Shinji Steel 77
Disclaimer; I do not own Neon Genesis Evangelion or Max Steel. Wish I did, though.
(Takamiya 4Runner; en route to Atsugi City; five minutes later)
Deidre behind the wheel, Rits sitting in the front passenger seat, Agents DeWitt and Zuckerman in the back seat, the ride out of Tokyo-3 is silent. With only the SUV's tires providing a gentle sound against the pavement. Both Agents look to each other before nodding, with Agent Zuckerman taking it.
"Rits… do you mind if I call you Rits? And your Mom Deidre?" Rits looks toward Deidre and sees a nod of assent.
"Not at all, Agent Zuckerman." Agent Zuckerman nods before grinning.
"In that case then, since it's the four of us, you and your Mom can just call me Janice and my partner Ellie."
"Sure, Janice." Ellie and Janice both exchange a grin before Ellie takes it.
"I understand you've a bun in the oven, Rits."
"Yep." Giving her lower belly a rub, Rits murmurs, "Three weeks along, Ellie. I just hope I do as good a job as Mom did with me." Deidre can't help but smile softly at that before speaking up.
"You will, Ritsy, don't worry about that. If anything, I'm surprised I did so well with you."
"I take it you had doubts about Motherhood, Deidre?"
"I did, Ellie. Or rather, I was so worried I'd blow it within a month." Glancing at Rits out the corner of her left eye, she sees a soft smile on Rits' face before the teen speaks up.
"I guess it's natural for one to be concerned to the point of doubting oneself." Giving her belly one more rub, she maintains her smile while adding, "I bet my birth Mom had the same concerns when she was carrying me. Yet, from what Jefferson told us, Mom was excited all the same."
"I have no doubt about that." Giving Rits a soft grin, Deidre soon notices Rits' visage take on a pensive appearance.
"I wonder what they were like."
"Your birth Mom's family, I take it." At Rits' nod, Deidre can't help but frown as she goes on. "Thinking of, I don't think we saw any pictures of Yuriko's family while we were in Hokkaido. They might be stored somewhere in the house or she wasn't in contact with them very often."
"I guess we'll have to look next time we're in Hokkaido, then."
"Yeah." Ellie and Janice both look at each other again and nod, Ellie taking it.
"It'd be a minor misuse of UNBI resources, but we can inquire as to your birth Mother's family, Rits." Deidre looks back toward Rits and sees her thinking intently before giving her reply.
"I'll get back to you on that, Ellie. Thank you."
"You're welcome." Smiling softly, Ellie then asks, "How long have you known Shinji?"
"A little over a year now." Giving her belly another rub, she murmurs, "While I can't help but worry about him any time he goes up against one of those aliens, I cheer inside when he comes back."
"Let's hope you keep cheering then." Janice's words get Rits to nod in agreement before the brunette frowns. "How long have you known about him being a Pilot?"
"I sort of knew about it before Mom and I got to Tokyo-3, but actually found out after his second fight. Ex-Commander 'Dumbass' then had him thrown into the brig when he didn't follow orders and for calling him a dumbass." As a former Marine, Ellie couldn't fathom disobedience of orders or disrespect to a superior Officer.
"Why wouldn't Shinji follow orders and why call a superior Officer a dumbass, Rits?"
"The orders involved Shinji falling back to where Touji Suzuhara, Kensuke Aida and I were, which would've endangered our lives, to get a new plug for Unit-01. As for calling him a dumbass, it's because he is a dumbass." As the UNBI Agents mull Rits' words, Janice's eyes go wide in shock.
"You mean you were outside of a safety area, Rits?"
"That's right, Janice, but only to ensure Touji and Kensuke didn't get themselves hurt. Kensuke wanted to see and record an Evangelion battle, Touji wanted to get him back into the shelter and I followed to ensure they'd be safe. As it was, I barely got there in time to grab them back before Unit-01 crash landed where they'd stopped. Or at least where its left hand had landed, anyway."
(Tokyo-3; NERV Med-bay; same time)
"Okay, Officer Jenkins, you're 95% healed now." Nodding her approval, Ritsu adds, "Another half hour or sooner and you'll be done."
"Great, Doc. I can hardly wait to get out of this stuff and wash it off of me so I don't smell like I'd been bathing in blood." Jenk's comment can't help but get Ritsu to roll her eyes before mentally musing.
'In all actuality, Officer Jenkins, you were. The blood of Lilith, to be exact. But I'm not going to tell you that.' Next thing she knows, Jenk speaks again.
"Speaking of which, why does this stuff smell like blood, anyway?"
"It's a long story, Officer Jenkins. A very long story."
"I've got time. Not like I have anything better to do while I heal up in here."
'I thought too soon, it seems.' Sighing, Ritsu nods before pulling up a chair. "How much do you know about the 'Angels' that NERV is fighting, Officer Jenkins?"
"Bits and pieces, really. We don't get a whole lot of info in the States when it comes to them. The higher ups probably figured the less we know, the easier we'll sleep at night."
"They've probably got a point. Knowing fully about the 'Angels' is not exactly conducive to restful sleep. Believe me, I've had many sleepless nights. Being a scientist and all, I mean."
"I'd imagine so, Doc." Giving a shudder, he adds, "On second thought, Doc, I don't wanna know anymore. I don't think I'll be any good to the force if I'm not sleeping properly." Before Ritsu can reply, Machiko comes into the Med-bay. Jenk noticing her. "How's it going, Ms Ugatinoga?"
"Quite well, Officer Jenkins. I'm sure you're looking forward to getting out of that tube."
"Oh, I so am, Ms Ugatinoga. Another 5% and I'm out of here." Machiko nods her understanding before Jenk asks, "What's new with you?"
"Not very much. Just waiting until Captain Sychola comes back so I can give him the daily reports." Ritsu gives a small grin at that before chuckling.
"I'm pleased with the progress he'd made since taking over. His predecessor was little more than a chauvinistic pig of a thug." Looking Machiko over, she adds, "I seriously doubt Chiron would have taught you to fire a rifle or any kind of firearm as he firmly believed that women belong in the home." Jenk can't help but roll his eyes at that.
"Sounds to me that scientists need to do research on that kind of behavior. Research that involves electro-shock therapy. This Chiron schmuck sounds like he'd be a perfect fit for it." Jenk's comment gets Ritsu and Machiko both to giggle before a chime sounds from the tablet in Ritsu's hand. As she consults with it, she grins.
"Okay, Officer Jenkins. You're all done ahead of schedule." Jenk nods before going to the top of the tube. Retching can be heard as Jenk expels the LCL from his lungs in exchange for air. Waiting two minutes upon him finishing, Ritsu says, "First time breathing liquid can be hard on someone."
"I'll take your word for it, Doc. I don't even get how the Pilots can even breathe this stuff, let alone speak with it flowing around their vocal cords." Sniffing an arm before grimacing, he adds, "Must take everything in them to not hurl at the scent of blood. If not come close to it, anyway." Ritsu gives Jenk a nod as he goes toward the shower area. A slight limp in his step, which he notices. "How long will I have the limp, Doc?"
"A month, tops." Jenk nods at that before continuing on. With Ritsu noticing Machiko watching intently. "Something wrong, Miss Ugatinoga?"
"No, Doctor Akagi." Ritsu gives her a sardonic smirk before Machiko notices. "Doctor Akagi?"
(Nez household; bedroom; same time)
As she opens her eyes, Rei can smell meat and pasta cooking together. Smiling softly, the blue-haired young woman rises from the bed, nude, before stepping softly out of the room. Making her way to the kitchen, she catches sight of her spiky-haired paramour hard at work. Which gets her to giggle softly as he's wearing boxer shorts.
"What's for dinner, Richard?"
"Family favorite. I was thinking about bringing you dinner in bed since you were asleep most of the day." Grinning, Richard turns her way. Upon seeing her nude, his grin goes wider. Getting her to giggle even more.
"See something you like?"
"I do. Very much. I meant to ask how the visit went, by the way." Rei can only shrug at that before replying.
"It went well enough. Answered some questions, yet brought up even more."
"That's life for you." Stepping into the kitchen, Rei nods as he turns his attention back to the meal before asking, "What kind of questions came up?"
"What would've happened if the robotic simulacra hadn't been made when it was when the 16th Angel arrived." Visibly shuddering, she adds, "I don't think I want to know the answer to that one. Given…"
"Yeah. Way I see it, some questions are better off unanswered, let alone unasked."
"But, how will that be known? Whether to ask or not, that is." Sighing at that, Richard can only grimace softly her way.
"That's the gag right there. An eternal question with no real answer. The only way to know for sure is to ponder the question before deciding whether or not to ask."
"A paradox, then." At his nod, Rei gives a soft grimace in reply. "If I'd kept taking those medications, I wouldn't be able to think about that kind of query. Much like… I wouldn't have felt my heart open up to you."
"Sucks, doesn't it?" At her nod, Richard goes on. "I'm just glad that robotic double of you was done when it was or you'd have been a goner for sure."
"As am I." Rei shudders at that before crossing to him and wrapping her arms around him from behind. At the feeling of her breasts pressing against his back, Richard grins softly.
"It's going to be about thirty more minutes. Want to help me set the table? Or should I carry through on that dinner in bed?"
"I pick... dinner in bed." Kissing the left side of his neck softly before moving away from him, she then smirks before saying, "You're a bit overdressed. I'll remedy that."
Before he can even reply, she snakes her hands around his boxers' waistband before she gently brings them down his legs. Once they're at his ankles, Richard steps out of them, leaving them on the floor. He then dishes out portions into the dishes before feeling Rei's right hand gently encircle his member.
"Oh, Rei…" The bluenette smiles softly before starting to stroke as he finishes dishing the food. Once he finishes, she gently tugs him by his member, leading him into the bedroom.
(Hyuga apartment; same time)
Opening his eyes at the alarm, Makoto sees Maya is already up and getting dressed before grinning, shutting off the alarm as he rises.
"Know what sucks about going in this evening?"
"No, Makoto. I don't." Sliding himself off of his bed, Makoto gently wraps his arms around her as she picks up her uniform skirt. Getting Maya to go a soft red. "Makoto…"
"We won't have time with each other. Sure we can't sneak a quickie in?"
"Much fun as that sounds…" The feeling of him massaging her breasts gets her to softly moan. "Makoto, if we do, we'll be late. Vi-Co Fuyutsuki may be lenient, but he's not that lenient." Upon hearing him sigh, Maya returns serve with a sigh of her own. "I know. But I think he'll be happy for us." Feeling him kiss her neck softly, Maya gives a giggle.
"After shift, then?"
"Yes, but in my bed. Now, get dressed and ready so we're not late."
"Yes, dear." Maya can only giggle again as Makoto does so. Finishing dressing herself, she runs her fingers through her hair to tame the semi-unruly locks. "Ready to go."
"Okay. Need a lift?" Giggling again as he peppers her face's right cheek with butterfly kisses from behind, she gently takes his hand into hers. "Let's go, sweetie. The MAGI awaits us." Makoto nods as they exit his apartment.
(Aoba apartment; same time)
Opening her eyes at the soft strumming of a guitar, Roxanne looks and sees a fully-dressed Aoba sitting in a chair in the bedroom, strumming a bass guitar. A peacefully contented smile on his face. She can't help but smile at that before noticing the time, getting her eyes to go wide in shock. Bolting herself out of bed, she starts grabbing up her clothes and starts hurriedly putting them on.
"Why didn't you wake me, Shigeru?! I'm going to be late!"
"You looked so peaceful while asleep, so I thought I'd strum my guitar a bit before waking you. But it seems my strumming got you to wake up." Roxanne can only roll her eyes at that as Aoba rises.
"It did. And I gotta say you play very well. You in a band?"
"Not since I was a teen. I mainly play so I don't lose my dexterity." At her puzzled blink, he adds, "Part of the work on the MAGI requires fast finger work in events of emergencies." Roxanne can only giggle before nodding.
"Okay. Soon as I finish getting dressed, we'll go."
"Sounds good." Frowning thoughtfully, he then asks, "How do I address you when we get to NERV, though? It's not like a whole lot of people know your real name and I imagine you want to keep the number down to a minimum."
"To NERV at large, with a few exceptions, I'm Anne Retnuh. The only people there who know my real name are Commander Katsuragi, Vi-Co Fuyutsuki, and now you." Aoba gives Roxanne a nod as they make for his doorway before Roxanne gently puts a hand onto his arm. "Thank you for hearing me out, Shigeru."
"Thank you for giving me the chance to know the real you, Roxanne." Roxanne gives Shigeru a soft smile at that before they exit the apartment.
(NERV HQ; car train entrance; fifteen minutes later)
The two couples encounter each other as Maya pulls her Corolla into the car hauler beside Shigeru's beat up maroon AWD Tempo. Seeing as Roxanne had walked to his apartment, Shigeru felt it was the least he could do. Rolling her eyes at the Tempo, Maya smirks softly.
"Why do you insist on driving that thing? It's so outdated, there aren't even parts available for it anymore."
"It's my first car, Maya. One could easily say the same for your Corolla when it comes to being outdated."
"Ah, but Corolla parts are more plentiful than AWD Tempo parts." Curious, she then asks, "What year is it, anyway?"
"1990."
(UN Mental Health Facility; same time)
"Our next patient is an interesting case. Japanese male, 40s age range, claims to be Chief of UN Agency NERV's Security force, Section-2." At the nods from the newest interns, the Caucasian female Doctor looks over her notes and goes on.
"He'd been submitted to this facility for suicidal tendencies, all while claiming he'd been snatched by a Black-Ops unit sponsored by the UN. Just before that, however, he claimed to have had been menacing the girlfriend of NERV's sole male Pilot. Under orders of the Commander of NERV, no less."
"Have you tried reaching the Commander to find out if he was indeed employed in that manner, Dr Young?" At the young-sounding male voice, Dr Young gives a nod to the young man with grey hair.
"Indeed I had. I finally got tired of hearing him yell for me to call the Commander and did so last week. The Commander denied having instructed him to do so or having him in NERV's employ. Although he was indeed in charge of Section 2, but was terminated from employment because he'd just vanished. Now, while I don't exactly trust NERV with the safety of the planet, I can tell the Commander was being truthful. Now, shall we look in on Mr Chiron?" Opening the small flap on the door, she sees Chiron wrapped in a straightjacket. "How're you feeling today, Mr Chiron?"
"It's Captain, you dumb whore! Captain of NERV's Section-2!" Dr Young gives an audible sigh at that.
"We've been over this, Mr Chiron. The Commander of NERV said that you don't work there anymore." Next thing she knows, Chiron charges the door. Rage on his face.
"I demand you release me at once! I don't belong here, you female quack! You hear me?! I don't belong here!" Sighing again, Young can only close the flap before turning to her newest associates.
"As you can hear, he has a predilection toward sexism toward members of the opposite gender. I theorize that he lacked a suitable and strong female role model while he was… growing up." Young's comment gets muted chuckles from the group before she goes on. "To date, he's resisted all of our attempts to penetrate his psyche so we can treat him more effectively. Should you take him on, you're in for an extremely rough time. Now, since I don't wish to inflict him onto you your first day, shall we move on?"
"Um, Dr Young, just how long has he been here now?" The same male voice gets her attention, before she smiles softly.
"Going on five months now, Dr Sagina. Moving on." As Dr Young and her group moves on, Sagina stays behind and opens the flap on Chiron's door. Quickly getting Chiron's attention.
"Come to admire the 'nutjob', you little punk?!"
"More like pitying the fool that decided life was meaningless without joy." With that, he closes the flap before whistling 'Ode to Joy'. Blissfully ignorant of Chiron's resumed yelling.
"LET ME OUT OF HERE!" Snarling, he hisses out before bellowing, "I KNOW YOU'RE BEHIND THIS, MAJOR WHORE! I KNOW IT! I KNOW IT!" He then starts bashing his body against the walls and door, screaming, "I DEMAND YOU RELEASE ME AT ONCE! I DON'T BELONG WITH THESE NUTJOBS! I DON'T! I DON'T! ARE YOU EVEN LISTENING TO ME?!"
(Atsugi City Medical Center; thirty minutes later)
Once Deidre has the 4Runner parked, she, Rits and the two UNBI Agents exit before walking toward the doorway. Deidre barely able to cover her anxiety over seeing her friend that was, for all intents and purposes, somebody else. Rits noticing it before gently gripping her forearm.
"It's okay, Mom. It's what you'd been doing for years, after all." Deidre can only snicker softly before sighing.
"But our cases are entirely different, Ritsy. It was for his own protection in his case, necessity for mine."
"I don't know about that, Mom. After all, 'you-know-who' was behind it and well…" Deidre can only think about it before chuckling softly. Much to the consternation of the two Agents.
"Good point, Ritsy." Giving her daughter a gentle squeeze from the side, she then smirks. "This just might give us a good reason to see him, after all." Rits blinks at that before blushing softly, a smirk on her face.
"How do you think he'll react?"
"Given that I told him when I took Peter to see him, I think he'll be ecstatic." Ellie and Janice both blink before looking to each other and shrugging. "Shall we?" At their joint nods, the four go into the main entrance and go right to the admittance desk. A Japanese male looks up from his paperwork, rises and bows.
"Welcome to the Atsugi City Medical Center. How can I help you?"
"My daughter, companions and I would like to speak with Dr Robinson. Is he handy?"
"Yes, he is. Would you like me to page him?"
"Yes, please." The admittance clerk nods before sheepishly chuckling.
"Terribly sorry, but if I may…"
"Deidre and Ritsuko Takamiya."
"Yes, ma'am." Picking up the intra-office line, he speaks. "Dr Robinson, there is a Deidre and Ritsuko Takamiya here to see you. They are accompanied by two other women. Very well, Dr." Ending his call, he looks back up toward the four. "The Dr eagerly awaits you, your daughter and companions, Ms Takamiya. He's in Exam Room 56." Deidre smiles softly at the man.
"Thank you." With that, they walk on, quickly reaching their destination.
"Here we are, 56. Ready, Ritsy?"
"Ready as I'll ever be." Giving Rits a soft nod, Deidre knocks on the door and quickly hears the voice she'd been eager to hear.
"Come on in, please." The four give a chuckle before Deidre opens the door, revealing a semi-harried African-American man. Trying to get his paperwork under control. "Sorry for the mess, but I was looking over patient files for my remaining appointment for the day." The four can only smirk before entering, Ellie closing the door behind her.
"Did we come at a bad time, Greg?" Roilson gives a soft chuckle at Deidre's query.
"Nah. My next and last appointment isn't until the next thirty minutes. So I can spend a little time with you." Looking toward Deidre, he can only smile softly at seeing the young beauty with his friend. "You've got to be Ritsuko." She returns the smile.
"Hello, Dr. Mom told me all about you." Roilson nods before looking toward the other two women before sighing.
"You're taking a big risk bringing those I don't know about to see me, Deidre. Especially with what's happened in the last 24 hours."
"It's okay, Greg. They're UNBI Agents. Agents Ellie DeWitt and Janice Zuckerman. They're here about Peter." Roilson blinks at that before shrugging.
"Okay. I'll bite. Go ahead, Agents." Ellie and Janice both look to each other and nod before Ellie takes it.
"We're investigating the abduction masked as a homicide of US Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant Peter Sychola. It was a joint FBI/NCIS investigation that carried on into 2nd Impact. Unofficial, of course." Roilson's eyes can't help but go wide at that before he sighs.
"I see. How long has it been going on?"
"Ever since '97." Janice's voice is steady as she goes on. "We worked with another Agent that had once served with the Gunnery Sergeant, but was subsequently murdered in the days after 2nd Impact with intent to halt the investigation."
"Okay. In what way can I help you?" Ellie takes that one.
"Did you find anything to support the Gunny's claim he'd been abducted and altered against his will?"
"Oh yes. I already submitted my evidence to the UN Medical and SECGEN Leeds-Nez herself. Just about… twelve hours ago. Maybe more."
"Did you keep copies?"
"I'd be foolish if I didn't, Agent Zuckerman. I can make you another copy while we speak further." Ellie can't help but smile widely at that.
"That'd be a tremendous help, Doc. Thanks." Roilson nods before moving to do so. Noticing Deidre having a sad look on her face.
"You okay, Deidre?" Deidre nods before opening her mouth to speak. Only for Roilson to intercept it. Having a feeling about what she's about to say.
"I'm fine, Deidre. It's just… Maurice, Jamal and Henri… the fact they died because somebody didn't want the truth found makes me… not like myself." Deidre gives Roilson a soft nod of understanding and consolation.
"I can understand that. But… I have some news that might cheer you up." Roilson blinks at that before Deidre smirks softly. "I'm going to be a Grandmother." Roilson gives a wide smile at that before seeing Rits having a soft smile on her face.
"Congratulations, Ritsuko. But where's Shinji at? I'd hoped to meet him as well at some point."
"You will, Doc. But Shinji's back in Tokyo-3. After all, you never know when an Angel's going to attack."
(En route to Old Yokosuka Harbor; same time)
Shinji gives a soft sneeze as he drives himself, Misato and Asuka to their destination. Misato quickly noticing it and grinning.
"I think that's the first time you sneezed since you came into my life, Shinji."
"I think it is too, Misato. Better go ahead and change the car's colors. When we get to fifteen minutes out, I'll switch over myself." With that, he changes the car's color from blue to black, with red and blue strobe lights flashing from behind the grill. Misato blinks at the lights against the pavement before smirking.
"Part of the LE package for the car, huh?"
"Yep. Matter of fact, I've the makings of perfect covers for us. Misato, you're UNDEA. Asuka, UNICE. As for me, UNATF. Any concerns or doubts about them, please let me know and I'll switch you off to another LEO." After hearing none, Shinji shrugs before switching over. Once in his 'Max' persona, he asks, "How well do you know AD Blunt anyway, Misato?"
"I only knew him a month and didn't get too close as he would always… be intense." Misato then smirks again before adding, "In fact, I remember one time a bunch of yuppie students tried to lord their wealth over him and the other students. He wouldn't stand for it and let them have it. Gatling gun style. Onslaught after onslaught of verbal missives. That shut them up in a real hurry. And don't get me started on what his Dad said when he came visiting two months later."
"The same thing, huh?"
"More or less, Asuka. Only with more content." The two teens give a snicker at that before Shinji smirks.
"He sounds like a lot of fun." Asuka nods her agreement before Shinji switches to his 'Max' persona. "Let's do this. Berto, what're we looking for?"
"A group of five '90s model black Ford E-150s are ours and a '70s model green GMC RV is the Interpol Field Command Unit. All six are at the dock area."
"Got it." As the dock area comes into view, Max quickly sees the six vehicles together. Switching off the flashers before drawing near to a green RV. Once he has the engine shut off, he can only shake his head in disbelief. "Is it just me or is Interpol's Tokyo-2 Acting Director trying a little too hard?"
"Nah. Believe it or not, that's Ray's RV. He had that thing while I was in college."
"The more I hear about the guy, Misato, the more I think you two are actually siblings from different parents." Asuka can only guffaw while Misato gives Max a soft smirk.
"Well, actually, once Ray's Dad heard I had been orphaned in 2nd Impact, he offered to adopt me. Even if I was past the maximum adoption age." Asuka takes that point to jump in.
"Do you keep in touch?"
"Nah. NERV keeps me pretty busy and… aw shit. How're we gonna explain me being onsite?"
"I have a plan." Max's words can only get Misato to smirk and Asuka to give a wiseacre reply.
"Yikes. You've been hanging around Misato too long."
"So have you, Asuka." The redhead blinks at Max's words before groaning.
"I'm fucked." Not bothering to dignify the groan with a response, Max and Misato exit before Asuka exits behind the latter. Next thing they know, the RV's side door opens, revealing a familiar, to Max's eyes, feminine form.
"I thought and was hoping I'd see you again, Agent Steel." Max can only be stunned by the sight in front of him.
"Electrix… what a surprise." The dark-haired woman smirks softly before waving the three up into the RV.
"AD Blunt's about to start the briefing. So get in here." Max nods before he steps into the RV. Misato and Asuka in tow. Once all three are in, Electrix closes the door and turns to Blunt. "AD Blunt, I'd like you to meet one of my nemeses from before I met Martin. N-Tek Agent Max Steel Jr." Blunt smiles widely before extending his right hand to Max.
"It's nice to meet you, Agent Steel. Ms. Barkowki's told me about her past encounters with you and N-Tek."
"Likewise, AD Blunt. My colleagues, Agents Katsuragi and Langley." Blunt nods before he kinks his head to the side.
"Katsuragi? Any relation to Misato Katsuragi? I knew a Katsuragi by that name in college."
"Her cousin, in fact, from Old Osaka. Misao." Max's casual reply gets 'Misao' to stifle a smirk and Agent Langley is barely able to stop a snort from coming out before Max adds, "I know. They look alike but they're worlds apart." Blunt considers it before shrugging.
"Okay. Our target is about to dock at Pier 52. Once the lines are in place, we'll commence the raid. The Harbor Pilot's agreed to assist us, if only to keep any poison from hitting Japanese soil."
"How much firepower are we looking at?"
"Good question, Agent Katsuragi. Off-hand, I'd say 100-150 goons. All armed and skilled with their hardware. AK-47s, M-16s, Galils… who knows what all they have? But the Harbor Pilot did say they have firearms on board." Max nods his agreement before speaking up.
"We've dealt with less info before. We can make do with what we've got. Let's get armed and our armor on, guys. We got a ship to storm." The other two nod before the three exit. Once the door closes, however…
'I don't know what's going on, but as far as I know, Misato Katsuragi doesn't have a cousin named "Misao" from Old Osaka.' A frowning Blunt's mind is racing before the frown lightens. 'So why… ah. That explains a few things.' At the sound of a throat clearing, he turns back toward a smirking Electrix.
"What'd you think, AD Blunt?"
"I think we should've made contact with them long before now." Seeing Martin at work on the equipment in the RV, he asks, "How's the jamming coming?"
"Jammers are active, sir. No calls to or from the ship."
"Good." Crossing to a cabinet, he opens it and brings out a black heavy armor jacket before donning it. Bringing out another jacket, he hands it to Electrix, adding, "Just in case."
"Right." Quickly donning it, she watches Blunt secure it and duplicates what he does. Once she's done, she sees him bringing out two Kevlar tactical helmets, him handing her one. "Not taking any chances, are you?"
"Nope. I promised Machiko I wouldn't get dead. I'm not about to let myself break that promise." Once his helmet's on, he brings out a 12 gauge Mossberg 'Persuader' pistol-grip shotgun with tactical dot laser and racks the action. "Under any circumstances." Electrix can only nod silently before grinning.
"She must look up to you, like a little sister."
"She does, she is as far as I'm concerned." Her grin becomes a soft smirk at that.
'Wish I could introduce you to Woody, Ray. I'm sure you two would get along just fine. As long as his mind's lucid enough for conversation.'
(30 minutes later; Pier 52)
Once the lines are secure, the crew on the main deck of the cargo ship gets ready to off-load their cargo. Their journey was long and arduous, but yet they're glad it's finally over. Only for bright spotlights to shine upon the ship, briefly blinding the crewmembers before a male voice barges into their ears.
"THIS IS A JOINT INTERPOL/UNLEC OPERATION! LOWER YOUR GANTRY AND STAND BY TO BE BOARDED!" The voice on the mega-phone is male and no-nonsense as it goes on. "ALL CREW ABOARD ARE TO HAVE THEIR HANDS ABOVE THEIR HEADS! ANY RESISTANCE WILL BE TREATED AS AGGRESSION AND WILL BE DEALT WITH ACCORDINGLY!"
The crews' confusion is palpable as one of the cranes on the dock moves into position, yet has a scaffold on it. With seven black BDU armor-wearing UNLEC Agents aiming their weapons in a covering manner right at the crew. One by one, the crewmembers raise their hands as the gangplank is lowered to the dock.
As the scaffold touches down onto the deck, one of the Agents opens the scaffold's gate and maintains aim while exiting. The other Agents exiting the scaffold as well before joining their partner in covering the crew. Indignant, one of the crew opens his mouth.
"Do you not know who this ship belongs to?! It belongs to John Deranso, the Head of the Deranso Cartel, you fucking shits!" The crewmember gets a rifle-butt to his head from one Agent and falls to the deck.
"Talk again, you get a lead enema, asshole." The voice is female, young and with a German accent as it goes on. "But I'm sure you'll have plenty of time to spill your guts before the night's over with."
"Everything okay, Langley?"
"Other than this schmuck mouthing off, Max, just peachy." Max gives Langley a nod before the latter puts zip-tie restraints on the mouthy schmuck. Passing him over to another Agent, she says, "Keep this on hold for me, 'Ski', if you please."
"You got it. Let's go, turkey." As 'Ski' hustles the schmuck away, Langley looks over to Max.
"This is a big ship to go over. What's the plan, Max?"
"Search each level. Watch out for booby traps. I wouldn't put it past Dread to have this ship rigged like that." Langley nods before Max turns to a massive African-American man. "Keep close to her, please, Bubba." Bubba gives a grin before nodding.
"Got it, Max. Shall we, Agent Langley?"
"Sure." With that, Langley and her partner move on before Max turns to his other partners.
"Agent Katsuragi, you and AD Blunt. Electrix and myself." Getting nods from the others, he and Electrix start their search. Electrix starting to make small talk.
"So, how've you been? It's been a while since I last saw you, after all."
"Okay. And it has. You?" Electrix grins softly.
"Oh, you know. It's been electrifying for me on a daily basis." Both give a snort at the pun before they see a male crewmember jump out screaming in front of them, a crowbar in hand before he charges them. Getting Electrix to roll her eyes in annoyed exasperation. "Oh please." With that, she sends an arc of current into the idiot, rendering him unconscious, yet alive.
"Nice." Bringing out a zip-tie, Max secures the crewmember's wrists and ankles together before he and Electrix move on. "Never thought I'd be doing this at your side, Electrix."
"Me neither. But, shit happens." Max can only nod before Electrix snaps her fingers. "Oh, you hear about 'Vil?"
"Not lately. Why?"
"She finally found herself a boyfriend."
"Ah. I hope he treats her right."
"As do I. Otherwise I'll shock the stupidity out of him." Max gives a soft smirk at that, with Electrix echoing it.
(Langley/Bubba; same time)
"So, have you ever worked with Max before, Bubba?"
"A few times. You?"
"I'm… still learning the ropes, actually. But I'm a quick learner."
"Then you've got it made." Bubba then says, "Hold on." Crouching to the deck's flooring, he lightly grimaces. "Max was right to say watch out for booby traps." Langley's blue eyes blink before she gets the idea.
"A tripwire?" At his nod, she asks, "Can you tell what it's attached to?"
"Not from here, but it leads into that room." Nodding, she follows Bubba's lead and steps over the tripwire and follows him to the room's hatch. As they near, they hear soft sobbing. Bubba looks the hatch over before saying, "No sign of tripwires out here. Best to open slowly, just in case." Langley nods her agreement before Bubba starts turning the handle. Only…
"No, don't open!" The voice is that of a girl, with the language being Hungarian. Langley's ears pick up the tongue of Germany's next-country-over neighbor, prompting her to stop Bubba before he can progress further.
"Little girl inside says to not open the hatch." Bubba blinks back toward her, getting her to add. "She's Hungarian. I can speak it."
"Okay. I'll let you talk to her. See if you can get a verbal layout." Langley nods before taking his place.
"My name is Asuka. What's yours?"
"Anya."
"How old are you?"
"I'm four." Anya's voice is timid as she then asks, "Are you a nice person or a mean one?"
"I'm a pretty nice person with a mean streak at times. Those that know me call me 'Red Devil'. Like a nickname of sorts. How about you, Anya?"
"I… I don't have one." Anya then asks, "Are you here to get me out?"
"My friend and I are going to do our best, Anya. But we'll need your help to do so. Can you do that for us?"
"I'll try, Asuka." The redhead gives Bubba a thumbs up before she goes on.
"Do you see the wire going into the room?"
"I do."
"What is it connected to?"
"It's connected to the door handle and… something that looks very scary."
"Is it pointed toward you? Can you move?"
"It is. I can't. I'm tied up in a chair. Also…"
"Also what, Anya?"
"There's a weight tied to it. It's hanging above the floor." Anya's voice starts breaking into frightened sobs. Asuka then sighs softly before speaking again.
"It's okay, Anya. You're doing great. Is the weight tied directly to the scary thing or is it split off?"
"It's split off, sagging slightly." Anya's frightened sobs cause Asuka's eyes go red in rage before she turns toward Bubba and gives him the score. Once she's done…
"First dibs on the animal that did that."
"Get in line, Bubba. And it starts with me." Bubba can only give her a mock pout, getting her to add, "I'll try to leave you a piece. Maybe their liver."
Asuka looks around the perimeter of the hatch and sees a vent grate leading into the room. Crouching down to it, she grimaces upon seeing it's too small for her to crawl in. Bubba catching it.
"Got something?"
"Yeah, but it's too small for me to crawl into. Verdamnt!"
"Try Martinez. He might have something for this situation." The redhead considers his words before nodding.
"Couldn't hurt." Keying her comm. she asks, "Berto, you in?"
"On the air, 'Red Devil'. What do you have?"
"I've got a room that has tripwires up the wazoo and a little girl inside the room with a weapon pointed right at her. There's a vent grate by the door, but I'm too big to crawl into it."
"I might have something… this'll be an ideal field test for it. I'm keying it to your signal."
"Okay, Berto. Hurry, please. It's everything in me to not barge in there."
"Got it." A moment later, Berto says, "GATOR deploying and activating." Bubba and Asuka can only blink in bafflement toward each other.
"GATOR?"
(Outside; Max's car)
A panel at the rear of the undercarriage slides open and a small box descends to the ground. One side of the box springs upward revealing a RC-toy-appearing object on tank treads. With its motor whining, it deftly moves out of the box and heads toward the gantry. Reaching the gantry, it speeds up the walkway until reaching the main deck. Once it reaches the deck, it follows the signal beckoning to it. Its sensors picking up a vent grate, its front end slides open and a thin red beam blasts out. Melting the grate and giving it entry into the vent.
As it homes in, it reaches three more grates in its path. Melting each of them down, the sound of the motor reaches Asuka and Bubba's ears both. Causing both to look down and see the grate to their rear left fall victim. Rolling out of the melted grate, it quickly gains their attention. Getting them to blink.
"I'm guessing that's the GATOR, Berto."
"It is, 'Red Devil'. Don't let its appearance fool you. It is well-equipped to handle anything thought of."
"I guess we'll see then, won't we." With that, the GATOR points itself toward the grate, backs to the opposing bulkhead before blasting the grate. Once it's out of sight, Asuka turns back to the hatch. "Anya, you're going to see what appears to be a toy coming out from the vent. Please don't ask me any questions as I don't know the specifics about it. Okay?"
"O… Okay, Asuka." With that, Asuka and Bubba can only wait for the GATOR to get into the room. To them, the wait is unbearable.
(Inside the room)
The small brunette Caucasian girl wearing a ragged brown dress hears a small motor whining from the vent before the grate is melted rapidly. Revealing a small black tank as it exits the vent, its front end closing. A hatch atop the tank pops open, revealing a camera that rotates before locking onto her. She gives it a weak smile before it pans toward what's aimed at her.
Turning the front of its body toward it, it then makes its way before another compartment opens. What comes up is a set of wire-cutters on a telescoping shaft. As the cutters near their target, the shaft adjusts accordingly until the cutters reach the wire looped into the trigger of the shotgun aimed at the girl. The girl then closes her eyes before the wire-cutters cut the wire.
At that point, the weight falls freely to the floor, causing the girl to jump. The hatch then slowly opens, revealing a massive dark-skinned man and a young Eurasian woman with short-cut red hair.
Both have their weapons drawn as they search the room for other surprises before the woman secures her weapon and goes to her. The man securing his weapon as well before examining the shotgun.
"Anya?" At the girl's nod, the woman smiles softly. "I'm Asuka. Let's get you out of this chair." Anya nods again as Asuka starts undoing her bindings.
"How long do you think it'll be?"
"Not too long, Bubba." As Asuka works, Anya's stomach growls, getting Asuka and the man both to smile softly.
"Wonder when the last time she ate was." Bubba's comment prompts Asuka to ask her and the reply is not very happy.
"I don't know. There was no sunlight in here. My Mama and Papa… they went to sleep and… never woke up…" Anya starts sobbing as Asuka finishes undoing her bindings. Upon feeling arms gently encircle her, Anya returns the embrace before feeling her body being lifted up. Wrapping her legs around Asuka's waist, she feels the redhead's lips touch her head in a soft kiss.
"Let's get you out of here, sweetie." Anya gently nods before feeling her eyelids begin to close. Giving a yawn, she snuggles into Asuka's frame, getting a soft chuckle and an equally soft squeeze from the woman holding her before she feels herself drifting off into sleep. Checking for and finding a steady pulse, Asuka then softly speaks again.
"The GATOR came through in a clinch, Berto. Could you have it check the rest of the ship as well, please?"
"Sure. What about your little friend there?"
"I thought about that. Could you please have a Sparrow ready to transport Anya to Old Osaka?"
"Yeah. But she'll need someone with her."
"I guess I'll be her companion, then. Seeing as she's all wrapped up around me." Looking toward Bubba, she can't help but feel torn. "Bubba…"
"Don't worry. I'll square it with Max, let him know what happened. You just get her out of here." Asuka nods before noticing Bubba's angry scowl appearing.
"What is it, Bubba?"
"The shotgun's empty. It's a little psychological torture favored by the NVA during the Vietnam conflict. Used on POWs at their camps." Asuka gives a grimace before appearing thoughtful.
"You don't suppose Dread spent time with the NVA, do you?"
"I wouldn't be surprised if he did." Asuka snorts in agreement before striding out of the room, leaving a seething Bubba wearing a smirk. "I'll try to leave a piece of the animal for her. Maybe their liver."
('Misao'/Blunt; same time)
As the two walk through the ship's corridor, Blunt flicks his eyes back and forth to his partner and the path ahead. With 'Misao' noticing it.
"See something you like, AD Blunt?" Blunt blinks before she smirks, "Of course, I don't blame you if you do." The man can only chuckle before smirking.
"You sound just like your 'cousin', Agent Katsuragi." Her brown eyes slightly narrow as she catches the implication. Only… "I know your colleague told me that to give you a cover, so I won't pry. For now."
"I'd actually prefer you don't pry. Less hassle for everyone involved." Blunt considers it before nodding his assent.
"Alright. But don't think for a minute this ends tonight, Misato." Misato can only chuckle before her eyes catch movement. Bringing up her USP, she fires a round and sends it into the head of a cartel goon. As the goon falls to the floor, dead, Blunt can only whistle. "That's some shot. What was that? About… 20 feet?"
"Something like that. But keep your mind on the bust we're on."
"Yes, ma'am." At that, they reach an open cargo hold and cover each other while searching. Blunt gives a whistle at what's within. "Is it me, or is this Dread guy a car connoisseur?"
"That or he's compensating for something. Large car collection, small dick. Probably." Blunt can only snicker at that before Misato gasps. "Aw shit." Looking toward her, he sees that she's looking toward a corner of the hold. Looking as well, he can only react the same way.
"Aw shit." Bringing up his comm., he says, "Bring Inspector Goodspeed down to our location. We've got VX warheads here."