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izdatazn · 8 months

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S.U.I.T.S - Terran's Hidden War

TERRAN 12 - POISONED

I was granted a couple of weeks off from my responsibilities at SUITS. It was Tuesday, April 17th, 2079 when I returned to Japan to fully recover at home for the time being. However, my plans changed when I found out that Asuka had also returned to Japan on the last few days of my rest day. Consequently, I decided to spend the remaining days with her, knowing she would appreciate it.

I waited at our usual neighborhood cafe and chose to sit inside due to the intense heat instead of standing outside. Despite the sun gradually setting in the distance, today's weather was scorching. The middle of summer is unbearable for me, especially when the cafe's air conditioning doesn't work on such a day. When I saw Asuka approaching the cafe, I quickly left my table and joined her outside. We continued our conversation as we held hands and made our way towards the train station.

"What do you want to do tonight?" I asked as we entered the train station.

"Let's go to Asakusa and buy some couple gifts," Asuka suggested. "There's a popular ramen stall near Sumida River where we can have dinner."

"Ramen for dinner in this weather?" I questioned.

"That's what makes it special, Issei," Asuka replied with a smile. "Ramen is delicious no matter what weather it is." We boarded the train and stood near the doors as it continued on its route to the next station. "I hope Harshen Tigers make it to playoffs this year. They've been playing really well against tough teams."

"I think Fukuoka Hawks will take that remaining playoff slot since they were also runner-ups last year," I said confidently. "Yomiuri Giants will probably win this season like they did last year."

"I still have hope that my team will secure those remaining slots and take home the trophy," Asuka answered confidently.

The train came to a halt at Asakusa station, and we stepped off into a bustling crowd. Holding onto each other tightly, we maneuvered through the throngs of people, being careful not to get squished. Our ultimate destination was Nakamise shopping street, located in Sensjoi Temple. We spent the rest of the day leisurely strolling and admiring the shop displays until evening approached. Asuka surprised us with a lovely couple bracelet as a keepsake from our memorable day. Additionally, she purchased a scrunchy elastic hair tie and tied her hair up into a neat ponytail using it.

Despite the setting sun, the weather remained unbearably hot and humid. However, we refused to let the heat distract us from enjoying each other's company. Leaving behind the bustling shopping street, we made our way to the Sumida river bank where numerous couples and families had also gathered. She decided to treat herself to a refreshing melon soda while I purchased two dango snacks for us to share while waiting in line for the popular ramen stall.

Suddenly, someone familiar came into view - it was Sho with his study group! He noticed us as well and stopped to chat.

"Hey guys, you're back from overseas?" Sho asked.

"Yeah," I replied. "I needed a break from my New York internship and asked Asuka if she wanted to join."

"I took some time off too so I came home to spend Issei's day off with him," added Asuka.

"Always lovey-dovey," Sho teased.

"What about you?" I asked. "What are you doing here with them?"

"I was actually going to tell you guys and everyone else later, but..." Sho began. "My study mates and I landed jobs at a really nice company!"

"Congratulations!" We exclaimed. "It must have been really tough for you."

"It definitely was," Sho said as he showed us an amulet he received. "Thanks to this amulet, it helped me a lot during my interviews."

"Is that from one of your fangirls?" Asuka teased.

Sho didn't answer and quickly changed the subject. "Oh well, let me introduce one of my study mates." He motioned for someone to join us in line. "SHe's one of the foreign friends I mentioned a weeks ago."

"Oh, Mrs. Taylor I presume?" I asked.

"Yes, nice to meet you both, My name is Amy Taylor,” Amy replied as she shook our hands. "I've heard a lot about you guys from Sho."

"And we've heard about you too," I said.

"Anyway, we're going to celebrate with the others," Sho interjected. "Enjoy your date." They walked away from us.

“Is Show dating a foreigner?" Asuka inquired.

“Hideki and I asked about it a couple of weeks ago,” I said. “He seems to brush it off.”

After a few more minutes of waiting, we finally saw a couple leave the table by the riverbank. It was our turn next, so we took their seats. We started discussing and deciding on which type of ramen to try and share with each other. Asuka kindly offered some of her leftover drink, while we also asked for water to go with our ramen.

Asuka stretched for a moment and remarked, "The weather is finally pleasant." I nodded in agreement and said, "And the company is even better." She smiled at me and placed her hand on top of mine on the table.

"When are you leaving again?" Asuka inquired.

"In two days," I replied as I took a sip from my glass of water. "Are you departing then as well?"

She nodded affirmatively. "Next time when we have more time, we should go somewhere more romantic."

"Hokkaido?" I suggested.

Excitedly, she exclaimed, "I've been waiting for you to say that! It's the best place to visit during winter."

We observed the owner approach us with our dinner in hand. Asuka ordered tonkatsu ramen consisting of common ingredients such as eggs, garlic, soy sauce, and one type of meat. Meanwhile, I opted for miso ramen with additional meat and eggs. We relished each other's dishes while the owner made another appearance to deliver fried chicken, fried rice and gyoza.

As I slurped the noodle in my mouth and swallowed it down, I couldn't help but exclaim. “You're absolutely right! This is fantastic but I think we may have ordered too much.”

"I'm glad you enjoyed it," Asuka smiled. "I came here with Nanako and Kumiko a few months ago. I believe Kumiko recommended this place." Asuka took a piece of gyoza and took a bite before leaving the other half in my bowl. "It was after our second-year midterms. She even invited you and the others." She slipped some noodles into her mouth and started chewing.

Trying to recall those events, I said, "I don't remember any of that." I scooped up some fried rice and quickly devoured it.

"You guys were complaining about how poorly you did on your midterms," Asuka giggled. "Kumiko explained to me that you all played games during study sessions and pulled an all-nighter before exams."

"You're right," I laughed. "I think we decided to let off steam at my place, played games, and then just passed out after an hour. We were absolutely exhausted from the all-nighter.”

“I knew something felt off when you guys denied her invitation.” Asuka chuckled. “You guys would never deny invitation, especially delicious food.”

Feeling my phone buzz in my pocket, I checked it. It was from Saki but I didn't answer it. I declined the call and slid it back into my pocket. Asuka also heard her phone ring in her purse and checked it. She declined a call from Hina as well, and we continued with our dinner.

Suddenly, my phone rang again, this time from Saki calling me once more.

Answering the call on speakerphone mode, Saki cried out before I could even respond: "Kobayashi! Sho died of food poisoning!" We stopped mid-chew and listened as Saki repeated the situation again.

Kumiko's phone also rang at that moment; she hurriedly picked up Hina's call on speakerphone mode.

We heard Hina crying desperately: "Asuka, help! Sho died of alcohol poisoning." Asuka removed speakerphone mode on her phone and held it to her ear while trying to calm Hina down. I did the same with my phone, placing it against my left ear. I tapped the communication device on my right ear.

"Sho's body is being taken to Asakusa Hospital," Miyoung responded immediately. "I can feel a weakened heartbeat."

"Viktor and I will secure the perimeter around the hospital," Isabel spoke up.

“Saki,” I reassured her. “Sho has been taken to Asakusa Hospital. Asuka and I will head there and assess the situation.” I ended the call with her, as did Asuka.

“Whether it's food poisoning or alcohol poisoning,” I said. “We need to find out if foul play is involved or if there's something more going on.” We immediately left our table with our half-finished meals and headed straight to the hospital.

When we arrived at the hospital, it was under lockdown and controlled by SUITs. It wasn't just Sho; there were also numerous civilian casualties from the same restaurant bar he had visited. I met up with Daisuke near the entrance, and he guided us inside.

"You got here before us," I remarked. "What's the current situation?"

"I apologize for cutting your date short, Asuka," Daisuke replied. "Kokoro and her team are currently inspecting the restaurant bar." He continued as we entered the elevator. "Before Sho reached the hospital entrance, he passed away. I examined multiple bodies before you arrived and noticed an unfamiliar substance not of this planet."

"What do you mean?" Asuka inquired.

"My team is currently analyzing the information I provided them. However, I need your assistance at this moment," Daisuke continued as we exited the elevator on the third floor. "Time is of the essence. We require additional personnel to facilitate a physical transfer to SUIT's infirmary within this hospital."

Asuka and I noticed Viktor guarding a room at the end of the hallway. Without hesitation, we entered and found Sho lying in bed, accompanied by his foreign friend Amy who was pronounced lifeless. In that room, Miyoung and Isabel were already waiting for us. Daisuke switched off the lights, allowing only moonlight to filter through the window. Miyoung, Isabel, Daisuke, and Asuka positioned themselves in different corners of the room while they patiently waited. Meanwhile, I stood in silence at its center observing them all.

"The more capable individuals we have assisting us, the less strenuous it will be," Daisuke softly explained. "Are you ready?" They solemnly nodded before tightly clasping their hands together. The room gradually disoriented and transformed into another location - an experience witnessed but difficult to explain with my own eyes. Suddenly, we found ourselves transported to a chaotic SUITs infirmary as peace gave way to pandemonium.

Daisuke quickly rearranged the beds with assistance from SUITs staff who had joined him. Miyoung and Isabel hurriedly left the room, leaving me alone with Asuka.

I noticed her becoming lightheaded with blood seeping out of her nose. Acting swiftly, I ran towards her before she could fall forward.

"I've got you," I whispered reassuringly. "Are you okay?"

"It never gets easier doing a physical warp," she chuckled weakly. “You think the owner threw our food away?”

I collected the remaining food from the restaurant table, while the owner noticed our hurried departure and took care to keep it warm and safe. As Daisuke, Kokoro, and I worked hard to revive Sho and his friend, I paid close attention to every detail. After returning with the food, I joined Asuka in the SUITs cafeteria where we quietly enjoyed our meal while waiting for news. In an attempt to ease tension, we engaged in light conversation about various topics to pass the time, which proved quite challenging.

Suddenly, Asuka spotted Hideki rushing into the cafeteria and joining us at our table. Without wasting any time, Hideki spoke urgently. "Kumiko, we were on our way to Malaysia when Hina called me in tears saying that Sho died from poisoning. We immediately turned back and came home. Nanako, Ren, and Kumiko are with Hina and Saki."

"We're still waiting for updates," I said as my wrist device alerted me with a ping. Tapping it revealed a holographic figure of Daisuke.

"It's good that you guys are here," Daisuke said. "Sho and his friend are alive and stable thanks to specialized drugs used against Obitus Clarus poison. However, other customers who frequented the restaurant weren't as fortunate." He went on to explain that SUITs had reviewed CCTV footage which showed a suspicious person disguised as a waiter sneaking into the kitchen area. We watched as this employee discreetly injected something into both drinks and food items before calmly exiting through the back door.

"That waiter has a red scarf around her neck," I interrupted. "So you mean…"

"That's right," Daisuke responded. "Raquel used poison to instantly kill anyone in that restaurant." He continued by assigning missions: "Asuka, your immediate task is to complete Kumiko's mission but be aware that Raquel is likely heading to Malaysia. Kobayashi, the same goes for you. You're off to London to meet a SUITs agent regarding something suspicious."

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gofahr · 5 years

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What Goes Down Must Come Up

I made a big deal about this race all season, and I think that played strongly to my benefit, but also to my detriment once the day finally arrived. I had made it known from the very start of my “career” that my goal was to be the one that takes the title from Katie Compton. At first I only told those close to me, then this year I more openly admitted that I was gunning to win; that I wanted to beat Katie Fn Compton at nationals.

She knew it too, as I gave a speech on self-efficacy at Montana Cross camp and she was there for it. I looked her in the eye and said I was going to beat her at Nationals.

I never considered that I could beat her and still not win. If you have never faced a huge mental/physical obstacle, the difference here may not seem big, but it was.

Nationals being 3,000 miles from home meant it may as well have been in Europe. But then, Europe would have been more convenient, because after flying to the west coast, I flew immediately to Europe, so the week leading up to Nationals I had to deal not just with race nerves, but packing anxiety and the stress of a pending home-sickness. Once I departed my house on Wednesday, December 11, I wasn’t going to be seeing it again until February 21st or so. I was not dealing with these compounded stresses very well. But, I made the last trainings and final preparations and tried to focus on relaxing thoughts. I trusted in the preparations that Chris McGovern and I have laid out.

Arriving on Wednesday night I was not feeling super great after the flight, but, when do the high-altitude fart tubes ever leave one feeling fresh?

Shimano GRX equipped Kona Super Jake on Maxxis All Terranes

Thursday’s trip the venue was a soggy one, and after an easy ride on the course my nerves were greatly diminished – it is easy to build up a course in your head, especially watching videos of other athletes flipping over the bars and various descents, or struggling on the run-ups. I mean, I was still struggling on the run-ups, don’t get me wrong, but, even the UCI only lines didn’t seems tricky or scary to me. Despite that, my goal was to ride them at least twice a day through race day. I wanted to know the lines, know the braking patterns, and have zero hesitations. I visualized racing Katie on these sections. I practiced following down, passing and leading down, and soloing. The problem with wanting to ride the downs so much, is that it requires going back up.

After Friday’s UCI only preride I was given the chance to participate in a panel interview that would be airing on the live feed between races. Here, I admitted that the media saying I stood a chance at the title, or at the very least a podium, had me feeling pressure. It felt a little surreal. Entering this sport in the elite category eliminated any opportunity I had to ease my way in to an elite title by earning a junior, U23, or collegiate title on my way up. I jumped into the back and had to claw my way up, and to find myself finally up there provided me with some imposture syndrome. I took every opportunity I had to nearly make a joke out of winning, both to find a way to verbalize my goal, but also to make it seem like I knew it was a stretch. I was not willing to be serious about it because we all know how big a deal it was to end that 15-year streak. Not to mention beating out all of the other competition.

Foreshadowing, but also is Clara really that much taller than me?

Going head to head with Clara this year I have only beaten her twice, and often she only beats me by one singular place (even last year). I know that I am at least an equal rider to her, but I am not quite the racer that she is. Last year she won U23 Nationals and has had the taste of a title. She can perform under pressure and has a quiet mind (I actually have no idea what goes on in her head but she seems so damn composed at every moment). I knew that regardless of what place I was racing for, the real race would be against her. I saw the podium before it happened, but in a different order. A much different order.

I was nervous the day of the race, but not the type of nervous I normally feel before big events. I was sort of skipping over the day and thinking about Europe – I just wanted this to be over. There was a delay in the gridding and the start so by the time we were within 30 seconds waiting for the whistle my heart rate was 10-20 bpm lower than it normally would be. I went through my mental mantra: “This is happening. This will hurt. I will be strong, and work hard. I will not quit.”

The lights changed. Or whistle blew. Or start metric happened.

I noticed I had the lead nearly right off the line; I could see tires and wheels out of the corner of my eye. I keep charging, thinking about lifting my eyes and filling the void in front of me. At some point, I can’t really see anyone else, so I look under my elbow wondering if maybe there was a false start and I was the only one not stopping. Nope, they were still back there. “Oh my god. I am doing it! Stop thinking about how you are doing it or you will muff this up, ya dummy” – my inner dialogue. Around the turn and Beth Ann Orton comes up along side me, a good start for her too. We are in the thick of it now and I can tell I put in a big effort on the start because this false flat chunky uphill hurts. I try to keep my head in it. I dismount for the run-up too late it feels. I get passed by Compton and Courtenay and chopped by Sunny Gilbert right at the top. Sunny botches the turn at the bottom of the drop and we are forced to run. She isn’t going fast enough! We get gapped. I pass her at the top and charge to close the gap. I pass Courtenay almost by chance. I am neck-and-neck with Katie. I take a moment to compose myself and follow her. We drop back down to the bottom of the course and I am sitting easily on her wheel. I try to find a spot to pass but I know I need to make it clean. I see a hole in a turn and I put my body through it.

I did it.

I passed Katie Compton. At the National Championships. Up until this point I had a fairly quiet mind. Even now, I was calm and composed. I come through the start/finish and Kerry is at the corner yelling “You’re doin’ it, Beck!” I smiled. I think Clara was on my wheel at this point. I figured I was doing too much work on that long pavement section but I just wanted to get Katie out of the picture. I knew the gap was growing and I needed her gone. She was public enemy #1.

Up the run up again. Clara is stronger than me on the run-ups. It made me regret wanting to do the downs making me do so many ups on the days before. I take some time behind her, telling myself it is okay. Once again, sticking her wheel is easy. This is a big deal for me because usually I cannot follow wheels. Start/finish straight and I take the lead. I think this is where I lost the race. Why bother? Why now? Why can’t I take Caroline Mani’s advice to heart and stop pulling people around the course? Did I think I could ditch Clara? Man, reflecting on this now is both helpful and hurtful.

Alone.

Clara, stronger on the runup, fresh from sitting on my wheel, passes me.

Why did I make that effort?

My glasses fog as I work so hard to go so slow and I can’t see and being blind and cracked I botch the turn at the bottom of the drop. Clara gaps me.

That is when the race was lost.

The next few laps the gap was steady. But then I just let it open little by little as I bobbled.

And then, Clara Honsinger won the National Championships, dethroning Katie Compton, 15x US National champion. I was 2nd. Katie was 3rd.

Why did I make that effort? Why did I not throw my glasses? Would Clara still have won if we had stayed together longer? Could I have closed the gap? Would I have raced differently if I were chasing Katie for the win, not Clara? The questions are nagging, but unanswerable.

I lost the opportunity to achieve my goal. It was gone forever.

I am so happy for Clara. She is a fellow Kona athlete, so having two Konas on the Nationals podium in Washington was a huge thing. Plus, Clara is simply a kind human being and a very worthy competitor. This was not a one-off result. I don’t want to detract from her winning, but for my own sake I am taking to heart all of the comments from people that reached out after the race saying I was the one who made the initial pass. I made the cracks show and gaps open. I may have lost the race but I beat Katie. (Shit writing this down sounds really hurtful to Katie but I mean, if you’re gonna be such a shredder you’ve gotta take the heat, eh? Much eternal respect for Katie, but with great accolades come great bragging rights).

A Hella Sweet Kona Maxxis Shimano embrace haha

I have a few points I could go back and redo, but I am so grateful and lucky to have no excuses, especially mechanical ones. No dropped chains, or missed shifts on my Shimano GRX. No flats on the Maxxis tires. Incredible confidence shredding the Kona Super Jake. No broken boas. No missed pits with Spencer (and Doug at Nationals) looking out for me.

The 2nd place at Nationals was my biggest result to date, but also the most anti-climactic. That night, I mourned the passing of my dream. But moving forward, I am celebrating the dawning of a new era. One where I am a top-3 American woman. One where I get top 10’s in European World Cups. One where I can win US Nationals, or any other race. ONE WHERE I CAN HAVE GOOD STARTS. You can’t have only good races, but from here we aim to make the best ones big ones, and hopefully the big ones the best ones.

#CXnats #nationals #tacoma #USAC #cyclocross #cx #fahringer

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