ACT II - Stability

Chapter II - 1: On the Move

A shame that the ARS' communication system isn't compatible with Requiem's. I guess that's just to avoid Gigan intercepting their transmission... Well, enough idle thinking, I should focus. It's not my first time being on radio silent anyways.

Alice discreetly walked as she stuck to the shadows casted by apartment blocks and offices. Ambient sounds of ventilation units and vehicles passing by thankfully muffled her suit's clinking noises.

Furthermore, according to Lennox's Intel, government camera surveillance is non-existent in the streets. She had informed her, "Currently it's galactic expansion that's the Legion's main focus. Security in minor 'peaceful' administrative districts like ours is lax except for a few patrols here and there. Still, keep a low profile."

Yeah... Mei did mention they were on a tight budget. Mei... Agh, I better just forget about her.

Since most were pegging away in their office at this hour, the streets were generally empty. That was mostly the case since there were still a few Gigans here and there.

Catching her breath for a minute, she carefully reviewed the environment.

Huh... Gigans here are like regular citizens of any colony: heading to work, having a break and hanging out with friends. Something feels off though.

Be it as ordinary the atmosphere may seem, most of their bracelets, necklaces, ear piercings and other similar accessories looked strange from afar. As Alice squinted her eyes with curiosity, she was appalled to see tinies being used as paraphernalia.

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Heinous…

The feeling was slowly being replaced by silent fury.

"Calm down Armiger, there's nothing we can do for them. Not now. It'll only bring us unnecessary attention."

Composing herself, Alice glanced down at her hands. They were closely palmed up and on them were two sitting tinies. Both seemed a bit jittery about their unusually high altitude.

It was the bearded one that had spoken. He had a brown slightly torn jacket, a grey shirt with a few missing buttons, equally grey trousers and a black watch cap. He was in his mid-forties by the looks of it. Slung on his back, was a sniper rifle.

"Come on Mack, it's just jealous of them," dripping with snark, the comment came from his much younger partner, who wore a shapka. He had trousers and gloves that were dark red along with a black fit sweatshirt. Similarly to Mack's, his clothes weren't in the best condition.

The lad with no visible facial hair. Alice didn't think he even hit twenty. Yet his face was worn out, perhaps even more so than Mack's.

"I bet it has similar ideas for- Ow! " The lad was interrupted by a smack at the back of his head.

"Yuri! We're in no position to insult. She could just clench her hands and be done with us. Heck, back then, she could've - "

"Okay, okay, I get it, my bad, sorry," his excuse was far from sincere. In spite of that, Alice did sympathise.

I mean... I think I'd be resentful too if I were in his place.

Yuri's tone then grew serious, "Anyhow, the old man's right. You should get going. I'm sure you'll get used to it anyways."

Mack shook his head in disappointment and focused himself, "Armiger, the Viridastekan ground checkpoint should be in this narrow path. Far left side, behind a big crate."

Alice slowly moved forward. As she did, Yuri opened his mouth again, "Why do we have to accompany it? Why us?"

Mack sighed, "I'll just repeat what the Mayor said: 'we led her to Wyd Ville, so it's on us' . Save your complaints to the Mayor. Plus, the three-day trip is cut to three hours and our presence may facilitate communication with Viridasteck."

Alice pondered, "This 'Viridasteck', what is this place like?"

"Never got this far from home, so, I don't-" Mack couldn't finish his sentence as Yuri interrupted him. The latter had a no-nonsense attitude again.

"Elitists. Bunch of snobs, well off in safety and good living conditions. Around thrice the size of Wynd Ville. They have a regional monopoly and steep trade demands for their technology. Still, it makes you wonder why they cut communication..."

Mack thoughtfully eyed the boy for a brief second. Before he could speak, Alice did in a slightly shaken voice.

"Guys... I... I think we have an answer to that," the two tinies look down and held their breath as they take in a terrific sight.

Down below was the aftermath of a massacre.