<P><B>Chapter 3 - Light and Shadow
<P>"Cracked eggs, dead birds
<P>Scream as they fight for life
<P>I can feel death, can see its beady eyes
<P>All these things into position
<P>All these things we'll one day swallow whole"
<P>-Radiohead, Street Spirit (Fade Out)
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<P>When the ground made contact with his foot, it was the most that Tiberius had felt since waking up inside the Chateau DuClare. His energy had mostly been restored, which was hardly surprising considering the amount of time he'd spent sleeping, even if it was drug-induced. In general, he actually did feel stronger, possibly as a result of the surgery. Physically, at any rate. His mind was still trying to wrap itself around the events and conversation he'd just experienced.
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<P>I've been violated. Drugged, opened up, altered. Or "enhanced", as Doctor Carson liked to say...
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<P>"Agent Tiberius," came Carson's voice. Tiberius nearly jumped out of his skin. "I see you've arrived in Tokyo. You're hearing me through one of the augmentations that we've installed. It's called the Infolink. I can see what you see and communicate freely with you. Your associate should be able to help you get around. Remember, the man you're looking for is named Omatsu. See if anyone in town knows anything about him."
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<P>The helicopter lifted up gently, then swept up into the sky. After a few minutes, there was no sign of it. Tiberius and his comrade stood alone in the cracked street. A single light penetrated this area, casting everything in an eerie shade of gray. Not a single sign of life was visible, and in the distance the visible lights were scattered sporadically among the buildings. This was not the Tokyo of yesterday.
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<P>On board the helicopter, Tiberius had been issued a 10 millimeter pistol and a few clips. A dark blue overcoat with the sign of Sagittarius emblazoned on the back was thrown over his light armor. He also carried with him a collapsible baton and a canister of pepper spray. The translator had been provided with two medical kits for use in emergencies.