The Hunt

[Guest]

Manabus Perspective

Newark Station

28th March 818 A.S - Midnight

Manabu ran silently through the corridor. Tonight had been quite fruitful in the grand scheme of things. He now had a trail that could lead him to Yoko if, indeed this Suzume was Yoko and not just a carbon copy of her.

The lights had been dimmed. Although in space night time was an ever changing state, the lights were still dimmed at a standard night time. The conditions made it perfect for Manabu. He could slip in and out of the executive suites without being noticed.

He quickly arrived at the security center. A single LPI sat in the room. Overweight and over aged, the man would stand no chance against Manabu and Manabu knew it. He slipped into the room; the guard had stupidly left the door unlocked and open.

As Manabu approached the man he realised the guard was listening to his portable music player, noise cancelling ear phones blocked the outside world from interfering with the guards incompetent relaxation.
Manabu due his knife, easing himself into position. The man realised what was happening too late. Manabu slit his throat, blood and coffee came flowing out. Manabu felt a pang of irritation as the man struggled for air. There was no honour in this. No satisfaction for his bloodlust. This was too easy.

He searched the records for Soras room. Finding it, it quietly left, closing the shutters before leaving and locking the security door behind him. The room was only down the hall from the security room.

Manabu swiftly followed the hall to the room. Getting in was easy. The door used a simple encryption method, easily bypassed by Manabus TechTool. The room was neatly kept, aside from several data pads sprawled over the eating table.

Sora slept soundlessly on the bed. Manabu locked the door, using his TechTool to jam the opening mechanism. He walked to the eating table and lifted a chair over to the bed. He sat down, picked up and small vase from the bed side cabinet and slammed it to the ground.

Sora woke, startled and bleary eyed. He looked at Manabu with fear.

Who are you?

Manabu laughed and drew his knife.

I am a friend of sorts. I have heard that you have had some troubles of late with one Suzume. Am I correct?

Shaking uncontrollably Sora sat up.

Y Y Yes

Now, this woman No girl, is of particular interest to me. Shes in fact my cousin. I have been sent to bring her home, to Kusari.

Oh.. I Um.. I I.

Arent talking very well. Relax no harm will come to you.

Pausing briefly he smiled.

If you help me that is. Will you help me Sora?

I.. .How?

Quite simple, you will supply me with information if and when I need it.

What kind of information?

You will provide any kind of information that I require. There nothing too dangerous for you. Sometimes I may need a friend in a place I cannot go to or information on a person. You will be paid in credits.

I I. Yes. Ill do it.

Good.

Manabu put the knife away.

Oh and dont try and betray me, do not contact the authorities about me, do not tell your crew about me. If you do. You will die. Do you understand?

Y.. Yes.

Good. Now, am I right in believing that Suzume lives on Trafalgar?

Yes.

Good.

Manabu stood to his feet.

I will contact you. But remember, I'm always watching you.

Manabu left the room. Tonight had been most fruitful indeed.