Second World - Chapter 4 "On Another Planet"
Warnings: Asami speaks, angst all around (Yoh, Asami, Akihito, Kirishima, Tao, Fei)
Disclaimers: all Viewfinder characters belong to Yamane Ayano
Rating: PG-13
On Another Planet
War Leader Mess Hall, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
“I must say, you did well for yourself…”
A tall, strikingly handsome Japanese stretched in his classy lounge chair, product of finest Florentine Leather Craftsmanship, twirling some priceless tan single malt around an ancient cut-glass goblet, enjoying the view on the South Chinese Sea, fading into grey on this overcast early spring evening.
Yoh stared at his colleague. Just for fun, and because he was used to doing it. On these strange, golden eyes it had no effect.
He chuckled. He appreciated his colleague - it could get rather lonely at the top.
“Ryuichi. Is this a little stab at bygone Second Red Army times? Don’t you know Taiwan was never part of the Second Red Chinese Empire, as it wasn’t of the first? Or is this your unique way of complimenting me personally?”
His gaze became pensive.
“I wouldn’t mind, Ryuichi…not from you.”
Asami’s famous smirk faded.
He observed his colleague - superior even - with some compassion.
Nothing had been served to this man on the proverbial silver plate, not ever. He lacked Asami’s dashing charisma, the easy charm the Japanese used so unscrupulously to overcome opposition (which didn’t happen very often, anyway).
And yet, nobody was really surprised that Yoh, and not Asami, was voted First War Leader by the board. Heck, he himself had given his vote to this quiet one-name man! Since Yoh had never shown any sign of giving in to his sexual advances, he had to be of the highest integrity, hadn’t he?
This very integrity, though, might be what was causing him so much pain now.
Clearly Yoh was in pain - his handsome gauntness almost haggard, his rock like aura of strength unchallenged, but suddenly…lonely.
It was a bad mistake to fall in love. Made you stupid, vulnerable.
“Was it you?”
For once, Yoh took him by surprise. Did he mean that mini affair with the desperately tragic outcome, seven years back?
“Did you inform the board of Arbatov’s ‘treason’? That he supported Liu Yan Tsui?”
Asami lit a cigarette. Yoh didn’t protest, which was strange. He was gazing at his debonair Japanese colleague intently.
“And for that matter, frankly, I never understood why it should be such a problem that Mikhail supported...Fei Long’s - ”
Oh for the River of Love! Flowing through this busy but unromantic home town of yours. Don’t you even feel comfortable calling your sweetheart by his given name!? Ye gods! Asami hoped he hadn’t been rolling his eyes.
“Fei Long’s -”, could Yoh be…blushing?! “ - adoptive brother.”
Asami stared.
“You don’t know…”
It was seldom the cool (some thought too cool) war leader of Tokyo felt at a loss.
Hesitantly, he scrutinized his colleague’s face. He had long since learned to extract some information. If you only knew what to look for, Yoh wasn’t expressionless at all. What was it Akihito had told him from the encounter at the hospital bed? What had Yoh said? “Am I not good enough for you?” And Fei Long fainting. (Although - he was sure that wasn’t all! Aki had left something out! He was such a bad liar…
But one thing he was suddenly absolutely certain of: Yoh was hurt! That’s what it was. He felt rejected.
Second World’s respected, powerful, loved First Commander…was smitten by an inferiority complex. Felt socially inferior towards his beloved! Incredible.
And Yoh obviously didn’t browse “Yellow Press” publications, when on the loo, as Akihito and he both enjoyed to do. “Important for a politician. A large part of opinion making is done here.” (Aki, of course, pooh-poohed justifications and did as he pleased, anyway.) In the wake of the contest, the media had copiously exploited the whole sorry business of Fei Long’s former life.
And Yoh had never seen? Wasn’t it unbelievable what people managed not to perceive, in spite of getting it shoved in their faces all the time, everywhere?
Well, if Yoh himself hadn’t read the right newspapers…Asami could easily see why the Commander’s advisors, secretaries of state and other subordinates would have copped out of informing him. Nobody wanted to be the bearer of such bad tidings about a person their boss so obviously had the hots for.
It couldn’t be helped. He had to tell him.
“You don’t know much about Fei Long’s youth, do you, Yoh?”
“What do you mean, Ryuichi?”
“It was discussed in the press…”
When Yoh still looked confused, Asami reluctantly continued.
“Fei Long was abused by his adoptive brother, Liu Yan Tsui. Nobody knows what exactly went over, but when I met him, seven years ago, he was quite badly knocked about …and...”
How could he convey how strange Fei Long had acted? Asami looked at Yoh…he had to tone matters down.
***
Sometime later, they were both staring out unseeingly over the busy harbour, pin points of illumination beginning to glitter in the dusk. None of them thought to put on a light. Yoh said nothing when Asami lit a third cigarette.
“By the way”, Asami went on presently, “I’m fairly certain our Russian colleague, Mik Arbatov, didn’t know about any of this. It wasn’t why he was disqualified. His intentions were sincere, all right - as far as a crackpot like that can be sincere.”
“Then…why?”
Yoh’s expression was unfathomable now, even for Asami. Maybe all of this didn’t matter anymore.
“Mikhail was disqualified because of the Faith Switch. The Psychiatric Board insisted Arbatov having supported a person who had tormented Fei Long…would make it impossible for Fei Long to trust him. I wonder if Fei Long even knew what Arbatov did? Anyway, out Mikhail went.”
The First War Leader turned to face his First Officer.
“But then…why wasn’t Arbatov excluded from the start? Why did this information came up so late?”
Yoh sprang up out of his seat and began pacing.
“On the third day of our contest!”
Asami dragged at his cigarette. The Officers' Mess was reeking, and normally Yoh would have thrown him out.
“I suppose nobody knew, before. I think it wasn’t generally known Fei Long had this past. I knew it. I told you…of our involvement.”
“Was it you, then?”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean did you inform the board? Of…what you just told me.”
Asami shook his head, serious for once.
“I’ll be honest - I never felt comfortable with Fei Long applying.”
He gulped down his whiskey.
“But ‘out’ him? No…I know I’ve got a reputation as Heartless Bastard No. 1…but why should I stand in Fei Long’s way? Truly, no, I never breathed a word. Of his past.”
“And of Mik Arbatov’s involvement?”
“That’s something I hadn’t heard of, myself, not before it got around in general, anyway.”
Yoh came to a standstill.
Asami regarded him with some awe.
I wish I had it in me - what a kick it must be to feel such single minded dedication…if only I hadn’t had to tell him all this. It’s a bad thing for him to know. Now he’ll be even more afraid to hurt Fei Long, to do something wrong…to do anything at all! A miracle is what we need here…
“Yoh…old boy…I haven’t got the slightest idea who denounced Arbatov. Nor why Fei Long’s past surfaced so suddenly. But it would be interesting to know.”
“Why?”
Asami’s heart contracted at Yoh’s tone.
“Whoever was the source of that information, they leaked it to the Board just when the outcome of your contest with Arbatov seemed somewhat…doubtful.”
Yoh looked up, a man beyond hope.
“Yoh. If the informant had really wanted this known, surely he would have spilled the beans earlier. When Fei Long applied as Test Person One, for instance. No, he waited until he felt he had to .”
There was a short, charged silence.
“He informed the board because he didn’t want Mikhail to win. He wanted you.”
***
World Wide Media Headlines/Commentaries
Yellow Press Tabloids:
“Pissy Prima Donna from South Chinese Sea Jets Home in a Huff” (June)
“First War Leader Yoh Stony Faced - Anything New?” (July)
World Wide News Broadcast:
“First Male/Maleplus-Procreational-Project (MM+PP) Experiment Claimed Failed” (August)
“Takaba Akihito from Tokyo Applies for Operation - Declined Because of Failure of First Impregnator and Test Subject One” (September)
Slightly Leftist Publications:
“Will Test Person One, Liu Fei Long, apply for new First Impregnator? Why not Takaba, Akihito? They always liked each other, didn’t they? Okay, they’re both hippies. Perhaps humanity should reassess its priorities? Maybe political views are not so important, in this matter? Hippy lifestyle might actually prove the better bet for humanity’s survival?” (October)
“Neutral” Press
“Liu Fei Long reported to lie low. No hint of any relationship.” (October)
“Liu Fei Long reported having been sighted at the zoo / public bath / technical museum with young adoptive son. Both in apparently good spirits.” (varying reports dating from summer to late winter of the following year)
“Hippy activist Liu Fei Long from Hong Kong retired? Hippy Peace March in Ulan Bator without their beautiful, militant front man.” (November)
“First War Leader Yoh makes no attempt to woo Test Subject One. Political antagonism the reason?” (varying reports with similar speculations throughout July to February)
“Yoh as popular as ever. Petition being assembled to win over ‘tsundere’ Hong Kong activist” (Yoh’s birthday, October 31)
“Petition fails - Liu’s spokesman cites the personable hippy as saying ‘it was a mistake. I’m very sorry.’ ” (All Saints’ Day, November 1. Birthday of Mikhail Arbatov, as several sources point out)
“Public opinion of Liu Fei Long low. A poll shows 87 % of the population to be sure the hippy’s at fault, and in favour of putting some pressure on him. Renewed discussion of the ‘Faith Switch’ ” (late November)
“ ‘Faith Switch’ a mistake? Total trust in this matter not possible between men? Further reason not to accept Takaba/Asami as second pair: who can possibly trust War Leader Asami in matters of sex?” (varying publications late autumn, early winter)
“Scandalous Mismanagement of ‘MM+PP’ Project: First Test Person Liu Survivor of Abusive Youth! Recruiters grossly at fault! The Board was informed! Why wasn’t Liu disqualified?” (Psychiatric Quarterly, winter issue)
“New facts come up - traumatic incident at Manila Human Barricade three years ago led to death of Takaba’s mentor Yamazaki…activist front man Liu Fei Long and War Leaders Yoh and Asami all claim responsibility…Liu himself barely escaped…soldier mob attacked hippy leader…Yoh came upon scene with his men assaulting the beautiful hippy. Witnesses confirm it was hard to resist naked chained Liu. Commander Yoh saved his opponent from abuse and worse…” (worldwide news casts, January)
Worldwide Main News Headliners:
“Horrifying new turn of events - surveillance video recording of hospital room from the night after the ‘passage operation’ is disclosed, incomplete. Terrible suspicion…” (February 1)
“…First War Leader Yoh Forced Test Person One!” (February 14)
“Charges brought against Yoh. Public livid. ‘Worthless hippy whore corrupts splendid soldier!’ ” (February 21)
“Death Threats for Hong Kong Hippy” (varying sources in February)
“Yoh Refuses to Defend Himself” (varying sources from February 21 to 28)
“Hearing on Friday, March 4, Hall of Justice, Tokyo. If Verdict Goes Through, Death Sentence for First War Leader Yoh” (February 28)
***
Tokyo, “Viewfinder Revisited”, early breakfast hour, March 4
“It can’t be!”
“Why not? I witnessed Liu faking panic before the OP. Then Yoh wanted to see him, and the sissy faced longhair nearly put on hysterics! I hate him! He was acting, in cold blood!”
“But, Takato, Fei Long in no way came across as someone putting on a show - I saw him twice on the day after the operation.”
But he’d certainly not come across as someone forced, either!
Akihito shook his head, deeply troubled.
“If anything…”
He’d thought again and again about his friend’s reaction to the great politician. Overwhelmed, yes. Self-conscious, certainly. Scared of his own shadow - as Akihito had never witnessed him before. Trying so hard, frustrated with himself. But never angry, or even indifferent. More…in love, too! And, for some reason, terrified of this.
“And I’m certain Yoh’s sincerely in love with him!”
“So? That slut is a looker. And however accomplished our great Yoh may be in other fields - in matters of love he might be a little naïve? That depraved Hong Kong hussy could probably wrap him around his little finger. And why did Liu split? Tell you what: he intended this to happen. The whole thing was a trap from the start, a plan to bring his greatest opponent down.”
Except he hasn’t been politically active ever since, and is sporting, for all the world, the aura of a medieval Madonna nursing her child.
But Akihito didn’t try to correct his friend. What was the use? Tak was merely voicing the opinion of “straight” Second World, of the majority. Would Fei Long enter the pub, now, he might well be lynched.
He tuned out of his friends’ heated discussions, his café latte untouched in front of him, glad his cell phone beeped, announcing an incoming text message.
“have to see you at once tests on swab material complete kei”
***
Tokyo Metro
“What does that mean?”
Akihito had to shout into Kirishima’s ear to make himself understood.
“Aki, you said you dipped the swab into silver white fluid coming out of Liu’s…new cavity. And I told you that just as you feared, this fluid was indeed Yoh’s sperm.”
They were jammed against each other in a subway car of the Tokyo Metro, headed to the outskirts of mega city. (Kirishima’s next text had read: “apartment bugged more on train 08:20 hall of justice”)
The older hippy bent down, pushing aside Aki’s shaggy, copper blond mane to speak into his ear again.
“We shouldn’t have stopped last year. But ok, we thought we had good reasons...”
In unspoken consent, they had given up further investigation the summer before. What was the sense? Fei Long seemed strangely happy, and Yoh…was punished enough. They had both felt some heartburn about this, though, and had gone out of each other’s way for some time. It was the time Akihito had missed Yamazaki more than ever, and somehow, he didn’t feel he could talk about this with Asami. No, he couldn't talk to Asami about Fei Long.
But when the charge was brought against Yoh with such horrifying suddenness, Kirishima and Takaba, the two so different hippies, had flown back into each other’s arms. Hurry up, Kei! Now we’ve got nothing to lose…
“I finally managed to amplify the last traces. I did find those strange from the start, I remember.”
Kirishima threw a paranoid glance about him, worriedly scanning the bored faces of the commuters pressing in on them. When he continued he whispered so close into Akihito’s ear that the younger hippy jumped.
“There are skin cells from Fei Long that simply…I mean I would have expected some from this plus thing. And, of course, there are. A lot. Along with, as to be expected, tissue fluid and a bit of blood. But then there are others…that simply don’t figure.”
Again they were jostled, as the train stopped, and people got off and on.
“There are skin cells that definitely stem from Fei Long’s hand, from his palm…and, stranger still, there are cells out of his mouth.”
They switched mouth-to-ear.
“Could he have put a finger into his mouth and then touched himself? I did notice the bandage was loose…”
“Yes, but the cells from your friend’s mouth and palm were in close contact to cells from Yoh’s genitals. As if Fei Long had taken Yoh’s cock in his mouth and also grabbed it with his hand…”
“That really makes no sense? Not if Yoh forced a sleeping Fei…could Fei perhaps have tried to defend himself? With his hands?”
“Hmmm…he wouldn’t have fended off Yoh’s penis? More his entire frame? Pushed against his arms or his chest? Maybe even hit or kicked at him? Isn’t he supposed to be such an ace at martial arts?”
With a screech, they were shoved into the masses, as the train braked. When they were going on again, Kirishima sought Akihito’s ear once more.
“In any case, Fei Long wouldn’t have gone for his assailant’s dick with his mouth! And if Yoh really forced him…to force such a militant person as your friend into oral sex…the very notion. Is. Most. Scary. What exactly did the video tape show, again?”
“A very short sequence, actually just a minute or so. It showed Yoh in a very, um, close, embrace with Fei…and Fei’s face - peaceful, eyes closed…”
“You know”, Kirishima’s eyes sparkled. Akihito remembered he had kind of liked the girls in times gone by (and had been famous for lavishing helpful herbs on his friends such as Yohimbe Bark, a well-known herbal aphrodisiac, whether they wanted it or not).
“You know, if you hadn’t told me about Fei Long’s reaction the following morning, I would put together the clues in a completely different way. One that matches the vibes of an, um…snuggle clip far, far better.”
Akihito was already typing in a text: “need you to come tak trust me hall of justice bring your squad”. He hesitated a moment before sending out the next two required messages. His phone beeped…an incoming text…
“hall of justice fast asami”
***
Hong Kong Island, Liu Estate, March 4
The same idyllic morning in early march found Tao and Fei Long enjoying a cosy pool-side breakfast in the wild jungle maze of the Lius’ townhouse garden in Mid-Levels.
The scent of subtropical flowers wafted across the fresh smelling water of a natural pond, mingling with the enticing aroma of Italian espresso coffee and freshly baked ciabatta rolls. Fei Long was cutting a pungent sweet mango into probiotic yoghurt, trying to get Tao to eat something other than Dragon Choc Pops.
Father and son were lounging side by side on a wide wicker deck chair, now and then tossing sticks into the sparkling green water to keep Tao’s puppy Laozi busy.
It was already so warm they didn’t have to dry themselves off, and droplets from their own pre-breakfast swim were still glistening on their skin. They went on chiding each other for messing up the lounge with prickly, scratchy ciabatta crusts.
“See, you dropped them all over your belly!”
Tao dipped down to brush the crumbs off, and suddenly laid his head against Fei Long’s midriff, listening in wonder.
“Did you eat something wrong? Your stomach’s so hard. And there are so many noises…ouch!”
He jumped back, giggling.
“Something - hit me!”
(Splash! “Yeah! Another round for lazy Laozi!”)
“Um…what did you say? Hey, you’re squeezing me! Just let me have a look at this paper…"
“What’s the matter, Fei-Sama? Are you seeing a ghost? Let me read…”
But Fei Long had whisked the paper away.
An electronic beep sounded.
“I think your private cell’s received a text - I’m looking - it’s from Akihito! He says to call, and that it’s desperately urgent!”
Fei Long stared for a moment as if he were a thousand light years removed.
“Tao.”
Tao hugged him around the waist, silent. Something mind blowing was up, he could sense it. Even the dog didn’t beg for another throw of the stick, but stood still, panting, shaking water drops all over them.
“Tao, my boy, can you do us a favour? Tell the men to ready the jet. And to make an appointment at Dr. Luan’s.”
Tao looked up at him, wise beyond his years.
“Do you want to see the doctor first?”
Fei Long slowly shook his head, scanning the headlines of the next paper.
“No. No doctor. We fly at once.”
***
5 “ Flying this Bird Home” (~ 7800)
Disclaimers: all Viewfinder characters belong to Yamane Ayano
Rating: PG-13
On Another Planet
War Leader Mess Hall, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
“I must say, you did well for yourself…”
A tall, strikingly handsome Japanese stretched in his classy lounge chair, product of finest Florentine Leather Craftsmanship, twirling some priceless tan single malt around an ancient cut-glass goblet, enjoying the view on the South Chinese Sea, fading into grey on this overcast early spring evening.
Yoh stared at his colleague. Just for fun, and because he was used to doing it. On these strange, golden eyes it had no effect.
He chuckled. He appreciated his colleague - it could get rather lonely at the top.
“Ryuichi. Is this a little stab at bygone Second Red Army times? Don’t you know Taiwan was never part of the Second Red Chinese Empire, as it wasn’t of the first? Or is this your unique way of complimenting me personally?”
His gaze became pensive.
“I wouldn’t mind, Ryuichi…not from you.”
Asami’s famous smirk faded.
He observed his colleague - superior even - with some compassion.
Nothing had been served to this man on the proverbial silver plate, not ever. He lacked Asami’s dashing charisma, the easy charm the Japanese used so unscrupulously to overcome opposition (which didn’t happen very often, anyway).
And yet, nobody was really surprised that Yoh, and not Asami, was voted First War Leader by the board. Heck, he himself had given his vote to this quiet one-name man! Since Yoh had never shown any sign of giving in to his sexual advances, he had to be of the highest integrity, hadn’t he?
This very integrity, though, might be what was causing him so much pain now.
Clearly Yoh was in pain - his handsome gauntness almost haggard, his rock like aura of strength unchallenged, but suddenly…lonely.
It was a bad mistake to fall in love. Made you stupid, vulnerable.
“Was it you?”
For once, Yoh took him by surprise. Did he mean that mini affair with the desperately tragic outcome, seven years back?
“Did you inform the board of Arbatov’s ‘treason’? That he supported Liu Yan Tsui?”
Asami lit a cigarette. Yoh didn’t protest, which was strange. He was gazing at his debonair Japanese colleague intently.
“And for that matter, frankly, I never understood why it should be such a problem that Mikhail supported...Fei Long’s - ”
Oh for the River of Love! Flowing through this busy but unromantic home town of yours. Don’t you even feel comfortable calling your sweetheart by his given name!? Ye gods! Asami hoped he hadn’t been rolling his eyes.
“Fei Long’s -”, could Yoh be…blushing?! “ - adoptive brother.”
Asami stared.
“You don’t know…”
It was seldom the cool (some thought too cool) war leader of Tokyo felt at a loss.
Hesitantly, he scrutinized his colleague’s face. He had long since learned to extract some information. If you only knew what to look for, Yoh wasn’t expressionless at all. What was it Akihito had told him from the encounter at the hospital bed? What had Yoh said? “Am I not good enough for you?” And Fei Long fainting. (Although - he was sure that wasn’t all! Aki had left something out! He was such a bad liar…
But one thing he was suddenly absolutely certain of: Yoh was hurt! That’s what it was. He felt rejected.
Second World’s respected, powerful, loved First Commander…was smitten by an inferiority complex. Felt socially inferior towards his beloved! Incredible.
And Yoh obviously didn’t browse “Yellow Press” publications, when on the loo, as Akihito and he both enjoyed to do. “Important for a politician. A large part of opinion making is done here.” (Aki, of course, pooh-poohed justifications and did as he pleased, anyway.) In the wake of the contest, the media had copiously exploited the whole sorry business of Fei Long’s former life.
And Yoh had never seen? Wasn’t it unbelievable what people managed not to perceive, in spite of getting it shoved in their faces all the time, everywhere?
Well, if Yoh himself hadn’t read the right newspapers…Asami could easily see why the Commander’s advisors, secretaries of state and other subordinates would have copped out of informing him. Nobody wanted to be the bearer of such bad tidings about a person their boss so obviously had the hots for.
It couldn’t be helped. He had to tell him.
“You don’t know much about Fei Long’s youth, do you, Yoh?”
“What do you mean, Ryuichi?”
“It was discussed in the press…”
When Yoh still looked confused, Asami reluctantly continued.
“Fei Long was abused by his adoptive brother, Liu Yan Tsui. Nobody knows what exactly went over, but when I met him, seven years ago, he was quite badly knocked about …and...”
How could he convey how strange Fei Long had acted? Asami looked at Yoh…he had to tone matters down.
***
Sometime later, they were both staring out unseeingly over the busy harbour, pin points of illumination beginning to glitter in the dusk. None of them thought to put on a light. Yoh said nothing when Asami lit a third cigarette.
“By the way”, Asami went on presently, “I’m fairly certain our Russian colleague, Mik Arbatov, didn’t know about any of this. It wasn’t why he was disqualified. His intentions were sincere, all right - as far as a crackpot like that can be sincere.”
“Then…why?”
Yoh’s expression was unfathomable now, even for Asami. Maybe all of this didn’t matter anymore.
“Mikhail was disqualified because of the Faith Switch. The Psychiatric Board insisted Arbatov having supported a person who had tormented Fei Long…would make it impossible for Fei Long to trust him. I wonder if Fei Long even knew what Arbatov did? Anyway, out Mikhail went.”
The First War Leader turned to face his First Officer.
“But then…why wasn’t Arbatov excluded from the start? Why did this information came up so late?”
Yoh sprang up out of his seat and began pacing.
“On the third day of our contest!”
Asami dragged at his cigarette. The Officers' Mess was reeking, and normally Yoh would have thrown him out.
“I suppose nobody knew, before. I think it wasn’t generally known Fei Long had this past. I knew it. I told you…of our involvement.”
“Was it you, then?”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean did you inform the board? Of…what you just told me.”
Asami shook his head, serious for once.
“I’ll be honest - I never felt comfortable with Fei Long applying.”
He gulped down his whiskey.
“But ‘out’ him? No…I know I’ve got a reputation as Heartless Bastard No. 1…but why should I stand in Fei Long’s way? Truly, no, I never breathed a word. Of his past.”
“And of Mik Arbatov’s involvement?”
“That’s something I hadn’t heard of, myself, not before it got around in general, anyway.”
Yoh came to a standstill.
Asami regarded him with some awe.
I wish I had it in me - what a kick it must be to feel such single minded dedication…if only I hadn’t had to tell him all this. It’s a bad thing for him to know. Now he’ll be even more afraid to hurt Fei Long, to do something wrong…to do anything at all! A miracle is what we need here…
“Yoh…old boy…I haven’t got the slightest idea who denounced Arbatov. Nor why Fei Long’s past surfaced so suddenly. But it would be interesting to know.”
“Why?”
Asami’s heart contracted at Yoh’s tone.
“Whoever was the source of that information, they leaked it to the Board just when the outcome of your contest with Arbatov seemed somewhat…doubtful.”
Yoh looked up, a man beyond hope.
“Yoh. If the informant had really wanted this known, surely he would have spilled the beans earlier. When Fei Long applied as Test Person One, for instance. No, he waited until he felt he had to .”
There was a short, charged silence.
“He informed the board because he didn’t want Mikhail to win. He wanted you.”
***
World Wide Media Headlines/Commentaries
Yellow Press Tabloids:
“Pissy Prima Donna from South Chinese Sea Jets Home in a Huff” (June)
“First War Leader Yoh Stony Faced - Anything New?” (July)
World Wide News Broadcast:
“First Male/Maleplus-Procreational-Project (MM+PP) Experiment Claimed Failed” (August)
“Takaba Akihito from Tokyo Applies for Operation - Declined Because of Failure of First Impregnator and Test Subject One” (September)
Slightly Leftist Publications:
“Will Test Person One, Liu Fei Long, apply for new First Impregnator? Why not Takaba, Akihito? They always liked each other, didn’t they? Okay, they’re both hippies. Perhaps humanity should reassess its priorities? Maybe political views are not so important, in this matter? Hippy lifestyle might actually prove the better bet for humanity’s survival?” (October)
“Neutral” Press
“Liu Fei Long reported to lie low. No hint of any relationship.” (October)
“Liu Fei Long reported having been sighted at the zoo / public bath / technical museum with young adoptive son. Both in apparently good spirits.” (varying reports dating from summer to late winter of the following year)
“Hippy activist Liu Fei Long from Hong Kong retired? Hippy Peace March in Ulan Bator without their beautiful, militant front man.” (November)
“First War Leader Yoh makes no attempt to woo Test Subject One. Political antagonism the reason?” (varying reports with similar speculations throughout July to February)
“Yoh as popular as ever. Petition being assembled to win over ‘tsundere’ Hong Kong activist” (Yoh’s birthday, October 31)
“Petition fails - Liu’s spokesman cites the personable hippy as saying ‘it was a mistake. I’m very sorry.’ ” (All Saints’ Day, November 1. Birthday of Mikhail Arbatov, as several sources point out)
“Public opinion of Liu Fei Long low. A poll shows 87 % of the population to be sure the hippy’s at fault, and in favour of putting some pressure on him. Renewed discussion of the ‘Faith Switch’ ” (late November)
“ ‘Faith Switch’ a mistake? Total trust in this matter not possible between men? Further reason not to accept Takaba/Asami as second pair: who can possibly trust War Leader Asami in matters of sex?” (varying publications late autumn, early winter)
“Scandalous Mismanagement of ‘MM+PP’ Project: First Test Person Liu Survivor of Abusive Youth! Recruiters grossly at fault! The Board was informed! Why wasn’t Liu disqualified?” (Psychiatric Quarterly, winter issue)
“New facts come up - traumatic incident at Manila Human Barricade three years ago led to death of Takaba’s mentor Yamazaki…activist front man Liu Fei Long and War Leaders Yoh and Asami all claim responsibility…Liu himself barely escaped…soldier mob attacked hippy leader…Yoh came upon scene with his men assaulting the beautiful hippy. Witnesses confirm it was hard to resist naked chained Liu. Commander Yoh saved his opponent from abuse and worse…” (worldwide news casts, January)
Worldwide Main News Headliners:
“Horrifying new turn of events - surveillance video recording of hospital room from the night after the ‘passage operation’ is disclosed, incomplete. Terrible suspicion…” (February 1)
“…First War Leader Yoh Forced Test Person One!” (February 14)
“Charges brought against Yoh. Public livid. ‘Worthless hippy whore corrupts splendid soldier!’ ” (February 21)
“Death Threats for Hong Kong Hippy” (varying sources in February)
“Yoh Refuses to Defend Himself” (varying sources from February 21 to 28)
“Hearing on Friday, March 4, Hall of Justice, Tokyo. If Verdict Goes Through, Death Sentence for First War Leader Yoh” (February 28)
***
Tokyo, “Viewfinder Revisited”, early breakfast hour, March 4
“It can’t be!”
“Why not? I witnessed Liu faking panic before the OP. Then Yoh wanted to see him, and the sissy faced longhair nearly put on hysterics! I hate him! He was acting, in cold blood!”
“But, Takato, Fei Long in no way came across as someone putting on a show - I saw him twice on the day after the operation.”
But he’d certainly not come across as someone forced, either!
Akihito shook his head, deeply troubled.
“If anything…”
He’d thought again and again about his friend’s reaction to the great politician. Overwhelmed, yes. Self-conscious, certainly. Scared of his own shadow - as Akihito had never witnessed him before. Trying so hard, frustrated with himself. But never angry, or even indifferent. More…in love, too! And, for some reason, terrified of this.
“And I’m certain Yoh’s sincerely in love with him!”
“So? That slut is a looker. And however accomplished our great Yoh may be in other fields - in matters of love he might be a little naïve? That depraved Hong Kong hussy could probably wrap him around his little finger. And why did Liu split? Tell you what: he intended this to happen. The whole thing was a trap from the start, a plan to bring his greatest opponent down.”
Except he hasn’t been politically active ever since, and is sporting, for all the world, the aura of a medieval Madonna nursing her child.
But Akihito didn’t try to correct his friend. What was the use? Tak was merely voicing the opinion of “straight” Second World, of the majority. Would Fei Long enter the pub, now, he might well be lynched.
He tuned out of his friends’ heated discussions, his café latte untouched in front of him, glad his cell phone beeped, announcing an incoming text message.
“have to see you at once tests on swab material complete kei”
***
Tokyo Metro
“What does that mean?”
Akihito had to shout into Kirishima’s ear to make himself understood.
“Aki, you said you dipped the swab into silver white fluid coming out of Liu’s…new cavity. And I told you that just as you feared, this fluid was indeed Yoh’s sperm.”
They were jammed against each other in a subway car of the Tokyo Metro, headed to the outskirts of mega city. (Kirishima’s next text had read: “apartment bugged more on train 08:20 hall of justice”)
The older hippy bent down, pushing aside Aki’s shaggy, copper blond mane to speak into his ear again.
“We shouldn’t have stopped last year. But ok, we thought we had good reasons...”
In unspoken consent, they had given up further investigation the summer before. What was the sense? Fei Long seemed strangely happy, and Yoh…was punished enough. They had both felt some heartburn about this, though, and had gone out of each other’s way for some time. It was the time Akihito had missed Yamazaki more than ever, and somehow, he didn’t feel he could talk about this with Asami. No, he couldn't talk to Asami about Fei Long.
But when the charge was brought against Yoh with such horrifying suddenness, Kirishima and Takaba, the two so different hippies, had flown back into each other’s arms. Hurry up, Kei! Now we’ve got nothing to lose…
“I finally managed to amplify the last traces. I did find those strange from the start, I remember.”
Kirishima threw a paranoid glance about him, worriedly scanning the bored faces of the commuters pressing in on them. When he continued he whispered so close into Akihito’s ear that the younger hippy jumped.
“There are skin cells from Fei Long that simply…I mean I would have expected some from this plus thing. And, of course, there are. A lot. Along with, as to be expected, tissue fluid and a bit of blood. But then there are others…that simply don’t figure.”
Again they were jostled, as the train stopped, and people got off and on.
“There are skin cells that definitely stem from Fei Long’s hand, from his palm…and, stranger still, there are cells out of his mouth.”
They switched mouth-to-ear.
“Could he have put a finger into his mouth and then touched himself? I did notice the bandage was loose…”
“Yes, but the cells from your friend’s mouth and palm were in close contact to cells from Yoh’s genitals. As if Fei Long had taken Yoh’s cock in his mouth and also grabbed it with his hand…”
“That really makes no sense? Not if Yoh forced a sleeping Fei…could Fei perhaps have tried to defend himself? With his hands?”
“Hmmm…he wouldn’t have fended off Yoh’s penis? More his entire frame? Pushed against his arms or his chest? Maybe even hit or kicked at him? Isn’t he supposed to be such an ace at martial arts?”
With a screech, they were shoved into the masses, as the train braked. When they were going on again, Kirishima sought Akihito’s ear once more.
“In any case, Fei Long wouldn’t have gone for his assailant’s dick with his mouth! And if Yoh really forced him…to force such a militant person as your friend into oral sex…the very notion. Is. Most. Scary. What exactly did the video tape show, again?”
“A very short sequence, actually just a minute or so. It showed Yoh in a very, um, close, embrace with Fei…and Fei’s face - peaceful, eyes closed…”
“You know”, Kirishima’s eyes sparkled. Akihito remembered he had kind of liked the girls in times gone by (and had been famous for lavishing helpful herbs on his friends such as Yohimbe Bark, a well-known herbal aphrodisiac, whether they wanted it or not).
“You know, if you hadn’t told me about Fei Long’s reaction the following morning, I would put together the clues in a completely different way. One that matches the vibes of an, um…snuggle clip far, far better.”
Akihito was already typing in a text: “need you to come tak trust me hall of justice bring your squad”. He hesitated a moment before sending out the next two required messages. His phone beeped…an incoming text…
“hall of justice fast asami”
***
Hong Kong Island, Liu Estate, March 4
The same idyllic morning in early march found Tao and Fei Long enjoying a cosy pool-side breakfast in the wild jungle maze of the Lius’ townhouse garden in Mid-Levels.
The scent of subtropical flowers wafted across the fresh smelling water of a natural pond, mingling with the enticing aroma of Italian espresso coffee and freshly baked ciabatta rolls. Fei Long was cutting a pungent sweet mango into probiotic yoghurt, trying to get Tao to eat something other than Dragon Choc Pops.
Father and son were lounging side by side on a wide wicker deck chair, now and then tossing sticks into the sparkling green water to keep Tao’s puppy Laozi busy.
It was already so warm they didn’t have to dry themselves off, and droplets from their own pre-breakfast swim were still glistening on their skin. They went on chiding each other for messing up the lounge with prickly, scratchy ciabatta crusts.
“See, you dropped them all over your belly!”
Tao dipped down to brush the crumbs off, and suddenly laid his head against Fei Long’s midriff, listening in wonder.
“Did you eat something wrong? Your stomach’s so hard. And there are so many noises…ouch!”
He jumped back, giggling.
“Something - hit me!”
(Splash! “Yeah! Another round for lazy Laozi!”)
“Um…what did you say? Hey, you’re squeezing me! Just let me have a look at this paper…"
“What’s the matter, Fei-Sama? Are you seeing a ghost? Let me read…”
But Fei Long had whisked the paper away.
An electronic beep sounded.
“I think your private cell’s received a text - I’m looking - it’s from Akihito! He says to call, and that it’s desperately urgent!”
Fei Long stared for a moment as if he were a thousand light years removed.
“Tao.”
Tao hugged him around the waist, silent. Something mind blowing was up, he could sense it. Even the dog didn’t beg for another throw of the stick, but stood still, panting, shaking water drops all over them.
“Tao, my boy, can you do us a favour? Tell the men to ready the jet. And to make an appointment at Dr. Luan’s.”
Tao looked up at him, wise beyond his years.
“Do you want to see the doctor first?”
Fei Long slowly shook his head, scanning the headlines of the next paper.
“No. No doctor. We fly at once.”
***
5 “ Flying this Bird Home” (~ 7800)