After the both of us had finished eating breakfast,
Katie gave me a hoodie to wear outside. Don't ask me where she got it.
Is her purse bigger on the inside than on the outside? Meh, I must have missed something while focusing on my breakfast earlier.
I put it on, then wanted to walk to the elevator.
"Hey Foxy?" Katie asks in a teasing way.
"Ahhh.. c'mon!, what did I do to deserve this, Katie?"
"How about actually using the hood to cover those ears of yours?"
"Ah ha ha...." She got me there. That's the whole point of that thing, to cover up my looks.
Nobody noticed me, so no harm done.
Then she points at my tail. Great, how am I supposed to...nevermind, she just picks it up and shoves it in my hoodie.
So rude. So that's why the hoodie is XXL size. Well, you can still see a little bit of fur sticking out, but Katie seems to think it's okay.
I notice Katie carrying a small handbag, its strap resting on her shoulder. Doesn't that make it a shoulder bag?
Anyway, I on the other hand don't have any other worldly possessions except for the clothes I'm wearing.
That makes me think. What will happen to my home?
Will the police be investigating my disappearance there?
My family must be worried sick for me. My thoughts are interrupted by Katie who grabs my arms and forcefully pulls me back to reality.
We are now being escorted by a guard to a familiar looking and no so 'suspicious' black SUV.
Twenty uneventful minutes later we arrive at a helipad where a helicopter is waiting for us.
But not just any helicopter.. nope.. In front of me is a pretty big blue-white colored helicopter.
"Never seen a police helicopter before?" Katie asks.
"Well, I kinda have. But I wasn't expecting a police helicopter, or rather any helicopter at all. I thought we would drive to our destination." And aren't they supposed to have a black and white color scheme here?
"Well, we have our reasons for using a helicopter. And the police markings reduce the number of questions we get from the public," Katie says.
Before I can ask why they don't just use a private helicopter, one of the crew helps us inside, then helps to fasten the seatbelts.
Our guard sits right behind me...keeping an eye on me, most likely.
Then all of us are given these big black headphones to protect us from the loud engine noise we will soon experience.
There's only one problem...
I don't have my ears in the usual spot anymore.
I covertly point to my ears, after which Katie whispers to me "just put them on over your hoodie. Then cover your ears by flattening them with your hands while we fly. If anyone asks, I will tell them that you are afraid of flying, so no worries. This should take only half an hour."
I nod, bend over and do as she asks.
I fold my ears flat, while still camouflaged by the hoodie. Then I keep my hands on top of my head to apply pressure to my ears, so I won't hear anything. God, that kinda hurts, we still need to lift off and it already hurts.
Katie bends down to my eye level and asks something, but I can't hear anything, I still decide to grimace to indicate it hurts.
She winks and gives me a thumbs up, then seems to be talking to the others.
After about a minute I can hear the engines start and the helicopter starts to vibrate, followed by a light moving sensation.
I guess we are airborne already. It's almost the same as riding on a bus, there are no wild maneuvers at all.
After being forced to keep my ears this way for about half an hour, they really started beginning to hurt now.
Katie makes eye contact again and points to her watch and gives me the 'five more minutes' symbol.
I nod in understanding, then show a painful expression. But she can't do anything to help me at the moment, still she massages my back for a minute, helping me relax  for a bit.
Then I feel a sensation like we hit a speed bump, it must mean we have landed. The engines slowly decrease in noise until things go all quiet again.
Katie taps my back to give me the "all clear" sign and I release my hands from my head.
God that really hurts!
"Are you alright?" Katie asks concerned, seeing expressions of pain all over my face.
"No, it hurts like hell. It's pins and needles all over the place."
"Well, that's usually a good sign, it probably just means that blood is flowing unrestricted again."
We are helped outside of the helicopter and....it seems that we are now on top of a
skyscraper!
My god, this altitude....I'm soooo not going to look down!
A huge satellite dish is placed in one corner of the rooftop, surrounded by three smaller strange looking rectangular ones.
Ah, and who is already here, waiting for us?
Yes, a sunglass wearing Swan
approaches Katie and me.
The wind is really noticeable at this altitude, forcing us to speak louder. But the fresh air feels kinda good.
Are those storm clouds forming in the distance? I hope we can go inside soon, I'm not looking forward to a cold shower here.
"Morning ladies!, I trust you had a nice flight?" Swan asks, while giving us a friendly smile.
I returned a quick smile because he called me a lady, but then my ears hurt again, making me focus on them instead.
"No Swan!, covering my ears really hurt!. The ear protection headset wouldn't fit at all!."
"I see, we hadn't thought about that!. But are you alright now?" There was honest concern in his voice.
"Yeah, all is fine now!. Where are we?" I asked, eager to change the subject.
"Please, follow me inside so we can easily talk!." Swan ordered.
The guard stays in the helicopter for some reason and another one is standing next to Swan.
Nice, another chaperone, just what I needed.
We walk down the metal stairs from the helipad and enter the building to take the elevator for a short ride.
Once Swan guides us out of the elevator on one of the top floors, he says "Welcome to ATF Headquarters."
"ATF? Don't tell me the A stands for alien?" I spoke without thinking.
At that exact moment, an employee walks by and glances at Swan, but doesn't say a word.
Not suspicious at all. Nope...not at all.
Swan avoids my question completely and simply continues, "we are in New York, close to Times Square."
"Seriously? Why would you want a facility here? I thought an airbase would be more appropriate you know?" I asked while realizing that I'm still wearing slippers, not shoes.
I mean, them working at an airbase would explain all the Air Force uniforms I saw earlier, right?
"For exactly that reason, Ayako. Nobody would expect our little operation to take place here." Swan says, now removing his sunglasses.
Great, he already calls me Ayako now. I open my eyes wide in surprise.
"Sorry Swan, that's not my name. At least not yet. What exactly is it that you do around here?"
I couldn't resist the urge to just ask him. Don't tell me they really are the men in black? Like in those movies,
Do they really have real aliens around here somewhere? Nah, guess probably not.
"Ah, sorry about the name then." He glanced at Katie.
"I'm sorry, that would be my fault. I thought you liked the name, you know...maybe you just needed a little bit of a push to accept it," Katie said showing her Innocence.
But before I can reply, Swan continues,
"Anyway, I'm afraid our business here is classified information. Now stop the questions please and follow me."
Swan seems serious about the questions. Better not ask anything for now, I don't want to force the issue any longer. And they really have been nice to me so far.
I can hear the helicopter depart from the top of the building while following Swan and Katie to a conference room.
The corridors floors are all carpeted, giving this place a normal office vibe.
Plants are decorating each corner and people are working on their computers or using the phone. Really, it looks just like any other office you find wherever else.
Moments later we enter the conference room, which too is nothing out of the ordinary.
A long, white table is surrounded by comfortable looking office chairs all around it.
A TV screen is placed against one wall and some plants complete the office feeling.
Three large windows give view to another skyscraper, but you can still see much of the surrounding area from this altitude.
Looking down from the window, you can see the busy streets where people seem as small as ants going about their day.
There is only one painting in this room...no, it's a picture.
It seems to be the President of the United States, but I've never seen the man before.
In another corner of the room a large US flag is placed against the wall. It's not something you would expect to see in just every office, but still, these hopeful hints may indicate that these people operate within the confines of the law's in the country.
"Please sit down." Swan says while someone enters the room, carrying what looks like coffee and tea dispensers on a tray.
Did I already mention the cookies?
"Ah thank you Diana, that'll be all." Swan says.
Diana leaves the room and closes the door on her way out.
"Thank you for coming here, er Roland, Katie. Roland, we have business to discuss here."
I really should settle on a new name, my old name Roland now somehow just sucks.
"Of course Swan. Do you mind if I get some coffee first? I'm low on fuel if you understand."
He couldn't suppress a smile and said "by all means. Katie you too, help yourself."
After everyone had a sip of their coffee or tea...and after I confiscated a cookie for further analysis, I asked "Swan, what is it that you want to discuss?"
"Well, first of all. As we already said, we can't have you running around the streets of New York City with those ears and that tail of yours. You claim to be human like the rest of us, but we don't really have a way to confirm who or what you exactly are. Can you understand my position here?"
"Well.. hmm can I understand it? Yes I can understand it. But can you understand that I have been honest with you from the beginning until now?" I crossed my arms, I thought we had passed this level of distrust already here.
"Of course. We have no real reason to distrust you at the moment either, however carefulness is a trait which is embedded in this Agency's 'DNA'. So for now we will offer you some basic accommodations in this tower, is that acceptable to you?"
"It's better than a prison cell for sure. But it's not exactly the same as freedom per say it's just no different to another different prison." I look at Katie, but she doesn't come to my rescue.
"True, I can understand that. But depending on how useful you are turn out to be for us, we might be able to improve your living conditions even further for you."
"And...what if I turn out to be completely useless though hm?" I grimaced, for this is a real possibility. What is it that these folks expect from me anyway?
"Simple, that means that you will have to accept your accommodations here. 'Long term'."
"So as a prisoner then. Do I at least get paid?" I smiled. Who knows, maybe I can score a bonus. It never hurts to try, right?
"Ha ha. No. May I continue now?" He smiled
"Okay, sorry. Sheesh" I rolled my eyes. He's no fun at all.
"Look at the television screen behind you. That's a live image of the mirror we confiscated. Can you confirm if that's the one that zapped you?"
I turn around and focus on the TV screen.
"Yes! That's the exact same one! You found it!"
"Okay, I take that as a definite yes. So far nothing has happened when our people touched it. Ehh.. Roland?"
" Huh Sorry, yes?" I was lost in thought for a moment, for that thing caused all my current misery right now.
"We need you to touch that mirror soon. Under safe conditions of course. Can you do that for us hm?"
"I have to touch that thing again!? I would rather not, but then again I don't really have a choice here, right?"
"Actually No, you don't. So will you cooperate with the ATF for a while? I need a clear yes for us to continue." He smiled again
"Yes, Swan, I will cooperate with you guys and touch that 'mirror' if you want me to." God, do I have to spell it out? You arse.
"Good answer. Here's your ID." He hands over an envelope and motions me to open it.
I take the brown envelope and open it to find a letter inside.
"This is to confirm your verbal agreement with the ATF. You will temporarily fully cooperate with the ATF and follow orders within generally accepted reasonable limits.
As compensation, we will offer you long term accommodations as our guest. All guests need to be registered for security reasons. We have registered the following details:
First name: Ayako (female)
Last name: Taniguchi
Date of birth: December 3th, 1997
Place of birth: Hokkaido, Japan.
Agreement number 2566984.
Guest ID: 7483"
Eh What? Oh no no no!. It doesn't work like that, believe me.
"Hmm!..I'm sorry, Swan. This is not acceptable." I said while putting the letter back inside of the envelope, then shoving it back to Swan.
He seems surprised by my actions.
"Which part?" Swan frowns.
"Don't get me wrong!, I will cooperate. But the name and backstory, no way!. I'm still coming to terms with me being a woman. Let alone having some extra furry parts. I need some time to reflect and then find a name that fits." I said while shaking my head in disappointment.
"Katie suggested the names. You didn't agree with the last name either?"
I look at Katie in disbelief. "Why do you force those names onto me?" I thought we were friends. I feel betrayed
"Oh no, don't take it out on her, she was under my orders to provide the names." Swan remarks notice my displeasure.
"Is that true, Katie?" I said in disbelief.
"Yes, eh... Roland? I'm sorry if you don't like it, but we had to choose a name for you. And I really thought that you could get used to them." She really looks apologetic.
"I see your point, but I'm not comfortable with the names. Just give me some time okay? Those names....they somehow don't feel right." I pointed at the envelope once more.
"Alright then. The ATF will give you one week to consider appropriate names. By that time we should also know how valuable you will be to our organization,"
Swan stated while taking the envelope and shoving it to Katie. I guess that means that Katie needs to handle this.
"Agreed. I will choose a name by then. Sooo....you think I'm eighteen years old?"
"Yes, our doctors seem to think that you are about eighteen years old," Swan replied.
Then Katie, now seeing that I'm not really mad at her, says "you know, you wouldn't look bad in a kimono you know. I found some pictures of the cartoon the lieutenant referred to. Remember?"
I nod, then she continues "You really do look like her, and she wears a kimono in all episodes. How about it? It would fit your...'kitsune' appearance. Besides, when the police found you, you were already dressed in something like a kimono too."
"Me? In a kimono? Why can't you get me something more... I don't know normal?" I asked, feeling trapped as if I walked into a dead end.
"Because your tail can't stay bound to your back forever, it has to be bad for you, you know." Katie pleaded.
"Then give me a skirt or something." I said sternly
Oh no, Katie used her best puppy eyes tactic on me, dammit
and it worked. For now.
"Alright alright, I'll try. But seriously, if it doesn't suit me, then allow me to wear something else please, okay?"
Katie nods vigorously while Swan just smiles at the lady talk. Did they discuss this part too? It doesn't matter, I will wear it just once and be done with it, they can't force me to wear that. Or can they?
"We are finished for now, how about you check your new accommodations and then" he checked his watch, "in about an hour, we can have a closer look at that mirror of 'Doom' of yours." Swan said, grinning.
"Mirror of Doom? Yeah, that has a nice ring to it. But sure, let's get this over with." I said, shaking my head, unable to suppress a smile.
"Can I join you? I know where your...'Home'..is," Katie politely asks.
"Sure, by all means, lead the way."
For a second, I imagined going into another small room, being forced to wear a kimono. Then spending all my life locked away in that room forever. Truly, those prospects didn't improve my mood at all.
Katie and I leave the meeting room and use the stairs at the end of the corridor to go up one floor. That's rather convenient, or did they put me on this specific floor on purpose?
The wide stairs seem to be made from gray steel, obviously designed to help people get enough grip in emergencies. The lighting is very bright as there are no windows here. The walls are plain white, only showing escape routes and indicating that my new home is on floor 85.
Ah, now I see that there is also some kind of battery powered emergency stairwell light installed.
Katie holds the door for me, and we leave the stairwell behind us.
"Morning miss Dove...and 'guest'," a young man in a security uniform says. He's sitting at a small desk, complete with a phone and a computer.
"Good morning Ben. This is...the new 'resident' who will be in your care. You can introduce yourselves at a later moment, alright?"
"Sure, please proceed." Ben gestures that we can enter the residential area.
I really need to pick a name here, Katie is trying to help me, but I really feel guilty to burden her for this.
We walk through the corridor to arrive in a very spacious living area. Maybe their idea of a shared relaxation room?
"Thank you Katie....for not introducing me. I guess."
"No problem, now take a good look around. This will be your home for a while at least."
"Where's my door?" My expression must be funny, because Katie laughed for a moment and shook her head.
"No, you dummy. Half of this floor is reserved for you. What do you think?" Katie smiles, her eyes are glistening in anticipation of my reply.
"Whaaa? All of this!? This is your idea of basic accommodations? My god! My apartment easily fits three times here!"
"If you think that's all... We call this the 'VIP' room. We need to keep you away from others, but you still have some eh..human rights? So it only seemed fair to at least temporarily allow you to stay here. Just don't be surprised if we need to use your meeting room occasionally though."
"I have a meeting room?"
"Ha ha. Yep. Also sports equipment. Do you mind sharing that too? The shower and bath area are private and a bit more modest though."
"Sure, no problem. Wait, I even have a bath too? Wow, that just leaves the swimming pool."
"Eh..sorry, no we don't have that here."
"Katie, I'm just kidding. This is amazing!. Now...do I need a GPS to find the bedroom and bathroom?"
"Follow me, missy." She has that mischievous smile again. Did she just see me blushing again? She definitely already knows how to push my buttons.
This floor has it all, fully furnished even a huge television. Is that a real bear rug on the floor? No, thank god it's only a fake one. It looks super cozy though, don't mind if I walk barefoot on that thing when nobody's watching.
A quick look around shows no visible security cameras, that's nice for a change.
The view outside is also amazing. There's no skyscraper blocking my view from this angle.
When Katie shows me the door to my bedroom, a king sized bed awaits.
But there are also bunk beds against the walls. A strange combination for sure, but who am I to complain? Maybe for guests who need bodyguards maybe?
What's the real reason they want me to stay here? W...what are they planning for me?
What if they believe I'm useless to them?
Will they kick me out?
I surely hope not!