The spies from Danablu

"These are comm devices, and they're standard for civilian use!?" Mimi asked as she gazed at Rika's cellphone.

"Guess you really are from the 70s, though it is odd. Why do you refer to all the countries by odd names? In no recorded history can I find any mention of those names. Though Danablu is apparently a type of Danish blue cheese," Rika stated as she browsed the internet on a computer in the library.

"Danablu is known for its cheese. Those computers sure are nifty info brokers. Wonder if Hylda made them."

"Anyway, I was also able to find something about your friends. You said one was named Mille right?"

"Yep!"

"Apparently, she's actually living close by in this city."

"Wow, you got her address? You really are an up-and-coming young spy. Bet you'll be a beauty in 7 or 10 years."

"And you'll be an old wrinkly hag."

"Hey! I know I'm technically over 50, but I'm clearly still 18! I'll be looking just as cute in my 20s when you mature."

"I'm not a spy though. Anyway, let's see if this Mille is indeed your friend."

...

Mimi stared at the old woman that answered the door. "Hmm? Who are you, dearie?" the woman asked.

"Mille? Is this one of your disguises?" Mimi asked.

"You know my name? Who are you? My memory's going."

"Mimi, Codename: Laks from Danablu."

"Rocks?"

"No, Laks. You know like salmon laks."

"Oh, Mimi the Laks. Who are you again?"

"Come on Mille, there's no way you're this old. I mean you should be 50 at worst not a 70-year-old looking granny," Mimi laughed as she tugged on the old lady's face.

"Ouch."

"It's real. I guess you're not the Mille I was looking for. I'm so sorry!"

"It's alright dearie."

"Well, just in case, are you Codename: Millionbøf?"

The old lady's demeanor suddenly changed as she let out a heavy sigh. "Took you long enough to remember my codename."

"MILLE!?"

"Sorry I was hard on you, but sadly I now look and feel 20 years older thanks to Crimgulag's torture," the old woman stated.

"You remember the countries!?"

"Ah, I suppose you must be confused. Well, turns out a phenomenon occurred where everyone suddenly started calling the countries and cities of the world different names. Everything else remained the same."

"But my Danablu card is still here," Mimi stated as she pulled out her ID card.

Mille's eyes went wide as she stared at the card. "So, it was real," she muttered.

"What's real?"

"The theory on why the countries changed names. Crimgulag, or what was now known as the Soviet Union, was conducting experiments into parallel worlds. Perhaps they succeeded in merging our world with this one. I don't know the finer details, but once I was released from captivity around 1989, all the names of the cities and countries around the world were changed. Since my Danablu card had been confiscated, I had no means of confirming the theory until now. Even though I've met up with Marzi and Vivi since then, neither had their old ID cards or any memento from the old world. Seeing your card has at least brought me some piece of mind."

"Wait! You know where the old team is!?"

"Only Vivi and Marzi. Vivi's been turtling in the woods up north while Marzi's been working as a bodyguard for the Danish diplomat here. No clue on Hylda, Sherry, Katrina, or that brat Eluf."

"That's plenty. I'll try looking for Marzi first. Wanna come with us?"

"Us?"

"Oh, I met a young spy from this country named Ri-chan. She's right- huh? I thought she was right next to me. Well, she's the one that ended up freeing me and taking out my captors."

"Heh, seems age is catching up to you too. I'm too old for fieldwork, but I wish you luck. I'm at least happy I was able to revive some old memories."

"I'll come back when the team's all together again," Mimi smiled as she left. As she walked outside, she noticed Rika hiding in the bushes. “Were you eavesdropping?" she grinned.

"Yeah. I didn't want to get in the way of your reunion or be noticed if that wasn't your friend. Though a parallel world? Well, guess it would explain everything. So, what now?" Rika asked.

"We're going to the diplomat's office to see my friend Marzi," Mimi smiled.

"Ugh, I hate to impose, but I think it'd be better to search the woods. They're closer anyway."

"Not on good terms with the diplomat?"

"I told you I'm an assassin. If I head there, I might get caught, and you would get roped up as a colluder."

"But Marzi would recognize me."

"Not the brightest are you. Though the diplomat's office is also far away- ...!?"

Rika froze as she stared at a TV screen in a shop. On it, live footage of the cryogenics lab where Rika had freed Mimi was being broadcast. "Shit. I screwed up big!" Rika thought as she began heading for the woods.

"Wait up Ri-chan!" Mimi called out as she followed.