Drama CD - Crashers ~Knight & Ran~ 2

[onlygirlshavewings]

Crashers Knight and Ran
Crashers Knight & Ran II
trans. Athena

Track 1 - Game Start

Setting: A flashback, somewhere by the ocean. A father speaks to his son of his dream ship...

Takashi: So can I ride in the ship that you designed, Dad? Soon?

Man: Yeah, as soon as I return from the test voyage.

Takashi: And we can take a trip around the world on this ship, right?

Man: Yup! And you'll be able to come too, Takashi. Just for that purpose, I built a big hospital inside the ship!

Takashi: Eh? Inside the ship?

Man: Yes. So children with illnesses or the elderly can relax and take a trip. The Metal Venus is the ocean's goddess, protecting the weak.

Takashi: Metal...Venus. That's a cool name!


Setting: The father from the first scene (the ship architect) argues with the men responsible for building the Metal Venus...

Man: You've gotta be kidding! I designed Metal Venus so even people with weak bodies can take a safe ocean journey! And yet you guys---!!

Man 2: But we left the medical clinic, didn't we?

Man: That's not the point! I'm saying that you're not using it as it was meant to be! You can't use the medical facilities for that purpose! I won't allow it! I'm gonna call the police! *storms out the door*

Man 2: *sinister voice* I'd like to see you try.

Outside, the ship architect starts up his car and drives off. His breaks fail, and he crashes, causing a large explosion.


Setting: Honjou estate. Yuushi's sister Taiyou suddenly wakes from a terrible nightmare.

Suzuki: Taiyou-sama? Is everything alright?

Taiyou: Oh...Suzuki-san... It's nothing. I just dozed off for a second, and had a dream...

Suzuki: If you fall asleep on the couch, you might catch a cold.

Taiyou: You're right. My brother hasn't come home yet?

Suzuki: He didn't mention a time for his arrival. Oh. I shall close the window.

Taiyou: No, that's ok. The night breeze feels so good. In times like these, I get the feeling that something good will happen tomorrow.

Suzuki: That would be a good thing.

Taiyou: Yes.


Setting: Elsewhere, a phone rings...

Queen: *picking up* Yes? Yes, our next mission? Yes, I understand. We'll get right on it. *hangs up* Ready? Go.


(Track 2 - Song - Unknown Reality)


Track 3 - Give a command

Setting: Mission base. Knight receives instructions that don't sit well with him.

Knight: *throwing things* Why the hell do I have to put HIM up at my house, of all people?? Isn't Pawn's place better suited? And they seem to get along and all.

Pawn: But my place is small.

Knight: What about Bishop??

Bishop: The environment is fine, but I don't live near amenities that Rook would want...like the convenience store. Although if he can help out with the household chores, I'll happily feed him as well.

Queen: The reason he has to go to your house is actually related to our new mission. We thought it would be best if we had Rook live at your house as an "employee."

Ran: I hear your house is really big. You should have a room to spare for me.

Knight: Even if it's big, I've got no room where I can keep you!

Queen: But um...Knight? This time, it's just going to be more convenient if you had Rook by your side. I'll have you comply. Unless you want out?

Knight: *sighs* Fine. Why don't you continue?

Queen: I'm so glad you understand. Well then, Bishop? Will you explain our new mission?

Bishop: *starts up a projector* Our target this time is the Metal Venus, a luxury cruise ship equipped with medical facilities.

Ran: Luxury ship? Another big ass story.

Knight: I've heard rumors. Apparently some political and economic big shots donated a lot of money for this ship, complete with a medical clinic. It was originally conceived by the former head of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Sakata Kunihiko.

Queen: Exactly. On the outside, it's a luxury liner with medical facilities.

Bishop: It's equipped with a large scale hospital inside, so people with severe illnesses can travel safely over the seas.

Pawn: There's a hospital inside a ship? That's awesome! So what bad things are going on inside?

Bishop: According to the blueprints, there is a state of the art hospital as part of the design. But after some investigation, it was discovered that no medical institutions were affiliated, and no doctors were under the employ of this ship. However, it's certain that large amounts of "medicines" are being carried inside.

Ran: Medicine? You mean drugs?

Bishop: More accurately, you can call it the ingredients. As they travel the world, they take in large amounts of various legal drugs and particular mushrooms.

Pawn: Drugs can be...legal?

Bishop: Unfortunately, the world is a big place, Pawn. There are many countries in the world that have legalized less serious drugs like marijuana or speed. There are even places where there is government involvement in the export of these drugs to raise the foreign capital. It is easy to acquire unrefined drugs in such places. In addition, if the drugs aren't brought into Japan, the police can't really do anything about it.

Queen: Also, the ship is supported by various shady bureaucratic and business world officials. So it is difficult to discover what's really going on inside the ship.

Ran: In other words, they're manufacturing them inside the ship.

Knight: I get it. So they're using the hospital as a front for a drug manufacturing plant.

Bishop: But here's the problem. The original architect of the ship died before the ship was complete...alongside his only son.

Pawn: He was taken out?

Bishop: Apparently. Quite ingeniously, it wasn't determined to be an accident nor murder. We don't know if the break oil leak was the victim's own error or whether it was taken out on purpose. If it was tampered with, then it has to be by someone with a bit of skill.

Knight: So essentially, the original architect really meant to create a hospital aboard a ship...but somewhere along the way, the plans were corrupted...turning the ship into a drug manufacturing luxury liner.

Pawn: Then the current "architect" is fake, and the real one must've been murdered.

Ran: A ship built with good intentions is now being used for evil, and the architects have been switched.

Queen: From the car accident to the switch...someone had to have had a hand in this.

Bishop: Probably. In any case, to board the ship without suspicion, we need connections with the political or business world. So in order to gather inside information beyond the conjecture that we have at present, we'll have to rely on Knight's public face....the Honjou name.

Knight: So you want me to board the ship.

Queen: Exactly. With Rook.

Bishop: We need to pin down exactly what's going on inside the ship, turn over those involved to the coast guard...and if it's really a drug manufacturing plant, then we'll destroy it.

Queen: Good luck, everyone.


Track 4 - Gentility

Setting: Honjou estate. Knight and Ran arrive home, and will be staying here pending their next mission.

Ran: This mansion is incredible! Or I should say palace.

Knight: If you do anything vulgar, I'll throw you out.

Ran: What's so vulgar about me?

Knight: Everything.

Ran: You're so not cute.

Suzuki: Welcome home, Yuushi-sama.

Knight: It's good to be home, Bellwood.

Ran: Bellwood?

Knight: He's our butler. This is Fujimiya Ran. He'll be staying with us for a little while.

Suzuki: Is he a friend of yours?

Ran: *beaming* Yes!

Knight: Wha---!

Suzuki: Well this is unusual. For Yuushi-sama to bring home a friend.

Knight: He's not my--

Ran: *taps him, cutting him off as he whispers to him,* Wouldn't it be less of a hassle this way?

Knight: ....! Do as you want!

Taiyou: *from a distance* Suzuki-san? Is my brother home?

Knight: Taiyou! It's late already, so I'll take some time out tomorrow to explain.

Ran: *to Knight* You had a little sister?

Knight: *to Ran* If we didn't have to do this, I never would've told you.

Taiyou: Um...is someone else there?

Suzuki: Taiyou-sama...this is Yuushi-sama's friend.

Taiyou: Oniisama's [*] friend? Then I should at least greet them.

Knight: Taiyou...

Taiyou: *walking over* It's nice to meet you. I am Taiyou.

Ran: Taiyou...san.

Knight: *to Ran* My sister went blind after an accident. Take it easy, will you?

Ran: Aah... I'm Fujimiya Ran.

Taiyou: Ran-san? Have I...somewhere...?

Knight: *to Ran* If you say anything stupid, I'll kill you.

Ran: *to Knight* Why would I?

Taiyou: Oniisama? Are you to talking in secret already?

Knight: Er...of course not.

Taiyou: I might not be able to see, but you should know that I have sharp hearing.

Knight: That's right.

Ran: Your oniisama is disgraced.

Knight: You bastard...!

Taiyou: *laughing* Ran-san, you seem like a fun guy. But...I've heard that voice before.


Setting: A study at the Honjou estate, later that evening.

Ran: *helping himself to a drink* Hmmm. Such a great mansion and great study.
And great wine, too.

Knight: Who said you could open that??

Ran: You're rich...don't get all worked up over some wine.

Knight: I'm letting you know-- you can do what you want around the house, but you'd better not say anything weird to my sister Taiyou!

Ran: You don't have to tell me. But I didn't think you had such a pretty sister, Knight. Her personality seems the polar opposite to her brother as well.

Knight: She was much more of an active child before...

Ran: Hmmmm?

Knight: If it's for her, I will do anything.

Ran: So as an older brother at least, you're perfect. Though as a partner you fail miserably.

Knight: It's not like I'm hanging out with you because I want to, either!!

Ran: Same to you!

Knight: Heh! You don't know when to shut up.

Ran: So how are the plans coming along for sneaking aboard the ship?

Knight: The Metal Venus? Already done. *dramatically throws an invitation card at Ran*

Ran: *catching it* A charity invitation?

Knight: Yup. It's not like I live in this big house for nothing.

Ran: I guess it's not just your usual attitude that's big after all.

Knight: They should've told you. To board the Metal Venus without drawing suspicion, you need to have connections and assets. I received an invitation when they had their test voyage before, and held on to it. Though I never thought it would come in handy for a mission. Guess it's what they call a blessing in disguise.

Ran: I see.

A noise stirs just outside, and Knight runs to the door, opening it with force.

Knight: Who's there??

Taiyou: O...oniisama?

Knight: Taiyou!

Taiyou: Um...I wanted to say good night. Because you don't come home very often...so at least while you're here, I thought...

Knight: Ooh...yeah, I’m sorry.

Taiyou: Am I...intruding?

Knight: No, it's ok. I'm sorry.

Taiyou: Ran-san?

Ran: Yes, I'm right here. Your brother and I were just discussing...guy matters. It's not really something that ladies should hear...

Taiyou: Hm?

Knight: It's nothing. Go to bed. I'll be right here tonight, so don't worry.

Taiyou: Ok...good night. *door closes behind her* A discussion between guys?

Knight: *from behind the door, he yells at Ran* That's why I said, don't talk about stupid shit!

Ran: Alright, alright!

Taiyou: *giggles* Ran-san...I think we can be good friends. But...I really think I've...somewhere...


Translation notes

[*] Oniisama: Older brother. I left this untranslated because there is really no English equivalent when addressing siblings, and I wanted to keep the heirarchical nature of older/younger siblings intact.


Track 5 - Wide gap

Setting: Rook is recovering from his injuries, and Knight comes to visit him to bitch.
Knight: *slams fist down* That bastard!

Rook: *laughing* "Oniisama," eh? That's a good one.

Knight: Why should I be called one by that bastard!?

Rook: So what, are you gonna call each other "Knight" and "Rook"?

Knight: You're the only Rook to me! Only Tanuma Masato!

Rook: Are you still saying that? You're like a kid!

Knight: Shut up!! You can say such things because you don't know him! He doesn't give a shit about teamwork! He's got no manners! I have no idea what the hell he's thinking! You expect me to put my life in his hands? Not only that, but to let him live in my house??

Rook: Come on, Yuushi. How long are you gonna keep it up?

Knight: Well...

Rook: You'd better contain yourself. If you're always pissed off, it's gonna affect your mission. And anyway...didn't Taiyou-chan give a rare smile in front of Ran?

Knight: Yeah...

Rook: Anyway, quit coming here every time to complain. I'm not your dad or your big brother.

Knight: Rook...

Rook: My shoulder isn't quite healed yet. Go cool off a little at the rehab gym. *walking out*


Track 6 - Strange guest

Setting: Honjou estate, outside.
Suzuki: Taiyou-sama, the sun is beginning to set. Shall we go inside..?

Taiyou: Suzuki-san, have the roses in the garden bloomed beautifully every year, since I've gone blind?

Suzuki: Taiyou-sama, please don't tease me. Even if you cannot see, you can surely smell the scent of the flowers that fill the gardens more than anyone else.

Taiyou: Thank you.

Suzuki: But...what is the matter? Asking such a thing all the sudden.

Taiyou: I haven't been thinking too much about not being able to see, thanks to you and my brother. But I think there are things in the world that you want to make certain of with your own eyes, sometimes.

Suzuki: Are you referring to Ran-sama?

Taiyou: I think he's a good guy. But I know him from somewhere...

Suzuki: If you think he is a good man, then I think so as well. And I don't think Yuushi-sama would bring a bad person to this house.

Taiyou: Yes, you're right.

Suzuki: So let's go back inside now.

*a stir in the bushes*

Taiyou: Who's there?

Ran: I was drawn in by the scent of flowers, and then heard voices... Heh, your brother's gonna lecture me again, this time for eavesdropping.

Taiyou: *laughs* See? Isn't he funny, Suzuki-san?

Suzuki: So it seems.

Ran: You are called Suzuki-san? But I thought...

Taiyou: Bellwood. My brother calls him that, doesn't he?

Ran: Yeah...

Taiyou: "Suzu" means bell, and "ki" means wood.

Ran: Ha ha....It's like him, somehow. And so stupid. Uh...sorry, you'll keep this a secret?

Taiyou: Of course.

Suzuki: You and Yuushi-sama will be attending the charity even aboard the Metal Venus next week, isn't that right?

Ran: Uh...yes.

Taiyou: Metal Venus?

Ran: Do you know it?

Taiyou: Wasn't it built by a person by the name of...Mizuhara?

Ran: Eh?

Suzuki: I...don't know.

Ran: I don't know the specifics, either.

Taiyou: Is that so...


Track 7 - My guardian

Setting: Honjou estate, dining room. Suzuki brings out their meal in courses. Ran is not pleased.
Suzuki: Today's soup is a broad bean potage.

Ran: *slamming fist onto the table* You know...quit bringing these out in little courses day and night! Bring out the soup, fish and meat, all at once!! Damn it!

Suzuki: Y--yes.

Knight: Leave him be, Bellwood. You can ignore this unmannered clod. As long as you're staying here, you'll abide by the rules of my home.

Ran: But I'm starving!

Knight: Then relax! Just think of this as rehearsal for dining onboard the cruise starting tomorrow.

Taiyou: Oniisama? Was the Metal Venus...designed by a man named Mizuhara-san?

Knight: Taiyou?

Taiyou: Um, sorry if I'm mistaken.

Knight: Why do you think so?

Taiyou: Last year, I had a friend at the rehabilitation center on the island. He died in an accident.

Knight: Oh...if I remember, he was Mizuhara Takashi-kun? You guys were close?

Taiyou: Yes... and I thought maybe it was the ship that his father had built.

Knight: I'm sorry, I don't know the details.

Taiyou: I see.

Suzuki: Taiyou-sama.

Taiyou: That's ok, don't worry about it. Oh...I must be hindering your meal, so I'll excuse myself now. You may give my portion to Ran-san.

Ran: Thank you.

Taiyou: Have a nice meal!

Knight: Taiyou!

Door closes behind her.


Later that evening.
Knight: Bellwood, do you know anything about the Mizuhara boy that Taiyou mentioned earlier?

Suzuki: He was a friend she met when she was recovering at the rehabilitation center just after her accident. Just a while ago, he and his father passed away in a car accident. Taiyou-sama was most upset.

Knight: So his father was a ship architect?

Suzuki: Yes. I read the letters from Mizuhara Takashi-sama out loud for Taiyou-sama. He had wanted to take her aboard after the ship came back from its test voyage. Only...there seemed to be some restrictions as to who could board.

Knight: I see.

Suzuki: Um...does this have anything to do with your work?

Knight: No, don't worry about it. Actually, I'm more worried about Taiyou's lack of appetite. Will you take something to her later in her
room?

Suzuki: Very well.


Taiyou's room. She hears the sound of pebbles rapping against her window.
Ran: I have sandwiches. Can you open the window? I also have some hot tea.

Taiyou: Ran-san? *lets him in through the window*

Ran: I have to risk my life coming in here too.

Taiyou: *laughs* Yeah. My brother would freak out if he knew.

Ran: If you screamed out loud, your brother would rush in here and deck me.

Taiyou: So you're that friendly?

Ran: So much so it's a mystery why he hasn't decked me yet.

Taiyou: You're so funny! *laughs*

Ran: This is the first time I've delivered food at the risk of my life.

Taiyou: You speak as though you're always risking your life in everything else you do.

Ran: It's not that big of a deal.

Taiyou: So? What do you want to ask me?

Ran: You have good instincts.

Taiyou: Should I be happy you think so well of me?

Ran: I don't like flattery.

Taiyou: *laughs* Because you are so kind to me, I'll be happy to tell you whatever I know.

Ran: What about that shipbuilder you mentioned earlier?

Taiyou: Around the time I lost my vision, I was staying at a rehabilitation center on an island. I had a friend named Mizuhara Takashi, who had a heart condition.
flashback:

Takashi: Taiyou-chan, my dad's making an awesome ship right now! He says it's a ship where kids like me who have weakened bodies can relax and travel. He promised that I'll be the first one to take a ride in it once it's done!

Taiyou: That's so nice...you've got such a wonderful father.

Takashi: Oh....I'm sorry. You don't have a father...or mother.

Taiyou: But I do have a brother who takes care of me! Although he's busy with work and I hardly see him...

Takashi: Taiyou-chan... Ooh, I have a good idea! Let's ride on it together! I'll ask my dad!

Taiyou: But...

Takashi: You were my first friend since I've come to this facility. So...!


Ran: From the island rehab center?

Taiyou: That's right...and there was a time we feared the facility was going to be bought out by land speculators...
flashback:

Taiyou: Please! If we don't do something, our home will be taken away by those speculators!

Ran: Everything is ok now. Your home is safe. I won't let anyone lay a hand on it.

Taiyou: Really?

Ran: I promise.

Taiyou: Who...are you?

Ran: A guardian of justice.


Taiyou: Are you...are you by chance the man from---?

(In Taiyou's memory - Ran: A guardian of justice.)

Taiyou: Are you?

Ran: Er...no, I'm...

Knocking on the door.

Knight: Taiyou?

Taiyou: Oh no...it's my brother.

Ran: Then the intruder should disappear. *starts to leave*

Taiyou: Um....if the Metal Venus is the ship that Takashi-kun's father built, then there should definitely be some kind of marking somewhere. If you find out, then please tell me!

Ran: If I remember. See ya! *jumps out the window*

Knight: *pounding on the door* Taiyou! Is someone in there with you?? *knocks some more and then opens door and walks in* Hm? What's this? I smell tea...

Taiyou: Um, Suzuki-san brought this.

Knight: Oh...that's ok. I had thought that maybe you weren't feeling well...

Taiyou: Not at all. Are you here to talk about the ship as well?

Knight: You have good judgment.

Taiyou: Er...I thought you were maybe upset because I said something unnecessary.

Knight: You said your friend's name was...Mizuhara, right?

Taiyou: Yes. Um...I have his letters here. *hands them to Knight* His age was about right...and he said that his father's ship could travel around the world. So I thought maybe it was the same ship that you're about to board. It's just...Takashi-kun was in that accident before it could happen. If it's the same ship that Takashi-kun's father built...will you let me board it sometime? All our friends at the rehab center were looking forward to it.

Knight: Alright. If it's as you say, then let's do it.

Taiyou: Thank you, Oniisama!



Track 8 - Get in!

Setting: Onboard the luxury cruise ship, Metal Venus. An announcement comes on over the loud speaker, welcoming the passengers...
MC: Today we would like to welcome you to the charity voyage aboard our luxury cruise ship Metal Venus. To all the guests who have gathered here from the political and economic sectors, we give heartfelt thanks. We arranged this voyage with the hopes that your donations will help the handicapped children of the world. Though this will be a short voyage, please enjoy yourselves onboard as though you were spending time in a luxury hotel.

Applause.

MC: I would like to present to you now the chief architect - Mr. Kagawa Terunobu, who will extend a few words in greeting.

Kagawa: Metal Venus is a project I worked on for many years - and I would like to announce here, that this is a luxury cruise ship that also houses a large hospital with complete medical services available onboard. As the ship's architect, nothing would make me happier than the handicapped children and elderly of the world taking advantage of what the ship has to offer. To that end, please do attend the many attractions available on this trip, and donate to this worthy cause. The world needs your generosity and we hope you will endorse our cause.

More applause, and fireworks.


Setting: Metal Venus, private quarters where Knight and Ran will be staying. The door opens.
Ran: Why do I have to stay in the same room as you?

Knight: Because I don't know what kind of mess you'll get into if I left you alone.

Ran: I see. So you can't sleep alone...you must be more scared than you look.

Knight: Hmph! Don't be stupid. This time, I can't readily get in touch with Bishop or Queen, so I have to watch over you.

Ran: Oh, ok. So you're quite lonely without your other teammates...didn't know you were the lonesome type.

Knight: Would you quit picking at every little thing!? And I'm gonna tell you this - onboard this ship, you're supposed to be my "friend." You'd better act the part! Just be thankful I didn't turn you into my servant!

Ran: Knight...are you really the same blood as your sister? Your personalities are just too different.

Knight: You want me to punch you right now!!?? *rustling coming from inside Ran's suitcase* Cut that out, Pawn!!

Pawn: Hey! Can I come out now?

Ran: Yeah...sorry. *lets him out*

Pawn: *breathing out* Aaah! That was rough!

Knight: *snorts* Stay in there forever!

Pawn: Hey, what's with that? They said I could come onboard too, so I was looking forward to it. So how are you gonna treat me like luggage?

Knight: If Pawn's in your suitcase...that means... What happened to your change of clothes?

Ran: It's just two nights and three days, right? I'm not gonna die if I don't change.

Knight: What are you going to wear to the evening reception!? That fabulously grungy outfit of yours is just gonna make you stand out! And I'm definitely NOT going to be staying in the same room with someone who doesn't change everyday!

Ran: Pawn...what are we gonna do?

Pawn: Queen said since you guys are about the same size, you can just borrow Knight's clothes.

Ran: Is that an order?

Pawn: Queen said it was a request...

Knight: *sighs, flopping down on the bed* Do as you like.

Pawn: What's wrong, Knight? You look really worn out.

Knight: My fatigue has just gotten worse since HE joined us.

Pawn: Eh?

Ran: Pawn, it's ok, just leave him.

Knight: That would make me the most grateful..

Pawn: Is it...my fault? Then I'll apologize! I'm sorry, Knight. I said I'm sorry!

Knight: It's ... fine.


Setting: Metal Venus, Engine Room.
Pawn: *over comm device* Bishop, can you hear me? I'm in the Engine Room.

Bishop: According to the blueprints we have, there are two main engines: No. 1 (large size) and No. 2 (medium size).

Pawn: Gotcha. Except...on both engines, I see parts that I've never seen before. Like a large size sprinkler.. But it looks weird for a sprinkler. Almost like something to water plants.

Bishop: Maybe it's something they use to raise plants that can be manufactured into drugs onboard. Can you tell Knight and Rook that we would like obtain some more specific information? Meanwhile, Pawn - you prepare the explosives.

Pawn: Alright.

Bishop: Make sure you set the times to give enough leeway for everyone to evacuate.

Pawn: Ok, ok. I'll put extra assurance with this, and set the bombs in other main locations too. Leave it all up to me.

Bishop: Knight and Rook are onboard too. Be extra careful.

Pawn: Trust my skills, alright?


Setting: Later that evening, at a reception dinner onboard.
Ran: Why do I have to wear such a tight outfit to eat a meal?

Knight: You know.. we might be on a ship, but this is formal dinner party. If you showed up here in one of your fabulously vulgar outfits that you wear all the time, they would find it too suspicious.

Ran: Sorry I'm so vulgar all the time.

Knight: Just be quiet and put on the façade of the Honjou family here. You won't stand out that way. If you had any sense of manners like Bellwood, I would have made you my butler.

Ran: A servant? I don't think so.

Knight: A butler has much more class than your common servant. I've made you the lazy son of my father's friend. Don’t you forget it.

Ran: LAZY son, eh? Then I'll do just that.

Man: Excuse me. You are Honjou Yuushi-sama and his friend, am I right?

Knight: Yes.

Man: The managers Sakata and Kagawa were hoping to have a conversation with you. They have asked me to escort you to the VIP Room.

Ran: I see. This is convenient.

Guilty deed

Setting: Knight and Ran have been invited to the ship's VIP Room to speak with management. There's a knock on the door before Knight and Ran are escorted in...
Sakata: Well, well...I had not expected that the head of the Honjou family himself would honor us with his company. *in reference to Ran* And you are...?

Knight: He is the son of my late father's friend. The son from Komiya Construction.

Sakata: Komiya Construction? The corporation that saw much growth during the bubble economy? But I had heard they only had a daughter...

Knight: Sakata-san, those who do much business always have an outward face...and another face. I ask, upon the honor of the Honjou family, that you refrain from any further inquiry.

Sakata: Aaah.. *laughs* My apologies.

Ran: I have much favor from my father. However, due to personal circumstances, I have taken my mother's surname. And so..

Sakata: You need not worry. Whatever happens on this ship stays in here. I mean absolutely.

Knight: Ooh. Absolutely...?

Sakata: Well, I think you will come to understand. But before that, I would like to take the opportunity to reintroduce the ship's architect, Kagawa.

Kagawa: I am Kagawa. Greetings.

Knight: We heard your fabulous speech earlier.

Kagawa: Ah...not at all.

Ran: I have heard that you have resigned from the Ministry of Health and Welfare in favor of running this ship, Sakata-san.

Sakata: You are well informed. As to be expected, I suppose, for one of Komiya Construction.

Ran: May I say...you have beaten us to the punch. You see, my father and the Honjou family had been planning a joint venture in health care. Well, it seems the Honjou family had a policy on this regard from before, but...I guess my father is coming into old age and wanted to make amends...or something or other. In any case, he wanted to put me in charge of that venture. That's so like him, taking the best
part...

Sakata: Both of you are so young, still. You are hoping to expand upon your ventures, is that it?

Knight: Of course. It seems there are many hints hidden aboard this ship. We will take this opportunity...for careful study.

Ran: My family and Honjou's family will be footing the expense in its entirety. We say rather lightly that such expenses are surely necessary if it will benefit society.

Sakata: If you say as much, then we understand each other well. Perhaps tomorrow then, I will show you something that might...interest you. You won't regret it.


Setting: After leaving the VIP Room, Knight and Ran chat on the ship's deck.
Knight: As we thought, there's definitely something going on.

Ran: So do we wait until tomorrow?

Knight: Pawn will soon join us in the billiard room. Let's wait until then. But that aside...how did you know the president of Komiya Construction had ties with the Yakuza?

Ran: So I was right.

Knight: You didn't know?

Ran: I thought maybe that was the case. Because no matter how hard I tried, I could never appear refined. I figured the most effective thing to do would be to peg me as the illegitimate child of a nouveau riche yakuza who made it big doing shady business during the bubble economy. Hit the nail on the head, huh?

Knight: Not bad.

Ran: I'm not that stupid. Although it certainly saved me, that way.

Knight: Hn. That wasn't my intent. I just played it safe.

Ran: This will make a good story to take back to Taiyou-san.

Knight: Keep it quiet!

Ran: What, are you in trouble if your sister finds out? That I'm some LAZY son?

Knight: Do something about your annoying personality. If you don't, I'll throw you out of the house as soon we get back!

Ran: Oooh, so you'll let me stay?

Knight: Let's go. Pawn's waiting. *walks off*

Ran: *to himself* I guess from her perspective, he's a good brother. That makes this mission a little tougher. Come to think...that ship's architect called himself...Kagawa. If he's a phony who's been switched covertly, there has to be proof of that somewhere. Should I talk about what she wished for..?
flashback (Honjou estate):

Ran: So you want to know if the ship was designed by someone named Mizuhara?

Taiyou: Yes. If it really was designed by Takashi-kun's father, then there has to be a symbol of his father's love someplace on the ship.

Ran: His father's...love?

Taiyou: The police said it was either an accident, or joint suicide, but that can't be the case! That couldn't have been an accident.

Ran: Why do you say that?

Taiyou: Because...he never would have been speeding, with Takashi-kun in the car. He knew better than anyone that doing so would put stress on his heart. Takashi-kun was so happy that the Metal Venus was nearing completion.

Ran: So you're saying he couldn't have caused an accident?

Taiyou: That's why I want you to find out whether that is the ship that Takashi-kun's father built. I get the feeling there are answers there. No, I thought you would be able to discover the truth. Um...

Ran: Is there something else?

Taiyou: ...you face...

Ran: My...?

Taiyou: May I touch it? Your face? The face of .. the defender of justice...


Ran: *groans* If Knight ever finds out I had this conversation, he'll kill me. Geez.


Setting: Billiard Room.
Knight: *as he plays pool* Pawn, you can come out now.

Ran: There's some gourmet chicken there we snuck out of the dining room.

Pawn: WOW!

Knight: Not so loud! It's only supposed to be the two of us in here. There's even a surveillance camera for 'security' purposes. Stay in the outer bounds of the camera.

Pawn: Ok.

Ran: So? Did you find out how the ship's constructed?

Pawn: The blue prints that Bishop got a hold of are pretty detailed, but there's something a little off about them.

Knight: So the enemy isn't gonna give us the upperhand so easily, it seems.

Pawn: I wanna investigate the lower levels a little more. Oh, Bishop says Rook should help me with this.

Ran: Are you saying it's ok to just leave Knight by himself?

Knight: I don't need your help. Actually, some things are easier to do if I work by myself. Especially when dealing with shady businessmen.

Ran: You're probably right. If I were around, I'd probably just get in your way.

Knight: That's not what I'm saying.

Pawn: What's going on? Did you guys fight again?

Ran: Who knows? Maybe Knight's thinking something wicked?

Knight: Don't be stupid. That aside...you've got it covered just in case...right, Pawn?

Pawn: There shouldn't be any worries. Because there are a lot of VIP's onboard from the political and economic sphere, there's some pretty tight security. Bishop says the only other thing we need is for Knight to convince that geezer Sakata to throw a big shindig for the final party tonight to keep the guests distracted. That way, all the security will be concentrated there so if we do have to demolish anything, the safety of the passengers will be ensured.

Ran: Alright. So I'll leave all the politics to you.

Knight: You don't have to tell me. I'll investigate their true intentions. I leave the rest to you. Pawn...be careful and don't believe everything this guy says.


Setting: Somewhere onboard, Knight prepares to listen in on the shady discussions taking place between Sakata and Kagawa.
Knight: Ok...so let's hear what's going on inside the geezer's belly... *flips on the transmission, and after fiddling with the dial, the voices come in clearer...*

Kagawa: Those two young men just now...they'll be alright, won't they?

Knight: *whispers* Got it!

Sakata: What are you worried about? All you have to do is take the place of Mizuhara and let on that you designed the ship.

Kagawa: I'm a technician too! I have the ship's design clearly in my head. But do you think that Mizuhara really believed that in this economic slump, one could afford to build a luxury ship that housed a hospital?

Sakata: Because the Ministry of Health and Welfare was involved, he apparently didn't suspect anything. But unfortunately for him, he didn't realize that there are strings being pulled from behind. In that sense, he is a man who has lived the world with just his talent. If he weren't so stubborn, we wouldn't have had to get rid of him.

Kagawa: Yes, but indeed this ship is certainly built very well. If we were to use the medical facilities onboard, we can even do organ transplant surgery. This is most convenient. If the need were to ever arise, we can rearrange the ship to look exactly as Mizuhara designed it. We were even able to do his son's heart transplant. If he hadn't whined about it and listened to what we had to say, he wouldn't have had to die. Anyway, it's pretty easy to tamper with a car without causing suspicion.

Sakata: Thanks to that, we can put on the front of "health and welfare" and approach countries with whom we don't have diplomatic relations. We even build a facility where we can manufacture the drugs. A ship that kills two birds with one stone. No one will suspect what's going on inside the ship.

Kagawa: It is simply a fact that outside the purview of the general public, drugs and money exchange hands.

Knight: *snaps off transmission and punches a wall* Rotten bastards!


[ to be continued... ]



Go over the plan

Setting: Aboard the Metal Venus. Ran and Pawn investigate the inner chambers of the ship.
Ran: *opens a door* So we can take this to the lower levels?

Pawn: Yeah. To reach the bottom of the ship, there's an emergency corridor that can be used, that's not just for staff. Of course, I fiddled a bit with the computer terminal so we can come and go as we please.

Ran: You're more impressive than you look.

Pawn: Is that...a compliment?

Ran: It's not an insult.

Pawn: That's right...Bishop said he wanted to talk to you directly. Here's the communicator.

Ran: Communicator?

Pawn: Come on...Bishop's been overseeing this ship from up above all this time.

Ran: From up above?

Pawn: From a special stealth jet designed by the American military known as Blackbird - it doesn't show up on radar.

Ran: Impressive.

Bishop: *cuts in over comm* Hold your admiration and just listen.

Ran: I'm listening.

Bishop: Rook - while Knight is canoodling Sakata and keeping him at the party, you look for the black box and find out what information it holds. And if you can, bring it back.

Ran: What is this black box?

Bishop: It might be a system that proves that Mizuhara Kiyoshi was the designer. It will be undeniable proof of Kagawa's fraud.

Ran: Alright. I'll give it a try.

Bishop: And you, Pawn, will go set the bombs as the 'sideshow' to the party as we planned.

Pawn: Roger.


Setting: A private chat over liquor in Sakata's quarters. Knight has arrived to inquire after possible joint ventures.
Sakata: Aah, Honjou-san. I did not think you would come to me first to discuss matters.

Knight: Well, although I am indeed Honjou, it is not as though the inheritance left to me by my parents is unlimited. So I would therefore like to hear more...specifics. And I thought that if the parliament members speak well of this voyage, there is much promise indeed.

Sakata: I am just merely the OB [alumnus] of the Ministry of Health and Welfare. But...if you so wish, I could probably pull a few strings.

Knight: I would be most grateful. If I can expect favorable treatment, then I shall be able to provide the appropriate compensation that the parliament members require.

Sakata: Then how is this? You shall be the host for tonight's final party, and we will make it quite splendid indeed. And we may introduce everyone to you there.

Knight: Would you please?

Sakata: Of course.

Knight: You told me before that the person who designed this ship was named Kagawa-san, is that right? But I had heard a different name from my sources. Something like...Mizu...kawa? No, Mizuno...?

Sakata: No, no, no. Not at all! Kagawa designed the whole thing. He is a genius ship designer, second to no one in the field!

Knight: Then tonight, please inform Kagawa-san that I would like to discuss things more thoroughly with him as well.



Setting: Ship's interior chambers, where Pawn is setting his bombs.
Pawn: Engines one and two - bomb settings, complete. And just in case, I set them on the rear propellant engine as well. If that doesn't work, I've set as a final backup, explosives in the interior guest rooms of the ship that are unoccupied. With all this in place, the ship will split right in two. *beeping sounds* Eh? It looks like there's a small chamber inside one of the guest rooms... *through comm. device*
Hello? Bishop? What is this room?

Bishop: I don't know. I tried scanning it with infra-red rays but if I do anymore, they'll find out I'm up here. It's probably where the black box is located. Hook up with Rook and investigate it.

Pawn: Roger.



Setting: Evening party. Classical music plays in the background as Knight mingles among the crowd.
Knight: *into comm. device* Can you hear me?

Ran: Loud and clear. You've got a nice voice.

Knight: Quit joking. How are things over there?

Ran: About the mysterious room that Pawn found...we went in, but it looks like just a chamber encased in steel. But would someone usually build such a thing?

Knight: Probably not. I'll try to find out information from the architect, Kagawa. Listen carefully and don't miss a word.

Ran: Yeah.

Knight: Where's Pawn?

Ran: He's looking into the fire alarm system. We'll set them all off when the timing's right.

Knight: Alright.



Setting: Party continues. Knight makes contact with Sakata.
Sakata: Well, well. This is quite a party. Such as to be expected from one of the Honjou family.

Knight: When we stopped at the port earlier, I thought it may be necessary, so I procured various provisions.

Sakata: The food and wine are much more exquisite than what my company had arranged.

Kagawa: Quite impressive, for one so young.

Knight: My father taught me long ago that I should honor those who are important.

Kagawa: You must have been very happy.

Knight: Yet...I lost my parents to an accident, the incident that also rendered my sister blind. At one point, she was recovering at a particular island rehabilitation center and met a young boy who was the son of a ship's architect.

Kagawa: Ah...

Knight: Unfortunately, he and his family perished in an accident. My sister was saying that this ship sounded very similar to the one that the boy spoke of.

Sakata: Can she tell...even if her vision is impaired?

Knight: Apparently, one who cannot see is sometimes better suited "see" the truth.

Sakata: Is that...so?

Knight: When I looked over the blueprints, this ship appeared to be designed with medical facilities so advanced that even organ transplant surgery can be conducted onboard.

Kagawa: Of course. That is the ultimate feature of this ship, afterall.

Knight: But there is one thing that I'm concerned about.

Kagawa: Huh?

Knight: I haven't actually seen any of the medical facilities yet.

Kagawa: *laughs awkwardly* Well, we only show them to people who are absolutely necessary. That decision is up to Sakata-san.

Knight: Then won't you please indulge me?

Sakata: But...I had heard that the Honjou family rarely dabbles in politics...

Knight: I thought I mentioned already. It is only a matter of time before my inheritance is exhausted. I want to do every possible thing for my vision impaired sister.

Sakata: No matter...what may be involved?

Knight: I have no double dealings.

Sakata: Very well. I will show you.



Setting: Inside the empty guest room, where Ran and Pawn and looking for the black box.
Pawn: *knocking around the walls* Hehe. This is like a treasure hunt!

Ran: Yup. A treasure hunt. If Mizuhara Kiyoshi really didn't trust Kagawa, then he had to have hidden the "treasure" somewhere. And according to Bishop, Mizuhara and Kagawa had actually had some difference of opinion near the end. If that's the case, then Mizuhara would have hidden the secrets to the ship somewhere without telling Kagawa. The flipside is, if this ship sinks, that technology will sink with it forever.

Pawn: Rook! Listen! *knocks on the wall*

Ran: Is there something there?

Pawn: It's just a little bit, but there's an empty space there. This one portion of the panel looks like it can come off. *removes it* Here it is! What is this?

Ran: It can't be...that they carved the ship's commission in a place like this.

Pawn: But...isn't this the same date that the Metal Venus was commissioned? There's the date, name, and...oh? There's something else carved just underneath it.

Ran: What is this? T...a...k...a...s...h...i.

Pawn: Takashi?

Taiyou: [in flashback] If the Metal Venus is the ship that Takashi-kun's father designed, there has to be proof of that somewhere, I know it!

Ran: This is it! This is what she was talking about.

Pawn: Rook, the "i" comes loose here. If you take this part...oh! It's a microchip!

Ran: Alright! We've got this covered! Now all we need is for Knight to find proof...after that, let's set off some fireworks!

Pawn: Leave it to me!



Underground

Setting: Sakata is bringing Knight into the restricted areas of the ship's interior.
Knight: You certainly have some tight security here for a hospital. You've got cameras and sensors everywhere.

Sakata: So you understand.

Knight: One can't survive in the modern world without having a bit of knowledge about some things.

Sakata: Some very encouraging words, the more I hear. Just beyond here is where we take only those who endorse our way of thinking. There are great riches that can be acquired. Shall we call it...treatment for your wallet? Behold! *he opens the chamber*

Knight: This is...?

Sakata: These are pre-processed drugs gathered from around of the world. On this floor, we cultivate substances that are not yet considered illegal in any country.

Knight: I see. Certainly, no one would suspect that you cultivate these things onboard a ship.

Kagawa: This was designed to be a medical facility. We have all the necessary experimental equipment, and we can readily acquire medicinal compounds normally used for medical treatment.

Knight: Of course.

Sakata: The goods created here are distributed to clients at a discount price. These clients may then sell the goods once on shore at many times that amount.

Knight: And? Do you see much profits?

Sakata: Of course! We must take our share of profits from the money that is made from the dealers, or else...

Knight: And that is the capital necessary to pull strings behind the political scene.

Sakata: Money goes hand in hand with politics.

Knight: What's your share?

Sakata: We receive 25% of the profits.

Knight: A bit excessive.

Sakata: Not at all! Normally one would receive 20% and it wouldn't be the case. Your investment isn't that much at all, is it?

Knight: Certainly.

Sakata: So do we have an agreement?

Knight: Yes. And it seems preparations have been met on my end as well. Some fireworks will go off in celebration.

Sakata: Huh?

Knight: *into comm. device* Rook, Pawn. I leave the rest to you.

Sakata: What do you...

Knight: If you don't go back, you're going to drown.

Kagawa: Sakata-san, something's wrong!

Sakata: What...?



[ to be continued... ]


Go down

Setting: Explosions go off as the fire alarm sounds throughout the ship.
Sakata: Ka-Kagawa! What is this?

Kagawa: This sound! It's--

More explosions.

Sakata: What is it this time??

Knight: That's why I said - that if you stay here, you're going to drown. Right about now, the engine room is probably going up in flames.

Sakata: Wha - what have you...?

Knight: I don't plan to go down with this tainted ship, so I'll be taking my leave now. Or would you like to come with me?

Sakata: Wh--who are you??

Knight: Don't you think you should get to the deck before anything else? Let's go!

More explosions and chaos as people frantically escape.

Man: Please, stay calm! There are enough lifeboats for everybody! Please keep your life jackets on at all times! Do not return to your rooms for your belongings! There is nothing you can exchange for your life! Is that clear??

Sakata: *rushing up* What is going on?

Man: All the engines are shot! The fire extinguishing systems are useless! Please, hurry and evacuate!

Ran: Yeah, you'd better do that. Unless you wanted to take responsibility for the ship and become ocean rubble...along with the drugs?

Kagawa: What is the meaning of this??

Pawn: You know, even if you can't see it now, the engine room is covered in flames. And I've destroyed all the sprinkler systems.

Sakata: You...you guys are--!?

Pawn: Ah, looks like the fire's spreading out.

Flames indeed burn up even further.

Kagawa: No! If it comes to this, then there's one last thing...

Ran: One last plan? Do you have some kind of set up?

Kagawa: Mizuhara had said! If there's an emergency, to activate this device--

Ran: I don't think you should.

Pawn: And actually, we might've disabled that system already.

Kagawa: What??

Knight: You just admitted didn't you? That you didn't design it?

Kagawa: Yeah, fine, so I did! Happy now? Fraudulently claiming a design isn't that much of a crime anyway! I can still start over!

Knight: Are you sure about that? *rewinds a tape and replays it:*

Kagawa: Yes, but indeed this ship is certainly built very well. If we were to use the medical facilities onboard, we can even do organ transplant surgery. This is most convenient. If the need were to ever arise, we can rearrange the ship to look exactly as Mizuhara designed it. We were even able to do his son's heart transplant. If he hadn't whined about it and listened to what we had to say, he wouldn't have had to die. Anyway, it's pretty easy to tamper with a car without causing suspicion.

Knight: *snaps off tape* I'll be handing this over to the police as evidence. The Mizuhara accident will probably be reopened for investigation.

Kagawa: You must be joking. Why do you think I participated in this project?? With this ship, I was going to be known all around the world! I've acquired wealth, too! I'm not gonna go down so easily! *whips out a gun*

Knight: A gun...how dangerous.

Ran: That's true. It's not something an amateur should wield.

Kagawa: Die!! *shoots, but the bullet ricochets off of Knight's weapon* What's that??

Ran: Knight, that's pretty dangerous of you, too. To be hiding such big sword under your tuxedo.

Knight: I have taste. Remember that.

Ran: Such a snobby bastard, as usual.

Pawn: Um...that's all good, but I think we should hurry up and get out of here! It's really gonna sink!

Kagawa: *laughing* No, there has to be another way! Mizuhara said if something happened, you could initiate the black box, and it'll be ok. This passage is directly connected to the black box! *he opens a panel, but it's already blocked by fire* Wha--?

Ran: Didn't I tell you not to try anything? *knocks him out* We don't want you to die on us. Knight! Where's the lifeboat?

Knight: This way! Sakata-san, you are a living witness as well. For the murder of the Mizuharas, and your connections with the political world.

Sakata: Who are you people??

Knight: Some people might say "Defenders of Justice," but unfortunately, I hate such corny phrases.

Ship explodes and goes up in flames.



Setting: On board the stealth jet.
Bishop: So what was this 'black box' afterall?

Queen: We'll find out when Rook brings it to us.

Bishop: Could it have been...a self destruct mechanism?

Queen: I get the feeling it could be. In any case, we'll leave the rest up to the coast guard. Our mission is...

Bishop: As it always concludes?

Queen: Checkmate.