<--- 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 2.1
-----------

[Friday Night]

When they had all returned to KnightWing, Sylia asked Nene to remain 
outside temporarily to see if she could pickup any emissions from 
inside KnightWing.

Nene set her suit's monitors to wide band scan closely watching for any 
stray transmissions; strangely she was getting no responses back at 
all.
'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 focused attentively 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 suit's 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, I suppose that would explain why I got absolutely nothing out 
there, no background sound, static or anything."
Nene replied somewhat sheepishly, having now 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. Once this was done Sylia began the proceedings,
"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 disc 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 does everyone feel about Tempest ?"

There was an uneasy silence, as everyone seemed to hesitate from 
speaking first. Finally after a lengthy pause Mackie spoke up, "Tempest 
has helped me a lot and he didn't have to; he could have left Sylia to 
do it all herself. It would also have made it more difficult for me to 
realise my potential.
He seems to be sincere throughout, 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 ?"
Evidently Priss didn't appreciate Mackie's games with cameras.

"I asked for views on Tempest, not your opinions on another's feelings. 
We need to know how *you* feel about Tempest not what you think about 
Mackie's feelings."
Sylia cast Priss a frosty glance.

"All right, all right.
Tempest seems okay enough I guess.
He gives me the creeps with some of the things he does. I think he has 
a very strong sense of honour, but his sense of humour stinks.
I'll vote for him as a Knight Saber though."

"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."

Having recovered her composure, Linna continued,
"What I meant was, he has a very impressive recovery rate regarding 
injuries that I would think would be of use to Priss at least.
Aside from his humour I think he means well."

She knew what Linna's answer would be, but Sylia asked it for the 
benefit of the others,
"I take it that means you trust him enough as well ?"

"Sorry. Yes and add another vote for Tempest as a Saber."

Sylia noted that Nene had been silent throughout and was still not 
showing any signs of committing herself.
"Nene ?"

"Oh sorry, I was thinking.
Tempest, well that thought transference stuff is very strange, useful 
maybe but weird just the same. He seems to have a strong set of ethics 
that he firmly adheres 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.
I have also experienced some of what he felt when he broke down during 
his description 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 disc's contents and the 
prospect afterwards ?"

Nene was the first to put forward a view,
"I can see the advantage 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; what would 
happen to the size of the population ?
If I were to be treated it would mean I wouldn't age, but what about my 
parents, would they be treated as well ?
If it were possible to separate the healing part from the ageing 
process then I'd be happy, but we'd need to examine 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; that way my choice won'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 guess you all know how strongly 
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-ageing 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-ageing ''How could you hide that ?''
What else could you do once treated ?
If the anti-ageing bit could be taken out then I guess I'd go for being 
treated."

"So is that vote against examining the data ?"

"Yes, no!"

"Please don't feel pushed into saying yes."

"I'm not, but I don't like the anti-ageing stuff.
We're supposed to die at some time, that's part of what makes us human; 
immortality is for gods and that we aren't."
Priss paused and reflected on what she'd just said, before continuing
"Someone is going to have to decide whether that drug is used and that 
comes into the realm of playing at god. Meison did that and look where 
it took him; madness and destruction.
Dr Stingray developed the buma and look what Genom does with it.
The scale of the problem is such that it's not totally out of control, 
but the use of that drug wouldn't be confined to the same level. Life 
seems to have a low enough value now; what would it be like if 
everybody had been treated ?"

Although Sylia wasn't surprised at Priss's remarks, the others seemed 
somewhat taken aback.
Sylia had noticed Priss's change in demeanour. Since the incident 
involving Sylvie and the DD battlemover Priss had become more 
reflective on life, she was less impetuous and thought things through 
more; a better prospect as a substitute leader.

"Would you like some more time to think about it Priss ?"

"No damn it, count me in."

"Any more comments ?"
All were silent.

"Well it that leaves me and Tempest to vote.
Nene and Priss have raised some exceptionally valid concerns, and I for 
one agree wholeheartedly with them.
If Tempest also votes yes, then I propose we ask him to put Marvin to 
work on trying to separate 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."

"All right Priss, then the vote is unanimous as my vote is yes."
Sylia cast a glance the time display on the monitor,
"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, I think 
we'll have to physically go and see Tempest to let him know what we've 
decided."

                                ******

When the music had finished I swapped it for another cube and got up, 
this wasn't the sort of music you lay back and relaxed to.

The beat of "Akuma to Tenshi no Kisu" echoed around the room whilst 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 
start. 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 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 rather I should 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, I'll have 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 Morning]

The day passed quickly by without any major events occurring to spoil 
it.

Sylia over at Silky Doll, where she spent some time serving behind the 
till, absent mindedly ringing up the sales whilst contemplating the 
previous day's events.

Linna was over at Phoebe's 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 
refuelled 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 preparation for the 
flight across town to Tempest's place.

                                ******

[Saturday evening]

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 bay's 
shore, revelling in the cool breeze that was blowing in gently off the 
sea. Sitting on one the benches, I relaxed having watched the sun sink 
slowly into sea. The tints and hues of glow 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 couple walking along arm 
in arm. The couple paused in front of me, the young man asking,
"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 to the young couple; 
crossed the road and slipped into a dark alley.  After all I didn't 
want them to observe what I was about to do; it would be extremely 
unnerving 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. 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;  changing from my 
usual attire of T-shirt, shorts and trainers {11} into sandals and a 
kimono. The kimono featuring a unique design embroidered on the back 
along with a small emblem on the left front.
The design on the rear featured a craft of some kind painted in grey, 
yellow and blue. The emblem was circular in shape; with a small winged 
insect sporting a yellow and black abdomen with the letters W.A.S.P. 
picked out underneath it. {12}

I mixed myself a cola and prepared jugs of fresh orange juice, cola, 
coffee, tea and warmed a bottle of sake. The sake was for my guests as 
I had been teetotal since 1977, unless I had to drink as part of a 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 apparent they were no 
ordinary humans, if human is what they were.  Although they possessed 
the basic outline, there were numerous appendages that were not 
consistent with a human body. 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 they walked 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 dilapidated looking door that slid 
noiselessly to one side. Obviously this door was well maintained and 
used on a regular basis; the air of disuse being merely camouflage.

Filing quietly into the room beyond they spread out as they approached 
their main objective, the opening in the far wall.  The one who seemed 
to be leading the others peered through the opening to see another 
sheer drop of about fifty feet. A very faint glimmer of light, 
undetectable to the human eye came 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 
pitiful 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 troop as 
he came into view.

                                ******

"Good evening Sylia, punctual as ever."

Sylia reached up and removed her suit's helmet.
"Good evening.
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. 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 surprised that you were aware of our 
approach."

"But who else has a set-up like this ?
Marvin activate the defences, close the shaft doors and lower the lift 
please."

<Confirmed>

"Right, I've prepared a special meal that 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.
"Err 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 {13} 
will indicate whose is whose.
Mackie to save you waiting about there's one 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 returned first, joined me at the circular table and sat 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.
'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.'

'Phrased in that manner, no, but I do 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 !
If I get away with it, you'll owe me an orange juice.'

'That's fine by me, though don't say I didn't warn you Tempest.'

Rising as they approached the table, I bowed and addressed 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 that 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 lest 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 surprised.

"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 very 
good cooks in the last thirty years. If you live like I do then it 
makes an interesting diversion."

"Thank you again and I may just take you up that offer to cook a meal 
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 set-up a monitoring 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 suit-up, 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. The channel is open and the shields are 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 building's 
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 as if 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 near the 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 dispatch.  Wong out."

Leon flicked the switches that open up the air intakes and extend the 
aerodynamic aids. Mashing the throttle to floor he switched 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 that offered 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 got closer Daley noticed something odd about the one buildings 
frontage and muttered
"God what a way to die."

"What ?"
Leon's gaze followed his partners outstretched hand and saw the remains 
of 'Helo-1' embedded in the building, and the nearby streetlight 
missing its upper section.

"He must have hit the streetlight first and then ploughed into the 
building poor bugger."

Around the base of the street lamp are large red stains, fragments 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; the pilot is dead."

Daley unable to manage the same level of control as Leon, coughed up 
the remains of his lunch into a nearby litter bin.

Having recovered from the harrowing scene of their ex-colleague; they 
took up positions behind the central reservation; peering over the top 
towards the sounds of carnage through binoculars.

"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 at least one C55 possibly two, the other is a BU12 for sure."

"Despatch, McNichol here.
We've got six bumas, 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.
Get those K12's down here pronto."

"Despatch to McNichol.
ETA for K12s is fifteen minutes."

"Damn it that's too bloody long !"

                                ******

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, oh 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."

Whilst I was talking to Sylia, the others had suited up and were 
already in the lift.

"Marvin leave open the comms link please.
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 ?"

<Beginning 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 the Knight Sabers and myself.
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 matte black outfit that covered 
me from head to foot. The only visible parts of me remaining were my 
eyes that 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, amazed by the way two of the bumas were dispatched with 
apparent 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. Her twin ribbons of death sliced through its neck, 
severing the head from the lumbering carcass that then collapsed in a 
smouldering heap.

The second buma fared no better than the first. Whilst Priss was 
nowhere near as agile as Linna's balletic twists and turns, what she 
lacked in grace was more than made up for by sheer force, as she 
pummelled the hapless machine with railgun spikes and cannon fire.
It staggered from the repeated blows inflicted upon it, uncertain as to 
its next action. Unfortunately it hesitated too long; a blue streak 
raced up, leapt on top of it and blasted its consciousness into the 
realms of eternity.

Two down, four to go; I was amazed that within the space of a minute 
two of the rampaging machines had been overcome.

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 bumas that were 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 impetuosity Leon wasn't stupid, for Daley and he leapt 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.  However, I surmised 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 administered the 
killer blow when a C55 lumbered out of the smoke and sideswiped her 
into a supporting pillar. She lay there un-moving for an instant; 
however this was all the time the C55 required to pick her up and throw 
her across the street towards the building I was standing on.
Sylia bounced off the tarmac twice and crashed into the previously 
damaged street lamp that 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 C55's armour and by now it had regained its 
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 functional 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. They weren't quite as steady as 
when they went in and somewhat smoke stained and battered 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 noticeable heap of 
some extra material that was being consumed by the flames.

Suddenly part of the heap collapsed and something rolled clear of the 
funereal pyre. A sickly sweet smell that was slowly increasing in 
intensity reached me as the wind shifted direction.
An alarm bell rang in the back of my mind; fragments of an old memory 
flashed before me. Finally it dawned on me what the object and the heap 
were; human bodies, the innocent victims of the buma's rampage.
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.'

                               ******

"Oh my god ! 'Scuse me I gotta ...." [ugh] [rowlf]

"What's with you tonight Daley ?"
Leon trained his binoculars across the plaza towards the burning car 
wrecks. What had Daley seen that caused him to react like that ?
As he panned across the scene he noticed something topple off the 
burning pyre, 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 !
Those Genom bastards will pay for this."

"I'd agree with you there, but I don't see how youre going to 
accomplish it. Where's the radio Leon ?"

"It was on top of the wall, until that buma blew the shit out of 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.

"The radio got smashed in the fight and we were *busy*, okay ?
I estimate about thirty plus 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 dispatch'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."

"Err Leon, about Nene, don't forget this is her weekend off."

Leon pondered this for a moment,
"Aww, all right I suppose it'll keep till Monday."

<End of Part 2.1>

TO BE CONTINUED ...
=======================================================================
Footnotes :
{11} Trainers = Sneakers
{12} No prizes for guessing where this comes from - just read the intro 
     to "The Tempest Chronicles I" for another hint. Failing that check
     up TV programs made by Gerry & Sylvia Anderson.
{13} 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 1995/96                    Tempest@ktsabers.demon.co.uk
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
<--- 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 ^_^ ]