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The woman sighed.
“...Fine. Miss Newman, your... brother asked us to be particularly understanding and is currently holding our Systems hostage. I need to say, we are not fond of his attitude.”
“He can keep doing that,” said Eden. “We need someone who watches both sides. He might be partial to me, but he won’t suffocate the Core. He was programmed to save humankind, after all. He isn’t your enemy. …I’ll talk to him later.”
“I’ll look forward to that,” Pan’s voice suddenly echoed in the room. “I’m glad you’re alright.”
“Thanks. Speak to you later.”
“Then we’ll leave you to discuss our new offer,” said A., standing up. “We will resume this tomorrow.”
The communication was cut off.
“...I don’t trust them,” grunted Thao.
“Neither do they, but as long as Pan’s on our side, they probably don’t have much of a choice,” sighed Lecky.
“...Glad to see you, Ghost,” said Michael with a gentle smile. “We were hoping you’d join those negotiations.”
“Why?”
“Technically, we consider you part of the Zodiac as well,” said A.
Rolf walked up to her, quietly nodding, and, to her surprise, he placed himself on her right, joining his hands together like a bodyguard.
“De Luca didn’t have an official successor, in case of his death,” calmly explained A. “So, technically, as his wife, you are the new Tiger. Although, your position is a bit more special, thanks to your connection to Pan. Either way, we would like you to remain with the Zodiac, regardless of the official title you pick. We plan to shift to a more... official and less conflicting organization.”
“Gotta work on that crime rate,” scoffed Thao.
“...I understand,” said Eden. “But... I’ll only do it for six months until we settle things around here with the Core. That’s it. After that, I just want to be left in peace.”
“I guess we could... arrange for you to take a step back,” nodded Lecky. “A consultant role to the Zodiac should suffice after the negotiations and repairs are settled. You deserve a break indeed. Can I ask why six months though?”
“She’s got a baby Tiger on the way,” chuckled Circé.
“Oh!”
One by one, all of the Zodiac and Edge gave her some congratulations, but Eden could only receive them with a half-bitter smile. First, because it didn’t feel real to her, and second, because she was still too upset about the death of her baby’s father. After that, most of the Zodiac left. Nebty chatted with Eden for a short bit, but as the leader of the Edge, she was still busy coordinating with her hackers to dig up all of the crap they could find on the Governor to have the Core’s leaders take responsibility for it.
The two women chatted until they left the building, which was apparently only requisitioned for this. Then, Rolf, Jack, and Circé decided to take her back to the hospital together.
“...Rolf, can I ask you a favor?” she asked on their way back
“Anything,” he answered without hesitation.
“...I want to hold some sort of ceremony for Dante.”
“They are planning to do a mass one, for everyone who died...”
“No, I want to hold a small one, a private one. Just for him.”
“...I understand. I’ll make the preparations.”
“Are you sure it’s alright? For me to... become the Tiger? Shouldn’t it be you?”
“I can act as your proxy all you want, but you’re his next of kin. Moreover, the Zodiac respects you more. Truthfully, I was never ready to take over, madam. I’m happy to assist you.”
“...I see.”
