-3-

-Investigation into these attacks-

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-The shocking news of these two attack was read by Pentium, he stopped and looked up at the office, it was time to make a stand time to see if he could put an end to these shocking attacks.

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A single-seat pod had just pulled up to the entrance to the vast tower, once the four big wheels stopped, a tall thin figure who looked wise in his years with dark hair, hazel eyes and fresh tone complexion stepped out of the pod, the character had dark hair and a heavy brown moustache. The figure turned as his head followed a Principal patrol car drove past him by. He turned now back to the tower, there was a guard placed at the door.

"Hello Pentium, sir." the officer on guard stated to the man who walked towards him..

The character nodded in response and with a polite smile continued on inside.

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Once inside a young character, with a oval head and sandy hair and close-cut facial hair, approached him.

Pentium smiled slowly. "I'm glad you could meet me at this late hour."

"Have I lost a day, Pentium?" questioned the young sergeant.

The inspector's eyes narrow slightly, as he lay down the copy of the evening news paper. "No. It's only been four hours since you left here.' the young officer looked down for a second at the paper, catching a glimpse of the headline. 'Please my deepest apologies for the rude awakening, I truly didn't enjoy it."

"So what as happened to have me in at this time?"

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The young officer was brought up to speed on the second attack.

"What another body!" he stated in quick response to his superior, sounding truly shocked.

Pentium nodded. "Yes sadly so and worse still it.' he paused, as he caught the look the young officer at given him. 'She was located very close to the last attack!" replied the inspector a look of trouble on his face.

Intel was forced to lowered his head, this was truly dreadful. "A tragic lost indeed, and found just like the other; simply discarded and thrown to the floor lifeless?"

"Sadly yes, Llewry who examined the body believes that it was linked to the last… sadly finding the same two mark on Elibeth's upper body and as savage as the last taking! He further stated and that the markings left on the body could be coursed by a virus!"

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The head of the Principal office looked worried, even swiping a hand over his mouth, stating "There's something rotten at the heart of Mainframe."

"Do you truly think that there's a virus here in Main-Frame wondering free taking out whoever!"

Pentium nodded. "I believe I do.' he then picked up the documents from his desk on the two cases and looking over them. 'Damn this evil… Two vigorous attacks now, we can only fathom what pain these two poor girl's suffering in their last seconds! We must act while we can and hopefully prevent another attack, may you pass me the map there Intel!" stated Pentium trying to keep the situation calm and on track.

Intel the young officer nodded quickly pasted Pentium a map of Main-Frame.

Pentium quickly cleared the desk and rolled out the map, he then placed points on the map showing the two location of the attacks; he pointed down. "Now then, we know that these two attacks are linked and that there are signs that these are only carried out by one lone attacking virus; as the two lady were found not that far away from one another… the virus as made Main-Frame is home."

"But why, Penitum? Why does anyone commits these murders?"

"Good question, why as the virus come here to Main-frame for?' stated Pentium, he then turned to Intel. 'And to answer that we need to discover the virus' motive."

Intel shrugged. "If there ever is one!"

"There is no crime without a motive, " added the inspector, as he scratched the side of his temple in thought.

"So what is it?"

Pentium wipes his tongue over his upper teeth. "We've got to look back at what we know for a second; clues to the virus' movements and what we know about the two drained ladies."

Intel nods, he looked up after flicking through the files. "Both lady's it turns out work for us at the principles office… he's definitely targeting us!"

"And there's also a war brewing out there on the net… one this virus wants no real part of…' added Pentium.

"Right so that's both Nicann and Chayann both working at my officers… and a virus wanting to stay one step ahead…" surmised the young Sergeant.

"Then it is simple… his motive are to be free… he wants to gain the power to escape and he needs to discover a way inside… I strongly believe that the virus damn him had drained them to learn what they know… to she if they had knowledge to get to me! Once inside this virus will search for ways to keep one jump ahead of these out brakes of war on the net… a war I never want to bring here to Main-Frame.' Pentium sounding confident in his deduction. 'Truly there is great trouble here in Main-Frame and I cannot sit idly around here and let this continue." The inspector then looked down at the badge pinned to his chest and his weapon hung in his holster gun, was he still a fine officer, he sighed and looked up at the young sergeant.

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At this point in time the inspector felt the weight of Main-frame resting upon his very up his hands flat on the desk leaning forward for a second. "After long deliberation, Intel, I feel bound to act…"

"What do you mean?" asked Intel, looking into Pentium's eyes.

"I must personally investigate these attacks myself, it is carousel that we find the perpetrator behind them and put a stop to him fast."

"What and leave the Principal Office?' question Intel, sounding truly shocked by his decision. 'But Pentium sir, that's as never been heard of…" noting the extreme nature of his decision.

Pentium did not answer him for a few second, but found the truth he needed. "I am not a frightened figure head, sergeant… I cannot hide in my office and do nothing!"

"No one would think that of you Pentium… you have done so much for us… Now I'm sorry if I speak out of turn here, but sir wouldn't it be in our best interest for us to contact the Guardian… and have them deal with this virus."

Pentium looked up at the young officer and shook his head; the inspector still with both hands resting firmly on his desk. "No Intel, they are not needed right now; if I call them right away then no doubt panic would flow through the street and then straight to the very heart of the city... I can't allow that to happen! I have made up my mind, I will show the characters of Main-Frame that I am willing to stand by them in there hour of need and that there is truly nothing to fear." replied Pentium.

"As you wish Pentium, and rest assured I will gladly assist you in anyway that I can sir." nodded Intel with a hand on his chest; understanding the Principals decision to act.

"I am pleased to hear that and thank you. Now Intel we need to be in control of this before this virus can get the chance to attack again…"

"So you truly think he hasn't finish."

"No he no doubt hasn't gained that piece of information he needs and he wont until he as it… So it is important we strike immediate; I need you to bring me all the information on these attacks that you can, we just can't let this lead into another attack. There has to be something the officers might have miss." stated Pentium.

On the order's of his superior the young assistant nodded and left Pentium to look out across Main-Frame; Intel knew that these attack were unpressurised and that Pentium's decision reflects that and should be commended.

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-In the days following the second murder the papers ran with every story they could muster to sell their pages; once the characters had heard the paper-boys cries, they were soon their ready to read for themselves the horrors fear had spread through the whole city.

"Read all about it, the virus sensation! Read all about it… fear reigns over Main-Frame… Inspector Pentium of the Principal Office now takes up the case… Is it days now before the virus it caught?"

"How much for a copy, there boy."

"A coin there sir." the paper-boy replies in a kind tone.

The character quickly fishes out a coin and with a nod hands it to the boy, who hands over a copy.

"Thank you sir." The seller says with a flick his cap and runs on holding up another paper in his out stretched hand the seller called out again. "Read all about it, the virus sensation! Read all about… only in the Staim… Inspector Pentium of the Principal Office takes up the case… Is it days now before the virus it caught?"

These words echoed through the streets, as the paper-boys ran up and down the streets; under their arms papers for a coin, this such news only there for a second before they had to pull out another copy to hand over to another customer.

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Inside a Main-Frame apartment a female character placed her hand on a knife as she saw her front door open she hear footsteps, with a heavy breath she slowly walks towards the door.

There before her stood luckily a friendly face, throwing his keys down on the side. "Don't do that!" she snapped, dropping the knife and hitting him on the side of his arm.

"Sorry." stated the man, not really understanding what her problem was, now going back and kicking the door too with his foot.

"Oh thank goodness, its only you…" she stated with a true sign of relief.

"Gosh what's wrong?" he questioned, with a shrug.

"I wondered why the door was open. Where did you get to?"

"What do you mean where did I get you?' he then held up his paper he'd just brought. 'I heard the newsboy shouting and I slipped out to grab myself a copy… is there any law against it." He then cast an eye to the floor, spotting the knife.

She placed a had on her heart. "You could have been anyone and you didn't stay he were heading out."

Again he shrugged. "Didn't know I had too, sorry. Just had to get myself a copy and to hear the latest news, you know." He said tapping his paper.

"People are getting really scared."

"Yes indeed, especially women.' he responded, making a point maybe in the process. 'It said a few issues back he's only attack women, you know… Makes connection and drains their all!"

"It's terrible.' she replies with a shack of the head, adding. 'I don't know if I feel safe any longer." The lady stated, turning her head slightly and looking out of the apartment window.

"The reporters at the Staim are doing all that they can to print all the latest details, but the frightening part about it is nobody knows when our streets will be save if he'll strike again." he stated in reply not really making her feel any better.

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-Pentium acted fast, he had read the first two reports on the two drains, after putting a file down he turned to Intel his sergeant and stated he wished to speak with Jodler.

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An officer sat at his desk with he head down and pen in hand."Good evening, I'm looking for an offer.'

Before Pentium could finish the captain not looking up from his work said in jest. "Very funny." he laughed casting a hand around the station.

"One by the name of office, Jodler. Captain!" he ended in a sharp tone, which made the captain look up.

"Erm sorry sir… erm as you can imagine it's been a busy few days… what with the fallen game and now these two attacks."

"I understand captain… I understand."

"Now then Jodler… oh yes he's just returned from his beat!"

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The officer had to double take, as he was approached by his captain accompanied by the inspector. He'd never actually thought that he'd be standing before the head of the department. "Inspector Pentium,' the officer stood to attention. 'what do I owe this honour?"

Pentium waved a hand and replied in a calm tone. "At ease there, Jodler. I'm here to speak with you about your report and findings on Chayann."

The captain took a step back. "I think I'll leave you two to it… work to be done and all…' he paused for a second and asked hoping either one would say no. 'A drink sir?" looking across at Pentium rather than his officer.

Pentium turned to the captain a smile on his face. "Yes that would be good thanks… And captain make mine strong."

"As you wish, inspector.' the captain agreed in polite response to the inspector's face and he walks off, but as he walked away grumbles to himself. 'Ah it looks as if I just make the drinks around here…"

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Alone Jodler casts a hand to a chair by his desk, the inspector sits the sergeant stand by his side. Jodler still can't quite get over the fact that he's there with the great inspector. "It is truly a great pleasure sir to be speaking with you, but if I may what is this all about?"

"The virus attack."

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The captain who was reluctantly making the drinks calls over, pausing their conversation. "Do you want milk?"

The inspector nods and the officer turns to his captain and answers. "Yes."

Then as if nothing had happened the inspector turns to the officer. The captain again pulling a look and grumbling to himself as he purrs the milk.

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"So then inspector what brings you down here… down here in the sticks, is this Chayann case that important?" he asked turning again to the inspector as he tapped on the desk.

Pentium who was sitting now at the desk, his hands together leaning on the desk and answered. "I come down as you put it, because yes I think she is, all in Main-Frame are important!" asked the inspector.

"Fair enough… fair enough."

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The silence was cut for a second or two as the captain returned with the drinks. "Couldn't find any sneaks, but the drinks are hot."

Jodler took a sip from his mug and thanked the captain, who didn't hang around, before answering the inspector. "Chayann was a member of your staff… attacked a week back in Haneet, I had Llewry examine the body… He said after examining her that she had been drained in the same manner as Nicann and that she must have been laying there for a good 10-15 minutes."

The drink in the officers hand no doubt had gone cold by this point. Pentium checked his own cup to see if it was warm, feeling it to be slightly cold the inspector placed his cup down on the desk.

The officer felt a chill down his spine. "This creature acts so wildly, draining a woman so fast like that and without question… Then he weirdly and methodically takes the time to bend down and gently places the girl's handkerchief, comb and pills down by her feet… Pentium, looking back now I tell you it just doesn't make any sense at all. Do you want to know the strangest thing about all this, and I tell you this really got my goat?"

"What is it, Jodler?"

"Well once I return to aid in enquiries, no one had heard nor saw anything, damn it there are eight occupied units on that road alone and nothing… poor girl…" the officer lowered his head, at the mere thought of it all.

"Characters can fall silent even in the simplest of times." offered Pentium reassuringly.

However, this just didn't rest well with the young officer, who looked up, his eyes level with those of the inspector. "Ah simple,' he scoffed. 'let me assure you sir, that this is not a simple crime. There is something else. This is… different."

"I'm sorry I meant nothing by it,' Pentium replied calmly. The officer for the first time moved a hand off the cup and brushed it under his nose, not adding anything. The inspector added. 'I understand the tragedy off this case Jodler, that is why I've choice to lead this investigation."

"Through our nights work we learnt that Chayann had no true enemies, its as if the virus watched her, took his shot and made it count… We're truly nothing to him; you, me or the girl."

The inspector heard a crack in the brave officer's voice, even for one as strong willed as he it had clearly affected him. "Thank you Jodler, you and your team have done well. I am truly grateful and really couldn't have asked anything more of you.

"Sir,' Jodler once again looking the inspector directly in the eye. 'do you think you'll stop him?"

The inspector cupped his hands together, "Yes I believe I will, it may take some time, but this virus will answer for his crimes." said Pentium in answer to the officers worried question.

"Well I hope sooner rather than later,' he stated, wiping a hand over his mouth, and seeing now that he had still got his hands rapped around the cup up it down on his desk. 'we don't need this now, not in the light of the game disaster anyway, characters need time to recover."

Pentium nodded his agreement. "I will not be disappoint you or Main-Frame, Jodler, after all this is my town my home."

The inspector stood up from his chair, Jodler blinked for a second as if coming back in the room; he hadn't even touched his drink and placed it down on his desk. "Again thank you for your efforts, Jodler… I ask you and the other officers out there to be extra vigilant until this virus is off our streets for good.

"I will work my damnedest inspector you can count on that."

Pentium shook the officers hand, Jodler having a firmer grip and with that he left the officer to log up his shift.

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