CH 7
Sitting in the council room in New Chicago, Tsukune with Katsume on one side, and Dr. Huer on the other, they faced the computer council.
"Mr. Aono, why construct a road between New Chicago and the ruins of the old city?" Dr. Theopolis asked.
Tsukune looked at the computer box and said, "Transport between them. Unless I am missing something, here, you have your only fleet of space fighter craft. We are going to be trading with the Draconians. I don't think you want them coming in and out of your only base. Goods will be traded in Old Chicago, there is an airport there that is being refurbished. That will also provide work and some wealth to the residents there. Goods will be arriving and departing from there, not clogging up your runways here. The cities are so close together, ground travel is much more efficient than a 'hop' flight between airports."
"That will mean assigning large amounts of credits to all those workers," a Green computer box said.
"Credits?" Tsukune asked. "What are these credits backed by?"
"I don't understand the question."
"Backing," Tsukune said. "What precious metal, or other item of worth backs your credits. Say the Draconians deliver a bulldozer worth say, 10,000 credits? How much gold is that?"
There was silence briefly, then Dr. Theopolis said, "None. Credits are generated to supply a means of commerce. They are digital only. They have no value other than being able to trade goods and services."
"So, your credits are worthless," Tsukune stated.
"They are worth credit within the city," the red computer box replied.
Tsukune rubbed his forehead. "They will be worth nothing in Japan, or the Draconian empire," he told them. "In Kyoto and Kamakura, every 100 Yen is worth 1 ounce of gold. If someone in Kyoto buys something from Kamakura worth 100 yen, then the banks transfer 1 ounce of gold from Kyoto to Kamakura. I know the Draconians will want hard currency from us, and give us hard currency in return. What do you have that can back your credits in the same way?"
"Nothing," Dr. Theopolis stated. "Any metals we have are used for constructing. We have nothing in enough amount to gauge the value of our Credits on."
Tsukune face planted and let out a 'Ughh.'
Dr. Huer cast Tsukune a questioning look. "Why is it so important to 'back' our credits, as you call it?"
Tsukune stared at him. "Listen, if the Draconians say, sell us machinery, they don't use credits. They use Daks. Credits are worthless to them, except for trading with us. After they sell their things, they will want to go home with something of value. Something solid, not a digital promise of payment. MY guess is they will want gold in the equivalent of however many Daks their machinery was worth. WE will want the same. No one here uses Daks, so we will want something solid of value when we give them supplies or services."
"We can trade in barter," Dr. Huer said.
"Not on the scale we're talking about," Tsukune replied. "A one time deal, barter is fine. We're talking constant trade. Hopefully with other places than with the Draconians. Not to mention inter-city trade here on Earth."
"Mr. Aono, all our cities use the same credit system," the green computer said.
Tsukune let out a huff. "You are all broke. You have no real money at all," he grumbled.
"No, only credits we generate."
"Pitiful," Tsukune spat. He took in a long breath and let it out. "All right, to get you started, Figure out how many credits are needed to buy one ounce of gold."
"What good will that do?' Dr Huer asked.
"Figure it out, then let me know how many credits you have circulating. I will buy however many things I need to with gold so your credits have backing," Tsukune told them. "Then, you will need a place to put all that gold away, securely, and make a banking system to handle transfers."
The red computer said, "The current price of a ounce of gold is valued at 200 credits. Currently, there are 15,340,972 credits in circulation."
Tsukune did some mental figuring. "76,905 ounces of gold, rounded, which is just under four tons of gold. Do not make any more credits you can't back. I will figure out what to spend eight million yen of city property on, and send you the gold. Make a place for it!"
"If you buy parts of our city, then it will belong to you," D. Huer said, eyeing Tsukune warily.
"Yes," Tukune relied.
"We cannot do that, Dr. Huer!" Dr. Theopolis stated. "Over half our city would no longer be ours!"
"If I buy enough to back your all your credits with gold, the entire city will be mine," Tsukune replied.
All the computers chimed in.
"We cannot allow that!"
"That is unacceptable!"
"We will not accept your gold!"
"We determine this exchange is not in our interests."
Tsukune eyed them and asked, "Do you have something else you can sell me? Or, make for me?"
"I believe we cannot sell anything to you," Dr. Theopolis stated.
Tsukune nodded to him. "Fine then. When I make my trade deals with other cities, and off planet entities, New Chicago will not be included." He got up and said, "Katsume, come," as he held a hand out to her. Katsume took his hand and got up with him.
Dr. Huer stood up. "We can make our own Trade deals, Lord Aono."
Tsukune cast him a brief smile. "Your choice." he left with Katsume.
.
Old Chicago was coming along well. Which was to say the people there, although uneducated, were following instructions and had a few lrge gardens going, as well as making some buildings truly habitable instead of just holeing up in places they could find.
Tsukune visited old Chicago with Katsume, Buck and Tweekie. Charmed by the Succubi he'd dropped off there, the men of Old Chicago were eager to please. The women, not so much. Going to what Buck said was an old factory that had mostly survived time, Tsukune found the women did work at the garden as men helped put up more lights helping plants grow. Te women did cast sour looks at the men who gazed lustfully at the strange women with wings.
One thing that surprised Tsukune was the lack of water. The computers who controlled the weather thought clear blue skies, calm breezes and pretty sunsets was the way to go. That also meant no rain, and the city was sucking off the water that was left to leave the area outside the new city all but desert-dry. The rivers were all but dry and even the lakes had sunken levels. Old Chicago had a few deep wells now, so the inhabitants were no longer dying of thirst or guarding the weather they did find jealously.
In the expanse of Old Chicago, there were only two places that had water, and those were where the gardens were. Also most of the population that was left gathered there. If it wasn't for computers kicking people out of New Chicago, the population would be much lower. Kicked out from easy living to the harsh reality of the world, people in Old Chicago didn't like their former home very much.
Tsukune was more convinced than ever, those weather control stations had to go.
The Witch in Old Chicaco was a middle aged woman named Sandra who had a guard force near her bearing clubs for weapons. Tsukune and his band went to see her in the old mansion she inhabited. Being a Witch, Tsukune expected this place to look at least livable in. Coming up to the house, he noted this was not the case. Much of the roof was caved in, the open doorway that once held the door was gotten to by a path through the rubble that used to be a front porch. Many of the windows were gone.
"Beeb beeb beeb, another wreck," Tweekie noted.
Tsukune noted the men inside the doorway that were eyeing him unkindly as they hefted their pipes. "And this is a Witch," he said sadly.
Momo, who'd come with him said, "Lord Aono, she can draw up water, which here, makes her very powerful and vital to the people."
"That is all she can do?" he asked.
"Here, it is enough. Shall I ask if you may enter?" Momo asked.
Tsukune frowned slightly, then said, "This, first. Katsume, I need you for a moment."
Katsume bounded in front of him. "Yes. M'Lord?" she asked eagerly.
Tsukune hugged her and said, "I need a nip."
"Yes!" Katsume cried eagerly. She tipped her head, put a hand behind his head and guided him to her neck.
Buck winced as Tsukune expose his fangs and clamp down on her neck. The winged woman held him tight as he slurped.
"Beeb beeb beeb, major necking," Tweekie noted.
"Yeah," Buck said quietly. He knew vampires did this. What surprised him was Katsume hugged Tuskune tighter as her eyes fluttered, her face was a look of bliss.
"More!" she cried weakly.
Tsukune licked her neck clean. He petted face and smiled at her. "That is all for now, and more, and you'll become weak."
"Don't care," Katsume breathed, gazing at him. "Take more… Take me!"
"We must see a witch, first," Tsukune said gently and peeled a disappointed Katsume off
him.
Tsukune held up an arm at the mansion and cast his restore spell. The mansion glowed. The front porch put itself together, sagging columns straightened up, the pain n the outside wall reappeared, the roof rose back up and reformed in place.
While this was happening, shouts and cried sounded from within. The men inside came running out to turn and stare as the mansion rebuilt itself. Then a woman raced out looking terrified. She turned to watch the mansion become whole. Gaping at it.
The glow faded to show the mansion was intact. Katsume jumped up, wrapping her legs around Tsukune's waist and hr arms on his shoulders. She wiggled her breasts in his face. "Please, my Destined One, my breasts feel heavy. Drain them for me?"
"Later, dear, I promise" Tsukune said, kissed her then put her back on her feet.
"Ya-hooo!" Katsume cried.
Katsume's cry got the men and the blonde haired woman to turn and finally see them.
The woman has been inside long enough to restore her sweater and skirt in good condition, unlike the men's ragged clothes. Tsukune cast them a smile and asked, "Is that better?"
The woman looked at him, back at the house, then to him again. "You did that?" she asked in shock.
Tsukune walked closer and bowed to her. "I did. I am Aono Tsukune. You are the witch?"
I am Sandra. How … how did you do that?"
"I learned from the best," Tsukune replied with a smile. "There is no greater witch than Tojo Ruby," he explained.
Sandra gazed at him, open mouthed. "This Ruby … Can she teach me?" she asked.
Tuskune got to the point. "She can. In fact, I am counting on it. Sandra, this world, the weather, everything is messed up. I need a full coven of witches, thirteen, to make it right. Would you do me the honor of becoming part of Ruby's coven so we an change the world into what I should be, instead of this barren land?"
Sandra nodded. "To have such power, I could make a huge difference! I would no longer just be able to pull water from the ground, I could make it fall from the sky!"
Tsukune chuckled. "Yes, that I what we are aiming for," he agreed. He then closed his eyes and mentally called for Ruby.
"Yes, Master?" Ruby asked as she appeared.
Everyone turned their gaze to Ruby.
Tsukune gestured to Sandra. "This I Sandra, she is a witch with limited ability. Perhaps you can work with her to help make your coven?"
"Hmmm," Ruby hummed as she eyed Sandra. "Yes, she is suitable though she will need much training. I can take her home and work with her."
"You live here?" Sandra asked Ruby as she eyed Ruby's black leather corset tied up the front, her ankle length shirt and her ornate wand.
"I live far from here. You have a concern, Sandra?" Ruby asked.
Sandra nodded. "I do. If I go with you, who will make water for the people here?"
A hand over her mouth, Ruby tittered. "Such a simple thing. Come with me."
Sandra followed Ruby, as did Buck, Tweekie and the men who were guarding Sandra.
Katsume slid up next to Tsukune and asked in a pur, "Maybe we should go inside the house and help my over-full breasts become a little lighter?"
.
Ruby led them to a large, dry stream bed. She walked along, eyeing the bottom.
"What are we looking for?" Sandra asked, trying to see what Ruby saw."
As Ruby scanned the stream bed, she asked, "When you create water, do you draw it up, or conjure it?"
"I draw it up from underground."
Ruby cast her a sad smile. "Dear, you need to create water, not take what little is left here." She stopped at deeper place in the stream where there was a small puddle of water. Looking downstream, Ruby asked, "Where does this stream bed go?"
Sandra frowned at her. "I don't know."
Ruby turned to the men. "Anyone?"
Buck knew. "This stream goes to a river a few miles down that goes through Old Chicago. Used to, anyway."
Ruby nodded and climbed down into the stream bed to whisper some words and touch the small puddle with her wand. She then climbed back up the band. Everyone watched the maybe quart of water, anxiously looking for something to happen.
To Sandra, Ruby said, "This is simple conjuring, taking what is there, and expanding it many times over. Watch." Ruby the waved her wand and announced, "Aqua!"
The puddle grew quickly into a large puddle, then water ran as it continued to grow and fill up the stream bed.
"Water will continue to fill this stream unless my magic is cancelled. Once the weather is returned to normal, this small stream will be of no consequence," Ruby explained. "But for the moment, it will be vital to for your people to have."
The water in the bottom of the stream was now a foot deep, expanded in both directions and swelling up deeper. Water one again flowed in this stream.
A couple men cheered. "Thank you," Sandra whispered, seeing the miracle Ruby just performed.
Ruby offered Sandra her hand. "Shall we go now?"
Sandra looked at Ruby in awe and clasped her hand. "Yes, please show me how to do wondrous things!"
They disappeared.
"Wow," was all Buck could thing of saying.
"Beeb beeb beeb, Miss waterworks is gone," Tweekie said.
Buck looked down at his little friend. "Tweekie, I got a feeling that Ruby can do much more than make water."
"Maybe she can make me into a real boy, " Tweekie pondered
Buck grinned. "No Pinocchio for you yet, Tweekie. Come on, let's go back and see if we can find Lord Aono."
Buck and Tweekie left, leaving Sandra's guards to stare in awe at the now flowing stream.
.
By the time they walked back to Old Chicago, people were cheering and running to the river with buckets. Down in the riverbed, a small but constant flow was creeping along. Some gathered water in whatever they found that would hold water, some found pools to splash and play in, others just knelt down and face-planted to get long drinks.
Now they had water, the people of Old Chicago became energized. People moved faster and more smiles lit faces. Momo even got them to clear the old Airport up so craft could land.
With help from Kamakura, Tsukune built up the airport and got the generators, radios and new fuel tanks on trucks to service aircraft. Besides planes coming in to drop off supplies, Tsukune found rusted old bulldozers and road equipment to restore. With engineers from Kyoto and Kamakura coming and teaching people how to use these things, The road to New Chicago was under construction. All paid for by Yen backed with gold.
Digging gold out of a dilapidated bank vault, Tsukune also had more gold to back the yen that became the currency for Old Chicago. What Tsukune wanted most was more witches. Despite having much to do here, Tsukune needed to travel more and find a coven for Ruby.
The restored mansion outside of town was now considered Tsukune's house. Now that Tsukune had wanted it, but all the yokai here insisted he have his own grand house here. By ensuring everyone knew all these improvements to the city was due to Lord Aono, They also got the people of Old Chicago to agree. Tsukune was Lord of Old Chicago.
.
The computer council in New Chicago was very upset this barbarian man was taking over. Gathering in their council room with closed doors and all computers present and no humans, Dr. Theopolis addressed his fellow computers.
"This Lord Aono is taking over everything. Even the population here look up to him. Many are going out to work, and returning with gold to sell. Many people are using Yen wherever possible an driving the value of goods up! They are stressing the credit allotments! I am at a loss as to what to do about him. He has proven he doesn't need any of us. Humans don't even mind if we remove unruly ones from the city. Others take supplies and go with them. Discipline is breaking down."
"We truly have very little control left. This is disturbing."
Dr. Theopolis said, "I see bad things arising. His crowds crown him King, and then we'll be banned. I see, blood and destruction, our elimination, because of one man."
"Blood and destruction because of one man?"
"Yes, discipline breaking down, and soon humans will gather to war against each other and us. They may well crown Aono as their King!"
"We must do something about him," another computer said.
"What do we do about this Aono-mania?"
"How do we deal with the barbarian King?"
"Where do we start with a man who is bigger, than any human that we've ever seen?"
Loudly, Dr. Theopolis said, "Brothers! You have no perception. These stakes we are faced with are frightfully high. We must crush him completely! So to preserve us, this Aono must die."
"So we must vote on, this Aono must die."
"Must die."
"Must die."
"This Aono must die!"
"We all vote for, this Aono must die."
"Now, how to do it."
None of them noticed the bat tucked up by the ceiling.
.
The Draconians were returning to speak with Lord Aono about their trade deals. Instead of New Chicago, Katsume convinced the air traffic controller to have them set down in Old Chicago.
At the old O'Hara airport, Tsukune had the main terminal building restored, and collected Kokoa, who knew the underground system and capabilities well, Dr. Han, who knew the Kamkura capabilities well (and worked for him now, not computers), and Nana Nakamura, who knew Kyoto well. Of course, Moka and Katsume were also there.
This time when the Draconian landed, a walkway extended to the ship hatch so Cain and his man were able to walk straight into what used to be a departure area where Tsukune and his reps greeted them. Food service and a long table with comfortable chairs sat waiting to be used with a pair of succubi in sexy French maid outfits waited to serve.
Tsukune greeted Cain with a bow. "Thank you for coming, General. I look forward to a beneficial meeting for both of us."
"As do I, Lord Aono," Cain replied with his own bow. "We have a list of supplies we need, and would like to sample your foods to see which we prefer."
Tsukune motioned to the long line of food displayed that the maids were bracketing. "We brought a sampling of many things. Down in another room, there are livestock representing the meats we have here. Please feel free to sample while we discuss currency."
"You have currency?" Cain asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Yes. We base our currency on gold," Tsukune explained. Two hundred yen is equivalent to one ounce of gold. I am not aware of what Daks are worth. And yes, our yen are back with solid gold."
Cain smiled. "Not barter, as I feared it would be. We back our daks with gold and platinum. Fifty daks equals a gam of gold or one tenth of platinum. I am sure we can weigh our gam to your ounce and determine any difference."
"Yes that would be the only fair way to proceed," Tukune agreed.
The meeting went well. The Draconians stuffed themselves with samples of Earth food while Tsukune and General Cain got their weights worked out. The succubi were busy serving food and drink to the pleased looking Draconians. Tsukune and Cain agreed that payment could be made in precious metals or by the backed currency, since the currency was markers for the precious metals.
Cain had a ship that was going on deep space patrol. The Captain of that ship was here and selected the foods he would like to take with him. He put his order in, Cain authorized the purchase and discussed with Tsukune buying six small nuclear power cells that were very efficient in making electricity, and could be tuned to whatever frequency Tsukune wanted, as well as electric drive motors for vehicles.
After the official meeting, Tsukune and Cain took a walk as the Draconian Master Chef talked with the maids about their wonderful food and how it was prepared. Two things Draconians loved. Chicken and ham. The had sampled both deep steamer pans empty.
.
Walking along by the animal pens, Cain said, "Lord Aono, any assistance you need to help you take over the Earth, we will gladly help you with."
Tsukune cast him a grin. "I appreciate that, General. I know you are sincere. I also know the change has to come from the people of Earth. Any outside interference cannot be tolerated. Do not concern yourself, we are well on our way of fixing what is wrong. Making good, honest trade deals is the most you can do. That, and being a friend to Earth. Does your Emperor agree with being our friend?"
"Our Emperors' goals are met. Earth is becoming an ally to us. He prefers to rule here, however as long as he knows Earth will support us, and not be hostile to us, that will suffice. It will be an area he needs not be concerned about," Cain said, knowing Lord Aono required truth.
"That is good to hear," Tsukune replied. He noted Moka striding towards him. "Ah, my lovely blood mate, Moka," Tsukune said with a smile.
Moka didn't look happy. "General Cain," she said with a bow of her head. She then shifted attention to Tsukune. "We have a problem."
Picking up that this was not for Cain's ears, Tsukune nodded. "General, if you will excuse us?"
"Of course. I will be sampling more of your fine food. Excuse me," he said, and walked back the other way.
Tsukune kept going in a slow walk, with Moka, an arm round each other.
Quietly, Moka said, "The computers in New Chicago are planning to assassinate you. Their brilliant idea is to offer us lodging in the city for cooperative talks, then gas our room with cyanide.
Tsukune chuckled. "THAT is their grand plan?"
"There is danger to Katsume, if she keep wanting to sleep with us."
Tsukune let out a sigh. "We'll I guess we will have to get right to the heart of the matter then, and prevent them from acting."
.
By now, the workers and techs knowing how to run a city in Kamakura and Kyoko were numerous, and the yen these people were paid were high enough that many wanted the positions. Tsukune sent Kokoa back to Kamakura with job offers was well as the food order for the Draconians. He kept concentrating on building up Old Chicago.
In another area of interest, the Hawaiians liked the idea of yen that they could earn, and not the rationed out credits of the computer system. People there willingly left the computer controlled city and made homes, and sold and bought goods for yen. The inside of New Honolulu was becoming vacant.
Dr, Huer did come to visit Tsukune, and was surprised at how well Old Chicago was rising from the ashes. He even got a ride to Tsukune's mansion in a real ground car. He was upset that the ride cost him fifteen yen, which he didn't have any of.
The driver escorted him into the lobby of the Aono mansion and complained to Tsukune Dr. Huer was cheating him.
"I shall make it right, this time," Tsukune assured the driver. He gave the driver his yen. The driver thanked him and left.
"We do not use yen in New Chicago," Dr. Huer said.
"No, you use worthless credits that mean nothing outside New Chicago," Tsukune reminded him.
Dr, Huer frowned and said, "We noticed recently, a Draconian ship was diverted to Old Chicago where it landed. It was there for hours, then left."
"Yes, they came down, we made a good trade. Another ship will be coming down to load up their supplies before they head out into deep space," Tsukune told him. What about it?"
"We never authorized that trade," Dr. Huer said firmly.
"You don't need to. I did," Tsukune replied firmly. "You have no control over old Chicago. You never wanted anything to do with it."
"Mr. Aono," Huer said in a strong tone. "We MUST show a united front to the Draconians! Otherwise, they will put a wedge between us and divide Earth, then they come in and take over!"
Tsukune shook his head sadly. "If you knew all that I know, my poor Dr. Huer, you'd see truth. Honestly, your realm of responsibility is New Chicago and keeping Earth safe from invasion. That's it. You still bow to computers, which is sad all in itself. Things are changing, you can change with them, or be left behind."
Dr. Huer shifted foot to foot, irritated. "Lord Aono, we cannot have the Draconians taking over!"
Firmly, Tsukune told him, "They won't be. Cain knows what I can do, and the fact I can reach out and crush his big warship if I choose to do so. He has been cooperative and friendly, as I have been, which puts his Emperor at ease. They get what they want, we get what we want. It's that simple."
"You cannot trust the Draconians!"
"I don't. I am having them watched very closely. Soon, I will have a test for them. If they pass, I might trust them a little more."
"What kind of test?" Huer asked.
Tsukune offered him a small grin. "Not your concern, until I am ready. Then, I will tell you all about it. OH, by the way, I am having all the atmosphere control machines identified. We are getting closer to disconnecting all of them and putting the environment back to what is should be."
"The environment is stable, why do that?" Huer cried.
"It's not suppose to be. Dr. Huer, and many places are suffering due to your control. The Earth is not static. It moves, it changes, seasons come and go. The Earth is a living thing. Have you never wondered why evolution is possible? How higher life forms came to be? Oceans move and flow, fall and rise. The air itself moves and flows in currents, helps build and destroys. The ground itself moves over time. These thing promote changes in life on Earth. Your machines stifle the Earth, which in turn stifles life in all forms, everywhere except around your precious cities. That is ending, Dr. Huer."
"Buck tells of strong winds and very cold weather in this area if the weather is not controlled," Dr. Huer complained.
"In the winter time, probably so," Tsukune agreed. "That does not mean it is a bad thing."
"People will freeze!"
"No, they can put on things like coats and boots. People have done it for thousands of years," Tsukune countered.
"We keep the areas of high radiation isolated with weather control!" Dr. Huer explained loudly.
"All that will be fixed when the time comes," Tsukune assured him.
Dr. Huer frowned at him. "I fear you will destroy our planet," he said in a hard tone.
"No, I'm trying to repair what you people have already ruined," Tsukune replied.
Dr. Huer went to storm out, then stopped. "Is there a car available to take me back to New Chicago?"
"Do you have cab fare?"