Reason to Live II
Chapter 7: Defection
(Edward's P.O.V)
April 27th,
Edward's Room, Social Welfare Agency
0600 hrs
Opening the curtains in the early morning of April 27th, I receive the gift of another new day from the bright morning sunlight. The cool breeze of wind greets me as I open the window from my dormitory. It is a beautiful day…beautiful indeed…
…to start Faze one…
I've decided to lay low and keep myself quite for a while after Sylvia's death. I can't bring too many suspicion around; especially Frederick's. Because originally, an operative would be rendered 'disabled' for a while after their handler is dead. This goes to Frederick as well. But noting that both of us use conditioning below the requirements, our sadness, grief, and sorrow followed with shock didn't last very long. Just like Frederick, it only last for one to two days. Its one day for him after he noticed that he still has someone else closer than his handler, someone he's willing to die for…
…Triela
Her name sounds like music to my ears. Not because of her looks or smarts Frederick boasts all the time; but because she'll be my main player for my future plans. I know she wouldn't cooperate with me in all matters. But why would I cooperate with her? I'm not talking about persuasion. I'm talking about torture and most of all, death. I want to make him feel how painful it is losing someone you love dearly! I am designed to specialize in interrogation and torture by the SWA. Knowing that Padania men have been quieter with high morale these days, the Social Welfare Agency needed a specialist on extracting information. That's when we, cyborgs came into play; interrogation. Rico is used by Jean to interrogate prisoners, but her looks were a little too soft despite her immense deadly, killer strengths. Jean's orders are enough, however, for her to be a suitable interrogator; filling the space of needed interrogators. Then there's Frederick. Somehow, that name kept on popping all around. Anyways, Frederick is created as'hybrid' operative through his deceased handler's guidance. He's able to interrogate victims without orders from anyone, though he done it rarely. I heard he interrogated his victim once…both ended up dead.
Then that's where I came into play. I was conditioned by my now deceased handler Sylvia to act as the Agency's interrogation specialist; this includes torture to wise-mouthing Padanias get to the main point without delay. I, too, have the pleasure of beating the pulp out of someone and extracting information from it. Syliva is pleased, and I have my pleasure. During my service, I have interrogated a total number 43 numbers of Padanias and small supporters. Most open their jaws yapping and pleading for mercy for an exchange for information. Some, however, decided to play smart-ass thinking I'm not capable of killing him. They died eventually…
But today, the thought of using Triela is far from reachable. As I enter the usual 'class' we held each morning before training, I fix my eyes on Triela for a second while I listen to Hillshire educating us various things on what I view necessary for High School students. Of course, Henrietta, Angelica, and Rico will have their sessions after this with Hillshire, sometimes with Triela.
"Hey, hey, HEY! Keep your eyes off her pervert!" It was Frederick sitting in the furthest back row of this small auditorium. He's basically not interested in any of the subjects taught here, but is able to catch up really quickly and understands almost everything the next day thanks to Triela's help. She volunteers for it actually
"What'd you mean by that?"
"Petra, slap your boy here for eyeing Triela!"
"W-what!?" Triela's attention instantly diverts to Frederick "Why would he eye on me?"
"Who knows? He's probably trying to…"
"I am NOT thinking of cheating her!" I reply in a quick, strong voice "Petra, you believe me don't you?"
Petrushka sighs and huffs as she look at me for a second before she let off a smile "Yeah, ok. I'll let you go this time."
"W-what!? BUT HE…!?"
"Frederick, if you're jealous or something come sit right here," Triela taps the empty seat beside her, signaling Frederick to move from the back seat. "Please?"
On note, she sits way in the front. Though not common, Frederick moves soon after and is caught snoozing in class 10 minutes later by Triela first then Hillshire.
No wonder he sits way in the back…
April 27th,
Social Welfare Agency,
1200 hrs
"I'm going for a walk," I said to Jean, Rico's handler as I put on my usual gear; the Colt M1911A1 hidden under the short jacket "Need some fresh air from this dormitory."
"You need a handler's permission for that."
"Yeah, well my handler's…my handler's…dead." I reply with a little soggy tone "…Go talk to her for permission"
"Then go to your supervisor, Alessandro for permission then."
"Fine…"
Alessandro has became my supervisor; assigned by Jean, or else he'll reject for a certain 'cause'. I noticed it after I begun going out with Petrushka that day on February 14th. He was furious with me the next day after finding that she's missing that day. I guess I know why. Well, again, just like Frederick's supervisor is Hillshire due to his relation with his Junior Operative, then that's the same as my case is. Because of my relation with Petra, Alessandro is assigned to be my supervisor; like it, or not.
After asking permission from my jealous and biased supervisor Alessandro, I went outside into the streets of Rome. Not precisely far, but only a few blocks away. It's not because I'm planning to take Petra out for another walk followed with a little 'make-out' tests in the alleys, and it's not because I'm searching for a gift for her as well like Frederick do to acquire the box of chocolate and flowers back then. No…I was here to meet someone; someone to help me accomplish my plans and to achieve my objective. The agency won't like it, and they would prevent it from happening if this ever went to the ears. They wouldn't want this, and they would hate me for it. After passing a few store, I hop into a white van and drove away. Inside, there's three person wearing sunglasses and is armed with Beretta M92Fs.
"Are you the person who contacted us?" The guy in sunglasses no. 1 asks
"Yes."
"How did you know about us?"
"Someone told me about it." Actually, I 'interrogated' this 'someone'
"Hmm…what do you want from us?"
"I want full cooperation from your faction."
"What benefits does that gives us?"
"An operative like me working full time for your faction."
"How can we trust you that you're 'one of them'?" I grin hearing his remark. Swiftly, I grab a hold the guy across from me quickly, draw my .45 from the holster and ready it at the face of the other two men as the guy in sunglasses no. 3 struggles to breathe "Because you all will die here if you're thinking of one stupid move."
"…Fine by me." He answers lowering his weapon, followed by me letting go the guy in sunglasses no. 3 and holstering my .45 "Why do you want to work with us? You're from the agency!"
"Because I have someone I wanted to be taken care of and killed! In such a way he suffers for it! I want revenge!!" The man in sunglasses no. 1 chuckles lightly and lifts his sunglasses; ordering the rest of the two to follow as ordered. Their faces are revealed
"Well now, welcome to the Five Republics Faction, or simply known as Padania Republic Faction Mr…"
"Call me Michael, John Michael."
(Frederick's P.O.V)
April 27th
Social Welfare Agency,
1622 hrs
It's late. Actually, it's getting late. Edward has been out for quite some time now, and I'm starting to get suspicious on where his whereabouts. In my own experience, it only took me to about an hour to two hours; three's the longest. And usually, I spent that many time in one shop looking for the right gift. Of course, I don't go and give her gifts all the time and spoil her like that. Besides, I don't have the money to go and afford huge expensive gifts that she would prefer…
…not like Hillshire who earns money by himself.
It is strange, however, for him to traverse the outside alone. He usually never goes outside the agency, unless we're on a double-date or if he's alone with Petrushka. Now when I think about it even further, there is something strange going on around him lately. In my view, there's almost no reaction to him when we're at Sylvia's funeral…he's just…there to appear as a representative. His speech is convincing, but there is almost no tone of pain or sadness engraved in him. Did he recover that quickly? Did he manage to recover?
…or did he even have to recover?
I notice when Jean came up to him asking him if he wants a new handler since Section 2 might be receiving more field agents soon. Edward rejects the offer quite quickly without thinking. I understand why, but…rather than not wanting a new handler, I see him as wanting to work alone. He and Sylvia never get any closer or better. Sylvia almost never gave him gifts, appreciation, or talk to him for that matter. If I have to compare, it is similar to what Elsa and Lauro is. However, Edward doesn't seem to share a feeling of affection towards his handler because of the minimal conditioning he's taken. So…why would he say no when he dislikes his handler? He could get himself a new handler which is more capable…then why?
"Ah! Edward's home," exclaim Petra as he saw him walking into the Agency's front gate with a bag full of... "You bought THIS many gifts!?"
"All for you, Petra."
"Edward…"
Then it all comes down to the typical 'Edward! Petrushka!' and there they go, making out in the open like they have no shame at all! Triela and I do make out at some points, but somewhere more…say private. We don't go anywhere too far of course, but we do have a little of our own time mostly at the agency. But of course, NOT somewhere where the handlers can see; especially Alessandro! Boy, looking at his face right now as he fidgets with his keys really got me thinking what kind of plans he has against Edward.
Then again…Americans
I decided to visit Triela soon after. Heck, after watching them I really had the urge to go see Triela and have a little chat around. Sometimes, Edward really gets me going. And so here I am, standing by Triela's room with my usual outfit. Inside, I can hear conversations of the usual lot; Henrietta, Rico, Claes, Angelica, and lastly, the Triela herself. They're having a good time when there's no mission for us by gathering here in this room and have a little 'tea party'. Then of course, there are other operatives inside like Luke, Giuseppe, and Elena, but I won't go into details to them. So I stood there, taking deep breaths and thinking what should I say when I came across her. Again, I am powerless when I came facing Triela. I'm speechless at some point after a glance at her smile. Then again, I still can't believe I managed to…
"Frederick? What are you doing standing outside?"
…hook up with Triela… "Hi…"
"You're always like this, huh?" She replies giggling "C'mon. Come inside!"
Without any force, I apply to her request after she holds my hand and guide me to her room. It's quite small, but large enough to have something like this for a good chat. Times like this usually didn't last very long due to missions and operations we've been through. Sometimes, we're faced with multiple oppositions that one of us ended up wounded pretty badly. It reminds me of the time I jump saving Triela from a hail of bullets in the mansion assault. I ended up getting my whole mechanical body changed and replaced. The pain is also severe due to the fact that a near zero conditioning I took. I don't know about the other operatives if they ever experienced it though…
…I just hope something like this would last longer…
(Edward's P.O.V)
I end the kisses a moment later, pulling away from her and giving her question marks written all over her face. I know she'll ask 'why' I did that. I soon point out to Alessandro, whose eyes were staring at us as he lean by his corvette before finally walking away. She understands what I meant, and we decided to move into the dormitory. I've been thinking about this...whether or not I should tell Petrushka about my upcoming plans. Her reactions are what worry me the most. Either she'll disprove it and left me alone, or if she'll accept and decided to left me. Either way, it'll end the same way. Petra is someone really important to me, and I can't afford losing her in the first part of my plan. Everything is going smoothly for now, all I need now is her answer whether I should end this or not.
But I don't want to end this!
I want a full cooperation from her if possible. But note that if she cooperates, she and the rest of the operatives would lose their life here in the agency. Am I doing the right thing? When I think about it over and over, I am doing the right thing. There are other victims of the Agency out there who lost friends, family, and probably fathers due to the deployment of Government Assassins. And I'm here to stop them in their tracks for good. Yes, I can say Padanias view me as their savior; or, more into it: GOD! My capability to work alone is a big plus to their side! Unlike the previous deceased Fratello Arnester and Pia who both rely on each other to survive and accomplish missions. I'm working alone.
But my objective is different! My objectives aren't like what they think it is!
My objective is to kill Frederick's closest aides. Then, I'll kill him. I want him to suffer on how painful it is! I want him to know the grief of what its like to lose someone you care, and not knowing about until a couple of months! I don't know whether the agency knew I was the son of a Padania funder/ sympathizer/ supporter. What I do know is that I was given a second chance, I'm still alive…and I'm here for vengeance!
"Petrushka…" I said to her as we walk down the corridor "…I have something to tell you…"
"Tell me," She replies looking straight at me "I'm all ears."
"I can't tell you here…it's…"
She leans over and kisses me. Soon after, we were engaging passionately in the silent corridor. I lift her up swiftly and carry her towards my destination; excuse me, our destination.
My room…
We didn't stop. We continue to engage each other passionately, wanting more to it, trying to extract as much as we can from each other. When we reach the door, I stop for a while hesitating and wondering how whether I should do this, or whether we should cancel it. My hands are shaking trying to reach the knob or just let it sit there idling. Eventually, Petrushka's hand reaches out the knob and opens the door as she pull away from me.
"If we do it here, would you tell me?"
I nod in response and smiles at her. She opens the door, and I carry her inside as she closes it and locks it. We were about to enter a different realm, further than what we were supposed to…
And soon after, I know the answer…
"…I'll follow you to the end, Edward. No matter where and what you do…"