Year: 772
4 years after the Cell Game
I don't want to lose you
Lying comfortably in her new room's bed, Ruri was surprised by the sound of her alarm clock. Groaning, she grabbed her phone and looked at the time: 5:35 am.
Three weeks had passed since their arrival in the park. After a few days of cleaning and setting up their dusty, cobweb-filled little home, they had begun their mission. They now spent most of their time in the park, observing. Ruri had explored every corner of the park, cataloguing the animals and their interactions, looking for anything that might disrupt the giant eagles' existence.
But her first hypothesis remained the influence of poachers.
17 was in charge of investigating this idea. He stayed with her for part of the day but then spent the rest of his time with the rangers. In just a few days, he had already helped to arrest a good dozen of hunters. The leader of the rangers had noticed how easily he was able to locate and stop them, even though 17 was doing his best not to show too much of his powers. He flew discreetly over the forest as soon as he had the chance, and then ran at full speed at the poachers, which he neutralized in no time. His increased visual acuity, combined with his new spotting abilities, made him awesome at spotting intruders, even at large distances, and he could cover a great distance without ever being seen himself.
As time passed, a certain routine began to set in, to which 17 was happily accustomed.
The first of their habits was to start their day by watching the sun rise from the wooden bench at the entrance of the house. When Ruri finally managed to wake up from her sleep, she went to the kitchen, her eyes half closed. The coffee was already ready, and she poured herself a cup before going out to join 17 who was sitting there, also drinking his morning coffee and looking at the horizon.
- M'ning, greeted Ruri as she sat down next to him.
- Good morning. How did you sleep?
- It was good but a bit short, replied the young woman with a yawn.
- Ah.
- You really have no mercy you know. It's torture not letting me get enough sleep.
- Excuse me but you were the one who asked for more last night.
- What?
- "More, 17, a little mooooore" continued 17, taking for the occasion an exaggeratedly high voice.
- Can I know who you are imitating?
- "Just one more time pleeeeease"
- Could you stop?
- That's what you said after the third time. I am a helpful person, I will make love to you as often as you ask.
- You talk like you don't like it, tin can!
- Yes, I like it a lot. And you'll never hear me complain that I'm tired.
- Not everyone is lucky enough to have a rechargeable battery in their belly.
- Are you complaining?
- No, I'm not. I admit that sometimes it is rather... useful.
They exchanged a quick glance before bursting into laughter. 17 was amused to see that Ruri was pretending to be annoyed. Her eyes were full of that mischievous glint that he loved so much about her, and the slight smile she wore could not deceive him.
So he smiled back at her, before they both started drinking their coffee again.
17 was still as silent as he had been since their first meeting, but even if he didn't really realize it, very slight changes were taking place in him. In fact, he was starting to leave his painful past behind and was finally looking ahead. His feelings for Ruri were also much clearer in his mind. With her, he had found peace and a part of his old character even resurfaced sometimes, that of the 17 he was before his meeting with Cell. He was more teasing with Ruri, in the same way that he had been with 18, and he joked much more regularly.
In this life in the open air, in contact with animals and a few rare humans, having his companion by his side, he was simply happy.
A simple and quiet happiness.
This inner peace acted on him like a breath of fresh air suddenly filling his lungs, as if he had in fact been living for years in apnea.
- Say, how long do you think it will take you to take me back home? suddenly asked Ruri, leaving 17 a little puzzled.
- Huh? Uh... I don't know ... 10 minutes? 5 minutes? Why do you ask?
- We'll have to go to my appartment, I have to pick up some clothes. It's great that you're so quick, so we can get away at the end of the day when poacher cannot hunt anymore. A simple round trip!
- You already have plenty of clothes here.
- Not the good ones.
- Why?
- There will soon be a party in the village with a dance. I can't go in my outdoor clothes, I need a dress, shoes, jewelry and a matching bag.
- How do you know there will be a party?
- Owen told me.
- Who is it?
- Owen.
- Who ?
- The rangers'chief. Owen is his first name.
- How do you know that?
- Thanks to my secret technique. Want to know more?
- Yes.
Ruri then leaned over to 17 and whispered in his ear:
- Don't repeat my technique okay? But the secret is that ... I asked him!
- What?
- Hahahaha! the young woman laughed at the surprised look of 17.
- What's so funny?
- You, idiot! Did you really think I had a special technique? If you want to know someone's name you just ask.
- Why did you want to know his name?
- For nothing in particular, we see him every day so it's just to be friendly. To have a normal relationship. Human. Banal. You know what I mean? NO! Don't answer me. I already know your answer. How do you call it?
- Well ... I ... talk to him.
- But if you want to call him?
- I say "hey".
- Oh my god... Well, we'll talk about your education later. So is that okay? Will you take me home to get some things?
- Yes, no problem.
- Will you keep your baggy jeans and ugly scarf on then?
- For ?
- For the party. You're coming with me, aren't you?
- No.
- Pleeeeease!
- Oh, I know that tone. I understand that you want to go there but I don't like places where there are too many humans Ruri.
- Just come with me, we'll have fun! And I promise not to ask you to dance or anything like that.
- Yes but ...
However, Ruri did not let him finish his sentence.
With a jump, she got up, put her cup on the ground and passed her right leg above those of 17 to come to sit astride on him. He froze, not expecting such an initiative, while Ruri delicately embraced his neck and moved her face closer to his.
- 17? she then asked him in a sweet voice.
- Yes?
- You know that if you came with me to this party it would be very, very nice of you.
- Really?
- Yes. And if you are nice to me, I will be very nice to you too...
Saying this, she brushed his chest with very light movements of her fingers. The supplicant and joking tone of her voice was like a gentle caress to 17's ears. If his days were now filled with tracking down poachers, his nights with Ruri were all more delicious than the others. The more time passed, the more she became enterprising, sure of herself, seductive. Their physical complicity grew, as did the desire they felt. 17 thus did not manage to resist the temptation for a long time and after a short silence he ended up answering, without forgetting to put his hands on Ruri's butt to hold her firmly:
- You have my full attention.
- I know. So what do you say to my suggestion?
- The problem is that I don't really see what "very nice" means.
- Going out with me you made you become more clever you know, resumed Ruri by laughing.
- I try.
- How about tonight I give you a little taste? So you can make up your own mind?
- Deal.
They exchanged then a long kiss, filled of passion. Their hands went through their respective bodies with the same feverish appetite towards each other.
But the sun was rising.
Feeling the warmth of the first rays on his skin, 17 paused.
- Ruri, we should stop now, he said reluctantly. Or ...
- or what?
- I don't know if I could stop next, and the sun is coming up. We have to go soon.
- You are unpleasantly reasonable 17.
- I know.
- But you're right. Ok, I'll eat three cookies and we'll go. Will you come with me this morning? I think I spotted a third eagle's nest and would love to photograph it.
- Okay. I'll join the rangers later.
- Say hello to Owen for me.
- Yeah.
After a last kiss, they exchanged a long look, full of promises for the night to come. Then, after a common sigh, they got up and finished getting ready for a long day.
Two long months passed, punctuated by explorations and captures of poachers.
17 met them almost every day. They were mostly small groups of 2 or 3 people, quite heavy and not very discreet for the most part. They never ventured too far into the park and hunted mostly deer. Once their weapons were confiscated, they were fined and quickly released. To 17's surprise, most of them returned after a short absence, so that after a few days he knew them all.
But one day, during one of his rounds, he came across a group of people that none of the rangers had ever met. When 17 had confronted them, they had tried to resist him much more fiercely than those he had encountered before. Of course, these humans posed no real problem to him and he neutralized them in a matter of seconds before taking them back to the ranger headquarters, which had several cells in which he had locked them up.
During the few hours of their captivity, they hardly spoke a word. In contrast to the awkward bonhomie of the usual poachers, their scowls, clenched jaws and fists, everything about the body language of these men conveyed great anger. As 17 searched their belongings, he realized that they were also much more prepared. Equipped with heavy weapons and ammunition, they seemed to have come to the park to hunt very big preys.
Yet, like the others, they had been released after simple admonitions, the rangers not seeming to give them any particular importance.
17 was not a ranger, he was only there to assist Ruri and knew that he should not interfere too much in their affairs. So he let it happen, but these had hunters intrigued him a lot. So much that since their capture, he had been thinking and keeping a close eye on the most remote areas of the park, convinced that they would eventually return.
Among the rangers, only Owen shared 17's interest in these strange individuals and he had given him full permission to keep an eye on them. The other person who agreed with him was of course Ruri. She also thought that these poachers had a more worrying profile.
After another long day of observation, the young woman was just reflecting on all the data they had collected since their arrival. 17 had set up an office for her in a corner of the attic. Ruri had set up her computer and books there, and had been deep in thought for several hours when suddenly the sound of an engine from the first floor caught her attention.
"But what is he doing at this hour?" she said to herself, before deciding to go and see.
She went down the stairs to the main room in an instant and ran across to the garage.
17 was there, sitting on the quad he had been trying to repair since they moved into the park.
In accordance with the new habits that he was developing while living with Ruri, he was wearing a casual outfit that she had given him: a pair of tracksuit bottoms and, above all, a tank top, both of which were entirely black. 17 being royally disinterested in all that touched the clothes, the young woman had had all freedom to buy some for him, and the spectacle that was offered to her eyes pleased her all the more because she had not chosen anything at random.
In particular this top, whose cut voluntarily very tight revealed all of the robust and athletic physique of 17. The sleeveless top showed off his muscular arms, which he usually hid in his everyday life. In order to work more easily, he had tied his long hair in an awkwardly knotted ponytail from which a few rebellious strands were still escaping.
His powerful hands were blackened with grease.
"17, you can be so sexy sometimes ..." thought Ruri when she saw him like that, "this biker look, my god, I'll end up jumping on you...".
She allowed herself a few more seconds to revel in the sight, delighted with her purchases, before 17 became aware of her presence.
He looked up at her with a surprised look.
- Is it time already ? he asked her when he saw her.
- Time for what?
- To go to bed.
- No! exclaimed Ruri.
- Too bad.
- You are impossible ! You never stop, do you ?
- My stamina is infinite, replied 17, a small, satisfied smile forming at the corner of his lips.
- Stay calm cyborg, I didn't come for that. I heard some noise so I wanted to see what you were doing while it's late.
- Oh. I'm sorry I bothered you. I actually tried to restart the quad.
- Do you really think you can fix this wreck?
- Yes. The engine is clean, I put oil back in, I changed the defective parts. The only thing left is the carburettor.
- I didn't understand this sentence.
- To tell you the truth, neither do I. But I know it will work.
- If you say so.
- Are you going back to work?
- I want to take a break. I'm actually a bit stuck.
- Can I help you?
- Maybe. But I don't want to disturb you in your repair...
Without answering, 17 grabbed a towel and quickly wiped his hands. Then, nonchalantly, he patted the front part of the quad's seat, beckoning Ruri to join him. The young woman gladly complied and hurried to sit in front of him.
Once settled, she placed her hands on either end of the handlebars.
Amused, she turned briefly to give him a beautiful smile before resuming her initial position. She was beautiful, radiant, and this vision pulled 17 out of the concentration state that was his before she arrived.
Suddenly, he was back to reality.
Suddenly, he felt the presence of Ruri's body near him.
He let his glance linger on her nape of the neck, then went down slowly along her back to the curve of her nascent butt. She was only with some millimetres of him, so close that he felt the sweetened odor of her hair that he touched mechanically, almost without wanting it.
"Human ... you're driving me ... crazy ..." he thought as he brought his hands to Ruri's waist, ready to grab hold of her as he did so often now.
- What are you doing ? the young woman suddenly whispered, turning to him.
- I was thinking I knew how I was going to make love to you tonight, 17 replied as he brushed her hips.
- Well, well, well. What happened to your usual cyborg impassivity?
- I don't know.
- So let's say it's the human in you that doesn't know how to control himself.
- Maybe, he answered her by smiling, before approaching his lips of the nape of Ruri's neck that he kissed with tenderness.
She giggled with pleasure, her body trembling as she felt this ticklish caress.
- Weren't you supposed to help me? she finally said after a few seconds.
- Yes, sorry. So tell me, what's blocking you?
- Well, now I have observed the eagles and their behavior. Nothing seemed abnormal to me, no trace of disease, they have space, prey in abundance. I saw several couples and there are also nests. So all in all, everything seems to be going well.
- But?
- But normally the eagles should be much more numerous than they are. Clearly. And I've also seen quite a few older looking individuals, but few young ones. This is not normal. The population is not renewed as it should be.
- And?
- And that's where I get stuck. How many giant eagles do you think are in the park now?
- About twenty of them.
- THERE! cried Ruri
- What ?
- You sound exactly like the rangers. Did they give you that number?
- Yes.
- That's the problem. They don't keep up with the population. All I found in their stuff was a little notebook with a few numbers here and there. How can I see if a particular event happened on a particular date? Or if it's an ongoing phenomenon? I need data, tables, graphs, histograms...
- Is it really necessary? It is enough to ...
But 17 did not finish his sentence, struck by Ruri's eyes.
He almost burst out laughing at her incensed look. She had the same kind of expression that he had seen many times at 18 and that he knew very well. He even felt as if he could hear his sister's voice echoing in his head, "Shut up 17," as she had so often done. He felt for a short moment a touch of nostalgia, before returning to his conversation with Ruri.
He gave her a smile to calm her down, and the young woman resumed almost immediately:
- Rangers are not scientists, and that's the problem. ANYWAY. This park is missing a zoologist. The eagles should have been identified and marked with a ring. That way we could follow them, see their movements and study the evolutions and births more closely.
- Why don't they do it then?
- Probably because of budgetary restrictions.
- What is it?
- This means that the park probably doesn't have enough money. None of this is free, such devices are expensive, and unfortunately the protection of animals is not always a priority. If even the King's Park doesn't have money, imagine the others...
- Maybe that's why their camera system is so lame.
- What do you mean?
17 then got up and rummaged through a pile of papers that was sitting on his workbench. He came back to sit on the quad, unfolding a huge map in front of Ruri, on which the young woman noticed the presence of many colorful annotations.
- Normally the entire park is supposed to be monitored by a network of cameras that is controlled by a terminal in the ranger headquarters. But in fact it's a complete mess. Look. The red dots are cameras that are no longer in use. The purple ones are cameras that are working but have a field of view full of blind spots. The green ones are good, but you can see that there are not many of them. Moreover, the system is not really controlled. From the headquarters you can see the images of the cameras but not rotate them for example.
- This map is very precise. Did the rangers make it?
- No. It's me.
- Really? But ... wow ... why did you do that?
- It's since I captured the weird poachers I told you about. The rangers had never seen them, but these guys seemed to know the area very well. I think they've been hunting for a while, actually, and I wondered how they managed to get away unnoticed. So I started to think. And given the state of the surveillance system, someone who had studied it would be quite capable of wandering around the park and evading the rangers.
- So what are the black points there?
- These are the places where cameras should be placed to cover the missing areas.
- But ... did you do this by yourself?
- Yes.
- But ... when?
- You know, Ruri, when I finally wear you down and you fall asleep, I still have hours left before the sun rises.
The young woman preferred to smile at this umpteenth teasing from 17. She was actually quite surprised by the amount of work he had done on his own, without telling her or asking for her help. When she had asked him to look into the poachers and the impact they could have, she had not imagined that he would take it so seriously.
But once the surprise passed, her scientific mind quickly took over.
- So according to you this camera system is defective. So it would be possible that a group of poachers has been entering the park for a long time and has gone completely unnoticed?
- Yes.
- Interesting ... if these guys are there for the eagles and they have found a way to thwart the surveillance of the rangers then it can explain a lot ...
- That's why I want to keep tracking them. The ones I arrested clearly weren't the only ones coming here. There must be others.
Ruri clearly noticed the determination in 17's voice. Leaving the map aside, she turned around to face him and looked him straight in the eye.
- Are you sure that if the park replaced the broken cameras and installed new ones you would be able to catch them all?
- I also need to be able to pilot the system.
- What does that mean?
- I need to see what the cameras see and be able to move them. I tried to connect to them, but they are very, very old models. I can't connect to them.
- Uh ... sorry?
- Once in Gero's laboratory I managed to connect to the part of the network that controlled the doors. I was able to open and close them at will. It was one of the many times I tried to escape but since the last door wasn't connected... well, never mind. I wanted to try to do the same with his cameras, but I couldn't.
- You ... can ... connect ... to ... objects? questioned Ruri, articulating with difficulty under the cumulative effects of surprise and excitement.
- I have electronic components in my brain. Like some kind of computer if you will.
- BUT IT'S SO COOL! TOO COOL ! INCREDIBLE! I WANT TO SEE!
- Oh you know it's not so...
- WAIIIIIT ! I HAVE A BRAND NEW CAMERA WE'LL TRY !
- But I ...
- I'LL BE BACK!
Ruri didn't wait a second longer and ran off to the attic. She frantically rummaged through her belongings and pulled out a gray metal ball, which she carried back to 17 as quickly as she could. It was a very recent model of handheld camera. It looked like a silver billiard ball when it was turned off, but as soon as it was turned on, its rotating lens would deploy. It could move over the entire surface of the object, which had one essential characteristic: it moved in levitation. This made it very convenient to use and Ruri sometimes used it to film the animals she studied.
When he examined it, 17 immediately noticed the company logo "Capsule Corp" engraved on the top.
- It's one of the best models on the market, you know, explained Ruri.
- How do you run it?
- With a remote control. Here. I can't believe I never thought to show it to you.
- No big deal. We'll see what we can do.
Holding the camera in one hand, 17 stared at it intensely. Ruri held her breath, hardly daring to breathe. Suddenly, small noises were heard. Short series of beeps, more or less fast.
The young woman noticed that 17's eyes had turned red. An artificial glow was emanating from them, similar to that of an LED. The light went on and off at irregular intervals. Ruri realized that he was telling the truth: he was trying to connect to her camera. More than his extraordinary strength, this scene was for her the best proof of his nature as a human being modified by electronic additions.
She remained silent, fascinated.
Then, after a few minutes, the camera suddenly turned on. Without a sound it rose to about one meter above the ground and slowly rotated around 17 who was smiling, obviously very proud of himself.
Shaking her head in disbelief, Ruri didn't know what to say. When her eyes met 17's, however, she couldn't hold back a burst of laughter.
- Ok, she said to him while returning to sit down in front of him, I believe that there you gained the title of the best boyfriend of the planet.
- Really ?
- Aren't you happy?
- Of course. I like to be the best.
- So now, concretely, you control the camera?
- Yes. And I see what it sees. Here, in my right eye.
- It's amazing. It really is. It's... wow.
- Thank you.
- If you could do the same with the others, we could definitely catch all the poachers. If your hunch is right, we'll save the lives of many animals... We have to talk to Owen tomorrow.
- Are you going to tell him I'm a cyborg?
- Uh ... no. Not right now anyway. But we need to show him your work on the cameras and convince him to change the equipment in the park. We also need him to agree to provide me with some rings so I can better track the adults and see more clearly. Even if ...
- If what?
- If the problem is budgetary Owen will not be able to do much ...
- All he has to do is use what he was going to use to pay me.
- WHAT?
- He's provided for my salary, right? So let him take that money and buy what we need.
- Why should I bother negotiating a salary for you if you're going to give it up at the first opportunity?
- Money is not important to me.
- Yeah well, don't tell him that, okay?
17 did not answer.
He clearly didn't understand what the problem was, and Ruri knew it. She didn't insist any further, knowing deep down that his suggestion wasn't stupid at all. 17 had told her often enough that he only needed water to live. After all, why not? This mission was going to have an end, so...
- Ok, that's what we'll try tomorrow, she finally said after some thought.
And as soon as they could, 17 and Ruri went to the home of the chief ranger to report their findings and ideas. He was a man who was sincere in his desire to protect the animals and despite what his gruff appearance might suggest, he was very humble and open-minded. He was quickly convinced of the need to follow their advice, especially since he had acquired total confidence in 17, whose effectiveness he had been able to measure.
He immediately began to convince his superiors and after two weeks of waiting, they obtained the necessary authorizations to replace all the cameras in the park with brand new models. With Owen's approval, 17 personally arranged for the cameras to be installed in the most strategic locations in the huge area. Once the cameras were up and running, he went to the rangers' headquarter accompanied by Ruri, who tried to distract the rangers. She decided to attract them outside and tell them a lot of stories about the different monsters she had met in her life. For his part, 17 took advantage of the diversion to connect to the newly deployed surveillance network. As he operated quietly inside, his companion's cheerful voice echoed in his ears, each of her sentences punctuated by a series of laughs and blissful approvals from the rangers.
- And then, you will not even imagine what I answered him !
- No, tell us!
- That if he was so sure he was right he should go and get under the dinosaur's butt himself.
- Hahahaha you are so funny sweetheart !
This sentence made 17 jump, who immediately glanced discreetly outside.
The rangers had gathered around Ruri. Obviously, the vision of this beautiful young woman in mini-shorts seemed to enchant them. Their insistent glances and their benign smiles irritated him at the highest point. But even if he felt in his heart a furious desire to knock out one by one each one of these humans, he did nothing. On the other hand, when he had finished his operation, he hastened to join her and to position himself behind her, while Ruri continued her fiery explanation.
With his arms folded and his face closed, he did not say a word, but simply stared at the group of men with his piercing blue eyes.
- And then, I turn around. And there I saw the lion, continued Ruri who had not noticed anything.
- Ah, replied the rangers, suddenly much more reserved.
- But I stayed calm you know. I knew that the jeep was not far away and that I could reach it by running.
- Ah.
- But wait, the funniest part is yet to come, because I ...
- You twisted your ankle, 17 suddenly interrupted. But with the adrenaline you didn't notice it and ran to the car. You arrived just in time and anyway it was a tame lion that just wanted to play with you so you were not in danger. Is that right?
- Uh ... yes but well there ... it's a bit of a summary and I'm sure that ...
- That the rangers are very busy. They probably don't have time to waste, they have work to do. Don't they?
A chorus of male voices rose up:
- Oh yes!
- Totally!
- Of course 17!
- We were going to go anyway!
- I'm already gone!
Satisfied, 17 gave them a brief nod, and the group of men dispersed with cautious alacrity.
- It's strange, they seemed to like my story, lamented Ruri. Why did they leave so quickly when I arrived at the best part?
- Who knows. Shall we go home?
- Yeah...
From that day on, 17 could choose to see the live images captured by each of the cameras, and he could also control them remotely to make them move if he wanted to. He had also reprogrammed Ruri's camera to follow him by focusing on his movements. Thus equipped, he could see everything that was happening in every corner of the park.
All that remained was to approach the giant eagles to make them wear the rings that Ruri had ordered. They needed another 3 days to do this, the time necessary to get close enough to each of the adult individuals.
In the early afternoon of the third day, only a couple of animals remained to be equipped. Stationed on a hillside adjacent to their nest, 17 and Ruri watched them in the distance through binoculars.
- They look calm, I think we can go.
- Okay. Are you climbing?
- Absolutely!
17's help was invaluable to Ruri. This was not the first time she had to band large birds, but these eagles were of a completely different size. They had a wingspan of about 50 feet, which made them very dangerous creatures. However, putting the instruments on them proved to be a relatively easy task. Their technique was unstoppable: 17 took Ruri on his back so that she could concentrate on preparing the rings and fitting them. He took care of everything else. Flying close to the animals, he would first separate the two adults by flying around them, forcing them to run towards him to attack him before losing them one by one. Then, he would come back to one of the birds and position himself underneath, holding the animal's legs and beak firmly while Ruri acted.
Then, as quickly as possible, he would fly away.
A fun game, which ended with the installation of the last two rings. Once this was done, they both left and went back to their cabin to put away their equipment. Before 17 left, they decided to take a little break, and Ruri prepared coffee for both of them.
After a few sips, the young woman starts the conversation again.
- I am happy, now we can really follow the evolution of the populations. I still have to find names for each bird and write them down on my file. I can't wait !
- Really?
- I love naming animals. And this tracking thing allows me to practice using the software I'm studying in class so it's cool. I have to call one of my teachers by the way, he wants access to the file.
- How far along are you in writing your article on sea monsters?
- I've fallen behind in the last few days but now that everything is ready I'll get back to it in the evening.
- Cool.
- In any case, honestly, I was right to say that you were the most useful instrument. Because banding these birds without you would have been very, very complicated. I don't even know how I would have done it.
Ruri's joke made 17 smile at first, before something suddenly crossed his mind. A question that he immediately wanted to ask her.
- It's true. These birds are big, fast and powerful. How do the poachers do ?
- Do what?
- How can they prey on such creatures?
- With rifles equipped with long sights. No need to get too close.
- Ok. But how can they transport the corpses of such large animals without being spotted? They must weigh at least ...
- I would say 200 kilos. You're right, it's strange...
Ruri's tone was no longer playful. She had become as serious as 17, deeply disturbed by this obvious observation that she had not paid attention to. The young woman thought for a long time.
And suddenly, she gave a big blow on the bench.
- The eggs ! They don't kill the adults, they steal their eggs ! They are much easier to hide in bags for example ! That's why there are old adults and few young ones !
- Why steal eggs?
- To resell them to collectors. Rare animals are the object of important traffics. How could I miss that !
- It doesn't matter, 17 reassured her. The main thing is that now we know what we are looking ...
17 froze, and Ruri distinctly heard a shrill "BEEP" coming from his eyes.
- What happened ? she asked him as she approached.
- I see 3 of them. Poachers. They are the ones I already arrested the first time and they are heading towards the D8 area.
- This is one of the places where you installed new cameras, right?
- Yes, so they are taking a route that was not monitored before. I'm going there.
- Wait, Ruri said at once, putting her hand on his.
- What?
- There is no emergency 17. We know where they're going to go, we know where the nests are in this area. We also know they're not going to kill the animals, no need to rush.
- Why wait?
- Because arresting them is not very interesting. If they're part of a rare animal traffic, we need their leader. We'll set a trap for them.
- Do you have a plan?
- Is that a real question? Of course I have a plan. I'm going to go meet them.
- I beg your pardon?
- They will be suspicious of you, they know what you are capable of. But if it's me, they'll be confident and I'm sure I can get them to talk.
- That's absolutely out of the question! exclaimed 17. I wouldn't let you take such a risk!
- But I'm not risking anything. If these guys are looking for discretion, killing me would be the worst thing to do. And I didn't say I was going alone. I said I was going to talk to them. You stay back and follow us while I try to get a ride with their leader. You will be able to see everything thanks to the cameras. They're bound to go through the routes they think are still unguarded. Our best bet is that they don't know about the new cameras yet.
17 hesitated.
This plan seemed to be very coherent indeed. If he stayed at a short distance, he could intervene in a split second if there was a problem. Ruri had a hotheaded side sometimes, but when she came up with a plan, it was usually flawless. Yet something deep inside him prevented him from agreeing to it.
Like an unpleasant presentiment. The idea of making Ruri take the slightest risk seemed to him purely unthinkable.
A gray glare in the bottom of his eyes revealed his trouble, but the young woman did not let him get lost too much in his usual prevarications. Tenderly, she caressed a lock of his hair that she put back behind his ear. She then touched his earring, a gesture that she often made since she had noticed that he seemed to appreciate it a lot. It seemed to relax him, though she wasn't sure why.
- I do not risk anything, since you are there, she murmured.
- Yes, but ...
- Shhhh, stop worrying tin can. Go tell Owen, you're fast, you only need a few minutes. I'll go ahead and meet you at the nest in the D8 area. I'll go there on my moped, and I'll finish on foot.
- Okay. But don't go to meet them without me. You wait for me. Okay?
- Okay. Go on, and meet me soon.
17 nodded, though he was not totally convinced. Then, as quickly as he could, he flew to the ranger headquarters, leaving Ruri to go on her own. It took him only a few minutes to reach his destination, and as soon as he set foot on the ground, he rushed to the office of the leader to inform him of the situation.
- Decidedly, this little girl is really impossible, he sighed while scratching his head, once 17 had finished his story.
- She has a plan. And she's very smart. I trust her.
- So did I. If anyone can get out of this kind of situation it's her. I'll tell the others and we'll surround the area to arrest anyone who's there. But you, go. Go quickly to her, you hear me? We must not put her at risk.
- Of course. That was my intention. Ruri will stay away. And by the way she said the poachers should keep a low profile, so they probably won't do anything that would attract attention.
But Owen wore a grave and unusually serious expression.
- 17, there is one thing you need to know about poachers. There are two kinds. The ones for whom it's just a hobby, a pastime. You've caught a lot of them, they're not very smart and their background is not so bad. But those who sell the animals, that's another thing. There's lots and lots of money involved. And money makes people crazy. Those are much more dangerous, so don't underestimate them and go find her quickly.
17 was stunned for a few seconds.
A cold and visceral anger then began to invade him. An anger mixed with a deeper feeling that he knew well by now.
- If anyone does anything to her, he is dead.
The icy tone of his voice froze Owen's blood in his veins, and it was with concern that he saw 17 walk away, first on foot, then in the air.
The cyborg didn't care about revealing his powers to this human anymore.
"No...no...not again...not this time...I won't allow it..."
17 knew the feeling that was gradually gripping his heart and oppressing his chest.
That feeling was fear.