Magical Lyrical G-Squad
Chapter 3: Uncertainty Principle
Xx~~*~~xX
“...and while the FBI, CIA, and the police are still looking into it, so far there has been concrete answers as to who was behind the attack on the Bureau visitors' motorcade yesterday,” the female news reporter on the TV was finishing up. “Back to you, Nana.”
Yukoshi kept one eye on his supposed superior, the woman who was still claiming to be the ancient Japanese sun goddess, Amaretsu. To a normal person, her face appeared to be an impassioned mask, with no trace of emotion detected. But Yukoshi didn't climb this high in the the top yakuza crime organization without being able to read people. The slight muscle twitch, the way the body changed positions, and even slight eye movement... all spoke to what a person tried to keep buried. In this case, there was only one conclusion:
Amaretsu was upset.
“I thought we were going to wait until they entered Japanese soil, to stage our attack on them?” Yukoshi inquired, carefully trying to phrase his question as... tactly as possible.
She promptly clicked off the TV and glared at him. “I know you're studying me, looking for weaknesses. You humans are all the same. While you are free to do so, know that I am always in complete control at all times, and that will never change.” The admission surprised him, and he found himself more curious than anything when she sighed. “I will tell you some of what I told your predecessor; I control the Asian territories. As that implies, other beings such as myself, control other parts of this world. In the Americas, this is currently one known as 'Raven.' It is he who jumped the gun with this botched assassination attempt, perhaps looking to gain favor.”
Yukoshi raised an eyebrow. “Gain favor? With who?”
“Our holy mother, the oldest and most powerful of all of us,” she answered freely. “Yes, there is a hierarchy. I will not tell you who she is, but know that each region leader is second to her. Perhaps, in your terms, we might be called vice presidents, while she is president. Although we all rule consensually in a council.”
Her frankness regarding her secrets was surprising to him, but he got the impression there was far more that she wasn't telling him. Human? She wasn't human? Then what was she? An alien like these Bureau people? Or was she truly the goddess of Japanese mythology? He knew a little about other cultures, and thus had a little notion of the name 'Raven' which he recalled to be one of the gods of the native American tribes.
If she was aware of his thoughts, she gave no sign, and instead continued. “I tell you all of this, because I know you are seeking ways to use things against me. Know this: Each of us, while we may bear some antagonism to each other, will never listen to, or stoop to seeking help from, a human. None of my peers, or those of my kind, would work with you to overthrow me. They know that if you'd betray me, you'd betray them as well. So if you are thinking of using that angle, I would warn you not to. I don't care if you try, as you'll just end up like your predecessor. But it would be a pain to train a new dog.”
Her grin was ever Cheshire-like, as if she was daring him to try. Her expression told him that she caught that barest of flinches on his face that he sought to hide, too. He wasn't immune to being read, either, and while he got the impression he was just a dog to her, it did rankle him a bit to hear her say it so bluntly.
“On the contrary,” he tried to disagree, yet still keeping his tone carefully neutral. “I have no interest in following in my predecessor's footsteps in that regard. I came this far, knowing who wielded power, and knowing how to respect that power.”
She studied him for a bit, which gave him that unsettling feeling she was gazing into his very soul. If she was reading his mind, she gave no outward sign. Still, her continued gaze him him feel most uncomfortable.
“Now, as for business...” she said at last, holding our her sake dish for him to fill. “Did you gather the required personnel and data for transport?”
“Yes,” he confirmed, also deeply unsettled by the task she had given him. And almost as put out at having to be a simple server to her, filling her drink. “There are a couple more that my men are rounding up, but all will be on the boat tonight. We have several nuclear engineers on our payroll, or in our debt. They are falling in line to protect their families. But I must register my displeasure at sending them to North Korea. Kim Jong Un is almost likely as crazy as his father, although he is mostly a puppet to the generals. One of the few things everyone in the world agrees upon, is not letting them have nuclear weapons.”
To be sure, he was a yakuza and thus had no compunctions about torture or murder or theft, or whatever would get the job done. But he was first and foremost dedicated to Japan, as all yakuza were. They knew there was no business, if Japan was reduced to rubble. In the aftermath of disasters, many yakuza were out there rescuing people and helping to rebuild Japan. It made no business sense to have your home destroyed in the name of profit.
But sending resources to another country? One as hated and insane as North Korea?
“I told you, I control all Asian territories,” she replied simply, not elaborating on how while emptying her sake dish in one gulp. “It has suited me to have North Korea in the shape it is in. Sometimes it pays to have variety in the resources one controls. The insanity it projects, makes it a perfect thorn for multiple sides. But have no worries; they will not be launching nuclear weapons at Japan.” She gave him a stern look. “Know also that I do not have to explain myself to you. I do so now because you are still new to me, and I know what I tell you will make your job a little easier. When I give you orders, no matter what they are, I expect them to be carried out as accurately as possible. Is that understood?”
“Yes,” he answered, perhaps more quickly than he was comfortable with.
This wasn't like serving a normal yakuza boss; she unnerved him, due to how many questions still surrounded her. Still, perhaps she had given away a bit more than she intended. She repeatedly made it clear that she wasn't human, and that there were more of their kind. But with her powers, why didn't their kind rule openly? Clearly they could. However, he got the distinct impression there wasn't many of them. If she was a goddess, and Raven was a god, then it might indicate all of their kind considered themselves gods. Even though Japan had thousands of gods, most cultures had much, much less... could this hint their numbers were limited? If so, why? Could they not procreate as much as humans could? If Amaretsu was the original, and she hadn't been replaced by a son or daughter by now... could they even have children?
There were still so many questions, but Yukoshi had long loved solving problems and figuring out solutions. And he was confident he could solve hers.
x~~*~~x
Suzuka hugged the man tightly in the hall on the embassy's second floor. “I missed you... big brother!”
Kyoya lightly blushed at the teasing line, which made the nearby Miyuki chuckle. “Brother-in-law, that is. And we missed you, too. Sorry we haven't been keeping in touch as much as you'd probably like, but we've been fairly deep undercover the past year.”
And in fact, they had been busy the past several days as well, due to moving into the Bureau embassy in Japan. Everyone had been running around to get things done, in addition to safeguarding Lindy as she met with various representatives and ambassadors. Also, the entire expedition had been on high alert for any new attacks. But it had been fairly quiet on the home front for the past several days, so Lindy finally downgraded alert status to normal. And with everything now mostly setup, Suzuka finally had a chance to talk with the Takamachi siblings.
“I see that, now,” Suzuka answered, impressed. “Is that how long Lindy has been working you for? She really does her homework. Did you discover anything?”
“Not too much, I'm afraid,” Miyuki answered, finally speaking up. “We haven't infiltrated very far, and our informants didn't have any concrete info. But in the past several months, various underworld sectors around the world have been gearing up for something”
“We could never figure out what for, or why,” Kyoya added, taking over. “If it was in response to the Bureau coming, then they have some inside track that we haven't been able to pinpoint. I'll be heading back out in the field, though, in the next day or two to resume the investigation.”
A big smile formed on Suzuka's face. “So does that mean you two can at least spend a night out on the town with us? Now that we're settled in, and the alert level has lowered, we have some free time. And I haven't heard from my sister yet; is she with you?”
“We'd love to!” Miyuki stated with a warm smile, then she looked a bit uncomfortable. “But, umm, I don't think your sister can...”
One again, Kyoya took over, while he pulled an envelope from his breast pocket. “Shinobu sends her regrets, but she's caught up in some family business at your estate in Germany, and won't make it back to Japan for at least a week or two. She did prepare this letter for you, however.”
Suzuka gratefully accepted it, studying it curiously for a moment. It had worried her, and perhaps disturbed her a bit, that her own sister hadn't contacted her at all since she had arrived. She hadn't replied to any of the texts or e-mails, nor would she even answer Suzuka's phone calls. She thought about asking Kyoya, but this wasn't the right time, and perhaps the letter would provide some clue.
“Cute kitty!” Miyuki cooed suddenly, reaching over to scratch the chin of the black kitten on Suzuka's shoulder. “What's its name?”
Suzuka smiled, sliding the envelope into her pants pocket. “His name is Whiskers, and he's my device. I sometimes forget he's up there, since he's with me almost all of the time.”
“Device?” Miyuki questioned, eying the now-happily-purring feline. “He seems like a real kitten....”
“I programmed him to be that way most of the time, even though he does have some basic AI speech when needed,” Suzuka answered. “Anyway, looks like we're just waiting on four other people.... and there's Vice and Alto!”
Said Seargent Major had just appeared around the corner, Alto at his side, and he waved. “We're ready to go! I'm looking forward to seeing what your world has to show us.” He paused, glancing around the hallway. “Aren't we missing some people?”
“Well, Arf wanted to take this time to go visit Amy and her kids, so we're just waiting on-”
The door at the other side of the hall, which all noted as Lindy's office, opened and closed, producing a somewhat sullen-faced Arisa who promptly sighed.
“There's one of them,” Suzuka stated wryly, then looked a bit concerned. “Arisa-chan? Are you okay?”
The short-haired blonde showcased a smile as she waved and approached the growing group. “I'll tell you about it later. Right now, I just want to blow off some steam with a night of karaoke. So let's go!”
“We're still missing Otto, though,” Alto noted, glancing around. “Wasn't she going to join us, too?”
Suzuka bit her lip. “Yes, she was... I'll go check on her, and meet up with you guys in the parking garage.”
x~~*~~x
Had she really been here before? It all seemed so familiar, and yet not.
Gid....... tice rid........ et's play!
Vague flashes of images and sound teased Arf's mind as she walked through the garden in front of the house. From a pure factual standpoint, she knew this as the Harlaown house on Earth, where Amy was raising the two children she had with Chrono. But on some other level, Arf felt like she had been here before. Of course, she had, according to the records and information Fate and her friends had shared in the year from her “birth.” But that was just abstract information.
Over a year ago, she had supposedly been reborn as a Guardian Beast, an ancient form of familiar creation that involved more mana than a familiar, and thus wasn't tied to any specific master. She could draw mana on her own from her surroundings to sustain herself. She had been told that she - or was it her predecessor? - had sacrificed herself to save Fate.
We're.... Flow..... ters...... name of.... punish....
Even the fragrance inhaled by a simple rose sniff was enough to kindle more images, along with sounds of playing and laughing; the unknown accompanying feelings spoke of a happier time, which made her all the more confused at why she had put this off for so long. Was she afraid of what she'd find? Is that why she used the excuse of the golem squad to come to Earth, finally? Why should she be afraid at all? What was the source of the hesitancy in her heart? Could she be afraid of finding out who she used to be?
A young boy's call broke her thoughts. “Mama, Arf's back!”
As the guardian-beast-in-human-form looked up, a small human nearly tackled her as he sprinted from the front door and hugged her, leaving her speechless. Instinctively, she knew he wasn't a threat.
“Aww, why aren't you in doggy form?” he pouted, glancing up at her with wavering eyes. “I wanna ride!”
A name popped into her head. “Karel.”
But did she know his name merely because she had looked up the housing roster in advance? Or did it come from a deeper memory? Arf didn't know, and perhaps that was a part of her fear.
She smiled and reached down to ruffle his hair. “Sorry, maybe in a bit.”
“Arf!” a little girl's voice echoed, and in the next moment, a second form was hugging her waist.
Somehow moved by the actions of the two children, Arf, bent down to hug both, pulling up a name to attach to the girl. “Hi, Liera!”
That's when she noticed a young woman standing in the doorway, smiling and patiently observing the scene. “Welcome home, Arf!”
Arf struggled for a moment, before forming her reply. “Thank you... Amy.”
x~~*~~x
Otto dropped her golem lower to the ground, picking out targets as she flew.
Her hands, buried in two separate openings in her control console, tweaked and rotated the handles within, allowing her to pilot the six meter tall machine as if it were her own body. The control nooks also served a dual purpose; they could absorb her Ray Storm output, projecting it outside the golem through several weapon emplacements. It also absorbed and strengthened her barrier skills, although her default was channeling them to the immense shield pontoons on her arms, which made her golem one of the strongest defensively as well.
For now, Otto chose regular attacks, firing off four normal curving green beams from the twin bores on each shield pontoon, taking a half a dozen tanks on the ground as she landed. Once amongst the trees which barely topped the golem itself, she broke into a running gait, which conserved more magical battery strength over direct flight. Also, the trees provided some cover from return fire, and that showed immediate showed benefit as cannon and missile fire landed more around instead of impacting directly. The enemy was reduced to guessing her position instead.
Of course, the trees also mostly blocked her own line of sight to her target, but her spatial memory kept her aware of it's general location. The problem was that there were too many defenses; heading straight for it would exhaust her shield strength, but she couldn't take too long since it would let her allies down.
"Andro," she spoke calmly, feeding data directly to her Intelligent Device, interfaced with the golem.
"Processing," came the monotone electronic voice, accompanied by a scroll of data detailing methods of approach. "Saturation Assault System charging."
Otto steered her golem in a semi-circle towards the target, dropping back slightly to make herself a harder target, while twin panels on her golem's chest slide open, revealing a dozen barrels each. She continued to feed energy into the system, as Andro plotted the coordinates and the distance ticked down. 6 kilometers... 5 kilometers... 4 kilometers... Once it hit three and the SAS reached 100%, Otto planted her golem's legs and thumbed the trigger.
Dozens of large green beams exploded from the golem's chest, the stored up Ray Storm energy enhanced by magic arcing up into the air, then down again to carpet a large section of forest three kilometers away. Return fire from dozens of missiles sought her out since she had just given away her position, but she was already moving even before her own initial attack landed, triggering her back mounted boosters to rocket across the ground, a few feet off the forest floor.
She entered the carpet-bombed sector, the ground pockmarked by dozens of craters and the smoking hulls of many tanks and other vehicles, and lined up the command center as it came into range. Her golem was rocked side-to-side as 155mm cannon shells rained down upon her shields, but they held up long enough for her to get a lock. Raising the golem's right hand, a larger barrel emerged from the forearm while Otto poured her Ray Storm energy into a single shot that pierced the command and control building, exploding it in a shower of molten steel and flaming metal.
"Simulation Success," Andro intoned, the screens fading as the pilot removed her arms from the control sockets and sat back, letting out a breath.
"Compile data for later review, and prepare to run simulation #223-" Otto started to say, then paused as a tapping came from the hatch. She leaned her chair back and popped the exit open, looking up into the upside down face of one of her comrades.
"I figured I'd find you here," Suzuka informed her with a gentle smile. "I was wondering if you'd like to come with the rest of us; we're going to show Vice and Alto the night life in this town, and we'd like to show you, too."
Otto was hesitant. "I am not sure; I have a few more simulations to run, and-"
Suzuka rolled her eyes. "You've been running simulations nonstop since you became a pilot, even on the trip to Earth. You can't spend your life in there; Come on, it'll be fun!
Her device seemed to agree, as it shut down the golem and popped out the dog tag interface device. Otto sighed and pulled it out out of the center of the control console, letting the purple-haired technician pull her out.
"That's the spirit!" Suzuka cheered, helping the cyborg out. “I promise, you'll have lots of fun!”
Otto was unsure, but apparently the woman wasn't going to take no for an answer.
x~~*~~x
“Come in,” Lindy proclaimed while trying to get used to writing on a computer with such a clunky physical keyboard. And the mouse... how did Earthlings use these things without finger and wrist cramps?
General Adams appeared in the doorway, his face carefully neutral, although Lindy could detect annoyance there. “Your next appointment is here, Admiral.”
The Bureau diplomat sighed, and then made a beckoning gesture; she was not looking forward to this. “Send him in.”
A smaller man of Asian descent, wielding a briefcase, made an appearance and quickly took the chair opposite Lindy's desk, gracing her with nervous smile. “The Democratic People's Republic of Korea wishes to welcome you, Admiral Lindy Harlaown, and your expedition to Earth!”
[North Korea, you mean,] Lindy added mentally, while keeping a warm, diplomatic expression. “Thank you, Mr...?”
“Choi Chin, but you may simply call me Chin,” he offered, nodding his head in a small bow.
“Well, thank you for your warm greeting, Mr. Chin,” she replied, keeping her professional decorum. She knew what this would all be about; she was well acquainted with Earth countries, and the positions they'd take. That was just diplomacy 101: research all the angles and agendas in advance.
“Just Chin is fine,” he corrected, still maintaining his smile, but seemingly growing more confident. “And I have been authorized to extend an invitation for you and your entourage to visit our great country. I am sure we have much to offer each other!”
Lindy inwardly sighed; this wasn't going to be a fun meeting.
x~~*~~x
Suzuka took a light sip from her beer glass, taking care not to get too inebriated, as Arisa launched into her rendition of “
Do You Remember Love?” inside the small karaoke room. Of course, there were spells to help her mind remain clear from the intoxicating effects of alcohol, but they could only do so much. Especially since her magic level wasn't very high to begin with.
Slipping out of the embassy compound without the protestors outside realizing it, was fairly easy. A little misdirection spell, coupled with a little transformation magic to hide their appearance, and they were all set to go. The protestors themselves were to be expected; ever since the Bureau had set up shop, they had been there, telling the “aliens” to go home. Fortunately, they appeared to be few in number still, although there were various groups around the world making their displeasure known. And there were at least an equal number of just-as-vocal groups who supported Earth's new visitors.
Vice set his mug down and belched, earning an elbow from Alto. “Ow! Come on, Alto, loosen up! This is supposed to be a party!”And this stuff is good. You should try some!
She eyed him suspiciously. “Are you sure your detox spell is in effect?”
He leaned back against the couch, smiling assuredly. “It also numbs the buzz, and that defeats the purpose of drinking. Wouldn't you agree, Suzuka?”
She smiled. “Well, Arisa-chan and I have gone out drinking more than once, before we came to the Bureau, and I admit I did miss it; Mid-Childa doesn't have much in the way of real alcohol unless you go into the seedier parts of town. How about you, Otto?”
Otto was merely glancing at the yellow-ish frothy glass. “It has a unique taste, but as a cyborg, my body does a good job automatically dealing with toxins. As a result, it doesn't do much for me.”
“Too bad, you're missing out,” Vice told her sympathetically, before taking another long swill.
Arisa had raised her voice during the conversation, perhaps under the impression she was being ignored. But Suzuka noted her friend had finished strong enough and clapped until Arisa bowed and took her seat beside the purple-haired girl.
“I noticed you didn't go for the English songs from that series,” Suzuka teased, lips turning up into a smirk.
“You know I prefer the original Japanese in all my anime!” Arisa shot back in mock anger. “Don't you dare try to fling that English-dubbed crap at me. I can speak and understand perfect English, and it always loses a lot in translation.”
“Hey, it's not too bad sometimes,” Suzuka argued, picking up the song selection tablet. “And sometimes it's better. I could show you some-”
“Not interested,” Arisa replied flatly, cutting her off, then brightened up. “Okay, who's next?”
“I believe it is Alto's turn, from the order we agreed on,” Otto stated.
All eyes turned to the shortest woman of the group, who reddened slightly. “I don't think-”
Vice slapped her on the back. “Aw, come on! Remember what I told you about loosening up? And if you don't sing...” An evil look appeared in his eye as he turned to the three women on the other side of the table. “Say, did I ever tell you guys about Alto and the toilet incid-oof!”
Alto removed her elbow from Vice's gut. “We agreed to never mention that again.” She sighed, and accepted the song selection tablet from Suzuka. “Fine, let me find something...”
x~~*~~x
“I warn you not to underestimate the Democratic People's Republic of Korea!” Chin haughtily tossed out, shortly before exiting through the door.
“Have a nice day!” Lindy offered with a pleasant voice as the North Korean diplomat was escorted out. The smile disappeared and she closed her eyes and rubbed her temples as soon as he was gone.
“Well then, how did that go?” General Adams inquired in an amused tone that indicated he already knew the answer.
Lindy opened her eyes to see him setting down a small tray with a pair of cups and a large thermos. “You already know. They want our technology, or at least to not give anything to anyone else. I told him we could help, but only if they opened up their country and government. And gave their people better rights, and cease their efforts to develop nuclear weapons.”
“All things the other countries of Earth have been trying to get it to do for a long while now,” the General added with a grin, filling the cups with tea from the thermos.
Lindy sighed again as she accepted her cup of tea, then her brow furrowed and she frowned in mild vexation. “General...”
“Hmmm?”
“Where are the milk and sugar?”
“...”
x~~*~~x
“Are you sure you're going to be okay?” Arisa inquired as Alto helped Vice out of the small van. Though it was her responsibility to look after the well-being of her team, she also asked because they were her friends, too.
“Yes, I'll get him to his room,” the smaller woman insisted as she draped an arm of the inebriated man over her shoulders.
“Told you, I'm fffine!” Vice insisted with a grin as he stumbled a bit, but Alto caught him. “Thhhanks, little buddy!”
Arisa raised an eyebrow, catching the dark look that flashed across Alto's face for a second, and then sighed as the two made their way off towards the parking garage elevator. However, her attention as quickly diverted as Suzuka brushed by her without a word.
“Hey, Suzuka-chan, are you alright?” Arisa asked, concerned.
A half-hearted wave and a “Yeah, I'm fine,” were the only responses she got.
Arisa debated going after her, and she reasoned that Suzuka just needed some sleep, like the rest of them. Hopefully the small incident earlier didn't bother her too much. In the end, Arisa decided that if Suzuka was still put out tomorrow, they could have another conversation. It was too late to do anything about it tonight.
x~~*~~x
The purple-haired device-and-golem technician yawned as she walked down the hallway, heading towards her bedroom in the embassy. Suzuka could have gone to her family home instead, but there was no one there at the moment. Her parents had died when she was very young, and Shinobu was currently away with both Noel and Farin, their two maids. The latter was usually Suzuka's personal maid, but Suzuka had directed her to serve Shinobu while her normal master was away on Mid-Childa. However, that thought did remind her of the letter in her pocket, which she hastily opened and scanned.
Suzuka,
I hope this letter finds you well. Forgive me for not being there, but business keeps me away at the moment. I will send Farin back to you in the next several days, however. She is eager to see you again.
Sincerely,
Shinobu Takamachi
[That's it?] Suzuka thought incredulously. [She doesn't return my calls and letters at all, and this is all I get when I finally get back?] She sighed and reached up to scratch the kitten on her shoulder. “Is this confusing to you, too, Whiskers?”
The black kitten pretended to listen, but mainly purred as it accepted its master's attention. Despite the feline's reassurance, it didn't do much for Suzuka's mood, which was already a bit sour from earlier, and now she just wanted to get some sleep.
An explosion across the street at a closed bank, caught the small group's attention as they walked back from from the karaoke bar to their small van. Three people that Suzuka identified as robbers, promptly emerged from the smoke of the improvised opening and began sprinting towards a vehicle. She tensed, preparing to go after them, when she felt a hand on her arm. Angrily, she followed the arm up to its owner.
“We can't,” Arisa stated firmly, yet with empathy in her tone. “I want to as well, but we can't draw attention to ourselves. One condition of this outing was that we keep a low profile. We have to let the police handle it.”
Suzuka wanted to say something, but sirens were already sounding in the distance, and shortly after the getaway car sped off, several police cars surrounded the bank, while others took off down the street the way the burglars had gone.
She should have realized things would be different, now that she was a member of the Bureau. But it still left a bad taste in her mouth; she had joined by because she wanted to make a difference, and now she had just discovered that she couldn't help her home planet, let alone her home country.
So caught up in her thoughts, that she she almost didn't register one of the male enforcers pass her in the hallway “Oh, Ms. Tsukimura, we found your last item and delivered it to your workshop.”
She tiredly waved at him and mumbled a tired, “Mmm, thanks.”
A minute later, it finally hit her. [Wait, last item? I already had everything set up in my lab!]
She spun to question the enforcer, but he had disappeared. Curious, she continued on and activated the lights in her workshop, easily finding the large rectangular box near the center table. It didn't look like anything she had packed before coming here, so it couldn't have been something she forgot about. And her own checklist had confirmed that she had received everything that had come along on the
Ventek.
She found the lock on the side and prodded it, which popped up a holographic screen bearing some text, after a short screen confirmed her DNA and magic signature.
Suzuka,
You've been an excellent student, and I was proud to teach you these past couple of years. You've picked up almost everything you need to know, and I feel confident you'll do a great job in your new assignment. Consider this my graduation gift to you, and a bit of a request. Due to my new duties, I am unable progress on this project, and so I entrust our special child to you. Don't hesitate to call if you have any questions!
Take care,
Shari Finieno
The letter promptly changed to a different screen, as data scrawled rapidly across the screen. Suzuka's eyes widened as she quickly figured out what the box must have contained.
“Whiskers, save data and backup to internal hard drive,” she spoke, and the kitten quickly came alive, staring at the screen as the data scrawl mirrored itself on the feline's retinas.
[So that's why...] Suzuka realized as the output of data came to a stop.
Her fingers quickly tapped in the security code and the box swung open, revealing the item inside. It appeared deactivated for the moment, and Suzuka sat down in a nearby chair while studying it, reflecting on its various functions while wondering what to do with it. Tapping her chin thoughtfully, several ideas came to mind.
She smiled. [Yes, that might work...]
Xx~~*~~xX
Author's notes:
For those who don't know, Alto's toilet incident was referred to once before, in one of the sound stages. It was never stated exactly what happened, just as something ALto doesn't want people to talk about, heh. Anyway, this week we get a short rundown on Otto's unit:
Golem: Andro
Pilot: Otto
Based on: Abyss Gundam from Gundam Seed Destiny
Capabilities: The slowest golem, but with the heaviest defenses. This unit was specially altered to take advantage of the pilot's unique IS capabilities: force barrier projection, and Ray Storm energy blasts. The former allows Otto to shield both the golem, and other targets, protecting against any attack. Both abilities are amplified by the magical battery, greatly increasing their effectiveness. The golem possesses one other capability: it can fold up into itself, the arm pontoons encasing the main body in a shell, transforming into a submersible which can withstand great pressures with ease. Originally designed for deep-water exploration, and for journeying into other high-pressure locations.