Honeymoon

by MichaelCross

After graduating from high school, Sousuke and Kaname go on their honeymoon. What'll happen during their special time? Third prequel to 'Specialist and Schoolgirl'. Has strong lemon scenes within.

1. Take One: Encounters of the Whacked Kind

Honeymoon

Disclaimer: I do not own Full Metal Panic! or Please Teacher! Wish I did though.

Author's Notes: Since I had gotten a good response to 'Seven Months', I thought I'd chronicle Sousuke and Kaname's honeymoon. From their adventures and misadventures. Don't know how long it'll take, so please bear with me on this. Heavy lemons within.

Take One: Encounters of the Whacked Kind

The sun is about to set when Sousuke and Kaname Sagara near their first destination on their honeymoon trip. So far, the drive had gone by peacefully. Too peacefully for Kaname's taste.

She is so bored, she is sorely tempted to fold up the rear seat, slide to behind Sousuke's seat and deploy the chain guns and ADF pod to start wreaking havoc, just for kicks. The reason why she doesn't is because she knows that Sousuke'd prefer things remain peaceful. Along with the weaponry on board is state of the art and top secret.

Looking over at her husband, Kaname grins, knowing of something else she could do to pass the time. Reaching over to his zipper, Kaname gives him a soft peck as she runs it down. When it's down, she reaches into his trousers and smirks upon feeling his member.

Upon feeling his wife's fingers around his member, Sousuke asks, "Uh, Kaname?"

"Shh. I've always wanted to try this, Sousuke." With that, Kaname giggles as she kisses him before proceeding, stroking his member to erection as she does so.

Inside the town, a young woman, wearing a blue shirt and skirt, with pink hair and violet eyes is walking alongside a younger-appearing man, wearing a yellow and green shirt and blue jeans, with tan hair and brown eyes. Both are wearing glasses.

They had just come back into town from the city after 'watching' a romantic comedy in the cinema. They had sat way in the back, making out like love-starved teens as they listened to the movie. Looking around carefully, the woman removes her glasses after seeing no one around.

"Kei?"

"Yes, Mizuho?"

"I've been curious about something."

"Yeah, what's that?"

"Your 'standstill' so long ago. How'd it happen? You told me it was in Junior High, but you weren't quite specific."

Sighing sadly, Kei replies, "I wish I could tell you, Mizuho. But, just thinking about it is liable to cause me to have another 'standstill', let alone talk about it."

"Well, I can't have that, now can I." Suddenly, she slams her palms together. "Here's another thought. How about if we..." She then leans over and, smiling warmly, whispers into his ear, causing him to blush. Massively.

"After all, I am part human, so it should be quite feasible. All avenues must be explored. This should be a Priority One for us. After all, we've been married again for a year now and I'd like to see what it's like."

Smiling softly at his wife, Kei replies, "Somehow I'd think, after all the practice we've had so far, we'd have had one by now, Mizuho."

"Oh, that. Well, the Galaxy Federation puts it's Officers on very strong measures to avoid unplanned, unexpected or unwanted events." Shrugging, she adds, "I guess the habit just stuck with me. Even though I'm not with the GF anymore."

"Really? How strong?"

"The effects last for six months per measure."

"That's pretty strong." At her agreeing nod, he then says, "So if it's been a while since your last measure, then I'd say it's about to expire. If my calculations are correct."

"They are. And I feel like I'm ready. Are you?"

"I am, Mizuho."

Now giggling, she grips Kei's hand and they both run together, laughing. Stopping in the middle of the field, Mizuho twirls them both around. Catching Kei's face in her hands, she kisses him passionately.

"I love you, Kei."

"I love you too, Mizuho."

"Kei."

"Mizuho." Suddenly seeing Mizuho grin, he asks, "Mizuho?"

"Do me, Kei. Right here. Right now." Caressing him through his pants, she adds, giggling, "I've always wanted to do this outdoors." Lying down onto the ground, she hikes up her skirt, relishing Kei's bulging eyes. "That's right, Kei. No panties."

"I think I married a nymphomaniac." Mizuho can't help but giggle as Kei gently lies down on top of her and smiles down into his wife's face. "I love you, Mizuho Kusanagi."

"I love you too, Kei Kusanagi."

With that, they both tilt their heads toward each other to kiss. Next thing they know, they're rocked by an explosion from beside them, with the shockwave knocking them apart from each other.

Coughing from the force of the blast and in a prone state, Mizuho calls out, "Kei!"

"Mizuho!" On his hands and knees, Kei crawls over to Mizuho's side and asks, "You okay, Mizuho?" Catching sight of her left arm, he says, "You're hurt, Mizuho!" Mizuho looks and can't help but gasp.

Sure enough, her arm is badly bleeding from a deep gash. Blinking back, Mizuho sees that Kei's sustained some injury as well. His shirt is torn and his chest has a nasty gash running along it diagonally. With blood seeping out slowly through his shirt.

"Yes, Kei. I'm okay. Don't worry. It's just a deep scratch. Nothing really problematic. It's nowhere near an artery or vein. My ship's healer can repair the damages to the both of us. But your damage is worse than mine is."

As Kei looks down at himself, Mizuho says, "That's right, Kei. You look a little banged up too, Kei. It looks pretty bad. Marie, get us out of here! This is a Priority One!" To her horror, nothing happens. "Marie, respond!" Next thing they know, they hear a sinister female voice. One vaguely familiar to Mizuho.

"No one's listening to you, Kazami! Now, come along quietly or I'll get nasty to you and your puny little human!" With that, another explosion happens, kicking up dust around them.

On the road outside of town, Kaname jumps up from what she had been doing, looks over at Sousuke and asks, "Did you hear that blast, Sousuke?"

"Affirmative. I'd say we're about fifteen minutes out, five with the turbos. Go to war." Kaname grumbles as she runs his zipper back up, being careful not to damage him. "There's always tonight, Kaname."

Truth be told, he was thoroughly enjoying what his wife was doing until it was so rudely interrupted. 'I was on the verge of climaxing into her mouth, for crying out loud! Now I want to kick and kill some butts!'

"Roger. And there is, Sousuke." Kaname flips up the rear seat and slides the passenger seat along it's floor track to behind Sousuke. "I'm in position, honey."

His voice now professional and businesslike, he says, "Engaging ECS invisible mode. Once complete, give me chain guns one and two, sweetie."

"You got it, honey." Lifting the rear arm panel, Kaname sees the buttons are clearly marked. "If anything, this will make things a lot easier for me."

"Why's that?"

Bringing down the cover of the back of the seat, Kaname smiles upon seeing the screen and keyboard as she brings it out. "I don't know half these weapons, Sousuke. I've heard of the Sidewinder and Hellfire missiles, but some of these others, I just don't know."

"Understood. Just press what I call for and I'll handle it. ECS active. Chain guns, if you please, my dear. I'm hitting the turbos." With that, the car bursts forward at just below 400 mph while Kaname works on deploying the chain guns.

"Chain guns, my love." On the sides of the car, if you could even see it, the rear fenders pop out and twin machine guns come out, their barrels extending outward and facing forward. "Chain guns ready, ECS holding steady." She then sees him putting a headset she'd never seen before. "What's that, Sousuke?"

"Copy that. It's a targeting monocle. There should be one for you back there as well. Judging from the sound of the explosion, I'd say it was launched from above." Looking beside herself, she sees a compartment marked 'monocle' and opens it. Sure enough, there's one for her use.

"Found it." Upon putting it on, she puts the tubular eyepiece into position. Immediately, she gets the external view and begins enacting search protocols. "Okay. Doing a radar and horizon sweep." Frustrated, she groans. "Nothing's showing, Sousuke."

"Hmm, they either have a new kind of stealth system or somehow obtained ECS. What about dust clouds or signs of turbulence? Any visible, Kaname?"

"Yeah. I've got a big dust cloud as a result of that blast, but it's starting to fade out. Wait a minute. I'm getting a consistent dust cloud. With no signs of dissipating. What do I do?"

"Chances are, the technicians at Mithril gave us identification capability. Type in 'ident bogey'. We should get something that way."

Typing it in, she asks, "Won't it have to be visible or show up on radar?"

"Most of the time, typically so. But if dust makes contact with the hull, it should give a shape at least."

"Checking. Huh. That's weird."

"What is it, Kaname?"

"There's a shaped pattern, all right. It seems to be the bottom, but it's not giving any result. All it's saying is 'not found'. Almost like it doesn't exist. I can't even tell if it's armed or not. No visible weapons that I could see. Who knows how big that thing is?"

"That has to be our target then. I'm assuming it to be hostile. Deploy the ADF pod and give me a Copperhead, if you please. I'm cutting the turbos." Immediately, the couple feels the car slowing down as it reaches the target zone.

"Copperhead, coming right up." Up on the roof, a triple-barrel missile rack pops up. "ADF pod deployed, Copperhead primed and ready for launch, Sousuke. Wait a minute. I'm picking up two people on the ground right below it. Sousuke, if that missile hits..."

"Yeah. The craft's remains could hit them upon crashing to the ground." Activating the car's external speaker, Sousuke says, "Attention unidentified craft. You are harassing and endangering a pair of civilians with your present position. You are ordered to reposition, leave the area or else."

"Identify yourself, human. Even more, how did you detect me? I have the best cloaking device in the galaxy." The voice is feminine, yet haughty, cold and rabid.

That causes Sousuke and Kaname's eyebrows to go up in fascination. Thinking of a name, Sousuke replies, "Just call me Roadwolf. Right now, I have a Copperhead missile aimed just right above your dust cloud. Whether it hits or not is up to you. Be advised, I don't do warning shots." The tone within his voice is evident to the woman, given her reply.

"Very well, Roadwolf. You win this round. But the fugitive will be mine. Along with her puny mate!" With that, the dust cloud dissipates, a sign the offending craft is nowhere nearby.

"We're clear. Retract the weapons, Kaname."

"On it." As she deactivates the weaponry, she asks, "Sousuke, what exactly did that voice mean by 'human', and 'galaxy'? Her voice sounded rather snootily condescending with that tone."

"No idea, Kaname. But I'd bet a Glock magazine it has something to do with it's pilot being quite irrationally upset with those two for some reason, my darling. It seems to be rather intent on them." That, in turn, earns him an amused snort from Kaname.

"Not going to take that bet. I'd lose against you for sure, Sousuke." The young couple then exchanges a soft chuckle, just as Kaname adds, "Weapons retracted and concealed, honey."

Removing the headset, she smiles at it. 'Things just got more interesting. Ah, what's this down here?' Picking it up, she slides the seat back to beside Sousuke. Silently and wanting to see if she can spook him.

"All right. Canceling ECS. Come on back, Kaname."

"Already beside you, sweetie." Kaname grins as she holds up a canteen. "I found this in the back. In case they happen to be thirsty from all that dust." Much to her surprise, he didn't even flinch. 'At least he's still very disciplined. Any lesser man would flinch.'

Not missing a beat, he says, "Good thinking, darling. I see I've rubbed off on you quite a bit."

"Well, who better to teach someone survival skills than a certified survivor, honey?" They exchange another chuckle, just as Sousuke pulls the car up to the people lying on the ground and pulls it to a stop. Upon seeing minor wounds on them, she adds, "Oh my. We may need the First Aid Kit as well."

"Right. I'll get it while you take the water to them. It should be in the rear storage bin."

"You got it." Exiting the car as he does, Kaname runs up to them and gets a good look at them. 'Why, he's only a teen still and she must be about twenty-five or so! Even more, they're both heavily covered with dust.' Next thing she knows, the young woman groans.

Her eyes closed, the woman tries getting up. "Hmm, Kei? You okay? Who's there?"

"Shh, it's all right. Keep your eyes closed and don't try to move. You're both safe. My husband and I saw you two on the ground. What happened?"

Opening the canteen, she pours some water into it's cup and offers it to the woman. Smiling gratefully, she nods, accepting it. "Drink it slowly. I'd better clean your eyes off as well. You both got dusted real heavily."

The woman nods as she drinks. Once she's done, Kaname dips her fingertips into the water and brushes them against her eyelids. "Wait a minute, then open your eyes."

"Thank you. They're after me. My former bosses. I heard a voice, just before I blanked out." Opening her eyes, she sees a young woman's face. 'How can she be married? She can't be more than eighteen years of age!'

"Sousuke, where are you with that kit?"

"On the way, Kaname!" Getting to his wife's side, he determines which is more injured and goes right to work on the young man. "Does he have any allergies, ma'am?"

"No, to my knowledge, he doesn't. What's wrong with Kei?" The woman's voice takes a sound of panic, prompting Kaname to try soothing her. While Sousuke works on him.

"My husband's checking right now. What's Kei's last name?"

"Kusanagi. Kei Kusanagi." Taking a chance, she adds, "He's my husband."

"How can that be? He can't be older than sixteen or seventeen years of age."

"It's complicated. But, just you know, he's actually twenty years old."

"And you are?"

"Mizuho Kusanagi, though I go by Kazami when I'm working at school."

"Oh, you're a teacher?"

"Yes. In fact, I'm also Kei's teacher." Looking over at Kaname, she asks, "How about you? What's your story?"

"Like yours, mine is very complicated. Of course, without my husband having been at my side for about three years, I could be dead already."

"Who, who are you?"

"Sagara. Kaname Sagara and this is my husband, Sousuke. We're on our honeymoon."

"Oh, you just got married?"

"Negative." Mizuho's stunned to hear Sousuke's voice and even more stunned her arm's wound is being tended to already. As he works, she can't help but be impressed by his skill at doing field dressings.

'It's like he does this for a living! Is he a Doctor? Or something else altogether?'

"Kaname and I have been married for three months now, going on four and our son is three months old, going on four. We figured we'd wait until graduation before going on our honeymoon. We just graduated today."

"That sounds practical enough, along with responsible and mature enough."

Grinning on the inside, knowing how right the woman is, Kaname asks, "How's Kei doing, Sousuke?"

"He's banged up pretty badly, Kaname. He's quickly losing blood. Unless we can get him to a Medical facility, we'll lose him. Even more, that blast seems to have knocked him out. If he'll even wake up after treatment, I don't know."

"Oh no. Not another one! Kei!" Mizuho struggles to get to Kei's side, with Kaname struggling to hold her steady, yelling, "Keep moving forward, Kei! Don't 'standstill' again! Kei!" Sousuke and Kaname look at each other and nod, agreeing on the same thing.

'This is certainly turning out to be a memorable honeymoon.' Next thing they know, they hear Mizuho, in a distressed tone, call out.

"Marie, teleport all four of us to the med-bay! This is a Priority One!"

Before either can ask what's going on, they see bright blueish-white light surrounding them all and close their eyes. Opening their eyes as the light dims, they see a series of beds and Mizuho gently placing Kei onto one of them.

"Marie, begin healing Kei's chest wound and scanning for Kei's brainwave activity. This is a Priority One." Taking his hand into hers, Mizuho lovingly strokes his head, saying, "I'm right here, Kei. I'm right here, my darling husband." As the healer does it's work on Kei, the damaged tissues start reforming into intact flesh.

"Um, excuse me. Who's Marie and what is going on here? For that matter, where are we?" Kaname can't help but nervously gulp as Mizuho starts turning around, trembling.

Upon seeing her turn around, Sousuke draws his Glock and moves to shield Kaname, covering Mizuho with the barrel in one move. Through the whole thing, Mizuho is still turning around.

"Marie is the Master Control link for my ship's computer." Getting a look at the object in Sousuke's hand and his stance, she asks, "Are you from the Galaxy Federation as well? An undercover operative, sent to capture me?" Using her semi-limited knowledge to establish the object in his hand is a weapon, she goes on.

"Your cover is impressive, as is your stance. I must admit, I've never seen a weapon like that or a stance like that. Not since my days in the Galaxy Academy."

"Negative. I'm with an organization that fights terrorists and destroys drug rings."

"You're so young. Unless, of course..."

His voice steady, Sousuke calmly asks, "Unless what?" Much as he hates to admit it, he's finding himself intrigued by the woman's questions and remarks. 'It's almost as if she was expecting something like this to happen! Galaxy Federation, huh? I'll have to consult Lt Cmdr Kalinin later on.'

"A 'standstill'. A period in which your body lies dormant, almost like a coma. Kei went into a 'standstill' for three years when he was fifteen. Did that ever happen to you?"

"Negative." Holstering his Glock as he comes out of his stance, he says, "No wonder you said he was actually twenty years old. He looks so young." Kaname nods in agreement as Sousuke goes on. "What about this Galaxy Federation? What's their beef with you?"

"Beef? I didn't know cattle were involved."

"Um, no. Sousuke's still trying to get a grasp of civilian speak, particularly slang. In other words, he's wondering what their problem is."

Sighing as she releases Kei's hand to get onto a bed, Mizuho replies, "I obeyed my orders the best I could, but things quickly got out of control. First, I compromised my identity, prompting me to confide in Kei."

"That's a good thought. If you're going to have an ally to confide in, it'll make your job easier to perform. I know, because Sousuke's been there. He's confided in me quite a few times. Just like I've confided in him a few times. He's the only one I can truly trust. So far, I'd say you've got it made."

Noticing Mizuho looking over at Kei as his wound is healing, she can't help but be concerned over what would happen if Sousuke was on that table instead of Kei.

"I wish it was that easy, Mrs Sagara. That was the start of my relationship with him. We had gotten married because it was Kei's Uncle's idea that we were, so the Principal wouldn't fire me. Things got a little crazier from there. When Kei went into a bad 'standstill', I entered his mind to bring him out of it. My superiors were furious with me."

Starting to sob, she goes on. "As a result, they sealed away all of his memories of me, along with the school's personnel and his schoolmates' memories of me. I love him so much, I just couldn't stand it, being away from him. So, I ran. I've had no regrets since then."

"Yeah. Kinda the same with Sousuke and I, only his organization's based on Earth. At least we think so." Smirking at Sousuke's perplexed look, she adds, "Definitely something to ponder. No conventional human does the things you do, Sousuke."

"Well, I'm not exactly conventional, am I?"

"Nope. You're sure not, Sousuke. That's just fine with me, honey."

"Oh, what's the name of your organization and rank? Judging from your earlier stance, you have highly-advanced training."

"Mithril. I'm a Lieutenant in the Special Response Team. Think of it like a S.W.A.T. team in the Military sense. As for my training, I've been training all my life, Mrs Kusanagi."

"Oh, you're a soldier? But, you're so young, just like Kei is by appearances. Thinking of, Marie, begin my healing, along with our cleaning and clothing repair sequences. This is a Priority One." Instantly, her wound begins healing. During the healing, both their bodies are being cleaned and their damaged clothing repaired.

"I'm a Specialist and a veteran. There are some battles you're better off not knowing about. Your Medical and other technology is quite impressive."

Once her repairs are completed, Mizuho smiles as she removes her arm's bandage and says, "Thank you. How long have you been doing it?" Catching sight of an X-shaped scar on his left cheek, she thinks, 'I don't think my technology could heal that scar. Even more, it looks like he's come to accept it. Mrs Sagara doesn't seem to mind it one bit.'

"I've been a fighter ever since I was eight years old, ma'am. For the past ten years, I've gone all around the world, fighting the good fight. During that time, I met the love of my life."

"But, if she was still in school, then how did...?"

"We meet?" Kaname smirks softly, stroking Sousuke's hands. "He's my protector, my Life Insurance Agent and Policy, you might say. He was assigned to protect me and we fell in love over time. Of course, it wasn't easy at first. Especially since he's a 'Demolition Man'. A very destructive one."

"How do you mean, Mrs Sagara?" Curious, she thinks, 'Why does she need protection? She seems to be like an ordinary young woman.'

"Basically, he just does his job and things get demolished. With him around, you better be sure to have your insurance paid up. All in all, he's a walking disaster. A lot of people have learned the hard way not to mess with a 'Demolition Man'."

With that, she giggles and kisses the side of his head. "Be it the bad guys or everyday life. But I still love this maniac of mine." Next thing they know, they hear light groaning coming from Kei.

"Oh, man. Will someone please tell the road crew to ease off with their jackhammers already? I'm trying to sleep here." His wound repair is complete, without even a trace of blood as he slowly removes the bandage from his torso with his eyes closed.

"Kei!" Mizuho gets up from the bed, rushes over to her husband's side and cradles his head into her arms. "Are you all right, Kei?"

Kei groggily opens his eyes and smiles upon seeing Mizuho's face, prompting her to smile as well. "I am. How about you, Mizuho?"

"I'm all right. That GF hunter didn't get me. Thanks to our new friends here." Giving his lips a quick peck, she gingerly helps him up.

"Friends?"

"Yes. Thinking of, just where did that voice earlier come from? There was nothing other than that ship nearby."

"Before we go into further detail, we need to go somewhere a little more conducive to conversations. Any chance Marie can transport us to our car?"

"Yes, Lt Sagara. Right away. Marie, return us to the pick-up point. This is a Priority One." Instantly, they're returned back to the site. Upon seeing the black car, Mizuho smiles at the sight of it while Sousuke closes the kit. "That's a nice car. What kind is it?"

"Officially, it's a Toyota Celica. Unofficially, it's something else altogether." Heading to the car's back end, he puts the kit back into the bin and closes it.

"How do you mean, Lt Sagara?"

Kaname grins wryly and replies, "Well, not many Celicas come equipped with weaponry capable of wiping out a small country's defenses. Let alone counter-measures for it's own protection." Opening the car's doors, Sousuke and Kaname allow their newfound friends into the back seat and get in.

Gulping nervously, Kei asks, "Are you saying it's armed?"

Sousuke nods and replies, "That we are. That it is. To the teeth. Or, in this case, bumpers." Kaname can't help a peal of laughter at Sousuke's unplanned literal pun. "We have access to grenade launchers, chain guns and fourteen tactical weapons launched from an ADF munitions pod."

Curious, Mizuho asks, "What kind of tactical weapons?"

"We have from Hellfire all the way to nuclear-tipped Shrike missiles. We also have chaff flares to decoy enemy missiles. We're kinda pushing it with the weight, though." Kaname's laughter intensifies with the last part of it. As her laughter dies down to light chuckling, Kaname turns to look at her beloved.

"This coming from a guy that usually goes around armed to the teeth? Never thought I'd hear that come from your mouth, Sousuke." Pecking his cheek, she musses up his hair.

"Never thought I'd say it, either. Oh well. That's life."

Puzzled, Kei asks, "How armed are you exactly, Mr Sagara?"

"Heavily. Very heavily. Basically, I've got guns and bullets. Lots of guns and bullets."

Mizuho frowns lightly and remarks, "I don't know whether to be relieved or concerned

by that word. Even more, I thought, under Japanese Law, it was illegal for private individuals to have firearms, even if they are soldiers in another life. Even more, I've never heard of a car with access to various weaponry." Kei nods, in total agreement.

"I suggest relieved, Mrs Kusanagi. Heaven knows that without Sousuke having been heavily armed that day, that gang would not have been scared so easily. Of course, what he said scared the living daylights out of them. As to his firearms, they're necessary for his line of work as he's not exactly a private citizen. And this car is one of a kind."

"Just how heavy are we talking, Mrs Sagara?" At Kei's question, Kaname tells them flat out. By the time she's done, Kei is very pale as he asks, "How could he even walk with all that hardware on him, let alone hide it all? Even a rocket launcher would stick out like a sore thumb. It'd be impossible for a normal person."

"Well, luckily for me, Sousuke is far from normal and a pro at concealing weaponry. But, I wouldn't have him any other way. After all, just how many young men take up the cause of Justice before turning nine? Let alone seek revenge for his parents' deaths."

"Was that what happened to you, Lt Sagara? I'm surprised you didn't go into a 'standstill' at all. That must have been trying for you."

"Affirmative, it was, Mrs Kusanagi. So, what causes 'standstills' anyway?"

"Well, most of the time, stress and depression. Especially ever since..." Kei's voice trails off as he shakes his head, saying, "Can't think about it. Don't want to 'standstill' again."

With a sympathetic nod, Sousuke says, "Understood. Any others like you, Mr Kusanagi?"

"Yeah, a friend of mine from school. She's actually twenty-three now and she went into a 'standstill' for six years." Blinking, Kei asks, "How'd you know my last name anyway?"

"Your wife told us. You took some bad hits and went into a 'standstill'. In some ways, it was a blessing because it allowed me to tend your wounds without you thrashing around." Kei blinks at Sousuke's cold and professional yet caring tone and decides to find out more.

"What do you do? You sound like a Doctor." Looking around, he mentally adds, 'A Doctor that's supposedly got weapons concealed in his car, that is. It looks fairly normal.'

"That's one way of putting it." Kaname lets out a giggle as she looks over at Sousuke. "By the way, I'm Kaname Sagara. This is my husband Sousuke." Kei bows his head, with the blue-haired young woman and Sousuke returning the gesture.

Curious, Mizuho asks, "Have you always known about Mithril, Mrs Sagara? Particularly when he first arrived?"

"No, not really. It's more or less a shadow operation, not aligned with any one actual governed nation in particular. Mercenaries working in secret to protect the world and it's millions of innocent inhabitants. He's one of it's best warriors. Although, he did nearly blow it when he introduced himself as a Sergeant when he greeted the class."

"Doesn't that concern you? A group of mercenaries not under the public eye? There has to be some oversight."

"They tried that way once, Mrs Kusanagi. The unit got burned, badly. Of course, they were actually terrorists, but Mithril felt it'd be best to stay in the shadows and secretive. Less complicated that way."

"I see. And you're a Lieutenant. Correct?"

"Affirmative. My call sign is Urzu-7. My operations theater is the West Pacific Ocean Fleet Tactical Division's Special Response Team."

"If you're a Lieutenant now, then I'd say your rank is fairly recent."

Kaname nods proudly and replies, "Yep. Effective as of last year, Mrs Kusanagi."

"When did you find out about Mithril?"

"The night our plane was hijacked and taken to the Khanka enclave. During our school trip to Okinawa."

Kei's eyes go wide as he says, "I remember reading about that after I came out of my last major 'standstill'. But, it was the UN that pulled off the rescue, wasn't it?"

"Nope. It was all Mithril, using two UN planes. It was also when I found out what Sousuke could really do. Be it driving like a lunatic under heavy fire, crashing through hangar doors that are still closed to piloting Arm Slaves. Needless to say, he changed my world, my life. Changed everything. Just like I changed everything for him."

"Why and who tried to grab you?" Mizuho can't help but frown at Kaname's shocked gasp. "I'm right, aren't I? Someone tried grabbing you for who knows why."

"I'll just leave it at that there are some things that people would desperately like to get their hands on. Especially secrets of the highly-technical kind. As for who it was, it's better you don't know his name. Just know this. He was a sadistic lunatic that got his jollies by wanting to and also by killing innocent people. Along with soldiers."

"Was?"

"Yep, that's right, Mrs Kusanagi. Sousuke blew up the body and gave the head to his CO, as a trophy of sorts. To this day, his CO has it in a jar of formaldehyde on his shelf in his office. Isn't that right, Sousuke?"

"Affirmative."

Kei gulps as he looks at them both and asks, "You're not serious, right?" Upon seeing their grim expressions in the reflection from the windshield, he starts feeling nervous, saying, "My word, you both are serious."

"That we are." Sousuke looks over at Kaname and she gives him a soft peck as he goes on. "Some people are just too dangerous to allow to go on living."

"Why not simply shoot him and be done with it? Oh no, you didn't blow him up while he was alive, did you?" Kei can't help but picture a man being blown up while being alive. Needless to say, the thought makes him feel slightly ill.

"Actually, I did try shooting him. I also blew him up while he was alive. Several times, with him being inside an Arm Slave, each time. But, he had the truly most annoying habit of not staying dead when he was supposed to be."

"Did I hear you right? He never stayed dead?" At Sousuke's nod, Mizuho says, "I don't see how that'd be bad and annoying. Especially if he was a psycho."

"Trust me. The guy was a certifiable nightmare. He had another bad and annoying habit of calling me 'Kashim'. It was very hard to break him of either habit. I even shot him in the head in Afghanistan once. And he didn't even die."

"But, a head shot is usually fatal. How'd he pull that off?"

"He managed to survive because of a metal plate in his head, Mr Kusanagi. The last time I saw his face reasonably intact, I sent rounds from my Steyr SPP into him while a friend of ours shot him in his chest with a Glock 17C. That's what finally killed him."

"Then why blow up the body? Isn't that overkill?"

"To ensure he stayed dead. Why else, Mr Kusanagi? Besides, in that loon's case, overkill was the only reasonable option." The drive goes by in a tense silence while Mizuho, Sousuke and Kaname stay quiet. Kei, on the other hand, is shaking violently in fear.

As he shakes, Kei can't help but think, 'I don't think I'd ever want to see this guy angry! He's scary enough as it is when he isn't angry!'

Eager to change the subject, Mizuho then says, "It's not very often I come across a young woman with blue hair. Other than my little sister, of course."

"I could say the same, given your pink hair, Mrs Kusanagi." Kaname can't help but think, 'If she was with the Galaxy Federation, could she be a "Whispered" like me?' Resuming the chat, she asks, "So, where do we go from here, Mr and Mrs Kusanagi?"

Grateful for the second subject change, Kei replies, "My Uncle and Aunt are expecting us to stop in for dinner. You're more than welcome to join us if you like."

Smiling gratefully, Kaname replies, "Thank you. That'd be very nice. We are getting to be hungry. Are they privy to all of your information or are some things secret from them?"

"Only thing they don't know is that I'm an alien from another planet. Kei is the only one that knows about me."

Nodding, Sousuke replies, "Understood. We won't mention a word about it. It's only too bad we couldn't identify the craft that attacked you."

Mizuho frowns as she says, "The pilot's voice sounded fairly familiar to me. But, I couldn't place it. Other than that, I can't be of much help to you, I'm afraid."

"Roger. Whatever it was, what the voice said was quite troublesome. Not good."

Kaname nods in agreement with Sousuke's assessment and looks back toward the other couple. When she sees them looking at each other with tenderness in their eyes, she smirks gently. Smirking softly still, she gives Sousuke a slight nudge.

Whispering softly, she says, "In a way, they're just like us. From two different worlds."

Whispering back, he replies, "Hmm, affirmative. Only their case is a lot more literal than ours is." That gets him a soft giggle and a light swat on his arm.

"I can't believe you just said that, Sousuke. You can be a real rat at times, you know that?"

"Well, I do like cheese." That causes Kaname to start laughing lightly as she pecks him on his cheek, rolling her eyes in mirthful amusement.

"You may be a lunatic, but you're my lunatic."

"I thought I was a rat. Make up your mind, huh?" Kaname knows he's jesting and gives him another peck.

"Okay, how about this. You're my lunatic rat."

"That'll work. I'm your lunatic rat." The young couple then exchanges another chuckle and Sousuke adds, "It's only too bad we don't know who Kei's Uncle and Aunt are."

"Minoru and Konoha Edajima. They've looked after me since after I came out of my biggest 'standstill'. In a way, they're great to have around." Kaname nods and brings out the information that Sousuke had dug up on the town and starts leafing through it.

Two minutes later, she says, "Okay, here we go. Hmm, interesting. Kei, your Uncle and Aunt. They wouldn't happen to have a family clinic, would they? Because there's a clinic that bears the Edajima name."

"They do, Mrs Sagara. It's theirs."

"Great. Sousuke, set course."

"Roger. Edajima Clinic, here we come."

As Sousuke drives, Mizuho looks around inside the car and asks, "If the car is armed, where is the weaponry at?"

Kaname replies, "The weaponry is concealed, as are the ammunition stores. That's all we can safely tell you. Sousuke had a good point earlier today. We may be on honeymoon, but we're not going to let some nut ruin it for us. Tessa was also right about this being our honeymoon, not a destructive rampage. She really should have directed it to me."

Perplexed, Kei asks, "How do you mean?"

Chuckling nervously, she replies, "I was so bored, I was about to start wreaking havoc with the weapons, just for kicks. Up until I found a better way to occupy my time."

Mizuho catches on to Kaname's meaning and grins, saying, "I know how that is. Our first honeymoon was kind of ruined. Mostly by bad luck and timing. Our second time was much better. In fact, just before we were attacked, Kei and I were about to see what we could do." Having an idea of where Mizuho's going with it, Kaname smirks. Softly.

"In terms of..."

"Yep. That is our new Priority One." Smiling softly, Mizuho looks over and sees a beet red Kei. "Kei, you okay?"

"I can't believe you just said that flat out. I thought you telling your Mom about our sex life was bad enough, but this is liable to put me in a 'standstill'. Again." Sighing, he adds, "Sorry, Mizuho. It's just that I'm not used to 'Girl Talk' being done in front of me."

Giggling softly as she kisses him, she asks, "Oh, female bonding? It's fairly common. Like a universal language of sorts. Communication is key and should always be a Priority One."

"That's a good way of putting things. And here we are. Edajima Clinic." Kaname looks over and adds, "Looks like your Uncle and Aunt have company already, Kei. There's a woman with purple hair and a smaller young lady with dark blue hair."

"Mother, Maho!" Looking over at Kei, she says, "I just hope Mother doesn't pull another stunt like the last time she and Maho visited."

"I hope so too, Mizuho. I hope so too." Mizuho gives Kei a quick peck and turns toward Kaname.

"Your Mother ever try making a move on the Lt, Mrs Sagara?"

"No, although it would have been pretty hilarious for me to see him get so badly flustered. Before we fell in love with each other, he was pretty clueless. Then again, being in a constant war zone will do that to someone. Concentrate purely on survival, anything else is not very important. Especially matters of the heart."

"So his job and survival during such times always came first, huh?" At Kaname's nod, Mizuho remembers what Kaname had said earlier. "Would have been?"

"Yeah." Kaname sighs and goes on. "My Mother died, years ago. My Father and sister went back to the States after her funeral and I stayed behind in Japan. I'm sure she'd have loved to have met him, though. My Father, on the other hand, wasn't quite thrilled with Sousuke. But, in a couple of days and after a pair of competitions, he came around and accepted Sousuke. My younger sister Ayame liked him right away."

"You're lucky you have your Father still. My Father died when I was very young. The only memory I have of him is his shadow and an empty box of pocky." Grinning, she adds, "I can't get enough of it. Maho likes it as well. Of course, she tends to eat it like a shark."

"I can hardly wait to meet them, Mizuho." Mizuho smiles at Kaname before turning her attention to Sousuke.

"How about your family, Lt Sagara?"

"The only family I have now is Kaname, her Father and sister, our son, my older cousin, his bride and Mithril. After all, I'd been orphaned at eight years old."

"Oh, right. My apologies."

"It's not a problem." Bringing the car to a stop outside the clinic, Sousuke sees the two people step inside and says, "Looks like we're next on the guest list."

Kaname, Kei and Mizuho all chuckle at that as they exit the car and head to the door. Before Sousuke can knock, a man with black hair and a beard, wearing a red shirt and black pants, opens the door and smiles upon seeing the arrivals.

"Hello, Kei, Mizuho. Hatsuho and Maho just got here. Who're your friends?"

"Sousuke and Kaname Sagara, Mr Edajima." Kaname bows as she finishes and nudges Sousuke to drop the salute, giggling. Kinking his eyebrow in amusement, the man grins as he sloppily returns the salute.

"Sagara, huh? Interesting name. What brings you two here?"

"Honeymoon, sir." Sousuke's tone is so crisp and precise, Kaname can't help but give him a light pinch on his arm, still giggling as she does so.

"Relax, Sousuke. No need to go all otaku during our time on honeymoon, honey."

"Roger, sweetie." Bowing, he adds, "Sorry."

Waving it off, the man replies, "Ah, don't worry about it. I'm Kei's Uncle Minoru. Come on in."

Bowing, Kaname replies, "Thank you kindly, sir. Don't mind if we do. We'd been on the road since leaving Tokyo, so we're pretty beat and hungry."

"Oh, Tokyo, huh? Kei's folks live there, in the Shinjuku district. Where'd you leave out from?"

Sousuke softly, yet strongly, replies, "Sengawa, sir." The couple then sees a woman with long black hair and a soft smile, wearing a light blue denim dress, appear in the doorway.

"Dear, the food's getting cold and Maho is starting to get impatient."

"Coming, Konoha." Turning back to the guests, he sees they had removed their shoes already. "Follow me, if you please." As they follow Minoru, they see Certificates and Degrees on the walls. Once they reach the dining area, Minoru begins the introductions.

"Hatsuho, Maho, meet the Sagaras. Sousuke and Kaname, this is Mizuho's Mother, Hatsuho and Mizuho's sister, Maho."

"Hello. How do you do?" Suddenly, Kaname is feeling wary of the younger lady. Very.

Maho, with her green eyes, smiles brightly upon seeing Sousuke and says, "You'd be a perfect fit for my older sister, Sousuke. Just look at the way you carry yourself. Possibly ex or maybe even current Military. That scar, along with your steel-grey eyes, even makes you look tough, rugged and dangerous." Much to Maho's surprise, Sousuke begins chuckling. "What's so funny?"

"That's very kind of you, but I'm already married and we're on our honeymoon, Miss Kazami. It's not a problem." Leaning down into her face, he softly adds, "And I am dangerous. I've seen, endured and done things that would harrow your soul to no end. Your sister's happy with her choice. Any problems, you come talk to me. We'll do it with hand-to-hand combat. With firearms in the mix." The glint in his eyes is enough to make her gulp.

'Just like when I told Kei what I'd do to him if he went near Mizuho. It's coming back to haunt me.' Chuckling nervously, Maho replies, "On second thought, I might as well grin and bear it, then."

Looking over at Mizuho and seeing her frown, she stammers and says, "I better go wash up." With that, she bolts out of the room. Next thing they know, they hear the purple-haired woman chuckling lightly and kindly.

"I apologize for my youngest daughter, Mr and Mrs Sagara. She tends to worry about her older sister quite a bit. At first, she didn't even like Kei." Sighing, she adds, "I thought she'd gotten used to him. I'm Mizuho's Mother, Hatsuho."

"Nice to meet you, ma'am."

"Oh, and so polite. Are you Military, Mr Sagara?"

"Somewhat."

"What are your interests?"

"Fishing, reading, developing new weapon systems and models."

"Oh? What kind of books?" Her left eye twitching, she thinks, 'Weapon systems?'

"Mainly periodicals and technical manuals. Mostly dealing with Arm Slaves." Kaname nods proudly at this and softly squeezes his hand.

"Ask him about any Arm Slave on the planet and he can tell you everything you aren't afraid to ask about." Giving his hand a hard squeeze, she heatedly adds, "Including what you don't ask or want to know about."

'Arm Slaves? Never heard of those. Then again, things change all the time on Earth.' Hatsuho lets out another chuckle as she says, "I take it he goes overboard at times."

"To say the least." Giving Sousuke a soft peck as she releases his hand and pecks it, she softly adds, "I wouldn't have him any other way."

"Anything else for your interests, Mr Sagara?"

"Aside from assassinations, demolition work and the other items, not really."

Intrigued, Hatsuho turns to Kaname and asks, "Is he serious about assassinations and demolition work?"

"Oh yeah. He takes it very seriously. He takes it so seriously, I guess you might even say he practices them religiously. I could tell you stories that will become your nightmares. Be it killing psycho terrorists by using guns, plastic explosives, hand grenades, his bare hands. Even unleashing clothes-eating bacteria..." Turning to look at Sousuke, she sees that his face is beet red. "Sousuke?"

"Just thinking about the last thing you mentioned, Kaname."

"Oh, that." Kaname goes beet red as well before a mischievous smile crosses her lips. "Well, we could always reenact it, only with a different ending. And no bacteria this time, you lunatic!"

"Understood." Mizuho looks at both Sousuke and Kaname and finds herself curious.

"Bacteria that eats clothing?" At their nods, she asks, "Who would be crazed enough to make such a thing?"

"According to an arms dealer that's an old friend of Sousuke's, research has been done to research bacteria that can break down oil and it's products in the event of a spill at sea. Well, some Einstein-wannabe decided to see about adjusting it for military use. With the intent of humiliating the enemy without firing a single shot. Instead of being riddled with bullets, they would have died from embarrassment. Especially if their clothes were made from polyester or nylon. If they were, it's time for them to get naked. If you're exposed, only wear natural fibers. They're the only material that survives."

Hatsuho smiles and says, "That has me interested. But, what does have to do with Mr Sagara?"

"His friend sent him the wrong thing by mistake when Sousuke had ordered a special part for his gun. While he was checking the danger level, there was an incident that preceded it."

Konoha asks, "What happened, Mrs Sagara?" Her eyes going wide, she asks, "Did you just say gun? They're illegal here in Japan!"

"Yep, but he has a very good reason for having it. This lunatic rat of mine, out of the kindness of his heart, set a high voltage trap in a construction zone because he felt someone would damage or sabotage it. Instead, a hapless worker fell right into that trap."

Snickering softly, she adds, "The guy never knew what hit him. He just walked right into that trap without checking around. Obliviousness is worse than ignorance. Right, Sousuke?"

"Affirmative. I see you've been reading the book, Kaname."

"Uh-huh, yep. It's a pretty good book. A real page-turner." Hatsuho leans in for a closer look at Sousuke's face with her green eyes and grins seductively, making Kaname very nervous. "Um, Mrs Kusanagi, I think your Mother's hitting on my husband right now."

"Mother!" Looking over at Kaname, Mizuho can see the blue-haired young woman is glaring at her Mother. "Mother, Mrs Sagara is not enjoying your flirting with her husband at all."

Ignoring Mizuho, Hatsuho asks, "You're a writer as well, Mr Sagara? How nice. Are you any good?" Much to her surprise, Sousuke wryly grins and closes his eyes. 'He's good! He closed his eyes to avoid getting flustered! Plus, his wife's glaring at me!'

"For an amateur, perhaps, Ms Kazami. But my talent is mediocre at best. My actual talents lie in destruction." Shrugging, he adds, "I spent so much time fighting to stay alive, I haven't really been able to take time to pursue non-destructive aspects of life."

"What about fishing? Model work seems to be reasonably safe. And reading periodicals? Those are non-destructive. I'm not too sure about weapon systems."

"Merely survival for the first, Mr Edajima. It later became a hobby for me. As for the models, I discovered the joys of assembling them during the last few weeks of school. Ever since I was eight, I've always been fascinated with weaponry. The reading came later in my life when I came across a chance to do so. There weren't very many book stores in Afghanistan when I was a kid. Especially since I was out in the desert most of the time."

He can barely make out a mirth-filled snort from Kaname. Pondering it, he then thinks, 'I guess it would be kind of funny along with true.' Unable to stop a smile from rising, he lets it show.

Hatsuho smiles at that and asks, "What happened then after the preceding event?"

"One of our classmates had consumed the contents, thinking it was water, unknowingly unleashing the bacteria. For a time, I thought we were all going to die. Mass panic set in when the only vial for the antidote was destroyed. Sousuke had sealed the door as per his operating procedures earlier at the start of the crisis. One of the teachers got so upset with the class, he had ruptured the sealed doors, allowing the bacteria to spread."

Minoru remembers it and grins. "The 'Full Monty Bacteria'. That was your school? Jindai High?" At their nods, he grins even wider and says, "The sight must have been nice, very nice. All those thighs and naked bodies. I'm so very, very jealous that you were there and I wasn't. You're so lucky, I'm so jealous." Suddenly, he flinches in pain when Konoha pinches his thigh.

Konoha then asks, "How'd you manage to stay enrolled, let alone find time to go to school, Mr Sagara?"

"My foster family settled the incident."

"I see. And how did you meet your lovely young wife?"

"I just arrived unexpectedly into her life, Mrs Edajima. It took us a while to acknowledge our feelings for each other. Especially given the things I'd do and done."

"Sousuke, we've been over this countless times. Being through so much can do that to someone. Especially a special guy like you. Sometimes, being overly aware can be both good and bad. It's not your fault things went bad for you so much. You were out of surroundings that you were familiar with." Kaname takes his hand into hers and smiles. "Besides, if anything, you're fun to watch. You make me feel alive."

"Fun to watch? Hmm."

Clenching her other hand into a fist, Kaname snarls, "You mean, that after all this time and we'd been through, you still don't know how to have fun? Sousuke!"

"It could be my idea of fun is different from yours, Kaname."

"Oh, you poor thing. I never thought of it that way." Kaname suddenly grabs Sousuke's head into her arms and pulls him into her chest. "From here on out, I'm going to teach you to have fun, Sousuke. Even if it kills someone. Just as long as it's not you."

His voice muffled, Sousuke replies, "Works for me. Uh, Kaname?"

"Hmm? Yeah, Sousuke?"

"I'm kinda having a hard time breathing."

"Oops." Releasing him quickly, Kaname giggles and blushes upon seeing the imprint of her breasts on his cheeks. "Sorry, honey."

"Not a problem, sweetie." At that, he blacks out. Both from exhaustion and ecstasy.

Maho takes the time to come back in and speak up. "Well, that was fun. Who's for dinner then pocky?"

Miles above the Earth, a frustrated woman is contacting her superiors. "This is Surveillance Officer Ryoko Togama to Command. Do you read me, Command?"

"Togama, report your status."

"Found the fugitive, sir. It's like you figured. She came back to Planet Delta-DES8228 and taken up with the life-form she entrusted."

"Were you able to apprehend her and seal the life-form's memories away?"

"Negative, sir. I would have, but some nut calling himself 'Roadwolf' got in my way. He even threatened me with a 'Copperhead' missile. Whatever that is."

"Any description of the individual calling himself 'Roadwolf'?"

"Negative, sir. The voice came out of nowhere. And I mean nowhere."

"Could it have been another rogue agent?"

"Perhaps, sir. Unknown at this time. Request permission to go undercover on Planet Delta-DES8228 and find out."

"Granted. But, unlike Officer Kazami, you are to be even more discrete. Is that understood, Officer Togama?"

"Yes sir. Togama, out." Ending communication, Togama thinks, 'Soon, you'll be back where you belong and your little man will forget about you once again. That's a promise, Mizuho.'

Back in the Edajima house, Sousuke opens his eyes and sees his blue-haired, brown-eyed angel hovering above him. Giving her a soft smile, he says, "Hi."

"Hi? Sousuke, you, of all people, passed right out after being pressed into my breasts. Fifteen minutes later, after I get you on the futon, you open your eyes, smile and say hi? Couldn't you have felt embarrassed over what had happened?" Inwardly, she can't help but blush rosily as Sousuke blows her a kiss and she returns it.

"It seems I have a lot to learn still."

"To say the least. But you're learning." Softly stroking his scarred cheek, she pecks it.

"So, what'd I miss?"

"Mizuho asked Mr and Mrs Edajima about Kei's biggest 'standstill'. I figured it'd be best if only family were present, so I had you brought in here so they could have some privacy."

"A sound tactic, Kaname."

"What can I say? You bring out the tactician in me. Just like I bring out the romantic in you." Getting an idea, Kaname stands up and removes her shirt, grinning on the inside. 'It's a good thing I'm wearing a bra. I don't want to send him into overdrive. Yet.' Seeing Sousuke's still lying down, she gives him an exasperated chuckle.

"On your knees, soldier." Once he's on his knees, she gives him his mission. "You are to find and trace every single stretch mark I have and then kiss every inch of every one. Once you're done, I want you to stand up and plant a massive kiss on my lips. Full tongue action. Are we clear, soldier?"

"Affirmative."

With that, he begins softly running his fingers along her belly while she runs her fingers through his hair, wishing for it to be shaggy like it was before. Strangely enough in the past, she had found his mussed up hair, if not mussing it up herself, to be rather erotic. For her.

"One found. Executing command."

Breathing softly, she replies, "Proceed with mission." As he does so, she smiles softly as she gazes down at the top of his head as he kisses her stretch marks. "Oh, your lips feel so good on my belly, Sousuke." Next thing she knows, he starts rubbing her crotch while he kisses her stretch marks. "That's it. That feels so good, baby. Don't stop. Keep rubbing, my love."

"Roger. Hmm, you're getting wet."

"Oh yeah. All for you, honey. All wet for you." The searching, kissing and stroking goes on until he gets up to her lips and lays a massive Frencher on her. "I believe I still owe you a climax, Sousuke." Without further ado, Kaname gets onto her knees, opens Sousuke's trousers and starts sucking on him. While she sucks, he runs his fingers through her long blue locks. All of a sudden, he lets loose into her mouth.

"Hmm, that was good, Sousuke. I guess earlier in Roadwolf did the trick."

"Yeah, I guess it did." Smiling, he then asks, "You like the name, Kaname?"

"I do. It fits rather well, Sousuke. Just like you fit rather well in me." Next thing Kaname knows, Sousuke waggles his eyebrows and she flings them both onto the futon. "Mmm, I love the way you think, Sousuke."

In the dining room, Mizuho and Kei are sitting beside each other. With Maho and Hatsuho sitting on either side of the couple. Facing them are Minoru and Konoha. As they eat, the air before the conversation is tense.

Taking a swallow, Minoru asks, "Are you sure you really want to know? And with Kei here? What if he goes into another 'standstill'? Can you bring him out of it in time, Mizuho?"

"I'll be with him. No matter what, Minoru. Please, Kei. Whatever happens, please don't stop moving."

"Okay, Mizuho."

Minoru clears his throat and begins. "About a year and six months before you arrived into Kei's life, Mizuho, Kei had come out of a three-year 'standstill'. His older sister's death had triggered it."

"His older sister died? How terrible!" Maho's eyes can't help but start shedding tears over the thought of losing Mizuho. "She must have been very special to him. Just like Mizuho is to me!"

Konoha nods and replies, "She was, just like she adored him. It was terrible, Maho. According to the Authorities, Kozue, Kei's sister, may have been feeling depressed and committed suicide. When they found her on the ground, Kozue was dead and Kei was on the school roof. In a 'standstill'. Their parents were devastated."

"She jumped?" Hatsuho's eyes are wide as she takes it in.

Nodding, Minoru replies, "Yes, Hatsuho. She did. Why that was, no one knows. Kei was the only witness. For him, just talking about it would be liable to put him in a 'standstill' as it was witnessing it that put him into that state to begin with."

"What about hypnosis?"

Minoru sighs at the question and replies, "Too chancy, Mizuho. If another 'standstill' happens while he's hypnotized, who knows what'll happen? My sister lost one of her children. I don't think she'd bear to bury another if anything goes bad."

"I see. I guess I have no other option, then."

Concerned, Kei asks, "Mizuho?"

"Minoru, what if there was a way for someone to enter another person's mind?"

"It could work, but you're talking about things not utterly possible. What you're talking about can only be found in science fiction stories."

Looking down toward the table, Mizuho thinks, 'I guess I'll have to seal their memories away after this, then. Who knows what'll happen if he starts blabbing? It's a good thing Kei's not like that at all. I just don't see the familial connection at all, for that matter. Oh well.' Turning her attention back to Minoru, Mizuho begins.

"Mr Edajima, I was once with an organization that monitors various planets inhabited by primitive lifeforms. Kei was the only human that knew about me. Fact of the matter is, Kei and I were married before. I had entered his mind previously to bring him out of a 'standstill'. A very bad one. All your memories of me were sealed away because my former superiors were furious with me. Kei's memories were supposed to have been sealed away as well, but, when he saw me last year, he went into recall. He remembered me and our first marriage."

"Mizuho." Kei takes Mizuho's hand into his and asks, "Are you sure you want to try what you have in mind?"

"I am. But, what concerns me is that hunter. If only we had a diversion."

"Why would you need a diversion, Mizuho?"

"Konoha, the device I have in mind has a traceable power source. If I were to power it up, it'd be like sending up a flare." Hatsuho nods in agreement, knowing what Mizuho has in mind. "It's a calculated risk, but worth taking. That's why a diversion is required."

"If you want a diversion, you've got one." Everyone turns at Sousuke's voice. "I'll buy you as much time as I can. However, I make no promises. With the stealth capabilities of that craft, it'd take a miracle to bring down that ship. Mrs Kusanagi?"

"Yes, Mr Sagara?"

"Is it possible that Marie could update 'Roadwolf's computer database to include the craft your former organization uses?" Sousuke smirks softly as he thinks, 'The name certainly fits. "Roadwolf: Wolf of the road". It's a keeper.'

"Yes, he could. Marie." Upon seeing her link appear, she says, "See if you can update 'Roadwolf's computer with all descriptions of Galaxy Federation craft. This is a Priority One." As soon as she finishes it, Marie processes her request before giving her it's reply. "Sorry, but it appears your system is not compatible with GF technology."

"Well, that's not gonna stop us from buying you as much time as possible. Just gonna have to do it old school, that's all."

Her eyes bulging, Maho asks, "Just how do you intend to buy my sis time, Mr Sagara? And just what is 'Roadwolf' exactly?"

"The car outside. It's the only one in existence, so it should give us an edge at least."

"Mr Sagara, you really shouldn't get involved. You're both on your honeymoon, anyways." Mizuho's then stunned to see Kaname step to Sousuke's side. Her hair completely askew, with her face wearing a fresh glow. 'Jeez, she looks like she'd been freshly done! Of course, I have that look every time Kei and I mate.'

"We understand that. But, my husband has a point. Without a diversion, you're likely to be grabbed up before too long, Mizuho." Her eyes and grin now fiercely feral, she declares, "We fight to survive and win peace for all. That is the way of 'Mithril' and it's noble warriors." Upon finishing, she sees them blinking in puzzlement.

Chuckling nervously, she adds, "My husband is a 'Mithril' warrior. I guess you might say he's rubbed off on me enormously." Accepting Konoha's invitation, the couple sits down and digs right in. Their appetites are so massive, they make Mizuho and Kei's appetites pale by comparison.

"Okay, this is simply too much." Minoru stands up and starts pacing. "First, I find out my nephew and his wife were married before. She then turns out to be an alien." Suddenly, his shoulders slump. "I was so looking forward to seeing you and Kei have children."

"Actually, it is possible, Minoru. I'm part human, after all."

Konoha's eyes go wide as she asks, "You mean, your Father was from here? On Earth?"

"That's right." Hatsuho smiles as she goes on. "In some ways, Kei reminds me of my darling Shirou. We fell in love with each other when his ship was damaged and the Federation rescued him. In fact, I was the one that brought him out of the damaged ship and treated his wounds. Some time later, Mizuho was born. Later, Maho came along. Then Shirou passed on. I was heartbroken, as were Mizuho and Maho. Then, when Mizuho told us her news, I was ecstatic with joy."

Konoha picks up on it and says, "And Maho wasn't happy about it either."

"Well, I was kinda disappointed in who she had selected. But, he did surprise me. Especially when he survived Miruru's blasts. Anyone that can survive Miruru and make my sister happy is okay in my book."

Konoha softly nods and says, "That explains Mizuho. Now, what about 'Mithril'? What exactly is it? Are you both members, Mr and Mrs Sagara?"

"Negative. I'm a Lieutenant in the mercenary unit while Kaname started out as my protection assignment. To this day, she still requires protection. Based on my orders. Our marital status didn't change a thing. Instead, it made guarding her much easier. Plus, she helped me find my kinder side."

"Why does she need protection? You seem like someone that would live an ordinary life, Mrs Sagara."

"For now, Mr Edajima, let's just say some whack-jobs wanted to get their hands on me and Sousuke was assigned to keep them from doing so. No matter what. For that matter, I wish I was ordinary. But, if I was, I wouldn't have met Sousuke or found out about Mithril."

"So someone tried to grab you? That's despicable. I should send Miruru after them. Just say the word and Miruru will vaporize them. They won't dare coming after you again, Mrs Sagara." Next thing Maho knows, Kaname's chuckling lightly. "What's the joke?"

"That's indeed the case, Maho. But, I'm afraid Miruru is just a little too late on that front, though. The guy that tried to grab me the first time out is already dead and toast, his head a trophy on his Commanding Officer's Office wall. In a jar of formaldehyde."

Shuddering in disgust, Maho asks, "A trophy? Ew. That's repugnant. Don't be cracking jokes I can't laugh at." She then turns a pleading expression to Kei and says, "Please tell me she's joking, Kei. Because if she is, then she has a very lousy sense of humor. No, make that extremely lousy."

"I'm afraid it's no joke, Maho. If it was a joke, their faces wouldn't be so grim and serious." Taking note of their grim faces, Maho shudders.

"Good grief. You are serious."

"Indeed. Just three months ago, another attempt was made. Sousuke and another classmate stopped it. As it stands, I'm under his protection still. Only we both get great benefits." Blushing, she adds, "Our son was even born that day."

Turning to see Sousuke's face, she sees it's bright red. "Oh, my poor, darling mercenary. I'll make it up to you. Tonight."

"So, Lt Sagara is a mercenary and a Father? How exciting."

"Uh-huh. That's right, Hatsuho. He's the best of the best." Looking back at him, she sees his blush is still bright. "You are, Sousuke. After all, you're doing a great job with our son. And how many people can destroy an army single-handedly when he has to?" Suddenly remembering one unit he had once worked with being annihilated, she adds, "Never mind. I don't want to think about that crazy baka anymore."

"Nor do I, Kaname. Nor do I." Placing his hand onto hers on the table, he gives her a soft squeeze, adding, "He's dead and ashes now. He can't hurt you or anyone ever again."

"Yep. Courtesy of you and your C-4. I still can't believe you gave your CO his head. Oh well. If anything, it makes a great sedative at least. One look and it's lights out."

"Affirmative. According to Lt Cmdr Kalinin, upon seeing the head, the Tracy couples went unconscious."

"The Tracy couples' rescue? That was Mithril as well? I thought it was Team Hawk and the Thunderbirds."

"The Thunderbirds had a relatively easy role, Mr Edajima. Team Hawk and Mithril did the hard work. Just like in Shanghai, we worked rather well together." Suddenly, he blushes when Kaname seductively smirks at him and winks.

"Oh, yeah. Hard and good work." Feeling warm slightly, he pulls his collar out.

Greatly amused by the interaction, Minoru asks, "What exactly do you do for Mithril, Lt Sagara?" His amusement fades as Sousuke's blush fades. 'Damn, he recovers quickly.'

"I'm primarily an Arm Slave pilot, Mr Edajima. In the past, I've piloted the RK-92 'Savage', the JSDF Type 96, M6 'Bushnell' and the M9 'Gernsback'. There's one other AS that I'm assigned to pilot, but I'm not at liberty to describe it as it is the only one of it's type. However, it can be called for if needed."

Maho grins her shark grin and asks, "What about 'Roadwolf'? You mentioned that one pretty well okay."

"That's because it's here right now. I'm pretty sure the firepower it has will be able to handle it." Sighing, he adds, "It's only too bad our friends in the States were decommissioned. I'm sure they'd love to get in on this."

Kaname puts a hand onto his shoulder and nods. "Yeah. They fought criminals, why not aliens wanting to break up a marriage like theirs?"

Curious, Mizuho asks, "Why were they decommissioned? If you could use the help, they should be able to."

"I'm sure if they could, they would. But, it's out of their hands. They had completed their objective and a dream was realized." Kaname nods in agreement as she takes Sousuke's hand into hers. "These days, decisions are made in the realm of politics. For better or for worse."

Curious, Konoha asks, "What was the objective? And the dream?"

Smiling proudly, Kaname replies, "To shut down the Sho-Da-Kah. And inspire Police forces to do better and get better equipment. Even communities are getting involved. They're quite the influence."

"You're talking about Team Hawk, aren't you? They kicked the Sho-Da-Kah's asses alright. Constantly."

"Affirmative, Mr Edajima. You're very well-informed. It's hard to believe you'd never been in the Intelligence community."

"This may be a small town, but we keep up to date on events. So, what about Team Hawk? Who were they, really?"

Giving Minoru a steely glare, Sousuke replies, "Mr Edajima, the less you know, the better off and safer you'll be. The team consisted of people that have families of their own. People like them and us make enemies that would simply love to eliminate us. If word gets to the wrong people, those families would be in danger. That cannot be allowed. Is that understood?"

"Uh, yes sir." Minoru quietly gulps as he sits back down and trembles. 'His eyes. So cold and inflexible. Like high grade steel. Then again, he is a merc.' Kei notices his Uncle trembling and goes to sit at his side. Before Kei can open his mouth, there's a knock at the door.

"I'd better get that." With that, Konoha goes outside the room, allowing Kei and the others to be alone with their thoughts. "Oh, you're Kei's friends from school. Come on in, please."

"Thank you, Mrs Edajima." The girl's voice is flat, much like Sousuke's is. "We just thought we'd come see how Kei's doing."

As the group enters the room, Sousuke and Kaname see three young ladies. One with black hair, wearing a red and white t-shirt with the word 'lovely' emblazoned on the front and a black skirt, one with red hair, wearing a yellow sun-dress and another with dirty blond hair wearing a simple shirt and shorts. The latter being considerably smaller than the others.

"This is rather unexpected. What brings you here tonight, Miss Kazami?"

"Oh, hello Miss Morino. I'm just having dinner with Kei's Aunt and Uncle. This young couple is about to head out for a hotel. How are you doing tonight?"

"I'm doing fine, Miss Kazami." Noticing Minoru's pale face, she asks, "Um, what's wrong with Mr Edajima? He doesn't look very good."

"He had just heard some of the facts of life, ma'am. It's not a problem."

The smaller one nods and replies, "I see. I'm Ichigo Morino. This is Koishi Herikawa and Kaede Misumi." The black-haired and red-haired young women both bow in greeting.

"I'm Kaname Sagara and this is my husband, Sousuke." Sousuke gives the group a stiff nod as Kaname goes on. "It's getting to be kinda dark. We'd better get going soon."

Koishi nods and replies, "Sorry for interrupting, but Hyosuke and Matagu saw that black car outside and got curious. They're looking it over right now."

Kaname nods and says, "I take it you don't see many cars around here, then."

Ichigo shakes her head and replies, "Around here, people mainly walk to go somewhere or take a train for long distances."

"Well, Kaname and I are on our honeymoon and this is the first stop for our trip. We're going to be here for a few days before we head on out."

Kaede's eyes light up and she snickers. "If you like, there's a hotel just up the road from here. Exclusively for couples. You can't miss it. It's the only castle in the area."

"You're very well-informed. Thank you for the intelligence. It'll help immensely." Kaname can only chuckle in amused exasperation as Koishi and the others look at Sousuke strangely.

"You certainly do speak strangely, Mr Sagara. Are you, perhaps, a warrior or a soldier?" Ichigo looks up at Sousuke's eyes and adds, "You have the eyes of someone that has seen, endured and done so much in so little time. And yet, you're still seeing things for the very first time and going through the motions. Life is a constant battle with you, filled with incredible changes. You're a true survivor." Suddenly, Kaname chuckles.

"She sure got you pegged accurately, Sousuke."

"I'd say she does indeed, Kaname."

Turning her attention to Kaname's eyes, Ichigo goes on. "You have the knowledge that most people can only literally dream of. You're fearless, yet you get scared just as easily and mask it with anger quickly. You nurture your husband, while he watches over you like an ever-vigilant watchman. Like him, you've seen, endured and done a lot. Also like him, you're a true survivor."

Much to her surprise, Sousuke chuckles as he gets onto his knees to look her in the eyes. His steel-grey eyes penetrate her soul, giving her chills. Yet, at the same time, the gaze gives her strength.

"And you have the appearance of someone that's missed so much of life, almost like time was standing still. That's why you have a constantly dour expression. You're very perceptive in all cases." Before he can say anything else, there's another knock at the door. Looking up, he adds, "Must be your other comrades."

"Sousuke, civilian speak only." Sighing in exasperation, Kaname chuckles as Sousuke gets back to his feet.

"Roger."

Kaname can't help but softly giggle, softly bonking her head into the back of Sousuke's left shoulder. Next thing they know, two more teens, both young men, walk in. One with black hair and one slightly taller with blond hair.

The blond haired teen says, "Hey, you guys should check out that car outside. It's a real beaut. It's the latest Celica. Oh, is it yours?"

"Affirmative."

The black haired teen replies, "It's a nice car, sir. Please forgive my friend Hyosuke. He has no tact at times."

"Oh, believe me. I know how you feel. My husband has the worst timing at times with out-to-lunch comments. I'm Kaname Sagara and this is my husband, Sousuke."

The black-haired teen bows and says, "I'm Matagu Shidou and this is Hyosuke Magumo." The blond-haired teen walks over to Sousuke and drapes an arm around his shoulders.

"So, how does she handle?" Next thing he knows, Hyosuke's on the floor, face down, with Sousuke twisting his arm back. Slowly. "Oww, Uncle! Uncle!" Relieved to feel the pressure on his arm released, Hyosuke gets up from the floor and flexes his arm. "You're good." Kaede goes to his side to check him out. "I'm okay, Kaede. He moved quickly."

Unable to hide her scowl and amusement at the same time, Kaname replies, "It handles just fine. And he certainly is and does, given that he's a living weapon. One thing you all should know about Sousuke. If he doesn't know you, he'll react that way. So please don't be all chummy with him until he gets a chance to know you. Many have underestimated him and paid dearly. In terms of Hospital bills."

Mentally, she adds, 'And even on the battlefield, being put into body bags after dying. Or even being detonated.' Subconsciously thinking about Gauron, she gives a shiver. Only Mizuho and the others catch it. Along with Sousuke.

"You all right, Kaname?"

"Yeah. Just a bad memory. That's all." The way she looks at him lets him know it's about Gauron.

"Roger. Well, let's go see about that hotel, shall we? We could use the rest." Kaname nods softly at Sousuke's thought and the couple bows to everyone. "We'll see you all tomorrow."

"Thanks for dinner, Konoha. It was superb. Just as good as my cooking."

"Why thank you, Mrs Sagara. I hope to see you two tomorrow. Miss Kazami, will you be staying for seconds?" As Konoha turns to Mizuho, the Sagaras exit the house and go right to their car.

"No, I better be getting to my place. Mr Kusanagi."

"Yes, Miss Kazami?"

"I expect to see you early in the morning so we can go over that project of yours."

"Kei's doing a project? Why weren't we assigned?"

"It was something he decided to do on his own for graduation, Mr Magumo. You're all more than welcome to do your own projects and submit them."

"Oh, like taking initiative to get a good grade for graduation." At Mizuho's nod, Koishi smiles and says, "I've got just the thing, too."

"Miss Herikawa, you're not going to try copying Mr Yamada's work, are you?"

"Nope. I'm going to ask him if he could help me do an airplane of my own design."

At that, she exits the house and sees Sousuke and Kaname sitting still in their car, with it's engine running, seemingly talking with someone. 'Huh, who are they talking to?' Next thing she knows, the car bolts away, a sonic boom rising in the distance. The air around her is disturbed, prompting her to cover her face from debris.

When the disturbance ends, she says, "Golly. God in Heaven."

Looking down at herself, she sees her skirt had been blown upward, revealing her panties to the world around her. With her face beet red, she shrieks before smoothing down her skirt and stalks off to home. Her mind awash in thoughts. 'That's a very fast car.'

Inside the car, Kaname is laughing over the look on Koishi's face. "I tell you, Sousuke. I've never seen a girl go that red before. Not even myself. That was priceless." Grinning as Sousuke cuts the turbos, she adds, "She'll probably learn to better guard herself."

"I'm sure she will. Just like she'd disagree with you on that being priceless, Kaname. Go on ahead, Lieutenant Commander."

The Russian's visage is visible on the monitor as he smiles and replies,"I've had Intelligence Division go over that town you're both in. Year before last, UFO was seen in vicinity and quickly vanished. Story died over time, but Mithril had kept story under close observation. If it is indeed true, arrangements must be made to protect Mrs Kusanagi and her husband."

"Are we talking witness protection of sorts?"

"Yes, Mrs Sagara." Kaname can't help a soft smile upon Kalinin's use of her married name. "That is indeed case. Even more, Mithril is interested in case of people that have 'standstills'. You say that you have encountered two people that have them?"

"Affirmative, sir. Mr Kusanagi and I suspect Miss Morino as well."

Blinking, Kaname asks, "Ichigo? Why her, Sousuke?"

"I looked at her eyes, Kaname. They're attached to a much younger face, but they belong to a woman that's missed so much of life due to 'standstills'. It's something I picked up from Sgt Major Mao. Have you found any others, Lt Commander?"

"No, not yet. Hopefully, those two cases are isolated enough. But, more interestingly enough is origin of disease. Experiment in biological warfare or simple genetics? Much like question about 'Whispered' and where knowledge they possess came from."

Shuddering, Kaname remarks, "I don't know if I'd want to have something like that in my genes. It's bad enough I'm 'Whispered'. But, something like that? It simply makes my skin crawl. I mean, not aging on the outside, yet aging on the inside? There's something really, really wrong with that."

"Correct. Which only leaves us with experiment in biological warfare theory. Little over two decades ago, Mithril had once intercepted series of transmissions before sending them through. I'm sending you transcripts now. It could be regarding 'standstills'." With that, the elder Russian's visage winks out and is replaced by text.

"Assignment 'Time-Stop' underway. Used a Hospital Nursery to dose various subjects with injections. Will repeat in three years time, with injections into newborns every three years. Experiment to be observed with great scrutiny." With the next notation, they notice a time stamp, indicating two and a half years afterward.

"Side effects noted within subjects of first injection. At a time of high stress, the body will come to a sudden stop, without aging externally, yet aging internally, as time goes by. Suggest refining the serum for the project to safely continue." The next one is dated six months later.

"Second injection completed. Two newborn boys injected. Potential for side effects exists." Next one is stamped a year later.

"Potential is now fact. Second batch has the same side effect. More refinement is necessary before the next injection." The next to final one is bloodcurdling, dated years apart from each other.

"I ordered Assignment 'Time-Stop' halted. Upon being advised of the side effects on the subjects, however, the Project's Sponsor stated that sacrifices must be made. In turn, the project continues. Much to my sorrow, I agreed to stay on. God forgive me." The couple then sees one more transmission. One with a dire tone and undated.

"Upon seeing a tragic event unfold, the test subjects invariably shut down for an indeterminate amount of time. A young girl saw her best friend die in an accident within an affluent neighborhood while a young man saw his sister plunge to her death at their school. I've been watching the only two survivors, discreetly.

All of the other children that were injected, however, died. Their families, unable to pay for extended life support, had said support terminated. Upon realizing the young man's family was not wealthy, I snuck some funds into their account. With an advisory that it only be used for his life support. I wish I had never gotten involved with this shameful project. It's caused nothing but total heartbreak. Both for the families of the victims and my own."

Kaname gasps and puts her hands to her mouth in horror, imagining Sousuke Jr being injected with it, along with fighting the sudden urge to vomit and succeeding. Barely. Beside her, Sousuke angrily presses his foot down to the floor, speeding the car up.

"Ending transmission, sir. I don't think I'd care to read anymore of that report. Once you find the source, let me know sir. I'll take that site down. Hard. No matter what." Much to their relief, the text vanishes and is replaced by Kalinin's visage.

"I don't blame you one bit, Lieutenant. Any Father would be that angry if someone was to do that to their own child. Or anyone else's for that matter."

Sousuke notices the car's speed and starts easing off. He then gulps and says, "I just can't believe that someone could be so callous as to do that to innocent children."

"It made Captain Testarossa upset as well, Lieutenant. She was so upset, she started swearing. Some of words are even non-existent. She's swearing so much, it would put Sgt Major Mao's vulgarity to shame. She's even wanting to tie them to doors for flight deck on Tuatha de Danaan and see how long they can hold their breath underwater before drowning and dying. As of moment, she hasn't stopped swearing yet."

"Sure didn't see that coming. Tessa's usually more verbally reserved. Can anyone say 'sadistically mean much'? Then again, I can't really say I blame her at all." Kaname can't help but smirk, adding, "If she finds a nice enough guy, she'll make a wonderful Mom." She's then surprised to see the tall Russian grin softly.

"I have no doubt she will, Mrs Sagara. As for others, Sgt Weber is wanting to use 57mm Bofors to snipe with on those responsible and blow their bodies apart. Without benefit of AS around them. Sgt Major Mao wants to tear them apart with her Command M9's hands. Commander Mardukas is even thinking of sending offending party out of torpedo tube or even missile hatch. Tied to either torpedo or cruise missile. He's quite torn, truth be told. As am I." For an instant, both teens can see amusement in his eyes.

"I vote tying every single one of them onto a 'Predator' drone, loaded down with C-4 and an impact trigger. Do a series of aerial maneuvers and make them sick to their stomachs before detonating their damn asses and the facility they make that lousy shit in."

"I'm with Lieutenant Lunacy on this one. Make some big ka-booms that way." Her eyes taking a fierce glint, Kaname adds, "We've certainly got more than enough firepower to wipe out that rat hole. Should we ever find it."

"I'm sure we will, Mrs Sagara. In meantime, both of you enjoy honeymoon and try to relax." The Russian's face is now serious, yet still filled with amusement from earlier.

"We'll try to, sir. But, after finding out what we have, it's not going to be easy."

"I understand and agree, Lt Sagara. Kalinin out." With that, the Russian's visage smiles again before it winks off and Kaname reclines against her seat.

"He's right, you know. You both are, Sousuke. I just can't help but shudder over if..." Relieved to feel his hand in hers, she intertwines her fingers with his.

"I know, Kaname. Quite frankly, I find the thought quite disturbingly hostile." His face contorting into anger, he goes on. "Once we find those responsible, we wipe them and the research out. No questions asked, no mercy shown. Matter of fact, I wonder what it'd be like to have them go through a 'standstill' of their own."

"No killing? That's unlike you, Sousuke."

"Well, if you look at it like this, death is simply too good for those criminals. They need to suffer, much like those that have suffered every time they went into a 'standstill'. What could be a better way than to put them in a 'standstill' of their own? Give them a chance to think things over. Cruel irony or poetic justice? I don't know. You tell me, Kaname." Giving her a gleeful grin, he's surprised to see one on her face.

"I'd say it's both, Sousuke. Oh, up on top of that hill there." Kaname gets Sousuke's attention and goes on. "Wow, Kaede was right. It is a castle."

"This is going to be a first for me, Kaname. Never stayed in a castle before."

"Yeah, same with me. In a way, it's kinda like piloting your first AS. Your life was and is still full of firsts. It always will be." Her face going softly pink, she quietly adds, "You were my first sex, Sousuke." Turning, she sees Sousuke's face is pink as well. "Leonard may have kissed me, but he has nothing on you, my love. You're much better than him."

"You were my first time as well, Kaname. I don't count Mizuki since I didn't know what kissing really was."

"What? No way! You did very well after dinner that night in New York. From my perspective, of course." Sighing as Sousuke parks the car, she grabs his head, turns his face to hers and lays a massive kiss on him. "Well, shall we go inside, darling?"

"Affirmative, dear." With that, the couple exits the car and Sousuke brings out their suitcases, Kaname eager to leave the memory of Leonard behind and what he'd done.

"Need any help, honey?"

"Yeah, that'd be great, sweetie. Thanks."

"Well, I can't have you strain yourself before the night's out."

Giving him a slightly predatorial grin, she takes her two bags and wheels them in behind her. As he watches her, he remembers seeing her one bag being filled with very sexy and lacy lingerie in the parking lot of the school before they left Sengawa.

Sighing, he thinks, 'Why do I get the feeling she's going to be the end of me?'

Hoisting his rucksack over his shoulder, he closes the car's doors and secures it. Upon walking inside, he can't help but be impressed by the sheer opulence of the place. Golden light fixtures, fancy and erotic pieces of art and fine tapestries draped along the walls.

'They really went all out here.' Walking up to behind Kaname, he sees her looking at a wall filled with screens depicting the bedrooms.

Turning back to him, she asks, "Which one do you like, Sousuke?"

Stroking his chin as he looks over the pictures, he replies, "I'd suggest the one that'll allow for easy extraction should an attack occur. Maybe that one in the upper corner, right hand side. It seems to be tactically sound enough. It's facing the parking lot, allowing for a rapid escape should it be necessary."

Chortling seductively, Kaname replies, "There'll be an attack all right. But not the kind you're used to, Sousuke. But, you know, that room does look very attractive. It'll work. Lets see. 115." She presses the button and the key card comes out. "Okay. Honeymoon, take one." Next thing she knows, Sousuke begins helping her with her bags.

"I believe it's traditional for the husband to do this during the honeymoon."

"It's also traditional for the husband to be able to please his mate."

"I'm more than up to it." He's then surprised when Kaname pecks his lips.

"You certainly are, Sousuke." Smiling brightly, she leads her husband to their selected room. Upon arrival, Kaname uses the key-card to open the door and giggles as she pulls Sousuke inside. "Action!"

Back in space, Togama is about to head out on her assignment. 'Since Kazami's last assignment was as a teacher, it should be a perfect cover for me to come in as a new teacher's aide.' After making the arrangements, she turns to her wardrobe.

"Can't go around wearing the uniform. Ah, this will do just fine. Gruberi, teleportation to the planet's surface now. This is a Priority One." Once she's on the surface of the Earth, she looks down at her floral print dress and says, "Not bad at all."

Returning her attention to Gruberi, she says, "Keep yourself in geo-synchronis orbit until you get my signal or Kazami begins using any traceable power device on Marie-siel. This is a Priority One." With that, Gruberi vanishes, leaving Togama alone.

'First, find the school she was teaching at. It's highly likely she's teaching there again.' With that, Togama begins walking into town. Upon reaching the school, she finds a man with short-cut hair working on a human-powered aircraft.

"You're too noisy, you know that?" Togama is stunned aghast as the man turns around, a frown on his face. "Whoever you are, you have no business being here. This area is restricted to school personnel or students only."

"You are?"

"Just call me Mr Yamada. I'm the technology teacher here at the school." Yamada steps toward Togama and says, "As for you, unless you have a valid reason for being here, you have two options. Either tell me who you are or come back during the week."

Feeling a surge of confidence, Togama replies, "Ryoko Togama, the new teacher's aide."

"Come back during the week and talk to the Principal."

"Why not tomorrow?"

"No school on the weekends."

"Wow. What a concept. Where I came from, we had school every day. And I mean every." Much to her surprise, Mr Yamada starts chuckling. "What's so funny?"

"In a way, you're like Miss Kazami."

"Miss Kazami? As in Mizuho Kazami?"

"Yep. Unless there's another teacher with such a unique name."

"You know her?" Mentally, she begins crowing. 'Yes! Now I'm cooking!'

"Yep. She's one of the best teachers here. How do you know her?"

"Oh, we went to school together." Shrugging, she mentally adds, 'It's close enough to the truth.' Squaring her shoulders, she takes a look at his plane. "A human-powered flier, huh?"

"Yep. This is the one that took first place last year at Lake Biwa."

Feigning her being impressed, she says, "Wow. The competition must have been minor. It's very well-built." That last part had been spoken truthfully, with her thinking, 'For a primitive life-form, that is.'

"Thanks. Not really, though. There was another flier. It's construction was just about the same as this one, only it was made with better materials."

Now truly intrigued, she asks, "Then how'd you win?"

"My behind the scenes MVP. She brought me my daily lunch from the store her family runs." Suddenly yawning, Mr Yamada says, "I've done all I can for the night. I'll come back in the morning and work on it some more."

"What about no school?" Puzzled, Togama steps out with Mr Yamada and watches him close the door.

"Just because there's no school, there is no reason to fall behind on your work. Night."

"Good night, Mr Yamada." As the teacher walks away, Togama sighs and thinks, 'I think I understand why Mizuho chose to come back here. Given it's part of her heritage, humanity is interesting to examine. Especially Mr Yamada. Even though he seems to be a little, no, make that extremely odd.' Letting out a slight giggle, she starts walking away.

Stepping away from the school, her thoughts turn introspective. 'Just before I attacked, I saw her running beside the human she had fallen in love with. In some ways, it reminds me of her Mother's story. Maybe there's something about their physiology that draws us to them.'

"Gruberi." Upon the command, her link, a green construct with a wiry tail, appears in front of her. "Tell me everything about Mizuho Kazami's initial assignment and her reports. Including that of one Kei Kusanagi. This is a Priority One." Gruberi salutes and displays the information.

"Interesting. When she appeared before Command, she had an objection. Saying something about an honorable wife protecting her husband from danger. Stemming from her entry into his mind. Hello." Upon reading Mizuho's report on Kei in particular, a tear falls from her left eye before it dries up on her cheek.

"I understand, Mizuho. But you still violated orders. Perhaps, when I bring you in, they'll be able to help Kei with his condition. And all others like him. Gruberi, any signs of activity from Marie-siel?" At Gruberi's negative reply, she says, "Very well. Return to the ship and continue monitoring. This is a Priority One." Finding a spot nearby, she goes to sleep, wondering how it went sideways between she and Mizuho.

As Hatsuho and Maho walk alongside Kei and Mizuho, Maho grins sneakily and asks, "So Kei, when can I expect to be an Aunt?" Upon hearing him stumble, Maho chuckles meanly. "Still keeping the lovey-dovey down some, huh?"

"Actually, Maho, Kei and I are still quite lovey-dovey with each other. We're even about to do something to accommodate your wish to be an Aunt. Marie." Upon seeing her link appear, Mizuho says, "Transport Kei and I to our home. This is a Priority One."

Upon seeing them vanish, Maho suddenly yawns and Hatsuho laughs softly. "Looks like someone stayed up late watching Kei and Mizuho. I believe you're still too young for it, Maho. It's a good thing Kei's classmates went home already."

"Yeah, I know. Miruru, teleportation now. This is a Priority One."

Inside their shared apartment, Kei and Mizuho get ready for bed.

"Mizuho?" Mizuho looks up at Kei and smiles softly upon seeing him.

"Yes, Kei?"

"What you have in mind. Will it be safe for both of us?"

"It is. But, you have to be unconscious through it all. One of the things my Father taught me, before he died, was how to minimize the pain others suffered. I haven't done it in a long time, however. So I may be a bit rusty."

Giving her a kiss, he softly grazes her breast and replies, "I trust you, Mizuho."

"And I trust you, Kei."

Softly wrapping her arms around him, she gives him a soft kiss as he slips her pink lingerie off before entering her. As the two make love, Mizuho gently strokes his back, just as her orgasm strikes. Kissing Mizuho softly as he pumps her, he goes down to her breasts and sucks on her nipples. Just as his essence rushes into her.

Inside their hotel suite, Sousuke and Kaname are looking at each other intently, debating on the inside the universal question. 'What side of the bed do I sleep on?'

Pondering, Sousuke thinks, 'Facing the doorway, I'd have a clear shot at the intruder. But, if a window attack is to happen, Kaname could be grabbed.' Little does he realize that Kaname has the same thought, along with something else in mind.

"Come on, Sousuke. Let's do what you used to do. Sleep under the bed. Use the pillows, shape them like bodies in an intimate position."

"That sounds good enough. If there was a closet in here, we could lay in ambush and come out of the closet when the intruder's dead."

"Sousuke?"

"Yes, Kaname?"

"Please never use that expression again. 'Come out of the closet'? Sounds like an announcement for something else altogether. Combine that with 'Lay in ambush' and 'Dead', we get something totally twisted."

"Sorry, Kaname." Kaname can't help but feel down at his downtrodden tone.

"No, Sousuke, no. It's not your fault. You're still doing your best. Matter of fact, that did sound kinda funny. If it had been anyone else that heard it, their reaction would have been very disturbing." Smiling softly, she takes down her shorts, removes her shirt and says, "I've always wanted to make love on the floor, Sousuke. Be it lying down on it. Or..."

Stepping toward him, she softly whispers, "With you standing up, holding me up against the wall as you fuck me silly." Once she's in front of him, she takes his hand into hers and places it between her bra-covered breasts.

Leaning in to give Sousuke a kiss, she slowly closes her eyes while Sousuke does the same. Upon contact, Sousuke lifts his giggling wife off of her feet and carries her over to the bedside.

"You sure you don't want to be on the bed for this, Kaname?"

"I'm sure, Sousuke. I'm sure." Kissing him again as they descend to the carpet-covered floor, Kaname lets out a giggling moan as she feels Sousuke's erection against her crotch. "I see someone's excited about the honeymoon."

"There is so much in life I haven't had a chance to enjoy before. Life itself in particular." Sighing sadly, he adds, "All I had going for me was fighting the good fight." His face suddenly brightening, he says, "Then I entered your life."

"Hmm, I'd say we entered each others' lives, Sousuke. But I get your meaning." Giving him another kiss, she says, "The good fight is always needed. After all, the only way for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing at all." Softly and lovingly grazing his scar, she adds, "Sousuke, you are a Type A personality. You became one the instant your parents were killed. Leonard Testarossa is a psychotic terrorist wannabe asshole."

Any further speech is cut off as Sousuke wraps his lips around hers. As they kiss passionately, Kaname feels her panties being brought down and reaches to bring Sousuke's trousers down. As she does so, she licks her lips in anticipation of catching a glimpse. Much to her surprised delight, he's wearing nothing underneath.

"If you'll pardon the expression, I see you're going 'Commando' for the time being. I thought I felt a lack of briefs earlier in Roadwolf." Suddenly giggling, she gives Sousuke a quick peck as she wraps his member in a condom before bringing him down into herself. "Let's make some happy memories, Sousuke. Forget Leonard and all that he did."

"Roger." With that, he kisses his wife as he starts pumping her.

As he pumps her, Kaname removes her bra, allowing her breasts to bounce freely with every pump. Glad she had taken the precaution of wrapping him, Kaname gives him a soft moan as he continually pumps her. They both feel their orgasms come on and ride out the ebb of passion together as Sousuke unleashes his load into the condom and softly kisses Kaname.

"Hmm, now that was a good honeymoon start, Sousuke."

"Hmm, affirmative." Pulling out of her, Sousuke removes the condom and wraps it in toilet paper before returning to Kaname's side, intent on only sleeping. Giving his wife a soft kiss, he says, "Good night, Kana-kun."

Returning it, she replies, "Good night, Sous-kun."

The next morning, Kei wakes up to find Mizuho asleep in his arms and nude, wearing a soft smile on her face. Giving her a soft kiss, he smiles as she opens her eyes.

"Good morning, Mizuho."

"Good morning, Kei." Mizuho gives him a quick kiss and grins upon feeling him brush several strands of stray hair from her face.

"How are you feeling?"

"Hmm, deeply fulfilled. You?"

"The same. On your planet, how long does it take to conceive a child?"

"I'm not sure exactly, but I think our gestation periods are the same as regular humans."

"How long is that?"

"Nine months."

"Yep. It's the same with regular humans." Mizuho giggles as she kisses Kei again. "What time do you want to head out?"

"The sooner, the better. I just hope Mr and Mrs Sagara will be able to carry out their role in all this."

"Agreed." As they dress, Kei asks, "Just what exactly does it entail, Mizuho? The procedure, I mean."

"Let's see. I get naked, strip you naked and mount you, joining your mind and mine together. While we're joined, you pump me silly." Upon seeing his red face, she giggles and adds, "Just kidding. Although that is one place I'd like to try making love."

"Maybe after we get done. Unless you want to try a quickie when we get there before we begin."

"Oh, could we? That sounds like a lot of fun." Mizuho giggles upon seeing him go red again before he starts chuckling as well. Once they're dressed, Kei exits the door, with Mizuho saying, "I'll be two minutes behind you."

"Okay. See you later."

"Bye." Upon hearing the door close, Mizuho thinks, 'I think we may have conceived. Which means I'll have to wait for at least a week, just to be sure. I'm already feeling tired.' Yawning, she verbally adds, "Then again, I'm probably just tired still. Kei did keep me up all night last night." Upon checking her watch, she nods and says, "It's time to go."

Walking out of the apartment and closing the door, Mizuho starts wishing she could have used the long-range teleportation. But, recalling that the long-range teleporter has a traceable power supply, both she and Kei agreed it'd be better to simply walk to where Marie-siel was ensconced. 'It's such a beautiful day today to walk anyway.'

As he walks, Kei looks up at the sky and smiles at the sunshine in the distance. "Kei? Kei Kusanagi?" His bright mood is then quickly shattered upon recognizing the voice, prompting him to stop. "It is you. I finally found you after two years of searching. You look well, Kei." For an instant, he could hear a hint of relief and regret.

"Yuriko. Yuriko Tanaka." Turning around, he sees one of his supposed 'friends' from back home. Giving her a quick nod, he coldly says, "You certainly don't look any worse for wear. Now that you found me, you can go home and just forget you found me."

The slender, short-cut raven-haired young woman in front of him frowns at the coldness in his words and says, "Aww, come on, Kei. You're still not sore, are you?"

"Kinda hard not to be sore. Especially since you and the others started backstabbing and making fun of me!"

Rolling her eyes, Yuriko then says, "Kei, come on. It was the only way for me and the others to cope with what had happened to you. Especially since Kozue.."

"Don't you say it! Don't you ever say her name again! Only my friends can use her name!"

Jabbing her right thumb into her chest, Yuriko hotly retorts, "Dammit, I am your friend, Kei!"

"If you were my friend, you wouldn't have started laughing at me and backstabbing me!"

Grunting, he turns away from her and says, "This is why I left Shinjuku. For a clean start. No one except my Aunt and Uncle, save my friends within my classmates, know about my condition." Feeling a sudden urge to be wicked, he goes with it. "Even my wife knows about my 'standstills'. She's very caring. Compared to you and the others."

"Wife? You're married?" Yuriko can't take it anymore and starts laughing. "I can't believe it. You, of all the people in the world unlucky enough to get 'standstills', married? This is simply too rich!"

"And just what is wrong with Kei being married?" Yuriko stifles her laughter and turns around to see an attractive, yet seething, pink-haired woman wearing glasses. "You must be one of Kei's old 'friends'. I have something for you."

Next thing Yuriko knows, the woman slaps her. Hard.

Wincing in pain, Yuriko asks, "What was that for? I only wanted to find him."

"I suggest you go back home and leave Kei alone. He doesn't need people like you in his life. Like he said, you can just forget that you found him."

"What's it to you? Even more, I've been looking for him for a little over two years! There's no way I'm going to simply forget about him!"

"I'm his wife! I'd say you wasted your time! If he doesn't want to see you, then he doesn't want to see you!"

"Okay, where's the camera at? This is a joke, right?" Turning back toward Kei, she sees that he's serious. "It's not a joke, Kei? You're dead serious? You're really married?"

"No joke, Yuriko. I may have been in a 'standstill' for three years, but I'm now 20 years old. I just don't look it, is all. This is my wife, Mizuho."

"Kei, if you don't come back, I'll tell the others and they'll come see you. Can you really hold out under the pressure? I know how you get when you're stressed, Kei."

"Forget it, Yuriko!" Yuriko is so startled at Kei's angry shout, she shies back, only to bump into a very-equally-angry Mizuho. "You and the others made me sick. You never took the time to welcome me back into the world when I came out of my 'standstill'. You snobs just made me feel worthless. I want nothing to do with you or the others. Tell them that."

With tears starting to flow freely from her eyes, Yuriko retorts, "Kei, I'm not leaving until I clear this up. The only reason we made fun is to distract ourselves from the tragedy of her death. We knew it would have been a sore spot for you. So, we covered it the best way we can. On behalf of the others and myself, I apologize to you, Kei. We didn't mean to hurt your feelings. When you left, we felt terrible. Hanoske, Shiori, Sakura. All of us. Shiori took your leaving the hardest, for crying out loud! She had a..." Starting to sob as she talks, Yuriko finds herself cut off as Kei interrupts her.

"If you hadn't started, I would have stayed. You all have to live with the aftermath. Not me. In short, it's your problem, not mine."

Next thing they know, Yuriko, her body jerking with sobs, starts running away from them, her eyes heavily flowing with tears. As she runs away from them, Kei turns to Mizuho and sighs.

"I blew it, didn't I?"

Shaking her head softly as she approaches him, she replies, "No, you didn't. She blew it the instant you told her you were married. But I believe she truly wanted to make amends for what had happened. I believe she still does." Cupping his face softly, she starts shedding tears. "Humanity can be so cruel with itself at times, can't it?"

"Yeah, it can, Mizuho. I'd say it's too late for us."

"No Kei. It's not too late. Why, if more people were like you, the world would be a much better and happier place."

"You sure about that?"

"Oh yes. After all, you don't have a mean bone in your body."

"I don't know. That seemed to be pretty mean to me."

"She had it coming, Kei."

"Yeah, I guess so. In a way, it kind of gave me some kind of vindicated closure." Giving her a soft kiss, he sighs and says, "The sooner we can get this done, the better. Even more, I don't think I'd want to remember what had happened just now."

"Agreed. And quite understandable. We'll have to chance a teleportation. Marie, teleport us to the med-bay. This is a Priority One." Once the couple vanishes, a concealed Togama exits the covering bushes and muses thoughtfully.

'If I can convince that Earth girl that Kei was influenced, she'll be able to make her amends to him. While he and Kazami are separated, I can grab Kazami without a problem.'

Out loud, she says, "Gruberi, center me on the location of the one known as Yuriko Tanaka. This is a Priority One."

At the train station, five minutes later, Yuriko is crying her eyes out as she sits outside the closed train station. The sign on the door says, 'Will return at noon.'

As she cries, she thinks, 'I failed. It's all my fault. I should have never volunteered for this. But, Shiori was so devastated when he left her behind. I mean, she had a massive crush on him! Heck, she still has a crush on him. But, I had to choose the worst possible way to cope with what had happened to him. Even more, I just had to make it worse by letting them get in on it. I don't blame him at all.'

"You okay?" Blinking, her blurry eyes make out a woman with long orange hair and wearing a blue floral print dress sitting down beside her. "You look like you're in pain."

"The worst. I spent the last two years trying to track Kei down to make amends and what does he do? He throws it right back at me. Of course, I can't say I blame him. Especially with what we had put him through."

"Why'd you track him down to make amends?"

"For making fun of him after he came out of his coma."

"How long was it?"

"Three years. He was in that state ever since his sister, Kozue, died. Here's the kicker. On the outside, he had never even aged. Inside, however, he did. Right now, he's twenty years old and married to a beautiful woman. Matter of fact, his wife slapped me. Very hard."

"I've never heard of something like that."

"That's because it's the only case I know about. It's actual name is 'standstill'. Ever since he was a kid, he's had this disease that would freeze his body up anytime he felt depressed or stressed out. He gave us some very bad scares when he wouldn't even be breathing. When we found out, we tried to be understanding. But then, Kozue died and Kei went into a 'standstill' for three years."

Wincing in sympathy, the woman says, "Something like that would be depressing and stressful."

"We all took turns at his bedside, pleading for him to open his eyes. It took him three years to do so. When he woke back up, he still looked fifteen, but he was actually 18. He had such a hard time keeping up with our conversations. That was when we started making fun of him. To mask our pain and sorrow."

Starting to sob again, she goes on. "Some friends we turned out to be! We drove him away from us! One day, he just disappeared! Shiori was so devastated, she even considered suicide! But, she remembered Kozue and decided she'd live on, wanting to make amends to Kei! To this day, she has a massive crush on him! If I tell her he'd gotten hitched to someone other than her, she'll probably have a heart attack from the sheer shock of it all! The others expressed their desire to do so as well, along with me! So, I volunteered, thinking Kei'd be receptive at least! It was six months after he left us!"

As she wails, the woman wraps a tentative arm around her and holds her. "When I finally found him after two years and tried to make amends, he just dismissed me! Like I was nothing to him!" As Yuriko's body shakes in sobs, the woman softly pats her back.

"Sometimes, painful experiences like that are hard to forgive. Especially if it's someone you know. I've been there a couple of times, but I always had someone with me to ensure I didn't up and do something incredibly dumb. It doesn't take the pain away, but it does help. A man once said that 'Time heals all wounds'. It could be that Kei's wounds from your friends' taunts haven't healed over yet."

With a self-loathing tone, Yuriko replies, "Oh, there's no 'could be' about it. When I looked at his eyes, I only saw anger, disappointment, rejection and a smattering of hatred. Not that I can blame him one bit, especially with what we had put him through." Sniffling, she adds, "I'm so sorry. I'm spilling my guts out to you and I don't even know who you are."

"Ryoko Togama."

"Yuriko Tanaka." The two women exchange a handshake as Yuriko's eyes keep dripping tears.

Bringing out a handkerchief, Togama hands it to Yuriko. As the young lady blows her nose and dabs her eyes dry, Togama then looks around before turning back to Yuriko.

"Ready for Round 2?"

"Round 2? Are you kidding me? If I go anywhere near him again, who knows what he'd do? Quite frankly, if he wanted to kill me, I wouldn't blame him one bit."

"I have an objective here, so I'll be brief. His wife is a fugitive from Justice. He could very well be in danger." At Yuriko's shocked gasp, Togama nods and goes on.

"She's done this kind of thing before. She left him after she married him, erased his memories of her and, upon returning to him, married him again. If she's to leave him again, it could very well put him in a 'standstill'. One that could very well be permanent. If I can get her away from him and erase his memory of her, he won't go into one."

"That's, that's horrible! Is she dangerous?"

"She was taught fighting skills by the Grand Masters at our Academy. She was top of the class while I was a close second. You do the math."

"I've got to warn him!" Before Yuriko can get up, she finds herself being restrained. "Let me go! Please!"

"You can't just go off half-cocked! Sit back down!" Once Yuriko had retaken her seat, Ryoko goes on. "Look, I admire your spunky spirit, but you need to develop a plan first, Yuriko. Then, you go for it."

"Okay."

"There's something else, too."

"What is it?"

"I had a little trouble yesterday. Before I can split the two up, I was thwarted by an unknown assailant."

"An accomplice?"

"Possibly. Therefore, I want you to find the accomplice and stop him. Here's the information I managed to get hold of." Handing Yuriko a sheet of paper, she sits back as Yuriko reads, reclining against the bench.

"Very strange name. 'Roadwolf'. Sounds like something someone would name a vehicle." Suddenly, her eyes go wide and she jolts forward. "He threatened you with a Copperhead missile? That's one of the deadliest missiles in the U.S. arsenal."

"U.S.?" Blinking uncomprehendingly, Ryoko asks, "What's that mean?"

"United States. I can't believe you don't know the initials for another country. Chances are, Roadwolf is an American. He could very well be her American counterpart." Frowning as she looks the paper over, she says, "It's too bad you couldn't get more details about him."

"American, huh? Must have missed that day's lessons then. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been in second at graduation. Well, like I said, he wasn't very easy to see." Once Yuriko gives her answer, Togama thinks, 'Gotcha now, Kazami!'

Inside Marie-siel, Mizuho and Kei are within the Medical bay and Kei gets onto one of the beds. Straddling him, Mizuho gently lies him down as she kisses him passionately. Checking her watch, she nods at the idea they can do a quickie. Stripping herself nude, she watches Kei strip himself nude as well.

Upon seeing his erection, Mizuho decides to try sucking on him. When she gets her lips around his member, she starts bobbing up and down, with Kei running his fingers through her hair. Next thing they both know, he climaxes into her mouth. Turning her on, she proceeds to mount him.

As the couple copulates, Mizuho pictures herself carrying Kei's children and loving it. Upon feeling him explode into her, she looks and notices that he's out cold. "Well, I guess that's one way of rendering oneself unconscious without having to go into a 'standstill'. Even if I'm not the one that has them."

Putting on her sleeveless spacesuit, she hurriedly redresses Kei and softly pecks his cheek. "Thanks for the pump, my love. Now all we gotta do is wait for Lt and Mrs Sagara to arrive."

At the hotel, Sousuke and Kaname wake up beside each other and smile softly as they rise up from the floor. "Mmm, that was a nice start for our honeymoon, Sousuke."

"Indeed." Looking along her slender form, he softly squeezes her breast as she strokes his member, adding, "Very nice start, indeed." Blushing, Kaname gives Sousuke a soft kiss as she starts picking up their clothes.

"So, what'll we wear today, Sousuke?"

"I suggest fatigues, Kaname. After all, we're doing diversion duty while Mrs Kusanagi has a chat with Mr Kusanagi's mind and contends with his most painful memory."

"Oh yeah. That's right. Okay. Fatigues it is, Sousuke. We'll come back afterward, return to the room, get onto the bed and make some more memories."

"Hmm, I love that plan." As he brings the fatigues out of his rucksack, he asks, "What would you like to do at the next stop?"

"I'm thinking maybe scuba diving. In the buff." Upon hearing Sousuke slam down, stunned, into the floor, Kaname softly giggles. "Yeah, that sounds good. Scuba in the buff in Okinawa. Kim told me that she and Ron even had sex underwater while in L.A. That's certainly got me interested. Then we go to the Onken and soak together in the hot natural springs together. Maybe even spend time in the open-air bath, fucking each others' brains out. We can even fuck each others' brains out while we soak in the springs."

Walking over to a now-unconscious, grinning and blood-soaked Sousuke, she plucks the fatigues out of his hand and smirks as she puts them on. 'Guess he likes the idea.'

Fifteen minutes later, a cleaned-up Sousuke and grin-bearing Kaname exit their room and head out to Roadwolf. As they open the doors, they give each other a nod just before getting in. As Sousuke starts the engine, Kaname positions her seat and begins the checklist, with Sousuke reading the items off.

"Main power on."

"Check."

"Weapons."

"Check."

"ECS."

"Check."

Sousuke checks off the items as he grabs the gear selection lever and puts the car into 'Reverse'. Wheeling the car around to face the exit, he puts his monocle on, signaling for Kaname to do the same.

"Checklist complete. We're good to go, Sousuke."

Putting the lever into 'Drive', he replies, "Roger. Hitting the turbos."

Tires screaming, the powerful sports car quickly exits the parking lot and heads for where they had met Kei and Mizuho. As they drive along, Kaname looks around and wishes she had the camera with her, instead of leaving it in the room. In her handbag. Suddenly, she realizes something important.

"Sousuke, aren't you going to activate the ECS?"

"Negative. Otherwise, we wouldn't be able to be the diversion."

"Sousuke, if they get a lock on us, we're as good as dead."

"Not if we get them first, Kaname."

Shaking her head in disbelief, she remarks, "I hope we make it through this, Sousuke. I really do. I want to see our baby again, for crying out loud."

"If it makes you feel any better, I hope we do too, Kaname. I want to see our baby again as well."

"It's not exactly a consolation, but it'll do."

As she walks along the pathway to Kei's house, Koishi turns around upon hearing a car's engine. Catching sight of the Sagaras' car, she then waves before noticing it's speed and suddenly remembers what had happened the previous night. Upon the memory, she shrieks.

"Oh no! My skirt!"

Holding her skirt down with both hands, she waits for the car to blow past her. Sure enough, it does. Only the shockwave winds up knocking her over backward. As she tumbles head over heels backward, she grunts painfully. Once she's stopped tumbling, she sits up and rubs her head.

"Oww. Golly. God in Heaven."

Getting back up, she starts walking in the direction of the car's heading, intent on giving a lunatic driver named Sousuke a piece of her mind. 'If I had the authority, I'd drive that car like he did and see how he likes being knocked over like a damn bowling pin!'

In the back of Roadwolf, an amused Kaname shakes her head and says, "We just blew Miss Herikawa away. Literally, Sousuke."

"That poor girl." Kaname notices the equally-amused grin in his voice and smirks as well.

"You enjoyed that, didn't you?"

"Don't hate the player, hate the game."

Rolling her eyes as she checks the monitor, Kaname retorts, "I think I'd rather suck the player off. Cut the turbos, Sousuke. We're getting close to the coordinates that we first met Mr and Mrs Kusanagi at."

"Roger."

As the couple feels the car slowing down, Sousuke chances a look back toward Kaname and sees her blow a kiss to him. Returning it, he turns back in time to see Mizuho materialize in front of Roadwolf, wearing a black, cleavage-revealing, sleeveless wetsuit-like garment. Bringing the car to a stop, he puts it in park and removes the monocle as he exits, making his way to her.

"You about ready, Mrs Kusanagi?"

"I am, Lt Sagara. Kei's out like a light already. However, we had a minor incident earlier."

"What kind?"

"One of Kei's supposed 'friends' from back home in Shinjuku. It's a long story, but, essentially, after Kei came out of his three-year 'standstill', they weren't very friendly. They taunted him mercilessly. As a result of his leaving them, they now desire to make amends. Two years later, no less."

"I take it they tracked him down."

"Yes, one of them. Yuriko Tanaka. I had never felt so angry in my life before."

"If it happened, only thing you can do is get through it." Making to turn back toward Roadwolf, he says, "The diversion's still on."

"Lt Sagara?"

"Yes, Mrs Kusanagi?"

"Did you ever kill someone you truly hated and was despised by at the same time?"

"Affirmative. His name was Gauron. He was the worst terrorist I had ever come across. He's the one I had detonated."

"I'd like to hear more about that when this is all over." Next thing they know, the same voice from the previous day speaks up. With the source nowhere in sight, and dust starts flying all around them.

"On the contrary, let's hear about it now! Because it's all over now, Kazami!"

Running back to Roadwolf, Sousuke yells, "Kaname, chain guns one and two!"

Back inside, Kaname growls, saying, "Just once, I'd like for there to be no damned sneak attacks!" Pressing the buttons, she adds, "Let's show them what you're made of, Roadwolf." For a slight instant, she could swear she had heard a light growl coming from the car. 'Whoa. Now that's really fucking weird.'

Upon seeing the chain guns deploy, Sousuke quickly gets in and opens fire upon closing his door on where the voice had come from and the dust settles onto. Much to his shock, the bullets bounce back and Mizuho had hit the dirt upon hearing him call for the guns. Miraculously enough, none of the rounds hit her.

"So that's what the 'Roadwolf' looks like. It'd be a pity to destroy such a magnificent machine. Your puny, primitive weapons, however, are no match for my ship's hull!"

"ADF pod?"

"ADF pod."

"On it." Upon the pod's deployment, Kaname smirks and says, "We may get to use that Copperhead after all."

"Affirmative." Next thing he knows, he sees a young woman get into the line of fire. "I can't get a clear shot." Activating the car's external speaker, he says, "Ma'am, you have until the count of five to move before I open fire."

"No! I won't let you! She's doing her job to bring a criminal to Justice!"

"She's not a criminal. Maybe to them, but not to her heart."

"No! I won't accept it! My friend is in danger from her! I intend to save him!"

Sighing, he replies, "Mrs Kusanagi, proceed. We'll handle it from here."

Mizuho nods and vanishes, just as explosions start happening around where she was lying at. Along with coming close to hitting the young woman. The young woman then looks back toward the spot and back again to Roadwolf and makes a judgment call. Turning back toward the invisible craft's dust field, she starts yelling.

"You betrayed me! You said you wanted to help, but you only wanted to ruin Kei's life! You tried to kill her! You even tried to blow me apart, you sadistic bitch!"

"It's not a good idea to talk back to me, human!"

Letting go of a pulse blast, the voice laughs maliciously. Just as Koishi hurtles herself into the young woman's side, propelling the both of them clear of the path. Only Roadwolf is caught up in there. As the car shakes and the alarms blare, Kaname screams.

"Sousuke! We're being tossed around like a salad! If you're going to fire, do it now!"

"Roger. Firing!" Firing the missile, he watches it head right for just above the offending craft's lower profile and it explodes upon impact. The craft's cloak then fades away, revealing it's form. Green and blue, with splashes of yellow and red.

Smirking on the inside, he thinks, 'Damn, that's an ugly-ass ship. Tough, but ugly!'

On her ship, Togama is stunned. "How could that primitive weapon have damaged my cloaking device? It's simply not possible! Gruberi." Once her link appears, she says, "Begin repairs to the ship's cloaking device. This is a Priority One." What happens next, she doesn't tolerate very well.

Back inside Roadwolf, Sousuke feels the urge to be rude and goes with it. "Like I told that terrorist with A-21 one night, licking your chops in front of the enemy is something only a third-class soldier would do. You want Mrs Kusanagi, you'll have to go through us first."

"I don't see any real problem with that, Roadwolf!" Her voice comes back with incredulous disbelief upon realization that she had just been insulted. "You dare to call me third-class? How dare you, Roadwolf!"

"Miss Herikawa, get the lady out of here! We'll handle it!"

Koishi blinks at the use of her last name, but acknowledges it with a nod. Just as a bright blueish-white light surrounds them both. When it fades away, they're nowhere in sight.

Blinking in disbelief, Sousuke asks, "Kaname, where'd they go?"

"Not sure, Sousuke. I just hope they're nowhere near that wacko."

Rapidly turning Roadwolf around, he says, "Roger. Hitting the turbos." As the car speeds away and shrieks, Sousuke calls out, "You want us, come get us, you shithead!"

"Why you!"

Gruberi-siel's engines thrum angrily as they are pushed to match Roadwolf's speed. Inside her control seat, Togama scowls at having to struggle to match his speed.

'I'll give him this much. His vehicle's fast. But not quite fast enough!' Firing a Galaxy Federation-issued missile, she directs it.

"Take this, Roadwolf!"

In the back, Kaname gets the missile warning. "Sousuke, we have an inbound missile! Six o-clock! Make unknown and must belong to the GF! Impact in ten seconds!"

"Pop a chaff and pray it works."

Hitting the button, Kaname replies, "Chaff and prayer." Hearing the blast and feeling the ground vibrate behind them, Kaname grins wryly and says, "It took the chaff, but it was way too close for comfort. Did you hear that shriek? I'm sure it came from the car."

"Roger and affirmative. But, we'll have to do something about her. The car can wait."

"Agreed. For now, let's just enjoy this drive in the country. It's a cool shriek, though." The couple exchanges a laugh, while Gruberi-siel begins firing pulse blasts at them.

Inside her cockpit, Togama scowls, asking, "Shithead, am I? Once I get you knocked over, I'll show you who the shithead is!" Scowling still, she remarks, "I still can't believe they were able to divert the missile. Pity I have to destroy it, otherwise the scientists back home would be able to examine it. The technology on that car's impressive. For a bunch of primitives."

Meanwhile, Koishi opens her eyes and sees Mizuho, wearing a cleavage-revealing black garment resembling a sleeveless wetsuit. "Miss Kazami?"

"Hello, Miss Herikawa. I know this may be a surprise to you. But, please, bear with me on this. Marie, transport us to the med-bay. This is a Priority One!" Upon arrival in the med-bay, Koishi sees the lady she had rescued and Kei on the beds.

"What's Kei doing here?"

"I'm helping him with his problem, Miss Herikawa. After all, I'm his wife." The revelation simply blows Koishi's mind, rendering her stunned. Upon coming out of it, Koishi blinks and shakes her head. "You know about his 'standstills', especially his sense of loss the earlier year."

"Yes, but what does that..." Suddenly, Koishi's eyes go wide in shock. "You were here before, weren't you?"

"Yes, but I was recalled to my home planet and your memories of me sealed away. Along with the memories belonging to Kei and the others." Stepping toward Kei, she goes on. "I need to enter Kei's mind, so I can confront the memory that causes him so much pain. The pain that causes him to go into 'standstills'."

"What could it be, though?"

Giving Kei a soft kiss on his lips, she replies, "I have a hunch. I'm going to play it. While I'm inside, talk to Kei. Let him know he's not alone."

"Okay. What about her?" Nodding her head toward Yuriko, Koishi says, "She's in pretty bad shape."

Frowning, Mizuho then says, "Marie, once I enter Kei's mind, heal her wounds and seal her memories away. This is a Priority One." Lying down onto the bed next to Kei's, Mizuho gets ready when she sees Koishi frowning. "Miss Herikawa?"

"Why are you having her memories sealed away?"

Putting a black visor over her eyes, she replies, "They're memories of her finding Kei and their verbal barbs toward each other. With Kei's being the worst. I have to seal Kei's away as well. Just to be sure he doesn't have any painful memories. I could tell that he's hurting pretty badly from their encounter, along with his harsh and angry words."

"Okay, that kind of thing would be painful for anyone, but why'd she locate him?"

"A long time ago, she and her friends were friendly with Kei. Until after his three-year long 'standstill'. They made fun of him because while he was in that state, they became adults. Immature ones at that. So, he escaped their cruelty and started anew."

Putting it together, Koishi smiles, saying, "Here, with us. Were you observing him from wherever we are right now?"

"No. He told me the night he took up with you. He didn't want Miss Morino to go into a 'standstill' ever again. It was quite noble of him, wasn't it?"

Nodding, Koishi replies, "Very. I guess it's one thing we have in common. We both like the same guy. Only you got him first. Ichigo told me about her problem after..." Her voice trails off again as another memory comes to her. "We saw you crying. Ichigo, Kei and I. We all saw you crying."

"I see you've gone into recall. Right now, I'll have to trust you to keep this amongst yourself, Kei and myself. His Aunt and Uncle, I'll have to contend with. Along with Lt. and Mrs Sagara."

Blinking, Koishi asks, "What? Miss Kazami, what do the Sagaras have to do with it? Wait a minute. What do you mean by Lt?" But it's already too late. Mizuho's going deep into Kei's mind. Suddenly, her eyes go even wider than before.

"The Sagaras. They're within that fast armed car. I hope they're alright. And to think I thought it was another lunatic for me to chew out. Well, I'm still going to chew them out. All that tumbling really hurt." Next thing she knows, a tiny yellow figure with a pink inner tube appears on her shoulder and gently taps her cheek in a consoling manner.

"Thanks, whoever or whatever you are." Sighing, she returns her attention to Kei and nods. "Okay, let's talk to Kei."

Taking his hand into hers, Koishi smiles softly and says, "You're very lucky, Kei Kusanagi. You have a wife that'll break the rules, just to help you through your toughest times. If only I had known about that woman's past with you, I wouldn't have saved her. Oh, who am I kidding? I'm not that cold-blooded or cold-hearted."

As Koishi goes on talking to Kei, Yuriko's eyes begin twitching as her wounds are healed and her memories sealed away. "Must find Kei. Must find Kei."

Outside, the war rages on. "Hang on, Kaname. It's time to turn and burn."

"You got it."

Laughing as he drives, he says, "That's it. Keep coming, keep coming. Remove the safeties on the turbos, Kaname. I want to see how much ass we can haul."

"Sousuke, if I do that, this car'll tear itself apart! Besides, we're hauling ass already!"

"If those pulse blasts manage to knock us over, we'll be torn apart anyway." An idea suddenly occurs to him. "I'm cutting the turbos and letting her get closer."

Her eyes going wide in shock, she asks, "You're going to do what? Sousuke!"

"I hit the brakes, she'll fly right by. Brace yourself, honey."

"I'm braced, sweetie. But I think you watched 'Top Gun' way too many times."

Chuckling, he says, "Okay, on my mark, we brake hard. Three, two, one. Mark." Slamming the car to a sliding stop, he adds, "Red-eye."

"Red-eye." Pressing the button, she gets his idea. "The Red-eye's a heat-seeker. You're using the engines on that ship as a weapon. The Red-eye is merely a trigger. When it detonates, it'll ignite the fuel not yet used in the ship."

"Exacto. At least that's the idea."

"At least that's the idea? Sousuke!"

"It's the first time I had a dogfight with an alien ship, Kaname!"

"Yeah, you got a point there, Sousuke."

Inside her cockpit, Togama grins as she thinks, 'I want to look him in the eyes as he dies. For an enemy, it's the least I can do. I'm pleased he realized that resistance is futile.' Once Gruberi-siel flies past Roadwolf, her alerts blare.

"Incoming weapon?"

Next thing she knows, she's on the ground and looking up at Gruberi-siel. Just as it attempts evasive maneuvers, it explodes, leaving no trace of ever having existed.

Back inside Roadwolf, Sousuke yells, "All right!"

"Yeah! Way to go, Sousuke!" The couple exchanges a high-five as they head for the pilot. Unaware of the multiple sets of eyes that had seen the action from a tall structure.

A stunned Togama snaps out of it and yells, "Gruberi! NO!" For the first time in her life and career, she feels true humiliation and slumps back down to the ground before standing up. Willing to face defeat and death. "Gruberi."

Hearing an approaching engine, she turns around and sees Roadwolf approaching. With it's weapons visible. Once the car stops, she sees a form exit the right side and draw a weapon-like shape.

"Put your hands on your head! Lie down on the ground!" Obeying the figure, she starts losing consciousness as the voice goes on. "You sure caused a lot of trouble today." Upon feeling restraints being put onto her wrists, she starts mumbling.

"Gruberi. Gruberi. Gruberi." She keeps saying the name, in stunned and shocked disbelief. She then blacks out, into the merciful darkness.

Deep inside Kei's mind, Mizuho walks along a corridor until she finds what she's looking for. "Here goes." Opening the door, she sees Kozue waiting patiently on the roof of the school.

"Hello, Kozue." Kozue turns around and blinks upon seeing the very attractive pink-haired woman wearing a black, sleeveless wetsuit-like garment that's very revealing.

"Who are you?"

"I would have been your sister-in-law and friend had you not killed yourself, Kozue. I'm Mizuho, Kei's future wife."

Kozue closes her eyes and begins to protest, shaking her head. "No! He doesn't deserve to live in an uncaring world! No one does!" Reopening her eyes, she lets Mizuho see her brown eyes filling with tears. "He's a good guy, my brother!"

"What about you? Don't you want to see him being happy?"

"Of course I do. That's why I'm doing this. I'm going to end it, while I still feel delight. I want him with me for all time."

"Did you ever think about how your parents would react? Or even Kei's reaction? Life is a gift, not to squandered meaninglessly. Because of your impending death, he's going to go into a 'standstill' for three years! When he comes out of it, his friends will laugh at him because by appearances, he wouldn't have aged one bit on the outside. Unable to take the scorn and ridicule, he'll flee, to start anew."

With tears strongly flowing, Mizuho asks, "Do you really want that for Kei? Your death is his greatest pain. I know I can't change the past. I'm hoping perhaps to ease his pain."

"You will ease his pain, Mizuho. I already know you'll take good care of my brother." Kozue steps toward Mizuho and her arms wrap securely around her torso. Gently.

"I love my little brother, very much. It's just that, people can often get greedy for happiness, which is why sadness balances it out. You'll have your hard times with Kei still, but you'll both pull through. Especially with what you must tell Mithril. They found part of it already. They only need confirmation."

"Mithril? How do you know about it?"

"Being a soul, I can still look in from time to time. Particularly on my brother. Listen to me. The 'standstill' condition is biological warfare of the most selfish kind. It was ordered to be created by a guy calling himself the 'Emperor' as an experiment in preservation of youth. He felt it would be his key to immortality."

"But he wanted it tested first, so he used Miss Morino and my husband as guinea pigs! That's barbaric! Who knows how many others he had that done to?"

"I wouldn't worry about them, I'm afraid."

"What, what do you mean?"

"There were five other children that had 'standstills'. The other children were on life support and their families couldn't afford to pay. Even more, the Doctors knew nothing about 'standstills'. So, they had to pull the plugs on them. Kei's the only lucky poor one."

Suddenly feeling very sick to her stomach, Mizuho collapses to her knees and starts sobbing as she covers her mouth. "I know. It's sickening. You best hurry and disappear. Kei's getting closer. Oh, give this to Lt Sagara. I'm afraid there's no known cure for Kei's condition, though. Just, please, don't let him be alone."

"I won't." Taking the paper from Kozue's hand, Mizuho gets up and embraces her soon-to-be-deceased sister-in-law. "Thank you."

"Please, tell Kei I'm sorry my death ruined his life in Shinjuku. I wouldn't want him to feel sad on my account or bad for me anymore. Just for him to know I'm going to a better place than this hellhole."

"I will, Kozue." Stepping back from her, Mizuho retreats into the shadows, just as Kei rushes up to the roof and screams Kozue's name as she plummets off the roof. "Good-bye, Kozue."

Gingerly opening the paper, she reads the location and memorizes it. Gently placing her hands to her abdomen, to ease the queasy feeling, Mizuho then exits Kei's mind, telling him to let the pain and anguish go on her way out.

Upon opening her eyes, she leans upward, wearing a soft smile. "Mrs Kusanagi?" Mizuho smiles at the use of her married name and looks over at Koishi. "You okay?"

"Yes, I'm fine, Miss Herikawa. How about Kei?"

"I think he's starting to come around." Sure enough, Kei opens his eyes and blinks.

"How are you feeling, Kei?"

"Strange, Mizuho. Like something is soothing me, telling me to let it go." Looking over at Mizuho, he sees Koishi's with them. "Koishi, what are you doing here?"

"I saved her neck from that weird UFO." Koishi points toward the bed that Yuriko's lying on. "To get us out of the line of fire, your wife beamed us aboard."

"I wouldn't exactly put it like that, but it'll do." Kneeling beside Kei, Mizuho smiles.

"You mean?"

"Yes. I do. You can let go of the pain now." Suddenly remembering, Mizuho asks, "What about the Sagaras? Did they make it okay?"

Koishi shakes her head and replies, "No idea, Mrs Kusanagi. I heard a massive explosion in the distance and a scream right afterward."

"Marie, please show the location of Roadwolf. This is a Priority One." Once Marie shows the image, Mizuho, Kei and Koishi all smile. Roadwolf is right in front of them. Weapons already concealed. "Marie, transport the three of us outside. This is a Priority One."

Within seconds, they're all outside and Sousuke's bringing a woman very familiar to Mizuho out, with Kaname covering her with Sousuke's Glock.

"Ryoko? Ryoko Togama?" At the woman's nod, Mizuho loses it. "You mean you tried to harm me, my husband and Miss Herikawa? Along with his former 'friend'? Give me one good reason I shouldn't hurt you, Ryoko!"

"Mizuho, please! I'm upset enough as it is. Your friends here shot down Gruberi-siel with a common, earthling-made missile. Even more, there's no debris. I've never been more humiliated in my life. Not since you graduated top of the class. But now I get humiliated by primitives."

"Watch who you're calling primitives, lady. Or I'll plug you right in your shin."

"Kaname, no bloodshed. At least much, anyway." Grinning, Sousuke turns to a subdued Togama and asks, "Was that the name of your ship? Gruberi-siel?" At Togama's nod, he says, "It was tough, but ugly as hell."

"Why, you...!"

"Gruberi-siel? But, that's the pride of the Galaxy Federation fleet."

Turning her attention to Mizuho, she replies, "I know. It came as a shock to me as well, Mizuho." Looking back toward Sousuke, she adds, "I've never dealt with such a troublesome adversary before."

"Well, that's Sousuke for you. He is a handful. Even if trouble seems to find him wherever he goes." Kaname grins as she kisses him. "I wouldn't have my husband any other way."

Koishi waves her hands and says, "Wait. Hold on a moment. Let me get this straight. You mean to tell me that he doesn't go looking for trouble? It usually finds him?"

"Actually, it pretty much seems to know where I am most of the time. It's not a problem for me." Sousuke casually shrugs at the remark and leaves it at that, a wry grin on his face.

Kaname starts laughing, for she knows how true it is. Kei looks over at Mizuho and sees her struggling to keep her laughter in check. He then looks over at Koishi and sees the same thing. Suddenly, all five start laughing together. The only one not laughing is Ryoko. For she is not amused. At all.

An hour later, Yuriko opens her eyes and finds herself at the train station. 'Why am I back at the train station? No matter. I must find Kei.' Seeing the station attendant, she asks, "Do you know how I got back here?"

"Yeah. A guy in a black sports car brought you here and said he found you passed out on the side of the road. He said that you were heading this way based on the direction you were facing. He said it looked like you were disappointed about something."

"I see. In any case, I'd like a ticket, please."

"Where to, ma'am?"

"Back to Shinjuku. It seems the one I'm looking for is not here after all."

"All right. The next train should be here shortly, so you got very lucky, ma'am."

"Thank you." As the attendant prepares her ticket, Yuriko thinks, 'I will find you, Kei Kusanagi. When I do, I'll make things right between us.' Clenching her fists, with tears falling from her eyes, she verbally adds, "I swear it."

In the distance away from the station, Sousuke turns to Kei and says, "There's still time, you know."

"Yeah, I know. But, what they put me through is just too painful still. Perhaps Mizuho and I can go to Shinjuku, under the guise of her meeting my parents. If I come across them, or even her, maybe we can start anew. But not just yet. Still need to recover from the emotional wounds first."

"That's a good plan." Suddenly chuckling, Sousuke adds, "I'd love to be able to see your parents' faces when you introduce them to your wife."

"Yeah. I'm sure they'd be as shocked as Minoru and Konoha were when we told them the second time." Chuckling as well, he adds, "You'd never seen eyes go that wide before in your life. I thought they were going to pop right out of their sockets."

"Let's get you home. Besides, the Lt Commander should be there by now."

"Oh? Why's that?"

"So he could debrief you, ask you to keep Mithril out of everyday conversations. The whole nine yards."

"So we can't even talk about the car?"

Starting the car and grinning, Sousuke asks, "What car?"

Perplexed, Kei blinks his eyes before catching on. "Oh, I get it. The 'Plausible Deniability' route."

"Exacto." Turning Roadwolf toward the house and Clinic, Sousuke adds, "Besides, I still have yet to inform the Lt Commander that a name had been found for the car."

Smirking, Kei asks, "What car?"

"Now you're cooking with gas."

Back at the station, Yuriko looks back and sees a black sports car driving in the opposite direction and shrugs. 'Must've decided to be sure I'd be alright. If it's the same one, that is.' At that time, her train pulls in. Upon giving the conductor her ticket, she's then escorted to her seat.

As the train pulls out, she verbally asks, "Where are you, Kei?" Deep within herself, she feels a tugging, pulling her back toward the small village. But, she quickly quashes it, focusing on the trip back to Shinjuku.

'His Uncle and Aunt's village was a wash. But, I could have sworn Mrs Kusanagi said he was right here, living with her brother. I even saw the letter that said he was right there. Maybe he moved on without telling her.'

At the Edajima Clinic, Mizuho and the others look warily at the three other fatigue-clad people in the room with them. One gentleman with long silver hair in a ponytail, a buxom young woman with short-cut raven-black hair and another young man with long blond hair. Hatsuho, however, is as nonplussed as Kaname as they both sip on tea, with a fatigue-clad Kaname standing to the side as she sips.

"So, you're Lt Sagara's family with the mercenary unit."

"Of sorts, Ms Kazami. My two associates treat Lt Sagara very much like sibling. I tend to think of him like son. Destructive one, but son nonetheless."

"I see. I take it you know of my eldest daughter's situation, along with my son-in-law's condition."

"Yes. As such, Mithril has launched investigation into reasons why 'standstill' condition exists. Lt and Mrs Sagara briefed me on it last night. As they are their friends, Sgt Major Mao and Sgt Weber had accompanied me so they could brief you on what is required of you, given that you now know about Mithril."

Curious, Mizuho says, "I know Lt Sagara is able to destroy, given his reputation and what I'd seen today. But, did he ever save rather than destroy?"

Before Mao or Kalinin can reply, Weber grins and replies, "You bet, Mrs Kusanagi. You might even say he destroys and saves at the same time. Sometimes."

"I'm afraid I don't quite follow, Sgt Weber." Togama nods along with Mizuho, not quite following either. Hatsuho and Maho are of the same opinion. "That should be we don't quite follow."

"Well then, I'll simply have to tell you all about it. This is my fondest memory of Sousuke to date. That wild man used his M9 to wrestle an enemy Hind and took that bad boy out in the old Soviet suburb of Khabarovsk. At the same time, he rescued a damsel in distress. Just like a knight of old would. Of course, that was before his current AS."

"A Hind? You're kidding. A Soviet Hind is one of the most powerful helicopters in the world." Curious, Koishi asks, "What exactly is an M9, for that matter? I've never even heard of it. What is his current AS?" She suddenly blinks at the manic gleam in the blond Sgt's eyes and chuckles nervously as he stands up to go on. Yet, she can't help but lean forward, eagerly interested in hearing the story.

While the others, including Togama, lean forward and smile with eager interest as well. Kaname, however, is still standing to the side as she sips, having read the official report already and not caring much for Weber's viewpoint of how to do reports. Mao and Kalinin can only shake their heads in amused exasperation, knowing the best way to shut him up, short of hurting him, is to let him get it out of his system.

"The M9 Gernsback Arm Slave. Current issue for Mithril's AS troops. As for his current AS, I'll leave it up to Lt Cmdr Kalinin. Here it is. The Hind was closing in on this poor defenseless babe, firing it's guns all around her. BAM! Sousuke threw an Anti-Armor dagger from his ECS-cloaked Arm Slave right into the Hind's side, but it then dipped right toward her. Saving her cute ass, he deactivated the ECS, grabbed hold of the Hind, wrestled with it and threw it's big-ass body to the wild. BA-BOOM!"

Smiling still, Minoru asks, "Did the damsel kiss him or did he kiss her? He makes me so very jealous. Just like an action hero."

"Nah. He was too focused on getting her to safety. He knocked her out and she collapsed into his arms. He just held her until the extract helo picked her up. Although, it would have been nice if his softer side came out then. And he is a hero. Sometimes."

"That's enough, Weber." Mao kicks him in his ass and says, "Sit back down, idiot. Or I'll give you a lead enema." Once Weber's seated, Mao turns it back over to Kalinin.

"Thank you, Sgt Major. You've gotten somewhat less violent in last few months. Especially in regard to Sgt Weber."

"It's not easy, sir. Especially with what he was told yesterday at the graduation."

"I gathered as much. Now, on to next subject at hand. Galaxy Federation and it's pursuit of Mrs Kusanagi. Miss Togama?"

"Yes, sir?"

"I'm instructing you to deliver message to your superiors within Federation. In short, any further attempts to apprehend Mrs Kusanagi, when she has done nothing wrong, will be considered crime on their part. After all, she is half-Earthling. As such, she has dual citizenship. This is her home along with her heritage and she's happy here."

Meekly, Mizuho raises her hand, asking, "Lt Commander?"

"Yes, Mrs Kusanagi?"

"I may be with child as well, sir. It's too soon to tell, though."

"Understood, Mrs Kusanagi. You and your husband both have my potential congratulations."

"Thank you, sir." Maho squeals in delight as she softly wraps Mizuho in a hug. "There's another thing, sir."

"Oh?"

"Yes. While I was in Kei's mind, I found out from his sister about the 'standstills'. They are biological warfare, only of the more selfish nature."

"I see. More ruthless way for one to maintain status, I assume." Taking note of Kaname's face with Mizuho's nod, he can tell that she's still sickened from reading the transcript the previous night. "If it's any consolation, Mrs Sagara, Captain Testarossa has stopped swearing in order to sleep. Of course, she'll probably resume it upon awakening."

"It's not really a consolation, but it'll do until we stop that facility cold."

"Indeed. Do you have address, Mrs Kusanagi?"

"Yes, indeedy, Lt Cmdr. Here's the address." Writing it down, Mizuho looks over at Kaname and says, "I hope that car of yours can handle it."

Smirking, Kaname asks, "What car?" The question has Mizuho's eyes going wide.

"What do you mean by 'What car'? I'm talking about Roadwolf." Much to Mizuho's surprise, Kaname starts chuckling again.

"Oh yeah. You're definitely bound to be pregnant. You've got intense mood swings. It's one of the clearest indicators. I've been there too, so don't worry about it." As Kaname's chuckling tapers off, Kalinin grins as he turns Kaname's way.

"I see you and Lt Sagara settled on name for it, then."

"Yeah. Of course, Sousuke cooked it up yesterday when the whole mess started. But, in a way, it fits. 'Roadwolf: Wolf of the road'. It's a natural name."

"I agree." Kurz and Melissa both nod their agreement, for they like the name as well. Even Koishi nods in approval of the name. "I'll tell Captain about it upon our return to base. In meantime, Sgt Weber and Sgt Major Mao will be in your apartment, monitoring your son's status. Even though Miss Tokiwa is caring for him."

"That sounds good. Kyoko's not exactly well-equipped to handle hostile parties that may try to hurt our baby. But, there's enough Mithril artillery in the apartment to kill a small army. Ten times over. Sucks to be the ones that want to harm innocents."

"But, but, but... the car."

Returning her attention to Mizuho, Kaname says, "Mizuho, Sousuke and I worked it out last night. Not only to protect us, but you, Kei and everyone else innocent that comes into contact with Roadwolf."

"Thinking of which." Togama gets her fire back as she goes on. "There's still the destruction of my ship. I still don't see how you pulled it off."

"It's quite easy. With a Red-eye missile, type; heat-seeker. Sousuke figured he'd use the heat your ship's engines were cranking out against you. I'm even more surprised you're still alive. Then again, I guess your link didn't want you to die. So, it sent you out of the line of fire."

"That explains the sudden stop. Genius. Sheer genius."

"Nah. I'd say more like ballsy. Crazy, but ballsy. Sousuke's certainly got big enough balls for such stunts like that." Unable to resist, Weber jumps in.

"Yeah, Kaname should know the best, after all. She's seen them." Kaname's face goes beet red while Weber smiles pervertedly and laughs. "After all, if she hadn't, she wouldn't be a Mommy now!"

"Kurz!" Her face now suddenly going scarlet while he laughs, she pleads, "Melissa, could you shoot him? Please!"

Melissa yells, "Weber! Don't make me shoot you! This is no time for pissing me off!"

Even Kalinin bellows, "Sgt! That's enough!"

"I'm jealous. Oww." Minoru groans when Konoha slaps him on his head, frowning. Mizuho, Koishi and Ryoko all look at each other and laugh softly while Hatsuho and Maho can only shake their heads in subtle amusement.

"It seems the Lt's family is quite interesting, Mom."

"It does indeed, Maho. It does indeed." Turning her attention to Ryoko, she says, "Ryoko, we could give you a lift to GF Headquarters if you like."

"That'd be great. Thanks, Mrs Kazami." Turning her attention to Mizuho, she says, "I'm so sorry about the trouble, Mizuho. I never figured I'd be sent after you. When I found you, all I could think of was doing my job."

"Likewise when it came to my job. Then again, I never expected to meet the love of my life, either."

"Perhaps I can talk to them. They could reinstate you. After all, there were extenuating circumstances. Surely, they've heard of it." They all turn at Kei's voice as he goes on, with Sousuke behind him. "Those guys need to know that we won't accept their trying to ruin our happiness."

Maho turns to Kei, a proud smile on her face, and asks, "Kei, you're willing to go into space with us?"

"Yes. My wife and her happiness is my Priority One."

"Oh, Kei." Mizuho gets up from the seat and wraps him into her arms. "You're my Priority One." In the background, Ryoko smiles at the sight before blushing.

"It's too bad I missed your wedding, Mizuho. It must have been something to see. I still can't get over the fact that Kei's really twenty now. That's a little hard to accept. Especially given the 'standstills' he had suffered in the past."

"Oh, don't worry about it." Suddenly, a thought occurs to her. "In several months, if I am pregnant, the other students will notice it. They'll want to know how it happened." Next thing Mizuho knows, she feels Kei's lips against hers.

"When the time comes, we'll handle it together. That's what marriage is all about, Mizuho."

Nodding, Sousuke goes to Kaname's side and adds, "Trust me. It's hard work, but it's worth it. Be it as a mercenary for Justice or as a regular family man. Sometimes, both roles come into play." Kaname nods and lets out a giggle of agreement.

"Yeah, it is. And they sure do in your case." Turning her attention toward Sousuke and Kaname, Mizuho gets a suddenly wicked urge. "Lt Sagara?"

"Ma'am."

"I have a location for you. I gave it to your superior. When you're able to, take it down the best way you know how." As Kalinin hands him the paper, she adds, as if pleading, "Please, don't let them get away with what they've done. They need to pay for what they've done. To Kei and the others like him. To me, no, to us, this is a Priority One."

"Actually, we've been considering that already." Upon looking at the location, Sousuke's face takes a feral look. "It so happens to be on the way to our next destination." Kaname looks at the location as well and smiles insanely before laughing demoniacally. Her laughter dies down as Sousuke gives her a passionate lip-lock.

Shaking his head in amusement at the scene, Kalinin proceeds. "Now, final item. Miss Herikawa?"

"Yes, Lt Commander?"

"Given you had saved perfect stranger from dangerous situation, I must commend you. It's not often one saves another without having read dossier beforehand."

"Sir?"

"Basically, he's saying he wants you to join Mithril." Kurz grins, adding, "By the time we're done with you, you could be as good as Sousuke, Koishi."

"Why am I sensing a 'but' here?"

"Because there is. You can never tell your family where you're going. Unless, of course, they're connected to Mithril. According to what we learned, they're not. Just tell them you'll be going to acting camp if you decide to join up. Also, due to your lack of combat experience, we have to send you to a rookie camp." Melissa grins as she adds, "It's where I picked these two jokers up."

"What will I be learning, if I agree that is?"

Sousuke replies, "Arm Slave piloting, hand-to-hand combat, firearms usage, sabotage, communications, demolitions. This and that mostly."

Koishi feels overwhelmed and leans back into the seat, saying, "This and that. Wow, this is all so sudden. When do you require an answer?"

Kalinin softly smiles as he replies, "Not right away. Take time and weigh options." Bringing out a card and handing it to her, he adds, "Once you make decision, call number. Either way it goes, we hope only best for you. Once you make call, dial random number for security's sake. It wouldn't do for a redial to happen."

"Thank you, sir. I've still got some growing up to do."

"Indeed. It's unfortunate Mr Kusanagi's condition wouldn't allow him to join Mithril. If he was to have 'standstill' in combat situation, he wouldn't survive it. Those kinds of situations do provide stress."

"Yeah. High stress levels. Wait a minute. You mean if I didn't have 'standstills', I could have been considered?"

"Correct." Noticing Kei's slumping posture upon reclining, he adds, "For what it's worth, were it not for 'standstills', you'd have made good SRT or PRT warrior. You have heart of lion." At their quizzical looks, he goes on. "PRT is Primary. SRT is Specialty."

Remembering the conversation she intends to have, Mizuho asks, "Just how bad was Gauron, Lt Sagara?"

"He was so evil, I think even the GF would have wanted him dead."

"That's not our way. We only observe planets to ensure they're not on a destructive path." Togama nods in agreement with Mizuho, her resolve strengthened just from being near her old friend again.

Nodding, Sousuke replies, "Mithril's generally the same way. There are times we can resolve situations peacefully through diplomatic negotiations. But, there are some nations or people that doesn't like peace, let alone the idea of it. That's where lethal negotiations come in. Gauron was like that. Always wanting to start trouble, all for the sake of making money. Be it in Khanka, Afghanistan or right here in Japan."

Intrigued, Togama asks, "How'd you first come across him? Was it in this Khanka place?"

"Negative. Khanka was when Kaname first encountered Gauron when he took her off the plane. Lt Commander Kalinin and I first came across him in Afghanistan. Gauron was a mercenary working for the KGB. He had just killed an entire compound that the Afghani Resistance had been using with two RK-92 'Savages'. It was only by sheer luck and fortune I was out on reconnaissance at the time."

Clenching his fists, Sousuke then feels Kaname's hand on his back. "Thanks, Kaname."

"Not a problem, Sousuke."

"It was then that Lt Cmdr Kalinin came into my life. He came upon me while I was burying the bodies. Without saying anything, he helped me to bury them. When all was said and done, we vowed to bring Gauron down in revenge. Lt Cmdr Kalinin posed as a decoy, I was the sniper. Once I had Gauron in my sights, I shot him, right in the head. Little did I realize that we'd come across him again in Khanka."

Intrigued, Maho remembers what Sousuke had said. "He took Kaname off the plane? How'd you get her back?"

Kaname smiles and replies, "He came in when a crazy woman scientist was wanting to inject me with a chemical to make me more submissive. Two goons were holding me down. As the needle got closer, I felt I was done for. That was when my hero saved me. He got me away from them and to the hangar housing a group of RK-92 'Savages'. Next thing I knew, this wonderful nut was climbing up onto it and powering it up."

"That must have been a quite surprise, Mrs Sagara."

"It was, Koishi. It was. Once he had the 'Savage' operational, he fought the Arm Slaves that had reached the hangar. He knocked one down, took it's weapon and shot another as it was coming back out of the hangar. He then shot another one at point blank range, killing it's pilot. Right at that moment, as I stepped out to look at the AS he had piloted with incredible skill, I knew my life, as I knew it, would forever-more be different."

"What about Gauron?"

Kurz replies, "Gauron toasted my M9 when I shot his AS at point blank range with my Bofors. It wound up being slagged in Khanka to keep it from falling into enemy hands. Gauron had a piece of technology that repelled attacks that regular weapons would have no problem penetrating otherwise. I got banged up pretty badly. So did Sousuke."

Deeply concerned, Hatsuho asks, "How'd you get banged up, Lt?"

"Gauron used anti-AS grenades on the 'Savage', tearing it to pieces. I have a scar from a piece of shrapnel that wound up near my left kidney. Needless to say, it was a close call for me. Had it nicked either my kidney or an artery, I probably wouldn't even be alive right now." Kurz nods and takes it from there.

"So, upon making contact with each other, we started making our escape. Things looked so bleak, Sousuke was ready to throw our lives away. Just to get Kaname out. But she wouldn't have it. Sousuke pulled up his gun, aimed it at her and said for her to run."

"He was willing to shoot her? Why?"

"In his terms, it would have been better for her to die there than be caught by the enemy and turned into one of the living dead, Koishi. But, Kaname talked him out of shooting her. They then held each other so close, it looked like they would have kissed. Until I interrupted their moment. These two then tossed ideas and logistics back and forth until I remembered the pictures from our spy satellites. We had our way out. However, it was a long shot due to the cloud cover. But, they got the message, since Lt Cmdr Kalinin felt we needed an enforcer to ensure it and sent the enforcer."

Blinking, Maho asks, "Enforcer? What kind of enforcer, Lt Cmdr?"

"ARX-7. Arbalest, Miss Kazami. Due to assessment of Gauron's AS, we had to deploy it, just to keep pace with him. It's Arm Slave that Lt Sagara is currently assigned to pilot."

"Oh, so that's the one he didn't want to talk about." Looking at Sousuke, Maho grins and says, "I hope you kicked Gauron's butt good, Lt."

"In the end, yes. With Kaname's help." Giving his blushing wife a tender kiss, he adds, "If I didn't have her nearby, I'd be dead already."

Seeing another opening, Kurz takes it. "Once Gauron's AS was toasted, Sousuke starting the exfiltration, with us in Arbalest's hands. We were making good headway when a Hind started firing at us. Next thing Kaname knew, she was flying up into the air and the Hind was falling, an anti-armor dagger in it's side. When it crashed and burned, Sousuke deftly caught her in Arbalest's right hand. Thing was, she screamed herself silly. When she landed into his hand, she went unconscious." Maho clicks her tongue and snickers lightly.

"You're dangerous alright, Sousuke. You trying to get her killed?"

"Negative. I merely chose the most effective means of securing our escape. However, up ahead there was another obstacle. A group of Savages were waiting for us, wanting to 'see us off', as the case would be. Luckily, Sgt Major Mao was waiting as well. She laid down 'discouraging' fire, allowing us to jump off the cliff and land on the sub. Thus, ending our adventure in Khanka. It's nice enough to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there. Let alone die. Not now that I have a reason, anyway."

"Sousuke, you're making me blush." Kaname nods as she blushes and takes it from there. "We thought Gauron had bought the farm in Khanka. Then Sousuke had to go to Helmajistan to kill Gauron with a unit from the Indian Ocean Fleet. The unit Sousuke went with didn't survive the mission. Suffice it to say, that homicidal maniac was harder to kill than a ninja cockroach. It was proven to be true when he was caught in the Perio Islands. When he took over a sub, things got hairy."

Curious, Mizuho asks, "How'd it end?"

"Sousuke and I sent his crazy ass off the sub and his Arm Slave, 'Venom', detonated."

Koishi then asks, "Arm Slave? He had an Arm Slave, Mrs Sagara?"

"Oh yeah. In fact, you might even say he was as a good as Sousuke is. Put that man in an AS, all you can do is either put your head between your legs and kiss your ass good-bye or hope you survive him. Most of the time, it would be the former. Same thing with Sousuke here." Grinning, Kurz jumps in again.

"After Gauron was launched off the sub, Sousuke slammed Arbalest's right fist down on the sub's flight deck, yelling, 'Kashim? Kashim? We're not friends! You shithead!' I tell you, it was the first time Sousuke had ever swore in his life. That I know of anyway."

"What's with the 'Kashim' bit, Lt? I've been curious about that since you told us last night." Even Togama is intrigued by Mizuho's question, as she's nodding in agreement.

"It was the name I fought under when I was with the Afghani Resistance. Gauron liked the name, it seems. I wasn't exactly crazy about him using it so casually."

Togama smirks and says, "I guess he got under your skin for you to get to that point. But something tells me there's more to the story."

Nodding, Melissa replies, "I'll say. When Sousuke and Street Hawk shot him, he was in a wheelchair. It seems the detonation had destroyed his spine."

"So, therefore, no Arm Slave, no chance of victory for Gauron. That sounds like it belongs in the 'win' column."

"Indeed, Miss Togama. However, Gauron had a contingency plan. A voice-activated self-destruct within the compound. Had he activated it, myself and Street Hawk wouldn't even be alive now. And there was an AS being built within the compound. It's toast now."

"Jeez, that guy sounded more dangerous than Charles Manson. That and even crazier."

"He was, Miss Herikawa. He was." Koishi kinks her head to the side before settling on another question.

"Did you ever teach anyone how to pilot an AS, Lt Sagara?"

"Affirmative. Several months ago, Kurz, myself and Sgt Major Mao taught the members of Team Hawk to operate M9s. Except, of course, for Sand Hawk. Given that she was on Maternity Leave at the time. And long before then, Captain Testarossa."

"What? Your own Captain didn't know how to pilot an Arm Slave? Must've been a desk jockey."

Chuckling, Kalinin replies, "Not quite, Miss Togama. Truth of the matter is, Captain Testarossa is often uncoordinated when on dry land. When she's in command of the sub, whole different matter."

"Oh, your C.O. is a woman? I'm very jealous. You must be lucky to have a voluptuous woman in command."

"Tessa, voluptuous? Hah! If she ever hears that, she'll probably blush before having you walk the plank, Mr Edajima!" Melissa grins as she goes on.

"That little tart challenged me to an AS match because I like to light up and get lit. She even went so far as to call me lower level. Well, our tempers rose and then she challenged me. Right there, in her quarters."

Grinning, Togama says, "I hope you beat her good."

"Oh no. She beat me. With an old M6 Bushnell, no less. While I piloted the newer M9. She just got lucky and beat me because she had Sousuke on her side. By the time the match was over, my M9 was so heavily coated with blue paint, it started sticking. Here's an added bonus for you. She had such a massive crush on him. Just like Kaname did. Only Kaname got him first. Probably because of the difference in their ranks."

"You're very lucky, Lt, having two women fighting over you. You're so lucky, I'm so very jealous. Did anything happen between you two while you were training her?" Getting a glimpse at Konoha's scowl, Minoru moans, knowing what the scowl means. The forecast for the night will be intense pain for the good Doctor.

Smiling softly, Kaname replies, "Go ahead and answer, Sousuke. You told me, and I saw the picture."

"Roger. She fell on top of me after losing her grip on the ladder she was climbing to get into the Arm Slave. She didn't get up. Instead she started giggling. It was beyond me until I realized my feelings toward Kaname. I guess you could say I was pretty clueless."

Togama chuckles while Kaname ruffles Sousuke's hair and remembers something from earlier. "During our fight, you mentioned A-21. What happened with the terrorist you told that to?"

"He died."

"I see. What exactly made A-21 a terrorist group?"

Kalinin replies, "Initially, it was rehab program for juvenile delinquents. Former Japanese mercenary took said delinquents to island he had bought and taught them basic survival and combat skills. Their confidence grew, as did their joy and pride. One day, it went askew. Reporters had gotten wind of training and went to island. Same reporters caused explosion to go off."

"But the delinquents were blamed, thus having them labeled as terrorists due to their training. Am I right, sir?"

"You are, Miss Togama. One of terrorists, young boy named Takuma, was pilot of AS that Lt Sagara had destroyed using Arbalest. However, size of AS made things difficult."

"How difficult, sir? All Arm Slaves are the same size. Right?"

"Hah! You wish, Koishi! Hell, I wish! Take the size of an M9, which is 8 meters tall, and multiply by a hundred." Koishi's eyes go wide at the thought of such a massive AS. "That's right. It's name was 'Behemoth', and it was one gigantic motherfucker. It grabbed my M9 and squeezed it apart. Literally."

"How did Lt Sagara defeat such a huge monstrosity? Is Arbalest the same size as an M9? If it is, I don't see how he could have defeated it when it can squeeze an M9 apart."

"To the second, yes, Maho. As to the first, remember that piece of equipment that Kurz was talking about?" At Maho's nod, Kaname goes on. "Arbalest is equipped with the same thing. As was 'Behemoth'. I had Sousuke shoot that mechanized monster right in it's crotch area. When all was said and done, 'Behemoth' was destroyed and Takuma was on the edge of death. He died after thinking he was talking to his sister."

"Wow. You lead an exciting life, Lt. And you've been at it since you were only a little boy. I have no doubt your parents would be proud of you. It takes a strong man to do the right thing."

"Mother's got a good point, Lt. Kei is strong, in heart and spirit. He just has self-confidence issues. He should be more confident in himself." Twining her fingers with his, Mizuho adds, "But, for right now, he's all I'll ever need."

"Oh, that's so romantic. Doctor?"

"Yes, Mrs Sagara?"

"I'd like to discuss meds with you."

"Sure. What kind?"

"Birth Control. I had given birth to a little 'soldier' already and want to wait a while before adding on."

"I see. Any pictures?" At Kaname's nod, Minoru smiles as she brings out the envelope and hands it to him. Leafing through the pictures, he grins as he hands each of them to the others. "He sure looks like his old man."

"Indeed. My 'grandson' will certainly be formidable."

"How can he be your grandson if you guys aren't even related? It doesn't make any sense, Lt Sagara."

"It's because the Lt Commander's like a Father to me, Miss Kazami. When my parents died, I was taken in by the Afghani rebels and taught to fight against the Russians."

"But, Lt Cmdr Kalinin's from Russia. Right?" At the Mithril members' nods, Minoru asks, "Wouldn't that have made family relations difficult at least?"

"It would have, to be certain. You see, when Lt Sagara and I first met, we were enemies. Any time we'd fight, we'd do our best to kill each other. We had also developed so deep respect for each other, every time I'd turn in, I'd pray for him to 'die hard'. Or rather, stay hard to kill. When Gauron killed compound, I had been deserted by my comrades. I wandered in desert until I found Lt Sagara burying his surrogate family."

Shrugging, Kalinin adds, "Rest, as they say, is history."

Hatsuho nods as she looks over at the buxom Melissa and finds herself curious. "How did an attractive young lady like yourself come to join a mercenary force, Sgt Major Mao?"

"Well, first off, I was in the Marines. Did it to piss off my old man. Damn cocky Air Force bastard. He's always got something up his sleeve. He tried getting me married to some snot nosed rich kid that had just graduated from Harvard. It really pissed me off. So, on my wedding day, I left the church, in my wedding dress, and joined the Marines."

"But, wouldn't you have been happier as a wife and maybe Mother later in life?"

"That's what they asked me when I went there, Mizuho. I then told them my old man was in the Air Force. That quickly changed their minds. It seems the Devil Dogs and Fly Boys don't get along well for some reason."

"How'd you wind up in Mithril? You seem to be an excellent warrior."

"Thanks, Koishi. Well, I'll put it to you like this. No Commanding Officer likes having his field command vehicle kicked over by a woman suffering from PMS." At their dropped jaws, she nods and goes on. "That's right. The prick had the gall to hit on me, in front of my men. When I refused, he said my days in the Corps were numbered. That made me so mad, when he got into his FCV, I kicked the fuckin' thing over."

She then shrugs and says, "I blamed it on mood swings from having PMS. But, the CO was such a prick, he alleged I tried killing him. Of course, what I said to him gave me some leeway, but the damage had been done. I got kicked out of the Marines. Next thing I knew, I was on my way to Mithril's main base of ops."

"And the CO?"

"He retired a full bird Colonel six months afterward."

"Shall I send Miruru after him? Or, can I send her after him, please?" At Maho's question, Melissa laughs as she pops a tab off of a can of beer and chugs it on down.

"You got a lot of fire, Maho. You just need to focus it on something." Finishing off the beer, she adds, "Thanks for the booze, Mr Edajima. It's one of my favorites."

"Sure. No problem. As long as you're not the designated pilot for that helicopter outside in the backyard."

"Nah, I'm good. Besides, a Warrant Officer's flying the MH-67 Pave Mare outside. Thinking of, Sousuke, Kaname, if you like, we can arrange an MH-67 Pave Mare to meet you. If only to fly you guys and Roadwolf to Okinawa and back to the mainland after the second part of your honeymoon."

"Melissa..."

"Don't say it, Sousuke. Of all the people that deserves to be happy on their honeymoon, it's you and Kaname. Now, if I'd gotten hitched like my old man wanted, I'd have been bored and miserable eventually. If not have cut that fucker's balls off if he looked at me funny." All of a sudden, Kaname smirks.

"Like Kurz is doing right now?" Melissa turns around and sees Kurz smiling sheepishly. She then closes her eyes and breathes deeply, willing herself to calm down. When she opens her eyes again, she gives Kurz a crookedly sinister smile.

"Kurz, I've just flashed upon happier times with you guys." The smile quickly turns to a frown as she adds, "I'd run if I were you."

"I'm gone." Kurz runs out the door, currently being held open by Konoha. Everyone else turns to Melissa as she pops open another beer and quickly chugs it down. After swallowing the beverage, Melissa stands up and crushes the empty can of booze.

"Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go rip someone's nuts off." Walking out the door, at a sedate pace, she gives Konoha a polite bow before she bolts out, yelling, "WEBER!"

As the group in the house can only listen, they can barely hear Kurz's screams and Melissa's angry yells from outside. Mizuho turns her head to face Kalinin and finds herself confused.

"I thought you said she was less violent before, sir."

"It takes quite a bit to anger the Sgt Major, Mrs Kusanagi."

"No, no, no! Melissa!"

"Shut up, pain boy!" With that, they can hear Kurz screaming in pain.

Hatsuho and Maho look at each other and wince in sympathy. "I feel kinda bad for Kurz, Mother. He was just looking at her in admiration of her sentimentality. Plus, she is pretty."

"When you get to that point in your life, Maho, you'll find that not all looks mean the same thing. That aggression is Sgt Major Mao's way of keeping people from getting too close to her."

Four days later, Sousuke and Kaname prepare for departure and their next leg of the trip. "That was a very interesting stay, Sousuke." Walking down toward Roadwolf, Sousuke turns Kaname's way.

"It was indeed, Kaname. I enjoyed making love to you these past few nights." Concerned, he then asks, "You sure you're up for this? It could get bloody."

"I enjoyed it too, Sousuke. As for the other thing, affirmative. It's not a problem for me now. Thanks to you, I'm used to it now."

"Glad to hear it. Let's go." When they get to Roadwolf, they load their luggage, get in and drive out of the village at a sedate pace. As he drives, Sousuke looks over at Kaname and remarks, "It'd be a nice place to retire to when our children go to college and strike out on their own with their families."

"Retire? Children? College? Sousuke, I never thought I'd hear those words come from your lips. Over confident or are you sure about that?" Her question prompts a shrug.

"Just thought I'd say it in passing. Just in case I happen to make it to old age."

"Hmm, I hope you do, Sousuke."

"So do I, Kaname. So do I." Sighing, he adds, "I just hope Mr and Mrs Kusanagi are going to be able to make their point to the Galaxy Federation's High Command."

"I hope so too, Sousuke. Even more, I hope Mizuho doesn't get morning sickness like normal humans do. If she is expecting, that is."

"Given I'm not familiar with aliens' physiology, but quite familiar with humans', I'd say there's a 50-50 chance of her either getting morning sickness or not. After all, she is part human."

"Yeah, those odds sound just about right." Next thing they know, the communication console tones. "Kaname here." Smiling when she sees who it is, she says, "Hi, Tessa. You finally stop swearing yet?"

"Hello, Kaname. Yes, I finally stopped swearing. Earlier this morning, anyway. Team Hawk and friends are here for their AS training. They arrived about two days ago. I have Kyoko on the line for you. She just wants to let you know how Sousuke Jr's doing. She also seems to be quite worried about something."

"Okay. Thanks, Tessa." Once Tessa's visage winks off, it's replaced by Kyoko's. "Hey, Kyoko. How's baby-sitting going for you?"

"So far, so good, Kaname. Sousuke Jr's taking a nap after I fed him. Um, any chance I can talk to Sousuke?"

"I'm right here, Kyoko. What's going on?"

"Sousuke, a man came by my apartment. He was wanting to give Sousuke Jr an injection of vitamins. He said that he had tried in the Hospital's Nursery, but the Nurses wouldn't let him."

"When was that, Kyoko? And when did he go by your apartment?"

"The day of your wedding to Kaname. He came by today. I'm not sure, but I felt it'd be safer for me to consult with you first before agreeing."

"Kyoko, you did the right thing. Listen to me, carefully. I want you to evac your apartment, head to ours and contact the Captain. Request an airlift out of there to Mithril's Pacific Ocean Fleet Base."

"I'm already in your apartment, Sousuke. Kurz let us in and Melissa patched me into Tessa. It's how I was able to contact you." Kyoko turns away from the camera and coos toward the floor before looking back up at Sousuke. "Sousuke, what's going on? I sensed something was very wrong when that man came. I don't think he followed me. Should we evac, just to be on the safe side?"

"Affirmative."

"Okay, Sousuke. Who do I talk to about the guy?"

"Lt Cmdr Kalinin or Captain Testarossa. I already briefed them about a potential criminal act." Blinking, he asks, "Just how did you know to contact the Captain to begin with anyway?"

"One of your Commanding Officers. He gave Shinji a card. Shinji's seriously thinking of joining Mithril."

"I see. Was Shinji present when the man was there?"

"Yes, he was. He had a weird feeling about that guy as well. Transport's on the way already."

"Okay. Upon arrival, Captain Testarossa will brief you on the facts we have gathered so far."

"Thanks, Sousuke. I'm sorry if I soured your honeymoon with my call, Kaname."

Giving her friend a warm, yet sad smile, Kaname replies, "Don't worry about it, Kyoko. Because it just turned our honeymoon into a working one. With a personal score to settle, no less."

"Kaname, what do you mean? What personal score?"

"If we're right, Kyoko, then some no-good loser wanted to use our baby as a human lab rat for some evil weird science."

"Human lab rat? Evil weird science? Kaname, you're not making any sense."

"Tessa will tell you all about it, Kyoko. See you later."

"Bye, Kaname. Bye, Sousuke. Good luck for what you've got in mind."

"Thanks, Kyoko. Bye." Once Kyoko's visage winks off the screen, Kaname growls. "Ron sure had a good point on graduation day. God's going to sit this one out all right. He'll just kick back and watch the show. Those bakas have gone way too far, Sousuke."

"Hmm, affirmative. Some things are better done on a personal level."

"Oh yeah. Much better that way. Just like Mr Tuttle said. 'The best Justice is Justice you do yourself'. I agree with that. How about you?"

"Affirmative."

For a slight instant, the two honeymooning teens could swear they had just heard a massive growl of agreement rise from Roadwolf. Looking at each other, they merely shrug it off as they note it, thinking it's a misfire in one of the engine cylinders.

Author's Notes: Hoo boy, can anyone say 'Punisher Time'? Sousuke, Kaname and Roadwolf are going to war. All for their son's life and sake. Big question is, why did Roadwolf growl? Any guessers? I hope you enjoyed this spicy and romantic chapter. For the heavy action is about to happen in the next chapter. With an appearance by some very familiar people from my usual and previous storyline. Later.