>>6176375Over years you've described Sumika to many men and women who come from abroad after several drinks, when your language becomes far more colorful and evocative and can paint a better picture than the most accurate description. Some of the more superstitious people from the orient you've made temporary acquaintance told you about some of their ghost stories and accounts of aberrations that have, regrettably, left an impression on you. One such story is the Taka-Onna, a wild misinterpretation of a perverted woman into a twenty foot tall spirit that peeps on lovers and working whores from impossible angles.
You don't believe in ghost stories. Nothing beyond what's naturally explicable. Stories and rumors are often to further ostracize the outcast, warp them into monsters. You would know, <span class="mu-i">Mister Adder.</span>
But it's very apt for that title, how Sumika pries from unexpected windows.
"What are you doing down here? Did you not hear the order? No missions," she tells you, brushing off the droplets you slung toward her.
"I am not on a mission. These squatters stole from me." Your vision gets blurry, which goes away with a shake of the head. She is equipped. "You have that gear, yet there are <span class="mu-i">no missions</span>?"
"Above your paygrade," Sumika answers quickly. She steps up to you, looking down from the shadow of her armored hat, and observes you for a moment. Rising to your feet with plans on leaving via the nearest access point, she speaks again. "Is this the kind of impression you want to leave on your juniors?"
This tired old topic. "It's never been about that. I don't owe them anything. Beyond what I am obligated to do."
The paces around you. Her spine coils, like a snake. "But you do. People are the product of their environment, after all. Would you like your protege to follow your every step? You want Fiona to be just like you?"
She's bringing her up. "If anything, situations like these are a good argument to not emulate me. To outgrow my shadow and move on. To just be a stepping stone to better things. It's better the L1s don't linger with me. I'm here for a paycheck, and to <span class="mu-i">'keep Helsinki prosperous'</span> from the <span class="mu-i">'leeches.'</span> I'm not here for your approval."
From far above you, Sumika casts a glare. Condescending? No. There's a tinge of remorse. "If what you want is for people to move on, I will too. Get topside, but don't follow me."
You eagerly take this chance to find a way back to the surface.
