NOIR

Chapter Four

Sword

By Steve Edward

Tuesday, June 15th 1600 hours, Bakkai Inn, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan

In no shape to drive, Randy had ridden in the van for the return to the Inn. Irena having been selected to drive the Mitsubishi truck had tagged along behind the van. Corey had spoken very little since the trial or absolution. Both hands were bandaged. Mireille's right and Kirika's left too sported similar bindings.

Corey sitting next to his step-father who watched the baby twins Olivia and Harmony explore the court yard garden of the inn under the watchful eyes of Irena and Nina turned to Randy, "I felt anger father, hatred, I too thought the same thing. A blood duel to the death, which I would not, could not accept. When you were incapacitated I refused to stand-by. I accepted the responsibility for you. You and they had suffered enough."

Randy seeing Corey balling his hands into fists took them into his "Choices made by others can not be considered a sin. Every choice we make has outcomes that if viewed as a sin dependent on who judges us at that moment, would send us all to hell. There is but one judge of sin and he will only judge the weight of our overall actions when the time comes, please remember that son."

Corey rising to his feet replied, "I shall do so father." Randy shifted his attention to the laptop computer tied into the satellite transceiver and began to compose an e-mail to Sister Katrina in France. He hoped that his e-mail would not be too much of a shock to the 89 year old nun. Corey walked off, listening to the rapid typing of his step-father a goal forming within his mind, a goal that he would need the help of his step-sisters to accomplish.

Mireille Bouquet with her hand under her chin viewed the identical Daisho. Identical yet they were not. There were the miniscule flaws of each blade, the inscriptions laboriously applied under conditions that would today be carried out by high powered engraving equipment or cutting lasers. Priest Yoshiro after completing the absolution ceremony had after seeing that Randy Baldwin was treated for his injuries had led her and Kirika with Gina Baldwin to the forge that had been used to create the magnificent blades.

The heat to create the blades had been taken directly from flowing magma mere feet below the forge and the smelter. Those, whose skills had been tested in such a feat of workmanship, had died shortly after completing the swords and the accompanying Shoto's. The twin Daisho's were the only ones made in that hellish place. Mireille surmised that the prolonged exposure to the heat and the gaseous releases from the magma flow had caused sickness that the artisans would not overcome.

The final meal at the inn before returning to Tokyo was curry and rice. Randy noted that Corey had been conversing heavily with both Irena and Nina through out the meal. Corey, less of one to project himself except upon a stage when he performed to sing, had seemed to become more outward. Nina who had brought up the bathing incident in a humorous way during the meal found herself in the defensive, "Brother? It did not bother you that she saw you?" Corey replied, "Sister, if I let it bother me now that would be a waste of time, so why did you bring it up? I bet your on bath was exciting as well, with a strange woman scrubbing your naked back." Gina who watched the exchange in surprise looked at her husband, glaring silently then she spoke, "Enough the both of you. No more about this."

Mireille and Kirika sitting across from one another, listened as the argument between Nina and Corey grew. Nina her normally happy self, pushed back from the table and rose. Pointing her finger at Corey, "That's it, it was fun while it lasted. No more of this," then Nina turned on her heel and left. Corey, even angrier than before without asking permission left the table in pursuit.

Randy painfully standing, yelled after both "Nina! Corey! Get back here now!" The alarming shouts from Ashley then Irena urged Kirika and Mireille to go to the source of the excitement. Kirika leaping off the raised walkway ran to put herself between the two arguing teenagers. Stepping in between both Kirika spoke, "Enough. Your father and mother will speak to the both of you…" Mireille watched in disbelief as both teens gave their answer with fists, Corey with his left and Nina swinging with her right, the teens connected as one sending Kirika flying backwards. Corey then charging Nina, yelling, "Nobody calls me a weakling anymore Sis!" As both teens fell to the ground trying to pummel each other as they went.

Kirika Yumura shaking her head pondered over their reaction to her statement, "Young Corey has grown up. Nina has been his protector as Irena has." Mireille pausing briefly at Kirika's side spoke, "Are you ok?" Kirika rising quickly replied as she charged back into the fighting teens "Yes. Now help me."

Randy Baldwin turned the corner in time to see Mireille and Kirika turn the tables on both Corey and Nina, pinning them to the ground. Gina stepping off the walkway slowly approached both teens that still squirmed, "Ok. Both of you are grounded, and you owe apologies to Aunt Kirika and Aunt Mireille. As for you Corey, you will explain yourself to me and your father." Corey raised his head to his mother, "I owe nothing to you or step-father. Aunt Kirika! Let me go!"

Ashley and Irena looking on in surprise at Corey then to their step-father who was leaning against a support post and had so far remained silent finally hear him speak, "Corey. I get the drift. Stop flexing the muscle you don't yet have, it will come soon enough. Now knock it off and apologize to Kirika before she starts giving you adult pain lessons. I know she can do it, so can Mireille. I have been there and done that and being on the receiving end of Noir is no fun." Corey taking a deep breath said nothing; the sudden twinge of pain was enough. He knew at that point Kirika would not hold back and neither would Mireille.

Wednesday, June 16th 0900 hours, Airborne, Gulfstream V, BFI, Northern Japan

Kay Milroy and Else F. Conroy had taken in the appearances of the returning passengers, Kay noted that Randy Baldwin her boss was moving much more slowly than usual and she could see the wrapping that constricted his movements beneath the pull over shirt. The only ones not sporting some kind of bandage or even a bruise were the babies Olivia and Harmony, their mother Gina, Ashley and Irena.

Kay adjusting the throttles turned to Else her co-pilot "We get a mini-vacation, while that bunch is off supposedly visiting a Shinto Temple. It looks like they ended up in some sort of fight camp." Else seemed to nod, "Well supposedly, his step-son took a potshot at the step-daughter; Nina over something that happened while they were at the Temple. You know how that can go." Kay Milroy sitting back in the seat replied, "Yeah I do. With eight brothers it can be such a pain to be the only girl in the family. Look at him, he has three older sisters to deal with, not to mention his mother then his supposed aunts and with his step-dad being away a lot that can be hell for the only boy in the household. If he thinks he has problems now, wait till his little half-sisters become old enough to bug him."

Wednesday, June 16th 1300 hours, Baldwin Family Residence, Tokyo, Japan

Gina Baldwin who was just happy to be back in familiar surroundings, sat in the chair and sighed with relief; never would she have expected such behavior from Corey that she had witnessed. Corey had been grounded for the time being by Gina and Randy, and was in his room.

Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura entered the family room and sat across from Gina, it was Mireille who brought up Corey's situation, "Gina, I and Kirika think we know what is going on."

Gina replied, "Well I sure do not have a clue. Randy tried talking to him on the flight back, but Corey refused to speak. Until he does so, Randy and I decided he was seriously grounded and he would have to stay in the residence."

Kirika continued, "For the first time in his life he had to act on his own. He watched his father try to stop something that he thought was about to occur, only to have us attack his father in front of him." Mireille spoke, "Corey has perceived himself weak. The time at the high school where he had been bullied and his sister and step-sisters became the ones that fought the bully. Corey has had only rudimentary defensive training, where as Irena and Nina both either singly or together would be tough to reckon with."

Gina sitting up in the seat replied, "Irena did not involve herself in the fight. She was with Ashley when Corey and Nina were fighting. She could have easily helped her sister; they are like peas in a pod. If one gets into a scrap, the other is going to be there too."

Mireille replied, "They drew us into it. Corey knew his step-father was in no shape to break up the fight, even though I and Kirika knew it was wrong we lashed out at Randy and in doing so injured him. Corey feeling powerless at the moment had thrown away his fear to take Randy's place thereby fulfilling the legend or prophecy."

Gina replied, "Corey was originally the youngest, before Olivia and Harmony. Now he is the man in the middle. Three older sisters and step-sisters and two younger half-sisters, my own son is torn between standing up for his sisters and holding back because he has no true skills to fight just only the basics when he needs to."

Gina seeing Irena and Nina walking past the family room called out, "Ok you two. In here now; I want some answers."

Irena and Nina having come as requested stood before their step-mother. Gina crossed her arms then spoke "Alright spill it. What did you and Corey plan?" It could be unnerving for those not familiar with the ways of identical twins. Some say that twins can communicate at a higher level. One twin will know what the other is thinking, just by being close by.

Gina Baldwin seeing such behavior now began tapping her foot in impatience "Ok ladies I am waiting and I do not have all day for this." Nina replied, "Answers to what mother?"

Gina replying, "The masquerade, that's what. You two were in on it. Corey asked you to help did he not? Nina, I know you better than you know. You could have easily put Corey in his place as well as you Irena. The only one not in the loop was Ashley, she had to be convincing. Irena, you held Ashley back and only told her after the fight was over with."

The twins were blushing. Gina sitting back after nearly getting out of the chair replied, "Busted. Just wait till your step-father hears about this. He is going to be furious with all of you. Just what in heavens brought this all about?" Irena replied, "Step-brother wants to learn how to fight and protect." Kirika spoke, "If that is what he desires, we shall teach him."

Kirika rising to her feet left the family room as Mireille replied, "Kirika what do you mean by "we"? Looking back to Gina, Mireille standing as well, continued "Corey maybe should not have slugged Kirika so hard. She is going to pay him back for that eventually."

Wednesday, June 16th 1600 hours, Baldwin Foundation Offices, Tokyo, Japan

Randy's first order of business after returning to Tokyo had been a visit to the hospital. The emergency room doctors had confirmed nothing in fact was broken, but he had four cracked ribs. Though he doubted the doctor treating him believed the story he made up, the black and blue bruise in his chest told an all together different one; the doctor had seen to it that the chest area was firmly rewrapped.

By-passing his residence, he had returned to the foundation offices, driven there by Kay Milroy. The office manager, a sharp 33 year old Japanese woman named Maho Nonami, greeted him upon his return with a stack of applications that had already been reviewed.

Maho was among the first hired, and noting the requirements of how her American employer wanted the branch office outfitted had done so and had completed the task very much under the original budget. Randy had joked that had he wanted a stream in the reception area filled with trout, Maho likely would have figured out a way to do it.

Taking a break from interviewing the final applicants for that day, Randy left his office and headed for the break room. Yoko Yoshiro had greeted him as she passed him while carrying out her office chores. He pondered how he was going to talk to her about her great-grandfathers behavior, when the announcement that he had a phone call came over the intercom system.

Returning to the office and closing the door, Randy punched the designated line. Gina's voice came over the line, "Husband. You and I have been bamboozled." Randy not sure he had heard correctly replied, "Gina? Did you say bamboozled?" Gina who was feeding the babies replied, "Yes I did. Your step-son, my son was acting out. He deliberately forced an issue, which he had so far remained rather quiet about."

Randy sitting back in his chair braced himself for the worst, "Oh no. What did he do to us?" Gina replied, "He wants to learn how to protect and defend himself and to fight."

Randy Baldwin turned around to look at the window, "The twins? They were in on it?"

Gina replied, "Very much so. You saw the whispered conversations at the dinner table. Corey and Nina were deceiving us from the start. They planned that fight, even to the point of forcing Noir to act on your behalf."

Randy picking up a folder to look at the applicants qualifications replied, "Ok. Look, maybe we have missed the signals somehow, but I'll start looking for an instructor immediately and perhaps Corey will be satisfied." Gina Baldwin nearly laughed, "Husband. I do not think you will need to go far to find any instructors." Randy bolted upright in his chair, "Oh hell no. Absolutely, positively, no way will I permit that." Gina replied, "Too late. Someone else has already decided. Do try to be home by six. Goodbye."

Kirika Yumura stood in the room that perhaps earlier had been a reception area for the previous owner. Kirika was supervising the placement of the workout mats. Gina Baldwin had wasted little time and sought out a firm that specialized in athletic equipment. The company having the needed materials on hand had been summoned to the residence to install the mats under Kirika's direct supervision. The walls originally a pale green, were covered with the blue mats, but at double thickness. So young Corey desired to learn, Kirika testing the wall mounted mats with a kick that rattled the room frowned, "So shall he learn." Turning to the somewhat nervous foreman of the work crew, Kirika spoke "Please add a third layer to the walls. They must be able to withstand the impact of a human body. If you need to obtain more material, please do so and add an additional layer to the floor as well." The foreman bowing as Kirika left hurriedly opened his cell phone and dialed his company, "Yes that is correct. Bring everything that we have left. Yes now!"

Corey Baldwin lying in his bed looked up at the ceiling; taking note of the different brush strokes when the knock on the door intruded, "Go away." The door opening anyway, Corey swung his feet over to confront who was entering his room. Kirika Yumura with Mireille Bouquet entered the room. Corey seeing who it was spoke, "Aunt Kirika, Aunt Mireille will you both please leave!"

Kirika stopping before Corey bent over, "No we will not!" as Gina downstairs cringed at the loud thump that was Corey being manhandled and slammed to the floor by Kirika when he decided to take a swing at her. Gina looking over at Ashley whose eyes were looking at the ceiling as well, spoke "Your brother is getting a lesson in manners." Nina with Irena preparing the salad replied, "Mother do you think we went too far?" Gina rinsing off a potato replied, "I have called Randy and told him. You can imagine the mood he will be in when he comes home, and then of course Nina there is the matter of slugging Kirika. Both of you will have to answer to her for that little stunt."

Wednesday, June 16th 1900 hours, Baldwin Family Residence, Tokyo, Japan

Randy having been driven home by Maho, had been passed by the departing work crew on the drive to the residence. Gina had been surprised, he was whistling as he bid hello to her then giving a warm kiss he had continued on to his study. At dinner, he chatted with the twins, Ashley and even with Kirika and Mireille then of course with Corey.

Finishing dinner, Randy had excused himself without further word and left those at the table including Corey wondering what was going on. Kirika and Mireille finishing dinner then collected Corey. Corey with Kirika literally twisting his ear had to walk past his step-father's study. They saw him look up and then with a smile return to what he was doing ignoring Kirika's obvious physical contact with his step-son.

Gina Baldwin having her daughters finish the meal clean-up, headed to the study and seeing her husband typing on the computer, entered then closed the doors, "Ok what changed your mind? I half expected you to drop everything and to come straight home."

Randy looked away from the monitor, "Kay Milroy did. How about some coffee," Just as the study wall seemed to make a thud sound. Gina looked at the source then turned back to her husband, "Oh really? I have got to hear this," Just as the thud came through the wall again, Gina spoke, "You are not going to stop her are you?" Randy pausing from typing replied, "Stop Kirika? I have four cracked ribs thanks to her and Mireille. I prefer that they remain unbroken. Corey wants to learn, so be it; now how about that coffee?"

Corey fell over onto his back and struggled to rise but could not. Looking up at Kirika he spoke, "I give up." Kirika reached down and yanked him to his feet where he wobbled. Kirika replied, "Again. Try it again!" Mireille watching from the side interrupted, "Enough Kirika!" Corey slumped to his knees, his whole body ached. Kirika was not holding back and Corey realized that, "Aunt Kirika, Aunt Mireille I am sorry."

Mireille replied, "Sorry will not cut it. Your step-father is likely ashamed of your behavior as is your mother and it is all because of what you want to be. Your own silence did this to you Corey. You had many opportunities to ask for more instruction, yet you did not ask. Then you cook up that whole scene at the Inn. It did little to make you a man, but showed us your cowardice." Corey's anger rose and he regained his feet and went after Mireille who simply blocked his enraged charge and sent Corey slamming into the wall again for a third time.

Mireille kneeled next to Corey, "Why were you afraid to ask? Your step-father would have understood." Corey replied, "Because I was afraid of what my mother would think."

Randy Baldwin switched the intercom off then rose from the desk. With Gina at his side they made their way to the exercise room.

The knocking on the door, Randy with Gina entered the room. Gina seeing her son sprawled on the floor sat next to him "Corey. We are both sorry. I should have perhaps had Mrs. Nagel continue the lessons." Randy standing next to Kirika spoke, "An error on all our parts. I hesitated putting you through the lessons, because I did not want you growing up like me. Though I suppose since Gina has agreed that you should receive instruction that there should be proper instructors, namely Kirika Yumura and if Mireille Bouquet if they are willing."

Mireille Bouquet standing replied, "There will have to be certain conditions." Randy agreed, "Considering the circumstances yes there will be. I have been drawing up the contractual agreement. If you have time, we can review them in the study, before we go further. Ms. Yumura that will be all for the time being; I would like to thank you for your assistance."

Corey Baldwin shakily getting to his feet spoke, "May I be dismissed? It was Gina that replied, "Yes you may, however if you ever exhibit that kind of behavior you put on in your bedroom again young man Kirika and Mireille have my permission to give more lessons in manners. Is that understood?" Corey acknowledging the warning made his way to his bedroom, and some much needed rest.

Returning to the study with Randy and Gina, Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yumura reviewed the contract that Randy had drawn up. Mireille spoke, "It is explicit and to the point and well thought out. I and Kirika agree to the conditions."

Randy taking the signed contract from Mireille replied, "I came to realize that I had been overlooking Corey. Though he is athletic, he lacks skills that Nina and Irena possess. Even Jill Nagel had been hard pressed to instill the discipline that Corey needs."

Gina Baldwin spoke, "So my son will be instructed in these skills, how will it help him and will it help us Husband?"

Randy replied, "It will make us stronger as a family and for him it will give him the confidence that he badly wants. Corey for the most part has been the quiet type, not one to project himself." Kirika replied, "I will give him confidence to face what he fears, an inner fear of failure."

Thursday, June 17th 0430 hours, Baldwin Family Residence, Tokyo, Japan

The overhead light came on to the surprise of Corey Baldwin, who rolled over to shield his eyes. Trying to go back to sleep, Corey more or less ended up on the floor next to his bed. Blinking his eyes to the sudden brightness he looked at the overhead ceiling which was soon obscured by Kirika Yumura who spoke, "Get off the floor and get dressed for running now!"

Gina Baldwin awakened at the sound of her son landing on the floor, groaned after looking at the digital clock, "Oh you have got to be kidding." Randy still in slumber had not stirred, until Gina elbowed him in his sore ribs "Yes honey?" Gina replied, "What gives? Its 4:30 in the morning?" Randy sleepily replied, "Conditioning for …" which he never finished and fell back to sleep. Gina fell back onto her pillow, looking up at the ceiling mused, "Your step-son is getting a work out and you don't care or do you…"

Corey having attired as directed by Kirika exited the house and standing on the driveway with Kirika turned at the sound of the Nissan Armada as it came from behind. Kirika Yumura spoke, "You need greater conditioning. Today we begin with 4 kilometer run, followed by weight conditioning and beginning basics. Mireille will provide lighting from headlights for our run. Let's begin with stretches" Corey prodded by Kirika; going through his mind was the distance, "That's over two miles," as he with Kirika's aid began to loosen up. Mireille adding her own touch, helped by putting a little added pressure during the limbering up to certain positions.

Thursday, June 17th 0700 hours, Baldwin Foundation Offices, Tokyo, Japan

Maho Nonami entered the offices to find the lights already on. The open door to the main office signaled that the American, Randy Baldwin her employer had arrived early. Knocking softly then entering, Maho bowed "Good morning sir. Is there anything that I may provide for you?" Randy looked up, "Yes there is, Maho. The gym that is in the basement of this building, would you check to see what kind of workout equipment is already present along with workout mats, and if any needs replacement, repair or upgrading would you see to it that it is taken care of please. Also would you mind making some coffee, that coffee maker in the break room is a mystery for me to operate," Bowing to her employer, Maho departed to do carry out the tasks.

Randy returned to reading the e-mail, "Your experience seems to bear out the possibility that a former Maiden of Noir had made their way to ancient Japan. While the historical records chronicle events of Noir, they do not in anyway acknowledge the final end of the surviving during period in question. In general a new pair was selected which did not involve the previous."

Randy typed out a reply to Sister Katrina then sent it off. Rising from the desk, he walked to a nearby table where the carrying case lay now bearing both Daisho's. Musing as he opened the case, "So West met East, likely 400 years before the opening of the closed society. A woman possessing such remarkable skills may have been a former Noir. Unable or unwilling to reintegrate into her own culture she chose to become a wanderer. Somehow or another she arrived in Japan, and in that time offered her services, which she performed so admirably, but she could not do it alone so she sought out another partner."

Closing the case, Randy turned back to the desk just as Maho with Yoko Yoshiro announced their presence. Yoko bearing the coffee set the tray nearby and poured Randy his coffee, "Good morning, Mr. Baldwin. Grandfather said he enjoyed visit." Randy taking the proffered cup smiled, "Yoko. I am sure he did."

Thanking Yoko and hearing from Maho that the basement gym would need serious attention, Randy dismissed both then closed the door. Returning to his desk, he opened a heavily encrypted computer file then began typing, "Selection of a partner, one trustworthy enough must had been a heavy burden. Though the woman's age is unknown she would be relatively young and in excellent physical condition. Then there is the matter of the weapon manufacture. How did her influence affect the skills of the swords smiths and that of her partner she selected? Then of her partner, how did she judge them to be skillful enough? Did she use similar techniques employed by the Soldats to choose her partner and companion?"

Randy sat back then saved the file and closed it. Turning to the window to view the crowded megalopolis of Tokyo as it came to life once more, Randy Baldwin pondered those questions as the faceless crowds swirled about below him.

Thursday, June 17th 0730 hours, Baldwin Family Residence, Tokyo, Japan

As part of the twin's punishment, Irena and Nina were to be sparring partners for Corey under Mireille's and Kirika's close scrutiny and supervision. Harmony and Olivia's Japanese nanny named Riku arrived, freeing Gina from the babies. Gina viewed the training sessions as a way for Corey and the twins to bond even further. Ashley who knew basic defense skills, declined to participate in the rough and tumble matches.

Kirika stepped between Nina and Corey, "Corey. You must focus. Remember position of opponent. You created opening, do not give that opportunity. Begin again, this time Irena will be opponent."

Irena bowed to her step-brother and began her attacks. Bruised, sore, and tired, Corey deflected and countered but Irena locking his arm in place she twisted and sent him flying hard into the mat. Mireille interceded when Irena, reared back preparing to deliver what would have been a devastating strike, "Enough!" as she grabbed Irena's hand.

Kirika eyed the combatants, "Thirty minutes rest and recover. Time begins now." Turning on her heel, Kirika left the room. Corey wincing as Irena aided him to his feet spoke, "Irena what were you going to do?" Irena replied, "I was about to finish you," as she walked off in a huff.

Gina observing Irena and hearing her comments pondered "Well maybe the bonding part needs a little more work."

Mireille took a seat next to Gina, seeing the questioning look, "In heat of battle, tempers will flare. Corey needs to develop his to become dominant, so that it appears he has control. Irena saw thru Corey as has Nina, which they have taken advantage of."

Gina replied, "The internal sense of cowardice and fear plays a roll. Mireille, just how did Randy overcome his fear of both you and Kirika in the first place?"

Briefly stopping their conversation as Irena returned with steaming towels they watched as Irena and Nina carefully applied them to Corey's back and then his arms.

Mireille continued, "Respect and acknowledgement of us being equals, along with an inner peace that even Kirika still finds intriguing."

Gina nearly laughed, "Randy at peace? My husband seems to have at times no peace."

Mireille replied, "Your husband is spiritually strong. He used his spirituality to overcome his fear of us during our first encounter. He used it again, when he rescued Kirika in the heat of battle, then the same for me four years later. Yes he had fear each time, but at the same time he pushed it aside and focused onto his opponents. Kirika noted the same thing occurred when she fought him in the front yard of the farm house. He ignored everything else and in Kirika's words became one with her."

At precisely 0800 hours, Kirika returned and addressed Corey and his sparring partners, "We shall continue anew with focus on basic defense skills. On your feet Corey." As Corey rose to his feet, he bowed then for the first time called Kirika, Master. "I am ready Master." Gina saw the expression on his face and in his eyes; it was not made with derision but with respect. Irena and Nina rose to their feet and offered their own greetings in Japanese. Gina blinked in surprise, as Kirika returned the greetings and bowed as well.

Thursday, June 17th 1100 hours, Baldwin Foundation Offices, Tokyo, Japan

The urgency was evident from the phone call requesting an immediate audience, but the display of the visitor's body language and their sometimes fractured English had caused Randy to bring Yoko Yoshiro in to assist with the more difficult translations. Though able to speak Japanese in passing, to do it at high speed was not in his repertoire.

Maho Nonami transcribing the meeting looked up in surprise as Yoko, blushing translated what had been said. The reaction of the American though was even more surprising, "First off watch your mouth. I have ladies present, second settle down before I have to drag you to the men's room and fill that mouth of yours with soap. Is that understood?"

The elder Mashimo placed his hand on his elder son's shoulder, "That is enough. My apologies Baldwin, but it has become frustrating for him since your American Navy denied being the party responsible. Our government has emphatically stated that they knew of no activities concerning submersibles in that area, but brother vessel did see what appeared to be periscope before witnessing final fate of its brethren."

Randy putting his pen down addressed Kouichi Mashimo, "One of the difficulties is the fact that the area where your fishing vessel and crewman were lost is a known submersible operating area. US Navy policy is rather adamant now in regards to becoming entangled in nets. They will surface if it is safe to do so. Increasing speed and hoping to break the nets is not one of them as they don't ignore an 85 ton fishing vessel being dragged behind their vessel. I have confirmed with certain reliability that there were no US submarines within 100 kilometers of the sinking."

Kouichi replied, "Then if not American who would operate there?" Randy directed their attention to a nearby display monitor, "Any number of nations that would want to practice freedom of navigation which include of course the United States, Japan, China, Korea, North Korea, Russia and any number of others. Polices of most western navies are the same. If they become entangled and see that they are endangering civilian shipping they will surface if it is safe to do so, and will readily identify themselves and if unable to provide immediate compensation will direct those affected by the incident to contact a specific contact point in their own country, which by the way is a embassy. They will in turn notify their own command unit and file a report so that the case is documented and compensation is immediately carried out."

Coming to their feet the younger Mashimo bowed and apologized for his actions which Randy accepted. Assuring the men that the Baldwin Foundation would endeavor to find the party responsible, Randy bid them good afternoon then returned to his office.

Thursday, June 17th 1300 hours, Baldwin Family Residence, Tokyo, Japan

Ashley Baldwin practicing on the piano in the family room paused as the phone rang. Answering she heard the voice of her step-father as he greeted her, "Hello Ashley, how things going?" Ashley turning to look out the window to see Corey exercising in tandem with Nina and Irena replied, "As best as can be expected. If you are wondering they are outside. Kirika and Mireille have been merciless on them, Father. Do you really want him to continue this?"

Randy replied, "Corey wanted it and so he shall learn. Kirika is still rather ticked off at that little stunt that Corey and Nina pulled, so she is going to be hardnosed whether he likes it or not." Ashley replied, "Well I was not happy about being kept in the dark. He could have at least told me."

Randy replied, "I know, but I think he had his reasons. Would you tell your mother that I going to be working late, as we have a request that has come in. I'll call when I start home." Ashley spoke, "Is it something she should know about?" Randy Baldwin replied, "No not right now, it is nothing major."