BGC- BEAT OF DEFIANCE II

Chapter 3

"Tina, wake up!"  Angelique's voice penetrated the haze of pain Tina
was experiencing.

"Wha...What happened?"  Tina winced at the sound of her own
voice.

Angelique's voice carried tones of both relief and scolding.  "You,
my very stubborn friend got dumped.  What you are feeling right
now are some of the effects of 'Dump Shock'."

As her vision cleared Tina could see both Sylia and Nene hovering
nearby.   Nene looked especially concerned.

"I'm sorry Tina," the youngest Saber said, sorrow in her voice, "I
thought you had more power left, I didn't realize you were so low."

Tina shook her head (and regretted the act).  "My fault Nene.  If that
had been a run in the real net I would have jacked out at the third
attack."  Tina tried to sit up but was gentled back down by
Angelique.  As the French doctor continued to check her out Tina
glanced up at Nene. "Just were did you come up with that theme
anyhow?"

Nene looked relieved at the change of subject.  "From an old Anime
series.  I'm surprised that you didn't recognize it, it was popular in
the U.S. as well as here.  My Grandfather had the entire series on
laser disk and we would watch it together when I came to visit."
Nene smiled at the memory.

"Well if it inspires such an effective series of attacks I just might try
to get a copy."  Tina said as she was finally allowed to sit up.

Her exam complete Angelique addressed Sylia.  "I want you to delay
the rest of Tina's test until after she as had a good nights sleep and
a follow up exam by me."

"I'm fine Angel.  I can ..."  Tina trailed off as she saw her friends
eyes flash sapphire.  "But if you insist," she finished lamely.

"I do."

Then Sylia made a rare mistake.  The leader of the Knight Sabers
started to talk about the need to get the tests finished as soon as
possible.

The small Frenchwoman rounded on the much taller Sylia.  "Am I or
Am I not the person with the most medical experience and training?"
Angelique's voice had gone completely flat.  Sylia and Nene were
shocked by the tone.  Tina laid back in bed and flipped a sheet over
herself, groaning quietly.  Angelique pressed on.  "If so it is my
medical judgement that the tests can wait.  Dump shock frequently
has delayed effects.  If I find no evidence of such effects by
tomorrow morning Tina can resume her testing."  Then turning to
Tina she added, "And that means no dancing or jogging until I clear
you, understood?"

Tina's reply was muffled slightly by the sheet, but still
understandable.  "Yes Angel."  Then with a sigh she flipped the
sheet back and looked at Sylia.  "It is possible to override Angel in a
medical matter Boss, but you need a damn good reason, and right
now we don't have it."

Sylia simply nodded.

---------------------------------------------
Northern Japan.

Mr. Ski had finally completed the course his employers had setup to
avoid someone following him.

* Not bad, even the majority of pros couldn't have tracked me. *
Then he snorted.  * It's those few who could track met that keeps me
on the edge. *  So he added a few tricks from his training to further
muddle the trail.

The final part had him enter a known "Meat Market" favored by the
"Limo Crowd".  It's popularity was due to the "curbside service"
provided by employees of both sexes.   Making sure he was
unobserved he  waited for the designated vehicle to appear.  Once it
appeared he climbed in and was greeted by his contact.  "Clever
method, but aren't you worried about your reputation?"

The woman shook her head curtly.  "No.  We are on our way to our
hotel now.  You will be meeting the main security force members
soon."

Mr. Ski adjusted his hat.  "I'm looking forward to it."

----------------------------

Mega-Tokyo

It was a few days after Tina completed her baseline tests.  As Tina
drove the car that Angelique had nicknamed "The Mouse" into
Sylia's underground garage, she was greeted by Sylia and Nene.

"Alright, I'm here now Boss, but why did you insist that I drive the
Mouse over?"  Tina asked as she gracefully exited the small vehicle.

Nene sounded slightly miffed.  "She wont tell me either, Tina.  She
just keeps saying that quote ' It will become apparent in the proper
time' unquote."  Glancing up at her leader she added, "I hate it when
you decide to go enigmatic on us."  Then Nene faced Tina.  "And
you will NEVER get used to it."

"Nene has spoken well on the subject.  But the matter at hand is
Tina's new hardsuit."  The grey-haired woman's head popped up at
that remark.  Sylia continued.  "Tina, I've added some new
capabilities to the ones you requested.  Many of these capabilities
interact with Nene's duties.  Therefore I wanted both of you here."

Nene natural enthusiasm cut in.  "New capabilities?  Like what?" she
asked as their footsteps echoed through the hardsuit storage bay.

"You will be able  to tap into Tina's sensors for more detailed
information.  Plus the computers of both of your suits will be able to
share data and increase processing speed."

Turning her head toward Tina she added, "Louis can still 'backseat'
for you in particular and he can monitor the rest of us as well.  All in
all this looks like the best way to use your talents as a scout."

Tina looked thoughtful.  "I thought you would have that as one of my
main missions."

Nodding her agreement Sylia resumed her briefing.  "Yes and
because you might be working beyond  Nene's electronic envelope
you will have limited ECM capability yourself.  In general your
sensors and electronics are superior to everyone's except Nene's.
Your systems also will be able to complement each other when you
work close to us."

"I'm still having trouble believing you got this new suit on line so
quickly.  I just hope that ...."  Tina turned a corner and got her first
look at her new suit.

Sylia had kept the Blue and Gold color combination that the original
Defiance armor had, only now the colors were coordinated to the
styling the Sabers used.

Both arms ended normal five fingered hands.  The helmet had
sensors wings like the helmets Priss and Nene wore.  As she started
to walk around the suit Tina noted that she would now be fighting in
high-heels, like the other Sabers.  * Well if they can get use to it so
can I *  She also noted that small sensor wings rose out of the
shoulder area, again like Nene's suit, only the ones on the Defiance
armor were much shorter.  Another difference was she still had
folding wings mounted on the back, just like the others.  Sylia caught
the glance.

"In flight they lock against the sensor wings for better flight
characteristics."  Tina nodded quietly whistling to herself.

Sylia ordered, "Nene show Tina to the change room.  Once you are
in your softsuits, Nene,  go suit up.  Tina I'll guide through the
procedure for you suit.   Then we can start the brief on the new
systems."

-------------------------------------

"You know Nene, I noticed you are being very careful about moving
around this room.  Why?"

"You mean Angel didn't tell you?"

"Tell me what?"

"Well ... Mackie has been know to sneak cameras in here, or
activate the security cam."

"I see."  Tina did note that Nene had kept within a very narrow area
that the sec-cam could not spot.  Then she looked closer, checking
line of sights to her own locker.   *  Nothing visible in normal light,
but that just might be hidden.  Hmmmmm now if I were a
hyper hormonal fifteen year old who also had a lot of tech
knowledge where would I ....Ah!!"  Tina had shifted her vision to the
ultraviolet range, were often contrasts were different that the normal
visual range.  The lens of the camera was now very visible to her.
She also noted that the camera was pointed right at her locker.
"Does he prefer live broadcasts Nene?" Tina whispered.  The red-
head nodded yes.  "OK then.  I guess he didn't consider some of the
applications of my abilities in noncombat situations."

"Like what?"  Nene whispered back.

Tina returned her voice to normal levels.  "Well like I don't need the
suit to do some things.  Things like this."  With a shimmer Tina
disappeared from view.  "Now my invisibility works in some strange
ways.   An object that I pickup after I activate it might not turn
invisible."  Despite knowing why it was happening Nene felt the
disembodied voice and the suddenly floating softsuit was more than
a little spooky.  As the softsuit was draped over the locker door
Tina's voice continued.   "And if an object that I'm in contact with
looses that contact it will return to normal sight." Tina's University of
Texas sweatshirt suddenly came into view as it fell on a bench.  It
was quickly followed the other items of clothing that Tina had been
wearing.  "But some things, like clothing or body worn equipment,
can become invisible at a certain point.  The softsuit drifted from it's
resting place, them moved as if one leg had been inserted.  When
the second leg entered a moment later, that part of the suit
disappeared, followed rapidly by the rest of the suit as Tina
shrugged it on.  Then she shimmered back into view, fully dressed.
Tina looked right at the camera.  "And Mackie, consider this, I
worked alone for a long time, my life frequently depended on how
good my marksmanship was, regardless of what I was shooting.
That includes my natural powers as well."  With that remarks she
pointed her finger like a gun and made a firing motion.  Lighting
leaped from her finger and fried the camera.  "There, he can use his
imagination all he wants, but he will not know for sure.  And I hope
that camera put him back a bit."

Sylia showed a rare smile when the others came out of the change
room.  Once the story was over though she was back to business.

Once Tina was in her suit Sylia had her do several different
maneuvers to test out the flexibility and to insure the software was
indeed correct for the young mutant.  Suddenly Tina broke into one
of her arts practice "katas".

"This is great!" enthused the newest Saber.  "It's almost like doing
my moves out of armor!  My old suit was never this responsive,
even after Louis started tweeking it!"

"That's one part of our edge Tina.  The armor material itself is much
more light weight than anything else available today.  Although I
must admit some of the R&D corporations that you family controls
have begun to explore areas I find most interesting."

"I'll see if I can get you some information, if you want.  But why I
don't know, this suit makes my old one look like a Model A."

While this was going on Tina continued to practice.  Nene had been
watching most of the exercise and the exchange between Tina and
Sylia.  When Tina completed her kata in a flurry of intricate moves,
Nene just had to applaud.  The metallic sound still echoing slightly
she told Tina, "Now I know why Linna said you danced through all
those Boomers.

"Yes, your moves are most impressive."  Sylia voiced in agreement.
"However at this time I want to concentrate on the new electronic
and sensor systems in your suits.  Nene  bring up the new display
listed in you menu.  Tina I want you to look directly at me please.
Nene put your back to us."

After they complied Nene announced, "I can see you perfectly
Sylia."

"So you can tap my visuals, a good idea but Louis can do the same
thing if I open a channel for him."

"There is more to it than that Tina.  Move your head right or left
please. Nene use those control icons at the bottom of your display to
keep me centered in your view."

As both women complied there was a moment of silence.  Then
from Nene; "Hey it works!!"

"And I'm getting no interference or difficulties with my other displays"
added Tina.

"In fact both Nene and Louis will be able to scan beyond your normal
field of vision Tina.  I've also given them similar capabilities with
your other sensors anytime they want.  I've wanted to give us this
remote capability for a long time, but I realized that I needed a fifth
member to do it effectively.  With your addition and the addition of
Louis in any of our other vehicles, we gain not only your firepower
Tina, but additional combat intelligence abilities as well.  This
 will increase our edge even more."  Sylia looked
uncommonly pleased with herself.  "There are a few more things we
need to check though.  Tina please turn invisible, Nene once she
does that tell me if there is any change."

As Tina complied Nene announced, "I still get a picture, but it is
blurry, wait a second ...."  Nene gave her suit some commands.
"There, now it is back to perfect Sylia."

"I thought that might happen, but we couldn't fine tune the systems
until Tina actually used her abilities.  Tina did you  know you
produce a weak Electromagnetic field when you are invisible?"

"No, but my father and Alex both thought that was a good
chance.  We just hadn't the time to experiment."  Tina looked
down at her new armor.  "I'm most impressed Sylia, both by the
speed you produced this suit and by what it can do."  Then she
laughed a little bit.  "Alex is going to be soooo jealous when he
realizes the Fifth Knight Saber is me."

Sylia now had a look of concern on her face.  Based on her fathers
public record, she knew she could trust his judgement.  But Tina's
twin was another matter.  "Just make sure that our security is
maintained Tina."

"Alex is no more likely to blab about us as you are Sylia."  Tina
removed her helmet and looked right at her leader.  "Look, if I
hadn't joined you'all would you had any clue about my family
secret?"  When both Nene and Sylia shook their heads Tina
continued.  "That is because all of us Wilsons know how to keep our
mouths shut."

Sylia still appeared reluctant.  "As long as you are sure," she finally
said.

The mood was getting to somber for Nene.  "Tell her what else her
suit can do, Sylia."


Sylia  prepared to do just that.

"I thought it best for you to have familiar armament.  So I used your
old suit as a starting point.  As before your right arm has a machine
gun.  However now you mount a Railgun, similar to Priss', in place
of your old 25mm.  I also added a few 'extras' that are based on your
unique talents."   Tina quirked an eyebrow.  "I kept the amplifying
circuits for you electrical based powers.  I also added the ability to
channel some of that power into the railgun.  The extra power will
increase both its range and striking power,  but it will still cost you
some of your personal energy each time you do it.  I also kept the
targeting laser at both your's and Louis' insistence.

"Thanks Boss."

Sylia acknowledged the thanks, then continued.  "We have added a
weapon grade laser in your left arm.  That takes care of the ranged
systems.  You can practice a bit before we discuses the close in
systems."

"I assumed you have a range here, how do I load up?"

"You are already combat loaded."

"I've got live ammo right now?  What if I accentually set off a
round?"

"None of the systems work until the arming code is imputed.  The
only way you could harm someone is to punch or kick them, and you
are to much in control of yourself to do that."

"Still, I've had too much gun safety pounded into my brain.  For my
own piece of mind let me know in advance next time OK?"

Sylia nodded her agreement and then gave the arming code to Tina.
"You can change it at any time now.  It can be anything you want to
say or sing for that matter."

"Let me guess, Priss wanted to know right?"

"Correct."

"OK Boss, you've shown me the guns, lets go kill some targets."

As they walked toward  the range Nene asked Tina the following
over the commlink: "Why do you keep calling her Boss?"

"It just feels right Nene.  She is the leader and if she felt I was being
disrespectful, which I'm not, she would tell me to stop.  Plus it is part
of my cultural background, leaders frequently get nicknames."
Tina's voice got a little wistful.  "One of the things my father is most
proud of is when his troops started calling him 'Skipper'.  He said it
proved he had earned their trust and respect.  He also said it made
him work that much harder to keep that trust."

They were silent the rest of the way to the range.

Both Sylia  and Nene were impressed by the accuracy Tina
demonstrated.  After a brief time spent 'zeroing in' the weapons Tina
kept pushing the range out further and further, both with and without
the laser sight.

Nene asked a question that had been on her mind from the moment
Sylia had mentioned it.  "Why did you insist that be part of your
systems Tina, we already have state of the art targeting and you
almost don't need it."

"Let me answer with a demonstration.  Pull some of your electronic
warfare magic on me."

"What?"

"Go ahead and do it Nene," Sylia requested, "I admit to being a little
curious myself"  * And it will give me a better idea on how you think
Tina. *

"Now as I suspected, I'm getting false images, static, and all sorts of
other garbage.  Now I wouldn't put it past Genom to make a Wild
Weasel type Boomer that would have close to the ECM capability of
Nene's suit.  Now let us say that Target number five is that Boomer.
Nene, you are to busy trying to counter it, as you most likely will
shortly, but in the meantime we are fighting under a severe
handicap, right?"

"Yes, but Genom has not done that yet."  answered Sylia worried
now that a scenario she hadn't thought of had been presented to her.

"I admit it isn't likely, Genom appears to go for the hard kill as
opposed to a soft kill, but it could occur.  Now Linna, Priss or youself
Boss, could close with the WW, but why risk it when..."  Tina's arm
suddenly shot up.  Almost instantly a beam of light struck the target
and two shots were fired from the railgun, one aimed for the head
and the other the chest of the target.  Both hit dead on, despite the
jamming that Nene was still putting out.  "I can reach out and touch
someone for you."

"Impressive."

"And there is a second reason, if we have to intimidate someone,
well..."  The targeting dot appeared again, perfectly centered on
another target.  "People can get nervous when they know exactly a
round will hit them."

"I see your reasoning, Tina,  and it appears sound.  Speaking of
Linna, one of your close in systems is derived from her suit.  Let's go
over to the close in section so you can practice with it and the other
systems."

"OK Boss, show me my other new 'toys'."

"Linna's suit has what we have dubbed 'Knuckle  Bombers', you
have 'Foot Bombers'.  As I noticed upon reviewing the footage of the
Tower battle, you do a lot of kicks when you fight close in.  This
takes advantage of that fact."  Tina's helmeted head nodded.  "I also
felt that you would benefit from some sort of bladed weapon.  There
are two sets of blades in your suit, one set for both arms.  Think
blade while making a fist."  The blades popped out.  "As you can see
they are designed for slashing, which appears best for your style.
To use the bombers, think 'Arm Right or Left' as you make a kick.
Now, as you said earlier go kill some targets."

Nene walked over to where Sylia was sitting observing Tina as she
did terrible damage to rampaging target dummies.  Once she
removed her helmet Nene commented.  "Are you going team her
with me like Priss suggested?"

"No,  I think our original pairings, with Tina covering all four of us will
be best for most missions.  However.."  Sylia looked thoughtful.
"She and Priss did a lot of damage before Linna arrived, and that
was with no expearence working together.  That might indicate a
 natural talent to cover each others weakness.  I think I will
work out some maneuvers based on those two paired up.  It would
also confuse anyone who has tried to analyze us in our current
setup."

Sylia remained thoughtful until Tina had finished.

Once done and they had changed back into their civilian clothes
Sylia sprang a surprise.

"The reason why I asked you to drive the car instead of your bike,
Tina, was I think today is a good day to take you up on the offer you
made the first day of testing.  Drop Nene's scooter into your cargo
compartment.  Also this will let Nene learn where your place is.  She
is the only one of us who has not been there before."

"OK Boss, will do.  Com'on Nene, you are going to have a fun time."

Nene got a mildly sinking feeling.  "Doing what."

"Learning hand to hand a bit better, that's all."

Nene's feeling got much worse.
====================================================================
Ben L. Harrison - HM1(FMF)/USN/RET
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