Men In Black �:
Guardian
By
Nicholas Stone
Part One
Catch a Falling Star
Tokyo's skyline glowed bright beneath a moderate
veil of clouds obscuring curious eyes searching the
heavens for new cosmic abnormalities. An irritated eye
strained fitfully to see, grumbles of frustration
running curses about humanity to the other people
standing about the room.
Professor Hiria Juyru drew back from the sights of
the observatory telescope, He let out a sigh pulling
off his glasses and rubbed the bridge of his nose
obviously annoyed.
A tall slim woman in her late thirties watched
from her station at the radar scanners, then stood up.
"Are you okay, Professor?" she asked.
"I'd be okay Kiko if Tokyo would just go into a
blackout," Juyru answered.
"That would be nice, but I wouldn't hold my
breath."
Her humor made the professor laugh. "Yes, but I
can always fantasize."
Tomida, another of the professors assistants,
walked in through the doors carrying the late night
treat of hot coffee and doughnuts.
"Yo, folks," he said, smiling brightly.
"Ah, Tomida. Just what I need," said Professor
Juyru coming down from the platform. Taking a cup from
the tray, he sat down in a chair taking a sip, allowing
the warming sensation to flow through him.
"So, Sensei. Find anything yet?" asked Tomida
gesturing to the telescope.
"We were just talking about that," answered Kiko.
"Oh? The capital again?"
"Yep."
"Figures. I guess it's sector 37 tonight."
Sector thirty-seven. How many times had they
scanned that parsec of the sky, thought Juyru. Just
over the rise of Mount Fuji, it's only saving grace was
the lower levels of light pollution, allowing them to
see at least the upper portions of the galaxy.
"Tomida. What have you got the rest of the
students doing?" he asked his man.
"The usual scanning and deciphering of analogous
sound waves down in the lab."
"Have they found your little message yet?"
"Nope. I figure another two hours before somebody
starts getting excited."
Professor Juyru laughed again. "Kiko, train the
telescope over to thirty-seven, please."
Kiko already had the coordinates set into the
computer, the massive telescope slowly turning to the
western portion of the sky. Getting up, Professor
Juyru returned to the chair.
"Well maybe I'll get a good look at Saturn," he
said peering into the lens. "Be nice if I could--."
His abrupt pause was not missed by Kiko and
Tomida. They watched as their sensei's eyes grew
large, mouth slowly gapping open.
"Professor?" called Tomida.
"My goodness," muttered Juyru. Kiko and Tomida
exchanged looks, then as quick as a light, the
professor's mood changed.
"A monitor, quickly Tomida!" he shouted springing
from his chair.
It had to me something important; Tomida rushing
over to the close circuit monitor attached to the
telescope while Kiko returned to her station. The
screen flashed and Tomida's eyes widened.
It appeared to be some form of a spaceship, discus
shaped with a bright green glow that pulsed along its
midsection. The hull was aglow from the entry through
Earth's atmosphere, then a quick arch of light from
told them it was in some sort of trouble.
"Keep the telescope locked on it, Tomida!"
Professor Juyru said. "Kiko, are you tracking it?"
"No. It's not showing up on the radar," she
answered.
"Amazing," said Juyru. He stared at the screen
totally excited by what could be the first sound proof
of extraterrestrial life in the universe. Another
flash lit the ship breaking him from his stupor.
"Professor, this ship is going to crash," said
Tomida.
"They must have suffered some sort of damage while
entering the atmosphere," guessed Juyru. "Kiko, can
you extrapolate a crash point based on the telescope
tracking inputs?"
Kiko called up the computer interface, typing in a
series of commands. After a moment she sat back looking
up at him.
"Sensei, if this is right the UFO will land about
ten miles west of the observatory."
"Excellent! Tomida, get the students up here to
monitor things. Kiko, the land rover is it ready to--
."
"Just filled it this morning, Sensei."
"Good, good!" Professor Juyru gazed upon the
screen triumphantly. He could imagine the awards and
honors there were sure to come once contact was
established with the newcomers. Recognition at last!
"Come Kiko. There is no time to delay if we want
to be there when our guest arrive."
"Shouldn't we notify the authorities, sensei?" she
asked.
"Opportunity knocks only once, dear girl. Don't
you hear it?"
Kiko frowned, a foreboding premonition in her
mind. She glanced back at the screen, then went off to
join the Professor racing for the garage.
If she had only stayed a few minutes longer she
would have seen the second ship that glided down behind
the first one.
* * * * *
By the time the rover wound its way across the
forested sections of the surrounding hills, the
stricken spaceship had impacted casting an eerie
greenish glow along the horizon before fading out.
Professor Juyru urged Tomida to drive faster least
somebody reach the site before them. Certain that the
crash would have been seen by others around the
countryside, he did not want some rural farmer rushing
out to blast what could be the most momentous event in
mankind's history.
Reaching the rise, Tomida brought the landrover to
a halt. Together they all stared at the valley below.
A long deep cut ran through the beginning of the near-
by forest, tall pines splintered and broken along
either side of the smoldering trail. They could hear
the low hum coming from deep within the trees no doubt
their visitor.
Professor Juyru tapped Tomida on the shoulder
motioning him to move in closer. "Sensei?" said Tomida,
a sense of fear in his voice.
Juyru told him to get out, grabbing a flashlight
from the glove compartment. Telling Kiko to stay with
the vehicle, he stepped out joining his prot�g�.
"Amazing isn't it?" said Juyru studying the
carnage.
"No fire after the reentry, no stupendous
explosion. This is certainly going to be something to
write about in the journals," replied Tomida.
They walked into the newly cut path lights panning
across the ground, picking their way through the
debris. The hum they heard earlier started growing
louder, then suddenly it stopped. Both men froze in
their steps.
"You think they shut the engines off?" whispered
Tomida.
"My boy I would not know what caused that sound to
begin with, so I dare not speculate."
Juyru continued on; Tomida wondering if this was
such a bright thing to do unassisted before following.
The Professor's flashlight suddenly caught a bright
metallic object in it's beam not far ahead. He
immediately recognized it as part of the spaceship they
had seen partly buried beneath earth and trees.
Excitement raced through his body.
Juyru stood amazed for a second. "No excessive
heat," he continued move closer. "Our guest must have
thought about debarking as soon as they set down."
"But Sensei, should we not wonder what happened to
cause them to crash like this?"
"Once we find them, Tomida."
"Okay. Better question then. What if our `Guest'
is not of the friendly type?"
Juyru paused, turning to give him a wry look.
"Tomida, shame on you. Has not anything I taught sank
in to your mind?"
"Yes, Sensei, but--."
"There are no buts, Tomida. Now go search the
front of the ship and see if there is a way inside.
I'll look around here."
Tomida still did not like the situation and was
about to object when he thought he heard movement in
the trees to their right. Slowly, his eyes cut over
straining to see what it was that caused the sound.
"Uh, Professor."
"What is it now, Tomida?"
"I think we have company," replied Tomida pointing
to the trees.
Juyru turned the flashlight around sweeping the
area. A branch snapped up back in the trees, something
shuffling back to avoid the light.
"Wait!" cried Juyru quickly running over to the
edge ignoring Tomida's warnings. "We mean you no harm!
Please, stop!"
Whatever it was obviously understood the language,
it's movements coming to a halt. Professor Juyru
squinted hard trying to get a look at what stood in the
shadows. A slight turn of the light and a pair of gold
colored dots reflected in the darkness.
Holding back his surprise, Juyru spoke up. "U-u-
uh, greetings fellow being."
"Professor, let's go!" urged Tomida.
Juyru waved him to silence. "Well then, I see you
could use some help," continued the Professor. He
inched closer towards the trees.
"Sensei, be careful that might be a--,"
"IS THAT A WEAPON?" hissed a deep voice from the
darkness.
Juyru smiled smugly at Tomida before answering.
"No, my friend. It is just an illumination device
we use to see in the dark."
A short silence followed.
"TURN IT AWAY . . . IMMEDIATELY," ordered the
voice.
The professor turned the beam away, not wanting to
upset the extraterrestrial.
More shuffling sounded, Tomida in full panic now
frantically looking around.
"Professor!" he cried.
"Stay calm, Tomida," ordered Juyru. He could see
a form now amidst the darkness, a large form that moved
slowly closer to him.
"ARE YOU AND YOUR OPPOSITE . . . ALONE?" it asked.
"W-w-why yes. That is I mean we have another
colleague waiting for us at our vehicle."
Juyru thought he saw an arm make a sweeping motion
to its side, then something scurried off through the
trees.
"You're not alone," he continued.
"NO."
This only excited the professor even more. "Well
come out and lets have a look at our new friends from
the universe."
"WE WILL, BUT FIRST WE HAVE NEED OF YOUR BAGS,"
answered the being.
"Bags?" questioned Juyru exchanging looks with
Tomida.
"YES. THE BIOLOGICAL COATING YOU INFERIORIODS
WEAR TO HOLD IN YOUR LIFE SUSTAINING OPERATIONS."
Juyru thought again trying to associate the
meaning of the words. "Bags? You mean our . . .
skin?"
"PRECISELY."
Something reached out grabbing hold of the
professors entire head. In the flick of an eye he was
snatched from his feet, muffled cries issuing out of
the trees. Tomida scampered back down the path crying
fearfully into the night sky as he ran for his life.
Out of the trees another dark form bounded in a blur,
catching the hapless man in an effortless move.
Together they tumbled into the trees.
Tomida struggled to no avail, a wail of fear and
pain marking his demise.
* * * * *
Kiko's blood went cold as a long shriek cut the
once quiet night. She recognized Tomida's voice and
hopped out of the landrover running to the edge of the
path.
"Tomida!" she called out. "Tomida, Professor
Juyru? Somebody answer me!"
But the silence had returned and Kiko sensed that
things had gone wrong. It was time to flee the area
with all due haste, and as she turned to run a long
hiss suddenly sounded from the trees.
It certainly was not Tomida, Kiko bolting for the
landrover her wail of terror marking her flight.
Reaching the door, was about to climb in when something
thick and clammy wrapped around her left ankle. She
drew in a long gasp hearing that same hiss again, only
much closer now.
"SSSSSSSPPPRRREEETTYYY BIPOD YYYOOOOUU
AAARRRHHHHSSSSSS," said an ominous voice from behind.
Kiko hesitantly looked over her shoulder catching
sight of the massive thing holding her fast. She began
to scream only too be cut off as it wrapped itself
around her body, thrusting her inside the landrover,
shutting the door behind it.
Violently, the vehicle shook, muffled screams and
cries for help reaching empty space, then as abruptly
as it began the landrover stopped.
* * * * *
The Suburbs of Nerima,
A cloaked figure slinked through the darkened
alleyways of the Nerima streets, staying close to the
shadows, watching the people moving on to their homes
for the evening. It was cold, almost to the point of
life threatening to the figure, but it had to fulfill
its task and that took priority over everything, even
it's own life.
Moving down another side street, the figure paused
peering through several widows trying to find an
appropriate emulation it could take on. So far there
were to many of the humanoids in these dwellings, more
eyes than needed in light of the current situation.
Finally, in a small one room abode sat an old
woman before her cooking stove, the light from a lamp
barely filling the room. Perfect thought the figure
rapping lightly on the door.
The elderly woman stopped stirring the food in the
pot peering over wondering who could be calling at this
time of night.
"Just a minute," she said. Cracking the door ever
so slightly, she looked out into the night. "Yes?"
"Proytection I hummbly seeyk from cold," said the
cloaked figure.
The wizened eyes narrowed at the odd dialect as
she considered the request. Never one to turn down a
soul in need, she opened the door allowing the cloaked
figure to step inside.
"It is a bit nippy out there," she said. "Let me
get you something to warm you up."
The cloaked figure watched her for a moment then
slipped down to the floor. While her back was turned,
it opened a fold of the dark cloak it wore, peering at
something that gave off a faint white glow inside.
Safe for the moment, it realized danger still
threatened, and that pursuit would not be long in
coming. Another protector would be needed, one that
could be relied upon to defend its charge to the very
end.
It glanced up at the elderly woman, closing the
fold as she returned with a tray of hot tea.
"Here, this should help you," she said setting it
down.
It watched in silence as its host poured a
steaming cup. She sat down pouring herself one and
smiled.
"You're not from around here, are you?" she asked.
Trepidation passed through the hooded being for a
moment, then it nodded slightly.
"Yes, one can find themselves unprepared for
Nerima's weather if not informed."
"Nyirma?"
The old woman laughed. "That's Nerima, dear.
Goodness, you must be a tourist that strayed from your
tour."
The cloaked figure remained silent, gazing up out
the window at the moonlit night. This was not safe,
sure that its scent would be followed. A new form had
to be taken, one that could accommodate for just a few
cycles longer until rescue could be summoned.
It gazed back at the old woman. No, it thought as
she smiled at it. A stronger receptacle would be
required, but this creature's form could serve as
effective camouflage for now.
"I . . . I have nyeed of your . . . imiyage," it
said in a low tone.
The old woman tipped her head to one side. "I'm
sorry, I don't have a picture of myself right now. Why
do you need it anyway?"
Not sure what a `picture' was, the cloaked figure
extended its hand picking up the cup and took a
swallow. The warmth felt good, rejuvenating its inner
strength. Suddenly it heard a low gasp from its host
and looked down. She sat petrified, staring at the
almost translucent hand gripping the cup.
"Not fear," said the cloaked figure setting the
cup down. "Hyrm I will cause nyone."
"W-w-w-hy y-y-you not a tourist," replied the old
woman.
The hand reached out taking hold of her wrist in a
firm grasp. It leaned closer.
"No . . . someything myuch more."
The cloaked figures head inched closer then the
hood slowly began to fall back. The old woman wanted
to cry out but terror held her immobile as the face
that appeared was hers. She glanced down at the hand
holding her. It looked human now, complete with age
spots and wrinkles. She looked back up, but before she
could speak a buzz filled her ears.
"Rest," said her new twin.
She caught the old woman before she could fall
back and carefully laid her down on a near-by futon.
Covering her with a blanket, the twin drank down the
rest of the hot tea. Fulfilled for the moment, it
whispered a silent thank you into the old woman's ear,
then went to the door.
Peaking out to see that it was safe, the old woman
walked out into the night.
* * * * *
Inentimus Krin flexed his hands, trying to adjust
the new covering of skin he wore into a comfortable
fit. The fingers stretched finally taking on a
somewhat natural appearance. Krin growled low, flexing
his neck.
"Grahh! These humanoids, how can they function in
such inefficient bodies!" he said.
Behind him a laugh sounded, it's high tremolo
accent carrying distinctly in the air. Walking up in
stiff, jerky motions appeared what used to be Tomida.
"They're like sloppy bags of sludge, Krin," he
said.
Krin rounded on him. "Qu'tok! Cease your
annoying baying and help me straighten out this
suffocating bag!"
The laugh dimmed slightly, Qu'tok shrugging to
adjust his arms. With some difficulty he reached out
taking hold of Krin's cheeks.
"Your nose is crooked," he said. With a sharp
jerk, Qu'tok slid the face of Professor Juyru over
until it was centered.
Krin took in some deep breaths. "Much better," he
said.
"You look quite . . . human, Krin," remarked
Qu'tok.
"Refrain from your insults, Qu'tok," snapped Krin.
"Now what is our situation?"
Qu'tok paused to scratch his head, then rested his
arms in a praying like position.
"Well, Alid and Koo have searched the Guardian's
ship. Alas, the Guardian escaped with the prize."
Krin growled gnashing his teeth from side to side.
"We should have had this Guardian by now! Delays will
only bring more down upon us."
"Not everything is bad, Krin. Teq does have a
scent, and it is not very old."
That was good news to the extraterrestrial.
Pulling on the coat Juyru wore, Krin shuddered against
the cool night air. He looked over the crash sight for
a moment, then turned back to Qu'tok.
"Then we must move," he said.
A rustle from the trees sent them reaching for
concealed weapons. Out of the forest strode what
appeared to be Kiko, her gait slightly swaying from
side to side as she approached. Krin relaxed, standing
straight again.
"About time, Binimi," he said.
"You know I would be along, Krin," she replied,
flicking her long slender tongue at him playfully.
"What kept you?"
"I had to clean up the evidence. Wouldn't want my
cordial host to go to waste now, would we?"
Krin managed a smirk.
"Krin," called Qu'tok drawing his attention again.
"Progress?" he said arching a brow.
That brought Krin back on track. "Yes. Have Alid
and Koo clean up this mess and conceal the Guardian's
ship. The rest of us will go after our elusive prey
and take our prize."
"We will need more coverings," Qu'tok reminded
him.
`We'll acquire some--." He paused squinting at
the blood speckled badge dangling from Binimi's jacket
lapel. "At this Onashi Observatory."
"Wherever that is," Binimi said.
"It cannot be far. Come, let us go before the
scent becomes stale."
The three started walking back towards the crash
site, when suddenly Krin stopped. He stared at them.
"What is wrong?" asked Qu'tok.
"You had better adjust your mannerisms, or you
might give us away" he said.
"Well I can't imagine how these things can move on
`legs'," complained Binimi. "It is awkward."
"And their arm appendages could use with a few
more millenium of evolution," added Qu'tok.
"Look human, move human, think human!" snarled
Krin. "I will not have our intentions disrupted by
them."
He strode on, Binimi and Qu'tok noticing the
lunging gait Krin made with each step that he took.
They exchanged looks, then fought to hold back their
snickers as they followed.
* * * * *
Uuchans, Nerima, 09:00PM
Yawning long and wide, Akane Tendo leaned against
the counter trying hard to figure out the crossword
puzzle in the book below her. She glanced up at the
clock noting the time.
"Works about over," she said to herself happily.
The night shift was never her favorite part of this
job, and she swore Ukyo had purposely placed her in
this time slot as a way of revenge.
Sometimes she wanted to quit, but there were
advantages to it. She had most of the days to herself,
a welcome relief after several years of mayhem and odd
happenings. The crowds were not as bad, in fact she
hardly had more than twenty customers a night so no
complaints there. College was just around the corner,
so she had more time to prep for her up coming courses.
Still, there was something missing.
Akane sighed, resting her chin on her hand and
stared out the front windows into the night. Ranma,
she thought, his image collecting in her mind. She
still didn't want to admit her feeling towards him, but
now more than ever her thoughts would eventually end up
there. They hardly got the chance to spend some
quality time together. With him working the afternoon
shift, that left only the weekends and sometimes lunch
that they could see each other. Maybe they weren't
meant to be together after all.
Shaking her head to clear that last thought, Akane
returned to the crossword puzzle.
"Hmm. Twenty-three down. Another word for
attachment." Akane counted the squares. "Four
letters," she said going into deep thought. It eluded
her for a moment, then Akane smirked staring hard at
the page.
"Love," she said scratching in the letters.
Roughly she placed the book down and pushed it
aside. It was time to close up anyway. Akane went
around the counter and started placing chairs up on the
tables. Konatsu was still out on the final deliveries,
so she left the doors unlocked pending his return.
Turning the closed sign over, Akane headed back around
the counter and was just about to turn off the grill
when the front bell chimed.
At the entrance stood an old woman gazing around
as if she were searching for something. Her eyes fell
on Akane and she smiled.
"Warmth?" she said.
"We're about to close, but please come in,"
replied Akane coming around to greet her.
Seating her at the counter, Akane quickly got her
some hot chocolate.
The old woman drank down the liquid with hardly a
pause. She let out a satisfied sigh setting down the
cup.
"Wow, you really must have needed that," said
Akane. The strange gaze returned, Akane looking
slightly to one side. She did not look like a
vagabond, although the dark robe she wore certainly
could give that sort of impression. There was
something about her though that Akane found strangely
likeable.
Finally, the old woman spoke. "That was much
needed."
"Hmm. In that case, why don't you let me fix you
up a fresh okonomiyaki."
The old woman grimaced glancing around once more.
"Food?" she asked.
"Why yes."
If it was safe the old woman could not be sure,
but there was this strange gnawing at her midsection
that refused to go away.
"That, that would be nice."
Akane smiled. Pulling out a tub of batter, she
carefully spooned some on the grill spreading it
around. As it cooked, she began cutting up some
vegetables and mushrooms on the counter.
"Kind of a cold night to be walking about isn't
it, ma'am?" asked Akane while she worked.
"Uh . . . a cold night yes," replied the old
woman.
Akane arched a brow at the reply, but kept on
working. "Being alone could make you a target for some
hooligans out for a quick raid."
The slight start from the old woman made her
pause. She looked up to see an expression of shock on
her face.
"These `Hooligans', are they from this planet?"
asked the old woman.
Huh? Akane found the question both humorous and
strange at the same time. She rubbed her chin hiding
the smile on her face.
"Ah, well I guess you could say that," she
answered.
Relief flowed through the old woman.
"Nothing to worry about then."
A strange reply, but Akane let it pass. Soon she
had the hot entr�e done resting on a dish looking as
good as it tasted. She placed the okonomiyaki before
the old woman and smiled.
"Eat up," she said.
The old woman eyed the dish for a moment. Leaning
forward, she sniffed at it checking for edibility. Out
of eyesight Akane's expression started turning into a
frown. It didn't look bad, she thought remembering how
much Ranma and the rest of her family shied away from
her cooking. A hesitant hand picked up the chopsticks
and took a piece of the okonomiyaki. She watched
expectantly as the first bite was taken, nibbling on
her bottom lip while the old woman chewed.
"Hmm . . . a different . . . taste," she finally
said.
"So you like it!" exclaimed Akane.
"It is most . . . enjoyable."
"Yes!" Akane cried out sending the old woman into
wonder.
"Why such a reaction?" she asked.
"Oh, those doubters I work with. They have this
strange idea that I can't cook a decent meal. Really,
can you believe that?"
The old woman took another bite. "These
`doubters', are they of a different breed?"
Akane burst out laughing. "I think sometimes they
are, but no. My family is starting to come around,
thanks to Kasumi's help, but then there is one skeptic
I'd like too--,"
A dark frown covered Akane's face making the old
woman pause. "Is there something wrong?" she asked.
Akane shook off the thought. "No, just thinking
about my so-called fianc�e Ranma."
A brow narrowed. "Your . . . Ranma?"
"No, no," replied Akane giggling like a young
schoolgirl. "Ranma is my fianc�e, I mean supposed
fianc�e!"
"Fi-an-ce?"
This poor lady must be loosing her faculties,
mused Akane surprised by her response. Maybe she was
in need of help, slightly down on her luck perhaps?
"Yes, you see it's an arranged marriage, and . . .
well there are some differences between us.
Personality wise I mean."
"Oh! A Union!" cried out the old woman. "Are you
to be the bearer?"
"Bearer?" said Akane in shock imagining what she
could only mean.
"Yes. Do you reprocreate on this planet?"
The heat rose in her, cheeks flushing a brilliant
red. Quickly, Akane turned away holding her hands to
her face.
"What is it, child?" questioned the old woman.
"I've, I've never thought about that. Not in much
detail at least," Akane answered.
Taking another bite, the old woman eyed her in
silence for a moment. This one held promise. Such
innocence, such . . . honesty.
"Please, I meant not to offend you. Forgive?"
Akane drew in a sigh. She took a quick glance
over her shoulder then turned around. "You did not
offend me. I wasn't expecting such straight
forwardness from anyone."
"It is wrong to procreate here in this Nyrima?"
"Oh no, not in the least bit. We just haven't
addressed that issue yet, Ranma and I."
"So this Ranma, he is your Guardian?"
The smile returned on Akane's face. "He likes to
think that."
Reflecting on their past, Akane found herself
thinking about all of the times Ranma had come to her
rescue risking life and limb with total disregard for
himself. Despite all of their arguing, despite all of
the swearing that he had no interest in such an
`uncute' tomboy, Akane knew that deep down Ranma truly
held feelings for her.
And that she held the same feelings for him.
"I guess you can say that," she finally admitted
to the elderly lady.
"I figured as much," she replied. "There is an
aura in your eyes when you speak of him."
Akane laughed staring down at the floor to hide
the sudden blush again. "That evident, eh?"
The old woman nodded. She finished the last
remaining bites of her meal and sat up straight. "Your
kindness might have save a life," she said.
"Well I always try to help those in need."
"I am sure your compassion will save another, more
deserving one than mine."
That made Akane start slightly. She drew slightly
back from the counter head turning slightly to one
side. "What do you mean by that?" she asked.
"You have all the qualities of a fine Guardian.
Your consort, Ranma? He will be a very lucky one once
you have bonded together."
"Really? That sound very nice, but we still have
a ways to go before crossing that line."
"In time it will come," replied the old woman. A
broad smile came to her face. "Now come here. I must
reward you for your kindness."
"Uh, that's okay," replied Akane holding her hands
up before her. "I don't need any rewards. Helping you
was enough."
"Nonsense." An arm shot out, Akane surprised by
the speed for such a frail looking old lady, taking a
firm but gentile hold of her wrist. The grip was warm
and Akane shuddered not knowing what to expect next.
"Relax," said the old woman sensing her fear. "I
will not harm you."
An odd sensation began rushing up through Akane's
arms. It quickly spread through her body, and she
found herself giving in to the old woman's soothing
voice. A lightness started to hit her mind, the ground
beneath her feet growing soft as if it were not there
at all.
"who . . . who are you?" she muttered.
The old woman's head tipped slightly to one side.
"A fellow being in need of a Guardian," came the dim
reply moments before she slipped into darkness.
* * * * *
The Foothills of Mt. Fuji, 09:10 PM
Through the darkness of the night a jet-black car
moved silently along the vacant road, its ultra-modern
engine propelling the vehicle at faster than normal
pace. It turned suddenly off the road and began
crossing the run of a wide field heading for the near-
by stretch of forest.
Stopping short of the treeline the car powered
down, and as the dust settled two men stepped out.
Both of them were dressed in black suits, white shirts,
black shoes and tie. The driver reached into his
jacket pulling out a oblong chrome colored object,
popping it open and held it out in front of him. He
swept the area, noting the flashing colored lights on
the inside, then closed it up.
"The crash was definitely in this area," he said.
"O, do you have any life readings?"
The man addressed as O stared into a small
handheld monitor sweeping the ground. He said nothing
for a minute, then stopped as the scanner locked onto
something.
"Got a trace residue trail here, F," O replied.
"Type?"
"Hmm, could be Sycarilloid. I'd have to get a
better trace to be sure."
F gazed around at their surroundings for a moment
thinking. If a ship did come down here then quite
possibly it could be using some sort of cloaking screen
for cover. But M.I.B. Headquarters reported two ships,
one apparently in distress, the other in trail.
"O, let's check out the forest and see if we can
find anything there," he said.
They walked across the field O in the lead
following the residue trail. It lead them to a shallow
path snaking into the forest and F called a halt.
"This any better?" he asked his partner.
O knelt, taking a sample from the soft earth.
Patiently, they waited as the analyzer ran it's checks.
A series of colored jewels ran in a straight line
across the center, different colors denoting different
forms of life. The red one suddenly lit up.
"Definitely a Sycarilloid," reported O. He
started, frowning at the readout. The green jewel had
lit up. "We also have a Bug!"
"A Bug?" questioned F. "A Bug and a Sycarilloid
together?"
O paused as another jewel lit up. "You won't
believe this but there's also a Lupicanus with them
also," he finally said.
Three totally opposite species in the same area,
and no signs of a fight? This one was starting to get
very strange to F. Leaning up against a near-by tree,
F started reaching for his communicator when he noticed
his shoulder sinking into the bark of the tree.
Immediately he pulled back drawing away part of the
bark, strands of a sticky gossamer white material
clinging to the back.
"What the hell?" said O staring at the mess.
F turned his light around so they could get a
better look at what it was clinging to his jacket.
"Uh, oh," sounded F looking around at the forest.
"Is that what I think that is?" said O.
"Looks like webbing," replied F.
Immediately, O's blaster flashed from his jacket.
He knelt with weapon poised searching the trees.
"Great, we've got Nid's out here too," he whispered.
F did not respond. He examined the webbed tree
noting where parts of it held shattered branches to the
trunk, other parts finely intertwined with thicker
strands covered by bark and dirt to conceal the color.
"O, it seems the Nid's were piecing the forest
back together," he said.
"They were what?"
F turned panning his light on the next group.
"You see," he pointed out more of the webbing spun
about the branches. "They're hiding something, and
I'll bet you it's our ship."
"Which one?"
"Doesn't matter." He reached back for his
communicator. "We need to get base informed and get
some--,"
Something large scuttled through the tree tops
drawing the two M.I.B. agents around. F drew his
blaster dropping into a crouch.
"See it?" whispered O shining his light up.
"No."
"That's not good. I think a hasty retreat is in
order here, F."
"Concur. Get moving, I'll cover you."
O inched back, but made only a few steps when a
hiss sounded followed by a wet thud.
"EEEEEFFFFF!" cried O as the mass of webbing
ensnared him. F turned to shoot but O was snatched
from the ground into the tree tops. His cries and
screams echoed through the air.
That was enough for F. He ran, reaching for his
communicator to sound the alarm. Something heavy and
wet ensnared his hand, pinning it to a tree. Straining
to break free, F struggled to no avail. Another mass
trapped a leg, still another pinning him face forwards
against the trunk. He gasped letting out a cry for
help. The sound of movement behind made him stop, eyes
cutting back to the side as his terror increased.
"Now who's going to help you, little human, hmm?"
screeched a thin voice.
F's cry pierced the night sky.
* * * * *
Finding more coverings for the remaining members
of his group proved not to difficult once they located
the Onashi Observatory. Leaving the fate of the
victims in their hands, Krin sat looking over the data
in the main center of the building. His finger traced
along the words of a log book in an attempt to
understand this strange writing. A short scream made
him look up, then through the doors Qu'tok and another
female entered the room.
"Status?" asked Krin of Qu'tok.
"There was no trouble. In fact there was quite a
selection of coverings to choose from."
"Yeah," said the young woman brightly. "Say,
Krin. You didn't tell me how I look." She raised her
arms twirling around in a circle. Krin eyed her new
looks, secretly impressed at how the human covering fit
so well. Her short dark hair glimmered beneath the
lights, petite body moving gracefully in a slow
gyrating motion.
"Stop that, Morea," Krin snapped. He shook back
his urges, letting out a deep grunt before resuming his
study of the book.
"Now, Qu'tok. This language is difficult, but I
seem to have made out its meaning."
Qu'tok moved closer. "Anything we can use?" he
asked peering over Krin's shoulder.
"This place is called Jaaa-paan, and the human
enclave Tooykiyo. The Guardian is certain to find
refuge in it's expanse."
"Oh good. Does that mean we get to destroy all
these creatures, Krin. Oh can we, please, please,
pleeease!" begged Morea.
Krin snapped the book shut. "No! we've not the
time for trivial pillaging on this backwater planet."
Morea snapped out an alien curse, crossing her
arms in frustration. "But we've not had any fun in so
long," she grumbled.
"Fun later," replied Krin. "Speaking of which,
you did save coverings for Alid and Koo?"
Another short cry sounded, Qu'tok taking a quick
glance over a shoulder. "Ah, I told the others to do
that. Hopefully Teq and Binimi will control
themselves. We all know what Binimi looks like after
she's feasted."
There was nothing more of interest for Krin here,
and he decided it was time to set out in pursuit of
their quarry. Returning down to the ground floor the
three made their way into the garage. There they found
Binimi stretched out on the tarmac with eyes shut, a
pleasant grin on her face. Leaning against the wall
next to her stood a tall stocky young man picking his
teeth with the tip of a slim dagger.
"Did you enjoy your feast, Teq?" asked Krin.
Teq stood up and slipped the dagger inside the
winter coat he wore. "It was sustaining," he said
smacking his lips.
"Mmm, what's for desert?" asked Binimi.
Krin looked down at her with a frown. "You did
not eat too much, did you? This is not the time for
one of your long hibernation's."
Binimi opened her eyes then slowly sat up.
"Please, Krin. This small snack?"
"Although this brand of humanoid is just a bit
stringy," added Teq.
"Yeah, my thoughts too," said Morea. "A little
tenderizer and maybe some--,"
"This is not a banquet!" shouted Krin ending their
discussion. Clenching his fist to hold back his
annoyance, he asked where the final member of the team
was.
"Out guarding the gate," answered Teq. Krin
motioned them to follow heading out side.
In the guardshack at the gate Krin spotted the
only member of his crew not needing a covering from the
local inhabitants. It would have been extremely
difficult to say the least, the hulking humanoid's
towering frame would easily require special sizing. At
the sound of their approach, he stepped out of the
booth.
"Ah, Glator," said Krin greeting him with a
friendly smile.
Glator stared down at them for a moment. His skin
held a slight reddish hue to it, but the only outright
oddity that marked him as being alien was the small
size of his head. In relation to the rest of his body,
it seemed out of place. A short blonde streak of hair
ran from his forehead to the nape of his neck certain
to draw more attention to him.
"This hunt is stale, Krin," Glator's deep voice
grumbled.
"Not yet, Glator. The Guardian has a lead but
we'll soon be upon it."
"Why do we delay then?"
"We are waiting for Alid and Koo."
Glator let out a throaty growl looking back to the
road. Krin patted him on one arm.
"Patience, Glator. You will have your chance, I
promise that."
"Glator is bored," he replied.
Krin laughed. "Teq, I trust you still have the
scent?"
Teq raised his head sniffing at the air. "Yes,
I've still the scent, Krin. It is starting to weaken
with all of this compounding smell around us."
"Then we can't wait for Alid and Koo," replied
Krin.
"You are planning to leave them behind. Alone,
Krin?" Qu'tok said in disbelief.
"They will have to catch up," answered Krin.
Qu'tok was about to advise against that when Teq
suddenly raised his hands. Stepping out into the road,
he tipped an ear to the dark.
"Something is coming," he said.
Krin arched a brow, backing away into the shadows
with the rest of the group. Soon a high pitched whine
cut the night air, and a pair of headlights turned the
corner racing towards the closed gates. The car
stopped and two men dressed in black suits stepped out.
They peered through the chainlink fence.
"Oh, Krin!" called the driver honking the horn.
"Stop that!" cried Teq, holding his hands to his
ears. Qu'tok stepped out of the dark.
"Hello, Q," said the other man. "Sorry we're
late, but we managed to find some coverings for
ourselves."
Qu'tok opened the gate. "And I suppose this
vehicle took some time to negotiate?"
"Come now, Qu'tok. We had to fit ourselves into
these things, and that took some doing."
"No excuse, Alid. We were about to leave you two
behind."
"Really?" Alid and Koo traded looks. "That
hurts," finished Alid.
"Not as much as I want to hurt you now," growled
Krin stepping out into the light. "You two have
delayed our--,"
Krin froze in his steps, a sharp look of shock on
his face. He stared at the two mouth dropping lower
and lower as he looked back and forth.
"Krin?" said Binimi.
Krin let out a vicious snarl, stalking menacingly
towards them. "WHAT-HAVE-YOU-DONE!!!" he growled.
Alid and Koo curled up protectively as Krin stood
before them chest heaving with anger.
"Krin, what is it?" asked Morea.
"YOU FOOLS!" raged Krin.
"What, what have we done wrong?" pleaded Koo.
"Do you know who's coverings you have taken!"
The two slowly stood up. They looked themselves
over wondering what he meant by that remark.
"Nooo," trailed Qu'tok shaking his head.
"I'm sorry. I'm at a loss here," said Alid.
"Those are M.I.B. uniforms you wear, stupid!"
snapped Krin.
"Glator kill M.I.B. agents!" cried Glator surging
towards them.
Alid and Koo cried out again, but Krin quickly
interposed himself between them.
"Stop, Glator. They are on our side!" he said.
Glator stopped, and Krin rounded on the two. "But you
have killed M.I.B. agents, and that means trouble!"
"M.I.B., huh? Explains all the high tech
equipment in this car," said Koo.
Krin raised a hand ready to strike him, but held
it back. He growled again thinking about what to do
now.
"Krin, M.I.B. will be swarming all over this place
very soon," said Qu'tok. "We might want to return to
the ship and leave?"
"No," answered Krin. "We've come this far and are
to close now to stop."
"So what do we do?" asked Binimi.
Krin glanced at Alid and Koo, then cut his eyes
from side to side as a plan formed.
"This might have not been such a bad thing for us
after all," he said.
Teq and Qu'tok traded confused looks wondering
what their leader had in mind. Krin turned.
"Teq, Binimi go after the Guardian," he ordered
them. "Find it and return to the ship.
"What about you?" Binimi asked.
A devious smile came to Krin's face. "M.I.B. on
this planet meant we would have crossed paths anyway."
"Meaning?" said Morea.
"Let's head them off before they can muster enough
power against us."
"Head them off? Krin we don't even know where
M.I.B. is located in this city."
"I know, but I'll bet this vehicle does."
Qu'tok's shrill laugh sounded, liking the plan.
"You are a scheming one Krin," he said.
"I know. Teq, Binimi get moving."
"Are you sure you won't need our help?" asked
Binimi.
"We will manage, now go. Go, go, go!" he answered
waving them off. The two quickly complied.
Krin rubbed his hands together gazing around at
the rest of his team.
"Now, let us go pay a visit to M.I.B.."
* * * * *
Akane's eyelids fluttered open, vision slowly
returning to focus. She pressed a hand to her forehead
and drew in an exhausted breath wondering what had just
happened. She was still in Ucchan's that much was
certain.
"W-what?" muttered Akane looking around.
"Are you alright, dear?" asked a voice from the
counter.
Akane's gaze fell on the old woman seated on the
stool watching her curiously. No, this isn't right,
she thought still slightly confused. A glance up at
the clock read the time to be 09:52. I could have
sworn it was only fifteen past.
Standing up from the stool she sat on, Akane
walked over to the counter and leaned against her
elbows.
"Uh, I'm not quite sure, madam," she answered the
old woman. "I seem to have lost track of time."
"Hmm, you must be tired dozing off like that in
the middle of our conversation."
"I, I did?" The old woman nodded. "Goodness, I
can't believe how rude I've been."
"I understand."
"Uh, what were we talking about?"
"Your Guar-I mean fianc�e."
"Ranma?"
"That's the dear boy's name. Such a lucky young
man to have found a responsible girl like you."
Akane grinned lightly. "Yeah, well I've still
have yet to--, what am I saying? Ranma and I are not
officially an item, so I don't foresee marriage anytime
soon."
A gentle hand patted her forearm tenderly. "Never
deceive yourself young lady."
Now what does she mean by that? wondered Akane
standing up. Through the front doors Konatsu suddenly
appeared wheeling the delivery bike inside. He paused
not expecting anyone to be in, then glanced up at the
clock.
"Sorry I am late," he said placing the bike
against the wall.
"No problem, Konatsu. I'm just about done here
anyway," replied Akane.
Konatsu walked up to the counter and gazed at the
old woman. He narrowed an eye slightly as if something
was wrong. A slight shake of his head, he looked at
Akane again. "Have you started any of the clean-up?"
"No, I'm still hosting our customer."
"Then I will get the back," answered Konatsu
heading around the counter. He stopped, taking another
glance at the old woman, then scratched his head trying
to shake the odd feeling he sensed and disappeared
through the kitchen doors.
"Sorry about that," Akane apologized.
"No worries," replied the old woman.
"Well I've got to start closing up the
restaurant," continued Akane. "Would you like
something else to eat? Maybe some sweet bean rolls for
desert?"
"I have eaten enough. But I could use--,"
The old woman's head turned abruptly around to the
far windows. She stared at them, concentrating hard
with eyebrows furrowed close together. Akane looked to
see what she was staring at, then the old woman got off
the stool and walked over to the pane gazing out into
the night.
"Ma'am?" called Akane, but she did not reply. A
figure slowly appeared beneath the glow of a distant
street lamp up the street, bringing a deep frown to the
old woman's lips. Pulling down the shade, she returned
to the counter.
"I must be . . . going," she said to Akane.
"Is there something wrong. Do you need some
help?"
The old woman looked deep into Akane's eyes.
"Your kindness is admirable," she said reaching out to
rub the side of Akane's cheek affectionately. "No, I
must be going now. What is the cost for the meal?"
"On the house," answered Akane. "But you don't
have to leave because we're closing."
"It is well that I do," she replied. The old
woman started to turn then paused. Taking Akane's
hands in hers, she placed a serious look on the girl.
"Take care of yourself, child. And . . . stay close to
your Guardian."
What? thought Akane as the old woman went to the
side door. She peered out, pulled the hood over her
head and in one fluid move darted out of sight.
"Ma'am, wait a minute!" called Akane. Vaulting
the counter, she ran to the door and stepped out. She
was thoroughly surprised to see the old woman's figure
already half-way up the street. Something moved in the
shadows not far behind, something that seemed to lope
after her like a predator stalking prey.
Akane gasped low and started to return inside to
call the police when she spotted a tall woman leaning
against the lamppost across the street. Their eyes
met, then the woman stood straight and began moving
down the side street. Her gaze never left Akane's, and
as she passed Akane could swear she flicked her tongue
at her before smiling with a wink before disappearing
into the darkness.
A fearful shudder passed through Akane and she
quickly darted back inside.
* * * * *
The FUJI T.V. Building, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 10:27 PM
Fuji Television Building was lit up as usual,
bathing the almost empty streets beneath a dull glow.
Nothing out of the ordinary to draw extra attention, a
quiet peaceful night that suited Krin well as the
commandeered M.I.B. car glided towards the side garage
doors.
There was no need for them to get out, special
hidden sensors identifying the car automatically
opening the gates. It rolled into the garage, coming
to a stop inside a yellow painted rectangle at the
center.
"What now, Krin?" question Alid from the drivers
seat.
"Wait," he replied. "Glator, move your arm from my
neck!"
"Glator not like being cramped," protested the
gargantuan pressed uncomfortably in the corner of the
back seat.
A high pitched whine sounded, then the floor
beneath them shook, descending down into the bowels of
the earth. Time seemed to stop for a moment, the team
gripping their weapons nervously expecting a trap.
Suddenly, two doors parted in front, opening up to
another garage where several M.I.B. vehicles sat being
serviced or ready to go. Human and Aliens both worked
side by side, M.I.B.'s Tokyo Department that kept a
close eye on extraterrestrial visiting this part of the
Earth. The car lurched, rolling out to a stop in the
center of the garage.
"Hey, F. How's it going?" called a green-skinned
bipedal alien dressed in gray overalls.
Krin tapped Alid lightly on the back. "I think
he's talking to you," he said.
"Oh, oh yes," muttered Alid. He rolled down his
window. "Uh, fine, just fine. Ran into a few guest on
the way back over."
The alien peered into the back of the car, black
bug like eyes blinking curiously at them. "Survivors
from that crash?"
"Yeah, that's um, it." Alid gave Koo a nudge,
motioning him to get out.
"Evening, O."
"Yes, yes it is," replied Koo. Krin rolled his
eyes up in frustration.
"So what'd you want done with the car, or are you
guys done for the night?"
Alid looked up at the ceiling, marking the
surveillance units before responding.
"Clean it, and check under the hood for a strange
knock we heard earlier," he answered.
"Knock? Maybe you hit a rock?"
"We heard a knock form the engine," said Koo.
The mechanic shook his head. "Not likely. No
moving parts in a Model 3 engine."
"Let's get a second opinion on that," said Alid.
The alien mechanic mimicked a frown, then called
over to a stall across from them. "Hey, Sk-tic. F and
O here say they heard a knock in this M3. What do you
think about that?"
A slim head popped up from between two cars,
stalked eyes panning around to them. It uttered
something unintelligible, then chortled in what Alid
and Koo could only imagine was a laugh. Alid looked
back into the car at Krin.
"Surveillance cams will pick us up as soon as we
strike, Krin. Still want to go through with this?"
"Of course. We will just have to strike hard and
fast."
Alid arched a brow. "Anytime you're ready."
Krin gave Qu'tok and Glator a nod, and the two
opened the back doors stepping out.
In the garage Koo stood calmly arguing with the
mechanics standing around him, insisting that their
claim was true. At the sight of Glator all talking
ceased, expressions dropping in shock.
"My, what a large fellow," said a female human
slowly backing away.
"Intimidating, no?" asked Koo. Turning to Alid,
he asked, "Is it time to party yet?"
"By all means," replied Alid, reaching into his
jacket.
"Party?" questioned the alien mechanic.
His answer was short and brutal, the burst from a
M.I.B. blaster kicking him into the far wall. Qu'tok
stepped out from behind him wielding a slim rifle in
his hands. He sprayed the area, cutting down the rest
of the mechanic's scurrying for safety.
Glator let out a roar, backhanding the woman next
to Koo propelling her across the expanse of the garage.
"Alid, Koo, the Cam's!" shouted Qu'tok.
Quickly, the two pseudo-agents shot out the
security cameras, resuming their task of extermination
without pause. In minutes it was over. Krin got out
followed by Morea.
"Excellent," he said powering up his blaster.
"We better get moving before they regroup," said
Qu'tok. Glator went to the back of the car and ripped
the hood off the trunk. Picking up a large rifle with
an extremely huge gaping maw, he slammed a clip into
the magazine and powered it up.
Meanwhile, Krin had gone over to the floorplan
next to the main door. He looked over the layout with
a close eye.
"Hmm, it's even got my language here," he said to
Morea standing behind him. "How convient."
"Krin," said Morea with some urgency.
Krin studied the layout, then pointed to a
section. "Qu'tok, take Alid and Koo down to the
computer room. Destroy it. Glator, Morea and I will
take out the command center. 66 Bises, not a delio
longer. Clear?"
"Right. Standard raid format," answered Qu'tok.
He opened the door, gunning down two agents rushing up
the passageway, then lead Alid and Koo off to their
destination.
"Aw, how come they get the easy job?" Morea
whined.
"Cease your sniveling," snapped Krin. "You have
the explosives?"
"Yes, Krin. I'm not stupid," she replied.
Krin let out a low grunt. He glared down the
passageway, then with a curt nod led them out.
* * * * *
M.I.B. Tokyo's command center was a smaller copy
of M.I.B. Headquarters, the only noticeable difference
was the boarding and disembarking platform for the
hypertrams that connected them to the rest of the
world. Currently, all activities stopped, Agents
looking up as the emergency alarm began to wail.
"What's going on?" shouted the supervising agent
in charge of the complex from a platform overlooking
the main monitors. A human agent turned around from
his console.
"We have intruders in the complex!" he reported.
"What! How did they get in?"
"Looks like the garage, but I can't--,"
A rumble passed through the room. Abruptly, every
monitor and console winked out of operation. The
Supervisor stood aghast.
"Get power back up!" he shouted running down the
flight of stair.
"Back-up systems will take a few minutes to
respond!"
He growled a low curse, looking down at the multi-
limbed being manning the station next to them.
"How long before we get power?"
[Klootok HvvReee.]
"Damn!" snapped the Supervisor banging his fist
against the console. "That's too long. How many
attacker are there?"
"No count, but the last report said they split up
into two groups. One headed down into the lower
sections, the other headed up the main corridor."
"Main corridor?" The Supervisor spun around to
the entrance. "That means they're headed here!"
He was answered by a powerful explosion that send
shrapnel and debris hurling through the command center.
Clutching the gapping gash on the side of his face, the
Supervisor looked up. Out of the swirling mist Glator
appeared, casting a threatening glance about the room.
Spotting the main console, he trained his rifle on it,
a clack sounding as the next round moved into position.
The multi-armed being let out a stream of mutters as it
scampered over the top to clear the area. Glator
fired, killing the Supervisor and those around him.
None of the agents in the center were armed making
this a cake walk for the three beings dealing out death
and destruction. Krin laughed snapping off burst after
burst into his victims; Morea wielding a wand like
weapon in her hand doing the same. The upper platform
shattered beneath a barrage of Glator's fire, then Krin
told them to stop. He looked around, pleased at the
results.
"Excellent. Extremely excellent," he said.
"Morea, hand me the explosives."
Morea placed four semi-flat disk in his hand.
Setting the timers on them, Krin gingerly tossed them
one at a time about the room. Steps sounded, a blurred
figure darting along the upper boarding platform,
diving into one of the open hypertrams. It's engine
kicked on, the door slamming shut, and the tram started
moving down the tube. Krin sneered at it.
"Morea," he said.
The woman was already on the move. She ran,
setting three explosive charges in her hand and tossed
them up. Metallic clicks sounded as they attached
themselves to the exterior of the tram. It whisked
down the tunnel.
"He's getting away!" Glator shouted.
Morea smiled. She calmly walked towards them,
glanced quickly over her shoulder, then started a slow
countdown.
"Right . . . about . . . now," she finally said.
The rumble of a distant explosion echoed up the tunnel.
"Always showing off, Morea," Krin said grinning.
"Hey, I'm good."
Krin looked at the timepiece on his wrist. "Let's
go. Our job is done here."
* * * * *
Smoke billowed up into the night sky as an
underground fire blazed beneath the Fuji Television
building. Fire trucks surrounded the area; police
sectioned off the streets to keep back the crowd of
spectators looking on in shock at the catastrophe. Off
near the surrounding shadows six people stood enjoying
the spectacle, quite pleased with their work. Krin
felt an elation of power flow through him, confidence
on the rise that their task on this planet would be
successful now that M.I.B. was temporarily out of the
picture.
"Hey, Krin," called Koo.
"Yes?" replied Krin, gaze locked on the burning
building.
"Now that M.I.B. is gone, can we take off these
stupid bags and move around freely?"
Krin slowly looked around. "Certainly not," he
said. "These stupid humans would only disrupt our
progress if they saw us in our true forms."
"Yes, but this bag is very uncomfortable," said
Alid.
"Not to mention this ugly M.I.B. uniform just has
to go," added Koo.
"You've been taking lessons from Morea, haven't
you?" asked Krin, eyes cutting back and forth between
the two.
"Huh?" they sounded.
"Quit your whining!" shouted Krin.
"M.I.B. is not totally gone," said Qu'tok.
"Setback, yes. Gone, no. The longer we dally, the
more likely we'll run into them again."
"Glator kill M.I.B. agents."
"That's another reason why I want to get out of
this," Koo said.
"Shut up! Qu'tok is right." Krin gazed back at
the building, mind formulating their next course of
action. "Binimi and Teq have succeeded hopefully.
Otherwise, we will have more trouble."
"I'm not worried," said Morea. She slinked up,
hugging one of Krin's arms tight. "If M.I.B. is
anything like this group we should have no problems
handling them."
"We got lucky, Morea," replied Krin. He smiled.
"But they were handled effectively."
"And now we're going to?" said Qu'tok.
"Head back to the ship and check on Teq and
Binimi."
"Good. I'm hungry," declared Glator.
"Not a bad idea, Glator," said Alid. "Say Krin,
can we stop and grab a few humans to nibble on?"
"And change these bags?" Koo said.
The resulting dark glower made both men cringe
back.
"Back to the ship," growled Krin.
Qu'tok grabbed each by a shoulder, ushering them
along. "Will you stop angering him," he said, ignoring
their protest. A light tug on his arm brought Krin's
attention back to Morea.
"Krin, what if the Guardian has escaped. What
then?" she asked.
"It will not escape," answered Krin. He patted
her affectionately on the head. "Do not worry. Now
why don't you run along and join the others. I'll be
along in a moment."
Morea nodded, hiding her doubt, rushing of to
catch up with the rest of the team. Krin turned to
gaze upon the fire one last time.
"M.I.B.," he muttered with a contemptuous grunt,
then slipped off into the darkness.
