"I'm sorry, the patient should get some rest. I brought her some food as well." The nurse said as she entered the room.
Thank you we were just finishing up.” Keiko instructed the nurse.
Merle nodded her head and stood up. "You need anything else before I hit the road?" She asked as she walked towards the door to leave the room.
”Nothing urgent, I should be out of here in a couple of days. We’ll dig into this then. Just do me one favor. Stay out of Carlyle’s way until I return. Now that we’ve kicked the nest his bees will be buzzing.”
With that, Merle said her byes and left the room to let her comrade rest.
Keiko ate her meal as the nurse finished her tests. The meager offering was bland at best but it managed to fulfill the hospitalized female’s need for something solid in her tank. Setting the tray aside she turned her thoughts towards the incoming police broadcasts milling about her augmented mental processor. She had little intent on staying put until she received medical clearance to leave the facility. Timing would be everything.
”Would you mind if I took a trip off this floor to visit my sister?” Keiko asked. ”I imagine she’s out of surgery and in intensive care at the moment.”
Last Edit: Jul 17, 2017 10:38:00 GMT -5 by Bernard
Keiko sat bed side staring blankly as the tears trickled down her rosy cheeks. ”I’m sorry.” she muttered over and over as she regretfully gazed upon the broiled body of her sibling floating within the oxygenated liquid of the regeneration tank.
”She’s going to pull through Keiko.” uttered a familiar consoling voice from behind. The distraught female turned to see her sibling Atsuko maneuvering her wheelchair closer.
The professional sibling garbed in her hospital whites carried on. ”Our sister has suffered third degree burns to well over sixty percent of her body. The most severe damage was to the backside of her body. Her sensory implants for the F.M.W. project have been permanently fused to the underlying muscle. We had looked into trying to separate the technology but felt it would do more harm than good. The F.M.W. nanites within her bloodstream that had managed to survive heat had already begun to repair the damage flesh in the affected area when we began operating.”
"This has been both a blessing and a curse. We’ve piggybacked on this discovery and decided to introduce more of these helpful little machines to apply a prototype skin replacement we’ve been developing for victims such as this. The synthetic epidermis will look and feel much like the real thing although it will prove to be much tougher. One of our major concerns is how much nerve damage Maseko may have suffered during her exposure.”
Keiko reflected.”She was the last of us that was still…………” she pondered her choice of words. ”Normal. With these Purists making noise. What kind of life is she going to lead when she does recover? She’ll just be another freak like the rest of us.”
Keiko once again broke into tears at the thought of what she had caused.
” No use blaming yourself. You can’t change what’s happened. You have to move on.” Atsuko instructed.
Keiko somehow wished she had the ability to travel back in time like one of those Sensitives she had heard rumors about and change the family’s fate. Pinpointing a specific event would be easy. Given the opportunity she would travel back to the incident at the Tokyo Airport that almost claimed another of her sibling’s life and brought their family to this god forsaken hell hole of a city. What IF she had taken the shot? Would that have changed things or were they destined for this fate?
”There’s something I have to tell you sis. I’d ask you to sit down but well…… you're already there.” As insensitive as it seemed, Keiko tried to make light of the moment given the momentous impact of the news. What she was about to suggest was hard to get one’s mind around. Even knowing what she saw, she didn’t know if she believed it herself. Keiko took a deep breath and prepared to disclose the possibility that uncle Ayamachi was in fact still alive and the one responsible for their family’s recent misfortunes.
Last Edit: Jul 19, 2017 10:23:19 GMT -5 by Bernard
”It was uncle Ayamachi that did this. He’s alive.”
Atsu looked at her sibling with concern.
”What are you babbling about?” she inquired. ”Uncle died at the airport. You know this.”
”They never did recover any evidence of his body…..or a device for that matter.”
”Incinerated by the blast.”
”I tell you, it was the same with the glowing man we encountered in the alley. I saw him. Uncle.”
”I think you’re seeing what you want to see. Your mind is merging events together. You’ve been through a lot.”
”Is it so farfetched that he somehow survived?”
”You’re coming unraveled. Youi need help Keiko.”
”Not you too. I know what I saw sis. I probably wouldn’t have believe it myself only……”
”Only??” Atsuko pushed.
”While Mase and I were investigating the Archer killings at Vaiacane LTD,, I asked for some patient files regarding the clinical trials they were running on an inhibitor for the infected. Ayamach name was in those files.”
”Could be a case of identity theft.”
”I thought of that. But what’s the sense? I wasn’t able to follow up on the notion before Carlyle removed me from the case. If it was uncle and he came back from the dead. What’s to say it won’t happen again?”
Atsu’s concern deepened.”That’s a disturbing thought. Not that I’m totally buying into this, this thinking. Have you gone to anyone with this?”
”Are you crazy!. Carlyle already thinks I’ve lost it. He’s doing everything he can to discredit my account that the glowing man in the alley blew up. To tell him it’s my dead uncle would be insane.”
”So, what now? Wait until this happens again? What then? How do you stop something like that?”
”I don’t know sis. I’m not even permitted to carry a weapon at this point. Not that bullets seems to stop it.”
”This is ludicrous! How are you expected to protect yourself on the job?”
Keiko simply shrugged unable to provide an acceptable explanation.
”Well, I might be able to help with that.” Atsu suggested. ” Give me a couple days and I’ll see what I can come up with”.
”Thanks sis, anything would be much appreciated under the circumstances.”
Just then they we interrupted by a third party.
”Officer Hyogo. I’m here to take you statement”
Last Edit: Jul 19, 2017 10:22:23 GMT -5 by Bernard
”Does it have to be now?” Atsuko snapped in protest at the male O.P.D. officer.
”It’s Ok sis. I’ve been expecting this visit. Might as well get it over with. Not that it will accomplish anything anyways.”
”Fine but your sister Kame is due to get her bandages off today. It might be nice if you popped by her room with me to visit. Better yet, we’ll do it here. I’ll just have her brought down so meet us.”
Keiko cleared her throat and sat down.
”Some of the details are a little sketchy. I had been drinking. I left Exxel escorted by Officer Tucker and Lieutenant Hyogo……M” Adding the initial for clarification. ”We were headed back to Soaring Heights Apartment Complex when Mase…..Lieutenant Hyogo got the call from F.M.E. regarding the uprising at District Zero.”
”We rerouted the cab to drop her off when I saw a strange glow an obscure alley way along our route. I hollered to stop the cab. They all thought I was about to be sick. Upon closer examination I confirmed the sighting…..An average height individual emitting a strange iridescent glow.”
”A glowing man?” the constable interjected pausing briefly from writing the information into his notepad.
”Yes.” Keiko continued not missing a beat. ”I had encountered this individual once before. The night the wall fell. I immediately called in for backup. Dispatch indicated there were no available F.M.E units and were sending a patrol car. E.T.A. unknown.”
She fidgeted uncomfortably in her seat.
”I wanted a firearm but the officers present deemed me unfit. It sat there staring at us while we waited for back up. I yelled to the suspect asking if he remembered me? Asked him what he was waiting for??”
”It gave no response. To get his attention I threw a stone which rolled up harmlessly toward him. He picked up the projectile and examined it.” ”I remember a shrill high pitched emission as he did so He began to glow more brightly and soon the rock took on the same eerie glow. It took a few steps towards us before tossing the object back. It all seemed harmless enough. Then… without warning, there was a loud POP! And a violent burst of light filled the entire alleyway. I ducked for cover but was blinded by the intensity of the light. I called out requesting a visual. The cab driver Morgan said it looked like the suspect was ready to pounce. They were all calling for me to get back into the vehicle. The next thing I knew there was like a shockwave that threw the vehicle past me and away from the entrance of the alley. Officer Tucker and Officer Hyogo M. laid down cover fire while I made it to the vehicle and back inside, The damn thing wouldn’t start. I was beginning to get my eyesight back. The consumer began to glow more intently. It had a look of shock and horror on its face. Morgan decided he would escape on foot. Merle and I were to follow with Mase……..”
There was a long silent pause as she collected her composure”……..Lieutenant Hyogo provided cover fire for the retreat. I didn’t want to leave her side! Several shots struck the assailant. Mase had turned to run but it was too late.”
Keiko broke into tears.
”He exploded into a violent mass of light. Lieutenant Hyogo was thrown forward by the blast.”
“I felt the burn several yards away. I broke free from Officer Tucker and rushed to Mase’s side.” By now the sobbing from the tale telling officer was uncontrollable.
”I’m sorry I don’t remember much after that.” She concluded.
”That should be sufficient.” The male officer replied. ” If you should think of anything else”
”Thank you Officer. We will.” Atsu interjected. ”Now if that will be all I’m sure she would like to spend some time with her sister.”
"Kame's here darling. She's asking for you."
Last Edit: Jul 19, 2017 10:06:51 GMT -5 by Bernard
”Is that you Kei?” Kameko inquire hearing her sibling’s voice as she approached.
”Yeh, sis, it’s me. How are you doing?” Keiko replied.
”Guess we’re about to find out. Sounds like you’re finding trouble again.”
”Don’t have to look too hard.” Keiko snorted. ”Seems to find me.”
Atsu cut in. ”Ok Kame, let’s get this dressing off and see how those implants have taken. Your vision might be a little off at first until I make a few adjustments.” The female surgeon informed the patient.“Keiko you want to dim the lights. It will help with the transition.”
”OK, keep your eyes closed until I tell you to open them.” Atsu instructed as she began unwinding the gauze covering counter clockwise to reveal the cotton swabs covering the eye sockets. Removing the swabs she continued.
”Open your eyes slowly and tilt your head back. This may feel a little funny.” Atsu explained as she administered an eye drop to each eye.
Kameko blinked rapidly as the cool solution was administered. Atsu reached down for the small hand held lamp upon the table and turned the low intensity ultra violet unit. As she brought it over the patients face the yellow liquid lit up in a florescent yellow glow. ”Good.” She exclaimed. ”Look at me.”
Kameko did as she was instructed as her sibling continued to shine the light in her face. ”Now, look to your left” A strange expression crossed Kame’s face as she gazed upon the other sibling in the room. . ”Is that normal?” She asked.
Atsu glanced over her shoulder and was as surprised as her patient to the iridescent sibling next to her.
”N…no “ Atsu stuttered.”But it’s not your eyes. I see it too?”
”See What!!? Keiko asked before looking down at her glowing limb. Quickly she looked to the vitality tank across the room. Its occupant cast the same yellow glow when exposed to the ultraviolet light from the hand held unit.
While her siblings sat there confused by what had been revealed Keiko quickly put two and two together and snatched the hand held lamp from the doctor’s hand. Running down the hall the Asian female made a beeline to the chamber containing her comatose sibling Ayako. Exposing the slumbering female to the ultraviolet rays the detective’s speculations we soon confirmed.
”Do you know what this means?”
”Oh my” Atsuko remarked.
”I’m not crazy Atsu. They are one in the same.”Keiko exclaimed.
”Under the circumstances I almost wish you were Kei”
”Wait. .What are you two talking about?” Kameko inquired.
”You had better sit down sis. This one’s going to rock your world.”
”Wow” Kameko responded upon hearing the news ”You mean to tell me we have a rejuvenating suicide bomber roaming around the city?”
”Well, I wouldn’t go that far.” Keiko retorted.”So far as we know, the events have resulted in minimal casualties. If he was making a statement I’m sure a more public venue would be entertained”
”Maseko objected “The Airport?”
”Not quite sure Ayamachi knew what he was. I remembered the panicked look on his face. The same look I go when I encountered him in the alley a last night.”
”Yeah, but if he’s been infected with the TOZ virus it’s only a matter of time before he totally loses control if he doesn’t get treatment.
Maseko asked”So what do we do?”
”We eliminate the threat ourselves. Keiko stated coldly.
”MURDER?!?” came the synchronous response.
”You can’t murder what’s already been declared dead. I still have my HSR-25 from my S.W.A.T. days back home. A few HE rounds should do the trick”
”You can’t be serious Keiko. You’re a cop!”
”Not much we can do officially. Who would believe us? Carlyle has seen to that.” Besides Atsu makes a solid point. It’s only a matter of time before he totally loses control. What happens if we wait? How many more will suffer. I’ve had this bastard in my sights twice now. It’s time I finish it.”
”How’s this going to work Ke.?”Mase asked
” I’ll need somebody to run some interference for me from time to time. Starting tonight. Think you can dupe the staff Mase while I slip out. Now that I have an idea what I’m looking for I want to see if I can pick up its trail while it’s still fresh.” Keiko explained holding up the portable uv light.
"You're in no shape to leave the hospital Ke!"Atsu protested
"Just a scouting mission. Not looking for trouble."
"Trouble finds you remember"
Kame laughed. ”Go on get out of here. I got your back sis.. It’ll be just like we were back in the academy. They never could figure out which one of us was which.”
"Don't ruin this Atsu. I'll be back before you know it. I promise."
Last Edit: Jul 20, 2017 14:59:07 GMT -5 by Bernard
“”Don’t ruin this Atsu. I’ll be back before you know it. I promise. I’ll just need to borrow these. She proclaimed grabbing the white lab coat and clipboard from her sister’s work station.
“Atsu had doubts regarding the validity of Keiko’s promise. She also realized there was little point arguing with her headstrong sibling. Keiko made her way down the pristine white halls toward the doctor’s lounge. Once through the main doors security was relatively lax here. All she had to do was play the part and with a little luck she would have little trouble accessing the private area. If trouble arose she would have to improvise and fall back on her looks.
Once inside the doctor’s lounge. It wasn’t long before she made herself at home rifling through Atsu’s locker for something appropriate for tonight’s excursion. The slender Asian female soon settled on a black spandex exercise suit, a dark tan hooded sweat jacket and some white sneakers she had found in a workout bag at the bottom of the locker.
”I may be needing a disguise at some point.” She thought to herself although there were few options that satisfied her criteria. There was of course there was a wide array of surgical masks and caps to choose from but Keiko settled on a crumpled pair of grey nylon knee high pantyhose stuffing it into her pocket.
”It will do in a pinch” She confessed removing her wig and stuffing into the duffel bag with the hospital clothes she had been wearing when she entered the room. Unable to regrow hair the wig had been a necessity since her accident. Most people didn’t even realize she was sporting the faux look.
Satisfied with her initial haul she made her way toward the parking garage. ”I’m sure he’ll come through.” Keiko murmured as she neared the orderly waiting by the exit. They were still on amiable terms, since the break-up meeting socially with a group of friends occasionally when time permitted but things weren’t the same after the accident. Much of that awkwardness she was sure was her fault. It just seemed like a serious relationship was too much of an effort with all she was going through.
”You got it?” She asked opening the duffel to accept the hand off. The well-built blonde male took a double take of the approaching figure. ”I don’t know if I’ll ever get use to that.”Timothy commented nervously regarding the chameleon appearance of his former companion.
”You sure you know what you’re doing?” He inquired placing the towel wrapped item into the bag. ”You….We could get into some serious trouble over this.”
”I’m not planning to use it silly. Just a precaution in case I run into something…… unexpected.”
”That’s what I’m worried about Kei. You’ve been chasing this demon for months. It almost killed you ……….twice. You sure you don’t want me to tag along?”
”I’ll be fine. The scene will still be secured. I just have to be sure Tim. Maybe then I'll be able to move on.”
Well, I’d better get going." Tim stated after a long awkward silence. "You know how the doctors get when us pee-‘ons are late. As his former love turned to leave he made a final heartfelt gesture. ”Here take these.” He proclaimed tossing her his keys. "I hope you find what you’re looking for.
((to be continued in the Shopping District AKA The Slums))
Last Edit: Jul 26, 2017 19:07:50 GMT -5 by Bernard