. Katsura: The Shinsengumi... Battousai: We haven't yet crossed swords, but they could be the strongest of the Bakufu's weapons... Guy: What could tha... ragtag crowd possibly--Katsura: I understand. We'll look out for them.Iizuka: Well, about that assignment.Katsura: Actually, tonight, during the Gion Festival, there's to be a secret council held at a certain inn. Mr. Toshiwara and Miyabe are expected to attend.Battousai: You need a bodyguard?Katsura: Well, no. I was wondering if you would join. The outer shield itself appeared to be flexible to a limited degree and absorbed part of the energy of the impacting forces and withstanding the residual energy. To satisfy his curiousity, he spent some time in conversation with the inventors who were extremely interested in his results. The laboratory itself had not been able to test the composite wall; it had all been theoretical except that the shields each could withstand the latest Solarian missiles which unleashed energy equivalent to the. "The thing's not safe yet."Allie spun around to see her wrung-out aunt leaning against the doorframe in a robe and fuzzy slippers."What... Who... what... Did you?... Is it... Gawd! Aunt Kelly! You look rode hard and put away wet!"Well, dear, that's what happens when an engineering project damned near fucks you to death. Twice, I think."Kelly slowly padded off to the kitchen, followed by a totally bemused Allie.Kelly glanced over at the Sybian half out of its box."I see you found the little toy.. The church is all cool and dark inside. Marco dips his fingers in the holy water thingy, and he makes the sign of the cross on my forehead. Neither of us seriously believe in God anymore, but Marco was raised as a Catholic, and some things never leave you.We look at the tall wooden confessionals. Perhaps not for us!I am fascinated by an enormous painting of St Agatha. She is just standing there patiently and wearing a strange smile while some men are cutting her breasts off. One is already off.