Ranma: Xero
Part 9
The Unwanted Residents
In the shadows of the bridge the admiral smiled to himself as he watched
the screen in the arm of his chair. "Are you certain?"
"Of course, I wouldn't have called this in if I wasn't," replied the man
displayed on the screen. He had long white hair and a small scar that ran
across his right cheek. He spoke with a dangerous calm and smirked at his
superior.
"Well, this is a bit of a surprise isn't it?" The admiral sipped at his
drink lazily and relaxed in his chair.
"What are your orders?"
"Destroy it."
"Of course."
The screen went black again leaving the man in silence. He chuckled to
himself and stared at the endless sea of stars that filled the screen
that took up the front wall of the room. "I always liked him. So informal
and to the point."
---------------
Ranma sat across from his father in their room and frowned. Both of them
were sitting in a lotus position and were meditating on the day's events.
The man had been strangely silent recently. "Hey Pop, what's up? You've
been quiet today."
"Just thinking boy," replied the man halfheartedly.
"Yeah, right," muttered the boy as he shifted into his female form
again.
"Is it really bothering you that much boy?" snorted the man.
"No," lied Ranma. He had been having the strangest feeling for most of
that day. It wasn't unpleasant, but he knew something was going to happen
very soon.
"I want you to go and see your fiancee for a little while Ranma," said
the elder Saotome suddenly.
"Do I got too?" grumbled the boy.
"No, but I need to be alone for a while. You might as well get to know
her. I don't care where you go, just don't spend the night here."
Ranma blinked in surprise, it wasn't like his father to say something
like that to him at all. He stood up silently and walked out of the room.
------------------
"Tendo, what the hell is he doing here?" snapped the Major angrily as he
pointed at the cloaked figure seated across from him.
The man smiled and removed his hood revealing a light blue complexion
and short cut, dark red hair. "I am one of the founders of this
institution."
"I don't like this," grumbled the soldier angrily as he settled back
into his seat.
"Regardless of that, it is my prerogative," said Soun as he ended the
conversation. "He is a trusted ally, but not too trusted."
The blue skinned smirked at this and said nothing. "It has been a while
since the three of us have been together Tendo."
"Three?" said the other man as he sat up again.
"Yes, my old friend Saotome is here as well. You met him earlier. He was
one of the original founders of 'Project Xero'. His son is engaged to my
daughter," said Soun with a small amount of pride in his voice.
The Major noticed something in the alien's eyes for a moment and pushed
the matter aside for the moment.
The doors opened and Nabiki and Akane walked into the room. Nabiki had a
folder tucked under her arm and a smirk on her lips as she walked up. Her
face fell as she noticed the alien in the room.
Akane screamed in shock and reached behind her back. She pulled a
handgun from behind her waist and jumped back as she trained it on the
man.
"Akane no!" cried Soun in alarm.
-------------------
Cologne stood on the docks of Tokyo and frowned. "We're behind
schedule."
Shampoo walked up to her and nodded. "We're finished loading now. We can
leave anytime."
The old woman nodded and looked at the truck. The unit was lying on its
back on top of a flat bed trailer. It was covered in a dirty brown tarp
that masked its presence relatively well.
"We'd better get moving, I'd like to get there while we still have the
cover of darkness to move under."
Shampoo nodded as she climbed into the passenger door with another,
slightly older Amazon woman.
Cologne turned to face the rest of the women, they had gathered in a
group around a truck that looked like an older military transport. "Let's
not take our time. Get in and we'll head towards the complex Lou Xian
told us about. Quickly, we have no time to waste."
The girls climbed aboard the truck and the journey began in relative
silence.
-------------------
Akane stared at the firearm in shock as she squeezed the trigger and no
report sounded. Ranma stood beside her with the top half of her gun in
his hand. He looked at her wordlessly and shook his head.
She stepped back away from him in horror. "You're a spy?"
"This isn't the time to shoot first and ask questions later Akane,"
replied the boy simply.
"I wasn't expecting to see you here Ranma," said Soun diplomatically as
he sat down again.
"Pop said he needed to be alone, and I don't have anything better to
do," replied the boy with a shrug.
"I suppose there is no harm in you being here," replied the man simply
as he turned towards the other two men.
The alien nodded towards Ranma, he had remained completely calm through
the whole ordeal. The Major grunted in disgust and removed his hand from
the firearm from his side as he sat back down again as well. "You're
getting soft Tendo."
"After tonight this information won't do anyone any good. Give your
report daughter."
Nabiki shook off her stupor and coughed into her hand. "Yes, well ... "
"You have nothing to fear from me Nabiki Tendo," said the alien man with
a small chuckle of amusement. "It has been a while since I've been here.
I remember the both of you from when you were just bundles in your
mother's arms."
This caught both girls by surprise and Nabiki faltered again before
continuing as if nothing had happened.
"The Amazons have been busy. They bought up a building in the business
section of Japan a few days ago. They also purchased an apartment complex
in the Juban district. I doubt they'll want to stay with us here."
"That's no surprise, the old woman I spoke with said something along
those lines," agreed Soun.
"It seems they just want to dump it off on us," commented the Major.
"It seems that way, Japanese Military intelligence monitored a large
ship that docked this evening in Tokyo Bay. It isn't on any scheduled
shipping charts. They've been left alone. Thanks to a little intervention
by our people. We had to stop Tokyo PD from interfering, they thought it
was a drug ship or something. They appear to be loading the unit onto a
truck as we speak."
"They should be here in a few hours then," commented Soun with a small
nod. "The woman, Lou Xian, has been released. She is currently staying in
the complex, but has been placed on suspension for the time being."
"Feel like going for a ride Tendo?" said the Major suddenly.
"Pardon?"
"This would be a prime opportunity to test out the new military unit,"
said the man with a small frown.
"Why? They're giving it to us. There is no need to take it from them,"
said Soun as he creased his brow in slight disgust.
"I meant to make sure it gets here," countered the man.
"It would be best to assume that communications too and from this
complex are monitored," agreed the alien calmly.
"I see, how long would it take to assemble a team?"
"My men are on standby Tendo," said the Major.
"It shouldn't take much time to get the unit on line. My daughter can
pilot it," agreed Soun.
"I'd rather have one of my men do it," said the other man calmly.
"They haven't been trained," pointed out the alien.
"I'm sure at least one of them has combat time in one of the older
models," said the man with a shrug. "Most units are a mix and match bunch
with the war and all. The armored division got cut up pretty badly since
the units we have were so inferior. I've probably got three or four men
at least who can do it."
"I don't see any reason why not. The unit is fully operational," said
Soun as he rested his chin in his hands.
"I'd like to go," said Ranma as he stood from where he had been leaning
against the wall.
Soun stared at him for a moment. The chance of confrontation on this
mission was minimal, and the pair could use a little time together away
from the complex. He smiled to himself. "Very well. Akane will accompany
you."
"What? Why do I have to go?" snapped the girl indignantly.
"Accept your fate sister," said Nabiki in a mock comforting voice.
The younger girl scowled and crossed her arms. "Fine."
"I don't like it," said the Major.
"Some of my security force will accompany your men as well. I don't
trust you completely either Major."
The man looked at Soun in shock. "Tendo ... "
"I'm sorry old friend, I am well aware that our government would love to
get their hands on a unit for study themselves. This is not to be taken
lightly. I have shared my technology with you completely, but some of our
politicians aren't satisfied with that. You do understand?"
Nabiki raised her eyebrow at this statement. "They've managed to
restrain themselves so far."
"All it takes is for this information to hit the right ears Nabiki. I'm
sure you know that," said Soun calmly.
"We could really use that extra pilot," said Nabiki with a sigh as she
changed the subject.
"What's that supposed to mean?" said Akane defensively.
"These attacks are growing more and more dangerous," agreed Soun as he
ignored his youngest.
Ranma snorted and looked at Akane. "Maybe they all think you're
incompetent?"
He was promptly kicked in the face. The others in the room seemed to
ignore them as they continued the meeting.
The man smirked back at him and nodded. "Yes, that's why I'm leaving
some of my men here after we pull out."
Soun blinked at this. "Pardon?"
"We're transporting five of the Nagasaki units to this location. I'm
leaving a battalion of men here for security reasons. We can't keep
coming here and pulling your ass out of the fire Tendo. The whole world
is at war; we have other obligations. Lieutenant Hibiki and his men will
remain behind to help guard this location."
"And keep an eye on things for some of the higher ups," finished Nabiki
coolly.
"I'm not going to try and hide that fact, but you need a military
presence here Tendo. I'm sorry."
"We'll discuss this later. I will comply, but there are a few things we
need to iron out first. There are several top secret operations on these
premises."
The Major nodded in agreement and sat back in his chair. It was fairly
obvious he was expecting more resistance. Nabiki let out a small growl
that told that she agreed with him.
------------------
"There's only one public road that leads here from Tokyo. This is the
way they'll come. They seem to be trying to avoid attracting attention,
this would be the way to go if that's what they want," said a nameless
Sergeant as he pointed out a small road on a map of the area. A mixture
of Soldiers and Soun's personal security guards stood around him. "We'll
probably meet them pretty close to the city. Don't alarm them, we don't
want to show any hostile attention towards them."
"A hundred men and a walking tank and we don't want to show any
hostility?" commented one of the men with a laugh.
"Stow that, we've got out orders. No firing of any kind unless we're
engaged," said Ryoga as he walked up to the map.
Ranma snorted. "You aren't leading this expedition are you?"
"Shut up Saotome," snarled the boy as he whirled around and put his face
up in his old rival's. "I may have been ordered to take you along, but I
don't have to take this crap from you."
Ranma glanced around and noticed that a large group of men backed up his
threat. "Whatever. Just remember I'll be watching you also." He turned
away and slung the rifle he had been issued over his shoulder.
Akane watched him go and frowned. "Jerk."
"You said it," commented one of Ryoga's men.
"Ignore him, he isn't worth our time," said the boy as he waved his arm
and motioned for them to move out.
The sergeants present began to scream at their men as they loaded up
onto the transports that would carry them to meet the Amazons.
Ryoga turned towards Akane and smiled. "Come on. You and the she-male
have to ride with me."
"You've known Ranma for a while?"
Ryoga paused at the question and shrugged. "You could say that."
Akane climbed up into the troop transport with Ryoga in the driver side
door and slid over to the passenger seat. She noticed Ranma was already
seated by the door.
"Let's just go," grumbled the pigtailed boy.
"You volunteered for this you know," snorted Akane.
"That was before I knew that he'd be coming," commented Ranma as he
jerked his thumb at Ryoga.
The boy ignored him and started the engine on the vehicle.
---------------------
"This is so damn cool!" cried the pilot from the loudspeakers as the
massive military unit posed dramatically.
"Azari! Quit fooling around in there!" snapped one of the sergeants as
he stood at the base of the thing's feet and scowled. He turned away and
shook his head as the thing pointed its arm and shooting sounds echoed
from the loudspeakers. "Idiot."
"Azari, we're leaving now," said a mildly amused voice over the radio
inside the unit.
Corporal Hideki Azari jerked in surprise as he looked over and saw the
convoy pulling away down the darkened street. "Hey! Wait up!"
"The Army waits for no man!" quipped the voice cheerfully.
"Whatever happened to not leaving men behind!" retorted the frustrated
pilot.
"Whatever, I don't see why you're so happy about this. You're the only
one who has to march there," commented the radio operator.
"Shut up Ikari!"
"Keep talking that way and I'll ask the Lieutenant to speed up a bit to
make sure we make it on time."
"You wouldn't dare!" snapped Azari.
"I can and I will. Keep it up Azari." Sounds of laughter could be heard
in the background behind the man.
"I'll demolish you all with my mighty Gekkigen Punch!" cried Azari.
"Man, now I know why the transferred you out of the Armored division,"
quipped the radio operator.
Azari felt the veins popping on his forehead. "That does it! I'm gonna
squash him!"
"Before you threaten your communications specialist, make sure your
radio is off Azari," said a new voice over the radio.
The pilot felt a blush rush into his face as he caught up with his unit.
"Yes sir."
"Hibiki out."
The radio roared with laughter and Azari's face only flushed more.
---------------
Ryoga smirked as he put the receiver down. Akane was giggling to herself
and Ranma merely scowled distastefully at the scene.
"I suppose it's kind of like high school," said the girl with a small
chuckle as her laughter died down.
"I suppose, but in high school, all your friends make it home."
Akane's smile fell slightly at this.
Ranma looked away, he felt oddly disappointed for some reason.
-------------------
"I see lights up ahead." Shampoo turned towards the driver and frowned.
"I see them, it's probably just another convoy from the complex. This is
a public road, they shouldn't bother us."
"Then what is that behind them?" Shampoo pointed towards several moving
red lights that trailed behind the line of headlights they could see in
the distance.
The Amazon driving picked up the radio and spoke into the receiver.
"Honored elder. We've spotted something up ahead."
Static filled the receiver and eventually a broken voice replied. "We've
seen it, continue forward. Whoever it is, we can't run now."
Both Amazon girls nodded silently at each other and reached for their
weapons. The blades probably wouldn't help them much, but they weren't
about to go down without a fight.
---------------------
"Stop steering us off the road lost boy!" snapped Ranma as he pushed on
the steering wheel again correcting Ryoga's mistake yet again.
"Will you quit that!" snapped the soldier.
"Both of you quit fighting! You could at least try and be civil!"
snapped Akane from between them.
"It's dark and I can't see the road!" snapped Ryoga at Ranma ignoring
her protests.
"That's what the headlights are for moron!"
"Would you rather get out and walk?"
"At least I'd make it there!"
"Ranma! Prepare to die!" cried Ryoga as he lunged for the boy's throat.
Akane screeched in alarm and grabbed the wheel from under the
Lieutenant's body.
"Quit that you jerk! You're going to get us all killed!" cried Ranma.
"At least you'll die with me Saotome!"
"What about all those guys behind us?" retorted Ranma angrily.
That seemed to work a little. Ryoga snarled in frustration and grabbed
the wheel again. Akane simply sat shaking with fear in between them and
couldn't speak.
"I told you we should have gotten the sergeant to drive us," commented
someone from the back.
Ryoga blushed slightly and steadied the wheel a little more, only to
have Ranma forcibly correct him again. He said nothing and started to
slow down.
------------------------
"Great Grandmother, they've stopped ... and it appears that there are
people getting sick out of the back end of the one in front." Shampoo
wasn't sure what to make of the wildly moving vehicle. It stopped in
front of them and a man climbed out of the driver's seat waving his arms
at their convoy.
"Should we see what they want?" said the Amazon girl driving into the
receiver.
"We don't have much choice, they're blocking the road," said Cologne
from the radio. "I'll go speak with them, just be ready."
-----------------
Ryoga paused and stared at the withered mummy that hopped out to meet
him on the end of her staff. "Uh, hi."
"What do you want?" snapped the woman.
"We've been ordered to escort you the rest of the way," said Ranma as he
walked up behind the confused Ryoga.
"We can take care of ourselves thank you," snorted Cologne.
"The country ahead of us is open, and has a few bottlenecks. We aren't
sure if they monitor our communications or not," said Akane as she walked
up behind the pair.
"I see," Cologne nodded at this. It did make sense that they'd send an
escort through this area, but she preferred to keep her advantage over
them for the moment if possible. Finally she sighed. "I suppose there is
nothing that can be done about it for the moment." She turned towards the
lead truck and motioned for Shampoo to join them.
The girl hopped out and walked up to the Japanese and her great
grandmother. "What is it?" she said in Chinese.
"Play along," said the old woman in the same language, she then switched
to Japanese. "I want you inside the giant and ready. We don't know if we
can trust these men."
Shampoo nodded and walked towards the covered unit. She climbed onto the
back of the vehicle and uncovered the chest area of the robot. After a
moment she opened the chest and climbed inside. She didn't understand
what was going on, but knew better than to argue with the old woman.
"All right then, let's go," Ryoga seemed to almost completely ignore the
conversation and walked back.
Akane looked at the truck again and then back at Ranma. She started
walking and the pigtailed boy seemed to follow her in confusion.
"Hey! Where are you going?"
"I'm riding with him." She pointed to the truck behind the first and
stuck out her tongue.
Ranma wasn't sure what to say and stood silently for a moment.
"Saotome! Are you just going to stand there all night?" snapped Ryoga
from the window.
"All right! Jeez you jerk!"
----------------------
"I wonder why she didn't want to ride with us again?" commented Ryoga as
he drove back towards the complex again. Ranma was once again correcting
his turns, but he was met with minimal resistance this time. It seemed
that Hibiki was used to someone helping him drive.
"Gee, I don't know," muttered Ranma as he rolled his eyes.
"Was that sarcasm I heard?" snorted Ryoga.
"Maybe," commented Ranma.
"Don't start that again sir! Please! My stomach can't take anymore!"
whined one of the men in the back.
"You stay out of this!" snarled Ryoga.
"Yes sir," grumbled the man. Ryoga reached behind his head and closed
the sliding window.
He was about to start speaking again when he noticed Ranma was glancing
into the mirror at the vehicles behind him with an odd look on his face.
He shrugged it off and continued to drive in silence.
"When she smiled, she was kind of cute ... " murmured Ranma to himself.
-------------------
In the darkness near the side of the road the sound of machinery
starting up broke the silence. A large shadow turned to see headlights
ahead of it on the road moving closer.
Inside the cockpit of the massive metal form a woman with long white
hair smiled to herself as the glow of the various displays lit up her
features in a dim blue light. She fingered the scar on her face and
watched the lights with interest. "I cannot let you pass."
The thing moved into the middle of the road, on each side of it were
small hills that the street winded through leaving an effective natural
trap. It raised its arm and two wing-like protrusions on either side of
the right forearm slid forward and closed together over its hand forming
a wide blade.
-------------
Ryoga slammed on the breaks and gaped at the thing standing before them.
It was a huge gray tower of metal that stood almost twice as tall as the
accompanying military unit. It was sleek and the curves on its body were
oddly angled.
"Takamura! Where the hell did this thing come from?" he screamed into
the radio.
"I'm not getting anything on radar sir! What thing?" said an unfamiliar
man.
"Oh shit," said Ranma as he opened his door and scrambled out as the
thing lifted its foot and started to move towards them.
"Azari! Get your ass up here!" roared Ryoga into the receiver as he
followed him.
TBC...
Next time: Family ties.
C&C to: Carrotglace@juno.com
Url: Http://www.geocities.com/misatira/