Connect to the inner nanites

"So, the other nanites are a problem, but these ones in her head are... a different problem, but ones we can use?" Angel Five asked Tex.

"Yes. Mostly. Where your neural links allow a brain to remotely control a body, these nanites allow a brain-to-brain connection. Typically, I would expect them to be used to 'borrow' brainpower from one individual to overcome some sort of problem with a synaptic structure, but it seems that these particular nanites in healthy tissue actually repress normal cognitive functions. Using your neural links, I could create a connection that allows Angel Seven's mind to appear to behave normally, though some cognitive processes will be borrowed from one of you."

You looked carefully at Angel Seven, who stared right ahead. "She might be able to breathe, maybe she would respond if she was hungry or thirsty too, but that's not much. Maybe she could tell us what happened if we used those nanites."

"Would she be able to recall recent memories, or would she be using... like, our memories?"

"No, it wouldn't be like that," Tex said. "Things like willpower, personality, preferences, and impulses could be impacted by whichever of you were connected, but she would still be able to recall memories if you asked her to. She might just end up suggestible to whomever bridges the link."

Angel Five seemed determined to help her friend, at least, and having her stand around with nothing ticking in her head seemed to bother her. "Rider, you should link up with her. We only care about the other nanites for the case, so Tex can help with everything else, and we can keep watch on her. Let's call things in."

Minutes later, you'd updated McPhearson on your status, and more units were inbound. He didn't bother to ask how you managed to come across Angel Seven in such a weird place in the park, but the fewer questions, the better. Tex did a little more of essentially magic as far as you were concerned, tweaking your neural link and forming an extra base Endo to install in Angel Seven's back, which you hurriedly did. "Okay, I am activating the link to Angel Seven, you shouldn't feel anything but do keep your mind clear for now, okay?"

You nodded, though you didn't really get why.

Moments later, Angel Seven started to blink, looking around. "Huh? Where... A-Five? What's going on, why am I... oh no. Rider?" The redhead glanced around, suddenly working into a panic as she tried to get her bearings. She looked like she was about to run, or scream, or both!

You put Angel Five's hands on her shoulder. "Tell her to calm down, she has to!" you said, relaying your message to Angel Five. Apparently, the memo was received, as after a deep breath, Angel Seven's breathing slowed as she calmed down, even as she looked down at her body to note she didn't have her armor on, and it was notably chilly outside.

"So... Seven, can you tell us what happened here?" Angel Five asked.

Angel Seven shook her head a little, like her mind was jumbled. "It was strange and doesn't make a lot of sense yet. Rider Seven and I, we came to the park on a report of some suspicious activity, a... sorry, it's fuzzy." You pat Angel Seven on the shoulder to encourage her. "Thanks, uh. We get here, Rider and I split up, I get into this little area around here after hearing some talking, then I was struck from behind and pinned down. Something was poured on me, someone said something like 'wrong one', and then something else was poured on me. My wings, they started to fail so I took them off, but before I could do anything else I just... stood around. I don't know why. I just wanted to stand, or more like I... didn't want to do anything else. It was like that all night..." Angel Seven shivered, hugging onto you. "Hey, where's your Rider? Did you get an Angel upgrade, are they out already?"

Angel Five bit her lip. "Long story, I'll tell you everything later. We need to just get you to see a doctor and get cleared, then I think you need to get some rest. There's still a search ongoing for Riders Two and Seven."

"Stay with me?" Angel Seven suddenly said, holding your arm. "I feel like... like I need you to stay close. I, uh, could use the support, as well as a change of clothes."

You nodded, wrapping an arm around Seven.

"Okay, look straight ahead now." Dr. Perry, the doctor that often worked with the Angel units, used his pen light to check her eye dilation, taking some notes at how Angel Seven responded. She looked a little nervous, mirroring your own uneasy feelings, though your nerves revolved around if you might end up getting caught from the strangeness of the day. Angel Seven complied with the doctor, sitting still as requested, as he finished his tests.

While Angel Seven waited in the room, you and McPhearson listened to his observations. Tex had thankfully changed you into a more casual outfit by the time backup arrived earlier, although all the orange stripes and slightly shiny fabric felt like it might raise some eyebrows. Fortunately, all eyes were on Angel Seven and her very destroyed Angel gear.

"I don't see anything wrong, she's perfectly healthy aside from perhaps some dehydration from being outside," Dr. Perry said, looking at his clipboard. "No sign of concussion or anything to explain why she'd spent all night in that one spot instead of getting help. I'd order an MRI if she was showing any sort of symptoms of mental trauma, but at the moment, I think she just needs observation."

You sighed in relief--mostly since it meant more time to understand Angel Seven's situation without revealing anything that might expose your own deceptions throughout the day--while McPhearson nodded. "Unit Five will keep an eye on her for a couple days. Angel Five, keep her comfortable. If she remembers anything or her condition changes, I want an immediate update, understood? But don't push her for anything."

You nodded. "Yes sir. It'll be an opportunity to... keep studying up on these nanites."

"Good, dismissed."

You walked back to Angel Seven, who smiled as you approached. "I think we should pick up some tacos on the way home, how does that sound?" You said to Angel Five.

Angel Seven furrowed her brow, looking down. "Weird, I've got a sudden craving for tacos... any dinner plans, Five?"

Seemed like these neural nanites might make things a little strange tonight..! But maybe with these nanites in her, you and Angel Five can tell her secrets about your body-in-body situation as well as Tex and influence her to keep them to herself...