How could I have gotten so distracted? Violet brooded as she strode down the corridor leading to the primary R&D lab.
If I do not hurry, I shall be late for my meeting with Father… Simply unacceptable! For one who held herself to such a high standard, Violet found her behavior more than a little worrying. She had never been late to a meeting before. Indeed, she had never even considered that such a thing would ever occur. Now, said occurrence was looking increasingly likely… Clenching her teeth with renewed determination, she moved along the corridor with even longer, more purposeful strides. Unfortunately, she was so deep in thought that she failed to noticed the
scientist carrying a large stack of papers, who was just now rounding the corner ahead of her…
“Oh crap!” The scientist cried out in alarm. The next instant, the two women collided, causing the scientist’s papers to fly in every direction. “Great… Just great…” the scientist grumbled as she knelt down to gather up the scattered pages. “Why can’t people ever watch where they’re going in this place…”
“How
dare you?!” Violet exclaimed, her tone filled with indignation. “First you lack the coordination to remove yourself from my path, and then you have the audacity to address me in such an impudent manner! I demand that you apologize at once!”
“M-Miss Covington!” the scientist gasped at the revelation of other young woman’s identity. “Oh my gosh! I’m so very,
very sorry! I had no idea it was you! Please, oh please forgive me!” she pleaded, bowing before the heiress in supplication.
Yes, get on your knees and bow before me, Violet thought imperiously.
That is the proper place for a peasant like you. Wait… Are these papers?“What are
these?” Violet asked pointing to the sheets of paper scattered about the corridor.
“T-These are my notes, Miss Covington,” the scientist explained. “I was just on my way to—”
“Why are they written on
paper? Are you so unskilled with modern technology that you could not store them digitally?”
“W-Well, you see, Miss Covington—”
“And you doodle in the margins?” Violet added, after she’d taken a closer look at the papers, her voice dripping with contempt. “What
are you a child? Depart from my presence immediately. And if I ever observe such disrespectful behavior from you again, your employment shall be terminated on the spot. Is that understood?”
“Y-Yes, Miss Covington! It won’t ever happen again! You have my word!”
As if that meant something… Violet mused as she watched the flustered scientist depart.
Continuing on her way, Violet reached her destination with mere seconds to spare.
“Ah, I see you’ve finally decided to join us,” her
father noted as she entered the lab.
“My apologies, Father,” Violet replied with a submissive bow of her head. “I do hope I haven’t missed anything important. There were some matters that needed my personal attention, and, in addition to that, while I made my way here, one of your more absent-minded scientists actually
collided with me in the corridor! You really must give them a lecture on attentiveness, Father. After all, such an utter lack of concentration and awareness must certainly carry over to their lab work.”
“I believe that is a lecture I shall allow
you to give, my dear princess,” the elder Covington said with a knowing smile. “And you needn’t worry about having missed anything important. I am well aware that the Covington Combat Drone program has always been a particular fascination of yours, so I insisted the staff postpone their presentation until your arrival.”
“Thank you, Father,” Violet said, a slight smile of appreciation curving the corner of her lips. “That was most generous of you.”
“Nonsense,” her father replied with a dismissive wave of his hand. “I simply did not wish to be deprived of your insightful observations. If not for them, this project would still be little more than designs on a drawing board, rather than the technological marvels we have before us.”
With that, he gestured to where several
humanoid machines stood at attention. The Covington Combat Drones were the apex of the corporation’s weapons technology program. Fully autonomous, they were armored with advanced alloys and armed with the most state-of-the-art weapons Covington Industries’ army of brilliant scientists could devise. And now, it appeared that a new breakthrough promised to make them even more formidable.
“Yes, indeed, Miss Covington!” the head of the Advanced Robotics Division agreed. “On behalf of the team, we are all deeply grateful that you could be here today to witness the achievements your invaluable assistance have produced!”
“Up until now, the CCDs have been mere robots, driven by primitive AI,” the scientist continued. “Today, however, marks the first step beyond that, the first step towards true integration of man and machine! Not as crude cybernetic fusions of flesh and metal, but as unions of human mind and artificial body. Thanks to recent advances in VR technology, advances pioneered by Covington Industries, of course, we are now able to link a human consciousness to more than simply a virtual avatar. We can now allow a trained soldier to essentially ‘pilot’ our combat drones from a safe location, far from the danger of the battlefield. Can you imagine the possible applications? Not just in the military sphere, but in the civilian world as well?”
Violet could indeed imagine it. The possibilities were certainly vast, but the most immediate thoughts that sprang to mind were first response operations: police, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel. In a devastated city like Penrose, such things were in both urgent need and short supply. If Covington Industries was seen as taking an active hand in the city’s recovery, it would be a major public relations coup. This was something the massive corporation could most assuredly use, especially in the wake of the numerous allegations recently made against it by environmental activists and various humanitarian groups.
“Yes,” Violet said with an approving nod. “Your team has done quite well, doctor. Wouldn’t you agree, Father?”
“I would indeed,” the elder Covington concurred. “But that is not all, my darling daughter. Doctor, show her your team’s latest creation.”
“Of course, sir. It would be my great honor.”
Taping a button on his tablet’s display, the scientist directed their attention to where a
new machine was rising dramatically from the floor. It was clear to see that the new arrival was far more advanced than the other drones. It was also far larger, towering above the other designs, in a commanding fashion. It also seemed quite a bit more elegant compared to the other, more brutish automatons.
“This is our most advanced creation,” the scientist declared. “The very pinnacle of our efforts, a design worthy to be the commander of an entire robotic army, leading our Crimson Knights and Silver Sentinels to victory in every engagement!”
“I call it the Violet Princess,” the elder Covington said, his voice filled with pride. “In honor of you, my daughter.”
For several seconds, Violet was speechless. To have so deadly and beautiful a war machine bear
her name… It was a far greater honor than she had ever imagined, and an unquestionable sign of her father’s love and admiration.
“T-Thank you, Father,” Violet said after a moment. “I-I find myself struggling to conceive the proper words with which to fully convey my appreciation.”
“Do not even try to, my princess,” her father told her warmly. “It is an honor you fully deserve. I could not be more proud of you, Violet,” he continued, beaming down at her. “You truly are a worthy successor to our illustrious line.”
Violet’s heart swelled with joy at the sound of her father’s words. That was, after all, what she lived for, what she had been groomed and trained to be. She would lead the Covington Family to a bright and prosperous future, and nothing in the
present would stand against that. Yes, her little supernatural problem would soon be taken care of. Her coming meeting with the Mint’s operatives would see to that. But… What if she could take a more active role in such proceedings, to be a participant, rather than simply an observer? Casting her gaze upon the menacing form of the Violet Princess, the heiress felt the corners of her lips form a slight smile.
With this morning’s recent developments, I may have been provided with the opportunity to do just that…
Once again, Connie found herself on the roof of a skyscraper alongside Mia, staring down at the headquarters of Covington Industries. Both magical girls were bundled up in their cold weather robes, although they offered slim protection against the icy wind, which howled around them. Unlike the night before, however, Connie was in much higher spirits, her confidence having received a fairly significant boost after the morning’s unexpected combat training session.
“I can’t wait to hang out with Faith again!” Connie told her nymph-like friend.
“She’s so nice and encouraging! Don’t worry, though,” she added after a moment in a playful tone.
“She’s still no match for you, Mia. I’m so glad we became friends,” she said softly as she laid her head upon the other girl’s shoulder.
“You’re like the big sister I never had.”“And you are like the little sister I never had,” Gaia replied, gently nuzzling Connie’s head with her own.
“Although… My little sister has certainly been doing a lot of growing up lately,” she added with a warm smile.
“Thanks, Mia. And speaking of, I guess we should get started, huh?”“Indeed,” Gaia agreed.
“Whenever you are ready.”“Okay!”Focusing her mystic energies, Connie directed what she hoped was a weak nightmare pulse at the rough location where Thane Covington would be sleeping. After a moment had passed, she retrieved the Eye of Fear from the folds of her robe and gazed into the mystic artifact to see what effects her nightmares were having. After what had occurred the previous night, she tried to steel herself for what she might encounter, but unlike that night, or any night for that matter, all she saw in the window projected by the crystalline sphere was a middle-aged man sleeping peacefully.
“Umm… I think something’s wrong, Mia,” Connie said, her tone betraying her concern.
“My nightmare pulse doesn’t seem to be working…”“I can see that,” Gaia replied as she gazed intently at the scene displayed before them.
“Perhaps you’re still tired from this morning,” she suggested.
“Your spell might have been too weak. Try using a more powerful pulse.”“O-Okay…” Connie said hesitantly.
“I just don’t want to hurt him…”“Relax, Connie,” Gaia told her soothingly.
“If anything happens, I am right here. Trust me,” she added putting a reassuring arm around her friend’s shoulders.
“Everything will be fine.”Connie gave a reluctant nod, before summoning up her power and unleashing an even stronger pulse of nightmare magic. But after a moment, it became clear that this, too, would have no effect on the sleeping magnate.
“I-I don’t understand it… This always worked before…”“Hmm… It is rather strange…” Gaia agreed, while an elegant finger tapped against her emerald lips.
“I can’t seem to think of any reason why this wouldn’t be working. Unless…”“Unless what?”“Oh, it’s probably nothing,” Gaia replied, swiftly changing the subject.
“Nothing for us to worry about at any rate.” She added with a smile that she hoped would be convincing.
“Come on, there are plenty of other people in this city deserving of some good nightmares. Let’s go visit them, and concern ourselves with this little problem tomorrow.”“Okay, Mia. If you think that’s best…” Connie acceded.
“You are the big sister, after all!” she added with a giggle.
“Indeed I am!” Gaia declared, only too happy to play along and take her friend’s mind off the current concerning situation.
“So let us press onward, little sister! More nightmares await!” Gaia only hoped that none of those nightmares would be for
them. As the two friends departed, another pair of mystical beings arrived at the nearby Covington Tower, two beings who, incidentally, had quite an interest in the departing duo. As it was, however, the two pairs passed by one another without incident, or even notice, like ships in the night. The time for their meeting would come, of course, but it would have to wait for a bit. For now, another meeting was about to take place…
As with the previous night, Violet sat in her study, going over various weapons schematics and data feeds on her array of holographic displays. The room was slightly more illuminated this night, however, due to the presence of a dim desk lamp. This was less a concession to her hopefully-soon-to-be-arriving guests, and more as a way for her to get a better idea of exactly whom she would be dealing with. Shadows and secrecy had their place, but tonight she would be entrusting these agents with a very important task, and she wished to truly convey this to them face to face, in every sense of the expression.
The hour specified for the meeting had scarcely struck, when Violet sensed two new presences enter the room. Looking up from her work, she saw two forms standing on the far side of the darkened chamber.
“Viper and Vermin Killer, I presume?” Violet inquired coolly. “Please take a seat at the desk so that we may converse like civilized individuals.”
”Viper?” The dark figure in a top hat turned to the other.
”How fortunate that we get to meet face to face, but let’s conduct business with the client first.” A raven pushed its way out of his vest and flew a complete circle around the room, cawing once it got to the opposite end where Violet stood.
”Just checking for traps. Common procedure.” Vermin Killer strode towards the desk. Once there, he took a look under his chair before seating himself.
The person Vermin Killer had spoke to suddenly turned visible, though only barely due to the darkness that still lingered. She had clung to the ceiling like a spider, but acrobatically slid down the wall with a single hand and foot, making no sound as she landed on the floor. When
Viper stepped closer to the desk, Violet could see that she matched the mugshot of her in the app, including the intense gaze of her eyes as she now held a sealed envelope, offering it to Violet.
“Here is the address to the party,” she stated, and after the exchange was completed she would take the other seat, crossing her legs.
“According to the brief you want a nightmare creator out of the picture and some Almanac, correct?” She asked, her agitation present despite her attempts to suppress it.
“Correct,” Violet confirmed. “But before they can be eliminated, they must first be
found, which, I’m told is
your area of expertise. On the subject of the Almanac, I was initially under the impression that Al Scarpe would be able to arrange a meeting with its current owner so that I might be permitted to borrow it for a brief time. Am I instead to assume that you wish to clandestinely retrieve said tome for me?”
”Al is a busy man, and Mint is a large organization. He told us the basics. Viper covered that, and you have confirmed as much.” Vermin Killer drew a cane from his coat and tapped it against the ground.
”Now it’s up to you to tell us, the ones who are going to carry out your wishes, how you’d like it to be done. Would you like this nightmare creator killed a particular way? Maybe you want them brought back for questioning first? Maybe something symbolic like removing their eyelids so they can’t dream? Same with the almanac. We can borrow it, steal it, copy the pages. It just depends on what you want.” He drove the cane between his knees and leaned on it.
”Of course this is going to take time. Time inversely proportionate to how much information you already have. Knowing what the dream eater looks like, roughly where they are situated, all of that will make things go a lot smoother. ” A pause.
”Oh, and details of what they’ve done. It would be embarrassing if we were summoned to deal with what amounted to a child’s generic night terrors.”“Once the party responsible is located, I should like for them to be brought to me for questioning, after which, I should like for them to be thoroughly disposed of, in a manner that will send a message to others of their ilk that attacks upon my family will not be tolerated. As to their appearance, I know absolutely nothing, which is why I require Viper’s services. I was told you were the best the Mint has to offer when it comes to locating individuals of interest,” she said to the tracker. “I trust I was not misled in that regard. And as for your final request, I have compiled a file which you may peruse at your leisure,” she told Vermin Killer, handing the assassin a small data stick. “But, in brief, they have caused several CEOs and prominent figures in the Penrose underworld to suffer a string of violent, recurring nightmares. My illustrious father was one of these victims, and while I shall not go into details on exactly what he experienced, I shall tell you with complete certainty that it was not a child’s night terrors. If this is not enough to convince you of the reality of my claims, then I invite you to consider one final piece of evidence. My father has been beset by these nightmares for the past week, but tonight, the first night that I have had Mr. Scarpe’s pendant in my possession, he has slept with complete serenity. I highly doubt that this is a coincidence. In regard to the Almanac, I would prefer if it were simply borrowed, and in a manner that leaves no evidence that it was ever gone. I have no great desire to offend someone whom I may wish to conduct business with in the future.”
“Live bagging, huh?” Viper scoffed, and rolled her eyes at the question addressed to her.
“The Mint would be correct in stating that.” At that moment, shadows enveloped her for but the briefest moment, and the person who sat in the chair had changed completely in appearance; Violet couldn’t help but blink, as she was now looking at her mirror image; her clothes, hair, even her posture and body language were identical to hers.
Viper also had Violet’s voice as she spoke. “There is no information I cannot acquire.”
She then changed back just as quickly, a little smirk on her lips. “So the attacks have continued? That means the attacker’s still in Penrose. It’s going to be a pain, but I’ll find them.” She gave an evil smile. “Maybe they’ll have nightmares then, ufu~”
“As for the Almanac’s current owner, I know she’s still operating in the city, but she doesn’t live here. I’ve seen her use portal magic, so she could be literally anywhere. She is also fond of surveillance; we’ve found some cameras she has planted. One way to contact her is by leaving a message at one of those cameras.”
”The portal witch is not a concern. I have that aspect of this well under control.” Vermin Killer tipped his hat.
”Though we may need to work together to get the Almanac. If our client simply wishes to borrow it, I would suggest creating a copy by taking pictures of the pages. Unless she desires to hold the genuine article.” He turned over the data stick in his hand.
”I don’t think this will work on my phone. May I have access to your computer?”“You may,” Violet replied. “To a certain extent.”
Her elegant fingers played over the holographic keyboard for a brief moment as she isolated a single display from the primary network, before turning said display to face Vermin Killer.
“You may use this. I have already brought up the relevant information for you. Peruse it at your leisure. As for the Almanac, I believe I should like to have the physical manuscript. I have learned that there are certain facets of such tomes that are lost when simply copied.”
”So we’re stealing the Almanac, letting you look at it, and then returning it.” The Vermin Killer smiled.
”How contrived. It may be difficult to hide the fact that it was ever taken, depending on how fast you read.”“I am fortunate enough to possess a photographic memory, so no more than a single night shall be necessary,” Violet replied, her tone suffused with confidence.
“...Even if you do, might be a good idea to snatch some shots of the dusty pages,” Viper sneered. “Anything else, miss?”
“I believe that shall be all for this evening,” Violet replied. “I eagerly await the fruits of your efforts.”
”A single night is long enough for the owner to discover the almanac is stolen. I must stress this, as the portal witch is cautious and methodical.” He stood up and yanked the data stick out of the computer.
”But the almanac will be yours in time.” Vermin Killer gave the briefest of nods before turning around to leave, his cane softly thumping the floor as he moved along.
”If you’re hungry, Viper, I know a good place to eat.”Viper stood up from her seat and gave devil horns on one hand. “Awesome. I’m starving over here.” She gave one last look at Violet, and gave her a scowl. “Later.” She was wrapped up by shadows, and disappeared, leaving no trace of her exit.
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