NOIR

Chapter Two

Sword

By Steve Edward

Saturday, June 12th 0900 hours, Taito-ku District, Tokyo, Japan

Gina Baldwin took Kirika Yumura with her to the Foundation Offices, while Randy and Mireille worked to the find the sender. Randy eased the Armada to the side of the street briefly and verified that they were where they supposed to be. Mireille Bouquet slipping her sun glasses down viewed the purported address, "A city park?" Randy tapping the navigation screen grunted, "With a drop box no less, time to visit the post office."

Saturday, June 12th 0930 hours, Baldwin Foundation Offices, Tokyo, Japan

Kirika Yumura walking behind Gina Baldwin entered the offices of the foundation, and with Gina was greeted by the receptionist who passed several messages to Gina Baldwin. Gina flipping through them thanked the young woman, then turned towards the central part of the office area and headed for the main office suite, "Kirika? Would you like anything?" Kirika replied, "Some tea perhaps?"

Putting her briefcase down on the desk, Gina Baldwin tapped the intercom, "Please bring tea and coffee." The voice on the intercom acknowledged the request and disconnected.

Gina turning to the desktop opened the e-mail system and waited for the messages to complete downloading, "Kirika? Mireille said it began here in Tokyo, nine years ago maybe closer to ten now. What do you remember of being here?"

The knock on the door announced the tea and coffee had arrived. A cart pushed by another young woman entered and Gina thanked her, "Sei, when Yoko arrives would you please send her to me." Sei acknowledged she would and departed, closing the door.

Kirika replied, "I remember waking up in an apartment, lying on a bed. I found an identification card in the pocket of my school uniform and the school books of course were nearby. I attended the high school for three months before contacting Mireille."

Gina Baldwin, a former school teacher and educator replied, "Kirika, I want you to write everything down that you can recall of your time here in Tokyo. No matter how trivial it may seem, please do so. Your limited known past is part of this, maybe we might find something worthwhile."

Yoko Yoshiro arrived at 9:45 and told that Gina Baldwin wanted to see her; Yoko hurried to the office and knocked on the door. Gina Baldwin looking up smiled, "Hello Yoko, please come in."

Kirika Yumura turned to see Yoko, recognized the woman before her and bowed, "It is pleasure to see you once again."

Saturday, June 12th 1100 hours, Baldwin Foundation Offices, Tokyo, Japan

Mireille Bouquet and Randy Baldwin entered the building, and headed to the main office where they met up with Gina Baldwin. Yoko sitting at a nearby desk greeted Mireille as she walked past, "Madam Bouquet, it is an honor to meet you again." Mireille smiled then replied, "I hope things have gone well for you and your brother?" Yoko replied, "Yes they have. And good fortune has smiled on the remainder of my family as well."

Randy entered the office leaving the door open. Finding Kirika writing, he turned to his wife Gina, "We struck out. The address was bogus, a city park and the postal system has no record of even sending the sword to France. The Post Master himself examined the customs forms. They are all forgeries." Kirika stopped writing, "Forgeries?"

Randy replied, "They are the actual forms yes, but the tracking numbers are bogus as is the information contained on the customs forms. Somehow they got that sword into France, and into the postal system there. We need to have the Paris Office do some checking." Mireille entered the office and closed the door, "Yoko seems well adjusted."

Gina Baldwin replied, "Yes she is. She wanted to repay the Foundation in some fashion for the rescue. Then there is the matter of wanting to be like Kirika one day, helping people in trouble." Kirika spoke, "Does she know what really happened?" Randy replied, "No. Except for you two, the Singapore Police Superintendent and those directly involved she has no knowledge of the attempted attack against her and her brother. All she remembers is the wild driving Mireille did that day. That is all I intend for her to know."

Kirika setting her pen down turned to Gina, "I am finished now." Gina nodded, "Husband please pass that notepad over." Randy did as he was asked glancing at the writing, "Background history?" Gina replied, "Everything that Kirika remembers from her time here in Japan, till she and Mireille departed for France. Now if you will excuse me, everyone leave but Kirika. Shoo! Get out!"

Randy and Mireille left the office, and stopped in the break room. Randy getting coffee offered some to Mireille who accepted, "Ok. Before we leave, I'll e-mail Paris and have Kelly Summers try to track where that package was received within the French Postal System. It can not hurt to try that angle, after all Kirika did get notified that she had a package at the post office. Next we go and get the sword, and then we pay a visit to the University of Tokyo. They have a professor there who is an expert. Maybe he can tell us what he knows."

Saturday, June 12th 1300 hours, University of Tokyo

Randy Baldwin with Mireille Bouquet following the directions of the help desk, located the office of Professor Calvin Peters, however the student assistant advised that he was teaching a class and directed them to where it was.

Mireille Bouquet commented on the name as they walked to the classroom, "Interesting name, if he is Japanese." Randy replied, "My understanding is that the professor is from England. His expertise is second to none when it comes to antiques in the form of swords. Apparently Professor Peters divides his time between the universities."

Professor Peters turned to see who entered his class room then returned to the class, "Remember to study the major parts of the blade as I described them. I expect each of you to be able to recall them immediately when asked. Dismissed."

Randy noted the class was well attended, those filing out to their next classes most appeared absorbed with their class notes. Professor Peters waiting for the last student to leave turned to his guests, "Yes. How may assist you?"

Randy Baldwin stood then walked to the table at the front of the classroom and laid the case down, "Professor Peters. "I am Randy Baldwin, that is my associate Mireille Bouquet and we are with the Baldwin Foundation, I need you assistance with determining the authenticity of a sword."

Professor Peters seemed to sigh, "Well get on with it. Where did you purchase it?" Cocking an eyebrow Randy Baldwin replied, "Excuse me?" Mireille Bouquet seeing the line of questioning interrupted, "Professor Peters, it was neither purchased nor obtained at some shop catering to tourists. It was sent to a client of the Foundation, under very questionable circumstances. We desire you to authenticate the sword, however it appears we may erred in coming to you though your credentials speak volumes; as such we will seek assistance elsewhere. Mr. Baldwin shall we go?"

Professor Peters held up his hand, "I am sorry, but you must understand I get inundated with such requests both here in Tokyo and London. Please let me see the sword."

Unlocking the carrying case, Randy removing the protective cloth that covered the scabbard, stepped back. Professor Peters, placed his hands palm downward, and then extracted the scabbard from the case. Removing the sword slowly, the expression on his face was of amazement and shock, "Mr. Baldwin? Madam Bouquet? Just where did you say your client received this?" In silence, Randy removed a 100 Yen note from his pocket and passed it to Mireille. Mireille plucked the Yen note from his hand replied to the professor, "We did not exactly say did we?"

The next class beginning to arrive interrupted the professor who slowly turned the sword completely to view it, "Can you leave it please? I must examine it more closely." Randy replied, "No professor, I can not." Professor Calvin Peters was holding history in his hands mesmerized as he was he nearly forgot the class, "Mr. Baldwin? I, uh have another class. Would it be possible to return at 1800 hours? I must undertake an exhaustive study of this sword. Please?"

Agreeing to do so, Randy and Mireille departed the university to return that evening. The professor uncharacteristically began to stumble through the remaining afternoon classes unable to keep it out of his thoughts.

Saturday, June 12th 1500 hours, Baldwin Foundation Offices, Tokyo, Japan

The voice of Kelly Summers over the speaker phone filled the conference room, "We have checked through all customs databases covering all possible shipping methods. The French are being forthcoming with us and the postmaster of the post office that serves that address; advised that it did come off the mail truck that makes the routine deliveries to his facility. Back tracking is another matter, and it may not be worthwhile, since you did advise the tracking numbers are bogus."

Randy Baldwin, swiveled in his chair, "Kelly, you are likely correct, so don't bother. Give my thanks to the authorities there that have assisted. Getting all of this on short notice and on a Saturday no less was good work." Kelly Summers replied, "Well you are the boss. I had to drop your name several times to open some closed doors. Out of curiosity does this have anything to do with Kirika?" Randy replied, "Yes it does, for now keep things close." Kelly Summers acknowledged she would and disconnected.

Mireille Bouquet sitting next to Kirika Yumura spoke, "Someone went to a great deal of difficulty over this. From the reaction of the professor, I would say we have the proverbial bombshell sitting here." Gina Baldwin sitting across from her husband seemed to agree, "The sword is delivered to Kirika on Monday, and she ends up in a near trance for nearly four days. Her sole desire after you get her attention is that she needs to come to Japan. During the flight, she is in your words anti-social, Randy's observations of her behavior at the airport show that she was extremely possessive and anti-social refusing to discuss things. Less than two hours after arrival, she basically returns to her normal self."

Randy turned to Kirika, "Short of subjecting you to a medical examination, which I don't think is needed; I am satisfied with our theory. Conclusion the inscriptions on the blade triggered the event, to bring you to Japan, where all of this originally started for you and Mireille" Kirika replied, "My behavior was inappropriate likely because of this trigger or triggers. I do not understand why now I must be here."

Gina Baldwin continued, "An old classmate from collage works with the US Education Program at the Embassy here in Tokyo, I requested to see if she could obtain the educational records for Kirika. Surprisingly she was able to and forwarded the official transcript of her attendance to that high school that she went to here in Tokyo.

Shows she was a transfer student, but the transfer records did not come with the transcript. It seems those records were destroyed in a fire, one month after the date that we know Kirika and Mireille went to France. The apartment building where she lived at that time also no longer exists. It was demolished for a high rise office building two years later."

Randy impressed with his wife replied, "A lot of work in a short period of time." Gina replied, "Yes it was, but it gets even stranger. Her purported parents? Oddly enough, according to US Immigration records they arrived in the United States which concurs with the school records showing the parents in the United States. But the jobs that they were supposedly doing, they never arrived at their listed employer in the Silicon Valley region of California. They died in a motor vehicle accident in San Francisco, three hours after arrival. Carl Greensand's daughter, Anne is a homicide detective in San Francisco and she dug through the old records for us. It lists a motor vehicle accident on the said date of their arrival and that there were two victims. One male and one female. Bodies burned beyond recognition. Two passports were found near the wreckage were the only means of identification. The victims were returned to Japan for burial."

Mireille replied, "They covered their tracks. They meant for this to be." Randy replied, "Sister Altena meant it to be. Her goal was that you and Kirika were to have no living relatives. That came true after your uncle was given the task to kill Kirika, only Sister Altena knew that by then you would not allow it to happen and you killed your only remaining blood relative, her goal came to pass."

Kirika Yumura stood and without a further word, left the conference room. Randy watched her go, the sadness on her face evident "Her hopes of finding a living relative is no longer in her grasp. We are not directly related, but we are all she has including you Mireille." Mireille standing to leave replied, "Perhaps that is the best for all of us Mr. Baldwin. I will be back shortly." Gina watching the door close turned to her husband, "I may have offered too much hope for Kirika." Randy standing and walking to the locked transport case replied, "No you did not, and neither did I. This all has come about because of what is inside this case. She came to Japan because of it, something drew her here. There still may be some kind of hope after all. We just may not be looking in the right place that's all."

Saturday, June 12th 1830 hours, University of Tokyo

When Randy Baldwin and Mireille Bouquet returned to the university they had expected to meet Professor Peters at his office. Instead they were treated to a somewhat wild ride on what passed for run-about taxi that was being driven by one of his assistants named Charles, "The good professor is at the laboratories waiting, I can tell you he is bouncing off the walls and he has been making phone calls all afternoon, so expect more than him there." Squealing to a stop the cart halted in front of a brickwork building the driver pointing to the door, "That's the way in. Got to go and get the food. Cheerio!" Charles flooring the accelerator squealed the tires and rounding the corner disappeared from sight, the only sounds was the tires complaining as he rounded another corner.

Mireille Bouquet turning to the door replied, "Let's hope that Charles is not intending to obtain road kill," as Randy still listening to the cart racing away in the distance replied, "Let's hope any students about hear him coming, otherwise there will indeed be road kill for dinner."

Professor Peters's welcome had been much warmer than earlier, almost grateful that they had indeed returned. There were nearly twenty others in the laboratory and research center itself. The professor with a bounce in his step quickly introduced all that were there then he set about explaining what they were going to be doing.

Randy and Mireille watched intently, among the group present were linguists who specialized in extinct or near extinct languages. Metallurgists to conduct none destructive testing of the blade and to determine its properties. Randy noted they went so far as to closely view the scabbard as well. All the while, those involved would stop and make voice notes on recorders, that Randy would learn later would be transcribed and translated for his reading leisure.

Mireille watching the organized chaos, "We apparently have introduced something to them that they believed no longer existed or was thought to exist," as a harried assistant briskly walked past, her arms full of printed material where it joined the growing pile of books already retrieved earlier. Professor Peters seen reaching for the growing pile nearly brought everything down when he removed another reference book hurriedly flipping pages.

Randy and Mireille backed out of the way for a high resolution photographic camera mounted on a large stand. Its operator joined the already crowded scene and began to prepare for taking requested photographs of the sword. Professor Peters exited the laboratory and joined Randy and Mireille, "My God, it is historical Mr. Baldwin!"

A knock on the observation window gave pause to Professor Peters who view a printout held on the other side. Acknowledging with a wave he turned back to Randy and Mireille, "The form of the blade is rare, it is called the Hira Zukuri and normally it is of substantial thickness. However the metal utilized in its manufacture was not thought to have been discovered at so early an age."

Randy mused over that then replied, "What metal are you talking about?" Professor Peters replied, "Titanium!" Mireille replied, "How early of an age?" Professor Peters replied, "Based on carbon dating, the sword dates from the year 1500 to 1600. Titanium was not discovered until the year 1791, and even then it was not fully recognized as a metal. The initial discover was by a British Clergyman named William Gregor. A German chemist named Martin Heinrich Klaproth rediscovered it again in 1795. The metal was not fully isolated in its own form till 1910!"

Professor Peters continued, "Metallic weapons were made up of different metals, none pure, which led to problems of strength and weight issues. Some metals can withstand tremendous abuse while others suffer from being too weak and therefore snapping or in some situations shattering, which for those wielding the weapon would leave them open to attack and likely a quick death. We can quickly tell the authenticity of a sword by its blades metallic construction, that sword and its metallic construction has never been found to exist till now."

Professor Peters turned back to the window, "The scabbard is intriguing as well. It is partially covered in a rubber like substance, the lower section known as the Saya to the end which is called the Sayajiri or the tip of the scabboard is reinforced from within with high grade steel, the outer covering decretive in appearance is functional to serve as a form of protection for the wearer from rubbing. It is very high grade silk. The design and age is from the Koto period, again from our estimates on carbon dating. There is another matter, was there a smaller blade with it per chance?"

Mireille briefly looking at Randy then to the professor replied, "No. Not that I am aware of. Why do you ask?" Professor Peters replied, "There was a secondary blade normally associated with the larger. If you will a much shorter blade designed for close in work if one was engaged in close quarters hand to hand or it could used as a utility knife, it is called a Shoto. The main sword, which you have here, is the Daito. The mounting for the Shoto is present. Together these would be called a Daisho. In more familiar laymen terms a smaller twin of this sword. You should note that this combination would only be carried by very high ranking samurai and daimyo."

Randy absorbing what he had heard, "Professor? You stated the obvious. Light weight, and strength as being a trait. You said it would be carried by normally by a high ranking samurai's or daimyo's. Its design suggests someone small in stature?"

Professor Peters replied, "Yes of course. But in that period, humans were actually less tall than today, but I do have a theory. The weapons makeup and the decorative design suggest it may have been carried by a woman. There is the matter of the hangers, the positions of them. They would not be in a suitable position for a man to reach the tsuka or handle. It bears that a woman once carried it and used it."

Mireille replied, "Professor? How do you know the blade has been used?" Professor Peters turned to Mireille and replied, "Within the scabboard, the metallic reinforcement with the scabboard, the laboratory technicians found traces of human blood. Not just one blood type but several well mixed if you will."

Randy approached the window, "Professor? The inscriptions? Have they been able to translate them?" Professor Peters replied, "It appears to be a prayer, Mr. Baldwin but it will take several more hours to fully translate."

Mireille Bouquet pondered that a moment and speaking to Randy, "No. It is not a prayer, it is an oath. Randy we need to go now!"

Over objections of those involved, Randy Baldwin retrieved the sword after allowing the photographing of sword and its engravings, and assuring the professor that he would do his best to make it available for further study, headed for the exit. Mireille yanked, Charles from the driver seat and Randy with Charles hung on as Mireille drove like a madwomen. It was only when they got to the parking lot that Mireille explained her behavior, "Randy. If it is the same or similar oath, I have heard Kirika speak it before."

Randy starting the Armada replied, "Yes. She mentioned it in passing and as I recall Gina translated the oath from the Lagonel Manuscript before we returned it to Sister Katrina. The Maidens Seal of Noir. Both are holding swords. Damn it I should have made the connection then." Peeling out of the parking lot, Randy headed for his residence and Kirika, "Historically, the original weapon of choice for Noir was the sword. Everyone assumes that a samurai is a male. Professor Peters theory of it having been made for someone small is correct, but it was not for a small man, but a woman." It was 2235 hours.

Saturday, June 12th 2245 hours, Baldwin Family Residence, Tokyo

Gina Baldwin rattled the cup with the dice and launched them onto the board, and much to her dissatisfaction she had not rolled a high enough move. The twins giggled with delight snatching another property after they rolled.

Mireille Bouquet jacked the slide of her Walther, "Since when did you retrieve our handguns?" Randy shifting across three lanes and entering the exit ramp at nearly 70 MPH replied as he drove along the sidewalk and onto the secondary highway, "This afternoon. Gina may have said no guns in the house but nothing about us having them in the SUV."

Kirika Yumura withdrew another card, then with the dice cub rattling, she tossed the dice, clattering across the table, the twins with Corey and Ashley held their breaths as one of the dice seemed to hang…

The gates had barely opened wide enough to admit the Nissan Armada which roared up the drive and to the rear of the house. Braking hard to a stop, Randy and Mireille bailed from the SUV. The yelling from the sitting room was alarming as it was loud.

Gina Baldwin was howling in laughter, Kirika's roll had beaten the twins. The sudden crash from behind her gave little notice to who was behind her. The silence with Corey and Ashley's eyes appearing as large as saucers had her turning slowly around.

Gina Baldwin stood and looking at the expressions of both her husband and Mireille with their handguns being aimed at Kirika, she spoke "Just what the hell do you think you are doing? Put those guns away, now!"

Randy tense, viewed his wife then the others gathered at the table. Kirika, frozen in place still holding the dice toss cup in her hand remained silent; Mireille spoke first, "We heard what sounded like screaming." Gina Baldwin replied, "Kirika just beat the twins. First time she has been able to. Thanks for ruining the moment."

Randy apologized as did Mireille. With the game over, Gina ushered the curious children off the bed then after checking in on the babies, returned. Entering the sitting room, to a strained silence Gina spoke, "Just what prompted this Husband?"

Mireille spoke, "Kirika may have another item that she did not turn over to us." Gina turned to Kirika, "Is there something else Kirika?"

Kirika stood, "Yes. I kept it from Mireille and Mr. Baldwin." Gina walking to Kirika placed her hands on Kirika's shoulders, "Take me to it please."

Going alone at her insistence, Gina Baldwin walked into the darkness with Kirika towards the guest house. Fifteen minutes later both returned. Gina had in her hand the Shoto.

Sunday, June 13th 0730 hours, Baldwin Family Residence, Tokyo, Japan

Gina Baldwin glanced at the Shoto that lay next to her hand on the table as she had breakfast, "All of that last night for that?" Kirika about to apologize was stopped by Gina, "No. There is no need Kirika." My husband and I had a rather long erstwhile discussion about this last night after going to bed."

Randy who entered the dinning room joined his wife, "Sister Katrina has replied that she will review the historical records. They are not all complete, but she believes the time period we are interested in is still present." Mireille closing her cell phone, sat at the table next to Kirika, "Randy that was Professor Peters. They have apparently been at it all night with the translations. He is requesting an audience with us this afternoon. Pick the time and I'll call him back."

Gina spoke to Mireille, "Call that professor back and tell him 3 PM this afternoon. If at all possible a minimal number is to accompany him. I suspect he will have an interesting history lesson for all of us." Randy looked at his wife, "Be prepared for some questions that none of us can answer."

Addressing the children, Gina spoke "A man will be coming who has no idea or knowledge of the existence of Noir. Hold your tongues and watch what you all say. We all will be treading on soft ground.

Sunday, June 13th 1400 hours, Bakki, Japan, Hokkaido Prefecture

Kneeling within the temple, the priest continued his ministrations, ignoring the heat. He studied what lay before him his aged eyes flickering about. So it has come to pass.

Standing then bowing, before exiting the temple priest ignoring the cooler temperature walked slowly to his simple home. Living an austere life style in the way of a Shinto Priest, he neither owned a car or motorbike and his home had no electricity.

Leaving the temple grounds, he began his walk to the nearest phone which lay three kilometers from the temple. He looked forward to hearing the voice of his great-grand daughter once again. The last time he had spoken with her was when she had returned from Singapore.

Yoko had described what had happened, yet for him the priest was aware of what had transpired. She made no mention of the women warriors by name, but he knew both. He too knew the name of the American who had befriended them and of course he knew the names of the American family that had accepted them. His message to his great-grand daughter was but a simple one. He knew already of what the outcome of the message to the American would be. The American would finally acknowledge the written note he had found within the dragon, for he had little choice but to do so.

The priest descending the steps continued towards the distant phone in slow but measured steps that at age 96 one must accept that they can only go so fast.

Sunday, June 13th 1500 hours, Baldwin Family Residence, Tokyo, Japan

Professor Carl Peters had arrived with his assistant, Charles whom he had dismissed shortly thereafter to return at a later time. Professor Peters felt what he had to discuss, had to be discussed with the Baldwin's in a private manner.

Resting in a mahogany support cradle within the garden of the residence was the completed Daisho. Professor Peters had with permission, examined the smaller Shoto, and as he had surmised it was in every respect identical to the larger blade including its construction and markings.

Randy Baldwin with Gina sitting next to him, listened as Professor Peters began, "Mister Baldwin, Madam Baldwin and others that are here thank you for granting this audience. Mr. Baldwin, the absolute certainty that the Daisho is from the Koto time period is in the 99 percentile. There is also the matter of its previous user."

Gina Baldwin replied, "My husband informed me that the blade or blades if you will have properties that are inconsistent with that time period. More specifically, being made of nearly pure titanium, how is that possible?"

Calvin adjusted his glasses replied, "Frankly, Madam I am at a loss, but it is conceivable that sword smiths of that period had experimented with different ores. In this instance to be able to smelt the ore into the metal even today requires very high temperatures of in excess of 1660 degrees centigrade or over 3000 degrees Fahrenheit."

Randy replied, "The engravings? Were they done during or after the manufacture of the blades?" Professor Peters replied, "From indications, Mr. Baldwin the engraving was done during the process of tempering and finally forming of the blade, and done by hand and under very difficult conditions."

Mireille spoke, "Professor, you stated that from the design it appeared to have been made for someone small of stature?" Calvin smiled and nodded, "Yes that is correct. The average male was much smaller in those days, mainly because the lack of vital nutrients that would help the human body to develop, and then there was the matter of the human life span. If you lived to be forty years of age or more you would be considered elderly. But if I can point out the decorative nature of the Daisho, it has me leaning towards it being wielded by a woman instead of a man."

Professor Peters continued, "Many had assumed that a samurai was a male, but there have been legends of females filling the capacity and in some cases acting as the eyes and ears of the Daimyo and of course reporting then disposing of the situation."

Ashley Baldwin interrupted, "What was a Daimyo, Professor?" Professor Peters replied, "Feudal Lords, usually holders of large amounts of land. The Feudal Lords were in power from the 12th to the 19th century until the year 1871. Of course there were a number of small wars fought over land. It did not help that sometimes a daimyo would send samurai's to fight for control of others lands. It resulted many times with brother fighting against brother. The beginning of the end for the Feudal Lords likely began in 1854 after Commodore Matthew Perry of your American Navy persuaded the Japanese government to open its closed society to trade."

The professor stopped then retrieving a reference book opened it to a marked page, "Mr. Baldwin this is a lithograph of what is believed to be a Shinto Priest giving blessing to two women both of whom are holding swords of similar design. In Europe, several ruins of former churches that have similar displays have been documented with carvings in stone depicting two women with swords as well. Here let me show you a photograph. It was taken in Northern England about 50 years ago. The resemblances to the lithograph are uncanny."

Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura viewed each. Randy watched their reactions, Mireille and Kirika both looked at him, the look of surprise well masked but it was there; as Randy's own expression which he tried to keep neutral, but within utter surprise, as his wife Gina replied "What does this have to do with the sword, professor?"

Professor Calvin Peters replied, "It may be the first link to connect East and West in terms of having a class of warriors that deal with and act against those that conduct transgressions."

Randy stood and walked to the cradle, "Professor? Why were you so surprised at seeing the sword itself?" Professor Peters replied, "The nature of the sword itself. The legends and myths, which have permeated and transcended folklore; to have such an instrument appear would be considered in certain circles to acknowledge those legends as fact and no longer fiction. This would also raise the question of cultural development, where our own western myths when confronted with myths from an eastern cultural development raise a question about whether the eastern culture was fully isolated in the first place."

Kirika Yumura stood and joined the two men at the cradle then knelt before the sword, "Professor? Would it be conceivable to suggest that two cultures completely separate from another would develop their own, a means for the respective cultures to use warriors of the opposite sex to be the ones that are the chosen to punish those that seek to harm those that are unable to help themselves?"

Professor Peters eyed Kirika questionably replied, "Yes young lady, it is entirely possible."

Gina Baldwin spoke, "Professor Peters? I think for the time being we have learned a great deal. Perhaps we can continue this discussion at a later time?" Professor Peters about to protest the abrupt end of the gathering decided not to do so. Calling his assistant to return, Professor Peters thanked the Baldwin's for their time, and then with his reference material loaded into his assistant's car, he cast one last look at the Daisho before leaving.

Leaving the Baldwin Family Compound, Professor Calvin Peters absorbed in thought, did not notice the young Japanese girl, who was dressed in a kimono approaching the gate as he left.