Episode 2: A New Arrangement

-Macross Elysion-

"So this is the Macross Elysion."

"You look as if you've never been in a Macross-class battleship, Shinomiya."

Somehow, Kazumi found himself being accompanied by Mikumo as he tries to find the briefing room where he will be introduced to his current job. He's thankful that Mikumo offered to come with him. He had never been on the newest Macross-class battleship so he has no clue on the Elysion's layout.

"I've been on one of the older models and several Battle-classes. I used to serve on Battle 22 when I was fresh out of the academy. I've also been on a Quarter-class but this one is new to me."

Kazumi explained while he looked around, taking note of the differences between Elysion and the older Macross battleships. It doesn't look all that much different from a Battle-class in the inside apart from the layout which seems to be even more complex though that's just his opinion.

"I see."

The two of them walk in relative silence. Kazumi had been given a brief overview of Chaos' Ragna branch, including the famous Delta platoon and Walkure. Hearing Delta's exploits certainly remind him of some rather famous characters he had met like SMS Frontier's Skull platoon. But what caught his attention the most is Walkure, especially Mikumo Guynemer.

He had read the report concerning the second battle on Ragna. The Star Singer they called her. Using the power of the protoculture ruins, she can control the whole star system using her song. It is not something surprising for him considering this is not the first time he witness protoculture's power, which is one of the reason why he's chosen for this mission. Though this is the first time he see a protoculture in person, if the rumors were to be believed.

That is what the rumor said, that Mikumo Guynemer is either a protoculture descendant or one of the remaining protoculture in existence. It is not a farfetched idea since she could control the protoculture ruins but Kazumi has his suspicion. But it's not his job to find out. He knew by experience that things like these tend to lead to something troublesome and unless it is overly serious he is fine in not knowing much. He had learned his lesson in sticking his head into things, much to Carol's chagrin.

He probably should finish reading the more detailed report though. He simply read through the first page of the report which only gave him some brief statements about his mission. He was too tired to read the whole thing and slept through most of the trip to Ragna.

"We're here."

The duo arrived at the briefing room and Kazumi's eyes move to scan the whole room. There are only two people there apart from Mikumo and himself. One is a young woman with short brown hair holding a tablet pc and the other is a middle-aged man wearing a red Chaos jacket. The young woman is Kaname Buccaneer, the leader of Walkure. That means the middle-aged man standing beside her must be Major Arad Moulders.

"Captain Kazumi Shinomiya reporting for duty, Major Arad Moulder sir!"

Kazumi gave Arad a standard military salute when addressing a superior officer. Though if he were still in NUNS, there wouldn't be any need for that since he did became a Major once before he got himself demoted after what happened in Ouroboros. Damn Todo.

"You're right on time, Shinomiya. At ease. We're not a stickler for the rules here so there's no need for all those military formality."

Kazumi is glad that Arad seems to be an easy-going person. He too doesn't like all the formalities, one of the more minor and petty reasons why he quit NUNS. He doesn't like all those stuffy military protocol. It sometimes made him think why he even joined up in the first place.

"Ara, Mikumo? Are you the one who brought captain Shinomiya here?"

Kaname who didn't expect Mikumo to be there asked the violet haired beauty. After all, it's rare to see Mikumo in the company of someone she's not familiar with, though Kaname supposed it's a good sign since she and Kazumi will be seeing each other a lot. Having them get along is better than having them butt heads with each other, although if it's in the same manner as Hayate and Mirage would do sometimes then it would be more amusing than worrying.

"We coincidentally met. He doesn't know Elysion's layout and could've gotten lost so I helped him."

Mikumo explained. Meanwhile, Kazumi and Arad are having a conversation of their own.

"So Shinomiya, do you know why you were chosen to be our newest pilot?"

"I haven't read the details but I'm supposed to be the bodyguard for one of the Walkure. I'm ashamed to say that I fell asleep on the trip here."

Kazumi rub the back of his head sheepishly as he admits that he didn't know the details. Arad chuckled and began his explanation.

"You knew about the battle to retake Ragna, right?"

Kazumi nodded. It's hard to not know that when it has become quite famous as the climax of the war with the Windermereans, especially among Chaos personnel. Having a war under their belt helps with publicity for their military division after all.

"With Mikumo's identity as the so-called Star Singer known, Lady M has expressed her worry that there will be people who would target her for her power. So far there have been no signs of anyone targeting her and Lady M has been trying to suppress the information from spreading too far before we can release the official version."

"Official version means omitting a few details, right?"

"Correct. The situation is different from the one with Frontier that you experienced."

Kazumi nodded in understanding. Indeed he can see why there is a need for that. The situation is definitely different. So far divas had been playing an indirect part in battle with their songs like becoming keys or through indirect communication. But what the Star Singer did was directly weaponizing her singing voice and almost subjugated the entire galaxy in one single battle. He only knew that because he was given the true, unedited files since he will be working with Delta from now on.

A power like that, of course someone would like to get their hands on it. With Mikumo's power one could have the galaxy dancing on the palm of their hand. That is certainly a frightening thought.

"Which leads to why you are here. Lady M has no doubt that some people had obtained the information and are targeting Mikumo as we speak. This is where your assignment to the Delta platoon came in. Our job description has always been to protect Walkure from threats. Before this, we could manage even after we lost one of ours during the conflict with Windermere. But with a big target now painted on Mikumo's back, we will need someone to be a dedicated bodyguard to her. That is you. You are one of the best around according to your track record and Lady M herself recommended you."

"It's not like I never got shot down. I admit I'm good but I'm not the best."

Kazumi said, trying to sound humble, and also as a reminder to himself.

"Hee, you're a humble one aren't you."

Arad said. Kazumi shrugged.

"Overconfidence can kill me. I've seen good pilots killed due to overconfidence."

He replied with a sad look, though what he remembered is himself back when he was younger. His overconfidence costs him Alisa's life in his first major battle. It is a regret he carries deep in his heart even now.

"Well it doesn't change the fact that this is your job from now on."

Arad then grinned and suddenly inch closer to him and put his arm around his shoulder. The Delta platoon leader then spoke in a whisper to Kazumi's ear.

"So what do you think about Mikumo?"

"…haa?"

"Come on, you came here with her. She's not the type to walk with a stranger. What charm did you use?"

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"Nothing, just work related matter."

"Oi oi oi, what you're asking is not related to work at all!"

Kazumi hissed in annoyance. First it was Carol and now it is Arad. He got the feeling that he'll never hear the end of it throughout his assignment in Ragna. Kazumi began to wonder how Alto handled dating the Galactic Fairy or the Super Dimensional Cinderella if he simply being a bodyguard to the Mysterious Venus got him teased twice in less than a day, once by his own superior of all thing.

While Arad is briefing Kazumi on his new job, Kaname too explain the situation to Mikumo, about the arrangement made by Chaos HQ and her getting a dedicated bodyguard, who to her mild surprise is the man she guided to Elysion and is currently talking to Arad.

"I understand."

No she didn't, Kaname thought. There's a very high probability, no, a definite possibility that Mikumo will ditch her bodyguard at a moment's notice. Mikumo has always been a lone wolf like that and she enjoys the company of very few people, only four actually and those four are her fellow Walkure members. She even ditched Mirage everytime they were paired together in missions, though that is not be because Mikumo doesn't like Mirage but Mirage's own shortcomings in espionage missions.

But…

Lady M seem to know that so she made a compromise.

"Mikumo, there's a probability that Windermere or anyone else who knew your power could target you. This is a compromise from Lady M. She said it is either lieutenant Shinomiya or a full contingent of soldiers to serve as bodyguard."

Mikumo only kept her silence without showing any change in expression but years of knowing her and being her best friend allows Kaname to have an insight to her young friend's emotion. Mikumo is not pleased. She's quite irritated actually but Kaname knew what her choice will be. Mikumo gave Shinomiya a good look as if judging him before turning back to Kaname with her reply.

"It seems there is no choice. I suppose Shinomiya is better than some people I don't know."

Mikumo sighed. It's not a choice at all and she's simply pushed to choose the lesser of two evils. If she refuse Kazumi, then she will be assigned with those men in black suits and dark shades who would follow her anywhere and watch her every movement while standing like statue with unchanging expression. She'd prefer Kazumi who would be more interesting compared to those kind of people anytime.

"That's good. I already knew you would choose him over those bodyguards."

"Shinomiya is the better choice."

Kaname chuckled seeing Mikumo pout in annoyance at being forced to pick her poison.

"So what's your impression of him?"

Mikumo stole a glance at Kazumi who is still talking with Arad and then look back to Kaname. Mikumo can't help but smile a little when she remembered what happened just an hour ago. They have only just met but she felt like they could get along.

"He's interesting."

Kazumi sighs as he walks past the streets of Ragna. It took a while to complete the transfer procedure and get his new ID that would double as his room key. Lady M had provided him with his living arrangement which he heard is a dorm that had recently been renovated.

Arad also took him to the hangar where Delta's units are kept. His VF-25F had been transported to Elysion and equipped with the Tornado pack while he spoke with Arad. He had been offered to switch to a Siegfried unit but he refused since his unit still works well for him. It's been with him for years and hadn't failed him.

He won't be formally meeting the rest of the Delta platoon and Walkure until tomorrow so Arad told him to come to Elysion at nine for introduction. He already read about the other members of the Delta though and they have two interesting names; Mirage Falyna Jenius and Hayate Immellmann. They played an important role in the battle and both had shown outstanding skill and teamwork. He can't wait to see them and maybe test them.

After almost more than two hours of searching, Kazumi finally reached the place he will be living in during his time in Ragna. It is a large three storey mansion-like building with its back facing the sea. The lights are all out so he supposed everyone living in the dorm had gone to bed. He opened the iron gate and saw a camera at the side of the gate. He then proceed to the front door where he saw a mechanism to insert his ID into. He inserted his ID and a retinal scanner appear. Since his data is already inside Chaos' database, the scanner recognized him and allowed him entry.

Kazumi heard several locks moving and the wooden door slides open. When he entered, he examined the now open door and saw that it is actually only have wooden outer layer while inside it there are thick metal plates that serves as reinforced armor. That is some fair security measures.

When he got in, he got a full view of the front hall where there is a door on each side which he assumes led to the living room and dining room and a large stair in the center that leads to the living quarters. His room is located on the second floor to the right so he climbed the as instructed. He could explore the dorm tomorrow. When he got up to the second floor though, he got himself a surprise.

He felt something cold and familiar being pressed to his head.

"Don't move."

A familiar voice, one that he had heard just a few hours ago had just threatened him with a gun to the head. Fortunately the gun lowered immediately when the person noticed who he is. Kazumi slowly turn his head to the one who held him at gunpoint just moments ago and his blue eyes meets red once again. For the second time that day, Kazumi Shinomiya found himself face-to-face with Mikumo Guynemer… who happens to be clad only in a bath towel.

"Shinomiya?"

He doesn't know if he should be relieved or worried when the towel fell off due to Mikumo being shocked and not holding her towel tightly and she did not show any reaction other than continue staring at him in surprise. Carol must never know of this or he'll never hear the end of it.

"I see. I should've expected this when I heard the arrangement."

Mikumo said after she heard Kazumi's explanation. Kazumi tries to be professional about this arrangement and he succeeded for the most part except where he can't keep the red tinge on his cheek hidden after seeing the lead singer of Walkure in her birthday suit. The fact that it didn't bother her at all is a cause for concern to him.

The two of them are currently sitting in the living room with Mikumo serving him warm tea. It's already way past midnight and like he thought, everyone is already asleep. Although…

"Why the hell didn't he tell me that I'll be staying in a girls' dorm?"

He asked nobody in particular while his eyebrow twitches in annoyance. Of course, the first thing Mikumo mentioned when interrogating him earlier was that this is currently an all female dormitory.

The two of them sighs when they realize that they've been had. Nothing that they could do about it though, not that Mikumo care. Kazumi doesn't look like someone who would try anything bad. After all, this is an arrangement made by Lady M and both Kaname and Arad don't seem to have any problem with it since they did point him here. The two decided to take things in strides.

"So Captain Shinomiya…"

"Call me Kazumi. I'm not much for formalities plus we'll be living together for a while so just call me Kazumi."

"Then Kazumi, you may call me Mikumo. There is no particular house rule here. Each room has their own bathroom so we don't have to share and that's it. I only recently moved in too so it would be better to ask Kaname if you have any question."

Kazumi nodded. It was then that his stomach rumbled, reminding Kazumi that he hadn't had dinner yet.

"Uhh, do you have anything in the fridge? I haven't eaten anything since that fried jellyfish we got on the way to Elysion."

Mikumo chuckled and lead him to the kitchen. She told Kazumi where everything is while checking the fridge. Kazumi is impressed with the quality of the appliances and they are all well-maintained.

"It appears that we have used up our stock but there should be something left around here. You can cook?"

"Somewhat."

Nothing fancy really. It is just a hobby of his, or a way to remember old times. He hadn't cooked anything lately due to being busy but he used to cook for everyone back in the days and he sometimes still cook for Carol whenever they have the opportunity to get together to reminisce about old times.

Kazumi peeked over Mikumo's shoulder to check out what is available in the fridge. There are some tomato, eggs, and fish. He also began checking the cabinet and is actually surprised to find some rice. There are also some basic spices in there. Kazumi start by cooking some rice first.

"I'm actually surprised that you have rice here even if it's not much."

Mikumo blinked and look at Kazumi as if he had just said something unusual.

"We have rice there?"

"…how can you not know the content of your own cabinet?"

"Only Kaname and Makina can cook something edible."

Mikumo admitted while looking away in slight embarrassment.

"Hee… It's kinda unexpected… or I should've expected it. Kaname-san looks dependable and kinda like a housewife. She takes care of things like briefing and stuff, right?"

"Yes. What about you? I didn't expect that you can cook."

Mikumo's question brought a smile to Kazumi as he remembers how he first learned how to cook. It was something long ago, back when he still lived with his mother. He never knew his father but he remembers his mother perfectly. She was the one who taught him how to cook. At first, he just wanted to help her in the kitchen but then he grew fond of it. It is more because he can spend time with his only family that way rather than enjoying cooking itself and even now he still cook from time to time to remember her.

"Just something I pick up along the way. Anyway, are you hungry? I can make enough for two servings."

"I'm curious. Show me how good you are."

"Hehehe, very well."

Mikumo continue to watch as Kazumi gets fired up and began cooking. The violet haired woman had been making an effort to connect more with her friends after the final battle against Roid. But never in her imagination had she ever imagined sharing a place with a man she barely knows. She would've made a great fuss about this if she was remotely normal but Mikumo is not a normal woman.

For starters, she's a young adult whose actual age is only three years old. An artificial life form, a clone made from ancient Protoculture DNA. Nothing matters for her as long as she can sing. With all that taken into consideration, normal is not exactly a word that can be used to describe her. That is why she can easily accept the new arrangement if it is what's necessary for her to continue singing. Plus Arad and Kaname knew and seem to be fine with the arrangement. Mikumo would trust their judgement if nothing else.

Little did they know that their meeting is just the beginning of a new episode in galactic history.

Episode 2 shows some other changes. Kazumi will keep using his VF-25F and now he and Mikumo will be staying in the renovated girls' dorm. Of course, what Arad and Kaname had not told Mikumo and the rest which will be revealed in the next episode is that the rest of the boys, which include chuck, Arad and Hayate, will also move in due to security concerns. Reina and Makina will too. Chuck of course still have Ragnyanyan to worry about so he's the only non-permanent resident. That's all the noticeable changes... and that Kazumi is a lucky bastard. Fortunately for Mikumo and himself, Kazumi is an adult man who already had some action so he's not bothered at all when Mikumo flashed him but her own lack of reaction does worry him.