(Remaster) The Ship of the Tempest

Marked Malice

The following day after the run in with Z73's newest enemy, Adapter, Bismarck was the first one to meet her after breakfast was over. They were both roaming the streets, and Bismarck called her over as she had some things she needed to discuss with her.

Now back in her office, Z73 narrowed her eyes, clearing her throat as she stared at Bismarck. "What's my name?"

"Alana Hetz."

Z73 sighed and relaxed. "Good...it's you."

"Mhm. What did you do when we first met?"

"Sat in your chair and manhandled you."

"...That wording is definitely yours."

The two relaxed as they realized they were talking to the right person, and so, they got to business. Bismarck reached into her drawer, pulling out a small sheet of paper that was printed recently, as the date showed it was made today.

"Z73, as soon as I saw what the others were planning today, I knew I would need to get you for it."

"Okay, and that is?"

She gestured to the paper. "The major heads of the factions want to call a Summit meeting, and only two things are on the agenda for it, one good and one bad."

"Can you just cut to the chase about it instead of leading it on?"

Bismarck sighed, leaning back in her chair as she pouted. "Ruin my fun why don't you...anyways, the main thing is the de-escalation of conflict in order to achieve proper peace once more, as the influx in Siren activity as of late, plus the report of such happening in Japan, has starting drawing us all together again.

Z73 smirked and leaned back in her chair. "Yep, and you can thank me for all of that. Just me being awesome and I got all of you together."

"The next thing is...well, a talk about your execution."

"See? Just me being aweso—...wait..." She sat up straight, staring into Bismarck's eyes like she went crazy. "Talk about WHAT?!"

"Your execution. They...they want to kill you."

"Wha...but why?!"

Bismarck picked up the paper, looking over it again before speaking. "The call for that is coming from the British and Americans, and while it's not a topic we or the Japanese seemed to enjoy speaking of, since one large group wishes to discuss it and deal with it, it must be addressed."

"Oh this is bullshit! After all I've done to change things for the better, they want to kill me now?!" Her eyes were glowing fiercely red, vapor trails leaking out and creating long lines of red leading above her, clearly marking how furious she was.

"Unfortunately, it has to be discussed in person. You...unfortunately, you do have to attend, and in restraints no less."

Somehow, Z73's eyes got even redder, as her teeth grit together in rage. "Oh, so they want to treat me like a wild dog?! What kind of sick fucking joke is this?!"

Bismarck raised her hand, not saying a word, just the signal. "Z73, calm yourself. We discussed this part over video chat, and I made it abundantly clear that I would not have you restrained like an animal. I would love nothing more than for this to go through and everyone to have peace again, but in order to do so...I need your cooperation."

She pointed to Z73's wrists, then looped two fingers around her own wrists. "Simple cuffs is what I demanded, no more than that."

"..." Z73 took several deep breaths, quelling her rage as she did. "Thanks...honestly, I think I would have been collared and muffled had you not forced it."