Me and Lyle were at a train station, Banana Road.

We went in with our uniforms without paying so much as a fee. The security were reactive to see us, real reactive.

They cleared space for Lyle and myself, bobbed us from prying eyes. We were the first in line despite the previous people who were in line. In fact, we were the only ones in line. The guards shoved any would-be passengers back.

Lyle and I were going together, alone.

I wasn’t jumping on top of a moving train. I was taking the station — like a normal person. The routes in Snakewater weren’t clear. I looked at the station's map underground. All the routes from Banana Road directly lead to Mamba Market. Where the other trains lead was vague.

I needed more information, yet couldn’t check my map. Opening a map in a busy place was asking far too many questions that I was comfortable with.

“You’re taking too much time,” Lyle said.

“Forbide that we are ever less than early for a scheduled ride,” I responded.

“What you’re doing, that’s incoordination. You’re ignorant, catboy. There’s nothing more to that.”

“Oh, what do you propose then? Since you’re such an expert!” My tail arched.

Everyone who lives in Snakewater knows that the trains in Banana Road only go to Mamba Market,” he threw shade at me. “We go to Mamba Market Station and then to Hognose Street.

“You went to Snakewater?”

“Indeed, I have. And your leading is only going to slow me down. Follow me, and don't get in my way.”

I agreed reluctantly. I wasn't going to argue with him.

“Hmm,” he stared at the train coming to the station.

The train arrived as the guards shoved the passengers off the train, “Okay, out, all of you. Extremely special guests here!” The strongest of the guards shouted.

A bigger group of onlookers checked to see what the commotion was about.

My ears swirled to the murmurs, “Is that really an Imperial beastkin? I thought that the catboy was just a rumor.”

“Look at his eyes,” a bystander chimed in. “His pupils are practically glowing. That's not something a fraud can pull off.”

A man in a suit walked up, he complained about being late.

“If you want to complain, bring it up with the emperor,” the strong guard said. “I don't have the jurisdiction here.”

“What is so important that they need to hold up a whole train?” the man said.

“That is classified information to both you and me. The next shuttle is in 20 minutes. You can wait then.”

“Do you know who you’re dealing with?”

“You know what? Tell us — tell us all about the company that you work for. All in front of IMPERIAL. Because I really want you to make my day.”

The man in the suit went quiet after that. The buff guard sighed and deflated. He apologized for our inconvenience.

I studied Lyle. He wasn’t saying anything about the matter. I sighed, “Don’t apologize. I am hard pressed to find fault in following your duties as a civil guard,” I told him

“Thanks, that means alot to me,” he said. “Say, you must be Mekiko, right? I checked the IMPERIAL registry months ago, and only now you show up.”

“You are correct. So, who are you?”

“Constable Armstrong, at your service,” he extended his hand.

This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

Of course his last name is Armstrong, “Pleasure to meet you,” I shook his hand, his grip was firm.

“Who’s the friend beside you?”

“Him? Don’t pay too much attention to him. He won’t talk much if I introduce him anyway.” I turned towards the operative, “Isn’t that right Lyle!”

“Hmm,” Lyle responded.

“Hey, Armstrong,” I said, “I notice that you are the only guard here without a gun.”

“The armor hides my weapons pretty well, doesn’t it? Let’s say I’m packing some guns of my own — BOOM!” He flexed his biceps.

“Wow, those are massive,” I muttered and cleared my throat. “I mean, uh, you must’ve use anima with some physical conditioning. Care to explain your method of training?”

“As much as I like to you about my exercise routine, there is a train that needs catching. You shouldn’t be late because of me.”

“Oh yeah!” My ears perked up. “Thanks for reminding me, and no thanks to you Lyle.”

“Hmm,” Lyle murmured.

“I gotta go, Armstrong,” I said.

“Stay safe out there, Mekiko,” the guard replied.

The door closed on the train’s carriage.

I watched the people fade from the distance. The train went to its destination. I checked for hidden passengers, stowaways. There was only Lyle and me on the train. I deflated on the seats. What happened back there was too much.

I realized why Thousand Cuts disguised herself when out in public. My identity as an operative made subtlety impossible. I bulked under the pressure.

Why did nobody warn me? Especially when people treat me as exotic.

Donovan withheld the warning on purpose, I figured as much. Telling me wasn’t enough, I had to see the consequences in a safe environment.

Damn mentor.

I pondered, while I studied Lyle. Why was I alone with him? Dolores went so far as to threaten the young man mid conversation. There was something I was missing. I believed that his lethargy was only an act.

I steered myself, “So, we are alone now… Is there anything that needs saying?”

“Nothing to comment,” Lyle said.

“You’re not the slightest bit mad?”

“No — not really.”

I scoffed, “Fear, pain, frustration is what makes up anger. You showcased all of them today. I’m not accepting your lie. Either you go tell me the truth or I… I’m transmitting your deceit,” I followed Dolores’ advice.

Lyle breathed deeply “Alright, I’ll be real honest with you. You hiding behind others for threats must feel real nice,” he seethed. “But being angry needs a good justification.”

He shifted his head, “ I met what I said back with Dolores class, I truly did. My assumptions of you were way off. When I believed in decency, you stood for nothing. I expected too much from you, from everybody. My anger was misplaced. Catboy,” he paused, “you are a coward, and that’s why you are not worth my anger.”

I got up from my seat, “Perhaps some things are left unsaid.”

“Perhaps they are,” Lyle agreed.

— — —

We went through a different transport system. The train stopped at Mamba Market. Lyle and I took another shuttle to Hognose Street.

I spotted the discrepancies in quality right away. The trains in Snakewater were run down. The station in Banana Road looked first-rate in comparison.

The trains here had much more cramped seating, with the most bare metal to rest on. There was way more garbage on the floor.

There were people here this time. They cautioned themselves from us. The fact that Lyle brandished his revolver didn’t help. The passengers spreaded out from us, like the antagonists we were.

“You shouldn’t be brandishing your gun inside a train,” I said.

“Is what I’m doing a problem?” He asked.

“Yes, you are waving that gun in everyone's direction. I am asking you nicely, stop.”

“Why should I? I’m not doing anything wrong.

I resisted the urge to facepalm, “Do I have to spell it out? Look at where your finger is pointing. Now look at the people. Make sense? That’s called ‘trigger discipline’. Put that revolver away before it goes off!”

“I’m not so incompetent as to accidentally shoot,” he scoffed. “Besides, what are they going to do? Call the guards on us?”

“Lyle, you are not a gang banger hopped up on uppers. You are an operative — act like one.”

“Catboy, you are so naive,” he lowered his revolver. “Snakewater is going to eat you alive. That carelessness? That’s getting you killed.”

“No, that’s pride,” I responded.

The train reached a screeching stop.

“Looks like the destination,” Lyle said.

“How can you be confident?” I asked. “There’s little indication that we’re in Hognose Street, or anywhere for the matter.” I am completely lost, yet I suppressed telling Lyle that. The stations didn’t have the signs, like Banana Road.

“I just know where I am, okay!”

“Woah, that came out of nowhere,” I leaned back. “Why are you getting so defensive all the sudden?”

“S-shut up. Just follow behind and keep quiet,” Lyle stood up.

I went to the door, “You’re apparently the leader.”

The passengers collectively sighed in relief as we stepped off the train. My eyes turned from the station and back on Lyle.

“How can you be sure that this is the place?” I asked.

“I've been to Hognose street before, let’s go with that,” he said.

“You could have led with that when I asked you earlier.”

“I could have, but I won’t,” he glanced back.

“You’re hiding something from me,” I figured.

“Am I now?” He turned his head.

I exhaled, “Whatever, Lyle; keep your secrets. I can care less about you.”