Chapter 3 - A cold night on the Steppe
A cold harsh wind cut across the overly exposed central courtyard of the Neo Russia base. Located on a rather nondescript area of the Steppe other than the base's buildings there was no protection from the winds and the snow. The base was quiet, closed down for the long night, only the noise of the Cossack mobile suits occasionally returning from patrol disturbed the peace.
The side door on the large hanger opened slightly but then jammed on the pile of snow that had built up. After a few moments of effort the door flung fully open and the black haired Raven Vladikov III stepped out into the night. Trudging through the snow Raven snaked his way though the base until he reached the barracks. He was met again by a snow blocked door but it was not a challenge to Raven.
The interior of the barracks was considerable warmer than the base outside but the decoration was hardly impressive. The Neo Russians could make any room drab and dingy, for them it was practically an art form. Not that this bothered Raven he was a fight, not an interior decorator.
'Hey Raven!' called one of the off-duty troopers from the mess hall. The call got his attention and thus he wondered over to see what they wanted.
'Is it true that "Mother Raven" is coming in tomorrow?' asked the trooper. This caught Raven slightly off guard.
'Sure is a nice one eh?' voiced another. 'I wouldn't mind a piece of her arse. What about you Raven? Would you try?' The group of troopers burst into laughter.
'eh..what?' replied Raven, getting a little angry.
'Oh come, don't tell us you've never thought of It.' said the trooper. 'You're always with her. Go on admit it, you've had a little peek right?'
'So noisy!' yelled Raven gabbing the man by the back of his head and ramming it into the table. 'Don't say such things about her!' He promptly let the trooper go and stormed off.
'Touchy.' was the trooper's reply. 'There's something going on there.' They burst into laughter again.
Captain Electra "Mother Raven" Trenchov sat with her hands clasped together. She wasn't entirely pleased that her ship, the [i]RNS Alexander Kerensky[/i] was being used as a mere passenger liner. The [i]Alexander Kerensky[/i] was the finest ever produced by the Neo Russian shipyards and should have been doing its job and not running errands.
'Communications. Have you gained clearance for atmospheric re-entry yet?' she barked, barely moving her head.
'Not yet Captain.' replied the crewman. 'Barrier Control is being dragging its feet.'
'Do your best,' she replied and then almost as an after thought. 'If they cause too much trouble threaten to shoot down their control station.'
'I do not think that would endear you well to the Gundam Fight Committee, Captain Trenchov.' said Nastasha Zabikov-Gulskii as she walked onto the bridge.
'Major Zabikov I would have thought that you of all people would know that sometimes the implied use of force is the best way to do things.' replied Electra calmly.
'Captain, I'm a civilian now, so it's just Mrs Zabikov-Gulskii.' said Nastasha. 'And to your point, you are correct but only to a degree. There is a terrible thing call diplomacy; it is something we all have to learn at some point in time. How long until we arrive at the base?'
'If Barrier Control hurries up, we should be down in the hour.' replied Electra sharply.
'Good.' said Nastasha, noting the harshness in the young captain's voice. 'I hope you don't mind us going and teaching your Gundam Fighter a few lessons. It would be terrible to see him defeated due to poor leaderships.'
'Of course not.' replied Electra through gritted teeth. Nastasha gave herself a little smile. The young Electra was easily riled up, that would make her job easier.
As Nastasha left the bridge she was blocked in the next corridor by a rather large man leaning against the wall. 'Enjoying yourself?'
Nastasha smiled again as she surveyed her husband. Despite being a free man for nearly fifteen years he still didn't quite look right in civilian clothes. She'd tried to bring him up to the standards of your average Neo Russian gentleman but he still preferred rougher clothes. 'I'm only doing my job, how could you possibly say I enjoy being nasty.'
Argo let that tiny smile creep onto his face, it required only the smallest of movement from his facial muscles but it managed to brighten up his entire face. Taking his hands out of his pockets he moved allowing her to pass. 'We're not actually meant to start until we reach the base.'
'A little preliminary work never hurts.' she said playfully.
'So you do enjoy it.' he interjected
'That's not what I said.' she replied. 'Is the Bolt Gundam ready?'
'As ever,' replied Argo. 'Raven Vladikov maybe a good fighter, but he still has a lot to learn.'
'And that my dear is why we are here.'
Roughly an hour and a half later the [i] Alexander Kerensky[/i] forced its way through a thick cloud bank and started its final approach for landing. The mighty battlecrusiers powerful thrusters sent jets of flame downwards melting snow and ice as the strong landing struts slowly telescoped down from its hull. As the struts made contact with the concrete they adjusted themselves to disperse the [i]Alexander Kerensky's[/i] weight evenly. When the mighty warship was secure a docking collar extended out from the base's space port and locked onto one of the hatches.
Inside Raven Vladikov waited impatiently in the rather bland foyer. He was impatient for several reasons, one being he wanted to see Alexi Stukaniov again another was he wanted to know why the ship had been called back to the colony and lastly he wanted to see Electra again, not for any particular reason of course he just like having her around.
Finally the hatch opened and Raven was surprised to see the hulking form of Argo Gulskii appear. The old Gundam Fighter was followed by Nastasha Zabikov. He instantly knew that something was troubling high command, they wouldn't send this pair unless it was something important. Raven gritted his teeth as Argo approached. He knew all about Argo, there were many back at the colony that'd rather see Argo in Raven's position again. Although the fighter had never actually won the Gundam Fight, he was still considered Neo Russia's greatest ever fighter. Raven was determined to prove them wrong and guarantee his place as Gundam Fighter forever.
'Ah. Raven Vladikov III, it is a pleasure to meet you in person.' said Nastasha, 'I look forward to the review.'
'What review?' demand Raven. His face contorted into concern, not sure how to deal wit the current situation.
'Don't worry,' she replied. 'It is merely a review of current practices. It shouldn't take too long, however it will probably take High Command longer to go over the results and make a proper evaluation, for now farewell.' She and Argo continued down the corridor and out of sight.
Raven was totally confused and so he just waited for Electra to show up and hopefully explain a few things for him. It didn't take long for a slightly miffed Electra to appear followed by the older and much bigger Alexi Stukaniov.
'What's this all about?' asked Raven. 'Why are they here?'
'High Command seems to think this would be a great time to hold a review.' said Alexi idly scratching his bread. 'Sounds like some dodgy crap going on if you ask me.'
'No matter Alexi. We'll show them that they can't find any faults with us.' said Electra. 'Raven, have you preformed the Gundam Flankers maintenance for today?'
'Not yet, I was just.' he started before getting cut off.
'Well don't you think it would be a good idea to go and do it?' she ordered sharply. Raven looked a bit off put considering they'd only just met back up and she was already giving him a hard time. Electra noticed Alexi stifling a chuckle. 'You too Mr Stukaniov I don't want Mrs Zabikov-Gulskii to find any problems with how I run things.'
'Yes Ma'am.' replied both the fighter and the technician.
As the duo walked off Electra felt something rub up against her leg. She looked down to see Boris, Alexi's huskie partner. 'I wonder how Mrs Nastasha will react to you mutt?' she said to the dog before it rushed off after Alexi and Raven.
Raven stepped out of the Gundam Flanker cockpit for the sixth time to see Argo Gulskii staring back at him. The silent fighter had been hanging around in the hanger for some time now, watching the Gundam Flanker maintenance. He picked up one of the circuit boards that lay one the platform, checked it over, and then went back into the cockpit to slot it in place. Once in place the panel above showed the green all clear sign. Wiping his hands on a rag Raven once again stepped out the cockpit; he activated the platforms lift and descended down to the hanger's floor. To his displeasure Argo was waiting for him.
'You call yourself a Gundam Fighter.' said Argo quietly. 'You're pathetic. If it wasn't for you team you'd have been out of this fight long ago.'
'What gives you the right to lecture me!' yelled Raven getting angry.
'This does,' replied Argo raising his hand and making his Shuffle Delegation crest glow.
'You're not so tough! I could take you,' retorted Raven defiantly. 'My Gundam Flanker would wipe the floor with that crappy Bolt Gundam.'
'I'd like to see you try,' said Argo levelly. He kept his expression neutral waiting for Raven to do the rest.
'You're on! I'll fight you and beat you!"' yelled Raven. He was surprised to see a grin creep onto Argo's face, and that was when he realised that he'd fallen right into the trap Argo had set.
The two Gundams faced off across the frozen steppe. The hulking Bolt Gundam stood silently eyeing up its opponent. The Gundam Flanker on the other hand was more restless, despite its size it managed to maintain a look of speed and agility. Although Argo was no expert he was sure it had more than a passing resemblance to the ancient Russian Su-37 'Super Flanker' fighter aircraft.
'GUNDAM FIGHT!' 'READY?' 'GO!'
The two Gundam raced towards each other locking hands as they clashed. The Raven fought to gain the upper hand but Argo's brute strength won out and with a might roar Argo sent the Gundam Flanker crashing backwards.
Setting the Flanker Talons into place Raven charged them and then lot lose a blast at the Bolt Gundam then in the same motion he charged in as well hoping the catch Argo off guard. However Argo wasn't fooled do easily, keeping his movements slight and short he evaded the Talon's blasts and was ready for the Gundam Flanker. As he approached Raven slashed out with the talons and again Argo dodged causing Raven to overstretch himself. Argo took full advantage of this and rammed a fist into the Gundam Flanker's stomach.
As Raven doubled over with pain he was already thinking of his next attack. Letting the Gundam Flanker fall onto its hands he suddenly kicked out with his legs and smashed into the Bolt Gundam knocking it back. Flipping himself back up Raven let rip at the Bolt Gundam with a furious flurry of punches, finishing with one mighty slash with a fully charged Flanker Talon across its chest. As the Bolt Gundam steadied itself Raven backed off to catch a breath.
In the bases command centre Electra, Alexi and Nastasha were attentively watching the match. Nastasha had a smug expression as she observed he husband playing with the Gundam Flanker.
Electra was feeling several emotions at that time. The first was concern for Raven's safety and the other angry that he'd go and do a stupid thing like this. She made a mental note to scold him when he got back.
'They seem evenly matched,' she said, 'Even though the Gundam Flanker is a superior machine the Bolt Gundam is keeping up.'
'When will you learn Captain Trenchov, that it isn't the Gundam that matter,' said Nastasha curtly. 'It is the pilot. How else would you explain the Shuffle Delegation's defeat of the Devil Gundam?'
'She's right.' said Alexi. 'Argo is keeping his movements simple and un- taxing, while Raven is leaping around like a maniac. He's wearing himself out.'
'Exactly.' said Nastasha. 'Argo learnt long ago that if you can wear out your opponent, not matter how fast they are you'll win.'
Raven brought forwards the Flanker Talons and readied himself for another charge. As he took the first step forward the Bolt Gundam turned sideways. As the Gundam Flanker picked up speed the giant metal ball mounted in the Bolt Gundam's shoulder burst out and slammed into the on coming Gundam Flanker. The ball was quicker tethered to the Bolt Gundam by the beam chain, completing the Bolt Gundam's primary weapon the Graviton Hammer.
Argo quickly brought the hammer up to speed spinning it around his head. Whenever the Gundam Flanker would approach he'd let the ball fly and bash down the rookie Gundam. Finally Raven get tired of this little game and aimed to finish this battle in one swoop.
'CRIMSON FURY!' yelled Raven as the Gundam Flanker flew forward with its talon ready. Argo grinned and let the Graviton Hammer zoom out in an arch. Raven dodged it thinking that the older fighter had ruined his chances of winning. However Raven was wrong. Suddenly he felt a jerk throwing the Gundam Flanker off balance and that was when he realised, the graviton hammer had looped around his legs and with a might tug Argo sent the Gundam smashing into the ground. A few seconds later Raven could feel the foot of the Bolt Gundam pushing down on his neck. He'd been beaten, so easily.
At the Neo England RAF Staxon Wold base a small shuttle landed from the colony. On it was the young and emotionally restless Lisa Gill. She'd accepted Colonel Harrison's offer to join his staff. Lisa realised that hanging around Paul's old home wasn't a good idea and that maybe being with Elena Wilson might help, after all she must be grieving as well.
Lisa stepped off the last step of the boarding ramp to see Colonel Harrison waiting with a jeep standing by. She got in and they idly chatted about the weather and the latest debate in the House of Commons. The trip to the command centre was short and although Lisa probably would have preferred to go and rest a bit Colonel Harrison convinced her to meet Elena straight away. They had met before, briefly at Paul's State Funeral and then again at the private family one. They didn't talk and it even seemed like some people were trying to keep them apart.
In the command centre Lisa found a set and waited there. The room was familiar to her, it had the same design as the Portsmouth base, but she didn't want to relive those memories.
'What is it Colonel, I'm very busy.' said Elena harshly as she entered the room.
'Ah Elena, I wanted you to meet someone.' said Colonel Harrison motioning to Lisa. 'This is Lisa Gill, she worked with Paul..'
'You bitch!' yelled Elena darting forward and slapping Lisa with enough force to knock her to the floor. 'You took him away from me you bitch! You god damned bitch! It's all your fault he's gone' Tears streaked down Elena's face as she went into slap Lisa again but then a pair of soldiers rushed up and restrained Elena and then dragged her away kicking and screaming.
'Maybe this wasn't such a good idea,' said Colonel Harrison dejectedly.
A cold harsh wind cut across the overly exposed central courtyard of the Neo Russia base. Located on a rather nondescript area of the Steppe other than the base's buildings there was no protection from the winds and the snow. The base was quiet, closed down for the long night, only the noise of the Cossack mobile suits occasionally returning from patrol disturbed the peace.
The side door on the large hanger opened slightly but then jammed on the pile of snow that had built up. After a few moments of effort the door flung fully open and the black haired Raven Vladikov III stepped out into the night. Trudging through the snow Raven snaked his way though the base until he reached the barracks. He was met again by a snow blocked door but it was not a challenge to Raven.
The interior of the barracks was considerable warmer than the base outside but the decoration was hardly impressive. The Neo Russians could make any room drab and dingy, for them it was practically an art form. Not that this bothered Raven he was a fight, not an interior decorator.
'Hey Raven!' called one of the off-duty troopers from the mess hall. The call got his attention and thus he wondered over to see what they wanted.
'Is it true that "Mother Raven" is coming in tomorrow?' asked the trooper. This caught Raven slightly off guard.
'Sure is a nice one eh?' voiced another. 'I wouldn't mind a piece of her arse. What about you Raven? Would you try?' The group of troopers burst into laughter.
'eh..what?' replied Raven, getting a little angry.
'Oh come, don't tell us you've never thought of It.' said the trooper. 'You're always with her. Go on admit it, you've had a little peek right?'
'So noisy!' yelled Raven gabbing the man by the back of his head and ramming it into the table. 'Don't say such things about her!' He promptly let the trooper go and stormed off.
'Touchy.' was the trooper's reply. 'There's something going on there.' They burst into laughter again.
Captain Electra "Mother Raven" Trenchov sat with her hands clasped together. She wasn't entirely pleased that her ship, the [i]RNS Alexander Kerensky[/i] was being used as a mere passenger liner. The [i]Alexander Kerensky[/i] was the finest ever produced by the Neo Russian shipyards and should have been doing its job and not running errands.
'Communications. Have you gained clearance for atmospheric re-entry yet?' she barked, barely moving her head.
'Not yet Captain.' replied the crewman. 'Barrier Control is being dragging its feet.'
'Do your best,' she replied and then almost as an after thought. 'If they cause too much trouble threaten to shoot down their control station.'
'I do not think that would endear you well to the Gundam Fight Committee, Captain Trenchov.' said Nastasha Zabikov-Gulskii as she walked onto the bridge.
'Major Zabikov I would have thought that you of all people would know that sometimes the implied use of force is the best way to do things.' replied Electra calmly.
'Captain, I'm a civilian now, so it's just Mrs Zabikov-Gulskii.' said Nastasha. 'And to your point, you are correct but only to a degree. There is a terrible thing call diplomacy; it is something we all have to learn at some point in time. How long until we arrive at the base?'
'If Barrier Control hurries up, we should be down in the hour.' replied Electra sharply.
'Good.' said Nastasha, noting the harshness in the young captain's voice. 'I hope you don't mind us going and teaching your Gundam Fighter a few lessons. It would be terrible to see him defeated due to poor leaderships.'
'Of course not.' replied Electra through gritted teeth. Nastasha gave herself a little smile. The young Electra was easily riled up, that would make her job easier.
As Nastasha left the bridge she was blocked in the next corridor by a rather large man leaning against the wall. 'Enjoying yourself?'
Nastasha smiled again as she surveyed her husband. Despite being a free man for nearly fifteen years he still didn't quite look right in civilian clothes. She'd tried to bring him up to the standards of your average Neo Russian gentleman but he still preferred rougher clothes. 'I'm only doing my job, how could you possibly say I enjoy being nasty.'
Argo let that tiny smile creep onto his face, it required only the smallest of movement from his facial muscles but it managed to brighten up his entire face. Taking his hands out of his pockets he moved allowing her to pass. 'We're not actually meant to start until we reach the base.'
'A little preliminary work never hurts.' she said playfully.
'So you do enjoy it.' he interjected
'That's not what I said.' she replied. 'Is the Bolt Gundam ready?'
'As ever,' replied Argo. 'Raven Vladikov maybe a good fighter, but he still has a lot to learn.'
'And that my dear is why we are here.'
Roughly an hour and a half later the [i] Alexander Kerensky[/i] forced its way through a thick cloud bank and started its final approach for landing. The mighty battlecrusiers powerful thrusters sent jets of flame downwards melting snow and ice as the strong landing struts slowly telescoped down from its hull. As the struts made contact with the concrete they adjusted themselves to disperse the [i]Alexander Kerensky's[/i] weight evenly. When the mighty warship was secure a docking collar extended out from the base's space port and locked onto one of the hatches.
Inside Raven Vladikov waited impatiently in the rather bland foyer. He was impatient for several reasons, one being he wanted to see Alexi Stukaniov again another was he wanted to know why the ship had been called back to the colony and lastly he wanted to see Electra again, not for any particular reason of course he just like having her around.
Finally the hatch opened and Raven was surprised to see the hulking form of Argo Gulskii appear. The old Gundam Fighter was followed by Nastasha Zabikov. He instantly knew that something was troubling high command, they wouldn't send this pair unless it was something important. Raven gritted his teeth as Argo approached. He knew all about Argo, there were many back at the colony that'd rather see Argo in Raven's position again. Although the fighter had never actually won the Gundam Fight, he was still considered Neo Russia's greatest ever fighter. Raven was determined to prove them wrong and guarantee his place as Gundam Fighter forever.
'Ah. Raven Vladikov III, it is a pleasure to meet you in person.' said Nastasha, 'I look forward to the review.'
'What review?' demand Raven. His face contorted into concern, not sure how to deal wit the current situation.
'Don't worry,' she replied. 'It is merely a review of current practices. It shouldn't take too long, however it will probably take High Command longer to go over the results and make a proper evaluation, for now farewell.' She and Argo continued down the corridor and out of sight.
Raven was totally confused and so he just waited for Electra to show up and hopefully explain a few things for him. It didn't take long for a slightly miffed Electra to appear followed by the older and much bigger Alexi Stukaniov.
'What's this all about?' asked Raven. 'Why are they here?'
'High Command seems to think this would be a great time to hold a review.' said Alexi idly scratching his bread. 'Sounds like some dodgy crap going on if you ask me.'
'No matter Alexi. We'll show them that they can't find any faults with us.' said Electra. 'Raven, have you preformed the Gundam Flankers maintenance for today?'
'Not yet, I was just.' he started before getting cut off.
'Well don't you think it would be a good idea to go and do it?' she ordered sharply. Raven looked a bit off put considering they'd only just met back up and she was already giving him a hard time. Electra noticed Alexi stifling a chuckle. 'You too Mr Stukaniov I don't want Mrs Zabikov-Gulskii to find any problems with how I run things.'
'Yes Ma'am.' replied both the fighter and the technician.
As the duo walked off Electra felt something rub up against her leg. She looked down to see Boris, Alexi's huskie partner. 'I wonder how Mrs Nastasha will react to you mutt?' she said to the dog before it rushed off after Alexi and Raven.
Raven stepped out of the Gundam Flanker cockpit for the sixth time to see Argo Gulskii staring back at him. The silent fighter had been hanging around in the hanger for some time now, watching the Gundam Flanker maintenance. He picked up one of the circuit boards that lay one the platform, checked it over, and then went back into the cockpit to slot it in place. Once in place the panel above showed the green all clear sign. Wiping his hands on a rag Raven once again stepped out the cockpit; he activated the platforms lift and descended down to the hanger's floor. To his displeasure Argo was waiting for him.
'You call yourself a Gundam Fighter.' said Argo quietly. 'You're pathetic. If it wasn't for you team you'd have been out of this fight long ago.'
'What gives you the right to lecture me!' yelled Raven getting angry.
'This does,' replied Argo raising his hand and making his Shuffle Delegation crest glow.
'You're not so tough! I could take you,' retorted Raven defiantly. 'My Gundam Flanker would wipe the floor with that crappy Bolt Gundam.'
'I'd like to see you try,' said Argo levelly. He kept his expression neutral waiting for Raven to do the rest.
'You're on! I'll fight you and beat you!"' yelled Raven. He was surprised to see a grin creep onto Argo's face, and that was when he realised that he'd fallen right into the trap Argo had set.
The two Gundams faced off across the frozen steppe. The hulking Bolt Gundam stood silently eyeing up its opponent. The Gundam Flanker on the other hand was more restless, despite its size it managed to maintain a look of speed and agility. Although Argo was no expert he was sure it had more than a passing resemblance to the ancient Russian Su-37 'Super Flanker' fighter aircraft.
'GUNDAM FIGHT!' 'READY?' 'GO!'
The two Gundam raced towards each other locking hands as they clashed. The Raven fought to gain the upper hand but Argo's brute strength won out and with a might roar Argo sent the Gundam Flanker crashing backwards.
Setting the Flanker Talons into place Raven charged them and then lot lose a blast at the Bolt Gundam then in the same motion he charged in as well hoping the catch Argo off guard. However Argo wasn't fooled do easily, keeping his movements slight and short he evaded the Talon's blasts and was ready for the Gundam Flanker. As he approached Raven slashed out with the talons and again Argo dodged causing Raven to overstretch himself. Argo took full advantage of this and rammed a fist into the Gundam Flanker's stomach.
As Raven doubled over with pain he was already thinking of his next attack. Letting the Gundam Flanker fall onto its hands he suddenly kicked out with his legs and smashed into the Bolt Gundam knocking it back. Flipping himself back up Raven let rip at the Bolt Gundam with a furious flurry of punches, finishing with one mighty slash with a fully charged Flanker Talon across its chest. As the Bolt Gundam steadied itself Raven backed off to catch a breath.
In the bases command centre Electra, Alexi and Nastasha were attentively watching the match. Nastasha had a smug expression as she observed he husband playing with the Gundam Flanker.
Electra was feeling several emotions at that time. The first was concern for Raven's safety and the other angry that he'd go and do a stupid thing like this. She made a mental note to scold him when he got back.
'They seem evenly matched,' she said, 'Even though the Gundam Flanker is a superior machine the Bolt Gundam is keeping up.'
'When will you learn Captain Trenchov, that it isn't the Gundam that matter,' said Nastasha curtly. 'It is the pilot. How else would you explain the Shuffle Delegation's defeat of the Devil Gundam?'
'She's right.' said Alexi. 'Argo is keeping his movements simple and un- taxing, while Raven is leaping around like a maniac. He's wearing himself out.'
'Exactly.' said Nastasha. 'Argo learnt long ago that if you can wear out your opponent, not matter how fast they are you'll win.'
Raven brought forwards the Flanker Talons and readied himself for another charge. As he took the first step forward the Bolt Gundam turned sideways. As the Gundam Flanker picked up speed the giant metal ball mounted in the Bolt Gundam's shoulder burst out and slammed into the on coming Gundam Flanker. The ball was quicker tethered to the Bolt Gundam by the beam chain, completing the Bolt Gundam's primary weapon the Graviton Hammer.
Argo quickly brought the hammer up to speed spinning it around his head. Whenever the Gundam Flanker would approach he'd let the ball fly and bash down the rookie Gundam. Finally Raven get tired of this little game and aimed to finish this battle in one swoop.
'CRIMSON FURY!' yelled Raven as the Gundam Flanker flew forward with its talon ready. Argo grinned and let the Graviton Hammer zoom out in an arch. Raven dodged it thinking that the older fighter had ruined his chances of winning. However Raven was wrong. Suddenly he felt a jerk throwing the Gundam Flanker off balance and that was when he realised, the graviton hammer had looped around his legs and with a might tug Argo sent the Gundam smashing into the ground. A few seconds later Raven could feel the foot of the Bolt Gundam pushing down on his neck. He'd been beaten, so easily.
At the Neo England RAF Staxon Wold base a small shuttle landed from the colony. On it was the young and emotionally restless Lisa Gill. She'd accepted Colonel Harrison's offer to join his staff. Lisa realised that hanging around Paul's old home wasn't a good idea and that maybe being with Elena Wilson might help, after all she must be grieving as well.
Lisa stepped off the last step of the boarding ramp to see Colonel Harrison waiting with a jeep standing by. She got in and they idly chatted about the weather and the latest debate in the House of Commons. The trip to the command centre was short and although Lisa probably would have preferred to go and rest a bit Colonel Harrison convinced her to meet Elena straight away. They had met before, briefly at Paul's State Funeral and then again at the private family one. They didn't talk and it even seemed like some people were trying to keep them apart.
In the command centre Lisa found a set and waited there. The room was familiar to her, it had the same design as the Portsmouth base, but she didn't want to relive those memories.
'What is it Colonel, I'm very busy.' said Elena harshly as she entered the room.
'Ah Elena, I wanted you to meet someone.' said Colonel Harrison motioning to Lisa. 'This is Lisa Gill, she worked with Paul..'
'You bitch!' yelled Elena darting forward and slapping Lisa with enough force to knock her to the floor. 'You took him away from me you bitch! You god damned bitch! It's all your fault he's gone' Tears streaked down Elena's face as she went into slap Lisa again but then a pair of soldiers rushed up and restrained Elena and then dragged her away kicking and screaming.
'Maybe this wasn't such a good idea,' said Colonel Harrison dejectedly.
