The surrounding background became white. I guessed that we were entering the clouds.
“Dead Eye, are you still flying?”
“Boomerang, where are you?”
“Here. Are you okay?”
“Where? I cannot see you.”
I opened my eyes.
A white ceiling was there. Was it blinding because of the light?
Dream.
It was a dream.
I tried to get up, but something seemed to be holding down my body. I moved my head. Kusanagi was right beside me.
She was leaning against a wall.
Apparently sitting in a chair.
She was sleeping. While opening her mouth slightly, she was tilting her head.
“Ms. Kusanagi.” I uttered.
Her eyes opened. They were soon focused on me.
“Oh ... Waking up?” She asked. Her face was approaching mine.
“Ma’am, what time is it?”
“Well,” Kusanagi looked downward. She seemed to be checking her wristwatch. “04:50.”
“Ah, in the morning. Before I knew it.”
“How do you feel?”
“Well, I had a sound sleep.”
“Yeah, it was not a serious wound. I heard you will soon be able to walk.”
“Pardon me. How is Ms. Sagara?”
“Oh.” Kusanagi put her hand on her forehead. “Sagara was caught by the police. I was told so a little earlier.”
“Really.” I closed my eyes and exhaled a short breath.
“I will go to the police station later.”
“What about the funeral?”
“I will take care of it after coming back.”
“Shall I go to the police with you?”
“I don’t think you can do that yet.”
“That stinks.” I uttered.
“What does?”
“Not being able to accompany you, Ms. Kusanagi.”
“I will dismiss you from the mission.” Kusanagi relaxed her lips. “I have contacted Kai. She said two will come here shortly.”
“For what purpose?”
“You know, guarding me and you.”
“But, Ms. Sagara has already been ...”
“In short, not so simple a problem.” Kusanagi frowned. “I would much rather have been shot and died. If that happened, then everything would have been all right beautifully.”
“Ma’am, is it a joke?”
“Yeah, of course. Why not?” Kusanagi stood up. “Would you like something to drink?”
“Well, is it okay if I drink something?”
“You will find the answer if you drink it.”
“So, I will try. I want to drink something cold.”
“Alright. I’ll be back.”
Kusanagi left the room.
I raised my head a bit, and looked at white curtains. There seemed to be windows beyond them. The room was small. There was no one else in it. Considering the fact that I was carried into a private room, my wound was not serious. She was right about that. Is the anesthesia still working? I imagined. I examined the status of my body with my right hand. It seemed that my abdomen was bandaged. I could also move the left hand. It was a bit numb. I lifted it up for a while and moved it. I’m relieved, because my hands are not broken. I think I can pilot an aircraft again.
A knock on the door.
“Yes?” I replied.
I turned my face to the direction, as if I was looking up.
“Wait here, please.” I heard a woman’s voice.
The person, who opened the door and entered the room, was Kai from the information bureau.
“Morning, Kurita.”
“Good morning, ma’am.”
Beside me, she took off her coat.
“I feel responsible for commanding you to accompany Kusanagi. However, I’m relieved that Kusanagi is safe.”
“Yes, indeed.”
“You have done well.” Kai sat on the bench, which Kusanagi had been sitting on. “Where is Kusanagi?”
“I think she’s gone to buy drinks for me. A moment ago.”
“The doctor says you can be discharged from the hospital tomorrow.”
“Will Captain Kusanagi also be back tomorrow?”
“She will return to the base today, after the funeral is finished. A subordinate will drive the vehicle back to her. Of course, we will escort you to the base, too. You can leave everything to us.”
“Thank you.”
“Have you heard anything from Kusanagi?”
“About what?”
“About Kildren.”
“I have, ma’am.”
Kai did not change her expression, leaned forward, and brought her face close to mine.
“Do not tell anybody. Understood?”
“Yes, ma’am. I understand.”
“Do not think about who of which type of people know what by how much.” She commanded in a subdued tone. “Forget everything. If someone notices that you know the information, then your own life will be in danger, okay?”
I nodded without words.
I wish I could erase my memory. I thought.
Not only the memory, but also such a fact.
Everything should disappear altogether. I thought.
After I heard some voices from outside, Kusanagi entered the room.
“Good morning, ma’am.” Kusanagi greeted. “Thank you for coming here.”
“I’m relieved that you’re safe.” Kai stood up. It was a gentle voice that I had never heard from her.
Kusanagi pulled the tab to open the can, and handed the juice to me. I received it with my right hand. When I lifted up my head a little, she piled up cushions behind my upper body for me. I brought the can to my mouth, and took a sip. I could feel the liquid running down my throat. Unbelievably delicious.
“The men outside will accompany you two. One will follow Kusanagi. The other will stay here.”
“Understood. But I think nothing will happen anymore.” Kusanagi said. “Or, are you still on the watch for my committing suicide?”
“Actually, I am.” Kai smiled. “You cannot say you won’t, can you?”
“You are right.” Kai nodded slightly. “Honestly, I want to commit suicide while flying. But, if I say such a thing, will I not be allowed to fly?”
“It is not an elegant joke, especially in front of the injured.” Kai commented, while pushing up her glasses.
“My apologies.” Kusanagi raised her chin a bit.
-7-