Wednesday1.7 Inspection Check One

[genuinelie.livejournal.com]

Mission report. Bombay 2200.

Problem with Siberian. Balinese on hiatus until further notice.

Success: 100%

Yutaro Sato had replied:

Wednesday, 1500, East Bridge.

And now the man waited, fingers lightly touching the metal railing, one ear turned toward the road.

Comments

[pichi.livejournal.com]

After Omi's alarm went off that morning, he read Sato's e mail, stuffed the cased disk into the front pocket of his uniform pants, put his clothes in the dryer and sped off on his bike.

School always felt longer on so little sleep-- thank heavens at least for caffeine. At ten after 2, he excused himself to the bathroom and slipped out of the school, driving his bike to the East Bridge and parking it out of traffic's way on one end. Still carrying his school backpack over his shoulders, Omi walked down the bridge's sidewalk looking like a perfectly normal high school student. He didn't smile as he spotted Sato, instead simply looked down to check his watch.

2:56.

[genuinelie.livejournal.com]

Sato smiled to himself, the little Weiss was early. He was always impressed by the professionalism of the younger agents. His organization trained them well.

"It's a beautiful day," he called, gesturing expansively to the water.

[pichi.livejournal.com]

Omi nodded to the observation with a smile so natural-looking one might never see the stiff discomfort he felt under it. He came to a stop beside Sato and glanced out over the water for himself.

I miss Manx.

"It seems a shame on days like this to have to spend it inside."

[genuinelie.livejournal.com]

"It certainly does!" Sato gave a chuckle.

The few people that had been on the bridge had walked away from them. The man leaned casually on the railing with his elbows, back bent toward the water.

"It's all the better when you're rested enough to enjoy them. Pretty days aren't worth anything when you're too tired to notice, eh? I see you're up and about - but how about the rest of your friends? Are they enjoying this day?"

[pichi.livejournal.com]

Omi blinked, awkward over the prospect of a confidential conversation veiled under small talk and held in such a conspicuous location, and even more uncomfortable over the idea of admitting to some of the details of the mission. He attempted another cheerful smile. "They're probably bracing themselves for the afternoon rush in the shop. It's always very busy right after school lets out. Ah-- speaking of school, I have that assignment for you. Would you like it now?"

[genuinelie.livejournal.com]

Sato gave Omi a pleased smile. "Well done!" He straightened. "And I'm sorry to hear, by the by, that your friends are..." he paused, "not feeling well?" It had the hint of a question. "Do let me know if they don't feel better."

[pichi.livejournal.com]

Omi had been hoping to avoid any mention of his teammates' status with the change of subject. No such luck, he supposed. Omi's smile faltered, followed by a quick nod. "I understand."

He pulled the disk from his pocket and offered it.

[genuinelie.livejournal.com]

Sato gave another nod, with another warm smile, and took the disk.

"Thank you. There's still a lot of day left," he mentioned. "I hope you enjoy it."

[pichi.livejournal.com]

"Right... Then, I'll be going."

Omi turned and stopped. "Ah-- one other thing." Omi's hands closed into loose fists. "Even though we managed this time... I'm hoping for a little more information on the next assignment."

A memory of the target on the phone, talking so easily to a loved one. The haunting rings as she called back, wondering what had just become of him. She was crying today, for certain.

"I can't promise that I'm prepared to do another one with no further details and documentation. That's okay, isn't it?"

[genuinelie.livejournal.com]

A tiny crease appeared between Sato's eyebrows, but it was immediately smoothed out. "I'll take it under consideration," he replied pleasantly.

[pichi.livejournal.com]

As Omi had his back turned, he didn't see any change of expression, but didn't need to see it to know that response was business-ese for "Don't count on getting it."

"Yoshi," he answered, as falsely content as Sato, and walked for his bike.

[Omi exits]