Shinji Steel

by MichaelCross

Shinji Ikari is taken in by Josh McGrath and becomes a new hero years afterward. However, he soon finds that he's to fight in a war that has a shadow of a long-gone foe lurking in the shadows. Can Shinji, his beloved and allies win the war for survival? Shinji/OC pairing, with lemons, multiple pairings and OCs.

66. Chapter 66

Shinji Steel 66

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

Three minutes after their meeting, a tearful Lisa looks her adoptive brother over before his girlfriend and grins.

"I think bombshell describes Nikita better than me, Brian. She looks like she could be a model with her looks."

"I had thought about that, but I've something else in mind, Lisa. Oh, and don't sell yourself short." Nikita nods toward Danny and asks, "How about an intro, Lisa?"

"Oh, right. This is Danny O'Malley, one of my co-workers on UNP-NY." Her face heating in a blush again, she smiles softly and murmurs, "He's also my husband."

"How long?"

"Four years, Brian." Danny's voice is soft, yet strong, as he adds, "We'd have sent an invite, but we didn't know where to send it to. Sorry you missed it."

"Yeah, well, I didn't even know about Lisa until just yesterday when the guy that killed Dad left a message about her." Lisa gasps at that before she moves away from Brian.

"You heard from him?" At his nod, she asks, "What's his name?"

"Vladimir Karpovskiva." Nikita sighs softly as she adds, "He's my Father, Lisa. Brian and I only just found out about him from my Mother."

"I see. I need to powder my nose. How about you, Nikita?"

"Yeah, I could use a touch up myself." With that, the both of them go into the ladies room, with Nikita looking back at them and smirking teasingly. "You two boys play nicely with each other now!" As the two go into the restroom, Brian and Danny both look at each other and shrug.

"So, how'd you come to meet her?" Blinking at having asked at the same time, they both grin and say, "You first. No you! Stop that!" Scratching their heads, they do 'Rock, paper, scissors' for the first one to reply. "One, two, three, shoot!" At having gotten scissors together, they sigh and try again. And again. And again. Sighing once more, they can only chuckle before speaking in unison once more.

"This could be a while." A woman can then be heard screaming, getting their attention.

"My purse! Stop that thief!" Looking at each other, they grin madly at each other.

"First one that gets the thief talks!" With that united yell, they take off in pursuit of the thief. Meanwhile…

"So, not only are you a neutral in the Kamenev family, you're also the daughter of the man that shot Dad." Lisa and Nikita are both facing each other, their gazes intent on each other.

"Yeah. The latter's a shock to me as well." Nikita sighs and adds, "I know you'll probably not believe this, but my Father was a victim as much as you, Brian and your Father." Lisa blinks at that.

"Even though I'm African-American, you accept me as Brian's sister?"

"Why wouldn't I? Family is more than blood or marriage relations according to a good friend of mine, Lisa. It's what's in the heart that makes a family." Frowning sadly at Lisa, she adds, "Had Father not been lied to by Cochrane, your Father would still be alive."

"You sure about that?"

"Yes. In his message to us, he said he had rules. One of them being 'No family men'. I'm sorry if it's not enough to prove his words truthful. But it's all we have available to go by."

"It's a start, at least." Blinking, Lisa asks, "Just how good is your Father with a rifle, Nikita?"

"Don't really know as he was a pistol champion. Why do you ask?"

"One of our Officers had a very close call this morning. He'd pulled Cochrane over on a red run and was about to be shot in the head." Facing away from her, she adds, "The bullet's trajectory, based on our Forensics' findings, is that it came from an apartment a quarter of a mile away, fifth level up from the ground floor. The weapon was an Omark-44 rifle, chambered in 7.62x39mm. It was modified to be a sniper rifle."

"The weapon that killed your Father was an M.A.B. Silhouette chambered in 7.62x39mm, with a chamber adaptive sleeve for 5.56x45mm. It had a silencer attached to it." Nikita's eyes go wide in realization as she adds, "Brian said the M.A.B. is the pistol version of the Omark-44. Any chance Brian and I can access the site?"

"It'd have to be cleared with the Sarge, but I don't see why not. Why do you ask?"

"Just wondering why that site in particular was chosen."

"You know, I am kinda curious about that myself. I mean, while I don't doubt your words, I find it hard to believe your Father would be in an ideal position to save an Officer's life in such a short time. I mean, he'd either have to be extremely lucky, very good at projecting interception points or…"

"A collaborator." At Lisa's nod, Nikita sighs. "I don't suppose it's too much to hope for either of the former, is it?"

"It's not too much. After all…" Smiling softly at Nikita, she adds, "Your Father saved my life by getting me out of LA and away from Cochrane. The least I could do is look his case over with you."

Nikita nods silently at that before they both exit the restroom. Only to see a sight that's both exasperating and amusing. Brian and Danny both pulling on the arms of a man, in either direction, in a twisted version of 'Tug-of-War'. His face twisted in agony, he sees the two women and cries out.

"Make them stop, please! I'll never steal another purse as long as I live! Just please make them stop!" Letting off a wail, he cries, "Please, for mercy's sake, make them stop!" Smirks curling onto their lips, Nikita and Lisa both look at each other.

"You wanna call them off or shall I, Lisa?"

"You take this one, Nikita." Nikita nods at that before striding toward the unfortunate thief.

"So, you stole a purse, did you?"

"Yeah, yeah! Now please, make them let me go!"

"I think not. I may not be familiar with legal procedures here. But in Mother Russia, when it comes to purse snatchers, the penalty's quite severe. A demonstration's in order." Sending her right leg upwards, she hears a resounding CRUNCH and a gasp of pain from the thief before her.

"Okay, guys, you can let him go." When both do so, she looms menacingly over him. "Know this well, scum. This may not be Mother Russia, but you should consider yourself lucky you got taste of Russian Justice firsthand without leaving American soil. Have I made my point clear to you?"

"Crystal clear." His reply in Soprano gets a nod from Nikita.

"Good. Now scram and go legitimate. For if we cross paths again, in the same circumstances…"

"I'm gone!" She blinks. He's on his way to Hoboken at full speed. Grinning in amusement, she sighs contentedly.

"That was more fun than allowed by American Law, I do believe." Turning back to Danny and Brian, she smiles sweetly and asks, "Now seeing as that has been resolved, would either of you be so kind as to explain what brought that about?" Brian gulps at that, as does Danny at the same time. Causing Nikita to sigh.

"I think I can guess. You two spoke at the same time, repeatedly, resulting constantly in a stalemate every single time. Then the purse snatching and, deciding to compete as to who would be the first to speak…" The both of them speak up, in unison, getting a soft snicker from Nikita.

"We went after the purse snatcher and caught up with him." Getting annoyed with each other now, they both growl. "Will you stop that? That's annoying! Why you!" They both then start clenching their fists. Only…

"Danny!"

"Brian!"

Abashed, they look toward their respective partners and see their facial expressions are both amused and exasperated. Nikita goes to Brian's side and Lisa goes to Danny's. Nestling herself into Brian's side, Nikita looks over toward her future sister-in-law.

"What shall we do with our men, Lisa?"

"Only one thing to do, Nikita. Though I'd never seen Danny behave like this. Not even with the other male Officers. It's almost as if they're siblings themselves."

"That is true. However… it was quite amusing to see the thief in such dire straits." Softly pecking Brian's cheek, she then asks, "Did the woman get her purse back, Brian?"

"She did. She was even giggling while Danny and I started tugging on the thief while getting it back to her. Even more, it looked like she was enjoying it."

"Chances are, Brian, she was." Danny gives off a sigh and says, "Sorry about that, Lisa. We started talking and somehow wound up in sync with each other right off the bat." Lisa's lips against his cheek gets a grin from him. Only for Lisa to titter in amusement.

"Just for that stunt, you two are taking us out for dinner one night. Soon. The restaurant I'm thinking of requires formal attire. So dress to the nines, guys." Whispering sultrily into his ear, she murmurs, "Because we'll be dressed to kill and put you under so much pressure… well, you can see where I'm going with this." The sight of his face being beet red gets a giggle from Lisa before she looks toward Brian. His face equally red as a smug Nikita looks toward Lisa and smirks.

"The night of the dinner should prove delightful, da, Lisa?" Having a rough understanding of Russian, Lisa smirks right back before giving her reply in both Russian and English.

"Da, Nikita. It should prove delightful indeed." Sighing, she adds, "But I'm afraid it'll have to wait until tonight. I think the briefing about Cochrane and his crimes is going to be more important than us vamping it up for our guys."

"Oh yeah. That bastard cannot get away with what he'd done. At all. The children he'd killed globally, the lie he told my Father, having your Father killed for no good reason." Nikita's seething is interrupted when Lisa's voice pipes up.

"Did you just say 'globally', Nikita? As in the killings were in more than one nation?"

"That I did, Lisa. It'll all be explained when we get to the briefing." Lisa gives a nod. Yet at the same time, she's thinking dark thoughts.

'I don't care what policy says or what happens afterward. If I get the chance, I'm taking that bastard out!'

(UNP-NY; Squad Room; twenty minutes later)

"Okay. This is the briefing on now former Interpol Chief Inspector Frederick Earl Cochrane and the investigation he was involved in." Nikita watches Brian, swelling on the inside with pride, as he professionally speaks. "Just two days after Second Impact happened, the first in a series of murders against homeless children happened. In Europe alone, in three days time, 300 homeless children were slaughtered. Africa, in two days time, 200 children. That's an average of 100 deaths per day. I'm sure you can figure out where I'm going with this." A female Officer raises her hand, getting Brian's attention. "Go ahead, Officer."

"Why were homeless children targeted post Second Impact? It doesn't make sense at all."

"Good question, and I quite agree. Ultimately, the total killed on a global scale was 2,500 homeless children. When the murders came to the States, that's when the FBI got involved. FBI Agent Tom Dyson, Lisa's and my Father, was to put to work on profiling the individual with what little information available as possible. I've a tape that you'll find most enlightening." With that, he presses play on the microcassette.

"Case file 558741Q. 'Candy-man Slayer'. Un-sub seems to exude some kind of authority given that the multiple decedents had candy in their mouths at the time of deaths. Some are stabbed once in the throats, just at the tracheal tract, causing blood to flow right into their lungs. Resulting in a slow death by drowning in their blood. Others are shot right in the back of the head. Suggesting a skilled sharpshooter as there are very little powder burns on their cranial cavities. Judging from how their bodies were found, the decedents had attempted to flee for their lives. Majority of the deaths, however, are by poisoning, possibly in the candy. Analysis is pending. The fact the decedents are homeless indicates a general contempt, possibly hatred, toward those that are homeless. Un-sub is not swayed by the fact that they were children, which indicates un-sub has no paternal instincts whatsoever. In short, un-sub is a low-life coward hiding behind a benevolent appearance using a cowardly means of killing." With that, the microcassette ends and Brian clears his throat.

"I'm sure my adopted sister, Officer Lisa Kinsey, told you about her encounter with the 'Candy-man Slayer' as un-sub was semi-affectionately referred to as." A smattering of chuckles at 'affectionately' is audible before Brian goes on. "I will now turn this over to Officer Kinsey."

"Thanks a lot, little brother." Lisa crinkles her nose playfully toward Brian as he snickers. "I'll remember that." Andrews, however, scowls at the banter.

"I don't see how you could accept him as your brother so easily. Or him accepting you just as easily, Kinsey."

"Dad didn't have a problem adopting me. I don't see why he should, Andrews." Blinking furiously, Andrews blurts out without thinking.

"But… But… But you're black. He's white." Both siblings look at each other before blinking and turning toward Andrews. Ire in their gazes.

"No shit, Sherlock. You got a problem with that? Tough shit! So shut up and listen to what I'm about to say! Or I'll have Danny 'buzz' you! Again!" The tone in Lisa's voice gets Andrews to gulp, knowing full well that Danny would only be too happy to comply. Looking quickly over at Danny, he sees the Caucasian Officer smirking evilly as he moves his hand down toward his ultrasound weapon prototype.

"I'm good." Lisa narrows her eyes at Andrews, getting him to gulp again, before proceeding.

"I'm sure you already know this, but in the wake of Second Impact, I was homeless and orphaned. I was found by the man that was to become my adoptive Father. However, seeing as he had very few strings to pull, I couldn't go right home with him. We had to bide our time until it could be made official. But it didn't stop him from being a Dad to me. When the killings reached American shores, he told me to beware strangers passing out candy. Especially those that may be or pretending to be Law Enforcement."

"That's something I don't get, Kinsey. Why would a Law Enforcement Officer pull that crap?"

"That, Jenk, is a very good question." Unbidden, her mind goes back to that day.

(LA; 30 Sept 2000)

"Wow, Lisa, look at the banner! Wanna check it out?" At the sound of Johnny Tudrino's voice, full of excitement, Lisa could only grin and roll her eyes before doing so.

'Free candy today! Homeless children only!'

For some reason, Lisa got a bad feeling before turning to her overly-excited friend.

"I don't think so, Johnny. Who'd give free candy to homeless kids and homeless kids only? If anything, those with homes should've been invited too to dissuade allegations of discrimination on down the road."

"Aw man, you're talking like the Fed that 'wants to adopt' you. When are you gonna get real, Lisa? It ain't happening!" Tugging on her arm, the ten-year-old Italian-American youth said, "Now come on! Candy awaits us!"

"Johnny, this just screams 'Trap!'. Why else would that banner be up?" Scowling, she asked, "Didn't you hear about the kids that died in San Fran two days back? 'Daddy' worked up a tentative profile of the killer and told me about the case. Especially given the kids are homeless."

"Don't be ridiculous! Who'd wanna to kill kids? Especially homeless ones? Your 'Daddy' is just trying to rattle your cage!"

"My folks said the same thing before they died. You think they were trying to rattle my cage then, Johnny?"

"Hey. They were your folks. Of course you're supposed to listen to them. Much like you shouldn't talk to strangers. Let alone believe the bullshit they spout about wanting to adopt you."

"Yeah, well, if it makes you feel any better, I'm being cautiously optimistic that the adoption will go through."

"Not really. But when it turns out to be a cruel joke, I'll be there for you." Tugging on her arm once more, Johnny grinned and said, "Think of it this way. If, and I mean if, it happens, you can split your piece of candy with your 'little brother'. I bet his face would just light up!" Seeing the long line, Johnny grimaced. "Jeepers. Whole lot of kids out here today."

"Yeah. And they're taking a piece of candy each." Lisa looked up toward the front of the line and saw a smiling Caucasian man with graying brown hair. The man raised a bullhorn to his mouth and began speaking.

"That's right, children! One at a time! Good! Good! Once you've gotten your candy, gather en masse and I'll tell you when you can eat your candy!" By that time, Johnny and Lisa got to where the candy was being handed out and each took a piece. Still wary, Lisa snuck the candy into her pocket so it could be tested. Johnny, however…

"I can't wait till we're in the crowd. I'm eating it now." Unwrapping the candy, he popped it into his mouth and gulped it straight down. Wide grin on his face, he smugly said, "Bite size. My favorite type." Lisa could only roll her eyes again before Johnny suddenly groaned. "Aw man. What's with this candy?" Lisa looked over at him and gasped.

"Johnny, you've got blood coming out of your mouth." Johnny then staggered before collapsing. Lisa went right to his side. "Johnny!"

"Lisa, I don't feel too good." Johnny's midsection then simply melted away as he died. His body following suit. Springing back up to her feet, Lisa yelled out.

"IT'S A TRICK! THE CANDY'S POISONED! DITCH THE CANDY AND RUN FOR IT!" At that, the throngs of children did what she said and scattered. Only for the man on the stage to pull out his gun and start shooting at the children while yelling through the bullhorn.

"Come back here and eat your candy, you worthless wretches! You're to be sacrificed for the glory of the new world! I kill the worthless, so that the worthy may survive! The worthy are the future!" The man then started laughing like a hyena as he aimed at Lisa. Not wanting to get shot by a deranged lunatic, Lisa fled the scene. Johnny's body completely dissolved from within without a trace.

(UNP-NY; present day)

"And I'm sure you all know what happened after that." Lisa's eyes drip with tears before she feels Brian's arms around her. "I shouldn't have gone. I shouldn't have gone. If I hadn't… Dad would still be alive."

"Lisa, if you hadn't gone, how many kids would've died if Cochrane had gotten his way? Dad's death wasn't your fault either. If anything, blame Cochrane." Brian's words get to Lisa look up at him.

"You bet I will, Brian. And I do."

"Wanna kneecap the SOB? It could be a lot of fun." Lisa softly giggles at that while Andrews rolls his eyes and starts gagging.

"Ugh. Could this get any sappier?" Scowling toward Nikita, he says, "Had I known ahead of time about you, I'd have you in a cell right now. A member of the Kamenev mafiya family in jail would really make my day and career."

"If you were to do that, you'd face a lawsuit from me for malicious prosecution just because of my last name, Officer Andrews." Turning toward Danny, she adds, "I believe I would like to see how you 'buzz' someone, Officer O'Malley."

"One 'buzz', coming right up." Drawing his ultrasound, Danny aims right at Andrews.

"Aw, come on, man! Why do you always gotta 'buzz' me? Why can't you 'buzz' someone else for a change?" Danny mildly shrugs before smirking.

"You're my favorite test subject."

THUMP

As Andrews falls to the floor, stunned, Danny puts the prototype back into his holster and looks toward Nikita.

"I guess he didn't get the memo about you not wanting to be part of that lifestyle."

"Guess not." Nodding her approval, she asks, "What led you to seek out a non-lethal means of subduing a suspect, anyway?"

"Nutshelling, I was brought up not a big fan of ending a life. Not any cop is a big fan of ending a life. But it happens at times. If I can get the tech right, criminals would be alive to face prosecution."

"I see." Looking back toward Andrews, she then asks, "Is he really your favorite test subject?"

"Oh yeah. Though lately he's been getting kinda dull. But until some schmuck volunteers…" Nikita gives a giggle of understanding.

"Anyone in mind?"

"Yeah. Matter of fact…" Looking over toward Lisa, he adds, "I've just the right person in mind. All just a matter of time before we find him."

"Well, you may want to pray you find him first, lest the contract Mother will put out on him goes out first." Danny's eyebrows arch upward before he taps his chin.

"Hmm. What would be better? A new test subject or the contract?" Weighing up and down, he frowns and says, "Tough call. Guess we'll have to see, won't we?" Nikita giggles again while nodding.

"I'd say so. Though if I happen to mention it to her, Mother may well be intrigued by it and want to see it for herself."

"Gonna have to tape it for her." Nikita nods again before Danny asks, "You and Brian wanna come to dinner tonight? I mean, you guys are bound to be starving."

"Well, I am a bit hungry and I'm sure Brian is too." Smiling widely, she adds, "I don't see why not." Meanwhile, Brian and Lisa go over the notes before Brian remembers one item.

"Lisa, you still got that piece of candy from that day?"

"Yeah. I held onto it, in hopes I'd find someone that'll listen to me."

"Is that why you didn't come forward before? Because you didn't think anyone would listen?"

"Yeah. I mean, would you have back then? A homeless orphan, that'd just been orphaned again before she could even get to her new home?"

"Sometimes, Lisa, you gotta take a chance. I mean, you trusted Dad, after all."

"Yeah. And look how well that turned out. Betrayed by a guy that was supposed to uphold the law. That's why I didn't think anyone would listen." Snorting mirthlessly, she asks, "Wanna know why I became a cop?"

"Sure."

"I wanted to find the bastard that killed Johnny and all the other kids and had Dad killed. I wanted to see him convicted and have him sent to Death Row. I wanted to be there for when he died, so I could look him right in the eyes and tell him he'd lost." Starting to sob, Lisa feels Brian's arms wrap around her and just breaks down. "Why, Brian? Why?"

"I wish I could tell you, Lisa. I really do." Holding her close, he thinks, 'We finally met, Dad. One or two more things to deal with so you can rest in peace.'

(NYC Mayoral Mansion; four hours later)

Brian and Nikita's jaws drop as Danny and Lisa walk with them up to the manor's main door. Before Danny can open the door, however…

"Big brother!" A slender, squealing brunette in her late teens opens the door and rockets into Danny. In turn, Danny hugs the young lady as she hugs him tightly. "Oh I missed you!"

"Missed you too, Julie." Setting the girl down, he looks her over and grins. "Is it me or are you getting taller?" Julie sticks her tongue out at him before she squeals at seeing Lisa.

"Lisa!" Hugging her sister-in-law, Julie asks, "When are you two gonna make me an Aunt?" Lisa gives a giggle while hugging the young lady.

"It'll happen when it happens, Julie. No need to rush."

"Aw, but I wanna be an Aunt now!" Lisa sighs before ending the hug and softly cupping Julie's cheek.

"All the same, there's no need to rush, Julie. Besides, Danny and I aren't exactly alone right now." Julie blinks before looking behind Lisa and blushes.

"Oh, man! I'm so sorry for making a scene like that!" Composing herself, she adds, "I'm Julie O'Malley."

"Brian Dyson." Julie's eyes go wide before she looks over at Lisa and back to Brian. "I'm guessing she told you about me some time back."

"Yes. She told us when she and Danny took their vows in a private ceremony that she wished you could have been there." Hugging him softly, she murmurs, "You're family, even if Lisa was adopted by your late Dad, God bless and rest his soul." Pecking his cheek softly, she adds, "That means you're my new brother-in-law." Looking toward Nikita, she then asks, "Who's the supermodel, Brian?" Her cheeks red at the descriptor, Nikita smiles softly.

"Nikita Kamenev. And I'm hardly a supermodel."

"You kidding me? You've got the look of one!" Meekly, Julie adds, "You look more like one than I will any day of the week." Feeling arms wrap around her, Julie looks up and sees Nikita smiling softly at her.

"I thank you for that. Yet you shouldn't sell yourself short like that, Julie. You're a pretty young lady. Why, I believe you'd be just as good as I'd be."

"How can I be? I'm tiny compared to you." Nikita blinks before putting it together and smiles softly.

"Here's a little tip for you, Julie. A rack doesn't exactly make a model of any grade. It's in how you comport yourself." Whispering softly into her ear, Nikita adds, "Of course, it does help and you do have a rack. A nice subtle 'B' size."

"Aw go on. You're just saying that." Julie's down tone gets Nikita to frown.

"Show me to your bathroom, please, Julie. It's high time you see yourself for the pretty young lady you are. Lisa, would you come with as well, please?" Nodding softly, Julie leads Nikita and Lisa both into the mansion. Leaving the other two blinking perplexedly.

"Has she always been like that, Brian?"

"Forceful? Oh yeah, Danny. Far as I can tell, anyway." Grinning, he adds, "From what I can see, Lisa's the same way."

"Oh yeah. Even Julie's the same way as Lisa at times." Nodding his head inward, he asks, "Shall we?"

"Sure." Walking into the manor behind Danny, Brian can't help but be awed. Danny catching it.

"First time in a mansion, huh?"

"I'll put it to you like this. I never thought I'd see the inside of a mansion."

"Yeah, well, don't get used to it. Dad's tenure as Mayor's coming to an end and he's not running for reelection. It may not look like it, but some of our things have already been relocated to a nice quiet house in the countryside. I figure we'll be totally moved out when the new Mayor's ready to move in."

"I see. How about you and Lisa?"

"We've got our own place just down the street from here. We're thinking of moving as well as the neighbors tend to be… highly opinionated if you get my drift."

"Racists, huh? Particularly those against interracial relationships?"

"Like you wouldn't believe."

"Why not 'buzz' 'em a time or two as a message to leave you guys alone?"

"Oh, that's tempting and it sounds like a lot of fun."

"What sounds like a lot of fun, sweetie?" The soft feminine voice behind them gets Brian and Danny both to turn around. Upon turning around, they see a kindly smiling brunette woman. "How was your day, Danny?"

"It was fine, Mom. Yours?"

"Same. Now when are you and Lisa going to make your Father and I Grandparents?" Danny can't help but groan at that while smiling softly at her.

"Subtle, isn't she, Brian?"

"Yeah, Danny. About like the 2nd Child when she wants to get a point across. With a progressive knife from Evangelion Unit-02." The woman lets off a giggle and sighs.

"I'm sorry, dear, but it's just the way I am." Extending her hand outward, she adds, "Yvonne O'Malley. You are?" Returning the gesture, Brian smiles softly.

"Brian Dyson." Yvonne's gasp gets a blink from Brian before he grins. "When Lisa tells people about something, she tells them."

"My word above." Wrapping her arms around him, Yvonne murmurs, "I am so sorry for your loss, dear." Brian softly returns the hug and Yvonne lightly sniffles. "I'm so glad you and Lisa finally met. Any time she'd come eat, she'd ask if we could set an empty place for you at the table and we would. Even though your presence wasn't there with us physically, you were always with us in our hearts."

"Thank you, ma'am."

"Nah-uh-uh. It's 'Mama Yvonne' for you. Or you can just call me Yvonne. Oh, Danny?"

"Yeah, Mom?"

"Your Father told me he wants to speak to you in the study." Giving a nod, Danny ambles away, leaving Brian with Yvonne. "Brian, will you help me set the table please?"

"Okay, Yvonne. Um, there's one more seat to set up if you don't mind."

"Oh?" The sound of giggling cuts off Yvonne's query, getting her to smile. "Who is she?"

"My girlfriend, Nikita." Blinking, he asks, "How can you differentiate giggles?"

"In this family, everyone's laughter is unique. Your girlfriend's giggle I'd never heard before. It sounds like she's bonding well with Julie and Lisa."

"I'd say so. Nikita does enjoy meeting new people." Mentally, he adds, 'As long as they don't anger her, prompting her to become "Devilwoman", of course!' Shrugging, he verbally adds, "It's part of her charm."

"That I have no doubt about. Shall we?"

"Sure."

(Study; same time)

"Say again, Dad? I could've sworn you said the DA wants the ultrasound pulse weapons mass-produced."

"If you insist, my boy, but that's exactly what I said. The DA's chomping at the bit, with the Governor following suit, for the UPW-tech to mobilize fully."

"But it's still in prototype form though. With two wrinkles in it. It won't be fully tested, proven and passed for another month, at least."

"I know, and I'm sorry to burden you like that."

"It's cool. But how'd the Governor find out about the project?"

"I'll give you three guesses, but you'll only need one." Danny then groans before shaking his head.

"Why'd 'Percy the Pea-brain' do that? She knew full well it was still in the prototype stage, and yet she blabbed about it."

"You're going to 'love' this. She ratted on you to the Governor, bragging to him that she'd approved the idea for the UPWs to be developed and made."

"Don't tell me he bought it."

"Okay, I won't." Grinning, the elder man adds, "She may have been using it as an angle to get the Governor to pressure SECGEN into putting Percy back into place as Commissioner."

"Yeah, right. Like that'll happen. From what I've seen of SECGEN, she's not the kind of person you wanna push around." Blinking, he asks, "Did you just say 'may have been', Dad?"

"That I did. I said the same thing when the Governor talked to me." Grinning, he adds, "Much to her surprise, it backfired on her as I told the Governor the truth about her views. Surprisingly enough, he found it to his liking. As did the DA. Plus, they said it'll fit in well with the cryo facility that's been approved and is in the process of being set up." At that, Danny can't help but feel wary.

"Dad, 'buzzing' suspects so they can be taken alive for interviewing, charging, prosecution and incarceration if guilty is one thing. But having violent criminals in suspended animation is entirely different. It'll only make things worse down the road."

"I know, son. I even told the DA as such. But he's so dead set on saving the state money, he got the Governor to sign off on it."

"Typical bean counters. What was the official line? Other than saving money, of course."

"To relieve prison overcrowding and avoiding cruel conditions." Rolling his eyes, he adds, "As if Second Impact wasn't bad enough, now we have to put violent criminals in a freezer, only to thaw them out so they can victimize another generation."

"Maybe I should rethink my stance on whether the blood of criminals should be shed or not."

"You're who you are, son. Your Mother and I may have brought up you against Capital Punishment, but you're also able to determine for yourself if it should be applicable. I know that you know there are some people the world can do without."

"Yeah, but ever since the Governor banned Capital Punishment and put it on the docket to be abolished, with the DA being his lapdog, it seems we're stuck with them." Sighing, he asks, "Where're they putting the cryo facility at?"

"Sing-Sing."

"Oh, someone's ass is going to be raked over the coals for that stupidity right there."

"Yep." Curious, he then asks, "What kind of 'wrinkles' are they, son?"

"First off, power level. I think I've a way to adjust the level, along with distance, of a pulse. I mean, it'd make the Officer look ridiculous having to carry three different UPWs at one time and having to pick one for use."

"Agreed. The next wrinkle?"

"Precision and area. The pulse spread needs to be able to be narrowed or widened. I'll work on that after dinner tonight. It'll be ideal for when it comes to being used at a distance."

"Oh yes. When SECGEN got 'buzzed' by it yesterday, along with the thugs." At Danny's nod, he asks, "Can the issues be retrofitted with the tech?"

"It'd be a slow process given how there are many different handguns being used as issues in the UNP. Glock, Colt, Beretta, H&K, Smith and Wesson, Ruger… you name it. I was lucky to be able to modify my Beretta with the tech. But with the different models in use… no. I'm afraid that the only sensible way to get the UPWs ready in a timely manner is with a standardized template."

"And do you have one in mind?"

"I do. I've even got the makings of one about 95% done. I did the work while modifying the Beretta at the same time. Granted, it's bigger than the Beretta is, but at least the level can be adjusted to fit the situation as it develops. And the pulse spread can be either widened or narrowed as needed. All I have to do is finish hooking the adjustment controls to the pulse generator and it'll be ready for testing. I'll do that tonight."

"What is its appearance?" Danny can only smile sheepishly as he tells him. When he's done, his jaw is down to his desk before he grins softly. "That's my boy."

(Bathroom; same time)

Heaving into the toilet, Lisa retches. Nikita holding her hair back while Julie rubs her back. As the retching ends, the Nubian beauty shakily moves back from the toilet and is helped up by her future and present sisters-in-law.

"Thanks. I just don't understand what's going on."

"How long has it been happening, Lisa?"

"It just started today, Nikita. For the third time, at that." Smirking at Lisa, Julie pipes up.

"Maybe it's morning sickness."

"This late in the evening? You're nuts."

"Maybe. But why not go see the Doctor to find out for sure? I mean, if it's not one thing, it could be something else. Something bad. And I don't think a heartbroken Danny will be pleasant to be around."

"I agree, Lisa. You've tomorrow off, right?"

"Yeah, Nikita. I do." Shakily, she nods and says, "I'll see if Doctor Maloney can pencil me in as a walk-in tomorrow morning. Nikita, you think you can be with me? Julie's got class tomorrow."

"But of course." Smiling softly, she whispers, "You hope she's right, don't you?" Lisa only silently nods as all three exit the bathroom. With Julie keeping an eye on Lisa and Nikita both.

(Thirty minutes later)

As they eat at the table together, the mood tense, Daniel looks right at Brian and smiles. Wanting to ease the tension.

"So, what's your line of work, Brian?"

"I'm with Section-2, the Security Agency tasked with protecting the personnel of UN Agency NERV. Including the Evangelion Pilots." Lisa and Julie both gasp at that, with Julie jumping in.

"What are they like, Danny?"

"Well, as far as I can tell, the 1st Child is something of an enigma, but she's somewhat sociable. The 2nd Child is very assertive to the point of being aggressive. And the 3rd Child is polite and friendly. What they were like before I arrived, though…" Julie gives a nod, with Lisa following suit. Daniel's eyebrow arches up at that before he frowns.

"Aren't you shirking your duties by being away from your post?"

"I was given permission to be away by Captain Sychola, sir. I told him that a lead in Dad's case had been found." Smiling over at Lisa, "Some time after that, we found out that Dad had adopted Lisa."

"And how did you find out, if you don't mind?" Brian and Nikita both look at each other before Brian gives his reply.

"We found out through a CD that was left in my car by the guy that killed Dad. Even more, we found out it was Nikita's natural Father that did it." Nikita looks down at the table. Only to feel Brian's hand on hers. Gently clutching his fingers, she looks up at their host.

"Mr O'Malley, please believe me when I say I had no clue that I was related to the man that broke Lisa and Brian's hearts while having his ethics violated."

"Huh?"

"It's something of a long story, Mr O'Malley." From there, Nikita lays it all out. He seems to take it well.

"I think I'm going to be sick. Nikita, you have my utmost sympathies. However, just because your Father was victimized by the acts of a lying scoundrel does not excuse him from punishment. Of course, there are extenuating circumstances, however minor, that would spare him the most severe penalty if presented the right way."

"Such as?" Nikita's query gets a soft smile from Daniel before he looks over at Lisa. Nikita following suit. "You said he saved your life, didn't you, Lisa?"

"More like he got me out of LA and to a group home here in NYC, Nikita. Said it was run by 'a friend of a friend of his'. Never really got around to figuring it out." Shrugging, she adds, "Don't think I ever will."

"Do you remember where it is?"

"I do, Brian. Or at least what remains of it."

"What happened?"

"An earthquake a couple years back. Luckily, no one was inside at the time as it had been condemned by the Code Enforcement Bureau. Quite frankly, I can understand that."

"How so?"

At their united query, Brian and Nikita both smile sheepishly while Lisa, Yvonne and Julie share a giggle. Daniel and Danny, however, erupt in guffaws, banging their fists onto the table. Julie's giggles calm down enough for her to try speaking.

"That's… so… cute! You… talk… like… you're… married… already!" She then erupts into freshly raucous laughter, only to fall out of her seat. "I've… fallen… and… I… can't… get… up!" Looking at each other, Brian and Nikita both shrug.

"No family's complete without laughter, Nik."

"And this family has lots of laughter in it, Brian." Kinking her head to the side, she adds, "And with the amount of laughter going on, we could be a while." Brian can only nod at that.

(Four hours later; Danny and Lisa's home)

"My, how cozy it is in here." Nikita's words get a soft smile from Lisa before Danny chuckles.

"Just the way we like it, Nikita. But, that's not all. I'll show you." Beside themselves with curiosity, Brian and Nikita follow Danny down a set of stairs, Lisa trailing behind them. When they get to a door, Danny adds, "Welcome to my laboratory." Opening it, Danny and Lisa both see schematics for various weapons. Both lethal and non-lethal. Design specifications and mock-ups for the weapons. Along with two tables. One table has a chemistry set on it while the other table has a covered item on it and Danny pulls the cover off.

"I've been working on this guy the last few weeks, alongside my Beretta. It has the capabilities and the components for the capabilities the Beretta doesn't. Look familiar?"

"Yeah. It looks like a high-tech version of the Desert Eagle." Danny nods at Brain's words before Nikita jumps in.

"Aren't you worried about the recoil and muzzle flip, though?"

"Since this is an ultrasound type, there's no recoil or muzzle flip, Nikita. Remember when I 'buzzed' Andrews earlier?" At Brian and Nikita's nods, Danny goes on. "The same tech in the Beretta is in here. Only a little more refined and bigger to compensate for the control issues."

"Oh, I also need to get that one piece of candy so it can be analyzed. I'll be right back, Danny."

(NYC; next morning; Hershing Street)

"So this is where Andrews almost bought the farm." Brian's query gets a nod from Danny before he looks toward the apartment building. "And that's where the shot that saved his life came from."

"That's right. According to our 'boomerang program', anyway. Shall we?" Getting a nod from Brian, Danny keys on his mike. "Okay Jenk. Make the run."

"10-4, Mal." A plain black Chevy Caprice Classic roars down the street and stops where Danny and Brian are standing. Once the engine shuts off, Jenkins steps out of the car and scowls.

"I dunno, Mal. For the shooter to be positioned just right… no. I don't buy it one bit. It's way too perfect for it to be a coincidence."

"What about a disagreement of sorts, then? Cochrane managed to finagle his way into Karpovskiva's good graces, only Karpovskiva saw him about to shoot Andrews and shot Cochrane instead."

"Probably, Agent Dyson." Looking at Danny, Jenk can practically hear the gears churning in his friend's brain. "What're you thinking, Mal?"

"What if it's just a fortunate happenstance? Karpovskiva's on the sidewalk, sees the car Cochrane's driving run the red light. Knowing that shooting Cochrane in public would cause a panic, he makes his way to the apartment in the building and arrives at the scope just as Andrews is at Cochrane's mercy. I mean, this guy has a huge grudge against Cochrane and would really much prefer to shoot him from afar as opposed to up close and personal. If only to avoid catching whatever disease that made Cochrane be that psychotic to begin with." Danny's words get Brian and Jenk to start snickering before Jenk goes serious.

"Okay. But that still doesn't explain why Karpovskiva chose this apartment to begin with." Next thing he knows, his radio squawks.

"7784, what's your 10-20?"

"Hershing and Fifth Ave, Dispatch."

"10-4, 7784. Be advised UNPC pro tem Simms is arriving at JFK Airport in 30 minutes. Pickup and transport requested, low profile."

"10-4 on that. 5585 and Agent Dyson are with me."

"10-4, 7784." With that, they pile into Jenkins' car and Jenk turns the car around. As they drive along, Danny can't help but wonder how Lisa's doing.

(Doctor's office; same time)

Lisa and Nikita both sit quietly, waiting for the Doctor to be ready to see Lisa. Only…

"Well, well, well. Who do I see before me?" Lisa and Nikita both look up and see an attractive blond with a haughty attitude. "Lisa Kinsey, the worthless street rat that got in good with an Irish descended bug."

"Pamela St. Marie, the tramp that broke the heart of a good man by cheating on him with the quarterback." Pamela scoffs at that before smirking.

"It's not like he was much of anything. Scott Walkerson was just nothing compared to Andy." Noticing Lisa's company, Pamela asks, "Who's the big-busted bimbo?"

"Nikita. Lisa's future sister-in-law. And I find your attitude most distasteful. Furthermore, if anyone's the bimbo, it's the tramp before me that broke tovarisch Scott's heart. I pray that tovarisch Scott found someone that'll treat him the way he should be treated." Blinking repeatedly at Nikita, Pamela looks at them back and forth before frowning.

"Much as I dislike interracial relationships, I find your willingness to be in one to be quite disgusting." Blinking again, Pamela shakes her head, adding, "Wait. Lisa's an only child. So how… your adoptive brother. You found him?" Lisa's nod and grin infuriates her. "Dammit! I lost the bet!" Blinking, Lisa and Nikita are about to ask, only for Dr Maloney to come out.

"Officer Kinsey, I'm ready to see you now." Giving the grey-haired Caucasian woman a nod, Lisa follows her into the examination room. Leaving Nikita with a flabbergasted Pamela.

"Did… Did she just… say Officer?"

"Uh-huh. That she did. Now…" Nikita stands up and casually cracks her knuckles. "I believe it's high time I share my views on those that deliberately break hearts and be bigots at the same time." Meanwhile, inside the examination room…

"Okay, Officer. I'll just take a blood sample and run it through." Lisa gives a nod and winces at feeling the sampler needle pierce her arm. Just as quickly, though, it's over and Dr Maloney puts gauze over the needle mark. "Hold that please." Doing so, Lisa waits until she hears Dr Maloney say, "You can let go now."

"How long, Doc?"

"Just about five minutes. So, for now, some chitchat. How's life treating you and Officer O'Malley so far?"

"Can't really complain. Finally met my adoptive brother yesterday and his future bride. Of course, who she is kinda threw me a bit. But she seems to love him quite a bit."

"Oh yes. The ever present questions in a family. What is she like?"

"A force of nature is probably the best way to describe her. She's got this… I dunno how to describe it. I guess I wish I met her in high school. She's certainly a lot more pleasant company than the other girls I knew back then."

"Then that's all that matters." Just then, the monitor beeps and Dr Maloney checks it.

(Three minutes later)

As Lisa walks out of the examination room, she notices that Nikita is sitting alone in the waiting room. Kinking her head to the side, she goes toward her future sister-in-law.

"Where'd Pamela go?" For some reason, Lisa can't help both liking and not liking the devilish grin that appears on Nikita's face.

"Oh, she had to go see the Dentist all of a sudden. It's really the strangest thing. One minute, we're chatting somewhat amicably. And the next she suddenly developed a massive ache in her jaw. Not sure if it was from all the yakking she was doing or something else, but she left in quite a hurry." Shrugging, she adds, "I told her I'd give you her regards, but I don't think she quite heard me. The ache must've interfered with her hearing somewhat."

"Well, if it was urgent, then she really had to go." At Nikita's nod, Lisa can't help but grin. "I just hope her dental visit goes well for her. I'd hate for anything adverse to happen to her."

"Likewise. Thinking of visits, how was yours?" Lisa can only give her a serene smile, with Nikita smiling right back with a nod. "I trust you're up to driving then."

"I am. Shall we?"

"We shall." With that, they exit the waiting room. A molar on the floor behind them. Blood and roots on it, with the former dripping onto the carpet from the latter. Exiting the office building, Lisa sighs happily, with Nikita catching it. "I see you're pleased with the news you've received."

"Oh yes." Before she can comment any further, her phone rings. "Hold that thought, Nikita." Bringing it out, she says, "Kinsey."

"Hey, honey." Lisa's face takes on a wide smile before she giggles at Danny's greeting.

"Oh, you charmer. I bet you say that to all the girls."

"Nope. Just my wife. What're you up to?"

"Oh, not much. Just got done with Dr Maloney. Oh, you won't believe who was there."

"Who?"

"Pamela St Clair." Danny's grunt of disgust gets a nod from Lisa. "I did the same thing mentally. But enough about her. What're you guys up to?"

"Jenk, Brian and I are on our way to JFK to pick up the new UNPC. Low profile meet and transport. Want in?"

"Sure, sweetie. Sounds quiet enough. Nikita and I are on the way, if she wants to." Looking toward Nikita, Lisa sees her smiling and nodding before smirking herself. "She's in, Danny. We should be there in 10, maybe 20."

"See you there, honey."

"See you there, sweetie." Ending the call, Lisa asks, "Ready?"

"Ready." Inwardly, Nikita can't help but grin at the thought of her future Mother-in-Law meeting Brian's adopted sister when Madeline didn't even know about. 'This'll be good!'

(JFK parking lot; ten minutes later)

Jenk, Danny and Brian pull into the parking lot at JFK when Jenk's eyes pick up on a car in the lot.

"Say, Mal, didn't Andrews pull over a light blue sedan for running a red? And almost got shot for it?"

"That he did, Jenk. Why do you ask?"

"There's a light blue sedan out here. Let's get a look at the plate, shall we?" Without waiting for reply, Jenk wheels the car over to the back of the car and looks at the plate before nodding and parking alongside it. "The same plate number alright. Either Cochrane got cocky and sloppy or he's planning an ambush."

"Agreed. I'm calling for backup." Picking up the car's mike, Danny keys it. "5585 calling in location of suspect vehicle being sought on attempted 187 on Police Officer. Location is JFK Airport. Request ESU."

"10-4, 5585. Is the vehicle plate number the same?"

"Affirmative, Central. Juliet, Golf, Uniform, Five, Eight, Seven."

"10-4, 5585. ESU en route to JFK. Is Code 2 response needed?"

"Affirmative, Central. I don't want to spook this moron into doing something even more stupid."

"10-4, 5585. Are 7784 and Agent Dyson with you and armed?"

"That they are, Central. That they are."

"10-4, 5585. Proceed with caution. ESU ETA is five minutes."

"10-4, Central." Putting the mike back into place, Danny nods and says, "Let's go in, guys. Pro tem Simms should be touching down shortly. We'll let ESU deal with Cochrane should he be inside."

"And if he is inside, and he starts trouble before ESU arrives?" As they exit the car, Danny can only grin.

"Then we do what we can to preserve innocent lives until they arrive, Brian." Glaring right at Brian, Danny adds, "So curb your desire for vengeance, Agent Dyson. Let the courts have their say."

"Oh it's curbed. No doubt about that. But know this. If he reaches, or moves in a threatening manner, I'll do what I have to."

"Well, if that happens, try to take him alive for prosecution." Rolling his eyes, Danny adds, "Even if it winds up he has to go into a freezer for 150 years." Blinking, Jenk can't help but be curious.

"Are you saying what I think you're saying, Mal?"

"Yep. A cryo-prison's being set up at Sing-Sing. So while we age, Cochrane will be nice and preserved until he comes out to victimize a whole new generation."

"Well, as a member of Section-2, I think it'll be best if I take Cochrane into custody. In case he may be a threat to the Pilots, of course." Brian gives a wink, getting Danny and Jenk to smirk.

"Of course. But wouldn't that be against the Chain of Custody? Along with violate his 'Miranda Rights'?"

"We don't have 'Miranda Rights' in Section-2, Jenk. Captain Sychola's trying to change that, but he's not having a whole lot of luck. Probably after the war's over with… but I don't think it'll happen. Especially with his background."

"No 'Miranda Rights'? How'd that happen?"

"It was before my time, Danny. But according to what Captain Sychola said, his predecessor, Hitoshi Chiron, was responsible for it all."

"Where is he now?"

"No one knows, Jenk. Chiron up and vanished months ago and Captain Sychola was promoted to Captain ahead of now-deceased Section-2 Lieutenant Ishiragi. Ironically enough, Ishiragi was Captain a short time, but he didn't last a full day before dying."

"What happened?"

"He played 'Russian Roulette' and lost, Danny. Like Captain Sychola told me when I first joined up, 'Russian Roulette is not a game. It's another way of committing suicide. The only winning move is not to play at all'. If only Captain Sychola didn't have that breakdown, but that's life for you. Plus, after Ishiragi died, Hisnokasu was posted as Acting Captain until after Captain Sychola recovered."

Entering the Airport's main building, the three men make their way to the information counter. A solitary man of Hispanic descent at the post.

"Good day, gentlemen. How can I help you?"

"We're looking for a flight coming in from Japan. Should be touching down shortly."

"I see. Do you have the flight number?"

"No, but I can get it." Bringing up his cell phone, Danny calls in. "5585 at JFK. What's the flight number for UNPC? Uh-huh. Right. Thanks, Beth." Ending the call, he says, "JAL-878."

"Very good, sir. Checking now." With that, the Information Agent goes to work while Jenk and Brian look around. Jenk then taps Brian's shoulder, getting his attention.

"What's up, Jenk?"

"Our eight o'clock. Cochrane's in the coffee shop. Sitting with a man with a large black case. Could be a money drop because that's the kind used by money couriers." Brian casually looks over and sees Cochrane sitting with a man with wavy silver hair and red eyes.

"Looks a little young to be a courier, Jenk."

"I know. Who'd ever suspect a person that looks like a teen of being a courier?"

"Good point. ESU should be here soon, right?" At Jenkins' nod, Brian nods back and says, "Okay. We split up and trail Cochrane and the money man. See where they go. I'll take Cochrane while take the money man. Danny can meet with the UNPC when she's arrived. Danny?"

"Agreed. Like I said though, Brian, do what you can to take him alive." At that point, the IA finishes.

"Flight JAL-878 is touching down now. Gate 12."

"Thank you." Giving the IA a nod, Danny walks off. Leaving Brian and Jenk behind so they can do their end.

(Five minutes ago; JFK coffee shop)

"Mr Cochrane, I presume."

"You are quite correct. You are?"

"You can call me Mr Satirb. My client sent me with your payment, as agreed upon."

"Then let's finish our transaction so we can go on with our lives, Mr Satirb."

"No need to be in a hurry, Mr Cochrane. After all, it's not like you were followed here."

"Yeah, well, there are eyes everywhere looking for me. So give me the fucking money or I'll shoot you deader than a dodo."

"Well, since you put it that way…" Sliding the case over to Cochrane, Satirb nods. "My client appreciates your business, Mr Cochrane. In the event you're able to do business again… don't hesitate to call."

"Oh, I won't." Cochrane then grins as he slides a piece of candy toward Satirb. "Care for some candy?"

"Thank you, but no. My client advised me to never take candy from clients on our first meeting. Especially candy made from an acid that interacts horridly with stomach acid." Clapping softly, Satirb adds, "My client loved that touch, by the way. He found it most inspiring for his plans."

"I have no doubt about it." Cochrane gives an evil sneer as he adds, "It was your client that told me to kill anyone I deemed worthless after all. And what could be more worthless than homeless people?"

"I'm of the opinion that one of your caliber that can kill in such an effective manner that could give up so easily when it's going so well is just as worthless as those he kills."

"I had no choice in the matter. All because of a mere whelp yelling, along with the Police finding the dissolved remains of a child, I was unable to keep killing because word spread around about the candy." Looking around, he suddenly blanches at seeing Brian Dyson, in his usual black suit, standing with a man wearing a light blue UNP-NY uniform. "Dammit."

"Trouble, Mr Cochrane?"

"Considering someone with a chip on his shoulder about me is here right now, then yes. There's trouble. Evelyn." The woman sitting near them gives a minute nod before aiming a gun right at Jenkins.

(JFK; floor level)

Jenk's next movements are cut off when a gunshot pierces his left thigh.

"AAAGGGHHH!" As he falls to the floor, he sees a feminine face fade into the crowd. From there, chaos erupts.

In the madness, Cochrane and Satirb both make a break for it. Cochrane forgetting the money case while Satirb, his job done, seemingly vanishes into thin air. Before going after Cochrane, Brian checks on Jenk.

"You okay, man?"

"Yeah. I'm okay, Brian. Go get that lowlife." Brian nods before going after Cochrane. At that time, Lisa and Nikita had just walked in. Allowing Lisa to see what's happened.

"JENK!" Lisa's voice is filled with worry for her friend as she and Nikita get to his side. "My God, Jenk. Nikita, get the First Aid Kit on the wall."

"On it." As Nikita does so, Lisa looks around before back to him.

"What happened, Jenk?"

"When we got here, we saw Cochrane meeting with some guy. Looked like a teenager. Had that case with him. We also heard quite a bit from Cochrane's mouth. Better go after him, Kinsey, so he doesn't go too far."

"Cochrane?"

"Nope. Brian. He may try to take Cochrane alive, but he may not be able to."

"It's not Brian you should worry about, Jenk." As Nikita draws near with the kit, Lisa bolts away from him. Drawing her Ruger P89 in the process. As Lisa runs through the panicked bedlam, Nikita gets back to Jenk.

"How bad do you feel, tovarisch Officer Jenkins?"

"Considering I've never been shot before, about half-half. It doesn't seem to be a fatal wound though, Miss Kamenev."

"That's good. Let's see what kind of job I can do with bandaging your wound." With that, Nikita gets to work. Grinning slightly, she adds, "This might be a bad time to mention it, but I've never done this before."

"Just do what you can, Miss Kamenev." Nikita nods and, within two minutes, she's done and Jenk checks her handiwork. "That's a good field dressing."

"My first time."Jenk nods and grins.

"Ever think of being a nurse instead of a Lawyer? That might be more up your alley than being a lawyer, Miss Kamenev."

"Thank you, tovarisch Officer Jenkins. I'll consider it." Giving him a frown, she adds, "You can simply call me Nikita, tovarisch Officer Jenkins."

"In that case, then, you can just call me Jenk, Nikita."

"Deal, tovarisch Jenk."

(Gate 12; same time)

Waiting patiently as the new Commissioner clears Customs, Danny pats his side where the Desert Eagle configured ultrasound is nestled. It took him all night to finish its connections, but he got it done. All musing ends, however, when he sees a tall blond wearing a blue business suit.

"United Nations Police Commissioner pro tem Simms, I presume."

"You're quite correct. You would be?"

"Officer Danny O'Malley, ma'am. Welcome to NYC."

"Thank you, Officer O'Malley." Wheeling her bag behind her, she asks, "Can you tell me as to why I'm here as SECGEN didn't tell me everything?"

"Your predecessor was incompetent and derelict in performing her duties. She was so bad at it, she got a lot of good cops killed because she didn't think that extra Officers would be needed. A mass recall to duty has produced results and the recalled Officers are undergoing testing to ensure they're up to their jobs."

"Most excellent. I understand there was an incident just yesterday where an Officer almost died."

"Yes, ma'am. Either by fate or incredible luck, Officer Andrews survived his encounter with a fugitive named Frederick Cochrane. Right now, he's here in JFK under observation by one of my fellow Officers and a Section-2 Agent named Brian Dyson."

"Frederick Cochrane? As in former Chief Inspector Frederick Cochrane of the Tokyo-2 Interpol office?"

"Correct, ma'am. You know him?"

"Oh yes. He was one of my subordinates until he vanished. I never expected him to be here, though." Blinking, she asks, "Is foot pursuit by outside agencies allowed in an Airport, Officer O'Malley?"

"I don't get asked that a lot, so it probably can't be helped, ma'am." From there, a tense situation arises.

(Three minutes ago)

Meanwhile, Brian's still chasing Cochrane when the latter turns around and shoots at Brian. Only for Brian to dodge the round before kicking the gun out of Cochrane's hand. As it skitters away, Brian launches into a flurry of punches and kicks. Cochrane tries countering time and time again. But then Brian does a low kick right up into Cochrane's chin. Knocking him backward and toward his gun again. Grabbing hold of it, Cochrane takes aim at Brian.

"DROP IT!" At the feminine voice, Brian looks toward the direction the voice came from and sees an irate Lisa aiming her Ruger right at Cochrane as she snarls out, "I SAID DROP IT!" Pulling the hammer back, Lisa adds, "YOU'VE FIVE SECONDS TO DROP IT BEFORE I DROP YOU, MOTHERFUCKER!"

"Well, since you put it that way…" Cochrane lets it fall from his hand before looking at Lisa and blinking. "Have we met before?" Lisa calms herself back down before speaking again.

"Think back to fifteen years ago, you prick. LA, homeless children and candy. Ring any bells now, dickhead?" Cochrane blinks at her even tone before thinking and recognizing her.

"You." Lisa can only smirk at his snarl before retorting.

"Me."

"You!"

"Me." Cochrane's face is now an interesting shade of purple before he bellows out.

"YOU!" Yet Lisa is nonplussed as she keeps calm.

"Me." Maintaining her aim on Cochrane, she then says, "I've waited years for this moment, Cochrane. You had the man that was willing to be my Dad killed for no good reason. You deprived me of knowing my brother for so many years. You deprived my brother of our Father for no good reason. So now it's time you were deprived of your worthless life." Seeing her finger tensing on the trigger, Brian can only shake his head.

"Don't do it, Lisa. He's not worth it." Upon not seeing her relax her finger, he goes on. "They'll put you away, just like they'll do him."

"If it's in the new cryo-prison, and he's allowed to live, then we'll all be old and grey when he gets out not even a day older! My burden and your burden cannot be put onto the next generation's shoulders, Brian! His time has to end here and now!"

"There's no guarantee he'll be put into the cryo-prison, Lisa. Section-2 will be more than happy to take him to a prison where 'accidents' tend to happen. But Dad wanted to take him alive, to prove himself the better man. Prove yourself better than Cochrane, Lisa, and do what Dad had set out to do." A tense ten seconds go by before Lisa de-cocks the Ruger and points it upward. Cochrane can only grin triumphantly.

"And the public wonders why so many criminals go free." Bringing his hands forward, he adds, "Better come and handcuff me, darlin'. I'm really a very dangerous individual." Lisa then starts toward him, vanishing behind a structural pylon. Cochrane then reaches back to the small of his back. Brian catching the movement and going for his .38 revolver.

BANG

BANG

BANG

"AAAAAGGGGGHHHHH!" Cochrane falls to the floor, in agony, as his destroyed kneecaps cause him to sag to the floor and his SOB gun falls out of his hand. His .38 in hand, Brian walks up to Cochrane and moves the gun away from Cochrane's hand. "You… you psycho! You shot me!"

"Yeah, but at least you'll live, Cochrane. For now." Brian sees Lisa's form walking up to him, a stunned expression on her face.

"Gee whiz, little brother. Don't you think you overdid it a bit?"

"Nope. When it comes to some lowlife sack of shit wanting to hurt my family, destroying their kneecaps is no big deal for me." Lisa can only giggle at that just as Danny and Madeline walk up to them. "Ah, Commissioner Simms. I believe you've something to say to Cochrane." At the title, Cochrane can only blink.

"Commissioner? What are you talking about, Agent Dyson? Why is Director Simms out of Tokyo-2?"

"Oh, bother. It seems you didn't get the memo, Cochrane. Not only are you dismissed and blacklisted from Interpol, I'm the new Commissioner pro tem for the UNP." Looking toward the two, she then asks, "Which Agency will be taking custody of former Chief Inspector Cochrane?"

"My sister and I have some logistics to hammer out, ma'am. Maybe some mediation will be needed as it was a joint op of sorts."

"Ah. Very good. Wait." Blinking, Madeline asks, "Sister?"

"That's right, ma'am. Dad adopted me just before he died. Brian and I only just met each other yesterday." Smiling softly toward Danny, she adds, "Plus, he's going to be an Uncle." Blinking himself, Danny goes toward Lisa and looks right into her eyes.

"You mean…" With tears of joy shimmering in her eyes, Lisa softly nods.

"Yeah, Danny. You're going to be a Daddy."

"Ugh. Will someone please kill me now, put me out of my misery? I can't stand listening to this rubbish."

"It's not rubbish, Cochrane." Bringing out his ultrasound, Danny aims at Cochrane. "Your request to die is denied."

THUMP

As Cochrane falls back unconscious, Danny has a grin on his face as he puts the ultrasound back into his holster.

"Not as fun as 'buzzing' Andrews, but at least he'll do as a test subject." He then looks around and asks, "Where's Jenk at?"

"Back at the coffee shop, Danny. Nikita's with him. He'd been shot by one of Cochrane's friends." Lisa's reply gets Danny to look back toward Cochrane before she adds, "He'll be okay, though. He got shot in his thigh." At that moment, ESU Officers arrive, getting Danny to grin at one of them.

"What took you so long, Richards?"

"Traffic was murder, O'Malley. Might've been another fake accident that tied up all lanes." Seeing a wounded and unconscious Cochrane, Richards asks, "Is he the suspect wanted on the attempted 187 on a Police Officer?"

"Yes. And then some, Richards." Lisa's reply gets a nod from Richards as he signals for four men to carry Cochrane to a medical unit. None of them notice a man wearing a trenchcoat and fedora watching them. Wide smile on his face.

'Now we're even, ass-head.' Smirking, Vladimir Karpovskiva can't help but do a Bogart. "Here's lookin' at you, kid." Turning away from the scene, he gives Piotr a nod. "Good to see you again, Piotr."

"Likewise, Vladimir." Piotr then asks, "Where do you go from here?"

"I've much to make amends for. I don't think my tab will be resolved before my time, though. So I'll do all I can before it happens."

"Then that's the most important thing." Hugging Vladimir, Piotr adds, "Take care, cousin."

"You too." With that, Vladimir walks away from Piotr, with Piotr looking over the sight. Also watching is an angry woman with curly hair.

'The client's not going to like this one bit! He may well try to take the money back! Better get it!' Making her way back to the coffee shop, adjacent to the group heading toward it, she scowls at seeing Jenkins on a stretcher. Nikita at his side as the EMTs check her work.

'How'd he… of course. The bimbo must've helped him. Another one for my list.' She then sees that Nikita has the case in her hands. 'Oh no. Our money.'

At the coffee shop, Nikita smiles widely at seeing Madeline's arrived and Cochrane's unconscious, grievously injured and in custody. Her smile goes wider at seeing Danny fussing over Lisa and Brian laughing softly.

"I take it she told you, then."

"She did, Nikita. What's in the case there?"

"It seems to be the payoff for something Cochrane did, Danny. Thought I'd wait until you all got here before opening it."

Nodding at Nikita's decision, the group gathers around before Nikita unlocks the case.

"Let's see if it's the stuff that allows dreams to come true." Opening the case, they can't help but be stunned.

"Look at all those $100 bills. Must be at least $45 million in there." Brian then frowns before asking, "But what could be worth that much money?"

"Whatever it is, I don't think it's good." Looking toward Cochrane as he's treated, Lisa adds, "But I think you'll be the best one to interrogate him, Brian. Seeing as you're with Section-2, you're not bound by regs like we are."

"Agreed. Although, if you and Nikita wanna take part in it, I see no real problem."

"Sure. What's my end?" Brian can only give her a grin that promises mischief for her to take part in. "Oh, I can hardly wait! But, something I gotta know."

"Sure."

"Where'd you learn to kick ass like that, anyway? I don't think any of those moves are even used in Section-2."

"Dad taught me a few moves from his days in Force Recon when I was six." Smiling softly, he adds, "Had he survived that day, I'm sure he'd have taught you too, sis."

(Old Yokohama; Kirishima household; same time)

"So that's where the Professor and his daughter live. I can understand the appeal for a quiet life. But, that's not important now. Let's grab them both. That way, if he resists, we can always compel him to cooperate." Getting a nod from his cohort, the man says, "Let's go."

Making their way to the house, keeping to the shadows, both forms quickly reach the door. With the man reaching for the door handle, he gently turns it. Only for it to unlatch.

"I don't know about you, but I love this country. So complacent in their security."

"I dunno. This is all too easy." The man waves it off with a scoff.

"You're reading too much into it. I mean, next thing you'll tell me is that they're expecting us." Giving her an amused chortle, he adds, "Nobody in their right minds would ever expect us. And Professor Kirishima is as far from being in his right mind as they can get, being as nutty as he is. Now, let's go."

Seeing a light on in a room, the man silently signals to his cohort. Moving quietly, they head to the room, spot one of their targets and turn off the light before rushing. Before the person can even make a sound, the person's rendered unconscious from a cloth soaked with chloroform.

"I'll go outside with the one we've got. Search for the other one." The feminine form nods before doing so. With the man grunting out, "If the missing details had been left in the notes, this wouldn't be happening now. But no. Things just have to be made difficult, don't they?"

"Brother, no sign of the other one."

"Damn. We'll have to go with the one we've got then. Let's go, sister." Nodding, the feminine form takes the other side of the Kirishima they'd grabbed. Back in the house, a hallway closet opens and a form steps out. Going to the phone, the form shakily punches in the number on the card.

"This is Mana Kirishima. The rat's taken the cheese. No, they didn't have it with them. Understood. Will wait for detail for protective relocation."