BGC: Beat of Defiance I
Chapter 5: BLOW UP (REVISED)
"How quickly do you want this Sylia?" Nene asked as she
exited the Knight Saber interface.
"It is not urgent, but I do want it as soon as possible, why?"
Sylia had asked Nene to check further into Tina's credit card.
As expected Nene had gotten further along, fast. However
Nene's question indicated possible difficulties.
Shaking her head Nene continued. "Who ever did the
protection is very good. In fact there is something vaguely
familiar about the programming style. They're not as good as
me but with the layered defenses they got, it will take time to
get through. Right now all I can tell you for sure is that the
bills are paid by various corporations with Headquarters in
the United States. Eventually I can trace final ownership, but
that is where some of the heaviest defenses are located."
Nene tapped her chin. "The trail is very tangled, some of the
breaks I've made have been based on pure intuition. I'm sure
of what I've got, but I couldn't prove it in court. This Tina
friend of Priss' has got some very rich connections."
Rising to a stretch Nene added. "You know this makes me
think of an old romance I read once. Rich girl wants to prove
herself. Daddy gives her enough to start but nothing much
more. During the story she meets this (Nene went into a very
long description of the story's male lead) hunk. Once she has
made her fortune they find out that his father had made the
same deal with him. The story ends with them going off to
make more money than their parents combined, while
continuing their romance (sigh)." Sylia waited patiently while
Nene finished describing the details of the story, the way the
female lead acted and the models who posed for the cover.
Nene's remark did start Sylia thinking about a new line of
inquiry. After showing Nene out Sylia then went to her
couch in the data room. From there she accessed the Social
Register for the United States.
After going through a large part of the English alphabet she
found part of her answer. As she looked at a picture from
some sort of "Coming out Party" Sylia thought, * "Despite
the age difference and change of hairstyle and makeup this is
Priss' Tina. Or to use her full proper name, Christina
Charline Wilson, second daughter of Stewart Wilson. Mr.
Wilson is the majority stockholder of Wilson Industrial
Holdings. There is a list of colleges attended but not her
degree. Now I can see her going into music and dance, but
why bar singing? If she still has that platinum card she hasn't
totally rebelled and cut all connections. Our search shows she
hasn't had much activity on her card. But that card has been
used all over the world. Hmmm one mystery solved and still
another one appears." *
Sylia settled further into the chair.
* "But I have got a more important fish to fry now." *
============================
LA Tina was almost finished tearing down their set when they
all heard the altercation.
"If you leave now you will never work here again!!"
threatened the owner.
Tina mused that was highly unlikely, while her group was
gaining in popularity, most of the people still came to see
Priss. The owner would lose to much money if he fired her.
In fact all three of them suspected that they had been hired
mainly to provide some live entertainment when Priss pulled
one of her disappearing numbers.
Tina was not surprised at Priss' response, but she was
surprised to hear another familiar voice.
"I'm sorry sir, it is really an emergency" said Linna,
practically going into a deep bow.
* "Priss and Linna know each other? That's odd, I've seen
Linna in here a few times but I thought she was just catching
the acts or cruising for guys." * Tina was not surprised that
Linna had said nothing during their matches. Tina dressed
for Martial Arts practice looked very different from Tina on
stage. She would have greeted Linna and surprised her if she
could, but Tina never could find Linna after her part of the
show.
As Tina and Louis carried the last bit of their gear into their
van, They were greeted by an agitated Angelique.
"It just came over the police band. We have got a major
boomer incident over in district three. ADP is responding but
they are getting the merde knocked out of them."
Quickly they shoved the last of their loads onboard, got in
and headed for their base. They never heard Priss roar off on
her motorcycle, Linna trying (and failing) to start her car, or
the manager begging them to set up again and play another
set.
Once they returned to their base Tina quickly donned her
armor.
Louis reported as she worked. "It is a combat specific model
Tina, one of the BU-12 series, standard weapons includes a
46mm autocannon and a energy bazooka. It's armor is
decent. Overall it is a very nasty bit of work. IR targeting is
standard with that model so you might as well stay visible
once you engage. ADP on scene has just requested K-11
Backup."
Helmet now on Tina's electrically modulated voice gave
commands. "Mount up and get as close to the perimeter as
possible. I will fly to the scene, do what I can to help the
ADP, if nothing else I can help draw fire away from the
civilians."
Activating her suits flight functions she left.
Angelique entered the bay just as Tina flew off. "Tina!!!
Tina!! Oh damn. Her brother left an encoded E-mail message
on our joint account. I wanted her to see it."
"Oh and what does our leader's sibling want to pass on to
her."
"A few names, very important ones to her. He finally
collated the information she and his other sources have come
up with from the time we arrived here in Mega-Tokyo. He
gives a 70% chance that one of these three people is the one
who planned and lead the mission against her parents."
"Angelique, please do not keep me in suspense. The names
please?"
"Brian J. Mason, Katlyn Madagan, and Hyru Yuma. Mason
is the head of Genom's 'Special Projects' department. And
the other two are major players in the same department."
Louis considered contacting Tina but decided against it. She
already had enough on her mind.
=======================================
Tina could easily spot the firefight as the combatants moved
down the elevated highway.
She boosted her speed. As she got closer she saw a
motorcycle and a police car racing away from the fight.
* "Damn!! That's Priss' bike!! What's she doing here?" *
Then Tina saw one of the perusing K-11's take a hit to the
chest plate and go down. The remaining K-11 closed in on
the Boomer, firing.
* "It's extreme range but it might at least distract him, give
the cop a better chance." * Tina opened up with her 25mm
gun, at the same time activating the suits ECM suite . The
DU round stuck the side that had already lost an arm,
cracking some of the remaining armor. The boomer turned
and fired at her, forcing her to take evasive action. As she
closed the distance Tina fired her own machine gun to keep
the Boomers attention as the K-11 closed in, then fired
another 25mm DU round, this one missing the Boomer by
mere millimeters.
Tina's fire did give the Police K-11 the break he needed. The
policeman closed while the boomer fired at Defiance.
Quickly the policeman fired his weapon at point blank range
scoring several hits on the boomer. The dying boomer tried
to swing his weapon onto the Policeman but Tina was now
close enough to put a long machine gun burst into an already
damaged section. When the boomer swung back she fired an
lighting bolt at it, frying several of the Boomers circuits. The
boomer fired one last burst, at Tina, then collapsed. One of
the rounds grazed Tina's armor. Tina was to up on
adrenaline to notice.
Tina landed near where the pursuit had ended. She had also
noted that Priss and the driver of the Police car were not far
away and they had probably witnessed most of the fight. As
she walked up, a police motorcycle cop pulled up reporting
that Priss had been speeding and had conned her way around
a roadblock. Tina overheard Priss try to get Leon to help her
out with the ticket and his reply.
Tina chucked to herself * "She needs a break. And this Leon
character won't give it to her." * Then Defiance spoke up.
"You know officer, if I was being chased by a boomer, I
might be speeding some too."
The motorcycle cop looked very surprised. Leon, who after
all had seen the KS before, was much more calm. "And who
might you be?"
"I be quite a few things, however if you want to know my
name you can call me Defiance"
Leon smirked. "Another babe in powered armor, there must
be something in Mega-Tokyo's air that attracts them here."
Even with the electronic modulation you could hear the steel
in Defiance's voice. "Yes, and with the junk they give you to
work with you ought to be glad we're here."
Looking ruefully at the remains of the thoroughly shot up Bu-
12 Leon had to agreed. As more police arrived Defiance thought it
would be best to leave.
"Watch yourselves, I'll help if I can."
As the police started shouting at Defiance in order to get some
more information from her, Priss quietly asked the traffic cop
if she could go. Distracted by all the activity he agreed.
Three seconds later she was roaring down the street when the
cop remembered he had not yet given Priss her ticket for
speeding. By then she was out of sight. Defiance however
noted Priss' quick departure and chuckled to herself briefly.
* "Well Priss, that's one you owe me, however I doubt you
will ever know to pay me back" * Then the adrenaline surge
wore off and she winced at a pain in her ribs.
* "Damn I took a hit and didn't even notice. Ouch, it feels
like one of my ribs may have cracked. The armor must have
flexed a bit. Angel is going to be very ticked off at me.
And Louis is going to tease me about letting the armor get
scratched. However," * she looked down at the policeman
she had saved and the damage she helped keep from getting
even worse, * "I think it was worth it." *
-- Later --
"You said he was 70% sure??"
"Yes Tina, he mentioned several sources, but that is all he
can give you. He said if you wait until he gets here he might
be able to firm it up more."
Tina still had her armor on, with the helmet removed, a
hardcopy of the message from her brother in her hand. She
closed her eyes and crushed the paper in her armored hand.
"All this time, and we finally got some names."
Angelique had concern in her voice. "Tina?"
"Don't worry Angel, I'm not going out and trying to take any
of them out right now. Although when my brother gives a
70% chance that is like most other people saying 80 or 90
percent."
Louis cleared his throat. "What then is our course of action?"
"Louis, load that search program Angel finished. Input these
peoples name and title. We've not gotten that deep into
Genom's systems but I know we can access some of their
internal databases. See if any of our suspects are going to be
out in public anytime soon. I want to collect all the
information so we can to help Alex firm up his analysis."
"Now Angel I want you to use your network find out what is
known about the habits of all three of our suspects. But
before you start," Tina took a breath and her face showed
some pain "I need you to look at my ribs. I think I might
have cracked one of them during the fight."
==================================
The important fish that Sylia was looking for was doing his
own research as well. Recent information he had received
indicated that someone or some group known as Defiance was
searching for him and other executives of Genom. While he
cared little about the fates of the other executives, his own
skin was of vital importance to him.
Mason posed some of the same questions Sylia had about the
name Defiance. Deciding to take no chances he ordered
some additional combat boomers to be placed into The
Tower's active defense network.
That chore taken care of Mason returned to his personal
project, trying to find out the identity of the leader of the
Knight Sabers.
=====================================
The Knight Sabers where discussing last night events as they
cleaned up the wreckage in the Silky Doll.
"It was pure luck that that Defiance woman showed up,
otherwise my license would have been toasted."
"Well lucky you, I got in trouble with the traffic police
because of you Priss." complained Nene
Linna added her own litany "And I never could get my car
started and had to take a cab. Do you know how hard it is to
get one around there?"
Priss looked up from where she was sitting. "You know who
is behind it, don't you Sylia. It is that bastard Mason. I
think we should go after him."
Sylia pondered Priss' suggestion for a moment. "No I still
think it should be left to the ADP, at least for now."
The others tried to get Priss to help in the cleaning, but that
was the time Mackie called her over to show her his latest
Project.
============================
A day or two later LA Tina was again breaking down their
set.
"Sacre Blu Tina, you got a cracked rib, let us do most of the
carrying" Angelique said with exasperation.
"I agree with Angelique. The fact you still danced is not
going to help your injury at all. And you weren't up to your
normal standards, so don't tell us you are fine."
"I thought my mother was back in the States. Looks like I
got two extra now." Upon seeing the look on her friends
faces she relented some. "OK I'll take it easier, I'll even tone
down 'Dead or Alive' until my ribs feel better."
Angelique nodded. "I'll keep you to your word Tina.
You're a mutant, yes, but you heal at the same rate as a
normal person."
"Tell you what ladies, lets watch Priss' act before we go
home. Tina you will not dance with anyone, and I will buy
the drinks."
"That's fair, You won the bet Louis."
LA Tina had bet amongst themselves on how many days it
would be before Priss was hired back by the Hot Legs club.
Louis had won.
And Priss was in full form on this night. The way her voice
moved the crowd made Tina envious. * "I want to dance to
her songs someday. Between her voice, my moves and the
music of our two groups, we would be the best." *
Then she turned back to the bar to get a refill.
And ran into Linna.
"Hi Linna."
Linna did a double take. "Tina? Tina! Fancy meeting you
here."
"Not really, I perform here also."
"You're that Tina??"
"Yes, and I was surprised you knew Priss as well."
"What?"
"I saw you and her leave together the other night. Something
about an emergency. Did it turn out OK?"
"For Priss yes, I had car troubles."
"Sorry to hear that. Is it running now?"
"It got me and a friend over here"
"Oh and who is the friend?"
"There you are Linna, who is this?" Nene bounced up and
said as a greeting.
"Tina, this is Nene. It turns out that Tina is both my sparing
partner and a rock star as well."
"I wouldn't say a rock star, more of a performer. Priss is
closer to being a star than I am. And I'm glad to meet you
Nene." Linna asked "Do you have any plans tonight, Tina?"
Before Tina could answer Nene jumped in with "We are
going to check out a new place with Priss after her show.
She needs to do more than preform, practice and ride her
bike, don't you think? Want to come?"
"Well I had planned to check out the Origanic Chip"
Linna sounded confused. "Never heard of it."
Nene looked agast. "That is not the place to go to have fun.
It's great if you want to hear the latest netrunner gossip or
talk tech talk. But for a fun time ugh." Nene then made a
face
"Well I don't want to impose." started Tina. * And how
does she know so much a about a 'runner bar? *
Nene would have none of that. "Come on It will be fun."
"You talked me into it. But let me tell Louis and Angel so
they won't wait up."
==================================
It was fortunate that Tina had planned to check out the
"Organic Chip". Because of those plans she had taken the car
LA Tina kept for those errands which the van would be
unsuited.
The use of the car became necessary as Linna's mini-van
refused to start (again). Tina was convinced that Louis could
get it started again but he and Angelique had already left.
That was not the reason why Priss was riding with them.
"BLOODY BASTARDS. IF I CATCH WHOEVER DID
THIS I'LL ..." Priss then went into great and gory detail as
to what she would do to the perpetrators.
Tina could understand her anger. Someone had drained the
fuel from Priss' tank. And someone else (most likely a
fanboy) had taken the seat off the motorcycle. There was no
way the bike was going anywhere tonight. Tina was
informed the bike was a custom and ran best on a special fuel
mix. The source was not open at this time of night.
Tina tried to lighten Priss' mood. "Well if it is such a hot
fuel Priss, maybe it will blow up the motor of what ever they
put it in."
That cheered up Priss some.
The rest of the night was much more enjoyable. Nene turned
out to be a fun person to be around, easily countering the
mood Priss had fallen into.
There were still some problems with Tina's ribs but they
where able to handle it. Tina found that she couldn't quite
keep her promise not to dance, but did tone it down
considerably. Besides she thought the guys were cute.
The biggest problem was when they had to get Nene back
home. While Nene wasn't drunk, she had reached that stage
was co-ordination was a problem. Tina and Linna had to
help Nene up to her place, despite the pain in the ribs (Nene
later apologized for accidentally hitting Tina there.) Priss as
usuall refused to do anything dealing with carrying.
Tina told Linna she would try to get Louis to look at her
mini-van and, if he could get it to run, he would drop it off at
the club Linna were she worked.
Priss was the final one to be dropped off.
"Thanks for the lift Tina."
"If you like I can use the van to get your bike to your fuel
source Priss."
"Are you trying to score brownie points Tina?"
"Nope, Angel might have that as a motive, but I want to see
where you get your fuel. If it is the same place that built you
bike I might want to see about getting some work done."
"You like Bikes?"
"They're useful, especially around a city but I'm not a fanatic
about them. One of my brothers though is crazy about them.
He's done some nice things for me recently and a custom bike
would be a nice gift."
"Now how could you do that. I had to save a long time and
pull some favors to get that bike made. I know the Hot Legs
don't pay much."
"I've got a few extra sources of income. I can't go hog wild
but I can do the occasional splurge. And what my brother
has done is worth it."
"OK pick me up tomorrow and after we get the bike I'll
introduce you to Pops"
"Pops?"
Priss hid a grin. "A nickname, His real name is Raven. But
he loves to be called 'Pops."
=================================
The next day when she woke up Tina's rib was still sore.
She got very little sympathy from Angelique.
"I bet you danced the night away didn't you Tina?"
Angelique asked as she retaped the spot. "Don't blame me if
you keep feeling pain."
To change the subject Tina announced, "I'm going to use the
van to help Priss with her bike. Louis, want to come along
and get Linna's mini-van started?"
"Louis, we got to do some shopping." reminded Angelique.
Tina suggested, "How about we take the car and the van. If
you can't get Linna's van going you two can still do your
shopping."
The rest of the trio agreed.
Tina's confidence in Louis's abilities was vindicated. He had
the vehicle up a running moments after popping the hood.
He played with a few connections and announced the van
could run for a while longer. "But I will tell Linna that she
needs to have her a lot of her wiring replaced. Wont be much
problem with this model." He then drove off to Linna's club
in her mini-van with Angelique following in the car.
When Tina arrived to pick up Priss she saw her talking to a
young boy. Parking Tina walked up to the two.
"And who is this fine young man Priss?"
"This is Sho Tina, I'm just waiting with him until his bus
arrives for school"
"Hello Sho, I'm Tina and I work at the same place Priss
does."
"Hello ... Tina. Hey you talk a little funny, where are you
from?"
Before Priss could react Tina laughed "I'm an American Sho.
I'm a native born Texan in fact, " Tina dropped into a
_very_ exaggerated Texan drawl "I'm surprised you couldn't
tell at first lit'le partner." Then she returned to her normal
tones "But I've spent time all over the world, including a few
summer months here in Tokyo before it became Mega-
Tokyo."
"I was wondering why your Japanese was so good" remarked
Priss.
"Well my folks made friends all over the world. One of the
group was a family that lived in Nermia before the big
quake."
"Just what does your father do Tina?" asked Sho
"He is retired now but he had a job that took him all over the
world."
"Really?" asked Sho, a young boys vision of world travel
dancing before his eyes.
"Yes really. He also encouraged me to dance and sing, even
though it was not what he had done for a living"
"Wow neat." Then the bus arrived "I've got to go now Bye
Priss, Nice to meet you Tina."
"Nice kid Priss."
"Yes and his mother is good people too. It's to bad she has
to work so late. By the way what did your father do that
took him over the world?"
Tina's little stinker side rose up. "He was a globe trotting
superhero, back when such things were accepted."
"No really Tina what did he do."
"Ya caught me Priss, he did a lot of international trading."
"Do you always come up with such strange answers to a
question."
"When the mood strikes me, yes. You should give a listen
when Louis, Angelique and me start playing 'Top This'"
"Are you really a Texan?"
"Yes I was born in Dallas Texas. Don't believe all the
stereotypes about us though. I for one have never roped or
branded. My older brother did work on a ranch for one
summer though."
Priss nodded. "Well let's get over to Raven's and get my
bike back on the road again."
The repairs were easily done, while most of Priss' bike was
custom, a few things, like the seat were stock. And the fuel
was no problem.
Tina was startled by Doc Raven's response to being called
Pops though. Before she could ask for an explanation though
Mackie introduce himself.
* Nice enough kid but his hormones are on overdrive.
Sounds like he knows mechanics though. Still I'm getting
tired of him tracking my chest's every move. Lets try
something *
"Are you the one to talk to about custom bikes??"
That definitely got Mackie on a different track. After a while
he had got enough data to start an initial set of plans. He
went off muttering to himself in engineering jargon.
In the meantime the repairs to Priss' bike had been
completed.
"I'm going to have to remember that trick next time he comes
on to strong." said Priss.
"Yes but can we constantly come up with plans for new bikes
to keep him occupied?"
They had a quick laugh at that.
Mounting the cycle Priss started to leave "Thanks Tina, see
you!"
"Actually I would like that Priss."
"What?"
"From the time I've gotten here all I've had time to do is
meet people for business. You and Linna are the only ones
I've met in what I would call a social setting. Oh and that
Nene girl we were with last night. I would like to get to
know you all better, if you don't mind. If nothing else you
could make sure my brothers bike is set up right."
"Well sure OK. Drop in Tina, If you can catch me in."
"Will do Priss, Will do."
=================================
They surprised themselves by doing just that. Tina managed
to catch Priss in a few times, both in her apartment and her
trailer. Tina also showed both Priss and Linna the converted
factory LA Tina lived in (but of course not the "extra"
sections needed for the Defiance armor.)
In short Tina was becoming friends with Priss and Linna. Be
cause of Nene's work schedule Tina didn't see her as often, at
least not in realspace.
She did have meetings several times with "Cyberbear" both
in Smaug's Cave and out in the net. Both begin to get
slightly suspicious when they noticed that their "outside"
encounters were near various Genom nodes.
Of course the Knight Sabers mention bits and pieces of this at
their routine meetings. And Sylia was beginning to put
together a picture slowly. Slowly because of the more
important project she had on her mind.
==================================
It had been a while after the BU-12 incident. Angelique's
program finally produced information that Mason was going
to be doing an inspection at the demolition of a set of
buildings. LA Tina were observing from their van.
"This must be an important project for Genom to send Mason
over" Angelique observed from LA Tina's van.
Louis tried to find a more conformable position in his seat.
"The hacking you two have done may not have gotten to far
into Genom, but the government databases indicate they have
a major development project in the works here."
>From where she sat in her armor Tina added, "I need to
check and see how much and what type of influence Genom
used to get that permission. Once we are finished here I will
make a run on some of the approving officials. Maybe we
can tie them up some, get some restitution for these poor
people."
"Tina, why are you in armor anyway? This is to be a recon,
not a combat mission. I really don't think you should be
wearing it with your rib as it is."
"Ease up Angel, it feels almost healed. As to the armor, I
just got a feeling , the suit might be needed."
Just then they saw a man try to protest the treatment they
were receiving. They all winced when he was knocked to the
ground by Mason's hulking bodyguard.
The word "bastard" and worse was uttered in several
languages with French and English leading the way.
The observers noted someone pushing their way through the
crowd.
"Hey that's Priss!!" shouted Angelique.
"Oh God, this IS the complex she lives at, I knew something
personal was bugging me about this place." groaned Tina.
They watched as Priss tried to get to Mason.
"Tina, Angelique, my scan shows that bodyguard to be a
boomer!! Priss won't stand a chance!"
Tina was about to leave the van when Leon showed up. She
almost 'ported out when the bodyguard started to wrap a pipe
around Priss' neck. The crisis was averted when Leon fired a
shot into the air and the boomer released Priss.
After observing Leon offering to give Priss a hand up and
Priss' stubbornness to get up on her own Louis observed,
"You're not the only one who could use the name Defiance
Tina."
"If you decide you need another armored combatant, maybe
you should hire her." quipped Angelique.
Tina had that look of someone seriously considering an idea.
They forced themselves to watch as the demolition started.
Suddenly Louis reported in a tight voice, "Tina a woman just
entered the building. My sensors say the room she is in will
collapse any second!! You have got to . . ." There was a
flash of lightning and the van rocked as a sudden weight left
it. "go help her." Louis completed.
Priss made sure Sho stayed outside after she got the operator
to stop his machine. Priss never saw a brief flash of light
come from the building. When she entered the building, she
kept her emotions under tight control as she saw the rubble of
her friends apartment. Shouting her friends name she heard a
noise come from a slightly larger pile of rubble. "Hang on!
I'm coming"
A electronic voice responded "Hurry up!! I'm at a bad angle
and I can't keep this shit off her forever."
Moving over to the pile Priss started to move the debris.
Quickly she moved enough away to revealed a person in a
hard suit. The suit was arced over the fallen woman,
protecting her from most of the debris. Part of Priss' mind
registered that the suit was glowing slightly.
Defiance's voice carried a lot of strain. "Quick pull her out.
I'm holding back most of this wall. If I move it will collapse
on both of you!" * And this is not helping my rib any either.
*
As Priss dragged the woman out she asked "What about
you?"
"Just get her out!! I'll be OK."
"I'll be back!! Don't want you to be a dead hero."
"Get! I can feel some of the weight shifting!"
Priss dragged her friend out of the building. As Sho's
mother regained awareness she started to moan "My legs, I
can't feel my legs."
After Sho's mother was clear of the building and in the
Paramedics hands, Priss turned to re-enter the building. This
time Priss thought she saw a flash of light, but ignored it
when she saw a figure come out the door way. It stumbled a
bit so Priss offered a shoulder.
"Thanks Priss" the armored figured muttered. "My dad was
right about how tiring this could be. I didn't believe it until
now."
Priss now recognized the Defiance armor, dinged up and
dusty as it was. * She knows me?? But from where?? I
don't think Leon said my name when she was there. And the
traffic cop never asked for it either. Is she following me?
And how did she get past me?" * Another part of Priss' mind
registered that the armored one was trying to protect her side.
"Tina the police and media are starting toward your position,
you got to get out of there" Louis reported over the comm
link.
"To tired to Teleport Louis. Did it twice and had to boost to
keep the rubble off the victim. Feel like I want to take a
nap." was her weary reply.
"Then go invisible, simply walk away. We'll pick you up in
the park."
"But I know the woman Priss brought out. What about her?"
"They got medics on her now. Get away from Priss and
leave!!"
"Will do, just after I do one more thing."
"Tina you have got to hurry!"
Over the suits external speakers Tina now told Priss "I've got
to go now. Thanks for the help. Give this to the woman, she
risked her life for it." With that Tina handed Priss the money
Sho's mother had rushed in to recover. Then she stepped
back and faded from view.
"How the hell does she do that?" Priss muttered as Defiance
disappeared. "And why do I keep running into her?"
Then she turned back to see to her friend.
==================================
When they picked Tina up she had recovered much of her
energy. However She was also VERY angry.
"Bloody Gemon bastard. Bastards like him are the reason
why I'm going to keep on with the quest."
"Tina calm down" said Louis.
"I am as calm as I can get right now, Louis. And as of right
now that Mason is our primary suspect. Tonight we will do a
recon of the Genom tower. We might have to attack him
there and I want to know the lay of the land."
"Tina I ..."
Tina chopped off Louis. "Those people were kicked out of
their homes with no notice. If they bothered with even the
most basic safety procedures Sho's mother wouldn't been
hurt. Mason could have done both with no effort. What we
have got on him shows him to have a very high degree of
ruthlessness. The same type of ruthlessness that would send a
team to assassinate parents in front of their children. If we
can stop him we will. But." Tina slumped a bit. "We can't
go charging in like Custer's 7th Cavalry. If we did we would
wind up just like the 7th. Is that what you were worried
about Louis?"
Louis nodded.
"Sorry. And sorry again for chopping you off. It will be an
armed recon but a recon just the same. Angel, what about
Sho's Mom?"
"I hacked into the hospital database." Angel hesitated as most
people do when they have to give bad news. "Tina, I'm
sorry. She's alive but she received spinal injuries. The
doctors doubt she will be able to walk again. She also has a
double cyber-rejection factor."
At Tina's confused look Angelique continued. "Some people
just can't handle cybernetics of any kind. In some it is
because of psychological reasons. In other cases, like your
father, the body rejects the interface. Your friend has both
problems. She will not be able to walk again."
Many different emotions that passed across Tina's face in a
manner of seconds. Then her face was set into an almost
unreadable expression. When she spoke anger and
compassion were warring in her voice.
"Angel, call the Hot Legs, tell them I got laryngitis, bad. We
will be up most the night on the recon, so performing is out.
Louis make sure my armor is fully functional for tonight.
Angel give me her hospital and patient number. Sho's
mother will not have to worry about her hospital bills. Is Sho
being taken care of?"
Angel nodded. "The records indicate a P. Asargi is taking
care of him. Priss has got him someplace safe no doubt."
"Fine, there are a few calls I've got to make once we get
home. Once done I'm going to crash until tonight. Once you
do your checks folks get some sleep to."
"This night is going to be interesting. And in ways Mason is
not going to like."
========================================
Priss watched as Sho finally got to sleep. He was glad his
mother was alive, but was just beginning to understand the
degree of her injuries. Priss had already made a decision
while at the hospital waiting for the word. Once Sho was
fully asleep she would act on that decision.
========================================
Tina's first call was to WIH-Japan's director. For it she
dressed in what she called her "Executive Costume." A suit
she hardly ever wore. Her hair done up in a bun instead of
it's normal free fall. And the glasses for the slight bit of
farsightedness she had. Very different from her daily
appearance.
"Christina-san. I didn't know you were in Japan. How may
I help you today?" the director asked.
"There is a woman who was injured in a accident today. I am
sending you her name and patient identity number. All of her
bills will be paid. Draw the money from my personal
account. Keep the payments low key. No publicity and I
want to insure both mine and the woman's privacy."
The director was slightly started by her intensity and the
nature of Tina's request. However the Wilson-sama, as her
father was referred to, had a reputation for making such
requests and giving such orders. Tina's sister, who was now
the CEO, had a similar reputation. Now that he thought of it
both of the sons had also made similar requests/orders at
times. Christina-san must also have this habit as well.
Nodding slightly the director simply said "It will be as you
ordered. Is there anything else I can do?"
"Yes, send the following message to my parents and my
brother Alex. 'First on list feels likely. Still want you to
come Alex. Alas Babylon'"
"It will be as you order Christina-san."
"Thank you for your time Director."
Tina took a breath after she rung off. * Now to get out of
this monkey suit. Time for a little more pleasurable call. *
She dialed a number in one of Japan's outlying provinces.
"Hello, S&T School of . . . Tina-chan!!!" The view screen
showed a woman with long blueish-black hair with a very few
touches of gray in it. The woman's face showed grace and
you had a feeling of personal power and strength as well.
"Hello Aunti A. Long time no see. I have a favor to ask you
and Uncle R. Please hear me out before you say yes or no."
"Tina-chan, your father helped us out after the quake. He did
it in such a way that allowed us to keep our pride and our
school alive. With my husband that is a major
accomplishment. Anything that we can do to help your father
or his children will be done. Please ask your favor."
Tina explained the situation.
"Yes we can help. There is much at the dojo that can be done
from a wheel chair. And I mean real work, not make work."
"Fine as soon as she can leave the hospital I'll get her up
there. Will you be training Sho?"
"Maybe the basics. It depends if he has the talent and the
interest for it."
"I will see you soon and thank you Aunti A. Give my love to
Uncle R and your children."
"Bye-bye Tina-chan."
==================================
It was quiet in the equipment bay. Priss finished putting on
her armor. * Mason has screwed over to many people. This
is the last straw. Sho and his mother are the last to suffer
because of him. *
As she put on her helmet Priss made a vow. "For all of you
this is your vengeance."
As she walked to were the motorslav's were parked she did
have one brief regret * I wish the others felt like me. It
would've been nice to have company. * Then she left.
Five minutes later the other Knight Sabers burst into the bay.
"Oh no!! Priss is gone already!! I should have seen the
message sooner, should have called sooner." agonized Nene.
"Nene I've heard you complain about the Regular Police
being so slow about routine reports. This time was no
execption. It's really no ones fault Nene, save maybe Priss
for going off without us." comforted Linna.
"Yes for the Knight Sabers Organization if nothing else we
would have gone with her." Sylia looked the other two
women in the eye. "Are we agreed to go then?" They
nodded yes.
"Good, get into your armor. Mackie, is the Knightwing
flyable yet?"
"Flyable yes. Some of the stealth and weapons systems are
still off line Sis. The Semi would be more reliable."
"But not near as fast. And we are going to have to make up
time to help Priss. Start the pre-flight, we leave as soon as
we are armored up."
The Sabers turned to their tasks.
==================================
"Talk to me Louis."
"Continue your current heading Tina. So far so good. Most
of the outer sensors are normal light so your invisibility
should work. But that road up the side of the building. Want
to bet motion and IR sensors are the norm?"
"No bet Louis, and you forgot to mention radar as well."
"Yes I detected some low powered radio band signals but I
thought they were communication signals."
"OK let's complete the circuit of the base then see if I can
find an approach to the upper levels."
"Tina wait. I got a high speed object approaching the roads
entrance."
Tina turned invisible.
"Louis"
"Wait one. It is a hardsuit riding a motorcycle. Trying for
an ID now. Tina, it's the Blue Knight Saber!! She is
attacking the building. I spot two Bu-12's responding."
"Damn it!! Can you see any of the other Knight Sabers?"
"No. Tina there are two more units, C-55's, backing up the
Bu-12's. The Motorcycle just transformed into some sort of
support frame!"
"I'm going in Louis."
"Tina." Louis' voice sounded agonized
"Louis you know how I was raised. I can't abandon her.
What's more what do you think the other Knight Sabers
would do to me if they found out I could have helped her,
and didn't."
Louis sighed. "What Angelique and I would try to do if
someone abandoned you. Only with their armor it would be
more violent."
"Right. Now give me a vector that will let me get close
without getting fried."
"Here it is. Good luck."
==================================
Priss was starting to have second thoughts about this. She
had steamrollered one BU-12, then used the motorslav's
rockets on another. Once she had figured out how to use the
"BIG" gun she took out several more. But now she was
having to dodge not two but 4 C-55's and another BU-12.
The motoslav's extra firepower had helped, unfortunately it
also drew fire. Priss had just escaped its destruction when
she realized that she was surrounded.
"OK you Bastards!! Who wants do die first?"
The boomers advanced like they were going to give Priss that
Honor.
Then one of the boomers head blew up. And another one
took a hit to the back.
Priss broke out of the being encircled, looking to see which
one of the KS had saved her. She was extreamly surprised to
see not one of her fellow Knight Sabers but Defiance. "You
again!! Are you *^((^%&() following me?"
"Nice to see you too Blue Saber. What do you mean by
following you? And DUCK!!"
A burst from Tina's machine-gun slammed into the head of a
C-55 taking it out of the fight.
Landing next to Priss Tina/Defance said "We can work that
out later. Right now I think today's production quota of
combat boomers is after us." Then she grimaced behind her
visor * What was I saying about the 7th Cav earlier? *
The next few moments were filled with more combat than
Tina wanted to remember. Because of how close the boomers
were she couldn't be as free with her weapons as she wanted
to. However, marital arts skill plus hardsuit plus mutant
abilities make a very nasty close-in fighting combination.
Good as she was soon she was forced back to back with
Priss. If her father had been watching he would have been
both proud of and scared for his youngest daughter.
Nene was at the Knightwing's sensors. "Firefight in
progress. I see two hardsuits, one looks like Priss'. An ADP
helo is checking it out, trying to break it up now." Nene
suddenly gasped. "One of the BU-12 just took out the
copter!!" As the Knightwing got closer Nene spotted
something else "There is another suit and a boomer on the
roof. They look like they are just waiting."
Louis reported to Tina. "I'm getting readings of an aircraft
Tina, intermittent. I don't know if it is trying to stealth or if
it is other interference. Also I think I spot one more boomer
and a armored suit on the rooftop. They are holding their
position."
"Thanks Louis if I can break free I <static>."
"Tina!! Tina!!"
"I <static> ouis. I'm still here. One of them got lucky and
bashed my helment. He now has a 25mm stomach ache."
What Tina didn't realize was that the blow had also done
minor damage to her communication system. The voice
modulator was now off line and a short in her VOX switch
was caring her part of her conversations with Louis to the
outside speakers at random intervals. Priss heard the part
about a stomach ache.
"That sounds like. No way." Then the boomer she was
currently fighting needed her full attention.
Back in the Knightwing Sylia snapped orders. "Linna take
the remaining motoslav down and assist Priss and Defiance.
Mackie do a quick pass over the road and drop Nene and
myself off. Then find a roof and set down. Be ready for an
immediate dust off." As Nene got up from the consul Sylia
ordered "Knight Sabers!! Go!!"
As Linna approached the fight she set her Motoslav on
independent support mode. She was not surprised at the way
Priss was fighting but Defiance's moves where somehow
familiar as well. * She fights well close in and at distance.
She looks like she prefers to fight at range though. Look at
that! She looks like she is, DANCING through the boomers.
*
Linna then saw Defiance do a handstand and crack a boomers
head with a kick. * That's a Capuara move!! There can't be
to many female practitioners of that art in Mega-Tokyo. *
Linna had time to think * Is that Tina? * before being pulled
into the firefight and had to think more of survival. But as
she fought she kept and eye out for both the other two women
present. And confirmed what she was suspecting.
Tina too had made a connection. "Louis did the Blue Sabers
voice sound familiar when she shouted??"
"Tina two more BU-12 just showed up. You got a more
important worry right now."
"OK, but listen out. Also I think I might know the Green
Saber as well. I will talk to about it later." Priss and Linna
heard that last part.
Over the KS secure link Priss asked Linna "Does she sound
familiar to you?"
"Not completely sure about the voice but the moves are
VERY familiar."
==================================
"Welcome Knight Sabers, to the very pentacle of Genom
Tower. From here My rule of Genom and through it the
world begins."
Mason face showed a sardonic smile. "It is also the place
where you will die."
Sylia's responce showed no fear. "I very much doubt that
Mr. Meson. The fact you are in armor shows you have
doubts of your victory. Face it, it is over."
"The best victories are the personal ones. Prepare to die
Knight Saber"
While Nene struggled to stay alive against Mesons
bodyguard, Sylia and Meson began their dance of death.
==================================
Tina finished off her current target. Having no immediate
threat warnings she paused for a breath. Her diagnosics still
hadn't told her of her communitcations systems status. "Talk
to me Louis." .
"There are no more boomers responding. The three of you
have put a major dent in their inventory. Only two others
remain, they are each in a one on one fight with the Blue and
Green Sabers. They are against a C-55 and a Bu-12
respectfully. They have the situation in hand."
"How about the roof?"
"Two one on one fights as well. That's all I can tell. The
ECM Saber is putting out the power."
"OK give can you give me a 'port vector to the fight."
"No Tina best I can do is get you close. With all that
electronic noise, anything in the area might cause you to
teleport inside an object."
"OK feed me that." Then she switched to outside speakers,
still unaware that the VOX switch had gotten stuck. All of
what she just said had gone out to the Sabers. "I'm heading
up to the roof to help your two friends!!" Then she 'ported.
Once again the lightning bolt and flash effect occurred and
Defiance was gone.
Shortly the last two boomers were gone as well. As they
headed up to the roof by a more "conventional" means Priss
asked Linna, "Well?"
"Yes, I recognized her for sure at the last. We've got to tell
Sylia once we are done here."
=======================================
Nene was in desperate straits. She had hurt the boomer some
but it was still combat capable. She could see that Sylia was
fully involved with fighting Meson. Priss and Linna were to
far away. And Defiance was an unknown. Suddenly she
registered an energy spike a short distance below. Then she
saw another suit appear and rocket toward her. She rolled to
one side as the boomer tried to crush her head. It was closer
than Nene wanted to know. She stuck out her arm and fired a
burst at the boomer. All she did was shred some more
artificial skin
Suddenly a different machine-gun fired on the boomer.
Looking up Nene could see a Blue and Gold suit firing.
Despite the range the boomer took several hits. Then the gun
looked like it suddenly ran out of ammunition.
"Damn!!" muttered/shouted the figure as it closed. The
boomer finally shed it skin and prepared to use it's mouth
laser.
With the boomer distracted Nene used her ECM to interfere
with the boomers targeting. Nene's sensors spotted the
targeting laser lining up on the boomers head. Defiance fired
just as the boomer's laser got fully charged. The round was
on target while Nene's ECM had caused the boomer to aim
off to the right. The resulting light show would have been
pretty under other circumstances. Tina's system informed her
that she had just shot off her last 25mm round.
Defiance landed next to Nene. "Are you all right?" she asked
Nene nodded.
"Good, but in the future, it helps to aim your weapon. You
didn't do bad just for pointing in the general direction. You
might have taken it if you looked and aimed." Then to take
the sting out of her words she added, "Lets go help your
friend"
Sylia looked like she needed the help. Meson had finally
grabbed her and had forced her visor up. Meson had a clear
view of her face. "So Sylia it was you!"
Tina could only see that the White Saber was in trouble.
Thinking quickly she brought up the 25mm and activated the
target laser. Meson's suit system gave him an audible
warning and he jerked his head around.
Sylia used the distraction just as Priss and Linna arrived. Her
mono sword swung out and she ran him through. The
shocked look he had would stay with Sylia for a very long
time.
"Sylia" breathed Priss.
* Sylia? Must be the White Sabers first name. *
Sylia stood back to let the body of Meson fall. She looked at
him for a moment, then reset her visor in place. Turning she
addressed Defiance. "Thank you, I would have had him but
Thank you anyhow."
"If he is the person I think he might be, I owe you. I want to
talk to you about it."
Sylia's head was pointed toward Priss. "Later, I and the
other Knight Sabers have some things to discuss among
ourselves." Priss winced.
"OK have someone leave a message at Smaug's Cave for
me." Then seeing that the Sabers were not going to say
anything else Tina flew off. Then "just because" she turned
invisible and headed for her van.
"Sylia." Priss started.
"Save it for when we get back to the base. Mackie come pick
us up."
========================================
"You must be tired if you flew back instead of 'porting"
"Yes Louis I am. I have also found out something about my
new friends."
"Oh?"
"Yes but it will wait until we get back. Angel needs to hear
this as well."
"All Right."
============================
Ben L. Harrison - HM1(FMF) USN
Harriso3@ix.netcom.com
====================================================================
Anime Excuse #212: Went on a mission with the Lovely Angels
Anime Excuse #213: Tried to help Linna start her car