Session XXII: Survival of the Fittest

"There's a war goin' on outside no man is safe from" ~ Mobb Deep, "Survival of the Fittest", The Infamous, 1995

Torque City, Mars. One Day Later.

Spike, Faye, Jet, and Elektra were standing in the middle of a desolate hangar that sat at the edge of town. Torque City was one of the smaller cities on Mars and the hangar they were in wasn't typically used anymore; all of which it made it the perfect meeting spot for the crew to plan their attack and meet up with their associates. They looked up to see a truck driving inside of the hangar. After the truck parked, Dice got out and stared at the group.

"This is gonna be stupid, ain't it?" Dice asked.

"You showed up," Spike mentioned.

"Don't remind me."

Another car pulled into the hangar. Juarez got out, wearing a three-piece, black suit.

"Can you ever not be dressed to the nines?" Spike asked.

'Look who's talking,' Juarez signed.

"This…" Spike said, tugging on his suit jacket, "is old. Yours is probably brand new."

Juarez just smiled.

Spike looked at Dice then introduced the two, "Dice, Juarez. Juarez, Dice."

"Pleasure," Dice nodded.

Juarez bowed and rose up.

"What are we doing here, Spike?" Dice asked.

"We may have a way to hit the Red Dragons and Europa at the same time," Spike answered.

"How?"

"We ran across some information about a meeting between them. We think that'll be the best time to attack both groups. Primarily because… someone else is gonna do that for us."

"Damn syndicates," Dice grumbled. "Can't trust 'em as far as you can throw the whole lot of 'em."

'What did you learn?' Juarez asked.

"That Europa and the Red Dragons are not even liked by their own people," Faye declared.

"There are guys who still want Vega dead," Spike added.

"Both syndicates must be close to gettin' a lot of power for everyone to start gunnin' for the leaders," Dice surmised.

"That and a few people never liked Vega to begin with."

Dice shrugged. "So, there's another hit planned?"

"Yeah," Jet spoke up. "From what we learned, there's a meeting between Europa and the Red Dragons to solidify their alliance."

"Last time they tried that, Mao died," Spike whispered.

"Can't trust a snake not to be a snake," Dice said. "It's in their nature."

"Ain't that the truth," Faye agreed.

"So, what's really gonna happen?"

"It all happens in about 18 hours," Elektra explained. "Both syndicates will meet to sign an accord and… at that point… the hit takes place. By mercenaries, enemies, and corrupt cops."

Juarez thought for a second then signed, 'So, you mean cops?'

Spike shrugged.

"How do you know the cops are corrupt?" Dice asked.

"We don't know for sure," Jet admitted. "But we leaked some info we came across, outing some of the ISSP as corrupt. We leaked it so everyone thinks it was either the Red Dragons or the Europeans."

Dice nodded. "Not bad." He looked at Spike, "Clearly, this was someone else's idea. Given you're such a dumbass."

Spike rolled his eyes.

"Actually," Faye spoke up, "a lot of this actually was his idea."

"He was smart?" Dice asked. "Well. Miracles do happen."

A small box truck pulled into the hangar, with Jordan at the wheel. Jordan hopped out and groaned, "Elektra! I can't begin to go into how badly you owe me for…" She looked Juarez, stopped, and smiled, "Hello!"

Juarez smiled at her and nodded.

"And you are?"

"Jordan," Elektra groaned.

"What?" Jordan asked.

"Not now."

"Fine!" Jordan said. She opened the cargo area of the truck. Everyone walked around to see a couple of boxes. "I got you some old gear. Not the best in the world but… strong enough."

"How do you know this is gonna work, Spike?" Dice asked.

"I don't," Spike replied, with a shrug. "But Vega teaming up with another syndicate…"

Juarez got Spike's attention. 'I thought he would be against that.'

"That probably changed the more people tried to kill him."

Dice chuckled. "Yeah. That'd do it."

"So, what is your plan, exactly?" Jordan asked.

"Not your problem," Elektra replied. "Go home."

"No way. You want the gear, it comes with a caveat. I go where the gear goes."

"Why?"

"Because I have to return as much of it as possible when we're done, and, more importantly, I am way too curious about what you've gotten yourself into!"

"You could get shot," Faye pointed out.

"I could also die from a bad plate of food," Jordan said. "I'll take my chances."

Elektra sighed. "We may as well let her tag along. She's gonna do it anyway."

"Works for me," Faye threw her hands up.

"Alright," Dice said. "How and when do we do this?"


Tharsis, Mars. Billix Abandoned Property. The Following Evening.

Hanan, Jamil, and Pierce arrived at the building, entering into the garage/cargo area, to find Vega, Hagen, Kaito, Olivia, Tristan, and Pearl waiting on them. Both groups of syndicates brought, at least, a dozen soldiers each.

Hanan and her group got out of the car, Hanan examining their surroundings.

"A very nice size," Hanan admitted.

"I told you," Vega smiled.

"And this would all be ours?"

"Free and clear."

The garage door opened again, and Kelvin arrived in a three-vehicle convoy.

"Ah!" Vega said. "Our good benefactor!"

Kelvin got out, attached with his own armed bodyguards. Kelvin nodded at them, nervously, "Uhhh… h-hello."

"Hello, Kelvin," Vega greeted.

"Mr. Kelvin," Olivia nodded at him.

Kelvin jerked his head back. "O…Olivia?"

She smiled.

"What are you doing here?"

Olivia wrapped her arm around Vega's.

Wide-eyed, Kelvin shook his head, confusedly.

"Lady Hanan," Vega said. He motioned toward Kelvin, "This is Howard Kelvin. Our generous associate."

Hanan nodded her head at him.

"So," Kelvin said, "this building is… pretty off of the company's radar. It's all yours. Free and clear."

"And the police?" Jamil asked.

"In this area, we have pull over them," Kaito explained.

"Very well." Jamil looked at Hanan. "Milady?"

Hanan examined the area one more time. She smiled. "I believe we have an agreement."

"Splendid!" Vega said. "To our new partnership."

"To our new…"

An explosion erupted against the garage door, throwing most syndicate soldiers back and causing everyone else to take cover. Soldiers dressed in military garb stormed into the building, opening fire on anyone they could see. Some of the syndicate soldiers were caught off-guard but the rest immediately returned fire. The gunfight sent Kelvin diving under one of his vehicles while his men also opened fire on the assailants.


As the firefight continued, the Bebop crew watched from across the street, inside the truck parked in the alley. They wanted to move in but the number of soldiers were nothing like the crew expected.

"I think the plan worked too well," Jet said.

"Yeah, no kidding!" Spike replied.

"This is a bad idea, Spike," Dice said. They listened on the radio as the ISSP were being told to stay away.

"Guess the cops who worked for Europa want to handle this their way," Elektra said.

"We need to get in there," Spike said. "Anyone want out?"

Everyone looked at each other unsure but no one replied in the negative.

"Alright. So, we're going in."

"Fine!" Faye groaned. "Let's just get this over with!"

They all exited the truck and rushed at the warehouse. The battle gear was light grey, as opposed to the all-black attire of the mercenaries. The Bebop crew's armor also came with helmets and tactical masks for protection and guards against their identities. The crew immediately entered the firefight, targeting the syndicate soldiers. That was until the mercenaries started firing at them, as well. While Jet, Faye, Elektra, and Jordan, ducked for cover, they caught a glimpse as to why Spike was friends with Dice and Juarez.

They were as crazy as he was.

Dice's approach wasn't entirely dissimilar from a tank. He had a tendency to charge at his attackers, using their bodies as human shields and returning fire, and a propensity to use whatever weapon he was holding as blunt object to strike his enemies with. He also seemed to just power through some bullets. While he was wearing armor, which absorbed any bullet that managed to hit him, he wasn't even slowed down by the impact.

Juarez had a much more fluid, even graceful approach to his combat. He practically dodged the bullets, moving directly out of the line of sight of anyone aiming at him just in time. He also had a knack for not wasting a single bullet. When he fired his weapon, he was going to hit his target, whether it be a fatal shot or not.

Jordan looked at Juarez and smiled, "Ooooh, the things I could do to a man like that."

"Not now, Jordan!" Elektra shouted.

Faye looked around in a panic, "Where'd Spike go?!"

They looked to see Spike moving toward Vega, firing at anyone who wasn't on their side as he went.

"Oh, that idiot!" Faye hurried to follow him.

"She's going after him and he's the idiot?!" Jordan asked.

"We all are!" Jet shouted as jumped out, as well.

Jordan looked at Elektra, "What the hell did you get wrapped up in?"

"Too complicated," Elektra answered. "Come on!"

Spike moved around everyone and dodged gunfire left and right. He got as close as he could to Vega and opened fire. Vega was by Kaito, Hagen, and Olivia and all of them were ducking the other gunfire when Spike bullets ricocheted near them. Vega saw the assailant, but Spike's helmet and mask obstructed his identity.

Pearl and Tristan fired at Spike, causing him to duck. They fired again and Faye tackled Spike to the ground, behind a concrete wall.

"I'm really gonna put a bullet in you myself!" Faye shouted.

"You've threatened me a lot," Spike pointed out.

"You deserve it!"

They both jumped up and opened fire at everyone who wasn't on their side. Soon, they began shooting back to back. Spike and Faye didn't realize that it was the first time they never had to worry about who was watching their back.

Their trust in one another complete and total.

Jet, Elektra, and Jordan took aim at the Europa syndicate, but any shot taken at Hanan was either taken by one of her soldiers or she was moved behind cover before another attempt could be made.

Juarez and Dice kept up their own assault until more mercenaries came into the warehouse. Juarez and Dice opened fire on them and ducked for cover, taking refuge with Jet, Elektra, and Jordan.

"So, this isn't going well!" Dice said.

"Yeah," Jet said.

Spike and Faye got back to the others, both out of breath.

"Spike, there's no winning this! We should let this go!"

Spike shook his head.

"Spike, we tried!" Faye said. "This didn't work! At this point, we'll be killed with them!"

Spike thought for a second then sighed. "You're right."

"What'd he say?!" Dice asked, surprised.

"Oh, we're definitely gonna die," Faye whispered.

"Like hell!" Spike said. "Let's get the hell out of here!"

They heard something loud crash outside.

Faye's eyes widened. "What was that?!"

Suddenly, part of the wall where the mercenaries entered the building blew apart and a large tank-like truck entered the building.

"Oh, you are shittin' me right now!" Dice shouted.

"DOWN!" Jet yelled.

The turret opened fire, destroying parts of the building in large chunks at a time. Jordan looked up and saw that one of the explosions took out a piece of wall, giving them a chance to escape.

"Everyone for a tactical retreat?" Jordan asked, sarcastically. They all raced for the hole in the wall.

Spike caught sight of Pearl, her gun aimed at Faye. He aimed at her quickly and fired three shots directly into her chest.

Tristan saw Pearl and screamed. He aimed at Spike but Elektra and Jordan gunned him down before he could get a shot off.

Wide-eyed, Vega saw his two lieutenants killed and watched the culprits flee. He wanted to chase them down, but the tank wasn't giving him that opportunity. He looked around and saw, at some point, Kelvin had been caught in the crossfire. He was lying on the ground, a pool of blood emanating from his back.

"BOSS!" Hagen grabbed Vega's arm. "WE GOTTA GO!"

Vega looked at Hagen then back at the tank as it fired both syndicates. Vega gritted his teeth. "Let's go."

Hagen and Kaito led Vega and Olivia toward the back of the building, where they exited in the back alleys. They found a few mercenaries waiting but Vega, Kaito, and Hagen made quick work of them. Kaito found another car on the street, broke into it, hot-wired it, and beckoned everyone to get in. Kaito drove off, shouting, "Keep your heads down!"

Vega did so, keeping his arm over Olivia. "Did you see if Hanan made it out?" Vega asked.

"I think so, sir," Hagen replied. "I think I saw Jamil and Pierce get her out of the building."

Vega gritted his teeth. He didn't know who was behind the attack or why. But, he wasn't a fool. There was more lost today than a building and a deal with Europa. So much more.


Torque City. That night.

Spike sat contemplatively while the rest of the group gathered themselves.

Jordan looked at Spike, "He always this chatty?"

"Leave him alone," Elektra said. "This didn't exactly go as planned."

"Well, we didn't to take out Vega," Dice said. "But I got a feelin' this put a dent in the business of both syndicates."

"No kidding," Jet said. "Did you see the size of that tank?"

"Definitely military-grade. Someone wanted all of them dead."

"So, what's the next move?" Jordan asked.

Juarez signed at all of them, 'We should probably lay low for a while.'

Jordan nodded, "Oh! Yeah, good thinking."

Juarez looked at her, surprised.

Elektra narrowed her eyes, "Jordan, since when do you speak sign language?"

"Girl, please!" Jordan said. "I got skills." She smiled at Juarez. "Of all kinds."

Juarez raised an eyebrow and smirked.

"Juarez isn't wrong," Spike said, standing up. "For now… we should all try to… keep a low profile as best we can. Until this blows over."

Dice folded his arms. "What happened to you?"

Spike looked at him, perplexed. "What?"

"You're thinking things through. Being smart. Listening to other people. What the hell happened to you?"

"Too many bullet wounds."

"Never stopped you before."

Spike shrugged.

Dice sighed. "They're not gonna leave you alone once they find out you were part of that attack."

"I know," Spike replied.

Dice shook his head, "Keep me in the loop. Let me know if you get another plan. Ya know… since you're actually thinking now."

Spike chuckled, "Right."

'I'll keep myself hidden, too,' Juarez signed. 'Contact me with anything you might need.'

"Thanks."

"Well, next time might cost you," Jordan shrugged. "Maybe. We'll see." She looked at the truck, "Right now, I need to hide the gear and get rid of this thing." She looked back at everyone else. "Let me know when it's safe for me to come out of hiding, eh?"

"I will," Elektra said.

"Laters!" Jordan said. She looked at Juarez and winked at him. She got in her truck and drove out of the hangar.

Juarez and Dice bid the crew farewell and drove out of the hangar as well.

The Bebop crew stood in silence for a second.

"So, seriously," Faye said, "what is our next move?"


Tharsis City, Mars. Red Dragon Headquarters.

With increased security outside and every soldier on high-alert, Vega, Olivia, Kaito, and Hagen were in the office, contemplating what happened. Hagen was pacing the floor while Kaito kept looking out of window. Vega was sitting at desk while Olivia sat next to him.

"What the hell was that?!" Hagen shouted, unleashing the frustration he had been holding in for the past couple of hours.

"I don't know," Kaito said. "We had no intel of any kind of attack like that." He looked off, "Where did that come from?"

Vega shook his head then his phone rang. He answered, "Hello?"

"Mr. Vega," Hanan said, somewhat angrily.

"Lady Hanan," Vega said, relieved. "Good to hear your voice."

"What happened?!"

"I don't know. The attack was sudden."

"Sudden," Hanan said, contemplatively. "Our intel suggests that records of our associations were leaked. Suggesting to those associates… we had or were betraying them."

Vega settled back in his chair, "I understand what you're implying…"

"Forgive me," Hanan interrupted, "I didn't mean to imply it. I meant to say it, directly. Our sources suggest the information came from the Red Dragons."

Vega growled. "And it's nonsense. In case you forget, I also lost an important associate in all of this."

"Or perhaps this was part of your plan."

"If you must know, I've had some… rather insubordinate members of my own organization…"

"And this was a problem that you could not eliminate?" Hanan asked.

Vega didn't respond.

"I lost soldiers of mine, Vega. And, as far as I am concerned… you… are solely responsible."

"Lady Hanan…"

"Our alliance is terminated. And, you had best be careful. For soon… you will be as well." Hanan ended the call.

Vega stared at the phone, sat back, then looked at Olivia, Kaito, and Hagen. "That… is a problem."

"You think she really wants a war?" Hagen asked. "With us?"

"If she thinks she can win."

"Or if she really feels that we betrayed her," Kaito surmised. "Is it possible someone for the order turned on us?"

Vega shot Kaito a droll look.

"Right. Stupid question."

"So, let's give 'em a war," Hagen said.

Kaito stared at Vega, "Sir?"

Vega thought for a long time. "It won't be easy."

Kaito agreed, "True. But… should we be able to take them out…"

"We're prove we are the true dominant order in the system."

"And everyone will think twice about challenging us," Hagen added.

Vega thought about it for a moment.

"She thinks it'll be easy," Olivia said. "But she's wrong. You can beat her. You can defeat her."

Vega stared at her then smiled. "They want a war, we'll give them a war."

"And you'll win," Olivia said, smiling. "You can do this."

"Yes, I can."

See You Space Cowboy…


A/N: With everything going on in the world, I think you guys deserve a little something special. Aside from the story heading for its conclusion, the next session will be before this day is out. I promise. If it's not up in the next hour or so, then definitely before this day is up.

But, now, the Red Dragons and Europa were caught in a firefight and it looks like Hanan has made her decision. So has Vega.

Next Session:

As the Red Dragons and Europa go to war, a last moment of calm takes over the Bebop crew. Jet decides to talk to Elektra about the bond between them. Spike and Faye share one more moment of peace with Spike seeing more and more how much Faye means to him. Also, Vega decides to put Olivia out of harm's way as he prepares to eradicate Europa.

Next Session ~ Minuet Moments