Buck visited Wilma in her room. Lying face down on her bed, she didn't look happy. He setting down in a nearby chair and asked, "So is your posterior indeed split in half the rest of the way?"
Wilma frowned at him. "It just feels like it. Buck, that was the most embarrassing thing I have ever had happen to me. Everyone saw what he did! They are criminals!"
Holding back a smirk, he asked, "Maybe you should help me convince the Directorate leaders to take my advice and try to make Aono Tsukune a friend and not an enemy?"
"Those people are barbarians. They are taking over a large area of land, and we do not have the resources to fight them and maintain an external watch on the Earth. If they decide to remove power from the shield generators what's to stop the Draconians from invading?" Wilma asked.
"It might help if Aono knew what those shield generators are for," Buck replied. "So far, no one in New Chicago will even talk to them. I know Aono has tried a few times to talk to us and meets nothing but a wall of silence."
Dr. Huer walked in. "How are you doing, Wilma?" he asked.
"I'll live," she assured him.
"Aono is being a pain in her ass," Buck said, trying hard not to grin.
Dr. Huer frowned at him. "Buck, this is getting serious. I was hoping you have some insight on how to deal with the situation in Japan."
"Easy," Buck said. "First off, we go talk to them. Forget your superior computer ideology, Japan is no longer under New Chicago's control. What you should be doing is trying to form an alliance with Aono, not fight him. Wilma is worried about the Draconians taking advantage of this conflict between Japan and New Chicago, and she's right. If we don't make peace and come to an agreement with Aono and his clan, the Draconians will."
Dr. Huer hung his head and let out a sigh. "Dr. Theopolis has concluded that by the number of cities that has risen up in Japan , that by the end of the year, they will have five operating cities. At the end of five years, they will be expanding out of their island nation onto other parts of the world. Within 20 years, they will be all over the world with hundreds of cities and millions of followers. We will be the exception rather than the norm."
Buck nodded. "I can see that. Does that mean our computer leadership is willing to open up negotiations with the Aono's?"
Dr. Huer shook his head. "They are still struggling for a way to make Japan return to accepting them as the leaders."
"Things like that are what start wars," Buck replied. "I really don't think you want to go to war against vampires. Especially when they have the larger numbers."
"Right now, that looks like it is inevitable," Dr. Huer told him.
Buck then stood up and flung his arms up. "Dr. Huer, before this gets any worse, let me go talk to them, please! They have powers we could use and need to understand. They have what, three cities now? We get their news broadcasts, the people there are happy, they are loyal to Aono and see him and his clan as gods. He is focusing on the welfare of all, and they are loving him for it. I've talked to people here who wish we had an Aono Tsukune. If we don't send someone there, then let them send someone here."
"I will speak with Dr. Theopolis about it," Huer relented.
"Dr. Huer?" A woman asked as she came in. "Recently, we've seen birds inside the city, We are trying to find out where they are coming from."
"Birds?" he asked. "There's no wildlife in the city."
"There is now, sir. Large black birds. They aren't harming anything, but if you look up in high places, the hanger roof supports, light supports in the recreational rooms, in the gardens, several have been spotted. One worker noted a light out, and happened to see one perched motionless up high. Once he realized what it was, we've been searching for others. No one knows how long they have been around."
Taking on a confused look, Dr. Huer said, "There are no unguarded opening in the city, so they must have been here. But what do they eat to survive? How do they get around with no one seeing them?"
"We don't know. We're going to study them to see if we can find out."
Buck offered, "If this were the old days, they could be familiars for a Witch that is watching us."
"What are those?" Dr. Huer asked.
"A familiar is an animal that a witch can use to see though. Say if a witch wanted to see what was happening here, she might send a crow, then watch us through it's eyes, and listen with it's ears," Buck explained.
"What's a crow?" the woman asked.
"A big black bird that likes heights."
Dr. Huer frowned at him. "Buck, are you saying one of these witches is spying on us?"
"It's folklore," Buck said with a shrug. "Witches used familiars like crows, cats, and a few other animals. Crows also carried people's souls that died to the afterlife." Looking around the room he added, "Others, like vampires used bats and wolves to do their bidding. Bats have fantastic ears and are small. One could tuck himself into a crack and go unnoticed for a long time."
Seeing Buck scanning the ceiling, Wilma asked, "Buck what are you looking for?"
"Just checking the ceiling for bats."
"Now that we are done with serious conversation," Dr. Huer announced, "I will go discuss sending a envoy to Japan with the council." he turned and walked stiffly out.
"Captain Rogers, could you come and see if these birds are crows?" the woman asked.
Buck got up. "Want anything, Wilma?" he asked.
"No thank you," she replied. She returned Buck's wave as he left with the woman.
Lying and looking at nothing, Wilma was feeling frustrated with Buck Rogers. At times, he had excellent advice and was a joy to be around. other times, he went on about things that made no sense at all. Someone says birds inside, and he talked about witches, like these things were real. She decided to get up and get something done. On her feet and stretching, she noticed a dark spot on the edge of a light fixture. It looked like dirt, or maybe a smudge. She approached it to get a better look at it. It was a clump of dirt. Grabbing a cleaning rag shew went over to wipe it off.
Just before her hand reached it, the dirt fell, sprouted wings and fluttered at her. Wilma backed up, screaming and flailing to knock the thing away from her. Tripping, she fell over a low stool and took a tumble to the floor. Heart in her throat, she got up searching for the thing. There was no little flying beastie. She was alone in the room. Panting from her fright, she sat down hard in a chair and instantly regretted it.
.
Down in the receiving docks, Buck verified that was a crow perched up in the rafters. It was sitting still on the steel beam, only it's head moved small amounts as it watched the humans below. He decided to check other places for crows.
.
Sitting in a luxuriously stuffed chair in their rooms, Moka kept her eyes closed as she said, "Tsukune, Buck Rogers convinced Dr. Huer to consider talking to us instead of fighting us."
Tsukune, in the chair beside Moka, grinned. "That would be a wise thing to do. Are you going to listen in?"
"Obviously. I've noted these computers believe they have all the answers. There are things they do not take into consideration. Possibly, they need some motivation?"
"Yes, but nothing too threatening," Tsukune agreed. "Kokoa mentioned that there at New Chicago, they had remnants of the old city that are still occupied?"
"Yes. What are you thinking?"
"That those people might need a few succubi to help them out."
.
Momo was happy Tsukune had accepted her sister and truly became her Destined One. Upon the news that Lord Aono had an important job for her, she was thrilled. Heading to the observation room that had glass walls to show a panoramic view of the nearby ocean, she joined three other Succubi, Nanatail Inari, Usagi Tod, and Kahaku Nami.
"Greetings," Tsukune called as he came in.
"Greetings, Lord Aono," they all replied and bowed.
Tsukune returned their bow. "That you all for coming. I have a vital mission for you. You all are able to speak English, that is a requirement for this mission. You each have your own skills that are required. You will be going to the old city of Chicago, a broken down place with broken down and angry people scraping by to survive." Motioning to Momo, he said,"Succubi will be needed to charm and calm the people there, and get them to cooperate." Indicating Nami, he said, "A water spirit to find good water," Motioning to Tod, he said, " A rabbit spirit to help grow healthy food, and a Fox spirit to help with rebuilding and magic. Momo will also meet with New Chicago people should they find enough interest in Old Chicago to visit, or even pay attention to it. Shuzen Kokoa is currently occupied, but will be arriving to assist you and will be the City leader. She has much experience in rebuilding."
He let that sink in then added, "Very soon, I will be going to New Chicago to speak with their leaders. Before we land there, you will be dropped off in Old Chicago with the purpose of organizing the people there and building a community out of the survivors. When possible, a witch will arrive to assist in the things you are lacking in. Expect to be leaving in the next two weeks. Any Questions?"
Momo shot her had up in the air. "Will you be coming to visit us?" she asked hopefully.
"Now and then to see how you are doing."
Usagi Tod asked, "Can I bring seeds?"
"Yes, bring whatever you're going to need. Remember, this place will be as desolate as Kyoto was. Other than staving people and old buildings with no services, there is nothing there," Tsukune told them.
"You can count on us, Lord Aono!" Momo cried with a fist in the air.
.
Buck was glad the computer council agreed to talk with Aono Tsukune, although their reason was to sit him down and explain why it was better for everyone that he fall into line and realize they were more logical and could take care of things better. Dr. Huer had a message sent to Kamakura, inviting Aono Tsukune to come to Chicago so they could discuss their difficulties.
Word and rumors got around New Chicago that Lord Aono, one who was more powerful than Kathy Chang, was coming. It was known Kathy Chang was very strong, and fast. Someone to be frared. How powerful was this Lord Aono? Some feared his arrival, others wanted to see him. Especially the Draconian spy. He got word to his contacts to let his Princess know the day Aono was to arrive in New Chicago.
Princess Ardolla requested to come and talk with the Earth Directorate on the same day to offer cooperation and possible trade between Earth and the Draconian Empire, and also pay a social call to visit with Buck Rogers. Cain was not pleased at her last request, but if his Princess was busy with her Earth boy-toy, then he could speak seriously with this Aono.
Everyone wanted this meeting. The date was set for a three day visit, each day having one 'general' meeting of Dr. Huer and Dr. Theopolis, Princess Ardolla and General Cain, and Aono Tsukune and Aono Moka.
.
The aircraft chosen to fly from Kamakura to New Chicago was a cargo plane that had a rear opening door that swung down. It also had a large fuel tank and though it could get up to 460 MPH, it could also move slow, nearly hanging in the air. The upper deck had passenger seating, the lower deck was cargo space with tie downs and rolling racks and skids to help offload large cargo. Most of the trip was boring, the drone of the props was a narcotic. Moka slept, Tsukune relaxed and let Katsume lean against him, cuddled up.
Looking at Katsume, Tsukune was hard pressed to see differences between her and Kurumu. In actions and physical looks, Katsume was a mirror image of his long gone Kurumu. He was tempted to believe that Kurumu had come back to him. Part of him wanted to believe it. Then again, this wasn't Kurumu, it was Katsume, she deserved to have her own identity, even in his mind.
The plane landed in Hawaii for a hour stopover for refueling and let the passengers go stretch their legs. A few crates of parts were loaded on for New Chicago. Once everyone was back on board, they took off again.
Bored our of her mind, Moka coaxed Tsukune to come inspect the cargo to make sure everything was tied down properly. Finding a space between some crates, they did a complete inspection of each other and tried to make a baby. With the long flight they had plenty of time, so they took plenty of time.
A couple hours later, Katsume also needed some time with her Destined One. Tsukune took her down into the cargo bay. Other Succubi sensed this and wandered down to get a little action also. Tsukune was glad he had plenty of energy.
Coming close to their destination, Tsukune had the Old Chicago group assemble back by the rear loading hatch. The plane slowed and dropped to approach New Chicago. The rear door opened, Momo grabbed Inari, spread her wings and jumped out the back to soar away. Each Succubus grabbed a non-flier and ran out the back to fly down to Old Chicago. Once they were out and gone, the cargo door was shut. The plane came down and landed at New Chicago.
.
Watching the plane come in, Dr. Huer, Buck and Tweekie with Dr. Theopolis around Tweekie's neck on a strap, watched the plane land and taxi over to stop. Three people came out, Lord Aono, the silver haired Aono Moka and a busty blue haired woman.
"Dr. Huer, ten people got on that plane in Hawaii. Only three got off." Dr. Theopolis noted.
"Maybe the others are doing something on the plane," Buck offered.
"The crew is reporting all passengers off and unloading cargo," Dr. Theopolis stated.
"Anyone in the cargo?" Buck asked.
"No, the seals put in Hawaii are still intact." Dr. Theopolis stated.
"They have to be somewhere," Dr. Huer stated.
"Beeb beeb beeb, maybe they jumped out," Tweekie said.
"For what reason, Tweekie?" Dr. Theopolis asked. "To leave a perfectly good airplane in flight is not logical."
"Sky diving used to be a sport," Buck told them. "Fly up and jump out to come down on a parachute. It was pretty popular."
"A sport like that could cause serious bodily harm or death," Dr. Theopolis stated. "To do something like that is dangerous."
Buck shrugged. "It is. I think most of them did it because it was dangerous. It's also an exhilarating feeling, falling through the air, then pulling the cord to open the chute. Great view as well."
Dr. Huer eyed Buck. "You did this sky diving sport?"
"Not as a sport, but as a military pilot, it was required to take a few jumps," Buck replied then asked, "Are you telling me none of our pilots here have ever parachuted?"
"There is no need to," Dr. Huer said firmly. "If ejection is required, then the seat emergency system will deploy a parachute and bring the pilot to the ground."
"So if that system fails, then the pilot has no options but to crash to the ground," Buck stated.
"Our fighters operate mostly is space, so it is not a big concern," Dr. Huer told him.
"If you were in a stricken plane and your emergency system failed, I bet it would become a huge concern to you," Buck countered.
"Beeb beeb beeb, Aono's arriving," Tweekie announced.
The automatic door opened. Tsukune stepped aside and let Moka and Katsume go in. They entered and waited for him to come up in between them. They each tucked a hand under one of his arms.
Buck bowed to them. 'Aono Moka, Aono Tsukune, welcome. I'm afraid I don't know..."
"Katsume!" Katsume brightly.
"Welcome, Katsume," Buck finished with a third bow.
Dr. Huer nodded slightly. "Welcome, I am Doctor Huer, this is Dr. Theopolis around Tweekie's neck."
Buck coughed. "Doc? You're supposed to bow," he stage-whispered.
Moka chuckled darkly and said, "I can see why things have gotten as bad as they are."
"Mr. Rogers, I hope Commander Deering is recovering?" Tsukune said pleasantly.
Dr. Huer stiffened. "We do not appreciate our people being … abused."
"I do not appreciate your people coming to remove power from one of our cities," Tsukune countered. "If someone performs mischief, they get punished."
"That is OUR weather control station," Dr. Huer stated.
"If you want it, come get it," Tsukune stated.
"It was an operation a weather control station you had power removed from," Dr. Huer said firmly.
"Yes. We don't need it. You said it's yours, you're welcome to it. It's there, any time you want to collect it."
Buck spoke up as Dr. Huer and Tsukune glared at each other, "Excuse me, but I think this meeting was to work at getting along?"
Katsume giggled at Buck.
"Perhaps you could explain why you need to control the weather?" Moka asked.
"By controlling the weather patterns, we ensure optimal temperatures in all critical areas," Dr. Theopolis stated.
"Ahh, so that explains why we have ice covering half of Japan year round," Tsukune stated.
"That area is not important to us," Dr. Theopolis stated.
"It is to us," Tsukune replied heavily. "Thank you for the information, we now know to destroy every one of your stations we find so our weather has a chance to become normal. I will allow one month for you to collect your machines before we remove them for parts and salvage."
"Beeb beeb beeb, Doc Theopolis, you're digging yourself a hole, beeb beeb beeb."
"Tweekie, what does that mean?" Dr. Theopolis asked.
"It means you are making things worse instead of better," Buck replied. "Look, screw the weather control stations. What we should be worried about is the Earth shield generators that keep things like the Draconians away."
Tsukune looked at Buck and said, "Explain."
"The Draconian Empire has been trying to get it's hands on Earth. Right now, the Earth defense forces are weak. The only thing keeping the Draconians out are the shields around the planet," Buck explained. "They are placed all over the plant and if power is removed from them, the shields will fail, giving the Draconians access to Earth."
Tsukune frowned in thought, then asked, "Where are these Draconians?"
"They come from several star systems, we do not know which one they originated from," Dr. Huer offered. "We do have some delegates arriving tomorrow from the Draconian Empire to discuss possible trade."
"I will meet them then," Tsukune said with a satisfied nod.
"Lord Aono, I must ask what happened to seven of your passengers on the plane that you arrived in," Dr. Theopolis asked.
"They were dropped off over Old Chicago," Tsukune stated.
"For what purpose," Dr. Theopolis asked.
"To help the ones living there, or course," Tsukune told him. "You refuse to help them, so we will help them."
"This is not Japan, you cannot act here." Dr. Theopolis stated.
"You care nothing for old Chicago, so it is not your business what we do or where," Tsukune countered.
Tweekie tapped Buck on his wrist and looked up at him. "Beeb beeb beeb, Dr. Theopois needs to shut off the backhoe."
Moka eyed Dr. Theopolis and asked, "Tsukune, do we wipe out the computers here as well?"
In a mussing tone, Tsukune said, "Not yet, we will see if they can be reasonable. This Earth defense shield is operated by them, yes?" he asked and looked at Buck.
"It is," Buck replied. "Unless you got something up your sleeve, then that shield is our only true defense."
"Then show us where these generator things are so we ensure nothing happens to them," Tsukune said. "It appears that Earth Defense is the important reason that New Chicago exists, is that correct?"
"That is one of the reasons," Dr. Huer stated. "The other is ensuring humanity survives."
"We will take on that task. Concern yourselves with keeping the Earth safe from invasion," Tsukune explained, "We will deal with returning our planet to what it should be."
"We have designed the perfect atmospheric conditions," Dr. Theopolis stated. "It is you who are upsetting the balance."
"Then prepare to be more upset," Tsukune stated. "Just because the weather is perfect here, does not mean it is perfect everywhere. In places, it is very ... imperfect. We will correct it."
"You do not wish to test our resolve," Dr. Theopolis stated. "We insist you stop modifying what we have done."
Tweekie reached up and took off the strap Dr. Theopolis was hanging from. "Beeb beeb beeb, here Buck," he said, raising his arms.
"What are you dong tweekie?" Buck asked.
"Beeb beeb beeb, I saw what the Aono's do to people who oppose them. Here, you hold Dr. Theopolis."
"I don't want him." Buck replied.
Tweekie looked at Dr. Huer, then set Dr. Theopolis on the floor and hurried around to Buck's other side.
"Tweekie, what are you doing?" Dr. Theopolis asked.
"Beeb beeb beeb, getting out of the line of fire."
"Tweekie, come retrieve me!" Dr. Theopolis stated firmly.
"No way, Jose," Tweekie replied.
Irritated, Dr. Huer said, "Tweekie! There is nothing to worry about, now pick up Dr. Theopolis!"
Katsume quickly raced over and scooped up the strap and hoisted Dr. Theopolis up, the strap over her shoulder like he was a purse. "Don't worry, I got it," she beamed.
Guards that have been staying back raced closer, guns up. Katsume eyed them, her nails came out. In a flash, Tsukune stepped between her and the guards and glared at them. Moka shifted to stand by Dr. Huer. Seeing a very bad situation developing, Dr. Huer, raised his arms to the guards. "Stop, lower your weapons."
Once the guards did, he asked Katsume, "Miss, may I hold Dr. Theopolis?"
"I was just trying to be helpful," Kastume said with a pout. She handed Dr. Huer the strap. Getting direct eye contact with him, an invisible pulse came out of her eyes, Charming Dr. Huer.
"Yes, thank you," Dr. Huer said, letting out an audible sigh of relief. Gazing at her, he said, " My rooms are very comfortable, you can stay with me if you wish."
Katsume tittered out a shy laugh. "Oh no I could not do that, unless you agree with Tsukune on his proposal."
"Of course I do!" Dr. Huer replied to her firmly. "He is already doing much for all of us and to have him take on the responsibility of the populations is a great relief to us!"
Tweekie tipped his head as he looked at Huer, Huer's gaze fixed on Katsume.
"Dr. Huer, you cannot decide that," Dr. Theplolis stated.
Still gazing at Katsume, Dr. Huer smiled and said, "I can, I do have the power to make an emergency decision. The council can overturn it after they have a meeting."
"Then take me to the meeting room so we may begin!" Dr. Theopolis stated.
Katsume gently took the strap back from Dr. Huer and with a sweet smile, said, "I'll carry this for you."
"Why thank you, dear," Huer replied, returning her smile.
Buck face planted. "Yeah I can see this situation going downhill."
"I must gather our council and engage in a meeting," Dr. Theopolis siad.
Katsume lifted him so she was looking at the computer's 'front'. "Ohh, poor little computer guy! Do you miss your friends?" she asked in a sweet coo.
"I am one of the council members who leads Earth. I demand to be taken to the council chambers!"
"Ohhh such an important job, you must be proud!" she said with a big smile and petted the glass on the front. "Unlike others, I think you're a cute little pizza box."
"Take me to the council chambers, or hand me to someone else," Dr. Theopolis demanded.
"So forceful, OK," Katsume cooed and threw him over to Moka.
The guards gasped as Dr. Theopolis flew through the air. Moka reached up and caught his strap.
"He's fine," Katsume told Dr. Huer.
"Yes he is not damaged. Thank you for taking care with him," he replied, smiling at Katsume.
"Not yet," Moka added. "Are the other computer here watching?" she asked.
"Everything is being recorded." Dr. Theopolis stated.
"Then record this," Moka said in a harder tone. "Your job is maintaining the Earth's defenses and serve us as we deem appropriate. I highly suggest you stick to your job, or we remove you and take those tasks on as well."
Tsukune looked at Tweekie and asked, "Little man, will you please take that computer to go see the rest of this council for me?"
"Beeb beeb beeb, yes, your majesty," Tweekie said with a bow then went over to take Dr. Theopolis from Moka.
"Dr. Huer, you are in charge of the Earth defenses from beyond the planet," Tsukune said. "If you have difficulties you cannot handle contact myself or my dear Moka."
Dr. Huer looked at him, then back to Katsume. Katsume playfully poked him in the chest. "You're the man," she said with a wink.
He smiled broadly at her. "I am honored," he said and bowed to her.
Buck let out a sigh. "Well that didn't take very long."
Tsukune came up and offered him a smile and asked, "If you would please, show us to our rooms, then please take us on a tour of your wonderful city."
Buck returned his smile. There was no way he was going to argue with these people. "My pleasure, this way, please."
.
Getting to the council room, the computers discussed their options, and found they had very little. Like at Kamakura, if they defied Aono Tsukune, they would be destroyed and he would maintain the city by other means. For the sake of the planet, and self-preservation, they agreed to do as Lord Aono asked.
The Aono's obviously had no respect at all for computers.