This the opening section of "The Tempest Chronicles II", the followup
to (suprise suprise) "The Tempest Chronicles I" - imaginative huh ?
I've got a lot more of it written up but owing to the way my scatterbrained
mind works there's currently a large hole between the starting piece
(this lump) and the rest.
I'm *slowly* filling in the gap and will post some more when it's done.
In the mean time, comments on this mess would be appreciated.
and *volunteers* for pre-readers also considered.
My previous proof-readers have disappeared like an early morning mist,
mind you they weren't anime fans ^_^.
Read and enjoy?
<--- Begin include --->
Bubblegum Crisis
****
The Tempest Chronicles II
****
(c) Robin Smith 1995
Bubblegum Crisis is copyright Armtic,
Youmex and Toshimichi Suzuki.
Other copyrights belong to their respective holders.
=========
Chapter 2.1
-----------
When they had all returned to the interior of KnightWing, Sylia
asked Nene to remain outside temporarily to see if she could pickup
any emissions from inside KnightWing.
Nene set her suits monitors to wideband scan closely watching for
any stray transmissions, strangely she was getting no responses at.
'That's most odd' she thought
'I should at least be getting some background noise from the city.'
She continued to scan as she waited patiently for a call from Sylia.
Finally after three minutes Priss poked her head outside
KnightWing's door and waved at Nene to come back in, unfortunately
for Priss, Nene was not looking at KnightWing but was concentrating
on the monitors she'd set up.
Her concentration was shattered when she got a rap on her helmet
from Priss who'd obviously decided that physical contact was the
only course of action.
"Hey, stop that." Nene yelled into her suits comms.
Priss didn't respond, but beckoned Nene to follow back to KnightWing.
When they were back inside with their helmets off, Nene rounded on
Priss.
"What was that for out there, you could have called you know."
"Well we'd been calling you for the last minute and when you didn't
respond I surmised that Marvin's security blanket was being very
efficient."
Sylia answered.
"Oh yes, that would explain why I got absolutely nothing out there,
no background sound, static or anything."
Nene replied somewhat sheepishly, having realised why Priss had
resorted to a tap on her helmet.
Mackie locked the door and Nene activated the ECM packages, just to
be on the safe side.
"Well Tempest seems to have been as good as his word and has
successfully cancelled any chance of this being overheard.
There are several points I think we need to discuss, if you
can think of any other relevant points then we'll talk about those
as well.
Tempest has come from out the shadows and touched our lives quite
significantly in the space of one evening and we are each going
to have different conceptions about him.
For instance does everyone trust him ?
Would we all be happy if he were able to join with us as a member
of the Knight Sabers ?
Don't assume I've decided he will.
What about the prospect of decoding the information in the data
unit my father has left ?"
Sylia waited for the questions raised to sink in before asking,
"Anyone got any further points to add to the list ?"
There were 'No's and heads being shaken as Sylia looked to them
each in turn.
"Well what do we feel about Tempest ?"
Silence reigned until Mackie spoke up,
"For what he did to help me, remember he didn't have to.
He could have left Sylia to do it all herself and it would also
have made it more difficult for me to realise my potential.
He seems to be sincere thoughout, although he has his 'odd' moments
but overall I like him. I'd vote for him as a team member as well."
"I suppose that he seems to share a certain amount of your schoolboy
humour and fascination with cameras has nothing to do with it ?"
"Priss I asked for views on Tempest, not your opinions on anothers
feelings. We need to know how *you* feel about Tempest not what you
think about Mackie's feelings."
"Alright, alright.
He seems okay enough I guess, but he gives me the creeps with some
of the things he does and his sense of humour stinks, but I'd vote
for him as a Knight Saber."
"That's only because he set you up and you took the bait."
Sylia cast a glare in Linna's direction.
"Uhh, sorry. I agree with Priss about his attempts at humour, it's
awful. His body is impressive, uhh "
"Well you always did go for the weird ones Linna."
"PRISS!" Sylia glared long and hard at Priss as if trying turn her
to stone.
"Well I ..., sorry Linna."
"What I meant was, he has a very impressive recovery rate regarding
injuries which I would think would be use to Priss at least. Aside
from his humour I think he means well."
"I take it that means you trust him enough as well ?"
"Sorry, yes and another yes as a Saber."
Sylia noted that Nene had been silent throughout and was still not
showing any signs of commiting herself.
"Nene ?"
"Oh sorry, I was thinking.
Tempest, well that 'thought' transference stuff is really strange,
useful maybe but weird just the same. He seems to have a strong set
of ethics he firmly adhere's to, very old fashioned. Despite that
count another vote for Tempest.
Now what do you think of Tempest, Sylia ?"
"Well I have a slight advantage here, in that our minds have touched
and also I experienced some of what he felt when he broke down as
he described the works of my father and grandfather."
There was a noticeable tremble in Sylia's voice again as she spoke.
"Like Tempest, I will now carry some of those scenes to the grave.
Since the initial meeting at the door, there was something about
him that I felt at home with, a sense of honour.
What this all means is, I trust him as well, I just wanted to make
sure you all did, so my judgement didn't colour your feelings.
I suppose I'll have to ask him if he'll join us now, despite his
sense of humour being so bad.
Having 'approved' of Tempest with a major question mark about his
humour what do you think about the data unit's contents and the
prospect afterwards ?"
Nene was the first to put forward a view,
"I can see the usefullness of the rapid healing of injuries, but I'm
not happy at the increased longevity it gives.
There are enough hungry people in the world at the moment and what
would happen to the population ?
If I were to be treated it would mean I wouldn't age but about
my parents, would they be treated as well ?
If it were posible to separate out the healing part from the aging
process then I'd be happy, but we'd need to eaxmine the data first.
Perhaps Tempest could put Marvin to work on it."
"Some very interesting points there Nene, but you didn't say if you
were in favour or not.
"Oops, sorry Sylia. Yes I vote for examining the data."
"Err, well I go along with Nene's concerns about the population and
the starving.
The rapid healing would be a tremendous advantage, I mean how many
times has one of us been down due to injury ?
From a personal standpoint, I don't have Nene's reservations about
family since I lost mine as a result of the quake.
Count that as another vote in favour."
"Thank you Linna.
That leaves you Mackie and Priss."
"Huh, what about you ?"
"I have come to a decision but I'd like to know what you feel first
Priss, so that my choice doesn't influence you or Mackie."
Mackie responded quickly having thought out his answer long ago,
"I'm voting yes, though I agree about the increased longevity and
the resulting problems with population and hunger."
"That leaves you Priss."
Priss paused, a pensive look on her face,
"Well I can't make up my mind.
It would make me less than human and I gues you all know how I feel
about that sort of thing.
The rapid healing would be great considering the number of injuries
I've had in past.
It's the no-aging bit that's a real problem, I mean who wants a
life forever fighting bumas ?
How many friends would stay by you ?
As Tempest said of the anti-aging ''How could you hide that ?''
And what else could you do once treated ?
If the anti-aging bit could be taken out then I guess I'd go for
being treated."
"Do you want to think about it some more Priss ?"
"Yes, no!
Damn it, count me in."
"Please don't feel pushed into saying yes."
"I'm not, but I don't like the anti-aging stuff, we're supposed to
die at some time, that's what makes us human."
"Well it that leaves me and Tempest to vote.
Nene raised some very exceptionally valid concerns and I for one
agree wholeheartedly with them.
If Tempest also votes yes then we ask him to put Marvin to work on
trying to separate out the various factors.
Priss are you sure you don't want more time ?"
"No, I've made my decision, for better or worse.
What's your choice Sylia, since you've been holding back."
"Alright Priss, then the vote is unanimous as my vote is yes.
I propose we ask Tempest if we can continue this tomorrow in view
of the time.
Since Marvin's security blanket appears to be so efficient let's
go and see Tempest to let him know what we've decided."
******
When it had finished I swapped it for another cube and got up as this
music wasn't the sort that you lay back and relaxed to.
The beat of "Akuma to Tenshi no Kisu" echoed around the room,
while I played an imaginary drum kit and guitar, this was closely
followed by "Kodoku no Enjeru".
I'd just finished murdering "Kon'ya wa Harikeen" with my terrible
singing and was waiting for "Kuraishisu ~ ikari o komete hashire" to
begin, when a tap on the shoulder snapped me back to reality.
I hit the stop button and slipped off my headphones.
"I admire your taste in music Tempest, but your singing would
frighten bumas at five kilometres."
Standing by the door was Priss in helmet in hand, with the others
behind her.
"Well thank you for that short critique of my musical ability.
I'd have to say I agree with you though, I've always been off key.
Fortunately it doesn't stop me appreciating good music, I just
frighten people when I sing."
"Ah, that must a new definition of 'sing' I not familiar with."
Priss's smile was the largest I'd ever seen on her pretty face.
Seeing the smiles on the other Sabers faces, I put my hands in the
air.
"Okay, I'll come quietly."
"Have you finished acting the fool yet Tempest?"
Hmm, Sylia was back in full 'ice queen' mode.
"Marvin, please return control to Tempest."
Sylia's command cut across the room.
Confirmed, full control returned to Tempest.
"I take it from your return that you've reached a collective
decision."
Sylia answered for everyone.
"Yes we have, however it's getting rather late, or should I say
early in view the hour, so I have favour to ask."
"Go ahead I'm open to suggestions, I've a fair of idea of what your
request will be anyway."
"Well, would it be too inconvenient if we reconvened this meeting
tomorrow evening ?"
"No problem at all, I think we could all use some sleep."
"Thank you.
Goodnight Tempest we'll see you tomorrow around eight-thirty."
"Goodnight girls, take care.
Oh and I'll a meal laid on ready.
Marvin, when they're ready to lift off, drop the shields and
camouflage please."
<Confirmed>
"Right I'm going to get some shuteye, close up please and wake me
about 07:30 in the morning, thank you."
<Confirmed>
******
Saturday passed without any major events,
Sylia at Silky Doll, where she actually spent some time serving
behind the till, absent mindedly ringing up the sales whilst
contemplating the previous days events.
Linna was over at the studio educating some more couch potatoes in
the art of exercise.
Priss had her usual slanging match with the owner of 'Hot Legs'
before going to Raven's garage and teasing 'Pops' as she had her
beloved bike refueled after Mackie had checked it over.
Nene spent some time on her computer at home before making her way
over to Silky Doll where she began an attack on Genom's computers
to intrude on their databases, she returned home about five to change
and grab a slice of cake.
They all met up at Silky Doll at eight o'clock in prepartion for the
flight across town to Tempest's place.
******
The majority of my Saturday was largely taken up by a shopping trip
or two, followed by a cooking session in the kitchen. It was a long
time since I'd cooked for more than one and rather enjoyed myself
as I prepared the various courses and side dishes.
Having finished the preparations at about five o'clock, I gave
Marvin specific instructions for the heating of each hot dish so it
would be ready for serving about eight-thirty.
Satisfied that all was ready I went out for stroll along the
bays shore, revelling in the cool breeze that was blowing in gently
off the sea. Sitting down on one the benches, I relaxed having
watched the sun sink slowly into sea amidst a brilliant glow that
ranged from a warm yellow, slowly turning orange then scarlet before
finally disappearing from view in fading maroon light. It was one
the best sunsets I'd seen for some time, not that I'd watched many
sunsets lately.
I was interrupted from my musings by a young man and woman walking
along arm in arm. They stopped in front of me and he asked
"Excuse me, do you have the correct time please ?"
"Why certainly it's" I glanced down at my watch.
"Twenty-one minutes past eight."
Blast! I'm going to be late unless I get a move on.
"Thank you very much."
"Thank you and I too must go or I shall be late.
Have a pleasant evening."
I turned and walked in the opposite direction the young couple,
crossed the road and slipped into a dark alley. Afterall I didn't
want them to observe what I was about to do, it would be extremely
unerving for them to say the least.
'Marvin, I'm coming home.'
In the alley there was a small [thwup] as the air rushed into the
space where I had been standing, and in the blink of an eye I was
safely back in my study.
"Thank you Marvin, faultless as ever.
Have my guests arrived yet ?"
<They will be landing in about three minutes>
"Thank you."
Turning rapidly on my heel I went to my private room and changed
from usual attire of tee-shirt, shorts and trainers{1} into sandals
and a kimono with a rather unique design embroidered on the back
along with a small emblem on the left front.
I mixed myself a cola and prepared jugs of fresh orange juice, cola,
coffee, tea and warmed a bottle of sake, not that I drank anything
with alcohol as I had been teetotal since 1977 unless I had to as
part of job. Having set the food and drink out on the table, I lay
back on the floor and reflected on the beauty of the glorious sunset
I'd sat and witnessed earlier.
******
Shadowy shapes stalked across the roof a building, reached the
parapet and looked down into the blackness below. One of the group
raised their hand pointed to a spot across the street and promptly
leapt over the edge followed quickly by the rest. As each figure was
briefly silhouetted against the evening sky it was apparrant they
were no ordinary humans, if human is what they were.
For although they posessed the basic outline, there were numerous
appendages that were not consistant with a human body, also how many
humans would casually leap off the top of a five story building ?
The next action dispelled all doubts that these were human beings,
for there was no crash, just a whining and hissing as they all
touched lightly down on the street, buma most likely.
They approached and entered the crumbling edifice that was sited
opposite their takeoff point, stealthily walking along the dusty and
dirty corridors, heads scanning from side to side watching for any
sign of trouble. Reaching their first objective without incident,
one of their number gently pushed the dilapedated looking door which
slid noislessly to one side, obviously this door was well maintained
and used on a regular basis.
Filing quietly into the room beyond they spread out as they
approached their main objective, the opening in far wall. The one
who seemed to leading the others peered through the opening to see
another sheer drop of about fifty feet and a very faint glimmer of
light, undectable to the human eye, coming from the bottom of the
shaft. Excellent their target was present and seemed to be oblivious
to their presence, that would soon change !
They all dropped silently to the base of shaft and the leader of the
group stepped forward to the doors and placing an armoured hand on
each, forced the doors aside. Light flooded into the shaft from the
room beyond, illuminating the whole group. Seeing there was no
response from within, they advanced into the room. Their target had
put up a pitful defence and would soon reap the consequences of such
a foolish action.
Unbeknownst to them however, their target was fully aware of their
presence and let them know by announcing it to the assembled troup
as he came into view.
******
"Good evening Sylia, punctual as ever."
Sylia reached up and removed her suits helmet.
"Good evening Tempest.
Any chance of Marvin providing a screen for KnightWing as he did
before ?"
"No problem, consider it done.
Marvin secure and cloak the KnightWing please."
<Acknowledged and done>
"That was an interesting approach, trying to outwit the defences ?"
"Not really, I sure we couldn't do that to you and Marvin, but the
practice does come in useful.
Why wasn't the lift in place ?"
"When Marvin relayed the manner of your approach, I thought it would
be more fun if it wasn't there, and you rose to the challenge,
slight though that was. I personally heard nothing till you prised
open the shaft doors."
"Thank you, I can't say that I'm supprised that you were aware of
our approach."
"But who else has a setup like this ?
Marvin activate the defences, close the shaft doors and lower the
lift please."
<Confirmed>
"Right I've prepared a special meal which is all ready, pull up a
floor and tuck in."
I was about to sit down when Linna waved her arm to attract my
attention.
"Tempest, haven't you overlooked something ?"
"No I don't think so, it's all here; food, drink, glasses,
napkins, condiments ...."
Suddenly it hit me, how do you hold chopsticks whilst wearing a
hardsuit !
"Sorry everyone, had a spot of brain fade there.
There are kimonos in the regular place for each of you, the obi
will indicate whose is whose.{2}
Mackie to save you waiting about, I've laid one out for you in my
room over there."
They all trooped off to their respective rooms and whilst they were
gone I removed all the covers and warmers from the food dishes.
Mackie return first, joined me at the circular table and sat down
on my left. A minute later the four girls returned looking beautiful
in the kimonos and obi; white for Sylia, green for Linna, blue for
Priss and pink of course for Nene.
I was quite taken aback with the vision of the girls as they crossed
the room towards the table.
Sylia and Linna looked very traditional with their short dark hair
styles, but there was something that didn't quite look right,
question what was it ?
Nene didn't look right in a kimono though, she looked at her best in
her ADP uniform where her vibrant red hair and bright green eyes
provided a sharp contrast to the dull grey.
It was Priss who outshone everyone, her long russet brown hair
cascading onto her shoulders providing the perfect foil to the pure
white of the kimono and the bright blue obi. Clearly at some point
she had learnt some traditional customs, for she was the only one to
hold her hands together within the sleeves of the kimono so they
were concealed.
Not wanting to spoil the moment, I refrained from commenting aloud
to Mackie, since from the look on his face told me he was as
impressed I was.
'Now how about that, who would have thought Priss could look so
enchanting ?'
'Probably not a good idea to let her hear you say that out loud.'
'Not phrased that way, no. But I think she ought to be complimented
on her appearance.'
'You're a sucker for punishment aren't you ?'
'Hah, that's rich coming from the video kid !'
'Well don't say I didn't warn you Tempest.'
Rising as they approached the table, I bowed and addresed them.
"Please take a seat. My compliments to all and especially to you
Priss, you look outstandingly beautiful, thank you."
Priss turned her head to face me.
"Are you saying I don't look beautiful normally then ?"
'Told you so.'
"No, I sincerely thought you looked stunning and deserved
complimenting on the fact.
Unless of course you'd rather I didn't bother."
"Sorry and thank you for noticing." She blushed slightly.
'You owe me an orange juice Mackie'
'Aww nuts.'
"Thank you.
Now I suggest we get stuck in before this lot gets cold."
There wasn't much chatter whilst we ate, I think we were all
wondering what each other's decision about Katsuhiro's data would
be and remained silent on the topic least it spoil the meal.
Once we had taken of our fill, I went and fetched a small trolley
onto which I loaded all the dishes etc. and wheeled it off to the
kitchen area.
"Thank you, that was a lovely meal, much better than our last one.
Now tell me the name of the restaurant you used, I'd like to use
them myself."
"Well, I don't often do catering parties, but I suppose I could make
an exception for you Sylia."
"YOU ?" Sylia sounded shocked.
"Aww, now I'm hurt." I replied putting my hands over my heart.
"And to think I spent half the day slaving in kitchen preparing
this."
"Are you being serious, Tempest ?"
"Yes perfectly serious, I prepared the meal."
"Where did you learn to cook like that ?"
"Mostly self taught, but I confess to having studied under some
really good cooks in the last thirty years. If you live like I
do then it makes an interesting diversion."
"Thank again and I may just take you up that offer to cook again."
"Thank you, one does try you know.
To tell the truth I rather enjoyed choosing the dishes, running
round the shops gathering the ingredients and then cooking it all.
And now having sated the body shall we proceed to ..."
I never finished, because at that point four watches beeped in
unison and continued to beep until the girls each pressed a button.
"Sorry Tempest, I need to check on something."
"Ahh, stab in the dark here Sylia, a buma incident perchance,
with Leon and company outclassed as usual ?"
"Probably. I setup a monitor program to alert us should something
arise during our absence."
"Excuse me whilst I go check on the equipment in KnightWing.
If we need to suitup, I'll put a call out over the comms channel.
Can you monitor for my call please."
"Certainly.
Marvin monitor for transmissions from KnightWing and relay here.
Also release the security shield from KnightWing please."
<Confirmed, channel is open, shields released>
Sylia trotted to the room where the hardsuits lay, and emerged a few
minutes later with her visor raised.
"Right hopefully this is a false alarm and I'll be back shortly."
******
Sylia rode the lift up to ground level and having cleared the
entrance unfolded her wings and jetted up to the top of the adjacent
buildings roof upon which KnightWing was parked. Once inside she
swiftly began monitoring the ADP channels and network for information
about the suspected incident.
At first there was little information to scan, seems like it had only
just started and the ADP were still either getting to or arriving at
the scene.
"Despatch this is Helo-1.
I'm at the location now, can't see anything yet.
No hold it.
There's two vehicles on fire, could be a traffic incident."
"Acknowledged Helo-1."
"Helo-1 here.
Strange I can't see any people around in the area.
There seems to be something else by the wrecks.
I'm descending for a closer look.
What the hell, damn it that was too close."
"Can you clarify that Helo-1 ?"
"SHIT!!
Three bumas, no make that fo...."
"Respond Helo-1.
Come in Helo-1"
"Any patrol units in the vicinity of 246th Street shopping mall
respond immediately."
"Inspectors Wong and McNichol here."
"Roger Inspector, what is your ETA to target area ?
"Wong here, we're about two minutes away."
"Confirmed.
Minimum of three bumas reported, type unknown."
"Thanks despatch. Wong out."
Leon flicked the switches that open up the air intakes and extend
the aerodynamic aids. Mashing the throttle to floor he switches on
the lights and siren as an afterthought.
"Think we'll get there before the Knight Sabers arrive and finish
them off Leon ?"
"We might just get there for the closing battle I guess.
The Knight Sabers usually respond very quickly to these buma
incidents."
"How come the traffic's suddenly disappeared ?"
"I dunno, but it makes getting there easier."
"Look now we're clear of traffic, lose the siren and lights Leon,
after all at the moment we've no backup or heavy artillery."
"No backup, yeah right.
But I have got my 'special' on board."
As they near the intersection, the eerie glow of the burning cars
is reflected off the remaining glass of the surrounding buildings.
The night is quiet apart from the sound of breaking glass and
concrete being smashed up.
Leon and Daley left the cruiser parked out of sight and ran in a
semi-crouch along the side of the central reservation which offers
some cover from the bumas.
"I got a bad feeling about this Daley.
I mean it's nine-thirty on a Saturday night and there's no-one
around except us."
As they get closer Daley notices something odd about the one
buildings frontage and mutters
"God what a way to die."
"What ?"
Leon's gaze follows his partners outstretched hand and sees the
remains of 'Helo-1' embedded in the building, and the nearby
streelight is missing its upper section.
"He must have hit the streetlight first and then ploughed into the
building poor bugger."
Around the base of the streetlamp are large red stains, bits of
metal covered in a red coating and bits of flesh covered bone.
Barely quelling the feelings in his stomach Leon calls in his report.
"Despatch this McNichol. Helo-1 is down, pilot dead."
Daley unable to manage the same level of control as Leon, coughs up
the remains of his lunch into a nearby litter bin.
Having recovered from the harrowing scene of their ex-collegue, they
take up position behind the central reservation, peering over the
top towards the sounds of carnage through binoculars.
"Oh my god ! 'scuse me I gotta ...." [ugh] [rowlf]
"What's with you tonight Daley ?"
Leon trained his binoculars looked across the plaza towards the
burning car wrecks. What had Daley seen that caused him to retch ?
As he panned across the scene, he noticed something fly through the
air and land on the flaming wrecks, it was ?
Zooming in, it was a ... oh god no.
He dropped his binoculars, turned and threw up himself.
Daley recovered first. [ugh]
"My god how could they do that Leon ?"
Leon was still spitting bits from his mouth [pht] [pht]
"Genom shall go to hell for this Daley.
It's bad enough these f$%#ing bumas are smashing up the place,
but to throw the victims bodies onto that pyre !
I'm gonna nail the bastards."
"Hold up Leon, there's at least three seriously pissed bumas out
there and all we've got is your earth-shaker and two pistols to
hit them with. Let's find out how many there are, get the K12's
and THEN waste the bastards !"
"I wasn't refering to the bumas Daley, I meant those f$%#ing
shitheads at Genom. But yeah, lets find out how many there first,
then use the K12's."
"How many can you see Leon ?"
"Hmm, three BU12s.
How many you got ?"
"I got three here as well."
"What type do you make 'em ?"
"Well I make at least one C55 possibly two, the other is a BU12
for sure."
"Despatch McNichol here.
We've got six buma, they're either two C55s and four BU12s
or one C55 and five BU12s.
They're smashing up both sides of 246th street at present,
casualties are unknown at present.
Get those K12's down here pronto."
"Despatch to McNichol.
ETA for K12s is fifteen minutes."
******
On hearing this piece of news Sylia sighed heavily,
"Saber prime to Saber force.
We've got customers to serve."
"Marvin open comms link to KnightWing please."
<The channel is open>
"Storm Bringer to Saber prime.
Message received, troops assembling and launching with all haste."
"Thank you 'Storm Bringer'."
I could have sworn she chuckled as she said that.
"Sorry about this, but business calls."
"Understood Saber Prime, your troops should be airborne in, ooo
about ten seconds.
I'll be awaiting your return.
Sing out when you want to hide 'mother bird' again.
The nest will be open."
"Roger Storm Bringer.
Saber Prime out."
"Marvin leave open the comms link please and what is their ETA to
the incident ?"
<From previous flight data, the KnightWing's ETA is four minutes>
"Is there a suitable vacant vantage point nearby ?"
<Commencing scan of area>
All was quite for a minute as Marvin scanned the area for a location.
<A location conforming to your requirements is available, projecting
image>
"Thank you Marvin, please recheck again after the Knight Sabers have
arrived on the scene and commenced engagement.
Enable the defences against all but myself and the Knight Sabers.
If it is still safe then tell me please.
Record any video signals of the incident you can gather."
<Acknowledged>
"Hmm, is the sat-1 link still available ?"
<Access confirmed>
"Activate it. I shall be ready in two minutes."
Returning to my room, I changed into a matt black outfit that
covered me from head to foot. The only visible parts of me remaining
were my eyes which looked through two narrow slits in the headpiece.
<The location is still clear>
The was a quiet [thwup] as the air rushed into the space I had once
occupied and I now found myself on the rooftop of a building
overlooking the battle below.
Never having witnessed the Sabers in action before I stood there
transfixed watching the way in which two of the bumas were dispatched
with apparant ease.
Linna seemed to be performing a tango of death with one, her
flowing motions made the machine look like a slow moving dinosaur.
The dance continued quickening its pace, until she ended it by
leaping over its head and her trailing ribbons of death sliced
through its neck, severing the head from the lumbering carcase which
then collapsed in a smouldering heap.
The second buma fared no better than the first. Although Priss was
nowhere near as agile as Linna's balletic twists and turns, what she
lacked in grace she more than made up for in shear force, pummeling
the hapless machine with railgun spikes and cannon fire. It staggered
from the blows inflicted upon it, uncertain as to its next action,
unfortunately it hesitated too long for a blue streak raced up, leapt
on top of it and blasted its conciousness into the realms of
eternity.
Two down, four to go. I was amazed, within the space of a minute,
two of the rampaging machines had been subdued.
Looking down from my vantage point I could see Leon and Daley below
me still sheltering behind the reservation although I could make out
Leon holding a large gun.
He can't be thinking of shooting at them I thought.
"Booom"
A huge report echoed off the buildings as Leon opened fire on another
of the buma that was out in the open, unfortunately his aim wasn't
quite true and the huge round only caught the buma a glancing blow.
This did nothing to help its outlook towards organic life for
bellowing loudly it spun round to face Leon and Daley, mouth agape
and the blue glow within rapidly increasing in intensity.
Damn you Leon, why couldn't you sit this one out ?
Despite his impetuousity Leon wasn't stupid, for he and Daley leaped
to one side and threw themselves flat on the ground as the buma
fired. Bits of stone and cement went flying in all directions as the
buma's blast blew away a large section of the central reservation,
behind which Leon and Daley had just been sheltering.
I couldn't see Nene in this melee, but I sumised she would be off to
one side jamming the comms channels between the bumas and throwing
all sorts of electronic mayhem in their direction. Priss and Linna
were also no longer in view, although I could hear the results of
their struggles emanating from one of the side streets.
Sylia was holding her own against a BU12 and had just admistered the
killer blow when a C55 lumbered out of the smoke and sideswiped her
into a supporting pilar, she lay there not moving for an instant.
However this was all the C55 required to pick her up and throw across
the street towards the building I was standing on. She bounced of the
tarmac twice and crashed into the previously damaged streetlamp which
then decided to collapse on top of her.
The C55 had opened its mouth and the glow was building, Sylia lay
there unmoving.
'Sylia move it NOW' I urged.
Nothing, no response.
Suddenly the C55 appeared to waver, unsteady and uncertain of its
movements. Nene's work ?
"Booom"
Another huge report indicated Leon had fired again, however the shell
just whanged off the C55s armour and by now it had regained it
bearing on Sylia.
'Damn it Sylia, GET UP' I screamed mentally.
Still no movement or sign of the others.
One second the C55 was standing there about to fire upon Sylia, then
it was enveloped in a blinding field of intense light and ceased to
exist as a funtional unit. All that now remained of the C55 was a
pool of slag congealing and mixing with the underlying roadway
materials.
That made four down. I noted that there was no sound of battle coming
from the side street any more, this meant one of two things, either
the bumas were down or ... No that was too horrible to contemplate.
My concern was short lived for Priss and Linna emerged from the smoke
billowing from out the side street, not quite as steady as when they
went in and somewhat smoke stained, but upright.
Now where had Nene got to ?
Ahh, there she was pulling the remains of the lamp standard from
Sylia's prostrate form. She must have called out over the comms
channel at this point for Priss and Linna boosted over to her and
supporting Sylia between them followed Nene into the night sky.
I scanned the scene and noted the odd shape of the wrecks that once
had been cars. It should have been flat where the two vehicles had
met since they were both sedans, instead there was a noticable heap
of some extra material that was being consumed by the flames.
Suddenly part of the heap collapsed and one piece fell out
separately from the rest, it dawned on me what it was - a body.
And then I felt an overwhelming urge coming from my guts and I
ripped off the hood just before my stomach regurgitated its contents
over the roof top.
'Marvin, I'm coming home.'
******
"Where's the radio Leon ?"
"It was on top of the wall until that buma blew the shit out it."
"In which case, I guess it's back to the car to call in."
"Yeah, I'm not going to hang around here to long. The Knight Sabers
did a good job, though 'white' seemed to take a beating this time."
"The thing that's puzzling me is, where did that blinding light
come from ?"
"I dunno, took a good minute before I could see anything clearly
again. When I could that buma was scrap metal and the Knight Sabers
were just leaving."
"Think they've got a new weapon ?"
"Well if they have, then why didn't they use it before on all the
bumas since it flattened that one so easily ?
No I think there was something else going here tonight.
Anyway let's get back to the car, I'm beat."
They walked back in silence to where they'd left the cruiser. On
arrival Leon put his earth-shaker behind the driver's seat, dropped
behind the wheel and reached for the mike. As he did so six ADP
armoured vehicles rounded the corner heading for the battle scene.
"Despatch this is McNichol."
"Acknowledged inspector.
Where have you been, we've been trying to raise you for the last
five minutes."
'Oh hell' thought Daley.
"We were *busy* okay.
Besides the radio got smashed in the fight.
I estimate about thirty civilian casualties.
All the bumas are down thanks to the Knight Sabers.
What the hell happened, the backup has only just arrived.
Which is way too *f$%#ing* *late*.
McNichol out."
To say Leon was pissed off would have been understating the facts.
"Give them break Leon, it wasn't despatch's fault the backup was
late. Look on the bright side, our shift finishes at ten, so by the
time we've reached HQ then we'll be off duty."
"Yeah 'spose so.
Hmm I wonder if Nene's about, I've got an idea about that light."
"Nene, don't forget this is her weekend off."
Leon pondered this for a moment,
"Aww, alright I suppose it'll keep till Monday."
******
=======================================================================
Footnotes :
{1} Trainers = Sneakers
{2} Kimono - a long flowing robe, in western terms think
of a dressing gown.
Obi - a broad brightly coloured sash, traditionally worn with a
kimono by women and children.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(c) Robin Smith 1995 mackie@ktsabers.demon.co.uk
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
<--- End include --->
-- Mackie Stingray (Robin Smith) Guess who's a BGC fan, sorry no prizes
^[$B%m%S%s^[(J ^[$B%9%_%9^[(J Lichfield, Staffordshire, United Kingdom
Miyazaki, Sonoda, Shirow, Suzuki, Takahashi, Matsumoto All Hail UF
Author of "BGC: The Tempest Chronicles" WANTED: GSC#1 GSC#2 by Dark Horse