Rika’s instincts hadn’t told her much more than to be prepared, but this stranger with that strange gleam in her eyes had done well to show respect. Rika may not be of renown yet, but that was because she was so good it was hard to hear of her. Certain criminal-centered families would have use of her, but she is so expensive to acquire that often organizations believe they might lose more than gain from that transaction. A life for thousands upon thousands, easily millions if the target was high-profile enough, wasn’t the easiest trade to make and was better left to those who had very serious grudges. Shizuka was quite the stranger in this situation and didn’t know how to play anything cool, but Rika would chalk that up to inexperience. The expression on her face didn’t change for several seconds, ultimately becoming one representing a cool appreciation. Strange as this woman might have been, she had done well in her tone and getting right to the point.

 [b]“You have a ‘master’, huh? You only get a servant if you’re rich or powerful …and I like an employer with both those qualities.”[/b] Rika relished in someone who could get enough on her to even gather her name, and knowing what she is capable of only meant they did damn good research enough to know who they were getting. That showed they were looking for the absolute best, and approaching her confirmed what she already knew; she was the absolute best in her field. Focused entirely on the messenger, Rika’s train of thought when it came to what wealth this ‘master’ could possess was immediately broken by Shizuka’s desire to be noticed. Grabbing her wrist mid-wave, the thief would guide it downward and shake her head in disapproval with her actions. Before Rika could educate her on how to handle a situation like this, something loud and obnoxious had occurred throughout the city with a message that, to Rika, was not nearly as convincing to her as it was these commoners. Shizuka, being the simpleton she was, was quick to spout off how it ‘wasn’t us’ in front of a woman she obviously didn’t know, and who’s allegiance they had yet to determine. Quickly putting her left hand over Shizuka’s mouth, Rika glared at her in a fashion that was quite the change from her joy with her prior to this very moment. 

[b]“Are you kidding me? You don’t know this woman, why in the hell would you-- …”[/b] Scoffing, Rika removed her hand and shook her head, muttering [b]“Idiot…”[/b] under her breath. Waving a hand in dismissal to whatever excuse Shizuka might give for her foolishness, the thief’s option of working with the rebels may not go through if idiocy like that is a constant. [b]“Cat’s out of the bag now, but forget about her, she’s some nobody with no real talent. You already caught my attention, so your boss obviously taught you how to address people of my caliber. Lead the way.”[/b] Rika encouraged this messenger to begin guiding her to her master, and hopefully the thief’s employer. The robot-like woman had turned and proceeded to do what was asked of her, but Rika gave Shizuka one last passing stare as she moved along. 

[b]“By the way, that guy making that announcement? Full of shit, and it’s not just because we both know better …it’s because I know a liar when I hear one. Overreacting doesn’t change anything, so start growing up. War doesn’t forgive innocence, it takes it away, and things are bound to get worse.”[/b] Giving her a mocking bow as she walked backwards, Rika spun back around closely behind Pepper and kept her hands behind her neck, allowing Shizuka to get back to whatever her job was meant to be. 

~-~

Elsewhere in a cozy part of Hollow Bastion, the woman that sat alone kept her eyes shut and visualized a better place than this. Her old home was clean with a strong economy, a populace that was happy and thrilled to be alive, and felt secured because there were people that watched out for them. Police were public figures of justice but once upon a time she had lead something much greater, much more important to humanity, than the men in blue could ever become. This poverty was disgusting, but not nearly as disgusting as the lies that were broadcast across Hollow Bastion. The fools and drones who believed anyone with a microphone would take to those words like vultures to an animal carcass, and there was no concern of what would become of them. 

[b]“More coffee, ma’m?”[/b]

Opening her eyes, the woman looked to a brown-haired young man who appeared clean and handsome in a uniform she could easily relate to the café. Once empty, in the blink of an eye this cozy little corner of Hollow Bastion had found new life. Men and women young an old coming together, children eating ice cream and enjoying a stroll hand-in-hand with their mothers and fathers. This was an ideal environment, an environment she was quite familiar with back at her own place of origin. She was no longer alone here, the good souls of Hollow Bastion had joined her, adding to the appearance of a highly refurbished and ideal neighborhood in the city. Only the surrounding blocks held this happiness, while all outside it were just ‘business’ as usual. The location was perfect, far north and very distant from the rebel safehouse and the warehouse that had recently been destroyed. 

[b]“Yes, thank you.”[/b] The woman nodded and raised her empty cup, allowing the employee of this gorgeous café to pour her a perfect cup of coffee once more before walking off and attending to other people. A writer working on a novel, a couple having an early morning glass of coffee similar to that woman. Things were pretty much perfect here, minus the fact the announcement of the Empire’s dog still reaching her ears. Amused at the efforts they made to cover this up, she had almost laughed out loud to the point it would have been a contagion to all other persons in the area. 

[b]“So that’s your opening move? This will be an easier victory than I ever expected.”[/b] the woman muttered to herself, smirking slightly before enjoying another sip of well-prepared coffee.

The Empire would need to do better than that…