May I Enjoy My Life: Entry 5

Entry 9: Day 25

Well, I’m not at Rhodes Island yet, but I’m also no longer in an absolute dystopian hellhole. Just a mostly dystopian hellhole. 

While we did manage to fly for several hours out of Ursus, we were in pretty bad shape, and Croissant made the call to land us at the nearest safe port of call. Namely, Lungmen. 

“Lungmen control, this is Papa Bird, requesting permission for an emergency landing,” Sora said from the co-pilot’s chair as Croissant battled the flagging VTOLs controls. “We are bingo fuel and down to one effective engine.”

“We read you, Papa Bird. Stand by for further instructions.” 

We waited for a minute, the ship shuddering and rattling around us. 

“Papa Bird, you are directed to land outside the city. Sending you coordinates now. We have a team on standby to pick you up.”

“Roger, Control. Receiving coordinates,” Sora said, then turned her head. “Uh, boss?”

“Shit. That crusty old man caught wind of something. Do as they say, we’ll figure it out,” Emperor said, shaking his head. He turned to Gavial, who had a grim expression on her face. “Hey, don’t sweat it. Penguin Logistics always delivers the goods, and I ain’t markin’ this one done ‘til I drop you off in the Old Hag’s hands.”

“We going in hot, boss?” Exusiai said, reaching for a magazine to load into her guns. 

“Be ready to go loud, but don’t do nothin’ less I say so. Fuck. Last thing I need is a real beef with that crusty old dragon. Shit, this’s where my crib is! He better not lay a finger on my tunes, or Lil’ Homie gonna pop a cap in his scaly ass.”

 “My dad is gonna kill me,” Bison groaned, reaching for his helmet and slamming it down on his head. 

“Oh don’t you worry ‘bout that, boo! We’ll jess tell him we was on a hot date!” Croissant called from the front. 

“We already used that excuse last time. I don’t think he’ll buy it,” Bison told her, his voice echoing slightly in the gas mask. 

Texas stubbed out her latest cig. She and Svetla Yastrebov, that was liberi mom’s name I’d found out, had gone through an entire pack between them, and the whole ship stank of tobacco. I would have complained more about second-hand smoke if I wasn’t pretty sure that was the least of my problems right now, though I did worry about the kids. Speaking of…

“Hey should we screen the kids and their mom for oripathy when we land?” I asked Sussurro and Gavial quietly as they readied themselves for combat. 

Gavial nodded, frowning at me. “Guess you really ain’t from around here, McCoy. That’s standard procedure for everyone whenever they see combat. All that originium being thrown around? Definitely need a screening.”

“Screening immediately after action, and then another after 72 hours to measure the difference,” Sussurro agreed. She gave me a sad smile. “Is it like that where you’re from? I could never get a straight answer from…the others.”

“I mean, maybe for tetanus, but there’s no analogue for oripathy. It’s like the worst cross between HIV/AIDs and especially aggressive cancer, mixed with a zombie plague. I’m not an expert, though, I was a neurology major and only just finished medical school. Combat was the furthest thing from my mind.”

“Your home sounds wonderful,” Sussurro sighed. 

“And boring,” Gavial added with a wink. 

“Stay sharp, but weapons down,” Texas said to the team as we came in for a landing. 

“Hey, I’m in charge, Shorty,” Emperor said, which was pretty funny because while Texas wasn’t what I would call tall, Emperor only came up to her chest, even with his hat on. 

“Sure, boss,” Texas said, though she didn’t seem terribly impressed. 

“You kids stay behind me, OK?” Bison told the civis. “You too, Dr. McCoy.”

Oh joy. I was lumped in with the women and children. Well, to be honest, most of the women here could completely kick my ass, and I wasn’t sure how tough Sora or Svetla were. Shit, the damn five year old might be able to take me. Terrans are built different. 

The landing was a bit bumpy, and Penguin Logistics stormed out, Croissant leaping out of her seat to grab her weapons and shield so she could bring up the rear, hovering over me like my guardian angel. Though the angel was on point with Texas. Actually, this band of what I had thought of as goofballs was really scary. Even Emperor, who despite still wearing his street clothes, managed to be the most intimidating of the lot. 

Waiting for us were two rows of armed and armored police with Chinese, or I guess Yanese, characters on their shields. At their head was an absolute giant of a woman with green hair and a single horn poking out of her forehead. She wasn’t wearing a helmet, but she did have a massive hunk of steel in her off hand and a serious expression on her face. That had to be Hoshiguma, one of the toughest Operators in Arknights, a feat in-game which her appearance backed up.

Next to her was a much shorter woman, though I’d later see that Ch’en was of average height. Even I look a bit short next to Hoshiguma. Ch’en had a sheathed sword at her side, and sunglasses on her face to block out the morning glare. Her tail was lashing back and forth, which I guess showed irritation.

“Sup. Didn’t think the LGD would roll out the red carpet for us,” Emperor said. Interestingly, I picked up he wasn’t speaking English, or even Bear Russian. Now that I double checked, I could read those Chinese characters. Huh. Babel Fish kicking in again? 

“You caused quite the disturbance, Penguin Logistics,” Ch’en said, removing her sunglasses and frowning down at the penguin gangster. “We’ve had several rather harsh missives from Ursus, and the ambassador is demanding that Lungmen turn you all over to them.”

“Nah, dawg. We were just out for a joy ride. Ask my girls! Shit, we just picked up a few hitch hikers,” Emperor said, pointing his flipper over his shoulder towards the rest of us.

“Is that so?” Ch’en said, nonplussed.

Before things could proceed further, Gavial suddenly stepped forward. “Well, well, well! If it isn’t the weakling! Looking for a rematch, lightweight?”

Hoshiguma, who had been looking grim and imposing next to Ch’en, broke into a broad grin and stepped forward. “What is that? I think I heard something, but it was from so far down, I can barely make it out!” 

The two titans clashed, and I swear, they did the Arnold and Carl manly handshake thing, even if Hoshiguma overtopped Gavial by a head. 

“Gavial, you scaly scoundrel! They sent you on this one?” 

“Haha, you know it you overgrown ogre! When are you getting back to Rhodes Island? It's been too long since we had some fun together!” 

“Ah, you know, work keeps me busy, and…” Hoshiguma trailed off. Ch’en was tapping her foot and glaring up at her partner, while the rest of the guard was shifting and coughing with what I figured was suppressed laughter. 

Hoshi instantly straightened up. “Ahem! You’re all in a lot of trouble!” 

“Oh, give it up, you’ve already ruined it,” Ch’en muttered. She sighed. “Look. This is all a mess. I’m going to have to arrest you all and take you in.”

“Mmm, I don’t know about that,” Exusiai said, lifting one of her guns. The guards instantly snapped to attention, raising their shields. “It sounds like fun and all, but we got a delivery, see, and Penguin Logistics has a reputation to maintain! Maybe some other time, Miss Ch’en!” 

Texas just there with arms folded, sizing Ch’en up. Now that would be an epic sword duel. I’m not sure who would win; I think Arknights operator power levels probably aren’t super indicative of actual combat ability, but the lore I did know had it that Ch’en was some super awesome swordsmaster too.

“Hold up, girls,” Emperor ordered, and Exusiai lowered her gun. He turned to Ch’en. “What’s the old man’s play?”

“Bluntly? Mitigate damage. Then tell Ursus to puk gaai. But this is a conversation we need to have in private. Consider this protective custody.”

“A’ight. But ya ain’t takin’ Lil’ Homie, or the girls' stuff. Exu especially is real attached to her guns.”

“I am well aware of Sankta spiritual customs. And no, you will not be relieved of your weapons. But you will be coming with me to see Uncle Wei.”

Emperor considered that, then nodded. “‘Kay, but you need to take care of these kids. I ain’t haulin’ around no brats.”

“We’ll see to your passengers' comfort and care,” Ch’en agreed. But she pointed at me. “That one comes with us, however. And the Rhodes Islanders.”

“Right. Texas, Exu, y’all commin’ with me. Sora, Croissant, boy, you take care of the others,” Emperor ordered.

“Hey! My boo gots a name, bawss!” Croissant protested. 

“Yeah, I just don’t feel like usin’ it. Go tell your old man you just saved the world, boy. Might not even be a lie this time,” Emperor said, then waddled towards one of the vans waiting nearby. 

I fell in with Sussurro and Gavial as we approached the vans, dropping my voice to whisper, “OK, how screwed are we?”

“Depends on what kind of games Old Man Wei wants to play,” Gavial said, her tone no longer so cheery. “If Ursus is putting heavy pressure on him…it could get real bad. I ain’t so read up on geopolitics, but to call the relationship between Ursus and Yan tense is a bit of an understatement.”

“It’s been especially bad since Chernobog. Ah, you wouldn’t know about that,” Sussurro said, grimacing. 

“You mean the part where Reunion hijacked a landship and decided to use it to go ramming speed on Lungmen?” I asked. “There’s some things about this world I do know, that’s one of them.”

“You’re gonna have to tell us where you get this weird alien knowledge. But later. For now, you’re back to being an Aegir, understand? I’m not too sure how much the Yanese know about R6 and all that, but the less the better,” Gavial told us.

“Let’s just hope Chief Wei values his relationship with Rhodes Island more than he does the one with Ursus,” Sussurro said. 

We climbed into the van, and drove away from the pad. In the distance, I could see a city skyline. At first, I thought it was up on top of a hill. Then, the full magnitude of what I was seeing slowly revealed itself. Lungmen was a massive city, with a population that had to be into the tens of millions. That was sprawled out over miles and miles of cityscape.

And it was moving. The entire damn thing…was moving. 

Great tracked plates, so vast that they stretched for miles on end, were slowly making their way across the dusty terrain. It wasn’t moving fast, that’s for sure, the normal speed of Lungmen is less than a slow walk, really. Later I’d find out they usually move at about 2 kph, though they can kick it all the way up to around 25 kph if there is a Catastrophe coming. 

Still, even at that slow pace…it was absolutely incredible to see this entire massive city moving.

“How…how do they do that?” I whispered, my face glued to the window. 

“Pretty cool, huh? I always like looking at a new nomadic city when I travel as a messenger, but Lungmen is the second most impressive!” Exusiai said brightly. 

“What, is the most impressive the Vatican?” I said, then kicked myself. The Sussurro helpfully actually kicked me. 

“Hmm, never heard of it! But, biased I may be, but Laterano is the most impressive to me, and one of the oldest! To see it traveling across the mountains of my homeland,” Exusiai said, and sighed. “Sometimes, I miss my big sis and my friends back home.”

Texas grunted, and Exusiai wrapped an arm around her. “Don’t worry, Texas! I love my new home with you and my buddies! Though honestly, I miss Laterano Apple Pie!” 

“We’ll make you some when we get home,” Texas said quietly, and Exusiai grinned. 

“That’s why you’re my bestest bud, Texas! Ooo, we should get some for Sussurro and Gavial too! Oh, and you too, Dr. McCoy! You can’t say that Penguin Logistics doesn’t treat its packages right!” 

“Now ain’t the time. Y’all are still on the clock,” Emperor growled. “And watch what you say. Walls got ears.” 

Exusiai mimed zipping her mouth shut, then happily hummed to herself. I kept gazing out the window. It was all starting to sink in. I really wasn’t in Kansas anymore. And there were no ruby slippers I could click to get back home. 

Not that I’ve ever been to Kansas. I hear there’s a lot of corn and soybeans. 

To get up to the city, we entered into a massive elevator that fit the four cars in our convoy. The whole thing was over 200 yards tall, something like 20 stories. And then on TOP of that, there were skyscrapers that wouldn’t have looked out of place in any city I’ve ever been to. 

“How the hell do they engineer this?” I muttered to myself, scrubbing at my forehead. 

“With great patience and effort, Dr. McCoy,” Ch’en’s voice said through the speaker. I winced, and Sussurro kicked me again. I really need to learn to keep my mouth shut. 

We drove until we came to perhaps not the tallest building, but definitely one of the fanciest. There were more LGD guards waiting for us, and we were escorted inside. 

“I don’t suppose we’ll have a chance to freshen up first?” I remarked to Ch’en as we walked through the opulent reception room. Not a soul in sight aside from LGD. “Got a bit of blood on these clothes.”

“You will be given a chance to clean up later. This cannot wait,” Ch’en said. “My uncle will understand.”

We took another elevator up to the top floor, and then were led out into what was an extremely fancy old-style Chinese manor, basically. It looked a lot like it had in the games and anime. Though my memory was fuzzy on some things, I do know that Wei Yenwu was some sort of nobility, not to mention known as a canny old negotiator who could be absolutely ruthless when the time called for it. 

I hoped that didn’t extend to dissecting me in a lab somewhere.

We were led to a sitting room, where two very colorful dragon people were waiting for us. Both Wei Yenwu and his wife Fumizuki were more on the bestial side of things. Both had prominent horns, Wei’s looking like deer antlers, while his wife’s was more of a Chinese unicorn deal. What were they called, kirin? Qilin? One or the other. The two werered, and pink, and dressed in lavish clothes. Scarlet silk robes for Wei, an orange and black kimono for his wife. Wait, was she Japanese or something? I honestly forgot, slash just didn’t know. I guess Fumizuki sounded more Japanese? Eesh, I should have read more. 

“Ah, Ch’en, thank you. Officer Hoshiguma, you are dismissed,” Wei said.

Hoshiguma bowed and left with the rest of the LGD guards, while Wei took a long pull on his pipe before blowing smoke out, studying us. Well, mostly me.

Emperor waddled forward and, without being told, flopped up onto the black leather couch. “Alright you scaly old coot. This here’s my goods, and I got a contract to deliver ‘em. So you had better believe I’m billing you for holding up my shipment.”

“Consider this…a customs inspection, you stuffy old bird,” Wei said, a faint smile of amusement on his lips. 

“Uh-huh. Girls, you go chill with tall, dark, and oni. We got some things to discuss you don’t need to bother yourselves with,” Emperor said, waving his flipper towards the door. 

“Sure thing, boss,” Exusiai said, and turned to go.

Texas waited a moment, regarding Emperor. “Boss. Call if you need us.”

“Yeah, yeah, don’t sweat it, sweet thing. Some things you’re better off not knowin’.”

Texas nodded, then bowed to Wei. “Chief.”

He inclined his head slightly towards her, and Texas walked off with Exu.

“Dr. Gavial. Dr. Sussurro. I am familiar with the two of you. I have read several of your reports on the treatment of the infected, Dr. Sussurro. For one so young, your insight is impressive,” Wei said with a nod to my diminutive companion. 

Sussurro blushed and bowed. “Thank you, sir.”

“And it seems you have discovered something truly remarkable this time,” Wei continued, making Sussurro stiffen halfway into her bow. “An alien. Who, it is said, can cure oripathy.”

Ch’en sucked in a sudden sharp breath, her eyes going wide. “Uncle?!” 

“Sit, Ch’en,” Fumizuki said, patting the couch beside her. “You need not stand at attention.”

Slowly, Ch’en did sit, though her eyes were locked on me now. 

I coughed. “You know, uh, I think maybe tales of my exploits are greatly exaggerated…”

“Hmm. We will see.” Wei drew a tablet from his robes and tapped at it. “Dr. Yun. Your report?”

“Initial screening has been completed,” a somewhat thin and reedy man’s voice said. Sounded like some sort of senior attending. “I’m worried about the Liberi woman, we’re going to need to put her on close watch. She’s lost her husband and her home. The children will need a great deal of counseling as well, especially-”

“Infection status, Dr. Yun. That is what concerns me. You can see to the other matters under your own authority,” Wei interrupted. 

“Oh, yes, sorry.The boy, yes? Well, Andrey Ivanovich. Ursus, male, aged 10. Very polite child, for all the trauma. No signs of oripathy, but I would like to follow up, as any time you’re involved in combat without protective gear, there is a risk.”

“Thank you, doctor. That will be all for now. I expect a full report,” Wei said, and cut the connection. He met my eyes, which was kinda eerie since he had yellow sclera and red irises. And I don’t mean he looked jaundiced, I mean his eyeballs were actually yellow. 

“Well, I’m glad to hear Andrey’s healthy,” I said brightly. 

“How interesting. When the report I received from Shiraziberg indicated that Andrey Ivanovich was infected. As confirmed by one Dr. Kuznetsova. Her report indicates a Stage 2 Acute Oripathy infection.”

“Uh, she was a Lungmen agent?” I said, sweat breaking out on my forehead. 

“You don’t need to know who my agents are, Dr. McCoy,” Wei said, leaning forward. “Only that it is a fair bet that I have a more complete picture of what took place in Shiraziberg than you do.”

“So you got a report the kid was infected. Maybe this Dr. Kuznetsova made a mistake. Happens,” Gavial said with a shrug. “I’ve screwed up diagnosis reports before. That’s why you take a second set of labs when making a serious call.”

“It was enough that the Emperor’s Blades took a direct interest. So much so that one attempted to hunt your party down,” Wei said, taking a pull on his pipe. 

His wife nodded. “Ambassador Chekarev was screaming at us not ten minutes after Penguin Logistics was spotted in Shiraziberg, to hand over the escaped criminals immediately. To the point that he even implied Ursus might declare war to get them back.”

Oh, shit. That was bad news. 

“I sent a message to the Tsar, but I have yet to receive a reply,” Wei said, steepling his fingers in front of himself. “So. That leaves the matter of what to do with you, Dr. McCoy. Can you, in fact, cure oripathy?”

I looked helplessly to Sussurro and Gavial, who themselves exchanged glances. 

“Inana ipilkoneuaj, Lucia, I’m out of my depth,” Gavial muttered. “I ain’t cut out for this diplomacy shit.”

Sussurro inhaled through her nose, then met Wei’s measuring gaze. “We don’t know, Chief Wei. It’s something I need to discuss with Director Kal’tsit and Chief Medical Officer Warfarin. The sample size is too small. But…this is something Rhodes Island views as the highest priority. I take it you’ve been in contact with the Director?”

“As well as the Doctor, and Chief Executive Officer Amiya. They are…rather invested in the safe return of your team,” Wei said.

“A’ight, I’ve heard enough,” Emperor said, slapping the arm of the couch with his flipper. “Wei, shut the fuck up and listen.”

Ch’en sat up straight, a snarl on her lips. “You DARE to-”

“Ch’en. Be silent,” Wei said, raising a hand, and she piped down right away. “Speak, Sovereign of Beasts.”

“You and I both know what this means,” Emperor said, taking off his sunglasses and glaring at Wei. “I been in this game longer than you, but we both know that you’re a high-class player. And what this kid brings to the table…it’s something people are gonna be goin’ all in on. So cut the bullshit. You and me both know the best place for him, and I do mean the absolute best place, is Rhodes Island. I seen the Oracle. They’re a changed person, but even if that motherfucker were the same cold fish back in the bad old days, Doc would STILL be the number one individual to entrust this to. The Ghost ain’t fuckin’ around no more. So you gotta decide what side you are on, Wei. You on the side that’s gonna try and fix this fucked up world, or you on the same side as those abominations up in Ursus who just want to devour it. Because straight up, I already picked my side. And I think you know what it is.”

“And what of the Immutable Ancient? She has a hand to play in this,” Wei said, his eyes hooded. 

“Ain’t nobody on this planet that knows what’s going on behind the Witch’s eyes. But this I do know: She’s about as invested in making sure this shit hole of a world thrives and prospers as anyone. I sure as hell don’t agree with her methods all the time. But shit, Wei. If we gotta trust someone with the best damn hope Terra has had since I was hatched, and let me tell you that was a long ass time ago, then fuck it. Give ‘em to Rhodes Island.”

Wei considered that for a moment, then turned to his wife. “And what say you, my heart?”

“While I do not agree with the crassness of the Emperor of Music, his reasons are sound. Consider this, husband: which group has the most advanced methods of treatment of oripathy? Where have we sent our niece for treatment? It is Rhodes Island. They have proven themselves honorable, and their hearts are to heal the sick. So, perhaps, they can be trusted with this burden. Even more than we ourselves.”

“I see. Ch’en?”

Ch’en blinked, breaking her gaze with me. “Uncle?”

“Say this man can indeed cure oripathy. What would you do with him?” Wei said, gesturing to me. 

“He…would be a great asset for Lungmen. And for Great Yan,” Ch’en said slowly. 

“Of that, there can be no doubt. To such a degree that I am willing to go to war with Ursus, and defy even my own Imperial Brother in retaining him here. For one thing…he could cure you, my niece,” Wei said, and he sounded…weary. Exhausted. Like he was carrying a great burden, and just wanted to set it down for a few minutes. Something I suppose I couldn’t blame him for. 

“What?! Uncle, no!” Ch’en said instantly. “My own health cannot begin to enter into this equation! For one thing, my case is mild, and thanks to my treatment at Rhodes Island, I am likely to live a long and full life, even as an infected!” 

“No more than a span of eighty years. When a Lung such as yourself should easily see her second century. I am already ninety-eight, Ch’en. And you twenty-seven. Another fifty years…I would be only middle-aged, as our race reckons things,” Wei said, then took a long pull on his pipe.

“And what of the countless citizens who are infected, whose cases are much more severe!? Are their lives not just as valuable as mine!? Should they not be the first to be cured by this man?!” Ch’en demanded. 

“Might I speak?” Sussurro said, raising a hand. 

Wei pointed his pipe at her and continued puffing, and she took a deep breath. “First of all…you make a great many assumptions. We don’t know for certain if Dr. McCoy can cure oripathy. For another…his method of treatment…at this time it would not be easily reproducible. Nor…sustainable.”

“Eyo. What you mean by that?” Emperor said, frowning at us, somehow. Despite the fact that he had a beak. 

“He has used his ability twice, to the best of my knowledge,” Sussurro said, and I nodded in agreement, but for once shut the hell up and let her continue. “The first time…he contracted oripathy in the process. Stage 2.” 

Chief Wei paused in sucking on his pipe, whie Fumizuki’s eyes narrowed. Emperor growled something in what sounded like German, “Steck dir dein Geweih in den Arsch.”

A bird of many talents, truly. 

“The second time exacerbated the condition, even though he did not fully cure the oripathy, and the original infection was much less severe,” Sussurro said. She took a deep breath. “We…we may have only one, or perhaps two, chances to see him demonstrate this ability. We could learn a great deal from it. Or…perhaps we will find a way for him to use it more. Either way, I am going to have to keep a close eye on Dr. McCoy, or he’s going to find a way to locate a sick child and attempt to cure them at the cost of his own life.”

“I mean, I didn’t know I was gonna give myself oripathy when I cured Andrey,” I muttered. 

“That’s not what you told me,” Sussurro said. “Nor does that align with what I saw, James. You were sucking the crystals out of his body and into your own. You knew what that meant, didn’t you?”

“I…yeah. I’d studied oripathy enough to know that kind of contact would give it to me. And I knew that…well…it’s universally terminal,” I admitted. “So, OK, I had a strong suspicion that it would give it to me. But Christ’s sake, Lucia, the kid was dying right in front of me and in horrific pain! What the fuck was I supposed to do, let him die!?”

“I didn’t say that. What you did was incredibly brave. But look me in the eye and tell me that if you came across another child in the same condition, you wouldn’t immediately try to cure them, even if it would certainly kill you,” Sussurro said, glaring up at me, her ears standing stiff and straight, tail bristling behind her.

“Who the hell said it would have to be a kid!? Look, I already got three people killed, at a bare minimum! So by my math, I just need to save, I dunno, three more? Then I’ll have at least balanced the scales!” 

“And if you stay alive and we can study your ability, what if we could save a million lives? Ten million! A YEAR, James! That’s what curing oripathy would do! I get having a martyr complex, Santi e angeli, I have one too! But you do NOT get to kill yourself on my watch just to satisfy yours!” 

“I- yeah, well, maybe you’re right. But…shit. I can’t…” Tears filled my eyes, and I couldn’t even see. “What would you do, Lucia? What would you do if you had the power to save someone’s life…and you withheld it.”

“I’d have a hard time sleeping at night,” she said, and I felt her hand on my shoulder. “But that’s what makes you a good doctor, James. Wanting to save those lives.”

“Alright. I just…shit.” Someone handed me a tissue, and I wiped at my eyes and blew my nose. “Sorry. Anyway, look. If you honestly think you have a better shot than Rhodes Island at helping me save as many lives as possible, Chief Wei…I’ll do whatever I can. Not for you, not for Yan, but for all those people in your city who could be saved if, somehow, a cure could be developed from whatever it is I do. I’d do it for HER,” I said, pointing to Ch’en. “And my friends,” I pointed to Gavial and Sussurro. “Not for you.”

Wei was just sitting there. Puffing on his pipe. After a few long seconds, he stood, going over to a window, where he gazed out at the city below him. Fumizuki went to stand beside him, and he put his arm around her as she leaned her head on his shoulder. Staring at them felt…well, like a Peeping Tom, so, I turned my gaze over to Ch’en, who was looking rather gobsmacked. 

“So, uh, weird question…but, um, do you have a Super Soaker?” I asked her. 

She blinked at me. “That is…a very odd question. What is a…super soaker?”

“He’s probably talking about that weird ass gun you hauled back from Dossoles,” Gavial said. “Also, what the fuck, Ch’en? I thought you joined Rhodes Island and left these clowns behind.”

Ch’en flushed and looked to the side. “Sometimes…one’s loyalties to family cannot be overlooked. I am no longer in command of the Special Operations Unit…but I was in town visiting. When Uncle Wei called me…it was too easy to fall into old habits.”

Wei came back over, his pipe between his lips, Fumizuki at his side. “Ch’en. I leave this decision to you.”

“Uncle! You…you know I am now employed by Rhodes Island. My loyalty would be towards them…”

“And as you have already demonstrated, even though you have left the LGD, your loyalty is still ultimately towards Lungmen. So. You choose. What would be the best path forward for Lungmen?”

Ch’en gritted her teeth, closing her eyes for a moment. Then she schooled her expression and stood up. “Then I will escort Dr. McCoy to Rhodes Island. Ultimately, the best way to help the people of Lungmen would be to find a cure, or at least a better treatment, for oripathy. If he can help do that…then that would be of great service to Lungmen. And humanity as a whole.”

Wei nodded. He glanced at Emperor. “Well?”

“Ya done good, kid,” Emperor said, hopping off the couch. He clapped his flippers. “Yo, Texas!”

The door smashed open and a blur of motion swept in, swords out, Ch’en had her sword out in flash, raising to parry the lupo’s blow. 

“Hold it! Fuck, woman! I call you in here and you act like I was telling you to kill everyone? Take a damn chill pill!” Emperor squawked. 

Texas froze, blade mere inches from Ch’en’s. Then, she smoothly stepped back and sheathed her sword. Exusiai had similarly flown through the door, though on seeing Texas standing down, she breathed out a sigh of relief and let her gun hang from its strap. 

“Oh good, we get to still be friends!” Exusiai said brightly. “What do, boss?”

“I’m putting you two on extended assignment,” Emperor said, and pointed at me. “You got one job from now until I say otherwise: Keep this motherfucker alive. All other contracts, responsibilities, and trips are canceled. And I’ll pay you double overtime for the rest of your natural lives if I have to, so long as you keep one Dr. James McCoy from biting it.”

“With an exception for not interfering with my medical judgement,” I hastily added. 

Emperor shot me a look, then pointed not at me, but at Sussurro. “With an exception for HER medical judgement. Not this idiot’s.”

Texas eyed me up and down, one eyebrow up, while Exusiai’s jaw had dropped. “B-boss!? Are you…you’re serious!?”

“As a heart attack. You got a problem with that?”

Exusiai glanced at Texas, who had her arms folded, and was tapping her fingers on her elbow. “Uh, Texas?”

“Why?” Texas said.

“Bitch, because I TOLD you to do it, that’s why!” Emperor snapped.

“Uh, boss man…if you’re going to give me bodyguards…wouldn’t they do their jobs better if they knew why I was suddenly a VIP instead of, you know, Joe Schmoe?” I said.

Emperor frowned up at me. “Boy, some things is need to know. And what you can do is so need to know, I wish I didn’t fucking know. Shit, I wish nobody but you, shawty here, and maybe Miss Health and Wellness Visit knew.”

“I mean, I’m ass at keeping secrets. I’ll probably end up telling them anyway,” I pointed out.

Ch’en sighed. “He can cure oripathy, Texas.”

Texas nodded, as if that simply made sense. Exusiai, for once, was at a complete loss for words. She gestured at me, then at Ch’en, then threw her hands up and flopped backwards, though her wings made her hover a few inches off the ground instead of just hitting the floor. 

Just then, Hosiguma stuck her head in. “Chief? Everything good in here?”

“We are fine, Officer Hoshiguma. Take our guests somewhere to freshen up. Give Texas and Exusiai quarters adjoining the Rhode Islanders. Ch’en, you will return to Rhodes Island with the good doctors here,” Wei said. 

“Of course, Uncle. Come, Hoshi. We’ll see to arranging lodgings. I take it they are to stay in this tower?”

“They will depart from the rooftop pad directly on my personal craft tomorrow. We will see to it that our best pilot takes them to Rhodes Island. The landship is still in the vicinity of Victoria?” Wei asked. 

“That’s classified,” Gavial said.

“Ah. So then I should instruct my pilots to make for 51.5°N, 1.7°E? Or will it have moved by then?” Wei said dryly.

“Uncle. Stop showing off,” Ch’en said with a roll of her eyes. “We will give instructions to the pilots. Though we could not fly directly to Rhodes Island from here.”

“Stopping in Siracusa would be…unwise,” Sussurro said with a grimace. “We were attacked by a famiglia in Shiraziberg.”

Texas suddenly stiffened, her tail bristling. “Oh?” 

“Yes, thanks to the little…event…from last year,” Sussurro said. “Don’t blame yourself.” 

Texas’ eyes narrowed. “I see.”

“Well, at least bodyguarding you won’t be boring,” Exusiai muttered as Gavial gave her a hand back to her feet. She frowned at me. “Pardon my Gaulish, but what the fuck, man?” 

“You know, I’ve felt the same way ever since Truck-kun dropped me off here,” I said with a heavy sigh. 

Exusiai gave me a baffled look. “Truck-kun?”

Fumizuki, however, had snorted and covered her mouth with her hand. Oh? Did I sense a fellow weeb? Not that I was really able to keep up with new releases, but one of my dirty secrets was just how much anime I watched in high school and my undergrad. 

“It’s a reference to Higashi animated shows, specifically the portal fantasy genre they call isekai,” Texas said in a complete deadpan. “Characters who are sent to another world often die in a vehicular accident, which fans label as ‘truck-kun.’ Were you involved in a vehicular homicide, Dr. McCoy?”

I had to do a double-take on Texas, and I was not the only one. 

“Texas, what the fuck?” Emperor sputtered. 

She shrugged. “Sora likes to watch them. I prefer the isekai over idol anime, so we often alternate.”

“Damn, how many of my employees are hooking up, and I didn’t even know?” Emperor sighed. “Whatever. Kid, you stink. Go get washed up. Texas, Exusiai, go grab your shit and get ready to roll in the morning. I assume the LGD is competent enough to keep their crib secure for a few hours.”

As we left, Exusiai was pounding Texas on the arm. “You and Sora hooked up, and neither of you TOLD me?!” 

“She is not allowed to have romantic partners due to her contract. We felt it prudent to keep it quiet.”

“But I’m your BESTEST BUD! You could have told me!”

“I assumed you would have figured it out after the second time she slept over at my apartment.”

“I mean, I sleep over at your apartment, too.”

“Exusiai. You pass out on my couch. Sora was in my bedroom. Wearing my clothes.”

“...shut up, Texas. Also, congrats! Ooooo, I need to tell Croissant about this! She’s going to be thrilled!”

“Hence my previous silence on the matter.”

“Thank God there’s anime here too,” I sighed as we got into the elevator. I turned to Texas. “Any recommendations? I, uh, I’m a little-”

“You’re from Earth, like Ash,” Texas interrupted. 

I blinked at her. “Uh, how…?”

“The way you walk. Your accent. The way you refer to things,” Texas shrugged slightly. “It was obvious.”

“Wait, what’s obvious? Is he like, on Rhodes Island’s black ops team like Ash?” Exusiai asked. 

A slow grin spread over Gavial’s face. “Hey, Exu. What race is Ash?”

“Uh, feline, duh. Have you not seen her ears?” Exusiai said, making little ones with her fingers. “I feel bad about her tail, though, but that’s sensitive, so I don’t ask. I can tell hers is a prosthetic, she forgets to wear it- Texas, why are you laughing!?”

“Tell you later,” Texas said, chuckling softly. She nodded to me when my floor came up as indicated by Ch’en. “Be seeing you.”

Ch’en showed us to rooms, which were rather opulent. “You can each have your own, or share, as you prefer.”

“My own would be lovely,” Sussurro said, looking grateful. “Thank you. It’s been forever since I had a shower, Ch’en.”

“Eh, I’m easy. You wanna bunk up together, Ch’en?” Gavial asked. “We can go over tactics after I hose off.”

“That is acceptable. I will need to locate an acceptable stopover point to refuel on our journey, and I would like your input,” Ch’en said with a nod. 

They both went into a larger room together, and I put my hand on my door. Before I could open it, Sussurro put her hand on mine. “Were you, James?”

“Was I what?” I asked, confused. 

She gave me a sympathetic look. “Were you…killed?”

I felt a lump in my throat. I had to swallow before I could talk. “I…I’m not sure. Maybe. I just…I can’t think about it, right now. If I did…I’d probably shut down completely.”

“Alright. If you need to talk…”

“Thanks. I…yeah. Later. For now…I think I’m about to pass out on my feet,” I said with a tired smile.

She nodded, then stepped over to her own room door. “Good night, James.”

“Night, Lucia.”

Once inside, I stripped, then stepped under a hot shower, which had that cool pressure thingy. I turned it up to a thumping pulse, and stood under it. Then I just sat down, leaning back, letting the water wash over me. 

“Fuck.”

I’m not ready to think about how I got here. Not yet. Shit. Dunno that I ever will be. 

Just gotta keep moving forward. Earn it. I’ve got super cancer, after all. The constant throbbing in my hand and arm told me that. Gotta make every day count. 

Guess dying doesn’t get any easier the second time. 

Author’s Note:

James and Exusiai share a brain cell. Unfortunately, Sussurro and Texas are the only ones who use it.