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Chapter 9
I poured a full glass of vodka out for myself and downed it in a single gulp. I should have, I should have, I should have.
But indeed, could I have?
Perhaps, but even then I could not. Merely a pawn in this twisted game, I knew my only defense was my enigmatic solitude, my cold distance. I supposed that someone would have eventually found out and indeed, who better than Miss Anison? She was my good friend, and perceptive enough to pick up on my self destructive habits and link them together.
In fact, my actions were strange, even to me. Even in peak performance, that monster was a match for me. My fighting is done with a weapon, two actually.
But through the day, I am usually unarmed. Which left me with a terrible dilemma.
Like most forms of power, magic acts as a double edged sword. Like anything, it can be used for great good as well as great evil. Power corrupts the rational thinking process, causing one to do stupid things. I saw that in myself while under Beryl's control, and saw her unbelieving hubris in her pursuit of the senshi.
Yet, power can also be employed with great nobility, with strength and dignity. I did not know whether I was capable of such, and therefore began to wonder whether I was justified in unleashing powers I probably still had.
Another swig of vodka scrambled those thoughts and I sank lower into my chair. This would not be an easy decision.
Bowties suck. I fiddled with mine for a while, twisting it around and around, until it looked like an awful mess. Sighing, I restarted, this time making it look semi- presentable. Shrugging on my jacket, I gazed into the mirror and smiled. A little bit of that terrible weight had been lifted from my shoulders.
I know now why the senshi, and the original generals had been created in groups. It was imperative that they knew someone that might share their pain, victories and defeats. Comradery and friendship were the only things that would keep their sanity. Were they alone...they might turn out like me, lonely, with no one to turn to, no one to understand the torment I faced every day.
Even as I revealed what I was to Dana, I shielded her from much of the truth of my being. But as she said, that would come another time.
Now, I must be Ryan Kaitou, leader in business, not war.
"Regretting your not telling me?"
I spared a glance backward, "Not yet and I'm even sober. I think I could get used to this."
Dana folded her arms across her chest and I smiled rakishly at her through the mirror. She rolled her eyes, "Are you done yet?"
The bowtie finally fixed itself. I straightened my cuff links and then gazed back into the mirror. In a way, every meeting and party I had to attend was yet another audition for me to win. I had to cajole, convince, and threaten my way through the business world, employing every ugly tactic in the book to win a deal. Acting came easily to me, never showing my insecurities or fears. Dammit, I deserve an academy award.
Amusedly, "Have you ever listened to me when I said I wasn't?"
"No, so let's go."
I smiled, "Tanaka-san, I am infinitely confident in this company's ability to cater to the needs of your business."
The heavy set man leaned back easily, "Indeed. Your reputation precedes you."
I grinned easily, "I thank you for the kind sentiments, but I would rather our products speak for themselves."
Dana spotted me from across the room and walked over with another customer in tow. When she wanted to be, Dana could be incredibly charming, often to the benefit of the company. She had a wonderful way with customers, playing off their prejudices and preconceptions so I could make the sale.
I scanned the room for a second, catching the eye of Jerry, who seemed to be in deep conversation with another customer. He lifted his glass in a slight salute, signal that another sale was to be made.
"Tanaka-san, enough of this business talk! We are here to have fun, ne? May I introduce you to my Human Resources Director, Miss Dana Anison."
Dana picked up beautifully, taking his hand and warmly shaking it. "Kaitou-san, this is Yoshihiro-san. I believe you two have met before?"
Smiling widely, I took the newcomer's hand and slapped him on the back, "Of course I know this man, Dana! How are you doing? How's the golf swing? I had hoped to see you at Pebble Beach this year."
The man smiled and the audition started all over again. A few minutes of small talk, and then into the sale. It was proving to be a good night. After that, I gracefully exited the conversation to find a drink.
"Champagne, sir?"
I smiled and shook my head, "No thank you." As a simple pet peeve, I would not drink during a sale. There was simply too much to lose. However, I equally could not afford to be a distant host, so I opted for some apple cider in a champagne glass.
There would time time enough for drinking later.
Rei stood around nervously fiddling with her glass. No doubt about it, this was a high class affair. The imported French red in her hand proved that, along with the penguin clad businessmen milling around the area with their more colorful companions. In fact, she felt a bit put out, maybe even out classed.
In a most unladylike fashion, she snorted angrily. Damnation, nobody outclassed her. Besides-
"Hino-san!" Ryan walked over carrying what looked like a glass of champagne, "I was wondering when you would show!"
Rei bowed slightly to the tall man, attempting to hide a grin, "I would not have missed this for all the world. Most unfortunately, I could not find a date for Miss Dana..."
He waved it off, "Dana is busy enough, without a date. Anyway, I need you for a moment." Kaitou-san offered his arm.
She took it with only the faintest hint of a blush, then started to redden in earnest as he led her to a d istinguished looking couple.
"Rei-san, may I introduce you to MP Ishigaki?"
Rei favored him with a dazzling smile, as she fought back a slight headiness. Ishigaki was the minister in charge of MITI, the most powerful scion of the Japanese government and progenitor of Japan's whirlwind economic growth. The parliament member was a prominent leader in his party and was a favorite for the prime ministership.
All this of course begged a central question. Who the hell was her boss and how did he manage to get this sort of political pull?
"Kaitou-san, you know some of the most interesting people."
I smiled disarmingly, "I don't know what you're talking about."
Rei smiled back, this time a little slyly, "I believe you do. You know exactly what I'm refering to."
"Ah, you mean Ishigaki-san? He's an old friend from Stanford. He was the terror of the economics department while I was an undergraduate. He always knocked me down on term papers."
"I see. An old boys network of sorts?"
I looked her in the eye, "As with any great school, there is a tendency to help their own. Tokyo University, I am certain, has something very similar."
Rei waved her hand, "The incredible network of golf players and glorified bean counters. I'm thrilled."
I shrugged, "There is importance in all sorts of contacts. Such as overbearing, arrogant economics professors."
Rei fought back a grin and I smiled in return. "I suppose its something I'll have to learn over time."
"And learn it you will. At any rate, let's go meet some more people."
She made a face, "Why? It's not like they're paying us."
I chided her gently, "Even were that true, these people are going your closest contacts in the future. To jobs, to deals, to future beaus, etc."
"I'm but a simple secretary."
"And Peter Lynch was just a golf caddy."
Rei held onto his arm, silent for a moment, "Do you really believe that?"
"I believe that you're over qualified for the job that you currently have. But given the current job market, I can;t blame you for taking it. In America, you could find a job working for McKinsey or Citibank, I am certain. In Britain, Lloyds or Barclays."
"I have a friend working for Barclays right now. Minako Aino?"
I smiled, "I know her father professionally. Aino-san is a good man, though we've never been particularly close."
"Wow. You do know everyone this is town."
"I try my best." The tunes of a tango began to emanate from the bandstand on the stage. "Hino-san, do you dance?"
Rei looked flustered, "I'm a little out of practice. MY friend Usagi taught me a long time ago."
"Indulge a small whim. I'm sorely needing of some exercise."
She smiled, but hesitated. "Alright, so long as you aren;t fresh."
"And there goes my master plan."
"Har har." I manuevered my hand to her waist, and she took up the standard ballroom position.
When I had danced at Stanford, one of my instructors had commented that the waltz was a dance of love and that the tango was the dance of foreplay. It is an apt comparison.
It mainly involves the man doing a few basic steps, while manuevering the woman around him in calculated slithers. It's wonderfully ego boosting.
Yet, that night it was hardly my intent. I found Rei intriguing. It took a little nudging, but after a little while, she began to talk freely about herself, school, and lamentable lack of a love life.
"You'd think that college would be a maturing experience."
I snorted out a laugh, "In your fondest dreams. Men don't mature during college. They regress."
"Now I know. Older guys are probably my only chance."
I looked down sternly, "You shouldn;t be thinking like that, especially at your age. Have a bit of fun before getting married."
"With yourself as an example?"
"Well, celibacy does have its pluses."
"Awww. I'm sure its not that bad."
"Of course it isn't. Especially when I can spend the night at work. You should know how busy the next few months are."
"Yes, I make your schedule, remember? Which reminds me...do I get stock options before the public offering?"
"I know it's company policy to allow employees to devote up to 25 of pre-tax income to the purchase of shares before going public. But you need to look through your contract."
"Hmm, something to ponder, I suppose. So...Kaitou-san, how do you like Japan?"
I shrugged and smiled, "It's changed a bit since I last came."
Rei twirled out of my reach for a moment, then returned, "How so?"
"Come now Rei-san, you certainly see it. The bustle is gone, the everlasting optimism."
"The job market?"
"That's why I started my own business."
"It is a bit easier in America."
I laughed, "This is true." I stopped for a moment, "I think you would like it there."
Rei giggled, "We should take a trip together."
"Perhaps another time. We have much to do."
"Yes, we do."
"So can I get uproariously drunk right now?"
Dana sank back into her chair in exhaustion, "Seventeen new clients. Even more who are willing to purchase upgrades. This is good."
Rei look dubiously at her, "That's a pretty small number."
I wagged my finger at her, "Technically, yes. But each of these clients has several hundred computers to install software on. Plus server technologies. Plus charges for customer service. We've got some good stuff coming out of the Skunk Works."
Dana laughed, "Besides, we;ve got a lot of other product lines, especially for personal consumers."
I pushed myself up and then searched the table for a bottle. The cleaning crew hadn't shown up and perhaps there would be a half filled bottle of something or other. "Would any of you girls like a drink? I think I've been sober all night and that simply cannot be."
"You know, I'm beginning to think that you're an alcoholic, Ryan."
"Well, there are two weaknesses that executives are allowed to have. Alcoholism and egotism. I plan to take full advantage of both. Ooh, whiskey! Let's see....oh, it's Japanese."
Rei glared, "What's wrong with Japanese whiskey?"
"Besides the low alcohol content, and plastic aftertaste? Hmm, a bottle of vodka. Russian. Much better. Anybody else want a drink?"
Chapter 9
I poured a full glass of vodka out for myself and downed it in a single gulp. I should have, I should have, I should have.
But indeed, could I have?
Perhaps, but even then I could not. Merely a pawn in this twisted game, I knew my only defense was my enigmatic solitude, my cold distance. I supposed that someone would have eventually found out and indeed, who better than Miss Anison? She was my good friend, and perceptive enough to pick up on my self destructive habits and link them together.
In fact, my actions were strange, even to me. Even in peak performance, that monster was a match for me. My fighting is done with a weapon, two actually.
But through the day, I am usually unarmed. Which left me with a terrible dilemma.
Like most forms of power, magic acts as a double edged sword. Like anything, it can be used for great good as well as great evil. Power corrupts the rational thinking process, causing one to do stupid things. I saw that in myself while under Beryl's control, and saw her unbelieving hubris in her pursuit of the senshi.
Yet, power can also be employed with great nobility, with strength and dignity. I did not know whether I was capable of such, and therefore began to wonder whether I was justified in unleashing powers I probably still had.
Another swig of vodka scrambled those thoughts and I sank lower into my chair. This would not be an easy decision.
Bowties suck. I fiddled with mine for a while, twisting it around and around, until it looked like an awful mess. Sighing, I restarted, this time making it look semi- presentable. Shrugging on my jacket, I gazed into the mirror and smiled. A little bit of that terrible weight had been lifted from my shoulders.
I know now why the senshi, and the original generals had been created in groups. It was imperative that they knew someone that might share their pain, victories and defeats. Comradery and friendship were the only things that would keep their sanity. Were they alone...they might turn out like me, lonely, with no one to turn to, no one to understand the torment I faced every day.
Even as I revealed what I was to Dana, I shielded her from much of the truth of my being. But as she said, that would come another time.
Now, I must be Ryan Kaitou, leader in business, not war.
"Regretting your not telling me?"
I spared a glance backward, "Not yet and I'm even sober. I think I could get used to this."
Dana folded her arms across her chest and I smiled rakishly at her through the mirror. She rolled her eyes, "Are you done yet?"
The bowtie finally fixed itself. I straightened my cuff links and then gazed back into the mirror. In a way, every meeting and party I had to attend was yet another audition for me to win. I had to cajole, convince, and threaten my way through the business world, employing every ugly tactic in the book to win a deal. Acting came easily to me, never showing my insecurities or fears. Dammit, I deserve an academy award.
Amusedly, "Have you ever listened to me when I said I wasn't?"
"No, so let's go."
I smiled, "Tanaka-san, I am infinitely confident in this company's ability to cater to the needs of your business."
The heavy set man leaned back easily, "Indeed. Your reputation precedes you."
I grinned easily, "I thank you for the kind sentiments, but I would rather our products speak for themselves."
Dana spotted me from across the room and walked over with another customer in tow. When she wanted to be, Dana could be incredibly charming, often to the benefit of the company. She had a wonderful way with customers, playing off their prejudices and preconceptions so I could make the sale.
I scanned the room for a second, catching the eye of Jerry, who seemed to be in deep conversation with another customer. He lifted his glass in a slight salute, signal that another sale was to be made.
"Tanaka-san, enough of this business talk! We are here to have fun, ne? May I introduce you to my Human Resources Director, Miss Dana Anison."
Dana picked up beautifully, taking his hand and warmly shaking it. "Kaitou-san, this is Yoshihiro-san. I believe you two have met before?"
Smiling widely, I took the newcomer's hand and slapped him on the back, "Of course I know this man, Dana! How are you doing? How's the golf swing? I had hoped to see you at Pebble Beach this year."
The man smiled and the audition started all over again. A few minutes of small talk, and then into the sale. It was proving to be a good night. After that, I gracefully exited the conversation to find a drink.
"Champagne, sir?"
I smiled and shook my head, "No thank you." As a simple pet peeve, I would not drink during a sale. There was simply too much to lose. However, I equally could not afford to be a distant host, so I opted for some apple cider in a champagne glass.
There would time time enough for drinking later.
Rei stood around nervously fiddling with her glass. No doubt about it, this was a high class affair. The imported French red in her hand proved that, along with the penguin clad businessmen milling around the area with their more colorful companions. In fact, she felt a bit put out, maybe even out classed.
In a most unladylike fashion, she snorted angrily. Damnation, nobody outclassed her. Besides-
"Hino-san!" Ryan walked over carrying what looked like a glass of champagne, "I was wondering when you would show!"
Rei bowed slightly to the tall man, attempting to hide a grin, "I would not have missed this for all the world. Most unfortunately, I could not find a date for Miss Dana..."
He waved it off, "Dana is busy enough, without a date. Anyway, I need you for a moment." Kaitou-san offered his arm.
She took it with only the faintest hint of a blush, then started to redden in earnest as he led her to a d istinguished looking couple.
"Rei-san, may I introduce you to MP Ishigaki?"
Rei favored him with a dazzling smile, as she fought back a slight headiness. Ishigaki was the minister in charge of MITI, the most powerful scion of the Japanese government and progenitor of Japan's whirlwind economic growth. The parliament member was a prominent leader in his party and was a favorite for the prime ministership.
All this of course begged a central question. Who the hell was her boss and how did he manage to get this sort of political pull?
"Kaitou-san, you know some of the most interesting people."
I smiled disarmingly, "I don't know what you're talking about."
Rei smiled back, this time a little slyly, "I believe you do. You know exactly what I'm refering to."
"Ah, you mean Ishigaki-san? He's an old friend from Stanford. He was the terror of the economics department while I was an undergraduate. He always knocked me down on term papers."
"I see. An old boys network of sorts?"
I looked her in the eye, "As with any great school, there is a tendency to help their own. Tokyo University, I am certain, has something very similar."
Rei waved her hand, "The incredible network of golf players and glorified bean counters. I'm thrilled."
I shrugged, "There is importance in all sorts of contacts. Such as overbearing, arrogant economics professors."
Rei fought back a grin and I smiled in return. "I suppose its something I'll have to learn over time."
"And learn it you will. At any rate, let's go meet some more people."
She made a face, "Why? It's not like they're paying us."
I chided her gently, "Even were that true, these people are going your closest contacts in the future. To jobs, to deals, to future beaus, etc."
"I'm but a simple secretary."
"And Peter Lynch was just a golf caddy."
Rei held onto his arm, silent for a moment, "Do you really believe that?"
"I believe that you're over qualified for the job that you currently have. But given the current job market, I can;t blame you for taking it. In America, you could find a job working for McKinsey or Citibank, I am certain. In Britain, Lloyds or Barclays."
"I have a friend working for Barclays right now. Minako Aino?"
I smiled, "I know her father professionally. Aino-san is a good man, though we've never been particularly close."
"Wow. You do know everyone this is town."
"I try my best." The tunes of a tango began to emanate from the bandstand on the stage. "Hino-san, do you dance?"
Rei looked flustered, "I'm a little out of practice. MY friend Usagi taught me a long time ago."
"Indulge a small whim. I'm sorely needing of some exercise."
She smiled, but hesitated. "Alright, so long as you aren;t fresh."
"And there goes my master plan."
"Har har." I manuevered my hand to her waist, and she took up the standard ballroom position.
When I had danced at Stanford, one of my instructors had commented that the waltz was a dance of love and that the tango was the dance of foreplay. It is an apt comparison.
It mainly involves the man doing a few basic steps, while manuevering the woman around him in calculated slithers. It's wonderfully ego boosting.
Yet, that night it was hardly my intent. I found Rei intriguing. It took a little nudging, but after a little while, she began to talk freely about herself, school, and lamentable lack of a love life.
"You'd think that college would be a maturing experience."
I snorted out a laugh, "In your fondest dreams. Men don't mature during college. They regress."
"Now I know. Older guys are probably my only chance."
I looked down sternly, "You shouldn;t be thinking like that, especially at your age. Have a bit of fun before getting married."
"With yourself as an example?"
"Well, celibacy does have its pluses."
"Awww. I'm sure its not that bad."
"Of course it isn't. Especially when I can spend the night at work. You should know how busy the next few months are."
"Yes, I make your schedule, remember? Which reminds me...do I get stock options before the public offering?"
"I know it's company policy to allow employees to devote up to 25 of pre-tax income to the purchase of shares before going public. But you need to look through your contract."
"Hmm, something to ponder, I suppose. So...Kaitou-san, how do you like Japan?"
I shrugged and smiled, "It's changed a bit since I last came."
Rei twirled out of my reach for a moment, then returned, "How so?"
"Come now Rei-san, you certainly see it. The bustle is gone, the everlasting optimism."
"The job market?"
"That's why I started my own business."
"It is a bit easier in America."
I laughed, "This is true." I stopped for a moment, "I think you would like it there."
Rei giggled, "We should take a trip together."
"Perhaps another time. We have much to do."
"Yes, we do."
"So can I get uproariously drunk right now?"
Dana sank back into her chair in exhaustion, "Seventeen new clients. Even more who are willing to purchase upgrades. This is good."
Rei look dubiously at her, "That's a pretty small number."
I wagged my finger at her, "Technically, yes. But each of these clients has several hundred computers to install software on. Plus server technologies. Plus charges for customer service. We've got some good stuff coming out of the Skunk Works."
Dana laughed, "Besides, we;ve got a lot of other product lines, especially for personal consumers."
I pushed myself up and then searched the table for a bottle. The cleaning crew hadn't shown up and perhaps there would be a half filled bottle of something or other. "Would any of you girls like a drink? I think I've been sober all night and that simply cannot be."
"You know, I'm beginning to think that you're an alcoholic, Ryan."
"Well, there are two weaknesses that executives are allowed to have. Alcoholism and egotism. I plan to take full advantage of both. Ooh, whiskey! Let's see....oh, it's Japanese."
Rei glared, "What's wrong with Japanese whiskey?"
"Besides the low alcohol content, and plastic aftertaste? Hmm, a bottle of vodka. Russian. Much better. Anybody else want a drink?"