Author's Notes: I bet you thought that you would never see this story again.
Muse: *muttering* I bet no one saw this story in the first place.
*ignoring muse* Well, because I've been getting good response on some of my
other work, I've decided to do some more work on this one, too. The parts might
be slow in coming, but they will come. And remember, feedback always makes
me work harder. ^_~
It was Omi who answered the phone. When he finished his greeting, a well-
modulated voice replied in slightly accented, but very proper Japanese. "Hello.
My name is Lily Banks. I am having a party at my home in two weeks and I
would like you to provide the flower arrangements."
"Is this party for a special occasion?" Omi asked, following standard
procedure.
"Yes, I'm leaving Japan and I am having a party to say good-bye to the
friends I met here."
"Where is the party to be held?"
"At my house."
"Well, Lily-san. We should be able to do the arrangements, but we would
have to discuss it in greater detail."
"Of course," the voice replied pleasantly. "We could discuss it this evening
at my house, if it is convenient for you. That would allow you to see my house as
well."
"This evening is fine," Omi replied cheerfully.
"Wonderful. Is 6 o'clock alright?"
"That's fine."
"I live in the Daiken Tower apartment building. Do you know it? It's not far
from your shop."
"I know exactly where it is."
"Good. My apartment is on the 41st floor. It's the only one on that floor."
"Well, then. We'll see you there at 6 o'clock, Banks-san."
"I'm looking forward to it."
Omi hung up the phone and turned to Ran who had been listening closely
to the conversation. "We have and appointment to see a woman named Lily
Banks this evening at six. She would like us to do flower arrangements for a
party."
Ran nodded. "Tell the others."
* * *
The 41st floor of Daiken Towers was, it turned out, not a floor. Instead,
half of it was a private penthouse and the other half a beautifully and luxuriously
landscaped garden. The elevator lobby had a window that allowed the assassins
to see the garden and the city beyond. Youji could not restrain a whistle, "Nice
place."
"I'm glad you like it," said a female voice behind him. In the window he
could see a female with dark hair standing in the entrance to the apartment.
Turning, Youji got a better view. "Hello, I'm Lily. Please come in, and no one
mentions business until we are all comfortable," this ultimatum was delivered in a
cheerful tone by the same pleasant voice that Omi remembered from the phone,
but there was a fleeting look on her face that said no business was to be
discussed just yet. Youji studied the girl welcoming them. The mysterious Kyra
was a little tall for a Japanese woman, although she would likely be considered
short by European standards. Her dark brown hair was pulled up into a high
ponytail. Her black pants and shirt, as well as judicious use of eye makeup,
brought out her deep-set nearly black eyes and long lashes. The golden
blossom delicately painted on her shirt brought out the gold tones of her lightly
tanned skin. Her figure reminded Youji of the American sex icon Marilyn Monroe.
The view from the window was quickly forgotten for, it seemed to Youji, an even
nicer view.
While Youji had been giving their new ally the once over, Omi had taken
the initiative. "Konichiwa, Lily-san. I'm Omi," he introduced himself, entering the
penthouse.
"Nice to meet you, Omi. And your name is?" Lily asked Ran with a smile.
"Ran," the assassin answered with all his usual gregariousness, stepping
past Lily.
"I'm Ken," the third assassin introduced himself, without prompting. There
was something in his manner that suggested that Youji might not be alone in his
appreciation of their hostess, but he entered the apartment without any fanfare.
Youji, however, could not resist making a bit more of an impression.
Pulling a flower out of his sleeve, he presented it to Lily. "I thought this flower
was beautiful, but its beauty pales before your own."
Ken and Omi winced at Youji's rather overdone praise. Lily accepted the
flower and said in a too innocent voice, "I bet you say that to all the girls." Ken
and Omi had a hard time concealing their laughter. "You must be Youji. My
friend mentioned you."
Looking not in the least discouraged, Youji entered the apartment as well.
He would have said something in response to Lily's barb but Ran was looking
rather impatient. Lily closed the door behind him and began to speak once again
in the role of the perfect host. "I was thinking that we could talk in the garden.
There is a table out there and the view is wonderful. But before you go out,
would anyone like anything to drink?"
"Arigato, Lily-san, but I think that we are all right," Omi answered politely.
"Okay, then we'll go out onto the porch." Lily opened the door and led the
group onto the "porch." A couple feet from the door, there was a bridge spanning
a small stream. Over the bridge was an open area with a table and six chairs. A
laptop was already placed in front of one of the chairs. Lily took that seat and
Omi, Ken and Youji took the seats on the side opposite her. Ran chose to
remain standing. Once Lily had taken her place, it seemed as if a switch had
been thrown. Her eyes gained an analytical deadness they had not had before.
"With the noisy stream there, it will be impossible for anyone to listen in on our
conversation, so you may speak freely. I want to start with giving you
something," Kyra, for now it was Kyra speaking, instantly took control of the
meeting. From underneath the laptop, Kyra drew a set of papers and passed
one to each member of Weiss. "This is a description of me that was sent to one
of my co-workers shortly after we met. I know much of your past but you know
almost nothing of me. Think of this as my way of trying to gain your trust. One
other thing, this profile is actually four years old. So it gives a good review of my
early career but it is not complete. Also, the ages recorded for me on that are
two years too older than my actual age at the time."
The assassins quickly began to peruse the information that Kyra had
given them. Much of the information had been found on their earlier search, but
the information concerning Kyra's 'professional' activities was entirely new. The
assassins were surprised that Kyra would volunteer so much information on her
activities. Although he did not make his feelings known, Ran at least was not
impressed by such an unprofessional attitude, but he made certain to take every
advantage of the opportunity offered and committed the information to memory.
Kyra Banks
Real Name: Lily Helena Banks
Rank: Countess of Gurn
Age: 17
Nationality: English
Skills: hacking, languages, guns, acting
Personality: Avoids killing, but capable of it; tends to hide true
feelings; enjoys trappings of aristocratic lifestyle
Background:
Kyra's mother was the eldest daughter of the Winner family.
Her father was the Count of Gurn. Her father served as a
diplomat to the colonies, but was truly a spy for the rebellion
as was Kyra's mother. In living with them and with her
grandfather, Kyra learned to love the colonies. She also
developed a polished demeanor and a taste for the
aristocratic and political lifestyle. However, when her parents
were killed on a mission, Kyra abandoned her dream of a
diplomatic career and joined the rebellion. She began living
with members of the rebellion on L2, but was reported as
living with her grandfather on L4 and spent some time there
to support the charade. She began working with the
rebellion at the age of fourteen. She spent 14 months in
prison as part of a mission. She managed to escape without
the promised rebel help that never came and reported back
two months ago. However, she went AWOL a month ago
because she was disgusted with Operation Meteor. She will
still provide information to those within the rebellion that share
her sympathies.
"Where is Schwartz?" Ran asked in an impatient tone as soon as he had
finished reading the profile.
"Germany," Kyra replied evenly.
"Germany?" Youji asked.
"Following the last battle that you fought with them, the members of
Schwartz were seriously injured. They came under the care of a German
politician named Otto Van Weirstein. Herr Weirstein is one of the most
prominent members of the ESUN. Until last week he was the top ESUN
representative in Japan. Last week he was recalled to the ESUN headquarters
in Germany. He will be named the head of the ESUN security forces in ten days.
Almost everyone considered him an ideal candidate, myself included. However,
when I was at a party at his home two weeks ago, I saw two members of
Schwartz there. A quick investigation revealed that both Schuldich and Crawford
were reporting to Van Weirstein. I assume the other members are reporting to
him as well but I have only been able to confirm the presence of Naga."
"Where are they now?" Ran asked.
"I have confirmed that Naga and Schuldich are currently in Germany with
Van Weirstein. I believe that Crawford is with them. He always likes to be near
the center of power. However, I have no clues to the location of Farfello."
"Is that all the information you've gathered?" Ken asked.
"No, but I want to wait before I tell you the rest," Kyra answered. Until this
point in the meeting Kyra's manner had been professional and efficient, but fairly
friendly. Now all trace of friendliness was gone. Her eyes were cool and her
voice clearly unimpressed. "Although you are seemingly well-qualified to take
out Schwartz, the fact remains that all your previous attempts have failed. For
that reason, I propose that you work with two Preventer agents. These agents
are trained assassins like yourselves and should ensure the success of the
mission. In order to coordinate your efforts, I have asked them here tonight to
meet you and hear the briefing. They will be here shortly. If you do not wish to
work with them, I suggest you leave now."
"You're forcing us to work with them in order to get your intelligence," Youji
observed, coolly.
"I've given you the name and location of your target. You should be able
to mount an operation based on that information," Kyra responded.
"You are still withholding information," Omi stated.
"Yes."
Ran's eyes narrowed and he reached for his katana. The sound of the
door sliding open interrupted his motion. The four assassins looked quickly to
the door, on guard. Two young men stood there. "Don't," the one on the right
said warningly, the gun in his left hand pointed at Ran. The other was silent but
his gun was pointed at Omi who had managed to get one of his darts into his
hand. The one who had spoken moved his right hand from the door he had
opened onto his gun but said nothing else.
Muse: *muttering* I bet no one saw this story in the first place.
*ignoring muse* Well, because I've been getting good response on some of my
other work, I've decided to do some more work on this one, too. The parts might
be slow in coming, but they will come. And remember, feedback always makes
me work harder. ^_~
It was Omi who answered the phone. When he finished his greeting, a well-
modulated voice replied in slightly accented, but very proper Japanese. "Hello.
My name is Lily Banks. I am having a party at my home in two weeks and I
would like you to provide the flower arrangements."
"Is this party for a special occasion?" Omi asked, following standard
procedure.
"Yes, I'm leaving Japan and I am having a party to say good-bye to the
friends I met here."
"Where is the party to be held?"
"At my house."
"Well, Lily-san. We should be able to do the arrangements, but we would
have to discuss it in greater detail."
"Of course," the voice replied pleasantly. "We could discuss it this evening
at my house, if it is convenient for you. That would allow you to see my house as
well."
"This evening is fine," Omi replied cheerfully.
"Wonderful. Is 6 o'clock alright?"
"That's fine."
"I live in the Daiken Tower apartment building. Do you know it? It's not far
from your shop."
"I know exactly where it is."
"Good. My apartment is on the 41st floor. It's the only one on that floor."
"Well, then. We'll see you there at 6 o'clock, Banks-san."
"I'm looking forward to it."
Omi hung up the phone and turned to Ran who had been listening closely
to the conversation. "We have and appointment to see a woman named Lily
Banks this evening at six. She would like us to do flower arrangements for a
party."
Ran nodded. "Tell the others."
* * *
The 41st floor of Daiken Towers was, it turned out, not a floor. Instead,
half of it was a private penthouse and the other half a beautifully and luxuriously
landscaped garden. The elevator lobby had a window that allowed the assassins
to see the garden and the city beyond. Youji could not restrain a whistle, "Nice
place."
"I'm glad you like it," said a female voice behind him. In the window he
could see a female with dark hair standing in the entrance to the apartment.
Turning, Youji got a better view. "Hello, I'm Lily. Please come in, and no one
mentions business until we are all comfortable," this ultimatum was delivered in a
cheerful tone by the same pleasant voice that Omi remembered from the phone,
but there was a fleeting look on her face that said no business was to be
discussed just yet. Youji studied the girl welcoming them. The mysterious Kyra
was a little tall for a Japanese woman, although she would likely be considered
short by European standards. Her dark brown hair was pulled up into a high
ponytail. Her black pants and shirt, as well as judicious use of eye makeup,
brought out her deep-set nearly black eyes and long lashes. The golden
blossom delicately painted on her shirt brought out the gold tones of her lightly
tanned skin. Her figure reminded Youji of the American sex icon Marilyn Monroe.
The view from the window was quickly forgotten for, it seemed to Youji, an even
nicer view.
While Youji had been giving their new ally the once over, Omi had taken
the initiative. "Konichiwa, Lily-san. I'm Omi," he introduced himself, entering the
penthouse.
"Nice to meet you, Omi. And your name is?" Lily asked Ran with a smile.
"Ran," the assassin answered with all his usual gregariousness, stepping
past Lily.
"I'm Ken," the third assassin introduced himself, without prompting. There
was something in his manner that suggested that Youji might not be alone in his
appreciation of their hostess, but he entered the apartment without any fanfare.
Youji, however, could not resist making a bit more of an impression.
Pulling a flower out of his sleeve, he presented it to Lily. "I thought this flower
was beautiful, but its beauty pales before your own."
Ken and Omi winced at Youji's rather overdone praise. Lily accepted the
flower and said in a too innocent voice, "I bet you say that to all the girls." Ken
and Omi had a hard time concealing their laughter. "You must be Youji. My
friend mentioned you."
Looking not in the least discouraged, Youji entered the apartment as well.
He would have said something in response to Lily's barb but Ran was looking
rather impatient. Lily closed the door behind him and began to speak once again
in the role of the perfect host. "I was thinking that we could talk in the garden.
There is a table out there and the view is wonderful. But before you go out,
would anyone like anything to drink?"
"Arigato, Lily-san, but I think that we are all right," Omi answered politely.
"Okay, then we'll go out onto the porch." Lily opened the door and led the
group onto the "porch." A couple feet from the door, there was a bridge spanning
a small stream. Over the bridge was an open area with a table and six chairs. A
laptop was already placed in front of one of the chairs. Lily took that seat and
Omi, Ken and Youji took the seats on the side opposite her. Ran chose to
remain standing. Once Lily had taken her place, it seemed as if a switch had
been thrown. Her eyes gained an analytical deadness they had not had before.
"With the noisy stream there, it will be impossible for anyone to listen in on our
conversation, so you may speak freely. I want to start with giving you
something," Kyra, for now it was Kyra speaking, instantly took control of the
meeting. From underneath the laptop, Kyra drew a set of papers and passed
one to each member of Weiss. "This is a description of me that was sent to one
of my co-workers shortly after we met. I know much of your past but you know
almost nothing of me. Think of this as my way of trying to gain your trust. One
other thing, this profile is actually four years old. So it gives a good review of my
early career but it is not complete. Also, the ages recorded for me on that are
two years too older than my actual age at the time."
The assassins quickly began to peruse the information that Kyra had
given them. Much of the information had been found on their earlier search, but
the information concerning Kyra's 'professional' activities was entirely new. The
assassins were surprised that Kyra would volunteer so much information on her
activities. Although he did not make his feelings known, Ran at least was not
impressed by such an unprofessional attitude, but he made certain to take every
advantage of the opportunity offered and committed the information to memory.
Kyra Banks
Real Name: Lily Helena Banks
Rank: Countess of Gurn
Age: 17
Nationality: English
Skills: hacking, languages, guns, acting
Personality: Avoids killing, but capable of it; tends to hide true
feelings; enjoys trappings of aristocratic lifestyle
Background:
Kyra's mother was the eldest daughter of the Winner family.
Her father was the Count of Gurn. Her father served as a
diplomat to the colonies, but was truly a spy for the rebellion
as was Kyra's mother. In living with them and with her
grandfather, Kyra learned to love the colonies. She also
developed a polished demeanor and a taste for the
aristocratic and political lifestyle. However, when her parents
were killed on a mission, Kyra abandoned her dream of a
diplomatic career and joined the rebellion. She began living
with members of the rebellion on L2, but was reported as
living with her grandfather on L4 and spent some time there
to support the charade. She began working with the
rebellion at the age of fourteen. She spent 14 months in
prison as part of a mission. She managed to escape without
the promised rebel help that never came and reported back
two months ago. However, she went AWOL a month ago
because she was disgusted with Operation Meteor. She will
still provide information to those within the rebellion that share
her sympathies.
"Where is Schwartz?" Ran asked in an impatient tone as soon as he had
finished reading the profile.
"Germany," Kyra replied evenly.
"Germany?" Youji asked.
"Following the last battle that you fought with them, the members of
Schwartz were seriously injured. They came under the care of a German
politician named Otto Van Weirstein. Herr Weirstein is one of the most
prominent members of the ESUN. Until last week he was the top ESUN
representative in Japan. Last week he was recalled to the ESUN headquarters
in Germany. He will be named the head of the ESUN security forces in ten days.
Almost everyone considered him an ideal candidate, myself included. However,
when I was at a party at his home two weeks ago, I saw two members of
Schwartz there. A quick investigation revealed that both Schuldich and Crawford
were reporting to Van Weirstein. I assume the other members are reporting to
him as well but I have only been able to confirm the presence of Naga."
"Where are they now?" Ran asked.
"I have confirmed that Naga and Schuldich are currently in Germany with
Van Weirstein. I believe that Crawford is with them. He always likes to be near
the center of power. However, I have no clues to the location of Farfello."
"Is that all the information you've gathered?" Ken asked.
"No, but I want to wait before I tell you the rest," Kyra answered. Until this
point in the meeting Kyra's manner had been professional and efficient, but fairly
friendly. Now all trace of friendliness was gone. Her eyes were cool and her
voice clearly unimpressed. "Although you are seemingly well-qualified to take
out Schwartz, the fact remains that all your previous attempts have failed. For
that reason, I propose that you work with two Preventer agents. These agents
are trained assassins like yourselves and should ensure the success of the
mission. In order to coordinate your efforts, I have asked them here tonight to
meet you and hear the briefing. They will be here shortly. If you do not wish to
work with them, I suggest you leave now."
"You're forcing us to work with them in order to get your intelligence," Youji
observed, coolly.
"I've given you the name and location of your target. You should be able
to mount an operation based on that information," Kyra responded.
"You are still withholding information," Omi stated.
"Yes."
Ran's eyes narrowed and he reached for his katana. The sound of the
door sliding open interrupted his motion. The four assassins looked quickly to
the door, on guard. Two young men stood there. "Don't," the one on the right
said warningly, the gun in his left hand pointed at Ran. The other was silent but
his gun was pointed at Omi who had managed to get one of his darts into his
hand. The one who had spoken moved his right hand from the door he had
opened onto his gun but said nothing else.
