Here it is sorry for the delay job hunt is getting very busy so without delay...enjoy!!!
Chapter 21: Searching for truth
The weeks leading from the incident in the Himalayas had it's backlash as with the departure of Banshee, Vampire and Yeti, the Alliance's bridgeshave been crippled and with no evidence to prove their innocence all three parties will remain neutral until the matter is investigated.
"We're facing a possibility of us going back to the old times of the Alliance and I will not allow that to happen, we all know where it lead to." Nick said.
"I know Logan, it was hard back then and when the new Alliance was established this is not what was in mind, but we have to find the ones responsible." Fitz said.
"Yeah but where to start? We have no leads?" Nick questioned.
"I know Jim's still trying to piece together the data Travis gave him and speaking of Travis you heard…
"Yes I heard, I guess I don't feel surprised, they've been close these past few months and well I'm happy for them both but if he even does anything to her he'll get more than just a pink slip." Nick stated.
"Relax Logan, the kid's an okay guy I'm sure he'll take care of your little princess, I mean sure he's an amnesiac ex mercenary, slash ex bounty hunter, slash ex employee of Dynasty turned Alliance agent, but hey who's judging." Fitz said.
"I guess I'm being a little overprotective I mena I know he has a past but it's her decision and I'll be damned if anyone hurts my little girl!!!" Nick said.
"Ah still a dad even though you're her superior." Fitz said.
"Can it Fitzpatrick or the picture of your monkey business in Colorado is gonna end up on every screensaver here." Nick warned.
"You still have that? I though you said you'd get rid of it?!" Fitz said.
"No I implied I did." Nick said.
"So it's your blackmailing me? Well I guess if you do that then I guess I won't tell the wife about how we went on that sisesta to mexico and we got those dancers to…
"Ok fine!!! Just don't say anything and I won't show the picture." Nick negotiated.
"Now was that hard?" Fitz said.
Nick just growled under his voice.
Meanwhile Travis was in the archive room trying to dig up anything on the elusive Drakhan as he cycled through every dossier and information he could find on him.
He was looking up the article on how one of the scientists at Dynasty was able to find a way to slow down the progression of cancer, his name was Doctor Richard Powler, he was the head of the Department of Disese and Research.
He watched a press conference that Powler attended and as he explained what the process of the drug contained he looked closer to see that Powler was definetly a Sioux and looking at the profile picture it was Drakhan alright.
Using the information on his profile he tracked Powler's financial records with every transaction that was made and something did catch his eye, several trips to Paris, France as his property records showed he owned a small country house out there and a small motoring business.
It's a start, better call Z and see if he's got any info on this Powler guy.
He got on the phone to Z and the dial tone turned to static.
"Password."
"All we are is dust in the wind." Travis answered.
"Travis, I see you've been a very busy boy, what can I do for ya?" Z asked.
"Do you know someone called Richard Powler?" Travis asked.
"Yeah he's the head of the DDR at Dynasty…well used to be until a few years ago he just vanished." Z said.
"Well that's what everyone says, so any leads on him?" Travis asked.
"I know for fact he's wanted by the NSA for questioning over the shooting of Senetor Riley." Z said.
"So Dynasty was involved in the attempted assassination of the Senetor?" Travis questioned.
"It looks that way and it seemed Powler wanted to testify against the company but something happened to him." Z said.
"Dynasty got to him?" Travis said.
"For once no, they didn't, rumour has it he's gone underground, but I'm out of any leads on where he is." Z said.
"What about the black market trade, would they possibly know?" Travis asked.
"You mean the mafia right?" Z asked.
"Yep the same guys." Travis answered.
"The same guys who's base you demolished?" Z said.
"No not them and they forgave me after I saved their boss, I mean he still owes me." Travis said.
"I remember you saved him after that assassin almost got him, but you got to him first." Z said.
"Indeed I did, so can you book me a flight to Okinawa, time boss Masuke repaid his debt." Travis said.
"No problem I'll have it for you in seconds…there ok go to Kennedy national airport, I'll give you detail when you touchdown." Z informed.
"Thanks Z hear from ya soon." Travis said as he hung up.
Travis did not want to venture back into the Japanese's territory, he had a very bad memory from that little vacation he took.
Let's just say never ever play poker with the mafia or even try to beat them at pong it can always get a bit messy.
He took the photo of Powler with him and left the archive room as he now was about to begin his search for Drakhan.
But something hit him as he knew he had something to do today.
Crap!!! I was supposed to meet Raine later for a dinner date, she's gonna be pissed if I take off without word…unless I improvise.
Travis went to find Raine so he could break the news to her about their plans for tonight as he went to the monitoring room as she was on monitor duty.
He walked to there and was thinking of what excuse he could use but then again she would just read his mind, as he then arrived to the monitoring room and looked in and saw Raine hard at work.
"Raine…I need to talk with you." Travis said.
"Travis? Where are you?" Raine asked.
"I'm outside the room." Travis said.
She looked behind her and took off her head set and left her workstation and went out of the room to talk with him.
"What's so urgent you needed to talk?" Raine asked.
"It's about tonight…uh…I can't make it." Travis answered nervously.
"Why?! Is it because you're having second thoughts?! Or is it it's going too fast?! Or is it…" she was stopped in mid sentence by Travis who just kissed her as she calmed down.
He looked her straight in the eyes. "Raine…the reason I can't do tonight is I have some business to take care of I have to see an old friend of mine, I promise to make up for this." Travis explained.
"Oh, I'm sorry I overreacted I just…it's all this that's going on, my mother is depressed being away from her sisters and I feel my connection with the earth fading, I don't want to lose you." Raine said.
"It'll be all right for us all, once we catch the ones responsible for causing all this and believe me we will." Travis stated as then something came into his head. " Tell you what wait for a phone call tomorrow at one in the afternoon." Travis instructed.
"Why tomorrow?" Raine asked.
"You'll see, I'll see you in twenty four hours." Travis said as they kissed and he left.
LATER ON
Travis had just landed in Okinawa and was jetlagged but he knew he had an eight o clock appointment with boss Masuke, the guy liked punctuality in his clients and friends as a car was sent for Travis.
He just got in and he saw who was in the car waiting for him.
"Ah Travis-san I've been waiting for your arrival."
"Lana…I figured I'd see you again, let me guess boss is busy so he sent you?" Travis asked.
"Boss Masuke-son asked for your immediate presence…and I volunteered to see to it." Lana said.
He knew Lana quite well from his previous trips here, he noticed she had done her auburn hair up and was wearing a revealing green blouse and black blazer and short skirt with heels.
It also meant she was after two things from him…
"You may want to get comfortable, it's going to be a long trip." Lana said sitting at the other end of the car.
"But it's only forty five minutes away?" Travis questioned.
"But it's plenty of time for us to get reacquainted." Lana huskily said as she just crept up to his lap.
She brought her face close to his as she was going in for a kiss but he pushed his arm in between them both as it pushed her away which surprised her.
"Lana I've told you this once, twice and a third time but now it's going to be the last time…No means NO!!!" Travis stated.
"Not even a little…
"NO." he interrupted.
"But just one…
"NO." he repeated.
"Ju….
"NO." He repeated again.
As this went on until they had arrived at their location, The Red Fist gang headquarters as Travis saw the huge building with the emblem on top.
It had been several years since his last visit and as he approached the door with Lana there were two guards posted at the door both suited, shades and armed as Lana told them to let them through.
They went through the doors which lead to an elevator as they both stepped in and went up.
"What brings you back here then if not a vacation?" Lana asked.
"Business, just business." Travis said.
"Oh that, well boss will be pleased to see you then." Lana said.
"Problems?" Travis asked.
"Let's just say business has become…complicated." Lana said sadly as the elevator stopped at the top floor.
The doors to the boss was guarded again by four henchmen as they let them through.
"Masuke-Son will see you now."
He opened the door to where a huge table was and at the other end of it was boss Masuke, leader of the Red Fist gang and the best man for any known information, he looked like hell for some reason.
"Well it has been a while since we last met, what brings you to Japan?" Masuke asked.
"I need information, on a man named Richard Powler." Travis said.
"As I would like to help you and pay back my debt, I cannot at this time." Masuke said.
"Why not?" Travis asked.
"My daughter has been kidnapped by some gang and they're demanding a ransom for her safety." Masuke explained.
"How much?" Travis asked.
"Twenty million Yen, if I don't she dies, you can see what I'm in at the moment, with no leads on who the kidnappers are and with time running out I will have to pay them, my daughter's safety is what matters." Masuke explained as he began rubbing his eyes.
Travis could see he hadn't slept in days as he was trying to locate his daughter but he was a father who had failed to protect his only child.
"Okay, I have a proposition for you." Travis said.
"What is it?" Masuke asked.
"If I can track down your daughter's kidnappers and rescue her will you get me the information I want?" Travis proposed.
He thought about for a second an knew it was his only option at this time.
"Alright but only if you find them and bring back Grace safely." Masuke made the deal.
"Deal I'll have her back, just keep your end of our deal." Travis said as he walked out.
He then walked past Lana and the guards as she followed him to the elevator.
"Travis? What did boss have to say?" Lana asked.
"He wants me to rescue his daughter and find who the kidnappers are in exchange for what I want." Travis said.
"Let me come with you!!!." Lana said as he called the elevator.
"Sorry Lana I work better alone on these kinds of things. I'll find them, I have my ways." Travis said as the doors of the elevator shut as he went down.
He had already left the building and was given one of the gang's cars to use as he began to drive he called Z up.
"Z it's me listen I need information on a Grace Masuke." Travis asked.
"Alright just give me a few minutes, ok she's been reported missing as of a few weeks and her last known whereabouts were at her apartment, I just sent you her address to your PDA." Z explained.
"Thanks Z if you have anything else please call." Travis said.
"No problem buddy talk to ya soon." Z said hanging up.
Travis continued on driving as he drove to the apartment of Grace Masuke and saw the building was a privately owned complex as he parked the car on the sidewalk and stepped out to look at it for a second and saw from across the street there was a black SUV and he knew the place was being watched.
He treaded carefully as he took another route to the building via the alleyway, he tried the door but it was locked as he then took out a lock pick and picked the lock and unlocked the door.
He made his way through the ground floor seeing it was deserted he then went over the reception desk and looked up the name of Grace Masuke and found her number as it was apartment number eight, as he made his way to the elevator and entered to press the number eight button as the doors closed and he went up.
He quickly took out his gun and took the safety off as it could get ugly in a real hurry as he loaded it ready.
As the doors opened he looked around and saw it was clear, he made his way to the door and checked, it was open for some reason as he began to feel his instincts kick in as he may not be alone on this floor.
He entered the apartment floor and saw the place had been ransacked and to him it was obvious they were looking for something as he searched the place for any evidence to point him in the right direction.
He saw that her drawers were open as then he entered her bedroom and saw the same as they were searching the place for something but what?
As then he heard some footsteps and decided to hide behind the door as he peeked to see two men in normal street wear and a distinctive tattoo on their wrists which identified them.
Yakuza…so the Oni are trying to take back their turf.
Travis had to time it right if he wanted a lead so as one came into the bedroom he just slammed the door into his face which just bounced off his face as he came flying out with a fist to the stomach winding him, but he saw the other guy who was about to shoot him but was shot in the shoulder.
He turned to see the shooter was…Lana.
"Lana?! What are you doing here?" Travis asked.
"I followed you and figured you'd need backup." Lana said loading her gun.
"Ok but you know who they are right?" Travis asked.
"Yakuza…I thought as much, so they wants their territory back." Lana said.
"Looks that way, wanna use your power of persuasion on them?" Travis asked.
"My pleasure…
Within seconds both men were strung up by their feet and only in their boxers as it was just Lana and some tools of her choice.
Travis however waited outside the apartment as he wasn't interested in how she did her thing but the screaming and the amount of whipping he heard was enough for him to visualise what was going on in there.
Travis then looked to his watch How long is this gonna take? I have plans tomorrow hurry it up!!!
The screaming stopped and talking was heard as Lana emerged looking satisfied and a look that was all too familiar.
"We've not much time they plan on sending her back headless so let's move!!!" Lana said in a serious tone.
They left the building and got into her car as she drove them off in a burst of speed which didn't give Travis much time to put on his seatbelt.
"Lana slow down you're gonna kill us before we get there!!!" Travis pleaded.
"Sorry Travis, but I made a promise to Grace…I…I…
"It's okay no need to say anymore let's just find her and stop them." Travis said as they sped off to the location.
As then they left the street the police were on their way to the apartment and guessing they were tipped off by Yakuza informants around the area.
"Where is the place?" Travis asked.
"Their holding her at a harbour, it's an old abandoned vessel, we should be able to find a way in but I doubt they wouldn't leave it unguarded so I did bring some as you Americans say firepower with me." Lana explained.
Travis smiled at that as after a few minutes they arrived there as Lana parked a few yards away with Travis scoping the area out.
He saw that the area was completely guarded and with a sniper covering the entrance of the ship and two armed guards keeping the door secure.
"Okay front entrances are blocked but I'm probably guessing the back door is also secured the same so it's going to be impossible." Travis said as he scoped further on.
"Impossible?! Since when have you found anything impossible?" Lana questioned.
As he was about to answer something caught his eye.
"Well not now…tell me how would a change of career for a few minutes suit you?" Travis asked as Lana gave him a questionable look.
MINUTES LATER…
"Hold it who ar…
The guard was stopped in mid sentence as he saw a takeaway delivery girl who's shirt looked like she was about to burst out of it and was wearing the shortest skirts this guy had seen.
"I'm here for delivery!!!" Lana said in a high voice.
"What is this?! We never made no order?!"
"You made order, now pay for order!!!" Lana bantered with him.
"Just go away!!!"
The sniper was too occupied looking down Lana's louse with his scope as out of nowhere he was turned around and hit in the face with his own gun stunning him as Travis smacked him in the stomach winding him and then kneed him right in the head knocking him out.
As then Lana saw the signal and out of the delivery bag whipped out a pair of nun chucks and smacked both guards directly in the face as she pummled them both with the weapons she took them out.
Travis made his way down to Lana as Travis looked at her and was trying to conceal a laugh as she knew how humiliating it was doing that and dressing up in a disgusting outfit as she went behind some boxes and grabbed her clothes and changerd back to her normal outfit.
"Should've kept that on." Travis said.
"You'd like that wouldn't you? But Papa didn't raise no ho!!!" Lana said loading her gun.
Travis shrugged as they both made their way to the door as they covered both sides he then carefully opened it and slowly looked around both coners and he saw it was clear and motioned for her to follow.
They went through the ship as it was rusted and falling apart they tried to locate Grace but eventually got closer as they heard voices.
"Alright boss said he's not budging get the blade, the bitch get's it!!!"
"Noooo!!! Please!!!"
"Grace!!!" Lana whispered as she loaded her gun.
Travis and Lana went straight to where they heard it from and were just behind the door as Travis looked to Lana and motioned, 3...2...1...
The burst into the room and the kidnappers were surprised as then they drew their guns and bullets were flying as Travis got one on the shoulder and Lana got the other guy who was holding the blade in the head.
"All clear."Travis said.
They saw Grace was tied to a chair and blindfolded wearing her tattered and dirty red dress as Lana went over to free her quickly from her predicament.
"Grace are you alright?" Lana asked her as the blindfold came off.
"Lana? You came for me…I never lost hope I knew you would." Grace said.
As then Travis went to check if the coast was clear for them to exit safely, looking both ways he saw no one there as he went to tell them.
"Okay you two the co….Oh!!!" Travis said as he saw an awkward moment.
Both Lana and Grace were kissing one another, guess they were more than just friends.
"Ahem." Travis said as they realised he was standing there.
They stopped and were a bit embarrassed about that.
"If you're both ready then can we please get the hell out of here before more of them arrive!!!" Travis said.
"Can you walk Grace?" Travis asked her.
"Yes, I'll be fine I just want to go home" Grace said as they all made their way out.
"Uh…"
"He's awake give me a sec." Travis said as he went to the thug.
"Ok who's your boss and you'd better answer quick I have an itchy trigger finger." Travis said holding his gun to his head.
"Fuck you!!!"
"Ok I guess I'll just take this then." Travis said taking his cell.
"Oh crap, he's gonna kill me!!!"
Travis left with Lana and Grace while cycling through the pkone for any familiar name he knew.
They quickly left the freighter and made their way back to the car and Lana drove them out of there.
He then checked the last calls received and the name was familiar all right.
"So we meet again Lars…
"Who's Lars?" Lana asked.
"Lars Reinko, an Iranian arms dealer, he's been on my list of guys to catch for some time." Travis said.
"But why does he want my father's territory?" Grace asked.
"Same as always, money, power and the unlimited connections he could make and I'm guessing he's made one with the Yakuza." Travis said.
"How're you going to find him?" Lana asked.
"I already have that covered." Travis said.
As they took Grace back Travis and Lana had taken her to her father as they came through the door he just ran to his daughter who was safe and sound.
"Who did this to you?!" Masuke said looking at her dirty face.
"Lars Reinko, my guess for this is he's out to make a name for himself." Travis said.
"He will pay for this!!!" Masuke swore vengeance on the man who kidnapped his daughter.
"Actually I was wondering if I could have him, there's a bounty on his head." Travis asked.
"Alright but I already have your information here." Masuke said holding the file with the info as he handed it ti Travis.
"But if I let you, what's in it for me?" Masuke asked.
"How bout whatever weapons and valuables he has, will belong to you." Travis said.
"Deal!!! But how do we find him?" Masuke asked.
"Let me worry about that just have your men come with me." Travis said taking his cell out.
LATER ON
"YOU WHAT?!"
"I'm sorry but he just took my phone and…
BANG!!!
As a gunshot sounded through the warehouse which was full of crates that contained illegal weaponry as the body of a man fell to the ground with a hole in it's head.
"Get everyone ready we need to…
"Boss, we've got a problem!!!"
BANG, BANG,BANG!!!
Gunshots went through the place as gangsters were fighting each other and Lars knew this would gey ugly as he tried to escape with all the chaos ensuing.
Screw this!!! I don't know how they found me but…
CLICK
"Freeze!!!" Lars looked up to see Travis.
"It's you, I was wondering when you'd come for me…Travis Cross." Lars said.
"So you've heard of me." Travis said pointing the gun at him.
"Yes everyone with a price on their heads knows who you are, I guess you're the one who tipped them off?" Lars asked.
"So what if I did? And anyway there's three million bounty on your head so guess what…you're under arrest!!!" Travis said.
As he brought the Iranian up and grabbed his hand as he dropped the contents of his bag which was a lot of money and his passport, as Travis cuffed his hands he noticed what was on the ground.
"Planning on leaving so soon?" Travis said as he took him away.
He then saw Lana and the others doing a search of the place.
"So will all this cover it?" Travis asked.
"More than enough, so this is goodbye then?" Lana asked.
"Guess so, I'll see you around and look after Grace." Travis said as he left.
He took Lars to the detention centre as he awaited extrodition and claimed his reward of three million.
"Raine?" Travis asked.
"Travis? Oh are you ok?" Raine asked.
"Yeah I'm good, I got what I wanted and now I think there's an envelope there for you." Travis said.
She saw it and opened it, it contained a plane ticket to Japan."You want me to come out there?" Raine asked.
"Yeah I said I will make it up to you for missing our date, I'll wait for you at the airport." Travis said.
HOURS LATER
Raine had arrived at the airport and saw her boyfriend Travis waiting for her as she ran to him as he embraced her hug and a quick kiss.
"You miss me?" Raine asked.
"Why don't you read my mind and find out?" Travis said.
She smiled knowing full well what he meant as she kissed him.
"So where are we going?" Raine asked.
"You'll see." Travis said.
After a long drive they made it to a hotel and went to their room as he had a tailored suit and a dress for Raine as she squealed with delight at it, it was a purple silk dress with diamond straps on it and black high heels.
"Oh it's beautiful!!!" Raine said as she hugged him.
"Go try it on, I have to get my suit on." Travis said as she did.
He found his black tie suit which was basic as he put on his tie and then his jacket and realised it had benn a while since he'd done something this special for anyone.
He then saw her emerge and was stunned by her beauty as he looked equally good as his gaze just remained on her.
"God…you look gorgeous." Travis said in awe.
"You don't look half bad yourself…now shall we?" Raine said as he took her arm.
They made their way down to the loby and into a taxi to a resteraunt as Travis made reservations for them they were lead to their table and sat down to place their orders as Raine had a Mushu with four salads, Travis had a Sir Loin steak with baby back ribs and for drink they had a glass of Port 1876.
"Travis I never though you could be so romantic." Raine said.
"It's a side you'll get to see more often, I needed to tell you that I found a lead on Drakhan, I got a file here saying he had a regular contact with a man knon as Vernon Maglon, he owned a library in France, I want to know if you'll help me?" Travis asked.
"Travis…you're my partner and I love you so yes I will go where you go, we'll find him together." Raine said.
They finished their dinner and drinks as they made their way back to the hotel and as soon as they got to the door they began kissing and went into their room and closed the door, but Travis opened it back up and placed a sign on the door.
DO NOT DISTURB
So Travis has found new information but will this lead him to Drakhan? Will he get the answers he is looking for?
What you think? Reviews please!!!