FAREWELLS AND HELLOS – Epilogue
This shouldn't have existed in the first place but after the requests for a sequel, I just had to give in.
To Miguel Artadi, keep on rockin' with your fic.
To TheBigW, here it is, voila!
To Allence of The Weed, how was your own imagination of the hotel scene?
Thanks as well to Prizz and Silent Trowa for their reviews.
"Kikuchi-San! Welcome to Chicago! Glad to see you're not experiencing jet-lag. I heard you flew your own plane non-stop," greeted Jackson Sprewell, assistant director of Hexa-Secure Systems, the major American partner of Kikuchi's K-Security Systems.
"That's why 'he' flew the plane, Jack. That way, we cut almost four hours from the trip. I can't say the same about me though. I wanna hit the sack right now," replied Brentley Finch, Kikuchi's immediate assistant and American liaison who flew with him.
"Kikuchi-san flew the plane himself?!!", Francis Johnson III, CEO of Hexa-Secure asked incredulously.
"Not only that but he did so with a flight-control program of his own design. Who knows? Maybe we can get to sell that software to either BOEING or LOCKHEED-MARTIN," Brentley added.
That last statement brought even more delight to Francis Johnson III who for all intents and purposes, looked like his eyes were now dollar-signs.
"Well, we can sell the flight-control software, the jet-engine design-tweaks, AND the security-software, gentlemen. We DID fly non-stop on only a full tank of jet-fuel. Rest assured, I've brought enough homework for everyone and if we all do our jobs, we all can expect a nice profit before the quarter's end," Yoshito remarked.
The directors were impressed even more at Kikuchi's last statement. As they were heading for the exit, Brentley noticed that Kikuchi was quite out of sorts and seemed like he was expecting something as he kept looking at his watch every few minutes. However, Yoshito looked like he was doing so for the last time as Brentley noticed how his boss' features took on a resigned look.
"Expecting company, sir?" he asked.
"No, not really. Where will we be staying, by the way? I believe we caught our partners unawares as they weren't expecting us until the end of next month," Yoshito replied.
"There's 2 hotels that are more or less strategically near the Hexa-Secure headquarters and main building. The ones nearer are fully-booked until month's end. At least the hotels with vacancies are seasoned business-hotels so we won't really want much as far as amenities are concerned. And they both offer broadband connection," Brentley added.
Yoshito merely nodded in assent.
"I need to go to the men's room. You guys wait for me, will you?" Yoshito asked.
As he headed for the CR, another plane was making final preparations to land.
"Flight K-1JPN55, you are cleared for landing. Please take runway 2A and disembark there for processing. Welcome to Chicago," control-tower stated.
"Runway 2A? But that'll take us longer to reach the exit," the pilot replied.
"I'm sorry but that's the best we can do. It was a last-minute notification and we almost didn't manage to squeeze you through the tight schedule," tower replied.
"Roger that. We'll proceed to Runway 2A now."
The Kanzaki Enterprises Company Jet made a beeline for the said runway. Inside, Urumi Kanzaki was waiting impatiently.
"Are you sure we couldn't have used the main runway, Captain Tyler?"
"Affirmative, Miss Kanzaki. You heard what the tower said; we almost weren't allowed to land in the first place since we changed flight-schedule in mid-flight. If one of the 2 flights before wasn't a company jet as well, we would be in Boston right now," replied the pilot.
"Get me Harriet Newark again!" Kanzaki almost yelled. Her target would be getting away if they weren't able to clear things up with the U.S. Immigration officials.
"Harriet! Are you at the airport? What happened with Immigration? I need to get through immediately!" Kanzaki half-yelled.
"We're just clearing up last minute details, Miss Kanzaki. Just go straight to the exit after you've disembarked. I'll have our people coordinate with the airport officials and staff so that they won't impede your way. I'll meet you there," replied Harriet, Kanzaki's trusted aide.
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Back in the airport lounge, Kikuchi had just returned from the comfort room and was heading back to join Brentley and the others. They would be heading for the hotels Brentley mentioned so as to get some R & R before getting 'back in the saddle again'.
"Alright now; we're all set. All our luggage has been loaded and are waiting outside. Shall we, boss?" Brentley asked to which, Kikuchi nodded in assent.
They were about to head to the exit when they heard a bit of commotion in the arrival area.
"I'm sorry miss, but we'll have to ask you to wait until we've checked your papers," stated an official who was one of those whom Harriet Newark wasn't able to coordinate with immediately.
"Miss, please wait for a few minutes and we'll be done......................"
"Here are the necessary documents you need, sir. You'll see that everything is in order so please let my superior through now. We have an important client to catch up with," Harriet stated as she cut in and gave the papers to the Immigration official.
A quick browse of the documents and Kanzaki was allowed to go through.
"I'm sorry for the delay, ma'am. I'll just see to your luggage," Harriet apologized.
"That's okay, Harrriet. We'll be waiting for you outside," Kanzaki replied as she turned and headed for the lounge.
Kikuchi saw what had happened and had to smile to himself at Kanzaki's actions. Indeed, anyone who didn't know her would've suffered her subtle wrath and the immigration official was no exception as he had to sheepishly smile as he let Kanzaki through the gate.
"Isn't that Urumi Kanzaki, the new head of Kanzaki Enterprises?!!" remarked Jack Sprewell who was first to notice her as she headed their way.
"Yes, it is! What's she doing here in Chicago? I thought we weren't to meet with her until later this week?!!" Mr. Johnson stated as he gaped in surprise.
"You seem quite surprised to see your soon-to-be business-partner, Mr. Johnson. I thought you'd be happy to see her," Brentley inquired.
Indeed, Mr. Johnson had been in negotiations with Kanzaki Enterprises so that he could convince them of his company's worth. He thought that he could impress them better by having K-Security Systems as a major-partner. Brentley had found out about this a week ago.
"I've yet to convince her of Hexa-Secure's performance!" Mr. Johnson thought to himself. He turned to Kikuchi and said:
"Now listen here, my boy: you're my ace in the hole here. Act like you're my partner already so that WE can persuade her to push through with her investment on Hexa-Secure Systems. You're both Japanese so it's even better. You'll stand to get a hefty profit when this pushes through. Just please help me out!" begged Mr. Johnson in a way reminiscent of Seirin High's former Vice-Principal. Uchiyamada.
"I'll see what I can do, Sir. But how much are we talking about here?" Kikuchi replied.
"What?!! You're already a major partner? What more do you want?!!" Mr. Johnson asked.
"Well, there will be some added risk so I expect a bigger renumeration of sorts here. Tell you what: make me a full associate AND co-chairman of our partnership and you've got a deal," Kikuchi declared even as he noted Kanzaki getting near.
"Alright, alright! You got it! Just make sure she says yes!" Mr. Johnson wailed silently.
Kikuchi had to smile to himself at the outcome. He then prepared himself as Kanzaki casually strode up to them and Mr. Johnson greeted her.
"Ms. Kanzaki! What a pleasant surprise! I thought we weren't due to meet until next week..............errk!!" was all Mr' Johnson could say as Kanzaki suddenly slapped Kikuchi in the face.
"Oh no! She doesn't like him?!! What did he do?!! I'm sunk!!!" Mr. Johnson thought as his attention was diverted by his thoughts of getting bankrupt.
They were all surprised when Kanzaki slapped Kikuchi. But they were flabbergasted when she suddenly placed her hand behind Kikuchi's neck and pulled him into a kiss that lasted a few minutes. She broke away just as Mr. Johnson's attention went back to them.
"Glad to see you too, Urumi," Kikuchi greeted as he held his stinging left cheek.
"That, was for not showing up at the airport," Kanzaki stated.
'I see. What was the kiss for then?" Kikuchi teased.
"Idiot. You should know that by now," Kanzaki replied.
"Wha-wha-what's going on here?!!" Mr. Johnson asked incredulously.
"Gentlemen: may I present Miss Urumi Kanzaki, head of Kanzaki Enterprises and your soon to be business partner......"
"And his fiancee'." Kanzaki cut in while referring to Kikuchi.
"Errr....yes, my wife-to-be," Kikuchi stated as he looked at Kanzaki amusedly.
Mr. Johnson's eyes lit up like a Christmas tree as his thoughts went haywire at the idea of making that much profit. Not only did his 2 major partners know each other already, they were engaged as well. By this time. Harriet was done with the documentation and joined them.
"Took you long enough," Brentley greeted.
"That last official was a pain. I see they've introduced themselves. Where are we off to?" Harriet replied.
"We're to inspect the only 2 business hotels that have vacancies. We DID arrive without proper notice, you know," Brentley added.
The 2 aides were already familiar with each other though both Kikuchi and Kanzaki didn't mind.
"Where will we be staying here in Chicago, by the way?" Kanzaki asked as she locked her arms into Kikuchi's as they walked.
"Well, there are 2 hotels that have room for us. They're business hotels but they will have to do for now as the others are full," Kikuchi replied.
"Hotels?!! I won't have that! Both of you can use my summer-house just outside the city. I'll have the company-helicopter on standby for you. Our business-partners deserve better, don't they, Jack?" declared an over-eager Mr. Johnson.
Jack Sprewell had to chuckle to himself at those words. Mr. Johnson had the words 'PROFIT' written all over him.
"I'll take them there myself, Francis," he replied.
"What do you people want to do for now? Our meetings were scheduled for next week, you know," Jack asked the two.
"What do you think, Urumi? A tour of the city?" Kikuchi proposed.
"That AND shopping! This IS Chicago, you know," she replied, eliciting slight laughter from Kikuchi.
"Your card or mine?"
"Yours. You still owe me, remember?"
THE END
This shouldn't have existed in the first place but after the requests for a sequel, I just had to give in.
To Miguel Artadi, keep on rockin' with your fic.
To TheBigW, here it is, voila!
To Allence of The Weed, how was your own imagination of the hotel scene?
Thanks as well to Prizz and Silent Trowa for their reviews.
"Kikuchi-San! Welcome to Chicago! Glad to see you're not experiencing jet-lag. I heard you flew your own plane non-stop," greeted Jackson Sprewell, assistant director of Hexa-Secure Systems, the major American partner of Kikuchi's K-Security Systems.
"That's why 'he' flew the plane, Jack. That way, we cut almost four hours from the trip. I can't say the same about me though. I wanna hit the sack right now," replied Brentley Finch, Kikuchi's immediate assistant and American liaison who flew with him.
"Kikuchi-san flew the plane himself?!!", Francis Johnson III, CEO of Hexa-Secure asked incredulously.
"Not only that but he did so with a flight-control program of his own design. Who knows? Maybe we can get to sell that software to either BOEING or LOCKHEED-MARTIN," Brentley added.
That last statement brought even more delight to Francis Johnson III who for all intents and purposes, looked like his eyes were now dollar-signs.
"Well, we can sell the flight-control software, the jet-engine design-tweaks, AND the security-software, gentlemen. We DID fly non-stop on only a full tank of jet-fuel. Rest assured, I've brought enough homework for everyone and if we all do our jobs, we all can expect a nice profit before the quarter's end," Yoshito remarked.
The directors were impressed even more at Kikuchi's last statement. As they were heading for the exit, Brentley noticed that Kikuchi was quite out of sorts and seemed like he was expecting something as he kept looking at his watch every few minutes. However, Yoshito looked like he was doing so for the last time as Brentley noticed how his boss' features took on a resigned look.
"Expecting company, sir?" he asked.
"No, not really. Where will we be staying, by the way? I believe we caught our partners unawares as they weren't expecting us until the end of next month," Yoshito replied.
"There's 2 hotels that are more or less strategically near the Hexa-Secure headquarters and main building. The ones nearer are fully-booked until month's end. At least the hotels with vacancies are seasoned business-hotels so we won't really want much as far as amenities are concerned. And they both offer broadband connection," Brentley added.
Yoshito merely nodded in assent.
"I need to go to the men's room. You guys wait for me, will you?" Yoshito asked.
As he headed for the CR, another plane was making final preparations to land.
"Flight K-1JPN55, you are cleared for landing. Please take runway 2A and disembark there for processing. Welcome to Chicago," control-tower stated.
"Runway 2A? But that'll take us longer to reach the exit," the pilot replied.
"I'm sorry but that's the best we can do. It was a last-minute notification and we almost didn't manage to squeeze you through the tight schedule," tower replied.
"Roger that. We'll proceed to Runway 2A now."
The Kanzaki Enterprises Company Jet made a beeline for the said runway. Inside, Urumi Kanzaki was waiting impatiently.
"Are you sure we couldn't have used the main runway, Captain Tyler?"
"Affirmative, Miss Kanzaki. You heard what the tower said; we almost weren't allowed to land in the first place since we changed flight-schedule in mid-flight. If one of the 2 flights before wasn't a company jet as well, we would be in Boston right now," replied the pilot.
"Get me Harriet Newark again!" Kanzaki almost yelled. Her target would be getting away if they weren't able to clear things up with the U.S. Immigration officials.
"Harriet! Are you at the airport? What happened with Immigration? I need to get through immediately!" Kanzaki half-yelled.
"We're just clearing up last minute details, Miss Kanzaki. Just go straight to the exit after you've disembarked. I'll have our people coordinate with the airport officials and staff so that they won't impede your way. I'll meet you there," replied Harriet, Kanzaki's trusted aide.
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Back in the airport lounge, Kikuchi had just returned from the comfort room and was heading back to join Brentley and the others. They would be heading for the hotels Brentley mentioned so as to get some R & R before getting 'back in the saddle again'.
"Alright now; we're all set. All our luggage has been loaded and are waiting outside. Shall we, boss?" Brentley asked to which, Kikuchi nodded in assent.
They were about to head to the exit when they heard a bit of commotion in the arrival area.
"I'm sorry miss, but we'll have to ask you to wait until we've checked your papers," stated an official who was one of those whom Harriet Newark wasn't able to coordinate with immediately.
"Miss, please wait for a few minutes and we'll be done......................"
"Here are the necessary documents you need, sir. You'll see that everything is in order so please let my superior through now. We have an important client to catch up with," Harriet stated as she cut in and gave the papers to the Immigration official.
A quick browse of the documents and Kanzaki was allowed to go through.
"I'm sorry for the delay, ma'am. I'll just see to your luggage," Harriet apologized.
"That's okay, Harrriet. We'll be waiting for you outside," Kanzaki replied as she turned and headed for the lounge.
Kikuchi saw what had happened and had to smile to himself at Kanzaki's actions. Indeed, anyone who didn't know her would've suffered her subtle wrath and the immigration official was no exception as he had to sheepishly smile as he let Kanzaki through the gate.
"Isn't that Urumi Kanzaki, the new head of Kanzaki Enterprises?!!" remarked Jack Sprewell who was first to notice her as she headed their way.
"Yes, it is! What's she doing here in Chicago? I thought we weren't to meet with her until later this week?!!" Mr. Johnson stated as he gaped in surprise.
"You seem quite surprised to see your soon-to-be business-partner, Mr. Johnson. I thought you'd be happy to see her," Brentley inquired.
Indeed, Mr. Johnson had been in negotiations with Kanzaki Enterprises so that he could convince them of his company's worth. He thought that he could impress them better by having K-Security Systems as a major-partner. Brentley had found out about this a week ago.
"I've yet to convince her of Hexa-Secure's performance!" Mr. Johnson thought to himself. He turned to Kikuchi and said:
"Now listen here, my boy: you're my ace in the hole here. Act like you're my partner already so that WE can persuade her to push through with her investment on Hexa-Secure Systems. You're both Japanese so it's even better. You'll stand to get a hefty profit when this pushes through. Just please help me out!" begged Mr. Johnson in a way reminiscent of Seirin High's former Vice-Principal. Uchiyamada.
"I'll see what I can do, Sir. But how much are we talking about here?" Kikuchi replied.
"What?!! You're already a major partner? What more do you want?!!" Mr. Johnson asked.
"Well, there will be some added risk so I expect a bigger renumeration of sorts here. Tell you what: make me a full associate AND co-chairman of our partnership and you've got a deal," Kikuchi declared even as he noted Kanzaki getting near.
"Alright, alright! You got it! Just make sure she says yes!" Mr. Johnson wailed silently.
Kikuchi had to smile to himself at the outcome. He then prepared himself as Kanzaki casually strode up to them and Mr. Johnson greeted her.
"Ms. Kanzaki! What a pleasant surprise! I thought we weren't due to meet until next week..............errk!!" was all Mr' Johnson could say as Kanzaki suddenly slapped Kikuchi in the face.
"Oh no! She doesn't like him?!! What did he do?!! I'm sunk!!!" Mr. Johnson thought as his attention was diverted by his thoughts of getting bankrupt.
They were all surprised when Kanzaki slapped Kikuchi. But they were flabbergasted when she suddenly placed her hand behind Kikuchi's neck and pulled him into a kiss that lasted a few minutes. She broke away just as Mr. Johnson's attention went back to them.
"Glad to see you too, Urumi," Kikuchi greeted as he held his stinging left cheek.
"That, was for not showing up at the airport," Kanzaki stated.
'I see. What was the kiss for then?" Kikuchi teased.
"Idiot. You should know that by now," Kanzaki replied.
"Wha-wha-what's going on here?!!" Mr. Johnson asked incredulously.
"Gentlemen: may I present Miss Urumi Kanzaki, head of Kanzaki Enterprises and your soon to be business partner......"
"And his fiancee'." Kanzaki cut in while referring to Kikuchi.
"Errr....yes, my wife-to-be," Kikuchi stated as he looked at Kanzaki amusedly.
Mr. Johnson's eyes lit up like a Christmas tree as his thoughts went haywire at the idea of making that much profit. Not only did his 2 major partners know each other already, they were engaged as well. By this time. Harriet was done with the documentation and joined them.
"Took you long enough," Brentley greeted.
"That last official was a pain. I see they've introduced themselves. Where are we off to?" Harriet replied.
"We're to inspect the only 2 business hotels that have vacancies. We DID arrive without proper notice, you know," Brentley added.
The 2 aides were already familiar with each other though both Kikuchi and Kanzaki didn't mind.
"Where will we be staying here in Chicago, by the way?" Kanzaki asked as she locked her arms into Kikuchi's as they walked.
"Well, there are 2 hotels that have room for us. They're business hotels but they will have to do for now as the others are full," Kikuchi replied.
"Hotels?!! I won't have that! Both of you can use my summer-house just outside the city. I'll have the company-helicopter on standby for you. Our business-partners deserve better, don't they, Jack?" declared an over-eager Mr. Johnson.
Jack Sprewell had to chuckle to himself at those words. Mr. Johnson had the words 'PROFIT' written all over him.
"I'll take them there myself, Francis," he replied.
"What do you people want to do for now? Our meetings were scheduled for next week, you know," Jack asked the two.
"What do you think, Urumi? A tour of the city?" Kikuchi proposed.
"That AND shopping! This IS Chicago, you know," she replied, eliciting slight laughter from Kikuchi.
"Your card or mine?"
"Yours. You still owe me, remember?"
THE END