Cycle: Tides of Time

Chapter 3

I wake up, a bit dreary but rested. I look around, collecting my thoughts. My jacket was zipped back up, and Robin was gone...

I decide to get up, still a bit sore but better than yesterday. "Oh, you're awake." Doc walks into the room with a folder in his hand. "Yeah. Any news about Cycle?" His tan face goes a little dim. "Only bad news. Robin downstairs can give you the details. She's in her office as usual." I nod, walking out of the room. "You seem to be walking better." "Yeah, I feel a bit better." "Have a swift recovery." I press the button on the elevator. "Thanks." The door shuts, and I'm left with the hum again. But only for moments.

The ding occurs, and the door opens. Robins typing away at her computer, and Jonas is looking over her shoulder. I jog over, prepared to ask about the bad news. "What's the bad news?" Robin looks over slightly, smiling stressfully to me. "Madernak's cult is growing exponentially from various fan sites. We're trying to see if one of these websites is revealing his whereabouts." I nod. "I see... This could be bad for us in general if his daranged cult can find order..." Jonas sighs. "Unfortunately... And Cyrus?" I look over to Jonas. "Yeah, Parry?" "Hane told me about why you did your reckless act. You're forgiven." I smile calmly to that. "Thanks."

"Don't mention it. By the way, your sister checked by your bed this morning while you were asleep. You might want to go see her." "Okay. Thanks again. Training area, I presume?" She nods, focused on the screen. I walk away to the training observatory, noticing my sister shooting targets as they come up from the four sides of the training room, her standing in the middle, sweating. I open the door into the onservatory room, it shutting automatically behind me. I take a seat, watching her charge off a couple shots before getting on the intercom. "Hey, sis. It's Net." At first she looks confused, but she eventually looks through the window, waving at me. I press the button to end the session, and she walks into the observatory. "Hey, bro. How are you doing?"

"I actually came here to tell you that I'm doing a lot better. Still a little worn, but I'm pretty happy all things said. After all, I get to keep my job, Ren." She smiles down to me in the chair. "That's great news, Net. It would feel weird to work here without you, considering you're the reason I'm here." I simply nod. She's here to make sure I don't die.

"Well, anyway. I need to get back to training. Is that okay?" "You've been training nonstop, sis. Are you okay?" She looks down. "Yeah. I just don't want to flub up my second chance..." I shake my head, getting up. "Come here." I widen my arms. She looks a little surprised, but she slowly accepts the hug. "You're doing great, sis. You're getting better at this a lot faster than I did. With enough experience, you'll surpass me soon..."

She lets go, taking a step back. "Thanks, Net. But I'm no fool. You're a lot more skilled then you show." I just shrug to that. "Believe me or don't, it's your choice. I'm gonna let you get back to training though. Just give yourself a break every once in awhile." "Alright..." She responds, and I begin to walk back into the main room, where Robin and Jonas are still hard at work. "We got something!" "What is it, Robin?" "One of these supposed fan sites are ran by Madernak, and if I can trace the source there's a clue..." "That's great, we got a lead!" Jonas, responds. "Net, can you notify the commander?" "Yes, ma'am." I jog to the elevator, going to 3F as fast as I can.

I call him on the monitor, and after a few seconds his secretary responds. "Hello, sir. How may I help you?" "Tell Commander Grant that we have a new lead on Madernak Cycle, please." "Yes, sir. It may be a bit, so I'm gonna end the call." I nod, and the screen flashes, going black. I notice the sound of the elevator door, and turn back to see Yoni.

"Net, you already called? Good work!" She walks over with a strut. It's a bit distracting, despite how short she is. Even compared to me. "How's the bod?" "I'm fine, Yoni." She sighs, pacing around the table. "I'm bored! They won't let me join any missions." "Well, I mean, you do usually cause a dangerous amount of casualties." She kicks me in the shin for that. "Hey!" "Maybe you shouldn't be so rude to a lady, Cyrus." "Lady? With the way you act I figured you just passed grade school." She just ignores me, starting a new topic. "Why don't you call me by my nickname?" "Because your nickname is stupid, Yogurt!" I begin laughing, and for it I get kicked in the foot this time.

"Fuck, ow..." "It's what you get, you oaf. You call me a casualty bringing child but what about your last mission?!" "That was because-" "Oh, shut up. I know why. Everyone does now. Yeesh." I shrug. "Why are you still here?" "Why are you, Net?" Good comeback. "Because I only called the secretary. Commander Grant still needs to speak to the Ops." She hmph's, taking a seat. "Then that's why I'm here, too." "Fine."

I take a seat opposite of her, waiting. What could be taking that secretary so long? Then I hear the elevator door again. It was Robin and Jonas. "We have new news to report." They both take seats. "Might be a bit. I could only get ahold of the secre-" Suddenly the screen goes back online. Of course it would be just now.

"Hello. Didn't expect this many members to be here." I respond. "We apologize, sir. I came up to report but it seems Robin and Jonas have new news to update you with, so I'll have them give you the intel." "Then why is Yoni here?" I shrug, and Yogurt squints at me. "I also came here to report to you, Commander. But Net simply got here first." Yoni responds rather spitefully. "Very well. Jonas, Robin. Your claim?" Robin stands up, rather serious. "Sir, we have reason to believe that Madernak Cycle is in the 4th district of Mirror City. And we should call units to capture him immediately, because I have a feeling our time is slim."