The motel was not a five star resort, but it was clean. It also had some other advantages; such as it was ground level with parking just in front of the unit. It was motorcycle friendly and most important it had privacy. Dressed in just her bra and panties Ranma exited the bathroom from where she just finished her shower. She sat down at the desk/dressing table that had a large mirror behind it and proceeded to brush her hair. Once that chore was complete Ranma put her hair on a low ponytail wrapped in a pink leather sleeve, which was popular with many woman riders. The red head propped her tablet up so she could read the report sent to her from Nabiki the previous night. When she was finished reading, Ranma then pulled out her makeup bag and proceeded to "Put on her war paint." As she heard Nabiki call it once. Looking at the time Ranma decided it was time to get dressed and head over to the meeting place. She put on a pink camisole a pair of white pants and a white leather jacket. The words "Wild Rose" written in pink script above a picture of a cat with a rose in its mouth adorned the back of the jacket. Grabbing her tablet, helmet and keys she left the room pausing long enough to lock up.
Ranma pulled on her helmet as she sat on the white v-rod with pink accents when KATT finally spoke to her. "Good morning Ranko." KATT preferred the name when her partner was in female form. "Hope you had a good run this morning. Bonnie wants you to call head quarters before heading to the meeting place." KATT said in a pleasant tone.
"Sure thing partner, would you get them on the line for me?" After waiting a few minutes the helmet's visual display showed two women. One a very well kept sixty year old and the other in her early twenties sporting a pageboy's cut. "Morning ladies, what's up?"
The older of the two spoke up first. "There has been a slight change in plans for this morning's meeting Ranko." This brought a surprised look on the redhead's face.
"It seems that this Pawn shop runs a TV show out of it and they are filming today." The second woman stated. "So instead of rescheduling, we were able to work you in the broadcast. Rick is in need of an expert on Japanese swords and you are it."
Ranma nodded. "Ok Nabiki I'll have my ear buds on and my pendant out so KATT can relay what is happening and if I get stuck maybe you can keep me from looking like a fool." Ranma pulled out the Kitten medallion from under her camisole that had a small camera built into it. The ear buds were a two way radio from which KATT and by extension POLE could communicate with its operatives.
"That is a tall order," Replied Nabiki with a grin. "But I am sure we might be able to reduce the damage."
"Very funny Nabiki." The redhead replied as she put up her kickstand and released the clutch. "So I go in check out some swords and have my meeting with Rick afterwards."
"That about sums it up Ranko. I installed the surveillance bags on KATT before you left. It contains recording equipment and a 3D hologram projector. KATT's built in GPS will keep us advised on your location in case we need to send in back up, and as always the rolling unit won't be far away if KATT has any issues or need some of her other units." Bonnie paused for a moment not wanting to say the next part of her speech. With a sigh she pressed on. "Ranko one more thing, Michael and KITT are in the area on stand by. Don't get upset but we are worried for the two of you. It is dangerous for a woman on her own, even if she is a world-class martial artist."
Swerving to avoid a car changing lanes that obvious did not check its mirrors, Ranma grunted. "I do not want to sound like an ex-fiancée but... I am quite capable of taking care of myself you know. I do understand as well and the backup would be appreciated. Just tell Michael not to jump in unless it is the last resort." Coming to a stop at a traffic light a guy in a red convertible pulled up beside Ranma. He smiled in what could be considered a charming way. Little did he know that the cute girl on the bike, that looked way too big for her, could have sent him to the hospital if he had tried anything beyond the smile. The light changed green and with it changing the pink and white bike's tires squealed leaving a long burn mark on the pavement and a shocked young man in a red convertible behind.
"What was that about Ranma? He looked cute." Teased Nabiki knowing how much it annoyed the redhead.
KATT spoke up now. "Ranko we are coming up to the pawn store. It seems that they are waiting for us." This was evident by the camera crews set up at the front door.
"Let's make an entrance then." Ranma said as she popped a wheelie coming down the street. Dropping the front wheel they then spun around sliding into the parking spot right in front of the camera crew, Big Hoss and Rick.
"Now remember Ranko I am not for sale." KATT said with a light chuckle in her voice.
"Never partner." Ranma Replied just before removing her helmet. "Rick long time no see" Ranma said as she walked up to him and gave him a hug. Cringing on the inside, but wanting to give the appearance of an old friend.
Big Hoss whistled as he checked out KATT. "Nice bike, we should go for a ride afterwards."
"I think you have work to do son, besides I don't think you would survive. Ranko here is the woman's world martial arts champion." Rick then turned to Ranma and smile. Opening the door of the store for her he said. "Shall we go inside now and look at some swords?"
"Lets" Replied the redhead as she entered the store."
On a ranch in the desert two men were talking about their latest money making scheme. One was a well dressed man in his mid thirties. The other was much earthier. He had long unkempt hair, a scruffy beard and wore torn jeans a t-shirt and a black leather vest. "I tell you I don't like it." The scruffy one said. "We are taking the risk and he reaps the rewards. I either want my share or I want out."
The dapper man looked at his companion with some irritation. Didn't his partner know that this was going to pay off big time? All that was needed was a little patience and one more girl. "We have been over this before. We grab one more and we will get a million each girl. That is two million each, plus as an added bonus you can keep all of their bikes." Truth be told the dapper man wanted nothing to do with the motorcycles the girls were riding. Too dangerous, could lead the cops right back to him. This way if he worked it right, this oaf would get the blame when he tries to pawn off the bikes and he can collect the entire fee for himself. "This weekend we will find a redhead to complete the collection, call the client and be rich. We just have to keep the girls happy and healthy until then. The client does not want them abused or tortured."
"I don't care what he does as long as I get my money." Scruffy said. "I'm going into town. Maybe I will find our final girl while I'm at it." Exiting the Ranch house he jumped onto his custom chopper and roared off of the property.
"Fool, at least the fool is useful." Dapper said to himself as he watched the cloud of dust settle.
Ranma tried to look professional and not gawk at her surroundings as she entered the store. There was so much to look at. To her right was a vintage fender guitar, on the left some American Civil war riffles, and the countless counters of jewellery and coins. There were people everywhere, some were buying others were selling and all stopped to look at her as she entered the building. It appeared that her reputation preceded her and she was expected by the crowd. 'Damn!' Ranma thought to herself. 'I've got to high a profile for this case. I should abort.'
"Don't worry Ranko." KATT said in her ear bud as though she was reading her partners mind. "It will work out as part of your cover." Ranma could see this point, but would have like a little animunity "Smile for the cameras" KATT reminded her.
Ranma complied and walked up to the counters where she could see three swords wrapped in silk lying on the glass show case. "Well what do we have here?" She asked pleasantly. In truth Ranma was expecting some knock off tourist junk and nothing of real interest. A short stocky man started to unwrap the three swords for her inspection. Ranma frowned as she looked at the blades before her. Two of the three were very familiar, the third she had heard about but never thought to see it here in the States.
"Well what do you think? Rick asked noticing how quite the petite redhead went.
Muttering something in Japanese she smiled. "You must forgive me. I wasn't expecting to see such fine examples of workmanship." Picking up the first blade and turned it over to inspect it closer to see if it was a forgery. In fact it was all too real. "This sword is an excellent copy of the reverse blade of the famed Battousai from the Meiji restoration period. Kenshin one of Japan's most famous samurais commissioned a blade where the cutting edge was on the inside." Ranma then demonstrated by running a finger on the dull "cutting" edge. Yes a fine copy retail price of about $20.00." Ranma low balled the price hoping Rick would take the hint. But now she needed to stall this guy and hope Nabiki heard her message. Then taking the second sword she looked at it and shivered. This particular sword caused Ranma a great deal of headaches a few years back. Looking back up to Rick and the client she forced a laugh. I see you found Japan's answer to Excalibur." Ranma paused dramatically while Rick raised an eye brow at this statement. Taking the sword she carefully sheaved it. "This is sword like Excalibur was imbedded in a stone for over a thousand years waiting for the right person to free it. Unlike the famed sword of King Arthur, It does not indicate the King but grants three wishes of the one whom pulled it from the stone. Its name is simply the 'Wish Bringer'."
Rick looked disbelieving and the client looked like he was having second thoughts on selling it. "You don't expect me to believe that fairytale now do you?"
Ranma shrugged as to say she didn't care if she was believed or not. " I have seen its power first hand. Unfortunately the idiot that was able to release the sword wasted all the wishes for really stupid stuff. The power has been used but it is still a rare and old blade. The right buyer would pay up to $10000.00 for a blade with a story attached to it like that. The problem would be finding the right buyer." The final sword Ranma feared for many years. She knew that Kuno would never have sold the Wish Bringer, just as she knew the owner of the third sword would only give it up on her death bed. Ranma now was worried about her mother. Even if they parted on bad terms, really bad terms she wished no harm to her estranged family. For the final sword on the table was the Soatome Honour blade. "I've never thought I see this one again." The redhead said softly as she caressed the scabbard gently. Ranma never heard the sirens come blaring in, of the FBI. The store was soon filled with over twenty agents all with guns drawn, aimed at the client. Nabiki and Bonnie understood Ranma's message and had acted right away.
"Fredrick Ricardo this is the FBI, put your hands on head. You are under arrest for murder, attempted murder, and theft of national treasures form over ten countries, and trafficking of said stolen property." Ranma's heart sank as she watched the man being cuffed and dragged away.
"She is ok Ranma." Nabiki said through the ear buds. I checked as soon as I recognised the sword. We also informed the FBI that the one sword belongs to your family and are willing do with it as you direct." Ranma thought about it and knew what had to be done. Her mother will never know that it was Ranma that had the family's sword returned to her.
Watching as the last of the FBI agents leave Rick turned to her and said. "Well that is one for the books. You sure made this an interesting episode. Now that is taken care of how about we talk in private?" Ranma nodded and followed the older man to a private office in the rear of the store.