Disclaimer: I do not own Ranma 1/2. It is the sole property of its respective owners and creators.
Mini-Note: *** designates a change in POV or a change in scenery.
IMPORTANT: Read Author's Notes at the end for information regarding any questions or comments you might possibly have about this chapter
File 02: Variable
In a darkened room located on the lower near-subterranean levels of Heaven's Star H.Q., numerous system technicians manned rows upon rows of computer terminals. The only illumination that was provided was the glow from the multitude of monitors and the only real sound, save for their voices, came from the incessant tapping of keyboards. As bizarre as this setup sounded, it was just the way they liked it.
"So far all critical files in regards to our current overseas operations are completely intact." The network administrator reported on the current state of the mainframe. The computer tech and a girl in white long-sleeved shirt and beige pants both hovered the computer screen.
"Hmmmm, what about shipping schedules? Or account numbers?" Kasumi pulled yet another possibility out of the air. So far all other attempts had yet to glean any useful insight.
"Those were untouched as well. I can't explain this, whoever they were they didn't come here for anything valuable. At least that's my assumption since we can't seem to find out what she accessed." The admin leaned back in his chair and rubbed his eyes from staring at the monitor screen for so long.
It had been three days removed since the unwanted intrusion within the nerve center and intranetwork of Heaven's Star Inc. The daunting task of trying to discover the motive behind the invasion was not going as smoothly as everyone had expected.
"Why would they go through all that trouble? It seems like such a waste." The admin whispered to himself. The hacker had unlimited access to all company electronic resources, yet she did not seem to take advantage of that fact.
After the incursion the entire network maintenance and security division was sent into an immediate frenzy. The hacker was able to pass through the corporate firewall without any trouble whatsoever. After which she injected a worm whose purpose was to wipe out any and all trace of the hacker's presence, when it's task was completed it self-destructed.
"Have you been able to get a positive I.D. on her?" Kasumi crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes in thought.
"From the make Nabiki gave us, we haven't been able to find any trace of this woman anywhere. For all intents and purposes, she doesn't exist." The admin's and also head of the department's name is Kinnosuke Kashuoh, a Japanese male at the young age of 23 and the perfect example of the new way corporations and governments find their specialists. He used to be a con man, hacker, and phreaker, a person who specializes in voice and data taps, for hire. He was quite a successful cyber criminal that is until he attempted a denial-of-service attack against Heaven's Star. He was tracked down and caught, but instead of throwing such a talented mind in prison, a deal was made. He originally signed a two year contract, but he's been with them ever since.
"I just can't seem to follow their mode of thinking. Nothing was damaged, nothing of importance was taken, and they didn't take steps to disrupt our operations. They are either very skilled and they just covered there tracks so well that I can't see them, or very foolish and I'm simply giving them too much credit." Kasumi sighed. Either scenario made sense but they wouldn't answer any relevant questions.
"You said 'they' just now. If I recall, you did mention that you spotted a second individual whom you think was watching you, correct?" Kinnosuke turned slightly in his chair to face her.
"Yes, it seems she was stationed on top of the Arclight Web Solutions building. I couldn't make out anything specific, but I think she might be female as well." She recalled that night vividly.
"Well, that building is more than a mile away. Was she using binoculars or anything of that type?" Kinnosuke was slowly formulating a plan inside his head.
"No, she wasn't moving like she had one on her let alone actually using it." When she had made definitive eye contact with the voyeur she had made some sort of gesture to her and then disappeared out of sight. Kasumi could almost swear she was waving goodbye.
"Well then, the only way she could be scoping you out is if she had a Cyke. An implant like that isn't totally uncommon, especially if that girl is into reconnaissance, but it would definitely narrow the search." The admin turned back to his screen hoping that new bit for information would be enough to find a bone.
"And if she has a Cyclops implant...she must have at least a Model 2 plug...." She leaned over his shoulder as realization hit her in the face.
"Your learning. All we have to do is look up any visitors of Tokyo who have high to mid-level coms. Nabiki said that other girl had a P.D. for an arm, so the same will go for her." Kinno grinned as he felt the stares of over dozen other techies who were more than envious that the girl of their collective dreams was leaning so close to him. "You know, you said you could see the way she was moving. From a distance like that, its pretty amazing you saw anything."
"...I've always had good eyes." Kasumi answered somewhat quickly.
The entrance to the lab opened and a stream of light came pouring in, the vampiric hissing and screams of agony amongst the technophiles caused the newcomer to snicker slightly. She was in jean shorts and a black t-shirt and she seemed to have no trouble maneuvering in the dark.
"Nabiki? What are you doing here?" Kinnosuke whirled around in his chair while Kasumi continued to mull over the brainplug angle they had just uncovered.
"Just checkin up on your progress. Have you found anything on our unwanted guests?" Nabiki asked as she watched the throng of techs stare aimlessly into their screens.
"Nothing so far, these two intruders, they definitely aren't your typical thieves. Their tracks are too well covered and there identities are near impossible to put down. We've uncovered something that may help though..." Kasumi answered. "Did you come straight from school?"
"Well I did stop to change first, I didn't think it would be appropriate to come in my school uniform. What's so important that I had to come directly here?" Nabiki asked. She didn't mind, but she usually got some warning and not just a short call three minutes before school ended.
"Father wanted to speak with the both of us, he didn't specify the subject though." Kasumi turned to her sister. "How's Akane?"
"She's safe and Sayuri is with her. Heh, you know with us being gone till ungodly hours at night she's going to start suspecting something." Nabiki grinned.
"Yeah, I don't enjoy leaving her alone like that. But at least she has someone keeping her company." Kasumi knew that her younger sister didn't enjoy being by herself.
"Nabiki, I was thinking. Perhaps we would have better luck if you dived in there. Your M-3 might be able to uncover something that slipped by us." Kinnosuke broke into their conversation with the suggestion.
"Or maybe you just want an excuse to see it in action." Nabiki smiled.
"Oh it's strictly for business purposes, but if I just so happen to be here while you do it, well that can't be helped." He chuckled.
"Alright alright, gimme some room." She cracked her knuckles.
"Since when is the mainframe compatible for diving?" Kasumi asked.
"It isn't, but M-3s are top of line with near instant adaptability. She'll be able to dive in whether or not the frame is made for it or not, a lot like what you can do." Kinnosuke pointed out.
"Sorry Kinno, she only dives when it's absolutely necessary. Even then, that's an entirely new set rules all together, nothing like what you've seen." Nabiki explained as he fitted a fiber-op line into one of the four plugs at the back of her neck.
Kinnosuke only stared at the oldest Tendo sister. He had only heard rumors that she had received some new prototype implant but no one knew what, and that they way she dived also wasn't the norm. The strange thing for him was the fact that he didn't see any indication of a brainplug; in fact he couldn't uncover any evidence of an implant anywhere on her body.
"Okay, I'm goin in. What exactly am I looking for?" Nabiki broke his gaze.
"Anything, an imprint, a trace, any kind of marker or clue that the worm may have missed. If this doesn't work we'll have to fall back on the brainplug angle. I'll monitor you from this side but try not to dive too deep." Kinno prepped his workstation.
In Nabiki's eyes the world seemed to shift from the solid physical, to the transparent electronic. Everything warped to a translucent world of grids and neon light; she sped at amazing speed through a seemingly endless tunnel comprising the massive WAN. The marker that the tunnel was cleared came in the form of a wave of static that blasted her ears, she then found herself in an entire universe created from billions of bytes of constantly moving information.
"I'm searching...this might take a few minutes." Her voice was low and her eyes were half lidded.
"Wow, look at that. She's flying; I've never seen anything move that fast through the network." He murmured as he monitored her progress. Her form was being represented as an anonymous administrative entity; the directories being accessed was used track her progress. However considering the speed of her movement there was a slight delay in this.
"I may have found something... " Nabiki whispered. Kasumi's watched warily, if anything were to go wrong she would dive in after her.
"What is it? What have you found?" Kinno moved closer to the screen.
"The program she used to punch through the firewall wasn't anything commercial. She must have made it herself and she did good job. Only, I think it was pure luck we got there when we did..." Nabiki trailed off as her movement ceased and she began her inspection of the firewall port settings.
"Did you interrupt something when you arrived?" Kasumi asked before she noticed a buzzing in her pocket.
"Yeah, she penetrated the firewall through an invisible port...but in her haste to get out she neglected to seal it as she was leaving. I wonder why the worm didn't pick it up." Nabiki's suspicions were growing. Such an obvious mistake should have been picked up, especially by someone who could penetrate the system as far as the intruder did.
"An invisible port? That's all? Our firewall was created with that as well as many other possibilities in mind. Simply opening an illegal port shouldn't have given her such access." Kinno wondered at this new discovery. He was one of many individual programmers who were instrumental in the creation of firewall program so he exactly what it was capable of defending against.
"Nabiki, that was father, he's ready for us." Kasumi closed up the cell phone she was just talking into.
"I'm comin out." Nabiki responded. The world of electrons she was flying in slowly began to disintegrate back into the world of reality. Slowly her vision switched to that of light and electricity to the solidity of the darkened room she was sitting in. She rubbed her eyes slightly before removing the line from her neck.
"Man, whoever installed your comm. is an expert, there's not even a hint of a sign of scarring. Who did it?" Kinno noticed the cleanliness of the surgery.
"It was Dr. Tofu, he doesn't install these things for just anyone, mine is a test type the S.D.F sent for evaluation purposes. They didn't want to take risks so they had him install it." Nabiki explained. Dr. Tofu was quite a well-known surgeon and neurologist; his services with Heaven's Stars' Bio-Technology division were quite sought after and very much appreciated.
"So there's no chance he'll put in one for me?" Kinno smiled.
"Maybe, if Kas asks him nice enough." Nabiki nodded to her sister.
"Why would he do it for my sake?" Kasumi asked looking genuinely curious.
"...Never mind Kas..." Nabiki groaned.
***
"I'll think you'll find this to be worthwhile. The best way to understand what there capable of is to seem them in the field for yourselves. I'm sure you'll be quite impressed." Soun spoke to the two individuals seated in front of his desk. The meeting had begun several minutes ago and they were currently engaged in idle chat until his daughters arrived.
"I've heard a few things here and there about your daughters. You'd be surprised how much there reputation precedes them." One of them commented. "Given their success rate I'm surprised they never went freelance themselves."
Soun chuckled in response. "Those two are the greatest asset this company could ever have. Though I suppose I should tell them that in person one day." Soun's attention was diverted by the sound of his office door opening. The two Tendo sisters immediately took notice of the newcomers in their father's office but made no outward appearance of it. "Ah, Kasumi, Nabiki. I'm glad you made it so promptly."
"Well you did make it sound pretty urgent dad." Nabiki shrugged.
"Yes of course, before we begin I'd like you to meet two acquaintances of mine. Ranma Saotome and Ryoga Hibiki." Soun inidicated the two persons he was speaking to just before they arrived.
The two rose from their chairs. They were both dressed in black slacks and dress shirts. One had a pigtail and was wearing sunglasses, the other was only slightly taller, they both looked somewhat similar and they both looked to be around Kasumi and Nabiki's age.
"These two gentlemen have been on extended leave and have just recently returned to Japan. They are the relation of a very close friend of mine." Soun explained.
"Welcome back to Japan. I hope your trip was worthwhile." Kasumi bowed politely, Nabiki reluctantly followed her lead.
"Very good, now that that's taken care of. I have some important business for the both of you." He turned his attention to his daughters. "First off, Kasumi, I want to pay to a visit to Akira Odagirii. Do you remember him?"
"Yes, of course I remember him. The last time we met it was three years ago." Kasumi recalled the man whom had grown to be quite a close friend of the family.
"Indeed, as you know he and I have been long time friends. Unfortunately something has gone awry. His R&D firm is going to be essential if we succeed in winning the contract with the military, and he knows this. However, for some reason he recently began to break all ties with us, and his latest move to was to terminate any and all contracts and projects that have any relation to Heaven's Star." Soun sat back in his chair as he explained the situation.
"Why...would he do that?" Kasumi raised an eyebrow in confusion.
"I do not know, I've tried getting into contact with him but he refuses my calls. I would like you to go down to his estate in person and try and talk some sense into the man or at very least find some answers to his erratic behavior. He was always fond of you so perhaps you can succeed where I have failed." Soun sighed in resignation over that particular subject.
"I'll see what I can do..." She wondered why a person she had grown to have so much respect for would so something so deceitful.
"As for you Nabiki, your assignment will be slightly less involved," Soun brought his attention to the second Tendo sister. "The port authorities and the M.S.A have brought it to my attention that certain individuals have been transporting heroin from Thailand and Malaysia along our shipping lanes. The next load supposedly comes this afternoon and the police are in the process of setting up a sting operation... I want you there before them."
"Why? Don't you think this is something they're capable of handling?" Nabiki crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes.
"Yes, however I want to send a message to all those involved that I and this company will not tolerate such insult." Soun's voice dropped several degrees to represent his irritation. "I want to make it perfectly clear that our overseas interests will not be used to transport drugs."
"Ah, I got ya." Nabiki grinned.
"Excellent. Oh, and before I forget, these two will be accompanying you." Soun added quickly and nodded to Ranma and Ryoga.
"What?" Nabiki asked flatly.
"Are you sure that's wise father?" Kasumi asked sounding very concerned.
"Yes I am. Ranma will accompany Kasumi, and Ryoga shall pair with Nabiki. Any objections?" He already knew the answer...
"Uhhh...n...no of course not father." Kasumi blinked.
"I do not like this idea at all..." Nabiki muttered to herself. The teenagers in question had been silent despite that their ability was being brought to question.
"Report back as soon as possible, and do try to 'involve' our guests as much as possible." Soun smiled. The two newcomers seemed oblivious to it all on the outside.
Kasumi looked over the both of them, she had learned long ago that looks can be deceiving, so she was unsure as to exactly what they were capable of. She did know this; she was getting an odd...feeling...from the both of them. It was nothing threatening or disturbing, just...odd.
"He had better not get in my way, that's all I have to say..." Nabiki muttered again. Kasumi simply giggled.
***
The world flew by at a dizzying pace as they sped down the highway in a Ferrari 360. Kasumi, who was at the wheel, would ever so often move her eyes to her impromptu partner. He seemed rather reserved at the moment, having not said a word since they left Heaven's Star, this suited Kasumi just fine, as she wasn't much of an idle talker herself.
"Odagirii is a very traditional man, his entire estate resembles that of an old-style samurai lord. It is very important that you be as polite and as courteous as possible while in his presence. He does not take etiquette lightly." She explained. He turned his head slightly as she began.
She had to admit, he was handsome. She couldn't see into his eyes so his thoughts at the moment were unknown to her. She wondered how old he was...
"I'm not sure how much experience you have in this, but if need be all you have to do is follow my lead. Okay?" Kasumi knew first hand how strict Odagirii could be when it came to matters of decorum, it was one of the reasons she was the way she is.
He nodded in acknowledgement as they veered off the highway. The residence of Akira Odagirii was located in what would be called the typical rich side of town. Many of the monetary elite chose to reside themselves here amongst there peers. If there were any example of blatant overindulgence, it would be found in this place of Mansions that could be made into there own countries, pools that could be mistaken for lakes, and private golf courses that could be used for national tournaments.
They pulled up to exactly what Kasumi had described, an old-world estate that seemed ripped straight from the feudal era. A multitude of koi ponds and sakura trees dotted the landscape and the sound of rushing water from small manmade waterfalls gave a very calm and serene feeling.
"Does he always keep his gate open like that?" Ranma uttered his first words as they passed through the entrance.
"Yes he does. He his also the sensei of a dojo that specializes in kendo and aikido, he is always accepting students." Kasumi led them through the twisting paths toward the western end of the estate.
"Kendo and Aikido...both samurai arts. Guess he's trying to bring the past to the present." His expression did not give an indication of whether he meant that as an insult or a compliment.
"He is eccentric in that way, but he's a good man. I've known since I was a child." She smiled. One of the reasons she looked up to him so much was the fact that even in the day and age the lived in, dominated by science and industry, he was still able to live by the old codes and ideals of ages past.
They made their way to the dojo, at this time of day Kasumi deduced that was where he would most likely be. The large sized training hall was located on the west side of the estate, when they arrived they found two men in aikido gis standing at the entrance.
"Kasumi, sensei has been expecting you." A blonde-haired student acknowledged her. However when Ranma took a step forward the second student, a man with long black hair in a tail, moved to block his path.
"Your are welcome, he is not." He said flatly. Once again his shades prevented her from determining his current state of emotion, but on the outside he looked calm enough.
"Don't worry he's with me, I trust him." She reassured the both of them. They reluctantly allowed him to pass, but never did they take their eyes off him.
When they entered they found a middle-aged man, possibly in his mid to late forties, seemingly in deep meditation with a katana in its scabbard at his side. They both bowed formally before sitting on there heels.
"Sensei. I've come on behalf of my father."
"Ah, Kasumi, it has been quite sometime hasn't it?" The distinguished master opened his eyes. They were filled fatherly warmth and wisdom that reminded her so much of Soun.
"Yes it has." She kept her eyes level with his. Ranma once again shifted back to silent mode, opting to simply sit back and observe.
"The last time I saw you were sixteen. I'm glad to see you're still as beautiful as ever." The master smiled.
"Thank you," She blushed slightly. "But...I'm sure you know why I'm here..."
"Yes...unfortunately...we have nothing to talk about." He eyes and tone became deadly serious.
"Why? What's happened? You and my father have been such good friends since college, why would you betray him now?" Kasumi was slightly surprised by this sudden shift in his personality.
"Certain events have occurred that have forced me to question my allegiance with Soun. The current state of affairs is becoming far too tenuous, and I found it best for myself and my firm if we broke all ties with your father." He explained.
"With all due respect sensei, you don't expect me to believe that do you?" Kasumi's eyes turned stern, she never enjoyed being lied to.
"Of course not," Akira sighed. "But I have never found it easy to be distrustful in your company. I cannot tell why I have done what I have done. Please, tell Soun that what has happened is only for the good of both of us."
"What good can come of this? He has placed so much of his trust in you; without you the bid with the S.D.F will mean nothing. You out of all people should know how hard he has been working to secure that." She deeply did not want to have to change her opinion of a man she had so much admiration for.
"Don't you think I know that? I never wanted this, I never wanted to betray his trust, but I have no choice. I cannot, I will not, tell you any more than that..." He was adamant in his decision and he showed it.
"What's happened to you? I've always known you to be a man of honor and tradition. What has happened to change you so much?" Her tone grew softer and her gaze showed only concern for his welfare
"Leave...now." His hand moved to the blade at his side.
Kasumi rose to her feet, as did Ranma.
"I am not leaving. Not until you tell me what could possibly has you so.... scared." She held her ground firmly.
"Then...you leave me no choice." He tapped the end of the sheathed blade against the ground. All of a sudden a wall slid open and seven of his students poured out, additional more came in from the outside through the entrance. Each was armed with a sword and each one knew how use them.
"Submit now, Kasumi. We do not wish to bring harm to you." The blonde from the outside declared.
Her eyes went over each and every one of them. There had to be around twelve in all, and they were surrounded.
"Kind of overkill don't you think..." Ranma whispered just loud enough for her to hear.
"You don't have to do this..." Her statement was directed at Odagirii himself.
"ANY threat to the sensei is a threat to all of us. You WILL stand down...or face the consequences." The blonde once again affirmed.
"You have known me since I was ten. You've known my father since you were both in college. Do you honestly believe we would want to bring harm to you or your family?" Again it was directed toward the sensei who was gravely contemplating those words.
"Please forgive me...but I have no choice. Restrain them, but do not harm them." He ordered finally.
"That...was a mistake." She whispered. Ranma noticed her words turn to ice; he had recognized this in many others as well, the way they suddenly shift from one mode to another when the time called for it. Therefore it was a wonder to everyone but himself that when one of the students moved forward, his hand came within inches of her shoulder, her hand shot out to grab his wrist. Before he realized what was going to happen he was sent flying through air, courtesy of a shoulder throw, he crashed into and toppled two other students on the way down.
"GET THEM!!" The blonde, who was the apparent leader of the group, yelled. The all unsheathed their blades, almost simultaneously, and charged the two.
As she recovered her bearings from the throw her right leg shot out and slammed into the stomach of an approaching assailant. He keeled over and using his head as leverage she delivered a flying sidekick to the face of another attacker. While this was occurring Ranma was busying himself with three of the students who saw him as an equal threat to there dojo, after slipping by a thrust he rammed his elbow into the nose of one and finished him with a spinning roundhouse to his temple which knocked him straight off his feet. With the way now cleared he dashed out of the dojo through the entrance, a good portion of the remaining students followed him out which took some pressure off his partner.
"You've improved. I admit I didn't expect you to last this long." The leader and several others were advancing upon Kasumi. Even after all the activity thus far she wasn't showing any signs of fatigue, she simply stared at them all wordlessly as they tried to flank her.
"This isn't proving anything Kensuke." Her eyes kept on the two swordsmen advancing on her from either side.
"I told you already, my father sees you as a threat, and as much as it pains me to do so I must remove that threat...." Kensuke Odagirii, the son of Akira, voice trailed off as Kasumi suddenly took an uncharacteristic stance, her eyes were closed and her breathing became more controlled. This would've been a perfect opportunity to attack, but everyone was suddenly overly interested in what she was doing, the exact effect she was going for. A scarce few seemed to take notice in the slight shift in the air as she slowly pulled her fist back. Then in a move that was so fast it could barely be made out, her fist shot forward at incredible speed, in that same instant a loud grunt escaped the lips of one of the students. He clutched his stomach and bent over; he looked as if something hard had slammed into him, he was also close to losing his lunch.
"What did she..." One of the attackers to her side had his attention elsewhere much like everyone else at the moment. This was quite the fatal mistake as Kasumi grabbed the wrist of his sword hand and sent the ball of her palm crashing into his chin. After liberating the blade from the now unconscious assailant she charged straight toward the group. If it weren't for the relatively high ceiling this move would've been impossible, she leaped into the air and came crashing down feet first into the centermost student, which just happened to be Kensuke.
The suddenness and aggressiveness of the attack threw them all into disarray. Kasumi moved like a maelstrom, taking down every student that came into her field of vision. Her speed was too much for them to compensate and her strength was definitely not proportionate to her mass. She wasn't totally lacking, it was apparent to some of them when they saw her that she had been training since they last met, but even then it was almost inhuman how hard her blows were landing.
"What happened...?" Kensuke groaned as he picked himself up on the ground, only to face the tip of a katana just millimeters from his throat.
"If I was anyone else...you be dead." Her voice was almost seething, and her eyes bore into him like a diamond tipped drill.
"Enough." Akira rose, his sword at his side.
"Is this what you wanted? Needless violence?" She indicated the comatose bodies of his apprentices scattered around the dojo. None of them would have permanent injuries, just terrible headaches when they woke up eventually.
"I never wanted this, but I have the safety of my family and this dojo to think about." His hand gripped the sword handle.
"Has someone been threatening you? You know that we can protect them, I can protect them." Kasumi tried reasoning with him yet again, hoping she could get through to him.
"I know that, but it is a risk I will not take. I was told that if I did not cease dealings with Heaven's Star, that my family would be first to feel there wrath. I have seen what these people are capable of, and while you may be able to deal with any threat they present, you cannot be everywhere at once. Eventually they will find a way, and I could not bear anything happening to to you, my wife, or my son." He nodded to Kensuke who was hanging his head in defeat. "Now I suggest you take your sword." He drew his blade, a sword that had been in his line for many generations, and had been the victor of many duels.
"So you won't listen? Is defeating you the only way I'm going to get through to you?" She was fighting to keep her anger in check. Having to cross swords with a role model like him was not helping her much in that vein and it looked like he had no intention of backing down unless he was forced to.
"As long as my family is in danger, there is nothing you can say." He set into a stance and the gripped the sword tightly. He was the national kendo champion back in his day, his skills were quite well known and he had yet to lose in a match to anyone.
"Fine, but know that I don't take any joy in this." She brought her sword up; her stance mirrored her opponents much to his surprise. He really didn't know exactly what her skill level with a katana was, which meant he had to be all the more careful.
His eyes went wide as she charged at amazing speed. Their swords collided with enough force to cause tiny sparks to fly; he was beyond shocked at how much force was behind her. In the initial clash and following struggle he saw her face, he could see she was hating every second of it and he began to question this entire course of action. He didn't have time to think about that however because he was too busy defending against the hail of strikes, thrusts, and slashes from his opponent. The celerity and ferocity of her attack was slowly forcing him backward, he tried numerous times to gain an offensive but it continuously came to failure and he was forced back into the defensive. Everything seemed to freeze as his back touched the wall, the next thing he knew the blade of her katana was now pressed against his throat.
"I...sincerely hope you're satisfied. I would've anything I could to make sure you were safe, and I hope one day you realize that." Her eyes burning with quiet fury and Akira was contemplating what he had almost unleashed upon himself. She backed off and dropped the sword to the ground unceremoniously. She stepped over several groaning students on her way out; all the while Kensuke was wide-eyed and could hardly believe what he had just seen.
Akira looked much the same, as he hung his head in shame. Perhaps there could've been another way, perhaps his family would've been safe under their protection, but that was all after the fact now. Now all he could do was live with his decision and hope it was right one...
"What have I done...?"
As Kasumi walked out she realized she had totally lost track of Ranma during the fight. She was relieved to see him in one peace some distance from the dojo, the scene was much like the dojo, he held a sword in each hand and the unconscious students were lying in unorderly heaps all over the place.
"Thank you...for not hurting them." She thanked him as he went to retrieve his footwear from the front of the dojo.
"By the way those two were talking to you as we were coming in, I figured you must have known some of them. Seems I guessed right." He shrugged.
"Whenever Mr. Odagirii came to visit our dojo he would bring some of his students along, for exhibition and things like that. His son, Kensuke, was usually one of them. He was the blonde you met." Ranma noticed the slight slump in her shoulders and the melancholy tone of her voice.
"Are you okay?"
"...Yeah I'll be fine." She wiped a single solitary bead of sweat, the only indication of the long drawn out battle she had just been in, off her brow.
"Don't worry, he just wants what's best for his family, it'll be fine." He reassured her and placed his hand on her shoulder.
She didn't know Ranma well at all, and usually a touch from someone like that would cause to her to flinch, but this time it was oddly comforting. The smile she gave was genuine, and for the first time since they met he showed some form of emotion as half of one appeared on his face.
***
Two Kawasaki sport bikes screeched to a halt some distance from the currently deserted seaport. A massive storage vessel was in harbor behind a large warehouse. Three luxury cars were parked outside and two guards stood watch over the entrance of the depot. Ryoga and Nabiki disembarked from their vehicles, one of them was Nabiki's personal ride while the other was on loan from the company pool.
"Okay, well it looks the gang is all here." Nabiki cracked her neck.
"Do you usually get assignments like this?" Ryoga asked while surveying their surroundings.
"Well, Kas has bit of a better grasp of the political end of this kind of work, so she gets most of the more delicate assignments. Dad says I'm still too aggressive in business for that," Nabiki shrugged while she explained. "I just believe if you want something, you gotta get it at all costs. He says there's more to it than that but he has yet to tell me otherwise."
"I suppose you have a point." He admitted. He suddenly caught a pair of black gloves thrown at him.
"Put those on. As appreciative as the cops are its best for both sides if no one knew who was responsible for today's festivities. Besides, it makes it easier for the police to look the other way." She explained as she slipped hers on.
"I got it." Ryoga did as told.
"Alright then, now that the chit-chat is over, let's pay a small visit to our resident wannabe drug lords shall we?" Nabiki snickered at how utterly cliché this was beginning to be.
A glasses wearing man in a white business suit picked up a foil wrapped brick from a large stack. He unwrapped and carefully inspected the brown contents with a wary eye.
"It's pure." He handed the brick to a seated associate who was dressed the same way. The two of them as well as three less well-dressed individuals, dockworkers, sat a table near the center of the storehouse. Several other suited henchmen surrounded them, serving as bodyguards for the whole preceding.
"Hehe, I told you. It's right from the source." The leader of the three workers snickered.
"Hmmm, and how exactly did you manage this?" The seated gentlemen wondered. He was a bald man with a long scar running across his cranium
"We have a little deal with the shipping inspector, we give him a percentage and he looks the other way. We bring them in along with the motherboard shipments. Easy as hell." The head of the three explained while sitting backwards in a chair.
"Good. I don't want the cops to get any wind of this." The negotiator reached to his side and placed a silver suitcase on the table. He snapped the locks and revealed its contents to the almost drooling workers. "30 million in American. You can count it if you like, but I assure you it's all there."
"YES! I mean...of course we believe you. I mean trust is so scarce these days you know..." He blabbered as the three of them stared at their new fortune.
"Heh, morons, once we get this stuff sold we'll make three times as much." The bald man's partner chuckled silently.
"Ignorance is bliss my friend, and in there case they're in heaven." He rose from his chair and straightened his tie. "We're leaving." He signaled for his men to retrieve their newest cargo.
They were about to proceed when all a sudden a loud slam echoed through the warehouse. It sounded like something just hit the west side garage door.
"What the hell was that?" One of the henchman wondered. There was nothing but pitch silence again.
"That was odd." The glasses wearing second said. He then shrugged his shoulders and signaled for his men to keep going. "Probably just some seagull that can't see straight."
Then finally a second loud impact rang through the place. Then a third came much more quickly. Before the men could finally move to investigate a fourth and final impact came which resulted in one of the guards outside to exploding through the door at amazing speed. He sailed clear through the storehouse and slammed into one of his comrades, taking him with him as they were sent crashing into a massive stack of cargo.
Everyone was frozen in shock at the suddenness of what had just happened. They all turned their attention to the newly created hole and the two individuals who stepped through.
"Huh, never thought to use a human as a battering ram. Very creative..." Nabiki complimented Ryoga's resourcefulness.
"Who the hell are you?!" The scarred leader demanded.
"Well you're a rude bastard aren't you? I'm more than positive you know who we are. You've pissed off all the wrong people pal." She crossed her arms.
"Oh have I now? I'm so sorry that I've hurt your feelings but I don't have time to play with little girls who can't do shit about it. NOW GET THE HELL OUTTA HERE BEFORE I HAVE YOU BEATEN TO DEATH!!!" He screamed as his rage began to build.
"Temper, temper my friend. Busting a vein isn't going save you anyway," Nabiki glanced over at the large amount of cash that was out in the open. "Though if you were to pass that 30 mil my way I may consider only sending you into a temporary coma." A simple glimpse was all she needed to determine the exact amount present.
"You are quite full of yourself aren't you? What makes you think you can walk in here and start giving demands? Or are you so suicidal that you don't care how painful your death is?" The second-in-command finally stepped in.
"If any these morons come close to hitting me, let alone killing me, I'll be more than happy to let you go." Nabiki nodded to the hired muscle the two men had brought with them.
"As if you had us in the first place. Kill them, and make it slow, I want to hear them scream." The second in command signaled for his men to do the deed. They all pulled nightsticks and grinned at the future beating they were about to give.
"You know I really hate it when people underestimate me. I guess I'll have to give a demonstration of what you just sent your men into." She sighed before vanishing from there sight.
"Where did she go?!!" The second looked around frantically along with everyone else. All eyes suddenly fell upon her partner who casually pointed in the direction of the nearest henchman. Everyone finally brought his attention back to her just in time to see her remove her elbow from the stunned guy's stomach. The man fell to his knees and then on to his face, after which everyone stared wide-eyed at a smiling Nabiki.
"Now, shall we get started?" Nabiki cracked her knuckles as the goons were slowly backing off.
"What are you doing?! They're only two people for God's sake!!! GET THEM!!!" The leader screamed to them all.
"Jeez, what is it with me henchmen in suits? This is the second time this week." She mumbled as the mob rushed toward her.
Ryoga snickered a bit at the last comment before grabbing the face of an incoming attacker and using him as a projectile weapon. He hurled him effortlessly into two of his comrades, after which he back fisted another that sent him flying countless feet until he slammed into a stack of cargo. While not showing such displays of Herculean force, Nabiki was still dispatching her share of the human targets with just as much speed. She always found it amazing how cocky people could get when they have a weapon; all she had to do was wait for the idiots to come at her. They would then run into a fist, a foot, both, and/or be thrown into parts unknown.
"W...what the hell is goin on here? They're tearin them apart!" The leader was slowly becoming frantic at the sight of his men being plastered.
"Don't worry, I anticipated this." His second calmed him and pulled out a two-way radio.
"Say what? You know who sent these guys?" He turned to his partner who was being unusually collected despite what was happening.
"Of course I do, but then you know I always prepare for anything. We got company, pull out the big guns," He spoke into the radio. He had better control of the situation than the actual leader did, something that said leader did take notice of. "Now I suggest you step back, this will get messy." He grinned.
The dockworkers had no idea what was happening and could only stand there frozen in fear. They were just hoping that they wouldn't get blamed for this.
"Well now, that was easy enough." Nabiki cracked her neck as the last man hit the floor hard. Ryoga had just finished his share and she took notice of the fact that all of his victims were scattered to the far sides of building, she wondered exactly how strong he was.
"Don't think your both hot shit! You haven't seen anything yet!" The one in the glasses yelled to the both of them.
"What now? Aren't you tired of us sending these poor guys into dreamland against their will?" She kicked an unconscious body to emphasize the point. Ryoga's brow furrowed, he seemed to sense something was amiss.
Suddenly an engine revving could be heard emanating from the outside. Nabiki cocked an ear only to hear the sound becoming increasingly louder. Before anyone knew it one of the luxury cars that was parked outside came plowing through the very same entrance Ryoga and Nabiki had made. The car ripped an even larger hole and plowed over and through several dozen boxes of cargo before coming to a screeching halt.
"I'd like you to meet two friends of mine!" The bifocaled man laughed as two men, dressed the same as the other unconscious hooligans, exited the mangled vehicle. Neither of them looked special, both were of medium size and build, one of them had black hair down to the middle of his back and the other had his hair white and it was spiked all over the place. "Their names are Sodom and Gamorra. I admit they sound tacky, but I think it suits there charming personalities." He indicated the longhaired thug and then the spiked punk respectively.
Nabiki squinted her eyes as she took notice of how the two moved. Ryoga looked much the same way and it was assured that they both knew what made this these two that much higher than the rest.
"The reason why these two are gonna pound you into the ground, is because there both full-body cybers!" He laughed arrogantly; his had to be assured now. The leader now knew why his partner was so confident; of course he still wondered how he was able to get his hands on two full cyborgs.
"Well, well there actually trying aren't they?" Nabiki grinned. Ryoga raised an eyebrow but didn't show any other outward signs of caring about this new development.
Sodom and Gamorra were also straight-faced as they cleared away from the rubble and cracked their knuckles. They movements were rigid and perfect, a clear indication that they were not totally organic.
"Alright, lets get this started. Unless you want to have a staring contest all day long?" Nabiki continued smirking.
Gamorra took the challenge and charged at inhuman speed. Reinforced muscle fibers and biosynthetic adrenal glands pushed his acceleration and strength far beyond human limits. Unfortunately for him his opponent was in no way normal. His fists became blurs as he fired off a bombardment of punches. His human opponent seemed to be able to match him move for move, slipping by or intercepting all of his attacks. He knew that no organic could possibly equal him but he still pulled back to reassess his situation.
"Do you think you can last five minutes against me? Your looking at the latest in M2 technology, no way some woman is gonna get past me..." He sneered. M2 technology meant that most of his cybernetics were of higher precision that typical open-market parts. Most likely the bulk of his internals were obtained illegally, but the results were nothing to be laughed at.
"Well I still seem to be in one piece. Why don't we try that again and this time I'll actually do something." Nabiki backed up slightly.
"Gladly." With his movements a blur he sent his foot rocketing toward her face. His surprise was apparent when she seized his foot and ankle easily. His terror was more obvious when she suddenly and violently twisted his ankle in an extremely awkward angle. She let go of his mangled joint and let gape wide eyed at the damage she had just so easily inflicted. By the time his eyes moved back to her, her own foot was crashing into his nose causing to stumble backward.
"Huh, it hasn't even been five minutes yet." She shrugged.
Sodom and Ryoga were currently standing face to face, eyeing each other down. The cyborg had a smug, superior look on his face, Ryoga just looked passive to it all.
"Have you ever been hit by a sledgehammer little man?" Sodom asked.
"I've been hit harder than anything you can dish out." Ryoga insulted casually.
"Let's test that theory." In that same instant a fist backed by superhuman force slammed into Ryoga's face. One could hear the impact all across the warehouse, all action stopped briefly at this new development.
"Damnit, I better not have to save his butt." Nabiki was currently in the process of ramming her knee into her opponent's ribcage when her attention shifted to her partner. She had never liked the idea of someone tagging along with her in the first place. "Ohhhh wait...I take that back."
She was referring to the fact that Ryoga had since righted himself as the shock of the blow had caused him to bend to one side. There wasn't even a bruise anywhere on his face.
"W...what the..." The cyborg stammered.
"Now, allow me to show you what a real punch feels like." Ryoga pulled back dramatically. The explosive shockwave that shattered the windows of the warehouse served as the marker of a blow thrown by Ryoga. The man-machine was sent flying into the hood of the car they crashed in from. He slowly struggled to stand back up; when his face came back into view his jaw was badly misaligned and sparking in some areas.
"What the hell are you freaks?" Gamorra tried desperately to bring up somekind of offensive but all of his blows were missing their mark. He could not understand what was happening, he was faster and stronger than any normal human, so he could not fathom why he was losing so badly.
"Being called a freak from as ugly as you is quite hilarious." Nabiki laughed out loud. He suddenly sprang forward and threw a right toward her face, she turned to one side and immediately countered by firing off a straight jab which landed hard into his mouth. She then took hold of his extended arm and rammed her elbow into his, completely inverting its angle. If he were still able to feel pain he would have gone into shock.
He stumbled back in complete horror at the magnitude with which he was taken apart limb by limb. Fortunately he was sent into the cyber version of nirvana via a flying crescent kick into his chin courtesy of the woman who just recently insulted. The sound of his teeth clattering against the ground affirmed that he wouldn't be standing up anytime soon.
"It feels nice to work off some frustration every now and then." She searched the area briefly; the dockworkers and the two drug runners had since taken off. The police would be here for the raid anytime now so they wouldn't get far. "Hey Ryoga! We gotta split soon, so finish up whatever your doing!"
"This won't take long." He murmured as the last remaining of the duo stalked closer to him.
"You little bastard. You think some steroid freak is gonna get outta here alive!!" Sodom managed to say through his all but destroyed mouth.
"Insults, the last bastion of the defeated." Ryoga shook his head in pity for the man who couldn't a thing to him.
"YOU'RE NOT GONNA BEAT ME!!!!" He swung wide with a knife-edge chop, probably attempting to break his enemy's neck.
Ryoga extended one arm and easily stopped the strike from coming anywhere near him, he then firmly held onto his wrist which prevented him from going anywhere.
"Let...go...of...me," Sodom struggled against the iron grip. "How the hell...can some straight meat be stronger than me?!!" He screamed.
"Watch and learn. Metal doesn't make the man." What only could be described as a thunderclap echoed throughout the area as Ryoga's foot slammed full force into the Sodom's stomach. He was sent flying off his feet and was shot straight out of the storehouse where he skidded to a halt on the pavement outside.
"Bravo," Nabiki clapped. "Souvenir?" Nabiki indicated the now severed, and leaking, arm that was dangling in Ryoga's hand.
"Naah. I need a right arm to complete the set." He threw the useless limb away. The sound of sirens approaching could be heard in the distance.
"Our work is done. Hopefully we were thorough enough." Nabiki surveyed the destruction in their wake.
"I think the authorities will be quite pleased with our attention to detail." Ryoga grinned.
"He cracks a joke. There's hope for you yet." Nabiki patted him on the shoulder.
***
"We'll start with you Kasumi. Were you able to make any progress with Akira?" Soun laced his fingers together and listened attentively.
Both parties had since returned to Heaven's Star. Soun's daughters were currently in his office being debriefed, there two partners of the day were politely asked to wait outside. Kasumi took a deep breath before beginning her recant of the day's events.
"From what little he disclosed to me, someone has been threatening his family. He wouldn't say who it was so all I know is that the reason he broke away from you is because they swore they would take action against them if he didn't."
Soun massaged the bridge of his nose and muttered something under his breath.
"Would he accept our protection?" Soun asked while still weighing the options.
"I tried, but he doesn't want to take that risk. He's afraid...and he won't do anything that will put his family in any possible danger." Kasumi understood that fact, and she knew he was justified in try to defend his home but there was really no reason for him to order his students to attack them. She was beginning to suspect if the same individuals that were threatening him also ordered him to attack Ranma and herself.
"Perfect...and what about you Nabiki? Hopefully your situation did not turn out to be so convoluted." Soun chuckled morosely.
"Yes...and no. These guys were definitely not professionals, they got the stuff through a couple of dock workers who decided that the get rich quick scheme would be perfect for them." Nabiki thoughts raced back to the site of the trio who were frozen in fear when everything starting hitting the fan for them.
"Yes, they and all those involved are being dealt with as we speak." Soun assured. "The authorities were very pleased with the state of the offenders when they arrived. They are, of course, are stating that they attempted to resist and they had to be subdued."
"Let's hope they don't sue for police brutality," Nabiki laughed "But here's where its gets interesting. They didn't have firearms, so they weren't directly connected with anyone big. They did, however, have two full cybers."
"Two?" Soun asked in sudden interest.
"Yeah, as you know full cyborgization surgery and the parts required for it are in no way cheap, and these guys were both black market on top of it. Meaning whomever those two were working for have some SERIOUS financial backing. From where, I have no idea." Nabiki had figured, by the abilities Sodom and Gamorra had shown however limited, the both of them together had to be in the range of over 20 to 50 million. Simple drug runners couldn't have supplied such a hefty amount; it had to be a legal organization.
"This...gets better by the minute," Soun sighed. "Also...what is your assessment of Ranma and Ryoga?"
They were both silent for several seconds while trying to find the words to answer.
"While...I did not actually see him fight, given the number of attackers and their level of skill, I would have to say that Ranma performed quite admirably." Kasumi nodded her approval. Then both hers and Soun's eyes turned to Nabiki, who shifted uncomfortably.
"I...may...have been quick to judge at the beginning...," Nabiki now had to swallow her pride, at least for the moment. "He took care himself well enough. He's a strong boy, out powered a full cyber like nothing, he must take his vitamins religiously. I was MARGINALLY impressed. Only a little." She made sure to emphasize that point.
"Excellent." Soun pressed a button that opened a comlink. "Enter." The two teenagers entered and stood at attention. "I'm glad you rate their skills so highly."
Kasumi and Nabiki wondered exactly what he was getting at.
"Because these two are going to be your future husbands."
***
Location: Silver Sword Enterprises, LTD. Tokyo, Japan.
Meeting of the Board of Directors.
Begin Recording...
"Please begin your report Mr. Gosunkugi." Hideo Kuno, owner and creator of Silver Sword, sat at the head of a table occupied the by the department heads of his company.
A somewhat scrawny and pale man in glasses stood and then set down and opened a file folder that was in his hand.
"How to begin...," Tetsuo Gosunkugi murmured. "Many of you are aware that, as of late, a number of our operations have been foiled by the efforts of the enforcers of Heaven's Star. To this date our own forces, though superior in number, have been unable to compete with them."
Many of the board members nodded in affirmation. A familiar silver haired individual at Kuno's right frowned in admission.
"Therefore, utilizing our most elite spies and recon teams, we have begun building an extensive dossier of Heaven's Star's agents and there capabilities." He picked up a remote from the table and clicked a button. A small translucent screen appeared in mid-air in front of each board member. "We shall begin with the events that occurred three days ago. We attempted to eliminate two of their most skilled operatives...it did not go as planned."
The footage began with a typical negotiation at a well-known club. It of course then degenerated into a violent altercation, an extremely one-sided altercation. The depictions of there men being destroyed one by one was made quite clear to everyone.
"As you can clearly see our men were totally overpowered. Despite the fact that they were armed and armored they stood no chance against the two females, who were completely unarmed." Gosunkugi made sure he iterated the fact that the targets possessed no weapons or form of protection save themselves.
Everyone watching murmured comments that couldn't be made out, eventually one of them asked a question that was on everyone's mind.
"Why are the bullets having no effect?" A green haired female board member asked. She was referring to the gunfire being sent toward a longhaired woman who seemed to be walking straight through the hail of bullets.
"That concerned us as well. Allow me to replay the same scene in slow motion." As such the action rewound itself and then repeated again at a snail's pace. "Watch her movements very closely."
The shifts in her position were so fast and so slight, that even at slow motion it seemed she was standing still. A single step to the left or right, a tilt of her head, or simply nothing at all was enough to bring her clear out of a bullet's path.
"Amazing. How is that possible?" The same member asked.
"More than once, as you will see, they have displayed strength, speed, and reflexes that far exceed normal human capacity." Gosunkugi pressed a button on the remote and the scene switched to that of the estate of Akira Odagirii. "This footage was taken today. It is from the mansion of Akira Odagirii owner of Starline Reasearch and Development, they were once heavily tied with Heaven's Star, but steps have recently been taken to change that." He half-smiled, as did certain other members.
The scene showed the beginning of what would be a lengthly confrontation between nearly all of Akira's students and two individuals, a teenage boy and girl.
"You most likely recognize the girl. She was also present at the Edge incident." Gosunkugi pointed.
The battle was joined. After a few minutes the boy had decided that he required more space and made a break for the exit. The girl remained behind to dispatch the students that were left.
"The number was overwhelming. Yet she effectively incapacitated every assailant without taxing her physical exertion." The scene then showed her use of an unusual technique that seemed to involve air pressure.
"What is she doing?" A member asked just before the moment passed. The scene was immediately paused at the moment her fist came forward and the target keeled over.
"That, from what we have been able to deduce, is a fighting technique that utilizes the manipulation of the surrounding air currents. At that moment, her fist was moving at an estimated rate of 110 M.P.H" Gosunkugi explained as he pushed his glasses up. Several of the members gasped in amazement. "A direct blow from such an attack would instantly kill any human as you can likely presume."
The scene switched from the inside to the outside. The boy who accompanied her was engaging six other individuals.
"This man presents a problem. Some of you may recognize him." Murmurs of recognition filled the room briefly. "He is one of a two man team that is quite well known within the operative-for-hire trade. Ranma Saotome."
The video showed Ranma engaging the enemy force, he seemed to effortlessly disarm and dispatch any and all who challenged him. This rate of success increased as he liberated two blades from fallen students.
"It is unknown whether this team has taken a contract with Heaven's Star. They entered Tokyo three days ago under false names, dropped off the radar and only today have they revealed themselves since then." Tetsuo passed a security file of Ranma around the table.
Another button press showed a split screen of two battles occurring at once. Ranma with the swords, and Kasumi engaged with one as well.
"There combat skill with katanas is superb. One would think that such talent would be derived from years of training, however, from what my informants have gathered there training with bladed weapons is limited." Gosunkugi once again switched scenes, this one being the match between Akira and Kasumi. "Akira Odagirii is a world champion in kendo and a grandmaster of aikido. In theory he should have the advantage in experience and skill."
This obviously wasn't so as the battle was totally in favor of Kasumi was on the offensive the entire bout. Eventually she completely overwhelmed her opponent who was forced to submit.
"Whatever advantage Odagirii would've possessed was nullified by the sheer speed and strength of his opponent. She was too fast and too strong for him to cope with, as such he was easily defeated."
A button click and the battle at the port was shown.
"The footage you are seeing is also from today, it involved the exchange of narcotics that, while indirectly, would have been of great interest to us."
The scene was shown of the outside. Two individuals appeared from the bottom of the screen to engage two guards in an extremely brief exchange.
"The male is the second part of the two man team, his name is Ryoga Hibiki. Both are Black-1 Elite ranked operatives and are notorious as being two of the most highly sought after and highly paid mercenaries in the world. They have been blacklisted by several government agencies including the C.I.A, S.A.S, and the Mossad."
One of the guards was used a battering ram of sorts as he was sent crashing through the door and into the storehouse courtesy of Mr. Hibiki. The scene immediately switched to the inside. There seemed to be an exchange of banter before the first blow was struck.
"You seemed to have skipped a frame." One of the members indicated Nabiki's sudden disappearance. The camera then seemed to be searching anxiously for the target.
"That was no frame skip. What you just witnessed was a burst of speed so sudden and extreme, that she quite literally vanished from sight for a brief second." Gosunkugi scanned over the papers in front of him for a brief moment. "It appears we were unable to determine her exact rate of movement, all attempts to do so resulted in a partial overload of the system."
Once again a round of whispers came from the board members.
"The result of there battle with the henchman is no surprise. They were totally decimated without incident. The true shock comes from this." Tetsuo indicated the brief fight with drug runners' mercenaries. The video was then fast-forwarded past the car crash and into the fight that began against the two occupants of said vehicle.
"These two particular individuals are in actuality high performance full body combat-type cyborgs. The monetary resource for there creation came on a loan from us. It is a common known fact that a full-body cyborg possesses abilities vastly superior to a human. These two of the M2 model type." He gave the technical specifications before continuing.
The fight between Gamorra and Nabiki showed how backward that statement seemed to be.
"This, should be impossible; yet what you are seeing is a full bloodied human taking down a full cyborg, with ease. He suffered from a destroyed ankle and elbow joint, as well as several levels of internal organ destruction and bone breakage." Gosunkugi read off the diagnostic print out.
"How can this be? From what you have shown us Tendo essentially possesses super humans under him." A bald board member commented.
"That might not be far off from the truth." He switched to the action between Ryoga and Sodom. "The strength depicted here by Mr. Hibiki is beyond comprehension. In a single blow he generated enough force to not only cause irreversible damage to the resistant skeletal structure of his opponent, but to also knock him several him several feet into the air. All of this without causing injury to himself."
Gamorra was then shown being knocked unconscious in a single blow after having his elbow severely fractured. Sodom was put out with a vicious kick that completely severed his artificial arm and sent him flying out of camera.
"Are you entirely positive they are fully human? How can a full blooded human produce such power?" Kuno's silver haired assistant wondered.
"The women are fully human. The two operatives, however, are not," Tetsuo began as the screen split again, they depicted scenes that showed the best full image of the two partners, only this time it was infrared. "I would like to bring to your attention the heat signatures being shown, there are areas of their body that bring into question their totality as organics." He indicated the areas of dark blue on their body that should have been red.
"Replacement implants." Kuno noticed.
"Exactly sir. They both possess Level 2 Cybercoms. Ranma Saotome has a Cyclops implant, or Cyke as the slang term, coupled to his brainplug. This system is exclusive to specialists in reconnaissance and covert operations." He pointed out the dark area that encompassed Ranma's left temple and eye. "Ryoga Hibiki has a customized P.D., the abbreviation for Piledriver, in place of his right arm which also junctioned to his Cybercom. This system is known for its wide range of types from data manipulation to military applications. His type appears to be a custom model from the first category." The dark area indeed included his entire right arm and parts of his shoulder.
"Could that be the reason he so overpowered his opponent?" A brown haired member spoke up.
"No, we don't believe it is." He rewound to the scene of initial impact of Ryoga's fist to Sodom's face. "As you can see, in this incident he was attacking with his organic arm. There fighting ability is not the result of their implants." Gosunkugi finally deactivated the screen.
"Those two women we just saw, I recognize them..." Kuno observed. "Are they not Soun Tendo's own daughters?"
"They are sir, Kasumi and Nabiki Tendo. Each one is an elite martial artist, their caliber is quite well known amongst certain circles. It is rumored that his third daughter, Akane Tendo, possesses this same potential."
"And now they have the aid Ranma Saotome and Ryoga Hibiki, they are also renowned for there prowess in combat. This bodes ill for us." Kuno's assistant admitted gravely.
"I have already sanctioned Tatewaki to deal with them. They will pose no further threat." Hideo informed them.
"Very good sir, which brings me to my final point." Gosunkugi's voice became grave. "Agito was correct in his statement. We are at a crossroads ladies and gentlemen. In our current state we are no match for Heaven's Star's forces. The power and ability of there agents is far beyond anything our men are capable of achieving."
All the board member listened to his words carefully.
"In order for us to compete with such odds, we must find and recruit individuals of similar skill and potential. We must also better utilize the resources we have at hand to combat them. This brings me to the point of your son and daughter, Tatewaki and Kodachi, Mr. Kuno." He turned to the president himself.
"I'm listening." Hideo had an idea of what he was getting at.
"We have observed your children for quite some time. They have shown remarkable strides within there respective fields, and there potential could very well be the equal to Tendo's fighters. While I understand you reserve their services only for the most vital assignments, it would be in our best interest if we utilized their abilities in more general purpose affairs."
"I understand. I will have to take up the subject with the both of them as soon as possible."
"To that end I turn the remainder of this meeting to Mr. Sentaro Daimonji." He nodded toward the brown-haired male member. "His department has been recently spearheading the development of the latest in close-combat technology. If you would Mr. Daimonji." Gosunkugi retook his seat; everyone was quite impressed with his presentation.
The man in question rose and produced a long case from beside his chair.
"In order to being about the full potential of your children we have made certain strides to help enhance their respective talents." Sentaro laid the case upon the table, opened it, and presented its contents to Hideo. "I'm sure your son Tatewaki will be very pleased, consider it a gift compliments of my division." He bowed. "Kodachi's 'project' is still in development and should be ready for initial testing within the month."
"Excellent. I knew that my faith in you all was not wasted. Gosunkugi, continue your surveillance. Daimonji, alert me immediately as to the completion of the project. Agito," Hideo turned to his assistant. "You will begin immediately in the rebuilding of our forces. Gosunkugi and the Intelligence Division will aid you in this affair. You may begin by firing every last employee in our security and field operations divisions, we must restructure from the ground up if we are to once again be a credible threat to Heaven's Star."
"Yes sir." Agito rose from his seat and bowed.
"This meeting is adjourned."
To Be Continued.........
Author's Notes:
1). FINALLY!! Man, this chapter took some time in doing. I must have gone through around 3-5 revisions before I fell on something I really liked. I'm very pleased with the results and I'm glad I just didn't resort to turning in crap. I hope you like this chapter as much as I did. As always Comment and Criticism are more than welcome, whether they are positive or negative.
2). Kinnosuke Kashuoh, is an actual character that appears in Volume 29 of the manga. He is basically a male version of Nabiki in that he is a cold and calculating conartist, in fact it is speculated they had feelings for each other. In the manga he is 16, but for my purposes I increased his age and made him a former cybercriminal and conartist. You most likely will be seeing more of him later on.
Sentaro Daimonji is also a real character. He appears in volume 5 of the manga and he is a master of Anything-Goes Martial Arts Tea Ceremony.
The names Sodom and Gamorra, besides there obvious biblical reference, were inspired by two human punching bags for Ryu and Ken in the Street Fight 2 V series.
3). I'd like to give my deepest thanks to the next in line as God of Manga, the current being Osamu Tezuka, Masamune Shirow himself. This story was spawned by one of the greatest mangas ever made, Ghost in the Shell, as well as his well renowned artbook, Intron Depot. Any fans of his out there probably deduced that from the get go. Many of my ideas were inspired (or uhhhh ripped off, depending on your view...) by these two works and I highly suggest them to any cyberpunk and sci-fi fan out there. Other mangas he has so gloriously written include Appleseed, Dominion Tank Police, Black Magic, Black Magic M-66 (anime only), and the fantasy themed Orion.
Home Page:
http://users.animanga.com/shadowlands
E-Mail:
Midnight_sunus@yahoo.com
Mini-Note: *** designates a change in POV or a change in scenery.
IMPORTANT: Read Author's Notes at the end for information regarding any questions or comments you might possibly have about this chapter
File 02: Variable
In a darkened room located on the lower near-subterranean levels of Heaven's Star H.Q., numerous system technicians manned rows upon rows of computer terminals. The only illumination that was provided was the glow from the multitude of monitors and the only real sound, save for their voices, came from the incessant tapping of keyboards. As bizarre as this setup sounded, it was just the way they liked it.
"So far all critical files in regards to our current overseas operations are completely intact." The network administrator reported on the current state of the mainframe. The computer tech and a girl in white long-sleeved shirt and beige pants both hovered the computer screen.
"Hmmmm, what about shipping schedules? Or account numbers?" Kasumi pulled yet another possibility out of the air. So far all other attempts had yet to glean any useful insight.
"Those were untouched as well. I can't explain this, whoever they were they didn't come here for anything valuable. At least that's my assumption since we can't seem to find out what she accessed." The admin leaned back in his chair and rubbed his eyes from staring at the monitor screen for so long.
It had been three days removed since the unwanted intrusion within the nerve center and intranetwork of Heaven's Star Inc. The daunting task of trying to discover the motive behind the invasion was not going as smoothly as everyone had expected.
"Why would they go through all that trouble? It seems like such a waste." The admin whispered to himself. The hacker had unlimited access to all company electronic resources, yet she did not seem to take advantage of that fact.
After the incursion the entire network maintenance and security division was sent into an immediate frenzy. The hacker was able to pass through the corporate firewall without any trouble whatsoever. After which she injected a worm whose purpose was to wipe out any and all trace of the hacker's presence, when it's task was completed it self-destructed.
"Have you been able to get a positive I.D. on her?" Kasumi crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes in thought.
"From the make Nabiki gave us, we haven't been able to find any trace of this woman anywhere. For all intents and purposes, she doesn't exist." The admin's and also head of the department's name is Kinnosuke Kashuoh, a Japanese male at the young age of 23 and the perfect example of the new way corporations and governments find their specialists. He used to be a con man, hacker, and phreaker, a person who specializes in voice and data taps, for hire. He was quite a successful cyber criminal that is until he attempted a denial-of-service attack against Heaven's Star. He was tracked down and caught, but instead of throwing such a talented mind in prison, a deal was made. He originally signed a two year contract, but he's been with them ever since.
"I just can't seem to follow their mode of thinking. Nothing was damaged, nothing of importance was taken, and they didn't take steps to disrupt our operations. They are either very skilled and they just covered there tracks so well that I can't see them, or very foolish and I'm simply giving them too much credit." Kasumi sighed. Either scenario made sense but they wouldn't answer any relevant questions.
"You said 'they' just now. If I recall, you did mention that you spotted a second individual whom you think was watching you, correct?" Kinnosuke turned slightly in his chair to face her.
"Yes, it seems she was stationed on top of the Arclight Web Solutions building. I couldn't make out anything specific, but I think she might be female as well." She recalled that night vividly.
"Well, that building is more than a mile away. Was she using binoculars or anything of that type?" Kinnosuke was slowly formulating a plan inside his head.
"No, she wasn't moving like she had one on her let alone actually using it." When she had made definitive eye contact with the voyeur she had made some sort of gesture to her and then disappeared out of sight. Kasumi could almost swear she was waving goodbye.
"Well then, the only way she could be scoping you out is if she had a Cyke. An implant like that isn't totally uncommon, especially if that girl is into reconnaissance, but it would definitely narrow the search." The admin turned back to his screen hoping that new bit for information would be enough to find a bone.
"And if she has a Cyclops implant...she must have at least a Model 2 plug...." She leaned over his shoulder as realization hit her in the face.
"Your learning. All we have to do is look up any visitors of Tokyo who have high to mid-level coms. Nabiki said that other girl had a P.D. for an arm, so the same will go for her." Kinno grinned as he felt the stares of over dozen other techies who were more than envious that the girl of their collective dreams was leaning so close to him. "You know, you said you could see the way she was moving. From a distance like that, its pretty amazing you saw anything."
"...I've always had good eyes." Kasumi answered somewhat quickly.
The entrance to the lab opened and a stream of light came pouring in, the vampiric hissing and screams of agony amongst the technophiles caused the newcomer to snicker slightly. She was in jean shorts and a black t-shirt and she seemed to have no trouble maneuvering in the dark.
"Nabiki? What are you doing here?" Kinnosuke whirled around in his chair while Kasumi continued to mull over the brainplug angle they had just uncovered.
"Just checkin up on your progress. Have you found anything on our unwanted guests?" Nabiki asked as she watched the throng of techs stare aimlessly into their screens.
"Nothing so far, these two intruders, they definitely aren't your typical thieves. Their tracks are too well covered and there identities are near impossible to put down. We've uncovered something that may help though..." Kasumi answered. "Did you come straight from school?"
"Well I did stop to change first, I didn't think it would be appropriate to come in my school uniform. What's so important that I had to come directly here?" Nabiki asked. She didn't mind, but she usually got some warning and not just a short call three minutes before school ended.
"Father wanted to speak with the both of us, he didn't specify the subject though." Kasumi turned to her sister. "How's Akane?"
"She's safe and Sayuri is with her. Heh, you know with us being gone till ungodly hours at night she's going to start suspecting something." Nabiki grinned.
"Yeah, I don't enjoy leaving her alone like that. But at least she has someone keeping her company." Kasumi knew that her younger sister didn't enjoy being by herself.
"Nabiki, I was thinking. Perhaps we would have better luck if you dived in there. Your M-3 might be able to uncover something that slipped by us." Kinnosuke broke into their conversation with the suggestion.
"Or maybe you just want an excuse to see it in action." Nabiki smiled.
"Oh it's strictly for business purposes, but if I just so happen to be here while you do it, well that can't be helped." He chuckled.
"Alright alright, gimme some room." She cracked her knuckles.
"Since when is the mainframe compatible for diving?" Kasumi asked.
"It isn't, but M-3s are top of line with near instant adaptability. She'll be able to dive in whether or not the frame is made for it or not, a lot like what you can do." Kinnosuke pointed out.
"Sorry Kinno, she only dives when it's absolutely necessary. Even then, that's an entirely new set rules all together, nothing like what you've seen." Nabiki explained as he fitted a fiber-op line into one of the four plugs at the back of her neck.
Kinnosuke only stared at the oldest Tendo sister. He had only heard rumors that she had received some new prototype implant but no one knew what, and that they way she dived also wasn't the norm. The strange thing for him was the fact that he didn't see any indication of a brainplug; in fact he couldn't uncover any evidence of an implant anywhere on her body.
"Okay, I'm goin in. What exactly am I looking for?" Nabiki broke his gaze.
"Anything, an imprint, a trace, any kind of marker or clue that the worm may have missed. If this doesn't work we'll have to fall back on the brainplug angle. I'll monitor you from this side but try not to dive too deep." Kinno prepped his workstation.
In Nabiki's eyes the world seemed to shift from the solid physical, to the transparent electronic. Everything warped to a translucent world of grids and neon light; she sped at amazing speed through a seemingly endless tunnel comprising the massive WAN. The marker that the tunnel was cleared came in the form of a wave of static that blasted her ears, she then found herself in an entire universe created from billions of bytes of constantly moving information.
"I'm searching...this might take a few minutes." Her voice was low and her eyes were half lidded.
"Wow, look at that. She's flying; I've never seen anything move that fast through the network." He murmured as he monitored her progress. Her form was being represented as an anonymous administrative entity; the directories being accessed was used track her progress. However considering the speed of her movement there was a slight delay in this.
"I may have found something... " Nabiki whispered. Kasumi's watched warily, if anything were to go wrong she would dive in after her.
"What is it? What have you found?" Kinno moved closer to the screen.
"The program she used to punch through the firewall wasn't anything commercial. She must have made it herself and she did good job. Only, I think it was pure luck we got there when we did..." Nabiki trailed off as her movement ceased and she began her inspection of the firewall port settings.
"Did you interrupt something when you arrived?" Kasumi asked before she noticed a buzzing in her pocket.
"Yeah, she penetrated the firewall through an invisible port...but in her haste to get out she neglected to seal it as she was leaving. I wonder why the worm didn't pick it up." Nabiki's suspicions were growing. Such an obvious mistake should have been picked up, especially by someone who could penetrate the system as far as the intruder did.
"An invisible port? That's all? Our firewall was created with that as well as many other possibilities in mind. Simply opening an illegal port shouldn't have given her such access." Kinno wondered at this new discovery. He was one of many individual programmers who were instrumental in the creation of firewall program so he exactly what it was capable of defending against.
"Nabiki, that was father, he's ready for us." Kasumi closed up the cell phone she was just talking into.
"I'm comin out." Nabiki responded. The world of electrons she was flying in slowly began to disintegrate back into the world of reality. Slowly her vision switched to that of light and electricity to the solidity of the darkened room she was sitting in. She rubbed her eyes slightly before removing the line from her neck.
"Man, whoever installed your comm. is an expert, there's not even a hint of a sign of scarring. Who did it?" Kinno noticed the cleanliness of the surgery.
"It was Dr. Tofu, he doesn't install these things for just anyone, mine is a test type the S.D.F sent for evaluation purposes. They didn't want to take risks so they had him install it." Nabiki explained. Dr. Tofu was quite a well-known surgeon and neurologist; his services with Heaven's Stars' Bio-Technology division were quite sought after and very much appreciated.
"So there's no chance he'll put in one for me?" Kinno smiled.
"Maybe, if Kas asks him nice enough." Nabiki nodded to her sister.
"Why would he do it for my sake?" Kasumi asked looking genuinely curious.
"...Never mind Kas..." Nabiki groaned.
***
"I'll think you'll find this to be worthwhile. The best way to understand what there capable of is to seem them in the field for yourselves. I'm sure you'll be quite impressed." Soun spoke to the two individuals seated in front of his desk. The meeting had begun several minutes ago and they were currently engaged in idle chat until his daughters arrived.
"I've heard a few things here and there about your daughters. You'd be surprised how much there reputation precedes them." One of them commented. "Given their success rate I'm surprised they never went freelance themselves."
Soun chuckled in response. "Those two are the greatest asset this company could ever have. Though I suppose I should tell them that in person one day." Soun's attention was diverted by the sound of his office door opening. The two Tendo sisters immediately took notice of the newcomers in their father's office but made no outward appearance of it. "Ah, Kasumi, Nabiki. I'm glad you made it so promptly."
"Well you did make it sound pretty urgent dad." Nabiki shrugged.
"Yes of course, before we begin I'd like you to meet two acquaintances of mine. Ranma Saotome and Ryoga Hibiki." Soun inidicated the two persons he was speaking to just before they arrived.
The two rose from their chairs. They were both dressed in black slacks and dress shirts. One had a pigtail and was wearing sunglasses, the other was only slightly taller, they both looked somewhat similar and they both looked to be around Kasumi and Nabiki's age.
"These two gentlemen have been on extended leave and have just recently returned to Japan. They are the relation of a very close friend of mine." Soun explained.
"Welcome back to Japan. I hope your trip was worthwhile." Kasumi bowed politely, Nabiki reluctantly followed her lead.
"Very good, now that that's taken care of. I have some important business for the both of you." He turned his attention to his daughters. "First off, Kasumi, I want to pay to a visit to Akira Odagirii. Do you remember him?"
"Yes, of course I remember him. The last time we met it was three years ago." Kasumi recalled the man whom had grown to be quite a close friend of the family.
"Indeed, as you know he and I have been long time friends. Unfortunately something has gone awry. His R&D firm is going to be essential if we succeed in winning the contract with the military, and he knows this. However, for some reason he recently began to break all ties with us, and his latest move to was to terminate any and all contracts and projects that have any relation to Heaven's Star." Soun sat back in his chair as he explained the situation.
"Why...would he do that?" Kasumi raised an eyebrow in confusion.
"I do not know, I've tried getting into contact with him but he refuses my calls. I would like you to go down to his estate in person and try and talk some sense into the man or at very least find some answers to his erratic behavior. He was always fond of you so perhaps you can succeed where I have failed." Soun sighed in resignation over that particular subject.
"I'll see what I can do..." She wondered why a person she had grown to have so much respect for would so something so deceitful.
"As for you Nabiki, your assignment will be slightly less involved," Soun brought his attention to the second Tendo sister. "The port authorities and the M.S.A have brought it to my attention that certain individuals have been transporting heroin from Thailand and Malaysia along our shipping lanes. The next load supposedly comes this afternoon and the police are in the process of setting up a sting operation... I want you there before them."
"Why? Don't you think this is something they're capable of handling?" Nabiki crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes.
"Yes, however I want to send a message to all those involved that I and this company will not tolerate such insult." Soun's voice dropped several degrees to represent his irritation. "I want to make it perfectly clear that our overseas interests will not be used to transport drugs."
"Ah, I got ya." Nabiki grinned.
"Excellent. Oh, and before I forget, these two will be accompanying you." Soun added quickly and nodded to Ranma and Ryoga.
"What?" Nabiki asked flatly.
"Are you sure that's wise father?" Kasumi asked sounding very concerned.
"Yes I am. Ranma will accompany Kasumi, and Ryoga shall pair with Nabiki. Any objections?" He already knew the answer...
"Uhhh...n...no of course not father." Kasumi blinked.
"I do not like this idea at all..." Nabiki muttered to herself. The teenagers in question had been silent despite that their ability was being brought to question.
"Report back as soon as possible, and do try to 'involve' our guests as much as possible." Soun smiled. The two newcomers seemed oblivious to it all on the outside.
Kasumi looked over the both of them, she had learned long ago that looks can be deceiving, so she was unsure as to exactly what they were capable of. She did know this; she was getting an odd...feeling...from the both of them. It was nothing threatening or disturbing, just...odd.
"He had better not get in my way, that's all I have to say..." Nabiki muttered again. Kasumi simply giggled.
***
The world flew by at a dizzying pace as they sped down the highway in a Ferrari 360. Kasumi, who was at the wheel, would ever so often move her eyes to her impromptu partner. He seemed rather reserved at the moment, having not said a word since they left Heaven's Star, this suited Kasumi just fine, as she wasn't much of an idle talker herself.
"Odagirii is a very traditional man, his entire estate resembles that of an old-style samurai lord. It is very important that you be as polite and as courteous as possible while in his presence. He does not take etiquette lightly." She explained. He turned his head slightly as she began.
She had to admit, he was handsome. She couldn't see into his eyes so his thoughts at the moment were unknown to her. She wondered how old he was...
"I'm not sure how much experience you have in this, but if need be all you have to do is follow my lead. Okay?" Kasumi knew first hand how strict Odagirii could be when it came to matters of decorum, it was one of the reasons she was the way she is.
He nodded in acknowledgement as they veered off the highway. The residence of Akira Odagirii was located in what would be called the typical rich side of town. Many of the monetary elite chose to reside themselves here amongst there peers. If there were any example of blatant overindulgence, it would be found in this place of Mansions that could be made into there own countries, pools that could be mistaken for lakes, and private golf courses that could be used for national tournaments.
They pulled up to exactly what Kasumi had described, an old-world estate that seemed ripped straight from the feudal era. A multitude of koi ponds and sakura trees dotted the landscape and the sound of rushing water from small manmade waterfalls gave a very calm and serene feeling.
"Does he always keep his gate open like that?" Ranma uttered his first words as they passed through the entrance.
"Yes he does. He his also the sensei of a dojo that specializes in kendo and aikido, he is always accepting students." Kasumi led them through the twisting paths toward the western end of the estate.
"Kendo and Aikido...both samurai arts. Guess he's trying to bring the past to the present." His expression did not give an indication of whether he meant that as an insult or a compliment.
"He is eccentric in that way, but he's a good man. I've known since I was a child." She smiled. One of the reasons she looked up to him so much was the fact that even in the day and age the lived in, dominated by science and industry, he was still able to live by the old codes and ideals of ages past.
They made their way to the dojo, at this time of day Kasumi deduced that was where he would most likely be. The large sized training hall was located on the west side of the estate, when they arrived they found two men in aikido gis standing at the entrance.
"Kasumi, sensei has been expecting you." A blonde-haired student acknowledged her. However when Ranma took a step forward the second student, a man with long black hair in a tail, moved to block his path.
"Your are welcome, he is not." He said flatly. Once again his shades prevented her from determining his current state of emotion, but on the outside he looked calm enough.
"Don't worry he's with me, I trust him." She reassured the both of them. They reluctantly allowed him to pass, but never did they take their eyes off him.
When they entered they found a middle-aged man, possibly in his mid to late forties, seemingly in deep meditation with a katana in its scabbard at his side. They both bowed formally before sitting on there heels.
"Sensei. I've come on behalf of my father."
"Ah, Kasumi, it has been quite sometime hasn't it?" The distinguished master opened his eyes. They were filled fatherly warmth and wisdom that reminded her so much of Soun.
"Yes it has." She kept her eyes level with his. Ranma once again shifted back to silent mode, opting to simply sit back and observe.
"The last time I saw you were sixteen. I'm glad to see you're still as beautiful as ever." The master smiled.
"Thank you," She blushed slightly. "But...I'm sure you know why I'm here..."
"Yes...unfortunately...we have nothing to talk about." He eyes and tone became deadly serious.
"Why? What's happened? You and my father have been such good friends since college, why would you betray him now?" Kasumi was slightly surprised by this sudden shift in his personality.
"Certain events have occurred that have forced me to question my allegiance with Soun. The current state of affairs is becoming far too tenuous, and I found it best for myself and my firm if we broke all ties with your father." He explained.
"With all due respect sensei, you don't expect me to believe that do you?" Kasumi's eyes turned stern, she never enjoyed being lied to.
"Of course not," Akira sighed. "But I have never found it easy to be distrustful in your company. I cannot tell why I have done what I have done. Please, tell Soun that what has happened is only for the good of both of us."
"What good can come of this? He has placed so much of his trust in you; without you the bid with the S.D.F will mean nothing. You out of all people should know how hard he has been working to secure that." She deeply did not want to have to change her opinion of a man she had so much admiration for.
"Don't you think I know that? I never wanted this, I never wanted to betray his trust, but I have no choice. I cannot, I will not, tell you any more than that..." He was adamant in his decision and he showed it.
"What's happened to you? I've always known you to be a man of honor and tradition. What has happened to change you so much?" Her tone grew softer and her gaze showed only concern for his welfare
"Leave...now." His hand moved to the blade at his side.
Kasumi rose to her feet, as did Ranma.
"I am not leaving. Not until you tell me what could possibly has you so.... scared." She held her ground firmly.
"Then...you leave me no choice." He tapped the end of the sheathed blade against the ground. All of a sudden a wall slid open and seven of his students poured out, additional more came in from the outside through the entrance. Each was armed with a sword and each one knew how use them.
"Submit now, Kasumi. We do not wish to bring harm to you." The blonde from the outside declared.
Her eyes went over each and every one of them. There had to be around twelve in all, and they were surrounded.
"Kind of overkill don't you think..." Ranma whispered just loud enough for her to hear.
"You don't have to do this..." Her statement was directed at Odagirii himself.
"ANY threat to the sensei is a threat to all of us. You WILL stand down...or face the consequences." The blonde once again affirmed.
"You have known me since I was ten. You've known my father since you were both in college. Do you honestly believe we would want to bring harm to you or your family?" Again it was directed toward the sensei who was gravely contemplating those words.
"Please forgive me...but I have no choice. Restrain them, but do not harm them." He ordered finally.
"That...was a mistake." She whispered. Ranma noticed her words turn to ice; he had recognized this in many others as well, the way they suddenly shift from one mode to another when the time called for it. Therefore it was a wonder to everyone but himself that when one of the students moved forward, his hand came within inches of her shoulder, her hand shot out to grab his wrist. Before he realized what was going to happen he was sent flying through air, courtesy of a shoulder throw, he crashed into and toppled two other students on the way down.
"GET THEM!!" The blonde, who was the apparent leader of the group, yelled. The all unsheathed their blades, almost simultaneously, and charged the two.
As she recovered her bearings from the throw her right leg shot out and slammed into the stomach of an approaching assailant. He keeled over and using his head as leverage she delivered a flying sidekick to the face of another attacker. While this was occurring Ranma was busying himself with three of the students who saw him as an equal threat to there dojo, after slipping by a thrust he rammed his elbow into the nose of one and finished him with a spinning roundhouse to his temple which knocked him straight off his feet. With the way now cleared he dashed out of the dojo through the entrance, a good portion of the remaining students followed him out which took some pressure off his partner.
"You've improved. I admit I didn't expect you to last this long." The leader and several others were advancing upon Kasumi. Even after all the activity thus far she wasn't showing any signs of fatigue, she simply stared at them all wordlessly as they tried to flank her.
"This isn't proving anything Kensuke." Her eyes kept on the two swordsmen advancing on her from either side.
"I told you already, my father sees you as a threat, and as much as it pains me to do so I must remove that threat...." Kensuke Odagirii, the son of Akira, voice trailed off as Kasumi suddenly took an uncharacteristic stance, her eyes were closed and her breathing became more controlled. This would've been a perfect opportunity to attack, but everyone was suddenly overly interested in what she was doing, the exact effect she was going for. A scarce few seemed to take notice in the slight shift in the air as she slowly pulled her fist back. Then in a move that was so fast it could barely be made out, her fist shot forward at incredible speed, in that same instant a loud grunt escaped the lips of one of the students. He clutched his stomach and bent over; he looked as if something hard had slammed into him, he was also close to losing his lunch.
"What did she..." One of the attackers to her side had his attention elsewhere much like everyone else at the moment. This was quite the fatal mistake as Kasumi grabbed the wrist of his sword hand and sent the ball of her palm crashing into his chin. After liberating the blade from the now unconscious assailant she charged straight toward the group. If it weren't for the relatively high ceiling this move would've been impossible, she leaped into the air and came crashing down feet first into the centermost student, which just happened to be Kensuke.
The suddenness and aggressiveness of the attack threw them all into disarray. Kasumi moved like a maelstrom, taking down every student that came into her field of vision. Her speed was too much for them to compensate and her strength was definitely not proportionate to her mass. She wasn't totally lacking, it was apparent to some of them when they saw her that she had been training since they last met, but even then it was almost inhuman how hard her blows were landing.
"What happened...?" Kensuke groaned as he picked himself up on the ground, only to face the tip of a katana just millimeters from his throat.
"If I was anyone else...you be dead." Her voice was almost seething, and her eyes bore into him like a diamond tipped drill.
"Enough." Akira rose, his sword at his side.
"Is this what you wanted? Needless violence?" She indicated the comatose bodies of his apprentices scattered around the dojo. None of them would have permanent injuries, just terrible headaches when they woke up eventually.
"I never wanted this, but I have the safety of my family and this dojo to think about." His hand gripped the sword handle.
"Has someone been threatening you? You know that we can protect them, I can protect them." Kasumi tried reasoning with him yet again, hoping she could get through to him.
"I know that, but it is a risk I will not take. I was told that if I did not cease dealings with Heaven's Star, that my family would be first to feel there wrath. I have seen what these people are capable of, and while you may be able to deal with any threat they present, you cannot be everywhere at once. Eventually they will find a way, and I could not bear anything happening to to you, my wife, or my son." He nodded to Kensuke who was hanging his head in defeat. "Now I suggest you take your sword." He drew his blade, a sword that had been in his line for many generations, and had been the victor of many duels.
"So you won't listen? Is defeating you the only way I'm going to get through to you?" She was fighting to keep her anger in check. Having to cross swords with a role model like him was not helping her much in that vein and it looked like he had no intention of backing down unless he was forced to.
"As long as my family is in danger, there is nothing you can say." He set into a stance and the gripped the sword tightly. He was the national kendo champion back in his day, his skills were quite well known and he had yet to lose in a match to anyone.
"Fine, but know that I don't take any joy in this." She brought her sword up; her stance mirrored her opponents much to his surprise. He really didn't know exactly what her skill level with a katana was, which meant he had to be all the more careful.
His eyes went wide as she charged at amazing speed. Their swords collided with enough force to cause tiny sparks to fly; he was beyond shocked at how much force was behind her. In the initial clash and following struggle he saw her face, he could see she was hating every second of it and he began to question this entire course of action. He didn't have time to think about that however because he was too busy defending against the hail of strikes, thrusts, and slashes from his opponent. The celerity and ferocity of her attack was slowly forcing him backward, he tried numerous times to gain an offensive but it continuously came to failure and he was forced back into the defensive. Everything seemed to freeze as his back touched the wall, the next thing he knew the blade of her katana was now pressed against his throat.
"I...sincerely hope you're satisfied. I would've anything I could to make sure you were safe, and I hope one day you realize that." Her eyes burning with quiet fury and Akira was contemplating what he had almost unleashed upon himself. She backed off and dropped the sword to the ground unceremoniously. She stepped over several groaning students on her way out; all the while Kensuke was wide-eyed and could hardly believe what he had just seen.
Akira looked much the same, as he hung his head in shame. Perhaps there could've been another way, perhaps his family would've been safe under their protection, but that was all after the fact now. Now all he could do was live with his decision and hope it was right one...
"What have I done...?"
As Kasumi walked out she realized she had totally lost track of Ranma during the fight. She was relieved to see him in one peace some distance from the dojo, the scene was much like the dojo, he held a sword in each hand and the unconscious students were lying in unorderly heaps all over the place.
"Thank you...for not hurting them." She thanked him as he went to retrieve his footwear from the front of the dojo.
"By the way those two were talking to you as we were coming in, I figured you must have known some of them. Seems I guessed right." He shrugged.
"Whenever Mr. Odagirii came to visit our dojo he would bring some of his students along, for exhibition and things like that. His son, Kensuke, was usually one of them. He was the blonde you met." Ranma noticed the slight slump in her shoulders and the melancholy tone of her voice.
"Are you okay?"
"...Yeah I'll be fine." She wiped a single solitary bead of sweat, the only indication of the long drawn out battle she had just been in, off her brow.
"Don't worry, he just wants what's best for his family, it'll be fine." He reassured her and placed his hand on her shoulder.
She didn't know Ranma well at all, and usually a touch from someone like that would cause to her to flinch, but this time it was oddly comforting. The smile she gave was genuine, and for the first time since they met he showed some form of emotion as half of one appeared on his face.
***
Two Kawasaki sport bikes screeched to a halt some distance from the currently deserted seaport. A massive storage vessel was in harbor behind a large warehouse. Three luxury cars were parked outside and two guards stood watch over the entrance of the depot. Ryoga and Nabiki disembarked from their vehicles, one of them was Nabiki's personal ride while the other was on loan from the company pool.
"Okay, well it looks the gang is all here." Nabiki cracked her neck.
"Do you usually get assignments like this?" Ryoga asked while surveying their surroundings.
"Well, Kas has bit of a better grasp of the political end of this kind of work, so she gets most of the more delicate assignments. Dad says I'm still too aggressive in business for that," Nabiki shrugged while she explained. "I just believe if you want something, you gotta get it at all costs. He says there's more to it than that but he has yet to tell me otherwise."
"I suppose you have a point." He admitted. He suddenly caught a pair of black gloves thrown at him.
"Put those on. As appreciative as the cops are its best for both sides if no one knew who was responsible for today's festivities. Besides, it makes it easier for the police to look the other way." She explained as she slipped hers on.
"I got it." Ryoga did as told.
"Alright then, now that the chit-chat is over, let's pay a small visit to our resident wannabe drug lords shall we?" Nabiki snickered at how utterly cliché this was beginning to be.
A glasses wearing man in a white business suit picked up a foil wrapped brick from a large stack. He unwrapped and carefully inspected the brown contents with a wary eye.
"It's pure." He handed the brick to a seated associate who was dressed the same way. The two of them as well as three less well-dressed individuals, dockworkers, sat a table near the center of the storehouse. Several other suited henchmen surrounded them, serving as bodyguards for the whole preceding.
"Hehe, I told you. It's right from the source." The leader of the three workers snickered.
"Hmmm, and how exactly did you manage this?" The seated gentlemen wondered. He was a bald man with a long scar running across his cranium
"We have a little deal with the shipping inspector, we give him a percentage and he looks the other way. We bring them in along with the motherboard shipments. Easy as hell." The head of the three explained while sitting backwards in a chair.
"Good. I don't want the cops to get any wind of this." The negotiator reached to his side and placed a silver suitcase on the table. He snapped the locks and revealed its contents to the almost drooling workers. "30 million in American. You can count it if you like, but I assure you it's all there."
"YES! I mean...of course we believe you. I mean trust is so scarce these days you know..." He blabbered as the three of them stared at their new fortune.
"Heh, morons, once we get this stuff sold we'll make three times as much." The bald man's partner chuckled silently.
"Ignorance is bliss my friend, and in there case they're in heaven." He rose from his chair and straightened his tie. "We're leaving." He signaled for his men to retrieve their newest cargo.
They were about to proceed when all a sudden a loud slam echoed through the warehouse. It sounded like something just hit the west side garage door.
"What the hell was that?" One of the henchman wondered. There was nothing but pitch silence again.
"That was odd." The glasses wearing second said. He then shrugged his shoulders and signaled for his men to keep going. "Probably just some seagull that can't see straight."
Then finally a second loud impact rang through the place. Then a third came much more quickly. Before the men could finally move to investigate a fourth and final impact came which resulted in one of the guards outside to exploding through the door at amazing speed. He sailed clear through the storehouse and slammed into one of his comrades, taking him with him as they were sent crashing into a massive stack of cargo.
Everyone was frozen in shock at the suddenness of what had just happened. They all turned their attention to the newly created hole and the two individuals who stepped through.
"Huh, never thought to use a human as a battering ram. Very creative..." Nabiki complimented Ryoga's resourcefulness.
"Who the hell are you?!" The scarred leader demanded.
"Well you're a rude bastard aren't you? I'm more than positive you know who we are. You've pissed off all the wrong people pal." She crossed her arms.
"Oh have I now? I'm so sorry that I've hurt your feelings but I don't have time to play with little girls who can't do shit about it. NOW GET THE HELL OUTTA HERE BEFORE I HAVE YOU BEATEN TO DEATH!!!" He screamed as his rage began to build.
"Temper, temper my friend. Busting a vein isn't going save you anyway," Nabiki glanced over at the large amount of cash that was out in the open. "Though if you were to pass that 30 mil my way I may consider only sending you into a temporary coma." A simple glimpse was all she needed to determine the exact amount present.
"You are quite full of yourself aren't you? What makes you think you can walk in here and start giving demands? Or are you so suicidal that you don't care how painful your death is?" The second-in-command finally stepped in.
"If any these morons come close to hitting me, let alone killing me, I'll be more than happy to let you go." Nabiki nodded to the hired muscle the two men had brought with them.
"As if you had us in the first place. Kill them, and make it slow, I want to hear them scream." The second in command signaled for his men to do the deed. They all pulled nightsticks and grinned at the future beating they were about to give.
"You know I really hate it when people underestimate me. I guess I'll have to give a demonstration of what you just sent your men into." She sighed before vanishing from there sight.
"Where did she go?!!" The second looked around frantically along with everyone else. All eyes suddenly fell upon her partner who casually pointed in the direction of the nearest henchman. Everyone finally brought his attention back to her just in time to see her remove her elbow from the stunned guy's stomach. The man fell to his knees and then on to his face, after which everyone stared wide-eyed at a smiling Nabiki.
"Now, shall we get started?" Nabiki cracked her knuckles as the goons were slowly backing off.
"What are you doing?! They're only two people for God's sake!!! GET THEM!!!" The leader screamed to them all.
"Jeez, what is it with me henchmen in suits? This is the second time this week." She mumbled as the mob rushed toward her.
Ryoga snickered a bit at the last comment before grabbing the face of an incoming attacker and using him as a projectile weapon. He hurled him effortlessly into two of his comrades, after which he back fisted another that sent him flying countless feet until he slammed into a stack of cargo. While not showing such displays of Herculean force, Nabiki was still dispatching her share of the human targets with just as much speed. She always found it amazing how cocky people could get when they have a weapon; all she had to do was wait for the idiots to come at her. They would then run into a fist, a foot, both, and/or be thrown into parts unknown.
"W...what the hell is goin on here? They're tearin them apart!" The leader was slowly becoming frantic at the sight of his men being plastered.
"Don't worry, I anticipated this." His second calmed him and pulled out a two-way radio.
"Say what? You know who sent these guys?" He turned to his partner who was being unusually collected despite what was happening.
"Of course I do, but then you know I always prepare for anything. We got company, pull out the big guns," He spoke into the radio. He had better control of the situation than the actual leader did, something that said leader did take notice of. "Now I suggest you step back, this will get messy." He grinned.
The dockworkers had no idea what was happening and could only stand there frozen in fear. They were just hoping that they wouldn't get blamed for this.
"Well now, that was easy enough." Nabiki cracked her neck as the last man hit the floor hard. Ryoga had just finished his share and she took notice of the fact that all of his victims were scattered to the far sides of building, she wondered exactly how strong he was.
"Don't think your both hot shit! You haven't seen anything yet!" The one in the glasses yelled to the both of them.
"What now? Aren't you tired of us sending these poor guys into dreamland against their will?" She kicked an unconscious body to emphasize the point. Ryoga's brow furrowed, he seemed to sense something was amiss.
Suddenly an engine revving could be heard emanating from the outside. Nabiki cocked an ear only to hear the sound becoming increasingly louder. Before anyone knew it one of the luxury cars that was parked outside came plowing through the very same entrance Ryoga and Nabiki had made. The car ripped an even larger hole and plowed over and through several dozen boxes of cargo before coming to a screeching halt.
"I'd like you to meet two friends of mine!" The bifocaled man laughed as two men, dressed the same as the other unconscious hooligans, exited the mangled vehicle. Neither of them looked special, both were of medium size and build, one of them had black hair down to the middle of his back and the other had his hair white and it was spiked all over the place. "Their names are Sodom and Gamorra. I admit they sound tacky, but I think it suits there charming personalities." He indicated the longhaired thug and then the spiked punk respectively.
Nabiki squinted her eyes as she took notice of how the two moved. Ryoga looked much the same way and it was assured that they both knew what made this these two that much higher than the rest.
"The reason why these two are gonna pound you into the ground, is because there both full-body cybers!" He laughed arrogantly; his had to be assured now. The leader now knew why his partner was so confident; of course he still wondered how he was able to get his hands on two full cyborgs.
"Well, well there actually trying aren't they?" Nabiki grinned. Ryoga raised an eyebrow but didn't show any other outward signs of caring about this new development.
Sodom and Gamorra were also straight-faced as they cleared away from the rubble and cracked their knuckles. They movements were rigid and perfect, a clear indication that they were not totally organic.
"Alright, lets get this started. Unless you want to have a staring contest all day long?" Nabiki continued smirking.
Gamorra took the challenge and charged at inhuman speed. Reinforced muscle fibers and biosynthetic adrenal glands pushed his acceleration and strength far beyond human limits. Unfortunately for him his opponent was in no way normal. His fists became blurs as he fired off a bombardment of punches. His human opponent seemed to be able to match him move for move, slipping by or intercepting all of his attacks. He knew that no organic could possibly equal him but he still pulled back to reassess his situation.
"Do you think you can last five minutes against me? Your looking at the latest in M2 technology, no way some woman is gonna get past me..." He sneered. M2 technology meant that most of his cybernetics were of higher precision that typical open-market parts. Most likely the bulk of his internals were obtained illegally, but the results were nothing to be laughed at.
"Well I still seem to be in one piece. Why don't we try that again and this time I'll actually do something." Nabiki backed up slightly.
"Gladly." With his movements a blur he sent his foot rocketing toward her face. His surprise was apparent when she seized his foot and ankle easily. His terror was more obvious when she suddenly and violently twisted his ankle in an extremely awkward angle. She let go of his mangled joint and let gape wide eyed at the damage she had just so easily inflicted. By the time his eyes moved back to her, her own foot was crashing into his nose causing to stumble backward.
"Huh, it hasn't even been five minutes yet." She shrugged.
Sodom and Ryoga were currently standing face to face, eyeing each other down. The cyborg had a smug, superior look on his face, Ryoga just looked passive to it all.
"Have you ever been hit by a sledgehammer little man?" Sodom asked.
"I've been hit harder than anything you can dish out." Ryoga insulted casually.
"Let's test that theory." In that same instant a fist backed by superhuman force slammed into Ryoga's face. One could hear the impact all across the warehouse, all action stopped briefly at this new development.
"Damnit, I better not have to save his butt." Nabiki was currently in the process of ramming her knee into her opponent's ribcage when her attention shifted to her partner. She had never liked the idea of someone tagging along with her in the first place. "Ohhhh wait...I take that back."
She was referring to the fact that Ryoga had since righted himself as the shock of the blow had caused him to bend to one side. There wasn't even a bruise anywhere on his face.
"W...what the..." The cyborg stammered.
"Now, allow me to show you what a real punch feels like." Ryoga pulled back dramatically. The explosive shockwave that shattered the windows of the warehouse served as the marker of a blow thrown by Ryoga. The man-machine was sent flying into the hood of the car they crashed in from. He slowly struggled to stand back up; when his face came back into view his jaw was badly misaligned and sparking in some areas.
"What the hell are you freaks?" Gamorra tried desperately to bring up somekind of offensive but all of his blows were missing their mark. He could not understand what was happening, he was faster and stronger than any normal human, so he could not fathom why he was losing so badly.
"Being called a freak from as ugly as you is quite hilarious." Nabiki laughed out loud. He suddenly sprang forward and threw a right toward her face, she turned to one side and immediately countered by firing off a straight jab which landed hard into his mouth. She then took hold of his extended arm and rammed her elbow into his, completely inverting its angle. If he were still able to feel pain he would have gone into shock.
He stumbled back in complete horror at the magnitude with which he was taken apart limb by limb. Fortunately he was sent into the cyber version of nirvana via a flying crescent kick into his chin courtesy of the woman who just recently insulted. The sound of his teeth clattering against the ground affirmed that he wouldn't be standing up anytime soon.
"It feels nice to work off some frustration every now and then." She searched the area briefly; the dockworkers and the two drug runners had since taken off. The police would be here for the raid anytime now so they wouldn't get far. "Hey Ryoga! We gotta split soon, so finish up whatever your doing!"
"This won't take long." He murmured as the last remaining of the duo stalked closer to him.
"You little bastard. You think some steroid freak is gonna get outta here alive!!" Sodom managed to say through his all but destroyed mouth.
"Insults, the last bastion of the defeated." Ryoga shook his head in pity for the man who couldn't a thing to him.
"YOU'RE NOT GONNA BEAT ME!!!!" He swung wide with a knife-edge chop, probably attempting to break his enemy's neck.
Ryoga extended one arm and easily stopped the strike from coming anywhere near him, he then firmly held onto his wrist which prevented him from going anywhere.
"Let...go...of...me," Sodom struggled against the iron grip. "How the hell...can some straight meat be stronger than me?!!" He screamed.
"Watch and learn. Metal doesn't make the man." What only could be described as a thunderclap echoed throughout the area as Ryoga's foot slammed full force into the Sodom's stomach. He was sent flying off his feet and was shot straight out of the storehouse where he skidded to a halt on the pavement outside.
"Bravo," Nabiki clapped. "Souvenir?" Nabiki indicated the now severed, and leaking, arm that was dangling in Ryoga's hand.
"Naah. I need a right arm to complete the set." He threw the useless limb away. The sound of sirens approaching could be heard in the distance.
"Our work is done. Hopefully we were thorough enough." Nabiki surveyed the destruction in their wake.
"I think the authorities will be quite pleased with our attention to detail." Ryoga grinned.
"He cracks a joke. There's hope for you yet." Nabiki patted him on the shoulder.
***
"We'll start with you Kasumi. Were you able to make any progress with Akira?" Soun laced his fingers together and listened attentively.
Both parties had since returned to Heaven's Star. Soun's daughters were currently in his office being debriefed, there two partners of the day were politely asked to wait outside. Kasumi took a deep breath before beginning her recant of the day's events.
"From what little he disclosed to me, someone has been threatening his family. He wouldn't say who it was so all I know is that the reason he broke away from you is because they swore they would take action against them if he didn't."
Soun massaged the bridge of his nose and muttered something under his breath.
"Would he accept our protection?" Soun asked while still weighing the options.
"I tried, but he doesn't want to take that risk. He's afraid...and he won't do anything that will put his family in any possible danger." Kasumi understood that fact, and she knew he was justified in try to defend his home but there was really no reason for him to order his students to attack them. She was beginning to suspect if the same individuals that were threatening him also ordered him to attack Ranma and herself.
"Perfect...and what about you Nabiki? Hopefully your situation did not turn out to be so convoluted." Soun chuckled morosely.
"Yes...and no. These guys were definitely not professionals, they got the stuff through a couple of dock workers who decided that the get rich quick scheme would be perfect for them." Nabiki thoughts raced back to the site of the trio who were frozen in fear when everything starting hitting the fan for them.
"Yes, they and all those involved are being dealt with as we speak." Soun assured. "The authorities were very pleased with the state of the offenders when they arrived. They are, of course, are stating that they attempted to resist and they had to be subdued."
"Let's hope they don't sue for police brutality," Nabiki laughed "But here's where its gets interesting. They didn't have firearms, so they weren't directly connected with anyone big. They did, however, have two full cybers."
"Two?" Soun asked in sudden interest.
"Yeah, as you know full cyborgization surgery and the parts required for it are in no way cheap, and these guys were both black market on top of it. Meaning whomever those two were working for have some SERIOUS financial backing. From where, I have no idea." Nabiki had figured, by the abilities Sodom and Gamorra had shown however limited, the both of them together had to be in the range of over 20 to 50 million. Simple drug runners couldn't have supplied such a hefty amount; it had to be a legal organization.
"This...gets better by the minute," Soun sighed. "Also...what is your assessment of Ranma and Ryoga?"
They were both silent for several seconds while trying to find the words to answer.
"While...I did not actually see him fight, given the number of attackers and their level of skill, I would have to say that Ranma performed quite admirably." Kasumi nodded her approval. Then both hers and Soun's eyes turned to Nabiki, who shifted uncomfortably.
"I...may...have been quick to judge at the beginning...," Nabiki now had to swallow her pride, at least for the moment. "He took care himself well enough. He's a strong boy, out powered a full cyber like nothing, he must take his vitamins religiously. I was MARGINALLY impressed. Only a little." She made sure to emphasize that point.
"Excellent." Soun pressed a button that opened a comlink. "Enter." The two teenagers entered and stood at attention. "I'm glad you rate their skills so highly."
Kasumi and Nabiki wondered exactly what he was getting at.
"Because these two are going to be your future husbands."
***
Location: Silver Sword Enterprises, LTD. Tokyo, Japan.
Meeting of the Board of Directors.
Begin Recording...
"Please begin your report Mr. Gosunkugi." Hideo Kuno, owner and creator of Silver Sword, sat at the head of a table occupied the by the department heads of his company.
A somewhat scrawny and pale man in glasses stood and then set down and opened a file folder that was in his hand.
"How to begin...," Tetsuo Gosunkugi murmured. "Many of you are aware that, as of late, a number of our operations have been foiled by the efforts of the enforcers of Heaven's Star. To this date our own forces, though superior in number, have been unable to compete with them."
Many of the board members nodded in affirmation. A familiar silver haired individual at Kuno's right frowned in admission.
"Therefore, utilizing our most elite spies and recon teams, we have begun building an extensive dossier of Heaven's Star's agents and there capabilities." He picked up a remote from the table and clicked a button. A small translucent screen appeared in mid-air in front of each board member. "We shall begin with the events that occurred three days ago. We attempted to eliminate two of their most skilled operatives...it did not go as planned."
The footage began with a typical negotiation at a well-known club. It of course then degenerated into a violent altercation, an extremely one-sided altercation. The depictions of there men being destroyed one by one was made quite clear to everyone.
"As you can clearly see our men were totally overpowered. Despite the fact that they were armed and armored they stood no chance against the two females, who were completely unarmed." Gosunkugi made sure he iterated the fact that the targets possessed no weapons or form of protection save themselves.
Everyone watching murmured comments that couldn't be made out, eventually one of them asked a question that was on everyone's mind.
"Why are the bullets having no effect?" A green haired female board member asked. She was referring to the gunfire being sent toward a longhaired woman who seemed to be walking straight through the hail of bullets.
"That concerned us as well. Allow me to replay the same scene in slow motion." As such the action rewound itself and then repeated again at a snail's pace. "Watch her movements very closely."
The shifts in her position were so fast and so slight, that even at slow motion it seemed she was standing still. A single step to the left or right, a tilt of her head, or simply nothing at all was enough to bring her clear out of a bullet's path.
"Amazing. How is that possible?" The same member asked.
"More than once, as you will see, they have displayed strength, speed, and reflexes that far exceed normal human capacity." Gosunkugi pressed a button on the remote and the scene switched to that of the estate of Akira Odagirii. "This footage was taken today. It is from the mansion of Akira Odagirii owner of Starline Reasearch and Development, they were once heavily tied with Heaven's Star, but steps have recently been taken to change that." He half-smiled, as did certain other members.
The scene showed the beginning of what would be a lengthly confrontation between nearly all of Akira's students and two individuals, a teenage boy and girl.
"You most likely recognize the girl. She was also present at the Edge incident." Gosunkugi pointed.
The battle was joined. After a few minutes the boy had decided that he required more space and made a break for the exit. The girl remained behind to dispatch the students that were left.
"The number was overwhelming. Yet she effectively incapacitated every assailant without taxing her physical exertion." The scene then showed her use of an unusual technique that seemed to involve air pressure.
"What is she doing?" A member asked just before the moment passed. The scene was immediately paused at the moment her fist came forward and the target keeled over.
"That, from what we have been able to deduce, is a fighting technique that utilizes the manipulation of the surrounding air currents. At that moment, her fist was moving at an estimated rate of 110 M.P.H" Gosunkugi explained as he pushed his glasses up. Several of the members gasped in amazement. "A direct blow from such an attack would instantly kill any human as you can likely presume."
The scene switched from the inside to the outside. The boy who accompanied her was engaging six other individuals.
"This man presents a problem. Some of you may recognize him." Murmurs of recognition filled the room briefly. "He is one of a two man team that is quite well known within the operative-for-hire trade. Ranma Saotome."
The video showed Ranma engaging the enemy force, he seemed to effortlessly disarm and dispatch any and all who challenged him. This rate of success increased as he liberated two blades from fallen students.
"It is unknown whether this team has taken a contract with Heaven's Star. They entered Tokyo three days ago under false names, dropped off the radar and only today have they revealed themselves since then." Tetsuo passed a security file of Ranma around the table.
Another button press showed a split screen of two battles occurring at once. Ranma with the swords, and Kasumi engaged with one as well.
"There combat skill with katanas is superb. One would think that such talent would be derived from years of training, however, from what my informants have gathered there training with bladed weapons is limited." Gosunkugi once again switched scenes, this one being the match between Akira and Kasumi. "Akira Odagirii is a world champion in kendo and a grandmaster of aikido. In theory he should have the advantage in experience and skill."
This obviously wasn't so as the battle was totally in favor of Kasumi was on the offensive the entire bout. Eventually she completely overwhelmed her opponent who was forced to submit.
"Whatever advantage Odagirii would've possessed was nullified by the sheer speed and strength of his opponent. She was too fast and too strong for him to cope with, as such he was easily defeated."
A button click and the battle at the port was shown.
"The footage you are seeing is also from today, it involved the exchange of narcotics that, while indirectly, would have been of great interest to us."
The scene was shown of the outside. Two individuals appeared from the bottom of the screen to engage two guards in an extremely brief exchange.
"The male is the second part of the two man team, his name is Ryoga Hibiki. Both are Black-1 Elite ranked operatives and are notorious as being two of the most highly sought after and highly paid mercenaries in the world. They have been blacklisted by several government agencies including the C.I.A, S.A.S, and the Mossad."
One of the guards was used a battering ram of sorts as he was sent crashing through the door and into the storehouse courtesy of Mr. Hibiki. The scene immediately switched to the inside. There seemed to be an exchange of banter before the first blow was struck.
"You seemed to have skipped a frame." One of the members indicated Nabiki's sudden disappearance. The camera then seemed to be searching anxiously for the target.
"That was no frame skip. What you just witnessed was a burst of speed so sudden and extreme, that she quite literally vanished from sight for a brief second." Gosunkugi scanned over the papers in front of him for a brief moment. "It appears we were unable to determine her exact rate of movement, all attempts to do so resulted in a partial overload of the system."
Once again a round of whispers came from the board members.
"The result of there battle with the henchman is no surprise. They were totally decimated without incident. The true shock comes from this." Tetsuo indicated the brief fight with drug runners' mercenaries. The video was then fast-forwarded past the car crash and into the fight that began against the two occupants of said vehicle.
"These two particular individuals are in actuality high performance full body combat-type cyborgs. The monetary resource for there creation came on a loan from us. It is a common known fact that a full-body cyborg possesses abilities vastly superior to a human. These two of the M2 model type." He gave the technical specifications before continuing.
The fight between Gamorra and Nabiki showed how backward that statement seemed to be.
"This, should be impossible; yet what you are seeing is a full bloodied human taking down a full cyborg, with ease. He suffered from a destroyed ankle and elbow joint, as well as several levels of internal organ destruction and bone breakage." Gosunkugi read off the diagnostic print out.
"How can this be? From what you have shown us Tendo essentially possesses super humans under him." A bald board member commented.
"That might not be far off from the truth." He switched to the action between Ryoga and Sodom. "The strength depicted here by Mr. Hibiki is beyond comprehension. In a single blow he generated enough force to not only cause irreversible damage to the resistant skeletal structure of his opponent, but to also knock him several him several feet into the air. All of this without causing injury to himself."
Gamorra was then shown being knocked unconscious in a single blow after having his elbow severely fractured. Sodom was put out with a vicious kick that completely severed his artificial arm and sent him flying out of camera.
"Are you entirely positive they are fully human? How can a full blooded human produce such power?" Kuno's silver haired assistant wondered.
"The women are fully human. The two operatives, however, are not," Tetsuo began as the screen split again, they depicted scenes that showed the best full image of the two partners, only this time it was infrared. "I would like to bring to your attention the heat signatures being shown, there are areas of their body that bring into question their totality as organics." He indicated the areas of dark blue on their body that should have been red.
"Replacement implants." Kuno noticed.
"Exactly sir. They both possess Level 2 Cybercoms. Ranma Saotome has a Cyclops implant, or Cyke as the slang term, coupled to his brainplug. This system is exclusive to specialists in reconnaissance and covert operations." He pointed out the dark area that encompassed Ranma's left temple and eye. "Ryoga Hibiki has a customized P.D., the abbreviation for Piledriver, in place of his right arm which also junctioned to his Cybercom. This system is known for its wide range of types from data manipulation to military applications. His type appears to be a custom model from the first category." The dark area indeed included his entire right arm and parts of his shoulder.
"Could that be the reason he so overpowered his opponent?" A brown haired member spoke up.
"No, we don't believe it is." He rewound to the scene of initial impact of Ryoga's fist to Sodom's face. "As you can see, in this incident he was attacking with his organic arm. There fighting ability is not the result of their implants." Gosunkugi finally deactivated the screen.
"Those two women we just saw, I recognize them..." Kuno observed. "Are they not Soun Tendo's own daughters?"
"They are sir, Kasumi and Nabiki Tendo. Each one is an elite martial artist, their caliber is quite well known amongst certain circles. It is rumored that his third daughter, Akane Tendo, possesses this same potential."
"And now they have the aid Ranma Saotome and Ryoga Hibiki, they are also renowned for there prowess in combat. This bodes ill for us." Kuno's assistant admitted gravely.
"I have already sanctioned Tatewaki to deal with them. They will pose no further threat." Hideo informed them.
"Very good sir, which brings me to my final point." Gosunkugi's voice became grave. "Agito was correct in his statement. We are at a crossroads ladies and gentlemen. In our current state we are no match for Heaven's Star's forces. The power and ability of there agents is far beyond anything our men are capable of achieving."
All the board member listened to his words carefully.
"In order for us to compete with such odds, we must find and recruit individuals of similar skill and potential. We must also better utilize the resources we have at hand to combat them. This brings me to the point of your son and daughter, Tatewaki and Kodachi, Mr. Kuno." He turned to the president himself.
"I'm listening." Hideo had an idea of what he was getting at.
"We have observed your children for quite some time. They have shown remarkable strides within there respective fields, and there potential could very well be the equal to Tendo's fighters. While I understand you reserve their services only for the most vital assignments, it would be in our best interest if we utilized their abilities in more general purpose affairs."
"I understand. I will have to take up the subject with the both of them as soon as possible."
"To that end I turn the remainder of this meeting to Mr. Sentaro Daimonji." He nodded toward the brown-haired male member. "His department has been recently spearheading the development of the latest in close-combat technology. If you would Mr. Daimonji." Gosunkugi retook his seat; everyone was quite impressed with his presentation.
The man in question rose and produced a long case from beside his chair.
"In order to being about the full potential of your children we have made certain strides to help enhance their respective talents." Sentaro laid the case upon the table, opened it, and presented its contents to Hideo. "I'm sure your son Tatewaki will be very pleased, consider it a gift compliments of my division." He bowed. "Kodachi's 'project' is still in development and should be ready for initial testing within the month."
"Excellent. I knew that my faith in you all was not wasted. Gosunkugi, continue your surveillance. Daimonji, alert me immediately as to the completion of the project. Agito," Hideo turned to his assistant. "You will begin immediately in the rebuilding of our forces. Gosunkugi and the Intelligence Division will aid you in this affair. You may begin by firing every last employee in our security and field operations divisions, we must restructure from the ground up if we are to once again be a credible threat to Heaven's Star."
"Yes sir." Agito rose from his seat and bowed.
"This meeting is adjourned."
To Be Continued.........
Author's Notes:
1). FINALLY!! Man, this chapter took some time in doing. I must have gone through around 3-5 revisions before I fell on something I really liked. I'm very pleased with the results and I'm glad I just didn't resort to turning in crap. I hope you like this chapter as much as I did. As always Comment and Criticism are more than welcome, whether they are positive or negative.
2). Kinnosuke Kashuoh, is an actual character that appears in Volume 29 of the manga. He is basically a male version of Nabiki in that he is a cold and calculating conartist, in fact it is speculated they had feelings for each other. In the manga he is 16, but for my purposes I increased his age and made him a former cybercriminal and conartist. You most likely will be seeing more of him later on.
Sentaro Daimonji is also a real character. He appears in volume 5 of the manga and he is a master of Anything-Goes Martial Arts Tea Ceremony.
The names Sodom and Gamorra, besides there obvious biblical reference, were inspired by two human punching bags for Ryu and Ken in the Street Fight 2 V series.
3). I'd like to give my deepest thanks to the next in line as God of Manga, the current being Osamu Tezuka, Masamune Shirow himself. This story was spawned by one of the greatest mangas ever made, Ghost in the Shell, as well as his well renowned artbook, Intron Depot. Any fans of his out there probably deduced that from the get go. Many of my ideas were inspired (or uhhhh ripped off, depending on your view...) by these two works and I highly suggest them to any cyberpunk and sci-fi fan out there. Other mangas he has so gloriously written include Appleseed, Dominion Tank Police, Black Magic, Black Magic M-66 (anime only), and the fantasy themed Orion.
Home Page:
http://users.animanga.com/shadowlands
E-Mail:
Midnight_sunus@yahoo.com
