Well no-one's come up with any serious objections to chapter 1,
not that many people replied - come on I don't bite ! (yet :)

Anyway here's chapter 2 to cast a critical eye over.


                           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 2.2
  -----------

  [thwup] I was back in my lair in the blink of an eye.
  Running to my room, I rinsed my mouth out several times in an effort
  to remove the remaining taste of the bile.
  Rapidly I discarded the rest of my black attire and donned my kimono.

  Barely three minutes elapsed before the comms channel burst into
  life once more.

  "Saber Prime to Storm Bringer."

  By the gods Sylia was awake !

  "Storm Bringer here,
   You sound a little rough Saber Prime, everything alright ?"

  "Yes we're all safe, just a little shaken that's all.
   Ready to accept mother bird ?"

  I marvelled that Sylia was up after what she'd just been through.

  "Nest is clear of obstructions.
   What is your ETA ?"

  Well one thing was for certain, even if anyone could intercept these
  transmissions they would have fun trying to work out what just what
  was going on.

  "Two minutes Storm Bringer.
   Saber Prime out."

  Whilst awaiting the Sabers return, I busied myself by washing some
  of the dishes that we'd emptied earlier. I rinsed my mouth several
  times more before acting like a marauding horde of gannets, emptying
  several dishes of their contents in order to quell the empty feeling
  in my stomach.

  My thoughts were interrupted as Priss poked her head round the door,
  looked at me washing the dishes, grinned and said
  "Well well, a Tempest with a teacup."

  "Argh, now that's bad even by my standards Priss.
   Welcome back, I'll be with you in a minute or two."

  As I returned to the room carrying fresh pots of tea and coffee I
  noted they were still in their hardsuits.
  "Blimey looks like it got a bit rough out there.
   What's the matter, expecting more problems ?"

  "Well I did get beaten up a bit."
  She turned round so I could see all the scrapes and dents across
  her back.
  Turning back to face me she fixed me with a steely gaze and said
  "But I'm sure you're already well aware of that aren't you ?"

  Hmm that's interesting, Sylia sounded confident she knew I was there.
  Just how confident is she ?
  "Now that's an odd thing to say.
   Would you care to expand on that remark ?"

  "As you're no doubt aware, one of Nene's prime task is to run
   interference on hostiles such as bumas. Also she has to keep a good
   watch for secondary threats. One such 'threat' was targeted on top
   the building that had the ADP Helo embedded in it's frontage.
   Following analysis of the readouts of Nene's scan, and I'm sure this
   is purely a random chance that your physical make matches almost
   precisely.
   Your turn Tempest."

  There was no way I was going to conceal the truth from her.
  "Yes I saw what happened and the results. It looked pretty bad when
   that buma hit you the first time. Then it bounced you across the
   tarmac into the building and you didn't get up, well I was very
   concerned. I was certainly glad when I saw Nene attending to you
   after the buma got wasted."

  "I'm glad you bought that subject up.
   Nene said Linna and Priss were still finishing off the other two
   down the side street, Leon's shots were bouncing off and she didn't
   do anything to it. Nene managed to temporarily confuse it for a
   second or two, but then it recovered.
   I don't suppose you happen to know what happened to it ?

  "Err, an act of god ?"
  I suggested.

  "So should we address you as Kamisama now ?"

  "Ahh, no Tempest is fine thank you."
  I grinned.

  Sylia still had that steely look in her eye.
  "Alright, I'll come clean.
   Well you didn't respond to my thoughts, so you were obviously
   out for the count, and the buma was about to cream you.
   I thought it was probably Nene's doing that made it hesitate.
   After that though it had you dead to rights and was about to blast
   you and you were still down, so I took the liberty of saving your
   life."

  "Yes well I think that bit is pretty obvious, the question is how ?
   You're not trying to tell me you can turn a C55 buma to molten
   slag by thinking about it, are you ?"

  "Well in this case, yes."

  Sylia arched an eyebrow in suprise.
  "Remind me not to get on your bad side then."

  "I think perhaps should make the point clear then.
   You're aware of the 'killer' satellite ?"

  "Are you trying to be funny Tempest ?"

  "No I'm not. I thought it was a perfectly simple question Priss."

  "Let me explain Priss's outburst Tempest.
   We had an operation about a year ago that involved the 'killer'
   satellite that almost got us all killed at one point and Priss had
   rather a bad time leading up to that, so it's a rather touchy
   subject."

  "Sorry I wasn't aware of that. In the light of that information, it
   makes what I'm about to say all the more ironic really.
   I had the 'killer' satellite target and destroy that C55 buma that
   was about to splash you to the four winds."

  "You can control that satellite by *thinking* about it ?"
  Priss sounded incredulous.

  "No Marvin does most of the work, I provide the aiming point and
   the give the firing confirmation."

  "That's a hell of a responsibility to hold Tempest, when did USSD
   give you the access codes ?"

  "They didn't Priss, but I did hint earlier that Marvin is one
   powerful AI/computer. USSD probably don't know it was triggered if
   Marvin did it right, which he has done so far.
   And yes I agree it is an awesome responsibility to know you can
   access such a weapon."

  "I'm glad you did in this instance Tempest.
   For that I thank you.
   I have a question or two though."

  "Go ahead Sylia ask away."

  "So if you went to the incident, why didn't you ask to come along
   with us ?"

  "Three reasons.
   One. I don't wear an armoured hardsuit.
   Two. You did say and I quote
   ''You haven't fought our battles, and although you are evidently a
     close friend of my father and grand-father you're not part of this
     team just yet.''
   Three. Well this one will become clearer later on."

  "I can't argue with 'one', 'two' all you had to do was ask and
   'three' you always put one these in don't you ?
   However, since you were on site, that now poses another question.
   Having heard the suprises you've sprung on us so far I fully expect
   you to drop another small bombshell with your answer.

   How did you get to and from the location ?"

  "Remember when Nene asked how I was suddenly standing next to her in
   KnightWing and I answered
   ''A holographic projection, I never left this room.''
   That was perfectly true, however I could equally have achieved the
   same effect by doing this ... [thwup]"

  "Oh Sylia."
  I was now standing directly behind her, she whirled round, just in
  time to see me disappear from view and come back into the room from
  the lift doors.
  "Easy when you know how.
   Priss hold your arms, as if you're about catch some falling from
   above please. Oh and brace yourself, on three.
   Ready ?"

  Priss nodded wondering what was coming next.

  "One, two, here I come. Three! [thwup]"

  I must give credit to Priss, she didn't drop me.
  She was more than a little suprised though, I would have been too
  if I didn't know what was coming.

  "Thank you, Priss.
   Nice catch."
   I said jumping down out of her arms.

  "Well I saw it, but what was on earth did you just do Tempest ?"
  Linna enquired, looking as though she seen a ghost.

  "An exceptionally handy method of travel called "

  "Teleportation." finished Sylia and Mackie in unison.

  "Tele-what ?" asked Priss

  "Teleportation, the ability to transfer an object from place to
   place by thinking about it.
   In basic terms, visualise, cocentrate and bingo you're there.
   However it does require the services of"

  "Marvin ?" finished Priss.

  "Yes, I've only ever done it once without Marvin's assistance and
   it was induced by a panic attack as a missile came straight at
   the vehicle I was travelling in and I recall thinking about how
   I'd much rather be on the overlooking bank, clear of the impending
   disaster.

   My last recollection before I woke up on the slope above the now
   blazing wreck, was of the missile's nosecone twenty centimeters
   from my face, it was the day I almost died, March 3rd 2023.

   Despite many attempts since then, I've never been able to do it
   without Marvin's help."

  "Can you carry things and teleport ?"

  "Yes and no Nene.
   Small things that fit into pockets, yes.
   Larger items, for example a rucksack or suitcase, no they just get
   left behind."

  "So is that why you called on the satellite to scrap the boomer,
   rather than teleport Sylia out of there ?"

  "Yes, I knew she was way beyond my carrying capacity and I'm not
   making any implications about weight or other suggestions, Sylia.

   The radius of influence seems to be fairly tight around my being."

  Sylia was silent for a while and I was sure she was weighing up the
  possibilities before she spoke.
  "Do you think Mackie or I could have teleport ability ?"

  "I don't know, do you want to try it ?"

  "Well it would be an exceedingly useful ability don't you think ?"

  "I can't argue with that logic.
   Marvin, let Sylia and Mackie access the teleport program please."

  <Confirmed, access granted>

  "Right how do I go about this ?"

  "Visualise to where you want to go and concentrate on that location,
   that's how I do it. I'd suggest trying for the far side of room
   first to be safe though, I don't fancy trying to catch you in that
   hardsuit."

  "Alright the far of the room it is."

  Sylia closed her eyes and went quiet, breathing slowly and steadily
  in a gentle rhythmic pattern, she continued like this for about two
  minutes. Then I heard her breathing return to a more normal pattern,
  and blinked a couple of as she reopened her eyes.
  "Hmm, I suppose this means I failed the test and it's unique to you
   Tempest."

  "Marvin can you provide us with an answer as to why Sylia could not
   teleport please ?"

  <No attempt to access the teleport facility was detected.
   Sylia's brainwave patterns are considerably different to your own.
   The most likely explanation is your secondary enhancement changed
   not only your body and cell structure but also modified your brain
   as well. I have no concrete evidence to support this theory as your
   initial enhancement was also different to Sylia's.>

  "Do Mackie's brainwave patterns suggest he would be able to access
   the teleport facility ?"

  <Negative, they are similar to Sylia's pattern.>

  "Looks like your supposition was accurate Sylia. Question is, would
   the second stage enhancement give you the ability or is it due to
   my different primary enhancement ?"

  "Well there's only one way we'll know the answer to that little
   conundrum and that's to access the data disc left by my father."

  "The final outcome regarding that was pending a discussion you
   all held in KnightWing, I take you've have come to a decision on
   that topic ?"

  "Yes we did Tempest, but you also have a vote as well.
   What did you decide ?"

  "Ladies first Sylia."

  "Always the gentleman, Tempest.
   But on this ocassion though, age before beauty."

  She's catching on fast I thought,
  "I'm not ready for a pension yet Sylia.
   My vote is to open Pandora's box."

  "Whose box ?" Linna queried.

  "Ah, you're obviously not a student of Greek mythology.

   The expression refers to the box in which Hope alone remained
   and by Pandora's rash opening of the box, all objects of desire
   were dispersed to play havoc amongst mankind.

   In simple terms, the unleashing of some unknown factor that could
   be your downfall.

   Motto : Beware of the unknown.

   So Sylia, was the concensus to unlock the data disc, or am I in
   minority of one ?"

  "We came to the same decision as you Tempest, to unlock the data
   disc, but we have concerns about the use of the last drug you were
   given.

   Namely the anti-aging process and it's consequences for the
   starving people of the world and the population explosion that could
   result.

   As you said a veritable Pandoras box.

   If it is possible for Marvin, could he investigate the separation
   of the various factors into separate treatments ?"

  "I certainly have no objections to that proposal. It would have been
   interesting to hear what Katsuhiro would have said on that subject.

   Back in a minute, I'll just go fetch the case with it in."

  All was quiet as I walked over to the closet, opened the bottom
  drawer and extracted a small black anodised case about 15cm square
  in plan view and 6cm deep. Returning to the table, I placed the case
  in the centre, flipped the catches open and lifted the lid off the
  quick release hinges.

  Covering the main compartment of the case was a transparent cover
  with two metal straps securing it. Where the straps crossed in the
  middle there was a large seal of resin or wax with an unmistakable
  set of markings embossed in it, Katsuhiro's personal seal.

  "Recognise the seal Sylia ?"

  "Let me take a closer look please."

  Sylia studied the seal for a short while before asking Nene to don
  her helmet and to scan it. Nene did as Sylia requested and all was
  silent until Nene's modulated tones came from her helmets sound
  system.
  "No signs of disturbance and it looks to genuine based on the data
   you provided Sylia."

  "Sorry about that Tempest, I wanted to make sure if the unit was
   sealed in any way that it hadn't been tampered with."

  "No apology necessary Sylia, I would have done the same had the
   positions been reversed.
   This is exactly as I was given it thirteen years ago.
   Oh, no-one here holds to triskaidekaphobia do they ?"{3}

  "That's mainly a western problem I think Tempest."

  "Oh yes so it is, not that I subscribe to such thinking."
  With that I cut the seal across its centre line and cautiously lifted
  away the pieces with a scalpel.

  "Cut the drama out Tempest, open it will you."

  "There's a very good reason for proceeding with care here Priss.
   The case is booby trapped, so that anyone who is unaware of the
   correct opening procedure not only destroys the contents but also
   blows themselves to bits."

  "Then why are we all sitting so close to it then ?"
  Nene said as she got up.

  Halting my work for a moment, I looked up and noted every one had sat
  up straight instead of leaning forward as they were previously.
  "You may as well sit down Nene.
   There is sufficient destructive energy stored in this case to
   comfortably blow this entire building to bits, and your hardsuits
   won't provide much protection either."

  "Truly a Pandoras box for the unwary then." Sylia remarked.

  Picking up a small pair of cutters I cut diagonally across the
  meeting point and then cut the straps individually in the sequence
  North, West, East, South.
  I let out a small sigh.

  "Safe ?"

  "No there's one more trick in it.
   First I have to remove the cover and then replace the case's lid
   within ten seconds.
   It must remain on for another ten to fifteen seconds and then be
   removed again, after that it will be safe."

  "Which madman thought up this scheme ?" Priss enquired.

  "At Katsuhiro's request I did."

  "Sorry Tempest, I didn't mean to offend."

  "None taken Priss, it was a safety feature.
   Katsuhiro wanted to be sure that if ever it fell into the wrong
   hands the data would be utterley destroyed.
   Please have the case lid lined up with the hinge points for me.
   Nene could you monitor the timing please."

  "O-kay."
  Nene's chirpy response was just what was needed to take away some of
  the darkness to the situation before me.

  Priss pushed the lid inline with the hinges and moved her hands
  clear so I had room. I lifted the cover off and tossed it over my
  shoulder, lifting the lid into position and closed the latches
  within seven seconds.

  Then we waited for seemed an enternity until Nene called
  "Your ten seconds are up Tempest."

  I flipped the catches open for the second time that evening and
  opened the lid, breathing a sigh of relief as I laid the case lid
  on the floor.

  Wiping the sweat from my brow I remarked,
  "Well that concludes 'Booby Traps 101', so now we and the data are
   safe."

  "Yeah, well next time you decide to defuse a bomb, could you give
   us advance notice so we can be out huh ?"

  "Thanks for the vote of confidence there Priss.
   From what I've heard about your escapedes with bumas, I didn't
   think you loved life so hard."

  Priss was just about to counter that last remark when she noticed
  the sizeable smile across my face.
  "Don't you ever give up ?"

  "Frequently Priss, but only with lost causes which is something
   you're not."

  "Well now you've finished defusing bombs, what happens next ?"
  Nene asked.

  "I'd take that helmet off for a start, I'm not sure what the sound
   quality will like from the unit.
   Right let's see what we have here."

  The case was divided into three compartments, the left and right had
  lift up covers secured by a small latch. The centre compartment was
  open topped, with a small black box approximately 20cm by 10cm
  connected into the main body of the case by a coiled lead which was
  clearly not designed for disconnection. The one corner of the unit
  had a series of small holes arranged in the form of concentric
  circles, however on closer inspection some of the holes were larger
  than the others.

  "There's something odd about these holes Sylia, take a look."

  Sylia examined the holes for a moment, then smiled.
  "Yes there's two interlinked letters a 'K' and an 'S'."

  "Gahh, I must be getting stupid, Katsuhiro Stingray of course.
   Oh well before I lift out let's see if he left any notes on how
   to proceed next, just in case some 'extras' were added to my booby
   traps."

  "You know Tempest, you really know how to make people feel safe."

  "Hmm about 5mm thick I'd say Linna."

  "What are you talking about Tempest ?"

  "The depth of sarcasm in your previous remark."

  Linna raised her eyes to roof and intoned,
  "Oh god please help me, before I thump him into the middle of next
   week."

  "Which do you fancy, the left compartment or the right ?"

  "The right compartment please Tempest."

  "Do I hear any votes for the left ?" Silence, I looked up
  "Okay, okay the right it is."

  Swiveling the small catch open, I carefully raised the cover
  revealing some papers on which more seals could be seen.

  "How'd you know Sylia ?" I queried.

  "I didn't know."

  "A lucky guess then."

  "You're not Japanese Tempest."

  "Well can;t fault your observation there Sylia.
   So are you saying this is some spiritual thing ?"

  "No, books are read back to front from your point of view.
   There was a very strong possibility the right hand compartment
   would contain the documentation if any were present."

  "Right 'Gambling 101' Lesson 1
   Don't play cards with Sylia, unless of course you like losing."

  "Can we concentrate on the job in hand please Tempest."

  "Alright, there are three letters here.
   One marked 'For Sylia only', fairly bulky too.
   Second is for you Mackie and the third is for me."
  The three of opened our respective letters and read them in silence.

  I finished the first page, which was basically an apology for all
  the things I'd been put through over the years I'd known Yasha and
  Katsuhiro. The second page contained his notes on how to use the
  data unit.

  I looked up to see if Sylia and Mackie had read their letters,
  both had finished and were waiting for me.
  "Katsuhiro has changed the operation of the unit, it requires his
   blood sample and a genetic sample from the three of us, such as a
   hair or two."

  "Well that's no problem then if just a little awkward to do in a
   hardsuit. Would you oblige please Tempest ?"

  "Likewise for me please Tempest."

  I rose from my chair, walked round behind Sylia and asked
  "A strawberry rinse for madame ?"
  as I plucked a hair from her, went over to Mackie
  "And a light trim for sir ?"

  "Don't call us we'll call you."

  Returning to my seat I opened up the lefthand compartment. Under
  the padding was another black box with four orifis each labeled
  with a letter 'K' 'M' 'S' 'T'. Dropping the hairs from Sylia and
  Mackie into the relevant holes I then plucked one from my own scalp
  and placed that in the hole marked 'T'.

  Finally I removed a cylinder from my pocket, unscrewed the lid and
  extracted the small vial from within the padding. Breaking the seal
  on the top I poured the contents into the final hole marked 'K' and
  depressed the single button on the sample unit.

<End of Part 2.2>

TO BE CONTINUED ....
=======================================================================
Footnotes :
{3} Triskaidekaphobia - The fear of the number 13.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(c) Robin Smith 1995                        mackie@ktsabers.demon.co.uk
-----------------------------------------------------------------------


-- Mackie Stingray (Robin Smith)      Author of "BGC: The Tempest Chronicles"
^[$B%m%S%s^[(J ^[$B%9%_%9^[(J        Lichfield, Staffordshire, United Kingdom
Miyazaki, Sonoda, Shirow, Suzuki, Takahashi, Matsumoto            All Hail UF