Author's Notes: Hello there! Hope you're all doing well. I had a very successful Sakura Con at the end of last month. Got myself a bunch of manga and classic anime, a souvenir Initial D t-shirt for my younger brother, and a Yu Yu Hakusho shit for myself. Also, lots of sweets, because I just can't help myself. Anyway, enough out of me, that's not what you're here for.
Enjoy!
Chapter Thirty-One: No Need For A Rescue!
April 5th, A.C. 199
"Did you enjoy today's negotiations with my brother?" Ragyō asked with a smirk in-between strikes with her twin white blades.
"It wasn't my idea of fun," Heero quipped as he deflected her attacks.
Ragyō chuckled as she leapt over a sweeping kick from Heero before going right back on the offensive. "I didn't think it was. You prefer action to words, don't you? We're very much alike in that sense."
Heero grunted but said nothing. In truth, the 'negotiations' with Kagato were stalled, and that was very much by Heero's design. To his credit, Kagato was persistent, but his sales pitch kept boiling down to slight alterations on the one he'd already made. He talked a good game, to be sure. Trade deals, security arrangements, technology sharing, appealing to what he believed were human ideals of progress and reforms to serve the people of Jurai; all of that and more, Kagato had offered. Heero had humored him, but he mostly saw the negotiations as a chance to learn details about Kagato's current plans to seize the Array. Unfortunately, the cadet branch royal kept those cards close to the chest, and so the two men continued to talk in circles.
Their talks were already becoming tedious to the point that Heero had started looking forward to today's match with Ragyō. He wouldn't admit it to her face, but she was right about him favoring action over talk. A swordfight with her was the arena he preferred over the verbal sparring with Kagato, even if the former came with significantly greater physical risk than the latter.
That physical risk had already extracted a cost from Heero, though one he could bear. Unlike their first match, Nagi had not been present in during Heero's second bout with Ragyō, which meant there was no intervention when things had eventually gone south. Heero had held his own longer than the last time, but eventually his opponent had worn him down, and a Light Hawk Wing had slipped through his defenses, cutting deep into his right shoulder. Fortunately for Heero, Ragyō had been incredibly quick with treatment, applying a foam-like substance which had sealed up his wound in remarkably short order. Heero now sported a new scar, and there was still some residual pain, but all things considered he knew that he'd gotten off rather easy.
Today's match was different from the first two in that Ragyō had offered a new condition; that they both leave their Light Hawk Wings out this time. Heero had taken her up on it, mostly because he saw it as a chance to further refine his technique, not to mention he figured that his odds of scoring a win went up in these circumstances. Yes, Ragyō still outmatched him in terms of skill with the blade, but the mismatch was even worse when it came to using six Light Hawk Wings at once. Under these conditions, it was her twin blades versus his single one, and Heero felt that was much more manageable. Besides, he still had his hand-to-hand combat skills to fall back on, and he hadn't been shy about employing them. For all the good they'd done, anyway; Ragyō was fiendishly agile, and her reflexes were lightning-quick.
Ragyō grinned as she continued her assault, twin blades going high and low to keep Heero off balance. "Fine defense… and not purely Juraian swordplay, either. Tell me; what kind of swordsmanship training did you have before you grandfather started teaching you?"
"Traditional European fencing," Heero replied as he parried a strike aimed at his shoulder while sidestepping a thrust which had been going for his left leg, "You wouldn't know it."
"That'll have to change, then," she purred while deflecting a stab at her neck, "Once your world's allied with my brother's empire, I just might journey there myself. If Earth can produce a fighter as talented as you, then clearly its historical fighting styles warrant my study."
"It was war that forged my skills," Heero growled as he used this rare opportunity to press the assault, hammering hard against his foe's defenses, "The fighting style's just one tool out of many."
"As are all fighting styles," Ragyō remarked as sparks flew from their clashing energy blades, "It's their wielder that makes them beautiful and deadly."
"You really only care about that, don't you?" Heero ventured as she counterattacked with a staccato-burst of thrusts that forced him to fall back, "Personal combat, I mean."
"It's true," she readily confessed while driving him back across the arena, her twin white blades a veritable whirlwind of deadly energy that Heero was only barely managing to keep at bay, "There was a time when I tried to be what you might call a 'normal' noble, you know. Attending all the social gatherings, putting in appearances at the Noble Assembly, playing the games of gossip and intrigue… I even got into the fine arts for a time."
Heero couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at that, even as he continued to protect himself from her withering assault. "You were an artist?"
"Calligraphy and painting," she elaborated while not missing so much as a beat in her offensive, "I was rather good at it, too. A few of my works even wound up in the Cultural Museum on Jurai itself. I wonder if they're still on the display rotation? It was a long time ago."
Though her swordsmanship remained flawless, she seemed slightly distracted now. There was an almost bittersweet trace of a smile on her lips, perhaps elicited by the thoughts of bygone innocent days. It was as close to vulnerability as Heero had ever seen her. His blade couldn't get through her defenses, but maybe his words could if he chose them well.
"Do you still practice it?" he asked while parrying her rapid-fire blows, "Even if just as a hobby?"
"Every once in a while," she admitted, her smile broadening somewhat behind the wall of ivory energy weaved by her blades, "When inspiration hits, I'll pick up the brush. Funnily enough, it did so after our fight yesterday, and I took advantage of it."
Heero hadn't see that coming. "Our match inspired you to paint?"
Ragyō nodded before doing the last thing Heero had expected; breaking off her assault. She leapt back, well beyond the reach of immediate counterattack, and lowered her blades.
"I did," she answered as her gaze locked with Heero's, "Would you like to see it?"
Heero paused, though he kept his blade raised. Was this a ploy, perhaps? Could she simply be hoping that he would lower his guard and present an opening to strike? Possible, but the more Heero considered it, the more he doubted it. Ragyō was his enemy, but she'd thus far shown herself to be a remarkably honest one. Whether it be here or at the repositories, she'd always come at him and his comrades head-on. Granted, that'd just been what Heero had seen of her so far; she could very well be capable of elaborate subterfuge for all he knew.
There are no guarantees in war, he reminded himself, only calculated gambles.
Was this one worth taking?
He watched as she extinguished her blades and smirked. "If you still desire battle, we can always pick our fight back up later."
Heero took a deep breath before deactivating his Master Key. "Alright, then. Lead the way."
He kept the Master Key's hilt in his hand until he saw Ragyō clip hers to her belt. As he put his own away, Heero made sure to stay behind her as she took him out of the training arena and to the elevator, and his right hand never strayed far from his weapon. If she was going to turn on him, he'd be ready.
"You should feel honored," Ragyō remarked with a mischievous wink as they rode the lift up, "The painting's in my bedchamber, and I haven't invited another man in there for centuries now."
"Don't get any ideas," Heero quipped.
The white-haired woman giggled like a schoolgirl. "Oh, I have nothing but ideas right now! You have only yourself to blame for that."
"I'm taken," he declared, "so you're out of luck."
"You're engaged, not married," Ragyō countered as the lift came to a halt, holding his gaze, "Nothing's finalized. Besides, Juraian Royals have a long-established tradition of enjoying multiple paramours. Don't you want to embrace your heritage?"
"Only the parts of it that I feel like," Heero deadpanned, "and that doesn't include bedding family. Cadet branch or not, you're still a blood relative of mine. Doesn't matter how far removed you might be."
"Is that really what gives you pause?" she questioned as she led him down the hallway, "Or perhaps it's your sense of loyalty to someone else?"
"And if it's that?" Heero shot back.
Ragyō smiled, and Heero found it to be a surprisingly genuine one. "Then you're a man apart from so many of our aristocratic brethren… and I envy the women who've won such devotion from you. Truly, I do."
Her word choice gave Heero pause; she'd said 'women', plural. As far as the general galactic public should've been concerned, there was officially only one woman that Heero was tied to; Mihoshi, and that was very recent. No one outside his very close circle of friends and family should've known about him and Ryoko.
Then again, look how the two of you fought at the first repository, he reminded himself, and how Ryoko reacted when Ragyō stabbed your leg. That was probably all the hint she needed to figure out our relationship…
They were quiet for the rest of the walk to Ragyō's quarters. When they reached the door and it slid open, she stepped aside before smirking and offering a theatrical bow.
"After you," she said with a wink.
It irked Heero to have her behind him, but he was a bit more confident now than before that a backstab here wasn't her intention. Stepping inside while remaining wary, he found himself inside a luxuriously yet tastefully appointed room. The bed set along the back wall was surprisingly modest given its owner's position; a four-post model with white curtains just a bit bigger than the one in Heero's room. Broad windows lined with long pale drapes offered a grand view of the estate grounds, and in front of one was a tea-table with two chairs. Further back along the front wall tucked away in one corner of the room was a surprisingly sleek and futuristic-looking metallic desk, a holo-computer console set in its polished white surface. A door along the back wall led to a bathroom, and from what Heero could glimpse through the open door it was likely a rather large one.
What really struck him, though, were the wall decorations. They were divided into two categories; sets of weapons and paintings. The former seemed to be largely ceremonial, a mix of elegantly curved blades in the style of katanas and long glaives with silver filigree set near where the handles met the blades. Meanwhile, the artistic works were dominated by landscape paintings, seemingly divided between snowcapped mountains like those surrounding the estate and woodland scenes. They were downright tranquil compared to the woman who owned them.
"Impressive," Heero remarked as he took it all in.
"You're too kind," Ragyō replied as stepped forward, "though you haven't seen the best part yet."
She gestured towards the front of the room, where a white sheet was draped over what appeared to be a three-legged stand holding what was probably a dried painting underneath. Heero watched and waited as Ragyō walked past him and went up to the sheet. With a showman's flair, she yanked the sheet off and cast it aside before bowing and gesturing at what lay beneath.
"Behold," she declared with a smile, "the fruit of yesterday's fight."
Heero moved forward to study the painting up close. It depicted the two of them in the underground training arena, Heero's blue blade clashing with Ragyō's twin white ones. Overhead was each combatant's six Light Hawk Wings, crossing with each other just as the energy blades of their wielders were below. Though Heero recalled being on the backfoot for most of the fight, the painting seemed centered on one of the rare moments where he had been able to go on the attack.
"Very fine work," he eventually said, "I'll admit, I didn't expect you to be portraying me in such a flattering light here."
"There is no flattery in depicting the truth," Ragyō countered as she moved to stand next to him, "I don't think you truly comprehend the depth of your abilities and skills."
Heero shook his head. "I'm just a soldier from the galactic backwoods who's playing catch up to the likes of you. On Earth and in her colonies, I was nothing more than a big fish in a small pond."
"Perhaps, but look at how far you've come in such a short time," Ragyō replied, "When I was your age, I dabbled in swordsmanship, art, and whatever else struck my fancy. I hadn't truly dedicated myself to the warrior arts yet. I was nothing more than a bored aristocrat looking for some fun. Look at you, though. Such a young man, yet already an experienced soldier who's life has been defined by war, whose body and mind have been honed to an edge so sharp that he can stand toe-to-toe with someone who's been throwing herself into whatever fight she can find for millennia. You, Heero Yuy Masaki Jurai, are a truly extraordinary being."
"I could say the same for you and your brother," Heero remarked, "Leaving aside your goals, you both represent millennia of refined knowledge and skill. You're both powerful, talented combatants, and intelligent operators. Your brother's a genius; there's no denying him that. As for you… Yosho and Washu have both called you one of the finest swordfighters in the galaxy, and that's not an exaggeration."
Ragyō smirked. "Now who's the one doing the flattery?"
"There's no flattery in truth," Heero quipped, "as I've been told."
Ragyō chuckled as she inclined her head. "So you have, and so it is."
She looked at him thoughtfully for a moment. "Do you want to know why I devoted myself to the blade? Believe it or not, your grandfather's at the heart of it."
Heero raised an eyebrow. "Really?"
Ragyō nodded she slowly broke out in a nostalgic smile. "Oh, yes. The main branch and ours weren't always at odds. My brother and your grandfather were once close friends, and they trained together for many years. I had the privilege of watching many of their matches over the centuries. From the moment I first witnessed them cross blades, I was utterly entranced. Especially by your grandfather; his technique was nothing short of art. You might think he's good now, and you wouldn't be wrong, but Heero, you should've seen him during his prime. What he could do… it was divine."
"And that 'divine' swordsmanship inspired you?" Heero surmised.
"To the point of obsession," Ragyō confessed, "My family never expected me to take up the martial arts, but from the moment I first witnessed his skills, I could think of little else but surpassing them. The rest of the family was baffled; why would I, a young noblewoman who'd previously shown little interest in anything beyond fine arts and idle pleasures, suddenly devote myself to demanding training day after day? My brother, I think, was the only one who understood. Can you guess why?"
"Because he fought him," Heero readily answered.
Ragyō's smile broadened. "I knew you would understand. After all, you've trained with him, too. You've seen his technique. No longer in his prime, perhaps, but you understand just as well as we do how formidable Yosho is. Ever since the day I first saw him and my brother cross swords, I've driven myself to master the blade in my own fashion so I could rival him. Now that we're on opposite sides, it's honestly sad to know that I won't be able to fight him when he's at the top of his game. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate that he's still one of the deadliest fighters in the galaxy, but you and I both know that he's no longer a young man. He's on the decline; that's simply a statement of fact."
"Decline or not, he's still held his own against your brother so far," Heero pointed out.
"Oh, I know," Ragyō purred, "and I have no doubt he could give both of us a splendid contest before our combined strength finally overwhelms him. That was how I thought this would all play out originally. Now, though… I'm content to leave Yosho to my brother. It's only fitting that they settle the score one-on-one."
She reached out to run her fingernails along Heero's jawline. "Now, the one I want to go all out against when the next battle comes… is you. You grow stronger with every fight; your power's increased just over our matches these past few days alone. You are the warrior I've been longing to test myself against, Heero Yuy Masaki Jurai… and I cannot wait until that day comes."
Heero was puzzled. "You mean it hasn't already? What about our past fights?"
"I'll consider them appetizers before the main course," she answered while withdrawing her hand, "Tender morsels before the feast that our next meeting on the battlefield will be."
Heero immediately caught the underlying implications. "Your brother's still trying to bring me over to your side… but you no longer are?"
"My brother's welcome to keep up his attempts at diplomacy with you," Ragyō replied with a knowing smile, "He's the driving force behind all this; I'm just along for the ride. I won't complain if he manages to win your allegiance, but… I suspect he's not going to. I've found that you can truly get to know someone by fighting them, and my matches with you have told me a great deal. We won't find an ally in you… and to be honest, I prefer it that way."
"If you think diplomacy's a dead end, will you tell Kagato as much?" Heero inquired.
Ragyō shook her head. "No, because I want him to keep up his efforts. If he decides that you're truly beyond persuasion, then he'll only see you as a potential hostage or simply a threat to be eliminated. The freedom you currently enjoy will be rescinded, likely in a terminal manner, if you catch my drift. I would rather avoid that."
Heero's eyes narrowed. "Does that mean you'll help me escape?"
Ragyō smirked. "Hardly. You can still earn your freedom if you defeat me. That being said… should you find another means to liberate yourself from here, I won't try to stop you."
Heero eyed her for a moment before shaking his head. "You're a very strange woman. Considering the company I've been keeping these past few months, that's saying a lot."
Ragyō brought her fingers to her lips as a laugh slipped out. "Oh, I imagine so! I doubt you mean it as a compliment, but I'll take it as such."
"Don't let me stop you," Heero quipped.
Ragyō's eyes drifted back and forth between him and the bed, a hungry look in them. "Well, what now, then? Would you care to continue our match down in the training ground… or perhaps in another arena?"
"The training ground," Heero firmly answered.
Ragyō sighed theatrically, but her subsequent smile was hardly a gesture of disappointment. "As you wish… and, it so happens, as I wish."
She led him out of the bedroom, with Heero pausing to looking over his shoulder at her painting right before the door shut. It really was a beautiful piece, one that even his untrained eye when it came to art could tell had been made with passionate care. He found himself regretting that he had to be opposing the woman who'd created it.
There was no helping it, though. Ragyō had made her choices and determined who she was long before her path crossed with his. They'd picked their respective sides, and there was no going back. At least she had made her intentions plain. She would come at him head-on as a warrior…
…and Heero could respect that.
….
In the briefing amphitheater of the Juraian light carrier Suzume, Ryoko took a seat in the front row as she waited for the others to file in. The ship and her escorts were in the process of leaving Seniwa's capital star system, heading for a rendezvous point specified by First Empress Funaho. Ryoko and her friends did not know much as of yet; Funaho and Moriko had convened privately the previous evening, only to announce the following morning that a plan was now in motion and that the Juraian delegation would be leaving Seniwa immediately while the Domain's President marshalled a battle fleet.
Is that fleet going to help us save Heero, Ryoko thought, or is there more in the works here? A Seniwa force coming into Juraian territory, even with the permission of the First Empress, would probably ruffle feathers with the Imperial nobility. What's the play here?
A soft laugh slipped through her lips. Here Ryoko was, previously a pirate who cared only for a good time and the next score, now considering political and strategic matters. It was completely absurd…
…and it would never have happened were it not for the young man she'd fallen in love with.
A dark-skinned hand fell on her right shoulder, and Ryoko turned to see Mihoshi sitting next to her, an encouraging smile on her face. "We'll save him. We'll bring him back to us."
Ryoko couldn't help but smile in kind as she reached over to take Mihoshi's hand. "Yeah… we will."
"Lucky guy," she heard Duo mutter from behind, "Bet you two will give him a really good welcome home when we're done, right?"
Mihoshi's face flushed deep crimson. "Oh, well…"
"Bad Duo!" Hilde snapped as she elbowed her husband in the ribs, "Behave!"
Duo chuckled and winced as he rubbed his chest. "Alright, I'll be good… ouch."
Ryoko leaned over to whisper in Mihoshi's ear. "You know, he's not wrong. When we get him back here, you're going to have some fun with us."
Ryoko could've sworn she saw steam coming out of Mihoshi's ears. "Ryoko… really?"
Ryoko shrugged before grinning mischievously. "You're his fiancé, so it's kind of expected. Besides, we're going to be sharing him eventually; might as well start practicing now."
"Just what are you two gossiping about?" Ayeka huffed as she and Quatre sat down to Ryoko's left.
"Oh, nothing!" Mihoshi chirped, trying to shield her blushing face from Ayeka.
Quatre chuckled as he smiled knowingly at the two of them. "Whatever you say."
I keep forgetting that all Heero's human friends have senses as sharp as his, Ryoko thought as she eyed Quatre warily, I need to be more careful around them.
As everyone settled in, attention turned to the center of the briefing amphitheater, where First Empress Funaho and Washu stood next to a broad circular holo-projector. The lights in the room dimmed, and Washu slid a small chip into the projector's console. Blue light then spilled out from the projector, resolving itself into a star system consisting of eleven planets and a wide asteroid belt. Additionally, a familiar pixy-like figure flickered to life alongside the floating orbs.
"Is everyone ready to begin?" AIDA asked as she flexed her wings.
Washu's gaze swept over the crowd before she turned to Funaho, whose nod prompted the scientist to look back at the artificial intelligence. "I believe we are."
The azure holographic fairy smiled before facing the audience. "Excellent. Hello, everyone! I hope you're all doing well, recent events notwithstanding."
"We'll be doing much better once recent events have been resolved," Yosho remarked.
"Sooner rather than later," Trowa added.
AIDA inclined her head. "Of course. Though Washu kept me aboard the Yagami during our diplomatic trip to Seniwa, she made sure I was kept in the loop regarding the mission. Rest assured that I wish to see Heero recovered safely, and I will use all the capabilities Washu programmed me with to aid in his rescue."
"Can those capabilities confirm where Heero's at?" asked Wufei, "Right now, all we've got is what Misao told Mihoshi. That's not enough for corroboration of our suspicions."
AIDA inclined her head. "I'll admit that my abilities and present information access won't allow me to offer the confirmation that you seek. However, I believe that First Empress Funaho can."
"Is that true?" Sasami asked excitedly, "You know for sure where Heero's at, Lady Funaho?"
Funaho smiled. "I think I do, Sasami. For some time now, I've had eyes on the Kiryūin star system. My resources as the Minister of Intelligence are far greater than just informants and signals intercepts; I have a fleet of spy ships and probes at my disposal, and my subordinates have been putting them to judicious use. We've been monitoring traffic in and out of the Kiryūin system, and one of our stealth scouts caught sight of a ship that matches the profile and energy signature of the craft that took Heero from Seniwa. It was confirmed to be making an approach for atmospheric entry to Kagato's citadel world."
Kiyone leaned forward. "How long ago was this?"
"The sighting was two days ago," Funaho answered, "Unfortunately, the report didn't reach me until last night. That craft has not been spotted since, nor has Ken-Ohki for that matter. Of course, there is always the possibility that Kagato has since had Heero transferred from the system aboard another vessel. At present, though, that seems unlikely."
Yosho inclined his head. "Knowing Kagato, he's likely hoping to make an impression on my grandson. He wouldn't resist the chance to try persuading him to shift allegiance; his ego would jump for joy at the chance to turn my own family against me."
"Lord Heero would never join with the likes of Kagato!" Ayeka snapped.
Yosho chuckled and raised a hand. "Fear not, Ayeka; I do not believe that my grandson would accept any such offer from him. I'm simply offering my guess as to what Kagato's planning based on my experience with him."
"It tracks with Kagato taking Heero alive rather than trying to assassinate him on Seniwa," Quatre pointed out, "He hasn't made any demands, which means he's not currently trying to use Heero as a hostage. I think him attempting to secure a defection is the logical assumption."
"Why, though?" asked Ryoko, her brow furrowing, "Heero's already fought against Kagato's forces, and he rejected the sales pitch that the guy made back at the first repository. Can Kagato really just not take a hint?"
"With his pride? Nope," Washu deadpanned, "It's working out in our favor, at least; it means Heero's still alive. Let's hope Kagato keeps trying to smooth talk him until we can make the rescue."
"How do we get in, though?" asked Kiyone, "This is the heart of Kagato's territory; it won't be undefended."
"You're quite right about that, Detective Makibi," said AIDA.
A flood of red dots appeared on the holographic star map as the artificial intelligence continued her briefing. "The Kiryūin star system is considered a prized holding by the aristocracy thanks to its abundance of ore deposits and other such resources. As a result, it has a thriving shipbuilding industry, including shipyards orbiting Kiryūin itself and around several of the star system's gas giants; the latter are situated there because many of the moons are rich in materials useful for such construction. That industry has translated into a powerful navy, and it operates in force here."
"For perspective," Funaho added, "the Kiryūin system's home defense fleet is nearly equal in size to the Second Fleet that you all have been working with since coming to Jurai. Its ships and fighter squadrons have regularly rotated out to border patrol and anti-piracy operations, and its commanders run tight drilling schedules. In short, it is not a force comprised of amateurs."
"It's not the only force that Kagato has at his command, either," AIDA elaborated, "The Kiryūin family is considered the chief overseer for not just their home system, but the broader sector of space surrounding it. The other aristocratic families operating in that territory subordinate their units to Kagato's, and what information is available suggests that they have pledged their loyalty to his cause."
"Jurai's overall military strength far outmatches them, though," Wufei pointed out, "Why not use that might and bring them to heel?"
"Because that would entail likely combat operations within Juraian space," Ayeka countered, "You must understand, Sir Wufei, that even all these centuries later, the scars of the Imperial Civil War still run deep in Jurai's cultural consciousness. My father was the reigning Emperor during that conflict, and if he were forced to deploy our military within the Empire's borders for battle with fellow Juraians, it would be seen as an admission of failure in the throne's authority. It would signal to the aristocracy that the Emperor, in now resorting to force within the Empire itself to maintain power, is in danger of or has already lost ruling legitimacy. The start of a second Imperial Civil War would essentially be the end of my father's reign, and perhaps that of our very dynasty."
"Even if you won the war?" asked Quatre.
Ayeka solemnly nodded. "Oh, yes. The Imperial Civil War was an unprecedented calamity, and it was only through ruthless use of the Array that the conflict ended with Father still holding the throne. The sheer shock and horror of that conflict combined with vast outpouring of relief at its conclusion and the hard work of reconstruction buried any thoughts of leadership change, along with a heavy dose of fear at what might befall those who openly uttered such sentiments. If a second such war broke out, it wouldn't matter if my family won it; our mandate to rule would be considered null and void. For allowing such a catastrophe to unfold, we may well deserve such a judgement."
"But that's not going to happen," Sasami pushed back, "We're going to stop a new war from starting, right?"
Ayeka gave her younger sister a weak smile. "Well… I'm afraid it's not that simple, Sasami."
"As long as the fighting remains outside Jurai's borders, we can keep the conflict from being officially declared the Second Imperial Civil War," Funaho explained, "Of course, it'll still very much be warfare for those poor souls tasked with doing the fighting. Still, distinctions such as these matter a great deal in the political arena."
"If such a conflict breaking out within the Empire would be enough to tarnish the Emperor's legitimacy, then doesn't that give Kagato an incentive to kick off the war?" Trowa inquired, "It seems like just starting fighting inside Imperial territory would give him what he wants."
"Not really," AIDA replied, "Kagato's forces are formidable, but they're completely outmatched in a straight-up fight. No use in starting a civil war if you know you're guaranteed to lose. That's why his plan hinges on taking the Array."
"The loss of legitimacy for our family would actually be mirrored on Kagato's side," Funaho elaborated, "Kagato would be known as the man who started the Second Imperial Civil War, permanently tarnishing his aspirations for the throne. Even if he won, his rule would not be stable. Taking the Array and forcing abdication by holding both the Empire of Jurai and the wider galaxy hostage is his only realistic play."
"So, that means he has just as much incentive as we do to keep any fighting outside Jurai's borders," Quatre surmised, "In a way, that works to our advantage. At the very least, it'll help us avoid major collateral damage."
"Small favors," Duo muttered.
"There'll be another favor working to our benefit," said Funaho, "Reports indicate that various task forces have been slipping out of the Kiryūin system these past few days. My sources believe they're gathering with other fleet units loyal to Kagato in one of the border systems."
"The forces gathering there would be those Kagato intends to raid the third repository with?" Trowa ventured.
Funaho nodded. "That's our conclusion. Our own forces are already mobilizing. The Second, Fifth, and Eighth Fleets will be standing by for word of our rescue operation's success. Once you have retrieved Heero and returned to the Suzume, this ship and her escorts will rendezvous with the assembled armada, and you'll be off to the third repository."
"Out of the frying pan and into the fire," Wufei muttered.
"Seniwa's fleet will be joining us for that operation?" Quatre surmised.
Funaho smiled. "The force President Moriko is organizing consists of the Domain's Third Fleet, one of their most experienced expeditionary units. Additional battle groups from the Domain's Fourth and Sixth Fleets will be joining the operation as reserves. My understanding is that their commanding officer will place them just outside the third repository's star system so that they may be called in when needed."
"That'll be an impressive force," Kiyone remarked, "I've seen Seniwa's Third Fleet in action before against pirates. They can match the finest ships and crews in Jurai."
Mihoshi smiled. "Great-grandmother's making sure that we'll have the best of the best backing us up."
Ryoko chuckled. "Glad they're on our side."
Ayeka cleared her throat. "Their help will be invaluable, but let's not underestimate our foe. Kagato's retainers and allies will be no slouches on the battlefield, and their warships are top of the line. It won't be an easy fight."
"Juraian on Juraian… what a tragedy," Azaka lamented.
"All for a traitorous cadet branch royal's petty ambitions!" Kamidake fumed.
"Meow…" Ryo-Ohki whined mournfully.
Funaho sighed. "It cannot be helped. Kagato and his followers have made their decision. They'll have to live with the consequences."
"More like die with them," Duo deadpanned.
"It's such a waste," Hilde lamented.
"How awful…" Sasami murmured.
Washu let out a heavy exhalation. "It was always going to come down to this. If Kagato cared about how many people would have to die for the sake of his goals, he wouldn't be after the Array in the first place. All we can do is beat him decisively and make the deaths count for something."
"At least he didn't manage to secure Seniwan cooperation beyond Heero's abduction," Wufei pointed out, "That would've made his forces even more formidable."
"Plus, they don't have travel rights through Domain space like we do," Trowa added, "Even if Kagato's fleet leaves first, our agreement with Seniwa means we can traverse their territory on our way to the third repository after saving Heero. We'll reach the target well before Kagato does."
"That's been bothering me, actually," Quatre chimed in, "The past two repositories required Washu's biometric data to access, so we can assume the same holds true for the third. The only reason Kagato was able to get that data is because we opened the door for him. Wouldn't it actually be better for us if he got there first this time? We could hammer his fleet against the repository's defenses, then get the data after we've dealt with him. If we're lucky, we could even trap him within the repository itself; if he goes all the way down to the data center, he'd corner himself. All we'd have to do is cut off his escape route, then besiege him and take him down with overwhelming force."
"It would beat us having to carve our way through the repository's defenses like the last two times," Kiyone noted, "Kagato's forces would be weakened before we even arrived."
Washu shook her head. "I get the reasoning, but it's not a good idea. Yes, Kagato's relied on me accessing the data so he could then steal it from my mind, but he wouldn't rely on a single method for something this important. He could have a way to replicate my biometric data and fool the repository's security systems. I know us getting there first means plowing through the defenses the hard way, but we really don't want to risk Kagato beating us there and escaping with the data. Remember, after accessing the data, the repository begins the self-destruct countdown; if he got there early enough and then exfiltrated, we could arrive to find nothing but ruins and a cold trail."
"This one's more important than the two that came before," Trowa remarked, "It's the one that shows the way to the control center, right?"
Washu nodded. "The control center and the Array's weapons are all outside the galactic rim. In order to reach the control center after purging the coordinates from my mind, I constructed a hyperspace portal called the Gate of the Arbiters. It has a single destination programmed into it; the Array control center itself. Without finding the Gate, reaching the control center is impossible."
Duo sighed. "I'm assuming the Gate is absurdly heavily defended as well?"
"I can't say for certain without the third repository's data," Washu admitted, "but given how much work I wound up putting into protecting my creations so far, assuming the Gate has similar or greater levels of protection would be wise."
"That's all for the future," Funaho chimed in, seeking to get things back on track, "For now, our chief concern is Kagato's defenses in the Kiryūin system."
"As more ships leave the system and rendezvous with Kagato's expeditionary fleet, gaps will grow in local patrol patterns," AIDA noted, "However, there will likely still be sufficient enemy presence as to detect us should we make a conventional approach. Arriving with the carrier and her escorts would not be prudent."
"Then how do we get to the planet without alerting the defense fleet?" asked Ryoko, looking back and forth between Funaho and Washu, "You have a plan for that, right?"
Funaho smiled before turning to AIDA. "Yes, we do."
The holo-projector flashed, and the map of the Kiryūin star system was replaced with the image of a wedge-shaped starship. Sleek and smooth, it had gracefully rounded edges and a slightly bulbous dorsal surface which eventually flattened out towards the rear.
"First Empress Funaho was gracious enough to grant me access to the schematics for one of Jurai's very fancy top-secret ships," AIDA elaborated, "This is the Yotaka, the latest in a line of stealth craft developed by Juraian Intelligence for infiltration and observation missions. 35 meters in length, she's equipped with a full-spectrum cloaking device, much like Duo's fighter and the craft Nagi used to escape the Seniwa Domain. The cloaking device can remain activated for a total of fourteen hours before it must be shut down for heat venting. While I would highly advise avoiding any combat during that stage, she is equipped with heavy shielding, so she can at least take hits. Weapons consist of a twin plasma cannon turret concealed in the bow, a pop-up twin turret in the upper hull and another along the ventral surface, and two vertical launch micro-missile systems with 25 cells each. I must stress, though, that all these weapons would only be useful against fighters and other small craft, and should only be employed if escape under fire is required."
"AIDA is correct," Funaho concurred, "The Yotaka is the crowning glory of Juraian stealth technology, but she is not meant for combat. In addition to the cloaking field, we've developed a unique engine baffling system that muffles the sounds of her thrusters, which will prove quite useful once you're in atmosphere."
Duo grinned. "We can park her right over the target without Kagato having a clue. Nice!"
"Sounds like she's got some very impressive technology," Hilde remarked, "I can't wait to see what's under her hood."
Funaho chuckled. "While I'm sure her creators would appreciate the sentiment, I must insist that you refrain from any attempts at studying the ship's technology. This is a highly classified vessel for a reason, Hilde."
Hilde hastily inclined her head. "Oh, of course. Forgive me, Empress."
Funaho gently smiled. "As long as we're clear on that."
"What conditions will we be dealing with once we're in atmosphere?" asked Trowa.
"Kiryūin is a rather cold planet," AIDA answered, "Not nearly to the same degree as Seniwa, but it's still chilly. On top of that, Kagato's private residence is nestled in the mountains. Expect snowfall and potentially heavy wind. Currently available meteorological data does not show any major storms forming, but sudden blizzards are not unheard of this time of year."
Washu smiled smugly. "Good thing I made sure your guys' armor could handle cold environments. Thank me now or later; totally up to you."
"Not a humble one, are you?" Wufei quipped.
Washu grinned and put her hands on her hips. "Well, I'm only the greatest scientific genius in the universe!"
Wufei rolled his eyes. "Thanks for proving my point."
"What can we expect for opposition on the ground?" asked Quatre.
AIDA winced. "That's… difficult to say."
The holo-projector flashed again, this time replacing the Yotaka with a map of Kagato's estate. Ryoko studied the mansion set into the mountainside and the expansive front grounds of the estate, and she immediately realized AIDA's issue.
"There aren't any obvious defenses," Ryoko pointed out, "I'm seeing a big, fancy house with a front lawn, but not what's guarding it."
"Precisely the problem," AIDA remarked, "At first glance, the estate itself appears undefended. We know that there's a climate regulation field thanks to the disruption in inclement weather around the mansion, but nothing else. That is concerning."
"Plenty of places to conceal weapons," Trowa observed, "The surrounding mountains could house hidden anti-air emplacements."
"We should assume that Kagato's turned the entire region into a redoubt," Quatre added, "I wouldn't be surprised if the estate grounds have hordes of combat drones tucked away under the surface."
Washu nodded. "It's best to treat Kagato's mansion as if it were one of the repositories we've raided, just on a smaller scale. His work in the field of combat automata could easily rival mine."
"He could have living guards, too," Duo pointed out, "Loyal soldiers or mercenaries. He's loaded, after all."
"Nagi's probably there," Ryoko growled.
"Along with those assassin twins," Hilde chimed in, "We haven't seen them since the second repository; the estate's as good a place as any to run into them."
"Living or mechanical, it changes nothing," Kiyone stated, "We'll deal with them just as we have all our enemies so far."
"Will Kiyone and I be with the ground team this time?" Mihoshi asked, "For the repository raids, the two of us were always piloting the Yagami."
"The Yotaka has her own dedicated crew," Funaho replied with a smile, "They'll handle the ship, so you and your partner can join the ground action this time."
Ryoko saw Mihoshi shudder, though there was a determined look in her eyes. "Okay… we'll be ready."
Ryoko reached over and patted Mihoshi on the shoulder. "You and Kiyone just need to watch our backs; leave the tough guys to the rest of us."
Kiyone folded her arms. "Don't think we can take care of ourselves? We'll prove you wrong, Ryoko."
Ryoko smirked at the Detective. "Don't come crying to me if you bite off more than you can chew."
"You can always hide behind us," Azaka offered.
"We will be stalwart defenders to you and Princess Ayeka," Kamidake declared.
Mihoshi smiled sheepishly. "I might take you up on that."
Funaho sighed as she looked at Ayeka. "I can't talk you out of being part of the ground team, then?"
Ayeka firmly met the First Empress's gaze. "You cannot, Lady Funaho."
Funaho smiled and inclined her head in concession. "You inherited His Majesty's stubbornness. He'd be proud of you. He'll be worried sick, but he'll be proud just the same."
"I'm coming, too!" Sasami declared, "You won't keep me here!"
Ayeka's eyes widened in dread as she turned to her sister. "Sasami, be reasonable! Your powers have not developed enough to protect you in a combat situation!"
"She's right, kid," Ryoko chimed in, "I like your spirit, but you're just no good in a fight. Besides, I'd feel like crap if something happened to you while you were down there with us."
Ayeka's head snapped around, looking Ryoko as if the pirate had just declared herself a saint. "You're actually agreeing with me?"
Ryoko shrugged. "Well, yeah. Sasami's not a fighter; that's obvious to everyone."
"I think Hell just froze over," Hilde muttered.
"But I don't want to stay behind!" Sasami protested, "What if you need me to distract Tokimi like back at the second repository?"
"You weren't distracting her; you were merely helping Washu confirm her involvement," Yosho countered, "Now that we know her hand is at work here, that is no longer necessary."
Washu stroked her chin in thought. "Hold on, now. She might be onto something here."
Funaho rounded on Washu, her eyes smoldering in fury. "Absolutely not!"
The First Empress was hardly alone; Ayeka likewise was ablaze with ire. "You go too far, Washu!"
"Sasami has no place in the fighting with us," Trowa declared, the normally-stoic young man fixing Washu with a fierce glare.
Washu raised her hands. "Whoa, easy there! I'm not saying she actually join the ground team or fight. She wouldn't have to be in the line of fire to help out here."
"What exactly do you have in mind?" Quatre asked with more than a hint of concern.
"She wouldn't have to leave the Yotaka," Washu quickly elaborated, "and I'd be right there with her; you guys wouldn't need me as part of the ground team."
"What if we have to hack through Kagato's security systems?" Wufei pointed out.
"AIDA can help you out with that," Washu answered, "Any of your armor systems can support her, just like Heero's."
"That's getting ahead of things," Yosho cut in, "Let's back up to what role you think Sasami would have in this operation to begin with."
Ayeka was aghast. "Lord Yosho, you cannot be seriously entertaining her here!"
Funaho gave her son a rare disapproving scowl. "Yosho…"
"I simply wish to hear Washu out," Yosho replied, "No more, no less. This is a strategy meeting, is it not? Ideas should be voiced and debated in good faith before dismissal or approval."
Funaho took a deep breath before looking at Washu again. "Very well, then. Proceed, Washu… and pick your words carefully."
Washu inclined her head towards the First Empress before addressing the group. "When we first confirmed that Tokimi was involved with Kagato's plot, I expected her to take a back seat and influence events from behind the scenes. It's how she's operated for millennia. However, Heero's abduction was a radical change; she personally joined Nagi in the field and got her hands dirty."
"More like her head," Ryoko grumbled, painfully recalling how Tokimi had knocked her out.
"Which means you should appreciate the threat she poses better than most of us," Washu remarked, "She destroyed your Key and then took you out quickly, and you're one of our most powerful frontline fighters. I've already got another Key in the works for you, but Tokimi can destroy that one just as easily. Anyway, my point with all of this is that she's incredibly dangerous in a straight-up fight. If she's present at the estate when we go in, she'll make life hell for us. Worst case scenario, she fights alongside Kagato, Ragyō, and Nagi, and we all lose."
Ryoko saw Quatre's eyes widen in realization. "You want to use Sasami as a distraction for her."
Washu smiled. "By Sasami, we're actually talking about Tsunami here. Tokimi responded when Tsunami and I reached out to her back at the second repository. I think we could prompt a similar response from her here."
"And if she focuses on you two, she won't be focused on us," Duo chimed in, "We might still have to fight her, but if her concentration isn't totally on the fight, we'd have a chance against her."
"A chance to do what, though?" Wufei cut in, giving Washu a hard look, "Sorry if this is an uncomfortable question, but it needs to be asked; can anything actually kill a Chousin?"
Washu began fidgeting awkwardly. "I was wondering when we'd reach this point. Truth is… I don't know. It's never been something I tried to test, for obvious reasons."
"Then we can consider this mission to be an experiment," said Trowa, "If we find Tokimi, we concentrate all fire on her and see what happens."
Washu winced. "Brute force isn't going to cut it."
"We have to start somewhere," Wufei quipped.
Washu shook her head. "No, you don't understand. While I've never set out to deliberately test what can kill my kind, I've accidentally found several things that can't kill my kind. I've been on your plane of reality for a long time, and my research isn't exactly what you all would call safe and family friendly. There have been mistakes, often catastrophic ones, that would have killed a mortal but just slightly inconvenienced me. Actually, that's not completely accurate. It's be better to say that the physical deaths they've caused me were inconvenient."
Ryoko saw Quatre blink rapidly as he processed the implications. "Wait… you've died before?"
Washu placed a hand to her chest. "This body is a physical capsule, a shell. A highly functional one, but just a vessel at the end of the day. Chousin, in our true forms, aren't flesh and blood beings as you understand. If I were to come before you in my original state, you wouldn't perceive a body. At best, the most you'd make out would be energy visual to you as light. Only someone with power like ours or the potential to surpass us, like Heero or Kagato, could perceive our true essence in that state. Remember, my kind come from a plane of reality beyond three-dimensional space-time. Death of the physical shell simply sends a Chousin back to our home plane. We undergo a brief recovery period before finding or creating a new vessel should we seek to return to the physical universe. It's why the Galactic Institution of Science imprisoned me in that stasis pod Heero and the rest of you found on Earth rather than execute me after they had their farce of a trial. Those old windbags didn't know exactly what I am, but my reputation for miraculously recovering from experimental disasters that would've killed anyone else convinced them that permanent confinement was their only realistic means of punishing me. Much as I hate to give those pricks any bit of credit, there were right on that one."
Hilde sighed. "In other words, the firepower we have isn't going to put Tokimi down for good. At best, it sends her back to her home plane for a bit."
"That might be enough for the purpose of our mission," Kiyone pointed out, "We're not seeking to kill Tokimi; our objective is to save Heero. Tokimi's an obstacle, but if we can temporarily neutralize her, even if it's just for one operation, isn't that really all we need?"
"For the short term, perhaps," Ayeka said, ruefully shaking her head, "though it does mean we'll have to deal with her again in future engagements. Such a bother."
"Can our guns at least drop her for the short-term?" asked Duo.
"Good luck hitting her," Ryoko grumbled, "That bitch is faster than she looks."
"There's also two of her," Mihoshi chimed in, glancing at Ryoko, "I saw the child body, and you got attacked by the adult one."
"That bit's interesting," Washu noted, scratching her chin, "I wonder how much control Tokimi exerts over both of her bodies..."
Quatre clasped his hands beneath his chin. "Is the child body just an extension of her will? If we take neutralize the adult form, would the smaller one go down, too?"
"Hard to say for sure," Washu confessed, "Tokimi could have her consciousness split evenly between both bodies, or one could be her 'main' form while the other's a proxy. If it's the latter, taking down one should deal with the other. If not… well, probably best to take down both just to be safe."
"Are there any weapons or tools available to make that job easier?" Trowa inquired.
Washu slowly nodded. "I have something in mind; a side-project that's been on the backburner for a while now. I'll head back to my lab after the briefing and pull up the schematics. Should be able to get working versions of it in your hands before the mission starts."
Funaho arched an eyebrow. "That 'start' will be in less than two days' time. Even you have your limits."
Washu grinned. "Please; you've seen what I can build, and how quick I can work when I put my mind to it. Hand-held weapons are child's play for me. I'll have it whipped up and ready for action before you know it!"
Kiyone tilted her head. "You can whip something capable of neutralizing a Chousin that quickly?"
"Let's not oversell it here," Washu countered, "The project I'm thinking of won't be capable of killing Tokimi's bodies; it's meant as a stunning weapon. Against her, I can't guarantee the effect would last very long. Still, it'll weaken her, keep her down for a bit."
"Sounds like that's really the best we can ask for," Wufei muttered.
"So, assuming we can neutralize Tokimi long enough to keep her out of our hair, that still leaves Kagato and his sister to deal with, along with the assassin twins and possibly Nagi," Duo pointed out, "along with whatever guards or drone defenses are at the mansion. Once we make engage the enemy, I'm assuming we'll be on a countdown from that point forward. How bad's our time crunch here?"
"The mansion's isolated location works in our favor," AIDA replied, "It's quite removed from any major population centers, so there are no local security forces beyond those directly housed on Kagato's estate to worry about. That being said, the moment you're detected, a general alert will likely go out from the mansion to Kagato's military units. They're highly trained and have combat experience, so we can expect a quick response from orbital forces and aerial patrols in the outlying region. At best, I calculate 15 minutes from when the alert's sounded to the first reinforcements showing up."
Ayeka saw Trowa's gaze darken. "Not good."
Quatre concurred. "Fifteen minutes to find Heero, deal with whatever opposition's in our way, and get out before reinforcements swamp us. That's a small window, and a lot can go wrong."
"That just means we need to be really sneaky on the ground," Mihoshi countered, "You guys are good at that, right?"
"When we know what we're dealing with and have good prep time," Duo replied, "Problem is, if we're parking our getaway ship right over the mansion and dropping in, we'll pop up on any security cameras or scanners this place has as soon as we're outside."
"I suppose it's too much to ask for us to have security devices mapped out?" Wufei deadpanned.
AIDA hung her head in shame. "Unfortunately, the data at my disposal does not include the disposition of any active or passive sensors. It seems Kagato took extra steps to keep his security measures secret."
"There are ways to work around that," Funaho chimed in, "The Yotaka is equipped with an array of electronic warfare countermeasures and jamming devices. Among these is a specialized 'chaff rain' dispersal unit mounted in the ship's lower hull. To grossly oversimplify, the unit sprays a unique fine particulate matter capable of disrupting most known scanning devices over a wide area. In field tests and operational use, it has been proven capable of disabling such security implements for a period of ten minutes. Additionally, the vessel's capable of full or select spectrum communications jamming, so it can block distress signals from the estate for a time."
"Most useful for our predicament," Ayeka said with a cunning smile.
"It at least widens our operating window," Kiyone concurred, "Ten minutes of chaff coverage renders the external sensors inert, though any security staff or internal systems will notice the outage and investigate. Communications jamming can keep an alert from getting out, but a full spectrum jam would block our own comms, too. Select spectrum jamming would work for a while, but all the enemy would have to do is keep jumping frequencies until they find one that we're not covering."
"And there's still the security systems inside the mansion to deal with," Ryoko pointed out.
"I have something that can help there," Washu offered, "It's a similar system to the Yotaka's chaff rain, but with a few twists. Basically, it's a small launcher that I can fit to the shoulder of someone's armor. It fires what I call 'chaff burst' rounds; little projectiles that mess with security devices they detonate in close proximity to. There's a special targeting software and detection suite that I can install in your armor sets that'll sniff out cameras or other such devices. Once any devices have been picked up, the shoulder launchers will automatically target and fire on them once you give them a clear angle."
Duo rubbed his hands together. "Neat. You got enough for all of us?"
Washu smiled. "For any of you who actually wear my armor, yes."
"This is great!" Mihoshi cheered, "You and Empress Funaho have everything we need to solve our mission problems."
"Meow!" Ryo-Ohki heartily joined in.
Sasami was beaming. "We can do this!"
"Things definitely look better now than before," Trowa noted, "but we're not problem-free yet. We need an insertion point, and I don't think the front door's a good idea, especially since we don't know what Kagato might have hidden there."
"And this place is built into a mountainside," Wufei observed, "There's no backdoor for us to sneak in through."
"No, but there is a top door, so to speak," AIDA countered with a smirk, "Check this out."
The holo-projector zoomed in on the upper half of the mansion. From what Ryoko could see, most of the mansion's 'roof' was basically mountain rock with a section of white metal jutting out of it. However, it turned out that the rocky portion wasn't seamless; a metal dome with a gap that housed a long cylinder was set in the center of it.
Ryoko might not have been nearly as scientifically-minded as her mother, but even she could immediately tell what she was looking at. "That's an observatory telescope, right?"
"Correct," Washu confirmed, "Stargazing's always been a hobby of Kagato's, so it's no surprise that his private estate's equipped to accommodate it. There are worse ways to pass the time, but here, it's a vulnerability."
A small scarlet circle appeared next to the dome as AIDA continued. "There's a maintenance shaft built here to allow topside access. That's our best entry point. Ryoko can use her powers to phase through the roof and check for opposition in the observatory itself. Once she gives the all clear, whoever has me in their armor can give me access to the shaft, and I'll hack it open."
Ryoko grinned. "I could hack it open literally and save you some time."
AIDA shook her head. "Not a good idea. While your self-projected energy sword or the replacement Key Washu's making for you could probably accomplish that task, such a brute force entry would almost certainly trigger intrusion alarms. Overriding the security systems better suits our mission."
Ryoko shrugged. "Well, in that case, why don't I just unlock it from the inside and save you the hack?"
"Knowing Kagato, he's probably installed electronic passkey locks or something similar inside," said Washu, "It's not going to be like an Earth door where you just turn a knob or switch to unlock it."
Ryoko slumped down in her seat. "Oh. So much for me being useful."
Ayeka rolled her eyes. "Enough with that attitude. You already have a use as the first eyes inside, and I'm sure there will be plenty of fun for you when we inevitably encounter resistance. Your taste for brutish violence will undoubtedly be satisfied soon enough."
Ryoko chuckled. "Well, as long as I get to have some fun."
Funaho folded her arms. "I appreciate your bravado, Ryoko, but this mission isn't meant for fun. My great-grandson and the prince you are sworn to protect is counting on us. I trust you haven't forgotten that, right?"
Ryoko bristled, though she knew Funaho was correct. "I haven't."
Funaho smiled and inclined her head. "Good."
"Who's going to have AIDA with them?" asked Kiyone.
"It should be whoever we designate as the ground team leader," Washu suggested, "since AIDA's functionality makes her invaluable for supporting a commander. In past operations, that role's been Heero's. Anyone here think they're up to filling those shoes?"
"Easy," said Duo as he turned to Quatre, "You're up, buddy."
Quatre's eyes widened slightly. "You're sure?"
Duo grinned. "Come on; who else did you think we'd want?"
"You've led us in battle as a team before," Trowa stated, "and you did so quite well. You're the natural pick."
"He's right," Wufei chimed in, "It was always going to be you, Quatre. I think you knew that."
Quatre looked around. "I guess I did, but I didn't want to be presumptuous. Still, is everyone else okay with that?"
Ayeka smiled and inclined her head. "I have full faith in your leadership, Quatre."
"I'm good with you taking charge," Ryoko confirmed.
"I don't have any fireteam command experience," said Kiyone, "You give the orders, Quatre, and I'll follow."
"Same here!" Mihoshi chirped.
Quatre took a deep breath before nodding. "Alright, then."
"I'll give you AIDA's chip before the operation starts," Washu said, "Your armor's transmitters should let her wirelessly access the estate's systems. If that doesn't work, she can use your sensors to trace electricity running through the mansion and find manual access points. Either way, she'll have you covered."
The blue holographic pixy curtseyed in his direction. "I look forward to working with you, Quatre. Rest assured that you will not be disappointed in my capabilities."
Quatre smiled. "Well, you never let Heero down, so I know that I'm in good hands."
"Kagato will not take our intrusion lying down," Yosho cautioned, "As soon as his security systems are compromised, I doubt it will take him long to suspect our involvement. We'll need to move as quickly as possible; we cannot afford protracted battles with him or his retainers."
Funaho nodded. "My son is correct. While I certainly wouldn't complain if any of you managed to eliminate Kagato, his sister or any of their core supporters during this operation, the top priority is rescuing Heero. Once you have him, exfiltrate immediately. We can contend with Kagato on the battlefield."
Duo stretched his arms, cracking his knuckles. "Works for me. One job at a time."
Funaho then turned to Sasami, fresh worry in her eyes. "I really wish you would reconsider going with them, Sasami. Your father and mother will be worried sick about you, as will I."
Sasami briefly looked down, perhaps in shame, but her head raised with resolve quickly. "I'm sorry, but I won't change my mind. If there's any way I can help them, I will."
Funaho sighed before gracing the younger princess with a weak smile. "If you're truly determined, then none of us have the right to stop you."
"Once you've retrieved Heero and exfiltrated," AIDA cut in, "the Yotaka will take you to the designated rendezvous point with the Suzume and her flotilla. From there, you'll proceed to link up with the fleet and will be off to the third repository. I'm afraid you won't have much time to rest between operations."
"Good thing we're used to that," Trowa remarked.
"It'll be rough," Hilde said, "but we can handle it."
Washu clapped her hands together. "Then let's get started. I want all of you to meet me in my lab after the briefing. You'll need to familiarize yourself with the new equipment I'll be giving you for this mission. The sooner you know how these babies work, the better!"
….
April 6th, A.C. 199
"He's stalling," Kagato muttered under his breath, idly eying the contents of his teacup but not yet parting in them.
Across the table from him, Tokimi chuckled from behind her raised cup. "Of course, he is. You didn't think a few days of spirited debate alone would win him over, did you?"
"I had my hopes," Kagato grumbled, shifting his gaze towards the window.
The cadet branch royal and his divine ally were sharing their drinks in one of the mansion's upper lounge rooms. Their table offered a splendid view of the estate's front grounds, even more so as sunlight filtered through a rare break in the grey clouds above. Kagato was quite fond of the vista, though today the lovely sight was not enough to offset his frustrated brooding.
"He's Yosho's grandson through and through," Tokimi noted, "stubbornness included."
Kagato could not resist a chuckle despite his agitation. "Very true. Much as I might lament my lack of progress with him… I confess, these verbal sparrings of ours do bring my younger days to mind. Perhaps I should join my sister in the arena with him to capture the full nostalgic experience."
"She might object to you cutting in on her fun," Tokimi remarked, "I haven't seen her this happy since you returned from the second repository."
Kagato smiled. "She is so enjoying her new toy."
Tokimi's brow furrowed in disapproval. "That toy is your rival candidate. Take him lightly at your peril."
Kagato raised an eyebrow. "And here I thought that you were certain I'm the one your kind's been looking for."
"I said you have the greatest potential," Tokimi clarified, "I still believe that to be the case, but that is not a guarantee. This may come as a surprise to you, but I have been wrong before."
"Should I be concerned?" asked Kagato.
Tokimi held his gaze. "Only if you lack the will to see this through to the end… whatever that end might be."
Kagato closed his eyes for a moment. "In other words, accept the possibility that the boy may indeed be my match. For anyone else, I'd be indignant at the very notion. Seeing as he's Yosho's heir, though… I suppose if I had to have a rival for this lofty perch you say I hold, I can be at peace with it being him."
When he eventually opened his eyes, Kagato saw that Tokimi had a proud smile on her face. "As it should be."
Kagato studied her. "Was that supposed to be a test?"
"From the moment you accepted my backing, everything you've said and done has been a test," Tokimi declared, "You've known as much from the beginning."
Kagato inclined his head before taking a sip of his tea. "True. I suppose I've lived with that knowledge for long enough that it became a background fact, one I nearly forgot. How careless of me. The manner in which I deal with my rival here is also a test, then."
"The most important one," Tokimi confirmed, "The mantle will only be conferred when you and he face each other at the peak of your respective power. Only then will we have our answer."
"Hence why you're so supportive of my sister's sparring matches with him," Kagato said, "From what she's told me, he grows stronger with each fight. I wouldn't be surprised if he awakens another pair of Light Hawk Wings before long."
"Nor would I," Tokimi replied, "That would bring him to parity with you. Added incentive for you to take the next step."
Kagato's brow twitched. "You say that as though I haven't been trying to for years now."
Tokimi held up a hand in a placating gesture. "I do not wish to besmirch your efforts. Your sister and I have both been working to help you awaken the final pair so that you may prove once and for all your supreme status. No one ever said that last step would be an easy one."
While Kagato appreciated her words, they did not quell the disquiet taking hold within. "Months ago, that boy didn't even know his bloodline's Juraian royalty, and now look at him. He's tied my sister for Light Hawk Wings, and he's proving to be a very fast learner in wielding them. Far faster than I was."
"As I said before," Tokimi reiterated, "that should be added incentive for you to redouble your efforts."
Kagato rolled his eyes. "I don't have as much time for training as I once did. Waging an undeclared war against the Emperor is demanding work."
"You had the luxury of waiting longer before commencing this campaign in earnest," Tokimi argued.
Kagato quirked an eyebrow. "Funny, that wasn't the impression I got from you when you first approached me. I recall a sense of urgency back then."
"Urgency in that I sought for you to forge your power and begin gathering allies," Tokimi countered, "You didn't have to act openly when you did."
"The discovery of Washu on Earth was a golden opportunity," Kagato pointed out, "You said so yourself. We had no way of knowing how long she would remain on that planet. We had to strike."
"We had to act," Tokimi corrected, "There were other ways to do so. Given the relatively primitive status of the world she was on, it would've been a simple matter to place covert observational assets. You could've monitored her from afar while continuing to build your strength, biding your time until preparations were further along. I have only advised you since our partnership commenced; all the decisions made have been yours. That very much includes you ordering Nagi and the assassins to make their move on Earth."
Kagato considered arguing, but thought better of it. "Events would've been set in motion sooner or later. We struck while the iron was hot. Nothing for it now but to see things through."
That seemed to satisfy Tokimi. "Speaking of setting events into motion, I understand that your forces are nearly ready."
Kagato nodded. "We don't have a travel agreement with Seniwa, so we'll be taking the long way around. Best to set off early."
"You could still cut through the Domain's territory," Tokimi suggested, "The lightspeed route would only require a single reversion point within Seniwa space, and it wouldn't take long to calculate the next jump and be on your way. You'd be in and out before the Domain's military could muster a response."
"That's true," Kagato conceded, "but trespass by my fleet, even if briefly, would carry repercussions."
"You've already provoked the Domain by subverting a faction of its ruling family and staging an abduction on their capital world," Tokimi pointed out, "Repercussions are coming regardless of what further actions you take now."
"Yes, but there's a difference between having a bounty hunter and an associate infiltrate the capital to abduct a guest of the ruling family versus violating their territory with my fleet," Kagato countered, "The first is an offense to the Kuramitsu Clan and President Moriko's prestige. The second is a potential act of war."
"The Domain is already preparing for war," Tokimi reminded him, "I believe your information sources within Seniwa mentioned them marshalling their fleets."
Kagato grimaced. "Yes… much faster than I had anticipated. It seems President Moriko is determined to enter full alliance with the Royal Family regardless of her prized couple's status."
"Then you have nothing to lose by acting boldly," Tokimi pressed.
"Not necessarily," Kagato cautioned, "I do have hopes of smoothing over relations with the Domain in the future. Compounding a prior offense with a greater one will make that rather difficult."
"You'll have the Array by then," Tokimi said, "They would risk their entire population in opposing you at that point."
Kagato initially wanted to argue before pausing to consider her point. Up until now, he'd carried out his maneuvering with regards to the Seniwa Domain as an extension of his typical political practices; seeking out allies while trying to minimize the risk of alienating other actors. Much as he'd done within Jurai's political arena, Kagato's intentions towards Seniwa up until now had been to spread influence and position himself to take advantage of opportunities while keeping a wary eye on his confirmed adversaries, dancing around them without making a move to openly challenge until his powerbase was stronger.
Now, though, with the third repository on the horizon, the situation was rapidly escalating. Jurai was all but guaranteed to meet his expeditionary force in open combat, and this time he wouldn't be throwing hired outlaws at them. This would be an open battle between two Juraian armadas… and likely supporting Seniwa forces if the latest intelligence reports were accurate.
"I had hoped to take a more velvet-glove approach with the Domain," Kagato eventually replied, "While the Array will be crucial for seizing power within Jurai, threatening Seniwa with it is perhaps more ham-fisted than I would like."
Tokimi arched an eyebrow. "And threatening Jurai itself with the Array isn't? Bear in mind that the Array is not just your instrument for dethroning the current ruling family; it is the means through which you will force the wider galaxy to finally evolve. Your planned reforms will be backed by its might, implicitly or otherwise. To pretend otherwise is folly."
"It is one thing for me to threaten Jurai with the Array," Kagato remarked, "Commissioning the weapon and ordering its use to end the Imperial Civil War is the reigning Emperor's greatest sin; why else did he subsequently shroud its existence in secrecy and propagate falsehoods about how the conflict ended? There's poetic irony in using the same weapon to dethrone him and take over his precious empire. Openly extorting other nations in the galaxy with it, though… there's only so much loyalty one can command at gunpoint."
"There's a difference between conventional weaponry and the Array," Tokimi shot back, "Fleets and armies can be opposed, but the Array is a device against which there is no defense. You may prefer a more diplomatic approach, and it is wise to incorporate such methods where appropriate, but at the end of the day, your power very much will flow from the point of a gun. The largest gun in the history of the universe."
Kagato inclined his head. "I suppose there's no escaping that… and I might as well take full advantage of it. It's one thing to resist a normal military force, even ones as powerful as those at the command of Jurai and Seniwa. It's another matter entirely to decide that one will stand against a weapon capable of wiping out all life on their homeworld with a single shot, and the Array can target far more than just one world at a time."
Tokimi smiled. "Exactly. The time for deft maneuvering and a silver tongue is over. Act boldly, advance on the third repository, and take the next step towards achieving your destiny."
Kagato scratched his chin. "My force will be ready to depart within the next day or so, thought it might be wise to accelerate that timetable. We can get there before the Emperor's armada… but that would leave us to contend with Washu's defenses, and the good doctor spared no expense. No doubt, Admiral Fukunaga and her ilk are salivating at the prospect of catching us in a classic hammer-and-anvil. Arriving first may not be in our interests."
"I'll leave the tactical matters in your capable hands," Tokimi said as she rose, "There is another affair you must resolve before departure."
"My guest, you mean," Kagato surmised.
Tokimi nodded. "By all means, continue trying to win him over. I would be most intrigued to see what might happen should your entreaties finally sway him. However, I think we can both agree that he won't join your cause before you depart for the third repository, and it would be foolish to bring an unpredictable element along. What will you do?"
Kagato sighed in resignation. "It's unfortunate, but I suppose I'll have no choice but to restrain his powers again. I can then seal him in stasis until my return. Crude, but effective. My sister won't be happy with me putting him on ice, though."
"She'll understand the necessity of it," Tokimi reassured him.
Kagato smiled. "As long as I promise her that she'll eventually get to fight him again."
….
April 7th, A.C. 199
Been a very long time since I was last in this sector of space, Washu thought as she looked outside the Yotaka's cockpit, and it's as beautiful now as it was all those years ago.
Her falling out with Kagato aside, Washu still had a soft spot for his home star system. Its gas giants were a favorite of hers, with their complex networks of rings and moons providing wonderful settings in which she could conduct research, especially when it came to those icy satellites and the oceans teeming with fascinating lifeforms beneath their frozen outer shells. Kiryūin itself was a gem, its majestic mountains a precious shelter from the hustle and bustle of life in the galaxy's greatest power. How many times had she secluded herself in Kagato's alpine retreat when they'd first worked together, savoring the sublime vistas of the snowcapped peaks while studying? Oh, how memories of those days long gone wafted up to the forefront of her mind now, only to be banished by the bitter reminder of why they were here today.
Pity I had to come back like this, she mused, I won't even have time to enjoy the view.
It had been a tense flight in, but the Yotaka had cleared Kagato's home system defenses without issue. Monitoring the displays and viewport from one of the spare seats in the back of the cockpit, Washu had noticed that the various patrolling warship flotillas and fighter squadrons were sparser than the briefing had led them to believe. There was only reason Washu could think of for that; Kagato was still siphoning away units to employ on his repository expedition. It would make escape a bit easier, but whatever opposition they didn't face here would show its face at the third repository.
"Time to target?" Washu asked as the ship descended through the lower atmosphere.
The copilot, a green-eyed young woman with dark purple-black hair tied up in a bun, checked her display. "Twenty minutes until we reach the drop point."
"Two or three minutes if we include margin for error," the pilot, a raven-haired man with dark brown eyes, "Climate readings are showing snowfall and moderate gusts over the target region. Shouldn't be too big of a problem, but there's always the chance it intensifies."
Washu nodded. "I'll leave you to it."
She stood up and slipped out of the cockpit. Moving briskly through the main corridor, she went to the lower deck and entered the ship's ready room. With the exceptions of Yosho, Ayeka, the Royal Guardians, and Ryoko, everyone on the strike team was armored up and inspecting their gear. Heads turned as Washu came in, and two of the figures removed their helmets. One was Kiyone, her long dark blue-green hair tied back in a simple bun, while the other was Quatre.
"Update?" asked Kiyone.
"About twenty minutes until we reach your drop point," Washu announced.
"Still on schedule, then," Quatre noted.
Kiyone exhaled heavily. "So far, so good. Sure we didn't trip any alerts on our way in?"
Washu shook her head. "There wasn't any unusual activity that we observed from the patrols, and there were abnormal comms spikes. As far as I can tell, they don't know we're here."
Ayeka blew out a relieved sigh. "Thank Tsunami. Speaking of…"
Washu smiled reassuringly. "I checked up on Sasami a bit ago. She's lying down, preparing herself for Tsunami if she and I need to act. She'll be alright, Ayeka."
"She had better be," Azaka chimed in, "If she is harmed in any way, rest assured that the Emperor will hear of it!"
"His Majesty's undoubtedly tearing his hair out with worry as it is!" Kamidake fretted.
Ayeka looked askance at her protectors. "That is a rather unflattering image you paint of Father… though perhaps an accurate one in this case."
Washu tuned out the royal banter and looked at Quatre. "Everything good with you and AIDA?"
Quatre smiled. "She's been giving me a detailed rundown of her capabilities and how she can support us on the ground. Heero said she was handy, but I didn't realize she was this sophisticated. If you ask me, I say she's my favorite creation of yours. Well, tied with Ryoko and Ryo-Ohki, anyway."
"Aw, that's sweet of you!" AIDA chirped through the speakers in Quatre's armor.
Ryoko arched an eyebrow. "Wait, I'm tied with an AI?"
Quatre smirked and held up two fingers. "Her and Ryo-Ohki."
"Meow!" Ryo-Ohki cried out, looking happy just to mentioned.
Ryoko looked at her furry companion for a moment before shrugging. "Eh, good enough."
"You sure these things will do the trick with Tokimi?" Wufei asked as he hefted a large revolver-style magazine grenade launcher.
Washu's eyes gleamed as she gazed upon her latest handiwork. "They won't kill her, but they'll still give her a bad day."
The weapons, which had been given to Wufei, Trowa, and Duo in place of their usual armaments, were designed to fire specialized pulse grenades. When contacting a target or reaching a preset time after firing, the grenades would unleash an incredibly powerful wave of electric energy. The potency was such that it could kill an unprotected human or Juraian, but on a being such as Tokimi they would merely stun her for a brief time. As a bonus, the grenades would be quite useful in neutralizing automated defenses such as drones, though Quatre had already ordered that the rounds be prioritized for Tokimi. Unfortunately, seeing as the stun grenade launchers were quite heavy, it meant that the three humans only had their sidearms and knives, and a sword in Wufei's case, as backup weapons. Teamwork would be more important now than ever before to cover for those vulnerabilities.
"I wish we had more time to practice with these," Trowa remarked as he examined his grenade launcher, "The range in your lab is all well and good, but I'd prefer a more varied target environment for testing the ballistics."
Duo shrugged. "It can't be help. Just means we have to adapt on the fly."
"At least they have a wide blast radius," Wufei noted, "It'll be a bit easier to hit Tokimi."
"Assuming she doesn't get in close to us," Quatre cautioned, "We need to keep her at range no matter what."
"If she gets up close, leave her to me," Ryoko growled, her right hand hovering over the replacement Key Washu had built, "I know what to expect from her this time. She won't get the drop on me again."
Washu saw Ayeka's eyes narrow. "Don't think for a moment that you will have Tokimi all to yourself. After what she's done with Lord Heero, I intend to exact retribution from her in full."
"Easy there, you two," Hilde interjected, "Remember the mission; getting Heero out takes top priority. If we encounter Tokimi, we stun her and move on. We don't have time for you to play out revenge fantasies."
"Fine," Ryoko grumbled, "I'll keep focused."
Ayeka blew out a frustrated breath. "As you wish, Hilde."
"I'm more worried about these little things than the crazy goddess," Kiyone chimed in, gesturing to the small swiveling gun jutting out of her armor's right shoulder, "It worked well in the lab tests, but still… feels like it could just snap right off the armor if I fall or hit a wall the wrong way."
Mihoshi poked at the one on her armor set. "I really don't want to break it…"
Washu smiled. "Relax. I promise, they're sturdier than they look. You'd have to try to break it."
Ayeka shot a stern look at Mihoshi. "Do not take that as a challenge, Mihoshi."
Mihoshi threw up her hands. "I won't, I promise!"
Washu took a moment to survey the group. "You're ready, then?"
"As much as we can be for something like this," Quatre answered.
Washu looked at Ryoko, who smiled confidently. "We'll get Heero out of there, no matter what."
"And after that, it's off to stop Kagato!" Mihoshi cheerfully added.
Washu eventually nodded. "Alright, then. I'll be with Sasami. She'll be in her trance state, but Tsunami and I won't reach out to Tokimi until you explicitly request it. We might not be able to buy you much time, but we'll distract her the best we can. Be careful down there."
….
Crouched in the drop bay as a timer on the ceiling went down one second at a time, Ryoko took deep breaths to center herself. It was strange; the fight's she'd gone into before this mission had been far more dangerous, but she hadn't been nearly as anxious about those as she was with this one. The reason for that anxiety was obvious, of course. After all, in those past missions, she'd been fighting alongside Heero to stop their enemies from seizing the keys to the most powerful weapon in the galaxy. In this one, Heero himself was the objective; his safety and survival was in her hands.
I have to get this right, she silently vowed, I can't fail him again!
She looked up at the timer, the countdown entering its final stretch. The timing would be crucial. The Yotaka had just arrived over the target, and the chaff rain had begun to disperse. However, in the initial dispersion, there would be a brief delay period before the particles fell and spread far enough to have the intended effect. The timer in the drop bay was set to reach zero when optimal dispersion had been reached. After that, the bay would open, with Ryoko taking the lead.
Remember your role, she told herself, get to the observatory maintenance hatch, poke your head inside to check for guards and traps, then pull back and report to Quatre. Don't start the fight until the others are ready.
The timer hit zero a few moments later, and the floor panels in the center of the drop bay slid open. The air that came in wasn't nearly as cold as one might have expected for a mountain retreat; Kagato's climate control field was doing its job well. Still, there was a slight chill as Ryoko flung herself out of the bay and flew down towards the mansion's roof while the others came down on long black lines. If there had been any outside observers, it would've appeared to them as though those lines and the people coming down them had come from thin air, for the Yotaka itself was still invisible. Still, the drop bay opening represented a brief window of vulnerability for the stealth ship, and the instant everyone was on the roof, the lines were retracted at lightning speed, with the vessel sealing itself up a moment later.
Ryoko scurred towards the hatch, feeling quite small when compared to the imposing observatory dome and telescope next to it. Glancing back at Quatre, she saw Heero's friend briefly check to make sure everyone else had made it down and was in position before giving her a thumb's up. Sparks of crimson energy crackled along her fingertips as Ryoko prepared herself for the worst, and then she phased her head through the maintenance hatch.
Peeking inside, Ryoko found that she could not see much; beyond the hatch was a simple shaft and ladder. Checking to make sure that no cameras or other sensors were within the shaft itself, she slowly lowered herself. Eventually reaching the other end, she phased her head through a second hatch to examine the observatory itself. It was completely empty, dimly illuminated by a few lights left on a low setting.
Zipping back up the shaft, she popped back up on the roof and flashed Quatre a thumb's up. While she had been scouting out the observatory, the others had divided up into three prearranged teams. Team A was concentrated around Quatre, consisting of him, Ryoko, Trowa, Ayeka, and her two Royal Guardians. Team B was led by Wufei, backed up by Kiyone and Mihoshi. As for Team C, Duo was heading it up, supported by Hilde and Yosho.
Our three groups should be able to sweep the mansion before time runs out, Ryoko thought as she watched Quatre access the security panel for the outer hatch, letting AIDA do her thing, Heero, just hang in there…
…I promise I'll get you out of here!
….
"Accessing external lock… there we go!" AIDA chirped in Quatre's ears as the small security pad next to the roof hatch blinked green before the circular door slid aside. "Open Sesame."
Quatre held up an open palm, signaling for the others to hold. "What do you have for security sensors within the observatory?"
"One moment," AIDA replied, "Let's see… two cameras, both ceiling-mounted. Marking on your HUD now."
Two red dots appeared on the display, with Quatre's brow furrowing as he checked their positions. "Can Washu's toys target both before they see me?"
"Yes, but if you're the first one in the room, remember that the device can only engage one at a time," AIDA pointed out, "Make sure to give the shoulder-gun a good line of sight on the closest camera first; the one that is rotating to have the hatch in view. After that, there will be a one-second delay while the next round's chambered."
"Understood," Quatre acknowledged, "While I'm handling those, locate and mark as many other cameras within the mansion as you can, and narrow down Heero's location."
"Already working on it," AIDA reported, "Unfortunately, the counter intrusion software is hampering my progress. Kagato really did spare no expense here; the network's already compartmentalizing itself in response to my opening hack. I'll update the group's HUDs as I get through the partitions."
"Got anything on Kagato or his sister?" Quatre asked as he slid inside the shaft.
"Not yet," AIDA answered, "Believe me, if I do find them, you'll be the first to know."
Pausing his climb down just before the end of the shaft, Quatre took a second to double-check the locations of both cameras. Taking a deep breath, he then dropped into the observatory, making sure that Washu's little toy had a clear line of sight. There was a muted whistle as the small gun mounted on his right shoulder popped off its first round, then it swiveled and fired another barely a second later. Quatre saw a few tiny sparks fly from the cameras, but that was it.
"Did that really work?" he whispered.
"Yup!" AIDA happily chirped as both cameras went from red to dull grey on his HUD, "They're both out of action. See? Nothing to it."
Quatre allowed himself a small smile. "Guess you're right."
He signaled for the others to join him before heading towards the door. Crouching to the right side of the doorframe, he waited for the rest of Team A to form up on him while Teams B and C grouped up along the walls.
"I made further progress with the network," AIDA announced, "Marking cameras on the rest of this floor and the one immediately below now."
"Nice work," Quatre said as his HUD began lighting up with red markers, "Anything else?"
"Possibly," AIDA replied, "I have limited access to the mansion's power regulation system."
Quatre's eyes narrowed in thought. "Could you trigger a complete power outage?"
AIDA sighed. "Unfortunately, no; haven't gotten that far in yet. However, I am able to track where the mansion's generator is routing energy. It's helping me find more security sensors, so expect further updates to your HUD shortly. More importantly, I've found a room in the underground levels that's drawing a considerably greater amount of power than anything else in the mansion."
"What's that have to do with our mission?" Quatre inquired.
"Washu was considering numerous methods in which Kagato might be holding Heero prisoner," AIDA answered, "One of the most likely means she discussed with me was containment in a stasis field, similar to how she was sealed up on Earth. While stasis field technology has been prominent in the galaxy for thousands of years, it has remained incredibly power intensive despite considerable efforts to improve efficiency."
Quatre immediately connected the dots. "You think the energy draw to that underground room is from a stasis containment field. That's where Heero is."
"It is a likely possibility," AIDA confirmed, "though I must stress that 'likely' is not the same as certain. I will endeavor to further narrow down such possibilities as I progress through the network. For now, though, I would advise making that underground room a priority target. I'll designate it on your HUD map."
"Then that's where I'm going," Quatre replied before switching over to the wider group tactical channel, "Alright, slight revision to the plan. I'll take Team A to the west wing stairs and head to the sublevels. If they don't go that far, we'll take the lift. AIDA, be ready to hack it and keep it online for us. Team B, sweep the top floor and work your way down. Team C, take the east wing stairs straight to the ground floor, sweep that level and work your way back up. Meet up with Team B in the middle. If you find anything that points to Heero being nearby, report it immediately. Move out!"
….
Pistols at the ready, Mihoshi and Kiyone raced to keep up with Wufei as he swiftly moved through the hallway, the little gun on his shoulder firing off the occasional chaff round and eliciting a brief flash of sparks from whatever camera it had targeted. The trio had cleared every room along the corridor so far, and there was no sign of either Heero or any resistance. While Mihoshi was quite happy to avoid a fight, the complete lack of guards in Kagato's mansion so far was giving her the creeps.
"Where is everyone?" she whispered as she and Kiyone covered Wufei while he swept a guest room.
"Don't know," Kiyone muttered, "It's so weird. We should have hit something other than security sensors by now."
"This is the top floor," Wufei reminded them as he rushed back to the guest room door, "The enemy might have their sentries concentrated on the lower levels. They probably weren't expecting an aerial insertion. If there was one, they'd be counting on sensors to catch it so they could redeploy in time for intercept."
"And the Yotaka's a stealth craft with advanced jamming capabilities," Kiyone added while the trio swiftly moved on to the next room, "Not something Juraian forces are commonly associated with. Still, this is Kagato we're dealing with; isn't he supposed to be good at thinking outside the box?"
"Maybe he doesn't do that with his home defense?" Mihoshi chirped hopefully.
"I wouldn't bet on that," Wufei deadpanned.
After finding nothing on the top floor, the trio went to the west wing stairs and rushed down to the next level. Mihoshi and Kiyone waited while Wufei's shoulder-gun knocked out a security camera in the stairwell, then the three of them came out into a hallway similar to the one that they'd been in on the previous level.
Only this one was not empty.
"What the hell is that?" Kiyone whispered as the three of them immediately hid in a nearby doorway.
The thing that had prompted the hiding was a gleaming metallic sphere, perhaps half the height of an average human, rolling down the hallway in their direction. If Mihoshi had to guess, she'd peg it as either some strange sort of cleaning device or a security drone. Either way, she hoped that it hadn't spotted them.
That hope unfortunately turned out to be in vain, for the strange ball suddenly stopped and unfolded, turning into a six-legged mechanical monstrosity. The outer shell of the ball was now its curved back and arms, with three red eye-like sensors glowing on its head. Mounted on each of its arms were two six-barrel rotary guns, and they were already spinning up.
"Never mind!" Kiyone yelped as she leveled her pistol at the thing and opened fire.
Mihoshi joined her, sending orange-yellow bolts downrange. Their weapons, however, were nowhere near powerful enough to damage the drone, instead doing little more than leaving scorch marks on its plating. The drone's response was significantly more dangerous as its four rotary guns spewed streams of reddish-orange energy bolts at them, prompting the trio to dive back into what turned out to be a supply closet.
"That's not good," Mihoshi muttered.
"Agreed," Wufei remarked as he readied the pulse grenade launcher, "I was hoping to save this for Tokimi, but our hand's been forced. When I neutralize it, you two get up close and blow out its sensors."
"Copy that," Kiyone acknowledged.
They waited for the river of energy bolts coming from the drone's guns to die down, and there was a series of soft clicking sounds as the machine began marching down the hall towards their hiding place. Wufei leaned out and fired a grenade before immediately ducking right back into cover, and not a moment too soon. The air crackled with blue-white energy as the pulse grenade detonated, and despite her armor's protection Mihoshi still felt the hair on the back of her neck stand up.
"Mihoshi, now!" Kiyone ordered, already springing into action.
"Right!" Mihoshi acknowledged.
The two of them rushed out into the corridor and swiftly closed with the drone. Getting right up in its face, Mihoshi pressed her sidearm to the automaton's left sensor eye while Kiyone did the same to its left. The two women fired in unison, with Kiyone then following up her shot with one to the drone's third eye. The machine twitched as smoke and sparks spewed from its now-destroyed optical sensors, and Mihoshi saw the arms begin to flail about while the rotary beam guns started spinning up again.
"Uh oh," she murmured.
"Get back!" Wufei shouted.
The two cops did as he commanded, and Mihoshi saw that Wufei was already running straight towards them, pulse grenade launcher swapped for his sword. The curved blade's edge was gleaming with energy, and before the blinded drone could open fire Wufei carved into it with a graceful horizontal slash, cutting through the automaton's arms and body. The machine fell apart, its wreckage collapsing in a smoking heap on the floor.
"Nice work," Kiyone praised as she caught her breath.
"Same goes for you two," Wufei replied, already putting the sword away and hefting the grenade launcher again, "but don't celebrate yet. Round two's about to start."
Turning around, Mihoshi and Kiyone saw two more gleaming metallic orbs rolling down the corridor, rapidly approaching their location. The two Galaxy Police officers flattened themselves against a doorway and opened fire with their sidearms while Wufei sent another grenade downrange. There was another wave of energy as the device detonated, and all three rushed down the hallway to destroy the stunned targets before they could reboot their systems.
"Two used up already," Wufei grumbled after they'd administered the coup de grace, "Not good."
"I don't see any more of them coming," Kiyone noted as she looked up and down both ends of the corridor, "For now, anyway."
"Let's get moving before that changes," Mihoshi suggested.
"Agreed," Wufei said, "Clock's ticking."
….
"Son of a bitch!" Duo hissed as he, Hilde and Yosho sheltered in a doorway while three defense drones filled the hallway with energy bolts, "I hate these things!"
"Gonna need another grenade," Hilde chimed in as she leaned out to fire off a quick burst from her plasma rifle before ducking back into cover, "I can't even dent them."
Duo looked over his shoulder at Yosho. "Old man, you ready?"
The shrine keeper inclined his head, Master Key raised. "Of course."
"Alright, then," Duo murmured as he peeked out to judge the range, "They're close together, so just one should do. On my mark. Three… two… one… mark!"
He took aim and fired off a pulse grenade. Yosho was on the move the instant the round detonated, with Hilde hot on his heels. The bright blue blade of Yosho's Master Key flashed in a horizontal crescent, with the wide slash cutting down two of the stunned drones in the blink of an eye. The third found itself set upon by Hilde, who used her rifle to blow apart the drone's guns at point-blank range before Yosho whirled around and plunged his blade into the unit's core.
"Glad we have you on our team," Hilde remarked, glancing at Yosho's sword, "That thing really comes in handy against these drones."
"How fortunate for us that Kagato could not armor them against a Master Key," Yosho noted, "Precious few metals can provide sufficient resistance, and using them in bulk would be prohibitively expensive even for him."
"I'm less worried about the drones than I am about the man himself," Duo interjected, once again taking point and resuming their sweep of the ground floor, "We might have jammed the comms and messed with the security sensors, but stealth's been out the window ever since the drones showed up. There's still no sign of Kagato or any of his lackeys, though. I don't like it."
"Yeah, something's definitely wrong here," Hilde concurred as they began clearing rooms, the shoulder cannons of hers and Duo's armor periodically whistling as they sent disruption rounds into cameras, "You'd think Kagato and his sister would've responded by now. Nagi and Tokimi, too. We haven't seen them, though, and none of the other teams have reported sightings."
"And I have not sensed Kagato or his sister since our infiltration commenced," Yosho added with a furrowed brow, "I can't say that I'm looking forward to fighting him, but to not even pick up his energy… it's disturbing."
"What's it mean?" asked Hilde.
"Either Kagato and his entourage have found a way to mask their presence to beings such as myself," Yosho answered, "or that they're not here at all."
Not sure which one is worse, Duo thought, I'd rather not have to fight them when rescuing Heero's the mission, but if they're not here…
…then where the hell are they, and what are they up to?
….
Sitting on the side of the bed in one of the Yotaka's rather cramped cabins, Washu's gaze kept darting back and forth between Sasami and the console on the nearby desk. The former was lying flat on her back, ready for the goddess within to take control at any moment, while the latter was connected to the ship's bridge and the ground team, letting Washu keep tabs on the overall operation. Quatre and the others were moving swiftly; they'd already cleared half of the aboveground floors, with Team A moving underground while B and C dispatched security drones and continued their sweep.
A little more than five minutes in, she thought, nervously tapping her foot while looking at the timer, I was expecting action from Tokimi by now, but there's been nothing. No word on contact with Kagato or the rest of his inner circle, either.
Washu was torn. On the one hand, no news regarding Tokimi was good news; it meant she wasn't interfering in the operation. However, for the infiltration to go this long only to encounter security drones as opposition and nothing beyond rubbed her the wrong way. Yes, she had given the ground team means to disrupt sensors, and the Yotaka's electronic warfare measures were incredibly potent, but given the skirmishes between her friends and the drones already taking place, no action from Tokimi, Kagato, or any of their other principal foes was inexplicable.
She took a deep breath. The action she was contemplating went against the plan laid out prior to the operation's commencement, but Washu had a sinking feeling that events were already deviating. Something was wrong here, and at this point forcing the issue might be the only play Washu could make in order to uncover it.
"Screw it," she muttered, "If she's hiding, let's draw her out. Better than letting her lie in ambush."
Propping herself up on her elbows, Sasami looked at Washu and blinked. "Washu? What's wrong?"
"Change of plans," she declared, "Tokimi hasn't shown herself, and I have a bad feeling about it. We need to find her. You ready, Sasami?"
The younger princess hesitated before nodding. "I think so."
Washu offered what she hoped was a reassuring smile. "Remember, do it just like last time. Lay back, close your eyes, and clear your mind. Tsunami will take care of the rest."
Sasami inhaled deeply. "Okay."
As the princess followed her instructions, Washu left the bed and sat down on a meditation mat she'd brought here for this occasion. Sitting cross-legged with her palms up, she cautiously began calling upon the power required. She could sense Sasami's Juraian energy begin to pulse and fluctuate, and when the princess spoke again, the voice was hers, but the words were not.
"A concerning deviation, old friend," Tsunami stated, "I hope this is the right move."
Washu sighed. "That makes two of us. Have anything yet?"
There was a pause before Tsunami answered. "I sense energy below. Yosho, Ayeka, Ryoko, the others… even Heero. His is incredibly faint, but it most certainly is him."
Further support for the stasis field hypothesis I discussed with AIDA earlier, Washu mused, Heero being confined with such technology would result in a greatly reduced energy signature. Of course, this is Kagato we're dealing with; there's always the possibility that other suppression and confinement devices are at play.
"Stretch out further," Washu ordered, "Keep going until Tokimi responds."
Doing the same on her end, Washu's brow furrowed as sweat began building upon it. Her internal temperature was rapidly rising, and this was just from calling upon the smallest fraction of her power; the physical form she used for this plane of reality was more fragile than Washu had realized.
I might need to grow myself a new body after this, she thought, if only so I can exert more of my old strength. No… that'll take too long. This crisis will be resolved one way or the other well before a sufficiently resilient body is ready. I'll just have to power through this.
She began gritting her teeth together in mounting frustration. "Still nothing. Tsunami?"
"I'm checking both this plane and the higher one," Tsunami replied, a note of concern creeping into her voice, "Washu… she may not be here. None of them might."
The gathering sweat began dripping down Washu's face. "Already on their way to the third repository?"
"Possibly," Tsunami said, "I'll try to reach beyond this system. Please keep your efforts focused on this planet."
Washu had concerns. "Can Sasami take you exerting your power that much?"
"She can," Tsunami confirmed, "though she'll require a longer resting period. She says that she accepts the risk. Do you?"
Washu clenched her jaw. "Her family won't be happy, but Sasami understands the potential consequences, then that's enough. She wanted to get into the danger with us; she knows what she's asking for."
"Indeed, she does," Tsunami replied.
A few seconds passed, and Washu sensed a not-insignificant spike in energy coming from Sasami and Tsunami. Opening one eye, she saw that the princess was aglow with pale sea-green light, and the girl had a flood of sweat flowing down from her head.
Naturally, it did nothing to ease Washu's fears. "Tsunami?"
"I promise you, Sasami will be fine," her fellow goddess answered, "Focus on your task, old friend, and I will focus on mine."
Washu returned to just that, but it turned out her efforts were not needed. A mere moment later, a very familiar voice began echoing in both the room and her mind.
"Well, now, I see you wasted no time. Dare I say it, you're even earlier than I thought. We've received no alerts from home, either. My candidate will be impressed."
Washu all but spat her former companion's name out. "Tokimi. Where the hell are you?"
"Obviously not in the Kiryūin system, or I would've responded to your probe well before now."
"You're heading to the third repository," Tsunami stated.
"Of course. You've had the lead for long enough in this race, I think."
"We'll catch up soon enough," Washu declared, "No way you'll break through my defenses before we arrive."
"Oh, I'm sure they'll be formidable. You never were one for half-measures, Washu. Well, except for when it came to your old colleague. You could've saved yourself so much trouble if you'd simply killed Kagato all those centuries ago, but you settled for memory tampering. Not that I'm complaining; your sentimentality unwittingly preserved the greatest hope for answering our ancient question."
"You disappoint me, Tokimi," Tsunami replied, "Now that you've had a chance to spend time with Heero, I had hoped such exposure might persuade you that he is our best hope. It seems that I was overly optimistic."
"Your candidate is an impressive and intriguing specimen. I will not rule him out as potentially being the one we've sought all this time. However, his recent growth aside, his potential is just that; potential. He has not yet reached the same heights as Kagato, and that is why I will stand by my choice."
"He hasn't had as long as Kagato to develop his powers," Washu argued, "That he's come so far in such a short period is a point in his favor. Kagato simply had a head start; Heero will close the gap."
"Perhaps so. I won't deny that he's already taken a significant step in that direction. Nevertheless, my decision remains unchanged. I have my candidate, as you two have yours. We could argue the merits of them both until the heat death of the universe and not change our positions. Further debate on this topic is pointless."
Tsunami let out a heavy exhalation. "You truly are all-in on Kagato… even knowing the damage his ambitions will cause, let alone all the blood already shed. I once believed you were better than this, Tokimi."
"And I once believed that you and Washu were not as soft hearted as you've proven yourselves to be. You've lost sight of the very reason why we brought this universe into being. Your desire to protect its inhabitants as they are now prevents them from growing further. We did not labor all those eons ago to create a galaxy locked in stasis."
"Nor did we labor so that a madman can hold that galaxy hostage!" Washu snapped, "Kagato can preach all he wants about evolution and reform, but all he's going to do is trap the universe in a new stasis. Once he's enacted whatever change he desires, he will be the one sitting at the top and lording over our creation. Life must constantly evolve, but do you really think that Kagato will allow any sort of evolution which challenges his dominion? He'll be no different than Jurai. If anything, he'll be worse! Jurai doesn't have access to the Array; it can't annihilate entire worlds on a whim, but he will have that power."
"Washu is right, Tokimi," Tsunami said, "The Array grants men like Kagato and the Emperor of Jurai the sort of power that no one, not even the likes of us, should possess. Even if Kagato has noble intentions in seizing it, which I have severe doubts on, the power he will wield through it is absolute. It is the ultimate temptation, and it will corrupt him. It already has; the galaxy is on the brink of all-out war thanks to him seeking out this weapon."
"Consider it growing pains. It's inevitable in evolution. Overthrowing the status quo was never going to be clean business. As for the Array 'corrupting' my candidate, that is a test for him to face. How he handles it will play a part in determining if he truly is the one to surpass us."
"In chasing its power, Kagato's already failed that test," Washu declared, "and I think you know that deep down, Tokimi."
"Our candidate may lack Kagato's experience and desire to overthrow the status quo," Tsunami remarked with a note of pride, "but Heero's already demonstrated a clear view towards what really matters. His mission is ours; to destroy the Array so no one, Kagato or Jurai, can use it."
"What makes you so certain that he will not be tempted by its power?"
Washu chuckled. "If you have to ask that, Tokimi, then you clearly didn't get to know Heero well enough when you had the chance. He's not interested in power of any sort beyond what he needs to protect those close to him. He recognizes the Array as a threat to all he holds dear, and he's committed himself to its destruction. He will destroy it, Tokimi."
"And that is why we've chosen him," Tsunami added.
"I see. Well, I supposed we will all find out soon enough if he can live up to your expectations, just as we shall see if my candidate can do the same. Don't take too long in rescuing him. I'm hoping you'll make it in time to fight us at the third repository. Then we can see how your candidate's grown in adversity and captivity, and if he has what it takes to pass his next test. I'm quite looking forward to it. See you soon, my old friends."
….
Quatre winced as he watched Trowa fire off another pulse grenade, immobilizing three of the bug-like security drones. Washu's toys were proving incredibly effective against Kagato's automatons, but Quatre knew he needed to ration the rounds. There was still no sign of Tokimi or any of the other heavy hitters, and their absence prompted a growing sense of apprehension.
Moving forward quickly, Quatre took aim with his rifle and began pumping energy bolts into one of the downed drones while Ryoko zipped past him. The twin crimson blades of her new Key ignited, and Quatre saw two of the drones fall to pieces as Ryoko cut through both with a wide slash. Trowa added sidearm fire to the barrage that Quatre was hitting the third unit with, and another slash from Ryoko finished the target off. A moment later, several wooden rods materialized in the air around them as Ayeka crafted a barrier, giving Quatre and the others a chance to regroup and check their surroundings.
"Are we close to where that extra power's being drawn?" Quatre asked AIDA.
"It should be on the other side of this level," AIDA confirmed, "Keep going straight down this corridor, and you'll reach it."
Quatre sighed. "Down the same corridor that's been a constant slog of drones. Great."
"It cannot be helped," Ayeka said before looking over her shoulder, "Azaka, Kamidake, status?"
"No threats behind us, Your Highness," Azaka answered.
"Perhaps it would be better if we came up front with you," Kamidake suggested, "The enemy's defenses seem to only be ahead of us."
Ayeka shook her head. "My powers are enough for forward defense. You two must continue watching the rear in case a threat arises back there. In Kagato's labyrinth, there is no telling where new hostiles may appear from."
"Labyrinth's a good way to put it," Quatre remarked as they pressed forward, "What the hell is this place?"
Quatre hadn't been sure what to expect when Team A had reached White Coven's subterranean levels. The blueprints AIDA had gleaned during her system infiltration showed only the floor layout, not data on what the various chambers were for. Each level seemed devoted to a specific function, with the one before this having been dominated by a large sparring arena and armory. That alone had been an intense one to fight through, as both the spherical security drones and more agile bipedal automatons armed with plasma guns and energy blades ensured Team A's progress was hard earned.
Having passed that trial and made it down to the next level, though, Quatre was starting to think that he preferred the training ground. The floor Team A found itself in now was dominated by sterile white floors, walls, and ceilings, with bright lights only amplifying the complex's harshness. Windows were cut into both sides of the corridor, revealing what looked to Quatre like a series of labs and operating theaters. Spindly drones, their multiple appendages often ending in gleaming sharp surgical instruments rather than hands, stood motionless around empty manacled tables, while others were bent over assorted microscopes and other such analysis devices.
"Whatever it is, it's giving me the creeps," Ryoko shuddered, "The sooner we're out of here, the better."
"No argument there," Quatre muttered.
Team A had gotten about halfway down the corridor when panels within the hallway's ceiling both ahead and behind the group began sliding away. Ayeka immediately threw up a new barrier in front while Azaka and Kamidake did the same at the rear. Their swift action saved Team A, for no less than eight drones, four ahead and four behind, dropped down from the revealed ceiling containers, their spherical forms unfolding and rotary energy guns spewing reddish-orange bolts. If it weren't for Ayeka and her Guardians' shields, Team A would've been mowed down.
"Ambush," Trowa growled.
Thinking quickly, Quatre turned to Ryoko. "Get around and behind the group at our rear!"
Ryoko nodded before deactivating her double-ended Key, flying to the right, and phasing through the wall. While Quatre and the others flattened themselves in nearby doorways, he saw Heero's Royal Guard poke her head out from a wall further back the way they'd came, well behind the four drones to Team A's rear. Checking to make sure that no additional drones were coming, Ryoko then flew out and reignited the twin crimson blades of her Key. Charging at the drones, she let fly with a volley of scarlet spheres that melted one of her targets. The other three began turning to face her, but they couldn't rotate fast enough; their legs were meant to make them stable firing platforms, not agile ones. Whirling her Key, Ryoko carved into the trio like a crimson cyclone, reducing the drones to hot scrap metal.
At the same time, Quatre nodded at Ayeka and Trowa. Ayeka dropped a section of her barrier, allowing Trowa to fire a pulse grenade through the gap. The round landed in the middle of the drone formation and detonated, causing blue-white sparks to arc all over the machines. Quatre then opened fire with his rifle while Ryoko flew down the hallway, with Azaka and Kamidake deactivating their barrier so she could pass through. Moving so fast she was barely more than a blur, Ryoko was among the disabled machines in a flash, and her Key made short work of them.
"Nicely done, everyone," Quatre complimented before the team began moving forward again, "AIDA, any more surprises like that in store for us?"
"I'm double-checking the network now," the artificial intelligence replied with a note of contrition, "I'm sorry for not catching that trap. The network partition defenses for this underground complex are much more extensive than those above. Kagato really didn't want anyone snooping around down here."
Quatre's gaze flicked back and forth as Team A passed additional labs. "Was he conducting illegal research in this complex?"
"Possibly, though I have no confirmation as of yet," AIDA answered, "I've already found several files within the system with incredibly intricate defenses. I could take a crack at them if you want, but it would divert valuable subroutines from supporting our mission."
"Let's stay focused on the task at hand," Quatre said, "We're running out of time already."
AIDA concurred. "We are. That being said, when we find Heero, if there's a console in the room where he's being held, let me access it. It'll only take me a second to download the files from there, and I can take them back to Washu for her and I to hack into later. Who knows what we'll find?"
"Given what we've seen of this place so far, probably nothing good," Quatre muttered.
Quatre was on edge as he led the team down the last stretch of corridor, primed for another ambush. There was nothing beyond the sounds of Team A's footsteps and breathing, though, which only further served to unsettle him. By the time they reached the door at the far end, Quatre's heart felt like it would burst from his chest.
"Is this it?" asked Ryoko.
"Supposedly," Quatre replied as he placed his hand over a pad to the right of the door, "AIDA?"
"Hacking now," AIDA said, "Penetrating partitions… security in the room beyond appears to be just two optical sensors. Marking them on your HUD now."
Quatre shook his head. "That's it? Can't be right. Kagato wouldn't leave Heero with cameras only."
"If he has him in stasis confinement, then he'd be perfectly secure in doing so," AIDA countered, "There's no way for Heero to break out of that. Even Washu needed external help to breach her pod on Earth."
"I don't like it," Quatre murmured before turning back to the others, "Be ready for anything."
His companions nodded, and the door slid open a moment later. Ayeka already had a barrier primed, while Quatre, Trowa, and Ryoko all raised their weapons as Azaka and Kamidake shielded the rear. No weapons fire met them, and as Quatre stepped in the little turret on his shoulder whistled twice, disabling both cameras. The room they entered was a large circular chamber, mostly clear save for consoles and lockers along the walls and a tall clear cylinder standing in the middle. Bright blue light emanated from the cylinder, and Quatre saw his friend in the middle. Apart from his upright position and a set of cuffs on his wrists, Heero looked like he was simply napping.
"Heero…" Ryoko whispered, her relief palpable, "You're alright."
"He appears unharmed," Ayeka tentatively agreed, "That is my hope, at least."
Quatre noticed a freestanding console next to the stasis pod and approached it while turning briefly to the others. "Trowa, Ayeka, Guardians; watch the door. Ryoko, be ready to take Heero once the pod's deactivated."
The others quickly moved into position while Quatre studied the console and placed his hand over it. "AIDA?"
"Accessing now," the artificial intelligence announced, "Subject's bio readings show stable, and no signs of drugs in his system. They just cuffed him and shoved him in the pod."
Quatre glanced at the cuffs on Heero's wrists. "How can those restrain him? They're not connected."
"Knowing Kagato, I'm sure there's a nasty trick to them," AIDA remarked, "Initializing deactivation sequence. Looks like the front's designed to open once a safe power-down is complete. We'll have him out in a jiffy."
"Sooner the better," Quatre muttered as he looked over at his unconscious friend, "We've been down here too long already."
….
Standing in front of the stasis pod, Ryoko waited with bated breath as Quatre and AIDA worked to shut it down. Her heartbeat could've put a machinegun to shame as Ryoko's gaze was fixed on Heero's slumbering form, driven in equal parts by elation and dread. She'd made it to Heero and was determined to get him out of this place, yet at the same time she was terrified at the thought of what his reaction would be when he woke up.
Stop this, she told herself, you know what kind of guy he is. He'll understand what happened. He's not going to blame you…
…even though he'd have every right to.
Nevertheless, the fear remained. Why shouldn't it? There was no denying the scale of Ryoko's blunder. Heero had trusted her with his protection, and she'd monumentally failed in that task. It didn't matter that she'd been attacked by nothing less than a goddess, a foe that was decisively more than a match for her. Ryoko had gone down to nothing more than a solid hit to the head, her weapon destroyed and unable to summon her powers before falling unconscious. It was an utterly shameful performance, and it had directly led to Heero's abduction and Mihoshi being injured. Would Heero ever trust Ryoko again with his protection after such a catastrophic failure on her part?
That would be entirely up to him. No matter what his decision would be, Ryoko would abide by it. All she could do was have faith in the man she knew, that he would give her a second chance. If he didn't…
…well, she would have no right to argue with him on that.
"Final shutdown commencing," AIDA announced through Quatre's armor speakers, "Ryoko, be ready to extract."
The lights in the stasis pod dimmed before going dark altogether, and the front casing slid open. Wasting no time, Ryoko scooped Heero out of the pod, gently cradling him in her arms. Leaning forward, she put her ear close to his lips.
She let out a happy sigh when she felt his breath against her skin. "Thank goodness."
"Interesting," AIDA interjected, "According to this console, Kagato put Heero's Master Key in the locker along the left wall. Unlocking now. Quatre, if you'd be so kind?"
"Of course," Quatre said, already heading over, "Can't leave here without that. Why store it in the same room as him, though?"
"Who cares?" Ryoko quipped, "Grab it and let's get the hell out of here!"
While Quatre retrieved the Master Key, Ryoko brushed Heero's bangs aside and placed her hand on his forehead. She meant only to make sure he wasn't feverish, but her touch was enough to rouse Heero from his stasis-induced slumber, and his eyelids fluttered open. Ryoko's breath caught in her throat, and she braced for the worst. Looking up, Heero's eyes met hers…
…and then his lips formed a faint smile.
"You're late," he quipped with a soft chuckle.
Ryoko smiled in return, suddenly finding herself fighting to hold back tears of joy. "Yeah… sorry about that."
Heero reached up to brush her cheek. "You're here now. That's what counts. I knew you'd make it… one way or another."
Ryoko heard footsteps behind her, and turned so both she and Heero could see Quatre. They couldn't see his face thanks to the helmet, but Ryoko had a feeling he was smiling, too.
The genial tone that came through when Quatre spoke all but confirmed it. "You woke up fast. How you feeling, Heero?"
"Better now," Heero answered, "What's the situation?"
"We're on the clock," Quatre replied, nodding towards the door, "We need to exfiltrate immediately. Can you stand?"
Ryoko cautiously helped Heero to his feet. His legs nearly gave out, and he was forced to put an arm over her shoulder for support. He took several deep breaths before nodding at Ryoko, and she reluctantly released him. His legs were still shaky, but he was on his feet.
"Impressive," AIDA remarked, "Looks like your stasis fatigue is minimal. I wonder if your power has something to do with that."
Heero held up his manacled arms. "Unlikely, seeing as these are sealing it."
"Ah, so that's what those are," AIDA said, "Ryoko, can you rid Heero of those?"
Ryoko smiled as she ignited one of her Key's blades. "With pleasure."
Two careful cuts later, and the cuffs fell to the floor in pieces, with Heero rubbing his wrists. "Thanks. I'm feeling better already."
"Good, because we have no time to lose," Quatre said, passing Heero his Master Key, "You up for using this?"
"Not much choice there," Heero answered as he accepted the weapon, "I guess I should thank Nagi if we run into her on the way out."
Ryoko frowned in bafflement. "What the hell you talking about?"
"Before the stasis pod put me completely under, I saw her put my Key in that locker," Heero explained, "Ragyō was with her… and didn't say anything about it. Almost like she was hoping this would happen."
"Curious," AIDA noted.
Quatre shook his head. "Doesn't make any sense. Aren't they both supporting Kagato?"
"Supposedly," Heero said.
Ryoko huffed impatiently. "Whatever, let's worry about that later. We didn't see either of them on the way in, so they're probably long gone anyway."
"And we should be on our way!" Ayeka called from the doorway before smiling at the prince, "Lord Heero, a pleasure to see you on your feet again!"
"Been awhile since I've seen you get captured," Trowa quipped wryly, and Ryoko would bet that he was smirking beneath his helmet, "You got sloppy, Heero."
Heero shrugged as he, Ryoko and Quatre joined the others at the doorway. "Happens to the best of us."
"I've signaled the others," Quatre said, "We'll head back to the observatory and extract on the roof. Let's go."
….
Mihoshi's heart nearly burst from her chest when word came through. "They found him? He's alright?"
"Of course," Wufei replied with a chuckle, "Heero's been held in worse places than this before."
"Story for another time, probably," Kiyone quipped, "We're the closest fireteam to the observatory, so it's on us to secure the fallback route."
Wufei nodded, already setting off down the corridor. "Let's move."
Team B had cleared several floors, and were currently near the middle of the mansion. With Team A the furthest down while Team C was just a floor or two beneath Team B, Mihoshi hoped that she and her companions would only have to hold the repository for a short time before more of their friends arrived.
At least the way back will be clear, she thought, since we took out all those drones coming down here.
That held true for almost every floor as Team B raced up the stairwell, but Mihoshi's unspoken sentiment seemed to have jinxed them, for as they opened the door to the top floor, they found themselves facing a trio of security drones, their guns already aimed at the doorway.
"Uh oh," Mihoshi murmured as Kiyone yanked her back into cover.
"What the hell?" Kiyone hissed as energy bolts flew through the doorway, "We cleared these damn things out already!"
"Either more were being hidden in reserve on this floor," Wufei remarked as he readied the pulse grenade launcher, "or there are access shafts that transferred them from other floors to here. End result's the same; mansion security's trying to trap us here."
He punctuated the last sentence by firing off a grenade. The shot was perfectly on target, detonating in the center of the group. Mihoshi and Kiyone rushed forward to blow out the optical sensors while the drones were stunned before moving aside as Wufei charged in behind them. Two wide slashes from his sword were all it took to destroy the automatons.
Unfortunately, while that trio had been destroyed, more drones were pouring into the hallway. It wasn't just the spherical ones this time; bipedal drones were now among them, wielding sidearms and energy blades similar to Wufei's. To make matters worse, while the spherical drones advanced along the floor, the bipedal ones were launching themselves from floor to walls to even the ceiling, sticking to the paneling with what Mihoshi could only assume was some kind of magnetic device.
"Not good," Kiyone quipped as she and the others ducked back into cover.
Mihoshi looked nervously at Wufei. "How many more of those grenades do you have left?"
"Six," Wufei answered as he reloaded his launcher, "I was hoping to save these for Tokimi, but we haven't run into her yet, and these things are the more immediate threat. Hope Duo and Trowa have rounds in reserve."
He popped off another grenade. The pulse stunned four of the drones, but fire from the rest meant that Team B were stuck in cover and had to shoot at the paralyzed targets with their sidearms. Knowing that their weapons couldn't outright destroy the drones, Mihoshi and her friends focused their fire on the automatons' weapons, trying to take as many out as possible before the machines managed to reboot themselves. All the while, the bipedal drones were closing fast.
"This is a problem," Wufei grunted.
"Team C should be here soon!" Kiyone called out over the din of the firefight, "We just need to hold out a bit longer!"
"I don't think we have a bit longer!" Mihoshi yelped as she fired at the leaping bipedal drones.
It was then, amidst the flying energy bolts, that Mihoshi caught sight of something very strange coming from behind the drones; a long strand of violet energy. Mihoshi's nerves tingled, and she fought the reflexive urge to reach for her neck. After all, the last time she'd seen that strand of energy, it had been around her throat.
The violet strand whipped through the air, catching the jumping bipedal drones, and sending them falling to the ground, their limbs writhing as sparks arced across their bodies. Behind the horde of drones in the corridor, Mihoshi saw a familiar woman, cloak drawn up over her light blue hair, auburn eyes gleaming in the shadow of the cowl while a white cabbit perched on her left shoulder scratched himself.
"Nagi!?" Kiyone blurted out in disbelief.
Mihoshi blinked behind her visor, struggling to comprehend what she'd just seen. Was the bounty hunter actually helping them? Another swing from Nagi's whip answered that question a moment later, and several more drones collapsed in stunned and convulsing heaps.
"It's… a trick, right?" Mihoshi muttered, "I don't understand…"
"Focus on the drones," Wufei ordered, already firing off another grenade, "Then we'll figure out Nagi's game."
"Not the turn I was expecting this operation to take," Kiyone murmured, "Ryoko's going to flip out when she hears about this."
Mihoshi went back to shooting at the drones, but she made sure to keep a wary eye on Nagi. She was all for giving people second chances; the heavens only knew how many Mihoshi had been given in her life. Even so, the bounty hunter's attack on her and Heero in Seniwa City was fresh in her mind.
Mihoshi would not let it slide easily.
….
Being a burden was one of the worst sensations that Heero could think of. Accustomed to being capable of defending himself and those around him, being wounded or incapacitated to the point of weighing down others always stung deeply for him. He could take some comfort in the fact that he wasn't slowing Ryoko and the others down too much. His legs were still having trouble fully supporting him, hence Heero having to lean on Ryoko, but strength was gradually returning to them as they progressed through the estate. He had full range of motion with his arms, which meant Heero could keep his Master Key at the ready in his right hand while bracing himself against Ryoko with his left. With the suppressor cuffs removed, he could feel his Juraian power flowing freely once more, so both the blade and Light Hawk Wings would be at his full command should the need arise.
Not that he'd needed to use them yet. Quatre, Ryoko and the others had apparently put quite a dent in the estate's internal defenses if the assorted piles of twisted and scorched metal they periodically passed were any indication. Of course, Heero knew better than to let his guard down, but so far there had been no meaningful opposition as Team A swiftly retraced the route that they'd taken to reach him. They'd already gotten clear of the mansion's sublevels, and it wouldn't be long now until they reached the top floor.
"You guys were busy," Heero noted as they ran past yet another heap of drone remains.
Ryoko chuckled. "Those things? They were nothing. Just a lot of them to deal with. I guess Kagato loves those little bastards."
"Speaking of the traitor lord," Ayeka chime in from up ahead, looking over her shoulder at them, "Lord Heero, we still have not made any contact with Kagato, his sister, or any other notable retainers. Do you have any idea where they might be?"
"Long gone," Heero answered, "On their way to the third repository. It's why they left me in that pod."
"Makes sense," Quatre remarked, "Explains why we haven't run into any of them. Wait a second… Wufei, what's up? Wait… seriously? Hold on, she said what? Oh, boy…"
"Lord Quatre, what's the matter?" Ayeka inquired.
"Just got an update from Wufei," Quatre answered, turning towards Heero, "Team B got pinned by drones while securing our escape route… and Nagi just bailed them out."
Heero saw Ryoko's eyes widen in disbelief. "Nagi!? You have got to be kidding!"
Quatre shook his head. "No joke. Apparently, she said something about taking Heero up on an offer. Heero, any idea what the hell she's talking about?"
Heero couldn't help but chuckle. "I won my bet. How about that."
Ayeka blinked in confusion. "What wager are you referring to, Lord Heero?"
Heero shook his head. "I'll tell you later. For now, it means that Nagi's coming with us. As a guest, not as a prisoner."
Ryoko, naturally, was not having it. "Heero, have you lost your damn mind? She attacked and abducted you!"
"She completed her contract," Heero replied calmly, "and she didn't have another one lined up after it. That gave me a window, and I used it. If she's coming around, it won't be for free; she'll have valuable information to trade as part of her immunity deal."
Now it was Ayeka's turn to flip out. "Immunity deal!? Lord Heero, that foul mercenary is an enemy of Jurai and the Seniwa Domain now! She has aided and abetted Kagato since the moment this crisis began. She is our enemy!"
"She's a valuable piece on the board for Kagato," Heero countered firmly, "and now we can turn her into our piece. I understand the reservations that all of you may have, but we have to keep our wider mission in mind. Nagi's coming with us, and she is not to be harmed or imprisoned. Is that understood?"
Ryoko took a deep breath. "Heero… you'd better know what the hell you're doing here. If she so much as twitches the wrong way…"
"She'll be all yours," Heero finished for Ryoko, his gaze locked with hers, "but unless or until that happens, you'll make no move against her."
Ryoko scowled, but she ultimately relented. "Fine. After my last screwup, guess I don't have the right to argue with you."
She saw Heero's lips curl into a small smile. "It's not like that at all, Ryoko. Just trust me for now, alright?"
Ryoko sighed and rolled her eyes before returning his smile. "Alright, Heero. I don't like it, but I'll play along."
Moving swiftly through the mansion, they encountered only sporadic opposition as they ascended to the top floor. With Ayeka shielding the group's front and her guardians defending the rear, Team A had ample warning and protection, with fire from the drones simply splashing against the Juraian barriers. Their attackers were then rapidly dispatched, typically by Trowa firing off a grenade before Quatre attacked with his rifle, with Ryoko and Heero moving up to finish off the stricken foes with their blades. The scattered combat had the side-effect of speeding up Heero's recovery from stasis, as his instincts kicked in and his Juraian energy flowed in response to battle. By the time they reached the top floor, he could almost completely move under his own power, only needing to keep his left hand on Ryoko's shoulder to keep himself steady.
As expected, Teams B and C were waiting for them in the observatory. Piled up outside in the hallway was debris from what Heero estimated were scores of security drones; his friends had been busy indeed. Entering the observatory, Heero immediately spotted Nagi, with the bounty hunter under the very wary gaze of Kiyone, Yosho, and Duo while the others were guarding the entrance and maintenance hatch.
"Good to see you alive and kicking, buddy!" Duo called out before gesturing at Nagi, "You charmed another lady, eh? Man, you really are a smooth operator. I should take notes!"
"Duo!" Hilde snapped before kicking him in the shin.
Duo chuckled nervously. "And just like that, I've landed myself in the doghouse again. Whoops!"
"Heero, glad you're okay, but I have to ask; are you sure about this?" Kiyone interjected, her sidearm pointed right at the bounty hunter's head, "Trusting her…"
Heero felt the air around him electrify, and he immediately knew the source. Sure enough, sparks of crimson energy were dancing up and down Ryoko's body as she glared at Nagi. It wasn't just Heero's Royal Guard feeling prickly; Ayeka still had her barrier up, and if looks could kill, the scowl she was spiting Nagi with would've had her burst into flames on the spot.
"I'm not asking any of you to take her word here," Heero eventually said as he locked eyes with Nagi, "but she wouldn't be here if she didn't have something worth making a deal over."
Nagi nodded. "I have intel on Kagato's forces. Strength, unit composition, commanders; all that and more. Also, I have a list of nobles within Jurai who are publicly claiming loyalty to the throne but secretly backing him. How's that for bargaining power?"
"Substantial, if the information proves to be accurate," Ayeka growled, "Lord Heero, I have high doubts about her claims."
Surprisingly, it was Ryoko, of all people, who came to Nagi's defense, albeit very begrudgingly. "No… she wouldn't put herself in this position unless she knew she had evidence to back up her claims. Where is it, Nagi?"
"I'll hand it over once we're out of here and my deal's been worked out with the proper authorities," Nagi replied, her gaze still fixed on Heero, "You will argue my case in good faith, yes?"
"I offered you a chance, and you're taking it," Heero answered, "I'll honor my end of it. You have my word."
Nagi smiled. "I'll hold you to it."
Quatre cleared his throat. "We can sort this all out later. We're at the limits of the Yotaka's jamming capabilities; it won't be long until the system defense forces are right on top of us. Duo, Kiyone, Yosho; keep an eye on Nagi. Mihoshi, support Heero. Ayeka, you and your Guardians keep barriers up. Ryoko, check our exit. Once you've confirmed the roof's clear, I'll signal the Yotaka to drop lines. Everyone else, form up and get ready for exfiltration."
"Be careful up there," Heero said as Ryoko gingerly shifted him over to Mihoshi for support.
Already heading for the maintenance shaft, Ryoko looked back at him and nodded. "I will."
As Ryoko passed Nagi, she shot another glare at the bounty hunter, who smiled cheekily in reply. "Where's Ryo-Ohki? Ken-Ohki misses her."
Ryoko's scowl shifted briefly to the pale-furred cabbit on Nagi's shoulder. "She's up in our ride… and she needs better taste in men."
Nagi chuckled before reaching over to scratch Ken-Ohki behind his ears. "She could do worse… and so could you."
Heero saw Ryoko look back at him and smile. "You're right… for once."
As she vanished up the shaft, Heero turned to the woman supporting him. "Mihoshi, it's good to see you, but are you sure you should be here? You were injured…"
"I'm fine," Mihoshi cut him off with surprising firmness, "Nagi's whip hurt, but I'm not letting that keep me down. I won't let you down again."
Heero was momentarily confused before realizing what she was referring to. "Mihoshi, it was an ambush. There wasn't anything more you could've done. You didn't 'let me down', and you never could."
He saw her helmeted head look in Nagi's direction. "Even so… I'm not letting anyone get the drop on me ever again."
Heero let out a weary exhalation before pressing his forehead to Mihoshi's helmet visor. "I believe you… and I am glad you're here. I was worried about you. It's good to know that you're alright."
"Same goes for you," Mihoshi replied, and Heero could faintly make out her gleaming blue eyes and beaming smile through her visor, "Let's get out of here together, Heero."
Heero reached over to take her armored hand. "The sooner, the better."
….
Having already confirmed that Tokimi was not present, Washu had left Sasami alone in the cabin to recuperate. Taking a seat in the back of the Yotaka's cockpit, she had to force herself to keep from anxiously tapping her foot on the floor. Her green eyes kept darting back and forth between the main viewport and the display that showed how much time they had left over the target. Washu swallowed nervously as she saw the timer dip down into its final minute; they were cutting things very close.
"Come on, guys," she whispered before turning to the crew, "Anything from the enemy?"
"Comms intercepts confirm that fighter squadrons are inbound for investigation," the copilot answered, "along with at least two dropships. Likely system defense force special operators. Ground team's just about out of time."
"How long will it take them to pick us up?" Washu asked.
"Theoretically, they have nothing that can detect the Yotaka itself," the copilot explained, "but we're the focal point of comms jamming in this area. If they're willing to guess with their shots and risk damage to the estate, they have a fair chance of hitting us. Shields can't operate at full strength while the cloak's up, so if they get lucky, it won't take much to bring us down."
"We have contact!" the communications officer suddenly interrupted, "Ground team's coming up to the roof, and they have the prince with them!"
Washu was about to let out a relieved sigh when the copilot sounded an alarm. "Update on the inbound fighters; two full squadrons, Whirlwind Interceptors! They'll be on top of us before the ground team's aboard."
"They'll spot the ascension cords," the pilot added, "No way to hide those."
"Then we need to keep them off us," Washu declared as she stood up and headed for the exit, "I know a way to do that. Focus on recovering the ground team; I'll buy us some time!"
The crew turned to her for elaboration, but Washu had already left the cockpit. Running through the ship's corridors, she quickly reached the drop bay and found the one group member apart from Sasami who had stayed behind; Ryo-Ohki.
"Good girl," Washu cooed as she approached the cabbit, "Right where I told you to be. You ready for some action?"
"Meow!" Ryo-Ohki eagerly cheered.
As the drop bay's hatch slid open and black ascension cords dropped, Washu gestured outside. "We have fighters coming in. Take them down and then get right back in here!"
The cabbit flung herself into the opening, transforming into her crystalline starship form as soon as she had proper clearance. Washu smiled as she watched her creation rapidly fly out of sight, imagining the surprise on the enemy pilots' faces when they saw just what was coming at them.
"Go forth, child," Washu murmured with a smirk, "Go, do a crime!"
….
"You alright?" asked Mihoshi as she helped Heero up onto the roof.
"Yeah," he answered, though he still needed to brace himself against her as he cleared the maintenance hatch, "Just need a bit more exercise to shake the rest of this off."
"We'll get you examined when we're out of here," Mihoshi promised, "Then you can warm-up while we're on the way to the third repository."
"Sounds good," Heero replied before looking up, "Where's our ride?"
"She's up there," Quatre reassured him before pointing upwards, "Should be able to… oh, right there!"
Heero looked in that direction but couldn't see anything at first glance. It was only upon closer inspection that he realized a rectangular 'hole' was opening up in the sky itself. He only needed a second to put two and two together, with the series of black cords falling from the hole a moment later helping matters considerably.
That was when Heero saw something else fly out of the hole, and it wasn't a rope. It was very small, and had noticeably long ears.
"Ryo-Ohki?" Heero murmured.
A few seconds later, the small furball transformed into her much larger starship form. Heero was momentarily alarmed; the transformation had been done so close that it looked as though Ryo-Ohki would either hit the mansion or the cloaked ship that she'd dropped from. However, she squeaked by with what appeared to be barely more than a meter or two of clearance before rocketing skyward. Following her trajectory, Heero saw what Ryo-Ohki was heading towards; at least a dozen pinpricks of blue-white light on the horizon.
"Incoming fighters!" Quatre called out, "Come on, people, move it!"
"There must be more than that," Nagi remarked, "She'll need help. Heero?"
Heero saw the bounty hunter glance at Ken-Ohki before turning back to him, and he knew what she was asking. "Go for it."
"Heero!" Ryoko snapped, "Are you crazy? She'll make a break for it!"
"She could've done that long ago," Heero replied, his gaze locked with the bounty hunter's, "before any of you even arrived here. She hasn't, and she won't."
Nagi nodded before flinging Ken-Ohki skywards. "Go back up your girlfriend, Ken-Ohki!"
"Meow!" the pale-furred cabbit yowled excitedly before completing his transformation.
Heero saw the others tense, with multiple guns being aimed at Nagi, but there was no need; her crystalline starship made a beeline for Ryo-Ohki without attempting to retrieve his master.
For her part, Nagi simply chuckled and shook her head. "Come on, guys, I thought you were all open-minded. Where's the trust?"
"About to be shoved right up your ass," Ryoko growled, crimson sparks dancing in the palm of her hand.
Mihoshi, of all people, was the one to cut them off before things could get out of hand. "Enough! Let's get out of here already!"
The bounty hunter and former pirate briefly glared each other before backing down. As Mihoshi helped Heero secure himself to one of the ascension cords, the Preventer operative saw the sky beyond light up with blasts of crimson and purple energy, which were in turn followed by strings of explosions. Making the scene somewhat surreal was the fact that Heero could faintly here a chorus of meowing in the distance; it sounded like Ryo-Ohki and Ken-Ohki were playing rather than engaging in a dogfight. Then again, perhaps the two living starships saw the clash as simply that; a chance to play and enjoy their reunion.
Of course, for the pilots they were mowing down, it was anything but playful.
….
Washu let out the breath she didn't realize she'd been holding the moment Heero, Mihoshi, Ryoko and the others boarded the Yotaka. "Thank goodness…"
She moved forward to help Mihoshi guide Heero over to one of the drop bay seats. It was hardly ideal, but the Yotaka needed to flee quickly; better to strap everyone in down here until the vessel had made the FTL jump.
"How are you feeling?" she asked as Mihoshi took a seat to Heero's left and Ryoko to his right, leaving Washu to sit on the other side of Ryoko.
Heero shrugged. "Been better, been worse. At least it was a comfortable prison."
"You need to get checked out," Ryoko insisted.
"As soon as we're clear from this system," Mihoshi added assertively, "We won't take no for an answer, Heero."
Washu watched as Heero looked briefly back and forth between his Royal Guard and fiancé before letting slip a small smile. "Roger that."
As the others came aboard, Azaka and Kamidake floating up into the bay on their thrusters while everyone else used the ascension cords, Washu's eyes widened slightly as a certain bounty hunter appeared in the drop bay. "Well, now… didn't see this coming. Heero?"
"I gave her an out," Heero summarized, "and she's taking it."
There was surely more to it than that, but Washu knew it could wait for later. She was hardly comfortable with Nagi's presence given their past encounters, but Washu could find some reassurance in the fact that multiple members of the ground team had their weapons aimed straight at her, and continued to do so even as they strapped themselves into their drop bay seats. If Nagi was going to try something here, she would not live long enough to regret it.
"Keep the bay doors open for a bit," Ayeka ordered as the Yotaka finished the retrieval and began to climb, "We must retrieve Ryo-Ohki and Ken-Ohki!"
"Come on back, boy," Nagi commanded, speaking into a small device set in the collar of her bodysuit, "and make sure your girlfriend comes with you. Make it snappy!"
Washu shivered as frigid wind blew into the open drop bay, and it only got worse as the Yotaka continued her ascent. She momentarily feared that the ship would begin clearing the atmosphere itself before Ryo-Ohki and Ken-Ohki caught up, but her worries turned out to be misplaced. Within moments, the opening beneath the ship was blocked by the crystalline starships. There was a flash of violet light as Ken-Ohki transformed first, with Ryo-Ohki then beaming him up into her with a red flare. Then there was a brilliant glare of scarlet light, with Ryoko phasing through her seat straps and flinging herself forward to catch the suddenly flailing pair of cabbits.
"Got ya!" she triumphantly declared as she snatched them both out of the air and pulled them inside, "Alright, close it up!"
The crew didn't need to be told twice. The drop bay doors quickly sealed, then Washu and the others found themselves flung back in their seats as the Yotaka's rate of climb rapidly increased.
"This ship's still hidden, right?" Duo asked nervously.
"Yes," Washu reassured him, "Completely, now that it's properly sealed. If the crew knows what they're doing, which they seem to, they'll have killed the comms jamming; with this ship as the source, that alone would draw in the enemy. Now there's nothing for them to focus on. We just need to get clear of this airspace, and we're good."
"Fingers crossed," Quatre muttered.
Kiyone undid her seat straps and stood up. "I'll head to the cockpit and check in on things."
"Washu, how is Sasami?" Ayeka asked as Kiyone left.
Washu smiled at the crown princess. "Sleeping soundly. She had to exert herself a bit, but it's nothing several hours' worth of rest can't deal with."
"Tokimi was not present down there," Yosho chimed in, his brow furrowing in concern, "Why did you need Tsunami's power?"
Washu sighed. "Well, that's the thing; we were worried when none of you reported encountering her. We decided to be proactive and seek her out. Turns out, she's long gone. Off with Kagato on the way to the third repository."
"Lord Heero said as much when we retrieved him," Ayeka remarked with a frown, "Your actions strike me as taking an unnecessary risk, Washu. If Tokimi was present…"
"She would've struck much sooner," Washu cut her off, "It was a calculated gamble on my part."
Ayeka pursed her lips, looking for a moment like she would argue further, but then shook her head and began undoing her seat harness. "If you say so. I'm going to check on Sasami."
"Take Ryo-Ohki with you," Ryoko offered, "She'll want to make sure Sasami's okay."
"Meow!" Ryo-Ohki cheered as she leapt from Ryoko's arms onto Ayeka's shoulder.
"Very well, then," Ayeka replied before shooting Ryo-Ohki a stern look, "Behave yourself."
"Meow…" Ken-Ohki whined as Ayeka and Ryo-Ohki departed the drop bay.
Nagi pinched Ken-Ohki's cheek. "Oh, man up, you. You'll see her again soon."
Ryoko folded her arms, glaring daggers at the bounty hunter. "Don't be so sure about that."
Nagi confidently smirked. "Are you threatening me? Your precious prince said I'm a guest. You wouldn't undercut his word, right?"
"Stand down, Ryoko," Heero ordered.
Ryoko continued to scowl at Nagi for a moment before turning away with a huff. "Fine. Don't think we're all buddy-buddy now just because you're flipping on Kagato, though."
Nagi chuckled. "Wouldn't dream of it."
Washu leaned forward in concern when she saw Heero's head began to nod back and forth while his eyelids fluttered. "Heero? You okay?"
Heero shook his head, as if trying to dispel sleep, but if anything, it had the opposite effect; he was suddenly looking more drained by the second. "Just… a little out of it."
Washu began undoing her own harness. "More than a little. Coming out of stasis usually requires more of a recovery period than what you got down there… and I can't imagine your stay with Kagato was any more pleasant before that. Mihoshi, Ryoko; help him up. We're taking him to the medical bay."
"It can wait until we're out of the system," Heero insisted.
"No, it can't," Mihoshi countered, taking Washu aback with just how stern she suddenly sounded, "You need a good checkup right away."
"We're still in combat," Heero pointed out.
"No, we're not," Ryoko shot back, gesturing broadly, "Listen. Hear that? That's a whole lot of nothing. No alerts, no fire hitting us, nothing. We're just cruising quietly out of here now."
"She's right, Heero," Trowa chimed in, "At this point, I think we're good."
Heero looked around for support, but when he saw none was forthcoming, he relented. "Alright. If anything changes before we get clear, let me know."
"And what exactly would you be doing about it?" Wufei quipped.
Heero scowled, and Washu could not help but giggle in response. Whether Heero knew it or not, once someone knew how to read him, his expressions could be quite amusing.
"Come along, Your Highness," Washu urged teasingly, "You don't get to fight again until your good doctor here gives you a clean bill of health."
….
Seated in the Suzume's private communications suite, Funaho waited patiently for her connection to be established. A satisfied smile was on her face as the holographic projector flickered with blue light, and it only grew as that light resolved itself a moment later into the form of President Moriko.
Seniwa's ruler immediately dispensed with pleasantries. "What's the word, Empress?"
"Success," Funaho confirmed, "We just received the confirmation signal from the Yotaka. They're heading for our rendezvous point as we speak."
Moriko took a deep breath. "And… Mihoshi?"
"Safe, along with the rest of the team," Funaho happily answered, "I understand she's fretting over her fiancé in the medical bay."
Moriko finally smiled in return as she blew out a sigh of relief. "That's wonderful to hear. I'll make the official announcement shortly. I don't suppose they have time to make a brief appearance for public morale's sake?"
Funaho shook her head. "I'm afraid that won't be possible. From what I understand, Kagato's forces are already on their way to the third repository. As soon as the team returns, we'll be linking up with our fleet and giving chase."
Moriko nodded. "I see. I'll inform my commanders immediately so they can reinforce yours. I've already made clear the chain of command; they'll have no issues working under Admiral Fukunaga."
"Much appreciated," Funaho said, "They know what they're getting into?"
Moriko exhaled heavily. "Nothing was held back. Repository defenses, Kagato's known fleet elements… they know this is going to be ugly. When the casualty figures eventually become clear, Seniwa's public will want answers."
Funaho winced in sympathy. "I don't envy your position. You already know that we must be cautious with what's publicly released."
"I do," Moriko confirmed in resignation, "For now, this is an operation against a would-be usurper who has also acted to destabilize the Domain. Kagato's attack on the ball at least gives us enough material to satisfy this action, but when the blood toll is paid… it might not be a sufficient answer for the people."
Funaho respectfully inclined her head. "Once the third repository's data is secured, we'll have everything needed to locate the Gate and the Array's control center. It won't take long for us to destroy this accursed weapon once and for all. After that, we can be a bit more honest about what's really going on here."
Moriko chuckled ruefully. "I wonder who will have the tougher time of it; His Majesty, or myself?"
"My husband made this bed long ago," Funaho grimly remarked, "He knew there was always the chance that he'd have to lie in it. Misaki and I will do our part to limit the damage."
Moriko smiled. "On the bright side, the prospect of a royal wedding should serve as a very useful distraction. Domain or Empire, our respective public always goes nuts over that sort of pageantry."
"And now the bride and groom-to-be are reunited," Funaho said, returning her friend's smile, "so that wedding is officially back on track."
Moriko's brow furrowed, her expression darkening. "Assuming that they survive the coming crucible."
Funaho spread her arms, her palms open in a gesture of serene acceptance. "We can only hope. Their fates are beyond our machinations now."
Preview for next time!
Quatre: Mission accomplished.
Duo: Yo, buddy, is it just me, or did you pick up some new scars?
Mihoshi: Heero, what happened to you!?
Heero: My captivity was eventful, thanks to Kagato's sister. It looks worse than it is.
Ryoko: Ragyō, you bitch!
Ayeka: That foul wench will pay dearly for these injuries!
Trowa: Rest up while you can. We're on our way to the next battlefield already.
Wufei: That goes for the rest of us, too.
Sasami: I'm so sleepy…
Tsunami: Sorry, my dear host, but I'll require your sleep for a little longer yet.
Nagi: Hey, negotiate my deal first, then you all can take a nap!
Kiyone: Next time, in Chapter Thirty-Two: No Need For A Moment To Breathe! Actually, we probably could use more than a moment or two, if you ask me.
Washu: All too true, but the tides of fate wait for no one.
Author's Notes: Sorry for the wait in getting this one out. The next one's going to be a bit of a lull, but the one afterwards will take us on to the battle at the third repository. We're actually nearing the story's endgame now, though the grand finale is still quite a way off.
Hope you all enjoyed the chapter. Feel free to review, stay safe, and I'll see you all next time!
