Journey to Insanity and Romance p 12

Disclaimer: I do not own Full Metal Panic or Robocop. Wish I did though.

Sousuke versus Robocop

As Kurz goes to the Hummer to get Sousuke's weapons bag, Sousuke and Robocop make their way to the Range. Kaname, Ayame and Luke are flanking Sousuke while Sheila, Davis and Melissa are flanking Robocop.

When they get there, they see a technician in place to ensure Robocop does not engage his targeting grid at any time. Sousuke then does the most absurd thing.

He ties a blindfold over his eyes, saying, "A handicap for you, a handicap for me. When I was running with the Afghani rebels, I learned to shoot while blindfolded. Ask Kaname. She can attest to that."

"That's right. He used a shotgun on a watermelon, obliterating it. And he was wearing a blindfold. Of course, I was beside the watermelon when it exploded! I got drenched with watermelon juice, all because Sergeant Screwball here decided a bat would not be good enough to split the watermelon!"

Luke's jaw drops in shock as he looks at his cousin and realizes that Sousuke has truly done more than his fair share of destruction. Worldwide to local, he's done it all.

Robocop shrugs and puts his hand by his thigh, receiving the Auto-9 as it comes out. Kurz comes in with Sousuke's weapons bag and opens it at Sousuke's side. Sousuke kneels down and randomly selects a weapon. He then grins as he brings out the Franchi SPAS 15 Assault Shotgun.

Robocop lets a low whistle, knowing that the Franchi would make short work of the target. He then shrugs as Sousuke shoulders the shotgun and Kaname aims him manually. She sights along the barrel and nods approvingly. She then gives him a quick peck on his scar for luck. At that, the competition starts.

Robocop and Sousuke open fire at the same time, Sousuke wiping out his target in seconds while Robocop blows out the target's head, chest area and groin area.

This gives Sousuke a slight lead and has Robocop nodding in satisfaction at the amount of competition that Sousuke is giving him.

Robocop turns to the others and says, "He's certainly giving me a run for my reputation of the 'Deadliest Shot'. If he takes this round, I'll have to switch my grid on. Is that acceptable, Sergeant Sagara?"

"Affirmative, sir. I've always wanted to see just how accurate you really are. Can we save the targets so we can compare notes?"

"I wouldn't have it any other way, Sousuke. I really wouldn't."

At that, Kurz brings in the targets and switches them while Sousuke reloads the shotgun, still blindfolded. Of course, Kaname is smiling proudly at him while wondering why it took so long for her to realize her feelings about her protector and beau.

Sousuke picks up on her thoughts, seemingly, and says, "I wasn't sure myself, Kaname. It could have been the first time you talked to me in Arbalest when you told me about all those horrible things they would have done to you. But, when I looked into your eyes in the forest in Khanka, I was done for. I felt a stirring inside me, but I pressed it down because of duty and obligation."

Kaname blushes and replies, "When you jumped out the window on that train and started crashing into benches, I was so worried you might have been hurt. You then told me that 'there wasn't a problem'. Of course, you also said you were there by coincidence. At the same time, I found you pretty interesting. You were the only one that made me feel so alive, awake and happy. You still are, my darling Sousuke. I'm sorry I called you an odd bird, Sousuke."

"I've been thinking about that and our current circumstances. If I am an odd bird, then there is no one else I'd prefer to be an odd bird to than you, Kaname." Sousuke blushed as he said it, resulting in a warm smile from Kaname, along with a blush.

"Sousuke, that's truly the sweetest thing you've said yet. When I saw you talking with that sweet old lady, I saw a spark of kindness in your eyes. I still can't believe that you thought the flirting portion was actually hunting for girls. While wearing a combat harness no less." Kaname gives him a light giggle as she rubs her finger into his chest, just as she did while dressed in her Mother's kimono.

At that, Sousuke gives her a quick kiss, still blindfolded. This catches her completely by surprise, prompting her to surprise him. She reaches her hand down to his groin, but is stopped when Robocop clears his throat.

"Shoot now, love later, you two. Unless you want to be alone in here with the smell of gunpowder acting as incense."

Blushing furiously, Kaname gives Sousuke a quick peck on his lips. She then steps away from him, still blushing as Ayame, Melissa and Kurz start giving the two teens catcalls.

Kaname thinks about the idea of 'gunpowder incense' and finds the idea interesting. Kaname then thinks, 'It'd be the perfect gift for Sousuke.'

At that, the competition resumes, with Kaname covering her ears, even though she's wearing hearing protectors.

Sousuke opens with a volley that wipes out the target's groin area, causing Kurz to flinch. Kurz then realizes that whether blindfolded or not, Sousuke is not to be trifled with.

As the shots to the groin are Sousuke's warning for Kurz to cease doing the catcalls. It also serves as an idea for Melissa the next time he misbehaves in the field. But, she won't do it, just yet. Seeing as she wonders just how much she'd be able to tolerate from Kurz's antics.

Robocop replies with a volley that destroys the chest area and blows off an arm on the target. Sousuke replies to the shot by elevating his shotgun 10 degrees and blowing a hole in the target's chest and neck areas. This results in another tie.

Robocop nods at the technicians, signaling that he's ready to use his targeting grid for the last round. Kaname removes Sousuke's blindfold and smiles proudly upon seeing his eyes.

The color of steel-gray within them fills her with courage as she thinks about their children together. Sousuke looks back into her brown eyes and sees hope within them.

Hope for an uncertain future. Uncertain to be sure, but a future nonetheless. All that they had gone through together, they would face together both physically and within their hearts.

Sousuke then swaps the shotgun for the rifle and primes it after removing the grenade launcher. Robocop switches on his targeting grid and waits for the signal. Sousuke switches the rifle's safety to 'Burst' and awaits the signal.

When it buzzes, both contestants open fire at a high rate of speed. This time, whoever obliterates the target completely first will be the winner.

Sousuke concentrates all his fire on the kill zones on the target, saving the limbs for last. Robocop starts with the limbs and works his way to the kill zones.

Since both are very proficient with their weapons, it results in yet another tie. Kaname smiles as she remembers her present from Sousuke. She then removes her other earring and hands it to Sousuke.

Sousuke gives her a smile and asks, "How about a tie-breaker, Commander?"

"What kind of tie-breaker, Sousuke?"

"Using grenades to 'kill' the targets. The grenade that does the most damage wins."

Robocop grins and replies, "I'm afraid we have no grenades of our own, Sousuke. Other than the flash-bangs the S.W.A.T. Team uses, we have no such grenades. But, since we have a tie, we'll flip a coin. Heads, I throw the grenade. Tails, you. Agreed?"

"Affirmative. Melissa, do you have a standard quarter with you?"

"Sure do, Sousuke. Commander, I'll allow you to inspect the quarter to ensure no funny business on my part."

"Thank you, Miss Mao. As it is your coin, you'll do the flipping." Melissa nods and brings out the coin. Robocop inspects the quarter and says, "The quarter is legitimate. Miss Mao, if you please."

"Sousuke, call it."

"Heads."

The coin lands in Melissa's palm, allowing both of them to see the result of the toss. Sure enough, the coin had landed 'Heads'. Sousuke nods, explains how to arm the grenade and how long he has to throw it. Robocop nods and follows the directions without difficulty. The grenade lands within one of the holes that Sousuke's rounds had made. When the grenade explodes, it finishes off the target.

Robocop nods and says, "You have impressive equipment, Sousuke Sagara, Sergeant of Mithril. I'm glad to have come across a worthy opponent in the spirit of competition. Matter of fact, I'd say that with our new armor, combined with the weapons you guys use, you'd be unstoppable in fighting terrorists on the ground."

Sousuke grins and replies, "Thank you for your compliments and your offer, sir. But our A.S. suits are quite capable of handling rounds from small arms fire along with serving our personal needs. However, I think it'd be a good idea to see just how effective your new armor is, just out of curiosity."

Kaname is taken aback as she thinks, 'Sousuke's rarely curious as he's a very knowledgeable man. The armor must have peaked his curiosity level.' She then smiles warmly at Sousuke and winks at him, causing him to blush.

At that, the group goes up into the Briefing Room. Sheila puts the video cassette into the VCR and presses play when all of them are seated. By the time they're done, Sousuke lets out a highly impressed whistle.

'Sousuke rarely whistles, even when he's highly impressed.'

"Fine armor, Commander Murphy. From the looks of things, I'd have to say it was a combination of Kevlar, steel trauma plates, strands of high tensile steel, titanium and an extra layer of Kevlar. The moisture must be handled by GORE-TEX. Would it be possible to get a look at one of the suits?"

"But of course, Sousuke. I've got some extra suits, thanks to a friend of a friend of mine." He then guides the group over to the suit rack and pulls one off. Zipping it open, he spreads it out on a table so Sousuke can get a closer look at it.

Sousuke's face lights up as he sees the inside of the suit. What he sees within it is nothing like he had expected.

"This is glorious, Commander. The ones that designed this suit have clearly outdone themselves. Like I said, we'll keep the offer in mind. Of course, I'd have to tell my C.O., along with the Commander and the Captain all about it. Chances are, they wouldn't believe me. Would it be possible to get a copy of the tape, just so they know?"

Sheila replies, "Sure thing, Sergeant Sagara."

At that, she ejects the tape and goes to the Video Room to dub a copy of the tape, as they had sent another copy to the manufacturer for feedback purposes. When it's done, she hands Sousuke the tape and smiles.

"This will make great viewing for your superiors, Sergeant. Once they see it, they will probably want to contribute to the manufacturer's business. All over the nation, Police Departments are buying them up. The results are staggering. The number of Officers killed have declined, rapidly. Even in high-crime areas like this one. Combined with our tactical helmets, we're pretty hard to kill here now."

Sousuke frowns and says, "I hope for your sake that you do not come across a 57mm shell. Commander, just how far did you test the armor?"

"All the way up to the Cobra Assault Cannon. It's the most powerful weapon I can think of offhand. All weapons I tested the sample with were utilizing armor-piercing ammunition."

"Under the circumstances, you did a top notch job, Commander. While I doubt you'd come across a 57mm, please keep this in mind. If you ever see an Arm Slave around here, encourage your Officers to seek and/or keep cover. It could very well keep them from being obliterated."

Kaname, aghast at the image, whips out her halisen and yells, "Sousuke!"

She then hits him on top of his head, saying, "The Commander and his forces are unlikely to come across Arm Slaves, you moody military maniac. The only way that would happen was if some lame-brain was to get an idea to attack Detroit with Arm Slaves."

Concerned for Sousuke, Robocop says, "He has a point, Kaname. Since we don't have access to weapons mostly used on Arm Slaves, his advice is sound. Sousuke, do you wish to press charges?"

"Negative. I'm used to it, so it's not a problem. Besides, she has a point as well. It's generally not a good idea to speak of morbid matters, especially Police Officers being obliterated by weapons not found in the civilian world unless, well, you get the idea."

"Affirmative. Let's hope that day never comes, Sousuke. By now, I'd say you're tired. So, why don't I have Sheila drive you to the house. We have plenty of room there."

Luke clears his throat and says, "Actually, Commander, I'd like my cousin, his girl and her sister to stay at my place for the night. We have some catching up to do still. It's at 548 Primrose Lane."

'My old home. How fitting. Let's hope the ending there is a lot happier than when Nancy found out about my death.'

Robocop's thought ends as he nods his head in agreement and asks, "How about you, Kurz and Melissa?"

Melissa replies, "I'm sorry, Commander. But Sgt. Weber and myself have to get back to the sub. Kurz is on getting us a helicopter to transport us. Maybe you can hang out with the cousins Sagara, Ayame and Kaname. Kaname, shall I tell Tessa what had happened?"

"Thanks, Melissa, that'd be great." Melissa nods as she waves goodbye to the others and starts chasing after Kurz.

Robocop chuckles and asks, "How did those two even come together in the first place? I mean, they seem so unlikely to be friends, let alone comrades in arms."

Kaname giggles and replies, "It all started at a training camp. Melissa told the story, so I think I can recall most of it. How about it, Commander? Care to join us?"

Robocop nods and says, "Sheila, please tell James where we're going. Undoubtedly, he'll come over as well. We have some history with that house." Sheila nods in reply as the cybernetic Commander and the group leave the Room.