Board Fighters II
Chapter 39 Part 1: Breaking Free
Writer: Cherie (w/Gouki and Iwa)

 

 


LEVEL 2 LIVING QUARTERS

At this time of the morning mainly personnel of the various levels of the Shadaloo entourage filled the cafeteria. In the hustle and bustle of shift changes information as well as gossip was passed around. One resident of this faculty made his way into the heart of the Shadaloo entourage. With no one else affording him a second look or even so much a challenge he sat down before the lone scientist he was instructed to seek out.

Awkward silence greeted him; the scientist in question was staring blankly behind him with bloodshot eyes. Rez waved his hand and snapped his fingers trying to draw some attention but was given none.

"No wonder they call you mad scientists," he commented, reaching out for the cup of coffee.

"There's more than enough caffeine in there to keep a normal person up for the whole week, Mr Romanov," the scientist known as Doctor Yamada spoke. "It could wreck havoc on a person's nervous system and brain. I wonder how it would affect you." The bloodshot eyes finally focused upon the mercenary. If there was a staring contest at all it was cut short by the arrival of a blond scientist.

"So you're the one who's been asking questions," Doctor Yamada started.

"I believe you have a friend of mine in your custody."

"I doubt he's that keen to see you, all things considering."

"And that's why I'm concerned about how he's doing."

"And what? Would you steal him from right under our noses? There's been talk of you losing a certain pet of Noiv. Falling out of favour tends to make a person desperate."

"Hmph. Then perhaps I could be more useful to you?"

"Enlighten me."

"I know how your boy thinks and what bugs him."

"True. True." Doctor Yamada nodded.

"It would provide some very interesting data. Although there's the chance that it might kill him." Doctor Markus added.

"Kill him? Where's the fun in that...? Besides... last time I only got to play with the little soldier for a couple of weeks. I'm sure I can break him this time..." Rez burst into a chuckle, which caused the two scientists to eye him suspiciously.

"Quite drastic..."

"What? You wanted data," the blond scientist reminded his companion.

"You have yourself a deal Mr Romanov." Doctor Yamada finally agreed.

"On condition that you make it look like you found a way in to harass him," Doctor Markus added. "I'm sure you would find the lab coat we sent you to be a suitable size."

"I can do that. Oh... so what's the rule on permanently crippling or maiming? Last time he only got a couple of scars. This time I was thinking bout getting myself an ear... maybe an eye."

"NO!!!" Doctor Yamada practically shouted, his bloodshot eyes glaring at the mercenary.

"Alright alright... geez you egghead types are no fun..." Rez held up his hands to placate him. "Well I'll be sure to do no... permanent damage."

"There's one other thing you need to be aware of, Mr Romanov," Yamada said warned. "Be mindful of our resident Doll."

"Why? Is she squeamish about watching a professional at work?" Rez laughed, but soon stopped once he noticed the serious look on their faces.

"She only takes orders from The Master, Mr Romanov. I will not hold her responsible if she decides to take matters into her own hands if she does indeed feel squeamish about it. I can at least do something to ensure her absence during your visit, however."

"Then I guess I'll just leave to you plan my visits," the mercenary addressed them. Taking their silence as confirmation the mercenary made his way out. No sooner had he disappeared from sight, Yamada's two other colleagues and their resident Doll joined the table. No doubt they had been listening to the conversation.

"Squeamish?" the Doll commented, pushing up her glasses.

"Can't have him breaking your cover." He looked at his coffee and frowned. It had gone cold and lost its flavour.


UNDISCLOSED LOCATION

The beeping of the security door panel outside of her room drew Iwa's attention. The door slid open to reveal Riq flanked by the two guards outside her room. He gave them a nod and entered. The door slid close and he sat down in the chair that was opposite her bed. He seemed tired, no doubt worrying over Victoria.

As Riq had been warned to be wary of Iwa, he caught a little movement from her. Her attention was on the ventilation shaft in the ceiling. A furry little head popped from between the gratings; seeing Riq, it shrunk back into the darkness of the ventilation shaft.

"I can have that sealed," he commented.

"You could try, but you know I'm useless to you in here." She smiled that ambiguous smile again, as if expecting him to break the various codes in her speech pattern. They should have already warned him that she reacted differently to different people.

"Is there any other way to get in there?" Riq was hoping for a different answer, considering that this conversation would not be recorded. If Victoria was indeed with Sergeant Heagy, it didn't make sense that he would not allow her to call him, even if indeed he was paranoid about things. If, in the worst case, Victoria had been captured, then why had Shadaloo nor Umbrella claimed responsibility?

"They are paranoid people, Mr P. Bending the rules for them would alert them no doubt. That is, unless you could find someone capable and willing enough to play victim to get in there..." She left it hanging.

"Especially with the chance of ending up as Shadaloo captives." Riq narrowed his eyes completing Iwa's sentence, eliciting a nervous laugh from the young lady.

"I like you, Mr P. Unlike some people who are bound by red tape, honour and ego. You're not afraid to show you care and maybe even bend the rules."

"Why are you telling me all this?"

"They will retrieve me you know. Although where I would be posted depends on his whims and what I have gift wrapped." She handed him a card, scribbled upon it were a few telephone numbers and some of her online aliases.

"There are ways to find me, Mr P. But I will find you if I have any news of Victoria." There was a big smile on her face as she stood up. It was time to go and Riq could ponder the offer on the way to the tournament grounds.


NAN PROVINCE, SOMEWHERE NEAR THE THAI-LAOS BORDER

High in the evening sky, the moon radiated a brilliant silver glow onto the natural landscape. A cool breeze made itself known, wet with moisture from the aftermath of an earlier rainstorm the night before. While the northern part of Thailand was no stranger to the seasonal monsoon, the way the storm had appeared without warning, only to disappear in similar manner, seemed all too foreboding.

Such a prospect was far from the minds of Pablo and Juli, however. Around the afternoon time, close to sunset, they'd discovered the hill tribe settlement, as Tai described. Despite the rarity in visitors, the inhabitants had treated the pair's arrival with some indifference, content to go about their daily lives uninterrupted. It was only when the sun had sunk into the horizon, and the sky had darkened accordingly in response, did Pablo and Juli make their move. Beyond the village, like a barrier before their target was a lush jungle forest, which they now ventured through, aided somewhat by the overhead gaze of the moonlight.

"All this walking..." Juli muttered, brushing aside a branch as she pressed on through the wet, thick forest, with Pablo close behind.

"And no traps, either," her partner added. In his hand he held a flashlight, which he used to illuminate the ground and nearby trees around him.

"Traps?"

"Tai figured that this forest would be covered with traps, to prevent intruders from reaching the temple," the grave robber explained. "He didn't experience any, though, so maybe they've all been triggered already."

Hoping that they would not encounter any trouble along the way to their goal, Juli continued walking, focusing ahead. She paused as she stepped on the root of a tall tree, the form nearly two feet high. Her eyes scanned the area directly in front of her for several moments, until the sound of her partner's soft chuckle drew her attention, causing her to turn around.

Pablo, less than two feet behind her, was looking up, his flashlight trained on the foliage above them. Her head tilted, and she craned her neck to see what had caught his interest. The canopy above them was very thick, and yet she was still able to see a skeleton's hand sticking out of the greenery. Judging by the arrangement of the leaves, they must have conformed to some cage suspended above them. And the form inside hadn't had a chance to escape. All the flesh was gone and the cage nearly covered by leaves, indicating that the trap had been triggered a long time ago.

"That's helpful."

She made a sound of disgust at his casual comment, but it still fuelled the hope that new traps had never been set.

After several more minutes of walking - and witnessing a few more deceased victims along the way, like an art exhibition of sorts - the muddy path gradually became more solid, grey shale. The path grew wider, as did the distance between the trees, where it opened up to reveal a clearing. Juli paused briefly, but Pablo continued to walk forward, right past her, and right into the large, open expanse.

Located directly in the middle of the clearing, surrounded by the forest, stood an immense structure, in the form of an ancient temple ruins. Two stone pillars stood on either side of the entrance, divided into blocks, with each one etched with various different carvings. Unruly vines and foliage protruded freely and openly from cracked outside walls, not so much damaging the structure, but rather adding to its aged exterior. Courtesy of the moonlight, the temple seemed to give off a strange, cool glow, as if inviting, daring the pair to explore its depths.

"There it is," Juli spoke. The degree of awe her voice carried was evident.

Pablo, leading the way, walked further into the clearing, stopping briefly to admire the carvings on one of the pillars before moving towards the entrance. The two paused just inside, as Pablo guided his light to view the long hallway. Juli pulled a light stick from her bag, splitting it instantly to cast the area immediately surrounding them in neon yellow.

With a sly smile, Veracruz extended one hand towards the hallway in an inviting gesture. "Ladies first."

"How sweet of you," Juli replied with mock-gratitude as she brushed past the grinning Pablo and down the hallway.

With Juli's focus centred on the path ahead of her, Pablo took the time to observe the stone grey walls at each side. To his right, he noticed a section of wall covered with rotted vines, which he promptly tugged down. The foliage fell away to reveal an image of a figure holding what appeared to be a ceremonial dagger, its blade carved in the shape of a crescent moon.

Interesting, he noted to himself as he committed the mural to memory.

Pablo looked to see that Juli was several feet ahead, and he increased his stride length to catch up. His eyes darted between the walls. Rotting foliage was becoming scarce as they ventured farther inside. Carvings and images adorned the walls in random patterns, some worn away to become unreadable. Every few minutes, Pablo would stop and study an image that caught his eye.

How long have we been walking? Juli grumbled inwardly. It seemed as if they were in the tunnel for miles. And the only things in sight were the wall decorations. She glanced over her shoulder to see him finish studying an image of a figure in elaborate clothing, wearing a crescent moon pendant, when the sound of falling rubble startled her.

Pablo held his light up and the hallway ahead of them showed trails of small pieces of fallen rock. Pablo held his light up and the hallway ahead of them showed trails of small pieces of fallen rock.

"Nothing major," Veracruz concluded. He began to take the lead now. "Let's go."


PENTHOUSE SUITE - THE MAKAI

"May…I ask why?" Meliza's hand tightened on her phone handset, unable to keep the disbelief in her voice.

"I'm really sorry, Ms. Rinaldo. I hate to leave you at a time like this...but I really think it's better for everyone that I l leave the company..."

"I'm sorry to hear that, Mr. Kapono."

"Thank you for everything, though..." He promptly hung up.

Meliza sighed, placing the phone on its holder. What was she going to do? Her hotel security director had just quit on her due to personal reasons. Not that she had to ask. She could guess what the reasons were. Ever since the tournament started and she had increased the amount of personnel patrolling the floor, things had been a little tense in the hotel. Based on what she'd heard, morale was getting low among her security department. Not that she blamed them.

Her eyes strayed to the partially open bathroom door. Locke was currently in the middle of a morning shower.

She quickly jumped out of her seat and headed to the bathroom, pushing the shower sliding door aside, careful to avoid getting water on herself and on the tile. He was just in the middle of soaping his shoulders and arms. As nice as the entire view was, Meliza had other things to think about.

"What?"

A playful smile that didn't quite reach her eyes came to her face. "Just wanted to watch."

"Is that right?"

"Of course."

"I don't believe you."

"You always thought you knew more than I did," Meliza commented wryly.

"You're obviously not here to shower or feeling neglected, so what's the problem now? Kanzuki? Family member in need of help?"

Meliza crossed her arms and leaned against the shower frame. "My hotel security director just quit on me. It has the other security employees down, and while I can't blame him for quitting, he chose the wrong time to do it." She waited a moment. "And I'm not saying this because I need to vent. I'm saying this because I'm offering you the job."

He went still.

"Before you say anything, hear me out," Meliza continued. "I need someone who I trust. Someone who can adapt to what's going on, someone familiar with the Makai, and most of all, someone who can think ahead and prepare for the worst case scenario."

She could almost see his mind work, playing out different situations.

"I know it's asking a lot," Meliza said quietly. "But if you take over, I'd give you full control of the entire property, it'd be a perfect cover for you and explain why you can be all over the hotel. You don't have to ask my permission for anything. You'll have a radio on you during work hours, and a company provided cell phone during non-work hours since you'll be on-call. No one would have to know you're staying in this suite. The only one here who knows who you really are is Karin, but she can keep our relationship a secret. She doesn't even know what your real job is anyway, so she wouldn't question it."

"And if anyone were to ask about my credentials?"

"Ryan and Chris can vouch for you," Meliza said smoothly, referring to her executive vice president and the general manager of the hotel in Las Vegas.

Both men had been hand-selected by her parents long before her parents turned the company over to her and were Meliza's most trusted associates. Both had met Locke earlier in their relationship. Even though their interactions had been brief, apparently that was enough. Personally, she had no problem with limited interaction between Locke and Chris. Both men were Chinese and instantly got along. Especially thanks to language. Locke was a native Mandarin speaker and Chris having gone to Chinese school since he was four, was eager to practice with someone familiar with the language. Meliza wouldn't be surprised if Chris told him all the stories of growing up with her. Honestly, whenever she was out with the two of them, she felt like she was watching a tennis match with the back and forth Mandarin.

"It seems as if you've covered everything," he mused. He moved closer to the door to study her. "What about pay?"

"I'd hire you as an independent contractor. You'd be working for me, not the Makai or Rinaldo Hotels. What kind of salary are you looking for?"

When he said nothing, she provided a number.

"You either trust me that much, or are giving me that much because your expectations are high," Locke said after a moment.

"Try the first one."

"Meliza-"

"I know that some things are beyond our control. But I would feel better...and so would my staff once they meet you...if you took over."

"...Fine. What time should I start?"

"Ten okay? I'll phone HR and have them hand you the electronics you need and a badge that allows you full access throughout the property." Then she reached up, her hands on his shoulders, pulling him down for a brief kiss. "Thanks," she whispered. "I'll do what I can to make your efforts worth it."

"I don't doubt that."

Meliza couldn't help another teasing jibe of her own by looking at her wristwatch. "You have forty-five minutes before you start your first day. Move fast, Mr. Cai, or you'll be late..."


NAN PROVINCE

"Finally!" Pablo exclaimed to himself, as he stopped in mid-step. "Just what I was looking for."

"What are you talking about-" Dark brown eyes glanced ahead of Pablo to see what he meant. They then narrowed. "It's just a skeleton."

Half a skeleton, to be exact. Several feet ahead of the pair, against the wall, laid the upper half of a skeletal corpse. Ahead of that was its lower part, implying the horrible manner in which the victim had died.

"Exactly. We must be getting closer to the traps now," the grave robber stated matter-of-factly.

Juli crossed her arms briefly. "You almost sound happy about that."

"Well, sometimes it's no fun if getting the treasure's easy," Pablo admitted, taking a few more steps forward. "Besides, Diablo always likes a chall-"

The sound of rumbling forced Pablo to cut off his speech, just as a piece of stone under his foot suddenly sunk lower into the ground. He stepped back cautiously, just as a thin, stone pillar shot up from the ground a few meters directly ahead of where he stood, followed an identical pillar to its left. Seconds later, a series of crescent-shaped blades stuck themselves out from each respective pillar as they began to spin and travel alternately down the hallway.

"Well, at least we know how he died," Pablo noted with a smirk as he and Juli stared down at their first obstacle between them and the treasure.

"And we also know how to get past them," Juli expressed. "It's all about the timing, waiting until there's a-"

Pablo didn't wait for her to finish, but instead burst into a breakneck dash towards the nearby left wall, where he briefly ran across it before propelling his body diagonally forward, edging his body in-between and past the beams with critical inches to spare. After taking a moment to roll her eyes at her partner's showoff display, Juli soon followed suit, clearing the trap in a far more direct, straightforward fashion.

"Looks like business just picked up," Pablo spoke. "Let's see what other 'gifts' this temple has to show us."

To his satisfaction, it didn't take too long for such 'gifts' to reveal themselves as they continued their advance, a few even producing a hapless victim with it. For up to a half-hour the pair strode down the long, perilous hallway in cool silence, committed to their own thoughts. Another half-hour later, as the frequency of the traps gradually increased - some fortunately rendered ineffective due to age - Tai Niran's words drove themselves into Juli's mind, as if reflective of her own doubts. "Not many make it outta that place in one piece, and the ones that do, like me, end up with nothing."

So be it, if that's the case, she answered. The Shadaloo operative soon stepped out of her thoughts in time to notice that Pablo had stopped, and quickly saw why.

"Another dead end, it seems," Pablo announced. In front of them was a large wall of rock, decorated with the all-too-familiar combination of fissures, vines, and ceremonial murals. He took a step closer "Or…"

"A door," Juli finished. It was hard to notice initially, but carved into the wall was what appeared to be a door. Both of them now stood on either side of it, with hands pressed against the wall in an attempt to find a switch or button of some kind. Juli was the first to discover it, as a small section of the wall caved in, followed by a groaning sound as the door slowly slid to one side to allow them entry.


ST. PETER'S MEDICAL CENTER

Ken Masters leaned back on the examination table, studying the various posters and diagrams tacked to the wall. The nurse who'd assisted him into this room had explained that the doctor would arrive shortly.

Since his fight yesterday, he'd been sore all over and agreed, after a few protests, to stay overnight at the hospital per the medical team's recommendations. It would give him some time to do a little investigating. Not that he'd get very far. He didn't even know where to start, he wasn't a detective. When he last checked his phone for emails, he got a couple from his family, wishing him well, hoping everything was okay. Most of the people who needed to contact him were apparently giving him some time to rest up.

So far, most of the nurses that he'd met seemed friendly, none of them seemed out of place or nervous. But how was he to know? Then again, would he put it past them to help out Umbrella if a gun was put to their head or their families put in danger? No, not really.

The door opened, and he carefully sat up. The male doctor who entered was dressed in a burgundy polo shirt, khaki slacks, and a white lab coat.

"Hi, Ken," he greeted, shaking his hand.

"Hi, Doctor." Ken waited patiently as the doctor brought up his x-ray files on the computer. "Anything bad?"

"You have some bruised ribs, no fractures."

Ken sighed with relief. As much as he could without pain. "That's good to hear..."

"Just get plenty of rest and take 300 mg of ibuprofen every six hours to help with any pain or soreness."

"So I'm free to go?"

"Unless your primary physician says otherwise, but everything looks good to me."

They talked briefly about ways to speed up healing and then the doctor left. Ken had just reached his observation room when his phone rang. At the 'unknown' call display, Ken frowned.

"Hello?"

"Mr. Masters, I thought I made it very clear that you were to be on good behavior..."

Ken felt his heart drop to his stomach. He knew that voice. Feigning ignorance, Ken said quietly, after glancing around to make sure no one could hear him, "What's that supposed to mean?"

"My sources tell me that you've been a very nosy person... asking questions since you came to the hospital..."

"Well, what do you expect?" Ken retorted. "Why the hell would anyone want to be treated in a hospital that loses tournament patients?" With Sean and Victoria's disappearances, he had every right to be concerned.

"...Fair enough. But just in case you need a reminder..."

Click.

"Hello? Are you there? Hello?!"

Ken hung up, fighting the urge to curl his fist and slam it into the next wall. His phone beeped, indicating he received a multimedia message. Ken quickly retrieved it, gripping his phone tightly at the image displayed. The room was dark, but the lighting was enough to see the sleeping features of his disciple. He looked exhausted and bruised. Ken deleted the image and headed to the nurse's station. He needed to get out of here...


ROOM 105 - THE MAKAI

Gold eyes studied the form on the bed. Hesitantly, Freckle stepped out of the bathroom to look around. So far, its mother's companion had been asleep for a long time. It wasn't the same without her around. Something had to be done.

Freckle hopped up on the bed by Jin's feet, pausing to push his foot with a furry paw. No movement. A sound emerged from one of the cages perched on the table. Freckle looked over to see Rosie anxiously tapping her cage. Freckle leapt down to the floor and back up to the table, accidentally knocking over Happy's container. The frog, apparently realizing that freedom was close, leapt out of the open door and onto a small, unoccupied corner of the desk. Freckle blinked at the frog then turned to the spider in thought. The cat then stretched, knocking over Rosie's cage, the door miraculously unlatching. Rosie immediately crawled out of her confined space and onto Freckle's back. The cat didn't mind, the more to help look for mommy, the better.

Now was the tricky part. How to search for her?

Freckle's ears perked up, immediately hearing sounds behind the door. Was that her?

A knock.

Followed by a muffled voice, "Housekeeping."

Oh, good. The nice cleaning ladies had started leaving them all kinds of toys and food goodies. Only two ladies so far had been in the room to clean, because everyone else was just terrified to go in. It wasn't as if they were poisonous or bit people...

Freckle jumped down to the carpet and ran to the door, Happy not far behind.

A click and a door opening as one of the ladies quietly stepped in to the darkened room.

This was their chance!

Freckle quickly darted through the narrow door opening with cohorts in tow, eagerly looking forward to seeing mommy again.

"Oh! I didn't realize…he's asleep." The lady quickly and quietly stepped outside of the room, closing the door behind her, completely oblivious to them.


SECURITY OFFICE - THE MAKAI

<To:> "All Makai Employees" <makai.staff@themakai.com>
<CC:> "Meliza Rinaldo" <meliza.rinaldo@rinaldohotels.com.; "Ryan Cooper" <ryan.cooper@rinaldohotels.com>; "Karin Kanzuki" <kkanzuki@kanzukizaibatsu.com>; "Ken Masters" <kmasters@masterscorp.com>

<Subject:> Personnel Announcement

Peter Kapono has left his position as Security Director to explore other opportunities after working with The Rinaldo Hotels for five years. Please wish Mr. Kapono the best of luck as he begins a new chapter in his career. Effective immediately, Devlin Cai will begin as the new Security Director. Mr. Cai comes with nearly six years of hotel experience in various properties across Asia. Please forward any security issues to him and join me in welcoming him to The Makai.

Cynthia Holstrom
HR Manager
The Makai
808.674.3000 ext 231


It didn't take long for Locke to jump right in to his new 'job'. Right now, an earpiece with a small microphone was attached to his right ear, and the corresponding radio was clipped on the right belt loop of his black slacks. He wore a pale gray collared shirt with the sleeves folded up his forearms, the top two buttons left undone. The matching blazer hung over his desk chair. All Makai security had a simple uniform, but he had been given liberties with clothing, just as long as he wasn't dressed too casually. A retractable badge holder over his left hip contained his hotel employee badge and master key card. And HR had even made a nametag for him, taking only ten minutes to do so.

Locke's new office was on the partial second floor, closest to the stairs. He'd familiarized himself with most of the daytime and night-time security officers, hotel floor plans and emergency procedures. He'd had a brief intro meeting with the daytime staff on duty and he'd be meeting the evening staff later. Some guards had the day off but would be coming in tomorrow to attend his second intro meeting. In a few minutes, he'd be shadowing one of the guards during his patrol and learn how to work the security cameras.

His brain felt so full of information, and he still didn't have it all. He'd probably have to bring some work with him back to the suite.

Locke ran a hand through his hair before his personal cell phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID, quickly answering.

"Yes?"

"Wow, a friendly greeting!" Tanaka exclaimed.

"Did you and Tina get the candy?"

"Yeah, thanks a lot. You sound busy, man."

"Working."

"Still? On what?"

"Security."

"Your personal security? Meliza's security?"

"No, the Makai's."

"What?"

"I'm the new security director."

It was quiet. Then Tanaka started laughing.

"That's funny! You, of all people."

"She needed someone who can think ahead."

"You two REALLY don't know the meaning of couple time."

"It's not that bad. There's a lot this department could work on," Locke admitted. Plus he couldn't say no when she needed him. Especially because she needed him. He knew that she would have never asked him to do this unless she felt it was really, really necessary.

Although it did put an interesting twist on their relationship. She was, as of ten a.m. today, his boss, and he'd be willing to bet a million dollars that a part of her was secretly thrilled at the idea. Just before he left to start, they had set some boundaries. No personal discussions and no physical affection during work hours. Even when they were alone. He would just appreciate it more if she were to treat him as any regular employee.

"What time do you get off work?" Tanaka's voice brought him to the present time.

"Six. And I'm on call the other sixteen hours."

"Joy."

"M1, this is M2." A voice entered his right ear.

"I'll call you later." Locke hung up his cell phone and pressed the talk button on his radio. "Go ahead."

"Yeah... um... going to be running a little late for our tour. There's a 10-66 on the first guest floor. M3 is currently unavailable."

Locke frowned, glancing at a cheat sheet of security codes on his desk to make sure he understood it correctly. His eyes widened. Animal on the first guest floor?

"Sir... if you could hurry. These... aren't my thing."

"Five minutes."

Locke wondered what could have Henry Motu spooked. The man was over six feet and over two hundred pounds, serving as a bouncer part-time at a downtown club on Fridays. His dark Polynesian features could intimidate any lesser individual.

In five minutes, he got his answer. Motu was at the western wing of the tournament participant floor, facing a corner. A black cat hung over his right forearm, and Locke could swear that the thing actually looked guilty. Motu raised his left hand to point. Locke peered around his burly frame and spotted two animals on the carpet. A frog. A tarantula. Locke's eyes widened in surprise - he'd never guess a guy like Motu would be scared of frogs or furry spiders.

"I'm not one for those types of animals, sir," Motu explained hastily, obviously catching Locke's brief expression.

"Weren't you in the Army? Ever get stationed in a jungle?" Locke inquired, keeping his voice genuinely curious as not to demean the other man.

"Desert, sir. With scorpions. And even then..."

"Understood." Locke raised his hand to stop the discussion, keeping an eye on the critters.

When they didn't seem to move after a few seconds - but he'd SWEAR that the spider was shaking its legs at them and the frog was glaring - he glanced around, spotting a thin table three feet to his left. A small glass bowl containing a jasmine scented candle was perched on top of a basket tray. Locke removed the candle, setting it on the table and picked up the bowl in his left hand, tray in his right. Approaching with caution, Locke quickly swept the spider into the bowl using the tray and placed the tray over the bowl as a temporary lid. The frog, however, managed to jump away in time.

Henry studied the creature. "I don't believe that's native to Hawaii."

Locke arched a brow. "You're saying it was smuggled here?"

"Makai's pet policy during this tournament are no large dogs. All pets must be reasonably confined to not disturb other guests and housekeeping."

"So a guest brought this in?" Locke stared down at the bowl in his hands before muttering, "How the hell did they make it past airport quarantine?"

Henry grinned. "Should we post a picture of the animals by the front desk and keep them in the office until they're claimed?"

"Someone's bound to come for them," Locke agreed.

Just at that moment, the service elevator opened and a cart stocked with towels, toiletries, and linens was pushed into the hallway. The housekeeping employee, Ailene, smiled at the two in greeting.

"Be careful!" Henry warned, securing his grip on a meowing ball of fur. "There's a-"

The amphibian took that opportunity to hop three times into the elevator.

Locke and Henry dove for the elevator button, but the doors closed.

"Sh!t."

Henry looked at Locke in alarm. "Sir?"

Locke shoved the bowl and lid into the housekeeper's hands and hurried to the stairs. "It's going down to the employee area. Take that cat back to the office. I'll meet you there in ten minutes..."

As Henry's supervisor barrelled down the stairs, Ailene spoke up in delight, "I know that cat!"

"You do?"

"Yes. Room one-hundred-five. The couple there has many nice pets..."