Sword and Shield

Chapter 15: Full House

Human shield 1. n. A military and political term describing the deliberate placement of civilians in or around combat targets to deter an enemy from attacking those targets.

27 March 2000, 10:30 hrs

Chofu, Suburbs of Tokyo, Japan

Room 404, Mansion K Apartments

Kyoko watched in surprise as Kaname picked up the Glock 26 pistol and slipped it into her purse. After a moment, she opened one of the drawers of her dresser, pulled a stun gun from under some towels, and checked the charge.

"Kana-chan, when did you get that?" Kyoko asked eying the stun gun for a moment.

"Oh… this?" Kaname lifted the stun gun in her hand and shrugged. "Sousuke got it for me… shortly before he was recalled that one time." She chuckled lightly. "He could probably get me a nuke if I asked for it."

"I saw you pull it on that Yakuza." Kyoko said. "Maybe you'll run into him today."

"I hope not." Kaname laughed then Kyoko saw her expression fall. "I've had enough excitement for one day already." She stuffed the stun gun into the purse as well and sighed. "Maybe, enough for a lifetime."

Kyoko glanced at the floor from her seat on Kaname's bed and sighed. "How do you think Sousuke feels?"

"I know…" Kaname sighed. "He's been fighting since he was a kid. He doesn't like to talk about his past. It has to be really painful. Tessa probably knows more about that then I do." Kaname ran a hand along the soft sweater she'd chosen and smiled at her friend. "Of course, I don't want to dig up any of his old wounds… you've seen how many scars he has at the beach, there's got to be a story behind each of them."

Kyoko nodded slowly. "Well… I suppose he's not the only person with scars."

The brush Kaname had picked up for her hair dropped to the top of the dresser with a loud thump and she glanced at her friend. "Ky…"

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have brought it up…" Kyoko closed her eyes.

"How bad?" Kaname asked quietly.

Kyoko sighed and pantomimed a length from just under her bust to the small of her back. "So long as I wear one piece suits or normal clothes it's not noticeable."

"I'm sorry Kyoko." Kaname whispered quietly.

"It's not your fault, I know Sousuke tried…" Kyoko shook her head. "I just wish he'd been a bit faster."

Kaname nodded and sighed. "I wish he'd beaten Leonard…" She pursed her lips and pulled a small digital memory card for a camera out. "You want some more pictures for that scrap book?"

"Sure."

"These are some pictures I took on that trip to the South Pacific Sousuke invited me on." Kaname grinned. "You remember the one."

Kyoko nodded. "The one you said nothing happened on…"

"We got… sidetracked." Kaname sighed. "Our flight got diverted and… I had my first experience with sky diving."

"Oh… save it Kaname, we can ask tonight, but I do want to see the pictures!" Kyoko said.

Kaname laughed and handed her the memory card. "Maybe it'll be enough for you to finish those scrap books."

"I hope so…" Kyoko pursed her lips and glanced around the room, a devious smirk sliding over her lips. "Where's Sousuke sleep anyway?"

"Uhhh…"

"Kaname!" A scandalized shout echoed through the bedroom door and Sousuke arched an eyebrow as he sat down on the couch and leaned over the case that contained Al. Sighing he picked up one of the small omelet's that Shinji had ordered for breakfast.

"It's much smaller than I expected compared to the old AI housing." He stated simply as Sarah sat across from him and nodded.

"I do not believe that you have ever shown an interest in the ongoing advancements in computing." Al answered. "In another eighteen months or so I could probably fit inside a very small laptop with ease. However… I still would very much appreciate a set of optical sensors, being blind is really quite troublesome."

Shinji laughed lightly and leaned over the table setting his magazine on the top of the table. "I never heard of an AI this advanced, he can hold a conversation and everything." He glanced at Sarah. "Did you design him?"

Sarah shook her head. "My talents aren't in that area unfortunately… Al was created by a young man named Bani Morauta, sadly he is no longer with us. I wish I could have met him."

"It seems I am all that remains of his work." Al stated and despite the even robotic voice Sousuke thought he could hear a hint of emotion. "It is rather sad."

Shinji glanced at the two of them and sighed. "So… Sarah, you're an AS designer?"

Sarah flashed a smile and nodded. "Yeah…"

"That's so cool! I mean nobody ever gets to talk to an AS designer, it's like they're hidden away in little super-secret labs where no one can find them." Shinji said quickly in surprisingly good English.

Sarah chuckled. "That's because we are… Imagine if everybody knew a girl my age was designing military robots!"

"I suppose you do have a point." Shinji said. He flipped open the magazine and pursed his lips as he skimmed through the articles. "I'd hide that fact too."

Sousuke closed his eyes. You have no idea Shinji… He let out a tired sigh. "I don't want to frighten Shinji but we're not exactly safe even here… Wraith identified a pair of AH-6J helicopters and a pair of operatives that have been shadowing Kaname and I. We believe them to be CIA."

"God damn it!" Sarah growled and held her head. "All I want is to be left alone!"

"AH-6J Little Birds, like what Delta Force and the US Rangers use?" Kazama asked quickly.

Sousuke nodded. "ECS equipped to boot, so probably Delta Force. If it is only those two birds we're looking at maybe two Delta Teams, so around eight men plus the helicopter pilots. CIA agents aren't really useful in abductions except for gathering intelligence, and between Kaname and I we've just got two pistols and a stun gun. It's also possible, perhaps even likely that we are under surveillance… bugs, wire taps, remote microwave listening devices."

"Three pistols." Sarah said pulling a Five-seveN from her jacket pocket and setting it on the table followed by three magazines.

Sousuke picked up the weapon and hit the magazine release before making sure the weapon was safe. "Sarah… do you remember your gun safety courses?" He asked as he worked the action and caught the cartridge that jumped out.

"Oops…"

"Both of the Glocks we have are nine millimeter parabellum, so they'll have trouble with the body armor the Delta Force operatives will likely be clad in. It's fortunate that you had an armor piercing pistol on hand." Sousuke checked the bullets in the magazine and nodded again. "Yes, very fortunate." Sousuke loaded the gun again and set it on the table and sighed. "If they do have body armor in their attempt my pistol may as well be loaded with rubber bullets."

Shinji glanced at his friend. "Sousuke if you're targeted shouldn't you bug out or…"

"We don't have any place to go. All my contingency plans went up in smoke when Amalgam attacked." Sousuke took a deep breath. "Besides, we're hoping to stall any attempt until some other operatives can arrive." A slight smile slipped across Sousuke's face. "You are aware of American doctrine when it comes to civilian presence around a valuable target."

Shinji's eyes widened suddenly. "You… that's devious." He grinned. "That's really devious."

Sarah glanced between the two military experts. "Huh?"

"American doctrine when attacking a target with a large civilian presence is… they don't." Sousuke stated simply.

"Oh…" Sarah giggled. "The slumber party defense!"

"Affirmative."

Onodera scowled from where he was leaning against the entryway. "Sagara, are you nuts? You got Kyoko almost killed protecting Kaname, and now you're willing to do it again? I thought you were more honorable then that!"

"The choice will be up to Kyoko, I will tell everyone the risks, but if the Americans do try something even those staying with us should be marginally safe. Only myself, Tessa, Kaname, and Sarah will be targets. I will likely be shot and killed and they will be kidnapped off to some research center in the United States." Sousuke sighed. "I do not want to see Kyoko hurt again, she is my friend as well."

"Ahem." The box that contained Al spoke.

"And Al… unless I scrap him first." Sousuke said.

"Perhaps an invigorating game of truth or dare is in order tonight." The AI stated. "Though lacking a body of my own I would find participating a bit difficult."

Ono-D shook his head and sighed. "You know Sagara, normally a slumber party is a single sex affair…"

"No reason we can't bend the rules a little." Shinji said. "It's not like we're a bunch of middle schoolers."

Onodera nodded. "I suppose you're right… plus Tessa in night clothes." The young man looked wistful for a moment. "Screw it. I'm game if it keeps her and Kaname safe."

The door to Kaname's bedroom opened with a thud and Kyoko and Kaname stepped out into the living area. Kaname was blushing furiously while Kyoko was grinning like a cat that had got the canary.

"Okay, we're ready… I think we'll be walking again. Think you can handle walking around doing some shopping Sarah?"

"Sure, sounds fun… not sure I got much money on me though…" Sarah said quickly.

"Sousuke can pay for it." Kaname said as she stopped by the entryway and pursed her lips. "Sarah… it's considered proper to remove your shoes on entering a Japanese home."

"Oh, sorry…" Sarah glanced at her feet.

"Gaijin!" Kyoko said with a wide grin. "Not a problem is it Sousuke?"

"As I said earlier, mistakes are common when placed in a foreign culture for the first time." Sousuke shrugged. "Shall we head out then?"

"Yeah, on the way we can call everybody and see who all wants to join in tonight." Kyoko grinned widely. "Mizuki… Ren-san, Maya, Shiori…"

"Kyoko, you don't mind if Ono-D and I stay too do you?" Shinji asked.

Kyoko giggled. "Kana-chan isn't going to kick Sousuke out… we'll figure out a way to handle you boys."

Kaname flushed brightly and glared at her friend. "Kyoko…"

"Sousuke, does Kana-chan still snore?" Kyoko asked.

Sousuke froze. I'm doomed, Kyoko likes doing this to me doesn't she… "Uhh…"

Shinji snickered as Ono-D stared at his old friend in shock. "Sousuke, you dog!"

"Uhh…"

Al's robotic voice crackled to life. "Is the Sergeant sweating like mad?"

"Uhh…"

Kaname scowled. "I do not snore…" She glared at Kyoko to keep her from contradicting her. Her face was still flushed from embarrassment. "As for the other thing…"

"I'll save it for truth or dare then." Kyoko said with a wide grin.

Kaname scowled as the group headed out the door, grabbing their shoes as they went. Outside a set of low clouds had rolled in and a light shower had started. Kaname opened an umbrella and pulled Sousuke under it. "Wait… did you forget your phone again?"

"Affirmative." Sousuke blinked then ran back into the room to grab his phone before rushing back. I don't even have a rain poncho at the moment. I should have bought one last time we were out. Sousuke sighed as he added that to his short shopping list.

"I would humbly request a Web—" Al's voice was cut off by the click of the door and Sousuke smiled.

"Sarah, did you think to install a mute on him?" Sousuke asked.

"Oops…" Sarah grinned.

"I'll meet you in Shibuya then." Ono-D said as he walked over to his car and sighed. "After I get an estimate on repairs…"

27 March 2000, 11:01 hrs

Chofu, Suburbs of Tokyo, Japan

Roof, Tigers Mansion Apartments

Wraith slowly lowered her binoculars and sighed watching the group of teenagers walk down the street. So Sarah is here now… great. Wraith yawned and stood, checking the action of her SVD Dragunov. It was time to move to the next observation point en-route.

27 March 2000, 10:15 hrs

Kingsford Smith Airport, Sydney, Australia

Terminal 1

Tessa yawned as her carry-on luggage clattered across the floor behind her. In front of her Admiral Borda was walking swiftly with his cane, glancing nervously around the room to make sure the two of them were not being followed. Tessa still wore the TDD-1 cap despite its declaration of her affiliation to those that knew of the ship. After a few minutes the two of them came to the gate for the JAL flight to Tokyo and were led aboard.

Tessa nearly stumbled in the aisle as she squeezed between the seats behind the Admiral. She stifled another yawn before plopping down in one of the plush seats and stowing her luggage. With that done she was asleep before the plane had been rolled away from the gate.

27 March 2000, 11:40 hrs

Yokota Air Base, Western Tokyo, Japan

1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta, Joint Special Operations Command

The four men stood inside the handgun range of the base, each with a .45 caliber USP pistol in hand leveled at the line of targets at the end. They'd go through five hundred rounds of ammunition simply practicing their shooting.

It was one of the few things that they could do at the base, the facilities here were meant for aircraft and air force personnel. There were no fire rooms to use, no long range rifle area for the snipers in the unit, and very little meant for a Special Forces team. Still, it was better than some places they'd been stationed.

At a table behind the pistol range the two senior most members of the Delta Forces team leaned over a set of satellite photos across from the four helicopter pilots. Setting a large plastic cup down beside them filled with water, 'Boss' pulled out a red marker and circled a building just a few blocks from the Tama river near the Tennis Club.

"This is our objective, top floor, room four-oh-four. The newest intelligence we got says that we've got a probable Mithril operative as a guard and more ones on the way, Pentagon also expanded our mission a bit. The girl that blasted her way out of Alaska is now staying with our target."

"The more we're supposed to bring out the harder this will be." One of the pilots said. "Especially if we're both delivering and picking up you guys. We can handle up to four prisoners but that'll put us damn close to our maximum load."

"That's what I figured." Boss said. "Plan is thus… looking at the photos we've got of the building and the blueprints. An assault team will be delivered to the roof of the target building under ECS then proceed to the door. At the same time, half of team two will be delivered directly to the patio of the target apartment. That chopper will then orbit with the sniper team to provide counter sniper protection. Once we have seized the targets we will proceed to the tennis club for extraction."

"Sounds easy enough, what's the go code?"

"Go code is Pythia." Boss said. "I've sent the plan to approval up the chain of command. I don't expect approval for a few days or so… which could lead to complications if more people show up."

27 March 2000, 12:05 hrs

Shibuya, Suburbs of Tokyo, Japan

Ajisen Ramen

It had been close to noon when the trained had pulled into Shibuya station, so their first priority had fallen back to lunch. Sousuke stared down at the bowl of noodles before him and sighed, the stress of the situation making him sweat and burn through calories as if he was in combat.

Stress can be just as damaging to the body as hostile action… I need to find a way to ease it, to relax when the opportunity presents itself. Sousuke nodded slowly. "Is there an operational plan for us or are we… winging it?"

"We're winging it." Kaname said as she poked at her bowl. "Ono-D should meet us in a bit, and Kyoko called Mizuki, Maya, Shiori, and Ren… So it'll be a pretty full house." Kaname sighed and leaned into her hand. "You did tell Kyoko that we're being targeted?"

"Yes, on the train ride over. I asked that she explain the situation to those she invites as well. I do not want civilians walking into our troubles unaware." Sousuke said.

"I'm surprised you agreed to this at all." Kaname said as she glanced at him.

Sousuke closed his eyes. "American doctrine strongly opposes risking civilian casualties. The more of your friends that are around you the less likely they will attack. They can't afford the diplomatic repercussions of civilian casualties."

Kaname scowled. "Ugh… Did you tell Kyoko and Shinji that bit?"

"Yes, Ono-D as well." Sousuke sighed. "Until Melissa and Kurz arrive we'll be extremely short handed, and you didn't say if they were bringing equipment. This is nearly as stressful as when the captain visited in school."

Kaname laughed. "Maybe it'll stop Tessa from sneaking into your bed."

"Perhaps I should try and find a set of handcuffs…" Sousuke muttered. The door to the restaurant opened and a longhaired Asian man stepped inside. Glancing at the polished surface of a napkin dispenser he watched him move to a seat and glance at a menu. "Speaking of danger… one of the operatives just walked in the door."

"I'm too tired to try and shake him off. Let the vultures watch." Kaname said running a hand through her hair. A second later the door opened again and Maya and Shiori stepped inside clad in spring sweaters and jeans they glanced around for a moment before Kaname waved to them and they walked over.

"Not everyone will be able to fit in the car Ono-D possesses." Sousuke observed. "Perhaps only you, I, and Ono-D should go pickup Tessa."

"Yes. Any particular reason I need to come with?" Kaname asked with a slight smile.

Sousuke swallowed down a lump and glanced at her. "Besides wanting you to be with me?"

Kaname blushed brightly and sighed, leaning against him. As her friends approached her blush deepened. Maya ran a hand through her long red hair and grinned at the other two like a shark who had just caught a hint of blood in the water. "Hey guys… look at the pair. The official class 3-4 couple finally together."

From down the bar Kyoko snickered and looked up from where she and Shinji were leaning over a computer at the group of girls before waving to them. "Maya, Shiori!"

"Uh huh… I can just imagine the interrogation we can give them and Tessa tonight!" Shiori said.

Sousuke broke out in a cold sweat as Kaname turned on the stool and gave a grin at her friends. As she turned her gaze flicked to the long haired man and an evil twitch ran along a brow. "Did Ky tell you about our possible problem?"

Maya and Shiori nodded.

"And you're okay coming despite that?" Kaname asked.

The two nodded again.

"Good, because one of the CIA guys is watching us right now." She jerked her head toward the long haired man. "So keep a look out, it's like trying to figure out if you've got a stalker."

"Really?" Maya glanced at the table and sighed. "Okay Kaname, we'll keep a look out." She snickered. "It's not like you don't have experience with stalkers…" Her gaze fell on Sousuke who continued to sweat buckets. "Or operatives…"

Shiori nodded. "Yep."

Kaname sighed and shook her head. "Nice to see you guys are so confident."

"Oh come on Kaname, it's not like they'd do anything with all of us there." Maya said and shrugged.

Sousuke nodded slowly. "It would do their country very little good to risk civilian casualties or provide witnesses to their action."

"See… your security expert says we'll be fine!" Maya grinned.

"Alright, fine…" Kaname sighed. "And he is right, the more friends I've got around the better."

Shinji swallowed down a lump as Kyoko leaned over staring at the images on his laptop, her mouth gaping. "Wow… just, wow…"

Shinji couldn't bring himself to speak as he stared at the images mouth open. After a few moments he managed to shake himself of the revelry and mouthed 'wow' before clicking the next button.

Kyoko rolled her eyes for a moment. "And to think she said 'Nothing happened?'"

"Would you go spreading this around Kyoko?" Shinji asked as he stared at the images including those of Captain Testarossa dancing and singing alongside Kaname. "Tessa really looks good in that uniform…"

Kyoko made a face. "Girls in uniform… you sure you don't want to join the Defense Agency?"

"Uhh… and do what, be a secretary? Pilots need to have 20-20 or better eyesight. Officers need a formal education, either at a college or the Officer training center. And have you seen how long it takes me to run a mile?" Shinji sighed. "Okay, maybe I exaggerate the last bit… a little."

"This is amazing though." Kyoko said as she went to the next image. "Kana-chan said she hoped there'd be enough pictures for us to fill up the scrapbooks."

"The stick is full…" Shinji said as he blinked at the pictures. "What submarine is this? I've never seen anything like it…" He tapped his finger against the table. "That hangar is like an aircraft carrier's and…"

"Well, you recognize anybody beside Tessa yet?" Kyoko asked as Shinji hit the next button again.

"Hmm, the officer with Tessa a lot of the time has got a cap from HMS Turbulent, that's a submarine in the Royal Navy…" Shinji shrugged then grinned. "Plus Weber-san and Mao-san." Shinji blushed slightly at the mention of those two. "Didn't they come with us to the hot springs?"

Kyoko nodded. "Yeah, so they're Mithril too… I met Kurz way before that. He tried to hit on Kana-chan for a while." She grinned. "I managed to get him pretty drunk. That was just a few days after Sousuke joined the school."

"Kyoko?" Shinji blinked and looked at her. "You got Kurz drunk?"

"Yeah, but he didn't spill anything." Kyoko sighed.

"Well, I know he's a sniper… he was packing some pretty high end stuff when we were at the hot springs…" Shinji felt his cheeks turn beet red and Kyoko pursed her lips and leaned toward him.

"What was he packing?" Kyoko asked.

"Uhh… a VSS Vintorez, it's a silence sniper rifle the Russians make." Shinji swallowed audibly and felt a bit of sweat run down his forehead. Great of all the habits to pick up from Sagara-kun…

"Shinji?" Kyoko asked.

"Uhh… It's nothing." Shinji said quickly.

Kyoko gave him a little knowing smile. "You didn't do something dirty did you… Like try and sneak into the girl's bath?"

Shinji froze, his eyes widening as he swallowed audibly. "How did you…"

"Mao-san said she and Sousuke had set up some stuff to keep anyone from peeking… We saw some explosions out on the mountain." Kyoko giggled. "That was you guys wasn't it!"

"I…" Shinji's head dropped in defeat. "I'm sorry Kyoko."

"Better pray I don't pick you in 'truth or dare' then." Kyoko said with a bright grin.

Shinji closed his eyes. Kaname brought that game back from America… apparently she played with her friends back there. Shinji knew of it, who didn't? With the number of American shows that were on television. He swallowed. Pick dare… not truth with Kyoko. He shook his head and sighed. "Okay… you're not mad?"

"No…" She giggled. "Not after Sousuke blew you guys up for trying."

Shinji let out a sigh of relief then straightened as he heard two girls walk up behind him. Turning around he looked up at Maya and Shiori. "Uh… Hi."

"Kaname, please… you need to eat." Sousuke said quietly as he glanced over at the bowl of ramen noodles sitting before her which she had merely picked at. "Worry may lessen your appetite but if you don't eat…"

"I know Sousuke." Kaname growled as she went to work on the bowl. Damn him, always worrying about me… She felt the flames of her anger die as he laid a hand on her shoulder and squeezed it lightly. Part of her was still surprised by his ability to offer her comfort, it hadn't been something he'd been good at and at times she had wondered if he'd really understood. A tired sigh slipped out of her lips and she glanced at him offering a timid smile that disappeared after a moment. "Will you ever get tired of worrying about me?"

"Negative." Sousuke smiled slightly. "Never."

She grinned and nodded. "Good." Then she turned back to her bowl of noodles.

27 March 2000, 13:28 hrs

Near Hong Kong, International Waters

Nippon Cargo Airlines Flight 389

Farzen Zalad yawned as the rumble of turbulence woke him on his back for the third time since the plane had taken off. Grumbling under his breath he pulled his pakul cap from the duffel that sat on a crate beside him and set it over his face like a sleeping mask. As the ride evened out he yawned again and folded his hands over his stomach. He'd be in Japan soon enough.

27 March 2000, 14:40 hrs

Shibuya, Suburbs of Tokyo, Japan

Takeshita Street

"Hey Kana-chan… that guy is still following us." Maya said as she glanced over her shoulder and sighed. "I guess you weren't lying about being watched."

Sousuke flinched. He hadn't considered his old classmates still thinking him paranoid. I should have remembered that. He sighed. "The Russians have a saying… even paranoids have enemies. Considering my experience in Russia I must add… all Russians are paranoids."

Kaname nodded. "That's right. Your adopted father was Russian."

"Was?" Maya asked.

"He is dead." Sousuke said trying to retain his stoic mask. Lieutenant Commander Kalinin… perhaps I was not paranoid enough.

"Oh…" Maya and Shiori said at the same moment. "Sorry."

Maya scowled and glanced over her shoulder again. "Hey Sousuke, I'll be back in a minute okay?"

Sousuke stopped and glanced back as the two girls turned toward the long haired man. What do they think they're doing?

"Hey Mister!" The dirty blond haired girl with short hair called out as she approached. Her hands were on her hips. The CIA Operative stopped and blinked confused by the use of the English phrase and glanced over his shoulder.

"I talking to you!" The girl said pricking his chest with a finger. "Stop following me!"

The man gaped in surprise and looked between the two girls. "I don't understand…"

The other girl with red hair scowled. "You following us since lunch! Hentai! Pervert! Deviant!" The second girl poked him with each accusation. "Get out of our sight or…" The red haired girl produced a small can from her purse and held it up at him.

Oh shit is that… Before he could finish the thought a spray of aerosol burned into his retinas and his eyes watered, nose burned, and he closed his eyes. Then, a moment later he felt a flash of pain as the girl kneed him in the groin and he collapsed. In his earpiece a hushed voice began to ask him to report.

"Awesome!" Shiori said as she gave Maya a high five and turned toward the rest of the group who stood there looking stunned. Sousuke stared wide eyed and then shook his head as Kaname continued to gape at the two of them.

"Oh come on… who is more dangerous our classmate or random stalker dude?" Maya said as she pointed at Sousuke.

Sousuke shut his mouth and shook his head again turning toward one of the stores that Sarah was pointing too excitedly. Kaname blew at her bangs and grinned after a moment. "Nice job…"

"It is a good thing actual spies are not armed to the teeth like they appear to be in the movies." Sousuke observed quietly. When did the girls start carrying pepper spray, I know it's easily obtainable but still…

Perhaps their brushes with danger did teach them something.

"Can someone translate what this tag says?" Sarah asked as she lifted up a shirt.

27 March 2000, 14:50 hrs

Mithril Headquarters, Sydney, Australia

Hangar 1-A

Melissa scowled as she dragged equipment out of the Humvee they'd managed to appropriate from the vehicle park and began to load it inside the waiting MV-22 Osprey. The crew had hosed down and cleaned the plane thoroughly since its short trip to Merida Island.

Kurz snickered. "God Melissa, is there anything left in the armory?" One of the crew laughed as he reached the Humvee and grabbed a pair of gun cases.

"You know Sousuke. He'll burn through whatever munitions we bring faster than anything…" Melissa sighed. "Plus, he probably doesn't even have a rifle right now."

"Yeah but he's staying with Kaname… would she even let him keep weapons like that in her apartment?" Kurz asked as he gestured to the rifle cases.

"I'll convince her if she says no." Melissa said quietly. "But I doubt I'll need to… not after the last year or so."

27 March 2000, 16:09 hrs

Chofu, Suburbs of Tokyo, Japan

Room 404, Mansion K Apartments

Sousuke stumbled through the doorway, a set of bags in each hand followed by the rest of the group. Sarah giggled as she kicked off her shoes in the entry hall and sighed. "Kaname, you've got cool friends, a pity they're not that good with English."

"I'm okay!" Shinji protests as he slips out of his shoes. "My accent isn't that thick is it?"

Kaname laughed. "Its fine Shinji, I lived in New York so Sarah has another excuse why she can't understand me, New Yorker accent!" She hammered her chest then gave Kyoko a victory sign adding in an exaggerated accent. "I love New York!"

"Training Question: Is it possible for a female to love both a place and a person?" Al asked from the table.

"Uhh…" Sousuke said. "I do not know since I've never had that great an affinity to one place."

"Al, the answer is yes… and if you think Sousuke will beat your circuits to a pulp we'll just have to see what my harisen will do to your case." Kaname called out.

"Wait… Let me plug in this web camera so he knows who to run away from in fear." Sarah said with a grin as she pulled a box from her bags and started to open it.

"A web cam? That would be a great improvement." Al stated. "Unfortunately being an AI I lack pain receptors so it'd be difficult to discipline me with a piece of folded paper."

Sousuke's eyes widened and he stared at the box. A piece of folded paper, I get the feeling this won't end well. He glanced at Kaname giving a death glare at the small case, her harisen tapping her shoulder in irritation.

"A piece of folded paper?" Kaname growled. "Okay, that's it little box… I'll just grab a couple fridge magnets."

"Unfortunately my casing is hardened against EMP, making a magnet little threat." Al stated. "I made a mistake didn't I?"

"I have a pistol." Kaname stated.

"Affirmative, I apologize." Al stated. "A harisen is much more than a folded piece of paper."

"Good, it's nice to see you can learn." Kaname snickered then set down her bags while Kyoko set down a bag loaded with snacks beside them.

Grinning she pulled out three boxes of Pocky and grinned. "It'll be nice to have the boys here…"

"Ky…" Kaname said glancing at the Pocky with a frown. "We're definitely going to have to set some ground rules on this."

"Aww… but Kana-chan. It'll be fun." Kyoko said.

"You're just trying to get some nice pictures for that scrapbook, aren't you!" Kaname said quickly.

Sousuke sat and slowly shook his head, choosing to ignore most of the chatter coming from the two girls. Shinji sat down beside him and yawned. "It'll be a long night, won't it?"

"Affirmative." Sousuke stated. "Tessa will not be arriving until 20:00 hrs. If she slept on the plane she may be rather… awake most of the night."

"Good thing we got some caffeinated drinks then." Shinji said. "Even if Sarah will drink them all before she arrives."

"Hey! I had a long flight and got shot at today!" Sarah answered quickly before turning up her nose and marching to the kitchen. "I need more coffee… we engineers run on coffee."

"A very long night." Sousuke observed as he watched her by the kitchenette.

"Is Ono-D still mad about Kyoko?" Shinji asked.

Sousuke shrugged. "I am uncertain. It is often difficult to be certain when it comes to such things. I cannot blame him if he is. I failed to protect her, I failed to protect the school, and I failed Kaname… It will take me some time to make it up to them."

There was a crash as Kyoko dragged a large speaker system from the closet along with a monitor and microphone. Shinji's eyes widened. "Is that… a Karaoke machine?"

"Yep, Kana-chan used to have karaoke parties after finals…" Kyoko said as she dragged out the machine and plugged it in.

"All night karaoke parties!" Kaname said as she walked over to the machine. "Hmm… I used to have a laptop to run it too."

"Is the port a standard jack?" Sarah asked as she lifted a piping hot mug of coffee to her lips.

"Yeah." Kaname said as she glanced over the machine. "Why?"

"Al can be DJ." Sarah said with a grin, glancing over at the AI housing case.

Sousuke's eyes widened. Al, as the DJ? I admit I'm not that familiar with the term, though Kurz did claim to do it a number of times. He took a deep breath. "Are you certain that is a wise choice?"

Kurz does not equal Al.

"Are you saying an AI is incapable of performing the role of a Disc Jockey?" Al asked. "Oh, and thank you for the optical systems Sarah, I must say Miss Chidori looks to be in a much better condition than last time I saw her."

"Hmmph!" Kaname stated as she turned up her nose. "Even an AI knows more about talking to a girl then Sousuke!" Maya and Shiori started giggling in the background.

"So you wish for me to compliment you on your 'condition'?" Sousuke wilted slightly then gave her a slight smile. "If I stated such things with a greater frequency, I would not be able to surprise you."

Kyoko dropped the microphone, which rolled across the floor and stared at Sousuke. "Was that?"

"A joke?" Shinji asked.

"It seems his humor systems have been upgraded while I wasn't watching." Al stated.

Kaname snickered. "He can joke on occasion now… baby steps hmm?"

"Kaname, how do the small steps of a child compare to my… oh…" Sousuke shook his head. "Nevermind."

"Wow." Maya said as she helped Kyoko with the Karaoke machine.

Shiori giggled. "He can learn."

Kyoko laughed. "Kana-chan, I'm going to go get some stuff from my house… and some clothes for tonight. I'm going to need some help carrying it back…"

"I could offer you a ride Kyoko." Ono-D said from where he sat near the room's entrance.

Kyoko shook her head. "No… It might be time for you to get Tessa when I get done. I just need an extra set of hands and a couple pictures."

Shinji suddenly straightened for a second and Sousuke glanced at him a bit surprised. "Uhh… I'll help you Kyoko." Shinji said grabbing his laptop case and heading for the door. "Plus, we've all got to get some stuff for tonight anyway, right?"

"Yeah, I suppose." Maya said before she shrugged. "I should go get my stuff packed and ready too."

Shiori nodded. "I do too."

"Okay, we'll see you in a couple hours maybe." Kaname said as the door clicked closed behind the retreating guests. She sighed and glanced around the living room. "Okay Sousuke, we need to get this place ready. Let's put your muscles to work."

Sousuke blinked. What did that mean? Taking a deep breath he stood. "How can I help?"

Sarah picked up Al and walked over to the Karaoke machine, plugging the AI in. After a moment the stereos whirred to life.

"I must say, Miss Chidori has an interesting collection of music. Five decades of songs, over a hundred different artists… I must copy some into my hard drive after this." Al stated.

Kaname shook her head and smiled. "Your AI is starting to grow on me Sousuke…"

"I am afraid to admit he did on me after a while." Sousuke sighed.

"He likes me… amazing. I must record this in my operating log." Al stated.

"Anyway, we need to move a lot of stuff out of the living area so there will be room for people to lie down." Kaname said picking up a chair and setting it atop the table. Sousuke followed suite with another one.

"I assume we will also have to lay out sleeping mats and blankets?" Sousuke asked as he remembered the circumstances of the sleep over he'd had to keep Tessa in line.

"Affirmative." Kaname said lifting the last chair up on her side of the table as Sousuke mirrored her action. "Let's just push this into a corner out of the way. I should also think about getting some movies out for tonight." A little smirk appeared on her face. "And please when we're watching movies don't talk about it… unless…" The grin widened. "I wonder if Tessa would have commentary on Hunt for Red October."

"Uhh…" Sousuke blinked. "I am not sure, she is a naval captain though… who commands an ultra-quiet submarine. Excuse me… commanded."

"It'll be fun. Having them over may increase our safety so it's probably a good idea to enjoy it while we can." Kaname said. "Plus, since everyone just graduated there's no school and no work for them to do yet… so they may hang around much of the time tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?" Sousuke blinked for a moment then sighed. One day at a time.

27 March 2000, 16:20 hrs

Chofu, Suburbs of Tokyo, Japan

Room 509, Lions Mansion Apartments

"Good god, what the hell happened to you?" The blond haired CIA Operative asked as he spun around in the chair to face his senior colleague.

The long haired man shook his head and rubbed his still bloodshot eyes. "Two of the target's friends ran up and accused me of following them in English. When I said I didn't understand in Japanese one of them hit me with pepper spray while the other kneed me in the groin."

"Damn!" The blond said. "The information request finally came back… it's a doozy."

"Tell me later… I need to shower and try and get this crap off." The long haired man said heading for the bathroom.

"You can still hear me while you're in there, so I'll just read it to you." The blond said as he tapped the keys and brought up the information. "Okay, the new arrival… is Sarah Miller aka Mira Kudan. She's a Mithril rescue from a Siberian Whispered Research Center that Mithril took out. Worked out of the Alaska base and produced the ARX-8 Laevantein. Not much known beside that, some of the analysts think she may have lost much of her memory of events before she was abducted by the Soviets."

"Okay…" The other operative called out through the door.

"Captain Tessa is the Mithril Captain Teletha Testarossa, captain of the Toy Box and another whispered. Not much info on her besides whispered abilities." The blond smiled. "And finally there's the last one… our Mithril Operative. Sousuke Sagara, member of the Western Pacific Special Response Team, pilot of the ARX-7 and ARX-8, only Lambda driver user in Mithril. He's been on the radar since 1992 when he attempted to assassinate Ahmad Shah Massoud. He's an old breed Hawk of the soviets turned against them… his damn mercenary record is about a mile long."

"What the fuck! The kid is eighteen!" The other operative called out. "I saw them… he's not just some dumb bodyguard either, he's the God damned target's boyfriend."

27 March 2000, 17:33 hrs

Chofu, Suburbs of Tokyo, Japan

Tokiwa Residence

Kyoko sat beside Shinji by her photo-printer rubbing her hands together as picture after picture came out of the machine. Beside her Shinji held up one of the photos to the Jane's Defense Weekly magazine and squinted. Two scrapbooks were balanced on her knees and she hurriedly moved the photos throughout, filling them as best she could.

A simple black and white silhouette was on the page of the magazine that with a little imagination would match the ship in dock. The ship called the TDD-1, the 'Toy box'. Smirking slightly he set down the picture and glanced at Kyoko.

"You think you can get them done before we head back?" Shinji asked quickly.

"I think so… though we should leave some space at the end of them… they've got another year full of memories to make before they graduate." Kyoko smiled at that. "Plus if we give these to them at the party, people can add comments like on a year book."

"That sounds like a great idea Kyoko…" Shinji said as he put away the magazine. "I'm going to need to stop by my house too you know."

"Oh, right." Kyoko blushed. "Why don't you run and grab your stuff while I finish this."

27 March 2000, 18:05 hrs

Chofu, Suburbs of Tokyo, Japan

Mikihara Home

Mikihara Ren smiled faintly to herself as she picked up the backpack she'd dug out of the closet. It was rare for her to be invited to a party, in no large part because of her status. Most at school had considered her an idol, and some more knowledgeable of sorts knew her as the daughter of a Yakuza gang.

Chidori-san has always been very kind extending invitations to me, a slumber party with Tessa-san. It has been so long since I was invited to anything such as that. She ran a hand through her dark hair. Yes, this will be fun… even with the boys present. She had neglected to reveal that small detail to her father, along with the possibility that someone may be after Kaname.

She didn't want to worry him.

27 March 2000, 20:15 hrs

Haneda Airport, Tokyo, Japan

International Terminal

Sagara Sousuke took a deep breath trying to calm his nerves. He stood between Kaname and Ono-D at the gate for the plane waiting for Tessa. His security sweep had picked up the two suited men almost as soon as he had arrived and glancing over at them reaffirmed his suspicions. Both were clearly Japanese and wore the sort of formal suits that one often saw on bodyguards for prominent officials. He'd even caught sight of holstered pistols beneath each suit.

I seriously hope they are not here for Tessa. If that is the case it'll mean that the Japanese Government has turned on us and Kaname and I will have to get out of country. Where could we possibly go with the American superpower hunting us?

The dull thump of a cane echoed up the bridge to the plane and Sousuke leaned slightly to catch a glimpse down the bridge. He froze as he saw an elderly Caucasian man with grey hair and an eye patch. He leaned heavily against a cane. Admiral Borda? He glanced at Kaname then returned his attention to the Admiral as the two suited figures stepped forward.

"Admiral Jerome Borda? We're from the Ministery of Foreign Affairs. We're to take you to a secured hotel. A meeting with the Minister is scheduled for tomorrow morning." One of the suited figures said.

"Very good." The Admiral said.

Sousuke swallowed a lump in his throat as a thump echoed down the hallway and he caught a flash of platinum hair just behind the admiral. Kaname snickered. "Must be Tessa."

"Affirmative." Sousuke said as he watched the girl pick herself up behind the Admiral. As the Admiral turned and offered a hand the two Foreign Affairs agents glanced at each other.

"Admiral, we were only told there would be only one guest. Is she with you?"

"No, she's meeting up with some friends in Tokyo… but she is a friend of my family back home." The Admiral smiled slightly as Tessa stood and adjusted her cap. "Come along, I think I heard them Tessa."

"Very well sir." The Foreign Affairs Agents said before gesturing toward the exit.

Ono-D stood on his toes to look. "Is she really coming?"

"Yes." Sousuke said as he felt sweat begin to bead on his forehead. The Admiral is talking to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs… He sighed. "Come on Tessa…"

Kaname snickered as she saw Ono-D's eyes widen as Tessa walked out and smiled at the three of them. The TDD-1 cap she wore attracted his eyes for a long moment before noticing the flight coat she had over a T-shirt and khaki pants.

"Sagara-san, Kaname, Ono-D!" Tessa waved at them and hurried toward them, her luggage bouncing behind her. "It's so good to see you again!"

Even out of uniform she looks military now… Sousuke shook his head trying to get rid of the thought. "Good to see you as well Tessa… How was your flight?"

"Long…" Tessa smirked. "But I slept through most of it…"

"Are you fully awake?" Sousuke asked remembering a particularly embarrassing incident on Merida Island.

Tessa blushed. "Yes, is Ono-D the one with the car?"

"Yes. I'll take your bags Captain." Sousuke said reaching out for the carry on. "Everyone is excited to have you back in country. Do you have any idea how long your stay will be?"

Tessa shook her head. "No… So Kaname, did you take my advice."

"Of course." Kaname grinned. "We called a lot of friends, it'll be packed. Mizuki, Shiori, Maya, Shinji, Kyoko, Ono-D, and even Oren-san will be coming. Al is going to be the DJ even!"

Tessa nodded. "Great! I'll finally get a chance to relax! Sounds like a full house."

Down the terminal Farzen Zalad stepped out of a door labeled 'staff only' that led out onto the tarmac. Glancing around the airport he sighed and walked toward the nearest information desk. Japanese is so difficult to read… He thought to himself as he squinted at a series of signs and sighed. He was relieved that even here the Japanese script was supplemented with an English translation.