"Slowly, but the test subjects show promise," said Von Ecchi.
"It's a pity we can't use the same methods as before," said Kujaku, "yet my resources are currently very limited."
"What of our... benefactor?" said Von Ecchi, making a distasteful expression.
"If the results satisfy her, then everything will be set for our comeback," said Kujaku. "Some of my contacts are still talking."
"You were declared as one dead, but not simply killed because we are still potentially of use," said Von Ecchi. "Through that use, there is a chance to reclaim everything."
"And surpass my previous limits," said Kujaku. "What happened to your accent anyway?"
Von Ecchi shrugged. "Too tired to bother, I've been working nonstop on the project. I think I know the perfect target for the test subjects to go after to prove their effectiveness."
"Oh, I'm ahead of you there," said Kujaku, regaining some of his energy at the thought.
Haruka Ten'ou pulled off her helmet as she left the track and began looking around. When she found the cause she let out a deep breath and tried to keep from showing any dismay. "Michiru."
"Haruka," said Michiru, "I came here to warn you."
"Warn me?" asked Haruka, wondering if the decision to add her had come from Ranma. Not that it seemed likely considering what she knew of the punk.
"Kujaku and Von Ecchi are still alive and active out there," said Michiru. "We think they may go after the remaining Senshi at some point."
"I see," said Haruka, feeling some relief and... disappointment? "So you want me to keep an eye on the Inners?"
The familiar smile played itself across that face as Michiru answered. "Also to watch out yourself. We have no idea how or what mechanism they'll use. Just that they will strike, and likely soon."
Haruka felt that tightness in her chest increase, seeing Michiru so close and so distant.
"I'd better go," Michiru was saying, looking around. "There's a 68% chance that they don't have a direct corollation between you and I other than our previous relationship. If you check your bedside dresser there's a ring with a raised platform. Snap it off and it will send out a transponder signal and we'll know you're in trouble."
"I can handle myself," said Haruka, turning so she didn't have to look at her former lover. "If those two run into me, I'll pay them back a hundred times."
"Only a hundred?" asked the wind.
Haruka glanced, but as she had expected, Michiru was gone.
Michiru checked the area again. Her intuition was saying one thing, her sensors another.
Kujaku had gotten Nabiki as a personal vendetta, encroaching on typical Yakuza practices by Miss Tendo had been seen somehow as a personal affront. He'd added her sisters quickly and efficiently, then gone after Ami Mizuno as the "exam ace" and several of the Senshi had been converted during the attempted rescue.
It was considered unlikely that the identities of the other Senshi had been worked out in that time by the Yakuza. There was a 32% chance that they either knew or suspected, or possibly that they'd target individuals associated with them.
Infrared, ultraviolet, gravitational, radio - no visual or audio clues that something was amiss.
There was a crowd, as usual at these races. She'd approached in the crowd, between the qualifying and first race. She'd not displayed anything to indicate she wasn't human. Yet she had the distinct impression that her meeting with Haruka had been observed.
If she WAS being observed, tarrying would simply validate the meeting having importance. She flicked a signal to another, who would take over observation. In the meantime she'd go on to visit a few acquaintances in the area, just as if she were touching base with them.
(Posted Tue, 28 Mar 2006 09:38)
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