Artemis, as Diana, sat at the Cafe’s Meow counter. Reina placed a saucered cup of coffee in front of her.

  “I appreciate you acquiescing to my request on such short notice,” Artemis said before sipping at the coffee.

  “No worries.” Reina lifted a cup to her mouth, which obscured her yawning.

  “I have a sudden engagement at the usual time. However, is this too early for you?”

  “Ah, haha, caught my yawn, huh? Technically, it’s ‘late’ for me.”

  “Is that so? You could have declined. I’ve nothing of import to say, if that’s your concern. I can leave?”

  “No, no. I’m still an hour or so from when I usually go to sleep.” At least, that’s when Mama or Yuna will hound me. “Don’t worry, honest.” As if I’d miss a strange occurrence where the ever-punctual Diana moves our meet time.

  “Hm. Very well.”

  Artemis delighted in her coffee, not that her expression reflected as much. The pair discussed their usual topics for a time, such as what they recently read, and some geopolitics.

  “Yeah,” Reina said. “I could always tell my Papa was reading about them because he’d shake his head and say ‘Fools’.” An awkward silence followed. Artemis and Reina exchanged a glance as they preoccupied themselves with their respective drinks. Artemis put her’s down and looked at a worried Reina.

  “I’m aware that I’m the result of such awkward silences when you try to adhere to our agreement. This should’ve been said sooner, but you needn’t avoid mentioning your family, vaguely, altogether. I apologize for not addressing this sooner.”

  “Wait, no. It’s not worth apologizing for. Was I making a weird face?” Reina touched her face. “I actually like avoiding mentioning them. Especially after some guild friends from a game said they wanted to meet them. I realized I must mention them a lot in-game. It’s just, uh.”

  “I see.” Artemis paused. “I’m sure you won’t hold against me if I’m the one to stretch it. How is your father doing? I’m only aware up to the transfer.”

  Reina looked up in surprise. She then loosely explained that they’d been able to talk with him via ALTR. She skirted over the particulars and minute details.

  “That’s remarkable. I was unaware of such a thing,” Artemis said.

  “There are some medical trials of the tech being run, but the twins really pulled off something amazing,” Reina said.

  “Indeed.”

  “I’m guessing I must’ve been looking pretty worried for you to bring it up.”

  “You were. Although, I’d been debating broaching the subject, regardless.”

  “Hmm.” Reina observed Artemis gently petting a cat in her lap. “Honestly, my biggest worry is how Papa’s going to react when we tell him, you know, everything.”

  “I have to inquire. What does he think at this time?”

  “He knew pretty much right away we were hiding a lot. And said as much. But the twins and our doctor advised we keep him in the dark as much as possible for now. They carefully monitor every second he’s ‘awake’ in ALTR. We’ve kept it fairly short out of caution.”

  “Logical. Avoid stressing the system. There could definitely be unforeseen risks.”

  “Right. He’s been pretty understanding, considering…I don’t think I’d have the same restraint in his position.”

  “Nor I.” They shared an acknowledging glance.

  “We really only told him he’s healing, in a coma. He’s been rather talkative about mundane things, which is weird.” Reina paused. “Oh.” She explained how Leon used to speak, to which Artemis interrupted, reminding her of the spying. “Ha, right.”

  “My knowledge of him is cursory at best, so I speak with no authority. However, I’ve naturally a high opinion of a man who raised such…unique, daughters as well as winning your mother’s affections. I’d think he excels at adaptability.”

  Was that Diana’s way of consoling me? Reina thought. Make a mental note, me. More evidence for our case of her kindness.

  Reina gave a soft giggle. “It’s true. I’ve never met someone as patient and understanding as Papa. Still, though, Mama said there’s a strange silver lining to him being as he is. She seems to think he’d spirit us away to some unknown country if he could once he learns the truth.”

  “That would be inconvenient.” Artemis sipped.

  Was that a…a joke? Reina thought as she brought her cup to her lips. From her? Her tone, it—. Suddenly, blaring metal music rang out in Reina’s head. She dropped her cup. It shattered against the table.

  “Gah!” Reina grunted as she reeled from the sound.

  Artemis quickly placed her cup, set aside the cat on her lap, and stood. “What’s wrong? Are you alright?” She reached toward Reina.

  “Sorry, sorry, I’m alright.” Reina shook her head. “I really should test my alerts. One moment, I have alarms setup for specific events. Which was that one for again?” She interacted with her HUD.

  Even in her place of respite? Artemis thought. She is a kindred workaholic.

  “What? No way,” Reina said in disbelief as she glanced at Artemis. She’s come after the fact, but no way she’d come while it was happening, right? She even moved our time…

  “What is it?” Artemis asked. “What’s happened?”

  “That’s, uh, I’m not sure how to say this.”

  “Your look did not go unnoticed. If your news pertains to my interests, I would have you tell me. Disregard our rules.”

  This doesn’t make sense. The way she’s acting? Reina thought. “Give me a minute, please, to verify the report’s legitimacy.”

  As Artemis waited, she received a message from Belle. She skimmed through it, then turned and walked swiftly to the door. Reina only noticed at the sound of the bell on the door opening. Artemis left.

  “Huh?” Reina said as the door closed. Then, suddenly, it opened ajar.

  “No,” Artemis said. The door closed.

  Much later that evening, Aelfric kneeled before Artemis on the moon in their usual ALTR meeting place. Belle stood beside Aelfric, facing Artemis, who gazed away from them into space. Belle kicked Aelfric several times while swearing under her breath, to which he gave no reaction.

  “My Lady, forgive me, for I could not inspect the body myself,” Aelfric said. “However, I’ve obtained sufficient intel through various channels with Belle’s assistance to verify the reports. Peter Longfell, the fifth, was found dead by his children, Peter the sixth and Eliza. A servant appears to have called the authorities shortly thereafter.” Artemis exhaled inaudibly while clenching her jaw. “Their reports on cause of death corroborate the news.”

  “And unsurprisingly,” Belle said, “you were right, Miss Artemis. The news started pushing it was the Aegis Slayer before the pigs had even made a full statement. But, er, I don’t get it. We know it wasn’t us, so how did—?”

  “Devil’s Hand,” Artemis said. “They would be capable of such an act. Making it appear like our victims prior.”

  “Crazy…”

  “I sensed it right after leaving the cafe as a result of Belle’s message. Peter had notified me this morning of an emergency board meeting to be held this very hour. There can be no doubt this was ordered by Viktor, and orchestrated by that repulsive man.”

  Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

  Aelfric and Belle looked at one another for a time during an ensuing silence. They didn’t need to speak to share their thoughts. Although, Belle grew increasingly agitated as she stared down to meet his gaze until eventually kicking him in the face. She showed immediate remorse, yet he simply looked away and into the ground.

  I doubt she meant to, Aelfric thought, ‘kick some sense’ into me, but her attitude toward me has proven a boon for once. I’m grateful I didn’t start praising Lady Artemis’ deductive ability, for she’s rarely pleased when I do. As shameful as it is that I repeatedly fail to predict my Lady’s desires, I at least now sense this would’ve been a foolish act.

  Belle, meanwhile, inched to catch a glimpse of Artemis’ face, leaning carefully so as to not be noticed. She knew Artemis’ face so well that she could recognize her clenched jaw.

  She looks troubled? Belle thought. Well, duh, of course she’s surely thinking about what to do. But I feel like I’m forgetting something that’s giving me an uneasy feeling.

  “My Lady,” Aelfric said, “would you have us take any actions in the immediate?”

  “No,” Artemis said. “We must give our next course serious consideration. Belle.” Her expression relaxed as she turned, startling Belle, who then tried to disguise that she’d been staring.

  “Y-yes?”

  “Did you have time to gauge the public’s reaction thus far?”

  “Yeah, at least right now, most people are subscribing to this being definitive proof of the ‘Aegis Slayer’ being after, well, Aegis. At the same time, the quickest spreading rumors are rival corps have been behind it all along.”

  “My Lady, would this not be the time to declare our intentions at last?” Aelfric asked.

  Artemis shot him a glare as she spoke in a commanding tone. “Stand.” Aelfric obeyed.

  Belle had a surprised expression at the sight. She’s not tolerating Aelf’s idiocy for once?

  “No. There are at least three likely reasons behind this event.” Artemis looked at Aelfric while gesturing one finger.

  “To solidify ‘we’ are targeting Aegis?” Aelfric said. Artemis turned to Belle and put up a second finger.

  “To remove an obstacle to his precious city?” Belle said. She noticed Artemis’ jaw tense for a moment. Wait, could it be? She did just spend several days with those kids…

  Artemis put up a third finger. She glanced between Aelfric and Belle, who offered no intention of response. “Provocation. He wants us to reveal ourselves in some way. Devil has surely come up empty interrogating Aegis staff thus far, despite being well-versed in extracting secrets. Peter’s death didn’t have to happen, yet. While the board meeting would have put greater pressure on Viktor than ever before, it would’ve come up short ultimately. Even with the second biggest shareholder at the helm. Of this, I’ve no doubt.” She paused. “Viktor’s resolve to see his city to fruition is greater than I’d ever hoped. This’ a double-edged sword, however. His fall will be easier, and greater. On the other side, his actions to rebuke our own will be all the more dangerous and untethered.”

  Artemis stepped forward and placed a hand on each of the sibling’s inner shoulders. “I wouldn’t even bother trying to dissuade either of you at this point. Instead, I need you to understand who we’re up against. I’m not talking about the run-of-the-mill wealthy ‘scumbag’. You’ve no doubt viewed Viktor as all this time. You’ve long known my reasons, but it’s not the same. Viktor ordered the excruciating execution of a man he’d known since they were a boy.” She squeezed their shoulders a bit. “To achieve their framing, Peter suffered immensely.” She paused. “You both must remain diligent in your actions.”

  Artemis stared intensely into Aelfric’s eyes for a few seconds, then the same to Belle. In those moments, both siblings felt immense relief at the greater control over their reactions ALTR afforded them. What they felt at Artemis’ perceived concern could not be put into words. Yet, even with their tempered gazes, Artemis turned away at the sense of their oppressive devotion.

  “If there’s nothing else, I shall take my leave to contemplate our next course.” After a few moments, Artemis disappeared. Several minutes of silence passed until Aelfric and Belle looked at one another.

  “You felt it too, right, Aelf?” Belle asked. “She’s always been such an enigma in how she really views us. Even with how badly we hide how we see her. I’m not imagining it, right? Tell me I’m not. That it’s not just a trick of ALTR.”

  “I’m reluctant to display such hubris as to know Lady Artemis’ true thoughts, but, yes, I feel we are of the same mind.”

  “It didn’t feel like the concern when she hugged me recently. It felt more…”

  “‘Hug?’ Explain.”

  “Jealous?” Belle chuckled mockingly. She then retold the events leading up to the hug.

  Aelfric clamped both hands onto Belle’s shoulders, startling her. “Why would you not tell me of such an incident? Have you seen them since?” He continued with several more interrogatory questions. He displayed a rare agitation coming from him.

  “Bro, settle the fuck down.” Belle pushed Aelfric away. “Artemis was fine. Even as nasty as those guys were, we were still at Aegis, after all.”

  “What? I’d not insult Lady Artemis worrying over such a trivial matter. You, however, must not place yourself in harm’s way as you did.”

  “Huh? You’re worried about…me?”

  “What an asinine question. You are precious to me, and a vital part in our Lady’s goal. Additionally, you’re frail with no ability to defend yourself. Why would I not be?”

  Belle appeared stunned for a moment until spinning around and crouching down before placing her face into her hands. Even in ALTR, her brain simulated the feeling of heated embarrassment rushing upward.

  “How can you say something so embarrassing with a straight face?”

  “I don’t follow. What is there to be embarrassed about? Have I not said this before?”

  “No!”

  “Hmm. I suppose that’s possible. I fail to recall similar occasions? Perhaps that, along with your general unpleasantness?”

  Belle stood, then shuffled over to Aelfric with head down. She started kicking him in the shin over and over.

  “I wondered this before, but you realize while I can tell you’re kicking me, I feel no pain here, right?” Aelfric asked.

  “Ah!” Belle ceased, then looked up at Aelfric. “I just remembered something I forgot to bring up to Artemis.”

  “How critical is this information? Please, tell me, and I will gauge if it’s worth interrupting her.”

  “Don’t act like I need your permission. But, anyway, how much do you know of those Mechana weirdos besides the dossier?”

  “They’re a concerning element, but I haven’t been afforded time to do any further investigation myself.”

  “Well, to skip to the point, I can’t one-hundred percent verify this yet, but it sounds like they’ve started using the assassinations of the ‘Aegis Slayer’ as a recruitment tool. There was even some sudden ‘sermon’ today.”

  Several days later, Val unloaded food items from boxes into a pantry within Vyxora. She wore clothes clearly meant for physical labor and had tied her hair up differently from the norm. Celeste entered with a box and placed it on the ground. She watched Val hastily continue, barely breaking her rhythm as she grabbed the box.

  “Hun, there’s no rush. Slow a few paces,” Celeste said.

  “Can’t,” Val said. She then rattled off several tasks she intended to complete that day.

  “Hun, I ‘ppreciate you helpin’ so much recently, but you’re gonna run yourself ragged at that pace.”

  “You have been doing at least this level for so long.” Val’s pace had slowed only a little, even while talking.

  “Ah, well, I’m used to it.”

  “I know now, after being in your shoes for just a few days. The incredible amount of work you’ve been doing for Vyxora. All this time.” Val bit her lip as she shook her head. “Too much.”

  “That what this is about? That mean you intendin’ the same into the future?”

  “Yes.”

  “Ah, jeez. I been gettin’ an earful from the rest. Bit surreal, honest. Especially being scolded by Yuna, of all people. So, I know things have to change. Heck, to tell ya the truth, a year or so ago we mighta been in real trouble. A dozen payment dates came and went that I’d fortunately paid up well in advance.”

  “Exactly, Celeste. I didn’t even think about something like that before. Apologizing wouldn’t be enough. I’ll show you with my actions.” Val finished her task and immediately made a beeline past Celeste.

  “Wait, hun.” Celeste outstretched an arm, barring Val from easily squeezing past. “I’m certainly not gonna say no, but you’re downplaying yourself far too much. You keep what few manpower we have in line. Not only that, but you keep all the young’uns of our tenants’ behavin’, too. That takes a lot of my plate.”

  “That’s just because they all know Yuna would smack them around otherwise.” Val kept her gaze averted from Celeste, who looked directly at her.

  “Uh-uh, missy. Yuna’s only a deterrent. It’s your easygoing attitude and ability to mediate that keeps this place so drama-free. They may fear Yuna, and probably me, but they trust you. Your role’s vital, so I can’t have you too preoccupied. It’s my fault for liking things a certain way that it got to this point. So how about we train up some of them punks to pick up the slack?”

  “Hmm.”

  “Speaking of ‘vital’, before I forget again. I heard from the others what led to getting to see my li—, Leon again. Things mighta played out similar, sure, but I’m grateful you got the ball rolling.” Celeste lowered her arm. “Thank you, Valerie, truly. I’m ashamed to admit things could've gotten a lot worse.”

  Val turned away in abject disgust. “Please don’t thank me for that.” She angled herself to not even see Celeste in her peripheral as she attempted to shuffle past. However, she fully collided with Celeste’s once again outstretched arm.

  “Knew there was somethin’,” Celeste said. “And through dumb luck, I’ve stumbled onto it, whatever’s eatin’ at you.”

  “There’s a delivery soon. I have to go.” Val tried to duck under Celeste’s arm, only to bump into Celeste herself, who now directly stood in front of her.

  “C’mon, hun. You know I’ll even tackle you if I have to. You’re not getting out until you fess up.”

  Val stood and turned away. “Fuck.” She muttered before taking a deep breath. “Can’t you just let this go, Celeste? It’s my problem.”

  Celeste chuckled. “Haven’t you learned just recently that as long as you live here at Vyxora, your problems are mine.”

  “Fine. Damnit. Fine. I didn’t ‘get the ball rolling’ for you, or Leon, or Reina, or Yuna…I did it for me. And I sure as hell had no business pushing for something that could’ve made things worst if it’d gone wrong. I barely know anything about ALTR and yet I had the gall to say all that. Even after everything you and Leon have done for me. I was more worried about losing Vyxora then what risks there were. I’m still gutter trash after all this time.”

  “Oh, honey.” Celeste grabbed Val, spun her around, and embraced her while pulling her head into her shoulder. “I’m so glad I’ve created a place you value so much.” She stroked a stunned Val’s hair. “Leon’s even grouchy we didn’t do it sooner, that punk.”

  “But…” Val remained limp, her eyes glassy wet.

  “The sheer pain in your voice tells me the rest of us aren’t so far behind. That makes me even happier. Things are going well. So, thank you again, and let it go.” Celeste squeezed. Val reciprocated the embrace as she nodded into Celeste’s shoulder. She made no noise as several tears slowly fell down her cheeks.

  A few minutes passed until Celeste received a call via her IRIS.

  “Celeste? There’s two weirdos at the front asking to see you,” a young man’s voice said. “They won’t tell me anything though. Should we get rid of them?”

  “Weird how?” Celeste asked.

  “Well, they’re covered up head to toe when it’s hot as hell, for one.”