Kieran eyed Aura and listened intently as she began to get into the gritty details of why they were there. He was looking for a tell--a glance to the side, a pause that lingers too long--anything that could give away any evidence that she was lying. He also thought back to his briefing, and the information he received.

But as she spoke, she gave no signs of deception--if anything, she seemed more despondent than ever. When she spoke of this Del character specifically, she seemed nearly desperate. Kieran made a mental note to clear this person from any AA scrutiny as a show of good faith as they continued to work together.

[i]Santo,[/i] Kieran thought to himself as she said the name. It triggered something in him. He had once heard of a Santo causing a serious amount of damage to subsection A back in the day--which was particularly impressive, as most people even involved in Apex weren’t allowed there. 

He wasn’t sure if he was getting Santo mixed up with some other freedom fighter, but if he recalled correctly, whoever it was that caused the massive explosion in subsection A was hanged and left to rot for months on the highest crane in Port Apex. 

He was surprised to next hear Aura describe heading to sub A herself.

“You’re going to a party at Gerald Loor’s house?” Kieran asked, nearly cutting her off.

Loor was a big, big fucking deal to Kieran and just about anyone else within AA or AE. He had a reputation for cruelty--often enacted with very little regard for collateral and with a smirk that never left his face. He wasn’t machiavellian or anything like that--he was also known for his politician’s demeanor--but he was certainly one of the people that probably knew about Kieran and what he was up to regarding the Cause.

His mind raced as Aura continued to explain the point of the mission in place for the next day. 

“That’s dangerous,” Kieran said. Then--thinking--continued on. “I mean--you know that, I know--but fuck, Aura. Gerald Loor’s laptop is going to be pretty fucking locked down. And it’s probably encrypted.”

He paused a moment, trying to read Aura’s face. He figured, since she hadn’t known the term for ‘laptop’, perhaps he should explain. “That folding computer--the laptop--it’s gonna be very hard to get the information off of it unless you know someone that’s good with computers, and I mean really good. I can’t do any of that shit myself.”

He thought for another moment. He needed to get in contact with Apex Authority directly--especially if the Cause was going to be stealing from Loor. They would want to know why Kieran did nothing to stop it. He made a mental note to travel directly to downtown the next day and talk to someone. Maybe even Loor himself.

He also thought it if was worth telling AA to wipe the computer, but that would immediately put Aura at risk. However, even if he asked AA not to, there was no telling what they would do outside of his wishes. He had to play his cards carefully--ensuring the Cause doesn’t suspect Aura, AA doesn’t prematurely ruin his plans, and Aura wasn’t in danger.

He found himself immediately surprised by that last thought. Being mindful of those involved collaterally was typically not his style. But as he saw Aura in front of him now, watching him--despondent about tomorrow's events--he truly felt as if he owed her for all of the help she’s been to him so far. 

“I can learn more soon about the Cause, but maybe it’s better if I learn directly,” he thought aloud. “I can get to Loor’s house easily. I mean, fuck--I probably work for him and don’t even know it--but I can make sure you don’t...” 

He trailed off. He didn’t even want to mention it.

“...I can make sure you get out of there with the laptop unscathed. But these must be some pretty rough restrictions if Gregor is willing to take this risk.” 

He opted not to mention the idea of meeting up with AA directly--at least, not yet. This was a lot of information in a very short amount of time. Besides, he didn’t know what AA was planning for this party. 

Or what they had in store for Atlantic.