Urusei Yatsura Fan Fiction ❯ The Senior Year ❯ Tales of the Daishi'cha: It Takes A Spark ( Chapter 68 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Urusei Yatsura - Tales of the Daishi'cha: "It Takes a Spark"
by Robert Geiger
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Edited by Fred Herriot and E.B. Kushnir
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A side story based on the fanfic series "Urusei Yatsura: The Senior Year," in
turn based on "Urusei Yatsura," created by Rumiko Takahashi
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WRITER'S NOTES:

1) This story takes place two years after "GFA Final: The Last Farewell."
Why two years? I rolled a 6-sided dice...^_^

2) Everyone has returned to his/her respective planets during this time.
Thus the grouping of VIPs in the story. Noriko and Kazumi were present at
both battles against the Mikado and the battles against the Niphentaxians,
however since I wrote this story late in the series, they were not mentioned.
Noriko is in the Heavy Missile Troop at the time of this story (Warsuits armed
with ship-to-surface missiles for use against fortifications and spacecraft).
Kazumi is in the Anti-Aircraft Troop (Warsuits that use AAA [anti-aircraft
artillery] and AAM [anti-aircraft missiles]).

3) This is my first story for UY: TSY so I hope you enjoy it. Thanks to
Fred and Mike for putting it up on the UY: TSY webpages.

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"Cho!" Noriko said, aiming a snap-kick at Kazumi.

The brunette Terran-born warsuit pilot blocked as her partner attacked.
"Kya!" Kazumi replied and aimed her fists towards Noriko's face.

Noriko rope-a-doped, absorbing the blows by her forearms, when suddenly
Kazumi, ducking under Noriko's guard, slams a fist into Noriko's ribs, causing
her to inhale sharply. Noriko responded with a headbut to Kazumi. Kazumi
staggered when another kick to the gut sprawled her onto the mat. Noriko
grinned and bounced on her feet. Kazumi, grinning fiercely, sprung to her
feet, spitting out some blood from her cut lip.

Both *daishi'cha* were training at the Warsuit Brigade's Headquarters
and Support Squadron barracks outside Kyre'sha City. Befitting any military
unit destined to confront the wide variety of operational conditions Sagussa's
combat mecha legions would face, the Squadron's barracks were outfitted with a
physical exercise facility with fully stocked weight lifting units, pools,
physical therapy services and combat simulators. Right now, Noriko and
Kazumi, commanders of two of Yohko's saber troops, were sparring on a mat
using the rather brutal Maui Thay martial art. On the bleachers watching the
two trash each other sat their brigade commander, Leona, two of the squadron
commanders, Annapuma and Unapuma, and First Defence Squadron's ace of aces,
Tita. "If you didn't know better," the Fukunokami-born pilot said, sipping
some water from a bottle, "...you'd think they were the worst of enemies
instead of squadron-mates."

"Uhn," Unapuma agreed. "Best of friends. Sisters actually."

"Bond-mates?" Annapuma asked.

"No. Amazingly enough, they're both available."

Unapuma's cheeks flamed. "Oh?!" a slight edge colours Annapuma's voice.
"And how do you know something like that?"

A sweat bead crept down Una's face, giving her away. "Gossip in the HQ
locker room," she replies, trying to sound nonchalant but failing.

"Bullshit!" Anna snapped. She grabbed Una's cheek and tugged. "You've
been going behind my back again, haven't you?"

"No more then you!" Una latched onto both sides of Anna's face. "I saw
you with that hussy Naru a week ago! You were as sober as a judge, so don't
give me that 'I had no idea what I was doing' excuse!"

"Bitch!"

"Slut!"

Both Leona and Tita rolled their eyes. Anna and Una, despite their
close resemblance to each other, were unrelated. In addition, with the
former's Echo Squadron based in Ly'sha and the latter's Foxtrot Squadron in
Tere'na, they lived in an "open bond-mating," delighting in constantly
sparring over each others' blatant affairs. It was an old game that neither
was tired of and used to add spice to their relationship.

Finally, both women stopped trying to reshape each others faces and
retreated to their mutual corners. After a while, Anna asked, "How was it?"

"Um...good," Una sweated a bit, not meeting her eyes.

"Hmm?! Why are you so uptight?! Anything go wrong?"

Una coughed. "No! Not at all. It was...too good. You know how I was
sick a few days back?"

Anna nodded. "I was completely wasted," her bond-mate continued. "We
were at it all night. It was the damndest thing! I wasn't tired at all. But
the next morning after I left, I was wiped out...utterly drained and dizzy. I
went for a check up and the docs told me that I was suffering from complete
exhaustion and ordered me to take it easy."

The other women just blinked in surprise when a voice called out, "Hey!"

Their attention returned to the mat as Noriko and Kazumi approached.
Both of them were sporting bruises, perspiring heavily but looked ready to go
a couple dozen more rounds. "Anyone up for a couple rounds?" Noriko asked.

The bleachers promptly emptied leaving just Leona behind. "What's wrong
with them?" Kazumi asked innocently.

Leona rolled her eyes and stood up. "Sorry to cut your fun short. But
could you clean up and meet me in my office? I have some official business
for the both of you."

Both Noriko and Kazumi slammed to attention. "Yes, ma'am!" they saluted
before heading off to the showers.

* * *

Leona was in her office when Noriko and Kazumi arrived. The office was
a simple room with desk, chairs and filing cabinets. A few pictures of
Leona's friends and loved ones adorned the walls, including a big portrait of
the brigade commander with her bond-mate Mokoto, adding a cheerful aura to the
place. Both warsuit pilots saluted when they entered and took seats when
Leona returned the salute. Leona leaned back slightly. "How would both of
you like to transfer to a project developing a new kind of warsuit?"

Both Noriko and Kazumi glanced at each other before Kazumi spoke. "What
sort of warsuit is it?"

Leona pulled two folders out of a drawer, with a datadisk attached to
each. "The suit is a special psi-amp...psionic amplification...control system
warsuit. The details are unclear at the moment, but from what I've read, it
utilizes our natural psionic abilities and channels it into the suit's
systems. Energy weapons, shields and engine power. Both of you were
considered for the development and testing because of your exemplary psionic
abilities, exceptional even for Sagussans. And also, for your exce llent
teamwork skills."

Noriko and Kazumi beamed, nodding. "Sign me up," Kazumi said.

"Ditto," said Noriko.

Leona smiled and handed them the files. "Read these over and report at
point three tomorrow morning at the Weapons Production Centre. Misato is in
charge of testing for psionic synchronization."

Noriko and Kazumi smartly saluted and exited her office. They headed
for their home in Kyre'sha City's Northside Apartments...

* * *

Kazumi stretched and yawned. It was getting late and she needed to get
to bed to be ready for tomorrow. She looked over at Noriko, who was studying
the warsuit's systems on her labtop. "Pinpoint defense systems, almost pure
energy based weapons, dual lasers and pulse cannon, redirectible main shields,
energy saber. Hmm...definitely top of the line here."

"Or course," Kazumi replied while shutting off her computer. "Only the
best for us."

Noriko grinned and powered down her computer and got ready for bed.
"See you in the morning," Noriko said as She slipped into bed.

"Pleasant dreams." Kazumi said as she flipped off the light.

* * *

Both reported to the Weapons Production Centre, isolated hundreds of
kilometres east of Kyre'sha City, right after breakfast. The Centre was a
sprawling complex where almost every weapon was researched, built, tested and
maintained. Already, the loud noises of the construction yard coloured the
air. Clangs, bangs and voices mixed together with an awful smell of grease,
the burning of a multitude of materials. Plus, some swore, a little blood.

Noriko and Kazumi headed for the Warsuit Design and Development Unit, a
slightly quieter part of the complex. They found themselves in a plain brown
building that had walls sealed against the sounds and smells of the
surrounding complex. "It helps to avoid unneeded distractions," Misato would
later tell them.

Entering, they found Misato, a psychologist usually assigned to watch
over SDF personnel, already waiting for them. "Glad you're here. Please
follow me," Misato lead them into a room filled with all sorts equipment.
Assistants were warming things up.

Noriko and Kazumi noticed two chairs attached to numerous wires and
monitors that were promenently in the center of the room. Misato gestured
about the room. "Here we will be conducting the first part of your training.
Since the warsuits are psionically amplified, we will conduct a number of
tests to reach the full potential of your abilities. Each warsuit will be
specifically built for each of you, as will the others if the project is
successful."

"Personally made?" Noriko asked. "No mass production models?"

Misato shook her head. "One of the things we have discovered during
initial testing, is the imprinting of one's *mei'na* signature because of the
constant flow of psionic energy flowing between the pilot and the warsuit.
Each suit can only be used by the one it is made for unless the imprinting is
wiped out and the warsuit reset for the new pilot. That would take someone
who is a master psi-cyber specialist to accomplish or a facility like this
one."

Misato looked over to an assistant, who nodded. She then turned to
Noriko and Kazumi. "Things are all set. Ready?"

"More than," both women answered.

* * *

And so the testing began. It boiled down to having many wires connected
to their heads and concentrating. They were asked to exercise their inborn
telepathic and empathic abilities. At times, Misato took their hands to
experience it personally. Misato did this quite often. Her brow furrowed a
lot and she took copious notes and talked to her assistants who ran tests and
shook their heads, seemingly puzzled themselves.

After one such episode, Misato cocked her head and addressed them
directly. "For the life of me, I've seen something in you two I've never seen
before."

"Is something wrong?" Kazumi asked.

"I wouldn't call it 'wrong.' Not at all," Misato answered. "You're
doing excellently. The 'problem' is that I've discovered something amazing.
Simply put, you both possess a highly unusual bond. It resembles a conduit,
allowing psionic energy to flow between you in a sort of loop. It unique
since there is no special emotional bond like a bond-mating.

"You are able to shift energy to each other...and from what I've
gathered, boost each other's passive physical characteristics like stamina and
natural healing ability. And what's more, you're both like generators,
continuously producing psionic energy that radiates off you." Misato points
to a monitor that had a visual of both Noriko and Kazumi. Blue waves of light
radiated off and around them. "And I've found that others can be brought
'into the loop' by physically touching you. When I touched you both, I felt a
surge of energy. I'm not sure if this has any other effect as of now."

"Could be rather traumatic if sustained for a while and then removed,"
Kazumi mused.

Noriko's eyes widened a bit. "No wonder!"

"Have you known about your ability for a long time?" Misato asked.

"Well," Kazumi said. "We're noted for our incredible stamina. Your
tests have just substantiated it."

"What about this 'traumatic part?'" Misato frowned a bit.

"Well, Unapuma was in contact with us for a number of hours. After she
left, she became exhausted and dizzy and checked herself into a hospital."

Misato arched an eyebrow and both Noriko and Kazumi reddened a bit.
Misato probed further. "Are you bond-mates? It might explain some things."

"Not at all," Noriko said. "We both have no desire to bond like others
do. We've always seen ourselves as sisters. And...that's all we've wanted to
be."

Kazumi nodded in confirmation. "Hmm. Well, this will have no
detrimental effects on your selection for this project," Misato announced.
"In fact, it will no doubt be very useful. Lets get back to work. Today will
be the last day of testing here, after that, you'll go right to testing for
the warsuit itself."

* * *

The next day, Noriko and Kazumi found themselves in the main development
center for warsuits. To the pilots' surprise, the Engineer Commander and the
Armourer-prime were personnally overseeing the project. "Glad to see you
two," Ryuunosuke said, her eyes behind her ever-present sunglasses. "You know
the drill for warsuit operations so I'll spare you the details. Besides
getting fitted for the warsuits and putting them through the paces, we'll be
synchronizing you psionically with the suits."

Ryuunosuke gestured over to where two warsuits stood in partial
completion. Both seemed identical even though right now, the armour plating
had not been installed. Technicians climbed around the scaffolding and blue
light arced from wielding lasers. "Right now, let's get to the fittings,"
Ryuunosuke said and led the pair off.

* * *

The days that followed were gruelling, but both Noriko and Kazumi
relished the challenge. Ryuunosuke had them put into training warsuits which
were adjusted to each pilot's frame and the results copied in the new warsuits
command computers. Then came the psionic synchronization. Misato arrived to
transfer terabytes of data into the units. Both Noriko and Kazumi wore
electrodes attached to their heads which would serve as conductors for the
psionic energy which would be directed to an amplifying unit which would then
transfer it to different parts of the suit as needed. Noriko and Kazumi
needed to learn how do manipulate the energy with only their natural
telepathic abilities.

The next (and near final phase) was easier. The now fully constructed
suits were rigorously tested out in the field, gauging their unamplified and
amped abilities while running, flying and firing their weapons. Since Noriko
and Kazumi had already gone through warsuit training, this part went quicker
and they were soon ready for the final test.

Space combat.

* * *

In orbit around Sagussa.

The "Ossa'cha" parked itself into a stable position. The huge cruiser
hovered about the planet like a giant bird of prey, poised to swoop down and
destroy some unlucky target. However, this opinion would only be formed by
someone unfamiliar with the "Ossa'cha." Its weapons were not deployed and no
shields covered it. Smaller ships swooped around it, shuttles and tourist
craft. There would be no war today, for this was the day the new
psionically-amplified Warsuits would undergo their final testing.

The "Ossa'cha" was jammed with observers; Misato, Lan, Ryunnosuke and
Fleet Engineer Chief Nagisa among them. The ones who had personally overseen
the development of the suits were on the bridge going over the final checks
before the suits were launched. The entire Warsuit Brigade were aboard the
cruisers and their base ships, here to watch two of their own pit the new
suits in actual space combat. There were numerous hangers-on, wanting to gawk
at the demonstration. Also a goodly number of military personnel from other
governments were on hand; secretly wanting to gauge the possible threat
presented by the new Warsuits.

Down in the cruiser's launching bay, the two most important people
present waited. They were to prove that the past months of gruelling training
had paid off: Noriko and Kazumi.

Noriko looked up at her warsuit. It towered above her, the black armour
gleamed dully in the light, glinting off the weapons dotting the surface.
"Today's the day," Noriko mused. She brushed a hand through her newly
close-cut hair. The psi-helmet (for lack of a better word) worked better when
there was less hair to get in the way, though both women had been very adamant
and refused to be shaved completely bald.

"Hmm," Kazumi said. Neither of them talked much, they knew what the
other felt and small talk was unnecessary.

Footsteps sounded behind them and Ryunnosuke appeared with a number of
techs. "Ready?" the Engineer-Commander wonders. "The natives are getting
restless."

Noriko and Kazumi nodded yes and climbed up into their Warsuits.
Technicians assisted and they started up.

Both women felt the rushing feeling in their heads as the connections
came on line. The psionic energy flowed through them and into the warsuit,
and both became one. Noriko lifted her arm. The Warsuit mimicked her,
smoothly imitating her motions. Both warsuits clanked into the launchers and
waited.

* * *

"Both Noriko and Kazumi are ready to launch," Ryuunosuke's voice came
over the speaker to the bridge.

"Good!" Benten, here to oversee the tests, nodded. "Have all ships
clear the area. After they launch, prepare to launch the drones."

The various ships around the "Ossa'cha" manoeuvred themselves to the
designated areas, leaving a large space around the cruiser. Benten lifted a
hand. "Launch Warsuits!"

* * *

The hangar doors opened revealing the star speckled darkness of space.
Both warsuits crouched into the launch catapults and waited.

"*Ready to launch,*" a computer marked time. "*Ii...ei...ai...Launch!*"

Both warsuits rocketed out of the hangar, folding their limbs against
their sides facilitating their travel before the manoeuvring jets slowed their
advance and they hovered together, waiting.

"All systems go," Lan stares at her portable labtop. "Everything's
working like clockwork. Energy readings, Misato?"

"Excellent," Misato looked over some monitors. "The levels are near
prime level, they should increase when they go into combat."

The viewscreen showed both Warsuits hovering before the "Ossa'cha,"
several others showed the flow of psionic energy as a blue aura around the two
units. "Good!" Benten nodded. "Launch the drones."

The Sagussans, hating waste, collected the wrecked warsuits and fighters
after battles. They were modified, stripped of most components, with remote
controlled on-board computers redesigned for combat training.

Remote controlled warsuits were launched out of the bays of the warsuit
carriers. These were standard suits armed with pulse guns. Gladiators
followed after them and took up position as a second wave.

"Begin!" Benten said.

The wardrones swept to the attack...

* * *

"I'll take defense!" Kazumi said positioning herself before Noriko. The
pinpoint defense shields were raised and Kazumi parried a volley of lasers as
Noriko slipped to port to fire her quad-lasers.

Burning energy bolts, augmented by psi-energy, ripped into the armour of
one of the warsuits, destroying its energy core. Both of the ampsuits were on
the move before the first return volleys slammed home, each alternating
defensive and offensive roles.

* * *

"Energy levels have reached optimum levels," Misato said as the warsuits
darted across the monitors. Absentmindedly shredding her pen, Misato
scanned the streams of data before her. She looked up at the monitors and
blinked. There was a brief flickering in the auras of the Warsuits, it looked
like... flame? *Couldn't be!* Misato thought, her gaze returning to her
monitor.

* * *

Out in space, Noriko directed energy to her shields and ploughed through
the incoming fire from a pair of Warsuits. The energy saber flashed out and
sliced off the shoulder of one suit. Noriko reversed the stroke and sliced
the head off of the other one. She flew off as both suits exploded.

* * *

"Last warsuit destroyed," Nagisa said.

"Send in the Gladiators!" Benten ordered.

The transformable fighters charged, firing light concussion missiles.
Kicking in boosters, Noriko and Kazumi moved to intercept. The missiles homed
in as the women drew pulse cannons and loosed a double barrage of firepower
that blew the missiles apart.

"Not bad at all," Benten said. "Their teamwork is perfect."

"Benten! Look at this," Misato said.

Benten scanned the monitors indicating the psionic energy readings.
Both of the surrounding auras flashed in rhythmic harmony. The output for
both was the same. "Perfect!" Benten murmured as she returned her gaze to the
viewscreen. Both ampsuits lead the fighters on a merry chase around the
wreckage of the first wave. The pair used the wreckage to avoid incoming fire
while popping up and firing their weapons, eliminating a ship with each shot.

* * *

"Last one!" Noriko said and pumped energy into her guns.

Kazumi drew the Gladiator's attention and Noriko vaporized it with a
two-fisted blast.

* * *

"Second wave destroyed," Nagisa reported. "Begin last phase?"

"In a moment," Benten said and opened a comm line to the warsuits. "How
are the two of you doing?"

Noriko brushed some sweat away. "Just great! Can I have thirds?"

"Everything's okay here, Minister," Kazumi added. "Ready for more."

Benten turned to Misato. "How are they doing?"

"Energy levels have dropped slightly," Misato said. "There's a dip,
probably due to exhaustion, but that's because this is their first actual
combative use of the psi-amp system. However, I see no reason to stop."

Benten nodded. "Girls," she addressed Noriko and Kazumi. "It's time
for the last part of the testing. Attack the 'Ossa'cha.'"

There was a pause, then Kazumi's voice finally came over the speaker.
"Uhh...say again, ma'am?"

Benten grinned. "You heard me. Consider this a 'bonus.' While your
past battles were against computer controlled drones, this final phase will be
against living opponents. You don't have to worry; only the anti-fighter and
anti-warsuit weapons of the 'Ossa'cha' will be used and power levels will be
scaled down to the lowest settings. Also, members of the Warsuit Brigade will
be manning the guns so you don't have to worry about getting blown up."

Unapuma's face suddenly popped up on the screen. A small message on the
bottom said AW BATTERY TWO. "I wouldn't be to sure of that," she grinned. "I
have to pay you two back for putting me in the hospital!

The screen quickly blipped off, sweatdrops appearing on everyone's head.
"As I said," Benten growls. "There will be NO PROBLEMS!!!!" she shouted into
the transmitter, aiming her words at Unapuma. "Are you two up for it?"

In response, both ampsuits charged down and strafed the "Ossa'cha."
Benten sighed. "Fire at will."

* * *

Bolts of energy sprang out from the "Ossa'cha's" guns. However, the
bolts were noticeably less bright with power and instead of firing in perfect
harmony, seemed to be a mish-mash of expert shots and wild aim.

"Budda, budda, budda!!!" Unapuma chanted as she fired her anti-warsuit
gun. She had knocked her chair over and had taken a macho looking stance.

Annapuma just shook her head, then shrugged in a "why me?" gesture.

* * *

Noriko and Kazumi dodged madly. Where Kazumi had taken defense before,
both women now focused on defending each other as they looped around the
"Ossa'cha" and tried to get a few shots in. When they did however, even amped
shots were easily deflected by the "Ossa'cha's" shields. Light tremors were
felt by those near the struck areas however.

"Wide loop!!" Noriko swept over the bow of the "Ossa'cha."

Kazumi followed and they trained their pulse cannons down, raining
energy bolts across the warship's surface. As they came to the end of the
loop, they raised their shields and deflected the incoming fire that awaited
them. Even with the levels scaled down, the impact was still significant and
both suits were knocked back.

* * *

"Nyyahahaha!" Unapuma laughed. She tracked Noriko's movements and aimed
at a spot were Noriko was headed. As Noriko dodged another barrage of lasers.
Unapuma let fly and scored a hit against the ampsuit sending it into a spin.

"Vengeance is mine, sayeth the Lord!" Unapuma pumped her arm.

* * *

Back on the bridge, the crew watched as Noriko and Kazumi visibly began
experiencing difficulties. "How are they doing?" Benten asked Misato.

"Levels are starting to drop," Misato rolled the end of her pen in her
mouth. "But they are still doing quite well. Give them another minute before
calling a halt."

"One more minute girls, then playtime's over!" Benten transmitted over
the ship and to the warsuits.

* * *

Noriko shook her head and sweat flew off. "Hey, Kazumi! The show's
about over! How about we show them exactly what we can do?"

"Save the best for last huh?" Kazumi grinned. "Let's do it!"

* * *

"Hmm?" Misato looked up at the monitors.

Both warsuits flew together and grasped each others hands. Instantly,
the monitors on the "Ossa'cha's" bridge flared brightly and both warsuits were
encased in a blazing azure flame. Misato spat her pen out. "They can do that
in the warsuits?!"

"What's going on?!" Benten demanded.

"I told you they had that special bond in which they can transfer
psionic energy to each other. Most people can do that only through
skin-to-skin touch. But they have linked while in the Warsuits and are
feeding it through each other and into the Warsuits' amplifiers!"

* * *

"Lets do it!" Noriko and Kazumi yelled.

The jets of the ampsuits flared, and a corona of fire surrounded them
like a miniature sun. Both of them streaked down like a thunderbolt towards
the "Ossa'cha."

* * *

"Levels have maxed out!" Misato gazed in astonishment at the readings.
"They've broken off but the link is still there and energy is increasing!"

Having received no orders to stop, the weapons of the "Ossa'cha"
continued to fire. Both Noriko and Kazumi spun and dove like hawks, leaving
the beams nothing to target except empty space. In unison, both ampsuits drew
their cannons and fired on the warship, the energy blasts seemed to dwarf the
weapon and slammed into the "Ossa'cha's" shields! Stronger tremors were felt
as multiple bursts raked across the hull.

"Stress climbing in ordnance structure integrity!" Nagisa said. "More
then double the energy is being pumped through the ampsuit's weapons!!"

"Psi readings have maxed out on the scale!" Misato said amazed. "No
doubt they are still climbing!"

* * *

Noriko and Kazumi flew with arms crossed over their chests. Eyes bright
and teeth clenched, they flashed only a metre over the "Ossa'cha's" surface,
dodging among the turrets and obstructions with a dancer's grace. Klaxons
brayed as onboard computers warned of approaching overload. They ignored the
noise as they drew their energy sabers as one and delivered a double stroke to
the warship's bridge. Everyone jumped in astonishment.

"Grrr!!! DAMNIT!!!!" Unapuma growled and swung her gun turret around.
Both ampsuits nimbly avoided her blasts. She could not even lead them! A
sure hit turned into a miss as both ampsuits fired retrothrusters and stopped
mere metres from one blast and darted out of the way.

"Hey, Una!!" Noriko's voice jibed over the comm-system. "I'm surprised
your such a lousy shot!"

Una gritted her teeth and yanked on the trigger again.

"Not surprising, Noriko," Kazumi chimed in. "She can't hack it behind
the gun as well as in bed!"

Both women laughed. "WHAT?!?!?!" Unapuma roared. "*KIMEI'NE!!!!!!*"
she flicked off the safety of her turret and fired a full strength volley
before the controls were shut off by the "Ossa'cha's" computer.

<<I think she wants to hit us!>> Noriko psi-linked Kazumi.

<<Well,>> Kazumi smiles. <<Let's oblige her.>>

Both ampsuits charged directly into the line of fire! "No!!!" Benten
shouted as the bolts struck home.

As the blast faded, the minister expected to see twisted wreckage.
Instead, she saw both ampsuits standing unharmed with their pinpoint defense
systems forming a double shield before them. Suddenly, there was a flash and
both shields vanished. "Pinpoint defense systems down due to overload!"
Nagisa reported.

Both ampsuits drew their pulse cannons and shot downwards at Unapuma's
location, the blasts struck home sending a tremor through that area. The
cannons then sparked and exploded.

"Pulse cannons destroyed!" Nagisa said.

"You two!" Benten barked over the comm. "The test is over!"

"Might as well finish up!" Noriko pouted.

"All good things must come to an end." Kazumi mused. "Shall we?"

Both suits linked hands again and rocketed upwards. "Shield power
switched to feet!" Nagisa said. "Propulsion system overheating!"

Misato gazed dumbfounded at the red-lined monitors. Both ampsuits reach
the pinnacle of their flight. Noriko and Kazumi screamed out at the top of
their lungs as they kicked in the boosters and plummeted down!

"***SUPER...LIGHTNING...KICK!!!!!!***"

The ampsuits crashed into the "Ossa'cha," shaking it with enough force
to cause those near the impact to stagger!! On the bridge, monitors giving
readings on the ampsuits went blank as all input stopped. "Get rescue crews
out there right now!" Benten snapped orders. "I want damage reports on both
suits now!"

Nagisa quickly ran sensors over the suits. "Legs are crippled. All
systems connected to psi-amp systems are burnt out. Life support is still
functioning. Sensors indicate both pilots are alive but unconscious."

"Lyna's Soul!!" Benten leaned back into her seat. "Those two are too
much even for an ampsuit! Hey, Misato! Do you have any ideas how this
could've happened?"

"I'll have to run tests," Misato said. "But I do believe I've figured
out a name for the ampsuits."

The psychologist replayed the section before the ampsuits crashed into
the "Ossa'cha." The monitors showed both suits wrapped in a roiling ball of
psionic fire. "Looks like a fireball," Benten mused.

"No," Misato said. "An Inferno."

* * *

The next day...

Both Noriko and Kazumi stood rather nervously inside Benten's office.
Both of them knew they were being made to sweat, with good reason. After they
regained consciousness, they were put into the regeneration matrix to recover.
After being hauled out, they were told to clean up and report directly to
Benten's office where they had been standing at attention until the Minister
of Defense arrived.

The door opened and Benten strode in. She returned Noriko's and
Kazumi's salute but did not let them drop their stance. Benten sat down
behind her desk and leaned back, resting her chin on her fingers. "Right now,
both of you are in quite a bit of trouble. You disobeyed direct orders to
cease combat and you crippled both warsuits...AND you did it in such a way
that could have caused the 'Ossa'cha' damage."

All three knew this would be highly unlikely, but there was that chance.
"On the other hand," Benten said, "...you performed excellently before that
'incident' and have given us valuable data on both the Infernos and Sagussan
psionic abilities. Misato has requested that I not be to harsh since she
wants you both on the field so she can observe you."

Both Kazumi and Noriko relaxed a bit.

Benten leaned forward. "So I have decided to remove you from your
troops and from the Inferno project."

Both pilots face-faulted, but kept their tongues in check!

"Now don't give me those looks!" Benten grinned. "I said you are to be
removed from piloting Infernos and moved to a project more suited to your
skills and talents."

Benten pressed a button and a holographic image sprang up from the desk.
The image was of an Inferno. Or more exactly, a warsuit that looked very much
like the Inferno that it towered over in the image.

"The big one you see is what we are calling 'Inferno-X.' This was
planned as a command unit for a squadron of Infernos, and is still on the
drawing board pending a completed report. It has increased armour and
weapons, and can handle greater amounts of psionic energy because two pilots
are needed to man it."

Realization dawned on Noriko's and Kazumi's faces.

"That's right," Benten said. "You'll be moving up to commanding your
own squadron of Infernos...that is, if you have what it takes. However, I
need a written guarantee that your high-minded disregard for obeying orders is
under control. We can't afford you two destroying all of our Infernos.

"Aye-aye, ma'am!!" Noriko and Kazumi saluted, beaming.

* * *

And truth be told. They did in fact NOT blow up the Inferno-X...

Not quite!!

*** The End ***