DH-ST-1: A Chance Encounter

DH-ST-1 A Chance Encounter	Dossoles Holiday: Dossoles Warrior Champion Next DH-1 (Story)
A sudden change of itinerary, an unexpected reunion, a noisy city, a strange commission. Ch'en's holiday is just beginning.

Characters

Ch'en Ernesto Lin Yühsia Lin Yühsia (swimsuit) Shirayuki Candela Fumizuki Pancho Rat King Wei Yenwu Bodyguard Prelim MC

Backgrounds

Dossoles Beach B 1 Lungmen City 2 Lungmen Office 3 Hotel Room 4 Dossoles Street 5 Dossoles Cruise Ship Deck 2 6

“

Fumizuki arranges matters such that Ch'en and Lin Yühsia bump into each other in the Bolívarian city of Dossoles. There, the city's mayor introduces the duo to a guide named Ernesto and gives them a mission.

”

<Background 1>
Prelim MC	Well, if this isn't a shocker! Who could have known this would happen during the highly-anticipated scrimmage preliminaries?! Two non-participants who joined the fray out of nowhere ended up our final victors! Mr. Pancho, is something like this going to fly?!
Pancho	Ahem... Indeed, this rarely happens in our competitions, and, in principle, we prefer our contestants follow the competition's rules.
Prelim MC	It's very regrettable, then...
Pancho	However.
[Pancho stays speechless for a moment.]
Pancho	It isn't so bad for something like this to happen once in a while.
Prelim MC	Right! Ahem, it's very regrettable, then! I am afraid we have bad news for our other contestants!
[The crowd cheers at none other than Ch'en and Lin Yühsia.]
Lin Yühsia	Heh, looks like the MC's pretty good at thinking on the fly. He was about to say we were disqualified.
Ch'en	Maybe. Looks like we barged into some competition venue. If I remember correctly, this is the Smash Splash Preliminaries.
Prelim MC	But don't forget the whole point of the competitions is to bring joy to the people! Although the two of them did not go through the proper procedures to join our competition, thanks to their extraordinary skills and flawless teamwork, they survived until the very end! What a fantastic turn of events! Let us give these ladies a huge round of applause for their performance!
[The crowd applauds for Ch'en and Yühsia.]
Lin Yühsia	He said our teamwork was flawless. Were we even working together?
Ch'en	I sure hope not. *Sigh*... how did this happen?
[A flashback of several images displayed in quick succession appears, showing what mess Ch'en and Yühsia will be involved with later on as part of the "Dossoles Warrior Champion."]
<Background 2>
[Around fifteen days ago, back in Lungmen...]
Lin Yühsia	Dad, what's the story behind this invitation...?
Rat King	Another year, another letter, eh? That woman doesn't know when to give up.
Lin Yühsia	What woman? Give up on what? Is this something I should tell Mom?
Rat King	Settle down. It's one of the mayors from that commercial city alliance. Some ten years ago, Wei Yenwu was still in the mood to go visit himself. These days, they only talk to each other via Messenger. But she's not one to take no for an answer. She sends both of us invitation letters to go visit around this time every year.
Lin Yühsia	Commercial alliance... The one in Columbia?
Rat King	No, it's in Bolívar. You heard of it before. She's the mayor there.
Lin Yühsia	Dossoles... Candela Sanchez? I heard that place is a money sink... Are you not going?
Rat King	It's halfway across the world, and what would I do there? My arms and legs are too old for that kind of abuse. Besides, even if I were in the mood for a trip, it's meaningless if Wei Yenwu doesn't go.
Lin Yühsia	That's right. The one they want to butter up to is the Chief of Lungmen, Mr. Wei, and it's true that he doesn't have the luxury to take a trip now, given all the responsibilities on his shoulders. Please don't sell yourself short either, Dad. If you were to take a trip, we wouldn't have anyone look after the flowers at the shop, and the uncles would have one less person to play chess with.
Rat King	Seoi neoi. So that's how you compare me to Wei Yenwu. Our cities have a trade agreement. If Wei Yenwu had his heart set on going, he'd go. He's sick of Dossoles, and it's certainly not worth visiting. And if Wei Yenwu isn't going, then I'm not going either.
Lin Yühsia	Okay, I understand. I'll toss the invitation, then.
[The Rat King's phone rings...]
Rat King	Hm? A phone call from Lady Fumizuki?
[...and he picks up.]
Fumizuki	Mr. Lin, it's me.
Rat King	Lady Fumizuki, to what do I owe the pleasure?
Lin Yühsia	A phone call from Lady Fumizuki? I'll give you the room...
Fumizuki	Is that Yühsia? Ask her to stay. This has to do with her as well.
Rat King	Yühsia, stay.
Lin Yühsia	Alright.
Fumizuki	Mr. Lin, I'm sure you, too, received the invitation?
Rat King	As always. Is something the matter?
Fumizuki	Personally, I am quite fond of the idea of going on a holiday there, but you know how Yenwu is. You couldn't find a lazier person if you tried.
Rat King	Of course. But it seems you have a different idea?
Fumizuki	I would like Yühsia to visit the city in Yenwu's stead.
Rat King	That's...
Fumizuki	I will persuade Yenwu. You needn't worry.
Rat King	Absolutely, you are the boss, after all. But that's not what concerns me... I'll get to the point. It's far too soon for Yühsia to take on so much responsibility.
Lin Yühsia	Dad, what did Lady Fumizuki say?
Rat King	She wants you to go to Dossoles in Wei Yenwu's stead.
Lin Yühsia	I'll go.
Rat King	Yühsia.
Lin Yühsia	...... I am going.
Fumizuki	Mr. Lin?
Rat King	Fine, if my daughter wants to go on a trip, is it her father's place to say no? She can go.
Fumizuki	Very well. Yühsia, make sure to pack for a long trip.
Lin Yühsia	I will.
[Yühsia ends the call.]
Rat King	Yühsia.
Lin Yühsia	I'll bring you some souvenirs, Dad.
Rat King	*Sigh*... Nei go sei seoi neoi ah... Alright, then. It's settled. Get yourself ready for the trip. You will be away for some time. Have your mother help you pack.
Lin Yühsia	Alright.
[Yühsia leaves to prepare for her trip to Dossoles.]
Rat King	If this is what Lady Fumizuki wants, I am sure there is more to it than we know. A holiday... Does this have something to do with Ch'en? Whatever... No use thinking about it so much. It's not like she'd want to pull any strings to take advantage of Yühsia, what with how fond of the youngsters she is. That aside... *Sigh*. Looks like there's no keeping her home when she's all grown up.
<Background 3>
Wei Yenwu	Fumizuki, did you arrange for Lin Yühsia's trip to Dossoles?
Fumizuki	I did.
Wei Yenwu	......
Fumizuki	What's the problem? They invited us not because they had any actual business to discuss with you. It's just a vacation trip.
Wei Yenwu	You wanted to send Hui-chieh, didn't you?
Fumizuki	That's right. I was never trying to hide it from you, however.
Wei Yenwu	If Lin Yühsia is my representative there, Hui-chieh will get to take it easy and have as much fun as she wants, but...
Fumizuki	Ch'en is at Rhodes Island right now. Although I trust them, I have no way of knowing how she is doing there. Besides, I know our little Ch'en is in no position to represent you right now. Yühsia, on the other hand, always does a good job with everything. She is the perfect substitute.
Wei Yenwu	The Rat King's daughter won't necessarily become the Rat King herself.
Fumizuki	If that's what she wants, then give her a chance, and if she manages to seize the opportunity, it just shows how capable she is. Or will the venerable Chief Wei send all of Lungmen's forces after me, a frail lady, for overstepping my boundaries?
Wei Yenwu	You know I always listen to you when I make these decisions. It's just... You've met Candela. Hui-chieh and Yühsia are still far too young to handle her.
Fumizuki	For how often you call me a worrywart, it certainly seems like you are the biggest in the room. If it wasn't for your personality, perhaps you could've found yourself on better terms with our little Ch'en.
Wei Yenwu	We are not discussing this right now, Fumizuki.
Fumizuki	*Sigh*, Dossoles is famous not only in Bolívar, but all across the world, and it is in no small part because of her. She is no ordinary woman. We've been there before. It's a city you could never have imagined in a thousand years. Given she built it singlehandedly, it's no wonder that you fear her, both as the Chief of Lungmen and from a personal standpoint.
Wei Yenwu	You agree with me, then...
Fumizuki	But you big shots are always so calculating, trying to get the upper hand over each other, and it's always the first thing that crosses your mind when meeting anyone. If I have to say, I saw it the moment I laid my eyes on Candela. She's the kind of person who's capable of many things. Bad things. But she definitely won't do anything that puts Ch'en and Yühsia in harm's way. You think she will be a bad example for the children, but I think there's no better place to send them.
Wei Yenwu	......
Fumizuki	If you are so worried, Yühsia most likely hasn't left for Dossoles yet, and I haven't sent the letter out to Ch'en either. There is still time.
Wei Yenwu	... Fine, we'll do as you say.
<Background 4>
[Meanwhile, in Siesta, while Ch'en is having an R&R there...]
Ch'en	Hm, I spotted a few Rhodes Islanders just now, I think...? Don't tell me they came to Siesta too... Guess I'll go find out in a minute.
[Someone knocks the door.]
Ch'en	Who is it?
Shirayuki	Miss Ch'en, sorry to interrupt your vacation.
[Shirayuki enters Ch'en's hotel room.]
Ch'en	Shirayuki? What are you doing here?
Shirayuki	I have a letter for you from the Princess. It's of the utmost importance.
Ch'en	Did something happen in Lungmen?!
Shirayuki	Not at all. Please, read the letter.
Ch'en	Where is it...?
Shirayuki	Here.
Ch'en	There's an invitation inside...? I'll start with the letter.
Dear Ch'en, It's been a long while. Are you doing well at Rhodes Island? Have you been eating right and getting enough rest?
Ch'en	She's always such a worrywart.
Here's the thing. I am sure you have already found attached with the letter an invitation. It was sent to us by the mayor of a Bolívarian city. Alas, we don't have the time to make this visit ourselves, so after I discussed this with Yenwu, we would like you to visit the city in our place.
Ch'en	......
The city is named Dossoles; you might have heard of it. There is a large artificial lake there and many entertainment facilities. It's a great place for a holiday. I am sure the fatigue must be adding up with how Rhodes Island is sending you everywhere. You should take this chance to get some rest. I will talk to Rhodes Island, so you needn't worry. From, Wei Fumizuki
Ch'en	But... I'm on a holiday right now.
Shirayuki	It would seem the princess isn't aware of this.
Ch'en	Right. Still, Dossoles, huh...? Shirayuki, do you know how far away that is?
Shirayuki	The city is in northwestern Bolívar. If you leave now, it will take roughly fifteen days.
Ch'en	There's no date on the invitation. Looks like any time will do for them...
Shirayuki	Will you accept, Miss Ch'en?
Ch'en	How could I say no to her kindness? All I have to do is take my holiday elsewhere.
Shirayuki	I, Shirayuki, will pass on your thanks to Lady Fumizuki, Miss Ch'en.
Ch'en	I've told you this more times than I can count, Shirayuki. We're both operators. Stop it with the "Miss."
Shirayuki	And my answer will remain the same, Miss. You will always be Miss Ch'en to me.
Ch'en	Eh, whatever. Are you coming?
Shirayuki	No, I'm afraid I have other matters I must attend to. My apologies.
Ch'en	Alright, looks like it's a solo trip for me again.
Shirayuki	On another note, it seems that the Doctor and a few other operators have come to this city after completing their mission. If you would like, perhaps you should meet with them before you depart.
Ch'en	Hm? So I guess my eyes didn't deceive me. Well, I'll pass. I'll see them when I'm back at Rhodes Island.
Shirayuki	Indeed. Now...
Ch'en	Not so fast, Shirayuki. You have the time to at least stay the evening, don't you? Have dinner with me tonight. We'll head out together tomorrow morning.
Shirayuki	As you wish, Miss.
<Background 5>
[Ch'en finally arrives at Dossoles, walking through its streets.]
Ch'en	Finally. So this is Dossoles... It's just like they say. Stepping into the city is enough to make you forget you're in Bolívar. In any case, I should first...
[A Dossolesian bodyguard approaches Ch'en.]
Bodyguard	Excuse me, but are you Miss Ch'en Hui-chieh?
Ch'en	That's me, and you would be...?
Bodyguard	The mayor instructed me to await your arrival here.
Ch'en	I'm only here for a holiday. Let's not go through all that trouble.
Bodyguard	No, the mayor specifically instructed us to contact her as soon as you arrive. Please give me just a moment. This is Control Point No. 2. We have successfully intercepted Miss Ch'en Hui-chieh. Yes... Okay, understood. Please come with us. The mayor would like to meet with you.
Ch'en	*Sigh*, fine.
<Background 6>
Bodyguard	Please go on in, Miss Ch'en.
[Ch'en enters the upper deck of a cruise ship sailing through Dossoles' waters.]
Ch'en	...
[A formal Perro woman approaches Ch'en.]
???	Miss Ch'en Hui-chieh, looks like you made it here first. I've long heard that the L.G.D. Special Inspection Unit Chief is a young lady of extraordinary talent. Meeting you in person has only proven that those are no mere rumors.
Ch'en	You... must be the mayor, Lady Sanchez?
Candela	Yes, that's right. I am Candela Sancheze[sic], the mayor of Dossoles.
Ch'en	You speak Yanese pretty well.
Candela	I've always wanted to cozy up to Mr. Wei, but he hasn't been back since ten years ago. I haven't had much use for my Yanese, even after all the time I spent learning it.
Ch'en	Lady Sanchez, I'm just here on vacation. I am not representing anyone.
Candela	Please, call me Candela. You may even call me Auntie, if you want. After all, it's long been my wish to become Chief Wei's sworn sister.
Ch'en	I will pass, Lady San... Candela.
Candela	Hahaha... The way you talk, and the way you frown. My, my, you look just like he did when he was still young. But I have to say, he was much more heroic than you are now.
Ch'en	I'm not much related to Chief Wei...
Candela	Don't worry. I understand. You have nothing to worry about, my lovely niece. Lady Fumizuki has already told me that you won't be representing anyone, and you will have no burdens on your shoulders. Have some fun. As long as I'm here, there is nothing that can hurt you in this city.
Ch'en	Thank you for your kindness, then. You said I made it here first. Is someone else coming?
Candela	Right! Wouldn't you say it's a coincidence? She's coming from Lungmen, while you came here from Siesta, and both of you are arriving on the same day.
Ch'en	Who?
Candela	Hmm? Oh, looks like Lady Fumizuki's hiding something from you, even though you are bound to find out. Ch'en, my lovely niece, I'm sure you already know, but there are certain formalities that Chief Wei and I must follow given our position, even if we'd rather not. I actually wouldn't have minded if Chief Wei had sent just any old lout off the street... Well, I guess maybe he'd still have to put a little thought into it. Someone like you, perhaps? I would honor them with the same hospitality as I am showing you now. And why does it matter? I invited the Weis and the Rat King here for a holiday. But he knows that will not do, and so do I. He is free to not come, but he must send someone of status. Or it would be tantamount to the Chief of Lungmen disrespecting the Mayor of Dossoles. You would've seen countless headlines in the newspapers of both cities, and way too many things would get unnecessarily problematic.
Ch'en	So what you are saying is Chief Wei sent someone of sufficient status to represent him.
Candela	That's right.
Ch'en	Is it Hoshiguma? No, maybe Swire...?
Candela	Wrong on both counts.
Ch'en	Then...
Bodyguard	Ma'am, she's here.
Candela	There's your answer.
[Yühsia walks into the deck.]
Lin Yühsia	Lady Candela Sanchez, esteemed mayor of Dossoles, on behalf of the Chief of Lungmen Wei...
Ch'en	Lin Yühsia?!
Lin Yühsia	Ch'en Hui-chieh?!
Ch'en & Lin Yühsia	What are you doing here?!
[The two, who are not in good terms, intensely stares at each other for a moment.]
Lin Yühsia	Oh... I get it. No wonder Lady Fumizuki sent me.
Ch'en	So you're Wei Yenwu's representative.
Candela	Looks like you two are acquainted. That's wonderful.
Ch'en	We used to be classmates. That's it.
Lin Yühsia	She's a friend of a friend. We barely know each other.
Candela	In that case, wouldn't this be the perfect opportunity for you to reconnect? Anyway, Lin, my dear niece. Just like my niece Ch'en here, you may call me by my given name. No need to be so formal. Even though you're here to represent Chief Wei, you don't need to think too much about such things. No burdens on your shoulders. All you need to do is enjoy this city I'm so proud of.
Lin Yühsia	Understood...
Candela	Oh, and two more things.
Lin Yühsia	Please, by all means.
Candela	First, I heard that both of you are very bright and can more than hold your own in a fight, that you girls are capable of great things. So I have an extra fun activity prepared just for you two, my beautiful nieces.
Ch'en	Activity?
Candela	Before I explain, do you know anything about our city's biggest event of this time?
Ch'en	The championship that's going on right now?
Candela	That's right.
Candela	Dossoles's greatest feature, and indeed what it is known for all across the world, is the "ocean" that surrounds us, and this ship sailing its waters. It's a piece of renovated Iberian technology. It took much blood, sweat and tears to complete. It's one of my finest masterpieces.
Lin Yühsia	Including the statue on the ship's bow?
Candela	Hahaha, that's just my own little addition. As for the water of this "sea," it's all sourced from the actual, vast ocean to the north. The water gets dirty and starts to stink after a while, so we replace the ocean water at least twice a year. And this season is when most of us here head to the beach. That's why we have the water replaced around this time. Changing the water is in itself a mundane process. Not only that, but we even have to take away a day of fun from our esteemed guests. Nonetheless, I don't want to have our guests play in any filthy seawater either. It would be an insult to Dossoles's fame. And that's how the Dossoles Warrior Champion came to be. This is a variety competition event that takes place all across the city, and it is entirely sponsored by me, at my expense. I will have someone give you a more detailed explanation later if you would like to know more. What you need to know is that the competition's victor will get to press the button that starts the water changing process. It's an honor that's unique to this city alone.
Lin Yühsia	So you turned something that used to be trouble into a huge event...
Candela	Hahaha, that's exactly right.
<Background 6>
Candela	To tell the truth, I'm very happy that the two of you made it before the competition began. I heard you were vacationing in Siesta before you left for our city, Ch'en?
Ch'en	Yes.
Candela	What do you think of the music festival there?
Ch'en	I don't know much about music, but it was pretty lively.
Candela	Haha, I've met their mayor as well. You could say he, too, is trying his best for his city. Sadly, he doesn't have what it takes to be the master of a city. Besides, a music festival is nothing compared to my championship! Hahaha! It looks like you two can handle yourself in a competition. If you're interested, perhaps you would consider joining the fray. Oh, but if I'm not mistaken, the prelims will be over soon. If you are throwing your hat in the ring, don't wait much longer. If the two of you win together as a team, not only will you brighten Chief Wei's day, you will also get a special present from me.
Lin Yühsia	I'm not sure about teaming up, but we will give it some thought.
Ch'en	Now what was that extra activity you mentioned?
Candela	Oh, look at how forgetful I am. This fun activity has to do with the championship. Sometime last week, my men busted an explosives and universal Originium circuits smuggling scheme. I let a lot of things happen within my borders, but that isn't one of them. You should keep this in mind, too.
Ch'en	I don't think we'll need any.
Candela	Hahaha, of course. Just joking. Normally, there would be nothing remotely fun about weapon smuggling, though, as you know, the championship is right around the corner.
Ch'en	So you don't have enough manpower? Looks like they picked an interesting time to try to smuggle weapons into the city...
Lin Yühsia	They are probably trying to pull something funny at the competition. I suggest we start with any gray areas.
Candela	Very good. Looks like I made the right decision to prepare this little activity for you two. It's wonderful that you're already interested. Anyway, if you feel you aren't having as much fun as you'd like at any point during your stay here, you could try your hand at the investigation. For fun.
Ch'en	Investigating this... for fun?
Candela	Right, and especially for you, Ch'en. I know you love solving a good case.
Ch'en	Are you not concerned that your city is under threat?
Candela	Concerned? Ch'en, my girl, you don't understand. As long as I'm here, no one can threaten this city. You are free to forget all about this mission and enjoy your vacation, or join in the competitions. And even if it leads to any problems down the line, you won't be the ones to blame. It's just like I said. This is a fun little activity that I prepared specifically for the two of you for your vacation.
Ch'en	......
Lin Yühsia	Right, we understand.
Candela	Okay, and here's the other thing. I would love to personally show you around Dossoles and tell you about each of the spectacles I personally erected here... But since Chief Wei didn't come himself, then it also wouldn't be appropriate for me to accompany you two. So, I assigned you a guide. Ernesto, come in.
[Ernesto, a handsome, young Perro enters the deck.]
Ernesto	Lady Candela.
Candela	This is one of my sharpest diplomats, Ernesto.
Ernesto	Pleasure to meet you, señoritas.
Candela	He speaks Yanese too, but most people here speak Victorian and Leithanian. He can translate for you.
Ch'en	No need. I speak both.
Lin Yühsia	Same here...
Candela	Oh, wonderful. In that case, if you run into anything you need help with, such as the specifics of the championship, then he is the person to ask. Right, Ernesto?
Ernesto	Yes, of course.
Lin Yühsia	Alright.
Ch'en	Thank you.
Candela	Of course, if you find yourself annoyed by an idiot like him, you are free to come to me with any questions directly, hahaha. Okay, I still have other guests to meet, so please excuse me. I will leave the rest to the youth.
Lin Yühsia	Thank you very much for your time, Lady Candela.
[Candela leaves the deck.]
Ch'en	......
Lin Yühsia	......
Ernesto	Pleased to make your acquaintance, lovely ladies. I am the International Trade Management Department's deputy director, Ernesto Salas. Please just call me Ernesto. I welcome you two to our city. If there is anything you would like to know about the city or there is anywhere you would like to visit, please feel free to ask. My mission from Lady Candela is to make sure that you feel at home.
Ch'en	Please, don't trouble yourself.
Lin Yühsia	I'm good. Thank you.
Ernesto	Haha. Well, first things first, your phones have already been readjusted to connect to our intercity net. You are free to make calls or look up cute videos. Here's how you can get in touch with me or Lady Candela directly. And here are the credit cards that the mayor has prepared for you. All your transactions within the city may be paid using this card, and there is no credit limit. All your expenses will be paid by the government. You can go on the shopping spree of a lifetime if you'd like.
Ch'en	We don't need all this.
Ernesto	This is the way the city treats its guests. Please, just accept them. Aside from that... It looks like you have some catching up to do, so I will intrude no longer. We will be heading to your hotel next. I will wait for you downstairs. Come look for me as soon as you're ready.
Lin Yühsia	Okay...
[Ernesto leaves, thus leaving only Ch'en and Yühsia in the deck.]
Ch'en	......
Lin Yühsia	...... Long time no see, Ch'en Hui-chieh.
Ch'en	Long time no see, Lin Yühsia.
Lin Yühsia	How long has it been since we last met?
Ch'en	Don't remember. Swire's birthday two years ago?
Lin Yühsia	I wasn't there.
Ch'en	I see. Guess I'm mistaken.
Lin Yühsia	The class reunion the year before, perhaps?
Ch'en	Oh, right.
Lin Yühsia	You look like you're doing well. Lady Fumizuki will be glad.
Ch'en	Maybe. How is Swire holding up?
Lin Yühsia	You haven't heard from Hoshiguma? She's more or less the representative there now, and she's pretty good at it. It shouldn't be much longer before she formally takes over your job.
Ch'en	That's good. She's actually pretty capable of the responsibilities that come with the job, if she works on her temperament a little.
Lin Yühsia	That's going to be difficult. She wouldn't be Swire if she knew how to mellow out.
Ch'en	You're right. ......
Lin Yühsia	......
Ch'en	I have a question.
Lin Yühsia	Go ahead.
Ch'en	Why did you help him?
Lin Yühsia	......
Ernesto	Excuse me, but we will be docking in a moment. I am wondering if you would like to get off the boat or stay on board for a little longer.
[Ernesto returns...]
Ernesto	If you two are still talking, I can also arrange a room for you...
[...but his arrival interrupts the talk between Ch'en and Yühsia.]
Ernesto	I guess I came at the wrong moment?
Lin Yühsia	No, you came at just the right moment. Take us to the hotel, please.
Ernesto	Oh, of course.
Ch'en	......
Ernesto	Miss Ch'en?
Ch'en	Let's go.