BGC P2040

Bubblegum Crisis Post 2040 Fanfic Series

"Stripes in the Jungle"

Chapter 3: Visionaries

by P. Kristen Enos

http://members.aol.com/bgcpost2040

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A Bubblegum Crisis Tokyo 2040 English Dub Version Fanfic. All rights belong to AIC, ADV Films and the other creative powers that be. I just want credit for writing the story.

Contains spoilers! Rated PG13. Nothing in here should be a shock if you've watched the episodes and paid attention. All I'm doing is filling in the gaps with my own interpretation of events! Most of these stories take place AFTER the TV Series!!! So DON'T blame me if I ruin the ending for you because you read these stories first!

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The spacious lab was empty save for four figures. The three humans were focused on the other, a boomer with the realistic yet metallic curves of a physically mature female, which stared blankly forward as if it had no awareness of the world around it.

Quincy Rosenkreuz III, a man of thirty-nine with a lean build and clothed in the finest gray Italian suit with tasteful punctuations of jewelry, walked carefully around the stationary boomer, eyeing her critically and appreciatively. In and of themselves, his lean features were short of being considered handsome, but a friendly smile added well to his charisma. It also helped that he looked young for his age, with barely any trace of gray in his trimmed black hair and beard.

The other figure was Madigan, his right hand assistant. A petite and trim woman of forty-two, her small size easily led people to overlook the steel in her personality, which showed clearly in her dark gray eyes behind her glasses. Despite having a very efficient and professional demeanor, she was extremely style-conscious herself, dressed in a stylish dark blue business jacket and skirt. She kept her extremely long gray and dark-brown hair in a braid, which went half-way down her back and then hooking upwards to finally drape over the front of her right shoulder.

The final human figure was Dr. Sho Yamada, a heavy but pleasant man of thirty-two with receding black hair. Dressed in the standard suit and lab coat, he cut a competent picture of a scientist even though he was understandably nervous as he waited for his superiors to make a comment about his team's latest effort.

Quincy finally paused and flashed the scientist a warm smile. "I am extremely impressed with the modifications your team has made to this prototype, Dr. Yamada. The proportions appear to be extremely accurate even without the skin and hair supplements."

The scientist broke out into a pleased smile as he felt himself finally begin to relax. "Thank you, Sir. As you can see, she's still somewhat tall for a standard human, but this is the most compact frame the team can build while maintaining the capacity to house the original requirements. She weighs about three times the mass of a woman her size, so we realize we may have to factor some environment checks when she starts to be tested outdoors, like avoiding elevator and stairs where weight capacities might be an issue."

"Yes, she does seem somewhat Amazonian," Quincy admitted, his eyes still raking up and down the form. "I think if we offer Caucasian model options, that should make the size somewhat more acceptable even if we can't make them blend in to a crowd completely. What do you think, Madigan?"

"I would think our clientele would be open to models which can be shown off under the right circumstances," she answered before turning her attention to the data pad in front of her. "If these are accurate, her performance marks have also increased substantially from the last check."

"Yes, Ma'am," Dr. Yamada agreed hastily, clearly more unnerved by the woman's critical assessment than that of the other man. "We have focused on the required skills such as marksmanship and hand to hand combat. She maintains 95% accuracy with pistols and rifles, the other 5% is still within acceptable parameters. At this point she is also the equivalent of a second level black belt in judo and karate."

Quincy had been scanning through his own data pad and asked, "So are we still on target for the demonstration?"

"Um, well, Sir," Dr. Yamada admitted with clear discomfort, "We've been having problems with the synthetic skin and body temperature simulations. I mean, they're still above par from older recreational boomer models, but not enough to be passable for human, yet."

"I'm certain part of the struggle is because of your team's excellent standards for acceptability," Quincy commented with a reassuring smile. He turned to the data which continued to scroll before him. "So if we were to still hold to the demonstration deadline, which requirements have the highest level of jeopardy?"

"The status and projected completion date for all requirements are on the progress matrix labeled 'Sylvie.6'," the scientist answered as he looked at his own data pad. "I've pointed out all of the outstanding development items which would directly impact what I've understood to be your intention for the demonstration. The others are obviously not as target critical."

"I see... Madigan, what is your recommendation from this list?"

"Sir, I believe the priority should be related to anything cosmetic and tactile. After all, our biggest selling point of this model will be the ability to pass for human at even the most casual of interactions."

"I concur, however, let's refine that a little. I want top priority given to skin and facial expression simulation. The speech simulations can be prioritized last for the time being. However, I do want oral tactile and functional refinement to continue. After all, replacing rubber dolls will have a higher priority than providing conversation."

The comment immediately drew a blush from the scientist, though Madigan didn't bat an eye as they followed along on their own pads.

"Y-Yes, Sir. Anything else that should be of priority, Sir?"

"If it helps, you can lower the capacity requirement for the person recognition file from twenty down to three, in addition to myself and Madigan. I will also authorize a 5% bonus per additional requirement met beyond these basics by demonstration day. I expect final confirmation Tuesday that we will meet that date since the invitations are set to be sent out then. However, I want to make certain you do not over commit yourself personally, Dr. Yamada. I am very well aware that I can't have you show up at your wedding an already spent man. Just do what is reasonable."

Dr. Yamada bowed gratefully, "Yes, Sir. And thank you, Sir, for your generosity. I am certain my team will be suitably inspired to bring greater honor to Genom Corporation at this demonstration."

"I trust that you will." Quincy then turned his attention back to the boomer and smiled appreciatively. "So her name is Sylvie, hmm?"

"Yes, Sir. It helps to give names to projects, especially when you've work with them for such a long time. It's for the benefit of the team only, though. We will of course call her whatever you wish once she is formally christened."

"No, keep it. I like that name." Quincy then bowed and said, "Good work once again, Dr. Yamada. If you'll excuse us."

Bows were exchanged and the two executives left the lab, each perusing their data pads as they walked down one of the empty corridors of New Genom Tower.

"Sir, I wanted to wait until after our meeting with Dr. Yamada to point out that we've received the file on the Perry Electronics buyout."

"Oh?" he said, as he opened and skimmed the file in question.

Madigan tucked her own pad under her arm as she reported the information from memory. "Yes, it's been confirmed that Chang Enterprises is the buyer and will take over as of July. A public announcement is expected to come out at the end of the week."

"Chang Enterprises? They ring a bell for some reason. They've never been a competitor of ours before, have they?"

"No, they've never had a direct part of any of the technical developments or manufacturing affecting us before. Apparently, they're a family corporation, extremely old money based on the premise of making certain promises were kept and people were protected. Because of that reputation, they are considered quite a formidable presence in the international circles, Hong Kong especially. Their current leadership is under Richard Chang, a man who has made quite a name for himself and his family business, with much more reputable and lucrative business practices in the area of shipping. It is speculated that he pursued Perry Electronics to devote proprietary research and development towards security products."

"And this is noteworthy to us how?" he prompted.

"Perry Electronics is also a parts manufacturer for many types of technologies, over half devoted to boomer parts. Traditionally, their research and development department has been solely devoted to enhancing the performance and longevity of said parts."

"Ah, I see. And so there's a chance Chang Enterprises may creep into our territory either as a competitor if they go into boomer development, or as an ally if they just stick with parts manufacturing. Or they may lose their importance if they decide to drop that aspect of the business completely."

"There's one other piece which may influence that decision," Madigan added as they came to the elevator and waited. "Richard Chang's personal facts."

"Let's see... Age fifty-two, born in Hong Kong and raised in Tokyo. Married for thirty-one years to Mitsune, also age fifty-two, socialite. Has two daughters. The oldest Reika is twenty eight, single and lives in America as an actress.... Still single?"

"Suspiciously so."

"Ah. Second daughter Irene is twenty four, engaged, lives in Tokyo as a physical trainer. Set to marry Dr. Sho Yamada on June 30th.... I see..." The man mused as he trailed off into a noticeably unhappy silence.

The elevator finally opened and the two walked into the empty car. Upon the closing of the doors, Quincy hit the "stop" button and looked at Madigan seriously. "Give me the theorized worst case scenario at this point."

As if prepared for such a request, Madigan immediately replied, "Due to their acquisition of such prime technical research and development resources, Chang Enterprises may consider entering the world of boomer development. With both powerful leadership and financial backing, they could quickly position themselves as a serious competitor. Should that happen, or because he is an acknowledged resource connected to the family that may actually instigate that situation, Dr. Yamada may feel honor bound to quit Genom Corporation and work for his in-laws. His personality profile would fit such a type. It is also possible that he would feel committed to completing his current project, but his level of quality could be compromised as well as the fact we would be losing an even more knowledgeable resource upon the project's end.

"There is also the fact that Chang Enterprises has no immediate successor given that neither daughter seems to show an interest or aptitude for any of the family businesses. Therefore, as the only son-in-law, our Dr. Yamada would be the most logical and viable choice. And given that he's clearly proud of his involvement with our project even though the general public would not approve speaks of a man who is capable of making his own priorities."

Quincy scanned the pad darkly for a moment and then said, "I want all possible contingency plans against any kind of risk by tomorrow morning. Make it the top priority of your team. I want to know all of my options before deciding on a course of action."

"Yes, Sir," she said as she started to make entries into her pad.

He hit the "stop" button to allow the elevator to continue moving upwards. Then a small smile quirked his lips as he added, "Just in case, make certain an invite to our demonstration is sent to Mr. Chang. I think such a man would be worth meeting in person. Providing nothing happens to him before then."

"Yes, Sir. That would be unfortunate."

-- End Chapter 3 --