Null Tower, New York City
Noriko Null is sitting on the medical bed, looking away while Dr. Catherine Kalama inspects her left arm. Despite having the entirety of Earth’s medical knowledge in her head, Noriko really doesn’t like taking a physical.
<So what do you think?> she asks to break the silence.
<It looks like an exact replica of your real arm: even the fingerprints are identical> the doctor says.
<Maybe we should do other tests> Noriko suggests.
<We’ve already done an X-ray, an MRI and a PET scan. Another test and you’ll start glowing.>
<Come on, I get exposed to more radiation standing around Quantum. How about a SPECT?>
<What?>
<Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography.>
<I know what the acronym means. Why would you need it?> Catherine asks, sitting next to Noriko.
<I’ll know when I get a look at the results.>
<Noriko… there’s nothing wrong with your arm. In fact, as far as I can tell you’re in perfect health… except for this> the doctor says, gently taping Noriko’s forehead with her index finger.
<There’s nothing wrong with my brain. I told you, my hallucinations are gone and as you’ve seen from my blood tests I’m not taking any medication you haven’t prescribed. And I’ll take a blood test every week until you’re convinced I’m done with antipsychotics, even if it’s unnecessary.>
<Right. Unless you’re hallucinating this whole conversation> Catherine says, smiling.
<That’s not funny> Noriko answers with a deadpan tone.
<You got your arm back. Any amputee would see this miracle with something other than paranoia.>
<Most miracles happened to me ‘cause some god wants me dead, so I wouldn’t call it paranoia.>
<Or, maybe you don’t appreciate the gift because you think you haven’t earned it.>
<Doctor, as a psychiatrist, you make a perfect physician.>
<So get a real psychiatrist then. I’ve been telling you to hire one since you’ve lost your arm.>
<And I’ve been saying no ever since. Are we done? I need to work on that SPECT machine…>
<Hold on. We should talk about Amaterasu> the doctor stops her.
<Crap, did Max tell you? I swear, if it’s Kari I am SO gonna fire her.>
<It was Vesta, actually. She thought you might want to talk about your, uhm, step-daughter I think?>
<I don’t want to talk about it> Noriko answers, practically jumping out the bed and walking away.
<You didn’t abandon her> Dr. Kalama tells her.
Noriko stops. A couple of seconds pass, then she answers without looking at the doctor.
<Viper was me, doctor. A twisted mirror image, yes, but I could see myself in her. And apparently, there is a part of me that wouldn’t hesitate creating a life just to use her as a weapon and then throw her away. Just like my mother would.>
<You’re the only person who thinks this, Noriko.>
<That doesn’t mean it’s not true. If I asked you to permanently sterilize me, would you do it?>
<Not in your current mental state. Listen, I have some connections, I’m sure I can find the most discreet psychiatrist in the world.>
<I said no> Noriko cuts her off, taking her jacket and suddenly disappearing in a flash of light.
<I should definitely get that teleporting machine away from her> Doctor Kalama sighs.
Hart Senate Office Building, Washington D.C.
It’s been a long day for Todd Slate: it seems like everyone wants to talk with the young New York Senator, especially after the message he sent during the Winter King’s invasion made him the most popular politician in the country. When he finally gets back to his office, he hopes to wrap up some paperwork and then finally go home.
Once he opens the door, however, he finds Noriko Null sitting cross-legged on his desk next to a plate of hot dogs covered with chili sauce.
<Half-smokes, your favorite dish. My way of saying “I’m sorry”> she says.
<Sorry about treating me like garbage or about starting a diplomatic incident without advising the Global Defense Organization? I thought General Anderson was going to have a stroke.>
<Kind of both. But if he’s worried about Earth lacking a planetary defense now that the Demosthenes has left our system, I’ve got it covered.>
<I hope you’re talking about the Ragnarok. Building another warship would be against…>
<I didn’t build anything> Noriko answers, with an almost imperceptible smirk.
<I know that smile. You have other ships, don’t you?>
<I’m not smiling!>
<Yes you are. It’s been a while since I’ve seen you smile.>
<Todd… I…>
<Why are you here, Noriko? You’re not looking for dating advice from me, I hope.>
<I’m not dating anyone these days.>
<Is that so? Because I received several calls from whatshisname, the Nobel Peace Prize winner, asking about you.>
<Kalu? Why would he be worried about… oh, right. Last time we talked I told him I was probably gonna die> she remembers, burying her face in her hands in embarrassment.
<I’m the worst date ever, aren’t I?> she asks, her voice muffled by her hands.
<Let’s just say things never get boring around you.>
<Was I a bad girlfriend? Be honest with me.>
<I don’t think I should answer that question.>
<You should. You’re my senator, remember? I voted for you.>
<You’re the most extraordinary woman I’ve ever met. Do you like this Kalu guy?>
<He’s a good person. Altruistic, inventive, reliable…>
<Sounds more like you want to hire him than to date him, but if you do want to date him…>
<What makes you think I don’t want to? I’ve been very busy and forgot to make a call, that’s it.>
<Noriko, you have a six figure IQ, I don’t buy it for a second that you just forgot.>
<You know what, this was a bad idea, we shouldn’t talk about this> she says, getting off the desk; Todd grabs her arm to stop her from leaving and pulls her closer.
<You can always talk to me, Noriko. Just because I’m not your boyfriend anymore doesn’t mean that I don’t care about you.>
<I also… still… I, I mean… ehm… you’re my senator, right?> Noriko says timidly, tripping over each word and blushing. She had almost forgotten how being so close to him felt like.
<We should… ah… make this into a regular… thing? Talking, I mean. I need… I need someone I can talk to. You’re still the person I trust the most.>
<Deal. But next time use the door, okay? Security gets grumpy when they don’t get to do anything.>
<I’ll keep that in mind. Though it’ll be hard to give up on this> Noriko answers, snapping her fingers to activate the teleporter.
Lagos, Nigeria
Noriko reappears in the hallway of a hotel. She knocks on the door, waiting nervously for a few seconds before knocking again. When nobody answers, she knocks harder a few more times, until finally opens and she finally finds herself in front of Oluwa Kalu, who is only wearing shorts.
<Hi. Can I come in? After, uhm, after you’ve put on something?>
<Noriko? What are you… is everything alright? Your last call had me worried.>
<I’m fine, thank you for asking. We should really get inside> she insists, looking to make sure there’s no one watching; talking in public with a half naked man doesn’t make her comfortable.
Fortunately for her pride, nobody sees her getting into Kalu’s room. Once inside, much to her surprise she finds he has already packed his things.
<You’re leaving?>
<Tomorrow morning, yes. I have a flight for New York.>
<Oh!> she exclaims, her face practically glowing.
<Someone offered me a job.>
<Oh> she repeats, this time with no enthusiasm.
<Didn’t your father tell you? He’s the one who hired me.>
<What? I thought you didn’t want to work for me!>
<I don’t. I’ll work for the Null Foundation; you made him the president, remember?>
<Right. So… I was… gonna get myself some dinner… and… if, if you’re free…>
<It’s 11 PM. Why are you really here, Noriko?> he asks, coming closer.
<I was lonely> she finally admits.
<So you thought you could just drop by like nothing happened. You disappeared to God knows where during our last date, then you called me to say you would probably die. Is that normal for you?>
<Yes. That’s how my life is.>
<I like you, Noriko, but I can’t deal with how strange your life is. I don’t think we should keep seeing each other.>
<I see. That’s probably a good idea> she sighs, looking at her feet.
<I can refuse the job if it makes you uncomfortable> he suggests.
<That’s sweet, but we can handle this like adults. I’ll take my leave now> she says, walking away.
<Noriko, you’re the smartest and richest person in the world. You won’t have trouble finding someone who’s right for you> he consoles her.
<You would think so> she answers, walking out the door. She takes a deep breath, managing to stop herself from crying, and then punches the wall with her left arm. She punches so hard that her new hand will hurt for a couple of days. She prepares to snap her fingers again, but she stops. She looks at her hands for what feels like an eternity, then she puts then in her jacket’s pockets.
<Maybe I should take a walk> she tells herself, looking out the window: it’s starting to rain, a perfect representation of her mood right now.
Parthenos, 80.000 light-years from Earth
The capital world of the Athenian Federation is a monument to mortal civilizations: all known sapient species, races and cultures are represented to some extent, enjoying peace and prosperity unparalleled in the Olympian Galaxy. One of its symbols is the massive headquarters of the Athenian High Command, with its colossal owl overlooking the city of Glaukos.
Its highest authority is the assembly of thirty High Generals, which are now sitting at a large round table looking at the twenty feet tall hologram of Athena.
It’s a highly formal occasion: Athena is addressing them in her triple role of commander-in-chief, head of state and goddess. What makes High Command unique is that a vote of 18 of its members can override their god’s decisions, something truly unheard of anywhere else.
<The Athenian Senate has approved my request to place sanctions on the Winter Kingdom for the unprovoked attack on Tyche. The possibility of invasion is still being debated; however, I will submit to High Command several battle plans, to be considered as last resort.>
<We will examine them carefully, Lady Athena. Now, this council would like to discuss the Slayer of Gods> says High Council’s chairwoman, a black woman in her seventies.
<Once more, High General Promachos, I claim executive divine privilege to carry out personally all interactions with the Slayer of Gods. Does the council wish to veto my decision?>
<This council does not, Lady Athena> the woman says, after a look at the other generals is answered by two dozen shaking heads.
<Then we have nothing to discuss. I have assigned you a special agent to examine the ship that the Slayer of Gods has gifted us; keep me informed on the results. Long Live the Federation.>
<Long Live the Federation> all thirty High Generals repeat, and the hologram disappears.
<We should have asked about the traitor Liosthenes> a general comments, a Lar male.
<She would’ve just vetoed us> another one answers, a woman covered in green scales.
<Athena is our goddess. We should trust her judgment> a minotaur general says.
<That would be undemocratic. As High Generals we serve the people of the Federation, not the personal interests of Athena> an eight feet tall human male reminds him.
<I agree. We should learn more about the Slayer of Gods. All in favor of investigating her?> High General Promachos asks. Twenty-seven hands go up.
<All in favor of hiding the investigation from Athena?> she then asks. Only five hands go down.
<The High Council approves with 22 out of 30 votes. We should come up with a plan.>
<I can help you with that> someone answers, and it’s not one of the High Generals: it’s a man who just got inside the room. The generals immediately stand up, shocked by his presence.
<How did you get here?> the minotaur asks, almost knocking over the conference table.
<If you mean the city, Athena sent me to examine the ship. If you mean the room, you really shouldn’t trust electronic locks so much. Everything can be unlocked if you’re smart enough.>
<Impressive. And you think you can help us learn more about the Slayer of Gods, mister…?>
<Dmitry Voron from Earth, High General Promachos. And yes, I have very… intimate knowledge about Noriko Null> he answers with a smirk.
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