CHAPTER 36
THE FLAW IN THE PLAN
A dazzling bolt of lightning streaked down across the night sky. Between it and the heavy rain pounding the window, Trager's headache only grew worse. Sitting in the easy chair opposite his desk, he flexed his fingers which were still stiff and in agony despite healing them with the Light of Mana. 'What am I going to do?' He worried. 'I'm sorry Master. I tried to keep my mouth shut but he was too strong. Damn you, Dutch Villson! Once Master Embryo's plan begins, you'll be thrown out with the rest of the trash." He could only hope their little conversation wouldn't leak. Trager could just see the disappointment and anger in his master's face and the punishment he would inflict upon Trager.
'He can never find out. I must make sure Mr Villson doesn't take this further.' Pulling up a Mana window, Trager flipped through the file that was sent to him by Master Embryo a week ago. '#66's blood is only part of the reason for Subject Alpha's creation.' He just hoped this dead end would distract Villson long enough to keep him from digging any further. 'As long as Donnie's research and theories stay hidden here, everything will be fine.' Suddenly, a call came through and when Trager opened a second screen, his heart almost stopped when he saw who it was. "Good evening, Master Embryo." Trager stuttered.
"Is something wrong Trager?" Embryo asked. "You seem distressed."
"Uh yes," Trager said as he wiped the sweat from his brow. "Forgive me. There was a lightning strike out in the yard and the shock gave me quite a fright."
"I see. Well perhaps this will improve your mood. I've just completed my analysis of your research. Between it and the new information we've acquired, and despite your little setback all those years ago, I am pleased to say that you'll have a place in the new world." Trager gave a sigh of relief. Not only did Master Embryo remain uninformed of the recent incident, but his own future had been secured.
"Thank you, Master Embryo. I am grateful."
"It's a shame your apprentice Donnie isn't alive to be a part of this. Especially after all his theories and research about Subject Alpha turned out to be correct. He would have been a very valuable asset in my future plans. For now, maintain your cover. We wouldn't want the wrong people learning of our project before it's ready." The call ended and Trager leaned back to relax.
"It seems all is well Dr. Trager." Leaping out of his seat, Trager whirled around and standing before the fireplace was a figure. His eyes were hidden behind a pair of jet-black sunglasses, but Trager would recognize that long white hair anywhere.
It…it…it's you…" Trager whimpered, his stomach twisting in dread. "How long have you been here? What did you hear?"
"No need to worry Doctor." the figure assured; his voice so cold it sent a shiver up Trager's spine. "What Master doesn't know won't hurt him." Trager sat back in his chair before he passed out or dropped dead from a heart attack.
"What do you want then?" He finally asked.
"Dutch Villson is becoming an irritant to both of us." Blackadder said maliciously. "They say the enemy of the enemy is my friend. I'd like to propose an alliance to deal with him."
As usual, with the festa over the entire base had retreated happy but exhausted to their quarters for a goodnight's sleep. Jill however was anything but content. As Maggie and her nurses assisted Cal, Emma Bronson, Corporal Lawrence, Olivier and the Rosenblum royal guards to the infirmary; Jill had rushed to her quarters to snap on her uniform before pulling the data pad from her desk. She had to work fast. The others could only stall the Inspector and her bodyguard for so long before the NMB were informed of the breakout. Thankfully, the encryption codes Jacob had sent her in their previous exchange had included one that triggered a conference call in case of emergencies.
Finally, the screen split into four sub-windows as one by one, Jacob and his inner circle appeared before her. One she knew as Hosea, who had aged quite a bit since Jill had last seen him. His former salt and pepper hair now a solid grey as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes. The other two she didn't recognize. The first was a bald older woman who looked the same age as Jasmine but with a colder and harsher demeanor along with a large deep scar that ran across her head to her left brow. The second was a bespectacled man in his mid-30s with brown eyes, short unkempt hair, and a slight stubble underneath his chin.
"Jill?" Hosea slurred. "It's been a long time."
"Indeed it has." she answered. "Who are these two?"
"Ah yes I don't think you've been introduced yet," Jacob realized. "Allow me to introduce Major General Malta. She's a Norma like you and the leader of the Underground Enderant Harbor. And this is Colonel Daisuke, founder of the Tripartite Pack, our first pro-Norma human group."
"I've been wanting to meet you for a long time." Daisuke spoke up. His tone was genial but being human still made Jill wary of him.
"Just what is it you want!" Malta demanded. "You had better have a damn good reason for waking us up at this hour!"
"I'd like to know that as well." Jacob added. "Wasn't today Arzenal's annual festa? I would have thought you, Jasmine, and Maggie would be trying to drink each other under the table."
"Unfortunately, we have a problem. A big one." The four listened attentively as Jill brought them up to speed on what had happened. The reaction was a mixture of shock, disbelief, and even chagrined respect for the brazenness of the two escapees.
"This is not going to end well. For the Human overseers or you for that matter." Hosea fretted. "Knowing how harsh the NMB can be, they won't let this slide even if the girls were captured and brought back to Arzenal."
"That's what worries me." Jill said as she lit a cigarette. "If the current Inspector is dismissed and my position as Commander is terminated, they'll send someone more dangerous to Arzenal. And that means Libertus will be at risk of being discovered."
"Worst case scenario, they'll kill the girls rather than send them back to Arzenal." Jacob said somberly. "We can't let that happen. Especially not to the pilot of Villkiss."
"We do have one thing in our favor." Jill said. "The Inspector and her bodyguard were incapacitated during the escape so the NMB haven't been informed yet. If we work fast, we can intercept them before our enemy can."
"Any idea where they could be going?" Malta asked. Jill shook her head.
"No, but Jasmine should be in contact with Tusk soon. He'll pick up their trail."
"We can also track their movements." Daisuke suggested. "We'll be able to pinpoint the maid's exact location if she uses Mana."
"Then we wait until they land." Jacob noted. "No doubt they'll fly to the nearest secluded forest far from civilization. Most likely the Darwin Forest between Misurugi and Enderant."
"Our settlement is the closest to Misurugi." Malta offered. "If that's where they're headed then I'll have my team send your boy Tusk our contact info. It'll be the best place to bring the girls once we get ahold of them." Now it was time for Jill to play her Trump card.
"Tusk will need some assistance. I'll be sending the pilot of Siegfried to help." As she expected, Jacob and Hosea looked at her as if she had gone crazy. Major Malta however looked incredibly vexed. "Cal knows Ange better than Tusk. He'll be a big help in tracking her down and might know where she's going."
"Wait! Subject Alpha?!" Major Malta breathed weakly.
"Absolutely not. Out of the question!" Jacob cried. "That kid might be the pilot of Siegfried but he's green as grass. Gaz sent him to Arzenal for a reason."
"He's right Jill." Hosea agreed. "If Cal ever got caught, then all of Gaz's sacrifices would have been for nothing. He'll end up back in the hands of the sick bastards that created him."
"Maybe, but we'll have to take that risk." Jill said boldly. "Cal has demonstrated many times he's ready for a mission like this. Once Libertus begins, he'll have to do much worse in order to survive. And he's far from green. He managed to unlock the Valkyrie system twice."
"Wait what?" Jacob gasped in amazement. Jill simply grinned in triumph.
"Both the Geirönul and Randgrid abilities, just like Istvan did." Jacob and Hosea still looked skeptical, but out the corner of her eye Jill glimpsed a great mixture of sorrow and anger in Major Malta's eyes, like she'd recalled something traumatic.
"That doesn't mean anything in this matter." Malta argued. "You're seriously putting our lives in the hands of some kid who was sheltered all his life?"
"I don't see anyone on your end who might be better suited for Siegfried OR be the Knight of Villkiss." Jill fired back. "If so, speak up." A vein throbbed in Major Malta's temple and Jill shot them all a look of disdain. "That's what I thought. It was Gaz's mistake for sheltering him all his life. But over these past 10 months, Cal has more than proven to be a great pilot. He's also shown leaderships, strength, and most of all loyalty to the cause. We need him for Libertus almost as much as we do Ange and I wouldn't even think of sending him to help Tusk unless I both thought it necessary nor if he wasn't ready." Colonel Daisuke who had remained quiet on the matter finally spoke up.
"I say we place our trust in the kid. Despite the risk, we should get to know this Cal. And we can't really gauge his abilities so long as he's cooped up in Arzenal."
"Very well." Jacob relented. "Just as long as we keep an eye on him and make sure he doesn't get too reckless out there. I hope you know what you're doing Jill."
"You can't be serious!" Malta grumbled in disbelief.
"Jill's right." Hosea said. "Like it or not we'll have to put our faith in Gaz's kid. Besides, Tusk did vouch that Cal had a great fighting spirit in him. And his claim to that machine is stronger than anyone so that's got to count for something." Major Malta remained silent, much to Jill's satisfaction. But they all knew once they got the girls back, the NMB wouldn't rest until they sniffed out something.
"We'll have to be careful. They mustn't find out about Libertus or Aurora." Jacob hoped. "We've already lost Galia Falls and now Apex. They won't stop until we're all hunted down. And discovering Libertus or Aurora will be the final nail in the coffin for the humans to put Arzenal to the torch."
"How long will you need?" Hosea asked.
"No longer than three weeks." Jill answered. "Aurora should be prepared and stocked up with all our para-mails and base personnel by then. The main priority should be recovering Ange. Hilda second. We'll need all the Para-mail pilots we have this time."
"Then it's settled. Once we get intel and hack the NMB communications we should be able to track the girls." Hosea decided. Now that a plan was decided, Jill shut off her data pad and felt both relieved and unsure. Jacob had a good head on his shoulders. Especially with Hosea at his side. But she was still suspicious about Colonel Daisuke despite him agreeing with her and especially Major Malta. Jill couldn't tell what her problem was, but every time Cal's name was uttered it was as if it was a disgusting word to the older woman.
With the meeting over, Jacob slumped back in his chair and thought over the situation. 'Why is Jill eager to use the boy this early before Libertus even begins?' It was dangerous and not to mention reckless on her part. He knew the boy had to be involved eventually but it was almost as if Jill WANTED him exposed to the danger he'd be in. 'I trusted Gaz with my life and I know he wouldn't want his kid in danger like this.' But he also trusted Tusk's judgement about Cal. If he was the right pilot for Siegfried, then they'd have to place stock in the boy. Suddenly There was a light knock on the door and Hosea stepped in.
"I just heard back from Tusk. He's on the girl's trail. Dolton has also managed to hack the Rosenblum family and NMB Mana communications. So far it's quiet. No sign they've learned about what's happened to their princess and the escaped Norma."
"Tell Tusk to keep his distance for now." Jacob ordered. "The whole area will be crawling with humans once they find out."
"I don't know what that woman is playing at." Hosea said bristly. "She's put Cal thick in the lion's den. I just hope he can find Tusk or the Enderant Harbor without attracting attention. We may be able to trust the boy, but I don't trust his Commander or her judgment." Hosea gave Jacob a gravely look. "When do you plan on telling Jill about the Norma at our end? They and Cal have a right to know about the Norma and humans interbreeding successfully." Jacob sighed and rubbed his eyes.
"I don't know what to do Hosea. The research at Apex is gone, and we still don't know what the purpose was behind Cal's creation and all those still births Gaz told us about". Jacob sighed. Though if they couldn't trust Jill, there was one other person on Arzenal they could trust. "Hosea has your bird arrived back yet?"
"Yes. Dexter just arrived with a message from the Tripartite Pack containing their observations of the Rosenblum Navy's latest movements." Hosea gave a whistle and a huge black raven with red markings flew in and landed on his shoulder.
"Corn! Corn!" Dexter squawked as Hosea fed him some corn from within his jacket pocket.
"Alright don't be so impatient." Hosea scolded. Jacob ripped a piece of parchment and began to write. "What are you planning?"
"I know deep down Jasmine won't be happy about using Gaz's kid like this. Back when she and Gaz were together, she cared for that boy's wellbeing like he was her own. Maybe she'll tell us what's going on. But I'll have to trade some information of our own for her to accept. It's about time she knew about the Norma here."
"You need to be careful. After all this time she won't be the same woman you once knew. Even with your past friendship with her."
"I have to try Hosea." Once finished, Jacob tied his message to Dexter's leg. "It's better than sitting back and doing nothing." Dexter took flight out of the window and disappeared through the snowy mist. "The other matter is we need someone to keep an eye on Cal. If he and Lucas lock heads, we'll need to keep the peace between us and Arzenal."
"I get what you're implying." Hosea agreed. "Lucas might be our best warrior, but I worry he'll let his emotions get the best of him when he comes face to face with Cal. That machine and Istvan meant a lot to him since his father wasn't around much." In the middle of their debate, who should walk in but Dolton with a stack of papers under his arm.
"Captain Jacob, we're picking up a Mana signature near the coastal area along the border of Misurugi and Enderant. We think it must be the transport the two Norma stole. I've already sent word to Enderant Harbor." Jacob and Hosea looked at each other and nodded.
"Thank you, Dolton. But for now, we have another assignment for you." Jacob told him. "Pack your things, and head for Enderant Harbor. There's someone arriving there that we need you to keep tabs on for us."
The world was like a rushing river, flowing on in a blur of semi-darkness. Cal's body felt light as a feather as he flew onward through the haze before he finally came to a halt and hit solid ground. The smell of fresh grass filled his head and his vision cleared, Cal looked up and saw nothing but pure green and a light blue crystal sky. Amidst the chirping of birdsong, from the other side of a bush he lay behind, he heard two men talking. Men's' voices which meant they had to be humans. Hugging the ground, Cal crawled as quietly as he could until he saw through the lower branches of the bush two figures standing near a round marble table beneath a white pagoda.
"I'll have my team track down the Norma, Master." A hard voice spoke, the same voice he recognized from his dream. "You needn't worry. They'll be detained shortly."
"Be quick about it Villson. We don't want a panic to break out, do we?" The second figure spoke and Cal's heart skipped a beat. There was something about that voice that sounded oddly familiar. Cal squinted his eyes to try and better make out the figures. One was large with a red suit and wore a long black coat. The other who sat with his back to Cal was dressed in a fancy dark green suit with long pale blonde hair that draped down his back. Just looking at this figure gave off that odd familiar light, slow motion feeling that Cal hadn't felt in months.
"I will Master. You have my word." The larger of the two bowed.
"It won't be long now. We'll finally be rid of those savage apes and their traitorous allies. You did reconsider my offer I hope, despite your personal feeling and ties to his caregiver. You will retrieve Subject Alpha for me when the time comes?"
"Yes Master. I give you my word and honor as your loyal enforcer."
"Good. I know I can count on you, my loyal friend." Without warning, that familiar cold shiver ran down Cal's spine and he had the same feeling as though someone or something was watching him. He snapped his head to the right and standing 80 yards away behind a tree was the same figure in his dreams. Those horrifying glowing blue eyes looking right into his very soul. But no sooner had their gaze met then Cal felt a hard jerk behind his navel and he was falling backwards, the green land turning to complete darkness before the poisonous icy cold was replaced by a blissful comforting warmth and what he saw he could not have imagined.
In front of him was a cloud of shining gold dust. Momentarily shapeless, it condensed and then formed itself into the shape of a woman. But one unlike any he had ever seen. Tall and elegant, her skin bright as moonlight with hair of shining gold hanging down to her hips, her face seemed both ancient and young. She soared down to Cal, and he stared awed struck into eyes like gleaming jades.
"You have suffered greatly child." Her voice echoed out softly, like a beautiful unearthly song. "You have lost so much and born into a life full of misfortune. And yet, you still move forward."
"Who…who are you?" Cal whispered.
"Someone who is suffering greatly as well. By the very someone who has caused us both immense pain, misfortune and loss."
"What? Who are you talking about?"
"The one who enslaves all, who has imprisoned me, and who is behind everything. Including your existence. I have been watching you for a long, long time. Even appearing to you in this form strains the limits of my power, but it was essential to finally meet you dear child."
"But why?" Cal demanded and to his shock she began to fade, her body slowly dissolving back into a cloud of glowing gold dust. Despite that, the woman smiled as she extended her hands and caressed his cheeks as though she were comforting an upset child.
"Because you have a calling, a purpose. You must assist those close to you and those who would oppose you, even your closest enemies. You must help unite all fronts and bring my people to me."
"Your people, but…" Cal stammered unable to make sense of any of this.
"I'm sorry, but my time is short," Her hands and face were all that remained as her expression changed to worry and caution, "but I must warn thee dear child. You…are…not…alone."
"No wait!" These words burst from Cal's mouth as he jolted upright, and the dream state he was in was gone. In that instant he felt a tender searing pain on the back of his head and Cal reached back to feel a bump rising out of his scalp. His vision came into sharper focus and he realized he was in a private infirmary room.
"Your awake? About time." Cal's head snapped to his right where, Commander Jill sat in a chair beside his bed, looking stern as ever. "What happened?"
"Commander." Cal groaned as he lifted his legs over the side of the bed. "Ange…she…kidnapped the Princess…think…someone knocked me out…" The pain at the back of his head reached such a pitch he felt he was about to be sick.
"I've watched the security footage." Jill said dispassionately. "Hilda blindsided you when you tried to restrain Ange then escaped along with her." Standing up, Jill clasped Cal's cheek with her prosthetic and lifted his gaze to hers. And the look she gave him made him feel like his life was on the line. "Did Ange say anything at all where they were going? We've got very little time. I need to know anything you saw or heard."
"She…she…" Cal said thickly, the pounding in his head easing the more he talked. Then he remembered as if cold water had been thrown over him. "Her sister!" He gasped loudly. "She said her sister was in trouble. That's why she escaped! To save her!"
"Damn fool!" Jill released him and looked out the window to the night sky as she lit a cigarette. "My suspicions were correct. She must be heading back to Misurugi."
"Wait! What about Olivier? Hilda knocked her unconscious? Is she okay?"
"Olivier is fine." Jill disclosed. "And she's not the only one who's out of action because of Ange and Hilda's actions. That's why I had Maggie put you in here. Out of the way of the Inspector and her bodyguard. But she can only stall them for so long."
"So what do we do?" Cal asked. "We have to get both Ange and Hilda back here."
"Not we. You." Jill turned to face him and stood at the foot of the bed, smirking at Cal as she explained the whole plan. The more he listened the more perturbed he became. Tusk was now back in the fight and tracking Ange down. His godfather Jacob and their Ancient Folk and Mana Human allies had agreed to help Arzenal with getting Ange and Hilda back and now Libertus had to be launched much sooner than expected. "That's where you come in." Jill told him. "Your job is to locate our escapees. We've already communicated with Tusk on the plan, and he should contact you once you arrive on the mainland." Jill looked more serious than usual, and Cal felt a knot in his stomach. He knew as the pilot of Siegfried that this day would come to rebel against the humans' rules and leave Arzenal but he didn't think it would happen this soon. "But I have another job for you. Once you've made contact and arrived at the Enderant Harbor, I want you to be my eyes and ears."
"Why is that?" Cal asked.
"Because the humans in their army aren't to be trusted. We can't let our guard down just because they associate with the last of the Ancient Humans. We can't take the chance any of them might turn against us." Jill's eyes pierced through Cal. and he knew what she was asking of him. Though this went against his Gramps final words, some small part of him agreed with Jill. Not everyone was like Gramps. The sudden revelation of what he was about to do was overwhelming, but he wasn't going to allow Ange or Hilda to be potentially captured or worse, tortured and killed.
"What do I do?"
"Get yourself ready and geared up. Gather anything you need for your journey." Jill ordered. "I want you at the lower hanger in 10 minutes. And don't tell anyone about what you're doing. I'll have Salia explain it to the rest of first squad in the morning." She took a pair of clothes folded on one of the chairs and handed them to Cal. "You'll need to look like a human if you're going out there. Jasmine picked them out for you." Jill walked out before giving him one final glance. "This is the real thing now. Don't let me down."
Once Jill shut the door behind her, Cal hurriedly dressed in the clothes given to him: a dark brown leather jacket, a black v neck t-shirt, blue jeans, and black sneakers; before hurrying to his room. Opening the door quietly and slowly, he looked in and to his relief, lying fast asleep in his double bed, was Salia and Ersha. As stealthily as he could, Cal carefully rummaged through his draws and wardrobe to grab his knife, sidearm, and crossbow. Once he packed up a bag of snacks he hadn't yet touched, he reached up for the ruby gemmed bracelet of Siegfried on the nightstand and placed it on his wrist. He was just about to leave until he heard a tired moan that stopped him dead in his tracks.
"There you are…come to bed." Ersha said groggily, her eyes half open. "Mmm you look…handsome in those clothes…". Kneeling down by her side, Cal gently brushed a strand of pink hair out of her face.
"Just go back to sleep. I'll see you in a little while." He gently kissed her forehead, and Ersha smiled warmly as her eyelids closed.
"I…I love you…" Ersha said dreamily.
Cal's heart gave a horrible lurch like it had shattered into a million pieces and his stomach twisted into a knot. He wanted to say 'I love you' back but it was like the words lodged in his throat. 'I love you.' Those same words Naomi had said to him the day she died. It took every bit of strength he had to pull away from his bed and not look back. 'She'll be fine.' He told himself as he shut the door. 'This isn't the same. Ersha won't die because I was too weak to protect her. That won't happen ever again because I have Siegfried now.' After checking to make sure the way was clear, Cal hurried down the hall to the hanger. He had just arrived at the bottom of the stairwell when he heard two people arguing.
"There must be an alternative Jill. This is far too dangerous!". He heard Jasmine's voice snap. "Tusk can do this on his own. He knows his godfather's allies better than we do."
"It's not enough!" He heard Jill say irritably. "It's been years since we saw Tusk. Who knows how loyal he is to Jacob? If Cal sees anything suspicious, then we can use that to our advantage." Cal peered around the corner of the stairs and saw the two older women didn't look happy with each other at all.
"You can't be serious?" Jasmine argued. "I don't care about any potential traitors in their army. I care about Cal! You really want to send him out there where he could be imprisoned by the NMB, or the monsters who created him? Or even worse, HIM!?" For a second Cal thought he saw an inflamed look of deepest loathing in Jill's expression, but it vanished in a millisecond. Before Jill could counter, he stepped out of his hiding place.
"We have to take that chance." Cal said, making Jasmine flinch. "If Ange, Momoka and Hilda are in danger then I want to help."
"He's already made up his mind it seems." Jill said with a pleased look.
"No! Jill there must be another way." Jasmine insisted looking worriedly at Cal. "I can't allow this. Gaz sent you here to keep you away from the outside world. Not for you to go charging straight into the lion's den where you could be captured or worse!"
"Enough!" Jill snapped. "Things have changed and he is not a child anymore. He is the pilot of Siegfried and the Knight of Villkiss. Libertus is so close to beginning again and we need to make contact with Jacob and our outside allies. But none of that will matter of we don't get Ange back now."
"I want to do this." Cal spoke up. "Not just for Ange but for everyone here." While he was grateful for Jasmine's concern, he was also impatient with her mollycoddling. Jill was right. He was not a child anymore and it was his responsibility to see this through and to get Ange back here. "I can't just sit back and let everything pass by like Gramps did. You've all waited around for the next pilot for Villkiss and what if Ange is captured or killed? We can't wait around for a new pilot to appear. That could take decades or never. I don't want you all or any more Norma have to live the rest of your lives enslaved by the Humans or torn apart by a DRAGON. I made a promise. That I would do everything in my power to set every Norma free of this life. I couldn't save Gramps, nor Naomi, Zola, or Coco. I won't allow anyone else to die because we kept living this life. It's time we take charge and fight back. And I'm willing to take that risk if it means we can be free." Nothing followed but silence until it was broken by Jill.
"Then it's settled then." She said with a satisfied grin. "Cal will go and make contact with Jacob's allies, then get Ange back here."
"What about Hilda and Momoka?" Cal asked.
"Don't worry about them. Ange is the main priority. If you can only save her, then leave the others." Cal's eyes narrowed slightly in anger regarding Jill's lack of concern for Hilda and Momoka. "You know the plan now get going. We don't have a moment to lose." Jasmine's shoulders slumped in resignation while Cal suddenly realized something.
"How am I going to get to the mainland? Para-mail and our VTOL craft don't have the fuel capacity to fly that far."
"Exactly right." Jill agreed. "Which is why you'll be using this instead." She gestured to Zhao Mei who up to now had waited off to the side. The young armorer yanked aside a tarp to reveal something that made Cal cry out in amazement. It was Gramps' old Skyhook. As clean and polished as before the day he had escaped the assault on their island.
"How? How did you get this?"
"We picked it up a few months ago." Mei told him. "We found it while recovering all the damaged Para-mail after the Category 5 attack." Cal felt himself tear up a bit as he stepped forward and rested his hands on the fuselage. How he missed the days Gramps would let him ride with him around their island when he was little. And though he was glad to see a memento of his old life returned, it was also a reminder of the night Gramps died.
"Gramps said these things were impossible to detect because they could fly below radar. And the micro-fusion generator is good for a full year of continuous use."
"With this, you should be able to make it to mainland no problem." Jill said as Jasmine squeezed Cal's shoulders tightly, every part of her face fighting not to show how upset she was.
"Just watch yourself out there." She said, adjusting his jacket and tidying him up like an overprotective guardian. And then Cal had an idea.
"Jasmine. Loan me 100 cash." Jasmine looked at him perplexed but did as he asked.
"I'll pay you back after I return." He promised, successfully pulling a smile out from her face.
"You'd better." She warned. "I'll be charging you interest until you return."
"And Mei." Cal said as he packed his gear into the cargo pod. "When I get back, I'll treat you and all the armorers to a steak dinner for getting this back for me." He patted the skyhook.
"I'll look forward to it." Mei grinned as Jill approached Cal to hand him a list codes and a tablet like device.
"Now remember, once you get to the coast, contact Tusk with this tablet, it acts as radio communications and a GPS to find your way around." She instructed. "I have to warn you, we can only buy you a week to get Ange back here. Our cover is that you're searching the outlying islands to try and see if they're hiding nearby to throw off the trail. That should keep the Inspector, Corporal Lawrence, and the rest of your squad from asking too deeply. It's imperative that you find her and get back here before then."
"Got it." Cal said. "Locate Ange and Hilda, patch through to Tusk and get them to the Enderant Harbor so I can check out the Ancient Humans and their Mana allies."
"Be on the alert of anything suspicious. And don't get captured or die. We need you for what's to come next." Cal nodded and the others stood clear as he mounted up. The Skyhook's engines roared and with one final salute, Cal shot off like a bullet out of the hanger. Once clear, he dipped towards the sea and coasted across the waves. Behind him, Arzenal, the island that had been his safe place from the humans, quickly vanished from sight. Ahead of him was hostile territory, the very place Gramps had kept him from but Cal didn't care. It was sink or swim and he was determined to save Ange, Hilda and Momoka. He wouldn't let them suffer the same fate as Gramps.
A sudden glint of red caught his eye and he realized he was still wearing Siegfried's bracelet. He quickly covered it with the sleeve of his jacket and felt an inner strength within just from wearing it. 'I might not have Siegfried with me, but as the knight of Villkiss, I have to stay strong.' Cal shot forward picking up speed as the morning sun began to rise. 'I swear I won't fail this time.'
"I hope he'll be okay." Jasmine prayed. "If anything happens to him, then that's on you."
"A lot of things are on me." Jill said coldly. "But like it or not he's our only hope." The two didn't exchange a word as they turned back to the elevator. Unknown to them, a large lone figure stood hidden in the shadows, watching them.
Things had gone from bad to worse for Dutch. The massive fault in Arzenal security and its Overseers had resulted in the Rosenblum Princess taken hostage by two escaped Norma. Once the NMB committee got word from Arzenal's Overseer, Dutch immediately had his team track down the highjacked royal plane and sniff them out once they landed. Keeping this mess under control was essential to not start a panic. The civilians didn't need to know of two Norma escaping. 'I swear once this is all dealt with, Senator Bronson and I will have words about his daughter. We don't need incompetence. Especially at Arzenal.' The last thing he wanted was the rebellion to start again. Especially if the reports were true and the former Princess of Misurugi really was piloting Villkiss.
Opening his office door, Dutch saw Jeffry rearranging a few books on his shelf. "Commander." Jeffry saluted. "I've made you another cup of my mother's special coffee. Sorry about my fidgeting. I knocked over a few books."
"Never mind that." Dutch said as he took a seat. "Thanks to your efforts at the terrorist's hideout, we're one step closer to exterminating them and those primitives. You'll be happy to know I'll be sending you home in a few days for a break as a reward. I know you've been missing your family."
"Thank you, Commander. But I won't need a long break, I'm eager to rid this world of the Ancient Folk and the traitors to humanity." As his protégé saluted and left, Dutch couldn't help notice a slight change in the young man's demeanor, as if he was wary of being around him. Whatever the reason, Dutch had bigger concerns. Pulling up a Mana screen, he contacted his secretary.
"Ms Yung-si; get me the lineage charts of the royal families. Birth certificates, photos, even rumors of illegitimate heirs. Look for anything that indicates a gap in the chain of ancestry."
"Of course. May I ask why you need this peculiar information."
"Just do your job and don't question my orders." Dutch snapped as he cut the line. What did it all mean? Even if what Trager said about Donnie's research on #66's blood being different from the other experimented Norma was true, what was the connection? Did Master Embryo intend to finish what he started when he gave the go ahead for Subject Alpha's creation? And it still didn't answer why all the Norma had still births. 'Regardless of what my Master wants with Subject Alpha, I swear on Donnie's memory that I will find out the truth.' Dutch vowed as he received an update from the squad sent after the escapees.
"Sargent?" Dutch answered. "What's your status on the investigation?"
"Commander, we've found Princess Misty. She's alive and unharmed but no sign of the Norma."
Across the secluded pine covered terrain of the Darwin Forest, the only trace of civilization was the remnants of a pre-Mana gas station that looked like it hadn't been used in centuries. Amazingly enough, inside the garage was an antique white motorcycle and sidecar, half hidden under a dust cover. Along with plenty of unexpired fuel as well. "Whoever owns this must be an antique freak." Ange concluded. "But why leave it all the way out here?"
"Who cares?" Hilda smirked. "It's ours now." After changing out of their bikinis into a black track suit for Hilda and Ange into her drill training gear, the two girls mounted the bike with Ange riding behind Hilda and Momoka in the sidecar. They rode for about ten minutes before coming to post with two signs detailing which direction the fork in the road led. 'Empire of Misarugi' with a big red X graffitied over it pointing to the left and 'Enderant Union' to the right.
"This is where we part ways." Hilda said as Ange and Momoka dismounted and slung the two large duffle bags over their shoulders.
"Good luck." Ange said. Hilda revved the engine and started to drive off when suddenly she stopped.
"Hey Ange!" she called. "Treasure your life. It's all you've got left." Despite the long animosity between them, Ange felt herself smile.
"You too, Hilda." With their goodbyes said, Hilda gunned the engine and sped off down the road. "Come on Momoka, we should get going."
"Erm Lady Angelise." Momoka spoke as they walked on. "Why did you decide to bring Hilda along? What made you change your mind, despite your history with her?"
"Because no one should have to lose a parent, let alone a mother or family." She then looked at Momoka with a grateful expression. "I still have that with Sylvia and with you. If Hilda can find her mother, then that's good enough for me."
Momoka tearfully smiled as she bowed. "I'm glad to be with you as well Lady Angelise."
Continuing on their way, Ange's grip tightened around the duffel bag's strap. 'Hang on Sylvia. I'm coming for you.'
Once the morning alarm woke her up, Lucia quickly changed into her clothes. Life at the Enderant Harbor was different than Apex or the Sanctuary. Rather than a community and safe haven for Norma and their allies, it was more of a fortress and boot camp. There were very few families here and even the youngest residents had some crucial jobs to do. Lucia had just tightened her bootlaces when the door knocked. "Come in," she answered before it swung open and Finn's massive frame sauntered in.
"Lucia, Major Malta wants you and Lucas in her office." He told her. "And I wouldn't keep her waiting. She's even more tightly wound than usual this morning." Lucia could guess why. The news of two Norma actually escaping Arzenal on their own had spread through the base like the flu. God only knew how the humans would react. The Major had briefed her and Lucas on the plan Commander Jill of Arsenal had drawn up and Lucas had been nearly as outraged as Malta. "Do you know where Lucas is?" Finn asked.
"I'll get him. It's best if me and him go together." Lucia said wearily. She had just passed Finn when she felt a huge hand on her shoulder.
"Hey are you okay?" Finn put a hand on her shoulder affectionately. "You haven't been yourself since…"
"I'm fine!" Lucia snapped, biting her lip to keep from breaking down. Just thinking of those hands ripping her clothes off and what they were about to do to her and all the other Norma almost made her want to puke. "What happened, happened. Now I just want to get some payback."
"Lucia…"
"Just leave me alone!"
"Okay okay I get it." Finn said quietly as he left her room. Now Lucia felt worse for how she had talked to him. Despite being a simple-minded buffoon that used his fists more than his brain, Finn was just trying to help. But now wasn't the time to dwell on it. She left her room and took the elevator 3 levels down to the detention level. Walking down the row of empty cells, Lucia followed the near rhythmic sound of pounding and muffled cries of pain until she came to a cell were two large security guards stood watch from outside.
"No authorization beyond this point." One guard said as he held up his hand. "There's a prisoner being questioned."
"What are you bastards planning next?!" She heard Lucas snarl from beyond the bars, a muffled cough answering him.
"I'm here to see my brother." Lucia told them. "Major Malta has requested to see him in her office." The guards let her pass and inside was saw a man tied in a chair. His legs and arms tied, his face swollen and covered in blood.
"Lucas." Lucia called softly to her brother. "Major Malta needs us in her office. It's about our guests." Lucas ceased his interrogation of the prisoner; his body dripping with sweat, his knuckles wrapped in bloodstained tape, and his eyes full of cold fury.
"So, it looks like I'll finally get to deal with that male Norma."
TO BE CONTINUED….
