Steel Rain Read Online Free Page A

the Chairman from harm. However, she is well aware that the Chairman has occasionally called upon various GSG, herself included, to perform special tasks, to act as his personal agent in certain special matters. But will he allow her to take on a task of her own choosing? A mission to lay bare this new threat to Nagato Combine? To see it defeated, by force if necessary?
    This she does not know.
    Her spirit yearns to seek out this new enemy and send her steel slashing viciously, mercilessly, through any who would threaten the Chairman, but she calms herself, settles herself.
    She breathes.
    Tonight, her duty is clear.

5
    "Another GSG, sir."
    Major Hakatoro Saru of the Nagato Corporation Security Defense Force nods once to his executive officer and waits, arms folded and set, feet planted upon the hard black pavement of the cul-de-sac. He has seen the dark green-tinted Tachi Monarch gliding smoothly up the approach lane to the verge of the cul-de-sac. He is familiar with the expensive and flashy vehicles favored by the elves of Nagato Combine's Green Serpent Guard. He considers such vehicles an arrogance, yet another proof of elitist attitudes, and thus another indication of the contempt with which most elves regard the balance of humanity, Japanese or no.
    Hakatoro is also familiar with the slim, supple figure now coming into view, standing up beside the flamboyant Tachi.
    A rare exception to the rule.
    She is known as "Machiko-san," but many of the security troopers under his command privately refer to her as "Jade Tiger." She walks with the bold, long-legged stride of the warrior who knows no fear. She can be harsh and arrogant in manner when she perceives a need for discipline to be reinforced. Hakatoro, though, understands the need for discipline. He knows the difference between the necessary arrogance of a commander, or leading member of the Guard, and the brand of arrogance that is no better than puerile vanity.
    Machiko-san knows this, too. This and more. Hakatoro has heard that other appellation used for her by the younger members of the GSG. "Sword witch," they call her. It is said that in the training hall of the GSG, located here on the estate, Machiko-san has never been defeated, not with swords, not even by Sukayo-san, who, if mere talk can be believed, once actually defeated the master swordsman who founded the Guard, he who trained the first of the GSG, the one known as Kuroda -sensei .
    These elves are of course the most arrogant of warriors, and even the lowest warrior will exaggerate. Yet there is something about Machiko-san that gives credence to the stories about her. One does not have to look very closely to see the steel in her eyes, or the warrior's compassion in her heart, forever battling to win her spirit. One does not have to listen to much talk to realize that she is a physical adept and that the mana in her is strong. A ferocious combatant. One who rightly approaches the Chairman's estate with the warrior's bold stride.
    As she approaches the gateway, Hakatoro advances a few paces ahead of his weapons teams to greet her.
    They bow.
    "Are your forces arrayed to your satisfaction, Hakatoro -sama Machiko-san asks in her throaty voice of authority.
    Hakatoro nods. "I have biologicals in the woods, assault teams on the perimeter, lasers on line, assault guns, and a SAM unit on the hill. Any hostiles will be fragged, burned, or blown to bits, Machiko-san. Defenses in depth, reinforced by your GSG. We are ready for the devil Fuchi itself." Machiko-san looks at him sharply. "You have information that Fuchi presents a definite threat?"
    Hakatoro hesitates. A peculiar question, this. He is a moment recognizing that Machiko-san has taken his chance mention of Fuchi as a serious statement. This is odd because they have joked about the notorious giant of Fuchi Industrial Electronics on many occasions in the past. Everyone does. Fuchi is well-known for the villainy of its black operations. "Excuse me,