Imposter [Part 42]
Apr. 25th, 2021 07:56 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
esp_dragonv2Fandom: Noblesse
Summary: They prepare.
Notes: Among Us AU! :D
So many people in a scene. x-x
I considered cutting this in half since it's such a huge chapter, but there wasn't a good pausing point in the big scene, so enjoy a longer chapter. :)
And you'll probably see why I was having such a difficult time with the ending, aha.
I'll be aiming for one chapter a week. I've got three weeks buffer so I should be able to finish this in time for when the chapters are needed.
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Sci-fi
Word count: 3,823
Total word count: 42,610
Status: Work in progress
"It's a Union ship," Takeo said, leaning back against the wall in the meeting room, his arms crossed.
"Are you sure?" Frankenstein said, frowning. Was it that obvious?
Takeo nodded. "Union ships are bulkier than other organisation ships are."
To show off their power, Frankenstein supposed.
"And we're too hidden," Tao added. "The only reason they'd be comin' straight for us is if they know we're here. They mighta gotten our coordinates from hacking into the Union, but I don't see that happening."
There was no reason for their base to be targeted. They weren't working on the more precious experiments or research here - Frankenstein and Em were end products, true, but they were essentially untested. That was the entire point of the base and what they were doing here.
Murmurs thrummed through the meeting room like a wave. Confusion and hope mingling with each other.
"Why are they here?"
"To pick us up!"
"We must have finished the test."
"Finally."
No, that didn't sound right. The Union didn't usually deviate from protocol. The second round had been a surprise, yes, but it was still a continuation of the test. An undeclared visit... Frankenstein didn't like it. It could mean a multitude of things, the most pressing ones-
The projector switched on with a hum, someone's face displayed on the wall. It wasn't the same woman as before. She had long, wavy red hair that went past her shoulders, gold eyes, and she smiled cheerfully at them. Behind her, panel lights flashed slowly.
Frankenstein frowned. There was something about her...
"Hello there!" she chirped and Frankenstein froze, their breath catching in their throat, their stomach twisting.
They knew that voice. They had only heard it a few times, but that was enough to bury deep into their mind, never to forget.
Why was doctor Aris talking with them? She was involved with imposter creations, but Frankenstein didn't know if she had anything to do with the tests.
"Oh, my, are you in a meeting right now?" she said, peering at everyone in the room. "Don't mind us - we'll be arriving shortly for a routine checkup so just carry on with your tasks and we'll be gone before you know it!"
She was gone with a smile and a wave before anyone could respond. A flurry of excited murmurings burst out around the room.
"We are leaving soon!"
"They're going to pick us up after seeing how well we've done!"
"We won!"
Frankenstein ducked out of the meeting room amidst all the noise, their mind a flurry.
*
Frankenstein spent a bit of time in the medbay, tidying things away, trying to tidy up their own thoughts.
It didn't work.
How long would it take for the ship to arrive?
What did doctor Aris want?
What were they going to do?
They sighed, leaning their hands on the counter.
They weren't going to find anything out by pacing around the room.
With a shake of the head, they left the medbay. The others would probably still be in their usual spots but...
Their eyes drifted to the direction they could feel Em was in. Yes, they wouldn't be the only person worried about this.
*
Em was outside to the south, overlooking the plain Frankenstein had grown used to collecting samples from. He was sitting back against the wall, arms curled around his knees.
[They're going to kill us,] Em said as they approached.
[We don't know that,] Frankenstein said, sitting down next to him. It was likely, but not a certainty.
Em growled, his helmet turning towards them and Frankenstein didn't need to see his eyes to know he was glaring at them. [Why the fuck else would they be here! They don't do random checks unless they're already testing something!]
[That, I can certainly agree with,] Frankenstein said with a sigh. Random tests were too wasteful, even in HQ. To travel here for a random test? No. That was far too costly for something that could potentially give them nothing.
[We're failures,] Em said, his grip on his knees tightening.
[By their definition,] Frankenstein corrected. They weren't. They weren't failures.
Em snarled. [Whose other definition matters! No-one's! We didn't do our mission, so we're failures! And failures are fucking killed.]
Frankenstein exhaled, trying to master their own worry. [That's true,] they admitted. [But then...we do our best to kill them first.]
Em laughed at that, shriller than the one Frankenstein had heard before. [They know how to deal with us - it's not that easy.]
[Then you propose to let them kill you?] Frankenstein asked, keeping their voice soft, trying to sound more in control than they felt.
Em didn't instantly snap back at that, and that was good. He was thinking.
[Our choices are to let them kill us, or we fight back, and we know this area far better than they do. We have the advantage here.] It was a small one, but it was better than none at all.
Em wasn't shouting or trying to run away still. It was something.
[But we'll need a plan,] Frankenstein admitted, [and to talk with the others. They may have a better idea about what we can do in preparation.]
[How can they know how to deal with people meant to kill us?] Em said, indignant.
[That may be the exact outside perspective we need,] Frankenstein said. [They'll see things differently from us. Are you willing to at least join us?]
Em didn't say anything for a few seconds, and hopefully that meant he was considering it.
[They won't know anything,] Em mumbled.
It wasn't a flat no. [We don't know that,] Frankenstein said. [Our other option will be to wait for the ship's arrival and let them come do what they intend to.]
Em hissed. [...Fine, I'll come.]
Frankenstein smiled, exhaling in relief. Good.
*
Frankenstein heard Takeo's sigh when the other answered their call as they and Em headed for the specimen room. [No, the ship isn't moving any faster than when I first saw it.]
They raised their eyebrows in surprise. Takeo sounded more strained than usual. [That's good to know, but not what I was intending to talk to you about.]
[Franken-?] Another sigh. [Sorry. I've had a lot of visitors and calls since the meeting already.]
[I can only imagine.] Everyone would be very interested in the ship's arrival. Frankenstein hadn't spent that long in the medbay, so for Takeo to already be this tired of questions meant there must have been a lot of traffic. [I'll keep this brief then: we're meeting in the specimen room right now - do you think you'll be able to make it?]
A pause. [No, I don't think I can. With how many-] A hiss, and Takeo cut off for a second. [With how many visitors I'm getting, it'll be noticeable if I'm not here.]
Damn.
[I'll be able to listen in,] Takeo said, [and if I miss anything, Tao can fill me in.]
Frankenstein nodded, even though Takeo couldn't see it. [That should work.]
The others had been informed, so it shouldn't be too long to wait for them to arrive. Frankenstein had chosen to meet in the specimen room, since they would be able to hear if anyone else was arriving and they could leave through the other exit. And that was if Tao didn't spot them first.
Frankenstein checked a few samples while they waited, while Em paced back and forth next to a wall. He was staying though; it said a lot.
Muzaka arrived with Kentas through the western entrance. As soon as Muzaka saw Frankenstein, he headed straight for them, hugging him tight.
Frankenstein exhaled, hugging him back. Yes, they needed this. They smiled a little, hearing Em's grumble to the side.
"You okay?" Muzaka asked, peering at them.
They exhaled. "Things could be better." It would have been nice to have more time to prepare. The dropship was almost finished - it was just the fuel that they needed, and they wouldn't be able to... Hm.
"Heh, yeah..."
They looked over at the northern entrance open, Tao dashing in. He grinned at Frankenstein, waving. "Yo, Boss!"
Frankenstein blinked. "Boss?"
"Yeah, Boss," Tao repeated, nodding. "Who's the one who called this meetin'?"
...Yes, they had, that was true.
"An' no matter what happens, we're outta the Union, aren't we?" Tao said, as he fiddled with his pad, keeping an eye on the cameras.
"It's possible you may still be safe," Frankenstein said as they made a loose circle to talk.
"Why?" Kentas asked.
"The person who talked to us on the projector," Frankenstein said, "that is doctor Aris."
Em's attention snapped to them, his mouth agape. "What?"
Ah, so Em didn't know what she looked like. He'd never met her before?
"Someone important?" Kentas asked.
"She's one of the lead scientists behind imposters, after her work on weaponising 'suits wasn't as well received," Frankenstein said.
"So you think she's comin' for you two?" Muzaka said, looking between Frankenstein and Em, frowning.
"It would appear that way. I see no other reason why she would be involved with a 'routine check-up'," Frankenstein said. "Now then, what can we do?"
"Not much we can do," Em muttered under his breath. He growled low in his throat when Muzaka reached over and ruffled his hair.
"With them arriving, that means we'll have two ships available, right?" Muzaka said.
"But only one has enough fuel to break atmosphere," Tao pointed out.
"An' that one'll have more people in it protecting it," Muzaka countered. "We get enough fuel from theirs, and they won't be able to follow us. We know our dropship and where everything is."
So that meant... "You're proposing to steal how much fuel and carry it to the dropship?" Frankenstein knew leaving a planet was where most fuel was used, but not the volume needed for it.
"Depends on what fuel they're usin'," Muzaka said, scratching the back of his head. "The newer ships have a more efficient, lighter kind."
"Aaand if this is a head honcho, this'll be the best, right?" Tao said, a grin widening across his face.
Muzaka grinned back at him. "Right."
"And we can just...walk in and take it like that?" Frankenstein said, frowning. It would still be difficult if there were crew walking around inside.
Muzaka shook his head. "Nah, the fuel ducts can be accessed from the outside - it'd be a pain to go through the entire ship to refuel when you have easier access outside."
"I'm surprised it's that easy," Frankenstein said. "I suppose the Union's reputation means people are less willing to even attempt to steal their fuel," they mused. Still. Desperate people who wanted to leave a planet would be willing to try anything, surely.
"That's 'cause the fuel ducts are..." Muzaka trailed off, grimacing.
[Usually on top of the ship,] Takeo continued from Tao's helmet.
And a ship that size would be difficult to climb.
"I can help with that," Kentas said.
Frankenstein raised an eyebrow. "I've no doubt you two would be able to do it - but I also don't doubt that it'll be rather easy to spot two people climbing up the side of the ship."
"If their internal system's anythin' like their dropship, I'll be able to knock out their external cameras," Tao said, raising a hand.
"That won't stop people's eyes from seeing them if they're outside," Frankenstein pointed out. Muzaka's white 'suit might blend in with the metal, but Kentas' brown 'suit wouldn't.
"So we'll need a distraction," Tao said, nodding. "A big one."
A distraction? What could they possibly do that would draw the attention of everyone, but wasn't so big that everyone in their group would also be called? Calling a meeting was an option, but those didn't last too long, and their absence would be noted. Then something else that could...
That was an option.
They glanced at Em, who caught his look and instantly looked elsewhere.
Yes, Em wasn't going to volunteer that information by himself. "Em?" Frankenstein said, seeing Em stiffen. "Do you think you can do it? You won't have to be near the ship or anyone else." It would be one of the safest jobs to do by the looks of it.
Em didn't say anything for a few seconds, crossing his arms and still not looking at them. "Will it do anything though?"
"It?" Tao repeated, looking between Frankenstein and Em.
Frankenstein nodded, turning their attention back to Tao. "Em knows how to remotely disrupt the seismic stabilisers, which should help to keep people busy for a while."
Em squirmed when the others' attention went to him.
"Yeah, will it be enough?" Kentas said.
"What do you mean?"
Kentas furrowed his brow. "We were told to keep to our tasks, and they won't know how to deal with that."
"And they might not want to," Tao added, "since they're focused on finding you and Em."
Hmm. Yes, that was true. It would keep the crewmates busy for a while, but not the newcomers.
Well then. Frankenstein exhaled, their heartbeat picking up as they made their decision. "All right, I'll do it," they said, nodding.
"Do what?"
Frankenstein squared their shoulders. "They're looking for imposters, yes? Then I'll make sure to try and keep them away from the ships." They would just need to figure out how to draw enough attention without a meeting being called... Transform in front of the newcomers, while making sure none of the base's crewmates were in sight?
"You can't-" Em spluttered. "You don't know what they can do!"
Frankenstein smiled. "I'm a fast learner. And-" They exhaled, their heart refusing to settle. "Yes. If I'm your leader, that means I'm supposed to look out for you, am I not?"
"Dunno about that, Boss," Tao said. "The Union leaders usually direct from the back."
"And that's exactly what we're trying to get away from," Frankenstein pointed out.
"You're not doing it alone," Muzaka said, frowning.
Frankenstein shook their head. "They're not looking for you. And it would be rather pointless if you're making a distraction from the job you're meant to be doing."
Muzaka opened his mouth, but no words came out.
"I'll be fine." Maybe. Hopefully. They would have to see.
Tao hummed, tapping his pad as he looked down at it. "If you're bait, that means we can have a better idea where the people chasin' ya will be if you give us a heads up."
"Yes...?" Wasn't that the point of being bait?
"We can take 'em out for you," Tao said, making Frankenstein blink in surprise. "They'll be focused on you, and if we hide the bodies, no meetin'll be called."
Frankenstein couldn't help the soft laugh that slipped out.
"You don't think we can?" Tao said.
"You think you can kill the people that are meant to kill us?" M-21 said, scowling.
"Exactly!" Tao said, not looking at all put out by their reactions. "They're specialised and know how to deal with you, not crewmates."
Tao did have a point. Frankenstein shook their head. "Ah, that wasn't what I was laughing at. I just realised that it seems our...roles have reversed: imposters on the run, while crewmates kill from the shadows."
Tao grinned. "So you agree then."
"It's worth a shot," Frankenstein said, nodding. It was better than nothing. "Though, would that mean it's just you and Takeo?" If Kentas and Muzaka were busy.
"Heh, if they've got guns, and Takeo can borrow one, that'll already be a couple down. Takeo isn't good at just shooting asteroids.
"We can try to take as many as we can out before Kentas and Muzaka get started," Tao continued, "so we'll have a better idea about their numbers, and it'll mean less people who need distracted and you know, tryna kill you."
"Yes, I would rather prefer that," Frankenstein said dryly. "So that's it?" they said, looking around. "Em and I are bait to draw attention, while Kentas and Muzaka steal the fuel..."
"I'll keep an eye on everyone and keep ya all updated," Tao said, "and Takeo can keep the engine warm for us."
[It will need to be once Kentas and Muzaka have the fuel,] Takeo said. [It'll be obvious what our plan is once I start her up.]
"We're gonna need a name for her..." Tao said, rubbing his chin.
"We can do that once we're out of here," Frankenstein said. They needed to make sure they were as safe as they could be first. "So that's it?"
"Yep." Tao nodded. "Keep the plan simple, and we'll adjust for any surprises."
"Hopefully there won't be any," Frankenstein muttered. They'd had too many already.
"Right," Muzaka said. "In the meantime, we'll move the rest of what we need into the dropship."
They others dispersed after that, leaving through different entrances. Em's lips were pursed the last time Frankenstein saw him, but it seemed he was willing to try.
"You sure about this?" Muzaka asked as he pulled Frankenstein into a hug.
They breathed a soft laugh, sliding their arms around Muzaka's waist. "Not really, no. But it's the best plan we can make in short notice, and we're as best suited to our roles as we can be. Since we hopefully won't be needing my medical expertise, that means we'll just have to make use of me being a rather exceptional target."
"Hey," Muzaka said, tightening his hug as he kissed Frankenstein. "Be safe, all right?"
Frankenstein nodded, just filling their senses with Muzaka, just in case... No. They wouldn't think like that. If they did, then they had already lost. "I'll try my best. You stay safe as well."
"I'll do my best."
*
Frankenstein looked around the specimen room, and then sighed, heading back to the medbay. They had already packed away the medications they thought they would most need but samples, as much time as they'd spent with them over the last couple months, were not important. It could be useful to keep their mind occupied during quiet periods, but Frankenstein had a feeling that if they succeeded, they would all be kept busy while they kept the dropship running anyway.
They wouldn't know though until they were free.
And if boredom was what they were worried about, they could talk to the others.
Speaking of...
They had finished packing everything away into the dropship, seeing other crewmates rushing around the base as they tried to collect whatever last minute things they needed.
Frankenstein needed to do something to stop the possibilities running through their mind, so they headed to Security.
It didn't take too long, and Tao greeted them as they entered.
"Hey, Boss, how you doing?" Tao asked, waving a hand, still focused on the monitors.
The title still sounded strange to their ears, but hopefully in time they could get used to it. If they survived this. "Nervous," Frankenstein admitted, scanning through the security feeds. None of them were pointed at the sky - they did see Em to the south plain again. He was sitting, which was good, so he wasn't wasting any energy beforehand. Kentas and Muzaka were in O2 building what seemed to be climbing gear. There were a number of other crewmates loitering outside, and Frankenstein assumed they were watching for the ship.
"Heh, I'd be weirded out if you weren't."
It was normal to be nervous in the face of uncertainty and potential death; it still wasn't a nice feeling. They exhaled, digging into a pocket. "If something does happen to me, all of your data is saved here." They held out the small memory stick. In the best case scenario, it wouldn't be needed; in the worst, well... Tao was the person most likely to be able to understand and use their notes.
Tao took it from them, nodding as he slid it into a pocket. "You wanna stay here and watch the landing? Takeo's gonna be slammed by everyone else, and it'll be way easier to discuss any changes here than over comms."
Frankenstein nodded. "And it'll also help to distract us in the mean time."
Tao laughed. "That too."
*
Frankenstein's nerves were already stretched thin as they watched the ship's shadow grow larger on the screen. The ship was landing to the south, which had a larger flat area than anywhere else - Em had already disappeared before the ship's shadow first appeared.
The ship was large - Frankenstein could feel it coming. It had to be from the power of its engines weighing down on the base.
"Boss?" Tao said, looking at them.
"Yes?"
"You got a headache or something? You've been rubbing at your neck for a while now."
Frankenstein stared at him, realising they were in fact rubbing the base of their head. Right where they sensed imposters. No...
"Boss?"
The ship landed, the bay doors opening as soon it stopped moving. There was already a group walking out.
"Don't think I've seen a 'suit that bright a pink before, huh," Tao muttered.
That had to be the lighter suit at the front. There were a couple more people in the initial group, and Frankenstein scanned through them, even though they knew they wouldn't be able to pick anyone out. That was the point.
"They brought an imposter with them...?" Frankenstein murmured. Why? Imposters were made to infiltrate opposing ships, not stay on Union ones. Especially not ones that were checking on imposters.
"You can sense-?" Tao sucked in a breath. "Ooooh."
That sounded like Tao knew what was going on. "What is it?"
Tao zoomed in on the 'suits, flicking from one to another before settling on the dark 'suit next to the pink 'suit. There was a small insignia on the chest - it looked a little small to be a personally chosen customisation, and it looked like it was stitched into the suit. A circle bisected by a cross that was at an angle.
"Ooooh no," Tao said, his voice hushed.
"Tao?" What were they missing?
Tao gaped at him. "You don't know?"
"Apparently not. What's so important about that?" Frankenstein asked as the group headed out of the ship.
"Okay, so," Tao said, zooming out so the whole group was in view again, "you're the mimic-series of imposters, right? Modified and socialised to appear as human as possible; slip in through people's defences and talk your way into their trust before killing them?" The words tumbled out fast, and before Frankenstein could process them, Tao continued on. "Em, on the other hand, is the ambush-series, modified to sneak around and kill as covertly as possible."
"How...do you know this?" Frankenstein said faintly. They had never heard their particular designation before.
"The Union's easy to hack once you know how, especially when you're already connected inside, heh," Tao said. "Anyway, that's the two main groups. But there's a third." Tao nodded towards the screen. "The noblesse-series, modified specifically to hunt down the imposters who aren't acting imposter enough for the Union's liking."
Frankenstein stared at the screen, swallowing.
Of course.
The area at the back of their neck throbbed.
It would take an imposter to hunt down an imposter.
Summary: They prepare.
Notes: Among Us AU! :D
So many people in a scene. x-x
I considered cutting this in half since it's such a huge chapter, but there wasn't a good pausing point in the big scene, so enjoy a longer chapter. :)
And you'll probably see why I was having such a difficult time with the ending, aha.
I'll be aiming for one chapter a week. I've got three weeks buffer so I should be able to finish this in time for when the chapters are needed.
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Sci-fi
Word count: 3,823
Total word count: 42,610
Status: Work in progress
"It's a Union ship," Takeo said, leaning back against the wall in the meeting room, his arms crossed.
"Are you sure?" Frankenstein said, frowning. Was it that obvious?
Takeo nodded. "Union ships are bulkier than other organisation ships are."
To show off their power, Frankenstein supposed.
"And we're too hidden," Tao added. "The only reason they'd be comin' straight for us is if they know we're here. They mighta gotten our coordinates from hacking into the Union, but I don't see that happening."
There was no reason for their base to be targeted. They weren't working on the more precious experiments or research here - Frankenstein and Em were end products, true, but they were essentially untested. That was the entire point of the base and what they were doing here.
Murmurs thrummed through the meeting room like a wave. Confusion and hope mingling with each other.
"Why are they here?"
"To pick us up!"
"We must have finished the test."
"Finally."
No, that didn't sound right. The Union didn't usually deviate from protocol. The second round had been a surprise, yes, but it was still a continuation of the test. An undeclared visit... Frankenstein didn't like it. It could mean a multitude of things, the most pressing ones-
The projector switched on with a hum, someone's face displayed on the wall. It wasn't the same woman as before. She had long, wavy red hair that went past her shoulders, gold eyes, and she smiled cheerfully at them. Behind her, panel lights flashed slowly.
Frankenstein frowned. There was something about her...
"Hello there!" she chirped and Frankenstein froze, their breath catching in their throat, their stomach twisting.
They knew that voice. They had only heard it a few times, but that was enough to bury deep into their mind, never to forget.
Why was doctor Aris talking with them? She was involved with imposter creations, but Frankenstein didn't know if she had anything to do with the tests.
"Oh, my, are you in a meeting right now?" she said, peering at everyone in the room. "Don't mind us - we'll be arriving shortly for a routine checkup so just carry on with your tasks and we'll be gone before you know it!"
She was gone with a smile and a wave before anyone could respond. A flurry of excited murmurings burst out around the room.
"We are leaving soon!"
"They're going to pick us up after seeing how well we've done!"
"We won!"
Frankenstein ducked out of the meeting room amidst all the noise, their mind a flurry.
Frankenstein spent a bit of time in the medbay, tidying things away, trying to tidy up their own thoughts.
It didn't work.
How long would it take for the ship to arrive?
What did doctor Aris want?
What were they going to do?
They sighed, leaning their hands on the counter.
They weren't going to find anything out by pacing around the room.
With a shake of the head, they left the medbay. The others would probably still be in their usual spots but...
Their eyes drifted to the direction they could feel Em was in. Yes, they wouldn't be the only person worried about this.
Em was outside to the south, overlooking the plain Frankenstein had grown used to collecting samples from. He was sitting back against the wall, arms curled around his knees.
[They're going to kill us,] Em said as they approached.
[We don't know that,] Frankenstein said, sitting down next to him. It was likely, but not a certainty.
Em growled, his helmet turning towards them and Frankenstein didn't need to see his eyes to know he was glaring at them. [Why the fuck else would they be here! They don't do random checks unless they're already testing something!]
[That, I can certainly agree with,] Frankenstein said with a sigh. Random tests were too wasteful, even in HQ. To travel here for a random test? No. That was far too costly for something that could potentially give them nothing.
[We're failures,] Em said, his grip on his knees tightening.
[By their definition,] Frankenstein corrected. They weren't. They weren't failures.
Em snarled. [Whose other definition matters! No-one's! We didn't do our mission, so we're failures! And failures are fucking killed.]
Frankenstein exhaled, trying to master their own worry. [That's true,] they admitted. [But then...we do our best to kill them first.]
Em laughed at that, shriller than the one Frankenstein had heard before. [They know how to deal with us - it's not that easy.]
[Then you propose to let them kill you?] Frankenstein asked, keeping their voice soft, trying to sound more in control than they felt.
Em didn't instantly snap back at that, and that was good. He was thinking.
[Our choices are to let them kill us, or we fight back, and we know this area far better than they do. We have the advantage here.] It was a small one, but it was better than none at all.
Em wasn't shouting or trying to run away still. It was something.
[But we'll need a plan,] Frankenstein admitted, [and to talk with the others. They may have a better idea about what we can do in preparation.]
[How can they know how to deal with people meant to kill us?] Em said, indignant.
[That may be the exact outside perspective we need,] Frankenstein said. [They'll see things differently from us. Are you willing to at least join us?]
Em didn't say anything for a few seconds, and hopefully that meant he was considering it.
[They won't know anything,] Em mumbled.
It wasn't a flat no. [We don't know that,] Frankenstein said. [Our other option will be to wait for the ship's arrival and let them come do what they intend to.]
Em hissed. [...Fine, I'll come.]
Frankenstein smiled, exhaling in relief. Good.
Frankenstein heard Takeo's sigh when the other answered their call as they and Em headed for the specimen room. [No, the ship isn't moving any faster than when I first saw it.]
They raised their eyebrows in surprise. Takeo sounded more strained than usual. [That's good to know, but not what I was intending to talk to you about.]
[Franken-?] Another sigh. [Sorry. I've had a lot of visitors and calls since the meeting already.]
[I can only imagine.] Everyone would be very interested in the ship's arrival. Frankenstein hadn't spent that long in the medbay, so for Takeo to already be this tired of questions meant there must have been a lot of traffic. [I'll keep this brief then: we're meeting in the specimen room right now - do you think you'll be able to make it?]
A pause. [No, I don't think I can. With how many-] A hiss, and Takeo cut off for a second. [With how many visitors I'm getting, it'll be noticeable if I'm not here.]
Damn.
[I'll be able to listen in,] Takeo said, [and if I miss anything, Tao can fill me in.]
Frankenstein nodded, even though Takeo couldn't see it. [That should work.]
The others had been informed, so it shouldn't be too long to wait for them to arrive. Frankenstein had chosen to meet in the specimen room, since they would be able to hear if anyone else was arriving and they could leave through the other exit. And that was if Tao didn't spot them first.
Frankenstein checked a few samples while they waited, while Em paced back and forth next to a wall. He was staying though; it said a lot.
Muzaka arrived with Kentas through the western entrance. As soon as Muzaka saw Frankenstein, he headed straight for them, hugging him tight.
Frankenstein exhaled, hugging him back. Yes, they needed this. They smiled a little, hearing Em's grumble to the side.
"You okay?" Muzaka asked, peering at them.
They exhaled. "Things could be better." It would have been nice to have more time to prepare. The dropship was almost finished - it was just the fuel that they needed, and they wouldn't be able to... Hm.
"Heh, yeah..."
They looked over at the northern entrance open, Tao dashing in. He grinned at Frankenstein, waving. "Yo, Boss!"
Frankenstein blinked. "Boss?"
"Yeah, Boss," Tao repeated, nodding. "Who's the one who called this meetin'?"
...Yes, they had, that was true.
"An' no matter what happens, we're outta the Union, aren't we?" Tao said, as he fiddled with his pad, keeping an eye on the cameras.
"It's possible you may still be safe," Frankenstein said as they made a loose circle to talk.
"Why?" Kentas asked.
"The person who talked to us on the projector," Frankenstein said, "that is doctor Aris."
Em's attention snapped to them, his mouth agape. "What?"
Ah, so Em didn't know what she looked like. He'd never met her before?
"Someone important?" Kentas asked.
"She's one of the lead scientists behind imposters, after her work on weaponising 'suits wasn't as well received," Frankenstein said.
"So you think she's comin' for you two?" Muzaka said, looking between Frankenstein and Em, frowning.
"It would appear that way. I see no other reason why she would be involved with a 'routine check-up'," Frankenstein said. "Now then, what can we do?"
"Not much we can do," Em muttered under his breath. He growled low in his throat when Muzaka reached over and ruffled his hair.
"With them arriving, that means we'll have two ships available, right?" Muzaka said.
"But only one has enough fuel to break atmosphere," Tao pointed out.
"An' that one'll have more people in it protecting it," Muzaka countered. "We get enough fuel from theirs, and they won't be able to follow us. We know our dropship and where everything is."
So that meant... "You're proposing to steal how much fuel and carry it to the dropship?" Frankenstein knew leaving a planet was where most fuel was used, but not the volume needed for it.
"Depends on what fuel they're usin'," Muzaka said, scratching the back of his head. "The newer ships have a more efficient, lighter kind."
"Aaand if this is a head honcho, this'll be the best, right?" Tao said, a grin widening across his face.
Muzaka grinned back at him. "Right."
"And we can just...walk in and take it like that?" Frankenstein said, frowning. It would still be difficult if there were crew walking around inside.
Muzaka shook his head. "Nah, the fuel ducts can be accessed from the outside - it'd be a pain to go through the entire ship to refuel when you have easier access outside."
"I'm surprised it's that easy," Frankenstein said. "I suppose the Union's reputation means people are less willing to even attempt to steal their fuel," they mused. Still. Desperate people who wanted to leave a planet would be willing to try anything, surely.
"That's 'cause the fuel ducts are..." Muzaka trailed off, grimacing.
[Usually on top of the ship,] Takeo continued from Tao's helmet.
And a ship that size would be difficult to climb.
"I can help with that," Kentas said.
Frankenstein raised an eyebrow. "I've no doubt you two would be able to do it - but I also don't doubt that it'll be rather easy to spot two people climbing up the side of the ship."
"If their internal system's anythin' like their dropship, I'll be able to knock out their external cameras," Tao said, raising a hand.
"That won't stop people's eyes from seeing them if they're outside," Frankenstein pointed out. Muzaka's white 'suit might blend in with the metal, but Kentas' brown 'suit wouldn't.
"So we'll need a distraction," Tao said, nodding. "A big one."
A distraction? What could they possibly do that would draw the attention of everyone, but wasn't so big that everyone in their group would also be called? Calling a meeting was an option, but those didn't last too long, and their absence would be noted. Then something else that could...
That was an option.
They glanced at Em, who caught his look and instantly looked elsewhere.
Yes, Em wasn't going to volunteer that information by himself. "Em?" Frankenstein said, seeing Em stiffen. "Do you think you can do it? You won't have to be near the ship or anyone else." It would be one of the safest jobs to do by the looks of it.
Em didn't say anything for a few seconds, crossing his arms and still not looking at them. "Will it do anything though?"
"It?" Tao repeated, looking between Frankenstein and Em.
Frankenstein nodded, turning their attention back to Tao. "Em knows how to remotely disrupt the seismic stabilisers, which should help to keep people busy for a while."
Em squirmed when the others' attention went to him.
"Yeah, will it be enough?" Kentas said.
"What do you mean?"
Kentas furrowed his brow. "We were told to keep to our tasks, and they won't know how to deal with that."
"And they might not want to," Tao added, "since they're focused on finding you and Em."
Hmm. Yes, that was true. It would keep the crewmates busy for a while, but not the newcomers.
Well then. Frankenstein exhaled, their heartbeat picking up as they made their decision. "All right, I'll do it," they said, nodding.
"Do what?"
Frankenstein squared their shoulders. "They're looking for imposters, yes? Then I'll make sure to try and keep them away from the ships." They would just need to figure out how to draw enough attention without a meeting being called... Transform in front of the newcomers, while making sure none of the base's crewmates were in sight?
"You can't-" Em spluttered. "You don't know what they can do!"
Frankenstein smiled. "I'm a fast learner. And-" They exhaled, their heart refusing to settle. "Yes. If I'm your leader, that means I'm supposed to look out for you, am I not?"
"Dunno about that, Boss," Tao said. "The Union leaders usually direct from the back."
"And that's exactly what we're trying to get away from," Frankenstein pointed out.
"You're not doing it alone," Muzaka said, frowning.
Frankenstein shook their head. "They're not looking for you. And it would be rather pointless if you're making a distraction from the job you're meant to be doing."
Muzaka opened his mouth, but no words came out.
"I'll be fine." Maybe. Hopefully. They would have to see.
Tao hummed, tapping his pad as he looked down at it. "If you're bait, that means we can have a better idea where the people chasin' ya will be if you give us a heads up."
"Yes...?" Wasn't that the point of being bait?
"We can take 'em out for you," Tao said, making Frankenstein blink in surprise. "They'll be focused on you, and if we hide the bodies, no meetin'll be called."
Frankenstein couldn't help the soft laugh that slipped out.
"You don't think we can?" Tao said.
"You think you can kill the people that are meant to kill us?" M-21 said, scowling.
"Exactly!" Tao said, not looking at all put out by their reactions. "They're specialised and know how to deal with you, not crewmates."
Tao did have a point. Frankenstein shook their head. "Ah, that wasn't what I was laughing at. I just realised that it seems our...roles have reversed: imposters on the run, while crewmates kill from the shadows."
Tao grinned. "So you agree then."
"It's worth a shot," Frankenstein said, nodding. It was better than nothing. "Though, would that mean it's just you and Takeo?" If Kentas and Muzaka were busy.
"Heh, if they've got guns, and Takeo can borrow one, that'll already be a couple down. Takeo isn't good at just shooting asteroids.
"We can try to take as many as we can out before Kentas and Muzaka get started," Tao continued, "so we'll have a better idea about their numbers, and it'll mean less people who need distracted and you know, tryna kill you."
"Yes, I would rather prefer that," Frankenstein said dryly. "So that's it?" they said, looking around. "Em and I are bait to draw attention, while Kentas and Muzaka steal the fuel..."
"I'll keep an eye on everyone and keep ya all updated," Tao said, "and Takeo can keep the engine warm for us."
[It will need to be once Kentas and Muzaka have the fuel,] Takeo said. [It'll be obvious what our plan is once I start her up.]
"We're gonna need a name for her..." Tao said, rubbing his chin.
"We can do that once we're out of here," Frankenstein said. They needed to make sure they were as safe as they could be first. "So that's it?"
"Yep." Tao nodded. "Keep the plan simple, and we'll adjust for any surprises."
"Hopefully there won't be any," Frankenstein muttered. They'd had too many already.
"Right," Muzaka said. "In the meantime, we'll move the rest of what we need into the dropship."
They others dispersed after that, leaving through different entrances. Em's lips were pursed the last time Frankenstein saw him, but it seemed he was willing to try.
"You sure about this?" Muzaka asked as he pulled Frankenstein into a hug.
They breathed a soft laugh, sliding their arms around Muzaka's waist. "Not really, no. But it's the best plan we can make in short notice, and we're as best suited to our roles as we can be. Since we hopefully won't be needing my medical expertise, that means we'll just have to make use of me being a rather exceptional target."
"Hey," Muzaka said, tightening his hug as he kissed Frankenstein. "Be safe, all right?"
Frankenstein nodded, just filling their senses with Muzaka, just in case... No. They wouldn't think like that. If they did, then they had already lost. "I'll try my best. You stay safe as well."
"I'll do my best."
Frankenstein looked around the specimen room, and then sighed, heading back to the medbay. They had already packed away the medications they thought they would most need but samples, as much time as they'd spent with them over the last couple months, were not important. It could be useful to keep their mind occupied during quiet periods, but Frankenstein had a feeling that if they succeeded, they would all be kept busy while they kept the dropship running anyway.
They wouldn't know though until they were free.
And if boredom was what they were worried about, they could talk to the others.
Speaking of...
They had finished packing everything away into the dropship, seeing other crewmates rushing around the base as they tried to collect whatever last minute things they needed.
Frankenstein needed to do something to stop the possibilities running through their mind, so they headed to Security.
It didn't take too long, and Tao greeted them as they entered.
"Hey, Boss, how you doing?" Tao asked, waving a hand, still focused on the monitors.
The title still sounded strange to their ears, but hopefully in time they could get used to it. If they survived this. "Nervous," Frankenstein admitted, scanning through the security feeds. None of them were pointed at the sky - they did see Em to the south plain again. He was sitting, which was good, so he wasn't wasting any energy beforehand. Kentas and Muzaka were in O2 building what seemed to be climbing gear. There were a number of other crewmates loitering outside, and Frankenstein assumed they were watching for the ship.
"Heh, I'd be weirded out if you weren't."
It was normal to be nervous in the face of uncertainty and potential death; it still wasn't a nice feeling. They exhaled, digging into a pocket. "If something does happen to me, all of your data is saved here." They held out the small memory stick. In the best case scenario, it wouldn't be needed; in the worst, well... Tao was the person most likely to be able to understand and use their notes.
Tao took it from them, nodding as he slid it into a pocket. "You wanna stay here and watch the landing? Takeo's gonna be slammed by everyone else, and it'll be way easier to discuss any changes here than over comms."
Frankenstein nodded. "And it'll also help to distract us in the mean time."
Tao laughed. "That too."
Frankenstein's nerves were already stretched thin as they watched the ship's shadow grow larger on the screen. The ship was landing to the south, which had a larger flat area than anywhere else - Em had already disappeared before the ship's shadow first appeared.
The ship was large - Frankenstein could feel it coming. It had to be from the power of its engines weighing down on the base.
"Boss?" Tao said, looking at them.
"Yes?"
"You got a headache or something? You've been rubbing at your neck for a while now."
Frankenstein stared at him, realising they were in fact rubbing the base of their head. Right where they sensed imposters. No...
"Boss?"
The ship landed, the bay doors opening as soon it stopped moving. There was already a group walking out.
"Don't think I've seen a 'suit that bright a pink before, huh," Tao muttered.
That had to be the lighter suit at the front. There were a couple more people in the initial group, and Frankenstein scanned through them, even though they knew they wouldn't be able to pick anyone out. That was the point.
"They brought an imposter with them...?" Frankenstein murmured. Why? Imposters were made to infiltrate opposing ships, not stay on Union ones. Especially not ones that were checking on imposters.
"You can sense-?" Tao sucked in a breath. "Ooooh."
That sounded like Tao knew what was going on. "What is it?"
Tao zoomed in on the 'suits, flicking from one to another before settling on the dark 'suit next to the pink 'suit. There was a small insignia on the chest - it looked a little small to be a personally chosen customisation, and it looked like it was stitched into the suit. A circle bisected by a cross that was at an angle.
"Ooooh no," Tao said, his voice hushed.
"Tao?" What were they missing?
Tao gaped at him. "You don't know?"
"Apparently not. What's so important about that?" Frankenstein asked as the group headed out of the ship.
"Okay, so," Tao said, zooming out so the whole group was in view again, "you're the mimic-series of imposters, right? Modified and socialised to appear as human as possible; slip in through people's defences and talk your way into their trust before killing them?" The words tumbled out fast, and before Frankenstein could process them, Tao continued on. "Em, on the other hand, is the ambush-series, modified to sneak around and kill as covertly as possible."
"How...do you know this?" Frankenstein said faintly. They had never heard their particular designation before.
"The Union's easy to hack once you know how, especially when you're already connected inside, heh," Tao said. "Anyway, that's the two main groups. But there's a third." Tao nodded towards the screen. "The noblesse-series, modified specifically to hunt down the imposters who aren't acting imposter enough for the Union's liking."
Frankenstein stared at the screen, swallowing.
Of course.
The area at the back of their neck throbbed.
It would take an imposter to hunt down an imposter.