So, I kinda combined the end of episode 8 with 7…. So, this will be a rather short chapter… sorry…

I was anxious to know more about this new development, so I decided I would go to the cafeteria to see if I could get more information form the other soldiers. I had tried to occupy myself with adjustments to the Blitz's OS and reflex program, but I couldn't wait anymore. I just had to talk about it; her disappearance was significant to me, as I loved her songs.

As I entered the cafeteria, someone called to me, "Hey, Nicol!" I glanced toward the call, it was Dearka and he was waving me over, he was sitting at a table across from Yzak. I walked over and sat down beside Dearka, "So, did you give my news some thought?" he said with a wink.

"I don't really believe it. I mean, how would she go missing? She was aboard a civilian ship on her way to honour the souls of Junius Seven."

"Maybe some Naturals attacked the ship?"

"Why in hell would they do that Dearka?" Yzak watched Dearka, leaning on his elbows, which rested on the table, "it's a civilian ship".

"Yzak, you're normally the first to jump to blaming Naturals, why are you disagreeing now?"

"Yeah, well, they're not that stupid."

"Yzak, not so loud, it'll be frowned upon if we start saying to mu-" I was cut-off by a low voice from behind me, "It will do you boys well to not gossip about Lacus's disappearance," I nearly fell out of my chair when I turned around to see Captain Zelman behind me, on his break from duty, "She is Athrun's fiancée, don't forget, and the daughter of Chairman Clyne. Her disappearance is significant in its self, but if the Earth forces have had a part in this, there will revenge sought by ZAFT. Athrun will be obligated to search for her, and since he may not relax, neither will you." Dearka mumbled something about us having too much down time as it was. With his speech done, the Captain retrieved a coffee and before exiting, mentioned that the Commander was to return soon and that there was an Earth Forces fleet on radar, it was guessed that it was to meet the Legged ship. Apparently, we were to join in the fight that the Vesalius was engaging in as we spoke, if the Legged ship appeared.

A battle after days of nothing? Sounded good to me.

Yuh, so, I just realized how uneventful it must be to be a solider with naught to do, even though I have friends in the Canadian Forces who've told me the same thing.