Full Metal Panic Fan Fiction ❯ Blood From Metal ❯ Chapter 10

Blood From Metal

 

By: Alpha Zulu Mark II

 

Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters, I don't claim to own any of them, and this fic is meant only to explore an idea; so, bite me!

 

Chapter 10

 

The clock, Sousuke realized yet again, was a bitch. They had been in the Zodiac for just over an hour, and were just now reaching the shallows near the island. Mao was working the motor, he was mid-ship position, and Yu Fan was in the nose. Even though the mild one-meter swell seemed placid enough, when you are in a small boat, running without lights, it becomes much like riding a rollercoaster in the dark without seatbelts. Sousuke could make out the darker mass of the island, but primarily, he had to trust Mao, who was using her night vision monocular to navigate.

 

The spray from the bows had soaked them and their gear, and the wind had chilled them, though not enough to distract any of them. Sousuke's mind was focused on the mission to recover Kana from her captors. He didn't care what it took, he was going to bring Kana back with them. In the bows, Yu Fan maintained her vigil, carefully watching the island as they slowed and began the hard part of the approach: the row. In the back, Mao used the eye not looking through the night scope to check her GPS handheld, making sure to keep away from the perimeter of the island where the rocks were shallow enough tear out the bottom. Her job was to get them to the beach in the cove and that meant that the night vision and GPS were her primary concern, the engine and steering her secondary.

 

Seeing her plotted course on the dimly-backlit GPS unit, she checked the island through her monocular. Satisfied, she cut the engine and raised it out of the water, locking it in the up position. Reaching forward, she tapped Sousuke's shoulder twice. Nodding, he silently broke out his set of black-enameled oars, slipping them into the oar locks, and began to row, a steady, strong rhythm moving the boat steadily through the water, about one hundred meters off the rocky edge of the island. Mao steered with an oar, and Yu Fan kept watch for any signs of enemy action on the island.

 

By the time that Mao slipped them into the calmer waters of the cove, Sousuke was sweating and breathing hard. With the calmer water, he relaxed his pace and force, catching his breath as they drifted toward the edge of the cove, where the twisted palms gave them the best cover to be had. Using half-length strokes and leaving the blade in the water as he transitioned, Sousuke brought the boat in silent, using the half-meter swells as a horizontal escalator. Mao, looking past Sousuke, saw Yu Fan raise her hand, three fingers held up. Thirty meters to the beach.

 

One by one, Yu Fan's fingers fold, and moments after her index finger dropped to form a fist, Mao felt a soft jolt and heard a soft scraping sound as the inflatable keel met the sand. Before she could even register their arrival, Yu Fan was over the gunwale, her assault rifle tucked to her shoulder, scanning the area. A moment later, she grabbed the rope line and pulled the boat farther up onto the sand. Sousuke had swiftly and carefully tucked the oars into the boat, grabbed his gun, and rolled over the gunwale as well, landing in a crouch before moving up to flank Yu Fan. Mao deliberately set her steering oar down in the boat, grabbed her rifle and moved forward, stepping over the gunwale into ankle-deep water. She pulled the boat up on the beach a little further, then knelt next to Yu Fan on the opposite side from Sousuke.

 

The three were dead silent, listening to the sounds of the insects and the rustle of the palms in the breeze. Sousuke checked his luminescent watch. Oh two forty one hours. We are way off our timetable, he thought. Still, nothing for it now, he discarded the time concern. Glancing to his right, he waved his hand forward, the two nodding and he crept toward the house, his shotgun slung, the silenced Beretta in his hands. He had managed to get a couple of boxes of sub-sonic one hundred forty seven grain semi-jacketed rounds, and in addition to making the gun extremely quiet, it increased the effectiveness of any hits. Yu Fan didn't have a suppressed gun, but she did have a wicked kukri-pattern knife that Shenhua had given her when they visited, and Sousuke had no illusions that Yu Fan could use it as well as her twin sister had.

 

Yu fan was walking drag, and Mao brought up the tail as the three snaked along the edges of the trees and vegetation. As they came up on the house, they sank down to their bellies and crawled forward, taking their time. Mao used her night vision to sweep the house and the area around them constantly. It was past oh three fifteen when the trio cleared the grass and began to assess the house. Looking at the front of it, they found that the huge windows allowed them to use Mao's night vision to look into the room.

 

Glassing the rooms, they found one vacant, the sheets rumpled. Great, thought Sousuke, we have a midnight stroller! Shifting to check the other end of the house, they found a woman asleep in a bed. Rather than risk moving through the heavy bushes near the edge to get a look at the end bedroom, Sousuke decided to prioritize locating the stroller. Communicating his plan to the other two with hand signals, the three prepared to enter the house.

 

Entry itself was far easier than they had thought. After exploring the French doors for alarms or booby traps, it had been as simple as gently depressing the fancy handle and easing the door open on silent hinges. Cautiously, Sousuke moves into the house, gun up in a two-handed grip, muzzle following his eyes as he scanned and breathed, scanned and breathed. In front of him, his night-adjusted eyes saw the dim shape of a dining room, followed by a kitchen area, then the hallway that ran the length of the house, and finally, the main entrance door, directly in front of him.

 

The empty bed is to the right, the occupied bed to the left. This seems to be a central choke point, he thought. Release his support hand, he silent signaled to Mao to position herself by the edge of the table and lock down movement through the hallway. She nodded, ghosting over to the corner and kneeling, giving her minimum visibility, but allowing her a clear line of fire down the left-hand hall and angle on the front door. Sousuke beckoned to Yu Fan, who nodded, moving behind him, her left hand on his left shoulder as she delicately slung her rifle and eased the razor sharp knife out of its dark sheath. Mao nervously watched as Yu Fan delicately twirled the blade into a fighting grip. Prepared, Sousuke led her down the hall, heel-toe, heel-toe, completely silent.

 

I hope this isn't when Yu Fan turns on us, thought Mao uneasily, keeping her night vision trained on the hall and front door. Her G36 carbine wasn't suppressed, so if she opened fire, they were totally compromised and would have to beat feet fast. Minutes passed. Mao remained tense but alert, constantly scanning the area assigned to her for any sign of movement. She resisted the urge to check her watch. However long it takes, is how long it takes, she told herself.

 

Down the hall, Sousuke reached the room with the missing sleeper. Yu pivoted to watch his back, in case the door opposite the bedroom opened. Gradually, Sousuke opened the door. Transitioning into the room, he sliced the pie of his firing field around the bed, making sure that no one was hiding there, then worked his field of fire around the corner into the bathroom. Nothing there, either. Pausing, he reached down and felt the bed. It was cold, so whoever had gotten up had done so a while ago. Backing away, he pulled a small wooden wedge from his pocket and pressed it under the door, wedging it open. We need to find this person, he thought.

 

As he turned toward Yu Fan and the other door, his periphery vision caught something. He wasn't sure at first, but turning back to look down the hallway, he thought he caught something again. Frowning, he slowly sank to his knees, pressed his cheek to the floor and looked down the hall. From the low angle, he could see a faint glow from under the door diagonally opposite where he was. Silently standing, he signaled Yu Fan to hold position, and made his way down the hall. As he reached Mao's position, he signaled his plan to her, and she nodded, bringing the compact assault rifle to her shoulder - just in case.

 

Creeping down the hall, he worked his way to the door, being careful not to cross Mao's line of fire on the doors opposite the one he had seen the soft glow from under. If anyone stuck their head out, Mao would blow it off. Likewise, if anyone got curious in the other room, Yu fan would remove their head with her knife. Sousuke quietly sucked in a breath, and began to twist the knob of the door. It felt like an eternity before the latch slipped free. Sousuke pivoted around the side of the jam, gun up, as he began the takedown of the room.

 

Time froze as he spotted the occupant of the room. Over the body of the thick silencer, he took in the surprised expression on her face. Sousuke was completely frozen. He knew that face. The long, dark hair that shown rich purple in direct sunlight, the warm brown eyes that shown with the fierce energy of the woman he had come to know better than all save one. K…Kana! he realized, his body frozen. Illuminated by the glow of the laptop screen, Kaname looked like her code name: and angel.

 

The girl had half-risen from where she had crouched, eyes wide, mouth open as if she were about to scream, but she, too, was frozen. Staring at the black-faced form in the door, pistol pointed at her, she could not move or make a sound. He wide eyes took in every bit of his appearance. Sousuke? she dared to hope. Her heart told her what her mind couldn't immediately tell. “Sousuke,” she breathed so softly that even the young man didn't hear her clearly.

 

Kaname's voice broke the paralysis that had gripped Sousuke, and he whipped his gun down and away from her as the girl silently dashed to him, threw her arms around him and did the first thing that came to her mind: she kissed him deeply. Sousuke wrapped his arms around Kaname, holding her gently to him, instinctively being careful not to bruise her against his gear. Seconds passed before Kaname broke the kiss, leaning back to give him a careless smile. “Finally,” she mouthed at him.

 

Sousuke took her wrist and started to tug her out the door, but she waved her hand, pulling her other wrist free of his grip. Frowning, he saw her swiftly step back to the laptop, close it, pull the power cord and mouse cord out of it and pick it up. Nearly dancing back to Sousuke, she smiled warmly at him. Moving out into the hallway, Sousuke signaled to Mao, making sure that Kaname wasn't mistakenly shot. Stepping out of the study, Sousuke led Kaname toward the patio as quickly as he could without making any noise. When she moved past Mao instead of following him, he nearly panicked.

 

Kaname moved down to where Yu Fan was, slipping into the room he had checked first, and after a moment, she emerged with the top sheet tied around her body in a kind of sarong. Satisfied, she silently moved back to him, laptop under her arm, Yu Fan ghosting right behind. Sousuke gestured to the door, and Kaname slipped though it, followed by Sousuke, then Yu Fan, then Mao. They didn't bother to close any of the doors behind them; time was the crucial element here.

 

Reaching the boat, Sousuke shifted it back into the surf, stern first. Taking Kaname's hand, he helped her into the boat, directing her to a position in the front half of the middle deck. Yu Fan took up position at the bow, kneeling in the sand, her gun up as Mao gingerly boarded the boat and settled in the back, taking her oar and preparing for the withdraw. Sousuke rolled into the boat, right behind Kaname, who held the laptop close to her chest. Securing his gun, he positioned the oars and gave Yu Fan a soft psst! sound. Smoothly, the assassin turned, pushed the boat into the cove until her knees were wet, then rolled into the bow, turning and re-acquiring her field of fire.

 

In the light of the stars, Sousuke saw Kaname being to open her mouth, and swiftly pressed a finger against her lips, shaking his head. She frowned but nodded anyway. Grabbing the oars, he rotated them and began to pull quickly, but quietly, toward the mouth of the cove. Yu Fan shifted so she was kneeling in the bow, her rifle aimed over the heads of the other three, her sights on the beach and house. It felt like hours before they had cleared the mouth of the cove and began to work their way down the western edge of the rocky finger that helped protect the cove. In the open water, Sousuke risked a somewhat louder, but faster stroke, clearly eager to get his catch out of the area as quickly as possible. Panting, he kept on rowing until Mao slapped his shoulder. Shipping the oars, he leaned back against the fuel bladder between Mao's feet to catch his breath. He was surprised to feel a warm, solid mass impact his chest. Looking down, he saw that Kaname had pressed her chest to his, one arm around the laptop - now trapped between them - and the other around his chest. Her cheek rested against his throat. Silently, he wrapped his arms around her chest.

 

Tugging on the cord, Mao fired up the engine, checked her compass, and began to move them out to sea. Once they were a couple of kilometers from the island, she opened up the throttle all the way, the inflatable boat planing nicely in the slightly rougher seas. In the bows, Yu Fan studied Kaname Chidori in the light of the stars. Wrapped in a sheet, clinging to Sousuke, she wasn't sure if she was disappointed or happy. Sighing, she bid her time. There was no rush; not yet. She heard Sousuke say `Coors' into his radio. Reaching up to the top of her harness, she pulled the IR stick free, tore off the wrapper, and snapped the bar, activating the light stick. Tucking it back into the loop, she got comfortable in the bow, using her body to shield Kaname and Sousuke from as much spray as she could.

 

The ride back out was rougher than the ride in, but the spray wasn't as bad. Before long, Mao spotted the dark form of the PT boat moving in toward them. Kaname had stayed where she was the whole trip, clinging to Sousuke, silent. Hope that isn't a bad sign, thought the sergeant major. Kaname was not a meek, shy girl; not at all - and this behavior was out of the norm for her. The Chinese American woman hoped that it didn't mean that Kaname had suffered emotional scarring from her experience.

 

Tying up to the side of the PT boat, the raiding party carefully handed off first the laptop, then Kaname herself before Sousuke clambered aboard the larger ship, followed by Yu Fan, and finally, by Mao. Once they were onboard, Sousuke, Dutch and Rock muscled the Zodiac onto the foredeck, secured it once more to the cleats, and removed the fuel bladder. With the gear stowed, the big man pushed the throttles forward, turning to port and running south. For the time being, they left the twenty millimeter cannon and the twin fifties mounted, thought they did cover them with thick marine canvas covers.

 

In the bow cabin of the boat, Kaname was sitting on the bench, the laptop on her lap, along with Mao. When Sousuke and Yu Fan entered the cabin, she smiled warmly at him. “Can we talk now, Sousuke?” she asked him. He blinked at her.

 

“Yes, Kana,” he said.

 

“Good,” she sighed happily. “Get that stupid grease paint off your face, will you?” she asked. Sousuke nodded, shrugging off his harness before pulling out a handkerchief and some water. Yu Fan took his harness, setting it and her own aside as she, too, began to remove the grease paint from her face. “Thanks, Sousuke,” said Kaname softly as he wiped the dark grease off his face. “I don't know how much longer I could have held out,” she added. Looking at Mao, who was likewise taking off her black face, she gave the older woman a smile. “Glad to see you, too, Mao,” she added.

 

“You know we wouldn't leave you hanging, Kaname,” said the older former Marine. She used one hand to fish her pack of cigarettes out, shaking one free.

 

“Um, could you please not smoke in here? It's a pretty small area, and cigarette smoke makes me nauseous,” Kaname said. “Sorry!” she added. Mao sighed, tucking the pack back into her pocket.

 

“Yeah, no problem,” she said. “I'll go smoke on the deck with Revy,” she said, standing and moving past Yu Fan, who took her place. The assassin was methodically removing the black face, but Kaname had yet to get a look at her face.

 

“I'm sorry,” said the girl to the assassin, “I don't know your name,” she said as Yu Fan scrubbed her face. “But you must be one of Tessa's inner cadre, if you came here with Sousuke,” she surmised. “Thanks for rescuing me,” Kaname said honestly. Yu Fan raised her face from the small towel she had been using, meeting Kaname's gaze. Kaname gasped, jerking back in the seat.

 

It was clear that Yu Fan's face was familiar to her. It was also obvious that the events of that rain-soaked night on the roof of a love hotel in Tokyo were still fresh in Kaname's mind. “B…but you're dead! He killed you in front of me! And then, in Hong Kong…!” Kaname breathed, trembling. She felt Sousuke pull her to him.

 

“Kaname,” he said. “This is Yu Fan. She is the older two of the twins. It was her in the Chodarl M unit in Hong Kong - the one that Gates destroyed,” he explained. Kaname's frightened eyes met his.

 

“Twins?” she breathed, looking back at Yu Fan. “Yes, now that you mention it, the mole was on the other side,” she breathed, realizing that she wasn't seeing things. Yu Fan stared at her. Taking a deep breath, Kaname straightened, facing Yu Fan.

 

“You are Yu Fan?” she asked. The assassin nodded. Kaname gave her a bow from where she sat next to Sousuke. “Thank you, Yu Fan,” she said. “And I am sorry for your loss,” she added, watching Yu Fan's eyes as she said it. Yu Fan studied her.

 

“You were there when my sister was killed?” she asked, her tone clinical. Kaname nodded.

 

“I was,” she said. Yu Fan didn't blink - she just studied Kaname.

 

“How did it happen?” asked Yu Fan. Kaname took a breath, closing her eyes.

 

“It…I thought someone was following me, and since Sousuke had mysteriously vanished,” she gave him an annoyed look before continuing, “I was feeling vulnerable. I had seen your sister on the street, and felt a chill when she passed me. I thought it was her following me, so I tried to shake her. I tricked a pervert into taking me to a love hotel, but used a stun gun on him and tied him up in the bathroom. I figured that there might be a tracking bug on my clothes, so I stripped down to my panties and took a robe from the hotel.”

 

“I found a guy on the roof, but before I could use the Taser on him, someone shot him in the head. It was your sister. I ran, but she came after me. We ended up jumping to the lower roof, and I used the robe to fool her so I could use the Taser on her. I stunned her, and was about to ask her who she was, why she was following me, and where Sousuke was. But I didn't get to ask, because Leo showed up with a couple of his Alastor units.”

 

Kaname took a deep breath. “I don't now why, but your sister attacked Leo, and his two AS units knocked her down. He told one of them to kill her, and it slowly crushed her throat as I watched,” she whispered, shivering. “Then, that sicko told me he loved me, kissed me without permission, told me I was beautiful in the rain, then ran off with the body of your sister.”

 

“So, that is how she ended up in Hong Kong,” murmured Yu Fan. “I wondered how Gates had managed to get her, when she was last reported in Tokyo,” the assassin said. Kaname gingerly leaned over, putting her hand on Yu Fan's hand, which was on her thigh.

 

“I…” began Kaname, only to pause, lick her lips nervously and then start again. “I saw what that red AS did to the body, Yu Fan,” she whispered. “I can't say that I know what it must feel like to lose a twin, but please believe me when I say that I am sorry for your loss. I had no plans to kill her; only to make her stop following me and to find out what was going on,” she assured Yu Fan.

 

“Yu Lan exceeded her directives,” said Yu Fan. “She was not tasked with killing you, Chidori,” said the assassin. “It was the order of AMALGAM that you be brought - alive - to mister Silver,” she said. “Sensei ordered that you be held - alive - until he could secure Sousuke and implement his newest plan. Yu Lan, for reasons I do not know, and may never learn, chose to terminate you.” She looked into Kaname's eyes. “Know this, Chidori,” she said with an odd detachment, “if you had not incapacitated her, she would have killed you without regret,” the older twin assured her. “It was her, or you,” she clarified the point.

 

“I still think I could have reasoned with her,” said Kaname, sighing softly. “It seemed like she was ready to talk to me when Leo showed up with his fancy toasters,” she growled. That asshole can ruin anything he touches! she thought angrily. Yu Fan watched Kaname carefully.

 

“Did you fear someone had a tracer unit on you?” she wondered. Kaname frowned.

 

“What?” she wondered.

 

“Tonight, you were naked,” noted Yu Fan. “Did you fear that your captors had put a tracer on you again?” she wondered. Kaname blushed.

 

“No!” she said, suddenly reminded that she was dressed in the thin sheet - and nothing else. “That freak had this little-boy fetish about half-naked women, and…” she shook her head. “Never mind; long story,” she said. “Do you have any clothes that I can wear?” she asked Sousuke. He nodded.

 

“We had to gather Yu Fan's kit on the move, so we borrowed some of your clothes at the start of the operation,” he said. Kaname blinked at him.

 

“Why would…?” she began. Yu Fan interrupted her.

 

“Long story, Chidori,” she said, moving out of the bow cabin to the cramped one she shared with Mao and Sousuke. She reappeared a few minutes later with a pair of panties, some shorts, a tee shirt and a lace bra. Silently, she held them out to Kaname, who gratefully took them, swiftly tugging the sloppy knot that held the sheet to her loose. As the sheet pooled at her ankles, she stood naked before the two as she set her clothes down on the bench and began to dress.

 

“You are beautiful,” noted Yu Fan, watching her with unashamed interest. Kaname gave her a brief smile.

 

“Thanks,” she said, tugging on her panties to settle them before stepping into her shorts. Buttoning them, she zipped up the zipper. “Looks like I lost a little weight,” she muttered to herself, pinching the waistband of the shorts. Picking up the bra, she started to put it on, but stopped.

 

“I am not quite so developed in cup size and chest, so I had to adjust them,” offered Yu Fan, seeing Kaname working on the shoulder straps of the bra. Kaname waved it off.

 

“No problem,” she assured the younger girl, reaching back to fasten the chest band. With that done, she made a few more adjustments to the straps, tucked her breasts into the cups a little more comfortably, then pulled on the shirt. Once she had pulled her long hair out from under the shirt and tossed it a time or two to settle it, she dropped back down beside Sousuke. “Much better,” she sighed happily. Leaning over to rest her head on his shoulder, she closed her eyes, smiling happily.

 

“What is the laptop for?” wondered Sousuke, acutely aware of the iron rod in his fatigues, courtesy of his proximity to Kana and her casual attitude toward being naked in front of him. Kaname straightened slightly.

 

“It's Leo's,” she said, her tone darkly eager. “We need to get it to Tessa. There is some sort of plan he is working on that I can't make heads or tales out of, but I bet she can!” Kaname said confidently. “The perv even had a folder on me!” she complained, opened the laptop and powering it up. Opening her file, she showed Sousuke the transcripts of his reports, and all of Wraiths. Sousuke frowned.

 

“There is no doubt about it,” he said grimly, “Technical has been completely compromised by AMALGAM,” he said. “And from the look of things, Intelligence isn't any more reliable.” Kaname shrugged. That was what she had decided over a year ago on that rain-swept rooftop.

 

“You, Tessa and her crew are the only ones I trust,” she said quietly to Sousuke. Sousuke wrapped an arm around her shoulders, the girl eagerly leaning into his hug.

 

“I promise you, Kana,” he said seriously, “Tessa and I will protect you from anyone - even MITHRIL,” he swore. Across from the two, Yu Fan watched, listened, and thought.

 

-

 

“Admiral,” said the Chairman as soon as the head of Tactical logged on to the communication system in his conference room, “what is the problem with Captain Testarossa and the De Danaan?”

 

“Sir?” asked the Admiral innocently.

 

“Intelligence has lodged another formal accusation, Admiral,” said the Chairman.

 

“Oh?” replied Tessa's uncle. “And what does he accuse her of this time?” he asked.

 

“It is not just Captain Testarossa that he is accusing, Admiral - you are named in the accusation this time,” said the chairman.

 

“Let me guess,” said the Admiral, “he is accusing us of interfering with his feeble attempts to recruit a source in AMALGAM again?” he said.

 

“Actually, Admiral,” said the Chairman, “he says that he has secured the source, and that source has named you and your niece as AMALGAM agents,” came the clipped reply.

 

“Isn't that awfully convenient for Intelligence?” asked the Admiral. “After such a difficult effort to try and recruit this source, and making a formal accusation against her for destroying his efforts, he suddenly has it done, and the first batch of information is on his desk in less than two weeks? Don't you find that uncommonly efficient of Intelligence, Chairman? And isn't it in direct contradiction to his accusation against Captain Testarossa?”

 

“Ordinarily I would agree,” said the Chairman. “However, Technical has intercepted some data traffic that supports his accusation, Admiral. And then, there is the matter of Captain Testarossa requesting a shift in orbit of one of our birds, and then disappears without a trace and without orders,” he said.

 

“Actually,” said the Admiral, “Captain Testarossa sent me a message about her intentions to conduct drills and exercises the morning she launched,” said the Admiral. “As there were no critical mission profiles waiting, I authorized her to test the refits as she saw fit.”

 

“I see,” said the Chairman, watching Admiral Testarossa. “Anything to say about the satellite issue?” asked the Chairman.

 

“Captain Testarossa explained that to you herself, did she not?” counter-challenged the Admiral. “In any event, does it not confirm her suspicions that the orbital pass was justified if this is the result?” he carefully pushed.

 

“Hmm,” the Chairman hummed.

 

“Sir,” said the Admiral, pushing his advantage, “I would also point out to you that if Captain Testarossa or myself were AMALGAM agents, it would be in our best interests not to make waves. Further, does it make any sense for supposed agents to risk their positions working against the people who supposedly run us?” He paused, then went on. “In the final analysis, sir, if you actually believe Intelligence's accusation, then I invite you to court martial us; just bear in mind what happed last time you tried that,” he smiled at the Chairman.

 

Seconds turned to minutes. Finally, the Chairman spoke. “Admiral Testarossa,” he said, “you are to submit a copy of the orders you cited to me, and I am placing you on one week paid leave,” said the Chairman. “I am dismissing the accusation by Intelligence, but you should consider yourself on notice that I will not tolerate rogue operations in our ranks,” he admonished the Admiral.

 

“Understood, sir,” said the Admiral. “But I wonder,” he added, “does that include rogue Intelligence operations?” He logged out before the Chairman could find an answer for that. As he moved out of the secure conference room, he found his aide waiting.

 

“Sir?” asked the aide. The admiral shook his head.

 

“Looks like we dodged it,” he murmured. “I'm going to be twiddling my thumbs for a week, though,” he noted. “Listen, Marshall, I need you to prioritize that project we discussed last week,” he murmured, absently returning salutes as he and his aide moved down the passages of Tactical's headquarters.

 

“Aye, aye, sir,” said the Captain. Moving into his office, he fired up his terminal, quickly creating and sending some emails and internal memos before logging back off. Standing, he grabbed his uniform jacket and hat off his coat rack.

 

“I will see you in a week, Marshall,” he said, returning his subordinate's salute. “And do I even need to tell you to watch your back?” he smiled. Marshall shook his head.

 

“No, sir, you don't,” he confirmed. “Try to enjoy your unexpected vacation, sir,” he added. The admiral chuckled.

 

“I can almost feel the wind off the links now, Marshall,” he said, clapping the Captain on the shoulder briefly before moving out of his office and shortly after that, out of MITHRIL's Tactical Division headquarters. In his private car, he paused after cranking the engine, looking at a three by five photo he kept tucked into his sun visor's top-side band, next to the vanity mirror. In the photo, he and his brother - Tessa and Leonard's father - stood with the two platinum-haired children. Leo was about ten, and Tessa was about six. It had been a small family gathering, a meeting of chance at a Florida beach.

 

“Before MITHRIL,” he muttered. Before we knew about the Whispered, he thought. His sister-in-law had taken the photo with his camera, which is how it ended up in his car so many years later. I wonder if it might not have been better for all of us if those two had been…normal, he mused pointlessly. Shaking his head sharply, he shifted the car into gear and pulled out of the parking garage. There were things to do and places to be, and not one bit of it involved golf.

 

-

 

“Yo,” came the deep rumble of Dutch's voice, “you got a message, kid,” he said. Sousuke opened his eyes, finding that Kaname was sound asleep against his side, a small, content smile on her lips. Carefully shifting, he tried to find a way to stand without waking her, but she had her arm around him, and when he tried to move away, she tightened her grip.

 

“I will check the message,” offered Yu Fan, fluidly standing from where she had been curled up in the angle of the bow. “Chidori is likely exhausted from the stress she has been under,” observed the girl.

 

“You know the cipher?” wondered Sousuke. Yu Fan nodded.

 

“I was able to break it when you decoded the last message,” she said. With that, she slipped past Dutch and vanished.

 

“Scary girl,” rumbled Dutch.

 

“Skilled, more than scary,” Sousuke replied, settling his arm back over Kana's shoulders. Dutch studied the two.

 

“You know,” he said, “I get the feeling that that girl is the asset you said you were tasked with recovering,” he probed. Sousuke said nothing. “And unless I am sadly mistaken, you are not renegades from your organization, are you?” he pressed.

 

“The bounty is real enough,” offered Sousuke without explaining.

 

“Yes, but you are looking to hook up with someone, and that means, at least part of your organization is supporting you,” he noted.

 

“What is your point, Dutch?” asked Sousuke curtly.

 

“Don't have one, really,” shrugged the man disarmingly. “But I would like to know if I'm going to be running into a squabble in the ranks of your outfit,” he said.

 

“I doubt you will,” he said. “In fact, I doubt that you will ever see any of us again,” he noted.

 

“Guess so,” shrugged Dutch. “Be a pity for Revy, though,” he said, turning for the door.

 

“How so?” wondered Sousuke.

 

“Since she ran into Mao, she's been a lot more stable - if no less reckless,” he said. “Well, let me know where to take the taxi,” he said over his shoulder as he moved out of the bow cabin.

 

With the big man gone, he turned his attention to Kaname. He had always liked watching her sleep. She is so beautiful when sleeping in my arms, he thought, brushing her hair back from her forehead. A soft, content sigh came from the girls throat at his touch. Slowly, he lay his palm over her cheek. “Kana,” he whispered to himself. To his surprise, her eyelids flickered and her large brown eyes focused on him.

 

“Mm, Sousuke,” she mumbled, lifting her head to kiss him. As her tongue slipped into his mouth, Sousuke could feel his dick harden in his pants. Kaname leisurely kissed him, pressing against him hungrily as she did so. After several seconds, she broke the kiss, easing back from him to smile languidly at him. “I've waited for this for so long,” she said quietly.

 

“For what?” wondered Sousuke.

 

“To wake up in your arms,” said Kaname, as if that were the obvious answer and he was an idiot for not automatically knowing that. Her smile remained, however, taking the bite out of her tone. “Ever since that jerk kidnapped me, I have been dreaming of being back in your arms,” she said. Oh, and how I have dreamed if it! she thought, recalling all too vividly how erotic those dreams had been. Leering, she slid a hand down to his crotch, her face lighting up as she felt his hard length.

 

“Mm, I see you missed me, too,” she purred, her fingertips finding the zipper to his fatigues and drawing it down. Feeling the warm, soft skin of his hard length on her hand, she giggled softly. “Maybe I should have waited to change into clothes,” husked the girl, grasping his length in her soft hand and stroking it. God, yes! This is what it should feel like! she thought, delirious with arousal. She stroked his length faster.

 

Sousuke swallowed rapidly. “Kana,” he breathed, slipping his arm around her back to caress her full breast while his other hand touched her chin, guiding her lips back to his. She was all too eager to accept his urgings. Shifting, she freed her other arm, swiftly pulling her shirt up before reaching behind her to unclasp her bra. Impatiently, she pushed the lace out of the way, guiding his hand back to her now bare breasts. Mm, much better! she thought happily.

 

As she continued to make out with him, she could feel her panties dampening with her lust. Can I get him in me without moving away from him? she wondered, removing her hand from his dick long enough to claw at her shorts, unbuttoning them and jerking the zipper down. Finding that she couldn't get her shorts and panties far enough over to let him enter her, she growled in annoyance, breaking the kiss and standing long enough to hastily shove her panties and shorts down far enough to step out of them with a leg, leaving them bunched around her left knee.

 

Thus prepared, she climbed into his lap, facing him, his hard length pointed at her wet flower. Guiding his hands to her breasts, she sank down, briefly touching his shaft to make sure that it was properly positioned before she felt his wide, thick tip split her slippery lips. “Ugh!” she grunted happily, spreading her legs wider as she forced him deeper into her passage. Her lips sealed to his hungrily. When her hips met his, she sighed into the kiss. So good, she thought hazily.

 

Sousuke's hand slid from her breasts to cup her firm, shapely ass. With a handful of each globe in his hands, he began to lift and lower her on his shaft as his hips jerked up into her welcoming, slippery grip. Kaname made wordless sounds of approval of this, her cheeks colored with her lusts and aggressive desire for him. Sousuke found that he wasn't going to last as long as he hoped he would, and in what seemed like mere seconds to him, he arced his back, burying himself in her passage, and unloaded into her womb.

 

Kaname had come long before he did, but was more than happy to receive a second orgasm when she felt his cum flood into her. Moaning happily, she squeezed him with her inner muscles, as well as her strong thighs, holding him to her, savoring their reunion. Gradually, she and he both relaxed, and eventually, his member slipped free of her greedy sheath. “That's a good way to say `good morning',” giggled the girl happily, drawing herself upright and raising a leg to put her shorts back on. Her recent orgasm was still messing with her fine motor control and balance, though, and she tumbled over backward and sideways.

 

“Kana!” gasped Sousuke, trying to catch her, but knowing he couldn't reach her in time. To his surprise, another set of arms caught the nearly-naked girl, steadying her against the motion of the boat as it roared through the water. “Are you ok?” wondered Sousuke anxiously.

 

“I'm fine,” she said, turning to find herself being held by Yu Fan. “Uh, thanks, Yu Fan,” she offered.

 

“It is nothing,” said the girl, crouching. She took Kaname's ankle in one hand, and her shorts and panties in the other, and while Kaname steadied herself with a hand on Yu Fan's shoulder, guided the girl's foot through the leg of her panties and shorts. Without a word, she pulled the garments back up, settled them on Kana, and zipped up the zipper before buttoning the button. “You should be careful until you get your sea legs,” observed the assassin, turning Kaname around so she could put the girl's bra back in place and latch it. Turning Kaname again, she adjusted the larger girl's breasts in the cups before tugging the tee shirt back down.

 

“Well, thanks for the help,” offered a confused Kaname. Yu Fan shrugged.

 

“Yu Lan and I used to help each other dress,” she explained. Turning to Sousuke, she pulled out a handkerchief and her canteen, wetting the thin cotton before bending over and wiping his spent dick free of the mixed cum as if it were no different than wiping a scratch on his arm with a disinfectant pad. Tucking his member back into his pants, she zipped them up as well. “Our instructions are to go to Indonesia,” said the assassin.

 

“Where in Indonesia?” asked Kaname.

 

“A place called Rote Island,” she said. “Dutch said that he is familiar with the place; and that it would cost us extra for the fuel to get there,” she added, giving him a significant look.

 

“Not a problem,” said Sousuke. “Anything else?” asked the young man. Yu Fan nodded.

 

“Yes,” she said. We have been given a set of coordinates and a time in peninsular Malaysia for a supply pack,” she said. Sousuke blinked.

 

“Does Dutch have the coordinates?” asked the young mercenary. She nodded.

 

“We will be arriving there early tomorrow morning, though it will require us to run at full all day and most of the night,” she said. “There were no instructions for retrieving the supply pack,” noted the girl. “GPS places those coordinates twenty miles off the coast.”

 

“Underwater cache, then,” muttered Sousuke. “What does the chart say about depths in that location?” he asked. Yu Fan shook her head.

 

“Deep water,” she said. Sousuke frowned.

 

“How are we supposed to obtain the pack, then?” he wondered.

 

“I'm sure that Tessa is confident that we can figure it out,” Kaname joined the discussion. “Otherwise, she wouldn't have set it up this way,” she noted.

 

“True,” said Sousuke meditatively, “but I dislike not having critical information necessary to complete my mission,” he complained. Kaname smiled a confident smile at him.

 

“It will be fine, Sousuke,” she said. “Trust Tessa,” she added quietly. He nodded.

 

“Of course I trust her,” he agreed. Kaname stretched.

 

“So,” she said, what is there to eat around here?”

 

-

 

“Attention all hands, attention all hands,” came the voice over the ship-wide address system. “This is the Captain. We will now conduct a missile drill. Repeat, we will now conduct a missile drill. Fire control will launch one ballistic attack missile at simulated enemy target. All hands to stations, repeat, all hands to stations. This is a drill. This is a drill.”

 

Releasing the button, Tessa smiled at her weapons officer. “Weapons,” she said calmly, “you are authorized to conduct the drill,” she said. The man smiled.

 

“Aye, aye, ma'am,” the man said. “Helm, bring us up to missile depth,” he directed.

 

“Missile depth, aye,” came the helmswoman's voice. Moments later, she spoke again. “Missile depth.”

 

“Opening outer missile door,” said her weapons officer. “Missile is armed. Target coordinates are confirmed. Launch in five, four, three, two, one, fire,” he said, pressing the button. Ever so faintly, they heard a wet whoosh! and gurgle as the missile departed. “Outer door closing,” said weapons, “missile is away, all green,” he reported.

 

“Excellent,” said Tessa, “helm,” she went on, “bring us around to one eight six degrees and take us down to three hundred meters,” she said. “All head standard,” she added.

 

“Aye, Captain,” said the woman, “bringing us to one eight six, descending to three hundred meters,” she confirmed.

 

“Very good,” said Tessa. “Weapons, how is the shot looking?” she asked the man.

 

“Telemetry places the shot at mach six, passing into vacuum. Re-entry in sixteen seconds,” he added. “Time to target is three minutes, two seconds,” he said. Tessa nodded.

 

“We are four seconds late, but I suppose that it can't be helped,” she mused to herself. “This was a maximum-range shot with an irregular payload, too,” she fretted.

 

“Four seconds is within the acceptable error margin for field operations,” noted Kalinin. “I dare say, Captain, that the new system you developed works beyond all our expectations,” he congratulated her.

 

“An attack missile with a ballistic profile between that of a cruise missile and the profile of an ICBM is not that great of an accomplishment,” Tessa said modestly. Besides, she thought, I dreamed it up one night while resonating with Kana.

 

I doubt that Urzu will feel that way, considering that this gives us the ability to reach out and support them in ways we couldn't before,” he argued.

 

“Perhaps,” she said. Kalinin noticed that she was tapping her finger on the armrest of her chair. Leaning down, he whispered to her.

 

“It will be fine, Captain,” he assured her.

 

Tessa nodded. “I can only hope so,” she murmured back.

 

-

 

“We're here,” said Dutch, bringing the boat to idle. “And by my calculations, we are two minutes early,” he said. Sousuke looked at the GPS readout and then at the half-risen sun.

 

“So it would seem,” he said, exiting the cabin with his binoculars. Mao, Revy, Yu Fan and Kaname were already moving to the foredeck, binoculars in hand. “Everyone,” said Sousuke, “we need to survey the coordinates for anything out of the ordinary,” he said.

 

“And just what would be considered `ordinary'?” asked Revy sarcastically. Sousuke ignored her, glasses to his eyes, sweeping the waters for a container, a chemical marker or anything that might indicate where the cache was. The others were busy looking at the water when something impacted the water about two hundred meters from their position with an artillery-like impact. Instantly, Mao, Sousuke, Yu Fan and Kaname were on the deck, Sousuke having instinctively tackled her, shielding her body with his.

 

“What was that?!” yelled Revy.

 

“Are we under fire?” wondered Dutch, who had ducked back into the cabin. Sousuke looked up, spotting a parachute in the sky over them.

 

“Negative,” he said, getting up and helping Kaname up. “It would appear that it was not an underwater cache,” he noted with his usual unnatural calm. “Dutch,” he called, “follow that parachute down,” he said.

 

Dutch shook his head. “Ballistic missile re-supply?” he muttered. “I am in the wrong line of work,” he murmured. Throttling up the engines, he chased the parachute, and with a bit of luck, he managed to get under the load, Sousuke, Mao and Revy catching the aluminum cylinder as Yu Fan cut free the parachute and collected it, swiftly wadding it into a ball and stuffing the nylon into the bow cabin through the deck hatch. Settling the container on the deck, Sousuke tapped in a code on the locking panel, and the lock clicked. Twisting the recessed release, he opened it.

 

Built to replace the warhead of the missile, the container wasn't that big after the room for the parachute system was taken out. Inside it, Sousuke found tightly-packed bundled of cash, four passports, a small data device, two secure radios and a map. Pulling this out, he also found a vacuum-sealed and compressed bag. Looking at the map, Sousuke pressed play on the device, Mao, Kaname and Yu Fan leaning in close to listen to the message. It was short, and the sound of Tessa's voice was a welcome relief to them. Hearing their instructions, Kaname and Mao smiled widely. Yu Fan and Sousuke exchanged looks.

 

After checking the message again, Sousuke crushed the small device and kicked the shards into the sea. Picking up some of the bundles of money, he moved to the cabin, handing them to Dutch. “Here,” he said. “Our agreed price, plus the fuel penalty for the run to Rote island in Indonesia,” he said. Dutch looked at the tightly-sealed money. Well-used, large-denomination, high-circulation bills, it was nearly impossible to trace such money. “I ask that you make best speed to Rote island and secure the deck guns,” he added. Dutch nodded. “Furthermore,” he said, “once we are ready to insert to Rote Island, I will need you to dispose of our excess armaments,” he continued.

 

“Shit, I never complain about getting free guns,” chuckled Dutch. Sousuke wasn't done yet.

 

“Additionally, we will be leaving the Zodiac here with you, as we have no means of explaining it on Rote. To this ends, I will need one of your crew to take us to the beach, and return with the boat,” he explained.

 

“I'll do that,” he said. “Revy isn't safe around inflatable boats, Rock wouldn't make it back without capsizing the thing, and Benny can't work with small craft without getting sea sick,” he said. Dutch tapped his fuel gauges. “Gonna have to stop off for some high-octane fuel, though,” he said. Sousuke frowned.

 

“While I understand the problem,” he said, “is there a location that you can safely obtain the fuel without compromising us?” he asked. Dutch nodded.

 

“Actually,” he said, “there is. However,” he added, “you and your famous friends will need to stay below decks and quiet the entire time,” he said. Sousuke nodded.

 

“Understood,” he said. Dutch pushed the throttles forward and turned the wheel.

 

“Then, let's go to Indonesia,” he said casually.

 

-

 

Sousuke felt someone nudge him. Opening his eyes, he found himself looking at Mao. He had been on the foredeck, watching the sun set with Kaname, and had apparently drifted off to sleep. Feeling a warm mass against each arm, he found that Kaname was, in fact, still curled up to his side. The other mass was Yu Fan, who had claimed his other side at some point. The stars were bright over head and the boat had dropped from cruising speed to maybe one third. “Situation?” he asked her softly.

 

“Rote in thirty,” said Mao, smiling at him playfully. “If you can bring yourself to release your girlfriends, we need to get our shit sorted,” she said.

 

“I'm awake,” said Yu Fan, sitting up. “Do you want me to prepare yours and Chidori's gear?” she asked Sousuke. He looked down at Kana, sound asleep, her head on his chest.

 

“Yes, please,” said Sousuke. Yu Fan nodded, standing and moving to the deck hatch, dropping through silently. Mao hesitated, looking at the two still lying on the deck. “Problem?” came Sousuke's voice. Mao flinched.

 

“No, not really,” she said. Sousuke watched her silently. Mao sighed. “Fine,” she said, squatting next to him. “Look, Sousuke,” she said quietly, “I think you are relying on Yu Fan too much. She isn't one of us, you know,” she reminded him. Sousuke shrugged.

 

“Define `us', Mao,” he replied. “She is in a unique situation, but so are we. As for her not being one of us, I would say that at this moment, I trust her more than most of MITHRIL, if for no other reason than that I understand her and her motivation,” he murmured, his arm tightening around Kana's shoulders a little.

 

“She almost killed us, Sousuke,” said Mao. Sousuke shook his head.

 

“We have had this discussion, Mao,” he said quietly. She recalled the talk in the office of the Black Lagoon company. “Until and unless she betrays us, I will trust her in an operational capacity,” he stated. Mao sighed once more.

 

“Ok, then,” she said. “You're the lead here, so I will follow that lead,” she capitulated. Moving aft, she took out a cigarette and fumbled for a light. To her surprise, a Zippo swung under her cigarette and sparked to life. Sucking her smoke to life, she glanced over to find her cousin standing next to her at the stern. “Thanks,” she said around her cigarette.

 

“No problem,” said Revy, tucking her lighter back into her short's front pocket and taking a drag from her own cigarette. “You shoving off?” she asked. Mao nodded.

 

“Thirty minutes and we're gone,” she said, looking at her long-lost cousin. “You know,” she said slowly, “you could come with us,” she offered. “I'm pretty sure that I can talk Tessa into signing you on with us,” she offered. Revy stared at the stars.

 

“No,” she said quietly. “Thanks, Mel, but no,” she repeated.

 

“Why, Revy?” asked Melissa. Revy turned to look at her cousin squarely.

 

“Because I am not suited to it,” said the woman. “You always did have more of sense of discipline than me,” she said, snorting derisively. “Besides,” she added, “trouble follows me around, you know.”

 

“Well, trouble seems to know where we are most of the time,” countered Mao. Revy shook her head.

 

“Roanapur is my home, Mel,” she said. “Besides, I got a good crew here. They…” she shook her head before flicking her cigarette butt over the stern. “I have a good thing here right now,” she said instead. Mao nodded.

 

“And then there is Rock,” she added blandly. Revy was nodding before she registered what Mao had said.

 

“Well, what about Sousuke and you?” managed Revy weakly. Mao shrugged.

 

“He and I are comrades. That is all there is to it,” she said reasonably. “Besides, he has more women than he can handle after him,” she snickered. Revy gave her an interested look.

 

“I have seen that Chidori girl looking at him like that, and I think that assassin bitch might be interested in him, but it's hard to tell. Who else?” she wondered.

 

“His commanding officer,” said Mao, her lips twitching into a fond smile. Revy snickered at that.

 

“Sounds like his life is interesting,” she agreed. Other people's pain amused her, after all. The two savored the suffering of others in silence for a few moments.

 

“Sure you won't change your mind?” asked Mao. Revy nodded. Fishing in her fatigue pocket, Mao pulled out a permanent marker. Grabbing Revy's arm, she pulled her cousin's hand to her, swiftly writing on Revy's palm. “Save this number somewhere you won't lose it,” said Mao. “You need to get in touch with me, this will find its way to me, no matter where I might be,” said the sergeant major. “No more disappearing cousins, hmm?” she prodded. Revy glanced at the markings.

 

“We'll see,” she said casually. For the next quarter hour or so, the two stood silently at the stern of the boat. “It…was good to see you, Mel,” said Revy at last.

 

“You, too, cousin,” said Mao. Revy pulled out her pack of cigarettes, pulling one out.

 

“Better get ready,” said Revy, “we're almost ready to launch,” said the crewman. Mao nodded, squeezing Revy's shoulder before heading for the bow to grab her new kit. As she passed the cabin, she saw Rock looking for a lighter in his pocket.

 

“Hey, go see Revy,” she said moving past him. She glanced back to see his back as he moved toward the stern, still patting his pockets in search of his lighter. Smiling a little, she moved into the bow cabin. She came face to face with Yu Fan, who was closing one of the cloth backpack-style `suitcases' favored by the kind of outward-bound thrill-seekers they would be impersonating on Rote. She saw that Yu Fan's pack was finished, and she had set out clothing for Sousuke before closing his and Kana's packs.

 

“You should change,” said Yu Fan. Since she was wearing Kaname's clothes, she was already in civilian clothing. Mao's and Sousuke's fatigue and military tee shirt outfit would generate unwanted attention, however. Mao grunted, moving past Yu Fan before quickly stripping off her tee shirt and sports bra, replacing it with a racer-style bikini top. Stripping off her fatigues, she tossed them aside - along with her boots - so she could put on her civilian shorts and sandals. Once the shorts were settled, she methodically went through the pockets of her fatigues and transferred all the items she carried to her shorts.

 

Her change was interrupted by Yu Fan's voice. “Dog tags,” said the assassin quietly. Mao scowled at her.

 

“I always wear my tags,” she said. Yu Fan watched her calmly.

 

“You do not always pretend to be a tourist,” countered the assassin. After a several second period of staring, Mao pulled the Marine Corp dog tags over her head, angrily stuffing them into her pocket. “You should discard them,” said Yu Fan. “In the event that we encounter custom officials or government agents, having tags with a name that don't match the passport you have cause unnecessary curiosity.”

 

“Not a chance!” stated Mao. Damn it, I've worn these tags so long that they are as much a part of me as my tits!

 

“Suit yourself,” the assassin dismissed the topic.

 

“Trouble?” asked Sousuke, dropping through the deck hatch into the cabin. “Kana is ready, and Dutch is preparing the boat,” he said, swiftly stripping off his fatigues and military tee shirt. Both Mao and Yu Fan found themselves watching him as he sorted out his civilian clothes. He didn't notice the attention, and even if he had of, it was unlikely that it would have meant anything to him to stand there naked.

 

Pulling on a pair of nearly knee-length loose swim-trunks, Sousuke frowned at the buttoned shirt that was with the trunks. “I do not know about this shirt,” he said doubtfully. “It is too brightly-colored and the pattern is useless for camouflage,” he noted. Hearing Mao laugh, he looked at his long-time teammate. “What?” he asked.

 

“It's a surfer shirt, Sousuke,” laughed Mao. “Just put it on; it is perfect camouflage for what we will be pretending to be,” she assured him. He sighed.

 

“If you say so,” he said reluctantly, swiftly donning the shirt.

 

“You look adorable!” came the giggling voice of Kaname. The girl had lowered her head into the cabin through the deck cabin. “I wish I had a camera!” she heckled him playfully. Sousuke shook his head.

 

“I am just glad that Kyoko isn't here at the moment,” he muttered, grabbing Kana's pack and his own, handing them to Kaname, who was still giggling as he easily pulled himself up through the hatch to give Dutch a hand with the boat.

 

When the big black man saw Sousuke in the surf shirt, he began to chuckle as well. “Oh, now that does suit you,” he said sarcastically.

 

“Keep your comments to yourself,” said Sousuke truculently. “The gear we are abandoning is in the bow cabin,” he added, grunting a little as he and Dutch tossed the boat over the side. Mao and Yu Fan climbed out of the bow cabin through the deck hatch, joining Kaname. Dutch lightly dropped down and into the Zodiac, reaching up to take the fuel bladder from Sousuke. As the big man rigged the bladder and started the motor, Sousuke leapt into the boat, then helped Kaname into the boat, followed by Yu Fan and finally Mao. Standing near the edge of the cabin, Revy gave her cousin a half-wave as Dutch gunned the motor, the inflatable boat leaping toward the distant beaches of the island.

 

-

 

Tessa sighed, checking her outfit once more. Satisfied with what she saw, she grabbed the water-proof bag at her feet, straightened and moved out of her cabin. Making her way to the dive trunk, she returned the salutes of her crewmen and crewwomen when she encountered them. Reaching the trunk, she found her operations manager waiting for her. Taking her waterproof bag, he secured it to the turtle.

 

Tessa took a moment to review her mental notes. Kalinin was on the bridge, in charge of the ship while she was away. This plan is risky, she thought, but I can't let it sit like this; not now, she reminded herself. Crossing to the intercom box in the dive trunk, she picked up the headset and connected herself to the bridge. “Captain Testarossa for Commander Kalinin,” she identified herself. An instant later, Kalinin's calm voice came back.

 

“Yes, Captain?” he asked her.

 

“Remember to keep the ship in silent running mode until the operation is complete,” said the woman. “Also, I might have need of significant backup in a hurry, so please have the appropriate munitions loaded and the flight deck prepared to launch strike craft if things go sideways,” she said.

 

“You will have what you need, when you need it, Captain - my word on that,” he said reassuringly. “You have checked the communication device?” he asked her.

 

“Yes, and it is working,” she said.

 

“Then we will be no more than mere seconds from you, Captain,” he assured her. Tessa exhaled.

 

“I'm counting on you, Commander,” she said softly. In a firmer voice, she addressed the man. “Commander, you have the bridge,” she said, transferring command to Kalinin.

 

“Aye, Captain,” he said crisply. Tessa secured the headset and turned to her operations manager.

 

“Ok, let's do this,” she said. He nodded.

 

“Aye, ma'am,” he said. Tessa crossed to him, the man swiftly belting her to the turtle, settling a mask on her face and making sure that her mouthpiece was set. After reviewing the process with her, he began to equalize the chamber, allowing sea water to flood the hold. Once it was equalized, the door slid open, and the turtle deployed, depositing the captain on the surface. On the surface, the operations manager detached the belting and hooked her up to a delivery sled. Taking the controls, he goosed the engine, running her the hundred odd meters to the beach.

 

When they reached waist-deep water, she took off her mask, spit out her regulator, and stripped off her wetsuit, leaving her in a modest one-piece swimsuit. Her operations director handed her the waterproof bag and secured the wetsuit she had worn and the diving gear. Nodding, Tessa moved onto the sand. After he was sure she was safely on her way, her operations manager returned to the turtle, which was reeled back to the sub.

 

Tessa made her way down the beach under the brilliant stars and sliver of moon, toward the lit private resort. When she reached the boardwalk, she made her way to the main lobby, stopping at the desk. A couple of firm taps of the bell produced a sleepy-eyed attendant. “Yes, miss?” he asked her.

 

“I'm Contessa Kreigsun. I was delayed by a storm on the way here, but now that I have arrived, I want to check in, please. Do you need my confirmation number?” she asked him. He typed on a computer for a moment.

 

“Ah!” he said, seeing her name. “No, I have you down here,” he said. “I just need to see your passport, please,” he said. Tessa retrieved her fake passport, presenting it to him. The stamp for entrance into Indonesia was real - though it hadn't been put in this passport when it was first stamped. The attendant perused her passport for only a moment, then handed it back to her. “Thank you, miss Kreigsun,” he said politely. “You are in bungalow six,” he said, handing her a key. “I'll get the porter,” he said.

 

“Oh, it's fine!” said Tessa, smiling cutely. “I can carry my bag; it's late and I'm going straight to bed anyway,” she said, moving off toward the bungalows. “Please have a good night, sir,” she added. Hiding a yawn, she made her way to her bungalow and dropped onto the bed. She had been up for twenty hours straight, setting up her plan.

“I'll catch them in the morning,” she slurred to herself. With the last of her energy, she pulled her P230 from the bag, holding it under her pillow as she swiftly fell asleep.

 

-

 

Tessa yawned as she brushed her teeth late the next morning. She had slept for only nine hours, but there were things to do and she was impatient to do them. Chief among them was to link up with her `rescue squad', who had been here since the day before yesterday. After she awoke, she had used the bathroom, taken a shower, and dressed in a bikini - augmented with a light, gauzy wrap - before brushing her teeth.

 

With the morning chores done, she had rummaged in her bag until she found a hair band, and turned her mid-back-length hair into a pony tail to keep it off her neck. Finishing her hairdo, she looked at herself critically in the mirror. Satisfied, she moved out of her bungalow and began to look for her crew. “Maybe I should start with the beach,” she mused, retracing her steps from the night before, swiftly finding herself on the beach. Looking around, she was glad that there weren't many people here, though there were enough for her purposes. Methodically she made her way down the beach, looking at each person she passed from behind her sunglasses.

 

The one she most wanted to see was at the far end of the main group, situated on what he would doubtlessly call `high ground'. There were four chaise lounger chairs under a huge rented beach umbrella, though only one of them was currently occupied. Stifling a giggle, Tessa made her way to the group of empty chairs. “Excuse me, sir,” she said softly, leaning over so she was whispering in his ear, “is this seat taken?”

 

“Tessa!” he gasped, turning to look at the woman whispering in his ear. She silenced him with a deep kiss. Releasing him, she smiled.

 

“I'm glad you're safe, Sousuke,” she said quietly, hugging herself to him. “I hope you can forgive me for what I put you through,” she said, worried. Sousuke hugged her back.

 

“This mission was a piece of cake,” he said with great certainty. Tessa leaned over him, studying his face. Sousuke smiled at her before pulling her back down to kiss her again.

 

“Hey! Who said you could move in on my man, hussy?” came a playful, feminine voice from behind Tessa and Sousuke. Tessa twisted to see Kana smiling at her, the taller girl soaked in seawater and dressed in a bikini. “I'm glad to see you, Tessa,” she said softly, stepping into the girl and hugging her. To Sousuke's great surprise, Tessa tilted her head back and kissed Kaname soundly on the lips - just as she had with him. It surprised him even more to see her return the kiss.

 

“Kana,” breathed the shorter girl when they broke the kiss. “You're ok?” she asked. Kana nodded.

 

“Yeah, thanks to you and Sousuke,” she assured the shorter girl. Holding Tessa's hand, she sat down on the chair next to Sousuke's. Tessa sat beside her.

 

“It is you,” said the quiet voice of Yu Fan from behind Sousuke. Tessa flinched, but managed to meet Yu Fan's eyes.

 

“Yes, Yu Fan, it's me,” she said. Yu Fan moved to the other chair opposite Sousuke and sat down on it delicately. Her one-piece suit was more to cover the scar on her belly than for modesty. “The mission was a success,” she noted. Tessa shook her head.

 

“Not quite, Yu Fan,” she said quietly, causing Sousuke to tense. “There is still mister Silver to deal with,” she reminded them.

 

“And Leonard,” growled Sousuke. Tessa pursed her lips.

 

“One before the other, Sousuke,” she said. She glanced over to see Mao approaching them from the sea. Her best friend was wearing a micro-bikini and clearly enjoying herself. Stopping by the four, Mao winked at Tessa before hugging her from behind.

 

“Melissa,” said Tessa in greeting, smiling back. Mao dropped into the chair with a pronounced wiggle.

 

“So, how long can we stay?” grinned Mao to her boss. Tessa's face grew serious.

 

“Not long; at least, this time,” she said.

 

“Why not?” pouted Mao.

 

“Because tomorrow, I take the first step in dealing with mister Silver,” said Tessa, her tone hard. Yu Fan studied the short girl.

 

“You have changed,” she said quietly.

 

“Have I?” asked Tessa, wondering if the assassin might be making fun of her. Kana, though, agreed with Yu Fan.

 

“I think she's right, Tessa,” said Kaname, “you have changed; but don't worry - it's a change for the better,” she assured the woman who had spent a great deal of time in her head over the last few weeks. “I think I like you better this way,” she murmured, hugging Tessa again.

 

“K…Kaname!” blushed Tessa. Kaname only smiled.

“Are you sure you have to do it tomorrow?” asked Mao. “This is a hell of a nice place, Tessa,” she said wistfully. “Been years since I had a rest in a place like this,” she sighed dramatically.

 

“Maybe after we address the AMALGAM problem,” said Tessa, her cheeks coloring as she met Kana's gaze, “we can get some time at a beach,” she murmured, knowing that Kana was recalling the daydream she had had about the three of them on a beach.

 

Mao sighed. “I guess,” she agreed. “besides, Kana is probably eager to get back to Tokyo,” she mused.

 

“Um, about that,” said Kaname, instantly capturing the attention of the rest. “Tessa, Sousuke,” she said, “I decided something while I was waiting for you to come pick me up,” she said. “I decided that I am going to stay with you two from here on out.”

 

“Stay with…you mean, MITHRIL?” murmured a surprised Tessa. Kaname shrugged.

 

“Don't know about that, exactly,” she said. “But what happened got me thinking about the last two years,” she said. “I realized that as long as I pretended to be a normal high school girl, I would be endangering all my friends, as well as wasting time that I could be spending with the ones I want to be with the most. I won't lie to you - MITHRIL throwing me to the wolves didn't endear me to them any, but you, Tessa, and Sousuke, are who I want to be with, not necessarily MITHRIL.”

 

“But, what about college?” gaped Mao. “And Kyoko, Ono-D, Shinji, Mizuki and the rest of your friends?” she asked the younger girl.

 

“They all have their lives planned out already,” answered Kaname. “Since I learned about Whispereds and the rest, I have found it harder and harder to think about what Kyoko and the rest consider to be `real world' issues.” Seeing Tessa open her mouth, Kana pressed a fingertip to her lips.

 

“No, just listen for the moment, Tessa,” she said. “I have never really had a goal as far as what I wanted to do with my life,” she went on. “Even my coming back to Japan from America was more or less on a whim. But now, after all that's happened in the last two years, I have a goal. And it doesn't involve Japan; not any more,” she said. Turning to Tessa, she looked into the girl's grey eyes. “I figured out what I want, Tessa, and milk in the tea doesn't bother me at all,” she said cryptically. “We are, after all, alike; aren't we?” she said, caressing Tessa's cheek. Silently, Tessa nodded.

 

“But, what about your father?” wondered Sousuke. Kaname shrugged.

 

“His work is his life; you know that,” she said. “Did he even bother to call when I told him that you were living with me?” she asked him. Sousuke frowned, shaking his head. “Well, that should tell you all there is to that,” she said dismissively. “I love him, but there isn't anything there to lose by choosing my own path.”

 

“Are you sure?” breathed Tessa. Kaname nodded.

 

“As long as you and Sousuke are there, it's good,” she said. Grinning at Sousuke, she added another thought. “Besides, `real' life no longer excites me after two years with Sergeant Sabotage over here,” she purred, rubbing his chest with a hand.

 

“Not like you're a rage-a-holic or anything,” laughed Mao. Kaname sent her an evil look, which only made her laugh harder.

 

“And what of me?” asked Yu Fan quietly. Sousuke turned his head to look at her.

 

“I have yet to hear you tell me what the directives Gauron gave you were,” he reminded her. She shook her head.

 

“The mission is not yet complete,” she evaded. Looking at Tessa, she asked again. “And what happens to me?” she asked. Her tone indicated that it was idle curiosity; nothing more.

 

“I…don't know,” said Tessa. “No one in MITHRIL knows you are alive, and even fewer know who you were before,” said the girl. “As for AMALGAM, well…” her eyes narrowed. “I'm sure we can think of something,” she said softly.

 

“Captain,” said Sousuke a moment later, “I would like to suggest that we consider her as a potential Urzu member,” he said. Mao, Tessa and Kana stared at him, then at the quiet assassin.

 

“Um, I don't know…” began Tessa.

 

“How about we discuss this after we deal with this `mister Silver' and Leo,” suggested the ever-tactful Kana.

 

“Agreed,” said Yu Fan quietly. “I still have business with them,” she said to herself. Kaname snapped her fingers.

 

“Oh!” she recalled. “Tessa, I nabbed Leo's laptop when Sousuke and the others saved me. There is some weird stuff on there, and I think it's important. I want you to look at it, ok?” she said. Tessa nodded.

 

“Of course, Kana,” she said. “Should we do it now, or would you like to stay and swim for a little longer?” she asked the girl. Kaname made a face.

 

“I think I've had enough for now,” she said. “But Mao, you and Yu Fan can stay if you want; we'll be in our room,” she smiled. Together, Kana, Tessa and Sousuke stood, making their way toward the room the four renegades had shared. Mao glanced at Yu Fan, finding the woman staring at her.

 

“Something on your mind, Yu Fan?” she asked, her guard up.

 

“As a matter of fact, yes,” said the assassin.