World's Finest in Ghost City
CHP 14: Dead or Alive?
The Phantom listened to the closing statements of each member present.
"When you leave here today, remember that whatever was said stays in this room. I'll contact you each individually with the time and place of our next meeting," The Phantom hesitated for a moment, "I'll have the specifics of our first official mission completed the next time we meet. You're all free to go."
Members to the meeting gathered their materials exiting out. The Daunting Phantom was the only person remaining. He paced across the carpet gazing out of the only window in the room. Of the many that worked for him, only one had seen his face. He'd been deceived by persons in the past and some of which lead to near death. And even now he didn't want to rule out the possibility someone working beneath him, might be plotting his assassination.
The mask he wore was inspired by Yin/Yang. One half was white while the other was black. The Yin and Yang symbol was displayed on both sides. His facial features were all covered except for his eyes. His spiky brown hair was the only thing left uncovered. He took a step forward placing one gloved hand over the glass window. That was one thing he loved about being on the 12th floor, it gave him a great view of the city. He turned around to the sound of knocking.
"Who is it?" He asked huskily.
"It's Katt. May I come in?"
A moment of silence followed during which he tapped a finger against the window.
"Sure…why not."
A woman entered standing around 5'6" wearing a business suit with shoulder length green hair, and azure colored eyes.
"Shouldn't you be getting some rest Eiije? You're going to have a nervous breakdown if you don't start taking things a little slower."
"I told you not to call me that anymore! You and everyone else will only address me as the Daunting Phantom and nothing else!" He shouted slamming his fist against the wall. He took a deep breath looking at her directly, "What is it you want Katherine?" He asked softly.
She pulled out a chair taking a seat.
"I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but I overheard some of what was said in your meeting. I don't know who suggested it, but you should strongly consider holding off on your planned attack. I think you might be underestimating the police and government. As one of your buddies stated, they're sure to be on much higher alert."
"You let me worry about the police and Section squads. Frankly neither scares me. I'll think things over and come up with my final decision by tomorrow. Try and think about it my way for a second," He looked her in the eyes, "If we strike now during all this activity surrounding Grivez it could play to my advantage."
"You're only guessing, you and I both know that could work in your favor or against you. Do the smart thing and wait. That would also give you more time to develop an even better strategy."
He took his eyes off her, facing the window. With a sigh he leaned against the wall.
"It doesn't matter what you or anyone else says," He crossed his arms looking to the ceiling, "In the end I'll have the final say. I've mapped out various scenarios, and there is not a single instance where I fail."
From the corner of his eye, he noticed her un intrigued posture.
"You should stop worrying so much. I'm certain things will turn out as planned; pending no unforeseen obstacle gets in the way," DP made his way to the exit, "I'm going to be on my way now. I might give you a call later, so keep your ears open."
Elsewhere Doctor Tetsei sat in front of a computer screen, waiting for the machinery to process everything. Mei Lin entered through the door behind him, "How're things here doctor?"
"Slow. But other than that I'm doing fine."
She took a second to look at all the weapons located in various parts of the room.
"Have we taken any of these into production sir?"
He shook his head.
"They're all in the evaluation stage of things. I can't say for sure when our technicians will get around to them all."
Some of the firearms fascinated Mei, prompting her to take an even closer look. She rubbed her hand over the surface of a missile launcher. It was similar to other models she'd seen. The weapon's overall design was unique, much like the other weapons throughout the room.
"Could you do me a favor and check on Mister Grivez? I don't want him going anywhere anytime soon. He is to remain in the facility for the remainder of the day and night. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes sir," She bowed, "I'll see to it he goes nowhere."
XXX
"We'll offer you as much support as we can, but currently it'll be limited. Atsushi is and will continue to be our top priority until we've restrained him."
Ryan stood shaking hands with Daisuke Aramaki.
"Thanks for sparing some of your time and listening to our offer. Hopefully luck is on our side, and your help won't be needed. Nothing would please me more than to catch the son of a bitch immediately. Unfortunately that isn't the way it usually works," Ryan looked to the rest of his team, "Our business is done here, let's get going."
Motoko walked them to the front entrance while the rest of her team remained seated. All of them exited except for Trey. He situated his hand on the wall just outside the doorway.
"What's your schedule looking like later sweetheart? If you aren't doing anything, maybe we can go out and get a drink. I know a real…" She attempted to close the door, but his hand stopped her from doing so, "Hey that isn't very nice. If you go out with me I'll even let you choose the time and place."
She again tried to close the door, but he held firm.
"Ok I'll get straight to the point," He took a deep breath clearing his throat, "I want to sleep with you."
Her eyes broadened as she took a step back. The next thing she knew her throat was closing up on her. Motoko kept a straight face leaning forward. She stopped within a few inches of his face, bringing her lips to his left ear, "You're a pig!"
She quickly stirred back slamming the door in his face! Her action left him speechless as his arms dropped down to his sides.
"Did she jj ju…just reject me!" He wanted to be angry but found himself smiling instead, "She's totally playing hard to get. I'll eventually have her in my grasp."
He licked his lips loving the thought of a challenge.
"What are you doing Trey?! Get over here so we can get going." Ryan called out.
With a node he ran out in the direction of his squad. Motoko returned to her team taking a seat away from everyone.
"What was that all about?" Togusa asked, referring to the slamming of the door.
"It's not important." She retorted roughly.
Batou raised an eyebrow, becoming interested. It was hard for him to determine anything by trying to read her body posture. She was exceptional when it came to hiding her feelings and moods from the team.
"Did you successfully locate and speak with the Prime minister?" She asked.
"Afraid not Major; they had her moved to a secure location and wouldn't give out any information. I suppose it was for the best. Until this Atsushi saga is over, she and the rest of us are gonna have to be on high alert. Speaking of which, I want you to start trying to figure out who sent that message."
"What about the rest of us sir would you like us to return to the scene of where Atsushi was last seen?" Paz asked.
"That won't be necessary. Now that you're here there is no point in returning to that part of town. I'm getting the feeling Grivez escaped, and is far away from there by now. I want all of you to return to the work area and see if there is anything else you can dig up. I've got some things to go over with the city administrators, so I'll be occupied for a little while."
Borma was the first to get up, leading the way. Upon entering, Togusa and Batou returned to their desks while Saito helped Motoko remove her jacket. She connected a long wire into the back of her neck, handing the other end to Saito. He immediately connected it to their computer system.
"Give it a couple minutes Major, I'm rebooting our systems. I detected a small virus on a scan earlier and was unable to completely eliminate it." Ishikawa informed.
Worlds away
Two men were heavily armed with automatic weapons. Another with them carried three bags filled with tons of cash. All of which wore black masks concealing their facial features. From above someone swooped down on the goons! The individual in red boots and a cape used heat vision destroying their weapons. They took off running but were caught from behind. The man of steel used his super speed catching them in a blink. Superman then flew them to the nearest police station which was just a block away.
He was caught off guard as one of them shot lasers from their eyes knocking him into the side of a truck across the street. Several police officers witnessed this action extracting their hand guns! The individual again used his laser technique to destroy their weapons. He then walked into the middle of the street in route to Superman.
"I knew you'd fall right into my little trap!"
"That voice…you're Me…Metallo!" Superman said standing upright.
The individual applauded Superman for his deduction. With much force Metallo ripped the artificial skin from the right side of his face.
"You never seem to disappoint man of steel."
The police immediately opened fire with a barrage of bullets drizzling down on Metallo. The cyborg was not phased even the slightest. His artificial flesh began chipping away with each hit. With a change in decision he went after the police force. He grabbed hold of a police car tossing it into the air. The police vehicle spun on its axis in midair. Superman caught the vehicle while it was airborne gently guiding it to the ground. The officer inside was visibly shaken but thankful for the quick action of Superman.
Superman got ready to make his move on Metallo when suddenly Metallo's chest opened revealing Kryptonite. The green radiation brought Superman to his knees. Superman garnered enough strength using his heat vision and melting the rock.
"No, not fair not again!" Metallo shouted.
Immediately Superman felt all of his strength return. The two super beings stood motionless, sizing each other up as if they were in a boxing match. Metallo moved first closing the ten foot distance between them. But with ridiculous speed Superman moved by much faster and with one blow detached Metallo's head from his body. His head flew upward and was caught by Superman on its way down. The rest of Metallo's body plunged to the ground. Superman lifted the body handing it over to the police along with the severed head.
"I know you may hear this a lot supes, but it is great to have you around. With all these crazy Meta's there's no telling what we'd do without your help." The police officer emphasized.
Metallo's head was snapped back into place, and from there he was strapped down by constraints designed to detain super beings. Superman Waved to several civilians as he flew off. His JL earpiece began peeping, "What's up?"
"Nightw…"
"I'm already on my way to Nightwing as we speak Diana. I'll find out what happened to Batman if it's the last thing I do. Dead or alive, we'll get to the bottom of this." Superman promised.
To Be Continued