DOMINION CONFLICT ONE. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THIRD EPISODE: "Steel and tenderness". By CAPRICORN. Disclaimer: Characters and backgrounds( with some exceptions) are personal property of Shiroo Masamune Sensei and are legally owned by Seishinsa. They are used without permission, but with the most deeepest respect. Do not sue the writer! It would be useless. Instead pass the script to the genius who is behind the original creation of it in the hope he might actually enjoy it. Have fun! Communications:Praises ,love, money, comments, cute sisters and/or flames are to be sent to fabcasu@tin.it Warning!:There could be problems that rises while writing this fiction too difficult to explain without stopping the plot; for this reason a set of technicals explanation is given at the end of the text. If you find a number into the fiction just check for the note. Overall advise:This text contains explicit sexual situations and (mild) violence scenes; if you do not like or approuve or are not entitled to read it please do not! Just erase this text; if you'll go on have fun, but do not say we did not warn you! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Her ears twitched and she felt that her sleep was quickly dissipating and that she was awakening. She half opened her eyes and saw a shadow looming over her. Both eyes snapped open at once and she felt ready to react and started to tense her whole body; then she realized there wheren't any dangers around her. The shadow was owned by a man, about thirty years old, with short dark hair; he leaned against his right hand, his upper part of the body naked and looked at her with adoration while he smiled warmly. -Good morning.- He whispered to her as he bowed his head to kiss her. She smiled and accepted the kiss- Good morning.- She sighed- Are you awake from longtime? -Half an hour. -Did you try anything funny?- She gave him a mischievious look, remebering him she was naked under the light cotton cover. -No, I did not have the strenght, at the moment.- He smiled and caressed her left cheeck- Besides, I liked what I saw and enjoied it so much. She rised a little and glanced at his side. None was there- Where is Uni?- She asked , then she noticed the sound of the water flowing in the bathroom- It's allright I already know the answer. -Will you join her while I get the breakfast ready?- He asked kissing her on the nose tip. -Umph- She pouted. -What's wrong?- He blinked puzzled. -Nothing, But you should have been more romantic.- She looked at him like a child who did not get her favourite doll for Christmas- Why didn't you awake me with a tray with the breakfast already on it? He smiled - I had already though of it, but I gave up the idea. Technically too difficult. -Too lazy, uh?- She teased him. -No, my lady- He kissed her on her lips- I had not enough force to drag the fridge to the bed.- He grinned. Anna widened her eyes.- Why, you... Let me get you!- She grabbed her pillow and hit him on the face.He laughed and started parrying with his pillow. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The car traveled at sustained speed down the boulevard that flanked the police station. Satomi looked at her husband on her left side, while she controlled the car with ease. Taro Habana was a little man, even in the times he could stood up he was not taller than a meter and a half. He now could not more, and Satomi glanced at his rolling chair, nearly not noticing it as it was such a familiar sight. Habana's upper part of the body was well built, not too muscled but firm under his uniform. The face was hidden partially by a rebreather mask that he always had on him. After the incident that stole him his legs he had many problems in breathing, due to his bad lungs sitation; that for the mask. He was shaved on his face, even his skull, except for a wisp of hair on his top, that he always regretted he could not cut. Satomi always opposed herself to it. She said she liked the samurai looking that it gave to him. He loved her wife too much to quarrel about something like that. So he gave up and let it there. He sighed and rubbed his eyes. -Tired?- she asked smiling. -You bet on it.- He glanced at her- Did you like it? She flushed slightly- Stop it.- She muttered embarassed. He chuckled embarassed too, he had been too forward and Satomi was a bit shy. -Sorry. Sorry. The car dropped speed and parked on the left side of the street. The door of Habana's side opened upper way and a part of the chassis slid back, permitting to the mechanical rolling chair to exit. 1 The four weels turned perpendicular to the structure and with a low hum the strange vehicle slid on the sidewalk. Satomi pulled the manual brake lever and exited the door. Habana saw his wife coming to him. She smiled and closed his kevlar vest; he blushed- Satomi, we are on the street!- He muttered under his breath. -Your fault, I do not want that they tell me I have a messy looking husband. -Good, good, now go, you're going to be late. She knelt and gazed into his eyes- What will it be today?- She asked. -Oh routine, nothing to bother. I'm out with the tank in the afternoon, but it's just a patrol.-He spoke nonchalantly. She smiled- Well, no heroics, right?- He looked innocently at her as to say "who, me?"- Or I will be very upset this time.- She waved her finger at him. Habana knew her wife, even if she was kind and gentle she could be a raging typhoon if she felt like that; so he nodded. -Good, let's go!- She stood up and went for the car. -Pay attention while driving.- He waved at her, then Habana actioned the motor of his chair and went for the police station. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The usual food slaughter had begun; Sandro asked himself if they had had anything to eat during those five years. They were showing some misure of restraint, they only ate a triple hot dog each for breakfast, that was some misure of inprovement. He smiled and sipped his tea, not bothering at all at the show they gave him; he missed it somehow. Anna smiled at him and finished liking her fingers, then she sat up and turned around the table, sitting on his lap. He accepted this intrusion and enjoied her weight on him, she kissed him briefly.Uni cleaned her hands with her light blue napkin and leaned against her right hand, looking at him. -Well, what now? -I don't know, what do you plan?- He was not at ease after this remark, were they planning already to leave? Anna closed herself and did not speak, she buried her face in his neck and purred lightly, he smiled and rubbed his left cheeck against her. -Tell me, what did you do in those five years?- He asked suddenly, as if the question had come to his mind in that moment, instead of burning on his tongue for the entire evening of the day before. Uni scratched her head and smiled sadly- It's a long history... -You don't want to tell me, right?- He noted flatly. She smiled and looked at him, then she put a hand on his right shoulder and lightly leant against it, then she kissed him; as they parted she answered- Give us some time, we'll tell you it when we feel like. Okay? -Yes.- He nodded, understanding it was something they did not want to touch, right now; he put the tea cup back on the table and leaned against his chair, caressing Anna's waist. -Do you think, we could stay here for a while?- Uni asked suddenly- You know, until things settles a little. Anna rised her head and gazed at him with an interrogative look on her face. He smiled- I was already thinking of how we could arrange for you the guest room. -Yaa!- Anna cried and put her face in his neck again, hugging him tight and purring loudly. Uni glanced at her right- I take that this door you never opened is the guest room? -Yes, I did not use it anytime since now, so it need some amanagement, but in all it's yours. -Let's see.- Uni smiled and rised offering him a hand to stand up. He took it and stood up after that Anna permitted it. They went for the door and opened it. It opened without a sound, instead they where greeted by a smell of a room closed for too much time. Anna put a hand on her face.- Yeulch!- She pointed out disgusted, pinching her nose. -You are not planning to have many guest, do you?- Uni noted sarcastically, seeing the messy state in wich the room was. Scattered items, boxes and clothes lied on the floor. Alessandro laughed embarassed and scratched his head.- Sorry, as I said I use it mainly as a closet, so... He entered the room and went for the window; after rising the roller blind he opened it and let fresh hair flow in. The two sisters looked around searching for something funny to stick to. In all they decided it was a really boring room and so they gave up. He turned his head.-Very well, let's start. Anna and Uni nodded, it would surely have been more funny than painting the tank. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shinozaki rised his eyes from the report he was reading as he heard the familiar hum of the electrical motor of Habana's rolling chair. He rised from his chair and saluted his superior and driver- Sir! -At ease, Shinozaki, I told you I'm not entitled at being saluted like that, spare it for commander Ozaki- Habana noted. 2 -Yes, as you wish.- He smiled and gave him a pair of paper sheets, held together by a steel clip. Habana nodded, silently thanking him and went for his desk, examinig the reports and dayly orders. -Hard night yesterday, uh?-Shinozaki asked without a particular intonation. Habana blinked at him blushing deeply-Eh?- He answered nearly strangling himself. Shinozaki was confused-I spoke of the tank turn. Habana flushed even deeply as he understood- Oh, yes, yes, you're right.-he turned around looking for something, then asked- Commander Ozaki? Shinozaki looked at his watch- you're right, she's late. Well, I guess it will be seconds.- He smiled and sat back at his desk. Habana examined his gunner asking himself how old could he be. Thirty? More? Shinozaki was a muscled, heavy built man, about a meter and seventy, maybe a couple of centimeter taller, the perfect structure for a Judoka. His face was framed with dense black hair, broad, squared but with two eyes that showed a bright intelligent light into them. He was a good police officier, but a bit too zealous and with a very personal point of view of his job. Habana had no problems with it, he found that Shinozaki was the best choice for his tank. No complaints. -Good morning!- a deep feminine voice came from Habana's back, he saw Shinozaki assume an embarassed expression and turned the chair. Director Totate was coming to his desk. She was the responsible of the traffic section, a woman into her fifties with a talent for minding of anything that was none of her business. In fact the best sector organizer the Newport City police had ever had. -Director.- Habana bowed his head- May I help you? -Actually, yes.- She handed him a report- Give it to commander Ozaki when she arrives.- She looked at Shinozaki who was busy trying to pass unobserved- Good morning. -G... Good morning director.- He stuttered. Habana blinked, gazing at him. Director Totate left with a faint smile on her lips. Habana could not hold it-Surely it's nothing of my business, but why are you sweating like that? -Remeber last time I wandered into her section, and she though I was searching for a wife between one of her officier? -Yes. -Well, she's not given it up at all. -Had to ask.- Habana pointed out, cutting the conversation. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Anna turned her gaze at Alessandro, while she leaned aginst the car seat. She found there was definitly something different in him. Suddenly she realized it-Your glasses! Alessandro looked at her from his driving position paying meanwhile attention to the crowded streets, noticing how short her skirt was, right under her white sweater-Hmmm?- He asked. -You had glasses five years ago. -Ah, yes. I dropped a pair of diopters lower and started to have problems with my job. You know, all the little blueprints... So I let myself being opered.- He answered nonchalantly. -Was it painful?- She asked, curios. -No, not at all, a little cut with a laser, two days with closed eyes and that was all. Not even that expensive. Uni's arm embraced him and his seat from behind. He patted on them. -Bored kitten? -No. Was just wondering were we are going.- she answered. He did not turn-We are going to search for your room. You will need a bed, bed side tables and some other things. They felt silent. He blinked at Anna who was sitting at his left side-Did I say something wrong?- He asked feeling them tense. -Er... will it be expensive?- Anna squirmed on her seat glancing back and forth trough him and her sister. -Depends on what you choose. Overall no, I guess, why? -Well...- Anna kneaded her hands embarassed. Sandro got it. -Don't worry, I'll pay it.-The two cat's expression lightened at once- I had to buy it anyway, so... Uni's voice came from behind- It's a bit difficult to explain, but we are not going to see a buck until the end of the month. -Yes, commander Ozaki was clear about that.- Anna nodded groaning. He blinked - Commander? Anna grinned- Three guesses and the first two do not count. What's our new job? He chuckled and shook his head- I cannot believe it, police officier! -Well.- Uni noted- We thought, "If you cannot win 'em..." -Good point.- He nodded- Okay, don't worry, you're guests until the end of the month, from then on you will be free to decide what to do. Anna nodded , broadly smiling and he felt Uni's embrace tighten, understanding she was happy too. He was always confused from their AI patterns. The car entered a huge parking area, in front of a high, heavy built building. He stopped it on spot. -Here we are. Let's go. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shimizu leaned lazily against his chair and put his feet on the low table, encrusted with mechanical oil and covered with misterious spare parts. He was bored as usual. He did not feel the thrill of being into the tank police that much, actually he was just enjoying that period thinking that he will be transferred in no time to the central division. He though about that. Good studies paied always. He glanced at Bonaparte, resting in a corner of the hangar and reclined he's head a bit, studying it. He shrugged and reached for his front pocket, retrieving a packet of cigarettes. He got one and started slowly to smoke it. He though impressed He blew out the smoke, making little rings of it. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The lift door opened and the trio entered the furniture division of the commercial center; They had already found a carpet, some nice light blue curtains and some others items. Alessandro was not really imopressed by the good taste of the sisters in the choice of their sheets and quilts. Actually pink teddy bears on green field would not have been his first choice, but "De Gustibus...". 3 He looked for the responsible and asked him for what he was searching. He nodded and showed him some solution on a electronic pad. Anna and Uni did not interfer with his choice, since those where thing that would remain into the house. After two minutes Alessandro made his choice and ordered it. He shook the clerck's hand and took his two friends under his arms. -Very well, now let's go to the restaurant, I'm starving. -You did not eat anything at home.- Anna complained- Your fault. -Sorry, but the fridge was strangely empty.- He grinned kissing her on the cheeck. -Ah, ah, ah, funny!- Anna backed sarcastically. The cafeteria and self service of the commercial center was a quiet space, something very useful if you wanted a second for yourself, even if you weren't shopping at all. Alessandro was a farm boy, he always liked those place; maybe because it reminded him the times in wich he went shopping with his mother in the city. They choosed their meal by the automatic sistem and sat at their table. Alessandro drank from his red wine glass and enjoied the feeling of the red river that run down his troath. Anna and Uni watched him but did not drink anything. In the center of the table there was a low metallic cupola, suddenly it opened and their meal appeared into it, brought by the mechanical serving sistem. They ate quietly chatting about anything. Alessandro was really interested about Anna's report on the explosion, two days before. -So it was a bomb?- He asked remembering he was that close and shuddering. -Hmmm, Ozaki is pretty sure of that, and I'm of that opinion too, but anything could be.- She nodded playing with the last crumbles of her meal. -Did you receive any message?- he asked. -You mean something like "We made it!" ? Plenty!- Uni complained- My desk was full of that junk. It seemed that the entire city had started to lay bombs. -Some of them could be interesting.- Alessandro pointed out. -Sure, the investigative division took it and are filing it , but really! I had messages like " The god has said us to do it! In the name of the only excellent being, we will hit again!" and was signed "The army of the avenging angels, order of the only King"! Gimme a break! -The only King?- Alessandro blinked- Does it mean the Lord? -No, it meant Elvis! I found a photo of him in it. He laughed and so did she. -What about you?- Anna asked, leaning against her left hand. -Well, what do you want to know?- He asked. -Dunno, how is your mother?- Anna smiled. He was silent, then drunk a sip of his wine- Your guess is a s good as mine. -Uh?- They both blinked puzzled- What's that? -I do not speak with her from five years, since you left. Anna slammed her hands on her face and Uni leaned against her chair looking at the ceiling, shaking her head. -Well? What are you doing?- He asked. -Please!- Anna prayed with her eyes shut with her hands- Tell us you have some quarrel that does not have a connection with us! Please. -Well, you know... -Moron!- Uni hissed- Why the hell do you think we left? Did you not find our letter? -I did.- he answered flatly, remembering each line, after he had read it a million times- but don't think I did not realize it. Anna shook her head and let her hands rest on the table, looking at them. -Doesn't seem like that to me. -Nor to me- Uni doubled. -Can I speak?- he stated to get annoyed, the two sisters looked at him and nodded. -It's not that I was that hearthbroken that I could not forgive my mother for that letter. It was only that I needed badly a moment to understand what happened. He sighed and drunk another sip of his wine - Then something happened, one day I worked on an android, we were in the final phase, shortly before we would have awoken him. -Then something went wrong, maybe it was defective from the beginnig, maybe I screwed up, anyway, he woke up alone in the moment in wich we were running control of his internal sistem. -He opened his eyes, looked at me and died. Anna and Uni shuddered- Did he... Suffer?- Uni asked. -Difficult to say, his ICQ was flat a second before and was gone a second after,between this two periods there was shimmer of life that was lost.- He touched nervously his hair and looked away from them - The only signal was a dripple of white blood from his mouth and his eyes fixed into mine. Anna hid her face into her hands and sighed. -I asked myself a long time, trying to understand what happened, in all it was the beginnig of the crisis. I started to think about my impossibility to have normal relations with other human, and understood that it depended from the fact I did not want to take the responsibility of letting them live without me. -I had the answer I searched, I was a biotec engineer because I only have the responsibility to wake them and then nothing more. -Bullshit!- Uni hissed He blinked- What? Anna nodded- Stomp him sis. -With pleasure, so it's only that? You're not adult enough to understand you can only live your life? That's it? -Err... -Well, face it Buster that's goddamn right!- She was furious- you're nothing, even if you value yourself that much. You're uman, you come to this world free to make your choices and to live your life, and you're telling to someone like us, two slaves, that it's too much for you? Fuck off. He sighed and looked at her, but there was nothing he could do- Listen, it's not like I did not say that to me a million times. I only wasn't strong enough to make my conclusion until saturday night. -Until we busted you.- Anna smiled sadly. He shook his head and looked at them- No, until I did not read your letter for the millionth time and understood I could not loose both, you and my mother. They both blinked puzzled, Anna broke the silence- What? -You were one of the best thing my life had to give me, even if it was only for a week. Uni stabbed with cruelty- You liked our little fuck, right? He stood up and looked with hate at her; She knew she had screwed up. He started to walk away- Wait!- Anna stopped him, he turned- Sit down, please. He looked at both; Anna glanced at her sister and saw her flush, lowering her gaze- Sorry- she whispered- I didn't mean it, really. He sat down- Listen, this conversation is gone very out of hand, I suggest we leave it there. I'm really happy that we are together again, and that's everything I need in this moment. I'm starting to clean the mess, I'll promise. He turned towards Uni- Is it allright for you? Uni nodded and looked away - You'll have to be patient with me, I'm not that tamed at all. 4 He smiled- I wouldn't want to have you in any other way. -Really?- She smiled. -Really. The silence fell again; he touched Uni's hand with his and felt her tress her fingers with his. She looked at him again. -Answer to that, does your phone work? -Yes, why? She did not answer; she did just look at him. After a brief second he nodded. She did the same. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was short after lunch time that commander Ozaki entered the police station; she wasn't exactly in a good mood at all. Habana saw her arrive and understood something did not match at all.-Commander? Shinozaki rised from his chair and saluted her perplex, she wasn't ever late. Leona put her helmet on her desk and started to take down the jacket- Good morning.- She grumbled. Shinozaki went back to work, only Habana dared himself. -Something wrong? -A flat tire, it happened on the highway, so I had to push my moped to the first emergency exit and abandon it there. Then I had to wait for someone so kind to stop his car and bring me here.- She was furios. Habana knew it was not all- And? -Well, the only one that stopped were some sort of catholic, non violent integralist!- she trew her gloves on her desk and plopped on her chair retrieving the dayly order and glancing at it- They tried to make me repent, or to exorcise me, both maybe, I lost their babbling after the first ten minutes! Habana nodded- What about your motorcicle? -Ah, now that you remind me. Send a message to the traffic division while you're on you patrol and give them the cordinate of it. They will retrieve it and bring it here. Habana blinked- Yes, but... -Don't worry, I did it before, it will not cost more than letting it retrieve privately. 5 Habana nodded and left her. Leona started to calm down and sighed deeply. She knew, that it was monday and that she had no driver at all. She always took wednesday as her day of the week. Shizume, Shinozaki and Habana Sunday and Asada and the two Pumas Monday. Result. She had paperwork for the first day of the week and knew she would not have a trigger under her finger until tomorrow. She thought that she needed to calm down. She looked at her back and devined, more than she actually saw it, the door of the ladder for the hangar. Maybe she could give a look if her baby was safe. Then she turned around and looked at the pile of reports she had on her desk and sighed resigned. Later. She took the first report and gave it a glance. She arched her eyebrow and turned to Habana. He was busy at the telephone, so she turned to Shinozaki- Shinozaki? -Yes sir?- Shinozaki emerged from his pile of reports- May I help you? -What's that?- She waved the papers in front of him. He glanced at them and nodded. -Director Totate brought it here earlier, she said to give it to you. -Thank you.- She started to read it again. -My pleasure sir.- Shinozaki went back to his work. Leona started reading; her expression hardened suddenly and she got the phone receiver. She dialed a number and waited a couple of second, the heard a voice from the other end of the line. -Brenten? Silence. -Good morning, I'm mortified I had to disturb you, I'm commander Ozaki. I need to speak with inspector Brenten. Silence. -Yes, thank you, I'll wait. The silence lasted longer this time. Then... -Charles? It's me, Leona. Look I'm sorry I had to call you home, but just listen to that! She started to read. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -Oh my!- Alessandro slapped his right palm on his brow, he held the left hand on the steering weel. Anna looked at him- Something wrong?- She asked. -Well, to be true, yes.- He turned his gaze to them- Do you mind if I make a little detour? -Forgot something?- Uni's voice reached him from behind. -Sort of. It will take no time. Anna smiled and nodded- Sure, go on. He turned the car and went for a large boulevard on his left; they traveled for a pair of minutes, then he slowed down and parked the car on the left side of the street. Anna looked around and noticed something- Wait a second, it's not far from the police station! He looked around and blinked- Really? Uni's head poked beetwen them from the rear sit- Yes, actually, it's just a couple of blocks from here. -Funny, I did not notice.- He smiled undoing his seat belt. -What are you looking for? -Well, I had a rendez vous with a person in the afternoon.- He opened the door and stept out, then turned around looking at them- I'm telling her it will be for some other day, since we did not finish the room and since the furnitures will arrive later. Uni grinned- "Her"?- She asked- Seemed to me we disturbed a nice date sis. Anna nodded, coldly glaring at him. He waved his hands and shook strongly his head-Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Cool down girls, it's just a foreign student with problems with her examens. I sometimes lend her a hand and that pretty settles it! Anna relaxed blatantly and nodded smiling- Don't be long! He sighed and locked the door going for the door of the pub. Uni chuckled, irritating Anna- What's that for, please? -You act as a full formed, regular, wife. She flushed in anger- Shut up!- She hissed. Uni kept on chuckling. Alessandro pushed the door and entered the pub. The curtains where shut. -It's closed!- A female voice called him from the half-light. He squeezed his eyes and identified a silouette behind the counter. -Michaela? -Yes, it's me!- Her voice had a strange intonation, as if she was relieved from his visit. -It's me Alessandro- He walked to her- Good that I found you here! I came to leave a message for you. -Really?- She did not move and looked at him. He felt not at ease at all, suddenly something did not match in this picture. -Well yes, I will not be able to help you this afternoon, could we do it tomorrow, before you'll go working? She smiled and nodded. Alessandro looked at her but could not distinguish her completely, half engulfed in the shadows of the room. -Comes to me, what are you doing here? She esitated just a second- The beer barrels arrived today and they needed a hand. He nodded- So you're not alone? -No, two people are behind the pub to help me. He nodded and smiled- Very well, then I'll live you alone. He waved his hand and turned to the door. She tensed slightly but did not move. As he was nearly out of the room he spun around and looked at her- By the way, since you fully understood the Shiroo curves, what did you want to know? She shuddered and breathed quickly-The ICQ principles. -Okay, I'll call you tonight. Bye! -Bye. He turned and left. Michaela tried to control the beating of her hearth and the rithm of her breaths. Did not quietly succeed. -You did a good work, girlie. A muffled voice spoke to her from under the counter. She looked at her feet and looked down the barrel of a shotgun. The man behind smiled broadly. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Alessandro did not speak a single word as he entered the car. He fastened his seat belt and started the engine, looking grimly in front of him. The two sister blinked puzzled- Is something wrong?- Uni asked. He nodded and drived the car back into the street. After a the first cross section he turned to the left and stopped the car on the side. -How far is the police?- He asked suddenly not looking at them. Anna tensed- What's on? -There is someone in that pub, and I do not think they are friendly at all. Anna undid her seat belt and felt her body ready for the battle. Uni felt the same- How many? -She let me understand there where two of them. -Okay! -Anna opened the door- You are leaving us behind, run for the first phone and call the cops. He blinked at her, she blushed- Sorry, old habits. -Wait a second, you're not going to... -You bet!- Uni was busy checking her machine gun that had appeared from nowhere as usual- Leave it to us, we are the one in charge of the ops! -No way! I'm coming along. Anna sighed- Stop it, do you have a weapon? Are you trained in close combat? That's our thing. -But... -Shit, Sandro!- Uni exploded from the rear sit and glared at him pulling the breech- block lever, arming the gun- Who's the cop here?! He was speechless for a second, then nodded looking in front of him and hitting the steering weel with his hand-Shit! Anna grabbed his chin and kissed him- Don't worry, we know what we do. Just do what we did tell. -I'm sorry.- he gritted his teeth. -You do not have to. You're the backup for this op and your place is behind us. That's all. He nodded. The sisters stept out from the car, Uni was unarmed again. They started to walk for the corner of the street. -Uni?- He called the blue- jeans cladded figure. She turned and looked at him, a feral hunger into her eyes, like if the basic istinct of the hunter had woken up in her right then. -One of them is under the counter, the other is behind the door at Michaela's back. Pay attention! Uni nodded and they both run away. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Officier Rerika Ito looked at the street behind the side window of her car door. She was happy it was a peaceful day, she did not like the idea of a mess like the one they had in the other districts. The series of explosion of saturday night had seriously ripped the street cover, thus creating major problems to vehicle circulation. She knew she would go mad if it had happened to her. She brushed a lock of her black hair away from her left eye and studied the street in front of her. -Pretty quiet, uh?- She said to her collegue. Suzuna Suzushiro nodded letting her long, straight, blond hair wave on the side of her head- We are lucky. She turned the steer and let the car gently turn to her left side, into a long peaceful street. Suddenly she heard a screech at her side and glanced into the rear mirror. A black Toyota Kaiman had just turned behind her. After meeting them traveling in the opposite direction it had turned almost on spot, risking collision with a red sport car and jumping after them, like it wanted to chase her. She turned and looked at it- What the hell... She did not have the time to say anything, the Toyota dove on them, passed them and pinned itself in front of the police car, with a loud howl from its tire. Suzuna hit the brake with all her forces gluing the car on spot. Rerika had just the time to aknoweledge this new situation, then the force of the stop launched her forwards. Luckily She was belted, so the only thing you could heard was a muffled cry, instead of a bump on the front window- Ouch! A tall gaijin 6 jumped down from the car and run to them shouting- Police! Suzuna was trying to calm down as he arrived. She fumbled badly in that task- AND JUST WHAT THE HELL DID YOU THINK YOU WHERE DOING, MISTER??!! Alessandro calmed a second understanding he had scared them to death.-Sorry, but this is an emergency. I believe an hold up is happening into a pub not far from here. Two collegues of yours are already there, but I think they need reinforcement! Rerika gazed at him breathing normally again- Well, don't stay there, call the police! He blinked puzzled; She blushed deeply and got the receiver- Sorry, I forgot.- She spoke into the receiver and gave the facts to central command. Suzuna blushed even deeply, embarassed from her dumb friend- Happens all the time.- She muttered under her breath. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The front door of the pub opened and the light blade opened a rip into the shadows of the desert pub. Two men where in front of the counter as this happened and all they could do is blink in the direction of the door. A tall woman had just entered the local, she was blond, with a wild mass of hair falling on her shoulders, Cladded with a black skirt and a white turtle neck sweater. One of them, tensing into his leather jacket noticed the two broad cat ears. -What are you searching here?- He asked roughly- We are closed. Anna shuddered and acted as she was a little girl caught by surprise, widening perplex her red eyes. She then noticed Michaela behind the counter, stiff as a stone statue and with a terrorized look into her eyes. -Mistress? What should I do?- She chirped to her. Michaela blinked puzzled, forgetting the fear for a second. The two looked to her and then realized; the one with the leather jacket laughed loudly- So? You have a android? What for? -I...- She shook her head. -It's the Animorphe from Sakura -Kyori, brother!- The other one chuckled- A fuck toy! -So?- He went to her and put the short barrel of a Beretta 7 under her chin- So it's that. You feel lonely in your nights. She widened her eyes in disgust as he quickly gave her cheeck a broad lick. He smiled as tear filled her eyes- L... leave me alone!- She shook like a leaf in the wind. -Wait, wait!, now that I notice it it'a female model!-The other man looked at her smiling broadly- Maybe she does not like cocks. -Yeah, or she did not try any.- He grabbed her and made her turn roughly, now she was giving him the back as he stuck to her body like a giant slug. The gun was pressing under her chin and she lightly rised it to avoid the cold metal. He let a hand brush her breast and she shuddered gritting her teeth. The hand run down on her and rested into her lap, pushing on her mound. She yelped slightly. He lughed loudly- Are you a virgin? Man this is rare! Michaela tried hard not to cry, so she did not answer, remaining total immobile, her glare fixed to an invisible point on the horizon. Anna was immobile too, but could not help to admire her strenght. The other one, the one that seemed unarmed walked behind her and grabbed the hem of her skirt. She did not move. He rised it and looked at her white alabaster tighs, foaming from the corner of his mouth like an enraged beast. -Hey what are you doing?- The other asked stopping for a moment his motion. -Do you think you're the only one that can have fun here? If you fuck that one, well I get this! The other one looked at her. Anna smiled warmly, like if she did not understand. She adressed herself to Michaela -What do you want me to do, mistress? -Tell her she has to fuck my friend!- He pressed the muzzle of his gun on her troath hurting her. She moaned as the pain hit her, but did not answer. -Do it!- He shouted. -E... Entertain them.- She stuttered. Anna smiled nodding. She turned around and took the face of the man into her hands, slowly kissing him on his lips. Suddenly she pressed her lips harder on him, letting her tongue invade him and cutting his breath. She hugged him thight letting her hand run freely over his body. He wore a jeans jacket without arms and dirty blue jeans. He was fat and stunk of sweat and of adrenaline. Anna slid her hand under his belt and pulled it. She looked at him slyly, letting her tongue flicker on his lips. He moaned, aroused and hungry. She slowly undid his belt and opened it, then she started to unbutton the trousers. It was the button model, and Anna took her time opening each one with art. then she let the jeans slide to his ankles. Michaela was transfixed at this view. The leather jacket man hissed into her ear. -Don't worry, you're next!- She shuddered and silently hoped it would not hurt too much... Anna took the man's hands and put them on her large breats. He chuckled and yonked them roughly. She winced in pain but kept on smiling, then she knelt down making each second count as she neared her nose tip to the smelly tissue of his underwear, deformed by his erection. Michaela closed her eyes... Suddenly the window to her right exploded as something sprung in shattering the glass.her eyes snapped open and she could see a figure rolling on the floor in front of the counter and the evil metallic sparkling of a machine gun that turned at her. Anna was swift as a thunder, she grabbed the man's ankles and pulled them strongly. He flipped upside down like a doll and hit a table with the back of his head plopping on the ground as an empty sack. She let her hand slide under his jacket and in a second a short, sawn off, shotgun appeared into her hand. Her kidnapper reacted quicker than the two sisters could ever had though. He dove under the counter pulling the girl with him and opened fire trough the wodden furniture 8.Michaela screamed. Anna and Uni jumped away from it and brought themselves in a more sure position, behind a table. After the fusillade ended Uni shouted- Police, let her go and surrender, you've no chances at all! -Kiss my butt cop! I've plenty of chances here and a hostage too! Anna swore silently, it was true. They rolled in front of the counter and let their guns point at it- Come out!- Uni shouted. Slowly Michaela's head appeared, pale, behind the counter. She held the hands up and had the barrel of the Beretta painfullly pinned under her chin. She looked at them and shook slowly her head. He appeared broadly grinning at them. -See? You don't stand a chance! Now, down with the artillery or I paint the ceiling with her brain!- He ordered. -Like Hell!- Uni shouted and aimed for his head. He swiftly hid behind Michaela's head; She did not trust herself to try by this half- light. -Down with it I said!- He armed the Beretta letting the metallic sound invade the room. Anna groaned in frustration and trow the shotgun on the floor- Put it down, sis. -You're nuts?- She asked. -I say put it down!- she gazed at her- Only, do it slowly. Uni blinked at her, then nodded and knelt putting the machine gun on the floor; she rised slowly. Anna winked quickly at Michaela and a hint of a smile appeared on her lips... Uni let her right hand slide on her sister left bare leg. She rised her hand and in a blink released something. There was a scream and Anna promptly jumped on the counter and put a hand on the face of the man, slamming his head forcefully into the wall behind him. Uni had already grabbed Michaela, jumping behind her sister and was rolling on the floor protecting her with her body. The silence invaded the room. Then they looked to each other and Uni noticed some blood on her sister left hand, there were it touched the man's head. -Sis? -Allright!- She breathed heavyly- It's his, I guess I hit too hard. -Is... he...- Michaela stuttered. Uni rised and helped her on foot- No, I don't think so, don't worry. 9 Michaela looked at each of them, not knowing what to do; Uni smiled. -Don't worry, it's over now. Michaela broke down and sobbed, then she buried herself into Uni's ample chest, shaking incontrollably. Uni was not prepared to that, and seemed quiet embarassed. She hugged her gently and craddled her though. Anna let the man fall on the floor and wiped her hands on his jacket.She examined the man's right hand and saw the little metallic knife Uni had trown at him deeply buried inside his index tendon, sectioning it. She though. The door opened with a heavy crack and a voice thundered inside the bar. -POLICE! HANDS UP! Both sister blinked to the door and saw a pair of policemen aiming their guns at them. -Cool down lads, it's already done!- Anna giggled, making a victory sign with her right hand, winking at them. Uni kissed Michaela lightly on the brow, while she sobbed once more, calming down. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Anna purred slowly as she felt the tension fade away, while Sandro's hands stroke her hair gently. She was leaning on the couch, on her right side, her head resting on his lap. He sat and was entirely devoted at this task. -Hey.- He called- Are you asleep? -Hmmmm.- She sighed deeply- Go on that way and I could. -Come on, it's only seven, aren't you hungry? She roared deeply- You're spoiling my mood.-He smiled and bent over kissing her on the cheeck. -Sorry. She smiled and half opened her eyes looking at him- Don't mention it. She rised on her knees and came closer to him. She let her hands take his face and then kissed him. It took a second, but it was not forceful at all, it was delicate and tender. As they parted the door at the right side of the kitchen opened and Uni came out of it. -Whew! Finished!- she saw what had happened and shoot her sister a dirty look- That's what I worked for? So that you could have your lewd entertainement? Anna giggled- I'm gonna cook now, he's all yours.- She rised and let her place to her sister. Uni smiled and nodded- Better that way.- She sat down at his lef side and rested her head on his shoulder. He noticed they felt like being petted tonight; after all, even if it wasn't something new, what they did that day had a little hit them. Alessandro wasn't unhappy, he liked the idea for himself too, he did not tell them, but they had scared him that afternoon. He thought that he would have to train himself to that, being the man of two policewomen had his backfires. He let his hand slide on Uni's left shoulder and he hugged her letting her feel the warmth she deserved and was asking for. Anna started to prepare the meal. -Someday, I would gladly do it, if you permit it.- Alessandro told her. -You can cook?- Anna smiled surprised not looking at him directly. -Well, I'm not that good, but my mother was really stern on that. She told me it was important that I could express my feelings. Uni blinked- Uh?- She tried to follow the logic but did not get it. -Never mind, I'll explain it again while I cook for you. When will you be home tomorrow? Uni smiled and purred; she liked the sound of the word "Home" into his mouth. It felt somehow warm... -Well, we are off at nine, if we catch the tube... -No, I'll get you with the car. Anna smiled and looked at him with sparkling eyes- My, you're sweet. He blushed a little embarassed -Actually I've got to retrieve my car; it has beeen confiscated. -AGAIN?!- They shouted together baffled. -Well, yes I was a bit messy in calling the police and nearly caused a major incident near the pub...- He poked his two fingers tips against each other Uni shook her head and rised her hand to pinch his nose. He yelped. -Ouch! -You dummy! We told you to call the police.- She rised her head and shook her hand holding her grip on the nose. He could not help but follow- Not to try to kill yourself. -'Orry! 'Orry! 'Orry!- he tried to free his nose. She laughed and released him, kissing him on the tip of it, then embracing him, letting her cheeck feel the rough sensation of his newly grown beard. She felt like crying, but did not want to be misunderstood, so she kissed him again. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Leona sighed, leaning against the chair. She just finished the whole paper job for today and was already thinking of her warm, comfortable bed at home. She stirred and closed her eyes, enjoying the feeling of her nerves that woke up again. She dropped her arms and felt a little dizzy; she waited for the feeling to pass, then she rised form her chair and switched the table lamp off. She retrieved her jacket, gloves and helmet and went for the hangar door. As she closed to it she noticed Habana, exiting the police station; she waved at him, but was not sure he did see her. She shrugged, after all it did not matter, they had already said good night. She opened the heavy, steel door and started to climb down the ladder, the echo of her boots clanging on the ladders and filling the room. As she arrived to the hangar she noticed the lights where all out, she went for the central control tabel and actioned the emergency lights, not wanting to waste too much energy using the main sistem. She saw the tanks already resting for the night under the dark green plastic sheet and smiled. She went for the third of the row and saluted him. -Hya, beautiful, did you miss me?- She took the plastic sheet and started to rise it- Don't worry we are going to hit the road again tomorrow, and then... Her words died into her troath as she noticed the painting job the two sisters had done on her tank... Basically they had respected the white and blue colour schema of the Newport City police, but they had made some slight improvement. On each side of Bonaparte there was displaied a brown lion, roaring and ready to strike; on the front plate a unicorn and a lion surrounded a golden shield that was engraved with the motto " To protect and to serve" and had a little note carved in small fonts in a corner of it "Mostly". There where more simbols on each side of the tank. Overall the feeling that it gave was the one of a knight's barded horse, ready to charge. Leona shoock her head and muttered under her breath- I'll kill them. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Alessandro put the revue on the couch and looked at the clock on the little table at his right, on the phone. It was ten in the night. He glanced at Anna, who was just exiting from the bathroom, wearing only her orange body and ready for bed. Uni was on the armchair, in front of the TV and had just finished to watch her show. She took the remote and shut the TV down. She stirred and looked at him. -Mind If I go sleep? -No, surely not, I will not be long too.-He smiled. She rised and went to him, she bowed slightly and kissed him, then looked at him- Are you going to come and tuck my covers? He chuckled- Why not? If you like it. -I'll wait for you.- She turned around and kissed her sister on the lips- G'night, sis, have fun. -Good night- She answered smiling, following her with her look as she entered their room. She then turned her gaze to him and smiled broadly- Ready for battle? He sighed- I'll try to hold the line, general! -You'll better do it!- She winked at him- Well? -Go on, I'll come to you a in a couple of minutes. She nodded and blew him a kiss- Don't be long. She entered his room and closed the door behind her. He sighed and looked the ceiling He asked himself. He knew the answer very well. He looked at his watch: 10:09. Twelve hours between them. He nodded. Maybe it was not too late. Uni was right. He got the phone and dialed a number he had not forgotten in so many years. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Elisa put down the knife and got the chopping- board, reclining it and letting all the fine hacked tomato fall into the pot. The worst was done, it now just neeeded its time for coocking. So with the help of God, of the heat and of a little spices, in an half and a hour the recipe for the Amatriciana sauce would have been ready to rumble. She rised and wished her hands on the blue apron she wore, suddenly the telephone became to ring. There are moments in life where you exactly know what is going to happen in the next minutes. Call it destiny. Call it fate. Or call it simply with its true word. Hope. Elisa went for the receiver and noticed her hands shook a little. She breathed trying to calm down. Then she rose it and spoke into it with a nervous voice. -Si? Silence. Her eyes where invaded from tears, and suddenly she found herself crying silently. She covered her mouth with her hand. -Sasą.- It was the only thing she said. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Technical notes: 1 The vehicle Habana's wife is driving is specially modified to have place for her husband rolling chair. There is no chair on the driver's side, and the chassis is really low, to permit to the rolling chair to disembark. Comes to think of it, it's probably a car you could use only into the city perimeter. With such low suspensions, if there wasn't a very good asphalt cover it would be difficult not to damage the car! 2 Habana is actually entitled to, but he probably doesn't like it, because his incident blocked his promotion; Shinozaki is twisting the knife. 3 "De gustibus non est disputandum" means roughly "Over tastes there cannot be any discussion". How true! 4 I was always surprised from the fact that the two cat sister, even if they where actually built for the market, aren't easy to live with. Who knows why? 5 It's probably reassuring to know that our taxes are well used! I happen to find out in everyday's life many of those little prevarications. People have to understand that power means responsibility! 6 "Gaijin" is a word that may not have much sense into the multi ethnic world of Dominion; It's put there because officier Suzuhiro did not think of anything more offensive or harsh in that moment. 7 "Beretta" is a sign of guns very renowned in the whole world. Japan is a country that always had a very restrictive law sistem about the circulation of guns. It's logical to think that the unique guns or rifle you can find in the world of Dominion are the one used officially from police and army, and then stolen. Black market is a reality even here though, so we can suppose that even foreign weapon could easily enter the land of the rising sun. 8 Could he? Well, supposing that it's not deeper than five centimeters, that it's not a hard wood like tek or oak or old chestnut, then it could even work. The only problem is that he's shooting without any clue at what or were. I think he's just relying on the psycological effect. 9 Face it, they slammed his head with all the force of their android body. He may survive, but it will be a rough ride!