Scorpion Corp's Mission Files
          Escape from Bangkok (#6)



          The two strange figures emerge from the dark alley into a world of action. The smell of sweat and urine surrounds them and the humid, moist air causes their clothing to cling to them like a second skin. The streets are bustling with the movement of afternoon business, as many seek to buy their needs and wants from peddlers plying their wares. The figures try to fit in, but its is grossly obvious to even the most dense beings that these two are not your everyday run of the mill citizens of Bangkok. The common people are used to these gaijin, who are hired by what ever government is in power at the time to throw out the previous gaijin that used to be in power. They have learned to adapt and assimilate them into their society by giving them a wide berth and letting them do what ever it is they want to do. The alternative is death, if not by them, by the ones that are sent to replace them.
          So even if the strangeness of a hulking ork with a smallish, rug rat of a boy didn't draw attention, the 1-2 meters of elbow room had to be a clue. It was like Moses parting the Red Sea as Ravage and Puk walked down the gravel street. The biz that others were doing continued around them but as the two approached usually the hagglers would move back a few steps to avoid any possible contact with death. The word on the streets was that Ravage was alive and on the lamb. He was still somewhat of a Hero to the common people more due to his rep of bucking the higher ups rather than for anything he had done for them. The wise ones feared him, the wannabees emulated him and the dumb ones were often dead.
          "I cant believe we are out here in broad daylight. Why couldn't we wait till dark? At least them we could have traveled in shadows." Questions Puk in a nervous voice.
          "Look we got to get out now and I had a hunch that leaving at night would have been to late. Sky Dog is our ticket out of this scene. You said the Yaks are gonna pay him a 'consulting job,' we have got to get over there pronto." replies Ravage.
          They quickly walk over to a connecting street that is paved in concrete and has more vehicle than pedestrian travel. Ravage holds out a hand to hail a cab and is quickly angered as two cabs speed away from the duo at top speed. As a third cab approaches the scene he quickly pulls out his Ares Predator, with an A/P round clip, and takes a bead at the drivers forehead. The driver noticing a huge ork pointing a pistol at his cab, does the most intelligent thing he can think of, he slams the brakes and ducks, so Bangkok cabbies are that smart. Ravage quickly pulls out the cabbie and tosses him to the street as Puk gets behind the wheel.
          "Fraggers trying to dis Ravage. Well tell your chums I'm gonna come looking for them and when I find em..." snarls Ravage at the quivering cab driver. The ork then enters the passengers side and Puk bursts into speed leaving the cabbie hugging the street searching for a place to cower and rejoice that he has not joined his ancestors. The cab, if it can be possible, smelled much worse than outside. Only the supreme being could say what has gone on inside the vehicle but the results would stay with the duo well after they had left.
          "I've punched in the coordinates of Sky Dogs base and we should be there in about 5 min. Which in my opinion is too long to be in this drek factory." cries out Puk as he tries to keep his head outside of the window.
          "Just drive chum, I'll keep an eye out for any seekers or peekers." answers Ravage in a tense voice. The adrenaline that always came with a good run had began to pump into his system and he was stoked for some play. Puk, seeing this, choose to suffer silently as he tried to escape the penetrating, putrefying odor that was the cabs interior.
------


          As the filthy, pollution emitting cab neared its destination Ravage quickly gave the order to kill the engine.
          "What's up chum?" asked Puk, as he parked the car 10 meters from the small office building that was the front for John "Sky Dog" Walker's smuggling operation. With a motion from Ravage, Puk slowly and quietly got out of the car. Ravage then silently motioned towards the Black Fuji model sports car that was parked in front of the building. Two men in black, athletic cut, Italian suits entered the building with hands inside their coat pockets. Following them into the office was a slender man with circular, antique glasses. The third man was of Japanese descent and carried himself like someone of importance, his chic clothes also told the story of one that was wealthy and not afraid to show it.
          "Yaks!" mutters Ravage under his breath. "Looks like we're gonna have to bail the bum out of a mess. You stay here with the car, if the drek hits the fan, your the evac. Copy?"
          "I got your back, Rav." replies Puk, in a serious tone "Oh, and Ravage you be careful now. I've lost enough chums this past month and I'd like to hold on the ones that are still alive for awhile. Just call me selfish."
          With a grin Ravage begins to stealthy move towards the building. The streets were already empty due to the lack of biz in this sector, so he had little problems in getting to the alley near Mr. Walkers office. He could hear the crashing noise of glass and the sounds of a man being banged up by professionals.
          "You must be taught a lesson Walker - san. The Blue Tigers do not like it when their trust is broken. You have broken such trust with us and since you are in no position to redeem yourself we must "council you." The voice speaking has a deep Japanese accent and comes from one who's soft spoken tones are listened to and followed.
          "You rat bastard Japs!" is shouted in response in a voice that appears to have been smashed. "I said you'd get your money when I got a big gig. How can I pay when the government has shut me down."
          A series of smacks and bashes can be heard as Mr. Walker gets his response.
          "Yo! Why don't youz Yaks pick on someone more your size." hollers Ravage as he leans against the door jam of the office. The three men seem to be shocked at the sudden appearance of this lumbering ork. For sure they would have heard this beast lumber up towards the door. What they did not know is that when Ravage wants to be silent he can be as quite and stealthy as the best of them. He didn't live this long without learning how.
          The leader of the bunch motions to one of the twin tuffs. The thug turns towards Ravage and pulls out a small slender dagger with a topaz handle carved into a tiger's head. The Yak then slowly approaches Ravage with the dagger dancing between fingers and hands so fast that only a blur of the blade could be seen. As the approaching tuff gets within a meter of the ork, Ravage lets out a loud and wide yawn that ends with a side kick to the yaks mid section with steel reinforced army boots. The body of the Yakuza is literally flung backwards about 2 meters and crashes into a wooden desk. The force of the blow and the weight of the man causes the old, used desk to crumble into a pile of paper, wood and human flesh. With his leg still at full extension, Ravage flexes his legs at the knee in a kicking motion and returns to an upright position. With a look of bewilderment the leader looks at his fallen man and then at Ravage and finally at the second muscle boy. The second tuff, although human, nearly matched Ravage in size and shape. Tossing Walker the muscle boy goes into a series of martial hand motions that prepare him for combat. Ravage seeing that this will be more of a challenge drops his carefree attitude and tenses up his entire body. Then with the release of his slow breath loosens the muscles and relaxes. The two combatants circle each other twice, seeking for an opening to strike. The Yak strikes first with a leg strike that slows Ravage just enough to allow a round house punch to the bridge of Ravage's nose. Blood explodes out of the ork's nose as the force of the blow burst a blood vessel.
          "Nice shot there yak. Caught me sleeping on that one." Ravage says as he wipes the blood from his nose with the back of his left hand.
          "I am called Bludgeon and I am the best fighter of my clan. You will do more than bleed when I am finished with your corpse. No one dishonors the Blue Tigers and lives for long." says the tuff in a rich baritone voice that is covered in confidence.
          With a flurry of motion Bludgeon advances on Ravage and jabs, punches and kicks at the defending ork. Ravage in turn blocks most of the blows using his legs and forearms, but a few get though to his torso and mid section. By the power behind the strikes Ravage can tell that Bludgeon is enhanced, probably with muscle and cyber replacements to add to his strength. Finally after getting hit by a series of open palm strikes to the sternum Ravage was ready to strike. Bludgeon was recoils from the strikes and begins setting up new series of strikes when Ravage, defying gravity, jumps up about a meter and strikes down with a leg kick to the base of Bludgeon's knee cap. The steel reinforced boots tear through pants and flesh and cause Bludgeon to fall back, grasping his knee in pain. As soon as Ravage was on the ground again, Bludgeon was back on his feet and charging, his torn flesh revealing the steel plate that had replaced his knee joint. Ravage feints a blow to Bludgeon's head, which causes the yak to lower his head just enough for the ork's massive, muscular arms to snake around his neck and immobilize Bludgeon. Ravage then lowers his opponents head to waist height. Then with a quick, barely seen motion, he thrusts up with the heel of his reinforced boots into the face of the yak, three successfully harder blows. The stunning, skull splitting blows instantly transform the yak into a limp sack of flesh as Ravage finishes off his opponent by lifting up the body, still held by the neck and slamming him into the floor. Wiping his bloody boots on the back of the fallen yak, Ravage hears the clicking of multiple rifles behind him and knows that he is in deep drek.
          "You fool, do you know who you are messing with!" shouts the leader of the yaks "We are the Blue Tigers, ruling Yakuza faction in this city. Bludgeon was our best fighter and look what you have done to him."
          Ravage slowly turns around and sees 10 rifles of various sorts pointing in his general direction. The yak leader motions for two of the henchmen to gather up their fallen comrades and carry them to a waiting van outside.
          "Hey, not my problem if your "best" can't handle some real action. We fought fair. It shouldn't disgrace your so called "honor". He got his licks in, just couldn't take the power of Ravage is all. No need to sweat it, many have tried and many have failed."
          "So, you are the Ravage that the common folk speak of. I have heard of you, you do not help people out without a reason. Why help this sorry excuse of a gaijin?" says the leader
          "I got biz with this man, so I need him alive for now. Other than that you don't need to know."
          "Well Mr. Ravage you have put me in a bit of a bind." says the Yakuza leader, "You see Bludgeon was set to fight in our annual Kumate fight tonight. He was to represent us in this fight for control of the city. Now that we have no representative I will lose face in my clan. Mr. Ravage, my clan is a very unforgiving family and any mistakes on this level will cost more than the traditional price of a finger. This Mr. Walker "Sky Dog", means nothing to us, but it is obvious that he is of use to you. So instead of acing the both of you I will make a proposition for you. You fight in our blood sport and I will cancel Mr. Walker's debt and allow you both to live. Now before you answer, I'm sure your thinking you can take on these 10 men and myself and be done with us. Consider this." With a point outside he draws attention to Puk's small frame being lifted up by two Japanese men with one behind him aiming a pistol at his head. "You see Mr. Ravage the Blue Tigers are always on top of things and unless you want to lose your boy toy you meet us tonight at 22:00 hours at the old SigHo building on JoyLuck street. There in the basement you will find a representative of ours that will prepare you for the fight. Know this Mr. Ravage, fail us and your friend will die. Help us and all will be forgiven and you can live your life as you had before we met. The word of Torogami is solid and you have my word on this." With that said Torogami exits the building and drives away in his sports car. Slowly the 10 armed soldiers leave Walker and Ravage and return to their van.
          With incredible speed and strength Ravage lifts up Walker by the chin and says, "You better be worth it scum. I'm gonna win this drek fight and get my chum back and then you are going to fly us out of this fraggin country to Japan. You hear me! Ravage is pissed and who ever I fight better be ready!" With a loud roar that rattles the building Ravage releases the pilot and paces the room, a wild animal ready to be set loose. Walker decides that maybe he should have taken his chances with the yaks.


          As the sun set beautifully in the horizon, and signaled the end of another day, Ravage feverishly prepared for his sacred feast to Shiva. This day, which was one of the most holy of days in his religion, was marred by the fact that he was still stuck in the drek town of Bangkok and now had to fight in some strange tournament to the death. The cost of not fighting would be his chum Puk and probably his one way ticket out of this joint in John Walker. The Yaks had his cajones in a vice and they knew it. It was hard for him to concentrate on the ceremony and if it wasn't for the two years of training he had received during his term as a monk of Shiva he would not have been able to complete the ritual properly, which could have dire effects in his future. Even the human sacrifices that he performed left no satisfaction as he constantly worried about the welfare of Puk. He quickly and with out as much as a single sweat dispatched the low life scum that was to be used for his ritual. Society would not miss two razor boys who were know to be pediphiles and besides there were probably many in line waiting to take over their measly representation of turf. As Ravage went about completing the ceremony John Walker on the other hand was having a hard time accepting the fact that two people no matter how evil they may have been had just been hacked into and decapitated. What was worse, from his perspective, was that his new found protector or destroyer did the deed without any emotion. It was like a killing machine that produces death as its product. John "Sky Dog" Walker had seen much in his 35 years of running and gunning but all that went out the window as he witness the gory preparations of this dark dominion of some bizarre god or goddess. If he had had a choice he would have sunk into the shadows but knew that was not an option. John was also stuck between a rock and a hard place and wondered if he could get out of this scrap alive and whole.
          With the final candle lit and the gory symbols, written in fresh blood, had been placed Ravage lifted up the hearts of his victims and began to chant. The music his baritone voice produced was surprisingly enchanting and the ebbs and flows of the chanting caused one to swing and sway to the beat. The monastery had taught Ravage well and he was able to produce the high and low notes to perfection. The bonfire, that was built in the back of Walkers business, raged hot and high and as Ravage danced around the flames his blood smeared body seemed to glisten and glow. Walker stared in gross amazement as Ravage ended his ritual by biting into the two hearts and then throwing the remains into the fire. As the hearts entered the hungry flames, a huge blast of sparks erupted and the flames became a rich emerald. Walker could then have sworn that he saw a female face grinning from the flames, but when he wiped the soot from his eyes the flames were dead and Ravage was collapsed on the floor. Just as Walker was about to get up from his sitting position, the ork's body rose to its full height and let out a tremendous roar that rattled the broken glass panes that were left on the windows. He then walked over to Walker with a purposeful stride and Walker was deathly afraid his time was up in this world. The loin clothed, muscular, ork simply stated, "I'm going to use your phone", and walked passed the scared human. Walker was barely able to mumble, "S-s-s-ure go right ah-ah-aheaaad" as he collapsed backwards, to his displeasure he ended up face to face with two piked heads, his last thoughts as he fainted dead away was why did he ever come to this drek town.


          Joyluck was a street with a rep. for having any type of pleasure imaginable. Here could be obtained companionship from any type of sex, race or object. Resources so vast and income so plentiful that even the governments that came and went ignored some of the more illegal aspects. That, coupled with the heavy representation of Yakuza enforcers that patrolled the areas kept the street relatively safe; even for the brain dead that seemed to not know their limit.
          Through this street of pleasure walked a tall, muscular ork with a face of death. Even the most wacked out junkies seemed to instinctively remove themselves from this angel of death's walking area. One did not need to look at the elaborately painted war paint to know that this being was on earth to kill. His stride was one of purpose and determination and he cared not who saw him.
          Walker, on the other hand, walked in his shadow and feared for his life. He knew that this was his only option, but it still scared him to death walking into the den of an enemy out for his blood. Finally, the duo approached the SigHo building, which for all practical purposes was a run down hotel, that in its prime must have been a wonder of architecture. Now it was a hang out for vid heads and joytoys who used it to perform their special services to clients.
          Ravage ignored the two armed Yak guards and quickly entered the basement of SigHo. The room was dimly lit and contained many portable fitness machines. A small rat like oriental man was busy preparing towels, buckets and various medical instruments that were used on wounded fighters.
          "Ah Mister Ravage - san. You found your way O.K.?" spoke the trainer in a very nasal voice, "I have prepared this room for your preparations and I will be your trainer if you require my assistance. The Kumate will commence in approximately one hour. If there is anything else I can do for you I am your humble servant"
          Ravage without a word walked over to the single couch in the room and began to sit in the lotus position and meditate. His steady humming and chanting seemed to relax his body and give him temporary peace.
          "He's not much into talking right now but if you could give me a strong ale I'd be grateful" asked Walker.
          With a short bow the trainer left for the drink.


          Just before the hour had expired Ravage stopped meditating and sat staring at the clock, waiting for what was in store for him. Mr. Torogami of the Blue Tigers entered the room with an escort of 5 heavily armed men and approached the ork.
          "I hope everything was to your satisfaction?" asked the Yakuza. When he got no response, "Very well, your first round will be against the Jade Monkey clan. Their fighter is extremely fast and mobile but he is much smaller than you. I trust you will have no problem with him. The rules are simple. You must destroy your opponent to the death. There is no second place, because you will be either dead or maimed for life--which in your line of work is as good as dead. There will only be two rounds since two other clans have failed to get their fighters here on time." At this Torogami and his guards smile suspiciously. "Well, if you are ready we may proceed to the arena."
          Without a word, Ravage silently pulled his outer clothing off and stood, waiting for them to lead him out to the combat arena. He wore only some skin tight, black shorts that were cut to just about the knees. Their tightness did not hide much and did more to accentuate his massive torso, arm and leg features. The ork's olive-green skin glistened in the florescent lights and the symbol of his religion was etched into his chest right over his heart. Torogami stood back in amazement and his eyes lit up with the thoughts of the honor a victory would give him. The entire group then rushed out into the corridor and the loud roar from the crowd could be heard throughout the building.
          Another fight was in progress as they walked down the deserted walkway, and by the sounds of the blood crazed fans, it was very vicious. The group stopped behind a locked double door, which by the sounds of the crowd was the entrance to the arena.
          "We will wait here till 10 minutes after this fight. Here let us look at the combat so you can see what your 2nd round opponent is like." Torogami then pulled out a portable vid screen from his briefcase and set it up on a table top near the door. Ravage did not seem to care but Walker looked at the screen with eager anticipation. The monitor showed two combatants locked together in death grasps. Both were of equal stature but one in particular seemed to have a commanding position. "The one with Gold Dragon Tattoo is Drago. He is toying with the Red Hand representative Coda. Drago is very good and this is his first fight in the Kumate. Be that as it may, Drago has killed many men with his bare hands and the reason the Gold Dragon have never entered him into this competition before is because they had never had an interest in Bangkok. He has won several Kumate around the Orient and now has decided that ours would be next.
          Ravage slowly studied the man with Dragon tattoo. Torogami was right, Drago was toying with the Red Hand fighter. On outer appearances it looked like an even stand up fight, but subtle clues that Drago was leading Koda into a trap was evident to Ravage's trained eye. Ravage calculated that within 15 seconds Drago would strike. Ten seconds later Drago simply tired of the fight and lifted Koda by the waist and flipped him backwards upon his head and neck area. Koda was stunned by the blow and tried to roll away, but before he could escape Drago kicked hard to both knee caps. An audible snapping sound could be heard above the din of the crowd.
          With a look around at the frenzied crowd Drago then proceeded to pound the vertebrae of Koda, cracking the spinal bones one by one. The shrieks by Koda were so horrible and agonizing that they even tempered the blood thirsty crowd. A hushed silence encircled the combatants from the audience, and all that could be heard was the cries of pain from the mutilated Koda. When the last spinal vertebrae was crushed, Drago simply stood up and spit at his opponent and began to slowly walk away. The boos from the crowd seemed to encourage Drago and he relished the hatred that he produced.
          "That is some mean MF. Ravage... Ravage... where did he go?" asked Walker, fearing for his life if Ravage had left. The other guards also feared for their lives and frantically searched the surrounding area.
          "Look he is out in the arena" cried one of the guards upon finding the door unlocked.
          Ravage quickly entered the ring and knelt by the fallen warrior. Tears streamed down the face of the tortured and paralyzed fighter as he pleaded with Ravage to help him.
          "You fought well, but were simply overmatched. Yet no being should be made to suffer like this. Go to Shiva my son." With that Ravage quickly snapped Koda's neck. The boos quickly turned to cheers for Ravage.
          This attracted Koda's attention, and he became angry at the sight of his spoiled fun. Drago quickly ran to Ravage and pushed him away from the fallen foe.
          "That was my man you ork scum, I will kill you for that." Ravage simply turned his back to Drago and walked back to his escort.
          "You'll have to wait your turn before you get your chance."
          The crowd went wild with excitement and chants of "Ravage! Ravage!" rocked the arena. The fuming Drago steamed in the center of the ring for a few minutes until his crew of trainers came for him. All the time he glared at the area that Ravage had left.
          "You have made Drago mad, my friend, that may not have been wise to your continued existence." said Torogami as Ravage came back.
          "Won't be the last one that will want me dead. Now, before I fight I need to see the kid." said Ravage.
          Torogami quickly points to a position in the crowd where Puk is sitting surrounded by Yakuza tuffs. One of the tuffs, seeing a signal lifts the boy out of his seat so that Ravage can see that he is O.K..
          "As soon as you win the fight you can be reunited with your friend and do as you please."
          "I copy that, but scan this. If even one hair on his body is damaged, I'll come hunting for you, and no Yak honor will protect you from my wrath. Copy that?" Ravage snarls, eye to eye at Torogami. "Now let's get this thing started."


          The crowd was going wild with excitement as the betting attendants rapidly rushed back and forth with the various bets that were being placed. Chants of "Ravage! Ravage!," shook the rafters as the brawny ork entered the arena floor and stood, awaiting his opponent.
          "Alriiiight Bangkok!!! Get on your feet for the next champions! In the Red Gi, representing the Red Hand we have Viper!" The crowd roars in excitement as the Viper runs into the ring and begins a series of complex martial arts Katas. He far smaller than Ravage, but judging from his technique he is very dangerous and fast. Once the crowd subsides from the cheers, the unseen voice speaks again.
          "And wearing the black shorts, representing the Blue Tigers, we have the local war hero! Ravage of Bangkok!!!!!!!" The vibrations that the crowd's cheers emit can be heard and felt throughout the building. Even the joyboys outside get a tingle as they wander near the structure.
          Ravage simply stays in his upright stance and awaits his first fight. The ring judge enters and points to both combatants to bow to him and to each other, which is done with much respect and formality.
          At the start of the fight Viper quickly jumps into his fighting crouch and searches for an opening in Ravage's defenses. He does not have to wait long because Ravage simply stands there. Viper struggles with the idea of striking or holding back, because he knows Ravage's rep as a tough fighter. With the rep Ravage has built he must have a trick up his sleeve.
          Despite all these thoughts, Viper's patience wears thin and he quickly enters into a whirling twirling set of kicks aimed at the head and torso of Ravage.
          At least that was where they were intended to hit if Ravage had not crouched to the left of Viper and swept his balancing foot from under him. The stunning fall knocks the wind out of Viper and an open palmed fist to the bridge of the nose quickly sends bone fragments broken with the powerful blow instantly into the brain, killing Viper instantly.
          Chances are that Viper never felt any pain and that his last thoughts were on whether he had made the right attack strategy or not. He would find his answers in the afterlife, as he joins the many souls that Ravage has placed in that ever growing place of death.
          The crowd instantly went ballistic with shouts and cheers, and the chants began again, "Ravage! Ravage! Ravage!" With a short bow to the crowd, Ravage leaves the arena and the gushing crowd for his training room.
          The easy fight was over--now comes the hard part, Ravage thinks to himself.


          The pulse of the crowd roared and vibrated with a power that could be felt 10 meters above ground. The 16,000 screaming and cheering fight fans were hyped for the final round of the Kumate as they madly scrambled for a chance to place a bet. Many would lose more than their shirts today but just as many will become instant success stories. The stage was set for the final battle between two mammoth combatants who knew well the arts of death. Between the two men platoons of men have been killed and for the surviving man much glory and honor would be placed while the other would rot in an eternity of defeat. Life for these two was radically different. While Drago was raised on the tit of the Yakuza lifestyle and trained to become the best killer that money could buy, Ravage struggled though a childhood that was mostly lived on the streets and fighting in revolutions. The betting odds favored Drago by a huge amount but Ravage had the heart and soul of the Bangkok people as he represented the common folk rising up to overcome the powers that be. If someone had posed such a concept in front of Ravage he would have sneered and made a vulgar comment about their ancestry. Ravage did not care about being a role model or about being a folk hero he only cared about himself and his immediate concerns. Little did he know that his actions, though not planned, gave hope to the masses that their measly little lives were their own. So the stage was set.


          Ravage sat calmly in his corner of the ring awaiting his opponent. He had long since learned to phase out the exterior noise which the crowd displayed when he was introduced. This was his life or death fight not the crowds and he would let nothing deter him from the concentration that was needed to survive. Drago came in to less than pleasant cat calls, but he seemed to relish the publics displeasure. With arms raised hi to show case his golden dragon tattoo the encircled his chest and back he sauntered into the ring and began to jeer at Ravage. When the fight ceremonies were concluded the two fighters began to circle each other. Both were experienced fighters so they knew that the chance for victory would come with the exploitation of a weakness. After several circles that left the excited crowd a bit disappointed, as evident through their boos, Ravage felt he saw his opening. It was a small one to say the least, but enough to do the damage. With a feint with is left palm to the head, he proceeded to quickly squat and slash with his right hand to the knee of Drago. After he had fully committed himself to the movement, he found out to late his error. Instead of connecting with the knee cap his face connected with the ball of Drago's left foot. The stunning blow staggered Ravage backward and before he could get his bearing Drago was on top of him with multiple series of blows to the head and torso. Each blow was like a jack hammer breaking through rocks as it slammed repeatedly into Ravage. The obvious wired and boosted strength of Drago was raining terror of Ravage's unprotected body. It was all Ravage could do to finally block one blow that bruised his forearm in the process and get away from his attacker. With Ravage's moment of rest he re-evaluated the situation. It was simple Ravage was getting his arse kicked brutally. He could sense that his left eye was swollen and that his lip was busted. No internal damage was done, due to his dermal plating but the outer skin and muscles of his head, neck and chest ached tremendously. Something would have to be done or he was in deep drek. Drago was deeply serious, he loved the thrill of working up the crowd but first he planned on making sure that Ravage was incapacitated before he began to strut. He waited for Ravage to regain some of his strength back only because he wanted him to feel the pain and suffering until at long last he was unable to bear no more. Drago rushed the hurting ork. Ravage, who was about to use Drago's momentum in a judo throw, was surprised when almost in mid stride Drago changed tactics. Instead of rushing head first into Ravage, Drago quickly slide to the mat and underneath Ravage's stance then with a quick one, two blow to the groin Ravage collapse to the ground grasping his ailing member and groaning. The crowd made and audible EWWWW! and more than one fan was caught grasping his own jewels in sympathy. Again while Ravage was down Drago began an assault on the ork's body, this time concentrating on his kidney area, where there was less dermal and more damage could be extracted. The ork was torn between the pain in his groin and the pain that the kidneys were feeling. Finally, somehow, Ravage managed to roll out from Drago's attack and again find what little peace he could from the separation. This time the banging had caused something inside to become bruised or ruptured and every time Ravage breathed he could feel a sharp internal pain that caused him to wince. Ravage had been hurt before, even close to death but most of those situations dealt with distant type combat that involved guns and long ranged weapons. Never had he felt the hand to hand beating that Drago was giving him at this moment. He suddenly wondered if this was the time that Ravage would be set free. The battered ork knew that he would not fly the path his dear mother had gone, his life was not one that deemed eternal peace. But still the prospect of not having to live in the drek smelling world sort of appealed to him. While the swaying body of the ork seemed to be lost in his own world, Drago decided that he had had enough rest and proceeded to cautiously walk over to his stunned opponent and began to give him some quick, sharp kicks to the shins that caused Ravage to collapse again to the mat. The world was spinning as Ravage tried to ignore the pain which was steadily overwhelming him. His left eye was completely shut and the tears and blood impaired the vision of his right eye so bad that he could only see Drago's figure vaguely. Ravage began to see images of his past start to flash by him as he totally forgot about the match and began the slow descent the end. He remembered his old Scorp Corp after a successful mission drinking rounds of synt-ohal and having a good time. He remembered the mischievous grins that Shelob would give him after he had done something crazy or when she thought he wasn't noticing. He remembered the pearl of his life's existence, his mother, whom he had cherished during their shortened togetherness.
          Drago was tiring of the fight. The ork was done and the crowd was too subdued. It was time for him to make some noise and get this thing over with. He crouched down to face Ravage and stared into his blood soaked face. He could see the look of defeat in the back of the beaten ork and he grinned a huge grin of pride and victory. Drago knew he had defeated the best Bangkok had to offer and he didn't even raise a sweat.
          "Enjoy your last minute of breath ork! I will finish you by squeezing the life from your frail body." With that said he grabbed Ravage in a huge bear hug and began to constrict his python like arms. The sound of miniature pneumatic pumps could be heard churning as his supped up body began to administer death.
          The pain of this new form of attack Kamakazied Ravage and he let out a huge cry of agony. The crowd sensing the distress of their hero gasped in shocked amazement. Only the sound of cracking bones could be heard in the, now silent arena. The pictures of life flashed more rapidly as if sensing that time was a valuable commodity. Then out of the silence came a lone voice. A voice that was meek and spoke of much suffering. "Ravage don't leave me! Please Ravage your all that I have!" Immediately he flashes back to when he saw the Doc Wagons pulling out of his drive way on their way to the county morgue. His mother was on that vehicle and he remembered staring out the window, tears in his eyes saying those exact words. His blurry vision focuses on the source of this cry for help and he finds Puk standing on his bleacher with tears streaming down his boyish cheeks. The anguish on the boys face is one that Ravage will never forgot, that or the faces of the two enforcers that stand next to Puk with cold uncaring faces. Ignoring the increased pressure that Drago places on him he again flashes back to the day his mother was taken away. The little ork boy is crying, uncontrollably, searching for some kind of solace to his pain. The door to his room slams open and the harsh, cruel face of his father stares at the ork with contempt. As the man pulls a 4 meter length, steel chain from behind him, the small ork knows his life will be forever changed. The rage within him swells and he begins to surge with hatred. His body begins to tremble as the hate overflows its boundaries and floods his entire being. Drago stares into the eyes of Ravage and is suddenly shocked. The once docile ork is now red and fuming with fiery. He wonders what could have possible have set off this reserve of anger. Suddenly Ravage opens both eyes and stares deeply at Drago, only he does not see Drago but some other form from his tortured past. Drago's heart stops as he sees the fury that is Ravage, then a small trickle of blood begins to seep from the corner of Drago's mouth and his look of confusion turns into a look of horror as he realizes that he is the one who is doomed to death.
          If it was quite before, then at this moment the arena is liken to the vacuum of space as the stare in amazement at what occurs down on the mat. Ravage with a sudden burst of inspiration seemed to come out of his death dance and with a quick thrust of his right knee and the spur that was implanted there gutted the mighty Drago mortally. Drago in shocked amazement staggers back as he releases his grip on Ravage and stares at his recently impaled abdomen. He then stares at Ravage and sees the steel spur that protrudes from the knee of the ork dripping with life's blood. Drago looks up just in time to see Ravage twist his thumb counterclockwise and make a throwing motion which causes a hidden mono filament whip to arch out and decapitate him. The eyes of the now decapitated head still have the questioning look that says "how?". Ravage quickly retracts his whip into his thumb socket and grabs the head. With a mighty thrust he impales the head on top of a ring post and proceeds to leave. His raging fury blocks out the cries of joy and excitement that the crowd displays. It also ignores the shouts of RAVAGE! RAVAGE! He has one thought on his mind, to get Puk and Walker and get the hell out of this drek filled place. He reaches the exit and pushes through, behind them stands a beaming Torogami and John Walker. Before anything can be said Ravage collapses on the spot and the darkness comes. He can see, as if from a distance, that is body is being administered to by the Yakuza. A bright white light suddenly appears before him and he feels the impulse to explore its endless depths.

--E.M.--


          The rest of the trip passes by uneventfully for the crew on route to Bangkok. Once the submarine gets close to the city it merely stops and lets the large cargo freighter continue on its journey. Harley raises a small antennae and transmits coordinates to Sam. He quickly travels to her location. Harley allows only the top of the sub to break the surface and Skitchy boards Sam's craft. Both men then make a route directly for the warehouse.
          The amazing thing about Bangkok is that most of it has sunk underwater. With the rising of the oceans caused by melting polar ice caps the city has become partially submerged. Although sanitation is at an all time low, the new waterways allow boats to move far into the innards of the city and has radically increased the number of storehouse located there involved in import/export throughout Asia.
          Scorpion Corps had their own warehouse. It was owned under a different name, and local protection groups were paid to leave it alone. Both men pull up their bulky boat on the thin street and go towards the building. Automated systems come on-line as they approach, and after giving the proper codes and unlocking numerous chains latched on the door, they enter.
          Inside is a dusty two story building with a huge interior space. Most equipment is stored on a large second level balcony surrounding the room. A large open area in the center complete with winches provides for the lowering of equipment into transport boats parked inside at high tide. Both men then climb to the second level.
          "Well lets take a look at what we got here!" Skitchy says happily skating around the area.

--K.F.K.--


          The intense moaning from the hospital room drew Puk out of his deep sleep. Quickly jumping out of his lounge chair and spilling the contents of his left over synthfood, Puk rushes over to the curtained off area that holds his companion Ravage. Puk knows he can not handle much physically, being a master of the net, but he will run through Hell and back if it will help his friend. Pulling out a knife from his boot he slowly peers through the curtain. The grunting moans coming form Ravage seem to increase in tempo and as Puk nears the curtain he can see that he is struggling with another figure. Pulling the curtains back Puk shouts.
          "Get off my bro, drekhead or I'll..."
          The sentence, full of bravado tapers off as Puk immediately turns red. The room is deathly quiet as no one speaks a word. Staring with a death like glare, Ravage begins to tremble with rage. Straddled on top of his massive for a familiar green eyed, red headed nurse attempts to cover her ample and very nude body, but gives up when she realizes it is impossible. With a shaky smile Puk backs up and stammers,
          "Ummmm hear its a niice daaaay out. Thinnnk I'll takke me a little waallk"
          As a pillow sails towards him Puk does an about face and runs out of the hospital room closing it behind him as he hears the familiar roar of his friend, "Puk I'm gonna Kill You!!!!". Puk thinks maybe he should take up Ravage's advice and start running to get into shape. Now looked like a good time to start he thinks as he races down the hallway knocking over orderlies and nurses on his way out.
          Back in the room the human nurse slyly maneuvers her fingers over the thick, muscular abdomen of the ork and softly purrs, " Your not really going to kill him are you Rav.", she plunges her had in a fluid stroke and is meet with exactly the reaction she expected and desired.
          With a slightly lighter baritone voice the ork stares into the emerald eyes and mutters "I would hurt him ever, but that doesn't mean he has to know about it. Now where were we." Lifting her light body he gently lowers her on the bed and begin to explore her body with hands and lips. Between various kisses and surprisingly soft caresses, Ravage looks up and whispers. "I told you I'd come back and scan ya later."
          With a slight giggle and a long moan she says, "Mister Ravage you can come by anytime and you don't even have to be in a coma to get my services."


          Harley settles back into the form fitting captain's chair at the helm of the sub. She is still fuming at the total disregard of her orders that Sam showed in his "vacation scam." She thinks long and hard on a course of action and finally decides to teach him a lesson.
          The cap to his sun tanning oil was hard to open, what with all the greasy goop that had accumulated on its surface, but after wiping it off she begins to pour some bleach she retrieved from the sub's maintain area. She quickly reseals the tube and makes sure to regrease the outer top just as it was originally.
          "That should teach that Fragger to show me up." she says.
          Her mission completed she goes back to monitoring the airwaves for any information dealing with Ravage, Scorp Corp or the Storage Warehouse. It was a dull job but one that she was in charge of since her crew mates were doing a recon of their old storage shelter. Arching her back against the plasti-leather she lets out a long, luscious yawn that she finishes up by stroking her hands down her body towards her legs. Enjoying the mixture of the soft cushion seat and the hard chrome steal. Her entire senses begin to absorb the surrounding atmosphere. Her nose smells the slightly musty mixture of human scent mixed in with the mechanical oils and ironic scents. Her sense of touch was elated at the contrasting textures of steel and plasti-leather to Human flesh and back again.
          Her eyes bring to her the best of both worlds as she switches from human vision to her enhanced cybernetic rigging sights. She hears the soft humming of the ship's engines as it complements her own, now slightly enhanced, breathing. Just as she was about to explore her taste sense, a flag on one of her monitors lit up.
          "Drek! Drek! Drek! Cant a girl have some private moments to herself." She shouts to no one in particular. Harley then readjusts her lingerie outfit that had somehow come askew during her explorations, and punches in the code that relays the communications directly into her audio enhancers.


          "...gave 'em the 'un tw' blast. Me thou' him gointa ancestors afore tat. Scan this, tat ork ges up an slots em goo in the food sac. Tat nat all, he then razor 'is fraggin ead off an posts in fer all see."
          "Wats is tag?"
          "Go by Ravage, an e un biggun, badarse. Don' be scanning em less you look cancel tis world."
          "Scanned and planned. So wher is e'. Don wat to be input is way."
          "Ered e wis wit the yakboys in the chopshop. Oly e not to hert jus doin a rerun wit a nurse" This is followed by a raunchy laughter by both speakers as the conversation degrades as to what one or the other would do with a nurse.


          Harley quickly disconnects and puts in a vidcall to Skitchy. There is a wave of dizziness as Skitchy answers the call in mid spin.
          "Talk ta' me, this is Skitchy wat's up?"


          "Stop that spinning Skitch, your giving me a headache," says Harley as she shakes the dizziness away, "I think I found our lost maniac. Looks like he's up to his old tricks again, piking and all. Found himself in the hospital again; probably the same one we left him in. She pauses, "I want you guys to check it out. But listen, be careful. The Yaks may be involved, and at this point they are an unknown variable to us. What is known is that Ravage is around and last time Scorp Corps was in these parts they had bulls-eyes drawn on their backs."

--E.M.--