Chapter One: COMMANDER JOULE

Yzak Joule watched the young women cross the empty space between them. He has been waiting for the Orb Infiltration Team to arrive. Athrun Zala, his old comrade-in-arms and now the chairman of the independent country, Orb got him to receive two talented pilots for the new program the Attha Family is planning on. He was hesitant at first given that he doesn't really want to take in naturals given that they are...not talented enough, according to him. He slowly raised his head even more. The woman with long raven hair and sparkling emerald eyes took his attention. There is something about the woman that makes him put up extra walls of intimidation.

"Commander, this is Col. Major Xeph Cobalt and 2nd Lt. Jesse Arden of the OIT. Major, this is Lt. Commander Yzak Joule." The soldier who is leading the group introduced. "As you know, sir… Major Cobalt and Lt. Arden are the –"

"I know. What do you take me for?! Leave us." Yzak barked. When they're all alone, Yzak sized up the two woman soldiers. "I have read your profiles, ladies… Lt. Arden, you served Morganrate for two years?"

"Yes, sir." Jesse, an 18-year old GUNDAM pilot with long auburn hair answered.

"How are things over there?" Yzak took several files on his desk.

"Everything is going well, sir." Jesse answered, smiling. "We are rounding up the last of the Blue Cosmos and some of the Rogue GUNDAMs that were made a few years back, sir."

"That is good to hear…" Yzak turned to the woman that caught his eyes earlier. "Major… I've heard you were part of the evacuated people from Junius 7? How did you end up in Orb then?"

Xeph smiled. "I was saved by you, commander. You might not remember it anymore… But at that time I was just ten years of age, sir. You placed me in a life pod that got disoriented as the war worsen. I was then rescued by the ship, Archangel." She paused and saluted. "Thank you once again, Commander Joule."

No wonder she looks so familiar… He nods in reply. "You two will be living in this ship for 6 months. If there is anything you need, do not hesitate to inform me. Chairman Zala specially recommended the two of you. I trust you know the mission?"

"Yes, sir. We have been briefed before we left Orb." Xeth answered smartly.

"That is settled then." Yzak answered. "Follow me. I will lead you to your quarters."

6 Months Later. . .

SOVEREIGN 0800H

Xeth slowly opened her eyes. She moved a bit and realized there is something that's preventing her movements. She looks down at her body, saw silver hair spread over her chest and realized strong arms around her waist. She blushed. Someone… She corrected. She recalled what happened the night before and blushed furiously. The recent movements made the figure on her move and sigh contentedly. "Yzak…" She whispered as she slowly brushed the stray tresses from the man's face. She traced the scar on his face lovingly. "Yzak?"

"What?" The man asked in a slightly annoyed tone.

Xeth pushed herself up a bit and found it hard since Yzak doesn't want to move – not to say that they are both naked. "Yzak…" She laughed a bit since the latter's hair is tickling her.

"Just say it already." Yzak said in a muffled voice as he turned his head to the other side.

"I'm not a pillow, you know…" Xeth pouted affectionately.

Yzak slowly pushed himself up and looked at his subordinate. God! I can't believe I slept with her… He thought. He wasn't able to sleep after making love to this woman. He spent the whole night pondering on what to do next. He does love her. I do love her, right? He asked himself as his blue eyes met with Xeth's emerald ones.

"What?" Xeth smiled shyly as Yzak gazed at her.

He smiled a bit. "Nothing…" He kissed her forehead and laid himself down, bringing her with him in his embrace. "I'm sorry I slept on you…" He leisurely stroked her long raven hair.

Xeth placed a hand on Yzak's broad chest. "I've been through worst." She grinned.

Yzak immediately raised an eyebrow. "What does that mean?" He asked with a bit of anger. He hates to think that Xeth is sleeping with someone else.

"Hey…" Xeth giggled. "Calm down… Don't you trust me?"

Yzak looked away.

Xeth's smile dropped. She was about to push herself up to take a better look at Yzak when she felt a sharp pain in her lower body. "Aw!" She was supported by Yzak on both shoulders.

"Are you okay?" Yzak asked in all concern – the arrogance all gone. He looks at the mattress and was surprised to find blood. A virgin?! He looks back at Xeth who is smiling sweetly.

It was his 26th birthday last night. So this is the present she was telling me about… He was dating Major Xeth Cobalt for about five months now. Of course, it is all a secret. No one, not even Dearka knows about his hidden affair. Commander Yzak Joule, the ice prince was never to be thought as caring or anything close to loving. His cravings for war and military tactics are well known in ZAFT. But this young woman challenged him back then. She was never afraid of me…not once. Maybe it was because I saved her…and she knew that I won't harm anyone except if needed…

"You should trust me sometimes…" Xeth smiled sadly at her lover as she traced the scar on his face. It was hard for her. Yzak never wanted to let anyone know. Everytime she meets with him in the bridge of the ship, it's as if he's a different person – she, the subordinate, he, the commander. Of course, Xeth understands this completely. It would be the end of Commander Yzak Joule's military career if someone would find out that he's got a lover from Orb. Everybody knows he's betrothed to Elisa Maxwell, a celebrity in the PLANTS. But then again, it was okay. Xeth knew this. She's no fool. Maybe it all started when he saved me… Admiration. And after that…something else… And even if he does not acknowledge this…it will be okay. At least, I told him I love him…

Yzak sighed and held her tight. "I do… I'm sorry I doubted…" He looked at her intently. "I'm sorry I was rough last night. I didn't think you're – "

Xeth blushed lightly. "Stop it… You're embarrassing me…" She chuckled and stopped as she looked into his eyes. "Tell me, Yzak Joule… Do you love me?"

Yzak was taken by surprise. He never thought she'd ask. "Um…well…" He faltered. How can I know?! Shit! This is just the type of situation I'm not good at! He smiled a bit. "Maybe…I do?"

It was like a knife through the heart but Xeth smiled. She slowly got out of the large bed. So he doesn't… She took a blanket and covered herself. "I should take a bath and change…" She stood up and looked at Yzak who is staring at her…a bit confused at the sudden change in the atmosphere. "Our ship leaves in two hours. I still need to pack my things you know…" She said with a smile.

"Wait. Are you angry at my answer?" Yzak sat at the edge of the bed.

"No. Not at all." Xeth answered happily as she entered the bathroom. As the shower cleanses her she remembered his words. Maybe…I do? Suddenly, she feels dirty. When she went out after a few minutes, she's already in her uniform, slowly setting her hair. She saw Yzak wearing his pajamas in front of the computer, researching something. Maybe no one could really take him off what he loves the most… She stared at him for a while until he faced her. War.

Yzak smiled. There is nothing in the world that could take his attention except for Xeth in her uniform. Of course, he memorized every curve of her body and every muscle… Xeth in her uniform, she's the hottest thing I've ever laid eyes on… He mused. He stood up and went to her. Slowly, he held her close and kissed her every so slowly. This will be the last time he'll be seeing her. The 6 month training program of the OIT is finished. Xeth will be going back to earth in two hours. Somehow, he doesn't want to think of it. He broke the kiss and looked into her eyes. "Xeth…you know…you don't really –"

"- I want to… I need to go back to Orb." Xeth cut in. She looks away. "I'm a soldier, Yzak. Even though there's no war, I need to attend to my duties for my country." She walked towards the door. Before she could open it, she looks back at the man she loves and smiled ruefully. "See you again…sometime, commander." She then left.

Yzak stood there, alone.

JUPITER AIRFIELD 1300H

"Eagle one is boarding in gate 5, Xeth. We need to hurry." Jesse fixed her uniform before taking her suitcase with her and charging towards the direction of the gate. "Where were you last night? I was looking for you in the party. You weren't in your room too."

Xeth grinned at the puzzled comrade. 'Hey! I was looking around the ship… You know, in case I miss it. We stayed here for 6 months after all…" She followed behind her friend.

"You're right… My gosh! And in those 6 months, we never got to have a boyfriend! Oh my! Rica will be laughing at us when we get back!" Jesse shook her head in worry. "Hey…we still have the plane ride…" She wiggled her eyebrows at her friend and superior officer. "What do you say we check out the cabin attendants, huh? I bet some of them are hot enough for us, mobile suit pilots…"

Xeth chuckled at the suggestion. "I'm sorry. But I'd rather date a pilot…or someone who knows how to fly, that is…" She joined in.

"So you want the pilot, eh?" Jesse gave off a mischievous look.

"Hey! That was a joke!" Xeth replied laughing.

"Jokes are half-meant… Besides, you should look around more often!" Jesse said, exasperated. "I mean, you never get to appreciate guys, you know… Get your heart caught once in a while will you?"

Xeth stopped laughing at that. I already did… And it did me no good… They both entered the gate and waited for their seat number to be called out.

"Hey, is something wrong?" Jesse looks at her friend. She smiled. "You're tired, huh? I know how hard you worked since the beginning of the training. In fact, I think Commander Joule was impressed."

Xeth smiled ruefully and remembered something. You've already showed him you love him and he didn't want any of you! Wake up! Stop living around him! She faced Jesse with a large smile. "Of course! Hey! You also showed him, huh?!"

Jesse laughed. "Yeah… He is really what Chairman Zala said… Arrogant to the core! Ahahaha!" As their seat numbers were called, they both walked towards the gate and into the plane. "Once we arrived in Orb, it will be home sweet home!"

"You must miss Andrew…" Xeth gave off a knowing smile at her friend.

"OW! You keep that up and I'll really get angry…" Jesse pouted. "Don't bring his name up yet… I'm still going to flirt with the cabin attendants remember?" She winked as they seated themselves.

"Isn't that cheating?" Xeth asked.

"No, no and NO!" Jesse shook her index finger in front of Xeth. "It's what you call scooping."

"Scooping?" Xeth gave off a confused look as she took a newspaper in the back pocket of the seat in front of her.

"Scooping is checking out and nothing more. It is definitely different from cheating." Jesse explained a matter-of-factly. "It's just like looking at a menu or a brochure… Besides, Andrew does that too. It's not fair. So...there. I'm not guilty at all. You don't have to worry. Most couples do that. It actually makes you aware of your competition…therefore, healthy in a relationship." She added.

Xeth was listening but looking outside the window where she can see the ship they lived for 6 months, the Sovereign. Does Yzak scoop? She immediately shook the thought off and concentrated on the paper in hand.

"Aren't you excited to be meeting with your cousin once more?" Jesse asked.

"Cagalli is busy. You know how she is…" Xeth answered smiling. "Even Athrun carries a copy of her schedule with him…or else he'll be obliged to make an appointment."

"They're funny, huh?" Jesse's brows furrowed. "But I do admire them for keeping their relationship intact. Most people connected to politics usually stay away from relationships."

"They're both strong… So it's not a problem for them." Xeth explains. "Anyway, what about your Andrew? Don't you think you must be proud of him? He's the ambassador of Athrun. He's risking a lot having a relationship with you and here you are…scooping." Xeth giggled.

Jesse frowned. "Hey… That's not fair at all…"

To be Continued...

A/N: I know, Yzak is a bit OOC... Oh well...you know how MANIC he is...soooo, please no flames... ^_^ Living in a more peaceful environment tamed him a bit. Thank you for having the time to read this! Comment away! Shall I continue this???