Chapter Six
Astraea naval vessel: Celtic Sea
They were being escorted through the tightly and cramped corridors, as men and women stood back to let them get past with ease. Their guides were silent, as they walked on leaving Shizuma and Nagisa to their own dark thoughts. 'At least this is one of our vessels. I have a very strange feeling that M is going to be down here somewhere. I will so get a scolding; then again that's nothing new, she has done that since Miator. Nagisa seems to be at ease here. She is not just some programmer for sure. The past few days have proved it. I must admit she is one cute tough cookie.' The front guide stopped in front of a door, with his arm held out signalling for them to enter, as they did they saw a hand scanner and a walkthrough x-ray machine.
Shizuma sighed and stepped purposely into the room, placing her hand on the scanner. A green light moved up and down, an image appearing on the screen next to it of the hand being scanned. After the scanning was complete, a quick dive into the database brought up Shizuma's real profile to affirm her identity. Next she walked over to the walkthrough x-ray, waiting patiently for the woman to start it up. When the technician nodded her head for her to go, Shizuma calmly took her time to walk it; her skeleton image displayed nothing out of the ordinary. The usual gadgets they expected her to be equipped with, all hallmarked with a flourished 'L' to indicate their safety. Shizuma smiled as she walked over to Nagisa, leaning over to whisper a word of encouragement.
"It's fine, just standard procedure. Just do what I did and we will be out of here in no time." Indicating for her to go, with a slight slant of her head.
Nagisa looked like she was about to laugh, as she quickly stepped up to the first machine. Shizuma looked on watching how calm; the young red head was around all this. Just as before, the scanning of hand took a little time, diving into records of Astraea's database. When her profile came up, the guide looked a little surprised at her information but nodded his head in confirmation. Shizuma caught the surprise on the military man, once more being left out the loop. She honestly didn't like it. When Nagisa stepped towards the last machine, Shizuma came around to the screen, wanting to know certain things. The technician bobbed her head, Nagisa walked slowly through her image showing up on the screen. Shizuma saw at once that the woman had gadgets on her person, numerous ones, all different in sizes and styles. When the technician focused her attention on them, scanning for their danger, a familiar design popped up to confirm their safety. Shizuma was staring wide eyed at the stylish 'L', not aware that Nagisa was looking over her shoulder very close to her ear.
"Am I good to go?" Nagisa purred in her ear, warm breath mingling in.
Shizuma pulled back, startled at the voice, looking keenly at the red head. Nagisa looked innocent, too damn innocent for Shizuma's liking.
The military guide took the necessary data and stepped towards the door "If you will follow me"
With that they exited the room and once more followed after the man, who led them to a more spacious corridor. It was definitely where the higher ups were situated. So it was, when a familiar sight to Shizuma, stood outside a large door, waiting patiently for them to arrive. Tamao nodded her head to Shizuma and turned towards the other, who made her smile brightly. Nagisa smiled, lighting up her whole face quickly stepped passed the guide and roughly pulled Tamao in a bone crunching hug. Both were trying to break ribs, with the force they were giving to the hugs. Light laughter rang out after a few seconds, as Shizuma looked on. Tamao was the one to break the hug, as she stepped out still holding onto Nagisa's hands, looking her once over.
"It has been too long Nagisa. I didn't realise it was you, Etoile was bringing with her"
"It has Tamao, I've missed you. I guess I screwed up a little huh." Nagisa indicated Shizuma with a flick of her head.
Not wanting to be a bystander Shizuma butted in "I take it you two know each other, after that little show. Mind filling me in?"
Nagisa let go of Tamao and turned to face the Etoile "No. I suggest you save that activity for when you complete the mission."
Tamao blushed slightly at what her friend had implied, knowing the etoile's reputation all too well. Shizuma herself blushed a little at the wording looking stunned to the programmer. Nagisa just stood and stared at her with no expression showing on her face. Tamao not liking the tension quickly pulled herself together and coughed to gain their attention.
"Shall we go in? M is waiting for you, as well as Chikaru and the Military. This way."
Tamao turned around and opened the heavy steel door, stepping to the side to let the other two in. Thanking the guide for his service, taking the data from him Tamao closed the door. The three women made their way further in, the interior of the room revealed high tech gadgetry. Glass maps with lights flashing on certain areas, screens filled with undecipherable data, a huge table showing a map of the area, all around men and women walked with purpose. Tamao took them around the table, dodging a wayward pointer, and guiding them to yet another door. They were all quickly ushered inside and seated down with four new faces to look upon.
"What happened, Shizuma?!" Miyuki dove right on in
"She put her foot in it" Nagisa muttered hanging her head down low
Shizuma gave her a quick glare "I underestimated Miss Carter, she had more defences than what I was lead to believe. Before I knew it alarms had been tripped before I could complete it."
"Did you plant the tracker into the plans so we could track its whereabouts?" Kaname asked her briskly looking less than pleased
Shizuma didn't respond, giving her a silent answer instead. Miyuki shook her head, whilst the military officers looked angry. Chikaru kept her sharp eyes on Nagisa knowing the young woman from past experiences.
"Nagisa did you plant one we could trace?" Chikaru sweetly asked, her mouth forming a bright smile when Nagisa winked at her.
"Don't worry your pretty smart head over it Chikaru. Once this one messed it up I went back, looking at the bug she wanted to place. I recognised your work. After all the security personnel scanned the plans, to check for anything, I planted it. The tracker should be working fine and okay for you to trace" Smiling brightly to all those present.
Shizuma felt like strangling something, or more accurately someone. Miyuki looked over to her long-time friend and top agent, taking note of her bottled up temper towards the redhead. Before she could defuse it Shizuma lost it.
"Who are you really?" Shizuma angrily asked of her
Nagisa looked over to the angry woman not looking the least bit afraid, sitting back comfortably in her chair
"You know who I am already; I don't think you forgot that. The question you should be asking is 'what am I.' I am like you, I work for Astraea my special skill is computer hacking and designing. I have been undercover for the past few months, trying to find out about Melinda Carter's associates."
Shizuma continued to give the young woman a hard stare, barely registering the fact that Chikaru had risen from her seat. It had all made a certain sense especially from the way that the hacker had acted around her and the gadgets she used. Still keeping a close eye on Nagisa, she tuned into the conversation that was happening around her, clocking the look that M was giving her as well.
"I'll keep a close eye on the tracking bug that Nagisa planted, my guess it will take a while before it's reached its final destination. Especially with all the drama that came with it." Chikaru shot the etoile an amused look.
M nodded her head at Chikaru's statement as the woman left the room, giving Nagisa a pat on her shoulder as she went. The two Military personnel also rose, after they heard the plant had been successful, they were quietly chattering to each other about the pros and cons of using the recovered plans for their own gains.
"We'll leave you to it M. This is in your court now I hope you don't mess it up. Keep in touch, we'll help if we can" the General told her
"Of course. I'll let you know when we do." M nodded her head to them
The room's occupants dwindled down to the remaining four, all of whom were seated quietly yet uncomfortable. Tamao was sorting through documents on M's desk, whilst the boss was sharply assessing her two agents. Shizuma was not happy at all as she looked M straight in her eyes.
"Shizuma, why were you shocked to learn of Nagisa's true nature?" she asked her friend.
Tamao finished tiding the desk, shuffling a few documents together before giving the women her full attention, noticing the etoile's raised eyebrow. Shizuma looked from M to Tamao and then to Nagisa, who to her looked as indifferent as ever. 'Why am I so shocked? It's not the first time I've been unaware of others working in the shadows for another purpose. I guess I hate being lied to any time of day. Strange I know. But why put two people in the same manor and then add myself?'
"I hope my contact got out of the manor unscathed." noticing the confused look on the blunettes and the small flinch from Nagisa.
"Shizuma your contact was Nagisa" M informed her with a puzzled look
"My contact was Amane Otori." Shizuma corrected her
Three heads swivelled around to face Nagisa, who was looking slightly uncomfortable at the attention. M was giving her a hard stare, as she continued to glare hard at the hacker with Tamao and Shizuma looking at her in puzzlement. Knowing she couldn't escape it any further Nagisa held her head high looking straight at her boss.
"Yes the etoile's contact was Amane, only because I made it that way." Nagisa said
"Explain!" Miyuki growled "Last time I knew, we made her your contact and lookout on your mission."
"Simple really. Amane is the least suspicious to be found in the etoile's company, no one looked twice when they talked so she blended in rather well. A good thing too since whenever we were found talking there was a lot of gossip hitting the roof. I made a good decision." Nagisa explained "I asked her approval first M and she agreed. A bit uneasy about it at first to be honest."
Shizuma just glared at her. A few things clicked together in her mind as she replayed some of their conversations with both women. Amane didn't really strike her as a field agent mainly by her reluctance to help out at the auction. Now Nagisa, she was the best to be positioned as her informer, her intimate knowledge with the security and data and her close relationship with Miss Carter too. 'Damn this girl! She played all of us. Then again she did do the right thing, talking with Amane tore eyes away from me making me less suspicious. But putting her in danger like that.'
"How dare you put Amane in that position…" Shizuma started until Nagisa jumped right on in.
"Me? You're an idiot etoile. I didn't ask her to look around the perimeter the night of the auction, without knowing the full facts. Not to mention telling her that whilst you were in the stable." Noticing the shocked face of the woman "oh yes I heard everything. That's why I took her off the job you gave her."
"You left her unprotected Nagisa?" Tamao was stunned
"Do you really think that Tamao?" the blunette shook her head in shame
"No wonder I was caught so easily." Shizuma sighed
"Actually that was your own fault. I tried to get Amane to hint at the security double rotation which was put into effect." Nagisa told her
"If I had help…"
"I'll take the thank you if you don't mind. Since I was monitoring the cameras and watching your every move." Nagisa crossed her arms staring defiantly at the agent.
Shizuma was at a lost, this conversation making her head spin a little at what went on without her knowing. It just didn't sit right with her. Sparing Miyuki a quick glance, who was looking more unsettled than herself before she sat down heavily in her chair.
"It seems to me that despite everything, it all ended up the way we planned." Miyuki observed as she looked from one irate agent to the other "there is however some changes to this operation."
Shizuma gave her friend and boss a hard stare "What do you mean changes?"
"As of now and until the mission is over, I am pairing the two of you to work together on this." Her voice drowned out at by a ferocious cry
"What!?" Shizuma yelled as she stood up suddenly from her chair looking dangerously at M "you want me to partner up with her" pointing menacingly at Nagisa.
"Like I want to be partnered with you. A womaniser like you we would get caught in no time." Nagisa struck back standing up rather slowly, turning her gaze to Miyuki in a silent plea for leniency "I have completed what I was asked to do, why must you torture me with this?"
"I need someone with your skills to help Shizuma out Nagisa. These plans are highly advanced, if it indeed is let loose, I need you on the front line. Shizuma doesn't have the ability to do it with ease, you however can." Miyuki explained.
"Can I have a taser to go? That way I can shock her back into reality before her lust gets the best of her." Nagisa teased Shizuma, making Tamao giggle softly behind her hand.
"I'll take the gag Miyuki; something has to shut her up." Shizuma growled low
"May I?" Shizuma asked Tamao standing behind a vacant seat opposite her.
The blunette was too busy multi-tasking between eating and reading, to notice her so she jumped slightly at the question. Nodding her head she went back to her tasks whilst Shizuma began to eat. It was a nice atmosphere as they both finished eating, and reading, to enjoy a cup of tea to finish off.
"No Nagisa? That is a surprise since you two have been as thick as thieves since we got here"
"Nagisa is fine tuning the data tracker on those plans, as well as inputting some data into the mainframe. I left her to it, after all I needed to get theses document read and checked for M. She did mention coming by when she was done. Does the etoile miss her company?"
Shizuma ignored the last part completely as she sipped her tea in silence. She was knocked out of her reverie when she caught lilac eyes staring at her, not in a bad way, more questioning than anything.
"What's with the staring?" she finally asked
"I'm not sure you will like the direction of my thoughts." Tamao softly said
"That's hardly an answer"
"Isn't it?" Tamao sipped on her juice, still keeping her gaze on Shizuma and vice versa.
Shizuma was peeved; playing word games annoyed the hell out of her and this particular one made her wary. The very tone Tamao used sounded sad and at the same time accusatory.
"Be like that then. You have been around Miyuki for far too long."
"Running away? I wonder who you run from more, yourself or your past. You and Nagisa are similar in that regard." Tamao sighed.
Shizuma knew she wouldn't like where this could lead. Not to mention it was Tamao who was saying this to her. 'I would have expected this off Miyuki but not her. What would she know of my deepest heart? And why is she bringing that redhead into this?'
"I'm doing this for M in a sense. Have you ever stopped to consider in these past two years, that others are affected by your actions? Whenever she starts to reminisce about her past, it makes her flinch in pain. M doesn't see her best friend in you anymore, only as a shadow you've become. We both know the reason why and I am not going into that hornets' nest. Nagisa is the same by locking away her feelings and not letting anyone in. I miss the bright, bubbly and often childish attitude she used to have. Her I understand. You I cannot. Suffice to say, I will warn you this once, if you hurt my best friend in anyway there will be serious hell to pay"
Tamao hung her head slightly her long speech wearing her out emotionally. Shizuma was mad, trying very hard to keep it in check. It made her realise something about her anger most of all. It confused her. Was she mad at Tamao or herself?
"Damn it!" Shizuma yelled.
Shooting up from her chair she stormed out of the galley, drawing every eye her way. Wrenching the door open she barged past someone knocking them hard to the side, not bothering to see if they were ok, she continued on. 'Damn that girl! Why did she bring that up now of all times? I can't figure out who I'm angrier at, her or myself. Kaori.'
Shizuma couldn't sleep in the stuffy room, the humming of the engines rattled her nerves than calmed her. Deciding it was best to remedy her sleepless mind; hot milk would do the trick. 'I need to get some sleep. I haven't had a good night's rest these past few days. I wish I had a comfortable bed, that bunk is as hard as anything.' Shizuma lost in thought came across the galley, about to enter she paused, as she heard voices wondering on whether or not to intrude. 'Why the galley of all places and at this time of night? Now I'm here I want my warm milk. If only they allow alcohol when M is aboard. Hold on, that's a familiar voice.' All intentions of entering were gone as she moved closer to the door to listen in. Shizuma had a small internal battle with her conscience for this, ultimately her need won out.
"I missed our midnight chats Nagisa" Shizuma recognised as Tamao
"So do I. How has everything been going? I'm guessing you like your work placement, it's a top position for one as young as you" then a little chuckle was heard "Especially who you work closely with"
"Nagisa!" Tamao scolded her
"Fine, fine have it your way. Gosh I didn't know you were so sensitive about it" Nagisa sighed
Shizuma had a hunch what point Nagisa was trying to make. Even she was sure that there was something brewing between the boss and assistant. If she tried to tease her, the things Miyuki could do to her caused her to shiver. Once more she listened in to the change of topics.
"How are you doing Nagisa, really?" Tamao asked in concern
"I'm fine honestly. Don't worry about me"
"Don't lie." Tamao cut in "Not to me"
Silence reigned for a little while, Shizuma had every intention of staying put to listen.
"I really am doing okay. I get the occasional nightmares and flashes, but the doc says it should pass in time."
"Have you talked to someone about it?" a timid voice asked "Want to talk to me?"
"I would have thought you would know all about it, being close to M and all"
"Only what they named it, 'The Turncoat Massacre'. Miyuki briefly got me up to date on events, when she told me who was involved and kindly informed me on your status. The last I heard of you."
Shizuma frowned upon hearing the information, knowing full well the details surrounding the massacre. It also told her a bit of Nagisa's attitude and fears from before. 'No wonder she doesn't easily trust others or open up easily. The fear she shows. Still there has to be more to her than that, the glimpses I have seen from her. I guess that was a point Tamao brought up earlier.' Nagisa's voice cut into her thoughts.
"Maybe another time Tamao, when I understand my own mind a bit better." Her voice, sounding on the verge of breaking.
A screech of a chair moving, put Shizuma on standby, as she still stood there listening in. It filled her heart with sadness as she heard muffled cries within. 'How long has she been like that?' Shizuma finally let them have some privacy, forgoing her warm milk; she retired to her own room to find whatever sleep she could get.
It was two days before any more news of the plans came to light. Two days filled with nothing to do and nothing to see. Shizuma found new respect for those submariners, how they coped being cooped up was beyond her. So the news was a welcome relief, as she strode into the office. Greeting everyone she sat down and waited for M to begin, stealing a quick glance at Nagisa. Now there was a topic that puzzled her. Ever since her snooping she tried to understand the girl, but realising that was just not going to be possible at the moment with everyone there, she promised to do so whilst they were alone. It had nothing whatsoever, zilch, nada to do with being a bit afraid of opening up. Not a bit. Returning to the present Shizuma accepted a cup of lovely Assam tea listening to M as she began.
"We have a location of the plans as well as a name and face of who brought them." Swivelling in her chair to face the right wall a huge screen came to life, clicking on a remote to bring up footage "This is…"
"Kenzo Reede. Blimey never thought to come across him again." Nagisa surprised everyone with her proclamation
"You know him Nagisa?" Shizuma asked her
"I know of him. He used to be the top of his field in technology advancement. Until he was caught working on something illegal and was shut down. No one heard from him again though his work comes to light every so often." Nagisa explained earning nods all around
"He is known by another name. 'The Archive'." M barely refrained from rolling her eyes
"What a stupid name" Nagisa muttered with a nod of agreement from surprisingly Tamao
"He is currently residing at one of his many houses, scattered across the Greek islands. The one he is currently occupied in is in Rhodes." M ignored the earlier comment and ploughed on "Mr Reede is a very private person so information on him is rather restricted. Certain details about his lifestyle and working schedule are well hidden. Even Nagisa had no such luck in finding them"
"You didn't find anything Nagisa?" Tamao was a little stunned as she stared at her friend
"Nope." Shaking her head "If I did find something that would help us, there was always a warning attached to it. If I looked into them they would know someone was researching him."
"If we got a hold of his private codes can you access them at leisure?" Shizuma wondered
"Of course." Nagisa confirmed
"You can work out the details as you travel there. What I want from you is to find him and stop him. The plans themselves…" M looked thoughtful
"Whatever he is about to do isn't very good especially with the 'Trojan Horse.' We will either return with them or without. No one should have that kind of power." Nagisa pointed out
"Our analysts think he is working to a time scale. The problem is we don't know what at this point. So as soon as we know you will know." Tamao said to the two nodding agents
"Well then here are your passports agents. Since Melinda may have sent people after you, these will hinder them somewhat. Thanks to Nagisa scrambling things up, it may be an unnecessary precaution." Miyuki pushed them towards the two, a glitter twinkling in her eye.
Shizuma took hers, looking directly at the picture and information in habit. Her sharp eyes caught on something. The etoile hoped beyond hope that it was a computer error, yet deep down she knew it to be true. Shizuma started with Nagisa who took her passport without opening it, turning her scrutiny to Tamao who looked like she usually did, knowing that she had to be in on this. Then there was Miyuki who was watching her like a hawk, with a smile trying to break through. Shizuma just glared trying very hard to keep her temper in check.
"Good luck. Check in with Chikaru both of you and Nagisa stop by and see Shion. I want both of you at the top of your game." Miyuki gave them a nod "By and by please behave your selves."
That did it. Shizuma shot up from her chair, bringing with it two startled jumps and a long suffering sigh.
"Behave? I'm not the one cooking up funny aliases." Shizuma gritted her teeth.
"EEEEEEH!" A loud yell rang out in the room, someone just caught on.
"Is there a problem? I can always come back." A calm voice came from the door.
Chikaru walked in, stopping to the right of Nagisa still looking a little uncertain as to the mounting tension.
"Chikaru did you think up this plan?" Shizuma waved her passport at her.
"Now Shizuma…" Miyuki was cut off
"Ah…the whole idea was Tamao's. A married couple draws less attention than two siblings or friends. Especially since you can't stop flirting anyways, only now you have to make sure Nagisa is the target of them."
A part of Shizuma knew it made sense, but her raised ire was directed at Tamao who looked really, really uncomfortable. Nagisa stalked up to her so called best friend, making her prey step back a little in fear. Stopping right in front of her, Nagisa leaned in close.
"I am so going to get you back for this, you and your certain someone."
Shizuma looked to Miyuki as this went on; the cold stone mask was in place. It failed somewhat as the last words came out making her flinch faintly. Shizuma nodded her head; the message was made very clear. Mission first revenge after. Turning to face Chikaru, who was watching them with delight, the etoile gained her attention.
"So we got new toys?" Shizuma pulled her out if it
"Oh yes! Let's go see!"
Nagisa looked happy at the prospect as she left her friend, following the two. 'Her mood changes so fast. It's written all over her face what she's feeling. It shouldn't be too hard to work with her or get along.'
"Chikaru did you get my Taser order?" Nagisa probed the gadget designer.
The three stopped by the door, Nagisa closest to it hand ready on the handle.
"A Taser Nagisa? You've never wanted one before as far as I can recall."
Nagisa opened the door and stepped on through, looking back over her shoulder to the others.
"I need one now more than ever. If I have to play her wife, I need to shock her if she gets a little too frisky. Then again she's constantly in that state."
Nagisa barely dodged the lunge, Shizuma looking ready to kill. The etoile watched as Nagisa wore a bright smile, as she walked in front of them to the temporary lab on-board, keeping an eye Shizuma all the way.
A/N: Thanks for all your reviews so far. Its certainly been helping my confidence in getting this published and writing :)