Mandalas
Suspicions
“Not lifted. Must have slept.”
Ayu rubbed her bracelet back and turned to Frian. They were at the eastern gate which was dominated by rocks. This gate is guarded by Ayu and a unit of Mn. Andry. Frian approaches Ayu to retrieve her equipment that was left to Bon's car, which Ayu was wearing. But the truth is not so.
“I didn't expect you guys to be able to swap vehicles unknowingly,” said Frian flatly. Although expressionless, Ayu knew Frian was upset. His face always looked cold and creepy, like ice cubes.
“Ya, maybe because I often recharge the Bon car battery,” said Ayu again.
“But, I put my gear and my clothes in there,” Frian said
“Wear my shirt first,” says Ayu offers.
“I don't want to wear a skirt when I go home,” Frian said.
Ayu folded her hands in wonder. “You are also a woman. Time never wear skirt.”
“Ear, and I don't want any more,” Frian replied with a cooler.
“Ya I already found in Geduna.” Ayu swiped her t95 bracelet to call Bon's car to pick her up.
Frian grasped Ayu's arm quickly. Ayu. Frian again said, “No need. I'm just pissed off.”
“Basic,” umpat Ayu while narrowing both eyes. He saw Frian smiling little. It was a rare opportunity to see that super-cold-and-creepy friend smiling in front of him.
They were silent for a moment. Ayu also said nothing more. Something came back to disturb his mind. Frian noticed that.
“Ayu,” says Frian calling.
It took a few seconds for Ayu to realize Frian was talking to him. “Ya. why?”
“Something's bothering you,” said Frian again. His gaze was still stiff but no longer cold. A look that makes others feel like they have to answer what they have to say.
Ayu was a little surprised. He brushed his hair. “Well, I'm just tired. I haven't touched the mattress in 2 days.”
Frian nodded in understanding. “Yes, this care system makes us exhausted.”
“Well, you too. Did I ask Maha to convey it to Mn. Sito ya?” ask Ayu.
“Iya. Good idea,” replied Frian. Silence returned between them. But Frian felt there was still an awkwardness to Ayu.
“But beyond that, are you okay?” ask Frian again.
Ayu was not as surprised as before. He replied, “Iya. I'm okay.”
“Till your sister's mind again?”
“Slight.” Ayu straightened her head and smiled. “But that's no problem. I can't be late for too long.”
Ayu walked away from Frian. Frian finds out her friend is lying because Ayu is clearly not okay. However, before Frian caught up with Ayu, the crescent moon emblem on their vests both shimmered. Maha invokes.
Ayu turned her head towards Frian and pressed their emblem together. The Maha Hologram appeared in front of the two of them. “I need one person and one unit to walk through the forest this afternoon. Mn. Sito
got direct order from Neena.”
“I can go,” said Frian.
“No, I'm just. Frian does not need to be dirty so do not have to change clothes later tonight,” said Ayu quickly.
“You made it up,” said Frian in the same flat tone.
“I'm alone, I'm tired of keeping watch here,” pinta Ayu to her two friends.
“Truly very valid reason,” says Frian.
“You ‘kan more boreproof than me. I'm coming, Unit Mn. Anja I'll call,” said Ayu. He laughed a little at his two friends. “OK. Call them, Yu.”
Frian realized there was no other member's voice other than the three of them. “Where's Joke?”
“He still takes care of Leno in Geduna. He told me earlier,” Maha replied. “Later he will accompany you in half an hour.”
Frian and Ayu nodded. Frian asked, “Maha, what is directing Neena's suspicions to the forest?”
“LTK analyzes the possibility of where they came from and also, Kay says they saw some of Lentipede jumping from the forest. Neena just wants to make sure.”
“You brought complete equipment, right?” ask Ayu.
“Yes, you better too, Yu.”
“Good. Bring the cool mace, Maha,” said Ayu while smiling ignorantly.
“I will stay cool with or without carrying any mace,” says Maha, pretending to be serious. “But, thank you for the reminder.”
Maha's hologram disappeared from both of their vests. Ayu and Frian both frowned. “I forgot why he could be the leader of our unit,” said Ayu meledek.
“Me too,” reply Frian with flat.
***
Trikad's left forest is a border area that has not been protected by Trikad's sky dome. Although still a Trikad area legally, Trikad exempts if there are one or two other residents who want to live there. Some people have been there, but not for a long time. In addition to being filled with animals and plants that have evolved to contain toxins, crossing the towering Trikad walls makes them better off staying at hotels within the city center that often give homeless people free rooms.
This forest is located outside the main gate.on the left side of Trikad beach, which is also no longer protected dome
UV light filter. Trikad Beach has many large corals. The city of Durjad managed to help Trikad by juggling half the reef into a dock, helicopter runway, and mini airport that is now quiet because 4 days are not operational. Not far from the pier is an old lighthouse that is no longer operational. A rusted iron door stands just below the lighthouse. Not everyone knew it was a lab long before LTK was built.
From the front of the main gate, exit the tram line which turns into another Trikad forest to the right of the gate. The tram line connects the main gate with the basic educational complex of FIGHTR which is slightly visible in the distance. The small forest on the right side is still protected by Trikad sky dome which also covers the entire area of FIGHTR.
Maha and one unit Mn. The hero was waiting in front of the main gate. All wearing the same white vest and denim pants. Some Mandalas were seen carrying machetes, large machetes, rifles, and
arrow bow. Maha herself carried her big mace on her back.
Ayu and one other unit came out from the main gate and gathered together with Maha.
“Halo, chairman,” saya Ayu.
“Hai,” Maha said with a smile. One man with short black hair and big body, but not as big as Maha, greeted Maha with respect.
“Chairman,” said as he bowed his head.
Doth bow too. “Moonasera Andri.”
Andri, although of the same age as Maha, appears older and stiffer. Make the entire unit so formal when meeting with him.
He looked at the two units and their leaders one by one. Everyone stopped talking when they realized they were being watched by Maha. “Oke, everyone has gathered. I'll start it.”
The whole group forms a circle next to Maha. Then Maha started. “Based on Mn report. Kay, a part of Lentipede was seen emerging from the forest before leaving to attack FIGHTR.
Neena asked us to do a thorough check in the forest. Look for evidence of infection, suspicious hosts like animal carcasses and stuff in here. I will give time for 2 hours before we return to this point, or the next point if there is a change.”
“Tetap turn on communication. Nothing can be cut off. What all carry their respective equipment?” The whole head nodded seriously. Some replied “Ya.”
“I hope we stay careful. Giant lentipede with a large amount for 2 days
consecutive is definitely not a normal thing that happened all this time. Chances could get better or worse than this.” He looked at them one by one before continuing.
“If indeed you find anything new suspicious, directly report.”
“Can so we all meet that giant Lentipede again in there, because it remains vigilant.” Very small nodding. “What is the question?”
Some people were staring and a little noisy. But, no one asked their chairman. Seeing this situation, Maha continued. “Mn. Sito will be in a few minutes. He still takes care of something in Menara.”
“Okay then, the division is like this.”
Maha rubbed her bracelet. Projections of the entire faces of their members and leaders emerged from the Maha t95 bracelet. It groups them into 3 sections, 2 for left forest and 1 for right forest. All spread out according to their place.
“I guess, I will be split into another group,” Ayu said. He and Maha led part of the Mn unit. The hero in the northern part of the forest left. Here, large trees dominate the forest. Some are older than Trikad. Their roots protruded out and blocked the path of the Mandalas nearly 1 meter high. Here, the daylight did not sting their skin too much. Summer temperatures are cooler in between
large plants and fungi surround them.
“Andri looks more convincing.” Maha accelerated his pace so that Ayu was left a few steps behind.
“You suck,” said Ayu grumbled.
“Indeed,” replied Maha with a ignorant tone.
They walked through every step that was formed from large branches and old tree roots. A few forest rabbits flashed before them. The sound of birds chirping accompanied the exploration of those who went deeper into the forest.
Allowing his steps again. He is now back on par with Ayu. “There are a few things I want to ask.”
Ayu. “About what?”
“What Bon ever tell you?” ask the Supreme again.
“About what first?”
“About this attack.”
Ayu stopped her steps. His face looked a little tense. “What do you know?”
“Well, it's kind of weird, isn't it. What do you think..” Maha realized Ayu stopped her steps. He looked back. A little tension on his face was seen by Maha. “What should I know?”
Ayu made a forced smile. He seemed to be trying to relieve the tension on him. “I only asked.”
“No. I just feel weird. Suddenly Lentipede turned into a giant. Is that not a coincidence?” selidik Maha's.
“Iya, it's a surprise.” Ayu again stepped up after Maha. “But nature has long toyed with us. So the emergence of new things can happen at any time,” Ayu replied, returning to her usual tone of voice.
“Hmm.. right too,” says Maha.
They blocked another high step that was the root of a huge one meter tall tree. Maha and Ayu jump together, followed by the other unit members behind them. Nothing suspicious yet.
“Bon hasn't said anything yet. What did he tell you?” ask Ayu.
Not directly answer. He weighed for a moment.
“After I thought about it, there wasn't too much he said. Bon suspects why me and Joke survived 2 days ago. They're huge.”
“Ooh,” Ayu said. Maha caught a hint of relief emerging from her face. “Iya, he said so. He's amazed at you guys. Looks like your fans aren't just college students now.”
Maha laughs. “Blowjob is still a child. I'm not flattered if that's your intention to say just now.”
Ayu laughed, then said. “Bon didn't say anything to me. Maybe because we're too busy.”
Maha nodded in agreement. They returned to the forest. Check in any root basins, large holes inside dead tree trunks, and potential places as carcasses.
Bracelet t95 Maha vibrating. Mn. Sito sent a message. He had read the division of the team sent Maha and followed Mn. Andri who traced the forest right.
“How's Mia?” ask Ayu again.
“Still the same. There are no signs of improvement,” replied Maha without turning his head. More roots of the big tree in front of them. “But at least stable. And I hope it continues so.”
They jump back over the roots of a large tree. “It will soon improve,” said Ayu.
Suddenly it stopped. He looked at Ayu. “Why did you say that?”
Ayu shrugged her shoulders, a little astonished. “I just pray. A hope.”
“But, if you look at other cases, the possibility of a cure is very small. I'm so grateful Mia still has spontaneous breath now, even though she still needs ventilator help.”
“Hmm. You're a lucky man. Mia also.” Ayu approached Maha. Now they stand in line.
The expression of Maha softened. He laughed a little. “Lentipede attack in fact has become a fortune.”
“I didn't mean it!” said Ayu slightly shouting.
Maha laughs. “I'm kidding.”
“Not funny,” says Ayu Ketus.
“You are funny.” Maha still laughs at the face of her friend who is so cute when angry.
“I'll complain.”
“At whom? Bon? She's still sleeping now.”
“You know very well with Bon,” said Ayu while glancing at Maha..
Ayu now looks awkward. It
reply, “I won't complain to Bon. I'll say my dad.”
They both went back to being quiet. Then Maha remembered Kay's words last night. “Is your father okay?”
Ayu was surprised for a moment after hearing it but he regained control. “Good... Why are you asking
so?”
“Kay says Prof. Jery couldn't attend the meeting with Neena yesterday due to illness.”
Ayu nodded small. “Yeah, just overwhelmed.”
“May be okay,” says Maha gently.
“Thank you.”
They continued walking to the north side of the forest. The day had turned into an afternoon, the sunlight began to form long shadows with trees and large branches lying on the ground. The end of the east side is a large waterfall containing several waterfalls are quite swift. Sayup-sayup group they can already hear the sound of water in the distance.They have not found anything.
“I hope Sito loosens security now. We've been on full guard for 4 days,” Ayu said. All-knowing members of their unit lack rest. He could recognize the circle under Ayu's slightly darker eyes. Perhaps his own eye bags were much darker as well.
“But, we never know when the animal returns,” Maha said.
“It's been 2 empty days without their attack either day or night,” Ayu said. “I don't think we need to be like this.”
“This is for the safety of citizens,” replied Maha.
“Yeah, it could be. But, we will be overwhelmed first because it is too paranoid,” said Ayu again.
Think about that statement. Spending a lot of energy at the beginning like a sprint runner, when they should stay fit like a marathon runner. “Yes, you're right. Maybe we can loosen the guard. One or 2 units only plus one from us.”
“Hmm yes it's better.” Ayu nodded in agreement. “Me and Frian haven't slept in the last 36 hours. We can't keep watch like this.”
“I'll talk to Mn. Sito.”
Ayu smiled. “Ya, thank you.” He stretched both his hands up. “I'm so sleepy to know.”
Maha flicked Ayu's forehead. “In the meantime, Little sister.”
Ayu does not seem happy to be called and treated as a little sister. He looked upon Maha with cynicism. “I wonder if you ever called Frian by the appellation ‘little sister’.”
“Hmmm. He will obviously bury me alive if I dare,” Maha said.
“Why do you think I cannot do that?” ask Ayu in annoyance.
“Because I know you.” Maha rubbed Ayu's hair gently. It reminds me of Mia.
Maha stepped away from Ayu. He quickened his pace to reach places they had not yet reached that day. But then again, they still found nothing.
***
Joke rode her electric motorcycle to the west gate. The motorcycle had no wheels, underneath which was a flat plate floating above the Trikad electromagnetic road. The motorcycle has a handlebar in the form of two curved tubes on the right and left to place ‘gas’, although no gas is used on the machine. In the center there is a touch screen to tell directions, giving the rest of the information
battery, and monitor speed. Like vehicles that are roaming in Trikad in general, all can be connected to other communication devices. The Joke motorcycle is slimmer than an electric car, there is only a narrow and long seat that can fit two people at most.
Joke just finished seeing Leno's father in Geduna. There was a lot of information that he got, making him want to discuss immediately.
But Maha was exploring the forest and Bon must be resting.
“Hai, old man,” greet Frian with her same flat tone.
Joke got off her bike which had to park itself at the foot of the west gate. “Badness. Our age is only different 2 months,” exciting Joke.
“But you look 20 years older,” said Frian. “Why so long in geduna?”
“I just checked Lenolea, her friend Mia,”. He fixed his surban.
“You are still in charge?”
“Iya. I decided so.”
“You deliberately avoided us or how?” ask Frian again. He looked at Joke coldly.
“What? Sure didn't. You why baperan like this,” said Joke with surprise.
“I just guessed. I guess something else happened.”
Although Joke seemed calm from the outside, she felt indecisive in her heart. He has discussed with Maha about the possibility of this case is a mere setting. He also revealed what
what he got from Leno's condition to Bon this afternoon. There was actually nothing he needed to hide from Frian. It was just that he had no will to explain to her yet. Frian must have asked critically to the root. Drifting in his own mind makes Joke silence Frian for a few minutes. Frian hasn't given up, she asks back, “Or did something else happen?”
Joke shook her head quickly. “No. Only we know.”
Frian looked at Joke more deeply. Joke was the quietest person he had ever met. But being friends with Joke for 7 years certainly makes Frian know something is happening.
Why do two of his friends look weird today?
***
Sito approached the Maha group in the middle of the eastern side of the left forest. Everyone has walked back in the direction of coming. Sito put on his boots to make it faster. He landed in front of Maha
and Kay.
“Moonasera.” All the members bowed their heads, respecting Sito. Sito returned their respect and smiled. From afar it could already be seen how tired their teacher's face was
these.
“How are you guys? Sorry I just got to see you guys now,” Sito said. They continued on towards the main gate together.
“Busy once in the Tower, yes?” ask Maha.
Sito nodded in agreement. “Neena just attended an emergency meeting. Me and Commander Ri were asked to remain there.”
“How are you from another Freo?”
“Somewhere there is checkcok.” Sito paused for a moment, He looked into the eyes of his two disciples. “With Mikrad.”
“Oh, yes? Is this related to Hydroform case again?” ask Ayu.
“Yes, they still suspect we developed Hydroform to supply our own food.”
“This is getting more complicated,” said Maha. His jaw is hardening, a sign he's serious.
“Then, what's the response from Mikrad?” ask Ayu.
“They keep providing food supply until this giant Lentipede thing is done. After that it will probably be carried out a retraction from the High Council of the island.”
The other members walked not far behind them. No one responded, but I was sure everyone was listening.
“But, before that, we have to finish this first. We don't yet know the origin of the Lentipede.how they got here, and analyze the attack patterns if any. LTK also just issued an analysis of the possibility of where they came from, which is one of these forests. But there has been no other statement.
“We can only continue to be vigilant.”
“But in our opinion, spending power at the beginning may not be very effective. Some units stand guard for too long. I'm afraid we'll be overwhelmed when it's really needed,” Maha said. He glanced at Ayu who was half-smiling, a sign of agreement.
“Hmm.. it could be. Maybe we just need to keep watch at night,” replied Sito.
“Or plus one unit during the day but it doesn't need too much,” said Ayu suggested.
“I agree.”
The coastline was before their eyes. Maha hints at Ayu and her group members to precede her and Sito. When they were just the two of them, Maha opened her voice. “Moonasera, there's something I want to ask.”
“About what?” ask Sito.
Maha gave a pause before asking, “Is it possible that this is all just a trap? What if someone accidentally spreads Lentipede to Trikad to threaten the city?”
Sito stopped his steps. He looked at his students closely. When that happened, Maha felt like she had returned to the anatomical exam 9 years ago. After paying attention to Maha for a while, Sito smiled, “Ah, you are too far-fetched.”
Sito continued, “Nobody has ever controlled the animal.they are only part of evolution, like the animals and plants we saw in the forest earlier.”
“But we don't know where they're from now. We cannot predict when the animal will return. Is it possible Trikad will always be in a standby position like this?” ask Maha back.
“We don't know yet, doesn't mean we won't know. It's just not yet.” Sito walked back
passing Maha. Then he turned his head, “We can only protect citizens in this way.”
Maha walked slowly closer to Sito. “What might LTK be able to help?”
“LTK has been helping since the beginning. Those who gave the news were likely Lentipede from the coast and the forest on his left right. We both fight here.”
“Yes, I mean LTK can definitely do more, right? They have succeeded in making Lentipede, I hear,” Maha said trying to stay calm.
This time Maha could see the surprised expression from Sito's face. Sito immediately asked, “Where are you
heard it?”
“From a friend. Only ordinary interns at LTK.”
Doubt was on Sito's face. He stared straight at Maha for a few moments. Then he looked down while smiling. Sito said, “Your intern does not understand what he is talking about. If LTK could have made such a creature, we would have known.” Sito patted Maha's hard shoulder. “You better rest, Maha. I'll rearrange the guard schedule by the entire unit tonight.”
Then Sito breezed off to the coast leaving Maha.
***
Two hours since the search within the forest had already passed. The three groups found nothing in the forest. Maha gathers the two units back in front of the main gate.
“All units on duty please rest. The schedule of the guard will be notified after this. Thank you.”
Mn. Andri and Mn. The hero saluted, asking for permission to leave the place. Allah agreed, then Ayu came to him.
“OK, I'll go home, Chairman,” said Ayu.
“Ya, go. I want to meet my friends first before going back to sleep,” said Maha half-literate.
“You teased me, huh?” ask Ayu with a huff.
“Joking, I want to see Mia with Joke,” said Maha.
Ayu smiled again, “Oke. Say hello to Joke.”
Always pay attention to one Mandala in charge of entering the main gate. When he was alone outside the gate, Maha immediately called out to Joke. A few seconds later, Joke was on
answered. “Where are you?” ask Maha.
“North Gate. Are you done?”
“Are you alone?”
Joke looked around. “Frian is driving around. Other unit members are a bit far away from me.”
“Joke, listen to me. Don't tell anyone about anything you know about Leno,” said Maha quickly.
Although quite surprised by the words of Maha, He replied, “I.. told Bon this afternoon.”.
He closed his eyes for a moment, he cursed in his heart. “What did he say?”
“He helped me.”
Just a long breath. I hope things don't get worse. “Oke, keep it so.”
“What's up, Maha?” ask Joke in confusion.
“I don't think we can trust just anyone. Whatever you know please don't tell anyone but me.”
Joke is getting confused. “Why?”
“Do you believe me?”
“Of course. But why?”
“I don't know who else to trust. One of us, maybe keeping a secret."
