<--- 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 2.13
------------

The return drive was fairly uneventful, but I did wonder if Priss and 
Mackie had attended the same school of driving. The ride was not 
exactly comfortable but this could have been because Mackie and I were 
seated right at the rear of the trailer and this would tend to 
accentuate the motion round the corners. The truck drew to a halt and 
the girls went off to change whilst Mackie and I went upstairs.

Spying the cups scattered around the room; I collected some and went 
off to the kitchen to wash them and prepare some fresh tea and coffee. 
Mackie joined in the clean up and he washed whilst I dried; at this 
point I didn't know the full details for the suit Sylia had provided 
and wasn't sure if it was waterproof.

"Couldn't you at least stand out of the light and why are you wearing 
it ?"
Mackie asked smiling.

"Don't worry, if I can ditch the yellow for something that's not so 
hard on the eyes, then I'll do so very quickly. At least you can be 
somewhere else; I'm stuck with wearing it.
Hmm, I wonder if I can get it re-coloured ?
I'll explain about the suit when everyone's here; perhaps Sylia can 
tell me where she got it and it's properties."

"Then you won't have long to wait."
Sylia's voice came from the doorway.
"At the risk of getting a silly answer; what are you doing ?"

"Well the place looked a bit of a mess with all the cups etcetera, so 
whilst waiting for you to change I thought a tidy up would be in order. 
Is that sensible enough ?"

"Yes and thank you; that was most thoughtful.
Have you got the tea and coffee ready ?"

"Not quite but I can sort that out in moment."
Smiling, I traced out a jagged line in the air.

"You're not going to ...."

"Well it would help to explain certain things.
Do you have any objections ?"

"I think we'll have the coffee and tea prepared in the normal way thank 
you. You may of course make your own if you wish. If you're going to do 
what I think you have in mind then I'd best get all the blinds pulled 
closed.
Please bring the drinks through when they're ready."
She turned and half left the kitchen then turned about,
"Oh yes, the cakes and biscuits are in the cupboard to your left."

"All right, no problem."

"What was that all about ?"
Queried Mackie.

"Sorry, you heard the lady; no sneak previews."

                                ******

We entered the room carrying the refreshments; Mackie leading thus 
initially hiding my garish outfit until we approached the sofa and 
coffee table. Linna having already seen me didn't react quite like Nene 
and Priss, who both started sniggering which then rapidly deteriorated 
into all out laughter. Sylia just sat patiently waiting for the them to 
cease; eventually they managed to calm down and keep a steady 
expression.

Putting down my coffee mug I announced,
"Well now that the humour of the situation has past, I think a small 
explanation is in order.
I don't where Sylia got the suit but somehow I have a feeling that the 
answer may not be to my liking; it's almost made to measure."
Sylia looked like she was about to speak but I carried on.
"However, there is a very good reason for me wearing it; Sylia may have 
already mentioned that it's electrically insulating and it needs to be 
if I'm not going to inadvertently kill someone."

That got me four puzzled looks; I was sure Sylia already knew why for 
I'd noticed there was a glass tube on the table.
Picking it up, I scanned the room for something.
"Now where's the a suitable point for this ?"
I muttered.

Pressing a button on the remote control she was holding; Sylia said, "I 
think you will find a suitable surface over by the lift."

Turning round I saw that the lift doors had been hidden by a large 
metal security shutter.
"Thank you, that looks eminently suitable."
Waving the glass tube from side to side; I said,
"These things aren't very strong, so this could be a bit of a short 
demonstration; so watch carefully."

Tucking the tube under one arm I carefully pulled off one glove; then 
grasping one end of the tube in my now bare hand I moved the other end 
of the tube towards the shutter until it touched. For an instant 
nothing happened then there was a brief flash and then it was gone.

"Just what was that supposed to show and what is it ?"
Priss asked.

I looked at the now blackened tube,
"Well I was hoping to get it to light up, but I think it burnt out.
It's not easy for me to limit the charge to a low level; I need to 
practice. If you're wondering about this well it *was* a fluorescent 
light tube."

"You're joking I hope ?"
Nene looked quite taken aback; the energy required to burn out a 
fluorescent tube was not small.

"Sorry to shatter your illusion, but I'm afraid I'm not joking."
Replacing my glove I walked over and handed her the tube.
"See for yourself."

After Nene had looked at the defunct tube she handed it to Sylia, who 
after checking it asked,
"What do you think you can do to that shutter ?"

"To be honest I don't know.
What did you have in mind ?"

"Try and mark it."
Sylia suggested.

"Well I'll have a go.
What about the fire risk and your computers ?"

"Don't worry about the computers; they'll be fine. As for the fire 
hazard that is also covered."

"Okay, you might want to shade your eyes."
Standing about two metres from the shutter; after removing my glove I 
held out my arm. To the naked eye nothing was happening but there was a 
slight tingle beginning in my palm; I concentrated on the feeling 
willing it to get stronger. A great sizzling arc leapt across the gap 
to the shutter; a shower of sparks initially bouncing back before 
subsiding when I stopped the thought. Turning round I replaced the 
glove to see everyone blinking hard; I had instinctively closed my eyes 
when the initial surge had happened.
"Everyone okay ?"

"Yeah I think so", Priss muttered.

"Next time you do that, could you issue sunglasses first."
Mackie suggested.

Nene and Linna declared themselves to be all right; save for a few 
spots before their eyes.

Smiling, Sylia turned back to face me,
"A very nice display, quite illuminating."

"Very good Sylia, you'll be up; or should that be down ?; to my 
standard in no time with some more practice.
However, don't give up your day job yet and sticking to the hardsuits 
would be my recommendation."

"What ?
Oh well, that wasn't intentional."
Walking towards the shutter she remarked,
"Now let's see just what you managed to do the shut ...."
She stopped in mid step and sentence.

Uh oh, I didn't like the sound of that; wondering what was wrong I spun 
on my heel to see Sylia staring at the shutter.
"Err, what's wrong ?"

"Three things; one you're definitely going to have to be careful who or 
what is on the receiving end of that electrical bolt."
She stopped as if in thought.

"What, pray tell are the others ?"

"Secondly, I now need a new security shutter."
Sylia stood to one side so that we could all now see the damaged area; 
there was a charred hole through which the lift door was visible.
"Thirdly, I'll also need to find something with a stronger resistance 
to attacks like that.
Hmm, it's rather strange; I could have sworn the conductive layer was 
supposed to be capable of dissipating large electrical discharges."

"Hey, that was only my second shot at this kind of thing and you did 
say to see what I could do to it."

"Only your second !
What happened with the first ?"
Linna was incredulous.

Pointing to the table,
"I won't repeat it, but see that tray there ?"

A slight shiver ran up Linna, as she recalled how close we'd been 
sitting inside the tank.
"Yes, what of it ?"

"Well I managed to put a hole in it about the size of my fist without 
really trying; I didn't even have to think about it."

There was a low whistle from Priss; Nene just sat quietly looking 
somewhat worried or was there a hint of fear ?

Mackie looked at me carefully shaking his head slightly,
"I don't know; he's able to blow a hole in a metal tray without even 
trying; blasts a hole clean through Sylia's latest protection shield 
and has the cheek to complain about my tank driving.
Sheesh some people."

"Now I'm glad you brought that up. Do you think that you could be a 
little less exuberant on the corners next time; I think I'll have the 
bruises for a week after that ride."
Linna indicated the area around her kidneys where she'd been bumped 
into the edges of the metal seats when Mackie had flung the tank 
through the corners.

Taking a renewed interest in the events again Priss asked,
"Say, what happened to the tank ?"

"It should be back in the hands of the owner by now I think."
Sylia remarked.

"Oh well, I guess I won't get to see it then."

"Heh heh, I think I might be able to persuade the owner to maybe let 
you have a short spin in it."
I replied.

"How could you manage that ?
You were at the clinic when Sylia arranged that."
Stated Nene somewhat confused.

"Ahh, well if your illustrious leader" I said indicating Sylia, "will 
make strange requests for armoured transport at short notice, then I'm 
afraid a certain organisation may get to hear of it."

"You mean ..."
Sylia started, but halted as she saw me smiling.

"There's only one place that has tanks that are equipped with the gas 
turbine engine and directional quick turn nozzles.
You also spoke to her earlier this evening."

"The Major I take it ?"
Sylia's question was rhetorical; she now knew exactly from whence the 
tank had come.

"Yes, my second in command at the WWLA.
Before you ask; she's quite aware of the Knight Sabers.
Hey, don't look so surprised Sylia; your security is better than most; 
you're in the world-wide top forty which is no mean achievement; 
congratulations."
Turning slightly to face Nene I smiled,
"Hmm, one other thing whilst I'm on this topic.
You'll have a lot of fun with that network address you found."

Sporting a wry smile Sylia responded,
"Since you seem to be fond of surprises; I may have one for you."
Suddenly I had an inkling that this might not be good news.
"Would you care to sit down ?"

Now if Sylia was asking me to sit the I was sure the news wasn't going 
to be favourable.
'Oh well, best to get it over with' I thought, sitting on the sofa next 
to Priss.

Sylia reached behind the other sofa and picked up a blue bag.
"Remember this ?"

"Of course, it's the one you brought to the clinic with this suit in.
What of it ?"

Waving her finger in admonishment Sylia asked,
"Think carefully, where have you seen it before ?"

As I trawled through my memories, realisation slowly dawned.
"Oh my god, that's the one the data unit's storage case was kept in.
How on earth did you get hold of it and what's the significance ?"

Blushing slightly Nene lifted her hand in acknowledgement,
"Err, I grabbed it and swept a few other things into it just before 
your base exploded. There wasn't enough time to choose anything; I just 
swept any loose items into it. I'm sorry there isn't more."
Nene rose; picked up a small bag; handed it to me and returned to her 
seat.

Inside the bag were some personal mementoes; memories of happy and sad 
events swept before me. I looked to Nene and brushed away a tear or 
two,
"I, I, don't really know what to say except, thank you.
You must have taken quite a risk to stay and pick these up whilst 
knowing that an explosion was imminent.
Thank you very much, I really appreciate the thought.
I'll have to refrain from giving you a 'thank you' hug and kiss though; 
I value your life too highly."

Nene dipped her head a bit; her face reddening; she writhed slightly in 
embarrassment. To tell the truth she contemplated; she hadn't really 
thought of the danger at the time; it was more of an instinctive 
reaction to salvage something.

Sylia's reply to the second part of my question cut across Nene's 
introspection and my emotion.
"Did you ever examine the bag ?"

Confused I replied,
"No, and now you've lost me.
Would you care to explain ?"

"Whilst we were waiting for news of your condition I started to examine 
some of the items Nene had rescued from your base.
The bag was intriguing as it seemed too heavy even when apparently 
empty.
Initially I thought maybe it was padded to protect the case to data 
unit was held in. However the weight was uneven in its distribution so 
I scanned the bag; this revealed an oddly shaped outline.
After checking carefully I found a hidden pocket."

"Don't tell me; let me guess."
I interjected.
"The pocket contained the suit ?"

"That's right, but there was something else with the suit too."
Sylia took a sip of her coffee and paused for a moment.

"Well don't keep us all in suspense, what was it ?"

"There were two items; an envelope with a note in it and this."
She held up a piece of transparent plastic; it looked rather like a 
piece of overhead projector film.

Being nearest to Sylia, Linna peered at the film closely,
"There's nothing there; it's blank!", she exclaimed.

"That's the same conclusion I initially made.
However I got to thinking 'Why would anyone put a blank piece of film 
in with the suit ?' that wouldn't make much sense. I ran some tests on 
it and came up with nothing. See what you make of it."
Sylia handed me the film.

Looking at the film I too saw nothing.
Holding it up to the light revealed nothing.
I even tried breathing on it; the result was the same.
"Okay, it beats me for the moment.
Anyone got any ideas ?"

"Perhaps it works in darkness ?"
Mackie suggested.

"We can soon test that theory."
Sylia reached into her pocket; took out a remote control and pressed 
some buttons; instantly the room was cloaked in darkness.

My voice cut through the gloom,
"Forget that idea, I can still can't see anything and that's not 
because the lights are off either. Though it was a good thought 
Mackie."

The lights came back on again as Sylia manipulated the remote control 
unit.

"All right, what does the note say ?"

Sylia read from the note,
"This is the exact wording,
'Unless you need electrical insulation, this suit has no current usage. 
So it should be passed to someone who has got over a shock.'"

"Can I see the note please Sylia ?"

"Certainly, though I don't think you'll find anything; I did put both 
under the scanner."
She handed Nene the note.

She studied it carefully for a couple of minutes before concluding it 
contained nothing of use.
"I can't see anything in either."

Contemplating the phrasing I thought it sounded a bit odd.
Placing the note on the table, I unintentionally voiced my thoughts,
"There's twenty-four words in that note. Factoring it and using the 
various combinations doesn't make much sense."

Nene looked at me quizzically and then picked up the note,
"True, but what happens if you don't start with the first word."

I started to run through some of the combinations; I think Sylia and 
Mackie were too. However, Nene beat us all to the solution,
"Start with the fourth word and use every sixth word and you get 
'electrical current passed over'. Nothing else makes sense as far as I 
can see."

"I've already tried that and it resulted in nothing."
Sylia stated matter of factly.

"Hold on though, what voltage did you use ?"
Mackie queried.

"It wasn't very much, about ten volts maximum.
Why did you ask ?"

"Tempest must be carrying a substantial charge judging by what he was 
able to do to the security screen; perhaps it will only react if the 
person who's wearing the suit passes a high charge over it.
What do you think ?"

"There's a deal of logic in that, given the scarcity of concrete data."
Looking at me Sylia asked,
"Do you think you can do that ?"

Standing up I replied,
"I don't think that will be a problem.
It would be a good idea if I just move a little further away before 
trying though."

"Yes, I think that sounds like a good move to me."
Nene stated with a slight hint of nervousness in her voice.

Pulling off the gloves I tucked them into the small pocket at my waist. 
Taking the sheet between my hands, I concentrated, carefully increasing 
the amount of thought I put into the process. Slowly the sheet began to 
fluoresce and I could make out some patches that remained dark.
"Turn off the lights please Sylia, something is forming but it's 
difficult to see with the lights on."

When the lights were off it was relatively easy to make out the text 
that had been hitherto invisible. It was almost a forgone conclusion 
who had created this, but I looked to the bottom to confirm my 
suspicion; Katsuhiro Stingray.
"It's your father's work again Mackie, Sylia; though that was fairly 
certain from the start I suppose."

"Is it details about the suit ?"
Mackie asked.

"I haven't read it all yet, but it is so far."

"If it tells you how to change the colour scheme to something more 
restful on the eyes; do you think you could do that next please.
Even with the lights off you're quite striking."
Mackie chuckled.

Looking down I could see the glow from the suit; the damn thing was 
also fluorescing brightly.
"Okay, okay. I guess I do look like a walking neon sign. If it's 
possible to change the colours to something less strident then you can 
be certain that I will."
There was a short pause as I carried on reading until,
"Damn it; he's done it again.
ARRRGGHHHH! DAMN, DAMN, DAMN BLAST AND BUGGER IT!"
The film fluttered to the ground and stopped fluorescing as soon as I 
had released it. Clenching my right fist tightly I punched into my left 
hand repeatedly in anger; swung round and a coruscating beam leapt from 
my hand and impacted with the shutter. It was somewhat fortunate that I 
was interposed between the shutter and the others for as before there 
was a shower of sparks and a fair amount of heat radiated back; though 
this time it was much more spectacular.
After a moment or two I regained my composure and the room returned to 
darkness as the beam subsided; the darkness wasn't quite complete 
though; for a dull red glow could be seen emanating from the direction 
of the shutter.

The sound of heavy breathing was the first thing audible that disturbed 
the silence that had reigned for over a minute after the cessation of 
the beam.

"T-T-Tempest ?
Are-are you all right ?"
A thin nervous voice cut through the darkness; Nene was evidently very 
disturbed at what she'd just witnessed.

'My god!, what the hell brought that on ?' thought Sylia; her 
sentiments being echoed by everyone else in the room.
She flicked on the lights and gasped in amazement; Tempest was sitting 
on the floor, knees pulled up and his head resting on them; he was 
shaking slightly and Sylia thought she heard him sobbing.
She noted he'd at least had the presence of mind to replace his gloves. 
However, it was the scene behind him that had shocked her; the shutter 
had been reduced to a pile of smouldering carbon.
She shuddered as she thought about the quantity of energy required to 
reduce the shutter to ashes.

Sylia glanced about her; Priss was sitting on the sofa quite oblivious 
to the small wisp of smoke curling up from end of the sofa that was 
closest to the shutter and Tempest. Sylia reached round a pillar and 
picked up a small fire extinguisher, "Priss, catch!"
Sylia's command snapped Priss back to reality; she caught the 
extinguisher and played it over the affected area of the sofa.
The sound and action also appeared to bring Linna and Mackie out of 
their shock, Nene was shivering slightly but it wasn't due to the 
temperature.

Nene repeated her question in albeit steadier voice now,
"Tempest, are you listening ?
Are you feeling okay ?"
Her nervousness was still quite evident though.

Slowly I realised that Nene was asking me something, raising my head to 
answer her they could all see the tear stains on my cheeks.
"Hmm, sorry, what was that Nene ?"

"I asked if you are feeling all right, are you ?"

"Yes ... No!
Sod it, I damned well don't know!"
I snapped and then realised what I'd done.
"Oh hell, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to chew your head off.
It's not your fault after all.
Please accept my apologies."

"That's okay, no harm done.
I guess it wasn't good news then."
Nene replied pointing to the sheet of film that was now laying under 
the table.

"You're perfectly correct; it wasn't good news.
I owe you an apology as well Sylia; I shouldn't have lashed out like 
that."

"Apology accepted.
>From your outburst, I conclude that something my father did was not to 
your liking.
Has this new discovery got anything to do with the beam that played 
over you ?"

"As ever you're right on both counts.
The beam generated by Marvin that I was enveloped in triggered a 
gradual change in my body. You noticed that we were unable to 
communicate by thought back at the clinic and that you can't talk to 
Mackie or the others now; well that's one of the changes.
Apparently my body was acting like an amplifier for your own low level 
abilities; now that has gone, except in times of extreme stress."
As I paused for a moment to rally my thoughts and feelings, Sylia 
interjected.

"Like when I could hear Meison a couple of times ?"
I nodded quietly in agreement.

"That's not the reason for your anger though, is it ?"
She asked.

Shaking my head I replied,
"True. He made me a promise to destroy a certain item of equipment that 
is exceptionally dangerous. With the benefit of hindsight I suppose I 
should have made sure he'd actually killed it. Now after twelve years I 
shudder to think of what it can do; levelling the city is probably 
child's play for it."

There was look of puzzlement on Sylia's face,
"What are you talking about ?
You said 'killed' and yet described it as 'equipment'; the two words 
don't really fit together for describing a single entity."

"Sorry, guess it doesn't make much sense at the moment.
What I'm referring to is the first prototype super-buma."

"Hah! We've taken out super-bumas and both Meison and Largo; why should 
this be such a big problem."
Priss didn't seem to think it was an issue of consequence.

"Sorry, you're over-estimating your abilities in relation to this 
'thing'.
It is significantly different to the one Genom developed; it was also 
the prototype AI for Marvin; this means it can easily out think you. 
Marvin's AI is, err *was* significantly different in that it requires a 
'seed' to begin with; that 'seed' is a copy of a human mind.
Marvin was a blend of mine and Katsuhiro's; the prototype is 
Katsuhiro's alone. However it was not done in the same manner as used 
for Marvin, but as a direct link. I'm now sure there was a flaw in the 
process.
For three months or so it was perfectly stable and looked like it was a 
complete success, but then the personality and attitude began to 
change. It began to develop the same meglomanicial desires that have 
been seen in Meison/Largo."

"So how do you know it's out there and wasn't destroyed ?"
Queried Nene.

"Two things:
Firstly; since the destruction of Marvin and my base, I've had a 
feeling that there's something going on; sort of like an itch you can't 
quite scratch. Call it a sixth sense if that helps.
Secondly; the film states that Marvin was holding it in a semi-
suspended state and if ever Marvin were to be destroyed then it would 
be released. Unless it was stopped within five minutes of the 
destruction of Marvin then it would be free."

Waving her hand at me Nene spoke,
"Uh, I don't know if this is relevant but just after your base blew up 
I thought I heard a voice call out,
'The world shall hear from me again.'.
At the time I thought my imagination was playing tricks."

Shaking my head resignedly I replied,
"Oh I don't think that was your imagination.
I've heard the phrase used before by that abomination."

In reality I should have overseen the destruction of the prototype 
years ago, however I'd missed that opportunity a long time ago.
My throat went dry and I swallowed hard, for the film also detailed 
Marvin's original location. However I couldn't bring myself to tell 
Priss that the data unit was Marvin, I didn't think it would be right 
to burden her with that responsibility.
"The film makes the statement that I'm not human anymore; well I think 
that is blindingly obvious; I'm probably destined to be a race of one 
until my death; whenever that's supposed to be.
The notes also tell what was should have happened with the beam that 
played over me. It was supposed to be in three stages, blue, red and 
green. The blue phase was the alteration to my body structure; the red 
phase the charging of the cells; the green phase was final conversion 
and limitation."

Coughing as if to clear her throat Priss asked,
"Since it was incomplete, does it say what will happen ?"

"Partly. If the red phase was not completed then my body would 
automatically try to acquire the energy it needed from my surroundings. 
The doctor and his staff at the clinic almost fell victim to this, but 
fortunately the doctor made what would seem to most people to be a 
totally illogical decision; he electrocuted me.
To be fair to the doctor he connected me to a transformer after I 
inadvertently blew up his monitoring equipment; it did save all our 
lives though."

This sounded a particularly interesting topic Sylia thought,
"What do you mean by 'automatically try to acquire the energy' and what 
did happen at the clinic ?"

"I'm quoting from the message on the film; it doesn't say any more than 
that. However in the light of the experience at the clinic I'd surmise 
that in some way it drags in energy from the surroundings.
Hell for all I know it's doing it now. In the clinic I discovered two 
small circular marks on my wrists and I wondered where they had come 
from; apparently they function like power gauges, however that is all 
that is mentioned."
I lifted back the cuffs of the gloves and checked each mark; they were 
pasty white; back at the clinic they had a marginally pink tinge to 
them.

"That doesn't explain what happened back at the clinic though."
Sylia pressed home the point she wanted answering.

"I know, but it's not a pleasant thought. However, since you seem 
really keen on knowing; I just hope it doesn't scare you as much as it 
does me. Understand that this is second hand information as at the time 
I was still unconscious; the doctor told me what had taken place."
I related how the doctor and his assistants had almost died from my 
body's attempt to acquire energy after the monitoring equipment's power 
supply and leads had burnt out.
"In short, I would say it is now exceptionally dangerous to be near me 
if my body gets to the stage where it needs a recharge and there's no 
power source nearby. It would appear to be able to draw energy from 
anything nearby and that includes human bodies and the surrounding air. 
You could die from either the cold as the air temperature drops or just 
the drain of energy.
Clear enough ?"

"That's now perfectly clear.
Thank you."

Out of the corner of my right eye I noticed Nene shudder again.
"Sorry Nene, but Sylia did insist on pressing home the question.
Don't worry though; I shall not be staying around here, so you will 
safe from that point of view."

A twisted thought occurred to Priss, which she unfortunately chose to 
share with us,
"How about sleeping in the Genom building when you get tired ?"

Normally I can laugh off sick jokes but on this occasion I certainly 
didn't appreciate the humour,
"Har bloody har. That's supposed to make me feel better is it ?
How the hell do you think I feel, knowing I could kill someone without 
even having a choice in the matter ?
Did you think of that ?"

The others seemed to share my sentiment to a greater or lesser degree; 
Linna voicing her feelings on the matter,
"That was positively nasty Priss.
Although I don't agree with Genom's corporate policies that doesn't 
mean that the people who work there deserve to die. If you're thinking 
that way, it means you're sinking to level of Quincy, Meison and the 
others. I sincerely hope it was meant as a joke; sick and twisted 
though it was."

The glares she was receiving from everyone told Priss she had messed up 
in a big way. She slumped back and folded her arms across her chest 
staring down at the floor in defiance. After about half a minute of 
silence, she glanced up to see everyone still wearing the same 
expressions on their faces.
"All right, I can take a hint.
Tempest, I'm sorry.
It was a very sick attempt at a joke.
I should have remembered your feelings about killing.
I'm truly sorry."

"Apology accepted.
I suppose I should be a little less sensitive about it but it's a bit 
difficult when some of the things you hold dearest are taken from you. 
That applies even more so if you once had the opportunity to prevent 
the event from happening. Let's just forget it."
<sigh>
"Isn't hindsight a wonderful thing ?"

"Sorry I lost track; what was the green bit supposed to do ?"

I was sure Nene hadn't lost track but was just trying to subtly divert 
attention from the small fracard with Priss.
"It just said 'final conversion and limitation' and nothing else.
What is meant by them; I don't know but I'm open to suggestions.
Final conversion: you're guess is likely to be a good as any.
Limitation: could be the setting of some sort of level, for what though 
?"

"Like you said they could mean anything.
Any other interesting items in the notes ?"
You had to admire Nene for her persistence in drawing off an argument; 
I guess she had had a certain amount of practice with Priss before.

"Just some information about the suit.
It is not only provides electrical insulation, but is fireproof as 
well; the bad news is the colour scheme is not adjustable.
Hmm, that's interesting; the gloves and boots self seal to the main 
body.
Just after I put the suit on at the clinic I had a weird feeling that 
the it got tighter. I assumed that this was because I was previously 
wearing a kimono; which of course allows for a lot of free movement. 
However I didn't imagine it, the suit has moulded itself to my figure.
Oh, no snide remarks about that thank you."
Unfortunately I was a fraction too late, as Nene managed to say 
"Softsuit" in squeaky voice before collapsing in a fit of giggles.
I noticed Linna seemed to be staring at me and spotted her eyes roving 
over the contours of the suit, but she quickly looked away when our 
eyes met. What was she looking for I wondered ?

Priss sniggered and felt in her jacket pocket,
"Oh I'm so glad you reminded me about that."
She handed me a set of photos and another to Linna.
"What do you think of these ?
I think they came out rather well; though the guy did me some strange 
looks when I collected them."

Mackie was leaning over the arm of the sofa next to Linna and both of 
them were having a quiet chuckle at my expense. Nene glanced at a 
couple but that just resulted in another uncontrolled series of 
giggles.

The photos hadn't turned out badly I thought; considering the 
circumstances in which they were taken.
"Hey these are good; can I keep them ?
I need to start a new photograph album since the last ones went up in 
smoke. Sylia have you had the ones you took of me made up yet ?"

"What!
You mean you like them and you're going to put them in an album ?"
Priss was astonished.

Although Sylia didn't show her surprise quite like Priss did, she did 
raise an eyebrow at my announcement to put them in an album.
"Well yes, they are done, but I didn't think you'd want copies.
Are you serious ?"

"Of course I am. You should have seen the pictures of me in a witch's 
outfit at a masquerade once. I had to shave off the beard and moustache 
but I clean forgot to do my legs !"

"Hentai !" They all chorused.

"Ahh, but it did raise a laugh or two; life is what you make of it and 
I've always set out to have fun.
On a more serious note, I take it my pack and other things are over at 
Ravens since that's where I collapsed."

Mackie answered before Sylia could as my question caught her in the 
middle of drinking some coffee.
"No, your things should be here.
Priss was bringing them over when she was shot at."

"What!
Who the hell did that ?
When did this happen ?"
As the words left my mouth I knew the answer to my last question; 'when 
you were unconscious'; stupid to ask really.

The missing hours and events were neatly summarised by Sylia; other 
snippets and side issues were filled in by the others. For a while I 
sat in silence mentally digesting this new information before coming to 
a decision.
"That settles it; considering these events it is apparent that my 
previous statement about me being a danger to your lives is even 
greater. I therefore feel is in your best interests that I remove 
myself from your lives."
Priss raised her hand and shook her finger at me.
"Just hear me out on this please.
Yes, I know you risk your lives in combating bumas, but I think this 
issue is on a completely different level.
It's painful for me to have to say this, but right now I could 
inadvertently kill all you just by sitting here.
Is that far fetched ? Contemplate this:
The marks on my wrists are a different colour than they were back at 
the clinic; logically the energy that I expended in destroying the 
shutter would have some effect. Right now I could be slowly killing you 
all; however, I have no idea if that is true or not.
I hope that impresses on you just how dangerous it is to be near me 
now."

Priss went to pat me on the shoulder but pulled her hand back suddenly 
in surprise,
"I-I think you may be right; the air is quite a bit colder around you."
There was a spark of fear in her eyes as she inched away from me 
towards the far end of the sofa.

Looking round I could see worry etched into everyone's face except 
Sylia's; there was something different in her attitude; she had an air 
of curiosity about her.
I tested my hypothesis, "You're curious and would like to make a test, 
wouldn't you ?"

"Yes, but only if you're happy about doing it."

"Hmm, I don't know if this will work but it's worth a try.
Priss can you just feel the coffee pot for me please ?"

She leaned forward and put her hand to the side momentarily.
"It's still hot; I couldn't pick it up without using the handle."

Rising from the sofa I slipped off my right glove, picked it up with my 
left hand and placed it on my exposed right palm; it felt cold.
Frowning slightly I asked Priss,
"Are you sure it's hot ?
It feels cold to me; could you check it again please ?"
After putting the pot back down, I checked the mark on my wrist; it was 
a pasty white. I replaced my glove and sat down.

"Okay, though I think your sense of touch must ..."
Priss stopped as her hand touched the pot's side.
"I-It's stone cold !", she stammered.

Holding out my right arm towards Priss I asked,
"I'm sure you'll find that the air is still colder around me as well. 
Is that correct ?"

Gingerly Priss bought her hand closer to my outstretched arm.
Then she pushed my arm away from her and yelled in surprise,
"Y-You've got frost on you !"

After swearing loudly I said,
"Damn that's not a good sign for any of you.
Sylia; this is most important; where does the power feed come into the 
building ?"

"The standard feed is down in the garage area, but it's all shielded.
However there is an extra feed that isn't down in the basement.
If you really must, you could override the safety and tap straight onto 
it."

By now I was standing and looking towards the stairwell; I wasn't sure 
what would happen if I took the lift and this wouldn't be a good time 
to find out,
"That is precisely what I had in mind. What's the rating ?"

"Standard three-phase, four hundred and fifteen volts with a maximum 
current rating of four hundred amperes.
Is that sufficient ?"

"That should cover it I think. Now I'm going to have to take the stairs 
as I can't trust a lift at the moment. Is there way into your basement 
area without using the lift ?"

"Yes there is; I can open the hidden door from up here."
She took out a pen and made a rapid sketch plan on the back of the 
note; handed it to me and smiled,
"Hmm, you know you're quite a cool customer at the moment."

Smiling slightly I retorted,
"A pun from the 'ice-queen', what a chilling thought !"
That brought the expected round of groans from the others; just as I 
beat hasty retreat through the door into the stairwell.

                                ******

<End of Part 2.13>

TO BE CONTINUED ....
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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 ^_^ ]