Log:Death of Laura Garrity Part II

From Champions MUSH

Participants: Random Factor, Fire, Shoro, Valencia, Silver Spider, Amber and Azure.

YU and VAL: After waking up, Yu and Val go to the Shinkansen, or the Bullet Train. Yu gives Val a ticket, he is again in his old man disguise and says to Val, "We need want trabelu togesa."

"I have no idea what that means." Valencia replies, glancing at her ticket. She's wearing an orange University of Florida hoodie and jeans.

Yutaka sighs.."We need want to trabel togeser." he says in a wheeze.."You sit next to me ok?"

Valencia ahs and nods. She follows Yutaka onto the train, sticking close to him.

Yutaka nods to Valencia, "You sit here. Next to me. Give driver chicket Ok?" he says with a strong japanese accent.

Valencia nods and takes her seat, holding onto her ticket so that the driver can take it.

The bullet train that Yu and Val are taking to Nara is one of the magnetic types, able to reach 750KM/HR It will take only about 1.5 hours to reach there. The conductor comes walking down the aisle collecting tickets.

Yutaka hands his ticket to the conductor, he looks at Val and says in impechable english, "Ma'am Your ticket please?"

Valencia nods to the conductor and offers him her ticket. "Sure."

The conductor takes the ticket as the train begins to move. The magnetics are so smooth that one hardly feels the G forces as the train begins to move along.

Yutaka looks over at Val, "So..You Ready for this?" he says very softly to her.

Valencia nods to Yutaka. "We've been talking about this for months. If I'm not ready now I never will be."

Yutaka nods "I hear you Val.."

Yutaka and Val's Trip goes uneventfully, arriving in Nara at about 3:30PM. Yu gets up and hobbles off the train cursing in Japanese about how long train rides are bad for old men with back problems.

Valencia follows after Yutaka silently, looking around to make sure everything is in hunky dory. At least for Japan.

Yutaka todders along at a frustratingly slow rate, after finally making it to the Taxi line, he asks to go to a very seedy inn, in the worst part of town.

Yutaka gets out of the taxi, "You pay." he says in a cranky old voice.

Valencia rolls her eyes. She gets out her wallet anyway and pays the taxi driver.

Yutaka nods as Val pays, and says, "I pay room for hour, you pay for taxi." his voice is salacious, and he enters the seedy little inn.

Valencia facepalms but is forced to follo after Yutaka anyway, doing her best to look dignified.

Yutaka slaps a 10000 yen bill on the counter of the inn where the slot for the money is the only interaction, names, faces, and information is not wanted or needed. "Boxingu room kure" says Yu, a metal key is handed over and Yu starts up the stairs slowly..wheezing out a perverted oldman giggle.

Yutaka opens the door to their room and after Val opens it, he nods, "Yes Val.." back in his normal voice, " it was. I do not want to reveal my cards before their time."

Valencia rolls her eyes. "Making me out to be a hooker has nothing to do with the cards in your hand." She replies before heading into the room.

The room is funny, it is a king bed with a boxing ring style ropes and poles around it. "Love Hotels, you gotta love them."

Yutaka looks at Val, "This is a safe house, used by Shin-sony operatives. Its just an act Val. Its not like I think or have ever thought you were one."

Valencia facepalms, closing the door behind her. "Right, right.."

You say, "Val, so the plan is this, I'm about to send Spider a mail. A taxi is going to pick them up at the airport and we will have them come here, and we'll plan the next step."

Valencia nods. "Sounds like a good plan." She walks over to the bed. "I'm afraid to sit down."

Yutaka thinks.."Wait I don't have her number..crap."

Valencia hmms, digging out her PDA. "I might..."

Yutaka pulls his PDA, and chuckles, "Don't worry Val, This is a safe house, this room in specific is special...its clean." he punches in a number.

Valencia sits on the bed, then. She flips through her PDA.

"Got it." Valencia tells Yutaka, showing him the number on her PDA.

Yutaka looks at the number and nods..

Yutaka makes a call on his PDA.

Yutaka says, "Spider, its Yu, I've got a taxi coming for you..how many in your group?"

You say, "Five?..Ok, the transport will be waiting for you. Its going to take you to this crappy love hotel, just walk up to the 2nd floor room 'boxing'."

Valencia quirks a brow at Yutaka. "Five?"

Yutaka nods a mirroring quizzical look on his face, "spider who's with you?"

Yutaka nods, "Got it. Ok."

Yutaka says to Val, "Random, The twins, Fire, and Silver."

Valencia ahs. "Yeah, that's good then."

Yutaka nods to Val, and says into his PDA, "Spider, We'll see you in about an hour."

Valencia nods to Yu. "So...An hour."

Yutaka nods, "Yeah..get some rest if you want to Val."

Valencia shrugs and flops back on the bed. "Might as well."

Yutaka says, "They should have landed already..they should be here in 15 minutes.." he says softly In case Val is indeed sleeping.

Valencia was dozing and starts awake as soon as Yutaka addresses her. "Oh. Ok." She yawns.

• • PICKS BACK UP LATER**

Yutaka has sent all of you tickets on a private charter to Japan. As last time, it is a low orbital and will get you to Nara in 2 hours.

Silver Spider flicks her gaze over the shuttle. "Oooh..." She mutters. "Classy shuttle..." She muses to herself. "I wonder how much one of these things costs..." She hops up the ramp and settles into a seat.

After you all meet at the skyport, the pilot ushers you on board and tells you the exact time it will take to get to Nara.

Random Factor says, "More than my piggy bank will allow, I'm sure." as he enters and takes a seat himself. "Though I'd love it if it did."

Silver Spider turns to the Pilot. "Two hours? Wow. And here I've been swinging around the city on a rope..." She says cheerfully. "Tell me, does this thing come with all the extras? I just want to find out how much 'You can never afford this' this is."

Fire walks up the ramp into the shuttle and seats himself, he nods to Silver Spider and Random, then relaxes for the trip, leaning his seat back and dropping a gymbag in the seat next to him

The pilot looks at Silver and tells her this trip is costing 30K each way Ma'am. please take your seat, The client was very specific on timing.

Silver Spider nods slowly and settles into her chair. "I didn't mean the trip." She says sweetly. "I meant the plane. But thank you." She buckles in.

Random Factor glances around. "This isn't everybody, is it?"

Jennifer and Jessica race into sight on their hoverbikes and pull up beside Random Factor. "Hi Boss. Just got a message to meet you here pronto. What's up?" They are surprised to see so many heroes on the scene.

Fire buckles in and unzips the gymbag next to him, he pulls out the familiar clothes from the meeting with the Yakuza bosses, setting them on the seat as if he intends to change at some point.

The engines begin to rumble to life and the co-pilot comes down the ladder from the cockpit, "Everyone please board we will be taking off in 2 minutes."

Silver Spider sighs. "And me without my coffee. Which I know means this is a non-serving flight..." She waves to the others in the passenger area. "Ready to figure out what happened?" She says seriously.

Random Factor says, "My minds so full of facts and snippit when I try to think it all out I start getting dizzy."

Silver Spider kicks back in her seat and waits for takeoff, neatly folding her hands in front of her.

Fire nods to Silver Spider, "I am, most definately." He pulls his mask down, showing off his newly grown goatee, which has been dyed to match his hair, his hair is brown at this point, instead of the normal red people are used to.

Jessica gives up on Random, who seems to be so busy he didn't hear the question, and turns to the nearest visible hero. "Hey, what's going on?"

Silver Spider facepalms. "Oh, come on. You've got to be kidding me. You've gone evil?" She says seriously. "Everyone knows a goatee is a sign of evilness."

Random Factor waves the twins over to the loading ramp. "Posse up. We're off back to Japan."

Fire chuckles, "No, I haven't gone evil, I just have no skill with disguises and since Yutaka isn't here, I had to improvise."

Random Factor says, "Hey now! I resemble that remark!"

The pilot waits for everyone to put their belts on as they board the plane. "T-minus 1 minute"

Jennifer nods, " Right. And I didn't get a change to do me hair or pick up a mini-gun. These last minute dates are a pain." Parking their bikes in a no parking spot, knowing the bikes will be safe in the city pound once removed . o O(I'll break into the pound and get the bikes out when I get back) she heads up the boarding stairs into the plane.

With the arrival of the Twins, the boarding stairs ascend closing behind them. "T-Minus 30 seconds."

Silver Spider turns to Random Factor. "Oh, I've got a goatee..." She says cheerfully. "No one will EVER suspect I am a good guy!"

Random Factor says, "You know, Spider... if you're desperate, I saw some MREs in the emergency stores in the back. They always have something that passes for coffee under duress."

Silver Spider giggles. "I'll wait until we're airborne..." She says. "Mres and men with goatees. How romantic."

The pilot doesn't exactly wait for everyone to buckle in as the VTOL engines whine to life, and the plan starts to lift off. For anyone who's ridden a Low Orbital VTOL, they know in about 15 seconds the plane will begin to rocket into low orbit.

Jessica waves to Fire and to Silver Spider. "Hi."

Random Factor says, "I knew I forgot something. A thermos and a flask.."

Fire smiles and laughs, "Well, Silver Spider, anything for you." Then he waves to Jess and Jenn, "Hello ladies." He nods to RF, "Oh, good point."

Silver Spider chuckles to the others. "You'll be drunk as a skunk in seconds, Ran. And then we'll all have to breathe your boozelips for the rest of the trip. Thanks, but no thanks..."

The low-orbital begins its assent, those in seats feel the G's hard, as they make their way to low orbit.

Jennifer and Jessica settle into their seats. "Is there going to be a briefing on the flight or can I catch some shut-eye?" Jennifer asks.

Silver Spider makes an awking sound. "Remind...me...never...to joke...about air travel...ever again..." She mutters with her teeth gritted. She digs her fingers into the arms of her seat, and her face twists a little bit under the mask.

Random Factor smirks, flipping his wrists, and suddenly he's wearing a Boy Scout uniform. He still has a goatee though. He shakes his head vigourously. "My flask has nothing but milk, ma'am. For the coffee."

Silver Spider grits her teeth. "I don't want...to know how you filled it..." she manages as the plane rockets upward.

Random Factor turns to the twins. "Yu and Val are already on target, and just said we should meet him. I don't even know the exact coordinates we're heading for or what his plan of attack is. But I trust him, and mean to see this through with him.

Fire watches Silver Spider's reaction to the flight and chuckles a little at Random's comments, then says, "Spider, we really need to get you out flying more often. Although, these G's are more than I expected." He does do his best to ignore the force.

Silver Spider winces. "Well, when we level off, I'll give everyone a quick refresher."

The transport hits low orbit and the G forces go away, the earth is quite beautiful from this vantage point as it spins below you.

Jessica smiles at Silver Spider as she assures her, "This seems a standard flight path so far. Just relax and let the seat support your back. If you try and fight the G it gets tiring. Since there's no briefing planned you might want to try getting some sleep. Alway sleep when you can going into a mission is my motto."

Fire sits up once the shuttle levels off, then he hops up and makes his way to the back to change clothes, returning after a couple of minutes, wearing ripped blue jeans a black t-shirt and black leather trenchcoat. He folds his costume and packs it into the gymbag, before sitting down again and leaning back in the seat.

Silver Spider pauses. "Well, I'm going to brief you guys real quick. Let me just refresh everyone. This all started when Valencia and the twins told me a story, and I reviewed the evidence and came to the conclusion that Laura Garrity was still alive. After an investigation and acquiring a bunch of DNA samples, we determined that Kai Soma had sent us a fake DNA sample and that the real Laura Garrity was dying of some sort of disease created by David. However, when we had a chat with the Yakuza, we discovered that the Yakuza had been given a horribly diseased clone."

Silver Spider says, "Does anyone have any information I can fill in?"

Silver Spider says, "Or, since the G-forces are getting to me a bit, are there any questions?"

Jessica nods to Silver Spider, "So you were right about there being more than was obvious about Laura's death. Remind me never to doubt you again. And somebody is going to pay for this."

Random Factor says, "So who ditched the bad copy on them? And do you have any idea if the real Laura is diseased as well?"

Fire says, "I think I remember all that is theorized and whatnot." Then he nods to Jess, "Yeah, someone will pay." Flames flicker across his eyes for a second.

Silver Spider shrugs. "I've been wrong before. Just not this time..." She says. "More importantly, we need to keep our heads screwed on straight. This is a foreign cultural environment where everything is about politeness and how you say it. Even with the clone in the baggage below us, which I'm sure Kai Soma is not expecting, we can't prove he made it."

Silver Spider says, "We only have the testimony of a bunch of American Born Yakuza, who are untrustworthy at best and poor testifiers at worst."

Jennifer growls, "Give me five minutes and he'll tell us everything we want to know."

Silver Spider turns to Jennifer. "Don't be so sure..." She says cooly. "This guy's a slick customer. I'd also like to point out that all he has to do is call for help and we have to fight an entire army."

The Flight is half over very quickly.

Random Factor says, "So what're the rules of engagement?"

Fire leans back in his seat and closes his eyes, "I am going to catch some shut eye, it was a long day with the FD, too many calls to count."

Jessica says, "So lets detour via Shin-Sony's labs and 'borrow' the gear I tried out last time I was in Japan. With that I could take on an entire army. Maybe the labs wouldn't mind a field test."

Silver Spider shrugs. "I havent' decided. Once we touch down and we hook up with Yutaka, then we'll get some information, hopefully. While the superhero in me favors kicking open the door to his office from the outside, watching his bulletproof glass spray across the room, and dropping the clone on him and saying "It's over, Kai Soma, we know everything," this plan has the disadvantage of turning the Japanese Police and law enforcement against us immediately.

Silver Spider says, "The best thing for us to do is for Ran here to contact Starguard Japan and let them know that he is coming for a surprise inspection. That way they'll be at maximum readiness and he has a ready cover and doesn't umm...lose his job for creating an act of war."

Random Factor rolls his eyes. "Would I do that?"

Silver Spider turns to Random Factor. "Well...yes..." She says. "That's why you're the boss. This is Japan. They hear the words "Surprise Inspection" they'll drop whatever they're doing just to get it right."

Random Factor says, "I think I'd better check with Yu before I make any calls. Besides, I'm not sure how many of them would believe it was a surprise inspection if I called ahead to tell them there was to be a surprise inspection."

Silver Spider picks up her PDA. "Hello?" She says. "This is the Silver Spider. This PDA is effectively untraceable. How may I serve my adoring public?"

Fire continues to lean back with his eyes closed, staying very quiet, perhaps sleeping or perhaps listening, either way, he doesn't make a sound.

Jessica grins, "That happens all the time, Boss. Someone on staff tips off the inspected section, they look good, and nobody gets canned. Happiness all around."

Silver Spider checks for a moment. "Wait a sec, don't have enough fingers..." She says. "Just kidding. There's five of us."

Silver Spider shrugs. "Random Factor, the twins, Fire, and me. That's five."

Silver Spider blinks. "Juss a sec. You said...love hotel..." She pauses. "Hey guys...one of us has to make some moaning noises when we get to our destination."

Random Factor sneers.

Jessica chuckles a bit nervously, "It had better be a really seedy place or they'll never let me in the door. I'm underage."

Silver Spider laughs. "This is Japan. They don't ask questions. It's accepted for a young woman to have a much older and more experienced lover. It's how they do things."

Silver Spider sighs and hangs up the phone. "All right. We'll see them soon. Should I make the moaning noises? I'm a little more experienced than you, Jess."

Random Factor says, "I KNEW I liked Japan..." He stops, looking around. "Whaaaat? Get your minds outta he gutter!"

Jessica and Jenn both blush, look away and say nothing at all.

Silver Spider turns to Random Factor. "Uh...mine never left...hello..."

Random Factor smirks and tips his fingertips on his forehead and waves a backwards salute to the Spider.

The Plane begins to return to the planet.

Silver Spider shrugs. "I'll keep my mind out of the gutter, Jessica. At least until you're seventeen." She winks an eyeslit and makes a playful pout under the mask, and then settles back for a brief spider nap.

Random Factor realizes he hadn't changed from the scout suit and shrugs his shoulders, getting back into uniform.

The plane gets near land fall, and teh pilot says, "We shall land in 4 minutes. Please be ready to disembark.

The plane makes land fall and comes to a gentle stop at the airfield and the ladder comes down. Jennifer quickly check they have everything to hand, not difficult as they have no luggage at all, and settle down to wait.

Silver Spider shrugs and relaxes in her chair. "Here we go..." She says. "Beautiful, scenic Japan. I wonder if they'll have a toothbrush, or a spare Silver Spider costume?" o O (The last time I went here, these crazy freaks replaced an actress with a robot. I'm hoping that those crazy freaks aren't in league with these..."

Random Factor smiles at the twins. "Don't worry. If we're here long, we can always go shopping.

Jessica perks up and asks with a smile, "Can I charge it to SG?"

Random Factor smirks. "We'll see. I can just IMAGINE those requestion slips!"

A taxi drives up to the exit gate of the Airport.

Jennifer says, "Seriously Boss, if I can do some shopping I'd like that. I got rushed out of the country last time and never got around to buying a present for Matt."

Silver Spider grins as she looks to the two of them. "Well..." She says thoughtfully. "There's our cab." she unbuckles and bounds for the door. "Come on. Hurry and stay under cover. There will be plenty of time to shop once we've pounded Kai Soma's face into the pavement..."

The taxi Driver waits for the people to get off the plane..not seeing a very stealthy spider girl come off.

Jessica and Jennifer follow the others out of the plane, halting briefly at the top of the boarding steps to look for anyone who seems -too- interested in the activities in their location.

The place is completely empty..

Silver Spider flicks open the door to the cab and swiftly slips inside, having made it there with little effort. She huddles down near the floorboards, waiting for the others to get into the cab.

The Cab Driver starts as he didn't even see Silver coming..

Random Factor nods, then it looks like a lightbulb is about to appear over his head. He shrugs again, and suddenly is dressed in what looks like a bad, Halloween version of his uniform. Plastic and sateen all the way. At a "love teme" hotel, nobody will blink an eye.

Silver Spider beckons. "Come on..." She says. "We need to hurry. We're on this timetable..." She says. "And the contact is one of these precision operations guys."

Random Factor scurries on into the waiting cab. "Trick or treat."

SPOOF Fire unbuckles and runs from the plane into the Cab.

Silver Spider nods slowly, still huddled against the floorboards. "Thanks..." She says. "I can't wait to see our new accommodations."

Yamamoto chuckles. "I'm certain you will...find it interesting at least." he grins in the mirror, and within 17 minutes the cab arrives, "We are here. Just go to the 2nd floor, the boxing room."

• • • Two Scenes Converge****

Yutaka perks up, "Val..They're here." he points to the large taxivan outside.

Valencia looks over at the window. "Oh wow, I'm totally not ready for company."

Yutaka smiles, "Did you bring something to change into?"

Silver Spider slides the van door outside and bounds into the smoggy air of Japan, quickly skulking across the doorway to the entrance to the love hotel. "Ready or not honey, here I come..." She croons as she makes her way across.

Random Factor says, "Ok, ladies, just lean on me and look like you're having fun. Or at least like you're being well paid."

SPOOF Fire exits as well trying to be sneaky, he's not successful, but heck..he's trying.

Jennifer looks out at the tacky hotel and is visibly reluctant to enter. "Boss, there must be a war somewhere I can go fight in instead?"

Random Factor says, "It's late to turn back now." in a hushed voice. "You could compromise our cover."

You say, "If you have something you better change, Spider will be here in a moment."

Silver Spider skulks up to the stairs and bounds upward towards the second floor, beckoning. "Boxing room..." She says to the concierge. "Don't mind the butch girls behind me. I love domming the tough ones..." She winks an eyeslit and disappears from view around the corner of the stairs.

Jessica nods, and the twins grab hold of Random's arms, one at each side, and do simplering little girl impressions. . o O(Anyone says anything and they's not wake up until next week!)

Valencia chuckles at Yutaka. "I was kidding. I did bring my gear, though."

Yutaka nods, "We may want to change sometime. I'm changing now."

Yu's nanites swim along his body as his wardrobe changes.

Silver Spider raps quietly on the door. "Yoo hoo..." She says cheerily. "Your porn has arrived from America, sir. Live and in stereo..."

Fire follows up to the second floor..not exactly knowing whats up he follows Spider.

Yutaka looks at Val shaking his head.."Man.." and opens the door.

Valencia facepalms.

Random Factor follows right along, blithely, almost skipping, trying to look totally unconcerned as he "cases the joint".

You say, "Come in lass." says a very old man hunched "come in.""

The place seems empty. No cameras, nothing, this place seems so old, possibly turn of the century.

Silver Spider scuttles into the room as she hops in. "Oooh. Nice decor..." She says. "I LOVE the boxing ring with the bed in the middle. Mmm...mmm..."

Valencia rolls her eyes at spider. "Just sit down."

Yutaka chuckles and stands back, "Why not try the bed out Silver?"

Random Factor says, "Yeah, there's noplace like home, huh, Spidey?"

Silver Spider giggles and sits down on the bed. Silver Spider thinks . o O (I am so doomed.)

Yutaka raises an eyebrow at the twins as they enter.."Nice cover ladies.." he says blandly. and finally Fire slips in, this is a crowded place, not meant for 7 people there is only room on the bed for much seating, unless you sit on the ring's corner.

Jessica looks over and Mr Y and nods.

Valencia leans against a grungy wall. "Hey everyone."

Yutaka chuckles at the girls, and jumps up on the ringside and hops up on one of the corners. He removes his facial makeup quickly and says to everyone. "Thank you for coming. I cannot say that I am surprised by all of you, you have all proven that you are friends and are going to see this through to the end." he looks at Silver, "Even when there were times when I thought I did not want to do this at all."

Random Factor says, "Good evening, Mr. Phelps."

Silver Spider chuckles a little bit. "Well, it's nice to see we all made it. So...are we doing this the direct way, or the indirect way? The direct way is that we shove the clone in his face and tell him we know everything. The indirect way is that we make an appointment with him and then confront him."

You say, "Let us go the direct route. I know where he will be at 7pm, he is expecting to meet with an investor at his office. That investor is me...and the rest of you. We are legion.." he looks around the room, "Indeed we are legion, and I dont think he has the ability to stop us even if he wanted to. Lets talk to him, and we'll see what happens. I have this plan, but I'm open to suggetions. I will go in with one of the twins, Then after we are alone with Kai, I'll send a PDA signal for everyone else to come in and enter and secure the room?"

Silver Spider nods. "I think that's a great idea...." She says calmly. "Except for one thing. Where is this guy's office?"

Silver Spider thinks . o O (I really...really hope that Kai Soma has not been replaced by a robot similar to that actress. A robot like that could beat all of us easy.)

Jennifer nods, "Mr Y, you want me to be covert or overt? What's my supposed role? Bodyguard, female companion?"

Valencia nods to Yutaka. "Sounds good to me."

Random Factor says, "This is your show Yu. We're here at your disposal."

Yutaka says to Silver first, "Its in the downtown redlight district of Nara." to Jen he says, "Kai knows I am...I wouldn't have a female companion..at least not your age, and not in his office, body guard is better."

Silver Spider nods. "Has Kai ever seen Jen before?" She says. "It might be better if you had someone he didn't know.'

Yutaka says without looking at a watch, "Its 6:12, It will take us 30 minutes to arrive at the redlight district, we should leave shortly. Yamamoto is an old friend of mine, a professional driver."

Jessica grins tightly, "Maybe I should have kept a set of Wolf leathers. But that brings up a point. Silver Spider, I'm one of the good girls, okay. I can't chanmge my background but I can control my actions. So when I change into costume, if you happen to recognize what I used to be I'd be grateful if you didn't try to take me down."

Yutaka nods t Spider, "He has seen Jen, which I think makes it better, he is well aware of her abilities and her being my body guard would not be a surprise."

Silver Spider says, "You should consider Random Factor as your inside man. As he can be anything. Heck, he can even be Jen's costume." She turns to Jennifer. "This is completely serious. If he gropes you, I'll tie him in a knot and mail him to a christmas tree store."

Valencia nods slowly, looking between the others and waiting for a plan to form.

Yutaka can't help but chuckle at that.."Nice.." he shakes his head, "Although not an idea without merit. I would rather there be some muscle outside, there may be resistance coming in from outside. "Val, He also knows you were close to Laura, I think you could come in as well and not draw much suspicion."

Random Factor says, "Do you want us to come in 'As is", as a show of force, or should we tone ourselves down?" He then cocks an eye at Silver. "Jealous, much?"

Yutaka looks at Random.."I'm not sure. Silver are you able to..um..change out of your hero costume?"

Valencia nods to Yu. "Wherever you want me. I'm comfortable either way."

Jennifer says, "There's an advantage to having Jenn in the office and Jess outside with the rest of the team. Secure communications. Even if the office is Tempested I'll be able to relay what is happening and coordinate the two squads."

Silver Spider nods. "How tall is the building that the office is in?" She says. "Actually, Ran, she blushes when she heard about your mind." She turns to Yutaka. "I could, but then Kai Soma would know who I was, and I'm not comfortable with that."

Yutaka nods, "I was thinking that Jen. Spider, Ran, Jes, you come in as a show of force. Even if you are recoginized, It will seem Official, Fire, you come in with them, did you bring your disguise?"

Silver Spider turns to Yutaka. "Well, remember. If I go in, he knows the game is up. It's just a matter of playing it right."

SPOOF Fire nods, "I did."

Yu nods in return, "Good I'll help you apply it.." he turns to the rest, "This is the plan then, Val Jen and I will walk in, you four come out of the taxi 3 minutes after we leave..make your way to the 2nd floor, and make your way in. Lets not get into a fire fight ok?"

Valencia smirks. "Yes, staying out of a firefight is a good plan. I'm in."

Yutaka nods, "All set then?" he says as he goes over to Fire and starts applying the disguise

Silver Spider nods slowly. "Oh, if there's a firefight, Kai Soma is the least of your problems..." She says cooly. "Because quite frankly, he's already guilty of conspiracy and the use of illegal cloning technology." She says seriously. "On this stuff alone, on the international level...he's hosed." She shrugs. "I just said hosed. I am so geeky today..." o O (I am too into my own persona...that was so !@#$$!ing white)

Valencia hmms at Yutaka. "What should I wear? I figure the work outfit might not be appropriate to just walk in."

When Yu is done, which is after he raises an eyebrow to the use of the word Hosed by Silver, "there we go." he says, and fire doesn't look like fire any more.

Yutaka nods to Val, "What you have on right now will work. I better change too." he goes into the bathroom washes his hands, and in an impossibly short time later is out fully changed.

Silver Spider nods. "Let's go. I have a suggestion. The other three wait in the cab. I'll climb the wall and be outside the window. I have a feeling Kai is sending a proxy, but at least if I'm on the wall outside the window, he can't jump through the window to the first floor and escape. A flyer will be noticed but I can lie flat against the window rim and peek in."

Yutaka nods to all.."Lets do this."

Yutaka thinks about this. "I'll point to his office window Silver. Be careful, it will be dark by 7, but not so dark.

Random Factor shrugs his shoulders and is back in his usual uniform.

Valencia exhales slowly. "Yeah. Let's do it."

Random Factor nods. "No Daylight Savings Time there."

Yutaka opens the door and begins to head downstairs..when he is within sight of the cab.. *POP* he is inside without anyone having seen him exposed outside the vehicle.

Azure gets changed into her combat costume. Jennifer stays in civies. Both activate force harnesses and energy whip for a moment, checking their equipment is functional.

Silver Spider nods slowly. "Not a problem..." She says. "I can't wait to hear his answer. Remember. Alpha Team Carries the clone..." She says. "I'll go ahead and scout the area from above. The taxi might be watched. Wish me luck, I'll tail the van from the buildings." She extends a webline and opens the window. "Don't worry, guys. This'll all turn out right."

Random Factor mumbles: "Well, shoot. I can do that!" He then fades to invisibility and gets into the cab.

Azure grins, "It's okay Silver, I'll watch your back."

Valencia sighs as Yu poofs into the cab. "Show off." She heads down the stairs to the cab.

Azure wraps a blanket around herself to pass by the hotel desk in costume after messing her hair with her fingers and carrying her civilain clothes visibly in her hand. Jennifer, dressed normally, simply walks out and into the taxi.

SPOOF Fire walks outside and into the Van. When everyone is inside the Van, he closes the door.

"Yamamoto-san, To the district. You know where to go right?"

Yamamoto looks over his shoulder giving Yu a withering look, "I am a professional Yamaoka-san."

Yu just nods.

Silver Spider makes her way along above the van, swinging from rooftop to rooftop and keeping an eye on the vehicle from above. The drive is likely to be a difficult one, and the Spiderlike figure swishes along the corridors of Tokyo, out of her environment and unfamiliar. o O (With my luck, that Silver Spider Otaku will be in the building across the street, shouting Yatta, pointing, and eating a red bean shake. !!@#$!ing life stinks)

The Van heads off, running crazily among cars hoverbikes and actual bicycles. He narrowly avoids crashing into various vehicles, pedestrians and buildings. Until he reaches the redlight district.

Valencia fidgets in the back seat, looking out the window.

As the Van gets close Yu says, "Jen, Val, you ready?"

Jennifer says, "Yes."

Valencia nods. "As ready as I'll ever be."

Silver Spider's eyes flick back and forth as she follows the van, and peers upward towards the building to keep an eye on it from the outside. o O (I really, really hope that this guy is not a robot. Please, oh mother!@#$$@ing please let him not be a robot...) She scuttles up the wall as she marks the locations, peering about to keep an eye out. o O (They could hide an army division in this place. No one would know.)

Yutaka nods. The Van comes to a stop and Yamamoto opens the door. He walks out of the Van and enters the building, Its called the "Red Rose" he walks in waiting for the two ladies in the foyer.

Jennifer follows Mr Y, letting herself assume what is afterall almost her natural persona, a cautious and professional bodyguard, her eyes scanning for any and all threats.

Valencia follows after Yutaka and stays behind him on his left. She doesn't look very bodyguardly but she does scan the building.

Random Factor doesn't exit the vehicle, but even HE notices Spider.

As Silver is scuttling up the waterspout, she somehow fails to notice the LARGE NEON Sign she is steadily scuttling towards, she hits it full speed with her head, she is strong enough that it hardly hurts, but... ...The neon sign blows and falls to the ground right in front of the Cab. BOOM..BZZZT!!! CRASH!

Azure says, "Oops!"

Silver Spider shakes her head as the sign begins falling to the ground. (!@$$@! I just blew the entire mission. Careless...) She flattens against the building and hopes that no one notices just how stupid she was. Of course, this might as well fall on deaf ears, as the loud noise and popping sounds of sparks can be heard for hundreds of feet.

Random Factor thinks . o O (Happy Kitty Cola is gonna be PISSSSSSSED!)

Valencia blinks as the sign starts to fall. She ducks inside as quickly as she can.

Pedestrians watch as the neon 'RED ROSE' Sign falls to the ground..then look up at where it fell from, seeing a figure plastered to the wall.

Yutaka looks back and sees the sign explode on the ground.."What the fu..??"

Jennifer starts towards Val, spots that she has cleared the danger zone, and dances away from the falling glass herself.

Yutaka jumps inside a little further making space for the two ladies.."What just happened?"

Silver Spider remains plastered there. o O (Don't move, don't even breathe. Play dumb. Act like nothing happened. Yeah. Right. You !@#$ed everything up. What now?)

The sound of feet running upstairs and coming down as well as people coming out of first floor rooms can be seen and heard.

Valencia looks over her shoulder. "I have no idea..." She looks around. "I don't think it was aimed at us, though..."

Jennifer tells Mr Y, in a voice loud enough to be overheard by anyone close, "Relax, Mr Y. Just one of the local metahumans missing his flight plan. Hope he has insurance."

Yutaka sighs.."Great.."

10 men and women come from upstairs, all with strange looking fire arms..Kai Soma turns the corner and see's Yu at the bottom of the foyer.."Yutaka?" he says.."What are you doing here?"

Yutaka looks around.."I was here to meet with you..I'm your 7pm appointment."

"Uh oh..." Valencia says quietly before turning to face Kai.

Jennifer gives the armed security a hard look and steps between them and Mr Y. "You guys going to put those away," she asks the security people, "Or do I have to take them away?"

Azure tells the teams members waiting in the taxi, "Ten security in the lobby at this time. Armed but I don't recognize the weapons."

Yutaka puts his hands up. "Stand down..they aren't responding to us, just to what the hell ever is happening outside." he looks up at Kai, "Right Kai?"

Random Factor says, "That's not good."

Jennifer comes out of her balls-of-the feet stance at Yutaka's words but keeps her eyes on the guards.

Kai looks at the scene outside as he walks down the stairs.."..Yes Yutaka, that is correct." he tells his men to stand down, "Look outside." he says to one of them, and that one moves outside. "Why the subterfuge? We could have met had you just asked."

Valencia looks between Kai and Yutaka. "I don't know what you're talking about...We're here."

The man goes outside and looks up "Nanda!" he says loudly. (translated as What the hell??)

Yutaka sighs.."We need answers..can we speak?"

Silver Spider keeps quiet as Kai Soma walks down the stairs. She doesn't move a muscle. He hasn't seen her. There's hope. Just a little bit...She lowers her hands and wags her fingers at the man staring up at her. "Sssh..." She says in Japanese, knowing her cover is completely blown. "Yes. I hang from walls. I also do windows."

Kai begins to nod to Yu, raises an eyebrow at Val, then looks past Yu, "What is it?" he asks in Japanese.

"Its the Spider!" the man answers in japanese.

Yutaka hangs his head.."For gods sake.."

Azure . o O(Why can't people speak English? I can't understand a word they're saying.)

Kai looks at Yu, "Whats going on here Yamaoka-san?" his tone accusatory. "Cover him." he says and the guards that had stood down again train their weapons on the 3 in the foyer.

Valencia looks over at Azue as if to ask her if she understands what's going on.

Valencia blinks as soon as the guns get trained on them. "Ok..."

Azure says, "Stand by, this is getting bad in the lobby."

Kai says, "Call your friend in here." he says in English. "Or we'll see what happens."

Jennifer hasn't taken her eyes off the guards, "Your call Mr Y." She says quietly.

Yutaka looks around.."Kai..You have to know what we're capable of. I will call all of them in, but we will talk, and we will have answers." he does not seem frightened, if anything there is a menacing tone in his voice. "Jen..call them in..please."

Azure says, "We're on stage. Mr Y wants us in there. Ten guards with weapons visible."

Silver Spider shrugs and swings into the lobby. o O (I can't. I can't allow them to get hurt.) "All right, then. Why don't you come clean, then, Mr. Smartypants? Currently, at the moment, your entire corporation is under investigation by Starguard for conspiracy to commit crimes against the Genetic Engineering acts, you apparently delivered a clone into the hand of certain unmentionable members of society, and you sent me DNA from one of those clones that was completely, and utterly fake. I took a lot of time studying your moves. You've got a lot of nerve trying to trick me, and more importantly, did you think that because I wasn't Japanese I wouldn't double check everything? So, Kai? What made you do it? Money? Power? Shame? Racism?" She hangs upside down in the foyer. "Oh, by the way, nice goons. Very steely. And the decor...so retro..."

Jennifer nods slightly, "Done." she says, haven't not apparently done anything.

Valencia turns at stares at spider.

Yutaka has to stifle his first reaction to Spider's comments.."Spider..lets take this inside. You may speak Japanese, but you have a lot to learn." he cocks his head at Kai, "I think perhaps we should speak in private then Kai?"

Kai looks at Silver, a scowl on his face, and he nods "Let us talk Yamaoka, let us talk."

Kai turns around and heads into his office.."Let them all pass..stand down" he says to the ten guards.

"Silver, better bring the evidence." Yutaka says..

Azure exits the taxi and heads into the building to join the rest of the team.

Valencia nods slowly and waits for Yutaka before following Kai.

Silver Spider turns to the others. "Get the clone out of the van..." She says. "Do you want to know what the worst part is?" She says as she turns to the van. "That's the first time I've slipped or fallen in about four years..." She sighs. "As for you, gentlemen of heavy weapons and high technology, I recommend you all take some time off. I won't kill you, but some of these people will rip your heads off and feed you to the local sewer fauna."

Yutaka looks behind him. There is no fear in his movement or eyes. He begins up the stairs, following Soma Kai.

Random Factor exits the cab, carrying the clone, and enters.

SPOOF Fire exits as well, still dawning the disguise.

Silver Spider turns and begins bringing up the rear. "One day, I'll learn to keep my eyes in front of me and my chin in front of me too..." She says as she makes her way up the stairs.

Valencia follows along, slipping her hands into the pocket of her hoodie.

After going upstairs Kai Soma's office is open and he walks slowly towards his desk. Sitting heavily in it.

Jennifer can't help chuckles as she passes close to Silver Spider, "Nice technique." The smile is genuine and so is the good humour.

Yutaka walks into the office. He stands in front of the desk. He waits for the rest of the team to enter the office.

Valencia enters the room and moves along the wall, sticking to the back.

Silver Spider turns to Jennifer. "Yeah. Nice technique." She says. "Just trying to make the best of a bad situation. I'll do better next time." She walks up the stairs and settles on the wall, covering the room from an unusual angle as she settles into one of the corners.

Random Factor follows into the office stonefaced, and gently sets the clone in one of the seats.

Kai blanches seeing the clone..

Bringing up the rear is Fire.

Silver Spider shrugs. "See?" She says. "Now, in theory, this clone shouldn't even be alive. It should be rotting and deteriorated somewhere in Colonial Bay right now." She says. "Would you like to explain to me the particulars of how vampiric diseases affect Kitsune genetics? I assure you, over the past few weeks, I've become quite the expert."

Yutaka raises an eyebrow.."Silver..if you can control yourself..please begin your questions." he says to Kai, "We are here for answers Kai. And we will not leave without them." he turns to Val, "Val, close the door?"

Valencia nods to Yutaka and closes the door.

Random Factor says, "I believe this is yours." in English. It's a statement, not a question. "Unless I have been misinformed."

Kai looks around the room..

Silver Spider turns to Yutaka. "I believe, sir, that you should be asking the questions." She says cooly. "Unless Kai Soma is a clone himself, in which case this effort is fruitless."

Silver Spider turns to Kai Soma. "What did you just do?" She says cooly as she moves forward, bounding across the room. "Do not even THINK of killing yourself." She launches a clot of webbing at Kai, trying to immobilize him.

Yutaka raises his eyebrow, "Silver! Web him!" he goes to the desk and flips it. (pushing str 10). There is a button below it, for those that caught him, one can only suspect he pressed it.

Yutaka steps back as Silver anticipates his thoughts..

Valencia blinks as Yutaka and Silver spring to action. She opens the door slightly, to see if anyone's coming.

Jennifer sighs and shakes her head. "It's classic. I haven't seen that since I left training. A truly old fashioned idea. And surprising, I would have expected there was already somebody watching and listening to what happens in this room."

The webbing wraps up Kai Soma in his chair, and her eyes narrow. "Whatever you're trying to do, it's not going to work..." She says icily. "Stall for time. Beg for mercy. It doesn't matter. You ruined Yutaka's life. You screwed around with science in ways that no human being ever should, and believe me, I know, because I am the result of my own screwups. Now, talk. Or I'll get on the bullet train and hang you off Tokyo Tower until they make Anime about your entire worthless life!"

Random Factor says, "It would be... unfortunate if things were to take a turn for the worst just now. There could be much damage, and you have so many nice things here." directly to Kai Soma, looking at him and not his furnishings. "It would be a shame to see them damaged."

Kai, rather than looking scared scowls. "What do you think you have done today?..Ask your questions, we will see if you like your answers.."

Yutaka comes first to the question that burns.."Is Laura Garrity Alive?"

Random Factor says, "The original."

Kai scowls again.."For now..if that is what you can call it."

Yutaka raises an eyebrow..his anger rises.

Random Factor says, "We want her brought to us. Here and now."

Silver Spider snaps. "Well, for one thing, I think that you realized all too well that Laura was dying of the disease that David had infected her with. But the shame was too great, so you cloned her and arranged for the clone's death." She says. "I figured that out weeks ago. You were so embarrassed that you couldn't admit to it. The problem is this. Yutaka is the cure. The answer was right in front of you and you couldn't see it because of your own stupid pride. You could never admit to yourself that a half-gaijin was the heir, and your daughter, who was pure of blood and innocent, loved her like a sister. You hated it. All you had to do was wait for her to die. But a piece of her kept hanging on, and your own miserable excuse for honor forced you to keep her that way."

Valencia closes the door again and turns back to the questioning.

Silver Spider thinks . o O (Bait him. Bait him. His honor and his family pride are all he has left.)

Kai looks at Silver Spider. "You are correct..She is dying...That god damn vampire had marked her..her Kitsune nature was rejecting his evil, but it could not stop the viscious nature of his infection." he looks at all of you, "Oh yes, someting is coming here..now." he says with complete malice, "My daughter, she is pure, she should have been named the heir instead of the daughter of my traitorous cousin. Why would a half-breed be allowed to be heir? An american half-breed!" his voice becomes more and more passionate.

Yutaka starts to build power..angry power. tension begins to build in the room.

Valencia eye-narrows at Kai, and then turns to Yutaka. "Control it, Yutaka. Don't rip him apart."

Kai continues, "She was sick..the family discovered the damage, we made some inquiries, and a biogenetics company came forward offered to build a healthy Laura Garrity from some healthy cells. They grew another body for her. Soma Kei-cho, that stupid old man.."

Azure comments casually, "You know folks, if you kill him now you won't get any more answers. Anyway, after Korea I figure I've earned the privilege."

Random Factor says, "Carefully consider what you are about to do, Kai Soma." in a cool voice and with an ever cooler demeanor. "I will see justice done here, or die trying, and I am notoriously hard to kill."

Silver Spider walks up to Kai Soma and says "Yutaka...do not kill him." She picks Kai Soma up by the throat and grabs him, holding him up in the air. "Yo! G! Listen to me, you dumb mother!@$$er! If people like you ruled the world, my people would still be saying "Yes, Massa! No, Massa!" And brushing away the bluetail fly from rich white folks..." She lets her hand close, ever so slowly. "Can you feel it, yo? That moment where the life goes out of your lungs because you were too weak to stop a poor, underclass black woman? You're thinking...what did I do? What did I do to deserve this? I did everything right! I will die pure! My blood will protect me..." She pulls him up close. "You're not so lucky, a**hole..." She throws him back down in the chair, hard enough to make it crack. "You can't live with your dishonor. And you can't die either."

Random Factor says, "I am immortal, and can be a thorn in the side of your children's children's children."

Azure . o O(If that's a poor underclass black woman I'd hate to have to face an empowered one!)

Kai coughs after nearly gagging being choked by Silver..RF's words are not lost on him either..but somehow he still doesn't seem fearful, "..gah...You.." saying to the heroes, "You do not have the courage to do what you know you want to."..turning to Silver, he says, "You..*hack* You think you can lay hands upon me?..you will not get any answers. I will die with them...and so will all of you."

Kai seems to have forgotten Yu..a red aura begins to build around him, and he walks forward, his voice cold, "I told you, we want answers." his hand rises and strikes Kai in the arm.

• CRACK* A bone breaks in Kai's arm. Kai screams, "Arrrrgh!.." and he breaks out in a cold sweat as he bites back the pain..

Valencia stretches an arm towards Yutaka as he tries to hit Kai. "That's enough, Yutaka." She puts her arm on his shoulder. "Let's be better than him, ok?"

Yutaka allows Val's arm to stop him, "Answer Her questions.." his voice cold..

Silver Spider snarls. "Now...where is Laura Garrity? And which company is making clones of her?" o O (Please, god, let there be no ACE link. Oh, please...)

Random Factor desolidifies his hand partially and sticks it inside his chest, then resolidifies it partially. Not enough to do damage, but enough that Kai can feel his heart being tickled. He then withdraws it and holds it in front of his face. "Or I can always TAKE the information I'm looking for. Not that you'll like it much. If you survive. Oh, and I would advise you to tell those outside to stand down.

Kai nods.."..Keicho placed her mind in one of the clones.." he says between gasps, "She went on, her original body undying, unliving, We found a problem with the body..I found a problem with teh new body..It was dying..it was aging, too quickly...The body had no essence. Her mind was returned to her body. The Keicho drained some of Laura Garrities essence...placed it in the new body..all that he accomplished was draining Garrity of her essence, the shell lived but could not last, Keicho hoped, he extracted the memories and placed them in the new body..it was that body that died in Korea." he is able to say before the pain interrupts him.

Kai looks at Random..pausing for a second, for just a moment a flicker of fear is seen in his eyes, but he doesn't break. "Kill me..Kill me if you dare."

Silver Spider facepalms. "So where is her CHI?" She says angrily. "You actually stole her SOUL out of the clone? And what did you DO with it?" Her fingers clench. "And where is her soul now?" She takes a deep breath. "Where is it?"

Valencia retracts her arm, satisfied that Yutaka is under control.

Azure says, "Kai, I have good news and I have bad news. The good news is, whatever the Boss says, he won't kill you. The bad news is that I'm here. You must have heard what happened in Korea. Don't think it can't happen here to."

Kai is sweating profusely..he starts to laugh.."ha..haha..they are almost here..you feel it do you Random Factor?

Silver Spider blinks to Kai. "Who are they?" She says seriously. "Come on, now. Allow me the satisfaction of horror before I die. Humor me, oh great and mighty Kai Soma in a chair."

Yutaka puts his hand on Kai's arm..his aura changes to blue. Kai groans in pain.

Random Factor says, "Apparently the young one does not know me as well as she thinks, eh? But we are older and wiser? No? We know death need not be quick, and can be the LEAST of the plagues on our houses."

Kai groans again as RF massages his heart.."Uhg..my heart.."the flicker of fear grows stronger.."Laura Garrities soul is still in her body..what is left of both." he cackles.

Random Factor says, "Bring them here, and order your minions outside to stand down!"

Yu's hand glows blue and heals the arm..Kai will not die tonight.

Silver Spider blinks. "Son of a..." She blinks. "So you murdered one in Korea, and arranged for it to die, knowing that her soul would be separated until the original died out. Your blood would become the blood of the Soma line, and Sakura would become the heir. Sneaky. I like it. Except for one problem. You're under arrest."

Kai shakes his head, "I cannot, the body is in the home.." defeat is in his face, "The Soma family home...Those outside will not stand down.."

Azure says, "Want me to pop outside and take care of things, Boss?"

Silver Spider shrugs. "I think you underestimate us." She says cooly. "So what did the button you pressed do?"

The sounds of Scrabbling nails on the door is heard and as Azure says that to RF, the door is ripped off..

Silver Spider blinks. "Ooops. Ask a silly question...."

Perhaps there are more supernaturals in Japan than one would think..there are at least 50 supernaturals of various types outside the doorway in the hall and on the ceiling..

Yutaka turns his chi focuses and he drops into a ready stance. "Get ready."

Azure laughs. "This is it? That's all?"

Valencia blinks at the scrabbling and turns around quickly, backing towards Yutaka.

Kai starts laughing.."You'll all die tonight."

Silver Spider turns to look at them. "You can't come in here..." She says icily. "For one thing, at least ten of you will go down before you reach Kai Soma. For another, he's guilty of the attempted murder of members of his own family. For a third, he needs to face human justice before he faces yours." She says as she turns to look at Azure. "You don't understand. They're not here for us." She turns to look at Kai Soma. "They're here for you."

Yutaka steps protectively in front of Val..

Kai laughs.."No..they are here for you!" his voice on the edge of madness..

"ENOUGH!" a deep voice says in clear english.

Random Factor says, "They can't touch me unless I allow it. But I can touch you. Shall I finish the job. You would not have called them if you couldn't control them old man!"

Azure looks at Silver Spider, "Ah.." She shrugs, glances at Random, "Unfortunately that doesn't make any

 difference. They can't have him. Much as he deserves it."

Silver Spider turns to the source of the deep voice. "Now we wait before the fight starts..." She says, remaining tense. "I know, Azure. I know. A hero is only ten percent power in this situation. My determination makes up the other 90 percent."

A man, perhaps in his later 50s, handsome (30com) and carrying himself in a way that demands attention (pre 40)"Enough of this! Soma Kai, you have shamed this family! You have set this into motion, turned our efforts at saving the Heir towards your selfish whims!"

Valencia shakes her head. "If they were here to kill us they would've done it. They can't be protecting him." She glances at Kai. "There's nothing worth protecting."

You say, "Soma-sama?" Yu recognizes the Soma Kaicho."

Soma Keicho nods, this is the man that most of you will remember, the one that slapped Yu in the face upon return to Japan from Korea, the one that took the body from the plane..

Silver Spider nods. "You're right. But I can't let them just take him. He illegally cloned Laura Garrity." She says. She stands her ground in front of the japanese man. "And regardless of what the outcome is here, that company still has her cells."

Random Factor inclines his head in respect, but does not release Kai Soma.

Soma Keicho looks upon you, "Kai. You shall face human justice, and when you have outlived your human imprisonment, then you shall face our justice." he looks around, "Kai Soma has lied to you..in some ways, I have Laura Garrity..what is left of her." his voice takes a point of sadness. He looks up, "We shall deal with Kai, then I shall take you to her. You say Yamaoka has the Cure?..then perhaps there is hope.."

Valencia nods to Soma Keicho. "That sounds like a good plan to me."

Silver Spider nods slowly. "All she needs is a simple transfusion..." She says cooly. "It's easy enough to do." She looks up to Soma Keicho. "I'm sorry for being such an ass, but Soma Kai brings out the ass in everyone."

Random Factor thinks . o O (HUMAN justice and then theirs?!?)

(TO BE CONTINUED)