6 New Captions

 

Homecoming - Chapter Two

Kedo had done the job as far as his influence and skill set went.  Aki promised him that pursuing payback

for his sister was not in his best interests.  She promised him, things would be ‘taken care of.’

FORCE, with that information had been able to do the mundane espionage work tracing the money, but not all of it, but money leads to people, they are identified, their contacts and cyber lives can be examined which gravitates to more people and so on.  You don’t build a complete chain, but once you have enough links you can fill in the rest with speculation and the best thing about a chain is its only as strong as its weakest link or in this case a perceived terminus point where other links converge.  An office building in Osaka and Trans Ocean Staffing three months later.

‘This is getting boring,’ Alice whispered. ‘Cross your legs the other way, give them something to look at.’  Aki made the motion look completely natural and within a minute they were whisked into the office of the managing partners, a Mr’s Kimora and Mori greeting them with more than the usual business enthusiasm.  

‘We apologise for the delay Miss Hamilton, business has been very active lately.

‘No need to apologise for success gentlemen.  That just makes us more keen to do business with you?’ Alice responded, putting them at ease and raising their interest level a little.  ‘Oh, please forgive me, this is the President of my shipping enterprise, Miss Eto and since my mastery of Japanese is extremely limited, well two heads and all that.’

Aki made a small bow to them from across the desk, Alice seeing that she forced herself to do it.   ‘Seaway Container Company is looking to employ your services on several of our less regular routes.’ Aki said.  ‘These routes vary about the globe, so the men or women would have to be able to meet certain specific criteria,’ she added.  ‘We understand from talking to other sources that you are the best equipped to supply such personnel, I hope that is true and not just a boastful rumour?’

‘That would depend on who is doing the talking,” Mr Kimora replied.  

Aki and Alice now knew who the senior in the relationship was.  No Japanese businessman would let an underling speak first in a meeting without giving him leave to do so.  They both saw he was the younger of the two, mid thirties, in good shape, well dressed and proud of the clothes by the way he played with the cuffs of his shirt, not to straighten it but to show off to all that it was custom made.  Mr Mori was early forties, still trim and attractive, but not as fancy in his dress. His suit was off the rack, albeit, a very good rack, from an upscale establishment.  Unlike his counterpart he was not into impressing people or as Alice more astutely overserved women, this told her two things.  He was used to being around them and this was not his real job, he was a minder, she knew he worked for TRIDENT.  Mr Kimora clearly had eyes for Aki and both of them were playing a game with them.  

‘I’m sure you gentlemen have done your homework on us, otherwise, why would we be here, so in the interest of expediency I’ll come right to the point,’ Aki said in flat serious Japanese.  

We have over 200 vessels, some coastal, others, the majority, as you know, ocean going.  We use them in tandem, one for collection, the other for distribution.  We are unmatched in our efficiency and cost structure, maximum profit is the bottom line.  Unfortunately, that requires risk, we naturally would prefer to be as risk averse as possible, that is where you come in.  Some of the cargo requires specialised handling in the loading/unloading but more significantly in the transportation, security is a priority for these items,’ Aki explained, the implication more than made apparent.  

‘Yes, we have done a complete background on your company Miss Hamilton as you would have expected and speaking for my partner and I we are very impressed.  Of course, we had heard of you before, but, and I beg your pardon for this, but we had assumed you were more, how shall I put this, above the waves, so to speak,’ Mr Mori explained.  

Aki went to speak, but Alice lightly touched her arm.

‘That in the past, has been true, but we are finding today’s environment, with the shifting alliances, rapidly developing markets and the need for spirited entrepreneurship that in order to expand and keep our routes and dockings valid, we need to adjust.  I will stress that our exploration of this expansion has the full and complete backing of certain governments and individuals with multinational connections, so for all concerned, we see a growth opportunity for many years to come,’ Alice explained.  

‘This is what we require from your organisation,’ Aki added, handing over a bound document.  ‘You will notice, for no names or references to either company have been included, collective security for both organisations,’ she added.  

They took a few minutes to peruse through it, more of a skim and flip than an actual indepth look at the details, both women knew they had peaked interest.  

‘We would need some time to go through this and prepare a response with respect to the feasibility of such a proposal,’ Mr Kimora smiled.  ‘I would like to propose next Monday, I hope that works?’

Aki looked at Alice, who flipped through her phone.  ‘That would be fine, say 10am?’  

They agreed, as she knew they would, then Mr Mori spoke.  ‘ Have you ever been to Osaka before?’

Alice and Aki both knew what was coming, but played innocent.

Wonderful, that will give you the weekend to see the city, there are many sites to see and excellent places to eat.  If you like, I can clear my schedule to show you about?’

Alice couldn’t resist, she tossed Aki a curve.

‘I’m afraid I have several appointments in Tokyo this weekend, but Miss Eto is remaining here.’

Mr Mori brightened.

‘Very sorry sir, but I think it best we keep to business for the moment,’ she said softly and watched his face fall, then added with perfect timing. ‘However, after our business is concluded I see no reason, whatever the outcome, to not take you up on your generous offer,’ a smile and bow followed.  

‘Well we’ll leave at that, till monday then,’ Alice said. 

She exchanged handshakes, Aki polite bows, then left.

‘You are a bitch for doing that,’ Aki said amused as they walked along the hallways to the elevator.

‘You loved it,’ Alice laughed a little. 

^^^

The two women did as they said so to keep to the plan and showed up Monday for their meeting.

‘Did something happen?’ Aki asked as she was greeted by Mr. Mori in the waiting room.

Apparently, a massive water leak in the main vertical pipe, which led to electrical issues and as you can see water damage, but thankfully we were spared and as you can see from all the people about, the cleanup begins.  The good news is we have everything prepared for you, but we seem to be missing Miss Hamilton?’

‘She had an emergency call she had to take.  I suggest we go in and make ourselves comfortable,’ Aki smiled sweetly at him, which she knew would work.  

‘Mr Kimora,’ Aki said and bowed.  ‘Miss Hamilton will be long shortly, an emergency call detains her,’ she added, sitting down and crossing her legs, the action pulling the fabric just above her knees giving both a generous look.  

‘We understand,’ he said, looking at his colleague then back to her.  ‘We have worked out some numbers and details that I think will surprise you.  If all goes according to our plan it will be a great pleasure doing business with you.’

‘My thoughts exactly!’ came a voice from the doorway.  

‘Both men looked up at the strange voice then straightened right up, looked at Aki and then down at her Seecamp  LWS 32.

Kimora laughed at the situation and made a quick move toward the door while Mori tried to kick the arm of Aki’s swivel chair, but The Silk Geisha was out of and away from the arms before he had a chance to.  His follow through sent the chair spinning backwards and away from her while causing him to over balance forward.  Aki gave his forehead a crack with the small gun that sent him sideways and down to the floor dazed and finished.  

Kimora did not do any better.  He rushed around the short corner of the desk and straight at the other woman, one of his arms cocking back behind his head as he readied a punch that missed badly as his opponent bent back away from the blow then delivered a sharp punch to his throat!  Hands grasp about the neck allowing her to take his head in the hands and slam it off the edge of the desk!  It bounced up and back in a blur and he lay semi conscious, his senses only about to register that his arms and legs were being restrained.  

‘I’ve been told I have a talent for first impressions.  That aside, we need to get down to business, now that our brief session of Kung Fu Prada is over,’ she said looking over to Aki before placing her clutch on the desk. 

‘Enjoy it while you can,’ Mr Kimora said with a hint of fate in his tone.

‘Oh, you’re referring to all those men you had out in the hallway and about the building, they're all dead or soon to be so.  Didn’t think I’d fall so easily for that old canard about building maintenance.  No, it's just you and us left and we need to complete outstanding business and I’m counting on your cooperation to make this as painless as possible for you,’ she added.

‘You don’t scare us Miss Baxter, you come with a reputation,’ Mr Kimora smiled.

‘I told you TRIDENT went to the slow spy school classes Aki.  They just don’t seem to learn.  I tried with your man in my casino.  Guess you never got that email, but again I came prepared Mr Kimora, when I heard it was you, well I had to insert myself into this operation, it’s good to see you again and you need to work out more!’ she added as Aki worked on their laptop.

‘There, have it, we're in, David’s program is fantastic, all files transferred.  I’ll go look for his laptop and anything else I can find,’ Aki explained.

‘Kill anyone left in this office,’ Claire added as Aki moved out the door, gun in hand.

Claire waited for Aki to return, she heard a few shots, looked at both of them, their wrists zip tied about the pulls on the metal filing cabinet doors that covered the one side of the office, their legs, one left, one right from each of them zipped together while their other zipped to the front and back legs of the desk.

‘We will need the access code for this one, too many variables.  We could take it with us and do it later,’ The Silk Geisha said after coming back and failing to access the laptop.

‘No Kimora san is going to tell us the code or his assistant is, if he knows it?’ Claire mused.

‘I don’t know it, I swear,’ Mr Mori said.

‘I’m sure you don’t, you're not a TRIDENT agent, but your boss is and I’m sure his laptop is full of all kinds of valuable information.  

‘Let’s just take it and go.  We have more than we need,’ Aki said, playing the role of good cop.

‘You know how in this business Kimora san you’re always told it's never to be made personal and yet it invariably comes to that.  A little over three months ago TRIDENT decided to do a little housekeeping, namely getting rid of the Poison Geisha, but like the situation with the Silkworms they didn’t want to use any of their agents so they went to an outside contractor again.  Stupid is as stupid does.  As chance or perhaps not happens, I was in Kyoto that day to warn them something was coming.  We both know the rest of the story, Aki and I saw the sad ending.  It took no time to find you because you took shortcuts.  I suspect you Mori san are the culprit here, looking to pad your own pocket, you used some of the money to hire outside help, namely a member of the local Yakuza.  He was killed in our intervention, but his tattoo lived on and when his boss found out about it and the ordeal of his sister, a geisha, he was more than willing to help.  Turns out this guy liked to talk.  He told other members and a few lowlife scum and soon we had all the information we needed to trace it all back to your company.  The rest was computer espionage and here we are.  Now I want that code, because this is personal, for both of us,’ Claire looked up at Aki.  ‘Ready?’

‘You can start anytime you want, we are connected, I’m sure TRIDENT is watching,’ Aki offered.

‘Aki told me Kimora san that you never gave her legs or her a second look, meaning you’re used to being around beautiful women a great deal. When she described you I remembered you from an early mission of mine, so naturally it made sense.  You see them all the time, interact with them and maybe more than that, explains why you’re not married.  The old adage, why buy a cow when you get the milk for free, comes to mind.  Well all good things come to an end.’

Aki laughed at that last part and Claire thought about it then smiled after a few seconds.

‘Can you hand me my clutch, Aki.  Now I’ve never used one of these before, but I know someone who has seen this done and done successfully.  She’s imparted her recollection to me so everything should be fine, it's a simple three step process.  This is a Chinese Castration Knife, used to create eunuchs, for centuries the administrators of Imperial China, from them we get the word Mandarin.’

Claire cut open his pants and shirt.  Aki from her briefcase handed her several rolls of bandages she used

to tightly encircle his stomach and upper legs, restricting the blood flow.  

‘Everytime you walk past another female agent, you’ll have to just walk past.  No more fringe benefits, just a look and frustration, you can’t even masterbate.  The positive side is you’ll have so much more time to devote to your job, you’ll be an excellent administrator, that is if you live.  Now, last time, I want the code and remember TRIDENT is watching,’ Claire said as Aki tapped the laptop.  

Kimora was sweating freely as he tried to squirm and escape.  Claire grabbed his tackle in her hands pulling it away from his body.

‘You’ll get the code anyway!’ Kimora half screamed and cried at the sametime.  

‘Of course I will,’ she coldly as the knife rolled back, prepared to cut when he cracked.

‘See what happens when you think with the right head,’ Claire smiled as Aki punched in the code and smiled while Claire sliced open Mori’s pants.

‘You have what you want!’ he stammered, his face a lather of cold sweat as well.

‘It wouldn’t be fair if Kimora-san was the only one exposed, just call me curious,’ Claire smiled.  ‘Oh, that would have never satisfied Aki,’ she added.

‘Well gentleman, I can say it has been a pleasure.  I think we accomplished all our goals, do you,’ Claire said looking at Aki.

‘Numerous TRIDENT agent names, locations and profiles.  All funds they had transferred to our account, paper files to be collected, you two marked as traitors to TRIDENT, so yes, I would say a very productive morning,’ Aki said as she closed the laptop.

A look of terror took hold on boh the men’s faces as they realised the gravity of Aki’s statement about TRIDENT.

‘Don’t concern yourself with TRIDENT,’ Claire said as she came around to Aki’s side of the desk.  I mean, since we already have all the Intel, what good would torturing both of you do.  No, mostly likely, TRIDENT will just put a bullet in both of you.  Of course, there is always that waiting for it to happen, the when and where, now that is worse than torture.  Luckily for both of you I’m feeling generous, beneficent even,’ she continued saying as she walked to the door and opened it.  A few seconds later a man in a very nice business suit appeared.

‘Gentlemen, may I introduce to you Kedo-san.  A businessman from Kyoto and the brother of 

Aikichi, you may not know the name, but your company and consequently you are responsible for her

being hurt.  Kedo-san and his associates would like you to explain how that happened.  We’ll leave you

alone to talk business,’ Claire smiled.  

Claire and Aki left the building just as a moving truck pulled up.  Men piled out with dolly’s to remove the files.  They watched for a moment, then saw Kedo-san’s car pull out from the alley, the back end lower than it would normally be.  

‘That will be the most pleasant part of their day,’ Aki mused as their car made its way into traffic and the Osaka airport.

‘Wonderful, work with Alice and Cindy to get agents on their way.  This will give them something to ponder.  Let’s see how TRIDENT reacts to being chased.’

10 New Captions

 

Homecoming

She drew more than a few looks as she walked along the narrow street in the old part of Kyoto, the

birthplace of Geisha and still its home.  Strangers were usually seen here, but in larger tourist groups

always taking pictures and making far too much noise.  She was by herself, quiet, respectful and above

all polite.  She stopped and bowed to the few Geisha she passed, before continuing along the narrow

street.  A sharp turn into a narrow alley, only wide enough for one person would have been missed and

indeed was by almost everyone but not her.  She stopped at a door and gently knocked.  She heard no

steps on the other side in the stillness of the alley, but the door opened a few seconds later and she

bowed again matching that of the other person who stepped fluidly to one side and motioned her in.

She removed her shoes and stepped inside, they door was closed with the same fluid motion and she

was escorted along a hallway, with various rooms with sliding rice paper doors on either to the end of

the hallway where the Geisha, a young girl, just beginning her training knelt, opened the door and bowed,

then gave a look for the other to enter.

The woman slipped just as gracefully inside, bowed and held the bow for several seconds before rising,

walking over silently and confidently.  She folded herself into a sitting position that matched the three

women across from her bowing again and this time staying there.  

'You are an honoured guest in my Teahouse Miss Baxter.  One I never would or could have expected.  I am Hamako as you know, this is Ichriyu and this is Kimiyakko,’ she said motioning left to right.  The order of introduction indicated their status as compared to her.

Claire knew there were more Poison Geisha Teahouses, Aki had a complete list of locations and names, but three had been the number the Poison Geisha had agreed to.  Far from being insulted Claire was honoured as she knew these were the three highest ranking Poison Geisha's, all others answered to them. Claire bowed to the other two.  

‘I am honoured that you accepted my invitation,’ she answered and from somewhere on her person produced three small wooden boxes and placed them in front of each of the ladies.  ‘Tsumaranai mono desu ga’

Each picked up their box and opened it, looking at its contents longer than was normally polite.  

‘Three of my agents found these in the possession of someone other than the rightful owner.  I regret I could not return them to those women as we cannot locate them.’

Hamako put down her box and to control herself started to pour tea.  Claire waited until they all took a drink before she did, not out of fear of poison but respect, the Poison Geisha would never want to kill her that way, it would not be honourable in their mind she knew as she placed her cup down.

‘Thank you for returning these Miss Baxter, even amongst enemies you have a reputation for honour that I can see is well earned, but even with that I don’t think that is the only reason you asked to see us, is it? Hamako questioned.

‘No senpai sama.  Those are important, one must remember students, especially those that were special to them, as those three were to each of you.  I returned them out of respect for both you as teachers and for your ancient traditions, but also to warn you about what is to come and beg you to take action to prevent it,’ Claire said.  

‘One does not bring war to another's house when they are still in it Miss Baxter,’ Ichriyu said, then took a sip of her tea.

‘That is not my wish or intent senpai sama.  The war will come from inside your own house forcing me to act against it.  A situation I wish to avoid but should that prove impossible I will act swiftly and decisively.  My wish is to prevent such an occurrence, to preserve what we have and what cannot be replaced, centuries of culture and tradition,’ Claire explained.

‘I’m afraid you speak in riddles even we cannot understand Miss Baxter.  Since you requested this meeting perhaps you should fully explain,’ Kimiyakko advised.

‘What happened to the Silkworms will happen again, this time to you.  One head of the serpent means to swallow the other,’ Claire said and let it sink in while it was her turn for tea.  

‘The Silkworms were a useful tool, but they never fully embraced TRIDENT.  But, times and tools change, what is new one day is obsolete the next,’ Kimiyakko explained.

‘Much like a Geisha is a relic of feudal Japan.  A specialised tool for a world that no longer needs it or can think of a use for it.  Think of it this way.  Strip Clubs are on the decline, all over the world. They're anachronistic, out of time with a modern world.  One could say the same for Geisha.  One day, society doesn’t see a need for them and they’re gone.  Sure it doesn’t happen overnight, maybe it takes years or decades, but in the end, time aside, they cease to exist.  Now I don’t know if that’s you right now, but I can tell you, it is for the Strippers Guild.  I’m sure you’ve heard of their recent losses.  Seems if you tug hard enough on the chain, the weakest link breaks.  Funny thing is that chains usually have more than one weak link,’ Claire summarised.  

‘That explanation sounds more threatening than helpful Miss Baxter.  You do not have an innocent past with the Poison Geisha as I’m sure you know,’ Hamako stated.

‘We’ve crossed swords several times, yes.  Some of the most exciting missions of my career in all aspects, but I think you’re referring to Aki Eto.  That whole evolution was entirely of your doing and I will point out that Miss Eto and her Silk Geisha's have never had an encounter with any of your Teahouses.  We have an affiliation, but she operates independently, our objectives just happen to coincide and we agree on that point.  FORCE has had nothing to do with you either, because I can assure you the fight would not be even as my fight with The Strippers Guild isn’t and I’m just getting started with them,’ Claire explained in a cool calm voice, but with her point more than made.

The Poison Geisha knew what she said was true, she may have been the enemy, but Miss Baxter had always been honourable in her encounters and she had gained respect for that and for her skills.  

Ichriyu spoke. ‘I assume you have the same alliance with the remaining Silkworms then?’

Claire knew the Poison Geisha had not been involved in that adventure, but she wanted to make certain they understood her position no matter the outcome of this meeting,

‘FORCE saved those ladies, out of my respect for them, their history, skills and the loss of any of those would have been an insult.  They were targeted for being much too trusting, telling and showing records they never should have and once certain shadowy parts of TRIDENT saw the wealth and knowledge this tiny band of ladies had and how easily they could take it away, they struck and nearly succeeded.  Yes, they got the money and other assets, but I got the ladies, the best of them, the much more valuable asset.  Your overlords plan failed in spectacular fashion, The Silkworms are gone, the Strippers Guild will be ruthlessly eliminated and they didn’t get what they really wanted, FORCE got it.  All they got was money and all they’re left with is their regular agents and you, who do you think is next on the chopping block.  How much are all your assets worth ladies?  That’s why I’m here!’

‘To save us or would it be more accurate to say enslave us MIss Baxter,’ Hamako asked.

‘To beg you to be careful!  Don’t let them take all this away, please.  Survive, continue to be my enemy, but don’t allow them to destroy 300 years of history,’ Claire said with a bow, her forehead touching the floor where it stayed.  

The three Geisha’s looked at each other, then back at the still bowed Claire.  Hamako, perhaps, knew her best.  Some of her former pupils had faced Miss Baxter on missions.  All reported things that Hamako saw now in person.  A lady with honour, beautiful, strong, one even that she was an incredible lover.  

‘I think we need to walk in the garden,’ she said after a moment.

A bell was rung, a maiko appeared, slippers were brought for Claire, a door opened and the quartet stepped outside into the tranquil peace and calm of the garden.  

‘If what you say is true, we are hardly in a position to refuse.  If we do, they will either suspect something or merely accelerate their plan.  Joining your organisation is out of the question, leaving TRIDENT would be equally impossible,’ Ichiryu explained.  

‘How much of your finances do they know? Claire asked.

‘Everything,’ Kimiyakko explained, that is my department.

‘They have to have people on the inside.  The same thing as happened with the Silkworms, its how it was so masterfully planned and executed, well almost.  You need to look for that and the boring part of espionage, the paper trail, money in this case, emails, contacts, movements, assignments, everything and you have to keep it quiet and confined to a small group, of you know this why am I saying any of this,’ Claire said as they came back inside.  The maiko closed the door and left them.

‘You talk as if this is a closed matter Miss Baxter, like we believe and trust everything you've told us.  How do we know this isn’t an elaborate trap of yours, to eliminate, as you say, the next weak link, in this case us.  I respect you as an enemy, but I do not trust you, that is another matter,’ Hamako explained, her voice cold with rationale.  

‘I see,’ Claire said,  ‘How well do you know me, my career, I mean, any of my missions?’

‘Nothing outside of encounters with The Poison Geisha.  All the D.O.O.M. files are either gone or severely restricted,’ Ichiryu answered and the others concurred.

‘All my agents have access to all mission files,’ Claire said..  ‘That would set off alarm bells for me, but then again, that’s just me.  Here is my card.  You can call that number anytime and get me should you wish to.’  Claire had three cards and passed them out one by one with two hands and a bow, then a final bow then she was gone.  

^^^

‘How did you get on?’ Tara asked.

‘Just as we expected, they admitted nothing, but they did not ask any questions about the boxes.  They knew already that the girls were dead, what they didn’t know was who did it.  If they suspected us or The Silk Geisha’s, well they now have cause to rethink that,’ Claire said into her phone as she walked along.

‘Or they think we did it and somehow this is an elaborate game we’re constructing to finish them as well,’ Tara countered.

‘There is that, but they know me, mostly by reputation, but that means a lot in their culture.’

‘The honest spy,’ Tara mocked.  ‘You should put that on your business card.’

‘Maybe the next batch.  I’ll be back late Friday if I don’t hear from them.’

^^^

Claire had arranged for Aki Eto to visit her, partly to discuss business, though mostly to just talk.  Aki had expanded the Silk Geisha’s to three tea houses and soon a fourth was in the offing.  Claire was really keen to hear what one of most trusted friends thought on the matter of the Poison Geisha, Aki having been one.  

The traffic was bad and Claire found Aki waiting for her in the garden, silently observing the Zen

garden and the Buddhist Sand Rake Claire had created that morning.  Claire came silently up behind her, standing in the doorway.

‘Interesting drawing Baxter-san.  There is the wish for serenity, but the creator does not quite believe it.  It neither calms nor alarms, it just is, more Taoist than Buddhist I think,’ Aki said as she got up and bowed, Claire returned the greeting then the two embraced and kissed each other's cheeks.

‘You can’t save a person who does not reach for your help,’ Aki added.

‘Today was just to let them know we’re here so they can reach,’ Claire answered.

‘You want to save people.  It is at one and the same time your biggest grace and fault.  But in that you have balance.  You must always be sure never to lose that balance, but know that I am always there to help, should you need.’

Claire had no answer for that, who would.  Instead, she embraced Aki again.  

‘Well, I could use some help with dinner.  How’s that for a start?’

‘You honour me by letting me into your space.  That of course is a lie.  You stink at cooking Japanese food and I’m hungry,’ Aki laughed.

‘Alex has had a bad influence on you,’ Claire laughed back.  

They were enjoying a nice meal with some Sake when their respective phones buzzed.  

‘Suspected gas leak in Shijo Avenue,’ Claire said in a worried voice looking at Aki who was already on her feet.   

‘We must go. One of my friends, a regular Geisha, was beaten for information on locations of other teahouses by someone posing as a client.  

Claire sprang to her feet, Aki was right behind her as they went to the bedroom,  Changed they made their way to the far side of the room where Claire pushed on a wooden wall panel.  An audible click and the panel about 4x8 feet slide back revealing an arsenal of weapons.  

Claire took the Mac 10 and Aki the 11, both with suppressors.  She tossed a P320 and extra clip to Aki while she took a P365 and clip.  Each picked an assortment of other things for themselves and headed for the door to the alley way and Aki’s car.

‘We news to get there as quickly as possible,’ Claire as the duo came round the corner.

“I don’t think that will be an issue Baxter-san, get in and hang on.

Aki cranked over the Subaru and shifted roaring the car to life.  They came out of the alley doing 70mph and never looked back, Aki working the gears up and down as they dodged and weaved about the car gripping the road.

‘Had a few modifications made, voided the warranty, but it was worth it.  Better brakes, struts, shocks

and of course exhaust, goes 0 to 60 in 4.3 seconds.  Paddle shifters make it quicker and smoother to

drive, gaining 35 horses.  Oh, put in a better stereo, try it if you want, something up tempo,’ Aki smiled

as she burned through the traffic.  ‘Hang on!’ she said, hitting the brakes, turning the wheel, the sound

of tires screeching on the pavement and the revving of the engine overtaking everything as Aki executed

a 90 degree turn.

‘Hard to believe, three years ago you didn’t even drive.

‘I know, it seems crazy I missed all that fun,’ Aki smiled as they made another hard corner and she paddled through the gears, speeding the car back up.  

‘We can’t go down the street all the way, it's too narrow at points.  I’ll tell you when to stop, but be ready for anything,’ Claire and Aki acknowledged.

A few more turns and twists and they were on Shijo Avenue travelling at an insane rate of speed, Aki weaving the car around traffic furniture until they came to a sudden stop.  

‘That is not a Osaka Gas Company truck,’ Aki said, putting her hand on Claire’s leg.  ‘It's a good fake, but the logo is wrong, it’s only joined on one side, not both.  Follow my lead.

The two exited the vehicle and approached the two men in uniform loitering by the truck that blocked the

road.  Aki made a polite greeting and a bow then as far as Claire could make out was asking if they could

go through as they were expected at a birthday party several streets up, she even provided an address

and a made up name.  It was apparent to Claire that Aki was not making any headway until she saw a

playful smile form on her face and her hand reach out and take one of the workers.  She walked him

over to the car, Claire slipped beside the other man who was too busy wishing he was in his coworkers

place, one hand slipping behind her.

‘Well if we can’t go and you can’t say when the street will be back open can you do me a great favour and deliver my present to her when the danger has passed,’ Aki said and sealed the deal with her name and phone number so that he could call her and say he’d done it.  She popped the trunk latch and raised it up as he bent down to get the box.  Aki stepped closer to distract him before her hands gripped the spoiler and slammed it down across his neck, the snapping of bone the last thing his partner heard as Claire slashed her knife across his throat.

‘Interesting,’ Aki said as they dumped the bodies in the trunk.  

Each woman disappeared into the shadows on either side of the street, but not before a high piercing sound took a chunk out of a wooden column Aki had just passed.  From across the street came the sound of something cutting the air, then a thud coming from in front of Aki who made her way forward and pulled the throwing star from the side of the head of the fallen man.  

They moved up the street quickly but cautiously, still about 100 metres from the Poison Geisha alley, a noise, not a pleasant noise growing from Claire’s side of the street.  Aki had the same unpleasant cacophony on her side, both recognizing it as distress.  They looked at each other, made a gesture in pale light and turned to go into their respective places.  

Aki peered round the corner, saw his back.  She slipped her gun into her waistband and stepped silently toward him, his shadow projecting on the rice paper walls giving her cover behind him so he wasn’t aware.  The noises, rough and unpleasant, the sounds of fists and open hands hitting flesh getting louder with each step as where the cries.  Aki pushed down the anger and revolution at it as she reached into her hair and pulled out one of her floral kanzashi.

She took a final step, clamped one hand over his mouth while the other jammed the kanzashi into his ear,

the flat of her hand driving the stem all the way up to the glass bulb.  It was silent, fast and unnoticed by

those inside.  Aki supported his weight as she knocked on the door.

‘What the fuck man!  We told you, you get the next place!’ an angry voice said, then the paper door flew open.

The Silk Geisha pushed the dead weight forward, the momentum and the surprise catching the voice unprepared as it fell on him taking both of them to the floor.  Aki took a quick step in, her body already in The Weaver Stance, her sharp eyes flashing as she identified her targets and sorted the shooting sequence, all faster than a computer could have done.  Four quick pops, four pings of spent casing on the wood floor and four dead bodies, it was over before it began, then she heard the footsteps in the hall rushing toward her.  Her eyes flashed to a geisha who held up three fingers.  Aki judged the distance, stepped out into the hallway moving with speed toward them.  Crowded together they were easy targets, all headshots as before except the for final one, the trailer, he tripped over his fallen comrades, stumbled then fell as Aki blew his left knee apart.  Blood, bits of brain and bone covered the walls and ceiling as she stepped forward, the last of them searching the pile of bodies for a weapon before impassionately Aki blew off his other knee.  He screamed in pain rolled over onto his back amongst the pile, looked up just in time to see the point of her second kanzashi embed in his eye, then flat of her hand pushing it flush with his eye socket.  His legs spasmed for a few seconds then when still, she pulled it out and back into her hair.  Aki returned to the other room, three women were dead, five injured, the remaining two had already begun to treat them.  

Aki knew certain geisha knew about the existence of The Poison Geisha. She explained herself quickly, asking what they had wanted and what they had been told.  What she got was not good news.  She asked them not to call the police for another hour and they agreed.  She bowed and left, removing her other kanzashi from his ear on the way.  

Claire was less subtle than her partner.  She knew where the next Teahouse was.  Pressed up against one of the doors, she listened to several voices all at once.  Claire clicked off the safety, pulled the door open just enough then delicately pushed the suppressor on the Mac 10 into the opening, she heard four distinct voices.  Claire swung the door open with her foot and walked in, marching toward them, the Mac 10 let out a series of quick multi shot cracks, the sound like that of a carnival spinning wheel at full tilt.  Small sprays of blood exited the holes she’d shot into their bodies before they crashed backward through the paper walls.  She was on top of them before they settled, the selector switch already changed to semi as she put one shot into each of their heads.  The space used for multiple guests, who were there, all dead, Claire counted six women, but seven male guests, that meant one geisha was missing.  The scene made her sick, the metal smell of blood filling her lungs.  Claire swung the Mac 10 over back, pulled the P365 and headed down the hallway looking and hoping to find the seventh geisha.  The spy switched off the lights in the hallway, darkness didn’t show her presence against the rice paper walls.  She moved ahead measuring her steps to the ninety degree angle change, beyond that she was blind, but she could hear a sense she counted on.  Claire holstered her weapons in the small of her back, lowered herself to the floor and silently pulled herself along like a snake, her body always returned to a coiled position for a quick strike.  

She stretched again, this time one of her long legs caught the door behind her and pulled it open.  It exposed the hiding place as a series of high pitched whistling projectiles flew over her.  The muffled sound of a woman pinpointed the location for but she remained still, the next move was his, the stillness too tempting for him to resist.

A door smoothly slid open, Claire rolled onto her slide creating a space, knife freed and ready.  Light careful footfalls followed, she waited with practised patience, so close she felt the soft breeze his motion created on her cheek.  The keen blade flashed, he screamed, fell forward on his knees, his ankle tendons cut as Claire uncoiled behind him, seized the top of his head, jerked it back, giving her free hand a sharp chop to his Adam’s Apple.  His hands clutched his throat as he gurgled, Claire loosened the knife once rammed it into his forehead then with body arms slammed his head into the floor, the knife disappearing up to the hilt, the sound of his cracking split skull reverberating as a pool of red ink spilled out around his head.  

‘Oka-san?’ Claire said, a small faint voice answered her.  Claire scrambled back, turned on the lights, returned, offered respect, then embraced the woman.

The spy did as Aki had done, she knew the woman was traumatised, but she had to go, the Teahouse did know The Poison Geisha.  Claire kicked over the dead man, secured her hand around the handle, pulling and twisting to free the blade from his skull.  It finally came free after several feet along the floor.  

Aki dashed across the street when she saw Claire emerging from the Teahouse.

‘They know the location!’ Claire said, her voice urgent but calm.  ‘You go down the next alley, turn and move along until you see the lanterns. The over and in.  I’ll go the front way.  Watches set for two minutes, then we go in together.  Kill silently until then, all bets off after that,’ Claire said.  ‘On my mark…now!’

Aki was in position quickly, she encountered no one.  Claire had one at the door.  She pulled a star, manoeuvred against the wall, checked her watch, stepped out and sank it into his neck, blades slicing deep into each side, the force pinning him to the door! 

She was up the path, bullets from the Mac 10 smashing off the door latch as she went.  From the back

she heard Aki’s Mac 11, the sound a little higher than her 10 because of the rate of fire.  Claire stepped

into the chaos and cacophony of noise, bodies and bits of bodies everywhere. Men ran in her direction,

others tried to scramble behind cover, others made for the hallway.  Whatever Aki didn’t eliminate, she

did, first those trying to escape toward her and the front door, the spray splattered their blood

everywhere, even on her.  Claire pivoted and cut down the rest as they went for the hallway.  

Aki entered at the end of the building via a garden sliding door, she caught the one’s Claire missed except for one who was too close to her. He swung and missed then looked about desperately for a gun.  

‘Just a little geisha, you don’t need a gun to take care of me,’ Aki smiled.

‘Hi-ga! Aki said in her breathy voice as a kick caught him square in the side of his face.  He spun round, the Silk Geisha waiting and prepared as she caught his left arm, twisted it over at the wrist, then broke it at the elbow, using her other arm as the fulcrum.  He screamed in pain  the useless appendage flapping like a broken branch in the wind.  The other arm got the same treatment.  A series of sharp kidney punches felled him.  Aki drove a leg downward and broke his ankle.  Satisfied, she grabbed him by the collar and dragged him to the main room where she saw Claire hunched over Hamako, all her weight on a horrendous wound which still oozed deep crimson despite the efforts.  

‘Hang on Hamako.  Look at me.  It’s fine!. she said, trying to sound calm.

‘How are Ichriyu and Kimiyakko,  my geisha’s, maiko,’ she said, blood in the corner of her mouth.

‘Fine, let’s just concentrate on you,’ Claire answered.

‘How did you ever get to be such an excellent spy, because you are a terrible liar.’ she answered, coughing up blood, some getting on Claire.  

‘Claire, go see to Ichriyu and Kimiyakko, this is not your place,’ Aki said, putting a hand on her shoulder.

‘So this is what it comes to, a mocking end.  I guess I should have expected this,’ Hamako struggled.

‘As we believe, not the end, merely another step.  You live on in us, me also.  Part of me will always be Poison Geisha.  It is my honour to be here with you, to share in your next step,’ Aki comforted.

Hamako reached for and took Aki’s hand, her face twisted in pain as she did.  ‘I had planned to call Baxter-san, but this is better.  You, Ichriyu and Kimiyakko must carry on, not my path, your own, whatever that is, good or bad,’ she winced in pain, her eyes tight, teeth clenched, her fingers white as she squeezed Aki’s hand, the Silk Geisha praying for her torment to end.  ‘One more thing I need the other two to join us before I go.

Ichriyu and Kimiyakko, hurt and still bleeding a little, got to her side with Claire’s help, the Head of FORCE disappearing into the background.  

‘Free my hair, there is one for each of you.  I never realised till right now this was my, our destiny,’ she coughed, more blood gushing from her mouth.  Ichiryu wiped it away with the edge of her kimono.  ‘Go on, they are yours now, none is more important than the other.’

Each took turns, slipping them into their respective hair, to show her, she smiled.  They followed with a kiss each to her cheek.

‘I die knowing I live on, what happiness I have discovered,’ Hamako said, her voice peaceful as her eyes starred up the light now gone from them.  

Aki released her hand, the three bowed to Hamako and rose.  Tears will be for later and in private.  Aki spoke very rapidly and softly to the two others, Claire was not included in the conversation and did not want to be, she occupied herself with controlling her tears waiting for Aki to join her.  

‘Help is on the way, Kimiyakko has a burner phone, so no trace.  We need to come up with a story to explain all this,’ Aki told her.

‘Already have it in the works,’ Claire said, showing Aki her wrist phone.  All the living will be taken to a ship by the docks, that’s the sirens you hear now, medical treatment will be there for them.  It will also provide us cover for escape.  Even I don’t have enough pull to explain or get us out of this should we be caught.’

‘Excellent, then we have someone we need to see,’ Aki said.  The Silk Geisha explained to the others the plan then they left.

Aki zoomed through the streets seemingly faster than she had earlier, only breaking the silence to explain that Kimiyakko would try to see if other Teahouses had been attacked in other parts of the country.  The Silk Geisha turned into a long street covered in garish neon signs of every colour, slowing down as she looked.  Claire began to put some of the pieces together.  

‘Have my back here,’ Aki said as she got out and Claire followed, closing her door and leaning against it as Aki came round and made for the entrance of what looked to be a seedy streetfront bar. Only to be blocked by a large man who stepped in her way.  Aki stopped, smiled, her wonderful innocent smile, then kicked him hard in the balls!  He bent over in front of her where her knee connected with his jaw, the ferocity of the blow knocking him back over himself in a 360 and still to the pavement.  

‘Oyabun, get the fuck out here right now,’ Aki yelled.  

Claire put her hand behind her back, resting on her gun.  Her earlier suspicions confirmed.

‘Kedo Kai, get your ass out in the street or are you afraid of a woman, because you should be!’ Aki yelled as a crowd started to form.

From inside came murmurs that grew louder, the crowd at the entrance parted and a man, not tall, but slim and well dressed, in his mid fifties emerged, moving at his own pace, a smirk pasted across his smooth face.  He wiped his hands with a cloth napkin, then held it out for some flunky to take, which he did with a bow,  

‘Young lady, there are easier ways to get my attention and less dangerous, although your beauty lessens the dangerous part.  Are we finished creating a scene?’

‘Depends on what happens next.  I have something to show you and you better have an explanation,’ Aki said, her voice cool as she turned her back and walked to the trunk.

Kedo noticed Claire for the first time.  ‘Do you two come as a mismatched set?’

‘Don’t go biting off more than you can chew!’ she answered and motioned with her eyes to follow Aki,

He took his time sauntering over.  Aki hit the trunk release.  He did not flinch, to his credit, Kedo had seen lots of bodies in his years in the Yakuza, some of his own making.

‘Your responsible for Shijo Avenue and area, the protection of the Geisha.  How do you explain this?  Aki said, rolling up the sleeve of one of the dead men.  

‘Junjo!’ he yelled.  A man ran forward and was at his side in seconds.

Again the conversation went so fast, Claire’s very mediocre Japanese was useless.  She did  note that Kedo was red faced as he barked orders, Claire only catching the numbers of each demand, then he stopped and his whole expression changed.

‘Aikichi is hurt, she is safe and being treated.  She told me to find you and tell you.  It was she who confirmed my suspicion of the tatoo.  Now you tell me why your man was involved in this nightmare?’ Aki stated.  

‘You think I would do this to my sister?  I know nothing of this at the moment, but I will find out who did it.  You don’t do this to my family,’ Kedo boiled.

‘Nor to mine,’ Aki added.