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Bubblegum Crisis
****
The Tempest Chronicles II
****
(c) Robin Smith 1995/6
Bubblegum Crisis is copyright Armtic,
Youmex and Toshimichi Suzuki.
Other copyrights belong to their respective holders.
=========
Chapter 2.6
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Breaking several more speed limits, I tore into the loading bay of
Lady633 some fifteen minutes later than anticipated. With the doors
closing behind me I spun the bike round, smoke pouring off the rear
tyre.
I pulled to a stop just short if the wall, and switched off as Mackie
came running over.
"What happened, you're late, we thought you'd been taken."
He went over to a wall mounted intercom and dialled 98.
"Call off the troops; he's here in one piece."
"Yes I know, I could hardly miss that approach."
The helmet and goggles were again resting on the seat.
"Take me to your leader."
"Ha ha, very funny.
Sylia won't be too pleased.
Come on this way."
We rode a service lift up to the shop's second {22} floor, whereupon
Mackie punched a code on the phone's keypad and pressed the lower
basement button. However instead of descending the lift went up,
rapidly.
"Hey, that's pretty neat, I like it."
"Yeah, does away with the need for keys, code's changed regularly as
well."
"Sixth floor - Jewellery, Dressmaking and Haberdashery, going up."
I said pinching my nose and changing the pitch of my voice.
Mackie was about to reply, when the doors opened and I saw what was
obviously the penthouse suite.
Not seeing Sylia I called out,
"I take it this is your formal residence, where the riffraff are not
invited."
No answer, was she that displeased about my late arrival ?
"She's probably in the computer room; it's soundproof once the door is
closed and the inner room is her private sanctum."
'Sorry I'm late Sylia, had a little matter of an over eager traffic cop
and his ticket quotient to deal with.'
'The coffee is on the table round to your right; I'll be out in a
minute, just finalising the set-up for you.'
'Okay.'
"Right, now where's that coffee pot."
Swinging round to the right, I located the coffee by smell alone;
Sylia's directions were unnecessary. I rolled up the overalls again and
placed them on sheet of paper, which Sylia had probably put there for
that very purpose.
Ensuring I was closest to the coffee I sat down, poured three cups; no
mugs here, and put in just one sugar this time.
"You on a diet or something ?"
Mackie enquired, since he'd only ever seen me put in seven sugars at a
time.
"No.
Ahh yes, I can see what prompted that.
I usually only take one, but when I haven't got access to a high energy
food source, then a good mug of caffeine and seven sugars is a pretty
good start."
We were just finishing our coffees when Sylia came over to join us.
"Ah you get a much better class of waitress in these parts.
White with one sugar please."
"Very funny. You're late, what kept you ?"
I outlined my run in with Leon, leaving out the fact I had been racing
Priss at the time and some other details that may be useful bartering
points later.
"He booked you ?"
Sylia sounded a trifle surprised.
"Yeah, do want to see the ticket ?"
Sylia nodded. After fishing it out of my pocket I passed it over.
She studied it momentarily and exclaimed.
"*184kph* in a 60kph zone, are you stark staring mad !"
"Not mad, crazy in some people's eyes, maybe."
I replied smiling.
"Leon got the speed wrong any way."
"So how slower were you travelling then ?"
"Err, sorry. Now when did I say slower ?"
"You mean it was faster ?"
Sylia was amazed.
"Yes. It was really 212kph; I told Leon his equipment was out of
calibration; he didn't believe me."
"First you get booked for speeding, then compound it by telling the
officer who booked you and then you were going faster and his equipment
is wrong. The icing on this recipe for disaster is that it's Leon who
books you; are you completely round the bend ?"
Incredulous at my apparent stupidity, Sylia quickly drank her coffee
and poured herself another cup.
Mackie looked at me and whistled softly.
"You know, I think you're as crazy as Priss."
"Don't let Priss hear you say that, unless you like bruises."
I quipped.
Frowning, she sat up straight again.
"Stop joking; this could give you some serious trouble."
I did my best to look nonchalant.
"No way, I've nothing to worry about on that score."
"Now I don't believe that for one moment."
"Fancy a surprise Sylia ?"
Sylia looked pensive for a moment. I surmised she was trying to ensure
she came out ahead.
"What is the cost going to be ?"
"Oh I'd say about twenty minutes use of your computer and with a covert
connection."
Sylia countered.
"And if you lose, an hour in the test chamber ?"
"Hmm, I don't know about that."
I paused for effect, as though I had some doubt.
"Well, okay I suppose.
Deal ?"
Thinking she had the upper hand Sylia closed the bargaining.
"Done."
Mackie noticed a slight twitch at the edge of my mouth.
"Err Sylia, I think he's up to something."
"Oh you most certainly have been."
A very large smile was on my face as I turned to face Sylia.
"Done that is.
Good perception Mackie, but just a trifle too late."
Pulling out my wallet I tossed it across the table to her.
"Check that out."
Sylia flipped it open and studied the card within.
"That's a pretty good forgery, if you fooled Leon with it."
"I have some bad news then; that id card is the genuine article."
Sylia sighed, I think she knew she'd been hoodwinked but didn't want to
give in too easily.
"I suppose you don't mind if I verify this do you ?"
"If I can observe, then that shouldn't be a problem."
Rising from her chair she beckoned to me to follow her; I winked at
Mackie and we both accompanied her to the computer room.
She tried to remove the card from its protective sleeve; it didn't
move.
"All right how does this come out ?"
"It doesn't, the sleeve is a compound I concocted to protect it and
it's bonded to the card."
"It doesn't matter; I can check it as it stands."
Putting the wallet face down on a scanner; she set off several complex
analysis programs. Once completed she called up some more programs and
then accessed the AD Police computers.
"Unauthorised access to Police computers, that makes my ticket look
silly; it's six months minimum for that you know."
"Well how else do I confirm it ?"
"Ever thought of asking someone ?"
"Heres the reulst coming through; your id card has been declared ..."
Sylia paused.
"Come on, say it Sylia."
I taunted.
Mackie was smiling now since it was now obvious what Sylia didn't want
to have to say.
"Genuine.
All right you win Tempest."
Sylia stopped as thought to gather her breath and then continued.
"This time."
"O ye of little faith."
Her curiosity aroused Sylia enquired,
"So just how long have you held this position ?"
"For quite a few years now.
Technically I suppose Leon should have saluted me.
Hmm, and Nene should as well."
"Leave her out of this."
The edge in Sylia's voice indicated quite clearly she didn't like that
last remark about Nene; almost like a mother protecting her children.
In an attempt to lighten the mood again I mockingly replied,
"Dr Sylia Stingray will you come quietly, or do I have to use
handcuffs."
"That will hardly be necessary."
Sylia pointed to the terminal,
"It's all yours and no more than the twenty minutes either."
She turned on her heel and stalked out the room, clearly displeased at
being outdone.
"Nice one Tempest.
Watch out though; she'll want a return match at some point."
Mackie whispered to me.
"Err do you mind if I have a look ?"
He indicated my wallet, where Sylia had left it on the scanner.
"Go ahead and thanks for tip; I'll try to be careful."
As Mackie returned my wallet he pointed to my id card.
"Just how much clout does that carry ?"
"Let's just say more than enough to make sure I don't get bothered by
much."
Twelve minutes later my work done, I thought of something else to do
with Sylia's computer system. A few more commands and that was done as
well. Just as I broke the connection, Sylia returned.
I smiled gently.
"All done thank you and you're a wonderful host.
Sorry about winding you up, it was too good an opportunity to waste."
Then I proverbially stuck my head in the lion's mouth.
"If you still want that test session then I'm game, but I need to pick
up an envelope and some things first."
Not one to pass up an opportunity, Sylia replied.
"Well I can't refuse an offer like that can I ?
With the benefit of hindsight it was rather foolish of me to take your
bait and I should have realised that you were serious.
You're a man of many surprises Tempest and I have one for you; follow
me please."
As we returned to the main area I thought.
'Uh oh, now what have I gotten myself into ?'
Sylia pointed to another door.
"That's the bathroom; there's clean towels and a change of clothes as
well. Those rags you're wearing reek of old oil and grease. Now go get
cleaned up and changed."
"Yes mummy."
I ducked at just the right moment; as I heard the swish of air as Sylia
tried to cuff me round the back of the head.
I ran for the bathroom and locked the door just in case mischievous
hands came searching whilst I was bathing.
Actually I didn't have a bath; the shower system looked far more
inviting having a head on each of the three walls. After fifteen
minutes of bliss basking in the pulsating jets of hot water I emerged;
now devoid of all the odour of the oil and grease.
Towelling myself down I looked carefully at the clean clothes neatly
laid out.
The ruffed shirt, thin bow tie and boxer shorts were okay, but the
trouser suit was clearly not designed for the male body; the zip was on
the side!
The phrase "beggars can't be choosers" crossed my mind, so I put them
on in preference to my old oil stained gear. They fitted almost
perfectly, allowing for the differences between then male and female
forms. Whilst looking at myself in the mirror an old memory surfaced
from my childhood, all that was missing from the ensemble was a cloak
with a red lining and possibly an old open topped yellow car. I
dismissed the concept; the joke would be lost in this city and I
doubted anyone else would remember the reference. {23}
Having stowed the guns in some convenient pockets I opened the bathroom
door and emerged to be dazzled by a very bright light.
<flash> <flash>
I blinked several times until my vision cleared.
Standing in front of me was Sylia armed with a camera.
Hey ho I mused. Well Mackie did warn me; I just wasn't expecting a
retaliatory strike quite so soon.
Sylia looked at me, nudged Mackie, pointed to something and laughed.
I glanced around looking for the source of their merriment and realised
it must be me; but what ? It took a few moments before I realised the
source of their amusement.
The jacket had two inner pockets that were quite capacious and they had
seemed the ideal place to keep the guns. However with jacket fastened,
the butts were then ideally placed to give me a "fuller" figure than
normal.
I'd have to stay out of Daley Wong's sight dressed like this ^_^.
"Miss Gunslinger, takes to the catwalk in a very fetching off the
holster outfit, jacket and pants combination by Sylia Stingray,
available now from your local Ladys 633 branch."
I cavorted about, waving my arms and legs around like an amateur model
on the catwalk for the first time.
"The twin inner pockets will take most automatics complete with
silencers. The ammunition purse is an optional accessory for those
especially large meetings with a hostile audience."
Sylia let go of the camera in surprise; fortunately the neck cord saved
it from impacting with the floor.
"Just when I thought I'd got the last laugh, he goes and tops it.
Arrhh I give up, you're a sick man Tempest."
"Thanks, I try, I really do.
I've lobbed my old stuff in the bin; it's not fit to wear any more."
I paused and kissed her on the cheek.
"Sincerely though, thanks a lot Sylia; you're a star.
I've a couple of things to do at the ADP offices first and then go pick
up that envelope and package. I've got about an hour to get it all done
then I'll head over to Ravens for one o'clock.
Do we have a date ?"
"Count on it."
"Now what's the quickest way down ?"
As soon as I'd spoken I knew it was a poor choice of words.
"Jump out the window."
Sylia countered.
"Groan, you're getting better Sylia, or should that be worse ?"
"As you keep saying, I try.
Punch in 18, then press B."
"Thanks again, see you about one o'clock."
******
It was an uneventful ride to ADPolice HQ. As I approached the reception
desk I got a very strange look from the desk clerk; who was just on the
point of reaching for her gun until flashed my id.
She snapped off a quick salute.
"At ease officer, you have an envelope for me ?"
Taking the daybook I signed in.
"Uh no sir, but Superintendent Suzuki asked if you could meet him on
the firing range; he's in lane ten. Do you require an officer to show
you the way to the range sir ?"
I was glad Leon didn't act that way, when he found out whom he'd pulled
over. I flipped my wallet open and hung the one half in the breast
pocket so my id was facing forward for all to see.
"No thank you, I know where it is. Oh and officer ..."
"Yes sir."
"Relax will you."
"Hai."
As I made my way to the range, I got one or two strange looks from
passing officers till they saw my id and then it was salutes all the
way. <sigh> One the penalties of rank I suppose.
I found Suzuki in lane ten, just as he finished shooting off a clip.
He was lowering his gun as I fired ten shots past him into the target.
He spun round about to launch a verbal assault at the person fool
enough to interfere with his target practice.
He stopped, looked at me carefully and then recognition flared in his
eyes.
"Tempest-san, wonderful to see you, but that's a very strange outfit
your wearing."
"Not half as strange as the story that goes with it, but I'm afraid
that's not open to discussion.
How are you doing Suzuki-san ?"
"Not bad, getting older, though that doesn't seem the worry you."
We'd known each other for about ten years and during that time my
appearance hadn't changed at all.
"I get my youthful looks from mother.
Your shooting getting any better ?"
He punched a button and the target travelled back up the range.
As we waited for the target, he looked about; there was only two other
officers on the range in lanes one and four.
He handed me a sealed envelope.
"I didn't want to leave this at the desk without having a chance to see
you again. It wasn't easy getting this done at such short notice; I
guess you're on a case again."
I broke open the seal and checked the documents over.
"They're perfect. Yes I have a rather special case at the moment; you
could say I'll going armed for bear. I may need to 'borrow' some
officers at some point."
"Did you have anyone special in mind ?"
He looked at me with a hint of suspicion; knowing that my assignments
would usually spell trouble for the ADP duty roster.
"Yes, Inspectors McNichol, Inspector Wong and despatcher Nene
Romanova."
"What ? Both Leon and Daley, but they're two of the best inspectors on
the force. Nene Romanova, let me see; the name rings a bell.
Oh yes she's that rather fetching redhead; though she looks a bit too
young for you Tempest, heh."
"Don't let that worry you; I've heard she's not half bad with a
computer. I'll give all the notice I can before calling them out."
"Ahh, so that's twenty minutes then ?"
"Come on I'm not that bad, am I ?"
"No, based on previous experiences generally you're a lot worse.
Now let's take a look at that target.
Well mine are all in the centre ring ...
Oh I might have known.
Show off."
Across the bottom of the card was * * * * * *
* *
* *
"A couple of presents for you Suzuki."
I handed him both the automatics after unscrewing the silencers and
pocketing them.
"These aren't police issue Tempest."
"No, I relieved two hoods of these last night when they decided to be
rather rude and unfriendly to me. I left them lying unconscious near
the wreck of a smoking buma."
"I heard about that incident; so that was your handiwork.
The two humans had some fractured ribs and severe concussion.
What did you hit them with ?"
"My left foot and a motorcycle."
"Did you ever think of using a conventional weapon ?"
"I was unarmed, unless you count the motorcycle."
"Always the humorist, Tempest."
"Look sorry about this, but I've got an important meeting I can't be
late for, so I'll have to bid you farewell for the time being.
The orders will be on the relevant desks today.
Take care you old devil."
"You too; see you sometime again I hope."
******
My second call was to the armourer, who was not happy until he examined
my id and one of the documents, a copy of which he retained once I'd
signed it.
"Are you sure about all of this sir ?"
"What I'm chasing isn't armed with a peashooter lieutenant, though it
would be a lot easier if it was."
Removing the jacket I laid across the counter as I eased on the
shoulder rigs, one each side. After replacing my jacket, I loaded up
both the revolver and the automagnum, slipped the revolver into the
right-hand rig and the automag in the left. Dumping five rapid reload
rings in the left pocket and six clips for the automag into the right.
After slipping on the kevlar reinforced gloves I put the rest of my
acquisitions into the rucksack the lieutenant had also provided.
"Take care sir."
He called as I swung the pack over my shoulder and began to walk back
down the corridor.
I waved my free hand in acknowledgement and went to finish the other
business I had in the ADP building.
******
My final port of call was to the dispatcher's office. Having located
the relevant desks; I left an official padded bag with a covering
letter on one and two sealed envelopes pinned together on the other.
That task accomplished I took the lift down to the lobby and went over
to the reception desk.
It was a different girl to when I entered the building and she gave me
a rather quizzical look as I walked up to her carrying the rucksack and
a rather special full face crash helmet. She was about to salute when I
stopped her.
"Don't you dare salute.
My arm's aching enough from the all others I met thank you.
Hand me the daybook please."
She handed over the daybook, I signed out and as I returned my wallet
to the inner pocket of the jacket, she saw the guns I was carrying.
"Err, sir ?"
"What is it officer ?
Anything wrong ?"
"Err no, but according to the book, I think you have extra equipment
since you came in."
"And you need to see my authorisation ?"
"No, that's some heavy ordinance you've got there.
I just wanted to wish you luck."
"Good observation, keep up the good work."
I checked her badge.
"Thank you for caring officer Naoko."
Naoko shook her head and wondered if anyone would believe she'd not
only met and spoken with Tempest-sama, but he'd praised her.
Well, a little bit at least.
******
Just as I exited the building I noticed someone examining my bike.
Hey ho, here we go again I thought, readying my wallet.
I coughed.
"Ahem, and how can I help you ?"
He turned round and his face flushed.
"Twice in one morning, this is getting to be a habit Leon.
Where's Daley ?"
I flipped my wallet closed.
"He's just fetching the ..."
Leon stopped as I returned my wallet to the inner pocket again.
"... the cruiser, sir."
Hanging the helmet on the handle bars I placed the rucksack on the
seat, I saw Leon staring at me.
"Oh yes, I guess you noticed these then ?"
I patted the two guns.
"Well they are just slightly obvious, sir."
"Cut the 'sir' bit out right now please.
You got chewed out by your chief didn't you ?"
It was a rhetorical question, but he failed to catch the nuance.
"Yes, s... Blast it what do I call you if don't like 'sir'. ?"
"Tempest will do fine, and besides you did make me late for my date."
"Sorry about that. Err, how is Priss ?"
Barely stifling a chuckle I replied.
"I don't know; it wasn't her I was seeing."
Leon seemed to brighten up a bit.
"Oh I see, or rather I don't.
Why the heavy artillery ?"
"Well that does take the biscuit.
Leon McNichol asks me why I'm carrying 'heavy artillery'.
What's the recoil like on that 'earth-shaker' of yours ?"
"You know about that ?"
Leon sounded a trifle concerned that someone in my position knew of his
non-standard firearm.
"Come on Leon; it would be fair to say half the force knows about it.
Don't worry, it's usefulness is well known so I don't think you'll be
asked to stop carrying it.
In answer to your previous question though, something nasty is out
there and I don't intend to be out-gunned."
I was about to sit and have a chat with Leon when I noticed the time on
his watch.
"Sorry about this, I've got to dash; another date you know."
After pulling the rucksack straps over my shoulders, I slipped the
helmet on.
"I may see you around later.
Take care whom you pull over in future."
The engine barked into life as I blipped the throttle; I closed the
visor and after snicking the bike into first, gave the throttle a
savage twist. The rear tyre lit up leaving a huge black streak as I
rocketed out of the car park.
"Priss has got some serious competition there"
Leon muttered just as Daley pulled up in the ADP cruiser.
Daley leaned out of the window and yelled,
"Hey, quick let's go after that raving loony."
"Itd be a waste of time."
Leon answered sounding disinterested.
"So you don't think we'd catch him eh ?"
Daley goaded.
"Maybe, but it wouldn't do any good; he's a high ranking official."
"Well, who is he ?"
Daley's curiosity was well and truly aroused.
"Tempest."
Leon replied.
Daley's face fell when he heard the name 'Tempest'.
"Oh well yeah, that would be waste of time.
Let's hit the streets."
<End of Part 2.6>
TO BE CONTINUED ....
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Footnotes :
{22} Floors are labelled differently UK USA
Ground = First
First = Second
Second = Third
Well you get the idea. Any references to level by 'floor' are UK
based, since I think that way - live with it.
{23} For all the non Dr Who fans - Jon Pertwee as the 3rd Doctor.
This was written before Jon Pertwee's sad and untimely death.
His characterisation of Dr Who was one of my childhood heroes and
I was deeply moved on learning of his passing away. I can not
properly express the feelings of that sad day; I for one will
sorely miss the flair, humour and sense of theatre he brought to
all his roles - a sad loss to us all.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(c) Robin Smith 1995/96 Tempest@ktsabers.demon.co.uk
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-- Mink/Tempest aka Robin Smith Author: "BGC : The Tempest Chronicles"
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/2302 Lichfield, Staffordshire, United Kingdom
"I was committed once, but the fools let me out for good behaviour !"
IRC : Mink or Tempest- [ but "Mink" most of the time ^_^ ]