The Same Old Story

[Mephiles]

"THAT IS NOT POSSIBLE" came a voice that echoed throughout the gun training course. The voice belonged to William Hudson, the field technician of the Metru Company. Hudson was expressing dismay at the prospect of his record being broke by the Metru Company's newest recruit, the Neo Arcadian AI Retrace Sheppard, AKA: Grey. Standing behind a two panes of bulletproof glass was Grey's digimon partners Lucemon and Kotemon. They had watched the whole situation unfold from the very beginning when Grey had stated that being an AI she might be able to beat the record. The two digimon had even taken bets on whether or not Hudson's record would stand. Lucemon had bet that Grey would be able to beat the record, Kotemon wasn't as certain. As Hudson raged at Grey, demanding a rematch, stating that she had cheated, Lucemon turned towards Kotemon and said:

"Pay up, I won the bet"
Kotemon wasn't pleased with this development, he was certain that he was going to win the bet. He pulled 25 digi-dollars from his pocket and placed it in Lucemon's hand. "Next time I won't lose" he said.
Lucemon chuckled at the statement as he counted the digi-dollars to ensure that Kotemon had given him the correct amount. "Yeah sure. Next time place your bets better"
"What is going on?" asked another voice from behind them. Lucemon and Kotemon turned around to see Vincent Hicks the second in command of the Metru Company and his partner Dobermon.
"Grey challenged Hudson's record on the gun course and actually beat it. Now Hudson is raging at his record being broken, he is demanding a rematch claiming that she cheated" replied Lucemon.
"Hudson stuck his foot in his mouth again" said Hicks laughing "Don't read to much in to his comments right now, he will calm down in a few hours. Say are you two willing to help me with a little project?"

Lucemon and Kotemon looked at each other then out of the window, Hudson was currently chasing Grey down the hallway, demanding that she give him the rematch. Grey was refusing stating that she had won fair and square.

"This is project, it will take several hours right?" asked Lucemon.
"Indeed" replied Hicks "We are replacing the satellite on the roof, once replaced the new one will boost our signal significantly."
"Okay" said Lucemon "We are in"
"Excellent" said Hicks "Head over to the computer lab, Call and Falcomon will fill you in on the details. I will go rescue Grey"
* * *
After being filled in on the details regarding the new satellite Hicks and Grey along with their partners proceeded to the roof and began working on removing the old satellite. It seemed like an ordinary quiet day at the Metru Company, Grey and her partners were hoping that it would stay this way, as things were starting to improve for AI and her partner for the first time since the invasion of Neo Arcadia.

[Kiara Lycro]

The wind whipped past Lynne as Sara flew through the air as Airdramon to Inami city. In the aftermath of the great battle at Merucimon's fortress Lynne had found herself at lose ends. The whole event had been far to messy and even at the end she had raced after agents of Apollomon's forces before everything could be tallied. Whether they had won or not was inconsequential, for now she only wanted to take them out. It seemed a few Meramon had been lead by a single SkullMeramon to hire some of the Mercs out of Inami to support the battered army, she had to make sure that deal didn't go through.

Soon enough the city came into view, and Lynne worked on moving her fingers again gripping tightly as Sara curved past a building where a few humans and digimon seemed to be working on a satellite before dropping to the ground. Lynne immediately jumped off and Sara reverted to ryudamon. "Lynne, I hope you have some plan for this," her partner said looking displeased with her partner. "I'd rather be cleaning up Apollomon's grunts then back cleaning, but I'm not going to join that list of the dead because you lead us into a trap." The small dragon warrior growled.

Lynne shrugged and pulled out a key, she had kept an apartment in Inami city shortly after deciding never to go back to the human world unless she had to. That idiotic school was a waste of her time but Merukimon had insisted... "I do, but while we're here there is some business I should take care of. It may be necessary to go back to freelancing if another battle hits like the last few. As for SkullMeramon...well, even ultimates have been known to have, unfortunate accidents, or grow ill. Who knows what he'll experience in the city." The human said as she shrugged out of her riding gear and the torn clothing with dry blood on it. Two crucial battles in the span of a few days had made their mark. If not for the few hours of sleep they had gotten before heading out, Lynne doubted either of them would have been standing, no matter what Sara said.

"Human's tend to wind up dead far more often then digimon. Don't make me bail you out of something when you mess up," Sara warned and preceded to sharpen her dulled blade while Lynne pulled on some worn jeans, a heavy green tunic, and a leather jacket. Her wounds had already been treated thankfully. Looking in the mirror she frowned and cleaned her face before reapplying the hints of makeup she indulged in when not in the field and pulling on the knew high leather boots she had missed so much.

"I can pull my own weight, thank you. It isn't as if we haven't faced worse in the last few days anyway. I still don't know what happened at Heliopolis and if that crazy Talon kid got out alive or not. I probably should have shot him before leaving but there wasn't any time..." Lynne mused, the young man had been troublesome, if not fun to toy with, fights always made her blood heat.

"What ifs would keep you here forever, let's go," Sara growled, sheathing her sword and walking out the door with Lynne in tow. They had some contacts to find and an envoy to finish. Regardless of the outcome of the the past few battles, both partners intended to make this a clean job, for once.

[Mephiles]

The new satellite took three hours to install, once it was established Call and her partner Falcomon wasted no time in testing it. Call's fingers rapidly typed away at the keyboard, Falcomon decoded the data, standing behind them was the rest of the crew (including Hudson who had calmed down substantially, though he was still fuming over his broken record).

"Remarkable" muttered Call "Absolutely remarkable"
"Do you care to enlighten all of us little Call?" asked Drake.
"Apologies Drake" said Call "This new satellite has allowed Falcomon and I to access areas that we couldn't originally access before"
"Anything?" asked Drake.
"Well there are reports from the other groups about soldiers from Apollomon's army occupying the city." replied Call
"Say what?" asked Hudson "What the hell are Apollomon's goons doing here?"
"That is unknown" replied Call "These reports go on to state that there is the possibility that soldiers from the other armies might be in the city searching for Apollomon's soldiers"
"Fantastic" said Hudson sarcastically "Just what we need, to be caught up in the middle of a war"
"This is an unfortunate turn of events" said Drake "We shouldn't jump the gun here thought. There is a chance that this battle won't effect us. However in case it does we should be prepared. Hicks, Hudson secure the defensive perimeter, if this ensuing battle does eventually involve Inami City, we won't be caught unprepared"
"Yes sir" said Hicks.
"Take Grey with you, show her and her partners the ropes"

Hicks and Hudson acknowledge the order and along with Grey, Lucemon and Kotemon left the room. Drake shifted his attention back towards Call and Falcomon and said "Keep me apprised"
"Yes sir" said Call.

With that Drake along with his partner Strikedramon left the room and proceeded to return to his office.

[Kiara Lycro]

Two more figures entered the streets of Inami city without much fuss. Lynne and Sara wound through the streets before ducking into a small clothing shop, if anyone noticed that there were also sets of blades next to the hat rack or guns settled next to a few silver necklaces and scarves in the case. Lynne nodded to the cashier before heading down a stairway to a lab occupied by a badly beaten Datamon and a few Solarmon. All around computers ran simulations, samples dripped through odd flasks on the table, and a rather distant scream that came from behind a thick metal door to her right. The duo ignored all of this as Sara cleared her throat.

"Datamon, been a while," The saurian growled and Datamon jumped, his long arms failed as he turned to look at the duo in shock.

"Uh, Sara, uh... to what do I owe the... the pleasure." The auto tron stuttered while Lynne smiled lazily and leaned against a lab table. Sara smirked but continued to stare down the robot as she walked closer.

"Just following a trail and figured you could help out. Know anything about a few extra grunts of Apollomon's wondering around? We don't have time to waste so speak quickly before I have to beat the answers out of you," Sara threatened and Lynne smiled widely behind her.

"Or not, I'm still keyed up after the last few days. I could use something to calm down," Lynne offered as Datamon started flailing around waving off the duo.

"No need, no need. I've still got the dents from last time and it took weeks to replace my plating after the last time you needed to calm down. But I don't know if I can help. There have been rumor's of a few of Apollomon's guys searching for some temps. I'd head to the Arrowhead's base." Datamon said in a rush as Lynne's thumb stroked her knife. Sara looked over at her partner who shrugged before she turned back to Datamon.

"Alright, if you're telling the truth there won't be any more issues. However..." Sara said slyly. "You give us a way to take these guys out without a fuse and I might be willing to use some of our other contacts once and a while." Datamon started at the offer and moved quickly to grab a few viles of dark purple substances.

"Here, take it. It isn't stable yet but it'll kill just as well as anything. Just leave!" Datamon shrieked. Sara shrugged as Lynne took the vials and the pair walked out.

A few minutes later Lynne looked over to Sara. "I think he's still afraid of us." Sara just grinned as the duo headed towards the Arrowhead's base.

______________________________________________________

On the other side of the city a group of fire type digimon jostled through the city. Lead by SkullMeramon, the team were in search for mercs after the last big battle. There were a few companies they had been instructed to look into, including the Arrowhead company, Firebrand crop, and the Metru company. "Alright men, split up, investigate these groups, and meet back here to recap. we need these bodies asap. So long as they can do that job they're in. Apollomon will see them well paid. No fan out." And so 3 groups of Meramon and flamelizardmon headed into the city with their orders.

[Mephiles]

After Hicks and Hudson activated the defensive perimeter of the Metru company they proceeded (along with Grey and her partners whom were observing the process) down to the armory. Once they arrived the two began to set out weapons and clips and arming themselves. Once this process was completed they handed Grey a gun along with three chips and informed the young AI to give the weapon to Call, then they proceeded out the armory to walk the perimeter.

Meanwhile Grey and her partners made their way back to the computer laboratory, the three found Call and Falcomon still typing away at the computer. A faint smile came across the young AI's face, then she approached the tech expert and placed the gun and the extra clips on the table next to her then Grey proceeded to leave. Once outside the computer laboratory she was unsure of what to do next, the only thing that came to mind was to try to assist Hicks and Hudson (and their partners) in manning the defense perimeter. As she and her partners made their way down the stairs she heard the sounds of gun firing. When the three heard this, they rapidly descended down the stairs and emerged out of the entrance. There they saw Hicks, Hudson and their partners in a stand off with a group of Meramon and FlameLizardmon.

"No deal" said Hicks. "If there is any arrangement to be made it must me made with your leader, not through a third person"
"Our leader Apollomon is currently busy with other affairs" replied the groups leader (FlameLizardmon). "He doesn't have time to devote to petty negotiations"
"That is to bad" said Hicks "The Metru Company's rules are absolute, come back here with Apollomon then we can establish relations"
"We can pay extensively" said the FlameLizardmon.
Hicks sighed irritably "What part of the phrase "No deal" are you incapable of understanding?" "No relations can be established through a thrid-person, come back with your leader and then we will discuss terms until then get out of here."
"How dare you" snarled FlameLizardmon "How dare you defy Lord Apollomon"

Sensing trouble on the horizon, Grey activated her central processing system and activated the Model X armor enhancement, meanwhile both her partners took defensive positions. Moments later the leader order the unit to attack, a rain of fireballs descended on the Metru company, the unprovoked attack activated the defensive barrier around the building shielding it from damage. Soon afterward Hicks, Hudson their partners along with Grey and her partners launched an attack of their own embroiling the Metru Company into battle.

[Kiara Lycro]

Sara and Lynne were a few blocks away when they heard explosions and rushed towards their source. Those who hadn't headed for cover were watching what appeared to be a battle in the street. Once there Lynne watched in bemusement as the Metru company attacked flamelizardmon and his two Meramon. "Seems like we won't have to worry about this group reporting back," she said with a smirk.

Sara looked more serious as she watched the fight, "Yeah, guess not. Let's head after the other batches, there are at least six others in this city and the other companies aren't going to be as... aggressive as this one." Lynne nodded in agreement before her partner pushed her down to avoid a crumbling wall where a new flamelizardmon had dislodged towards them.

"You! Merukimon's dogs. We were warned that you had pursued us despite Apollomon's victory!" The fire lizard hissed. Lynne glared at the digimon while Sara took a battle position. "Let me finish what we started in that icy nightmare you call a home!"

It was Lynne who growled this time as she and Sara rushed the champion as one, pushing it out into the street where it was soon joined by two blue Meramon. "We'll show you a nightmare!" Lynne shouted, angry at the stupidity of the digimon before her. If they had been smart they would have ambushed them, called on skullmeramon, now they were caught between Lynne, Sara, and a ticked of Mercenary company. The odds were definitely with Lynne and Sara. "DNA CHARGE!"

Sara glowed and whipped into the air as Airdramon, carrying the flamelizardmon in her tail before slamming it to the ground and pushing the Meramon away from her partner as she launched into an attack. Lynne stood in the alley way watching the fight, trying to keep track of the various parties so she could warn Sara if someone came in from behind. "You should have stayed with your master," she said coldly as the fight raged.

[Mephiles]

The unit that had approached the Metru company hadn't expected the company to respond in with such fierceness. In a matter of minutes the two Meramon that had accompany the FlameLizardmon had reverted to digi-tama. Seeing that it's mission had failed and not wanting to die, the leader fled, Hicks turn to Hudson and said:

"Stay here and maintain the perimeter, also report to Drake that Grey and I are in persuit of the leader"

Hudson acknowledged the order and proceeded to radio to Drake concerning the situation. Meanwhile Hicks and Grey along with their partners began to pursue the FlameLizardmon. Both Grey and Hicks suspected that the FlameLizardmon was returning to it's main unit to report the situation. If it returned it would make matters worse for the company since the FlameLizardmon had knowledge concerning the Metru Company's defenses. They eventually caught up to the leader and cornered him in an alley way. The two tamers and their partners unleashed a barrage of attacks that eventually caused the unit leader to revert back to digi-tama.

"Well that resolves the current situation" said Hicks.
"Indeed, though I wonder has Apollomon's minions contacted other groups affliated with the Metru company" mused Grey.
"Don't worry about it" said Hicks "Call is most likely resolving that situation as we speak"

Grey nodded her head. As soon as she acknowledged what Hicks had told here, there was the sound of explosions. The two tamers and their partners turned their heads in the direction which the sound had come from.

"Well since we are here, let's investigate" said Hicks.

Grey nodded her head and the two tamers and their partners headed in the direction where they had heard the explosion. When they arrived they saw another tamer engaging other members of Apollomon's army. Though it appeared that the tamer had everything other control, both Hicks and Grey decided to intervene and aid the tamer in their battle. As they proceeded in intervening Grey caught a better glimsp of the tamer and halted in her tracks.

"It can't be" she muttered

As she continued to stare, there was no doubt in her mind. The tamer was Lynne and the Airdramon was her partner Sara. Grey remember Lynne and Sara from the old world, while the AI didn't consider the tamer and her partner to be her enemy, they hadn't exactly been on good terms. Of course there was the possibility that the tamer and her partner had lost their memory during the reality shift. Grey shook her head, she knew now wasn't the time to think on that, she needed to aid Lynne, Hicks and their partners in the battle, with that she proceeded to aim her buster and fire.

[Kiara Lycro]

Lynne watched her partner weave through the air to dodge enemy fire and attacked from time to time with a Spinning needle. They were just warming up when a unit that appeared to be from Metru Company, if the direction they were coming from was any indication, flanked the trio of fire digimon. Lynne looked over at the trio of digidestined and nodded before ducking a fireball and running over to Grey, Hicks, and Hudson.

"Thank you for the help, but we'll need one of them to talk. My partner is taking care of it," Lynne said calmly as Sara's tail whipped through the air and threw the flamelizardmon into the already decrepit building. "We're running a little behind schedule I'm afraid."

While the fire lizard was stunned Sara looked over to see her unexpected reinforcements making quick work of the blue Meramon, soon their data was scattered, leaving Sara to strike the flamelizardmon once more and coil around it. With the enemy successfully immobilized, the area quieted once more and Lynne was able to rejoin her partner by the entrance of the alleyway. Sara looked up to the digimon and human mercenaries as Lynne approached.

"Impressive timing, my name is Sara this is my human partner Lynne. We are chasing down a small team sent by Apollomon to gather forces here in Inami city. Give us a moment to get what we need and then we'll talk," the dragon said in a rumbling voice as Lynne pulled out the syringe and vial from her bag.

In her coils the flamelizardmon growled, "I will never betray Lord Apollomon you worthless ice dogs!" Sara tightened her grip and brought her considerably large teeth close to the captured digimon.

"We will find them, eventually. We are very good at our jobs, however the shape you are in when we do is entirely up to you," She growled lowly in his ear, "You may be able to handle pain and being deleted but those are only the things I can do, my human has quite a few other little tricks up her sleeve..." Sara warned as Lynne slowly drew the liquid virus from the sample. Flamelizardmon only growled in response but looked suspiciously at Lynne who seemed to be smiling.

"Merukimon keeps us on a pretty tight lease, you wouldn't believe the rules he made for us. However, in cases like this, with filth who attack his home, his people, ...well he wasn't really specific when he told us to come after your lot. This is an experimental virus a friend of ours has been working on. It'll corrupt your data slowly until it fails to be, compatible would be the right word. When you are totally corrupted your body will reset, but before that... Well, let's just say its the closest thing I've seen in the digital world to Alzheimer's in the human world. You'll cease to function, you'll get stuck, you won't know where you are, sometimes you won't know who you are." Lynne explained sweetly, as if it were the most normal thing in the world. "You have one chance to tell us where SkullMeramon is, after that we'll take the information from you."

Flamelizardmon twisted in Sara's grip and screamed, "Never, stupid human, I will never betray my master! Do you really think anything you can do would be worse then what he could do!? I'll KILL YOU RARrurruugh!" Sara tighted her grip again and Lynne just shrugged.

"Have it your way," With that she injected the virus into the digimon and watched as it's body literally seemed to freeze and unfreeze, glitch, and slow down. It's eyes became unfocused it's whole body shook. Sara let go faced the corrupted digimon with fire in her jaw. "Flamelizardmon report!" Her voice was low and gruff, sounding like anyone of the commanders randomly assigned to small units. the flame lizard looked around in confusion and shook it's head.

"No good, no good, not here, not there." It began to mutter and freeze again as Sara growled again, "Report!"

"No good, no good, they want personal notification from Apollomon himself, SkullMeramon will have to go but he's not back from the Arrowheads yet." Flamelizardmon said, it's voice pitching up and down with each freeze like a distorted message.

"I have someone for the job, we were sent ahead of your team, where can we meet SkullMeramon?" Sara said patiently, repeating it a few times before the fire digimon remembered it was on a mission. "West city entrance, near shipping warehouses. We've...I've..whe..re..re..re..re..re..." As the digimon reached a new level of repeats Sara darted in and closed her jaws around it, effectively ending the digimon's life.

Both human and digimon seemed calm as they turned to the Metru Company before Lynne spoke up as Sara returned to her ryudamon form. "I apologize for the scene but time is of the essence and we have seen to much destruction without answers over the last few days. I trust you'll want answers and or compensation for your assistance. I can offer both but how much depends on your willing to assist in the completion of our task." Lynne explained simply, trying to hide the bone tired weariness she was feeling. They really, really needed sleep.

[Mephiles]

"Actually the Metru Company wants neither" replied Hicks "We only came to the aid due to the fact that the company is allied with a majority of the other companies that reside in Inami city. Anyway our work here is done and we will be on way. Come Retrace try to return, Drake is going to want a report on the situation."

Grey looked at Hicks, she was more than a little bemused by the fact that he had used her real name rather than the code name that he had bestowed on her. She proceeded to active her central processing unit and deactivated her armor form, return to her neutral state. She took one last look a Lynne and her partner Sara, though it seemed that their vicious personality had remained intact during the reality shift, they were completely different people. She knew that they would not remember her nor her partners, thus there was no point in engaging in any conversation, since it would most likely lead to an unpleasant awkward situation. With that she for Lucemon and Kotemon to follow, and they proceeded to follow Hicks and Dobermon from the scene of the battle back to the company.

They returned to the Metru Company's headquarters to see Hudson talking to Drake. It appeared that the field officer was giving his report regarding what had happened. When Drake saw Hicks and Grey returning, he smiled.

"Excellent timing" he said "Hudson just finished filling me on what happened at the perimeter, perhaps you two are willing to fill me on what happened afterwards?"

Hicks nodded and replied "Yes sir" Then Hicks and Grey proceeded to deliver their report to Drake regarding the situation.

[Kiara Lycro]

Lynne nodded in understanding at Hicks answer, the mercenaries of Inami city had to be allied close enough to keep the entire structure from falling apart. "Tell your Drake that I apologize on behalf of Merukimon, he does not wish to see more humans fall in a senseless war and to expect Apollomon's last troops cleared from the city as soon as I can manage. Hopefully they won't cause any more destruction." She said diplomatically while at her side Sara seemed to grow more serious.

The Samurai digimon gripped her hilt and looked at Retrace and her partner's carefully before the left. As they moved to leave Sara called out, "Lucemon, you'll have to tell me if you ever won a fight without becoming a hyped up dragon god sometime. Seemed a bit unfair to us mere mortals. Take care, maybe the next time we meet we'll be on the same side again." She said casually, trying to catch a reaction before turning and walking towards the West entrance with her partner in tow. Lynne tossed a confused shrug towards the mercs before following with her partner. They had work to do and Sara would tell her when she wanted to.

The duo soon reached the West entrance and took up a sniper position, if Datamon's formula worked they just might be able to take down most of Apollomon's team and scare off any Mercs who might have agreed to come. Till then, there was only time to watch and wait.

[Mephiles]

Grey and her partners sat on three separate crates, they gazed out on the city from these crates while reflected on the events which had transpired. For the three it had been a very hectic day, compacted by the fact that they had run into an old acquaintance.

"What do you think Sara meant by the statement "hyped up dragon?" asked Kotemon.

Lucemon chuckled ruefully and replied "No doubt Sara was referring to the Demon Lord counter part whom evolves into very powerful fearsome dragon. However what few realize is the dragon is actually nothing more than a puppet. The Demon Lord's true form which takes the appearance of a parasite resides in a sphere of darkness."

"Oh" said Kotemon
"It is possible that she might have been referring to our first fight at the lake" said Lucemon.
"It is possible, since during that fight we used your mega form, though I highly doubt that is the case. When I gazed upon them, they showed no sign at recognizing them, especially when Hicks used my real name. I am thinking that they suffered the same fate as many Tamers did, the reality shift completely wiped their memories."
"Is it possible they could have been hiding it?" asked Kotemon.

Grey thought on Kotemon's question, she shifted through her previous encounters with Lynne and Sara in the old world. She knew that the two were very powerful adversaries. They got as powerful as they were not just through the use of brute force but cunning intelligences as well.

"It is possible" said Grey. The AI got off the crate and took several steps forward. "I doubt they were hiding it, though as I said it is possible. Perhaps the only way to be certain is to actually question the tamer and her partner to see if they actually retain some of their memories from the old world."

"How do you propose to do that?" asked Lucemon.
"The old fashion way" said Grey "Seek them out in the city"
"Grey" said Kotemon "You know Drake assigned us to guard duty, if we abandon our post now, we might lose our only chance of using the Metru Company's resources to save Neo Arcadia"
"Kotemon's right, besides I doubt this will the last time we see those too"

Grey reflected on her partner's statements. She knew that they were both right, especially Kotemon. She remembered the conversation that she had with Drake, she agreed to worked for them and establish relations between the company and the ancient city, and they would use their resources to free the city from the iron grips of HerculesKabuterimon. However for something she couldn't explain, something was pulling at her to investigate the tamer and her partner, it was so powerful she couldn't resist.

"You guys remain here, if anyone asks, tell them I went to investigate a strange sighting near the warehouse"

Realzing that they couldn't stop their tamer, both Lucemon and Kotemon nodded, with that Grey went out into the city.

* * *
After spending an hours scouring the city, Grey finally manage to locate Lynne and Sara near the western portion of the city. From the vantage point of the AI it seemed that the tamer and her partner were preparing to snipe a target, most likely agents of Apollomon. As she observed this, the AI was starting to think that this escapade wasn't such a good idea. However she realized that she might not get another chance at this, thus she proceeded to reveal her self. The tamer leaped down from her perch and proceeded to speak.

"It has been a long time Lynne, Sara" she began "I haven't seen you two in over a year, though I doubt you two remember me. Then again reality shifts tend to do that to most residents of the Digital World and the Human World."

[Kiara Lycro]

Lynne leaned up against the wall on the building roof. Her modified rifle was on her lab and she was focused on the westward entrance about 350 yards away. So far SkullMeramon hadn't appeared and she worried that they had fled rather then regroup here. She turned to talk to Sara but at that moment but instead heard Retrace as she made her appearance. Shocked she jumped a little but her face quickly settled into confused indulgence for the robot before her. "We've met before today?" She asked in confusion, but Sara seemed to be happier then she had been for a few weeks.

"We have," she said to her partner, "but it's too foggy for you to pick up. Still foggy for me for that matter." She looked over at Retrace and motioned for her to sit. "Please sit down, standing there will give away our position." By her side Lynne looked more confused then ever but with a pointed look from Sara she frowned and looked back at the meeting spot.

"I'll expect an answer sooner rather then later Sara," she said before focusing below but keeping an ear on the conversation.

"And you'll get one, at least I hope. Retrace, thank you for the confirmation. You're right I don't really remember you, mostly I remember flashes of that Lucemon and myself in a different form. These flashes have become more regular after being forced to deal with the likes of Mike and Talon." She explained. At her side Lynne snorted and muttered something rude under her breath, but Sara ignored her.

"I was worried someone had tampered with our minds somehow. I needed answers. Mike refused to answer questions, Talon comes with too many strings, but you don't." Sara explained simply. "And whether you believe it or not, I am grateful to you for coming out, possible insanity is not a pleasant topic to occupy one's mind."

Again Lynned snorted and chuckled under her breath. "Might as well be if Merukimon keeps working us like he has. If it isn't some battle it's a lecture on humanity, and if it isn't a lecture on our behavior it's college. Freelancing mercs get no respect but all the dirty work and guilt trips." She said with a hint of amusement, still looking at the street below.

[Mephiles]

A small smile formed on the young AI face. She was pleasantly surprised that to some degree she and her partners had been wrong regarding Lynne and Sara. It seemed that Sara remember bits and pieces of her previous life in the old world, though it seemed that Lynne remember nothing as of yet. As the AI continued to listen to the conversation, she found herself further surprised when she heard the name Talon and Mike. The AI was familiar with the names, especially Mike, given that he had assisted in the infiltration of Neo Arcadia after it had been conquered by Neo Arcadia. During the mission, any question that had been directed he either refused to answer or provided a vague explanation.

"Typical Royal Knights" scoffed Grey shaking her head. "I can't I am surprised, I had my own run in with Mike during the conquest of Neo Arcadia by HerculesKabuterimon. All I can with any degree of certainty, is that like me, Mike the former heir of Omegamon has retained all of his memories from the old world. He has his own agenda when it comes to operating in this world, and he isn't afraid to do so even when it means jeopardizing a mission. I suppose you already knew that, I digress though, unlike Talon or Mike, I am willing to provide some answers with no strings attached. I will try my best to answer any questions that you have, though keep in mind I don't have all the answers..."

Grey trailed off and looked at Lynne and Sara, the young AI realized that the present time period wasn't the right time to discuss the issue. Nodding her head the AI said "I will let you get back to your mission, once finished if you wish to pursue this converstion further, you can find me and I partners at the Metru Company"

With that Grey proceeded leave and head back to the Metru Company headquarters.

[Kiara Lycro]

Sara was a little shocked to run into someone who not only knew what was going on but was willing to fill them in. Retrace was correct, the Royal Knights were annoying, bastards. Lynne cocked an eyebrow but only nodded to Retrace as she left. Then turned below. It only took another hour before the remaining troops for Apollomon appeared, they were even kind enough to give Lynne a clear shot. She quickly fired off three rounds of the same virus she had used on the Flamelizardmon, even SkullMeramon seemed to be affected.

"I doubt that will last though, he isn't the fire general's 2nd for nothing, better to let him take the message back to his master. It doesn't appear that anyone will be returning with them," Sara said quietly, watching the digimon below writhe in pain. Lynne shrugged, shot him once more for good luck and walked off to the sound of their screams.

"If you say so, hey after we get whatever answers you want from Retrace can we please get some sleep, and food? The last few days have made me want to crawl under a rock and die." Lynne said, completely unperturbed by the site she had created. Sara shrugged and the duo quickly rushed to the Metru Company complex. There they presented themselves to the guard formally.

"We come to compensate the Metru Company for services rendered, as demanded by our superior officer, General Merukimon," Sara said stiffly.

[Mephiles]

Grey's absence didn't go unnoticed by Drake or his second in commander Hicks, they questioned her partners regarding the matter, at first they told the two what Grey had told them, though after pressuring the two digimon further since they didn't believe the explanation, the two digimon finally broke and they explained the real situation. They were not pleased with the prospect of Grey abandoning her post, though they understood that the young AI came with baggage, especially since she came from a different dimension, thus they decided it was in the best interest to let this slide, though they warned Grey's digimon partners and Grey when she returned that further infractions would be punished.

Neither Drake nor Hicks were surprised when Lynne and her partner showed up. Though both the leader and the second in command were surprised that she had come to compensate the company. As far as Drake was concerned, their assistants in the matter didn't warrant any form of compensation, they mere did what any other company would do in order to maintain alliances, thus maintain the delicate stability that the city had been built on.

"No compensation is warranted" said Drake

Drake studied Lynne and Sara, he noticed that the two looked wary, almost as if they hadn't seen bed and decent food in a long time. Since these two went out of their way to address the company, he figured the roles should be reversed, the company should compensate the tamer and her partner.

"However, I am willing to compensate two for your assistance in maintaining the peace and stability of the city. How does a warm meal and a bed sound?"