Chartreuse || ONC 2022

▪︎ Digi Log 20 ▪︎

With the last "Big Sister is Watching You" hologram destroyed, their job and healing process complete, and West imprisoned, the Negotiators knew it was time to depart.

They set aside a few hours to say goodbye to Trip, Genesis, and even Phoon. Then Nova and Whitlock took them by hover vehicle out of the city and into the dunes.

“You’ve really started something,” Nova told the trio from her place in the driver's seat. “There are many things that still need to be resolved, but we'll get there. People have hope again, and happiness, and relief. You really went above and beyond your job requirements.”

“Happiness is non-negotiable,” Saito said.

“In a perfect world,” Nova agreed.

“So, what will become of the city of Neo-York now?” Ava-1 asked. “I hope you won’t be getting another warden!”

Nova shook her head. “Definitely not,” she said, a wide smile on her face. “Neo-York will return to being an autonomous collective. And we’ll be holding elections for  a city council soon. That's the most power any one person will have in this city from this point forward.”

“Any candidates thus far?” Mina asked.

Nova blushed. “Well…”

"Tell them, Nova!" Whitlock piped up. "Tell them, or I will!"

"Alright, alright," Nova said. "Cool your circuits! Well, since I’m the one who thought to hire you, I've been asked to run. Apparently the general consensus is that I’d be a good council member because I’m not afraid to get the ball rolling and make changes.”

"And I can be her intern!" Whitlock added.

"We'll have to see about that," Nova said.

Saito, Mina, and Ava-1 nodded their approval.

“You would be an excellent choice, Nova-san,” Saito said.

At the Negotiators' request, Nova eased the vehicle to a halt, and the small party disembarked. Mina opened her umbrella.

"Well, I guess this is it," Nova said. The little pang in her heart told her there was more to say, but she hesitated.

“It's unhealthy to keep things bottled up,” Ava-1 told her. She touched Nova's shoulder and squeezed. “It doesn’t take a retinal scan for me to see the question in your eyes.”

Nova took a deep breath. “Do you think we'll ever see you again?”

The Negotiators smiled at each other.

“You should be glad of our absence,” Saito said. "It means your city is at peace."

“We only go where trouble thrives,” Mina added.

"I would take trouble over a sad goodbye!" Whitlock declared. "This glitches! I'm gonna miss you guys!"

Ava-1 held up her left hand. "Synthetic fist bump?" she offered.

Whitlock tapped his mechanical fist to hers. Then he threw his arms around waist and embraced her.

Ava-1 chuckled as she hugged him back. "I'm gonna miss you, too, kid. And I have a feeling we'll all see each other again. Someday."

"We're just a digi-vite away," Mina soothed.

"Thank you for everything," Nova said. "Thank you so much.”

"You guys are heroes," Whitlock told them. "Stay awesome."

The odd trinity nodded to their hosts one final time, then turned away and started their trek across the sand. The dying sun had begun to set over the horizon, and soon Mina would be able to put away her umbrella.

No words passed between the comrades as they walked. None were needed. They had been through all this before. Another quandary solved; another satisfied client; another enemy thwarted.

The Negotiators walked into the fading light, their strides unhurried. They knew in their heart of hearts that a new battle was already awaiting them.

...Just beyond the dunes.

■ ■ ■