Herosae Kitsune: Chapter 5 - Protocol Thirt Three

Cyan tinted cold lighting, bright but dreary for where they were, Sarephel walked up the infirmary hallway. Her eyes set on the man in the wheelchair. He rolled himself out, griping and in some pain. His infirm clothes, the coat of a veteran. In a twisted fate, Sarephel lit a smile of relief. Catching his notice, she nodded and walked up to him.

With a more docile smirk, he spoke chummingly, still frozen. “Doc says in a day or two I can get out of this thing. The stuff they use for bone growth freaking sucks. It feels like an army of little workers being none to gentle about patching up the rough spots.”

“How bad did that thing man handle you?”

“Tossed me against the wall rendering me unconscious” Holding his left rib cage. “That's how the team found me when they showed up. You?”

“It's sting is like drinking active battery acid.” She said, pouring over his port side.

“You're all checked out Mr. Chicoltae.” The nurse arrived. “Sign here and you are free to go.”

“Thank you ever so much for caring for me.” Garath nodded, smiling ever brighter.

Parting with her board, “Have yourself a good evening.” The nurse left, putting some work on the receptionists desk.

Sarephel propping her head against her stilted arm on Garath's chair, poked the sore side, returning Mr. Chicoltaes' attention back in jolting fixation. “You always that nice to the women?” She said solemnly

“Just the woman.” Gritting his teeth, irking a compensating remark. “My Father taught me to be a gentleman after all.”

Retracting, still propped next to him. “The kind that haven't dropped you like a brass town bell?” Sarephel corrected.

“No reason to stop giving proper respect, just not to the ones who...” Garath clenched, finally returning to breath. “Could break me in half.” His panting winded him. “Oh this serum will be the death of me yet.”

“Pity, you already signed out of here.”

“I don't think I could sue even... If...” Garaths attention peeked in front and the slow stop brought Sarephels sight to meet with it. “Can I help you?” He said to the man, who as of late had been standing in wait for him.

“Daddy!” Sarephel shot.

“Whoa!” Garath astonished, “Mr. Herosae!” He tired to rise before cracking some of the new knit bone and falling into his seat.”

Cold frost bitten steel burned every vessel in his blood, a new effect to his medication or so he could imagine. With soft stern words the frost made it's way down his spine. “You will address my Father as 'master herosae' do I make myself clear?” Her words crisped like crackling ice and aura seeping around him.

“Kaunzi, that is enough.” Master herosae commanded. “I do not need enforcing my position here. Mr. Chicoltae, I hear, you are very well aware of your audience. Are you fairing well after your engagement with the 'AU eighty eight'?”

“Is that what that was?”

“Troubling, I know.” Returning to his full upright stance, “To think an old prototype such as that could be weaponized in such a fashion.” Master Herosae grieved.

Speaking freely withstanding the sum of respect of being at blade point replied “I can make it through, it still hurts more than I care to admit.”

“I hear that it also has an itching effect.”

“Thank you for reminding me.” He joked earnestly, feeling the returning gaze of another individual briefly.

Master Herosae chuckled. “I best not continue...” Turning to his daughter. “Sarephel, you're here to be examined yourself, is that correct?” He asked, guiltily he was answered with a nodd. “Please do, your scuffle with that monstrosity has had me worried. And in light of which... I'm afraid that until farther notice I will have to withdraw you from this operation.”

“What!?” Sarephel returned.

“I will have a full investigation team running on this matter, the situation has changed dramatically.”

“What's happened?” Sarephel worried.

“Garath, have you been briefed on the followup to this fiasco?” Garath didn't have to speak. “When your team entered the labs they were completely dismantled, all evidence moved or burned. With the hole changing dramatically as well, drone captures have been obsolete, they are closing off the entire passage and with that I fear other entrances as well. Because of this, all official guard have already been assigned to conduct a full examination of all floors to find any trace of other entrances.”

Sarephel slumped, eyes guilty and glassy, “Does this mean we failed?”

Master Herosae closed into his loved one. “It's not something that can be helped.” He consoled in a voice even Garath took comfort from. “The timer has been running well before today, you did well but I can't risk you to such creations, let alone anyone watching. I am also relieving Mr. Chicolta until farther notice, please take this time off to rest before you are needed again.”

“But...” Sarephel asked, rubbing her arm. “Who is going to take over?”

She was answered with two arms wrapped around her shoulders. “It's fine sis...” Kaunzi comforted. “Daddy put me on it. If I need help, I'll call you. It's not that we don't trust you, or whether your strong enough, you understand. I know you do.”

Sarephel nodded. With her hands retracting, Kaunzi walked towards her father. “It is time we left.” Master Herosae parted, bowing before his daughter and her comrade.

“Oh...” Sis!” Sarephel called before it was too late. “I almost forgot to return Natheena.”

Kaunzi shook her head. “She is yours now.” Chiming she returned. “APL made me a replacement that supersedes Natheena, she's literally a burden now.”

Sarephel blushed, holding the capsule closer. “How did you know anyway?”

“When I heard the report that they were making bio weapons with liquid aether, I made my way to command to get the full scoop. Figured you could use the hand when I saw you getting chased. Looking at it now, I was right to give her to you.”

Sarephel waved, “Thank you. Good luck.” As the door closed, she looked at her new gift. Relishing in it's glory, Sarephel's bliss was woken with a pleasant remark.

“You have quite the loving family.” Garath admired.

Sarephel stared, “And you don't?” She inquired, sympathetically convinced.

“No, I love them... I've seen so many though that tore people apart. He really does care about you...”

“He cares for everyone.”

“It's blood, you know. Not everyone here has your privileges, or freedoms. Who else could let their little girl frolic carelessly and still care so much.”

Sarephel couldn't really answer the rhetoric of his prose. “While you are wondering I'm going to go in. And before I forget, I want to meet you at floor ninety five after I'm done.”

“That a date or something?”

“You could only wish.” heading in

“You took a while.” Garath continued down the elevator.

“You didn't have to wait for me outside the office.”

“There was plenty to keep me preoccupied.”

“Like that nurse?”

“No, she left her shift just after you went in.”

“So you were.”

“Where is this place that you want to meet anyway?”

Gravity regained it's weight with the halting of the elevators decent. Ninety Three a mostly residential floor, three restaurants immediately in sight; urban recreational park filled the immediate vicinity with classy apartments sprawling the two levels along it's sides. Speckling chair patio seating, the odd cart vendor selling festival food, the smell of savoury confection. Trying to pester Garath, he refused the service, nudging the wheeled vessel over the lip himself.

Flicking the last climbers out of his packet he continued to recite the events, drinking his now flavoured overpriced coffee. “Bio mechs.” He pondered sipping. “No wonder they didn't show up on scanners. They are only half alive.”

“What do you know of them?” Sarephel returned, enjoying her beverage much more.

Cups aside, Garath compiled what he could best use to explain. “I know that they are not fully alive. The last known project on it sparked a lot of moral fear shutting it down but until then it was just proteins acting as bacteria with simple commands given to them. Not capable of much. They figured they were creating life, but it was mainly manipulating masses of microscopic creatures with simple structures. Not saying it died off though, they turned to their findings to forward nanobot research.” Churning his cup another time. “As is, machines are undergoing physical constraints.” He dismissed. Circuitry doesn't work that small, the smallest interference and it's toasted. In either case, it needs a brain to tell the mass what to do; and I'm not sure the effects of atherial energy on the matter but whatever you faced had one. AI, or not.” Placing the re-sweetened tea to his lips, he decided against it. “I hope you're not making me pay for both our drinks.”

“Already paid, consider it a treat.” Sparking an unenthusiastic smile in her acquaintance, Sarephel returned. “So... What I saw was actually more alive than the...” Strugling to find the technical term. “Um.”

“I don't know.” Garath shrugged sitting back. “I'm just a snoopy nerd, not a scientist.”

“Snoopy?” Sarephel hinted.

“Enough pervert jokes.” He demanded.

“Not snoopy enough to tell me what this is?” She replied reaching in her top.

Garath looked away, not even honouring the tease with a reply. Veering back he noticed something dangle. “What?...” Returning gaze, curious. Small greenish cube with crystal forks protruding out. “It... Looks like a key. Probably a nice one.” He confessed, reaching out to hold it. It was warm, he didn't expect much else. Heavy, strong, 'J30' inscribed in a Panra Text, real classy stuff. “If I had to guess this is an archive lock, and by it's size one hell of an encryption pass. I'd say its for the library but it only goes up to 'J24' unless...” Garaths eyes darkened, lids sliding with creaking metal gates. “A hidden archive.” Sarephel studied his reaction, more intent on him than it's meaning. Looking up he continued. “Where did you get such a piece?”

“I stole it.” She replied carelessly. Garath folding back into his chair, dropping the hot material in between. Sarephel quick to retrieve it, laughing as she did. “No, my sister gave it to me.”

Signing coursly, Garath returned to honour the prank. “Alright, and what is it for?”

“Don't know, but I'm going to find out. Probably our next clue.”

“Waaait, hold on. You were taken off the job.”

Sarephel shook her head. “That's what it sounded like.”

“Yeah, because that's what your father said.”

“Kaunzi told me differently, so if you keep quiet everyone will still believe it.”

“And what did she say?”

“Well, after she slipped this key into my hair she tapped on my shoulder as she consoled me. I knew what she meant.”

“And that just means that you, are...”

“Ever read sixth tier guard regiments?”

“No, their classified to anyone who isn't a sixth tier guard.”

“Exactly.”

“And you are telling me this why?”

“Because I need backup, someone who can watch my back like you always wanted.”

“No!” Garath declined, sundering the mood under his cold stern voice. “I'm not dipping my feet in this shit. Whatever that key is for, is meant for you. I don't have the clearance for whatever vault that opens, and I'm not putting myself out there.”

“And if I took the fall for you?” Sarephel enticed.

“Unlike you, when I got relieved I wasn't given a special code. I'm off.” Grunting as he withdrew, having strained his chest in the frustration.

“Hey! You know I really could use you!” Standing up, she called out. “This is a little bigger than me!”

Garath slowed down, the regret of his inability breaking through. “Go find some other snoopy nerd. Worlds full of them, all single too.”

“And when I do?” Sarephel asked, hinting desperation.

“Call me. I'll be around.”

Wheeling back to the elevator as the platform arrived too soon to make, one of the waitresses came up, having head the ordeal. “I'm sorry.” She said, “Some times these things just don't work out...”

Sarephel looked to her unshaken. “Meh, he's a good man.” Some worry and confusion taking the poor bystander. Looking into her palm, 'J30' in florescent green. Kinda malachite in crystal enamel. Her coffee still warm beside it.

A long corridor stretched out with chasms aside her filled with literature. Monolithic towers of archives dim lit and cased in dust. This was the forty eighth floor library, one of the original archives from the tower before it's enhancements over eighty years ago and it showed. Old wood, still excellently crafted but dry and gave a strong aroma of it's darkened casket barrel age. Before the end, a hub opened to a moderately lit reception and a better view of the study below. “Can I help you?” A lady asked, full dressed appropriately; swamp green vest over white blouse, glasses and enough unnecessary folds of fabric to tickle seasoned fashion designers. It clearly costed an unnecessary fortune. Her voice, still sweet.

“Yes.” Sarephel answered, undecided on her approach. “I'm looking for an archive.”

“Do you know which section? Or subject?”

“Yes, is there a section... 'J' twenty five?”

The receptionists expression saddened, warming a smile sympathetic smile she redirected. “The archive only goes to twenty four, are you sure you are looking for a 'twenty five'?”

Sarephel fixed a somewhat reflective facade, honeying her voice slightly “He may have messed up but yes, I'm quite certain he told me to find section twenty five... J”

The warm sympathy fell saddened again. “Then I'm afraid I can't help you. I would suggest asking your friend again which section, otherwise the only person that could help you is our head archive manager but they are away on break.”

“If it's not too much trouble.” Sarephel took up, “Can you let them know I need some help when they get back?” She asked politely. “I'm going to ask my friend again, and if I don't check out with anything by then, I'm still looking alright?” Somewhat blankly confused, the receptionist nodded respectfully anyway and Sarephel turned to leave. “Before I go, which way to 'J' twenty four?”

It ended in the somewhat open, though above was walled off, where she stood doored passage beyond into more archive. 'J24' sure enough followed the same script font but it was all she wrote as no neighbour had any following but backwards to twenty three and on. On a hardened chair, her tush sat crooked curled into her tablet doing what little research she could. “Protocol thirty three.” Sarephel thought silently. “Trust no one, test everyone. Kaunzi gave me the signal after I was let off, meaning I'm still on and whatever she gave me I can't trust to anyone else with what I have so I have to work alone. Garath seems to be earnest, he won't risk himself on a dishonest job but he is a little sternly adamant about it.” She rolled through pages, hoping to maybe discover some kind of hint. “If he was a little more calm about it, he would be cleared completely. Depends on whether or not he follows me I guess. No, if he does it's confirmed.” Her eyes veering slightly adjacent to her screen. A man approached, somewhat aged with his long hair greyed early.

He greeted her “Are you looking for help?”

Her legs sliding back to normal, head nodding. Sarephel replied. “Are you the archive manager?” Ears perking.

He nodded. “Has your friend returned to you yet?”

She looked into her tablet. “Not yet.” Continuing the charade and setting it aside.

“Then I can't say I can be of much help.”

“You mean there isn't a 'J' twenty five here?” Pouting her disappointment, Sarephel tried again. “You wouldn't have a clue where I could find it, could you?”

He couldn't satisfy her. The manager looked to the side. “It is possible.” He replied. “There are parts of this library that have changed over the ages.” His focus was through the doorway “This would be well before my time, but there was a locked archive behind these walls. I have no idea what was in it, but it was moved supposedly.”

Sarephel's attention returning from the passage back at the manager. “And where would they move something like that to?”

“It's beyond me.” He shook. “If I had to guess, being a locked archive, probably to the private archives but you won't find them there. You'd need special access.”

A shade of dismay darkened her face. “I guess I'm stuck until he gets back to me, huh?”

“Seems so. Is there anything else I can help with?” The manager offered. She shook and he continued. “Then I wish you good luck and a hasty reply.”

“Thank you.” She gratified, returning to her slump in the well flattened upholstery as it slid slightly. Anything moved to the private archive would have been conducted officially and thoroughly. If there was any chance of something left behind, it would be far too minute to even bother with. With the private archive, it would come with some recognition, rendering the secrecy of her operation redundant. Sarephel consolidated her options, the gears cranking in her drooped void stare.

Sure enough, the private archives laid beyond metal supported doors just like the last time she came. The front counter being the only access. Security cameras, double locks but vacant of the on-site guard. “Hi,” Sarephel opened, re-fixing to her act. “I'm looking for a 'J' twenty five.”

“And your clearance?” The worker requested, searching the file's requisites.

“Tier 6 royal guard.”

“Ten seconds please.” He replied dryly.

Ten seconds almost exactly, three men came from behind her. One stern armoured and unimpressed captain in front line, his unshaven five-o-clock shadow distracting her as he spoke clearly. “Show me your clearance.”

Sarephel obliged, revealing her identity.

“I'm sorry, you do not have clearance to access these files.” His posture held with effort, lazy eyes overcompensating for the sake of his heckling.

“Then which clearance would I need?”

“Classified.”

Reluctant to give her any information, she thought it was time to introduce herself a little farther with the window gap scewing as time went on. Still holding her badge out. “Sarephel Herosae, Second youngest daughter of Father Herosae.”

An earnest smirk lit his coldened exterior. “Impressive.” He commended. “Still not enough clearance.”

“What?!” Sarephel astonished, calmly unable to withhold the shock in her voice.

“What is your purpose with these documents, anyways?”

“While off duty, I wanted to do some studying for the sake of my work... I heard they moved some documents here.”

His face almost unwavering. “I'm sorry but you cannot access these files, regardless of your intentions with them so please have yourself to the entrance unless there are any other documents you are in need of.”

“Then, what will my clearance get me?”

“All documents are by request only, you should know this. Without specific name and reason, I cannot grant you access to any information. It's my job, nothing personal.”

“Fine...” Sarephel retracted, walking around them to the entrance as requested.

Searching her tablet, she was sure that somehow there would be an answer to her clearance gave access to. No document, nor pamphlet dating to her ascension of tier 6 bore any such inscriptions. “Maybe Daddy can help.” Her mind did ponder to call Garath but she decided against it. Neither did he have interest, not did she in pursuit him any farther. “Daddy.” “Uh huh...” “I know... Say, I was...” “Yes, I was just outside the archives doing some light reading.” “No, nothing serious.” “Say, what would be the highest clearance document I can access.” “It's just study.” “No...” “Daddy...” “Uh huh?” “I know.” “Please?” “I understand.” “Thank you.” “I love you too... Bye.” The call ended, Sarephel's face instinctively fixed cheerful, flopped. “Well, that was useless...”

There was no way past the guard, the locks, or the workers. It took some time but she was almost ready to call in a favour from her favourite ninja. She was ready to call him, Garath's access at the touch of a finger. Hesitantly, Sarephel realized she wasn't really all that ready. The tablet vibrated. Her eyes set down to read a message from her ninja, oddly enough it had no context. The obvious relay, Father came through after all. “Right?” She thought. Either way, the counter was welcomed by her again as Sarephel requested the new document. The guards returned, remembering the authentication he instead walked her straight through.

“Still researching I assume?” He asked as they came into the main vault. Two levels of a dome-like cavern appeared, lit thoroughly with kiosks and catwalks bridging their current upper level.

“Yup...” Sarephle assured, changing to a casual tone. “So, I take it that you're a seventh tier guard?”

He looked to her, took in the question and replied “Yes.”

“I've kinda wanted to upgrade to a tier seven but it's not my thing, standing around all the time.”

Somewhat of a chum fell behind his porcelain job ridden mask. “It has it's benefits, but a lot of standing, yes.” He said reaching to the over watching railing

“Do you hate your job?” Sarephel inquired blatantly.

A long silence followed. “No, I do not hate my job.” Clearly irritated. The tension returning. Pressing the buzzer at the balcony's edge, comfort faltered with the long period of time before assistance was met.

An elderly gentleman approached, beard almost passing his waist with his hunched back. “What can I help you find?”

“'H' eleven through fourteen.” The guard announced, walking to his internal post.

Following sight to the post, the elder smirked. “It seems you've made friends with Elmren.” Then beckoning down the stairs he inquired. “My name is Whilyer, what brings you by?”

“Just learning.” Sarephel answered

“Knowledge is a wondrous thing but some things are not so leisurely to absorb.”

“No kidding, while I'm off duty I figured...”

“Yes, yes.” Elmer interrupted. “I am sure you have your other reasons. The search for knowledge is virtuous. Was there any particular document?”

“Not really.” Sarephel admitted.

“I assure you, there is plenty to keep you busy, a single archive can occupy me for a few days.” Whilyer admitted, trying not to gloat, the reminiscing glow of reflection radiating from his tittering voice.

“So, have you read all of these?”

“With some exception to my own clearance, yes...” He replied earnestly, fumbling he added. “But don't mention it.”

“Then you would know where some documents may have been moved to?”

“Certainly, given their age and importance, they have been either been added, exchanged for another kiosk, or put safely past our vault for the added security.”

'I'm sorry, I probably shouldn't ask such thing of you.” Sarephel confessed.

Whilyer scuffed, gesturing his lax towards it. “I find the condemnation of one's will to learn is a shameful hindrance to our ability to grow. There is no shame in wondering. I may not provide you every answer but I cannot deem you by your curiosity. I too share that freedom.”

“Where might a 'J' twenty five be stored?”

In a tight lipped smile, he replied. “I'm sure you have a good idea on that one.”

Sarephel reflected her understanding, solemnly nodding. Whilyer hushed his charming old grin.

“Here they are...” The old man destined. “You may want a seat, there should be some around here. Don't let Elmren give you too much trouble over retrieving one.”

Sarephel thanked her assistant, and returned to the place with a seat. These kiosks had no locks on them, publicly it was guarded in present, the gaze of her guardian pouring onto her. “It's a pitty...” Sarephel whispered to herself. “Seventh tier's final test is watching paint dry for forty eight hours. I've got his full undivided attention.” Peering around, her surroundings still restricting her. There was another door, a vault; maybe locked or hidden she couldn't recall sight of any such fixture. Exploring was out of the question and as she scrolled through the documents lit out in front of her, she knew she was in for a long wait to avoid suspicions. It wasn't the worst position she had been in, but it ranked. She cursed Kaunzi, 'J30' could eat itself.

The information was bland, in the options Sarephel set the auto scroll and zoned out to a different place. She wasn't the greatest strategist but a part of her thought of her situation, the other to what she might find. With how far she was into this mystery, there was no suspects and the motive was unclear. Too much time passed a while ago, Sarephel was tiring. Document after document, it was enough to put her to sleep. Scientific findings concerning chemical reactions, propulsion of militarized air drones, formulas for creating alternate chemical liquids, the book ended. With an idea of how bored she appeared, she fixed her exterior to match, trying to reboot her inner functions.

“You look ready for bed.” Elmren commented, Sarephel walking up the stairs to pass him.

Hazily she yawned, “Not quite what I signed up for to be honest.”

“It's best you didn't upgrade then. You would hate to work this job for sure.”

She nodded with his accompaniment.

Up the stairs, Whilyer greeted Elmren as he passed. “She gone already?” No relpy “I guess then, she seemed so eager too. Alas, I'm headed to the facility, but you didn't need to know that.” Still firmly guarding, Elmren stood motionless.

“Found it.” Sarephel congratulated herself, key lock in hand. Glancing her rag doll, she fit it into it's lock. The anaesthetic worked, the coat hook holding his weight in place by the collar. A bit of regret came to her, it was no fantasy however, the malachite archive lock in her hand was real and 'J30' was certainly behind this door. Sarephel had faith in her sister's message, the means to get her however weighed heavily.

Opening the vault, it creaked deeply to reveal the darkened space within. Twenty minutes, that is how long she had before her victim would awaken from her quick serum. Low hums and dim lights blinked to fade, mostly green with navy blue adjacent. Closing the door behind her, the illumination of thin lights adjusted with the darkness. Having a flashlight was a thoughtful addition. Engraved 'J26' 'J28' and at last 'J30' with a green two prong key slot fell into her lap. Perfectly the crystals slid in, a welcoming hum booted the drive up. Light screen flipping forward it plipped on.

The old format was irritating to navigate, the operating system desperately in need of updates beyond it's physical constraints. On it's opened parcel, it displayed many images. While scrolling through Sarephel noted some files had been altered, documents sat side by side, drawn on top of and reckoning great conspiracy. Dated just last night. “This must have been what Kaunzi was working on...” Studying them farther, Sarephel noted some subtle changes in the blueprints, blueprints for the tower's construction.

Large metal drawers stood behind the screen, the physical copies hopefully within. With some luck, Sarephel cruised through to find each paper and folder organized by floor. Comparing it to the one on screen, dated the same as the original, these documents seemed to reflect the ones being debunked. Some oddities still remained but there was not enough time to study it all. What appeared to be, was another set of documents somehow acquired that revealed passages. Father Herosae was oblivious to these, or claimed to be. It made no sense that he would investigate it with the ferocity that he did otherwise. Maybe someone acquired the originals and altered them. Whoever was responsible had to be high up on the ladder. She scanned through page and document, some longer text files were skimmed over but they were disjointed, names circled; probably Kaunzi's investigation of the staff and members of the executive during it's time. All the dates pointed to over eighty years ago. Every answer She had was met with more questions, and why in the hell Kaunzi tried to bring this all up to her was beyond Sarephel. Time was up.

With his resistance training, Sarephel figured Elmren would be waking early from the estimate. Fast to act meant not long to sustain. Last thing she wanted was an ordeal on her hands, though she already had one. Laying low for a while until Father Herosae could sort it out was the only option. Garath's assistance would have been appreciated but to her knowledge he was nowhere's to be seen. Not that she could sense a perverted tech ninja anyway. Closing down the computer it displayed a message. “Insufficient storage, all files on temporary access will be wiped. Shutdown anyway?”

The prompt had lots to debate, the work that was done must have been extensive but leaving it meant removing her trace from the material she sought after. Time rolling, she closed it all down, data and all.