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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 2.7
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Opening the bank on a Sunday morning was clearly not at all popular
with the manager; although he polite enough not voice the feelings his
body language clearly expressed. However, whatever the president said
went and all the documents were in order. Reluctantly he and a deputy
manager swung open the doors to the safety deposit box vault and
retrieved one of the boxes I held there. I removed slim envelope from
within the box and a small package. After opening the envelope it took
a little more than ten minutes to get the necessary documents signed
and witnessed. Leaving one set with the manager I placed the other in
my jacket pocket and set off for Raven's garage in the fault zone.
My ride over to Raven's was conducted at a slightly more leisurely pace
than those earlier; after all it would a shame to waste the pleasant
morning sun and air.
Coasting up to the workshop I noticed a familiar red bike parked inside
the workshop with the side panels off and some heavy oil stains all
round the crankcase and gearbox.
Then it struck me what must have happened. During my little race with
her first thing this morning, Priss must have pushed her bike's engine
just that bit too far; I found out later on this was a fairly regular
occurrence. Trouble was it would be obvious who the other racer was
once she saw the Ninja again. Being as quiet as possible I wheeled it
down a side alley and locked the helmet down.
As I walked into the workshop, I hear could Priss shouting.
"What do you mean it's out on loan.
What am I supposed to do now ?"
I strolled in trying to look as innocent as possible.
"Oh hello Priss, I didn't expect to see you here.
What's all the shouting about ?"
Dr Raven, caught on rapidly to what I was doing and excused himself on
the pretext of getting a drink.
'Perceptive guy.' I mused.
"My bike blew up that's what."
Priss replied; somewhat ticked off.
"Hey that's too bad, did you win ?"
"What do mean 'win'; you think I was racing ?"
Priss was annoyed that I'd guessed what she'd been doing quite so
quickly; but at this point she didn't know I was the other party in the
earlier race.
"I've heard some interesting stories about you and bikes."
I replied casually.
"Well I don't know, the jerk pulled a crazy stunt and I lost him."
Priss smacked her fist into her open palm with some force; the sound of
impact being very audible.
"That's priceless, must put it my memoirs.
<quote> Priss loses the competition <unquote>"
"Hey that's not funny !
Come here you."
She tried to grab me, clearly in no mood for humour.
"All right, all right, truce.
Where's Sylia ? I'm supposed to be meeting her here."
"Well you'd better come this way."
She suddenly noticed how I was dressed and sensed a chance to make some
'points' on how I was attired.
"I didn't know you were that way inclined Tempest."
"What ? Oh yes, I see.
Do you fancy trying something kinky then ?"
"Baka!"
"These clothes are just on loan, till I get something sorted out
tomorrow."
I explained, though it wasn't exactly clear if Priss had believed me.
Priss worked the lever that opened up the hidden door to the Knight
Sabers' training facility beneath Raven's garage.
"Down there, turn right at the end of the passage and keep going till
you reach the end.
Now I've got to try and sort out a few things."
She replied somewhat grumpily as she stalked off to her bike.
She's not going to be happy once she finds out, I thought.
I'll just have to enjoy the lull before the storm and then try to ride
out the hurricane that was bound to follow.
Following Priss' directions; I emerged in the control room where Sylia
was busy setting something up, presumably for me.
"Hi there, all ready ?"
Sylia answered without looking up.
"Well at least you're punctual this time."
"Okay let's get this over with; I've got some other business to attend
to."
I stripped off the jacket and hung it over the back of a chair.
Sylia turned round to face me and did a double take.
"What on earth !
You won't be needing those cannons."
She pointed to the two guns I was wearing.
"Spoil sport, and after all the trouble I went to as well !"
Sylia could tell from the tone of my voice that I knew very well that
the guns wouldn't be used in the tests and she'd been suckered again.
"You never give up, do you ?
On second thoughts, don't bother answering that; I think I can do
without the silly answers."
Taking an envelope from my pocket I handed it to Sylia.
"What's this for Tempest ?"
"It's the details of various properties and equipment that I've
acquired over the years. You might want to have a look at some of them.
Three items will grab Priss's attention; they're some old racing bikes.
Incidentally all the vehicles listed are ready to roll at any time on
standard fuel; just make sure the correct access codes are used or ka-
boom."
My hands described a mushrooming explosion to emphasise the point.
A slight frown crossed Sylia's face; clearly she was concerned that I
had planned this before-hand.
"May I ask why you've given this to me now ?"
"For the time being, just let's say I'm in a generous mood."
Changing the subject I asked.
"Now what's the test program ?"
Realising that I would explain no further at this juncture; she placed
the envelope in her coat pocket and pointed back down the corridor.
"Go get changed first, second door on the left; there's a softsuit that
should fit you hanging on the rail."
I picked up the jacket and went to get changed.
Hmm there was no bolt on the door, so I wedged a chair under the handle
just in case Priss decided to walk in on me whilst I was changing.
Examining the softsuit I noted that there were a number of small
electrical contacts woven into the fabric in various places.
Presumably these were to pick up signals from the nerves and muscles
for interpretation by the hardsuits.
Pulling it on carefully, the fit could be said to slightly 'over snug'
but this was probably because it wasn't made for me. Looking in mirror
I noted that dressing like this was definitely for poseurs and it
reminded me of Linford Christie in his running gear. {24}
I walked over to the door, damn this suit was tight, I removed the
chair from under the handle.
I swung round into the control room and blushed heavily, for not only
was Sylia there, but so were Linna, Nene and Priss, who was holding ...
<flash>, <flash>, <flash>
She got three shots off before I'd scampered back the way I came.
A shout followed me
"Hey don't say you're embarrassed Tempest; you look very fetching in
that softsuit."
Followed by much laughter.
Blast, Sylia must have planned this after her humiliation at Lady633
and here was me thinking I'd got away with it.
Now was there any way in which I could I turn the tables ?
There was furious knocking from the door.
"Come out, come out where ever you are.
We know you're in there Tempest and you can't hide forever."
Linna's voice came clearly through the thin wooden door.
I rummaged through the lockers searching for anything. Ah ha, this
might do, if it fits. I slipped it on; drat! the top fastener wouldn't
close but the others would hold it, great now to finish it off I just
need a ... perfect.
"Be with you in minute."
I called out, since I didn't want the door stove in. It was obvious the
camera would be trained on the door so they could take more pictures
when I emerged; killing the lights I whipped the chair from under the
handle again and rapidly flung open the door.
<flash>, <flash>, <flash>
Another three pictures were taken, then they stopped.
That confirmed my trick had worked, for there standing in front of me
were all four girls mouths agape and a look of astonishment on their
faces. Well, I think I'd be doing the same had the positions been
reversed.
If they were expecting to see me trying to hide my embarrassment, then
they were sorely disappointed.
For I had found one of those stringy mop-heads and placed it on my
head, giving me a sort of 'wig'. Around my waist was a blue skirt
whilst I hammed up the performance for all I was worth.
"Oooh you are awful, but I like you." {25}
With that I waltzed off towards the control room wiggling my hips from
side to side, leaving the four girls to gape in wonderment.
"Do you think he's sane ?"
Nene whispered.
"I'm not sure, I'm just not sure."
Sylia stopped and reflected.
'That's twice he's turned the tables on me.'
"Well you have to admit, when it comes to joking around he doesn't seem
to mess about."
"I think I could manage to live without those sorts of jokes.
Let's see what 'Mr Fun' is capable of."
I dumped the 'wig' but retained the skirt for the tests; at least it
offered some protection albeit at the expense of some giggling.
Sylia's voice came over the intercom.
"All right, based on what we've seen you do previously I'm going to
start you on level five."
I heard Priss call out.
"That's no test; even Nene has cleared that one."
Then she added
"Just"
Nene clearly took exception to Priss' jibe.
"Hey that's not fair, you know I'm not into that butch combat stuff you
amazon types go for."
"Now Priss leave Nene alone; we're here to see what Tempest can do."
Sylia called over the intercom.
"Are you ready ?"
"As ready as I'll ever be.
You still haven't told me what to expect."
"You only need to hit the red spot to halt the attack."
This was the only clue Sylia offered.
Priss whispered to Linna.
"Now this should be very interesting since he doesn't know what's
coming."
Linna nodded.
"Yeah, this should bring him down a peg or two."
"Where is it and what am I atta....
Waahh, hey that's not fair !"
I was taken totally by surprise as the hologram appeared before me,
launching an attack with its tentacles. Leaping about trying to dodge
the many extending tentacles, I held out for a short while before one
made contact.
Sylia smirked.
"Ah, I think you lose.
Now you know what you're up against, try that again."
The hologram weaved about extending and retracting its tentacles
rapidly trying to touch me; unsuccessfully I might add.
Then as the red spot appeared I launched a roundhouse kick at it and
hit it smack in the middle.
"I win, game over!"
"That wasn't too bad for a beginner Tempest; next level."
"Hey hang on a second.
Waahh, damn it give me a chance."
"A buma won't Tempest."
Priss called out. Her tone indicating she was enjoying the spectacle of
me fighting the holograms.
"Alll riiight, take that, sodit missed."
This strange dance of simulated death continued non stop, interspersed
by multiple curses as I nearly got hit or missed the target. Until the
point was reached where I got totally blitzed and then air turned blue,
as the language I used was anything but polite.
The curses were not all in on language; I could cuss fluently in
Russian, French, Japanese, as well as my native English.
I emerged from the test room bathed in sweat and flopped onto a chair,
propped my elbows on top of my thighs and cradled my head in my hands.
"<puff> Have you thought of <pant> going into the <pant> torture trade
Sylia. <wheeze> You'd make a fortune with this gizmo. <pant> I'm
knackered.
So what's the verdict ?"
"For one thing I'm surprised at your fluency in Russian swearwords."
The expression on her face I could see Sylia was intrigued.
"Do you know any more ?"
Between breaths I managed to introduce her to another colourful phrase.
"That wasn't quite what I meant, you fool.
Can you speak Russian fluently ?"
I nodded and still somewhat out of breath and resumed my position
before looking up towards Sylia who was examining a printout of the
data. It was then I noted the look on Linna's face, her mouth was
hanging open and both her eyebrows were raised.
"It does make interesting reading."
Was all Sylia said at this point.
"Damn it, <puff> don't keep me in suspense.
And what's <puff> up with Linna ?"
"Well I think she's as shocked as I am.
If you were to get some practice in, then I'll have to re-calibrate the
machine.
Linna is our best performer and she's on level eight.
Without any training, you've just gone past that."
"Well counting the pauses as a <puff> change in level, that means I hit
level <puff> eight as well but failed nine."
"Sorry Tempest, I skipped some levels since you were going so well."
"Ah, that would explain the sudden <puff> changes in response time.
You cheating minx you.
So where did I finish then ?"
"You cleared level thirteen !"
Linna looked and sounded slightly upset as she tossed a towel into my
face.
"Unlucky for some."
I muttered having just about got my breath back now.
"Anything more o' wicked torturer of the flesh ?"
"Well let's have a look at that last successful run. I've had a high
speed camera running since I wasn't certain we'd see what happens when
you kick into that high gear of yours."
Sylia dimmed the lights and began to replay the tape.
She was playing it back at half speed, but even so it looked fast
enough to be a real time fight, until she located the point where I
clobbered the red dot.
Marking the point where my foot contacted the spot, she reversed the
video until my foot was in a normal position, marked that point and
then stepped through at quarter speed.
"Hmm still too fast.
Eighth speed."
She played it back again, again the motion too fast, so she played back
every other frame.
Finally Sylia found what she looking for, a sequence of four frames
where all the motion took place.
Frame 1 : Foot down.
Frame 2 : A slight difference discernible from the first frame.
Frame 3 : A blurred image with a bluish haze.
Frame 4 : Foot fully raised.
"This is astounding."
Sylia muttered as she rocked the frames back and forth.
Peering over her shoulder to watch the sequence, I commented
"I don't see what the problem is. Sure we can see the blue haze again
but Mackie put us on to that in the first place.
So I moved too quickly for the film, even animals have done that before
so I fail to see the relevance."
"Perhaps if I told the rate at which those pictures were shot, you
might understand my surprise.
Sure you don't want to sit down first ?"
"No I can take it."
I paused and on seeing Sylia's expression added.
"I think."
"Those images were shot at a frame speed of 500,000 per second.
In plain English you moved your foot through about two metres in less
than 0.000002 seconds, which loosely translated equates to a speed of
about 1000kph."
"Bloody hell, that's knocking on a bit."
I was staggered, fast yes but ... well this was simply mind boggling.
"It would be interesting to see just how far you can go after
training."
"I'll defer judgement on that one thank you.
Now if you'll excuse me for a moment I'm going to get showered and
changed out of this torture suit."
As Tempest headed for the shower, Priss voiced another thought.
"He's got to be faster than that Sylia, I mean he plucked my railgun
spikes clean out of the air back at his place."
"Yes, he has to see them first and then react.
I wonder if he was holding back ?"
"Perhaps he slows down in a prolonged encounter ?" Nene suggested.
"Yes that's possible, but we'll need another session with the cameras
running flat out to determine that, and I don't he'll agree to do it
again just yet.
All we've determined really is that he's exceptionally quick, not how
he achieves it, I'm not sure if even he knows how he does it though."
"As to your question about whether he pulls his punches."
Sylia consulted the printout.
"No he doesn't; all the blows are of a consistent force."
Having showered and changed back into more normal attire, if you call a
man wearing a woman's suit 'normal', I rejoined Sylia and the others
who were replaying various sections of my workout.
"Still trying to look up my skirt I see."
"Aaah, will you quit clowning for a moment."
"Okay, have you found out anything else ?"
"Not really, just confirmed that once you kick into high gear, you are
incredibly fast. With the data and film I've got though that 1000kph is
only an estimate of your speed.
Would you be willing to do another run at some point when I've modified
the cameras and equipment to take account of your speed ?"
"Only if you have a correctly fitting softsuit made. I'm *not* going to
wear the same one as today; it could make me sing soprano if worn for
too long."
"Well I think I can manage that without too much trouble.
What are you going to do now ?"
"Well I've got arrange for some personal transport, I could requisition
an ADP vehicle but they're a bit conspicuous."
"Hey, I may be in the ADP, but getting you a vehicle for transport, are
you nuts ?"
Nene exclaimed, thinking I was hinting at her to commander a vehicle
for me.
Of course Nene didn't know yet.
"Now it's not that I don't have confidence in you Nene, but before you
get too wound up you'd better examine this."
I said as I handed her my open wallet.
"Hmm, not a bad fake."
She was obviously not convinced.
"Oh heavens above, not another one.
You going to tell her Sylia, or shall I give her the full treatment ?"
"To save you from some embarrassment, I also didn't believe Tempest
either. However after doing some checks, I can confirm that his id is
the genuine article."
Nene looked downcast as she handed back my wallet.
"Sorry sir."
"Please Nene, don't call me 'sir' Tempest will be fine, and don't you
dare salute me either.
I managed to convince Leon that calling me 'sir' is a no-no and he had
no trouble with the saluting either."
"But, what about us ?"
She gestured at Sylia, Linna and Priss.
"I have no problem with you at all. My outlook could be said to be
unconventional at times; besides Sylia would be looking at a six month
prison sentence if I stuck to the rules."
"What has she done then ?"
"Unauthorised access to ADP computers and records, data theft."
Sylia flushed.
"There were mitigating circumstances though."
"Hmm, now that's an interesting interpretation, but I think we can let
that pass.
Nene as of Monday you will have some additional duties to perform."
"Oh no, not more work."
Nene groaned.
"Well you are now going to be assisting me with my enquiries, which
will mean you will be required to attend any time I call for you."
"How am I supposed to get away now, it was bad enough before."
Nene wailed.
"How about that, Nene might have to do some work for once."
Priss taunted.
"You might even lose a bit of weight too."
"Nene just let me finish will you, and Priss knock it off."
I winked to Sylia and smiled.
Nene looked curiously at me, wondering what would be coming next.
"Your supervisor will have the orders first thing Monday morning and a
pager for you. You will be required to wear the pager all the time you
are on duty at ADP."
"Oh, that sounds just, err wonderful."
Nene didn't sound exactly overjoyed at the idea.
There was a snicker from behind me.
"Of course I'm rarely in the building, so you may have to leave your
desk suddenly and possibly the building as well; this means you going
to have to come and find me."
Nene looked rather downcast at the thought of chasing around the city
looking for me.
"Ha ha, that's going to be a "
Priss never completed her sentence.
Let's see, right arm quickly back to about ....
<oof>
There, just right.
'Now pack it in, will you Priss.'
Having temporarily silenced Priss gibes; I continued.
"Since you are required to find me, an ADP cruiser comes with this
assignment, which is reserved for your use.
Only Sylia and I can trigger the pager, although I doubt you will get
any calls from me."
Nene looked thoughtful for a moment,
"You've overlooked something Tempest."
"No, I don't think so.
What's the problem ?"
"If I have to find and get to you then a cruiser could be a liability,
having been on traffic duty I can confirm a car is not the thing for
rapid transit, but a bike ..."
Nene's words trailed off to silence and left me to complete the
thought.
"A bike would be better suited ?
I didn't think you were all that fond of fast bikes."
"Well I was thinking of trading in my scooter soon and ..."
That came as a surprise to everyone I think.
"All right, I'll get the orders changed for a bike."
"Oh thank you, that's wonderful."
Nene ran forward and hugged me.
"I think."
She added, wondering just how Naoko and the other despatchers would
react to the news.
"What's my supervisor going to say ?"
"Not a lot when she sees the signature and stamp on the orders.
Though I doubt she'll thank me.
Anything else ?"
For a moment Nene looked thoughtful and then replied,
"Well yes now mention it; a couple of things are puzzling me about your
ADP status.
One. When I did the searches for information about you, I got no
references to you being part of the ADP.
Two. How come I've never heard of you until we met at your hide-out,
yet you said Leon knew of you ?"
"Okay try these for size.
One. Your search pattern wouldn't include the ADP staff database by
default. You would have to specifically add it to the search list.
Two. You've been with ADP two years, in all that time I've only been
in the building half a dozen times. Leon would probably have known of
me from the very early days of the ADP. You'd have to ask him yourself
to confirm that though."
"Now you mention it; I didn't think of checking the ADP staff
databases."
Nene murmured.
"Good job too, although I'm sure you have the skills to do so, I
wouldn't advise it, it could be bad for your employment prospects."
I tried to look serious, but couldn't help the slight twitch at the
corners of my mouth with the final statement.
Unzipping a side pocket on the rucksack, I extracted a small hand held
device that looked like a tv remote control except it only had four
buttons.
"You'd better have this Sylia.
The green button is 'Cancel', and 1 2 3 are ascending levels of
priority with level 3 setting off a high pitched beeper.
I deliberately didn't use a text pager because this allows for Nene to
have to come looking for me.
The portion you carry Nene, has a homing function for the sender.
Full instructions will be given to you with the unit tomorrow."
I paused to pickup the rucksack.
"Now if you'll excuse me, I have to sort out some transport and
accommodation, since use of my flat appears to be a little too risky at
the moment. Early morning buma alarm calls I don't need."
"Hey Tempest, if you're stuck for transport how did you get here ?"
Uh oh, Jongo. {26}
"Kon'ya wa Harikeen ?"
I ventured.
"Bye, gotta dash, seeyoualllater."
With that I ran pell mell for the exit, only snag was it was shut and I
didn't know how to open it. There was about fifteen seconds before the
others would be arriving. Despite my rapid search I was unable to
discover the release mechanism and then I heard footfalls on the steps
below.
Priss led the way and on reaching the top rotated the light switch
through 45 degrees (it was one of those square plate types) and turned
off the light, silently the door swung open. She stepped through into
the back of Raven's as I heard her footsteps recede.
What Priss had assumed of course was I'd found the door release and
gone through. In reality I'd wedged myself up in the rafters and waited
for her to show me how open the door. Waiting until her footsteps had
faded out; I silently dropped down from my hiding place. Making sure
there was no-one coming up the stairs; I walked through the door and
straight into Priss.
"Got you."
She laughed.
"Nice try Tempest, pity it didn't work, for you that is."
I considered my options :
Run for it - no good, the shutters were all closed.
Deck Priss - no, she's no enemy.
Accept the consequences - yes, but let's have some fun first.
"Think you've got me, eh ?
Well think again."
With that I feinted left, but Priss had more combat experience than to
fall for this old trick, so I added a new twist; over the top !
"Hey that's cheating."
"Did I hear anyone mention rules ?
Oh by the way"
I turned back towards her; tapped her on the forearm
"Tag you're *IT*"
We scampered back and forth around the workshop, each seeking an
opening to give the advantage. Now whilst I was quick, Priss seemed
remarkably good at second guessing what I'd do next, so I spent most
the time dodging her sweeps.
This crazy game of tag continued for about fifteen minutes and we were
both so wrapped up in trying to outdo each other; we failed to notice
the gathering audience.
Suddenly a heavy chill swept across me and I slowed up sufficiently for
Priss to be able to return the tag; this resulted in a loud cheer
followed by clapping.
"Gaaah, draw."
I announced.
"Hey you can't stop now you know; I want to win this."
"That's too ..."
My vision began to swim and things went grey.
" b a d I j u s t q ..." <whump>
<End of Part 2.7>
TO BE CONTINUED ....
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Footnotes :
{24} You know those skin tight shorts he wore, that left little to the
imagination.
{25} The Dick Emery Show - A UK television comedy series 60s/70s
{26} Two blunts for spotting where this is from. Sorry but points are
dangerous in the wrong hands. Mail me if you get stuck.
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(c) Robin Smith 1995/96 Tempest@ktsabers.demon.co.uk
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-- 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 ^_^ ]