Hi folks, this is the first chapter of my second BGC:Beat of Defiance story.
I'm working on it but slowly (along with about 4 other fics) I'm posting
this in the hope it push me into finishing it quicker
C+C is of course welcome
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BGC- BEAT OF DEFIANCE II
Chapter 1
"And Thank You for flying with JAL" the professionally cheerful voice of
the stewardess was beginning to get on Tina's nerves, mainly because
she had already heard, and understood, the same message in German,
English, French, Spanish and finally Japanese. * I'm starting to regret
not pulling rank. * As the daughter of the President of a megacorp (and
sister to that same corps' CEO) Tina could have gotten herself and her
friends on one of the company's regular flights. That option, however,
carried complications. * Other corps most likely have spotters at the
airport, especially with Alex still in Japan. No it is best to let them think
I'm still back in the States. * Tina shifted in her seat, trying to get more
comfortable. * And if they are looking for me and my friends, they will
expect us to be together, with all of us in First Class. * As it was, Louis
and Angel were enjoying the First Class cabin while Tina, her hair dyed
blond, was in business class, dressed in her "monkey suit' . Her cover
was that of a mid-level WIH executive. Once back in Japan she was
going to take one of the company vehicles to headquarters and then,
after changing, drive her cycle back home. Sylia was going to pick up
Angel and Louis. Then she realized that she had been thinking of the
factory as "home".
* Home. Guess I've got two of them now, Dallas and Mega-Tokyo. *
Somehow the thought pleased her.
===============
Sylia was waiting when Tina arrived back at the factory.
Sylia's elegance looked out of place in the lounge they had set up with
second hand furniture. Sylia glanced up from the magazine she was
reading when Tina entered the lounge. "I expected you sooner," she
commented.
Tina walked over to the refrigerator and pulled out a can of Dr Pepper
before replying. "It took longer than I thought to get the dye out of my
hair. And I wanted to see if Alex was in."
Sylia nodded as Tina took a seat. "Was he?"
"Uhuh, I had a package from my folks that I said I would deliver. We
also talked a little. He had a meeting to go to so I couldn't stay long."
"Good, I wanted to set up the schedule to fine tune your suit."
"Your that far along? I thought it would take longer to get it on line."
Sylia smiled, "Give me credit, with you giving me access to your old suit,
the basic measurements were not difficult. I was surprised about your
strength enhancement system though. It doesn't appear to boost that
much, but has heavy reenforcements"
Now Tina had one of her "Little Stinker" grins on. "Mutant Physiology,
remember? I'm already strong and to save room for other systems I
gave up some strength. The reinforcements are for when I boost.
When I boost In the suit I can handle about 75 tons for short periods of
time."
Sylia rose up from her place. "I will have to remember that when we do
the calibration. In fact that is one of the reasons I stayed here. We
have a regular meeting tomorrow, be there, it is a training/workout
session. Louis and Angelique need not attend, but I suggest they get
with Mackie and Doctor Raven."
Tina also rose. "And the others will want to hear about my trip as well I
suppose. Only.. Sylia?"
The leader of the Knight Sabers paused "Yes?"
"I didn't volunteer the information and while he doesn't know who you
are, I think my father has already figured out I've joined you."
Tina saw that Sylia appeared unconcerned. "I am not surprised, to do so
would be just another Challenge to him, wouldn't it?"
Tina caught the inflection Sylia had used and stood flabbergasted for a
moment. Then her mind kicked in. "You have access to some of the
old government paranormal databases don't you?"
"Actually I had to have Nene access several of those old databases. I
collatated the information. Between Nene's skills and my equipment
there are few places I can't access. However, your family is not the
only one who knows how to keep a secret."
Tina shook her head. "Knowing Daddy he likely knows that you know
already."
Sylia smiled like an oracle, "It would not surprise me at all Tina."
==========================
"So what do rich people do for a celebration?" Nene asked while she
and Tina waited their turns in the testing area.
"Well in this case Me Louis and Angel gave a concert."
"How big of a crowd?" asked Priss from where she was using the arm
strength device.
"My parents, Andrew, his wife and his four kids, Kay and her two."
Priss cocked her head. "She's not married?"
"No... she is a widow. Jack liked to hang glide. He was stunting one
day and... didn't pull out in time."
"Way to go Ape woman"
"And you would have done better Ms Cyberpunk."
Sylia interrupted before further words could be exchanged. "Nene,
Linna is also finished so it is your turn, Tina perhaps you should watch
the procedure, Nene is going to be at level 5"
"Again," muttered Priss
"Which is where I'm going to start you for the test. When your test is
started you are not to teleport or turn invisible, and all attacks will be
hand to hand."
Linna wished Nene luck as the exchanged places.
Nene did her best, but once again, he couldn't get past level 5. Priss
and Linna, once again got a good laugh at Nene's expense. Tina
however, looked thoughtful.
Walking over to Sylia Tina whispered something to her. Sylia smiled
and nodded. "A good idea Tina, but for now let us start your test."
*******
"That was excellent Tina," Sylia said as the grey-haired Knight Saber
exited the testing chamber. "Now I can begin your baseline calibration
software." Tina had indeed done well. She had run through level 5
three times, each time she had successfully struck the first attack point
offered.
"Told you she has great reflexes" was Linna's comments to the others.
"Based on our sparring matches she will up at my level soon."
Sylia nodded. "That may be true but I think some of her success is due
to her very unfamiliar style. The computer was having some slight
difficulty in adjusting to it."
Priss snorted, "She is just good Sylia, but not quite as good as me."
Now it was Nene's turn to comment. "Well it disproves one of your
theories Priss."
The red-eyed Saber quirked an eyebrow. "The good with computers, no
can fight one, She is quite good at them."
By now Tina had left the chamber, "When can I try the higher levels
Sylia? That was fun but I could use a more difficult workout."
"I need a few more runs to fine tune the calibration, then we'll start with
level 6 and work up. We will finish with the chamber tests tomorrow and
perhaps the next day. Today we have some additional tests to run."
Tina sighed, she had hoped this was the only test for today. "OK
what's next Boss?"
"The arm strength device. Nene will you unhook and let her in?"
The youngest Knight Saber was quiet willing to let the newest take her
turn in the device."
After hooking in Tina asked, "With or without the boost?"
* Boost? * thought the others. "A series without the boost first followed
by with it on please."
"OK then" Tina was quickly reaching the scores Priss had set. "Alright
now with the boost."
"Do you want full strength or lesser amounts?"
"Start low and then build up to your maximum."
The Sabers were started by the lines of force that surrounded Tina as
the resistance on the machine increased the lines got more defined.
"Are you at maximum yet Tina?"
"No but I'm getting there" Tina said in a slightly strained voice, "Sylia I
think I might break this if I go full boost"
"Then I will build another one, I need the data please."
Tina grimaced from the effort for a moment. "Your money" Then she
concentrated fully, with one last surge she forced her arm forward. And
broke the testing devices arm.
"That's it guys, my max out of a suit."
"Impressive Tina, by my calculations you can lift 25 tons out of your
suit."
"I've improved, it use to be 20 tons. The problem is I can't do it for long,
I burn up to much energy. That and my teleport takes the most out of
me." Tina looked at Priss, "That's why I sagged against you at Sho's and
his mothers place. I 'ported in and had to keep the rubble off her for a
while, I was almost asleep on my feet."
Sylia made a few more notes. "Very well the next test is a run on a
tread mill."
After that test was done Sylia commented. "Good speed but Linna
could still beat you in a long distance run."
"Nice to know you are normal in some area's Tina," said Priss, a slight
bit of envy showing in her voice. Linna and Nene echoed similar
feelings.
"That goes for a lot of things Priss. For example, while I have no
problems with computer software, I'm afraid to open the case, much less
install new hardware. I had to maintain my old suit in
'cookbook' fashion before Louis linked up with me and ..." She grinned
as self-depreciating grin, "while my older brother and sister can rope, I
am quite likely to get myself tangled up in one."
By now Sylia had finished her notes. "I also wish to check you
netrunning skills Tina, when could you bring your deck over here?"
The young mutant tapped her chin briefly, "If the rest of the tests don't
take to long then today, but I will have to go home and get it."
"And the copy of your net persona that you keep here, is it up to date?"
asked Sylia, turning to Nene.
"Yes, I updated it two days ago." she replied, red head nodding.
"Then we will do it today. Tina you will be facing both Nene and the
defences of an isolated system I've set up."
* Oh great, now we will here Nene whine about getting whipped in the
net * Priss said to herself.
"Sounds like fun Boss, lets get this part done so we can start on the
rest."
Sylia was still getting used to being so address led the way to the jump
test.
Which enabled Linna to win 1000 yen when the bet was that Tina could
reach the ceiling. She did. "Want to play basketball some time guys?"
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Ben L. Harrison - HM1(FMF)/USN/RET
Harriso3@ix.netcom.com
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Anime Excuse #212: Went on a mission with the Lovely Angels
Anime Excuse #213: Tried to help Linna start her car