On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Five Hundred And Sixteen

After pressing the screen a few times, Christina accessed further files on the staff of Project Star Mirror. Bringing up Maryam’s details, Christina’s expression froze for a moment.

Maryam Samuelian. Codename: Scryer. Project Star Mirror Asset. Vermillion-Class.

Known abilities: Enhanced perception of the unseen. Not easy to understand or imagine uses for, but it certainly has a number of applications in asset management. Codename: Eyes Of Wise Water.

Ability to heal physical traumas and wounds, repairing damaged organs and regrowing minor missing extremities. Surely possible to expand strength of this ability applying logic, as regenerating deep wounds is still tissue replacement, and at greater volumes than can be healed externally. Codename: Water Healing.

Neither of the above abilities fall within proscribed categories marked as Knowledge Heretical and Antithetical. Action therefore not required.

Loyalty not in question. Scryer is a second-generation immigrant, and despite showing respect to her Armenian heritage, has adapted well to American life, and exhibits normal interests and no subversive political ideologies. Family has been profiled, and again, have blended in well with American society, and have no dangerous affiliations.

Multiple uses. Healing of injured operatives, as well as soldiers and culturally significant assets. Ability to detect cats who have slipped though the surveillance network and identify foreign agents. Espionage and knowledge gathering, with Eyes Of Wise Water, has numerous advantages in scouting and unearthing information on foreign cats and organisations.

On reading the file on Maryam, Christina’s expression had cramped up, but she muttered that there was an addendum to the final paragraph. Clicking on it, the following text was displayed.

Suggest professional espionage/spy/military training to maximise her potential. Consider recruitment into inner circle of Project Star Mirror, NSA Paranormal Branch Liaison role.

“That’s…” Christina pouted, surprised. “That’s… very unfair in comparison! Why am I of questionable loyalty and only worthwhile as a bribe or offering, but you’re in Adam’s good graces, Scryer?”

Maryam and I exchanged glances, before she shook her head, leaving me to answer. “Perhaps it’s because you are here with stolen data from the Director of your whole organisation, giving it to a foreign cat?” The term was insulting, and irritated me, though since I already had a low opinion of Adam it didn’t change anything. “You also exposed Maryam here? I mean… I’m grateful, of course, but…”

“I only did that because I like you!” She insisted. “And because I know I can persuade you to be helpful to Adam and the USA. I’m… confident…” She grinned, pushing her chest together with her arms, trying to look alluring. “…I am, don’t laugh, Scryer!”

“Look, stop that.” I said seriously. “Christina. I’ve made it clear how I feel, but you’re right. We like who we like…” I wasn’t going to say love, as she clearly didn’t understand such feelings. She was simply awoken to her female lust, and because she had no understanding of ordinary human engagement and socialising, she had taken it to an off-putting extreme. It’s not exactly fair for me to blame her for that, really. That doesn’t mean I have to like it, though. And for now… “And don’t who we don’t. But for now… this is your time to shine. You’re a scientist, aren’t you? A seeker of knowledge and truth? So act like one. After all, didn’t you want to show me your strengths, impress me?” I can steer her in a better direction, hopefully. I’m hardly smooth, but I’ve a lot more experience with women that I ever expected I’d have…

Christina paused, thinking for a moment, then nodded, and the slack, almost lascivious expression on her face when she looked at me faded, replaced by a cold, detached smile. “Sorry, you’re quite right, Akio. I got… carried away by these new, unexpected and rather thrilling feelings.”

“Just like always…” Maryam sighed, ordering more coffee from the waitress.

“I’m passionate… about what I choose to explore. But you’re right, Akio.” She affirmed again. “Now’s the time for work, not for pleasure. And…” Her smile was now sly and teasing. “…there’s nobody out there quite like little miss Christina. When I’m on fire, I’m the best in the world!” Her pride shone through, and that was a little bit attractive, unlike her horrendous, perverted attempts at flirting. Still doesn’t make me forget what she’s like on the inside though.

“In that case… look, I know it hurts your feelings a bit… which hopefully should make you understand the hurt you cause to others…” I began, and Christina nodded.

“Maryam, a question, woman to woman?”

“Oh God, I fear what is to come. Ask away.” Maryam sighed, resigned.

“So, I… uh… made a rather tactless claim, and seem to have upset one of Akio’s close acquaintances. Maybe even a girlfriend?”

“She’s not.” I shook my head. “But she’s definitely a dear friend of mine, and honestly, I’m holding a grudge over it. She had a horrible experience, it in fact killed her, and you trivialised it…”

“Horrible experience? You mean…” Maryam looked aghast, and I nodded.

“Yeah, the one you are thinking. The one women fear.”

“Angraget! You may be a genius, Christina, but it is only matched by your utter stupidity in other matters. She will not forgive you, not easily, perhaps not at all. Being struck, bruised and battered hurts and is fearful, but being… assaulted… also scars the heart, the soul. I shall ignore the fact you said it killed her, for I have seen much since Anahit’s messenger came to me. Christina, you should apologise, but be prepared for her not to accept it. Only actions and genuine contrition might make her forgive you in time. And if you are doing it merely to please Akio…”

“Of course I am!” Christina said, almost proudly, and Maryam and I exchanged another glance of confusion. Seeing that, Christina giggled. “You don’t understand? Look, imagine If I had a device that could flawlessly replicate a painting, down to every detail, each atom perfectly the same, even the effects of time and hard use perfectly recreated. Wouldn’t it be the painting? Could you say it has less artistic merit? It’s exactly the same, and if they were swapped over in a dark room who would ever know? Would the joy of looking at the painting be any less? So yes, I want to make amends so you’ll forgive me. But I’ll still be apologising, and meaning it, so… how can you complain, or not accept it?”

For a moment I was silent, mulling it over, before letting out a bitter sigh. “I hate that the logic on that is irrefutable.” I sighed. “If you perfectly mimic something, it effectively is that thing. And doing a good deed for a bad reason is still praiseworthy. Just… try your best?” I gave up. She does need to repent for her treatment of Haru. Even if she still doesn’t get why, so long as Haru feels better, it’s a win. “Back on topic…”

“Yes, I shouldn’t dwell on Adam’s disdain. After all, being a honey trap isn’t that dishonourable.” Christina, as always, was quick to rationalise. “I expect you have your fair share of those. Weren’t some of your fiancées offered in that manner? And you like them, don’t you?”

I nodded. “Yeah, I’m constantly being offered women for marriage. It’s a bit burdensome, but… some of them are good girls, sure. And I promised to consider everyone on their own merits.” Christina smiled at that, perhaps imagining the pile of merits she thought she had.

“Well, that aside… you are interested in this, no?” She pressed the screen, and the file came up, but it was again password locked.

“Huh, Adam’s a little more tech savvy than I thought. I can crack anything given a few hours, but… twelve characters, huh? And if his main password is only letters, I expect this will be similar. Hmm…” Christina brought out her phone, searched a few terms, and smiled. “Too easy, Adam. Maybe you secretly wanted someone to crack it. It’s surely… EXTERMINATUS. There we go. Predictable as ever.”

The screen displayed a list of abilities that Adam considered too dangerous to allow to exist, and looking at them, I grimaced. Yeah, we’re replete with such.

Mind control and hypnotism, charming and illusions, perception manipulation, dream control, cloning, shapeshifting, poison and hormonal secretion, matter transformation. Huh, the last one? “Why matter transformation? The others I get, seems he’s concerned about free will, largely. But that last one doesn’t fit…”

“I see. Yes, Adam’s very impassioned about one’s actions being their own. You might even say he’s fearful of losing control of situations. So…” Christina brought up the detailed notes, and as I read it, it made sense, though not for the reasons I was thinking.

Matter transformation has the possibility of causing worldwide destruction on an unprecedented scale. Even fantastical abilities such as calling fire from the sky or summoning poisonous gases are localised and can be managed. See Midas for an example. Originally, the ability to turn matter into gold was concerning on an economic level, potentially enough to cause worldwide market shocks and an economic recession if confidence in the value of ours and others’ strategic reserves were compromised. However, reports from our agents who survived suggest that Midas can also create other metals such as silver. If so… radioactive metals such as uranium-235 and plutonium could be created in significant quantities, giving him the power to make huge swathes of the world uninhabitable, or provide the key components for nuclear weapons to terrorists and corrupt regimes. Nobody should have such power.

“That… makes sense.” I agreed slowly, and Christina nodded.

“Of course. Adam, love him or hate him, actually puts thought into his decisions. Although… I don’t believe it’s the power that needs to be disposed of, just… faulty users.” Christina’s flirty, annoying mannerisms vanished completely, as she pondered the problem. “Even looking at earlier, I can see useful ways to utilise mind control and hypnotism, for example. That ghost girl, just make her forget all the bad stuff.”

I winced, and so did Maryam. “I know you mean well, but that’s a bad example.” I pointed out. “Sadly, the bad things that happen are just as much a part of us as the good things. If they were removed, it’d change our personalities. We wouldn’t be ourselves. However, using them in ways to mitigate, to cope…” That’s what Haru can do with her Light Of Muted Emotions. “…so you’re not wrong, just… it’s an area that requites tact. Which is not your strong suit!”

“Guilty as charged.” Christina admitted. “I’ll make a note of it. But you agree, then? Being able to change one metal into another, in addition to allowing us test the limits of physics and chemistry, making new breakthroughs, there are a number of exotic metals that might have fascinating applications. We just don’t know as they are too rare to test.”

“Indeed, there’s also Astral materials too.” I agreed, warming to the idea. “Even with all our mines, we still have a shortage, and there are probably rare metals out there too. Adamantine, Orichalcum, Hihi’irokane… if those could be created from common iron…”

“Fascinating. Our research on items found in this Boundary is in the early stages. Some persist in both worlds. It makes me ever-more eager to see your magitech facilities. I would love a tour…” Christina rubbed her hands together eagerly.

“You know, you both seem oddly… compatible, at this moment.” Maryam muttered, and Christina and I both spoke at the same time, though saying the opposite.

“No way, it’s just an area of interest!” I cried, while Christina agreed.

“Yes, Scryer! Your keen eyes don’t lie. We’ve so much in common!”

“God, what reactions. No…” She sipped on her coffee, looking up at the sky. “It hardly matters. Your point is, that the ability is not what matters, it is the user.”

I nodded. “Yeah. You’ve got healing abilities, don’t you? So do I. I haven’t ever used them this way, I have other, easier to use attacks, but I suspect that I could channel Ether Healing to wildly disrupt the workings of someone’s subtle bodies. Just as too much medicine is poison…”

Maryam nodded. “I had considered that. For… self-defence, if nothing else. I am not a fighter, but… if I were to be taken like the poor unfortunates I healed…” Christina looked away, whistling innocently. “…I would certainly fight to the death. Perhaps even use my powers on myself and have a mercifully quick end.”

“Don’t say that. I’m trying to gloss over it.” Christina sighed. “Anyway… Midas again, huh? Let’s see.”

She opened up his file, and there was a blurry photo of a dark-skinned man, tall and with long hair, though the colour was odd, reminding me a little of Shiro’s. That’s a bit of a giveaway, although… it could be dyed, I imagine, though I remember Shiro lamenting how her hair refused to take any colour, even black, back when she wanted to try to stand out less. There were several other shots, but each of them was a little vague, making it impossible to identify the man in question.

??? Codename Midas.

Priority Rank:  Darker Vermillion. Threat Rank: Darker Vermillion.

Projected Status: To be terminated. Heretical and Antithetical.

Chance Of Recruitment: To be terminated. Too dangerous to capture, his powers make containment infeasible, and the potential risk is too great, as detailed.

Known areas of influence. Sighted in South Africa primarily, but also Botswana and Namibia. No sightings in Zimbabwe, but golden artefacts recovered which indicate either trafficking of such goods, or his presence.

Known Abilities: Material to Gold. While not entirely confirmed, tests on items retrieved from the African continent indicate with near certainly that they were not originally gold. Unless it is a hoax of multi-million dollar proportions, with little prospect of any gain, we can safely assume this to be proven.

Material to other metals. Not proven, yet now silver and copper objects have been collected that fit the profile. Goal is to see if it is limited to so-called ‘precious’ metals, (Copper, Silver, Gold, Platinum) or has other metallic effects.

Deadly metal dust. While our fallen agents sent to deal with Midas have been recovered, the cause of death is… not entirely explained. Though their lungs were heavy with golden dust, which seems to have caused haemorrhaging and pulmonary failure. Further autopsies will hopefully reveal further details.

Addendum: If Midas is indeed able to change materials to metals, any restraints touching him could be turned to weaker, fragile materials, and worse, changing materials to explosive, radioactive or toxic metals could put any facility at risk. Therefore, as per my authority, signed off by the relevant parties from the NSA, CIA and Congress, Midas is to be treated as a terrorist and subject to prima facie justice.

“That’s… heavy reading. And honestly, I can see why Adam would want to get rid of you now, Christina.” I let out a long sigh, troubled. “It’s not the data, though this is way ahead of anything that the Japanese government has, but… you’ve got proof that the American political machinery, going all the way to the top, is sanctioning foreign citizens, holders of Divine Favours. That’s… honestly as bad as what we already hold on you, with the released captives.”

“I thought… you’d want to know about other Chosen, and what Adam has on you.” she conceded after a moment of silence. “I didn’t think this through. An oversight. It was also my insurance, but…”

“You always think in ones and zeroes.” Maryam tutted, though she looked both terribly nervous and also slightly sympathetic. “Of course you did not realise. As for me now… I know far too much. This has not been a wonderful day.”

“Nobody but us knows you were even here.” I consoled her, and Maryam shrugged.

“You think so. But I can hardly be the only agent snooping around. The Director does wish to recruit you, or at best keep you friendly to his interests, but he also… well, you read it.”

I nodded, taking a sip of my now-cold coffee, frowning. “Yeah, he’s meticulous. And no offense, Christina, but… if you know about Maryam, then there has to be others you don’t, like the one leaking from my training school.” Shaeula’s abilities can hopefully root them out, but if not… “He doesn’t fully trust you, and with good reason.”

“Again, I was acting in his best interests. Even Maryam agrees, you’re worth any price to secure.” Christina insisted, and it seemed she was setting aside her lust, thinking rationally. “Be honest, Akio. You believe you’re the best asset out there.” She brought up my file again, and listed off the abilities that the Americans could confirm I had. “Healing, light control, fire control, exceptional strength, exceptional speed, regeneration, enhanced sensory perception, probability manipulation…”

I raised my eyebrow at that one, and she shrugged. “We went over your visit to America in exacting detail. Not that it was hard to find Shaeula winning a Vegas jackpot. But you won big every time you played as well. There’s more, but you get the point. And it’s not just the sheer variety. Many of your abilities match or exceed those of ours who have focus in a single corresponding ability. Not all, of course, Adam has a few truly special assets in hand, but… it’s like Titan says, he wouldn’t want to fight you in a contest of strength.”

“Well, I do certainly see myself as the face of Japan, now.” I conceded. “And I’ve fought more Chosen than most and come out on top, so… that’s fair.” Sure, there may be those out there who’re stronger than me, either by having a genius level of understanding with a potent Favour like Arisu-san, or though some incredibly lucky opportunities or incredible hard work, but… it’s a handful at best. No, now I’m mostly facing off against non-human threats in terms of danger, such as the golden-eyed devourer, or high level Yōkai…

“So, taking a few risks to bring you onside is being patriotic.” Christina insisted. “Though I admit I never considered the political issues, only the knowledge leaks, which… I certainly hope to more than outweigh during my time here!”

I shook my head. She was rather naïve about some matters. I doubt very much Adam White will see it her way. Still, girlfriend or not, no, definitely not, she’s acted in good, if woefully annoying faith. That doesn’t make up for her crimes, not by a long shot, but… it definitely means I’d feel guilty if I let her die or get imprisoned for this… Changing the subject, I pointed to my file. “Can I have a look at Shaeula’s, and whoever else you have data on?”

Christina smiled, her expression rather slack and lewd, but seeing Maryam signalling her with her eyes, she quickly wiped her drool and nodded, changing to a more… relaxed… smile. “Sure, I can do that…” With a few taps on the screen, Shaeula was displayed, along with profiles for Motoko, Natsumi, Hinata, Hyacinth and Shiro… Looks like those who were shown during the two events in London. Hmm, they don’t have much on anyone but Shaeula, really…

 

***

“This is… nice.” Eleanor said, goblet held between her palms, as she sat next to me, watching Aditi running through her paces, thoroughly testing her new ability, and the restored Status the Favour gave her. Shiro was with them too, offering cheerful suggestions, so it was Asha sitting on my other side, listening politely, allowing Eleanor to feel at ease. “Everything is always so… active, so… cheerful here. I’m jealous, if I’m being honest.”

I remained silent, allowing Eleanor to unburden herself, but Asha spoke up. “Of course it is. For we are centred around Akio, and he saves us from our sorrows, our sufferings, and offers us hope. His compassion warms us, like the sun on a leafy canopy, and his love is as the moon, lighting the darkness.”

“Is that it?” Eleanor snorted, before realising that was rather undignified, and her cheeks turned pink. “No, I suppose it must be. Yes…” She glanced at Shiro, who was teasing Miss Callie playfully, as she was one of these who had accompanied me to save Eleanor and Britain, and so Miss Callie idolised her. “…there’s laughter here, and a genuine hope for the future. If anything proved I was too judgemental, it is this. Every time I visit, everyone is facing the future expecting it to be a good one. I envy that.”

“It will be good.” I insisted. “Even though troubles we can’t imagine are ahead of us, we’re preparing as best we can. You know the plan, right?”

Eleanor nodded. “Of course. Just as agreed. This time, Britain will not be found wanting. I am endlessly grateful. Not just for saving Henry, and me, and probably Britain itself. With your ether, we have made whole the vacuum the lost Territories of London caused, and even your manpower helps us.”

Manpower? Seeing I was confused, Asha explained.

“Since the seemingly endless tide of enemies from the coast has diminished, Ulfuric and our other captains often lead troops through the Ring Gate, to subjugate enemies in London. It is good training, so he says.”

“Yes.” Eleanor agreed. “And we are very grateful. Grandmother and the Prime Minister both say having you as an ally is our greatest fortune. Grandmother even…” Eleanor shut her mouth, shaking her head. “Never mind that. I personally appreciate it. I do… regret… my attitude on our first meetings. Perhaps I’m too old-fashioned. Henry teases me about that all the time.”

“Don’t worry. The girls have accepted your apology, and for the help… well, it sounds like a win-win. I trust Ulfuric, and we do need sources of experience.” I waved off her thanks, and Eleanor sighed.

“The situation in Britan… it’s rather worse than we feared, and that anyone knows.” At her words, I asked if she should be sharing such with me, and she shook her head dismissively. “We’re allies, we stand or fall together. And as I said earlier… I trust you. Perhaps I wouldn’t with a sister, if I had one…”

I smiled wryly at that, as she continued. “…but with my life, or with my duty, definitely. The rot goes deeper than we ever expected. I envy you, Japan has such a united core. We… well, it seems that even among those who did not actively rebel were a number of sympathisers to Mary Stuart’s aims. We simply can’t trust them at this point, and have relieved them of their duties, and have them under watch. They committed no crimes, but… when trust is so fragile, better to be shorthanded than constantly wary of betrayal. We… are struggling.” she admitted finally.

“Yeah, I can imagine.” I comforted her. “Don’t worry though. If you can push through for a few more months the situation will improve. Firstly when my Territory reaches Rank four, I’ll be able to scale up operations. Kyoto will be next, but once that’s done, we’ll focus on pouring ether into London. Then when that’s under a powerful Territory, you can focus your scarce manpower elsewhere.” It’s a lot of ether, sure, but at the rate we are accumulating it, thanks to Eleanor allowing us the adherence from the Tower, I’d feel churlish not helping her out. Sure, my needs come first, but then we can focus our own efforts on other needy areas of Japan while London is strengthened…

“That would be a relief.” Eleanor conceded, sipping at her liquor. “Honestly, I am not cut out for this. I do my best, but… do you ever think that way?” she asked me, as perhaps one of the few who could understand her.

“Oh yes, although not so much nowadays.” I admitted. “But even though I feel I’ve definitely grown, there’s still some issues that vex me. Like women.” I snorted. “The annoying thing is, when Christina’s not being weird, and I don’t think about her casual disregard for morality, safety and wellbeing, including her own, she’s actually very competent and useful. Don’t get me wrong, she’s not my type though!” I hastened to add, and Eleanor rolled her eyes.

“The gentleman doth protest too much, methinks.” Eleanor misquoted Shakespeare. “However do you put up with him?” she joked with Asha, who merely smiled warmly, and placed her hand on mine.

“The good far outweighs the bad.” Asha said solemnly. “And accepting him means accepting all of him. I have no regrets.”

“Lucky.” Eleanor muttered again, and I got back on topic.

“As for my worries, sure. Danger is coming, and I can’t help but stress over it. After all, in the past, we’ve prepared inadequately, which is on me. This time…”

“All that can be done has been done.” Asha comforted me. “We are not Gods, only those who strive to protect ourselves and what we hold dear.”

“Yeah. It’s… a heavy responsibility. But… if not me, then who?” Tan, of course. But… that’ll put too much weight on Shiro, at least over the near future. I wanted to heal Shiro, sure, but more than that, I wanted to give her a happy life, the world kind to her she wanted. She has that now. Looking at Shiro laughing and joking with the British team, I once more affirmed it would be me, not Tan, who won our wager. Despite what that means. I’ll own it.

“If not you, then who?” Eleanor echoed, melancholic, before she nodded, her blue eyes regaining their light. “Wise words. Likewise, if not me, then who? I hope we can continue these days of relative peace, but I know that is a foolish hope. So instead… we should never let our alliance break. Together, we can achieve more than we can apart. Grandmother is especially keen on our alliance. So is Henry, and he’s persuaded mother, father and Richard too.”

Asha nodded slowly, her yellow-gold eyes looking at Eleanor until she flushed and looked down at her goblet, she took a swig to cover herself, before explaining further. “Politically, the Prime Minister is ebullient, having secured a trade deal with Japan in record time. Public opinion is… well, sadly split, the rot of Mary Stuart and Max Power’s… no, whatever was Max Power’s machinations run deep. They had been doing a lot of work behind the scenes. But those who favour us strongly wish for us to continue working together. Your popularity is as high as mine.” She smiled wearily. “Besides…” She looked at Aditi, and her eyes glimmered with unshed tears like sapphires. “Actions, I’ll take those over words any day. Grandmother always said judge by deeds, not fair words. And while I worry for Aditi, now she will once again be on the front lines… I’m also overjoyed she can let go of most of her regrets. And…” Her voice dropped to a barest whisper, but I could still hear her. “…it makes Sarah’s sins a little lighter.”

“To our continued partnership then.” I said cheerfully, trying to lift the suddenly sombre mood. Holding up my goblet, Eleanor did likewise, and Asha joined in too. We clinked our glasses together, and after the toast, the conversation turned rather more mundane…

***

“This is a treasure trove.” I said, scanning through the Vermillion List incredulously. Seeing information on Chosen worldwide the Americans had gathered was both useful as a comparison, and also as a resource. It reminds me there are still a few powerhouses out there, I can’t grow complacent.

“The King of the Favelas, Son of the Sun, Huītzilōpōchtli. Daughter of the Moon, Mētztli. Midas. Arjuna…” That codename made me smile sadly, as apparently that was the initial Favour Aditi had possessed. “Saraswati…” This one had a picture of a rather elegant Indian woman, Amrita Goswami, supposedly one of the few female members of the Rajya Sabha, the Indian Council of States. According to the file she was keeping her powers a secret yet building a clandestine coalition of powerful men and women, perhaps to secure her own position, or maybe even seize power. Her abilities were largely unknown but expected to be along the lines of similar to Yasaka-san’s. “…then there’s codename Kraken. He’s someone I need to meet.” The Americans had likewise identified one of the others who possessed the Seeds of the Fruit of the World Tree, and while they didn’t have those facts, they knew he had powerful water-controlling abilities.

“And worse…” I continued, lowering my voice. We were speaking in English, of course, and the few others around us were mostly Japanese students, but even so, I was leaking a trickle of invisible wind energy around us to mask the sound. “…there’s the ones the American’s have abducted that weren’t British or Japanese. Like that Australian guy. Stupid idiot. Though I’m not one to talk.” I laughed self-deprecatingly. While he had the bright idea of using YouTube to make money, I had been similarly reckless with my forays in Las Vegas. Luckily, I had the good fortune to remain undetected until I had the strength to protect myself, but this guy found out the hard way what drawing attention could cause.

“This puts me in a bind…” Christina was sweating now. As Maryam had criticised her, Christina never thought things through when it came to doing what she wanted, achieving her goals, merely deciding she needed to do it, then acting. And just like that, we have enough information on American crimes to start a damn war…

“It is a mess of your own making.” Maryam said without much sympathy, though her hands were shaking on her near-empty mug, as she realised she was implicated too.

“I know. So help me get out of it, Akio, Scryer! I’m too young, beautiful and intelligent to die! I don’t want to die a virgin either!” She couldn’t help but crack a bitter joke, despite being pale as a ghost.

“There’s no way I can pretend I haven’t seen this stuff. It’s too vital to my interests.” I was firm on that. “Besides, my memory is near-photographic nowadays, so it’s already all stored in my head. In any case, my trip to America has to go ahead. It’s my duty to repatriate Egil Andersen’s corpse.”

“It’s not just that. There’s something more to it.” Christina opined, and at my look, she shrugged. “Look, I get you… don’t think as highly of me as I’d like you to… fun though that sometimes is. But I won’t have you underestimate my scientific acumen! You don’t seem particularly interested in the supposed Norse nature of your abilities, and hardly mention anything about it. And your initiative goes way beyond what I’d expect. No, there’s something else at play. Don’t worry, Adam won’t screw you on this, although… I worry he might try and get some favours out of you.”

“Curiosity killed the cat…” I warned, but Christina only gave me a scornful look.

“I’m not stupid. You won’t kill me. I may struggle to understand people, but you, you’re endearingly predictable, at least in that regard.”

“She’s right.” Maryam nodded. “I have only known you a few hours and from rumours, and despite your understandable distaste, you are oddly kind to Christina here.”

“It’s because he likes me, I’ve been right all along!” she crowed, and Maryam sighed.

“Again, do not ruin a good moment.” She set down her mug shakily, and looked at us, deadly serious. “So, how do we get out of this mess? I for one, have no intention of being silenced when I have done nothing to warrant it other than be dragged down by this madwoman.”

“I… well, any ideas?” Christina threw it to me, and I sighed.

“Certainly not your plan about being my girlfriend. No… hmm. Christina…” I made up my mind.

“Yes?” she said nervously, starting to breathe faster, so intense was my gaze.

“As far as I can see, there are two paths before you. One, you go back to the USA and throw yourself into your work, making yourself indispensable to Adam. That might succeed, but then, after this mess, he might just decide you’re far too much of a loose cannon, a liability, to risk keeping around. Your only hope is he hasn’t noticed you’ve copied his data. I’m still impressed at how you did it…”

“It was simple really. The biometrics I bypassed by some clever solutions, such as lifting his fingerprints and making a mould, and with my skills, I can copy data even without unlocking it, by using electric pulses to change the system clock and BIOS, forcing it into a special administrative safe mode… oh, yes, not the time for this, is it?” She flushed, falling silent, and I took over.

“…so if he doesn’t know you might get away with it, but he’s a paranoid individual, I imagine, so you can’t hope for that blindly. That path is fraught with risk. The other path… is you claim asylum. And work for me.”

She paused. “But… is this some way to secretly make me yours, no… no time for such amusing dreams… are you serious? I’ve told you, I’m actually a patriot. Besides, if I do defect, then Adam will send someone after me for sure. Maybe he’ll take a leaf out of the Russian’s book, and go for the polonium umbrella, or a little Novichok laced around the place. You may be powerful, but… I still believe in technology! If Adam seriously pulled out the stops he could kill you. He could certainly dispose of me!”

“Actually, I’m certain that Novichok wouldn’t kill me.” I sneered. “Though if I find out he’s trying, then I’ll be sure to return the favour. As for you… all we need to do is give him enough incentive. But that’s costly. So in exchange you need to pay up… and before you say anything, no, not with your body.”

She shut her mouth, swallowing what she had been about to say. “So, with my research? But you don’t exactly approve of my methods…”

“No, but…” I loaded up her data she had provided from her other flash drive. “…honestly, considering your limitations, you’ve inferred a lot, and there are even a few points I’d like to take note of. As for… the unethical stuff… you got one thing right. Experimenting on ourselves is possibly stupid, but fine. I mean, you should see how I teach Ether Healing now. It’d get me thrown in prison for cruel and unusual punishments.”

That seemed to interest her. “You mentioned experimenting on eye transplants too…”

“Yeah. Just like you thought, it’s only logical. While determining where something intangible like strength or speed resides, vision is obviously in the eye.”

“Or perhaps the brain.” Christina mused, and I nodded.

“Yes, or there. But even I don’t have the courage to start carving out pieces of that. Though I’d survive it.” Probably intact. It’s the Wolverine problem, when he regenerates his brain, why do memories come back? But I have two functioning minds, both the same yet separate at the same time, sort of like a pair of mirrored memory solutions in a computer, a RAID system. The Shapercrafting of Mae had certainly pushed such boundaries, and the more I thought about it, the more it seemed feasible. No, not right now.

“So, I see. You’re more understanding than I thought. But…” Christina began. “I hate to admit it, but… you don’t trust me at all, do you? I see why, in hindsight. I mean, even now I’ve screwed up and gone farther than I imagined here. It’s not like you think me liking you makes me trustworthy, and… from an outside perspective, I probably would trust me either.”

“Some self-awareness at last. This is a day for miracles.” Maryam muttered, but we both ignored her.

“Yeah, your feelings… look, I’m flattered you like me. I don’t know why… no, that’s false modesty. Unfortunately I am starting to realise why. But… you’re very new to such emotions, and you could quite easily stop feeling that way, or find someone else more interesting, to your taste…” Christina tilted her head, listening intently, as I explained seriously. “Maybe that’d be for the best, all things considered. But… whether you do or not, you’re too reckless, and so I’d need some assurance. The question is…” I gazed into her eyes, and she took her glasses off, staring back boldly. “…are you prepared to accept being bound to not betray me? I won’t restrict you much, and if you want to leave in the future you can… but you’ll be restricted heavily. Honestly, it’s not a decision I can make alone, I’ll need to consult a lot of people, as well as the Ministry… but that’s all predicated on you accepting.”

“Being bound, huh?” Christina mused. “The sort of thing Adam fears the most. If you have that level of power, you could bend the world to your will. Do anything, have anyone.”

“It’s not my power.” I corrected. “And there are always limits. But if you accept willingly, from experience you’ll abide by it, and suffer little to no side-effects.”

“I see. and other than safety and security, what’s in it for me?” she asked, and I shrugged.

“I have Mortal Engineers and crafters who have talents beyond your own research. Like our magitech, as you put it. You’ll never be bored, and always able to find something new to explore. You can even help me in my less ethical experiments, though usually I’ll be the lab rat for that one. It’ll also enable you to make amends for your cruel treatment of the kidnapped citizens. You might have to accept their scorn and hatred, but… that’s a small price to pay for redemption. I’ll even come up with some sort of win-win deal that satisfies Adam White and America as a whole. Though I’ll win more.” I declared. It would be so easy to say that she would get to spend time with me, but… even though I hate that she’s into me, it’s still flattering, in an odd way, and… I don’t want to trample on her so callously. Of course, there’s no way she’s my type, I’m just… sympathetic, ever so slightly.

“That’s… tempting.” Christina admitted, licking her lips, a touch nervously, I felt. “Scryer… what do you think?”

“I would say follow your heart, but… surely that would lead you into more trouble.” She swallowed. “What about me? I know too much. I was prepared to be exposed, for I have hardly done much to warrant you detaining me. I have only visited public spaces and investigated in that manner. But then… this fool, she…” She gestured to the laptop, before putting her head in her hands.

“That’s easy. For now, you were never here.” I smirked. “Although you’ll owe me a favour too. But unless you think you’re constantly under surveillance… as long as we never mention this except in the Boundary in private, you’re safe.”

“No, I made sure to use a phone I bought locally to liaise with Christina here…” Maryam looked relieved. “I think I am safe.”

“Lucky you. As for me…” Christina leaned in. “I do have some… conditions. Which might seem rather cheeky, considering my position here, which I have to admit is rather tenuous. But I wouldn’t be Christina Bakker, scientist extraordinaire if I wasn’t prepared to dance on the edge of the gallows.”

“All right, let’s hear them.” I nodded.

“Firstly… like I said, I’m a patriot. And I also don’t entirely fancy cutting all ties. You may not believe it, but I do have friends there. Sort of… and family too.”

“That’s reasonable.” I agreed. “I suppose if the Americans deem you a risk in need of silencing, whether you are prepared to risk yourself is your choice. I can protect you here, but…” It’s her own life. So long as she can’t betray us that’s fine.

“Secondly, I’m desperate to further explore this mysterious new world. I’ve only scratched the surface. I don’t want things hidden from me, I want to know it all! I’m a genius, even you admit it. What I could do with such knowledge would shock you!”

“That’s a perilous request, hence why I need assurances of your silence and loyalty.” I pointed out. “Though if you work for me, obviously there’s little point in hamstringing your efforts. Though again, immoral and unethical research won’t be tolerated, unless I am prepared to be your test subject.”

“A man after my own heart.” Christina chortled. “So lastly, can you be nicer to me?”

I shrugged. “Don’t push your luck. I’ll be as nice to you as you deserve. Anyway, I have to make a few calls, see if this is feasible, but… you know what you have to do, right?” Assuming the diplomatic problems are deemed tolerable for Japan’s interests, I can pass her off to Ixitt when Shaeula’s worked her magic… Then when I travel to America, she can come with me and we can untangle the mess of her lies to Adam White…

Picking up her tablet, which she then handed to me, while Maryam looked at it like it was a ticking time-bomb, which in a way it was, Christina managed a smile, though she didn’t look happy. “Of course. I have to grovel to that ghost woman… don’t scowl at me. I still don’t get it, but I’m trying to put myself in her shoes. I suppose I wouldn’t like it if someone else attacked me, because you wouldn’t like it…”

“That’s not quite it, but… good effort?” I said, not sure why that was a question. Turning to Maryam, I smiled. “You say you have a Japanese phone that shouldn’t be monitored. Give me your number. I’ll be in touch. But nobody will ever know you saw this.” I pocketed the tablet, and she nodded, grudgingly giving me her number, while cursing Christina in what I presumed was more Armenian.

All right then, that kind of threw off my plans for the day. I’ve calls to make…