HARD |< O R A novella by RoK This Chapter finished August 15, 1996 Last Revisted August 17,1996 ver 1.01 Please read Disclaimer on http://www-ucsee.eecs.berkeley.edu/~rk/HardKor.html 1st! Send comments or flames to rk@ucsee.eecs.berkeley.edu Want to be part of the team? Want to help me out? Want to be a beta reader? Then send some mail my way! I'll add you to the list! Notes: Phrases in < > are characters thinking to themselves. [] indicates scene changes // indicates author comments ** indicates special effects Legend: H=Hikaru Hiyama M=Ayukawa Madoka R=Ryusei Haroken K=Kasuga Kyosuke BOOK B: Quickening Chapter 2: Opening Move Knight-> QB3 Hayakawa: (musing around the kitchen) Ryusei. Very lovely place you have here. Thanks for the invite over here. (Ryusei ignores him) (Hayakawa walks over to the living room to see Ryusei peering intently over a chessboard) Hayakawa: Gee...I didn't know you play chess. Not too many players out there you know. Most people around here play traditional strategy games like 'GO'. (Ryusei ignores him again) Hayakawa: So who are you playin' anyway? Or are you playing by yourself? (Finally Looks up) R: (solemn tone) It's a private game between me and a fellow associate. Now let's get down to business, shall we? Hayakawa: Sure, sure. You didn't invite me all the way here just to show off your expensive toys, did you (pats teak built buddha statue) So what's the occasion? And did I mention you had a fabulous place here? R: You already have, my friend. Just sit down. (plucks a tape and sticks it into the vcr) (Big screen TV flickers on) Hayakawa: What are we watching today? Your home movies? R: You'll see. (Out pops a nubile female figure cladded only in skin-tight body armor along with the rest of her team) Hayakawa: So we're watching anime today? It's been a while since I seen any of that stuff. But you didn't call me over here just to see this did you? R: (places finger up to face for silence) Just watch. (Opening 3 minute sequence of a mind-blowing music video blasting over the AC-3 equipped sound/entertainment center) (*Click*) (TV off) R: So now do you understand? Hayakawa: (Hair all messed up, body pressed into the furniture) Wow! That was really rocking! Gotta incorporate that into my music sometime. Really awesome! Who was that singer anyway? R: That, I will get to in a moment. First, let me give you a brief introduction into the problem. Seven years agao, this very singer you've just heard was in great demand as a result of her role in this futuristic, sci-fi flick. It was a rather popular series indeed, setting the trend for its future incarnations. Of course she received many accolades for her rthymic singing ability. Bolstered by her immediate, sudden success, she decided to quit being just a mere voice actress and instead pursue her own singing career. Intially, she did enjoy mild success due to her prior credentials. But later, she just faded and regressed. Her career took a drastic downturn. Her adoring public couldn't help but identify her only with the anime role which made her famous and nothing else. She tried to reinvent herself, in order to shed her old image. She turned to new-age alternative rock and even changed her name and behavior. It didn't work. Now she is stuck languishing in some obscure play she's never heard of. Remind you of anyone particular? Hayakawa: You mean to tell me that this person on that screen is Jade!? R: Bingo. Yes, the very same jaded Jade figure we are stuck with now. Hayakawa: Woah, I'll say. What a change...what happened to her. I would never would have associate that seiyuu and her together. R: Yes. Not too many people know about her change in identity either. Shows you how far she has regressed -to the point that no one cares anymore. Hayakawa: So why are you telling me all this? What does this have to do with me? R: As you know, she's become quite a liability on the set. Hayakawa: You mean driving Nagasi crazy, right? R: And that too. But I cannot outright terminate her since I "inherited" her contract. And in it, it stipulates that she must be in some performing role of some capacity or another under my direction. Hayakawa: So it looks like you're stuck with her. R: That seems to be the cae. That's where you come in. Hayakawa: I like to help you out, but I fail to see the connection. R: It's very simple; I want your help in "terminating" her. Hayakawa: Now wait a moment,...I don't like your tone of voice there. We had a deal, remember? I take care of all the publicity and you do the "dirty" work. R: Come now, Mitsuru. We're equal partners in this venture and she's a liability to both of us. If this play doesn't go through, we both stand to lose a vast amount of money. Hayakawa: Yeah, I know. So what are you proposing anyway? You don't mean kill her, do you? R: (chuckles) You got me all wrong; I wouldn't want to dirty my hands with such a deed. What type of person do you make me out to be? Hayakawa: You certainly look like the type... R: I do, but it's only for show. Now what I really have in mind is different. The only way we can get rid of her is if we can somehow boost her value and later unload her for a profit. What you call a "win-win" situation. Hayakawa: From what you told me, how is that suppose to happen? R: Ahh, how you ignore the slightest details. Remember the video I showed you earlier. Now think. That was clearly her most successful role being that tough, roughneck character. Now what you say if word leaks out that a sequel to the series might be made? Won't they want to recast the old characters, especially the main one? But who controls her contract currently? Hayakawa: (grin) I see where you getting at. Spread some phony PR and propaganda. R: Correct. Since she was the star, naturally people would want to see her come back. So if you're successful, then she might be worth something yet. Hayakawa: But if we're going to get rid of her eventually, what would that mean for the rest of the cast and schedule for the play? Who will be the new lead then? R: Don't worry about it. I've already have a contingency plan in the works. [Ayukawa Mansion, Midmorning] <*Arrgghhhhh!*> M: Wake up! (shakes Kyosuke) K: Kya! What? Where am I? What happened? M: You just had a nightmare -- your first since moving here. K: (rubbing back of head) Yeah,... I guess so. Thank god I have you beside me. M: It must have been a nasty nightmare. Do you recall what it was? K: Nah. It was so scary to remember. M: I wasn't in it, was I? K: Of course not. You only appear in my wet dreams. M: You dirty hentai! (playful tap) (starts to rise up) K: Where are you going? M: I'm going to take a shower. We have work y'know. Care to join me? K: (distracted) Uh maybe later. I think I just lie in bed for awhile. M: Ok then. (straps robe over her naked body and enters bathroom) Whew! I didn't tell Madoka, but I did remember very vividly the details about my horrid nightmare. It was a flashback of the war. It was my first flashback since I got back from Bosnia. I didn't tell her for fear of worrying her poor, little heart about my problems. I thought I could suppress these memories up to now. It explained why I was dodging doing those radio documentaries I had promised Ms Tamura-san. I was such a dummy agreeing to such a proposition. But I had to get a job somehow; in order to prove to myself and Madoka that I was no longer that aimless, indecisive wimp in the past. Instead, I strived for maturity and commitment. Vivd and graphic were the scenes that flooded my head. Scenes of conflict. Scenes of destruction. Scenes of death. Foolish was I to think that this trip I embarked on to the Balkans would be glamerous. I guess I was in over my head after winning that photography contest. Feeling bolder than usual, I decided to go for it seeing that Hikaru and Madoka took action to pursue their goals. Beforehand in college, I didn't really have any direction in my life, not knowing what to do with my life. I just couldn't get by on my powers alone. I guess it worked out for me in discovering that journalistic photography was my true calling. However, I regretted even entering the jungle of war correspondence. Now I wish those images would just go away. Images of burning villages and scorched land. Images of artillery bombarding refugee camps and "safe" areas. Images of soldiers killing soldiers. And last, images of innoncent women and children shot unmercilessly. Why did I ever go? I didn't know what compelled me to press the shutter and take picture after picture of this grotesque, ugly war. That's why I didn't even process the films I brought back, for fear of those kindred images coming back to haunt me. M: (coming out, rubbing her hair) Its your turn. Tonight's the big night. K: Huh? Oh, the Phantom of the Opera. M: Right. And don't forget to make the bed when you're done! [Twins house] Manami: (All dressed up and ready to go leaning over a bed) Rise and shine Kurumi! It's your turn to work today. Kurumi: Eh? Work? Whaat work? Manami: You volunteered to work at the studio with me as an assistant to Mr Haroken-san, remember? Kurumi: Oh that,...can you cover for me today? I'm feeling really bushed. Manami: You shouldn't have stayed up all night with Akane watching late night wrestling on cable. Kurumi: (covers head with pillow) Manami: Ok, I'll cover for you this time. But you owe me. And don't forget to feed Jingoro. Kurumi: (*Snore!*) Manami: Oh dear. I have a feeling she won't get up anytime soon. Better bring Jingoro with me. [At the station...] Shiori: What's eating at you? You look out of it? K: Oh, I just had a bad night, that's all. Shiori: Problems at home? K: No, no, it's not like that. Something else. Shiori: Well, Ms Tamura-san is interested in how you were progressing on those Bosnian shorts. K: Yes,...about that,...is there some way I can talk to her alone? Shiori: I guess so, but why? K: Please don't ask why; Just help set it up for me. Shiori: Ok then. I arrange it for you. K: Thanks. You're a real friend. [At the police precinct, 1100 hours] (2 officers hanging around the holding area) Natsumi: So old T-bone finally retiring after all these years. Ken: Yep. The oldest veteran on the beat. Today is his last day. You going to his going away party, aren't you? Natsumi: Sure. How many years has it been? Ken: 12 years on the beat. In dog years, he's easily got us beat. Natsumi: I know. Too bad his old partner Yitaki won't be here to see him off. Ken: Not so loud! You wouldn't want to Chief to hear, do you? Natsumi: Why should I care? He was one damn good cop. Ken: That's not what's officially on his record. Ousted from the department for illegal behavior, insubordination and... Natsumi: Don't give me that shit! If that's what it takes, then I would have been hi-tailed outta long ago. No. He was fucked framed. Plain and simple. Someone was out to get him. Ken: Will you watch your mouth? No wonder Miyu doesn't want the kids to hang around you. Natsumi: Fuck off, will you? Lord knows I can swear my ass off anytime I want. Ken: Alright, you win, you win.Now let's not ruin the big dog's day by bringing up bad blood. I miss the old dog myself. Was the only one who could give me a run for my money on the bikes. Natsumi: Chauvinistic, aren't we? I can easily kick your ass with my wheels. Ken: Damn! (slaps hand against head) Natsumi: What? Ken: I forgot to bring the takoyaki for the party! It's T-Bone's favorite! Natsumi: Then let's make it a challenge. I race you to the stand. Get ready to eat my dust! Ken: We're see who's gonna be eating their words. (Both leap to their feet and run outside to hop onto their motocycles and speed off) [At a remote apartment...] "Hi-karu. Hi-karu." echoed a voice. H: Whose's there? (walking in a black abyss) Where am I? Why is it so dark in here? (voice from beyond) You know who I am. H: God? Nah. Your inner spirit. (statue appears before her.) H: Why you're that Buddha statue! (statue flashes its still smile back at her) Are you here to torment me again with your games? (Laughter) Why should I torment you when you do it yourself. H: What do you mean? I don't understand. You have chosen to recluse yourself in this dark void, shielding yourself from the truth. H: But what am I hiding from? Only you can answer that. Only you can step out of the void. "Hikaru?" H: (roused) What? Shuri: Sorry for waking you. But you totally ignored your alarm for 15 minutes now. I came to check up on you and saw that you were still fast asleep. H: I must have been really out of it last night. Thanks for watching out for me. Shuri: No problem. That's what friends do for each other. I have to go attend session now. Have a good one yourself. H: Thanks. Same to you. See ya later. Why was I having these strange dreams again? They only occur when something big is going to happen. Lord knows what happened to me the first time I had those weird dreams. Were they some premonition of some sort? Or was it merely guilt on my part for continuing the charade which I thought I ended once and for all. [Flashback to end of Chapter B1] I felt a strange, awkward feeling when I placed my hands around Ryusei for a mock hug in front of Sugizawa. I didn't know what came over me; I just did it on impulse. Boy was I embarassed inside after giving Ryusei the big speech about breaking off our specious ties. But I did it so that Sugizawa would get the picture.What was I afraid of though? We did break up amicably back in New York, didn't we? Well not really. I remember what I told him: "Let me do my own thing!". Those were my last words to him in New York. I thought we both had an understanding that it was over between us. Although he seemed like the ideal, convenient guy for me, I knew it was never meant to be. I knew it, but did he know it? He was up to his old ways again, pestering me for a private meeting with him. Did he want to set the record straight between us? To finally get me out of his system? And was I being unreasonably in rufusing him at every turn? Was there really something I was trying to hide? Yes, there was. Concealing my ambivalent feelings towards Kyosuke. I knew I could never get over my first love, my old flame. For me, there could be no other anymore. Yet I knew revelation of those feelings would prove deadly, destroying my center. Especially after Madoka and Kyosuke announced their engagement. I was certainly not going to ruin their happiness because of my selfishness. That why I declared my deception to Madoka, to set the record straight. I had to keep my feelings concealed inside, even if it meant lying to myself. So that meant that I had to dance hard and drink freely, to drown my troubles away. After my freak encounter with Ryusei, I bumped into Madoka who was on her way out. She mentioned that she had gotten four tickets to the Phantom of the Opera for this Friday. She knew I had never seen the play and that I had been dying to see it for ages. She shoved two tickets into my hand and waved goodbye to me as she went on her errand. I was ecstatic at first, but then realized that it meant that Kyosuke would be coming along also. So I ran after her, but it was too late. She was already gone. Throughout that day, I was thinking of ways to excuse myself from the arrangement. After practice, as I walking to my locker, I was approached by Sugizawa again, who asked me if I would be free this Friday night. Foolishly, I panicked and uttered that I was going to attend a play with Ryusei. Unwittingly, I had committed both myself and Mr Haroken without realizing it. I went to Mr Haroken's office again where he was, sitting dormantly in his executive's chair, staring blindly outside. I apologized to him for the incident earlier and then explained that I once again needed his help in accompanying me this Friday. He opened up his appointment book, flipped a couple of pages, and declared that he would be free during that time. He then proceeded to scold and tease me for my "reckless, unpredicable" behavior to which I playfully retorted back. He was like a big brother to me now. I knew I felt safe with him and that he would not try anything with me. I was actually kind of glad he was coming along. He would act as a buffer to keep me and my feelings in line. [At the playhouse...] (We see #2 busily tapping away at the computer) (*MEOW!*) #2: (looks up from the screen) What was that? Manami: Oh, hi #2. It's me. Reporting for work. #2: Good morning Manami-san. It good to see you again. But I thought your sister was suppose to come in today. And what's with that cat? Manami: That's my pet Jingoro. #2: Awfully big for a cat, don't you say? Manami: We do tend to spoil him when it comes to feeding time. And Kurumi's "knocked out" again by late night TV. #2: I see. There might be a problem though. Did you know Master doesn't like cats at all? Manami: Oh yeah,...I remember. At the party, Jingoro accidentally cuased his drink to spill all over him. #2: So that's how he ruined his suit... Manami: So what shall I do? #2: Don't worry. (Opens bottom desk drawer) We'll put him in here for now and hide him from Master. Manami: That's a great idea! And a ideal place for Jingoro to take his routine nap. #2: <*Ah-choo!*) Manami: Are you alright? #2: Yeah. I think so. Must be coming down with something. Manami: That's awful! Let me cheer you up with a story, ok? You are the western king, right director? #2: Cool! (holds finger to nose to stop from sneezing) Please tell, please tell! [-= Introducing: Country Western KOR Scene 6: Flight =-] (For the beginning of the story, please see HARD KOR Book A Chapter 11: Intermission) [Act I] Here we were, me and Kara, trapped inside her own house like rats. Something had to be done. I couldn't let Mr Billingsby just sell out the town I, Connor had to start actin' like a man and think of a way to get me and the Mad Dog out of here. I couldn't be acting all sissy-like and yella in a situation like this. I decided the best thing to do was not panic and think of a plan. I figure I would wait for the scoundrels to leave the house and then I would escape out the window. As I was waiting, I proceeded to tear off the curtains and form a rope. It was nearly sunset before Heidi and Rochester left the house for the town meeting. Mad Dog was still fast asleep. I fastened my make-shift rope to the base of the bed proceeded to climb out the window. Mind you that I had never done this, and we were nearly 20 feet above ground. So I carefully decended down. (*hear the sound of the rope being stretched and strained*) I was nearly down when... (*SNAP*) I must have fell about 4 feet. Luckily (or unluckily) for me, I fell right into a watering trough for horses! Drenched d'own to my toes and shiverin' in my boots, that I was. Getting to my feet and rearranging my cowboy hat, I paced towards the entrance. It was latched of course. I then remembered that secret panel in the back of the house. I got in again, only to be surprised again by a ready and alert Mad Dog back to her old, nasty mood again. Connor: Well I'll be! How'd you get out? Mad Dog: (in a makeshift sling) Just shut up! What the hell was I doin' in that room? How did I get here? Why am I here? Connor: You don't remember? Then I'll tell you. We were encamped somewhere in the hills where we were ambushed. You got shot in the process from overheard. We managed to escape in a mining cart which took us past this house where we hopped off. You showed me the secret passageway in here where afterwards you past out. I was later caught by what seems to be your friend Heidi, who mended you back together. Mad Dog: Heidi? Where is she? What she tell you of me? Connor: She's off with Mr Billingsby to the meetin' to sabotage the town! And she didn't mention much,...only that you were cow-pokin' pals when you were wee small. Mad Dog: Why that gossipin' bitch! I knew she could never keep a secret! Connor: Look! That's not important right now. We've gotta stop the meetin' before it's too late! Mad Dog: Listen buckwheat! We're not gonna do nothin'! Connor: Whatcha mean? Don't you care anymore for the town? Mad Dog: The town could rot. All I care about is my pa's copper mines. I don't want'em fallin' into those sleezy industrialists' hands. Connor: So it's true...you're Ashley Kate Abrams! Mad Dog: What? How'd you know my former name? Connor: I overheard Heidi mention it while patchin' you up partner. Mad Dog: There's seem to be an awfully lot of this Heidi floozy in your life. Why don't you go to her instead? Connor: It's not my fault! She's the one comin' on to me. As with all the other girls in town. Don't curse my good looks. Mad Dog: Modest bastard you are, aren't you pretty boy? Connor: You can call me all the names you want. But we have to go afta them! Mad Dog: Alright, Kyle boy, I tell you what I'll do. I'll head back upstairs and just lie down and rest my bones in my bed. You just git and do ya own thing, y'hear? Connor: Why aren't 'cha comin'? Mad Dog: First, I'm in no condition to be travelin'. Second the town's 'bout 10 miles away. Third, we got no damn horses. If you want to walk all the way, then go right on ahead. Connor: Then it's over...we've lost... Mad Dog: Now don't git your spirits down boy. It ain't over 'till I say it's over. It's only a temporary setback. I reckon we don't have to do anything yet. They'll come to us. Connor: They will? How? Mad Dog: Trust me. Now help me with the preparations upstairs. What does a lady have 'ta do to get some hospitality out here? [Act II] Laughter and commotion just outside the house. In enters Rochester, Heidi, Kennedy Smith and Hatford McCoy! Hatford: What a job you pulled over the townsfolk tonight! Kennedy: I quite agree. Pulled the "wool right over their eyes." Rochester: Hey, how can you expect less from a politician? And it's quite easy without those meddlesome two around to break it up. (places carpetbag down by the closet) Hatford: Yep. We could see the fear in those sheepish townsfolk' eyes when word spread around that the Connor crackpot was deader than a doornail. Kennedy: Speaking of those troublemakers, where are they now? Rochester: They're locked upstairs. I can tell you they're well confined. But we'll deal with them later. Tonight we celebrate! Heidi! Go down to the wine cellar and fetch my finest whiskey! Kennedy: Good. I have a score to settle with that boy! Hatford: Heidi dear? Make that two bottles! Rochester: Follow me boys, this way to the parlor room. I feel like a game of poker is in order. Kennedy: Sounds good. Gambling and drinking always did mix well together. (Hatford walks over by the window as Kennedy and Rochester is setting up, making a gesture to someone from outside.) (They begin to play, chat, frolic, and be merry, exchanging dirty jokes and all.) (After a couple of hours) Kennedy: I'm getting very tired. Let's call this the final hand. Rochester: That be ok with me. I'm way ahead of everyone else. Heidi: (Down to her bra and panties) Thank goodness! One more losing hand and I'll lose my modesty! Hatford: (Evil smile) You still have to win the next hand anyway to avoid "losing it all!" Rochester: Come now! I'm dealing out the cards now. Kennedy: You do have the title that all the townsfolk signed here, right? Rochester: Yes, yes, in my carpet bag. Now let's play! (Exchange of bets and anteing of the pot up to the final stage) Hatford: I'm out! Heidi: Me too! Rochester: I guess it just between me and you. Kennedy: I reckon it looks like that. What's your hand? Rochester: (Displays 3 kings and 2 queens) Full House. Read 'em and weap! (moves hand to pull pot towards him) Kennedy: Wait just a moment! You haven't seen my hand! (Slowly discards hand card by card. Ace, Ace, Ace, King ...) Two. Rochester: You've ain't got worth jack! Kennedy: I beg to differ! I have these two lovely ivory pistols pointed right at you and ya girl! (raises guns up from under the table) Rochester: What's the meaning of this travesty? Kennedy: I believe it's called a double-cross. Rochester: I did all you ask. What more do you want from me? Kennedy: Exclusive claim to your title, that's what! Hatford, get out the contract. Hatford: Right away! (takes it out of his inner sleeve pocket) Kennedy: Now sign! Rochester: What am I signing anyway? Kennedy: Why your waiving the rights to your land to us. So kind and generous of you, isn't that right 'Deadeye'? Hatford: (starts snorting and laughing like a pig) Rochester: (takes out ballpoint) Well I reckon I have no choice. But your not getting away with this! Kennedy: But I am. And what's more, I have Blackheart and his gang surrounding your house. They should be in here right ... (*Crash banging of the door and breaking of the windows*) (In enters Blackheart and a couple of his gang) Kennedy: Howdy boys! Glad you could make it to our little party. The two rascals you've been chasing are upstairs. Now let's go! Heidi: Where are you taking us? Kennedy: We're gonna lock the two of you in the outhouse outside. Fitting place for two rats like you! Hatford: Hey Kennedy, why don't you leave the girl with me instead? Kennedy: Stop thinking below your pants for once. There're be plenty of time for whores later. Just lead 'em on their way. And don't forget that carpetbag. Gang #1: (running down stairs) They ain't there! They've must have escape out the window! I saw a snapped rope hanging from there. Kennedy: Damn it! Well the money will have to do then. And get moving Hatford! Hatford: (*grumble, grumble*) Places second contract in carpet bag and leaves it there, leading the hostages outside. (hand slowly emerges from closet taking the bag and exchanging it with another.) (Moments later) Kennedy: Alrighty people. Good job, good job. Let's head on back to the home base to reap our rewards. Blackheart: Uh,...there's one more thing to clear up. Kennedy: Which is? Blackheart: My payment. Kennedy: We've already agreed upon it before. Blackheart: Well the stakes are bigger now, and now I'm askin' for more. Kennedy: Fine, fine, there's plenty to go around. How much more do you want? Blackheart: How about all of it? (guns start pointing now at Kennedy and Hatford!) Hatford: Hey, we hired you! You're suppose to listen to us! B: Brr-ha-ha -ha! Blackheart answers to noone! And I don't care for stuff-shirts profitting off my labor. Take em away and waste them. I imagine crunching them in the copper processing machinery would be a fitting end for them. (Kennedy and Hatford being physically dragged away...) Kennedy and Hatford: You won't get away with this! We have powerful friends! you'll be sorry. Blackheart: Finally, I'm rid of those pests. (picks up carpetbag and leaves) (out emerges Kyle and Mad dog up from a trap door inside the closet when everyone has finally ridden off) Kyle: Whoopee! (holds up real carpetbag) We've won! We beat em! Mad Dog: No. Kyle: What do you mean no? Mad Dog: We only bought ourselves a little time. When they discovered what happened, then they're come back for you. And they're be doing their talkin' with their guns. Then the town will be really in trouble. Kyle: So what do we do now? Mad Dog: We have to prepare the town for the final assault. Let's get a move on. [End of Scene 6] [Inside Ms Tamura-san's office] Tamura: Yes, Mr Kasuga-san. You wanted to see me? K: I did indeed Ms Tamura-san. It's regarding doing those segments on my trip to Bosnia... Tamura: Yes, what's your status on it currently? K: Well, to tell you the truth, nothing. I haven't done anything towards fulfilling the project. Tamura: So that's what its all about...you need more time, is that it? K: No maam. I wanted to make it clear that I can't do what you're asking me. Tamura: What? Is it because you need someone to guide you through as to the procedure and such? I do realize that you're a new intern and such and I'll find someone to help you out if that's what you need... K: No, no it's not like that. Tamura: Then I don't understand. Please elucidate. K: I mean,...you can't imagine the horrors I saw over there, so terrible and awful that it can't even be described in words. I had my first flashback just last night and I'm beginning to worry that I'm being affected mentally by it right now.I fear that if I delve into the subject even further, I would lose myself to it. It would not only affect me, but everyone else around me. Tamura: (stern voice) Mr Kasuga. I'm sure you're sincere in your words, but you have to understand that being a reporter is tough work. We have to cover murders, rapes, disasters, and the rest of the ugly things in life. A good reporter needs to distance himself away from the topic he is covering. Not get emotionally involved. That's where you draw the line. Now when you came in, I saw potential in you, not only for your photographic ability, but the journalistic touch you add to your pictures. But now I'm beginning to doubt whether you have the "backbone" it takes to stomach these complex topics. I strongly encourage you to rethink the matter and get back to me. You have the weekend to decide where you want to go from here. K: Thanks for hearing me out, Miss Tamura-san. Am I excused? Tamura: You are dismissed. May Providence be with you. [Outside in a park with a barbecue going and all...] Jackson: Thanks for throwing this bash for my retiring partner. I appreciate you going through the trouble on my behalf. Ken: Oh, it no problem at all. I know you have been very busy later with the promotion and all. And I do believe congrats are in order on your promotion to head investigator. Jackson: Thanks, but it'll just mean more busy (i.e.paper) work for me. Natsumi: And'll it also means you have to kiss the asses of all the old farts in charge up there. Jackson: Oh hi Natsumi. As usual, you do have a flair with the words. (*WOOF*) Jackson: (crouches down to pet dog) So there you are, old T-bone buddy! We haven't forgotten about you. (starts to scarf the food off Jackson's nearby paper plate of takoyaki.) Jackson: You've gotta hand it to him. Best drug sniffer in the force, but still is a pussycat for takoyaki. Natsumi: I've heard he's some special hybrid, is that right? Jackson: Yep. His ancestry being from Alaska, there some artic wolf genes running inside him. That's what contributes to his great sense of smell. Ken: So what's gonna happen to him afterwards? Jackson: That, I really couldn't say. He still looks remarkably good for his age, but I guess the top brass thinks it's his time to go. Probably be sent to the local pound. Natsumi: That's sad...couldn't you take him in? Jackson: I wish I could, but the missus is against it. Lord knows I suffer grief if I override her authority. Natusumi: Well old boy, I think this calls for a toast. (raises beer) To T-bone! The best police dog on the force! Jackson and Ken: Here, here! (While the 3 are preoccupied, T-bone picks up a familiar scent off in the nearby trees and darts towards it) Ken: Hey! Where'd is he headed off to? Natsumi: Probably couldn't contain himself and found himself a bitch to "play" with. Ken: Natsumi! Natsumi: Hey, that's what horny dogs do! Why should they be any different from your typical human male. Ken: I don't think's he mating now. LOOK! (They see a motorcycle with T-bone in the side passenger extension speed off into the distance. The biker is wearing all black and a helmet to sheif his face.) Natsumi: No one's gonna dog-nap our T-bone! Let's go get em! Jackson: Wait! Hold your horses! Let 'em go. Ken: What? But why? Jackson: (smiles) T-bone finally found his true master. [End of Chapter B2] [Upcoming: Chapter B3: Heist]