<--- cut here --->
Bubblegum Crisis
****
The Tempest Chronicles II
****
(c) Robin Smith 1995/6
Bubblegum Crisis is copyright Armtic,
Youmex and Toshimichi Suzuki.
Other copyrights belong to their respective holders.
=========
Chapter 2.5
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Sylia lay outstretched on the sofa; her shoes kicked off under the
table, head resting on a beige cushion. For once she let the emotion of
the moment take her over; her breath coming in short gasps between sobs
as the tears streamed down her face. The fabric slowly darkening as the
damp patches grew ever larger.
Mackie's last words kept echoing around her mind like a faulty compact
disc endlessly repeating the same segment.
"Bye-bye sis, see you in heaven"
Eventually she managed to get control of her grief and a feeling of
anger replaced it as she thought of the cause of all this.
"DAMN YOU TEMPEST"
The curse reverberated around the room as Sylia cried out in her anger
and pain.
She suddenly realised that somewhere there was a noise that wasn't
coming from the world around her, concentrating on it she realised it
was speech ?, but from where ?
Sylia concentrated harder, trying to shut out the world around her,
perhaps Linna, Nene or Priss were trying to contact her telepathically.
As the outside fell away from round her she could distinguish one word
being repeated over and over; it was her name.
She relaxed concentrating hard upon the voice; it was ....
******
'Sylia, Sylia, Sylia.
Can you hear me ?
Respond please.'
'TEMPEST, I HOPE FOR YOUR SAKE MACKIE IS ALIVE AND WELL'
Releasing some of her anger, she mentally screamed at Tempest.
'Hey hey, calm down Sylia'
Blimey she sounded *very* *very* *irate*.
'Where's Mackie ?
Is he injured ?
Is he safe ?
What happened ?'
I'd never heard Sylia like this before; she was obviously very
concerned about Mackie.
'Whoa, slow down there; Mackie is okay.
He's got control of the bike at the moment, but he's a bit shaken up
with what happened back there.'
'Why won't he answer me then ?
Give me a few minutes please; he's a bit spooked at present.
I'm trying to get him to stop so I can take control and bring us back
in one piece.'
******
Mackie wasn't responding to my thoughts so I had to shout against the
wind noise into Mackie's ear as we wove erratically down the road away
from the smouldering remains of the buma.
"Pull over Mackie, you're shaking too much and I would like to get you
back to Sylia in one piece, before she launches a Jihad against me."
Mackie turned to look back and almost lost control of the bike.
"Come on Mackie, SLOW DOWN, STOP, IT'S SAFE NOW."
Eventually he heeded my pleas and pulled the bike over to the side of
the road. I managed to coax him off the bike; getting him to let go of
the handlebars wasn't easy though. Even though he was now fully
enhanced he was shaking heavily, it would be some time before he
mastered the ability to submerge one's emotions with a simple thought.
Sylia had a definite advantage over me and so would Mackie once he'd
practised the technique. Eventually I calmed him down sufficiently so
that we could continue the journey back to Sylia's apartment.
******
Sylia nervously paced up and down for what seemed like an eternity
before she heard from me again.
'All right Sylia, we're coming home, Mackie's still shaken up a lot,
poor kid.'
'How long before you get here ?'
'I'd say about fifteen minutes.'
The ride back to Sylia's was trouble free; except for when we zoomed
past a very startled ADP patrol car. I took a glance at the
instruments; rev counter stuck just below the red line, speedometer
showing a steady 270kmh. Hey it wasn't a bad little bike after all.
'Mackie, this bike has been tuned hasn't it ?'
Mackie was still shaken up I guess, as he didn't answer immediately.
'Yeah, well Priss can't stand a slow bike.
Just don't tell Dr Raven that's all.'
'Don't worry your secret's safe with me.
After all it has helped to save our lives.'
Parking the bike out of sight, I followed Mackie to Sylia's apartment
and rapped on the door - "Dum de de dum dum dum dum". {19}
Sylia pulled open the door rather quickly; although she was no longer
crying the tell tale streaks down her cheeks were clearly visible.
"Taraima"
I greeted and followed Mackie inside, pulling off the goggles, helmet
and greasy overalls. I turned the overalls inside out and stuffed them
inside the helmet that I then placed on the floor.
Mackie also stripped of his leathers, hanging them on a hook.
I noticed my reflection in a mirror; oil stains and dead flies
plastered all over my face with two white patches around my eyes;
rather like a panda but in reverse.
Sylia noted my look and pointed to a door,
"You can clean up in there, after that we've got some *serious* talking
to do."
Hmm, she didn't sound too pleased.
"Thanks, panda go clean up."
I replied, trying to lighten her up, however the stern look remained
without even the merest glimmer of a smile; oh dear. I washed my face
and hands of the accumulated grime, making sure the room was tidy when
I'd done.
"Take a seat, please."
Sylia gave me one of her steely gazes and motioned towards the vacant
armchair.
I dropped into one of the armchairs; Mackie settled in the other.
On the table was a tray with one large and two small mugs and a large
jug of ?; I sniffed the air, ah coffee.
There was also a glass containing a familiar looking fizzing orange
drink.
"Let me guess who the 'orange' is for ?"
I quipped.
"There are no prizes for that."
She replied flatly, glaring hard at me.
"Coffee all right as a chaser ?"
"Yes. Thank you."
Hmm, she definitely *not* pleased with me, tread carefully.
She poured the coffee into the small mugs and then filled the large
mug. Sylia poured the cream in the two small mugs, handing Mackie one,
taking the other for herself and handed me the 'orange'.
"Help yourself to sugar and cream for your coffee."
Again that thinly veiled glare was obvious.
She was seated on one end of the sofa and pulled her legs up onto the
centre cushion, placing the mug on the small side table.
"Well now you've managed to age me by a few more years in the space of
hours; care to tell *me* what happened ?"
It wasn't a question, more of an order.
I shifted uncomfortably,
"Yes, ouch just let me remove these."
I reached inside my jacket and pulled out the two guns we'd liberated
from the goons outside my flat, placing them on the table.
Sylia arched an eyebrow in surprise.
"I suppose there's an explanation for these as well ?"
"Oh yes, but I think I'd better start at the beginning.
However there is a more pressing thing I must do first, that is if you
want hear the story."
I picked up the 'orange' drink; downed it in one, dropped seven sugars
into the coffee, stirred it thoroughly and despite the temperature
drank that as well.
"Do you mind ?"
I motioned towards the coffee jug and my mug.
"Providing I *get* some *answers*, no."
OOPS, definitely in trouble.
Refilling the mug, I stirred in another seven sugars. Leaning back in
the armchair and fingering the mug I proceeded to relate the night's
events from the time Sylia had dropped us off at Ravens.
".... and when I finally came too, the doctor was examining me.
Mackie 'thoughtfully' filled me on my accident ...."
I paused occasionally to take in a slug of coffee.
Sylia said nothing; she just listened patiently taking it all in.
"... and then I knocked on your door."
"Hmm, I see, you make it sound like you do this every night.
There are some things that don't quite fit though."
Uh oh, what's coming now ?
"You said hadn't ridden a bike for a few years, yet you pulled off some
excellent manoeuvres according to Mackie.
How ?"
Oh, so that's why she had been silent; 'talking' to Mackie, I was
beginning to regret showing them that little trick.
"Now that has also puzzled me as well because I'd never class myself as
a top notch rider; I'm just average."
"Well if that was average, then I'm English."
Mackie retorted.
"I don't think Priss could have pulled off that stunt with the two
goons."
I paused for a moment, contemplating several traffic reports I'd seen.
"Hmm, I not so sure about that, don't under-rate her.
I've heard the stories about her riding as well."
Sylia interrupted this train of thought.
"Now getting back to your stunt riding; you said fifteen minutes to get
here after you wasted the buma, but you were here at the door in ten.
What the hell did you do, *fly* ?"
"No, the bike stayed on the road; I just got a little enthusiastic
that's all."
"And what's your definition of enthusiastic ?"
Sylia fixed me with another steely gaze.
"Well let me see; about 270kmh."
I replied trying to make it sound inconsequential.
Mackie looked nervously in my direction.
'Don't mention the ADP or she'll ground me for weeks !'
"Sounds like you'd better give Priss some lessons, so she can avoid the
Police, but don't tell Nene I said that."
There was just the vaguest hint of a smile as she said that.
At least she's half joking about it, that's a good sign.
Finishing off the second mug, I drained the jug into the mug, heavily
sugared it again and sat back.
"Are you trying to consume all the sugar in the place ?"
"Sorry, as I mentioned to Dr Raven earlier, I need the energy at the
moment."
"Well why didn't say so; you fool.
Wait a moment; I'll fetch something."
"Not that awful 'orange' stuff I hope."
I called after her.
A muffled "No" came from behind the door that I assumed led to the
kitchen.
Sylia returned with another tray and the second pot of coffee.
"Here eat some of this."
She tossed a large bar of chocolate? into my lap.
Picking it up I read the back of the wrapper and noted it was a field
issue ration for the armed forces.
"How on earth did you get hold of this stuff, it's supposed to be only
available for US armed forces and even then it's not standard issue."
"I have my sources, you know.
It meets with your approval then ?"
Mimicking an old TV advert I replied
"American Express, that will do nicely."
I sure the joke was lost, but she smiled politely.
"Now, what about the buma and these ?"
Sylia indicated the two guns lying on the table in front of me.
"Well I can't take all the credit, can I Mackie ?"
No answer, I looked over to see Mackie spark out in the armchair fast
asleep.
"Poor kid, it's been a rather busy night for him."
"After I flattened the two goons, we each grabbed a gun; Mackie then
handed over the one he picked up to me."
"Okay that explains how you acquired these, now how about the buma."
"Mmmph, sorry excuse me; this stuff is a bit chewy.
Well I shot it with these two marvellous guns here."
"Tempest, I'm serious, how did you destroy the buma ?"
"And I'm being serious; I did shoot it with those guns.
Hell if you don't believe me, wake Mackie up and ask him for gods
sake."
"All right, then *how* were you able to destroy a buma with these ?"
"Mmmph"
Sounds of more munching.
"Ahh, now that's better.
Ask the right question and ye shall receive the correct answer.
Well first I shot one eye out since it was an old 31-A or 31-B buma."
"Why not destroy both eyes ?"
"Well if take both eyes, it will use the flight pack to close the gap
to the target; in this case us and I needed the time to get set up. So
having destroyed half it's visual targeting system it's capability is
reduced; it also triggers the buma to go on the offence; its default
weapon is to use the laser cannon."
"I fail to see how putting the buma on the offensive is advantageous."
"Their laser cannon is housed in the stomach area and it fires through
its mouth via a reflecting mirror. Destroy the mirror and when the buma
fires - ka-boom it blows its own head off."
"Well I wouldn't have thought that. So why did you need both guns to
destroy the mirror ?"
"Some of them were upgraded to have an armoured mirror, however put
enough rubbish on the surface and it still doesn't reflect even if the
mirror has been armoured."
"So you just pelted the mirror with shells ?"
"Tadaa.
Safest way since I didn't know if the mirror was the armoured kind.
Another coffee ?"
"No, you can finish it off if you like."
"No thanks, I'm full up as well.
That was very nice coffee by the way.
Anything else before I leave you and Mackie in peace ?"
I looked out of the window, the sky was slowly getting lighter; it
wouldn't be long before the sun rose and heralded the start of another
day.
"No, I think we've covered everything.
You're welcome to stay here, unless you want to sleep rough; or do have
you got another bolt hole ?"
"I don't want to put you to any more trouble Sylia; I think I've done
enough of that for one day."
"Honestly it's no trouble; now give a hand with the sofa please."
'Oh boy this is just too good to miss.'
I thought and replied.
"Are sure about this ?
I mean Mackie's still in the armchair and it's all so sudden; after we
hardly know each other."
"You never give up do you ?
On second thoughts don't answer that.
What I meant was come over here and give this lever a pull, I think
it's jammed."
I got up out of the armchair and pulled on the lever Sylia had
indicated; it didn't move to begin with, then with a thud the back of
the sofa dropped down. It was now flat and slightly bigger than a
single bed in area.
"If you open the base drawers you'll find blankets and pillows as well.
Does that suit your sense of propriety ?"
"Perfectly thank you, however there is just one thing please."
I turned back to the table.
"What's up now ?"
"In view of what's happened have you got any refills for these ?"
I said holding up the guns.
She ejected a spent cartridge from one gun, examined the casing and
left the room briefly. Sylia returned with a box of ammunition and a
pair of silencers.
"Silencers ?"
I queried.
"Can't have you frightening the neighbours, now can I ?
Hand one over please."
We both refilled the ammunition clips and screwed on the silencers.
"Happy now ?"
She said handing me the second gun, having made sure the safety was on.
"You'll definitely get a gold four axe rating in my book for this kind
of service."
"Stop it off will you, and get some sleep."
"Yes mum."
What did I do wrong to deserve this ?
Sylia thought as she went to her room.
Taking out the blankets from the sofa's drawers, I laid one over the
slumbering form of Mackie in the armchair, before finishing off the
ration bar and draining my mug of the now cold coffee.
I lay back on the sofa and wondered what fate had planned for me now.
It seemed certain I would never know what the blue light had done to me
seeing how Priss had smashed up the data unit.
I tossed and turned for a while before falling soundly asleep in spite
of all the coffee I'd drunk earlier.
******
[Sunday morning]
A sudden noise roused me from my slumber, flinging the blanket aside I
rolled off the sofa, came up in a low squat and found myself pointing
the guns at a very surprised and worried Sylia.
Rapidly thumbing on the safeties, I dropped them on the sofa, stood up
and stepped over to embrace a now trembling Sylia.
"Sorry, that was a little too close for comfort."
I said patting her on the back.
"I .. I ... I've never seen anyone move so fast, in fact I didn't see
you move at all. First you were asleep on the sofa, next thing you had
the guns pointed at me."
She shuddered slightly.
"Hey, hey, it's all right I'm fully awake now.
I'm sorry about that; my old training kicked in there just a little too
effectively. It highlights a very good reason for me not to be around
people."
Sylia must have done very well, for there was now no hint of fear in
her voice.
"Well at least stay for breakfast.
I have some more questions relating to last night and following that
little display a couple of others.
Perhaps it may help provide information about what's happened to you."
My stomach growled reminding me I hadn't kept food down since Saturday
morning.
"All right you've talked me into it, breakfast it is.
I pushed one of the guns into my waistband at the small of my back,
picked up both trays and followed Sylia into the kitchen.
While Sylia cooked, I washed up the aftermath from last night,
whistling "Mad Machine" as I followed up by drying them off.
"Now that wouldn't be so bad if you were in tune."
I didn't get chance to answer, as Mackie chose that moment to poke his
head round the door.
"Get that cat out of the mangle."
Bad move by Mackie, as like Sylia had earlier he found himself looking
at the business end of the gun.
"Whoa, hold up Tempest; I take it back."
"Sorry Mackie. I'm just a little jumpy at the moment.
Please don't do that again; you and Sylia are worrying me to death."
I lowered the gun and pushed back into my waistband.
"*I'm* worrying you !"
Mackie exclaimed incredulously pointing at the gun.
"What do think that thing does for me ?
Besides I don't think Sylia's cooking is bad enough to warrant coming
armed with a gun to the table."
That earned Mackie a cuff round the back of the head from Sylia.
"Well I think you can make own today !"
She turned to face me.
"Nervous ?"
"Yes, suppose I am really, it's long time since I was shot at."
I patted the gun.
"This gives me a prop to lean on and if someone comes after us then I
want something available for a response."
We sat down at the breakfast table facing each other; all was silent at
first as we ate the eggs and bacon she'd cooked. Part way through
drinking her coffee Sylia paused and spoke.
"A couple of observations here, both would appear to relate to the blue
light incident.
First point.
Now I know you have a fast recovery ability, but it seems to have sped
up viz.:
When Priss broke your ribs the first time, it took about ninety minutes
to heal up.
After the second incident when you were seriously injured, more ribs
broken and internal injuries from what we could determine, yet it only
took you forty minutes before you were up and about.
Second Point.
Your reactions have definitely sped up.
You caught four railgun spikes and to my knowledge that has only been
done once before. Priss told me Largo caught one and threw it back at
her; he was a hyper-buma, I know you aren't.
You not only caught them, but ran from one side of the room to the
other and dropped them in the bin before anyone knew it.
The incidents this morning also showed that very clearly.
I was facing you with a clear view and yet I did not see the transition
from you being on the sofa to the time I was looking down the barrels
of the guns.
What did you see Mackie ?"
Mackie was still cooking his breakfast so he didn't turn round.
"Well I opened the door.
I could see Tempest's left side.
You had your back to me Sylia.
I called out.
Next thing I was looking down the barrel.
And ...."
He paused as if he was replaying the pictures in his mind.
"No wait there is something, a very brief flash of pale blue.
Just as I called out."
"Walk through your incident as well please Sylia; Mackie may have found
something."
"I walked up to the table.
Picked the glass from the floor.
Placed it on tray.
Turned, got Mackie's empty mug.
Turned back, glanced across to see if you were still sleeping, whilst
still moving the mug towards the tray.
The mug hit the glass, which clinked."
She paused for a moment and shuddered.
"Then you were pointing both guns in my face.
But no, I didn't see any blue light."
"Well I don't think we'll do much good asking the others, but it could
be worth a try."
"Why don't you run through it from your angle ?
You might have seen something."
"Hmm worth a shot."
Sylia gave me a filthy look.
"Oops, sorry poor choice of words there.
Well since Mackie noticed something I'll try his first."
Concentrating carefully I walked through the sequence of Mackie's
incident.
"Towel in left hand.
Turning away from the door.
Sound of door moving.
Right hand reaching for the gun.
Gun in hand.
Safety off.
Door opening.
Crouching position and gun aimed.
Mackie's head just coming through the door.
Safety on.
Lower weapon.
By the cringe, good observation Mackie.
I was in position and ready *before* your head was fully inside the
room."
"Well that proves your reactions are now *very* quick."
Sylia remarked.
"Yes but reacting and moving are two different things.
Tempest was in his firing position as well."
"Yes that's bang on Mackie."
For that I got another dirty look.
"Aww, come on it wasn't intentional.
If I was trying I could do much worse."
"Don't you dare."
"All right, all right. I'll go through your incident.
Vague rustle.
Guns in hands.
Safeties off.
Blanket off to the left.
Roll off into position.
Ready to fire.
Mug and glass.
Clinking sound.
It's Sylia.
Safeties on.
Lower guns.
Toss guns onto sofa.
No sorry don't think ...."
"Well don't keep us both in suspense; what is it ?"
"The mug and glass, are ....
STILL touching.
My god they were still in contact."
"So ...
Yes I see what you mean, you'd reacted, got into position before I'd
recognised what was happening."
"I think this calls for a few tests, don't you ?
I'm curious how fast you really are.
Interested Tempest ?"
"Okay, sounds reasonable enough.
Where to ?"
"Dr Ravens place, I think you'll like what you see."
"Hey I ought do something about transport, since I only borrowed the
bike from him. That would mean returning to my flat, though that's
probably not a good idea right now.
Now I don't suppose for one minute you would have a computer and a link
handy would you Sylia my dear ?"
I said smiling sweetly.
"Turn off the smarm and I think I might rustle one up.
Before I do though, just what do you have in mind ?
Your answer will decide what I have to get.
Anything covert required for instance ?"
"Right on tar..., I mean ...
Oh sodit, yes covert."
Sylia gave me another nasty glare; she knew what I almost said.
"All right, in that case we also need to go to the shop."
"But I don't think you'll have anything my type there you know."
I minced about; hamming it up for all I was worth.
"Hmm, I don't know though; you'd look good in black."
Sylia smiled as she said this, Mackie was grinning like a Cheshire cat
whilst just about stifling a snigger.
"Touche."
I replied bowing in grandiose gesture, more fitting of one the Three
Musketeers.
"I'll get the bike."
"Great, hang on second."
Mackie was heading for his leathers when Sylia grabbed him.
"Oh no you don't; you're coming with me in the car."
"But it's so slow and s..."
Mackie stopped in mid word.
"Yes go on, I do believe you were about to say *safe* ?"
"Sylia's got you there Mackie and I'm afraid I agree with her.
Those goons may still be looking for me and last night we got lucky
because they weren't expecting any trouble. There's no guarantee the
same will happen it they show up again."
Sylia tossed me a black leather jacket with "Priss and The Replicants"
emblazoned across the back.
"No thanks, if they see me in this then it could mean trouble for you
or the others.
For the moment let's not give them any extra clues."
It was bad enough that there was the logo of Raven's across the back I
thought. The jacket would have been far too noticeable.
Sylia replaced the jacket in the closet.
"All right.
Give us fifteen minutes start before you decide to set the highway
alight.
I'll have the delivery bay doors open by the time you arrive, pull
straight in and swing round to the right when inside.
Mackie will shut the door once you're inside."
I pulled on the overalls, donned the helmet and goggles, put both guns
inside the overalls and made for the door.
"Oh and no low flying please."
"Ha ha, very funny."
******
I went down to the basement area by the rubbish bins and hung around
out of sight till twelve minutes had past. Fortunately no-one saw me
loitering or they may have called the police.
I was just about to pull the tarpaulin off the bike when I realised it
had been moved. The next minute was slightly nerve wracking as I
checked carefully for traps, when I found nothing I let out a sigh of
relief. Hauling the tarpaulin off the bike I pushed the key and fired
the bike up as quietly as possible and pottered out of the building.
Once around the corner I opened the throttle up a bit more; just
nudging the bottom of the speed limit.
As I went along the feeder road onto the beltway I noticed another
motorcycle rapidly approaching; the rider seemed familiar - Priss !
'Heh heh, there's just time for a bit of fun.' I thought.
I slipped alongside a truck and trailer combination so Priss wouldn't
easily see me and waited till she was two car's lengths clear. Dropping
down two gears, I opened the throttle to the limit. I had a clear
advantage in that Priss was initially unaware of me.
Also I could time the changes so they were in exactly the right place
for the quickest take off ever seen.
It was with some pleasure that I got a lead of seven car lengths before
she'd managed to get her bike wound up for the chase; this was going to
be some ride. Luckily there wasn't much traffic about at this time on a
Sunday morning and we were able to keep the throttles wide open nearly
all the way.
Even though Mackie had modified this bike it wasn't as quick as Priss's
machine and she was gaining on me, although I don't think the closure
rate was as quick she would have liked.
However although the Ninja maxed out at an indicated 297kph, I had
another trick left yet; it was a bit unfair to Priss but what the hell.
Knowing some of what I could now do, as we were nearing my exit point
I'd eased off slightly. Priss was beginning to draw level, then I did
something she would have no chance of emulating.
Cranking the bike over at some 250kph I made a dive for the off ramp
making it with centimetres to spare. Returning the bike to an upright
stance, I waved and put on a display of how anti-lock brakes should
work on a bike.
Pumping the brakes on and off very rapidly, I also sat upright.
The effect on the bike's speed was stupendous; it dropped like a stone.
The bike pulled up with the front wheel just touching the white line at
the bottom of the off ramp. Feeling very pleased with myself I was
about to pull away when an amplified voice hailed me.
"That was a beautiful display of skill there Priss-san.
However that old helmet and dirty overalls won't fool me, for who else
can ride like that round here ?"
Heh heh, more fun. Inspector McNichol thinks he's just caught Priss
speeding again. So I dropped the side stand into position and thumbed
the kill switch; the sound of the engine stopped to be replaced by
noise of the hot exhaust, pinging as it cooled.
I watched in the mirror as Leon rose from his ADP cruiser and calmly
sauntered over to me.
Oh boy was he in for a shock.
"Blown your bike up again Priss ?
That one won't last long if you keep riding it like that either."
Leon got within two metres before he realised he wasn't talking to
Priss after all. Annoyed with himself for not noticing earlier; he
pulled out a pad from his jacket, his right hand was hovering near his
gun.
"Good morning officer McNichol, I'm not sure that Priss would thank you
for mistaking me for her; she can be a bit butch at times but I think
she's very nice myself, wouldn't you agree ?"
"All right smart-alec I want some answers now.
How did you know who I am ? and let's see some id as well.
Who are you anyway to comment about Priss ?"
Leon sounded a bit put out by my response.
I lifted up my goggles, pulled off the helmet and turned to face him.
His hand moved closer to his gun; I've got to be careful here.
"I'm going to reach into my overalls with my left hand and extract my
wallet.
Is that all right ?"
"Do it slowly and two fingers only."
Leon responded.
"All right, I'll do as you say, I'd rather stay alive thank you."
Slowly and carefully I reached into my overalls, I didn't want Leon to
see the guns because he'd flip out if saw them first before my id.
I gently teased my wallet from my shirt pocket and slipped it out where
Leon could see it clearly in my fingers.
He had drawn his gun by now and I stretched out my arm fully so Leon
could take my wallet off me. He backed off a metre and flipped open the
wallet, looked at the id displayed before him and growled in anger.
"Sit on your hands."
"Sit ?" I queried.
"Do it NOW"
He barked.
"Now care to explain this fake id you're carrying buster.
There isn't any way you're whom this id belongs too."
"Check it out, it's real and so am I, Inspector McNichol.
Do the numbers 2, 4 and 27 mean anything to you ?"
"Don't try to get smart with me; now stay put."
Leon had backed up to his cruiser and grabbed the radio.
"Dispatch, this is McNichol.
I need confirmation on an id."
"Roger Inspector."
"In position, go ahead."
Leon had presumably put my id over the scanner.
"One moment please."
"Hey you!
I said remain perfectly still. Do so now unless you want some extra
ventilation in those overalls."
"Dispatch here. Id is genuine, repeat *genuine* Inspector, subject is
registered on active assignment."
"Thank you dispatch, McNichol out."
Leon had relaxed a bit after that and came back over; he still seemed
wary of me though.
"All right as you heard, dispatch seem to think you're the genuine
article."
I cut Leon off.
"Just for time being lets keep this on a personal level."
"What did you mean by those numbers earlier ?"
"Okay try these for starters.
Dieork - unit 02.
Jeena Malso - unit 04.
Leon McNichol - unit 27.
All members of the third squad of a fledgling AD Police.
On the 24th November 2027, a report was filed with a rather strange
entry and I quote 'Nosebleeds: 1'.
However that last entry was never entered on the official records and I
suspect you hoped it had been forgotten.
Happy now Leon ?"
"Can't really argue with your id since dispatch have confirmed it and
that kind of detail would be unknown to outsiders.
Are you really *the* Tempest ?"
"No just *a* Tempest, haven't you heard I come in six-packs." {20}
Leon holstered his gun and came over.
"Glad to meet you Tempest, you reputation precedes you.
Sorry about that, but when someone dressed like that hands over an id-
card with your name on it, well it does look exceptionally suspicious.
Wouldn't you agree ?"
There was still a hint of suspicion? in Leon's voice, obviously he
wasn't completely happy yet.
"From your angle I suppose it would."
I replaced my wallet back in my shirt pocket.
"What's it worth *not* telling Priss what you said earlier Leon ?"
"You know her ?"
"Well we're not exactly bosom chums yet.
I've had some bruises to prove it.
By the way, where's your regular partner Daley ?"
Leon's mood seemed to chill a bit; perhaps he didn't like my crack
about Daley.
"Hmm let's see it's a quiet Sunday morning and since you were speeding,
I think you can't complain if I ticket you.
I clocked you at 184kph, that's well over the 60kph limit and that will
put a crimp in your riding for a bit."
I allowed Leon to finish writing the ticket.
"In that case you'd better get your gear tested, actually it was
212kph."
Stuffing the ticket into my shirt pocket, I gave him some bad news.
"However you're wasting your time booking me, because whilst on active
assignment my documents are Teflon coated." {21}
"Huh ?"
Leon looked mystified.
"Nothing sticks.
And before you ask, I'm *always* on active assignment.
Oh, one other thing Leon."
"Now what ?"
He sounded downcast and swung round to see me clad in helmet and
goggles, ready to depart.
"Make sure you have backup next time okay ?
You never know who or what your dealing with."
Leon suddenly found himself looking at the open end of a silencer.
"Now if you'll excuse me I'm late for a date.
Have a pleasant day Inspector."
With that remark ringing in Leon's ears, I put the gun away; pressed
the starter, blipped the throttle twice, checked my exit was clear and
left him looking at a big black line on the road.
<End of Part 2.5>
TO BE CONTINUED ....
=======================================================================
Footnotes:
{19} "Shave and a haircut, two bits"
My thanks to my colleague Joe Hadlington who remembered the name
for me. My RAM chips are getting faulty :)
If you're in any doubt, go watch Roger Rabbit, where Roger's
hiding out in the bar.
{20} Yet another quote from THHGTTG by Douglas Adams.
{21} Teflon (Trade name of Du Pont de Nemours Inc.) - A PTFE non-stick
coating. PTFE = PolyTetraFluoroEthylene
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(c) Robin Smith 1995/96 Tempest@ktsabers.demon.co.uk
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<--- cut here --->
-- Mink/Tempest aka Robin Smith Author: "BGC : The Tempest Chronicles"
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/2302 Lichfield, Staffordshire, United Kingdom
"I was committed once, but the fools let me out for good behaviour !"
IRC : Mink or Tempest- [ but "Mink" most of the time ^_^ ]