Debriefing

“Welcome back to JNN News. I’m Masato Kiriya.”

“And I’m Gil Fujisawa. It has been six months since the staged death of Aria Kingsley and the arrest of her sister, Rina Kingsley, along with her accomplices—Ryo Sera and his bodyguard, Vincent Reed—in what became known as the Velvet Reaper case.”

“That’s right, Gil. On the day of their arrest, anonymous hacker group, Crow Eye, released a trove of emails and encrypted messages belonging to Ryo Sera, along with multiple cryptocurrency addresses. The data exposed extensive financial transactions linking all parties involved.”

“In addition to that,” Gil continued, “Aria’s former security agency, Aegis, submitted recorded confessions to the authorities, further strengthening the case.”

“The court has since delivered its verdicts.”

“Rina Kingsley, identified as the mastermind behind the operation, was found guilty of multiple charges including international human trafficking, sexual exploitation and coercion, conspiracy, extortion, abuse of power, evidence tampering, and murder through provable intent and facilitation.”

“She has been sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.”

“Ryo Sera, the primary active perpetrator, was convicted of sexual assault, human trafficking, murder through facilitation and depraved indifference, obstruction of justice, illegal firearm possession, and conspiracy.”

“He has been sentenced to life imprisonment, with the possibility of parole after forty years.”

“Vincent Reed,” Masato added, “who was critically injured during his arrest, has been extradited to the United States, where he will stand trial under federal jurisdiction.”

“Authorities have confirmed that none of the convicted individuals have disclosed information regarding their connections to the notorious Baekhawa crime syndicate. Investigations into that network remain ongoing.”

Masato shifted tone. “Now, in other news involving the Kingsley family—Aria Kingsley’s memoir, Temptation Behind the Spotlight, debuted at number one on release.”

“In the book,” Gil said, “Kingsley opens up about her private family life, her daily routines, and the immense pressure she faced growing up under constant public scrutiny.”

“She also states that she has found happiness since retiring from the idol and acting industries, and that she has no plans to return.”

“For viewers who may not know,” Masato added, “shortly after her release from the hospital, Kingsley officially announced her retirement. Since then, she has been sharing her travels around the world through her WeTube channel.”

“We wish our shining girl the very best in her future endeavors.”

Gil glanced down at his tablet. “And finally, a video of a fiery parrot standing next to a bed has gone viral online. In the footage, the bird can be heard demanding equal care and attention that its owner gives to her lovers.”

Masato blinked. “Only on the internet.”

“Only on the internet,” Gil agreed.

*****

Mei walked into Director Price’s office with a laptop in her hand. 

Price didn’t look up. “Do we have visuals on him?”

“Yes, sir,” Mei replied. “He’s in Bora Bora—on a beach right now. With her.”

Price nodded. “Good. Let’s test the system and give him the news.”

He picked up his phone to call John.

“Before you do, sir,” Mei said, hesitating, “may I ask a question? Regarding Samuel Kingsley?”

“Permission granted.”

“Are we certain we’re not going after Samuel Kingsley for what he did with his wife and brother?” Mei asked. “We know what he’s done. It wouldn’t be difficult to send Crow Eye after him.”

Price raised a hand, stopping her. “We are not a justice corporation,” he said calmly. “We’re a protection and security organization. Powerful people like him are better as investors than enemies.”

He placed the call and opened the laptop, looking at the screen.

*****

John lay stretched out on the beach in black trunks, the sun warm against his skin. Aria sat on top of him, wearing a white bikini and a wide-brimmed sun hat. Her hair was blonde halfway down, her natural black already growing in at the roots.

“Come on, take it off,” Aria said, tugging at him playfully.

“Why don’t you take it off yourself?” John replied, smirking.

“I’m worried about how it’ll look.”

John sighed dramatically. “Okay, fine.”

He slowly peeled back the cover over the tattoo on her bullet scar.

“Well?” she asked. “How does it look?”

“It looks great,” John said. “Like a puzzle piece.”

“But?” she pressed.

“But it’s not the same as mine.”

“What?” Aria sat up. “I told her I wanted it to match my man’s tattoo. I even showed her a picture. Take a photo. Now. Show me.”

John snapped a picture and handed her the phone. She studied it carefully. “It doesn’t look bad…” She paused. “Wait. It completes yours. That rascal.”

John chuckled. “I’m happy with it. Whatever it is.”

“I actually like this more than what I wanted,” Aria said, smiling. “I’ll go back to her for the back piece I’m planning.” She then leaned down and kissed him softly. “Love you, John.”

“Love you too, gorgeous.”

Aria rested her head on his chest.

John’s phone began to ring. He answered lazily. “Hello, sir.”

“Hey, John,” Price said. “How’s your suspension treating you? Lying on a beach with your fiancée on top of you?”

John frowned. “Sir…”

“Why so low effort?” Price continued. “I remember those black trunks from your army days.”

John glanced around. “Sir… you can see us?” Aria lifted her head, eyes narrowing.

“Yes, John,” Price said. “With new investments, our R&D has been busy. Very busy.”

John sighed.

“I won’t ruin your vacation,” Price went on. “But someone has requested your services. Specifically, you. And trust me—you wouldn’t believe who. He's not far from where you are right now.”

John stood, lifting Aria effortlessly and setting her over his shoulder.

“I don’t want to know right now, Director,” he said calmly. “All I want is to enjoy my last days off with Aria.” He smirked slightly. “If you’ll excuse me—I don’t mind being watched mid-act, but she’s shy.”

“John!” Aria protested, blushing.

Mei leaned closer to the phone. “You’d better take good care of her, John,” she said. “Or I’ll steal her from you.”

John snapped a salute with a grin. “Goodbye for now.” He hung up, carried Aria toward their cabin, shut the door behind them—and locked the world outside.

“He hung up on me.” Price glanced at Mei, who was barely holding back a smile.

“Young,” he said dryly. “Dumb. And full of—”

He closed the laptop.

*****

The phone on the receptionist’s desk buzzed sharply. She straightened her posture, lifted the receiver, and slipped into her practiced tone.

“This is A.E.G.I.S.: where safety isn’t a promise, it’s protocol. How may I assist you today?”