World's Finest in Ghost City

CHP55: Brain Fried

Batou went through all the information forwarded to him via cyber brain. Photos of the tattoo, information on Elite Force Zero and the important info concerning Roberto Nasce, he went through it all. The video sent was also very captivating, but at the same time felt they got lucky with the suspect's sleeve getting caught over the railing and exposing the art over his skin. Better lucky than good is how he liked to think of it and the analogy applied to various instances.

The back door to a home was kicked open and someone in his mid-thirties trotted up the steps. He held a large box in his arms and passing through the living room he dropped it over the carpet, four others awaiting him.

"It all there?"

"Boys at the drop point went through the materials a couple times over, labeling and documenting every single piece. It's all there," he pulled up a chair sitting in it backwards. "All this hush, hush stuff is really getting on my nerves."

"Does it really surprise you, Roberto? Everyone's on high alert after everything in the past month or so. All eyes are on us, the police, government and city officials are all playing are game of watch and react. Clearly from here on out lots of changes are expected, as should there be."

"Maybe, but have any of you ever stopped for a moment and contemplated what exactly is behind the mask? We attend these secret rallies and he'll attend once every so often, and I just wonder who the man is behind the disguise, the one pulling the strings. Dude is brilliant, whoever he is...the city is practically in panic," another added.

Roberto stood from the chair letting out a moan.

"Gonna get a drink, anyone want anything?"

None replied and he took that as a no, stepping into the kitchen and pulling out a cold glass of beer for himself. At just about that time a nearby window shattered and each of the individuals sitting over the sofa jumped up, and a bullet passed through the shoulder of one, dropping him to the ground. Each promptly stood and looked around trying to determine where the shot originated, but they were unable to figure out where. Another was pulled off his feet and slammed through a table by seemingly an invisible ghost and another couple shots were fired, dropping another two that reached for their weapons.

Out of pure desperation Roberto took off for the front door and kicked it open, but stumbled down the steps on his way out and took damage to his left shoulder. He quickly pushed up and reached into his left pocket, recovering a set of keys to his vehicle. In the press of a button he unlocked the doors, but from behind his arm was grabbed and twisted as he lost hold of the keys. Oddly enough even after peeking over his shoulder he was unable to see his attacker and then his head was slammed into the side of a light post. Roberto was dropped to the ground and his handgun fell from his grasp as he did. His arms were forced behind his back and though he couldn't see, it felt as though handcuffs were placed over his wrists.

He was then forced to his feet and the side of his face smashed into a nearby stop sign. It was then his attacker became visible and he glimpsed back at him from his left shoulder. Looking back at him were white robotic implanted eyes, and an individual standing over six feet tall, wearing battle armor and a brown jacket atop it.

"Camouflage..." Roberto murmured.

"Damn straight!" the one behind him said.

Pulling the suspect along, he slammed him against a nearby wall.

"Major, I've got Roberto in my grasp, how're things on your end?" Batou communicated via cyber link.

The front entrance to Roberto's apartment complex shot open and Motoko materialized into view as her camouflage was suspended. From up high across the street, Saito kneeled atop a roof observing the scene and kept his weapon aimed out in front of them in case an unforeseen obstacle presented itself. His eyes scoured the entire space below, looking for anything that looked like reinforcements.

"Roberto Nasce," Motoko came to a stop off to the side of Batou and their suspect.

"What the hell is this all about, I've done nothing to warrant such attention, nothing!" the suspect shouted.

"Quiet!" Motoko retorted, glaring. "You're a suspect in an ongoing investigation and you will comply!"

"Investigation?! What exactly are you accusing me of, I've done nothing and unless I'm under arrest I suggest you take your hands off me, you people don't look like the police!"

Batou immediately kicked at the back of his knees and dropped him to the ground, Motoko uncovering a long wire from her left jacket pocket. She connected one into the back of her neck and specifically looked to the back of his neck and picked up on exactly what she needed. With the other end of the cord she inserted it into the back of his neck.

"What on earth are you doing, you people still haven't specified your reason for such extreme actions! Dammit, what have I done wrong and who are you?!"

"I recovered security footage from Turik Enterprises that puts you at the scene of the robbery the other night," Motoko went on. "Of course your face was shielded but I devised another way of figuring you were one of the masked criminals, but it was more an innocent mistake on your end that gave you away."

Roberto bit at his tongue and clutched his fists, taking one deep breath and trying his best to preserve his composure.

"Look lady, you've mistaken me for someone else I guarantee you that I'm not who you think I am. I wasn't involved in any robbery, what reason would I have to do something like that?! I enjoy living the quiet life, especially after what I went through in the past ten years."

"Elite Force Zero," Motoko said.

The suspect bit down over his tongue at the mention of the squad, and exhaled.

"How do you know of that name, that unit was kept secret and only known by a select few?!" he snapped.

"Silence, you aren't the one asking questions around here!" Batou replied.

Roberto quickly went silent and gritted his teeth, and in a quick flash the footage collected from the Turik building was played through his eyes in a minimized capacity. When the video reached the point of him traveling down the steps and his sleeve getting caught over the railing, the footage froze and Motoko manually zoomed in on the section of his wrist. She adjusted the picture accordingly bringing more clarity and he immediately picked up on the half tattoo and the number fifty three. His throat went dry at the realization but he still wasn't ready to give in, but at that point it was hard to fight back or deny he wasn't the one in the footage. Motoko extended her leg and stepped over his hand and applied pressure over it as she lifted up the sleeve on his right arm and revealed the tattoo beneath it.

"There is no denying you're the man seen in the footage, and you will be going to jail but for how long depends on your cooperation. We're more than certain the robbery was the work of the Specters of Shadows, start talking if you want to see freedom anytime soon!"

"All you people have is that damn footage, which clearly doesn't show my face. There's thousands of people in this city, and the possibilities are limitless who might share the same tat as the one I have. If that's your only evidence, then you've got nothing," Roberto shot back.

"Possibly, but there would be slight differences in not only the art but the placement as well. Everything about yours matches what was captured and that aside, once we've gone through your apartment we will find something. You can save us the time by spilling the beans, now!" Motoko replied.

Feeling he was running out of options, Roberto tightened his fists further.

"I'll say no more, you can speak to my lawyer," the suspect replied.

"Lawyer my ass," Batou pulled out his hand gun and aimed it directly at the head of Roberto. "We already know you sons of bitches have your own working amongst the force and possibly even higher branches. You aren't going anywhere until we've gotten what we came for."

From the moment the wire was attached to the back of his neck Motoko tried connecting with and breaking through the firewalls surrounding his cyber brain, but she still hadn't any luck. With nothing to lose and realizing his situation wouldn't get any better, Roberto threw his head back which smacked against Motoko's face. He simultaneously performed a spinning motion in his lower body kicking the weapon out of Batou's hand, which wouldn't have be possible without his prosthetic body. Roberto also leg dropped Batou before he took off running and despite his strength, he was unable to break out of the handcuffs around his wrists. The cord attached to the back of his neck snapped during the process. The constraints were particularly designed to hold cyborgs like himself.

His attempt at escaping was short lived as his legs were fired upon from up high, Saito locked in on the criminal. Roberto immediately screamed in pain, just before falling to the ground and grasping the wounded area. As he tried pushing up with the intent to take off again, the left side of his face was met by Motoko's knee and his head forced into the concrete pavement.

"We tried playing nice, but you wouldn't comply and now we're taking you in," Motoko said.

"Taking me in huh," Roberto chuckled. "I'll be in and out of the box faster than you can blink, just you wait and see!"

"I won't hold my breath, because where you're going your friends won't reach you!" Motoko lowered her leg, further forcing his head into the concrete surface.

Batou jogged along and stood over the two. Motoko lowered her head and closed her eyes.

"Chief this is the major, we've got a situation on our hands," she communicated via cyber link.

Elsewhere an individual sat at his office desk with his feet propped upward and flipping through a magazine. He slowly lowered the reading material as a door opened across the room and he set it aside atop the desk. Mengyao Ahuz lowered his legs from the desk and placed the magazine facedown. Walking through the door was a person standing at 5'11, dark brown eyes and he had no hair on his head. This individual approached the desk of another and dropped a hand down over it.

"Good afternoon Kei, the head guy wishes to speak with you," Boqin informed.

Bruce slowly looked away from the computer screen and to the individual standing off to the left of him.

"Boss, do you mean Shane Gegato? I was under the impression he was out on a business meeting."

"Correct, but he has since returned and summoned you to his office. You needn't worry, from what I've heard it isn't anything bad. It'll just be a moment of your time and then you can be back to work."

Taking his word for it, Bruce stood and followed Boqin to the exit and Mengyao looked on with interest. He was uncertain what was said between the two and then their sudden exit, but he intended to find out. Down the hall and to the elevators they traveled to the top floor and entered the office of the billion dollar man. He sat with his left hand situated atop the other and smiled at both as they entered.

"Thank you Peiz, you may leave us," Shane said.

"Yes sir," Boqin bowed slightly.

He stepped through leaving the two.

"Have a seat," Shane looked to the chair opposite his desk.

Bruce walked across the carpet and took a seat.

"Are you busy later this evening? There is a convention taking place in the town center, and the prime minister is expected to speak. More than that, there are business associates of mine that I'd like you to meet. I've told them lots about you and I'd like for them to meet with you directly, so what do you say?"

"When does this event or whatever begin?" Bruce asked.

"Just before seven this evening."

Shane reached into his jacket pocket and dropped a square shaped invitation over the table.

"If you decide to attend, you'll need one of these to gain entry. Please take it and I do hope to see you there."

Reaching across the table Bruce took the invitation into his hand and looked it over, before lowering it and looking to Shane across from him.

"I'll be there."

XXX

The leading member and major of Section Nine paced back and forth with her arms crossed inside a hall. Most the team sat around over the sofas within the area and not a single of them speaking, and it went without saying but the tension was high. Inside the room up the hall was Kubota, an army Intelligence Officer, alongside Daisuke Aramaki and a select few other trustworthy individuals. The list was short given the conditions of the city as a whole. Roberto Nasce and those present at his home during Section Nine's raid were brought in for questioning. In total were seven, which also included Roberto.

Each would be interrogated separately, which started with Roberto himself and the others were detained in holding cells within the facility.

"Why didn't you contact the rest of us? Things didn't exactly end badly but it very easily could have, this group of fanatics aren't to be taken lightly and we need to work together if we want to best those bastards."

"What're you implying?" Motoko looked to Paz.

"You could have been ambushed, or perhaps one of them managed to escape your hold. Those things are a lot less likely if we operate together as a team like we're supposed to, that is all," Paz replied.

"But it worked out," Togusa voiced. "That's all that matters."

The others remained silent as Motoko prolonged pacing back and forth. Isikawa leaned forward with his eyes closed and hands positioned together, and Borma rocked forward slightly in his seat. Togusa leaned against a nearby wall with his phone out, looking over three missed calls all of which from his wife. At just about that time the group's attention was diverted down the hall to loud screams, similar to what would be associated with torture! Ishikwa's eyes shot open and everyone sitting immediately stood and Motoko was the first racing down the hall. Each of the Section Nine members raced through the automatic doors and it was Roberto screeching in pain, connected to a machine with a couple dozen cords inserted into his body.

"What is happening?!" Motoko called out.

"Major!" Daisuke looked back to the team of Section Nine as they entered.

"What's happening to him?" Togusa took off past Motoko.

Several dozen personnel dressed in white lab coats ran around the room, trying to deduce the problem and figure what went wrong. There were numerous computer screens, security cameras and monitors throughout the room.

"We don't know what happened," Daisuke went on. "Of course Roberto refused to cooperate so we turned to other measures. We had just cracked the firewalls surrounding his cyber brain and not a moment later he went completely ballistic."

"That's insane, any idea what triggered it!?" Batou questioned.

"As of now, not a clue," Daisuke shook his head.

Roberto continued screaming and tried breaking free of the metal constraints that held him down over the elevated table. There was nothing anyone could do as right before their eyes Roberto Nasce's brain fried from within and saliva hung out from the left side of his mouth. From that point he struggled no more and the rest of his bodily functions soon became unresponsive as well! Some of the experts inside the room specializing in cyber brains looked to the screens and one made the connection right away.

"This...this is just as the others!"

"Others," Kubota moved in beside them. "What do you mean?!"

"I've personally examined more than a handful of the cyber brains collected from those that unexpectedly fried. I'm referring to criminals arrested that were believed to have been associated with the Daunting Phantom and Specters of Shadows," one replied.

"So you're saying our suspect here just suffered the same fate to others suspected of being linked to the terrorist group who were brought in for questioning?" Kubota asked.

"Exactly sir," another said. "But unlike those times this victim and his cyberbrain were connected to our systems, so if nothing else we should be able to at least figure how his brain was compromised. From what the readings of our systems are giving off, it was likely a virus, one in which activated the moment we broke through the walls surrounding this guy's brain."

The automatic doors off to the side of them shot open.

"We've got some really bad news! The persons being held in the holding cells have all passed...they're dead! None of us knows what happened, they first started shouting and expressing pain in the head and then the next moment they're unresponsive!"

"Dammit, great! Now we have nothing, no one to interrogate and with our luck their cyber brains are probably fried like this one. That damn masked terrorist clearly has a way of silencing his own when they need silencing!" Kubota clutched his fists.

XXX

The space was crowded but he quickly moved through and found an open space in a corner of room. He ran a hand over his forehead, wiping away sweat and at just about that time he listened to someone call out his name. To his left an individual waved and positioned beside him.

"You just get here?"

"About ten minutes ago, have you seen any of the others," Paz positioned beside him.

"Not yet, I barely just arrived," Togusa replied, eyeing the crowds around them. "Any idea what the Prime Minister will say?"

"She'll probably go into the whole terrorist thing in an attempt to ease the tension that presently looms over everyone. It likely won't do a thing, especially with the amount of citizens petrified stiff and I can hardly blame them. Until the source of the problem is wiped out."

Togusa nodded with his back against a wall and breathed outward. He couldn't disagree with a thing Paz said.

"I've said it before, but between Aoi Sanhall and the Specters of Shadows I could really use a vacation. Perhaps after this is all over that's exactly what I'll do. We do what we do to keep citizens safe, but the job sure can take its toll at times," Togusa implied.

"You can say that again. Nothing disgusts me more than an animal that targets innocent people, humiliates them for whatever sick fantasy he has and only to end them when finished. Just as most the other victims, Bridget Cyate and Hermen were sexually assaulted..."

"And killed slowly," Togusa chimed in. "I'm starting to think our guy is a sadist of some sort, all the more reason we need to get him off the streets ASAP."

Paz felt exactly as his colleague and across the room another of their team stood, but she wasn't alone. To her left Daisuke Aramaki approached, looking over the crowds. The Prime Minister had yet to arrive, but he kept his eyes peeled.

"Major," he came to a stop beside her.

"Cheif," Motoko replied, looking him in the face.

"I've spoken with several of my superiors and for this one time they'll let your actions pass, but shall it happen again there will be significant consequences. I refer to your hack and upload of files concerning the Elite Force Zero, even if for an important investigation surrounding an outlaw the caliber of this terrorist group you cannot go around fishing for enclosed secret information. Next time you must first seek clearance from the proper agents."

Looking away from him, Motoko rolled her eyes.

"You know as well as I that wasn't an option. Speak to one and then they speak to another and then before you know it, word of it gets to them. Our enemy is all around u..."

"I am quite aware major, I don't need to be reminded. You did the right thing in contacting me when you apprehended Roberto, it's a pity things ended the way that they did," Daisuke replied.

"Any update on the full examination?"

"Yes, it is just as predicted. Roberto and the others suffered an identical death to others believed to be working hand in hand with the Phantom. They're still working on figuring what triggered the possible virus and I'm expecting an update early as tomorrow morning," the chief added.

Motoko sighed and looked to him from the corner of her eye.

"Does anyone else know about what happened?"

"Not as of the moment, such details will be concealed to a minimum until further notice," Daisuke said.

"It's for the better," Motoko nodded and walked off. "Be back in a few, I need a little more space."

She passed through the crowds and through a side door which led to a large balcony overlooking the city from up high. Just then another entered through the front entrance dressed in a black suit and tie, with a white under shirt. His hands were situated in the pockets of his jacket and he looked around for Shane Gegato. He was unfamiliar with most the persons that he passed, but did however pick up on a couple familiar faces.

"Kei-san!"

He looked to his right and spotted a woman jogging toward him. She was dressed in a light blue dress with her hair tied in two pigtails and she wore black boots that were mostly covered by the dress. Lastly were the long white gloves that extended up near her elbows.

"Meila," he said pleasantly. "I hadn't a clue you'd be here."

"Back at you, how did you gain entry?"

"Invitation, by Shane himself. You wouldn't happen to know where I could find him, would you?" Bruce asked.

Meila immediately took his hand into her own and pulled him along through the crowds. They stopped just beside the bar area where Shane stood alongside his son, Senjih Gegato.

"Madoka Kei," Shane patted him over the shoulder. "Great to see you made it, would you like something to drink? It's on me."

"Thanks for the offer, but I'll kindly reject. Earlier you insisted there were friends of yours you wanted me to meet, yes?"

"Indeed, but they have not yet come. The convention is set to begin shortly, so stick around," Shane looked to both Meila and Senjih. "Would either of you like a drink?"

Before either could respond another joined them from afar. The individual stood at 6'1, light brown hair and beard with black eyes and he was dressed in a gray suit with dark blue tie.

"Shane, Senjih," the individual shook hands with both men and then looked to the woman. "My little queen."

He kissed at Meila's gloved hand and smiled.

"Hello daddy," she blushed in embarrassment.

His eyes then fell over Bruce and for various moments he said nothing.

"And we meet again," Guang scratched at his chin. "Although your name leaves me at the moment, anyhow good evening."

Reaching out he shook hands with Bruce and Meila frowned.

"Daddy this is Kei-san, we had lunch with him, remember?" Meila said.

"Oh yes," Guang pulled back and laughed, but it seemed forced. "Must have slipped my mind."

"No big deal," Bruce replied.

Guang coughed clearing his throat, with his gaze falling over his oldest daughter.

"Have we moved on from this one?" he slightly looked to Bruce.

"Daddy!" Meila yelled.

"Listen my dear, I'm looking out for your wellbeing and future. I'd never do or say anything that might put you at a disadvantage. Take Senjih for example," Guang looked to the son of Shane. "He is a bright young individual and handsome to boot. Not to mention I believe the two of you have quite a bit in common."

"And Kei isn't?!" Meila snapped.

Bruce immediately cleared his throat.

"I need some air," Bruce looked to Shane. "Whenever those associates of yours arrive I won't be far."

Shane nodded as Bruce took off into the crowds and Meila bit at her tongue and in a quick burst she attempted to run after him. From behind Guang grabbed at her wrist and held firm.

"Listen Mei-chan, let him go."

"No, you listen to me!" Meila barked with fury in her eyes. "You butt out of my relationships and if you have nothing nice to say, then don't say anything at all. I'm an adult woman, I don't need nor want your advice! I don't know how I can make myself clearer!"

She pulled away from his clutch and marched into the crowds after Bruce, who she'd completely lost sight of. It seemed as though she and her father had the same conversation far too many times. Standing in place Guang dusted himself off and headed straight for the bar. Shane was in shock, clueless as to Meila's connection with Bruce. He was mindful they met with one another outside the office, but hadn't a clue it was anything more than a close friendship. Coming up on a door across the room Bruce pushed it open and stepped out onto a balcony, the night air fresh and inviting. He took numerous steps forward and placed his hands over the railing downward over the city.

Everything was so bright and stunning down below and his eyes fell over bypassing traffic. The event was packed with lots of security and he doubted the criminal group might strike again, but then there was the reality men and women of good nature could have their minds hacked and reprogrammed. The suit was near if such a problem presented itself.

"Quite the view, isn't it?" a female voice pronounced.

He'd been under the impression he was alone on the balcony.

"Yes," Bruce replied.

Only halfway repositioning he looked to his right and spotted the woman with nearly fifteen feet between them and his heart skipped two beats. Even out of her battle uniform there was no mistaking who she was!

"Motoko Kusunagi..." he whispered.

She looked his way and blinked.

"Did you say my name?" she asked oddly.

Bruce realized his mistake and tightened his grip over the railing but knew he needed to maintain his composure and bounce back.

"You're Kusunagi Motoko of Section Nine, right?" Bruce replied.

Motoko only nodded before looking him over diligently, but didn't recognize him from anywhere. She took the initiative advancing toward him and stopping half a foot of him and resting her fingers over the railing. On the outside he was calm and collected but he felt he needed to get out of the situation quickly as possible.

"I don't believe we've met, so how is it you know me?"

Bruce pushed away from the railing and knew he had no choice but to comply and play along and hope for the best.

"Kei Madoka of Gegato Tech and part timer at Gec Corporation Center. I've read articles about your team and the good you've accomplished."

"Gegato Tech huh. You specialize in weapons development and transportation?" Motoko inquired.

"Something like that," Bruce smirked.

Motoko returned the smile and together their eyes returned to the city below. For the next minute or so they said nothing and little by little Bruce grew more comfortable.

"It must be hell for you and your team, I mean with what's surfaced lately. This terrorist group is the worst of the worst. Do you ever wish you worked in another field?"

Added silence commenced as Motoko leaned forward.

"It's all I've ever known, my way of life. I have no regrets, I do what I do to ensure the safety of the public. I believe things happen for a reason and sometimes I feel it is my destiny and obligation to do what others cannot and stand against the impossible and triumph."

"That makes two of us..." Bruce muttered.

"Excuse me?" Motoko again looked to him.

"Nothing, I just admire your determination and drive," Bruce quickly bounced back. "I try to pour as much passion into the work that I do whenever I can."

"And what drives you, Mister Madoka?" Motoko stared into his eyes as he did the same back.

"A promise," Bruce replied.

"Interesting, you've aroused my curiosity...can I hear?"

In a quick sigh Bruce looked back to the city and away from her.

"I'd rather not say."

"Oh," Motoko leaned further against the railing and stared at him a little while longer.

She chuckled returning her gaze to the city as they stood there looking on without a word. For that instant they were just two people that wanted one thing, a peaceful city and the masked criminal removed. For that one moment she was like an alley to him, but the time would come again they'd face off as foes. Somehow some way, she and the rest of the city needed to see Batman for what he truly is…a hero. But until then, he had no problem playing the role of a vigilante. Within the main lobby two reporters entered through the automatic doors, one female and the other male. Both carried an invitation and they were scanned for weapons before given Clarence to proceed to the front desk.

"Lualay Kuzaichi and Clark Kent," a person behind the desk stamped off their invitations. "Head right that way to the elevators and to the twelfth floor. Have a pleasant evening and enjoy."

"We will, thanks," Clark tilted his hat.

To Be Continued