OCTOBER 17TH

I'm working at the computer, typing at full speed, with several books of my personal notes beside me, and on the desk are some pictures I've taken over the years. I write with passion, but research is difficult and time consuming. Many of my readers complain for the same reason, but I try to make quality the defining factor of my work, so that every time I look back, I can proudly say that I did my best at that moment. It's hard when people try to undermine your work for trivial reasons, like they don't like the topics you write about, or just because you didn't write exactly what they wanted, but they never speak up. Or how to forget those who like your work but never support you, but still I try to keep going. But the more I write, the more I get lost in my thoughts and writing, until the sound of the phone breaks my concentration, luckily I only have to reach out a little to answer it.

"This is reporter Nozomi Yasuda, how can I help you?"

"Hey Mrs. Trust, it's me, Bastet!"

"What's with the formal tone? Has fame gone to your head yet?"

"Oh, it's you, and I thought it was an important call."

"Hey, isn't talking to your friend important right now?"

"Just tell me what you want, did you run out of money for food from summoning in that Gacha game again?"

"......"

"No....."

"......"

"I still have 10 packs of instant noodles, and there are 15 days left in the month."

"If I only eat one every two days, I'll make it."

"See, I'm not starving."

"Aha."

"Well, anyway, I saw your report on TV yesterday."

"What a way to make your way to fame, just by pushing in and appearing everywhere."

"But very nice report about the dragon of Okinawa."

"I'm sure you had a great time traveling around the world and meeting famous actors like Ayumi Kobayashi or Ryota Fujimoto for your work."

"Enough already, it's not a job I did because I really wanted to."

"It was Mr. Damien Raven who paid for the whole report out of his own pocket."

"He was the one who hired these people or Steven Kubrick as director."

"He paid for a strong investigation on the subject and I just did it, it was a job and that was it."

"Are you sure about that?"

"Weren't you the one who took some pictures of the dragon?"

"You were also a witness to what happened, I'm sure you're glad to know that those photos were used for something."

"Well, yes, I must admit that I also saw it with my own eyes and was fascinated by what happened."

"But for the report, I have to put my personal opinions aside if I want to present the real facts in a neutral way, because I can't say it was completely real if it can't be scientifically proven."

"I just presented the most compelling evidence and let everyone make up their own truth."

"But yes, thanks to those photos I managed to get a good job and a little more support from people."

"Sellout, didn't you hate foreigners?"

"Since SugarDaddy Damien Raven bought the paper, you haven't stopped."

"Damien Raven here, Damien Raven there."

"From writing for the website to being a TV reporter, your life has changed quite a bit."

"Accept it, you're selling out to further your career instead of telling the truth as you once proclaimed."

"I'm not a sellout."

"Mr. Kyuosuke fired me without a second thought just because I didn't die during my vacation to give him another news of the tragedy during the earthquake."

"I was also one of the victims during my vacation on the island, and the bastard fired me for not being able to take pictures of people dying."

"What happened after that was definitely karma."

"I still can't believe Damien Raven bought almost the entire paper just so I could keep doing the job I love."

"Yes, Mr. Kyuosuke was a bastard, but that doesn't change the fact that a foreigner bought the paper and does whatever he wants with it."

"That's for the Nozomi Yasuda of the past, who falls into the category of traitor and unpatriotic."

"Shut up, I'm not a sellout."

"And Mr. Damien didn't do what he wanted with the paper, in fact, he left it quite quiet on his side."

"All he asked for was an investigation into the White Dragon and nothing else."

"And you think that doesn't fit into his own plan?"

"It is clear that he used the newspaper and your report to spread the truth that he wants people to believe."

"I managed to steal some data from the I.S.C. server just recently, about two hours ago."

"Did you know that they are currently negotiating a translation of your work?"

"They plan to distribute your research through various channels in North America and Europe."

"So congratulations, you're going to be known internationally."

"Bastet, it's just a stupid report about a supposed dragon that appeared and stole an Empire aircraft carrier."

"How real can something like that be?"

"Well, I don't know, ask those who are still trying to tow that same carrier from the shore where it landed the same day."

"Look, I have to hang up now, I have a meeting later."

"I'll buy you dinner the next time we meet, okay?"

Without waiting for her answer, I hung up the phone. She's talking a lot right now, but I'm sure she'll leave me alone if I bring her more food. Ever since I told her about the problem with Adelis' personal computer, she's been trying to break its security, but to no avail. At this point, she's taken it as a personal challenge; surely stealing data from the I.S.C. without being detected is just part of her training. The excuse that she had to go to a meeting wasn't a lie, but it wasn't really a meeting, but the Otsukimi charity event, a moon viewing, which had to be postponed due to bad weather and the date had to be changed at the last minute.

This Otsukimi event is hosted by Senator Yoshida, who wants to raise more money for the reconstruction of Hokkaido due to the earthquake damage. Since Okinawa has received good international funding for what happened, the Japanese government can focus on repairing the north as quickly as possible before winter arrives. These parties are usually reserved for important people like businessmen or politicians, people with money or power, who spend quite a bit on tickets or donations to attend, then they spend even more on an auction to raise good funds, although it's clear that the main idea of the party is to meet important people and make contacts. I was invited only as a courtesy of the senator to have a few journalists among the guests to take pictures.

But who am I kidding, I'm not good at such events, I've never been to anything like this in my life, so I didn't know if I should dress formally for work or rent a luxury dress and still bring my journalist camera. But after a few shots, I ended up dressed and ready at the entrance of the hotel where the party would take place, the Peninsula Tokyo. At the moment, the guests were milling around talking to each other while a big band was playing live, exquisite food was being served, and collectibles that would later be auctioned off were on display for their future buyers. While I was taking some pictures of the surroundings, it was Senator Yoshida himself who appeared to greet me.

"Miss Nozomi Yasuda, it's a pleasure to see you here at this little party."

"Senator Yoshida!"

"It's a pleasure to meet you in person, I'm very grateful for your invitation."

"It's not often that someone like me gets to enjoy an event like this."

"Please, it's no big deal, just a gathering of friends."

"Half the senators are here, I wouldn't call it a small party."

"It's more like a state ceremony."

"Details, details."

"Anyway, go ahead and enjoy the party and the guests."

"Just remember to take some pictures for the news tomorrow as a thank you."

"Oh, and ask before taking pictures of anyone, there are some shy people around."

"Sorry to bother you, but I feel like I have to seize the moment now that I have you here with me."

"Do you think you could answer a few questions?"

"I'm actually working on my next big investigation."

"It concerns the defense strategy of the Japanese government.

"Defending Japan has been my family's motto since the Heian period."

"Of course, I have time to clear up any doubts you may have," the senator said with a strong and firm determination.

"This event is to raise funds for those affected by the earthquake on July 27th."

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

"What happened was a great tragedy, made worse by the remnants of the Empire rebels and the Kanenaga rebel group's uprising in Okinawa."

"Can you give me your personal opinion on the matter?

"Of course, what happened that day was undoubtedly a provoked and senseless attack by the Empire."

"Vile, heartless, and savage scoundrels, incapable of fighting honorably with their extinguished remaining forces, resorting to dishonorable tactics such as attacking a place that has already suffered a terrible disaster."

"They were lucky that only the Seventh Fleet was enough to defeat them in a matter of hours, for if we had been able to mobilize with the full force that an attack of this magnitude deserves, there would be no remnants of the Empire left."

...

"I would also like to make it clear that while the government of Japan is extremely grateful for the brave efforts of the soldiers, men and women of the heroic Seventh Fleet for providing assistance during the extreme situation that was experienced."

"It is also important to remember that the JSDF forces also served alongside them at all times, it was a joint victory and our troops also deserve due recognition."

"Speaking of the Seventh Fleet and its members of various nationalities,"

"How do you feel about foreign influence in Japan?"

"The cooperation of the Alliance and its members with Japan has been vital in dealing with the new threats that have arisen in such a short time, such as the remnants of the former empire."

"Personally, however, I believe that the JSDF cannot rely on the relationship with the Alliance in perpetuity, and that we must strive to be self-sufficient in terms of national security."

"If we want to defend the peace of our nation and continue our autonomy from the rest of the world, Japan must remain for the Japanese, including issues such as national security."

"Continuing on the topic of national security,"

"What do you think the government's strategy should be in the future?"

"At present, it is difficult to give a concrete and 'official' government answer in such a challenging and changing world as the present one."

"In February, we questioned whether we should be integrated into the UN's security efforts like the Alliance."

"I believe that after the July attack, the few remaining opponents of this idea have accepted that such action is undoubtedly necessary for the security of our citizens and compatriots."

"Personally, I see that the amount of supplies and weapons provided by the Alliance is quite reasonable considering the problems that still exist in Europe."

"But we cannot leave all the work of protecting Japan to the Alliance."

"Our Self-Defense Forces need better equipment and weapons, preferably domestically produced."

"But above all, we need much more effective means of ground combat."

"Both the Alliance and the Empire have shown that they have new resources of the future that can change the course of a battle in a very short time."

"The highly successful counterattack in New York was a great example of this, and I have no doubt that what happened in Okinawa was another."

"If Japan wants to survive the mysterious future and remain independent, it must also have these important resources, the next generation of soldiers."

"Although its current implementation may be difficult and very costly, it is a path that I personally am determined to take, no matter how long it takes."

"..."

"I have nothing concrete at this time, but I am sure that with the right people on the project, the news will come sooner rather than later."

"Oh, wow, that was a very emotional reaction, Senator Yoshida."

"Well, as I mentioned before, Japan's security is my family's legacy to our nation since ancient times, something that I will always keep in mind and that my children will continue, especially my eldest son Yoshida Shigeru, my pride and undoubtedly my successor."

"Undoubtedly, your years of service in the JSDF have greatly shaped your legacy to our country."

"A work that undoubtedly deserves admiration and respect."

"You flatter me too much, Miss Yasuda.

" I am just doing my family's dedicated work. However, I should also pay tribute to your journalistic career. "

"Sure, most people know you for that report on the Dragon of Okinawa, but I am much more impressed by the other reports you did. "

"The one about your personal experience in the emergency, surviving on Izena Island, highlighting the efforts of the JSDF, and your courageous approach to the Kanenaga terrorist group. "

"This is what I call real journalism.

"Not everyone has the courage to go to such extremes to get the truth and both sides of the story. What these kids did was a disgrace, a disgrace to our country."

"Although I understand the sentiment of wanting to be left alone and not allow the intrusion of other governments, their radical position and terrorist acts are a completely misguided and even stupid method. In this day and age, especially with the growing and very real threat of an increasing attack from the Empire, working completely alone without anyone's help is just a quick way to our nation's defeat. "

"Only God knows what would have happened if the Seventh Fleet hadn't miraculously been in Okinawa on the day of the attack. "

"And so I'm grateful that they went above and beyond the call of duty to protect my countrymen in need. "

"Don't forget that in your future reports, Miss Yasuda."

Ah, yes, of course."

"Well, if you'll excuse me, I have other guests to attend to."

"Please enjoy the party."

Senator Yoshida went to the entrance to greet more new people. Meanwhile, I quickly took some photos for the newspaper so that I could enjoy the rest of the night at the event. Among the attendees, I met all sorts of people, from other senators to several famous actors, including that damned Mr. Kyuosuke, who was surely enjoying the money from selling his family's newspaper to a foreigner. Speaking of troubles, I also met several guests from other countries, just as I had feared. The first was a girl I stumbled upon in the bathroom, wearing a rather provocative Chinese suit that was hard to miss. I quickly recognized her as Adelis' assistant, as I had seen her several times when I was detained at the Akasaka Press Center during the visit of the President of the United States. It scared me to know that someone like her was among the participants, watching what might happen. But she wasn't the only one; I also met Mr. Jack Daniels, the president of Saber Lion, one of the main manufacturers of advanced weapons after the ISC. He was surely trying to talk to some people in our Ministry of Defense to secure some weapons contracts, damn Americans and their capitalism, surely he was bootlicking to see if they would buy something from him. Next to him was another girl, what they call a Latina beauty, a short woman, full to the brim, dark-skinned, loud as an alarm, cheaply dressed, a whore. To my surprise, the Chinese girl from before, the one who spoke a bit loudly near me, was with her.

"Oh wow! Isn't that Sharon?"

"Small world indeed."

"I bet Cesar would love to know she's still in Japan so he can personally tell her to go to hell."

"Excuse me, do you know her?"

"I understand that the attendees of this party are important, but I can't place her anywhere," I said, trying to pry a little more.

"Well, just the basics."

"That's Sharon over there. I heard she's a famous internet personality, owner of a cosmetics company in Europe."

"She married several men at once, all of whom are now deceased."

"She lost her last husband in the New York attack."

"She literally lost everything in the war against the Empire."

"She's notorious for being a gold digger, and it seems she's desperate these days."

"I'm surprised she managed to find anyone."

"Does she really have such a bad reputation and can still just show up at an event like this?"

"Well, high society has its quirks."

"In this case, the girl is still young and knows how to take advantage of being a beauty despite her past."

"Well, men with money and little self-respect like to touch a flower that everyone considers precious."

"I'm sorry, but I don't quite understand."

"She's a high-priced prostitute for people with prestige and money."

"You can see people like her everywhere, they're very famous in China or Dubai."

"Going out for a night with a girl like that is a sign of prestige for new millionaires who don't know how to keep their money."

"Mr. Jack Daniels became a millionaire by convincing the former president of Saber Lion to focus solely on the technology sector for weapons during the Continental War."

"After his boss died suddenly, he was appointed as the new CEO, and he has invested heavily in weapons, and it is paying off, so his investors are happy to give him more money to grow even bigger and become a rival the size of the I.S.C."

"And like any new idiot with money right now, he's trying to see how fast he can throw it in the trash."

"You seem quite knowledgeable on the subject, do you work in the same sector as Sharon? Miss... Xian, I think it was?"

"Miss Mei Ling now."

"I changed my name for personal reasons."

"And no, I have never worked as an escort."

"Currently, I'm assisting as a representative of an employer, the real hostess."

"She couldn't come because of a family problem regarding food poisoning."

"Something about some spaghetti with toothpaste over two weeks old, it's hard to explain."

"I'm just here as an observer to make sure people behave around my mistress, or I'll take them out the back door in a dark bag," the girl next to me said, jokingly, I think.

"You mentioned something about a guy named Cesar, someone related to this Sharon."

"Can I know who he is? Is he important?"

"I imagine he must be for know a girl like that."

"Oh, he's just a complete nobody."

"My husband was a classmate of this lady some years ago."

"You could say that Sharon's reputation preceded her long before she became famous."

"Cesar was just one of her early victims, I think he was the first."

"The shameless one tried to collect child support from his mother for her pregnancy while he was still in the army."

"Wow, okay, that's pretty... hard to process."

"Now I understand why feelings for this girl are so mixed."

"Try not to get too close to her, she's still hungry for fame."

"When she realizes you're a journalist, rest assured she'll hunt you down more than a yandere succubus in your shadow just to get an interview."

"Maybe calling it an interview would be a stretch."

"Resume might be a better term."

"I'll keep that in mind, thanks."

The girl walked away to talk to other people; maybe she was trying to hide her true purpose, but I know her. I know she worked for Adelis, that strange woman who always seemed to be present when the Alliance was involved. Surely, she had sent her to monitor the participants. But apart from the foreigners, the rest of the party went on without much to notice. These kinds of parties are just about talking and talking until you're tired. A million times I was asked on TV about my documentary from yesterday and a million times I answered with my opinion. When it was all over, at least I managed to take home two bags full of snacks. I'm sure Bastet will be happy to know that I solved her food problem in just one night; I'll need her if I want her to get me some information in the future.