Orange Star: A seed of destruction...a tree of hope

Commanding Officer Mel

Disclaimer: I still don't own the company that made Advance Wars but I do own a copy of the game as usual. However...I own my dossier style in Orange Star: A revised history and the characters I have created. As well as any concepts/ideas for the stories.

Note: If something is said in full italics like this, it means the characters aren't speaking in English

Chapter 21: Earth Invaded

Time: Morning

Place: Yellow Comet Field HQ

The strategy in dealing with the Black Hole presence in Yellow Comet was starting off slowly. Both the Orange Star and Yellow Comet armies were busying themselves with capturing territory and establishing bases before beginning their strike against the factory.

Sonja woke up to find that her father had already been up for hours and was already beginning to send out more troops.

"Good morning father." She said as she entered the main tent.

"Good morning my child! What are your thoughts on this?" Her father asked, pointing at the reports.

"Well...the enemy has set up numerous mini-cannons again...as well as the fact that there is a cannon that is stationed in front of the pipeline seam that we need to destroy..."

"I see...we must either remove the cannon...or attack the seam from afar then."

"Indeed...that is a problem we haven't decided on dealing with yet..."Sonja nodded.

"Hmph. Where is my student? Perhaps he can give us some insight regarding this...situation." Kanbei looked around for Mel. "Where is he?"

"...good...question." Usually whenever Mel had accompanied them on a mission, he would be nearby or at the main tent already. Especially if Kanbei had decided to wake up early and raise further havoc. Sonja checked around the main tent. "...father, he's not here."

"Then look for him elsewhere!" He shouted.

"Yes father..." She left the tent and headed towards the APC that Mel used as his temporary place of residence whenever he was on the go. "Nii-chama...are you in...?" She knocked on the siding of the vehicle.

"Whoever's knocking out there...shut up!" The crabby female voice coming from the inside of the APC was a clear indication someone other than Mel was in there. After that, there was a silence.

"...Sonja, just what are you doing knocking on the door of the APC like that anyway?" Mel asked standing behind her.

"Eh...ack! Ni-ni-ni-nii-chama! Where...where did you come from! ?" She did a 180 and found herself face to face with him.

"Hmm...? Looky." He had a fishing rod in one hand, and a bucket full of fish in the other. "I caught something. Or a lot of somethings. I borrowed the rod from the palace."

"Eh! ? You went fishing! ?"

"Let's just say it's kinda hard to share sleeping bag space with Sami when she rolls around in her sleep." He chuckled, putting down the bucket. "So...it looks pretty slow so far..."

"I have to agree with you there." Sonja nodded. "If it weren't for the fact there's so much open territory we have to cover..."

"Yeah, I follow you." Mel agreed. "Not to mention the fact quite a bit of this battle will be relying on your father's navy."

"Mmm...oh right. What's your girlfriend doing anyway?" She pointed at the APC.

"You mean sleeping in?"

"Oh is that what she calls it? But it's only seven..."

"Pretty much." He shrugged. "It's not like...well...you know. And...well, you could consider sleeping until seven sleeping in..."

"Ah. That explains why it was quiet last night." Sonja giggled. "What, did she have a headache or something?"

"Jetlag to be exact." Mel shook his head as he flicked Sonja on the forehead. "Brat."

"Owowow!"

"Anyway, here's something for you to do with your free time. Prepare lunch. Haha..." He thrust the bucket of fish towards her.

"Hmm...well, let's see what you managed to catch then..." She said taking the bucket to her tent. "I'll be the judge of whether or not it's worth using." Sonja had completely forgotten about the fact that her father needed Mel to look into something, and left without a word regarding that.

"Hmph, that was my blood, sweat and tears being expended when I caught them!"

"If you say so."

"I will." He turned and opened the door of the APC. "Sami, are you up?"

Inside the vehicle, Sami was lying face up on top of her sleeping bag, and to put it simply, she looked like an absolute mess. Not to mention she was drooling too. She was wearing one of Mel's shirts as her pajamas and it was only partially buttoned.

"Zzz..." She snored softly.

"...yikes." Mel's hand went over his face. "I don't think I'll ever get used to that..." He sighed. "Oi...time to wake up." Stepping into the vehicle, he squatted down next to her. "Hey...wake up Sami..." Mel gave her a poke in the ribs.

"...zzz..." She continued to snore. "...mmm..." And she rolled onto her front.

"I swear...this girl...at least she changed clothes before going to sleep...tch. It can't be helped." Reaching into his coat, he pulled out a cold can of his iced coffee, lifted up the back part of her shirt and pressed the can against the small of her back. "Hmm."

"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!" An ear-splitting scream was heard through the field HQ as Sami jumped off the ground.

"Ack...my ears..." Mel muttered, sticking a finger into his ear. "Yeesh."

"Mel! You idiot! What was that for! ?" Sami berated him angrily.

"I was trying to wake you up, but I was failing miserably..." He replied. "Geez, that's quite the set of lungs you've got."

"Hmph...why are you waking me up so early anyway?" She glared at him through sleepy eyes.

"No particular reason. I think you've slept in too long anyway."

"Slept in too long...? Yeah right." She grabbed his arm and squinted at the watch on his wrist. "...it's only seven...I don't think that's called sleeping in..." She grumbled.

"Fine..." He sighed, taking a seat next to her on the floor.

"Stupid." She muttered, leaning against him. "I'm going back to sleep..." With that, she had already passed out again next to him.

"...oi...Sami...hello...? Sami...? Oh my, she's out like a light." Sighing, he laid her down on the sleeping bag and covered her up. "Fine, nap some more then."

"Zzz...nnn..."

"Phew...might as well catch a few Zs while I can..." Mel shrugged as he lay down next to her. Or he was about to until he was rudely interrupted by Sonja.

"Nii-chama!"

"Ugh...now what! ?" He grumbled half-sitting, half-lying next to Sami.

"I just remembered why I was looking for you in the first place."

"So much for getting extra sleep today." Mel stood up.

"She's asleep again?" Sonja asked, walking in. "...hmm, looks like it."

"Yeah, she's asleep, and I can't do anything about it." He shrugged. "Or rather, she yelled at me for waking her up and she's cranky now, so I don't really want to wake her up again right now."

"Must be nice to be lazy like that." Sonja giggled as she tapped Sami's leg with her foot.

"Nnn..." Sami moaned softly.

"Nothing, huh?"

"It takes quite a bit to wake that girl up." Mel said. "I had to touch a cold can of coffee against her back."

"That's just mean." Sonja frowned. "Well, right. I need you to come and talk to daddy about something." She grabbed his sleeve and dragged him along with her.

"Is that all?" He asked, following her out. "What's up?"

"I need your opinion on the lay of the land."

"What? Isn't this your homeland? Why do you need me to take a look?"

"Well...those cannons. What do you think?"

"There are only five of them, right?"

"Yes, that's right, but..."

"Well, get rid of those ones built on that square looking island, then you can blow up the one that's in front of the pipe. Or if that doesn't work, have Max blow it up. Just send some bombers in and it'll be bye-bye Black Hole." Mel with a shrug.

"You make it sound so simple." She rolled her eyes.

"It's because it is simple." When they arrived at the tent, Mel greeted Kanbei and Sensei. "Ah! Good morning teacher, Yamamoto-Sensei." He bowed.

"Good morning, boy." The old man nodded. "Busy...busy..."

"Good morning my student! Where were you?" Kanbei asked.

"Collecting today's side dish." Mel said with a chuckle. "Isn't that right Sonja?"

"Mmm. Nii-chama caught quite a few fish..." She sniffed her hands hesitantly. "Ew...fish guts."

"Excellent! We shall feast well tonight!"

"Ahem. Teacher, you wanted my opinion on something?"

"Yes that I did." The Emperor nodded. "What do you think about the enemy layout?"

"As I had already explained to Sonja...once it's possible to do so, eliminating the cannons that are on that island there should be a priority...but...I believe that the bridge to the east should be higher on our to-do list..."

"Very good my student! I thought so as well!"

"Worst case scenario is the cannon that is blocking the front of the pipe seam." Mel pointed on the map. "Either we can eliminate it from afar by staying out of range...or we can have the Orange Star reinforcements bomb it once Max manages to capture the airport and build up some air support."

"I see, I see! Very observant of you, to plan ahead so far!" Kanbei nodded. "Regardless, I believe our first order of business it to hold the bridge and the cities there."

"That is a sound plan of attack, teacher. If you need me...I shall be...nearby." With a bow, Mel left the tent.

Walking back to the APC, Mel muttered as he fumbled with the door-hatch.

"I'm back..." He looked up and half-expected a sleepy 'Welcome back.' care of Sami. Of course his expectations weren't met, as all he got was the sound of her snoring.

"Zzz..."

'Just how long can she sleep anyway...?' He thought to himself. "Excuse me..." Sitting down on top of the sleeping bag, he lied down. "Ugh...it's gonna be a long battle..."

"Zzz..." Of course he got no answer from her.

"Tch."

"Nnn...?" Blinking, Sami looked in Mel's direction. "...oh...were you gone or something?"

"Kinda, sorta." He replied.

"Mmm...welcome back then." She moved up closer towards him. "So...where'd you go this morning anyway...?"

"Went fishing."

"...fishing? Weird." Sami shifted so that she was propped up on her arms.

"Meh, we have to eat, don't we?"

"I guess. Is Sonja gonna be cooking again?"

"Probably. Unless you wanna help her."

"Eh...I'll pass." She shook her head at his suggestion. "Apparently you forgot that I'm a terrible cook."

"You never told me...but I think Sonja mentioned something about that..." He shrugged.

"She probably did."

"Uh-huh." Nodding, he ran his hand through her hair. "Either way, I need to get some more sleep for the time being...I think I went out at four or so to get the fish..."

"Four in the morning? Are you crazy?"

"That's when they bite. Heh...bleh...excuse me..." Mel yawned loudly. "Well, it's back to bed for me."

"Hmm. Okay." She smiled sleepily and plopped herself on top of him. "Comfy."

Time: Later in the day: 5:00 pm

The battle had progressed rather smoothly for the time being, so the younger officers found themselves occupied in Sonja's tent.

Mel sat behind Sami in Sonja's tent. The girls had engaged themselves in a game of mahjong for some reason. Mel had come in during the middle of the game and didn't hear all the 'rules' that Sami had set up.

"That...one." Mel pointed to the odd tile out as Sami flicked it out onto the table.

"Mu..." Sonja's brow creased since the tile Sami threw out was one she didn't want. "Here." She threw out her next tile.

"Pon." The redhead grabbed Sonja's tile and placed two other identical tiles next to it in front of her. "Mel... what should I get rid of now...?"

"...that one."

"Mmm." Sami discarded another tile.

"Grr...you're giving me absolutely nothing to work with you two..." Sonja grumbled. "...c'mon, I've already lost the last two practice rounds to you Sami..." She grabbed a new tile, looked at it with disgust and threw it onto the table.

"I can't help it if I'm luckier than you. Oh, Chi." Sami took Sonja's tile again, and placed three sequenced tiles in front of her. "Wow...my hand is starting to get smaller, better hurry and try to win, Sonja."

"You're starting to sound like Nell." Mel chuckled. "Hmm..."

"It's because this is practically two against one here..." Sonja frowned as she glanced at the newly discarded tile. "Tch...this sucks."

"For you maybe." Sami said picking up her next tile. "Huh. Tsumo. I win."

"GAH! I can't believe it!" The younger girl slammed her fist onto the table. "Do we have to follow those rules?" Her face started to turn red.

"What are you chicken or something Sonja?" Sami stuck out her tongue.

"But...but..." Sonja pointed at Mel. "But...Mel's here!"

"...I don't get it." He said. "Why does it matter that I'm here?"

"We're playing strip mahjong." Sami answered. "And we just started the game for reals."

"...OH. Hey, don't forget you called me practically harmless last time." He said pointing back at Sonja.

"But...but...but...this...this is this and that was that!"

"Uh...huh. Right." Sami got up and knocked Sonja's cap off her head. "There. That's one piece of clothing. Happy?"

"Hmph...fine." Sonja frowned. "Let's do this again! I'll win the next round! As long as nii-chama doesn't help!"

"Hmm...? Fine, I won't help. I'll observe." He sat down between the girls. "Hoo...boy."

Time: An hour or so later

"Ron." Sami picked up one of Sonja's discarded tiles and won again. "I thought you were good at this game Sonja..."

"Shut...up..." Sonja grumbled, her face bright red. "You've won four games already...I've only won two..."

The girls were in different states of undress. Sami had taken off her socks and bandanna, and Sonja had already stripped down to her light pink underwear.

"Meh. That probably just means you suck really bad." The redhead shrugged. "The way I see it, you only have two choices left anyway."

"But...but...what about..." Sonja turned to motion at Mel.

"Zzz..." But it turned out he ended up falling asleep.

"Then you have no problem. Take it off." Sami said bluntly. "He's asleep."

"But...Sami..." Her face continued to redden.

"Do you want me to come over there and help you take it off?"

"Eep...no. I'll take it off...mmm..." Sonja whined rather loudly as she took off her bra. "Why me?" She complained, holding an arm to her chest.

"Meh, it's not much to look at to be perfectly honest." Sami shrugged. "I really don't see why you're so embarrassed. You're flat."

"Eh! ? Don't you get embarrassed when Mel sees you topless? Or naked rather? And I'm not flat!"

"Oh I still get embarrassed...but I think that's really past the point Sonja. Isn't that right Mel?" Sami poked him in the cheek with her finger. "Meeeeel...?"

"Zzz..." He was still snoring rather quietly. "Nnn...zzz."

"Fooey. Anyway...how do you guys say it...? Right, 'Mel, dai-suki-desu!'" Sami said with a somewhat butchered accent.

"Right..." Sonja shook her head. "I guess you have no problem with hanging around with Mel when you're butt naked."

"Yup." The redhead nodded.

"Then lose for once so you can do that!"

"Nyah. I don't feel like it. I mean you're the one that sucks at mahjong."

"Mou..." Sonja sighed. "C'mon! I bet you I can get you butt naked in the next few rounds!"

"It's on Sonja." Sami giggled. "It's on."

"Zzz...snort...geh." Mel blinked and yawned as he woke up from his nap. "...what'd I miss...? Whoa! Sonja, cover up!" He almost fell out of his chair when he realized Sonja was half-naked.

"I think you fail to understand the point of strip mahjong." Sonja replied icily, not even caring that he was in the general vicinity anymore.

"Yeah, I get the point of it, but what the hell are you doing sitting there in your panties?"

"Because I lost a bunch of times. Duh." Sonja rolled her eyes.

"...right. Sami, have you been cheating or something...?"

"Not likely." Sami said looking at the tiles. "Mahjong is mahjong."

"Right...I'll pretend that Sonja is actually wearing something..." He sighed.

"Well if she loses the next game she'll be butt naked."

"...no use in pretending eh Sonja?" Mel laughed.

"Nii-chama. Shut up." The younger girl glared at him.

"Mm. You know what? Sonja lemme play for you." He offered.

"Nuh-uh. I'm gonna beat Sami fair and square and she's gonna be butt-ass naked when I'm done with her."

"...well, you're persistent, I'll give you that much." He shrugged as he watched the girls shuffle the tiles and set them up.

"Shut up and watch."

"...okay, I'm watching..." He looked over at Sonja's tiles. 'Holy shit.' He thought to himself. 'That's an amazing hand.'

"Okay Sami, let's go. You start." Sonja said.

"Hmm-hmm. I'm gonna beat you with another ron and you're gonna be butt naked...heeheehee..." The redhead giggled as she arranged her tiles. "Here goes." She reached and picked up a tile.

"Y-yeah? I don't think so."

"Hmph...I don't want this tile." Sami said looking at the one she just picked up. "Here."

"Oh! Ron!" Sonja said picking it up and slamming down her tiles. "See how you like that!"

"Eh." Sami's already large brown eyes widened further. "Eh! ? N-n-n-n-n-n-no way!"

"One way or another, she would've won Sami..." Mel chuckled.

"Bweeeh. You're kidding..." She sighed as she stood up and slipped out of her cargo pants. "...hmph..." She sat back down on the metal folding chair, and felt the cool metal on her butt. 'Ack...cold...chair...why'd I decide to wear side-ties today...?'

"Aren't you wearing a bra today Sami?" Sonja asked. "Because usually you take off your shirt first."

"...I'm not wearing one." Sami said, face turning red. "I...didn't bother with it this morning..." She shifted uncomfortably in her seat.

"Then we're not as far off as I thought we were Sami. Bring it." Sonja grinned evilly.

Time: Five minutes later

"Tsumo." Sonja said. Within that short period of time, Sonja had already tied the score between the two of them. She had created another insanely good hand and won within the first turn.

"You're kidding me..." Sami moaned. "Please tell me she's cheating Mel."

"Not that I can tell." He shrugged. "It's pretty hard to cheat at mahjong...especially when you're naked. You can't hide your tiles anywhere."

"Aww man...I don't believe it." With a sigh of resignation, Sami pulled off her shirt. "There, happy Sonja?"

"I'm sorry, but I'm not a lesbian." Sonja giggled. "Ask nii-chama."

"No comment." He said almost immediately. "As much as I...ahem." Mel cut himself off before he was about to make an inappropriate comment.

"Hmph. At any rate we're tied now. So...wait a second, Sami did your boobs shrink?" Sonja was about to reach over and give Sami a poke.

"Heeeeey...no touching." Sami swatted away Sonja's arm. "Not in front of Mel anyway. Mou...I don't believe it...how did your luck change for the better anyway! ?"

"You never know." The younger girl smirked. "Hmph...I'll assume you haven't been groped recently or something..."

"Can the boob comments." The redhead said with a death glare. "M-e-e-e-e-e-e-l...I'm embarrassed..." Turning to Mel, she whined with an almost sickeningly sweet tone. Her attitude changed rather quickly.

"I really don't see what there is to be embarrassed about..." Mel said, with his eyes closed. "You're both half-naked. It should be a mutual embarrassment since you're in mixed company."

"So that's why your eyes are closed?" Sami asked.

"Yup..." He nodded. "Just hurry up already...I don't have all day, and it's a good thing that I put a 'Do not disturb' sign in front of the tent. I'm not sure how I'd explain this one to whoever comes in by...accident." Getting up from his seat, Mel walked to a different partitioned section of Sonja's tent. "Do continue without me, girls."

"Boo...that's no fun." Sami frowned. "Funny how you managed to tie the game so fast."

"I'm lucky that you wore less clothing than you usually do." Sonja replied. "Now then, this is the final match. Winner takes all off. Or not. Heehee."

"That was terrible." Her friend shook her head as she shuffled the tiles. "We'll see who ends up butt naked first then."

"Now then..."

Mel sighed rather loudly. He decided to take refuge away from girls and their weird game. Looking at the nearby refrigerator he opened it and searched for something to snack on. Rifling through the various plastic boxes that contained fish, he found a box of rice.

"Oh joy...rice. This means more rice balls..." Grumbling, he threw the box back into the fridge and sat cross-legged on the ground. "...I'm starving... I guess I'll have the fish..."

"Ooh...I don't want this tile..." Sami sighed as she discarded it.

"I do. Kan." Sonja put out the other three matching tiles. "Ooh another tile for me."

"Ack! I didn't think you'd have all four..."

"Hmm-hmm! This one's gonna be mine."

"Not if I have anything to say about it." Sami said picking up her next tile. "Bleh."

"Ooh...do I need that...nope...drat." Sonja sighed and took her next tile as well. "...ick."

"Pon."

"Ack! Wait. I need that one you just tossed out. Pon."

"Bweh! ? I swear...ooh. I need that one too. Pon."

"What! ? What's with all this..." Sonja grumbled. "Wait. I need that one. Chi."

"Mmm..." Sami's brows creased together. "Ugh...aw man! I can't use the one you just threw out..."

"Heehee..." Sonja only had one tile in front of her; she only needed the other one that matched it in order to win. Of course, Sami was in a more or less similar situation, she needed only two other tiles to win.

"Grr...wait. I need this one. Yes!"

But as fate would have it, neither of them ended up with the tile they needed to win.

"...dammit. Tenpai." Sami sighed.

"Me too...tenpai." Sonja sighed as well. "So now what...?"

"Should we go another round?"

"...I'm starting to get cold..." The younger girl shivered. "Sitting in my panties is no fun..."

"Hmph. Well one of us was gonna end up butt naked either way." Standing up, Sami pulled Sonja off her seat. "C'mon."

"Eh? What...where...what are we doing?"

"You'll see. Now take it off." The redhead demanded.

"But...but...nobody..."

"We both 'won' technically. Now strip." Sami said undoing the knots that kept her panties up. "See?"

"Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! ?" Sonja's face went bright red again as Sami yanked her panties down. "Sa-Sa-Sa-Sami! ? What are you doing! ?" Her arms went up to cover her body.

"Ending this stupid game."

"But...why do we both have to be naked then! ?" She asked, kneeling down on the floor.

"Eh...good quest – " And as if it was a bad joke, Mel decided to come back in after his quick snack.

"What's going on girls – ACK. What the hell! ? Why are you both not wearing anything! ?" He asked as he did an about face.

"Nii-chama! Get out!" Sonja screeched, her face was completely red now.

"Uh...I guess I'm not considered harmless anymore..." He said, starting to leave.

"Mel~." Sami grabbed hold of him before he was about to leave. "Why don't you stick around?"

"...do me a favor and put something on first then." Mel sighed. "Because this is kinda...weird. Correction, really weird." Trying to break free from her grasp, he tried to walk away. "Actually beyond weird. Awkward even."

"Uh-uh." Sami shook her head.

"Don't you have any shame?" He groaned. "It's not that I don't mind...but...what the heck! ?" He was wondering if he should maintain eye contact with her, and decided not to. 'Not looking...not looking...not looking...stupid Sami...'

"Yes, but not at the moment. Sonja's exceeded the shame ratio for today already." Hugging his arm to her bare chest she tried to pull him down, thankfully that didn't work as he practically lifted her up with his arm.

"...as cute as you are naked...please put something on..." Mel sighed. "Both of you! Just wear something already! The awkwardness level in this tent has gone to near epic proportions."

"Doing...now..." Sonja felt like she wanted to crawl into a hole and die. "So... embarrassed..." She crept off after she gathered up her clothing. Sami on the other hand was a bit harder to convince at the moment.

"C'mon Mel...relax." Sami said.

"...um...yeah, right." Rolling his eyes, he picked up her clothing from the ground with his free hand. 'How the hell do I pry her off me without grabbing anything weird...?' He thought to himself, half looking and half not looking at her body. '...okay, to hell with this. Grab something.' Glancing over at Sami, he gave her a half-apologetic look.

"Hmm? What are you – kya!" She let go of his arm as he grabbed her butt with his free hand. "Wha-wha-what's the big idea! ?" She demanded.

"Get dressed, the game's over and you're either sugar high, really bored or sexually frustrated." Throwing her clothes on top of her, he turned and left the tent. "I'll be in the APC, Sami."

"Eh. I...I guess I overdid it..." Sami sighed, as she got dressed again. "But...I have to admit that wasfun. And a bit weird."

"Sami no baka." Sonja mumbled as she walked by the redhead. "I've never been so embarrassed! I mean...nii-chama's seen me naked...but only from behind...this...this was soo awkward!"

"What? Just because he saw your relatively flat chest?" Sami teased.

"What about you? You were practically glomping on his arm. Naked no less."

"Hee...hee...yeah. He got mad. I think I overdid it..."

"Like hell you did. Are you sexually frustrated or something?"

"S-Sonja!" It was Sami's turn to go bright red. "I...um...well..."

"You are, aren't you?"

"But..."

"Go bug nii-chama then. I think he'd oblige you...if you asked nicely. Hahaha!"

"Sonja! That's dirty!"

"Hey, I'm not the one that has sex on the brain right now, am I? Now shoo. I feel so weird since nii-chama saw practically everything..." Sonja's face reddened as well. "At least he didn't say anything...I hope."

"Okay, okay...yeesh...sorry." Sami left the tent and headed towards the APC.

Sitting on top of it Mel was drinking his coffee, watching as the troops continued their march towards the enemy.

"...ecchigirl." He said Sami walked towards the door of the APC. "What came over you anyway?"

"Sorry..." She blushed. "I...dunno. I don't think I've had fun like that in a while."

"...it seemed almost frat-boyish if you ask me." He chuckled. "Although I'd have to say you look good."

"Gee thanks..."

"But you didn't have to drag Sonja into it too...I swear she probably just wanted to drop dead right then and there."

"Oh yes she did." Sami giggled as she climbed up to the top of the APC and sat down next to him. "Hey..."

"What? What is it – mmph." She interrupted him by kissing him.

"Mmm...mm." Letting go, she leaned against him. "Dai suki desu."

"Your accent is terrible." He laughed, running his hand through her hair.

"Hmph..."

"Well, whatever. At least you tried."

"Mmm."

"Sami, ore mo kimi ga dai suki desu."

"Wow...that sounded almost like someone from Yellow Comet was actually saying that."

"Gimme a break, my accent is better than yours."

"Yeah, yeah. Anyway...hup." She jumped off from the roof of vehicle. "You coming Mel?"

"...huh? It's not even seven yet. I've still probably got work to do instead of goofing off like you two."

"Well...Sonja's dad didn't need anything from her, and she was bored...so..."

"You two somehow started playing strip mahjong, yeah I get it." He produced a new can of coffee from his coat and started drinking that one. "I...well...hmm...good point...I'm gonna see what Kanbei is up to." Finishing the new can of coffee in a few rapid gulps, he leapt off the APC and headed towards the main tent.

Kanbei stood watching the data screens and shouting various orders. Mel nodded to Sensei as he entered the tent and addressed the Emperor.

"Teacher, how are you faring?" Mel asked.

"It is only the second day of battle my student. We cannot be sure; however what we aresure about is our certain victory!"

"I...see." Mel simply said. 'As expected, his confidence is amazing...'

"Is there something you need of me, my student?"

"Uh...actually, I was wondering if you needed me to do anything."

"Hmm? No! Not at all my student! You need to relax more!"

"Guh." Mel's mouth hung open slightly. 'You've got to be kidding me... I'm beyond lazy sometimes and you want me to relaxmore! ?'

"Go spend some time with that girlfriend of yours!" Kanbei shoved Mel out of the tent.

"...but..."

"No buts! We shall handle this ourselves!"

"...tch. It can't be helped...can it?" He sighed. "..."

Mel slowly walked back to his APC, slightly annoyed by his teacher's words. He saw Sonja walk by and waved at her, but when she noticed him, she directed her gaze towards her feet and quickly shuffled past him, her face burning bright red.

"...what the hell did I do...?" He wondered as he opened the door to the APC. "I'm back...Sami?" Looking around, he couldn't see her around. "Sa-mi?"

"Up here." She had relocated herself onto the roof again.

"What are you doing up there?"

"Star gazing?"

"I...doubt that, there's not a star in the sky yet."

"Yeah, I know, I know. So...did Kanbei want you to do anything?" She asked.

"Kinda."

"Oh?"

"Spend time with my girlfriend he says." Mel sounded somewhat defeated as he took a seat next to her. "That's not exactly the most military thing to do now."

"Well...what are your guys doing?"

"They're on border patrol with Blue Moon."

"Right..."

"...well whatever, I guess we've got lots of time to kill, huh?"

"Oh yeah." She nodded.

"I got a deck of cards." He said simply.

"...heh...is that what's on your mind?" She had a wry smile on her face as she noted the hint of innuendo in his voice. "I'm game if you are."

"Prepare to lose horribly then." He grinned back.

"Oh we'll see who's gonna be the one losing horribly soon enough Mel."

Time: Next morning

The occupants of the APC were sprawled on top of each other in a rather strange manner. As it reached about eight in the morning, one of them started to stir.

"...mmm." Sami mumbled softly as she woke up. "Mmm...ooh...I need a bath..."

"...can't you save the whining for after I wake up…?" Mel grumbled.

"Nnn...I don't ever remember screaming in a voice like that before..." Sitting up, Sami's face was bright red.

"I'd probably blame that on your...frustrations." He laughed.

"...hmph." She stuck her tongue out at him. "It's your fault, you know that right? You poked places that I didn't even knew existed."

"Somehow, I doubt that." Mel said, kissing her forehead. "...you're kinda sweaty..."

"Noo...really? I wonder why?" She asked sarcastically.

"I've been meaning to ask you, but why the hell did you two decide to play strip mahjong anyway?"

"Actually, I was hoping you'd play with me instead of Sonja...but I guess it just happened, didn't it?"

"Uh...yep, sounds about right."

Time: A few weeks later...

The battle progressed steadily, as both the Yellow Comet and Orange Star armies managed to hold onto vital points of the battlefield. Slowly but surely, the allied forces were chipping away at the cannons defending the factory and they were closing in onto the enemy forces. It was time to land the final strike. Kanbei's forces were gathering and were headed for their target, the pipeline seam.

"Indeed it is I who shall give the final blow!" Kanbei declared. "Daughter, what is our status?"

"All available units are in place and are able to strike soon, father." Sonja replied. She had finally gotten over the incident that had happened earlier, however she tried her hardest to avoid both Sami and Mel for the time being.

"Excellent!"

"Father, shall we begin?"

"But of course! Prepare the final assault men! We shall deal the killing blow here and now!" With a swing of his sword, Kanbei directed his forces to take out the seam with a collection of explosions.

Place: Black Hole Factory

And that was that. The supply line was cut and the factory was no more.

"The factory...it's completely..." Adder was aghast, so he decided to blame something else. "It's...the blasted weather! That was the problem! Hss!" Unfortunately for him, the weather had been perfectly clear for the last two weeks. "...retreat! Damn them all! Retreat! Everybody!"

Place: Yellow Comet Field HQ

Sonja monitored the situation.

"The Black Hole Army is in full retreat! Yes! Father, Sensei, we won!" Sonja shouted. "We won!"

"That we did...and an impressive win it was." Sensei grinned.

"Quickly now, establish communications with the allied commanders. I would like to thank them." Kanbei said to an operator.

"Yes, Highness."

"Ahem...Olaf, Nell. Today's battle will long be remembered. Through our combined efforts, our common foe was defeated. I offer my gratitude. Thank you all for your aid." Kanbei bowed deeply.

"Don't be foolish! You would've done the same for us!" Olaf laughed. "Actually, Black Hole was foolish enough to attack us as well. Of course, we defeated them soundly. With...some help from Orange Star. Well, well...what do you say to that Nell?"

"Kanbei it was an honor to fight together with you in this battle." Nell said on her end of the communication.

"Hmm...so it seems that you all have crossed swords with the Black Hole Army, too..."

"Yes, we all have...the strength of the Black Hole Army is immeasurable...we probably would've been sunk if the White Sun hadn't come to our aid as well." She looked around on the visual. 'Where'd Mel go...? I thought he was in the Yellow Comet camp with Sami...' She thought. "Ahem...we have to be wary of the CO named Hawke...we've heard reports that he has Green Earth on the verge of defeat now that the attacks there have been renewed."

"Im-impossible!" Kanbei gasped.

"There's no time to spare, we must get to Green Earth on the double." Nell said.

"Yellow Comet is with you! Our strength is yours! If we all stand together, there is nothing we need to fear!" The Emperor said. "Isn't that right men?"

"Yes, Highness!" The troops replied.

"Well...if that's the case, let us make preparations."

"Yes sir!"

Mel was standing in the distance, watching the celebrations.

"...well Sami, shouldn't you be heading back soon?" He asked her.

"Eh...probably." She shrugged. "The last two weeks were...fun."

"I'll say." He laughed as he mussed up her hair, as usual.

"H-hey! Stop it!"

"Would you rather I stick my hand down your shirt instead?" He suggested.

"Wha...no!" Sami started to blush. "I...well...um...stupid Mel!"

"Heh..." Mel chuckled softly.

"Well...I guess I should get packed again huh..."

"Good idea. I'll wager we'll meet up again in Green Earth, so no worries huh."

"Nope. None at all. But one thing..."

"Hmm?"

"...at least call me...okay?" She said.

"Ah...is that all? Sure, I'll call you." He smiled as she hugged him. "Well...we don't have time to celebrate yet...I'll bid Sonja and her father good-bye and the White Sun will be on its way to Green Earth in a matter of days."

"Oh right! Better do that too!" She followed after him.

Place: Green Earth Central HQ

Drake was reading the latest Intel that had come in. Eagle stood nearby and was reading the same report.

"It looks as though Yellow Comet and Blue Moon have given the foe the old heave-ho, Eagle...aye?"

"That just leaves Green Earth..." Eagle said.

"Aye...over half of the country is under enemy control, though."

"Yes, and its high time we took it back, Drake." The pilot commander tossed the report aside. "Hmm...? What the – "

"Are we launching a counteroffensive? Perhaps I can lend a hand." A female voice was heard as Eagle turned around.

"Ahoy there! Jess, you're back!" Drake was all smiles.

"Yes, I am. I couldn't continue my training abroad with my homeland in danger." The tall woman nodded as she put down her bags. "It's been a while..."

"Heh...your timing couldn't be better! It's become a ground war, and neither Eagle nor I are any good at that." The captain was genuinely glad that she was back.

"Tch, knock it off Drake! She delayed returning until she knew she'd be met with fanfare, that's all!" Eagle said spitefully.

"What was that Eagle?" Jess glared at him.

"Stow it, Eagle..." Drake tried to keep the peace, but that was fruitless as both Jess and Eagle were now facing off with each other.

"The enemy took us by surprise, nothing more! I can liberate Green Earth on my own, without you underfoot, Red!" With that, Eagle stormed out. "Men! To arms! We've got a country to take back!"

"...haa...Jess, don't mind him. He's angry is all." Drake sighed.

"I'm not worried about him at all. I was just thinking that the more things change..." She was about to bring up some old memories.

"Ah...! You know, with Eagle in the skies, me at sea, and you on the ground, we're nigh invincible, aye? Let's get our country back, Jess!"

"Haha...well said Drake, well said. Let's see how the situation is going at hand." Jess said following Drake to the visual screen.

Place: Black Hole Forces

A fortress was reaching the end of its construction in the middle of the Green Earth waters.

"Adder, will the fortress be completely on schedule?" Hawke asked as the two men walked around in the complex.

"Yes...we're proceeding without delays." Adder nodded. "You there! Hurry that up!"

"Yes Lord Adder!"

"And the mini-cannons...?" Hawke asked again.

"All eight of them have been finished on the sites you've selected."

"Hmm...then all is well Adder..." The dark skinned man nodded in approval.

"Commander! We've reports of a large Green Earth force heading this way!" An alien soldier interrupted the two commanders.

"Hmph...I estimated they'd be appearing about this time...they're all air units as well...correct?"

"Uh...hold on..." The soldier quickly checked his reports. "Er...I think so, sir. Nothing but air units, sir."

"...how predictable...deploy our troops immediately." Hawke dismissed the soldier with a wave of his hand. "Adder, you'd best be off."

"Hss...yes...I think I shall leave..."

"Now then...let's get started, shall we?" Hawke turned his attentions to the incoming Green Earth troops.

"Yes, sir."

Place: Green Earth Field HQ

"Attention men! Target that fortress and open fire! We're going to bomb the living hell out of it!" Eagle shouted on the radio.

"S-sir! Hold on, sir! This...this is no good! There are anti-aircraft units everywhere!" One of the soldiers reported.

"What! ? They...they knew we were coming...eh?" Eagle made a face. 'What should I do? If we allow them to complete that fortress, Green Earth will suffer...If we press our attack, we might win, but the casualties will be enormous...' He thought to himself.

"Commander! Let's continue with our attack!"

"...but..." Eagle was hesitant to let his men's lives go that easily. "What..."

"We're Green Earth's strongest force. We cannot lose. That's what you always tell us, isn't it?" One soldier started.

"He's right, sir. We won't be beaten by the likes of those Black Hole thugs. And we can't let sit by and let them complete that fortress! We damn well can't!" Another said.

"Lets hit 'em, Commander!"

"C'mon, sir!" All the men were in agreement.

"...the men...all right. We proceed as planned. Aim for the heart of their offensive power, those minicannons. Let's give them a show of power they won't soon forget!" Eagle shouted.

"Yes sir!" With that, Eagle's men flew in to begin their assault against the enemy.

Place: White Sun Forces in Yellow Comet

The White Sun Army was preparing to depart Yellow Comet. Mel stood at the gates and leaned on his sword.

"Teacher, so you've come to see me off?" He asked as Kanbei approached him.

"But of course my student. I wish you well."

"Hmm...well, according to our reports, Green Earth has already begun their counter-attack...I wonder how they would take to unexpected reinforcements."

"You never know, my student. I too am making such preparations even as we speak."

"Ah...I see." Mel nodded. "...well then, personally I'm not too fond of Eagle and his...ilk. I'm going to take my time getting there. Gary on the other hand has already left...apparently he has a thing for the navy..." Stifling a yawn, Mel bowed at Kanbei. "Well then, until we meet again teacher."

"Indeed, my student!" Kanbei bowed back.

"Oh right...where'd Sonja go, teacher?"

"I have no idea actually. Perhaps she is readying the troops as well."

"Hmm..." Mel nodded. 'Some how...I don't think that's the case.' Boarding the lander, Mel waved at his teacher. "See you, teacher."

"Yes! See you again my student!"

Place: Orange Star Forces

Standing at the bow of the lander, Sami gazed out at the horizon.

"...boring." She said, turning around.

"What's boring?" Nell asked. "Work?"

"No, the view." She started to make her way back to her cabin. "If you need anything Nell, I'm gonna be snoozing for next few hours."

"Aw...you don't want to hang out and chat with me?"

"I'll pass, Nell..." Sami shook her head; she looked a bit sleepy as well. "Ooh..."

"Now what?"

"My back's stiff..."

"And why might that be?"

"...I slept in a sleeping bag that sits on top of the metal floor of an APC for the past few weeks...it's a small price to pay..." There was a distant look in her eyes as she continued to make her way into the cabins. "Maybe we can chat later, Nell...but not now..." Sami stifled a yawn. "Excuse me..."

Nell watched the younger girl with a bemused smile on her face.

'I'd tell her it's against the rules to... 'fraternize' with officers of higher rank like that... but I don't think it counts when they're in a different army...' Keeping her laughter to herself, Nell turned around and looked at the horizon. "...I guess she's right. It is kind of boring."

Time: A week later

Place: Sea Fortress

Within a week, Eagle's forces had punished the Black Hole troops in the area, wiping out the minicannons that surrounded the fortress. That was of course, with quite a few casualties...

"Commander Hawke! The minicannons...they're all..." An alien soldier informed Hawke of the turn of events.

"Hmph...they've been destroyed? That's it then. We shall withdraw. Shut everything down." Hawke muttered. "Full retreat. Now."

Place: Skies

"Huh...will ya look at that...the enemy's abandoning that giant scrap heap." One fighter pilot said to the rest of his remaining squad mates. "Well Commander..."

"It appears that we've won." Eagle said on the radio.

"Shall we launch a pursuit Commander?"

"No...we deal with that fortress first. Have the recovery squads sent in to take it apart and see if there's anything worth keeping and using."

"Yes, sir."

"You have my gratitude boys. It was your bravery that led me...no, that led us to victory." Eagle did sound very agreeable for once.

"Thank you, sir. We appreciate it."

"Heh...at any rate, this war has just begun. The road before us will be long and hard. You guys, head back to base."

"No problem, Commander. As long as you're in command, we can't lose!" His men replied.

Place: Green Earth Main HQ

At the moment, the Green Earth headquarters wasn't occupied by its commanders.

"I'm sorry, but currently all of our commanders are out dealing with the Black Hole, so I have no authorization or anything to allow you and your troops in, Commander Gary." One of the operators replied.

"...huh. What a shame." Gary sighed. "Well, can I wait around until one of them come back?"

"You're free to do whatever you want, sir."

"...mmm. Fair enough." The sniper nodded to the operator on the visual screen. "Well...thanks anyway. Bye."

"Good-bye, sir."

Place: Gary's location: On the way to Green Earth

"...hmph. So much for giving a hand to these ingrates." Gary muttered to himself. "How am I supposed to help if I can't find any of them! ?"

"Commander, it's no good. Perhaps we should continue on towards the mainland and then hopefully by then one of the Commanders will be back to give us clearance."

"Fine. We wait."

Place: Drake's patrol

Drake had moved out towards a small sea bound area, little did he know that the enemy had begun to surround his forces.

"Argh...when did this fog of war come in, I wonder..." The captain grumbled to himself. "Hard to port men! Hard to port!"

"Aye, Captain!"

"Aye, now where has the enemy gone...perhaps..."

Place: Black Hole Field HQ

Hawke sat at a desk and started on a mug of dark coffee. He gazed outside of his tent at the darkness.

"What is the enemy doing?" He asked one of his scouts.

"They appear to be gathering around a small island on the inland sea there...

"And our men have surrounded the coastline?"

"Yes, sir. A complete wall of troops encircles them. All that remains is to destroy them with the Black cannons."

"...it's too early to relax. Much could happen before they are annihilated. Tell the men to keep on their toes..."

"Yes, sir."

"It is time to let Green Earth know about our presence. Fire a few warning shots with the Black Cannons."

"Understood. Firing cannons."

Place: Drake's force

"Avast! What...what was that! ?" Drake shouted over to his men as the ships rocked.

"C-captain! The...the enemy is...the enemy has surrounded us completely! And now they're firing at us from the distance!"

"Damn! Enemy troops everywhere, eh? I've got to find a way to turn the tides or we'll all be swept away...we fell into their trap...that we did! Argh, so should we hide ourselves in those reefs...or should we head back to the field HQ and get ourselves ready to strike back at them? Hmm..." Drake paced the deck of the ship. "Argh! Dammit!"

"Captain! We've got an incoming radio message for you from Commander Eagle!"

"From Eagle? Aye, patch him through." Drake said taking the radio from the operator.

"Drake! Are you okay? I've just returned to the HQ" Eagle said on his end.

"Eagle? Aye, we've hit a patch of rough sea here...the enemy has us surrounded...I need to find a way to save the fleet."

"Well, hold on. I've got some good news for you."

"Oh? What might that be?"

"It seems like Yellow Comet forces have arrived in our territory. And the reinforcements should be arriving anytime soon. And that's not all, they're being led by the Emperor himself, Kanbei!"

"Aye! That is good news. All right then. I've got more than enough men...I'll launch a counteroffensive timed with Kanbei's attack." Drake was all smiles.

"I see. I've got the map of your location on screen right now. I see two of those cannons aiming at you, I wager if you take those out..."

"We can worry about the rest of the trash afterwards."

"Understood, I'll request that Kanbei's forces will target the cannons as well."

"Heh...thanks Eagle. You've got this old sailor's gratitude."

"Save it for the victory celebration old friend. Good luck to you." Eagle cut the end of his line.

"Hmm! So we've got help coming eh? Well, it's time to strike them hard and fast! All hands on deck!"

Place: Yellow Comet Forces

"Highness...Black Hole appears to have the inland sea surrounded." A soldier reported to Kanbei.

"Hmm...what do we know of the Green Earth's Commander Drake?"

"It seems like him and his troops are unharmed, sire."

"Very well. Let's establish a field HQ. When that's done, we'll send out the troops. Our mission is to eradicate those two cannons." Kanbei drew his sword and pointed it at the general direction of the cannons. "You think you've got Drake where you want him, Black Hole? Prepare to taste steel from both sides! Men! We move!"

"Yes sir!"

Place: Another region of Green Earth

Black Hole Battleships were set up in a bridged area awaiting repairs. Lash and a few men were inspecting them along the bridge.

"Mistress Lash, the battleships in need of repair have all been docked."

"Let's get started then." She said, throwing a rock at one of the ships, making a somewhat satisfying 'thonk' on the metal. "Heehee."

"Before that, we'd better reply to Commander Hawke's question..."

"Oh what a pain! Why's he bugging me while he's fighting against them himself? What did he want again?"

"The estimated time on the repairs...can they be done in thirty days?"

"Hmph. Seventeen days." Lash said.

"...excuse me?"

"Under my brilliant direction, the repairs will take seventeen days, not thirty, seventeen." She crossed her arms and nodded.

"But...the workers...can they handle that pace?"

"If we don't have enough manpower, we'll simply borrow some soldiers. The troops that were sent to hide the lab map have returned haven't they? Anyway, we'll have them done in seventeen days!"

"Yes...um...okay..."

Place: Green Earth Forces

Jess stood next to a tank and leafed through a report.

"Well...looks like the reports are accurate. The large battalion of enemy battleships are docked for repairs there...not long now."

"Ma'am, wouldn't it have been more prudent to wait until Commander Eagle or Drake arrived to provide reinforcements? We don't have many troops." A nearby soldier asked.

"The more troops we have, the longer it takes to get organized. Time is of the essence here. That's why I'm doing this while Drake is busying himself. We must attack before the repairs are done."

"Understood ma'am. But what if the enemy captures the airport?"

"Hmph...we've got enough anti-air units. At any rate, it's time to hit them with as much artillery fire as possible. Let's move out boys." She motioned around her to the anti-air vehicles idling around.

"Yes ma'am!"

Place: Black Hole Docks

Lash paced around the dock area and occasionally shouted angrily at a nearby alien that she caught slacking off. That was until another alien ran in breathlessly and saved her next 'victim'.

"M-m-m-m-mistress Lash!" He gasped.

"...what? Can't you see I'm in the middle of berating this goon here?"

"Mistress! That...can wait! The Green Earth army! They've arrived!"

"What! ? We're under attack! ? That's not fair! We're in the middle of doing repairs! Boo! Boo!" She flailed her arms around angrily. "Boo!"

"What are your orders, Mistress?"

"What are my orders! ? What are you, stupid? Counterattack, you twerp!"

"So then...we'll need to push back the deadline on the repairs..." The goon she was harassing earlier piped up.

"No. Way!" She promptly gave him a jolt with a new stun gun she had made for the occasion.

"Argh! But...but...the...deadline..."

"STOP SAYING THAT! Just do as you're told. NOW!" She gave him another zap for good measure and giggled madly as he lost his balance and feel into the waters. "Heeheehee! Serves you right!"

"Are you sure that was a good idea, Mistress Lash?" The soldier asked her.

"Of course it was! You take his place now!" She raised the stun gun threateningly. "Or do you want to try some?"

"Uh...no. I'll get to work now..."

Place: Gary's forces

Gary stood impatiently on the deck of his ship. He glared at the horizon.

"Grr...stupid Green Earth commanders...where the hell are they anyway?" He muttered.

"Gary, I believe that Commander Eagle has returned to the main HQ according to our Intel." Eriko said.

"Hmph. Whatever, let's try to make contact then."

"Understood." The girl nodded.

"This is Eagle. Who is it and what do you want?" Eagle's voice was heard on the other end of the radio.

"Eagle. This is Gary from White Sun."

"Hmm...White Sun? What do you want?"

"We're here to provide reinforcements. Sort of. But we were denied access to your base of operations since all the commanders were...absent."

"Ah...my apologies. Is Mel around?" Eagle asked.

"If you want to talk to him, you'll have to wait. He hasn't arrived yet."

"Huh..."

"Anyway, my men and I would appreciate it if we could get onto your base. We need to refuel and what not. We've even brought some supplies."

"All right. If that's the case, you've got clearance now." Eagle replied. "I believe that any help we'll get will be helpful to the cause...even if it is from the White Sun."

"Heh...whatever you say Eagle. Later."

"Good-bye."

"All right men. We've got clearance. Let's head to the Green Earth base!"

"Yes Commander!"

Time: Next day

Place: Black Hole Field HQ

Hawke frowned as he noticed the arrival of more enemies.

"So now Yellow Comet has arrived...if they use the missile silos, it may prove problematic. Can the cannons withstand direct missile fire?" He asked a soldier.

"Yes, sir. Mistress Lash says that missiles won't even leave scratches." The alien replied.

"If that's true, we're safe. They don't have many troops deployed yet, do they? Attack immediately...an ounce of prevention as they say."

"Very well sir. The forces in the south will mobilize then."

"Hmph..."

Place: Green Earth Main HQ

Eagle oversaw the transfer of supplies from the White Sun forces to his own. Gary was seated on top of a crate and was cleaning his guns.

"Gary, was it?" Eagle said.

"Yeah, what of it?"

"When did Mel say he was due to arrive?"

"Hmm? The boss? No idea. Gabe and him are taking their time getting here. Which is weird in my opinion."

'Hmm...I probably have an idea why, but I won't say.' Eagle thought to himself. "But at any rate, you have my thanks for the supplies."

"Yeah, no problem. We do what we can. Especially when the enemy is siphoning off your countries resources as we speak." Gary replied.

"Say what! ?"

"I'm pretty sure you should know about it. The Black Hole army has created some sort of factory and pipeline system to transport Green Earth weapons and money to build their own army."

"That explains an awful lot." Eagle grumbled. "Well if that's the case, we should strike there first!"

"If it were only that easy. Obviously you realize that the enemy has more or less blockaded your way there, as well probably hid the location to the base from your Intelligence forces. It'll take a few months at least."

"Hmm...damn!"

"Well, at any rate...what happened to Commander Drake?"

"Drake was out on patrol. Then he got trapped by the enemy."

"...that's bad. Hmm, I've got an idea. What's his current location?"

"Around this region here." Eagle pointed on the map he was holding. "Why?"

"...we'll see soon enough." Gary turned to his men. "All right! Men, we move!"

White Sun Mission: Shining Seas

Operative: Gary

Time: A few hours later

Place: Black Hole Forces

Within the Black Cannon base, Hawke's brows slowly started to knit together.

"...what? White Sun has arrived again? What are they doing! ?"

"Uh...Commander, it looks like they've begun an assault on our back-up troops."

"...I have to oversee two fronts now? What a pain." Hawke grumbled. "Very well. I am up to the task. Let them come."

"Understood, sir!"

"Hmm...you want to play with fire? I'll guarantee that you'll receive more than just a burn. Put our troops on the defensive there. We'll maintain our offensive here and see if we can help them out. Bring any idling forces to the other front and help them."

"Yes, sir!"

Place: White Sun Forces

"And...heeeeere they come." Gary smirked as he watched through his binoculars. Look at all those battleships. Never know what hit 'em."

"Commander, all our submarine battalions are in position and are laying in wait under the waters."

"Then we're good to go. This area is a bottleneck, despite the fact it's so wide. Let's have the battleships scattered a bit, and make sure our rockets are hiding in the forests. It looks like the fog's slowly rolling in."

"Understood, Commander."

"Eriko, just how large is their battalion?"

"Hmm...I think they've got five or six battleships at most, some carriers and their landing forces are waiting in landers."

"Huh. How about ground or air troops?"

"Not too sure...probably mostly tanks and other close-range units."

"Hrm...well, we can deal with their naval units once we draw them out our way."

"All right then." The girl nodded. "Shall the men prepare to move?"

"Let's hold position, then wait and see."

"Very well Gary."

Place: Green Earth Forces

Drake noticed that the enemy troops were moving a bit erratically.

"Hrm. What's goin' on now? It looks like the enemy's ground forces are goin' the other way, away from both our troops and Kanbei's."

"Captain, it looks like there's somebody attacking the enemy reinforcements, and their using their current troops to help those ones."

"Well! Aye, that's good news then." The captain grinned. "Who's attacking them?"

"I'm not sure, sir."

"Well, it doesn't matter that much. If somebody's picking a fight with them and drawing their attention away from us, it doesn't matter."

"What are your orders now then, Captain?"

"Well, if that's keeping them busy, let's start to move in closer and reclaim some ground. At any rate, it'll take a while."

"Yes sir."

Place: Yellow Comet Field HQ

"Highness! Something is amiss! The enemy is leaving our forces alone." A soldier reported to Kanbei.

"Hmm? What's this? They're not attacking us? What is the meaning of this?"

"It appears that something else has gathered their attentions."

"This makes our job easier then!" Kanbei smiled wickedly. "Well! If they are on the run, let us give chase!"

"Yes, Commander!"

Time: Some days later

Place: Jess' Location: Green Earth Forces

Jess slowly sent her men on the move towards the docked ships.

"This might be more difficult than I thought..." She said biting on her lower lip. "Tsk, and what's up with this port here anyway?"

"Commander, we've noticed that there was enemy activity to the northwest in that isolated region."

"...the island up there with another port?" She asked.

"Yes ma'am."

"Doesn't look special. But I guess I can make do with some naval backup. They can't fire back at us after all. How many days do we have left?"

"This is our fifth day in, ma'am. We've managed to hold our ground and the forces are closing in on the enemy base there. However the air units the enemy is sending out is making this a bit more troublesome." The operator said reading the reports.

"Small wonder." She sighed. "See what's going on up in that island then. Either way, extra funds don't hurt our cause."

"Yes ma'am!"

'I need a stiff drink after this.' Jess thought to herself. 'Make it quick and get back to base. No problems then.'

Time: Seventh day

Place: Drake's Forces

"Ah! It's good to be back on terra firma." Drake muttered as he got off his ship. The Green Earth navy had made it safely back to the Field HQ. "All right, since that's all settled, I think we can counterattack a bit more effectively now!"

"Captain, shall we prepare to attack the Black Cannons?"

"Aye, that's the stuff. It took a while, but we've made it back mostly in one piece and the enemy artillery in our way got put down fast."

"Yes sir."

"Although I thought there were more of them last time I checked."

"There were, but I think more and more of them are being sent to aid their other troops."

"Is that the case then? Heh, they shouldn't have done that."

Place: Black Hole Field HQ

"Hrmph..." Hawke frowned. "Perhaps it was unwise to send that many of our forces back to aid our reinforcements...it looks as though our navy has suffered heavy losses..."

"Commander, our entire naval force there has been wiped out...it turns out that the enemy had set a trap for...us."

"Yes, I noticed. They had quite a few submarines in hiding and trapped us inland." Hawke shook his head as he tried to gather their current situation. "Damn! I didn't think that they'd attack me from this many fronts here. I didn't expect White Sun to arrive so quickly as well. Those accursed meddlers. What do we have left on this front?"

"Mainly our artillery units. All heavy units were pulled out to aid our reinforcements..."

"Do we have any bases left?"

"There is the northern one in reach...but the Yellow Comet forces helped Green Earth retake the southern bases already."

"Curse them! This is starting to prove fruitless. And in a week only as well. If the White Sun hadn't arrived, I believe we would've had the upper hand here." Hawke slammed his fist on the table he was sitting at, splitting it in half. "...and get me a new table."

"Yes sir." The alien ran off to avoid Hawke's wrath.

"Hmm...that CO seems familiar...but I don't think he was the Commander of the army... although I'd rather not face off with that fellow for the time being."

Time: Day 10

Place: Jess' Location

Sitting at a makeshift crate for a table, Jess was pouring herself a cup of dandelion tea.

"Hmm-hmm-hmm..." The tall woman hummed to herself tunelessly as she about to take a sip.

"Commander Jess! Our men just retrieved this in one of the cities on that island region!" A soldier came in and smoothed out a piece of paper on the crate.

"...what's this dusty looking piece of paper?" She blew on it and rubbed off the dust. "...hmm? A map to a lab? Interesting." Sipping her tea, she continued to examine the map. "Let's see now...they've been developing weapons within Green Earth borders huh? Since they went to the trouble, let's take the weapons they're making."

"Yes, Commander!"

"Let Eagle know ASAP. He definitely won't stand for it." She rolled up the map and handed it to the soldier.

"Understood ma'am!" The soldier took the map, saluted and prepared for his trip back to the main headquarters.

"Tch...these Black Hole goons really are trouble, dammit." She muttered to herself as she continued to drink her tea. "Bleh. They've even managed to ruin my tea." Making a face, Jess dumped the contents of her cup onto the ground. "Damn. That does it. What's the status of the enemy ships?" She shouted to her operators.

"They've still got four of them intact, ma'am!"

"God damn." Rubbing her forehead she examined the situation. "Hmm...at any rate, continue our assault!"

"Yes ma'am!"

Place: Gary's location

"Hmm... munch... munch..." Gary bit down noisily a rice cracker. "...munch... mm... gulp... ahem. What's the enemy status so far?"

"They're almost down to the last few men." Eriko replied.

"Munch...munch...mm." He said with his mouth full. "Excuse me. I meant 'oh'."

"Uh... huh." The girl rolled her eyes. "At any rate, the enemy CO hasn't used his CO Power on us so far...why is that?"

"Probably used it on Captain Drake." Gary said as he picked up another cracker. "Munch...munch..."

"Do you really have to munch on that so...loudly?"

"Munch...yes...munch." He nodded.

"Ugh."

"Hmm...well, if that's the case, let's just blow them up and get this over with. Maybe we can find Captain Drake and give him a hand with whatever the heck he's doing."

"Perhaps. Although judging by the Intelligence, he's faring quite well already, since Kanbei is helping him."

"Huh...munch...that so...hmph." Gary frowned as he started on another one. "Munch. Munch. Munch."

Place: Orange Star Supply Line

Watching from the side, Sami observed the readying of supplies to the Green Earth army, care of Orange Star.

"Mm-hmm...got that...and got that..." She checked off boxes on a list as she walked past the supply crates. "Hmm...where'd that go...?"

"Sami, you've got to be a bit more...specific than 'that'." Nell sighed.

"Mmm? That is that, and this is that." The girl replied pointing from the list to the crate.

"At least use proper English when you talk to me." Her commander glared at her.

"Sorry, English is not first language." Sami giggled. "Kidding. Anyway, where'd all the extra rations go?"

"What? They're not there?" Nell asked.

"If they were, I wouldn't be asking, now would I?"

"Hmph..."

"At any rate, I'm going to search for them... was there something you wanted from me, Nell?"

"Oh, nothing really." The blonde shook her head.

"If you're going to interrogate me about something again, I'm not talking about it." Sami quickly ducked behind some crates and was out of sight. "Later!"

"Wha – hold – darn it!" Nell grumbled. "She's as slippery as ever..."

Place: White Sun Forces: Mel's Unit

Staring out into the sea, Mel stifled a yawn.

"Bleah...excuse me." He mumbled as he reached into his coat and pulled out a fresh can of iced coffee. "Are we in position yet, Gabe?"

"Huh? Uh, maybe? Aren't we still just kinda floating along until something comes up?"

"That sounds about right. Well...we've been waiting like ten days so far, right?"

"Sounds about right. Gary's been working the enemy for maybe eight or nine days so far." Gabe yawned as he read the status report. "Other than that...what the hell are we doing sitting around here?"

"Nothing." Mel said, downing his coffee and crushing the can in his fist. "Pfeh."

"Just how many of those do you have a day, boss?"

"Enough." He pulled another from his coat and looked at it contemplatively. "...oh what the hell, it's not like my blood is composed of just caffeine and sugar..."

"...yikes." Gabe watched in amazement as his friend downed the coffee in a matter of seconds.

Time: Day 14

Place: Lash's location

Time was slowly catching up with the Black Hole forces. They only had roughly one and a half of their battleships remaining after Green Earth's relentless assault.

"Mistress Lash...we have only a few days remaining to finish our...repairs..."

"I know, I know. I'm busy right now. Come back later." Lash was engaged in playing a computer game on a laptop while munching noisily on a bag of chips. "Mmm...die! Die! Die!"

"Perhaps...we should rethink the deadline after all..." The soldier suggested.

"...you! You're such a pest!" Lash jumped up and put the soldier in a headlock. "We're almost finished! If you have enough time to keep jabbering at me, then help!" She pointed her stun gun threateningly at the goon. "The second I let you go and if you keep talking, I zap you."

"Yaaaah! Let me go! Please!" He begged.

"Hmph, since you've piqued my interest, just how many of our ships do we have left...?"

"Uh...one and a half...?" The soldier said.

"What the hell is that supposed to mean! ?"

"Well...one is at eighty percent...and the other is at seventy..."

"Wait a sec, aren't we doing repairs? Why are they damaged and why do we only have two left! ?"

"The...the...enemy...has been attacking...when you...weren't paying attention."

"I DON'T BELIEVE IT!" Lash screamed. "What the hell were you punks doing! ?"

"It...it's not our fault! I swear!" The alien soldier said as the stun gun drew closer and closer underneath his chin. "I mean...weren't you supposed to be watching out for the battleships as well Mistress Lash?"

"Are you trying to pin the blame on me! ? ME! ? HOW DARE YOU, YOU... NAMELESS TWERP!" With that, she pulled the trigger on the stun gun and gave him a shock.

"." He screamed horribly as the current ran though him, killing him rather quickly.

"Eh...oops." Lash looked at the slightly charred corpse. "I probably could have kept him to do more manual labor...meh. Anyway...back to whatever I was doing..." She walked over to her computer and started a game. "Heeheehee!"

Place: Green Earth Field HQ

Saluting, a Green Earth soldier handed over the latest report to Jess, just as the last two ships were destroyed.

"Commander, the enemy battleships have all been sunk."

"Well...that was quick. Well done. Prepare to withdraw." Jess said taking a quick look at the report and tossing it aside.

"Withdraw?" The soldier asked.

"We've achieved our goal. Let's vanish before they send out more troops..." She picked up her belongings and started packing them up.

"Yes, ma'am. We'll get started right away."

"Hmm..." She picked up her radio as it began to buzz noisily. "What is it now, Drake?"

"Just got the report that you've finished off the enemy...I take it you're off then?"

"But of course."

"Stick and move...just like you, Jess." Drake chuckled.

"No sense getting caught up in the moment and getting the troops hurt. We've seriously reduced the enemy's firepower... that's more than enough work in two weeks."

"When you're right, you're right. Aye... well I'll be trying to head off my foe soon enough... I'll see you later Jess."

"Good luck to you Drake." She turned off her radio and closed her briefcase. "Well, what's done is done. Let's get the hell outta here boys."

Place: Black Hole Field HQ

"U-gyaaaaaaaaaa! What...what are you doing! ? We can't fix the battleships if they all went splat, can we! ?" Lash shrieked as she realized the enemy had blown their naval battalion to bits.

"Uh...what...what should we do then?" A new alien had replaced the one she had fried earlier and he maintained a safe distance away from Lash's arm's length.

"What else is there to do! ? We attack with all of our strength! They've made me mad, and now they're gonna pay big time!" Lash's arms were flailing in the air wildly, as she picked up the microphone to the troops. "ALL OF YOU! THIS IS LASH SPEAKING! SEND OUT THE BIG GUNS! NOW!"

"Mistress Lash, that's...well..."

"WHAT! ?"

"...impossible. The enemy's gone." The soldier responded.

"...what...?"

"There's no sign of the enemy any longer...it seems like they've done what they set out to do and left..."

'Twitch-snap-poink' Went Lash's mind.

"...you've GOT to be JOKING! They just sank the boats and took off?" She screamed.

'Snap-snap-snappity-snap' Her face went crimson with rage.

"I...am...so...ANGRY!" Then she rolled around on the floor swinging her fists and kicking her legs. "Raaaaaaaaaaaawr!"

"...I think I'll take my leave now..." The soldier said quickly walking away.

Time: Day 22

Place: Black Hole Field HQ

Hawke stared in disbelief at the Intel reports on the table.

"What? The Black Cannons were destroyed? Useless hunks of -" He stopped himself. "And we lost at the other front as well? Tsk. We'll withdraw for the moment. Adjust our preparations men."

"Yes sir."

"Damn. I didn't think it would come to this already..."

"Shall we proceed onto our next plan then Commander Hawke?"

"Once it's the right time, yes." Hawke nodded. "Now we retreat."

"Yes sir. All remaining troops are retreating now."

"Good..."

Place: Green Earth Field HQ

Drake was all smiles. His men had weathered the storm and defeated the Black Hole forces that had trapped them.

"Aye... that's the way boys. Patch us into the Yellow Comet communications; I'd like to express my thanks to the Emperor."

"Yes sir."

"Commander Kanbei!" Drake said on the com-link.

"Ah, Commander Drake." The Emperor nodded. "I am pleased to see you unharmed."

"You have our gratitude for the reinforcements. I believe we might have gone down with our ships if you hadn't come." The captain grinned.

"Nonsense, even surrounded, I believe you would've turned the tables and emerged victorious. We simply sped the process up a bit." Kanbei laughed.

"Thanks for the vote of confidence Kanbei." Drake said.

"Although..." Something was on the Emperor's mind.

"Although?"

"Do you know what happened with the enemy? They seemed... distracted."

"I was wondering about that too." Drake agreed. "It seemed like somebody was interfering with them nearby, elsewhere."

"Perhaps it was one of your comrades?" Kanbei suggested.

"That couldn't be the case, I only received word from Jess and Eagle recently and both of them have been occupied."

"...hmm. Well then, at any rate I would like to battle at your side again someday."

"Aye, the feeling's mutual. Maybe when we're storming Black Hole's fortress." Drake nodded in agreement.

"May that day come soon. Until then, farewell Drake!" The Emperor ended the communication.

"Aye, good bye, Kanbei!" The captain said. "...hmm, I do have to wonder though... who came to help us?"

"Captain, we're receiving a transmission from a scrambled source." The operator said.

"Speak of the devil... put them through."

"Captain Drake?" Gary asked.

"Eh? You... you're from the White Sun, aren't you?"

"That's right." The sniper nodded.

"I believe thanks are in order then. I should have figured that Wars World's shadow army would involve themselves with interfering in Black Hole's affairs. Just like during the Cosmo Land campaign."

"You're right on the money Captain." Gary laughed. "We took the liberty of stopping the enemy's reinforcements from coming after you."

"You have my thanks." Drake said. "So where's that fellow... Mel was it?"

"Oh you mean our Commander? Uh... I think he's on his way. I just wanted to come by first to have some 'fun' with our enemy."

"I see. Aye, that's mighty kind of ye. So where are you headed next?"

"Wherever the enemy's hangin' around. I'm gonna blast them outta the water."

"Aye... perhaps I'll see you again then?"

"Perhaps Captain, perhaps." Gary said. "At any rate, you might see more of Mel than the others."

"Hmm... he's not exactly the most pleasant fellow... but I guess he's far more amiable than Eagle is sometimes."

"See you later Captain, good luck with liberating the country and all." Gary said, ending the communication.

"Aye... thanks."

Time: Uncertain

Place: Black Hole Field HQ

Hawke stood with Lash in another region of Green Earth.

"Hmph... so you lost all the battleships, did you Lash?" Hawke asked.

"Uh... yeah. They cheated! Honest!" She said.

"Don't make excuses."

"Hmph..." She pouted.

"At any rate... is the airport completed?" He asked.

"Yep, yep. I built it to your specs, but..." Lash seemed upset about something.

"But what?"

"Are you sure you want just a standard airport? Lemme add some options!" She said.

"Options...? What are you talking about?" Hawke's eyebrow rose ever so slightly.

"You know..." She said. "All kinds of stuff... like a self-destruct system... laser trip wires... security cameras with machine guns..." Lash started to drool slightly.

"...not necessary." Hawke cut her off. "And wipe your drool."

"Ack." She quickly took a swipe at it with her sleeve. "Tsk. You're so boring Hawke!"

"It matters not to me. If it's ready, I'd like to use it now. The enemy is closing in... I can feel it."

"Hmph... spoilsport." Lash stuck her tongue out at him. "I'm gonna make some bombs or something... but go ahead and use it. Hmph!"

"Ugh..." Hawke rolled his eyes as Lash stomped off.

Place: White Sun Forces: Mel and Gabe

Mel stood on deck as the ships continued to sail around the Green Earth waters.

"Captain, what's our status?" Mel asked.

"All green, Commander." The captain of the ship replied.

"Hmm. It's too soon for us to stop in... isn't it?"

"Well, we've had the carriers prepared... all our available air forces are being refueled on them."

"Hmm... the carriers eh? How long did it take them to do the planning for those again?" Mel looked down at the ship he was standing on. '...it's huge... and impressive. Explains why we have fighters and bombers on them...'

"The carrier project had managed to finish some time during the Cosmo Land campaign, Commander. The R&D staff didn't have a chance to send them out yet, not until you approved it."

"...I did?" Mel asked. "...uh... I mean, yes of course I did." He caught himself. 'Yikes... that must've been that stack of diagrams I was supposed to look over and approve... oh wait. I gave that to Gary to look over... hahaha.'

"Commander...?"

"Oh no it's nothing. Were there any R&D projects that I might have forgotten about?" He asked.

"There was word that they've been developing a new air unit." The captain shrugged.

"Hmm... stealth fighters, was it?" Mel asked.

"Yes Commander."

"Ah... that I remember." Mel nodded. 'That one at least sounded kinda... neat.'

"Commander, you seem lost in thought."

"Oh, no... not really. Just what's so special about these carriers again?"

"They carry air units on them for repairs and refueling, they also are armed with long range anti-air missiles."

"Oh. I see. How useful. But let me guess... they're expensive to produce, aren't they?"

"Very much so, Commander."

"... well let's keep them safe then... I don't want to think about how much it would cost to fix them..." Mel groaned. "You're dismissed Captain."

"Yes Commander."

"Pfeh... note to self, pay more attention to military affairs." Mel muttered to himself. "Gabe... you there?"

"How'd you know?" Gabe asked from the shadows.

"You can't hide your blood lust completely still."

"Aw, don't call it that... you could say killing aura instead."

"Same thing." Mel said. "Man... I think I've been shirking the paperwork duties again..."

"Well duh. You give anything navy related to Gary, and anything air force related to me... usually."

"Yep... and delegate everything else. That or just sign it."

"Geez boss, you should take your position a bit more seriously..."

"Meh... I try." Mel shrugged.

"Maybe you should just go back to whacking people." Gabe said.

"Too messy." He shook his head.

"And killing hundreds of soldiers at once isn't?"

"Meh..." Mel grumbled. "Whatever. So... let's just sail around some more until something interesting happens." He said.

"Sounds good to me." Gabe shrugged. "It's not like anything will happen for now."

Place: Orange Star Naval Forces

Sami leaned against the railing of the ship on the port side. Nell snuck up behind her and poked her back.

"Nya! ?" Sami jumped slightly. "Wha...who...eh! ?" She turned and looked directly at Nell. "Oh! Nell... what is it?"

"Heehee. I guess it is fun to tease you." Nell laughed. "A gold for your thoughts?" The blonde commander held a coin up to Sami.

"How about a chocolate bar instead?" Sami suggested.

"Oh...! Fine, I'll buy you one later." Nell creased her brow.

"Okay. Deal." The redhead giggled. "So did you want to ask me something?"

"Well... um..."

"Why do I have this feeling you're going to ask me something really awkward...?"

"Because I am?" Nell said, her face turning red.

"I thought you already knew about all those... 'awkward' things... considering that you're older than me..."

"Hey! I'm... I'm only twenty six!"

"...wow. I thought you were way older." Sami said in surprise. "Pfeh, I guess four years doesn't make that much difference..."

"Oh come on... Mel's only twenty three isn't he?"

"Somethin' like that." Sami shrugged. "He's a year older than me, big whoop. But then again, he became the big boss of White Sun when he was still in his teens..."

"Eh... eh... eh! ? He... he never told me that."

"I guess you missed that flashback." The redhead leaned her back across the railing to face Nell.

"Huh..."

"Are you sure you still want to ask me something...?"

"Why... why do you ask?"

"Your face is bright red...still." Sami said.

"Ah...oh."

"Or do you want to save it for until we run into Mel again?" The redhead teased. "Perhaps he can answer the question better."

"Ack! No-no-no-no-no!" Nell shook her head. "Please don't."

"Um... well... I guess we can talk in my cabin or something." Sami shrugged. "It seems like it's something... private."

"Ugh... don't say it like that Sami..."

"It can't be helped... can it?" The redhead shrugged again and headed to her cabin on the ship. "Coming, Nell?"

"Ah, wait up!" Nell said, quickly chasing after her.

Sami sat down on top of the hammock hanging from the ceiling of her cabin. Nell took a seat on an empty munitions crate that served as a bench.

"...um, so what exactly did you want to ask me anyway?" Sami asked, as she swung back and forth. "Make it quick... I'm actually getting nauseous again." She quickly covered her mouth and gagged a little bit. "Ack... I think we're hitting a rough patch..."

"I thought you were used to being seasick." Nell said as she watched Sami's face go pale.

"Hardly... the... case. I'm usually asleep or napping..." The redhead muttered. "Oogh... oh there we go... phew. So... where was I?"

"I didn't even ask you the question yet." The blonde replied.

"...oh. Ha...ha..."

"Are you sure you're okay, Sami?"

"I've been worse... trust me." Sami shook her head, trying to clear it.

"Are you...you know?" Nell asked.

"Hardly the case." Sami dismissed Nell's worries with a wave of her hand. "I don't think either of us is planning to do anything stupid like that any time soon. If I was actually... you know, I think I'd be puking a lot more often... and a bunch of other things." She flopped onto her hammock. "Ugh... hurry it up already Nell... what exactly do you wanna ask me anyway? I mean... I'm pretty sure you'd know most things about... sex and stuff... or at least that's what I think."

"Um..." Nell seemed a bit hesitant.

"Bingo, eh Nell?" Sami grinned. "Ah..."

"Well... how was your... um... your first time?"

"Eh? Eh? Oh! You mean... ah... haha... yeah." The redhead's face started to turn red. "I... I was so embarrassed... I wanted to crawl into a hole and hide then... I mean I turned off the lights for a reason... then that stupid jerk turned them back on..."

"What... are you talking about?" Nell asked. "What did turning the lights on and off have to... oh, I get it. I didn't figure you for the shy type."

"Easy for you to say Nell..." Sami felt her face burn up. "He explored every single inch..."

"Of your body?" Nell finished for her.

"..." The redhead's face was practically the same color as her hair.

"...wow. Just what did you two..."

"Lots. I... I guess it's still kinda hard to talk about with somebody else... other than him."

"Mm-hmm..." Nell nodded. "...but..."

"Ah... dammit!" Sami pouted. "...stupid Mel... he's always out and about like this..."

"Uh... are you okay?"

"Mou!" She sighed loudly. "Never mind me... I was just remembering something."

"...oh. What exactly?"

"Just something. Um... oh, right... Nell, come here..." She motioned for the blonde to move in closer.

"Okay... like this?" Nell leaned in. "So...?"

"Listen." Sami said as she whispered something into Nell's ear. "Psst... psst."

"...!" Nell's face went as red as Sami's. "...s-seriously...?"

"Mm-hmm. Heehee... your face is bright red too now."

"I... I didn't expect that from you, Sami."

"I guess I've changed..." She took a deep breath. "Isn't it funny what love does to people?"

'... she seems so mature suddenly...' Nell was taken aback. 'Of course she still acts like a little kid sometimes...'

"...mmm. Ah... oh right! Nell, don't you and Max have a thing?"

"Sa-mi... that's a rather sensitive topic still..." The blonde frowned.

"Ooh... sorry I asked then. Well, if you ever wanna talk about it, I'll listen... heehee."

"Thanks for the support... I think."

"Hmm...?" Sami felt something vibrate in her pocket. "Ah! Excuse me for a sec Nell." She pulled out her cell phone. "Hmm? I wonder what Mel wants? Hey Mel."

"Hi Sami." He answered.

"What are you up to Mel? Bored or something?"

"You could say that. Is Orange Star sailing Green Earth waters as well?"

"I think so." She said.

"... are you busy or something?" Mel asked.

"Not... really. Just kinda hanging around with Nell. Chatting about stuff."

"I see... well, there hasn't been much enemy activity lately..."

"Same on our end. I've got a shipment of supplies to send their way soon enough though." Sami absently kicked her feet as she chatted.

"Ah... okay."

"Are you still going to be around the Green Earth area?" She asked.

"Eh... yeah. That's one way of putting it. I'm on a ship and we're drifting around the area."

"Mmm. That sounds like us too... but at least we're headed somewhere..."

"Hahaha... very funny. So Nell's there? Can you put her on?"

"Wha? Uh... okay." Sami had a look of surprise on her face. "Um... Nell, Mel wants to talk to you on the cell..."

"Oh? Okay." Nell raised an eyebrow and took the phone from Sami. "Hello?"

"Hey Nell."

"Ah, Mel... any particular reason you wanted to talk to me?" She asked.

"Not really. Orange Star is making a supply drop?" Mel asked.

"Soon enough. We're headed inland to meet up with the Green Earth forces."

"Ah... okay."

"You sound worried for some reason..."

"I dunno, I have a bad feeling... but I could be wrong."

"Hmm... I'll keep that in mind Mel..." Nell nodded.

"I guess that's it, can you put me back on with Sami?"

"No problem. Bye Mel."

"Bye Nell."

"It's back to you Sami." Nell said, handing the phone back.

"Ah... Mel, what's the matter?"

"Hmm... I dunno yet. Listen, if anything does happen; you know how to reach me, right?"

"It shouldn't be a problem. I think." Sami said. "...mmm, ah whatever. I think I can see land from my cabin window... I'll call you later or something, okay?"

"Yeah, okay. Bye."

"Bye-bye." She disconnected the line. "Well... I guess we should get ready, shouldn't we Nell?"

"That's the plan." The blonde said. "At any rate, it looks like you two have everything going nice and smoothly."

"Mm... more or less." Sami shrugged. "Too bad it's kinda hard to work on relationship stuff when your country's at war, you know?"

"Oh I do." Nell sighed. "Well, let's get ready then, shall we?"

"Yes ma'am! Heehee." The redhead nodded. "I guess we can continue our conversation later, huh?"

"Mmm... maybe."

Time: A few days later

Place: Green Earth Naval Patrol

Drake looked at the most recent report from his quarters on his ship. The captain frowned as he slowly read the Intel.

"...they've built an airport? Here of all places as well... why build one when there's already quite a few in the area?"

"That's... uncertain, sir. But they will have put the finishing touches on this one shortly." The scout replied.

"Why didn't the Intel division notice this earlier?" Drake pointed to the report on his desk.

"They must have hidden it somehow. Plus, they built it in such a short amount of time. Amazing speed..."

"Now is not the time to praise them... at any rate, thank you for the Intel, good work. You're dismissed."

"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir." The soldier saluted and left the captain's quarters.

'They must've realized I'm the only one who can sail these waters... planes against boats... air units do have the advantage here, but I'm not sunk yet! This sea dog's got a few tricks up his sleeve!' Drake got up and picked up his hat. "Aye! If it's a fight they want, then it's a fight they get. All hands on deck! We've got some squatters to get rid of!"

Place: Orange Star Supply Convoys

Sami hummed a marching song to herself as the troops made it into an area surrounded by mountains.

"Dum-dee-dum-dum-dee...eh." Looking up past the mountains, she spotted something strange. "Eh...? What's that?" Grabbing a pair of binoculars, she looked at the object in question. "Oi! Corporal, take a look over there and tell me what you see."

"Yes miss!" The soldier looked through his binoculars as well. "... I see something rather large and black. Cross-shaped, cylindrical barrels..."

"... wonder what it is... looks sketchy." She narrowed her eyes. 'Should've asked for more men...'

"Uh... miss?"

"Yes, what?" Sami reached into her pocket and realized she had left her phone on the boat. "...uh oh. Do we have a radio or anything?"

"The signals are jammed, I think we're surrounded! And the line has been jacked."

"Eh! ? We're in for a world of trouble, aren't we?" She asked.

"Yes miss."

'Well fuck me with a ten foot... let's not even go there...' Sami thought, putting palm to face. "Let's see what those goons want..."

Place: Black Hole Field HQ

"Lash, how's the laser cannon coming?" Adder demanded.

"Full steam ahead! I've tweaked it so it can fire every single day! It's sooo dangerous!"

"Heh heh heh... Delicious... How's Flak?"

"My troops have been deployed, like you wanted." Flak replied, cracking his knuckles. "If that's all ya need me for, I'm gone..."

"Do what you want Flak." Adder was about to dismiss the large man with a wave of his hand. "At last, we will neutralize the Orange Star Army completely."

"Why is Orange Star even here? We're in Green Earth now, aren't we?" The large man asked, stopping suddenly.

"It seems they're here bearing supplies. Meddlers! They shouldn't have come!"

"That it? Bah... I'm gone then." Flak shrugged and left.

"So are we going to attack soon?" Lash asked.

"No. First, we suggest they surrender. Their CO's a young girl, you know. Perhaps she can be convinced to come along quietly. Heh heh heh..." Adder laughed wickedly.

"You mean that flat-chested bimbo with the red hair?" Lash asked. 'Hmph! I'll show her that boobs don't mean a thing! Not after I'm done with her!'

"Ah... yes I believe it is her."

"Ooh, I'm gonna like torturing that one." She giggled.

"As will I." Adder chuckled. 'If memory serves me correctly, a certain White Sun commander is fond of her... heh... heh... heh..." He licked his lips.

Place: Orange Star Supply Convoy

The troops were in a slight panic as they realized the situation they were in. Sami tried to keep the morale up.

"C'mon, everyone! Stay tough! Green Earth should be on their way. Once they've noticed something's going on, they'll help! Just hang on!" Sami gritted her teeth. "Grr...how'd I do something like this?"

"Commander, we have a communiqué from the Black Hole Army." One of her men said handing the message to her. "You should read it, miss."

"What does it say?" She crumpled it up and tossed it to the ground. "I'm not going to waste time reading garbage from Black Hole."

"They recommend we surrender. They're awaiting our response. It's from CO Adder."

"Surrender! ? Right, here's my reply, and I want you to take this down word for word... let's see... oh I know. Listen up you pasty faced pervert, how about you stick your head up your ass for a week or so maybe then I'll even remotely consider the idea of surrendering, how about that? Huh? Huh? Oh and how about this, take a 90 mm cannon round and..."

End of Chapter

Note: I'm not going to bother explain mahjong and its rules...I've probably more or less oversimplified them anyway. If you're interested, look it up online.