Prelude to a Street Fight
A Short Story
By
Logan T. Hoffman
Chun Li sat in a briefing room at the Interpol headquarters in China. Across from her sat an American agent. He slid a folder across the table toward her. "Here are some recon photos that were taking three days ago."
Chun Li opened the folder, glancing through the various photographs. In each of them was a large man dressed in a crimson military uniform.
The American cleared his throat before continuing. "According to our resources, the man shown is named Mikhail Bisonski, also known as--"
"Bison," Chun Li cut him off. She recognized the man as being the most wanted criminal in the world. Not only that, but he was her father's killer. "General of the terrorist group called Shadoloo."
"Yes," the American replied with a nervous laugh. "Born on April 17, 1925. His father was a Soviet politician and his mother a Thai prostitute. Studied martial arts in Thailand until the age of 18, when he decided to meet his father. Rumored to have become one of Stalin's enforcers during the Cold War due to his uncovering of Octavius Bisonski's plans to assassinate the Soviet leader. Shortly after Stalin's death in 1953, Bison vanished from sight before resurfacing in '82. We're uncertain as to what occurred during his period of absence. The terrorist group Shadoloo plans on--"
"Enough," Chun Li once again stopped him in mid-sentence. "You're telling me things I already know. I've gone through Bison's file a hundred times already. What I need from you is information regarding the tournament."
The American frowned. He took a deep breath, relaxed, then decided to continue. "The tournament is being held by Bison. Although many of his enemies have been invited, there are other fighters that will be involved as well. Such as Hong Kong star Fei Long."
Chun Li raised an eyebrow. She wasn't surprised in the least that Fei Long would take the opportunity to gain more publicity. Though she had to admit, he was an excellent fighter, not to mention easy on the eyes.
"We have reason to believe that Bison intends on recruiting some of these fighters into Shadoloo. Your job is to go in and investigate."
"What's the opposition?" she asked.
"As of right now, we're not completely certain. We do know that former champion Sagat and a Spanish fighter called Vega are working for Bison. We'll keep you informed if we turn up anything else."
"Good. Then I guess I'll be on my way. My flight leaves in two hours."
"One more thing, Chun Li. A friend of mind named Captain Guile will also be at the tournament. He'll serve as your contact."
Chun Li nodded in reply then headed out the door. Your time has come Bison. You'll regret ever seeing my father after I'm through with you. Her hand rested on the 9mm pistol on her holster.
The American agent ran a hand through his hair and lay back in his chair. Hopefully she won't try anything stupid. Its bad enough that she wants Bison's head, but teaming her up with Guile, who wants him dead just is much, is risky business.