[BGC][FanFic] Knight Sabers vs the Imperial Navy pt1

[Andy Payne]

The Knight Sabers vs the Imperial Navy
Sub-title "LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE!"

Starring

Admiral James T. Payne
Colonel Cogman
and the rest of the Imperial Navy

Co-starring

Sylia Stingray
Nene Romanova
Linna Yamazaki
Priss Asagiri
Mackie Stingray
Leon
Chief Todo
and the usual gang of idiots, schumcks and morons at ADP

This takes place one month after Scoop Chase. So ignore BGCrash!

Please send comments to Mrx...@hotmail.com

(Scene: Imperial Headquarters in L.A. 2 weeks ago)

0300 hours, Admiral Payne is asleep until his phone started ring. Reaching for
the lamp on the nitestand he turned it on. The light stabbed his pupils
dilated for night vision, he took a few minutes to allow his eyes to adjust.
Payne was not a very pleased man for being distrubed at 3 in the morning.

Payne: (half alseep) What the hell? (picked up the phone) Yeah, this better be
good?

Commander: Sir, the High Command has issued you orders to go to Megatoyko to
meet with the Prime minister.

Payne: Why?

Jim in blue pinstriped silk monogram pajamas crawled out from under the covers
into a sitting postion with his feet on the ground. He held the phone between
his shoulder and his head, so he can crack his knuckles.

Commander: Thats on a need to know basis. You'll be brought up to speed when
you and your aide meet with the Prime Minister. Understand Admiral?

Payne: Yeah.

Commander: High Command, out (hangs up)

Payne: (to himself) Ever since I started taking orders from them, I feel like
this isn't my command anymore. (picks up the phone) Get me Colonel Cogman.

Cogman turned on his lamp as the phone rang, he reached over and picked up the
phone, wishing this was all a bad dream.

Cogman: Admiral, its 3 in the morning.

Payne: (over the phone) Pick your bags Steve, we're going to Megatoyko.

Payne hung up the phone. He slid back under the covers, staring at the celing
with his hands under his head. Pondering that this was not going to be a
normal day at the office.

A view of the Megatoyko skyline

Payne: (voice over) This is city, Megatoyko. The year was 2033. Our story
begins with the Imperial Navy being issued orders to hunt down this mercenary
group know as "the Knight Sabers," I have a feeling things are going to go
straight to hell. Well, time to go to work. (facing headquarters) I work here,
I carry badge. (Dragnet theme plays)

(BGC pop music starts)

We see the daily lives of our characters: Linna enjoying the morning during
her jog. Priss dead to the world, normal for her. Sylia having her morning cup
of coffee and reading the newspaper. Nene is getting a wake up call from her
old lady. Now for our hero Admiral Payne is having breakfast of eggs, bacon,
hashbrowns and coffee while reading the comics section of the Los Angeles
Times. Then proceeded to chew out one of his officers for unknown reasons,
walked into his office, over to his desk, he pulled out a bottle of Jack
Daniels from his desk. The screen splits in two, the Knight Sabers one side,
the Imperial Navy on the other. Then the Imperial Emblem is splashed on the
screen with the title "Let's get ready to rumble."

Chapter I: Enter the Imperial Navy

(Scene: Admiral Payne's office at Imperial Headquarters. Monday 1300 hours)

Admiral Payne is working as Colonel Cogman was going the Admiral's itinerary.
Payne's office was rather large and tastlefully decorated, typical of a office
for an Imperial CO. Payne sat at a large oak desk with a desktop computer, and
panel on the desk for the intercomm, and a button to alert security at moments
notice. Also lying on the desk were several PADDs and lots of paperwork. Jim
hated paperwork, he usually had one of his minions (or he refered to them as
peons) do the paperwork.

Cogman: Sir, remember we have that meeting with the Prime Minister at 1500
hours

Payne continued to work as he responded Cogman. Gaining a case of writer's
cramp, Jim shook his left hand, before proceeding back to filling out reports,
supply requitsions, and other documents that were SOP

Payne: I haven't forgotten Cogman.

Cogman: Of course Admiral.

(Scene: Megatoyko highway 1430 hours)

Payne and Cogman were driving to the Prime Minister's office in a red,
modified Lamborgini. Interior of the car had leather interior, all the usual
equipment radio, AC, etc. Plus several Imperial refinements. Payne happen to
look at his watch.

Payne: Shit, we're running late. Time to turn on the SLAMs. Hold on to your
hat Cogman.

(in case you're wondering what are SLAMs, if you never played Tie-Fighter they
stand for Sub-Light Acceration Moviators)

As the Admiral's souped up sports car punched into overdrive, the engine
roared like a beast gone berserk. The added thrust pushed Payne and Cogman
back in their seats. They blew past an ADP patrol car like a bat out of hell,
which pursued the sports car. Payne looked in his rear view mirror, and shook
his head.

Payne: Geez, it the cops.

Nene (over loadspeaker): Ok pull over!

Payne disengaged the SLAMs and pulled his car over to the shoulder of the
highway. He felt like banging his head against the steering wheel for being
pulled over. The ADP officer climbed out of her car and walked over to the
Admiral's car. Payne rolled his window down with an annoyed expression on his
face, as he dealt with Officer Nene Romanova.

Payne Ok, what's your beef, pally. You better make this quick I'm late for an
important appointment.

Nene: You were going 120 kph in 60 kph zone, I need see your license.

Admiral Payne showed his US drivers license. Nene took the license from his
hand, and placed it on her clipboard in order to write up the ticket. From the
clipboard came a printout of the ticket.

Payne: Don't you got anything better to do for example making a donut shop
owner rich, so he can retire for life?

Nene's response to his insult was as if someone threw ice water in her face.
She did not apperciate Jim's attiude.

Nene: How dare you insult a public servant!

Payne stuck his head out the window as if he was looking for a public servant.
Cogman tried to stifle his laughter

Payne: I don't see a public servant, bring one so I can insult him.

Her face started to turn brighter than her haircolor for putting up with his
garbage. She regained her composture and hands him the ticket

Nene: I was referring to me! Here's your ticket. Have a nice day.

Admiral Payne took the ticket with much to his displeasure

Payne: Go to HELL!

Payne drove off, then wadded up the ticket and threw it out the window The wad
up ticket rolled to Nene's feet.

Nene: God Damn Americans! Think they can do what ever they want.

(Scene: Prime Minister's office)

The Prime Minister office was decorated with traditional Japanese pieces. With
swords and artwork on the walls, Samurai armor in the corner near his desk.
Payne sat in a chair with his right leg over his left knee. Cogman stood at
attention behind his superior officer with his hands behind his back. The
Prime Minister was a middle age Man with greying hair, slightly rotund and in
a standard black suit.

PM: Admiral, are you familiar with a group called the Knight Sabers?

Payne thought about it for a minute. He knew the name was familiar, but
couldn't place his finger on it.

Payne: Read about of 'em. Don't know much about 'em. What about you Cogman?

Cogman: I don't think so, sir.

PM: They are a mercenary group with warrants out for their arrest.

Cogman: Sir, wouldn't this be handled by the ADP?

PM: Normally yes, but ADP isn't equipped to handle the Knight Sabers. Also,
from certain sources inside ADP claim there is a Knight Saber working inside
the department....

Payne: From experince usually the person have would be in the command staff or
in a position capable of gaining access to restricted information. Easier to
cover to the tracks and sweep things under the rug.

PM: That why we called the Imperial Navy. We want people on the outside to
conduct this investigation. Your people are able to handle any task and do a
complete investigation before making any arrests.

Payne: We also have a great dental plan and a 100% money back guarantee.

The Prime Minister handed the Admiral a manila envelope. He reached out with
the left hand, the right he had his thumb under his chin in a quizzitive
fashion with his right elbow resting on the arm of the chair

PM: Here are your orders Admiral.

Admiral Payne opened the manila envelope

OPERATION RECIPROCITY

Directive I: To compile information on the Knight Sabers. ADP is ordered to
hand over all data and material on the subject to the Imperial Navy.

Directive II: Arrest all contacts and informats for interrogation

Directive III: Failure to follow Directive I by any member of the ADP will
result of immediate loss of rank, pay, then termination from the ADP.

Directive IV: Arrest the Knight Sabers by any means necessary

Payne rubbed his chin, considering the job, then he turned his head and
sneezed. After that the orders go back into it's envelope, handed the envelope
to Cogman to go into his briefcase.

Payne: This ain't going to be cheap.

PM: How much?

Payne: 50 million in US dollars, 25 up front, the rest upon success of
OPERATION RECIPROCITY.

The Prime Minister bolted to his feet in hearing the price.

PM: 50 million? That's absurd!

Payne stood up and placed his hands palms down on the desk and looked at the
Prime Minister dead in the eyes.

Payne: So's the job. The reason for the high fee is, so we can pay for our
expenses without the aid of the taxpayers back home. Capeesh.

PM: (caving in) Deal.

(Scene: Streets of Megatoyko)

Payne and Cogman are sitting in traffic during rush hour, Payne getting
impaitent slammed on his horn several times, then stuck his head out and
yelled

Payne: (yelling) Hey ya' dame move it will ya'!

Cogman: Admiral calm down.

Cogman knew Jim's mouth was going to get them into trouble as soon as he
recoginzed Jim's impersonation of a New York cab driver

Payne: (yelling) They should revoke your license, make it illegal for ya' to
drive! Ya' lousy woman driver!

Cogman: You did it now, Jim!

The lady who drove the red mercedes, had black hair with a bluish tint,
wearing wrap-around sunglsses gets out of her car walked over to the driver
side of the Admiral's car and tapped on the window. He stuck his head out the
window

Payne: Yes (smiles) How may I help you. Looking for a date, babe?

She balled up her hand into a fist and let him have it. The fist connected
with the Admiral's jaw. He felt his skull recoil, swearing his neck nearly got
broken. A medium size black and blue welt rose from the under the rightside of
the lip. The lady walked back to her car

Payne (rubbing his jaw) She's got one mean jab. Ow!

(Scene: the Admiral's office that night)

At the door was a coatrack, Jim's red wrap-around duty jacket and Cogman's
grey duty hat hung from the coat racket (The uniform Jim wears is similiar to
the Starfleet uniforms used in Star Trek II through Generations) Along the
west wall of the large office was a small entertainment center with two
easychairs facing the TV. Payne and Cogman are watching Tv when the news aired
a story on the Knight Sabers. Payne applied an icepack to his jaw with his
right hand, he pushed mute on the remote with his left hand.

Payne: The Knight Sabers. Would someone mind telling me what kind of a world
we live in, where 4 women wear body armor and kick the crap out of Boomers?!
Steve, this town needs an enima.

Cogman only shrugs

Cogman: If you say so Jim.

(Scene: ADP Tower. Tuesday 0900 hours)

Payne and Cogman finnally arrive at ADP Headquarters. Upon parking in the
visitor's area under the scrunity of the security cameras they entered the
lobby. After they had passed the thick armor-glassed doors they were forced to
undergo security scans for any conceal devices or weapons. On top the usual
security boomers in the doorway there was evidence had been beefed up in the
form up the pair of security combat officers in heavy gear. Payne regretfully
handed over his beloved 45 automatic to the desk sargent who sat behindin
thick glassed-encased booth. The desk-jockey stowed his gun and gun belt and
pushed a button. 2 neatly priestine elaimanted visitor passes and a recept for
the gun were spat out. Payne did not only think of it as a fair trade, but he
found the desk sargent to be person who didn't a superior officer if he bit
him the ass. Payne gurmbled to Cogman in a low voice.

Payne: Damn! All because of one lousy boomer attack, they considered anyone
hostile and given the 3rd degree. Well, as Stalin once said "Trust no one not
even yourself."

A young ADP officer walked up to the Admiral and Colonel. He explained his
instructions were to escort them to and from the Chief's office. The trio took
the elevator to the 28th floor, walked passed Leon's desk and Nene's which
were unoccupied with a mountain of paperwork on both desks. Payne and Cogman
entered and saluted Chief Todo out of military curiosity.

Payne: Admiral James T. Payne C-in-C of all Imperial Forces. This is my aide
Colonel Steven Cogman.

Payne and Cogman shook Todo's hand. The three took their seats. Payne placed
his brown briefcase on his knees and opened it.

Payne: Now let's get down to business. I want all data and material concerning
a mercnary group known as "the Knight Sabers"

Chief Todo: You want all information on the Knight Sabers, Admiral?

Payne: Yes.

Todo: May I ask why?

Admiral Payne reached into his briefcase and took out the manila envelope then
handed it to Todo. Todo adjusted his glasses to read the orders

Todo: OPERATION RECIPROCITY?

Payne ran his hand through his short, brown, regulation cut hair

Payne: Yes. All information and complete access to the ADP server. I don't
want to invoke Directive III.

Todo: (intercomm) Romanova in my office

Nene walked in and saluted. Payne and Cogman returned with salutes

Nene: Yes sir?

Todo: I want you to help these men compile information and material on the
Knight Sabers.

Nene was getting knots in her stomach, fearing any second her will be cover
blown, and thats not the only thing going to be blown if Sylia got wind of
this.

Nene: (stammers) Me......?

Payne looked at her as if she was a brainless idiot, who didn't know her ass
from a hole in the ground.

Payne: Yes you, is there another moron with same name in this room?

Nene: No sir.

Payne is mildly surprised that there was a little shred of intelligence in
that pitiful excuse for a brain.

Payne: Very good moron, you win cookie.

Nene just frowned, wanting to tell him off.

Half an hour later Nene gave the Admiral and Cogman what they want in the form
of Data tapes and two boxes containing the hard files.

Payne: Thank you officer you have been most helpful

Nene: Drop dead!

Payne repeatly jabbed his finger into Nene's chest with each word

Payne: I would keep my mouth shut if I were you, I have the authorization to
fire you.

Nene walked off, leaving Admiral Payne with a nagging feeling that she is more
than she appears to be, but shakes it off by her appearance.

(scene: in the Admiral's car)

Driving away from ADP Headquarters, Cogman used the onboard computer built
into the dashboard on the passager side to link up with the ADP server to
double check that everything is present and accounted for.

Payne: Now, time to get some lunch.

Cogman: Sir

Payne: Yes Colonel?

Cogman: I just looked at the police server and we're missing two data tapes
and one file.

Now the Admiral can have some fun by exercising his authority. What he didn't
like is the disobeying of orders. He slammed on his brakes, knocking him and
Cogman forward

Payne: Son of a bitch!

Tires squealed as he peeled out and sped back to ADP headquarters

(Scene: Todo's office)

Payne stormed his way to Todo's office. He literary kicked the door open. From
the look of his posture he is not happy.

Payne: (angry) I want Romanova's head on a plate!

Todo: What's wrong?

Payne: I'm missing two data tapes and one file, I'm invoking Directive III as
of now! So tell moron #1 to get in here! This time she can shake her can!

Payne pointed his finger at the intercomm

Todo: (intercomm) Romanova in my office.

Nene: Yes sir.

Turning around to face Nene with his arms across his chest, Payne switched to
interrogator mode

Payne: Miss. Romanova did you or did you not give me all data and material on
the Knight Sabers?

Nene: Yes sir.

Payne: Well here's a news flash, you didn't. I'm missing two data tapes and
one file. Under Directive I of OPERATION RECIPROCITY: You're ordered to hand
over _ALL_ data and material to the Imperial Navy and under Directive III:
Failure to do so means immediate loss of rank, and pay, then termination from
the ADP. As of now you are terminated from the ADP as in fired. So take a hike
ya' red headed moron! One other thing, you are the lousiest cop I have ever
seen, you're a disgrace to the uniform and to that badge. If you were in the
Imperial Navy, I would have you court martialed and then spaced.

Note from Author: Spaced: A term used in Babylon 5 as means of excution, by
throwing the condemed person out of an airlock without any life support
equipment. Only used for high crimes such as mutiny, murder or attempted
murder of a Commanding Officer.

Nene was about to storm out of the office, until the Admiral called her back

Payne: Ahem! Officer aren't you forgetting something?

Payne extended his hand

Payne: Your badge and gun, please.

Nene slammed her badge and gun on the desk and stormed out

Todo: (intercomm) Leon in my office. Was it necessary to chew her out like
that?

Payne: Yes.

Leon walked in, wearing his usual light green or blue shirt, dark jacket,
jeans and sunglasses. With a look of disgust, Payne is probably wondering why
he hasn't been reperimanded for violating the dress code.

Leon: Yeah?

Payne: Inspector, I need you to find two data tapes and one file on the Knight
Sabers.

Leon looked at the Admiral as if he was some sort of computer geek

Leon: I'm an Inspector, not a desk jockey!

Payne clencthed his teeth. He could bring him up on charges of insubordation,
but he didn't want to overstep his boundries

Payne: I'm an Admiral, mister! I'm giving you a direct order! Do as you're
told or you'll be out of a job!

Leon frowned, walked out and bitterly carried out his orders. Payne called him
back for one moment

Payne: One more thing Inspector. I don't like your attiude towards a superior
officer. I expect you give me the proper respect according to my rank and that
goes for any other senior officer. You are dismiss Inspector.

Leon grumbled wanting to punch that hotshot Admiral in the jaw, instead
flicked off the Admiral when he was not looking

Payne: Cogman, you can't find good lackeys these days. And why am I surrounded
by idiotic morons all the damn time?

Cogman: Because you're stupid?

Payne gave a look of surprise to Cogman's comment.

Payne: Watch it! If those eagles get heavy, I can take them off.

Payne and Cogman stood there for a couple minutes. Payne is appalled by how
much respect a senior officer gets these days.

(Scene: Sylia's penthouse)

Nene exited the elevator and stepped into the penthouse. It never ceased to
amaze her, that quiet subdued taste which simply stated Sylia. The was sun
fading and a tastfully decorated home, with large bay windows and nice
furneture. Nene quickly walked down the hallway still fuming after what
happened. Nene knocked on the door to Sylia's office, the door opened for the
redheaded ADP officer greeted by her "boss" and friend Sylia. Sylia exmined
the look on Nene's face, seeing that she had a rotten day

Sylia: Tough day?

Nene nodded as she walked in

Nene: The worst, I got fired.

Sylia closed the door after Nene walked in, Nene felt like punching something.
A shocked expression than a disappointed one came to Sylia's face knowing
Nene's position in ADP is valuble to the Knight Sabers. An expression of
concern washed over her face knowing that Nene's main source for income has
been cut.

Sylia: I'm sorry. What happen?

Nene sat on the couch. Sylia sat alongside her with her hand on the young
officer's shoulder to show her concern.

Nene: Sylia, are you familiar with military organization known as the Imperial
Navy?

Sylia thought for a moment trying to recall the name

Sylia: Vaguely.

Nene laid back on the couch as she told her what happen

Nene: Well, this Admiral and his aide wanted all information on the Knight
Sabers. The admiral started barking out orders as if he was running the place,
he even gave Leon a harsh chewing out on how to respond to a superior officer.
He threated to fire Leon if he didn't give a "yes sir, no sir; he told him to
jump, Leon response should be 'how high,'" quoted directly from the Admiral.

Sylia: Why did this person want information on us?

Nene shrugged her shoulders

Nene: Something called OPERATION RECIPROCITY. I got fired because I failed to
carry out Directive I completely.

Sylia had a puzzled expression. Her mind started thinking what could OPERATION
RECIPROCITY mean, and will it endanger the Knight Sabers

Sylia: What is Directive I

Nene: Directive I is to compile information on us. Directive III is envoked if
Directive I wasn't carried out. One thing I hate about this is not only am I
fired but I don't get my paycheck this month or my severance pay, not even
benfits.

Sylia: What does this Admiral look like?

Nene: 5'9" medium build, mid to late 30's, brown hair, blue eyes, smoke
cigars, and smelled like alcohol.

Sylia walked over to her desk for a pad of paper and a pen to write down
Nene's description

Sylia: You said that he was in the Imperial Navy, what type of uniform was he
wearing?

Nene: Black Jackboots, black pants with a red stripe along the sides, a white
sweater, with a red, long sleeved, wrap-round tunic with 2 rank pins; on the
left sleeve and one on the right shoulder, the rank pin was a circle with 4
arrow heads pointing at each other, black gloves and wearing a gun holster
with a .45 automatic pistol

Sylia placed the pad on her desk near the keyboard, gone around her desk and
sat at the computer, typed the discription at an amazing speed

Sylia: We have a match: James Tiberius Payne. Age: 39. Hieght: 5'9. Wieght:
160 lbs. Rank: Fleet Admiral. Assigment: Commander in Chief of all Imperial
Forces.

Nene: Thats the guy who fired me! The guy who kept referring to me as a moron.

Sylia sweviled her chair around to face Nene, who was standing behind her

Sylia: Nene, I have job for you, I want you to hack into the Imperial Centeral
Database.

Nene eyes widen, and a smile crept along her face, still knowing it was a
difficult challange

Nene: I have a small feeling this is going to be diffcult.

Sylia: Why?

Nene: From accounts of other hackers; getting access to any information
requires an Imperial Rank Cylinder, for classified information requires not
only a rank cylinder, but a security access code, with a voice authorzation
code. I could try to bypassing their security measures, but there's still the
problem of requesting access to restricted information. But I love a computer
challange.

Sylia stood up and headed to the door, but stopped one moment and turned to
Nene

Sylia: Get to work, I'll call Priss and Linna.

Nene sat down and happliy started hacking

(Scene: Imperial Headquarters, briefing room)

At a large black table, sat on both sides each were the directors of each
department assigned to Megatoyko base. Admiral Payne sat on the far end of the
table in a slightly larger chair reserved for the CO or any high ranking
Imperial officer.

Payne: Gentlemen, we need to phase 1 of OPERATION RECIPROCITY into motion, we
need to gather intelligence on these "Knight Sabers."

Director of Intell: Will do sir.

Leaning to one side his left golved hand on the side of face being supported
by his elbow.

Payne: Thats it for today gentlemen, dismiss.

A light flashed on the panel on the conference table indicating something
requiring his immediate attention

Payne: Yes.

Mainframe: (over commsystem) Admiral Payne please to report to the Command
Center.

Payne: On my way.

Payne walked out of the briefing room, and down a corridor filled with various
officers and personnel heading to their assigned posts or heading to the rec
rooms or others places. Plus Imperial Stormtroopers on routine patrols. Payne
smiled as he saw the white armored troops conduct their duties with peak
military efficenticity, and wondered why they don't have troops at ADP as
decaited as his Stormtroopers. Now he waits for a turbolift. He walks into the
car and the doors shut.

Payne: Command Center.

The Turbolift responded to his request. While he waited, he started wonder
what surprises may turn up in this little investigation

(Scene: Command Center)

The tubrolift stopped at his destination and the doors opened to the nerve
center of MegaToyko base. Admiral Payne stepped out of the tubrolift. He
walked down a small flight stairs to a sunken area. There was Mainframe, the
Imperial Navy's formost computer expert examining the computer snafu, he was
personally requested by the Admiral in case of this kind of eventually.

Payne: Report, Mainframe.

Mainframe: Sir, we have an unauthorized user trying to access our restricted
information

Mainframe pointed the montior to show the hacker's progress, and certain areas
he or she had been.

Payne: Lock 'em out!

Mainframe typed in several commands but the computer rejected his
authorization.

Mainframe: No good sir, they've locked out the command protocols.

Payne: Computer, override command protocols and transfer all restricted
information to protected memory.

Computer: Please state voice authorization code

Payne: Authorzation Payne-Lambda-4-Gamma-5-Sierra.

Computer: Confirmed, command protocols overrided, all restricted information
transferred to protected memory.

Payne turned his head to Mainframe

Payne: Mainframe, upload virus program to hacker's system and trace

Mainframe: Aye, sir.

Mainframe typed up the nastiest virus in the Imperial database, the virus was
deployed on the carriersignel in a "piggyback" fashion so the virus will be
planted undetected.

Payne: Status?

Mainframe: Virus uploaded, and tracing the signal.

Payne: Excellent. The hacker is in for a very nasty surprise. Heh, Heh, Heh!
Now, to inform all personnel of our mission.

Payne sat down in the command chair. On the side arm are a series of buttons,
he pushed the one at the end of the arm. A bozeman's whistle sounded on all
decks

Payne: (over comm system) Attention all personnal, attention please. By the
authority of the Diet of Japan, The Imperial Navy has been ordered to arrest
the Knight Sabers a mercnary group, these 4 women may have been friends or
follow officers they are targets to be destroyed, nothing more, nothing less.
We're here to do a job so, let's do it. That is all.

(Scene: Sylia's penthouse)

Nene began to access the files on OPERATION RECIPROCITY. She clicked on one of
the files, then came the nasty suprise. Nene blinked, startled by the
instantous appearance of a skull and crossbones laughing, then under it in
blocky letters stated "thank you for hacking the Imperial Navy. Here is a
little token of our esteem. Have a nice day. Say adios to your hard drive!"
Nene looks a bit confused by that last message, a minute or two later a
message popped up saying virus in effect, which started to delete Sylia's
files one by one. The virus also locked out keyboard and mouse commands. All
Nene could do is watch the purge continue. As the last of Sylia's files were
erased all that remained was the operating system all that were associated
with it. Another window popped stating cascade virus in effect, that when the
virus got nasty, the virus erased e-mail, Cad programs, virus protection;
which she hated the irony of a virus nuking virus protection. Last was the
opearting system, after that was gone the entire system crashed and burned,
smoke rose from CPU. Nene knew Sylia was going to go through roof as she
walked into the living room.

Nene: Sylia, we have a rather small problem.

Sylia turned to look at Nene

Sylia: What is it?

Nene: The Imperial Navy downloaded a very nasty virus into your system.
Everything was wiped out.

Sylia rolled her eyes in exasperation, and silently counted to ten.

Sylia: Great.

Two to three hours later

Priss sat on the couch knocking back her beer, Linna with a glass of water sat
in one of the easy chairs, Nene sat on the opposite end of Priss on the couch,
Sylia stood near the bay windows looking out at the night sky, trying to make
sense of the situation

Priss: So why don't we just trash these guys?

Sylia turned around to respond to the biker's question

Sylia: Its not that simple, Priss.

Linna: What do you mean? Facing off with this Imperial Navy, is just like
facing Genom. Whats the difference?

Sylia: The difference is that Imperial troops are highly trained and well
equipped, this is not the same senreio; we are not dealing with boomers, we
are dealing with seasoned troops, especailly their Stormtroopers units.

Priss gave a puzzed look, along with Linna

Priss: Stormtroopers?

Priss opened her can of beer, and took a very big gulp out of it. Sylia's face
turned grim

Sylia: Completely loyal elite troops, who shoot first and ask questions later,
if ordered.

Sylia took a seat and unconsciously ran her hand through her hair, gave a big
sigh towards the situation. Linna striaghtened her hairband

Linna: What is OPERATION RECIPROCITY?

Sylia shook her head and then shrugged

Sylia: All I know is, that's it something to do with us. Nene were you able to
recover anything from the Imperial Centeral Database?

Nene raised her head from the printouts on her lap

Nene: Very little. 1. I needed a very high security clearance code and 2. That
was a very nasty virus that went through your computer. I was able to get the
Admiral's personal file from Personnel. Priss, there is something you should
know, when I looking through the database, I came across a file marked
OPERATION SPY KILLER.

Priss frowned at Nene, because she doesn't know what hell she talking about

Priss: Why the hell should I care?

Nene: Your late boyfriend was the intended target for the operation.

Priss' red eyes widen, mouth open in utter shock

Priss: (suprised) What?

Nene: Basically he was at the wrong place at the wrong time. He was picking up
a package at a bar, but the wrong package. When the Imperial High Command
found out, your lover have a death warrant on him.

With her body shaking, teeth clentched, she tightened her grip in her hands,
driving her nails into her hands until blood dripped from the bottom of her
fists, as the more she tightened her hands. Priss was trying very hard to
control herself as the rage inside built up to the point she was ready to lash
out. Sylia knew Priss was an H-bomb ready to go off.

Priss: No....

Nene wished she could just stop for Priss' sake, but she feels Sylia had a
right to know what she has found out. She did leave out the gruesome photos
and graphic descriptions

Nene: (contiunes) He didn't know that the documents he had were for a top
secert Imperial weapons program. After you signed on and became attached to
him. I warn you, you may have blocked this from your memory but, Imperial
Forces caught up with your gang, captured both you and your lover, took you
two to a deserted area, shot your lover excution style and forced you to
watch. To set example on the futility of stealing from the Imperial Navy,
Imperial Forces nearly wiped out your entire biker gang. Priss was the only
survivor and eyewitness of the massacre. All this was kept under wraps,
because the Imperial Navy would have a PR nightmare, for such a massacre.

Sylia: Who authorized this?

Nene looked at the printout for who authorized the operation

Nene: Colonel Ysanne Isard, Director of Imperial Intelligence, she goes her
infamous nickname "Iceheart."

Priss was on the verge of tears, knowing she could not keep it contain for
much longer. The singer stood up and walked to the door.

Nene: I'm sorry Priss.

Priss stopped at the door, then turned to face her friends. Tears streaming
from her eyes.

Priss: Excuse me, I would like to be alone.

Sylia stands and walks a few feet away from her

Sylia: Priss, if you want to talk, let me know.

Priss did not reply, and walked out. Sylia turned to Nene and was about ask
for the printout on Admiral Payne's file, that was derailed by a very loud
animal-like roar, and the sound of something being slammed into the wall.
Sylia stepped outside her door, toward the elevator to find a hole the size of
a human fist. She had to symphazie with Priss, she did well to contain her
fury and not try to lash out on her or the others. She walked back inside

Sylia: Nene, could you please hand me the printout, I want to examine the
Admiral's file

Nene handed her the printout she asked for. With printnout in hand Sylia sat
on the couch. An image of the Admiral appeared along with text on the first
the page

Sylia: (reading file) Payne, James T. Service # 656-5827B. C-in-C of all
Imperial Forces, Squadron leader of Rogue Squadron. Awarded the Medal honor 5
times, 15 purple hearts, and 9 gold stars and the Iron Cross. Expert marksman,
tactican, stragtist and pilot. (Sylia flips through his background, pysch
profile and other items)(turned to the Knight Sabers) Well, we know the face
of our adversary, but not his intentions for OPERATION RECIPROCITY.

Linna: So we're back square 1.

Nene turned to her fearless leader.

Nene: What do we do, Sylia?

For once Sylia didn't have an answer.

Sylia: I'll need some time alone to figure this out. For now we keep a low
profile.

Linna and Nene: Ok.

Linna and Nene move toward the door and walk out. Sylia headed towards the
pool

(Scene: Lady 633 poolside)

Sylia is swimming laps as she think about recent events. To her swimming was a
perfect way to relax, she started to slip into a meditavite state as she
floated in the water. Even though she wanted the world to drift away and
forget all that has happend recently, but her mind refused to let go and
continued to analyze all possiblies.

Sylia: (to herself) Could Genom be apart of this, sending a military strike
force? No they would send an army of Boomers againist us instead. I can't
figure what OPERATION RECIPROCITY is and what it has to do with us? Genom
wouldn't be doing something this gutsy. I have a feeling things will get worst
down the the road.

She broke herself out of her meditavite state, and swam to shallow end of the
pool. She climbed out of the pool, headed for the table she put her towel on.
Picking up her watch she glances at the time that it was 2 in morning, she
must of been in her relaxed state since 6 in the evening. She wrapped a robe
around herself and headed for her bedroom

Sylia: (to herself) All I need now is a good nights sleep.

(Scene: The Silky Doll, 1300 hours)

Admiral Payne stepped in the undergarment store, puffing at a cuban cigar. He
motioned towards a female Lt. as Sylia noticed the Admiral, moved from the
sales counter to Payne's position.

Sylia: Sir you're not allowed in here.

Payne gave a dismissive hand gesture to Sylia

Payne: Don't worry madame this will only take a moment. (turned to the Lt.)
Lt. didn't you have some reports to finish up?

Sylia stepped back, Payne turned his attention to the Lt.

Lt.: Admiral, I'm off duty.

Payne looks at his wristwatch then the Lt.

Payne: You're suppose to be off duty by 1400 hours, its only 1300.

Lt: I'm sorry sir.

Payne became very stern with the Lt.

Payne: Sorry dosen't feed the bulldog, Lt. You're ordered to return to
headquarters, where you'll be confinded to quarters for going AWOL and I want
those reports done by 1800 hours tonight. Am I perfectly, crystal clear, Lt?

Lt.: (sighs) Yes, sir.

Payne: Dismiss, Lt.

The Lt. headed for the exit, Payne turned to Sylia nodded his head in a polite
gesture

Payne: Sorry to disturb you, Miss. Have nice a day.

Sylia examined the Officer as he headed for the exit. She started to recognize
him from Nene discription. Sylia turned back towards the sales counter. Payne
climbed into his car, and backed it out, but rammed Nene's scooter.

Payne: (yelling) Aw Jeez! Some idiot parked their scooter too close to my car.
Well there is one thing let to do.

Payne climbed out from the driver side (its on the left since he bought it the
US), to examine the damage to his car. His back bumper and taillights needed
to be replace and the paint job was screwed. Calmly opened the trunk, he
pulled out his trusty Smith & Wesson pump action shotgun. Loaded the weapon
with the proper shells, pumped it, took careful aim, pulled the trigger to put
a few bullet holes into the scooter. Payne smiled with satifaction after
taking his frustrations out on the poor sap's scooter

Payne: (calm) I feel better now. (as he pulls out, Priss nearly crashes into
the Admiral's car) Hey, watch where you're going stupid! Jackass! (nearly
running into Linna) Move it or Lose it moron! Do me a favor: Get a horse!
(Another person crashes into the Admiral) Oh thanks a lot Asshole, do you
think you own the whole road! Frigging jerkoff!

Priss gave the Admiral the finger as he drove off. Nene walked out of Sylia's
store to find her "scooter" was a smoltering pile of junk and a note

Nene: My scooter! It's been destoryed! (reading note) To the moron who owns
the scooter. Don't park it too close to my car, MORON! Have a nice day. signed
Admiral James T. Payne Commander in Chief of all Imperial Forces. P.S. I will
be sending you a bill for my paint job. Just to let you know, people who don't
pay their debts to me, I'll have boys go to where you live and give you a
crash course on "why it is important to cough up the dough, you owe," it
sometimes involves breaking of the legs with sledgehammers. Just food for
thought.

Linna: (referring to Admiral Payne) Now there is a guy who suffers from road
rage.

Nene had a very worried expression on her face, due to the thought of thugs
breaking her legs with sledgehammers

(Scene: Admiral Payne's quarters 2100 hours)

Colonel Cogman enterd as Admiral Payne was having dinner of Veal (note from
author, I don't want to hear no crap about the moral objections of eating
veal, if I do I'm going to be pissed!) and a bottle of fine Neapleon Brandy

Cogman: Sorry to bother you during dinner sir.

Payne doesn't even look at Cogman as he took sip out of his brandy sifter,
which was held between his middle and ring fingers.

Payne: Its quite all right Steve, what is the result of the trace?

He took the napkin off his lap to wipe his mouth then lays it on the table,
poured himself another shot congac. Cogman removed his duty cap and sat on the
opposite side of the table.

Cogman: We've traced the signal back to its source.

Payne: Location?

Cogman: Address is Lady633. We ran check on the building., it's owned by a
Sylia Stingray. We ran name through R.I. and came up with nothing.

Payne raised an eyebrow

Payne: Nothing?

Cogman: We check with ADP for her file, there's nothing, just her vital
statstics, no pior criminal record, no background, nothing, We've checked her
name with the FBI and Interpol, still nothing.

Payne: Did you find anything?

Cogman: Just a drivers licence, a pilot licence, social security number,
passport, brith records, some credit cards, a licence to carry weapon and
several deeds in her name.

Payne: Anything about the building?

Cogman: The 1st floor is a business known as the "Silky Doll," a woman's
undergarment store, there is penthouse for the owner and from the 2nd to the
7th floors are for commerical business. Strange, she does not get any utilies
bills, no phone bills, no cable bills. The power output is higher during
nighttime operation than daytime when most businesses are open. During are
sensor scans we've picked several sub-basements with a high-tech medical and
repair facitlies, an armory, high tech training area similar to a holo-deck, a
semi-trainer with the lastest in communcations it's basically a mobile HQ, and
a lab. Security system is state-of-art, but no match for our commando units.

Payne rubbed his chin, knowing that the description of that building was
probably more than it appears as well as the owner

Payne: Could she be a government agent? They would be footing the bills and
issuing that type of equipment.

Cogman: No. That was the 1st we look for, is a perfect background, that would
tip anyone looking for the right things and to check if she's government

Payne: This is just a theory could she be mercenary working for other
governments?

Cogman: Without any proof, we don't know.

Payne: I'll brief a covert serveillance team in the morning. All we know this
person is stealing from the utiliy companies, and is a criminal mastermind.
See if you can dig up anymore dirt on her. Also I want wires taps on the
phones and any celluar phones and E-mail interceptions. Once we discovered the
other 3, we bug their communcations.

Cogman: Yes sir. Good night Admiral.

Payne: Good night, Colonel. Oh Colonel, did you send off that bill for my
paint job to the person in question?

Cogman: Yeah, Jim.

Payne: Cogman, have Mainframe begin necessary upgrades to Computer systems. If
the hacker can get into more vital sytems and top secret information. I want
to make it difficult as possible.

Chapter II: The investigation starts

(Scene: Admiral's office. Wednesday 0845 hours)

In his office the Admiral briefed the squad leader of the commando squad about
their mission

Payne: Major, your team will be put up in this hotel across the street from
the building in question. When no one is the building, send in the commandos
and confiscate any information on the Knight Sabers, tear the place apart if
you have to. Any questions?

Major Hazard: Yes sir, is this operation on the level? I know there are rules
againist invasion of privicy?

Payne: I have authorization from the Diet to retrieve all information by any
means necessary, even if it includes stepping on certain rights, besides we
have a search warrant. Over Communcations I'll be known as White King, you as
Black Bishop, and your squad leader of your commandos will be known as White
Rook. Good luck, Major.

Major Hazard: Thank you sir.

As Major Hazard left, Admiral Payne turned to his computer

Payne: Computer, access Genom's centeral archives.

Computer: Accessed

Payne: Playback files 0453, 0213

Comupter: Affirmative

The playback of the fight between Priss, Largo and his Hyperboomers. The other
playback was of the fight between Sylia and Brian J. Mason. Something caught
the Admiral's eye

Payne: Computer freeze playbacks. Zoom in on the female with the dark blue and
identify. Identify the female in the light blue armor as well

Computer: Name: Asagiri, Priscilla S. "Priss" Professional Singer
Name: Stingray, Sylia Owner of the Silky Doll

Payne: Computer, punch up their psychological profiles

Psychological Profile

Name: Asagiri, Priscilla S. "Priss"
Metal State: Unstable
Disposition: Emotional, quick-tempered, a loner but fiercely loyal to her
friends, self relient, vengeful
Vices: Obession with motorcycles
Notes: The following events led her to her current mental state: The death of
her parents in the 2nd Kanto Earthquake, The death of her boyfriend; claims
either Genom or the Imperial Navy responsible. Priss has an intense hatred of
Boomers reasons unknown. Forced to kill her friend Sylive to save millions
living in Megatoyko. Ms. Asagiri is somewhat self destructive and naturally
aggressive, use extreme caution

Psychological Profile

Name: Stingray Sylia
Mental State: Unstable
Disposition: Cool, collected, calm, rational, logical, referred as the "Ice
queen" by some
Vices: Smokes
Notes: The following events that led her to her current mental state: Lost her
mother at a very young age. Her father was killed by Genom due to moral
disagreements with the use of the Boomer. Her thirst for vengance manifested
itself in the form of Brian J. Mason who gave the order for her father's
murder. She is considered dangerous in hand-to-hand combat and firearms, use
extreme caution. Some sources say that Sylia lacks emotion, so she seems cold
and very distant.

Payne: (to himself) I would hate to be the person who pisses them off,
espeically in a dark alley. A bonus we have two Knight Sabers to put in the
klink. These dames are perfect material for the nuthouse. I wonder if Ms.
Stingray's business is a front for the Knight Saber? No, the equipment that
they use, especially the power armor would be expensive, to get that kind of
chuck change, she would need a chain of stores, so probably they charge high
for their services. Maybe the other two have day jobs, Ms. Asagiri is a
professional singer.

Payne will soon learn that he is in over head with the Knight Sabers. One
thing that he has realized is that this operation is going to be tougher than
prevously conceived

Payne: Computer show Ms. Asagiri's place of residence

The computer showed the area, Payne pushed a button on his desk

Payne: Control, have and an APC and a squad troops standing by

(Scene: District 3)

The Admiral's car and the APC arrived at Priss's trailer. The trailer
acoording to Jim was nothing more than an over glorified cargo container with
rust, an antennta, and across the front were the words "The Priss." Surveying
the area as he climbed out of his car, he removed avatior style sunglsses to
make sure he wasn't seeing things. He viewed the area with an arrogant
disgust. Thinking he arrived at a garbage dump than a residental area. His
troops disembarked the APC to patrol the area.

Payne: What a dump! People actually live here? Thank god, I own a mansion in
Palos Verdes and in the Hamptons. (to his troops) Secure the perimeter.

Trooper: Yes sir.

Payne walked up to the front door, to find it was locked. He pulled out his 45
from it's holster. Targeted the lock, and fired with pin point accurency.
After the discharge he placed the gun back into the holster.

Payne: Stand back.

His troops backed off, giving him room. He brought his leg up and kicked the
trailer door off it's hinges. Payne walked in, finding the floor was covered
with sheet music, CDs, dirty clothes, motorcycle parts, assorted garbage.
Chucked a tool box through a window after tripping over it. Approaching the
kitchen he crouched down to examine the linoluim tile, it looked dirtier than
the tile floors in the laterines for the enlisted men. He made his way to the
kitchen and open the refridgerator, then closed very quickly

Payne: PU! Now that smells worse than the laterines for enlisted personnel.
God, I wouldn't even feed whats in there to a POW. Of course that would fall
under cruel and unusual punishment.

Payne made his way back to the "main room" of the trailer, where his troops
were assembled

Payne: Such filth. Boys search this trash heap. Find anything bank records,
medical bills, anything useful. Then trash this dung heap. (to himself) Maybe
I should call the combat engineers for a bulldozer.

Imperial Troops started digging through the ocean of trash and crap. Payne
went through her personal things to give him any clue of the occupent of this
garbage scow. Of course Payne and his men were contributing to addition of
garbage as clothes, personal affects, CDs were thrown all around the trailer.
5 minutes later

Payne: Find anything?

Trooper: Nothing sir.

Payne: Just as I surmised. Trash the place.

Payne turned back to his troops as he walked out

Payne: Oh, boys. Enjoy.

Payne walked out the trailer. Once outside he wished he brought his standard
issue field jacket, it was a little cold for September. Back inside the
trailer, the grunts go to work with unimagined enjoyment.

Trooper 4: Hey Joe! Look at this.

Trooper 3: Nice guitar, ain't it Hank?

Trooper 4 took the butt of his rifle and smashed the guitar in two

Trooper 4: Not any more Joe.

Several of the troops got triggerhappy, and opened fire on the trailer adding
some air conditioning, used her CD player as target practice as well the
poster of her first concert. Payne watches the grunts exit the trailer with
the barrels of their guns smoking and smiles on their faces.

Payne: (to himself) Those guys must be aching for some combat. Ah, let them
have their fun, we don't have pay for the damages. (to the troops) Ok, boys
lets amscray.

About an hour later Priss arrived on her motorcycle. She removed her helmet
and threw her hair behind her shoulders, brought down the kickstand. Dropping
her helmet, she looked at her home now ventilated. Throwing caution into the
wind, she drew the pistol from her jacket scanning the inside from the door
frame; She barely got 2 inches into the trailer before stepping on something,
she picked up the photo of her and Sylivie. She continued to wade through the
carnage and found more of her personal things sturn about the place. What
really got her pissed was her first concert poster and CD player were used as
target practice. Priss dropped to her knees digging through the trash to find
the phone to call Sylia. While on the phone Priss looked at the message on the
wall, "WE KNOW WHO YOU ARE. WE WILL BE WATCHING"

(Scene: Admiral's office)

Admiral Payne back in his office, catching up on some paperwork, and having
lunch. The phone rings

Payne: Payne, go.

Communcations officer: Sir, Captain Corwin on line 5.

Payne: Put it through (to corwin) Corwin, report on your findings at USSD and
SPDC.

Corwin: (on phone) No dice sir. Neither of them was willing to hand over any
information on the Knight Sabers. Recommendations sir?

Payne ran his hand down his face, thinking: "Assholes. Why must I deal with
Assholes?"

Payne: Corwin, you go back there and tell those paperpushing assholes and sons
of bitches, that the information is vital to National Security and to the
success of OPERATION RECIPROCITY, and I'm not going to get screwed out of my
50 million bucks. Also tell them that the Commander in Chief of all Imperial
Forces gives them a direct order with the authority given to me by the Diet or
I'll come down there and personally kick some ass! Understand Corwin?

Cowin: Understood.

Payne hung up the phone. He slumped back in his chair, sighs and wondered "why
me?"

An hour later, the phone rings

Payne: Yeah?

Communcations officer: Sir, message from Black Bishop.

Payne is hoping for some reletivly good news, he pushed the extension

Payne: White King to Black Bishop report.

Black Bishop: I just wanted to let you know that we have the building under
serveiliance and ready to commence Operation: Breaking and Entering

Payne: White King to Black Bishop, proceed with operation.

(Scene: Hotel)

Black Bishop: Black Bishop to White Rook, we have a green light, you may enter
the hen house (Lady633) at anytime.

White Rook: Ok, Boss.

With the aid of thruster packs, the commandos landed on the patio and entered
Sylia's penthouse. White Rook used several hand signals to spread out and
inspect the area to make it is clear. Once the alll clear was given, White
Rook started to give vocally

White Rook: Kill the security system.

A commando goes to Sylia's computer, cracked all her passwords, and shut the
security system for the entire building.

Commando 5: System disarmed, sir.

White Rook: Tear this apart until you found what we're looking for.

Imperial Commandos tore the place apart, in the same fashion Priss' trailer
was searched, this time the Commandos used their combat kinves to cut open the
cusions on the chair and couch

Commando 1: Sir, I've found somthing.

White Rook: What is it Sgt?

Commando 1 hands him Sylia's bank records

Commando 1: This her banks records, there is an unmarked account.

White Rook: So.

Commando 1: Sir, how many people deposit 20 million yen into an unmarked
account

White Rook: True.

Commando 2: Sir, I've found a lot information these Knight Sabers and the
location to a secert training facility.

White Rook: Good work Lt. remove that hard drive and take back to
Headquarters. Those files may be encrypted.

Commando 2: Yes sir!

Commando 3 discovered a safe

Commando 3: Sir, I found a safe.

White Rook: Blow it.

White Rook placed a C-4 pack (plastic explosive) on the safe

White Rook: Fire in the hole!

White Rook and his commandos hopped over furnature and dove to floor several
of the commandos landed on the coffee and broke it in half. Once at a safe
distance, White Rook pulled out a dentonator, and watched the fireworks from
Sylia's office. As the smoke cleared, White Rook recovers the Data disk from
the safe

White Rook: Get this data disk back to Headquarters, stat!

Commando 8: Commando 8 to White Rook.

White Rook: White Rook here.

(Scene: 2 floors below the basement)

Commando 8 and a group of commandos are in front of a reinforced door with
keycard access

Commando 8: (to White Rook) We've found a door, only way to get in or out and
it has keycard access. But I have my skeleton keycard.

White Rook: (over headset) Proceed.

Commando 8 used his keycard to gain access to the lab.With flashlights in
hand, the Commandos enter the lab, Commando 8 notices a drafting table with
drafting implements, several work lamps, one with a maginfiying lens, a
Computer on the desk

Commando 8: White Rook, we are on to something really big. (reading a note)
Sis, took Hardsuits and Motoslaves to Ravens, Mackie. (to commandos) Its look
a lab, Commandos 11 and 7 grab those sketches and notes, while I remove the
hard drive from this computer.

White Rook: White Rook to Black Bishop, see anything.

Back at the Hotel room filled with serveiliance equipment, Black Bishops
looked through a pair of binconulars out the window, next he checked several
monitors to widen the scope.

Black Bishop: (over headset) Nothing on the early warning net. Just get your
asses out there and back headquarters. The command staff must be notifiy ASAP.

White Rook: Yes sir. All right boys lets haul ass and get the hell out of
here!

(Scene: District 3)

Sylia, Priss, Linna and Nene are investigating the break in at Priss's
trailer. Linna and Nene basically helped Priss sort through the garbage, and
clean up the place. Sylia busied herself with the blastpoints and the
tiretracks

Priss: When I find who did this, I'll kill 'em.

Sylia crouched down to closely look at the tire tracks

Sylia: There were two vehicles here. One was sports car, the other was a heavy
transport. This wasn't an everyday break-in.

Linna: Why is that?

Sylia: Linna look at these footprints. How many gang of thugs secure the
perimeter of their target? Also these blastpoints too accurate for a common
gunman, only military personnel can shoot that accurate. I have a gut feeling
that this might be part of OPERATION RECIPROCITY.

Mackie came out of Priss's trailer, holding her guitar that was broken in two

Mackie: Priss, I got some bad news. Your guitar is now a usless piece of junk.

When either her guitar or motorcycle get trashed by someone it becomes
personal

Priss: My guitar?! (grumbling) Now I'm pissed!

An hour later in Sylia's penthouse

Sylia and the rest of the Knight Sabers walked into living room destroyed;
Cusions ripped open, the coffee table was in two, chairs and tables knocked
over. Sylia walked into her bedroom her clothes have been thrown all over the
room place, some were ripped to shreds. She walked over to her bed, the
mattress also was ripped open, and thrown to the side. The nitestands were
overturn, the lamp and clock radio broken. Sylia got to her knees to pick up
pictures of her father, her and mackie; only one missing was the photo of the
Knight Sabers on their last vacation, a hard scowl formed on her face finding
the picture of her father was mutilated as well as finding her personal things
were searched. Outside in the living room the others heard Sylia swearing like
a longshoreman who had a bad day, that was not a good sign. Sylia stormed out
of her bedroom to discover someone drew "Killory was here" under the drawing
in big bold letters were the words "UP YOURS BABY!" on the wall along with
other insulting, obsence, intimding and threating messages, which did not
improve her overall mood, it only made worse.

Sylia: Damn.... Nene, check to see if all Knight Saber information is still
here.

Nene: Ok.

Sylia: Linna, Priss help me clean this place up. Mackie check the rest of the
building.

Priss as usual refused to do housework

Priss: I hate housework.

Sylia shot a threating look at Priss.

Sylia: I didn't give you much of a choice. Plus I'm not in the mood for your
bullshit excuses. I feel violated, someone breaking into my home and doing
this.

Priss: Welcome to club, Sylia.

Nene scurried out of the data room to living room

Nene: Sylia! The hard drive to you computer is gone, as well as the hard files
too.

Sylia actived the intercomm and asks Mackie on his findings

Mackie: (over the intercomm) The lab was searched, but no sign of forced
entry.

Sylia knew her day was going from awful to "shot to hell"

Sylia: Shit! When I find who is behind this, I'm giving him/her or it a
one-way ticket straight to hell.

Sylia walked into her office, upon entry she tripped over a chunk of rubble
that was once the wall, wires hanging from the celing and sending off sparks,
the window was blown out. Seeing all this destruction in her own home nearly
pushed her to tears. Walking over to her desk, she wiped off dust and debris
from the desk to recover more personal photos. Looking at the reflection in
the glass covering of the photo, she found the point of orgin of the blast.
Her father's datadisk was gone.

(Scene: Imperial Headquarters)

Payne: Excellent report Major. Operation Breaking and Entering was a success.

Major Hazard: Thank you sir.

Major Hazard left as Admiral Payne was going over the report

Payne: (intercomm) Mainframe, report on the hard drives that we procured
yesterday.

Mainframe: (intercomm) Sir, this is going to take time. The encryption code is
diffcult at hand.

Payne: I want those files decrypted by 1800 hours tonight. You got 5 hours.

Mainframe: Yes sir.

Chapter III: Digging up dirt

(Scene: Megtoyko park. Thursday 1100 hours)

Payne and Cogman were taking a stroll through the park. The day was overcast,
but still people were either jogging, strolling, or walking their dogs. Payne
walked with his hands in his pockets and Cogman with several files under his
arm. For Payne it was a change of pace, he didn't want to spend most of his
time stuck at the office, despite Cogman's objections. This also gave him a
chance to look at the women

Cogman: Sir, grow up!

Payne gave Cogman innocent look.

Payne: What, I'm single.

Cogman: But you're the C-in-C. You have to set an example for the men.

Payne gone to a sarcastic tone of voice

Payne: Well, let them get their own dames!

Cogman: Anyway I have some things to tell you that are classified, I don't
think this is the best place.

Payne stopped dead in his tracks

Payne: Steve, no one is really going to give a damn about what we're talking
about. Now what have you found out.

Cogman: Admiral, I looked at some of the files and found that Ms. Stingray
owns a private airfield outside town.

Payne: The point Colonel.

Cogman took one of the files from under his arm and opened it

Cogman: Sir, there is a military surplus air troop transport armed with
missiles launchers at that airfield

Jim made a mental note to check on military sources for the Knight Sabers

Payne: Odd, we'll have impound it then. Have two shuttles, a capture team, one
full squadron of X-wings and one full squadron of Thunderbolt Starfuries
standing by. I'm personally overlooking this capture.

Cogman used his cell phone to issue the orders, then pulled out a photo

Cogman: Here is a photo of the Knight Sabers, Jim

Cogman handed Admiral Payne a picture of the Knight Sabers at the beach uh...
in swimsuits. Cogman could have swore that Jim's eyes left his sockets and his
tounge reach the floor when viewing the picture

Payne: Well, drown the kids and shoot the neighbors! (gives a wolf whistle)
I'm surprised that no one is beating down their front doors for dates. I
thought Cindy Crawford was hot, but she ain't got nothing on Ms. Stingray.

Cogman rolled his eyes upward in resignation, Jim was a lost cause

Cogman: I'll explain later, except for Ms. Yamazaki, she'll date anything in
pants and money in the pocket. Ms. Stingray's brother is lech or something
along those lines.

Payne: Hell, I'll be one if I was surrounded by good looking dames!

Cogman: Anyway Jim, I was reading on why the Knight Sabers were formed.

Payne: Explain.

Cogman opened another file

Cogman: Sylia Stingray formed the team to exact revenge for her Father's death
and to act as a balance aginist Genom. Ms. Stingray is sort of like Batman,
you know protecting Megatoyko from the scum of earth. Priss Asagiri (known as
the "Bad Bitch" of the team, due to "short temper") is on a personal level as
well, her boyfriend a leader of a biker gang was rubbed out due to having
classified Imperial documents, ADP declared it an accident. So she has an ax
to grind with ADP, Genom and the Imperial Navy. Linna Yamazaki signed on
because she did not make the cut in a dance audition, her folks were bumped
off by a rogue boomer and her physical prowless makes her the perfect fighting
machine. And Nene Romanova (the "Cute One") signed on because of her hacking
abilities, she maybe the one who hacked in the Imperial Computer core, anyway
ADP is unequipped to handle the new Combat Boomers that are running amuck.
These people don't work cheap.

Payne knew as if he understood their plight.

Payne: Sort of like Maceveili, "the Ends justifiy the means." How much do they
charge per job?

Cogman: Standard fee is 20 million yen, sometimes its 30-50.

Payne being from the States, he knew that the exchange rate between the Yen
and Dollar was lesser on the dollar.

Payne: In American greenbacks that's chicken feed, you know small potatoes. So
correct me if I wrong, 2 have a vendetta, 1 joined because ADP can't cut it,
and (raising voice) 1 joined because she didn't cut it as a dancer! Oh, yeah I
remember that, I was one of the judges.

Cogman: That's correct, sir.

Payne opened his duty jacket to pulled out a silver case. Opened it contained
about 5 cigars. Payne pulled out one, placed the cigar in his mouth and lit
the cigar. Cogman didn't really enjoy this particular habit of Jim's.

Payne: So tell me about Sylia's old man, why was he put on ice?

Cogman adjusted his glasses to read the report. Jim knew how her old man died,
he wanted the bullshit reason.

Cogman: Her father was the creator of the Bio Mechical Replicant or "Boomer,"
or in some cases "Buma," by popular opinion it was a mixed blessing. He kick
the bucket under rather mysterious circumstances, somehow he managed to piss
off Genom. The order for his termination came from an exec named Brian J,
Mason who died 12 years after the late Dr. Stingray.

Payne: How?

Cogman: In 2032, he was killed by Sylia Stingray in single combat, his throat
was slashed from ear to ear. I've read the police report and it was not a
pretty sight, Jim.

Jim blows out a cloud of the noxious smoke, lowered to his side he flicked off
the ashes from his cigar

Payne: Anything else I should be aware of about Ms. Stingray?

Cogman: Yes sir, due to the data left by father and after taking a few
classes, she is considered an expert in the field of cybernetics and robotics.

Payne: Does this pose any threat?

Cogman: Mainly to Genom, sir.

Payne: What about their day jobs?

Jim flicks what was left of his cigar to the ground

Cogman: Priss Asagiri, professional singer at a local dive known as Hot Legs
with a band known as Priss and the Replicants. Linna Yamazaki, a part time
Aerobics and Dance instructor at a local gym. Nene Romanova, meter maid,
traffic cop and computer operations at ADP, currently unemployed. And you know
Ms. Stingray occupation.

Payne: Have one to two undercover agents on them for serveiliance at all
times. Question all known friends, assocites and employers. Keep all
information to a need to know basis.

Cogman: Yes sir.

Payne: Ms. Stingray is rather young to take on Genom?

Cogman: Don't let her age fool you, Jim.

Payne: Explain.

Cogman: This is from her personal file, around the age of 18-22 under the
guise of a trip around the world, she learned guerilla warfare tactics, Urban
warfare, field medicine and the best ways to disarm, injure and kill a person,
Command and Control, Weapon systems and armanments.....

Payne gave a look of disbelief, this is a dame who you don't mess with on a
regular basis unless you got some kind of deathwish

Payne: Holy Shit! You ain't kidding!

Cogman: Team tactics, the Zen of the battlefield and more. She has trained her
body to peak physical condition, and has this determination, where you can't
stop her once she has made up her mind. Here is one of her personal log
entrys, to give you a general idea.

Payne: Don't keep me in suspense, Steve.

Cogman: (Reading from her entry) I had trained hard at home prior to the trip,
conditioning myself and getting my body into top shape. I had studied
satellite maps of the various regions. I had purchased the best equipment that
was available and then had it customized to my specifications. I believed that
I was as prepared as I could be. I was wrong. All the exercise and expensive
custom equipment in the world did not prepare me for the kinds of conditions
I would face outside MegaTokyo's cement jungle.
Rain-soaked forests, swamps, mountains, and deserts opposed me to the
point that I very nearly gave up. But each time my body cried out for me to
end its misery, I thought of my father. I thought of the gun. I thought of the
man who pulled the gun's trigger, ending my father's
life. My body learned to obey my will, no matter how raw my hands and feet
got, or how badly every muscle ached. I would finish this, no matter what.

Payne: Damn, this dame has real score to settle.

Cogman: Sort of like Batman, eh Jim?

Payne: You know Steve, I thought this job was a normal kick ass and take names
type of operation. I thought these Knight Sabers are just a pennyanite
operation.

Cogman: Tell me about it, I came to the conclusion that we are in over our
heads

Payne: Anything else Steve?

Cogman: Not for right now, Jim.

Payne: What about Corwin's success at USSD and GPDC?

Cogman: The information is on your desk

Payne smiled in satifaction knowing he got his way.

Payne: Good, I guess he shook their monkey tree. Well this confirms my theory,
that they're are a well equipped and highy trained mercnary group. Oh, did I
recieved anything in the mail?

Cogman pulled out an envelope, and then fumbled with his glasses

Cogman: Yeah, you got a check from, hold it, just let me put on my glasses,
there, a Nene Romanova for 900 bucks and a rather nasty note.

Payne shrugged knowing that was expected

Payne: Send a reply stating just be thankful the boys didn't come to break
your legs with sledgehammers. About the information on the Knight Sabers,
things are starting to add up, but there is something's rotten in the state of
Japan. How about some lunch?

Payne and Cogman walked over a hot dog vendor

Payne: Excuse me, how spicy are your hot dogs?

The vendor gone through his salespitch

Vendor: We have spicy, very spicy, ultra spicy, mega spicy, call the fire
department and hotter than hell.

Payne: Give me a hotter than hell, my aide will have a spicy.

Vendor: That will be 200 yen and a free bottle of heartburn medicine for the
hotter than hell.

Pulling out 200 yen from his wallet, Payne payed the vendor, then sat down at
a table to have lunch. Cogman lunch was a spicy dog with the normal
conditments. Jim's on the other hand was different, he realized after looking
at it, how it got its namesake his had onions, hot mustard, horse radish,
tabsacco, hot peppers, and japepenos. He took bite out of it, his tounge was
nearly bursted into flames, his eyes turned on the water works set to Niagra
Falls. Spew out a flame comparable to the distance and intensity of a flame
thrower from his mouth. Cogman sat there nonchantalty, Jim regain his
composture, a few minutes after some of his lunch wreck havoc in his digestive
system.

Payne: After lunch, we better get back to headquarters. This hotter than hell
ain't bad. But I'm going to pay for it, no wonder that vendor put a free
bottle of anti-acids with this.

Payne and Cogman continue eating their lunch.

(Scene: Sylia's penthouse at the same time Imperial forces were at the
airfield)

Sylia managed to get majority of her furnature replaced. The place started
looking normal as a precaution she had the security system upgraded. Priss
walked through the door mildly upset. From Priss' glance at Sylia, she looked
exhausted. There were black smudges under eyes, her hair was a mess, she
fought a losing battle to stay awake

Priss: God damn fuckin' Assholes!

Sylia: Problems

Priss: Damn right! These 2 sonuvbitches at Hot Legs were asking everyone there
questions about me. They even requested my concert be cancelled so they can
question my band.

Sylia felt a headache coming on

Sylia: What kind of questions?

Priss: Oh, your usual questions: Where do I hang out? Who do I associate with?
Do I belong any subverive organizations? Notice any strange behavior?

Both Linna and Nene had a sense of Deja vu with Priss' situation

Linna: That was the same at Pheobe's, these guys were like government agents.

Nene: Same here I got a call from Leon about someone asking people I know a
lot of questions.

Sylia messaged the back of her neck

Sylia: Strange enough, I got a call from a friend of mine about two gentlemen
asking him questions about me. He couldn't give me any details. I doubt these
were not isolated incidents. All that has gone on these past couple of days, I
been having these headaches and I haven't slept in 3 days.

For now sleep was a luxury Sylia can't afford

Priss: Sylia, do you anything about this Admiral Payne

Sylia: Yes, I just punched up psych profile

Psychological Profile

Name: Payne, James T.
Mental State: Stable
Disposition: Arrogant
Vices: Smokes cigars and drinks
Note: Admiral Payne can be charming one moment then have you up in front of a
firing squad the next. He posseses a genius level IQ, which makes him very
cunning and calculating. He is known to be very cheap. Devoted to duty,
Admiral Payne will carry out an order without hestation, once questioned on
this, his response was "I'm soldier, when I'm given an order, I give a yes sir
and do my damnest to carry it out." He is very honorable (to a certain
degree). Under certain kinds of stress Admiral Payne will exhibited two types
of behavior under certain condition: in combat he is calm, and collected and
ready to lead his forces into battle, under different kinds of stress he
exhibits severe paranoia only under extreme stress. Usually this is kept under
control with his smoking and alcholism.

Priss: Sounds like you met your match in intelligence.

Sylia: Maybe, I just don't know.

Sylia picked up a photo of the Admiral as the other Knight Sabers talked
amongst themselves. Studying the photo with wreary eyes, he was a handsome man
with artisotric features, short brown hair, clear blue eyes, and a strong
chin. She studied the photo, as she whispered to herself

Sylia: (quietly) What are your intentions for us?

Priss overheard Sylia

Priss: Did you say something Sylia?

Sylia shook her head

Sylia: No, I'm just tired.

With that Sylia dragged her "dead" body to her bedroom. Priss, Linna and Nene
were distressed on how this investigation and the last 6 months have taken a
toll on Sylia. As Sylia closed the door to her bedroom, she crashed onto the
bed and pulled the covers over her. In her mind she planned to take a vacation
alone after this, she knew she was risking burnout, breakdown or other stress
related health problems. Finally Sylia's eyes closed, and she fell fast
asleep.

(Scene: Airfield 2 hours later)

Surrounded by 20 square miles of fence and barbed wire with signs of "No
Trespassing," and "Keep Out" with only one way in and out, was the hanger
owned by Sylia Stingray. Situated on a hill were the 2 shuttles, the squadron
of X-wings and the capture team. Admiral Payne standing at the edge of the
hill with a pair of electro-binocluars was overlooking the layout. Payne
chuckled and smiled at the sight of the signs, and proudly said to himself as
he lowered his electro-binocluars.

Payne: (to himself) Well, good thing we have a search warrant. I don't want to
get busted for trespassing.

An Imperial Scout Trooper runs up the hill to the Admiral, due to strict
orders to maintain radio silence.

Payne: Whats the situation soldier?

He raiseed his electro-binocluars

Scout Trooper 290: The fence is elecrtified, there are motion detectors inside
the perimeter. The only to shut it down is in the hanger

Payne zoomed in on the control box, and had an idea

Payne: Would a homing device set off the motion detectors?

Scout Trooper 290: No sir, they're small enough to be undetected, but we can't
get to it.

Payne gave a look of certainty

Payne: Oh, we can't. I know what can.

He stuffed his electro-binocluars in a pouch in his field jacket as he walked
the hill with the Scout Trooper in tow. At the foot of the hill he met up with
the capture team.

Payne: Corpral, is your blaster capable of long range targeting?

Corpral: Yes sir.

Payne points to the corpral's blaster

Payne: Hand over your blaster and a clip of homing devices.

The Corpral reluctally handed over his blaster to the Admiral. The Admiral
with blaster in hand walked up to the fence, he replaced the clip of live ammo
with the clip of homing devices. The butt of the blaster on his shoulder, his
left hand steadied the rifle, his right finger on the trigger. He squinted his
eye as he aquired his target through the targeting sight. With a gentle
squezee of the trigger, one homing device fired out the barrel. The device
shot through fence, across the perimeter, and then attached itself on the
control box. The corpral was surprised at the Admiral's shooting

Corpral: Nice shot, Admiral.

Payne pointed the blaster across his body, then handed back to the corpral. He
reached in his right breast pocket of his field jacket, and pulled out a
comlink.

Payne: (Into comlink) Payne to Alpha Leader.

Alpha Leader voice came through the comlink. With Alpha Squadron maintaining a
holding pattern in case of trouble.

Alpha Leader: (through Comlink) Alpha Leader here, Alpha Squadron standing by.

Payne raised his comlink closer to his mouth

Payne: (Into comlink) What is your Starfury armed with, Lt?

Alpha Leader: (through Comlink) Besides the standard cannons, my squadron is
equipped with the standard load of 4 advanced consussion missiles, two under
each lower wing.

Payne: (into the comlink) Alpha Leader bring the homing device on your
targeting display.

Alpha Leader: (through comlink) Target aquired.

Payne: (into Comlink) Lock one missile on target.

Alpha Leader flipped a switch on his flight stick, on his HUD (heads up
display) responded with weapons hot, missiles armed.

Alpha Leader: Target locked, missile armed.

Payne: (into comlink) Alpha Leader, you're cleared to fire.

Alpha Leader fired a single missile. The missile tracked its target, as it
skimmed along the grounds, the missile set off the motion detectors, alarms
gone off for mere seconds, as the missile slammed into its target, and
destroyed the security system.

Payne: (into Comlink) Target destroyed.

An hour later, Payne stood on the grounds near the Hanger as his capture team
secured the area. Payne brings his comlink to his mouth.

Payne: Captain status report

Captain Burns: (through comlink) Capture operation begun

Two Imperial pilots walked into the hanger. Once onboard the pilots had go
through the standard pre-flight check, and the engines needed to be warmed up.
After all that, they taxied the Sky Carrier out on the runway. Activation of
the VTOL engines, the Skycarrier rose into the air.

Captain Burns: (through Comlink) Capture operation complete

The Sky Carrier is in the air. Payne signeled the X-wings into the air and
order his shuttles for launch.

Payne: Good work Captian, take it back Base for study ASAP. Ok boys and girls
lets get out of here. Move!

An hour later the shuttles followed the Sky Carrier back to base, and
escorted by a full squadron of X-wings and Thunderbolt Starfuries.

(Scene: in the Shuttle)

One of the pilots walked into the passager area carrying a headset for the
Admiral.

Pilot: Admiral. Colonel Cogman is on the line, sir.

Payne took the headset, placed it on his head, after that he striaghtened the
mike.

Payne: Yes, Cogman?

Cogman (over headset): Admiral, I have Imperial Techinians standing by
awaiting for your arrival.

Payne: Good. I think we should pay a visit to Raven's Garage next. Then we can
proceed with phase 2 arrest and question all informants.

Cogman (over headset): Sir what if they came after us?

Payne: 3 of the Knight Sabers (referring to Sylia, Linna, and Nene) would
think of it as futile the other 1 (referring to Priss) she's crazy enough, its
just matter of getting her angry enough to try it.

Payne takes a swig of his heartburn medicine, and grapsing his stomach. Cogman
could hear him gulping down the antiacids

Cogman (over headset): Easy with the heartbrun medicine, Jim.

The feelings of discomfort, and misery were plainly shown on Jim's face

Payne: Man, when that vendor said hotter than hell. He ain't kidding I got
heartburn from hell. That fire going to be there for a while.

(scene: Sylia's penthouse)

Linna checked on Sylia. A smile came to Linna's face, Sylia looked so peaceful
as she slept. Linna covered her with a blanket. The first decent sleep in 3
days for her. Linna quietly closed the door, just as Mackie walked up to her.

Mackie: How is she doing?

Linna: She is asleep, I went and put a blanket over her.

A troubled expression was on Mackie's face as he looked at Linna. He was
truely worried about his sister.

Mackie: Sometimes I worry about her, pushing herself too hard. All the stress
and strain she puts herself through everyday. When this OPERATION RECIPROCITY
crap is over with., I'm going to tell Sis to take a vacation.

Linna placed her hand on Mackie's shoulder and gave him a friendly smile

Linna: We all could use some rest, especially Sylia. I can't imagine the type
of stress she puts her mind and body everyday.

Linna's expression assumed a striaght expression

Linna: To be frank Mackie I don't want to know. All the pain she carries
inside of her, the respondibilties, and the emotions she keeps bottled up, I
wouldn't want to be in her shoes for love or money.

Mackie: Sometimes I'll pass her room, and I'll hear her crying. I would leave
her alone then.

Linna: Its perfectly healthy, she keeps those emotions bottled up for so long
that they need a release, by crying she is releasing those emotions that she
kept bottled up. Its like Priss she releases those hateful emotions in combat.

Mackie: Thanks Linna, I needed to talk to someone.

Linna smiled again

Linna: I'm just glad. I could help.

(Scene: Imperial Headquarters)

A Lt. talks to the Admiral. Payne wished he could just go to quarters and
sleep, instead one of his peons has to deliver something. He was exhausted and
ready to conk in the corridor. But the good thing is his heartburn was gone.

Lt.: Admiral?

Payne: What is it Lt.? I'm very tired and I haven't have anything to eat in 8
hours.

Lt.: Sir, we recieved a call from the Prime Minister, requesting the status of
OPERATION RECIPROCITY.

Payne: (rubbing his eyes with his thumb and index finger) Tell him that
everything is proceeding ahead of schedule.

Lt.: Yes sir.

The Lt. saluted him and the Admiral walked into his quarters. Unlike his
quarters in Los Angeles, the CO quarters of Megatoyko base offered just enough
comfort for a person of his rank. Offered here was a private work area,
bathroom, bedroom and a spaceous living area. He missed his quarter at Los
Angeles base all his worldly possessions: His Steinway panio, his collection
of favorite Tv shows ( Ie Star Trek Tos to Voyager, Babylon 5, Macross and the
Transformers) and more. Basically he missed Los Angeles in general. He walked
into the bedroom, but first the closet where he removed his field jacket and
his boots, once in the bathroom he splashed some cold water on his face. As he
wipe off his face he looked at himself in the mirrior, besides the fact his
face needed a shave, his eyes were bloodshot and the black smudges under his
eyes. He noticed some slight greying in his hair. He felt as if he was
different, he tied it to the fact that he follows regulations too much, he has
became too hard nose. He blew off the feeling as bullshit. As he turn out the
light in his bathroom, he dragged his weary body over to the bed and fell flat
on his face on the bed and pillow. Half awake he order the lights out in his
room, he wished his mind would stop tormenting him. In his dream, he
recollected the incident which lead up to him firing Nene, the dream then
placed him when he was a young officer; bright, a future ahead of him, full of
potential. That career nearly was flushed down the toilet, when he screwed up
on something, in the aftermath he was chewed out by his superior.

Bolting upwards, his eyes forced open, he felt his heart pound, sweat
dripping down his face, his breathing was erratic. Jim walked out of his
bedroom into a little kitchen area, where he made himself some coffee to calm
him down. With coffee in hand he sat down on the couch, placed the coffee on
the coffee table and started to reflect on his termination of Officer
Romanova, he was following his orders. As Jim compared the two incidents, he
was beginning to feel guity that he was turning into his superior 20 years
ago. There is lesson in being a Commanding Officer, "Treat the subordiantes
under your command with respect, and they will respect you," Jim knew that
lesson well, the subordiantes under his command have treated him with respect,
because he did the same. What made the ADP different to the Imperial Navy was
the lack of discipline, that was the burr under his saddle. Knowing he won't
get sleep for the next couple hours, he decided to watch some Tv and ordered
out for some Chinese food.

(Scene: Lady633 gym. Friday 0730 hours)

Sylia was engaged in her daily workout in a very irritable mood. Her routine
consisted of Push ups, push ups with one hand, sit ups and chin ups. All the
stress she has been through, some strentous physical activity might reduce her
irritablity. The vid-phone began ring, she gave a snarl in frustration, just
for being disturbed. Beads of sweat trickle down her face, her teeth cletched
in determination.

Sylia: (annoyed) Yes!

Sylia pulled on a pair of boxing gloves and started hitting the punching bag.
Mackie's image came through

Mackie: (over vid-phone) Sis, I was going to work on the Skycarrier today but
there is a ....Problem

Problems always problems.

Sylia: (very annoyed) What?

Mackie: (over-vid phone) Its missing. The security system was destroyed from
long range. Who ever these people are they're good.

Sylia sighed in annoyance. Now with the recent disappearence of the skycarrier
which cost her a lot money to procure and to keep people quiet down the line
only made her anger worse

Sylia: I'll send Linna and Nene into the area to investigate.

After turning off the vid-phone, Sylia gritted her teeth in her anger, she put
a hole in the punching bag. After removing the gloves, she chucked them across
the gym, and slammed the door behind her. The sand continued to pour out of
the hole in the bag

Chapter IV: Imperial Forces make a vist to Raven's

(Scene: Imperial Headquarters)

In a computer filled lab was Mainframe's domain from here he has access to
every Imperial database worldwide and able to easily gain access to any
non-Imperial databases. Mainframe removed the Stingray datadisk from an
interface terminal as his CO walked in.

Payne: Mainframe, report. What was on that datadisk?

Mainframe: Some of the encrypted files were techical readouts.

That bit of information perked the Admiral's interest

Payne: For what?

Mainframe: A type of power armor called a "Hardsuit" each designed to a
specific user and transformable motorcycles called "Motoslaves" they're kind
of like E-frames, sir

Payne overlooked the techical readouts

Payne: Mainframe, what else was on that data disk?

Mainframe: Blueprints for the prototype hardsuit. Not only that but a message
from the father, to avenge his death at the hands of Genom.

Payne: Excellent Mainframe, I'll take that datadisk now.

Mainframe: Yes sir.

Payne walked out into the corridor, looking at the datadisk with a strange
type of glee, and a sinister smile on his face.

Payne: (to himself) Once again the Datadisk is back in Imperial hands.

The Stingray datadisk is the key between the Imperial Navy and the Knight
Sabers, what is the question

(Scene: The Admiral's office)

Reaching his desk, Payne placed the datadisk on the desk. After turning on a
desktop lamp, he walked to a small bar behind the desk. There he made himself
a Bourbon Highball on the rocks, with bottle and glass in hand, he sat at the
desk to catch up on some paperwork. A sergeant walked in, stopped and saluted
the Admiral. After the mention of the words "at ease," the enlisted man
snapped the three folders from under his arm to the direction of the Admiral.

Sgt.: Admiral, the files you asked for

With files in hand Jim layed them on the desk, along with draining his Bourbon
Highball down his throat.

Payne: Thank you Sgt.

Payne opened the first file and poured himself another glass of Bourbon as the
Noncomm left

Yamakzaki, Linna
- Born 20 Octobter, 2012
- Part time dance instructor
- International competion-level expert in Tai-Chi
- Parents killed 2027 by uncontrolled boomer
- High School and College graduate
- Career choice: Professional dancer

Asagiri, Priscilla S
- Born 27, May 2013
- Small time singer
- Former Bike gang member
- Minior criminal record
- Parents killed in 2025, in the Quake
- High School dropout
- Lived in orphanage, ran away on average of once/month
- A complete LOSER

Romanova, Nene
- Born 31, August 2014
- ADP officer
- Self-taught computer hacker. Skill level extraordinaire
- Ran away from home due to strict parents
- High School droupout due to boredom

Payne closed the files

Payne: (to himself) Talk about scraping from the bottom of the barrel, these
people wouldn't last 2 days as members of the Imperial Navy. Well, Ms.
Styingray would have made a fine officer.

Payne pushed a button on his desk

Payne: Payne to Cogman.

Cogman: (over commsystem) Cogman here

Payne: Have 3 APCs and two capture teams standing-by, we're paying a visit to
Raven's Garage.

Cogman: (Over commsystem) Already on it, sir. Admiral I almost forgot, the ADP
has several outstanding warrants for the arrest of the Knight Sabers.

Payne: For what?

Cogman: (over Comm system) Various counts of Felony/Assault, Extortion,
Reckless Endangerment, Damage to Public and private Property, Illegal
possession and use of military hardware, resisting arrest, interfering in
police business, and bribing government and military officials.

Eyes widen as he heard the charges

Payne: Enough charges to have those bitches put up front of a firing squad and
have them shot.

Cogman: (over comm system) Sir, the military hardware, some of it is.....
Imperial military hardware.

Now his blood pressure jumped 15 to 20 points hearing the misapporiation of
Imperial supplies

Payne: WHAT?! Like what?

Cogman: (over comm system) Medical equipment, power cells, weapon clips,
thruster packs, survival gear, tricorders both medical and tactical, and
certain bio-neural components.

Payne: I want to know who is giving Imperial equipment to unauthorzied
personnel and I want him arrested, then shoot him and then interrogate him!

Cogman: (over comm system) That will be impossible to interrogate after
shooting the person

Payne: Oh you know what I mean!

Cogman: (over comm system) I'll get security on it, sir!

Payne: Thank you Cogman.

Payne sat there for several minutes thinking who was the son of a bitch who
stabbed him in the back. Once the discovery of cuprit, a court martial and
firing squad will be the least of his worries. He glanced at his computer, and
flipped the power switch.

Payne: Computer, reestabish link up with Genom centeral archives

Computer: Link estabished

As he spoke he glanced at his wristwatch, then out the window. On the screen
appeared the Genom's directories

Payne: Access Largo files.

Computer: Access denied.

Payne: Engage ICE breaker program and access files.

A message flashed on the screen "ICE breaker program engaged," with that Jim
can access the files he requested

Computer: Access granted.

With that the files on Largo appeared. In appearence he looked like a typical
dicator regal, charmastic, commanding. His designation was SuperBoomer who can
wield tremenous power at whim. The files also stated that his only desire is
that the Boomers become the "master race."
Payne looked at that and thought Hitler didn't get far with that bullshit. The
OMS was his the final piece to his insane dream for his new world order.
Nearly falling out of his chair laughing, Payne saw that Largo viewed himself
as god. "Why can't people do it the old fashion way these days. Look at Cobra
Commander, he didn't need no stinking OMS to take over the world, he raised an
army for terrorism," thought Payne. Lastly there have been rumors that there
was a connection between Brian J. Mason and Largo.

Payne: This Largo jerk reminds me of Megatron in human form. All he needs now
is a back stabbing, power hungry sidekick like Starscream, and a completely
loyal sidekick like Soundwave or Shockwave.

Staring at his screen, Payne sat there pondering the Largo/Mason/Stingray
connection. The deeper you dig, the stranger the shit.

(Scene: Vehicle bay)

The vehicle bay was a cavernous installtion of Imperial Headquarters with
maintance hooks hanging from the celing, trained maintance workers repairing
or conducting regular tune ups to keep Imperial Mechinized and Armor divisions
in good shape. Scores of Imperial mechinized units in the bay from the small
lightly armored APC to the massive fourlegged, earth shaking, heavliy armored
and armed 200 tons of pure firepower (a Tim Allen grunt) the AT-AT walker,
then to the little brother of the AT-AT, the light armored, very fast AT-ST
walker. Payne entered through two massive blast doors which open in a diagonal
fashion, heading past the maintance area to the awaiting APCs and his car in
the staging area.

Payne: Commander, status.

Commander Sinclair: Ready to go Admiral.

Payne climbed into his car grabbed the microphone lying on the dashboard for
the radio

Payne: All units move out.

With engines reved up, flashers and alarms go off as two massive hanger doors
retracted to the left and right to allow the departure of the Admiral's car
and his column of APCs

(Scene: Megatoyko highway 2200 hours)

The highway was relevity empty, the Imperial column sped along the highway.
Inside Admiral Payne figured that the other motorist should get out of his
way.

Payne: Better hit the sirens.

With a push of a button on the dash, the sirens and flashers on the top of the
Admiral's car were turned on, with the 3 APCs in a column formation. Priss is
on her motorcycle riding home, she noticed a whole bunch of lights relfecting
off her display, mirrior and helmet. She turned her head around to see a
sports car and 3 APCs. She nearly got knocked off the road as the Admiral and
the APCs blew her by.

Troop on a PA: Imperial Security clear the road!!

Priss pulled over to the side, and lifted the visor to her helmet

Priss: (mocking) Imperial Security clear the road.

(Scene: Raven's Garage)

The garage was situated in the fault line, a small reminder of the Kanto Quake
of 25. It was nondescript garage, a perfect front. A sign above it in red
letters said Raven's. An Imperial Army officer noticed it was closed for the
evening.

Lt.: Locked sir!

Payne' s thought: Aye Crumbra. Don't they teach people anymore. He let out
sigh and regain is composture.

Payne: Lt. all you need is a key, I got my skeleton key right here.

Admiral Payne pulls out his Smith & Wesson pump action shotgun from his car
and blows the lock off. He pushed the button to open the garage door. He
stepped in, it was a normal garage, with the smell of fresh grease and oil.

Payne: Unlocked. Secure the area. I will be timing you.

Lt. Yes sir.

3 minutes later

Payne: Lt. is the area secure?

Lt.: Area secure sir.

Payne looked around as he was looking he stepped in a puddle oil, and some got
oil on his boot. He muttered to himself: Damn! I just got these shined.

Payne: Looks like a regular garage, I came....

Still looks can be deceiving, military training has given him a sense
intutsion, that he never scoffed at because it save his ass on more than
occasion.

PFC: Sir, sir!

A PFC (Private First Class) came running to the Admiral with his tricorder in
his hand

Payne: What is it Pvt.?

The PFC shows the Admiral his Tricorder

PFC: I'm picking up strange readings from my tricorder.

Payne: Location?

PFC: There is a hidden elevator, sir in the ladies restroom.

Payne knew that there was time you have to do the dirty work, this was one of
those times

Payne: Alright, anyone feeling brave?

An Imperial trooper kicked down the door to the dingy lavatory. Admiral Payne
walked in, and kicked open the door to each stall one at a time, scanning it
and moving on. then he reached one marked "OUT OF ORDER." He put his tricorder
back in the holder on his gun belt.

Payne: There is a shaft below us. Well, we go in groups of twos and threes

Payne closed the door and flushed the toilet. Instead of the expected rush of
water, the whole stall descended into the ground, and he found himself and his
troops in a warm, well lit gymnasium. Payne gave a whistle in surprise.

Payne: Man, when that things flushes, it flushes!

A Trooper: Sir, we've the hit jackpot.

Payne knew that he ain't whistling dixie, finally they've gotten deeper in
this investigation.

Payne: It's a training facility and armory.

Commander Sinclair came out of an adjacent room, finding their missing goods
and other evidence.

Commander Sinclair: Admiral, I found the hardsuits and Motorslaves, and the
missing supplies

Payne nodded to Commander Sinclair.

Payne: Get some crates down here and get two hardsuits, one motorslaves, and
the supplies and load 'em on the APC's. But first find a cargo elevator.

Unknown trooper: Yes sir

Payne: Lt. get those data tapes on the Knight Sabers combat skills.

Lt. Anderson: Yes sir.

Admrial Payne walked back to the main garage. Where the bulk of his forces
remained as look outs. Payne walked over to them for a request that suited
their talents.

Payne: Boys, leave a calling card

Two Imperial soldiers used their blasters write out their calling card.

(Scene: Imperial headquarters, vehicle bay. Saturday 0300)

Imperial personnel off-loading the crates marked TOP SECRET from the APC's to
the cargo lifters. An exhausted Admiral Payne overlooks the offloading.

Payne: Take those crates to the R&D labs pronto.

Cogman entered, with two cups of coffee. One of the mugs was marked in big
letters ADMIRAL PAYNE, Boss. The other was marked COLONEL COGMAN, Lackey.

Cogman: You look like crap, Admiral.

Payne took the cup with his name on it, took a moderate sip of the steaming
coffee

Payne: Thank you Steve, I think you're cute too.

Cogman: Jim, why don't you get some sacktime?

Payne didn't want to argue with his friend, because he knew Cogman was right,
he needed sleep.

Payne: (yawns) Not a bad idea. I'm bushed. (yelling at the cargo handlers)
Careful with those crates you idiots!

Various cargo handlers: Sorry boss. Yes sir.

Payne turned to Cogman

Payne: Cogman take over, I'm going to bed.

Cogman: Yes sir.

Payne walked out of the vehicle bay

(Scene: Raven's Garage 0630 hours)

Mackie and Dr. Raven opened the garage for business to find out that, it was
searched.

Dr. Raven: What the?!

A message was written in bullet holes on the north wall of the garage

Mackie: (reading message) You have been searched by Imperial Security. Have a
nice day. One other thing, security in this place, damn its stinks. (to Dr.
Raven) Sis is not going to like this.

He was not far from being right

(Scene: Lady633 gym)

Sylia is practicing her hand-to-hand combat with Linna and Priss, when a call
from Mackie came in. Sylia was actually feeling little better but not much.
She wiped the sweat for her face with a towel and and turned on the video
display on the phone.

Sylia (to Mackie): Yes Mackie.

Mackie (over phone): Sis, Raven's was searched by Imperial Security last night
and they left a rather unusal calling card. Two hardsuits and a Motorslave are
missing

Mackie shows Sylia through the vid-phone what he meant, Sylia had a rather
annoyed expression on her face and sinking feeling in her stomach. Linna
recongized it as the "I'm-ready-to-kill-the-rotten-bastard" look. Sylia gave a
sigh in experastion

Sylia: Keep me informed.

Sylia turned off the video display, she walked to Priss and Linna on the other
side of the gym. The dark-haired dancer and the brown haired singer were
leaning against the wall. Priss is a bit surprised that Sylia has put up with
all this.

Priss: Lets kick their asses, Sylia! I'm getting tired of this bullshit.

Sylia does not want a direct conflict with the Imperial Navy. In her mind
rationally they would have a victory or 2 in short run, but in the long run
they would lose.

Sylia: Priss, what can the 4 of us do againist 100,000 armed and fully trained
troops? Our odds of survival are pretty damn silm!

Linna couldn't help but agree, because Sylia was being realitic

Linna: Sylia has a point, what if they decide to have the full power of the
Imperial Navy breathing down are necks?

Sylia: I feel the need to vent my frustration. Priss, hand me that blindfold.

Priss handed Sylia the blindfold and tied it around her eyes

Priss: What are you doing?

Sylia assumed a fighting stance

Sylia: Giving myself a handicap. Ready?

Priss did the same

Priss: Ready?

Priss attempted to punch Sylia, but caught her fist. Then threw Priss over her
shoulder, sending Priss to mat on her back. Shooting back to her feet, Priss
tries to come behind, but Sylia turned and kicked her right in the stomach.
Priss fell right on her ass gasping for air. Both Priss and Linna knew Sylia
preferred for them not to hold back on anything or use kid gloves when helping
her practice hand to hand combat, because boomers don't hold back or use kid
gloves, they will play for keeps

Priss: Amazing!

Sylia removes her blindfold

Sylia: Not really before I formed the Knight Sabers. I trained in most forms
of hand-to-hand combat, like fighting blindfolded, forseeing my opponent's
actions without using my eyes and relying on my other senses like my hearing.
Well, I'm going to take a shower.

Sylia snapped the towel around her neck leaving the gym to take a shower.
Leaving Priss wondering "how far will they push you before you push back?"

Chapter V: The briefing about the Knight Sabers

(Scene: Imperial Headquarters briefing room)

The Admiral takes a another sip of his coffee (extra strong and black to keep
him awake or to cure a hangover). Only getting 5 hours of sleep, he tried to
maintain the illusion that he was he paying attention

Payne: Interesting, continue your report Commander

Commander Sinclair: Admiral, the Knight Sabers do possess rules of conduct.

Payne: Explain.

Sinclair: Here they are:
1. Do not divulge any information on the group.
2. Do not act upon a personal grudge.
3. Do not act without the mutual consent of the all the members.
4. Do not secede from the organization.
5. Members are personally responsible for damage to organization

equipment unless it was unavoidable.
6. Do not divulge information about the clients
7. Do not gather information on your own.
8. Keep in contact with the other members.
9. The members do not know each other outside this organization
10. Do not get involved with a man.
11. The pentalty for violating any of the ten regulations above is death.

Jim though he could be very anal, but this woman ruled with iron fist.

Payne: Man, the pentalty makes us look like a bunch of social thinkers and
wimps, sounds like someone should pull the fencepole out of Ms. Stingray's
ass.

The briefing room broke into laughter for a few minutes, Jim gasping for air
after laughing extremely hard, he waved his hand in a downward motion to
signifiy for everyone to settle down.

Commander Sinclair: Well Admiral, Rules # 2, 9, and 10 have been broken, but
rule 11 never has been invoked.

Scare tactics, in course of the CO's command, you have to use scare tactics to
frighten your subordinates into obeying. Jim is thinking that Ms. Stingray
after viewing her file and psych profile is a capable commanding officer;
ultilizing Ms. Yamazaki's martial arts background, Ms. Asagiri's anger & rage,
and Ms. Romanova's knowledge of computers; molding them into a well origanized
and dangerous mercnary team

Payne: Continue Commander

Commander Sinclair: as you can see sir I'll list each of their Fighting style.
Fighting style
Sylia Stingray: Long range attacks and coordination
Linna Yamazaki: "In-your-face" melee
Priss Asagiri: "All-out, anything-goes fighting"
Nene Romanova: None

Payne: What do mean by none on Ms. Romanova, Commander?

Sinclair: She has no Fighting style, she can't fight whatsoever.

Payne: Explain Ms. Asagiri fighting style, Commander.

Sinclair: She will win by any means necessary, in other words she fights
dirty.

A tactical mind like Payne's, analyzed that you neutralized the enemies with
the most predictble movements and patterns; in a fight Nene and Priss will be
dealt with first. Next would be Sylia and Linna since they vary their attack
patterns.

Payne: Ok. What are their primary functions on the Knight Sabers, Commander?

Commander Sinclair: Well, here the list.
Functions
Sylia Stingray: Commander
Linna Yamazaki: Close-quarters fighter
Priss Asagiri: Heavy weapons specialist
Nene Romanova: Electronic warfare, Communcation specialist

On the preivous thought, neutralizing predictible opponents, removing Nene
from the proverbial chess board it would throw the Knight Sabers into disarray
without the cooridation and tactical information the Knight Sabers could be
crush with one quick stroke. Still never underestimate your opponents.

Payne: Excellent Sinclair. Gentlemen, now we go after this man.

Admiral Payne produced a photograph of their next target

Payne: His name Fargo, a known underworld stoolpigeon or to be poltically
correct he's an "information broker." Find him and bring back for questioning.
Dismiss gentlemen. Cogman wait one moment.

The other officers left the briefing room leaving Cogman with his hands behind
back, and Jim was getting up from his chair

Cogman: Yes Admiral?

Payne: I want you something do personally.

Cogman: What is it sir?

Payne: I want you bring in a person named Lisa Vanette.

Cogman gave an quizzitive look to the Admiral

Cogman: May I ask why?

Payne leaned against the table with his hands in his pockets

Payne: She has seen 2 of the Knight Sabers without their visors down. When
questioning, treat her with kidgloves since she is minor.

Cogman: Yes sir. Admiral we have the person in question

His head snapped to Cogman's direction his eyes wide

Payne: Who?

Cogman: Lt cmdr. Stele, supply officer. We have in him the detention block,
and he has spill his guts on the missing supplies. His payments were put into
his account, we found out his balance was 300,000 dollars over his usual pay,
and on his pay he can't make 300 grand in one month.

With a pat on the shoulder and a smile, he knew Cogman never failed him

Payne: Good work, Cogman.

Cogman saluted and snapped his heels at attention. Payne saluted back as
Cogman spun on his heels and marched out the briefing room

(Scene: Sylia's penthouse)

Mackie walked in, Sylia is at her desk, from the expression on her face and
the angry look in her eyes it was better to keep your distance from her.
Mackie looked at her with a sad expression on his face. She has not slept nor
had anything to eat. She bit Nene's head off for a minior mistake, she has
been getting increasingly frustrated, and losing her temper more often.
Normally she calm and collected as if nothing bothered her. Mackie knew
better, he has always known that Sylia had her own personal demons that
haunted her, that plus she never liked to express what is bothering her, even
more when you basically have to twist her arm. Mackie shook his head, he knew
that OPERATION RECIPROCITY has been bothering her. Then her little brother
summed up the courage to speak to her.

Mackie: We have to talk.

Sylia continued to work. She didn't even look at him. She just wanted to bury
herself in her workload.

Sylia: Not now, I'm busy.

Mackie: Your workload can wait. In case you haven't noticed, you're under
extreme amount of stress, with lost of appitite, lack of sleep, irritibitly.
You need take vacation. You have been running yourself ragged for 6 months,
ever since the fight with Largo.

Sylia shot up from her chair, slammed both hands on the desk and snapped at
Mackie. Buring the searing look of her eyes into Mackie. The look that would
make anyone change their shorts

Sylia: I don't need this!

Mackie: (raising his voice) I'm doing this because, I care about you. I don't
want to see you physically falling apart! (voice in normal tone) You know I'm
right.

Sylia slumped back into her chair, she knew he was right. No matter how hard
she denied it. She rubbed her hand across her forehead. She has worn herself
down to the bone.

As she started to talk, Sylia didn't look at Mackie, she didn't want to show
how much turmoil she was in.

Sylia: (sighs) You're right, I'm sorry. Ever since this bullshit started. I've
been in cold sweat and under constant stress. Nightmares keep haunting me,
that explains my lack of sleep and for being cranky. I do need to get away,
but not until this is over. Mackie?

Mackie: Yeah?

Sylia got up and walked over to Mackie

Sylia: Sorry for snapping at you. I didn't mean too.

Sylia and Mackie hug each other. Moments later, Mackie left the room leaving
Sylia staring out the window with her arms folded across her chest.

Sylia: (to herself) Admiral, I think its time for you and me to get aquainted.

Sylia continued to stare out the window. Ever since OPERATION RECIPROCITY
began, she started falling apart, deep down inside her, she was scared
shitless of the Imperial Navy and what they can do. One of her most longest
yearnings was for a normal life, where she can enjoy every moment.
Unfortunaly, she was a Knight Saber with a destiny to fullfill. Sylia knew as
she stared out at the night sky, soon all hell is going to break loose, and
Admiral Payne will be on her list for revenge with a bullet.

(Scene: Hot Legs, 1700 hours)

Arriving at Hot Legs, on the outside it looked like a crummy dive, going on
the pretense looks can be decieving. Payne and his aide Charlie (Cogman was is
on assignment) walked to the entrance to only be stopped by the bouncer. Payne
looked at the person in a yellow t-shirt and blue jeans, he was all brawn and
no brains.

Bouncer: I don't see you two on the list?

Payne pulled out his wallet and removed his Imperial ID card

Payne: Admiral Payne, Imperial Navy.

Bouncer: I don't care if you belong to the Royal Navy. Not on list, no entry.

Payne opened his wallet again took out some money

Payne: Maybe I'm not on the list. I do believe my friends are, Franklin,
Grant, and Jackson.

Boucner looked at his money with amusment, Payne had a straight expression on
his face.

Bouncer: What is this?

Payne finally knew that this guy is purely stupid

Payne: Its called a kickback, my brainless friend. (to Charlie) I had better
conversations with a corpse.

The Bouncer grabbed Jim by his uniform threating to knock out 16 of Jim's
teeth

Payne: Oh my. You done it now, threating an Imperial Officer.

With quick knee shot to the balls, the bouncer released Jim fell to his knees
and grapsed his crotch in intense pain. Jim delivered a kick to the head send
his oppenent lying against the wall of the club. Jim kneeled and grabbed him
by hair.

Payne: Lights out Cylde!

He slammed the back of the bouncer's head into the wall, knocking him out. Now
standing up, he straightened his uniform. Payne and his aide walked in. Payne
was not pleased of the decor. It was crummier on the inside than the exterior.

Payne: Ok, I've seen the garbage dump, where's the club?

Charlie: This it is, sir. Hot Legs

Payne: You've got to be kidding me Charlie, I thought this rathole was
conmndened, don't tell me Imperial personnel with a shred of dignity would
come to this roach preserve?

The bartender noticed Payne's uniform

Bartender: Hey! We have a dress code here!

Payne: Oh! Do we need to wear a tuxedo?

Bartender: No! Its casual wear!

Payne: Oh. Well my taste in apperal does not agree with the unwashed cretin.

Bartender: Hey! Don't act like a Harvard graduate either.

Payne: Too late, I graduated Havard. And I find you repugent. Here is a
suggestion on remodeling, "Call in an airstrike, start all over again," or
"Burn the damn place take it as a tax loss."

Payne's attentions were turned to the MC

MC: Now for your listening pleasure, we present Priss and the Replicants!

Payne: Or to our displeasure.

Crowd cheered

Payne: Priss? Why does that sound familiar?

Priss is clad in a blond wig, very short leather skirt and bandeau top. The
music not the only thing driving people wild, it was her body, which Jim could
admit. The music being played Jim thought of it as garbage, simple mindless
garbage, to him, he prefered the works of Glenn Miller, Frank Sintra, and
Louie Armstrong. "Of course this Priss dame probably wouldn't sing Doris Day's
'Sentmental Journey'," Jim thought. A waitress walked to Jim's table to take
orders, in a sarcastic tone of voice

Waitress: May I get ya' something?

Payne: Yes, I'll a congac please

Waitress: We ain't got no congac.

Payne: Oh, Vodka Martini, shaken not stirred.

Waitress: And what about ya', slim?

Charlie: Scotch on the rocks.

The waitress wrote their orders down

Waitress: I'll back with yer drinks.

Payne: (to himself) Crummy surroundings, lousy music, rude employees, crude
Visitgoths. I bet they mickey the drinks to improve 'em. What was I thinking
of entering this hellhole? (to Charlie) I need to use the can. Where is it?

Charlie pointed to the right. Payne walked over to the door marked men's room.
Went in, as Charlie was enjoying himself, everyone in the bar heard someone
yelling "oh my god! Holy Crap! Holy Shit!" Payne came out and leaning against
the door.

Payne: Point of caution: Don't go in there! They should put a biohazard sign
on that door.

Payne sat down at his table and took a sip of his martini, then immeditaly
spits it out.

Payne: This is the worst martini in the history of civilization. My god even
the olive has barnicles. A Homo Habilus could have produced a better martini
than the brain donor they got behind the bar! Charlie make a note, from now on
this estalishment is restricted to all Imperial personnel. I don't want my
boys puking their guts in sickbay after having a drink here.

Charlie: Yes sir.

Payne: That waitress is not going to get a tip. Hell, I'm not going to pay for
these lousy drinks,
they should pay us for risking our livers in choking down their lousy drinks.

Payne's cellphone went off. He pulled it out of duty jacket to answered it

Payne: Payne, go.

Communications officer: Sir, Lt. Anderson is ready at the capture area, and a
scout is position at the roof across the street for the bar Fargo is in.

Payne: Commence capture operation.

Communications officer: Aye, aye Admiral.

Payne put his cellphone away

Payne: (to his aide) We better get back to base, Charlie.

Charlie: Yes sir.

Bartender: Aren't you going to watch the show?

Payne's voice went to total arrogance to respond to the bartender

Payne: No, I don't want be caught dead in this Cultural Death Valley!

Payne and Charlie leave

(Scene: Outside Hot Legs)

Payne and Charlie were climbing into the Admiral's car, when a woman standing
near a red gull-wing Mercedes called the Admiral

Payne: I haven't seen a car like that in 20 years. Charlie stay in the car.

Payne walked over to the Mercedes

Payne: Ok, lady 2 questions. 1. What do you want. 2. You got a light?

The Woman handed him a lighter, he lit his cigar

Woman: You are heading up OPERATION RECIPROCITY are you?

Payne looked at her as he handed back her lighter

Payne: Maybe I am, Maybe I ain't. What its to ya'?

Woman: I'm curious, why do you want to arrest 4 women who strive to make a
better world, free from GENOM?

Payne blew out a cloud of smoke

Payne: 1. They're criminals, and ADP has failed to make an arrest. 2. They're
interferring with our timetables. Any other questions, go to the newstands.

Payne started to walk over to his car

Woman: Admiral, meet me at the Louvre, the French resturant.

Payne rubbed his chin, then snapped his fingers

Payne: Ok, toots, ya' got a date.

Payne got in to his own car

Charlie: Who was that sir?

Payne: I don't know.

(Scene: A dark bar)

In a booth in the very back of the bar, and under dim lighting. Sylia met with
Fargo her middle man for the Knight Sabers, and secondary source of annoyance.
Sylia lit up a cigerette as she started to ask Fargo for information.

Sylia: What have you found out about the Imperial Navy.

Fargo: That the recent visits to your penthouse, Priss' place, the airfield,
and Raven's are link to OPERATION RECIPROCITY.

Sylia: I know that! Anything else?

Fargo: Yes, from a informant of mine, there are 3 phases. Phase 1 compile
information is complete. Phase 2 is arresting informants is beginning. Then
there is phase 3 arresting the Knight Sabers.

Fargo had incling that Sylia was going to ask about the general suspects
behind this

Sylia: Is GENOM behind this?

Fargo: No. The government is, I don't know why. If I were you, I would watch
my back.

His answers left her with more questions, why would government be behind this?

Sylia: I know.

(Scene: outside the bar)

Fargo and Sylia leave as an Imperial Scout trooper has them under serveilance
with his electro-binoculars built into the helmet and reported in.

Scout Trooper: Stoolie just left the bar get ready.

(Scene: Fargo's apartment)

25 minutes later, Fargo arrived at his apartment, it was very lowkey place,
Because he is wanted by the mob, and he didn't want to draw attention by
flaunting around the pay Sylia gives him. He walked up to the door, strangely
enough it was unlock. Fargo open the door with caution, knowing any second he
could be taking a dirt nap. The place was dark, which made Fargo a little more
nervous. A voice came from the darkness

Voice: Mr. Fargo?

A lamp was turned on to introduce him to Lt. Anderson in a easychair and a
garrsion of Stormtroopers around him, with their blasters drawn

Fargo: What the hell?

Lt. Anderson: Fargo, you're under arrest, cuff him boys!

The Stromtroopers jumped Fargo, one slapped the cuffs around him as the others
struggled

Fargo: What about my rights?!

A Stormtrooper hits him with the butt of his gun knocks him out

Stormtrooper 453: There's your rights.

For Fargo everything went black

(Scene: the Vanette residence)

Cogman arrives at the Vanette residence. He looked at the place, very modest
for a well-to-do family, modest little neighborhood. He walked up to the front
door and rang the door bell. The door opened to reveal a medium sized dark
skinned male in a suit, slippers and holding the newspaper. He got a little
nervous when he saw Cogman.

Cogman: Mr. Vanette?

Mr. Vanette: Yes.

Cogman showed his badge and ID card

Cogman: Colonel Steven Cogman, Imperial Navy sir, I want to ask your daughter
a few questions.

Mr. Vanette: Sure, why don't you come on in.

Cogman: Thank you sir.

Cogman entered and removed his duty cap, it was a modest home on the inside as
well

Cogman: You have very a nice home.

Mr. Vanette: Thank you, please sit down.

Cogman accepted and sat on the couch with his briefcase on his knees. Mr
Vanette offered him something to drink but he decline.

Mr. Vanette: Why, do you want see Lisa?

Cogman: I'm sorry sir, I'm not at liberty to say. That's on a need to know
basis. As instructed by my superior, I need to take her down to Imperial
Headquarters.

Mr. Vanette: Is she in trouble?

Cogman: (reassuring) No sir. I just need to ask her some questions.

Lisa walked down the stairs, and overheard Cogman and her father talking, she
walked into living room.

Lisa: What going on Dad?

Cogman stood up from the couch

Cogman: Lisa, I here to take you Imperial Headquarters for some questions.

Lisa: On what?

Cogman: On the Knight Sabers, Ma'am.

Lisa: I won't go.

Cogman: I'm sorry, but I have my orders. If you refuse I'll have to arrest you
for withholding information in an investigation.

The thought of her going to jail told her to change her mind

Lisa: All right, I'll get my coat.

Cogman: Thank you.

(Scene: Imperial interrogation room)

With single light shinning reveals that Fargo is tied to a chair. As he came
to, he didn't know hiss surroundings, because beyond the area of light was
darkness. Then another light shined on his Interrogator, black uniform, black
gloves, black jackboots.

Interrogator: Good evening Mr. Fargo, I hope those Stormtroopers weren't too
rough. Now I have a few questions ask. How long have you known a one Sylia
Stingray?

Fargo: I don't know who you're talking about.

The interrogator was extremely well trained at his trade, he could tell Fargo
was lying without noticing the signs. He stood there with his hands behind his
back.

Sound: Buzzz

Interrogator: Please don't make me extreme measures it's not pretty. I ask you
again, How long have you known a one Sylia Stingray?

Fargo: 2 years

Sound: Ding

Interrogator: See now that wasn't so hard. What is your primary job for Ms.
Stingray?

Fargo: I'm a middleman for the client and the Knight Sabers.

Sound: Ding

Interrogator: Thank you Mr. Fargo, you have been most helpful. Guards take him
back to detention block AA-23.

(Scene: A different interrogation room)

Unlike the Interrogating room Fargo was questioned in, Lisa was let into a
less intimding atmosphere. Still her Interrogator looked like SS official.
Lisa hasn't felt this intimdated since her first run in with Priss last month.

Interrogator 2: Ms. Vanette, please sit. I just want ask you a few questions.

Lisa: Sure. This place is kind of creepy.

Lisa sat down, and the Interrogator sat on the another end of the table

Interrogator 2: Sorry, but this place was built so it strikes fear into even
the most harden criminal. Now, it is true that you have a photo of a Knight
Saber without her visor down?

Lisa: Yes.

Interrogator 2: Where is it?

Lisa: I won't betray a friend.

Interrogator 2: Ms.Vanette, your "friends" have warrants out for their
arrests. It not betrayal if you turn in for the good of society.

Lisa: No. I won't do it.

Interrogator 2: I'm sorry hear to that. I'll have to get it out a other way.
(Intercom) Have Ms. Winters come in.

Lisa: Ms. Winters?

Interrogator 2: She is a telepath.

Ms. Winters entered. A blond with a nice figure wearing a standard Imperial
Interrogator uniform

Ms. Winters: I won't be scanning you deeply, I'm only going to retreive
certain information. It will not hurt unless you try to resist, just relax,
and try to avoid strong emotions.

Ms. Winters puts her fingers on the sides of Lisa's head to perform her scan.

Ms. Winters: It's in a safety desposit box at Tinsel City Bank. Box #387.

Interrogator 2: You're free to go now, Lisa.

Lisa leaves the Interrogation room escorted by Imperial Officer.

Lisa: Thank you.

(Scene: Imperial R&D lab)

Payne is talking to Colonel Ari Ben Zayn, as Imperial weapon techincians have
dismantled the capture motoslave exmining every last square inch of it, It's
more important compontents have gone through extremely careful scrunity. On a
large metal were Priss, Linna and Nene's hardsuits. Ben Zayn and Payne walked
to the forementioned Table, to make the Hardsuits the topic of decussion.

Payne: Colonel report on your finding on the hardsuits.

Ben Zayn: Well Admiral each hardsuit is designed to a specific user. The user
has to wear a bodysuit called a "softsuit" because the suit response to
bio-neural feedback.

Payne: Mainframe did say, "each one was designed to a specific user."
Commander Sinclair did say these did have "different functions."

Ben Zayn nodded in agreement

Ben Zayn: Yes, this one used by Ms. Romanova, her's has Electronic Counter
Measures, communications and sensor jamming devices. Ms. Yamazaki's was design
for close-quarters combat and her amazing skill. Do you see these whips on the
sides the helmet?

Ben Zayn held one of the whips in his hand

Payne: Yeah.

Ben Zayn: These are monomolecular ribbons that can cut through almost
anything, just with the snap of her head. Ms. Asagiri's was design for heavy
assaults, its heavily armored and armed also it can take lots of punishment
due to self destructive tendicities, here are some of the weapons on Ms.
Asagiri's hardsuit are three Electro-magnetic railguns with armor-piercing
needles, a beam cannon, and a powered gauntlet. One similarity in each
hardsuit is it enhances the user strength by 9 to 10 times.

Payne: Is it possible for anyone to use these hardsuits?

Ben Zayn: Negative these hardsuits have been designed to a specific user,
unless the person is exactly the right size and build of that user.

Payne: How will these hardsuits handle up against Imperial weapons?

Ben Zayn: Heavy blaster rifles can do good amount of damage to them, a cannon
from an AT-AT can kill them.

Payne gave a look of that was a blinding flash of the obvious

Payne: Well duh! No shit Colonel, weapons from an AT-AT can kill anyone.
Thanks for info.

Ben Zayn: You're welcome sir.

Chapter VII: Admiral Payne "dates" Sylia Stingray/ or The face of my enemy

(Scene: Payne's quarters)

Admiral Payne was preparing for his "date" he had two shoulder harnesses with
a Smith & Wesson .45 automatic each, a chest holster with a Walter PPK under
his duty jacket, two PPGs in his boots, a Walter P-38 and a Luger in his
briefcase with ammo for each weapon. He left the room

(Scene: Resturant)

Outside the Resturant Payne had a half of a garrison with him

Payne: Ok, boys you know the drill. But don't open fire, because we have
civilians in there.

Troops: Yes, Boss!

Inside the resturant. One of the most crem d' le crem resturants. Payne is
wondering he may of dine here once. Well enough of that, back to business. He
walked up to the matire 'd.

Head waiter: Admiral, the young lady is expecting you.

The waiter took him to the table. On the way the waiter took down the
Admiral's order

Waiter: Anything to drink?

Payne: Coffee, black.

Waiter: Yes sir.

The waiter walked off. Payne sat in front of a woman wearing sunglasses and a
very nice business suit. He placed his briefcase next to him, just in case.
The young lady poured herself a glass of wine and took a sip never once taking
her eyes off her enemy. She did not trust him for one moment, she was prepare
in such cases. From the way he appeared, he most likely was armed with more
than the side holster containing the .45 automatic. Payne looked over the
young lady, in his opinion she has got to be one the most beautiful women he
has ever seen in his life and he has met a lot of women in his life (He held
the record in the Imperial Navy for the longest list of unsuccessful
relationships). One thing he notice right off the bat was she very stoic, a
poker face he envied, and he has played a lot of poker in his day. He looked
right in her brown eyes since she removed her sunglasses, he could tell there
was a lot of rage boiling inside her. It made him a bit uneasy but he didn't
show it. She looked right in his blue eyes, and could see nothing.

Payne: So what do want? The better question is who are you?

young lady: My name is unimportant. As in "what do I want?" I want to know why
the Knight Sabers are to be arrested?

The waiter return with his coffee, and quickly left. Payne took a sip out of
his coffee cup before continuing

Payne: Well, they are wanted for a multitude of crimes againist the country of
Japan, and the Imperial Navy. ADP and the bunch of incomptant simpletons they
are would stop sitting on their asses, eating donuts and arrest these
criminals, we wouldn't be having this charming conversation, my dear. Why do
you want to know?

young lady: Will you believe, that their purpose is to act as a balance
againist GENOM? And to get revenge for the death of the creator of Boomers?

Payne: Lady, I did my homework on these Screwballs, there's one who lacks any
kind of emotion, that people call her the "Ice Queen," there is a border-line
psyhcotic ready for the funny farm, then there is one who will date anything
with pants on, and last one who is so damn cute that you just want to shoot
her, after you're done puking. You're telling me things I already know. What
they are doing is admirble, but its illegal, and I have my orders. Don't you
agree.....Ms. Stingray? (pulling out his Walter PPK) (speaking into a mike) I
have the honcho of the Knight Sabers with me, send in the dogs.

Sylia pulled out her holdout pistol as Imperial Troops moved into position.
The other patrons got down on the floor before shots are fired

Payne: There's nowhere to run, Ms. Stingray, just drop the gun and put your
hands behind your head.

Sylia open fire with her gun. Payne returned fire and hit Sylia in the right
side of her stomach. She ran for the exit in the kitchen, as Payne and a squad
troops followed the trail of blood to the exit into an alley. She staggered in
the alley, her muscles were like jelly, her vision began to cut out on her,
her body was becoming really cold. She was losing blood rapidly, her blouse
and left hand both covered with blood. With the last ounce of strength she
stumbled on a pile of bags filled with garbage. Payne and his troops briefly
scanned the alley, then went back in thinking she had escaped.

Payne: Damn. I'll just tack on envading arrest.

Back inside the resturant

Payne is talking to the owner

Payne: Don't worry sir, the Imperial Navy will compensate for the damages and
the lost of business, if you give me the figures, I'll have the beancounters
in accounting take care of it. (to his troops) All right boys lets move it
out!

Back in the alley, Sylia still bleeding is determined to reach her car, at
least to contact the others. With teeth gritted, a look of determination and
sweat covering her face, she lifted herself from the pile of bags of garbage,
and began to walk for several feet even with her muscle very weak. She neared
the exit that's when her muscles gave out, stumbling to the ground she refused
to give up. Still bleeding very bad, she crawled to her car. Opening the door,
she looked desperatly for her communicator. She is trying to remain conscious,
fumbling with the damn thing she activates it. The other three voices chimed
in. Sylia spoke into the communicator

Sylia: (very softly) Help... me.

Sylia passed out from blood loss. Her head slumped to her right side, and the
communicator fell out of her hand when her arm fell to the ground

(Scene: The Tinsel City Bank)

1830 hours the bank customers began to exit the bank, as closing time came
closer. Bank guards and cameras were all over the place. Cogman wlaked up to
the teller window.

Cogman: Excuse me Miss.

Teller: May I help sir?

Cogman: I need to get access to deposit box #387, please.

Teller: I need to see some ID.

Cogman showed his badge and ID

Cogman: Colonel Steven Cogman, Imperial Navy.

The teller allowed Cogman to behind the teller booths

Teller: Right this way, sir.

Cogman followed the teller to the vault. She spoke to the president to open
the vault, he refused at first, when Cogman requested the vault opened, he
complied. Punching in the combination the door open. The teller removed Safety
despoit box #387 to be handed over to Cogman

Teller: Here it is, sir.

Cogman: Thank you.

(Scene: Hospital)

In a sterile, alcohol stenched room the three Knight Sabers and Mackie entered
Sylia's room. Linna and Nene carried in the standard vases of flowers to get
well. Priss brought a chair near Sylia's bed, she leaned over resting her arms
and head on the back of the chair, her red eyes burning at Sylia's present
state. Both Linna and Nene took their seats as well as Mackie. Mackie was
scared shitless hearing his sister was shot. Sylia was very pale, with an IV
tube being fed through the back her hand, and still hasn't came out from the
antastentics. An hour later Sylia started to come around, slowly opened her
eyes to the pleasent sight before her. All of them were relieved, Sylia knew
she had to get down to business.

Sylia: Could you please leave the room, Mackie. I'll call you in a few
minutes.

Mackie reluctally noded and left the room. Priss turned to Sylia for what to
do.

Priss: Ready go after this slime?

Sylia shook her head. Priss rose from her chair, temper flaring

Priss: Damn it Sylia! Why the hell not? You got shot, your place and mine got
trashed, Raven's was broken into, Nene got fired from the ADP. The Skycarrier,
your father's datadisk were both stolen. How far are you going to lets this
go, hmm? How long will they push you, before you push back? I've never seen
you back down from fight. Why?

Priss drilled her eyes into Sylia. Linna and Nene both tried to persude Priss
to stop, Priss didn't listen.

Sylia: Priss, this is unlike our dealings with Genom...

Priss cut her off right there

Priss: Don't give me that bullshit! Now lets try the truth, shall we?

Sylia didn't know where to start

Sylia: I don't want a conflict with the Imperial Navy. I don't why I feel this
way, I just do. Taking on a military strikeforce is suicide if we do confront
them and lose. Priss you may consider my decision as cowardice, I'm doing what
is best for the team, I've made my decision thats final.

Priss started walk out of Sylia's room, Nene started to plead with Priss

Nene: Priss please come back....

Priss didn't turned back to face Sylia, with her right arm she proped herself
with the door frame

Priss: Sylia, I think of you as a manipulator, cold hearted, anal, stuck up,
self-center and sometimes a complete bitch. But I never though of you as a
coward until now.

Priss slammed the door on the way out. A flash of hurt came across her face,
Priss has never been that straightfoward with her, never dared to say that to
her face. One thing she started to really resent that every one around her was
right at one time or around. Linna started to go after Priss, but with a raise
from Sylia's hand stopped her.

Sylia: Just let her cool off for a while. I'll talk to her later.

Chapter VIII: Cogman's research on Sylia Stingray

(Scene: Imperial Headquarters)

In his office, Payne sat with his feet propped on the desk, he leaned back in
the chair. With a cigar in his mouth, and glass of whiskey in his hand. Jim
thought this was one of the rare times, he relaxed. Cogman entered and walked
across the office.

Payne: Cogman, you've returned good, report

Cogman: Mission accomplished sir.

Payne: Cogman, you have never failed me.

Cogman: Thank you sir. Admiral request permission to speak?

Payne: By all means, whats on your mind?

Cogman: I've been doing a lot of digging on Sylia Stingray.

Payne: What?

Cogman: Well, for one, when her old man kick the bucket she was left well off
with his money. With that fortune in hand she bought huge amounts of real
estate some used as staging areas for the Knight Sabers. She also has a large
network of contacts so she can get any information or equipment on the QT if
she needs it.

Payne: What about the bridery

Cogman: That she uses bridery for Government and Military offical, so she can
get certain information or equipment. Sometimes she will stoop to blackmail
for cooperation.

Payne: Hmm. Any warnings Cogman?

Cogman: Yes sir, be careful she dangerous both physically and intellcetally.
So what phase are we in now?

Payne: Phase 1&2 are complete. Now for phase 3.

Cogman: What have you got in mind, sir?

Payne: Kidnapping will be involved to bring the Knight Sabers into a trap.

Cogman: Who do we grab.

Payne: I was thinking of Nene Romanova, you know the moron.

Cogman: The cop?

Payne: Ex-cop. Thanks to Directive III of OPERATION RECIPROCITY.

Cogman: Ok you want one ex-cop, would you like her gift-wrapped.

Payne: (chuckles) No. Oh, and Cogman, don't worry about Ms. Stingray being a
threat to my intellect.

Cogman: Sir, forgive me for being so bold, but your ego is going be your own
undoing.

Payne: I'm aware of that Steve. I just found something out Steve.

Cogman: Oh?

Payne: Yeah, do you remember a comic book called the "Punisher?"

Cogman: Oh yeah, I remember that. Why?

Payne: You can compare Ms. Stingray to Bruce Wayne and Frank Castle, all three
crying out againist the injustice of their loved ones. Just merge Bruce and
Frank into a female body and you get Ms. Stingray as the product.

(Scene: Megatoyko outside Nene's apartment)

Imperial Stormtroopers grab Nene as she was walking to her apartment and use
chloroform on her

Nene: (muffed) Let me go! Let me go........

Nene is knocked out, put into a car, bound and gagged.

Stormtrooper 794: Admiral, we got her.

Payne: (over radio) Good work. Get her back to headquarters.

Chapter IX: Admiral Payne cuts Nene a deal

(Scene: An Imperial detention block)

Payne removes the bindfold and gag off of Nene. Nene squinted her eyes of the
priercing light of a lamp right in her face.

Payne: Bon jour, Ms. Romanova, we meet again, no.

Nene: What do want with me?

Payne sat down on the other end of the table, opened his briefcase and pulled
out a document and pen

Payne: I'm willing to cut you a deal. Testifiy against the Knight Sabers, in
exchange all charges against you will be dropped. Or...

He slides the documented deal to Nene to look at. She looks at the conditions
of the deal

Nene: Or what?

Payne: Or we notifiy ADP that you falsified records and lied about your age to
join up. Also they'll be informed that their was a plant in their organzation
giving information to unauthorized personnel. I'm throwing this in as a bonus
they'll learn the identity of the plant and the Knight Saber. (reading a piece
paper) Nene Romanova, you have been charged with the crimes of Computer
thieft, falsifing records, giving information to unauthorized personnel,
giving access to classified information to unauthorized personnel, Breaking
into the Imperial Navel database, various counts of Felony/Assault, Extortion,
Reckless Endangerment, Damage to Public and private Property, Blackmail,
Illegal possession and use of military hardware, resisting arrest, interfering
in police business and Bribery of Government and Military officials, plus
aiding and abeting fugtives and thief and illegal use of Imperial equipment. I
believe that you wouldn't be able plea bargain, judging by all the charges,
you and your friends will may be given the death sentence or the judge will go
easy give you and your friends life in prison without parole. If death
sentence is given, you and your friends will: A. Go to the chair. B. The gas
chamber. C. you'll be handed over to the Imperial Navy and put up in front of
a firing squad. Actually Ms. Asagiri can get off pleading insanty. Quite an
interesting paradox Ms. Romanova, Damned if you do, Damned if you don't. So
which will you betray, your friends or your employers? Which is every taxpayer
in this godforsaken town. And don't try to act cute to get off easier. Sign on
the X.

Nene looked at the Admiral with scorn, thinking she would betray her friends
to save her own butt

Nene: I won't betray my friends, so take your offer and shove it up your ass!

Payne: Very well.

Payne drew a blaster, which protempted Nene to plead with him not to shoot. He
pointed it right at her, with tears streaming down her face she continueed to
plead and begged not to shoot, he pulled the trigger

Payne: Don't worry it was on stun. Sgt. take her to the rendezvous point. I
have an E-mail to write.

The Sgt carried Nene's limp body out the room as Cogman entered

Cogman: So Admiral, OPERATION RECIPROCITY is 90% complete?

Payne: Yup. Soon they'll be tried, sentenced and convicted of their crimes.
Have a full garrsion ready, we're going to bust them, but at a time and place
of our choosing. And Ms. Romanova is going to be the bait.

Cogman: You mean...

Payne: I mean we're going to use Ms. Romanova to get to Ms. Stingray and the
others Knight Sabers. Understand?

Cogman: Yes, sir.

Chapter X: The trap is set

(Scene: Sylia's penthouse)

The Knight Sabers were assembled for one of their meetings. Sylia looked at
her watch, and started to get worried about Nene. The sutures on Sylia's side
were most uncomfortable trying to sit and itchy as hell.

Sylia: Strange, Nene has never been this late before?

Linna calls Sylia into her office

Linna: Sylia, you got an E-mail that may explain Nene being late.

Sylia: What is it?

Linna: Bringing it up now

E-mail
To: Sylia Stingray
From: The Imperial Navy

Good evening Ms. Stingray

Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Admiral James T. Payne Commander
in Chief of all Imperial Forces, since I never introduced myself to your
associates. Now we have dispensed with the formalities. I regret to inform
you, we have Ms. Romanova and if you want to see her alive again meet me at
the southeast district of town along with Ms. Asagiri and Ms. Yamazaki at
midnight bring along about 2.5 million dollars in US currenecy, just to make
things interesting. Now remember midnight, 2.5 million dollars or you only see
Ms. Romanova in the city morgue. As I stated during our little tet-tat
eariler, I habor no harsh feelings to you or your associates, but I have my
orders. I have things that you nor your associates want discovered, some deep,
dark secrets. The clock is ticking, now lets see if you got the guts.

Admiral James T. Payne Esq.

With teeth and fists clenched, Sylia had a type of fury that the rest of the
Knight Sabers have never seen in her before. Not even before the fight with
Mason.

Sylia: (angry) Priss, Linna suit up. We're going meet that son of a bitch!

Linna, and Priss: OK.

Priss smiled knowing Sylia came to her senses and decided to kick some ass. In
Sylia's mind she's not doing this to strike back at the Imperial Navy, she is
doing this to preserve the Knight Sabers

Linna: Sylia, why do you sit this one out, you've been shot today.

Sylia gritted her teeth in pain as she got out of her seat

Sylia: No. This shit is going to end. One way or another

Linna already left the room, that only Priss and Sylia. Moments of silence
were between the two, until Priss spoke up.

Priss: Sylia, I would like... This kind of hard for me to say this.

Sylia: Go on.

Priss glanced at Sylia with guilt

Priss: I'm sorry, I didn't mean all that I said in the Hospital.

Sylia smiled as she placed a hand on the singer's shoulder and squeezed gently

Sylia: I understand. You were correct about me being cold-hearted, a
manipulator, and sometimes a complete bitch. I do have my faults, but they're
a necessary evil sometimes. I know I might have hurt you, since you thought my
decision was based on cowardice it wasn't. I'm proud to have you as my friend,
you and I can level with each other.

Priss: (whispering) Thank you.

(Scene: Southeast district midnight)

Admiral Payne looked at his watch as the hour of midnight approaches. Soon
sounds of thunder are heard and rain began to fall. There was a smile on his
face knowing his mission was nearly complete. The Southeast district was
comprised of warehouses, loading bays and cargo containers; perfect ambush
country and the bait was already in place, all that remained was the hunted.

Payne: Hmm. A storm. How apporiate for the situation.

Knight Sabers arrived to find Nene hanging from a street light with a rope
tied to her waist.

Linna: Nene!

Spotlights are turned on.

Payne: Good morning you've arrived.

Payne walked towards the Knight Sabers then stopped halfway

Sylia: We have your money, now release Nene!

Payne: All in due time Ms Stingray. Arrest 'em boys.

Hundreds of Stormtroopers surrounded the Knight Sabers; some Stormtroopers
were bursting from crates. Pointing their weapons at 'em

Stormtrooper 666: Freeze! Don't move!

Stormtroopers removed their hardsuits and placed handcuffs on them

Priss: Get your hands off me or I'll tear your heads off!

Payne opened an umbrella as he walked over to the rain soaked Knight Sabers
now only in their softsuits. Payne turned his head to see his Stormtroopers
struggling to hold Priss down. "Ms. Asagiri why must you make it so difficult
for us" was Payne's basic thought

Payne: Sedidate the Psycho Bitch!

An Imperial Stormtrooper nailed her with the butt of his rifle in the back of
her head, then placed Priss in a straightjacket.

Sylia: Damn it! We had a deal!

Payne: I'm willing to honor our deal, but then I'll be disobeying orders. That
wouldn't look good on my service record.

Linna: I wonder if lying sack of shit would look good on your service record!

Payne calmly walked over to Linna stood in front of her for a minute then
slapped her hard across the face with back of his gloved hand, black and blue
welt rose on her right cheek. The Admiral also socked her the stomach hard
enough to knock the air out her. The pain was extructating as she struggled to
breathe. Payne grabbed her by the throat to leave a warning, his voice went
chillingly cold

Payne: Next time, my dear, you refer to me with a obsence insult because I'm
doing my job. All I have do squezee.

Payne released his hand from Linna's throat. Picked up the briefcase with the
money and open it

Payne: My, my, my. How do coin the phrase, "you're in deep shit?" My dear Ms.
Stingray briding an Imperial Officer, how low can you get?

Sylia losing her temper, a hard kick the Admiral in the balls was her
response and he fell to his knees in extreme pain and swearing like a sailor.

Payne: (moaning) Ms. Stingray, striking Imperial officer will only add to the
list of charges againist you. I've been issued warrants for your arrests.
Sylia Stingray, Linna Yamazaki, Priss Asagiri and Nene Romanova by the
authority of the Diet of Japan, I'm placing you four under arrest. You have to
right remain silent, if you waved that right, anything can and will be used
againist you in a court of law. You have the right to a lawyer, if you can't
afford one, one will be provided for you before any questioning, without
charge. You have the right to one phone call. Anything I left out.

Sylia: (very angry) _Go_to_hell!

Payne's voice goes cold once again

Payne: This is hell, Ms. Stingray, and you're it's chief DAMNED SOUL! Take
them away!

Stormtrooper 3948: Alright move it!

The Stormtroopers escort the Knight Sabers onto the APC's

Payne: Stormtrooper 916, swing by Ms. Stingray's penthouse and arrest Mackie
Stingray.

The Stormtroopers struggle to get Sylia into the APC, as she yelled at Admiral

Sylia: (yelling) You leave my brother alone, you bastard! If you harm him,
I'll kill you!

Payne diverts his attention back to Stormtrooper 916 after that death threat
from Sylia, which he merely blew off it as "go ahead and try"

Payne: If he resists and tries to attack, you have permission to shoot to
kill.

Stormtrooper 916: Yes sir.

(Scene: Sylia penthouse)

A squad of Stormtroopers got off the elevator, down the hall to the of Sylia's
penthouse. 916 rang the doorbell. Mackie lay his car magazine on the coffe
table.

Mackie: Who is it?

Stormtrooper 916: Imperial Security sir.

Mackie pulled out a gun from a drawer in the coffee table. He knew Sylia
always kept a loaded gun in every location of the penthouse for handy access.
Mackie flipped off the safety on the pistol. While on the other side of the
door the Stormtroopers bellowed again

Stormtrooper 916: Lets us in sir, we have a warrant for your arrest.

No answer

Stormtrooper 916: Break it down!

As the Stormtroopers broke down the door Mackie manages to kill a few
Stormtroopers as he dove behind the couch, while the Stormtroopers took
defensive positions.

Stormtroopers 916: I'm hit!

Stormtroopers 345 and 617: Arrgh!

5 Stormtroopers ran behind the couch, Mackie point his gun at one them, fired
the weapon only to miss. The 5 stormtroopers shot at Mackie almost 40-50 times
which killed him.

Stormtrooper 111: Call the medics, get some corpmen up here.

The Stormtrooper 409 dragged Mackie's lifeless body from behind the couch.

Stormtrooper 409: No good for Mr. Stingray, he's dead.

Stormtrooper 111: We'll still wait for the medics, we have wounded.

(Imperial Headquarters the Admiral's office)

Payne was opening a bottle of champange and poured glasses for the rest of the
command staff. Finally the job is over with he can collect the other 25
million and go back to Los Angeles, his home. One thing he wanted to do when
he got home is to go to Santa Anita to place a couple bets.

Payne: Here is to the success of OPERATION RECIPROCITY. The Knight Sabers are
finished.

Chapter XI: Everything is shot to Hell

(Scene: Imperial Headquarters lower decks)

The Knight Sabers were beening offloaded of the APC. Nene nearly tripped over
her own feet, she stopped to regain her balance. But a blow to her spine from
the butt of a rifle told her to keeping moving. At the door of the vehicle bay
an Imperial Detention officer was doing the usual processing of prisoners.

Detention officer: Name?

Priss: Fuck you!

The Detention turned to one of Stormtroopers

Detention Officer: Looks like our "guest" will be trouble. Stromtrooper 3495,
take our "guest" to the prisoner "rec room" and give her the full experince of
Imperial torture technology.

Sylia whispered something to Linna as the guard carried Priss off

Detention officer: Name?

Sylia ripped a punch right in his face, exited the veihcle bay, down the
corridor.

Detention officer: After her! Don't let her get away!

The officer actived the comm system

Detention officer: (through commsystem) We have prisoner escape on deck 23.
Alert security.

(Scene: Admiral's office)

Payne poured himself another glass of scotch, still enjoying the euprohia of
his recent success, but he is not dumb nor naive, there was a slim chance
things could crashing down around him. But he had confidence in the troops
under his command. Staring from his office window he could survey all of
Megatoyko, catching sight of a falling star, he wish could blot out the Genom
Tower. But things of that nature takes time, time was something he was unsure
he had enough or was his on side. He viewed the Tower as if the bowels of the
Earth raised it from the depths of Hell. The depths Dante or Milton wouldn't
even imagine.

Payne: "Its better to rule in Hell, than to serve in Heaven." Milton's
Paradise Lost. That fits Genom alright. A better one is "absolute power
corrupts absolutly."

a quiet beeping came from his desk. he walked over and pushed a button

Payne: Yes?

Communcations: Sir, one of the prisoners has escaped.

That nagging in the back of his mind proved to be correct

Payne: Go to defstat 1 and yellow alert. Keep me informed of all progress.

Author: Point of reference. Defstat1 in the Death Star Technical Companion is
described as: No change in guard posts. In addition to the two man security
patrols, stormtroopers squads begin their patrols.

Payne went back over to a small bar near his desk, and pours himself something
stronger. He remembered something he said 10 years earlier. The die is cast.

(Scene: corridor near a bio lab)

Sylia was sneaking about to find an armory, but there is a detachment
stormtroopers on sentry duty. Sylia instantly slipped into the shadows as an
Officer moved to within a few feet of her.

OFFICER: Secure this area until the alert is canceled.

FIRST TROOPER: Give me regular reports.

All but two of the stormtroopers leave.

Stormtrooper 302: Do you know whats going on?

Stormtrooper 435: Perhaps its another drill?

Stormtrooper 302: Have you heard about some pilot is going to break the
Admiral's record in most kills in the simulator?

Stormtrooper 435: Yeah. A pilot from Green Squadron was telling me about that.
There a betting pool going on in our barracks as well throughout
headquarters.

Stormtrooper 302: I might go for a little piece of the action.

Sylia made a small noise

Stormtrooper 302: What that?

Stormtrooper 435: Ah, its nothing

Sylia slipped passed the sentries to the armory. The armory was guarded by two
black helmeted security guards

Sylia: Ah! The armory and only two guards.

Sylia moved with lighting speed. She broke the neck of one of the guards, the
other guard goes for his blaster, before he could draw, Sylia shot the other
guard. Then used his passcard into the armory.

As Sylia entered the armory, she pulled a box marked Stormtrooper armor, a
helmet laid rack above each crate. After closing the doors to the armory, she
stripped off her softsuit in exchange for the bodyglove (a black bodysuit
under the armor), she attached the each section of armor from her feet, to
finally putting the helmet on. Before leaving she grabbed 2 heavy blasters, 4
stormtrooper rifles, couple of PPGs, a survival knife, a med kit and enough
ammo to last a platoon.

(Scene: Command office.)

In a very small command office. Officer looked at the serveilance montiors and
noticed a heavily armed Stormtrooper on a lone patrol . He spoke into the
comlink.

Officer: TX-four-one-two. Why aren't you at your post? TX-four-one-two, do you
copy?

no response

Officer: Take over. We've got a bad transmitter. I'll see what I can do.

As the officer approached the door, it slided open revealing Sylia in
stormtrooper armor. The officer, in a momentary state of shock, stumbleed
backward. She knocked out the officer. The aide immediately reached for his
pistol, but blasted by Sylia with her stormtrooper rifle. She moved to a
computer terminal

Sylia: Here they are. Deck 17. Detention block A A-29. They're scheduled to be
terminated? No way in hell!

Sylia grabbed her blaster and pulled her helmet on and exit the office. As she
ran down corridor, but she ran into a patrol.

Stormtrooper officer: What your operating number?

Sylia: TX-4-2-1, sir.

Stormtrooper officer: What with all the weapons, TX-4-2-1?

Sylia: I heard Sylia Stingray escaped.

Stormtrooper officer: How did you know it was Sylia Stingray is the one who
escaped?

Sylia blasted the officer and the chase was on

(Scene: the command center)

PFC Johnson: Admiral, we got big problem.

Payne: What Pvt.?

PFC Johnson: Sylia Stingray has escaped and broke into the armory.

After hearing the bad news he felt a ulcer coming on

Payne: Ah hell! (Over the PA) Attention security. Sylia Stingray is loose in
the base. Your orders are to shoot-to-kill, but use extreme caution she is
heavily armed and extremely dangerous. All security forces report to
designated areas in full riot gear.

Payne: Mainframe, seal off the base and go to red alert.

Mainframe: Yes sir.

(Scene: Deck 17)

Stormtrooper squad leader: Close the blastdoors!

At the end of the hallway, blast doors began to close in front of them. Sylia
raced past the huge doors just as they are closing, and managed to get off a
couple off laserblasts at the pursuing troops before the doors slammed shut.

Stormtrooper squad leader: Open the blastdoors! Open the Blastdoors!

(Scene: Command center)

The command center was buzzing with officers giving out orders, and incoming
communcations traffic throughout the base. Payne raises from his command
chair, for an update on the situation

Payne: Where is she now!?

Mainframe: Heading for detention block AA-29.

Payne: All units move in to detention block AA-29. (To Mainframe) What in
detention block AA-29?

Mainframe: The Knight Sabers sir.

Payne slumped back into the command chair with his hand on his forehead, and a
forlorne expression on his face

Payne: Shit! OPERATION RECIPROCITY is going to hell in an handbasket.

(Scene: Turbolift)

Sylia step forward to exit the elevator, but the door slid open behind her.
She entered the old grey security station. Guards and laser gates are
everywhere. Sylia whispered under her breath.

Sylia: (to herself) Hopes this works.

(Scene: Dentention block AA-29)

Elevator doors opened. A tall, grim looking Officer approached Sylia

OFFICER: What are you doing...here?

Sylia: I was ordered to transfer the prisoners to Block one-one-three-eight.

OFFICER: I wasn't notified. I'll have to clear it.

The officer went back to his console and began to punch in the information.
There were only three other troopers in the area. Sylia surveyed the
situation, checking all of the alarms, laser gates, and camera eyes. Sylia
readied her weapon. The startled guards are momentarily dumbfounded. Sylia has
already pulled out her rifle and set it to rapid fire mode and started
blasting away. Her barrage of laserfire hit the camera eyes, laser gate
controls, and the Imperial guards. The officer is the last of the guards to
fall under the laserfire just as he is about to push the alarm system. Sylia
rushed to the comlink system, which is screeching questions about what was
going on. She quickly checked the computer readout.

Sylia: I've got to find out which cell the others are in. Here it is...cell
6532.

Sylia spoke into the buzzing comlink.

Sylia: (sounding official, otherwise normal) Everything is under control.
Situation normal.

INTERCOM VOICE: What happened?

Sylia: (getting nervous) Uh...had a slight weapons malfunction. But, uh,
everything's perfectly all right now. We're fine. We're all fine here, now,
thank you. How are you?

INTERCOM VOICE: We're sending a squad up.

Sylia: Uh, uh, negative. We had a reactor leak here now. Give us a few minutes
to lock it down. Large leak...very dangerous.

INTERCOM VOICE: Who is this? What's your operating number?

Sylia blasted the comlink and it exploded.

Sylia: Boring conversation anyway. (to herself) I'm going to have company!

Sylia raced down one of the cell corridors. She opened the cell's door, much
to her surprise Linna grabbed her in headlock, Nene removed her helmet. They
were surprised to find who was under the helmet

Linna: Sylia?

Sylia spoke with a straight expression

Sylia: A simple hello would have been suffice

Priss got up with a little trouble. Sylia looked at her friend with absolute
horror, Priss' face beaten into welts rose from her right cheek and along her
mouth. Her right eye was puffy, and couldn't see out of it. Incisions, cuts
and gashes covered the left side of her face. A wench in pain as Priss found
out about 6 of her ribs were broken.

Priss: Sylia get me out this damn thing!

Sylia: Hold still.

Sylia freed Priss from her straightjacket. Opening the Med kit Sylia dressed
some of Priss injures. The unfortuatne eventually was that the left side of
her face will have scarring for the rest of her life.

Priss: What the hell took you so long.

Sylia: I had to raid the armory.

Sylia tossed a heavy blaster to Priss, a Stormtrooper rifle to Linna and a PPG
to Nene.

Sylia: There's armory nearby I can get you three some body armor and some
ammo.

An ominous buzzing sound was heard on the other side of the elevator door.

Sylia: Priss!

Priss responded and loaded her heavy blaster.

Sylia: Get behind me! Get behind me!

A series of explosions knocked a hole in the elevator door through which
several Imperial stormtroopers began to emerge. Sylia and Priss fired their
blasters at them through the smoke and flame. They turned and ran down the
cell hallway, meeting up with Linna and Nene rushing toward them.

Stormtrooper 306: Watch your left! They're heading down the cell bay.

Sylia: Can't get out that way.

Linna: Is there another way?

Sylia: Yes this way.

The Knight Sabers ran down the bay with Priss and Sylia covering their escape

(Scene: Command Center)

There was a quiet buzz on the comlink.

Payne: Yes.

INTERCOM VOICE: Admiral, we have an emergency alert in detention block A A-29.

Payne: The Knight Sabers! Put all sections on alert! Damn and things were
going so well. (Over PA) All units I want those bitches' shot on site ASAP or
I'll come down skin hide off every last one you!

(Scene: Armory)

Sylia stood guard outside the Armory. Inside Linna and Priss exchanged their
softsuits for Stormtrooper armor. Due to her size Nene was too small to wear
the white armor, but found instead a black Imperial Officer's Uniform and duty
cap that fit her like a glove. Priss told Nene that she looked good in that
uniform. After the two put on their helmets, they've exited the armory. Sylia
smiled now they have fighting chance.

Sylia: We're fully armed and armored. Knights Sabers......GO!

Knight Sabers ran into a patrol

Stormtrooper squad leader: It them! Blast them!

A huge firefight began

Priss: Those Stormtroopers aren't so tough.

Priss fired the heavy blaster as Nene tried the PPG

Nene: Probably more on the way.

(Scene: Command Center)

Payne: (to Mainframe) order all troops to fallback positions and we'll pump in
knock out gas.

Chapter XII: Sylia is now extremely pissed off

(Scene: Outside the armory)

Various Stormtroopers: Pull back to deck 16! Pull back to deck 16! Fall back,
Fall back!

Priss: Look at those wimps they're running!

Sylia: I've a bad feeling about this!

Sylia noticed that several doors closed off the rest of the base and gas vents
open.

Sylia: Everyone grab a gasmask!

(Scene: Command center)

Mainframe: Sir, the gas injectors aren't working!

Payne: Damn it (Over PA) you're quite resourceful Ms. Stingray breaking into
armory and a detention block; freeing your comrades in arms. Shall we add
murder and assualt on Imperial personnel to the list of charges, you people
must really want the death pentaly. Give yourselves up, it will save you from
a firing squad. As the saying goes "Resistance is futile." Also on the fate of
your brother, he went down fighting. Futile in one way and heroic in the
other. He was shot by 5 stormtroopers killed in an instant. More futile than
heroic, actually from what I heard, it's was quite pathetic.

Sylia's eyes turned red with fury and from the depths of her soul she screamed
in pure rage. All the stress and anger towards to the Imperial Navy, now the
death her brother at the hands of Imperial Stormtroopers, just made it a
personal vendetta instead of insuring the survival of the Knight Sabers.

Linna: That did it, she is now offically pissed!

Sylia: (very angry) I'm going after Payne. I want do this alone.

Priss: You got it Sylia. Sylia?

Sylia: Yeah.

Priss: Give the bastard punch in the head for me.

Sylia: Considered it done.

Sylia is running toward a turbolift. In her mind Admiral Payne was a deadman.
She vowed OPERATION RECIPROCITY will end tonight, even if it cost her own
life.

(Scene: Command Center)

Payne: Deploy more Stormtroopers on all decks.

(Scene: deck 16 an hour later)

On red alert Imperial Stormtroopers stepped up their patrols. Sylia hid in the
shadows of the narrow passageway as several stormtroopers rush past her in the
main hallway.

Stormtrooper: They may have split up, they maybe on decks 16 and 17 now sir.

Stormtrooper patrol leader: Alright, keep your eyes open, men!

She checked to make sure they're gone, then ran down the hallway in the
opposite direction.

(Scene: Command center)

Cogman was grabbing his briefcase and the Admiral's

Cogman: Sir, we better get out of here!

Payne: Why?

Cogman: Regulation 46b: In the event of an emergency situation we must
evacuated the Command Staff and rest the of senior officers to a safe area,
sir.

Payne: For once I agree with the regulations. (To Mainframe) Order all
personnel to abandon the base.

Mainframe: Yes, sir.

Cogman: There's a shuttle-waiting, headed for Los Angeles, sir.

Cogman handed the Admiral his briefcase

Payne: Computer, Active the Auto-destruction sequence. Authorization
Payne-Pi-1-1-3-8 set for 30 minutes.

Computer: Auto-destruct sequence activated.

(Scene: Hanger bay)

Imperial personnel running to shuttles, loading equipment on to transports and
evacuating the base.

Payne: Commander, evac status?

Evac Commander: 99% of the personnel have been evacuate, sir

Payne: Good! Get onboard the shuttle.

Pilot: Come on, Admiral lets get out of here!

Payne ran up the boarding ramp to the shuttle as its closed

Payne: Lt. gets us out of here!

The Lambda class shuttle took off.

(Scene: Admiral's office)

With the doors flying open, Sylia stalked inside the office, weapons at her
side she wanted to kill him with her bare hands. Coming upon the desk a time
delayed message was activated

Computer: Message for Sylia Stingray.

Sylia: Put it through.

Image of the Admiral appeared

Payne: Good day Ms. Stingray. By the time you get this message, I'll be out of
the city. I'm heading States side. Also the Auto destruct sequence has been
engaged, by my estimates (looks at his watch) you have 20 minutes not enough
time to get out base. I had wonderful time, but all good things must to end.
So I bid you and the rest of Knight Sabers. Au Revoir.

Sylia sent her fist through the screen, then used the comm system on the desk
to contact the rest of the Knight Sabers

Sylia: Nene, Linna, Priss we have get of here before this place blows!

Linna, Nene, and Priss: (in unison) What?

Sylia: You heard me, the destruct sequence has been engaged, meet me in the
hanger.

Computer: Warning Auto destruct in 15 minutes.

(Scene: Hanger bay, 14 minutes later)

The base started to rock as explosions got more frequent. Sylia was near a
Lambda class shuttle as the Knight Sabers ran into the hanger, Sylia signeled
them to haul their asses.

Sylia: Everyone on the shuttle! Nene time?

Nene: 1 minute left.

The shuttle begun to take off as catwalks, girders and TIE-Fighter bays were
falling from the celing and came crashing down on the flight deck of the
hanger

Linna: This place coming apart!

Sylia piloted the shuttle out of the exploding base

Sylia: Hold on!

As the shuttle flew out the hanger bay. Imperial Headquarters went up in a
mushroom cloud.

(Scene: The Admiral's Shuttle on route to the states)

Cogman: You think they went up with the base sir.

Payne: Who knows, OPERATION RECIPROCITY is over. Ms. Romanova will have her
job back at ADP, if they survive the blast. Cogman do you have all the
information on the Knight Sabers?

Cogman: Yes sir here in my brief case.

Payne: Burn it, (as he lights a cigar) then get on the horn and tell the Prime
Minister to take OPERATION RECIPROCITY and shove it, then tell him find some
other flunky to tango with the Knight Sabers.

Cogman: Consider it dialed sir.

Payne: Can't wait to get back to the good old United States of America. (to
himself) Of course I do have one final trump card up my sleeve, one final ace
in the hole.

Chapter XII: The aftermath

(Scene: Sylia's Penthouse poolside)

Knight Sabers are relaxing in lounge chairs at the pool as they worked on
their tans. All Priss' injuries healed up except for her ribs, which were
painful as hell. As Sylia surmised Priss' face was scarred; the scars went
from the hair line on the left side down to the underside of her head, then
across the left side of the nose to her left ear as well as the area the left
side of the mouth and eye. Linna and Nene came out with minor bumps and
bruises. Sylia on the other came out with emotional wounds that would take
longer to heal.

Priss: Do you think that the Imperial Navy will return?

Sylia: I doubt it. The message he left said "that he's headed States side"
meaning he's not coming back. If they did return we will be ready.

Nene: Thank God for small favors. But Admiral Payne did offered me a deal, if
I testified against you, he would drop the charges against me, or he would
tell ADP everything from me lying about my age to giving Sylia restricted
information and aiding and abeting fugtives.

Priss: You didn't take his offer did you?

Nene: Hell no, I told him to take his offer and shove up his ass. I would
never betray my friends.

Linna looked at Sylia with concern since they did lose Mackie. During the
funeral Sylia was devastated at the sight of losing the last member of her
family. Its been a week since the funeral, Linna is worried that Sylia isn't
allowing herself time to grieve and start the healing process after losing a
loved one. Beneath that emotional mask of her's, this has got to be tearing
her apart.

Linna: What about you Sylia, are you going to be all right?

Lifted her sunglasses, and looked a bit thoughful before she replied

Sylia: (smiles) I'll be fine. I just need to relax. (To herself) The next time
we meet Admiral it's personal, I swear it.

Sylia fell asleep in her lounge chair knowing it's over for now.

Payne: (voice over) The Imperial High Command was red in the face finding they
couldn't even handle the Knight Sabers. The Imperial Navy may return for round
2 someday. When that day comes, the Imperial Navy won't be so merciful. It's
going to be all out war; we're taking off the gloves and the safeties off our
weapons. Ms. Stingray your days are numbered. Its true I have one final trump
card to play waiting in the wings, when I play it, it is not going to be very
pleasent. Only time will tell.
THE END
?

Bubblegum Crisis is property of Amineigo/Youmex
All Star Wars related items and names are property of LucasArts and 20th
Century Fox
Bubblegum Crisis is created by Toshimichi Suzuki and Kenichi Sonoda
The Punisher is a trademark of Marvel Comics
Batman is a trademark of DC

--
Visit Members.Tripod.com/~MRX_6/title.html and
members.xoom.com/Mrx_7/BGC2.htm. Expert
Video Game Player. Phd in Star Trek and Babylon 5 (no I don't go to the
convention nor do I have every epsiode on tape)
the Transformers (actually Masters degree) MRX...@hotmail.com