CH 56

The trip back up north was nice. Other than a couple rainy days, they had nice weather and some sunbathing in bikini days until they got close to the English channel. The breeze was keeping them 8-12 knots, the engine was for battery charging and making water. Even Amanda was acting well.

Kaede knew it was too good to last. Kaede was down below fixing a lunch for everyone when her cell phone rang. Thinking it was Duncan or Inari she picked it up. "Kaede."

"Sorry to bother you, Dame Kaede, but we're in a fix here and we would really like you to help us out. How far away from Plymouth are you?"

"Narly due south, Say 195 degrees. I take it ya wanna see us on the water?" Kaede said.

"Aye, Lass. If you would, sail straight for Plymouth, a cutter will be coming to intercept. The HMS Carrigan."

Kaede sighed, "Aye, lemme git our position an course for ya."

Cameron asked "What's up?"

"Doan know yet Lass, we're meeting someone on the water." Kaede told her and went to the chart room. She plotted their position, then stuck her head out of the hatch by the helm. "John, steer 020 if ya would lad, we got someone ta meet."

"Aye Captain!" John said heartily. Now that he was a 'certified' helmsman, he was happy to take his turn steering the ship. He warned everyone topside, then made the course change which made both booms swing over the ship. He got to trimming the sails after his turn. Kanae got the forward sail with Amanda watching her.

Kaede went down and reported their position and new course. Once they had that, Kaede went back to helping Cameron pass lunches out.

With another ship coming, Kaede made sure the radar was watched closely and put her radio headset on. Later in the afternoon just after five, she got a radio call.

"HMS Carrigan, to Sea Witch, do you copy?"

"Sea Witch here. My, ya guys made it here quick. We doan have ya on Radar yet."

"We're fifteen Kilometers out, we have you on our set. Plan to change to intercept course 090 when we're one kilometer distant. We'll come up on your track."

"Aye, Carrigan. We'll be lookin for ya."

"When we meet, Can you come over?"

"Aye, Lad. We'll keep from bumpin ships tagether that way."Kaede said with a grin.

Although Roberta had the afternoon helm watch, She had Ron relieve her a little early so he would be at the helm when they met the Carrigan. The Carrigan did come up on Radar and the horizon faster than Kaede expected.

"Ron, we got the radar cal'd for kilometers?" Kaede asked.

"We do now," he replied.

"When they git ta one Kilo out, change course ta 090 and we drop the sails an continue on the engine, 5 knots." Kaede told hm.

"Aye, Captain."

Kaede keyed her radio. "Sea Witch to HMS Carrigan, at the one Kilometer turn to 090 we will drop our sails and engage the engine for five knots."

"HMS Carrigan copy."

Ron watched the radar, then said, "Coming up ... turning to 090."

"Drop the sails," Kaede announced. Amanda and Cameron got the forward sail, Kaede, Cameron and Richie got the main sail. The diesel rumbled to life. Ron announced, "Engine engaged, slowing to five knots."

"It almost sounds like we're sailors!" Richie said with a grin.

The HMS Carrigan was a frigate sized ship, 210 feet long, with a main deck and two decks on the island. Kaede and her crew no more than got the sails stored and the booms lashed in place when the British ship slid up beside them Forty meters away.

"HMS Carrigan, the Sea witch will close the distance between us. Get ready to catch. I'm putting me first mate on."

Kaede took her head set off and gave it to Ron. "Ya got the radio now, git us say, twenty meters away and hold position by'er." Kaede also saw a man in a suit come down from the bridge with the Captain. "I'm jumpin over. Be back soon," Kaede said to Ron.

They were still slowly closing together when Kaede jumped. It was a near perfect jump. She flew over the water and landed on the main deck, only running into the superstructure. On the ships intercom he heard two bells, then, "Dame Kaede Kimumura, arriving."

The sailor who'd been ready to catch her stood at attention and saluted. Kaede returned his salute. Seeing the Captain coming, she saluted him and asked, "Permission to come aboard, Sir?"

He returned her salute. "Permission granted, Dame Kaede. Good to have you aboard. Mr. Wilkes here would like a private word with you."

"Of course."

She followed Mr. Wilkes up into the Captain's stateroom. He shut the door and offered her the seat beside the small desk He took the other one.

"Lemme guess, more bad guys?" Kaede asked.

"Unfortunately," he agreed. "The Prime Minister of Canada has asked for help. It seems he's in a dither over a situation on their west coast. Vancouver is being taken over by a faction of Chinese immigrants who are looking to China, not Canada in remaking city ordinances."

"Seems like a job fer the Mounties or the British army," Kaede noted.

"You'd think so," he agreed. "The thing is, they were properly elected and have been very careful not to violate Canadian law, yet. Even the visiting Chinese, who we found are mostly soldiers, and some are officers, have not displayed any weapons or aggressiveness as of yet. There have been a few cases of missing persons, and acts of destruction, but nothing can be tied directly to them. The Prime Minister's fear, and ours, is China is using this to gain a foothold in Canada, and plan to make it part of China."

"And I'm ta stop that all by meself?" Kaede asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Use whoever you want. Canada has made some ... liberal laws that are working against them now, and a computer voting system that seems to favor Chinese Immigrant candidates over Canadian ones. Somehow, when voting records are accessed, the information becomes lost so a true count, or proof of manipulation cannot be proven.

Kaede let out a dry chuckle. "Ya know lad, somethin like this is far from me job."

"We know, but we can't think of anyone else who has the ability to do anything useful to stop this. We know this is the first stage of a takeover of Canada by China. They like to creep in and do a slow takeover. Canada is their first step in claiming all of North America. They have their teeth in countries all over the world."

Kaede sat quietly, eyeing him. "I gotta tell ya, Lad. I gotta think hard on this. I'm also gonna need Canadian support an a damn good plan."

"We will help as much as we can," he assured her.

"Is it just people they're displacin?"

"They are buying up business and right now, if it's not made in China, you can't buy it in Vancouver, so yes there is economic pressure there as well. It's all legal."

"Well that's the first thing that's gotta change," Kaede stated.

"Much of Canada's Parliament in highly supported by Chinese money. Indirectly of course," he said. "Again, proving it is the hard part."

"Yer making me head hurt, Lad," Kaede grumbled. "What I was doin was find the bad guy, kill the bad guy, go home and be a wife. What yer talkin bout is going to Canada, straighten out their laws an start a campaign ta kick China out. I'd think a politician's a much better candidate than me fer this job."

Mr. Wilkes let out a sigh. "The ones we supported in Vancouver are some of the people who are missing. No one knows what happened to them, and law enforcement has no clues."

"Has the Prime Minister met with anyone about this, The English Prime Minister, or the Queen maybe?" Kaede asked.

"Not that I am aware of."

Kaede shook her head. "This ain't somethin I kin go fix in a trip. It may take a couple years, cooperation from the Canadian government an I'm thinkin the Americans too. I'm also gonna want Her Majesty's approval directly, as in she's all right with tearin Canada apart, which is what's gonna happen."

Mr. Wilkes sighed. "We were hoping for a quiet operation."

"Nay lad, ain't nothin quiet about repellin an invasion. That's what yer lookin at, ain't it," Kaede stated. She got up and added, "I'll be waitin ta see what ya do."

Mr. Wilkes got up with her. "You'll be in Bright Sea?"

"Ta port, Aye. Then headin home. Gotta run up the Channel first," she said with a crooked grin.

Mr. Wilkes went back out on deck with Kaede. "I will get to work on what you need, Dame Kaede. Have a pleasant voyage home," he offered.

"Aye, you also lad," Kaede replied, then jumped back over to the Sea Witch. She landed in front of the main mast. From there, she waved at the ship.

The Carrigan pulled away and headed north. Since Kaede with right there, she hoisted the main sail back up, then got the foresail up. and trimmed.

"So what was that about?" Ron asked as she cane onto the back.

"Foolish politicians," Kaede said with a snort. "It's s big mess. Contact yer Boss in Paris. I know Watchers are everywhere, if there's any in Canada, I'd like ta use them fer set-o-eyes, if he doan mind."

"Ahh, Kaede, we can't interfere," Ron reminded her. "That includes sharing what we find."

"I know lad, but I'm desperate fer info, so just ask fer me. If it's no, then it's no," she said simply.

"Kaede?" Kouta asked, eyeing her.

Kaede hugged him. "We got trouble again. Just doan know if I wanna be involved." She took a seat on one of the couches on the aft deck. Kouta sat by her.

"This is one of those trips they want you to go on?" he asked.

Kaede quietly said, "More'n that. It'll make that alien stompin trip look like a quick run ta the store. Just seems beyond what I kin do. An it'll take a long time, even if I kin do it."

Kouta clasped her hand. "You know we'll support you, whatever you decide."

Kaede nodded. "An I thank ya love."

.

Charles Cunningham, Industrialist and advisor to the Canadian Prime Minister eyed the Prime minister. "Talking with the Chinese Ambassador, you seemed quite taken with his idea to allow more of their influence on the west coast, helping to keep order. Sir, you're talking Chinese Police in Canada."

"It will be less burden on the taxpayers, and they will be enforcing Canadian law," The Prime Minister said.

"Not the job of a foreign entity," Charles stated. "Is there a limit of what you won't allow them to do? You do know that right now, Vancouver is allowing tax breaks for immigrants to help them settle. The ones being helped are Chinese, while Canadians living there get no breaks. You must realize that is getting many people angry. They find out Mounties are being replaced with Chinese cops, and not only will people be more upset, I don't think the Queen will like that either."

The Prime Minister let out a huff. "I've been thinking about that as well. People have asked me before why we need England. China can help us break free of England."

"Be very careful, Sir," Charles warned. "Talk like that may be treasonous."

"We should have a right to do what is best for us!" The Prime Minister stated. "China has been a good friend to Canada. They support us."

"Because it is in their best interests. You need to keep in mind China is a Communist country. By some of the laws being submitted by their supporters, they want US to be Communist as well. No doubt under their thumb."

"Mr. Cunningham, Canada is doing well, and our economy is prospering."

"If they are working with or for the Chinese. Canadian owned businesses are not doing so well. You are aware that a large oil fracking firm is owned by Chinese investors now? Yes, they are making a profit off Canadians and shipping oil to China for half the cost anyone in North America pays?"

"You think the Queen will interfere with how well we're doing."

Charles remembered his vision of Kaede visiting him. "It's not the Queen I'm concerned about. It's someone with more power than the Queen could ever have. In talking to people, I found the common Canadian is feeling the pinch of your policies, and she might not take well to you ignoring them."

.

Upon entering Bright Sea Marina, a pair of suits were there to let Kaede know her presence was requested at Buckingham Palace. At least it was kinda on the way. This wasn't going to be a formal meeting, and she was to come alone. Only a select few even knew this meeting was to happen.

Hearing them talk on the dock, Cameron came up to Kaede. "Take me with you."

Kaede asked, "Are you sure?"

"I am."

Kaede nodded and told the men, "Cameron is coming with me. You can call her my partner."

The men nodded.

While the rest of the family got on a train for Glen Finnen, Kaede and Cameron got in a car and were driven to London. Kaede didn't ask why she was being called, she already had a good idea word had gotten back to the Queen that Kaede needed her personal approval to take on such a gargantuan task. As she suspected also, it wasn't the grand front entry the car drove them to, but a service entrance in the back. The men parked the car and led them inside.

Just inside were a pair of guards. One said, "Stop, only Dame Kaede may enter."

Kaede eyed them and said, "I am going to need the assistance of Cameron here."

"She can wait in the entrance here, Dame Kaede. Only Royals may enter," the man said firmly.

Kaede nodded to Cameron. "Wait here, I'll return shortly."

"I'll be right here," Cameron replied.

Kaede went into the hallway to see Mr. Smith.

"Greetings, Dame Kaede," he said pleasantly. "The Queen is waiting to speak with you. Is this about the problem you were contacted for?"

"Hello, Mr. Smith. I haven't seen her Majesty yet, so I cannot say," Kaede replied.

"Understood. I have been instructed to assist you with whatever you need, M'Lady. This way please."

Instead of the throne room like she was expecting to be guided to, Kaede was taken to a smaller lounge that was guarded. Mr. Smith stayed outside with the guards. Kaede went in to see Only the Heir to the Throne Prince and the Queen within, sitting at a table with tea.

Kaede stopped and bowed deeply. "Your Majesty, I have arrived as you requested."

The Queen motioned to a chair. "Please, sit, Dame Kaede."

Kaede sat and waited for the Queen to sip her tea. The Queen then said, "Dame Kaede, there is a very serious problem developing in Canada, I was informed you are aware of."

"Yes, Your Majesty. From what I understand, Chinese are infiltrating Canadian government and some of the immigrants coming are indeed Chinese soldiers. From a contact, I also have learned that the Prime Minister is contemplating rejecting England and embracing Communist China as it's benefactor," Kaede replied.

The Queen looked at her. "From what contact did this information come?" she asked.

"Charles Cunningham, an advisor to the Prime Minister. I also learned Chinese police are scheduled to be coming to help keep the peace in Vancouver," Kaede explained. "The Prime Minister sees this as only tax relief for citizens, since China, not Canadians will be paying for these police."

The Queen slowly shook her head. "It is true then. Canada is trying to turn away from us." She looked at Kaede with a pleading gaze. "In more recent times, the title of Knight has been given either as a reward for enriching the culture of Britain, or as a military title. Very few have the fortitude and will to truly act as a knight of old. Dame Kaede, I consider you as one of those knights who will stand up for what is right, regardless of the difficulty of the task. What I get from advisors and military is excuses. We cannot interfere with what Canada does, we cannot afford to risk war with China over Canada. What do you say?"

Kaede glanced at the Prince who was watching her intently. "What I see is China is behaving like a bully, pushing it's will onto Canadians and used their laws against them. I see China's influence growing there under false pretenses. I do remember China promised that after Hong Hong was turned over to them, they would respect the democracy of that city. They did not. If they succeed in their lies, making Canada think they will not lose their freedom, Canadian citizens will end up under communist rule. Your Majesty, to do anything to assist I must have a solid, legal reason to do so. If not, then I would be just as bad as China in forcing Canada to act."

Queen Elizabeth nodded slowly. "You are correct dear. You will have legal reason to act. With all the agreements and amendments, I am still the sovereign of Canada. I shall have a copy sent to you of the agreement for Canadians to rule themselves. I do believe it reads that Canada may appoint their own citizens in all aspects of Government. No where does it say any government seats may be occupied by one not of Canadian Citizenship. To do so is a breach of that agreement. With that, I will appoint you as my Canadian Governor. Perhaps you can use that to your advantage."

"I see, Your Majesty. Perhaps I can."

.

After her meeting with the Queen, and a short meeting with Mr. Smith to tell him nothing could be said about her until Kaede was ready to act, Kaede left with Cameron. They were taken to the train station. On the way home, Kaede explained to Cameron what was talked about, and all the problems Canada was facing.

"John can help, he knows computers and can hack as well as I can," Cameron said. "He can look into the voting system there. This is how many Chinese got into political positions, correct?"

"Yes, and with the information the Queen gave me, Canada has violated the terms of agreements with England on their own rule," Kaede said. "On that alone, I could declare their government void, but I think it might be better to let them try to make changes by themselves before I do that."

Kaede talked about forming her strategy with Cameron. Cameron insisted on being her 'guard' while she was in Canada. They also ruled out flying directly in. If Duncan could get them to a northern state, say up-state New York, they would drive across the border and go to Ottawa, avoiding any traps set for them.

"You have decided you're going to do it?" Cameron asked.

"I am." Kaede replied. "I wasn't sure at first, but these Chinese are bullies, and if they succeed, then all the citizens of Canada are going ta suffer. I have ta do it fer them."

By the time they got picked up at the train station, Kaede had her initial plans set. Instead of going right home, she had to see Joe first.

Going into his bookshop Kaede found Joe and her watcher, Mike, there.

Joe looked up and smiled. "Hey Kaede! have a good trip taking Claire home? Mike here is dying to know what you did."

"Hey Joe, Hey Mike." She then held up a finger and said, "I'll tell ya BUT! Then ya gotta do somethin fer me."

"Nothing dangerous, is it?" Mike asked.

"Nay, Mike. Wouldn't do that to ya."

Kaede told them about pulling the man thrown off a ferry up onto their boat and getting him back to Dover, then meeting the Lot-o-Fun and towing them until they came to the tsunami wave. She described the jump over it and everything, including people flying around inside the boat. After that how they patched up Lot-0-Fun and got them on their way, then pulling more people out of the water. Kaede described going through the straights of Gibraltar and their trip up river to get Claire home.

"...'and thankfully we had a nice calm trip back. The only odd thing was someone from the British Government caught a ride on a coast guard ship and came out ta meet me." Kaede then told them about the mess Canada was in and said, "Now lads. Here's what I'd like ya ta do fer me. You guys are used ta watchin. I wanna know what ya kin find out about Chinese in the Canadian government. Get a holda whoever ya gotta. Find out names, what they do an where they live. The more I can find out fore I git there, the faster I kin work. I am gonna hafta be quick as I kin."

Mike stared at her. "We only watch," he said weakly.

"It's all I'm askin ya ta do. Find'em, watch'em. You'll just be lettin me know so I got a heads up on'em."

"Kaede, I don't know if the Watchers will approve that," Joe told her.

"They may not," Kaede agreed. "Just keep in mind, me goal is ta keep Canada from goin communist and bein a puppet state o'China. Let yer conscience be yer guide. I got one Immortal feedin me bits in Ottawa. Could use a bit more help."

Joe huffed and said, "You don't make things easy for us, do Ya, Kaede?"

Kaede grinned at him. "Sorry Joe, gotta work wit what I got. Does Charles Cunningham know who his watcher is?"

"I can't tell you that Kaede!" Joe complained.

"I'll ask'im later, See ya later, Joe, Mike."

Cameron waved bye at them as the women left.

Joe let out another breath.

"Hey Joe, think she's wanting to know where immortals are so she can hunt them?" Mike asked.

"No, she already knows, Mike. Duncan told me about it. Kaede is THE One. She's got some kind of mental connection to all of them," Joe said. "I do think the ruling class in Canada is about to have a tough time of it."

.

As soon as Prime Minister Valentin got the call that Dame Kaede Kikumura was coming to visit him in two weeks representing Queen Elizabeth the second, he called his advisors together in his office.

The three men shrugged. Mr. Yang said, "Treat her like a royal, show her around, smile, nod and agree with her, then send her on her way."

Mrs. Price agreed. "Yes, treat her kindly when she's here and avoid any serious political discussion."

Mr Cunningham shook his head. "You people have no idea who Dame Kaede is, do you?" he asked. Looking at Valentin, he said, "You've got trouble coming with a capital 'T'. If she's coming representing the Queen, that means she's got the Queen's blessing in whatever she does. Kaede isn't some fancy royal, let's all play nice person. Kaede kicked those aliens off the planet, you do remember that, don't you? Or that walk she took in Paris that left 18 dead and 27 hospitalized? Dame Kaede is a wrecking machine, she has the power to do pretty much anything she wants. My best advice is yes, play nice and do whatever she tells you to do. I will warn you now, DO NOT get her angry."

"This IS our country!" Valentin stated.

"Under the Queen of England," Charles stated. "The Queen is still the ultimate head honcho here. She is sending Dame Kaede to speak and possibly act for her. I highly suggest you listen when she gets here."

"From the call I got, Dame Kaede is arriving with only one assistant," Valentin stated. "We don't tell anyone else she's coming, have a security detail pick her up at the airport and take her right to secure holding, then speak to her there."

"That is best, Sir," Mr. Yang agreed.

Mrs. Price frowned. "That may cause trouble," she offered.

"That will get people killed, and when she arrives here, she will not be in the best of moods." Mr. Cunningham stated.

"Are you saying she already has spies and men here?" Valentine asked.

"What I'm saying is she doesn't need them." Mr. Cunningham stated. "If destroying two alien bases by herself that no one else was able touch, creating enough havoc to find you will be nothing for her."

"That was just a rumor to make her look good!" Mr. Yang stated.

Charles smiled at him. "Keep believing that. See how it works out for you."

Mrs. Price eyed him. "Do you know her?"

"I know she is not one to toy with. I know she has power others can only dream of. I know she can, and has killed with a glance." Mr. Cunningham stated.

"Mr. Cunningham, I do believe you are attempting to scare Mr. Valentin into submission!" Mr. Yang stated.

Mr. Cunningham shrugged. "Just telling you what I know."

Mr. Yang waved his hand and said, "Prime Minister Valentin, Mr. Cunningham is obviously loyal to England and not you! This is only an attempt by the English Queen to put pressure on you. Are you going to put up with that?"

Meekly, Mrs. Price said, "I have heard things about this Kaede. In any case, treating her kindly is the only politically correct thing to do. You cannot treat a representative from another country, any country, badly."

Valentin nodded. "You are correct, Mrs. Price. Dame Kaede will not be treated badly when she arrives, only escorted to someplace secure, with proper accommodations of course, until I can speak with her."

"I highly recommend, Prime Minister, that you meet her upon arrival and speak with her," Mr. Cunningham stated. "As far as you, Mr. Yang, I recommend you do not speak when Dame Kaede arrives. It could be very bad for your health."

"So you say!" Mr. Yang snapped.

Valentin eyed them. "I'm going to have our intelligence people look up Dame Kaede Kikumura, and see what they can find out.

.

Back home, John and Cameron stayed at the castle and searched / hacked for information about Canadian law, their officials and the backgrounds of their officials. While they were doing this, Kaede concentrated and found a few immortals who missed 'the hunt' for other immortals and craved some excitement.

Ben Dover was a 126 year old immortal who was eager to get 'mixed up' in something. Kaede had him go to Vancouver to begin identifying Chinese nationals there so later he could begin hunting them.

Ahmed Assan had his own reason for hating China, and was happy to go identify, then take some Chinese heads that were in Canada. He was also a scuba diver and was already plotting how to do the most damage the 'invading' Chinese.

Kaede also convinced Amanda that if she wanted the thrill of thievery, Kaede would pay her to go to Vancouver to steal information on Chinese there. And yes, whatever money/valuables she collected from the Chinese, she could keep.

Henry was an old Immortal, who had fought many wars and had played many roles. He also had firm beliefs in individual rights. He was a Free Mason and signer of the Declaration of Independence at Philadelphia, and did much for the Canadian efforts in WW2. Kaede had him be her lead immortal in Vancouver. He like Duncan, also had gained a huge amount of money over the centuries. He also loved Canada, and was already working against the Chinese.

The only thing Kaede was going to have a problem with, was leaving home again. She really didn't want to. She even hated bringing it up to her mother and Kouta.

When Kaede asked Duncan, Inari, and Kouta to talk with her in Duncan's office, Kouta and Inari could see Kaede was not in the best of moods. She didn't quite look at them as she said, "Guys, there's a job I gotta do in Canada. It ain't gonna be easy, an it may take a while."

"Another job?" Kouta asked flatly.

"Aye," Kaede said with a sigh. "This ain't some go find'em and kill'em job. Canada is being over run by Chinese, they're in the government too. I've been tasked ta go clean-em out. The Queen has made me Governor of Canada, which I'm sure they ain't gonna like. I'll be going in a couple weeks. Cameron said she'll come wit me."

Duncan raised an eyebrow and asked, "You are suppose ta take on all a Canada by yerself?"

"Me an whoever I kin git to assist me. I got a few immortals that agreed ta help, an a few in Canada now lookin fer support. It's mostly common folk who've been loosing their jobs and bein displaced by some of the new laws in Vancouver."

"Yer talkin war," Inari said flatly.

"I'm hopin ta avoid that," Kaede told her.

Kouta rubbed his had over his mouth. "Kaede, why you?"

"Her reputation," Duncan said. "Kaede's known fer doin the impossible. This is going to be a near impossible task, ya know that Kaede?"

Kaede nodded. "All too well. Still, if I doan, there's a good chance Canada's gonna become communist, and that'll be very bad."

Kouta spit out, "I thought we were done with shit like this!"

"Aye, I did as well," Kaede said meekly. "Sorry, dear, but I ain't got no choice."

Duncan frowned, then asked, "Kaede, you said Vancouver is the worst problem?"

"Aye, Chinese police are coming ta provide law enforcement there. It's gotta be stopped. I had Henry lead a few immortals ta see what they kin do ta stop it."

"And you're going to Ottawa?" Duncan asked.

"Aye."

"Then I'll go to Vancouver. Tell Henry I'm coming ta help." he stated.

"Thanks Dad. Ya kin take Amanda, she's goin too." Kaede told him.

Inari hugged herself. She cast Duncan a firm gaze. "I doan like it, nay one bit! But yer right love, ya gotta go support our daughter. I'll be here ta watch Kanae, an see ta things here. Kouta, I know ya hate it too, but ya gotta support yer wife."

"Yeah," Kouta agreed heavily. He looked at Kaede and said, "You're telling Kanae."

.

The Canadian intelligence Chief visited the Prime minister. He handed Valentin a single sheet of paper. "This is all we could find on Dame Kaede Kikumura. She's married to Kouta Kikumura, has two adopted and one natural child, all girls. She was knighted for forcing the aliens off the planet and making them come to talks with the UN, and arraigning a place for them to settle. That's all we found on her officially."

Valentin eyed him. "This isn't much."

"It's not, we couldn't even get her home address. From what we did find is everything except public knowledge about her is classified 'need to know, eyes and ears only' on Kaede Kikumura. You'd think she was a nuclear weapon. Even incidents like the one in Paris, are treated like they never happened. From old news broadcasts, we are certain she destroyed a tech building in Poland, but we could find no mentions of that event at all."

"She blew up a building?" Valentin asked.

"A woman who's facial features match Dame Kaede was seen escaping the scene on a bicycle. As for proof she was even in Poland at the time, there is none. We did get a video of Dame Kaede walking down the street in Paris. She walked into the Muslim section by herself wearing a big crucifix. People ran to attack her and ended up beating on each other and themselves, a couple somehow jumped up to throw themselves through windows. Someone even shot at her with an automatic weapon. The bullets shot were found piled up near where she'd been. She jumped up and went through the window of the shooter, then came back out. All the ones in those rooms were found torn apart. A woman threw a bomb at her, but the bomb bounced back and killed the woman. Kikumura never physically touched anyone." He then said, "We also found internet photos of what they call the 'Tidal Bay Massacre' up in Scotland. Eight or nine men with loaded fully automatic weapons were killed. No shots were fired. Blood and pieces of the men everywhere. No one has ever claimed responsibility, but there are strong suggestions Kikumura did that as well."

"She's dangerous," Valentin said.

"Very. It's a common belief she's a real spell casting witch. There are other strange happenings that no one knows who did it, or even how they could have been done, that can be attributed to Kaede Kikumura," he said firmly. "One thing is for certain. You do want to treat this woman kindly for your own safety."

Valentin shook his head. "It doesn't seem possible. A real witch?"

"She does things that don't seem possible. You may want to keep that in mind in the coming days."