It was pretty much the early morning and the sun was slowly creeping over the horizon. Coffee was the only thing keeping Jacob awake now as he told everyone what he told Priss many hours ago. 'Another dimension blah blah blah'. His mind felt like it was turning to soup. He was sitting in a chair alone as he waited on Sylia to return. Linna sat in a chair on his right and Nene on the opposite of the room to the left. Priss was laying on the couch staring at the ceiling with contempt. She had heard the story from him hours ago but was still unsure. He was either completely insane or genuine. If it was the ladder then she'd be real surprised. Sylia was currently examining Cynthia and that left the 3 alone for now.
Linna Never thought she would see him again but here he was holding a coffee cup and slowly sipping from it. "So you ended up in a car crash and now you're here?. It just doesn't make any sense" She said The story hard to believe at best.
Nene then looked at Jacob with a confused look. She obviously wanted answers but those answers he did not have.
Jacob nodded agreeing with Linna. "Don't look at me for an answer" He told both of them.
Nene figured as much. "I'm sure there's a kernel of truth in this somewhere" She muttered to herself.
Cynthia had vouched for him using the fact she was a boomer and could tell whether someone was lying or not. She didn't divulge that exact information and just told them he was telling the truth. Priss didn't believe her due to her hatred of boomers and the others were skeptical on their own terms. Mackie was already trying to look Jacob up and had already taken a piece of hair and even finger marks to narrow down the search.
"So whose the top dog in the music world over there?" Priss asked suddenly.
Jacob remained calm. Resting his coffee cup on the table he looked at her. "The Beatles. No other band has done what they've done in eight years. Only other person capable of outdoing them was Brain Wilson" Jacob responded.
Priss's question was twofold. To see how different it was if he was right, and too get a feel for him in general. He why is beginning the peak her interest.
Then Jacob glanced to Priss. Heavy suspicion laid in his eyes. He then turned his gaze to Nene and softened. "Anything I should know before Sylia comes back?" He asked kindly.
Nene shrugged. Sylia was usually pretty close guarded emotionally and usually kept relationships more professional than anything else. Nene simply shook her head. Jacob the glanced down to his hand. The cut still showed but the stitches were still holding. 7 more years. He thought bringing his gaze to the large window. Beyond was the early morning sky and the cityscape of Mega Tokyo. In the far distance standing nearly had a kilometre in size was the cone-like structure of Genom. The nightmare factory itself was an impressive marvel of engineering. The mass of grey impressed him much like the Tyrrell building from Bladerunner when he saw it. Then Cynthia entered and the door to Sylia's room closed again behind the little girl. She then moved closer her eyes finding each of the Knight Sabers and the one inter-dimensional traveller.
Cynthia moved over to Priss who wasn't even trying to hide her hatred at this point. "Can I sit on your lap?" Cynthia asked kindly. "I like her" This sounded odd to Priss.
She does scowled at the little girl. "No," Press said with venom in her voice. "I'm not giving you a bit of kindness. You can sit on the floor like what you are" She then looked away from Cynthia altogether and proceeded to ignore her existence.
Jacob grimaced. Christ sake Priss, Jacob thought disapprovingly. if my mother were here she'd hit you upside the head. Sipping the last of his coffee he wished he hadn't seen what he saw. His opinion of Priss was beginning to sour with each passing hour.
"Okay," Cynthia said seemingly unfazed by Priss's derogatory response. Her eyes moved around seeing everyone in the room and then locked onto Wilson. "Can I sit on your lap, Mister Wilson?" She asked.
Jacob smirked warmly. "Sure, mr. Wilson's my fathers name... Just Jacob will do" He said, and Cynthia scurried over to him, climbing over his legs and onto his lap.
She looked up at him and smiled. "You're so warm" She said,almost taken aback by amount of heat the human could produce.
Cynthia was cold in a stark contrast. The only bit of warmth was from his own body slowly leaching into hers. Luckily he was wearing pants instead of shorts.
"You're awfully heavy for what, a 10-year-old?" He said trying to do the math in his head but without a date of birth it would be impossible. For all he knows she could've been born yesterday.
Cynthia then pouted. "I'm not that old, Mist... Jacob" She said quickly corrected herself at the last second. "I was marked 'cognitively mature' six months ago. Hence I am six months old" Cynthia prodded a finger into his chest making sure to keep her accidentally breaking him.
Jacob shrugged. "I'm no computer expert" He admitted.
It was that moment the bedroom door opened again. Stepping from the room was the one and only (as far as he knew) Sylia Stingray. He only met her a few hours ago and she too was on the fence about his story like everyone else. She was surprised when he offered to take a lie detector test and even answer questions.
She was wearing a white suit and looking for all the world like she hadn't been battered by a sentient island hours ago. Jacob couldn't help but wonder what would happen to it given it wasn't blown to smithereens. And then came the thoughts of how much he changed in the process. Is it about to get easier or a whole lot harder?. The thought made him shiver.
"I think," Sylia began moving over to the empty seat which Linna advised him not to sit in. The seat of power huh. He. recalled what Priss jokingly said. "That's not important. For you Cynthia, age is only ever going to be defined by your superior officers. You're not a biological organism, no matter how much you want to be" Sylia finished earning mixed reactions from everyone except Priss.
Cynthia turned, grabbing onto Wilson. "That's not nice. Captain Velasquez said I was human enough. She was nice, I even liked her. I don't like you" She retorted clearly feeling hurt.
Sylia didn't even react. She then looked to Wilson who slowly regretted letting Cynthia sit on his lap. Was it just him or did she just smirk?. Then she brought her attention back to the little boomer.
"That's fine," Sylia said. Lowering herself into the seat of power she continued looking at the two anomalies in the room. "I don't need to be liked. I wouldn't be where I am if I made sure everyone liked me" she finished.
Cynthia began fidgeting, kicking her little legs back-and-forth. Wilson could feel her warm up just a little as she moved to cling on him tighter. Human enough. true? Could this little girl, with that empty stare of hers, like she was always looking at something else, never grow up? Never - change? But she shivered and kicked and fidgeted. Human enough fit that description, then, didn't it?. Jacob held Cynthia comfortingly.
"It's ok just stay close to me" Jacob whispered to Cynthia who nodded.
Sylia could read lips and knew exactly what he said and wasn't too surprised by it. Both technically didn't exist and had no one aside from each other. One human and one boomer. Just which one was the man and which one was the mice?. Sylia then pushed the thoughts from her mind.
"Anyway, everyone," Sylia began. "We're faced with a dilemma. We've got near-omniscient surveillance-slash-superweapon controller, capable of linking to anything the USSD has in LEO or geosynch. We could return her, or we could keep her. I don't think it should be too difficult, with my own knowledge of Boomer technology, to cut her satellite uplinks. So. Any thoughts?" Nene raised her hand. Sylia nodded.
"I say we bring her back. It's a professional reputation thing. Losing her means we incur the wrath of the American government and, uh, I don't really want to risk that. I don't think any of us do. We do want future jobs from them, right?" Nene said. Sylia then frowned. Jacob looked troubled by it. "What?" Nene said. "What's the risk? They already have slower ways to fire the satellites. She's just, what, an infiltration unit for control in contested electronic space, right?" She finished.
"No," Sylia said. She turned to Cynthia, who suddenly went still. Shivering, but still. Like she was forcing herself. "You're much more than that, aren't you? Why don't you tell us what you were built for, Cynthia?"
Jacob began to grow more concerned and hoped he wouldn't have to go running past everyone out the door. Hopefully this wasn't going where he thought it was.
The girl-boomer cocked her head to the side. "I don't understand" She responded.
Neither do I. Jacob said, still regretting not watching the entirety of the show. It was probably his biggest mistake, no it was his biggest mistake and he had to live with it.
"When General Schwarz activated you – when he looked inside your first eyes – before all the other eyes and the other fingers – what did he say?" Sylia inquired clearly knowing more than she let on.
Cynthia shuddered. "I don't remember. It's hard to remember only having two eyes" She responded.
Sylia didn't believe her. "Fine, then," Sylia said. "I ran a remote analysis of most of your brain, so I'll tell you." She rose. One step at a time, she came right up to Cynthia.
Jacob watched her with a uneasy feeling tightening around in his gut. Scrambling with his words he quickly cobbled something together. "Don't you think-" Wilson began to say, until Sylia raised a finger to his lips, arm shooting straight out. Jacob's voice suddenly died.
"Let me show her – and all of us – who she really is. Even I haven't decided what to do with her, but I think once that's made clear we'll all have a good idea of her fate." She bent down toward Cynthia, looking almost motherly with her slight smile. Cynthia crawled away – and then Sylia spoke.
She said: "I am the ocean to which all rivers flow. I am the sun which lights up all the stars. I am the storm which washes all the earth. I am the wind which levels all cities. Rejoice." And Cynthia froze. Jacob felt the coldness once again and he began to shiver.
Jacob looked down at the girl, tried to hold her as her eyes rolled back in her head and her mouth jerkily dropped open. She spoke, and her mouth did not move: "I am the dead hand which marks victory in loss. I am the sinner who lives in glorious infamy. I am absolute freedom in absolute slavery. I am the idol at which all will kneel. Rejoice." She felt even heavier now. Like an oversized doll. The other Sabers were looking at
"Let me hold her" Sylia said.
Jacob looked at her. "No," He said, his voice returning only weekly. To Sylia it reminded her of a mouse. "This is fucked up. Turn her back on!. We can't make a decision if you're doing... whatever this is" he shook Cynthia again. No response. Just what did she do to her?. He thought slowly feeling the panic building up in his heart.
"I," Sylia said, "am trying to prove a point prescient to this discussion. All I've done is triggered the root access override others put in her when she was first created."
He shook his head stubbornly. "You're trying to tell us that she's just a machine, aren't you?" Wilson spat back. "Because there's a scared little girl somewhere inside her – I know, I've seen it – and you're just trying to hurt her. So turn her back on and let her make her own damn decision." He was more stronger voiced now.
Was it his imagination, or did Sylia seem to flinch for a moment? And then she doubled down – no mistake, he'd hit something.
Sylia stared directly into his eyes. Jacob felt like he was about to be tossed out into the street. "If you see her solely as a human, or solely as a Boomer, you will ignore her nature. You will have judged Cynthia on half-measures. If you do not see every part of what the USSD made, you will have made a grave mistake. I will not let you, or any of my people be so hasty, Jacob Wilson." She responded.
"Just let her do it," Priss said from across the room. She'd recovered fast, Jacob noted – that loathing of Boomers probably helped. "It's a doll, for fuck's sake. You can't hurt its feelings." She added with a clear and simple hatred.
Jacob quickly turned his head to look at her and glared into her. "Oh fuck off," Jacob fired back. "You saw how afraid she was too, didn't you?" He pulled from memory. He was pretty certain she would just disregard it and continue her hatred.
Suddenly an unexpected voice sided with him. "Yeah!" Linna exclaimed, suddenly no longer silent. "Whatever that weird hypno-mantra was, it's not the essence of her!" She glared at Sylia. "You can't judge her if she's screaming and crying and begging to go home, so you turn all that off, is that it? You should know better, Sylia-"
"Let me finish!" Suddenly Sylia pivoted to face Linna. Linna felt like as of her heart stopped in that moment. From the corner of her eye she saw the grateful look from Jacob. "You need to listen to me before you judge what I'm doing! For fuck's sake!" She turned back to Wilson, and – good God – she was seething. "Let me plug a holoprojector into her back dataport. This is incredibly important"
Jacob narrowed his eyes tightening his grip on Cynthia. "No," he firmly said. "Just tell us why you're so worked up about this. You're supposed to be the calm leader-ly type, right? I don't get why Cynthia pisses you off so much."
Aside from being the component of a satellite that could rain down fire on everyone he was pretty sure Cynthia had the morality not to do it. He could be wrong but he was willing to take the bet.
"Fine," Sylia rose to full height, threw her hands up. "Fine! Cynthia is not a regular Boomer, you see. Her skeleton and vital functions are built off the same nanocarbon quasi-organic technology my father designed, but her neuromatter, her brain if you will, is far more plastic than the standard Boomer models. Modeled, I believe, off of a real child, but designed to grow into a control node for the USSD's orbital assets."
She turned to the other girls. "Cynthia is the USSD's attempt to grow a bona-fide Intellectual Asset. A controlling machine in a somewhat human body, capable of strategic and tactical planning augmented by visual coverage of nearly the entirety of Earth. If she grows up, if the USSD finishes their work with her – I don't even want to think about the implications. Any power – GENOM or USSD – that has Cynthia in their control will be able to level cities without thinking about it. It'll be the threat of nuclear armageddon fine-tuned to the twenty-first century. We cannot allow this to happen." Jacob felt as if he had a heart attack just from hearing that.
Oh. Oh. That didn't explain everything, did it? No. No, it did. Or maybe it didn't?
"Is the American government that bad?" Jacob asked, uncertain of what he was saying. He wasn't an expert on American politics... Hell he wasn't even expert on Canadian politics either and he lived there.
Linna's response was immediate. "They've been run by the military since the nineties. I think the word the newsfaxes like to use is a, a – a junta. Yeah. Something Spanish-sounding like that. Everything's worse over there."
Jacob couldn't believe what he heard!. The entire American government run by the military. It was practically a dictatorship... fascist or whatever fitted the category. Has the same happened in Canada or did the US invade?. He wondered promising himself to pick up a history book later. The thought of a coma suddenly crept back into his mind.
"Oh come on," Jacob said, "What are you talking about? You're telling me Clinton got kicked out of power before my time? That's crazy." Was he disturbed... YES!.
"Alternate timeline," Priss said, smirking. "Things must be nice where you're from." Jacob ignored her. If not for Cynthia he would've walked over there and probably screamed at her. Some would have considered this a dream but for him it was reality.
"Regardless," Sylia cut in, "the point is that I cannot in good conscience allow a weapon like this to exist. Especially when one considers the risk that even if we were to share video proof that Mason was tied to Cynthia's abduction, which we have, the entire US military-industrial complex has been in the process of replacing most of its equipment and all of its infantry with Boomers. Jeopardizing relationships with their primary contractor simply would not fly. Perhaps GENOM might even end up co-developing Cynthia's hardware! Perhaps they already did! But we cannot allow them to do this." She said putting extra emphasis on the final sentence.
Jacob then had a moment of clarity. He wasn't sure if the idea would work but it was better than any other option that involved terminating Cynthia.
"How about we give them just a few parts that survived the rouge boomers" He said and Sylia faced him.
"Go on" she urged him surprisingly liking where he was going with this.
Jacob smirked. "How about we cook up a computer virus and use Cynthia's parts to smuggle it in" He added Earning and impressed look from Sylia.
Rather clever. She thought thinking the idea wasn't too far off. And if the virus was found out they could just blame it on Genom with the footage Nene took.
Nene leaned forwards. "I just might be able to cook up something for that" Nene said thinking of using it as an opportunity to freshen up on her skills.
Jacob then turned to Sylia. "I have one condition however. You remove non-vital components from her and disconnect her from the satellites. If Mackie search comes back and I do exist i'll gladly leave and forget everything but I'll be taking Cynthia with me" He offered calmly.
She found the deal to be surprisingly thought out for someone who came up with it on the fly. It was pretty bog standard but the fact Jacob wanted Cynthia to live spoke volumes about his character. She wasn't ready to let him go yet.
"How about this," She began. "I've got multiple empty apartments in the building so there's really no reason for you to leave" She paused for a second her memory stretching back to when she performed the brain scan.
She found Jacobs vocal patterns then when he was telling her that he was from another dimension and it screamed the truth at her. It was either Cynthia protecting him or he was absolutely genuine about where he came from.
"If my brothers search comes back negative I will believe you Wilson. But if you cross me in anyway I will kill you" She threatened.
Jacob nodded. "I know, you seem like the type" He responded and then gestured back to Cynthia. "If she doesn't turn on when you're done you can expect the same from me"
Sylia nodded knowing she could take him easily. He was only healthy skinny and had inexperience with combat. He wouldn't even last two minutes against her. She could even tell he knew it but yet held firm. He was as stubborn as her.
"Alright Jacob," She pulled a pair of keys from her pocket and toss them to him. He caught them and saw the apartment number. "Now get some sleep and take a shower before you do" She commented before taking Cynthia from him.
Jacob stood and began towards the door. Linna watched him intently. He was either the best liar she had ever seen or someone really from another world. Once he was out the door Mackie sighed and stood.
"Nothing, i've searched every fucking databased and nothing!" He said perplexingly. "Not even the out-of-the-way channels have anything" He added indicating he had went really far only to find nothing.
He had just proven Jacob right. Sylia grimly nodded. Alright Jacob I believe you. She thought before moving to the door. She had a hell of a morning ahead of her.
Nene was gobsmacked. "Yikes, the poor bastard" Priss chuckled at her response.
More like lucky bastard. Priss thought unknowingly getting it wrong.
Jacob stepped into the one bed room apartment as he closed the door behind him. In front of them was a kitchen, A small living area and a bedroom and a bathroom down a small hallway. There was a TV, Coffee table and all the appliances he needed. It almost reminded him of home. His mother was most certainly worried by now. Probably wondering where he went and how he disappeared in public no-less. Stepping around the corner he moved down the hallway and into the bathroom. Closing the door behind him he shedded his clothes and begin preparing the shower.
"Day two complete. Rest of my life to go" He mumbled but the shower drowned him out. Hopefully Cynthia would be up and running tomorrow and he would begin his life again. So much sacrificed in the accidental crash, and it wasn't even something he wanted. Stepping into the shower his worries vanished as soon as the hot water touch the skin. Breathing out a sigh he relaxed.
The morning.
Opening his eyes he slowly pulled himself up right. The dull white walls met him with the enthusiasm of a wet sock. Rubbing his eyes he pulled himself from the bed. Walking over to the window he pulled the curtains aside. Sun poured in almost blinding him for a moment. He stepped from the window.
In the kitchen he found a radio and turned it on. "Good morning Mega-Tokyo!" A man's voice shouted out from the radio.
Jacob quickly turned it down. Opening a cabinet he found from cereal and pulled it out. Opening the fridge he found the milk. It was still good. Jacob felt a sneaking suspicions somebody stocked to the place while he slept.
"Today will be a cloudy day with a high of 10 degrees. We're gonna play an underrated classic from 1967 from the beach boys... see you all in 5 minutes" The person on the radio said before the song began to play.
Surf's up, The very same song from his dream originally recorded in 1967 for Smile but ended up released on the surfs Up album in 71. This one was different. Instead of Carl being on the lead part it was Brian which Jacob only heard through bootlegs. But this version sounded extremely clean compared to those old tape recordings. He made a mental note to look into it later. After making the bowl of cereal he slowly began eating on the couch. The drone on the radio control as the song changed back to the host.
"That was Surf's up from 1967's smile. Now onto the news" The radioman said. "Yesterday Aqua city was ripped a new one but what I can only describe to be a large almost Borg like boomer. There has been little information released but the staff regard indicated merged with the island itself and would have gotten a lot worse if not for the A.D police" It was at this point Jacob turned out completely.
Taking the credit as usual. He thought as he continued eating. To be fair it would be a morality boost for the police whose casualties were probably a higher than the military. What am I thinking?. Have I lost it?. Jacob thought glancing out the window. There were probably tens of millions in the city. Each one of them have their own lives to live. He was now one of them. At least he was still alive.
Suddenly there was a knock at the door. Jacob paused eating and swallowed what he had. "Who is it?" He asked slowly standing up. His right hand was jittering.
"Sylia" She said from the opposite side of the door.
Jacob strode over to the door unlocking it. Opening the door he could see her very clearly. She was wearing a white dress shirt and black jeans. Wilson didn't have any new clothes so he wore what he wore yesterday. He was planning on fixing that anyway. She stepped in closing the door.
"I take it you're already familiar with the place" Jacob said drily.
Sylia casted him a odd look. "Well I do own the place" She replied.
"That's not what I meant" He retorted moving back over to the couch.
Sylia noted the bowl of half eating cereal on the coffee table. "I asked Mackie to place them where ever. Figured you probably like some peace and quiet in the morning" She said the feeling being moot.
Jacob nodded. "If I wanted peace and quiet I wouldn't be living in the city. You hear the A.D police taking credit for your work?" he said deciding not to dwell on the midnight intrusion.
Sylia nodded. "Doesn't really matter," She paused and saw Jacob looked uneasy. He was still worried about Cynthia. "I've taken out nonessential parts from Cynthia and disconnected from the satellites...Mackie's just doing the final check over" She finished and she could see Jacob relax almost.
He had been bluffing about hurting her given she made the same treat to him. "Sorry about what I said yesterday. I never like fighting fire with fire" He apologised sitting down on the couch.
"I didn't help the situation either" Sylia admitted.
Jacob shrugged. She had her obvious reasons and he was only grasping and what he had left his life. Nothing but himself and a boomer.
"I'll agree to disagree. If you want me to take a lie detector test I'm all for it" He said clasping both hands together.
Sylia was a tad surprised but don't let it show. She had a lie detector and she could use Cynthia's data to confirm whether he was lying or not. It would at least put Sylia's mind at ease. Sylia nodded. Jacob half smiled.
Later
"When were you born?" Sylia asked almost clinically.
Jacob kept a straight face as he glanced to the box like machine connected to the computer. The box had wires running to his arm where a few pads had been placed to 'read' him. This would just to make sure. Still trust would not come easily.
"April 9th 1979. Newmarket Ontario in room 68" Jacob replied flatly. "My mother had tired for ages to have a kid. 39 years old and she did it... she passed softly after" He added with hints of sadness.
Sylia glanced up at him from behind the computer. It was unnecessary info but it told her more about him. Focus Sylia, just see if it's true. She reminded herself. Glancing back to the computer she saw it was reading green. She had to go deeper.
Clearing her throat she continued on. "Where did you live before the event which brought you here?" She said going over the list of questions in her head.
"Toronto, Ontario. Lived in the uptown area. Can't stand city driving, too many headaches to be honest" Jacob returned with honesty.
The lights flared green once again. Sylia wasn't done, not even by a long shot.
"Any lovers or sexual relationships?" She inquired professionally.
Jacob smirked and looked at her. "You interested?" He responded teasingly.
Sylia narrowed her eyes. "Just answer the question Wilson" She used his last name making Jacob briefly shiver.
"Only once, she left for somebody less poor" He said a twinge of sadness touching his heart.
He really didn't have much to leave behind. The more he thought about it the less painful it felt. Death mother and father and no siblings. He barely knew his uncle's and aunts but they probably haven't noticed he vanished.
"Any formal education of any kind" Sylia's voice cut through his mind noise.
He nodded. "2 years of college... I flunked the 3rd due to stress and an addiction to painkillers. Getting off was a bitch" He told her feeling like he was in a church confessional booth.
The lights again flashed green yet again.
"One more," Sylia said before going on. "Have you only seen one episode?" She asked of him.
This was too easy. "Yes," Jacob paused taking a shallow breath. "I've only seen the one and it's in the past. I'm useless from here on out" he lamented, staring aimlessly out the large window of the penthouse.
Sylia saw the light flash green and relented. Moving over she unhook him. Jacob didn't move for a long minute as he continued gazing.
"That's all I need. Sorry for your loss," She said but got no response. "Wilson?" She called while he looked onwards.
"People would have wanted this..." he trailed off for a second. "It's almost sickening to even think where I am" He added slowly standing.
Sylia watched him as he walked to the window and look out down towards traffic. Sometimes she wished she could read minds. He watched as cars moved up and down the streets like blood moving through the body. The whole city was a living thing in a odd sense. Unfortunately Genom was its beating heart. It was then the outside door opened and in ran Cynthia. Jacob turned only to be hugged tightly by the boomer.
"H-hey I'm not made of steel here" He said as Cynthia loosened her hug.
"Sorry, been busy since you've been powered down" She replied softly.
The coldness faded away and Jacob smiled. Mackie moved in carrying 4 bags filled with clothes.
"I don't know what's with women and clothes and how can it be soo heavy?" Mackie complained.
Setting the bags down he sighed deeply.
Cynthia giggled. "I need to get outta these eventually and I could have carried them" She reminded him.
Mackie rolled his eyes. "Oh please, I'd never hear the end of it from Priss. 'A little boomer could out lift little old Mackie'. Jesus I'd rather be working on that blasted car" He responded bluntly.
Jacob was interested. "What model?" He asked him.
Men and car's. Sylia thought knowing it was about to happen soon.
Mackie's mood slight lifted. "A 68 red Mustang fastback. Got her for cheap and she's almost done" He pridefully said.
A 68' the same move used in bullit back in 1968. 'The greatest car chase ever filmed' comes to mind when ever that movie is mentioned.
Jacob smirked. "A 68' eh?. I know that car pretty well. Could I see it?" He asked Mackie.
Mackie saw the enthusiasm on his face and he then looked to his older sister who gave him a nod. She had a 'he's clean' look in her eyes.
"Yeah, come on" I like that they were off.
Cynthia stayed behind with Sylia. Sylia shutting the computer down let out a weak sigh.
Cynthia then glanced at Sylia with a sly grin. "Believe me now?" The boomer asked.
Sylia very reluctantly nodded. "He's an interesting case" The knight Saber responded.
A man from the multiverse. Scientists would've loved to be in the room and figure out what is exactly different on the other side. She had been curious about it but refrained from doing it. It will just be a throbbing headache for the both of them. He passed the test with flying colours and she learned more in the process.
"Not really, he's just a foreigner who can can speak Japanese" Cynthia said and began looking at the clothes.
Sylia looked and and she saw a mix of clothes. A male Jacob's size took two bags and the 10 year old girl clothes took the others.
"Shouldn't have Jacob picked his clothes?" Sylia inquired.
Cynthia glanced to Sylia and smiled warmly. "Don't worry I can accurately measure and I know everybody's sizes" She replied with pride.
Sylia shrugged it off. At least she's considerate. She thought knowing Priss would burn whatever Cynthia gave her.
With Linna.
She parked outside of Sylia's place and exited her vehicle. Since Nene went last time it was Linna's turn. It was mostly because Priss was a hard no on going near the USSD. Plus Nene had spent the whole night up working on that virus and was currently crashing in Sylia's room. Moving into the side entrance Linna moved down to the garage area.
A pair of voices sounded from the other end of the doors. "It's beautiful, I haven't seen one of these in years" sounded Jacob in awe.
Linna opened the door and stepped in. Across just past the van was Mackie and Jacob. Jacob currently was looking into the engine with awe. Mackie's little pet project he always tinkered with whenever not doing work for Sylia and the others. Linna approached them and Mackie noticed her. She honestly didn't interest as much. She had a great body of course but it wasn't sure about it. He was more for Nene who was more up his speed.
"Hey Linna, Sylia's in the van changing" Mackie pointed to the door of the vans rear cabin.
She nodded only to see Jacob ding his head on the hood. "Yeow!" He yelped rubbing the back of his head.
Linna giggled at the unintentional display of clumsiness as Jacob pulled himself upright. Stupid me. He thought hoping he wouldn't bruise up there. Either way with the mop of hair on his head it would be hard to tell.
"Thanks if you need help with her any other project just give me a call" Jacob told Mackie.
Mackie nodded smiling broadly. "I'll hold ya up too that" Jacob nodded at his response as he closed the hood.
Jacob and Linna met eyes and he smiled warmly. She and he knew each other just a bit longer than the others and he even helped her out the first time they met. He already knew who I was even before we met. It sounded creepy as hell but his story was confirmed true by the lie detector test. It bought her a bit of comfort to know his knowing of everyone was happenstance. Surprisingly lucky he ended up with them instead of Genom. God knows what they would have done to him.
"Good luck today" He meekly said.
He held an aura of nervousness as he slightly fidgeted. If the plan didn't go well it would be solely put on him and god knows what would happen after that. Linna couldn't blame him for being nervous either. She herself was probably more nervous in going too the USSD. Luckily were in hard-suits. She thought bringing her a bit of comfort. Linna moved the vans rear cabin entrance. She looked back to Jacob who reminded silent. He was constantly looking at his watch and fiddling with the time. His eyes darting from his watch to the clock on the wall.
Really out of his depth. Linna mused before an idea lit like a bulb. Something that could keep him busy. "When we're done how about I give you private aerobics lessons later?" She inquired.
Jacob looked up and was stunned. He tripped over himself mentally as he fought to keep his composure in the moment. Just want brought this around. Jacob thought with confusion.
Before he even realized his lips moved and the sound formed. "Yeah that would be swell" He sounded absolutely stunned and in disbelief!.
Realizing what he said he knew there was no going back now. Oh god damn my stupid lips!. He cursed mentally. As they left Jacob was now alone... not really Nene was still upstairs sleeping and Cynthia was doing something to keep herself occupied. Jacob grunted. First it would be aerobics and then it would be coming a Knight Saber... something he wished too avoid. Then again it was his decision and his decision along whether he did become one. And it would take a lot of persuasion for him to become one.
Genom tower.
The glass of vodka was nearly empty as a man in his late 40s sipped it out of frustration. His entire plan had got up in smoke and was for nothing. He sighed and gazed up at the ceiling. Resting the booze on the table he grimaced at his rotten situation. That old bastard isn't gonna like this. Mason cursed. He sat up bringing his attention to the file on his desk. He had read it moments ago and it still stung. The technicians down in the lab hoped to get the super boomer running in a week or two. Without what they needed they would be delayed and Mason was deeply disappointed. If it wasn't for the Knight Sabers that little boomer be in my hands right now. He thought. They've been a pain in the side ever since they popped up in the last year. Taking down rouge Boomers or taking jobs that directly affected Genom. It was nothing too serious they couldn't recover from but over time Mason feared it would only get worse. Quincy on the other hand completely dismissed the vigilantes as mere mosquitoes.
Mason chuckled. "I'd love to see the look in his face If those vigilantes cause the stock to drop 50%" He mused aloud.
Suddenly there was a buzz from the deck comm. reaching over to it Mason clicked the receive button. "What is it?" he inquired.
"Sir this is lab 1138. I'm just informing you if we cut a few corners we could possibly get the project running in a week. The laser doesn't need to be pinpoint accurate to the hair and a normal of the line GPS could do the job" The lead scientist said.
Mason reluctantly agreed. "Of course, thank you doctor. Good luck with your work" Mason said before switching off. If only he wasn't going to kill them all when it was done. Then again he couldn't risk the Knight Sabers getting any leg up on him. They're complete annihilation would be enough to satisfy him.
Later at Linna's apartment.
When Priss arrived she didn't expect to find Linna giving Jacob an private aerobics class. Jacob was wearing skinny jeans and a red tank top which was already dripping with sweat. Priss seated herself on the couch watching the sight. Her eyes moving up and down the body as he continued the exercise. For a skinny guy he's got a nice ass. She mused with a smile. She wasn't even remotely interested in him, but she could tease him or bust his balls. Doing what she did best to outsiders. Arms jutting up Jacob finished the exercise. His legs felt like wet noodles as he stumbled to the chair. Flopping into it he breathed a sigh. Linna moved into the small kitchen to grab a glass of water.
Priss began clapping sarcastically. Jacob then casted her a unamused look. "If only we had a camera. I know a few gals would love to see that ass" Priss giggled slapping his leg.
Jacob grunted. "Priss, just stop. I'm just trying to start over" He replied sardonically.
Priss wasn't buying it. "Oh please, you're practically living the dream. Getting ready to ask Sylia to be a knight saber and become a 'Hero' like us" She shot back.
Linna then entered. She saw Jacob looking at Priss with contempt. "Priss just drop it" Linna defended him.
Jacob nodded and then saw Priss roll her eyes. "Are you really that daft or are you just trying to piss me off?" He asked. How she could be so insensitive about his situation was just beyond him.
Priss wryly smiled and crossed her legs. "Out of millions of possible fans and you're the only one who doesn't want this?," She paused for a second. Jacob couldn't help but glare at her. "Just think about it, surrounded by gorgeous women and starting over from scratch. Hell even I'd love that" Priss finished before Jacob pinched the bridge of his nose.
Letting out a frustrated sigh he met eyes with her. "I don't even exist here and you think my mind is solely wired on women?. Fuck you" He replied softly.
Breaking eye contact from her he saw Linna and he thanked her before taking the glass. Linna than glared at Priss.
"I invite you to dinner so you two could actually break some ice but I can't even get that" Linna lamented with a exasperated sigh.
Jacob finished the drink and slowly stood. "No need, I lost my appetite" He said placing the glass down and walking to the door. "Thanks Linna, have a good night" He said opening the door.
Linna then grabbed his shoulder. He turned his head to look at her. Her soft hair and blue eyes did mange to melt away some of the coldness he felt. Linna saw his meek smile.
"Swing by again tomorrow and we can move onto more heavier stuff" She told him no in keeping him busy what is the best way to keep him healthy both in body and mind.
Jacob nodded and began stepping out into the hallway. He began whistling to himself. Linna then shot Priss a glare. Dose she have feeling for him?. Priss wondered. It was a possibility but it was far too soon to tell. Jacob suggesting that keeping a Boomer and they did much to Priss's dismay. He was either a massive idiot or genuinely kind to anything. Well except those who didn't like him. Linna then closed the door.
Priss then crossed her arms. "Didn't know you were into guys with displacement issues" Priss teased.
Linna suddenly pivoted this face Priss. "Priss just shut up. The least you could do a show a bit of compassion for the guy" She chided the hard rocker.
"Give sympathy to a boomer lover?. Have you lost your damn mind?" Priss asked.
Linna then began marching for the kitchen. "No, I'm not you thankfully" Linna said over her shoulder.
Priss rolled her eyes. Jacob wasn't bad but she honestly didn't trust him too much. Others like him would've enjoyed the situation he was currently in but the fact he wasn't felt odd to her. She decided to brush it off right now and focus on Linna who currently wasn't too happy with her.
With Jacob.
Hitching a ride on a bus, Jacob sat looking aimlessly out the window. The stars in the sky we're almost nonexistent thanks to the bright city lights. Stars he could only see by leaving the city. Despite being a couple thousand miles away from Toronto he couldn't help but feel like he was back there. Then again he was 30 years removed and a dimensional jump on top of that. How could anyone enjoy this?. He wondered in reflection of what Priss said. Torn from home and away from the life he once had. Now he was in a world where he doesn't even exist and nobody knew him like in the old world. Jacob couldn't help but let out a depressed sigh. At least he still had Cynthia to take care of... Who could practically take care of herself making it a moot point. Then the thought of a knight Saber came to his mind. No, not ever. He told himself. Why was he being so hesitant?. He had a little to lose unlike the others. He was the perfect disposable soldier. He shuddered at the idea. Slightly adjusting himself in the seat he continued gazing out the window slowly absorbing the world in his mind. Just something to keep him occupied till he reached his stop.
End chapter.