Chapter Nine
"So, what have you got to tell me, Kane-kun?"
As Kane pushed open the door of Ishida's office, he cast the entrepreneur a hesitant glance, before making his way over to the desk. His friend's father was seated, a look of nonchalance on his face, but Kane could see beyond the façade and he realised with a jolt that influential as this man was in his own circles, this business was putting him under a fair amount of pressure also.
He sighed, then came to sit down opposite the older man.
"Not a whole lot, I don't think." He admitted. "I mean, I have patched up with Masaki. It was easy, actually, but then I shouldn't have been surprised. Despite our fight at the graduation party, Masaki's one of the most peaceable people I know. He was only too happy to forgive and forget once I'd offered him the opportunity."
"And…?" Ishida pressed, resting his chin in his hands as he leant forward expectantly. "Did you manage to discover the boy's connections to Jurai, then? Why it was Seiryo Tennan came looking for him and what his involvement in all of these things is?"
"He's Ryoko's boyfriend." Kane shrugged helplessly. "That's all I have, but I think it's all there is. Ishida-san, Tenchi's the most average kind of guy you'll ever meet, I swear. He always has been. He's laid back and he's smart but he's nothing unusual. He trips over steps and he's late for classes as much as any of us ever were. It's a mystery to me why any alien would be interested in him, except of course for his relationship with the pirate woman."
"Ah yes. The pirate Ryoko." Ishida rubbed his chin pensively. "And I suppose her track record is enough to attract anyone's attention. The thing is, though, my sources are clear – and you've said it yourself. Tennan came looking for Tenchi Masaki when he paid his visit to the Osaka nightclub. Not Ryoko Hakubi, but Tenchi Masaki. If he's as you say – why would that be?"
"I've been thinking about that too." Kane admitted. "He did tell me he'd been to Jurai, and that he was acquainted with the Princesses Sasami and Ayeka. Didn't you say that Sasami was the one they revered like some kind of God? My best guess is that while he was there he might've stumbled into something and he might have taken away with him information he shouldn't have done. Knowing Masaki, he probably doesn't even realise it himself. He's that slow on the uptake, I doubt he'd know it if it bit him. But it's the only thing that makes any sense. That when he visited Jurai – with that girl of his, no doubt – he found out something that people on Jurai don't want people on the Earth to know about."
Ishida's eyes narrowed, and slowly he nodded his head.
"Possibly you're right." He acknowledged. "It's for sure now that Seiryo Tennan is indeed an influential member of Jurai's Council and also a key representative of the Princess Sasami, the one they all revere as a deity of some nature or other. Masaki may be an innocent in all of this – you know him better than I, after all. But he might still be useful to us. Can you maintain your surveillance of him without arousing the girl's suspicions? If you can, it'd be a bonus."
"I can try." Kane admitted unwillingly. "To tell you the truth, I feel a bit guilty doing it, though. I mean, Masaki and I were friends before Ryoko came into the picture. I feel like I'm screwing him over big time, doing this behind his back."
"And what about him?" Ishida's eyebrow arched at this. "Isn't he potentially endangering everyone on the Earth by housing and protecting someone with impressive space criminal credentials?"
"Yes…I suppose he is." Kane sighed. "But even so…"
"Do you think he's ignorant of that, then? That he doesn't know what his girlfriend did before she settled on Planet Earth as her next resting place?"
"I…" Kane frowned, remembering the conversation and the way Tenchi had answered his questions. "I think he might have some idea, to be honest. It did sound like he knew…something about it. But he didn't want to discuss it and I didn't want to push him too far and make him suspicious of my motives. But…yes, I think…he knows…something."
"Then he's knowingly putting the Earth at risk, surely." Ishida pointed out. "Or have you forgotten the Space Pirate Haki and the files I showed you the first time you entered my office? Kane-kun, this isn't a game. Masaki has dug himself a deep, deep hole…we have to do what's necessary to protect this planet and its people – do you realise that? Masaki is one man – and one man who himself sounds like he needs rescuing. Are you going to let yourself be distracted from the key objective so easily? Is this man really such an important friend to you that you now want to take his side?"
Kane hesitated for a moment, then shook his head.
"I don't trust that woman and I don't like Masaki's seeing her." He reflected. "So no. I'm not distracted. You're right – he should know better. And besides, if we're successful…maybe he'll come round, anyway. If she put a spell on him – and she might've – we need to break it. After all, who knows how many gullible Earth people have been seduced by aliens pretending to be pretty and harmless space wanderers?"
"That's more like it." Ishida smiled, and Kane was sure he saw relief on the older man's face. "In which case, Kane-kun, there's someone I'd like to introduce to you."
He pressed a button on his desk panel, and the door of the office beyond slid back, revealing a tall man dressed in smart blue uniform. As he stepped forwards, the glint of gold letters on his breast made Kane's eyes widen as he realised where he had seen the attire before.
"Galaxy Police." He murmured, and at the words, the stranger nodded, bowing his head towards the young graduate with a slight smile.
"You're astute. I like that." He said, his tones soft and even, and tinged with the faintest hint of a foreign accent. "You must be Kane Kyoda. Am I correct?"
"Yes sir." Kane's gaze flitted to Ishida, the back to the stranger. "But I…I don't understand…"
"This is Junichi Nakabito, Kane." Ishida explained briefly, gesturing in the officer's direction. "He's a member of the Galaxy Police Elite and a key contact of ours in helping to ensure that the Earth not only gains proper intergalactic status but also to prevent any harm from coming to it in the days and weeks ahead."
"I…I see." Kane eyed the stranger doubtfully, and Nakabito offered him a warm grin, holding out his hand in a gesture of friendship.
"You're unsure about me because I wear the same colours as Seiryo Tennan did, the day he set fire to the club in this town." He said frankly. "I understand your concerns and your hesitations – it does you credit that you feel that way, in fact. But you can put your mind at rest. I'm not Juraian – in fact, I've no connections at all with that planet. For far too long they've put themselves on pedestals and ruled on high across the universe…I have no time for that kind of attitude, and if it's in my power to do so, I'd like to think that I can offer some protection to the Earth. At the very least, with your help and cooperation, I'm hopeful that we might put a dent in their illustrious reputation – beginning with the Tennan case and working onwards."
"Nakabito-san's father was born on the Earth, like you or I, Kane." Ishida explained with a rueful smile. "So his ties of loyalty are far more here than they are anywhere else. You can have faith in his word – so far he has been very helpful in providing us with the information we need to prepare ourselves for attack."
"I see." Kane relaxed, taking in Nakabito's appearance properly for the first time. He did, he admitted, look like any other Earthling, with his thick tail of black hair pulled back from his face and vivid blue eyes that seemed to reflect both warmth and intelligence. He was perhaps around thirty years old – and despite his Galaxy Police uniform, Kane felt that he was a man they could indeed trust.
At the scrutiny, Nakabito laughed, taking the young man's hand and shaking it.
"There. Now we know one another properly." He said lightly. "And hopefully we can help one another, too."
"Kane has been spending some time with Tenchi Masaki on our behalf – the young man who shelters the Space Pirate Ryoko." Ishida explained, as the young officer took a seat, leaning back in his chair as he surveyed his companions pensively. "He believes that Jurai's interest in the boy is simply that he's been to their planet and learnt something that he should not have learnt during his time there…although of late, there has been no action on that front."
"Masaki is some kind of liason between Earth and Jurai now, or he thinks he will become one, now that we've graduated." Kane reflected thoughtfully. "That's the title under which Ryoko stays here, isn't it? Maybe they have got to him, after all. Paid him something…although I find it hard to believe Masaki could keep that a secret. He just isn't the kind of guy…"
He trailed off with a sigh, shaking his head.
"If I wanted to pick someone to be my man on the Earth, it wouldn't be Tenchi Masaki." He admitted. "He's too…well…nice."
Nakabito chuckled.
"Though isn't it always the quiet ones?" He asked lightly. "My own sources about the Masaki boy are as tight-lipped as yours, I'm afraid. I know only that he comes from the mountains here on Earth, near a town called Kurashiki – that his family own some kind of religious shrine there and that his father is a well-thought of architect in construction and design circles. All the things I've been able to look at regarding his family have checked out…they seem to be a nice, normal, if alien-friendly family, by all accounts. Certainly the Earth's records show nothing untoward that would indicate why he's taken the stance he has. That's what's so confusing. And there are other records within the Galaxy Police Elite Database, but they've been sealed and even I can't access them. Anything relating to the name Masaki is top secret information, and only the Commander or a really high level encryption expert would be able to get access to them."
He pursed his lips.
"Of course, I'm qualified in encryption as much as any other Agent, but this is no ordinary set of ciphers." He added. "And I'm sure that that's no accident. Just like I'm sure that the Galaxy Police's most decorated agent in the field of decoding was Seiryo Tennan…a man of Jurai."
"That man again." Ishida murmured. "Does everything, then, connect back to him?"
"In one way or another, it would seem it does." Nakabito agreed evenly. "But even that situation has been firmly hushed up. I've had some luck uncovering a little information on the events surrounding his resignation from the Galaxy Police. The incident in Osaka seems to have been a part of it yet he faced no formal charges and continues to be a high-ranking member of Juraian government. Only the Emperor, his brother and security chief Haru, his nieces Ayeka and Sasami and Ayeka's husband Takeru rank above Seiryo Tennan on Jurai these days…which, considering the situation…is more than a little concerning."
"When Tennan came to the Earth he came dressed like you are, Nakabito-san…and he had others with him dressed in similar clothing." Kane added. "But Ishida-san said that that wasn't an official Galaxy Police action. Is that why you're here, then? To investigate what happened in Osaka that night?"
"Yes." Nakabito admitted. "As you said, it was definitely not an official Galaxy Police raid. And if you were present, your testimony will be invaluable, since all of the officers apparently involved conveniently have no memory of the event having even taken place."
"Paid off?" Ishida asked softly. Nakabito spread his hands.
"I've found nothing to prove that either way." He said gravely. "But then, if it is Jurai involved, they're very good at covering their tracks and coming out on top."
He sighed, drumming his fingers absently on the arm of his chair.
"The Earth has been a silent planet for far too long, putting up with the misdemeanours of other life forms without having a voice to complain about it." He reflected. "Well, now you have a voice and I'm going to do what I can to ensure you keep it. You should not be afraid to speak out – not even against a power that seem to want to smother you. Jurai are a very, very dangerous Empire, both as friend or as foe. Their power base is far too wide-ranging. In recent months they've even formed an alliance with Airai – a planet with which they have been in bitter conflict for generations. Coupled with their existing treaties with Seniwa, it means that they now have the most influential hold over the entire universe that they have ever had."
"Airai…Seniwa?" Kane looked blank, and Nakabito smiled.
"Airai are a planet notorious for practicing dark magic…an art similar to what on the Earth is called 'voodoo'." He responded. "They've been an uncertain force for generations – and they and Jurai have been bitter enemies up until recently. The current Mage seems to have formed bonds with Jurai's Lady Sasami – I hate to draw the parallel, but the phrase 'a coven of witches' springs to mind. Sasami – or Tsunami-kami-sama as she's also known – is a pretty powerful witch in her own right, after all."
"A witch?" Kane stared, and Nakabito shrugged.
"They call her a Goddess." He responded. "But I'd call anyone who had the kind of life or death power she's credited with a witch, no matter how innocent and young she might seem. Jurai's magic is as legendary a curse as Airai's, in some circles. Not to mention the fact this Tsunami is now Seiryo's direct mentor. Yes, Kane…I believe I do mean 'witch'."
"And this Seniwa is just as much of a problem?"
"Seniwa are not magical, but they are highly developed and skilled and they have several dependant planets, as Jurai does." Nakabito responded. "They are influential, if more reasonable than the other two…however they have been Jurai's allies for a long time and one will not act against the other for fear of destroying their lucrative trade agreements and tax concessions. Therefore even though Seniwa is not a threat, they are not a viable ally, either. If Jurai was to act against the Earth, Seniwa would stand by and let them. Such is the nature of their political alliance."
He shrugged.
"Many, many smaller planets are as worried as you are that Jurai's current dominance will mean covert invasion and domination for them, too." He concluded. "And it has been the case often in the past. Most of these don't have the kind of force where they can act – which is where we come in. As Galaxy Police, we're meant to uphold and defend the weak and the innocent, but in reality we've always been too firmly connected to Jurai's will. However I think that that must change…if any planet is to remain truly free to live its own way. And if we could make an example of Agent Tennan – expose the damage he's done on behalf of his home-world – there must be a way to break that stranglehold and be able to act once and for all. Bringing Jurai into line for their many misdeeds has long been an aim of mine since I joined the Galaxy Police – and now, with your help, I hope it might finally come to fruition."
He reached into his pocket, pulling out a sheet of paper which he unfolded, pushing it across the desk towards his companions.
"This is a list of all the planets recently and not so recently involved in talks or negotiations with Jurai." He said softly. "There are two names on here which are of particular interest, just to give you some idea of what we're dealing with."
His finger ran down the page.
"Kihaku." He murmured. "A colony of Jurai, where the native people were suppressed and murdered. Few, if any surviving descendants of this planet remain. One of them is in residency here on the Earth – Professor Hakubi, the scientist who has worked so hard on Earth's defences."
"Hakubi?" Kane started. "Isn't that the pirate's name, too?"
"Yes, but it seems to be coincidental." Nakabito admitted. "As far as it can be determined, Ryoko's origins are Juraian. She might even have connections to the royal family itself. Professor Hakubi, by contrast, is Kii. From my sources, she has no reason to love the Emperor of Jurai, so she may yet prove to be an ally for you, even if she is not born on this world."
"Hakubi-sensei, huh?" Ishida looked thoughtful. "I know the woman you speak of. Her scientific expertise is impressive – and she has not so far given us any reason to doubt her intentions. Are you saying that she is someone of alien blood we can trust? That the Earth may have allies that won't choose to harm us in the long run?"
"I'm not sure about trusting anyone from outside." Kane said hesitantly, and Nakabito smiled.
"You trust me, don't you?" He asked softly. Kane started, then shrugged.
"I guess so. But you're at least half Earthling – right?" He asked. Nakabito nodded.
"True enough." He acknowledged. "But even so, and even though I understand the Earth's anti-alien fears, I think that Jurai are the true threat to Earth's safety at the present time. Professor Hakubi's scientific reputation is legendary across many circles…even I've heard of her, and I'm not really involved in that kind of investigative work. I have discovered some interesting - if incomplete - documents suggesting that she has reason to bear a grudge against Jurai…If she is so adept at building defences for the Earth, she might yet go some way towards providing the planet with something more."
"I'll look into it." Ishida promised, scribbling something down on his notepad and with a jolt, Kane realised that this young, amiable officer was the one putting the pressure on his friend's father – that it was Nakabito, and not Ishida who was really controlling the operation.
The agent smiled now, nodding his head.
"I don't think you'll find her a problem." He added. "Her reasons for hating Jurai are simple. Kihaku was destroyed by unknown weaponry eighteen months ago – all we know for sure is that it has some connection to Seiryo Tennan and his reasons for leaving the Galaxy Police…possibly even the Princess Sasami and her alleged cosmic power. Hakubi-sensei testified against Jurai in some kind of official hearing on that planet – during which she was fairly vehemently anti-imperial. Unfortunately I haven't been able to access her full testimony, or full transcriptions from the hearing itself. I only have some vague, secondary reports - the agent investigating the matter was apprehended before he could transmit anything more concrete through secure channels. However, the little I have...is compelling stuff. Hakubi-sensei more or less postulated - to the Emperor's face - that the destruction of her home planet was entirely the fault of Juraian invaders."
"De…destroyed?" Kane whitened, and Nakabito nodded grimly.
"Blown to smithereens." He agreed. "But even before that, the planet was a wasteland. As I said, the Kii were oppressed and killed for following their own beliefs and culture. Hakubi-sensei may indeed be the last survivor of her race. At the moment…I cannot be certain."
Kane swallowed hard.
"That doesn't sound real good." He admitted. Nakabito shook his head.
"The other planet of direct interest is Kanemitsu." He said matter-of-factly, tapping a second name on the list. "A planet whose interests are somewhat dear to me, I have to admit, since my mother's family are from that world. Currently it's a Juraian dependant, although there have long since been ongoing negotiations for independence. Unfortunately for the Kanemitsu people, their last attempt at sending an envoy to Jurai ended in massive bloodshed aboard their ship Sumire. Everyone aboard the craft was killed."
He paused for a moment, pursing his lips.
"My mother was among the delegates." He added softly. "So as you can see, I have every wish to find justice."
"Your mother?" Kane looked horrified, and Nakabito nodded.
"Yes." He agreed. "She, like all the others, was slain aboard the Sumire and no satisfactory explanation or culprit for the murders has ever been properly put forward. Jurai have blamed a demon for the act – but it seems much more likely that some kind of cover-up has been put into play."
His lips twitched into an ironic smile.
"Very few civilised minds believe in demons these days, after all."
"And Seiryo Tennan is also involved in this, somehow?"
"According to sources, he was – at least in terms of finalising the official report that Jurai issued to Kanemitsu and the Galaxy Police at the time of the Sumire massacre." Nakabito agreed. "Galaxy Police officials were also murdered during this particular incident – several of them. Some of whom were colleagues of mine who I respected highly, but despite the fact they gave their lives in service, no justice has been given their families either. Apparently life is dispensable, when it comes to the whims of the Emperor of Jurai."
"That's barbaric." Kane whispered, gazing at Nakabito in horror. "They just killed them all, to make sure that the negotiations stalled?"
"Certainly it seems that way." Nakabito agreed. "As I said, we are dealing with very dangerous forces indeed."
He sat back in his seat, looking pensive.
"I don't want to frighten you or cause widespread panic on the Earth. I just want you to be aware that this isn't a small time operation, and that we're very reliant on everything you people can do in terms of information and support." He said at length. "My superiors are highly cognisant of the threat involved...as am I. But in the circumstances..."
"No, we have no choice." Ishida said gravely. "Reviewing all the information, to do nothing is to wait to be walked all over. If we can help - if we can push forwards and prove that the Earth is not going to be another conquered planet in Jurai's march, well, so much to the good. Don't worry, Nakabito-san. I understand only too well what's involved."
"And you, Kyoda-kun?" Nakabito turned his gaze on the young graduate, who, for the first time, caught a glint of something beyond amiability in the man's dark eyes. He frowned, then nodded his head.
"I'll do it." He said softly. "Whatever it takes to save the Earth...that's all I care about. Making sure those aliens don't get to take over this world and do to it what they've done to the others. Even if Masaki was my friend...if he's supportive of that..."
He spread his hands.
"Some things are more important." He concluded. "Don't worry. I'm in."
Nakabito offered him an approving grin.
"That's what I like to hear." he said warmly. "And on that note, I have other pressing matters to attend to."
He saluted, a playful glint in his eye.
"Keep up the good work." He added. "I'll be in touch."
With that he was gone, and Kane pursed his lips.
"Do you think...Ishida-san...that guy...all by himself, is he strong enough to take on Jurai?" He asked hesitantly.
"From all the things he's said, he's the best hope the Earth have right now." Ishida said grimly. "Have faith in him, Kane-kun. All our lives may depend on it."
--
As Nakabito withdrew from the entrepreneur's office, he caught the man's final drifting words and a smile touched his lips, amusement flecking in his dark eyes as he pulled his cape around his shoulders, stepping out into the cool night air.
On this planet, he walked among the natives as one of them, thanks to his father's inauspicious Earth blood.
"A bartering card I never thought I'd find a use for." He reflected pensively, as he made his way slowly back towards the place he had securely moored and shielded his spacecraft. "Knowing and ingratiating myself with people on this planet...because my father was one of them, once upon a time. Interesting, isn't it, how things can change."
As he reached his craft, he fingered the band around his wrist, transmitting himself up into the cockpit and sinking down into the seat with a sigh as he rested his elbows on the dashboard, glancing at the communications device for any incoming messages. There were none, however, and he sat back, relieved.
"If Headquarters aren't chasing up on me, then I have some time to pan out the next stage of my plan." he reflected aloud. "The people here are obliging. Foolish and easy to manipulate, but obliging. However...their paranoia is still only at base level. Even spreading word about that alien girl Ryoko hasn't been enough. If I truly want to bring Jurai to heel, I have a long way to go yet. And annoying as it is, I'm reliant on Ishida and his followers to carry out things on the Earth. I sensed an element of uncertainty in them today - even my horror stories about the Sumire and Kihaku didn't seem to work. Which means...I'm going to have to up the stakes a little."
He narrowed his gaze, reaching across to key in some instructions, and a file flashed up on his screen.
"Ishida, Kenichi." He murmured. "A friend of that Kane, and the beloved son of my colleague...well, well. His involvement in this is...not crucial, yet. But it could be. It's been too long since the attack on Osaka. Many people have forgotten. I need them to realise how dangerous this connection is, and what better way than to hurt one of their own?"
He narrowed his gaze as he considered his next course of action, then, slowly, he nodded.
"Ryoko is on this planet." He reflected. "Although I have no personal axe to grind with the pirate, she's a useful scapegoat and foil. I'd dearly love it to be Tennan who was in my line of fire, but short of arousing Juraian suspicions prematurely, I can't even begin to think about that stage of things, yet. Not if I want to keep their noses out of it until it's too late for them to unmesh themselves from my web."
Anger flickered in his gaze as he remembered the last time he had seen Seiryo Tennan, and he folded his arms across his chest.
"Kanemitsu have tried to break away from Jurai for generations, but they've lacked the ruthlessness or decisiveness to play it dirty." He reflected. "And people have died because of it - people like my mother - because noone is quite as underhand as the Emperor of Jurai and his hangers on when it comes to those kinds of strategies. Well, now things are different. This little matter in Osaka is just the evidence I need to turn Jurai's dreams into nightmares once and for all. To bring down a big animal, you need a big trap - and now the Earth are making their voices heard, I have just the help I need to make it a reality. Seiryo Tennan and Jurai will finally be brought to book. Mother's death will be avenged. And this pathetic little planet..."
He shrugged, flicking off his screen as he got to his feet, stretching his arms over his head.
"They won't be a problem, in the long run." he murmured. "I never did much care for my father, after all. It won't grieve me too much if, in the aftermath of an unfortunate collision of interests, the rock was blown to smithereens. After all, it happened to Kihaku...Jurai really should be more careful when using deadly force in a protected zone."
He chuckled under his breath at this thought, sauntering into the back of his ship to pour himself a mug of hot tea.
"And then there's that woman, too." He realised. "My spy didn't manage to get much information, annoyingly, but enough to give me some insider details at least. I never thought that one of the regulars would potentially be my key to destroying Seiryo Tennan's irritatingly perfect police record. He was the Commander's darling for far too long - always the favoured agent, just because he had Juraian noble blood...just like when we were Academy students. Just like when Yuriko..."
He faltered, his humour fading for a moment, then he shook his head.
"But that was a long time ago. Now the stakes are higher. I'm cleverer, now, and I know how to fight on your level, Tennan-san." He murmured. "I'll talk to this Makibi girl, and see what she has to say about the attempt you made on her life. Did you finally find a girl who'd refuse your advances? If so, she's someone I need to make an ally of...she might yet prove to be very useful to me, in the long run, in pitting you at the top of the blame list for this little fiasco!"
He smirked, a cold glitter entering his dark eyes.
"We'll see who has the last laugh this time." He decided. "When the smoke clears and we really see who's left standing!"
-------
"Kiyoneeee!"
As Kiyone left the ship docking bay, a tremendous shriek assailed her ears and she froze, wincing inwardly as she turned to greet her partner with a rueful, embarrassed grin. All around them, officers paused in what they were doing to stare as the Seniwan detective tripped clean over her own feet, almost falling headlong against her friend as she let out another screech, hands flailing as she struggled to get her balance. Wild blond curls flew in every direction, and Kiyone sighed heavily, reaching out an arm to halt her friend's tumble before she could do herself any real harm.
"You know, when you do things like that, I'm almost ready to hop back aboard Yagami and leave again." She said lightly, but as she met the other girl's excited blue eyes, she knew that she was lying. Something in Mihoshi's cheerful demeanour helped to sway her mind from the seriousness she had left behind on Jurai, and at length she relented, meeting the other girl's grin with one of her own.
"Welcome back." Mihoshi seemed impervious to the fact she had attracted so much attention, brushing her hair back from her face and then taking her companion by the arm, leading her towards the main foyer of the Galaxy Police Regular Division. "How was your friend? I was good and I told the Commander that you hadn't gone anywhere. He kinda looked at me funny, but he didn't ask any questions. So it's all all right. Noone knows where you went."
"Mihoshi, did you go and see the Commander especially to tell him that?" A flicker of doubt flared in Kiyone's heart, and she cast her friend a doubtful glance. Mihoshi nodded, pride flickering in her blue eyes.
"I figured if I told him straight away, then he'd have nothing to be suspicious about." She said happily. "And it worked. He didn't ask any questions. In fact, after I'd finished, he told me not to bother him with anything else for the rest of the week...so I think it's all right."
"I'm sure he did." Kiyone shook her head slowly. "Oh well. I'm back now. Anything happen while I was away?"
"I don't think so." Mihoshi chewed on her thumbnail as she ran her mind over the previous two days. "They served the same meal in the cafeteria twice in a row, and I almost choked on the rice this morning - I swear they're using a new, sharper grain because it really hurt when I tried to swallow it."
"That wasn't quite what I meant." Kiyone shook her head. "I mean with cases. Or anything like that."
"Oh." Mihoshi frowned, then she shook her head. "You weren't here, so I didn't know what I should do."
"I suppose that's a good thing." Kiyone decided wryly. "So aside from almost choking, and from going to see the Commander, you didn't do anything else while I was away?"
"I took a nap or two." Mihoshi shrugged, offering her usual happy-go-lucky smile. "Oh yes. There was one other thing, too."
"Yes?" Kiyone was only half listening by this point, for it had been a long trip and she had not had much chance to rest on the voyage.
"Yes." Mihoshi nodded triumphantly. "Someone did come to leave you a message."
"A message?" Kiyone was startled by this, eying the other girl curiously. "What kind of message?"
"I don't know. I didn't open it." Mihoshi shrugged again.
"You didn't...?"
"It was addressed to you." Mihoshi pointed out. "And I was always taught you don't open other people's mail. So I didn't open it."
"Well, I guess I should, then." Kiyone pursed her lips, sliding her hand into her pocket as they reached her office, and producing the key. "It's in here, right?"
"Yes." Mihoshi agreed. "Or was it in your quarters? Oh, I don't remember...no, I think it was here. Yes, it must have been, because I remember I almost fell down the steps coming here to put it on your desk - or was it on the unit by your window?"
"It's on the desk." Kiyone crossed the office floor, scooping up the electronic card and brushing her finger across the seal to break it. She glanced at it for a moment, then slid it into the reading device, pressing a button as she sank down into her chair, watching as it flickered into life in front of them.
As they watched, a grainy, translucent face became visible, growing in intensity with each passing second, and Kiyone's brows knitted together as she gazed at the unfamiliar visage.
"Who the hell?" She murmured.
"Detective Kiyone Makibi, First Class." The man spoke in formal, even tones, his expression non-committal, but Kiyone's sharp eyes noted something glittering deep in the depths of his gaze.
"This is a communication from the Galaxy Police Elite. My name is Agent Junichi Nakabito, and I would like to speak to you as soon as possible regarding a case I'm working on at present...I believe you might be able to provide me with some valuable information. Judging by your reputation, I'm sure I can trust in your discretion.
"I will be away from my office until twenty two hundred hours, Galactic Calender 45-065. I would appreciate it if you would come to see me at zero seven hundred the following morning so that I can discuss this matter with you in the privacy of my office. Navigation instructions are enclosed with this message. Please be aware that this is a top secret matter and must be treated as entirely confidential. Thank you...Nakabito, over and out."
The message flickered and faded into a floor plan of the Elite Annexe, and Kiyone's eyes narrowed as she ran a finger thoughtfully along the ghostly diagram.
"The opposite end to where Seiryo's office was." She mused. "I haven't been in the Elite quarters since I was spying on him for Washu. And now...is this a coincidence? Or is it regarding what Kamidake and Sasami said?"
"Kiyone?" Mihoshi's voice brought her back to herself and she frowned, reaching over to switch off the device.
"Yes?"
"You were spacing out and muttering to yourself - are you all right?" Mihoshi looked concerned. "Maybe you're hungry...? You must be tired, after flying from...wherever it was you were flying from."
"A little, maybe." Kiyone sighed. "I'm sorry. I was just thinking about something."
"Thinking when you're tired isn't a good idea, you know." Mihoshi scolded. "You'll just get more tired."
"True enough." Kiyone grimaced.
"Are you going to go see this person, then? When he asked you to?"
"Yes." Kiyone said thoughtfully. "45-065...what's the date today in Galaxy Police terms, Mihoshi?"
"The what?" Mihoshi blinked, and Kiyone sighed, shaking her head.
"Never mind." She said wearily, reaching over to check her desk organiser. "45-063. Right. Okay. That gives me two...no, three days in total. I wonder if that's enough time."
"To do what?" Mihoshi's eyes glittered with curiosity. "You don't think it'll take that long to find his office, do you? I know the Annexe is confusing, but he did send you a map - Kiyone, I don't think it'll be that hard."
"No." Kiyone shook her head, smiling despite herself at her friend's screwy logic. "No, I wanted to review our case file, now I'm back. It sounds like this...Nakabito, whoever he is...wants me to do some work for him, and you never know with Elite Agents what they'll get you involved in."
"I think you should be careful, Kiyone." Mihoshi said thoughtfully, and Kiyone frowned.
"Why so?" She asked softly. "Something bothering you, Miho?"
"Not especially." Mihoshi shook her head, sending blond curls everywhere. "It's just...I think the Elite are cursed. That's all."
"Cursed?" Kiyone's eyes widened, and Mihoshi nodded.
"Yes." She said seriously. "Think about it. Seiryo-san was an Elite, and he got possessed and he tried to kill you. Right? So he had to leave the Galaxy Police - but once he did, and went to work for Sasami, he was cured. Right?"
"Well..."
"And then there were those guys who were dead in Mitsuki's office." Mihoshi continued. "They were Elite Agents too - and they were dead because of it, right?"
"Mihoshi..."
"And the agents who died on that ship that went to Jurai." Mihoshi finished. "What was it called? The Suntan?"
"The Sumire, Miho." Kiyone rubbed her temples.
"That was it." Mihoshi agreed. "Don't you think that's a weird coincidence, all those things happening to the Elite Agents?"
"No. Being an Elite is a dangerous job." Kiyone shook her head. "More so than ours, you know."
"But my Father was an Elite and noone killed him, or possessed him, or anything like that." Mihoshi said with a sigh. "So I guess they only got cursed recently. It must have been that way...don't you think so?"
"What did you just say?" Kiyone looked startled, turning to stare at her friend, who eyed her in confusion.
"That the Galaxy Police Elite got cursed recently, which was really bad luck for them, when you think about it. Though I suppose a curse is bad luck anyway, so that does make sense..."
"No, not that. Before that. About your Dad." Kiyone interrupted impatiently, and Mihoshi's expression became one of comprehension.
"Oh! That he used to be an Elite Agent? Well, he did...you remember that, don't you?"
"Yes, I do." Kiyone said softly. "And he worked on and around Jurai a lot, didn't he? For the Royal Family - Ayeka's family. Didn't he?"
"He didn't really talk to me about his work. It was secret stuff, you know." Mihoshi shrugged. "Why? Is it important?"
"Mitsuru-sama also worked at the Galaxy Police Academy, didn't he? He trained men...men like Seiryo. Didn't he?"
"Yes, I think so." Mihoshi looked confused. "I think he did some of that, while he was working still. But he's retired now. Why do you want to know, Kiyone? What's the matter?"
"Nothing, yet, but I think it would be nice if we took a trip to Seniwa and paid your father a visit." Kiyone said with a frown.
"Father? A visit?" Mihoshi stared at her as if she had gone mad. "But you just got back - Kiyone, why?"
"I want his advice on something, I think." Kiyone reflected. "As someone who's an Elite - or rather, a former Elite. And someone who trained Seiryo in encryption, among other things. I want to speak to him because he's someone I know I can trust...do you think he'd mind, if we went to Seniwa at short notice?"
"No, probably not." Mihoshi admitted. "And he always likes it when I visit, but...Kiyone, will you tell me what this is about?"
"If I knew myself, I would." Kiyone sighed. "I just want an expert's advice, I suppose. On something which might not even be Galaxy Police related. That's all."
"Is it something...about your friend, Kiyone?"
"Maybe." Kiyone admitted. "I'm not sure, yet."
Mihoshi's eyes narrowed, and for a moment, Kiyone thought she saw a flash of perception surface in the big blue eyes. Then she nodded.
"All right. I'll give him a call." She dimpled, and the moment was gone. "And I'll tell him that you want to speak to him about something but you don't know what. Okay?"
"That about sums it up. Yes. Tomorrow, if we can." Kiyone agreed. "Before I meet with Agent Nakabito and discuss whatever it is that's bugging him. I'd rather deal with this before I have a bunch of other things on my mind."
"Kiyone?"
"Yes?"
"You said your friend had lost someone close to them, didn't you?" Mihoshi asked, and Kiyone nodded, looking surprised.
"Yes. His mother. Why?"
Mihoshi frowned again, then she shrugged, tilting her head on one side.
"I hope he's feeling better." She said evenly, and Kiyone's brows knitted together.
"Something's eating you - Miho, that was a strange look you just gave me. What's up?"
"Nothing." Mihoshi shook her head.
"Miho, spill."
"Well..." Mihoshi pursed her lips, then, "You want to go see Father all of a sudden, and you don't often do that. And you said...you wanted advice, and it might be about your friend."
"Yes...so?"
Mihoshi paused for a moment, then she met Kiyone's gaze head on.
"Your friend is Seiryo-san, isn't it?" She asked softly, and Kiyone's eyes widened.
"Mihoshi..."
"I knew it." Mihoshi's expression glittered with triumph. "I knew it was...it is, isn't it? It was Seiryo Tennan you went to see...I knew it!"
"I..."
"Well? I am right, right? It was him?"
"Y...yes." Kiyone owned. "But...how did you...?"
"I'm smart. That's all." Mihoshi dimpled.
"And now the real reason?"
"Hey!" Mihoshi looked hurt. Then she relented. "Well, it's just you don't have many friends outside of Headquarters who aren't my friends too. You said him, and the only him friend we both really have is Tenchi. And his mother is already dead...right? And you were talking about Father's teaching Seiryo-san just now - so it must've been him. Right?"
"Who are you and what did you do with Mihoshi Kuramitsu?" Kiyone demanded, and Mihoshi put her hands on her hips.
"I'm not completely stupid." She said indignantly. "I do pay attention. It's just that so many things happen and sometimes I have trouble putting them in the right order. That's all."
She frowned, suddenly serious.
"Poor Seiryo-san." She added softly, sympathy glittering in her blue eyes. "First he gets possessed, then he has to go find Tokimi and Washu when they're kidnapped by weird people on some savage planet, and now his mother's died, too. It must be because the Elite are cursed...I guess it runs deeper than I thought."
"Well, I don't know about a curse, but he's pretty shaken by it." Kiyone sighed. "And I suppose that's why I want Mitsuru-sama's advice as much as anything. After all, he did know Seiryo - and he must've known him quite well, once upon a time."
"In that case, I'll call him right away." Mihoshi agreed. "If it's to do with something like that."
She dimpled.
"For a moment I thought you wanted to see him about some icky or dangerous mission or something." She admitted. "I'm sort of glad it's not that."
"Yeah." Kiyone managed a smile, inwardly making up her mind not to involve Mihoshi in her spy detail for Jurai.
"She'll never keep that a secret." She mused to herself, even as she watched the blond girl head off to her own office to make the call. "I didn't expect her to put two and two together and come up with Seiryo's name, but then I suppose she isn't completely dense - sometimes I underestimate the things she understands, and I shouldn't. Sometimes she can be perceptive, after all."
She sighed, casting a glance at the discarded message.
"And now this." She mused. "I want to ask Mitsuru-sama about what's going on on Jurai, as someone who knows both it and the Galaxy Police inside-out. And it might be that Nakabito wants to see me about something else...but it would be strange, if he did, considering what Sasami and Kamidake said to me. I expect it has some connection - if I'm going to meet with him, I want to know how to take it. Mitsuru-sama is the only one I can fully trust when it comes to Elite matters - well, Seiryo aside, but I can't bring him into this. That would defeat the object! So hopefully we will be able to go to Seniwa...if I take Mihoshi with me, it won't look suspicious. It's happened before, after all, and the Kuramitsu family do do things at short notice. So that'll be okay. And I know that once Mihoshi sees her mother, they'll be lost in chat and I'll be able to speak to Mitsuru-sama. At least, I hope I will...I really need his take on this!"