Session Start: Sat May 20 12:39:29 2006 (H-1) (Part 1 - The Devil you Know) [Saturday, April 2, 2039 - 2210 Tokyo-Earth time] [The home of General Princess Royal Minami Katsuragi - and family] [Session Start] * Minami is sitting on her side of the shared home office, a stack of papers up to her head on one side of the desk. She is an older woman, roughly middle-age--it's hard to tell--with longish hair loosely tied back at the nape. She's dressed comfortably, though still for the day; the only sign of home comfort is a pair of fuzzy bedroom slippers. * Minami is currently working away at yet more paperwork. It seems a backlog has come up somehow. The phone rings - it's a pleasant beeping sound, but not one that Minami was expecting to hear. * Minami frowns and looks up. I'll get it. * Kojiro picks up. "Katsuragi." * Kojiro looks a little worried, and stands up. "Yes, she's here. One second." He walks over from his desk to hers and hands her the phone, mouthing "it's for you" and pointing up with his other hand. * Minami raises her eyebrows and nods a thanks to her husband as she takes the phone. "Katsuragi." Hey, Mina-kun. * Minami sits up straight. "Sakura! This is a surprise. Good or bad?" Bad. Are you busy? ...Never a break, is there. No, I'm not busy, though Peppermint might disagree--paperwork from the Mongolia deployment. What happened? Oh yeah, congratulations on stomping those neo-Maoist pricks. * Minami quirks a smile. "Thanks." But... I might have something else for you to do. We really can't talk about it on the phone, but let's just say the old team bit off a bit more than it could chew. * Minami hisses in a breath. "That...'s not good. You want me at the Palace then, or your place?" * Kojiro looks askance at Minami, worried. Palace - it's really, really bad, Mina. Not a complete wipe, but it might as well be. We're going to have to rebuild from scratch. * Minami gives him a complicated "it's okay" wave mixed with "I dunno" shrug, then winces again at Sakura's news. "Fuck. Be there in 15." She's already getting up and stepping out of her slippers. We'll be waiting. * Minami grunts an agreement and hangs up. She turns to her husband as she puts on her shoes. "Trouble. Bad." * Kojiro takes the phone and puts it back on the charger. "Sounded like it. Long or short?" Not sure yet, though from what she said I'm betting on the long side. * Minami shrugs on a jacket. "I'll let you know how much I can let you and the kids know when I know." She reaches up a bit to give him a peck, and heads for the door. * Kojiro kisses her back. "Eh, I'll just tell 'em you've been redeployed if you're gone long." He grins a half-worried grin and waves to her. * Minami flashes a smile back and closes the door behind her. The Palace - the new Palace, though it's more than thirty years old now so new is not precisely the proper adjective for it - is, to the naked eye, simply a modern-looking convention-center-like building set in the midst of a forest on the northern tip of Tokyo Bay. What the eye does not see is the kilometers and kilometers of underground headquarters and facilities hidden beneath the woods. This is the beating heart of Tokyo-Earth's Hierarchy. Princess Royal is very politely - and even more efficiently - conducted to a small briefing room as she enters. Two people are waiting for her. * DuchessSakura smiles weakly. "Hey, Mina." * PrincessRoyal , in this form, has short hair cut to a little below chin- length and is wearing what is definitely not home attire--suit with slacks. She eyes the occupants of the room and greets them with a nod and a short "Hi." * TheQueen may be fifty-some years old, but she looks half of that. For a woman who is titularly the "Queen of the Earth", she is very sedately dressed in a denim jumper. Her hair is long, like her predecessor, but she prefers to sit in real chairs. Like real people. * TheQueen looks grim. Sorry to drag you away from your husband... you were supposed to be getting a sabbatical, right? * PrincessRoyal shows only a brief flash of regret. "Sort of. This sounds more important, though." It is... it could be, at least. So. What's the situation? * DuchessSakura Is more formally attired, though even in this decade it's hard to take that shade of pink jacket as properly formal. Sakura appears to be in her mid-thirties, and has her black hair up in a tight bun. She's lost her glasses sometime in the last decades. We had H-1 out on a punitive raid against the Belgians tonight. Those idiots were moving biologicals of some sort through the embassy staff, and the team was going to sweep up the transaction. Jump and company trailed them to the Ningyo City parking garage... and then fell off the map. * PrincessRoyal is listening attentively, brows wrinkled. The only surviving team member was not on-site. He called in H-4... and their radiation sensors spiked off the meters. The three H-1 team members on site are dead, as are the Belgians, as are the men they were apparently supposed to meet. The place looks like a magic firefight happened. And of course its in the Ningyo's backyard. * PrincessRoyal hisses between her teeth. You can no doubt appreciate the many, many levels in which this could be a nightmare. ...yeah. Yeah. Oi. * PrincessRoyal rubs her forehead. "And the fi--Ningyo have 'no idea' what happened either, right?" They're denying any awareness or involvement. * PrincessRoyal mutters, very carefully, very to herself, lips barely moving, "of course." Even if they were, we can't ever let that get out, unless we're going to go to war with them. Which I would prefer not to. * PrincessRoyal clears her throat and nods to that one. "Yeah, that's for sure." The garage is still a mess - the forensics crews are still trying to figure out whether to examine or decontaminate first. * PrincessRoyal tightens her lips and shakes her head once, grimly. The Hunters - these Hunters - are a write-off. I want you to lead the new team. We're going to stock it deep, and your first job is to figure out... this mess. * TheQueen clears her throat. "You don't have to do this. Sakura wanted you, but you do have a career in the SDF, and you're an... unusual choice for H-1 leader. * PrincessRoyal straightens up, blinking. "...Right. yeah. I can see why..." There are good reasons why we keep the team so young. As you well know. * PrincessRoyal nods curtly. "Yes. But...I understand why it needs to be done, too. And let me guess--you'd like a vet." I do, yes. A real one. Something smells here, Mina. Something *deep*. Well, Shrike can take care of things at work. She's been doing a good job at it. * PrincessRoyal half-bows. "I accept." * DuchessSakura eyes the Queen, who pointedly ignores her. Thank you. Yes, thank you, Princess Royal. I can't think of anyone I... trust to do this more than you. * DuchessSakura pulls out a thick folder. "Now... if you'd like to help us with the rest of the team..." [2300 local time] [Downtown Tokyo - Blue Flag Karaoke Bar and Pool] * The Karaoke room is positively packed as Ichigo invited absolutely everyone who graduated with them and then insisted they all try and fit into one room. The employees certainly eyed them oddly as this huge troop of 20-something girls (and some boys) marched into their establishment. * Ichigo is currently in possession of the microphone and is singing an over the top ballad that's really challenging her vocal range, even though she can't reach some notes, she's still giving it her all, belting out the song. The couple drinks she had is certainly helping to add to her performance as well. * Mariko is currently cheering Ichigo right the hell on... and judging by the expansiveness of her motions and the big, dumb grin she's wearing, she's probably had more than a few already--mostly beer from the looks of it, but there are a couple of empty glasses in front of her as well---the corpses of quickly-dispatched salty dogs. * Ichigo is dressed in a light blue dress with a flowery print and a white long sleeve shirt underneath. The dress goes down to her shins and she has big puffy socks on underneath and little black strapped shoes on her feet. Her long white hair is done up in sky blue ribbons and braids that loop around. Her skin is remarkably pale and her eyes are such a light shade of blue that they almost look white. * Ichigo tries to get everyone to clap and sing along as she belts out her song. There's a huge smile painted on her face as she finishes the bridge and belts out the final chorus. * Mariko is more or less Ichigo's polar opposite in looks and dress: tall for a (mostly-)Japanese, she's a bundle of bronze skin in jeans and a faded American sports team tee with bottle-blonde hair that's presently under an ever-present gingham bandanna. Her horrendously-elaborate leather ridin' boots are on the table at the moment, close to kicking over a half-finished mug. "Go, girl!" * Ichigo finishes up her song and jumps up and down, cheering excitedly. "Yaaay! Who wants to go next?" Ichi's cell phone rings as she bounces. No one would hear it over the racket, except that it's tucked into one of her chest pockets and closer to the microphone than her mouth is. *BEEEBEEEBEEEBEEEBEEEP!* I hope I didn't show everyone up. *a huge grin is plastered across her face that obviously says she KNOWS she did.* * Ichigo suddenly looks down at the noise. "Uh oh. Must be family. I'll be right back guys!" * Mariko is clapping heartily... or was, until she winces from the amplified phone-ringing. "Geh... don't take too long, Chi. You'll miss me drinking the rest of these lightweights under the table!" There's a collective wince from the audience, though it's unclear whether this is caused by the noise or the ego. * Ichigo passes the microphone off to the next person in line and squeezes her way out of the booth trying to find a place of relative quiet to talk. She pulls out the phone to look at the caller ID thingy before answering. It's not a number she recognizes - and caller ID doesn't either. You're much better at drinking than I am Mari! You know I get tipsy after just a couple glass. *she sticks her tongue out as she slips out the door* The phone keeps ringing. * Ichigo holds the phone up to her ear. "Hello! This is Ichigo!" * Ichigo blushes and realizes she was still using her loud voice from inside the room. Lady Snow. This is Duchess Sakura. * Ichigo sobers up immediately at the mention of Duchess. "Ma'am! How can I be of service to you?" * Mariko watches Ichigo step away, then goes back to downing the last beer in front of her. "I swear... who in the hell would call and ruin this? We deserve some peace after all that hard work..." You are required to report to the Palace for immediate field assignment. ...we have a little bit of a crisis here, so you need to come directly. Yes, ma'am! Of course! Do... I have time to say goodbye to my friends? Quickly. Very quickly. * DuchessSakura hangs up. * Ichigo nods. "I--" frowns at the hanging up before she had a chance to say goodbye. * Ichigo slips back into the room, finding Ryoko and whispering to her, not wanting to interrupt the current performer. "I need to go right now. The Palace just called and said they needed me. Please tell everyone I'm sorry. I'll try and plan something for tomorrow to make it up to them, okay?" Mariko's phone rings, interrupting Chi. ... eh? Beh, now what? * Mariko pulls her phone out of her pocket and looks at the thing for a few seconds. After a few seconds, she stabs the 'talk' button with her thumb. "Maria." Lady Twister. This is Duchess Sakura. * Mariko makes a face like she really, really didn't want to hear what she just heard. it doesn't translate to her voice, though. "Evening, ma'am. What can I do for you?" * Ryoko nods. "I'll tell them. Let me know if there's any trouble you need help with." You are - ...where the hell are you? * Ichigo smiles. "Thank you, Ri!" She gives the girl a big hug before slipping out the door again and finding her way to the nearest public transportation focusing really hard on sobering up. The karaoke just restarted, and a half-dozen people just jumped in the pool. It's an *interesting* cacophony. At the Blue Flag, ma'am. Graduation party and all. * Mariko watches Ichigo leave, and she suddenly has this sinking sensation in the pit of her stomach. "Something wrong?" Blue what? Never mind. You're being activated for immediate field assignment. You need to come directly to the Palace. ... r-right! * Mariko mouths 'Fuck!', then shakes her head as she rises and starts leaving cash for the booze on her table. "I'm on my way, ma'am." Good. * DuchessSakura hangs up. * Mariko almost says something else, then is hung up on. Holding the phone always from her almost like it was about to bite her, she finally closes it and tucks it away, grumbling all the way to the door. "'mout, gang. Looks like I hafta be somewhere." * Ichigo is heading down into the subway station just as Mariko steps out. She isn't looking back though so she doesn't notice her following her. There's some collective scratching of heads - these young men and women are trained not to believe in coincidence, and it sure looks like there's one right here. But hey - party! The subway station is fairly full - a good number of people are out on a Saturday night, but it is getting on into the evening so the crowd is trending younger. * Ichigo waits down on the platform for the train to arrive, idly worrying to herself about what is going on. She wasn't expecting the call so soon. Maybe they just saw how great she was and felt it was best not to wait to make use of her talents. It's only a few minutes wait for the southbound main line to arrive. Still plenty of time for Mariko to catch up. * Mariko is steadily approaching the platform, boot heels clicking and hands shoved in her pockets. She looks... well, a bit uneasy, outside of the fact that she does seem to be slightly intoxicated. "Of all the times to get a call like that... you'd think they could at least wait until afterwards." She pulls herself from her musing long enough to spot Ichigo and take the time to smile faintly. "Hey, Chi." Mari! Are you going home already? I'm sorry I had to leave so soon... Uh... something like that, yeah. Bit of an emergency. Yeah me too. * Ichigo rocks back and forth from her heels to her toes looking up at the clock and wondering when the dumb train is supposed to be there. * Mariko eyes Ichigo for a moment, opens her mouth... and closes it. "So... we're out. Time to step right into the life, huh?" The southbound train arrives - both of them step on automatically. Yeah... How'd you know? Did... Did they call you too? * Ichigo steps on board the train, trying to find an empty seat she can take. Well, I meant more in general, but yeah, looks like. What a coincidence, huh? * Mariko sits nearby Ichigo so she can keep the conversation going. I suppose. Maybe they just saw how great we were! * Ichigo looks a bit sad for a moment. "I guess Ryoko didn't get the call though..." Mmmm. There's a place for everyone here, Chi. She'll get her shot when it comes, trust you me. Yeah, I know she will. She's really super great. Still what do you think they want us for at this time of night? * Mariko looks momentarily concerned. "Something important, probably." * Ichigo idly looks down at her watch. It has blue leather straps and there's a little chibi Queen on the face with her arms pointing at the time. * Ichigo nods. "Yeah. Must be REALLY important." The next stop south is the end of the line for most people. * Mariko looks over and eyeballs the watch. Her eyebrow promptly rises, and an amused grin works its way onto her face. "You actually have one of those? Heh, I thought only kids bought 'em." The automatic announcement comes on as the doors open. "Central Line South continues to the Palace of the Earth. If you are not an official guest or employee of the Palace, you must exit now. If you stay on this line without clearance, you may be arrested for misdemeanor trespass at the next stop." It's a collectable! They don't even make this one anymore. *takes it off and turns it over* See this number etched in the back? It's a limited edition pressing. I had to order it off the net. * Mariko peers, then shakes her head, laughing. "Heh, guess some things never change even when join the ranks. I figured you were a bit into collecting, but not that much." The train empties. There are one or two other people that stay on, though they look more like groundskeepers than MG's. Well I started before I turned but after I did I didn't see any reason to stop. The doors close, and they roll south. Some things never change, huh. I was in charge of all the MG fan clubs back at TSM. * Mariko listens, resting her chin on her arms. "I was always kinda interested back in America, before I became myself. Just not that much, y'know?" Oh I knew I was going to be a Magical Girl from the moment I was born. It's just one those things you feel deep down inside, you know? I suppose they wouldn't have as many of the toys back in America. What kind of toys did you have? Didn't really collect toys... I know a lot of kids liked to buy things from import shops and whatnot, but I wasn't that into the whole affair. Was too busy helping with my uncle's ranch. The train rolls to a stop just a minute or two later. The station here is obviously non-standard. It has only one exit, armed guards, and the cement floor is painted with yellow and red stripes. Ooh a ranch! Did you ride cows? ... "End of the line - everyone must exit. Please have your Palace or Hierarchy ID cards ready to present at the checkpoint." * Mariko gives Ichigo a somewhat confused look. "Horses. The cows were for milk and market." She nonetheless gets up and shakes her head, fumbling around for her ID. * Ichigo stands immediately as the train comes to a stop, she wobbles and almost falls back down. She braces herself against the back of the seat. "You always convince me to drink more beers than I should... I hope we don't get in trouble for being tipsy..." * Ichigo digs out her ID as well, heading towards the guards. They'll understand... besides, you're better than you were when we started! Remember the one time after we aced the general exam? I know I do. Right, horses I knew that. Sorry, I've lived in the city all my life. * Mariko grins. "Still got the pictures and everything!" I still don't know how I pulled that off. I was so sick... * Ichigo shows her ID as she steps inside, looking for a convenient place to transform. The ID cards don't just get you through the checkpoint - they unexpectedly get you your own sergeant-major, who briskly escorts you through the thick security gate system into the lower Palace lobby, and to a small conference room. He closes the door, but you do not hear him walk away. * Ichigo looks around the room as she steps inside. ... well, this doesn't bode well. I suppose we should transform. * Mariko takes a peek as well. "We'll need to look presentable anyway." It's empty - there's a few chairs around a table, and at one end of the room is a medium-sized 3d-projection desk. Snow Fall Winter Power Up! * Mariko stands back and watches---the one thing she isn't tired of seeing just so happens to be transformation sequences. * Ichigo does a series of quick gestures and a circle of ice forms around above her and snow begins falling from it. The clothes she's wearing lights up as the circle passes quickly down the length of her body, replacing her clothes with her costume. It's a standard fuku in white and shades of light blue. The buttons and tie for her scarf look to be crystal but are actually just ice. On her head is an ice tiara that looks almost like upside down icicles. On her ears are a matching pair of icicle earrings. * Mariko claps a bit, smirking. "Classy! Guess it's my turns now, huh?" * Ichigo has long white gloves that go up past her elbows and knee high white boots with raised heels. Her skin turns a pale shade of blue almost like she was suffering from hypothermia. However she's still as energetic as ever and bounces excitedly after her transformation sequence finishes. Yay! I never get tired of doing that. *grins from ear to ear* Yup! Let's see what you have! * Mariko chuckles... and when was she carrying around a black leather ten-gallon hat? "Eh, it's not much, but what the hell! YEEEEHAW!" She gives the hat a toss skyward, and a howling sphere of wind promptly comes into being around her, seeming to tear the clothes right off of her body and into tiny little shreds. For a moment, all that can be seen is her shrouded form inside the storm... * LadySnow chills the air around her almost subconsciously, making the space around her much more comfortable for her to exist in. Anyone who gets too close to her would notice the sharp drop in temperature. * ... until there's a sudden rush of movement within, and the winds die out, leaving behind Mariko in a decidedly non-traditional MG outfit: a long-sleeved jacket, midriff-baring collared shirt (complete with bola tie), excessively-short shorts, chaps, empty gunslinger's holster and snazzy spurred cowboy boots. All leather, all black with gold tribal trim. * Mariko smirks, the hat falling neatly onto her now-ringlet-sporting hair, and her eyes glow an eerie yellow, in the midst of an unnatural shadow covering the top half of her face. "Lady Twister... tadaima sanjou!" There's a beat, and then the door opens. You certainly took your time... We got here as fast as we could! Ma'am! * LadyTwister looks over, and promptly stands at attention. If she was unsteady before, it sure as shit doesn't show now. Ma'am! * Shihei-san walks over to the projector table, and punches a button. The half-meter tall form of Duchess Sakura at a computer terminal appears. * LadySnow also stands at attention. Ma'am, Snow and Twister are here. Are you sure we don't want to wait for the rest? * LadySnow pays careful attention to all the goings on in case she's tested on it later. We don't know for sure if we're going to need someone on site before the rest of the team trickles in. Give them the standard indoctrination. Well, the short version, at least. * LadyTwister looks mildly uneasy about the word 'indoctrination', but it passes. * DuchessSakura goes back to typing, but does not close the connection. Right. * LadySnow tries not to look too excited that she's seeing an actual Duchess. Well another one. * Shihei-san grimaces at the military posture of the Ladies, then grimaces again as their breath finally registers. ...you're drunk! ... we were called from a party, ma'am. We were having a graduation party... We weren't expecting to be called so soon... I apologize profusely ma'am. It was all my idea. * LadyTwister promptly steels herself for a swift and brutal rebuttal. * Shihei-san sneers, but waves at chairs as she sits down. "Whatever. Just try to follow along." * LadySnow nods and gladly takes a seat. It's hard to stand up for so long in her current state. * LadyTwister gladly takes a chair, and almost says something. Training kicks in, and she visibly bites down a little on her tongue. Yes, ma'am. We haven't met before. I'm Yoshino Shihei, Deputy Director of Security. I run Security. My boss (she points at the holo with one thumb) tells me how she wants it run, but I get to handle all the day to day crap. * LadySnow nods, listening intently. * LadyTwister seems to be listening as well, hands clasped. * Shihei-san looks to be in her late forties, if not older. Her slightly- graying black hair is in a severely short page cut, almost masculine. She is wearing a white silk sheath and a black knee-length skirt, which are tight enough to clue you in that she probably doesn't eat enough food every day. * LadySnow rests her arms on the table. Water starts condensing on the parts closest to her. * Shihei-san has the odd quality of being one of the most intense people you'll ever meet - her gaze is sharp, her words short, and there is not a hint of mercy or flexibility in her bearing. To be brief, you two are now working for me. Your new assignment is H-1. * LadyTwister blinks a few times, then mouths 'H-1'. She proceeds to try and hide her confusion with a nod and a hopeful smile. Ooh. *counts off on her fingers mostly to herself* Two is investigation, three is intelligence, four is the security force and five is the police... Which one is H-1? H-1 is my least favorite branch. What you do is - mostly - clean up the messes that the other branches create, or run into. Ooooh. Is that better than? * LadyTwister promptly frowns at that, but the frown passes after a moment and a heavy sigh. ...better than what? Better than the other branches. Like they call us when they have no one else to turn to? Better is something of a loaded adjective. H-1 deals with a problem when it is in the interests of Tokyo-Earth to have a situation dealt with by MG's. This is a team, not a full agency, and all of you will be MG's. You have... considerable authority over the other branches of Security, but you also have the obligation to keep your activities under cover when possible. * LadySnow looks over at Twister and back at herself with a "of course we are" look on her face. * LadySnow ooohs more. * LadySnow raises her hand. * LadyTwister can't help but blink at that. "I'm going to have to ask how you came to choose us, ma'am. I mean... have you been observing us all this time?" No. We have not. * LadyTwister looks both relieved and... slightly unhappy, all at the same time. * LadySnow keeps her hand raised. Or at least, not more than anyone else. We're choosing you because we need a new team, fast, and you fit the profile, such as there is one. * Shihei-san frowns at Snow. "This is not a classroom, girl. Ask your question." Profile. Huh. * LadyTwister trails off, scratching her nose. Oh um, sorry. *she puts her hand down* I was wondering why did you call us in so suddenly? Are we starting work tonight? Yes. The old H-1 team? *taps something on her PDA, switching the holo to a 2d image of a concrete parking area strewn with bodies* Is dead. * LadySnow gasps in shock. What happened? * LadyTwister flinches, visibly. "Guh! Yeah, what went wrong?" * Shihei-san taps the PDA again, and Sakura reappears, still typing, and discussing something with somebody off-screen. We don't know. That's why we need a new team fast. Well I don't think it's right that anyone is hurting Magical Girls! I'll help you however you need me. ... I would like to get a look at the scene, though. It'd be a start to dig up how they died. Could shed some light on things. There are some... problems. But that will happen as soon as H-4 can fully secure the scene. What do you need us to do? Find the bad people and bring them to justice? * LadyTwister looks to be both nervous and... eager? It's hard to say, but her fingers are drumming on the table quickly. "I'd like to be a part of the initial investigation ma'am, if that's possible. Forensics was gonna be my career... although I'd have rather it not start like this." ...you *are* young. Justice would be good. Personally, I'd settle for knowing why it happened. * LadySnow nods. "What were they doing before they died?" * Shihei-san turns to Twister. "What you would like doesn't matter. You will be working on this, and whatever else comes along for H-1. That is your assignment, and in a few minutes we'll get you Orders for it." Ooh Orders. Neat. ... right, of course. * LadyTwister deflates, slightly. Now. Here's the hard part - to the rest of the world, Lady Snow and Lady Twister are part of a task force in H-2. We're still working out the details of your cover jobs, but you will be working from the H-2 offices once the team gets reestablished. What do I tell my friends when they ask why I was called away suddenly? Ryoko's gonna KNOW if I lie to her... The rule of H-1 is that you don't talk to anyone not on the team about H-1, except in the line of duty. Not anyone. We're working on that. * LadySnow nods again solemnly. Understood, ma'am. Understood. * LadyTwister nods once, still looking mildly unhappy. Yes. Ma'am. * Shihei-san stands up abruptly. "Sakura-sama, that was the short version. Are you ready to Order them in?" * LadySnow looks up to Sakura trying not to show exactly how excited she is by all the secret stuff. * LadyTwister goes back to drumming her fingers, looking Ichigo's way for a moment. * LadySnow isn't really the best at hiding it though. * LadyTwister can't help but snicker, shaking her head. * DuchessSakura looks up from several folders of printouts held awkwardly in her hands. "Yeah. And could you come up here after you turn them over to HR? I want your opinion on a couple of these dossiers." Of course, ma'am. * LadySnow looks to Twister for a moment with a big grin on her face. * LadyTwister fights back the urge to chuckle, just barely. [April 3, 2039 - 0105 local time] [a downtown Tokyo-Earth hotel suite] * Hikaru is in the room without a bed, surfing the web on the hotel computer. His EI has a number of windows open and seems to be going through them quite rapidly. He's focusing on a late-night drama show, until it turns a little too explicitly risque, at which point he changes channels. "Wow, they have porn on their normal TV, here. Weird." * Hikari is tossing and turning in her bed, mostly asleep. She never has found hotel beds to be that comfortable. * Hikari rolls over and yells out, "Change the channel, I'm trying to sleep!" after Hikaru finds the porn on TV. * Hikaru is a moderately attractive young man, currently in jeans and a white A-shirt. A T-shirt with the name of a London cricket team on it lies draped over the back of the chair he's lounging in. He's obviously Japanese, with formerly-neatly combed black hair mussed a bit from a long day, but when he spoke it was in British. "Sorry, Sis. Trying something animated now." The hotel computer coughs up a large notification window, which the EI reads and processes before Hikaru can do anything. After a second, the PDA asks him if he wishes to take a call. * Hikari rolls back over and falls asleep. She is wrapped in a blanket while her pillows have hours ago been kicked off the bed. Aside from the pillows, her room is exceedingly neat, making the maid's job easy. * Hikaru blinks, and says some gibberish, which his EI translates into a request for information on who is calling. It politely leaves off the unnecessary "at this hour". It's a woman claiming to be with Tokyo-Earth Department of Security. I'll take the call, then. This should be interesting. *yawns extravagantly, biting it off harshly at the end* Put it through, put it through. * Shihei-san appears on the hotel monitor. Lord... Fate? * Hikaru suppresses another yawn, and rubs irritably at the bags under his eyes. "Hmm. You got the title right. Processed that faster than Sis thought you guys would. What can I do for you?" His Japanese, though flawless, bears a distinct British accent. There are some... odd circumstances that have come up. We may be in need of your talents, perhaps for an extended period of time. * Hikaru has a price calculation program up and running at that. "Hm. I would say 'go on', but I'm guessing this needs discussion in person, in a secure locale." When would you like to meet? Yes. What sort of transportation do you have? Just public, with us. We flew in. That makes it harder, but... you're at... hmm. Go down to the lobby and talk to the front desk. I'll arrange transport for you. * Hikaru laughs. "Must be very important. I'll wake Kari and be down as soon as she's ready. Under what names will you have the transport set?" Your normal names. Hurry. * Shihei-san hangs up. * Hikaru closes the windows he has open, and waits for Hikari. He says something nonsensical as he pokes his head in her room. * Hikari rises and gets dressed. A few minutes after Hikaru hangs up, she walks out dressed in a pair of comfortable tan pants, a loose green shirt, and a pair of white sneakers. Her hair looks like she actually ran a brush through it and is currently tied back in a tight ponytail. * Hikaru yawns again. "Ready?" As ready as I'm likely to be this late at night. Let's go. Early in the morning, technically. But yes. * Hikaru opens the door for his sister, and they proceed to the front desk for the aforementioned transportation. The front desk hands them off to a porter, who leads them to a service entrance... where a limousine is waiting. * Hikaru doesn't even bat an eye, and climbs in when the door is opened for him. * Hikari follows along and climbs in the limo while rubbing her eyes. "I wonder what's so important that they couldn't wait till tomorrow. Did they give you any idea what was up?" Other than it was important? Nope. I wonder if this model has a soda fridge... *looks around the limo* They mentioned needing our 'talents' for an extended period of time. This must be the discount limo - there's no refrigerator, merely a pile of Lady Heat's Famous Fish Snacks and some bottled water. And given the limo, I don't think they mean a poly-scientist and a linguist. *winks* Bah. Company cars. No soda at all. The car doesn't quite burn rubber, but it starts southwards at a mildly unpleasant pace. * Hikaru grabs a water bottle, and pulls out a small bottle of No-Doze pills. He takes three of them and swallows them with some water. Want any, Sis? I think there's a dose or two left in here. *jiggles the bottle at Hikari, not even noticing the drive's pace* It's not too long before the car slows, then stops at a security checkpoint. The driver shows something to a guard, the gate goes up, and you're off again, this time driving through a forest. * Hikari takes the bottle and looks at the label. "Says here you should only take two at a time. You should read the label more often." I did. It also says not to take more than six in any 24 hour period. I could never stand the taste of these things. The only reason they'd keep me awake is because of how upset my stomach would get. *shrug* Suit yourself. Looks like you're waking up now, anyway. *shivers a bit* * Hikaru puts the bottle of pills away again. The limousine soon pulls up at the steps of what looks like a concert hall or small sports complex. Mm, nice place. ~Must be one of the really important people in the Hierarchy hiring us.~ ...oh, right. Cheap limo. *climbs out, and holds the door for his sister* Shall we? * Shihei-san is waiting for them at the top of the steps. She has a black jacket on now, as it's a little nippy outside this late. * Hikari climbs out the limo after Hikaru and says with a grin, "I doubt we have a choice." * Hikaru closes the limo door, and heads on up the steps. Walking next to his sister, the resemblance is uncanny, though the differing hair styles make it easy to tell which is which. Lord Fate, Lady Destiny. ...not transformed, I'm guessing? Not currently, but we can fix that if it's a problem. It's all right... for now. Please follow me. * Shihei-san turns and walks into the building. * Hikaru yawns, takes a drink from his water bottle, and follows. * Hikari follows along. "Are we looking at something that calls for immediate mobilization?" If you haven't figured it out yet, this is the Tokyo-Earth Palace - at least the top part of it. We host public events here above the surface. * Shihei-san keys open an elevator. "Real business happens underground." The lobby is mostly empty, but the sounds of what seems to be a party echo from a lit doorway on the far end of the lobby. I see. * Hikari turns her head towards the party's noise. "Evidently." * Hikaru squeezes his eyes closed and shakes his head, and steps on the elevator. Let's get down to business, then. Pun intended. The three head downwards. Waaaaay downwards. Hikaru's ears pop. When the doors open, they reveal a security checkpoint. * Shihei-san waves her card over a reader, and then fills out a form for admitting her two guests. I wonder how many people walk through that door on a daily basis. This far into the complex? Maybe a dozen, not counting guards. We still need guards, though. * Hikaru yawns. Coincidentally relieving the pressure from his popping ears. * Shihei-san leads the group around a corner, and into a room filled with displays - the smallest are meter-square, the largest fills a wall, and in two corners are the largest 3d displays that either of you have ever seen. * Hikari whistles appreciatively as she's led further into the complex. * Hikaru whistles at the same moment Hikari does, in the same tones. This is the control center for all of Tokyo-Earth Security. I'm the assistant director. Over there, buried behind the stacks of folders, is the director. * DuchessSakura kicks her chair away from the worktable, and waves. "I'm Duchess Sakura. Pleased to meet you." * Hikaru exchanges a glance with his sister. * Shihei-san mutters. "And don't touch ANYTHING." * Hikaru jumps a bit at the emphasis in Shihei-san's voice. "Okay, okay, I won't." * DuchessSakura gestures at chairs around the central conference table. The table is spotless... but half-covered with gear, paper, and weapons. * Hikari takes the centermost chair. "Quite the setup you guys have here." * Hikaru eyes it through his viewing monocle. Some lines float across it, along with some symbols, but it's impossible to tell what they're referencing if you're not wearing it. He takes a seat in the chair next to Hikari's. "But it seems everywhere, paperwork looks the same." Some of us don't do paperwork. * Shihei-san balefully eyes her boss. Much paperwork, I mean. But I like printed stuff, and this is one of the few rooms on the planet I can print half of these things. * DuchessSakura sighs. * Hikaru laughs lightly, and waits to see where the Duchess goes with the conversation. I have a job for you two. You'd be part of a team - in some ways the most exclusive agency on the planet. But you have to be citizens, and you have to be committed for the long term. * Hikaru 's eyes flick almost imperceptibly to Hikari, just for an instant. You don't have to be *that* mysterious about it. I can appreciate mystery, but I think the middle of the night is hardly the time for it. * Hikaru smiles, and hides another laugh behind finishing off his water. We maintain a full-time black ops team comprised solely of MG's. It does a number of different things, though mostly within the borders of T-E. They were... ambushed tonight, and we find ourselves in the position of needing to put a new team back together. How...unfortunate. My condolences to your organization, and to their families. Nevertheless... a full MG unit, ambushed and destroyed to the point of reconstruction. That -is- impressive. I'll be frank - this team has historically had high mortality rates, but mostly because they go out on the sharp end a *lot*. This is the first time that we've ever had to do this, though. Are the other members going to be as experienced as us, or are we going to have to help train them as time goes on? The team Leader will be Princess Royal. General Princess Royal. She's probably forgotten more about this business than you kids have learned. But after her, yes, you would probably have the most experience in this field. * Hikaru blinks, skimming what information about said Princess his EI can pull up at the mention of her name. "Indeed." All of the Ladies will have had basic weapons and military field craft training. Most of the ones we're choosing have some background in police or security work. But they've never done anything real. * Hikaru nods. "I've done some reading on T-E's MG training programs. They are thorough." That's a deliberate choice - we have more experienced Ladies available, but we keep this team young. It needs to be fresh, it needs to be incorruptible... and it needs to be able to work anonymously. * Shihei-san sniffs. "Ladies get famous fast in this town." Well, we're familiar with that, as you are probably aware. I assume that our living expenses will be provided for should we join up? * Hikaru 's hand is shaking a bit as he brushes his bangs out of his face. "We'd prefer to keep from becoming famous as Ladies, Shihei-san, so you needn't worry on -our- end." You'll get the standard team salary, which is... *looks a number up on her PDA* hourly at 3800 EYen. Normal overtime, triple pay for combat time. * Hikaru smirks a bit sardonically. "A touch of a pay cut, but it also sounds like steadier work." Plus it gets us out of England. I didn't really like the place much. You get only four hours of light a day during winter. * DuchessSakura shudders. "And four hours of darkness in the summer. Never could stand that." Helps one *yawn* stay awake. IF one's inclined that way. It will mean less globetrotting. You will have - hopefully - a decent amount of downtime, but not on any sort of predictable schedule. That could be a nuisance. It's the way things go around here - weird shit happens, H-1 scrambles to cover it. * Hikari laughs. "I'm more used to making weird stuff happen. That'll be a change of pace." It was like that even back in the day, during the war, when I was on it. The more things change, the more they stay the same," as the English saying goes. * DuchessSakura twinkles for a moment, then turns serious. "If this goes as south as some of my analysts are afraid, we may end up at war again." So, I think if you guys can arrange to have our stuff shipped down here from England, I think we have a deal. But the question on my mind is why we were awakened during the dead of night? Are we off to work immediately? Hm. War is fun and profitable. But terribly messy when it gets beyond the small scale. I wouldn't be surprised if it's much, much more profitable for those willing to take advantage of it, when it gets so big. Maybe you do it for the fun, but I do it for the challenge. Is there a difference, dear sister? The team is forming, but pretty much immediately. H-4 is still decontaminating the scene, but as soon as they give the all-clear we're going to put all of you on site to check it out. What's taking them so long? I haven't had time to check. Perhaps we should go assist them. Anyway, we're happy to have you on board... but you do realize we'll need you to be Tokyo-Earth citizens? Yeah, but I'm sure you can speed the application process along. I assume you have cover jobs ready for us, as well. We'd obviously prefer it if it were not publicly known that Unmei Hikaru and Hikari are Lord Fate and Lady Destiny. Oh, that's *not* a problem. But it's not a simple or casual decision to make. * Hikaru mumbles something about Ichiro. Part of your orders will be not to connect your identities publicly. You will lose this assignment if you let that happen. Not an issue at all, I assure you. You're not just changing mercenary employers. You're committing yourselves, your lives, to protecting Tokyo-Earth. You'll be members of the parliament automatically. For some MG's, that's a burden, for some, it's a bonus. But it will be something you have to deal with. Mm. As you say, not a decision to be made lightly. The pay is... moderate. There are constitutional restrictions on our ownership and investment in business, and limits on our salaries. But you will be a part of the most powerful aristocracy on the planet. If that does anything for you. Sounds like it would be interesting to me. I get to put my poli-sci degree to good use while continuing my hobby. So, I'm in, and I believe my brother here is in as well. Is there anything else you need to tell us, or do you want to get back to finding the remaining members for the team? If nothing else, we should go out there now, before decontamination cleans the scene too much. Perhaps we can ascertain the reason for the delay, and report it back to you, as well. No, you'll head out with the full team. It should just be a couple more hours, at the most. *shrug* Your dime, so your call, ma'am. Or is it miss? There's a good pile of forms you'll need to fill out, and then we'll wake up Her Majesty to swear you in. * DuchessSakura shrugs. "People use ma'am, or sir around here, regardless of proper usage." 'Your Highness' is also technically correct when addressing a Princess or Duchess. Most of the Duchesses are not sticklers, though I think we could use a little more respect around here. Ma'am it is, then, ma'am. So. Paperwork. Let's see it so I can get my EI on the most tedious parts ASAP. *actually pronounces it 'ae-sap'* What say we save the formal titles for formal occasions, Shihei-san? * DuchessSakura sighs. "It's going to be a long night." She scoots back to her desk. Right. Okay, we need to go back up a few floors. My condolences, ma'am! *bounces to his feet, positively shaking with a caffeine high* Ready, Kari? * Hikari rises from her chair. "Close enough, anyway." [end mini] Session Close: Sat May 20 19:37:20 2006 Session Start: Sat May 27 12:56:43 2006 [April 3, 2039 - 0250 local time] [a briefing room - the same one, actually - in the Palace office area] [mini start] * LadyBobOmb enters, casting a final glance at the map that's up on her PDA. She's pretty, and it's hard to tell if she's transformed. Even for an MG, she's showing a -lot- of skin. * LadyKiss struts in through the doors, a beautiful green dress clinging to her black body and flowing out at the hips giving a little swoosh to her walk. Matching high heels, carry purse, and gloves accent her black skin. Her chocolate hair done up in light curls, falling down to frame the face. She's short but trying to show height in her dress. * LadyBobOmb 's outfit currently consists of a extremely short-short royal- blue fuku with black lining on the bottom, and a low-cut, billowy white blouse. Her sandals are the same color as her hair- brown. Her hair's down, short-cut and straight. She's got glasses on over her brown eyes. * LadyBobOmb bows politely to the other Lady as she enters, then puts away her PDA. "Hello." She smiles. ^^ The conference table looks a little bit messy. Coffee service has been used and left there, and a few of the chairs are pulled out and left swiveled in the wrong direction. In the front corner, a 3d display is wasting power showing a flat white image of blank Palace letterhead. * LadyKiss smiles charmingly and takes the offered hand. "Hello, I'm Lady Kiss and you are?" * LadyBobOmb is probably older that Kiss, judging by looks. "Junior Lady Bob- Omb." ^^ * LadyKiss laughs. "Ah yes, I'm a Junior Lady too. Any idea why we are here?" * LadyBobOmb shakes her head. "Not yet." * LadyBobOmb pulls a seat out for Kiss, before taking one herself. It seemed urgent. I really do wonder what they want, oh my thank you. * LadyKiss slowly sits down being careful with her dress. * LadyBobOmb glances at her EI for a moment, then tucks it away again. The 3d fizzes to show a somewhat disheveled Duchess. * LadyBobOmb then sags a little in the seat. She's probably still tired. And just as quickly reverts to sitting straight once the screen activates. ...Yoshino-kun, are you... uh. Um. Is Shihei-san there? No ma'am. ...but *you* are. Ladies Bob-Omb and Kiss, I believe? * LadyBobOmb nods. "Yes ma'am." Yes, Ma'am. She was supposed to be briefing you already. Hold on a second while- * Shihei-san walks in, an industrial-sized mug of coffee in hand. * LadyBobOmb nods politely to the newcomer. "Shihei-san?" Ah, I see I'm late. Sorry, I needed to freshen up a little. * LadyKiss looks up at Shihei giving a slight nod. "I believe she just walked in." Hello. I'm Junior Lady Bob-Omb. ^^ * Shihei-san doesn't look that refreshed. Her bun is coming a little loose, and her eyes are bloodshot. But she still radiates severity and intelligence - just sleepiness too. I'm Junior Lady Kiss. I know who you are. I helped select you. * LadyKiss puts a hand to her mouth, gasping a bit. "Oh, my, and what were we selected for?" A pleasure to meet you, then. ^^ I'm sorry we had to get you out of bed, but some things have happened and both of you are being reassigned effective now. Did you catch the news on the ride in? There was an article about an explosion near Ningyo City. No, I apologize I didn't se it. Yeah, that would be it. What the press don't know yet is that three Ladies are dead. * LadyBobOmb pulls out her PDA, and glances at it for a moment. She tucks it away again. Oh dear. This is serious isn't it? What the press isn't going to find out is that those Ladies were the core of H-1. And that they were tracking foreigners suspected of smuggling illegal biologicals into the city. This is about as serious as it gets. * LadyBobOmb frowns, and listens. * LadyKiss nods and her lips press into a straight line. You've been selected as a part of the new H-1 team that we're forming. * LadyBobOmb blinks. "Oh, my." That's a great honor. Your previous assignments are canceled. This... well, we may shrink the team a little in a year or two if things settle out, but it's best if you consider it to be a permanent assignment. * DuchessSakura chuckles. "We'll see if you think it's a honor after you do the job for a few months. Of course. And if that's the good news I'm taking it as an honor. I'm waiting for a bad news. Sakura-sama, is she really the sort of material you want in this team? She's just young, and no doubt it sounds exciting. Kiss, dear, the bad news is that this assignment is the closest thing you can get to a combat posting without getting sent to North China or something like that. * LadyBobOmb looks over at Sakura-sama. * LadyKiss smiles just a bit. "The bad news would be who did this or you don't know who did this." If we knew who did this, we wouldn't be panicking to get a new team together, would we? * LadyKiss bows her head. "No. I guess you wouldn't." There are a *lot* of complicating factors on that garage roof, Ladies. In a couple of hours, we'll send you out there to have a look for yourself. Are we going alone? * LadyBobOmb pauses a moment. "And has H-4 done more than secure the area?" No. You're the last two members of the new team to arrive. The others are napping in another lounge. H-4 is in the midst of decontamination procedures. It's... a mess. * DuchessSakura sighs. "I don't mean to be elliptical about this. It's just been a long evening, and it'll be a long day tomorrow." Yes, Ma'am. I understand. * Shihei-san is looking slightly amused. "You're the only MG's we're pulling out of other assignments for this. I was expecting more objections." * LadyBobOmb stands up, and bows. "I will do my best." Unfortunately, or fortunately, the blouse doesn't do a great job of covering anything from that angle. I assume any objects I might have will be ignored. This is much more important then any little complaints I might have. * DuchessSakura gets an eyeful through the camera pickup, but doesn't comment. Ignored... no. But fuller explanations might have been forthcoming. Are there any witnesses, or survivors? I got their paperwork picked up already, ma'am. Nope. No witnesses. And no survivors worth noting. As I said, it's much more important then any little complaints I might have. If some Ladies are dead this is too important to argue over. Did you? Then I guess we're ready for the unpleasant bits. * LadyBobOmb frowns, then says, to her PDA, "Glitch, do a search on anything you can regarding this incident. See if anyone else’s EI's caught anything, or there's any kind of surveillance records you can pull up. Be thorough." You don't have clearance for that, Bob-Omb. Yet. In a little bit you will. * LadyBobOmb then looks up at the 3-vid. "Sakura-sama, that brings me to my next question." Questions are good. * LadyBobOmb blinks. "Ah, you had already answered it. I was going to request such clearance." We can't sign the paperwork before you get ordered. * DuchessSakura nods. "Are you ready?" * LadyBobOmb blinks, then nods. "Yes, Lady." I do have one itsy bitsy request first ma'am. * DuchessSakura waits for it. I need to cancel a lunch appointment tomorrow. So? So, I'll like a few moments in between to make sure that happens. You'll have plenty of time. Thank you Ma'am. Then I'm ready. So. Here's the deal. By Order of the Queen, you now are inducted into H-1. * DuchessSakura 's voice takes on a strange tone, which almost, though not quite, sounds like Her Majesty's timbre and cadences. As team members of H-1, you answer first to your team leader, then to the DDS and myself, and finally to the Queen. In any matter regarding your duties, no one else is in your chain of command, and you may give instructions to any member of Security below agency director level. Second. Besides accomplishing your duties, you are obligated not to disclose your status in H-1 to anyone outside of Security, and to as few people within the Ministry as possible. You must keep your civilian identity uncorrelated with your MG identity as well. * LadyBobOmb nods. Lastly - while the policy and inclination of Her Majesty is not to give general loyalty Orders, members of H-1 are specifically Ordered to never take bribes, never use their position for personal gain, and never betray the interests of Tokyo-Earth. * DuchessSakura grimaces, and her voice goes back to normal. * LadyKiss bows her head again. And... I'm sorry about hitting you with that last one without any warning. Once you understand the role that your team fills, you will see why we think it's necessary. It's ok Ma'am. These seem like unusual circumstances. * LadyBobOmb frowns. "My sister might notice my transfer out of the SDF." We're working up cover jobs in H-2. * DuchessSakura turns away. "Oh great. I'll see you later, but I need to make a call." The 3d clears. * LadyKiss shakes her head. "This is all". She pauses for a second. "A bit over whelming." Okay. If you want, there's about an hour here where you can try to nap. We're still getting some bits together, and the group briefing will be in... 90 minutes. * LadyBobOmb nods at Shihei-san. "Shihei-san? Can you handle the EI authority?" As soon as I file the paperwork. Which I do need about ten signatures on. * Shihei-san hands out pens. And lots and lots of paper. Thank you Ma'am. I'll make the call I need to and then would like a nap. Right after I sign these, of course. [end mini]