A LIFETIME AGO
ALVIN & ERIKA’S APARTMENT
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
07:12
Alvin paces around the living room, trying to run some of the worst thoughts out of his head. “I don’t really know, Eri…it feels a bit fishy. You’re sure this is legit?”
“Al, c’mon. This is exactly what we’re looking for. They have the equipment AND the funds to get this off the ground. I don’t need to remind you, do I?” The blonde gestures at the section of the whiteboard filled with the names of some of the world’s top R&D institutions…all crossed out.
“Okay, fine. You have a facility tour scheduled next week, right? I’m coming with. If just one thing feels off, we bail.” Al huffs, before his pacing takes him into the bathroom. “Besides, we still got what, ten other places to write to?” The mirror cabinet closes, and Alvin pops a pill under his tongue.
“Yeah, and ten more rejections to receive,” Erika says underbreath as she makes the tour appointment.
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ONE WEEK LATER
ALVIN & ERIKA’S CAR
AFTER THE TOUR
23:24
“Yeah…no.” Alvin finally breaks the silence after the quietest thirty minutes they ever had. “Whole thing smells fishy as hell.”
“Al, it’s our best shot. We’ve got free rein on our experimentation and we get a whole team out of it. I can stand a little fish for that.” The battle of two hard heads, unfortunately. Things that happen when you put two scientists very passionate about their work together.
“Our tour group wasn’t exactly reassuring, either. How much do you wanna bet that giant with us is like…’connected’?” Alvin’s trying to keep his eyes on the road, but he glances at the rear view every now and then, trying to catch Erika’s reaction. “And the lady with the glasses? You couldn’t come up with a better Bond villain if you tried. James Whatshisface, too. He couldn’t be fishier even if you took him on Deadliest Catch.”
Admittedly, that got a little chuckle out of Erika. “Al, not funny! Look, it’s not like we’re buying into whatever goals James wants. We’re here to use the facilities, get our shit done, and that’s it.”
“Yeah, and how long will our research take? That’s more than enough time for us to buy in. All I’m saying is just…let’s think about it. Find alternatives. If not, well…fine, we’ll get to him. Deal?” Alvin offers Erika a slight smile, not wanting to prolong this argument.
Erika thinks on it, and a few seconds pass. She was about to hold her hand out for Alvin when she noticed the flash of red coming at the car, speeding toward the driver’s side.
“ALVIN—“ As the sound of screaming metal fills their ears, Alvin Yeong is no more.
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ONE LIFETIME LATER
ALICE’S APARTMENT
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
06:00
The alarm beeps and Alice springs awake, sitting upright. Bad decision. God, her side hurts. She lifts her oversized shirt up a bit, frowning at the big bruise she’s sporting just under her ribs.
Nothing that some painkillers and a good breakfast won’t fix. Reaching for her phone, she turns the alarm off and checks for texts, quickly skipping the ones marked from Regina to check the ones from her work.
Well, it’s another day today. Just a normal day in the life of Alice Young.
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A FEW MONTHS LATER
MISTRAL HEADQUARTERS, “THE BASEMENT”
CLASSIFIED LOCATION
23:00
“Great job out there, Seeker.” As the white-clad figure steps through the portal, Evie gives her a nice little pat in the back.
Seeker slides her half-mask down, and Alice frowns a bit. “Eh, it got a bit hairy at the end. That rocket nearly nailed you in the face.”
“And I sent it right back into his face. All worked out fine, I think.” The redhead smirks and stretches before beginning to unready her weapons.
“Fine, fine. One of your best counters lately. Lemme know if any other contract comes up, ‘kay? I got the feeling that their unit production’s ramping up. It’s going nuts out there.” And with Project Mujina still very much a threat, she needs to stay vigilant. “Lemme know if Blacksmith has anything to say about this,” Alice says, placing the briefcase on the table. “I think I need a long, long sleep. Catch you later?”
“Bet.” Evie gestures her hand away and opens a portal for Alice to get home. “Let’s meet up somewhere less noisy next time.”
“With you? Asking a bit too much there, Ev. See ya.” With a small wave, Alice steps through.