Steel Rain Read Online Free Page B

Machiko-san," Hakatoro hurries to say. "I have no such information. I meant only to emphasize that the forces under my command are prepared for whatever enemy we may encounter."
    Momentarily, Machiko-san nods. The throaty voice softens. "You must forgive me, Hakatoro-san. We face a very serious threat. Five senior GSG were attacked tonight. Two are dead."
    Hakatoro scowls. "Impossible."
    "It is so," Machiko-san assures him. "Sukayo-san himself has been seriously wounded. I have just been informed by the Chairman that I am now acting senior of the Guard." Hearing this, Hakatoro straightens his already rigid, erect posture. The stature of the Green Serpent Guard is of course very high. They accompany the Chairman everywhere, watch over him twenty-four hours a day. They are empowered to use any means to ensure that he is safe. Even the most junior member may demand immediate access if he or she should believe that the Chairman's safety is in question. Yet, the senior member of the Guard is said to stand especially close to the Chairman, at his right hand, and to have his ear, much like a sanro -kai , or "special consultant." The senior member's stature is especially high. Had Hakatoro known of Machiko-san 's recent rise in status he would not have spoken so informally. He would have addressed her with the degree of respect accorded the senior-most of the Guard.
    "I do not know how long this alert must go on," Machiko-san continues. "I am hoping that Security Service, or perhaps the Intelligence Directorate will shortly be able to provide us some data, such as the identity of the assassins. This should assist us in evaluating the level of threat we face, and its immediacy."
    Hakatoro nods. "The SDF will be on alert for as long as is necessary, Machiko-san. I will advise my command to make all necessary arrangements."
    Machiko-san glances aside.
    Hakatoro follows her glance, and finds two other GSG now coming through ports in the gateway, coming toward Machiko-san. Ryokai and Gongoro, both senior GSG. Gongoro was tonight the senior GSG on duty at the estate. Both bow in approaching Machiko-san. Gongoro, arrogant dog, gives a bow that is at best perfunctory, and does not wait for a bow of acknowledgment.
    "You will inspect our deployment?" Gongoro says in a clipped tone of command.
    Hakatoro restrains himself. He has no authority over members of the Guard. It would be inappropriate for him to snarl at this dog over his churlish manners and thus cause an incident. It would be particularly inappropriate in light of the current alert.
    Instead, as Gongoro completes his question, Hakatoro faces Machiko-san and bows. "Does the senior member have any other requests of the Security Defense Force?"
    Machiko-san glances back and forth. Her eyes then settle on Hakatoro, much as he had expected. "Not at this time," Machiko-san replies. "Thank you, Hakatoro-san."
    They bow.
    Hakatoro returns to his troops.

6
    Gongoro gives no visible response to being interrupted by Major Hakatoro, but Machiko is not deceived. She knows well the measure of Gongoro's anger. She is quite aware that he does not like being interrupted, especially by members of the security forces, especially by norms. For now, he will do nothing, because duty demands his attention, and because, here in the cul-de-sac, he stands under the guns of Hakatoro's men, and those men are Hakatoro's hand-picked best. In time an opportunity will come whereby he may repay Hakatoro his affront, and Gongoro will seize it. That is how he operates.
    Ryokai's eyes dart back and forth as if expecting lightning and thunder to erupt at any moment. And that is Ryokai, ever sensitive to the rise of conflict.
    "I will inspect the deployment," Machiko says.
    And her two brothers of the Guard follow her through one of the ports in the gateway.
    Compared to the brilliant light flooding the cul-de-sac, the terrain beyond the gateway is nearly lost in darkness. The low hill that the Chairman's rambling home