For Love

by nakhodchivost

How far will you go for your love, to be close to them, to protect them, to made them happy. Do you gave up your future, your career or even your love ? TessaSousukeKaname AUAngstOOC. Rated for mature concept

10. Part 2, Chapter 4

Ladies and Gentleman, please pelt the authors with rotten apples, tomatoes and whatever trash you can picked up (though I much prefer the fresh ones if you have) for being three months late on delivering this chapter. I have no valid excuse to offer, having revised this chapter twice and scoured all the Robert Ludlum and Andy McNabb books in my possession for inspiration.

As usual, this chapter hasn't been proof read so expect typos and grammatical errors. I really need beta, any volunteer, please, PLEASE (begging). Leave me a contact address if you are interested.

Surgeon Generals warning: This chapter is extremely long and thus should not be read all at once. Please take time in between scene break to rest your eyes.

Specific disclaimer: The bank scenes is taken from Bourne Identity and Da Vinci code since I don't have the time to make them properly. The whole final test idea is loosely based on Delta Force final test as described by Eric L Haney's book. Hourn Moung is taken from Frederick Forsyth book The Avenger.. Kevin Marsh house is based on real one called The Water Villa located somewhere in Netherlands. Rho Hotels, Moerders and Rosarium are real places, but the similarities stop there. Finally, all the airport scenes might be incorrect since I never travel abroad.

(Frankfurt, 16 Feb 2006, morning)

Robert Massey stared at his screen in disbelief at the figure displayed there. As usual, he arrived at his office at seven o'clock sharp and does his emails. Afterwards he browsed through various news sites for topics of importance. Around nine, he was ready to conduct his business for the day and it usually start by checking his bank accounts to see if the necessary funds are available. That's when he got his first shock of the day.

(A deposit of five thousands dollar) he blinked and rubbed his eyes, hoping that the latest line of his bank transaction would disappear. Alas, it stood there taunting him. "Maybe the bank got it wrong and it end up on my personal account," Robert reasoned as he viewed the transaction detail. (From Al? What for?) he frowned. A glance at the remark caused Robert's eyes to widen. (Compensation for your travel on 03 Feb) his mind recounted the event of that date.

It was late at night on the first of February that he got the call. He knew that it would be important since Al rarely call, preferring written communication instead. Robert remembered his heart beat faster as he listened to Al's metallic voice.

"Robert, I was wondering if you could do me a favor. I was planning to move some item from my bank in Zurich to a new account in Amsterdam but my health got worse. Can you go and do it instead?" Al asked to the point as he usually does. "I would gladly compensate any expense on your part".

At first Robert tried to decline, but eventually he accept after Al stressed out that he had no other person that he can trust to do it.

"Thank you, Robert. I am sending you the detail instruction. Please follow them to the letter," Al said before ending the call.

Sure enough, minutes later a new email popped up on Robert's inbox with four pages of detail instruction. Needless to say, Robert got very little sleep that night and the day after.

As instructed Robert took the earliest flight to Zurich and when the Gemeinschaft Bank opened, he was their first customer. The young receptionist took his business card and quickly ushered him to the second floor where a middle-aged man sat waiting. He gave Robert a sheet of Gemeinschaft stationery with three blank lines centered in the middle of the page. Robert filled in the account number and verification code as well as his signature. A glance at the paper and the middle age man directed him to the third door behind him, which Robert dutifully obeyed.

The room was exquisitely decorated and equipped with many items that made waiting bearable, such as the leather armchair with a pile of magazines next to it and the assortment of beverages but Robert ignored all that as he waited anxiously. To his relief, the door at the opposite end opened within minutes, revealing a tall, slender man with aquiline features and meticulously groomed gray hair.

"Sorry to keep you waiting. I'm Walther Apfel. Let's proceed with the formalities, shall we" he smiled, sitting down at the chair next to Robert. "Your ID please" he asked politely. The man put Robert's ID into the slot of a metal case on the right side of the desk between them and pressed a button; a shaft of bright light flared and then went out before the card is ejected. Giving it back to Robert, Mr. Apfel then picked up a white clipboard and hand it over. Secured in place was another sheet of stationery, but instead of two blank lines there were ten, starting below the letterhead and extending to within an inch of the bottom border. "Your signature, please. A minimum of five will be sufficient."

Keen to get it over with Robert filled all then spaces and handed the clipboard back. Walther detached the paper, put it on the same slot and the same procedure is repeated. "It seemed everything is in order" he glanced at the machine. "Please wait a while. The item you requested will be brought up" Walther smiled.

Robert let out a relief breath. "Is the transportation ready?" he asked to fill the time.

"It awaits you in the basement as instructed" Walther remarked. He got up to the beverage counter, took a Perrier and two glasses before returning. "It is only a short trip to the Depository Bank of Zurich" he poured a glass of Perrier for Robert and a little for himself.

Robert nodded and took a sip as the steel door on the opposite end reopened. Two bulky security guards appeared pushing a trolley with a sturdy crate on it. The trolley stopped in front of them and both guards stood in attention.

"I presumed you wanted to inspect both items before leaving?" Walther offered. When Robert agreed, he nodded to the guards. One of them opened the crate and unloaded two items from inside it, a bulky suitcase about 40x80 cm wide and 20 cm thick and a box 40x120 cm and 60 cm thick. He placed both items on the floor before stepping back. Robert got up and squatted in front of both items as he visually inspected their outside casing for scratch marks and other evidence of tampering as Al instructed.

"If you need to inspect their content in private we would gladly leave the room," Walther offered in a somewhat puzzled tone after Robert got back to his seat.

"No need. My employer explicitly said that any attempt to extract their content with force will result in a small explosion" Robert replied, holding his laughter at the shocked expression of those present. "Could you put a security tape on both items?" Robert asked. The guard dutifully obeyed, putting both items into the crate afterwards and sealing the crate.

"The guards will accompany you for your journey," Walther explained. "Please give your employer our best regards," he added before parting.

The journey itself is uneventful. Robert was surprised to find that they would be traveling in a bulletproof X5 instead of the bank's armored car as he expected. The car and its escort speed along the motorway and arrived in half an hour at the Depository Bank of Zurich. A uniformed guard stood at the entrance, waiting for them and upon their arrival opened the gate to the basement's parking lot. Down there another guard stood by the entrance, trolley in hand. Wordlessly the Gemeinschaft guard unloaded the crate's content to a heavy molded black plastic box prepared by the Depository Bank of Zurich's team. Robert thanked his accompanying guards before he followed the trolley through a short hall to a metallic elevator.

Robert was surprised to see one of the guards inserted a key instead of pressing a button and the elevator rocketed downwards. Once they got out Robert saw a meticulous middle age man wearing a neatly pressed flannel suit.

"Welcome, Mr. Massey. My name is Claude Rocco. Follow me please" the man walked a few twist and turn along the hallway before entering a room.

The waiting room at the Depository Bank of Zurich was no less exquisite than the one at Gemeinschaft. It has the same furniture and accessories albeit in industrialist style. Claude motioned Robert to take one of the plush comfort chairs as he sat in front of him with the guard and his trolley slightly to the side.

"Do you bring all the necessary formalities?" Claude asked, lightly. Wordlessly Robert tensely reached inside his briefcase, withdrew a folder and hand it over to Claude who extracted some forms with several documents clipped on it. Silently he reviewed the documents before filling in some parts of the attached forms. "And how would you pay for the rental fee?" Claude looked up to Robert.

Once again, Robert reached inside his briefcase, this time withdrawing a medium sized envelope. "In cash" Robert answered, handing over the envelope. Claude took a penknife to slot it open and counted the bills within. Satisfied, Claude proceeded with the forms.

As he reached the final form, Claude raised his eyebrows and looked up. "You wish to transfer that box to our branch in Amsterdam?" he verified.

"That is my instruction" Robert responded. "Such things are allowed by the scheme my client subscribed, isn't it?" he gave a small tense smile.

"Of course" Claude composed himself before continuing with the form. Finally, he took a stamp from the table's drawer and stamped all of them, before putting the forms one by one on a metal slot next to him. "Would you like a drink while we wait for your key to be engraved?" Claude offered.

"Perrier would be nice" Robert smiled recalling his previous drink at Gemeinschaft.

Sure enough, the same procedures were repeated, only the model of the glass is different. "Since you subscribed to our international VIP scheme I need to remind you to check first with our local branch before making any withdrawal. It would take three to eight days for your deposit to be transferred, depending on where it is stored," Claude advised, Robert just nodded his acknowledgement. "Do you need anything else?" Claude inquired.

"Do you have one of those sealed envelope for me to put the key?" Robert asked.

"I'll get one" Claude left the room and appeared a few minutes later with a receptionist carrying a tray. "Your key is ready," he announced, giving Robert a small rectangular box like a fountain pen casing with a plastic top. Inside of it, lay a laser puckered gold key. "And this is your account number" he gave a small envelope with a card inside and a ten digit number typed on it. Claude nodded to the receptionist, dismissing her. "Would you like to make the deposit?" Claude offered.

When Robert nodded the guard immediately lifted the plastic box and placed it on a protruding conveyor belt nearby. "Please insert your key here" Claude motioned to a terminal next to the conveyor belt. "Now typed in your account number and press enter," he instructed once Robert put in the key. Upon the press of enter the conveyor belt retracted the box into the bank vault. "You wish to seal the key?" Claude took out a piece of brown envelope. Robert silently gave him the card and key, watch as Claude taped the small envelope and the key's case, put them inside the envelope, sealed them with wax and hand it over. "Thank you for choosing Depository Bank of Zurich. I'll escort you outside" Claude smiled.

Robert felt his step lighter as he got outside of the building. Finally, he smiled as he hailed a cab to the airport. He still has two hours before his three o'clock flight. He decided to have lunch at the airport and kill his remaining time there since he still have to post the key to Al and the airport's post office was the safest place to do so.

At present, Robert let out a weary sigh. "Five thousand dollars for a day of being a courier" he muttered. "I wonder what's on those boxes"

(The Farm, 18 Feb 2006, morning)

The Farm have all sorts of rooms from large forty seat classrooms, medium ten seat conference rooms to small five seat interrogation rooms. Sousuke Sagara sat forlorn on a bench nearby one of the later. Last night two men arrived at the Farm, making the total occupant rise to twelve people since the course has ended three days ago and almost all the participants have left. Early this morning all seven field operative candidates were called one by one for their final briefing.

Sousuke stared at the blank wall ahead, trying to suppress his boredom. He will be the last one to enter the room, everyone else that entered before him left after spending roughly fifteen minutes inside, carrying some sort of folder and went back to their room without speaking to the others. Seven times fifteen equaled to thirty-five minutes of total silence since the rest of the candidates were too nervous to make small talk.

Finally, the dreaded door opened, ejecting two men, Hans with a folder on his hand and a man with trimmed moustache and goatee wearing a black visor. For a moment, their gaze met before Hans nervously scurried back to his room. The spectacled man gestured to Sousuke, telling him to enter the room. Once inside he closed the door and pointed at one of the chair, telling Sousuke to sit down.

Sousuke glanced around the room, noticing that nothing was changed. In front of him, across the table there were two chairs similar to his own. The goatee man sat on one, while another man also wearing dark glasses but without facial hair sat on the other. Luckily none of the man wore black, opting for blue and grey suits instead or else they would be called Men in Black.

"Sergeant First Class Sousuke Sagara, you have passed the initial selection and made it through the courses. Now you will face the final test. In the folder in front of you are details of your test. Do you feel ready to take it?" The clean-shaven man asked.

"Anything you can tell me beforehand?" Sousuke hedged.

"You are required to use the same level of Candace and stealth as if you are executing a real mission. In fact we have designed it to be tougher than a real mission" his partner answered. Sousuke's eyebrow shot up hearing his reply. "You will be given ample time for preparation" he added, catching his worry. "Should you refuse, your name will automatically crossed out and banned from future selection"

"Will I still be eligible for them if I refused this mission?" Sousuke asked.

"We cannot forbid a person from entering the selection" his partner replied matter-of-factly. (But you will never pass it) Sousuke can clearly hear the unsaid message.

"So, what's your answer" the first man asked.

"I accept" Sousuke replied after thinking for a few moments.

"Good" the goatee man shoved the folder to his direction. Please study that in your room, those are for your eyes only. Any leak of information will lead to your immediate termination. You are on your own, my partner and I won't be available for answering your question. You are required to leave this place two days from now. Good luck," the man dismissed him.

(Marseilles, 18 Feb 2006, midday)

"Are you sure we're at the right place?" Ben asked.

"For the umpteenth time Ben. Yes!" the usually stoic Shrikant almost yelled.

"Sorry" Ben grimaced. "This place looks boring," he pouted. "Can't they use a better interior designer?" Ben pointed to the overhanging railing and white floor covering.

"This is the biggest data center hosting in France, idiot," Luc hissed. "Those were ceiling mounted conduit and we're probably walking on raised floor. In here, function comes before beauty"

"Stop arguing, we're here" Shrikant announced as they got to a metal door with palm reader machine attached next to it. Currently the door was opened to they can see a flurry of activity inside. Several people with identical coveralls were inside the 8 x 8 m room. Two rows of five racks each stood at the front, while at the third row only three were present. One of the people looked up to the four people recently arrived.

"Ah, Mr. Shrikant. You guys were on time" A spectacled man with curly pale blond hair stepped forward.

"Jim, nice to see your people working hard" Shrikant smiled, shaking Jim's hand. "These are the rest of the gang" Shrikant nodded toward the others. "Guys this is Jim Morris, one of the guys that ran this place" he introduced. Shakes and nods were exchanged that they greet each other. "So how are things going?" Shrikant asked.

"Well, we were just finished putting all the system back together" Jim answered, walking to the front with the rest of them following behind. "The first row is for the new servers, each has four blade enclosures only half filled right now," he pointed to the foremost row. "We placed your old servers on the second row," he pointed to three racks at the far end. "These two are your storage, also new. Each has four disk arrays," Jim pointed to the two racks near him, filled halfway with hard drives.

Jim walked to the back where a single rack stood at the far corner. "That is your backup machine, two tape drives and their controller"

"The room is still empty. Aren't there supposed to be other servers here?" Shrikant asked.

"This is private room for your servers only," Jim answered. Shrikant looked at him surprised. "Mr. Schneider's order. He wanted the extra security" he shrugged.

"What are those?" Ben pointed to six machines at the far corner.

"Mr. Schneider's private machine. Maybe that's also why he wanted a private room," Jim said nonchalantly. One of his men waved him over. "Excuse me, I must return to my work" he walked over to his team.

Luc walked towards the six machines, examining them intently. Curious he called Shrikant. "Tell me what you see," he pointed to the machines.

Shrikant peeked closer. "Looks like a Cray, four of them. Those two seemed to be some sort of storage"

"Why would Mr. Schneider need four Cray for?" Luc asked, puzzled.

"Don't know, he didn't tell me" Shrikant shrugged. "We better concentrate on our machines" he motioned Luc to come forward to where Jim and his team were working.

(The Farm, 18 Feb 2006, evening)

Sousuke sat on his mattress with his back against the headboard. On his lap, the content of his folder were scattered. On his right by the bed scattered some photos of a man in his early thirties. On his left a plane ticket and a key to some sort of safe deposit box. On his hand a letter detailing his mission, which he was reading.

Target Name: Klaus Johannsen

Residence: Germany

Objective:

1. Detain the above subject and bring him by force if necessary to Switzerland before 16 March.

2. Successfully evading capture, surveillance or pursue by local authorities or other parties.

3. Use of non-lethal force is authorized against the said subject and anyone in his employment. Use of any lethal force is prohibited.

Additional info:

1. Cash and identities are provided in a safe deposit box on Frankfurt Airport. Key is enclosed, as well as one-way airline ticket to said destination. Any intel update or change in mission objectives will be put there by the time of your arrival.

2. Should any problem arise with the local authorities, the department will disavow any knowledge of your action.

3. The department will not be responsible for any injuries, self-inflicted or otherwise that befall you or any other parties during your mission.

4. Should any information pertinent to this mission is leaked to unauthorized parties, severe repercussion will be taken.

5. In the event of extreme emergencies or to voluntary withdraw please call the following number (+60 81 345879)

Please destroy this letter upon reading.

Sousuke memorized the given name and addresses taking a deep breath he crumpled the letter and put it on an ashtray beside his bed before proceeding to burn it. As the paper blackened, he took out his notebook and booted it up. He opened a chat window

Forming Private Room Brainstorm.

SpecialistU9 invited HumanoidAl to join Brainstorm

[SpecialistU9 We have a mission

Sousuke recounted the briefing he got as well as the mission and objectives as stated on the paper. Al gave a few short questions in between but otherwise was silent.

[HumanoidAl So, what do you think?

[SpecialistU9 There's got to be more to this than what meets the eye.

[HumanoidAl You're just being paranoid.

[SpecialistU9 Am I? Abduction is impossible to accomplish alone. Yet that is what they demanded.

[HumanoidAl You could hire partners; they say that they provide funds.

[SpecialistU9 That would mean leaking the mission. Moreover, they don't say how much is provided, what if it wasn't enough.

[HumanoidAl So maybe successful abduction wasn't the true objectives. What about evading whatever in point 2?

[SpecialistU9 Too vague, especially the part concerning the other parties.

[HumanoidAl Make a guess then?

[SpecialistU9 Custom officers, law enforcement agencies, or even local criminals maybe.

[HumanoidAl Please elaborate

[SpecialistU9 If I am a high profile target and I know someone is out there to get me, I would build detection net so that any possible threat can be identified early. The best way is to put a custom official or two on your payroll. Said person would then be put under surveillance to assess their threat level. This can be done by enlisting the help of local law enforcement agencies or private eyes. Finally, they will be dealt with accordingly, probably by paying the local thugs.

[HumanoidAl Therefore, to circumvent those fates you must find a way to slip through their net, right.

[SpecialistU9 It's not as easy as it sound, but yes, that's the gist of it.

[HumanoidAl In theory, how does one do that?

[SpecialistU9 First, find out whom you are dealing with. That will give you some insight on how extreme their action will be. Then you made separate plan, depending on their course of action.

[HumanoidAl Sounds like a good plan to me :D

[SpecialistU9 However, I don't have the faintest idea who is our opponent.

[HumanoidAl light bulb May I suggest we do recon by fire to find out?

[SpecialistU9 confused Please elaborate.

(Ontario – Canada, 18 Feb 2007, night)

It was an ordinary conference room; the blinds were drawn dimming the room. It has polished teak table with eight standard swivel chairs around it. A projector hung on the ceiling displayed a blow up photographs of the selection candidates on a retracted screen hung in front of it. Five people sat there with various postures, each with a folder in front of them. A small and wry man dressed neatly in a long sleeved shirt and a tie sat at one corner, his fingers were steepled under his chin as he sat back. Next to him sat a thin but muscular man in an alert posture, his sleeved were rolled to his elbows. His face was clean-shaven and his eyes darted around taking note of everything.

Across them sat two others, a medium height man with blonde hair wearing a glasses and a young female with short-cropped hair and watchful eyes. Her tunic was unbuttoned, showing a pistol holster under her left arm. The man wore a casual suit and had a pair of equally watchful eyes under his glasses.

"So Tony, what does your man thought about the candidates?" the rolled sleeved man asked to the glasses man. Peter Whittington is the head of Special Operative section; he will be the boss for those who passed selection.

"They don't like the mission but none had refused or voiced their objection," Tony reported. Tony Crenshaw is the head of Human Intelligence Section; he supervised all the case officers as well as surveillance teams.

"Tell us about your setup, then" the short hair woman spoke. Claire Hoppers is in charge of security teams, including those guarding the safe houses.

"As instructed, everyone is given a folder outlining their mission objectives, an airline ticket and a locker key were the most updated intel as well as operational funds were stored" Tony reported.

"Did you spread the destination?" Peter asked.

"Yes" Tony nodded, he pressed a button and the screen displayed a mockup map of Europe with several colored pins on various locations. "Each departs within the next four days. Two went to Heathrow, two to Zurich, one to Schipol, one to Munich and one to Frankfurt"

"Do you manage to talk our partners into posting a team on each city?" Claire Asked curiously.

"I do, a four person INTERPOL team plus two of our ELINT people covering each candidate" Tony nodded proudly. "Our two person local team on each city will be backup in case needed"

"That would probably be enough," Peter noted. "What about security on each target, Claire?"

"Each safe house is a remote villa, equipped with the latest surveillance equipment and intrusion detection system. Any aberration will trigger notify the nearest police stations. Even if they managed to sneak in undetected, getting out with the target would be impossible, I just don't see how one man will be able to abduct the targets without raising havoc," Claire reported.

"Which would be the original purpose isn't it?" Peter smiled. "Subtle reminder that they should never double cross us for their former masters" he added grimly. "That why we do this periodically"

"Made sure none of you screw up" the neatly dressed man spoke suddenly. "I don't want any of those pansies to slip through your net. Especially that young boy" he growled.

"Yes general" Tony and Claire said in unison.

(Melbourne, 18 Feb 2006, noon)

A container truck slowly backed its end towards the factory's warehouse. Matt winced as he saw the container's butt approached the warehouse gate.

"Relax, the gate is big enough for them" Charles chuckled beside him. "I never thought that I am going to see a container here again. Even if it's only making a delivery," he sighed.

"Al and his mysterious gifts" Matt muttered. "As if we aren't running full steam already" he shook his head.

"Relax, those four fresh grads can handle the mass production work. You are good at R&D, that's why Al kept sending you those crazy blueprints" Charles smiled.

"Electronics I can handle but robots was out of my league" Matt whined.

"I'll help you in any way I can" Charles gave Matt a reassuring pat.

Their conversation was interrupted by a loud braking sound. The container stopped with its rear end three quarter inside. Two men scurried to open its door and put a landing platform for the forklift. Finished, they waved the forklift driver to come inside.

Five minutes later, the forklift emerged, carrying the first wooden pallet about 2 m in height and 1 m wide. On its side, MARSUPIAL A was written in bold lettering. The forklift deposited the cargo at the end of the warehouse and went back to fetch the other crates. Within half an hour, all crates were pilled across the back. Another ten minutes and the container started to leave the factory.

Soon Matt and Charles were left alone with eight crates labeled accordingly. Matt stood near the crates, observing them closely as if a monster will suddenly sprung up from inside. Charles walked to a table placed on one side of the wall. On it were stacked eight big folders, one meter long and sixty centimeters wide. "Which one you wanted to examine first?" Charles asked Matt.

"Anyone will do" Matt answered, shrugging.

"The topmost then" Charles decided. "MARSUPIAL F" he read the cover title of the topmost folder.

"F it is then" Matt remarked, approaching the said crate with crowbar in hand.

(Al's virtual plane, 18 Feb 2006)

The light was dimmed at Al's workspace so that one would assume that it was nighttime, if there was any sense of time there. Al stretched down on his comfort chair, his eyes staring in front of him an slightly above, where a virtual board can be seen hovering in the air. The board contained scribbles of information, from a task list at the upper left corner or a budgeting corner on the upper right to the nonsense scrap at the bottom left. It was on these regions that Al fixed his gaze, reading the scrupulous jots.

(Too vague) That was Sousuke's initial remark after he narrated his briefing. (I don't know if this will work) That was what Sousuke said after Al outlined his plan.

Al sighed as he shifted slightly. Sousuke maybe paranoid, but after hearing the briefing Al find himself in the same position. "For a trial that is tougher than a real mission something just doesn't add up" he muttered. His eyes flickered to the last scribble on the board. (TRUST NO ONE) he smiled. It was one thing that both he and Sousuke agreed upon. His eyes traveled to the budgeting list on the upper right corner. As Al caught the first three rows, he sighed and slumped on his chair. The lists were as follows.

1 Preparation

Transportation (Airline ticket, etc) : USD 400

Accommodation & meals (3 days) : USD 300

Clothing : USD 300

"What an irony" he muttered. "A millionaire, yet you don't have enough cash at hand" he brooded, as if blaming himself for putting his wealth under different identities. He was lucky that Sousuke still have some cash, about five hundred dollars, having spent very little for the last five months. Still, they don't have enough to sustain Sousuke for a couple of days since his cash cannot be withdrawn until they were sure that it is safe to do so. They would have to borrow some cash and there is only one person left in town that they can ask.

"Time to see if Gwen can be trusted" Al muttered.

(Vancouver, 19 Feb 2006)

Sousuke sat on the same bus stop that he frequented, his Bergen by his foot while Al's backpack sat on his lap. A few minutes later a green Volvo pulled over, it front passenger window wound down revealing Gwen Gillespie behind the wheel.

"Hop right in" she smiled, a tinted sunglasses adorned her face, her hair tied into a ponytail. A blue top hung loosely on her shoulder.

Sousuke placed his Bergen and backpack into Gwen's boot, squeezing between her suitcases. Then he got into the car and strapped in.

"Are you sure you won't get into trouble for this?" Sousuke asked once they were on their way.

"I am heading out of town; the airport is more or less on the way. I also got careless and left the note containing the name and address of my contact in plain view" Gwen waved a small slip of paper.

"Thanks" Sousuke plucked the paper and pocketed it.

"No sweat" Gwen shrugged. "I meant what I said on our date. Anything I can do to help. Anything," she emphasized.

Sousuke's eyes flickered to Gwen's face, reading her expression. "What will you do if they showed up back home with a full interrogation team?" he asked in a worried tone.

"I'll make up a story, a believable one" Gwen smiled. "I won't let you down" she squeezed Sousuke's shoulder lightly.

Sousuke stared hard at Gwen. His mind however wandered back to their date five days ago

-- Flashback begin --

Their date began after the day's training is over. Gwen dragged him to her car and zipped into town. They went to the nearest park, one that has open-air restaurant nearby. They arrived at six o'clock and the sky is already dark. The restaurant was Italian, built with red stucco wall. Half of its seats were outside, round table with two or four chairs around it, resting upon cobblestones. The only sources of illuminations were series of lamppost scattered around the tables.

Other couples already took Three quarters of the seats. Gwen picked one of the remaining tables while Sousuke called the waiter to take their order.

"Hope they hurried, we don't have much time" Gwen remarked. Sousuke nodded his approval, tomorrow there will be a final test for the entire trainee so both of them can't stay up late.

Fifteen minutes later, their order arrived consisting of a sizzling tenderloin steak for Sousuke and steaming tuna spaghetti for Gwen. As they eat, they chatted some about how the training progressed. Half an hour later the waiter appeared, carrying a mocca-chocolate and a vanilla-strawberry ice cream.

"... it made Kurz pissed off" Sousuke smirked, telling the latest blunder of his blonde-haired companion. Gwen smiled before stilling a yawn. "Sleepy already? Maybe we should cut this short," he offered.

"No way!" Gwen furiously shook her head. "I intend to enjoy my first valentine in a long time to the fullest" she waved her spoon. Sousuke looked at her concerned. "You're sloppy. There's ice cream on your mouth" Gwen changed the topic.

"So do you" Sousuke retorted. He took a napkin and dabbed his mouth.

"You left some" Gwen grabbed a napkin and leaned forward. "Hold still" she lightly dabbed Sousuke's chin. "There, all clean" she pronounced, satisfied. "Now your turn" Gwen leaned her face towards Sousuke.

Hesitantly Sousuke took another napkin, before leaning over and dabbed Gwen's mouth. Several times he titled her chin so that he can see better. Gwen's eyes fluttered shut, her cheek felt aflame as Sousuke's finger brushed her skin.

"All clean" Sousuke pronounced. "Gwen?" he asked when he saw Gwen still frozen.

"Ah … yes" Gwen's eyes opened. Quickly she retracted herself, keeping her gaze downward to hide her blush. "I guess I am finished," she pronounced, putting her spoon on the table.

"I'll settle the bill then" Sousuke rise and went inside.

Gwen sat stupefied; her hand wrung her napkin under the table. Her mind replayed the sensation she just felt, the way his finger touched her skin. She wondered how it felt if those were ... his lips.

"Gwen" she felt a light tap on her shoulder. Suddenly Sousuke was standing next to her. "Come on" he reached toward Gwen's arm, assisting her. "Maybe we really should go back, you seemed tired" he frown.

Gwen sling her purse on her shoulder, her right hand grabbed Sousuke's arm. "I wanted to take a walk. The fresh air would do me good," she pleaded. Sousuke stared at her for a moment before nodding.

So they walked around the park, following the winding cobblestone path. Gwen leaned against Sousuke's left arm, her arms clasped around his. On the way, they met several couple holding hands. For some minutes, they walked in silence since Sousuke have no idea what to say and Gwen's wasn't in the mood for small talk. Suddenly in front of them, they saw an opening. It was round in shape, about five meters in diameter and brightly lighted. At the other end, a much wider path leads to a classical style restaurant. They can see its big window, the brightly lighted chandelier and hear the classical orchestra playing.

Gwen led them to the center. "Let's dance," she said as the orchestra started to play a slow song.

"I don't know how," Sousuke admitted.

"I'll lead" Gwen turned to face Sousuke, and then she took both of his arm and placed them together behind her waist. She stepped closer and placed her arm around Sousuke's neck, and then she closed her eyes and began to sway along with the music.

Sousuke tried to keep up and before long found a tempo he was comfortable with. His arm unconsciously tightened, drawing Gwen's close to him, which she reciprocated. Soon they were lost in the music. Along the way, Sousuke closed his eyed, letting his mind wandered.

Her eyes closed and her body flushed with Sousuke's, Gwen found her already racing heart beat even faster. She savored Sousuke's heat against her skin reveled his steady heartbeat and inhaled his scent, the smell of gunpowder mingled with musk, her mind went into overdrive. Much too soon she felt the music stop, forcing them to stood still. Gwen's eye fluttered open, finding Sousuke's face above her, angled downward with his eyes still closed. Riding on the moment Gwen tiptoed and brushed her lips against Sousuke.

The contact brought Sousuke back home. Reluctantly he opened his eyes, hoping to find the cause of a strange sensation on his lips.

(His lips felt different, calloused and rough. More!) Gwen's mind shouted. Seeing Sousuke's eyes opened, quickly she stretched herself and kissed him fully.

Surprised, Sousuke's eyes fully opened giving him a closed up view on Gwen's face. As his grey eyes met her chocolate gaze, Sousuke found himself frozen. Slowly he saw Gwen receeded to her initial position while keeping her gaze locked with his. (Why?) His eyes communicate his question.

"Sousuke Sagara, I think I've fallen for you," Gwen muttered, resting her cheek on his chest. She immediately regretted saying the word since Sousuke suddenly stiffened and took a step back.

"I'm sorry," he muttered. "I don't think that I'm the one for you" he released his arms that have been resting on Gwen's shoulder.

"I'm not your type, am I" Gwen turned around, hiding her face from Sousuke. "Will I ever be the one for you?" she asked, biting her lip to prevent her from crying.

"Maybe you could. But I can't let you take that chances" Sousuke took a step forward and gingerly placed his hand on Gwen's shoulder. "I had disappointed a girl and broke down another's heart. I couldn't strung you up" he whispered.

"I'll wait" Gwen decided, turning around. Sousuke diminutively shook his head. "I wanted to" she stubbornly said.

"Let's just be friends" Sousuke smiled.

"Friends with benefit?" Gwen coyly suggested, throwing her arms around Sousuke's neck.

"Just friends" Sousuke emphasized, gently prying out Gwen's arms. "Real friends" he pleaded. "One that is there when needed" he gazed at her hazel eyes. "Please?" he put on his best puppy eyes look.

Gwen was about to protest when she saw Sousuke's expression. Letting out a deep sigh, Gwen nodded. "Fine, but if you need anything, just ask. OK? I'll do my best to help," she stated.

-- Flashback end --

"If something does come up, email me," Sousuke instructed. "Don't call. My cell phone won't be available for at least a month," he added, giving Gwen a worried glance.

"Don't worry, I'll do that" Gwen answered in a calm tone.

"Mind if I shut my eyes? I was up to two in the morning, planning" Sousuke yawned.

"Go ahead, you need the rest" Gwen assured with a smile. Her eyes however were fixed to the road ahead.

(Witwatersrand, 19 Feb 2006, night)

Tessa sat over a pile of paperwork, stifling a yawn. (10:30). She looked at her diminishing paperwork. (Maybe I should finish this tomorrow) Tessa contemplated closing the night. A ding over her notebook interrupted her train of thought. She pressed a key and waited for the screen to turn on.

A chat window appeared with the following written on it.

Private Room Discussion formed.

HumanoidAl invited AnthazRose to join Discussion

[HumanoidAl Did I catch you at a bad time?

Tessa smiled. Looks like she would have to postpone the paperwork. She leaned over and typed.

[AnthazRose You just saved me from a pile of hungry paperwork :D. What's up?

[HumanoidAl Grinned Training question. What made a guy happy?

[AnthazRose He just received his favorite gift? Or maybe a wonderful news? Is this about Urzu-9?

[HumanoidAl Yes, he seemed to be in a good mood lately.

[AnthazRose How can you tell?

[HumanoidAl He no longer asked me to shut up when I blabber in chat. He just said that I am blabbering.

[AnthazRose Maybe he got used to it.

[HumanoidAl He even attempted a joke.

[AnthazRose How do you know that it was a joke?

[HumanoidAl He told me after I said that I don't understand his meaning.

[AnthazRose Maybe he passed the course with excellence.

[HumanoidAl His grade was good, but it happened even before the exams.

[AnthazRose Did you ask him why he was in such a good mood?

[HumanoidAl He said that he had a good time. I know what a bad time was and I assume a good time is the opposite.

[AnthazRose Which is?

[HumanoidAl A convenient time. I failed to understand how it could make him happy.

[AnthazRose LOL ... A good time meant that he enjoy the activities that he was doing at that time?

[HumanoidAl Puzzled Does that mean that going out with a female is classified as an enjoyable activity?

Tessa felt her breath caught up on her throat. She reread the thread to make sure that she has it right. Cautiously Tessa typed her question.

[AnthazRose What exactly did he said he was doing at that time? How exactly do you asked him?

[HumanoidAl Thinking

Begin quote

Me: You seemed to be in a good mood.

Him: I have a good time.

Me: When?

Him: Two days ago.

Me: When you leave the compound? What happened?

Him: Nothing, I am just going out with Gwen.

End quote.

Again, Tessa reread the thread to make sure that the meaning was clear. With shaking fingers, Tessa typed her next question.

[AnthazRose Who is Gwen?

[HumanoidAl One of the co-instructor of the course. He mentioned that she tried to befriend him. So, does spending time with a female an enjoyable activity?

(Just a co-instructor) Tessa took a relief breath. (Trying to befriend Sousuke? Why?) Tessa frowned. Carefully she typed her answer.

[AnthazRose It depends on your relationship with the female in question. If you were in a close relationship, it can be enjoyable.

[HumanoidAl Define close relationship.

[AnthazRose Colleague, friends, families. Lovers.

Tessa felt her chest constrict as she typed the last word. (What does she meant to you, Sousuke?)

[HumanoidAl How can we differentiate among those types of relationships?

[AnthazRose You have to ask those involved in it

[HumanoidAl Then I will have to ask Sousuke for confirmation

Tessa took a deep breath, trying to calm down her rampant mind. (Calm down. She was just being friendly) she echoed. (Yeah right. Looks like a date to me) her cynical side sneered.

[AnthazRose If you do, don't mention my part in this, OK?

[HumanoidAl Understood.

Private Room Discussion dismantled.

HumanoidAl signed out.

Tessa leaned back on her chair, her brows furrowed. (Why am I bothered?) Tessa sighed, looking down at the stack of papers on her table. (At this rate I won't be able to get any work done) she massaged her temple. (Better turned in for the right) Tessa rose and prepared to leave.

(Vancouver International Airport, 19 Feb 2007, morning)

If there were a single word to describe Herbert Willoughby, it would be ordinary. His height and weight is average, slightly fat with short blond hair and light blue eyes. Even his glasses and clothing indicated that he was an ordinary traveling executive, wearing a blue pinstripe suit and trousers. Nobody would guess that his appearance has been meticulously planned so that he would be invisible among the airport's passengers.

Right now Herbert occupied one of the chair placed on the arrival lounge with a newspaper on his hand. His perch allowed him to have a vantage point of view on both the security gate and the boarding gate. His eyes scanned every passenger that enter or leave both gates; comparing them with a list of memorized photograph he was given. Plopped by his feet was a briefcase, containing a laptop, several paperbacks and other items to kill his time. A handsfree dangled over his left ear and went inside his suit. The brass up there has been kind enough to restrict the candidates' mission destination to Europe and scattered their departure on two days schedule. That means that Herbert would only need to focus on one candidate at a time for a short period and resting in between.

Herbert yawned from behind his newspaper. He has been up here by six since one of the candidates was scheduled on a seven o'clock flight. He was going to get some rest afterwards when a frantic call woke him up at eight thirty. The team outside the camp reported that Sousuke Sagara was seen leaving the perimeter with all his belongings. Therefore, he needed to be alert just in case the Mr. Sagara decided to go here.

Herbert looked up from his newspaper to see the man he was waiting for passed the security gate. Sagara slung a large backpack over his right shoulder. Wearing boots and khaki trousers, he looked very much like a soldier.

(Sousuke Sagara) Herbert recognized him immediately. (Look's like they were right. He is early) he frowned. His corner vision caught Sousuke heading to a bench two row from his before sitting at the corner, facing away from him. Herbert recalled the flight itinerary for Mr. Sagara.

(KLM flight Vancouver - Frankfurt, 17:00 tomorrow. This is barely 10 AM and he's a day early) Herbert knitted his brows as he saw Sagara approached the Air Transat counter. His brows deepened as he saw Sagara exchanged some money for a new ticket instead of using the one he was given. (Why does he buy another ticket? Does he want to leave early?) Herbert glanced around the terminal but finding nothing suspicious.

Focusing back to the airline counter Herbert saw Sagara handing over his Bergen before returning to the bench with his rucksack. Herbert was further puzzled when Sagara leaned back but kept his gaze to the Air France - KLM counter. (He was staking the counter) Herbert silently cursed. Now he can't risk walking over the counter for an inquiry since he would be tagged immediately. Slowly Herbert reached out for his cell phone and relayed his situation.

Fifteen minutes later Herbert cell phone vibrated. Discreetly he accepted the call and listened in. "James is heading to the terminal right now, ETA twenty minutes. We are trying to secure him a seat for the nearest Air Transat flight. Inform if there is any update," a voice narrated from the other end before the call disconnected.

Herbert wiped the cold sweat on his forehead, looking up to the ever-changing information board. (Air Transat-725, departure 11:00) Herbert glanced at his watch. (10:15, Can James make it for this one?) He noted that two Air Transat attendants started to head to a nearby boarding gate. Suddenly a cold fear gripped Herbert's heart as he noticed that Sagara now alternate his gaze to between the airline counter and the boarding gate, his posture alert. (It couldn't be) Herbert's mind screamed, his hand franticly reached inside his suit for his cell phone. "Subject probably intent to board the 11:00 flight to Amsterdam" Herbert reported in an alarmed tone

Twenty minutes later, a man in a casual business attire walked hurriedly towards the Air Transat counter. He hotly debated with the attendant before finally given a ticket and retreating to a nearby bench. Herbert noticed that Sagara scrutinized the man as if memorizing his appearance. (Looks like he got you marked, James) he wryly noted. Silently Herbert relayed the information via his cellular phone.

Five minutes later, a tannoy sounded on the terminal. "Air Transat flights 725 to Amsterdam, all passengers please board the plane" Herbert saw Sagara examined the trickle of passengers heading to the boarding gate. (He isn't planning a ruse, isn't he?) Herbert wondered in fear. He noticed that James still sat at his seat, unsure about what he should do.

"Final calls for Air Transat flight 725 to Amsterdam, all passengers please board the plane" the tannoy resounded. Herbert let out a relief breath when he saw Sagara rise and entered the boarding gate. Seeing Sagara entering the gate, James got up and board. However, Sagara suddenly turned around once he walked past the gate and nodded once to James before resuming his steps. James feign puzzlement as he crossed the gate, the attendant close it behind him

"Subject boards the 11:00 flight to Amsterdam," Herbert reported via his phone. "James is definitely burned," he warned, before slumping down on his bench exhausted.

(Al's virtual space, 20 Feb 2006)

Al sat on his cushion chair, sipping a daiquiri while his eyes were fixed to the display in front of him. A holographic projection, they showed a 3D wire frame model of Klaus Johansenn's residence. For the past days, his specialized bots were busy digging up any information related to the said subject since his preliminary search wielded nothing. Al even went into hacking the take from NRO recon satellites that passed the area.

Around the model, several screen also displayed various background info on the house's residences. Currently he was concentrating on Klaus himself.

"Subject Klaus Johannsen, age thirty seven. Married to Carla Johannsen, age thirty-two. Have one daughter, Sophie Johannsen, age seven. Current occupation banking consultant, said to work from his home," Al narrated. "Wife Carla used to be a model, but retired after she gave birth to Sophie" he took another sip of his drink. "Looks like a standard wealthy family" he murmured. "Too ordinary" he shook his head.

With a wave of his hand, another screen popped up, bringing some kind of chat history. The screen flickered as it scrolled down quickly and suddenly stopped at a particular section.

[SpecialistU6 There's got to be more to this than what meets the eye.

Al redirected his glance to another screen at the bottom. It has a Mithril logo on it and titled Personnel Search. In the middle of the screen, blinking in bold lettering were the words "NOT FOUND".

"Perhaps this IS a real mission," Al pronounced. "Said subjects were not on Mithril employment list, so its time to widen the search" he flicked a finger.

Eight new screens popped up, displaying logos of various law enforcement agencies. Immediately they flickered and scrolled rapidly as Al's bots crawled over their databases. Another flick of fingers and all the other screens disappeared, leaving the 3D model and search screens. Al shut his eyes and about to reclined on his chair when a ding sounded. Opening one eye, he saw a new screen popped up.

ALERT TRIGGERED. MESSAGE DISPLAYED

Team A, subject has taken a different flight, ETA 07:00 hours local time. Prepare for immediate relocation.

(Bingo) Al smirked, noticing the Mithril logo he placed on the screen. (Now we knew who is responsible). Quickly Al displayed his messenger screen. "Honey pot success. The mother bee will follow Pooh," he typed. "Looks like my paranoia paid off" he muttered.

(Schipol Airport Amsterdam, 20 Feb 2006, morning)

Schipol airport have an upturned U shape with its foot stretched to the side. Each section is called a hall where various concourses are connected. It has three floors, the first one for arrivals, the second one for departures and the third for various airlines lounge. It housed various facilities such as shops, restaurant and even several post offices.

A slightly hurried Sousuke Sagara made his way through the thicket of passengers on the Amsterdam International Airport. Every once a while he would turn around and watch his surrounding. Al's message made him agitated since a surveillance team would most definitely awaited his arrival, but so far he hasn't able to pinpoint them.

"It doesn't matter" Sousuke muttered, shrugging. He walked to the airport's post office. Rummaging his pocket Sousuke extracted a key, before making his way to the rows of post office box on the wall.

Before he joined the Selection, Sousuke had decided to rent a P.O. Box and forward all of his mails there. He figured that it would be the best solution since he would travel a lot within the next five months. It was sheer luck for him that he chose to rent one on Amsterdam International Airport. After glancing briefly around, Sousuke approached his box, open it and started inspecting its content.

(Not much) he sighed, seeing only a shopping catalog, his monthly subscription to the Guns & Ammo magazine and a sealed brown envelope. He took his time inspecting the envelope, making sure that it hasn't been opened before stuffing them in his rucksack. Closing the said bag, Sousuke glanced around once again. His eyes lingered on several people chatting nearby before resuming his steps to the baggage carousel.

(Schipol Airport, five minutes earlier)

"Air Transat announcing the arrival of flight 725 from Vancouver" a tannoy jingled throughout the airport's PA system followed by the same announcement in French.

Pieter Jaudzems yawned as he leaned against one of the terminal's pillar; he cursed his superior for giving him such a morning assignment. Pieter shifted his standing position before combing his unruly blond hair with his hand. Taking a few deep breaths to oxygenize his blood, he began to recall the detail of his mission.

Being part of the two man local HUMINT team, Pieter job dealt with gathering human intelligence, including but not limited to setting up contact network and conducting surveillance. In short, it was just like what secret agencies case officers do. Last night his sleep was interrupted by an urgent call. Thankfully, it was a brief one, just saying that there is a mission for him and the detail will follow. Fifteen minutes later, he got an email with a photo attached and a three-line instruction.

"Subject Sousuke Sagara, will arrive at Amsterdam International Airport at 7 o'clock local time via Air Trans flight 725. Ascertain his next destination or place of residence. Report upon finding".

Needless to say, he wasn't successful in resuming his sleep afterwards. The vibration of his cell phone startled him. "Pieter" he whispered to the earpiece. "I am on the luggage carrousel"

"Gotcha. I am at the other end. No visual so far" a man answered.

Pieter looked up to see his partner Ross Kuhlbert maneuvering himself to cover the other section of the luggage carousel. "Do you think he will show up?" he asked worriedly.

"The flight just arrived and we were told that he carry a Bergen with him, so I pretty sure he'll pass us" Ross replied before disconnecting the call.

Half-heartedly Pieter follow suit. As he pocketed his phone, he saw Sagara fighting his way through the crowd. Quickly he signaled Ross to get ready. Together they watched as Sousuke waited for the luggage to emerge, retrieving his Bergen and took an elevator to the second floor. They followed him to the KLM counter where Sousuke stood in line. Ross took the line behind him while Pieter watches from afar.

"Can I have a ticket for the 08:30 flight to Frankfurt as well as the return flight at 15:00?" Sousuke asked the attendant.

Behind him, Ross relayed the information via text message to Pieter while the attendant worked on Sousuke's order. Immediately Pieter made a secure call to their superior. "Please wait while the line is secured" a robotic voice sounded from the other end. Static ensued for several seconds before the call is picked up. "Hello?" a man voice called.

"Mr. Tony? This is Pieter from Amsterdam reporting in" Pieter whispered. "Subject bought a two way ticket to Frankfurt. Should we do the same?" Pieter listened for a few minutes. "Yes, sir. I understand," he replied before hanging up. Quickly he composed a reply to Ross.

Ross felt his phone vibrated as Sousuke about to finish his transaction. He pulled it out and discreetly read the message. (Just made sure that he boards the plane. Frankfurt team will meet him there. We'll greet him when he return). Ross pocketed his phone and saw Sousuke exited the line, having completed his business.

"What can I do for you, sir?" the attendant smiled at him.

"Ah, well … my boss told me to pickup some things on Paris and be back by dinner time. Do you have any flight that I can take?" Ross fabricated a lie.

Meanwhile Pieter noticed Sagara headed to a short term lockers where he took one and deposited his Bergen inside. Then Sagara headed to the departure hall and sat on one of the bench, waiting for his flight. Pieter took a seat a few meters behind him and settled in.

(Frankfurt International Airport, two hours later)

Sousuke walked slowly along the Frankfurt International Airport's concourse. He eyed the lockers just ahead, his hand tightened around the key in his pocket. Sousuke wearily looked around, trying to spot possible stakeout team. (It's no use, they have home field advantage and time to prepare) he mentally shrugged. Keeping his pace, Sousuke passed through the lockers, briefly glancing to determine his locker's location.

(There it is) his gaze pinpoints the fifth column from the right, second from top. Sousuke cross the hallway to the rows of bench in front of the lockers. He sat there while looking around. About fifty meters ahead Sousuke saw the sign for toilet. (That will have to do) he decided. Sousuke looked around the crowd of passengers moving about, many were alone but some were in groups of two to four. Up ahead, Sousuke saw a group of ten Japanese tourist heading his way with their tour guide at front, walking close to the wall.

(They will do) Sousuke measured his distance to the lockers and timed his move. Sousuke get to his locker and inserted his key when the tour guide was four meters away. He ran his finger along the locker's rim. Feeling nothing out of ordinary, he briefly turned around, casting a sweeping glance at the bench. (No one looked alarmed) he noted before turning back.

As the tour guide went past him, Sousuke yanked the locker door open. Peeking inside he saw a thick brown envelope and a thin medium sized one. Quickly Sousuke grabbed them, stuffing the thick one inside his bomber jacket and holding the thin one on his left. With his right hand, Sousuke close the locker just as the last Japanese tourist passed him. Closing the locker, Sousuke intended to left it unlocked with the keys hanging but at the last second he locked it and pocketed the key just in case.

Looking around once again, Sousuke slowly walked to the toilet. (No alarmed shout or unnecessary ruckus, probably a good sign) Sousuke thought aloud.

The toilet wasn't as crowded as he thought, only one man at the sink and one at the urinal. Sousuke picked the corner booth and settled himself on the toilet seat. Sousuke put the thin envelope on his lap. He felt around the envelope for thin wire or photoelectric strip but finding one except for a piece of paper inside. Ripping the envelope in the middle, Sousuke found a piece of paper neatly typed with background information on his target. He quickly memorized it and put it away. Then Sousuke took out the thick envelope. Again, he felt around the envelope before opening it the same way. The content felt like a thick bundle of money. Sousuke peeked inside and found that his guess is right. He extracted the bundle and counted it, making sure there is no alien object slipped in between.

(Five hundred thousand dollars, quite a lot for one person but not enough for two) Sousuke sighed. (They really do expect us to pull this mission alone)

Sousuke extracted five hundred dollars and pocketed it before dividing the rest into two piles. He stuffed each pile inside his boots, under his socks. Finally, he burned the piece of paper and flushed it down the toilet. Sousuke ripped both envelopes to small pieces and palmed them before going out. This time there are two men on the urinal and the sink is empty. Depositing the cut pieces to the trashcan, Sousuke meticulously washed his hand before going out.

Exiting the toilet Sousuke took a moment to re-orient himself. (Still nothing out of ordinary). He saw a bookstore just ahead and purchased himself a detailed map for the Hesse region. Briefly, he thumbed through the index, before locating the target's residence on the slip of paper. (It's about twenty km away on the Riedstadt municipal, roughly that means two hours going there and back) Sousuke glance at his watch. (Almost eleven. My return flight isn't until half past three. Might as well do a quick recon) he decided.

Heading to the nearest car rental agency Sousuke rented a red BMW 315. Thanking Kurz for giving him a high-tech phone, Sousuke punching his intended coordinate on the unit's GPS, Sousuke settled for a three-hour journey on the Hesse countryside armed with a Big Mac and large size coke.

About an hour later Sousuke pulled over on a large country road. On both side of the road, there is a three-meter of hard packed soil, which Sousuke made sure as a parking lot. Slightly ahead of him there should be a small bend hidden by the trees, leading to his Klaus' residence as indicated by his map. Problem is, the path is marked as private property along with about four hundred and fifty acres of land to his left and right. Sousuke got out and pretend that he went peeing on the rear left tire. He squinted his eyes, catching a glimpse of metallic reflection.

(Chain link fence and probably equipped with motion sensor too) Sousuke realized. Sousuke got inside and got back inside the lane but drove slowly, his right side window wound down scanning for reflection on his right. About five hundred meters he pulled over once again. The road has started to go uphill and the refection as stopped. Sousuke marked the coordinate on his GPS and doubled back. Sousuke tried to do the same on his way back but about four hundred meters from the bend the road angled away and he lost his view. Shrugging, Sousuke floored the accelerator, hoping to make it back to Frankfurt on time.

(Amsterdam - Restaurant Moeders, the same day)

Moeders is an old restaurant on Rozengracht street with the large neon light on the ceiling, dating back over fifty years when this was once a dance school and vast collection of photos of mothers dotting the wall upon entrance, continuing around the dining room. Pieter sat on a table by their sunny canal-side terrace with Ross beside them. He unconsciously glanced at his watch, (11 o'clock, he should be here soon). Ross grabbed the miniature Harley that Pieter put on the table as a mark and busied himself observing it from every angle.

"That's quite a model you got there. Remind me of what my friend Tony used to ride in Victoria" a man stood in front of him. He wore a black Harley shirt and faded blue jeans with a backpack slung on his shoulder, his blond hair cut sort and spiked at the front has an auburn tint.

Pieter blinked at the man for a few second. "It's hard to ride the real one in Amsterdam, unlike in Frankfurt" he blurted his line.

The man studied him for a few moments before nodding and grabbing the seat across him. "Jonah Trent" he held out his hand.

"Pieter Jaudzems" Pieter shook the offered hand.

"Ross Kuhlbert" Ross took his turn. "You're alone?" he glanced behind Jonah and seeing no one.

"They won't arrive until tomorrow," Jonah answered, noticing his glance. Jonah waved for the waiter and ordered a tampot. "Foxtrot really ruined the plan by leaving a day early. I left the rest of the team there just in case he's doing another ruse"

"He bought a return ticket so I think that he will come back here," Pieter argued. Jonas gave him a look that said anything could happen.

"So how do you plan to do this?" Ross changed the topic, sensing the tense atmosphere.

"You guys got the lead since this is your territory. We're to assist you in any way we can" Jonah outlined. "Has he tried any evasive maneuver?"

Pieter shook his head. "He behaved like ordinary tourist," Pieter explained. "Checking his tail a few times but still walked straight ahead"

Jonah chewed his lips. "My team would probably need a day or two to settle down and oriented ourselves to this city. Do you think you guys can handle him in the meantime?"

"We'll see" Ross gave a short reply before interrupted by the arrival of their order.

(Amsterdam, 21 Feb 2006, morning)

Sousuke stood in a corner of a currently empty street, observing a small clinic in front of him. It was a small-shared 24 hours clinic, with a billboard in front announcing various doctors they have; one of them was the source of Sousuke's attention.

Jan Van Eyk

Surgeon

Located on a housing area, the road was just big enough to allow for two-way traffic but small enough to not merit a traffic light. He glanced up and down the street casually, his peripheral vision caught a familiar looking red Fiat parked on the sideways about thirty meters from where he stood.

(Relax, let them feel comfortable following you) he commanded himself. He chuckled as he recalled Al's message. (Honey pot indeed)

Taking a deep breath to calm down, he glanced around for traffic before crossing street. Inside he walked to the nurse on duty, an obese woman in her forties. "I need to speak to Doctor Van Eyk, please" he asked politely.

The nurse took a moment to examine him. "Do you have an appointment?" she asked.

"No, my name is Sousuke Sagara. I am and old friend of him who happened to be in the neighborhood so I thought I stopped by. Just tell the doctor that I am here, please" Sousuke smiled.

Hesitantly the nurse picked up her phone and dialed a number. "Doctor, there is a Mr. Sousuke Sagara here asking to talk to you" she said. An exited reply came from the other end. "Yes, of course" she said before hanging up. "He'll be right out" she addressed Sousuke.

Sousuke smile his thanks and moved towards the row of chairs, taking one to sit one while observing the room. Minutes later Jan Van Eyk came out, his freckle still evident but his face somewhat matured.

"Sousuke Sagara, good to see you again" he heartily shook Sousuke's hand. "So what brings you here?" he asked, sitting next to him.

"Can we talk somewhere private?" Sousuke asked.

"Sure, sure. Come on" Jan stood up and motioned Sousuke to follow him inside. He took the stairs to the second floor, turned right and opened a door. "This is my office, come in" he gestured. "What can I do for you?" he asked when they were seated.

"You once told me about your uncle Koos and his resources" Sousuke started. Jan nodded, motioning him to continue. "I am in need of such resources. Could you arrange a meeting between us?"

Jan looked at him intently. "Mission?" he asked, remembering what little he knew about Sousuke.

Sousuke nodded as confirmation. "Could you also ask him if he doesn't mind being documented with me?" he added.

Jan raised his eyebrows at the peculiar request, but Sousuke offer no further explanation. "I'll call him right now," Jan said picking up his phone and dialed a number. "Uncle Koos? ... I am fine ... No, really. I have a friend that would like to meet you, said he needed to use your resources," he explained. For a few second there was silence as Jan listened.

"He's a good friend of mine, from Congo" Jan replied. "Oh and he asked me if you don't mind being documented with him" he added. "Yes, that exactly what he said" he answered. "I trusted him, uncle," he responded before listening some more. "Yes, I'll tell him" he finally said.

Jan put down the phone and looked up. "He said that he will meet us on Rosarium tonight," Jan scribbled on a piece of paper. "Here is the address. I'll arrange a reservation at seven. It's the only restaurant in the building. Dress nice" he shoved the paper to Sousuke. "He also said not to worry about your tail, whatever that means" Jan shrugged. "Is there anything else you need?" Jan asked when he saw Sousuke remained on his seat.

"Could you procure some items for me?" Sousuke asked.

(Frankfurt, 21 Feb 2007, noon)

As a rule of thumb, Mithril have three departments. Operation on Australia, Research on South Africa and Intelligence on Canada. There are other departments such as Administration, but for our current purposes, the previous three departments will suffice. Within the department, there are various sections, which due to Mithril global nature of business were scattered around the world. Some of these have their own base or office while others operated virtually via individuals. Example of the former was the fleet battle groups within the Operation Department while example of the latter was the Area Support crews within the Intelligence Department.

Informally dubbed as Marsupial's baby sitter the main purpose of Area Support personnel were to service, deploy and maintain intelligence-gathering equipment, most of which were Marsupials. MARSUPIAL is the acronym of Mechanized Automated Retrieval, Surveillance Utility, and Protracted Intelligence Acquisition Liaison.

The system was designed as an autonomous intelligence-gathering system, to go where humans cannot and therefore is able to function independently for a long period. The MARSUPIAL system is configurable and programmable; it can be anything in sizes between a large lemur and a blue whale. All that is needed is enough space within the units to collect and transmit information. Interfacing with auditory, seismic, and radio transmission systems that MITHRIL operates; the MARSUPIAL system can be customized and built to any specification.

Therefore, it goes without saying that the Area Support crew would most likely be concentrated on area with high information density such as Fort Meade, NORAD, NYSE or AT&T. Those were the fixed deployments, the first type of operation. Each site has a dedicated resources based on the importance of their "take". Here the crew worked in a group with an appointed leader and each group was considered as A rank team.

The second types of operation were called sleepers where a person or two would be placed to cover an entire city or region. These were usually implemented on European or North American major cities especially those listed as places of retreat for the rich and famous. These sleepers were recruited under front companies, usually telecommunication, electrical or plumbing so they can deploy the marsupial unchallenged. Almost all of them were close to forty years of age, where the kid have all gone to college and have plenty of time to fool around. The technical spy term for their use was "blind cutout" an anonymous and secure way of relaying information since they have no knowledge of the entire chain, only the person before them and after them.

Jacob Welsh was one of them. At thirty-eight years, his potbelly was starting to show up and grays dominated his hair. However, mechanics were still his passion so he jumped eagerly at the change of tinkering the latest micro machines not yet in mass market and earning a sizeable pension at the same time. His wife Trudy kept her silence, allowing a vice that she thought harmless. Jacob received his order via encrypted satellite dish he installed on his roof and kept a secure workshop on his basement. He managed himself and worked alone, each mission came through the satellite and so do his reports. Jacob never met anyone from Mithril except for the person who recruited him; even his supervisor was nothing but a name to him, Alain Roux. He neither knew nor care about Mr. Roux existence.

Well, anyway Jacob was currently standing on his yard, anxiously waiting for something. The reason of his anxiety was an order he received yesterday. It came via email as they always do.

Stand by tomorrow for a new shipment, expect deployment within a week.

It was short and concise like always, thus left a great deal of unanswered question. Why a new one? How many are they? Where they will be deployed? All this and many more went inside Jacob's head as he paced his yard. Finally, a white UPS truck stopped in front of his house and a man climbed down.

"Jacob Welsh?" he asked. Jacob nodded in reply. "We have a package for you"

"Finally" Jacob answered. "You guys have a cart?" Jacob asked as he walked to a trap door on his yard. He yanked the door open, revealing a ramp to his workshop. He looked at the UPS person who nodded. "Bring the box here then" Jacob ordered.

The UPS person walked back to his truck and found his partner there with the truck door opened and a cart waiting on the ground next to it. He helped his partner shoved the box to the edge and together they put down the box on the cart. Then they wheeled the cart to the trapdoor and down the ramp.

"Here, put it next to the workbench" Jacob ordered, which they obeyed.

"Sign here, please" one of them pointed to a section on their tablet which Jacob dutifully signed. "Thank you Mr. Welsh" they bid him goodbye.

(Amsterdam, 21 Feb 2006, noon)

On his way back to his hotel Sousuke passed the Magna Plaza shopping mall. As he turned inside, the two-man team assigned to follow him cursed when they saw the shopping center packed with people. Sousuke paused for a moment at the shop's floor designation, planning his shopping trip as well as making sure that his tail managed to stay close.

(Third floor, men's wear) Sousuke decided, going to a nearby elevator. Once there he took his time looking around, while calculating his clothing needs. (First, formal clothing for tonight) he decided. Seeing a mannequin dressed in a suit, Sousuke decided to head that way.

"Good evening. Looking for something?" one of the shop attendants approached him.

"I am looking for formal clothing. Do you have something that is a bit ... lighter" Sousuke stared absently at the mannequin.

The attendant caught his doubtful glance. "We have several light suits available". She retracted a light brown one. "How about this one?" she asked.

"Hmm ... Is there a 'suitless' version?" Sousuke asked.

"You can wear a vest" the attendant extracted a pinstripe cream vest.

"What does one usually wore under them?" Sousuke asked, eyeing it attentively.

"Long sleeve shirt of course" the attendant advised. "The best would be cotton, they are light and cool"

"What about the trousers?" Sousuke returned his gaze to the mannequin. "Do you have one with a thicker fabric?" he frowned as he felt the flimsy cloth.

"You could choose wool, khaki or corduroy" she pointed to a booth to his far side where various trousers were displayed. "Oh, never choose jeans. They are for informal occasion"

"Oh? What does one wear it with?" Sousuke asked in an interested tone.

"Anything will do. But for completely casual look you can wear a t-shirt on top of it" the attendant replied. "Do you want to take a look at our casual outfit?" she offered.

"Maybe I should" Sousuke pondered. "I think I'll need two choices for formal occasion as well as four choices for casual ones," Sousuke decided. "And probably some footwear too" he added glancing at the foot of the mannequin "Could you help me choose the model and color?" he gave a small smile.

"Of course" the attendant beamed. Immediately she scurried around, taking various clothing articles from their shelf. Needless to say the next hours was quite hectic as Sousuke tried various combinations of jacket, vest, shirt and trousers.

After one and a half hour Sousuke end up buying a jacket, a vest, two long sleeved shirt and two short ones, two t-shirt, two trousers and a jeans, some sweatshirt and boxers as well as a pair of formal shoes and a pair of sneakers. With a couple of socks, belt and handkerchief as accessories, he figured that his new wardrobe cost him about a thousand dollars. He also has a ton of hint from the store attendant about mix matching his wardrobe and took a careful note of each article's price for future reference.

With a pocket full of receipt, Sousuke approached the elevator for his next purchase. Sure enough, one of his tails loitered around it. (First floor, books and stationary. Six floor, home equipment) he read the legend. (I'll go up first) he decided.

At the sixth floor, Sousuke walked around to the bags section, looking for a suitcase for his wardrobe. His peripheral vision noticed the man walking behind him. Pretending his ignorance, Sousuke inspected a one hundred and twenty dollars blue Polo suitcase with retractable cartwheel at the back. It came with a smaller carry bag that can be slotted on top of the suitcase. Satisfied he noted the brand model and price for later purchase before leaving. As Sousuke was about to come down he glanced upon the home appliance section and saw a portable vacuum cleaner on sale. At the price of one hundred and thirty dollars, it has a five meters cable and consumed five hundred watts of power. Next to it, he saw a hang able halogen light, like the one used for car repair sold for forty dollars. Under them, there were some pocket size shoe brushes.

For a few minutes, Sousuke stood with both items on his hand, then seeing a bathroom counter on the next alley he quickly sauntered over. After a few minutes, he returned with a suction type bathroom hanger and grabbed all four items for purchase along with several thin plastic gloves and some medium sized trash bags. Satisfied Sousuke went to the first floor. From the stationary rack, he took some cellophane adhesive tapes, some tube of paint and a dozen of large brown paper bags. Then at a nearby counter, he acquired a magnifying glass and an ultraviolet light used on bank counters.

His purchase completed, Sousuke returned to the third floor. As he queued on the cashier, Sousuke mentally estimated that he has just spent a little over one thousand dollars. Short of cash, Sousuke decided to use his credit card since his whereabouts is already known anyway. For the next half hour, Sousuke supervised the store attendants packed his purchase. Finally, with several shopping bags containing his other purchases Sousuke exited the shopping center to his watcher's relief.

(Rho Hotel, 21 Feb 2006, evening)

Located on NES street, the 3-star Rho hotel was a former gold trading company built in 1908 Art-Deco style. Sousuke Sagara entered the lobby of Rho with multiple shopping bags on his hand and headed to the front office table. Slightly behind him, a weary Pieter Jaudzems went through the rotating door and took the nearest comfort chair, sighing audibly as he rested his weary body there.

"Damn shopping trip" he cursed as he noticed Sousuke took his backpack from the hotel safe and proceeded to the elevator, followed by a bellboy carrying his bag. "Target going up" he whispered to his radio.

"Copy that. Time to report in. Meet you at the coffee shop?" Ross replied by the radio.

Tiredly Pieter dragged his body to the hotel's coffee shop. He would have refused the offer if not for the fact that they barely have lunch. Rubbing his eyes, he went to a corner table and ordered a black coffee and some Danish. Five minutes later Ross joined him and placed his order. Not five minutes after their food arrived and already the plates were half-empty.

"From the clothes he buy, I say he had a big dinner planned" Ross spoke with a mouthful of club sandwich.

Pieter just nodded. "Maybe we should change into better attire for the night" he eyed his own clothing. "I hope he doesn't choose anything too fancy, the boss won't be too happy picking up the tab" he winced.

"Yeah, well ... First we report in" Ross took a big gulp of his coffee before taking out his cell phone. He put in his handsfree, wearing one of the earphones on his right ear and gave Pieter the other one, making sure that the mic was clipped on his right collar. Satisfied Ross dialed a number.

"Please wait while the line is secured" a robotic voice sounded from the other end. Static ensued for several seconds before the call is picked up. "Hello?" a man voice called.

"Mr. Tony? This is Pieter from Amsterdam reporting in" Pieter began his report

(Amsterdam, 21 Feb 2006, night)

Rosarium was located on Amstelpark, south of Amsterdam. It has a semi-circle shape, almost like a theater with centre stage. This dining area is slightly walled off and is suitable for a personal dinner party or meeting. The tables in the surrounding area are equally well set with crisp white linen; some were surrounded by couches while others with dining chairs creating a relaxed yet elegant setting.

At precisely seven o'clock Sousuke walked inside the restaurant, wearing a hazel vest on top of a long sleeve beige cotton shirt with brown flannel trousers. He approached the maitre'd. "Do you have a reservation under Jan van Eyk?"

The maitre'd nodded, motioning Sousuke to follow him. He walked on to the back where there were a series of tables separated from the rest. Each one has a floor to roof partition at the front and back. He guided Sousuke to the one at the end where a table for four stood inside. Jan has already seated at one side, seeing Sousuke he motioned him to sit next to him.

"Would you like to order now, Sir?" the maitre'd put a menu in front of Sousuke.

Sousuke cast a glance to Jan. "Give us the three course meal, Karl. And uncle's regular wine" Jan smiled.

The maitre'd nodded before withdrawing the menu and disappeared.

"You do eat meat, right," Jan asked. Sousuke just nodded, seeing a tall man wearing a brown vest approached them. "Here come uncle Koos" Jan clued him.

"Jan, you look well" Koos van Eyk greeted his nephew with a hug. "Work has been kind with you" he smiled. Koos van Eyk has a meticulous black hair with a touch of grey; even his moustache is neatly trimmed.

"Haven't had many cases lately, uncle" Jan replied. "This is my friend, Sousuke Sagara" he introduced.

A flash of recognition appeared on Koos eyes. "The same one that took you out of Congo?" he inquired. Jan nodded. "Jan once told me that you were a mercenary. I assume that you want our assistance for some sort of mission?"

"Yes, that would be correct" Sousuke replied. Sousuke looked hesitantly at the other tables.

"We're safe here. Karl will make sure that the table behind us is empty. Those without reservation cannot dine here so I doubt if your tail followed you inside" Koos assured him. "Just curious. Why can't you use your own resources?" Koos inquired.

"I have reason to believe that they have been compromised" Sousuke answered diplomatically.

"I see. Tell me exactly what you need then" Koos asked directly, his eyes gave a curious glint.

(La Salle Academy, 21 Feb 2006, evening)

Kaname walked nervously along the hallway leading to Cecilia Barnes' office. A dreaded feeling of de javu shadowed her mind, courtesy of her "interrogation" six months ago. A comforting squeeze on her right hand brought her out of her reverie. Kaname turned her head and caught sight of Beth Thomson walking beside her and giving her an assuring smile. With a deep breath, Kaname resumed her walk with a straighter posture. They reached Cecilia Barnes office and Beth raised her hand to tap the door twice.

"Ah, Kaname. Please come in" Cecilia invited them as she looked up. "Miss Thomson, I didn't expect to see you here too," Cecilia said, surprised.

"I invited myself since I recall that Kaname's last visit to your office caused her some grief," Beth said with a thin smile.

Surprise flickered on Cecilia's face. "I am sorry if I made you depressed last time, Kaname"

Kaname gave her a forced smile. "Why do you call me here this time, Miss Barnes" her voice shook slightly.

Cecilia took a piece of paper from a folder next to her. "About your choice of class for the next term. Here you listed several advanced class in physics, mechanics and electronics" Cecilia glanced at the paper. "Are you sure you made a right choice?" Cecilia stared at Kaname.

"I am sure Miss Barnes. Those courses were part of the reason why I enroll here" Kaname bit her lip as she fought Cecilia's stare.

"I am worried Kaname. While your overall grade has improved, I am not sure that you can handle several advanced classes," Cecilia pointed out.

On her lap, Kaname's hands started to from tight fists and she bit her lips harder. Beth caught this as she glanced over. "With all due respect, Miss Barnes, Kaname has risen from the last rank to the tenth. That's a dramatic improvement. Moreover, there would be entrance test for those courses right? Let Kaname prove her capability there" Beth defended Kaname.

"You seemed to be well versed in her abilities, Miss Thomson," Cecilia said politely.

"Of course, since I have been tutoring Kaname for the past five months. I am quite sure that she is more than capable to pass the entrance test," Beth said candidly.

"You are lucky to have such a caring friend, Kaname" Cecilia smiled to Kaname. "Your have a sound argument, but what about after she passed the test? Each of the courses required quite a bit of self study not to mention more demanding assignments" Cecilia stared at Beth.

"I am taking those courses as well, Miss Barnes. I will continue to assist Kaname in any way I can" Beth said in a cold tone. "I assure you that I can handle the extra load"

"What about you Kaname?" Cecilia asked.

"Give me a chance Miss Barnes, please," Kaname begged.

"Tell me why, Kaname. Whose expectation are you trying to fulfill, your father's?" Cecilia plunged. She stared intently unto Kaname's eyes. "I need to know," she stressed out.

"My father has nothing to do with this," Kaname stated firmly. "I made a promise" she bent her head. "That is all I can tell you," she whispered.

Cecilia leaned back on her chair. "Fine then, at the very least please consider sharing your reason with Miss Thomson. She deserved to know" Cecilia sighed. "You are dismissed," she announced.

"But what about my course selection?" Kaname looked up in panic.

"You wanted a chance don't you? In addition, as Beth pointed out you would have to pass the entrance test. What more do you want?" Cecilia asked, feigning annoyance.

Understanding flashed on Kaname's face. "Thank you Miss Barnes. I won't let you down" Kaname stood up, bowed and bolted out of the room with Beth on her heels.

(Ontario, 22 Feb 2006, morning)

It was an the same conference room with the same occupants except for a middle age female sitting next to Peter, taking notes and operating the display. The projector hung on the ceiling displayed a blow up photograph of Hans on a retracted screen hung in front of it.

"So subject Hans Muller hasn't made any attempt to shake your surveillance?" Peter asked. Seeing the glasses man nodded, he added. "Either he played dumb or he was a moron. What do your men think about him, Tony?"

"They present fact, not opinion, Peter," Tony answered.

"We will find out the truth sooner or later" he shrugged. "Next candidate please, Helen" he nodded to the secretary.

With a press, the screen now displayed a photo of Sousuke Sagara. Luckily, the room was dark, so no one saw the neatly dressed man narrowed his eyes, gazing with contempt at the picture. His angry growl however was clearly audible to the rest of the room.

The spectacled man cleared his throat before beginning his explanation. "Subject Sousuke Sagara, was assigned the abduction of Klaus Johannsen. So far he has given us a fair share of problem," he said, looking up. Peter stared at him intently, urging him to continue. "He threw away his late night flight to Frankfurt and instead booked a morning flight to Amsterdam, cash one day earlier. Our guy was able to get to the same flight at the last minute so he can't do much"

"So he knew you are going to tail him. How?" Peter raised an eyebrow.

"We aren't sure. Someone did drop him off at the airport, Gwen Gillespie. She is one of the Technical Support and co-instructor of the course. We are trying to get hold of Miss Gillespie and question her about her involvement with our subject," Tony answered in a matter of fact tone.

"Could be a dead end," Peter muttered. "You do manage to track him at the airport, right?" Peter gave him a questioning look.

"Yes, he took the next available flight to Frankfurt and return at the same day. While there Sagara retrieved the support package and rent a car for a quick pass over Mr. Johannsen's house" Tony answered. Claire raised her eyebrows but said nothing.

"Upon his return to Amsterdam the local team tracked him to Rho hotel where he stayed until now" Tony continued. "The next day at noon, he was seen entering a small clinic, spent an hour inside and shop for some clothing afterwards. Then at night he dined in Rosarium, a fancy restaurant that only cater to reserved guest so the team cannot get a visual of his dining partner" he listed down.

"How about cross referencing the guest list," Peter asked in calm tone.

"We've cross referenced the list as well as the clinic's occupants with his past contact and come with a possible match" the goatee man pressed a button on his pointer and the screen now displayed two photograph side by side, that of Jan and Koos Van Eyk.

"Jan and Koos Van Eyk, uncle and nephew" Tony took his time pointing the appropriate photo. "Jan is a surgeon working at the clinic, traveled a lot in his younger days. We believe that he was one of the hostages rescued on Operation Freedom three years ago" he paused. "Mr. Sagara was one of his rescuers"

"Koos Van Eyk retired. He made the reservation. Not much information about him on his file, however our informant managed to dig up something interesting. It seemed that during his twenties, he was involved with the underworld. However none of this showed up on our files," Tony elaborated.

"Are you saying that our files were incomplete?" the neat man cut in, shooting murderous look at him.

"Not at all, General" Tony quickly tried to calm him down. "Koos Van Eyk has a habit of collecting information and favors. Maybe he used those to erase his presence from said files," he added carefully.

"You don't seemed to be worried, Claire" Peter addressed the woman in front of him.

Clair just shrugged. "I have no reason to if Tony did his job"

Peter shifted his gaze. "So what's your plan now, Tony?" he asked calmly.

"All the Frankfurt team has move to Amsterdam and will concentrate on Sagara," Tony stated. "I have also prepared a two man team as well as an ELINT team to cover Koos Van Eyk if needed"

"That wouldn't be necessary. Just focus on the kid. He shouldn't be a problem" the General cut in, his tone chilled the room's atmosphere.

For a few seconds silence reigned in the room "Yes, of course, General" Tony cleared his throat. "Next candidate, please" he nodded to the secretary.

PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT AND REST YOUR EYES

(Rho Hotel, 22 Feb 2006, morning)

Sousuke straightened his shirt and looked at his reflection on the bathroom mirror. He wore a navy blue sleeveless shirt with dark blue and white stripes lining its edges. A jeans and a pair of brown sneakers completed his attire. Putting an Ajax cap over his head, Sousuke made his way downstairs. At the lobby, he noticed a familiar looking blond man with grey overcoat and brown corduroy trousers reading a newspaper. Outside, on the road Sousuke glanced both ways. Just before work hours, the traffic was heavy and many people filled the street just as he predicted.

Sousuke turned left put a quick pace until he reached a nearby intersection. As the light turned green, he stopped and turned around as if waiting for something. His peripheral vision caught the blond main leaving the hotel and looking both ways. With a grin, he hopped across the street and walked to the right.

At the side of the street, there were various shops such as a man clothing shop, a bakery and a shoe store. Several times Sousuke stopped and stared at their windows as if admiring their display. Using the reflection of said windows shops, Sousuke can see the blond man being jostled around across the street as several times he stopped to the side and pretended to consult a map or doing window-shopping to keep pace with Sousuke. Briefly, Sousuke glanced at his watch.

"Here goes nothing" Sousuke sighed as he suddenly quickened his pace and weaved among the crowd. A brief glance across the street told him that the blond man tried to catch up. Taking a sudden turn to the left, Sousuke entered an empty game center. With his foot step making light squeaking noise on the tile floor Sousuke navigate himself to the back door. He emerged on a smaller road, much more crowded that the previous one since it led to a flea market just up ahead. Once again, Sousuke weaved though the crowds before exiting a quarter-way near the end. He walked straight for a hundred meter before climbing down the stairs to a railway station. Sousuke run along the platform and jumped into a leaving train. He doesn't really care where the train was headed.

(Around Rho Hotel, a few minutes earlier)

Pieter cursed as his target suddenly lurched aside and disappeared from his view. Flattening himself against one of the shop's window, he whipped out his phone.

"Kuhlbert", a hoarse voice sounded from the other end. "Is he still heading my way?"

"I lost him," Pieter said. "I think he went inside one of the building, probably the game center" Pieter locked his eyes across the street, trying to get a glimpse of blue shirt among the passerby.

"That building connects to the street behind it, right?" Kuhlbert replied after thinking for a few moments. "There is a flea market near it as well as a train station," he added in a slow tone as if remembering the street's layout. "I'll head for the station and you take the flea market. The rest will spread up and do a grid search" Kuhlbert decided before hanging up.

Pieter silently cursed his luck as he headed in the appointed direction. If the target became aware that he was under surveillance it would made his job like hell since they would have to counter the target's anti-surveillance move. Pieter briefly wondered how they were going to report this to their superior.

(Amsterdam, 22 Feb 2006, morning)

A hand pushed open the door of the small emporium of Oriental art off Nieuwmarkt, Amsterdam. Above the portal, a bell jangled with the movement of the door. The visitor looked around at the shelves stacked with jade and celadon, stone and porcelain, ivory and ceramic; at elephants and demi-gods, panels, wall hangings, parchments and innumerable Buddhas. At the rear of the shop, a figure emerged.

"Koos Van Eyk sent me. I need to be someone else," said Sousuke Sagara, eyeing the man in front of him carefully. Sousuke wasn't a big man but he was smaller than him.

The Oriental did not hesitate for a second. He inclined his head.

"Of course," he said. "Please come with me" he led them to the back of the shop to a room 5 x 5 in size. On one corner there are two hanging photograph light with a stool in the middle and a canvas backdrop behind it. Facing the stool was a tripod-mounted camera connected to a desktop pc nearby. On the table next to it sat an even smaller woman, myopically poring over some document.

"You are doing this by hand?" Sousuke asked.

The oriental man caught his glance "My wife is of the Nghi, well known for their calligraphy skills" he smiled.

"How much will this cost me?" Sousuke asked, glancing around the room looking over several framed photographs of the couple that adorned the wall.

"No charge" the man stated. "We are indebted to Mr. Van Eyk. He helped our repatriation here and even pay for my wife's eye surgery. He motioned to a photograph where his wife was wearing glasses that seemed to have been cut from the bottoms of shot glass tumblers. "She ruined her eyesight, forging documents for the Vietcong," the man explained.

Sousuke raised his eyebrows at the man's explanation. "You do this often?"

The man shook his head "No, only special favor from Mr. Van Eyk" He moved to another corner, where wooden panel lined along the wall. "First you must choose your outfit" he pushed the panels aside, revealing a wall closet lined with various costume.

Sousuke took a glance at the clothing. "My name is Sousuke Sagara. May I know yours?" he politely inquired.

The man nodded. "Horn Moung. Come now, you need to hurry, yes?"

(Witwatersrand, 22 Feb 2006, night)

The standard bedroom on the research facilities was a 3x4 room with a modest single bed, a clothing cabinet and a wooden table with desk lamp and chair. Some brought in extra couch; TV set or even a fridge. In average, a four star hotel rooms were furnished slightly better. The only consolation was an attached bathroom with a large enough tub to soak in, the endless supply of hot water and a comfortable bed.

This room's present occupant would strongly object to the last point though as she tossed and turned on her bed, her blanket tossed away haphazardly and her silver hair strewn across her pillow. Taking a look, one would promptly conclude that she was having a dream and probably not a pleasant one.

Blinking awake, Tessa felt herself on a small but comfortable room. Somehow, she ends up sitting on a cushioned chair, facing another cushioned chair with a low wooden table between them.

"Welcome, Tessa" called a sound from the chair opposite to her.

Tessa looked and saw a woman sat there with a crisply pressed uniform though her rank wasn't visible. Her silver bluish hair braided neatly, reaching to her mid-back was slung over her right shoulder. What surprised Tessa the most was her face. Even if it was slightly wrinkled, Tessa knew for sure that she was looking at an older version of herself.

"You're me!" she exclaimed. "This is impossible"

"I am afraid not" the older Tessa smiled. "After all, this is a dreamscape. Anything is possible here"

"Really? Then who are you?" Tessa frowned. "And why are we here?"

"I am you," the older Tessa explained. "Your logical side, cynical side, and emotional side, you named it" she waved her hand. "We're here to resolve your debate" she stared hard at Tessa.

"What debate?" Tessa asked, puzzled.

"Sousuke, Gwen. Need I continue?" the older her smirked. "Now to answer the question that has bothered you for the past two days, namely - Why does it bother you so much-" she stared hard and Tessa found that she couldn't tore her gaze from those dark purple eyes. "You're jealous" she shot out.

"I'm not" Tessa shot back.

"Really?" her older self said, amused. "Looked into my eyes and say - I don't love Sousuke Sagara any more" she instructed.

Tessa gulped as she saw her reflection on those purple orbs. "I ... I ... can't" she slumped.

"Quet erat demonstratum. You loved him, therefore you're jealous" older Tessa grinned victoriously.

"So what. She's just his friend," Tessa said in defense.

"Hmm ... Let's examine her shall we" her older self flicked her finger. A holographic image of Gwen Gillespie, taken from a full body shot on her dossier appeared. She rotated her finger, causing the 3D image to rotate as well. "She seemed well endowed. I guessing 35 - 28 - 34, probably C - cup" older Tessa tapped her chin. "Nice hair, good height, long legs. Oh and a nice ass" she whistled.

"It's not all about breast or buttocks," Tessa protested.

"Oh?" once again she flicked her finger. This time Kaname's image appeared beside Gwen. "What about her? 34C I guess she good long legs and quite a rump too"

"It's not like I am lacking in those department" Tessa shot her older self a murderous look.

"You're still on B - cup isn't you? And flat reared too" she waved her hand poignantly.

Tessa eyes unconsciously fell to her chest while her hands grabbed her butt. "I am still on growth age," she mumbled.

"Oh, please" her older self made a face. "I knew all the petty excuses that you had"

"Still looks isn't everything" Tessa tried to fight back.

"You mean brains? That gal graduated Summa Cumm Laude from Caltech, M Sc for Computer Engineering. She ain't no dumb blonde" older Tessa paused. "Age? She's seven years older, so she has more experience in dating. Just what he needed" she tapped her chin. "Hmm ... that combined with her Italian blood. I bet she's wild in bed" she smirked. "Your lover is a lucky guy"

"You're a pervert," Tessa groaned. "He's not interested in such things" she defended.

Her older self leaned forward. "Listen, gaki. There're two reasons why Sousuke doesn't have his flock of girls" she raised her index finger. "One, he's underage" she raised her middle finger. "Two, the guy doesn't know how to act around women". Her older self leaned back. "Like it or not, this Gwen is perfect for him. She beat you easily in almost every aspect except for your brain. Unfortunately for you, geniuses don't seem to be his type" her older self cringed.

"I know that. Many times have I wished to be a normal girl so that I can have a better change to get him" Tessa whispered, her eyes cast downward. "I love him so much, I no longer care if he never loved me back" she sniffled. "But it still hurts, why?" she wailed.

"What ifs, that's the second reason" her older self whispered. Tessa looked up and stared at her, dumbfounded. "You still have a miniscule amount of hope that your love is requited. You wished that you were Gwen, able to stay by his side. A vain wish, that's why it hurts"

Unable to contain her feelings any more, Tessa broke into tears. "It hurts ... to know that he choose someone else" she sobbed. "Kaname ... And now her. Why can't it be me?" Tessa half yelled.

Her older self waved her hand, vanishing the table between them. With a long stride, she kneeled down in front of Tessa, embracing her. "Let him go. It may hurt, but you never had him in the first place. Imagine how much worse it felt for someone who does"

"W...h ...o?" Tessa said between her sob.

"Blue hair, brown eyes" her older self hinted. "Kaname, doh" she rolled her eyes.

Fast, Tessa extracted herself from the embrace. "Do you think she knows?" she asked, alarmed.

"Who knows" her older self shrugged. "You can ask her later," she said sternly when she saw Tessa about to protest. "For now you must rest" she waved her hand over Tessa's eyes.

Immediately Tessa felt her eyelids become heavy and stuttered closed. Her protest died halfway down her throat as her body slumped forward and the room started to dissolve.

(Amsterdam, 23 Feb 2006, morning)

The Depository Bank of Zurich was a twenty-four-hour Geldschrank bank offering the full modern array of anonymous services in the tradition of the Swiss numbered account. Maintaining offices in Zurich, Kuala Lumpur, New York, Paris and Amsterdam, the bank had expanded its services in recent years to offer anonymous computer source code escrow services and faceless digitized backup.

The bread and butter of its operation was by far its oldest and simplest offering anonymous Lager-blind drop services, otherwise known as anonymous safe-deposit boxes. Clients wishing to store anything from stock certificates to valuable paintings could deposit their belongings anonymously, through a series of high-tech veils of privacy, withdrawing items at any time, also in total anonymity.

Sousuke pulled the taxi to a stop in front of their destination. He gazed out at the building's uncompromising architecture and sensed that the Depository Bank of Zurich was a firm with little sense of humor. The building was a windowless rectangle that seemed to be forged entirely of dull steel. Resembling an enormous metal brick, the edifice sat back from the road with fifteen-foot-tall, neon, equilateral cross glowing over its facade.

Switzerland's reputation for secrecy in banking had become one of the country's most lucrative exports. Facilities like this had become controversial in the underworld community because they provided a perfect place for thieves to hide stolen goods, for years if necessary, until the heat was off. Because deposits were protected from police inspection by privacy laws and were attached to numbered accounts rather than people's names, thieves could rest easily knowing their stolen goods were safe and could never be traced to them.

Sousuke briefly stopped at an imposing gate that blocked the bank's driveway-a cement-lined ramp that descended beneath the building. Next to the gate was a smaller metal gate fit for one person only. A video camera overhead was aimed directly both gate. He got out and surveyed the electronic podiums, one on the driver's side and the other by the smaller gate. On each, an LCD screen provided directions in seven languages. Topping the list was English.

INSERT KEY.

Sousuke reached inside his jacket and retrieve a gold laser-pocked key before turning his attention back to the podium next to the man-gate. Below the screen was a triangular hole. He aligned the key's triangular shaft with the hole and inserted it, sliding it in until the entire shaft had disappeared. This key apparently required no turning. Instantly, the gate began to swing open. He looked inside and saw a small room similar to an elevator with a second podium. Shrugging, he went in and immediately the first gate closed behind him, trapping him like a ship in a lock. This second podium bore familiar directions.

INSERT KEY.

After Sousuke inserted the key, the second gate immediately opened. He stepped out to a narrow hallway and moments later wound winding down all the way into the belly of the structure. At the far end, Sousuke spied the building's main entrance with a red carpet stretched across the cement floor, welcoming visitors to a huge door that appeared to be forged of solid metal.

(Talk about mixed messages) Sousuke chuckled. (Welcome and keep out). (I hope Al's instructions are accurate, though I am not surprised if he left out something).

Sousuke walked up the red carpet toward the slab of steel. The door had no handle, but on the wall beside it was another triangular keyhole. No directions were posted this time.

"Here goes nothing," Sousuke whispered.

He stuck the key in the hole, and the door swung inward with a low hum. Shrugging again, he entered and once again, the door shut with a thud behind him.

The foyer of the Depository Bank of Zurich employed as imposing a decor as any he had ever seen. Where most banks were content with the usual polished marble and granite, this one had opted for wall-to-wall metal and rivets. The gray metal was everywhere-the floor, walls, counters, doors, even the lobby chairs appeared to be fashioned of molded iron. Nonetheless, the effect was impressive. The message was clear: You are walking into a vault.

A large man behind the counter glanced up as they entered. He turned off the small television he was watching and greeted them with a pleasant smile. Despite his enormous muscles and visible sidearm, his diction chimed with the polished courtesy of a Swiss bellhop.

"Bonsoir," he said. "How may I help you?"

The dual-language greeting was the newest hospitality trick of the European host. It presumed nothing and opened the door for the guest to reply in whichever language was more comfortable.

Sousuke replied with neither. He simply laid the gold key on the counter in front of the man.

The man glanced down and immediately stood straighter. "Of course. Your elevator is at the end of the hall. I will alert someone that you are on your way."

Sousuke nodded and took his key back. "Which floor?"

The man gave her an odd look. "Your key instructs the elevator which floor."

He smiled. "Ah, yes." (Damn Al, he didn't mentioned that one)

Sousuke was surprised to feel the elevator dropping rather than climbing. He had no idea how many floors they had descended beneath the Depository Bank of Zurich before the door finally opened. He didn't care. He was happy to be out of the elevator.

Displaying impressive alacrity, a host was already standing there to greet them. He was elderly and pleasant, wearing a neatly pressed flannel suit that made him look oddly out of place-an old-world banker in a high-tech world.

"Bonsoir," the man said. "Good evening. Would you be so kind as to follow me, s'il vous plait?" Without waiting for a response, he spun on his heel and strode briskly down a narrow metal corridor.

Sousuke followed the man along a series of corridors, past several large rooms filled with blinking mainframe computers

"Voici," their host said, arriving at a steel door and opening it for them. "Here you are."

Sousuke felt like he had stepped into another world. The small room before him looked like a lavish sitting room at a fine hotel. Gone were the metal and rivets, replaced with oriental carpets, dark oak furniture, and cushioned chairs. On the broad desk in the middle of the room, two crystal glasses sat beside an opened bottle of Perrier, its bubbles still fizzing. A pewter pot of coffee steamed beside it.

(Hospitality indeed), Sousuke thought, sniffing the coffee's aroma.

The man gave a perceptive smile. "I sense this is your first visit to us?"

Sousuke hesitated and then nodded.

"Understood. Keys are often passed on as inheritance, and our first-time users are invariably uncertain of the protocol." He motioned to the table of drinks. "This room is yours as long as you care to use it."

"You say keys are sometimes inherited?" Sousuke asked, puzzled.

"Indeed. Your key is like Swiss numbered accounts, which are often willed through generations. On our gold accounts, the shortest safety-deposit box lease is fifty years. Paid in advance. So we see plenty of family turnovers."

Sousuke stared. "Fifty years?"

"At a minimum," their host replied. "Of course, you can purchase much longer leases, but barring further arrangements, if there is no activity on an account for fifty years, the contents of that safe-deposit box are automatically destroyed. Shall I run through the process of accessing your box?"

Sousuke nodded. "Please."

The host swept an arm across the luxurious salon. "This is your private viewing room. Once I leave the room, you may spend all the time you need in here to review and modify the contents of your safe-deposit box, which arrives... over here." He walked them to the far wall where a wide conveyor belt entered the room in a graceful curve, vaguely resembling a baggage claim carousel. "You insert your key in that slot there..." The man pointed to a large electronic podium facing the conveyor belt. The podium had a familiar triangular hole. "Once the computer confirms the markings on your key, you enter your account number, and your safe-deposit box will be retrieved robotically from the vault below for your inspection. When you are finished with your box, you place it back on the conveyor belt, insert your key again, and the process is reversed. Because everything is automated, your privacy is guaranteed, even from the staff of this bank. If you need anything at all, simply press the call button on the table in the center of the room."

"My benefactors also mentioned something about banking transaction," Sousuke said. "Could you clarify exactly what he meant?"

The banker's looked puzzled. "Well our VIP account did have a saving account attached. Sometimes our client wishes to sell some items that they keep, anonymously of course. The sale result is kept in that saving account and can be transferred or withdrawn anonymously as they pleased" he paused. "I have to check first if your account came with such privilege"

Sousuke nodded. "Please do so" he smiled. "You can leave"

"I'll let you know via that phone," the banker pointed to a phone in the room. Leaving, the banker closed the door behind him and twisted a heavy lock, sealing him inside.

Sousuke was already moving toward the electronic podium near the conveyor belt. The podium had a keypad similar to that of a bank ATM terminal. The screen displayed the bank's cruciform logo. Beside the keypad was a triangular hole. Sousuke wasted no time inserting the shaft of his key into the hole.

The screen refreshed instantly.

ACCOUNT NUMBER:

The cursor blinked. Waiting.

Ten digits. Sousuke recalled the number Al gave him and carefully typed them in.

ACCOUNT NUMBER: 1332211185

When he had typed the last digit, the screen refreshed again. A message in several languages appeared. English was on top

CAUTION: Before you strike the enter key, please check the accuracy of your account number. For your own security, if the computer does not recognize your account number, this system will automatically shut down.

"Fonction terminer," Sousuke whispered, frowning. "Just like Al said." Sousuke re-checked the code before he pressed the ENTER key. Nothing happened. At least nothing he could detect.

At that moment, beneath them, in the bank's cavernous subterranean vault, a robotic claw sprang to life. Sliding on a double-axis transport system attached to the ceiling, the claw headed off in search of the proper coordinates. On the cement floor below, hundreds of identical plastic crates lay aligned on an enormous grid ... like rows of small coffins in an underground crypt.

Whirring to a stop over the correct spot on the floor, the claw dropped down, and an electric eye confirming the bar code on the box. Then, with computer precision, the claw grasped the heavy handle and hoisted the crate vertically. New gears engaged, and the claw transported the box to the far side of the vault, coming to a stop over a stationary conveyor belt. Gently now, the retrieval arm set down the crate and retracted. Once the arm was clear, the conveyor belt whirred to life ...

The conveyor belt entered the room on their right through a narrow slit beneath a retractable door. The metal door slid up, and a huge plastic box appeared, emerging from the depths on the inclined conveyor belt. The box was black, heavy molded plastic, and far larger than he imagined. It looked like an airfreight pet transport crate without any air holes.

The box coasted to a stop directly in front of him. Sousuke stood there, silent, staring at the mysterious container. Like everything else about this bank, this crate was industrial-metal clasps, a bar code sticker on top, and molded heavy-duty handle. Wasting no time, Sousuke unhooked the two buckles facing him before raising the heavy lid and let it fall back. Stepping forward, he peered down into the crate. He immediately noticed two items inside. A bulky suitcase about 40x80 cm wide and 20 cm thick with a box 40x120 cm and 60 cm thick with a sturdy construction. Reaching in Sousuke pried its side, extracting a metal handle on each side. Gently he raised the second box and carried it to the broad desk in the middle of the room, setting aside the Perrier and coffee pot. Once the box is exposed, he began to examine it thoroughly.

Said box was about sixty by thirty centimeters in base and forty centimeters in height. Encased on a thick steel casing, the box seemed to function as a dry box since it has a hygrometer attached at the top. Next to the hygrometer was a small numbered keypad with display on top.

Sousuke took a step back. (So far so good. everything just as Al described. Let's hope he get the password right) he chuckled.

Approaching the box, slowly Sousuke typed in the combination Al gave him. As he pressed the final button, he held his breath. For a few second nothing happened before the box hissed open. Sousuke pried the top open and peeked inside. The seemed to be some sort of tray inside, with several plastic boxes stacked horizontally on top of it. On top of the boxes was a thick manila folder, baring the stamp "TOP SECRET" on its cover.

Sousuke took the folder and walked to one of the cushioned chair. Settled in he flipped it open and found its side was marked with a color-coded divider. Five numbered dividers in the same color from top to bottom, six different color front to back, dividing the folder into thirty sections in total. Quickly he skimmed through the sections.

Each section hosted a profile of one person, male or female. It listed their personal data as well as background, education and employment history. At the back of each section some photos were attached, computer graphic representation of said person in various poses. Looking at each photograph Sousuke take note of a few that were similar to him and re-read their info again.

With a sigh, he closed the folder and pondered his options. He has four identities to choose from as Al said. These would be the alias he 'live in', therefore he had to choose one he felt most comfortable with. After a few minutes of thought, Sousuke shrugged, flipped the folder to the third one and started to memorize his chosen alias' background info.

A ringing interrupted his reading. Sousuke glanced to the offending phone before slowly picking it up. "Hello?" he said hesitantly.

"Sorry to bother you, but I have verified that your account indeed have the anonymous transaction capabilities. Is there any transaction you wish to make?" the man asked politely.

"I'll let you know when I am finished" Sousuke replied curtly.

"No problem" the phone went dead.

Sousuke returned his attention to the metal box. Upon removing the folder, he saw that there were thirty thin case slotted on the tray, their back facing up and labeled with a consecutive number. He took out a case with the number three inscribed on its spine. It is a metallic rectangular box the size of DVD box and slightly thicker. A seal was taped to its edge, which Sousuke silted with his nail. Inside he found a passport on one side and several cards next to it.

(Driver's license, social security card, and credit cards) he mentally listed. (Just like Al said)

Placing the now opened case on the table Sousuke gently reached into the box and lifted the tray along with the rest of the case. Setting this aside, he peered inside, finding several stacks of monetary bills lining the bottom of the box.

Sousuke randomly picked one. His eyes widened finding that he as just pickup a wad of hundred dollar bills. Gently he ran his thumb over one side and peeled it over. (Looks genuine) he whistled. "One hundred piece of one hundred dollar bills equal ten thousand dollars. And there are still more inside" he murmured, peeking inside the box.

Making up his mind, Sousuke picked up two of the wads. He separated ten bills from one, before pocketed the rest inside his jacket. Then he took the thin metallic box and put it inside his jacket's breast pocket. Finally, he wrapped things up, putting back the tray inside the box and the folder on top of it before latching the hatch. Finished, he carried the box to the conveyor belt and put it back inside the crate. Retracting the bulky suitcase, he closed the crate and clasped the lock. After Sousuke reinserted the key, the crate disappeared back into the vault.

Satisfied, Sousuke walked over to the phone carrying the suitcase with him. He picked it up and pressed the call button.

"Can I help you?" the same voice replied over the phone.

"I have finished my inspection. I wish to make a transfer, anonymously of course," Sousuke answered.

"I'll come right down and assist you" the voice replied.

(Ontario, 23 Feb 2006, morning)

It's six thirty in the morning and the city has just begun to wake up. In a suburban area, a green Mustang slowly joined the trickle of morning traffic. Entering the A-10 interstate, it cruised lazily and existed on the area of Greenwood. It turned right as it approached the national park before entering a private compound marked by chain link fence and a guard hut. As the car approached, a skinny guard stepped out of the hut carrying an electronic clipboard with him.

"Morning Miss Gillespie" he leaned against the rolled down passenger window. "Early work today?" he placed the clipboard next to the window.

Gwen touched her badge against the bottom left side of the board and placed her thumb on an indentation next to it. "The boss wanted me bright and early" she smiled.

The board beeped once and a green light flashed on the top right side. "That's unusual" he remarked. He waved to a camera mounted on top of the gate. "Hope you have a good day" he added as the gate opened.

Gwen smiled her thanks before continuing with her journey. Past the fence, the road winded for a while downhill until she got to a second chain link fence. Here she stopped her car just before the yellow painted line on the ground. After a few seconds, the gate slide open and Gwen drove her car through into an underground parking lot.

As in other agencies the space closest to the elevator were reserved for the high rank people. Being a worker bee meant that you have to fight for a parking space, but arriving an hour early Gwen got plenty of choice. After an easy parking, she secured the steering wheel, retrieved her bag, got out and closed the door. She took a moment to study herself in through the windows reflection. First, she straightened her peach colored blouse before putting a brown blazer over it. Satisfied that there was no visible lint on the blazer she then ran her hand through her knee length brown skirt, smoothing down any crease. Finally, she re-tied her hair into a neat ponytail.

Satisfied she slung her bag over her right shoulder and locked her car before walking towards the elevator. There were four cars, serving the eight stories building. Gwen got into one and pressed the second floor as her destination. As the only passenger, she hummed some tune to entertain herself.

After a few minutes, the elevator chimed and Gwen got out into a 4x4 foyer. She walked to one end where there was a double glass door and pushed the left one open. Gwen walked down the empty corridor, the echo of her footstep absorbed by the thick carpeting. Finally, she rounded a corner and came face to face with a series of meeting rooms. She took a glanced to her watch.

(Seven o'clock, right in time) she exhaled. (Why does he have to ask for a morning debriefing?) she yawned.

Hastening her steps, Gwen headed towards the middle room. Giving the door a quick knock, she yanked it open expecting to find it empty. She was surprised to find not only her boss in the room, but also to other men with him.

"Ah, Miss Gillespie. Nice to see you on time" her boss smirked. Jacob Williams was a forty years old man with the telltale of potbelly. He wore a two-piece grey suit with the top opened. His curly reddish hair has started to grow bald around his temple. "I was beginning to worry that you wouldn't return after your leave expires" he gestured towards a chair in front of him. "Please have a seat, we will began your debriefing"

Gwen hurriedly took her seat, placing her bag on the floor beside her. "Before we begin, who are they?" she gestured towards the two men sitting next to Jacob, wearing a dark blue suit and dark brown one. (Are they the interrogation team that Sousuke mentioned?) she thought.

"They are Agent Mark and John from HUMINT section. They wanted to ask some questions after your debriefing" Jacob introduced them respectively. John, the one on the left stroked his goatee as he nodded to Gwen. His partner gave her a small smile. "Anyway, let's start. I got here your written report about your co-instructor work" he tapped an open folder in front of him. "Please give me a verbal summary of your activities there"

For ten minutes, Gwen gave him a watered down version of her activities. Jacob and the men beside him listened attentively. Finished with her narrative, Gwen looked expectantly at the three men.

Sharing a glance with the other two, Jacob reluctantly cleared his throat. "Miss Gillespie, I understand that there are some field operative candidates on that training and as an unwritten rule the Technical Support team usually do an informal vetting on those candidates" he looked up to meet Gwen's gaze. "Do you also performed the vetting this time?" he asked. When Gwen nodded her reply, Jacob continued. "Which candidate do you performed the vetting on?"

"Sousuke Sagara" Gwen declared.

"I assume that you are the one that made the approach?" Jacob asked. Again, Gwen nodded. "And what is your opinion about the man?"

Gwen narrowed her eyes. "He seemed to be the shy type and very dedicated to advancing his military skill. He refused to reveal anything personal about himself or his past," she answered in general.

"Forgive me if I seemed to direct, but I have talked to the other staffs and they said that the two of you seemed rather close, almost if you were dating him. So I couldn't believe if you said that you don't know him very well" Mark spoke, his blue eyes stared intently at Kaname and his clean-shaven face gave a serious expression.

"What exactly are you accusing me of?" Gwen asked curtly. "Filling in a false report, giving away information, what?" (It has begun) she braced herself.

The two men glanced at each other before John spoke. "I am sure that you are aware of the rumors that the final test for the selection were a mock-up mission where each candidates is closely monitored from the moment they receive it" he stopped briefly. Gwen just stared at him, motioning him to continue. "Subject Sousuke Sagara has chosen not to use the provided resources and repeatedly eluded the agents that were assigned to assist him," he concluded with a glint on his brown eyes.

"So you wanted to know if I informed him about the rumors." Gwen asked in a calm tone. Her eyes however showed controlled rage. (How could they! Placing a tail on your own candidates. That's cheating) her mind screamed.

"It might be an unintentional slip on your part," Mark suggested. "The shy behavior might be a charade, designed to lure you into his trap so that he can milk you dry" he smirked evilly. "We do know that the night before his departure Mr. Sagara called you and the next morning you picked him up and drove him to the airport. Care to give us your version of what happened?" he gave her a cold stare.

Gwen took a few seconds to calm herself. "He called me that night and asked if we could meet for the last time since he will be departed the next day. I proposed to meet him in the morning and drop him at the airport since I was packing that night," she narrated. (Let's see if they bought my tale)

"Is that all?" When Gwen nodded, Mark continued. "Can you tell us why you took nine hundred dollars in cash that night?"

"I figure I need some cash for paying the car's rent and stuff since I would be leaving the next day," Gwen calmly answered. (They're smart)

"The rental's company record indicated that you paid with credit card," Mark disputed. "You gave the money to Sousuke Sagara, didn't you?" he gave Gwen his evil smirk.

(Guess I have to tell them the truth, sort of). Gwen took a deep breath to calm herself. "He called me that night to ask if he can borrow some money. I ask him what for. He said that he doesn't have enough cash with him to prepare for his mission. He promised to pay it back with interest," Gwen explained.

"He asked for nine hundred dollars?" Mark verified.

"He asked for six hundred dollars. I gave him eight hundred the next morning," Gwen answered. "The rest I kept for my journey home". (It should be enough to sate them)

"Did he mention what he is going to use it for?" John took his turn.

"When I ask, he said that he couldn't tell me," Gwen answered, curtly.

"Did he ask for anything else? Contact or information?" John pursued further.

Gwen looked doubtful for a few second. "He did ask if I have any underworld contact in Europe. I said that I have none at the moment, though I am approaching some plausible candidates," she admitted. (Come on, take the bait) her mind pleaded.

Mark leaned forward. "Let us stop beating around the bush, Miss Gillespie. Did you, in any way disclosed any information about the final selection?" he narrowed his eyes. "Please remember that it is classified information and such breach will be severely punished" his eyes glinted evilly.

Gwen felt a chill running down her spine, but she fixed her gaze. "What made you think that I do that?" she tried to keep herself composed. (Calm down girl, he is trying to scare you) she reasoned.

"His mission briefing specified that we have provided resources for his mission. Did you not think it odd that he refused to use them and instead tried to collect his own?" Mark carefully posed his question.

"Maybe he is being paranoid?" Gwen hedged. "He told me his cell phone would be unreachable during the mission since he doesn't want anyone to track him" (And he was right too!) her mind shouted

"Could be" Mark said in a bored tone. "What we would like to know is your role in it"

"You guys suspect that I have some influence over his decision?" Gwen asked in disbelief. "That's absurd" her voice started to rise.

"In your effort to get close to him you might inavertly said something or you might make some offhand remark that triggered his paranoia" John placated. "Do you?"

Gwen tried to assume her thinking pose. "When we first met, he sometimes became frustrated because he failed to pickup that he was being tailed. I told him that the safest precaution would be to always assume that one was being tailed," she narrated. "I guess he took my advice to his heart"

"Do you think that was why he led our agents into pointless chase? Because he thought that they were the bad guys?" John asked in a worried tone.

"That was good right? He successfully implemented counter-intelligence. All he had to do now is move in for the kill" Gwen beamed. The paled look on both men face however told another story. "You guys looked like you don't want him to succeed" she commented, puzzled.

John cleared his throat, embarrassed. "Did he make any inquiry about those contacts you mentioned earlier?"

Gwen resumed her thinking pose. "No, he doesn't. He just dropped the subject altogether" she answered in neutral tone. (Let's dangle the bait a bit) Gwen inwardly smirked.

"Miss Gillespie, could Mr. Sagara somehow gain information on their whereabouts without your consent?" Mark asked in a gentler tone.

(Eat it up, will you). "Come to think of it, I remember writing down their address on a piece of paper and carrying it with me to the car as I was about to pick him up. However, I haven't been able to find it again. Perhaps I misplaced it somewhere" Gwen frowned.

The men looked at each other. "Can you give us a copy of their addresses?" John asked, stroking his goatee.

Gwen glanced at her boss. "What for?" she hedged. "I don't want you guys to ruin my hard work" (Bingo) her mind shouted with glee.

"We just wanted to watch them, just in case Sagara show up at their place" John remarked. He stared at Gwen's boss, asking for permission.

Her boss nodded to Gwen. "You guys seemed very eager to track him down, huh" she sighed. "All right, I'll see if I have a copy somewhere and gave it to Jacob," she decided. "You better not scare them away" Gwen directed his attention to his boss. "Is that all?" she asked with a hint of annoyance.

"Yes, you're dismissed" Jacob shooed her out.

(Rho Hotel, 23 Feb 2006, night)

A tired looking Sousuke Sagara exited the elevator, carrying his rucksack on his back. He stopped briefly by his door, extracted a large brown paper bag from his rucksack, taking off his shoes and placed them inside the bag. Sousuke checked for a small strip of toilet paper he jammed under the door's bottom hinge. Satisfied that the strip was still there, he unlocked the door and cautiously opened it, his body fully alert. Entering the room in a flash, Sousuke checked behind all doors before he was satisfied that the room was empty.

Picking up the rucksack and paper bag neglected by the door, Sousuke carried them inside. The room was laid in a standard hotel way with the door leading to a short foyer with a closet on one side and bathroom next to it. The foyer opened up to a 3x4 m room, a single bed in the middle to the left side and a television rack in front of it with a low bench where his Bergen currently rested next to the rack. A table placed in the same direction as the bed, against the wall. It has a desk lamp and several drawers along with the Internet line so Sousuke put his notebook bag here. By the window on the far side of the room, there were two cushioned armchairs with a coffee table in between.

Finished putting in all his stuff, Sousuke squatted in front of the desk, inspecting the drawer. A thin strip of paint placed at the side of each drawer was still intact. Being almost the same color with the wood it as hardly visible. Next Sousuke went to the front door and observed that the strands of hair he put in between the door was still there.

Satisfied that there is no attempt of breaking in while he wasn't present, Sousuke took the paper bag to the bathroom along with a change of clothes. He took out the piece of plastic cardboard, the halogen light, UV light and magnifying glass and set them up by the sink. First, he placed the piece of cardboard over the washbasin, and then one by one he put all that he wore on the board, running first the halogen then the UV light over them while scrutinizing every fabric for trace. Whatever alien particle that he found, he removed using a piece to cellophane tape. Last Sousuke run his shoes under the same test, picking up several small pebbles stuck on their thread. As he removed them, Sousuke was grateful that he had scrubbed the sole of his shoes with a shoe brush at a gas station along the way or else he would find a lot more under his shoes.

Finished sanitizing his clothing, Sousuke took the vacuum cleaner and vacuumed all the carpet around the room. Collecting all his trash, Sousuke dumped the bag on the hotel's garbage truck. Back to his room, Sousuke took a hot bath and cleaned the bathroom afterwards. Exiting the bathroom Sousuke put his used clothes in a laundry bag. Then he sat in front of the desk, took out his notebook and connected to the Internet.

(Email from Gwen. Hmm ... her mission debriefing is today) Sousuke read his emails. He switched to his chat window.

(OK, Al confirmed that the ad is there. So I guess the Intelligence team got to her as expected) Sousuke finished his "report" to Al. "Proceed to plan C" he read aloud Al's last reply before shutting down his notebook.

Yawning, Sousuke got to his bed. He called front office, ordering a cleaner at eight o'clock next morning. Next, he browsed through the yellow book beside the phone and scribbled some phone numbers on the pad next to it before ripping it of, tore it to small pieces and flushed it down the toiler. Finally, setting his alarm clock, Sousuke settled on his bed and shut his eyes.

(Rho Hotel, about the same time)

While Sagara was busy with cleaning, once again Pieter and Ross met at the coffee shop. Two others were stationed across the hotel's exit. Sequestered on almost the exact same shop they prepared to report in today's failure.

"Let me get this straight" their superior's voice replied from the other end. "Even with a six-man team, you still fail to pickup his movement?" Tony yelled in disbelief.

Pieter and Ross cringed hearing their boss' tone. "Well, Mister Tony, sir. He went train hopping and we couldn't catch him in time" Pieter hung his head in shame. "Not to mention he managed to take out Ross and get his radio" Pieter glared at his partner.

"No excuses. I don't care if he went plane hopping. It is imperative that you knew where he went tomorrow," Tony roared. "I am deploying the ELINT team tonight. You put a bug on his room, on his clothes, anywhere. Just don't fail again," he added before disconnecting.

(Utrecht - Netherlands, 24 Feb 2006, noon)

Sousuke glanced up and down the riverbank; he can see several boathouses anchored some distance away. Most of the buildings here have a riverside entrance in fact some of them can only be accessed from the river. Once again, Sousuke worried if coming over by boat is not a wiser choice. He sighed and pedaled his bike, the tires making a muted crouching sound on the gravel. His destination was supposed to be around the corner. Rounding the corner, he involuntary gasped upon seeing his destination.

Here the river forms a small pool where a two-story house stood on top of it, suspended by some sort of giant floater. While his mind struggled with how such house can float over water, the bike skidded to halt in front of a two-meter iron jetty connecting the peculiar house with dry land. With unsure steps, Sousuke dismounted and secured the bike, walked the gangway, passed through an archway and stepped down on the front porch.

It was surprisingly similar to that of a regular house, just a recessed part of the wall covered by dark brown terracotta on three sides with a thick steel door in front and part of the second floor overhead. Once again, Sousuke's feet crunched over gravel, much smoother this time. He took a hesitant sniff; the air felt somewhat damp and carried a hint of lilac scent probably from one of the pots around him. His finger idly brushed over the terracotta, they felt cold and rugged against his skin.

Gently Sousuke pressed the doorbell and waited. His ears discerned a soft whirring sound from above. Sousuke looked up and notice a rounded security camera mounted on the overhang.

"Yes?" came a man's voice slightly garbled over the doorbell.

Sousuke noticed the voice came from a box below the bell, probably an intercom. "I am looking for Mr. Kevin Marsh; Mr. Koos Van Eyk gave me this address"

"Can I see your identification please?" the voice replied. Sousuke slowly reached inside his jacket to take out his wallet, remembering the camera. "Hold it over the camera please," the voice commanded.

Sousuke obeyed and waited. About five minutes later came muffled footsteps from inside and the door swung open. A man about thirty-five years old stepped out, his sand blond hair tied on a ponytail and his skin showed quite a tan for a Caucasian.

"Sorry about that, but being paranoid is what kept me alive" he grinned. "So what can I do for you?"

"Mr. Van Eyk mentioned that you were a unique armament dealer," Sousuke said, staring intently at the man as if to examine him. "That you can get virtually anything and deliver them virtually anywhere," Sousuke continued. "I have a job that might require some rare items"

The man's poker face was amazing since Sousuke wasn't able to detect any changes on his expression. "I suppose you wanted to see the range of my collection?" Kevin offered. Sousuke just nodded.

"Come with me then" Kevin walked towards the gangway but then turned to the right and stepped upon the giant floater instead. A ladder can be seen protruding from a raised section with some sort of hatch on top, giving it a similar appearance of a submarine's tower. Kevin kneeled and pressed his palm on a box beside the ladder. After a beep sounded, he turned the wheel and opened the hatch. "You go first" Kevin motioned to Sousuke to go in.

Accustomed to being in a submarine Sousuke was surprised when he peeked down and see that the bottom was somewhat visible. Shrugging, he deftly climbed down the ladder with Kevin following after and closing the hatch. Again, a crunching sound came as Sousuke feet meet the ground. He looked down and saw coarse pebble littered at the bottom of the hole. In fact, now Sousuke can discern that the wall was dull grey in color. He touched the wall and found that it was somewhat cool.

"Those were steel and concrete" Kevin commented.

Sousuke turned to him, surprised that he can see him clearly. "You turned on the light" he remarked, seeing a two halogen lights attached to the side of the wall.

"No, motion sensor did" Kevin shook his head. "These were ballast" he kicked some pebbles under his feet. "The storage was just ahead" he motioned for Sousuke to move.

Sousuke slowly walked forward, his eyes darted around the hallway. Illuminated now he can see that it resemble an upturned U. "How big is this?"

"Two and a half by two meters" Kevin answered. "Eighteen meters in diameter. Pretty impressive, huh for a civilian" In front of him Sousuke just shrugged indifferently. "Do you have any particular armament in mind? Small arms, heavy calibers, rifle, explosives?"

"First, rifle" Sousuke answered.

Kevin nodded. "Stop here" he commanded as Sousuke passed a section of the floater where a yellow band was painted across and top to bottom. Kevin pressed his palm on a box next to the color band. With a hiss, two rectangular sections raised themselves from the confining walls. Additional lighting from above flickered alive. "Berretta XM1, Lapua Magnum, AK, you take your pick" he gestured to the rifled docked inside the cabinet.

Kevin took one and tossed them to Sousuke. Deftly Sousuke worked the bolt and took aim. "Brand new and untraceable too," he added seeing a pessimistic look on Sousuke's face.

"Got the version that fired tranquilizer dart?" Sousuke challenged.

"Oh?" Kevin eyebrow shot up. "I could procure one. Might cost you extra though," he warned.

"How much?" Sousuke asked. He took out a list of items from his pocket. "For the rifle and the rest of these items" he gave Kevin the list. "I assume that you can provide them" Sousuke gave him a challenge stare.

Kevin took a moment studying the list. "No problem. Now we haggle?" he smiled. "Upstairs then. We shall do this in a civilized way" Once again Kevin hit the box and the cabinet disappeared. "After you" he grandly gestured for Sousuke to lead the way back.

(Ontario, 25 Feb 2006, noon)

In the same room as two days ago sat the same people around the table, except for the grumpy General and the secretary. Another exception was the projector now displayed a map of Amsterdam.

"So, Tony. Good news or bad news?" Peter asked, leaning back against his chair.

Tony looked up, his clothing were in disarray and his eyes red from fatigue. "Bad news I am afraid. You were right about Sagara, Peter. He is a slimy bastard," Tony answered with a rattled voice. Peter gave him an amused look. "For three days now Sagara has managed to elude my surveillance team. Each day he left the hotel at noon and returning before dark. He brought nothing when he left and carry nothing when he came back," he reported. "If the General knew about this I'm dead," Tony added in panic

"Calm down Tony. First of all, how big is your team?" Claire asked, attempting to placate him.

"First just the two men local team since the Frankfurt team has just settled in. They operate with full strength the next day, but still he got away" Tony replied. "I add the ELINT team the day after but they still fail to tail him" he wrung his hand worriedly.

"Gave us a summary of how he managed to thwart your team" Peter asked in a calm voice, which Tony obeyed. Peter steeple his hands together and put them under his chin. "So the first two days he wanted to lull your team into a sense of false security and at day one he managed to exploit a small window of their negligence" Peter summarized. "At day two he managed to clobber one of your men and took his radio, disrupting your team's coordination. At day tree he discovered the bug you plant of him and put it on someone else, leading your team on a merry chase around Amsterdam" he added. "He is resourceful. I think I like him" Peter smiled

"Well I hate him since he will make me lost my job if this continues" Tony retorted, giving Peter and angry glare.

"Relax Tony. I think that he got outside help" Claire interfered. "You mentioned interrogating Gwen Gillespie on our last meeting. How did it go?"

"She claimed that Sagara is a paranoid man" Tony snickered. "And he probably misused some of her contact" he mumbled. "None of them were in Amsterdam though, I have verified that" Tony added in a desperate tone.

"So what are you planning next?" Claire asked.

"Yesterday I ordered a pair of lab team to go there and shift through his room once he left today as well as his laundry, searching for clue of his whereabouts and plant some more bugs" Tony answered. "I should get their report tonight"

"I don't think it will do you any good" Peter spoke up. Tony just glared at him expecting explanations. "Papers, tools, funds" Peter listed with his fingers. "That's three essentials. He probably made one more trips if you're lucky. It seemed that he practice his lesson really well" Peter grinned.

Claire gave a solemn nod. "Peter is right. You might only have one last chance," she warned. "Since I am in charge of security, I don't want to bear the fruit of your fall" Clair gave Tony a hard look.

"I'll do my best" Tony fidgeted. "But you should also prepare for the worst. That's why I told you this" he hedged

Claire grimly nodded as her brain worked on ways to increase the target's security without raising the General's anger.

"Now, now let's not panic. I'm sure that Tony will be able to bring us good tidings in a few days," Peter added jovially. "I'll be off then. Keep me informed" he rise and went out of the room.

(Rho Hotel, 26 Feb 2006, morning)

"Room service" a muted knock sounded from the door. Sousuke looked at the door puzzled before spitting out the toothpaste slud and wiping his face. He peeked from the keyhole, seeing a hotel man stood outside his door carrying several clothes on their hanger.

Sousuke opened the door slightly to address the man. His left hand by the doorframe and his right on the doorknob, his right foot just behind the door to prevent it from being pushed open. "Yes?" he asked in a puzzled tone.

"Your clothes, sir. You order them to be brought to your room" the man gestured to the clothes he carried.

"I didn't put the order" Sousuke looked confused. "And those aren't my clothes"

"Really?" the man replied with the same confused tone. With his right hand, he raised the clothes to his eyes to read the designation label placed on the back. His left hand sneaked around them and presented a small envelope to Sousuke.

"TAKE IT" the words were scrawled across the envelope. His eyes darting around, Sousuke quickly grabbed the envelope and hid it on his palm.

"Oh, it for room 721" the man exclaimed. "Sorry to bother you" he apologized before leaving.

Sousuke smiled politely and close the door. He stopped by the bathroom door and opened the envelope. It contained a small card.

"Schipol Airport 27th 11:00, in front of Hall 3 toilet. I'll be a cleaner with pink handkerchief" written on the card.

Sousuke ripped the card and envelope to small pieces before dumping them on an ashtray. He lighted a match and burned them thoroughly.

(La Salle Academy, 26 Feb 2006, night)

Kaname was in the middle of tidying up her work when the phone on her living room suddenly rang, thinking that it would be Beth she lazily picked it up.

"What is it, Beth?" Kaname said in a slightly annoyed tone.

"This is Cecilia Barnes," a formal voice sounded from the other end. "Miss Teletha Testarossa wished to speak to you"

"Miss Barnes" Kaname squeaked, surprised. "Yes, of course" she answered as calm as possible. (Why would Tessa wanted to speak to me?). Her mind wandered to the last conversation that they had, unconsciously her grip over the phone tightened.

"Hello ... Kaname, can you hear me?" Tessa's voice sounded surprisingly clear for an overseas call.

"Yes, captain. How may I help you" Kaname tried to be polite.

"Ah, well ... I just wanted to know how well you cope up with school" Tessa answered feebly. "I heard a couple of months ago from the counselor that you have problem keeping up with the course. But it seemed that you do well now"

"Oh? I am surprised that you were kept aware of my achievement here" Kaname replied coldly.

"Well, the school thought that as your sponsor I should be regularly updated, especially since you planned to enroll to some advanced course" Tessa laughed nervously.

"You don't have to worry captain. I'm quite capable of handling them," Kaname curtly said. (I won't gave you the satisfaction of seeing my failure)

"Ano ... Kaname, I probably shouldn't say this but in half a year my project would be completed so I don't think that you should burden yourself with those courses" Tessa said in a gentle tone. (Please say yes ... please) she crossed her fingers.

"I don't care if you succeeded or not, Captain. I will make the best one there is. It will be Sousuke's ticket to a normal live," Kaname stated with a determination. "And I need to do it fast since his life is on the line right now. He may be injured as we speak" (I shall not be tempted) she chanted.

"You mean you didn't know" Tessa asked, puzzled. "He made it through training just fine. I think he is on his final test right now," Tessa informed her.

(How the hell) Kaname was stunned by this sudden revelation. "You seemed well versed about Sousuke's condition. Are you using your influence to keep tab on his condition, Captain? On purpose?" Kaname asked with a drip of venom on her tone.

(Oops, me and my big mouth) Tessa cursed. "No ... Cmdr Kalinin mentioned it to me" Tessa dodged lamely. "I am surprised, I thought that the two of you communicate frequently during his training?" she changed the topic.

(Damn, stupid me) Kaname wanted to hit herself for falling into the same trick. "I tried. I left him dozen of messages since his phone was inactive most of the time" Kaname hedged. Afraid that Tessa doesn't believe her, she added. "He called me ... twice ... on my birthday and before that" she lied.

"I see. I suppose he doesn't tell you much, doesn't he," Tessa said, subdued.

"Look I don't have time for your petty interrogation. I got plenty of things to study and not much time left," Kaname said. (I need to end this quickly end this before I revealed more) she resolved.

"Kaname, I begged you please reconsider your choice. It not too late for you to relax and have some friends, maybe even date someone. You deserve a normal life," Tessa pleaded. (Come on Kaname, please cooperate with me) she prayed.

(Yeah, right) Kaname laughed bitterly. "Too late, I already lost everything. No families, no friends, nobody but him. So if you or anyone one planned to take him away from me, you would have to eliminate me first," she mocked. "Goodbye, Miss Testarossa. Don't bother to call me again" she sneered before slamming down the phone.

"Damn you" Kaname shrieked. She felt her vision blurred as tears started to brim her eyelids. Running half-blind, she raced inside her rooms and plopped facedown on her bed, bumping her knee to the bedside.

"I won't lose you, Sousuke," she said repeatedly between sobs, ignoring the homework that lay open on her desk.

(Rho Hotel, 27 Feb 2006, morning)

The sound of an alarm clock rang throughout the small hotel room. With a yawn, Sousuke got up from his bed and walked sleepily to the bathroom. Fifteen minutes later, he emerged fresh and clean-shaven with a towel wrapped around his waist. His hair is colored dark brown now.

"I guess I overdo the cleaning solution," Sousuke muttered, sniffing around the room. The day before he had taken the liberty of cleaning every corner of the room in much detail that he did daily. Vacuuming the carpet, wiping the entire surface of the room and burning all the scrap paper that he found. He even inspected every inch with his UV light, halogen light and magnifying glass. There must not be any clue regarding his whereabouts for the past week.

Taking a glance around, Sousuke began to collect the stuff he just use and put it inside his Bergen along with the rest of his items that he has packed yesterday. "Check, double check and triple check. I can't afford any mistake," he murmured.

Finally, half an hour later after the fourth pass around the room Sousuke stood in a grey sweatshirt and black jeans plus a bright orange parka and sneakers. He reached out to the phone. "I would like checkout from my room" he said to the front office. "I'll come down in half and hour" he added before putting down the phone.

Sousuke stared a few moments at his luggage. Besides his Bergen, he had a rucksack containing his notebook and its accessories and a bulky suitcase he took out from the bank. Sousuke took the suitcase and cautiously opened it. "Here goes nothing," he whispered to himself.

(Hotel lobby, about the same time)

Once again, Pieter Jaudzems sat at the hotel lobby with an opened newspaper on his hand. Every now and then, he glanced up, sweeping the lobby and every time the elevator chimed his gaze zoomed in there, expecting Sousuke to come out from within.

"Target is checking out in thirty minutes," his earpiece buzzed, announcing the news. Pierre folded his newspaper and tidied up his clothing. He wore a dark blue shirt with black cotton trousers and a pair of worn out sneakers. Pieter looked expectantly at the elevator door, expecting Sousuke to emerge any minute. He tried to visualize the rest of the team. Sierra One, his partner and one of the outsiders would be standing by on the hotel's parking lot to be the first tail for Mr. Sagara. He and one other would be second tail. The ELINT team would be on their van and brought up the rear. They figure that Sagara would head to Schipol Airport since his card is used to pay for a seat on today's three o'clock flight to Frankfurt but they wanted to make sure that Sagara made no unscheduled stop en route.

(The man is a pro) Pieter gritted his teeth. Lab team had gone over his room while he was having breakfast and pored over his laundry but they couldn't find anything useful on that short inspection except for some scratches on a notepad next to the phone. It appeared that Sousuke regularly sanitized his belonging and his room. The lab team would do a full trace analysis once he checked out.

"Target in the lobby" Pieter whispered when he saw Sousuke got out of the elevator. "Approaching front office," he added when Sousuke made his way to the counter. Pieter observed Sousuke completed his paperwork and settled his bill.

"Target moving out," he whispered as Sousuke made his way to the front door with his luggage. Pieter calculated his path and took a determined stride. "Sorry" he mumbled when he bumped into Sousuke from the side, his hand gripping to Sousuke's Bergen as if to steady himself while ostensibly slipping a tracer inside. Sousuke just shot him an annoyed look. Pieter re-apologized before scurrying away.

(Sorry pal, we can't afford any screw up) he grinned from a safe distance as he saw Sousuke hailing a cab and got inside.

(Schipol Airport, two hours later)

Sousuke Sagara sat on the bench at Hall 3 of Schipol Airport. His Bergen safely deposited in a long-term luggage locker since he wouldn't need its content for this mission. His rucksack and suitcase were in a short-term one, the keys in his jacket pocket. Clutched at his hand was a ticket to Frankfurt for the three o'clock flight. Sousuke glanced at his watch.

(Eleven o'clock. Almost time) Sousuke sighed. He slowly patted his clothing to identify any alien object. Sousuke was sure that the man who bumped into him on the hotel's lobby was part of the surveillance team, no doubt slipping a tracking device somewhere. However he couldn't find anything even after a second pass so it's either they were very good or the tracer were slipped on his luggage, probably on his Bergen since he had taken his rucksack apart on the cab. Slowly he took a sweeping glance around him briefly zeroing on each visible person, he thought that he spotted a couple familiar figures but they quickly walked away before he can made further identification.

(They are getting better) Sousuke remarked. He returned his gaze to the front. Directly ahead of him and slightly to the side a cleaner walked across towing a cart behind him. A large plastic dumpster peeked out from behind the cart, a wet vacuum cleaner can be seen at the front. As the cleaner passed a trashcan, he unloaded its content to the dumpster. Suddenly the cleaner started to sneeze several time. Then he took out a pink handkerchief and blew his nose before sneezing some more. Desperate, the cleaner parked his cart and went inside a nearby toilet.

Watching from afar Sousuke couldn't help and stifled a laugh. (Pink handkerchief) his mind hollered. He stood up and walked towards the same toilet. Inside he saw the cleaner busy blowing his nose over the sink while two other people were at the end of the urinal. Sousuke went in to one of the nearby booth and took care of his nature call.

Five minutes later he emerged from his booth and found the toilet empty except for the cleaner still bending over the sink washing his handkerchief. Sousuke went to the sink next to him and washed his hand as the cleaner dried his cloth over the hand drier machine. Intending to dry his hand, Sousuke purposely reached inside his trousers pocket to take out his handkerchief. However, a small 'clink' sound told him that he "accidentally" extracted something else. Looking down Sousuke saw his baggage locker key by his feet.

"Here you go" the cleaner reached down and took the key, giving it back to him. "Be careful with it, sir. You never knew who you might bump to on your way out," he advised.

"Thanks" Sousuke said, pocketing the keys, noticing a different number on its label. The cleaner went out the toilet as Sousuke pretend to recheck all his belongings before following suit.

As Sousuke returned to his seat he heard a loud yell from behind him. Sousuke turned around and saw the cleaner apologizing to a young man, about Sousuke's height. The man has the same short crop dark brown hair and wore a black T-shirt with faded blue jeans, a white KLM hat and sneakers. From the snippet of his yelling it seemed that the cleaner had somehow bumped into the man. Again, Sousuke couldn't help laughing at the irony. Settling down at his seat, Sousuke glanced at his watch. (Eleven fifteen). He looked up and saw the cleaner resuming his duty with his cart in tow and the annoyed young man brushed off his clothing and started to walk off in the plaza's direction.

Sousuke narrowed his gaze at the receeding young man's back. He couldn't help admiring their likeness from afar. Suddenly he done his glassed, rise and started to walk on the same direction.

(Schipol Airport, ten minute later)

Pieter tried to stifle his yawn as he stood watching a row of short-term baggage locker. For the past hour or so it has became a routine surveillance for his team. The subject made no counter-surveillance effort whatsoever, going straight to the Schipol airport. Once there he made a stop at the first floor public area where to the dismay of Pieter's team he rent a long term luggage locker and left the Bergen inside, carrying only his suitcase and backpack to the second floor departure lounge.

It was lucky that the team has opted to put the tracking device on the Bergen since Mr. Sagara has opted for a manual search at the security gate, anything out of placed would have been noted. There his team managed to catch a glimpse of what appeared to be a field computer inside the suitcase. The said suitcase and backpack immediately went inside a luggage locker before anyone can attempt any tampering on both bags.

(So here I am) Pieter sighed. Deprived of their homing device, someone has to stakeout the locker. Out of the six-man team, one stayed at the ELINT van, Pieter supervised the luggage locker and four other disperse around the target.

(Target entering a bookstore) his earpiece announced. (He was window shopping) Pieter cursed, as he heard report of Mr. Sagara entering and exiting various shops at the plaza. (Why can't he settle down and read a book).

Pieter fixed his gaze at the locker ahead of him, particularly the one near the bottom right corner. He had seen several people using the facilities, but none of them was close enough to that particular locker. Stifling another yawn Pieter glimpsed a cleaner towing his cart across the locker. He narrowed his eyes as the cleaner parked his cart near the corner since it blocked three of the bottom right lockers, one of them is Sagara's. The cleaner walked to the side of the locker where a trashcan stood and lift it up to his cart to be emptied. Somehow, the cleaner slipped and some of the trash littered on the floor. Pieter smiled as he watched the cleaner reached for his broom in panic and ducked behind his cart to collect the debris, the top of his head was visible as the scuttle around. Pieter furrowed his brow as the cleaner's head disappeared for five seconds before taking a relief breath as the cleaner rose with broom in hand. Pieter scrutinized the cleaner as he tidied up his tools and returned the trashcan. Only after the cart is towed away and Sagara's locker was visible once again did he relax.

(It's going to be a long watch) Pieter stretched his back and shifted into a better position.

(Schipol Airport, fifteen minute later)

Ross Kuhlbert cursed as he saw Sousuke entered yet another store. With each store he visited, Sousuke would burn a member of the surveillance team since it was assumed that Sagara would remember who was with him inside. With only four members, now they were forced to tail him from afar. Luckily, Sagara wore an eye-catching jacket, making him easy to identify.

(Not so smart of him) Ross thought aloud. A small voice at the back of his head told him to be wary, but he dismissed it. (Probably thought he doesn't need one at this stage) he shrugged. (Whatever, after this my job is done) he decided.

(On the move, seemed going back to start) Ross' earpiece buzzed. Pretending to browse the menu on a nearby Hagen Daz, he took a sweeping glance before doubling back.

A few meters behind, Ross followed Sagara as he took time examining the display of shops he passed; both hand in his jacket pocket. (At least he stopped going in) Ross noted with relief. Sagara were in the middle of the walkway, near a toilet when a young man with white cap and black hair crossed in a hurry and bumped into him. Ross saw the man briefly apologize before entering the toilet in a hurry. Sagara looked at the man, perplexed before following suit.

"Entering the toilet," Ross cursed as he waited outside. The small voice at the back of his mind noted that the young man that bumped into Sagara has a similar build and appearance, but once again, Ross choose to ignore it.

Still Ross waited anxiously in front of the toilet until about fifteen minutes later Sagara emerged from the toilet, heads down and hands tucked in like before, taking slow deliberate steps. With his cap tucked down low and glasses over his eyed, his face was barely visible but the bright orange parka identified him anyway so Ross didn't hesitate.

"Coming out going left," Ross muttered. He let another agent took the lead and walked at an oblique angle to his new position.

Had Ross stayed five more minutes, he would have seen the white capped young man exited the toilet and walked to the opposite direction in the same pose but faster pace.

(Schipol Airport, fifteen minutes later)

The last time we saw the white-capped man, he was walking in a hurry towards the right wing of the departure section. Briskly he navigated his way among the crowd and climbed down the steps to the ground floor. Once there, he exited to the public area and went inside one of the corner toilet.

He noticed a middle aged man on the sink washing his hand so he went to the urinal, passing a number of booth, one of them has an out of service sign hung at the door. Several seconds later, the middle-aged man completed his business and left. Quickly white cap looked around and under each booth, ensuring nobody is inside. Reaching inside his pocket, he took out a powerful magnet, which he used to open the booth lock. Taking the out of service sign with him, he went in.

Inside, propped against the toilet seat were Sousuke's suitcase and backpack with a shopping bag piled on top of them. White cap reached inside and withdrew a thin brown formal cut jacket, a yellow short sleeve with brown stripes, a polyester beige trousers and a pair of leather loafers. Quickly he exchanged his clothing, putting his old ones inside the shopping bag. With a tug, the man took off his cap along with the dark brown wig under it, revealing a dark blonde hair. The cap and wig also went to the shopping bag.

Briefly, the man listened around for any noise before opening the booth door a crack. Peering outside he made sure that no one was around before he cautiously tiptoed out with both suitcase and rucksack, relocked the door behind him and hung the out of order sign once again. As he went out, the man briefly inspected his reflection on the sink mirror.

His dark blond hair ended slightly above his neck at the back and jutted slightly forward at the front. His eyebrows were somewhat bushy, accentuated his hazel eyes. His nose was more refined, though not as large as European ones. Coupled with a higher cheekbone it made him looked like a Caucasian. The only thing that pointed to his Oriental origin was his small mouth. Satisfied with his looks, he strolled out and headed to the train terminal. He arrived just in time to catch the train headed for downtown Amsterdam.

(Witwatersrand, 27 Feb 2006, night)

"Captain, aren't you going to bed?" Nora Lemmings called out from Tessa's door, yawning.

"Why don't you go ahead, I still got something else to type" Tessa looked up from her notebook. "It won't be long" she tried to assured her.

Nora looked like she wanted to argue until she was forced to stifle yet another yawn. "I guess I better turn in, huh," she muttered. "Good night, Captain" she waved lazily.

"Good night, Nora" Tessa giggled as she heard Nora turned off the light and fumbled in the dark. She waited a while until she was sure that Nora has left the lab. "Let see if Al is available," she muttered, bringing up her chat screen.

[AnthazRose Al? Are you there?

(Come on Al, answer me) Tessa chanted.

[HumanoidAl Reporting for duty maam. What can I do for you?

(Yes!) her mind shouted with glee.

[AnthazRose Sousuke, how is he?

[HumanoidAl Alive and well. The preparation is going forward slowly but sure.

[AnthazRose Good. BTW, I just speak to Kaname. Is it true that Sousuke seldom call her?

[HumanoidAl AFAIK, Sousuke never called her, but I have to check his phone record to confirm that.

(Ouch! No wonder Kaname is touchy on that subject) Tessa cringed.

[AnthazRose Why, isn't she her girlfriend?

[HumanoidAl Inconclusive data.

[AnthazRose Did she and Sousuke had a fight before he left?

[HumanoidAl Sousuke admit having one but he made no mention of the timeline

Tessa furrowed her brows as she pondered her next question

[AnthazRose Have you managed to confirm Gwen and Sousuke relationship?

[HumanoidAl He gave contradictory information. He claimed to be just friend with her, yet he once complaint for being a girl magnet.

[AnthazRose Oh? Does he say who the lucky girl is?

[HumanoidAl lt was an offhand remark, which he refused to elaborate.

Tessa felt her chest constrict as she read Al's remark. (My fear might come true) she chewed on her braid.

[AnthazRose Do you trust this Gwen?

[HumanoidAl My vetting so far gave satisfactory result. Maybe in a couple of months we'll know for sure.

[AnthazRose Please let me know of any news

[HumanoidAl Certainly

[AnthazRose Thanks, bye.

The chat disconnected, Tessa leaned back and massage her temple, a headache started to form. (OK, worst case this Gwen really did fall in love with Sousuke and the feeling is reciprocated. How does that affect me?) Tessa critically analyzed. (None whatsoever) she sadly concluded. (Unless the girl is General Amitt's ploy to retain Sousuke. However, Al's working on checking that) she added.

Tessa hung her head. (But what about Kaname) her mind debated. Taking a deep breath Tessa wobbled to her feet and walked out her office to the cockpit prototype. Tessa gently lowered herself into the seat and flipped on the power.

"Good night captain, what can I do for you this time?" a women robotic voice sounded.

"Good night, Catherine. Could you please brought up my log?" Tessa asked. "I would like to record a new entry" she requested, waiting until the record sign is on. "Tessa's special log, 27 February 2006" Tessa spoke clearly.

For the last three days, I have racked my brains but still I have no clue about what I should do. It has been a week since I receive news about Sousuke's new female acquaintance and three days ago, I contacted Kaname. I seemed that I have made a mistake in talking to Kaname. I meant to gauge the level of her relationship with Sousuke, to see if my worries are founded. I knew how much it hurts, letting go of your love, especially when you have done so much for him. I never wanted anyone else to experience that kind of pain, especially her.

Alas, Kaname took it the wrong way. She thought that I am going to steal Sousuke from her. I guess her jealousy made her declared war with me as her number one enemy. Love really made you blind.

Oh Kaname ... Can't you see that you already won. I have lost that war three years ago, after Pacific Christmas. I was utterly, thoroughly defeated that day. Even a fleeting recollection of those days wrenched my heart. The pain and torture of smiling in front of everyone, Sousuke included. How I bleed tears for days afterwards and consumed by hate, for you, for myself. Repeatedly I was tempted to hurt myself, every time the knife stopped millimeters away from piercing my skin. I shredded my pillow, as your substitute and devised all sorts of wicked plan for revenge. Nevertheless, in the end I realize my fault.

By seeking unattainable love, I have committed a mortal sin. For it, I have to suffer, bounded and tortured for tasting the fruit of lust, the unattainable love. My freedom will only be found through death. Death that I will gladly seek and welcomed with open arms, alas he has eluded me so far.

Therefore, Kaname, I leave you this message for you, as my last will. Sousuke isn't meant to me, this much I know. For his happiness, I will let him go even if I have to rip my heart from my body. I would rather give him up to you but who he chose in the end is up to him. I wanted you to know that I never have any ill intention towards you.

Oh, and in case Sousuke did choose someone else I want you to know that I have experienced your pain. Please don't take the way of revenge and hatred. Let him go, that is my advice, for I don't want you to share my fate.

"End of recording" Tessa stated. "Catherine, in the event of my death please made sure that Miss Chidori Kaname got this entry" she instructed.

"Understood, captain. I will do that," Catherine acknowledged.

(Amsterdam Central Station, around one o'clock)

The train arrived at the central station, discharging a series of passengers from each of its cart. Our dark blond European navigated his way to the bank of telephone booth. Each booth has the phone nestled on top of a cheap Formica board slightly above waist level and sectioned on both side by a transparent Plexiglas. An ad board stood at the rightmost side of the booth cramped with tidbits of paper. The man briefly stood in front of them and gave the ads a cursory glance. At one corner, someone drew a thick downward arrow with a black marker. Noticing the odd sign, the man smiled and headed to the second telephone booth from the left where an old lady was currently using the phone.

Five minutes later the old lady finished. Stepping forward the man picked up the phone put in a coin and dialed a random number he picked up from the ads.

"Rosmetta Hotline" a gruff voice answered the call.

"Is Suzie available?" the man mentioned the name written on the ad while his hand groped under the Formica board.

"Hi, do you want a list of our services?" a woman voice took over. The man grunted as he continued his groping until he felt a thin rectangular object taped under the board. Taking it out, the object turned out to be two coverless plastic DVD box taped together. Quickly he put them inside his jacket.

"So, what it gonna be?" the woman over the phone asked impatiently.

"Give me a moment, I'll call you back," he answered before hanging up.

Slowly he took out a blue marker and unscrewed the tip but hiding it on his left hand. He approached the ad board once again and pretended to closely examined one of the ads at the opposite corner of the downward arrow. Once hidden from view, his left hand snaked out and drew a smaller upward arrow with his marker. After capping the marker and pocketed it, he took a step backward and glanced around the board before going to the long-term luggage locket section. Giving his luggage ticket to the attendant, he departed with a retractable-wheeled blue Polo suitcase plus the small slotted bag on top. With a rucksack on his back and a bulky suitcase on his right, he dragged the wheeled contraption with his left hand to a nearby car rental booth.

"Good afternoon is it possible to rent one of your cars for a European trip?" he inquired. "I wanted to take a road trip to Germany and made some stop along the way," he explained.

"Certainly sir, can I have a look at your passport?" the attendant answered. "Mr. Samuel Sommers" she read the name out of the passport Sousuke gave her. "Please fill out this form Mr. Sommers" she handed a clipboard to the man.

"Of course" he took out his pen and began to fill the form. "I don't have to return the car here, am I? I planned to return directly to Australia from Frankfurt," he asked halfway.

"We have a branch office at Frankfurt, you can leave the cart there," the attendant answered with a smile.

(Schipol Airport, around two o'clock)

"Still no change" Pieter's radio crackled. He yawned as he fought to keep his gaze to the lockers ahead. (Two thirty) Pieter glanced at his watch. (That's odd. First he pranced around the airport and now he sat stock still reading a book for almost two hours) Pieter wondered since his radio now periodically report the same thing, the subject sat on a bench, absorbed in a book.

"All passengers for KLM flight 822 to Frankfurt please board the plane". A tannoy chimed throughout the airport.

"Subject rise, heading to the toilet" Pieter radio's crackled. (He wanted to pee before flight) Pieter concluded. No report about agent following him inside so Pieter assumed that the toilet must be full of pre-flight rush. He re-focused his attention to the lockers, zooming in on people retrieving their luggage.

Ten minutes gone and still his radio kept its silence, Pieter started to become nervous. He rocked his body by the balls of his feet, his eyes darting around.

"Last call for all passengers for KLM flight 822 to Frankfurt please board the plane" the tannoy chimed once again.

"One going in to check" Pieter's radio finally broke the silence. "Three boards the plane" a new voice report. Barely five minutes inside, another reply came, "Subject not, repeat not inside". Pieter eyes. "Four, you got anything?"

"No one near the box" Pieter whispered. (Damn it Sagara, where are you) he cursed.

(Utrecht - Netherlands, about the same time)

The said person was behind the wheel of a blue Mercedes A-160, heading south towards the province of Utrecht passing the various lakes that scattered on its northern area. About an hour and a half after leaving Amsterdam, Sousuke reached a small town near a forested pine plantation that stretched as far as eyes could see. He parked his car beside a local outdoor shop and went inside. A middle-aged shopkeeper tends the store.

"What can I do for you, sir?" the shopkeeper asked politely.

"Kevin Marsh told me that you sell specialized camping equipment," Sousuke said, looking at various items hanging on the shops wall. "I thought of burying myself on the mountains of Bavaria for several days" he gave the shopkeeper a hard stare.

"They were quite cold this time of the year" the shopkeeper smiled. He went to the door and locked it, putting a closed sign outside. "If you would follow me to the back, I am sure that you would find the items you need" he went inside, nodding to Sousuke to follow.

The door leads to a small living room, complete with fireplace, several comfort chairs and a rug in the middle. Motioning Sousuke to sit on one of them, the shopkeeper carefully rolled the rug aside, revealing a trapdoor on the floor. He opened the trapdoor and briefly went inside before coming out carrying several items and laid them on the floor in front of Sousuke.

"Camouflaged tent with silver foil lining" he pointed to a cylinder roll of cloth half a meter long with several metal rods strapped to its side. "Field Binoculars, infra red and night vision" he put down a small box. "Magnetic lock pick and manual ones" he slipped two small cases on top. "Radar deflector" down came another box. "Oh and before I forget, the address where the rest of your order will be delivered" he gave Sousuke a mini envelope.

Meticulously Sousuke unpack his orders and repacked them inside the tent roll. The lock pick he pocketed inside his jacket and hoisted the rest to the Mercedes' trunk. Bidding the shopkeeper goodbye, Sousuke continued his journey.

(End of chapter 9)

Created : 10 Feb 2007

Finished : 01 July 2007

There you go thirty thousand words of what I hope to be a satisfying chapter. With this chapter completed, the story has now reached the 100.000 words mark (WOW!!) and made it to the top ten of longest story hosted by FFN in Full Metal Panic category (double WOW !!). Seriously, I never imagined this could be achieved on such a short time. Kudos to all of you that have read this story.

Give me a howler if anyone felt confused and wanted some explanations. Please reviews whether you like it, hated it or indifferent. Any ideas, comments or critiques even flames are welcomed.

On the side note, I might not be able to write until the beginning of August at the latest since I have another deadline to meet. I will try to publish the next chapter in four months, but please check my I page just to be sure.