Marco sat in his office.
A clock ticked with time.
Lamp light outlined the map of the city on his desk.
He began his work.
Monitoring.
Six numbered pieces sat on the edge.
His hand reached for a small stone piece.
The number Ⅱ was set in the south.
Michael needs...
Marco exhaled, looking at the remaining pieces.
...no assistance.
He raised his glass, the ice cubes tapped the edge.
Marco took a sip of the dark liquor, reaching for two pieces.
Ⅰ and Ⅳ were placed in the center.
He needs us.
Marco set the glass down.
His eyes observed the east.
Surveillance isn't necessary.
His finger pressed against the Ⅴ stone piece.
His purpose...
It tipped over.
The clock ticked.
...fulfilled.
Condensation dripped from his glass.
He grabbed the Ⅲ piece, placing it in the north.
It will be protected.
Marco leaned back.
His gaze focused on the west.
The insurgents...
He fixed his violet and gold sashes, adorned across his shoulders.
He reached for the final piece.
Ⅵ was set in the west.
...and 04 will be found.
Marco moved the gear on his communicator device to the number Ⅵ.
He pressed the button.
"Come to my office."
Static briefly sounded.
A female voice responded.
"Yes sir."
Marco relaxed his posture.
The woman was approaching the door to Marco's office.
Her feet tapping on the gold lined carpet beneath her.
Ticking clocks clicked in the hallway.
She checked the bandages wrapped around her arms and lower stomach.
Pausing at the door to fix her golden sash, she knocked.
Marco answered.
"Enter."
The door opened and she stepped in.
Her eyes observed the desk as she stood before Marco.
He tapped his finger near her piece.
"Go to the western district..."
The tapping stopped.
"... and find those insurgents."
She placed her arms behind her back.
"If I may, why the west?"
Marco placed his hands together.
"We believe they are based near there..."
His posture tightened.
"...and 04 as well."
Her fingers twitched.
The clock ticked once.
She set her sight on the knocked-over piece.
"What happened to V?"
Marco pressed his temple.
"His role was fulfilled."
She smiled, exposing her sharpened teeth.
The ice in the glass shifted.
Her eyes met Marco.
"I accept this mission."
Marco exhaled.
"Dismissed."
She paid her respects and turned towards the door.
Her teeth scraped against each other.
I will find them.
Marco lifted his glass, turning towards the window behind him.
The door closed, leaving his office empty.
The city moved in rhythm below.
His eyes fixed into the liquid.
Arthur...
A ripple appeared on the surface.
... Why?
...
This is...
Art observed the endless corridor.
Pipes lined on the left and right, extending up and down into darkness.
Massive clear tubes of void cell fluid ran along them.
Bodies lay in the dirty water.
Motionless.
A faint green light outlined them.
Mechanical humming filled the space.
Art moved closer to a tub, stopping at the edge.
Her eyes widened, as she flinched backwards.
The arms and legs hung over the sides.
The head was no exception.
Void cell fluid was pumped into the chest.
Large metal needles poked into the skull.
Wires extended from the arms and legs.
The eyes were covered.
Her hands shook.
Unbelievable.
Art continued down, observing the different tubs.
She stopped at a certain tub.
Her eyebrows slightly raised.
This body is half gone...
She observed for a moment longer.
...like it was blown off.
Art exhaled.
Her gaze lingered.
Briefly.
She moved on.
Kane was still.
Observing.
Art's footsteps sounded further.
A moment passed.
His body began to follow.
Fluid bubbled next to him.
Kane stopped at a tub.
His breathing slowed.
Eyes were focused.
Beyond.
The dirty water faintly rippled.
Silver hair reflected the faint green light.
Kane's hand twitched.
His core shifted.
The air around him.
Distant.
A crack formed.
Within.
It opened.
Emptiness.