Shinji Steel 36

Disclaimer; I do not own Neon Genesis Evangelion or Max Steel. Wish I did, though.

Author's Notes; This chapter involves a variation of the famous hot springs scenario and the first portion of the hearing for Ritsuko's Grandfather. Also a shocking revelation comes to light. Here we go!

(Sekihara Hot Springs; two hours later)

"Hello! Anyone from NERV here?" The door opens, allowing the deliveryman to see a Japanese boy, fifteen years of age.

"Yes?"

"I've got a delivery for Katsuragi/Ikari/Sohryu. It's from a Mr. Kaji."

"I'm Ikari."

"Great. Sign here, please."

"Sure." As he signs the paperwork, he softly muses, "How did Kaji know we'd be here?"

"Hell if I know. But this box has been acting pretty weird ever since I picked it up."

"Huh?"

"Yeah. It sounds like there's a live animal in there."

"Pen-Pen." Shaking his head, Shinji opens the box and grins when the warm-water penguin bolts upward and flaps its wings before looking around. "Looks like you're hanging out with me, pal. Misato and Asuka are already getting ready."

"Wark!" With that, Pen-Pen waddles away and Shinji turns back to the deliveryman. He can't help but notice the man's pallor.

"You okay, sir?"

"Yeah. Just wondering if I quit drinking too soon, is all." The man walks away, shaking his head. Shinji can't help but lightly snicker as he closes the door.

(Ten minutes later)

"Ahhh. I sure missed this. A nice hot bath in a relaxed setting." Watching Pen-Pen as the penguin swims, Shinji shrugs as he closes his eyes. 'All I need for this to be complete is Ritsuko to be here.'

"Hey Shinji!" Asuka's voice cuts through his relaxed state of mind, prompting him to roll his eyes.

"Yeah, Asuka?"

"Could you toss over your body shampoo? We ran out of ours."

"Okay." Picking up the bottle, he wades over to the wall. "Ready?"

"Roger."

"Okay. Incoming." Shinji tosses it up underhand and over the wall. He then hears Asuka yelp in pain.

"Ouch! Idiot! Watch where you're throwing things!"

"How can I if there's a wall, you ding-a-ling?"

"Why you!" Asuka then whines out, "Oh, he hit me in my most private part!"

"Let me see, Asuka." Misato's voice is playful as the lovely woman goes on. "Oh your skin's nice and soft, Asuka!"

"So is yours, Misato!" Asuka then playfully asks, "Do you think Shinji should join us, Misato?"

"I dunno, Asuka. He is pretty loyal to Ritsuko Takamiya. Though I don't think she'd mind us putting him into hormone meltdown."

"I don't think she'd mind us doing that, either!" Shinji can't help but sigh and shake his head as he goes back to what he was doing before. Namely relaxing. Up until Asuka speaks again. A slight giggle in her tone. "Shinji?"

"Yeah, Asuka?"

"At the volcano, you were willing to disobey orders. Why?"

"I couldn't stand the thought of someone like me dying in an undignified manner."

"But I was ready to die. You know the risks we take, Shinji."

"Yeah, well, I may know the risks. But that doesn't mean I have to accept Pilots or civilians dying."

"I see. Arigato."

"You're welcome." He then closes his eyes and relaxes in the water as Berto pipes in.

"You've got balls, Shinji. That's for sure."

'Like I told Asuka, I couldn't stand the thought of her dying. If it upsets "Commander Dumbass", then I'm all for it.'

"Same here. It's almost as if he considers you all expendable pawns in his twisted mind."

'No arguments here. Any luck getting into the MAGI?'

"Not really. The MAGI's got one Hell of a firewall. Which is why I'm making another computer relay unit for Misato. This one will be made of stronger materials."

'So the relay can act like a back door into the MAGI?'

"Yep. That was the original intent and still is. If anything, Jet Alone did reveal the relay's weak points."

'You mean it melting in extreme heat wasn't enough?'

"That's right. Not only was the casing melted, some of the internal soldering for the wireless transmitter came undone."

'Yikes.'

"I'll say. Subject change. Josh has already picked up the 'black box' for 'Perseus' and is en route with it. Kat's on her way to Okinawa right now to dive the wreckage to see if Kensuke had missed anything."

'Roger that.' With that, communication ends and Shinji looks up at the sky. 'Sure is beautiful this time of evening.' Sighing, he says, "Ritsuko, if only you could be here right now."

(Okinawa Justice Building; Next day)

"All rise! The Okinawa Justice Office is now in session! The Honorable Judge Hirogiko presides!"

"Thank you, Ginrei." Looking over the paperwork on his desk, he goes on. "I understand we have a family on family today. Along with three hundred plus on the same docket."

"Correct, your Honor." Hirogiko nods before looking toward where the prosecution normally would be and sees representatives from at least fifty different law firms sitting in the gallery. Along with one hundred and fifty couples. Looking down at the docket, the man then clears his throat.

"Who's to be the prosecuting attorney for this hearing?" An attorney from one of Japan's better known firms rises to speak.

"Your Honor, after much deliberation, and considering they're the ones that filed the original suit, it's been decided that the firm of Costas, Lambert and Chen will take point. Given their inexperience with a case of this magnitude, however, I've agreed to be on hand to advise them should the need arise."

"Thank you, Mr. Katsuda. That's most gracious of you. Defense counsel?"

"The firm of Ubatigona and Reiseroina for the Defense your Honor. I'd also like to point out that our client has filed a custody suit for one of the prosecution's clients."

"No wonder it's a family on family. Prosecution, select your speaker and make your opening remarks."

"Yes, your Honor. Laura Chen speaking."

"Very well, Ms Chen. You may proceed." Laura rises from her seat and starts pacing the courtroom.

"Three hundred and seventy five couples. Three hundred and seventy four of which are grown adults and childless. The one stand out is a 15 year old girl named Ritsuko Takamiya and a 15 year old boy named Shinji Ikari. Shinji, however, can't be here today. But they all have one thing in common. The ladies had been implanted with a birth control implant without knowledge or consent." Laura takes a brief pause before going on.

"As you all know, after Second Impact happened, the age of consent was lowered to encourage repopulation of the planet. However, Ritsuko did not know that she'd been implanted with a BCI. Nor did her Mother, Deidre. Neither of them had consented to the procedure. Even more, the type that was implanted into her was for women in their twenties and thirties. None of the other couples knew about being implanted either." Laura sighs and takes a sip of water before going on.

"The husbands thought themselves to be sterile while the wives thought themselves to be infertile. But when they found out about the lawsuit and had themselves checked, oh boy. They were ticked off. Their lives had been emptied briefly of new lives to mold and craft. Since then, they had their implants removed and are now excited to have children in development." She gazes over at the Defense table and scowls lightly.

"The Defense counsel will undoubtedly say, of course, that the couples had known about the implants and consented to the procedure. That is the farthest thing from the truth. The consent and implantation authorization forms had been forged. If you wish to do your part, you, the jury, are to find the defendant guilty of all charges and dismiss his custody suit." Looking over toward Deidre and Ritsuko, Laura turns back to the jury and finishes.

"Deidre Takamiya is a good woman that raised up a lovely young girl by herself. That same girl found someone she wishes to make a family with. So please, for future generations, do not let his heinous transgressions go unpunished." With that, Laura takes her seat while a fully-recovered Ubatigona makes his remarks.

"Three hundred and seventy five couples. One of which a pair of horny teenagers that know nothing about life yet. But feel they can handle what comes with it? While it's true the other couples had been implanted, it was with their knowledge and consent. The accusations from the firm Costas, Lambert and Chen that my client had forged the paperwork are absurd fantasies at best. Deranged delusions driven by greed at worst." Ubatigona shakes his head in pity before looking at the Prosecution's table and gulps upon seeing a seething Deidre. He quickly recovers and goes on.

"The custody suit my firm's client filed is based on the fact that Ritsuko Takusona is my client's granddaughter. Her last name may be Takamiya to her, but it is truly Takusona. So, if you have any compassion for a gentleman like Doctor Kyusuke Tokisona, dismiss these spurious charges against him and grant him custody of Ritsuko."

He then takes his seat beside a kindly-appearing man in his seventies and waits for the Judge to give the go ahead.

"Ms Chen, any further comments?"

"None, your Honor."

"Very well, call your first witness."

"Yes, your Honor. I call Ritsuko Takamiya to the stand." Ubatigona slams his hands down onto the table before rising and yelling.

"Objection! Takamiya is not the girl's last name!" Laura scowls lightly before issuing her rebuttal.

"Your Honor, it's the only name she's known ever since she was in diapers. She was informed by Ms Takamiya as to her familial birth name when she was old enough to ask about her deceased birth parents. As far as Ritsuko's concerned, Takamiya is her last name."

"Objection overruled. Ms Chen, you may proceed."

"Thank you, your Honor." Once Ritsuko has seated, Laura begins. "Hello, Ritsuko. How are you today?"

"I'm doing alright, considering the circumstances."

"I see. I'll try not to be too long then. You look like you've been wrung through a wringer before going through the spin cycle." Ritsuko gives a slight smirk before nodding.

"That's one way to put it."

"Okay, Ritsuko, tell us about yourself and what you want for your future."

"I just turned fifteen some time before I moved to Tokyo-3 with my Mother."

"Why did you move to Tokyo-3, Ritsuko?"

"To be closer to my boyfriend. To ensure he was not driven to misery because of his Father."

"How did you intend to do that?"

"Bearing his children. I figured if he had a reason to live, he'd want to live. So, I sought to give him a reason."

"Did you tell him about your intent?" Ritsuko can't help but blush rosily while smiling softly.

"I actually blindsided him after we engaged in relations without any kind of countermeasures." Deidre lets out a slight snicker. Getting Laura to smile herself.

"What did your boyfriend have to say about that?"

"He told me I didn't have to do that. I told him I wanted him to be happy and was willing to do anything to ensure his happiness. We then went at it again. He loves me, and I love him."

"I see. When you found out about the implant, how did you feel?"

"I was disappointed. I was truly looking forward to seeing that blue line. I still am." Looking over toward her 'grandfather', she adds, "I wish I could ask him why he'd implanted me when I didn't give him permission to do so."

"I see. Nothing further, your Honor."

"Cross examine, Mr. Ubatigona?"

"Yes, your Honor." Stepping up to Ritsuko, Ubatigona asks, "In your testimony, you said you moved to Tokyo-3 to be closer to your boyfriend?"

"Correct." Ritsuko's tone is curt and to the point. Yet Ubatigona pays it no mind as he goes on.

"Is he here with you in Okinawa right now?"

"No. Shinji's back in Tokyo-3."

"Oh? Did he get into trouble with the authorities there?"

"No. He couldn't get away from work."

"What kind of work does Shinji do and how old is he?"

"He's a Pilot. He just turned fifteen last month."

"Pilot of what?"

"The Evangelion. Where have you been? Mars?" A smattering of laughter is audible in the gallery while Ubatigona's jaw drops. He quickly recovers it and goes on.

"Which one does he Pilot?"

"The purple one."

"So he's the one that recklessly saved Atsugi City from the rampage of the 'Jet Alone' robot."

"I don't know about recklessly, but he did what he could under the circumstances. Could you have done any better?"

"I'd like to think I'd have used a more subtle means."

"Oh? What would you have done in that situation? Negotiate with 'Jet Alone'? Oh wait, I got it. You'd have threatened to sue it for damages unless it ceased and desisted its actions!"

At that, the whole room erupts in laughter. Even Ritsuko's Grandfather is laughing lightly. Ritsuko can't help but laugh uproariously. Holding her sides in mirth while Ubatigona stews.

"That is quite enough, Miss Takamiya. I'd appreciate you taking this more seriously."

"Okay." Letting out one more snicker, Ritsuko sighs happily. "I think I know what your problem is. You have no sense of humor whatsoever."

"Think what you want all you like." Giving Ritsuko a slight scowl, he asks, "Are you certain you or your Mother did not request a BCI?"

"Quite certain. Only thing I was supposed to be treated for was a sudden food allergy. No more, no less."

"Nothing further, your Honor."

"You may step down now, Miss Takamiya."

"Yes, your Honor."

"Ms Chen, your next witness, please." As Laura does so, Doctor Tokisona looks over at his granddaughter as she takes her seat next to the woman that had raised her up.

Ever since his son and daughter-in-law died, he'd been despondent. When their bodies washed up on shore some time after Second Impact, he'd wanted to know about their infant daughter. Upon being informed they were the only bodies, in his anguish, he threw himself into his work. Including implanting BCIs into women that reportedly wished them. Along with communicating mainly with his one other surviving child.

Fourteen years later, late one evening, he saw a girl being carried in a boy's arms. Suffering from anaphylactic shock. Watching as one of his colleagues quickly rushed to her aid, he'd mentally gasped at the sight of her face. For she looked much like her birth Mother as a girl.

Putting it out of his mind, he watched as his colleague treated her reaction and got her stabilized. When her adoptive Mother showed up to sign the Medical Records request, they got to talking. It was then that he found out his granddaughter had actually survived Second Impact and was being looked after well.

Tokisona snaps back to the present in time to see that fifty couples had gone by already. Before he can talk to Ubatigona as the lawyer walks back to him, however, Judge Hirogiko speaks.

"I'm adjourning the court for a two hour recess. At the end of that time, we'll have time to hear fifty more testimonies. We'll hear what's left of them, look at the affidavits of those unable to be here and possibly hear the Defense's case tomorrow. Adjourned."

With that, the gallery quietly empties out. Soon leaving only Ritsuko, Deidre, Laura, Ubatigona and Tokisona. With no words exchanged from either side, they leave as well.

(Underwater; 'Perseus' wreckage)

Kat's rebreather apparatus sends a fresh breath of air into her lungs as she goes over the wreckage. She'd been on site for five minutes and she's already finding signs that Kensuke's right on the mark.

'The hull's got outward edges around the hole. Meaning a bomb of some type. Probably C-9 from the looks of the residue on the edges. Let's find out for sure.'

Reaching into her right pouch, Kat brings out a scraping knife and sets to work on getting a sample of the stained hull. Reaching into her left pouch, Kat brings out a small clear tube and pops its lid release open. Putting the tube just below the sample site, she carefully scrapes off an inch long sliver that's three quarters of an inch wide. Putting it into the tube, she closes the lid right back one handed and puts the items back into their respective pouches.

Finning her way back to the mini-sub, Kat takes one more look at the wreckage. If she was able to scowl beneath her mask, she would. Instead, she only narrows her eyes before going into the mini-sub's air-lock. Once she's got it sealed, she begins the drainage/equalization protocols. Once the air-lock's drained/equalized, she takes off her mask and removes her mouthpiece.

"What a day. I hope Berto and Josh got something out of that 'black box' Kensuke found." Stripping off her wetsuit, leaving her in her red bikini, she smirks slightly as she muses, "Next time I go diving, I'm bringing Berto with me. I'd just love to see how well he does underwater."

(Okinawa Justice Building; four hours later)

The mood in the courtroom is so tense after all the testimonies he and the jury had heard, Judge Hirogiko is sorely tempted to crack a joke to lighten up the mood. But, alas, propriety is needed. Clearing his throat, he begins.

"As I said before I adjourned for recess, we'll hear the remainder of the testimonies from the people present, go over the affidavits from those unable to be here and possibly hear the Defense's case tomorrow. Court dismissed." As the room empties out, Ubatigona looks over at Dr Tokisona and sees him with a worried expression.

"Something wrong, Doctor?"

"It's not looking good for me, is it?"

"I'm afraid not, sir. Their testimonies that they did not request implantation of a BCI largely contradict your claims they had. Unless we can find some evidence that absolves you of wrongdoing, I'm afraid…"

"I'm as good as convicted." At Ubatigona's nod, Tokisona sighs. "I see. I will see you tomorrow. Seeing as I'm likely to be convicted, I must let Shizuka know her services won't be needed anymore."

"Oh, your assistant?" At Tokisona's nod, Ubatigona strokes his chin in thought before asking, "Just what all does she do for you, anyway?"

"She handles the day-to-day paperwork." Smiling widely, he adds, "She's a godsend from Mr. Kiel. Without her, who knows what I might have wound up doing in my grief?"

"Does that include the implantation paperwork?"

"Yes, of course." Tokisona's face suddenly goes red in rage before he hisses out, "Don't you dare suspect her of forgery! Let alone think of implicating her!"

"But, Doctor, it makes perfect sense!"

"We will not discuss your buying into this fantasy. Let alone one that you're concocting if you wish to continue to be my lawyer. Do you understand me?" Ubatigona sighs before nodding.

"Yes, sir."

"Good. Now seeing as that's settled, I must let Shizuka know of the situation as it stands." Without waiting for assent from Ubatigona, Tokisona exits the courtroom. Ubatigona sighing dismally.

'It's the only logical explanation. Shizuka Uramishi has been forging the paperwork. But why and to what end? Of course, it's only speculation.' With that thought, he exits the courtroom.

(Okinawa Hotel; gym area; twenty minutes later)

As Ritsuko kicks the bag in the hotel gym, Deidre winces at each strong kick and punch her daughter gives the bag. Kensuke, Hikari, Touji and Richard walk in just time to hear Ritsuko scream out. While throwing a vicious left roundhouse kick right into the bag's midsection.

"EEEEYYYYAAAAHHHH!" As the bag rocks back and forth, Ritsuko breathes heavily while glaring at the bag.

"Hey, Ritsuko, want to get something to eat?"

"Not right now, Hikari. I've got a few more kicks and punches left in me. Just gotta catch my wind first. When I'm done giving this bag an ass-whooping, we can eat then."

"That's one Hell of an ass-whooping, Takamiya. I take it that it didn't go well?"

"It's not that, Touji. It's just that Grandfather sat there like he did nothing wrong at all while I and the other couples said he did." Snorting, she starts back up again as she grits out, "I can't stand people that pull that kind of crap." Kensuke adjusts his glasses before grinning lightly.

"You mean like Shinji's birth Father?"

"Oh, don't even get me started on that lowlife SOB, Aida!" Launching another left roundhouse kick, she grits out, "That douche-bag makes Grandfather look like a priest that's squeaky clean!"

"If you don't like him, then why are you referring to him as your Grandfather, Ritsuko?" At that, Ritsuko stops and looks over at Richard before sighing.

"I dunno, Richard. I want to hate him, but something within me is telling me he doesn't deserve my hatred." Turning back to the bag, she adds, "At the hearing, I glanced over several times without him noticing. He appeared shocked at the testimonies of the other couples. His shock would double any time they'd say they had no idea they'd been implanted and did not authorize it."

"So what does that mean, Ritsy?"

"Dunno, Mom. Whatever it is, though, it can't be for anything good."

(Okinawa General Hospital; Dr Tokisona's office; same time)

As Tokisona enters his office, he grumbles at the thought of his assistant doing the things that she's suspected of.

'No way Shizuka could be forging the documents for implantation!' He then notices the receiver for the cordless phone is off its charging base. 'Strange. Why would the phone be off the charging base when she's not here?' Next thing he knows, he hears a soft feminine voice behind a closed door in the office.

"I understand, sir. No, no one suspects me. Yes, a pity the Takamiya girl's Mother caught onto the BCI scheme you had when it had slipped through the notice of others. Yes. What about Doctor Tokisona? Understood. Good night, sir."

Tokisona quickly steps back out of the office just in time for his assistant to come out. Cordless phone receiver in hand. Gathering his nerves, Tokisona enters the office once more and greets her.

"Hello, Shizuka."

"Hello, Doctor Tokisona. How'd the hearing go?"

"That's what I'm here to talk to you about." Sighing, he says, "Given the vast amounts of testimony against myself and my practice, I'm here to inform you that your services will no longer be required from myself." Giving her a light grin, he adds, "After all, I can't exactly be in practice behind bars." Shizuka can't help but let out a slightly amused snort.

"I'd guess not, Doctor." Checking her watch, she winces at the time. "Oh my. It's past my clock-out time!"

"No need to worry, Shizuka. I'll include the extra time you put in on your severance package."

"Oh! Thank you, Doctor!" Gleefully, she exits the office, saying, "Have a good night, Doctor Tokisona!"

"You too, Shizuka." Once she's out of the office, Tokisona gently closes the door before exploding in rage. "That little wretch!" Half tempted to toss his office around, Tokisona quickly calms down and eyes the phone on her desk.

"If I hit the redial, I can find out who she'd called last. I'll also check the Caller ID in case it was an incoming call." Checking the Caller ID first, he notices a number and the time of its reception.

'That was just five minutes ago. And that number… it can't be!' Shaken to his core, Tokisona quickly regains his bearings before looking at her desk. 'I've always wondered about her paperwork habits.'

Going over to his desk, he opens a drawer and brings out a pair of latex gloves. Putting them onto his hands, he goes back to Shizuka's desk and opens the main drawer.

'This may be an invasion of privacy, but I can't simply ignore the facts before me!' Upon seeing her list of phone numbers for the offices of the other Doctors, he shakes his head at her organization skills. 'For a backstabber, she's very well organized.' Looking toward the back of the drawer, his eyes suddenly go wide. 'What've we here?'

Creeping up into under the desk and posturing himself like a mechanic would when under a car, he reaches for what he'd seen. Grabbing hold of it, he brings it out and sees it is a clear plastic sheet. Within it an implantation authorization form. With its signature space cut out.

"So Ubatigona was right to suspect her. She'd been playing me for a fool!"

Clambering out from under the desk, he tucks it into his coat pocket, crosses to the door and exits his office. Striding to the elevator, he's about to press the button when the door opens. Revealing Shizuka.

"Oh! Doctor Tokisona!"

"Shizuka, you forget something?"

"Yes, silly me. I forgot my supplies in the office!"

'Yeah. I can imagine what "supplies" you forgot about!' Shrugging, he remarks, "It happens. It's part of being human, after all." Giving her a nod, he remarks, "Well, I'm off! Going to go home and make my arrangements."

"Sure." Giving him a cheerful smile, she adds, "Good night, Doctor."

"You too, Shizuka." As she walks out of the elevator, Tokisona goes in and hits the button for the ground floor. Intent on going not to his home, but somewhere else.

As Shizuka enters the office, she repeatedly slaps herself on her forehead.

'How can I forget the form so I can dispose of it? Corn dog. I'm such a stupid corn dog.' Crossing over to her desk, she clambers up under it and reaches for the tube. Only to frown when she doesn't feel it. "Huh?" Looking toward where she'd stashed it, her eyes suddenly go wide when she doesn't see it. "No way." Shizuka's scream is audible throughout and outside of the Hospital. Getting a wry grin from a walking Tokisona as he heads to his destination.

"NNNNOOOO!"

(Okinawa Hotel; thirty minutes later; Takamiya/Horaki room)

Deidre and Ritsuko are unwinding after a trying day while Hikari goes over the schedule for the day after the next. Hikari was glad that Ritsuko could take time away from her class trip for the hearing. Yet, at the same time, she'd been told by their teacher that Ritsuko has to be in attendance the day after the next for her class credits. Hikari then sighs before she hears a knocking at the door. Deidre makes to get up, yet Hikari stops her.

"I've got it, Ms Takamiya. It's probably the teacher. You and Ritsuko just relax."

"Okay, Hikari." Deidre sits back down as Hikari goes to the door. Only to bolt back onto her feet when she sees the visitor.

"YOU!" Storming over toward the door, she sneers out, "You've got a lot of nerve coming here, Mr. Ubatigona!"

"Please, Ms Takamiya. We come in peace." Deidre can't help but blink at the 'we' in Ubatigona's statement until he moves to the side. Revealing Doctor Tokisona. "Might we enter?"

"Okay. But one warning. Ritsy's in a bad mood and she has no time for bullshit."

"Agreed. My grandbaby's been through enough bullshit. As have I." Deidre and Hikari glance at each other at the pain in his voice. Once he's inside, he says, "Hello, Ritsuko."

"Grandfather." As he and Ubatigona sit across from her, Deidre and Hikari sit at her side. With Ritsuko asking the first question. "Shouldn't we be doing this with Ms Chen present, Mr. Ubatigona?"

"Yes. I've already called her and asked to do a meeting with you ASAP. She should be here in a few minutes." At that, another knock at the door. "That's probably her right now." This time, it's Deidre that opens the door. Upon its opening, she sees Laura with her hair wet.

"Sorry for my appearance, but I was washing my hair when Mr. Ubatigona called."

"I've had days like that too, Ms Chen." Once Laura's seated and listening intently, Deidre asks, "So what brings you here this time of day, Doc?"

"When I got to my office after the hearing, I heard my assistant on the phone. She was secluded in a small closet that's normally used for storage of office supplies. She made mention of a scheme involving BCI implants and how you'd caught onto it when it slipped everyone's notice. Especially mine."

Shakily, he reaches into his coat pocket and brings out a clear plastic sheet. Within it a form that's quite familiar to Deidre, Ritsuko and Laura.

"An implantation authorization form?" Laura's question gets a nod from Dr Tokisona before he clears his throat.

"I noticed the signature portion had been cut out. This is how those forms had been forged as your allegations justifiably say, Ms Chen." Laura looks the form over and smiles widely.

"Paul was right. Any time a patient's signature would be acquired for feminine care, the forger would superimpose the form over the one the patient had actually signed."

"And poor Grandfather would be conned into implanting." Ritsuko's eyes start dripping tears. Only for them to be stopped by Kyusuke.

"No tears now, Ritsuko. After all this, if anyone should be shedding tears, it's myself."

"But, you were conned, Grandfather. In the most vicious way possible, no less."

"I know, but the burden is mine. Not yours." Giving her a sad smile, he adds, "You look so much like Yuriko, yet you have Hoshio's heart."

"How well did you know them?"

"I'd known Hoshio ever since he was born. He was my son. Two years before you were born, he met Yuriko. They hit it right off." His sad smile soon turns to one of pride as he adds, "When you were born, Hoshio called me to tell me I have a beautiful granddaughter. That he'd be fighting off the boys with a sharpened katana if any were to try courting you. I couldn't help but laugh heartily at that one bit. I had felt the same way about your Aunt Mariko when she was your age."

"I've an Aunt?"

"Oh yes." Sighing happily, he then shakes his head before scowling. "But we can discuss your remaining family another time. As we have another matter to contend with."

"Oh yeah. That bitch Shizuka Uramishi." Ritsuko clenches her fist angrily until she feels Deidre's hand upon her clenched fist.

"She will get hers, the right way, Ritsy." Looking over at Laura, Deidre then asks, "How easy would it be to get a subpoena for Ms Uramishi to appear?"

"A courtroom ambush? Fairly easy. Unless of course…"

"She knows that it's gone by now." Kyusuke grins sinisterly as he adds, "I heard her scream from my position on the ground. It was exquisite."

"Okay. But, for now, Ubatigona, I'm going to need you to ask Judge Hirogiko to arrange for a subpoena for Ms Uramishi to appear." Laura looks right over at Ubatigona to make her point clear. "On behalf of the Defense."

"Right." Rubbing his hands together at the chance for some skullduggery and payback for his client, he grins, "It'll be my pleasure."