"And," Nikira called to the cheering patrons of New Kansas, "Tonight, we're gonna finish up with a little number I dug up a few years back. It's a slow tune, so if ya wanna dance, ya better find yourself a partner."

Once again, Lee marveled at Nikira's control of an audience. The room filled with the Scrapyard's most ruthless predators suddenly became soft, sensuous. Somehow, the blonde could grab people and hold them with her words. It was a talent he very much envied.

"Okay everyone," Nikira called, motioning for Alita, Tamrin, and Drew to begin the intro, "I hope you all have a great evening! This one's called Ghost, and I'm dedicating it tonight to the memory of my beloved Mack." Nikira closed her eyes, clasping the necklace she'd bought at the market that day to her breast.

As Alita laid out a chord on her keyboard, Drew and Tamrin began the slow, steady beat of the song. Raisa and Lee joined in; a few short whirls of sound moving in the song's steady flow. Nikira, eyes yet closed, slid up to the microphone and ran a caressing hand over the device. The action was somehow both sensual and tragic, like someone kissing a gravestone. When she began to sing, her voice was the barest of sad whispers.

Tamrin slid in a beat changeup, adlibbing a little flourish. Nikira nodded into it, taking the changeup perfectly in stride.

Subtly, Lee began to play more powerfully. They'd rehearsed this numerous times, to make sure he didn't make the change too early. With a smile, he nodded in time with Tamrin.

Raisa, meanwhile, entered a slow trill. It was almost lost to the casual ear, but not quite. After a moment, she slid up a half step, changing from a major chord to a minor. The effect was beautifully eerie.

Now it was Alita's turn. A descending keyboard scale cut the air as Nikira dropped, her voice falling from the stratosphere to the depths with Alita's semi-scale. At the bottom, Tamrin made his presence felt, as did Lee. Raisa revisited with a quick trill, as Drew plucked off a short counter melody.

"To care," Alita and Raisa echoed. The song, meanwhile, had leapt back up to its normal key and octave. However, now all the parts played together. Tamrin's changeups, Lee's riffs, Raisa's trills, and Alita's scales flurried together, conflicting and complementing, creating major and minor keys in a constantly changing kaleidoscope of sound. And, through it all, Nikira's voice never changed. Her soft, sad whisper floated through the other voices.... Alone

The final chord faded from the air, the lights going dim around them. Together, Nikira, Alita, Raisa, Tamrin, Lee, and Drew bowed... then they all turned and walked off stage. There was a deadly silence….

And then, Shumira started clapping.

The rest of the bar joined her, applause erupting from the patrons of the small tavern. Some screamed for an encore, others screamed marriage proposals, and still others simply screamed, venting their emotions, their sadness and anger. It was a moment of release, of cleansing, of perfection.

***

"Ah, my public," Nikira stated, twirling around the back hallways of New Kansas, "How they adore me!" She stood in the bowels of the building with her band-mates, assisting in the general dismantlement of the stage. Even now, half an hour after the performance had ended, people were still shouting for an encore. And, Nikira wasn't the only one thrilled with the attention.

"Tonight was great!" Lee proclaimed, hefting a pair of speakers, "I'm still high as a fucking kite! They loved us! God damn, I'm having a great time!"

"Our best effort yet!" Tamrin proclaimed, "All the practice with the exit really paid off! We're gonna be big, I tell you! The most famous band in all the Scrapyard! We'll be richer than Arena fighters!"

"I love working with talent," Raisa stated, her face beaming, "You guys are great. If the rest of you agree, I say we proclaim Hot Oil an official band! What'd ya say? Are we real?"

"Yeah," Drew stated, breaking his usual quiet, "We're real."

"A-fuckin-men!" Lee yelled, high-fiving Drew. "Yeah!" Nikira yelled, grabbing the nearest person to her for a hug. Fortunately for the drummer, Tamrin found himself on the receiving end. For a moment, packing out the equipment was forgotten.

"I don't know," Alita murmured, "I mean, it's all well and good for now, but I don't want a commitment."

"What's wrong, Lita?" Lee asked, flashing her his most winning smile, "Think we're just a flash in the ol pan?"

"We are Hot!" Tamrin yelled, his arm draped around Nikira… who didn't seem to mind, "Come on, Lita! We need you!"

"Why not?" Raisa asked, "We could be good. Great even. And just cause you're in a new band doesn't mean you can't occasionally play a solo job. No biggy."

"... Alright," Alita agreed at last, "I'm in."

"Yeah!" Lee called, "This calls for a celebration! I'll even treat you guys! Whatcha say?"

"Party at New Kansas?" Nikira suggested, "Sounds about right. Lets get this shit packed out so we can get to it!" Grinning, Nikira grabbed a stack of microphone stands and dashed for the storage room. Tamrin and Raisa followed, calling for her to wait up, equipment of their own in hand.

***

"Control to A-Zero," the man murmured, a bored exasperation in his voice, "What are you doing now?"

"I'm sitting on a toilet, what the hell does it look like?" she replied.

"I meant with this... band," the controller sighed, "Apart from your tactical evaluation earlier, I haven't seen anything mission related in the last week."

"I've got a pair of other concerns," she stated, "One, that Ido person is going to be getting his lab results tonight. I can't allow that to happen. Secondly, of my subsystems, I have been able to test everything-- with one exception. I intend to finish off my checklist. Tonight."

"What are you on about?" he asked. He would have demanded the information, but he was too tired. Several days without sleep would do that to you.

"It doesn't pertain to the mission," she told him, "It's just something I need to make sure is still working. I can't exactly go into battle without knowing that all my systems work, can I?"

"Fine fine," he retorted, "Whatever. Just get the job done."

"Will do," she replied, "Buh bye!"

***

"Hi guys," Nikira called, returning to their table, "I'm back!" She sat down at the long double table, taking her seat between Alita and Tamrin.

"Took ya long enough," Raisa jibbed, "I mean, powdering your nose is one thing, but you could have powdered your entire anatomy in that time!"

"Naw," Alita countered, grinning evily, "In that outfit, she'd only need an extra minute to powder the entire thing. That's still another five minutes unaccounted for."

"I was perverting the youth of the Scrapyard," Nikira stated, "One strip show at a time. Jezus, what do you guys want from me?"

"Wellll," Drew murmured, winking at Lee. Lee laughed aloud, as did the others; except for Tamrin. "Hey," Tamrin said, somewhat authoritatively, "Leave her alone. Nika made this band, so cut her some slack, okay?"

"Tamrin...?" Nikira whispered. There was a pause, then a deeply kind, almost motherly smile lit Nikira's face. "Thank you." There was a long pause as Nikira smiled appreciatively at Tamrin. Meanwhile, the table experienced a moment of uncomfortable silence.

"Anyway," Raisa said at last, "I've gotta work tomorrow, so I'll see you all later." That stated she began collecting her things. Lee and Drew joined her, saying that they would walk her home. Alita paused long enough to glance at Nikira and Tamrin. She was talking softly to him, keeping her voice too low.

"... kidding, but thanks for your help. I was... impressed. Listen, do you have any dinner plans?"

"I think I'll call it a night too," Alita announced loudly, heading off towards the back stairs up to her room, "See you two later!"

"Mata ne," Nikira called after her. From her experiences with Shumira, Alita knew the odd phrase's meaning. Alita waved in passing, heading up the stairs to her room. There, a dark figure awaited her.

"Alita," Raisa's voice stated from the shadows, "You and I need to talk."

***

Four hours later, Lee lay on the commons room couch. The adrenaline from that evening still hadn't worn off, so he was up, translating one of Nikira's 'X' songs. Brilliant works. Lee wondered not for the first time where the wee lassie had come up with them. Maybe from the woman she'd mentioned the other night at dinner? Or maybe somewhere else. Either way, Lee wondered if Nikira had any other surprises he might find interesting.

His concentration shattered as the door to the collective apartment burst open. Lee watched in fascination as Tamrin and Nikira stumbled in, Nikira supporting Tamrin, arm in arm. Lee added a raised eyebrow to the equation as the pair started necking. Half guilty, Lee watched as they stumbled up and disappeared into Nikira's room. The door closed behind them. A lock clicked.

"Damn," Lee murmured softly, "that girl don't mess around."

***

"Wait," Tamrin managed, prying Nikira off of his face, "What are we doing, Nika? We just met like a week ago. Shouldn't we take things slow?"

"I--" Nikira murmured, "I can't afford slow." The mood destroyed, she turned away from Tamrin and leaned against her window still. "I'm scared, of losing myself. I just need to-- to prove to myself that I'm still a woman. I--

"I must seem like a slut," Nikira said, shaking her head, "You-- you probably hate me for it. For trying to take advantage of you. I just-- I'm sorry."

"I don't hate you, Nika," Tamrin whispered, putting a hand on her shoulder, "I-- I think I'm falling in love with you. When you sing-- I can feel you. I know it's just a trick you use on the audience, but it worked on me. I've been dreaming about you, thinking about you all the time. That's why I wanted to take it slow; to cherish the love I feel for you."

"You... love me?" Nikira asked, turning to face him. "I-- I mean-- I don't know if I can return it. I mean, after Mack died…."

"Would he want you to suffer?" Tamrin asked, running a hand through Nikira's blonde hair, "Would he want you to hold his memory between yourself and love forever?"

"No," Nikira breathed.

"Then, will you try to love me?" Tamrin asked. In reply, Nikira leapt into his arms, her momentum throwing the pair of them back on her bed. She kissed him passionately, slowly unbuttoning his clothing. Caught up in the moment, he did likewise to her.

I'm sorry Tamrin, but I can't love you. I just need you tonight… for my final test.

***

Ido glanced at his watch. Nearly two AM.

The frazzle hared scientist walked through the Scrapyard night, his rocket-hammer slung over his shoulder more by way of threat than actual intention. He wasn't much of a hunter anymore... too busy, and too tired. Course, he still kept in practice; his trusty crowbar was never far from his person. And, whenever he went out this late, he kept his signature weapon in plain view. Better to remind anyone who might spot him that the good doctor was indeed a Hunter Warrior too.

"I hope Shinobi's still awake," Ido muttered, slipping into the alley entrance of the apartment where the photographer lived. He made his way up to the second floor, found number 205, and knocked. A moment later, a cyborg with a greasy goatee, a metal plate over the left side of his face, and a cigar opened the door and poked his head out.

"Whatta want?" he rasped. Then, he blinked, taking in Ido, Ido's Rocket Hammer, and the look in Ido's eyes. "Oh, et's You! Why didnya say so?" He horfed up some lung tissue, removing the cigar just long enough to hack the black chunk of flem onto his neighbor's door. "Comein already!"

Shinobi shoved the door open, heading back inside. Ido, a slightly sick expression on his face, took a few steps inside. He knew the place well; it reeked of cigars, beans, and photographic solutions. Most of the large apartment had been converted into a massive Darkroom, which was Shinobi's business. He was one of the best photographers, and without doubt the best medical development service in all the Scrapyard.

"'Ere're your prints," Shinobi stated, slapping a minilla envelope into Ido's hands, "Hope yus enjoys em. Now, if you'd excuse yourself, I need to get back to work."

"Thanks, Shinobi," Ido stated, flipping a one thousand chip piece onto the messy coffee table at the room's center. Shinobi grunted in reply as Ido headed quickly out of the olfactory hellhole.

Moments later, he was back on the street. Curious as he was, he would wait until he got back to his lab to open the envelope. He couldn't examine them properly on the street, after all. Tucking the envelope into his pocket, Ido quickened his pace.

"Going somewhere, Doc?" a voice called. Ido stopped dead in his tracks; he'd been a Hunter long enough to know a challenge when he heard one. Though the voice was unfamiliar, it had the distinctive edge of a threat. Slowly, the good doctor turned to face his opponent.

A cyborg faced him, clearly female; her metallic red body seemed designed to show off a series of supple curves, complete with high-healed feet. There was no face, however; just a black visor that somewhat resembled a biker's helmet. In fact, it didn't seem to be a body at all. It looked more like a suit of armour. With a small gasp, Ido recalled the rumors that were circulating about the Red Suit of Armour that had destroyed a Netman. A sudden chill sweeping over him, Ido readied his Rocket Hammer.

"I don't believe I've had the pleasure," Ido stated slowly, his eyes narrowing.

"They call me Ghost," the gamine armour stated.

"Ghost of the Machine, mayhaps?" Ido inquired, thinking on the rumors. That was her signature, right?

"Seems my reputation has preceded me," she purred back, "How sweet." There was a sudden whir and hiss as what appeared to be a gattling gun cycled out of her left hand.

"What do you want from me?" Ido asked, taking a step backward. There was no way his Rocket Hammer could compete with a projectile gun like that. There was no way anyone in the Scrapyard could, with two possible exceptions. And, so far as Ido knew, both of them were asleep on the other side of town.

"Me?" the Red Suit asked, glancing around as if to make sure he wasn't talking to someone else, "Nothing, really. I just have some orders to carry out. See, I can't allow you to live. Sorry…"

"Orders," Ido asked, stalling, "Who's orders?"

"Lets just say people in high places want your mouth closed," the Suit replied, nodding her head heavenward. "If ya catch my meaning."

"Indeed," Ido replied, glancing up at Tiphares. Then, Ido frowned. "But wait," he began, confused, "weren't you the one that destroyed the Netman?"

"Weapons test," the Suit replied, shrugging, "I needed to see what this baby could do, and I figured the Factory has lots of Netmen, so…."

Ido, in spite of himself and the situation, barked a laugh. "Well," he said with a sober smile, "At least I get to be killed by someone with a good sense of irony."

"Thank you," the Suit said, bowing, "I try." As it did so, Ido's eyes glinted. He charged forward, activating his Rocket Hammer. With a near-silent Fwoosh, he buried the Hammer in the Suit's back.

Then, the unthinkable happened. His Hammer skidded off the armour without penetrating. He stumbled forward, off balance, only to find the Suit's hand around his throat.

"Now now," she chided, "Wasn't that rather unsportsman like?" Servos whirring, she hoisted Ido into the air, holding him aloft by his neck. He struggled in vain, his Hammer clattering to the street.

"And I was looking forward to a challenge too," the Suit lamented, "You were no fun! Ah well, I'll just have to go hunt me down another Netman afterwards." As the Suit's grip tightened, Ido could hear his blood pumping through his skull. He could hear every beat, even as he began to black out.

***

Raisa and Alita had been walking for hours, discussing Raisa's thoughts on recent events. They had passed by Ido's clinic, the windows dark, indicating that Ido and Shumira were most likely sleeping. Ah well, they could visit some other time. Besides, the current discussion wasn't one for chatting about over tea.

"Okay, so what if Nikira is from Tiphares," Alita asked, "I mean, so is Ido. And so are… some other people we know. Hell, I don't even know who I was before I came here."

"I'm just saying we should be careful," Raisa stated, "I mean, most people don't leave Tiphares for their health, after all! She might have a, you know, mental thingy. Like Ido with the Hunting urge and all. You did say she was a good fighter. How many Tiphareans know martial arts?"

"The only two Tiphareans I know do," Alita returned, smirking.

"And they both have sorted pasts," Raisa stated, "That's my point. We know about Ido and the other. But what do we know about Nikira?"

"I know she's my frie-- huh?" Alita trailed off, her eyes locking onto a battle in progress a few blocks ahead of them. A female shape holding a person aloft. But the man's hair, and the weapon at his feet-- "That's--" Alita began.

"IDO!!" Raisa screamed. Without so much as a sidelong glance, both women charged forward.

The Red Suit snapped around, depositing Ido roughly on the ground. He gasped, clutching at his neck. A few weak coughs emanated from his limp form, letting the three ladies present know that he yet lived. This fact, however, did not still the rage burning in the eyes of Alita or Raisa.

"Oh!" the Suit cried, "I guess I won't have to dig up that Netman after all! And I get tactical battle data ta-boot! Oh yeah, I'm having fun tonight!" The suit bounced excitedly on its heals, a strange device cycling from it's left arm. Now Alita and Raisa exchanged a glance.

"What did you do to Ido?!?" Raisa demanded harshly.

"If you hurt him," Alita growled, "I swear I'll make you suffer before I kill you!"

"You two really care about him, huh?" the Suit inquired, cocking her head to the side, "Well, I'm sorry, but I've got a job to do." Without further comment, the device on the left arm flashed to life, blasting a pair of cutting lasers into Ido's prone form. He cried out, rolling away from the blast. The scent of burned flesh wafted into the air.

"NO!!" Raisa screamed, leaping forward. Her whip was suddenly in her hand, its pommled end lashing out at the Suit. With an audible sigh, the Suit plucked the whip from the air and twisted, pulling Raisa off balance. With a yelp, Raisa skidded to a halt, face down on the asphalt.

The Red Hardsuit, however, got no respite as Alita was already airborne, dropping towards the metallic figure, arm poised for a Hertza Haeon.

"Really," the Suit said, grabbing Alita's hand, sidestepping, and slamming Alita into the ground, "You two have got to do better than this! I've got a reputation to uphold!"

"Die you dirty fucker!" Raisa screamed, slamming her elbow into the Suit's side. Unfazed, the Suit spun, clothe-lining the redhead. Raisa fell back, landing on her feet and leaping forward again. Her eyes were blazing red.

Raisa's hands wrapped around the Suit's forearms, throwing the pair of them backward in a flying pin. As they landed, Raisa dug her knee into the Suit's crotch, twisting outward with her hands. At first, nothing seemed to be happening. Then, the armour on the Suit's left arm cracked. It cracked and caved in. "Mmmm..." came a groan from within the Armour.

"DIE!!!" Raisa screamed, a mere second before sinking her fangs into the Suit's neck. The pair struggled; rolling through the street as Alita slowly pulled herself to her feet. Her eyes widened at the sight of Raisa reverting to an almost animalistic phase, and moreso at the fact that the Suit seemed to almost be holding its own. The pair were locked in mortal combat, neither willing or able to let go.

Then, something tore through the night air. It was a ripple; a strange sensation that made Alita's ears pop. However, it had a different effect on Raisa. The now wolf-like redhead flew away from the Suit, sprawling several meters behind Alita. Alita's gaze flashed between the fallen Raisa and a strange weapon that was protruding from the Suit's left arm. Witnesses had reported a similar weapon being employed against the Netman.

"Damn," the Suit muttered, pulling herself to her feet, "My scanners are offline! Ah well, there's always the verbal report."

"Who are you?" Alita demanded, unsure of whether to check on Ido, Raisa, or to turn and attack the Suit in turn.

"I'm called Ghost," the Suit replied, curtsying, "We'll have to do this again sometime, eh? I know I've had fun!"

"You sick bitch," Alita hissed, readying her charge.

"Now now," the Suit scolded, wagging a finger at Alita, "Save it for next time! I don't have time to play anymore tonight. Stuff to do, ya know. Anyway, buh bye!" With a nod, the Suit leapt into the air, a pair of wings deploying from its back. Jets caught the air, sending the Suit rocketing into the air. The last of it Alita could make out was the Suit deftly avoiding an attack from the Factory as 'Ghost' once again proved that flight wasn't banned so far as she was concerned.

A groan from Ido snapped Alita back to reality. She ran to his side, only to find him sitting up. With a soft yelp, he pulled the melted remnants of his favorite crow bar from his ruined jacket.

"Are you okay, Ido?" Alita asked, stooping next to him.

"I'll live," Ido assured her, "I was lucky. If that beam had actually hit me .…"

"Okay, wait here," Alita said quickly, "I need to check on Raisa." Good as her word, Alita dashed over to the redhead, who's features had returned to something other than normal. Where Raisa had fallen lay a blonde woman with bright blue eyes. Her features were much softer than Raisa's; she had an oddly serene aura about her. Her light tresses flowed around her body, which while just as voluptuous as Raisa's, was somehow more feminine.

"That hurt," the blonde murmured, "like a horse kicked me."

"Don't worry, Asrial," Alita murmured, helping her friend up, "You'll be fine. Ido'll take care of you." The blonde, Asrial, jerked her head around to get a view of Ido limping towards them.

"Thank God he's alright," Asrial whispered, managing a faint smile, "I don't know what I'd do if I lost him."

"Don't think about that now," Alita murmured, hefting Asrial onto her back, "We'll have you back to your normal, redheaded self in no time." With that, the trio began limping back towards the Clinic.

***

As the first rays of sunlight began to peek into the room, Tamrin stirred. With a slight groan, he pulled himself out of bed and headed for the shower. He needed a good shower to wake himself up.

"What was I drinking last night?" he asked himself groggily. Suddenly, as a chain of associations ticked off, Tamrin remembered exactly what he'd had to drink the night before.

"Nik?" Tamrin called, glancing back towards the couch. She wasn't there. Nor was she in the shower, it seemed.

Oh well, I guess she went back to her room.

Tamrin sighed, then walked into the bathroom to take a cold shower.

***

"So this was your big plan, A-Zero?" Control inquired, sighing, "Get laid, then kill an old Doctor?"

"My my, aren't twe crass today?" she responded, "For your information, I was running a test on my sperm storage systems. Since you pried Mack's DNA out of them, I wanted to make sure everything was in working order. Tamrin was… merely a means to an end."

"I don't really care, A-Zero," he replied, yawning slightly, "The point is, you accomplished something for a change. Evidence destroyed and tactical data collected in one effort. For once, I have no major complaints."

"Well kiss my grits," she murmured, "Anyway, to sum things up, Subject Alpha went down with surprising ease. Subject Beta, however, was much more formidable. She damaged my Suit barehanded! I'm gonna have to replace two pieces of armour and my main sensor node. Make sure your boys at the Factory have my parts ready, kay?"

"Huh?" he murmured, yawning again. This time, however, a smile slid onto the face of A-Zero.

Heh. The anal-retentive bastard probably hasn't slept in days, afraid of what I might do if he didn't have his eye on me.

Fine then. Let him sleep.

A-Zero continued to issue her report, but spoke more slowly and more quietly with each word. Soon, the only sound she heard from the other end of the comm channel was the sound of the controller quietly snoring.

***

The lyrics from an ages old song repeated themselves over and over through Nikira's mind as she headed down the alleyway. She had tried to find Raisa over at the house, but no one there had seen her all morning. Next she'd stopped by New Kansas looking for Alita. Zilch. Now she made her way to Doctor Ido's Clinic where the pair of them would likely be.

All for the love of one man-- a man centuries dead. Yeah, that's reason for murder, for bloodying my hands again. But, if I don't, then I loose him again. I just-- I just can't allow that fucker to hurt him. No matter what the cost, I'll save him this time.

Mack, wait for me. I'll save you. I promise.

Just please... don't hate me for the means I took for your end. Please…

I'd do anything for you…

Just please, don't hate me for what I've done.

***

"Are you two sure you're okay?" Alita asked. She was in Ido's main lab, giving Asrial a concerned look. Ido sat next to the bed where the blonde woman laid, tending to her wounds. Alita, meanwhile, stood by the door. "I mean, I'll stay if you guys want."

"No no," Asrial insisted, waving Alita away, "You need to get over to my place and let everyone know I'm alright. A phone call ain't gonna cut it. Just tell them I'm sick or something. And make it contagious, so they can't visit me. I really do not fancy explaining this lot to them." By way of demonstration, Asrial gestured to her body.

"If you're sure," Alita said, giving them one last chance. "We're fine!" Asrial and Ido shouted together, "Go on, get!" With a shake of her head, Alita dashed off, calling "If you need anything, just call your place Rai!"

"Will do," Asrial yelled after. Then, with a sigh, she flopped back in bed.

"At least we know she's okay," Ido murmured, smiling. Asrial chuckled softly, flashing a soft gaze up at Ido. She was always happy to be near him, her creator. He meant so much to her. She could never repay him the gifts he had given her. But, for eternity, she would try.

Something snagged her attention, dragging her away from the peaceful look in Ido's eyes. A slightly burned manila envelope sitting on the far table next to Ido's coat. "Ido," she murmured, "What's that?"

"Oh my," the Cyberdoc said, standing up, "I completely forgot... I haven't looked over Nikira's test results yet."

"Ido," Asrial said, turning back to face him, "Is there any way to find out if Nikira is Tipharian? Anything we could check?"

"Um, not to my knowledge," Ido said, standing, "Without the Stamp, there's no medical test that I know of. But, you really think she's a Tipharian? That would explain a few things."

"Exactly," Asrial replied, sitting up. Ido glanced concernedly down at her, but she waived it off. "I heal quick, remember? Though, I wouldn't have liked the results had that blast hit me in the head. I'd probably have had grey matter dripping from my ears." She made a quick face of disgust, then flashed Ido a reassuring smile. "I'm just glad you weren't hurt badly."

"So am I," Ido laughed, walking over to pick up the envelope, "I'll just give these a quick looking over. Back in a tick." Nodding, he stepped into the next room to check the photos over. At nearly the same moment, the sound of the door slamming reverberated throughout the building.

"I wonder what Alita forgot," Asrial mused, sitting up to face the imminent arrival...

***

With a start, the controller awoke, realizing in a terrible instant he had nodded off.

Looking at the readouts and displays before him, he was relieved to see nothing out of the ordinary had occurred. However, before he could inquire as to the current mission status, the Controller noticed the video display in front of him.

There he saw A-Zero running along what appeared to be some kind of hallway, one that seemed familiar yet he couldn't immediately say why. Before he could inquire as to what his operative was doing, A-Zero came to an abrupt halt, gazing at the sight before her.

"Who--?" A-Zero asked, gazing in confusion at the blonde woman sitting on the bed before her. The controller, however, knew the face instantly.

"How the hell--?!?" he yelled, his eyes widening. With a sudden burst of speed and strength, the controller slammed his fist down on the shock button, shattering the safety cover into tiny shards. Ignoring the presents of a glass shard embedded in his hand, the controller held the button down until, once again, her safety shutdown system kicked in.

***

"Ido!" Asrial screamed, "It's Nikira! She's had another seizure. A bad one!"

Ido rushed back, a plastic negative in his hand. However, instead of running to the fallen girl's side, he dashed to where Asrial lay.

"It's not a seizure!" he told Asrial, "It is much much worse."