[FIC] Guess Who's Coming to Dinner? (pt 12)
Posted: Fri Jul 16, 2004 9:43 pm
The car jerked to the side abruptly, throwing Kaname against Sousuke.
Mr. Smith leaned on the horn and accelerated instead of braking. His large sedan weaved its way through traffic, giving the irate taxi cab drivers a taste of their own medicine.
“The woman….” Oichi shouted, crouched down in her seat next to Kaname.
“She’ll move.” Mr. Smith sounded the horn again, nodding happily as the woman dragged her Pekinese out of the way just in time.
“The car!” Kaname’s eyes widened. Her fingernails dug unmercifully into Sousuke’s arm.
“They have insurance.” The bodyguard pulled in front of an accelerating bus, missing a braking car by a hair’s breath.
“The pothole…” Sousuke thought it looked more like a crevice… no, a chasm.
THUMP THUMP WHAM WHUMP
“What pothole?” Mr. Smith turned up his radio, enjoying Elvis Presley’s greatest hits. “Damn.” The tires screeched as the portly man stomped on the brakes. A great human mass of young men and women in robes was flooding the street. They cared placards and collection buckets.
“Think maybe we can skip this one, Sousuke?” Kaname watched as the religious sect walked around, distributing prayer books and asking for donations. “I’m about otaku’d out.”
They had already visited West Point and spent an hour walking through the Intrepid Air-Sea-Space Museum in Manhattan.
“Negative. It would be most unfortunate to miss the opportunity to see the Harbor Defense Museum.” Sousuke took out his pistol and checked the clip. Rubber bullets. Check. The heavier weapons could remain in the trunk.
“Oooo-iiiii-chiiii….” Kaname sounded a lot like her sister at that moment.
“It’s Sousuke’s decision, remember. You had your turn at sight-seeing when you were here over Christmas.” Oichi smiled. She loved seeing Sousuke’s enthusiasm. It was fun to see Kaname faced with a little harmless adversity.
“I just wish he wouldn’t decide on such b-o-r-i-n-g stuff!” The World Trade Center sight hadn’t been boring, but she had been there only a few months before. It had been instructive to watch Sousuke, though. He had been very quiet and very respectful. She knew the time at the Memorial would serve to bolster his already strong sense of duty.
“Excuse me.” Sousuke took off his seat belt… opened the door… and walked in amongst the sect members.
“SOUSUKE! DON’T YOU EVEN THINK ABOUT IT….” Kaname’s voice could readily be heard over the cacophony of beeping and blaring horns.
“Do you wish to learn about the path to paradise, brother?” A young man with a shaven hair and a colorful robe handed a pamphlet towards Sousuke.
“No. You are obstructing traffic and inconveniencing people. I wish you all to move.” Sousuke fired his gun at the feet of the religious menagerie. They ran screaming.
Sousuke got back in the car amongst a thundering wave of applause, whistles, and catcalls.
“Oooo Ooooo SOUSUKE!” Kaname reached for her halisen. Oichi was sitting on it. “We’ll probably all get thrown in jail now, you big jerk!” Kaname pulled fiercely on Sousuke’s ear. “Won’t Daddy just be thrilled about THAT?!!”
Mr. Smith chuckled. “Don’t worry about that. I’m here. In any case, this won’t even make the blotters. It takes something noticeable….” The passengers were all thrown back in their seats as the car sped ahead again. “We may hit real traffic again, soon. I’ve got more stories for you, though. Don’t worry.”
Every body in the back seat closed their eyes and whispered a short prayer.
His eyes closed, Sousuke took a few moments to remember the events of the morning and the night before.
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Ayame’s bombshell trick had left Shunya pale with barely concealed rage and suspicion, despite the progress he had made towards accepting Sousuke. Ignoring the fact that there were guests present, he tried to badger Kaname into telling him what had gone on while Mr. Smith was dozing on the job.
Kaname started off on the defensive, but one particular aside about Sousuke changed her tact.
‘So, young lady, are you finally ready to tell me just went on?’ He father had actually stood up, glaring down at her from the head of the table.
“Sex,” Kaname said evenly. “Sweaty… grunting… bed shaking sex.” She smiled at the look on her father’s face. “In YOUR bed!”
“Uh….” Sousuke remember spitting out a mouthful of tea all over the silk centerpiece.
“Kaname Chidori….” Shunya didn’t know if she was telling the truth or acting in a shockingly insolent manner. Neither was acceptable.
“Want to see the home pregnancy test? Sousuke, you remember where we left it.” Kaname had a sketchy idea that it was too soon for such an assay to show anything, but she wasn’t worried about accuracy. She was after impact.
“I….”
“Young lady!” Shunya was turning red in the face. Kumi and Izumi looked like they were about to explode with laughter. Oichi just shook her head. Ayame hid under the table.
“Never mind Sousuke. So Daddy, would you prefer a grandson or a granddaughter?” She turned to look across the table at Sousuke. “As for YOU…… Mister Overly Effective Sperm…… there better NOT be any explosions during delivery. HMMMPPPFFF!!!”
“But we never….”
“That…… will…… be…… enough…… of…… that!!!” Shunya slammed a tureen down hard on the table, causing the remaining gravy to jump upward in a great cylindrical wave. “I want the truth,”
“You can’t handle the truth,” Kaname said, shocking even herself.
Shunya looked ready to blow a gasket.
“You know, it’s not really yours business, dear.” Oichi quietly took an sip of coffee. “This is very good. Kenyan?”
“They…” Shunya was caught between his anger at Kaname and his caring and respect for Oichi,
“They no doubt did what you and I did at their age. My guess is they might not have even done that, out of respect for your house and your rules. But, with all the negative attention they seem to have gotten….” Oichi’s look went just a bit dark for a moment, before brightening again. She might as well have shouted. “No doubt they reached out for each other the first free moment they had.”
“Oichi, you know I respect your wisdom, but you shouldn’t make excuses for them.” Shunya’s voice was pleading.
“I’m not. Just like I’m not going to make excuses for you. I would like to make a point, however. There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle The other is as though everything is a miracle. Which do you want for Kaname?” Oichi sighed happily when she put her coffee cup back down.
“More, Auntie?” Izumi picked up the coffee pitcher.
“Please,” Oichi answered. “Freedom is not worth having if it does not connote freedom to err. It passes my comprehension how human beings, be they ever so experienced and able, can delight in depriving other human beings of that precious right. “
Shunya’s mouth hung open. She just had to use Ghandi. He hated when she used Ghandi. “I understand that, Oichi. I have given my daughters freedom, but I reserve the right to trust in my own judgment. What would you think of me if I didn’t?”
Oichi smiled. “I’d probably love you just the same; but, you’re right. A father has a right to look out for his daughters. But daughters have a right to live their own lives. Learn as if you were going to live forever. Live as if you were going to die tomorrow.”
Shunya closed his eyes. More Ghandi! He steadied himself and took another approach. “I agree with you there. But I hope you do not encourage her lack of respect.” Shunya sat back down and put his napkin back in his lap.
Oichi pulled at a lock of hair idly. “Children are natural mimics: they act like their parents in spite of every attempt to teach them good manners.”
Shunya’s hand twitched, causing his water to slosh up and over the rim of his glass. Kaname hid her hand behind her mouth. Izumi and Kumi closed their eyes and willed themselves silent.
Kaname’s father sighed, changing targets. He stared over at Sousuke. “Well, young man. Do YOU have any words of wisdom for this occasion?”
Sousuke thought a moment, caught off guard. “Yes. If you're going through Hell, keep going.”
Shunya went stiff as a board. Churchill! The young man had pulled out a Churchill quote, just as he himself had earlier. For a brief instant, he saw a reflection of his earlier self in Sousuke. It helped diffuse some of the pressure. Let’s see what he might say next….
“Good advice. Anything else?” He himself might have quoted from Goethe, Marcus Aurelius, Julius Caesar, or even the Way of the Samurai.
"Affirmative. It is easier to find men who will volunteer to die, than to find those who are willing to endure pain with patience." Sousuke thought a moment then continued. “Not just pain, Sir. Uncertainty.”
“That was something I might have said….” Shunya said, eyes wide. He DID quote from Caesar!
“Well then, perhaps he has a lot in common with you when you were a young man.” That was Oichi’s first and only mistake.
“That’s right! You CAN’T be angry if he is just like you were.” Kaname started to celebrate much too early.
Shunya’s face suddenly went pale, then began to get redder and redder. “Wrong!!! I know just what I would have done with my girlfriend at his age!”
“What Daddy?” Ayame to the rescue, even if it was unintentional. “The young girl’s face looked eager and curious.
“Well…I….”
“Go ahead, dear. Hmmmmm…..” Oichi was back on a winning track again.
“It’s not exactly the time….”
“You were doing just fine before, right?” Oichi raised one eyebrow.
“Nevermind!” Shunya just put his face in his hands for a moment, before sitting back up as if nothing had happened.
“What name would you like for a boy, Daddy?” Kaname couldn’t leave well enough alone. She was still pumped up.
“KANAME!” Everyone looked shocked. That had been Oichi, not Shunya. Shunya couldn’t help himself, he grinned, then he smiled full tilt. He nodded his head when Oichi winked at him.
“Daddy, where do babies come from?” Ayame had to get in the act, of course. She had already had that talk with Shunya.
Shunya looked like he was about to build up steam again, just when things were settling down. This time it was Sousuke to the rescue.
“The hospital Nursery.” Sousuke tried purposefully to sound like an otaku. “Perhaps you are young enough to still enjoy Nursey Rhymes. Kaname taught me one once about a famous cannon. Would you like to hear it?”
Kaname looked stunned. Ayame screwed up her face and said very quietly. “I am NOT a baby….”
Sousuke nodded his head and answered equally at quietly. “Your behavior suggests otherwise….” he did not stop after he saw the startled look on her face. “There is no need for that. Your sister loves you. I like you just the way you are.”
Shunya found himself impressed by Sousuke again, despite his churning emotions.
That had settled Ayame down, at least for a while.
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“This doesn’t look like a very good neighborhood to be driving through,” Kaname sounded worried. Looking out the window, she marveled at the way one part of the city could look so big, so bright, and so busy, while an area like this could look do dirty, so dilapidated, and so deserted.
“Nothing to worry about, sweetie.” Mr. Smith had lit up a cigar, much to the dismay for his passengers. Sousuke pulled a small filter mask out of his pock. About to put it on, he gave it to Kaname when she held her hand out and made t-h-a-t face. “I know this city like the back of my hand.”
It would have been a serviceable shortcut except for one thing: a group of gang members were out and about much earlier than usual. They blocked the road and began surrounding the car.
“Sousuke….” Kaname looked at her boyfriend, expecting him to find some way out of the predicament.
“Yes, Kaname?”
“Aren’t you going to do something?” She pointed at the menacing looking toughs.
“Do something, Kaname?”
“Yooouuu Knoooow….” She held her hand like a gun, then pantomimed a grenade, making a percussion noise.
“They are not threatening us.” Sousuke just sat back, relaxed.
One of the gang members smacked off a hubcap with a bat.
“Really?” Kaname had one of her annoyed faces on.
“You disapproved of my methods earlier. I must attempt to show you that I am willing to learn from my mistakes. I am certain Miss Oichi would approve.”
Oichi smiled, but her eyes were a bit uneasy.
A ruffian with a bandana wrapped around his tattooed head ran a straight razor over the hood of Mr. Smith’s car. The bodyguard took out a gun, but lowered it when half a dozen of the street toughs took out guns of their own.
“SOUSUKE!” Kaname yelled directly in Sousuke’s ear.
“Kaname, you should learn to say please.”
A couple of the laughing gangbangers were tossing bricks in their hands. One made a kissy face to Kaname.
“Oooooooooo…Pleeeaaassseee….” Kaname would remember this for a long time. She wouldn’t get mad…she would get even.
Sousuke stepped out of the car after telling Mr. Smith to pop the trunk. The milling hoodlums swiped their knives near him and made threatening and disparaging remarks.
“We do not wish to cause any trouble,” he started off, much to the amusement of his tormentors. “We are not from this town, and are just passing through. I do not know the manner to buy one’s safety, but the only things of value we have are in the trunk.”
Not having any need to act, the ruffians all just smirked, wondering what kind of useless offer the boy was going to make. They didn’t intent to kill anyone, just have some fun. That, and take whatever they could get their hands on.
“OK boyo, show us your best stuff!” A scarred man in his late twenties gave Sousuke a mock bow.
“It is not a problem.” With one smooth motion, Sousuke pulled out his FN F2000. “You may have all of this that you like.” He sprayed bullets at the feet of the overconfident gang members.
Some men jumped for cover. Others took off back up the narrow street.
“Wait. There is more.” Sousuke placed a 40mm grenade just where he had wanted to. A full dumpster exploded, raining trash and its huge metal lid down on a cringing cluster of troublemakers. A second grenade brought a broken fire escape crashing down on another concealed group.
Three of the more brave or reckless toughs brought up there pistols, ready to get it on. They were high on spirit, but low on skill. Sousuke had his pistol out in a blink of an eye. He put a shot on each of his challenger’s faces. They were out of the fight.
Sousuke got in the car. “Go back the way we came,” he told Mr. Smith. The tires spun, kicking up gravel and a few loose teeth.
“Damn, that gun would be real good for cats.” Mr. Smith’s laugh drowned out Elvis.
Kaname turned to Oichi. “See how well I have him trained already?”
Oichi smiled and wiped her forehead with a tissue.
Sousuke yawned. He sat back and thought some more about the prior evening.
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Dessert and coffee stretched on until it was time for the guests to leave. Kaname had been clearly torn. She hated to see Oichi go. But, she was obviously relieved when Izumi and Kumi had gone. Sousuke, of course, was caught in the middle again.
After Oichi had said her parting pleasantries---making a point to praise the young soldier in various ways---her two nieces said their goodbyes.
“It was great getting to meet you, Sousuke. If you feel like going swimming tonight, our hotel had a rooftop pool. We could sneak in. There wouldn’t be any lifeguard.” The look Izumi gave Sousuke almost had Kaname growing fangs.
“Swimming is great exercise. It works muscles that other activities do not.” Sousuke had merely been making conversation.
“It certainly does,” Izumi purred. “Think about it. If you want, I’ll send you a cab.” She pressed something into Sousuke’s hand. It was a piece of paper with a phone number on it.
Kaname snatched the paper, and stomped on Sousuke’s foot.
“Thank you for such wonderful cooking,” Kumi said. “It was a very interesting evening. I have a temporary membership for a club in the city. They have tennis and horseback excursions. I certainly wouldn’t mind some company.” Blushing, she tried Izumi’s trick.
Kaname grabbed another piece of paper and stamped on another foot.
“Yes, she likes to ride bare back….” Izumi laughed at the look on her cousins face, using the opportunity to slip Sousuke another piece of paper. She kept her pen out.
Kaname growled. Seeing something in Sousuke’s hand, her eyes narrowed. But, she was not about to give up. She swiped at the paper, knocking it to the floor.
Izumi grabbed Sousuke’s hand and scribbled on it quickly. When Sousuke looked down, he saw a telephone number.
After Oichi managed to drag her nieces out the door, Kaname dragged Sousuke into the kitchen. With a dangerous look in her eyes and a scouring pad in hand, she made it a point to remove Izumi’s work. It was not a painless procedure.
“So, are you looking to become a Specialist with the ladies, too?” Kaname had sounded angry and agitated, but the look in her eyes was one of concern.
“Kaname? I have made no effort. Why should I want to? I have you, do I not? I do not think any more girls will show me attention.” Sousuke didn’t understand what all of the fuss was about.
“Soooooouuuuuussssss-kaaaaaayyyyyy....”
Kaname just looked at Sousuke, a sour ‘See, I told you!’ look on her face.
“You should not worry Kaname, that is only Ayame.” Sousuke had meant that as a reassurance to Kaname. The wording did not sit well with the young girl who had just slid into the kitchen.
‘Only Ayame.’
He had not meant to be dismissive or belittling.
Ayame stood there, a smile quickly transforming into a hurt look.
“What’s up, Sis?” Kaname asked, not without some trepidation. Her sister had been revved up well beyond normal during this visit. “Looking to pester Sousuke some more? Any more secrets you want to pass on to Daddy?” She had sounded angrier than she had wanted to. Things might have ended with an uneasy truce with her father, but Sousuke’s status was far from a sure thing.
Ayame look like she took another blow. Her hand opened, allowing a school folder to fall open and spill its contents onto the floor. A glossy picture of her upcoming class trip destination fell down at Sousuke’s feet.
“I’m NOT just a little girl,” Ayame said. “I don’t need you to like me any more. I don’t need HIM to like me either!” Her lower lip had begun to tremble. Her next words were at direct odds with what she had said.
“I thought you liked me.” She looked at Sousuke.
“I do. You are mistaken if...” Sousuke wanted to reassure the young girl.
“Maybe if you acted less like a brat, Ayame.” Kaname thought perhaps a little unofficial psychology would help the message sink in. It didn’t sit well with her sister. “You certainly haven’t been fun to be around.”
Ayame’s eyes watered.
“I used to think you were cool. You’re nothing but a selfish jerk!” She shouted at Kaname, tears running down her face. “You don’t want me around. You wouldn’t care if I’m alive or dead!”
Kaname didn’t offer a rebuttal. She thought it was best just to remain quiet and let the storm blow over.
Not hearing an answer, Ayame turned to Sousuke, clenching her fists. “I HATE YOU!” After that, she ran to her room and slammed the door.
Shunya came into the kitchen to see what all of the racket was about. Hearing what had happened, he went to speak to Ayame, but her door was locked. She wouldn’t let him in. She had no intention to unlock the door for her sister, either. No amount of coaxing would change her mind.
Sousuke insisted that Kaname sleep in her bed that evening. He volunteered to sleep on the floor, in whatever location would be the least inconvenient for everyone else. Shunya made up a couch for him, without chains or adhesive tape.
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The Harbor Defense Museum has a collection of coastal armament and displays on the general history of Fort Hamilton and New York City forts. It was the starting point for a 90 minute tour of historic Fort Hamilton. With a mission of coastal defense, the Fort's construction began in 1825. At maximum strength, the Fort was armed with large batteries of heavy cannon, rapid fire guns, and mortars. The Museum exhibits told the story of the generations of guns, mines, airplanes, and missiles which have protected the harbor.
“The area of the Narrows is rich in military history. On July 4, 1776 a small American gunboat took on a British war ship, inflicting damage and casualties.” Sousuke walked with Oichi and Kaname to the caponier, or flank battery, where the museum is housed.
“Though the gunboat was eventually silenced, the action was typical of the courage and determination displayed by the forefathers in creating this great nation.” Smiling, he waved the ladies along into the wedge-shaped, granite-and-brick structure with its original 19th-century sod roof and whitewashed walls.
“Really?” Oichi asked with a smile.
“Great!” Kaname said, sounding somewhat huffy. Her sarcasm was almost an entity unto itself.
Mr. Smith was still bargaining with a hot dog vendor.
“The Revolutionary War's Battle of Long Island began here in August of 1776.” Sousuke read off of a brochure. The sense of history thrilled him.
“I see,” Oichi said politely.
“Wow!” Kaname said, frowning.
Mr. Smith and the vendor were gesturing wildly at one another. A policeman walking his beat went to see what was going on.
“Later, in 1840, Robert E. Lee served at Fort Hamilton, and his house there still remains.” Sousuke was in his element. The museum had weapons and memorabilia from various periods throughout American history.
“You don’t say....” Oichi drank in the feeling of the surrounding area, looking at a great bridge that spanned the water.
“Uh huh.” Kaname thought it was more exciting to watch Mr. Smith. He had finally gotten his hot dog. He had bought one for the vendor himself, and one for the police officer. The officer brushed at something that fell all over his uniform.
When they went inside, Sousuke’s eyes lit up like a child in a candy store. There was magnificent military artwork. Displays showed United States Army uniforms, accoutrements and equipment, edged weapons, and small arms. There was an original Pattern 1844, 24-pounder flank howitzer... aM1883 original Gatling gun... and a collection of projectiles.
“It is amazing how far things have progressed since those times.” Sousuke couldn’t help but think about Arbalest and the Tuatha Da Danaan.
“But mankind hasn’t,” Oichi said sadly. She squeezed Sousuke’s arm. “That’s not meant as an insult to heroes, Sosuske. We’re all lucky that they haven’t become obsolete.”
Kaname gave Sousuke a quick hug and a kiss.
“You can’t bring food in here, Sir!” An attendant had stopped Mr. Smith at the door.
“But I have one for you....” The bodyguard was quick to mention. He took a hotdog with everything on it out of his coat pocket.
Sousuke stopped short. He pointed to a sign on the wall. The museum office has an extensive research library on local and military history, which is open by appointment.
“NO!!!” Kaname’s shout caused a number of visitors to shout. While the attendant was distracted, Mr. Smith ate both hot dogs.
Kaname was about to berate Sousuke until she saw the look on his face. She followed his gaze. The museum had a Korean War exhibit.
She knew what Sousuke must be thinking about.
“It’s OK, Sousuke. That’s all in the past. You’re here with me today. We don’t have to worry about any of that!” She tugged on his arm to break his reverie.
“Tomorrow can always bring something, Kaname.” Sousuke sighed. Sometimes he wished he could catalog history rather than make it. Then again, much of what he did was never appreciated by the general public.
“Good things too,” Oichi said. “Don’t ever forget that.”
Sousuke nodded.
After they finished up at the museum, Kaname grabbed one of Oichi’s hands and one of Sousuke’s.
“OK. My turn now. How about some shopping?” Kaname was all bubbly again. “I can even pick out something nice for Ayame.”
Sousuke agreed. He had gotten to do a lot today. It would be good to learn what kind of things made Kaname act that cheerful.
Her statement had him thinking about breakfast time. Shunya had been in a reasonable mood, only infrequently scowling at the young soldier. Oichi had stopped over early, planning on touring the City with Sousuke and Kaname. Ayame refused to leave her room until it was time for her to leave.
Shunya had to work that day, and his youngest daughter had a school excursion. A number of classes were going to visit The Cloisters, one of the museums of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, situated in Fort Tryton overlooking the Hudson River.
Ayame hadn’t eaten. She didn’t even spare a single glance for Kanme or Sousuke. The front door slammed after she followed her father outside to the car. Sousuke still felt somewhat guilty. But, Oichi had explained to him about young girls.
In the middle of one clothing store, Kaname’s cellular phone went off.
“Hello? O, Hi Daddy! We’re having a great time... WHAT???” Kaname’s face suddenly went pale. Her hand grasped her phone tightly. “When? How? WHY? Why there? Why today?!!” She began trembling. She was having troubling listening. “OK. We’ll meet you there.” Tears came to her eyes.
She ran over to Sousuke and Oichi, standing separate from Mr. Smith, who was pretending not to stair at the lingerie clad manikins in the store window.
“Kaname, what is wrong?” Sousuke could tell that Kaname was terribly upset.
“Ayame! Terrorists have taken over The Cloisters, Sousuke. They’re making all sorts of threats and demands. Everything’s been mobilized. Daddy’s heading on over.’ She looked up into Sousuke’s eyes. “We have to save her!”
Mr. Smith leaned on the horn and accelerated instead of braking. His large sedan weaved its way through traffic, giving the irate taxi cab drivers a taste of their own medicine.
“The woman….” Oichi shouted, crouched down in her seat next to Kaname.
“She’ll move.” Mr. Smith sounded the horn again, nodding happily as the woman dragged her Pekinese out of the way just in time.
“The car!” Kaname’s eyes widened. Her fingernails dug unmercifully into Sousuke’s arm.
“They have insurance.” The bodyguard pulled in front of an accelerating bus, missing a braking car by a hair’s breath.
“The pothole…” Sousuke thought it looked more like a crevice… no, a chasm.
THUMP THUMP WHAM WHUMP
“What pothole?” Mr. Smith turned up his radio, enjoying Elvis Presley’s greatest hits. “Damn.” The tires screeched as the portly man stomped on the brakes. A great human mass of young men and women in robes was flooding the street. They cared placards and collection buckets.
“Think maybe we can skip this one, Sousuke?” Kaname watched as the religious sect walked around, distributing prayer books and asking for donations. “I’m about otaku’d out.”
They had already visited West Point and spent an hour walking through the Intrepid Air-Sea-Space Museum in Manhattan.
“Negative. It would be most unfortunate to miss the opportunity to see the Harbor Defense Museum.” Sousuke took out his pistol and checked the clip. Rubber bullets. Check. The heavier weapons could remain in the trunk.
“Oooo-iiiii-chiiii….” Kaname sounded a lot like her sister at that moment.
“It’s Sousuke’s decision, remember. You had your turn at sight-seeing when you were here over Christmas.” Oichi smiled. She loved seeing Sousuke’s enthusiasm. It was fun to see Kaname faced with a little harmless adversity.
“I just wish he wouldn’t decide on such b-o-r-i-n-g stuff!” The World Trade Center sight hadn’t been boring, but she had been there only a few months before. It had been instructive to watch Sousuke, though. He had been very quiet and very respectful. She knew the time at the Memorial would serve to bolster his already strong sense of duty.
“Excuse me.” Sousuke took off his seat belt… opened the door… and walked in amongst the sect members.
“SOUSUKE! DON’T YOU EVEN THINK ABOUT IT….” Kaname’s voice could readily be heard over the cacophony of beeping and blaring horns.
“Do you wish to learn about the path to paradise, brother?” A young man with a shaven hair and a colorful robe handed a pamphlet towards Sousuke.
“No. You are obstructing traffic and inconveniencing people. I wish you all to move.” Sousuke fired his gun at the feet of the religious menagerie. They ran screaming.
Sousuke got back in the car amongst a thundering wave of applause, whistles, and catcalls.
“Oooo Ooooo SOUSUKE!” Kaname reached for her halisen. Oichi was sitting on it. “We’ll probably all get thrown in jail now, you big jerk!” Kaname pulled fiercely on Sousuke’s ear. “Won’t Daddy just be thrilled about THAT?!!”
Mr. Smith chuckled. “Don’t worry about that. I’m here. In any case, this won’t even make the blotters. It takes something noticeable….” The passengers were all thrown back in their seats as the car sped ahead again. “We may hit real traffic again, soon. I’ve got more stories for you, though. Don’t worry.”
Every body in the back seat closed their eyes and whispered a short prayer.
His eyes closed, Sousuke took a few moments to remember the events of the morning and the night before.
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Ayame’s bombshell trick had left Shunya pale with barely concealed rage and suspicion, despite the progress he had made towards accepting Sousuke. Ignoring the fact that there were guests present, he tried to badger Kaname into telling him what had gone on while Mr. Smith was dozing on the job.
Kaname started off on the defensive, but one particular aside about Sousuke changed her tact.
‘So, young lady, are you finally ready to tell me just went on?’ He father had actually stood up, glaring down at her from the head of the table.
“Sex,” Kaname said evenly. “Sweaty… grunting… bed shaking sex.” She smiled at the look on her father’s face. “In YOUR bed!”
“Uh….” Sousuke remember spitting out a mouthful of tea all over the silk centerpiece.
“Kaname Chidori….” Shunya didn’t know if she was telling the truth or acting in a shockingly insolent manner. Neither was acceptable.
“Want to see the home pregnancy test? Sousuke, you remember where we left it.” Kaname had a sketchy idea that it was too soon for such an assay to show anything, but she wasn’t worried about accuracy. She was after impact.
“I….”
“Young lady!” Shunya was turning red in the face. Kumi and Izumi looked like they were about to explode with laughter. Oichi just shook her head. Ayame hid under the table.
“Never mind Sousuke. So Daddy, would you prefer a grandson or a granddaughter?” She turned to look across the table at Sousuke. “As for YOU…… Mister Overly Effective Sperm…… there better NOT be any explosions during delivery. HMMMPPPFFF!!!”
“But we never….”
“That…… will…… be…… enough…… of…… that!!!” Shunya slammed a tureen down hard on the table, causing the remaining gravy to jump upward in a great cylindrical wave. “I want the truth,”
“You can’t handle the truth,” Kaname said, shocking even herself.
Shunya looked ready to blow a gasket.
“You know, it’s not really yours business, dear.” Oichi quietly took an sip of coffee. “This is very good. Kenyan?”
“They…” Shunya was caught between his anger at Kaname and his caring and respect for Oichi,
“They no doubt did what you and I did at their age. My guess is they might not have even done that, out of respect for your house and your rules. But, with all the negative attention they seem to have gotten….” Oichi’s look went just a bit dark for a moment, before brightening again. She might as well have shouted. “No doubt they reached out for each other the first free moment they had.”
“Oichi, you know I respect your wisdom, but you shouldn’t make excuses for them.” Shunya’s voice was pleading.
“I’m not. Just like I’m not going to make excuses for you. I would like to make a point, however. There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle The other is as though everything is a miracle. Which do you want for Kaname?” Oichi sighed happily when she put her coffee cup back down.
“More, Auntie?” Izumi picked up the coffee pitcher.
“Please,” Oichi answered. “Freedom is not worth having if it does not connote freedom to err. It passes my comprehension how human beings, be they ever so experienced and able, can delight in depriving other human beings of that precious right. “
Shunya’s mouth hung open. She just had to use Ghandi. He hated when she used Ghandi. “I understand that, Oichi. I have given my daughters freedom, but I reserve the right to trust in my own judgment. What would you think of me if I didn’t?”
Oichi smiled. “I’d probably love you just the same; but, you’re right. A father has a right to look out for his daughters. But daughters have a right to live their own lives. Learn as if you were going to live forever. Live as if you were going to die tomorrow.”
Shunya closed his eyes. More Ghandi! He steadied himself and took another approach. “I agree with you there. But I hope you do not encourage her lack of respect.” Shunya sat back down and put his napkin back in his lap.
Oichi pulled at a lock of hair idly. “Children are natural mimics: they act like their parents in spite of every attempt to teach them good manners.”
Shunya’s hand twitched, causing his water to slosh up and over the rim of his glass. Kaname hid her hand behind her mouth. Izumi and Kumi closed their eyes and willed themselves silent.
Kaname’s father sighed, changing targets. He stared over at Sousuke. “Well, young man. Do YOU have any words of wisdom for this occasion?”
Sousuke thought a moment, caught off guard. “Yes. If you're going through Hell, keep going.”
Shunya went stiff as a board. Churchill! The young man had pulled out a Churchill quote, just as he himself had earlier. For a brief instant, he saw a reflection of his earlier self in Sousuke. It helped diffuse some of the pressure. Let’s see what he might say next….
“Good advice. Anything else?” He himself might have quoted from Goethe, Marcus Aurelius, Julius Caesar, or even the Way of the Samurai.
"Affirmative. It is easier to find men who will volunteer to die, than to find those who are willing to endure pain with patience." Sousuke thought a moment then continued. “Not just pain, Sir. Uncertainty.”
“That was something I might have said….” Shunya said, eyes wide. He DID quote from Caesar!
“Well then, perhaps he has a lot in common with you when you were a young man.” That was Oichi’s first and only mistake.
“That’s right! You CAN’T be angry if he is just like you were.” Kaname started to celebrate much too early.
Shunya’s face suddenly went pale, then began to get redder and redder. “Wrong!!! I know just what I would have done with my girlfriend at his age!”
“What Daddy?” Ayame to the rescue, even if it was unintentional. “The young girl’s face looked eager and curious.
“Well…I….”
“Go ahead, dear. Hmmmmm…..” Oichi was back on a winning track again.
“It’s not exactly the time….”
“You were doing just fine before, right?” Oichi raised one eyebrow.
“Nevermind!” Shunya just put his face in his hands for a moment, before sitting back up as if nothing had happened.
“What name would you like for a boy, Daddy?” Kaname couldn’t leave well enough alone. She was still pumped up.
“KANAME!” Everyone looked shocked. That had been Oichi, not Shunya. Shunya couldn’t help himself, he grinned, then he smiled full tilt. He nodded his head when Oichi winked at him.
“Daddy, where do babies come from?” Ayame had to get in the act, of course. She had already had that talk with Shunya.
Shunya looked like he was about to build up steam again, just when things were settling down. This time it was Sousuke to the rescue.
“The hospital Nursery.” Sousuke tried purposefully to sound like an otaku. “Perhaps you are young enough to still enjoy Nursey Rhymes. Kaname taught me one once about a famous cannon. Would you like to hear it?”
Kaname looked stunned. Ayame screwed up her face and said very quietly. “I am NOT a baby….”
Sousuke nodded his head and answered equally at quietly. “Your behavior suggests otherwise….” he did not stop after he saw the startled look on her face. “There is no need for that. Your sister loves you. I like you just the way you are.”
Shunya found himself impressed by Sousuke again, despite his churning emotions.
That had settled Ayame down, at least for a while.
------------------------------------------------------
“This doesn’t look like a very good neighborhood to be driving through,” Kaname sounded worried. Looking out the window, she marveled at the way one part of the city could look so big, so bright, and so busy, while an area like this could look do dirty, so dilapidated, and so deserted.
“Nothing to worry about, sweetie.” Mr. Smith had lit up a cigar, much to the dismay for his passengers. Sousuke pulled a small filter mask out of his pock. About to put it on, he gave it to Kaname when she held her hand out and made t-h-a-t face. “I know this city like the back of my hand.”
It would have been a serviceable shortcut except for one thing: a group of gang members were out and about much earlier than usual. They blocked the road and began surrounding the car.
“Sousuke….” Kaname looked at her boyfriend, expecting him to find some way out of the predicament.
“Yes, Kaname?”
“Aren’t you going to do something?” She pointed at the menacing looking toughs.
“Do something, Kaname?”
“Yooouuu Knoooow….” She held her hand like a gun, then pantomimed a grenade, making a percussion noise.
“They are not threatening us.” Sousuke just sat back, relaxed.
One of the gang members smacked off a hubcap with a bat.
“Really?” Kaname had one of her annoyed faces on.
“You disapproved of my methods earlier. I must attempt to show you that I am willing to learn from my mistakes. I am certain Miss Oichi would approve.”
Oichi smiled, but her eyes were a bit uneasy.
A ruffian with a bandana wrapped around his tattooed head ran a straight razor over the hood of Mr. Smith’s car. The bodyguard took out a gun, but lowered it when half a dozen of the street toughs took out guns of their own.
“SOUSUKE!” Kaname yelled directly in Sousuke’s ear.
“Kaname, you should learn to say please.”
A couple of the laughing gangbangers were tossing bricks in their hands. One made a kissy face to Kaname.
“Oooooooooo…Pleeeaaassseee….” Kaname would remember this for a long time. She wouldn’t get mad…she would get even.
Sousuke stepped out of the car after telling Mr. Smith to pop the trunk. The milling hoodlums swiped their knives near him and made threatening and disparaging remarks.
“We do not wish to cause any trouble,” he started off, much to the amusement of his tormentors. “We are not from this town, and are just passing through. I do not know the manner to buy one’s safety, but the only things of value we have are in the trunk.”
Not having any need to act, the ruffians all just smirked, wondering what kind of useless offer the boy was going to make. They didn’t intent to kill anyone, just have some fun. That, and take whatever they could get their hands on.
“OK boyo, show us your best stuff!” A scarred man in his late twenties gave Sousuke a mock bow.
“It is not a problem.” With one smooth motion, Sousuke pulled out his FN F2000. “You may have all of this that you like.” He sprayed bullets at the feet of the overconfident gang members.
Some men jumped for cover. Others took off back up the narrow street.
“Wait. There is more.” Sousuke placed a 40mm grenade just where he had wanted to. A full dumpster exploded, raining trash and its huge metal lid down on a cringing cluster of troublemakers. A second grenade brought a broken fire escape crashing down on another concealed group.
Three of the more brave or reckless toughs brought up there pistols, ready to get it on. They were high on spirit, but low on skill. Sousuke had his pistol out in a blink of an eye. He put a shot on each of his challenger’s faces. They were out of the fight.
Sousuke got in the car. “Go back the way we came,” he told Mr. Smith. The tires spun, kicking up gravel and a few loose teeth.
“Damn, that gun would be real good for cats.” Mr. Smith’s laugh drowned out Elvis.
Kaname turned to Oichi. “See how well I have him trained already?”
Oichi smiled and wiped her forehead with a tissue.
Sousuke yawned. He sat back and thought some more about the prior evening.
-------------------------------------------------------
Dessert and coffee stretched on until it was time for the guests to leave. Kaname had been clearly torn. She hated to see Oichi go. But, she was obviously relieved when Izumi and Kumi had gone. Sousuke, of course, was caught in the middle again.
After Oichi had said her parting pleasantries---making a point to praise the young soldier in various ways---her two nieces said their goodbyes.
“It was great getting to meet you, Sousuke. If you feel like going swimming tonight, our hotel had a rooftop pool. We could sneak in. There wouldn’t be any lifeguard.” The look Izumi gave Sousuke almost had Kaname growing fangs.
“Swimming is great exercise. It works muscles that other activities do not.” Sousuke had merely been making conversation.
“It certainly does,” Izumi purred. “Think about it. If you want, I’ll send you a cab.” She pressed something into Sousuke’s hand. It was a piece of paper with a phone number on it.
Kaname snatched the paper, and stomped on Sousuke’s foot.
“Thank you for such wonderful cooking,” Kumi said. “It was a very interesting evening. I have a temporary membership for a club in the city. They have tennis and horseback excursions. I certainly wouldn’t mind some company.” Blushing, she tried Izumi’s trick.
Kaname grabbed another piece of paper and stamped on another foot.
“Yes, she likes to ride bare back….” Izumi laughed at the look on her cousins face, using the opportunity to slip Sousuke another piece of paper. She kept her pen out.
Kaname growled. Seeing something in Sousuke’s hand, her eyes narrowed. But, she was not about to give up. She swiped at the paper, knocking it to the floor.
Izumi grabbed Sousuke’s hand and scribbled on it quickly. When Sousuke looked down, he saw a telephone number.
After Oichi managed to drag her nieces out the door, Kaname dragged Sousuke into the kitchen. With a dangerous look in her eyes and a scouring pad in hand, she made it a point to remove Izumi’s work. It was not a painless procedure.
“So, are you looking to become a Specialist with the ladies, too?” Kaname had sounded angry and agitated, but the look in her eyes was one of concern.
“Kaname? I have made no effort. Why should I want to? I have you, do I not? I do not think any more girls will show me attention.” Sousuke didn’t understand what all of the fuss was about.
“Soooooouuuuuussssss-kaaaaaayyyyyy....”
Kaname just looked at Sousuke, a sour ‘See, I told you!’ look on her face.
“You should not worry Kaname, that is only Ayame.” Sousuke had meant that as a reassurance to Kaname. The wording did not sit well with the young girl who had just slid into the kitchen.
‘Only Ayame.’
He had not meant to be dismissive or belittling.
Ayame stood there, a smile quickly transforming into a hurt look.
“What’s up, Sis?” Kaname asked, not without some trepidation. Her sister had been revved up well beyond normal during this visit. “Looking to pester Sousuke some more? Any more secrets you want to pass on to Daddy?” She had sounded angrier than she had wanted to. Things might have ended with an uneasy truce with her father, but Sousuke’s status was far from a sure thing.
Ayame look like she took another blow. Her hand opened, allowing a school folder to fall open and spill its contents onto the floor. A glossy picture of her upcoming class trip destination fell down at Sousuke’s feet.
“I’m NOT just a little girl,” Ayame said. “I don’t need you to like me any more. I don’t need HIM to like me either!” Her lower lip had begun to tremble. Her next words were at direct odds with what she had said.
“I thought you liked me.” She looked at Sousuke.
“I do. You are mistaken if...” Sousuke wanted to reassure the young girl.
“Maybe if you acted less like a brat, Ayame.” Kaname thought perhaps a little unofficial psychology would help the message sink in. It didn’t sit well with her sister. “You certainly haven’t been fun to be around.”
Ayame’s eyes watered.
“I used to think you were cool. You’re nothing but a selfish jerk!” She shouted at Kaname, tears running down her face. “You don’t want me around. You wouldn’t care if I’m alive or dead!”
Kaname didn’t offer a rebuttal. She thought it was best just to remain quiet and let the storm blow over.
Not hearing an answer, Ayame turned to Sousuke, clenching her fists. “I HATE YOU!” After that, she ran to her room and slammed the door.
Shunya came into the kitchen to see what all of the racket was about. Hearing what had happened, he went to speak to Ayame, but her door was locked. She wouldn’t let him in. She had no intention to unlock the door for her sister, either. No amount of coaxing would change her mind.
Sousuke insisted that Kaname sleep in her bed that evening. He volunteered to sleep on the floor, in whatever location would be the least inconvenient for everyone else. Shunya made up a couch for him, without chains or adhesive tape.
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The Harbor Defense Museum has a collection of coastal armament and displays on the general history of Fort Hamilton and New York City forts. It was the starting point for a 90 minute tour of historic Fort Hamilton. With a mission of coastal defense, the Fort's construction began in 1825. At maximum strength, the Fort was armed with large batteries of heavy cannon, rapid fire guns, and mortars. The Museum exhibits told the story of the generations of guns, mines, airplanes, and missiles which have protected the harbor.
“The area of the Narrows is rich in military history. On July 4, 1776 a small American gunboat took on a British war ship, inflicting damage and casualties.” Sousuke walked with Oichi and Kaname to the caponier, or flank battery, where the museum is housed.
“Though the gunboat was eventually silenced, the action was typical of the courage and determination displayed by the forefathers in creating this great nation.” Smiling, he waved the ladies along into the wedge-shaped, granite-and-brick structure with its original 19th-century sod roof and whitewashed walls.
“Really?” Oichi asked with a smile.
“Great!” Kaname said, sounding somewhat huffy. Her sarcasm was almost an entity unto itself.
Mr. Smith was still bargaining with a hot dog vendor.
“The Revolutionary War's Battle of Long Island began here in August of 1776.” Sousuke read off of a brochure. The sense of history thrilled him.
“I see,” Oichi said politely.
“Wow!” Kaname said, frowning.
Mr. Smith and the vendor were gesturing wildly at one another. A policeman walking his beat went to see what was going on.
“Later, in 1840, Robert E. Lee served at Fort Hamilton, and his house there still remains.” Sousuke was in his element. The museum had weapons and memorabilia from various periods throughout American history.
“You don’t say....” Oichi drank in the feeling of the surrounding area, looking at a great bridge that spanned the water.
“Uh huh.” Kaname thought it was more exciting to watch Mr. Smith. He had finally gotten his hot dog. He had bought one for the vendor himself, and one for the police officer. The officer brushed at something that fell all over his uniform.
When they went inside, Sousuke’s eyes lit up like a child in a candy store. There was magnificent military artwork. Displays showed United States Army uniforms, accoutrements and equipment, edged weapons, and small arms. There was an original Pattern 1844, 24-pounder flank howitzer... aM1883 original Gatling gun... and a collection of projectiles.
“It is amazing how far things have progressed since those times.” Sousuke couldn’t help but think about Arbalest and the Tuatha Da Danaan.
“But mankind hasn’t,” Oichi said sadly. She squeezed Sousuke’s arm. “That’s not meant as an insult to heroes, Sosuske. We’re all lucky that they haven’t become obsolete.”
Kaname gave Sousuke a quick hug and a kiss.
“You can’t bring food in here, Sir!” An attendant had stopped Mr. Smith at the door.
“But I have one for you....” The bodyguard was quick to mention. He took a hotdog with everything on it out of his coat pocket.
Sousuke stopped short. He pointed to a sign on the wall. The museum office has an extensive research library on local and military history, which is open by appointment.
“NO!!!” Kaname’s shout caused a number of visitors to shout. While the attendant was distracted, Mr. Smith ate both hot dogs.
Kaname was about to berate Sousuke until she saw the look on his face. She followed his gaze. The museum had a Korean War exhibit.
She knew what Sousuke must be thinking about.
“It’s OK, Sousuke. That’s all in the past. You’re here with me today. We don’t have to worry about any of that!” She tugged on his arm to break his reverie.
“Tomorrow can always bring something, Kaname.” Sousuke sighed. Sometimes he wished he could catalog history rather than make it. Then again, much of what he did was never appreciated by the general public.
“Good things too,” Oichi said. “Don’t ever forget that.”
Sousuke nodded.
After they finished up at the museum, Kaname grabbed one of Oichi’s hands and one of Sousuke’s.
“OK. My turn now. How about some shopping?” Kaname was all bubbly again. “I can even pick out something nice for Ayame.”
Sousuke agreed. He had gotten to do a lot today. It would be good to learn what kind of things made Kaname act that cheerful.
Her statement had him thinking about breakfast time. Shunya had been in a reasonable mood, only infrequently scowling at the young soldier. Oichi had stopped over early, planning on touring the City with Sousuke and Kaname. Ayame refused to leave her room until it was time for her to leave.
Shunya had to work that day, and his youngest daughter had a school excursion. A number of classes were going to visit The Cloisters, one of the museums of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, situated in Fort Tryton overlooking the Hudson River.
Ayame hadn’t eaten. She didn’t even spare a single glance for Kanme or Sousuke. The front door slammed after she followed her father outside to the car. Sousuke still felt somewhat guilty. But, Oichi had explained to him about young girls.
In the middle of one clothing store, Kaname’s cellular phone went off.
“Hello? O, Hi Daddy! We’re having a great time... WHAT???” Kaname’s face suddenly went pale. Her hand grasped her phone tightly. “When? How? WHY? Why there? Why today?!!” She began trembling. She was having troubling listening. “OK. We’ll meet you there.” Tears came to her eyes.
She ran over to Sousuke and Oichi, standing separate from Mr. Smith, who was pretending not to stair at the lingerie clad manikins in the store window.
“Kaname, what is wrong?” Sousuke could tell that Kaname was terribly upset.
“Ayame! Terrorists have taken over The Cloisters, Sousuke. They’re making all sorts of threats and demands. Everything’s been mobilized. Daddy’s heading on over.’ She looked up into Sousuke’s eyes. “We have to save her!”