Any good eyes would have easily lain upon your zoid, Saskia!" Mio scoffed. "It was a delicacy in black markets."

"Wolf Muroa does not intend to sell him. He intends to build an army in his likeness and prowess."

"This is why Diavel wanted it scrapped!" Mio sighed. "Sooner or later it would betray our good will to keep it alive."

"Men betray men," Saskia huffed. "Zoids are mere beasts absent foul intention to destroy each other."

"Whatever," Mio scowled. "Be as it may, this matter is but your responsibility. It concerns me nothing. I would not see your ill judgement ruin my acquaintance with Empress Muroa."

"I own my action," Saskia tried to persuade Mio to help, "but I would not hold others responsible for my ill doing. Who will suffer first if Wolff Muroa came with army of Gilvaders? Me? You? No, it's Marshall Diavel. He is Helic Republic first line of defense. Would you see his life forfeited for the purpose of Neo Zenebas ambition? Can heart stand love ripped from grasp by greed?"

Mio took a deep, painful breath before replying, "No."

"Then please, extend hands."

"You expect Empress Muroa to betray own father?"

"I ask not for such deed. I merely ask for information. Have her spill the location of his father's lair. Royce and I will see it of use."

Mio sat back on her chair, shooting blank stare for quite a while, pondering what she would do. Saskia observed Royce's face, contorted with anxiety, but she made a gesture at him to keep quiet. The proceeding with Mio had reached a critical point. One wrong move from Royce would destroy everything.

"Alright," Mio finally sighed. "I will do it. I shall pass information to you."

"Much gratitude, Miss Mio," Saskia bowed her head. "I am forever in debt."

"Stay close in town," Mio replied as the waitress came with two tall glasses of drink. "In the mean time, enjoy some refreshment. My treat. I can't stay; I have another business to attend."

"I look forward to your words," Saskia said as Mio and the Secret Service left the restaurant.

"So when will she come with the information?" Royce blurted after Mio and her entourage left.

"Days, weeks, who knows," Saskia replied unenthusiastically.

"And we do nothing?" Royce mumbled with annoyance.

"Yes, we wait!" Saskia turned around, firing her fury from all cylinders. "Dammit, Royce! We almost lost her! By what means do you find your rank useful for gathering information? I told you Rottiger means nothing!"

"But we didn't!" Royce fired back. "We still have her…"

"By my hands! You merely presented your ass for the ramming!" She slumped on her chair, grabbed the glass and swallowed half of the fruity drink in frustration. "Your disposition toward mission is so aggressive it is a surprise you still see things done. You don't know how to spin tongue to gain favor."

Royce flashed a bitter smile. He couldn't argue with Saskia; he almost botched the chance to gain a big advantage. Of course, Mio was not the only way to to find Wolff Muroa, but she was the quickest. It might take Royce considerably longer to get to this point. In fact, he wouldn't be this far if not because of Saskia.

"Apologies," he muttered in defeat. "You keep us floating. I stand humbled before you."

There was a moment of doubt for Saskia upon hearing Royce's confession. He, who had been smug and proud about his allegiance with Rottiger, admitted that he had been humbled by her? It was hard to believe. But it was the truth. He seemed to learn a bit of humility, and that was exactly how she wanted.

"Next time, let my tongue do the talking. You fight the fightings," she smirked.

"I shall see it done." Royce took a large swig from the glass. "So what would we do now?"

"Wait it out," Saskia played with the tip of her hair. "Mio gave words to contact me. We are but to wait."

"You want to roll thumbs? Visit old places? Or what?"

"Why don't you…" Saskia smiled giddily, "… tell me about yourself?"

"Why is that of importance?" Royce cringed.

"You know everything about me," Saskia let out a light chuckle. "I stand but stripped before you. I don't know anything about you. I want to place myself on equal footing. We are partners after all, are we not?"

"What do you want to know?" Royce said with a sigh of defeat.

"You know… your childhood, your family, your career, your women…"

"And how shall those facts be of use?" Royce grumbled with a sign of blushing.

"If you value your life, never stand between a girl and gossip," Saskia winked. "Besides, this is your chance to wag your tongue absent jeopardizing your mission. Might as well use it to the fullest."