Ethan Quinn is an Aristo agent with a mission to stop an assassination attempt in Namibia. But why? Who's behind this, and how is the President's rival involved? It will be no day at the opera for Mr. Quinn in this adventure. _____ The young, English gentleman is pacing frantically. Here he is, stuck in a small wooden shack, somewhere in Africa. It’s been three days, and he is growing highly impatient. He is somehow rich and successful. He is quite popular in European circles, and he misses that. He detests Africa with a passion, but he knows he can’t leave until his job is done. He wants to move forward with the plan, but can’t until his partner returns with the results of the first test.`It’s been three days,” says the man with a heavy English accent.. `Where is that nutcase? Surely, the virus will have practically decimated the population by now!”`Patience is a virtue,” remarks one of his underlings. `You know the good doctor is a perfectionist. He wants to make sure the job is done right, and that there are no screw ups.”`Can’t he hurry it up already?” asks the man. `I want to get out of here, and go back to Europe as soon as I possibly can. I am already dreading this trip to Namibia.”`I think this place has its charms,” remarks the underling. `Besides, the island paradise we have been given outside of Namibia is quite a nice place to spend a week or so. We’re also being paid very well for this job.”`I am not sure why I even took this job,” complains the man. `I guess I wanted to help my mentor’s empire survive. Of course, it would be better if it wasn’t in the hands of mad scientists and crazed environmentalists. Hopefully, I and others can right the ship.”`I quite like what they’re doing,” says the underling. `Besides, Alistair, this will finally give you a chance to avenge your mentor, and defeat Ethan Quinn.”Alistair begins to think about Ethan Quinn, and becomes quite uneasy. He puts his hand on his forehead, and takes a seat in a nearby chair. He is seething with anger, desperately trying to maintain his composure.`Why did you have to mention him, Bradley?” asks Alistair. `I don’t want to be reminded of the man with whom I may have to contend.”`You lack confidence, sir,” says Bradley. `Are you saying that Ethan Quinn is better than you?”`You sicken me,” remarks Alistair. `I would never admit that anyone is better than I am. It is just that Ethan is a rather unique fellow. He never seemed like much when I saw him, but he gave my mentor many fits in the short time they knew each other. He is the wunderkind of Aristo, and what no one can figure out is how he does it.”`I have heard great stories about him,” remarks Bradley. `People are always talking about how intelligent he is, how handsome he is, and how suave he is. They say he has fists of steel and the shot of an expert marksmen. The women just fall all over Ethan whenever they see him. He sounds quite amazing.”Alistair just starts laughing uncontrollably.`What is it?” asks Bradley`You wouldn’t be saying that if you met him,” he says. `I remember how I heard all these great stories about how him, and about how he was the man who could single handedly save the world from all who threaten it. I couldn’t wait to meet this impressive fellow, yet, when I met him that day, I just could not help but wonder how it was possible that this guys was the man who had done all that.”`I don’t get it,” replies Bradley, scratching his head.`He looks like a foppish rogue,” he replies angrily. `How could a rapscallion like him be the man to take down Hermes?”As he utters those words, the door of the shack opens. Standing in the door way is a bespectacled old man, and a dark haired girl, dressed in a nurse’s outfit. It’s Dr. Wilhelm Von Falco, along with one of his nurses. He is wearing a lab coat, white shirt, brown pants, and loafers. He has unkempt gray hair, a hooked nose, a somewhat chubby face, and he also carries a cane with him. He looks more like someone’s grandfather than as a mad scientist. He is smiling broadly, and looks terribly non-threatening. He just doesn’t fit the stereotype of the madman scientist that man around the world consider him to be.He looks quite pleased as he walks through the door. He is always one who looks to be in a good mood, but, today, he looks especially pleased with himself. His nurse helps him into a seat near Alistair. Alistair rises and shakes Falco’s hand, greeting him to his quite humble abode. The two sit into their seats, and begin to discuss their business.`You’re finally here,” says Alistair. `I have been waiting for your status report for an hour, Mr. Falco.”`How did you get into this line of work?” asks Falco with a detectable German accent. `You have no patience for these kinds of things. You should try something more your speed, such as business, because you clearly don’t understand how science works. Experiments such as this, take time. Doing a half-assed job to fill a deadline would only lead to further problems. I have worked for 25 years on my various experiments, only to have people like you screw them up! I will not sully my reputation because some young fool lacks patience.”`I see your point, I guess,” replies Alistair, stoically. `Perhaps, impatience is the wrong way to handle this. I guess I am more of a doer, Mr. Falco. I hope you understand.”`I am just tired of seeing my experiments fall apart,” replies Falco. `All of my careful work fails because it was put in the hands of a person who doesn’t know what to do with it. You just can’t find good field operatives anymore, and I am not much too old and feeble to carry out my great works of science by myself anymore. You should be quite thankful that I even traveled this far away from my laboratory.”You shouldn’t complain so much, Mr. Falco.” says Alistair, looking at the attractive nurse. `From the sounds of it, your life is quite nice indeed.”`One of the joys of being a brilliant scientist, young man,” replies Von Falco with a smile. `I can merely create women who are only interested in serving me in any way that I intend! Some are nurses, some protect my castle from those who would like to destroy me, others are trained assassins that I hire out for some extra cash for my experiments, while others, serve my…other needs.”`Sounds like the perfect life,” says Alistair, grinning.`Not exactly,” says Falco, unhappily. `You see, I am a scientist. I am someone who has spent his life trying to be a success. Critics have claimed that my experiments are too bizarre and unethical to even attempt. They are shortsighted and foolish! They fail to see how my life’s work can benefit the world. They are too worried about their foolish ethics. They can have their ethics, and they can weep when I am showcase to them the results of my experiments! They will quite jealous when I am finally ready to unveil such things as the perfect human, and the cure to all diseases! Surely then, I will get the respect I so rightfully deserve!”`You really are as mad as advertised,” says Alistair.`Many people have often confused genius with madness,” says Falco. `I wouldn’t want to believe you were that foolish.”`Of course not,” replies Alistair. `It just seems kind of weird that creating a super virus will somehow save the world. I would think it would be more apt to destroy it.”`You don’t understand progress!” remarks an angry Falco, tapping his cane on the desk. `These people are mere sacrifices for the greater good. Like my dear, sweet Stephanie. She was a lab assistant who was infected with the virus during my original tests. It was quite a personal tragedy for me. It was like losing my very own daughter when she passed. It was for the betterment of the world, though. She was a good girl, and someone who I loved dearly. If such an amazing women such as her can sacrifice her life for progress, then so can they!”`It is nice to see that you have a goal,” says Alistair, putting his arms on the table.`I have had this same goal for 25 years,” says Falco. `The planning goes well, the tests go well, unfortunately, it always ends up failing in the end because of the incompetence of people such as yourself!”`You dare mock me, sir?” asks Alistair. `I am not the idiot that you seem to think I am. I am a protégé of the great Alexander Hermes!”`I am not impressed,” snaps Falco, bitterly. `That means nothing to me. I have seen Hermes in action, and I have seen how he failed. That rapscallion nearly dragged me with him to his ultimate defeat! Had it not been for my genius, I wouldn’t have escaped certain defeat from that Aristo member who was onto me. If the teacher is a total imbecile, I can only imagine how bad the student is.”`He was more successful than you every will be, Falco!” yells Alistair boldly. `You need people like him, or else, you’d be nothing more than the hack scientist that you are!”Von Falco coolly sits back in his chair, completely brushing off Alistair’s comments, and flashing a smile.`I guess I should be more like you,” says Falco, sarcastically. `I could have been a protégé of a failure, who became a pathetic underling, desperately trying to prove his worth. That is who people should truly aspire to be!”`You’re a pompous ass!” snaps Alistair at Falco. `I don’t see why my boss carries such an interest in working with someone like you. Surely, there has to be a ton of failed scientists who he can get to do his work!”`You two need to stop bickering,” says the nurse, cutting into the conversation. `You need to remember why we’re here, Falco, dearest. We are here to give the results of your experiment on that African tribe. There is no point in this bickering. The sooner we finish here, my dear, the soon I can slip out of this nurse‘s outfit, and into something a little more comfortable that I made just for you, honey dearest!”`You always know how to impress me!” replies Falco, excited, as he and the nurse begin looking at each other lovingly.`Get a room,” replies Alistair, sitting back, rolling his eyes. `Let’s talk business, Mr. Falco. Let’s talk about the experiment. How did it go?”`It went very well,” replies a smiling Falco. `It appears that most of the tribe is either sick or dead.”`A rousing success!” remarks a proud Alistair. `I never once thought that this plan would go off as well it did. I figured there would be something that would go wrong with it.”`It is still in the testing stages,” says Falco. `The test went very well. The test subjects fell quickly, thanks to the disease implanted in them. It is out of my hands now. I have done all I could to make sure this experiment works. It is up to you now, Alistair. Hopefully, you and your band of bumbling idiots can pull off this plot. I have no real faith in your accomplishing of this plot, but people that I am cynic. Regardless, I still wish you the best of luck in your part of this plan, for the both of us can finally succeed.”`I will prove to you who I am, Mr. Falco,” says Alistair. `I am not a failure like the rest of those who came before me. I also accept your offer of good luck. As a matter of fact, Mr. Falco, I am a person who stakes my reputation on achieving this mission. Are you a betting man, Mr. Falco?”`At times,” replies Falco, interested.`How about we make a bet then?” replies Alistair. `If I succeed in this particular plan, you must give me $100,000. On the other hand, should I fail, you will get my entire estate.`I’ll take that bet,” says Falco, nodding. `I will gladly part with $100,000, if it means achieving my life’s dreams; however, should you fail, your estate will help ease some of the tears that come with another failure due to usual blundering that appears to be the curse of the majority of my ideas.. I don’t have much faith in you, Alistair, but I can respect a man who is willing to stake everything he has on succeeding. Good luck, and good day, sir.”Falco rises up from the chair, and, followed closely by his nurse, he begins to step out of the shack. Alistair is taking a few breaths when he begins to think about the bet he just made with Von Falco. He realizes that he has bet his very livelihood and fortune on success. It is high stakes for him, and he realizes that he literally cannot afford to lose this bet. Little does he realize that the whole conversation with Von Falco was heard by someone else, a member of the African tribe that Von Falco just decimated. A tear runs down the warrior’s cheek, as he realizes what has happened to his village. He quickly regains his composure, and begins to think.`I must avenge my village,” he thinks to himself. `I cannot avenge my village this way. I am no match for the warriors of that Alistair person. I must find this Ethan Quinn. He is the only hope I have in eventually avenging my brothers and sisters by destroying these evil villains. I must find Quinn! He quickly runs off back into the forest, and to town…to find the mysterious Ethan Quinn…“Why am I here?”That appeared to be the question for the young Yukiko, as she stood outside the abandoned prison deep in the heart of Siberia. It was just days after her greatest victory, and here she was, standing at this relic from the Cold War. It was once a place where enemies of the Communist regime would go to die, yet she was here to be reborn. It made no sense to the logical person. Here was a decorated kickboxing champion, who was on the fast task to fame and glory, in the last place anyone would want to be. For her, the reason was obvious. It provided her with the chance to obtain the one thing she has always wanted: to be the best.It all started when she was young. Her parents decided that she needed to take martial arts. They figured it was a way for her to make new friends, and have a nice hobby. Even then, Yukiko was quite ambitious. As a matter of fact, the first thing she told her instructor was that one day she would be the greatest fighter in all the land. He laughed off such a boast, but quickly learned that the young Yukiko was determined. She quickly rose to the top of her class, and easily won any local tournaments she entered. When she was 14, she was noticed by one of the greatest martial arts masters in Japan. He felt she had amazing potential to perhaps the become the best the world had ever seen.Both had reservations about each other. She didn’t trust her new master. On the surface, he was a jolly old man, but, she felt that, deep down, there was a lot more to him than meets the eye. She felt that he contained a curtained wickedness within him. She couldn’t quite explain it, but whenever they trained, she noticed how wicked and dishonorable he could be.He harbored some distrust towards her as well because she was a female. He was from a time when females were supposed to be subservient to men, not equaling, or even surpassing them. He felt Yukiko was too weak, and would certainly fail under such a tough teach such as him. He was surprised with Yukiko once they started their training. Yukiko was determined to prove now that not only was she worthy to have him as master, but was, in fact, the greatest student he ever trained. In many ways, she was. When she turned 18, they split ways with one another. She became a professional kick boxer, while her former master decided to take a lucrative offer to train famed industrialist, Vincent Chimera, one of the heads of the Cerberus Corporation.. He said it was an offer he couldn’t refuse, Yukiko thought much different. She felt he took it because of the evil side of him that she knew was within him. She tried hard to believe that her master was the right thing, but she secretly felt that his motives were motivated more by greed than by honor. She still gave him the benefit of the doubt though because he was revered at as a wise, old master, while she was just a mere child. She believed it was best for her to go on with her kickboxing career, and be thankful that she was fortunate enough to have been trained by such a master.In her career, she was a kickboxing juggernaut. She was unbeatable, dismantling any opponent who stepped in her way. She was a phenomenon in Japan, and elsewhere. She was beautiful and dangerous. It was a unique combination, and one that the Japanese media loved. She was featured on television, and in magazines. She was fast becoming a huge celebrity in her native country. She quickly rose to becoming the top female kick boxer in all of Japan. Some even questioned if there was anyone in the world who could possibly defeat her. She was not pleased at all with her life. She shunned such celebrity because she did not want fame, she wanted to be the best.She continued on her quest to be the best by going on tour. She went all around the Asian continent, destroying several challengers from China, South Korea, and Thailand. She took on anybody who felt they could defeat her, and she defeated each and every one of them. Her celebrity was growing by the day. Her celebrity was now known worldwide, instead of just Japan. She amazed the kickboxing world with her ability, as fans blissfully dreamed of the super fight between her and Canadian, Angela Fleming.Fleming was successful in her own right, ruling the Western kickboxing world. She also destroyed several Japanese challengers who came her way. Most casual fans of the sport, figured Yukiko was all hype. Fleming had impressive size and strength, and used it to dominate the past challengers. Yukiko was a bit taller than the average Japanese girl, but she still was at a disadvantage against the large Canadian fighter. It would provide an immense challenge for Yukiko to overcome.The more knowledgeable felt that Yukiko could overcome such a massive challenge, and defeat Fleming. The problem was that Yukiko kept putting off the eventual fight for reason no one could really understand. It went back to her wanting to be the best, yet fearing actually becoming just that. She knew that if she defeated Fleming that she would be the unquestioned Queen of the Kickboxing world. She would be the best, and would have to find a new challenge. She wanted to prove to herself that she could do it, but feared achieving her goal. She didn’t want to do it, but, unfortunately, in the end, her ego would get the best of her.She didn’t want to fight Fleming just yet, but the press was always against her. They said that she couldn’t beat the invincible Fleming. She would come close to beating her, but would ultimately go down like the other Japanese kick boxers before her. They called her was a flash in the pan, scared of being humbled. She was insulted by their comments. She knew that she could put up the fight of the century against the overrated Fleming. She decided she would have some fun in the fight to prove to everyone how good she really was. She planned to not only just defeat Fleming, but absolutely dismantle her. It would prove to everyone that she was the absolute best without question. She lived up to her promise, as the dream match became a nightmare with Fleming being defeated handily by Yukiko. She nearly ended the Canadian’s career because of pure brutality of her arsenal of kicks. It was then that she received the letter that would change her life.She was resting after the fight, receiving various congratulations from everyone from fans to Japanese diplomats. She saw a mysterious letter sitting there, addressed to her. It explained, quite bluntly, that it feels her pain, and realizes that she wants more than kickboxing can offer. She doesn’t want the fame or glory, but the chance to prove she was the best fighter in the world. She was quite intrigued, yet scared by the letter. She did want to be the best, and she couldn’t leave a possible chance to do that. She was done with kickboxing. She was already the best in that realm, and she proved it that night.The problem was that the letter directed her to the middle of Siberia. She felt it to be absolutely absurd, almost a joke. On the surface, going all the way to Siberia was something no one would ever do. It was freezing and barren there. There was no way she could logically achieved her goals by going to Siberia. She was about to throw the letter in the trash, but her curiosity begin to get the better of her.In her mind, she wondered what “it” was. It was only a vague letter, proclaiming that she can achieve her destiny and ultimate goal by following its odd instructions. She thought about what exactly it was that wanted a fighter like her. She thought it was some kind of tournament, financed by an eccentric billionaire like in the video games she used to play. She felt it was foolish, but she had to travel there to see what the opportunity was. She felt that it was just too grand of an opportunity to not try. It was foolish, but, at least her curious mind would be settled if it was nothing.After hours on a plane, and a brutal hike, she was finally here. She was freezing. She felt like she may not get back to civilization if this turned out to be nothing. She had gotten this far, and couldn’t go back now, even if she wanted to do so. She was standing at the entrance of her destiny. She had to enter.She walked in, and immediately wondered what she was thinking by going here. It was dark, and smelled putrid. Rats ran freely along the walls, and she could see the skeletons of former prisoners locked away in the cells for all eternity. Dried blood, vomit, and excrement were everywhere, along with instruments of torture. It was a hell, but why here? What kind of place operates in such a terrible place like this? It was dark and in severe disrepair. It was hardly a place that could be used as the headquarters of some secret society, nor a place that could potentially be used for a fighting tournament. Was this all her dream was to become? Perishing in an abandoned prison, miles away from civilization. She felt could barely go on for much longer. She was tired and hungry, yet continue to walk deeper and deeper into the building. She could never figure out why she felt this bizarre need to keep going. She felt like she was going to stop, but she took one more step. She started to feel the floor weaken beneath her feet, then suddenly, it collapsed!It was a hard fall. Dust and dirt flew everywhere, and covered the surrounding area for several seconds. Yukiko was lucky that she didn’t break anything. She was still hurt and felt badly bruised by the whole incident.. She laid there, in several pain. She felt this was the end. She could even a light in the darkness. She was never the religious type, but she felt it seemed logical. She used some more of her strength, and looked at the light. She noticed shadows near it, and realized that it was about to get worse. She was also surrounded by several men who were dressed like ninjas.`Ninjas?!?” she thought angrily. `What kind of sick joke is this? Surely, this can’t possibility be real! This must be a joke or a dream. I’ll wake up in a few minutes, snug in my bed, as the cold wind blows sensually on my bare legs.”They charged her, while she rose to her feet. One of the men nailed her straight in the mouth. It hurt badly. This was no dream. It was real. She had to rise to her feet quickly. She realized that she was now in for the fight of her life. She had to defeat this men before they defeated her. She was not going to go out by being defeated by these men. She came too far to lose it by being embarrassed in her last fight. If she was going to go down, she was going to go down, fighting.Her face filled with determined. She removed the parka that covered her body to give her a bit more flexibility. She looked at them, like she was wanting a fight. They would gladly give her one. The first man charged her once again, but she was ready this time. She busted him in the mouth with a hard kick, dropping him quickly to his knees. A second man came after her, but was taken down with a judo throw. She held onto his arm as he was down on the ground, quickly breaking it with all her strength. He screamed in severe pain, as she looked to the rest of them.`Who’s next?” she said in a cocky tone, knowing she was in command.A third man came at her, but she used her scarf as a whip to trip him. He crawled back to his feet, while she looked at him in a fight stance. They peered at one another, for awhile. Her enemy was looking cocky, pointing behind her. She took a peek, seeing another man standing there. They body language was that of men who knew they had the advantage. They both looked very cocky, knowing they had the advantage in this fight. Yukiko was just not ready give them the satisfaction.`What’s the matter?” she asked. `Are you two too memorized by my beautiful figure to attack me? Come on, boys! I came here for a fight, and I demand that you give me one!”They were angered by her demeanor, and both charged at the same time. She jumped up in the air, and grabbed a pipe that was visible on the ceiling. The men ran right into each other, knocking them to the floor. Yukiko released the pipe, and nailed both men in the face with a beautiful splitting kick. She rolled right back to her feet, and pushed the hair out of her eyes. It was then that she head clapping behind her. She turned around and saw another figure of a male. She quickly regained her composure, and got in a fighting stance to prepare for battle.‘Excellent job,” said the figure.‘Who the hell are you?” said the angry and scared Yukiko.`The name is Simon,” he said. `Simon Kincade. It‘s a pleasure to finally meet you.”‘Why am I here?” asks Yukiko.‘I believe you can answer that question better than I,” said Simon. ’It is hardly normal behavior for anyone to come here, let alone someone as decorated as yourself. Siberia is not a place for well-known kick boxers.”‘I am here to prove I am the best,” says Yukiko. ’Of course, it appears I have been trapped in this hellacious place.”‘I wouldn’t call it a trap,” said Simon, “more of an opportunity.”‘An opportunity?” asked a puzzled Yukiko.‘There is a lot you don’t know about the world, young Yukiko,” says Simon. ‘I am quite the scholar, and am here to enlighten you.”‘I am not here for enlightenment,” says Yukiko angrily. `I did not go this far to learn a life lesson. I came here to be the absolute best at my chosen hobby.‘I will cut to the chase then,” he replied confidently. “You’re special, Yukiko. You’re the best. That is why I asked for you to come here.”‘You flatter me.”‘I am quite aware of your skills, which is why I want you here. I am leader of a group called Aristo. We are a secret society, if you will. We were started 10 years ago by an unknown benefactor. The Cold War was over, and he was concerned with what will become of the world. He highly distrusted a government’s effectiveness in a time of crisis. He wanted to take action when action needed to be taken. That is why he was determined to form a group of the best individuals to protect the world. We work in secret, unknown to the outside world. We protect this world from harm, while we chase our own personal dream of being the absolute best at what we do. That is why we want you. You are someone who lives our credo…to be the absolute best. You are an amazing fighter, and one who several corrupt and evil individuals have in their fiendish plans to increase their own power in the world. With you by their side, these individuals would certainly achieve their goals, but, with you by our side, we will surely win in our fight against them.. We, at Aristo, know what you are capable of achieving. We can’t offer you much more than you already have, only the chance to prove to yourself that you are the best fighter in the world. We can’t force you to join us, but we ask to consider our offer. Will you join Aristo?”Yukiko seems stunned and confused. She is not sure how to react. She is already in a fairly awkward situation as it is. She is stuck in Siberia, miles away from civilization. She really can’t go back now. If she were to decline, it would waste her time, and leave her in a bad position. Besides, she was intrigued by the offer. She is still caught off guard by this Aristo. She doesn’t know how they know her, or why they’d want her. She feels that they aren’t helping her achieve her quest out of mere good will. Something would have to be in it for them, but what? She also wondered what of these corrupt individuals? Trying to use her to destroy the world? Who are they? Why exactly would they want her of all people? Unless, of course, they are standing right in front of her. She doesn’t yet trust Aristo’s intentions, but she is very intrigued by their offer. In the end, she realized that she only had one option…“I accept.”Chapter 2After accepting the invitation to join Aristo, Yukiko was led deeper underground. It was a dark and cold place. To her, it seemed as if it was nothing more a giant labyrinth of twisted tunnels and mazes. She could barely see through where she was going as she dodged various insects and rats who had taken up residence in the tunnel. It wasn’t much better than dealing with what she had dealt with earlier.She was confused. Aristo was supposedly a force dedicated to saving the world, yet, all she had seen at this point was a long abandoned prison in the middle of nowhere, and a plethora of long, winding tunnels leading to who knows where. While Simon was continuing to talk about the greatness of the organization, she was damning herself for making the trip. Her curiosity led her here, and she almost definitely wanted to go back home after everything she has experienced. It just wasn’t worth it, and she feels she had made a mistake. She is highly distrusting of Simon. Maybe he is nothing more than a kook. Fortunately, for Yukiko, before she can go back, it was good news. Finally, the end was in sight, as they spotted what appeared to be a large steal circular door that Simon opened by pressing a button.’Well, Ms. Yukiko,” he said with arms outstretched, ‘welcome to Aristo!”Yukiko was stunned. It was purely amazing that such a structure could be build underground. The place was lined with thick sheets of steel to protect it from possible attack. Several rooms could be scene, all severing various different purposes. Agents were being transported up and down via futuristic elevators. Computers were monitoring everything you could imagine, from the outside of the place to the events or practically every country on earth. People were running everywhere, as they finished their various jobs. Some were translating decoded letters, others delivering papers to various people, a few were paying attention to the computers, and writing down whatever was important. Several men from well-dressed agents to scientists were vying for Simon’s attention, as Yukiko just looked on, quite amazed as what she is seeing.‘Is this…a dream?” she muttered.`Well…some would call it a nightmare,” said a voice.She looks up, and sees a man standing there. He appears to be young. He is short and clean shaven. He has medium length, light brown hair, and is dressed much more casually than the rest of the people here.‘Who are you?” she asked.‘The name’s Jordan,” he said. `Jordan Drake. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”They shake hands, as Yukiko still doesn’t know what to think.`Why is it a nightmare?” she asks.`To be fair, it can be quite amazing at first,” he says. `Of course, I have seen it all many times. In the end, I am still stuck underground somewhere in Siberia. It is not a very exciting prospect to realize I am stuck down for years. As fun as it is being a part of an elite team designed to save the world, sometimes I miss the comforts of home.”‘Home…?” she asks.`For me, home is Canada,” says Jordan. `Being surrounded by all this ice always gives me the strong urge to go watch a hockey game.”‘You’re from Canada?” asks Yukiko.‘Why yes I am,” says Drake. `Everyone is shocked to see a Canadian whenever they meet me.”‘Why’s that?”`This is a place for great men and women. The best of the best are here working to protect the world. Of course, it is said that great men don’t come from Canada. Canada just doesn’t have that kind of respect about it. I am looked at a lot like Canada is. People look at me as a hardworking, nice guy, who is incapable of finding that extra gear that separates great men from simply good ones.”‘I wish you the best. By the way, what do you do here?”`I am thinker. I am a strategist, mostly. I often help determine plans of action for our field agents to take. I also help piece things together. I am quite adequate at discovering the meanings behind little things, often overlooked by those in the field. I do purely brainwork.”Just then, another guy walks up to them. He also appears to be in his twenties. He’s tall and has slicked back, medium length blonde hair. He is also wearing a green sweater with a giant D on it, khaki pants, brown shoes, and cocky grin on his face. Yukiko already knew how she felt about him.`I’m going to hate this guy,” she thought, immediately upon seeing him.He quickly proved her right.`Hey baby,” he said, still flashing the grin. `It is all a pleasure to meet a woman with such fine assets. May I?”He grabs her hand and tries to kiss it. Unfortunately for him, she promptly twists his wrist, as he starts hopping around, screaming in agony.`Don’t you ever touch me like that again!” says Yukiko. `Understand?”`Anything!” he screams, as she continues to put him in pain. `Just stop!”Jordan attends to his friend.`Are you okay, buddy?” he asks, concerned.`I am fine, bro,” replies Ethan. `Do you think I’d let some woman get the best of me? You don’t know me very well. I was faking it to make her feel better.”He stands there for a second, trying to regain his composure. He quickly starts screaming in pain, holding his wrist again.Suddenly, Simon walks over to them again.‘Ah, Ethan,” he says.. `I see you’ve met our newest acquisition, Yukiko Katayama. She’s a former kick boxer, and a woman skilled in several martial arts. Maybe I should have told you that beforehand. Nice to see that you’re keeping your composure like I knew a professional like yourself would.”He pats Ethan on the back, as Ethan clutches his wrist again, still in pain.`Let’s take a walk,” he says with a smile.The foursome walk into a different room. This room is much different than the rest. It is almost like a very large green house. It is full of lush greenery and excellent scenery. It has various beautiful trees, as birds and other animals can be heard. In the background, many agents are relaxing from their hard day’s work by reading, drawing, or just taking in the beautiful scenery that surrounds them. It is an amazing sight to see, especially considering that it is miles underground.`Amazing,” says Yukiko, awestruck.`Isn’t it?” says Simon. `It is a marvel of our work here. It is a place for our agents to relax, and enjoy themselves. It has been a big help to the morale of this place.`”It’s lovely,” says Yukiko.`And Yukiko, I guess I should introduce you to Ethan,” says Simon. `After all, you and him will be working a lot together.”`Hell no!” screams Ethan. `I am not working with that psycho!”`Are you sure about this, Simon?” says Yukiko. `I don’t really like him.”`Forget about this incident, Yukiko,” says Simon. `Despite what you may see, Ethan is actually one of our best agents. He’s an Ivy leaguer, graduating from Dartmouth. His intelligence has shined through on many a mission.”`His intelligence should have told that it was unwise to hit on me,” says Yukiko.`Ethan has a bit of obsession with beautiful women,” says Jordan. `It’s his one weak spot.”`It is quite a pity, too,” replied Simon. `His lust for the ladies has also harmed many of our missions. I will never forget the countless times our mission was nearly ruined after he lusted after someone he shouldn’t. Nothing was as bad as the last time, in Brazil. The entire city of Rio De Janeiro was mere seconds away from being infected with a rare jungle disease, and he was busy fornicating with some bikini clad Brazilian!”`It all worked out!” protests Ethan.`Barely,” says Simon, disgusted. `Despite the distraction of the female, you still managed to save the city. You provided headquarters with a lot of undue stress. If you weren’t damn good at succeeding, you’d be out of here already!”‘I like the challenge,” says Ethan, confidently, while he puts on sunglasses and smiles.`You weren’t perfect, Ethan,” says Simon. `You did let that Portuguese assassin escape.”`Ignacio Ajax?” says Ethan with a hint of anger in his voice. `Don’t remind me.”`That is why I want you to help him, Yukiko,” says Simon. `I feel he needs someone who is both bodyguard and babysitter. I feel you will be perfect for the role.”`What would I have to do, exactly?” asks Yukiko.`Making sure Ethan stays focused on his mission would be a good start,” says Simon. ‘Besides, I think it is best if Ethan focuses less on the physical, and more on the mental in his missions.”`After what happened earlier,” says Yukiko with a slight pause, “I’d be inclined to agree.”They continue walking for a short while, as Simon suddenly stops in front of a young girl on a bench. She has long, dark red hair, tied in a pony tail, and is wearing glasses. She is in front of a laptop, and she is wearing headphones, while singing slightly off key.‘Amadeus! Amadeus! Amadeus! Oh! Oh! Oh! Ama…”`Ahem, Josie!” screams Simon, curtly.Josie looks embarrassed and quickly removes her headphones.`I’m so sorry,” she says. `I just love 80s music…”`That’s not important now,” says Simon. `Yukiko, Ethan, let me introduce you to Josie Fox. She’s a South African computer expert, who is also fluent in many languages. I figured it would be good if you three worked together on your next mission.”`And what’s that?” proclaims Ethan.`I would like for you to go to Angola,” replies Simon.`Angola?!?” says a miffed Ethan. `Why are we needed a place like that?”`Josie, if you would please,” says Simon.Josie clicks a few buttons, and it brings up a picture on the laptop screen.`That is a picture of Dorian Masala,” says Simon. `Up until recently, he has been a popular and well-mannered politician in Namibia. He has worked feverishly to improve life for the common Namibian. It has won him great praise in the country. So much praise, in fact, that in the coming elections there, he is in fact running against their long standing President. Unfortunately, something has changed in him.”`And how does it affect us?” inquires Ethan.`He has changed for the worse,” says Simon. `He has grown increasingly distant from his former friends. He also has been seen in the company of several former mid-level associates of a Mr. Alexander Hermes. I am sure you’re very familiar with him, Ethan.”‘Ah yes,” says Ethan with a hint of laughter and pride. ‘It is nice that those particular associates were able to secure other jobs.`There could be more to this, I think,” says Simon in a serious tone. `I expect you to take care of this!”They nod, and begin to leave, as they keep talking.`I really fail to see how the matters of minor African countries is of any concern to us,” says Ethan. `Larger things are occurring in the world, why are we trying to prevent a rebellion in an area that is full of them? What’s one more?”`Typical American,” replies Yukiko curtly. `You know, the world doesn’t stop in countries just because foolish idiots in the West know nothing about them. I read about Namibia in university. It appears to be an improving and politically stable place. We can‘t have places like fall into chaos because of the ignorant attitudes of foolish Americans.”`Real funny,” says Ethan. `I am just saying that there is no point meddling in the affairs of these countries. There really is not much we can do.”`Break it up,” says Simon. `I have a weird hunch that there may be something more to this than we know. Besides, we have pledged to protect the world, and Angola is part of the world, therefore, we must protect it when it needs our help. I want you three to find out as much about this guy as possible! You are scheduled to meet with him. You’re members of the foreign press who look to interview him on his thoughts about his country’s independence. I am sure you are savvy enough to take it from there. Good luck on your mission!”Chapter 3Hours later, the trio arrives in Windhoek, Namibia. It is a beautiful town. It is an almost an oasis in the desert with beautiful European style architecture, harking back to its colonial days. It is also quite multicultural, combining the European life of its colonial roots, mixed in with its own African culture.The trio arrives in the city. It is quite a warm day, and beautiful day there. The sun shines brightly and beautifully on a day where there is not a cloud in the sky. It seems to match the general mood of the city on this day, as Namibian flags fly proudly around town. People are everywhere, working feverishly in preparation for the coming celebration of Independence Day. The group decides to catch all of this from a seat at one of many cafes that line the city. It is bustling with people of various cultures and ethnicities talking and enjoying life. They sit outside to give them a better view of the people and the scenery. They may have a mission to do, but it is still relaxing, and quite intriguing, to watch the people as they go about their various activities.`3 teas please,” Ethan tells the waitress, as he turns his attention towards Yukiko and Josie. `Are we sure we have all this down?”`Of course,” says Josie. `It is all totally fine. We’re posing as journalists from a South African newspaper. We’re here to gain his thoughts on Namibia and independence day for an article we’re doing on life in Namibia. It’s all fine. In fact, I’ll be doing the interviewing. You two can just stand around and pretend to take notes.”`You live around this general area, Josie,” remarks Yukiko. `Do you really think this guy is dangerous?”`It is tough to say,” says Josie. `I have been following this situation actually. I know a lot about Mr. Masala, actually. He has visited South Africa on a few occasions, and is immensely popular around this area. Of course, recently, he has changed a lot. He still remains popular here, but it is quite clear that there is something different about him.”‘Your teas, sir and madams,” says the waitress.`Thank you,” says Yukiko, taking a sip of her tea.`Too bad we can’t enjoy this for too long,” says Josie. `We have to be at Mr. Masala’s office shortly. It is in the center of town. I as kind of hoping to meet him in the Tintenpalast because I have always wanted to see the “Ink Palace” up close, but, alas it is not to be.”`We’ll be here for awhile, probably,” says Yukiko. `I am sure we may be able to take in the sites.”`Bah,” says Ethan. `I want to get our job done here, and get out as quickly as possible. I despise it here.”`That’s odd, Ethan,” replies Yukiko, taking another sip of tea. `I have taken you as someone who doesn’t really take his job seriously from what I have heard.”`He really doesn’t,” jokes Josie. `He just has an intense hatred of deserts. Is it something from your past, Ethan? I never took you as someone who’d hang out in deserts. I figured you as more of a person who only knew his little Ivy League universe until you joined Aristo.`I have my reasons,” says Ethan curtly, as he goes back to watching the people.The girls continue to engage in their conversation when Ethan catches someone out of the corner of his eye.‘What is he doing here?” mumbling Ethan, to himself.Ethan gets up, and puts some money on the table. The two girls are so engrossed in conversation with a few locals that they don’t notice Ethan getting up and leaving.Ethan begins to give chase to the man he saw. The man in question is very uniquely dressed for this part of the world, wearing blue jeans, sunglasses, and a silk shirt covered in dragons and Chinese writing. He has short, jet black hair, and he wears a medallion around his neck. Ethan noticed immediately that the man was none other than his enemy, Ignacio Ajax, who he failed to capture in Brazil. Ethan probably should have alerted the girls, especially considering their past history, but he wants to regains his pride by finally defeating Ignacio. Luck was not on his side in this day, as upon noticing Ethan, Ignacio takes off running.`Dammit,” screams Ethan, giving chase.Ignacio decides to duck into a large, open air market in the city, as Ethan follows him. The place is filled with life, as it is the most popular part of the day for people to go shopping. It has everything from clothing to various kinds of food. It all provides the perfect chance for Ignacio to escape. Ethan tries his best to give chase, but Ignacio is smart by knocking over everything in front of him as he goes. Ethan is having to dodge everything from clothes racks to vegetables, as he tries to catch the villain. It will be tough, but Ethan is persistent. He manages to trap Ignacio by one of the vendor’s tables.`You’re through, Ignacio,” he says with confidence. `It’s over. I am not letting you escape this time.”`What a fool you are!” says Ignacio with a scoff. `I am not giving up this easily.”Ethan charges him, but he flips himself over the table.`Nice meeting you again,” he says, as he keeps running towards the exit.`Bastard!” screams Ethan, slamming his hand on the table.Ethan tries hard not to disturb anything, and runs around the table, while the shoppers and shopkeepers angrily yell at Ethan and Ignacio for causing such a ruckus in the first place. Ethan is beginning to tire, but he doesn’t want to show it. He does not want to give Ignacio the satisfaction of knowing he is getting the better of Ethan. He sees Ignacio in one of the aisles, and decides it is best to try cut ahead of him, and trap him. Ethan jumps over a few displays, and continues running as fast as he can. He finally is ahead of Ignacio, and sees him, standing there. He stops, and walks slowly towards Ignacio. Ignacio is just standing there, innocently, with his hands in front of him.`It looks like luck is not on your side this time, Ignacio,” says Ethan. `I don’t know why you’re here, or what you’re up to, but I didn’t forget Rio.”`Me neither,” says Ignacio. `It felt just so good making a fool out of you. You were the great man who toppled the whole operation, but, still, you still couldn’t beat me. Aristo’s best man? Ha! I ended that myth quite nicely, huh? Alas, you have me trapped. There is just no way out, I guess. I was beaten by the mighty Ethan Quinn!”`Well, that’s the spirit,” says Ethan as he approaches him, walking on a few pieces of hay that are scattered around the place. `It is nice to know that someone knows when to…”Out of the blue, Ignacio kicks a cage onto the head of Ethan. It crashes to the floor, and the chicken it contained begin to run out of it scared. Ignacio takes out a match, lights it, and throws it into the hay, lighting it on fire. The chickens are running all over the place, looking to escape the fire.`Fire!” yells one of the people there.The people began to spread out in widespread panic out of the market. The fire is rapidly spreading, and Ignacio is escaping. He had to act fast. He grabs a few pail, filled with water that happened near where he was. He douses the flames as quickly as possible.`I am not giving you the satisfaction of beating me yet, Ignacio,” proclaims a determined Ethan.. He slips by the chickens as best he can. He is rapidly peering for an opening to run, as people are still in panic, fearing a massive fire, even though Ethan doused the flames. He continues to give chase, rapidly passing by people, and inching ever closer to Ignacio. Ignacio sees this, and continues to place every obstacle in front of Ethan. It doesn’t slow Ethan. It just makes better. Ignacio continues to look behind him at Ethan. Ethan keeps jumping over or passing by everything he can throw at him. Ignacio can’t believe he cannot put down the determined Ethan. He continues running with the exit in site. He takes a bunch of marbles out of his pocket. He throws them down on the ground, and continues running. Ethan is giving his all in his attempt to catches Ignacio, and fails notice the marbles on the ground. He runs right into them. He tries his best to maintain his balance, but it proves to be impossible. He falls forward into a display of fruit that someone was selling.. Ethan fell hard on his shoulder, and could only watch, as the villain escapes once again. Before he left from Ethan’s view, Ethan noticed that Ignacio kissed the lucky medallion around his neck. Ethan knows that is a sign that Ignacio knows he has won. Ethan is embarrassed and frustrated. He was outsmarted by Ignacio once again. It was not something that the genius Ivy leaguer took well. He gave it everything he had, but, in the end, Ignacio was able to get the best of him. Adding to his embarrassment, Yukiko and Josie suddenly catch up with him.‘Hi Ethan,” mutters Yukiko condescendingly. `You know, if you were going after dangerous villains, you probably should have called us. We wouldn’t want you getting hurt, but, hey, you smell great!”`We’re a team, Ethan,” says an angry Josie. `We need to get serious, and do our jobs! We shouldn’t be chasing after villains alone!”Ethan curses to himself. He is extremely mad at himself for failing to catch Ignacio. He just sits there, as his two friends look very displeased.`Ethan,” says Yukiko unhappily. `You nearly destroyed the entire market. As it is, merchandise is everywhere. You can’t take on Ignacio. You need our help. The less of these situations we have, the better.”`Who are you to say I can’t beat him?” says an insulted Ethan. `I refuse to believe he can get the better of me. I must prove that I can get the better of him. I am smarter than he is. I know it. I refuse to believe that he can always make me look like an idiot whenever he and I meet.He looks up at Yukiko and Josie. He feels like getting right back to his feet, and chasing after Ignacio once again. He can’t though because he has these two women who look less than pleased with his actions here. He turns his attentions to Josie. She looks, especially angry at him.`What?” he asks.`We have a meeting with Mr. Masala in 15 minutes,” says Josie with her hands on her hips. `You are in no condition to see him!”`I think I’ll head back to the hotel,” says Ethan disappointed.`I am going with you, Ethan,” says Yukiko. `As a Japanese female, I would look just a bit odd claiming to be South African.”`Excellent point,” says Josie laughing. `How did I not realize that? Silly me. I’ll handle it. A South African journalist is my usual cover. It won’t be a problem.She runs off to the meeting. Yukiko picks up Ethan, and hands him a towel.`It looks like I’ll be needing to watch you all the time,” says Yukiko chuckling. `I am your bodyguard. I would want you getting hurt by any errant fruits.”Chapter 4It is a few hours later. Yukiko and Ethan have returned to the hotel. It is a beautiful room overlooking the center of the city. It provides a lovely view for a modest price. Yukiko is sitting near the window, enjoying the view, while Ethan lies on the bed, still frustrated by his failure early in the day.`It’s alright, Ethan,” says Yukiko, trying to comfort him. `You’ll get him the next time.”`It’s not that,” says Ethan. `He’s here in this city. It is not exactly a port of call for trained assassins. He’s here for a reason, and I think that reason has a lot to do with our good friend, Mr. Masala.”`An astute observation,” says Yukiko. `How can we prove it?”`We have to find him,” says Ethan, getting up to look out the window. `He has to be somewhere in this town.”Right after he says this, Josie walks in the door. She looks very pleased.`Did you find anything?” asks Yukiko.`Yes and no,” says Josie. `It was largely a fluff interview, but I found his secretary quite intriguing.”`Gee, I didn’t know you swung that way, Josie,” says Ethan with a smile.`Not that, you buffoon,’ says Josie. `You see, she was Korean.”`Korean women are hot,” utters Ethan, `but I don’t see how that’s relevant here.”`She is a Korean in Africa,” yells Josie. `There aren’t many Koreans in Africa.”`Such a pity too…”`I decided that I am going to look her up on my computer,” says Josie, grabbing at her computer. Jasmine Kim is her name. I wonder what will pop up.”Josie furiously inputs data into her computer, then she waits for her computer to complete its search. Seconds later, a match comes up on the computer.`Let’s see,” says Josie with a pencil in her mouth. `Jasmine Kim. Her real is Mi Sun Kim from Busan, South Korea. She was an actress, and a rising star in Korea after her role in a landmark romantic comedy. Born, January 18. Died…three years ago? What the heck?”`Maybe it is someone using the name,” says Yukiko.`It can’t be,” says Josie. `She looks just like the girl I saw. Let me dig a bit deeper.”She continues to search the database, and, soon after, finds what she was looking to discover.`Here we go,” she says with a pride. `It says here that she has become his secretary within in the last few months. Before that, she spent two years living in Austria of all places. That is very interesting indeed. I am contacting Simon.”She presses a few buttons, and Simon appears on the screen from headquarters.`Have you found anything of note?” he asks.`This is getting very interesting,” says Josie. `Ethan had a confrontation with Ignacio Ajax while we were walking around town.”`Interesting,” says Simon, pondering. `Ignacio has worked freelance since Hermes’ empire crumbled. He also doesn’t come cheaply. Someone wealthy is bankrolling his efforts, and I don’t particularly think it’s Mr. Masala.”`I also found something interesting at Masala’s place,” says Josie. `Apparently, he has a Korean secretary. She’s not just any secretary. Apparently, she died three years ago, but has shown up mysteriously in Austria before she came here to become Masala’s secretary.”`That is a fairly interesting turn of events,” says Simon. `Austria, eh? I’ll have some agents here look into it. It’s clear that something is afoot. It’s all a matter of finding out what that is. You three should try to figure out what you can there. Ignacio should still be there, and finally getting him would be a definite help. Be sure to keep up with anything the President is doing that will put him in the public eye. We can’t let them put whatever this plan is to motion. Good luck, you three.”`Thank you, boss,” replies Josie humbly.Before Josie can say anything else, the phone rings. Josie decides to answer it as Ethan turns on the television.The scene on the television is of an outdoor press conference. It shows three well-dressed men in suits, excitedly announcing something. The reporter elaborates the story:`In other news today, the Cerberus Corporation excitedly announced plans to help fight disease in Africa. They call it Project Asclepius, after the Greek god of medicine and healing. The aim is to provide medicine and vaccines to Africans who desperately need them, as well, eventually, develop cures for malicious diseases such as HIV. Their President, Vincent Chimera, called it a big victory in the fight against deadly disease in Africa. He also mentioned his mother, who worked diligently in Africa, attempting to save endangered species. He thanked her for showing him the beauty and Africa, and said that the Asclepius project will, hopefully, make Africa an even more beautiful place, once its goals are achieved.There is much skepticism about it in its early stages, as experts point to the failure of Project Artemis, designed to help protect the rainforests in South America. It was starting to shows signs of being a great success, when it was mysteriously put on hold a few months ago for reasons not made public…”Ethan turns off the television in disgust, as Yukiko wonders what’s wrong.`What was that about?” she asks, confused.`It’s all a sham,” says Ethan angrily.`I think they are doing good work,” says Yukiko.`You don’t understand,” says Ethan, shaking his head. `I just know there is more to them than meets the eye.”`What more could there be?” asks Yukiko curiously. `They have spent the last ten years giving back their immense well by setting up humanitarian and environmental organizations designed to help the world be a better place. My sensei even works for them. He is a good man. He would associate himself with them if they planned to do harm to the world.”`I feel they are fooling the world,” says Ethan in a concerned tone. `It all happened when I was over in Brazil. At the time, everyone was trumpeting the amazing world of Project Artemis. I was busy trying to stop a Brazilian madman who had gained access to a rare disease that he planned to use to infect all of Brazil, starting with Rio de Janeiro. He had planned to infect the water supply of the people. I defeated him, and the vials in his possession were mostly destroyed. The thing was that I didn’t quite believe he was capable of masterminding such an attack. I always felt that was someone else behind the whole thing. Oddly enough, Project Artemis was stopped shortly afterwards for reasons never explained.”`Purely coincidence,” says Yukiko. `They were there to save the rainforest, not to spread disease to the people of Brazil.”`Maybe they were saving the rainforest by trying to significantly reduce the population who was destroying it,” says Ethan. `It is a well-known fact that Vincent Chimera’s mother was a lover of nature. She headed a group that was involved in trying to stop the poaching of endangered animals in Africa. It is no secret that her untimely demise was caused by the poachers, and that Chimera has always resented that fact. He wants revenge, Yukiko.”`You’re foolish, Ethan,” replied Yukiko, rolling her eyes. `You’re making a mountain out of a molehill!”Before Ethan can reply, Josie interrupts with great news.`We’ve been invited to go to a symphony!” she says happily.`What?” asks Yukiko.`The President of Namibia is a friend of mine,” says Josie. `We met when he visited South Africa, and I was under the guise of a simple reporter. He discovered that I’m in town, and invited my friends and I to go to the symphony with him tonight.”`Does this mean I have to wear a dress?” asks Yukiko, worried. `Because I don’t wear dresses.”`Of course you must,” says Josie. `You have to look nice for the symphony.”`I don’t even know how to walk in heels,” protests Yukiko. `Dresses are too tight for me anyway!”`Yukiko,” says Ethan. `We need to be with the President if he is going out in public. This gives us a perfect opportunity to protect him, just in case. And, hey, I’m sure you’d look hot in a dress.She slaps him.`Never say that,” says Yukiko, angered. `For the mission, I guess I will have to wear a dress. I just hope I can fight in it.”`Let’s get ready!” yells Josie, grabbing Yukiko. `We have no time to lose!”Chapter 5In another part of town, in the office of Dorian Masala, he is getting some late evening work done before he heads off to the symphony to join the President. It could well be the biggest day of his life if things goes off as planned. If it is to fail, he knows that the Presidency will most certainly slip through his finger. He is not like the affable, handsome, and charismatic President. He is an aging politician. His gray hair and beard are reminders that he is not as young as he used to be. He is not the best of speakers, nor the most handsome. He is competent as what he does, and remains popular with his people, but he feels it isn’t enough to win him the Presidency. This worries him.He was once a proud man who was a champion of the people. He wants to do something, but fears it is too late. He has made a deal with a ruthless villain, and now has to live with it.He finishes the last of his work, and takes the handkerchief out of his pocket to wipe his brow. He hears a knock at the door, it’s Jasmine.`They’re here,” she announces with glee.`Let them in,” he replies.The door opens, and in walks four men. He recognizes Ignacio Ajax, but is unfamiliar with the other three. Two of the men are Namibian, and are rather large in stature. They are both in suits, and sunglasses. The last man is a Westerner. He is young, with long, dirty blond hair, and a scar below his left eye. He is well-dressed, wearing a grey trench coat, black button down shirt, and trousers. He also carries a cane with him.`Hello, Mr. Masala,” he says in a pronounced English accent. `The name is Alistair Weatherby. It is a pleasure to meet you. I am sure you have met my associates, Mr. Ignacio Ajax, and Mr. Ein, and Mr. Zwei. You see, tonight, at the symphony, Ein and Zwei will be accompanying the President as his bodyguards. Of course, they are already in our employ, meaning that the President will have no one to protect him when Ajax finishes him.”`Excellent,” replies Dorian. `How exactly shall the plan occur?”`It’s rather simple,” says Alistair. `We have gotten Ignacio access to the upper levels due to a bit of bribing. The President and his entourage shall be in their private box in the balcony, watching the event. At an undetermined, point, Jasmine will go to the powder room. She will step out, and drop her purse. The two guards standing on the outside of the room will likely help the beautiful Jasmine. At this point, Ignacio comes up, and disposes of one of the guards, while Jasmine takes care of the other. Jasmine simply walks away, and Ignacio enters the room. He takes his weapon, and takes out the President. At this point, the bodyguard shall grab their weapon, looking to strike back at Ajax, only to show their true colors, and wipe out the rest of his party. This will leave only you, Dorian, as you valiantly try to fight back against the guards. You capture Zwei, and you look like the hero for capturing one of the assassins. Of course, Zwei eventually escapes, and all is well.”`I like it,” says Dorian. `I will become President for sure after all this.”`At least, that is how the plan was supposed to go,” replies Alistair.`What do you mean?” asks Dorian. `Is there a problem?”`A very big problem,” says Alistair angered. `Do you know that woman who interviewed you today?” `Yes,” replies Dorian. `She works for a South African newspaper…’`You fool!” yells Alistair, getting in his face. `This is why I hate working with others outside our organization. She is no reporter. She is a South African secret agent who works for Aristo.”`Aristo?” asks Dorian clueless.`A secret organization of the best people in the world,” says Alistair, calming down. `They’re mission is to protect the world from the people who want to harm it. They have been onto you for awhile. They realize you are up to something, and want to figure out what that is. Don’t worry about that girl. She’s more of a computer hacker than a secret agent. She can’t beat us.”`That’s…comforting,” replies a worried Dorian, who is sweating profusely, and is barely able to under those words.Dorian keeps rubbing his brow with his handkerchief, as Alistair sits on his table, smiling away at him.`She is not the only one though,” says Alistair.`She…is…not?” replies Dorian.`No,” says Alistair calmly. `In fact, she’s brought two friends with her. One is a tough as nails female kick boxer, who is near unbeatable in combat. My associates want nothing more than to have her on our side, but Aristo got to her first. She’s not the big problem. Oh no! Far from it!”Alistair is taking deep breathes. His anger is increasing with every thought. Dorian cowers in fear next to him, scared about what he is going to say.`My organization has had a lot of plans,” he says slowly raising his voice. ‘In the 5 years I have been here, we have done many things to cause havoc around the world. Not even the powerful Aristo could stop us…until he came along!”He continues to take deep breaths, trying to maintain calm, but he is looking desperately like he is about to explode.`He took down the entire organization of one of the most powerful men in the world!” he utters, as he knocks all of the papers off of Dorian’s desk.`Calm down, bro,” says Ignacio, trying to comfort him. `You don’t have to worry. I’ve beaten him! He is good, but he couldn’t beat me! I have fortune on my side…like always.Ignacio kisses his medallion, and smiles.`You fool!” replies Alistair, angrily. `You will need a lot more than luck to beat him! He has driven great men insane. He has defeated plot after plot after plot! And, when you look at him, you wonder, how does he do it?”`You’re mad, man!” replies Ajax.`He beat my mentor,” says Alistair. `He defeated Alexander Hermes! He won’t beat me! Not this time! I am paid well by my new employers, and they want this job done. It is up to me to accomplish it. I shall be the one to defeat the great Ethan Quinn!”`I don’t think he’s that great,” says Ignacio. `I have made a fool of him twice now. Third time’s a charm? I have all the luck in the world on my side.”`You annoy me,” replies Alistair, growing calmer. `What is it with you and that medallion anyway?”`’Twas a gift from my mother,” says Ignacio. `It used to belong to an Aztec king. It apparently brought him great luck. Unfortunately, it was stolen by a servant girl. It bounced around for many generations afterwards, when my great-grandparents, two of most foremost jewel thieves of their day, stole it. It has been in my family ever since. My mother bestowed it upon me, claiming that I was the luckiest man on earth. I can’t quite disagree. Fortune has been very good to me indeed.”`Interesting family,” replies Alistair.`I guess it’s in my blood,” replies Ignacio. `Of course, if I am able to finally defeat Ethan, I shall become the greatest of them all! It shouldn’t be hard. The rumor is that he and his friends will be with the President tonight at the symphony. I am sure Ein, Zwei, and I can handle it without much of a problem. They’ll be sitting ducks at that symphony. It will solve our two biggest problems in one foul sweep.’`Don’t look so far ahead, Ethan,” says Alistair. `They are very skilled at what they do. They won’t make it easy. Besides, I have known Ethan a lot longer than you have, Ignacio. Everything could be going perfectly with something. It may not even seem that Ethan has a clue about it, then, suddenly, out of nowhere, he ends up in the right place at the right time, and throws a wrench in everything!”`Mere dumb luck,” replies Ignacio with a laugh. `Somehow, I wouldn’t worry. I have fortune on my side against him.``Sometimes, I wonder though,” says Alistair, thinking. `It seems as if he is so lucky. It is like he always will find a way to beat people. It makes me question what it is about him. Is he just merely lucky? Just in the right place at the right time, or is he just so skilled, so intelligent, that, somehow he just knows how to outthink even the greatest of geniuses. He is always one step ahead of people!”`Not me,” says Ignacio confidently. `I have proven he can’t possibly defeat me. I will continue to make a fool of him!”`Don’t be so cocky, young Ignacio,” replies Alistair. `Chaos and luck are your greatest allies. Ethan can find a way to defeat those eventually, or if luck doesn’t go your way. Merely escaping shall not defeat Quinn. You can’t give him so much time to think, and so many chances because you can’t always beat him. You have to strike when you have the chance!”`I am not scared,” says Ignacio. `As long I have this medallion around my neck, I have nothing to fear. Now, I must get to the symphony. It should be a grand night!”Ignacio walks out of the room, while Alistair turn to Dorian.`You best be getting ready, sir,” says Alistair. `Tonight is your night to shine like no other! Tonight, you start you journey towards great power! Surely, you will be the kind of the leader my associates shall love! First, we shall eliminate your President, and next, we shall take care of that nasty legislative branch, leaving your country in chaos. This shall lead to you taking command, and leading your people into the kind of oblivion they are fated to suffer!”He gets off of the desk, and begins to leave. He start singing gleefully.`Oh what a beautiful morning…oh what a beautiful day!”Dorian sits there, with his head in his hands. He looks at the Namibian flag in his office, and cries.`Oh, what have I done?!?” he says. `I am giving this beautiful country to rogues like them. I am letting the people who trusted me become nothing more than guinea pigs for a madman!”He paces some more, very worried.`I can’t do this to Namibia!” he cries.He turns around, and sees his secretary behind him, the lovely Jasmine Kim. She has short, dyed brown hair. She has long fingernails, painted a beautiful shade of lavender. She is wearing flip flops, and wearing a white and black dress with an anklet around her right ankle and a small bird tattooed on her left. Her face is very innocent looking, hardly the face of a malicious rogue, like the rest of the group.`Can’t do what, my lord?” she asks.`Nothing,” he replies.`You aren’t going to betray the plan, right?” she asks.`Of course not,” he says.`Good,” she replies. `Think of all the power you will have after this! You will be the most powerful person in all of Namibia. If our plans goes well, maybe even all of a Southern Africa!”`Right,” he says with some hesitation.She grabs him, and they leave the office. The symphony awaits.Chapter 6It is a few hours later. Many of Windhoek’s finest citizens are out tonight to go to see the symphony at the National Theatre. It is a patriotic themed night with the coming Independence Day. It is a celebration of the unique mix of cultures in Namibia, featuring a combination of classic music and African dance. It is quite a grand event, and almost everyone who’s anyone is there, including their proud President, who sits happily next to his wife in the skybox. He is the opposite of the graying Marsala, he is youthful and attractive. He is in late forties, but, with his youthful appearance and glowing smile, he looks much younger. He is easily the star of the country, as Namibia has prospered quite well under his leadership, and the people appreciate him for all he has done for the country. Unfortunately for him, he has no knowledge of the fate that his enemies hold in their hands.Sitting near him are Ethan, Yukiko, and Josie, along with his body guards, Marsala, and Jasmine Kim. Marsala, the body guard, and Ethan are in tuxedos, while Yukiko, Josie, and Jasmine are all in dresses now. Jasmine is wearing a red Chinese dress with her hair pinned up in a Chinese fashion, and is carrying an elaborate fan. Josie is dressed to the nines, wearing a black dress, makeup, and a lot of fancy jewelry. On the other hand, Yukiko is in a sparkly silver dress, looking very uncomfortable, and turning to Josie.`How do women wears these things?” she asks Josie. `This dress and shoes are just so uncomfortable! I am going to rip them off the second I get back to the hotel!”`You have to get used to it, Yukiko,” says Josie. `You look great! You should be happy. This dress is certainly better looking then those fighting outfits you wear!” `But I like my fighting outfits!” protests Yukiko. `Much more comfortable!”`You’ve spent too much time learning martial arts,” says Josie, sighing. `You need to learn how to be a lady!”`But my goal is to be the world’s greatest fighter,” replies Yukiko. `Trying to be a lady would only distract me from my main goal.”`I agree with Josie,” says Ethan, interrupting. `You look hot in that dress, Yukiko. If you ever need help getting out of that dress, you know who to call.”Yukiko just rolls her eyes at Ethan.`Why were badgering that poor usher, Ethan?” asks Josie.`Something didn’t seem quite right there, Josie,” replies Ethan. `That couldn’t possibly have been just an usher.”`But he’s just an usher!” protest Josie, throwing up her hands.`You’re too caught up in computers, Josie,” says Ethan. `I have dealt with plenty of these guys, I have an instinct for these kinds of things.”Just then, Jasmine motions towards Ethan.`Excuse me,” she says.Ethan turns towards her, and looks her right in the eyes.`She gorgeous!” he thinks. `I am so getting this girl tonight. If she knows I am a hot, available secret agent, I could only imagine how she’d react.”`Would you know when this thing starts?” She asks.`In a few minutes,” says Ethan. `By the way, what is a girl like you doing up here anyway?”`I am just Mr. Marsala’s secretary,” she says, blushing. `He invited me here. I am not really a big fan, but I thought it would be fun.”`How did you get here to Namibia anyway, Miss…” asks Ethan.`Ms. Kim, Jasmine Kim,” she says. `I am on internship from my university in Vienna. I have a rich parents, who sent me there for my schooling. I figure a trip to Namibia would help me see the world.”`Fascinating,” says Ethan. `I guess you could say I do the same in my current job. Did you know I graduated from Dartmouth? I’m Ivy League, baby!”`I am not familiar with this…Ivy League,” she says humbly. `My apologies. I lived a very sheltered life in Korea.”Before Ethan can respond, the show begins, and the conversation stops. All eyes are now glued to the stage, where Namibian dancers are dancing to classical beats played by the symphony. The show is quite unique, and is able to easily draw in the crowd. Both the orchestra and the dancers are considered the best in Namibia. They are easily putting on a top notch show for the night. It goes for many minutes, but it is clear in the balcony that both Ethan and Jasmine are displeased and uncomfortable. The music is beautiful, but the symphony is just not Ethan’s thing. Jasmine is uncomfortable for another reason: she’s waiting to get to do her part of the plan.Meanwhile, just on the outside of the President’s private box on the balcony, Ignacio Ajax waits in hiding. He has already dispatched of the first set of guards, guarding the President from afar. He still has to get past the last two to enter. He waits patiently for Jasmine, while he talks secretly to Alistair.`It sounds like they are rapping up the song, Alistair,” he says. `It also appears that Ethan is in there with him. We will be the pride of this outfit after this. The boss is quite pissed at Ethan’s meddling in his private affairs. Now, we finally get a chance to do something about it. The rest of those Aristo fools don’t have a clue who the big boss even is. This is going to be great! May fortune be with me.”He kisses his medallion again, as, on the stage, the selection is coming to its conclusion. The crowd is still quite into the piece They can’t wait to rise up, and give it the proper applause. If they only knew that the intermission between the songs is going to be when the plan is going to be hatched, they wouldn’t be so ready to give applause. The greatest tragedy is the country’s history is just waiting for a song to end to become a reality.The selection finally ends. Almost everyone in the theatre rises up, and gives much applause to the musicians and dancers. You can barely hear in the room because the applause is so thunderous. While the rest of the crowd is showing their appreciation to an excellent piece, Jasmine is quickly trying to file out of the theatre.`Excuse me, I have to go to the bathroom,” she tells those near her, as she rushes out of her seat, and opens the door.She immediately sees two men standing there. They are quite muscular, and silent. They are doing their job of guarding their President, and trying not to focus on anything else. Of course, it is hard for anyone to keep focused with an innocent-looking Asian girl such as Jasmine near them. They nod to her, while she walks out of the room. She accidentally scratches one of the men on the hand with her long nail, as she exits.`I’m so sorry…” she says silently.She takes a few steps, and then trips. She falls flat on her face, accidentally breaking one of her nails on one of the men as she fell, trying to get his The two men rush over there to help her back to her feet.`Oh, I am so sorry,” she says innocently. `I didn’t think…”Before she can finish her sentence, one of the men is hit in the back of the head with a metal object. The other tries to react, but suddenly clutches his arm, and falls to the ground.`I guess I should have told him that my nails were laced with a fast acting poison,” she says with a pout. `Such a pity.”`Go,” whispers Ignacio. `I can take it from here.”Ignacio gets up to his feet, taking out his weapon, and heading towards the door.Inside the theatre, they are oblivious as the happenings outside of it. They don’t realize that the guards are no more, and that Ignacio is just outside the door. Suddenly, Ethan makes a gesture.`Excuse me,” says Ethan. `I think I have to go to the bathroom.”`Why must you follow every attractive woman, Ethan?!?” says a angry Josie. `Why can’t you just sit back and enjoy yourself?”`But I am enjoying myself,” he replies with a smile. `Now, if you’re excuse me, I have something to do.”Ethan gets up and heads towards the door to the outer part of the theatre. He seems quite excited, maybe hoping to make more chit chat with Jasmine. He opens it…BOOM!Ignacio fired his weapon, but not before Ethan tackled him to the ground. It went wild, hitting the wife of the President. The crowd goes from applause to chaos, as the people are now rushing to get out of the building. People are screaming, wondering what the heck just happened. The President gets up, and starts screaming for help. His wife looks like she could be badly hurt by the attack. He cuddles his wife in his arms, screaming and praying. Josie is an absolute wreck, while Yukiko is calmly removing her shoes.`Why are you doing that?!?” scream Josie.`You don’t expect me to run in these, do you?” replies Yukiko. `I can barely walk in these things as it is!”`We need to help Ethan!” screams Josie.`You can’t go out there,” says Zwei. `It could be dangerous!” `You don’t tell me what to do!” retorts Yukiko indignantly. `He’s my friend, and I will help him!”`We will handle it!” says Ein, with confident.`Just get some paramedics up here immediately!” screams the President.`I don’t think you’ll need them, sir,” says Zwei.Just then, Ein and Zwei pull out their weapons, and point them towards the President.`NOOOOO! You can‘t do this to Namibia!”They fire, but, out of nowhere, Marsala jumps in front of the President, taking the shots for him. Marsala falls to the ground, bleeding profusely from his chest. Ein and Zwei are stunned. Yukiko immediately takes advantage by kicking the weapon out of Zwei’s hand. He charges her, but she flips him on his back. Ein tries to fire at Yukiko, but she moves like a cat to avoid it. She jumps up on the balcony, and nails Ein in the face in with a flying kick, dropping him to the ground. Zwei is back to his feet now, as Yukiko gets in a fighting stance. Screaming and sirens can be heard in the background, as the two prepare for a fight.In the hallway, Ethan and Ignacio are having a battle of their own. Both men are trying to destroy the other before the authorities arrive. They roll around on the floor, punching each other, trying to gain a clear cut advantage. Ethan is bleeding from the mouth, while Ignacio has a bad cut above his right eye. They continue brawling for a few seconds, but neither man is gaining the clear advantage. Ignacio quickly realizes this fact, and pushes Ethan off of him. He rises back to his feet to continue the fight that way.`Give it up, Ethan,” says Ignacio, huffing and puffing. `You can’t possibly beat me. Luck is on my side.”`I am never giving up when it comes to you,” replies Ethan. `You have been a thorn in my side since Brazil, and I plan to remove it!”`Have it your way then,” says Ignacio. `Shouldn’t you be helping the President? Or poor Yukiko, having to deal with three men all by her lonesome?”`What?!?” says Ethan, trying to enter back into the room.Ignacio grabs Ethan by his hair, and busts him face first into the wall. Ethan drops to his knees, hurting badly. Ignacio continues punching him in the face, while things are not look good for Ethan. He continues to viciously stomp as Ethan lays injured on the ground. Ethan continues to try to make it back to his feet, but get past the onslaught of Ignacio. Finally, Ethan looks defeated. He is crawling pathetically on his hands and knees, trying to get to his feet. Ignacio temporarily halts his onslaught, and peers at Ethan. He laughs at his pathetic and injured open. He kicks Ethan in the stomach, and Ethan finally drops, too injured to move.“It’s time to finish it,” says Ignacio, exhausted. `He doubted that I could defeat Quinn, but now, just look at it. Ethan Quinn, the unbeatable genius, lays at my feet. Don‘t worry, Ethan. You were a tough challenge, so I‘ll do the honorable thing, and make your demise quick.”Ignacio turns around, and begins to walk towards his weapon that he lost earlier in the fight. He is near it when Ethan grabs his leg, tripping him.`I am not done yet!” screams Ethan at his foe.`Go to hell, Quinn,” replies Ignacio. `How did you manage to survive that? Don’t get your hopes up, pal, because I will finish you!”Ignacio tries to crawl towards his weapon, but Ethan is holding the leg tightly. Ethan pulls Ignacio away from the weapon, and decks him hard in the jaw. In desperation, Ignacio knees him in the stomach, and pushes him off of him.Both men crawl back to their feet. Ignacio continues his aggressive approach, but Ethan is ready for it. He blocks Ignacio’s punches, and turns the tables with a punch to the gut. He begins laying rights and left to the jaw of the helpless Ignacio. Ignacio is punch drunk and staggering, with Ethan beginning to gain the clear advantage in the fight. He tries one last desperation attack, but Ethan sidesteps him. Ignacio turns around, right into a powerful uppercut from Ethan. Ignacio drops to the ground, unconscious. Ethan drops to one knee, and tries to catch his breath. He is beaten and bruised from the intense fight, but he knows he has to help his friends.`I must continue fighting,” he says. `I must help Yukiko!”He gets back to his feet. His tuxedo is torn in several spots, but he has defeated Ignacio. He reenters the room and sees the chaos occurring. The President is trying to help his hurt wife. Dorian is down, barely alive, while Yukiko is still fighting Zwei. Both have slight injuries, most notably a cut on Zwei’s face from Yukiko’s toenail. They are eyeing each other, looking for an advantage to win the fight, when Yukiko looks to her side, and sees Ethan.`Nice to see you finally show up, Ethan,” says Yukiko, jokingly. `I thought you could have beaten Ignacio faster than that!”`Thanks…I think,” he says.Yukiko quickly turns to her opponent, as Zwei charges hard at her when he saw an opening. Yukiko is way ahead of him, ducking a few karate like kicks from him. He keeps trying an aggressive attack, but Yukiko is using her strategy to perfection. He keeps striking, but she keeps diving out of his way. She knows she can‘t match his strength, so she is trying to wear him down before moving in for the finish.He is getting really frustrated, while Yukiko is keeping her cool nicely in the fight. She is taking small shots when she can, while her larger opponent continues to tire. Seeing that Yukiko is alright, the exhausted Ethan drops to one knee again, and just watches it.`I can handle this,” says Yukiko with confidence.She ducks another punch from Zwei. He is continuing to get angrier and more frustrated at the fact that Yukiko keeps using her speed and quickness to elude him. Yukiko realizes that it is time to move in for the kill. She quickly slips off of her dress, kicking it into her hands with her foot. Zwei turns around, and she throws the dress at his face.`What kind of trickery is this,” he says, trying to get the dress out of his face.He continues to struggle with it, as Yukiko get ready. He throws it to the side, and Yukiko quickly runs towards him. He turns his attention back towards Yukiko, but is immediately met with a jumping kick to the face from Yukiko. He falls backwards, and off the balcony. He falls to the chairs below it. Yukiko walks over to the end of the balcony to check on him. She looks down, and sees that he is finished. She also notices her discarded dress down there as well. Of course, not that she minds, as she is quite comfortable in a sports bra and shorts, which is similar to the outfit she wore during her kickboxing career. As for Ein, he is still knocked out from her kick earlier, as Yukiko keeps watch on him to make sure he doesn’t regain consciousness.Paramedics and the police finally arrive a few seconds after Yukiko defeated Zwei. They began to attend to the injured, including Ethan and Yukiko. The President is broken up about what happened, and is still deeply concerned for his wife. As he is leaving with the paramedics, Dorian, barely hanging onto his last breath, stops him.`I’m sorry,” he says. `I thought I could have it all, but, realized I made a grave error. I am sorry to you, I am sorry to the people of Namibia, and I am sorry to Namibia herself for the grave injustice I pulled against them. I realized you are the one to lead Namibia into glory, and I was…wrong.”`Who was behind this?” asked the President.`It…was,” says Dorian, struggling. `It was…It was…Alis…Alis…”`Try to say it!” Dorian coughs some more, but finally manages to spit out…”Alistair!”One of the paramedics checks Dorian’s vital signs frantically.`He’s dead,” he says.`Dammit!” screams the enraged President. `What the hell just happened?Ethan looks up at him, while he is being treated by the paramedics for his injuries. He begins talking, with a tinge of anger in his voice, “A colossal mistake!”Chapter 7It is a few hours later. The story is now all over the city about the assassination attempt on the President. The earlier optimism about the coming Independence Day has been quickly dashed. The people are in absolute shock at what has happened. The President’s wife is dead, along with his main political rival, and 2 of his bodyguards. Ein isn’t talking, Jasmine is missing, and Ignacio managed to escape. It was a national tragedy, and, right now, there are more questions than answers. People are gathering around outside the hospital in mourning for the late First LadyThe hospital is quite packed inside with the usual patients and doctors. Some reporters have even filtered inside the hospital, looking for information on the incident. Yukiko and Josie are also there. They are waiting for Ethan. He took a massive beating in his fight with Ignacio, and he is still being treated by the doctors for his injuries. They are looking around when they hear a loud ruckus near them. The reporters are beginning to go crazy, trying to get a picture, and a chance to talk to the President. He is looking like a different man. He looks to have aged 10 years in one night. He is sullen and disheveled. It is obvious by his face that he has cried a lot since the incident. It has hurt him greatly, but he realize that, as leader, he must take control as best he can. He is trying to put on the best public face he can, but it is rather obvious that the incident has broken him. He walks right by the reporters, and goes up to Yukiko and Josie. Josie is still badly broken up about the whole thing. She is still crying about it all. Yukiko is as emotionless as ever, and is trying to console Josie. Josie and the President embrace, as they begin talking.`My condolences,” she says. `I never thought it would happen like that. I am sorry we couldn’t do more.”`Don’t be, sorry,” he replies. `You and your friends did a lot, and saved my life. For that, I and the country of Namibia, wholeheartedly thank you. We also need your help on this whole matter. After all of this went down, I realized that you are a lot more than you say, Josie. I thought you were only a reporter, but I guess I was wrong. I was hoping you and your friends could help me…”`I was a report,” she says. `I ended up a secret agent. I work for Aristo, along with my friends here. We plan to do everything in our power to catch who did this.”`I wouldn’t expect anything less,” says the President. `I am just here to ask you what know about this whole ordeal. Surely, your coming here wasn’t merely a social call. Obviously, you knew something was amiss.”`That we did,” replies Yukiko. `We were sent here to investigate your rival, Dorian Masala. We had received reports that he was acting erratically, and talking with many people we knew to be criminals.. We know he is behind this, but we also realize there was someone pulling the strings.”`Any clue who that was?” he asks.`None, unfortunately,” says Yukiko. `We do know his secretary is somehow connected. Our files said that she is actually dead, but somehow popped up in Austria two years ago before moving here to Namibia. We figure she is much more than she seems, but we don‘t quite understand everything about her.”`Quite true,” he says. `I always had my doubts about her. It just seemed to be odd to me that a Korean girl would be working here, and it coincided with his fall from grace. It is too bad. He had a lot of potential. It was incredibly out of character for him to do such things.”`I understand,” says Josie. `I have read a lot about him, and he appeared to be a person on the rise in the country. He was very popular. I guess he let his quest for power corrupt him, and do such horrible things. It’s unfortunate.”`And now he’s dead,” says Yukiko. `We must figure out who is behind all of this, and, more importantly, what are they planning to do next?”`What do you mean?” asks the President, clueless.`They hired Ignacio Ajax,” says Yukiko. `From what I understand, he is a high ranking assassin, one of the best in the world. He was also seen consorting with dangerous, high level criminals in the past few months. With all due respect, sir, your country is not exactly on the top of the totem pole of places that malicious men target. They also are not exactly interested in changing leaders, unless there is something in it for them. We need to find out what that something is.”`Good point,” he replies. `I am thinking we need to find this Alistair that Dorian talked about before his demise. I have sent police officers over to his office in hopes of discovering something he may have left there. We should know the results shortly.As he utters those words, a fat man wearing a suit coat, shirt, trousers, and glasses walks up to the President.`It is nice to see you again, Commissioner,” he says. `Have we discovered anything from the search?”The Commissioner is silent. He sighs, and the President immediately sees that the answer won’t be a possible one.`Bad news,” says the Commissioner.`What?”`It appears as if Mr. Masala’s office has been set on fire,” he replies.`When did this happen?” asks the President.`Shortly after the assassination attempt happened,” replies the Commissioner. `Whoever is doing this is covering their bases quite well.”`I have noticed that,” says the President. `This is a major setback to the investigation, for sure.”`Definitely,” says the Commissioner. `Also, no one is sure how that bodyguard of yours died. It was too odd. He hadn’t been hit with anything. He was young, healthy, shows no visible signs of injury, but he just collapsed right there. What are dealing with here? And can we ever defeat it?”The two men stand around for a second. The President is not quite sure how to answer the Commissioner’s question. He is about to say something, when a voice in the distance stops him.`Sure we can,” it says.The four of them look behind them, and see Ethan.. His face is filled with various bandages, and he is holding an ice pack over his eye. He looks terrible, as he slowly walks over to them. The fight with Ignacio has taken a lot out of him, but, his victory has helped him gain the will to continue, despite his exhaustion.`And what do you mean by that, young man?” asks the Commissioner.`Simple, sir,” says Ethan. `I’m here! It will not let that spineless rogue from Portugal get the better of me again! I beat the hell out of him, but I guess he managed to slip away again after I put him down. Right?”`Unfortunately,” replies the President with a sigh.`Damn,” says Ethan, slightly angered. `I thought I had finally managed to defeat him, but he slithered away like the snake he is. I won’t make that mistake again”`It sounds like you have a strong hatred for him” replies the President.`You could say that,” says Ethan. `He is one of the few people who always can get the best of me. After tonight, it’s personal. I took a modicum of pride in the fact that ,when I was sent to handle something, only the bad guys got hurt. Now, I hear about your wife. I am sorry, sir.”`The important thing is finding out who did this,” replies the President. `Any clue on this Alistair?”`Sadly not,” says Ethan. `I will have to return to the hotel, and ask my superior. I am sure he’d have a better clue than I. I feel he is nothing more than hoplite in all this though.”`How do you mean?” asks the President.`I have a feeling that he is basically serving a greater organization in all of this,” says Ethan. `My past experience tells me that underlings are usually the ones carrying out missions towards the ultimate goal. Clearly, the assassination attempt wasn’t the ultimate goal. That reminds me, have you had conversations with the Cerberus Corporation lately? I am thinking they are somehow behind this.”`I have had on and off conversation with Mr. Chimera regarding their plans to help Africa,” says the President. `He seemed rather genuine, and it was nothing out of the ordinary from what I could see. Besides, they have quite a good reputation as a humanitarian organization. They are known for their good works around the world. It would be quite hard to think of them as criminals”Ethan is about to respond when Josie butts into the conversation.`You’ll have to excuse Ethan,” she says. `He seems to have some odd vendetta against Cerberus. He wants to pin these crimes on them, despite it being nothing more than a wild hunch he has.”`It is much more than a mere hunch,” says Ethan. `It seems more than a coincidence that trouble suddenly pops up wherever they go.”`Coincidence, Ethan,” replies Josie. `No one has been able to find anything on that organization. Besides, you’re tired. We probably shouldn’t be having this argument now. I think we all need a little rest for the night.”`I guess you’re right,” says Ethan. `It has been a tiring day. Maybe a little sleep will help refresh me for tomorrow challenges. My condolences again, Mr. President.”Ethan walks away, followed by Yukiko. Josie stays to say good bye to her friend.`I am sorry this all happened,” she says. `We’ll fix everything, I promise.”`Thank you,” he says. `That means a lot. Good night and good luck, my friend. We‘ll find them.”`I know we will,” says Josie. `See you tomorrow, I guess. It was nice seeing you again. Hopefully we can meet up soon, on a more positive note next time. Good bye.”`Maybe I will take a bit of a rest as well,” says the President. `Good night all.”The Aristo agents and the President both disperse from the scene, leaving the Commissioner there. He looks around the room a bit uneasily, while waiting for them to leave. He walks, looking like he is about to leave when he feels a tap on his shoulder. He turns around, and sees Alistair standing there, along with Ignacio and Jasmine. The four of them decide to exit the hospital, and take a walk to a more isolated area for they can talk more openly.`Fancy meeting you here,” he says. `I thank you for allowing my men to get away unharmed. It looks like your incompetent, bumbling police force is good for something. Of course, considering how long it took you to get to the scene, I am shocked Mr. Quinn doesn‘t suspect anything.”`If he did, my force would certainly handle it,” replies the Commissioner.`I wouldn’t be so sure about that,” says Alistair with a laugh. `Mr. Quinn has defeated larger…and more competent forces without much problem. Hell, four of your finest men were put down without much problem by Yukiko and Jasmine. It was an absolutely pathetic display, I must say, and I hope your men show me something better next time. My boss is not paying you the money he is for such incompetence!”`Need I forget to remind you that this wouldn’t have happened had your assassin not failed at his job,” says the Commissioner with a sneer.`Ethan just got lucky,” says Alistair. `It wasn’t a totally useless cause. The President looks to be incredibly unstable in his current state. He is not the confident and charismatic statesman he once was. This could well play into our hands.”`I thought the plan failed,” says the Commissioner sounding confused.`Of course it did,” says Alistair.`What now?” asks the Commissioner.`When all else fails, fall back on what you know,” says Alistair with a smile. `Maybe we were a bit overzealous in trying to get the Namibian President in on our plans. We will just have to do them the old fashioned way…by force!”`What do you mean?”`It’s simple,” says Alistair. `Our original plan was to get the President’s of several African nations on our side. They would in turn push for increased vaccines and medicines for their people, provided by my boss’ company. These “vaccines” and “medicines” would cause various different negative effects to those who were injected with them. It was all a plan to rapidly reduce the population of this continent, so that jungle and the animals could reclaim it. Of course, since the first part of that plan failed, we’re just fall back on what we know. We’re just kill them!”`Won’t that be hard?” asks Jasmine, cutting into the conversation. `That is a lot of people.”`Not hard at all,” says Alistair. `Your creator, Dr. Von Falco, has finally completed another grand project. Ever since he finished creating you from the hair of that poor unfortunate Korean girl, he has been working on a project for the boss. He has created the Apollo virus, a fast acting and highly contagious virus that can wipe out millions in only a few days. Originally, the boss was going to back off on unleashing such a lethal virus onto the world. He felt it would end up wiping out populations, and destroying entire cities, maybe even the world. Of course, after the events of tonight, he is angered at our failure. He wants to wipe out Quinn by any means necessary, even if it is a simple virus. I don’t disagree. Tomorrow shall be the first test, on an unsuspecting group of villagers, who are still somewhat isolated from the outside world. It will be tragic, really. They aren’t the cause of this world’s problems, but, alas, they shall pay for the sins of this world.”`But…but…what about me?” asks the Commissioner, whose face has turned pale with fear.There is a awkward silence among the floor, as the Commissioner is still worrying about what he has gotten himself into it. Alistair just looks at the cowering Commissioner, and flashes a huge grin at him. He puts his arm around him, and begins speaking once again.`Don’t worry, Commissioner,” he says, excitedly. `I haven’t forgotten about you. I love people like you. You get involved with some of the worst criminals in the world because you’re greedy, and then you get scared that you may not end up rich and happy afterwards. You cling to your pathetic existence, as if it means anything to me. Just do your job, and you’ll be fine. Your job is to eliminate the President, so, hop to it! Do it!”`How should I do that?” asks the Commissioner.`You seem like the resourceful type,” replies Alistair. `I am sure you can think up something. What’s wrong? Having seconds thoughts? Is your greed betraying you now that you might have do the dirty work? You’re weak and foolish. You don’t have the stomach for this kind of work.”`I’ll try,” says the saddened Commission. `Oh, by the way, I decided to sent one of my men in to set Ethan’s hotel ablaze. I figured you might like that, sir.”`Not really,” says Alistair. `I absolutely have no faith in it working, and it may well connect you to the crime. If you get connected, it goes back to me, and, quite frankly, I don’t like that, ya dig? It better work, or it will be your head!”Alistair walks off, as the Commissioner follows him, desperately trying to placate him. Jasmine and Ignacio watch them walk into the night. Jasmine looks very concerned. Ignacio picks up on her emotions, and holds her back when she tries run.`Where are you going in a hurry like that?” asks Ignacio.`Nowhere,” she says.`Be honest with me,” he says. `You’re going to help Ethan, aren’t you?”`And if I say yes?” she asks.`I don’t care,” says Ignacio. `The Commissioner is nothing more than a pathetic pawn. He desperately tries to impress Alistair, but always fails. He’s dangerous to this whole operation. I won’t stop you from saving Ethan because, quite frankly, I want to beat him myself. I don’t want him to be stopped by some coward like the Commissioner. I just don’t see what you see in Ethan.”`I don’t know,” says Jasmine. `I guess I have never had any male pay attention to me before Ethan. Usually, I was with my father or with people training me to become the ultimate weapon. I have feelings and needs too, you know?”`I can see that,” says Ignacio. `It is just that Ethan has had a tendency to love and leave women. That’s all. I guess I kind of look out for you because I know you’re quite ignorant to this world. I also see it being a huge risk to help out the enemy. I won’t stop you though. My ego just won’t let me.They stand there quietly for a second, as Ethan take Jasmine in his arms, and gives her a small kiss on the forehead. He turns, and begins to walk away slowly.`Good luck, doll. You’re going to need it.”`Thanks.”Chapter 8Ethan is pacing around the hotel room It is around midnight, and Ethan feels that there is more he can do on this day. Josie and Yukiko are exhausted, and getting ready for bed, but Ethan is quite awake, filled with adrenaline after this night. As the sounds of Yukiko in the shower can be heard in the background, He impatiently wait for Josie to complete her search of the Aristo database for the mysterious “Alistair.”.`Is it done yet?” he asks.`In a few seconds,” she replies. `Why can’t we do this tomorrow? This has been an exhausting day for all of us, especially you.”`Don’t worry about me,” says Ethan. `There is no point in sitting around, waiting for them to strike next. We have to take the initiative. Besides, I am sensing they are close to making a huge mistake. I want to be right there when they do.”A few more seconds pass, and Josie gets a huge smile on her face when a dossier pops up on the screen. Ethan rushes over to the computer, and is quite pleased with what he sees.`I remember that guy,” he says with glee. `He was one of Hermes’ top protégé in the Union République before I brought down the entire organization. It’s nice to see he has gotten another job.”`Do you think he could be the only one behind this?” asks Josie.`No,” says Ethan curtly. `He is more of a follower than a leader, really. He also doesn’t have the money to pull off this plan, as most of the République’s went to Giorgio Miali.”`The famous fashion designer?” asks a surprised Josie.`Yep,” replies Ethan.`I didn’t know he was a criminal,” says Josie.`You’d be surprised,” says Ethan. `You think you know someone, only to find out they are secretly a high ranking member of a major crime organization. That’s why I love this job so much.”Yukiko busts out of the bathroom, suddenly, wearing only a bathrobe and bunny slippers. She runs over to the bed where Josie and Ethan are sitting, discussing Alistair, and looks at the screen with great curiosity as to what is there.`What did you find out?” she asks with excitement.`We have discovered who Alistair is,” replies Josie. `At least, we think we do.”`That’s pretty interesting,” says Yukiko. `We are one step closer to unraveling this mystery. I can‘t wait to fight again. I had so much fun beating that African guard.”`Fun?” asks Josie, raising her voice. `That wasn’t fun! You destroyed a $200 dress!”`I didn’t like it anyway,” says Yukiko. `It just wasn’t me.”`It was a $200 dress!” replies Josie`$200?” says Ethan. `If we only end up destroying $200 in stuff during this mission, headquarters will do the happy dance. It’s only a $200 dress, it’s not like it was a $3 billion experimental submarine or anything”`Do I even want to know?” asks Josie.`No,” says Ethan. `You probably don’t. You‘d probably be as ungrateful as headquarters and the US government were when they I told them the story. I was just trying to save the world from a nuclear attack, yet all they care about is my sinking of a damn submarine. I guess they just didn‘t accept my explanation that if they spent $3 billion dollars on a submarine that they probably shouldn’t have made it so easy to sink!”Josie just shakes his head in disbelief.`Are you sure it’s really this Alistair?” asks Yukiko, changing the subject.`It’s him,” says Ethan. `Former members of the Union République are popping up everywhere lately. I just quashed a few of them in Brazil on my last mission, and there seems to be even more of them coming out of the woodwork.”`Could Hermes still be alive?” asks Josie.`It’s possible,” says Ethan. `It wouldn’t be the first time he has rose from the dead. This doesn’t fit his M.O. though. He wouldn’t waste his money trying to eliminate some leader of a fairly small African country.”`But who would?” asks Yukiko.`Cerberus,” says Ethan.Yukiko looks away quickly. Her eyes look so distant. She’s thinking, not sure how to feel.`They can’t be evil, can they?” she wonders to herself. `My sensei wouldn’t join such a corrupt organization, if he knew they were corrupt, right?”`What’s wrong, Yukiko?” asks Josie, trying to comfort Yukiko.`Nothing,” says Yukiko, pushing away Josie. `It’s just that my sensei works for them, that’s all.”`They aren’t evil,” says Josie. `Even if they were, I am sure your sensei doesn’t know about it.”`That’s the thing,” says Yukiko. `My sensei was rather infamous in the past. He used to serve a crime boss in China for many years. He was rather good in martial arts, and was often sent to rough up people who his boss didn’t like. He was respected and feared throughout his province for many years. He eventually moved to Japan, and went straight. He begin teaching people the ways of fighting. He taught people like me. It has always worried me that the darker side of him is still there, and if he joined another corrupt organization, it may have taken over once again.”`I wouldn’t worry,” says Josie. `From what you’ve told me, he is a very old man now. Surely, he couldn’t be into anything too risky.”`That’s what worries me,” says Yukiko, shedding a slight tear. `Ever since I discovered that side of him, I feared that one day he and I would meet in battle. It wouldn’t be like the practice battles he and I had in his dojo. This time it would count. I decided to take up professional kickboxing, in hopes that he and I would never cross paths. When I joined Aristo, I feared that I am one step closer to that fated battle. I am not sure I can be able to my best when fighting him. I just don’t know what to do.”Yukiko starts crying harder, and she buries her head into Josie’s shoulder, while Josie embraces her. Josie quickly motions to Ethan to say something.”`Um…” says Ethan, trying to find some words. `Don’t worry, Yukiko. I am sure it will be fine. Besides, if it is fated from the clouds, then that means it has to happen, right? Fate can’t possibly be a bad thing.”Yukiko starts crying worse, and starts cursing Ethan in Japanese. Josie looks angrily at Ethan, who just shrugs.`What’d I say?” he asks, wondering what the problem was.`You just made her worse, you insensitive jerk!” yells an angry Josie.`I am sorry,” says Ethan. `I am never good at this kind of stuff!”`You should have tried to make her feel better,” says Josie.`I tried!” protests EthanYukiko separates from Josie, and starts to wipe away the tears. She gets up, and walks around for a minute, trying to calm herself.`Are you okay?” asks Ethan.`I am fine,” she says. `Maybe you’re right, Ethan. If it is fated that I fight my sensei, then there is nothing I can do about it. I must face it, and not be afraid. Crying will achieve nothing. I must be strong.”`I am glad you’re better,” says Ethan. `Maybe you should take out some of that frustration against Alistair and his gang when we finally meet them in person.”`That sounds good,” she says. `I will.”Ethan begins to head towards the door.`Where are you going, Ethan?” asks Josie.`I am not really tired,” says Ethan. `They have a bar downstairs that I want to see, then maybe see some of the sites of the city.”`At midnight?!?” replies a stunned Josie.`What better time?” says Ethan.Ethan opens the door, and walks out of it. The girl head ready for bed, as Ethan’s night has just begun. He has always been one to enjoy the nightlife of a city. He has never been one to enjoy the daylight. He trots down the stairs, and enter the lobby of the hotel. People are still busily, running around the lobby. Some are taking their luggage to the elevators, others are talking on cell phones. Even at midnight, the city still never sleeps, and nor does Ethan. He quietly steps into the bar. It is rather dark, crowded, and smoke filled. Loud music is playing in the background, as some people are dancing. Some girls come up to Ethan, and ask him to dance. He politely declines because he has never been one to dance. He decides to go up to the bar, and get a drink. He decides to peer at the action in the bar to see if there is anything of interest to him. After a few minutes, he finds a girl of interest. He starts to go over to her when he feels a tapping on his shoulder. He turns around to see Jasmine standing there behind him.`Ethan!” she screams, as she runs up and embraces him.`Hi,” he says, confused. `What exactly are you doing here?”`I just had to see you,” she says. `I really wished we could have talked more at the symphony.”`What happened to you?” asks Ethan. `You slipped out to the bathroom right before everything started. You are one of the most sought after women in the country right about now. People believe you were somehow involved.”`I am not worried,” she says. `I have a feeling that the police won’t find me.”`And yet you decided to find me,” says Ethan.`Yes,” she says. `I guess I kind of found your interesting in our short conversation, and would like to continue on the conversation with you.”`That’s kind of you,” he says.`Can we do it somewhere else though?” she asks. `I am not really one for the bar scene. It is quite loud in here, and I really don’t like talking too loudly. Maybe I could show you the city.”`That sounds like a lovely idea,” says Ethan.Ethan pays for his drink, and goes with Jasmine to the outside of the hotel. They step out of the building, and say good bye to the doorman. They walk a few paces away from the building. They are passing by a well-dressed businessman, carrying a briefcase. He waves to the couple, as he passes by them. Realizing who it is, Jasmine decides to accidentally trip him. He falls flat on his face, and his briefcase opens. Ethan runs over to him.`I am so sorry,” he says. `My friend here, must have tripped you. It was a total mistake. Let me get briefcase.”Ethan runs over to grab the briefcase. He picks up the briefcase, and gets a slight a view of its contents.`It’s a bomb!” says a surprise Ethan.The man knows his cover has been blown, and tries to run from Ethan. He gets a few short step when he runs right a spinning back fist from Jasmine. He falls to the sidewalk in pain. He tries to get back to his feet, but Ethan is standing right there. The doorman quickly runs out, trying to figure out the situation.`What happened?” he asks, concerned.`Don’t worry about it,” says Ethan. `It appears as if this poor, weary businessman has had his briefcase switched with one that contains a bomb. Poor guy. Hey, it happens! I would like for you to take this briefcase, and give it to the proper authorities to diffuse. It’s nothing, really. Don’t worry about it.”`This whole thing seems a little odd,” says the doorman.`That happens,” says Ethan. `I have a date with my friend here, and her and I must be departing. No reason we should stick around here for a little bomb, and I am sure this businessman here has somewhere to go himself. Don’t you, sir?`Yes,” he says, scared.`In fact, I’ll be a nice guy, and drive him,” says Ethan. `Because it would be only be right after the terrible night he’s had. By the way, nice seeing you again, Jonathan.”`Nice seeing you again, too, Ethan” he replies.`This will be in Aristo’s South African field office by tomorrow, right?” asks Ethan.`Of course, Ethan,” replies Jonathan. `This could very well be a huge break in this case. I feel sorry for the businessman though. Remember the last time someone tried this very same trick? In Italy, was it? Whoa boy! Talk about 10 hours of hell.”`Yeah,” says Ethan, happily. `Poor guy wouldn’t talk. No big deal though. I had a lot of fun.”`Too bad he didn’t,” replies Jonathan.`Too bad,” says Ethan.`What about her?” says Jonathan, pointing to Jasmine. `Is she in on it?”`Don’t worry about her,” says Ethan. `I have a feeling she knows a lot more than she tells me.”The businessman is scared stiff. His cover has been blown, and his plan has failed. After hearing Ethan and Jonathan talking, he is more than ready to talk.`I’ll talk!” he screams.`Good boy,” says Ethan. `You’re not who I want anyway. Who hired you to do this?”`Ask her,” he says. `I am sure she knows.”`Is this true, Jasmine darling?” asks Ethan.`Yes it is,” she says, disappointingly. `I already knew. I am sorry.”`Don’t worry about it,” says Ethan. `I knew you were working with Alistair from the start.”`But how?” she asks.`My associates found it odd that a Korean girl would working as a secretary here in Namibia,” says Ethan. `They did a bit of a background check on you to discover who you were. Besides, someone poisoned that guard, and I figured you were as good of a suspect as anyone to have done it.”`You still came out with me though,” she says, confused. `Why?”`I am a risk taker, darling,” says Ethan. `At best, you were trying to help me discover something. At worst, you were setting me up for a fall. Either way, I am confident enough in my abilities to get out a jam. Well, who is it?”`The commissioner,” she says. `He was paid off all along by Alistair.”`Interesting,” says Ethan. `That would explain the slowness of the police in getting there, and why the guards were so corrupt in the first place. I wouldn’t that man would have the heart to do it. I guess I was wrong. Well, Jonathan, take care of things here, and make sure Yukiko and Josie know of this latest development.”`What about you?” asks Jonathan.`I am a man of my word, Jonathan,” says Ethan. `I promised this lovely lady that I would go on a date with her, and I plan on doing just that.”`What about the President?” asks Jonathan.`I am sure Yukiko and Josie can handle it,” replies Ethan.`The boss is going to be pissed,” says Jonathan.`Isn’t that his natural state?” replies Ethan with a chuckle. `As long as the problem gets solved, he won’t be able to say anything. Trust me, the problem will get solved. I stake my reputation on it.”`Is it wise to be going out with her though?” asks Jonathan. `With all due respect, she is working for them.”`Don’t worry about it,” says Ethan. `I’ll be fine. I am just solving this whole problem, that’s all. Remember, Jonathan. Sometimes, you have take risks to get what you want. I want to catch Alistair and eliminate Ignacio. There is a chance she may turn on me, and get me in trouble, but when I look at her, I realize this a chance I must take. A bientot, good friend.”Ethan helps Jasmine into his car, a red convertible. Seconds later, he enters, starts the ignition, and drives off into town. Jonathan sits there for a minute before taking out his phone to call Josie and Yukiko.`I really hope he knows what he’s getting into. I guess I should make that call now.”He takes out his phone, and dials the number. After a few rings, the phone is answered by Josie.`Hello?” she asks, obviously exhausted.`Hi Josie,” replies Jonathan. `It’s Jonathan.”`Jonathan?” she asks. `It’s late. What do you want?”`It’s about Ethan,” he replies.`Great,” she in angry tone. `What did he do this time?”`He has decided to go off with some girl,” says Jonathan.`And you are telling me this why?” asks Josie. `It’s 1:30 AM, and I am trying to get some sleep!”`The girl was Jasmine Kim,” he replies.`What?!?” yells Josie, angrily. `Why the hell is he going anywhere with her at this hour. Doesn’t he know that how dangerous she is? Damn! All I want to do is get some sleep, Jonathan, and that idiot has to screw it up again.”`He says he has everything under control,” remarks Jonathan. `That should make you feel better.`Jonathan, dear,” she says with a sigh. `To you and me that phrase means all is fine. To Ethan that means half the city will be set ablaze by morning.”`It can’t be that bad,” says Jonathan.`You don’t know Ethan very well,” replies Josie.She runs over to Yukiko, and starts shaking her, trying to get to awake.`Wake up, Yukiko!” she screams, trying to get Yukiko’s attention.Yukiko’s opened, but she is still rather dazed and confused about why Josie is standing above her.`What?” she asks, exhausted.`It’s Ethan,” says Josie. `He has gotten himself into trouble again.”`That’s nice, Josie,” says Yukiko. `It’s dark, and I am not dressed to fight, so I think I’ll just head back into glorious slumber.”She lays back on her pillow, and closes her eyes, trying to fall back asleep. Josie rolls her eyes, and continues to persist in her trying to wake up Yukiko.`Come on, Yukiko!” she screams. `Get up!”`Can’t Ethan handle it?” asks Yukiko, annoyed. `I am sure he has been in worse situations than this!”`Get up!”Josie grabs Yukiko’s arm, and drags her out of bed. Yukiko is protesting in her native tongue ever step of the way.`If I have to deal with this, then so do you.”`I’m tired,” protests Yukiko.You’ll be fine,” says Josie, throwing some clothes at Yukiko. `Put those on, and we’ll go downstairs. Trust me, I don’t like this any better than you do. I’d rather be in my silk pajamas, dreaming blissfully of being treated like a Greek goddess, while being fed grapes and fanned by scantily Greek warriors. Well, until Ethan finds himself into some trouble, and I have to leave to go save him. Even in my dreams, Ethan screws up everything!”Both women trying their best to get on their clothes as quickly as possible. Both women are absolutely exhausted, and want nothing more than to get some sleep, but they have to save Ethan first. They get dressed, then run down the stairs with lightning speed to the lobby. The people around them are shocked to see the girl running out of the building so quickly this late at night. They exit the building, and go right to the Jonathan the doorman. He is still looking very much concerned after the events of earlier with Ethan, the businessman, and the girl. Josie walks right up to him. He notices her immediately. Her eyes are bloodshot, and her face is filled with anger. Behind her is Yukiko. She looks like she is about to fall asleep standing there. She is dressed in a wrinkled t-shirt, white shorts, one boot, and one tennis shoe. She is so tired, she doesn’t realize that she is wearing two different kinds of shoes. Jonathan turns to Josie. He knows how she feels without her telling him anything.`What is the problem, Jonathan?” she asks, curtly. `Why did you let Ethan go out with that girl? You would have to have known that she had danger written all over her.”`I know that,” says Jonathan. `Ethan insisted though. He said he had to take the risk to get what he wanted. I tried to tell him that she was very dangerous, but he wouldn’t listen to me.”`Doesn’t he know that she was the one who killed one of those guards?” asks Josie. `Surely, he has to know how dangerous she is.”`What was we thinking?” asks a frustrated Yukiko.`I am not sure he was thinking with his head, ma’am,” says Jonathan.`What a dumb ass man!” yells Josie, throwing up her arms in frustration.`I am sure he had a good reason,” says Yukiko. `He isn’t Aristo’s number one agent for nothing, you know?”`You have a lot to learn about Ethan,” replies Yukiko. `What does he always see in dangerous women?”`He said he could handle it,” replies Jonathan.Josie throws up her arms again, and kicks the building.`That’s not the only thing,” says Jonathan. `Apparently, the Commissioner was in the plot as well, and the President may well be in danger. Ethan told me to let you two handle it because he had a date.”`How irresponsible can you?” yells a thoroughly frustrated Josie.`What should we do?” asks Yukiko, trying to cool down this rather tense situation.`We have to find Ethan and save the President,” says Josie. `He could well be in danger if the police Commissioner is in on the plot. Ideally, in such a situation, we’d go right over to his mansion, and handle the problem without much trouble. Unfortunately, it looks like Ethan may well be in trouble without him realizing it, and we now need to save two people from incredible danger.”`It sounds like we have quite the problem on our hands,” says Jonathan.`You said it,” says Yukiko. `I am still new here, so I don’t have a clue what to do. It’s quite clear that we need to save both Ethan and the President, but how would we go about doing that?”`We probably should split up and try to handle both,” says Josie. `That would the best way.” `Wouldn’t that put both of you in potential danger?” remarks Jonathan, worried about their safety.`Good point,” says Josie. `Of course, we are secret agents, thus, we can’t exactly rely on each other every time we are in danger. Sometimes, we need to take action, and handle the problem ourselves.”`I guess that’s why you’re the field agent,” says Jonathan. `I am just an agent posing as a doorman.”`Don’t worry, Jonathan,” says Josie. `You’re a good person. You work hard. I think one day you will be able to be a field agent just like us.”`I hope so,” says Jonathan. `There is just something so exotic and fun about what you guys do. Of course, at least I get a chance to see the world, so it isn’t all that bad.”`So who should go where?” asks Yukiko.`Good question,” says Josie. `I am thinking I should try to protect the President, while you go find Ethan.”`Are you sure?” asks Yukiko. `It could be dangerous.”`I am not worried,” says Josie. `I have seen that Commissioner. I think I can take him. I also know the President better, and would be able to get a chance to enter his house easier. Besides, you are Ethan’s bodyguard. You should probably be there to protect him.”`I guess you’re right,” says Yukiko. `I am just worried about putting you into too much dangerous when you’re alone like that.”`Ethan could be in an even more dangerous situation if he stays with that woman,” says Josie. `I am sure he may need a big strong bodyguard like you to protect a wuss like him.”`Good point,” says Yukiko, laughing.`Besides, it is late, so the President is probably completely fine,” says Josie. `It seems just like it would be rather overzealous of them to attack him tonight. I will probably just go there, tell him the situation, then go back here. It is easily the safer mission of the two.”`I can see your point,” says Yukiko. `How will I find Ethan anyway? It is a rather large city. It just doesn’t seem like it would be easy.”`I have learned one thing from my dealings with Ethan,” says Josie with a slight pause. `When Ethan is lost, just follow the trail of smoke.”All three get a hearty laugh out of it, and the girls look to go their separate ways.`Good luck to you, Josie,” says Yukiko walking off, slowly.`Good luck.”Ethan and Jasmine are still driving around the city. It seems the perfect night for a midnight date. The weather is excellent. A full moon is shining brightly, as it and the stars practically light up the night sky. Ethan drives rather slowly, so that they can better see many of the wonderful sites of Windhoek. The night has been a quite enjoyable night for them both. It has been rather relaxing and romantic journey. Jasmine begins to tire, and puts her head on Ethan’s shoulder looking to sleep away the rest of the ride. Ethan just sits back and enjoys himself, feeling at peace for the first time in awhile.`Enjoying yourself?” he asks Jasmine.`Of course,” she says. `I have never been on a date before. It is a good feeling. I have really enjoyed myself. Thanks Ethan.”She quickly kisses him on the cheek, as he blushes, slightly.`Why thank you,” he says. `It is too bad we can’t do this during the day. We could probably stop some places, and see things a lot better. There is something about natural life though. It is so peaceful and relaxing.”`Yeah,” she says. `It is like the first time in my life when I really don’t have a care in the world.”`I know how you feel,” says Ethan. `I am often worried about saving the world or something else, and I really can’t enjoy a lot of the moments in my life. It is not like that now. It feels to finally relax, and see a part of the world that I wouldn’t normally see. It’s like all I care about right now is you. It is quite a joy to be able to view such beautiful with someone so absolutely beautiful. It just feels so great.”`Why do you always say such lovely things, Ethan?” she asks. `I am not really a good girl. I am not technically even a girl. I am just a clone. I don’t even know much of the world besides what my father showed me. All I know is fighting. I am nothing more than a shell, a tool used to for my own father’s gain. I am someone who was sent to this country to help kill their very President. I killed that guard with one flick of my fingernail. I could easily do the same to you, you know? You’ll supposed to be a dangerous secret agent, Ethan. Don’t you realize what trouble I am?”`I’ll take that risk,” says Ethan. `I don’t know what so draws me to you either. I guess you have piqued my curiosity. By all logic, you should be one of the most malicious on the planet. All you know of this world is what you’ve been taught, mostly by crooks and madmen. You know very little of what is right and wrong in this world. You are, as you say, a shell, a tool used to eliminate the enemies of your father, yet I see a tinge of goodness in you that other may not. It’s like right now, we’re in this car, all alone, yet you haven’t even tried to finish me. If you are who you say you are, you would have.”`What if I have other plans?” she asks.`I keep that in mind,” says Ethan. `You forget, I am no fool. I see the world quite clearly, and I know who I am dealing with when I’m with you. Perhaps, you underestimate me, darling. For all you know, it is I, who has the advantage over you.”`You really are a pompous ass,” she replies, curtly. `I guess my father was right about you.”`Who is your father?” asks Ethan.`Dr. Wilhelm Von Falco,” she says. `Have you heard of him? He talked vividly to me about the dangers of getting together with you.”`Ah, yes,” says Ethan, daydreaming. `I remember that cocky Austrian quite well. It was one of my first missions as a member of Aristo. It was fresh out of university, and he was working on a great experiment. He was making a solar powered weapon, capable of destroying entire cities in one foul swipe. Many people thought he was nothing more than a mad scientist, but he proved to a formidable challenge. I defeated him, then spent the evening with his daughter. He lost his mind, and was committed to an asylum, last I heard. Did he actually manage to escape?”`That he did,” says Jasmine. `He hates you with a passion. I noticed you said you spent the night with his daughter, Ethan. He told me of your reputation with women. He told me how much you love them, and they love you. I see you complimenting endlessly, tell me how special I am. How can I trust you? How can I believe you really care about me, and are not just trying to get me into your bed?”`And how do I know you’re not just trying to kill me?” he asks. `I guess we’ll just have to trust each other.”`I guess you’re right,” she says.She edges closer to Ethan, looking at him, as he drives along the road. He decides to stop the car, as she grabs him, and looks like she is about to kiss. Their lips nearly meet, when a noise is heard in the distance.`What was that?” says Ethan, pushing her away, and looking behind him. He starts the car once again, as he sees two cars coming near him and Jasmine.`Why now?” he asks. `Well, if they want a fight, I’ll gladly give them one.”Ethan jams down the on the gas pedal, and puts up the top on the car His tires squeal, as his car’s speed increases rapidly. The other cars begin to fire their weapons at Ethan, trying to slow him down, but Ethan is able to artfully dodge each shot. His speed increases, as he sharply turns a corner, trying his best to elude them. He keeps turning quickly down side streets in hopes of avoiding them.`It looks like you have them beaten,” says Jasmine.`Not yet,” says Ethan.He peers in his rearview mirror to see both of them behind him, edging ever closer.`There has to be a way,” he says.`They are getting closer,” replies a scared Jasmine.`It’s no big deal,” says Ethan. `Don’t worry about it. I think I have seen our way of getting out of this out of the corner of my eye.”They continue to trail Ethan, as he keeps ahead of them. They are still firing at him, but can’t quite find an accurate shot. Ethan continues to drive until he finds the sign he wants. It reads, “Dead end.”`Dead end?” asks Jasmine. `Why are you turning down this street? They’re have you trapped!”`That’s what I am hoping for,” says Ethan.`Are you insane?” says Jasmine, begin to freak out at Ethan’s actions. `What the heck are you doing?!?”`You’ll see…” says Ethan calmly, while he turns down the street.He starts to slow down his car. The other two cars turn down the street as well, thinking they have him trapped.`You’re right darling,” he says. `I guess we should go back.”Ethan puts the car in reverse, and slams his foot on the gas. The driver of the other two cars are too stunned to react, and instinctively try to get out of the way. One of the cars, runs onto the sidewalk and crashes into a nearby building. The other manages to avoids Ethan, and right itself just in time to notice the wall that was blocking the road.`That wasn’t too hard now was it?” asks Ethan, while in the background screeching tires and loud crash are heard while the second car crashes into the wall.`That was amazing, Ethan,” she says proudly, as she grabs him and kisses him. `I have never seen something like that.”`That was nothing,” says Ethan. It was but a mere distraction.”`It seemed like it was more than just a distraction to me,” she replies. `I am so proud of you!”`Thanks,” he replies. `While I was driving around, trying to avoid them, I noticed a local tea house. Maybe we should continue our date there. It would be safer.”`Good idea,” she says. `That was a bit too much excitement for one night for me.”Ethan quickly spots the tea house, and parks the car. Both of them exit the car, and enter the place. It is a nice place, with yellow walls, decorated blissfully with African flags, masks, and art. Besides, the waitress, Ethan, and Jasmine, the place is empty. It is late, and it will soon close for the night. Ethan and Jasmine sit down at one of the tables, and the waitress walks up to them. She is a young, African girl, wearing a colorful dress and sandals. She hands them a menu, and starts to talk.`An odd place for people to be at this hour,” she says.`It has been an eventful night,” says Ethan. `We just felt like some tea.”`Did you see that chase out there?” asks the waitress. `Those drivers were reckless! This used to be such a quiet neighborhood, too!”`We were part of it,” says Jasmine, confidently, as she grabs Ethan’s hand. `My friend handled those guys with ease. Didn’t you, Ethan?”`You could say that,” says Ethan, humbly.`So, what would you like?” asks the waitress.`Earl Grey tea sounds fine,” says Ethan.`I think I’ll have some of this coconut milk tea,” says Jasmine. `That sounds interesting.”The waitress goes to the back to ready the tea, as Jasmine and Ethan continue their conversation.`You amaze me, Ethan,” says Jasmine. `I’ve had a really fun night. Thank you. We should do it again some time.”`Needed more explosions,” says Ethan with a laugh. `Seriously though, it was fun, and I thank you as well. This is just what I needed.”The waitress returns shortly afterwards with their drinks. They sit back and relax, drinking their tea, and continuing their chat. Jasmine looks at Ethan, and just smiles as she sip her tea.`What?” asks Ethan, curious.`Alistair was right, you know,” says Jasmine.`Alistair?” asks Ethan, suddenly quite interested.`He said that, without you, the Aristo Organization would be a failure,” says Jasmine. `You are clearly their best man. He also said that his mentor, Hermes, had great respect for you, and always regretted that you and him weren’t on the same side.”`Hermes was crooked,” says Ethan. `It was my job to defeat him. I succeeded.”`But why do you do it, Ethan?” asks Jasmine, curious. `You said it is merely your job. Is that all it is to you, Ethan? From what Alistair and others told me, Hermes threw everything at you to get you to join his group. He tried giving you money, underlings, fine living, women…but you always turned him down. I always heard about you as this great hero, this great crusader of right, yet, meeting you, I sense that’s not true. From the sounds of it, morals are the last thing on your mind. So, what is it, Ethan? What drives you?”Ethan looks at Jasmine, sipping his tea. He looks quite confident, and he has a huge smile on his face. He is quite impressed by this girl who is so bold as to ask him so directly what he wants in his life. Usually, his past loves have always pussyfooted around the same question, but none have ever came out and asked it to him. He decides to rewards her courage by answering as bluntly and honestly as he can…`The challenge.”Jasmine looks like she is about to respond, looking still puzzled about Ethan. Before she can speak up, the door opens once again. Ethan gets on his guard, but he immediately recognizes the rather disheveled girl who enters into the tea house. It’s Yukiko!`Yukiko!” he screams.`Hi,” she says with a weak wave, still as tired as ever.`Amazing,” says the waitress. `I have seen more Asians in the past few minutes than I have seen in my whole life.”`I guess I attract them,” replies Ethan, jokingly.He turns his attention towards Yukiko, as Jasmine is laughing uncontrollably after taking one look at her.`What’s your problem?” Yukiko asks, sounds slightly perturbed.`You’re wearing two different shoes!” replies Jasmine, laughing heartily.Yukiko looks down, and notices that fact. She buries her head in her hands, embarrassed.`It’s okay, Yukiko,” says Ethan. `It happens to everyone.”`Not me,” says Jasmine arrogantly. While she calmly sips her tea.`I am not in the mood for this tonight,” says Yukiko.`Who is this girl, Ethan?” asks Jasmine. `I am not sure her and I have met.”`This is my bodyguard, Yukiko,” says Ethan, taking a sip of his tea.`Bodyguard, huh?” says Jasmine, laughing once again. `You deserve something much better than her. She can’t match her shoes! I think you need someone like me. I’ll protect you.”`With what?” asks Yukiko. `Your poisonous nails of death?”`I can fight,” says Jasmine. `You think you’re so high and mighty. I was trained by one of the greatest martial arts experts in the world. In fact, he even told me that I’m his greatest student. He said I was even better than hot shot wannabe kick boxer that he trained. He hated her. She always thought she was better than everyone. He hated her attitude. She went on to become a kickboxing champion. He said that if her and I ever fought, I would destroy her. I can‘t say I‘d disagree.”Yukiko is steaming mad, and is trying to control herself, as Jasmine continues to calmly sip some of her tea with a huge grin on her face.`How dare you say that about my sensei?” yells Yukiko. `He would never train Korean trash like yourself.”`Maybe you don’t know him,” says Jasmine with a sneer. `And, if you do, does that make you the kick boxer? If so, then I am sorry again, Ethan, dear. You could do so much better, really. Talk about a joke.”`You have quite the mouth on you, little girl,” says Yukiko. `What makes a mere secretary so cocky? You’re no fighter.”`Could you not talk so much?” says Jasmine. `All this verbal fisticuffs is making my tea get cold.”`Ladies, calm down!” says Ethan. `No need to get into a fight here.”Yukiko still looks angry, while Jasmine has more of her tea.`This is a matter of pride,” says Yukiko.`It’s more a matter of me making a fool out of you,” says Jasmine. `But, please, continue, you entertain me.”`I see you’re in no danger from this girl, Ethan,” says Yukiko. `She appears to be all talk and no action.”`Better than you,” says Jasmine. `You seem to be all action and no talk. At least you should be. Of course, I still haven’t seen this action part or your repertoire. If it is as bad as your talk, I pity you.”`Would you care to test that theory?” asks Yukiko, angrily.`That’s quite alright,” replies Jasmine, confidently. `I might break a nail punching you in the face so much, and embarrassing you just isn’t worth such effort.”Yukiko looks like she about to attack, when Ethan jumps in between them, trying desperately to cool down things.`Come on now,” says Ethan. `We’re all friends here.”`No we aren’t,” replies Jasmine, looking at Yukiko and smiling slyly.`That wasn’t very nice, Jasmine,” says Ethan.`Oh, dearest Ethan,” says Jasmine, eyeing him lovingly. `I am so confused. How did someone as intelligent, handsome, and brave as you are get mixed up with her? I thought you told me your organization only accepts the best in the world…not the worst.”Yukiko is trying her best to brush off Jasmine’s rude comments, trying her best to let calmness and wise judgment rule the day…even if she desperately wants to kick Jasmine in the face.`Why are you here anyway, Yukiko?” asks Ethan.`We were worried,” replies Yukiko. `According to Jonathan, you stopped a man who was looking to blow up the hotel, then you went off with Jasmine. We figured you were in danger.”`Don’t worry about it,” says Ethan. `I handled the man, and Jasmine and I have had a lovely time. Well, except for that little hiccup, but it’s handled.”`And what’s that?” asks Yukiko.`Some of Alistair’s men came after us,” says Ethan. `They were handled without too much of a problem. We decided to have some tea afterwards to celebrate our glorious victory.”`That’s not good,” replies Yukiko, sounding worried.`It was handled,” says Ethan. `They won’t be troubling anyone anymore.”`It’s not that,” says Yukiko. `It sounds like Alistair is striking tonight. First, at the hotel, and again with the chase. Josie went to check on the President, and her and I separated. She decided to do that because she thought it would be less dangerous, but now I’m worried.”`That is quite troubling,” replies Ethan. `Perhaps we should go check it out, to make sure that everything’s alright. Let’s go!”Ethan gets up from his seat, and looks to be rushing out with Yukiko when an unhappy Jasmine stops him.`What about me?” she asks. `You aren’t leaving me here! And I forbid you to go anywhere with her guarding you!”`Let’s not start,” says Ethan.`Let’s go!” yells Yukiko, anxiously.`Wait,” says Ethan. `She has a point. I drove her here, and it would look very bad for me to just leave her here! Besides, she may be in as much danger as Josie is. Leaving her here wouldn’t be fair or right.”`Save the chivalrous act, Ethan!” replies an angry Yukiko. `Your friend and partner may be in danger! We can’t go off, and drive your girlfriend home! Maybe Simon’s right about you. He didn’t speak too highly of you when I talked to him. Your irresponsible actions may well have put Josie in trouble! You can’t win them all, Ethan! You can’t keep putting your friends in danger because you think you can handle it if something’s wrong. You can’t keep putting everything to chance, and hope you’ll manage to always come out ahead!”`Who says it’s by chance?” asks Ethan, arrogantly. `Maybe I’m just confident in my abilities. Perhaps, if the rest of Aristo was like me, they wouldn’t be looked at as such a joke of an organization. Besides, what do you know, Yukiko? You’re probably should have stayed in kick boxing. You’d be a legend there. You’ll have to work to just be an average secret agent.”Yukiko looks at him in a rage, as she can’t believe what he just said. She looks at him, and gets in a fighting stance, as if to attack. Ethan backs away partially, while Yukiko looks at him, angrily, then drops her guard.`You’re not worth it,” says Yukiko. `If you want to go off and impress your little women friends, then fine, go ahead. I don’t quite see what you see in her though. She seems like she is a mouthy bitch, who is totally wrong for you, but that’s not my problem. My problem is that you and I were sent to save this country from people who want to destroy it! I did my part, I defeated that bodyguard, while you were off settling a personal vendetta! I guess, apparently, I can’t trust you, Ethan. It is nice to know that the entire fate of this country, and maybe even this continent rests on a man who is more concerned with trying to talk his way into a girl’s pants than he is with doing his job. I guess, trying to save Namibia is up to me now. Maybe I’ll succeed, or maybe I’ll fail, but at least I tried. That is more than I can say for you. It’s too bad though because I really thought you were something more, Ethan. Good bye!”Yukiko walks off angrily, while Ethan just stand there, stunned, unsure of how to react.`Who is she to say something like that to me?” asks Ethan.`It’s okay, Ethan,” replies Jasmine, putting her arm around Ethan’s arm. `What do you need her for anyway? You still have me!”`That cocky bitch!” yells Ethan, indignantly. `Is she saying that I don’t pay attention to my job? Is she insinuating that I care about getting the girl than completing the mission I was given? How can she say that? I am the most successful agent Aristo has, and she acts like this to me? First, she has me begging for mercy, and now she dares to tell me that I am a slacker? What kind of women is this?”`You should just forget her,” replies Jasmine. `You have me! Maybe we can go back to the hotel, and I could show you some of my moves?”`That’s okay,” says Ethan, brushing off her advances. `We’re going to the President’s mansion!”`Why?” asks Jasmine in a rage. `Let her go off to there and fail! She wanted to do it alone anyway! We can just sit back and watch this whole country unravel! It will be beautiful!”`I have a point to prove,” says Ethan. `I will prove to this mouthy rookie just why I am Ethan Quinn. She won’t dare say that I shirk my responsibilities when she sees me at my finest! I’ll show her!”Ethan runs off, out of the tea house, while Jasmine is enraged and confused.`Damn you, Ethan! Why do you have to be so stubborn? You aren’t going without me! I am not entrusting the safety of my lover in the hands of that of the Japanese bitch! He’s my responsibility!”Chapter 9It is an hour later, the sun will be coming up in only a few hours, but it is still quite dark. Yukiko has finally came to the mansion. It is usually a glorious mansion, with beautiful white walls filled with ivy. The walls protect a glorious garden, easily one of the most beautiful in the whole country. It all leads up to a glorious mansion that is the home of the current President of Namibia. That is one usual days though, as much has changed now. The gates have been busted wide open. Guards lay there, having been beaten by the invading forces of Alistair. It looks more like a war zone than it does a beautiful mansion. Yukiko looks upon it all, stunned, and worried. She knows that her friend went in there, and she is fearing what may have happened to her. She is about to enter, when she senses someone behind her. She spins around, and quickly busts him in the face with a lethal kick. He drops instantly, as Yukiko looks down upon her fallen opponent.`Wait a minute,” he says. `It’s me! Ethan!”`It’s just you,” replies Yukiko, stoically. `Perhaps I should bust you in the face once again.”`I am here to help you,” says Ethan.`I never said I needed your help,” replies Yukiko, arrogantly.`You don’t know who you’re up against,” utters Ethan. `You need someone like me. You can’t do it alone.”`Neither can you,” says Yukiko.Ethan rises back to his feet, as Jasmine appears from the darkness. Her and Yukiko eye each other intensely, looking as if they could fight at any minute. Ethan tries his best to intervene.`We need to save Josie,” he says. `We can settle all this later.”`You’re right,” replies Yukiko, dropping her guard. `Josie is what’s important.”Yukiko and Ethan runs off into the mansion, while Jasmine decides to stay back on the outside. She takes a cellular phone out of her pocket, and places a call. She waits for it to ring, and smiles happily when someone picks up on the other end.`Great news!” she says. `They absolutely hate each other! They are totally at each other’s throats, your plan is working perfectly! I have never seen two people dislike each other this much. I just hope I don’t blow my cover. I know that Yukiko is certainly onto me. I guess I better get going. I wouldn’t want to them suspect anything. Ta!”Inside the mansion, it is quite dark. All the lights are out in the building. Yukiko and Ethan don’t want to turn them because that would instantly alert any one who may still be hiding in the building. This doesn’t help Ethan and Yukiko much as it is still very dark inside the building. It also appears that much has gone on in here, as the floors are littered with the bodies of bodyguards and of Alistair’s men. From what Ethan and Yukiko can see, everything is in shambles, furniture is overturned, and broken glass litters the floor. They advance a bit more into the building, trying their best to keep quiet and hidden from view. Ethan suddenly stops at one of men laying there. He looks at something he sees out of the corner of his eye. He quickly crotches, and takes something out of the man’s pocket, and sticks it into his own.`What was that for?” whispers Yukiko.`I’ll tell you later,” replies Ethan quietly.They continue on with their journey through the mansion, as they continue through it, Ethan starts becoming worried.`It looks like they may have gotten to him,” whispers Ethan, concerned.`This looks like a war zone,” whispers Yukiko. `I am guessing that the good guys didn’t win.”`We’ll need a plan,” whispers Ethan back.They continue onto the main living room, and search around some more, when the lights turns on suddenly. They instinctively turn around, ready to fight, but they see only Jasmine standing there..`Hi guys!” she screams excitedly.`Turn off that light!” screams Yukiko. `We thought you were one of Alistair’s men coming to fight us!”`Oh, no,” says Jasmine. `I am just a girl, that’s all. I am not out to the harm you.”`That’s comforting,” says Yukiko.`But I don’t think they have the same intentions,” she says pointing to someone behind Ethan and Yukiko. They turn around, and see six, rather well-built men wearing black, and carrying a variety of weapons. Yukiko and Ethan get ready to fight.`Look what we have here,” says one of the men in an English accent. `Two Aristo agents have come in our humble abode. I’ll guess we do to them what Ignacio did to that other Aristo broad that was here.”`Somehow, I don’t see us going down that easily,” says Ethan. `Right Jasmine?”He looks behind him, and sees that she is not there.`Jasmine?”Before Ethan can react, three of the men attack him. He tries hard to fight them, but the odds are against him. The other three just wait there, while eyeing Yukiko.`She was a smart girl,” says one of them. `She got out when she knew she couldn’t win. We don’t like hurting women, so, we’ll let you run off and not get hurt. We want to be fair here.”`What would know about fairness?” asks Yukiko. `3 on 1 is hardly fair.”`Well, that’s just too bad now, isn’t it?” replies the man with a cocky smile on his face.`Yes it is,” says Yukiko. `For you.”The three men charge her, but she’s ready for them. She plants a pushing kick to the face of the first man who charges her, dropping him to the ground. The second man violently swings his weapon at her, but she easily ducks his furious strikes, and trips him down to the ground. She backs off, while he rises to his feet. He is enraged at her making him look foolish. He charges her in a rage, but Yukiko spins around and nearly decapitates him with a spinning back fist. He lays there, and then fights back to his knees, but Yukiko is ready for him. She hits him hard with a punishing kick to the jaw, dropping him instantly.`Impressive,” says the first man. `You beat both of my pals, but, I promise you, I won’t be as easy to defeat.”He charges her, trying to defeat her quickly with flurry of roundhouse kicks. Yukiko is ready for his moves, skillfully blocking every one of them. He is getting frustrated, as he backs off for a minute, then tries a sweeping roundhouse kick, but Yukiko ducks right under it, and dives out of the way.`You’re good,” he says, huffing and puffing.`You’re not,” replies Yukiko in a cocky tone.She charges him, and attacks with her own flurry of kicks. She tries violent roundhouse kicks to the ribs, but he is able to block them. She falls back, and tries a thrust kick to the stomach, but he catches her foot.`Got you now!” he utter with confidence.`No you don’t,” she replies.She dives onto her back, then kicks him off of her, as he falls to the ground. She kips back up to her feet, while he tries to shuffle back to his feet as well. He is to his knees, as she runs at him. She jumps on his knee, and leaps up, hitting him in the side of the head with a punishing roundhouse kick. He falls to the ground, almost unconscious, while Yukiko rolls back to her feet. She looks over, and sees Ethan push off the three men attacking him. One of the men charges Ethan, but Yukiko is ready for him, blasting him in the stomach with roundhouse shin kick, dropping to the floor. The other two men try to attack Ethan, but now he’s prepared to fight. He ducks a punch from one of the men, and hits him in the stomach, then plants him on the ground with a powerful uppercut.`One down, one to go,” says Ethan, laughing.The last man charges at Ethan, but Ethan jumps out of his way. Before the man can react, he is met with a jumping kick to the face by Yukiko. He stumbles into Ethan, who finishes him with a powerful punch to the jaw.`Impressive job,” says Ethan. `You are better than I thought. You handled those guys quite impressively.”`Thank you,” says Yukiko. `It appears as if your little girlfriend ran off though.”`I wonder what happened to her,” says Ethan, wondering.`I am thinking she is working for Alistair,” says Yukiko. `She totally blew our cover, and nearly got us killed!”`We did defeat these guys though,” says Ethan. `Maybe they can tell us something.”Ethan grabs one of the guys who are still conscious. The guy desperately puts up in his hands, and screams in fear.`Don’t hurt me!”`I won’t,” says Ethan. `Provided that you tell us what we want to know.”`Okay,” he replies. `Anything.”`Good,” says Ethan. `Is there anyone else here?”`No,” says the man. `Most of our men cleared out of here hours ago. We were just instructed to say because Alistair knew you two would show up here. It is good to see that you were led right into here.”`I don’t know if I trust that,” says Ethan. `Of course, it makes sense. I am tired though, and it is nearing 5 AM, I will be needing to get some sleep soon, so I have only one more question.”`Please,” said the man. `Stay all night if you want. I’ll glad answer all of the questions that you might have. All you have to do is ask…”`Shut up,“ replies Ethan, curtly. `I don’t have time, so, I ask, have you captured the President?”`Yes,” says the man. `Alistair and his new associate got him earlier, along with your little female friend. Boy! Don’t you two look like fools!”Ethan is angered/ He calmly punches the man in the jaw, dropping him to the ground. The man is left unconscious, as Ethan leaves the room, and begins to exit the mansion with Yukiko following close behind him.`That wasn’t very wise,” says Yukiko. `We could have gotten something more out of him!”`I already know what I need to know,” says Ethan. `That bastard has Josie and the President. Besides, we wouldn‘t have gotten much more out of him”Ethan continues walking without stopping, Yukiko is desperately trying to keep up with the determined Ethan because she is unsure about why he is acting this way.`He said you had all night,” replies Yukiko. `We could have questioned him for much longer than that!”`What time is it?” asks Ethan.`4:58 AM,” replies Yukiko, checking her watch. `Why?”`Good,” replies Ethan. `We wouldn’t have figured out too much more from him then.”`Why?” asks Yukiko, persistent.`You’ll figure out why in about a minute and a half,” says Ethan, entering into his car, and starting the engine.Yukiko gets in the car with the Ethan, as they begin to drive away from the mansion.`Why are we driving away?” asks Yukiko. `There may be clues or something in there about where they took them!”`30 seconds,” replies Ethan.`Why is 5 AM so important?” asks Yukiko, totally confused. `I don’t get it!”`15,” replies Ethan, stamping his foot on the gas pedal.`What is it?”`3...2...1.”The clock strikes 5 AM, as a loud explosion can be heard behind them. Yukiko looks back, and sees the once beautiful mansion, explodes into a fiery inferno. It lights up the dark night, as Yukiko can hear the glass breaking, and the place being set afire, while it slowly collapses from the explosion. She is absolutely amazed, seeing it likes this, while Ethan continues to drive away from the place as fast as he can. Yukiko turns around, and begins shaking her head in confusion. She just doesn’t understand everything that is happening around her, from the kidnappings of the President and Josie to a bomb blowing up the President’s mansion, setting it afire. Ethan looks over at her, a bit concerned. He tries his best to help her understand.`This is how it is,” says Ethan. `I have seen, and been the cause of much worse than this. Like the time, I accidentally sunk that experimental submarine. Needless to say, Simon wasn’t too happy about that. The military said it was unsinkable, so I had no choice, really, but to prove them wrong.”`I just don’t know, Ethan,” says Yukiko, tearing up. `I wouldn’t have even realized it would have happened like that. I would have been in there asking him questions, when the bomb exploded, if it weren’t for you.’`You have a lot to learn,” says Ethan. `Generally, when a crook tries to get you to stay in a place that usually means something’s amiss. This is especially true when they spend the majority of the night trying to get to you.”`Will it always be like this?” asks Yukiko.`Not always,” says Ethan. `It appears as if my reputation proceeds me, and Alistair is throwing everything he has at me in hopes something works. That can only be a good thing, really.”`Why?” asks Yukiko, confused.`I have done this for a few years now,” says Ethan. `If there is one thing I have learned from all this is that my enemy wants to win as much as I do. They will try their absolute best to do just that. When they play a hand like this in hopes of defeating me, it usually is out of frustration. This frustration gives way to sloppiness in their plan, which usually leads them to make a mistake, due to poor planning.”`How can you be so calm, Ethan?” asks Yukiko. `It is like all this has happened and it doesn’t even affect you.”`You get used to it,” replies Ethan. `You can’t let it affect you. You have to think clearly in these kinds of situations, and look at the positive side.”`What do you mean by that?” asks Yukiko, curious.`They failed,” says Ethan.`They’ve got the President though,” replies Yukiko. `They also have Josie, and they have thrown everything into turmoil.”`Their original plan still failed,” remarks Ethan. `Their plan was to kill the President, then have Dorian take over in the President’s place. Dorian would then give them whatever favor they wanted in return for helping him become President of Namibia. Unfortunately, that particular plan fell through when Dorian sacrificed himself to save the President. It was also discovered that we are here, thus, further complicating things. They scrambled, and thought up plan B. It was to get to the President, and eliminate us. Thanks to Jasmine’s help, I came outside just as the bomber was showing up at the hotel. Having defeated him, I went off with Jasmine on a midnight ride. This caused us to run into some more of their peons, who we dispatched rather easily. They also decided to once again get to the President. Unlike before, they had to get through his bodyguards to do that, causing a small scale battle to break out at the mansion, as Alistair’s men took some damage in the battle. This also led to Josie going to check on the President, which caused them even further problems because that meant that we’d go there, thus it meant sacrificing 6 more guys in hopes of keeping us there just long enough so that the bomb would explode with us still there. They also made a fairly crucial mistake, which could further lead to everything unraveling.”Ethan searches in his pocket, and takes out something. He tosses it to Yukiko. She grabs and begins to look at it. It’s a badge.”`Windhoek police department,” says Yukiko reading the badge. `What does it mean?”`That the police are a part of this conspiracy,” says Ethan. `I suspected as such when they took a long time to get to the symphony, and, when those bumbling idiots allowed Ignacio to escape. It appears our friendly police commissioner is actually part of the plot.” `They could have been helping the bodyguards though,” Yukiko reminds him.`Not so,” replies Ethan. `I noticed that there was a rather large number of Africans laying there, along with a few Europeans, who I assume are Alistair’s guys. I also noticed that these guys appeared to be have been killed while getting into the mansion, as opposed to trying to defend it. I also didn’t see any police cars outside the mansion. If they had got there late, and fought with the escaping kidnappers, they would have certainly left their cars.”`Fascinating,” says Yukiko. `Maybe I was wrong about you. You definitely do seem to have your head on straight when it comes to this kind of thing.”`More than you know, Yukiko,” replies Ethan, secretively.`What should we do now?” asks Yukiko.`I think we should head back to the hotel,” says Ethan. `We will need rest to get on with this, unfortunately. We also need to pay a special visit to our good friend, the Commissioner in the morning because I believe he will give us a ton of information on this whole case when we see them. It will be a busy today tomorrow, let’s just hope Josie is alright.”Ethan’s car shows up in front of the hotel. He stops it, and gets out of it. He and Yukiko get out of it, and walk into the hotel. Morning awaits.It is morning, shortly after 10 AM. Ethan is in the shower, trying to wake himself up after only 5 hours of sleep. Yukiko, also is trying to keep awake by drinking coffee and watching the local news in hopes of catching up with the events of last night, most of which she was somehow involved. She turns on the television, and it is a rather somber Namibian newsman. A picture of the President is next to him on the screen. He is reading about the yesterday’s events.`What will happen next? That is on the minds of most Namibians today, just hours after one of the saddest and most bizarre nights in Namibian history. It all started last night at the symphony where Namibian’s finest musicians and dancer were putting on a show in celebration of Namibian independence. The President was in attendance at this event, with his wife, main political opponent, Dorian Masala, along with a few unnamed friends he personally invited to his private box. Shortly after an intermission, a assassin charged into the private box, firing shots. He hit and killed the First Lady. It was shortly afterwards that the extent of the plan was revealed, as the President’s own bodyguards turned on him, and tried to kill the President. Thankfully for the President, his rival in a selfless took the bullet for him, while some of his guests managed to subdue the bodyguards, and chase off the assassin. Many thought that might be the only unusual thing that to happen that night, but they would be wrong, as around 5 AM last night, a bomb exploded in the President’s mansion, leveling it, killing everyone inside, mostly bodyguards and staff. The President was thankfully not in the building, as he has decided to go to an undisclosed location for his own safety.”Ethan steps out of the shower, and goes over to Yukiko, who is incredibly interested in the news of last night.`Anything new?” asks Ethan.`Nothing we already don’t know,” says Yukiko. `I think I’m going to turn it off.”Yukiko is about to turn off the program, when the newsman is handle something else, as he looks surprised.`We have a report just coming in,” he says. `Apparently, the respect Windhoek police commissioner, Joseph Zaayman has died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. This is another in the line of strange events that have occurred since last night, and, as a Namibian, I have to ask what is going on here in today in Windhoek, and, more importantly, when will it end?”`I am stunned!” says Yukiko.`I figured this would happen,” replies Ethan.`How so?” asks Yukiko.`The net was closing in on him,” says Ethan. `He failed to do what was expected of him last night, and probably angered Alistair and his people. He also had to know that higher authorities as well as us were very close to nabbing him. He probably figured that he had no choice but to end it that way. I just wish we could have gotten to him first. He could have very well led us to the location of Alistair’s hideout, and saved the lives of the President, and of Josie.`Do you think Alistair….?” replies Yukiko continuing to cry.`Not yet,” says Ethan. `Alistair knows the world quite well. If I know him as I think I do, then he won’t do that to them, only because he knows that they are more valuable to him alive. We need to get to them quickly though. Alistair‘s forces are still in disarray after the events of last night. It will be must easier if we get a chance to face them in their weakened state, instead of them being a well-oiled machine once again, if we allow them to regroup.”`I don’t understand,” says Yukiko, confused. `Why wouldn’t he just kill them?”`Because we’re still here,” says Ethan. `Josie and the President aren’t physical threats to them, but we are. Alistair surely remembers the last time a partner of me was killed by an enemy. I don’t think he has the guts to try it.”`Why not?” asks Yukiko. `What happened?”`I don’t like to talk about it,” says Ethan. `But I will say that I am still here, while that enemy is not, which should give you a fairly good idea of exactly what did happen when he and I eventually met one another. I wasn‘t exactly proud of myself for what I did. I am never one who likes getting caught up, trying to settle a score, but, when I think about it, that little bitch deserve every second of it.”`What should we do now?”`Good questions, says Ethan, scratching his chin. `We don’t exactly know anything at this point, and our only real links to Alistair are either missing or dead. We are in a bit of a spot here. There has to be a way to find out the location of Alistair’s hideout. We can’t possibly let him regroup.”`But how?” asks Yukiko. `I am just a rookie, and I’m just your bodyguard. You’re the one paid to do the brain work around here.”`We can’t exactly wait around for him to make the next mistake,” says Ethan. `After last night, I am guessing he’ll be quiet for awhile, waiting for things too cool down a bit. I can’t see him attacking this soon.”As Ethan finishes that sentence, a knock is heard at the door, as a familiar voice is heard.`Ethan! It’s me!” he yells. `I have some important news for you!”`It’s Jonathan,” says Ethan, with a smile. `Maybe he’ll have something for me that I can use.”Ethan goes to the door. He doesn’t exactly trust the situation at hand, but, even if he can manage to stop a plot, it could lead to something usable. He looks out the peephole, and sees Jonathan standing there, with another man who he doesn’t recognize. He opens the door slowly to reveal Jonathan and the man.`It’s okay, Ethan!” says Jonathan. `He’s on our side.”Ethan looks over this man. He’s African, wearing sandals, along with tribal clothing. Ethan is looking a tad confused as to how this man can help him, but it is better than the nothing he had a few minutes earlier.`I’d like you to meet Mashudu, Ethan,” says Jonathan.Ethan and Masudu shake hands, and get to talking.`You are Ethan Quinn?” asks Mashudu.`In the flesh,” says Ethan. `Why do you ask?”`I come from a tribe in another part of Africa,” he says. `We lived a fairly simple and happy life up until a few days ago.”`What happened?” asks Ethan.`It all happened with the kidnapping of two of our tribe’s members,” says Mashudu. `I was sent to look for them, and I found them in the jungle. They were surrounded by white men who injected something into their arms, then freed them. I had my doubts about it, and stayed away from the village for a few days. It appears as if they were infected with some kind of disease which was spread to the villagers. The villagers were dying quickly of this disease, and, in a matter of 3 days, almost all of them were dead.”`Amazing,” says Ethan. `But why did you find me of all people to tell this?”`It all happened later,” continues Mashudu. `I had tracked them into their hideout in the jungle. I was able to avoid being seen, as I listened outside of the window. Two men were talking about what they had done, and your name was mentioned. I figured if I could find this Ethan Quinn that maybe he could help me avenge my brothers for the acts they did on my people. I went to Namibia where they said they were going, and search for you, Mr. Quinn. I decided to ask the man here if you he had seen you, and then I told him my story.”`Fascinating,” says Ethan. `Did you happen to catch the two men’s names?”`I believe so,” replies Mashudu. `One man was called Alligator and the other Falcon.”`Alistair and Falco, you mean?” says Ethan.`I believe that is it,” says Mashudu. `I only go by what I know.”`Did they happen to reveal where they were going to be?” asks Ethan. `I know it’s a long shot, but it may help us find them.”`I seem to remember something,” replies Mashudu. `They were talking about going to an island somewhere.”`An island?” says Ethan, excitedly. `This a definite help!”Ethan runs over to the lap top computer on the bed, and begins to search about islands around Namibia. He puts in his information, and waits for a minute. A few seconds later, something pops up on the screen that has Ethan smiling broadly.`What is it?” asks Yukiko.`It appears that I have found something,” says Ethan. `Apparently, this small island a few miles off the coast of Namibia has been showing development in the past few days. It is a rather small place, covered in totally by jungles. It has been basically uninhabited, until a few weeks ago when an aerial shot of the place, revealing that there was work being done in the form of some sort of building.”`That’s interesting,” says Yukiko. `Do you think it could possibly be it?”`It’s worth a shot,” says Ethan. `We clearly don’t have anything else to go on at this point. Maybe we’ll get lucky, and this paradise will be the place we have been looking to find. We should at least try it.”`Can I go with you?” asks Mashudu. `I must avenge my brothers!”`I usually don’t like taking too many people along, Mashudu,” says Ethan. `You did help us find out more information about this place though, and, for that, you can consider this repayment for helping us. Besides, you seem to be a good scout, which could be invaluable in the place we are going.”`I will not let you down,” replies Mashudu.`I have faith in you,” says Ethan. `You are a man fighting for his tribe’s honor. I have no doubt that you will do your best in this battle.”`What should I do?” asks Jonathan.`Wait here,” says Ethan. `If you don‘t hear back from me by nightfall, then contact headquarters.”`Why not just contact headquarters before, and let them handle it?” asks Jonathan.`They have the President and Josie,” says Ethan. `They also have access to an incredibly deadly disease, powerful enough to wipe out entire cities in a less than a week. If this spreads as they want it to do, then we could very well be in for trouble. They also could kill Josie and the President should they feel they are in danger, or worse, infect them with the disease, potentially wiping out entire populations, along with those of Aristo. I can’t let that happen.”`Maybe you’re right, Ethan.” says Jonathan. `I don’t think this is smart, but I commend you for doing it. Good luck.”`This is why you’re just the doorman, Jonathan,” says Ethan. `You just can’t take the initiative when you need to do so.”`I guess so,” says Jonathan, disappointed.`Let’s get ready, Yukiko,” says Ethan.Ethan kneels down, and takes a suitcase out from under his bed. He puts the it on top of the bed, and opens it. It reveals two very fine weapons, one a handgun that silver colored shines brightly in the light. It also reveals a finely made sword that looks absolutely beautiful in the suitcase. Ethan grabs it out of the suitcase, and holds it up for all to see.`Amazing,” says Jonathan. `Where did you get that sword?”`It was a gift from a friend,” says Ethan. `He was one of the finest blacksmiths in all the world. I met him after I saved his daughter during one of my missions. He was so thankful that he decided to make this sword for me. It is made out of a special metal that is said to make it near impossible to break, and very dangerous in battle. It hasn’t failed me so far when I have used it, and I am thinking I may need it again.”Ethan takes out belt that he puts around his waist. It has a holster for his gun, and a sheath for his sword. He also takes out a black overcoat and sunglasses to complete his ensemble.`How should we do this?” asks Yukiko.`We need to head to the airport,” says Ethan. `We should fly over to the coast, where we can get a boat, and be able to travel over there that way. From what I could gather from the information I found, the coast isn’t well guarded. We should be able to land without too much of a problem After that, it will just be us, a few miles of jungle, and whatever Alistair can throw at us, until we are able to get to Alistair’s lair.”`Sounds like it won’t be easy,” replies Yukiko.`It never is,” replies Ethan, `but that’s that what making success all the more rewarding. Let’s go!”Alistair is at his island paradise. It is supposed to be a paradise, but Alistair is not one for nature. It was made rather hastily, a mere week or two before the plan was to take shape. It is done in the style of a simple jungle village, with simple huts lining the place, near a following river in the vast jungle that covers the place. Alistair is used to the high life of Europe, this was clearly not what he was expecting when he was hired for this mission. Continuing his woe is the fact that a light rain is falling, but it still does not deter him from pacing frantically outside, as he gathers Bradley, Jasmine, and Ignacio to discuss a plan for Ethan’s inevitable arrival. He decided to have it in the center of the village. Behind him are Josie and the President, both tied up, and guarded by two of his finest soldiers. His people are already way ahead of him, as Jasmine is dressed in camouflage to hide her when she is in the jungle, while Ignacio is brandishing a pair of beautiful short swords, clearly something he plans to use when he meets up with his enemy Ethan Quinn.`Hey Alistair,” remarks Ignacio. `Aren’t these surroundings quite nice? I feel they are quite perfect to finally defeat Ethan Quinn.”`This place is terrible!” snaps Alistair. `Hermes was first-class all the way when he sent people to do a job. The new bosses don’t understand that they have to keep their employees happy if they want a job done right!”`You’re funny, Alistair,” replies Ignacio. `You seem to forget that Hermes is dead. The new bosses have the right idea. People like you have been coddled your entire criminal lives that you spent too much time relaxing and enjoying yourselves, and not getting the job done. Besides, I can’t see Ethan getting by the snipers we have planted in the trees, or traps we set just for this occasion. Of course, should he be lucky enough to do, then I’ll take care of him.”`Swords?” says Alistair with a chuckle.`Of course,” says Ignacio, running his figure down one of the blades. `I am through with fist fighting Ethan, I plan to move in for the quick kill this time.”`Interesting,” says Alistair. `I should warn you that Ethan the captain of the Dartmouth fencing team, and nearly pursued a professional career in fencing before he joined Aristo, so he knows a thing or two about swords.”`I don’t worry,” says Ignacio. `That just makes it more interesting, and much more rewarding when I finally move in for the kill.”`And don’t worry about Yukiko,” remarks Jasmine. `I have a bit of a plan to take care of her as well.”`But you have no weapons, Jasmine,” says Alistair.`I have myself,” says Jasmine. `That is the deadliest weapon of them all. I also want to destroy that foolish girl. She dared mock me when her and I met the last time. I shall prove who the better student was.”`Ah yes,” says Alistair. `I forgot to ask you about how your little night with Ethan went? Did you learn anything interesting that could be helpful to us?”`Not much,” says Jasmine. `I did notice that Yukiko and Ethan were at each other’s throats the whole night. I figure they may separate in their weakened state in an attempt to prove who is the better of the two, leaving them to be easily defeated by us.”`If worse comes to worse,” says Alistair, walking towards Josie, `we could always play our trump card.”He takes a syringe out of his pocket, and shows it to both of Josie and the President.`Do you know what this is?” he asks.`No,” replies Josie. `But I have a feeling you are about to tell me.”`You are a smart one, my dear,” he replies. `It is the Asclepius virus, named after a Greek hero, known for his healing ability.”`You guys really seem to love Greek mythology, huh?” says Josie, sarcastically. `Hermes, Asclepius, Ajax…sheesh, when will end?”`It is somewhat refreshing to see a girl who laughs in the face of her demise,” replies Alistair. You see, this is a trap we have planned, just in case Ethan gets this far.”`How predictable,” replies Josie. `Just once, I would love to see a villain with balls. You can’t defeat Ethan, so you decide to take the easy way out and use us to try to get him to quit. It’s the typical cowardice shown by a protégé of Hermes.”`Are you saying that Hermes was a coward?” asks Alistair, angrily. `You see, my dear, he was a genius, not a fighter! He’d prefer to outthink Ethan, to defeat him mentally and emotionally, instead of physically. He was not a coward at all!”`Too bad his plots always seem to fail,” replies. Josie. `I guess Ethan was just smarter than him, and you know what that means, right?”`What, my dear?” asks Alistair.`If Ajax is smarter than the teacher,” she says, `then that means that he is also smarter than protégé! That means that your little plot here is destined to fail because, really, none of Hermes‘ plans worked, and neither will yours!”`Shut up your worthless harlot!” he screams out in anger. `Guards, take her away!”`I don’t see your problem,” replies Josie, as the guard grabs her. `I am thinking that you know I’m right. You’re just too scared to admit it.”`Shut up!” scream Alistair.Josie and the President get taken away to one of the huts, while Alistair stands there, breathing deeply and filled with anger. Ignacio walks up to him, laughing.`What is your problem?” asks Alistair.`You’re such a failure,” says Ignacio. `Why don’t you just kill them? It will make it much easier that way?”`They are needed,” says Alistair. `If Ethan gets through…”`He won’t,” says Ignacio. `I plan on that.”`But if he does…”`You spineless coward!” yells Ajax, growing angry. `That is the problem with people like you. You are completely useless! You know you can’t confront in a battle, so you run scared! You sicken me, Alistair! I could easily kill you right now, just to end your misery!”`Gentlemen!” screams Jasmine. `Break it up! You’re acting like children! You need to remember why we’re here. We’re here to eliminate Ethan Quinn, and then execute this plan as the boss wants. You need to remember that! We’re in this together. If we fight, then we’ll be as divided as Quinn and Yukiko are. Get your acts together because I’m here to win!”`A very solid point, Jasmine,” replies Alistair. `I don’t like you Ignacio. In fact, I absolutely despise you, but I’m willing to work with you to make sure this plan goes well.”`Okay, okay,” says Ethan. `Perhaps you are right. My job is to finish Ethan. I don’t really much care about you, but I’ll do the job I’m hired to do, and I’ll let you do the one you’re hired to do. That sounds like a great compromise. Now, if you‘ll excuse me, I think I will go out to the jungle, and wait for Quinn. Tchau.”`I guess I shall head off as well,” says Jasmine. `I have a feeling that Yukiko is near, and her and I have some unfinished business. Ta.”They head off into the jungle, while Alistair stands there, deep in thought, and Bradley walks up to him.`I just got reports that they have landed on the island,” says Bradley.`Smashing,” replies Alistair. `Now, all we need to do is watch, and wait…”On the outskirts of the island, Ethan, Yukiko, and Mashudu have just landed. They are standing on the beach, as the rain starts to fall a bit harder. Ethan puts on a pair of sunglasses, and gets his weapon ready. He takes out another, and tosses it to Yukiko.`What’s this for?” she asks.`You’re going to need it,” he replies.`I disagree,” says Yukiko. `it is quite cowardly to fight like this. I prefer to use my hands.”`It is not my weapon of choice either,” replies Ethan. `Of course, snipers are in those trees, and they will be hard to eliminate using your hands.”`Valid point,” replies Yukiko. `By the way, why are you wearing sunglasses when it is raining outside?”`Quite simple,” says Ethan. `These are heat sensors. They should help us locate the snipers in the trees. At least, that‘s how I hope it shall work.”`We should get going into the jungle,” says Mashudu. `There is nothing we can do standing here.”The three of them head off into the jungle. They immediately can hear many things went they enter it, like the rain pounding against the trees, and the sounds of various animals who live in the jungle. They continue on for a ways, until Ethan stops them.`Sniper,” he says. `He is in that tree over there. I don’t think he spots us.”`May I handle it?” asks Mashudu, readying his bow.`I am curious to see how you can handle that bow of yours,” says Ethan. `Go to it.”Mashudu ducks down behind a rock, as he prepares his bow. He takes some time, as he is trying hard to line up the perfect shot. Ethan and Yukiko look on at the African, while he readies things with his bow. He stops, pulls back, and fires. A perfect shot! The sniper falls out the tree, and onto the ground.`Excellent,” says Ethan with pride. `You definitely seem quite good at that.”`I hunted for many years,” replies Mashudu. `It is quite natural to me. I have hunted birds in trees before, so this was nothing.”`One down,” says Ethan, as he bends over to pick up the sniper’s rifle. `I am not sure how many to go.”They continue on with their journey through the jungle. They are very slow to move through the jungle, always on the look out for a variety of traps. They pick off more snipers as they advance through the forest. They continue, until they hear a rather loud disturbance near them. A bird is chirping rather loudly, and making a scene near them. Fearing danger, they hide by a nearby tree, while the bird continues to chirp loudly.`What is it?” asks Yukiko.`I am not sure,” whispers Ethan. `From the sounds of it,” I don’t think the problem is a person. Let me go and try to figure out what it is.”Ethan goes to find the bird. After taking a few steps, he immediately notices the disturbance. It is a snake, who has raided the bird’s nest, and is eating its young. Ethan is unsure how to react to a snake. He has dealt with humans before, but never snakes. He also hates to interfere with nature. He pulls out his sword in hopes of handling it the easy way, when Yukiko comes up behind him.` Wait!” she screams.`What?” asks Ethan.`You can’t kill that snake,” she protests. `He is a natural creature, and you should leave him alone. He is just doing what is natural to him.”`But he’s in my way,” remarks Ethan. `He is also filled with venom. I don’t like the thought of being snake bitten.”The snake is startled by the conversation, and gives up on its bird’s nest dinner, and turns its attention to Ethan, Yukiko, and Mashudu. It hisses at them threateningly, looking like may soon attack.`Can I attack now?” asks Ethan.`It’s just scared!” says Yukiko.`But it will bite us,” protests Ethan.`Because you scared it!” replies Yukiko.`You’re impossible!”`I don’t mean to interrupt your little argument,” says Mashudu. `But shouldn’t we stop arguing, and focus on the face that there’s a snake hissing at us!”`Great idea, Mashudu,” says Ethan. `Of course, if it wasn’t for her, I’d have handled this already!”`I am just trying to make a point,” says Yukiko. `You shouldn’t attack defenseless animals…”The snake lunges suddenly at Yukiko. She moves back, and gets into attack position. It lunges at her again, but she strikes back with a lethal kick to side of the snake’s head, dropping it to the ground. She looks scared, as she walks away from the snake, and nearer to Ethan.`You killed it!” protests Ethan. `I thought we weren’t supposed to touch it!”`It was threatening me,” says Yukiko. `What did you expect me to do? Just sit there and let it get me?”`You’re impossible.”They continue on with their journey through the jungle. They continue on as they did before for a few more minutes before they run into a fairly open area of the forest. It is not like the rough, largely untouched area they knew before, this area leads to a dirt road, and a sign. It warns against going any farther. It also is the beginning of a fork in the road that goes to three different paths. The trio stands there for a minute, trying to decide which way to go.`Do you think all three would lead to the same place?” asks Ethan. `If so, then it doesn’t matter which road we take.”`I think it’s a trick,” says Yukiko. `Only road leads to where we want to go. The other ones will clearly lead to danger.”`What do you think, Mashudu?” asks Ethan.Mashudu is standing there, studying some unique writing on the sign.`I recognize this,” he says.`What does it say?” asks Ethan.`It says that each of the three paths symbolize something, and, at the end of the paths. They all lead to the same place, Maenpedar.`Maenpedar?” asks Ethan. `What the heck is that?”`I am not sure,” replies Mashudu. `From what I can gather from this sign, it is some kind of heaven or mythical city to them.”`But there’s nobody here,” remarks Ethan. `And this sign looks fairly new. What else does it say?”`It says that all three require getting through different tasks to get to Maenpedar,” replies Mashudu. `There is the path of the warrior, which requires you to defeat a great warrior to gain acceptance into Maenpedar. There is a path of temptation that is guarded by a beautiful maiden, who wants to tempt you to your doom, and there is the path of righteousness that leads a clear path to Maenpedar.”`So, which is which?” asks Yukiko, curiously.`That’s the thing,” replies Mashudu. `The path you choose is determined by fate.”`Isn’t this kind of silly?” asks an annoyed Ethan. `These have clearly been put here by Alistair and his minions. It doesn’t matter which we choose because this is not some great mythological maze of the gods, it is just a trap by Alistair. Path of the warrior is clearly Yukiko’s path because she is a fighter, a modern day warrior. The path of temptation would be my path, as clearly, I am tempted by beautiful women. This is nothing more than a trick.”`What if it is real?” asks Mashudu. `What if this was build many years ago by an ancient civilization?”`If it was, then there wouldn’t be anyone guarding the paths,” says Ethan. `There aren’t too many beautiful maidens around, right? It is nothing more than an ancient tactic to prove some sort of moral point about how to live one’s life. If a person lives a righteous life, then that means he’ll have the easy path to the hypothetical heaven. If he doesn’t, then he’ll have some sort of obstacles to overcome to get there. It makes sense to me. Of course, this is nothing more than a trap by Alistair to get us to think too much into this. We will be so interested by what this sign says that we will forget that we are facing Alistair‘s goons. We need to keep our focus, and not have our heads in the clouds.”`That kind of ironic coming from you, Ethan,” replies Yukiko. `You are telling us to stay focused, yet everyone says that you have a hard time doing that on your missions, as you are always tempted by beautiful women.”`Maybe you’re right, Yukiko,” says Ethan. `I just think we should keep focused, and find a way to his hideout.`Good point,” replies. Yukiko.`Let’s all take a path,” says Ethan. `Surely, one of these would lead to a clear path to this city.”`Agreed,” replies Yukiko. `Let’s go!”They split up, and take the three paths. After wishing each other luck, it is decided that Yukiko shall take the right path, Mashudu shall take the center path, and Ethan shall take the left path. They go their separate ways for now, in hopes of finding the city that contains Josie and the President.Yukiko has been traveling on this path for a minutes now. It is a very cold and wet area of the jungle, but yet it is very calm and relaxing. It is a safe and peaceful area, only containing beautiful and harmless animals. It also contains beautiful scenery, as evidenced by the gorgeous waterfall which can be seen and heard in the distance. Yukiko stops for a minute, and begins to think about her predicament.`I don’t get it,” she wonders. `I have traveled this path for a few minutes now, yet I have not seen any snipers or dangerous snakes. I am totally confused. Am I really on the path to righteousness? If I am, it is really quite beautiful.”She walks a little more, then sees the waterfall in the distance. She stops immediately when she sees it, and is totally memorized by the mere sight of it.`I want to see that so badly,” she thinks. `Clearly, since Ethan and Mashudu will be busy fighting off warriors and beautiful women, I probably have enough time to take a short rest. I have never really seen a waterfall up close before, and I think that would be a fun. I don’t think it would be dangerous, since I am clearly on the path to righteousness, and there is nothing dangerous here.”She walks over to the waterfall. After a short walk, she finally comes to it. Its beautiful is unmatchable, and its sound dominates the whole area. Yukiko is absolutely in awe, as she sits back and views the gorgeous waterfall.`Maybe a short dip won’t hurt,” she thinks.She bends over to remove her shoes, when, as she is just getting the lace untied, she hears something behind her. She turns around immediately, and looks to see what it was. She sees a girl standing there. She sees her body, as she peers up to view who she is. She gets to face, and it reveals…`Jasmine!”`What’s the matter, darling?” asks Jasmine. `Did temptation get the best of you?”`So, it was a trap,” says Yukiko.`Maybe,” says Jasmine. `Maybe not.”`I am not here to figure out your riddles,” says Yukiko.`Nor am I,” replies Jasmine. `I don’t care how Alistair got you here, all I care about is that you’re here. I desperately wanted to make a fool of you in that tea house. You were very lucky. Ethan protected you. Of course, it should be you protecting him, but that’s a minor detail because, after today, I will be his new bodyguard.”`I wouldn’t bet on it, Jasmine,” replies Yukiko. `My job is to protect Ethan, and that is what I shall do!”`Why do you hold such loyalty to Ethan?” asks Jasmine. `I love him deeply, but you? I thought you hated him. What is in it for you anyway? Ethan is totally out of your league!”`It gives me the chance to get what I most want in the world,” says Yukiko. `The chance to be the best!”Jasmine laughs.`You mock me?” asks Yukiko.`No,” says Jasmine. `I just find it funny that you say you’re the best, when even your own master said that I, a mere, simple Korean girl is greater than you a proud and great Japanese! Doesn’t that just suck?”Yukiko has heard enough of Jasmine, and tries a vicious attack. She aggressively tries high roundhouse kicks to Jasmine’s jaw, but the quick Jasmine blocks every one skillfully with her arms. Yukiko grows more frustrated with every block, but Jasmine is holding off her more aggressive attacks. She waits for the best opportunity, then lands an aggressive push kick to Yukiko’s ribs. Yukiko falls back from her attack, while Jasmine becomes the aggressor, busting Yukiko with two powerful elbows the jaw. Yukiko falls down to one knee. Jasmine strikes with a thrusting kick right to the face. Yukiko drops to the ground. She’s bleeding from the lip, and looking extremely groggy. Her clothes are dirtied with mud from the wet ground, as Jasmine stands over Yukiko, and taunts her.`You hot-headed Jap!” she proclaims arrogantly. `You’re an embarrassment to your country!“`You dare insult me?” says Yukiko. `You should know that I am not done yet!”`Oh, darling, you pretty much are,“ replies Jasmine with a laugh. `You dare want to call yourself the best in the world? How humorous! I destroyed you! Maybe I should have let you undress because you will be going for a nice dip in that river, once I’m done with you!”Yukiko tries to crawl back to her feet, but Jasmine grabs her by the back of the neck. She keeps Yukiko near, then starts firing off rapid knees to the face and ribs. Yukiko drops once again, but she is still trying to get up to her feet. Jasmine runs over to her, and hits her with a soccer style kick to the face.`Give it up, Yukiko!” says Jasmine. `Look at you! You’re pathetic! You are just desperately crawling around, your body is badly bruised, you’re bleeding heavily…Give it up! You’re not the best! You should just give up now, Yukiko! I don’t want to kill you! Shattering your one dream is victory enough!”Yukiko is still crawling on the ground, trying to get back to her feet. Jasmine peers at the injured Yukiko, and gets ready to once again mock her by kicking her in the face. She readies, and charges Yukiko. She goes for the kick, but Yukiko catches her foot, and trips her. Jasmine shuffles back to her feet quickly, while Yukiko continues to fightt back to her feet.`You will pay for that, Yukiko!” screams Jasmine. `You stupidly rejected my generous offer! It‘s too bad I don‘t have any of that poison that I used on that guard to finish you. I guess I will just have to do it the old-fashioned way.”Jasmine charges at Yukiko, firing off alternating roundhouse kicks to the head. Yukiko easily blocks the kicks. She manages to catch Jasmine with a knee to the stomach, stunning her. Yukiko begins her own attack firing off rapid high kicks to Jasmine’s jaw. Jasmine falls back even more. Yukiko continues her relentless attack, while Jasmine desperately tries to cover herself, but can’t keep up with the speed of Yukiko’s alternating kicks. Yukiko pushes back as Jasmine is groggy, and barely able to keep on her feet. Yukiko charges, nailing Jasmine in the face with a jumping front kick. Jasmine falls backward with her back and ribs land hard into a tree. She falls to a sitting position at the tree. Her forehead has a small cut on it,, and she is looking a little tired after Yukiko’s attack.`Had enough?” asks Yukiko.`Damn you and your fighting spirit, Yukiko!” she gripes. `I’ll beat you yet!”She starts crawling back to her feet. Yukiko charges her, and tries to finish the fight with a flying kick. Jasmine dives out of the way, and Yukiko’s foot jams into the tree. Jasmine is crawling on the ground, trying to get to her feet. Yukiko is rolling around in pain, favoring her foot.`Did little Yukiko break her foot?” asks Jasmine is mocking tone. `That’s just too bad.”Jasmine walks towards Yukiko to attack. Yukiko sees her and quickly wraps her legs around Jasmine, tripping her. Jasmine falls face first into the mud.`My face!” she screams `My hands! My clothes! They’re all covered in this disgusting mud! You will pay for this, Yukiko!”Yukiko pushes herself back to her feet. She’s limping around, but is still ready to fight.`Get up, Jasmine!” she demands. `It’s time for you to back up your talk!”`I can still beat you,“ says Jasmine, as she gets back to her feet. `You’re a one legged woman!”`Even with one leg I can beat you,” proclaims Yukiko with pride.`you will pay for your boasts,” says Jasmine, while ripping off her shirt. `Much better! Now, all that mud won’t hold me back!”Jasmine charges at Yukiko, but, before she can attack, Yukiko busts her in the chest with a palm strike. She continues pounding her with lethal palm strikes, while Jasmine is trying to fall back to gain the advantage. She is getting closer and closer to the river. She tries a last gasp leaping roundhouse kick, but Yukiko ducks out of its way. Jasmine is stumbling, trying to maintain her balance, while Yukiko sits back and smiles.`Hey Jasmine,” she says, still grinning. `I think you need a bath!”Yukiko readies herself, and charges at Jasmine. Jasmine turns around, just in time to get hit in the face with a flying roundhouse kick from Yukiko. She falls straight into the river. . Yukiko drops to her knees, exhausted, and in pain. Her foot is badly hurt, but she held on and defeated Jasmine. It was a tough victory, but it was worth it for Yukiko to defeat her enemy. Despite her bad injuries, she knows she must continue on her journey to find Alistair’s hideout, and save Josie.Ethan’s path is not as beautiful and serene as Yukiko’s path is. It is a very rough and undeveloped path. It is dark and damp. Ethan is having to fight his way through vines just to get ahead. Mosquitoes are ramped here, and are biting Ethan liberally. It is a hard road to get to where Ethan wants to go. He has to work and fight for every inch that he gets. He keeps slashing with his sword, all the while, watching out for the dangerous animals that lurk in the jungle. One bite from a snake or a spider, and Ethan could be history. The work is hard and tiring. Ethan is exhausted, and desperately trying to find an end in sight. He fights on a little longer, chopping and chopping. It is then that he finally sees light. He chops through a few more vines, then gets to the last one between him and the light. He lifts his sword, about to chop the vines, when he hears a loud noise behind him. He turns around, and sees Ignacio Ajax standing there with his two swords drawn.`You didn’t think it would be that easy, did you?” asks Ignacio.`Of course I did,” says Ethan. `When I turned around, I was worried I’d find a giant snake or spider behind me, but, nah, it’s just you.”`You seem surprisingly calm for a man in your predicament,” says Ignacio.`What predicament?” asks Ethan. `Fighting you? I’ve done, and won. I can beat you again, and this time you won’t have the bumbling police force to save your ass. Of course, maybe you have a point. Being stranded on an island with you would be quite insufferable.”`You’re quite funny, Ethan,” replies Ignacio, mock laughing. `Too bad your mouth is meaningless in battle. I could easily slice you to ribbons with my swords right now.”`Perhaps you should shut up and try then,” says Ethan, arrogantly `I want to save my friend badly, but you know me, I have business to settle with you. You’ve beaten me once, and I have beaten you once. I guess it’s time to settle this right here and now!”Ethan tries a quick strike to finish it quickly. He thrusts aggressively with his sword, while Ignacio falls back into the jungle path. Ignacio blocks Ethan’s moves, and begins to strike with his own weapons. His speed and control are amazing, as he slashes with the swords, while Ethan looks for an escape. Ethan tries his best to block the attack with his sword and hands, but Ignacio is proving to be quite good with two swords, able to attack at will with Ethan being able to do very little to block the attack. Ethan is falling back, as Ignacio slashes, slicing a cut into Ethan’s hand. Ethan screams in pain, while Ignacio continues his attack. Ethan is able to block it temporarily with his sword and push off Ignacio, but his hand is in obviously pain.`Are you hurting, Ethan?” asks Ignacio. `I knew you were no match for my speed. It is only a matter of time before I finish you!”`You underestimate me, Ignacio,” replies Ethan. `I have worse injuries, given to me by greater opponents, and still won in the end. I think I can do the same to you.”`You’re fooling yourself, Ethan,” says Ignacio. `You’re as much on an old relic as your sword. You can’t match me!”Ignacio goes in for an attack again. He thrusts wildly, but Ethan jumps of the way. He turns, as Ethan slashes his sword violently at Ignacio’s forearm. The blade and the forearm meet with bang, as the swords rips through Ignacio’s flesh, causing him to drop one of his swords. He also falls to the ground. Ethan lifts his sword in the air, and tries to finish it with a vertical slash, but Ignacio is able to block with his other sword, and push off Ethan. He jumps over, and grabs his other sword. He quickly gets back to his feet, and goes back to his attack, trying to defeat Ethan with a quick thrust, but Ethan is parrying his every move. He is pushing Ethan back with his thrusts, and is looking for the time to strike. He sees an opening, and lunges at Ethan, but Ethan dives out of the way, and Ignacio falls into a mound of dirt. Ethan stands there, waiting for his opponent to get back to his feet, while he catches his breath.`You have looked good,” says Ethan, panting.`So have you,” replies Ignacio, also catching his breath. `It’s a pity only one of us can possibly win this fight. “Ethan stands back, and eyes Ignacio, while Ignacio rises to his feet. Ethan is trying to figure out how to beat him.`His speed is getting to me,’ Ethan thinks to himself. `I can’t keep up for too much longer if he keeps fighting as he does. He is bound to get me eventually, especially with this wound on my arm. There has to be a way to defeat him. There has been to be something that I am overlooking.”Ignacio is back to his feet, as the two of them go back at it. After a few minutes of neither man gaining the advantage, Ignacio manages to take the lead. He starts pushing Ethan back with his quick strikes, but Ajax is able to parry and dodge his moves to avoid any injury. Ignacio tries bold strike, but Ethan dodges it, and sees an opening. He slices through with a horizontal slash to Ignacio’s stomach. Ignacio steps back, and puts his hand to stomach. The blood can be visibly seen on his shirt, which now has a tear in it from the blade. He then checks his medallion, and feels relieved.`Luck is on my side!” he proclaims.`That’s it!” Ethan thinks. `The medallion! The source of his luck! I always thought it was a strength, but I never realized it could also be his Achilles’ heel. I must take advantage of this weakness.”Ethan raises his sword like he is ready to strike. He charges at Ignacio, trying to slice the medallion, but Ignacio fights hard. He slashes quickly at Ethan, but Ethan ducks the move. Ignacio turns around, as Ethan slashes, cutting the necklace that the held the medallion. It falls to the ground, as Ignacio’s eyes grow wide.`No!” he screams, scrambling to get the medallion.He sees it in the dirt, and dives to get back his medallion. Just then, a snake lunges at him, biting him on the hand. He screams in pain, holding his hand, as he sticks one of his swords into the snake, killing it.`I am not going alone!” he screams.Ignacio lunges desperately at Ethan, trying to kill him before he expires from the snake bite. Ethan quickly thrusts with his sword, stabbing Ignacio clean through his stomach. Ignacio stops his lunge, and drops his sword. Ethan pulls his sword out from Ignacio’s stomach, as Ignacio drops to the ground, clutching his medallion in his hand. Ethan walks around to calm himself after the intense battle, then he peers at the snake that Ignacio killed.`That’s funny,” says Ethan with a laugh. `That snake isn’t even poisonous! I guess Ignacio should consider himself lucky!”Ethan looks down at Ignacio laying on the ground, bleeding and beaten by a sword thrust of Ethan’s. Ethan look at him, and begins to look a bit sad.`Then again…” Ethan says, woefully. `Maybe not.”Ethan ducks down, and looks at his old nemesis laying there.`It’s too bad,” he says. `He was a good fighter, and a good opponent. I respected him, which is more than I can say for a lot of other enemies I fought. I really wish it didn’t have to end like that though. He deserved better than going out because of a non-venomous snake bite. Well, good luck, old friend. It is time for me to defeat Alistair.”Ethan bows slightly to Ignacio’s body, then rises back to his feet. He slices the last vine, and goes into the light. He runs through a short bit of trees, until he walks right into the Alistair’s makeshift village. He has his gun drawn, ready for a fight, as he immediately sees Alistair standing there, smiling broadly. He also looks to his side to see Yukiko, who is standing, looking muddied and injured after her fight with Jasmine. She is limping, and has her injured foot taped in what was Jasmine’s shirt. She limps over to Ethan, as he stares right at Alistair.`We meet again, Mr. Quinn!” he proclaims. `How long has it been? 2? 3 years now?`It’s been awhile, Alistair,” says Ethan. `It’s nice to see that after 3 years that you are still a pathetic lackey to someone, richer, smarter, and more powerful than yourself. It is nice to see that there is still a market out there for spineless, failed protégés!”`You humor me, Ethan,” he replies. `Nice to see you still have that wit of yours. I see you have a cut on your arm. I guess you met and subdued Ignacio. Such a pity. I told him not to go because I can handle you myself.”`That’s humorous, Alistair,” says Ethan. `You’re far too weak to do something like that.”`What are you going to do then, Ethan?” asks Alistair. `Kill me? Before you should choose, perhaps you should see the consequences of such a move.”He moves out of the way, and reveals Josie and the President, being held by two of his men. He smiles broadly once again, as Ethan sits there, emotionless.`You see, Ethan,” Alistair begins. `If you kill me, my men will then infect your friend and the President with this deadly virus. You will get to see them deteriorate before your very eyes, and it will be your fault for having them be injected with the virus. They will be the first to spread this virus around Africa, killing millions. You will have started an epidemic, Ethan, all because you couldn’t control yourself.”`Fascinating,” replies Ethan, scratching his chin. `This is an interesting dilemma, for sure.”`What should we do?” asks Yukiko, worried.`I have an idea,” Ethan whispers to her, `Don’t worry.”`What’s your decision, Ethan?” asks Alistair, impatiently.`My decision?” says a stunned Ethan. `Well, Alistair, you gotta do what you gotta do. Of course, I guess I should remind your underlings that they, too, would be infected with the virus should they infect Josie and the President. Of course, I don’t think that’s going to be quite necessary because I don’t think you’d give them the order.”`What do you mean?” asks Alistair, curiously.`It’s simple, really,” says Ethan. `All you have is the fact that you’re holding my friend and the Namibian President hostage, and threatening to infect them with a deadly virus. That’s all you got. Let’s hypothetically say you do infect them, then I’ll just simply kill you and be done with it.”`Are you saying you’d be willing to sacrifice your friend?” asks Alistair.`No,” says Ethan. `I know that in the back of your mind you wouldn’t do this because you know that the second you did, I’d just finish you without too much problem. Alexander would be ashamed of you!”`My master would be proud of me!” says Alistair, angrily.`Are you so sure?” says Ethan. `When Alexander did these things, he made sure underlings like you were involved so that he wouldn’t put himself in the line of fire because he knew that he would be risking his own skin if I laughed in his face when he gave me such an ultimatum Of course, you’re no Alexander, and never will be.`You fool!” he screams. `My teacher would be proud of me because I am about to do something he couldn’t do…defeat you!”He walks over closer to Ethan, and then turns to his men.`Men!” he says. `Do it!”He looks over at his men, who sit there, not doing anything.`Do it!” he screams again.He looks over at his men, as the President and Josie step forward. The men drop to the ground, dead. Alistair stands there, shocked, angered, and not sure how to react.`What happened?” he says as he falls to his knees.`It’s okay,” says Ethan. `This kind of thing has happened to Alexander hundreds of times when dealing with me!”`Don’t insult him, Quinn!” Alistair screams. `You are not worthy of saying such boasts about a great man like Alexander! Forget it! If my man can’t do it, then I will finish you myself!”Alistair takes out a knife from his belt. He begins to run at Ethan, who just stands there. He raises his knife, looking like he is about to strike, when feels something. He looks down, and sees an arrow sticking out of stomach. He falls to his knees, and turns his head in time to see Mashudu coming at him with his bow in his hand. Alistair falls at his feet, as Mashudu walks up to Ethan and his friends.`Thank you,” he says. `I was finally able to avenge my tribe. I owe you a great debt, Mr. Quinn.”`Don’t worry about it,” says Ethan. `You made that whole exchange much easier. I wouldn’t want to think about having it had I not had the prior knowledge that you had finished off both of his guards.”`You knew?” asks Yukiko.`Of course I did,” says, listening to a noise in the distance `What’s that noise?”As he says this, various helicopters begins to land in the village. As they land, Bradley is in the background with his hands raised, retreating. He managed to be the only member of Alistair’s crew to survive, and he’d like to do so a lot longer. The helicopters land on the ground of the village, as Simon, looking dapper in a suit, steps out of one of them.`Ethan!” he proclaims. `You did it! You managed to foil their plot, yet the only women I see are the ones I sent with you. How did you do it, Yukiko?”`I just beat up the woman he was going after,” says Yukiko. `Nothing too fancy.”`It‘s effective,” says Simon. `I am proud of you, Yukiko!”`I told Jonathan not to call you!” protests Ethan `We really could have handled it.”`But Jonathan didn’t call us,” says Simon.`Then who did?” asks Yukiko.`That’s classified,” replies Simon, turning to Mashudu. `And who is this?”`I’m Mashudu,” he says.`He was the one who killed Alistair, sir,” says Josie. `He is quite accurate with that bow.”`Impressive,” replies Simon.Simon, Josie, and Mashudu walk off talking to one another, leaving Ethan and Yukiko by themselves.`Congrats,” says Ethan, mock clapping. `You’ve completed your first mission, and only got a broken foot and a black eye in the process, I am so proud of you! Welcome to Aristo!”`Thanks, I guess,” says Yukiko. `So, what now?”`We get to take a well-earned vacation,” replies Ethan.`That sounds excellent to me.”It’s shortly after midnight in a dark office in the center of New York, three days after the events in Africa. A man is reading paper there, and he does not like what he sees. He slams down the paper in disgust. An article is in it discussing that the crisis in Namibia is over and that the President is safe. Next to him is a Japanese man in his late 20s, who is going over a report of the mission.“It failed miserably,” he said, summing up the report in three words.“What was the problem, Isao?” asks the other man.“Mr. Chimera, I fear that the personnel used was woefully inadequate.” says Isao.“Ignacio Ajax was nothing more than a trickster and a thief, Alistair was not who he said he was, and the whereabouts of Dr. Falco are presently unknown. Shall we check further, sir?”“No,” says Chimera brushing him off. “Dr. Falco did his job and got out. That is to be expected. I am more interested about this whole plan. I was wondering about the girl who worked on the project. The Korean.”“It says in the report that she was posing as a dead Komijul assassin, sir,” says Isao.“I see,” replies Chimera, bluntly.“The total cost of the failure is in the millions, sir,” says Isao. “Cerberus’ reputation has taken a major hit in the process, and there are rumors that Mr. Griffin might strike to have you eliminated from the company. It has come to his attention that many of your pet projects are costing the company a bit too much money. I fear you may be looked at as a liability in the company, sir.”Chimera says nothing. He just gets up, and goes around his office. He waters a few of his plants that line his office, as his pet spider monkey comes up to him. He feeds the animal, and stands there in contemplation for a minute.“What is it?” asks Isao.“I have a plan,” says Chimera. “I was contacted the other day by a lover of mine who lives in Japan. She told me about some concert being planned in a few months. It is a fairly big environmental deal, apparently. They want all the big stars to be there, and I feel I can use it as a cure to all of my problems.“A concert?” asks Isao. “What can that do for us?”“Plenty, Isao,” he says. “In fact, if all goes to plan, that night will end with a bang. It will be a very big bang, indeed. One the world will never forget.”