The Rising Sea (NUMA Files 15)

“That jump hurt you,” Joe said, taking as much of Nagano’s weight on himself as he could.

Nagano winced and then forced a smile. “Actually, the jump was fine, but the landing was quite painful.”

“A couple of sake bombers back on the mainland and you’ll be good as new,” Joe said.

Nagano laughed, but he needed a rest. Kurt went ahead to scout out the building, so they sat down and waited for him to return.

After a few minutes, Kurt appeared. “No sign of our robot friends.”

“Thankfully, they don’t have wings,” Joe said.

Kurt nodded and broke out the NUMA transceiver. “Time to call for help,” he said, turning it on and waiting for it to sync up. When a green light told him it was ready, he pressed the transmit button. “Akiko, are you out there?”

Several seconds went by without a response.

“Let’s hope she hasn’t tossed the transceiver overboard because it’s a piece of modern technology,” Joe said.

“Akiko, this is Kurt. Do you read me? Press the transmit button on the side of the receiver if you do.”

Static, and then: “I know how to use a radio, thank you.”

“Glad you’re still with us,” Kurt said. “Have you had any problems?”

“Aside from bailing rainwater all night, no.”

“Wish we could say the same,” Kurt replied. “Good news is, we’ve got Nagano. Bad news, we’re being hounded. We’re going to meet you halfway. Can you get the boat in position?”

“Yes,” she said. “Absolutely.”

“Watch for us,” Kurt said. “We’re going to use the wing and the parasail.”

“I’ll collect you as soon as you hit the water.”

Kurt acknowledged the transmission and put the transceiver away. “The diagonal bridge is three levels below us. Let’s go.”

They made their way down the stairs and found the diagonal bridge that they’d crossed on the way in. After scouting for robots, they stole across the bridge and entered the building they’d landed on. They soon located the main stairwell and began climbing until they reached the top floor and the fallen concrete slab they’d used as a ramp on the way in.

Scaling it was slow and difficult; it was slick with rainwater, grime and mold.

Kurt moved upward on his hands and knees, the Honjo Masamune still clutched in one hand, which slowed him down enough that Joe was the first to reach the summit.

As Joe’s head rose above ground level, someone started firing at him. Bullets hit around him, kicking up waterspouts and blasting chips of concrete from the rooftop.

Joe dropped back and slid down the wet slab, collecting Nagano and Kurt on the way.

“Wasn’t expecting a welcoming party,” Kurt said.

“Let’s see who it is,” Joe replied.

He eased his way back to the top, held the 9mm pistol out over the edge and fired several shots in the general direction of the target. Enough to get anyone to duck.

With a second to take a look, Joe glanced over the edge and then dropped back down again.

“Robots?” Kurt asked.

Joe shook his head. “Yakuza assassin with an ax to grind. Or should I say sword. He’s got a pistol in one hand and that katana in the other.”

“Is he alone?”