#forensic analyst reader

He remembers climbing the stairs of the stage under bright lights, the squeak of his sneakers as he approached the physical education teacher, bowing before accepting the prize for athletics.

He remembers late nights, coffee’s bitter aftertaste on his tongue, ignoring the pounding behind his brows as he squinted over well-thumbed textbooks in the university library.

Higher and higher, and he’d never stopped to look back, not even when he’d come home from another late night at the office and his wife’s letter lay neatly folded on the table, conspicuous in her absence.

Had he failed, somewhere along the way? He supposed he’d never know now.

He’d always done his best to keep himself in good physical condition, but this particular climb was a strain.

Mud clung to his work boots, turning each stride heavier. His hands fared no better, slick and gritty with damp earth, grazed and sore from the number of times he’d slipped on his journey upward.

This hill must be conquered, that was certain.

He was so close, almost there. A few more feet of clumsy scrambling, a leap across a half-concealed gap between the rocks, another quick stretch of aching limbs as he clambered, hand over hand, and he was –

Here.

Where he was supposed to be.

The wind was cool on his damp, ruddy cheeks, lifting his hair from the nape of his neck in blessed relief.

He wanted to reward himself, to sit down, to take a well-earned break, but something prevented him.

There was another purpose to be fulfilled, one far more pressing.

He gazed down at the domed rooftops of the temporary barracks below, and smiled.

The long climb was finally at an end.

Hoshina Soshiro considered himself a simple man.

Linking cramped fingers across the nape of his neck, he felt the satisfying stretch of stiff shoulders, a soft sigh escaping him.

After a long, dull afternoon sifting through applications, he knew exactly what he needed. The training room had his name written all over it (not that it usually didn’t), and an hour or two spent refining his technique, maybe a little something extra in the department of footwork, and he –

“Hoshina, there you are.”

Oh, well.

The thought was nice while it lasted.

He stood and saluted as Ashiro Mina entered, closing the door softly behind her. She shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips.

“At ease. And I’m sorry for coming by when you’re swamped with all of … this.”

She had the grace to look slightly guilty. Ashiro was an exemplary Captain, in every other way besides paperwork.

Hoshina cracked his knuckles.

“What’s on the menu, Cap?”

She hesitated and he raised an eyebrow.

“Oh, so it’s somethin’ big.”

“How do you – never mind. Look, you were there for the briefing at Ariake Base last week.”

“Yup.”

Ashiro’s fingers were tapping out a rhythm against her elbow, one he knew signified some serious thought.

“Hoshina, it’s … concerning. These reports about smaller, more intelligent kaiju. I doubt any of them pose the same threat as Number Nine, but … I’m not satisfied with our current operations.”

He leaned forward, elbows on knees, expression growing serious. 

“You got a plan?”

“Yes. I’ve been thinking about this since the briefing. What we need to tackle this isn’t brute force. We need specialist input. A team that targets these cases and eliminates the threat, but also relays important feedback on the kaiju back to us. Investigative, combat and analytic potential, all rolled into one compact unit.”

Hoshina frowned, unable to control the stiffening of his posture.

“Cap, surely you don’t mean – “

“I want you to head this subdivision of the third.”

Trust Ashiro to lay it out with such blunt expectation. He regarded her for a moment in silence before leaning back in his chair, uttering a soft whistle.

“Now, in case you’ve forgotten, I’m Vice Captain of – “

“Hoshina, I’d never ask you to give up your position, and you know it.”

Her voice was gentle, and he felt a twinge of annoyance at the fact that he needed that reassurance. She knew exactly what she was asking of him.  

He twirled his index fingers, tracing patterns in the air, a conductor of a deadly undercurrent.

“So, when I’m off, gallivanting around, sleuthing and stuff, who’s gonna be running operations over here?”

“Shinomiya.” Her answer came with no trace of hesitation. “She’ll be in line for Captaincy of her own division within a few years, and it’ll be good for her to learn the ropes. She’ll be here on temporary assignment, until your investigations have run their course.”

He didn’t even have a counter to that. If there was anyone who’d be competent enough to take up the reigns of administrative and command duties, it would be Shinomiya. She didn’t exactly have people skills, per se, but she more than made up for it in other ways.

“Ahh. Looks like I’ve already been repla – “

“Stop that.” Ashiro levelled a finger at him. “I’ll give you ten minutes to sulk.”

“That’s it? Only ten?”

“Hoshina, heading a subdivision doesn’t usually carry the kind of responsibility I’m thinking of here. Sure, you’ll still be part of the third division, and report back to me as always, but this unit will function independently. What I mean to say is that … “

Her hand came down flat on the tabletop.

“I’m essentially appointing you Captain of an investigative unit. You’re the only one I can trust with this. No matter how I look at it, you’re the one with the ability, skill and experience handling kaiju who’s a perfect fit for the job.”

He blew out a petulant breath.

“Really know how to sell it, huh?”

Ashiro smiled ruefully.

“I shouldn’t have to say it, but you know that I’ve already been through every other possibility. Why else would I choose not to have you at my side for now? You’ll always be my second in command, Hoshina, and right now, this is what I need from you.”

He cracked one eye open, arms still folded.

“Say, who’s gonna be joinin’ me in my detective era?”

She pinched the bridge of her nose.

“Please don’t call it that.”

“We’re going to what?”

Kafka was all but vibrating with excitement, while beside him, Reno did a slightly better job at containing his enthusiasm.  

Ashiro shot Kafka a look and he straightened immediately.

“Yes, Captain Ashiro. Understood. Can you … give us more details of our assignment?”

She slid a folder across the desk towards them.

“Vice Captain Hoshina will tell you more about his expectations, since he’s in command. From my side, we’ve created a small, highly specialized unit for tracking down, neutralizing and gathering intel on highly evolved honju. There have been a few cases that the Metropolitan Police have indicated they can no longer handle, because of clear kaiju involvement. I took the liberty of getting hold of those files. They’re all with the Vice Captain.”

Reno frowned.

“The Metropolitan Police? Then … “

She linked her fingers beneath her chin and nodded.

“Those cases were initially flagged as homicide. Perpetrated by a human.”

Ashiro could tell how this news affected Kafka, from the faint line of worry that had appeared between his brows.

“Hold on, Captain, are you saying the police couldn’t tell the difference between a kaiju and human killing at first glance?”

“That’s exactly it. I think you can guess why I’ve chosen you for this team, Kafka. Nobody else can give insight into both the human and kaiju side of things quite like you and Hoshina can.”

Only someone looking very closely would have noticed the determination that had filtered into Reno’s posture. Ashiro knew full well that from the moment she’d assigned him to this squad, he’d appointed himself as Kafka’s unofficial handler.

Time to rectify that.

Reno had more than distinguished himself based on his own merits.

“As for you, Officer Ichikawa … “

She watched his eyes widen slightly as his attention shifted to her.

“Your handle on a Numbers weapon so early in your career has shown your clear sense of focus, dedication, your meticulous effort and level-headed decision-making skills. I’m sure you’ll be an asset to this unit as an investigative field officer.”

Kafka shot Reno a none-too-subtle look of pride and grinned.

“He sure will, Captain. It’s just going to be the three of us then?”

“Not quite. Officer Izumo is currently on another assignment, but he’ll be joining you for your first official meeting tomorrow.”

Reno’s face brightened even further at this news.

“And in addition, you’ll be provided with an analyst from the Metropolitan Police, who can also serve as an operator. For emergency assistance, if required, Okonogi can always step in.”

Having received their briefing, both officers saluted before Ashiro dismissed them.

Leaning back in her chair, she found that the sight of Kafka’s broad, dependable frame in her office had eased her worries somewhat.  

There had been many occasions, over the past week, when she’d wondered if she had made the right decision. It wouldn’t be easy on her in terms of losing Hoshina, even if temporarily, but she was now more certain than ever that her placement of her strongest, most capable soldiers was the correct one.  

Gaze returning to the solitary profile sheet on her table, she pursed her lips.

It seemed that the Metropolitan Police had given their own choice of analyst equally careful consideration. She could only hope that the team slid into smooth formation.

Considering some of the cases they’d been tasked with, they’d need to hit the ground running.  

As you packed the detritus of a career into cardboard boxes, Igarashi sidled up to your left.

“You should just give me those. For safe keeping.”

“Absolutely not.”

“Oh, come on. What, you think I’ll steal them?”

The look you gave him was answer enough.

“I spent good money on these, and they’re going nowhere other than back to my apartment.”

He poked with sullen defeat at the small figurine of Ashiro Mina.

“What if your new colleagues find out about your collection? Think they’ll fire you for being some kind of fangirl?”

Snatching the remaining figurines away from him, which included a Vice Captain Hoshina with some rather detailed work on his abs and legs, you placed them carefully in a case you’d brought along separately.

“Your jealousy is showing. Now be a good boy and get on cataloguing that evidence.”

“Yes ma’am.”

 The truth was, you’d probably miss Igarashi, along with the rest of the motley team that had become regulars at the forensic unit over the years.

The opportunity you’d been handed, however, was nothing short of a dream come true.

Forensic science examined the world through the lens of a microscope, magnifying the mundane, the unseen, the details passed over by others. It was easy, over time, for the lab to turn into your universe, your unshakeable fortress of a million minute traces. Here, everything was known, and everything was safe, all according to protocol.

This laser-pointed focus was what had led your team, headed by your own initiative, to look into the Tokyo Metro Murders a year ago.

The heavy mutilation of the bodies, all belonging to maintenance crew working on the lines, had immediately led to the idea of subterranean kaiju emerging to take care of disturbances. But the analysis of the evidence and DNA collected from the worker’s clothes and bodies suggested purely human involvement, made to look like a kaiju’s work.

Your own analysis had been instrumental in altering the course of the investigation, and the suspect had eventually been apprehended.

While you were far from the most lauded forensic scientist in Tokyo, this particular case had seemingly caught someone’s attention. You’d been recommended, based on the techniques you’d pioneered, for a specialized unit, investigating cases where the involvement of more evolved kaiju was suspected.

It so happened that this unit was a subdivision of the Japanese Anti-Kaiju Defence Force, and you’d be working alongside some of the more well-known names in the force, a prospect that you still couldn’t quite wrap your head around.

All things considered, you were an adult and a professional, a respected scientist in your field.

There was no way the idea of meeting the incredible Vice Captain Hoshina, and potentially Captain Ashiro, along with two of the most promising officers who’d been plastered all over the television, would be intimidating, or cause you to break out into muffled shrieks reminiscent of a pterodactyl in breeding season.

Oh, no.

Never.

You’d just have to make sure that your extensive collection of figurines was stored away safely, just as your true feelings would be tucked neatly behind the dignified form of a woman dedicated to science.  

Now was your chance to prove your worth, on a stage larger than any you’d ever found yourself on before.

Mumbling a quick checklist, you peered into your small carry case for the umpteenth time. You could have sworn that you’d been perfectly organised the day before.

The terrain of the area you’d be heading to was rocky, dense undergrowth and forested stretches extending beyond the town, into the surrounds the team would be investigating. You’d opted for a simple button-down shirt, collar protruding above the neck of your sweater, name tag pinned in place, jeans and sturdy boots. Comfortable, but professional enough.

Shoving your belongings onto the passenger seat of your car, you took one last inventory before slinging yourself in. The roads were a little emptier at this early hour, giving you the time to review case details, a comforting routine you’d followed when you’d worked at forensics.   

By the time you pulled into the lot at Tachikawa Base, the rest of the team had already assembled at the designated spot, close to the Third Division Headquarters.

Exhaust fumes fogging in the morning air, the engine of the sturdy rover chugged with stentorian vitality. Kafka was yawning, running a hand through his hair, while Reno seemed to be going through some stretches. Haruichi was sipping on a coffee, one elbow resting in languid elegance on the rear door.

As you approached, Hoshina turned to you and waved, the folder tucked under his arm probably containing the necessary permits and verifications for the operation of the newly formed unit.

To your relief, they’d all decided to forgo their standard, casual military fatigues, which each of them had been wearing at the meeting the day before. You hadn’t wanted to seem like the odd one out.

Kafka and Reno sported zip-up jackets and cargo trousers, Haruichi a soft, baggy sweater. Hoshina wore a longer-length olive-green coat with a shirt and jeans beneath.

He must have noticed your appreciative glance at his outfit, because he struck a small pose, finger angled beneath his chin.

“What d’you think? Am I lookin’ like the great detective yet?”

“Definitely sharp enough to crack the case, sir.”

Perhaps it was the crisp morning air, the excitement of your first task as part of this team, the calming ritual you’d executed on the way here, but you definitely felt a little more relaxed today. Enough to joke around, as you found.

Hoshina regarded you steadily for a minute, in that inscrutable way of his. Something seemed to satisfy him, because he gave a small nod, smile widening slightly.  

Haruichi lobbed his empty coffee cup with neat accuracy into a trash receptacle nearby.

“Okay, now I’m on my game. Caffeine saves the day.”

Kafka groaned.

“I didn’t even have the time to get in a good breakfast … “

Reno was unzipping his rucksack, producing a bento wrapped in cloth printed with small ducks. An odd touch, but somehow, one that suited him.  

“I knew you wouldn’t have. Here.”

Eyes sparkling with unshed tears, Kafka took the box with reverence.

“Thank you, my guardian spirit.”

“Just eat it.”

While Kafka chewed blissfully on rolled omelette and braised cod, Hoshina opened up the file to begin the short, impromptu briefing.

“All right, I’ve been checking a few things out. We’ll probably reach Okutama shortly before lunch time, what with the new checkpoints. Once we get there, we’ll be setting up at our hub, which will be a small clinic, a midpoint between the village and the mining site. It’s a privately owned facility, so we can run our operations in a neutral environment. They’ve given us use of their meeting room, and lab.”

He glanced over at you for confirmation, and you nodded.

“They have the necessary instruments for running basic analysis. Samples requiring more advanced analysis can be transported to the university lab, about half an hour away.”

“Good. Kafka, you’re on surveillance of any target we identify. If a kaiju is spotted, you’re gonna provide us a detailed report of its type, movements, behavioural patterns and emergence vectors. Haruichi, you’re going to run tech analysis. Get as much footage as you can of areas fitted with cameras, check the mining sites for possible issues, and see if you can set up thermal imaging sensors around the crime scenes. Reno, you’re our boots on the ground for community liaison. When I’m not available, you’ll be our spokesperson. You’ll conduct interviews with those involved and report your findings back to the team.”

It struck you as strange, for a moment, that the youngest member of the team had been assigned such a front-facing role. Then, you rapidly recalled Reno’s career in the Third Division, his mastery of a number’s weapon and the aura of responsibility that waved like a gallant cape from the straight line of his shoulders.

This was no ordinary young man.

Hoshina gazed around at your small group, then turned his eyes skyward.

“You know, the townsfolk’ll probably take a little coaxing, to get them to open up to outsiders like us. Okutama and towns like it have been isolated from the city in many ways over time. Keep things polite and professional at all times. Diffuse aggression and disagreements. Check in on the chat group regularly and stay alert for communication. Keep things as confidential as you can.”

He turned to you, head tilting, violet hair slightly tousled by the brisk breeze.

“Any input you’d like to give?”

Clearing your throat, you nodded.

“Don’t make … promises, I suppose. As part of the defence force, you’re all probably accustomed to ensuring people’s safety and security. It’s part of your duty. An investigation isn’t quite so straightforward. Every branch, or finding, or conclusion needs to be verified with hard evidence before you can make a statement.”

Kafka folded his arms, his bento now empty save for a few grains of rice.

“I get what you’re saying. I guess that’s something we’ll have to pay more attention to. So, we can’t tell them outright that we’re gonna catch the culprit, more like … we’ll investigate as thoroughly as possible?”

You gave him a small smile.

“Exactly.”

Hoshina tapped his chin.

“That’s pretty important. Let’s keep that in mind for any public forums we attend.”

 Stepping up to the vehicle, he opened the door with a dramatic sweep.

“Shall we hit the road, team?”

Kafka hooted.

“Looking good in the driver’s seat already, Vice Captain!”

“I was getting the door for you, Kafka. Now hop in.”

“Huh?”

Hoshina patted the files under his arm with a slight pout.

“Look at all these case notes your brave leader has to review. I ain’t gonna get much done if I’m the one driving, right?”

Kafka clambered in with a resigned sigh, slotting the keys into the ignition.

“You’re lucky I had a good breakfast.” Catching Reno’s eye, he uttered a hurried rejoinder. “All thanks to you!”

  “What kinda music you like, Vice Cap?”

Half an hour had passed uneventfully. The suburbs of Tachikawa had given way to rolling fields, splashes of colour from the seasonal wildflowers streaking past like comets.

Kafka drummed his fingers on the wheel, ready to turn on the media player. Hoshina, in the passenger seat, tilted his head thoughtfully.

“I like – “

“No, wait!”

Kafka’s eyes widened, turning slightly in his seat to take in you, Reno and Haruichi in the interior of the squat, reinforced, military-issue rover.

“Hey, let’s take bets on what the Vice Cap likes.”

Hoshina blew out between his lips in a decidedly childish gesture.

“Oi, oi, Kafka, are you this bored?”

To your right, Reno lowered his phone, where he’d been tracking your route on the navigation app with zealous intensity.

“What are we betting?”

“Winner gets their lunch paid for!” came Kafka’s cheerful reply.

Ah, how enterprising of him.

Kafka seemed jovial enough, but he was a sharp one.

Leaning forward, Reno’s features took on a determined set.

“Very well, senpai. My bet is on classical music, the kind he can fall asleep to. Vice Captain has busy days, and so he probably wants something relaxing.”

Haruichi’s drawl came from behind you.

“Wow, you guys are taking this seriously, huh? Fine. My bet’s on synth-pop. Gets him going when he needs to psych himself up for killing kaiju.”

Hoshina was nodding along, expression comically serious as he listened to their rationales. His gaze slid over to you in the review mirror, but it was Kafka who asked the question.

“Hmm. Guess it would be kinda unfair to ask you since you don’t know the Vice Cap as well as we do, but still.” He grinned. “You’re part of the team now, so what’s your bet?”

Finger tracing your lower lip, your brow furrowed. There had been that feature in the Defence Force Monthly Gazette, which you’d absorbed most assiduously, so …

“I think … soft jazz? The kind you might hear in a coffee shop, maybe?”

The article had mentioned that Hoshina loved coffee and desserts, so your guess was based solely off that.

Kafka whistled.

“You know, you may be right. My guess is … rock ‘n roll! When he’s moving that fast in training, you can’t say there’s no electric guitar playing in his head.”

Reno frowned.

“But swordsmanship requires focus. This is just what you like, senpai.”

Hoshina clapped his hands together.

“Are these your final answers, contestants?”

Grip tightening on the steering wheel, Kafka chewed his lip.

“I’m … I’m sticking to my guns on this one!”

“Well then, the answer is …”

Forefingers slowly raising to point outwards, Hoshina struck his signature pose. Reno was following the motion, looking a little too invested. You wondered how many times Kafka had managed to sucker him into schemes as a product of his natural curiosity.

“You’re all wrong!”

“Eh?”

“All of us?”

“Not one of us guessed right?”

“Nope!”

You summoned the courage to place a hand on the back of his seat.

“All right then, sir. What is your favoured type of music?”

In answer, Hoshina pressed the seek button for radio stations. Faint and lilting, a building crescendo over the wavering reverb of the speakers as the signal grew stronger, came the thrum of the shamisen.

“I like folk music!”

Kafka turned to him slowly.

“You’re kidding.”

“Not at all. I had a pretty traditional upbringing, ya know.”

“But this is a few centuries old, at least. One would think … “

“What?”

“Never mind.”

Beside you, Reno was trying to place his headphones back on as slowly and politely as possible. Hoshina turned to him with a wide smile, all the more terrifying for its chipper quality.

“Aw, ain’t ya gonna appreciate this tune with me?”

Reno swallowed heavily.

"Uh, sure, Vice Captain. The … whole way?”

“Well, you guys did make a bet, so it’s only fair, right?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Great! Now, who’s buying me lunch?”

The forests rose in a mottled green wave around the highways that cut like rivers through their spreading canopy. Dark, feathery drapes of veitch fir interspersed with the pale green and radiant yellow of oak, the gaps between narrowing until they slid past the eye, towering trunks raising supplicating arms to the sky.

There was a stillness to the air here, made more evident to those like you, accustomed to the electric hum of the city, the distant roar of traffic and the wail of kaiju alert sirens.

As you approached the town proper, you leaned to look past Hoshina’s shoulder. Nestled in the cleft between sweeping hills, the simple buildings looked somewhat dwarfed by their natural setting, an effect made less intimidating as the rover crossed over the bridge and passed the final checkpoint, into the main thoroughfare.

The buildings and stores that lined the street never verged into ostentatious, each neat and square-edged in uniformity. There was a sense of times past in many of the storefronts, not faded, but charming with an old-world vibrancy, one foot placed on the threshold of the modern.

The first stop was the prefectural police station, easily found after a short drive into the town. Kafka pulled the rover into the small parking lot, wheels crunching over gravel.

Outside, the cooler mountain air was crisp, a little sharp when inhaled. You stretched your arms and legs, locking fingers behind your neck and arching your back as the others climbed out and did the same.

Haruichi kicked out his legs before turning to Hoshina, raising an eyebrow.

“We’re a brand-new unit. What kind of reception d’you think we’ll have?”

The Vice Captain shoved his hands into his pockets, contemplating the well-tended garden right before the entrance.

“Dunno. Well, not that it matters. When it comes to kaiju-related incidents, it’s automatically handed over to us, whatever branch of the defence force we may be. They might be relieved. Or not. We’ll see.”

As you followed Hoshina into the cool, air-conditioned interior of the station, you watched his back thoughtfully.

You wondered what kind of pressure he felt heading his own independent unit, or if it was a cause for worry for him at all. From what you’d seen thus far, Hoshina was the kind to channel the challenges from higher up away from his team, such that each person could focus on what they did best. He’d never once expressed any kind of reservation about the success of the KIU, nor had he blown his trumpet about his own highly regarded status in the force.

His men seemed to know him well, and you could tell that each of them expressed a great deal of respect and warmth towards him, especially Kafka.   

You resolved to get to know him better, as much as his nature allowed. You’d gleaned everything the average person on the street could find out, from the publicity spreads published by the force to garner public trust. While Hoshina seemed personable enough, he didn’t seem like the kind to invite scrutiny into his private life, unlike Captain Narumi, for example, who’d infamously started a flame war on social media over his criticism of the gaming industry.

Right now though, you concerned yourself with the appearance of Superintendent Kitagawa, who had emerged from the corridor ahead, bringing his legs together and straightening to offer a sharp salute.

“You’re finally here, Vice Captain. Such an honour.”

Hoshina waved off his formality, beckoning the rest of you with a short jerk of his head as he followed him back into the small office.

“At your disposal, Chief. Got anything new for us?”

Kitagawa looked like he was a few years away from retirement, distinguished steel-grey hair and eyes, a clean-shaven, craggy profile, the uniform still sitting on him with an air of practiced authority. Your analyst’s eye took in the fact that he was probably former defence force himself, based on his bearing.   

Haruichi pulled up a chair for you, while he, Kafka and Reno moved away to lean against the wall and bookshelf to the right.

Kitagawa shuffled the papers on the tabletop, in a gesture you could tell was more soothing to his anxiety than from any desire for organisation.

“It’s been a tough few weeks, I can tell you. I’m sure you’re all familiar with the details of the case itself, more so than the police here at any rate. They took us off the moment the lab analysis came back showing kaiju DNA.”

Hoshina leaned back in his chair, one ankle propped somewhat casually over his knee. You could tell he was supremely alert, taking in the office, the man across the table from him, the expanse of forest visible through the window barring them from the midday heat.

“We’re going to set up at Unazawa Clinic as our base of operations. Give us this afternoon to organise ourselves, and we’ll get started. There’re a few things you can help us with, though.”

Kitagawa spread his hands.

“Anything at all.”

“It says in your report that an Officer Matsumoto found the first victim. Is it possible for us to meet with him? I know he’s already given his statement, but we’d really like to get his impressions of the crime scene.”

“Not a problem. I’ll inform him.”

“We’d also like to hold a small community meeting in your town hall to address our presence and to encourage people to co-operate with our investigation. Anyone can attend, especially those who have some interests in the outcome of the case. Could we leave it to you to handle that?”

“It’s the least we can do, Vice Captain.”

Sighing, the Constable raised his hands, palms outward.

“I won’t pretend that we’re not without our internal issues. You’ll probably come across some of them at the meeting.”

The corner of Hoshina’s mouth lifted, wry.

“That’s exactly the kinda thing I was expecting, to be sure. Who should we watch for?”

“Well, when Hasegawa Inc. first gained approval to mine the quarry, people weren’t happy about it. You’d be surprised, Vice Captain. Away from the cities, and from most major kaiju-related incidents, people can lean on the old ways without much in the way of consequences.”

“So, some opposed the mining operation?”

“Yes, and loudly. Some of the elders within the community were the ringleaders, but not just them. They have a lot of influence, and others came over to their side as well. Not that any of this stopped Hasegawa Inc. They had approval, and informing the residents was pretty much a formality. They showed their faces at the town hall, delivered their manifesto, and left. Kept themselves and their workers restricted to the site and it was business as usual.”

Hoshina frowned, taking a minute to mull this information over.

“You say they were restricted to the site, but your earliest reports showed that you were following investigative leads among the residents. Surely the most likely suspects would then be from within Hasegawa Inc. itself?”  

Kitagawa jerked a thumb out the window in answer.

“Not by a long shot. Take a look at those forests. Looks impenetrable to an outsider, but the townspeople know them like the back of their hands. They know game trails, shortcuts, hideaways, you name it. Not that I’m pointing a finger at my own flock, so to speak, but it couldn’t be ruled out, knowing how much some were opposed to the mining.”

“But all that changed when the kaiju DNA was found?”

Kitagawa shot Hoshina a pointed look, and something suddenly shifted into place in your mind.

“Yes, that’s right. And so, the case was handed over to your unit.”

The Superintendent leaned forward, hands clasped earnestly on the table.

“Vice Captain, would it be too much to ask to keep us in the loop?”

Hoshina nodded slowly.

“We’ve got our own protocols, of course, so I can’t guarantee full access, but we’ll do what we can. Can we expect your support with our investigation as well?”

“I’ll help in any way I can.”

“Then that’s all for now, I think. Thanks for your time, Chief.”

Back in the car, you clipped your seatbelt into place, mind racing at what you’d heard.

Haruichi was slumped slightly in his seat, a frown marring his brow.

“Okay, I wasn’t expecting that. I totally get people not wanting a mine in the middle of their precious forest, but did they really think about the defence force out there risking their lives? We need every bit of help we can get, so is this really something to prioritise?”

Reno was flipping through a small, spiral-bound notebook. Glancing across, you found that he’d taken meticulous notes of the meeting.

“I think the town hall forum will be important. Not just for informing the residents of our duties, but also as a way to scan the crowd. Try and make out who’s involved. If we spot disagreements, maybe we can use that to leverage information as well.”

 “Oho!” Kafka whistled. “Better watch out. Reno’s on the job!”

“Maybe you could take your duties seriously too, senpai.”

“Ouch.”

Hoshina was tapping his pen against the cover of the file, huming tunelessly. Kafka raised an eyebrow at him.

“What’s on your mind, Vice Cap?”

“This thing may be more complex than we thought. I anticipated the small town antagonism, but there’s more to it.”

He turned around in his seat to face you, all the shadowed observance of twilight in the sudden widening of his eyes.

“You saw it, didn’t you?”

The others were looking your way now, waiting for a response. Hesitantly, you nodded.   

“The kaiju DNA. From my knowledge, whenever some evidence becomes the turning point of a case, it’s scrutinised all the more. I worked on a case in which a perp struck during kaiju attacks and tried to disguise the killings as kaiju-related deaths. He didn’t have access to something like kaiju DNA, though. So … the Superintendent probably thinks the DNA showing up at that point in the investigation was too convenient.”

Reno inhaled sharply.

“He thinks someone planted it?”

Hoshina raised a finger.

“Let’s put a hold on those thoughts. Remember, the defence force places some strict controls on movement and access to kaiju materials. It’s not impossible that someone managed to get hold of it independently, but that would be very hard.”

“Yeah,” Kafka interjected, “I’ve been on cleaning crews for years now. Our kaiju materials disposal was monitored super closely. Also, kaiju remains don’t stay intact for long. They’ve got a much higher decomposition rate compared to other living things. So, the DNA would have to have come from a live kaiju.”

Haruichi rubbed at his forehead.

“Wow, that makes things so much more complicated.”

The engine started up and Hoshina turned up his collar, burrowing deeper into the warmth of his jacket after the chill of the station.

“Ain’t no sense in worrying about it. Let’s take things one step at a time, starting with our set up. Kafka, take us to the clinic.”

You settled back against the scuffed leather of the seat, gaze flicking intermittently to the back of Hoshina’s head.

Even with all you had to think about regarding the case, the Vice Captain’s awareness of his surroundings, and as it turned out, his own team, was something formidable indeed.

You’d been seated to the side of him in the office, with his attention focused on his conversation with Kitagawa, and he’d still made out that slight change in your expression when the superintendent had mentioned kaiju DNA. Whatever your doubts about the case, you were beginning to understand the nature of the man who’d been assigned to tackle it, and the thought gave you no small measure of anticipation.

The facility was a fifteen minute drive from the edge of town, a mid-point between Okutama and the quarry. Originally, it had been built to attend to the needs of those living further out, as there were doctors present in the town centre.

Hoshina was having a conversation with the Head Nurse on the front step, moving aside and holding the door open for you and Kafka as you passed. He’d already handed over the permits for appropriating a section of the clinic for the KIU, but you noticed that he’d taken the time to speak to the small existing staff, never giving away any details of the investigation, but keeping things friendly all the same.

Once inside, you took note of the layout.

There was a conference room, not very large, but more than adequate for your small team. One half of the room had been set up with tables and chairs, a large whiteboard on wheels forming a focal point of any briefings that would take place.

The glass door to the adjoining room revealed a lab, a pleasant surprise to you in terms of how neat and well-equipped you found it. You supposed that this was the advantage of private ownership.

Setting down the box, Kafka looked around the room with an appreciative whistle.

“Nice! Didn’t expect something like this.”

You propped a hand on your hip.

“Right? I definitely wasn’t expecting a lab with a functional GC and SEM. That’s more what you’d expect from a research facility.”

He raised a questioning eyebrow, and you hurried to explain.

“Gas Chromatography and Scanning Electron Microscope. Helps us identify the chemical makeup of substances, and the microscope has some powerful magnification. Perfect for analytics.”

“The microscope gets its own room?”

“Yeah, pretty essential, actually. It needs very controlled environmental conditions.”

Cracking your fingers, you started to sort through the files Kafka had brought in. He sank into a swivel chair with a small sigh, rotating it around and around until you stopped it with your foot.

“Hey, can I get your eyes on this?”

“All righty.”

He frowned as you laid out the crime scene photos on the table before him.

“Whoa. We just got the basics in our files. They probably gave you the rest of the photos since you’re the forensic expert.”

“So, you haven’t seen any of these?”

The chair skidded across the floor as he used the edge of the table to haul himself closer, one broad finger coming down on three of the photos in quick succession.     

“These. That’s all I’ve seen.”

Selecting the photos that contained gory close-ups of the back of each victim’s head, you pulled them aside.

“I’m more interested in this. See how the brainstems have been removed?”

 He raised the photo into the light, squinting.

“Hmm.”

“What do you think? Does that look like a kaiju attack?”

“Not like what I’ve seen in the field, and clean up, no.”

“So, it could be a human’s doing?”

Kafka lowered his arm and eyed you pensively.

“I know what you’re trying to ask, but listen. It’s not so black and white. I … well, we in the force have had dealings with other kinds of kaiju. The more advanced kinds. This photo isn’t like the destruction of a regular kaiju attack, no. Plus, there isn’t any damage to the surroundings, the way there would be with kaiju going on a rampage. But I can’t say that this is the work of a human either. I’ve seen … kaiju that are capable of this too.”

You drummed your fingers on the tabletop, absorbing his information, before you spoke again, hesitantly.

“You’re referring to Number Nine?”

“Yeah. And it wasn’t the only one.”

“When I look at the wounds and autopsy reports though … I can see marks that look like human weapons, and verification of that. A long knife, to be specific. But then, there’s the DNA, and the fact that the victims may have been killed elsewhere … “

You trailed off and Kafka turned to the door as it slid open. The light, measured footsteps you’d started to recognise as Hoshina’s sounded across the wooden floor.

“Don’t you guys wanna set up before diggin’ in? Sheesh. I always get the workaholics on my team, huh?”

Your lips lifted slightly at his words while Kafka sputtered.

“If anyone’s a workaholic here, it’s you, Vice Cap.”

Hoshina had his hands shoved into the pockets of his long coat once again, one hip propped on the conference table. Even while running your entire operation, he gave off an air of nonchalant ease, as if he were simply tugged along by some current that flowed from higher up. You knew that nothing could be further from the truth.

Raising a finger of reprimand, he wagged it lazily.

“Now, now, Kafka, don’t tease your superior officers. You know what that gets you.”

“You mean like the hundred other times you’ve put me in a chokehold?”

“Do I gotta strengthen up my grip?”

“No, sir!”

Pushing off the table, Hoshina approached the area where you and Kafka had seated yourselves, taking in the spread of crime scene photos.

“Ah. Lookin’ at the wounds.”

You waved a hand.

“Just getting Hibino’s opinion of these, sir. I wanted some intel on what wounds inflicted by kaiju attacks look like. I … can’t make any conclusions just based on these. But I do see what look like wounds inflicted by a straight, sharp blade, probably eight inches in length.”

Hoshina tapped his nose with a forefinger.

“You can tell that from photos like these?”

“Yes, from prior cases of course. Knife wounds, their angle of entry, or exit, if applicable, the probable weapon, the direction from which its wielded. We can’t make a statement without a proper autopsy report verifying it, and in this case, the report backs up the idea of a human-made weapon. Of course, it looks like there’s more to it than that.”

Fingers flexing around air close to his waist, Hoshina frowned.

“You may be right. But the kaiju DNA?”

Shrugging, you jerked a thumb at the files.

“I think our own analysis will have to give us what we’re looking for.”

“Speaking of which … “ Hoshina turned to Kafka. “Where’ve Reno and Haruichi wandered off to?”   

“Haruichi said he was going to get a head start on setting up those sensors and cameras. Think Reno just went with him for company.”

Sighing, your team lead brushed violet hair back from his forehead.

“Damn, you guys. Guess I better get my ducks in a row too.”

“Well, there it is.”

Haruichi came to a stop, pointing.

They were standing on a rise in the road before it dipped and wound down into the valley below. The reddish earth of the quarry, stark against the green of the forest, stood out like a raw scar on the landscape.

A cluster of temporary cabins, some larger than others, stood at the base, close to a larger body of water. The jut of cliffs and jagged outcroppings to the west and south gave high vantage points over the quiet settlement.   

This was the encampment that Hasegawa Inc. had set up for the employees of the mining venture they had started in these parts.

Haruichi was frowning.

“This place looks pretty much abandoned.”

Reno squinted against the glare of the afternoon sun, one hand shielding his eyes.

“Look, there. That’s probably how they kept control over who entered and left the place.”

He was indicating a small checkpoint further on down, set up across the only branch off the main road which led down into the vale. There was what looked like a booth, now empty of any guard, and a boom gate.

“Hmm.” Haruichi shrugged. “Not like that did much good. Two of their people dead under mysterious circumstances, and the Superintendent seemed to think that anyone from the town could have found other ways to gain entry. So could a kaiju, for that matter.”

A cool breeze lifted their hair briefly, offering respite from their long walk. Reno unzipped his jacket and cast the edges free.

“So, what do you know about Hasegawa Inc.? Did it ever come up in discussions?”  

“You mean with my folks?”

Haruichi laughed, short and sharp.

“We’re not the kind of family who sit around and have supper together, if that’s what you mean. But here’s what I know. They took a contract with Izumo Tech about five years ago, for supplying some of the rare metals used in anti-kaiju equipment. Valuable stuff. Got them the edge they needed in the market, and they expanded pretty well after that. I’ve told Hoshina everything I know, and he looked into their records.”

“Did he find anything?”

“Nothing at all. They’re clean on all fronts, and Izumo Tech does private checks on all associated companies pretty thoroughly too. I don’t think this case has as much to do with them as it does with the fact that they decided to mine here of all places.”  

Taking another minute to survey the settlement below, Reno abruptly took a step forward.

“Hey.”

“Huh?”

“This place isn’t totally abandoned.”

Following the line of his pointing finger, Haruichi took note of movement far below. Someone had emerged from one of the mobile homes, their green overalls visible against the muted beige of the walls.

From this distance, no features could be distinguished, but their head was turned up towards the ridge where the two young soldiers stood, one hand shading their eyes, staring right back at them.

“Someone was there?”

Reno nodded, wiping off his mouth as he took another sip of water. The walk had left him thirsty.

“Haruichi and I saw him. Or her. Whoever that was.”

Kafka gave an exaggerated shudder.

“Creepy. Imagine living there alone. Everything abandoned. A murder site of all places.”

He received a deadpan look from his younger counterpart.

“We’re investigating the same murder and you’re throwing around words like creepy?”

“Well – “

You offered Reno a towel which he accepted gratefully.

“Did you manage to get any closer?”

“We would have, but Haruichi and I didn’t bring our permits with us.”

He paused, looking down at his sneakers, slightly shamefaced.

“Won’t make that mistake again. I guess investigators in our role should have their credentials and permits on them at all times. You never know what might come up.”

It was a times like these that you remembered just how young Reno was. You shot him an encouraging grin.

“Hey, I’ve come across experienced officers in the police force who forget the basics sometimes. Nothing to beat yourself up about.”

 Kafka slapped him on the shoulder.

“You heard her. Anyway, I’m sure we’re heading that way soon. We’ll track down whoever’s down there. Probably just someone from Hasegawa Inc. making sure nobody makes off with the machinery.”

Haruichi emerged from the quarters that had been assigned to your team. There were locker and shower facilities for overnight staff at the clinic, as well as fairly comfortable rooms for them to make use of during shifts. A few of these had been set aside for your team’s exclusive use, along with a small break room where you gathered in between your respective duties.

Towelling off his long green hair, no longer tied back, Haruichi dropped onto a nearby couch.

“We set up cameras along the west side of the site. Covers just about everything ‘cos of the elevation, but I’ve gotta get across to the other side too. And that means we need to access the camp.”

The door to the break room swung open and Hoshina entered, carrying a tray of steaming mugs. Reno rose from his seat almost instinctually, eyes wide.

“Vice Captain! You shouldn’t have. We should be – “

Hoshina shrugged him off with that easy laugh.

“Now, now, what kinda team lead can’t get his worker bees a coffee some time?”

Kafka groaned and scrubbed at his eyes.

“Reno’s right. You’re not supposed to be doing this, you know. You’ve got enough on your plate.”

Casually disregarding their protests, Hoshina started to hand out mugs.

“Shut up and drink it. Now, I’m gonna need to get that police officer to come in and talk to us. Reno, think you can call the station and confirm that?”

“Yes, sir!”

“Finish your coffee first. Kafka, you’re gonna set up the room for the interview. We’ll use our regular conference room so it doesn’t feel like an interrogation. We want him relaxed and able to tell us as much as he can.”

It was now your turn to receive a drink. Your fingers curved around the warm ceramic, briefly brushing against the underside of Hoshina’s hand, before you raised it to your lips, eyebrows raising at the taste.

Pausing, you took another sip, just to be sure. Chancing a glance across at Hoshina you caught him watching you, the faint upward curve of his lips.

Somehow, he’d managed to memorise the way you took your coffee, with just a small splash of milk and one sugar.

Thus far, you’d managed to keep a tight leash on your inner Hoshina fan, but this … this was a bit much to process, even for someone with as good a professional sense as you possessed. Ears burning, you mumbled a faint ‘thank you’, while he nodded graciously, smile a little wider.       

“Now, you, Miss Hawkeye, are gonna be noting down anything of significance during the interview. If you have any thoughts or impressions ‘bout anything he says, you get that all down.”

“Sir!”

He’d come up with a nickname for you?

You wondered, briefly, if your teammates would be able to hear from the neighbouring rooms if you screamed into your pillow that night.

Those thoughts aside, you knew that you had to get plenty of rest. Your faculties had to remain sharp, if you wanted to pick up each and every detail of interest at the interview tomorrow.

Reno’s phone call had ensured a bright and early start, with Officer Matsumoto appearing right on time at eight in the morning.

He was an upright young man, going by appearances. Tall, a lanky build with a trace of awkwardness to his gait, and sweaty palms which he was in the habit of wiping off on his trousers, if the damp patches were any indication.  

He presented Hoshina with a salute so robust that he almost overbalanced.

“Vice Captain! It’s an honour!”

You bit your lip.

Was this what you had looked like during your first meeting with the team? You sincerely hoped not.

Hoshina was waving him into a seat, legs crossing casually as he tucked a hand into the pocket of his long coat.

“Easy there, Officer. I’m not here in my regular capacity. And this ain’t a formal gathering, as you can see.”

He gestured towards the rest of you, Kafka grinning in warm welcome. Reno stepped forward and shook the Officer’s hand earnestly.

Smart.

Kafka had the kind of presence that put anyone at ease, and Reno was clearly younger than even Officer Matsumoto, his greeting slightly deferential.

Highly strung as he was, you could see some of the tension ease from Matsumoto’s frame as he took a seat opposite Hoshina.

You readied your pen, just out of the Officer’s line of vision, gently turning to the first page of the small notebook Reno had given you.

“I’ll help your investigation in any way I can, Vice Captain.”

 “So, we understand that you were the one to come across the first victim.”

“Yes, down by the quarry.”

“You were stationed there?”

“Oh, right. Some of the townspeople weren’t … happy about the mining operation. There always had to be one officer present on site, at the quarry. Just to see that nothing happened. We rotated that duty. Most times we worked with a partner, one on for day shift, and the other for night.”

“Which were you?”

“I was night duty, but I didn’t discover the body until very early morning, right before my partner was due to take over.”

“Tell me about the set up. I’m guessing you patrolled a circuit of the area?”

“Yes. The encampment is actually pretty large, and we were supposed to patrol the perimeter every hour. Not that bad. We did get plenty of breaks, and the people from Hasegawa Inc. were always looking out for us. Knew we were doing our part to prevent any kind of conflict.”

“Hmm. From what I’ve seen of the crime scene, it’s a body of water, not too far from the mobile homes?”

“That’s right. It’s not within the area we usually patrol, but … as I was passing behind one of the homes, I heard a loud noise. Something falling into the water. It took me a few minutes, maybe five, to get there, and I looked down the slope and spotted him, Mr. Inazari that is, floating in the water.”

“Wait, you recognised him?”

“Yeah. He was floating face up. That’s why I didn’t see the injury to the back of his head right off. I recognised his face immediately because he looked … peaceful. Like he’d just fallen asleep. It was Mr. Inazari, the Chief Engineer. He was overseeing the project.”

Now this was an important detail.

The original report had been brief, mentioning that Mr. Inazari had simply been ‘floating’ and it sounded as if he’d only been identified after being removed from the water.  

Seeing as Officer Matusmoto had immediately made the assumption that Inazari had fallen, and attempted to rescue him by pulling him from the water, no photographs had been taken of the crime scene until after the body had been removed. Those crucial details, of how the body had looked when it had been found, were missing from evidence.     

Furthermore …

Your pen lowered to paper as you caught Hoshina’s eye. He gave no indication that he’d seen your sudden interest, but you were sure he’d taken note of it.

“Your report says that you ran down to him, calling out?

 “Yes, sir. As I said, I couldn’t see the head injury. I waded in, caught him just under the armpits. Tried to keep his face above water and dragged him out. I … tried to perform CPR, and put my hand under his head, and that’s when … “

Matsumoto’s face twisted in horrified recollection. You could only imagine what it must have felt like, fingers accidentally delving into that cavern of pulpy flesh and gore.

Hoshina remained silent for a moment, giving him some time to collect himself. When he spoke again, his prompting was gentle.

“You realised he was dead.”

“Right.”

“What did you do then?”

“Called it in. My partner was awake by then. He came running down. I got him to take over and went up to the offices.”

And to wash his hands, presumably.  

As Hoshina rounded off the interview, you reconciled two inescapable facts; that Matsumoto could have potentially contaminated the evidence collected from the wound, including the DNA found. Not that it counted for much, considering the fact that the body had been in water. There was also the fact that his observations did not quite match what the autopsy report had revealed.

Reno saw Matsumoto off at the door before returning to the conference room. He was frowning.

“We’ve got to get to that site. It’s the next logical step, right?”

He looked to Hoshina for confirmation, and the Vice Captain nodded, pen swinging between his fingers.

“Right you are, Reno. But before that … “

He turned to you, eyes fully open, that warm, almost lazy smile belying the razor-sharp intensity you saw reflected there.

“I think our analyst has something she wants to tell us.”

Officers in the force would probably have these codes memorized, easy as breathing, but you had sat with the manual for an entire weekend, terrified that you’d make an idiot of yourself in front of your new unit.

After another hour of words sliding away from the fabric of your mind, like water across glass, you’d closed your laptop with a decisive click and prepared a simple breakfast with mechanical focus.

Anticipating traffic, you’d left an hour before, hands tense on the wheel, groaning when the imposing building loomed into view far earlier than you’d anticipated.

Barely any traffic at all!

The guard at the entrance scanned your ID, providing you with a temporary pass, until such time that your formal permit to enter and leave the base would be issued.   

The base itself was already humming with activity, officers, operators and other personnel already up and about in their pristine uniforms. As you passed through a corridor, one of its walls comprising a long, continuous window, you caught a glimpse of platoons out on the track and field, sweating through morning training drills.

The third division HQ, according to the map provided, was in the building up ahead, across a wide, flat, paved area between well-maintained lawns.

Swallowing heavily, you entered, making your way up to the meeting room on the third floor. You discreetly checked that your palms weren’t sweaty before pushing open the door.

A small sigh of relief escaped you as you established that nobody was here yet.

“Hopin’ to catch a juicy worm, Miss Early Bird?”

Breath halting abruptly, you whirled around.

It was Vice-Captain Hoshina.

The Vice-Captain Hoshina, of whom you owned six high-quality figurines, two plush dolls, a limited-edition candid photograph in a form-fitting shirt, and –

Almost as if by reflex, your hand snapped to your forehead in a salute so sharp it could have cut diamonds.

You had been practicing in the mirror.

“Vice-Captain, sir! My apologies for being too early. I overestimated my travel time.”

He let out a low whistle, hands clasped playfully behind his back as he examined you.

“Guess we got ourselves a diligent one. S’pose you already know who I am, but just in case … I’m Hoshina, of the third division, and the head of this nice little unit.”

You introduced yourself in turn, not entirely sure of what he’d think if he found out that you’d once been tempted to purchase a life-size cutout of him in an online special.

Up close, you could make out that the photos didn’t quite do him justice.

Hoshina was taller than expected, his slim, powerful build evident, even beneath the loose-fitting jacket of his uniform. His face was angled, eyes rarely open to their full extent, snaggle teeth revealing themselves as he spoke, his hair trimmed with simple functionality, as if he’d taken every opportunity to render himself ‘ordinary’.

None of that could disguise the languid grace with which he moved, the subtle air of command, the way he channelled respect and attention with effortless flair.

He was now holding the door open for you, insistently ushering you into the conference room.

“Since you’re here early, I guess we can help ourselves to some coffee. Nothing like getting a fresh pot before everyone else shows up.”

He rubbed his hands together and shot you a conspiratorial wink.

You tried not to trip over your own feet.

“That sounds lovely, sir.”

The steady drip of the filter alerted you to the fact that you were not, in fact, the earliest to arrive. Hoshina must have set up the room prior to this, including brewing the coffee and setting out the neat rows of files on the table before you.

You took a seat, thanking him profusely when he handed you a steaming cup.

He took a sip from his own mug, humming in contentment, head tilting.

“Any questions you’d like to ask before we start the briefing? I know it might be daunting, transferring over from the Metro Police.”

Bless his soul. You didn’t deserve such kindness.

“Well, actually … I read the manual sent to me. I think I’ve got all the protocols down.”

His smile transformed from gentle attentiveness to devilish mischief within the space of a second.

“Ah, about that. We’ve got some interesting fellas joinin’ our team. Can’t say we always stand by strict regimens, but we follow the protocols for the most part. Just giving a fair warning. Things get hairy sometimes, and we respond as best we can.”

As if on cue, two of the ‘interesting fellas’ barged into the room (well, one of them did), standing to attention when they spotted Hoshina. The taller, dark-haired man looked enthused to a disturbing degree.

“Vice-Captain! I can’t wait to work with you again! Just last week, I was telling Ichikawa that – “

The younger man at his side cleared his throat.

“Good morning, Vice-Captain. Glad to be of service.”

“ – we haven’t seen you in ages! Are you that busy? Oh, what am I saying! Of course you’re busy, what with – “

Ichikawa turned to you and offered a polite bow.

“Pleased to meet you.”

“ – setting up this unit and stuff, and – “

 “Oi, Kafka.”

Something silky and dangerous had filtered into Hoshina’s voice. It was testament to how effective the warning was when Kafka’s mouth sealed itself instantly.

Rising, Hoshina padded lightly towards the two men. Kafka was now standing stiffly, staring straight ahead, while Ichikawa looked as if he’d braced himself for the inevitable.

“Always this loud in the morning, huh?”

“I’m sorry, Vice-Captain. I was just excited to be – “

“Excited for me to give you work to do?”

“Uh – “

With a movement so swift, the eye could barely follow, Hoshina slid behind Kafka and grabbed him in what looked like a practiced chokehold. You stood, pushing back your chair with a protest on your lips, when you saw that Kafka was laughing, even as his eyes bulged a little under the force.

“You … could have … just said you … wanted a hug, Vice-Captain.”

“Where’s the fun in that?”

Hoshina released him with a grin, hands resting on Kafka’s and Ichikawa’s shoulders.

“These two are from the third division, so we’re all already acquainted.”

Kafka gasped, turning towards you with a prompt salute.

“Oh, sorry, sorry! I got carried away thinking of old times when I saw the Vice-Captain here. So, you’re the new analyst huh?”

He offered a sunny smile, jabbing his thumb back at himself.

“You need anything, you just come to me! I’m always ready for a chat.”

You couldn’t help but return the smile. Kafka hadn’t been as prominently featured in the media as some of the other recruits, like Ichikawa Reno himself, who’d mastered a Numbers weapon.

Your research into the third division had been meticulous, however, and you had come across the fact that Hibino Kafka had provided invaluable intel on kaiju to the platoon leaders on more than one occasion, probably based on his background in disposal. He’d definitely be a huge asset to this unit, and you couldn’t wait to pick his brain on some finer aspects of kaiju biology.

All of that could wait, however, because the final member of the team had stepped through the doorway, hair tied back in signature style, smile easy and charming as he bowed in greeting.

“Sorry I’m late.”

“Ah, Izumo, it’s you. You’re right on time, actually. Let’s get started then.”

Now here was a big name. You could guess why Izumo had been assigned to the unit. Apart from his elite combat potential, he possessed specialised knowledge of the tech supplied to the JAKDF and had many potential connections in high places.

Once everyone was seated, Hoshina turned on the large display screen dominating one wall.

“Welcome to the first official meeting of D3-KIU, or the Kaiju Investigation Unit, under the Third Division. I think you’re all aware of why this unit’s been formed, so let me jump right in and elaborate on why our basic mission is so important.”

A series of images flared up across the screen, all of which you recognised as standard crime scene photos. As gruesome as some of the pictures were, nobody flinched or looked away. If there was one thing you all had in common, it was familiarity with the world of violence and death.

Hoshina allowed you all to look, a quiet settling like fallen leaves within the room.

“These are some of the cases that have been handed over to us over the past few months. Most were flagged as homicide at first. They may look savage enough, but each case showed forethought, planning of some kind, a means to lure the victim to a place where they made easy targets.”

One of his fingers traced over the lurid lines of a slashed torso, the purplish tint of blood collecting beneath the skin after rigor mortis.

“Now, I’ve seen my fair share of people killed when a kaiju rampages through, and this isn’t like that. If we had to consider kaiju a part of our animal kingdom, then yes, predator’s instincts would explain some things, but they aren’t such a natural form of life. If they’re actively disguising these killings as ones caused by humans, for some unknown purpose, then that’s something we’ve got to get on right away.”

Kafka raised a hand.

“Vice-Captain, if we’re looking for motives, then surely survival or reproduction is high on that list.”

“You’re right, of course, but …” Hoshina’s forefingers raised in the air before coming down in your direction like the tilt of a cannon. “Our colleague from the Metro can tell us more, I’m sure.”

You straightened in your seat, swallowing hard.

“Well … most of our investigations operate around the principal that you shouldn’t make any assumptions beforehand. It’s terribly easy for a scientist without an objective view of the case to find evidence that supports a particular theory, leading to bias. Although, in this case, the theory is a very strong one, we have to look at every possibility before narrowing things down.”

Hoshina clapped his hands together.

“Remember, we’re no longer just kaiju hunters. That’s not the primary function of this unit. We’re investigating them, dissecting everything from their anatomy down to their behaviour, to each and every trace they leave behind. We need to understand them in order to save more people.”    

Izumo was eyeing the case files laid out neatly on the wide table.

“Sir, how are we going to proceed? We’re not an awfully big unit, and … “

He trailed off, but the implication was clear.

Fortunately, Hoshina had a ready answer for this too.

“Oh, don’t worry about that. I’ve already reviewed all the cases and I’ve chosen the order we’ll be working in, based on urgency.”

Ah, so he was that kind of leader.

You were sure that the others were already aware, but this was all new to you. Hoshina’s easy-going mannerisms belied the hard work he put in behind the scenes, something you’d already been witness to before the meeting started.  

Right now, he had switched to the details of your first case on the screen above, a forested area and the neighbouring village appearing in some of the aerial photographs.  

“Tomorrow, we head out to the site of our priority case. For the record, it’s going under the denomination K-12. Let’s begin the briefing.”

The stir that went around the table didn’t escape your attention. Glancing across at each of your team members, it was evident that the same desire burned in each of them. With leaders like Hoshina and Ashiro, you could well imagine what drove each and every one of them, a flame that you knew burned bright even in the face of impossible odds.

All of these officers had played a role in the penultimate battle for the safety of Japan, and perhaps, the world. All had placed their lives on the line in the call of duty.

Strangely, the idea didn’t intimidate you so much any longer.

Even without military background, you were to operate in a role familiar to you, providing the support they’d need to take down your formidable adversaries.

When Hoshina caught your eye, you didn’t look away.

When he made reference to the unfamiliar, you asked questions.

When input was required, you evaluated your options with careful consideration before adding your steady voice to the mix.

As the meeting concluded, you left the room with a number of tasks to complete. The file needed careful review, you needed to arrange for use of lab facilities near the site, your documentation still needed to be completed, and you had to have a suitcase packed and ready for your trip with the unit tomorrow morning to Okutama.

Under other circumstances, the list would have been daunting, but the excitement that added a spring to your step wouldn’t be dampened by such thoughts.

Hoshina was counting on you.

“You can come in now.”

Hoshina was leaning back in his seat, arms stretched out, fingers linked above his head.

Ashiro stepped in, her small frown indicating a slightly put-out expression.

“How’d you know I was there?”

“You always do this when you’re feeling guilty.”

“I’m not feeling guilty.” She relented a little, sighing. “All right, maybe a little.”

He leaned forward, a tell-tale gleam in his eye.

“Oh my, was working with Shinomiya that taxing?”

“No, it wasn’t. And stop smiling like that.”

She received a small laugh in response, one that she analysed carefully.

No, he didn’t seem as tense as the day she’d appointed him to this role. In fact, he had the laid-back demeanour of a man who was pleased with how the meeting had proceeded. Ashiro’s shoulders drooped slightly in relief.

“So … how did it go?”

He grinned, a Cheshire cat about to dissolve into the night.

“You’re awfully curious. I thought you’d let me be more hands-on with this unit.”

“Hoshina – “

“But I suppose I can take pity on my mighty Cap and blow some juicy details her way.”

 “Are you going to be this insufferable every single time?”

“Who me?”

He paused, gaze sweeping the room, across the files that Ichikawa had stacked neatly before leaving the room, the chairs that had been pushed back into place.

“I’ll admit, I did a lot of homework on running a team like this. Maybe over-prepped myself, if ya know what I mean.”

Ashiro rested her chin on her palm.

“And did it pay off?”

“I guess they reminded me of how capable they are, on and off the field. It’s not like I’m training a bunch of rookies from scratch. And we pretty much know each other’s abilities.”

“Speaking of which, your new analyst … how’d she turn out?”

He tapped his chin in contemplation.

“Hmm. Hard to get a read right now. She’s super professional, pretty tense. Don’t really blame her, but … “

The corner of his mouth curved slightly.

“One thing’s for sure, she’ll speak her mind and give her expertise when needed. That’s what I require from her, and so far, it looks like that’s what I’ll get.”

Ashiro bit her lip.

“Shall we get to the elephant in the room?”

“Kafka? I’ve spoken to him in private. I don’t know what direction these investigations will take, but as far as possible, we’re going to keep his status under wraps. If it so happens that he has to reveal himself to her under certain circumstances, we’ve got a contingency plan.”

“You do?”

“Red tape about a mile long. A hearing with our illustrious leadership, and that means you.”

“I’m still not comfortable with it, but I suppose we can’t deny the higher ups when it comes to having personnel from the Metro Police. She’d be under the same non-disclosure agreement as the rest of the force, and knowing the full extent of his role during the war, there’s not much else to say.”

Hoshina recalled your expression when Kafka had entered the room, the way your eyes had travelled between him and Reno, brightening in recognition.

Like Hoshina himself, you’d obviously done your homework.

Kafka’s hadn’t received the same accolades (in his human form) as many of the others in the third division, but you’d obviously picked up his name based on the minimal records that had been released to the public on his role in earlier missions.

As always, Kafka had managed to distinguish himself with hard work and kindness, and his ability to make a difference no matter what form he took.

Maybe you, like the rest of the third division, would embrace his true nature when the time came.

Had you ever been this excited to go to work before?

Surely not.

And yet, there it was, the sensation that was currently robbing you of a good night’s sleep. You needed to be well-rested for tomorrow, but you’d managed to get your list of duties done in record time and … surely it couldn’t hurt to have one more peek at the file?  

Ignoring the comfort of your bed for the time being, you turned on the desk lamp and flipped open the carboard folder, marked with all the necessary stickers indicating ‘confidentiality’.

Your first case as part of the KIU.

In a remote town in Okutama, situated near the forest forming a national park of sorts, two murders with a clear link.

The victims worked for a mining operation run by a company affiliated with Izumo Tech as a supplier of materials. Under other circumstances, this might have placed a proverbial spanner in the works, considering the fact that Izumo Haruichi was on your team, but nowadays, it was near impossible to find a company that wasn’t involved with Izumo Tech in some form or other.

Both victims had been employees of the mining corporation, Hasegawa Inc., one a senior engineer and the other a machine operator. They’d been working on-site at a potential excavation where some valuable minerals had been located, in a valley approximately two miles from the village.

The file showed that they’d both fallen from a great height, plausible when the lie of the land was taken into account. The forest stood at the foothills of the nearby mountains.

Autopsy reports showed, however, that both men had also suffered massive damage to the base of the skull before the fall, meaning that, in all probability, they’d been dead before they hit the ground.

Fingers tracing over the photos of the bodies, you frowned. Your trained eye could look past the gory evidence of additional damage to the edges of the gaping wounds captured in high definition.

There were cuts here, what looked to be precise strokes of some kind of blade, an intentional removal of part of the brain stem.  

And yet, the DNA traces showed kaiju involvement.

Closing up the folder, you finally headed for bed, crawling beneath the covers. You knew full well you’d lie awake and restless, anticipating what awaited you.

Eyes darting to the left, you sighed.

Surely, surely it wouldn’t hurt.

Granted, this could be considered highly unprofessional, but it wasn’t like anyone would report you to HR. Adults were allowed their foibles, so let this be one of yours.

With a resigned groan, you reached beneath the pillow beside you to retrieve your Hoshina plush doll, placing it squarely over your eyes and forehead.

Ah, what a soft, welcome weight.

Now you’d fall asleep in no time.

“Night, boss.”