DISCLAIMER: I do not own G Gundam, Need for Speed Payback or any related characters from the series
Morning has set in on Neo Hong Kong and new spread about the rift opening and the damages that it caused to the rings in which the fights take place. It was mandated that all fights were suspended until further notice and that a meeting was set to take place to discuss a plan of action for the rest of the tournament. Back at the team facility for Neo Japan; they have retrieved the Burning Gundam to assess the damages from the rift opening. Neo Sweden had also retrieved their gundam as well; but were shocked to find the berserker system's motherboard was completely fried in the cave in.
RAIN: Wait…run that by me again.
DR. BELAMY: We've determined that the motherboard containing the berserker system is well beyond repairs due to the amount of heat that was radiating off of the board itself; as well as the main chip was cracked in five pieces.
RAIN: That's insane, what would cause something like this?
DR. BELAMY: We're still looking into that. By the way, have you seen Allenby by chance?
RAIN: No, why did you ask?
As the conversation about the events from last night carried on; Rain then notices a plane that was making landfall and wondered who could be on the plane. Back at the boat, we see the clothes of Domon and Allenby flap against the wind on the clothesline. Han, the man who owns the boat, was doing the laundry with his two grandkids.
MING: So what time did Domon return last night?
HOY: I couldn't tell, but I do know that it was really late.
MING: I guess you're right.
HAN: Could the two of you hand me their jackets for me please?
BOTH: Yes grandfather.
HAN: (internally) You certainly had one rough night Domon. I'm glad that you came back in one piece.
Inside one of the cabins of Han's boat; we find Domon and Allenby just sleeping the day away and a little bird came to the perch on the window to take a quick gander at the two of them. It was just past 10 in the morning and we get a glimpse of a young man leaving the terminal of the airport with a close friend in tow.
?: Man, that flight just zapped me out of my groove.
?: Relax Mac, we've been on worse flights than this. Remember the flight that we had to get to Berlin?
MAC: Don't remind me, we just barely got onto the plane in time Tyler.
TYLER: So, let's go to hotel that Jess setup for us and get our Groms from Jimmie.
MAC: Sounds like a plan to me. Hong Kong, welcome to the main stage Tyler Morgan and the Mac Attack!
Back at a local park in the city; Rain was trying to contact the Shuffle Alliance to see if they knew anything about last night or where Domon and Allenby were. So far, all that she got was that George had to attend a huge gala with the rest of Neo France at their estate and Argo caught a stomach bug from last night and would not be out for the day.
RAIN: One's too busy with nobles and the other's out sick…just my luck. Still I should be able to…
SCHWARZ: Been busy as of late Rain?
RAIN: Oh Schwarz, good to see you again. Yes, we've been going round the clock to get the Burning Gundam fixed up from the rift opening.
SCHWARZ: Good to hear. So, what seems to be the trouble?
RAIN: It's not a big deal. No need to worry about me.
It was just about 1 in the afternoon when Allenby finally woke up. She took a moment to stretch out and rub her eyes after the long night. Domon was not that far behind as he sat up to take a good look at the afternoon skies.
ALLENBY: Well now…aren't you a sight for sore eyes.
DOMON: look who's talking. Did you get a good rest?
ALLENBY: Yeah…I'm just really hungry right now.
Both fighters noticed the rumbles in their stomachs and had a quick chuckle as they got out of bed. Before they got out the cabin; Ming and Hoy came in with a couple of trays of food that their grandfather made for lunch.
BOTH: Glad you're both up guys.
DOMON: Oh hey, good to see you guys as well.
ALLENBY: Mmmmm…smells delicious.
MING: Grandpa just made this for you guys. Hope you like it.
HOY: We also just got your clothes out to dry now. They smelled really bad from last night.
All parties involved had a huge laugh and the kids handed off the trays to Domon and Allenby. Both fighters sat down and just savored the entire meal; meanwhile Rain was out in the city trying to look for the two of them.
RAIN: "Oh sure go out in one of the busiest cities in the world and find two gundam fighters." What was I thinking? Of course Sai and Chibodee would be sparring together; there's got to be someone here who…
Before Rain could finish her thought, a pair of Honda Groms pulled up to a stop at an intersection and the lead rider, Tyler, flipped up his visor to look at Rain dead in the eyes.
TYLER: You wouldn't happen to know where a captain by the name of Han would be?
RAIN: I've heard of him. Why did you want to know that?
TYLER: My friend and I are looking to charter him for a fishing trip we're planning on going tomorrow.
MAC: We're trying to find the docks; if you can point us in the right direction we'll be right as rain.
RAIN: Oh sure. If you go down the street here and take a left at the second light here; you should find his boat on the second right.
TYLER: Thanks, here have my card. Be sure to catch us when you get the chance.
MAC: Here you go. One from Mac as well.
RAIN: Thank you both and be careful out there.
Rain watched on as the two buddies rode off to the docks and had a smile on her face. Back at the boat; Allenby and Domon were engaged in a game of Clue with both players looking at their cards very closely. The stare down between the two was as intense as a gundam fight between the two of them was going on.
ALLENBY: I suspect that it was Ms. Scarlet, in the kitchen, with the rope.
DOMON: Nope, try another set.
ALLENBY: (Internally) Man, trying to figure out who killed Mr. Body is a test in of itself.
DOMON: (Internally) I have to make my next move count…we'll find your killer Mr. Body I swear it.
Back out by the boat; Han was checking in on a few things when Tyler and Mac pulled up to the parking lot. Tyler and Mac knew Han from stories that their lead mechanic, Rav, told them about before they set off for Hong Kong.
TYLER: Hey there Han, it's been a while.
HAN: Tyler, Mac, good to see you boys again.
MAC: You too Han, Rav sends his regards to ya from Fortune Valley.
HAN: Thank you guys and tell Rav he still owes me that beer from the last time I was there.
TYLER: Sure thing Han. Listen, I would like to charter your boat for a fishing trip Mac and I have planned for tomorrow.
HAN: So, I heard from your friend Jessica. No need to worry, with no gundam fights going on we can settle on a fishing trip.
TYLER: Glad to hear it.
MAC: Now then…where are my two favorite little monsters hiding?
MING & HOY: Uncle Big Mac!
Both of Han's grandchildren rushed Mac and he caught the both of them in his arms without any problems at all. The entire party had a huge laugh when they came out to see both Tyler and Mac.
MAC: Now, now kids it's been a long time since we last saw each other.
HOY: Did you get us something from the Valley?
TYLER: Yeah, we did; but you're gonna have to wait for tomorrow to see what it is OK?
HOY: Sure, thing Tyler.
MING: Did Jess come out on this trip with you guys?
MAC: Bad news on that love; Jess had to stay behind due to her new job. Not to worry, she didn't forget you guys and she remembered to get you something.
Both kids were excited to see what gifts Tyler and Mac brought with them for their trip. Back on the boat; Domon and Allenby were still focused on the game at hand.
DOMON: I say that it was Professor Plum, in the study, with the wrench.
ALLENBY: I can confirm that it was indeed the study where the murder took place. I cannot confirm on the suspect or the weapon.
DOMON: That makes our job easier. Your move now "detective".
ALLENBY: Very well then, I'll move into the study. I say that it was Mrs. White, in the study, with the candlestick.
DOMON: My notes do make mention of a candlestick being the weapon used in the murder and that Mrs. White was absent at the time of the power outage.
ALLENBY: In that case; I would like to make that my final accusation.
DOMON: OK then, let's see what the dossier has to say.
Domon then opened up the small envelope to reveal that all of the clues added up. Allenby let out a light cheer as she cracked the case.
ALLENBY: Capital work on the case detective.
DOMON: Job well done on your behalf "inspector".
HAN: Domon, Allenby, we have someone here you'd like to meet.
DOMON: We'll be out in just a moment.
ALLENBY: Who'd want to be out here at this time of the day?
Both Domon and Allenby got up and put the board game back in the box. Allenby put the box on top of a small desk as Domon opened the door from their cabin and into the galley of the ship. It was right there that both fighters met Tyler and Mac.
TYLER: Hey there! The name's Tyler, how are you guys?
DOMON: Tired, but other than that we're good.
MAC: Sean McAllister, but you can just call me "Mac".
ALLENBY: Good to see you. You aren't bothered by the fact that Domon and I look like we just crawled out of bed?
TYLER: Nah, we've seen worse.
ALLENBY: Ahhh, that's a relief then.
MAC: Han told us the story; you guys needed that rest more than anything.
DOMON: Thanks Mac, I appreciate that.
With the introductions out of the way; Tyler and Mac went around the boat to make sure that everything was ready to go for their fishing trip. Domon and Allenby followed the two of them to double check that things were right as rain for the trip.
TYLER: Since the two of you don't have anything going on, do you want to join us on the trip?
ALLENBY: Sure thing!
DOMON: I don't see why not.
MAC: Nice, we've got a crew ready for this adventure.
HAN: We'll be leaving at around 6 in the morning; so I need everyone getting a good night's rest alright?
EVERYONE: You got it.
With the plans set in stone, Tyler and Mac set off back to their hotel to get everything they need for the trip. Domon and Allenby had the kids go with Han to their respective sites to get their suitcases, which had the rest of their personal items, and bring them to the boat. Later that night, the group gathered around for dinner as they discussed a little more about the upcoming trip.
ALLENBY: So where is that you're gonna be going out on this trip?
HAN: It's a secret spot I go to that's about two hours from where we are right now.
DOMON: That's not too bad in terms of the timetable.
HOY: I'm pretty sure you're gonna like this place.
ALLENBY: Mmmmm…this is way better than the stuff that my team would make for sure.
DOMON: Never had a bad meal from here at all.
As the group was settling in for dinner; Tyler and Mac returned to join in and chat some more with Domon and Allenby.
TYLER: Hey Han, we're back.
HAN: Tyler, Mac, welcome back guys.
MAC: Just in time too. I do love me some local cooking.
DOMON: Good to see you guys again. Have a seat.
TYLER: Thanks guys, we got the stuff we needed ready to go for tomorrow.
MING: Hey Mac, did you remember about…
MAC: Don't worry Princess Ming, Mac remembered your gifts.
Mac brought a bag with him that had the gifts for Ming and Hoy. Tyler also brought a bag that he got while they were out shopping earlier in the day to get the supplies for their trip.
TYLER: While we were out getting the stuff we need, I got the two of you something as well.
ALLENBY: You didn't have to do that Tyler; but thank you nonetheless.
TYLER: OK then…here you go and one for you good sir.
DOMON: What in the?
MAC: Tyler, where did you find that magnificent hat?
TYLER: I remembered back during our overland trip to Utah that Udo got me a barmah hat in black; so I got Domon the same hat he got me.
DOMON: I wasn't ready for this, thanks Tyler.
ALLENBY: I wish I had a camera on hand so I can get a snapshot with you wearing the hat.
TYLER: Take a look at what you got then.
Allenby opened up her package and she was a little surprised at what Tyler got for her. Everyone around the table all looked on as Allenby pulled the item out of package that Tyler got for her.
ALLENBY: How-how did you find this?
TYLER: I got really lucky when I was out at the shops and I saw some Bear Guy keychains and I saw the sky blue one; so I got you that one.
ALLENBY: Thanks Tyler, I'll keep this handy with me wherever I go.
MAC: I was really tempted to get Ty one myself.
TYLER: Was it that pink one you were eyeballing while you had the tackle box in your hands?
Everyone around the table had a huge laugh when Tyler pointed out the fact that Mac had to carry the tackle box throughout the entire shopping trip. Mac even had a laugh because he knew that he couldn't add the keychain to the load he was carrying for the trip.
MAC: That was a great meal, thanks again for inviting us Han.
HAN: You're more than welcome to join us anytime Mac. Get back to your hotel safely now.
TYLER: Did the two of you like your gifts that Mac and I got for you from the Valley?
HOY & MING: We did, thank you guys.
DOMON: Glad you guys were here for the meal and thanks for the stuff you got for myself and Allenby.
TYLER: Anytime dude, looking forward to the trip tomorrow.
ALLENBY: Get some rest guys and we'll see you there.
MAC: Will do miss. Is just me Ty or do the two of them look like college roommates?
TYLER: At least they're responsible roommates; unlike what happened in Utah.
MAC: Don't remind me…still have nightmares from that.
DOMON & ALLENBY: Huh?
TYLER: We'll fill you in on that story tomorrow.
ALLENBY: OK then.
DOMON: Safe travels to you guys.
Tyler and Mac left the boat and headed back to their hotel to get some sleep in before the big trip. Back on the boat, Han was washing up the dishes from the dinner the entire group. Hoy and Ming were making sure all of the gear was in check and made sure that the map was in place for Han to charter the course to the fishing site. Allenby was taking a shower and she took a moment to reflect on the keychain that Tyler got for her.
ALLENBY: (internally) I guess this is a sign that it's a new beginning for me. I'm no longer burdened by the berserker system, I'm now a full-fledged member of the Shuffle Alliance, and I got the chance to actually start living life on my terms. There's so much for me to learn and catch up on; but I'll put 100, no, 150% in this…
DOMON: Everything going OK over there?
Allenby was a little surprised to hear Domon's voice coming from the wall in front of her. Domon was on the other side of the wall in the same room as Allenby was and he was also getting himself cleaned up.
ALLENBY: I-I didn't know that the bathrooms were setup like this.
DOMON: Don't worry about it, caught me off guard as well. The way that Han built the two bathrooms was for one bathroom to be a big space so that the kids can use it and the other space he made a T-Joint with the bathtub to your right and the wall in front of you.
ALLENBY: Ah…OK then, that somewhat makes sense. By the way, how were you able to hear my thoughts just now?
DOMON: Psychic powers…nah just kidding. I was actually meditating for a little bit and I was about to start a conversation with myself and I overheard your conversation.
ALLENBY: Oh…I see.
Allenby then turned off the shower on her end and got into the tub to meditate and clear her head for a few moments. Domon soon then joined in on his side of the wall. Both fighters took the time to reflect on the events of the past couple of days and were more than focused on the end goal to come. There was one item of note that unsettled both fighters that they needed to address.
ALLENBY: Hey Domon, why do I get the feeling that it won't be the last time we see the Dark Gundam?
DOMON: I'm glad I'm not the only one thinking about that right now. Even though we were able to free the band of five from the Dark Gundam; I still think that there's more going on that we don't know yet.
ALLENBY: We can discuss this at a later time with the rest of the alliance; but for now, let's enjoy the day tomorrow and not worry about it OK?
DOMON: Sure thing.
After both fighters finished getting cleaned up; both of them got into some lounge pants and wore the tops they wore the night before and were ready to call it a night. Domon had already fell asleep, but Allenby had one last thought in her head before she called it a night.
ALLENBY: (internally) I know you're out there somewhere little brother, I'll make sure to find out where you are soon.
Allenby soon went to bed and as night fell on Neo Hong Kong; Rain was exhausted from searching for Domon that she ended up having to take a bus back to her team's facility. Rain sat down in her chair and she ended up dozing off for a little bit on the way to her team's facility. Once Rain got to her stop, she was greeted once again by Dr. Belamy who was eager to show rain the results of his findings after the repairs were complete.
RAIN: Oh…(yawns)…good evening doctor.
DR. BELAMY: You look like you've had a rough day.
RAIN: On top of getting any updated information from the G.F.I.C. on the plans for the rest of the finals; I was trying to find out where Domon and Allenby went off to.
DR. BELAMY: The latter I'm not too worried about; but what I want to bring to your attention was my findings after we finished up Noble Gundam.
RAIN: What did you find out?
Dr. Belamy handed Rain over his notes on the findings he did when investigating Noble Gundam's berserker system and on how there is now a hyper mode system in its place. Rain couldn't even believe the results of the findings and had to go over them again just so that she wasn't seeing things.
RAIN: How did Allenby manage to pull that off?
DR. BELAMY: I'm not too sure as to how she pulled it off; but based off the numbers that we had when she was using the berserker system, she was able to produce 3x as much power than when she used the berserker.
RAIN: Were there any mental side effects that you could have pulled from that?
DR. BELAMY: Surprisingly no, in fact her mental state has improved greatly from the use of the hyper mode.
RAIN: That's good to hear; but I'm still confused as to how the berserker system could have shot out of Noble Gundam and not have it register in the Mobile Trace System.
DR. BELAMY: Perhaps her mental state when she attained her hyper mode caused the berserker system to overload and cause a catastrophic failure. That's the best theory I could have come up at this time.
Rain took what she learned from Dr. Belamy and then headed off to her facility to sleep on this new knowledge. Back at the main government building, Master Asia was looking on at the city and reflected on the events of the past couple of days himself.
MASTER ASIA: Domon, in way I'm proud of you for what you have accomplished out there. You were able to help a fighter find her true strength and allowed her to fight her demons on her own. While the fate of the planet is truly at stake here; for now, the world is telling to relax and enjoy the time while it lasts. When the time comes Domon; I'll be waiting for you.