Note: Dunno where this came from, but it's here now. Enjoy.
The Quad-A Meetings:
Day 2, Session 2
Summary: Roger stares a frightening aspect of his problem in the face.
... are thoughts.
They called themselves the United Nations of Assassins. Well, not officially. That would be silly. It was just a nickname, and a pretty good one, all things considered. The Quad-A for Hire prided itself on being multicultural. They weren't biased against anyone. In fact, their motto was, "Everyone deserves to die, sooner or later. Why not sooner?"
Aisha didn't necessarily agree with the motto, but the pay was excellent, and she got to cut loose whenever she needed to. Maybe that was why they'd assigned her to Team Anten. Anyone who was too dangerous for normal work got sent to that particular team, and with good reason.
Team Anten was made up of some very dangerous people. Aisha already knew about Suzuka, so there was no big surprise there. The rest she had yet to see in action, but it didn't worry her. Not TOO much.
"You think too much," a voice said.
Aisha looked down to see a small girl in front of her. She still had a hard time accepting that she had to take orders from a kid, but she managed. "I wasn't thinking. I was wondering."
"About what?"
"The prisoner that we had to take alive. It's just unusual."
The girl shrugged. "Weird jobs come up sometimes, but they are jobs. Besides, the captain said it was a favor for a former associate."
Aisha snorted. "Must be a pretty girl."
"Maybe. But I don't think the captain would do a favor for any girl, even if she was pretty."
"Your logic's flawed, not to mention biased, Hamniyo. You're second-in-command."
"That's different. The captain recognizes my skills." She smiled. "Anyway, I'm not pretty, just pretty cute."
Before Aisha could comment, Suzuka's voice echoed through the hall. "Hamniyo and Aisha, please report to the bridge...and bring the prisoner with you."
Aisha turned around and typed a code into the containment unit. "If she breaks loose, trip her."
"Very funny. I'm not THAT short."
The door slid open with a loud hiss, revealing the prisoner sitting on a bench.
"On your feet, Red," Aisha ordered. "This is where you get off."
The young woman slowly stood up, most of her face hidden by the red hood and cloak she wore. Her thin lips formed into a twisted grin as she stepped out of the container. "Rrr...rrr..."
"What's she saying?" Hamniyo asked.
"Dunno. Suze and I have a bet going. I say Riding Hood, she says Red." Aisha grabbed one of the prisoner's arms, while Hamniyo took the other. "Just wish she'd hurry up and let us know who won."
* * * * *
When Roger came to, the Amazingly Accurate Anime Assassins for Hire stood before him. And though their reputation proceeded them, he was understandably not impressed. "These...people...are killers, Washu?"
"Yes, Roger."
"But...that one's a kid!"
"A very dangerous kid, I might add," Aisha snarled at him.
"Okay, HER I could see killing someone..."
"Washu." It was smaller, stone-faced man who spoke, his eyebrows narrowing under a very noticeable widow's peak. "I believe we had a deal."
"So we did, Vegeta. So we did." Washu smiled. "You're looking well."
Vegeta didn't reply, at least, not with words.
The girl at Vegeta's side finally spoke up. "I see why you like her, Vegeta, but are you sure she's worth the trouble Aisha went through to keep Little Miss Crazy alive?"
Vegeta's eyes shifted to the girl, then back to Washu. "Not now, Hamniyo."
Washu grinned. "Well, I like you, too, you lovable little prince!" She pinched his cheek for good measure.
The rest of the Assassins all sucked in a deep breath...and blinked in surprise when Vegeta didn't tear Washu's arm off and beat her senseless with it.
"Washu," Vegeta said quietly. "The. Deal."
"Fine, Vegeta. The Death Beam is in the kitchen. Six, go get it for me, would you?"
Sixteen nodded and left the room.
Roger looked suspicious. "I thought you were a FORMER mad scientist."
"I am, Roger. Just think of it as a garage sale. I'm getting rid of the evil stuff. Most of it, anyway."
Roger nodded. "Yeah. Sure."
"Now, what about your part of the deal, Vegeta?" Washu asked.
Vegeta touched a symbol on his chest plate. "Suzuka, bring in Red."
"Let's move into the living room," Washu suggested. "We'll have more space to...well...move."
"Why would we need to move, Washu?" Roger asked.
"Oh, WE won't," Washu replied with a smile. "Just you."
* * * * *
Eighteen sighed loudly. "Seventeen, there's nothing to be afraid of."
"I'm not coming out!" Seventeen whimpered, hugging his knees to his chest.
"Okay, but if they were REALLY out to get you, do you think hiding under the kitchen table would keep you safe?"
There was a long moment of silence.
"Well?" Eighteen asked.
Seventeen peeked out. "Quiet! I'm hoping they'll think I'm a statue!"
Eighteen shook her head. "Well, I'm going to go see how Roger's doing. Will you be okay?"
Seventeen, already firmly into his statue act, was too afraid to answer.
Eighteen rolled her eyes. "Marron, stay with Uncle Seventeen, and hug him if he starts shuddering."
"Okay, Mommy!" Marron crawled under the table and into Seventeen's lap. "I'll protect you from the bad people, Unkie Seven!"
* * * * *
Roger was starting to get nervous. Vegeta and Washu were still talking quietly, and it had almost been ten minutes since Vegeta had called for Red, whoever that was. Of course, red was certainly not Roger's favorite color, especially after a particularly lethal case he'd taken a few months ago.
He was just wondering where Dorothy might be when Suzuka finally appeared. By her side was the last person Roger expected to see.
The girl in the red hood and cloak slowly raised her head, and her lips twisted into a sadistic smile. "Rrrr...rrrr...RRRRRROOOOOOGERRRRRR!"
Roger dove behind the couch as the girl threw herself at him. She hadn't gotten very far when Suzuka jerked on the chain around her wrists, causing her to land roughly on the floor.
Roger scrambled to his feet, staring in horror at the struggling girl on the floor. "WASHU! Why did you bring her here?! And WHY didn't you warn me?! She tried to kill me!"
"I'd say she still is," Suzuka pointed out, locking the prisoner in a chokehold.
"Calm down, Roger," Washu said. "It's clear to me that this person...let's call her Red...is having an effect on your subconscious, which, in turn, is effecting your relationship with Dorothy."
"I don't see your point," Roger admitted, throwing a nervous glance at Red.
"Obviously, you're afraid of Red trying to kill you. This causes you to be uncomfortable and even fearful of Dorothy, since the similarities between them are unmistakable."
"But why did you BRING her here, Washu?!"
"Simple. To improve your relationship with Dorothy, you have to conquer your fear of Red. And the best way to do that is what this club is all about. You're going to overcome your fear with friendship."
"I am NOT going to make nice with a psychotic serial killer just because she looks like Dorothy!"
Washu shook her head. "According to my research, she IS Dorothy. Another version, just like that big pink robot you once fought, but still a Dorothy. So if you want me to help you, you'll have to get used to Red being around quite a bit."
"Well, sure, I COULD be nice to her, but how is that going to stop her from shooting me?"
"One, she doesn't have a gun anymore, and two, as you learn to like her, she'll learn to like you. In a non-homicidal sort of way, of course."
"And how long do you think this will take?" Roger asked.
"Depends on how committed you are to sorting out your feelings for Dorothy," Washu replied. "But I wouldn't go shopping for curtains just yet, if that's what you mean."
* * * * *
"So she was saying Roger?" Aisha asked.
Suzuka nodded. "Which means we both lost the bet."
"So who keeps the money?"
"I do," Homniyo replied. "It's my right as your commanding officer."
"Vegeta's the commanding officer," Aisha pointed out.
"Yeah, but he doesn't even know what a wong is, so it's mine. Gimme."
Aisha sighed and handed over the money. "Well, we got the Death Beam, and they got Red. Why are we still here?"
"There was another part to the deal," Hamniyo said as she counted the money. "Vegeta has to take Washu out."
"He's going to kill her?" Aisha asked in surprise.
"Such a waste," Suzuka murmured. "She has an amazing mind."
"No, no, no! He's taking her out ON A DATE." Hamniyo shook her head. "Geez, you people are obsessed with murder."
Suzuka and Aisha stared at each other. "A...date?!"
"Well, I can see why she had to con him into it," Aisha said after a while. "Vegeta isn't a man I'd consider Mr. Right. But if that's the case, why is Washu interested in him?"
"Great minds think alike," Hamniyo answered.
"Are you suggesting that Vegeta's actually interested in Washu?" Suzuka asked.
"No. I'm suggesting that Vegeta respects her genius, and doesn't mind spending time with her. He's probably hoping to butter her up so he can get a few more weapons out of the deal."
"Now, THAT sounds like the Vegeta I know," Suzuka smirked.
"But at the same time, Washu's probably going to seduce him and trick him into owing her more than he does already...which should mean that we'll be in Paradigm City for a long time."
"Wonderful," Suzuka sighed. "I join up for excitement, and all I get is one dead town after another."
"Not really," Hamniyo said. "According the Roger, there's giant robots to fight every other day."
"Really?" Aisha's ears perked up. "Cool! Maybe we can make some money on the side!"
"That's assuming they haven't heard about Ctarl-Ctarl before. Remember how you got banned from the last planet?"
"That was an accident! Besides, that battleship was in pieces when I got there!"
"That excuse didn't work in court, Aisha, and it won't work now. If you're going out on jobs, I'm going with you."
"And what if I say no?"
Hamniyo smirked. "Then I'll tell Vegeta."
Aisha glared at her. "Stool pigeon."
"Mouse eater."
"Brat!"
"Freak of nature!"
"Waste of skin!"
"Animal!"
"WHAT?!"
"That's ENOUGH." Suzuka glared at them both. "If I have to listen to one of your stupid fights again, I'm taking a contract out on both of you."
* * * * *
"I don't like this idea, Washu," Gene growled.
"Hush, you." Washu jammed the Roger mask down on his head. "Ready, Mel?"
"Ready!" Melfina answered.
"Okay. Start the watch. Vegeta, do it."
Vegeta nodded and let go of Red's chain.
Naturally, Red threw herself at the first thing that looked like Roger...which happened to be Gene in a Roger mask. The next thirty seconds were filled with Red's deranged laughter and Gene's pained screams.
When Red finally stopped, Melfina stopped the watch. "What were we timing again, Washu?"
Washu looked at her. "Timing? What do you mean?"
Melfina grew paler than usual. "There was a point to this test, wasn't there?"
"Oh, sure. I wanted to see how long we'd have to stop Red in case she broke loose and got to Roger. What's the time?"
"Thirty-three point two seconds."
"Hmm. That's not very long. We'd better be careful."
"What about Gene?" Melfina asked, looking worried. "He's...bleeding..."
"He'll be fine. Vegeta, hand me one of your Senzu beans."
Vegeta looked at her. "What?"
"Hand me one of your Senzu beans," Washu repeated.
"I don't HAVE any," Vegeta replied, looking irritated.
"What do you mean, you don't have any?"
"Aisha and Suzuka used the last two after they brought Red in. She put up a fight."
"Oh." Washu blinked. "Hmm."
"What about Gene...?" Melfina asked, near tears.
"Who? Oh, right. Um...Vegeta, you still have that regeneration pod on your ship, right?"
"Yes, but we haven't used it in months. It might need cleaning."
"Never mind that! Just get it ready!"
Vegeta muttered something and grabbed Gene's leg, dragging him away. Melfina followed at a distance, trying to ignore the obvious blood trail they'd left her.
Washu sighed and sat down on the couch. "This is going to be harder than I thought."
"Rough day, Mom?"
Washu looked up to see Mecha Washu peering at her. "Something like that, yes."
Mecha Washu plopped down beside her. "Well, there's always tomorrow."
"I guess."
Mecha Washu then noticed Red sitting next to Washu. "Hi, there!"
Red stared at her. "Rrrrrrr...rrrrrr....riend?"
"That's the second word she's said all day," Washu muttered. "Unless you count the `rrrrrr's, anyway."
"She's probably just shy and lonely."
Washu blinked. "Mecha, dear, how would you like to help Red when we do therapy?"
"Okay, Mom!" Mecha beamed. "But don't you think we should clean her up a bit?"
Washu glanced at Red, who was still covered in Gene's blood. "Oh, that. Yes, you're right."
"Rrrr...right?" Red asked.
"Uh huh. Right." Washu sighed again. "After therapy, we work on your vocabulary..."
How will Dorothy react to her first session with Red? How will Roger react to Mecha Washu & Red's new friendship? How will Red react...to Marron? Find out...er...whenever...
The Quad-A Meetings:
Day 2, Session 2
Summary: Roger stares a frightening aspect of his problem in the face.
... are thoughts.
They called themselves the United Nations of Assassins. Well, not officially. That would be silly. It was just a nickname, and a pretty good one, all things considered. The Quad-A for Hire prided itself on being multicultural. They weren't biased against anyone. In fact, their motto was, "Everyone deserves to die, sooner or later. Why not sooner?"
Aisha didn't necessarily agree with the motto, but the pay was excellent, and she got to cut loose whenever she needed to. Maybe that was why they'd assigned her to Team Anten. Anyone who was too dangerous for normal work got sent to that particular team, and with good reason.
Team Anten was made up of some very dangerous people. Aisha already knew about Suzuka, so there was no big surprise there. The rest she had yet to see in action, but it didn't worry her. Not TOO much.
"You think too much," a voice said.
Aisha looked down to see a small girl in front of her. She still had a hard time accepting that she had to take orders from a kid, but she managed. "I wasn't thinking. I was wondering."
"About what?"
"The prisoner that we had to take alive. It's just unusual."
The girl shrugged. "Weird jobs come up sometimes, but they are jobs. Besides, the captain said it was a favor for a former associate."
Aisha snorted. "Must be a pretty girl."
"Maybe. But I don't think the captain would do a favor for any girl, even if she was pretty."
"Your logic's flawed, not to mention biased, Hamniyo. You're second-in-command."
"That's different. The captain recognizes my skills." She smiled. "Anyway, I'm not pretty, just pretty cute."
Before Aisha could comment, Suzuka's voice echoed through the hall. "Hamniyo and Aisha, please report to the bridge...and bring the prisoner with you."
Aisha turned around and typed a code into the containment unit. "If she breaks loose, trip her."
"Very funny. I'm not THAT short."
The door slid open with a loud hiss, revealing the prisoner sitting on a bench.
"On your feet, Red," Aisha ordered. "This is where you get off."
The young woman slowly stood up, most of her face hidden by the red hood and cloak she wore. Her thin lips formed into a twisted grin as she stepped out of the container. "Rrr...rrr..."
"What's she saying?" Hamniyo asked.
"Dunno. Suze and I have a bet going. I say Riding Hood, she says Red." Aisha grabbed one of the prisoner's arms, while Hamniyo took the other. "Just wish she'd hurry up and let us know who won."
* * * * *
When Roger came to, the Amazingly Accurate Anime Assassins for Hire stood before him. And though their reputation proceeded them, he was understandably not impressed. "These...people...are killers, Washu?"
"Yes, Roger."
"But...that one's a kid!"
"A very dangerous kid, I might add," Aisha snarled at him.
"Okay, HER I could see killing someone..."
"Washu." It was smaller, stone-faced man who spoke, his eyebrows narrowing under a very noticeable widow's peak. "I believe we had a deal."
"So we did, Vegeta. So we did." Washu smiled. "You're looking well."
Vegeta didn't reply, at least, not with words.
The girl at Vegeta's side finally spoke up. "I see why you like her, Vegeta, but are you sure she's worth the trouble Aisha went through to keep Little Miss Crazy alive?"
Vegeta's eyes shifted to the girl, then back to Washu. "Not now, Hamniyo."
Washu grinned. "Well, I like you, too, you lovable little prince!" She pinched his cheek for good measure.
The rest of the Assassins all sucked in a deep breath...and blinked in surprise when Vegeta didn't tear Washu's arm off and beat her senseless with it.
"Washu," Vegeta said quietly. "The. Deal."
"Fine, Vegeta. The Death Beam is in the kitchen. Six, go get it for me, would you?"
Sixteen nodded and left the room.
Roger looked suspicious. "I thought you were a FORMER mad scientist."
"I am, Roger. Just think of it as a garage sale. I'm getting rid of the evil stuff. Most of it, anyway."
Roger nodded. "Yeah. Sure."
"Now, what about your part of the deal, Vegeta?" Washu asked.
Vegeta touched a symbol on his chest plate. "Suzuka, bring in Red."
"Let's move into the living room," Washu suggested. "We'll have more space to...well...move."
"Why would we need to move, Washu?" Roger asked.
"Oh, WE won't," Washu replied with a smile. "Just you."
* * * * *
Eighteen sighed loudly. "Seventeen, there's nothing to be afraid of."
"I'm not coming out!" Seventeen whimpered, hugging his knees to his chest.
"Okay, but if they were REALLY out to get you, do you think hiding under the kitchen table would keep you safe?"
There was a long moment of silence.
"Well?" Eighteen asked.
Seventeen peeked out. "Quiet! I'm hoping they'll think I'm a statue!"
Eighteen shook her head. "Well, I'm going to go see how Roger's doing. Will you be okay?"
Seventeen, already firmly into his statue act, was too afraid to answer.
Eighteen rolled her eyes. "Marron, stay with Uncle Seventeen, and hug him if he starts shuddering."
"Okay, Mommy!" Marron crawled under the table and into Seventeen's lap. "I'll protect you from the bad people, Unkie Seven!"
* * * * *
Roger was starting to get nervous. Vegeta and Washu were still talking quietly, and it had almost been ten minutes since Vegeta had called for Red, whoever that was. Of course, red was certainly not Roger's favorite color, especially after a particularly lethal case he'd taken a few months ago.
He was just wondering where Dorothy might be when Suzuka finally appeared. By her side was the last person Roger expected to see.
The girl in the red hood and cloak slowly raised her head, and her lips twisted into a sadistic smile. "Rrrr...rrrr...RRRRRROOOOOOGERRRRRR!"
Roger dove behind the couch as the girl threw herself at him. She hadn't gotten very far when Suzuka jerked on the chain around her wrists, causing her to land roughly on the floor.
Roger scrambled to his feet, staring in horror at the struggling girl on the floor. "WASHU! Why did you bring her here?! And WHY didn't you warn me?! She tried to kill me!"
"I'd say she still is," Suzuka pointed out, locking the prisoner in a chokehold.
"Calm down, Roger," Washu said. "It's clear to me that this person...let's call her Red...is having an effect on your subconscious, which, in turn, is effecting your relationship with Dorothy."
"I don't see your point," Roger admitted, throwing a nervous glance at Red.
"Obviously, you're afraid of Red trying to kill you. This causes you to be uncomfortable and even fearful of Dorothy, since the similarities between them are unmistakable."
"But why did you BRING her here, Washu?!"
"Simple. To improve your relationship with Dorothy, you have to conquer your fear of Red. And the best way to do that is what this club is all about. You're going to overcome your fear with friendship."
"I am NOT going to make nice with a psychotic serial killer just because she looks like Dorothy!"
Washu shook her head. "According to my research, she IS Dorothy. Another version, just like that big pink robot you once fought, but still a Dorothy. So if you want me to help you, you'll have to get used to Red being around quite a bit."
"Well, sure, I COULD be nice to her, but how is that going to stop her from shooting me?"
"One, she doesn't have a gun anymore, and two, as you learn to like her, she'll learn to like you. In a non-homicidal sort of way, of course."
"And how long do you think this will take?" Roger asked.
"Depends on how committed you are to sorting out your feelings for Dorothy," Washu replied. "But I wouldn't go shopping for curtains just yet, if that's what you mean."
* * * * *
"So she was saying Roger?" Aisha asked.
Suzuka nodded. "Which means we both lost the bet."
"So who keeps the money?"
"I do," Homniyo replied. "It's my right as your commanding officer."
"Vegeta's the commanding officer," Aisha pointed out.
"Yeah, but he doesn't even know what a wong is, so it's mine. Gimme."
Aisha sighed and handed over the money. "Well, we got the Death Beam, and they got Red. Why are we still here?"
"There was another part to the deal," Hamniyo said as she counted the money. "Vegeta has to take Washu out."
"He's going to kill her?" Aisha asked in surprise.
"Such a waste," Suzuka murmured. "She has an amazing mind."
"No, no, no! He's taking her out ON A DATE." Hamniyo shook her head. "Geez, you people are obsessed with murder."
Suzuka and Aisha stared at each other. "A...date?!"
"Well, I can see why she had to con him into it," Aisha said after a while. "Vegeta isn't a man I'd consider Mr. Right. But if that's the case, why is Washu interested in him?"
"Great minds think alike," Hamniyo answered.
"Are you suggesting that Vegeta's actually interested in Washu?" Suzuka asked.
"No. I'm suggesting that Vegeta respects her genius, and doesn't mind spending time with her. He's probably hoping to butter her up so he can get a few more weapons out of the deal."
"Now, THAT sounds like the Vegeta I know," Suzuka smirked.
"But at the same time, Washu's probably going to seduce him and trick him into owing her more than he does already...which should mean that we'll be in Paradigm City for a long time."
"Wonderful," Suzuka sighed. "I join up for excitement, and all I get is one dead town after another."
"Not really," Hamniyo said. "According the Roger, there's giant robots to fight every other day."
"Really?" Aisha's ears perked up. "Cool! Maybe we can make some money on the side!"
"That's assuming they haven't heard about Ctarl-Ctarl before. Remember how you got banned from the last planet?"
"That was an accident! Besides, that battleship was in pieces when I got there!"
"That excuse didn't work in court, Aisha, and it won't work now. If you're going out on jobs, I'm going with you."
"And what if I say no?"
Hamniyo smirked. "Then I'll tell Vegeta."
Aisha glared at her. "Stool pigeon."
"Mouse eater."
"Brat!"
"Freak of nature!"
"Waste of skin!"
"Animal!"
"WHAT?!"
"That's ENOUGH." Suzuka glared at them both. "If I have to listen to one of your stupid fights again, I'm taking a contract out on both of you."
* * * * *
"I don't like this idea, Washu," Gene growled.
"Hush, you." Washu jammed the Roger mask down on his head. "Ready, Mel?"
"Ready!" Melfina answered.
"Okay. Start the watch. Vegeta, do it."
Vegeta nodded and let go of Red's chain.
Naturally, Red threw herself at the first thing that looked like Roger...which happened to be Gene in a Roger mask. The next thirty seconds were filled with Red's deranged laughter and Gene's pained screams.
When Red finally stopped, Melfina stopped the watch. "What were we timing again, Washu?"
Washu looked at her. "Timing? What do you mean?"
Melfina grew paler than usual. "There was a point to this test, wasn't there?"
"Oh, sure. I wanted to see how long we'd have to stop Red in case she broke loose and got to Roger. What's the time?"
"Thirty-three point two seconds."
"Hmm. That's not very long. We'd better be careful."
"What about Gene?" Melfina asked, looking worried. "He's...bleeding..."
"He'll be fine. Vegeta, hand me one of your Senzu beans."
Vegeta looked at her. "What?"
"Hand me one of your Senzu beans," Washu repeated.
"I don't HAVE any," Vegeta replied, looking irritated.
"What do you mean, you don't have any?"
"Aisha and Suzuka used the last two after they brought Red in. She put up a fight."
"Oh." Washu blinked. "Hmm."
"What about Gene...?" Melfina asked, near tears.
"Who? Oh, right. Um...Vegeta, you still have that regeneration pod on your ship, right?"
"Yes, but we haven't used it in months. It might need cleaning."
"Never mind that! Just get it ready!"
Vegeta muttered something and grabbed Gene's leg, dragging him away. Melfina followed at a distance, trying to ignore the obvious blood trail they'd left her.
Washu sighed and sat down on the couch. "This is going to be harder than I thought."
"Rough day, Mom?"
Washu looked up to see Mecha Washu peering at her. "Something like that, yes."
Mecha Washu plopped down beside her. "Well, there's always tomorrow."
"I guess."
Mecha Washu then noticed Red sitting next to Washu. "Hi, there!"
Red stared at her. "Rrrrrrr...rrrrrr....riend?"
"That's the second word she's said all day," Washu muttered. "Unless you count the `rrrrrr's, anyway."
"She's probably just shy and lonely."
Washu blinked. "Mecha, dear, how would you like to help Red when we do therapy?"
"Okay, Mom!" Mecha beamed. "But don't you think we should clean her up a bit?"
Washu glanced at Red, who was still covered in Gene's blood. "Oh, that. Yes, you're right."
"Rrrr...right?" Red asked.
"Uh huh. Right." Washu sighed again. "After therapy, we work on your vocabulary..."
How will Dorothy react to her first session with Red? How will Roger react to Mecha Washu & Red's new friendship? How will Red react...to Marron? Find out...er...whenever...
