Annabelle Lea Newfield Parapsychiatric Institute; Chicago, Illinois. Morning.

Like it matters. I've practically forgotten time for a little while. All I'm focused on is getting better. Walker sent me here. I burned out. Hard. I had been out for oh, I don't know, 3 solid days before I woke up. Ronin was there when I did. I think Silvertalon showed up after I hadn't come to the gym too. I guess if you were all of a sudden physically absent, and a weird post from "Dr. Hitomi Hino", you'd worry too. Teknokat also visited as well. Once in a while popping in to see how I'm doing.

I'm in my room. It's nice and quiet. The doctors here believed what I needed was quiet. That is true. In fact, it's what's helping. I haven't switched my node on in what I think has been, 3 months maybe? But no worries there. Since the only computer I got is my dedicated terminal here in my infirmary room. No hacking, no programming, just the occasional posts I can make to the world, and a few calls to friends.

Op-Net feeds haven't interested me. I've been more interested in how I managed to get out of this situation without ending up with a split persona. I'm playing chess right now with a terminally ill girl in Japan. Her name's Mayumi. She's pretty good. I thought I'd play fair and not juice up. We've been sending messages back and forth. Our conversations have been lively. I guess she can type better than she can speak.

She's ill with some sort of cancer I can't really remember at the moment, leukemia... yeah that's it. But that doesn't matter when she's executing a perfect Hino gambit. A gambit I myself taught my sister 2 years ago, and is now in every advanced chess strategy book in Japan. I guess Mayumi has had a lot of time on her hands.

"Checkmate, Hino-San."

What? Great. She beat me again.

"You're slacking off, I can see it in your technique. You opened your backfield too early and you used the wrong opening strategy."

"Yeah, you beat me clean, Mayumi. Third time in a row."

"Well, It's not every day you can beat a nova." Mayumi starts coughing. The bone marrow transplant has ravaged her physically. But her spirit is strong. There may be a chance for her still.

"You alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. I've just had a nagging cough."

"Yeah. You keep strong for me alright? I got to go for a while. I'm due for a meeting with my doctor soon alright?"

"Sure. I'll stick around. Hope you don't mind if I log out do you?"

"No problem. See you later."

The terminal screen switches to the server lists for other online players. I log off. And return to the desktop screen. The time: 8:30 am. Time to see the doctor.

I head to the office of Dr. Kopulski. He's been my caseworker throughout this whole ordeal. Because of fragging liability junk, they have me go there by wheelchair. No problem there though, I sort of like zipping around in it, and I've gotten quite adept at tight turns and even wheelies. Although several burly orderlies have asked me politely to stop.

Ah, the office. I'd bet Dr. K. is wondering why I was late. I think the many different corridors I could wheel through was a partial reason. I knock politely before wheeling in.

"Miss Hino. So nice for you to grace me with your presence."

"Sorry, Doctor Kopulski. I was... delayed. And call me Sakurako. I've told you that oh, about a hundred times."

"No problem, I can tell you were enjoying yourself." The doctor is smiling. That only means one thing. Something's up.

"Okay. What's up?"

"Well, Sakurako, today's the day you're discharged."

"I'm WHAT?" I swear, I looked anime when I said that. My eyes must have been bugging out big time.

"You've responded admirably. While the work was difficult and long, as we all know, we've managed to pull through. All it'll take is some successes. All I can do is patch up the dam, you need to fill it with water again. This time not overflowing it, miss... er, Sakurako."

"But... it's been just 3 months."

"I know. But remember what I've been telling you, you have to have faith in yourself. I've gotten a list of grief counselors in Los Angeles you can talk to on an outpatient basis. I've noticed the loss of your sister has hit you deeply. Not to mention I want you to call every week for the next 6 months. My colleague, Dr. Sonoma, she will handle your case at Los Angeles General."

"Thank you. I appreciate the effort."

"You see, Sakurako, you have been pushing yourself too hard mentally. You try to be everything to everybody, not to mention you're running from the long shadows your mother has cast in your life. You've come around. The last visit to your mind was quite uplifting. A little strange though. You should look into your Anime fixations. Either that or you miss it. I've noticed that people who consider themselves fans of something start expressing in their minds their hobby. The Op-Net feeds here are rather generic. But, I digress. While I believe you still have demons to conquer in your life, you have what it takes to stay on the sane side. As long as you don't become taint ridden, you should have a long, productive life ahead. My only concern I can see is that you're still unsure of yourself. But, there is something I want to give you. Something a friend of yours sent."

"Really?"

Doctor K gives me a box wrapped in a brown paper, addressed to me in Japanese. I open it, and it's a... medical disposition? Wait, it's for... Mayumi! I start reading the file. The news lightens my soul. She's starting to get into remission! The marrow transplant took hold!

"This..."

"Yes?" Doctor Kopulski smiles. He's always smiling that guy, that he does.

"This is the greatest.... Greatest news I could have ever gotten."

Great... I'm crying... again... ah hell, let it out girl.

"I knew you were worried about her."

He gives me some tissue paper, to help dry the eyes. Quite the gentleman. If my heart didn't belong to someone else right now, he'd probably win it. Good try though.

"I'll give you her Op-Net address so you can continue your correspondence."

"Thank you, Doctor... For everything."

"You see, Sakurako, all you need, is hope. You've been walking around in a self defeating haze for so long, and now, I can give you a little something. Something that will tell you; Never Give Up".

I wipe some tears from my eyes. He's right. The Doc's right. He's done well for me. Given me back my mind, and allowed my soul to be free. I have a second chance...

"Um, Sakurako?"

"Yeah?"

"Stop using the wheelchair."

My eyes get like saucers on that request. He can see I was surprised by his remark.

"Um, yeah."

I get up and fold the chair and stow it quietly.

"Oh, it should be safe for you to use your node. Though I'd recommend you take it easy for a few weeks still. You have light quantum retention, and you should keep from getting too ambitious."

"Point taken. Taint is a bad thing. I know. I've read the pamphlets. I take it then I can stop wearing this goofy hospital gown then? This bland green isn't my color."

"Yes, you can. You're free to go."

I bolt out of his office, letting off some whoops and hollers down the hall. Oh yeah... That's when Mr. Big stops me. It's the name I've given to the big orderly. An African American male roughly 7 foot, all muscle. And a deep resounding voice.

"Please refrain from loud noises please. This is a hospital."

"Erm, sorry."

"Thank you. I know you're being discharged today, kid. Congratulations."

"Thank you."

I pop off a winning smile that he seems to like as I walk back to my room. I sit back at my terminal to rattle off a message to Mayumi. She's already sent a message back to me.

It reads: Sakurako! I just talked to my doctors! I'm getting better! The nurses here think it's because I've been talking to you. You are a kami. You must be if I'm getting better. Thank you! Thank you!

I'm amazed by her message. And buoyed by the good news. I send a message back: I don't usually call myself one, but I do believe there is a spirit in all things. You have helped me gather the shards of my broken spirit, and have united them back into one. Fate has rewarded you. Make the best of your gift, that you will... Oh, what's up with the cough?

She rattles back: Oh, it was just a minor irritation that was caused by a dry throat. Nothing serious. I'm drinking water to keep it moist. It helps a lot.

I respond: Good. Stay well, I'm heading home. I'll still be able to contact you. I'll give you a message at O'Hare, okay?

She IM's back: Okay. Looking foreword to it. But, can it wait till morning here? It's almost bedtime.

I finally respond: Okay, I'll send a message after I get back home then, Alright? I'll see you later. ^.^

I log off after she says goodbye. Then I start getting dressed again. As I take my gown off, and put my blouse and skirt on, I notice the life is back in my eyes. I switch my dormancy off, and my pink hair returns. This makes me smile even more. I start feeling affirmed in what I can do, but it's not ego, its... Faith.

I put my blazer on over my blouse and look at the mirror again. Now I know why I like wearing sailor collard outfits. I've never realized how cute I am in them. But... perhaps the "residual quantum" has influenced my appearance slightly. I swear I shaved a year or two off my age and geometrically upped my cute factor. Odd. The analysts said I didn't have any quantum related aberrations... As I fix the bow tie, I remember my days, back before I erupted. How whenever I wore my school's uniform, how I felt like I was a part of something important. The outfit I wear now is some surrogate recollection of those days. At least that's what doc headshrinker always said. I on the other hand, I think it looks VERY professional. I touch the mirror for a second and tell myself out loud. "Lets Roll." I grab my backpack, and start walking out after I shine up my shoes and straightening my socks.

As I walk to the elevator, I walk past the main desk for the floor. I could have swore the nurses and workers there were letting off a sigh of relief... Nah... must be some left over drugs in my system. I switch off my node, and approach the elevator.

I enter, and press the "M" button to head down to the main lobby. Slow ride. I don't know how many times I've heard "The Girl from Ipa-Nima" in Muzak. I swear this is banned in the geneva conventions.

The elevator doors open, and as I walk into the main foyer, I see... Teknokat! And Ronin!

"Sakurako! Ronin gave me a port over! You did good!"

"Thanks TK!"

Ronin looks at me. Seemingly relieved. I look back, seeing his nova form. Now I know why I love him.

"It's great to see you smiling again, Saku-chan."

"Thanks." I flash that smile again. "So, heading back to Endeavor Point?"

"No, Sakurako..." Teknokat says. "You have to fly back. I've invested in the ticket, you're going home that way, alright? The flight back will give you some more rest time. I'll meet you at LAX."

I sigh, I wanted to get home.

"Okay, TK. You know, I could fly back..."

"No Sakurako. You're 'grounded' from node use for a few days. My orders."

"You can be a mother hen sometimes."

I'm right, but so is she. She is looking out for her star employee.

"Alright, Sakurako, let's head to the airport."

"Sure."

Ronin chimes in. He really doesn't make himself heard much. I guess being soft spoken is his strong suit.

"Need a port to O'Hare?"

"I'd appreciate it."

"Okay, Teknokat, I'll teleport you and Sakurako to the airport, then we two are heading home."

I arrive shortly after the warp at O'Hare. As I look around at the lobby, I notice Ronin wanting to talk to me. I walk over to him.

"What's on your mind, Ronin-chan."

Ronin immediately embraces me.

"Don't do that again... please."

I'm surprised by his behavior.

"I won't Ronin, but, why the theatrics? I hope you aren't getting goofy on me now."

"No, Saku-chan. I'm just..."

Ronin clears his throat. We exchange an awkward glance as he backs up towards Teknokat.

"I must be going, Teknokat has some business to attend to."

"That's... Understandable. You'd better get going."

He walks over to Teknokat and prepares to port out. He must have been trying not to look too awkward.

"See you back at Endeavor Point, Sakurako."

Teknokat does a quick salute, before both their forms disappear into a quantum wormhole.

A flash of light and I'm standing in O'Hare airport. Alone. I look at the Ticket TK gave me before she left. The flight is in 3 hours. I'm already cleared through security before I realize I got one more long hour left to wait. I pull out a sketch pad, and start sketching my surroundings. Waiting for my flight to be announced.

O'Hare's grand hallway and waiting area gleam in the morning sun. The tail fins of the 797's and 787's move like fish in an aquarium. The occasional SST zips off at high speed, ripping through the sound barrier. Too bad my flight is a 787. A 6 hour economy price flight. With 3 lay overs in Minneapolis, Denver, and Los Vegas. And there's a delay.

In Minneapolis, a mesocyclone pretty much owns the airspace around the Twin Cities. Severe Thunderstorm and Tornado Warnings ensue. I bring up a satellite and radar display on my PDA. Checking out an Op-Net cam I can see the lightning from a perch on the IDS tower in Downtown Minneapolis. The clouds are greenish grey. Not very pleasant. The radar is practically painted red, orange, and yellow.

"Attention passengers of United Airlines flight 1701. There will be a weather related delay of 4 hours due to Severe Weather. If you want refunds or exchanges, please go to the ticket counter. Present your ticket to one of the restaurants here, and get a 10% meal discount while you wait for weather conditions to improve. We will announce if there are any changes. We apologize for any inconvenience, and thank you for choosing United Airlines."

Well, 4 more hours. No prob.

An hour passes before the next intercom message. I've just settled in my restaurant chair for a large breakfast.

"Attention all O'Hare passengers, A thunderstorm outbreak in the Midwest region will delay all flights in and out of O'Hare. We're sorry if this will cause any inconvenience. Please bear with us. There is only so much we can do, nature does the rest. Enjoy your time here in the Windy City."

Great. Well, at least the flight attendants have a sense of humor. But why does the bad news come when I'm eating? Bother. And quite frankly as soon as I return to the City of Angels, I'm kissing the tarmac.

The clouds start blocking out the sky, and the rain begins to fall. Lightning kisses the sky. This is a classic Midwest thunderstorm. As I finish the meal and return to a seat near my gate, I lay back a bit. The rain now a full deluge. I thank my luck that I'm not waiting outside. I rummage through my backpack. Good, at least whoever packed this didn't take out my poncho. Still got that at least. Just incase.

The sound of the rain echoes with the din of people dashing here and there. Creating an almost ocean like white noise. I sit down in an open chair, after re-packing my drawing pad, and closing my backpack, I doze off.

I wake up with a start 5 hours later.

"Miss? Miss..."

"Huh... what? Has Flight 1701 been cleared for takeoff?"

"Were you supposed to be on flight 1701?"

"Yes."

"Erm, it left about 15 minutes ago."

Damn. Like walker said... I must be jinxed.

After having a bit of a "damnit" moment with my inner dialogue, I head back to an area not really interfering with cel-phone communications. It's still raining, but at least it's not storming. I reluctantly dial Teknokat's number. I guess she'd better know about my error.

Darn it... Why doesn't she pick up fast...

"Hello? Teknokat."

"TK, It's Sakurako..."

"I heard about the delays out of O'Hare."

"Erm... Yeah."

"Still delayed?"

"Ah... Well... Um..."

"Sakurako... Level with me here kiddo. What happened?"

"Ah, well, I sort of got... sidetracked, and I..."

"Sigh... Sakurako... What am I going to do with you... Well, at least I can dock your pay for that ticket."

"Erm..."

"Just kidding. I'm sure you'll find some way to make up for it. Now, Listen very carefully, you're about to receive a boon. One of the head R&D boys is heading through O'Hare to Minneapolis. He needs to pick up some of the new prototypes for the summer collection, if you know what I mean."

"Uh huh, tell me more..."

"He should be arriving shortly on a Gulfstream III. The co-pilot came down with an intestinal flu. So, since you have a licence for that type of aircraft, you are the new co-pilot. The captain should be arriving shortly."

"Which gate?"

"Not sure, head to the charter flights concourse."

"Right. Anything I should know if I have to ask questions?"

"Yes, ask for where flight 99-1138 is arriving."

"Okay. Where is that plane going to after the Twin Cities?"

"It'll be laying over for a couple days before it heads back to Los Angeles. Get a hotel room, shop at the mega-mall, take in the sights. I expect pictures, kiddo."

"Alright! See you soon. Bye."

I dash over to the charter flight arrivals concourse. I barely get there when I see a sad sight. Yep, that guy has a stomach bug, he threw up all over an attendant. Poor guy. I head over to the Flight Captain.

"Um, hello?"

"Don't bother me, I'm waiting for someone."

"Sakurako Hino?"

"Yeah. How'd you know?"

"I'm her."

I grin.

"Ah, good. We're running on schedule. You're quite punctual, kid."

"I try to be."

I sheepishly accept his compliment as we head to the tarmac. We're inside a hangar as we step into the shiny white Gulfstream III.

"She's a beauty, sir."

"Call me Samuel, Sakurako. We're not the air force."

"Oh. Sorry."

As I step into the aircraft, I notice Mr. Anderson. He's holding a steel briefcase on his lap, handcuffed to the briefcase handle. Standard procedure for prototype transit. But the guy must not like flying, he's white knuckled in his seat.

"Mr. Anderson I presume?"

"Uh... Hi. You... You must be th...the new co-pilot."

It looks like he has a stutter too. The stress don't help the situation.

"Don't worry, mister. I'm a darn good pilot, and a Nova."

I wink.

"Uh... Alright."

I climb into the cockpit after I set my backpack in a storage compartment. Samuel also takes his seat and starts flight preparations. With my assistance, we start the taxi procedures and reach the runway.

"How many take offs in a mach capable jet have you taken?"

"Um... Mach capable?"

"I hope you're licenced."

"I am. You seen my credentials."

"Then I have no worries. Just follow my lead and we'll be reaching mach 1 in no time."

I'm making sure I can find my life vest and a window handle after that remark...

"Don't worry kid. You almost look like Jinx-man back there."

"Eh?"

"He's been running a string of bad luck lately. Missed project deadlines, now the co-pilot getting sick half way to Minneapolis, he's been thinking he's a Jinx."

I'm starting to think so too. As I start realizing my lot in life... I'm already in the air, Samuel firmly at the controls. 2 pilots are for redundancy and required by law, but a Gulfstream III only needs 1. I monitor the board as we reach cruising altitude and break the sound barrier.

We're in Minneapolis by 10pm.

As we disembark at the Lindbergh terminal, I kiss the tarmac. Time to unwind and find a hotel.