Let’s Try To Not Kill Each Other

“Gold Vault…?” Eiji asked.

“Oh.” Sahara clapped his hands together. “I suppose being from Japan you wouldn’t know what I’m talking about.”

Sahar stood up and walked over to his secret door, followed by Akiva. “Then if you would all please follow me?”

No one moved.

Sahar didn’t look back.

The room he walked into was rather small. The side walls were covered in bookshelves. The books on them varied. Some held old books, so old their spines were falling apart, the words on the cover no longer legible, and the authors long sense dead. Then there were newer books that were only just released weeks ago. Like their age, their topics varied from history books on wars to scientific books on solar power to law books. On the back wall was a map of the world with red, green, and blue pins pinned into it. There were posters on the ceiling of constellations, moon phases, and bordering the room was a timeline of the world. In the middle of the room was a mahogany desk, behind it a chair covered in red velvet. The desk was filled with pens, pencils, inside one drawer was filled with important documents, and another was labeled miscellaneous. On top of the desk was a Risk board with tiny army figures carefully placed on top of it. On the back of the door was a replica of the Declaration of Independence.

Sahar stood behind his desk admiring his war room. It was his favorite room on the entire ship. Everything in it had been moved from the war room in his house because he refused to go anywhere without it. Akiva who was standing off to the side of the desk quietly whispered, “Sir, they’re not coming.”

Sahar traced his hand across the woodwork on his desk, “Yeah.”

Akiva raised his eyebrow in surprise, “Sir?”

Sahar flopped down in his chair and sighed. He looked at his little troops and frowned. “Maybe I’m asking too much of them…”

This wasn’t like Sahar. He never gave up and he never second guessed himself. Without progress you die, that was his motto. Ever sense he was young…

“… maybe they’re too inept.” Sahar said a little louder.

“What did you say?” A very angry Kaidoh stood in the doorway. He didn’t like being though of as incapable, that just pissed him off.

“I said you are unqualified for what I am asking,” Sahar casually waved a hand in the air, “I over estimated you guys, gave you more credit then you deserved.”

Kaidoh balled his hands into fists. He gave out a low hiss before speaking through his teeth, “What are you talking about? You haven’t even explained what you want us to do, how can you judge are capability without evidence?”

“Oh, that’s simple.” Sahar rested his chin in his hands. “No one made a move to follow me, already you have proven your lack of cooperation and by doing so you do not exceed my expectations.”

Kaidoh slammed his hands on the desk. The game board shook and a few of the game pieces fell down into the ocean. Sahar jerked back in surprise, he wasn’t expecting such anger. “You stuck up brat! Your people kidnap us, attack us, you bring us out here against our wills, and now you don’t think you need us?”

Sahar stared at Kaidoh in horror.

Akiva stepped between the two, “How dare you!”

“Stand down.” Sahar ordered. He waited tell Akiva had moved away before standing up and slamming his own fists onto the desk. “Who do you think you are calling me a brat? I have hundreds of men willing to do anything I say. I have warehouses full of firearms, bombs, and artillery. I own planes, helicopters, cars, boats, and there’s a few trains that are under my control. I am a very powerful person, I’m a crime lord! ”

“You’re right, I was wrong.” Kaidoh corrected himself. “You’re a spoiled brat.”

Sahar’s jaw dropped. No one ever insulted him before, because they knew they wouldn’t live to regret it. No. One.

Sahar walked around his desk and stood facing Kaidoh. Even though Sahar was older, he was fifteen, his head only reached up to the other’s mouth. He tilted his head up and his green eyes met black ones. He positioned his eyebrows so his eyes formed a glare and said with venom in his voice, “You’re walking on hot coals now.”

“Don’t you mean thin ice?” Kaidoh asked, knowing full well that he was pissing the young crime lord off even more.

“No,” Sahar smiled a sinister smile, “I mean if you keep this up I’ll have you walk on hot coals.”

“Kaidoh.” Oishi called. He and the others had gathered by the door, curious as to what was going on. “You probably shouldn’t be provoking him.”

“You should listen to your friend,” Sahar bobbed his head in Oishi’s direction. “He’s smarter then you.”

“Why you-” Kaidoh was about to do something stupid, like punching Sahar in the face, when Momoshiro grabbed his wrist from behind. “Viper, you’re going to cause more trouble then we need!”

“Fshhh!” Kaidoh jerked his hand out of Momo’s grasp only to have it come flying forward and hit Sahar in the nose.

All the tennis players stared in horror as the crime lord staggered back and fell against the desk. He used his left hand to support himself and the right to hold his nose. His face was red from anger. When he looked out through his auburn colored bangs his green eyes revealed tears that were the result of the pain.

“Nya, Kaidoh, red heads bruise really easily!” Eiji pushed passed the two trouble makers and placed a hand on Sahar’s shoulders. “Are you okay?”

Sahar, who would normally snap at a person for touching him, bit back his anger. He wasn’t used to people caring about him, other then Akiva, so the small gesture of kindness was confusing.

When Sahar didn’t reply Eiji turned to Akiva who was inwardly kicking himself for not protecting his master, “You, go get some ice and a washcloth to wrap it in!”

Akiva blinked. He didn’t take orders from this kid, but then again ice sounded like a good idea. He opened a door that was hidden by one of the bookcases and left too the ship’s kitchen in search of the frozen water.

Once Akiva was gone Momoshiro recovered from his moment’s panic, “Good idea to get rid of the bodyguard Kikumaru! Now we can get out of here if we use this kid as a hostage.”

Sahar’s eyes widened in a momentary laps of fear. Crap. He, who was considered at the top of the crime food chain, hadn’t even paused to consider if this kind of situation could happen. Crap. Akiva had left to get ice for his face. The kitchen was a ways away, because he hadn’t wanted his war room to smell like grease, so it would be awhile before his bodyguard got back. Crap. He was at the mercy of his guests who were more then a little angry with him. Crap.

“Momo!” Eiji scolded.

“That’s a pretty good idea.” Tezuka said slowly. “They wouldn’t attack us that way.”

Fuji placed his hand on Tezuka’s shoulder, “Do you really think all those people are loyal to him?”

Sahar swallowed his breath. His hand covered most of his face so no one could see the expression he wore, which was one of pure terror. Anyone of his men, besides Akiva, would jump at the chance to kill him.

“I mean think about it,” Fuji continued, “They might take it as an opportunity to get rid of their boss, some of them are bound to have the dream of taking over, if we go out with him as a hostage then if might not do us any good.”

“Fuji has a point,” Oishi said, “And besides I don’t want to lower myself to their standards.”

“Who cares about that? We need to get out of here before one of us gets killed.” Momoshiro argued.

“The data states that we would have a 50/50 chance of succeeding if we tried Momoshiro’s plan.” Inui mumbled.

“We’ve beaten worse odds then that!” Momo said excitedly.

“That was when playing tennis,” Taka pointed out.

“Momo,” Ryoma finally spoke up from his place beside Fuji. “Don’t be an idiot.”

“What?” Momoshiro moped. “Don’t call me an idiot!”

“All of you shut up!” Eiji barked the order. It wasn’t as demanding as when Tezuka ordered them around but it got the desired effect, “Can’t you see you’ve upset him?”

Everyone looked at Sahar. The boy hadn’t moved an inch but his eyes were downcast and his legs were shaking slightly.

“Who cares?” Momoshiro snapped.

Eiji crossed his arms over his chest, “I do.”

“Eiji?” Oishi asked. He wasn’t sure if he heard his doubles partner right.

“I know we’ve all had a long night,” Eiji began. “The guy who kidnapped Ryoma and I was real nasty. He was creepy, mean, and just looking at him made me was to bathe my eyes in holy water. I don’t trust Sahar, but I believe him when he said he hadn’t ordered Gradin to do that. Ryoma, I’m sure you can see the difference already on how we’re being treated. We’re not tied up, we’re not being drugged, and I don’t feel in danger anymore.”

Ryoma slowly nodded his head in silent agreement. He had noticed the change when he had first gotten there.

“Sahar can’t be much older then us, he’s treated us decently so far, and now he’s afraid of us because Kaidoh punched him in the nose with the help of Momoshiro. From the looks of things, we’re the bad guys.” Eiji finished by staring down Momoshiro.

“Don’t pity the guy!” Momo yelled.

“But he does look pitiful,” Fuji pointed out as he noticed how Sahar really did not fit the title of crime lord. “Oh come one.” Momoshiro sighed caving in, “It was the Viper’s fist that hit him!”

Ryoma rolled his eyes. Momo was cute, strong, but not the brightest.

Kaidoh was also feeling guilty, though he wasn’t about to apologize, he wanted to know if Sahar’s nose had started swelling or not. He didn’t want to ask, probably wouldn’t get an answer, but he did anyways, “How’s your face?”

Sahar was surprised that he had been addressed, and was even more surprised who had addressed him. Now that his safety was semi established he didn’t want to do anything to put himself in the hot seat again so he answered with a quick nod of the head, “It’s fine.”

It was a lie. An obvious lie. Everyone knew it had to hurt a lot, well everyone that had been punched by Kaidoh before, well Momoshiro. Kaidoh took a step forward and with his long arm pulled Sahar’s hand away from his face. The redhead yelped at the sudden contact. He tried to back away but the desk stopped him. He panicked, which never helps in any situation, and his knees buckled underneath him. Sahar’s left hand took the Risk game board down with him which sent any of the remaining pieces flying across the room. Everyone stared in shock at the heap of a person on the floor. Sahar was literally cowering. His left arm was covering his head. His legs ended up making a M shape which looked all but comfortable.

Kaidoh still stood with Sahar’s right wrist in his hand. The boy’s sudden submissiveness was uncanny and Kaidoh didn’t know what to do. He was used to scaring people away, he had a frightening appearance so he was told, but this was a little extreme.

“You sure you’re a crime lord?” Momoshiro tried joking to lighten the dark mood.

Sahar didn’t answer, he was too busy being afraid.

“You’re scaring him Kaidoh!” Eiji reprimanded. “Stop it.”

Kaidoh looked over at Eiji feeling exasperated, “I’m not trying to.”

“Well you are,” The acrobat stated the obvious. “Maybe you should apologize.”

He wasn’t going to do that. He never apologizes. Never.

“Maybe you should start by letting go of him?” Fuji offered.

Kaidoh looked down at Sahar, the kid was so helpless looking. Could it be an act? If so he was a really good actor. Instead of letting Sahar’s arm go he reached down and grabbed the other arm. Sahar jumped like he had received an electric shock but Kaidoh ignored it and pulled the teen up. “Sorry.”

Just then Akiva opened up the bookcase door. In one hand was the icepack wrapped in a washcloth, in the other was a tray filled up with drinks. “Sorry I took so long master, I thought your guests might be thirsty.”

Akiva noted how Sahar’s face was still red and quickly brought the ice over to him. “For your face.”

Kaidoh took the ice instead. Taking off his green bandana he placed the washcloth wrapped icepack in it. After making sure the ice was secure in the bandana he offered it to Sahar.

“What am I suppose to do with it?” Was Sahar’s immediate response.

“Here,” Kaidoh matched the ice with Sahar’s nose then carefully tied the bandana around his head. This way Sahar wouldn’t have to hold the ice to his face. Once the job was done Kaidoh took a few steps back, he didn’t want to accidentally punch the kid again.

“Good idea,” Akiva nodded his head approvingly. “Sahar’s face is really red, I hope with the ice it’ll return to its normal color.”

“I-” Sahar was about to say something, but deciding otherwise and said, “I suppose it’s time to get down to business.”

“Anyone want a drink?” Akiva offered. “I promise they’re just water.”

Eiji took one first, and a few others followed pursuit.

Sahar sat himself on top of his desk and began with what he hoped would be the biggest heist ever to happen in America. “I need a team of specialist to break into Radcliff Fort Knox. This building houses the largest portion of US gold reserve and has 25% percent of the world’s gold reserves. I’ve done research on it and I think, with the right people, I can break into it.”

“That’s where we come in?” Asked Tezuka.

“That’s were you come in.” Sahar confirmed. “This place was built in 1936. The building itself is two story, it has a basement and an attic. It’s 105 feet by 121 feet. The entrance of the building is made of marble. This place has a separate emergency power plant, a water system, and other things that keep it in working order.”

Inui was busy scribbling the information down into his notebook.

“What I’m after is the gold. There is about 540,000 gold bars belonging to 48 foreign central banks and 12 international organization in there. US has 5% gold stored there. Even the Federal Reserve Board stores gold there.” Sahar adjusted the icepack.

“All this gold should be heavily protected. There’s no way you can break into it.” Oishi voiced his concern. “It would also be very dangerous.” “There’s a two level concrete and steel vault, that’s where the gold is stored. The door to the vault in blast proof. It’s made of granite, steel, and concrete. The door is 42 feet tall the door weighs over 20 tons. To open the door it takes a combination which is divided among many people so no single person has the whole thing. Inside the vault the accounts are identified by numbers and not by names.” Sahar took a drink and drained the cup. “Only two presidents have ever visited the vault, Franklin Roosevelt, and Harry S. Truman. To get inside the vault you need a presidential order. Only people allowed in the vault are the employees and the Treasury Department officials. No reporters are allowed inside.”

“So how do you plan on getting in?” Ryoma asked.

“Fort Knox. Akiva can you hold up the map?” Sahar waited until his bodyguard pulled out a map and opened it up to the United States. On the map was a large red circle to show everyone where it was located. “Fort Knox is located 35 miles from Louisville. It’s 109,00 acres and is in 3 Kentucky counties. It houses 23,000 soldiers, their family members, and other civilians. This place has a Patton Museum of Armor and Cavalry which is free to enter. It has World War 1,2, and post war galleries There’s a gate, Wilson Gate, which is open 24-7. To get inside you need to show them identification, a military ID, then they will issue a pass, and then they need to check access against the post bar.”

“That didn’t answer my question.” Ryoma said when Sahar didn’t continue.

“It’s a long and complicated plan,” Sahar sighed. “That isn’t completely thought out. I need help to do that. You each play a role in my plan though. I need Inui to help create the plan, and I need him for all things involving data and numbers.”

Inui thought it over, “It seems you have a lot of data already.”

“I found it all on the internet.” Sahar admitted. “It’s what they don’t allow the public to know that I’m interested in.”

“It will be quite a challenge.” Inui said thoughtfully.

“I need Kikumaru for his amazing acrobatic skills.” Sahar addressed Eiji, “I’m not sure what’s inside but if it involves jumping, or moving without the cameras catching you I’m sure you’re the only one for the job.”

“Well I am pretty flexible, nya!” Eiji said, bouncing for emphasis.

“There will be trickery involved in my plan. I need someone who can handle themselves while under pressure, and while in disguise.” Sahar continued.

“Do I even have to ask if you’re referring to me?” Fuji smiled.

“Guess not,” Sahar returned the smile. “I need someone small and overall balanced in strength and speed. Ryoma, you are the smallest, are you afraid of small places?”

“No.” Ryoma wasn’t afraid of anything, except spiders, and Momoshiro always killed those.

“Good, you might need to crawl into the vent.” Sahar nodded his head at Momoshiro. “I need someone strong. Strength can be used for many different things.”

“Well I am pretty strong,” Momo agreed.

“Oishi, you worry a lot, but you also think of worst case scenarios. You would be the best one to sit in front of my computer monitors and watch the team’s progress. If you have a fear, voice it. Who knows, it could make the difference between getting caught or getting the gold.” Sahar noticed Oishi seemed relived that he wouldn’t be doing any field work. “Tezuka. This is your team. You’re their captain, and their leader. I can’t think of anyone better to be in charge.”

“That’s our Tezuka!” Fuji cheered. “He’s levelheaded and strict.”

“Kawamura, those cameras are going to be a big problem. I was thinking you might be able to take them out with tennis balls. Yes, your power is just what we need.” Sahar noticed how timid Taka was, he would be a lot more braved with a tennis racket in his hand, another good reason to give him this job.

“That’s such an important job though… I don’t think I could…” Taka began mumbling.

“Sure you can!” Eiji said encouragingly.

“I want to help, it wouldn’t feel right if I sent you guys out and stayed behind, so I’ll be your weapons expert.” Sahar observed how everyone grew tense. “I don’t want to use them, but there is that ‘if we get caught’ problem, and we might need some explosives to get inside. The door to the vault may be blast proof but I wonder about the walls…”

“What about Kaidoh?” Eiji wasn’t the only one to notice Sahar had passed over him.

Sahar frowned, “What about him?”

“What’s his role going to be?” Eiji was unrelenting.

Sahar looked at Kaidoh, who he had been avoiding with his eyes the whole time he was talking. Kaidoh stared back, unblinking. “He isn’t needed…”

Kaidoh balled his hands into fists, which was got him in trouble in the first place, but then released them as Sahar added, “…but his long arms might be useful. He can reach switches, buttons, and levers that are usually out of reach.”

Sahar stopped the staring contest, he would have lost anyways, to hop off his desk. “If you guys are willing to, I think we can pull this off.”

“And if we’re not?” Momoshiro asked.

Sahar shrugged, “You wont get any of the cut.”

“You mean we get a share of the gold?” Momoshiro asked.

“I get 50% and the rest can be dived among whoever helps.” Sahar smiled, “Are you considering helping?”

Before anyone answered he said, “On second thought you guys should sleep on it. While we’ve been in here the sun has already gone down.”

“That late already?” Eiji was surprised. It had only seemed like an hour had passed by, two tops.

“Akiva will you go prepare our quests their rooms?” Sahar waited tell Akiva was gone, lately his bodyguard was acting more like a butler, he would have to apologize to him later, before saying, “If you guys had gone with that plan from earlier, the one where you use me as a hostage, you wouldn’t have gotten far because the moment you were all on the boat we took off.”

No one said anything, they all secretly wondered if he was mad at them.

“How’s your nose?” Eiji asked, the silence was just too awkward.

“It’s better,” Sahar smiled at Eiji, “Thank you.”

A few more minutes of silence before Sahar decided that was enough, “Let’s get out of here and head too bed shall we? Akiva had a head start, I’m sure he’s done by now.”

One at a time everyone left through the bookcase door. They found themselves on the top deck. Indeed it was now dark out and the ocean looked black like ink. No one else was up and about, it was hard to imagine were all those men in black were.

Sahar led the group to the cabins where Akiva was waiting.

“I’m afraid there are fewer rooms then we first thought,” Akiva spoke to Sahar but everyone could hear.

“It’s okay, we can share.” Tezuka spoke for everyone, but they all agreed.

“There are only two rooms available and each room only has two beds.” Akiva informed them.

“We can put 4 into one room and 5 in another.” Oishi said. “Eiji, Kawamura, Inui, Fuji, and I could sleep in one room and Tezuka, Momoshiro, Ryoma, and Kaidoh could have the other.”

“There’s no way I’m sleeping in the same room as Viper!” Momoshiro protested.

There were a few other complaints.

“Sorry,” Sahar said, “If we need to I can throw some of my more useless lackeys off the boat.”

“That wont be necessary.” Eiji said quickly.

“If you’re so sorry maybe you should give us more space to work with.” Momoshiro said.

“Like what?” Sahar put his hands on his hips. “This boat only has so many rooms, and you can’t sleep in the kitchen, that’s unsanitary!”

“What about your bedroom?” Momoshiro asked, “It must be the biggest one on this boat.”

It was.

“So? It only has one bed and I’m not sharing it!” Sahar looked appalled.

Inui did some quick math in his head, “How big is your bed?”

“I told you I’m not sharing it!” Sahar stomped his foot.

“It’s a king size bed, but it’s round.” Akiva supplied.

“Traitor!” Sahar groaned but it didn’t seem he was very serious about the accusation.

“If you don’t want to share your bed then maybe you can switch beds,” Inui was thinking about what would be comfortable for everyone. “In one room Momoshiro could share a bed with Echizen, and Kikumaru could share one with Oishi. That would make the most sense because Echizen and Kikumaru are both small, and Momoshiro and Oishi are larger, so they would be more comfortable sharing beds. In your room Sahar, because you have a bigger bed, we could fit three people. It would be wisest to put the three tallest in it, which would be Kawamura, Tezuka, and myself.”

“I guess that would leave me, Kaidoh, and Sahar in the last room?” Asked Fuji, who was disappointed because he couldn’t sleep next to Tezuka, but he wasn’t showing it.

“If logic dictates it.” Inui replied.

“Can’t argue with the data,” Eiji nodded.

“No way!” Sahar protested.

“You get your own bed.” Momoshiro said it as if it was the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

“What’s that suppose to mean?” Ryoma sounded slightly offended.

“Guys,” Oishi intervened. “It’s getting late! Let’s all head to bed.”

“Here are the two cabins,” Akiva pointed at two door that were behind him. “I’ll take you three to Sahar’s room, if that’s okay with him.”

Everyone looked at Sahar.

He rolled his eyes, “Fine, whatever, just don’t mess with my things.”

“Want me to come to your cabin when I’m done?” Akiva asked Sahar.

“Unless someone is planning on strangling me while I sleep,” All eyes turned to Kaidoh, “Then I think I’ll be fine.”

“Are you sure?” Sahar always slept with Akiva in the room, for safety reasons, there had been a few assassination attempts.

“Yes!” Sahar flung open one of the cabin’s doors and he could be heard from inside grumbling, “What are you my mother?”

And that was that. Everyone went into their respected rooms, and one thing was on everyone’s mind, it was going to be a long night.

To be continued…