"Where are we going?". Ren asked as the Toyota zipped through Tokyo traffic.
"Oh, just a little hangout spot of mine!". The spy assured the concerned teen as the car violently swerved and sped.
"Just get me back before lunch ends!". Ren replied. The spy drove like a madman.
Soon, the car pulled in only what Ren could describe as the shadiest alley possible. Kaplan pulled out a fob, and one of the garage doors clanked open.
The car slid into the garage as the doors shut behind.
"Welcome to the safehouse." Kaplan introduced the location as he left the car. "One of many safehouses." He added expressionlessly.
Ren exited the vehicle and scanned his surroundings.
It was an empty warehouse of sorts, with a very dull and drab colour palette. Lighting was relatively scarce, so the place was covered with a shroud of darkness.
Beside where the Toyota parked was a sleek, black, Nissan, the type a big earner would drive.
"It's good to have multiple cars, throws off anyone trying to track you." Kaplan explained.
"So this is where you store your spy gadgets right?". Ren asked. "Does that car have an invisibility device or something?".
"Unfortunately no,". The spy answered. "And yes, we have everything here."
"Firearms, explosives, lockpicking tools, disguising tools, etcetera." Kaplan spoke.
"Firearms?". That piqued Ren's interest. He had been meaning to upgrade his firepower in the metaverse.
"Yep, real firearms, I can show you some later. I saw that airsoft gun you have."
Kaplan presented a small black device, about the size of a quarter, and only slightly thicker.
"This is one of our tracking and listening devices, dual purpose." The spy began. "Completely waterproof, can sustain temperatures beyond a hundred degrees celsius, and extreme pressure."
"If you can plant a device in his house, his office, or anything of the type, I can link this to your cell phone so you have real-time audio. It can also produce a transcript like the one you saw last night."
Kaplan handed Ren ten of the devices.
"Alright, just gotta figure out how to get it there." Ren said.
"He is a teacher, so perhaps when he's busy you can have a friend slip one in. If you're asked where you found these, just say you bought it online or something." Kaplan supplied.
"Thanks." Ren told the spy. "So I just gotta find Ann, plant one of these… and what else can I use to get evidence… Actually, what happened to Shiho Suzui? I last saw her being loaded in the ambulance." The teen mumbled.
"If you're hoping to get her help, from what I heard, she seems to be in a deep coma." Kaplan announced, to Ren's dismay.
"Goddamnit." Ren muttered. "I hope she pulls through."
"Anyways, on the subject of blackmail.." The spy changed subjects.
"...Not too fond of that." Ren grumbled, "But I'm gonna need all options. Let's hear it."
"Let's begin with something lighter. We can plant drugs on him, or make fake evidence that he was doping during his Olympic career." Kaplan suggested. "Although the latter may not hold water too well, and the former might be even riskier and slower than any other."
"... Kamoshida is pretty popular with the other school staff, I don't think either would work too well." Ren scrutinized.
"Then we pull out the big guns. The sex blackmail."
"Now, with the listening devices, I can also give you some micro cameras, and when he gets handsy with another student, we can get both audio and photographic evidence."
"... I feel that would be taking advantage of someone else." Ren scowled at the idea.
"Well, you could always convince any female friend of yours to volunteer, but I'd doubt that would work out."
"... Besides the fact that it's a terrible idea, I don't think even with my charm I could talk Ann into do that." Ren shot down the plan. "I think blackmail may be a no go.."
"Au contraire." Kaplan smirked. "We have one more option for blackmail. The spy gestured to the corner of the safehouse.
"That over there is a three dimensional printer." Kaplan unveiled a device. "We can use it to make a thin, latex mask of Kamoshida's head and face. It is virtually indistinguishable from the actual thing."
"...And then I could pretend to beat up Ryuji or Mishima as Kamoshida…." Ren realized.
"Ya got it, kid." The spy practically glowed with joy. "Although the physical abuse part may not be incriminating enough… This is Japan after all, teachers throw chalk at you."
"...Hmm…. What about the voice?". Ren asked.
"We have voice changing devices. I can grab footage from when he was in the Olympics and make anyone sound like him." The spy boasted.
"I got an idea…" Ren voiced, scratching his chin.
"You can do that on your own." Kaplan glanced at his watch. "Let's move on the weapons."
The spy opened a door in the back.
"Follow me," He instructed.
Inside the room, was a small shooting range, and an entire armory of weapons and their racks.
"Quite the arsenal you got here." Ren remarked, impressed.
"Before we begin, remember, guns, real or not, aren't toys, and should not be pointed at anyone unless you intend to kill them." The spy told Ren.
"Understood." Ren replied sharply.
"Let's take a look at what you've got." Kaplan told the teen, who pulled a picture of the airgun on his phone.
"Ah, a type fifty four." The spy noted, before scanning the racks and pulling out the exact same gun. This time however, it was the real deal.
"I understand fake guns work as well as real ones in the metaverse?". The spy asked, to which Ren nodded.
"Hmm, I wonder if real guns work even better then. Regardless, the type fifty four, I remember these, it's a Chinese copy of the Soviet Tokarev."
The spy handed the real unloaded weapon to Ren.
"Treat every weapon as if it were loaded." The spy advised.
Ren felt the weapon, it was heavier than his air gun, but felt just about the same.
"A reliable weapon with good stopping power, but with several drawbacks." The spy explained. "It has lacking ergonomics, heavy trigger pull, and quality varies by instance."
"Ammunition is a little rare outside of former Communist nations and current ones. The bullet has good ballistic properties, but because it's supersonic, it's very loud and the size limits magazine capacity."
"The weapon is also quite large and undesirable for concealment, and cannot fire automatically with a silencer. Not to mention, this is an eighty year old design."
"So I'm getting it's not a good gun." Ren commented.
"A gun for open warfare, not a gun for stealth." Kaplan said, referencing the type fifty four. "I have something better for you."
The spy walked over to another rack and pulled out another weapon, significantly smaller and sleeker than Ren's old firearm.
"This is a Smith and Wesson M&P shield." Kaplan introduced. "Nice and compact, good firepower, excellent for concealment, fits nicely in a handbag."
He gave the empty weapon to Ren, who examined it.
"It's chambered in forty five automatic colt pistol, a larger but slower moving round, also more common. This means it's subsonic and much quieter, especially with a silencer." The spy continued. "The drawback is that you only have seven rounds to shoot with, even less than your old gun. However, anything hit by one of the seven, will not be getting back up, and because of its better ergonomics, you'll definitely be hitting em'."
Ren carefully grasped the weapon, getting a feel for it.
"Wanna take a few shots?". The spy offered, handing Ren a couple of magazines.
"...Sure." Ren agreed. He carefully disengaged the safety which was clearly marked and racked the slide.
Now, Ren had a small interest in firearms, stemming from curiosity with the weapons he wielded in video games. However, because of his criminal record, he kept this hobby hidden and neglected.
And of course, his time in the metaverse gave him familiarity with them.
"Don't forget ear protection." The spy reminded, handing him ear plugs.
The teen popped them in as did Kaplan, who brought up the paper targets via a switch.
The targets were paper human silhouettes in black, brought out to twenty five meters.
"Alright, keep that arm straight, bend the other a little more…". The spy advised as he corrected Ren's shooting stance.
"Got it." Ren replied.
"You're good, shoot kid!".
BANG!
The smell of smoke and powder filled the air as the Smith and Wesson recoiled back.
The empty shell casing dropped with a clang.
A neat, but sizable hole appeared on the target.
"Good." Kaplan remarked. "Right in the liver!".
Ren adjusted his aim, going for the center of mass.
BANG!
This time, the hole appeared closer to the center.
"If that man wasn't dead already now he is!". Kaplan declared. "Let's move it to fifty meters now."
The paper target puttered back, sliding down the ceiling mounted rail, before stopping further away.
BANG!
The first shot went wide. Ren focused.
BANG!
Center of mass.
BANG!
"Right in the head!". Kaplan exclaimed, "Oh boy he's done it!". The spy added, imitating an old timey sports announcer.
"Let's push it to seventy five." The spy decided.
The target winded back farther.
Ren held his breath, and released with the squeeze of the trigger.
BANG!
"Little low, but I reckon that would be a leg shot." Kaplan looked.
Ren elevated to compensate.
BANG!
The last bullet flew out, with the slide locking back.
A neat hole sprung up between where the eyes would be if the target had them.
"Nice shot kid." The spy said. "Keep it up and you'll be at my level."
In a single swift motion, Kaplan drew his own side arm, a sleek black colt from his back, and effortlessly planted a headshot on a target a hundred meters away.
"Thanks." Ren returned. "Hey, what time is it?".
The spy checked his watch. "Afraid that's all for today."
"Welp, this was nice." Ren looked down at the empty gun. "So do I get to keep this or…?".
"Well, you're technically working for Uncle Sam now, so..". The spy said.
"You keep it, but you get blanks instead." Kaplan pulled out a couple of other magazines.
"Keep this to metaverse use only." He instructed with a stern tone. "Honestly I'm not sure how your friend managed to smuggle an air gun into the school. Back home, you'd get swarmed by cops if you did that."
"...Well, this is an extraordinary circumstance I'd say." Ren defended.
"Excuses, excuses." The spy snarked. "You got your bag with you?".
As Ren produced his bag, the spy pulled out a gun case and nearly placed the Smith and Wesson inside, along with the magazines.
Handing the gun case over, Kaplan watched as Ren stuffed it in his bag.
"Alright, anything else?". Ren asked before they got in the car.
"When you meet with your friends, I want to listen in on your planning." Kaplan told Ren. "That way, I can adjust to your plans."
The spy pulled out one of the listening devices and activated it, placing it in Ren's hand.
"I'd prefer it if we'd just talk it out like normal people." Ren said.
"Well, I do have a busy schedule, and you kinda did "out" me as a media guy without telling me first." The spy answered. "I kinda have to act like that now. Remember, it's Sojiro in public."
"I'm trying to work better under pressure." Ren sheepishly defended himself.
"There's a first time for everything, and you did take my advice." Kaplan spoke. "Anyways, get in the car or you'll be late. We'll talk as we drive."
And so, Ren climbed into the back of Toyota, before they drove off into the cold.
"Hey, how much farther is the café?".
"Oh, not too far, just around the block." Ren assured the others over the cold wind.
As per usual, Café le Carré lay just around the bend.
With a ring, the door opened, signaling the group's exit from the cold.
"Wow, so this is your place?". Ann remarked as she looked around.
The smell of brewing coffee wafted over them, and Ren could see "Sojiro" dressed in a polo shirt and apron in the kitchen,
And of course, his sunglasses.
"Ah! Welcome! You must be Ren's friends!". The spy greeted warmly, with a cigarette clenched in his teeth.
"Hi!". Ann and Ryuji smiled.
Ann leaned over to Ren.
"So, is this your-".
"Nope, nope, he's not my dad." Ren vehemently denied. "Just a family friend."
"With connections to the media." Ren added with a grin.
Out of the corner of their eyes, Ann and Ryuji spotted "Sojiro" smirking as Ren said this.
"Please, take a seat." Sojiro offered, sliding over two hot cups of coffee.
"On the house." The spy explained. "...Ren, I need to talk with you for a moment." He directed the teen to the back room.
"See you guys in a minute." Ren followed Sojiro as the blonde and fake blonde sat down.
"... Wonder what they're talking about?". Ann said.
"... Probably working out something." Ryuji replied, concealing the fact Ren would create a "distraction" for Sojiro so their little operation could commence.
Ren entered the backroom, where there was a table with a black duffel bag on top.
"Come in, kid." Kaplan quickly ushered the teen in. "Welcome to your first mission briefing."
Ren then pulled up his school bag.
"Morgana's in there." He told the spy.
"Hmm!?". Morgana suddenly popped out. The cat then spotted the spy. "...Uhh meow! Meow!".
Morgana shot Ren a look of betrayal, suprise and confusion, amounting to " WHAT THE FUCK REN?".
"... Enough with the act, cat boy. I know what you are." Kaplan told the feline.
"...WHAT!? OH…". Morgana shifted from shock to realization. "You're one of those people."
"I have no quarrel with you." The spy told the cat. "I do believe Ren here has told you the details of the plan?".
"...Yeah, but not the fact mister 'media' man is an AMERICAN SP-!".
"Can it." Kaplan muffled Morgana. The spy looked to the outside. The other two teens seemed to be deep in conversation, laughing even. He then released the cat.
"...I see there's a bit of history here." Ren noted.
"..Yeah, I told you that the other night." Kaplan reminded.
"Anyways, I know you want to help Ren." The spy addressed the cat. "That's also my goal, per our agreement. So can we please save it until the sex offender is gone."
The cat reluctantly relented.
"Fine," He huffed. "But I'll be telling those two about you."
"Right, like those two will believe you. Hell, I don't think the lady even knows you can talk." The spy shot back. "Isn't that right, Ren?".
"Yep, Sojiro here's the nicest cafe manager in town." Ren told Morgana. "Absolutely nothing out of the ordinary."
"...Traitor…" The cat glanced at Ren. "How much did he pay you?".
"Mm-Almost seventy grand of yen." Ren admitted.
"And I'll throw in something for you if you keep silent," Kaplan told Morgana.
"..Really!?...Deal!". Morgana rapidly agreed, his eyes widened and mouth watered at the mere mention of money.
"That's a good kitty." The spy smirked. "Anyways, back to the topic on hand…."
The spy reached into the black duffel bag and pulled out two small devices.
"Earpieces." The spy explained. "We'll be in contact.
He handed the object over to Ren, who fixed it to his ear.
"Bodycam." The spy continued passing over a small camera. "As I told you back in the car, I'll be passing the footage back to Washington."
Ren affixed the small camera onto his uniform button.
"Spare gun for the lady." The spy pulled out another gun case. "Also, there's three silencers in that if you need it."
"And one last thing; because this is the first sanctioned metaverse operation, I will be keeping an eye on you." The spy unveiled the last object in the duffel bag:
A M40A3 sniper rifle.
Ren was taken aback slightly.
"You won't be spotted right? The palace is fairly guarded."
"I'll be just fine kid, being in this line of work this long, you learn some tricks of the trade." The spy assured. "I won't be interfering unless I have to."
Unlike prior infiltrations into Kamoshida's palace, this time had the watchful eyes of the United States Intelligence Community on them.
Besides another step closer to Suguru Kamoshida's downfall, this mission served as a "trial run" of sorts to see how the metaverse could be used, and what it could do.
Another important objective of this mission was to see how personas could be awakened. According to the documents Kaplan received, the only persona awakenings were achieved through controlled environments during experiments in the late eighties.
To achieve this, Ren would have a concealed body cam on him, and Kaplan would observe from afar, with a high powered camera mounted on his rifle.
A weapon which would give the spy a view to a kill.
"I think you ought to go, they've been waiting a while." The spy told Ren.
"Well, here goes nothing." Ren muttered as he left the back room. Meanwhile, the spy turned around to the SPEKTOR.
"Hey guys, I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long."
Ann and Ryuji seemed to have just finished a long conversation, both seemed to be blushing, evidenced by their red cheeks.
"No, No." Ann laughed lightly.
"We were just catching up." Ryuji explained.
"That's great. Anyways… you ready?". Ren flashed Ryuji a look.
It was go time.
Ryuji snapped into a focused, determined expression.
"So Ann, let's get to the real reason we brought you here today." Ren began.
"We have found a way to end Kamoshida.." Ryuji added.
The boys pulled out their phones.
"What's gonna happen next is gonna be insane, but if we want Kamoshida gone, we need your full trust." Ren told Ann.
"...You promised me a little vengeance. I want it." Ann replied.
"Very well." Ren flashed Ryuji another look as they both pressed the app,
And reality distorted around them.
Kaplan peered outside of the backroom.
They were gone. He was alone, once more. An all too familiar situation.
The spy went back to the SPEKTOR, and prepared his own infiltration.
He needed to time his entry carefully, out of sight from the main party and then sneak into the palace.
It couldn't be any harder than that one time in that Soviet Submarine base.
The SPEKTOR allowed some more freedom in how he could enter the metaverse, such as adjusting which side of the palace he would appear.
The spy checked his watch, waiting for the ten minute mark to pass.
After flipping the Cafe sign to closed, Kaplan flipped a switch on the SPEKTOR, and he too disappeared.
Ann opened her eyes.
The cafe was gone.
Instead, a mighty castle lay in front.
A million questions raced through her mind, but the appearance of three figures shrouded in black caused her to snap back to attention.
"Ryuji? Ren? Is that you?". Ann asked, "Where the hell are we?".
Ren and Ryuji approached and removed their masks.
"Yes it's us," Ren confirmed.
"So this is related to Kamoshida!" Ann exclaimed.
"Hey! Keep it down, the Shadows will spot us." A fourth voice came.
"...M-monster cat…". Ann froze at the sight of Morgana. "Y-you better explain everything."
"Ann.. Please. Relax. You promised us your trust right? We'll explain what's going on." Ryuji told her. "We need to get to a safer spot right now."
"O-okay." Ann relaxed slightly at the voice of her childhood friend. "...Where are we going?".
"Morgana, you see anywhere we can lay low?". Ren asked him.
"...Follow me." The not a cat directed.
Kaplan opened his eyes.
He was back. It had been far too long.
The spy's cafe attire was swapped with a sharp, white tuxedo and black pants. Only his sunglasses remained. He felt a good thirty years younger.
Kaplan drew his colt and fastened a silencer on the weapon.
"...Good evening double o seven." Kaplan began. "It's been awhile."
" Yeesh, indeed it hassh," A voice answered. " Let ussh make the mosht of it."
Chapter is split into two.
So the spy plot thickens, as the phantom thieves may become pawns in a different kind of game.
Unfortunately, spy work isn't as glamorous as it seems on film, so I intend for scenes in the metaverse to play out more like 007 films while operations in reality play more like John Le Carre's work.
-Joesephi