"That's the gist of how the situation played out. In my opinion, it felt like a shitshow from start to finish."
I could only breathe deeply at Giggits words. To think at least two hundred million yen was the cost of all the damages. That's not even including the damages to parked vehicles and pedestrians being harmed. Add on the fact that Gehenna decided to have open hostilities out of the blue and presto, you have unnecessary extra difficulties to overcome.
"Giggit, how many girls were incapacitated?"
"About sixty-seven. Not including the artillery teams we took out."
"I see. That'll be all Giggit; you're free to go."
She leaves the office, gently closing the door on the way out. I rubbed my temples. I can already feel a massive headache when I look at the after-action report. Never mind calling all the local store owners, car owners, and schools. Checking the notable individuals list I've got a couple names.
Gehenna Perfect Team
Ako Amau
Age: Seventeen
DoB: December twenty-second
Postion: Operator
Chinatsu Hinomiya
Age: Fifteen
DoB: August twenty-second
Position: Medic
Hina Sorasaki
Age: Seventeen
DoB: February nineteenth
Position: Chairwomen
Iori Shiromi
Age: Sixteen
DoB: November eighth
Position: Field Captain
Problem Solver Sixety-eight
Aru Rikuhachima
Age: Seventeen
DoB: March Twelfth
Position: Boss
Mutsuki Asagi
Age: Sixteen
DoB: July twenty-ninth
Position: Chief of Staff
Kayoko Onikata
Age: Eighteen
DoB: March Seventh
Position: Section Chief
I skipped Haruak and the Abydos girls. What confuses me is that no other girls from the Perfect Team are mentioned. Booting up the computer, I tab on the registry application. Punching in the school and club, I get a whole list of the Perfect Team, from Miss Head Perfect herself to the newest member. Scrolling through, I find the artillery crew. The problem is that there are about six of them. Grabbing the after-action report, it seems Giggit found out the name of one girl in a crew.
Winola Bauer, leader of the second artillery division. Scrolling, I found her. By clicking on her, I could use my authority as the head of Schale to review her mission reports. She has a long list of accomplishments and is quite the decorated little lady. I soon found her most recent deployment in Abydos neutral territory. At least this fighting didn't happen near Kaiser's territory. God only knows what they would try to gain from the damages. She was deployed with the fourth and first artillery divisions; they were ordered to fire ten minutes after the battle began. This means that the girl Ako thought the infantry would've been able to handle Abydos and PS68. They only fired off about three volleys until Schale team Magpie assaulted their positions.
Iori was in command of the four infantry teams that started the engagement between the three groups. Based on two subcommanders' testimonies, it seems that Iori jumped the gun and attacked. I couldn't trust written accounts of the conversation, as people can mishear, misremember, or purposely make something up. It's a shame there wasn't anything nearby that could pick up the conversations before the firefight. The best I could do is call these individuals in and talk with them about the situation. Two other names stuck out as Iori's direct subordinates.
Zemirah Koch of the thirty-first and Liesel Schneider of the sober rifles. Most of their deployment reports show the three working closely together and accomplishing great things. They also have a decent amount of rather humiliating defeats. Besides that, the three work in sync unbelievably well. You could call the three sisters based on their cohesion in the reports. Checking things from their reports, they said the polar opposite of what the other two sub-commanders were saying. So we have a classic he said, she said situation going on right now. One thing reigns supreme in each report.
No one could understand why Ako mustered such a force for a handful of rule-breakers. Sure, maybe twenty or thirty people, but a hundred with three artillery divisions. That caused a lot of raised eyebrows among those who marched into Abydos. Yet, not a single soul questioned why they were marching into Abydos. I'm willing to bet if someone brought up the massive amount of troops, they would've either gotten a half-baked answer or shooed away. It makes me wonder if Ako is the type to wave off the concerns of her subordinates. Copying each after-action report from these girls, I make a separate file for them to print later.
Moving down the report Giggit gave me, I began calling every vehicle and business.
"Yes, sir, Schale will ensure you're adequately compensated for the damages to your car and shop."
"Alright, I greatly appreciate that. Thank you."
"You're welcome, sir. Have a nice day."
"You as well."
Hanging up the phone, I can only be happy that the last person didn't give me a hard time compared to everyone else. Checking the time, it's about a quarter to one, a good enough time to take a break. I might even check up on the staff to see how they're settling in after earlier. Getting up, I stretch my arms while walking toward the door. First on the list, find Yoshi and ask who's guarding where along with who's swapping with them. Walking down toward the Security department, I heard a lot of noise. Nearing the door, a loud bang echoed through the stairwell, followed by indescribable shouting. Reaching their landing, I see a bizarre sight: two girls in security uniforms trying to get a couch through the door.
"Jwahoejeon geumji!" Sook was holding a couch's end outside of the door.
"Naneun geugeos-eul oenjjog-eulo dollinda!" Balam yelled back from inside the room.
After some fiddling, the two got into the office space. Following behind, I noticed it was a bit more spacious than the File maintenance department, though that could be because they haven't filled it up yet. Near the window, I could see Yoshi staring outside with her mask on a table beside her. Walking over, I noticed her eyes in the glass reflection; they were a noble grey. I tried to make out more of her face, sadly she put her mask back on.
"Nuga eodileul jikigo issneunji al-anaeseyo. Jjeus. Geuleohge gandanhagiman haessdamyeon." She turned around, quickly hopping back when she saw me. "H-h-how long have you been there?"
"Only about a minute." She relaxed after I spoke. "I came up to ask about the guard schedule you made for your girls."
"You make it sound like I could've whipped up a decent one after a few hours." I raise a brow at her. "W-w-which makes sense since you put me in charge. It's just my girls haven't done night shifts before."
"I find that hard to believe." She shrugs at me.
"Look, man, when you're original base waas twenty kilometers away from society, I doubt anyone will come knocking. Let alone in a desert."
"Valid point, so who do you have in mind so far?" I watched her pull a list out of the table.
"We got Eun, Ari, and Ki. Those three are the night owls of the group. It's just they're lazy." She handed me the list.
"How lazy?"
"They never did anything back in camp."
"Why keep them around then?"
"Those three were our only snipers and damn good too."
"Well, try convincing them anyway; if you can't, I'll have to talk to them."
"I'll try; I make no promises. Besides the night shift, other people are already stationed and on rotation." She took another document out and handed it to me.
"Alright, just keep me posted on any other developments." She gave me a thumbs-up as I left her department.
Going to file maintenance a bit further down, I knocked on the door. No one responds for a second; then suddenly, a bang goes off in the room. The door opens, revealing Widget covered in soot.
"Can you make a copy for your department and myself?" I hand her the guard list. She closes the door after taking it. For a moment, it's silent until I hear a printer start-up. The door opens after a bit, and Widget shoots her hand out with the original and a copy. Taking them causes her to close the door on my face immediately. I'll ask Giggit later what's going on in that room.
Next on the agenda is checking my GSC emails. I decided to take the chest out while walking downstairs. Flicking it on the S shows the same cerulean as before. The notice board has nothing urgent, and Little Star is still nowhere in the chest screens. The screen just felt dead without her here. I did find an email inbox in the social tab of the chest; I wonder if it's linked to the main computer. Pressing on it, I'm pleasantly surprised to see that it is. It saves time, which means I can look at emails just about anywhere too.
The usual GSC emails were waiting: the after-action report, inquiry of Schale staff, and new patrol routes. All in all, it's easy things. I should look around Schale for a fax machine anywhere; it would be great to know we have one. Besides these emails, I don't have any more paperwork for the day, meaning my schedule is free after I'm done. The patrol I'm supposed to do is a nighttime walk, so it'll have to wait. I'll also have to break my word to Knife Ears. Hopefully, she'll understand. I can't just bullshit a patrol report; someone could get seriously hurt if I do. Thankfully, it's in D.U Central. I'm thankful it's not Abydos again; that was too much ground to cover.
Walking around D.U. Central at night was different from during the day. The city lights seemed more aggressive, cars whizzed by louder, and people were drunk as off their rockers. I watched another drunk stumble out of a bar to vomit on the city street. Their clothes were a mess; even the screen for their face was slightly cracked. The slit where the vomit came from closed once he was finished. Turning another corner, I see a police cruiser 'hiding' in an alleyway. I see the two girls inside take notice of me only to dismiss me easily. This makes the seventh police cruiser I've seen. Makes me wonder why I have to patrol if Valkyrie has this much of a presence here.
Going down Hash Street, I'm immediately greeted by a massive gathering. Most drunk others are lucid and scamming the poor drunk folk. Walking through the crowd, I spotted the occasional oddball item being passed around, but that's all. Besides that, the crowd mainly seemed harmless, so there was no reason to break it up. The further down the street I went, the more crowded it got. I felt like a sardine when I reached the end of the street. It doesn't help I was fighting the oncoming traffic to leave. Getting free of the massive pack I look where I need to go next
My final bit of the patrol involved me strolling through a nice little residential area. Making it there I noticed houses lined the streets, some two stories, others flats, and the occasional what seemed like three stories. The area screamed everyday suburban area despite being in the center of a city. Turning a corner, I spot a stall with various goods. The person in question seemed to be a corgi with a sixties-ecstatic to their clothes. Getting closer to their stall they waved at me.
"Greetings, my fine gent. Could I happen to interest you in some lovely wares?" Looking toward the countertop, it's mainly nick and knacks you'd buy for your house: some fine china, desk plants, clocks, and pencil holders. I would buy one if I had a home; I know I won't be using Schale's quarters. That room is horrible; anyone willing to sleep in there of their own free will has a screw lose. It doesn't help the bed feels like a rock.
"Maybe another time." He nods his head in understanding as I walk by.
Making further into the quaint area, I spot yet another police cruiser; walking past it, I spare a glance at the driver. The person in question was none other than Kanna herself. We stared at each other until I saw her roll down the window.
"Substitute, might I ask what you're doing out so late?" I walk toward her cruiser.
"I was ordered to patrol D.U. Central. I've begun questioning why due to your school's heavy presence. Seems like you all have it covered." She nods her head.
"Could be the string of robberies that's been happening lately. Although I'm with you in the bizarre state of you assisting. Seems a bit much to involve Schale with petty crime." We both don't say it also makes Valkyiere look somewhat useless.
"Well, I guess the defense chief isn't good at allocating people correctly." I hear Kanna snort.
"Careful, she's not one to take insults lying down." Kanna's tone suggest being on the receiving end of Kaya's wraith. "Well, besides talking about defense chief Kaya. Tell me, have you seen any suspicious individuals."
"Besides the occasional drunks on Hash Street being cheated out of their money, no. Although there was a man selling knicks and knacks." That part about the man seems to get her attention.
"Oh? Could you tell me where you last saw this person?"
"Sure, he was over on Yazu Street. Had a stall sitting in front of two houses can't miss him." I watch her make a note of the location in a journal.
"What did he look like?"
"He wore a newspaper cap, a nice tan overcoat, and a white dress shirt underneath. They were a corgi about four foot two inches. His fur color was midnight black, not regular black, midnight black with red highlights. Eyes were a key-lime." I watched her etch down every word I said.
"Thank you. I think I'll pay them a quick visit." I watch Kanna drive off toward the guy. Well glad someone's night may be exciting. I'm still bored out of my mind.
'Allow me to increase the excitement then.' Oh, and how will you do that? 'I've detected a faint energy source.' Okay, and... 'The energy source is similar to the one that brought us here.'
I stop moving.
Wait, does that mean? 'Yes, this could be our ticket home.' Where! 'The readings are emitting from a forest. Ten kilometers to the south.' That doesn't help Pandora. 'Don't worry, I've restored another function.' A slight pain radiates in my head before a blue line appears on the ground. 'Following the line quickly. Our chance may very well evaporate if we're too slow.'
I forgo the patrol and start sprinting in the direction of the line. Home is the only thing I can think of at this moment. Pandora's also right; it could vanish without me ever seeing it if I'm unlucky. I rocket down streets, alleyways and even plow through a building or two in the direction of the line. I didn't care if I even had to run someone over. The chance to get home was well worth trampling someone. The blue line had me zipping through D.U Central like a madman.
I could only stare in awe at the forest. To say it looked massive would be an understatement. It's like it just cropped up to devour at least five districts in the city. I even sprinted around it, which made me run about fifty kilometers. 'Indeed, it is rather massive. Although the energy reading is coming from the center.'
Breathing deeply, I walk forward only for the text box to appear.
[I wouldn't recommend going in there. It's easy to get lost.]
I look at the box hard before reaching into my coat. I take a bundle of bandages to use as markers. 'Good thinking.'
My first steps into the forest were typical: crickets and the occasional wild animal. Nothing too absurd, but the line Pandora had me following made a bend here and there. I'll chalk that up to the instability of the energy signatures if it is a portal. As I ventured deeper in, I noticed the lack of animals. Makes me wonder if Kivotos has nocturnal creatures. After a while, the insects stopped chittering, causing a serene silence to take center stage. Marking another rock, I noticed that Pandora's line didn't go past the rock; instead, it came to a hard stop.
Hey Pandora, where is the line? 'Pardon, it should still be in front of you.' It's not. 'One moment.' Tapping my foot, I feel a pair of eyes gazing at me. Turning my head, I don't see an animal; I scan the area fast. I even looked up at the treetops and saw nothing. Not a living thing, yet the feeling doesn't subside. 'Something is interfering with my ability to mark the path. However, I can still guide you. I need you to only entrust your vision to me.' What does that entail? 'I'll share your sense of sight.' It doesn't sound so bad; sure, why not? 'Understood; give me a mere moment.' Waiting, the intensity of the gaze bores into me, just not from one direction. 'Done, I'll guide you from here on out.' Alright, back to it.
'Left here.'
Moving west for a while, I noticed something. The trees have begun to block out the night sky, making it difficult to tell the time. Taking my phone to check...it won't cut on. I swear it was at eighty percent battery earlier. I hadn't used it today. I must've left Bluetooth and a soft on. Continuing my walkthrough, I swear I can hear a faint stream.
'Right here.'
This turn had me walk past twin trees that seem like gates. The way they sprouted was too uniform to be natural, and they weren't even different trees. They were the same in height, width, and both seemed to be lined up perfectly. Even a trail was formed in front of it, which looked like it had been walked millions of times. Following the trail along the way, I feel that familiar gaze from earlier only now it's more intense. Pandora, are there any other life signs around us? 'From my scans, you're completely alone.' Double-check for me. 'As you wish, I'll constantly monitor for active life signs.' Thanks, that gives me some nice comfort.
'Left, then after ten paces, make a right.'
Moving deeper, I noticed that trees seemed to change or move when I looked away. I didn't notice right away since the movements were subtle. A tree inched a little to the left here, or another got a little thinner. When I started paying attention, I spotted even rocks moving slightly. The deeper I went, the more everything began to shift. Pandora, are you noticing these slight changes? 'Yes, proceed with caution.'
'Straight ahead for twenty paces than a right.'
In that direction, I eventually reached a rather large clearing. I noticed a small figure tending to some honeydew plants. Approaching cautiously, I took stock of the figure—about four feet eight inches, wearing worn-out robes that had been beaten harshly by the elements. I saw a rather stoic-looking mask hanging on their side. Whatever color it was before has long since changed to a murky brown. They were using a staff to help them stand upright. Overall, they don't look dangerous, though looks can be deceiving. As I approach, I watch two coyote ears prop up.
"A visitor at this hour? Tell me, what brings you here?" I watch the figure turn, only to see a familiar face. Their eyes also light up with recognition upon turning toward me. "Why, if it isn't the hyena again. To think I'd see you oh so soon." The young coyote walked toward me, and when she got closer, she seemed to look around my body. "I see right now you're alone; perfect, our conversation can happen without the dead listening."
"Sorry, I'm in a hurry, so talking is a no-go." Pandora, where to next? Pandora?
"I understand. I can also guide you to what you seek. So humor a lady." Since Pandora didn't respond, I guess I'm somewhat obliged.
"Alright, however, if this a trap, I will kill you." She nodded her head at me.
"I expect no less from one such as you." She gestures to me to follow next to her. Keeping my footfalls with hers, we pass through the honeydew plants, reaching a well-walked trail. "This place once was filled with hundreds, but now it's just me." She lets out a defeated breath. "Answer me honestly, hyena. Who dragged you here?"
"Don't know." She eyes me with those yellow beady eyes.
"I see. I suppose your condition would make it difficult." We reached a sign at a fork in the trail. The letters in the sign were worn out. I trail her as she wordlessly takes the far-left path. "Tell me what do you feel when thinking of Kivotos."
"It's... unique; that's the best way to describe it." She chortles at my answer
"Yes, that answer was quite evident for something bathed in reality. My, what has happened to our home." I look towards her.
"Sorry if I hold Kivotos in a negative light." She shakes her head
"I speak not of Kivotos; I speak of its former name Ελλειψη." I never heard it called that.
"I guess I'm not the only one who doesn't like Kivotos." She nods her head as we continue on our way. This path revealed machines that look far more advanced than anything I've seen in Kivotos. I saw a design that stuck out like a sore thumb: a sphere with at least eight tendrils on its side. She stopped in front of a synthetic-looking human lying next to the sphere. At least, I think it is; the false skin seems to have been peeled away, revealing a metallic skeleton underneath. Only the face and hair remained.
"To see all our attempts end here, we never could catalog this place." She closed the pink eyes of the synth before cutting a bit of the black hair off the head. She takes a small container off her belt and puts the hair inside. "Too late did we realize that only flesh and blood can come this far. A hyena, like yourself, would've been better." I eye her wearily after that comment. She made no further moves to explain, only walking deeper into the forest. Following behind her we enter a glade near a quiet pond with lily pads. Fireflies zip through reeds almost like they're playing tag with each other. "Mystifying, isn't it."
"It's something alright." Looking past the pond, I saw a faint glow in the distance. The light was shimmering. I could feel it calling to me. When I stepped forward, I felt a soft paw touch my arm.
"Be mindful, my friend. Those who break contracts early will be forced to pay reparations." Looking back toward her, I notice she's gone.
'Fool, can you hear me?' Yeah, I hear you Pandora. I shake off the confusion of the women vanishing. 'I could see the trail you walked, yet you ignored me anytime I asked you questions or gave directions.' Sorry, I was focused on the women. 'I see...Regardless, I recommend entering the portal cautiously and drawing a weapon. There could be hostile combatants on the other side.' Understood.
I walk toward the shimmer hazelnut portal. Equipping my armament, I feel my feet get heavier with purpose. This was the way home; putting my weapon arm through the portal, I watched the portal suddenly blink out of existence as pain surged through the exposed wet bone that once was my left arm. Falling to one knee, I feel blood ooze out of the stump, painting the forest floor. The energy of the portal remained in front of me. I watched as it condensed to the limit. 'Move, it's going to erupt!' I hop back, but there isn't enough space. The shockwave sends me off my feet through multiple trees until I feel hard granite catch me.
I feel darkness take my vision.
Shooting up with shakey breaths, I take stock of my surroundings. I wasn't in the forest anymore; I was in the desert. Looking toward my left arm, I noticed a saddening sight: my arm was shredded ribbons of flesh. A jagged bone replaced my elbow; the bleeding stopped a good bit ago. Great, I was down an arm, weapon, and missed my chance to get home. Getting up, I try to get a grip on where I am. Scanning my sandy environment, I don't spot any suitable landmarks, no buildings, a rock formation or two; sadly, that's all. It could be a section I never passed through with Kitty Cat or, worse, a part of Kivotos I've never been to. I doubt Abydos is the only desert around. I better get walking; nighttime won't last forever. Pandora, mind doing something about my arm. 'Once H.B.U. decreases, I can.' Thanks. Looking around, I spot a tower light in the distance, meaning I have my destination.
Huffing through the desert, I spotted something peculiar: two sets of helicopters. I wouldn't have cared if it weren't for their markings.
Kaiser Privaty Military Company.
Now, what are you guys doing out here? Pandora, could it be related to the recordings? 'I highly doubt it. Still, if you're curious...' You bet I am. I quickly change course, following behind both of them, keeping ample distance. I noticed they started to lower; I began verving off myself, managing to climb a rock before I lost sight of them. They landed inside a well-guarded area; the size of a small army was inside the walls. APCS, tanks, assault helicopters, and a lot of mechs. Fighting in my current state would be bad; let's see if this nut can be cracked. Scanning the outside of the base, there are about ten patrols, each seeming to be a five-person squad. Further out, recon vehicles are making rounds. Their security wall is about four meters high, with barbwire and snipers at the top. Scanning the wall's eastern side, I spotted a drain. I'd rather not crawl through excrement; sadly it's looking like the best option. The drain goes out quite a ways from the base most likely a coinflip if someone is guarding it or not. Alright, I have an entrance now. What kind of buildings are inside the compound? Scanning through, I spot what seems to be a barracks, armory, canteen, communications, and two other buildings I can't make heads or tails of; well, there's no point in losing time over it. Waiting for the closest recon vehicle to make a pass, I move.
The shifting sand, occasional gusts of wind, and vehicles passing by keep me on my toes. Going up and down the dunes provides ample cover to hide from the snipers. Passing through two more dunes, I spot the opening for the pipe. Two maintenance workers, along with a guard, are standing near it, all three wearing gas masks. I don't blame them I can smell the putrid liquid from here. Prowling closer, I can hear them talking to each other.
"Dados napi mawinan nglanturang? Nenten ja sakadi wenten buron ring jaba iriki."
"Si fäerten datt d'krankheet an de komplex zréckkënnt."
"Omong kosong, man, lan ragane uning indike punika. Ia tuah dot apang iraga ngae gegaen ane tusing ada gunane sawireh ia tusing demen mayah iraga apang tusing ngae apa-apa."
"Kuckt, dir hutt e problem mat et; froen fir en transfert!"
"Both of you shut up and finish the job. I don't want this scent sticking to me."
I was close enough to see precisely what they were doing; it seemed they were measuring the pipeline's diameter. After a while, they put their instruments away and left. Getting closer the horrid scent pierced my nose; if I were a weak-willed person, I would've vomited. 'You better hope there's a decontamination station; otherwise, the scent will give you away.' If there isn't I'll spin a good lie. Climbing into the sewage pipe, I feel mushy clumps beneath my boots. I'm happy the pipeline is big enough for me to crouch through.
[I don't think you should be doing this alone.]
"Doing something with others last time caused an unneeded battle."
[And the incident in the Subway Station?]
"I did that for my reasons."
Reaching the end point, I noticed a pool of fetid liquid. No wonder the drain wasn't filled; the cylinder it pulled from was relatively low. Clambering into the cylinder, I sink to my waist. Wading through I spot a ladder, climbing on up I'm in a small control room. It's waste disposal no other reason to have these consoles here. Walking toward a door, I put my ear against it, listening for movement or talking. Hearing nothing, I move into the next room, ensuring my footfalls are silent. I take stock of the area lockers, PPE, and tools for cleaning. Let's see if there's a surplus room around here somewhere. Rummaging, I don't find much; ID cards are useless since the clearance level is so low. Still, I guess they're better than nothing and it'll be a good lesson to those that don't put a lock on their storage. Walking toward the eastern side of the building, I find the surplus storage. Only opens for a code or retina scan: I hoped for an ID card insertion slot. I guess lady luck wasn't having it. Breaking the door is a no-go; the alarm would be raised immediately. Pandora, a little help?
'The ID card you've secured, let me see it.' Alright, here it is. 'Feline, meaning the eye will have to be radically changed. Please shut your right eye for a moment.' The moment I do, I feel heat building and liquid pooling down my right cheek. After a moment, it all subsides. 'Reconfiguration complete. You may open your eye now.' Opening my eyes, I feel pain from the lights. The bizarre change in vision also makes my brain buzz. Breathing heavily, I crouch low, positioning my eye on the scanner. The bright red light stays for about ten seconds before I hear a click from the lock. Stepping inside, there are plenty of scrubs for the cleaning crew.
Stripping, I put my clothes deep in the recess of the room. Sadly I have to put the chest and my phone near the hem of my undergarments. I grabbed some scrubs and put them on, or tried; it's a bit of a challenge with one arm. After slipping them on, I walked out of the surplus just as two people walked in.
"Was machst du hier!" I put my hands up. This prompted the PPE covered girl next to the polar bear to put a hand on their shoulder.
"Blijf rustig, ze zijn nieuw." I cock my head to the side at the display. The girl looks towards me, holding a hand to shake.
"M-m-my name's Thomas. It's nice to meet you." The girl smiled at me.
"Leuk je te ontmoeten, Thomas! Ik ben Femke, de grote man is Kyle." She pointed to the massive bear after saying his name.
"I-I couldn't understand you besides the names." Femke looked at Kyle before shaking her head with a sigh.
"Honestly, where is the company getting these new guys?" Kyle snorted at her question.
"Same place they got you. From the trash haha." Femek elbowed him in the gut. Causing the polar bear to keel a little.
"Oh, Kyle, you're such a joker! Last I checked, I'm the reason you kept your job!" Femek's tone was anything but pleasant. She whipped her head towards me. "So, new guy, I notice you smell like shit. Were you out helping Table, Kelton, and Linda?" I shake my head.
"N-no, I was checking the cylinder in the other room."
"The cylinder? Why the hell would someone tell you to do that? I thought those three already checked the cylinder yesterday?"
"I was just told to do it."
Femek looked at Kyle's confused face and then back at me. She looked at my face for a second before speaking.
"Neat eyes you got Thomas! One feline, one human, that's a first." She gets closer to look into my eyes. "I bet it's disorienting as hell."
"Yeah, it is." She seemed pleased that I confirmed her idea. Suddenly, a ping sounds out over the P.A.
"Code thirty-one, all cleaning crew members to the test areas." As the speaker finished, I saw Femek and Kyle look dejected.
"There goes break." Femek nodded at Kyle's words. "Alright, Thomas with us, looks like we gotta clean up what the eggheads messed up again." Following behind the two, I'm greeted by many people moving around outside. Guards are on rotation, scientists are on smoke breaks, and menial laborers are fixing and checking infrastructure. Along with a lot of cleaners going to the same place as us. Sticking close to my group so as not to get separated in the herd, I noticed we passed by every building inside the complex. Reaching a bunker door, a scientist nearby let us all inside. I saw the drastic change in everyone's disposition as if we were marching to a funeral. Scanning the hallways, I watched teams of people split off from us as they entered heavily sealed rooms. Soon, Femek, Kyle, and I reached a massive door that was all by itself. I follow Kyle's lead and put my head gear on.
"Alright, new guy. I hope you're not queasy." Femek spoke while punching in a code to enter. The massive locks clicked on the door, allowing Kyle to heft it open. The room was immense, with a walkway leading to a girl tied up. Red, pinkish strings bound her tightly in place. I could smell iron in the air. "New guy, go grab her; just be ready to finish the job." Looking at her quizzically from her words, I shake them off, walking forward. My footfalls echo through the room; each one feels heavier than the last. Drawing closer to the girl, I can make out her body better. The strings are wrapped tightly around her abdomen, her face toward the sky, blood oozing from her mouth and eyes. Near the top of the bindings, I noticed her chest had ruptured. The poor girl was squeezed like fruit for pulp and juice. I began to undo the bindings, which seemed to cause muscle spasms. Her hair was stone grey, yet the roots were charcoal black. I'm going to guess stress caused the hair to change. Undoing the bindings on her arms and hands, I catch the body before it slams into the ground. Carrying it carefully, bridal style, I begin to return to Femek and Kyle.
Making it halfway through the walk, I feel a hand suddenly grab my collar. Looking at the offender in question, it was the girl. Her halo had reactivated, shattered, and dark in hue. Bloodied eyes showed disdain toward me, and her grip caused my collarbone to creak. Dropping her in an instant, she slammed into the ground; I followed up with a swift stomp to the skull, the wet sound of bone crunching echoing in the room. I watched the distorted halo flick off. I see Femek and Kyle look at me with awe and horror.
"I wondered why you didn't have the standard issue hand cannon, but I see why now. You don't need it." Kyle's words echo around us.
"That's the current situation. While subject twenty-seven did produce the energy you call terror, her body was pushed to the limit. However, despite grievous internal damage, she remained alive. Cleaners Femke, Kyle, and Thomas entered to dispose of her." Scientist Panam put each of their images on the table. "With testimony and video evidence. Thomas managed to finish the subject with one clean blow. Any other attempt would have failed due to the subject's durability despite their injuries."
"Tell me, when did Thomas arrive." Panam flips through papers before handing me one.
"This evening around 2:47 am, a new transfer."
"I see what is his background Panam?"
"I'm sorry, sir, but only the Kaiser PMC President knows. A classified file."
"Does the Kaiser PMC President need to be alerted before the young man does any meetings?"
"No, you're free to meet with him if you're your site director, sir."
"Good, please have him come to my office; the earlier, the better."
"Would you like me to fetch him now? He's cleaning the server room with Femek and Kyle."
"Yes, I'm sure they can handle it without him."
Panam leaves the room, allowing me to study the young man in the picture. He's an outsider himself; his eyes have me curious. One feline, the other is not, more than likely playing havoc with his brain. He lacks a left arm along with a mangled right hand. He's a shrewd survivor; even just looking at his ID, I can tell he would kill me instantly if it meant he lived to see tomorrow. Additionally, the President doesn't want anyone to know his background, which means he must have something unique about himself. I hear the door creak open.
"You wanted to see me, sir?" The young man of the hour has arrived.
"Yes, Thomas, please take a seat. There is no need to call me sir. You may call me Black Suit." I outstretched a hand as he sat.
"Uh, Black Suit sounds kinda childish, wouldn't you say?" He took my hand with a firm grasp. I can feel irregularities despite the rubber glove.
"Yes, it does sound rather childish to an extent, yet people love their nicknames, no?" He shrugs at me.
"I guess, never was one to take stock of nicknames."
"I suppose not everyone will care for nicknames." I spot no discrepancies between the image I received and the young man before me. "Tell me, Thomas, how long have you been in Kivotos?"
"About a week."
"Do you recall how you got here?"
"No." I scan his features for any trace of a lie, yet I can detect none.
"What did you do before working under the Kaiser Corporation?"
"Well, I worked odd jobs and ends for about a couple of days. Eventually, I found out about this job and signed up." Another blunt truth, yet there has to be something he's not telling me.
"Tell me, has anything stuck out as unusual to you since your time in Kivotos?" He raises a brow at me.
"Besides you, no."
"Did you truly not find the residents as unusual?"
"Course I did, yet no one seemed bothered by their forms or appearances. Let's be honest: I don't look so normal either." That is a fair conclusion. The young man doesn't look right, even by Kivoto's standards. He would make us look normal.
"What if I told you there were others like you and me? People from outside Kivotos." He snorts.
"Could they help me get home? Cause I'll be frank, I don't fancy sticking around." Hmm.
"Truly, you have no desire for anything in this city?"
"No, nothing here really matters to me. I'd rather get home, you know, to friends and family." What a simplistic desire. I can't blame him; he's only been here for a week.
"My young friend, there are answers here that justify not immediately returning home." I see his brow raise, yet his eyes hold no curiosity, only emptiness. "Tell me, do you ever wonder if god truly exists? Or mysteries that could just be lurking behind the surface that could shake the very foundation of people's beliefs?"
"No."
"Even if one of those options can send you back home?"
"If there is a god, I doubt they'll care for a single person, and if those so-called mysteries can, it'll probably be as a monkey's paw." Cynical yet realistic.
"I assure you that the group I work with, Gemetrai, can help you find a way home safely. You only need to work with us."
"No offense, but I know a viper's nest when I see one." Cautious, no-filter, and truthful, what a combination.
"Perhaps you just need time to think." I take out a card out and give it to him. "On one of your days off, come see me in my office when you wish to have a light shed on your situation." I watch him leave wordlessly; having someone who doesn't need special equipment to cause fatalities could prove useful. I can't let such an asset slip away.
Man, that meeting was useless. Mysteries, and God. What a bunch of worthless things to prattle about. And here I was, hoping for some good stuff. Instead, I found the cuckoo group of researchers. Honestly, it could've been worse. At least I know no one else is vying for the portals to get home. Who would want to stay here in the slightest? 'I agree something is wrong.' What do you think? 'Perhaps Kivotos bleeds into the mind of those not native to it. Changing them.'
Wouldn't that indicate this is a different world then? Not say like the future as we believe it to be. 'Evidence of your phone working points to it being the same world. Yet, at the same time, where are the other cities? Surely a satellite array would've picked them up'
I can only be silent at Pandora's words. They have a point: If this was the future, where were the other cities? Surely, there's more; the planet is a massive place. Yet, no matter what I looked up in my spare time, I couldn't find anything about other places besides Kivotos.
'My hypothesis is someone or something oversees Kivotos. Anything that doesn't fit in the world is changed.' How do you figure that? 'You saw one with your own eyes. I'd wager that Black Suit was invited here. Perhaps they wanted to leave, only that couldn't be allowed.' What like their forced to play a part? If that's the case, then what about me? 'Maybe you weren't the first choice, maybe you were a mistake. Perhaps someone tampered with the invitation.' But if something wants me to act a certain way. 'Persuasion first, like a text box informing you how to act. And if an escape is attempted.' Make it as difficult as possible. So our only options are to keep attempting escapes when possible or play along. 'Those seem to be the only options. For all we know, maybe Black Suit was changed by some other power. Or maybe if you play along for too long, you change fundamentally. However, as experienced in the forest, escape attempts result in resistance.'
Can't things be simply for a change in this life? I get no response from Pandora. Walking back up to the surface from the bunker. I spot some more cleaners with bodybags, each one labeled with numbers. There are no names, just numbers. That's the only way to see them to avoid damaging their mental state. Some body bags were larger than others; one was about the size of a toddler. It doesn't matter where you go; someone is always trying to find answers, no matter the cost. Some crews were missing a member; I noticed a duo had an additional unmarked bodybag. I guess some subjects had more guts than the one I killed. Near the entrance, I spot Femek and Kyle. I didn't think they would wait for me.
"Well, if it isn't Mister Odd Eyes. After talking with the director, I thought we'd never see you again." Femek trotted up to me.
"Why? It's not like they threatened me." Kyle joined us.
"Simple, everyone that went to meet the director was never seen again." I raise a brow. "I understand your skepticism. Yet what I say is true: people who enter their office often don't return."
"Well, I guess I'm lucky." Femek snickers next to me.
"I doubt it; maybe it's because you're also a freak. I mean, the director isn't human, animal, or robotic. Some kind of eldritch being, I bet." Kyle slaps her over the head.
"Femek, keep your voice down. If someone overhears that, it may be you disappearing next." She rubs the back of her head, mumbling the whole time. "Besides, if the director were an eldritch abomination, we'd lose our minds looking at them."
"I don't look like a freak." Kyle and Femek look at each other before giving me a once-over.
"No left arm, two different types of eyes, and some fur near the neck." I can only stare at Kyle blankly. Fur on the sides of my neck? Femek came over, grabbing my hand before putting pressure on the interossei. I watch talons jut out of the rubber glove I'm wearing. "And talons, really damn long sharp talons." Femek gingerly runs her rubbered fingers across the talons. The sensation of her fingers sends electricity through my arm. Flexing the same muscle, I feel them retract. It's an odd sensation, like a tooth being filled.
"Yup, you're a freak of nature. Especially given your strength." Femek begins to walk toward the exit. Kyle and I follow closely behind her. "So, since that's all squared away, how about we go on break? I'll even buy something since we all got out scott-free."
We followed her through a high-trafficked area of the grounds. People seemed to push and shove near the canteen for a specific item. Kyle and me decided not to fight to the front, but Femek dove straight in. We watched her wrestle for three small cans. She got the advantage over two other workers nabbing theirs. Dashing back towards us, she hopped behind both of us. Those who chased her decided they didn't want to fight Kyle and me to get to her.
Once she saw the coast was clear, she led us to a table in the corner of the room. Taking a seat, she passed a can toward me. The name read Wreckers Sweetened Condensed Milk, a long name. The lid doesn't have anywhere to open it. Looking toward my hand, I jut out a talon and make a small hole. Before I can put it away, I see two more cans enter my vision.
Looking up I see two gazes, shaking my head. I quickly make spots to drink from on both. Kyle took his before I could pass it. I had to slide Femeks can back to her. I watch her remove the protective head covering so she could drink, revealing clementine-colored hair with pink eyes and dark skin. I finally noticed her halo, which was a basic black halo with cracks all over it. She caught me staring at her; a smirk graced her lips.
"I know I'm attractive, Thomas, but it's rude to stare." She brushes her hair slightly back.
"No, that's not it, it's just I've never seen someone ugl-" Before I could finish, she pulled a handcannon on me. "Someone with such pristine beauty." She put hand cannon down
"Why, thank you. I do try." Moving past that, I took a sip of the milk. I expected a thick liquid; instead, it was incredibly smooth. It was a calming sensation as it went down my throat. I could feel my worries slipping away bit by bit.
"Now then on to brass tacks. Thomas, since you just got here, you probably haven't been assigned to a team, right." I nod my head at Kyle. "Well, as luck would have it, we need someone since it's just us two. What do you say?" He holds out a hand for me to shake.
"Why not? I don't got much to lose." We grasp each other's hands firmly.
"Glad to hear it; we'll have to register you for the team, but that'll have to wait. We're going to sight Two Five-Five soon. So we'll do it there." That site sounds interesting.
"When do we leave like tomorrow?" He shakes his head
"Nope, in ten minutes." I guess getting back to Schale will have to wait. Sorry, Rin. Bear with my foolishness a bit longer.