p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Meiko prepared the training program as I relaxed inside of the training pod. After doing this for the past week, it was starting to feel routine./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"This was the last night before Meiko's aptly named "Hellweek" ended. She'd been running me through a rigorous regiment in the training sim. Tomorrow would be the real deal: We'd be trying to save Miku, and couldn't afford any room for error. I had to be ready./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Final checks," Meiko said, "initiating the training simulation pod. Flip the switch when you're ready, Griff."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I pressed the green button, and the doors shut. Flashes of blue light flickered rapidly, and I found myself in the simulation. The floor was a hexagonal patterning, with black and bright blue light highlights. This was the training grid. I had gotten used to seeing this for the past week./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Alright, Griff," Meiko said, "since today is the last day for training, I'm going to have you run through the course again. You've done this enough so I expect you won't need to retry."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I've been waiting for this," I said./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I bet you have," she replied./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The ground shook, and multiple blue cubes floated down to the ground. All had various sizes to them, and all of them amassed together, creating a single straight path, with two large walls towering over me./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""First test is agility. You have two minutes. Starting now."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I nodded, and ran up to the first wall, jumping at it. I gripped my hands on the edge, and pulled myself up. At the top was a set of cubes acting as platforms that hovered over a dark pit. Falling into the pit meant the exercise would end. There were about three of these types of obstacles./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I jumped to each platform, making sure not to build too much momentum for each jump. Each time I made a proper landing, I felt good knowing I wasn't screwing up this time. Once at the end of the segment, I took off running. I couldn't waste any time./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"A wall was in front of me, and I planted both of my hands on it, and vaulted forward. Another wall, this time elevated from the ground, was in front of it, and I slid underneath it. Another low wall, and I vaulted again./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I slid underneath the last one. Behind the wall was a large pit, and above me was a large cylindrical shape that lay overhead. I grabbed at it, and climbed./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Nice," Meiko said, "you've improved drastically on the pipe-grab."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""It got me before," I said, grinning. "I won't let it get me again."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""It means you're improving. Keep going, and you'll finish this in under two minutes."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I climbed up the wall. At the top of the wall was another set of small platforms. They were all sitting adjacent to each other, and the cubes themselves were the size of one of my boots. I had to run over each one, keeping my footing right./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I took a deep breath, and closed my eyes./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Go," I said, opening my eyes, and darting across each platform. The platforms themselves would start falling as I planted my feet on each one, so I couldn't stand on one for very long./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""That's it," Meiko said, "you're almost there. Clock's still running."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I'll get it," I said, "watch me."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The final challenge was a balance beam over another pit. I hated this one because it took up the most time, but the finish line was right there./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Exhausted?" She asked./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Not even," I said, smirking. I planted my feet on the balance beam, and started walking rather quickly. I kept my arms out to keep balance, and kept my sights set on the end. If I looked down, I'd lose it, and I couldn't do that./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I kept my head clear, and kept moving. By the time I was at the end, I leapt forward, landing on the finish marker. I fell stomach-first on the ground, and rolled over./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Final time?" I asked./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I'm shocked," Meiko said, "I was thinking at least one-fifty. You? One minute, thirty-nine seconds."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Ha!" I laughed. "How's that for the record?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You showed me," she said, "this is definitely looking good on your part. Alright, now for the next part."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I'm ready," I said, standing myself up, "throw it my way."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Initiating combat simulation. You had better be ready."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I am," I said, stretching, "let's do this."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The bright blue flashes started again, and everything disappeared. I was going to prove I could handle myself. I knew I could do it, I just needed to show that I could./p
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p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Final checks are almost complete," the pilot announced to Kallen and his team "Takeoff is happening shortly."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Thanks, Laughlin," Kallen said. "We'll be with the cargo for the duration of our travel. You may head back up to the cockpit."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Sir," Laughlin nodded, and exited the cargo hold./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Kallen looked over at his team, five other men wearing black suits and earpieces and geared with submachine guns, who were sitting along the wall, guarding the cargo./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The cargo was V.C.D.-01, formerly Hatsune Miku. Though Miku refused to let Duodecim, and Kallen especially, strip away her identity, she still had to face the fact none of them would acknowledge her name./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"She was seated in a less secure chair compared to the one in her old cell. The armed guards were there to compensate. On the off chance that Miku had managed to overpower one of them, four more would manage to subdue her./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Worse yet, Miku couldn't even sleep on the way there. Kallen instructed all of the guards that if she closed her eyes longer than ten seconds, one of them needed to smack her with their rifle./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""If you're a good girl and behave yourself," Kallen said, "I'll maybe consider giving you a reward at the end of this trip."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Miku fixed her gaze at his eyes. He smiled, menacingly./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""It's so nice you're listening to me now. I could get used to that."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"She tried her hardest to react to him. She didn't want to feed Kallen's ego./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I'll be checking up front," Kallen said, looking over at his subordinates. "I won't be long, keep an eye on our cargo."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Yessir," one of the guards said./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Once Kallen left, the guards started talking among themselves./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I don't like it," he said, "it just watches us. You think it records?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I dunno, ask it."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Miku ignored their slights. She really couldn't object to any of it to begin with. There was no point in it, they wouldn't listen. It still hurt all the same, though./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""We're flying to Europe, yeah?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Yeah, though H.Q. wants us to keep detail on the facility as vague as possible. Who knows, our cargo might have been wired to listen in and make sure we're not discussing classified info, you know, publicly."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Fine, we can talk about it when we get there. I heard we're landing on a private airstrip."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Miku could hear the jet engines starting up. In about ten hours, she would be taken to an undisclosed place in Europe, where she would await her inevitable fate of isolation./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"She sat there, staring into space as the jet took off, thinking with nostalgia of how a little less than a month ago, she was someone. She had a life, with a friend, and places she could go./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I hope you got the life you wanted, she thought to herself. I thought maybe I'd get to be normal just a little longer, but it was all a fleeting dream. At least I got to meet someone, if only for a little while./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"She wanted to remember Griff. She knew she would never see him again, but she kept the memories they shared close. It would be the only thing that would keep her sane, even somewhat hopeful./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Isolation, Miku shuddered. She hated that word. She hated being locked up in a room. Confined to four walls, and nothing to look at. She hated it. She loathed it. Despised it. She wanted to be out, to be free./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"But she also knew that wasn't possible. It was hopeless to get caught up in a worthless fantasy. It was a mere delusion. Nothing more. The reality was simple: she would be put away, for good. Until she was broken down and made obedient./p
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p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Well," Meiko said, "you did good on the obstacle course. You ready for what comes next?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I stretched my arms outward, and took a deep breath. "I think I can take it."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Okay," Meiko said, "I know you've been running the shooting range, but this is going to be a little different."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""How different are we talking here?" I asked, my eyebrow raised./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I'll have you see for yourself."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Great, I thought, I love surprises./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Let's see it," I said, knowing I didn't really have a choice./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Everything disappeared, becoming a pure white./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Initiating combat simulation, Zero-Two-One," a feminine robotic voice announced./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"When the simulation had loaded, I was standing in the middle of a busy subway station. Multiple people bustled about, waiting for a train to arrive. Conversations were taking place, and announcements could be heard overhead. It had been forever since I had been in a place like this. I remember David taking me downtown through the subway system when I was ten, but that was it./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I looked at my left hand, and my Operator Link blinked. I hadn't really paid attention to it since I had gotten it. I remembered Gumi was very interested in it, and she had been looking over all of our Links whenever she had the chance. I thought about asking her about it the next time I saw her./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I looked over at my sleeve, and then I realized I wasn't wearing my training jumpsuit anymore. I was wearing my normal jeans and black jacket./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Guess I need to look the part, I thought. I looked around, and everything seemed relatively normal. I took a walk around, seeing if a train would soon arrive./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Meiko," I said, "Meiko are you there? Is there supposed to be, you know, something happening?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"No response./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I see," I said, "I guess I'm on my own."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I turned around and bumped into someone dressed in a suit, and carrying a briefcase./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Oh, sorry!" I said./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Stupid kid," he said, a scowl on his face, "watch where you're going next time."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I watched him walk away and disappear into the crowds. When I turned back, I looked over and saw two men coming down the escalator. They had army green duffle bags and black jackets./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Please stand behind the yellow line," a voice announced over the intercom. "The train headed for Flagstaff Village is currently arriving at 6:02 P.M. All passengers boarding, please keep an eye on your luggage, thank you."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Suddenly, I heard a voice above the escalators./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Except no one is going to be boarding this train!"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I turned, and looked up. A well-dressed man with slicked back hair and a suit stood up above the train platform. He had a gun in his hands./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Then, suddenly, the two men I saw earlier with the green duffle bags pulled out a set of weapons as well, along with balaclavas to cover their face./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I would recommend everyone sit right where you are. We have no intention of harming anyone here, but if you don't listen, we'll have to do something about that."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Everyone in the crowd started screaming as sounds of gunfire went off./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"This was almost too real, and I was flashing back to when I was at the mall again. I think I understood now what Meiko was doing./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I ducked on the ground next to a group of people. The three men gathered next to each other as the train arrived. Once the doors opened, swarms of people ran out. The only people remaining inside were more people, holding rifles in their hands./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Good," the suited man, who I had assumed was the leader of the bunch said, "we have our train, now we just need to get to the village station. Let's get moving."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"They all boarded at the front of the train. However, at the back of it, there were only two men stationed there. I had to think fast. If this was part of the simulation, I needed to get on that train./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Please stand clear," a friendly automated voice said, "the doors are closing."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I pulled myself off the ground, and dashed towards the train. The closest train car to me was the last one. Two criminals were standing inside, and they both saw me. One of the masked men pulled out his pistol and trained it right on me./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"It was too late. I charged right into him and rammed him into the wall. He fell over immediately, dropping his handgun./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I grabbed the handgun as his friend had taken cover behind one of the train seats. I aimed the handgun at him, and when he popped out of cover, I pulled the trigger. He fell over, limp./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""That's two," I said, "but this is only the first car. I'm sure there's plenty ahead of me."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I moved over to the body, seeing if I could scrounge anything from him. Noticing he had a submachine gun, I grabbed it./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Not a whole lot of ammo he was carrying," I said, checking the loaded magazine, "but it's better than nothing."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I needed to move to the next train car. Whoever was orchestrating this was at the front, most likely. If I was going to get to them, I needed to move up, and fast./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I moved to the door of the next train car. It looked empty, but I heard voices on the other side./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I think I heard gunfire happening, I'm going to check it out."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Be careful," another voice replied. "If anyone is on board, kill 'em. You know the boss doesn't want any prisoners."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Yeah, I know," the first one said. "If anyone's there, they won't get far."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I stepped back, readying the S.M.G. I had picked up, and hugged right against the wall./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The door opened, and a single boot stepped forward. I didn't hesitate to let him walk all the way in. I pulled the trigger and the bullet tore right through his footwear. He let out a loud and agonizing scream./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Ah, hell, someone's there," the other voice yelled. "Effin' kill him!"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Don't let him get to the bomb, it'll jeopardize everything we've worked for."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"A bomb, I thought, they brought a bomb on board this train? Great, now I know I don't have a lot of time to mess around here./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Move, now! He can't get both of us," one of the voices barked./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""So there's only two of you," I yelled. "Thanks for letting me know!"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I aimed my gun behind the corner as I heard footsteps getting closer, and fired blindly. I let out five rounds before I heard a loud thud behind the wall./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Got him," I said./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Damn it," the assailant yelled, "you'll pay for that!"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Sorry," I yelled back, "I don't have any money. Here, have an I.O.U.!"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I shot blindly again. This time with seven shots, and then click. I had run out of ammo./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Crap, did I get him?" I asked myself. Suddenly a bullet shot through the window above me. The shattered glass fell right on top of me./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Crap," I said, glass shards littered in my arms, "damn that hurts."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I got you now, coward," the voice screamed. Heavy footsteps grew closer, and I needed to think fast. I still had the pistol, but with all of the glass cutting into me, it was hard to focus./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I couldn't let it stop me, though. I needed to get through this. I frantically grabbed for my handgun, and as soon as his footsteps entered into the train, I started firing. I managed to land a shot at center mass. He dropped to the floor immediately./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I looked over my arms, and they were riddled with glass shards. "I got cut up real bad from that. I need to be careful."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Though most of my wounds were light cuts from the glass, it still stung all over the place. I felt like my adrenaline was mitigating most of the pain, but I could still feel it./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I checked my pistol's magazine. Only about seven shots were left./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""These guys don't keep their weapons loaded," I commented. "I better scrounge up what I can find."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I walked into the next car, and saw one of the assailants trying to stop his foot from bleeding. I ran over, and kept my gun trained on him./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"He looked up, realizing I wasn't one of his friends. Fear was in his eyes. I slowly approached him, and kept my handgun trained on him./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I-I surrender,'' he said./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Hand over your gun," I ordered, "and be quick about it."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"He complied, sliding his S.M.G. over to me. It was the same as the one I was using earlier. I grabbed it and checked for ammo. Full magazine./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""There's a bomb on this train," I said, "where is it?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Front car," he mumbled, "with the boss. Not like you'll get there in time. There's two train cars between you and it, and it's going to go off before you get to it."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""How long until it goes off?" I asked./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""When it gets to the end of the line. At the rate we're going, you've got twelve minutes."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I'll be there in six," I said, coyly./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"He passed out from the bleeding. I'd let the police take care of him when we stopped the train. Hopefully I could actually make it in time./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""On to the next car," I said, "hopefully it's empty."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I doubted that, of course. This was an uphill battle, and I needed to be careful every step of the way./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I had to wonder if Meiko was watching me all the way through this, and if so, I wondered if she was judging my performance. She remained silent since I had started, but I wondered how well I was doing. She probably had plenty to say about my performance, but that didn't matter now. I needed to get this finished./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I moved ahead into the next train car with my weapon gripped firmly in my hand. I kept it aimed as the door opened. The lights started flickering and the train started picking up speed. Then I noticed why./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"At the end of the car, three figures were piling into the next car, and one of them was attaching something to the side of it. Considering what was already on this train, this wasn't a good sign./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I started firing, and my target fell over. The other two didn't seem to bother trying to fight, and even seemed to ignore that I had just downed their friend. That seemed like a bad sign, and probably what they intended./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Once I got closer to the next car, I took a look at the device that was attached. It was a plastic explosive with a timer set on it. There were only thirty seconds left on it. I tried to push into the next car, but it was jammed. A gun had been left in the latch./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Twenty-five seconds left. I had to think fast. I took my gun and aimed it at the window./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"They'll probably start firing the moment I try to shoot out, better be ready./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I started firing. The window wasn't bulletproof, shockingly, and the glass shattered. The two masked criminals started firing./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I looked back over. Seventeen seconds now. I had to get out of here. I didn't feel panic, I just felt like I had to do what was necessary to survive./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I popped back up, seeing the two again. As I aimed the gun, it felt like time had slowed down. I felt stressed, sure, but I also felt like I had parted with any sense of panic, and instead was fueled by adrenaline./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I aimed carefully, hitting one of them. The other looked over, seeing his partner go down. He ran over to his aid, giving me time to grab the gun that was jammed into the latch. I yanked on it, and pulled the gun out, and the door opened./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I didn't care how much time was left on the clock. I ran in as quickly as I could, and ran as far to the back as I could. The masked figure popped up from behind the seat, and aimed his gun right at me. Before he could fire it, the train car shook, and the blast rocked everything, including me./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I fell over, and recovered as fast as I could. Over half the train had been ripped apart from the blast. I was lucky I got as far in as I could./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I crawled along the floor, climbing almost, along the seats. I didn't have much time left./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You're not getting any further," he yelled. "I'll kill ya!"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"He popped up, his weapon pointed right at me. This was about to be it. I was about to end up failing right before I reached the end./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I got lucky, however, as a loose metal pole disconnected behind the assailant, and slammed right into the back of his head. He dropped his gun, and fell over, rolling out the opened back of the train./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I was lucky to have survived that. Now I needed to finish this./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I crawled over to the train doors, and pulled myself up. I had no idea how much time had passed, but I probably didn't have a whole lot of time left. It was time to finish this./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I opened the door, and proceeded to the next room. There were two people standing there. One was the man in the suit, but next to him was someone familiar: Meiko./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Shocked, I looked over at her. A smile was across her face./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The suited man, holding a handgun, looked over at me./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""And so we finally meet, Mister Hero, but this is as far as you go-."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Meiko ripped the gun out of his hand, and shot him in the back of the head./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Don't really have the time to hear a monologue," Meiko said, glancing over her handiwork./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""What the hell, Meiko? What are you doing here?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Came to see your progress, idiot. You didn't think you were just going to fight a simulation for your final test, did you?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I stared at her, and then realized what she meant./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Final test starts now, Griff. You have about, oh, four minutes until this goes off? Come on, show me what you can do."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Meiko made a waving gesture with her hands. I didn't hesitate to get into a proper fighting pose. I knew what she meant then and there./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I lunged at Meiko immediately with my right fist. She blocked it, and retaliated by sweeping my legs. I was on the ground already and we had just started./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Come on, Griff," Meiko said, "you gotta try a little harder than that if you want to win."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I rolled away before she managed to hit me. Meiko wasn't playing around./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""It's going to go off if you don't take me out," she said./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You're really not holding back, are you?" I asked./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I can't. It's your final test, you think I should go easy on you?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I shook my head./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""That's what I thought. Now really try and do some damage. I can take it."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I nodded. This was a simulation after all. Any damage I did here wouldn't actually hurt her, and even if it did, she'd want me to./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Meiko ran over to me, and swung. I dodged underneath her swing, and jabbed her with a hit. It didn't knock her back, but she felt something./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You're up against a metal chassis," she said, "you think that's going to hurt?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Guess not," I said, "better aim higher."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Thinking about it, Meiko really didn't have anything critical you could hit with. She was a lot harder to actually damage compared to me. The only place I could do damage on was her head, and even then, I had no real way of knowing if that would actually keep her down./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"She grabbed me by the shoulders, and kneed me in the stomach. I felt my insides bunch up, and thought I was going to lose my lunch./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I bet that felt good," she taunted. "But you seem to like pain if you think you can take me."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I kept the feeling down, and pulled myself back up./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Come on," she said, approaching me, "you can't be winded after that, can you?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"She lifted me up, and then smashed her head into mine, and back down I went. My vision was starting to get blurry./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I had been grounded, and I was brought down by a relentless trainer who wouldn't stop hurting me until the fight was over./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"She towered over me, laying her boot over my chest./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You know, Griff, I really had high hopes for you, but I just don't see you being able to rescue Miku tomorrow. You're almost a liability at this point."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Get up, Griff, a voice in my head yelled out to me, get up right now. Prove her wrong./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"She started pushing down harder on my chest. I was having a harder time trying to breathe now. A devilish grin was stretched across her face./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""After all you've done, and all that effort, it's just going to go to waste. Don't worry, I'll be the one to rescue Miku tomorrow. You can just sit and watch from the sidelines."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"If you don't get up, it's over, I kept hearing, get up and prove her wrong./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Meiko lifted her boot off of my chest, and aimed it right at my face./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""This is how it ends, Griff, sorry."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Right before she had stomped the daylights out of me, I used every ounce of strength I could to roll away at the last second. She glared at me./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I guess you don't like quitting, huh?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I'm through with quitting," I retorted./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You look tired, Griff," she said, smugly./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I'm not," I said, "just angry."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I lunged at her, screaming. Everything she had just said, I knew exactly what she was trying to do, and I fell for it again, but I think she had just taught me a lesson I wouldn't forget: Sometimes you need to get angry to do something about your situation./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I tackled her, slamming my shoulder right into her chest. I was shocked at how easily she fell over, but before she had any time to recover, I started laying into her with my fists./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I felt like I was starting to wake up. I think I had gotten the result Meiko had wanted. She wanted me to get angry. She wanted me to break out of the shell I had been stuck in. I didn't agree with her methods, but it felt like it had worked./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"She had wanted me to become a fighter, and from the looks of it, she had succeeded in that. I was through with running away./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I kept punching Meiko as she lay there. I kept going until I knew she would be down for the count. My fists were starting to hurt with each punch, but I kept going./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"And with one final blow, Meiko had dissolved away./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I fell over, and started breathing heavily. I used up all of my energy in that fight./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I looked up over at the bomb. It had forty-five seconds left./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I stood up and my legs shook, but I kept walking./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The bomb had a giant "DISARM" button on it. It was huge and red, and I kinda laughed at the sight of it./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I punched it with my fist, and the simulation ended./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Suddenly, a white flash, and then I found myself back in the V.R. Pod again. The door opened, and I saw Meiko poke her head in./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Hey," she said, "not feeling too angry about that, are you?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I blinked for a second, and then laughed./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Sorry about that," I said./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""No need," Meiko replied, "you did exactly as I had hoped. Good job. I'd say that's a pass from me."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The straps disconnected, and I pulled myself out of the pod. I felt dizzy, and almost felt like I was going to faint. Meiko offered her shoulder, and walked me over to a chair./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""How about once you recover a bit," she said, "you and I go get something to eat? My treat."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Yeah," I said, smiling, "I'd like that. I need to go get some stuff from my house first, though. David leaves tonight for his trip."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Right," Meiko said, "lucky us, too. It means you can spend the night here."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Are we going over the plan tonight?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Of course," she said. "Let's worry about that when we get back, though. I think you earned some rest."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I sighed in relief./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Thanks," I said, "I appreciate everything you've done for me."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""One day I'll have you pay me back. Now isn't the time, though."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I stood up, and followed behind her./p
hr style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;" noshade="noshade" size="1" /
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Beginning descent on Duodecim airstrip," the pilot announced over the intercom./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Ten minutes to landing," Kallen said. "Have yourselves in formation when we exit. Ensure no opening is available."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Yessir!" All six of the men replied in /"Good," Kallen nodded. "I can trust you to take care of this properly."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The plane made a bumpy landing. Especially from the back of the cargo hold, where Miku had been sitting, it was a lot more intense. Everything shook around her briefly, and the tires screeched as they made contact with the asphalt./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The thought of being put away didn't bother her too much until she had landed at her new "home." Once the cargo doors opened, and the sunlight poured in, she could see the landing strip, and the base of operations next to it. The air had a distinct smell to it. It reminded her of saltwater. If her circumstances were any different, Miku would have liked it./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"That wasn't the case however, and she started to feel anxious. It got so much worse once she had landed./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Releasing holding clamps," one of the security agents announced. "Disengaging in 3, 2, 1...:"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Miku was released from her chair. She stood up, and was placed into cuffs, tied around her back./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Walk," Kallen commanded. "And be fast, or I'm shaving that head of yours."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"She was escorted out of the plane, and was escorted across the airstrip. Miku took in the salt air, the last time she would be able to smell something so fresh before being locked up again./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Eventually, Miku would be released into the custody of the facility's security instead of Kallen's armed escort./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Orders from above," one of the drones said, "you'll be staying at the airstrip tonight. Package is to be held in captivity."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Kallen raised an eyebrow. "We have a cell for it, right?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"An affirmative nod./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Fine. Do as you're ordered."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The drones escorted Miku away, and walked her into an elevator./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Oh, and Miku, one last thing."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Miku looked behind her at Kallen./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I'd suggest you keep Griff in your thoughts. He'd be so sad if you forgot about him when you inevitably reunite."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Miku scowled at him as the elevator closed. He was trying everything he could to get a rise out of her. She held back from saying anything./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"At the bottom floor of the airstrip was the holding cells. They were there mostly for distressed agents or employees of Duodecim who were in need of immediate care or isolation. In this case, they were reserved for Miku until tomorrow morning when a proper vehicle could be used to bring her to the secure facility. The Directors had made it clear that they wanted to take no chances in allowing her to escape./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Miku was led into cell 3. The guards opened the door, and shoved her into it. She landed on the floor, and the door closed behind her./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"She pulled herself up, not even attempting to fight back or attempt an escape./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The cell had a bed, a sink, a toilet and a mirror, and one dim light in the ceiling. The walls were a dull metallic grey. The whole place felt like something out of a nightmare./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Miku walked over to the sink, and looked in the mirror. Her hair was a mess. It was tangled, ratty, and nothing short of a mess. Her orange jumpsuit didn't help either. A reminder she was a prisoner./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"She walked away from the mirror, and resigned herself to her bed. The moment she laid down, she broke into tears, and cried herself to sleep./p
hr style="color: #000000; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;" noshade="noshade" size="1" /
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Meiko had driven me home so I could grab all my stuff for the night while she would go grab dinner. David's car was still parked in the garage. He was packing, so it seemed like a good time to see him off before I left myself./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Hey, David, I'm home!" I announced./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"David walked out of his bedroom wearing a nice black polo shirt./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Oh, hey Griff," David said./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I figured you'd probably want to say bye before you went off on your business trip."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I appreciate it," he said, "I wanted to make sure that you'd be okay on your own."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You've gone on business trips before," I said. "I can do fine by myself."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"David chuckled, and went back into his room./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""There's plenty of food in the fridge," he said. "I also left some money for you in case you want to order something."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Any idea how long you'll be gone for?" I asked./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""A few days," he said. "I'd suggest you don't throw any parties while I'm gone. I just got the house cleaned up."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Of course, David," I said, heading into my room./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"David turned on the sink and I headed into my room to pack up. I unzipped my backpack and grabbed a few changes of clothes. I then noticed Miku's little bunny, and grabbed it as well./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Hope it's cozy in there," I said. "I'll try and keep you company until your owner gets home. Hope you like it."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I zipped up my backpack, and put it next to my door./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"When I stepped out, David had left the bathroom and was walking over to his suitcase./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Well," he said, picking up his suitcase, "I'll be seeing you."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I'll take care of the house, David," I said. "Have a good trip!"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"He walked out and got in his car, and drove off. I ran back into my room and grabbed my backpack, and headed outside. I pulled out my keys and locked the door./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""This is it," I said. "Tomorrow's the big day."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Meiko's car approached the front of the house. A tasty smell wafted out once she rolled down the window. It smelled like steamed rice and salmon./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Hey," she said, "ready to head back?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Yeah," I said, "that smells really damn good. What is it?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Japanese," she said, "I figured you'd want something a little fancier tonight."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You bet," I said, opening the car door. "Definitely a surprise."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I looked in the back seat, and saw about six fairly large takeout boxes./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""We're going over the plan when we get back, right?" I asked./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I figured we'd spend a little more time together alone before we went back down."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Sure," I said, "I'd like to eat first, anyways."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"We headed back to the hideout, and Meiko parked the car./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I just noticed," I said, getting out of her car, "your car is a whole lot cleaner than when I first saw it."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Oh, only now?" Meiko asked. "I had to clean it back when we went to Miku's apartment. Luka made me."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Luka made you?"br /"Trust me," Meiko said, "nothing is worse than Luka getting upset. She'll sic Gumi on me if I do."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You guys seem to not get along," I commented. "Do you just not like each other?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""It's not really 'dislike,'" Meiko explained as she grabbed the food from the backseat. "It's more that we just have differing personalities. Luka can listen to Gumi prattle on about anything, and they seem to have a relationship built on that. I have a short fuse sometimes, and I usually like being left alone."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I guess I understand," I said. "Though, less about the short fuse part, and more about the 'being left alone' part."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""What, you?" She teased, "you seemed like a social butterfly when I met you."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Meiko sat the food on the hood of her car./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I got a little bit of everything," she said, "so grab as much as you'd like. Steamed veggies, beef, chicken, salmon, and rice."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""It's a whole buffet," I said, "and it looks really good, too."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Little family business," Meiko said. "I wanted to give it a try myself."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I grabbed a plate and sat down. Meiko sat on the hood of her car. I started digging in./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Good?" She asked./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Amazing," I said, my mouth full and savoring the delicious salmon. "Thanks a lot."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""No problem," Meiko said. "I figured after this week, you deserved a treat. You really showed yourself out there today."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I looked up at her. "You think I'll be ready to tackle tomorrow?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I think so," Meiko said. "Miku's probably going to be real shocked when she sees you, too."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Maybe," I said, "though I wonder if she'll be more confused than surprised. Who knows what's going to happen."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Can tell you right now," Meiko said, reassurance in her voice, "that girl is going to be more than happy to see you again."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""That makes both of us," I said. "I've been looking forward to this ever since you told me."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I bet you have. She's your friend, after all."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I stared up at the sky for a second, pondering something./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Can I tell you something, Meiko?" I asked./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Sure, why not? Feeling like getting something off your chest before the big day?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Yeah," I said, "about that."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Well," she said, "let's hear it."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I think I'm in love with Miku."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Meiko snorted, and started laughing hysterically. I shot her a dirty look./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""What's so funny?" I asked./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"She kept laughing, and I kept scowling at her. Once her laughter died down, and she was able to speak again, she explained./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I'm sorry," she said, "I'm not trying to make fun of you. I just think it's really funny you're telling me this like it's a surprise."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"My scowl changed into a look of confusion./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""What do you mean by that?" I asked./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""What I mean is that it isn't a surprise that you love her. You haven't exactly been very 'subtle' about it."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I sat there for a second./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""So when did you notice?" I asked./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I think around the time Gumi got that photo back for you. Something about that look in your eyes. I kind of had a clue beforehand, though."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"My face turned red in embarrassment. I felt like I was going to pass out./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Better question is," Meiko said, "how long did it take you to figure out you liked her?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I, uh, I think it was just over a week ago."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""And now I bet you feel like you need to see her again to tell her how you really feel."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Yeah," I said, "that's exactly it."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I think she'll accept your feelings, but you need to be the one to tell her. No one else is going to go it for you, not even Miku."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I know," I said, "I regret not saying anything already."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Once we rescue her," Meiko reassured, "you'll have your chance. Take it, because not everyone gets a second try."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Meiko looked a little sad saying that. Something about her words made it sound like she knew how it felt./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Something like that happen to you?" I asked./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"She looked up at the darkened sky./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""It's not important," she said./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I didn't pry. Meiko clearly didn't want to talk about it./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Anyways," Meiko said, putting her empty plate aside, "if you're finished eating, we've got stuff to go over."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I stood up./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""No delaying the inevitable," I said. "Time to go back to work."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Meiko and I covered the car and headed back down inside the base. Gumi and Luka were sitting at the main computer. This was going to be our final meeting before tomorrow morning./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Ah," Luka said, "you're both here."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Luka's arm was no longer in a sling, and her wounds had healed. I wondered if she would be accompanying us./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""So," Gumi said, turning her chair to us, "I'll get right into it. You already know that this operation is probably going to be the most dangerous one we've ever done. There's not a whole lot of room for error we can account for here."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Meiko and I paid attention to her words. I had already figured that this was going to be dangerous, but it didn't make it feel any less intense./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""So," Gumi said, "your objective is going to be pretty straightforward. You two are going to be deployed outside this forest here."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The computer displayed a map. Our location would be a kilometer away from the Dome itself./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Now, while you two are infiltrating early tomorrow morning, a platoon of the Rangers forces will act as a distraction."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""For what reason?" I asked./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You didn't think you could waltz right in there, did you? The entire facility is covered in Duodecim's forces. They've had this place secured for a matter of months now. And plus, the Rangers want it. If it means building themselves back up, they'll take it."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Do we know exactly how they got here on Other-Earth?" I asked./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Actually, yes," Gumi answered. "I managed to recover a number of things from that facility. For one thing, you're lucky we found what we found. That research outpost was underprepared for our assault, but I found out how Duodecim even got here to begin with."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I perked up an eyebrow, curious what she was getting at./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Originally, I thought Duodecim was following with experimental scanner technology like we were handling. That isn't even remotely true, especially because they're only now figuring out how to send physical matter to the other side. No, instead, Duodecim managed to upload a drone A.I. program directly into Interspace. The program managed to generate labor crews, and they've been building facilities since. They've also managed to mine materials to build more of their forces out there."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""And here I was thinking it'd be easy," I said. "So are we going against the entire army?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Compared to what I have to do," Gumi said, "it is easy. And consider yourselves lucky. They won't be able to ask for reinforcements this time. The Atraxis Dome won't be able to squawk while I've got control over network functions."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""How are you able to do all of this at once?" I asked./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Even a girl has to have her secrets, Griff," Gumi said./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""So," Meiko said, "what are you going to be doing on your end?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Freeing Miku."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I gave Gumi a perplexed look. "You don't mean-."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Exactly what I mean. I'm going to have to remotely escort her without raising an alarm. You guys just have to worry about not getting shot."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""How are you going to get her 'remotely'?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""By using the access chip," Gumi explained. "It's given me all of the access keys I need. I'll need to be careful, of course, but it's so much easier than brute forcing my way in."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You're an amazing hacker, Gumi," I said. "I can definitely believe you're not human."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I'll take that as a compliment," she said, "but you two will need to meet up with Miku when I get her into the Full-Body Scanner system. The Rangers will attempt to fight for control of the facility, but your objective is Miku."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The map pointed at a room that sat dead center of the Dome./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""There's also another thing you should know," Luka said, hesitantly./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Right," Gumi said, "there's a chance this may not work. The scanner, I mean."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Why is that?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""It's still a prototype. Duodecim is still trying to figure out how to get people into it. They've only set objects and drones into Other-Earth. However, not every attempt was successful. The same could happen to Miku."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Do you think she'll make it?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""There's a 37.5% chance of failure. I assume you're okay with this."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""This is her only chance," I said, "we have to do this. We have to get her out of there."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Yeah," Meiko agreed, "we both know how she's being treated. I think she'd take that risk herself rather than let herself continue to be locked up."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Then we're all in agreement?" Gumi asked./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I would say so."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Okay," Gumi said./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""And what about Luka?" I asked./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""She's staying behind. I would rather she didn't get injured again."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Luka looked away, almost embarrassed. I didn't bother to ask why. Gumi was pretty upset the last time it happened./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""She'll still be helping," Gumi said. "I'm having her run support while I focus on getting Miku out of her cell. I can't have her sit around, after all."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I had to plead with Gumi," Luka said. "I would hate to sit around feeling useless."br /"That's good to hear," I said, "I'll appreciate the support."br /"Fine, then," Gumi said. "If we're all in agreement, you'll be run through the briefings tomorrow with the Rangers. Plan is clear?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Clear as it gets, ma'am!" I acknowledged./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Then the meeting adjourned. Get some rest tonight, both of you. Meiko will show you to your room, Griff."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I picked up my backpack, and followed behind Meiko./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Actually, Griff," Gumi said before I left. I looked back over at her. She made a hand motion to Meiko and Luka for them to leave, but had me stay./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I wanted to talk with you alone, Griff."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Luka and Meiko stepped out of the room./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Sure," I said, "what's up?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I know you're worried about getting Miku back, but I'm making a promise that I'll do whatever it takes to get her back."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Any reason why you're telling me this?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Those odds. They're a big risk to be taking. I want to assure you that I won't let those odds beat us."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I nodded. "I get it."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I know, I just don't want you to be scared."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Well," I said, "I am. I'm so anxious to get her back, and I worry I'm going to fail her."br /"I've seen you train," she said, "you'll do great tomorrow. I just want to make sure you believe in me."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Of course I do, Gumi," I said. "Why wouldn't I?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Because I don't want to be wrong."br /That made sense, but I felt like Gumi was incapable of being wrong. She was smarter than anyone I knew./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You're the smartest person I've ever met. If you can't do it, it's impossible. But I don't think that's going to stop you."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Thanks, Griff," Gumi said. "Go get some rest. She'll be waiting for you./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I turned around, and headed off./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Meiko was standing outside./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Gumi needed something from you?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I think she's as scared as I am."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""That's a first," Meiko said. "I think this one is a little more of a challenge for her. It feels like there's nothing she can't beat when it comes to tech wizardry. Despite all of my gripes with her, she knows what she's doing."br /"I wanna believe in her," I said. "She's as necessary as any of us right now."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Well, come on," Meiko brushed her hand across my back, "let's get some rest. You've earned it."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I'll sleep the best I can," I said. "We gotta be ready tomorrow."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Meiko walked me to the elevator, and we headed down to the dormitories. The lighting was much brighter, and the walls were painted with a dark red, while the floors were flat white. It felt comfortable, and certainly felt wildly different from the rest of the facility./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""And this is going to be your room," Meiko said. "We've reserved it for Miku, but you'll stay in it tonight. It's clean, has a blanket and a bed."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I walked in; the room was empty with a dull metallic grey. It was bigger than Miku's studio apartment. An easy comparison considering how empty it was./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Well," I said, "tomorrow's the big day."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""We're finally doing it," she said. "Do what you did today, and this will be a cinch."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I smiled, gave her a thumbs up, and she closed the door./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I sat myself on the bed, and unzipped my backpack./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Hey," I said, "you're gonna help, too, right?"/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The little bunny didn't reply, but if it was going to say anything, it would say, "You bet."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I changed into my sleeping clothes, and hugged the bunny for good luck./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Tomorrow's the day," I said, "don't worry, Miku. We're coming."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Yeah, we were going to rescue her, I was going to make sure of it. Just needed to rest up and be ready for whatever it was that would be thrown at me./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I fell asleep. Tomorrow was fast approaching, and soon, it would be time. No backing out now, and no stopping until it was over./p