Zoalords
Chapter 15
Search
Choshi, Chiba Prefecture
They'd found the van used to transport Agito.
It had been stolen, of course. Guyot hadn't survived so long by leaving a paper trail for anyone to follow. Czyvek's people were going over it with a fine-tipped comb.
Czyvek could no longer smell either Agito's blood or Guyot's scent. He had a very faint scent of Enzyme V acid, but it was almost impossible to follow. The scent of fish was overpowering his senses. His scouts had been forced to give up the trail, unable to pick up any more clues. They were searching boats and abandoned buildings. Czyvek followed his antennae to the docks, then to a specific mooring.
There was no boat at dock.
A few moments later,
"The Hanuman, a private yacht registered out of Bombay. The owner wasn't aware it was gone."
Czyvek stared out over the water with multifaceted eyes, his mind touching the many searching Zoanoids, "The Hanuman was found adrift two hours ago by the Coast Guard. No one aboard." He turned to Imakarum Mirabilis, "I'm beginning to believe that we are chasing a ghost."
"He's no ghost," Mirabilis replied bitterly, "Merely a thief and a traitor. I only hope Makashima doesn't kill him. I wish to reserve that honor for myself."
The Ark
"But I was having a good time." Ingriam was upset at being so abruptly rushed to The Ark, especially without an explanation.
"Believe me, it was necessary." Doctor Barcus said, "We will return shortly."
So, he still lives? Archanfel's voice entered Barcus' mind.
It would appear so, my lord.
This must be dealt with at once. We cannot allow Guyot to poison CHRONOS further.
Cloud Gate
Ishi didn't know what to think of the newly arrived Zoalord. Lord Vorsted had been responsible for Lord Czyvek losing his position as head of the CCI. He was a coldly efficient man, humorless and ruthless. Perhaps that was good for CHRONOS. But it was a pain in the butt for the people who had to live under Martial Law. As soon as Guyot's name had come up, Lord Vorsted had rushed to Japan to personally supervise the search.
"Nothing. Nothing at all." Vorsted sat at Czyvek's desk, going over CHRONOS' files on Richard Guyot. Aside from a few unconfirmed, and apparently uninvestigated, rumors, there was nothing to indicate the man still lived. He doubted that Guyot and Makashima could ever join forces. Each had ample reason to despise the other. One or the other would make himself known, soon.
Ishimaru resented him. He seemed to be ignoring that fact that Czyvek himself had admitted his inability to lead the CCI. The Rocies' record was exemplary, he had both intelligence and skill. The man could be a great leader one day, with discipline. Czyvek had a surprising eye for talent, to see such promise in a street punk.
Speaking of Czyvek.
Lords Czyvek and Mirabilis entered the Command Center.
"I take it you found nothing?"
"Not even fingerprints. Guyot is a living ghost." Mikhail Czyvek took in the man sitting at his desk, using his computer.
"A ghost that needs to be dealt with." Vorsted vacated the desk without apology. "And quickly."
"Perhaps we need an exorcist." Czyvek clicked his mandibles together in a sharp, snapping sound. Neither Vorsted nor Mirabilis could tell if it indicated humor or anger. "How long do you intend to keep Japan under Marshal Law? The fishing fleets are already suffering . . ." Vorsted walked to the window, indicating his disinterest. "If we get people moving again, then Guyot will eventually send out agents. We can then find his scent and follow it back to the source." Czyvek reasoned.
"He's right." Mirabilis added, "And people are already beginning to become agitated. We do not need a popular uprising."
"Very well, Martial Law is lifted." Vorsted turned, "But the police and military are to remain on alert. If these terrorists decide to show their heads, we shall be ready to cut them off."
Guyot's base
Makishima had to admit that Guyot had built quite an efficient covert organization. Agito and Aptom had drawn away attention while Guyot hid, slowly gathering agents and technology. By saving Agito, Guyot had drawn attention to himself. He had taken a huge gamble on Guyver III, but why? He knew Agito hated him, but he had broken his cover to save his life. Perhaps he realized that, as long as Agito lived, he would be fighting CHRONOS. He was right, they did want the same thing. They both wanted to crush CHRONOS, and by ensuring Agito's survival he improved his chances of reaching that goal. By merging Guyot's operation and Zeus' Thunderbolts, they could be a powerful force.
The only problem being Guyot himself. Agito could not trust Guyot. He was insane, power-mad and filled with hatred for Archanfel and a desire for vengeance. Still, he could be a useful, if dangerous, pawn. Very well, he would play along, for now.
To be continued . . .