Chapter 2
"EAF and ZAFT forces are currently engaged in battle in Berlin." A news reporter informed the public. "Casualties are heavy on both sides, but the citizens trapped in this war are the real victims."
Josef sighed and frowned thoughtfully while watching the news. He stood up and went outside his office and found Lyle coming down the stairs with mop and bucket on hand. "How's everything up there?" He asked.
"Sparkling." Lyle answered with a wide smile. He stored the mop and the bucket to the supplies cabinet and surveyed his employer. "What's up Mr. F? He asked.
"It's this war." Josef started. "A treaty has been signed two years ago, and now here we go again." He muttered.
"Well." Lyle started. "I think too much hatred in both sides kept the war constantly flaming."
"True." Josef replied. "But, when would be able to compromise and agree with one another, that both sides want peace?"
"When all are exhausted I suppose." Sharya interjected. Two masculine heads turned her way and looked at her pondering silently. "What?" She looked at them and shrugged her shoulders. "From what I heard, read and seen. It's likely the path this war is going. Peace? Don't think so." She snorted and crossed her arms in her chest. "Peace is out of the question." She fell silent for a moment and added. "That's my opinion any way."
"Well yeah." Lyle replied. "Glad to hear it's just an opinion. I hope I won't be hearing you talking like that to other people and you'll be in a fine mess." He admonished his friend.
"I agree." Josef said. "Where do you get ideas like that? Peace should be encouraged. Let people know the benefits of having a peaceful life. You better watch what your saying young lady." He sternly advised Sharya. "Is Ruthie home yet?" He asked.
"Not yet." Sharya replied not looking a bit contrite. "I'll let her know you wish to see her."
"I'll be in the office." Josef went to his office and shut the door quietly.
Lyle and Sharya looked at each other silently. Lyle motioned for her to go outside to talk. Both of them stood at the entrance of the Apartment complex. With their voices low they kept up with their conversation.
"Whew!" Lyle whispered. "You are quite something you know."
"Yeah! Yeah!" Sharya lifted a hand to brush his words off. "Have you secured the data in the disk?
"What do you think of me, stupid?" Lyle raised his eyebrows. "We have enough data, what now?"
"We need a few more." Sharya replied. "After this we need a lot of money."
Lyle went silent for a moment and nodded. "Okay, I agree."
At that moment, Ruthie is sighted walking towards them carrying two bags of groceries. Lyle hurriedly went to her aid and took the bags of groceries from her.
"Ms Ruthie, Mr Josef wants to see you." Sharya informed her. "We'll take care of the groceries."
"Thank you dears!" She said, smiling gratefully. "I'll go to the kitchen after I talked with my husband. Please put the groceries away." She walked away and went to her husband's office.
Sharya and Lyle went to the kitchen and efficiently put the groceries away for Mrs. Frein's use. They went out from the kitchen and found Mrs. Frein coming their way. Sharya approached her.
"Aunt Ruthie, can we go to the internet café to play games after dinner?" She asked, smiling widely.
"After dinner, you finish washing and drying the dishes." Ruthie told them. "No buts."
"Sure!" Lyle grinned happily. "Thanks!"
The two teens bounded up the stairs with happy feet. "And don't be late for dinner!" Ruthie called after them. She smiled and walked towards the kitchen to prepare for dinner.
Lyle and Sharya walked towards the internet café and found it with few customers. They were given two computers and when they are behind the terminal their countenance started to change. Both are intent on continuing what they started.
"Captain Gladys, I notice a glitch somewhere." Meyrin Hawke informed her superior officer.
Captain Gladys stood up from her command chair and approached her communications officer. "Where?"
"I'm sorry ma'am." Meyrin replied. "It might just be a minor system fall out. I'll check it right away." She assured her commanding officer.
"Very well. Continue." Captain Gladys replied. "I'll be at my quarters when you find something."
"Yes ma'am." Meyrin kept on checking her system. Unknown to her, the Minerva database is giving its information along with the information regarding the PLANT.
Six hours later, Meyrin Hawke confirmed that there is nothing wrong with the Minerva system. She ran a full diagnostic and even enlisted the help of other bridge crew members regarding the glitch she found earlier. Captain Gladys accepted her full report and praised her for a job well done. That same day, a message is sent to the crew of Minerva informing them regarding the whereabouts of a laboratory in Lodonia.
"We've been doing this for a month now." Lyle informed her while they are sitting at a bench and glancing up the sky. "Phase two?"
"Soon." Sharya replied. "I need supplies for our minicoms. How much money do we have?"
"We have enough for the parts we need for the minicoms." Lyle replied. "I've been window shopping and I found this store that really gives a good price."
"Okay." Sharya replied. "Tomorrow is Sunday, we can shop tomorrow."
"Cool!" Lyle stood up and stretched. "Come on, let's go back and eat dinner. I'm starving."
"What's new?" Sharya snorted and avoided the pinch Lyle is going to give her.