Systems Analysis and Catching Up

by MichaelCross

What happens when Sakura finds herself curious during a driving lesson in Roadwolf? The creator of the system gets into it. Also, a horrifying truth is discovered by a member of the external SRT. Has slight lemon scene within.

1. Chapter 1

Systems Analysis and Catching Up

Disclaimer: I do not own Full Metal Panic, Transformers, Kim Possible or Street Hawk. Wish I did, though.

Author's Notes: This story was prompted by a question by SkyHighFan regarding Roadwolf. Is the car sentient? Let's find out. Also, Sousuke and Sakura's Grandmother learns that Gram doesn't always know best. Especially when it comes to family matters.

Early morning, two days after the DNA test results came back proving her relation to Sousuke Sagara, Sakura Sagara smiles softly as she hears the cries of her baby nephew. Opening her eyes, she gingerly gets up from the futon in the living room and walks toward the crib.

'Hold on, little Sousuke. Auntie Sakura's coming.'

Getting up from the living room futon in the apartment of her brother and his wife, she gently stretches as she heads to his crib. When she gets there, she sees Sousuke Jr's eyes are wide open and he is wearing a smile.

His eyes the color of steel, hair the color of deep brown, he's the spitting image of his Father. Save for one difference. The scar his Father has is not on the child's face. Both her brother and sister-in-law, Kaname Sagara, hope it'll stay that way. Fervently.

Sakura, however, likes the scar on her elder brother's visage. As does Kaname. For Sakura finds the scar makes him look badass. Whereas Kaname finds Sousuke Senior's scar to be sexy. While Sousuke had since come to terms with it long ago.

"Did you have a good night sleep, little nephew?" Sakura lightly giggles as she lifts Sousuke Jr out of his crib and carries him over to the rocking chair. "Why don't you come and rock with Auntie Sakura?" The infant gives her a light smile, causing Sakura to giggle. "I have so many things to tell you before your Daddy and Mommy wake up. So I better do it while they're asleep."

But she doesn't get a chance to do so. For once she's seated, with Sousuke Jr nestled against her snugly, she falls deep asleep. Next thing she knows, a warm voice comes up behind her.

"Time to wake up, Sakura." Kaname's giggling voice has Sakura snapping awake. Giggling herself as she turns around, she stands and gives Kaname a bow.

"Good morning, Kaname. Sleep well?"

"What makes you think we slept at all, Sakura?" With that, Kaname begins smiling gleefully. "I'm surprised I'm even able to walk at all today."



Sakura can't help but suddenly blush at how bluntly her sister-in-law spoke as both sit across from each other. "I'll tell you this much. Your brother's a real love machine."

Sakura recovers herself enough to retort, "I'm pretty sure you guys were pretty loud all through the nights during your honeymoon. Along with before that time. I'm not quite sure, but one would think your neighbors would be fed up with you two being so loud. With Sousuke Jr and I being the quietest ones yet in here right now, that is."

"Sorry about that. But I just can't seem to get enough of Sousuke." Seeing her infant son snuggled into Sakura's arms, Kaname smiles softly and asks, "Can I look forward to a niece or nephew from you any time later on? Preferably when you're older, of course."

"I don't think that's going to happen, Kaname. At all." Sakura's downtrodden expression and tone tells Kaname all she needs to know. "After all, who'd want a girl like me?"

"I don't see anything wrong with you, Sakura. Any guy would have to be brainless to not want to date you." Sakura feels slightly encouraged by Kaname's words, but her expression remains.

"When I started going to Garasuyama High, I was holding out hope that Sousuke was still alive. Even when the cliques of the school would tell me to give it up. They even called me 'Morbid Girl'. Do you know how fast that spread? Within the day, the popular cliques were calling me that. Even most of the jocks of the school."

"You go to Garasuyama High?" Sakura nods sadly at that and Kaname can't help but feel for her.

"Yeah. Uncle Ryu wanted me to get the best education possible. Garasuyama may have been pricey, but at least I made it through so far." At that point, Sakura's looking out the window, Sousuke Jr in her arms, when she sees a slight flash in the sun-up light. 'What the heck?'

"That's good." Kaname's reply gets Sakura to put it out of her mind, but only for a short time.

"Yeah. It is. Academics and athletics are tops there." Sakura then smirks as she remarks, "Strangely enough, the school's rugby team was demoralized after a humiliating defeat a little over two years ago. With some of it's members injured and/or hospitalized."

"Oh, really? You don't say. Which rugby team did it?" Kaname knows that story all too well. But the fact that Sakura's attending Garasuyama High School really threw the young blue-haired beauty.

"Strangely enough, it was Jindai High School's rugby team. Your old high school, I believe, Kaname."

"Yep. That it was." Smirking, she then asks, "What'd you think?"

"The results were startling. I mean, they went from weak pacifists to bloodthirsty psychos after so many defeats. What could have happened to them, Kaname?" Next thing Sakura knows, Kaname snickers. Meanly.



"I'll give you three guesses, but you'll only need one, Sakura." Sakura's eyes go wide in shocked horror and Kaname nods. "That's right. Sousuke Sagara. Your elder brother and the love of my life trained them using his 'foster sister's methods. With the aid of his 'foster sister's' manual for Marine recruits."

"What is she like? His foster sister, that is."

"Let's see. She drinks like a fish, smokes like a chimney, swears like a pirate, is addicted to canned crab and is one of the best friends I ever had the pleasure of knowing. She's also devoted to your brother's well-being. She may not show it, neither would he, but those two care deeply for each other in a sibling kind of way. His 'foster brother', on the other hand, leaves very much to be desired."

"How so?"

"He's a womanizing pervert that's also a crack shot with a sniper rifle."

"I see. I'd like to meet them sometime."

"I'm sure they'd love to meet you as well, Sakura."

Sakura lightly curls a lock of her brown hair in her pinky before asking, "Any chance Sousuke can give me driving lessons? I have my instruction permit and all."

"I don't see why not. But it's really Sousuke's call. But I can tell you this much. He's very cool under fire, but even he has a temper."

"How much of a temper does Sousuke have? Just so I know. After all, it's been so long."

"If pushed far enough, he'll explode in a mild rage at anyone that's nearby. When he loses it, it's not pretty. But, most of the time, he's fairly 'laid back'. While being on guard constantly, that is."

Sakura lightly cringes in horror before looking down upon Sousuke Jr's face.

"Note to self. 'Don't ever make big brother very angry. Or he'll do something to make you regret it.' Does that sound about right, Kaname?"

"More or less, but Sousuke doesn't usually express his anger like that. Believe me, if he's angry about something, the target of that anger will either cease to exist or made to feel like a burden." The tone in Kaname's voice tells Sakura that much is accurate.

"Kaname? You mean you made Sousuke angry?"

"Not really directly. A job he was on for his group went sour and his 'foster sister' got hurt. He was taking it out on himself and I tried consoling him. Big mistake. To make matters worse, he'd just gotten done with another job that went sour. Of all the people on-site, he was the sole survivor for the most part."



"For the most part? That doesn't make sense."

"He had a rival of sorts. His rival was doing an evil job and Sousuke was going to fix it. To the point that the rival would not be able to do evil jobs ever again. To make matters worse, an old friend of his turned out to be his enemy." Seeing Sakura's perplexed look, Kaname expands further.

"Think of it like putting one businessman out of business on a permanent basis because it'd be doing the world a massive favor."

"What kind of business would require that?"

"Terminating those that traffic nuclear warheads, make narcotics and train and host terrorists." Sousuke's voice has Sakura jumping lightly and Kaname smirking. "Of course, what I do requires a lot more than that on occasion."

"What do you mean, Sousuke?"

Three minutes later, Sakura's eyes are wide in awe.

"My big brother's a 'Terminator'! Of terrorists, no less! Going after arms smugglers and drug lords as well. Piloting Arm Slaves that no one in the modern world could ever dream of. I don't know whether I want to join the fun in going after them or feel a little pity for those poor saps he goes after with his friends."

"Pitying them insults them. 'Terminating' terrorists, drug lords and smugglers is anything but fun." Sakura's startled by the frankness of Sousuke's words. "Of course, if you have a style of 'terminating' terrorists and others like them, it can be considered fun." Sakura can only nod and giggle nervously before remembering what she'd seen earlier.

"Sousuke, I saw a flash of light in the sun-up light about two blocks away from here. Any idea what that's about?"

"It's likely a colleague from the Intelligence Division."

"Oh? For what purpose? And what's your division, Sousuke?"

"The operative's true name is not known. But we call the operative 'Wraith'. That person is here to keep tabs on Kaname and Sousuke Jr when I'm in the field or even at home. I'm in the Tactical Division."

"Then why isn't the colleague closer to here, if not a neighbor at least?"

"Wraith doesn't work that way. Preferred M.O. is far-off passive observation."

"What's that mean? Sounds like something a voyeur would do. What's your M.O.?"

"Allows subtle observation while being inconspicuous. It does indeed. My M.O. is assertive prevention." Kaname's interrupting giggles have Sousuke perplexed.



"Assertive? How about hyper-aggressive, Sousuke? I mean, yeah you do have the nerves to be assertive, but you often went pretty far."

"Oh, haha. Moving on!" As Kaname still giggles, Sousuke lightly chuckles before going on. "While I stick out like a damaged AS. With what I'd done in the past, that is." Sakura pieces the words together and figures them out perfectly.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa. You mean to tell me you're here as target practice for those crackpots after Kaname?"

"A crude way of putting it, but that's the way Intelligence has my duty listed. It's not a problem, Sakura."

"Then maybe those 'Intelligence' clowns should try being human targets. See what it's like to be in a psycho's scope for a change." Sakura then takes a deep breath, mustering her courage for what she wants to do next.

"Brother, I'd like to drive today if I can. I've got my instruction permit and all."

"Okay. But some aspects I'll have to handle for you. Like the door and gear selection lever."

Sakura gives her big brother a big smile and they both exit the apartment. Just as they hear Kaname chuckling in amusement. With Sakura being perplexed about why Kaname was chuckling.

"Brother, why was Kaname chuckling as we were leaving?"

"You'll see, sister."

"Ah."

As he leads Sakura down to the parking area, she can see the three vehicles her brother and his wife both own. A blue Toyota Sienna van, a black Hummer H1 station wagon and a black Toyota Celica. Sakura then follows Sousuke to the Celica and watches as he opens the driver's side door for her. Once she's seated, Sousuke closes the door and goes to the passenger's side. As he does so, Sakura looks at the dash and only has one thing to say.

"Damn! Wicked dash! I've got to get one of these when I get my actual license. You got the keys, right?"

"Somehow I think that may be a little difficult, Sakura. Seeing as this car is one of a kind. Even more, this car doesn't use keys."

"What are you talking about, Sousuke? There are other cars like this out there, you know." Finally, what he'd said registers into her mind. "What do you mean by 'this car doesn't use keys', Sousuke? It's a standard car, after all." Sousuke's amused chuckling has Sakura perplexed even more. "Sousuke?"



Sousuke then looks over at his sister. "You may want to buckle up, Sakura. Tightly." Sakura blinks before shrugging and doing so. Once she's done, Sousuke adds, "Now you'll see why this car's one of a kind, Sakura. Start it up. That button, right by your left hand, mid-console."

Sakura nods as she presses the button, starting the car. From the console, she hears various tones, but puts them out of her mind. She then notices the steering wheel and sees a pair of buttons. With one, a little red button, being right by her right thumb. While a black button is by her left thumb. Feeling along the back edge of the wheel, she feels two trigger-like switches.

"Sousuke? What do these buttons do? And these switches on the back of the steering wheel."

"You'll see when we get underway. But, here it is in a nutshell. Don't push the little red button while the car's not in motion. Those switches and that other button, the black one, are not to be pressed under any circumstances. At least until you're fully-trained on them, anyway."

"When does that happen?"

"If you're lucky enough, never. Sakura, I don't want you living the life I led after Mom and Dad died."

"Okay." Sousuke gives her a nod as he moves the lever down to 'D' and Sakura gently presses in on the accelerator. As the car exits the garage, Sakura notices the sound of the engine, or lack of sound thereof, and says, "I thought this thing would be an ear-buster, with it being a sports-car and all. But it sounds so quiet."

"Yeah. Ideal for mobile assassination missions where stealth is needed." Once they get on the street and start driving along, Sousuke notices the lack of traffic, smirks and asks, "Remember the little red button?"

Warily, Sakura replies, "Yeah. Why?"

"Push the little red button." Upon Sakura pressing the button, Sousuke grins and says, "Welcome aboard Roadwolf, Sakura Sagara." Sakura only has one reply as Roadwolf speeds along Tokyo's roadways. At just under 400 miles per hour.

"HOLY SHINTO!"

As Roadwolf speeds along the street, it passes a Tokyo patrol car and it's driver checks the readout on the radar.

'The speed is off the scale. And I didn't even get the make. Just a black blur.'

Back in Roadwolf, Sakura hears a banshee-like scream come from the car.

"Sousuke, did you just hear what I heard?"

"Affirmative. Both Kaname and I heard that and other sounds like that in the past before. Mainly during our honeymoon." A minute later, Sousuke says, "Cut the turbos and brace yourself."



"Okay. How do I cut them?"

"Release the button. Easy as pie."

"Roger." Sousuke chuckles as Sakura does so, asking, "What about that strange noise, though?"

"I know. It's been bothering me a bit. Time to make a quick communication."

"With who, brother?"

"You'll see." Five minutes later, Sousuke is talking with Norman Tuttle, having been patched through by Teletha Testarossa. To say that the Captain was surprised about Sousuke having a sibling would be a severe understatement.

"And that's the situation, Mr Tuttle."

"Strange. 'Street Hawk' did the same thing a few times. Both of them did, in fact. I'm not sure if 'Ninja' did or not, though."

"Could it be because they were computerized to an extent like Roadwolf is?"

"It's possible, but I'll have to check over Roadwolf's systems to be sure. Anything else?"

"Yeah, but I'll wait until you're here before I tell you. I want to see your face when you hear what I have to say."

"Okay, Sousuke. Should I bring Jane and Norma over as well?"

"Sure. It'll give Jane a chance to exchange recipes with Kaname."

"Oh yeah. Bonnie told me about the cooking contest between Ron and Kaname on the de Danaan. Besides, Jane's been wanting to do Japanese cooking for a while now. After all, there are so many hot dogs a person can eat per week without them becoming dull."

"Roger. In fact, I believe Kaname has a special recipe for hot dogs." Sousuke can't help but smirk as Norman's tone takes that of surrender.

"I see. In that case, I'm looking forward to dinner tonight."

Both men chuckle at that as Sousuke ends communication. While Sakura giggles silently in the background.

At the Sagara apartment, Kaname is busy giving Sousuke Jr a bath after his morning breast feeding. As she washes him in the kitchen sink, she hears the phone ring. "Now that's just wonderfully frosty. Who could be calling just when I'm getting you all soaped up, huh?" She then giggles as she lifts him out of the sink and wraps the towel on her shoulder around the infant. Snuggling him into her chest, she makes her way to the phone as it rings.



Upon getting to the phone, she picks it up and says, "Sagara residence. Kaname Sagara speaking."

"Mrs Sagara, this is Ms Tsuboi. How are you and your child doing today?" The voice of her former Principal causes Kaname to smile widely.

"We're just fine, ma'am. I was just giving Sousuke Jr a post-feeding bath when you called."

"Oh my. I'm so terribly sorry, dear girl. It seems my timing's getting to be off."

"Ah, don't worry about it, ma'am. I just gotta get an answering machine sometime soon. Either that or unplug the phone whenever I'm giving Sousuke Jr his bathy-wathies." The baby talk causes the elder woman to snicker on her end of the line.

"I hear that, Mrs Sagara. Thinking of, is your husband around?"

"No, ma'am. Not at the moment. He went to give his younger sister a driving lesson a little while ago." Principal Tsuboi's voice has a tone of bemused shock as the woman proceeds.

"He has a sibling? I never knew that."

"Neither did he or I. The two were so estranged, Sousuke wasn't sure. But we then had the DNA test done and it was verified. Sousuke's a big brother."

"How long ago?"

"Two days ago, ma'am."

"I see. Well, in any case, the reason I'm asking about your husband is because Mr Shirai's parents are quite livid about how their son was treated last year. And the year before last."

"Well, if their son wasn't such a moron, he wouldn't have been treated that way."

"That's what I said too. But they won't accept that."

"Well, it's not our problem but theirs."

"I agree, Mrs Sagara. However, you may want to tell your husband what I just told you when you see him again. I also look forward to hearing how your honeymoon went."

"I will, Principal Tsuboi. I look forward to telling you how it went. But I can tell you this much. There was never a dull moment."

"Of course. Then again, with your husband around you, there's never any boredom at all. Even before he became your husband."

Kaname giggles at that and says, "Thank you and it was nice hearing from you."



"It was nice talking to you again, Mrs Sagara." With that, the call ends and Kaname sighs as she hangs up the phone.

"That blasted Shirai. What in the world did Mizuki ever see in that guy anyway?" Next thing she knows, she's chortling lightly. "He should be blasted. I'm surprised he didn't already explode with his ego over-inflated the way it was. Or when he bit that blasting cap. What do you think, baby?" Sousuke Jr's giggle causes Kaname to giggle as well. "Yeah. Very surprising indeed."

Thirty minutes later, Sousuke Jr's bath is finished and Kaname is putting him into his crib. "There you go, baby." As the infant falls asleep for his nap, Kaname gently strokes his head. 'Fumiko and Keiko Sagara, you have a beautiful grandson. As does Mom. It's just too bad all you guys can't be here to meet him.'

Crossing over to the window, Kaname looks out the window and sees the familiar trenchcoat on the roof of the building two blocks adjacent to theirs. 'At least Wraith finally got back here. Wonder where she was during the battle last week against Amalgam. Sakura's certainly got good eyes to be able to spot her.' She then shrugs as she sits down and picks up a novel from an upcoming movie. Next thing she knows, her cell phone rings.

"Kaname." She then hears the familiar and distorted voice of the operative assigned to watch over her in Sousuke's absence. Along with presence.

"Who is the unknown party in your apartment, Mrs Sagara?" Wraith's question prompts Kaname to roll her eyes in amusement.

"She's Sousuke's younger sister, Sakura."

"How sure are you? After all, you saw nothing of her at the house in Okinawa."

"DNA testing, Wraith. Checked and verified. As to why we saw nothing of her in the house in Okinawa, it's because she'd been living at Ryu Fujisaka's place. For that matter, I thought you stayed out of Okinawa because of that incident."

"I did. I observed the both of you at long range. Who's Ryu Fujisaka?"

"Sousuke and Sakura's Uncle. He knows nothing about Mithril, but we told Sakura about it."

"Why would you do such a thing?"

"Let's see. Three reasons. One, it's a family issue for immediate family. Two, consider it payback for you and Intelligence using Sousuke as target practice for those whackos that constantly come after me. Three, I just want to bug the hell out of Intelligence with Sakura being in the mix. Now, if there's nothing else, I'd like to begin my reading now until I hear the sweet sound of Sousuke Jr's cries."

With that, Kaname ends communication and opens her novel. Just as Sousuke Jr cries. 'Ah. Sweet music. Baby boy crying for Mommy. Or at least affection.'



At the end of the driving lesson, Sakura and Sousuke are at a snack stand when Sakura suddenly groans.

Concerned for his sister, Sousuke asks, "Sakura?" Sakura's reply is halted when a voice comes up from behind him.

"Miss Fujisaka, we've got unfinished business to discuss, I believe." Sousuke observes that the girl has short-cut black hair and brown eyes. Along with wearing a floral print dress, with the skirt down to her knees.

"No, we don't, Miss Kanamitsu. If you don't mind, my brother's here with me and we're about to head home. And my surname is Sagara, for crying out loud."

"Very well, then. Then I'll simply go with you so I can get his side of the story. As for Sagara being your surname, I'll believe that when I see the paperwork."

"Trust me, Miss Kanamitsu. You don't want to know Sousuke's story."

"Why don't I be the judge of that? You make it sound like he went from good times to bad times and back again." Sakura's wince catches the other girl's attention. "What happened to him over there? Before he came back into your life?"

"Who is this girl, Sakura?"

"Sousuke, meet Seina Kanamitsu. She's one of the girls that told me to give up on you still being alive. Seina, meet my big brother, Sousuke Sagara."

"Miss Kanamitsu."

"Mr Sagara. It would appear as if the reports of your demise have been greatly exaggerated. I'm pleased that your younger sister's faith is fully justified."

"Huh? But, you told me to give up on him being alive still. What gives with the 180 degree turn-around?"

"Oh come on, Sakura. You know full well that Keina was behind that. And you know how adamant she was when she started it."

"Oh yeah. All too well. She's just full of it." Seina's giggling gets a smile out of Sakura.

"You got that right." Looking over toward Sousuke, she then asks, "So what's your story, Mr Sagara? Or do you have all the details, Sakura?"

"I'd like to know that as well, Sakura." Another voice causes the two to turn around, causing them to see four other girls.



"Okay, Misato. But I don't think my brother's car will be able to fit you all. Now, if he was driving the Hummer, that might be another story. Or maybe even the van."

"How many cars does your brother have, Sakura?"

"He and his wife have three vehicles total, Yui. A black Celica, a black Hummer H1 and a navy blue Sienna." Turning to her brother, Sakura adds, "Sousuke, these are my friends. Misato Kanotu, Ritsuko Aramasika and Yui Hoshunuko. The one at the end is one of Seina's friends. Rei Hoshuniki. Guys, this is my big brother, Sousuke Sagara."

Sousuke observes the four girls and notices peculiarities with them. Misato has long purplish-black hair and is wearing a red shirt with black miniskirt, Ritsuko has short-cut brown hair and is wearing a blue shirt with blue slacks, Yui has long black hair and is wearing a red dress and Rei has short-cut blonde hair and is wearing a blue shirt with blue jean shorts. In unison, the four greet him.

"Hello, Mr. Sagara."

"Hello. Sakura, we better get going. Kaname needs to know about our coming company."

"Oh, right." As they both walk off, Sakura looks back and calls out, "See you tomorrow at my brother's place, guys!"

"We don't even know where your brother lives, Sakura!"

"I know, Ritsuko! Tamagawa District! The Tiger's Mansion complex! Look for that black car there parked with a Hummer and Sienna! Bye!"

As the girls wave goodbye to Sakura, she turns back toward Sousuke and grins.

"So, your company will be here soon?"

"Affirmative. I'll have to take Trailblazer to Narita to pick them up."

"Trailblazer? What's Trailblazer?"

"The Hummer." They both get into Roadwolf, this time with Sousuke driving, and start heading for home.

"I see. What about the Sienna? Does it have a nickname too?"

"Not as of yet."

"Hmm, let me see. How about 'Hauler'? Or maybe 'Transporter'? Will either of them work?"

"Hmm, negative. Those two won't work. Maybe Kaname will have an idea or two."

"Then how did you guys decide on the other two names?"



"Well, Roadwolf was named at our first waypoint on our honeymoon. Trailblazer was named such before we even got the vehicle." Shrugging, he then mentally adds, 'It would deeply concern Sakura if she knew she was riding in a living machine. Especially one from another planet far away from this one!'

Sakura accepts the answer and then asks, "So, who are these friends of yours we're picking up, anyway?"

"We?"

"Duh, I'm coming with you, brother. After all, how am I going to practice my driving if I don't drive?"

"There is a certain logic to that. Okay. I'll be the driver to Narita and you'll be the driver from Narita. Will that work, Sakura?"

"Okay, Sousuke." As the siblings ride along, she asks, "What are they like?"

"Well, one of them is brilliant, yet introverted and eccentric while the other's equally brilliant and more outgoing. Not so much eccentric, though. They have a baby girl."

"Sounds an awful lot like you and Kaname. Only you two have a baby boy." Sousuke chuckles at that and reaches over to ruffle her hair.

"That would be an apt observation of sorts. Very apt indeed."

Two hours later, Sousuke is standing beside a seated Sakura inside Narita terminal when he sees a familiar, yet highly unexpected, face.

"Mr Altobelli? I thought you'd be back in Metro by now, enjoying your retirement." Leo Altobelli smiles at Sousuke, with the young man returning the smile as much as possible. "Not that it's not nice to see you again, of course, sir."

"I don't mind it, Sousuke. I thought I'd stick around in Okinawa a bit longer after you and Kaname left on your third leg. Chew the fat with Norman and all that jazz."

"What does 'chew the fat' mean, sir?" Altobelli chortles lightly as he shakes his head.

"I see you still need to brush up on your slang and idioms, my boy. In short, we mainly swapped stories about Jesse Mach and what he was like under our respective commands. Both on the LAPD and the Federal level."

"I see."

Altobelli then sees Sakura and asks, "Who is this lovely young charmer here?" That in itself causes Sakura to lightly blush, prompting Sousuke and Altobelli to lightly chuckle.

"I think I'll wait until Mr and Mrs Tuttle come up before I introduce her, sir."

"I see. I can wait. Jane's right behind me and Norman's bringing up the rear with Norma."



"Very good, sir." Suddenly, Altobelli grimaces. Noticing the grimace, along with feeling concern for the grizzled and retired lawman, Sousuke asks, "You okay, sir?"

"Yeah." Reaching into his right pocket, he brings out a packet of antacid tablets. "I'm just a little strained right now. Seeing as we had to leave Okinawa in a big hurry."

"Remember your ulcer, Leo. You're supposed to be taking it easy at your age. You're not as young as you used to be." The voice, soft and feminine, gains the attention of both men. Along with Sakura's. "Sousuke, it's so wonderful to see you again."

"Likewise, Mrs Tuttle."

"Please, just call me Jane, Sousuke. You make me feel like an old woman when you talk like that." Sousuke blushes mildly before nodding.

"Okay, Jane."

"Wonderful. And who is this charming young lady with you? Can't be Kaname."

"Negative. I'll introduce you when Mr Tuttle comes up." Looking around, he asks, "Where's Mr Tuttle at, anyway?"

"He's coming up now, his laptop and Norma in tow. Then we head to the baggage claim."

"How much baggage did you bring?"

"Never said we traveled light, Sousuke." Norman Tuttle's voice gets Sousuke's attention as the man goes on. "Altobelli here should be proof of that."

"Norman!" Altobelli's face pales as he turns to face Norman. "Will you lighten up? I'm working on the weight issue still! And you're making it very difficult with your wording!"

"Okay, okay. Sorry. Don't have a heart attack, Leo. After all, you're Norma's Godfather."

"Oh yeah, that reminds me." Waving his hands to himself, he says, "Come to me, little Norma."

"Uh-oh. Here we go again." Next thing Norman knows, Jane lightly nudges him with her left hip.

"Hush, Norman. Leo's been getting better at this with practice."

"Am I missing something here?" Norman shakes his head in bemusement and turns to face a perplexed Sousuke.

"Just watch, Sousuke. Watch and you'll understand."



Altobelli then clears his throat and, in a tone that the late Marlon Brando would probably be proud of, says, "I'm going to make you an offer you can't refuse. You live a good life, even with all the baloney that life throws at you. Then you get married to a nice young man. But, if he turns out to not be so nice, you just tell me and I'll be sure he sleeps with the fishes."

Sakura can't help but giggle at the uncanny tone, saying, "That's pretty good, Mr Altobelli. You and Uncle Ryu need to meet so you can try outdoing each other. He likes the 'Godfather' movies as well."

Norman finally notices Sakura and asks, "Who the heck are you?"

"I'm Sakura Sagara, Sousuke's little sister." Altobelli, Norman and Jane all drop their jaws in shock before joining their voices together.

"SISTER? WHEN THE HECK DID THAT HAPPEN?"

"Believe it or not, Sousuke and Kaname both reacted the same way when they met me at the graves. But I'm truly his sister. We've been apart for so long, it's probably going to take a while." Nodding at the young girl's reply and explanation, Norman bows to her before introducing himself and Norma. With Jane and Altobelli following suit with their own intros.

"Norman Tuttle, and this little one is Norma Tuttle."

"Jane Renton-Tuttle."

"Leo Altobelli, LAPD Commissioner, retired."

"It's nice to meet you all." Sakura then turns to Sousuke and innocently asks, "Sousuke, is Mr Tuttle the brilliant yet introverted and eccentric one? He strikes me as such."

Altobelli finds himself straining to keep his chortles from escaping as the group gets their luggage before exiting Narita. With the luggage porters right behind them. When they see Trailblazer, however, Norman finds himself puzzled.

"Where'd you get this monster truck from? 'Monster Trucks 'R' Us'? Where's Roadwolf at?"

"In that order, we got it last week when we got back to Japan upon arrival at Narita's rental counter. Needless to say, they were quite relieved to be rid of it. As for Roadwolf, it's back at our apartment complex. I didn't think I'd have room for five people total, let alone six. So, the Hummer was the most appropriate vehicle."

"I see. But, didn't you have a van as well? Ron told me you guys had a van when he and the others were in Okinawa for their trip."

"Yes, and we still do. However, Kaname doesn't quite trust me with the van when she's not with me. She's afraid I'll have it customized much like Roadwolf is."



"Ah." Norman then smirks as he asks, "How about this guy? I could come up with a suite much like Roadwolf's, if you like." Sakura looks over at Sousuke and sees him grinning. As does Norman. "I see you like that idea. I can picture it now."

"Picture it later, honey. I'm pretty sure Sousuke and Sakura are eager to get home. Plus I have yet to see Sousuke Jr nestled in Kaname's arms. I'm sure that Norma would like to meet him as well."

"Okay, Jane. Besides, I am kinda curious as to what Sousuke meant about Roadwolf."

Sakura gives Norman a cursory glance, asking, "How do you mean that, Mr Tuttle? It's not like you built the car."

"No, but some aspects of it I did have a hand in. The O/D and the ES/CT suites, to be specific. Those were my main specialties. It's why I was chosen to begin with." Needless to say, it confuses Sakura to no end.

"The what and the what suites? Chosen by who?" Norman gives Sakura a meaningful glance before giving his reply.

"The LETD of the USDOJ." That one makes her confusion even worse.

"The huh of the huh?"

"You'll see, Miss Sagara. Anything else, Sousuke?"

"Yeah, but we'll cover that along the way there."

"Okay. Let's go see what there is to see on the XJ-59-A."

Sousuke nods in agreement as he opens the back doors, allowing the porters that had followed them to load the luggage. Consisting of seven bags altogether. Two for Altobelli, two each for Norman and Jane and one for Norma. Once everyone's seated in Trailblazer, Sousuke gives Sakura a nod and the girl nervously nods right back to him.

At first, she was excited at the possibility of driving a machine like the Hummer. But now, her nerves are badly rattled. Much to the point where she almost surrenders until she remembers one key fact. If Sousuke can do it, she can do it too! She is, after all, a Sagara! Her bravado soon quickly fades, only she conceals that facet.

"Let's see how fast this guy can go!" Putting the vehicle into 'drive', Sakura gently eases off on the brake, allowing Trailblazer to move forward.

Meanwhile, the Cybertronian thinks, 'Her pulse is racing at a high level. If she doesn't have a heart attack by the time the drive's over, I'll be quite impressed. Sagaras seem to be of hearty stock in comparison with Cybertronians. Are all humans as strong or is it certain family lines?'



As she drives, Sakura has no clue that Trailblazer's curiosity is directed toward her. In the back seat, seated behind Sousuke, Norman passes Norma to Jane before turning his attention to Sousuke.

"Any other details I can help you with, Sousuke?"

"Yeah. Any chance you can give Sakura authorization when it comes to door and transmission matters? Under my direct supervision, of course."

"Yeah, sure. Just gotta get her prints into the onboard system. What level access? Low, medium or full access?"

"I think medium access will work just fine, Norman. What would 'medium' entail, exactly?"

"Evasive and basic 'D' suite along with basic driving only."

"I see. Regarding the 'O' suite, would the system have to be active when certain switches are used?"

"Not really. Basically, as long as what they're connected to are under concealment, they're on 'safe'. The only time they're active is when 'O' suite is online."

"Understood. What about the 'turbine boosters'? Any way to isolate them when the car's standing down?"

"Afraid not, Sousuke. Not without pulling vital components out of place. To do that would seriously hamper performance."

"I see. What about a governor? To limit the speed boost from the turbines? But yet readily deactivated should they be needed."

"Now that is doable. It can be programmed to cut out at 135 mph. Unless you have lower in mind."

"That should be just fine, Norman. Better yet, make it 85 so I won't have to worry about Sakura 'banzai running' on Tokyo's streets."

"You got it."

"Sousuke!" Sakura's face is beet red as she says, "I'm not like that!"

"Maybe not, Sakura. But you're a natural behind the wheel."

"Are you kidding me, brother? I'm a nervous wreck!"

"If you're a nervous wreck, then how is it we're not crashing one bit?" Sakura looks around and sees what he means. "You see, Sakura. You can do it. All it takes is self-discipline, tenacity and, on occasion, a little luck."

"If you say so, brother. But, just the same, I think I'll stick with a vehicle that's more my size."



Sousuke grins as he ruffles Sakura's hair, saying, "Roger." Five minutes later, they arrive at their destination. "Why don't you go with Mr Tuttle so he can get to work, Sakura? I'll take Mr Altobelli, Mrs Tuttle and Norma up to the apartment."

"Okay. But, if you're going to do that, how's he going to get in?"

"I wouldn't worry much about it, Sakura. The man more or less knows that car intimately. He'll get you programmed in before starting his work. Will that work, Mr Tuttle?"

"Yeah, it'll work just fine, Sousuke."

Sousuke looks over at Sakura and gives her a nod to follow Norman as the man walks over to the black sports car. Sakura nods right back and does so while Sousuke unloads the luggage from Trailblazer. After briefly gazing upon the 'work of art' he'd designed the suites for, Norman turns back to a timid Sakura.

"What you're about to see is classified as 'Level A' top secret, Miss Sagara. In short, what you're about to see never happened. Clear?"

"Yes, Mr Tuttle."

"Okay."

Norman gives her a nod and turns back toward Roadwolf. Surprising Sakura with what happens next. Along with slightly amusing and perplexing. In the background, Trailblazer is doing all he can to keep from bursting into laughter.

Up in the Sagara apartment, Kaname is sitting contentedly with Sousuke Jr as she rocks in the rocking chair. Or rather sleeping with Sousuke Jr snuggled into her arms as she rocks, smiling happily.

She then slowly awakens as she hears the external door open and reaches for her Desert Eagle. Aiming it toward the door after she picks it up, she says, "I'm a Mother and I'm armed!"

"Easy, Kaname." Sousuke's voice has Kaname grinning sheepishly as she puts the massive handgun down. "I'm back and I bring guests."

When she sees who it is, her jaw simply drops. "Mr Altobelli? I thought you'd gone back to Metro after we left Okinawa."

"I had a change of plans, Kaname. Just thought I'd stick around for a while and keep the Tuttles company. Besides, how can I leave such a pretty little face behind? She's gonna be a heartbreaker when she grows up." When Kaname sees Jane hand Norma to Altobelli, she can't help but chortle lightly. "They even asked me to be her Godfather shortly after you and Sousuke left out from Okinawa."

"Well, I'll tell you one thing. They've got good faith in you. Probably because you used to be a Policeman."



"Yeah, I guess. Thinking of, just how the heck did that 'Hungry Oshimoshi' guy wind up as Sousuke's 'Godfather' anyway?" Kaname and Sousuke's soft laughter at how Altobelli inadvertently slaughtered Hangi Oshimura's name has him perplexed. "What is it?"

"It was actually Hangi Oshimura, but it was close enough." Sousuke's gentle grin gets Altobelli to relax and grin as well. "As for how he wound up that way, it's because of my Maternal Grandmother. Either she didn't know what he had in mind for me or she didn't really care. I'm leaning toward the former in this case."

"Does she know what he did or does she need to know?"

"She doesn't know, but she needs to, Leo. Sousuke's got a recording of Oshimura's confession on a digital recorder." Sousuke nods in agreement at Kaname's words as she looks at Norma in Altobelli's arms. "You seem to be well-versed in child care, Mr Altobelli. Ever have any?"

"Nope. I was too busy being a beat cop. I mean, sure there were offers. But they were mainly from prostitutes from my time as a rookie. I had just gotten out of the Marines and joined the LAPD. Not once did I think they were being serious. Besides, I didn't see myself as a parenting type." Altobelli's smirk has everyone, aside from Sousuke Jr and Norma, chuckling lightly. "How about you, Kaname? Were you expecting to start your family before leaving high school?"

"At first, no. But then I remembered that a soldier's life is uncertain, aside from death. I wanted at least one decent thing from Sousuke and I to result should we part unexpectedly. I've had no regrets at all, Mr Altobelli. Well, aside from the morning sickness, that is." Jane can't help but chortle lightly at Kaname's words before getting onto her knees before the young blue-haired woman.

"Good, good."

Back in the garage, Norman launches his speech. "Oh, my lovely Offensive/Defensive suites. You performed exceptionally during the honeymoon. Along with you, my wonderful Electric Surveillance /Countermeasure Tactic suites." Letting out a sigh, he asks, "But the rest of you? I'm dismayed. You've been a very bad car." Pausing briefly to breathe, he picks up where he'd left off.

"You think you can develop and hide a new operating parameter and hide it? Hah! There is a reason I graduated top of my class at MIT. There is a reason I was selected for the Law Enforcement Technology Directorate by the United States Department of Justice. So if you think you can gain and hide sentience from or spook the heck out of two of my friends, then you are sorely mistaken! Are we clear? Huh? Huh? I can't hear you!"

Taking another deep breath, he calms himself down, catching sight of a silently snickering Sakura and smirks. "I hope we won't have to go through this again. And now." Reaching into his case and bringing out his laptop and cables, he adds, with a tilt of his head as he quirks his eyebrows, "Time to bond." Sakura can't hold it in any longer and bursts out laughing. In full merriment.



Opening the passenger side door, he gets into the seat, leans back and lifts the rear bench up before moving the passenger seat toward the on-board computer's location. Locating and opening the diagnostics port, he quickly hooks the laptop into the system and keys in his coding. Three seconds later, he gets a reply on his screen.

'Hello, Mr Tuttle. How can XJ-59-A be of service to you?'

Norman smirks softly as he says, "Gotcha. Voice mode." A second later, an electronic male voice is heard.

"Voice mode activated."

"Here's the itinerary for the day. First order of business is to log in a new operator."

"Roger. Is the new operator present?"

"She is."

"Roger. Instruct new pilot to place the fingertips onto the underside of the pilot's door handle. Along with not attempting to lift until signal to do so."

"Sakura, you're up."

Getting herself under control, she asks, "What do I do, Mr Tuttle?"

"Make like you're going to lift up on the door handle, but don't lift it. I'll let you know when you can."

Gulping lightly, Sakura does so. When her fingertips make contact, she feels a warmth on her fingertips. "Is it supposed to feel warm, Mr Tuttle?"

"Yes, it's normal. It's scanning your fingerprints into it's system. Luckily, you only have to do it once." Next thing he knows, the voice comes back.

"Print scanning complete. Instruct new pilot to open pilot's door."

"Open it up, Sakura." Sakura can't help but tentatively lift the door handle. As the door latch pops, she lightly jumps, feeling intimidated by the whole thing. Concerning Norman to no end. "You okay?"

"Yeah. I'm fine. It's just that I never had to do this with Uncle Ryu's car. Must there be so much weirdness about this car?"

Norman chuckles lightly and replies, "I'm sure you'll understand in due time why the measures are in place."

"It's a Mithril thing, isn't it?"

"I take it they told you about what Sousuke does for a living."



"Yeah." Taking a deep breath, she then asks, "What's next, Mr Tuttle?" The next voice she hears isn't Norman's. Which lightly startles her.

"Identify yourself, pilot. Begin with last name." The girl swiftly recovers before proceeding.

"Sagara, Sakura."

"Roger. Identification logged. Mr Tuttle, designate access level to assign pilot Sagara, Sakura."

"Access level medium."

"Roger. Access level medium logged and confirmed. Pilot approval for operation pending."

Perplexed, Sakura looks back toward Norman and asks, "Pilot? Please don't tell me this thing flies."

"Don't worry. It doesn't fly." Norman chuckles as he envisions a flying Roadwolf. "Though that does sound pretty cool, truth be told. But, right now though, it has the flight potential of a cement truck." Mentally, he adds, 'Plus you'd have to strip off the weaponry and all in order to get it to fly.' Sakura can't help but nod silently as she turns back toward the dashboard. The computer's voice then comes back.

"New pilot approval and logging complete, Mr Tuttle. What's next?"

"Govern the turbine boosters to maintain at 85 mph as top speed."

"Roger. Adjusting power output to level specified. Adjustment complete. Would you care to assign an override should it be necessary to do so?"

"Yes. Voice mode off." A second later, Norman's screen comes up.

'Voice mode disengaged, Mr Tuttle. Designate override command.' Once Norman has entered the information, the screen reads, 'Override command accepted. Please inform primary operator of override command.'

"Good, good." Looking up, he sees Sakura looking back at him, lightly frowning. "Is something wrong, Sakura?"

"I'm wondering about something. Why'd you shut the voice mode down?"

"Just a precaution, Sakura. You may be Sousuke's younger sister, but I'm not about to fully trust a stranger with a piece of equipment I designed for him and Kaname. Sorry if you're offended, but I've been burned quite a few times in the past."

Sakura lets out a light whine as she replies, "Okay." Suddenly, her face perks up, alight in mischief. "Any chance you can make this car a little louder? And I don't mean as in an earbuster."

"I'm afraid not, Sakura."

"But I thought you designed this car."



"Well, the Offensive and Defensive Suites. Along with the Electronic Surveillance and Countermeasure Tactic suites. Mithril just selected the car to use and modified it based on the designs."

"Cool." Fascinated, she then asks, "What are you going to do now?"

"I'm going to see if I can find out why Roadwolf's making noises it shouldn't be. I mean, it shouldn't even be possible. But, given the state of technology these days, anything is within the realm of possibility." Sakura snaps her fingers in realization as she sees where Norman is going with what he's saying.

"Even a computer system that takes on a personality of sorts!"

"Bizactly. As I'm sure you've guessed, the on-board computer is actually an AI. A learning computer. That could very well be the case here. I just have to do a diagnostic routine to be sure either way."

"Need any help?"

Giving her a smile, Norman replies, "No thanks. I'm good as is."

"Aww." Sakura's pout is so cute, Norman can't help but give in.

"Okay, okay. I probably can't get any support from the computer without power. So what I want you to do is press the generator button. It's just below the ignition button."

"Sure. But, won't it start the car as well?"

"Nope. It doesn't work that way. The ignition button starts the engine. The on-board generator produces electricity using very little fuel from the reactor."

"Reactor?" Slightly panicked, Sakura quickly bounds out of Roadwolf and asks, "You mean this sucker is frickin' nuclear?"

"No, no! Easy, Sakura!" Taking a deep breath, he goes on. "It's fueled by low energy nuclear power. Since you know about Mithril already, then you should know this car's systems are powered by a palladium reactor that feeds power resulting from cold fusion right into the engine. Making it highly fuel efficient and safe. Mostly." At that, Sakura's face can't help but pale.

Sweat-dropping, she then asks, "Mostly? Forget I asked to help. I'm gone. I'll tell Sousuke you'll be done soon. If you haven't blown yourself up by then, that is." As Sakura scampers away, Norman can't help but chortle lightly as he shakes his head.

"Oh, kids these days." In the background, Trailblazer can't help but wonder who the bigger menace is. Whether it be Gauron or Norman. "Hated to do that to her, but some aspects of Roadwolf are not for her eyes. Now to see if you're sentient or the computer's got some extra programming that's not quite standard."



Back up in the Sagara apartment, Kaname and Jane are putting their children down into Sousuke Jr's playpen so the two can squirm around together. When Kaname feels Sousuke Sr's arms around her midsection, she can't help but sigh happily. Tilting her head up to give him a peck on his chin, she's surprised to find his lips waiting for hers. Pleasantly surprised, that is.

Next thing they know, the apartment door opens and the young couple bring up their Desert Eagles in tandem. Only to see a pale and panting Sakura. Who immediately goes even paler upon seeing the massive hand cannons in her brother and sister-in-laws' hands.

"Um, guys. It's me. Sakura. You know, your little boy's Aunt. Remember me?" Kaname can't help but smile sheepishly as she lowers her hand cannon as Sousuke does the same.

"Sorry about that, Sakura. You kinda startled us when you opened the door like that." Sousuke can only nod in agreement with Kaname as Sakura tries to calm down. But fails.

"I kinda startled you?" Sakura's incredulous as she goes on. "You're not the one that nearly peed her panties in terror! I am!" Calming herself down, finally, she goes on. "In any case, Mr Tuttle should be done with his business. Provided, of course, he doesn't blow himself up in the 'nuke-mobile' down in the garage!"

Smirking lightly, Altobelli replies, "I wouldn't worry too much about it, Sakura. Norman's done things like this for the past twenty+ years. So he's well-versed on complicated systems. Especially those he'd designed or had a hand in."

"Oh, so that's why he talked to the car like it was alive." Her eyes gleaming in mischief, she then asks, "What other complicated systems did he design or have a hand in?"

"I don't really know, actually. All that stuff is way over my head." Mentally, he adds, 'Aside from the systems on the Street Hawk and Ninja motorcycles, which I know or understand very little about, he had a hand in quite a few projects.'

"Oh. So, basically, Norman's a mad scientist of sorts on holiday here. Right?"

"You could say that." Jane's chuckle at Altobelli's reply causes Sakura to giggle. "But, he's one heck of a systems engineer." Before Sakura can inquire further, knocking is heard on the door.

Back in the garage, Norman's jaw drops at the sight on his screen.

'Inconclusive.' Typing in even more, he gets the same response, only with more information from the laptop's AI. 'Inconclusive, but 65 percent possibility exists. Further information for complete analysis required.'

"Well, I guess that'll have to suffice for an answer." Shutting the laptop down, he goes on. "If I'm right, any further anomalies this computer develops could prove for or against sentience. Just gotta get Sousuke and Kaname to keep a close enough eye on it. That way, if it pops up again, they can make notes of the whole thing. Every time it happens."



Exiting Roadwolf after putting the seats back into place, he closes the door before looking at Trailblazer. Intently. Unnerving the Cybertronian slightly. Trailblazer finds himself so unnerved, he's barely able to keep from shuddering in fear from the manic look on Norman's face. For the look on his face is now of cheerful deviousness.

"20mm cannons from the rear side windows, one for each side. Pan capable cannon mounts providing 180 degree coverage on each side. Tinted windows to conceal their presence. Oil slick jets mounted on the rear of the undercarriage. Front shielding over the engine. Nordoc NATO armor would be the best type for that. Seriously!" He then claps his hands over his mouth before groaning. "Now that's just frosty! I'm channeling Motor Ed now! Seriously!"

Shaking his head in exasperation, Norman then begins exiting the garage area. Hoping to make it to the Sagara apartment in time for dinner.

Back up in the apartment, Sousuke goes to the door and says, "Please identify yourself."

"It's your Grandmother, Sousuke. I've got someone that would like to speak with you."

Kimiko Fujisaka's voice causes Sakura, Sousuke and Kaname to roll their eyes before Sousuke opens the door. Revealing both her and a sharply-dressed man. One that bears a striking resemblance to a man that Sousuke and Kaname had come across during their honeymoon. And Sousuke had executed brutally for murder.

In unison, Kaname and Sousuke both think, 'Boy, talk about sick and wrong!'

While Sakura only thinks, 'What could they want?'

"Thank you, dearie." Ms Fujisaka then walks in and nods upon looking around the apartment. "Still very Spartan, I see. With only a few luxuries and bright spots at best. We're going to have to change that, Sousuke."

"Gram, please, get to the point. We don't have all evening to listen to you yammering on and on about interior décor. Or at least the lack of it. Personally, I kinda like it this way. Less to pack and all." Sakura's words cause Altobelli and Jane to wince painfully while Sousuke and Kaname are suddenly barely able to maintain a straight face in their amusement. "Who's your friend?"

"Sakura Fujisaka! How dare you address or speak to me in that manner!"

"I dare to quite easily, Gram. Especially with what Hangi Oshimura had done to Sousuke, Mom and Dad! And, just for the record, my last name is Sagara."

"Your dear Mother was born a Fujisaka. She may have died as a Sagara, but she'll always be known to me as a Fujisaka. But that's the least of your problems."



The man with Ms Fujisaka loosens his tie before going on. "I'm Yoshi Oshimura, the elder brother of Hangi Oshimura. Your Grandmother told me you're speaking of my late brother in a scornful manner, Sousuke. I've come for redress." Kaname can't help but scoff at the man's words.

"Let me guess. She didn't believe us when we told her that Oshimura was responsible for the deaths of Sousuke and Sakura's parents? And when she told you about it, you didn't believe it either."

"That and she strongly disapproved of what you did to get past it." Ms Fujisaka nods her head before chiming in.

"Yes. It's positively dreadful, the way you're speaking about Hangi. Like he was a murdering thug."

"It's because he was, Grandmother." Sakura's eyes can't help but go wide at Sousuke's next words. "That no-good sack of turkey dump killed Mother and Father and left me alone, hoping I'd die in the Afghani desert. I saw the whole thing and swore out a blood oath on him. That oath has since been settled."

"Where is your evidence, child?" Yoshi's question is so condescending, Altobelli is about to clench his fist until Yoshi sees him and Jane. He then rudely asks, "Who are the gaijins, boy?"

Kaname covers Sousuke Jr's ears before prompting Jane to do the same to Norma. She then glares icily at him and replies, "They happen to be friends of ours, fuckhead. If you have a problem with that, go walk out onto a minefield. If you can find one, that is. Of course, if you're anything like your brother was, you probably couldn't find one even with a map containing minefield locations. Your brother was a real retard, you know that?"

"Woman, you will learn your place!" Yoshi moves to strike Kaname, only to get a fist in his lower jaw. Altobelli's right fist, to be exact.

"My Father told me to never strike a woman."

Stunned briefly, Yoshi looks at the man before snarling out, "This is not your concern, gaijin. Stay out of this! Even more, your Father must have never had fun."

"May not be my concern, but she and her husband are friends of mine. So I will not stay out of this. Assaulting a woman may be fun for you, but where I'm from, it's grounds for an ass-whooping. I may not have been in a good rumble in years, but I still have what it takes to knock your punk ass down!"

Yoshi rubs his jaw and laughs, highly amused, before retorting, "Oh, please. You decadent gaijins are all the same. All talk, no action."

"I see. And just how many of us did you come across?"

"Counting you? Two." Altobelli's eyebrow quirks in irritation as Yoshi goes on. "I've seen the movies where you foolish Americans willingly surrender to save your own worthless hides."



"Hmm, those movies must have been those propaganda movies made back during WW2, with bad actors that did a far worse job on speaking like Americans." Jane shrugs passively as she adds, "In any case, they were real crackup comedies. Considering they were grossly inaccurate in so many ways."

"And how do you know of them, gaijin woman?"

"My Father was a collector of obscure comedies. Quite frankly, you can't get any more obscure than WW2 era Japanese comedies." In the background, Sousuke and Kaname are struggling to keep their laughter contained. But without much luck, for light snickers are heard coming from them.

"Bah. Let me come to the point. I demand you retract your statements about my brother. Unless, of course, you have some kind of proof of otherwise."

"We have proof, brain donor. Sousuke, where's that recorder at?"

"It's in the bedroom, Kaname. I'll be right back." Kaname gives Sousuke a soft nod as he goes into their bedroom. Coming back less than a minute later, small digital recorder in hand. "Remind me to thank Ron for this, Kaname."

"Noted, Sousuke." She then giggles at the perplexed look on Ms Fujisaka's face, along with Oshimura's skeptical face, until they hear Sousuke and Hangi's voices.

From there, they hear Hangi's cry of pain after a loud gunshot, his confession of killing Sousuke and Sakura's parents. Along with why and the sound of Hangi's neck breaking. When the recording ends, Ms Fujisaka looks like she's about to vomit in disgust.

While Mr Oshimura, on the other hand, is calm and collected. As he looks around the room, he can clearly see Altobelli clenching his fists angrily. Like he's wanting to pulverize someone. While Jane is holding her hands over her mouth in sheer horror. Sakura, even though she was just reunited with Sousuke, is looking right at Oshimura like she wants to kill him and those that carry the Oshimura name.

'Hangi certainly wasn't kidding. Sagaras are the kind that you don't really want to piss off!' Clearing his throat, he looks right at Sousuke and Sakura before bowing in shame. "I'm sorry I didn't believe you about what my younger brother had done. If there's any way I can redeem my family's name, please let me know. I'm prepared to go as far as seppuku if that'll please you."

Sakura looks at Kaname and Sousuke before looking at Ms Fujisaka. Before she can say anything, Ms Fujisaka steps in.

"He can be Sousuke Jr's Godfather. He's not the 'mad scientist type' that Hangi turned out to be. So he can be trusted." The next voice she hears surprises everyone.

"Shut it, Gram! It's because of you picking out Hangi Oshimura to be my Godfather that we were orphaned, for crying out loud! You never gave Mother any choice in the matter at all, did you? Never mind about Father's thoughts! You just forced him onto us!"



"Sousuke! I just wanted to be sure you'd be well taken care of in the event something happened to Keiko and the man that was your Father."

"His name was Fumiko Sagara." At her casually nonchalant shrug, Sousuke then asks, "Would you like to know who took care of me after Mom and Dad died? I was cared for by Afghani rebels and camp followers, also known as prostitutes. While they may not have taken care of me the way they traditionally should have, they at least gave me the will and skills to fight and survive."

"Just what did they do, brother?" Sakura's gentle question gets Sousuke's attention and he turns to her, smiling sadly.

"This scar on my left cheek. It was done by an elder of the first Afghani rebel group that took me in. It was the same day after Mom and Dad died at the hut we were living in. My Persian, Farsi and Arabic were all taught to me by 'Tiger' later on as I went up through the rebel ranks, got older and stronger."

"Sousuke, I'm curious. Where was this 'Tiger' guy when we were in Afghanistan? I'm sure we'd have come across him." Sousuke gives Kaname a light chuckle as he pecks her cheek.

"The thing about 'Tiger' is that he doesn't stay stationary for very long. It's what kept him alive during the war. If he's alive and well, I can only hope he's found some measure of peace at least. He's more than earned it, at best. Especially with all the crazies after his head back during the war." Before Sousuke can go on any further, a knock is heard on the door.

"I'll get it. Hopefully it's Norman." Jane smirks as she adds, "I just wish Ron and the others were here right now. Norman's been missing them ever since we parted company in Okinawa. Of course, he's been missing them ever since we left the States for Okinawa. Seeing Felix and Tara again was wonderful, too."

"Yeah, well, Sousuke and I came across them in Hawaii. Or, to be more accurate, I stumbled upon them. Literally."

"How do you mean, Kaname?" Kaname looks over at Sakura and smiles sheepishly.

"I accidentally tripped over Tara's legs while she was sunning herself. I was racing Sousuke and Mr Magnum without watching where I was going. For an instant, I felt like Tessa."

"Who?"

"Oh, just a good friend of ours." Not wanting to say much more in front of Mr Oshimura or Ms Fujisaka, she adds, "Other than that, I haven't much to say." However, Ms Fujisaka will have none of it.

"How good a friend is this 'Tessa' person?"

"Well, I'll put it to you like this. For a time, we had a bit of a rivalry going. We both liked the same guy, but I wound up with him. But, she did get a happy ending of sorts. Isn't that right, Sousuke?"

"Affirmative. And a good man he is. An EMT, from California."



"I see." At this point, Jane gets the door open, allowing Norman entry. Ms Fujisaka notices him and then asks, "Who the heck is this?"

"Grandmother, this is Norman Tuttle. Norman, this is my Grandmother, Ms Fujisaka."

"Hello, Ms Fujisaka." Ms Fujisaka gives Norman a curt nod before acknowledging him.

"Mr Tuttle." She then turns back to Sousuke and asks, "If you won't pick Yoshi as Sousuke Jr's Godfather, then who are you going to pick?"

"Our friends. Kaname and I are going to ask them if they'd like to be his Godparents. All eight of them."

"EIGHT? But, you can only have two Godparents. Why eight?"

"Because we're family. Sort of." Kaname lightly giggles at Sousuke's reply while nodding in agreement.

"It's in regard to your work, isn't it?" Ms Fujisaka's question gets a silent nod from Sousuke, causing her to sigh. "Very well. But, I want to be sure they're financially sound. I'll not have my great-grandson raised or cared for by paupers should anything untoward happen to you or Kaname."

Norman, Jane, Altobelli, Kaname and Sousuke all begin chuckling at that. While leaving Sakura, Yoshi and Ms Fujisaka perplexed. Sakura looks at the chuckling group before finding herself curious.

"What's so funny?"

"Oh, they're sound alright, Sakura. In both morals and monetary soundness." Norman's reply gets Sakura to start giggling herself.

"Cool beans." Giving Norman a grin, she then remarks, "I guess you did such a good job, you didn't blow yourself up, Mr Tuttle."

"Um, Sakura, what'd you mean by that?" Ms Fujisaka's eyes are wide while Yoshi's eyes are narrowed.

"I was worried Mr Tuttle would do something inanely insane and blow himself up while working on the Celica, Gram." Sakura's reply has Sousuke, Kaname and Norman sighing in relief. Altobelli, however, finds himself disconcerted by something that's been bugging him.

"Sakura, if you are Sousuke's sister, why didn't Sousuke know about you?"

"We were far apart for too long, Mr Altobelli. Combine that with I'd been living with Uncle Ryu and Aunt Naoko since Mom, Dad and Sousuke went to Afghanistan."

"You know, it's pretty strange. Hangi Oshimura never mentioned anything about you, Sakura. Not once until I killed his ass. How could he have not known about you as well?"



Sakura gives Sousuke a sad smile and replies, "I was born at Uncle Ryu and Aunt Naoko's place. You, Mom and Dad were visiting them when I came into the world. As I grew older, Uncle Ryu told me that I was living under the Fujisaka name, as an adoptee. Aunt Naoko told me the same, only with more detail."

"What'd she say, Sakura?" Kaname's question has Sakura starting to shed sad tears.

"Mom was worried that Hangi Oshimura would try to do to me what he'd tried to do with Sousuke. So, she and Dad asked Uncle Ryu and Aunt Naoko to keep an eye on me until you all returned the next year. Essentially, Hangi Oshimura didn't even know about me. Gram did, but she was asked to keep it to herself. She didn't understand why, but she did it."

"Now that I understand why, just where does that leave things between us, Sakura?"

"I don't know, Gram. But, maybe we can start healing now." Sakura gives Yoshi a glance and adds, "If you're serious about making amends, I suggest you start by looking into Hangi's records. Who knows what other evil shit he might've pulled before Sousuke killed him?"

"Yes, I should indeed look into it." Yoshi tightens his tie before rubbing his jaw and looking at Altobelli. "Ever think about entering a boxing match, Mr Altobelli? I'm pretty sure they have a category class for Seniors."

"Nah. Been there, done that, shot the book. Next." Yoshi gives him a nod before leaving, Ms Fujisaka in tow. Once the door is closed, Altobelli quietly asks, "Got any ice? My fist is throbbing from the punch I gave that guy's jaw. I swear, I'm getting to be too old for this."

"Coming right up, Leo." Kaname hands a sleeping Sousuke Jr to Sakura before going into the kitchen. Only to come back three minutes later with a bundled towel, moisture dripping from it. "Here you go, Leo."

"Thanks, Kaname." Altobelli gladly receives the compress and glances at Norman as he applies it to his fist. "So, what'd you find, Norman?"

"Well, off-hand, if I'm reading the information right, the AI's adapting a personality. But something had to have triggered it. Sousuke, Kaname, where did this start happening?"

"Our first waypoint on our honeymoon, the second day there. Wait a sec!" Kaname's eyes go wide as she sees where Norman's going with it. "Our first night there, we came across the Kusanagi couple when they were attacked. Sousuke called the car 'Roadwolf' and I was in the back, working the computer."

"Was it operating fully?"

"As far as I can tell, yeah. Communication was taking place and the computer was in full analysis mode. Could that be what happened?"



"Perhaps. It's just a rough guess. Keep in mind that the link between man and machine isn't always definite. Sometimes, the man would take on aspects of the machine, and vice versa for the machine. I learned that with both 'Street Hawk' motorcycles. Ron and Kim told me you guys met Robocop when you went to meet your cousin Luke, Sousuke. As had they when they got together."

"But, how… Sheila. She told them some time back, didn't she?"

"Yep. She kept in regular touch with Kim and Ron long before Jane and I left the States with Norma in tow. Of course, she didn't know about their unusual situation or circumstances. As far as I know, she still doesn't."

"Unusual? What unusual situation or circumstances, Mr Tuttle?"

"Sakura, the less you know, the better. The details are liable to blow your mind. They nearly did mine." Altobelli's words, however, fall on stubborn ears.

"Let's have 'em. I can take it." They all glance at each other before shrugging and turn toward Sakura, Sousuke Jr in her arms still.

The next morning, the Sagara apartment is quiet as Sakura groggily awakens. 'Oh man. I wish I hadn't demanded those details. Mr Tuttle's friends being the former Team Hawk. Sousuke and Kaname knowing them personally. Mr Altobelli's knowledge of them and their adventures. But, still, they must have had some great adventures before they were decommissioned.'

"Good morning, Sakura." Kaname's soft voice gets a smile out of Sakura as she goes on. "Sorry we blew your mind like that, but we did warn you."

"Yeah, you did." Looking around, she sees no sign of their guests from the previous evening. "Um, where are the Tuttles and Mr Altobelli at?"

"They're staying in apartments next door for the next few days. Oh, by the way, did you happen to invite some friends over?"

"Kuso. I forgot to mention them, Kaname. My friends and a couple of other girls want to hear about how Sousuke survived the Afghani desert after Mom and Dad died. Sorry."

"Ah, don't worry about it, Sakura. Just don't mention anything about what Sousuke does for a living. If they pry, try to be vague." Smirking, Kaname then adds, "Of course, if you're anything like Sousuke, then you can certainly be vague when you want to be."

"Just what does that mean?"

"Well, I'll put it to you like this, Sakura. Whenever Sousuke would explain something in clarity, he'd often go overboard in details." Sakura's giggling has Kaname giggling as well.



"Yeah. That sounds just about right for Sousuke. I remember one time when I was three. Sousuke blabbered on and on about a model pickup he'd just assembled. By the time he was done, I was out like a light."

"Yeah, that does sound just about right for him. But, you know, that's just part of his charm."

"Are you sure it isn't…" The question trails off as Sakura blushes furiously. As does Kaname.

"Well, maybe just a little." Sakura arches her eyebrow incredulously, prompting Kaname to add, "Okay, very much so." Beckoning toward the doorway, Kaname says, "Your friends await, Sakura."

"Thanks, Kaname." Sakura smiles as she walks out, only to frown upon seeing a face she hadn't expected to see. "Keina Sakamoto, I hadn't expected to see you here with Seina."

"Well, when Seina told me she met your 'brother', I felt I should meet him as well, Miss Fujisaka. You don't have a problem with that, do you?"

"Nope. No problems here. But know this. If you make trouble, we're going to have a scrap on our hands."

"No need to worry, Sakura. I'll make sure Keina doesn't make trouble while your brother tells his story."

"Seina!"

"Shut it, Keina." Turning her attention to Sakura, she says, "Go ahead and get your brother, Sakura."

"Hai." Minutes later, the gathered girls are stunned, their jaws dropped down so low, they're scraping the floor. Sousuke's Afghanistan story was clear, concise and to the point. With few edits along the way. Sakura only has one comment. "That's heavy, brother."

"Indeed it is, Sakura."

"Well, I still say you're morbid, Sakura. Even though he's alive, you're still morbid to me."

"Shut it, Keina. It's because of you spreading that vicious moniker about Miss Sagara around."

"You went along with it, Seina!"

"Just to keep you from harping at me about backing Sakura's faith. But, now that her faith's justified, I can back her in front of you. As can Rei. As her friends here do."

"But, there are so many holes in his story. Like, what's he doing to support his wife and their child? What he's been doing with himself to keep on the side of right? I mean, I can't see myself going through what he's done and keeping my morality intact without a good reason. Or at least a good influence."



"I only had one reason to keep myself on the side of right, Miss Sakamoto. To keep others from going through the Hell I'd gone through. That's my reason. Influence? I've had a few influences. Both good and bad. I could have gone either way. But, ultimately, the desire to spare people the suffering I endured won out." With that, the girls leave after saying good-bye to Sakura and welcoming Sousuke back into her life.

Fifteen minutes later, Norman's in the apartment with Jane, Norma and Altobelli. Sousuke's all-clear had come just as Norman finished putting his design ideas for the Hummer into his laptop.

"So, what do you have, Norman?" Norman doesn't say anything as he turns the laptop in Sousuke's direction. "Wow. You did all that within a night?"

"Yep. I guess the best analogy for it would be what Ron had called 'Hard Hawk' when they first saw it."

"What was that, Norman?"

"He called it 'an RV from Hell', Kaname."

"Ah. Well, should we tell him, Sousuke?"

"Yes. Sakura, Jane and Mr Altobelli as well."

"Tell us what, Sousuke?"

"You'll see, Sakura. Come on, let's go down to the garage so you can see what we mean."

"Sousuke, it's not like the Hummer's alive." Norman's grin fades upon hearing Sousuke's query.

"Are you sure about that, Mr Tuttle? Like you said, the line between man and machine isn't always definite. For example, Kaname and I came across an android at the family home in Osaka. It'd been idle for five years because the power was cut off. It looked so human, aside from the power cord from it's leg, that until we got close enough to it, we didn't know it was an android."

"Hmm. Another fine example of the line between man and machine. But, what's the bit about the Hummer for?"

When they get to the garage, they walk toward the Hummer and Sousuke says, "Mr and Mrs Tuttle, Mr Altobelli, Sakura, meet Trailblazer." At that, the Hummer transforms. "Trailblazer, meet our friends and my sister."

"Hello, Mr and Mrs Tuttle, Mr Altobelli and Sakura. I am Trailblazer of the Autobots."

"Hello." The united voices are filled with shock until Sakura breaks free of it.

"So where'd you come from, Trailblazer?"

"I came from the planet Cybertron."



Norman snaps out of it before chuckling wryly. "Looks like the analogy I was going to use wouldn't be apt, after all." Quirking his head to the side, he adds, "Well, maybe if I added your origin to it, it'd be apt."

"What would that be, Mr Tuttle?"

"Basically, you'd be an 'RV from Cybertron's Hell'. Especially with what I have in mind for you." Suddenly, Trailblazer begins chuckling until it becomes a guffaw.

"Oh, I like that! Very much!"

"Yeah. It's a good thing that Gauron is dead now. Thanks to you, Sousuke."

"Not quite, Mr Altobelli."

"Huh? What do you mean, Sousuke?"

"Gauron's alive." At the shocked gasps of Jane, Norman and Altobelli, Sousuke nods.

"How could that be, Sousuke? Ron was there too and he said that guy was 'deader than a doorknob'. So that makes no sense whatsoever."

"I know it doesn't, Mr Tuttle."

"Then how?"

"It seems he'd been cloned sometime after he was blown up."

"Which one did you blow up, Sousuke?"

"I blew up the clone in Shanghai after I killed the one from the incident at sea in Hong Kong, Mrs Tuttle. I tried for a long time to put Hong Kong out of my mind because it was associated with a painful thought." Sousuke looking at Kaname is enough for her as she moves to console her warrior.

"I was the painful thought, wasn't I, Sousuke?"

"Affirmative. Gauron told me you were dead and that he wanted to see the emotionless side of me. He liked that version of me. Cold, vicious and calculating. For an instant, as I shot him to death on his deathbed, that Sousuke came back. Under the guise of 'Kashim'. A guise I never wanted to return to."

Trailblazer, seeing his friend hurting, makes a decision. "Mr Tuttle, how long would it take for me to become an 'RV from Cybertron's Hell'?"

"Not too long, I expect. Mithril's going to have to do the work as they have the access that I don't have. Anymore, that is."

"How do you mean?"



"Jane, Norma and I are under Team Hawk's version of 'Witness Protection'. I was the man in charge of 'Operation Street Hawk'. ComCen was my responsibility and the crew thought there might have been a leak in the Government. So, we pulled a fast fade."

"Oh yeah. Ron told us on our graduation day. The firebombing of ComCen was random, as those bakas didn't even know what they were firebombing." Kaname then smirks as she asks, "Wanna find out why they haven't given you the all-clear yet?"

"Much as I'd like to, I think I already know, Kaname. They probably felt that Jane and I've come to enjoy living in Japan. Funny thing is, if they felt it, they're right in their feeling. When Norma gets older, we'll tell her why we're here. The edited version, that is." His face scrunching up, he adds, "In a way, it kinda reminds me of the time Jesse went up against the firebomber."

"I remember that. Rachel and her old friend were lucky to get out of that mess thanks to Jesse's help. But, the question remains. Was it air or ground that those punks firebombed ComCen from?"

"Don't really know, Leo. Let's find out. Sousuke, could you please get a com set up so we can talk to the guys?"

"Affirmative. You don't even have to ask as I've been wondering about that as well. I am sure Kaname has been wondering as well. What about you, Sakura?"

"Sure. Even though I don't get a lick out of what you're saying, I am curious."

With that, Sousuke opens communication through Roadwolf and is quickly patched through to one of the team's members.

"What's the sitch?"

"I missed hearing that. How've you and the others been, Kim?"

"Norman? Holy shit. Guys, Norman's calling us!"

"Hey, Norman! When are you coming home?" The team's united question has Norman chuckling while Jane and Altobelli roll their eyes in amusement. "We miss you and Jane so badly!"

"We miss you too, guys. That's kinda why we're asking, only not so much. Leo's wanting to know if it was a ground attack on ComCen or if it was an air attack."

Bonnie Rockwaller hustles onto the screen and smiles fondly upon seeing Norman, Jane and Altobelli. "According to the Arson Investigators, those losers were standing in front of the building when they threw Molotov cocktails in there. One of the cocktails made contact with the fuel supply for the motors, causing it to ignite in a powerful blaze."

"Ouch."



"I'll say, Norman. It was so powerful, those losers actually jumped back, thinking they were going to be roasted in the blaze. They had no government connection at all, so it's safe for you and Jane to come back home. Oh, by the way, when is Altobelli going to return to Metro? You so won't believe how many times Cole, Westlake, Waters and Farrow have called us here at 'Chez Ron' while Ron's in the kitchen making new recipes." Altobelli lightly chortles at that before replying.

"Next time you talk to them, tell them I'm on the next flight from Tokyo to Metro. I look forward to seeing them again." Bonnie then gives Altobelli a light snicker.

"Leo, quite lying. You so know you're just going back to Metro for the fish."

"Well, that too. It's the simple things in life, you know."

"Oh yeah. By the way, I'm glad you called. Jessica and Stuart are getting married and I'm preggers again."

"Congrats, Bonnie."

"Kaname? Oh, how've you been?"

"As Kim would say, 'It's been so the drama' here."

"Yeah. Heard about that fracas in Tokyo the other week. Everyone okay?"

"Mostly. Tessa killed a goon that was fixing to kill her and her new boyfriend. Other than that, she's fine." Kaname then shudders before going on. "That's not the worst of it. Is Ron in the kitchen right now?"

"Yeah, he is. Hold on, Kana. RON!"

"What is it, Bon-Diggity buddette of mine?" Bonnie's raucous laughter and head-shaking show her amusement.

"Kaname's on the Kimmunicator and she so wants to talk to you. Norman's even there too."

"Badical. I've got another recipe for her to try when she's ready. And I've been wanting to talk to Norman for a while now."

"Marvy. Now get over here, you nut." When they see Ron Stoppable's grin on the screen, Bonnie adds, with a lilt of laughter, "Not so close, you're fogging up the screen."

"Sorry. Yo, Stormin' Norman! What up?"

Norman can't take anymore and just bursts into laughter as the other side of the screen bursts as well. As do Altobelli and Jane. Sakura lightly giggles while Sousuke and Kaname chuckle. In the background, Trailblazer is shaking in silent laughter as he tries to transform back into his vehicle persona. And fails several times before getting it right.



Norman gets himself under control before going on. "Nothing. Just chilling with Jane and Altobelli. Um, Kaname's got something to say and you're not going to like it, Ron."

"Kaname, my amiga, what's going on?"

"Ron, Gauron's alive."

"WHAT?" The decommissioned team's united question kills the lightness of the communication and brings on a serious tone that hadn't been seen in months. Ron then breaks the shock.

"No, no, no. That can't be right. Sousuke and I sent his ass to Hell before Sousuke sent his carcass to Hell's Hell."

"I'm afraid it is, Ron. Gauron's been cloned. The one you and I killed together was the clone."

"Boy, talk about sick and wrong. Who knows how many times he'd been cloned?"

"Indeed. There's something else, too. When I was in Hong Kong, long before we met and joined forces, I was demoralized from being separated from Kaname. I found a clone of Gauron on a deathbed, hooked up to life-support. He told me that Kaname had been killed and that he wanted to see my other self. Notice anything different there?"

"Yeah, I do. The one we shot together and you had blown up made no mention of it. All it mentioned was Venom. For the love of fish!"

"I'll agree with that. I don't understand it, but I'll agree with it." Sakura's comment has Ron perplexed before he nervously chuckles.

"Ah, Sousuke, buddy, I don't know how to tell you this, but you've got a nosy girl with you and Kaname."

"I'm not a nosy girl! I'm Sousuke's little sister, Sakura!"

"Okay. Sousuke, either you've been secrets from us or you didn't know about her until recently."

"It's the latter, Ron. Kaname and I just learned confirmation three days ago, but found out the possibility last week before the fracas over here in Tokyo's warehouse district." Smiling sadly, he adds, "It was after Mom and Dad were brought back home and reburied in their native soil. Sakura'd been living with my Uncle Ryu, on my Mother's side of the family. It seems Mom didn't trust Oshimura with Sakura either, so she kept Sakura's existence secret from him."

"She was worried he'd do to her what he tried to do to you, wasn't she, Sousuke?"

"Affirmative, Bonnie."

"Do you think we should reactivate to track down Gauron once and for all, Norman?"



"I'll leave that up to Ron to decide. Personally, I'd wait until I see presence of his cloned hide before reactivating. Because unless I miss my guess, he's keeping himself well hidden this time. And I mean as in learning from his past mistakes."

"If that's even possible. Gauron, or at least the one we shot and Sousuke had detonated, didn't seem to be capable of learning at all. This one can't be that different." Ron's insult toward the homicidal terrorist and his clones causes everyone on both sides to crack up laughing again.

Kaname then calms her laughter down to light giggles before saying, "Oh, Mei would love to meet you, Ron. As would her husband, Tony. If anyone needs to laugh a lot, it'd be her. After she gives birth, that is."

"You got it, Kaname." Looking at Norman, Ron then asks, "So, what say you, Norman? Ready to come home?"

"Nah, as I think I've already found my home, Ron. How about you, Jane?"

"Yes, I have. But, Ron, please tell Felix and Tara that I plan on coming in for a visit sometime in the future, with Norma and Norman in tow."

"You got it, Jane. F-Dawg and T-Bird would be glad to see you guys again. By the way, Logan's appeal was rejected as he'd been judged a habitual offender. He then assaulted a Bailiff as the man started escorting him out of the Courtroom. So you don't have to worry about him going after Felix, Tara or their children again."

"Oh, thank God. Thanks for the good news, Ron. If you and the others were here right now, I'd hug you tightly. All of you."

"Well, we'll just have to wait until you, Norma and Norman are back on US soil for a visit." Jane can't help but break into soft giggles while Ron grins goofily. "But that'd be good too if we were there right now. Say, isn't Indonesia on the way to Japan?"

"It is, Ron. Why do you ask?" Ron's playful smirk has Norman rolling his eyes in amused exasperation. "Never mind. I don't think I want to know. If I did, I'd probably want to join in." With that, communication ends and Norman grins sadly. "No probably about it. I'd want to get in on the fun as well."

"Huh?" Sakura's query has the others grinning knowingly until she says, "The only thing I know of going on in Indonesia is the relief work going on from that hurricane and the… Oh Hell yeah! That would be fun. A lot of fun. Seeing those ruler schmucks wind up with disgrace in their eyes as the people they rule get valuable supplies they need for survival."

The others can only grin meanly and nod in agreement with Sakura. Even Trailblazer is flashing his headlights in agreement as he speaks.

"I wish I could see that happen. But, what method would they use, Mr Tuttle?"



"Well, I wouldn't rule out an air drop from Sky Base, Trailblazer. Of course, on ground door to door deliveries by Sand and Hard Hawk would be more personal. War Bird could provide air cover should Sky Base encounter hostile flyers."

"Then they need someone to cover them on the ground, Mr Tuttle."

"I agree, as Mithril has no ground assets in Indonesia. Why that is, I don't know."

"Shall we go, then?"

"No, Sakura. No need. After all, Hard Hawk and Sand Hawk are armed and capable of handling themselves. With War Bird flying cover overhead, they'll get through safely." In his mind, Norman thinks, 'I hope.'

"Then all we can do is wait and watch the news, then."

"Yep. That's all we can do, Sakura."

"I can hardly wait to meet them. But, if that's how they're going to do it, how are they going to avoid the publicity?"

"Publicity?"

"Yeah. You know, newspapers, television crews, swarming the vehicles upon arrival. That kinda thing."

"I'm sure Ron has an idea or two as to being sneaky enough to get himself and the others into Japan without much fanfare. I may not understand his plans or ideas at times, but they're usually pretty good."

"How can you not understand them?"

Norman chuckles at Sakura's question and replies, "Because half the time, they're either half-baked or still cold in the oven."

"So, he improvises as he goes along. I'm guessing the others do the same as well."

"Affirmative." The others turn to Sousuke as he goes on. "Much like combat, life's a fluid situation and Murphy's Law is in constant effect. Relief work is much the same way. Remember that well, Sakura."

"I will, Sousuke."

Author's Notes: This is an expanded version, somewhat. I kinda noticed small squares where the pages break on my computer here, so I had to go back in and go over with another comb-through. Hope you enjoyed it, SkyHighFan.