Jean pressed a button on her wrist.
The garage opened, reflecting the rising sun behind her.
She pulled in, kicking the motorcycle stand down.
Her helmet rested under her arm.
A wrench creaked.
The metal tapping ceased as she grew closer.
Dean rolled out from underneath the truck, lifting his goggles.
"Welcome back, Jean."
Jean tossed the key onto a desk.
"Thanks, Dean."
Dean sat upright, pointing a wrench at the bike.
"Any problems with the bike?"
Jean shook her head.
"None at all."
She pointed her thumb at it.
"Still, check it."
Dean lowered the wrench.
"You're right," he continued, "I'll get to it after this."
He laid back down, sliding underneath the truck.
Jean placed her helmet on the desk and headed towards the courtyard.
Her footsteps echoed in the quiet hall.
Sunlight lightly shone ahead.
She entered the courtyard, noticing Grimm and Art coming from the Aljanah wing.
Jean waved.
"Good morning."
Art returned the gesture as she approached.
"Likewise."
Grimm yawned, covering his mouth.
Art glanced at Jean.
"Did you just get back?"
Jean softly cleared her throat.
"Yes. I was heading to deliver my report."
Art crossed her arms.
"Was it a success?"
Jean reached into her pocket.
"The mission went as planned."
Art softly exhaled.
"That's a relief."
Grimm rubbed his eyes.
"Don't you leave tonight, Art?"
Art's expression tightened.
"Yes. Kane as well."
Grimm blinked rapidly.
"Well good luck with that."
He walked towards the kitchen area.
Jean motioned towards the Albriedo wing.
"I need to get going, good luck Art."
Art nodded.
"You too."
...
Jean arrived at Arthur's door.
Her movement stalled.
A light flickered above.
She softly exhaled, calming herself.
Her fingers tapped against the door.
Arthur placed his pen down.
"Enter."
Jean opened the door, stepping into the office.
"Excuse me."
She closed the door behind her.
The aroma of coffee filled the room.
Arthur motioned for her to have a seat, lifting a mug to his lips.
Jean pulled a chair to the desk.
Wheels slid across the tile floor.
She sat facing him.
Arthur placed the mug down.
"Your report."
Jean removed the scanner device from her pocket.
"The perimeter around the lab is tightly secured..."
She placed it on the desk.
"...the only entry point is the scientist's access."
Arthur picked up the device, inspecting it.
"Continue."
Jean's posture straightened.
"That device has the data needed."
Arthur placed it down, folding his hands together.
"Good work..."
He slightly leaned back.
"...take this to Tremor."
Jean rested her hands in her lap.
"Yes sir."
Arthur's face tightened.
"Anything else?"
Jean lifted her index finger.
"I found it strange..."
Her gaze fixed on Arthur.
"...there was no watchman."
Arthur exhaled through his nostrils.
He leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand.
That...
Jean noticed his behavior.
"Sir, is everything alright?"
Arthur cleared his throat.
"Yes..."
He straightened his posture.
"...you are dismissed. Submit the detailed report by tonight."
Jean stood to her feet.
"Yes Sir."
She paid respect before leaving the room.
Arthur reached for his mug.
He exhaled as his posture relaxed.
What are you planning...
The chair slightly leaned back as he took a sip of the coffee.
...Marco.
...
Art left her room, with her railgun folded on her back.
Twin pistols holstered on her thighs.
The hall lights flickered above her.
She walked to the courtyard, looking for Kane.
The orange sun reflected off the glass.
Water calmly flowed.
Kane was sitting at the fountain.
His head lowered.
Eyes fixed on the water.
Looking at his reflection.
Distorted.
Empty.
It looked back.
Not at him.
Through him.
A crack shifted.
Within.
Art approached.
She felt a faint disturbance around Kane.
"Kane."
Art observed.
He...
Her eyes moved down.
...seems ready.
His body turned slightly.
Facing her.
Art glanced at her wrist.
"It's time to depart."
Kane's eyes stayed on the water.
"...Ok."
She turned.
"Let's go."
Art began walking to the garage.
Her footsteps moved away.
Kane remained.
Observing his reflection.
A moment passed.
His body rose.
Then followed.
Art entered the garage.
She pressed a button, opening the door.
The setting sun faced her.
A cool breeze flowed in.
Kane arrived shortly after.
She grabbed the dune buggy key, entered the drivers side.
The ignition clicked.
Headlights flashed on.
Kane entered.
He sat.
The wind blew.
Cold.
Art accelerated toward the horizon.
Kane sat upright.
Calm.
His focus elsewhere.
Distant.
A hand rested on his magnums.
His chains.
Rattled.