Days Passing By

Day 2

When Levi, Conrad, and Pamela saw Aubi and Shizuka near the command center, they couldn't help but notice the tense atmosphere.

Out of nowhere, Shizuka commented, "Aubs, I think we have to move on to the next part of the tour. Look, there are people behind you."

Aubi couldn't care less, she ordered while they faced her back, "State your name and which department you belong to, soldiers!"

"Athan, Levi, representative of the Central Intelligence Unit in area 33."

Hearing this, Aubi was surprised.

But something overtook that surprise. She didn't understand how Shizuka could be so quick, but she saw that she moved stealthily in front of her while aiming a kick at her left cheek, she was immediately pushed to the defensive as her two arms formed a cross to block that kick.

Aubi was baffled, her kick seemed so strong but it was a feint. She then felt a hand caress her right cheek, "Aubi, I was just kidding you." she said while her foot was still connected to Aubi's arms. "But do think about what I said." she lowered her foot and stood up straight while flashing her cheeky smile.

Aubi was agitated, she wanted to fight Shizuka, to get some answers... but she suddenly felt a hand pulling her left shoulder.

Levi felt her body shaking in anger. He then eyed Shizuka. "Aubi, I'll bring her back to Egon, you go back to your quarters."

Aubi looked intensely at Shizuka one last time before she left.

Shizuka watched her back, there was an unreadable glint in her eyes.

The tense atmosphere was broken by Pamela, "Hi, big sis."

Shizuka's left eye twitched at this uncanny remark, "Hi."

"Big sis, this is my boss."

She looked at the man beside her, she dryly mused, "Levi-Athan, what were your parents thinking?"

Levi smirked at her smooth conversation skills, she made the atmosphere between them light with just a few words. "They must've wished I was meant for great things, fearsome, malevolent beginnings." he then looked at his two subordinates, "Conrad, Pamela, go to the command room first."

Levi and Shizuka made way for the two. Once the two left, Levi started walking, Shizuka intuitively followed.

He then stated a journal entry, "Finally, you realize it's here. Took you long enough."

Shizuka just kept mum as she followed him. Acting as if she didn't know what he meant.

"I think the hybrid worm was just lucky it fell into your arms. Forcibly fell into your arms."

"..."

"That software wasn't part of the protection you made for the hybrid worm, was it?"

Shizuka quietly followed along, not answering him in anyway.

"The hybrid worm was just stored in your secret journal, it just benefitted from it. Your secret journal is the real deal."

"..."

"You know, the way you configured and customized that application was quite impeccable. I must say, the recruitment offer is still up for grab, just say yes." he said, while he steadily walked ahead.

Shizuka blinked in understanding, she sighed and remained stoic.

When they were almost near the accommodation, out of nowhere, Levi turned around. He gazed at her intently, an unknown amount of time passed by before Shizuka teased, "Looked enough?"

He whispered with his husky voice, "No, sweetie, far from it."

Shizuka didn't buy it, so she changed the topic, "For someone beautiful like you, why stay in the military?"

"People always tell me that." he said as a matter of fact.

She came closer to him, something in her told her that this man was harmless.

She couldn't help but feel his hair. Facing him, she stood on her tip toes, the hair on her hand was soft and smooth to the touch.

He joked while a small grin hung on his face, "You like my hair?"

She carelessly answered, "No, I like long hair in general."

"Women are usually not fond of long hair on men."

"Usually, but it's nice every once in a while for men to seem so feminine."

"Oh, is that why you don't like the military? They lack those breed of men."

"You're that breed of man, so does that mean you're lacking?" she chided while her thoughts were preoccupied with his hair.

"Why else do you think am I recruiting you for, sweetie?"

Shizuka sighed, she then chose to keep a safe distance from him. "Sweetie? For all I know you need some help for your department, I mean, the government doesn't always have the latest technology when it comes to the information operations department..."

Levi realized something and asked, "She told you the truth?"

She flashed her cheeky grin at him as she boasted, "I have this charm with kids, they can't help but tell me everything."

Levi quipped, "So, it would seem."

"I'm just kidding, she just gave me some honest words here and there and I guessed."

"You shouldn't try and know too much."

"Hmmmm, hmmmm, that's hard, only by knowing can one escape the intricate federal world."

"But you don't seem like the type who's an aggresive fighter."

Shizuka just smiled back at him for that remark. Looking at him for a long time, she was very curious and couldn't help but ask, "Do you also jokingly flirt with Egon in this way?"

He pondered for a bit, nodding, he explained, "Well, he is my shield for both men and women."

Shizuka chuckled at the thought of this, she complimented, "The two of you must look really good together."

"What did you just say?!" a shout came from the accommodation.

Levi and Shizuka didn't notice when it opened, all they saw was Egon's dark look. The both of them weren't surprised though.

"Why did you bring her here?"

When Shizuka heard this, she eyed Levi suspiciously.

"She was agitating Aubi, since she's under your watch, I thought it's only right that you're the one getting edgy, not Aubs."

"My wife's agitated?" Andre's voice echoed from the room.

There was an air of playfulness about Levi, "Yeah, you should go to her quarters."

Andre left them immediately without even trying to understand the situation.

Shizuka looked at the two men in front of her, she couldn't help but swoon at the sight of them.

Egon side-eyed her as he questioned, "What are you blushing for?"

She sniffed while smiling like a cheshire cat, "Sigh* seeing two men look so compatible is just too good. *sniff could you have possibly grown up together?"

"We actually did." they both answered blandly, as if this conversation isn't to their liking.

Shizuka understood, "Why did you bring me here?" she said while observing Levi.

"I'd prefer if we talked it out, we're all smart people." he said while his head bobbed towards the accommodation. Egon understood what he meant so he went in first.

Inside the accommodation.

Egon sat at the bunker above Levi's. He crossed his legs as his demeanor changed. Levi on the other hand went to his bed, got a hair tie and ponytailed his long hair.

"Hey, Levi." Shizuka called out.

While fixing his hair he just, "hm?" her.

"Why are you allowed to have such a long hair?"

Egon's eyes narrowed as he sighed relentlessly.

"I requested it when I entered the information operations. Technically or officially, I enlisted to become a part of the special forces, a soldier. But, the military viewed my talent in information security and program development as better or more worthy of investment. In one of the exploits I had in my younger years, my interception of a hacker trying to penetrate the command system helped my team survive until the back-up arrived. Other than the award, some high official was checking area 57 at the time, the usual checks to see if we've been following protocol, etc. He would be dead just like me and everybody else, had I not intercepted that attack. Since Eggsie chose to take psychology and Andre was transferred to team Alpha, I was left here. Still the same rules, but since they took away my vision of being part of team Alpha, I mean, Andre's still there you know, eh, I just did it. I felt like it didn't matter anymore where I went, and I requested that they let me grow my hair, I think that official allowed it since I was discovered because of him. He kinda owes me one, in short. I'm here. People from our department still have to train physically, just not as intense as those in the military or the field. The information operations begged the higher ups to transfer me to their department. When you receive an order, you really can't say no, especially if the order doesn't harm the whole system."

Shizuka giggled at the way he told his story, it was like a part of him that he didn't like talking about but at the same time he made it sound simple, but couldn't make it any simpler. "Hmmmmm.~"

Hearing where their talk was going to, Egon disrupted the conversation, "I'm really very sorry, Shizuka. I'll have to ask you to tell me the gist of what you perceive of your current situation and how you intend to go about this so I could handle those old officials in a more capable manner."

Shizuka looked at him. "Let's cut to the chase then. I've thought about it impulsively, I'm willing to be a part-time programmer for the federal government, in exchange let me do as I please. To work as a researcher. To stay in contact with my family."

"Even if I wanted to help you with that, we can't give in to all your requests."

"My family, huh?"

"Yeah, we'll have to relocate them for preemptive measures."

"Preemptive measures, you say..." she enunciated.

"It's a prerogative."

"Are you also part of this prerogative?"

"No."

"Then, why am I any different?"

"Vi."

"That hybrid worm you deactivated, it directly sends information to its source. The country of Mahadevi, our ally, is currently requesting our government to let you assist them in doing the same for their central command. Boudica knows the exploit you did deactivating their code."

"They call it code?" she said disappointedly.

Levi chuckled, "Yeah, they really didn't name it. So far, our spies there can't determine what the code is for. All they know is that it's currently being spread out, everywhere. By the way, have you decoded that hybrid worm?"

(Some parts have been omitted here for they are classified information, the story will continue at a safer plotline. Please be informed the excluded part will have a chapter of its own).

"You are aware that I don't need any of your help with regards to my circumstance." Shizuka said firmly.

"Then are you willing to go through the hard method?"

Shizuka scoffed at the both of them, "If I wanted, I could easily slip by your grasp. I'm only talking with all of you because of General Nietzsche. My teacher said she knows him very well."

"Your teacher... the deserter?" Levi asked.

"Mm. She said that I can trust him in the future, when my abilities have reached a certain point... if I'm still alive by then."

"Alive? Why would she say that?"

"She said she was part of project Verstand. It was a confidential project that her family heavily invested on. They were tasked that after more than a hundred years of service in different militaries, they would then train kids who had good Verstand."

Egon jumped down from the top bunker smoothly amidst the cramped space and sat beside Levi, "Continue."

"She was a deserter, naturally, she would be imprisoned or put to death if she were caught, she said she hid some parts of a secret weapon's manual she stole from Boudica. They're currently the ones handling this hybrid worm right?"

Levi and Egon eyed each other before nodding.

"She said this project would take place in the future, approximately 15-20 years from the time we met."

"So, you're assuming it's this project?"

"I'm not assuming, I'm sure. And even if my assumptions earlier were wrong, better prepared than I go that path."

Egon shook his head.

"Her name was Versace Søren."

Both Egon and Levi's eyes constricted after hearing this.

"You're Søren's student?" Levi carefully asked.

"I am, and I know that she was an international confederate spy. She's worked with General Nietzsche at some point before she became a deserter. When I knew the Nabokovs were part of the military because of the hacking incident, I was aware that either I go with my gut instinct to push through and let the military become aware of my presence or wait until I enlist here. But I remembered your grandfather," she said while looking at Egon, "He'll retire soon. So, it was a now or never. She didn't give other names, just your grandfather's."

Egon clenched his fists and quietly looked at Shizuka. He was like a predator looking at its prey.

"I'll speak with my grandfather about this. Your case is currently handled by him."

"With what Levi said earlier on, I don't mind. But I'll go with subservience. Not because of fear, but to show my sincerity with these things I've said. Aubi thinks just like you already. Understandable, since Søren was a spy, I become questionable for all the right reasons."

Egon treated her coldly for the first time since they met, Shizuka was not disturbed by this, since it was an expected outcome.

Their conversation ended in a stalemate.

The submarine arrived at the shore near the base after a whole day in the sea.

When she saw the sunlight again. Shizuka's eyes adjusted, after a while it felt so relaxed.

The following days, she helped the Information Operations to patent a program that's more secure than their previously developed information defense system (IDS) incase another small scale or large scale provocation from Boudica happens.

She had to stay up late with Levi and team for a week and a half to develop it to its utmost best. Actually, the sleepless nights happened because of Shizuka's need for a comprehensive and efficient program that the Information Operations team could never had imagined. The only ones who were aware of this total restructuring of the mainframe was Levi, Conrad, Pamela, and a few more people from the technological engineering department who were part of it. All of this was with the approval of General Nietzsche.

Day 10

One particular day, Shizuka couldn't help but ask, "How much longer... do I have to stay here?"

Levi looked at her earnestly, "I'm not sure. But General Nietzsche has made your existence a classified information because of Søren. Shizuka, don't be tempted to go rogue. The emergency meeting will be held a few days from now. That's when the higher ups will decide what happens next."

"How has Aubi been?"

"She's been fine. We just have differing views about this incident. Don't take it to heart."

"I know..."

A soldier arrived at the grounds they were at, the man went in front of Levi and saluted.

Levi saluted back.

"Lieutenant Colonel Athan, you're being called for by Major General Vex. Report immediately.

"Understood."

Shizuka watched as he left. She subconsciously squeezed her arms while her mind was thinking of something.

In truth, whenever Levi and the others left her behind, she would always feel weary. As if someone was watching over her. Observing her consistently. She felt that there was more than one person doing it. But she always kept it to herself, she looked worried as she gazed back at where she felt that intense gaze come from. She hurriedly went to her room.

Shizuka had this tendency to ignore problems whenever she felt it was harmless, and so life passed by peacefully until one day, a dog came into their department.

Seeing this dog, a deep frown could be seen on Levi's face.

Shizuka on the other hand, felt happy seeing the furry labrador running around.

"Conrad!" Levi shouted.

"Vi, I'm just behind you..." he said while his face had anxiousness written all over it.

Levi turned and looked at him with piercing eyes, "What did I say about this dog?"

"Vi, you know Kouki hasn't returned for so long, Coco has been sad at the base."

A fair hand tapped at Levi's shoulder.

"I'll bring her out, let's take a break for now." Shizuka's mellow voice helped alleviate Conrad's plight. She then asked, "Coco, is she a girl or boy?"

"Girl."

"I see. I'll take care of her for now then." she brought the dog out and Coco enthusiastically followed her.

Day 15

A few days later, headquarters received the news that team Gamma had lost contact with them after entering a classified mission. Gamma was the team Kouki was part of, this worried Conrad a lot.

Days before receiving the message, Coco already acted strange. For some unknown reason, Coco hadn't been eating for two days.

Conrad was disheartened because of this, he had a soft spot for dogs and he couldn't help but visit Coco whenever he was free.

He tried all sorts of ways other than what the military dog handler did, but to no avail.

Shizuka saw Pamela with Conrad on the second day of Coco's self-starvation. She felt someone pinch her heart as the two looked at the dog so earnestly, she walked towards them. She had a chicken sandwich in her pocket which she started to chew on.

Conrad saw her, his usual arrogant face was replaced by worry.

Shizuka squatted in front of the dog, she spit out the food in her mouth onto her hand and placed it in front of the dog.

Seeing this, Conrad was shocked, disgusted, and angered at the same time, "What do you think are you doing??"

Shizuka ignored her. When Conrad was about to push her hand, surprisingly, Coco ate the food Shizuka gave.

"Good girl, Coco." She said while she patted her head.

Coco's tale wagged as it cuddled up to Shizuka. Shizuka hugged her back and spoke in a very intimate and doting way, "Does the baby girl want more,huh?"

Coco barked at her like she was pleading.

"Okay, but first, sit." she said.

Coco sat obediently but her tail kept wagging.

"Roll over, Coco."

Coco rolled over.

"Good girl!~" She took a bite of her chicken sandwich and again fed Coco like she did earlier.

After a while, the whole sandwich was finished.

A while later, Conrad sat beside Shizuka, "Thank you, for what you did for Coco."

Shizuka looked at him with raised brows.

"Thank you, for feeding Coco. I was very childish and kept tabs on you but...."

She was currently looking at Coco, totally disregarding Conrad as she clarified, "I was doing it for Coco." Then, her placid eyes gazed at him. On the surface, her overall demeanor gave off a calm and harmless air, yet what she said was the exact opposite of this, "Don't thank me. The only reason why I did what I did was because you didn't know what to do. If you really are thankful, then apply what you've learnt today so that next time, you do what's right. A piece of advice, since it would seem that either we'll be socializing or working together in the future, I'm not the type of person whose fond of receiving people's words of gratitude nor them seeking my forgiveness especially if, they're nothing but hot air. I believe you're not like that, but I also believe in that old adage that actions speak louder than words. You owe me nothing, but you owe it to yourself to grow after this experience to get closer to the man you want to become."

Suddenly, Shizuka hit her forehead. Seeing this, both Pamela and Conrad had puzzled expressions on their faces.

Hearing her words, Conrad was baffled by her out of the blue action.

"I was talking too much. Pardon, but those are some of the words I live by, and had I been given the chance to tell somethings to my younger self. That would have been one of it." She flicked her hair before her hand gently patted Conrad's head, then she ruffled his hair while she stood up. "Besides, how could I have kept quiet, I saw how much you loved Coco, she deserves a very good owner."

Conrad looked at Coco and sighed.

"Let's just hope that Kouki guy is fine." She said lightly. She turned around one last time and explained, "Oh, yeah. What I did with Coco, I just remembered that that's how birds feed their young. My dog also went through that phase. Not eating for days. I don't know why, but I felt that she would eat it if I did that. And she did. I actually wasn't sure Coco would eat it." She giggled before she ran away mischievously going to who knows where after that.

Conrad was left dazed and his mouth formed an O-shape.

Seeing this, Pamela couldn't help but remind, "Conrad, I know you're surprised. I'm surprised and disgusted at the same time. More surprised, though. But you should really close your mouth before a fly enters."

He blinked and immediately closed his mouth. His eyes looked intently at the direction Shizuka went to. He then heard Pamela's daydream, "I really wish she works with us permanently. There's something about her..."

Coco wagged her tail as she put her paw on Conrad's knees as she barked at him. Conrad said softly, "I guess."

Day 18

Shizuka was escorted to Mahadevi to help their Central Intelligence Unit create the program against the hybrid worm. Nothing noteworthy happened.

Day 20

Shizuka returned to Laniakea.

Day 21

Days passed once again, Shizuka received the orders that she can go back with the condition that she lives with a soldier named Kiefer Campbell.

She didn't feel happy about the arrangements but she just endured it. Conrad informed her that after she moved into her new house, that Kiefer girl would visit her before officially staying with her.

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