(insert a disclaimer here)


December 14th, C.E. 69

4:03 PM, Local time

Kaguya Mass Driver, Kaguya Island


Wiru waded through the crowd.

The mass driver was usually crowded around the holidays with people trying to visit their loved ones in Heliopolis or PLANT citizens with dual citizenship trying to get home. Being surrounded wasn't a pleasant feeling and, not for the first time that day, he wished he had worn his uniform instead of plainclothes… at least then people would have given him wide berth and he wouldn't feel like he was suffocating. He carefully slipped through the crowd toward his destination.

Near the entry to the concourse, he spotted his target: a head of shoulder-length neon-pink hair was hard to miss. He shook his head ruefully. No matter how brilliant his older sister Mai was, her intelligence could only be matched by her eccentricity. He could still remember when she showed up for work a year ago sporting the hair… How does it look? I dyed it this morning because I was bored and I thought this would be a fun change! Pink is all the rage right now.

A small Asian man stood beside her, his head buried in what was most likely new report about his company. Donovan Wei, her husband of six years, stood at least a head shorter than her but made up for it with his go-getter personality. Wiru thought they were an odd duo, but they made it work. What he saw next as he continued his slow approach made him smile. His twin brother, Hikaze, was at it again with Mai's children, Evelyn and Lee.

"Uncle Kaz! Uncle Kaz! C'mon, show us how you did it.~"

Kneeling beside them, Kaz was showing the kids some 'magic' that he had learned 'deep in the jungles of South America'. It was simple sleight of hand, but it kept them entertained while they waited. A gentle smile graced Kaz's face.

Together, they were all the very picture of a happy family about to leave on vacation. Why can't it be me? I'm much better suited for- No. A pang of jealousy flitted through Wiru's heart, but he squashed it. I'll be following them soon, he reminded himself.

Heralded by the groans of disappointment from the two children, Kaz sensed his approach and turned to face him. A few years back, they used to be mistaken for one another quite often, so Kaz decided to cut his own midnight hair short, cropped close to the sides. Wiru often thought that it had been a foolish mistake, as Kaz's eyes were an easy way to tell the difference. Mischievous electric blue met his own serious wintergreen eyes as Wiru's smile disappeared.

"Enjoy your bathroom break, Nii-chan?" He asked. Wiru rolled his eyes. Classic Kaz…

"Yes, I did," he responded. Don looked up from his pad to give a brief nod of acknowledgement, then returned to his work. The two children jumped onto Kaz's back, attempting to pull his attention back to them.

"Don't stop Uncle Kaz!" A grin split Kaz's face in two. Another pang of jealousy racked Wiru. I wish…

"Alright, alright. Stop pulling, or I won't be able to show you!~ Now first, you put the coin in this hand..."

Wiru tore his attention away from the scene and focused on his older sister. A look of pity shot across her face as she watched him. She quietly started,

"I'm sorry. They don't really know you as well since you're never really around. I'm sure if you-"

"It's fine. Don't worry about it," he lied. It was not fine, but it was the cost of the path he had chosen. Anxious to change the subject, he continued, "Is everything in order?"

Mai paused, slightly taken aback, and gave a quick glance that said, 'Are you sure?'

Wiru nodded. Reassured, she said,

"Our luggage is already loaded and we start boarding in about ten minutes. When we arrive on Heliopolis, we should have just enough time to transfer to a shuttle headed for Aprilius One." Wiru nodded. "Kyo is planning to meet us at the spaceport and 'escort' us to mom and dad's house on Junius Seven."

She shook her head and sighed,

"It was a lot easier to travel before all of this happened."

Wiru lifted an eyebrow. In his opinion, it was always easy to travel. You just needed to know who to bribe.

"Well, it might get even harder starting with the beginning of the new year…" he said, "Chairman Clyne drives a hard bargain; things are probably going to heat up again… Even with Dad there to minimize the damage, things might get a little crazy."

He stepped forward, gave his older sister a hug, and whispered in her ear,

"If anything looks suspicious, let Kaz know; he'll know what to do." He stepped back and in a louder voice, continued,

"Say 'hi' to Dad for me, and look after yourselves..."

Evelyn and Lee looked up from their magic show.

"You're not coming Uncle 'roo!?" Evelyn said, shocked by this new information while Lee continued,

"...but it's a family vacation! You always have work or somethin'!" Slightly pleased by their disappointment, he knelt down and smiled,

"I'll be coming later," he said, "I've got some work I need to do first, but I'll definitely be there for the big party." He tussled their hair and saw rekindled hope in their eyes.

"You promise...?" they asked in unison. His heart warmed. He held out both of his pinkies.

"I pinkie promise." They looked at him seriously and took one of his hands.

"...don't break it…"

"I won't." He let go of their hands and got up. Don looked up from his work approvingly and said,

"We'll see you when you get there, I guess." Wiru nodded as Don retreated back into his work. Don was never particularly good at feelings. Especially with goodbyes. It was the same with Wiru, so they understood one another. You're weak. Kaz stood up as the PA buzzed to life:

"Passengers on the 4:30 flight to Heliopolis, please begin boarding..."

Wiru and Kaz locked eyes, the mischief that had danced in his eyes, now still like ice.

"I know you're worried. Don't be. I'll keep an eye out," he said. "I haven't seen anything so far."

Wiru let the tension inside of him release. If Kaz said it was so, then it must be. He trusted his younger twin without reserve. Wiru nodded at him.

"Make sure it stays that way." Seeing the change, Kaz grinned and his eyes became soft.

"Know who you're talking to? Hikaze Kartas, engineer extraordinaire!" He winked at Wiru, "Couldn't let anything happen even if I wanted; after all, they're my family too."

Mai moved forward, pushing Kaz aside,

"Could you all board? I'd like to talk to Wiru alone," she began. Wiru's stomach dropped. She knows. He shot a pleading look at Kaz who just wore a smile that said, It's your fault for keeping it a secret. Kaz shrugged his shoulders and turned around to help the rest of the family through the gate. Wiru watched them, feeling that any hope for rescue was lost. He turned his attention back to Mai.

"I've already instructed Kat to keep me informed of what's going on, and she's readily agreed."

Wiru faked amusement and asked quizzically,

"You're going to have her babysit me? She's your project that you asked me to look after."

She smiled, aware of the irony.

"But I don't trust that you will give me a completely 'honest' evaluation of what's actually going on."

Wiru felt the heat rise in his cheeks and a chill go down his spine as he looked away because he knew she was right. He wouldn't give her a completely honest appraisal even if his life depended on it. Which it does!~ She took his hand.

"We're a family, Wiru. We care. Hey," she said, "Hey, look at me."

He reluctantly met her eyes.

"Family is here to look out for each other. You don't need to do this alone." Her blue eyes shone brightly. Wiru opened his mouth-

"Passengers on the 4:30 flight to Heliopolis, the flight will be leaving in approximately ten minutes..."

"...I'll think about it." He finally said. Mai smiled, knowing that this was the best answer she could get from him.

"We'll see you in a couple days then?" she asked, gripping his hand firmly.

"...yeah."

She smiled brighter,

"I expect a full report then, from your own mouth." She turned around heading for the gate.

As he watched her retreating figure, he was slightly bemused. Would she even believe him if he told her the truth? I've just got too much to do... Things to destroy, people to kill... No rest for the wicked!~

Several minutes later, he watched the ship she had boarded shoot up the tracks and launch into the sky. He hoped that he would have good news to report by the time they met up again.

It's going to happen, no matter what I do... All I can do is let it happen.


"Commander Kartas, over here!" A young man in civilian clothes was waving wildly at him, visible through the crowd. Wiru got a few sideways glances.

Wiru closed his eyes and let out a small breath. I can see you, idiot. He began to make his way to the flailing figure. He had so much to prepare if he was going to be able to make his flight on the eighteenth. His major concern was who he could put in charge of the base while he was gone.

He could see the young man clearly now. Brown hair, a seemingly ordinary looking kid, not looking much older than seventeen. Tanigawa. For someone from Zephyr R&D, he was relatively carefree.

"Commander, I'm glad you-"

Wiru glided smoothly past without even acknowledging him. He had to focus, he had to get everything done quickly. He couldn't spare any time. Probably surprised, he could hear the kid scrambling to catch up. I'm not that much older though…

Listening as Tanigawa tried to make small talk as they walked, Wiru lagged slightly behind deeply in thought, muttering a noncommittal grunt whenever he was posed a question. Who could he trust to keep things organized? Ryoshi and Takada were both on vacation in the Equatorial Union. Curantis? No, she would still have her hands full with the pups... He could always... No. June was busy. He wouldn't want to ruin her holiday, especially because technically she was on indefinite leave from the military.

Together, they came to a cordoned-off area of the spaceport. Wiru quickly flashed his ID in the scanner and passed through the gate. Inside there was a landing pad with a small troop transport. I wish I were back in combat, where everything is so simple... Tanigawa finally realized Wiru wasn't actually paying attention and fell silent, waiting until the moment he would be ready to talk. They boarded the transport as it hummed to life; Wiru finally turned his attention to him.

"Give me the update." Tanigawa's eyes lit up.

"Well, Lord Uzumi's major concern is the conference about PLANT's demand for complete autonomy and trade equality to the sponsor nations of Earth. The Conference is to be held in seventeen days, which is January 1st," he said, quickly taking out a small pad and looking at his notes. "If the demands are not met, the PLANTs will stop all resource exports, which doesn't really affect us because of our neutrality."

"I already knew that," Wiru responded. "What does Lord Uzumi want me to do about it?"

"He wants a Reaper there. He's afraid that one of the sponsor nations or the UN or something might try to screw over the PLANTs, and he would like someone to make sure that the conference ends peacefully." He took a deep breath, "He mentioned that he'd like you to be there because your father being part of the talks would give you a good cover, rather than trying to use our contacts to insert an operative."

Wiru paused to think about it. He wouldn't mind going. It would give him an excuse to spend some time with his father who he didn't really know that well. He had been so caught up with work lately that it was almost impossible to spend any quality time with each other. It didn't help that they were part of the military forces of two different nations. I want to. I want to do it. But he had to coordinate the Nexus, and the new year was prime time to get everything in order. It might actually have to be her instead... He finally said,

"I'll consider it. Anything else to report?"

"No sir, that's it." Tanigawa looked expectantly at him.

"Ah. Well... thanks." Wiru looked away awkwardly. He knew how to deal with Tanigawa. He just seemed so innocent. I want to crush him. I want to see the despair in his eyes.

"Not a problem! Anything I can do to help," Tanigawa said with a smile.

"We're pulling into the landing zone now," the pilot announced.

"Then, once we land, you're dismissed," Wiru said, letting out a silent sigh of relief.

"Yes sir!" they both said cheerfully.

The cabin that they sat in shook wildly as the transport finally touched down. Almost bounding out the door, excited to get back to his projects no doubt, Tanigawa said over his shoulder,

"See you around, Commander!"

Wiru blinked several times before registering that Tanigawa was already gone. That was quick. Tanigawa usually stuck around and tried to tell him about his latest designs. Wiru quickly disengaged himself from his crash webbing and exited the transport. He thought it was funny because they were actually going to be heading to the same place. Not that he would admit it though, but he might've been looking forward to listening to Tanigawa's chattering. He usually learned a little bit of something new.

He began strolling to the lift that led to the labs.

Feeling a familiar presence tailing him, he slowed down, allowing her to fall into step beside him.

"Hey, Wiru, do you have a moment?" Roan asked. She brushed her deep blue bangs behind her ear. He was always thankful for talks with Roan because she'd been with him since the beginning. She knew what they'd both been through. He glanced down and saw something new, a golden glint on her left hand. He turned away smiling. She caught his look and blushed.

"Talk as we walk?" He motioned.

"Sure." They picked up their pace to walk briskly toward the lift. They quickly arrived and, as they waited, stood in silence. He paused, knowing she would talk when she couldn't take the silence anymore. Completely different from how she used to be... The lift arrived and together they entered. He continued his silent vigil all the way down. It was a normal scene between them, seeing who could wait the longest before breaking the silence.

Finally, she could take it no longer, and once they exited, she said, "He proposed yesterday."

"Congratulations," he said simply as they continued walking. He wanted to be excited with her. He was so proud of how much she had grown over the last five years. He wanted to support her. But that wasn't the persona that he had to follow right now. He felt even worse about what he was about to do. "So, what do you plan on doing over the holidays, then?"

"Well, I was planning on spending some time at his restaurant… He said he would teach me a few of his signature dishes!" She squealed and glowed with happiness. He wanted to let that continue. Food was her favorite pastime, though you wouldn't have been able to tell from her slim and compact frame. Ironically, this was also how she and her now-fiancee, Rosh, had met. He hated what he was about to do even more.

"You know how I'm going to the PLANTs to spend Christmas with my family, right...?" He began.

"Yes, you already told me that, but what-" She said, then a look slowly fell across her face, "...oh..." He winced. "You want me to watch the base while you're gone, don't you?" Though he couldn't see her eyes due to her dark shades, he knew if he saw them, those black eyes would reflect absolute disappointment. He couldn't take it, so he relented,

"...but if you can find two others to help you, so that you can spend some time with him, I'll take it."

"I can do that." She said. He could tell from the thoughtful look on her face that she was already mentally going through the list of her least favorite squadmates. This was lightyears ahead of who she used to be. She had almost been dependent on him, and they hadn't even been partners before that system had been abolished. She caught him looking at her.

"What? Is there something on my face?"

"No, I was just thinking about how happy I am now that you've found a new life here in Orb."

She had quite literally blossomed since they came here with the other remnants of P2. Out of all of them, she was the shining example of what happened from the change in environment. She'd become more open and vivacious compared to her previous stoic and emotionless self. Her brows furrowed.

"What about you?" she questioned. "Where's your happiness?"

Caught off guard by her question, Wiru suddenly felt tired. He felt old. My happiness comes from the hunt! He closed his eyes and took a deep breath as he turned to face her.

"I'm happy that so many of us made it," he said smiling wryly, "I simply chose the path that would lead to the greatest happiness for all of you." He gestured to her, "You're my proof that I did the right thing."

She sighed, shaking her head. She'd definitely noticed that he said you instead of us.

"You're not that obligated. You don't have to take all of our worlds on your shoulders."

"I know." He said as he shrugged. "I don't have to do a lot of things, but would we have a safe home like this if I didn't?"

She looked away. This wasn't the first time they'd had this conversation; it most likely wouldn't be the last.

"Just take it easy" she said. They finally reached a door that proudly stated in bold letters, 'LAB'. She turned to face him.

"I'm heading home for today, but come by Rosh's restaurant later, and I'll buy you a drink."

That translated into 'Rosh will buy you a drink'. But Wiru appreciated the sentiment.

"You know I don't drink," he said with a smile. "Can't stomach the taste." She slapped his back.

"We'll make a drunk out of you yet." She said with a grin. "Now go on and entertain our esteemed guests."

Wiru watched and steeled himself as Roan daintily flitted away. Dealing with Mr. Azrael was exhausting, but if the old man was there, he just might be able to sneak past and talk with him instead. He stepped through the door, and his nose was assaulted with the scent of heavy cologne.


A/N: If you have any difficulty imagining what Wiru looks like, think Junichirou Sengawa from Dendrobates, only with his wild hair. I found that yesterday and it was great. I'd been trying to imagine what Wiru looks like for years.