EPISODE 6: BEAUTIFUL ASSASSIN

"Gene, we have another rule in the Luo family. Trust can't be bought with money, but it can't take it's place either. Trusting you and knowing I'll be paid by you are two different things altogether." -- Fred Luo

Prologue: Narrator: To kill. That is this woman's profession. To kill. That is the only means by which she can survive. Her name is Suzuka. There are none who know her past. There are none who ask about her past. Through killing, she finds herself. She weeps as she watches the wind and senses the currents of the universe in her skin. This is the kind of woman that Suzuka is. She is not a special woman. All women are special. All women possess many faces. Yet no man has ever seen the faces of Suzuka. All that men can see is the gleaming sword that she holds in her hands. Even if these men who see her gleaming blade were to receive just a brief smile they would never see it, nor know of it, while they were alive. This woman's name is Suzuka. To kill, this is her profession.

Episode 6: Beautiful Assassin

Gene comes in for an emergency low-fuel landing to the protest of the West Virginia Spaceport control tower on Sentinel III. As he drops in too fast, the tower crew question what kind of stunt he's trying to pull. Gene explains he hasn't piloted in six years and never learned how to land on a planet, a fact which Jim wishes he'd known earlier. Melfina takes over keeping them on the guide beacon. Gilliam would prefer for her to take over the complete landing procedure, but Melfina can only do so much at once. Gene insists he can do it and decelerates with the use of the booster rockets. His gloating is cut short as the ship starts to tip over, though, prompting some temperamental exchange between him and Gilliam as to Gene's rough handling of the ship and the controls. As they skid across the landing pad, Melfina directs Gene to cut the engines so she can take over and get them safely stopped, but the pressure situation isn't helping Gene handle things as Jim and Gilliam point out their displeasure with the chance of imminent demise. Melfina manages to get them stopped and upright at the very edge of the pad, but Gene takes credit for pulling it off as soon as the danger has passed, earning him an earful from an irate Jim and a vote of little confidence from Gilliam. Gene asks the pad crew to take them to the nearest dock.

As they leave the spaceport, Gene tells Jim that he wants to get over to Fred Luo's place in Hugo right away, but he's also wondering what happened to their car. Jim freaks as he realizes it's been sitting out in the agri-plants all this time and Gene ponders the possibility that it's been stolen. Jim can't bear the thought, but Gene settles for renting a car for the three hour drive to Hugo.

On the drive, Jim continues to worry about his 'Ehefrau' (yes, he named his car 'wife', he's a strange kid) and Gene assures him they'll look for it when they're done with business. Jim complains about not knowing how to act around Fred and Gene replies he's not any better at it.

At Fred's shop, Gene instantly finds himself in a tight embrace from the rather flamboyant arms dealer. Fred remonstrates Gene for his negligence; he never calls, he never writes.. wonder why? Jim explains to Melfina that Gene did a job for Fred once. Fred's attentions are shifted from Gene to 'James', who becomes the next target for an extended hugging. Fred expresses his eagerness to see Jim in two or three years, but Jim has sudden plans to be far away by then. Fred promises he'll come after him to the end of the universe to Jim's dismay. Melfina introduces herself in a friendly and polite way, but gets only a cool response from Fred. Gene interrupts the lovefest by mentioning business, rather glad he caught Fred on Sentinel. Fred explains that since his father secured their business on Heifong, he's concentrating his efforts on the Frontier. He has to expand the business beyond what his father has or face being a laughingstock. Earth isn't good enough since the Federation merchants already have a strong footing there. Fred is quick to cozy up to Gene to talk business, or maybe it's just an excuse to blow in Gene's ear, an act which prompts Gene to leap off the couch and pull his blaster on the flirtatious Fred, who quickly excuses it as just being a joke.. sure. Gene puts the gun away when he notes the stern look from Fred's two bodyguards, though, and warns Fred to stop the jokes. Fred promises to be serious from now on, which Gene says is worse. Fred keeps to his promise, though, and asks about Gene's spaceship. Gene wants to buy some ship weapons and armor from Fred, but business is business. Even if they're friends, Fred has to point out how expensive such parts can be. Gene knows, but has no idea how much it will be to equip a Grappler ship. Upon finding out it's a Grappler, Fred is tempted to break the Luo family tradition of never asking the customer questions. Gene tells him he shouldn't. Fred laments that it's even more expensive to get Grappler gear, but he can help him with the equipment. His only concern is when he'll be paid. Gene confidently promises he'll pay when he makes it big, prompting Fred to remind Gene of another Luo family tradition not to mistake trust for collateral. Gene asks if he can at least get an estimate if he makes a list. Fred agrees, but warns Gene he may be disappointed once he sees how much it costs and offers the use of the desk in the display area while he sees his next appointment. As they're shown out, one of the bodyguards tells Gene that the only reason they don't throw him out for his rudeness to the young master is because Fred loves him. Gene doesn't seem sure how to deal with that, but does complain to Jim about Fred's tightfisted business sense as they pass the incoming client, a woman shrouded in a red cape. Gene is instantly distracted, but Jim reminds him he needs to make up the list for the estimate.

In his office, Fred reads over a reference letter brought by the woman and asks if she needs military rifles. When she says she doesn't, he asks what she does want then. She says the referral is a lie as well, removing the cloak and unsheathing a sword, with which she lays out Fred's bodyguards before they can react. She tells Fred that she wants his life and offers him five minutes to write out a letter of farewell to his loved ones. Fred asks why he's been targeted and she explains that increasing his market share will result in losses for someone else. Fred runs through a list of competitors, wondering which one has put a hit out on him, the assassin pointing out that he's only got four minutes before the sun sets and he'll die. Fred realizes that this assassin is the infamous Twilight Suzuka. Suzuka notes that he's not making good use of his remaining time. Fred glances towards a display of swords, but doesn't look to certain of his chances, then is reminded that he has three minutes left. Fortunately, Gene interrupts, his list complete. Suzuka whirls and attacks, Gene getting a shot off with his blaster, but both are stopped by the light shields of the respective targets. Fred begs Gene to save him, Gene snapping for him to stay down behind his desk, which Fred does. Gene and Suzuka face off, but with both equipped with light shields, it a bit of a standoff. Suzuka isn't going to tolerate Gene's interference. In the interests of fairness, Gene tosses his blaster aside and grabs a sword from a handy rack, to Suzuka's amusement. Gene does a good bit of showing off with a fancy kata, but when he throws the sword, Suzuka easily knocks it aside and comes for him. Unfortunately, her alarm clock goes off. It's past sunset, and too late for her to kill them this time. She blows a hole in the roof with her sword and escapes, telling Fred she'll be back to kill him the next sunset. Fred emerges from hiding to thank Gene physically for rescuing him. Fred begs Gene to keep protecting him. Gene is willing to, if Fred fills his wish list. Fred happily agrees, considering it a bargain compared to the fact that nobody has ever been targeted by Twilight Suzuka, an ultra Class-A assassin, and lived. Gene reconsiders and adds some missiles to the list.

On a rooftop overlooking the city, Suzuka determines her first course of action to be dealing with Gene, the bodyguard who caused her failure.

Fred's bodyguards analyze the security systems to try to figure out how a sword was slipped past them. Gene tells them it was a bokuto, a sword made of wood. They're a bit incredulous as the look around at the damage while Gene picks out a fancier blaster from Fred's stock. He asks for Caster shells, but Fred points out the low demand and antique status of such shells. They're just not Luo style. Gene asks what Fred's plans are; will he wait around for Suzuka to show again or is he going to leave? Gene's confident she won't show until the next sunset because she's the type who'll stick to her style. The only trouble would be if someone interfered with that style. Jim points out that Gene interfered. Ut oh. Fred puts his mind to work on another way out and proposes finding her employer and taking him out first. Gene doesn't think there's enough time to do that in 23 hours. Gene wants to take off, tired, but Fred panics, begging him to stay with him. Fred offers his room, pleading with Gene to stay close to wherever he is.. in his bed.. in his bath.. Gene quickly passes on the offer, assuring Fred that he'll be safe until the next sunset. Gene and company leave, Gene promising a despairing Fred that he'll call once he has a hotel room.

As they leave Fred's shop, Jim asks if Gene is really going to be Fred's bodyguard. Gene replies he doesn't have much of a choice. Fred won't extend him a loan and it's the only way to get the supplies they need. Their discussion is interrupted by Suzuka, who introduces herself and challenges Gene to a duel. Gene introduces himself back, but says dueling isn't an Outlaw custom. That doesn't matter to Suzuka, who considers the duel started once both parties have given their names. She unleashes a spell with her sword, which Gene dodges, telling Melfina to go back to Fred's place and Jim to back him up. Jim's reluctant, so Gene takes to the strategy of running like hell, Suzuka in pursuit. Gene fires back at her, but it's useless. He dodges across a busy street, hoping to lose her. Suzuka follows, but finds a large freight truck bearing down on her. Undaunted, she raises her sword and splits the truck in two halves that careen around her. Gene has to stop and applaud, asking her if that's one of those tricks only masters can do. Suzuka explains it was only a feat of strength, secret techniques aren't required against those who run. Gene feigns hurt feelings, Suzuka challenging him to stop running and face her. Jim shows up just in time in the rental car and Gene bids a quick farewell to Suzuka, hopping in. Suzuka isn't ready to give up yet and hops onto another car to follow. Realizing he'll have to face her, Gene asks Jim to do something for him while they're on the road.

On the outskirts of town, Gene prepares to face off against Suzuka. She asks if he's finally willing to duel as she stands atop a rocky spire. Gene admits he'll have to or he won't get his order from Fred. Suzuka mocks his worldly desires and claims they've cost him his life, to which Gene counters that some things are worth risking your life for and he's willing to put his life on the line for this. He demands Suzuka come down, questioning if she's scared. With this, the duel begins, Suzuka leaping down to land a blow with her bokuto, but Gene grabs the blade in a concentrated energy field, made possible by the modifications he had Jim do on his light shield generators while he was driving. Suzuka counters with her own energy, burning out Gene's generators, but Gene pulls the sword out of her hands as he delivers a kick to her ribs, the bokuto flying to land several yards away. Gene and Suzuka both race for the sword, Suzuka passing Gene up, but Gene grabs her obi, unwinding it from her kimono and racing to grab the sword while she tries to keep her clothes on. Embarrassed and angry, Suzuka demands he give her back her sword and sash. Gene sniffs the sash and comments on how nice it smells, Suzuka yelling for him to stop fooling around. Gene offers her belongings back if she lets Fred live, but Suzuka insists on carrying out her contract. Gene claims he'll keep the sash and break the sword then, Suzuka protesting that she won't let him. Gene fires a few shots at the ground around her knees as he reminds her that he's the one holding the cards now and the deal will be on his terms, a draw. This is apparently even worse for Suzuka than a loss as she rues not using a secret technique to begin with. Gene is fine with calling it a loss on her part for underestimating him. Suzuka is crushed, unable to face a loss. Gene isn't willing to kill a pretty lady just to save Fred's life, and he can't be tied down to guarding him for the rest of his life, he wants to get back to space. Suzuka is surprised to find out that Gene isn't technically Fred's bodyguard, he's an Outlaw, living by his own rules. Suzuka insists that she'll keep trying to carry out her contract as long as she lives, so Gene fires off a couple more rounds and announces that Twilight Suzuka just died, so she can forget about her contract. This sort of logic is incomprehensible to Suzuka. Gene is comfortable with it though and returns her things in payment for Fred's life. Suzuka insists that her pride won't let her give up. Gene points out that he's the one who damaged her pride, so he makes a deal that she can't kill Fred until she's killed him first. Suzuka's sense of honor can deal with this arrangement. Jim's not so sure it's a good idea, but Gene points out that this way he only has to worry about protecting himself and doesn't have to worry about Fred. He and Jim leave Suzuka staring after Gene and intrigued.

Back at Fred's, final arrangements are being made for delivery of Gene's merchandise. Fred thanks Gene, this time from a distance, comforted by the fact that Twilight Suzuka won't be after him anymore. Gene's not so sure about her employer, but Fred's confident that with the time Gene's bought him he can find out who it is and deal with him. Gene and Fred shake hands, Gene commenting that he might need Fred's help again and expects Fred to remember he owes him one. Fred can't resist anymore and grabs Gene in a hug, telling him he owes him 750,000 wong, the difference between Gene's order and the price to hire Twilight Suzuka. Gene pushes Fred off, spinning to ask the bodyguards what happened to Fred being in love with him. The bodyguards point out that Gene was granted a 30% discount. Apparently in the Luo family tradition, romance has a fixed savings rate. Fred looks forward to a long relationship, since Gene's going to need that discount considering the cost of maintaining a Grappler ship. Gene realizes he's stuck with the sharp business sense of the gay merchant.

Gene leaves, getting into the car where Jim and Melfina are waiting and announcing in a voice of finality that the negotiations are over. Even Jim knows when Gene doesn't want to talk about something. Melfina asks if Gene thinks Suzuka is really going to give up and Gene assures her he persuaded her. Jim wouldn't exactly call it persuaded, but Gene retorts that he couldn't just kill her, so sue him.

On the rocky spire, Suzuka promises that her dealings with Gene Starwind aren't over.

To be continued!

Next Episode: I got a ship, and I got a woman. Now I can live out the rest of my days in peace.. but I don't think that's gonna happen. Those damn pirates are attacking again and these new guys are real tough! They're making it hard for all of us! Go, Suzuka! Stand up to 'em, Jim! Given the situation, I guess I'd better get out there, too. They can't do it without me! Next time on Outlaw Star, Creeping Evil! You better get ready!