Th Waltz of Reina Dominique

     "No one exactly knew why the gods came upon Earth, their reasons and why they chose to stay here for the longest time. Some says it's because of the Earth's atmosphere, some said it's foretold by different legends and kingdoms, some said it's their home—way back before humans came into the view. But what is the reason, really?"

     Reina remembered her professor's words like it's just been spoken just recently, resonated inside her head like an Old World music that made no sense but still catchy. Her professor would always ask the same question over and over again, until his students will groan in complaint and ask him what, although they already know the answer. It's a joke that he kept shooting off: because they're homeward. It didn't make sense. Literally. Even the brightest students—one of them is Reina—chatted over this joke to figure out what it meant.

     But their professor, he's always been a mystery. He told them stories about the Old World, stories that seemed ridiculous and unbelievable. Who will believe that humans used to go to the deathly waters of the oceans just to have a bath? Or take a slow troll inside the woods. Have fun on the dry fields and talk about pointless things in this situation called Dating. He would always talk about that, how the Old World used to deal with different things in their daily life. And of course, none of that made sense to the scholars. None of those things made sense in the New World.

     But, despite all his jokes, he never really answered his own question, the questions that he wanted his scholars to ask him. And then he died. Leaving no trails or clues, anything that can help his scholars. Now, Reina is left in a black hole with nothing to start off. She knows that the gods came from another world, another planet, but never actually paid attention to why did they choose Earth. There is  nothing special about it, even in the Old World times. The seas, oceans, mountains and valleys. The New World's power and resources are limited, finite. Their knowledge about the Old World is not sufficient enough for the scholars to base upon, technology only limited inside the walls.

     "We should try and talk to the Liberators, convince them to expand the range of our studies in and outside the walls." Ibrahim Mounberg suggested, peeking into Reina's eyes underneath his glasses. "The scholars, the scientists, and us—we are limited inside the walls, and the information brought from space is scarce. It's no surprise that we haven't made any revolution yet besides the remedy and the origin map of the Parasites."

     Ibrahim is one of Reina's trusted acquintance, and also took interest in exobiology, just like Reina. He's also one of the students of Reina's professor—Wick Lerman. And also one of the his scholars that chose to continue his work. Most of Lerman's students pursued a lush life in Theios, instead of using the things they learned back in the days for the New World. On Ibrahim's situation, he's living a lush life in Theios while doing being active on his line of work.

     Usually, Reina would not spend her time talking to her former colleagues back in her scholar days, but things have changed. With the god carriers' presence, she can tell that the Liberators turned a blind eye with what's really certain and safe. Knowledge. Tanner's project made some everyone in Arcane hopeful, and personally, for Reina, it's stupid. People will grab whatever they can without searching for the facts, the consequences and the possible results of the the things presented right in front of them. They forgot about the dangers, the chances of being killed by the savior they called themselves.

     "That will not work as accurately if done alone," Reina said, her eyebrows furrowing a little as she look at the man before her. "Tanner captured the Liberators right in the palm of his hand. His project—I assume you know what is it about?"

     Ibrahim gave her a funny look then let out a low

chuckle, "Every one knows his project, and they know that it is successful. The Northern Branch also heard of it, and so is the Southeast. I heard that they are expecting Tanner to do the same thing to their agents, too. Tanner is basically dominating everywhere," Answered Ibrahim, looking outside kind of distant. "But, is this the reason why you came here?"

     "Not exactly," Reina answered, setting the fact that the remaining sanctuaries in Earth is also enchanted with Tanner's experiment. "I'm here discuss the dangers that Tanner's project has."

     Ibrahim's sharp eyes flickered, his eyebrows meeting. "You can't possibly to that, Reina," He said, already guessing her thoughts. "Exploiting Tanner would be suicide for your case. Don't get me started about the his capabilities as a figure. He's too powerful, and people respect him."

    "That is why I came here. For you assistance. For your help." Reina said, hating her own words. She's not really the type to ask for help, but everything pushed her on the edge. "Do you not understand my motives, Mounberg?"

     Reina always had trouble talking about her own visions to people, always had trouble explaining herself without the guidance of logic and sense, but she genuinely thought that Mounberg is the right person to come to. Ibrahim Mounberg is somehow connected with the Liberators and he once worked for Wick Lerman himself, worked for the organizationt that's way long before Aegis Corporation itself. Ibrahim Mounberg, being the son of the CORS present leader, will give Reina a huge advantage towards Tanner. And his plans. The Council of Ratiocination and Sciences, also knows as CORS—is one of the most powerful organization that ever existed. CORS focused on informations about everything that the New World has now, introduced new technology and is one of the reasons why the whole Den still stood strong.

     But, before the Mounbergs took control of CORS, it all came from Wick Lerman, the original founder of  CORS. It is one of the reasons why Reina chose to learn under Lerman in the first place, but everything changed when the day of  Lerman's death marked itself in the history of Arcane. The ones world-leading organization crumbled  to the ground, leaving the Mounbergs to fix it. It may be not like it used to be, but CORS can still assist her.

     Ibrahim sighed, "To be honest, I don't. I don't know why you're so obsessed about him. He's just the former assistant of mister Lerman that happened to be a genius himself, and now he's reaping his fruits of labor." He said, shrugging. "And, for one, I respect that. I respect him. And his project and works. I do believe myself that the god carriers are the ones that can really end all of this."

     Despite all the numerous curses that came through inside Reina's head, she kept her usual poker face. This is why she hated being with others, even if they share the same intellect she has or can talk back with her with equal logic and sense, they simply don't get her. Or, they don't see things her way or another. That's exactly why she decided to work alone in the first place, to achieve something that only she can understand, and hopefully capture others with wonder and amazement. Being with others—or with Ibrahim Mounberg, rather—will rot her brain.

     "I understand," Reina said, not even trying to hide her disappoinment. "But hear this, once everything go downhill, don't you dare feel regret about turning a blind eye to this."

     "Geez," Ibrahim voiced, losing his formal posture, replaced by a lazy-looking one. He tilted his head, the warm lights above them lighting up the strange colors of his eyes. "Were you always this intense? I never said that I won't help you, I just said that I don't understand why I should. I just don't see why you're so eager about destroying everything he came upon. It's not like he did something personal to you or something, right?"

     "Of course not," she answered smoothly, keeping her poker face. "I just want Aegis to focus more on our work. For years, we have been seeking for answers, and we all know that professor Lerman almost came up with it."

     Everyone knew that Wick Lerman is a genius, someone that gave people knowledge about the gods when they most needed it. He became famous, a glorified man that the people of Arcane admired. Many scholars chose to be his students, and many had learned. Before he died, he  supposed to tell something, to reveal something about the gods, but it never happened. And everyone acted like nothing happened. The students that he left became the world's most brilliant scientists of all time, making they're own discoveries over time, but no one wondered what Lerman was about to say.

    "I do remember that, but what if the things that he was about to reveal has already been discovered by us? By NEXUS? By CORS? Wouldn't that be a waste of your timeif ever you try to seek out what it is?" Ibrahim said, leaning  towards Reina using his elbows. "Mister Lerman was a  a legend, alright, but everything has changed. I understand you, trust me. But without a little risk, our specie won't survive."

    "We have had enough of risks, Mounberg. In and outside the walls," She replied. But talking about who's right or wrong will not help her, and the time's wasting. She leaned forward as she gaze intensely at Ibrahim's sharp, grey eyes and said,  "Now, are you going to help or not?"

     Ibrahim stared at her for seconds without breaking eye contact and said, "I don't think I'm in the position to make decisions, Dominique," He shifted on his seat uncomfortably, his eyes lowering a little. "But I can still help you. I may not be in your side this time, but I will see what I can do. And, also, I do believe that it's not only you who disagreesa about Tanner's project. There are several council members who had shown their distaste about this topic. Maybe they can help you."

     "Please. It's not necessary for me to get involved them. Having your assistance is enough. Spare me the headache." Reina replied, already thinking about the things that might kill her besides than takimgt the risk of standing up against Tanner: stress.

     Ibrahim snorted, "You really haven't changed. Not even a bit. But take my advice. You will be surprised by who are you against Tanner, too. And if I tell you, you might even thank me."

     "And who might they be for you to think that they can surprise me?" Reina mused. CORS was a powerful organization, alright, but she doubted that someone will actually take her interest from the Council.

     Ibrahim has her a knowing look. "There will be no doubt that you know this one," He started, shifting on his seat like he's readying for a game or a challenge. "And I will sue you if you deny that you don't know her. Diana Sandoval. Does that ring any bell?" Asked Ibrahim, shooting steading smile at Reina.

     Reina's mood changed in an instant. She couldn't figure out what's with it, but she was surprised. Diana Sandoval is one of Arcane's outstanding scientist, that fell right towards Tanner's feet for reasons that no one knows. She could have built her own organization for pete's sake,  but she Sandoval did not. She came from a high-ranking family that lead people in the Old World that lasted until now, but she did not use that. Diana Sandoval became a waste in Reina's eyes. Few moments they met, in meetings or by complete coincidence, and she would always think how she and Diana are alike. Stern and stoic, impassive and a slight taciturn, but what she didn't share with Reina was her loyalty to Tanner—or so, she thought.

     She never thought about it, did not even cross her mind. Tanner claimed himself that he has Diana Sandoval by her side as he conducted the experiment, but there must be so much more than that, she was sure. Tanner has this ugly habit  of talking someone else's credits just because. Maybe Sandoval had it enough with Tanner, or maybe she just genuinely thought that the Gods Implanting project is just too dangerous. Either way, Reina was surprised, but she won't thank Ibrahim for that.

     "A normal decision you'll make if you've been working under an asshole half of you life," Reina said instead, hiding her shock. "Either way, I did not think that she would even come to CORS for he—"

     "Oh, please. She did not come to CORS for help or whatever it is you're thinking, she's a part of it. Diana Sandoval is one of the Council's advisor and one of the investors, too, if I remember correctly. Father seemed to be thankful for her for whatever reasons."

     She stared at Ibrahim for a couple of seconds, letting this information sink inside her head. Who would have  thought that Diana is not what she appeared to be? How sly. A smirk slowly etched itself on Reina's lips, thinking about the perks of having Diana Sandoval herself against Tanner.

     "I see," Reina simply said. "What a pleasant surprise."

     A smile slowly etched itself on Ibrahim's lips, "Expect surprises from here on, Ms. Dominique," He said, leaning towards Reina. "We have plenty of surprises hidden under our sleeves. So, what do you think?"

     "What do you mean, exactly?" She asked.

     "I'm asking if you're you for a council meeting. If you are really serious about this—don't get me wrong, I know you really are—some people in the Council, like Diana Sandoval, can help you." Ibrahim said, a dead look playing on his face. It was obvious that he's a bit unhappy about Reina. "It's not guaranteed that my father will decided and try to help you, so the council members might be—"

     "Mr. Mounberg, I know what I am doing, and I'm not that desperate enough to get the whole council on my side if ever your father might disagree with me. I came here to ask for your assistance, and hearing me out is enough." Reina cut off, a little irritated with how Ibrahim delivered his words. He sounded like he has to help her, out of conscience, out of pity. "And, please, don't worry about your father disagreeing with me. The possibility of that is a solid zero, all things considered."

     Ibarhim's eyebrows raised slightly, appraising Reina. "I see," He said, nodding. "Well, then, I understand. But please, just consider it. There are many outspoken council  members regarding this issue and one of CORS' purpose is to listen to speculations, and your presence in the Council will be welcome."

     "Of course," Reina answered. The least thing that she can do was to actually listen to Ibrahim, even though she's  certain that she will not be attending any council meeting. The only thing she wants is for the Liberators to change their mind about the Gods Implanting project. Finished with her bussiness, she detached herself from the seat before Ibrahim. "I will be going."

     "What, just like that?" Ibrahim couldn't help but to say.

     "Should I cartwheel in front of you or something?" Reina asked, raising her eyebrows.

     Ibrahim scratched the back of his head, "I mean, you could at least thank me, you know?" He said, getting up from his seat as Reina did. He offered a smile, that Reina couldn't figure what for. "I just helped you, gave you what you came here for."

     Reina stared at Ibrahim, "I see," she mused. "Thank you for your time, then."

     The smile on Ibrahim's face became amused as he lowered his head to try and hide it. Putting both of his hands inside the pocket of his casual pants, he said, "That is not what I really meant, but it's nothing. You always have to right to come to CORS, after all."

    She was full aware of that. Nodding and eyeing her the large doors of Ibrahim's quarters, she said, "I will be going. I still have other bussiness to attend to."

     Something in Ibrahim's expression changed but it disappeared as soon as Reina looked at him. A fraction of second, Ibrahim said, "It's always a pleasure." leading Reina to the door of his quarter, he added, "I'm sure we'll meet again."

     It was late in the day when Reina returned to Sequi from Theios. A part of her couldn't believe that she actually sought for assistance, and she was actually irritated about herself because of it. The last thing she wanted to do is to seek for assistance from CORS, and with Ibrahim Mounberg, of all people. There was an unspoken history between he two of them that Reina would prefer to not think about.

     Slumping herself on her couch after being greeted by her artificial intelligence assistant, she  closed her eyes, thinking about the things that might happen because of her decision. She's aware of Tanner's  capabilities, and the people that's supporting him. Standing against her professor's former assistant can actually cost her life and safety. In other's perspective, she might appear like someoent that's too villainous and a little too appealing, but she knew better than anyone.

     It does take genius to figure everything all out, especially the issues where Tanner is included. Her professor—Wick Lerman—had warned her about it. If what she speculated turned out to be true, she wondered how the Liberators would react. Will they turn a blind eye on it?

     Despite all her suspicions, she's not oblivious of the help that Tanner's project can actually help the world to stand against the gods, that the god carriers can serve as a ray of hope for humanity, alongside with the dangers and risks that it has. Will that blind the Liberators about Tanner if she proved that her suspicions are true? If she could do all these alone, she would have, without any help from CORS or anyone, but she couldn't. Working alone has its cons, too.

     It has been years since the last time she recalled some of Lerman's words for her right after he died, the hints and the warnings that did not make sense back then, but when she met Tanner again, everything fell into their places. She's aware of her relationship with Tanner, they both hate each other, that's for sure. She wondered what might happen if Tanner finds out that she's planning to stand against him. Maybe try to strip her privileges or spmething among those things. She was not bothered of any of this, the consequences of her chosen decisions. She will do anything just to avoid for the past of repeat itself.

     "Accept the call," She murmured when the network lines turned into a glowing shade of green. It meant that someone it contacting her. When she looked at the holographic screen that hovered right in front of her, a very familiar name was written in there. Arthur Struther.

     Whatever reason why Arthur Struther is calling her, she still could not make out what reaction she should have. Arthur Struther. One of the Liberators. Why would a Liberator wanted to talk to her? The last time she saw his name is back at Theios, when she attended the meeting of the Liberators and Tanner. The man never said anything about himself other than his name, which made everything bizarre.

     The first thing she heard was a loud crash of what sounded like glass and, "Oh, are you kidding me?!" someone grumbled in the background, it sounded like the voice of Sttuther. Some irritated grunts and, "Wait, wait. Wait a minute. Fernando! Please clean up this mess."

     A sound of a door banging in the background and then, "Sire, this is the fourth million worth glass statue that you broke this day."

     "Who cares about them, Fer—Jesus Christ! Marshal! What is wrong with you?" Arthur was cut off with another loud bang. It sounded like metal doors banging with each other. For a moment, everything is quiet, then, "Greetings, Reina Dominique!"

     Reina stood there, dumbfounded, as she listened to everything that's happening from the other line. It took her a moment to gain her composure and said, "Mr. Arthur Struther. What a pleasant surprise."

     It took another moment for Arthur Struther to rey for another conversation and a bang that happened in the background. Reina almost let out a groan. She could not believe that this is actually happening.

     "Sire, I told you! Glass statues are not pistol targets!"

     "Either those or the chandeliers!"

     "Sire!"

     Another loud crash can be heard from the other line. In fact, Reina had to cringe and cover her ears because of the loudness of the crash. She could not believe that she's in line with Arthur Struther, the same man that she met (although not personally) back in one of the headquarters of Aegis. The first time she met her, she thought that Arthur is rather reserved, although a little too humorous for the council's taste, but reserved, nevertheless. Turns out, she was wrong.

     She had the huge urge to cut the line and return  to her peaceful solitary, but then again, she could not help but to get curious about what Arthur Struther has for her. Maybe information, maybe invitations, just like Christopher Larson gave her. She stood there, patiently waiting for the ruckus to stop, resisting the urges to tell them to stop, shut up, and get straight to the point.

     After what seemed like forever, the noises stopped, a loud bang of the door and, "Greetings again, Reina  Dominique!" Arthur Struther repeated, his voice sounding a little deep than the first time she heard it. "I am so sorry about that. Fernando just gets in my nerves sometimes. Stopping me from breaking statues!"

     "Oh, no. It's nothing," she lied, because all the ruckus that blades up her whole abode will most likely to disturb her even in her sleep. "Now, shall we get straight to the point, Mr. Struther?"

     Struther was silent for a moment, a faint buzz in the background taking his place, then, "I want to discuss some matter to you, Ms. Dominique. I am aware of that you are not in favor about how things turned out to be. With that project enticing everyone, everything has changed. The plans that we made for Arcane came into a stop, replaced with utter dependency on the god carriers, and other several things that is not exactly as excellent. I don't like it."

    "Your point being?"

    "I know that you are not in favor of it, too. For that, and as obvious as it may be, I want you to help me. With that little organization of yours, of course" Struther said, making Reina pay more attention. A moment of silence then his voice came again, "CORS is it? Uh, Council of Ratiocination and... Whatever. Yeah, that one."

    Reina blinked a couple of times before replying, "Mr. Struther, I don't think—"

    "Come on now, Ms. Dominique. In case you do not know, I'm Wick Lerman's friend, too. Wouldn't that be exciting?" Reina was speechless as Arthur Struther continued to talk like everything he has in mind was simply just bound to happen. "Surprise!"

    It took a moment too long for her to gain her composure. She never had any idea, and everything that's happening is not included in her plan. She understands Arthur's reason—or rather, one of his reasons—but it just felt wrong. Like a monstrous trap covered by an opportunity. She wondered why Arthur Struther came directly to her, why he asked her of this. And by the way Struther delivered his words, it sounded like he knows that she was involved with Wick Lerman. That, she could not understand.

    "I do not think it's a rational idea, Mr. Struther. Yes, I maybe not in favor of the Liberators decision of  letting Tanner's project take ground, but I don't see why you asked me of this," she said.

    Struther made a groaning sound, "Isn't it obvious?" He asked, which did not make sense at all for Reina. "That's  because everything is up to you. Or... Don't tell me you're ignoring good ol' Lerman's last wishes?"

    She froze. He knows. But how? And why?

    "I really don't see why you let go of it so easily, Ms. Dominique," Struther said, his voice growing deeper the longer Reina listens to it. "It was such a big opportunity, and you wasted it. Didn't Lerman have you CORS itself?"

    Millions of questions swirled inside her head. How did Arthur Struther know that? Did Lerman told him, and if so, why? Or he learned about it in another way? Shaking off the questions inside her head that will, no doubt, visit her every night, she dd not panic.

    Straightening up, she cleared her throat and said, "I simply did not see why I should do and take over it like he wished for back then. I have my own priorities. And, will you mind it if I ask, how did you know this?"

    Her voice still held that sense of authority in it, which  made her feel more confident about what is happening. She was simply caught off  guard, that is all, for even ones that runs CORS does not know that Lerman chose her to take over it, but someone that she did not know is aware of it. There was nothing for her to get troubled about it.

    "I told you, I'm his friend." Arthur Struther answered. A moment of silence, and he added, "But, really, I didn't think that this talk would go as roughly. It appears that Lerman did not even tell you why he trusted CORS to you."

    "I'm afraid you're mistaken," Reina immediately answered. "Before his tragic death, he told me the reason.  He told me that I am the only one that he trusted, and being his top—"

    "The good old man still sucks at lying," Arthur Struther groaned, which made Reina pull back her words. Lying? "Let me tell you why he did it, Ms. Dominique..."

    At that time, all of her certainty crumbled to the ground like the four walls. What does Arthur Struther meant? She found it impossible for Wick Lerman, her most trusted person and the one that taught her things, to lie to her. She can still remember the soft look on his old and marked face as he shared his visions with her and told her stories. You will be more than me, he had said, his voice frail. She treated Wick Lerman as her guardian, her teacher. What could he possibly lie about?

    Before thinking of the answers for the questions she drilled inside her head, the deep and dark voice of Arthur Struther interrupted everything, and possibly changed it, too.

    "It may sound ridiculous, but it's because he predicted the future. That's the exact words that he told me, seriously. Did that make sense to you?" He said, and he sounded genuinely confused. When she did not answer, Struther said, "Oh, right, maybe it was confusing for you, too. Anyway, maybe, you were right. Maybe he did trust you. Before he passed away, he told me of the possibility that these things will happen, and to tell you the truth, I still am wondering. But he also told me to seek for you. And now, here I am—well, not physically, but still here—telling you this. It was all meant to happen."

    A part of her could not believe how the man sounded like nothing about those things mattered at all, and how dare he make it sound like it was some kind of a things called destiny right in front of her. But still, the other part of her  wished that she shared the same attitude as him. The last thing she wanted to do is to over this k the things that should have been left in the past. She could not believe that a single disfavor will lead into this.

    She can ignore Struther's words and count them as a lie to get her to help him using her dead connection with CORS, but something told her that she should listen. Struther's words, although covered with loose manner of  speech and the air of ignorance and foolishness, had the ring of truth into them. But there was still doubt, of course, one cannot take everything without doubt, after all. The only thing that she counted on was her professor's words to her.  The ones that held the ring of changes and visions, the one with the quiet air of promise.

    Regaining her composure once again, she cleared her head and got rid of the thoughts that seemed too confusing for her as of the moment. There was no time for her to feel shocked about what Struther told her, but she must admit that Struther's words served as a riddle for her. A riddle that she'd figure out once everything has settled down in their places for even just a moment. There are plenty of time for her to figure it out, thinking of the mystery of her situation as one of Wick Lerman's mind games that he gave her and the scholars every time he had the chance.

    Separating the things that struck themselves on her head, she said, "I must admit that it's quite the shock."

    "I know, right?" Struther's voice has laughter embedded with it, completely unaware of the shocks and confusion he delivered Reina. For a moment, she wished she was not there at all, or accepted the call of Sttuther. Coughing in the background, Struther added,  "He told me that once I find you, you will provide the answers."

    A pause.

    She can almost hear the smile on Struther's voice. "Can you?"