Kim Possible and Street Hawk: Full Metal Mayhem! 8
Disclaimer: I do not own Kim Possible, Street Hawk or Full Metal Panic! Wish I did though.
Kaname's Exam and Mission Departure
After finishing her soak in the tub, Kaname gets dressed and heads for the Medical Wing of the sub to see Dr. Peggy Goldberry. When she gets there, she sees the African-American woman glance behind her and smile.
"Miss Chidori, how have you been?"
"I've been fine, Dr. Goldberry. Do you do special examinations by any chance?"
"Regarding...?"
"Exactly."
"Say no more. I gather Sgt. Sagara knows nothing about this or your suspicions."
"He doesn't and it's one of our guests that got me to thinking about it. It could just be something I ate."
Dr. Goldberry chuckles and says, "Well, we'll just see, won't we. Give me your arm please so I can take a blood sample. With our equipment, we get answers in seconds, not hours or minutes."
Kaname nods and winces when the needle pierces her arm. She then feels a piece of gauze being pressed against the wound and she places pressure on it. Dr. Goldberry then takes the sample to the console and submits it. Five seconds later, Kaname looks at the screen in disbelief. Her brown eyes tear up as she thinks about what Sousuke would think, feel or even say.
"I'll leave you be, Miss Chidori. It'll be best this way should you decide on when to tell him what you now know. But, all I can say is congratulations to the both of you for finally getting your heads on straight."
Kaname nods, tears coming out of her eyes, and replies, "Thanks, Dr. Goldberry." The Doctor nods as she exits the room, allowing Kaname to sob in privacy.
Five minutes later, Kaname gathers her wits and gently turns the monitor off, saying, "Thank you. Now that I know, I can finally plan a little bit better."
At that, Kaname leaves the Medical Wing and starts wandering around the sub, this time in a daze unlike after Sousuke's outburst after Melissa had gotten hurt. As she walks, she has a smile/frown on her face. Both joy and concern for what Sousuke would say to her. Thirty minutes later, she makes her way to Tessa's quarters.
Upon arrival, Kaname knocks on the door and hears Tessa saying, "Come in, please." When Kaname gulps, she opens the door and walks in, intent on telling her fellow 'Whispered' what she had learned. When she does, Tessa smiles softly, with tears in her eyes and embraces Kaname softly.
"You should tell him after the mission's over, Kaname. Undoubtedly, if he was to hear these news now, it would throw his world into a spin. Very much like he did yours, without any warning and inadvertently."
Kaname giggles and says, "That he did, Tessa. That he did. But, since Sousuke had a lousy childhood, could he be considered ideal material?"
"Did you ever hear of this particular saying, Miss Chidori? 'Even though you fall, you must always get back up again. Not to do so is the same as admitting defeat and/or dying.' That quote fits Sgt. Sagara rather well. As to ideal material, that is something you both would have to figure out for yourselves."
"I can't say I heard of it, but I get it's meaning. Even though Sousuke had it rough, he had and still has what it takes to survive and get the job done. Very much like Team Hawk does." She then giggles and adds, "It does fit Sousuke rather well. Who said it?"
"I wish I knew for sure. It's bound to be part of abstract thinking on someone's part." This causes both of them to share a loud laugh inside the cabin.
Meanwhile, in the hangar, Ron, Bonnie, Hirotaka and Jessica are working on getting the vehicles armed and ready. Ron suddenly gets an idea and looks at Bonnie with a question in his eyes.
Her eyes then bulge out as she realizes what he has in mind. She numbly nods and goes over to War Bird, opening it's rear storage compartment. She then brings out two parachutes and takes them over to the vehicles.
Jessica sees this and asks, "What are the parachutes for, Bonnie?"
"Ron'll fill you in. I'm in shock still from him having this brainstorm."
Nervously, Jessica asks, "Ron, what's going on with the parachutes?"
Ron grins and replies, "We're going to parachute the vehicles down to the ground. As they leave the helicopter, we're going to be with them. Since I'm not going to chance Sousuke getting hurt, he'll be riding with the two of you. When we touch down, he'll beat feet over to the cycle."
"At which point, he gets on and the two of you storm the compound with us covering you."
"Exacto."
"You ever do that before?"
Bonnie grins and replies, "You bet they did. Long before Ron got hurt. Kim and Ron even used that same trick when they rescued James Murphy from that BeeBee robot. You might say that they are experts at parachuting. Just follow Ron's cues and you'll be all right."
Jessica gulps nervously as Bonnie smiles her barracuda smile and proceeds to attach the parachute to the buggy's frame, being careful to avoid the gatling guns. Meanwhile, Ron is working on getting the parachute attached to Street Hawk and grinning massively. When it's all done, they give all connection straps a solid tug. Finding them all tight, they nod in approval and turn in for the night.
Five hours later, unable to sleep, Ron makes his way to the hangar and asks to speak with Tessa. One of the hands guides him to her cabin and knocks on her door.
"Come in." When Ron opens the door, he sees Tessa is still up and at her desk. Tessa turns, smiles and says, "Hello, Mr. Stoppable. How can I help you?"
"Captain Testarossa, I'm wondering if you can keep an eye on Rufus for me, please. I don't want to chance him getting hurt out there." At that, Rufus pops his head out of Ron's pocket and waves at the petite Captain. "Captain Testarossa, meet my naked mole rat and other best friend, Rufus. He's very bright and funny."
Tessa giggles and says, "Hello, Rufus. I'd be delighted in watching Rufus for you, Mr. Stoppable. When you get back, I would like to know exactly why you have a naked mole rat for a pet." Ron chuckles and tells Tessa all about his Father's allergies. When he gets done, her jaw is dropped in shock and amazement.
Inside his quarters, Sousuke lies under his bunk, wide awake. He had tried to go to sleep several times, but without luck in that effort. His concern for Luke has him twisting around, trying to get comfortable on the cold steel floor. Feeling the need to burn off some energy, he changes to sweats and heads for the on-board gym. Little does he realize that he's about to get a workout partner as well.
When he gets to the gym, he sees Kaname moving around, swinging her halisen as she does so. Her movements graceful and fluid, she looks like a ballet dancer. Even with a halisen in hand.
He waits until she gets done before saying, "Beautiful performance, Kaname."
Kaname turns around, grins and blushes before she replies, "I just couldn't get to sleep, Sousuke. Especially after finding out something." Before he could ask, she continues. "So I came down here to work off some of this excess energy. But, my moves with a halisen are too well practiced. Is there anything you can teach me, Sousuke?"
Sousuke's eyes light up as he replies, "Affirmative. I can teach you how to break the major joints in a person's body, should you not wish to use guns for pain alone. It's a good thing we have a practice dummy in here, so you won't have to worry about hurting me." Kaname nods in approval as Sousuke takes her hand and gently guides her to the area for such moves.
When they get to the dummy, Sousuke says, "Kaname, this is 'Sam'. 'Sam', this is Kaname. She'll be breaking your joints today."
Kaname laughs as Sousuke, using a falsetto voice, replies, "Hello, Kaname. Do not worry about my joints. I'm used to it, so it's not a problem." Her laughter becomes even more raucous as she kisses Sousuke passionately.
Sousuke luxuriates in the kiss until the two separate from the kiss, prompting him to start teaching. "The first step is breaking the knee joints, in order to prevent escape or a counter-attack. To break the joint, drive your strong foot into the side of the joint. When you hear the joint snap, you know you've done it. Here, I'll show you." At that, Sousuke drives his foot out into 'Sam's leg and connects with where the joint would be.
"You pyscho! What did I do to you?" Sousuke's falsetto has Kaname giggling again before she nods her readiness. "Oh no, not you too, Kaname."
"You got it, 'Sam'. Prepare for pain." At that, she drives her foot into the other leg. Sousuke then brings the dummy down to the floor and positions it with it's arms up.
"I surrender. Please, don't hurt me any more. Please."
Sousuke returns to his normal voice and says, "You should have thought of that before volunteering for this assignment."
"I didn't volunteer. I was bushwhacked!" Sousuke's falsetto has Kaname in stitches.
He then returns to his regular voice and says, "Volunteer, bushwhacked, same thing. I'll put it to you like this. Kaname needs to break some joints on a practice dummy. While I would be more than happy to accommodate her, I'm needed on a mission. Damage to major joints take a long time to happen. Even then, they don't ever heal right. So, it's better you than me, 'Sam'. I apologize for the inconvenience."
"This is not an inconvenience! This is sadism at it's worst!"
Kaname, still chuckling, cracks her knuckles and says, "I'm ready to show 'Sam' a thing or two about sadism."
Sousuke returns to his normal voice and resumes his instruction. "When it comes to the elbow, it's the most vulnerable joint along with the knee. To successfully break the joint, place one hand on the subject's wrist. Then, bring your other arm in an arc toward the elbow. Upon contact, yank the subject's arm, increasing the chance for a successful break. Here, I'll show you." Once he's done, he does another falsetto cry. Returning his voice to normal, he scolds the dummy.
"Just be glad you're not human, 'Sam'. If you were, you'd be begging for death and you're not even alive." He then turns to Kaname and nods it's her turn. Kaname nods right back at Sousuke and pulls off the move flawlessly.
"Kaname, you've hanging around this sadistic, moody and twisted military maniac too long! Get away from him before it's too late! He's a dyed-in-the-wool psycho!"
Kaname giggles at the falsetto voice before whispering into 'Sam's ear, a soft smile on her face. When she's done, before Sousuke can 'ask Sam' what she was whispering about, she hoists 'Sam' up and bodyslams him, headfirst, onto the floor. Sousuke whistles, seeing that she used the same move that she pulled on him when he forgot her notes one day.
Kaname blushes and says, "You know the old saying, Sousuke. 'Dead dummies tell no tales.' I think it'd be fitting for 'Sam'. Wouldn't you? Besides, I can't stand to see someone suffering. Even if it is a dummy."
Sousuke nods in understanding as Kaname gives him a soft peck on his lips. He then wraps her in a gentle embrace and Frenches her passionately. She returns the Frenching with even more fervor before realizing what he's getting at.
She then breaks away from the kiss and says, "Uh-uh-uh, you'll have to wait until after the mission, Sousuke. If you knew now, it'd throw you off balance. But, here's a hint. It'll change our lives drastically and forever." She gives him one more peck before adding, "All the training worked, Sousuke. Let's spend the night together in your quarters."
Sousuke grins and says, "Affirmative. Let's come back here for the next night so I can show you some more hand-to-hand tactics." Kaname nods, giggles and takes his arm, leading him out of the gym and to his quarters.
A day and a half later, in Shanghai, Luke is being tortured with laughter again. "No, stop! I can't take this anymore! Stop this, you crazy-ass fruit-bats!" He had been watched by Gauron, with Gauron inside the room with him.
Gauron's laughter comes through full and rich with life before he says, "You have seen so much silliness, Luke. Thinking of, I have a question for you. How did you get your name? I thought that your name would have been more like Kashim's."
"Sorry to disappoint you, asshole. But my Father was a buff of the 'Star Wars' movies."
"You don't say. I like those movies too! I think I take after Darth Vader personally."
"Funny, I think the crazy, dumb-ass Emperor would be more fitting for you, shit-for-brains."
Gauron brings out a gun before he realizes what Luke is trying to do. He then chuckles, holsters it and says, "No you don't, Luke. I already know what you're doing. You're trying to anger me in order to trick me into getting close to you so you can snatch my gun from me."
"Damn. I'll have to think of something else then, Mr. Scar-faced Weirdo Sadist."
"Actually, my name's Gauron. And I'll say this much for your cousin. He's very good at surviving and stopping all kinds of plots. Question is, will he get here in time to save you?"
Luke's eyes bulge out as he processes the information. "Let me get this straight. You're expecting Sousuke to come here and kick your asses. If that's the way you have this planned, then Sousuke will be more than happy to accommodate you on the ass-kicking portion." That has Gauron laughing richly, causing Luke to get chills up his spine.
Back on the Tuatha de Danaan, Tessa, with Rufus on her shoulder, is up on the bridge with Mardukas and Kalinin. Team Hawk and the three members of the SRT along with Kaname are in the hangar waiting for departure. The munitions loaders had included a variety of explosive charges inside a satchel and placed it within Sand Hawk's equipment box. Ten Thermite charges, ten blocks of C-4 and twenty sticks of dynamite are within the box, with the box lined with impact-absorbing foam.
Kaname's eyes bulge out when she sees the parachutes on the ground vehicles and she goes into shock when she hears Ron's plan. Her hand-to-hand combat sessions under Sousuke's tutelage had paid off for her rather well. Needless to say, 'Sam' is currently undergoing repairs and should be fixed by the time they return.
Jessica is wearing a pair of Mithril fatigues along with a bullet-proof vest. Jessica decided on an ideal codename for herself: Hard Hawk. Since she is strong in spirit and the daughter of the original Street Hawk, the codename fits her perfectly. During the voyage, she had elected to give herself an adequate chance at hero work. This time, she doesn't doubt herself so much.
Kaname is wearing fatigues and a vest as well while Sousuke, Kurz and Melissa are wearing their A.S. suits. Sousuke is wearing a specially-designed combat harness over the A.S. suit. Within the harness are grenades and wedges of C-4. Sousuke and the others are wearing communication headsets tuned in to Team Hawk's frequency.
Melissa thinks back to when she and Kurz got a good look at the armored racing suits that Street Hawk, War Bird and Ninja are wearing. Along with their respective weapons. Melissa gave them an approving grin while Kurz tried to imagine Melissa wearing one of them. She caught his staring and decked him in his stomach, grinning savagely.
Sousuke identified each weapon precisely and nodded with approval upon seeing the hardware. He then introduced them to Arbalest and the M9 Arm Slaves. Ron's grin convinced Sousuke that he was very impressed with the M9, along with Arbalest.
"If we have time, I'll teach you guys to pilot an M9." Sousuke couldn't help but grin at the smiles on the faces of the team. Especially Ron's face. However, Kurz immediately took on a pale complexion as he thought about the implications of Ron piloting an M9. After all, Ron's reputation as a klutz had been talked about in the past, long before he became Street Hawk.
Melissa snaps back to the current time and checks her watch. She then says, "I better hook my M9 up to it's flight unit. Kurz, I expect you to behave yourself with War Bird and Ninja. If you don't, I will not hold Ninja responsible for what happens. Is that understood, Sergeant?"
"Sure thing, babe. I'll behave. As long as I get to see you again and have fun with you after we get Luke out." He then groans as Melissa sends an elbow into his gut, the savage grin still on her face.
"The only fun being had by anyone will be Sousuke, Kaname and Luke when they get him back home. I don't know what the others do for fun, but they have nothing to do with that at all. If they think you should know, they'll inform you. Is that understood?" At Kurz's weak nod, Melissa smirks and stalks off to mount her M9.
War Bird asks, "Is it just me, or does she dislike him intently?"
Sousuke replies, "She dislikes the way he constantly flirts with her. Of course, it could be she dislikes him as well."
"Just like someone I used to be once did. That person was horrible and doomed to be alone. But, I'm new and improved. Just gotta find a way to get rid of all this guilt I still have."
Street Hawk's about to reply when Sousuke cuts him to it. "What you were in the past is not relevant now. What you are now is relevant. You are a friend and part of a group of heroes. You have a family from what Ninja told us. When we get back, I'll help you release all your guilt. In the gym, with 'Sam'. He's a very good listener." War Bird nods her approval at the gesture on Sousuke's part.
At that, the hangar crew proceeds to load the cycle and dune buggy into Geybo 13, being very cautious not to touch the firing mechanism on Sand Hawk's gatling guns. All through the night, the hangar crew tried sitting on the cycle. With the same result every single time. Getting thrown off of the cycle. Needless to say, they're all walking a little funny this morning, as some of them landed the wrong way on their bodies.
On the bridge, Rufus is still on Tessa's shoulder as she asks, "Dana, what's the status of Team Hawk?"
The sub's Artificial Intelligence replies, "Team Hawk is making final preparations for the mission, Captain Testarossa. Street Hawk and Sand Hawk are being loaded onto Geybo 13 as we speak."
"Very good, Dana. Helm, surface and engage the ECS masts."
"Aye, ma'am. Surface and engage ECS masts."
"Mr. Mardukas, upon surfacing, give the order to open the flight deck doors so all combat vehicles can deploy."
"Yes, Madam Captain."
"Dana, keep me posted as to when Team Hawk's preparations are completed."
"Yes, Captain Testarossa."
Five minutes later, the hull of the Tuatha de Danaan breaks the surface of the water, just as Dana informs Tessa of Team Hawk's readiness.
Commander Mardukas gives the command for action. "Open the flight deck doors. Prepare Sgt. Major Mao for launch. Geybo 13 and War Bird will take off right behind her."
"Aye, sir. Opening the flight deck doors. ECS masts deployed. ECS invisible mode is operational."
Up on the flight deck, Melissa's M9 maneuvers itself over to the catapult and puts it's feet into the catapult's stirrups. Once the stirrups latch on, the control handle comes up beside the M9's hands.
With her arms and legs within the control waldos, Melissa licks her lips and says, "Time to launch." At that, she contacts the bridge.
On the bridge, Melissa's voice comes over the line. "Ready for launch, Captain."
"Very good, Sgt. Major. Good luck and come back unscathed."
"I'll do what I can, ma'am. I can't make any promises."
"Roger. Launch!"
At that, the M9 takes off, with sparks flying from it's feet as it screams along the flight deck. Once it gets clear, it flies off, engaging it's ECS as it does so. Geybo 13 comes up on the elevator and prepares for takeoff.
"This is Geybo 13, ready for takeoff."
"Roger, Geybo 13. You are cleared for takeoff. Team Hawk, Miss Chidori and Sergeant Sagara, good luck and happy hunting. Rufus says the same."
"Urzu 7, roger."
"Street Hawk, roger. See you later, Rufus." Rufus gives Ron a quick squeak as the acknowledgments continue.
"Hard Hawk, roger."
"Angel, roger."
At that, Geybo 13 lifts off and flies toward Chinese airspace. As it clears the Danaan, it engages it's ECS. Then comes War Bird on the elevator. As it engages it's rotors, the gatling guns do a quick rotate without discharge to ensure proper function.
"This is War Bird. My weapons show green. Do you confirm?"
"War Bird, this is SRT Lead. I confirm weapons are green. Good hunting." Kalinin grins with the thought of War Bird unleashing hell with it's gatling guns.
Tessa nods and says, "Urzu 6, I'm sure the Sgt. Major told you to behave yourself. In case it didn't sink through, keep this in mind. I am your Superior Officer. Any reports of misbehaving on your part and it will be you that will be going out of a torpedo tube. Only instead of a 300 kilogram bomb, it will be a 500 kilogram bomb. Is that clear?"
Her discussions with Cmdr. Mardukas regarding Sousuke had given her an idea on dealing with troublesome soldiers. Mardukas included due to his animosity toward Sousuke. Needless to say, Mardukas was not flattered by what his Captain had told him.
A sigh is heard as Kurz replies, "Urzu 6, roger."
"Very well. War Bird, you are clear for takeoff. Good luck and happy hunting."
"War Bird, roger."
"Ninja, roger."
"Urzu 6, roger."
At that, the attack helicopter lifts off of the flight deck and engages it's stealth as it flies toward the coast. As it clears the Danaan, it engages it's thrusters to pick up the pace. Possibly due to Kurz's eagerness to see how fast it would fly.
Tessa reaches a hand to her shoulder and allows Rufus to hop down onto her palm. She then asks, "Do you think they'll pull this off, Rufus?" Rufus nods and smiles at the petite Captain.
Tessa nods back and says, "I believe they will as well. But, we should have a counter-measure, in order to protect any and all members of the strike/extraction team. Any suggestions?"
Rufus ponders the question before he makes a throwing motion. "A Javelin missile. Brilliant, Rufus. Mr. Stoppable was right. You are bright. Mr. Mardukas, prepare a flight of Javelin missiles to provide cover for the team as they extract from the area. If any attackers show up on screen, launch one for each hostile."
"Aye, Madam Captain." Mardukas then sets about preparing the protective counter-measure.