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 23: Take Flight!
Time: Morning
Groaning Mel sat up on the bunk. He blinked for a moment, and realized that he had gone to sleep in his clothes.
"Ugh... god damned shit..." He muttered. "I worked too hard yesterday..." His hand went to his face and he groaned some more. "I even fell asleep with my glasses on... again."
Next to him, Sami stirred slightly as she heard him groan loudly.
"Nnn...?" She turned around so that she was face up. "...morning." She said. Sami, unlike somebody else had changed before she went to bed. "Feeling better?"
"A little." He yawned. "When did you go to bed?"
"Right after you conked out. I figured I might as well get as much sleep as I can... I've got a feeling something's going on... although the Green Earth COs haven't returned yet... I think." Sami stretched and yawned. "Mmm..." Her shirt (or rather, Mel's) was left unbuttoned and hung rather loosely over her slender body.
"Ah... I see." He blinked for a moment. 'Nice view...'
"So... what's your next move?"
"I'll go oversee the rest of the repairs or something later... right now..." He looked at his watch. "Ugh... nine? Why the hell am I up now?" Mel swore as he got out of bed. "I'm going get cleaned up... and then go back to bed."
"Mmm? Oh! Mind if I join you?" She asked.
"Seriously?" He asked a bit incredulously. "I mean... really? Normally we don't..."
"I wanna." Sami said as she sat up. "I don't really see how it's weird."
"I'm just a bit surprised, that's all." He grabbed some clean clothes and a towel. "Coming then Sami?"
"Hmm? Ah! Yes, yes."
In the bathroom, the two of them sat in the bathtub, and Sami more or less sat on Mel's lap. The water was hot and the steam fogged up the room.
"I'm surprised we could fit in here together..." Mel said, as he looked around. Surprisingly enough, the tub was spacious enough for the two of them. Mel's legs stretched out to reach the other end while Sami's legs didn't even make it there.
"Mmm." Sami leaned against him. "I'm still sleepy... kinda."
"Really now. If it weren't for the fact that I would probably catch a cold, I would fall asleep in the tub."
"That'd be nice..." She yawned. "But I thought idiots didn't catch colds."
"I wasn't aware I'm an idiot. And that doesn't mean you can fall asleep though." He said. "Right?" Mel poked her cheek.
"Hmph. Well at least let me take a nap later..." She complained, puffing up her cheeks.
"You can do whatever you want... Nell's not gonna find out about it..."
"Well I know you won't rat me out anyway." Sami said as she stretched her legs out. "Mmm... nn... ack... something popped... ow."
"You sure that isn't because you've been doing nothing lately?" Mel asked.
"Probably." She shrugged. "Oh... while you're there behind me... can you scrub my back?"
"Fine, fine." Mel sighed as he looked around for something to use.
"What are you waiting for?" Sami asked.
"I can't seem to find something to scrub your back with... did you leave the scrubbing thingy in your bag or something?"
"Hmm... probably." She answered. "Whatever. Then ignore it."
"Always a handful, aren't you?" Mel said as he poked her cheeks again. "Honestly..."
"Mmm... how long have we been soaking so far anyway?"
"I dunno, I left my watch in my bag." He replied, leaning against the wall. "It's probably has only been ten minutes or so... are you getting wrinkly or something?"
"A little bit." Sami looked at her finger tips. "Yep, definitely." The wrinkles were already forming.
"Whatever, it's just water." Mel said wrapping his arms around her. "Ugh... I need a vacation..."
"That's always a good idea." Sami sat up straight again and leaned back. "Where would you go though?"
"Home. And stay there for an extended period of time." He said bluntly. "I travel enough as it is."
"Heehee... I guess for somebody like you, staying home would be a nice vacation."
"Exactly." Mel nodded. "I'm getting sick of traveling and need to just... stop somewhere."
"Hmm so why'd you become a military officer anyway?"
"Let's just say I kind of got dragged into it and somehow it worked out for me." He sighed. "It's not like my original goal in life was to join the military anyway... it just all happened."
"Sounds like you've had it rough Mel."
"Haven't we all?" He laughed. "Anyway, let's soak for a bit longer then get out... I really don't need to start peeling anytime soon."
"Mmm..."
Time: Later
Sami sat down on the bunk as Mel toweled off her hair. She yawned loudly and tilted her head side to side.
"Nnn... bleah." Sami scratched her stomach underneath the oversized t-shirt she had borrowed from Mel.
"Why are you making all these weird noises?" He asked.
"Get used to it." She rubbed at her eyes. "It's fairly normal. For me anyway."
"Right. How is that normal?"
"Oh shut up." Sami said. "Are you done drying my hair?"
"Yeah." Mel said as he lifted the towel from her hair. "Nice... and... messy."
"Hmph." She sighed. "At least you get it dry... but... I guess you're too used to messing up my hair."
"Heh. That's the idea." He laughed. "Now then, I'm going to check some things out... have you gotten any word back from Orange Star yet?"
"Hmm... no." Sami shook her head. "If there's anything important I'll hear it soon enough..." She flopped down onto the bed. "Now then... nap time."
"Have a nice nap then." Mel said. "I'll be back to join you after I check something."
"M'kay..." Sami curled up on the mattress and pulled the blanket over her head. "Later."
Mel made his way down the hall and toward the stairway as he was greeted by Jess.
"Ah, Mel. How are you?" She asked. "I see your lady friend isn't 'attached' to you today."
"Hmm? I'm fine Jess. And Sami's napping upstairs. Although I could use one too... that aside..." He answered. "You're back already. How did your last sortie go?"
"Rather dangerous. We were fighting around a volcano."
"...it makes me wonder why there's a volcano here... and why it's still active." He raised an eyebrow.
"Black Hole must have placed some charges or something into it." Jess said. "I remembered that thing being dormant for ages."
"That sounds like a reasonable explanation." Mel nodded.
"Anyway, I wanted to ask you something." She started.
"Oh? What might that be?"
"How did you put up with Eagle's snarky attitude? I mean... I've dealt with him for years, but it's really starting to get to me."
"...Eagle? His attitude... oh. I beat the living shit out of him." Mel replied. "He probably neglected to tell you about that."
"You what! ?" She was aghast.
"It was during the Cosmo Land war. We had already run into Eagle twice while I was helping Orange Star... and you know, third time's the charm? Well, after that one, we managed to corner him on his home turf in Green Earth. He had this belief that one of the Orange Star COs was involved in the masterminding of the attack on Green Earth."
"Hmm..." Jess nodded.
"Either way... I don't like Eagle. I've probably openly admitted this millions of times. And frankly I was tired of his bullshit."
"So... you kicked his ass? Like... literally?"
"I... was gonna kill him, but that might not have been the best thing to do for international relations, so I beat him down pretty good instead."
"You're ruthless you know that?"
"Hahaha... that's the truth." Mel laughed. "I pretty much smashed Eagle into the wall and might have knocked out a few teeth. I dunno."
"That explains why he smirks like that all the time. To hide his missing teeth." Jess laughed as well. "I guess it's easy for you, since all you have to do is use your fists to get your point across."
"There's a reason people are afraid of the White Sun Army. As unfortunate as the case may be."
"Black Ops right? That must be your field of expertise."
"In a manner of speaking." Mel shook his head. "Well, either way... if Eagle does give you any crap, just give me a call. I'll beat him up or something."
"Hahaha! I'll be sure to remember that." She smiled. "Although... just what about Eagle rubs you the wrong way?"
"...everything." He replied almost too bluntly. "The only reason I'm putting up with him now is that he's not attacking us."
"At least you're honest Mel. So how does a relationship with a Commander from another army work?"
"Hmm? You're curious about that too? Well... strangely enough, we have Eagle to thank for that, during the Cosmo Land campaign in Green Earth."
"...huh." Jess raised an eyebrow. "How strange."
"Indeed. I won't go in much detail about it. It's kinda weird. But... it works somehow. It's not like I'm consorting with an officer of higher rank or anything. Mainly since I'm at the top..."
"Well, what about her?"
"I don't think Nell seems to mind much. Although we've become the target of quite a bit of gossip..." Mel rolled his eyes. "But hey, it's a nice diversion from all the fighting."
"Heh. Good for you Mel. It's nice that not everything is all crazy and violent once in a while."
"I've been wondering, but I never saw you during the original campaign in Cosmo Land... where were you?" Mel asked her.
"I was studying abroad. There's always interesting things to learn outside of your home country. Of course I did find out Eagle did do a few idiotic things during that... but what can you do? Drake filled me in on it." She grinned. "I don't need to use it against Eagle yet. He hasn't done anything jackass worthy enough yet."
"Haha... you're awfully cruel aren't you?"
"It's just how I am. If I don't argue with that idiot... well I don't have any other ways to blow off steam."
"Ah." Mel stopped mid-thought. 'Not going there.' He sighed. "Well, what's the word? What's going on right now? You guys have just returned after all."
"Oh yes. We're planning on moving out soon, within the week. We're going to storm the factory since we've taken everything else back now."
"Ah... time to make preparations then." He nodded. 'Odd, I know the other countries should be here now... maybe they're going to make a surprise visit. I wouldn't doubt that.' Crossing his arms, Mel thought carefully. "What do you know so far about the factory this time?"
"Well, according to Intel, the region is heavily protected by both manmade armaments and natural geographical formations... at best it's probably going to be a sea or air battle. I think I might have to sit this one out. Or at least we'll have air support somehow."
"Hmm. I'd love to help... but I don't think Eagle would appreciate that." He laughed.
"The two of you are still at it eh?" She grinned.
"That's one way of putting it. Euphemistically."
"Now then, I think I have another war council to go to. Care to listen in?"
"I think I probably would get kicked out." Mel chuckled. "I'll go check up on my troops. See what the condition of our troops is, and then probably get ready to move out... whenever."
"Well then, I will be off. I'll see you around then, right?"
"Very likely. Later Jess." He waved as he walked off.
Place: War Council
Jess sat down next to Drake and picked up the report in front of her. Another stack of Intel about the final enemy stronghold in Green Earth territory. She raised an eyebrow as she flipped through it, skimming through the file. Some photos of a large building were included. Jess' eyes narrowed as she examined the building.
"So what do you think of the situation Jess?" Drake asked her.
"Hmm... well, either way, we've got to strike hard and fast... and get this over with."
"Aye, indeed we do."
"What's our plan Eagle?"
"Hmm? Well, we're going to set up field HQ, and then we'll work it out from there. It looks like a fairly open area, but the enemy has set up numerous armaments around the perimeter of the factory to protect it. Either way, we'll need a lot of air support to get through this mess." Eagle said, pointing to the map. "Intelligence shows that this factory is capable of producing any unit in a day... and can create up to three squads, depending on the situation. Luckily for us, they don't have access to the sea with the factory... so we should be able to consider ourselves fortunate."
"Well, how many of those cannon batteries are there?" Jess asked.
"Well, our scouts have found two of the large type ones, and eleven of the smaller ones. One of them even happens to be parked in front of the factory's weak point. That might make our job harder."
"Hmm... so we're definitely going to need heavier firepower... have we any word from the allied countries?" She sighed.
"Nay, not a sound since Kanbei had arrived, and nothing from Orange Star either. That lass said she hasn't received much contact from her superiors lately." Drake replied.
"Hmm... unfortunate. I guess we'll have to make do with what we've got so far. Let's prepare to move out once we've got everything prepared." Eagle said. "Everybody, let's go."
Jess walked out of the war room and shook her head. She spotted Mel talking to one of his subordinates.
"Commander Mel."
"Hmm? Ah, Jess. How was your war council?" He asked.
"Boring as usual. Looks like we've got a rough battle ahead of us." She sighed. "What have you been up to?"
"Repairs and gathering supplies." Mel responded. "Nothing special really. But we're ready to move at a moment's notice, so if anything's up, we're gone." He said. "Have you gotten any word from the other armies yet?"
"No, not at all. How about you?"
"I'd say yes, but I haven't gotten as much as a peep from them. However... I've got reports that there has been a lot of activity in the oceanic regions surrounding Green Earth, and it's likely it's the allied troops." He replied.
"That's good to hear."
"I don't guarantee anything, but here's hoping it is them." Mel said. "In any case, be prepared for anything. You've already checked out the Intel on the enemy base right?"
"Yeah. It's going to be quite the chore. Lots of cannons protecting it."
"Great... those things again. I'd offer my help, but if Eagle doesn't ask for it, then forget it." He said. "Working together with him is a pain in the ass."
"Heh. You're one to talk; at least you're not in the same army as him." Jess sneered.
"I feel sorry for you because of that." Mel laughed. "Well. I'm going to get some rest. If you need anything, my subordinates would be happy to oblige you."
"Very well. I'll see you later then?"
"Maybe." He walked back towards the dormitories.
Place: Dorm
Mel opened the door and walked into the room. He yawned as he went over to the bunk. Sami was still quietly snoozing.
"Zzz... nnn... zzz... zzz..." She was snoring softly.
"...still asleep? Wow." Sitting down next to her, he tugged at her cheek. "Wake up."
"Nnn... mmm." Sami groaned as she stirred. "Owowow." Sitting up, she rubbed her cheek. "Nnn... I'm awake, I'm awake..." She mumbled. "Geez. What was that for?"
"No reason really. It's fun to see how you react." Mel shrugged. "And your hair is sticking every which way."
"I know." She said trying to smooth it down. "I should have brushed it after you dried it... but I pretty much fell asleep and that was that." Sami yawned. "Excuse me... mmm."
"Any word back from Nell?"
"As if I checked." Sami replied. "Napping, remember?"
"Right, right." He put his arm over her shoulder. "How was your nap?"
"Fine until you interrupted it." She said. One eye remained closed as she looked at him. "I'd rather be in bed though..."
"You already are in bed. You're sitting on it."
"Mmm. Right." Lying back down, Sami tugged at his wrist. "What time is it anyway?"
"Hmm? Well..." Taking a look at his watch, Mel squinted. "...I changed to the right time zone... I think. Hmm... it's only eleven."
"...ugh, does that mean we woke up early today?"
"Something like that."
"Ugh..." Grabbing a pillow she put it over her face and groaned. "Nnn... so tired..."
"Do you have to be so... lazy?" Mel asked.
"Yes." Was her muffled reply. "Good night."
"...huh." He shrugged as he started to pack up his things. "Well, might as well get ready to head out. I've got a feeling something big is going to happen. Hey, you might as well get up."
"Nnn... later, later." Sami waved her hand at him dismissively. "Wake me up in a few hours." Suddenly she sat up. "Hold on, I thought you wanted to take a nap too."
"...I will once I've cleaned up my stuff." Mel sighed. "Gimme a few minutes..."
"You can pack up later..." She yawned. "It's probably a better idea to catch some Zs first."
"Man you're lazy... then again, just as well." He said lying down next to her. "How long do you want to nap for?"
"A few hours." Sami replied as she curled up next to him. "Sleepy..."
"If you say so." Mel said putting his arm around her. "Maybe you should considering drinking coffee."
"I'll pass... night-night." She closed her eyes and snuggled closer.
Place: Orange Star and Yellow Comet troops
Andy stood on deck as the Orange Star troops, alongside the Yellow Comet army were heading towards Green Earth territory. Sonja leaned against the railing of the transport ship and stared lazily toward the horizon.
"Andy." She started.
"Yeah? Something up Sonja?" He asked.
"Have you heard anything from Mel or Sami lately?"
"Those two? Well... at some point when Sami was sent out to deliver supplies, we lost contact with her for a few days, then turns out that Mel had rescued her troops or something. She's staying with him I think... for how long though, I dunno. I thought Nell would have called her or something... but... I guess not."
"Must be nice to be paid to do nothing." Sonja giggled. "Of course I don't get paid..."
"That's only because you're in the Imperial family right?"
"Yep... all others get paid... but then again, it's not like I need any spending money." She rolled her eyes. "Anyway... I'm bored."
"Aren't we all?"
"You two seem to be getting along." Sensei said as he approached the two younger COs.
"Hmm? Yamamoto-sensei." Sonja turned around. "We get along well enough. I took Andy prisoner once just for fun. Right Andy?"
"Ah... eh... um... yeah." Andy nodded nervously. "Not my best moment..."
"Oh... I see now. This is the boy you were talking about when Yellow Comet was under attack, right?"
"Eeh... please let's not talk about this right now Yamamoto-sensei... it's still a bit troubling." She blushed. "And you've met him before, remember?"
"Ah... my apologies child." Sensei nodded and shuffled off. "On that note, your father is looking for you."
"Hmm? Oh... tell him I'll be there soon enough... wherever he is."
"He's with Commander Nell, planning their next move." The old man said. "I'll see you two later then."
"Phew... what was all that about Sonja?" Andy asked.
"Nothing really. Don't pay it too much mind. We need to worry about Green Earth's situation. Would you care to join me?" She asked Andy.
"Eh... I'll pass on the listening to war room strategy stuff... I don't get it. My job is just to... you know, fight."
"Hmm... so be it." She sighed and headed towards the officer's cabins.
Inside, Nell and Sonja's father sat at a table looking over a map of the area where the factory in Green Earth was located. They didn't look up as Sonja walked inside and stood across from them at the table.
"Da – ahem, father."
"Hmm? Ah you've arrived daughter. Good to see you. Now we can begin our pre-emptive strategy meeting."
"Mmm." She nodded. "Either way, we need to provide some much needed support for the Green Earth troops. Probably air support... assuming Green Earth is taking a naval strike. However that might be unlikely... knowing how Eagle thinks... which makes it a bit more troublesome."
"I have to agree with you on that." Nell said. "His pride does control the way he thinks some – no... most of the time."
"Well... we'll see how things work out once we've arrived." Sonja sighed. "Father... it would have been better to arrive first and ask questions later... but the way things are going, I guess we just have to swing with it."
"Right now, part of me wishes Mel was here to give some insight..." Nell said grudgingly. "He might be a maniac... but still..."
"I'd be less worried if he was around... just where is the White Sun army anyway?" Sonja asked.
"They've already set up camp in Green Earth... they've been sitting around for a while." Nell said sliding a transcript of an old communications report over to Sonja.
"Hmm..." Sonja rubbed her chin. "Well... that explains a lot... so... what's our ETA from the enemy base?"
"A few more days or so. I think we can meet up with the Green Earth troops if we make it in time."
"Should we try contacting the Green Earth army's main base?" The younger girl suggested.
"Most of our attempts haven't exactly been working seeing as whenever we try to contact them; none of their officers are present." Nell said. "Probably should've tried to contact Mel at least."
"Right, shall we try contacting the White Sun army then?"
"That'd probably be a better idea. I've got a sneaking suspicion that they're probably not doing anything right now." The blonde said. "Sonja, do you have Mel's contact number?"
"Yes, I'll give him a ring." Sonja said. "I'll head to communications right now then."
"Very well. Thanks Sonja."
Sonja walked out of the cabin and down the hall to the communications office. She nodded at the technicians and took a seat in front of one of the panels, pulled out a notebook from inside her jacket and flipped through the pages. "A... i... u... e...o... dammit... na... ni. There. Nii-chama." Picking up the receiver she dialed the numbers.
'Ring... ring... ring... ring... ring... ring... ring...' It rang, unanswered.
"Honestly! Are the two of them... –"
"This is Mel. If I haven't answered my phone, that means I'm away, or dead. 99% of the time it's the former, so leave a message." The phone said.
"You've got to be kidding nii-chama..." She muttered. "I swear... Sami must be screaming so loudly that neither of them can hear the phone." Sonja had forgotten to hang up as she grumbled, so all of that was caught on the message as she slammed the receiver down. "Dammit!"
Place: Green Earth dorms
Contrary to Sonja's thoughts, the two of them were snoozing. Mel's phone sat in his coat pocket on silent mode, ignored. Sami had tossed and turned around so that she was lying on top of him, almost perpendicularly. She snored quietly as time passed, shifting around until she was in another comfortable position.
The alarm from Mel's phone beeped quietly, stirring the slumbering couple awake.
"That... was nice." He said yawning. "Hmm...?" Reaching for his glasses, he found Sami had sprawled on top of him as usual, and was still asleep. "At least she's not a light sleeper." He chuckled as he put on his glasses. "Sami..."
"Nnn... zzz..."
"Wake up."
"Zzz... ugh... five more... minutes..." She mumbled.
"In five minutes I'm going to strip you naked and toss you in the bathtub full of cold water." Mel said playfully.
"...you wouldn't dare..." She said sleepily.
"Either that or I can do something else." The malice in his voice increased.
"...yeah... right... prove... it..."
"You sure?"
"Mm-hmm... I want you to – nya!" She shrieked loudly. Mel made good on his threat as his hand had gone under the t-shirt she had on and squeezed. "Why I ought to... nyaaaa!"
"You make it too easy sometimes." He chuckled. "Now, then are you awake?"
"Mmm..." Sami sat up, and pulled down the front of her t-shirt over her knees and pouted. "Yes..."
"Well then, we should see what's going on... sounds like things are going to get busy from here on out." Mel cracked his neck side to side. "Ack... there."
"Hmm... just a thought... but maybe you should stop that incessant beeping..."
"Huh? Oh... right." He picked up his coat and pulled his phone out from it. "Hmm...?" He looked at the screen as he opened it.
"Something wrong?"
"I have a message on it... I missed a call... military communications number... probably Nell or something... it's probably for you. I doubt they'd call me just to talk."
"Hmm... I'd think that Nell would be a bit more... official and contact me either via the communications here or on my own phone..." Sami frowned.
"True... well... let's take a listen." Mel said as he pushed the button on the phone. "They left a message."
"You've got to be kidding nii-chama... (pause) I swear... Sami must be screaming so loudly that neither of them can hear the phone." Sonja's voice spoke out on the speaker. Loudly.
"..." Mel's eyebrow rose quite a bit along his forehead. "That... brat..."
"What'd she say?" Sami asked. "I think I heard my name there... but..."
"I think she kept talking without realizing that the voice mail thing was still going..." He answered. "Something about you screaming loudly so that we couldn't hear the phone."
"...I see." Her face darkened. "I'm going to torture her mercilessly when I get my hands on her."
"I agree." Mel sighed as he saved the message. "She's gonna get it later. I figure if the reason she called was to find us... that means that Orange Star and Yellow Comet are on their way to Green Earth... as expected. Or they're getting closer. Either way... I guess it's high time we get a move on."
"Hmm... sounds like a plan." Sami said getting up. "Well then, I guess I should get changed or something." She stretched her arms out and winced as something went crack. "Ow."
"Hmm?"
"Back went pop." She said. "Mel... fix it."
"Later, later. Work first remember?" He handed over her uniform from her bag. "Get dressed."
"Mmm..." She frowned as she pulled the t-shirt off. "Where's my bra?"
"Somewhere in that pile of clothes I handed you." Mel answered as he went back to packing his bags. "Found it?"
"Yes, yes." Sami nodded as she found it. "... oi."
"Yeah?"
"It's not the matching one." She said. "Can you find the white one?" Sami tossed the other one back at him. "With the lace."
"Hmm... okay, okay." Mel sighed as he went through her bags. "This one?" He asked showing it to her.
"Mm-hmm." Sami reached over and grabbed it. "Thanks Mel." She put it on and pulled her tank top over her head. "Ugh. You sure you can't fix my back now?"
"Is it really acting up that badly?" He asked. Mel's expression was not amused.
"Well... noo... but..."
"And you've already got dressed. So... later, okay?"
"Hmph... technically I'm still half dressed." She said as she took a seat at the edge of the bunk to pull on her pants. "I can get undressed if you'd like."
"...that's really counter-productive..." Mel said, frowning.
"Aw... fine." Sami pouted as she jumped up. "Mmm... it's nice to stretch a little after lying down for so long too. Where'd my headband go?" She asked.
"Probably on the nightstand somewhere. I dunno."
"Mmm." Shaking her head, she picked up her bag. "I'll find it later. Where's my hairbrush?" She asked, looking around.
"Still in the washroom I think." Mel picked up his bag and placed it at the doorway. "Did you find it?"
"Yeah, got it." Sami stayed in the washroom and fixed her hair. "Ugh... that's better..." Walking back to the room she stowed the rest of her things into her bag. "Well, I can't find it... are you sure you haven't seen it Mel?"
"Find what?" He asked. "Oh... the headband? Try your pockets or something. I'll check my pockets later. It always ends up in some weird place most of the time anyway."
"Mm-mmm." She reached into her fatigue pockets and felt around. "Eh... nope. You probably have it somewhere."
"Then I'll look for it on our way to the battle field." Mel reached over and took her bag from her. "Let's go. It's time we mobilize the forces anyway."
"Sure thing. Do you think I should give Orange Star a call?"
"If you want to. I think we'll meet up with them soon enough anyway." The two of them went down the stairs to find Jess checking her supplies list.
"Hmm? Ah, Commander Mel and Sami. Getting ready as well I see." Jess greeted them.
"Yeah. What's the coordinates for enemy strong hold anyway?"
"Oh, you're joining us? I can have one of the troops give it to your Intel officers if you'd like."
"Might as well. I have a bone to pick with Hawke anyway. As well as a bone to pick with a certain Yellow Comet CO... right Sami?"
"Oh yes." She nodded. "When is Green Earth moving out?"
"In a few hours. Mel, are your troops going to join us on the march there?" Jess asked.
"I think we'll take the long way around... see if we can cut off the enemy in the process. That is once I figure out where the enemy base is. We'll be waiting for that." Mel said, heading towards the White Sun encampment on the Green Earth base.
"Right. I'll have that sent right away then." Jess said, she motioned for an intel officer to come over. "Anyway, I'll see you at the rendezvous point then, correct?"
"Yeah. Good luck."
"Heh, let's hope we don't need to rely entirely on that." She chuckled. "Now then, have the Intel on the enemy's location sent the White Sun, we'll try to work our assault on the enemy with their support." Jess said to the tech.
"Understood ma'am. I'll have the documents printed out and ready for them before we depart."
"Very good. Now then, Commander Mel, I'm off." Jess waved and headed off.
"See you later then." Mel said. "Well then, Sami let's get moving. We'll plan our next move once we've got the Intel, then head out once we've figured everything out."
"Hmm? Right, let's go then." Sami followed after him as he headed back to the White Sun encampment.
The two of them headed toward the main tent, where they were greeted by the usual group.
"Boss. Boss' girlfriend." Gabe said as they came in. "Tall lady's crony handed over the map files. Pretty quick. Anyway... what's the plan boss?"
"Well, where's the installment located?" Mel asked.
"About that..." Gary started. "Well, it has a bit of troublesome geography. Most likely it's a peninsula region... with lots of islands. Most of the area is inland sea..."
"Hmm... so going around and attacking from the north is out I guess... it'd take too long to travel by sea. Should we just march in from two sides?"
"That just might work actually. But if that's the case... we should get moving then... right Mel?"
"I guess so." Mel stood up and stretched. "Well if that's the case... let's have the boys move out. You two take the western front. I'll head east."
"Gotcha boss. Oi! Let's get going boys! We're moving out! My units and Gary's units, we're heading west!" Gabe shouted. "The rest of ya, you're with the Commander General! Go east! Anything that can't march... head back home!"
"Understood!"
Time: A few days of marching later
Place: Black Hole Factory Installation
Hawke glowered as an alien soldier approached him, bearing ill news. Reports of the Green Earth forces arriving had been confirmed and all was not well for the Black Hole army.
"Lord Hawke, the enemy has finished establishing their field HQ." An alien reported.
"It has come to this... brought to bay against our own factory." Hawke muttered.
"Lord Hawke... a communication from main headquarters."
"Is it Lord Sturm?" His eyes narrowed.
"Yes." The soldier nodded.
"Let's see what he wants." Hawke said directing his attention to the communication screen.
"Hawke..." Sturm said simply.
"Here, Lord Sturm."
"Explain yourself. The enemy has routed your wretched companions... and here you are, cringing like a dog with its tail beneath its legs." The alien leader was not impressed.
"..." Hawke remained silent.
"Protect my factory at any cost. If you fail, you will know no peace and no forgiveness, cur."
"Yes, my liege." Hawke's face remained expressionless. '...I care not for this.' He thought bitterly.
Place: Green Earth Field HQ
The Green Earth COs watched over their men as preparations were underway.
"As soon as we're ready, begin the attack on that factory." Eagle said.
"Aye, think we can handle this on our own though? It looks like Black Hole is mustering all its troops." Drake said as he looked over an Intel report.
"This war won't end until we destroy that factory. If we don't do this, no one will." Jess sighed.
"That's not exactly true now." A figure approached the Green Earth forces.
"Eh? Commander Kanbei!" Drake said in surprise.
"If we pool of might and fight as one, our chances of victory will increase, isn't that so, Nell?"
"Yes it is. We'll help as well. Blue Moon can't send their forces, but their support is unwavering." Nell followed behind Kanbei.
"Right... I understand. It's not like we've been fighting this war on our own." Jess nodded.
"Together, we stand strong. Now let's go liberate Green Earth!" Drake grinned.
As the heads of the armies stood greeting each other, Sonja looked around the area. A look of confusion showed on her face.
"Something the matter child?" Sensei asked.
"...weird, I can't seem to spot nii-chama... or Sami for that matter. I thought they were with the Green Earth forces."
"Hmm? You mean Kanbei's student and his lady friend? You're right... I don't seem to see them either." The old man noted.
"That's weird... they're usually around." Sonja walked over to where Andy and Max were. "Hey you two, is Sami around? Did she show up without me noticing?"
"Huh? Sami? I haven't seen her since she left for Green Earth a few weeks ago." Max replied. "She's supposed to be here somewhere. But I don't think she's arrived yet."
"Right." She frowned.
"Oh right... that explains why it's been so quiet lately. She hasn't been around to chew us out." Andy realized.
"Did she contact you guys? Since the last time I tried..." Sonja said.
"Eh... don't know. I really don't remember. Nell might know."
"Mmm..." Sonja sighed and turned around. "Thanks anyway guys." She made her way toward where her father and Nell were. 'That's strange... I wonder where the two of them are...'
"Hmm? Daughter, is there something that I can do for you?" Kanbei asked, spotting his daughter as she approached.
"Ah... I just wanted to have a word with Commander Nell, that's all father."
"Very well." Her father stepped aside.
"Nell, I have a question for you." Sonja began.
"Hmm? What's the matter Sonja?" Nell turned toward Sonja.
"Well... do you know where Sami is? Has she contacted you guys yet?"
"Ah... well... I know she's in Green Earth... somewhere. With Mel. Where though... is another story. She still hasn't called back or anything. She really ought to sometimes..." The blonde sighed. "I'll have to give her a stern talking to later..."
"I figured as much... think we should try again?"
"Hmm? Are you looking for Commander Mel?" Jess spoke up.
"Yes, I guess so. Would you happen to know...? Commander..."
"Jess." The tall woman offered her hand to Sonja. "So you're the Emperor's daughter. Commander Mel has mentioned you a few times off hand."
"Ah... I see..." That comment worried her slightly. "So... I'll assume you spoke to Mel then."
"Yes, His forces are coming here at a later time... so he'll be here... eventually. When though...? I'm not sure." The tall woman said.
"Ah, that's a relief. I didn't think he was coming..." Sonja sighed in relief.
"Well... I don't think we'll need his help just yet. It's three against one. I'd say we have the upper hand right now." Jess smiled.
"I hope you're right. If that's the case, we should make preparations. Let's see who our strike force is going to consist of."
Time: Later
Eagle looked at the Intel and then glanced at the others. The Allied COs stood at ready, waiting for him to speak.
"It's almost time. Perhaps we should get moving. I think as long as we control the skies, we'll have the advantage over Hawke." He said. "I'll take command of Green Earth's forces here. How about you guys?"
"Leave the land battle to me." Max said. "We can let loose with a good old-fashioned beatdown. We'll cover you there."
"Then allow me to take care of the rest. Here we shall turn the tables on our foe! As long as I am here, Black Hole shall know no peace!" Kanbei said. "To arms men!"
"Well that takes care of everything. Everybody, let's move out!" Eagle shouted.
And thus started the fiercest battle to brew on Green Earth lands; as the Allied troops began their march towards the Black Hole factory, they were uncertain as to what their fate was going to be.
Place: On the march
Mel looked at the sky. Something they couldn't see had started. He continued to drive his recon towards the rendezvous point.
"Guess they started without us." He said. "Hmm?" He turned and noticed Sami wasn't answering him. At some point during the drive she had fallen asleep while listening to music. "Huh... out like a light. Not like she's had a rough week lately... just snoozing all day long. I'll let her sleep then." He shrugged. "Although I ought to check on the others." Picking up the radio, he called up his subordinates. "Gabe, Gary, what's the word? Give me your ETA."
"Well, we're going at the same pace as you... I think." Gabe answered. "Another day's march or so and we'll be arriving at the Orange Star base. How about you guys?"
"Same amount of time or so... and we'll hit the Yellow Comet field HQ. Gary, set up a naval base and we'll surround them from the north."
"Yeah sure... if we can find one. If we do, we're gonna start attack from a distance."
"Then everything's settled. We've got a bit over 24 hours to arrive. Prepare to send a transmission to the allied forces to inform them of our pending arrival." Mel said.
"Gotcha boss. We'll have that sent soon enough. Let's touch base once we've all made it in one piece. See ya boss."
"Yeah, sure thing. Later guys." Mel said as he put the radio back.
"Nnn..." Sami's body shifted as the recon hit a bump. "Nnn...?" She blinked and slowly came to. "...huh?"
"Welcome back. You slept long enough, didn't you?" He asked.
"Wha... oh the music stopped..." She saw that the sleep timer had gone off. "Mmm... are we there yet?" She asked as she removed her headphones.
"Another day's drive or so I would say." Mel answered.
"Seriously... ugh... another day of feeling icky then." Sami sighed. "We're headed to the Yellow Comet base, right? I'm gonna steal Sonja's bathtub once we get there."
"Fair enough. Although by bathtub, you mean steel barrel right?"
"Whatever." She turned her attention to the storage compartment in the middle of the recon. "What time is it right now?"
"You have a watch don't you?" Mel asked, tapping her wrist.
"Ah, right... it's... five-ish. What do we have to eat?" She looked at the watch Mel had bought for her.
"Just rations and iced coffee. I doubt we'll be able to get much else here... probably can catch some fish again or something later."
"Huh... I guess we'll be eating better once we reach the base then."
"Pretty much." Mel tilted his head side to side. "Ack… ouch. Anyway, since you're rifling through that, could you open a coffee for me?" He turned his attention back to the road.
"M'kay." Sami said pulling out two cans and handed one over to him. "Here you go. And one for me too." She said popping the tab and taking a sip.
"I thought you didn't care for coffee that much." He commented, opening it with one hand and bringing it to his mouth. "Phew. That hits the spot."
"Well… it kinda tastes like chocolate…" Sami said. "Or at least maybe it's because it's iced coffee so it's sweet." She ran a hand through her hair as the unit continued to travel along the paved roads. "...this is taking too long..." She sighed. "It would've been way easier to fly... why are we driving?"
"Well... that's because taking the sea route would be too long, and going by air would be kinda obvious once they realized we were coming."
"Right... I guess anybody would notice if a huge squad of planes were headed their way."
"What's with you and wanting to fly all the time anyway?"
"It's faster than driving and I think it's safer than going by sea..." She sighed. "That and..."
"Yeah, I know. I know very well." He said with a sigh. "Anyway... this is gonna be a long day..."
"Ugh..." She put her headphones on again. "So much for that... wake me up when we're stopping for a break or something..."
"Sure thing."
Time: Within 24 Hours
Place: Yellow Comet Field HQ
One of the White Sun units had made it to their destination. Mel breathed a sigh of relief as he got out of the recon and surveyed the area.
"Phew... eh? This is it? Just a small island installment is all we've got here?" He furrowed his brow.
"You could say something like that boy." Mel was greeted by Yamamoto-sensei.
"Mmm. Yamamoto-sensei." Mel nodded. "How many days into the battle has it been so far? We took our time getting here..."
"You haven't missed much." The old man replied. "We've only just begun a few days ago. I take it you've brought reinforcements?"
"Something to that extent. The men will be patrolling the perimeter of this area... the others are heading to the west where Green Earth and Orange Star are situated." Mel looked around a bit more. "Who's leading the troops right now?"
"Well. Kanbei's got the forces here. That large fellow from Orange Star... what was his name..."
"Max?" The younger man suggested.
"Yes. That's it. And Green Earth's forces are being led by that pilot looking fellow."'
"Oh. Him." The look on Mel's face soured somewhat. "Ahem. Well in any case, where's Sonja? Ah wait I see her." He spotted her walking out of one of the tents. She noticed him, and walked over towards the White Sun forces.
"Good afternoon nii-chama." Sonja said. "I take it that you're well?" She asked in her usual tone.
"To an extent. Although I think Sami has a bone to pick with – oh."
"Son-ja." Sami said venomously as she managed to grab the younger girl and put her in a headlock. "I've got something to discuss with you. In your tent. Urgently."
"Urk." Sonja struggled futilely as Sami dragged her off. "Nii-chama... help."
"..." Sensei gazed blankly at the spectacle before him. "Um... what just happened now, boy?"
"I have no idea." Mel said, feigning ignorance. "At any rate... if you require anything of me, I will be around the area." He bowed and headed off to help his men set up base camp.
Sonja struggled feebly as Sami put her into a half-nelson. Sami was definitely out to torture her friend for a certain comment she had made earlier in the week.
"Ack... what... what'd I do to deserve this, Sami?" Sonja asked as she was wrestled to the floor. "I don't recall doing anything recently since I haven't seen either of you... owowow! What'd I do? Really! Ow!"
"Ahem. It went something like this." Sami said taking a breath. "Ahem. 'Sami must be screaming so loudly that neither of them can hear the phone'. Sound familiar? Well, it was in another language but that's past the point."
"Eep. I didn't think that the voice mail thing was still going..." She groaned. "You heard all of that? Oh crap, oh crap..."
"More or less, trust me, it wasn't hard to figure out after Mel told me."
"Crap... wait. What are you planning on doing?" Sonja asked, worried.
"You'll live." Sami giggled. "You'll live, but you'll wonder why you're still alive. Actually... I'm just going to humiliate you."
"...oh my." Sonja's face paled as Sami's expression became one of maniacal glee. "This isn't going to hurt... this is going to be horrifying... or embarrassing."
"Trust me it will be very horrifying. Heeheehee!"
Outside on the grounds, Mel felt a strange chill run up his spine. His eyes quickly glanced over at the tent that Sami had pulled Sonja into. He sensed a 'strange' vibe coming from it.
"...freaky." He muttered to himself. "I don't wanna know what they're up to... regardless, I don't think there's much for me to do for the time being..." Walking away, he headed over to his troops.
"Commander, we've finished establishing our base camp with the Yellow Comet strike force. Any further orders?" One of the troops asked.
"Hmm? Hold your positions. We've got nowhere to go for now. Maybe if things start getting dicey on the other end, we'll help out. For now... we should observe the enemy's movements and ready a counter attack."
"Very well Commander. We'll hold our positions. Should we relay these orders to our other troops to the North?"
"No... I'll let them act at their own discretion." Mel said. "I think I'll go and have a word with Kanbei... you're dismissed."
"Yes Commander." The officer headed off.
Mel directed his attention towards the main tent and headed over. As he expected, Kanbei was standing at the head of the table barking orders to his men.
"Prepare more troops! We shall head for the East and hold that area, then we strike!" The Emperor's voice rang over the rest of the murmurings in the area.
"Teacher." Mel said as he approached. "Good to see you are well." As usual, Mel's presence was enough to silence the others around him.
"Ah. How are you my student?" Kanbei asked.
"I have been keeping... busy. In a fashion. Or at least trying to remain somewhat busy... although the entire being embroiled in a war situation prevents me from doing things I would enjoy doing." Mel replied. 'Like going back home and sleeping in all day long.' He thought.
"Isn't that true for all of us? I would prefer to remain in the palace with a mug of hot tea, but that's not going to happen anytime soon."
"Hahaha..." Mel laughed drily. "Yes. That is the case... more or less."
"Have you greeted my daughter yet?"
"Sort... of..." He had drowned out the strange noises coming from Sonja's tent by sheer force of will. Mel was surprised that no one else noticed the noise coming from the tent. 'Damn my hellishly good hearing...'
"That's good. I will call for you if I need you to do anything, my student."
"Yes teacher, I shall take my leave then." He bowed slightly, and then left the tent. Mel hurried back to Sonja's tent, hoping that Sami hadn't done anything stupid in retaliation. Pulling aside the flap, he looked around and couldn't see either of the girls in the main area. "...that's odd... where are they? I could have sworn I saw Sami dragging Sonja in here." He wandered around to the sectioned off areas of the tent. What greeted him was something slightly unexpected.
"Hey Mel. Look what I caught." Sami waved as he came around the corner. "A princess with a big mouth."
"Whoa... Just what are you doing...?" He asked, trying to make sense of the scene in front of him.
"Payback for a certain voice mail message." She smiled almost too widely. There was no malice on her face, except for the feeling of absolute dread that Mel felt in the atmosphere.
"That... doesn't explain why Sonja's half-naked and that you're sitting on top of her. Or I guess it does. Maybe. Actually, forget I was even here." He turned on his heel and left.
"Nii-chama... help me..." Sonja whimpered. "She says she'll do things... strange, strange things..."
"I'm not hearing anything..." Mel said with his hands over his ears.
"Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeease..." She pleaded, being totally ignored by Mel.
"Lalalalala... I'm not listening..."
"Now then... what was next?" Sami asked. "Oh right... let's get the rest of this off and then... well... we'll see how it goes Sonja."
"Oh no..." Sonja groaned. "I'm not gonna like this... am I?"
"That depends."
"Depends on what...?" She asked, afraid of how Sami would answer.
"Depends on whether or not you'll enjoy if somebody else sticks their fingers in places where they don't belong." Sami shrugged. "Well... I mean the fingers will fit... but... you know."
"Nnn..." Sonja blushed. "For real...? This... this is sexual harassment... I think."
Time: Later that night
Sami had finally 'released' Sonja from her punishment. Sort of. Mainly as Sonja had stopped resisting and was lying face down on the ground.
"Well. That was fun." Sami said as she loosened her grip on Sonja. "What did you learn today Sonja?" She remained seated on top of the younger girl.
"...never, ever say things on Mel's voice mail that will get me in trouble later..." Sonja mumbled from her spot on the ground.
"And...?" The red head waited for another answer.
"That you're a huge pervert... a huge, huge pervert."
"I meant something else." Sami scowled. "Because that's beside the point."
"I dunno... but I'd like to put some clothes on first... or at least some panties..."
"You're not getting dressed until you answer my question." Sami enforced her point by poking Sonja's butt.
"...but I thought it only was one thing..." Sonja whined. "And stop poking my butt..."
"Hmph... I guess there only was one main point..." The redhead sighed. "Anyway, pull something like that again, and you're not gonna get off as easy." Sami got up and off Sonja's back. "That was fun."
"Thanks for the warning..." The younger girl sighed as she got up and dusted herself off. "Could you not strip me naked every time you want to dish out corporal punishment? It's kind of embarrassing... no, super embarrassing to be seen when people come in. I'm not as shameless as you are... and... mmm..." Sonja's face went redder than it already was. 'I mean... it did feel good... but... nnn. Oh god those two are rubbing off on me...'
"Hmm?"
"Never mind..." Sonja picked up her clothes and scurried off to get dressed.
Sami didn't give it a second thought, as she left Sonja's tent and headed to where Mel had situated himself. He was standing on top of his APC; he turned as he noticed her approaching.
"Should I even ask about what you did to her...?" Mel asked. "I mean I had an idea... but still."
"Probably not." Sami gave him a wry smile. "Even if you asked her, I doubt she'd tell you."
"That bad huh? You know... even though we're all friends and stuff... it's probably not a good idea to sexually assault the princess of one of the countries... it's bad for relations you know..."
"Says you, the King of Sexual Harassment." She giggled.
"I... what?" He raised an eyebrow. "I don't think I've done anything to earn that title..." Mel sighed. "Well... looks like I have to teach somebody a lesson in proper etiquette..." Jumping off the roof on the APC, he landed neatly next to her. "C'mere." Taking her hand, he pulled her into the APC and closed the door. "...it's all good and fine that you want to teach Sonja and lesson and all... but... yeesh. You should watch what you say and do sometimes... it'll get you in trouble." There was a glint in his eye as he spoke.
"Wait... you're going to teach me a – eep!" Sami shrieked as she felt a hand go up her shirt. "Nnn... wait... what are you... nyaa..."
"Looks like somebody has some frustrations to resolve..." Mel chuckled. Sami realized that the glint in his eye was a sadistic one. "Ah well... I guess this will keep me busy for a bit... it's late so they won't need anything from me anyway... now then... where was I?"
"Nnn... noo... stop... please..." Sami moaned softly as she was being groped. "I won't pick on Sonja like that again... so... aah..." It took Mel a few moments to strip her down to her underwear and reduce her to a quivering lump on the ground. "Mmm... (sniff)..." She whimpered from her spot on the floor of the APC.
"You'll behave now?" He asked, placing his hand on her head.
"I won't pick on Sonja... as much." Sami sniffed.
"Not the answer I was looking for." Mel sighed as he simply yanked her up by both arms and proceeded in relieving her of the remainder of her clothes. "Honestly... it's like you have to experience the same thing that you made her go through to have it make sense to you or something..." He grumbled. "This is why I don't get girls sometimes..."
"Nnn..." Sami shivered slightly as the cool air touched her naked skin. "...I won't pick on her...? Nya!" She jumped as a finger ran down the small of her back. "I prom-nnn!" Mel's hands continued to explore her body, causing her to twitch every few seconds. He remained silent as she struggled through her words, her face flushing.
"Hmm?" Was all he said as he sat her down and continued to prod her weak spots.
"Mm-nnn..." Sami bit her lip to keep from moaning out loudly. "Nnn..." Unfortunately for her, Mel knew her body far too well and kept on stimulating her. "...aah...aah...nnn! AAH!" She climaxed from the just the teasing, then collapsed on the floor.
"That was quick." Mel commented. "Well?" He knelt down and sat her up.
"...nnn..." Her breathing was slightly ragged as she leaned against him. "...haa... so it's okay... for you... to do it... but not me...?"
"Sort of along that lines, yes." He replied, as she snuggled against him.
"I guess I'm kinda perverted then... since I enjoyed that..." She sighed. "Or am I just masochistic?"
"I would say yes to both." Mel laughed. "Now then, the night is still young, so I'm going to have to tease you some more."
"Wait... what are you...aaaahn!" Sami's voice came out a bit louder than she expected. "Mmm..." She whimpered in realization at what he meant by 'tease'. "Nnn-aaa! I don't remember doing anything to deserve... nyaaaaaaaaaaa!"
"You mean other than tormenting Sonja? I think that's more than enough to deserve something like this." He answered bluntly.
"But... no... wait... nnn... ahn!"
This went on for the rest of the night until Sami had blacked out...
Time: The Next Morning
...there was little sound of activity around the Yellow Comet and White Sun field HQs. It was mostly quiet in the southern front. Sami groaned and stirred from her spot on the floor.
"Owowow... my head... and... ugh..." Gathering her surroundings, she found that she was still lying on the floor of Mel's personal APC and that she was still naked save for her socks, the only thing preserving her modesty was the bed sheet that covered her. Mel was nowhere to be seen. "Mmm... what time is it?" She turned her attention to her wristwatch. "...twelve! What the heck! How... how long was I out for...? Ooh... ow... my head..." She tried to get to her feet, but failed miserably. "Not this again..." She sighed. "I hate it when he makes my hips give out..."
"Oh, you're awake now." Mel said as he opened the door and came in. "Well, have you learned your lesson yet?"
"Mmm." She pouted and glared at him. "I don't think that having you feel me up counts as teaching me a lesson..."
"Oh really now? I can change your mind real quick." He smiled wryly.
"Eep." Sami backed off, as Mel meant to follow through with that threat. "Mou... you're so mean though... I swore I passed out last night..."
"You did. You came like eight times and then you blacked out." He said.
"Mmm... no wonder..." Sami pulled the blankets around her body and leaned against one of the walls. "Nnn... you didn't... you know... last night... did you?"
"Hmm? No." Mel replied. "There isn't much point to it when your partner isn't 'there' at the moment." He shrugged. "Why do you ask?"
"...I feel icky and gross."
"That's all from you." He pointed out. "Get dressed and... kind of apologize to Sonja, and she'll probably let you take a bath in her tent."
"What does... 'kind of apologize' mean?" Sami asked, grumbling.
"It means next time Sonja opens her mouth and says something directed at us... I'll deal with it. Because I for one can get away with it, without stirring up an international incident."
"Hmph..." Sami puffed up her cheeks in annoyance. "That's not fair..."
"Meh. What is fair these days? Can you get up?"
"I can't thanks to you. My hips feel like jelly." She sighed. "You really know how to overdo it, don't you?"
"Yep. Well, you can get dressed though, right?"
"Probably. Just have to find something to put on and some clean clothes to change into after my bath..." She shot a glance of annoyance at Mel. "You're not gonna try anything... are you?"
"...hmm? There's really no reason for that." Mel responded. "I have to look into some things, but the others arrived at the Orange Star field HQ just fine, so it's a waiting game until we can figure what the enemy is up to."
"Hmm... I see." Sami carefully got to her feet. "W-whoa. Oof." She fell back down. "...getting dressed might be a bit harder than I thought... I'm exhausted still... or maybe just sore."
"It shouldn't take that long to regain the feeling in your legs though." Mel laughed as he leafed through some files. "If you want, I can carry you there."
"I might have to take you up on that." She sighed. "Maybe I'll skip the getting dressed part and just stay wrapped up in this sheet and change after I get cleaned up..."
"You forget you have to apologize to Sonja still. Probably not the best thing to do while naked."
"Ugh... right." Sami groaned. "This... is gonna take a while... don't bother waiting up for me right now..." She flopped back down on the floor. "Take care..."
"Of course." Mel smiled as he left. "Don't take too long though."
"I'm not making any promises... and it is your fault that I'm stuck like this right now."
"Right." With that, Mel was out of sight.
"...now then... how long does it usually take for me to regain the feeling in my body..." Sami wondered aloud as she feebly kicked her legs up and down. "...not yet... crap. So much for doing anything today..."
Outside, Sonja was sitting on top of a tank, typing away on a laptop and had a pair of communications headphones around her neck. There was a semi-permanent scowl on her face as she directed her attention back and forth between the computer screen and the stack of reports sitting next to her.
"Hmm, it's rare to see you outside of your tent working on something." Mel commented as he walked by.
"Mm? Nii-chama, good morning. Where's Sami?" She asked, not looking up from her work.
"Laid out on the floor of the APC still."
"Ah... did you take revenge for me or something?"
"Something like that. Do I want to know what she did to you?"
"I'd rather not say." Sonja replied bluntly. "She's scary. And I think it's your fault that she became like that."
"I'll apologize and I would have to agree." Mel sighed. "I will assume you're more or less fine now."
"Kind of, moving on... look at the recent movements of our enemy. The enemy's activity is somewhat odd."
"How is it odd? I haven't checked any reports yet."
"I guess it's too early to tell what Hawke is up to... but from the looks of it, they're not trying for a direct attack." Sonja described the report to Mel. The photos that accompanied it supported her hypothesis. "Anyway, this is mainly Green Earth's fight. We'll have to rely on their aerial superiority once their ready, then we can start hitting the enemy forces hard. Father has decided that we'll lend naval support, and Orange Star is probably going to go on land. What do you think?"
"Whatever works. We're just here to do the clean up once you guys have finished them off. No sense making thing more confusing than it already is." Mel said. "...ahem. Regarding Sami, I'll apologize for her again... but you know... it's kind of your fault too."
"Ah... I guess so. It's my own fault for saying something while your voice mail was still going." Sonja sighed. "But from what you said earlier... you did something to her... didn't you?"
"In a sense. I was going to drag her along and have her apologize for molesting you... but I think I punished her a bit too severely and she can't get up."
"You're a beast, you know that?" Sonja giggled. "Apology accepted all the same. It's just some... misdirected sexual tension or something on your girlfriend's part. I think. Although I think you've taught her some pretty... weird things." She blushed.
"Uh... no comment. I don't remember teaching her anything weird. If it's weird she probably learned it from the internet or something. Watching porn or something. It has nothing to do with me." Mel said shaking his head. "As far as I know... she's usually fairly docile when she's butt naked. With me anyway."
"...that's hard to imagine." Sonja smirked a little. "She was never the type to be docile. You of all people should know that when you first met her."
"...that... I'm not too sure what to say about that."
"But isn't she usually kind of you know...?"
"If you say 'tsundere', you were wrong about that, you know."
"Eh...? You sure? I could've sworn that she just outright hated you before." Sonja sighed. "I mean... didn't she have a crazy temper?"
"...that's kind of gone now. She just gets upset more so than anything else now..." Mel replied.
"I think you've kind of stuck her on one mode now. Or at least when she's around you, so you don't really notice much else."
"...I... I can't believe I'm having this kind of conversation with you." He groaned. "It... it's just so stupid. I haven't even had time to watch any of those stupid cartoons lately. When do you even find time for that?"
"I have my ways." Sonja smiled. "After all, we do spend our free time differently."
"Hmm... at any rate, let's not discuss this any further... it's too weird for my liking." With that, he headed back to the APC. "Let me know if anything happens. I'm going to check on Sami."
"All right. Take care then."
"Oh by the way... is your bath ready?" He asked.
"I can get it ready in a few minutes, do you want me to?" She got up.
"Please." He said as he continued to walk.
"All right then nii-chama. I'll get someone to heat up the water then." Sonja went the other way.
Mel returned to the APC to see that Sami had more or less given up on getting up and was now curled up in the corner, half-asleep.
"Nap time already?" He asked.
"Nnnnn." She stirred slightly. "You were only gone for a few minutes... so I gave up and went back to sleep. I mean... nobody needs anything from me right now... right?"
"Not that I'm aware of." Mel shrugged.
"Therefore I'm sleeping." She shifted positions on the ground a little bit, and stayed there. "Unless you're planning on helping me get dressed... I'm not going anywhere. I don't really care right now..."
"Geez you're lazy."
"I'm not being lazy, this is your fault and you know it." She muttered. "Well... I still need that bath... but moving really isn't high on my body's priority list right now."
"Well, I apologized to Sonja for you, but she doesn't seem to be that upset despite whatever the hell it was you did to her."
"Thanks." Sami sat up. "Definitely need that bath..." She blinked a few times to get accustomed to the light again. "Where are the clothes I was wearing last night?"
"In the corner there." He pointed. "Can you feel your legs again?"
"Not too sure... give me a hand though." She said slowly standing up. "W-whoa. Definitely need help." She said as Mel walked over. Stumbling, she fell into Mel's arms. "Phew... thanks."
"Yeesh, okay fine I overdid it..."
"Understatement of the day... and it's still only morning." Sami sighed. "Clothes... clothes..." She sat down on one of the APC seats. "Nnn. Cold..."
"...yes, yes." Mel shook his head and gathered her clothing from the corner of the APC.
A few minutes later, Sami managed to get dressed and she slowly wobbled out of the APC, grabbing on to Mel's arm. The Yellow Comet field HQ wasn't particularly busy and no one particularly paid the couple any mind as Mel helped her make their way across the base.
"Well, feeling better?" Mel asked her as they headed towards Sonja's tent.
"I'll tell you after I get cleaned up. Did you bring my clean clothes?"
"Yep." He lifted up the bag in his free hand. "Sonja was kind enough to ready it while you were getting dressed."
"Joy..." Sami sighed. "I think I need to start running more or something... the way things are going my hips are gonna give out."
"Whatever you say." The two of them made the quick walk across the grounds to Sonja's tent and entered. "Sonja are you in here?" Mel called out.
"In the back. The water's almost ready." Sonja replied, poking her head out from the cornered off section of her tent. "Ah, good... afternoon Sami, how are you feeling?"
"Exhausted..." The redhead replied. "Mel... ack!" He jabbed her in the ribs with his pointer finger.
"Apologize." He said with gritted teeth. "Now."
"Mmph. Fine... sorry about molesting you last night Sonja..." Sami sighed, looking somewhat peeved.
"Oh no worries. Just don't do anything weird again please. It's kind of... different." Sonja blushed. "Ahem, um... the water's almost ready so just give it a moment, okay?"
"Sure." Sami nodded.
"I'll leave you two to your own devices. I'm gonna go check something out." Mel said exiting.
"See you nii-chama." Sonja waved.
"Later Mel." Sami dropped to the ground. "Bleh." Her legs gave out. "What a pain."
"Are you all right?" Sonja asked with a bemused look on her face. "I mean... you have an interesting 'glow' about you... but..."
"Stow it. He had fun with my body last night as punishment for screwing around with you."
"So he told me... vaguely." Sonja walked over to her friend and knelt down next to her. "Any-way..." She poked Sami's bare stomach. "Hmm... hmm... still skinny."
"Ack! What?" Sami recoiled slightly.
"Have you missed your period yet?"
"I'm not pregnant if that's what you're implying." She scowled. "That's the last thing I need."
"You know... I'm starting to wonder when you and nii-chama are gonna get married." Sonja said. "I asked him and he didn't really give me an answer... at least not a straight answer anyway."
"Uh..." Sami blinked. "Wha..."
"Or if you're gonna be pregnant before that." Sonja giggled. "Sooo..." She poked Sami in the chest. "Does sex really make them bigger? Because they look bigger."
"No comment." She snapped.
"Hmph. Maybe I should start drinking more milk or something." Sonja bit her upper lip. "You know I have to admit though, you have gotten cuter since the two of you got together." She examined Sami's face.
"Umm... are you coming onto me Sonja?" Sami reared back a little bit, her face reddened.
"Heehee. Not so fun when you're on the receiving end eh?" Sonja giggled. "You're pretty easy to toy with, you know that? Anyway, the water should be ready. Need a hand?" She stood up and offered her hand to Sami.
"Mmm... yeah." Sami grabbed onto Sonja's free hand and got up. "I have to admit... it was kind of fun teasing you."
"Hmph..." Sonja frowned. "You're pretty twisted you know?"
"Blame Mel for that." The redhead shrugged.
"I wonder if I should... or maybe you've got a sadistic streak that you never knew about until you met him."
"Hmm... well I knew I was kind of sadistic to begin with..." Sami said thoughtfully. "The thing I wasn't aware of was the masochistic one... also I think being around him has made me less... homophobic as well."
"Too much information, thank you very much." Sonja muttered. "Take your bath already." With that, she left Sami alone, with the bath.
"M'kay." Sami nodded as she undressed. "Nnn... so tired." She stretched and felt something pop. "Ow. Have to get that looked at too... or maybe it's from sleeping on the floor..." She mumbled to herself and folded her clothing before climbing into the steel drum. "Ahh... heaven." The water temperature was just right as she sank down so the water was just below her nose. 'Mmm... I could get used to this...' She thought as she soaked.
Sonja sat outside her tent and filed her nails. The day was uneventful as usual. Both the allied armies and the Black Hole forces were making little progress for the time being. She blew on her nails and held her hand out in front of her, examining her filing job.
"Hmm... this'll do. I'll trim them when they longer again." She stuck the file back in her pocket, stood up and stretched. "Nnn..." She felt something in her spine crunch a little. "Owowow... that's never good." She winced, pounding the sore spot on her back with her fist. "Ugh."
"What are you doing?" Mel asked as he walked by and stopped next to her.
"Stretching. Well I was. I just felt my back crack. It feels gross." She pointed near her mid-back. "Must have slept on it funny."
"That usually happens when you're always traveling too much." He said. "I'm usually cracking something or other when I get up... it's not a pleasant feeling that's for sure. How are things looking on our front right now?" He asked.
"Hmm? Not much has been going on for now. It's not really a standstill... but I think at best we're just building up our forces before storming that... thing."
"I see." Mel turned to look at the factory. "I'd love to wander in there and give Hawke a piece of my mind... but... well to blunt, I'd need to take a sea transport there... and that's a pain. How much longer until your father's got a sea force ready?"
"It's still going to be a while. For one, those cannons are really limiting our movements. They're really preventing us from getting in and out without being harassed. Once Green Earth has built up some air supremacy then I think it'd be best to strike from a distance against those things. The only problem is that there's such a great number of them." Even from Yellow Comet's island field HQ, two of the cannon batteries that were set up on two separate islands were clearly visible. "Even our mapping imagery show there's a number of them parked on the islands. What a pain."
"Tch. What a pain indeed. Too bad each of the Green Earth COs had their combat specialty... they need somebody more balance to handle their situations at times like these." Mel sighed. "Air and sea units are key to this battle..."
"I'll have to agree with you nii-chama." Sonja said. "As long as we have naval supremacy, we can fire at a distance on those cannons without fear of them firing back at us. Of course flying straight at them on a bombing run works just as well... but that'll lead to getting shot at." She shook her head. "I've been running some simulations on possible outcomes. But regardless on what we do... this will be a long battle whether we like it or not. I would say it might take at least the better part of a month to finish up."
"Oh joy." Mel sighed. "Better get some convoys to come back and forth from the field HQ and the central HQ for supplies. This might get ugly."
"It'll definitely get ugly. That's guaranteed."
"Hmph... so much for an easy win." He scowled. "Well I'll have the boys go back and forth to get stuff. It'll keep them busy and we can keep an eye out for any reinforcements that might come in to interfere." He looked toward where the factory stood. "Hawke definitely isn't going to make this easy for us. I'll look forward to beating the crap out of him if we ever cross paths."
"You're looking to fight him head on or something?"
"Heh... I think it'd be fun." He smiled darkly. "After all... the rest of the Black Hole that I've ran into are trash. I've fought him before with my troops... he's worthy of my time, I'll give him that." Mel laughed. "He's not like the rest of those fools, that's for sure."
"Nii-chama you're scaring me." Sonja shivered. "I can feel your blood lust..."
"Ah... sorry." He tried to calm down. "Tch. Well, no good getting worked up about it for now. I'm pretty sure I'll run into him soon enough. Hmm... I think I'll check up on Sami."
"That'd probably be good." Sonja nodded. "I'm going to check up on some other things meanwhile."
Mel walked back into the tent and headed toward the back where Sami was.
"Sami, are you doing all right there?" He asked, looking around. "Huh... where'd she..."
"Hmm?" She popped her head out from the barrel. "Oh, Mel. Something going on?"
"Not really. Just checking up on you." He stood next to the barrel. "Well... how's your bath?"
"Mmm... okay I guess." Sami rested her chin on the rim of the barrel as she peered up at him. "Out of curiosity..."
"Hmm?"
"Do you think my boobs have gotten bigger?" She asked, place her hands on her chest.
"...what." He said flatly. "How am I supposed to answer that?"
"...good question." Sami sank back into the water. "I'll need to get my measurements checked again. Unless you want to do it." She teased, sticking out her tongue.
"...I wouldn't know how. Heh." He laughed. "Well, I think I'd better get back to work. Need to start getting supplies sent over."
"Hmph... you're no fun." She pouted.
"It can't always be fun and games now, can it?" Mel asked. "By the way, we're going to be stuck here for while. Will you manage?"
"Hmm? No biggie. I've had my fair share of battles of attrition before. This isn't something new to me." Sami slowly stood up from the barrel and eased her way out. "Phew... that was a good bath." She stretched out, both arms over her head. "Nnn... hmm?" She noticed Mel was looking at her with a bemused expression. "What...?"
"You've obviously gotten used to being around me or something... you're standing right next to me and you're completely naked."
"Meh." She picked up her towel and wrapped it around her body. "It's one thing when we're having sex, it's another when I'm bathing. Right?"
"Fair enough." He shrugged. "I don't really see the difference. You're naked either way."
"Although you could say it is because I'm used to you." She giggled as she toweled off her hair. "Where was I? Oh right." Sami looked at him. "You don't have to worry about me so much you know? I mean... there are still some things that freak me out once in a while, but I can manage a war... or two. You did boss me around for a while before, remember?"
"Heh... just making sure you haven't gone completely soft on me, that's all." He replied.
"Just because I..." She stopped herself. "Hmm..." Biting her upper lip she paused in thought.
"Pff... pfft." Mel tried to stifle a laugh. "God, I can't take you seriously when you're only in a towel with such a cute expression on your face." He lifted her up from under her arms and held her so her feet were off the ground.
"Eek!" Sami cried out in surprise. "W-warn me when you're about to pick me up like that!" She struggled a bit so that she could keep on grip on the sleeves of his shirt. "Eek!" She squealed again as he put her back down. "What... what was that for! ?"
"I couldn't help myself. Something inside made me want to pick you up and spin you around."
"That really doesn't make me feel better about it you know." She pouted. "Anyway, I... I lost my train of thought no thanks to you!"
"Meh, not like you needed it at the moment." Mel said teasingly. "Now get dressed, we've got work to do."
"Eh... wait, we?"
"You're coming with me to fetch stuff."
"Oh. Wait what." Sami blinked and stared at him. "I'm coming with you...?"
"You wanna stay here with Sonja instead?" He asked.
"...that option sounds boring." She sighed. "Mmm... so when are we leaving?"
"Tomorrow night, we just got here after all. And supplies aren't really completely out yet."
"Oh thank goodness... I thought you were going to say something ridiculous like 'tonight' or something. I mean we just got here." She sighed with relief as she pulled on some clean panties. "By the way since you're here, can you check my back? I felt it pop earlier."
"Can't you wait until we get back to the APC?" He asked.
"Seeing as we're both standing here and I'm not wearing a shirt, I don't see why we should wait..." She took a seat on a nearby crate.
"I see you're going to be difficult about this." He sighed. "Let me take a look then..." Mel ran his pointer finger down Sami's spine. "Here?" He asked rubbing her back and trying to find any abnormalities in her slender figure.
"Nnn... that feels good..." She purred.
"...that's not the point. Where does it hurt?" He tried again, pressing a different part of her back.
"Mmm..." That simply made her moan some more. "Do that again..."
"Are you sure your back's hurting?" He asked, raising an eyebrow. "I'm starting to think that there's nothing wrong there today."
"Well this is just as good. Nothing like a bit of prevention. Could you massage my shoulders too?" Sami pointed at her bare shoulders.
"I think you should dry off before you catch a cold or something first." Mel reasoned. "Sitting topless and half-naked on a crate in a tent isn't really a great idea."
"Aww... fine." She sighed as she got dressed. "But you'll do it later right? Promise!"
"Yes, yes I promise." He shook his head. "I think I have an easier time dealing with enemy COs sometimes compared to dealing with you."
"Eh. What's that supposed to mean?" Sami frowned.
"Exactly what it sounds like." Mel teased. "Anyway..."
"Why you!" Sami jumped up at him and grabbed onto his shoulders. "Do you always have to say something like that? Huh? Huh?" A rather strange scene unfolded as Sami was hanging a good foot or so off the ground as she tried to 'strangle' Mel.
"Gah! I'm kidding!" He said as he tried to keep her from choking him. "Gah!"
"Geez!" She clung onto him. "Hmph. Honestly! I swear you tease me on purpose!"
"Because I do? Ack!" He responded as she choked him.
"Mmph." She managed to hang on with her arms around him. "...this is kind of tough." She commented as she let go and her feet touched the ground. "Do you have to be so tall?"
"It's not my fault that you're short." Mel shrugged. "Ahem. Are we done?"
"Ah... right. Work." Sami realized. "But... we're not doing anything today anyway."
"Not for now anyway." Mel started walking out of the tent. "Let's go Sami."
"Okay." She picked up her things and followed after him.
Place: Green Earth Field HQ
Over at the Green Earth camp, Jess skimmed the contents of the latest intelligence report. Eagle kept himself busy watching the movements on the screen.
"Tch... this is getting dicey." He muttered.
"We're only a few days in. How can you tell?"
"Because we don't have enough resources to muster up the air force to take down those damned cannons!"
"...you do realize that this battle is going to take a while right?" She asked.
"Dammit! I won't let Black Hole continue to siphon our resources like that! Not on my watch!"
"...true." Jess nodded. "Drake, how are things looking on your end?"
"Fair. I'm thinking if we manage to keep the enemy at bay long enough, we'll have sufficient resources to bring in extra air units to deal heavy damage. But for now I think we'll have to strike carefully and time it with our allies." Drake replied from his seat.
"Well, you heard the man Eagle. Get with the program!"
"Stow it Red! I'll get to it!" The pilot shouted back. "I'll get to it when I'm good and ready!"
Time: Night
Place: Orange Star Field HQ
Nell scanned the contents of the report and then put it down, breathing out rather loudly.
"Phew."
"Something the matter Nell?" Andy asked. He was fixing something at the table. It looked like radio parts.
"The longer we've been at war, the more sick of it I get." She sighed. "I'm gonna get wrinkles from worrying too much..." Nell rubbed at her temples. "Boo... I'm only in my mid-twenties... I don't want wrinkles yet..."
"...huh." The younger commander blinked. "Right. I don't really get it, but okay."
"I guess guys don't worry too much about that." She sighed again. "Ooh. I wonder what Sami's up to...?"
"I don't wanna know." Andy replied almost immediately. He was still traumatized apparently, even after a few months had passed since 'that' time.
"You're no fun Andy." She frowned.
"I like fun... just not that kind of fun." He stuck out his tongue.
"I guess it's because you're still immature." Nell shrugged. "Well... you know what, I think I'm going to turn in for the night. All this worrying isn't going to do me any good."
"M'kay. Good night Nell." Andy said without turning around.
"Good night Andy." Nell said as she got up and walked to her tent.
"..." He waited until she was out of earshot. "...what was all that about? I think Nell's goin' crazy."
Place: Yellow Comet Field HQ
Sonja sat cross-legged on the ground and was typing furiously into her laptop.
"Okay... so if this happens... then... but... what if... but that doesn't..." She muttered to herself as the simulations ran.
"...your eyes are going to fall out of your head if you keep that up child." Sensei said, peering over her shoulder. "I can't even make sense of what you're doing. So... what are you doing?"
"I'm running different simulation scenarios of how the battle can unfold... and seeing which one will be the most optimal in helping us obtaining victory against the Black Hole army."
"...and how is that going?" The old man asked.
"Inconclusive." She groaned.
"I think you should take a break child." He said. "Even if you think you've got all the energy in the world, you still need to rest. It is getting late after all."
"Later Yamamoto-sensei, later..." Sonja said.
"Hmm, you're going to burn yourself out." The old man turned around and headed for his tent.
On the other side of the encampment, Sami was lying on her back on the roof of the APC and stared up at the starlit sky. Mel was standing next to it, swinging at the empty space in front of him with his sword.
"That's dangerous you know..." She said. "What if someone walks by?"
"I'll stop before I'll cut them." He said stopping the blade in mid-swing.
"Hmm? I don't 'get' martial arts, but okay, judging from how fast you stopped there, I'll believe you." Sami stared at the sharp blade that gleamed in the darkness.
"Oh come on... you've seen me use this thing before. Heck I've nearly hit you with it when we first met. Nearly. On numerous occasions."
"...true." She nodded. "That was kind of scary you know. Actually... really scary." Sami shuddered as she recalled that unpleasant memory. "Could you... like not remind me of the times you've tried to kill me? It's kind of upsetting."
"I figured. Sorry."
"It's okay... fuwaah." Sami yawned as she sat up. "Nnn... my back feels much better... thanks." She dangled her legs over on the side of the APC.
"You're welcome." Mel continued to practice.
"You know, I haven't seen you use that thing in a while. Why's that?"
"We've gotten into far too many firefights and there were friendlies around. I can't really go around cutting through allies now, can I? Especially in the middle of a fight." He spun the blade around with his hand and sheathed it. "That's bad collateral damage after all. And I'm pretty sure our allies wouldn't want to be on the business end of my sword. No matter how good I am when I practice with it... it's not the same in the middle of a brawl."
"I'm pretty sure most people wouldn't want to be on the business end of that thing..." Sami said as she turned her attention back to the sky. "...hey Mel." She kicked her feet lazily.
"Hmm?" He leaned against the APC. "What?"
"So what do you think the deal is with like... Black Hole and stuff?" She asked.
"Well... what do I think...? Frankly I've never heard of them until the whole Cosmo Land incident. I can't really say... I mean... they're aliens. Or at least these ones are. I think." He scratched his head.
"So isn't that like... proof there are aliens out there?" Sami reasoned. "I mean... like... really."
"...as much as I'd like to capture of one and examine via dissection, that doesn't really appeal to me. I just want to get said 'aliens' off the planet." Mel shrugged. "I'm not a real scientist."
"Huh. I guess you have a point... I wouldn't want to think so much into it either... I'm not really that much of a 'science' person... and dissecting bodies is gross." Sami stuck out her tongue. "Icky."
"I wouldn't want to dissect an alien either. I'll leave that to those military doctors or whatever." Mel climbed up to join her on the APC roof. "I'm getting tired of this shit."
"Well... how else would you make a living anyway?" She asked, scooting over to make room for him.
"Beats me. Teach? I hate deskwork though, so who knows." He put his arm around her shoulder.
"Hmm... I dunno then. There's not really much else to do nowadays... right?" Sami in turn leaned against him.
"That said, once the war's over who knows what's gonna happen?"
"I'm definitely asking for a shore leave vacation or something." She sighed. "I don't wanna think about work for at least a couple months."
"Fair enough."
"You're welcome to visit or something." Sami suggested.
"Eh? Oh Orange Star? I was thinking of taking an extended leave myself anyway. I need to check something back at home."
"Oh right, you're from Orange Star originally." Sami recalled.
"Yep. Have to make sure my house is still standing... I hope." He sighed.
"Where is it?" She asked.
"In the Capital, near the academy. I figure it'll be fine there."
"Probably. It is the Capital after all." Sami shrugged. "Nnn... I'm spent today." She stretched.
"...I don't recall seeing you do any actual work today though..." Mel pointed out.
"Well... hmm." Sami looked up at the night sky. "...I guess you have a point... but I dunno. It seemed like a long day. Or was it because you decided molest me last night that I still feel tired."
"Isn't that just because you're lazy?"
"Hold up now, I wasn't always lazy. I'm only lazy when you're around, so if it's anything, you're a bad influence on me!" She stuck her tongue out at him.
"Well I knew I was a bad influence in general, just not who I was a bad influence for." He shrugged. "You were kind of a workaholic when I first met you after all..."
"Hmph." She pouted as she flopped down onto his lap. "Oh yeah... Sonja said something weird before she left me to my own devices while I was having my bath..."
"Oh...? What was that?" Mel asked as he put his right hand on her head and stroked her hair.
"...something about us getting married." She said, as she felt her face heat up.
"And?" He waited.
"Well... um... she said you kind of gave her a vague answer."
"I see... and?"
"Mmm." She mumbled something that he didn't catch.
"...what?"
"I said... I mean... I... it..."
"Are you all right?" He asked, placing his hand on her forehead. "You're don't feel feverish. So something else must be scrambling your brains..." Mel looked down at her curiously. "On the other hand, your face is bright red."
"N-never mind... I mean... um..."
"Sami... I don't think you should worry about something like that just yet... we're still fighting a war after all..." He reasoned. "Right?"
"Ah... er... sorry... I mean..."
"Sa-mi." Mel poked her cheek with his pointer. "Everything has it's time and place, 'kay? So don't worry about it. Even if it did come from Sonja."
"Mm." She nodded as she sat back up and hugged him. "Okay..."
"If that's all said and done, I think it's time we go to sleep, we'll head out early to get supplies for the others." He hopped off the roof of the APC and waited for her to jump down after him. "Do you need me to catch you or something?"
"I'll manage." She pushed off and landed neatly next to him. "I still had military training despite everything else..."
"You won't let me forget that at least." He sighed as the two of them headed into the vehicle, he closed the door behind him.
"Hee. Of course I won't. It's to remind you so you don't spoil me completely." She sat down on the side bench and started untying her bootlaces. "Ugh, I don't know why I bother with these when I'm not doing anything... I should've brought some sandals or something..." Sami sighed as she kicked off her boots and wriggled her toes. "Or maybe my runners... I'll wear those tomorrow, they won't pinch as much..."
"That's probably a good idea." Mel said as he hung up his coat and put away his shoes. "Now where... ah here it is." He looked through his bag and pulled out a dress-shirt. "Here you go."
"Hmm? Oh, is this for tonight?" She untied her bandanna and let her hair fall messily over her face. "Thank you." Sami stood up and undid her belt, letting her pants fall to the floor with a clunk. "Sometimes I wonder why I even bother with wearing my uniform when Nell isn't watching." She sighed. "What do you think Mel?"
"Huh? Well... it's a bit more proper than wearing nothing at all." He shrugged as he changed to a t-shirt and shorts. "Right?"
"I thought you'd prefer it if I wasn't wearing anything." She teased as she pulled off her tank top. "Nnn."
"No bra huh." Mel commented, getting an eyeful as she sat back down to fold up her clothes.
"Mm-hmm... didn't bother." She replied as she put on the shirt that was much too big for her and buttoned it up. "Comfy." Sami stood up and looked down at herself. The sleeves hung past her arms, and the ends of the shirt went just to her thighs.
"At least you have the decency to put on panties." He sighed as he eased himself onto the sleeping bag. "Even if they are the cute green striped bikini ones."
"At least I know you think my panties are cute." She laid down and snuggled against him. "Night-night."
"Good night." Mel said as he put his arm around her.
"Nnn." Sami reached out to grab his free hand and intertwined her fingers with his. "Don't go anywhere... okay?"
"All right." He said, clasping his fingers over her hand. 'My... she's certainly acting spoiled tonight...' He thought to himself. 'I wonder why Sonja brought that up though...? Whatever...'
Time: Early Next morning
"U-nya. Stoppit... nnn." Sami groaned as she felt something pinch and prod her cheeks. "Nyaaa... stoppit."
"Oi. Wake up Sami. Oi... oi." Mel continued to poke at her. "For the love of..." He sighed as he reached down her shirt and groped her. "Wake up!"
"Nn-ack!" She bolted upright as she felt a hand grab her chest. "Wha-wha-wha... oh... isn't it a bit too early for sex...?" Sami asked blearily. "It is too early... what's going on...?" She looked at her watch and it read six in the morning. "Nnn."
"...actually in hindsight, I didn't have to wake you up." Mel realized. "We're taking this APC with us..."
"Huh? Wait... what... why... whaaat?" Sami muttered unintelligibly.
"Although it'll be a bumpy ride so I don't see how you'd be able to sleep... meh. Whatever." He walked past where Sami was lying and opened the door to the driver's area. "Hold on, all right?"
"Eh? Eh...? Wha?" She felt the vehicle's engine start up and everything started to shake and vibrate as the APC revved up. "Just what is... eek!" Sami realized that they were moving. "...oh to hell with this." She grumbled as she flopped back down onto her sleeping bag. 'I'll at least try to sleep through this...'
Time: A (bumpy) six hour drive later
Place: Green Earth Supply Station
The APC finally screeched to a halt in a friendly compound. Mel grumbled as he got up and went back into the 'living quarters' to find Sami sprawled face down with her butt in the air.
"Uh wow... are you all right Sami?" He asked warily.
"Idiot." She grumbled. "What the heck just happened...?" She gingerly got herself right side up. "Owowow... how many bumps did you hit...?"
"Beats me. And as far as what happened, we've arrived at the supply station."
"...oh goody." Sami stood up and put on a pair of cargo pants. "That means I can take a bathroom break..." She poked around until she found her runners. "Help me find a bathroom or something."
"That sounds like a good idea..." Mel nodded. "But are you sure you're gonna go out like that?"
"I don't give a damn right now. I slept for another six hours after you woke me up and I feel cranky. And really need to pee." She smoothed down the shirt she wore and buttoned it up properly. "No one will really care how I look anyway. Not here anyway."
"Fair enough." He followed after her as she got out of the APC and looked around. For a supply station it wasn't particularly busy, but one of the officers spotted the pair of them and saluted.
"Commanders Mel and Sami, correct? I was informed that you would be arriving shortly with some of the White Sun forces to bring supplies to the Yellow Comet Field HQ."
"Sounds about right." Mel said. "The usual stuff, rations, weapons, fuel... by the way, are there any restroom facilities?"
"Right in the main building. Follow me please." He led them into the depot where there were piles and piles of crates filled with Green Earth supplies and others that looked like they were recovered or salvaged from Black Hole. "Here it is. If you require anything else, let me know."
"Thanks." Mel nodded as Sami dashed for the ladies' room. "How long do you think this will take?"
"Another hour or so at best. Feel free to take a break here for the time being. If you'll excuse me, I need to see to the allocation of supplies" The officer turned on his heel and headed outside.
"All right. That sounds good." Mel breathed a sigh of relief as he opened the door the washroom. "Might as well take my time then..."
Place: Green Earth Field HQ
Eagle grumbled as he looked at the map layout on the screen.
"What's eating you now flyboy?" Jess asked as she sipped tea from a mug.
"Why didn't the government higher-ups approve the usage of bomber units for this sortie? It would have made our job a lot easier!"
"That's easy. Lack of funding. It's amazing what happens when the country gets its money and supplies stolen by invaders."
"What I want to know is how they managed to build up all those facilities without us noticing!"
"Don't forget that they stomped Green Earth into a fine dust first before invading the other countries. It's a wonder that we managed to regain control of our supply depots and convoys. And you should be thankful our allies were willing to send what they could spare despite the damages that they suffered."
"Tch. I'll admit that having them help is a great boon... but it just doesn't seem right that they need to bail us out like this."
"That's your pride talking." She set down her mug and leafed through the folder she had in her hand. "By the way, Commander Mel and Sami have just arrived at the closest supply center a few hours away from the Yellow Comet Field HQ."
"Ugh. Him again." The pilot muttered.
"The two of you really hate each other, don't you?" Jess commented as she crunched up the report and tossed it into a recycling bin. "And two points." She whistled.
"Of course I hate him. Everything about him!" Eagle continued to grumbled as the tall woman wadded up bits of paper and started flicking them at him. "Ack! Stop that Red!"
"No way. I have to find a way to kill time while listening to you whine." The next bit of paper she shot at him landed square in one of his nostrils. "Three pointer." She whistled again, this time in amazement.
"Ack!" Eagle flailed around as 'something' flew into his nose. "What the hell!"
"Lucky shot." She shrugged. "You're probably just jealous that Mel has that cute little redhead with him and you don't."
"Urgh." He grumbled as he managed to extract the bit of paper from his nose. "No I'm not."
"Your tone of voice says otherwise." She sneered. "So Mel tells me that it's because of you the two of them are together."
"He... what?" Eagle's eyebrow shot up considerably as she said that. "What the hell do you mean?"
"According to Mel, that one beating you gave Sami during the Cosmo Land campaign led to the two of them hooking up. Good job."
"...what! ?" The pilot twitched. "I... but... why are you telling me this now?" He sputtered.
"For shits and giggles." Jess shrugged. 'Also because I want to see you squirm.' She thought.
"...ahem. Well... thanks for that... most interesting piece of information." He sighed. 'Good lord, this woman will be the death of me.' Shaking his head. "But really, I'm not bothered by that!"
"The fact you're getting upset makes it seem like you are." She smirked. "Those two aside, I think we've got our work cut out for us. Do you know if Black Hole had some particular grudge against Green Earth that they tried to snuff us out first?"
"Beats me. Probably we're the greatest threat to their ideals of conquest or something." Eagle said, trying to regain his composure.
"...that's pretty... cocky of you to say... isn't the White Sun army technically the greatest threat?" Jess' eyebrow rose. "At least I'm pretty sure they would be."
"Yes... but compared to most other countries, White Sun is rather... paranoid and probably expected some form of Black Hole retaliation before the rest of us." Eagle reasoned. "Considering how... speedily Black Hole was ejected from White Sun's lands... it's not too surprising."
"...so the Black Hole settled for second best and flattened us first eh? Big surprise." She shook her head. "So we got smashed repeatedly until they finally weakened enough for us to fight back, is that what I'm understanding now?"
"Aye, that'd be the case Jess." Drake interjected as he walked into the tent. "Sad but true. Took nearly the last of our resources just to hold the capital and keep Black Hole from taking over completely."
Eagle turned away from them and resumed his command.
"So everything went according to their plans... how awful." She continued to scrunch up bits of paper and flick them at the back of Eagle's head. "It's a good thing the country held out for as long as it did... or things would've gotten worse I take it?"
"Let's not think of that possibility." The captain muttered. "T'is a dark time in Green Earth's history."
"More like a dark time in Wars World's history in general... being invaded by... aliens or whatever they are." Jess scowled as she tossed the last of the report into the trash. "I need some fresh air I'll check how things are going around the base." She announced as she left the tent.
"...hmph." Eagle grumbled as she left.
"Something the matter old friend?" Drake asked.
"I hate to admit it, but she's right... we've almost let our own country down is what we did."
"That's not true, we're fighting to claim her back right? It just... took longer than it should have." The captain patted Eagle's shoulder. "Aye... well, just keep at it now, right?"
"...let's hope that's the case." Eagle shook his head. 'Old man, I wanted to do you proud and run this country's military the right way... but man, I didn't see this coming. No way no how.' He thought to himself.
Place: Green Earth Supply Station
Mel looked over the list of supplies that were assigned to them and looked over at the crates in the warehouse.
"...well, that matches our count. Hopefully this is enough for the time being... considering it's probably recovered stuff from Black Hole raiding parties." He handed the clipboard back to the Green Earth officer. "Thanks for doing this... you didn't really have to you know."
"It's for the greater good, we can at least spare some local supplies for our allies fighting alongside with us." The officer nodded.
"True enough." Mel looked around. "Though I should have the men rest up for a bit first before we set out and head back to the Field HQ. That all right with you?"
"Oh, feel free to use the facilities as much as you need."
"Thanks." He turned around and headed back outside to the loading docks. "All right boys, load 'em up. We'll head out in a few hours or so."
"Yes Commander!" His men replied as they began to prepare their vehicles to take the supplies.
"...hmm." Mel glanced around the area. 'Now where did she...' He thought as he began to look for Sami.
Sami sat on top of the APC as she kicked her feet lazily against it.
"Should've let him know I wandered back this way first." She said. "Man, I need something to eat..." She felt her stomach grumble. "Can't live on chocolate bars and iced coffee all day... need some real food..." She continued to talk to herself as she tugged at the edges of the oversized shirt she wore. "...even a sandwich would be nice about now..."
"Will a mock-ham sandwich do?" Mel asked as he called out to her from the ground.
"Wha – oh!" Sami jumped in surprise. "I don't really care, as long as there's some kind of... food."
"Well, I'll go check and see what they have and I'll bring back something, okay?" He headed towards the mess hall.
"M'kay." She nodded absently as her stomach continued to growl noisily. "Hmm...?" Something in her pocket started to vibrate. "...phone." Picking up she answered. "Sami speaking."
"Sami, it's Nell. How are things on your end?"
"...uh... uneventful? Why are you calling my – oh wait, Sonja sent you this way, right?"
"Yes, although I realized that once I called you... you guys aren't at the field HQ." Nell caught her own mistake. "Should've just tried calling the supply depot instead.
"...well, we're at a supply pick up right now... and things seem... pretty normal so far. Although in all fairness I don't have much to do... here anyway. You're not going to dump a bunch of duties on me later... are you?"
"Well... you technically already have my permission to tag along with Yellow Comet's forces... and in all fairness, there are enough patrol units out there, so there really isn't any reason for you to... well do anything."
"...and they're paying me for this?" Sami asked, realizing for the most part while she wasn't with the main forces, she was slacking off.
"...yep." Nell shrugged on the other end. "That... is the case. Look, once we're done here in Green Earth, there's still one last stop we have to make in this war."
"...lemme guess, Black Hole's main base of operations right?" Sami asked.
"...yes."
"...so... what does this all lead up to?" The girl asked as she started to kick her feet again. "It seems kind of... well, dangerous. And risky."
"Despite all appearances, you're still on top of things, aren't you Sami?" Nell noted.
"I'm still an Orange Star CO... and I know there's danger involved... especially if it might affect my friends and loved ones..." She sighed. "Another thing... well seeing as you're chatting with me now..."
"Yes?"
"Permission to get an extended leave after this whole mess has been sorted out? I'm definitely thinking I need some vacation time... away from the field."
"...well... I can't see why not. Of course forms will still have to be filled out first." Nell laughed on the other end. "You do realize that it'll be repairs and clean up once things have cleared out, right?"
"It'll probably be a lot easier to deal with compared to the last war and how all the borders just got messed up in Cosmo Land." Sami said. "Hmm... ah, anyway I'll chat with you later, Mel's coming back."
"Hey, just wait – " Nell was cut off as Sami hung up.
"...who was that on the phone?" Mel asked as he walked back toward the APC.
"Nell. Orange Star military business." She replied.
"You're doing work for once? That's... different."
"I know, right?" She giggled. "Say..."
"Hmm?" He climbed up next to her.
"You realize what's next after this right?" Sami asked Mel.
"Define 'this' first, then I'll see if I can answer properly." He sat down and handed her a sandwich. "Also, food."
"Ah, thanks. Right... well, by 'this', I mean the current battle going on in Green Earth now." She started eating.
"...ah 'this'." Mel nodded. "You mean when we go deal with our troubles at its source."
"...yeah, that."
"Way ahead of you Sami." He opened up a can of coffee and sipped it. "You seem to forget, I have an army to run as well, so I do have to keep up... and not look bad in front of everyone else... ha."
"Right... mister Commander General."
"Well... it's pretty simple. We trace where everything that hasn't been accounted for went... and hypothetically 'bingo', we find Black Hole. Then we crush them like bugs."
"...it's not that simple is it?"
"Heh... well while everybody else is busy blowing stuff up here... I've got friends back at White Sun playing detective and determining where Black Hole's home base is located... I mean there are only so many landmasses they could operate from here in Macro Land after all. Am I wrong?"
"Considering how different the territories are in comparison to Cosmo Land... you've got a point."
"Exactly." Mel continued to drink his coffee. "Although it seems pretty silly that the countries... exist on separate land masses in general... but that's past the point... don't get me started on what I think about Omega Land."
"...aren't they just fine and dandy?"
"Again, my point exactly. Anyway my take on this... and from what Intel I do have in regards to it... they're probably trying to use a small innocuous landmass as their 'home country' again, just like during the Cosmo Land incident. Probably trying to avoid drawing attention and all that stuff."
"Sounds reasonable." Sami nodded. "...I guess if you start with a small amount of territory and steal everybody else's, it won't matter if your country was tiny to begin with, because you have everything else."
"Bingo. You know... you're a lot sharper than you give yourself credit for sometimes..."
"I've been trying to not overextend myself anymore... it just causes me extra grief. Don't you remember what happened last time?"
"...right. It was in Green Earth last time too." He sighed. "Yeah... part of that was my fault though, remember?"
"...huh. Good point." She realized. "But..." Sami paused.
"...but?" Mel waited for her to continue.
"...funny thing, that's when we started to get along." She started to laugh. "It took me breaking down for you to be nice to me."
"...well I'm sorry if we went off on a rocky start to begin with." He replied. "Hell, I'm not sure what to make of it now still."
"Well, if anything I didn't expect to fall for you." She rested her head on his shoulder. "So this is still your fault somehow."
"...it's my fault you're... wait what? I don't see how it's my fault you... bah, I'm not talking anymore, this is confusing." He finished his coffee and placed the can down next to him. "I mean... how is it my fault that you ... this... argh... what."
"Well, it's strange to see you at a loss for words." Sami commented. "Although the last time you were at a complete loss for words was when I jumped you the first time." Her face reddened.
"Now that was your fault." He said as he bit into his sandwich. "I mean... yes there were a number of factors that caused it all to happen, but at the same time I did not expect you to get naked and have sex with me."
"That may have been my fault, but you're the one who made me fall in love." She giggled. "And you know what they say..."
"Love makes people completely weird?" He shrugged. "I'll attest to that. We've both changed. In weird ways."
"...I would've worded that differently, but you've got the gist." Sami sighed. "But... hmm."
"Hmm?"
"Hmm..." She stretched her arms and back. "...do you remember that day when we did it the first time?" Sami asked him as she got up and repositioned herself so she knelt behind him.
"...yep." Mel nodded. "What about it?"
"Pretty weird right?" She put her arms over him and rested her chin on his shoulder.
"Very. Though... why me?" He asked, grasping her hands. "You were... no still are as willful as when I first met you... albeit less... bitchy about it."
"Hmph..." She pouted. "Something about you that just clicked? I dunno... I just had a feeling I guess? It's funny because I remember telling someone I wasn't even remotely interested, and now look at me..."
"Hmm? Was this when you were off by yourself during the Cosmo Land incident?"
"Yep. It's weird really... I started seeing you in a different light after that whole mess in Green Earth... and well, I was pretty much drawn to you after that..."
"Well, I'm sorry if I seemed to be some kind of tragic hero or something... but really, I'm – mmph!" Sami covered his mouth with her hands.
"It's not because you were some kind of tragic mess that I fell in love with you, dummy. That's way too corny, even for me. If anything it's because I liked you for who you are... even if you are a million kinds of messed up. But I am too, so there."
"Gah. As I was saying, I'm no hero, and even though my life has been shitty, it's not too bad." He said as he pulled her hands off his face.
"Hero or not, you're mine." She hugged him. "...now then mister commander, shouldn't we head back? I'm pretty sure there's work to do so we can finish this war and get on with our lives."
"Good lord, what's going on? You're showing work ethic again." Mel responded in mock-horror.
"I just wanna spend a few weeks just... doing nothing. In a nice warm bed. And not out in a messy battlefield. Can't blame a girl for wanting to be home now can you?"
"Nope, can't fault you for that." He replied.
"Also because I'd like to..." She whispered something in his ear.
"...good point. Those bunks are terrible. And creaky."
"Exactly." Sami stood up and hopped off the roof of the APC. "Next time on a real bed. A real one. Not that military issue crap."
"Fine, fine. But you do realize we'll have to make do with what we have until everything's done right? Unless you want to go without for the next month or so."
"..." She stopped. "I didn't mean right away! Geez! I mean... we don't have much... ooh!" Her face went bright red. "Me and my big mouth."
"Hahaha." He laughed at her as he jumped off the APC. "Here's a thought, we're still here for the next few hours, why don't you – ouch! What was that for?" She jabbed him in the ribs.
"Is that the only thing on your mind?" Sami asked angrily.
"I was going to suggest you take a shower while we're here... not have sex..." He rubbed his side.
"...oh. Oops. Sorry. I was caught up in the conversation..."
"Yes... yes you were." Mel sighed. "You've also started to hit harder... by a lot."
"Heehee. I try to work out..."
"Yeah, but it doesn't seem to do your hips any good." He remarked.
"Oh shut up." Sami rolled her eyes, her face was still red. "Just... just because... ooh! Fine, I'm going to take a shower now!" She grabbed her things and marched off to the facilities.
'...heh. Dunno what it is about her... but I'll admit whatever it is, I love her for it.' Mel thought as he watched her walk away.
Time: The next day: After Midnight
Place: Yellow Comet Field HQ
The supply convoy had returned late in the day, around after midnight. Sonja delegated men to distribute the gear that was brought back to them and she inspected various things in the cargo.
"Food..." She stared longingly at one particular crate. "...wait a sec, why am I getting hungry? I ate not too long ago." She shook her head. "Ugh. Must be the stress or something." Looking around, she spotted Mel's APC parked along the outskirts of their Field HQ. "And let's see what our favorite baka-couple is doing." She walked over to the vehicle and knocked on the door. "Nii-cha-ma... open up."
"It's not locked, come in." Mel replied.
"Pardon my intrusion." Sonja said as she popped open the door and stepped inside. "And... huh." She was greeted by an unusual, albeit somewhat everyday scene. "...and here I thought I was interrupting something."
"Meh." Sami was kneeling on the floor of the vehicle as Mel had his head on her lap. "You kind of are. I'm trying to clean out his ears."
"...I can see that. But..." Sonja carefully took in the scene in front of her to make sure her eyes weren't playing tricks on her.
"I realized I can't just have Mel do things for me and I do nothing in return you now." Sami explained. "Right?"
"...right." Sonja nodded. "But... well... huh. I... well... I guess it makes sense. This... well, it is a couple-y kind of thing to do I guess." She wracked her brain for a moment. "...and I can't really say you guys are being weird either. It's just..."
"It seems too normal for the two of us?" Mel piped up from his spot on Sami's lap.
"...yes. All things considered."
"Bah. We're still normal people. Kind of." He muttered.
"...true enough." Sonja was still trying to make sense of it and gave up. "...I guess you two still do normal things... even if both of you are completely crazy."
"Only in some ways Sonja. Only in some ways." Sami said. "Of course if things were too normal it'd be boring, right?'
"...right." She looked at the scene in front of her again and shrugged. "By the way, Sami..."
"Hmm?"
"Nell sent those forms you asked for." Sonja said. "They're sitting in the communications tent waiting for you."
"Oh, okay. Thanks."
"I... I'm going to turn in for the night. G'night."
"Night Sonja." The two of them responded as she left. Sami returned her attention to her previous task.
"...well I think it's pretty cleared out now." She said. "Both sides."
"Thanks Sami." Mel said as he turned his head so he was looking up at her. "What forms now?"
"Hmm? Oh, right... I'm going on leave after all this... well, once we've... well you know." Sami shrugged.
"Right. You need a nice long vacation after this whole... mess."
"Considering how soon this war started after the last one, I haven't really had much personal time. And spending it here with you doesn't count because Nell still found ways to needle me about work even when I was not on base." She sighed.
"Right, right." He nodded.
"Well... and part of the reason I need the leave time is... school."
"...what." Mel said flatly.
"I've got one last... course kind of that needs to be finished. Last bit of credit and stuff."
"...right. And how the heck does that count as 'personal time'?"
"Because I won't have to think about work? Oh and I'm paid to deal with it too. So... I get to go on leave after that."
"So... pretty much you're going to be stuck at your dorm at the Academy?" Mel asked.
"...you'll visit right?" She asked in reply.
"Once I've sorted things out on my end, very likely." He nodded.
"Yay!"
"Again, we have to finish this war first. Right?"
"...right." She sighed as she leaned back against the wall. "Can't Sturm just like... I dunno fall over and bleed to death or something? Why does this war have to be such a hassle anyway?"
"Because it's a war. If it was simpler than that... we'd be out of a job." Mel laughed.
"...hmph." Sami pouted. "Right. That too. Could you get up for a sec? I want to stretch out my legs now."
"Hmm? Oh, all right." Mel sat up as Sami moved to reposition her legs.
"...it's dark out isn't it?" She asked.
"Yeah, why?"
"...bed time." Sami responded as she got undressed. "Do you have anything clean I can wear?"
"Hmm? Oh sure." He handed her a clean shirt. "You wore that other one for practically the whole day, didn't you?"
"Mm-hmm." She said letting it drape over her. "...night. Don't forget to lock up though."
"Yeah, no problem." Mel said as he got up to bolt the APC's door. "Well, I will, but I think I'll get –" He was interrupted as the White Sun's officer-only line crackled in his ear. "...now what? This is Mel." He replied as he headed outside the vehicle.
"Gary here." Came the reply on the other end. "We've got... well... just more so a bit of an FYI for you guys."
"What's up?"
"...just something to consider on your guys' end... but your old master is taking the helm right?"
"Yeah, why?"
"Doesn't it cost more to produce units then?"
"...oh shit." Mel realized. "We've got a problem then... I didn't realize how underfunded the Yellow Comet forces were."
"Especially since if you haven't noticed... east of you guys is a particularly handy bit of naval real estate... and same goes for that island region with the two airports north-east of your location..."
"Well... if Max and Eagle are doing their job, I think we'll manage to avoid getting harassed by Black Hole until it's too late for them to realize that our forces here have become a threat..."
"The problem is you guys need to grab those territories before Hawke's goons get to 'em."
"...right. I'll let Kanbei know and hopefully we can figure something out and remain undetected for the time being."
"Well... if you guys know what you're doing, then it shouldn't be an issue. I mean you are with them after all."
"Yeah. That shouldn't be too much of a problem then." Mel sighed. "Well... is that all? I mean I was about to turn in before you buzzed me."
"Eh? Ah, apologies." Gary said. "Long day or something?"
"Supply run. Was driving for probably twelve or so hours today."
"...yuck. Well, I'll let you get your sleep then. Stay on the regular channels so I can reach ya later."
"Sure... sure. Later."
"Later Mel." Gary cut the connection.
"...crap dammit..." Mel wandered over to the Yellow Comet command tent. It was dark. "...pfeh. I'll leave it for the morning then." He turned around on his heel only to bump into Sonja. She was still in uniform.
"Uwa." She took a step back. "Nii-chama, weren't you going to sleep?"
"I could say the same for you." He answered. "Your dad and Yamamoto-sensei already turned in for the night?"
"Pretty much. I wanted to check one more thing before I went to bed... but well... what are you doing wandering around here?"
"I was going to inform your dad about something in regards to... stratagem, but as you can plainly see no one is around to listen... well except you right now."
"Ooh, tell me, tell me. If it's important Intel that will help us win, then I'm all ears."
"Well... it's more of an observation my subordinate sent me that I failed to bring up when planning for who would take lead of the troops... at... well... you know what I mean right?" His brow creased. "I've been awake too long... but..."
"I know what you mean... you're saying it's probably a bad idea that daddy is leading the troops... because we don't have sufficient funds... right?"
"Presently... yes."
"Yes, I noticed that as well." Sonja sighed. "The problem is we don't have enough properties on this... island here to maintain a high output of troops."
"And even then... we'd need to reach the islands over there and there... in order to build up more effective forces to crush Black Hole. Well... if you saw it already, I guess this bit of conversation has already been rendered redundant." He sighed. "To be honest, we decided to hang back here only to bug you... mostly." He laughed.
"...I figured as much. It gives Sami more reason to slack off instead of actually doing her work."
"In all fairness, she's acting like she did back in Cosmo Land... again. Albeit... slightly. Kinda... sorta..."
"...pfft" Sonja smirked and tried to stifle a giggle. "Oh good grief, is she getting her work ethic back again? I thought hanging around you made her lazy."
"I thought so too... but... I dunno." Mel shrugged. "Well to be honest, she just wants to get this war over with so she can take a vacation, so I don't really blame her for being... motivated to work."
"Hmm-hmm. She might act like an airhead, but she's got a point. Also, it'd be wise not to underestimate your girlfriend nii-chama."
"...well aware Sonja, well aware." He shook his head. "Though sometimes I give her more credit that needed as well..."
"She only acts dumb when it's convenient for her... you've noticed right?'
"...well..."
"Although she is pretty helpless when it comes to homework... and housework... well cooking anyway."
"She mentioned that..." Mel said. "Ugh, it's getting chilly, d'you mind if we talked somewhere a bit more... sheltered from the wind?"
"Agreed." Sonja said as she headed to her tent. "This way then nii-chama." The two of them went in and sat down at a folding table. "I'd offer you tea... but I don't really feel like making any right now."
"I'll pass on any extra caffeine right now." He stifled a yawn. "But I can still afford to stay up a bit longer... or until Sami realizes I haven't gone to sleep yet and comes looking for me or something..."
"I doubt that. When she's out, she's out cold. Or at least until the sun gets in her eyes."
"...right, I keep forgetting you've known her for a while."
"Went to school together in Yellow Comet... she roomed with me. The stories I could tell." Sonja rolled her eyes. "Whatever you see now... it's pretty much what she was like back in school... just... well..."
"Well what?"
"...less perverted. Or openly perverted. I had a feeling she may have been a closet pervert... but..."
"..."
"I think it's probably your fault." Sonja pointed at Mel.
"My... wait what." Mel raised an eyebrow. "How is... seriously you're going to blame me?"
"Yep. Those years I roomed with her, she's never tried to do anything 'weird' to me... except well, she did it now and that was after she fell for you."
"...hey Sonja." He started.
"Hmm?"
"Out of curiosity... did she have any 'girl talk' with you after the Cosmo Land incident?"
"Any girl... ah. Sort of." She nodded. "That's about the time she mentioned that she would send letters to the White Sun HQ to you."
"She could've e-mailed or phoned... but snail mail... any reason to it?" Mel asked.
"...well... she fell for you, duh. And well... it's a lot more personal to handwrite something instead of typing it out I guess. I dunno." Sonja shrugged. "Beats me."
"Right..."
"And you did reply to her... right?" She asked back.
"...eh, oh I... yes. But that was me being polite... I think."
"...delightfully oblivious as always." Sonja sighed. "Or at least until you ran into her again, right?"
"...oh good god." Mel groaned. It was a groan filled with the combination of self-realization and self-loathing. "I pretty much denied it even though... good god I'm an idiot."
"At least you caught on."
"I finally 'caught on' when she decided that having sex with me would prove her point." He sighed. "Aside from that I just thought we... man I'm an idiot. All that stuff we... ha. Hahaha..."
"Heeheehee... poor nii-chama, has the realization that you two were dating while working and living together in the Orange Star HQ finally broke your brain? "
"...hahaha... yes. Hurray for being completely oblivious and for being in denial. Well the dating part I knew about... but..."
"It probably wasn't complete denial. You did buy her things, remember?"
"...okay, so not complete denial but... man I still feel like an idiot."
"Meh, that's all right. I don't think most people would realize they fell in love. Or at least not the way you did."
"Says the bookworm who only reads the romance novels."
"...and says Captain Oblivious." Sonja giggled. "You have to admit, it worked out, right?"
"That much is true." He nodded.
"I think her deciding to have sex with you thing... well... I think it's her way of saying 'this is mine and nobody else's' or something."
"...in hindsight that actually makes sense." Mel laughed drily. "Actually that makes a lot of sense."
"I don't think you've noticed, but Sami gets rather... possessive."
"Considering she doesn't really need to 'share' me with others very often, I haven't noticed actually."
"Meh." Sonja shrugged. 'I got slightly jealous when I realized I couldn't hog you as my 'nii-chama' anymore.' She thought.
"Oh... by the way Sonja?"
"Hmm?"
"You can keep a secret right?" Mel asked her.
"...I promise you as your childhood friend, and the princess of Yellow Comet, yes I can keep a secret. Even though you hardly ever tell people secrets to begin with." She frowned. "What's the big secret?"
"Well... just... here." He reached into his coat and pulled something out. "Look."
"Just what is so... oh my." Sonja's hands covered her mouth as her eyes widened.
"Well, can you keep a secret?" He asked again.
"...from Sami? Yes. Even if I get threatened by her weird sexual harassment again, I'll keep this a secret." She said, raising her hand, as if she was making an oath. "In fact I won't even tell her about its existence."
"Good." Mel breathed a sigh of relief.
"But... well... you know..."
"...I'm not sure. I'll figure something out." He said, putting whatever it was back into his coat.
"...good luck with that nii-chama."
"Thanks... I think I'll need it." He got up from his seat. "I... I think I need to get some sleep."
"Probably. Good night nii-chama."
"Good night Sonja." Mel said as he left the tent.
"My, my, my... I'm impressed Mel... very impressed." Sonja said once she was sure he was out of earshot. "You really do love her that much. That's saying something considering the things you've done in the past."
Mel walked back through the now silent Yellow Comet Field HQ back to the APC, as he opened the door, he found Sami was sitting up against the wall, half asleep. She was still waiting for him... or at least she was trying to.
"Zzz... stupid... hurry... back... and...zzz..." She mumbled in her half-awake state.
"Poor Sami." Mel said as he knelt down next to her. "I'm back."
"Nnn... what took you...?" Sami rubbed at her eyes.
"Just got caught up with some... strategy talk with Sonja."
"...oh, m'kay." She flopped back down onto the sleeping bag. "You're going to sleep now... right?"
"Hmm? Yeah, once I get changed and lock up."
"...'kay." She closed her eyes and made herself comfortable. "Hurry up."
"Fine... fine." He sighed as he locked the door and got changed. "I didn't realize I was chatting for so long." Mel lied down next to her.
"Mmm. Whatever." She curled up against him. "Just as long as you're here now... night."
"Good night Sami." Mel said as he switched off the light. "Say..."
"Nnn? Whatever it is... save it for the morning..." She mumbled, still trying to find the most optimal position to sleep in.
"Fine." He sighed as Sami continued to squirm around, stopping after she decided that lying on top of him was the best way to go.
"Mmm... comfy."
"...haa." He breathed another sigh and put an arm around her and closed his eyes.
Time: Morning – 9:00 am
Mel was awakened by the sound of his phone's alarm beeping. Grumbling he picked it up, deactivated the alarm and shoved it back in its corner.
"...piece of crap... I really need to set that to a later time..." He muttered. "Now where is... huh." Sitting up, he realized Sami was already up. "...and where did she go...?" He got up and looked around the APC. "This is certainly unexpected." He said as he got dressed.
Stepping outside of the APC, he found Sami sitting on a crate, eating breakfast; breakfast being a plate of rice balls and a carton of milk. She was facing the APC as she ate.
"Nom." She chomped into the rice ball she had on hand. "...nnn!" Her face scrunched up as she bit into something face-screwingly sour. "Gah! What on earth did I just...?" She looked at the rice ball and searched for the offending object.
"...and good morning to you too Sami." Mel said, wondering what was going on. "What happened?"
"Hmm? Oh, good morning." She made a face and stuck out her tongue. "I... what the hell did I just bite into?" She asked, showing the half-eaten rice ball to him.
"...looks like Sonja put sour pickled plums in the onigiri." He said examining the rice ball. "Yep. She sure did. At least I'm assuming that's where you got your breakfast from."
"Just give me a sec..." Sami said as she drank some milk. "Blech. Better." She sighed. "Yeah, I went over to bug Sonja for some breakfast... and well, she told me to look in the fridge in her tent and help myself to whatever."
"...oh, so she didn't plan on giving you umeboshi loaded onigiri then." Mel said. "Just bad luck on your part then."
"She didn't say what was in there... and these looked more or less like the only things that were edible... so... bleeeh." She offered it to Mel. "Want it?"
"Uh... I'll pass. I'm not a fan of those either." He put his hand up motioning 'no'. "I... hmm. You know what... give me a second..." Mel squinted as the sunlight glared in his eyes. "Now what was I... ah right."
"Just what are you muttering to yourself about anyway?" She asked as she took a bite out of her other rice ball. "(chomp)...mmm." She continued to chew and swallow as this one did not contain strange sour things.
"Eh? Oh, I just realized there's possibly a sure fire way to find out exactly where Black Hole is hiding this time... it'll just require a quick trip... back to White Sun."
"Wait. Back to White Sun?" Sami asked. "How does that help?"
"Well... let's just say we still might have a POW that hopefully is still cooperative... I hope." Mel started walking over to the communications tent. "I'll be back... let's hope my train of thought is actually processing this correctly..."
"...wait, he has a POW from Black Hole?" She blinked as he walked away. "...and he never bothered to finish the questioning?"
Mel picked up the receiver and headphones for the communications system and started keying in the frequency for White Sun's main base.
"This is Commander Mel... come in." He said as the incoming image on the screen started to come into view.
"Hmm? Ah, the wayward Commander in Chief makes a call home." He was greeted by a bespectacled woman with long blue hair, dressed in a white uniform. "It's been a while Commander Mel." She nodded.
"...Marina? What... why are you sitting at communications? You don't have to be doing... communications work." He raised an eyebrow.
"Oh, this here? I'm here for various reasons. Since your departure from the mainland, the Shadow Corps were put in charge of national defense while you're away. You do realize how boring things are when we sit around and do nothing right? The four of us have been taking turns sitting around at the console here while listening to those two as they're dealing with making sure Black Hole doesn't decide to turn around and make a second visit to the country." She said as she filed her nails. "Ranking officer or not, this beats doing nothing... trust me."
"Well, tell the others I said 'hi' then." He shrugged.
"Will do. Oh, while you're at it, bring back some souvenirs or something... actually, just where are you now anyway? I haven't been keeping up with the reports." She yawned.
"Hmm? Green Earth." Mel replied. "What do you want me to find here?"
"...that place? Never mind then, there isn't anything I'd want from there anyway." She blew on her nails as she finished her filing job. "Oh right... so why are you calling back now?" Marina asked. "It... must be important if you're calling all of a sudden."
"Something I wanted to check up on... is that Black Hole prisoner of war still around? Or rather... still alive?"
"...ah, that... little blonde girl you and your sub-commanders captured?"
"That's the one." Mel nodded. "She hasn't been put to death or anything yet, has she?"
"Well... according to the reports here..." She busily typed something into the computer next to her. "She's still sitting in her cell. She doesn't really cause... trouble per se... she's just really quiet and... well, I guess she behaves well. For a prisoner anyway. What about her?"
"...I'd like to question her again." He said.
"...so you're saying you want to make a trip back to White Sun from Green Earth just to question her about something?" She asked incredulously. "Do you have a lot of free time or something, Mel?"
"You could say that." He shrugged. "I'm not exactly participating in any sorties at the moment..."
"Good grief... you must be bored then." Marina shook her head. "Well... I could save you the effort and question her for you... how about that?"
"...I guess that works just as well." He shrugged again.
"There's no need to get the army all excited for your return when the war hasn't been won... it isn't over yet, right?"
"No, it's not." Mel said. "Hardly..."
"...okay, I figured as much. And what exactly did you want to ask our little prisoner?"
"The location of the Black Hole army's home base."
"...ah. That one last bit of Intel that no one has bothered to get just yet... right?" She said.
"Well, the allied armies have been a bit too... busy as of late to actually focus on finding where our foe has been hiding all along... and it more or less slipped my mind that we could've just asked the one source we had available. Assuming she actually knows. Or is willing to tell."
"Good point." She nodded. "Well is that all then?"
"Pretty much. Question her... then send any information to our troops here. You know how to reach them. Or me for that matter."
"Okay. Not a problem then. Oh and just so you know, everything is under control. We haven't really been doing much aside from playing mahjong every once in a while waiting for... well... nothing I guess. Everybody on base misses you, you know."
"Figures. Just like old days." He chuckled.
"Yep. Really the only time anything happens is whenever you decide to stick your nose into it... or some consequence of that." She made a face.
"Gee thanks." Mel sighed. "Whatever. Anything else you need to 'nag' me about?"
"Nope. I'll go interrogate our 'guest' then." Marina laughed. "See you later Commander." She ended the communication.
"The same as always." Mel shook his head as he put down the headphones and receiver. "...guess they really don't have anything to do since we took care of it." He headed back outside. "...hmm. Might as well get breakfast then... I'm starving."
Time: Noon (White Sun Time Zone)
Place: White Sun Army Main Headquarters: Communications Room
Marina sighed as she got up off her chair in the Com room. She finished writing down a short note in regards to Mel's request.
"Let's see now... I guess I'll have to go to the holding cells and find the prisoner in question." She took off her white officer's jacket and tossed it on the desk. "Well... and off I go. Nnn... urk." She groaned as she stretched. "God dammit... these boobs of mine, are a pain in the ass... my back is killing me." Marina grumbled as she thumped her back with a fist. "Gah... I wish they weren't so big..."
Standing at roughly the same height as Mel, six-foot-two, Marina is the tallest female officer (and most well endowed) in the White Sun army. Her dark blue hair was straight, long and extended down to her ankles, meaning it usually touched the ground when she sits. Pulling off her necktie, she used it to tie her hair up in an impressively long ponytail.
"...might have to have my hair thinned out again..." She mumbled to herself as she kept walking down the hallway of the headquarters. "...and where's my... oh there it is." She pulled out her officer's badge from her back pocket. "Let's see... wallet, watch, office keys..." Checking her pockets she kept walking. "And these damn sleeves..." She muttered as she rolled up the sleeves of her black dress shirt up to her elbows. "At least I don't have to wear a skirt or anything as part of my uniform..." She was dressed in black and white, the standard issue colors for the White Sun army's commanding officers. "Need to ask Mel for a longer vacation next time... need to go back to Yellow Comet..."
"Big sis Marina!" A high-pitched voice called out to the tall woman. "Hey! Marina! Wait up! Hey! Hey! Wait! Wait I said!"
"Hmm...?" Marina stopped and turned on her heel. "I know she's - oof!" She took a step back as a bundle of hyperactive energy bounded headfirst into her chest. "...Fiore... what do you want?" Marina asked the smaller girl who was currently snuggling her face in her chest. "And... stop that." She pushed the girl off of her chest.
"Whatcha doin' big sis?" The other girl was Fiore, another officer in the White Sun army. She had short, bright red hair, stood at five foot four and radiated pure energy as she bounced around the halls. "You're obviously doing something neat if you're not sitting in the com room!" She was dressed similarly to Marina, except she had a white pleated skirt on instead of dress pants. "Tell me tell me tell me!" Fiore hopped up and down excitedly. "Tell me!"
"...that much is true... but..." Marina hesitated. 'I don't think it'd be a good idea to tell - where did she - ack!' Marina's train of thought was interrupted as Fiore had managed to jump up and onto her shoulders. "Fiore! You have to warn people when you're going to climb up on them like that!" She scolded. "And take your shoes off when you do that!"
"But it's so high up! I can see... huh. I guess you can't really see much inside the HQ."
"...you might not see much, but I can see your underwear just fine with you standing up there." Marina sighed in exasperation. "Polka dots today?"
"Yep! Hmm? Hmm? Oh! Sorry big sis Marina!" Fiore hopped off and landed neatly on the ground. "So? So? What's going on? Tell me! It's boring here since Commander Mel left to go beat people up! It's not fair! He should have brought the rest of us too! It isn't fun just sitting around waiting for things to happen!"
"Did... did you eat like an extra helping of pure sugar or something...?" Marina asked. "Or two?"
"Nope! Well... maybe. I dunno! I found some coffee looking stuff in a box and I drank all six!" She was practically vibrating with energy. "I think it's the stuff that Mel drinks all the time!"
"...good lord." The tall woman sighed again. "...do... do me a favor will you? Go sit at the Com room for me. I need to take a break."
"Huh? But... I don't wanna! I did it last week!" The shorter girl pouted.
"...I'll buy you ice cream if you do it for an hour." Marina said.
"Ice cream? Okay, deal!" With that, Fiore dashed off in the direction Marina came from.
"...good grief... she must be bored out of her skull or something." Shaking her head, Marina kept walking.
A few minutes later, she finally made her way to the holding cells.
"ID Please." The guard said at the door.
"...seriously?" Marina asked.
"It's just protocol Commander Aizen." The guard shrugged. "At least humor me so I don't get in trouble later."
"Meh. Fine." She pulled out her badge and showed it to him. "Major General Marina Aizen. Now lemme in."
"Yes'm." He said getting out of her way and opening the door. "It's not too often that you're down here though... normally the Commander General comes here himself..."
"It's a favor for the Commander General, seeing as he's not around." She said going in. "Do you know where that POW he caught is being held?"
"Hmm? Oh you mean the only one they caught alive? Can't miss her. She's the only one here. Two guards in front of the cell making sure she doesn't off herself or anything."
"...huh. Okay." Marina shrugged as she continued to go down the rows of holding cells, arriving at the one with two guards standing in front of it. "I guess this is it."
"Good afternoon, Commander Aizen, ma'am!" They saluted.
"...at ease boys." She sighed. "So... is this where that Black Hole POW is being kept?"
"Yes ma'am. Her name's Angel Chere." The first soldier handed over a file on a clipboard. "How can we help you Commander Aizen?"
"Well... it's a job for the Commander General... I need to question her." Marina peered over into the cell. 'Chere? Huh, what an odd last name...' She thought. 'Not to mention an ironic first name.'
"Understood ma'am. Just sign the forms then." The second soldier handed over the paperwork.
"Yeah, yeah." Marina pulled out a pen from her pocket and scribbled her signature on the forms.
The cell was rather... nice considering it was a holding cell for prisoners. There was carpeting on the floor, the cell walls were painted a beige off-white color. A bunk in the corner, and a small washroom area that even had a privacy wall for modesty. A dresser/night table sat next to the bunk and likely contained whatever belongings the prisoner did have... probably mostly extra sets of clothing and there was a wall clock and calendar on the opposite wall. Alongside it was a bookshelf, filled with various books, magazines and what not. A barred window near the ceiling had daylight shining through it. The cell seemed almost accommodating for its prisoner.
'...huh. It never occurred to me just how nice how POW cells are. Considering how some prisoners have been tortured for information...' She tilted her head to the side and looked over at the prisoner in question.
The girl was sitting on a chair reading a book. She was a petite blonde, probably just barely taller than five feet. It looked like she was allowed to bathe on a daily basis and seemed almost... comfortable despite her 'prisoner' status. She was wearing a white t-shirt and orange sweatpants.
She didn't seem to notice the tall woman standing outside of her cell as she flipped through her book.
"Hey Angel!" The guard called out to her.
"...huh?" She looked up at her cell door. "Um... yes?" Whatever it was, she hadn't been asked for in a long time. The last time she had even seen anyone that wanted to question her was the crazy commanding officer in white, and that was months ago.
"You've got a guest. You can stretch your legs. Get up."
"...oh. Huh?" Getting up she walked over to the door and spotted Marina, who towered a foot or so taller than her. "Eep."
"...huh, pretty cute for an enemy intel officer." Marina said as the cell door slid open. "I'm Commander Marina. All right then, come with me." She led the girl to the interrogation room. "Sit." She pointed at a chair at the table.
"Um... okay." Angel nervously sat down at the table. '...she's scary...' She thought.
"Now then... how are you Angel?" The tall woman asked. "Any problems?"
"...all things considered... pretty good?" The blonde said, glancing side to side, nervously. "Frankly... I thought I'd be dead months ago..."
"Fair enough." Marina nodded. "Now then... question. Do you like being alive?"
"Uh-huh." Angel nodded frantically. "You're... you're not here to... um..."
"Huh? Oh, no." The blue-haired woman shook her head. "Just here to ask you some questions."
"...you're... you're not gonna inject me with that weird stuff like the last time... are you?"
"...wha? No. Well... not unless you're not going to tell me anything." Marina blinked. 'Just what the hell did Mel do to her? Must've traumatized her something amazing...'
"Eep. I'll talk, I'll talk."
'Well that was easy.' Marina had a bemused look on her face. "Uh... right. So... do you know where the Black Hole main headquarters is located in Macro Land?" She asked.
"Huh? Oh! That! Yes. Yes! Do you have a map?"
"Here you go." Marina unfolded a map of Macro Land she had in her pocket and laid it out on the table. "Where is it?"
"Right here." The blonde pointed at an island located north-east of Orange Star.
"Really?" The tall woman asked again.
"Uh-huh." She nodded.
"You're being awfully... cooperative." Marina said.
"Well... I mean... the Black Hole army has pretty much abandoned me here... it's been... uh..."
"According to this... you've been here for almost a year now." Marina said as she skimmed through the prisoner files.
"...a year? Oh wow... um... yeah... so I guess I've been stuck here for a year and they haven't come back for me... so..."
"So much for loyalty huh?" Marina asked.
"...pretty much." The prisoner shrugged. "Is... is there anything else you want to know?"
"I don't think so. We just need to know where the home base is. Unless there's anything else you might want to tell us."
"...uh..." Angel sat there for a moment, thinking. "Um... well..."
"If you're wondering about anything that could remotely make your situation better... I have no say in it." Marina shook her head. "Although the person who does have say in it, is asking for this information, that might be some kind of encouragement to start blabbing. A lot."
"Er..."
"I'm pretty sure once the war is over and done with, we'll let you go. From what it sounds like, Black Hole is losing and once they get crushed into the ground, there won't be any Black Hole to go back to anyway." Marina shrugged. "So... really, the sooner the allied forces blow up Black Hole... the sooner you can go... to wherever the heck home is for you. Unless it's Black Hole. So where are you from?"
"Uh... Orange Star..." Angel mumbled.
"...and somehow... what the heck?" Marina's eyebrow went up in surprise.
"Well... Black Hole really isn't a... well... does it even make sense that our military leader is... an alien? I dunno... I moved there." She looked as confused as her interrogator was. It had never really occurred to her as to 'why' they were invading in the first place.
"Don't get me started about what I think about that girlie." Marina shook her head. "I mean... don't... doesn't Black Hole actually have people that live in it? I mean... you moved there... meaning people live there, right?"
"...I guess?" The prisoner shrugged. "I'm not too clear on exactly... what's going on there... but I guess it could be... well, Sturm or whatever must've overthrown whatever power used to be in charge during the Cosmo Land war..."
"...makes sense."
"Um... but yeah... Black Hole used to be peaceful...? I mean... I joined up because I wanted something to do with myself. But... well, I never thought I'd end up getting captured... and taken prisoner... I mean... I went to school for this and stuff..."
"Fair enough." Marina nodded. "Although this just brings up more questions..." She frowned.
"..." Angel absently kicked her feet underneath the table. "...are... are we done?"
"I'd say yes... but well... let me ask you this..." She paused. "Do you see yourself going anywhere once this war is over?"
"...for one, I'd like to go into hiding for the rest of my life... so not really." The blonde mumbled.
"...hmm. Give me a moment, will you?" Marina picked up the map and left the room to access the communications room in the holding area.
"Okay..." The prisoner nodded glumly as she sat in the room, alone again.
Marina keyed in Mel's communication signal on the panel.
"Pick up... pick up..." She tapped her foot impatiently.
"Mel here. What d'you need Aizen?" He responded as his face appeared on the screen. "Good news I hope?"
"I've got answers for your questions... and I've got a boatload of 'new' questions that need answers now that I've asked our little prisoner... nicely." Marina said.
"Start talking."
"Well, first off we've got a location of the enemy's home base. There's that island sitting north east of Orange Star... north west of Yellow Comet. You know which one I'm talking about right?"
"...that one? Makes sense I guess. What else can I do for you?" Mel asked as he jotted it down.
"Well... here's the thing... what do you... or well... what does anyone know about Black Hole's political situation?"
"...for all I know, people do live there. What I'm not too sure of, is how the hell it became some kind of... alien wonderland here in Macro Land. Their military forces were human during the Cosmo Land incident... but well... this time around, things got... weird. Very weird. To be honest, the only humans I've ran into are the COs and... well, that one prisoner."
"Noted." Marina nodded.
"Anything else?"
"Well... Angel, the prisoner mentioned that Sturm... or whoever the leader of the Black Hole Military is might have overthrown whoever was in charge... which might be the reason why Black Hole has been... so conquest-happy for the last while..."
"Understandable... wait, so that's her name?" Mel said in surprise. "Angel eh? That's nice."
"Also... huh? You... you never bothered to find out her name when you interrogated her the first time?"
"...she was less than cooperative last time... how long ago was that anyway?" He asked.
"...a year. You did some pretty nasty things to her by the way."
"...holy shit." Mel looked shocked. "Has it been that long already? God damn. And... yeah, well we had to make her talk... so... yeah."
"Yes Mel." Marina sighed.
"Bah. Okay, what else?"
"Ahem... what's going to happen to our little guest after the war?" The lady commander asked.
"...I dunno. I'll probably have her released. No sense in having her detained on base for the rest of her life. War's gonna be over sooner or later. Also I have no reason to have her executed." Mel shrugged.
"Well... she does look like she's being treated rather... well. For a prisoner anyway. She looks well fed... and clean."
"I told them to treat her humanely." Mel said. "Obviously they're following orders." He shrugged.
"The girl's from Orange Star originally, you know."
"...huh. So?" He asked.
"I don't really see any future for her if she goes back there... or back to Black Hole." Marina said.
"What are you suggesting?" Mel asked.
"I think I've got a good idea what we can have her do... she's been fairly cooperative, all things considered."
"...I see where you're going with this." Mel nodded. "You want her or something?"
"I don't think I'd take her myself... but I know someone that wouldn't mind having a new... subordinate." The start of a smile appeared on her face.
"...heh." He chuckled. "Oh my. Are you sure it's a good idea to give Fiore a direct subordinate?"
"It'll be fun." Marina smiled. "Speaking of which, she almost followed me down here, but I told her to go cover for me."
"Wise decision." Mel said. "Well, I have no problem with it. It'll depend on whether or not the prisoner wants to end up working for her captors after everything is said and done. I mean... well, you did read her file right?"
"Yeah, I know about the stuff she did, but well... I don't think she has any remaining loyalty to Black Hole anymore after they've kept her stewing here for a year or so. But if you're okaying it... I'll bring it up with her."
"...again, I've got no problems with it. Sign the paperwork for me. Better for her to be on payroll and earning her keep instead of well... wasting taxpayer money sitting in a cell." He shrugged. "I mean, you can never have enough intel officers... even if they are from the enemy. And... well, if she does somehow find a way to betray us... somebody else can take care of it." Another shrug. "Is that all?"
"Yep." Marina nodded. "Good luck and all. I'll tell the others you're alive and well."
"...thanks." He sighed.
"I'm assuming you are well?" She asked.
"Peachy. I'll be back in a few months I think. Or hope rather. Need to deal with whatever paperwork I have left... then go on vacation. A long, long vacation. Much deserved. In Orange Star."
"That sounds good." Marina smiled. "Anything new with you otherwise?"
"...not really." Mel shrugged. "This fighting has been keeping the three of us busy after all."
"Well... I'll tell the others you said hello. It's nice to hear from you again, you know that?"
"Hahaha... indeed. I miss sitting around doing nothing with you guys." He laughed.
"True enough Mel." Marina said. "Any-way. I don't think I should keep you any longer... and I don't want to keep our little prisoner from... whatever it is she does in her cell all day... she's still sitting patiently in the interrogation room."
"...huh. I guess you could say she can be let out on good behavior. Ha!"
"...that's awful." She sighed. "So... call back if you need anything from us. Marina out."
"Sure thing. Later." Mel said as the communication ended.
"...nothing changes I guess." Marina shook her head. "Still the same old Commander General." She made her way back to the interrogation room where the blonde prisoner sat.
Angel jumped as the door opened.
"Meep! Please don't kill me please don't kill me please don't - " She stammered.
"...why are you assuming I'm going to kill you...?" Marina asked as she came in. "Honestly... does it look like I kill people?"
"...well... if you're like the rest of the ranking officers here... yes?" The blonde whimpered, as she was on the verge of tears.
"...I... okay, I can't deny that." The blue-haired officer scowled. "In any case, I'm not about to kill you or... torture you... or... well, all that bad stuff, no I'm not doing any of that."
"...oh thank god..." Angel breathed a sigh of relief, rubbing at her eyes. "Whatever it is, I'll tell you anything! Really!"
"...yeah, about that... I've... no let me see... how can I put this..."
"Mm?" The prisoner looked up at the tall woman warily. "Uh... um..."
"Well... you said you'd rather be in hiding for the rest of your life... right?"
"...mm-hmm." She nodded.
"Okay... so what if you don't have to do that?" Marina asked as she sat down across from the girl.
"Huh? What... what do you mean?"
"I've... no, well the White Sun army has a proposition for you."
"...wait, you mean..." Angel looked up at Marina in surprise.
"We've had a new policy ever since our new Commander in Chief took over... it's kind of a 'forgive and forget' type of thing... sorta. He is rather lax about it, but it's worked out well enough..."
"Uh... well... what do I have to do?"
"You agree to join us, and we'll erase your past with Black Hole. Of course... you'll be directly under one of us... and if you do betray us... well, the consequences are obvious. What do you say?" Marina extended her hand to the now quivering girl. "Sure beats hiding somewhere in Orange Star where you can't... do anything because of your past. Right?"
"I... I... mmm. (sniffle-sob)" She grasped Marina's hand tightly as she started to bawl. "Mm-hmm."
"...good choice." Marina smiled gently. "Now then... I think it's high time you started to earn your keep instead of having a free ride here in the detention centre." She got up and pulled the girl up along with her. "Hey! You two!" She called out to the guards standing outside.
"Ma'am?"
"I've got direct orders from the Commander General, this one is no longer a prisoner. She's defected from the Black Hole army as of now. Understood?" Marina pointed at the girl who was now clinging to her side, crying and sniffling.
"...say... oh. Oh! Not a problem! If it's an order from Commander Mel... then well... no big deal!" The guards nodded.
"You're dismissed from your watch here then!" She said. "Go back to patrol duty or something. I'm pretty sure someone else will find something for you two to do."
"Yes'm!" They saluted and headed off.
"...now then..." Marina looked over at the girl beside her. "Hmm... well, follow me then." She said taking the crying girl's hand.
Marina led Angel towards the main Communications office. She looked around for Fiore.
"Oi... Fiore! I know you're here some - there." Marina stopped as Fiore dashed over to her.
"Ooh! Big sis Marina! What's up? What's going on? Who's this? Huh? Huh? Huh?" Fiore chattered away excitedly as she looked at the blonde girl Marina had with her. Angel cowered behind Marina as Fiore tried to stare holes in her head.
"...this... well, this was the prisoner of war that Mel had captured a year ago from the Black Hole army... hey! No!" Marina shouted at Fiore, who was forming a fireball in her hand. "No! You are not to set her on fire! Let me finish what I was saying first!"
"But... but you said Black Hole..." Fiore pouted. "Mel said to send them all straight to..."
"I said let me finish!" Marina grumbled. "Ahem. This... (sigh). Introduce yourself to her please." She shoved Angel towards Fiore. "Please." Her teeth were gritted.
"Um... I'm... I'm Angel Chere... um... nice... nice to meet you...?" She nervously glanced up at Fiore and back down at her own feet. "I... I was an Intel Officer in the Black Hole army... but... well... now I'm not... I guess."
"...waaaait." Fiore blinked for a moment. "So she's not Black Hole anymore, right big sis?"
"Hmm? Nope. As of now... she's your direct subordinate. Considering you don't have one." Marina said crossing her arms over her chest. "Mel thinks it might work out."
"...ooh. If the Commander General says... wait, did Mel say it's okay for her to be walking around like this?" The redhead asked, looking confused.
"...get it through your skull Fiore, she's joined us now and you're going to be in charge of... watching over her." Marina sighed. "I'm sorry Angel... she's usually not this... well... I think the caffeine has fried her brain right now."
"...o-okay." The blonde nodded nervously. '...are all of the White Sun COs this... insane?' She thought to herself.
"Ah! So... she used to be in the Black Hole army... but she's defected... and she joined us! Okay, so that makes her okay then, gotcha." Fiore nodded enthusiastically. "So... uh... right! (ahem) I'm Major General Fiore Hayashi! According to big sis here, I'm gonna be the CO in charge of you!" She shook the blonde girl's hands.
"Um... thanks...?"
"Just play along sweetie." Marina said. "Hyperactive is her regular setting. Super turbo... well that happens to be right now."
"...well... she reminds me of the CO I used to work under... so that's okay." A faint smile was on her face.
"Oh yeah! How old are you anyway?" Fiore asked.
"...eh? Uh... twenty...?" Angel realized she had sort of lost track of time while in her cell. "I think."
"...huuuh. You're older than me! That's fine! And... let's see... one more thing. Moosh." Fiore went behind the blonde girl and groped her chest.
"Kyaaaaaaaaaa!" Angel screeched as she realized she was being molested. "Is-is-is... what's she doing?" She asked Marina, as she squirmed. 'Ack! Ack! She's... just how is she this strong?'
"...this is normal. Just put up with it." The tall woman said. "Almost too normal." She sighed.
"And... done!" Fiore said as she let go of Angel. "Hmm... A-cup."
"H-h-h-h-h-how?" Angel stammered as she hid behind Marina again.
"Like I said... this is normal." Marina said, her arms were still crossed over her chest. "It's harder for her to do it to me only because I'm so much taller than her... not that it makes a difference sometimes. By the way, is she right?"
"...yes." The blonde said as her face went red.
"All in a day's work. Fiore, can you please just... you know."
"Hmm? Oh right. Work... kind of." She stuck out her tongue. "But... there isn't any work though... yet."
"Well, a whole bunch of work just landed on your lap right now. You've got a new subordinate that needs to be... trained." Marina pointed at the former prisoner. "Right?"
"...ah." Fiore stopped her constant motion as she realized the tall woman had a point. "Ooh... responsibility... again."
"Yes, pretty much."
"...hmph." She puffed up her cheeks. "Well... hmm... where to start...?" Fiore looked over at the blonde. "...well, this won't do at all." She tugged at the girl's current attire. "Can't have you walking around dressed like a prisoner if you're working under me now."
"...is... is this the same person I just met earlier...?" Angel asked Marina. "She... she got all... serious..."
"Yep." Marina nodded. "Work mode. But once work's done, party-time mode activates again." She shrugged. "Have fun girls." The tall woman walked back to the communications room. "Fiore, get her outfitted and give her a tour of the base... oh and all the paperwork for her quarters... and getting her paid as well... make sure she has supplies and stuff too... and take her for a medical and psychological evaluation too! I could go on and on but I have work to do as well, so you know what to do! Ciao." Marina waved as she disappeared into the doorway.
"...mmm." Fiore made a face. "Geez, you're gonna be a handful aren't ya Ange?" She took the other girl's hand and started to lead her out.
"Um... sorry... uh... mistress?"
"...wha?" The redhead stopped walking. "What the heck was that?"
"Ack! Sorry... force of habit... sorry..."
"...as far as I'm concerned, I'm nobody's 'mistress'." Fiore said, raising an eyebrow. "Yeesh... what weird brainwashing did they do to you in Black Hole...?"
"..." Angel blinked as her new, younger, superior carefully eyed her. '...I... I don't get her at all... and I thought Lash was crazy...'
"Meh. Just don't call me that again... it makes me feel icky." She shrugged. "That aside, let's get these awful prison rags off of you... and into something a bit more fitting."
"Ah... okay!"
"By the way... do you have any clean underwear?" Fiore asked.
"...wha? Huh? Um... well... er..." The blonde stammered. "...kind-a?"
"...what's that supposed to mean?" The redhead asked.
"...well to be fair, I didn't really have much with me when... when they caught me... so..." Her face went red.
"...ah. I get it." Fiore nodded. "We're going shopping after all this." She grinned. "But you totally have to pay me back once you've gotten paid and stuff!"
"Um... yes ma'am!" Angel nodded as Fiore dragged her down the hallway and out the door.
"Good! A lot better than that... 'mistress' crap. Let's go, let's go!" She said as she broke into a run. "C'mon Ange."
"Eek! Yes ma'am!"
Marina smiled as she heard the giggling coming from down the halls, as well as the tapping of Fiore's footsteps tearing through them.
"All's well that ends well... more or less. Heh." She said picking up her jacket and putting it over her shoulders. "Let's see how it works out..." Yawning she sat back down at the communications console. "And hopefully those allied forces win this war..."
Place: Green Earth: Yellow Comet Field HQ
Mel sat next to Sami as he ate his breakfast of rice balls and iced coffee.
"...hmm... hmm..." He carefully split his rice ball in half and examined its contents. "Fish. Good." He took a bite.
"Mel, who... who were you talking to earlier?" Sami asked.
"...mm? (gulp)" He swallowed. "Huh? Oh, one of my subordinates back at home base." He replied.
"Huuuh. She's pretty." Sami commented.
"Eh? Oh, you saw her on the communications screen?" Mel asked.
"Mm-hmm." She nodded. "Just how long is her hair anyway? It seemed... really long."
"Down to her... ankles. I think." He replied as he took a sip of his coffee.
"...wow."
"Oh and just so you know, she's about as tall as I am."
"...holy."
"Yup." Mel continued to eat his breakfast. "...oh by the way Sami?"
"Yeah?"
"D'you mind sending this Intel over to Nell? This might prove... useful." He handed over a file to her.
"What is it?"
"Black Hole's location. Finally got it." He said.
"...huh? Really? Got... got it!" Sami got up and ran off to the communications tent.
"...I didn't mean now..." Mel sighed as she left him sitting on the crate, alone. Or at least until Sonja wandered over.
"Nii-cha-ma." Sonja said as she sat down next to him on the crate. "Having breakfast now I see."
"Yep." He nodded. "Well, since you're here I might as well tell you."
"...hmm? What is it?" She asked.
"Intel." Mel said simply.
"It's not anything I already know is it? If so, please don't waste my - "
"Black Hole's location." He interrupted her.
"...that changes things." Sonja said. "That changes a lot of things. Your men obviously are the least hindered by... no... more like you've got man power to spare... so obviously White Sun's forces would be able to find out... so... where?"
"North East of Orange Star... North West to Yellow Comet. An island country. Again. Really, it's the same pattern... almost."
"Hmm. And just how did you manage to find this out... without sneaking off by yourself or..."
"An interesting story that..." Mel smiled. "Thanks to a certain POW that I almost forgot about until now."
"...huh. Wait... you... you took one of those aliens... prisoner?" Sonja asked.
"...aliens? Oh... no, no, no... remember Lash?"
"How can I even forget her?" The Yellow Cometan girl muttered. "I have a bone to pick with her..."
"Well... I caught one of Lash's human Intel officers. Young girl."
"...aah. Okay, that makes more sense than... alien-whatchamacallit as a prisoner." Sonja nodded. "So... you had a POW... that by some strange miracle is still alive... sitting in a White Sun holding cell...for what... a year? And she just gave you the Intel you wanted?"
"...in a nutshell yes."
"...pfft. Wow. Seriously. I'm impressed." Sonja laughed. "No really, I'm actually stunned."
"Well, I told the men not to kill her. And... well, she pretty much sat in the cell for a year. I guess."
"...the best part is she willingly told you."
"Well, your army ditches you in enemy territory for a year, it obviously makes you question your loyalty... I'd think anyway." Mel shrugged. "And probably because White Sun prisoner living arrangements aren't a bad deal."
"...wait... this is coming from you... someone who does military assassinations... most of the time... and you're saying that you have nice living quarters for your prisoners... and that's assuming you actually took prisoners." Sonja's brow creased. "...either you had something to do with this... or the White Sun army is full of crazed murderous psychopathic hypocrites."
"Mostly me." Mel said.
"...okay, then that makes more sense." She sighed in relief. "And here I thought the world was coming to an end. Again. Anyway... thank you for that most... lovely piece of Intel. Should I start sharing it with everyone else then?"
"Sami's got the files I want sent to Nell... so if you don't mind spreading the word to Blue Moon and Green Earth..."
"Got it." Sonja got up from the crate. "Leave that to me."
"Thanks Sonja."
"...and now that we're armed with this piece of knowledge, I'd say it's high time to get ready to make Black Hole pay." She smirked.
"Let's worry about the battle here first... then the war." He reminded her.
"Ah... right, right." Sonja nodded. "Either way... I'd have to say a certain alien commander is probably not too pleased to have us knocking on his door at some point."
"...heh. I have a bone to pick with said alien commander..." Mel laughed. "And I will then proceed in breaking his bones. Assuming he has bones."
Place: Black Hole Mainland Headquarters
Sturm stood in front of a large screen, showing the battle unfolding before his eyes between Hawke's forces at the Green Earth Factory and the allied forces of Green Earth, Orange Star and Yellow Comet. Whatever passed for his pupils narrowed as he turned away from the screen and addressed the three in front of him.
"You three." His voice boomed. "Let's start with you Lash."
"Eep. Y-yes Lord Sturm?" Lash squeaked. "H-how can I serve...?"
"It doesn't seem like Hawke will be able to repel the allied forces for long... how are preparations for the defenses here in Black Hole?"
"Um... we've got cannons and lasers and stuff... ooh and we've got another one of those big missiles like that one we tried to use in Blue Moon... oh and the death ray's almost ready!"
"...that is satisfactory. Continue working on it then."
"(gulp)... yes Lord Sturm." Lash hurried away and out of sight.
"Now then... Flak and Adder..."
"Y-yes Lord Sturm?" Adder started.
"Lord Sturm...?" Flak answered dumbly.
"Both of you have failed me miserably... however I'm willing to overlook this if you start shoring up our defenses... there is no doubt that among the four... no five allied countries that they have probably located our base of operations here and are preparing to strike back at us on our own soil. Further failure is unacceptable... am I understood, you worms?"
"...y-yes Lord Sturm. Understood." The thin pale man nodded. "We... we shall get the troops ready in case the inevitable happens... come along Flak... we have work to do!" Adder headed out the door.
"Uh... uh yeah! Right behind you Adder!" Flak stomped after the thin man. "Wait up!"
"...fools. I doubt they'd even get this much right... but even if they all fail... all I have to do is destroy them all here. Even if I have to use that. Of course... I have to make sure that the White Sun and their ilk don't interfere in the final battle as well... perhaps I'll use those two as fodder... it'll be a just reward and punishment for their incompetence." The alien leader muttered to himself. Sturm swept up his cape and strode off to his quarters.
Time: A week's time - Afternoon
Place: Green Earth Field HQ
Jess looked over the latest Intel reports with Drake.
"...heh." She laughed to herself.
"Hmm? What's so interestin' Jess?" The captain asked.
"Not much... but I have to say, Commander Mel's proven to be a reliable ally time and time again."
"Aye... though you've only known him for a month or so, nay?"
"He's a lot more trustworthy than Eagle over there if you ask me." Jess sneered. "He's got us the Intel of the location of Black Hole's main headquarters after all."
"True enough." Drake nodded. "Though I've got my worries." The captain muttered. "It'll take a lot more than just Intel to win then day once we've hit the final front..."
"That's fair." She said as she got up. "Well, things are looking up so far. We've got some air units up and running, taken back some territory here and there... as long as we can hold our positions long enough, we can start pushing back good and proper."
"Aye, that's true." Drake agreed. "T'will be a fine day once we've mopped these goons off our land."
"Eagle's still at the helm eh? I'll give him credit for being as stubborn as his old man." Jess said.
"Eh? Aye. Too bad good men like ol' Erich died young... well maybe too soon anyway."
"Huh. Right, forgot his old man passed away. Only met him once." The lady CO said. "Was still a cadet back then... how many years has it been Drake?"
"...hmm? I knew Eagle when he was a young lad... some eighteen years ago." Drake said, reminiscing. "Erich was oh... in his thirties or so. I mean it was only a few years back when he died you know."
"Hmm. Wait a second, just how old are you Drake?"
"Har-har-har." The captain 'laughed'. "For your information lass, I haven't hit my forties yet. Not even close. Heck I mean the Emperor of Yellow Comet over there is older than me. Same goes for Olaf over in Blue Moon."
"...sorry Drake." Jess said. "Forgot you're like another father to flyboy over there."
"Hey, I try." Drake shrugged. "I'm like the second father that he doesn't always listen to. Or doesn't have to listen to. Hahaha!"
"Truer words have not been said." She nodded. "Back to the battle... what is it... day nine or so?"
"It's only the middle of May... hopefully we'll be done all this... fighting before summer ends. That'd be nice..."
"I agree with you Drake." Jess said. "That would be nice."
Place: Orange Star Field HQ
Nell sat at the table with Andy. She was signing reports as Andy was repairing machinery parts as usual.
"...and that fixes that." Andy said as he finishes tightening the screws on whatever it was in front of him. "Next..."
"Andy." Nell started.
"Huh? What's up Nell?"
"Just a thought... but did you see or notice any 'clones' running around this time around?"
"...nope. Not that I could tell. Maybe those... alien soldier-looking dudes are clones? I mean... there are an awful lot of them... especially popping out of the factory like that every so often... heck... they don't even bleed red."
"...well I meant clones of you. Or anyone of us in particular."
"...maybe since they have their own COs for once, Black Hole didn't have to rely on using fake people to fight it's battles." Andy shrugged as he started fiddling with the newest piece of machinery in front of him.
"...good enough." Nell sighed in relief. "Though... we've yet to see their leader... what's his name... Sturm or something?"
"Yep."
"He's probably still out there."
"Mm-hmm." Andy nodded. "You know..."
"What is it Andy?" Nell asked.
"...I'm kinda glad we're not fighting clones. Or at least clones of me. Because... well, do you know how freaky it is to watch someone shoot... you... that isn't you... and... you know what I mean?"
"...what?" The blonde commander looked confused.
"Uh... well... I'm not sure if we reported this or not during the Cosmo Land war... but... well... do you know what happened to that one clone of me we fought?"
"...not in the slightest. I'll assume it was dealt with in some fashion." Nell said. "Do you know? I'm assuming you know something."
"...Mel... shot it. Him... it... shot him in the head."
"...oh for the love of..." She groaned. "Okay I see what you mean. It would be freaky to watch someone shoot... you... when it isn't you... but... right." Sighing Nell shook her head. "Okay, I get it. That would be horrifying."
"Yeah. Thinking of it still gives me the chills." Andy shuddered. "I mean it makes sense to get rid of the clone... but at the same time... having to watch it... that's another story."
"Sorry I brought that up." Nell apologized. "Well... happy thoughts, happy thoughts. Once we've dealt with everything here in Green Earth, we're going to march over to Black Hole and show them what-for."
"Well, we found out where they're hiding this time... or at least we know now anyway."
"Thanks to Sami letting us know from the Yellow Comet Field HQ. Good to know she's doing work for a change. Or at least starting to do some work again." Nell sighed.
"Is it all right for her to... just you know... hang out with Mel and Sonja like that?"
"It's not like there's anything else for her to do here... aside from dealing with incoming communications and Intel... which she's doing over there anyway." Nell shrugged.
"...so you're okay with that?"
"Yes." She nodded. "I think Mel's more capable of keeping her in line anyway."
"I think he's keeping her in a lot of other ways as well..." Andy muttered.
"I think we all know that." Nell giggled.
"Ugh." Andy groaned. "Don't remind me... it's still traumatizing to this day..."
"Oh grow up Andy." She teased.
"...when I feel like it." He retorted.
Place: Yellow Comet Field HQ
Sonja was typing on her laptop at the table in the commander's tent.
"Father." She said.
"Yes daughter?" Kanbei asked.
"Have we started to take that south eastern territory yet?" She didn't look up from her computer.
"Yes, we have men moving there right now daughter." He said.
"Good enough then father." She replied.
"Is... is something the matter, Sonja?" Kanbei asked warily.
"No father."
"Then..."
"I'm running proposed simulations of our final encounter with Black Hole on their lands... and trying to find an optimal strategy so that we will emerge victorious against them in the future." She replied.
"I... see." Kanbei nodded. "Well... if that's the case..."
"Oh and father?" She looked up from the screen.
"...yes daughter?"
"...do be careful." Sonja said. "Please."
"...of course." The Emperor nodded knowingly. "...now where is that... student of mine?" He muttered.
"Mel's outside somewhere." Sonja said. "Probably checking something... or doing nothing... something or other. I'm not too sure, but likely he's around here somewhere."
"Good enough for me." Kanbei sighed. "Student!" He shouted.
"...you called teacher?" Mel asked as he poked his head into the tent. "I was just outside chatting with Yamamoto-sensei." He said. "What do you require of me?"
"Nothing, nothing. I was making sure you were present. We must continue to flank our enemy, correct?"
"...huh? Oh, yes. Yes of course." Mel nodded, realizing what Kanbei was asking. "Of course... it would help if all those enemy cannons were out of the way... or not there to begin with... but we don't really have much choice or say in the matter."
"Is that so...? Well, what I say is those cannons should be reduced to scrap, don't you agree?"
"Ah... yes. That would... well... in all fairness teacher, we don't have the firepower to do that yet..." Mel said as he looked at the map. "If anything once you've got a working navy up and running, then we can start... turning things into scrap heaps."
"Hmm." The Emperor nodded again. "...true."
"Worry about it later teacher... you know that saying... 'let tomorrow fight its own battles' or something like that."
"Nii-chama... the saying is 'therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself'." Sonja piped up. "It's from a religious passage."
"...ah." Mel nodded. "Fair enough. So much for worrying then. Is that all then teacher?"
"Yes, yes. Off you go." Kanbei said dismissing him.
"He still works you hard, doesn't he boy?" Sensei asked as Mel stepped back out.
"...somewhat Yamamoto-sensei... or just enough."
"That means I trained him well! Haha!" The old man chuckled.
"That you did." Mel said. 'Perhaps a bit too well?' He thought. "Ah... I must take my leave... you'll have to excuse me Yamamoto-sensei." He bowed.
"Hmm? Oh, of course. See you around boy." Sensei nodded.
Mel made his way back towards his APC, where Sami was motioning for him to 'get over here, now'.
"What is it?" Mel asked as he approached.
"...not much." Sami sighed. "Well... actually that's not true. Some of your Intel officers handed this over to me and told me to give it to you."
"Now what is not important enough to hand over to me directly...? No offense to you Sami..." He said.
"None taken..." She handed the file over to him. "This. I leafed through it, but it looks like a bunch of satellite pictures of... something. Like a field or something."
"Hmm?" Mel opened up the folder to find some photos. "...well...huh." He raised an eyebrow. "Looks like... well I think it's something being... constructed? Or a lot of something at least. Well... if my men can't figure it out and they're giving it over to me... I don't see how I'll figure it out at the moment." He sighed. "Probably some Black Hole weapon of mass destruction that's 'in the works' or something."
"Seems reasonable enough." Sami shrugged. "...in any case... I'm bored. Again."
"...seriously?" Mel closed the file folder and tossed onto a pile in his APC. "File later." He muttered.
"Well...?" She sighed. "There's nothing left for me to do today... I've dealt with my work from my end."
"Hmm. Well I don't feel like doing anything else for the time being." He said stepping into the APC and flopping on top of his sleeping bag. "Nap time."
"...ah, wait up!" Sami said following after him.
Place: White Sun Forces: Western Front
Gabe stood on the deck of one of the carriers in the White Sun fleet. He was busily admiring one of the stealth fighter units that Mel had been using during the last few sorties.
"Hoo-boy. Have to say... this is one pretty nifty plane." He whistled. "I mean... it's been a week but I still think they're pretty cool."
"They still lack in the firepower department." Gary said from his spot atop of some supply crates. "These carriers here pack a bigger punch against air units in general... not to mention their range. It's amazing the damage we can do against enemy aircraft with these babies."
"Well, boats aren't my specialty... so I don't really care... I mean I used them last time... and they got dinged up... boy was Mel mad..."
"It's only because they cost so damn much..." Gary sighed. "I'd be mad too if I had to cover the repair costs out of my own wallet. Mad enough to find somebody else to blame and take it out on."
"...that's probably the problem, he hasn't taken it out on anyone still." Gabe pointed out. "It was after his last skirmish they all got dinged up..."
"...oh." The sniper realized. "Well... that's bad."
"Very bad. I feel sorry for the next Black Hole CO that runs into him... well not really, but you know what I mean." The ninja chuckled.
"...heh. Somebody's gonna get pounded into crud. You think it's that hissy snakey dude?" Gary asked.
"I'd bet it'll be that stupid gorilla-kong guy." Gabe said.
"Oh, not the bratty little afro-girl?"
"Isn't she a bit too... smart to try something like pissing Mel off... again?"
"True, last time she pissed him off it ended very poorly for her. I'm pretty sure that one actually learns from her mistakes unlike the other two." Gary pointed out.
"Bah. Awfully quiet though on our end here... don't you think?" Gabe grumbled. "Haven't seen any action this whole week.
"...well, did you get the latest reports?" The sniper asked.
"What, the one about finding where the big bad boss is hiding out?"
"Yeah, that one." Gary nodded. "I mean it looks like our enemy is pretty much going to make it their last stand after this here. They haven't sent any reinforcements this way to help Hawke in the least."
"Figures. Maybe we should recall the troops and start stomping on Black Hole then?" Gabe suggested.
"Too risky... we're sitting on a big 'what if the allied forces screw up here and we need to help' situation." Gary shook his head.
"...right. They are facing Hawke after all." Gabe realized. "That would be a big mess to clean up... and not one I'd particularly like to clean up myself..."
"Meaning our best bet is to stay put until any further notice... like you know... total annihilation."
"Don't say that... you'll jinx them."
"I hope they'll manage either way." Gary shrugged.
"Oh, did you hear about that new recruit we got?" Gabe asked.
"Hmm? Oh, you mean that poor lil' blonde girl we captured in White Sun? Yeah, I got the report about that from home base. Pretty interesting if you ask me."
"I feel bad for her. She's stuck working for Fiore of all people." Gabe laughed. "Kinda surprised the boss agreed to it... but it makes sense."
"I thought you like Fiore." Gary said.
"I don't have any problem with her, but that's probably because I'm a dude. You know how she is with girls."
"...ooh. Right. The whole 'feeling up' thing. I heard her accuracy is like over 99 percent." The sniper nodded. "That's what the girls told me anyway."
"It worked out though... for us and for that girl. We get Intel work done... and she gets to... work and not sit in a prison. Win-win!" Gabe laughed. "For everyone! Except Black Hole anyway."
"But it seems like the poor thing is a nervous wreck still."
"I think that's because of Fiore... being groped everyday might not be good for you. Oh and probably spending a year sitting in an enemy holding cell? Not the best way to spend your time. Probably has to be reintegrated into... well everything after all." He shrugged. "Well, whatever."
Time: Early Evening - 6:00 PM (White Sun Time)
Place: White Sun Main HQ - Officer's Dorm Community area
Marina sat at the kitchen table drinking green tea out of a hand crafted cup. She looked up as she heard the front door of the house open and the jingling of keys.
"...hmm? Welcome back." She said, greeting the person who came in.
"Um..." It was Angel. "I'm back - "
"Hi big sis Marina!" Fiore interrupted her as she dashed in. "And work's done for the day!" With that, Fiore bounded up the stairs and to her room.
"I can see that..." The blue haired lady yawned. "So... how's your first week back at... well, work been so far?" She asked the former Black Hole officer.
"...different." The blonde sighed as she slumped onto one of the chairs opposite of Marina's. "...I mean... I'm glad that I'm out of that cell... but... the fact no one's really... giving me any strange looks and have... accepted it so easily... is well... actually more nerve-wracking than if they just pointed their fingers and whispered about me behind me back..."
"...heh." Marina smiled. "I don't think you realize that the White Sun army is built upon the most rag-tag bunch of misfits from all corners of Wars World... it used to be a lot worse... though it's just as bad."
"...so you mean... it's pretty much a country of criminals...?"
"Kind of. Sort of..." She shrugged. "Of course, since the current Commander General took over... things have been different." Marina looked over at the 'new recruit'. She appeared a lot more presentable now that she had been released from her cell, was dressed up properly and even had her hair done up nicer than it was before. "...it looks like you fit in pretty well though Angel."
"...thanks. Really... I mean it. And... really, this beats sitting there in that cell reading the same books all day... but to join the... 'enemy' army... well... I didn't see that coming." She pulled off her white jacket and hung it on the back of the chair. "But the uniform is a lot nicer than the one I had in Black Hole... it doesn't show off as much skin..."
"Just what were you wearing then...?" Marina asked.
"I had to dress up like the CO I worked under... you know just in case she ever got captured or something... be a body double as well... I mean I'm the same height, weight and body type as her... except my hair's blonde... so I had to wear a wig too."
"...okay, wow that sucks."
"Tell me about it..." Angel frowned. "She wore a midriff baring tank top and shorts... and this big black lab coat. I don't know how she does it... and not catch cold while wearing it." She undid her white necktie. "This... at least this covers up everything. Even with the skirt."
"Ah... right. I forgot that female Intel Officers are required to wear skirts." Marina smiled. "But everything's fine so far?"
"...mm-hmm. And... thanks for letting me stay here with you two..."
"Oh don't worry about that... it's kind of so we can observe you as well... but... well, we can get you set up with your own place if you'd like..."
"...I don't really have anything to put in it though." Angel shook her head. "...Commander... no... Fiore even bought me new clothes... and everything..."
"By 'everything' I'm assuming she got you new underwear as well, didn't she?" There was an amused face on the tall lady's face.
"...yes." The blonde blushed. "She did..."
"No harm then." Marina finished her tea and poured herself a fresh cup. "So, how is it working under Fiore?"
"...she's just as excitable as the Black Hole CO I served under... although... less tantrum-y and a lot less... evil? I mean... she's still kind of twiste - yeeeeeeek!" Angel shrieked as Fiore snuck up behind her and grabbed her chest.
"Squish!" Fiore squealed. "Ange! Don't talk about people behind their backs! It's a bad habit! Squish-squish-squish!" She giggled and she continued to grope her new subordinate.
"B-b-b-b-but... eek! Stop... stop that! Wait! What are you eeeeek!" Angel tried to fight back as Fiore wrestled her off the chair and was somewhat forcefully undressing her. "Stop it! Please wait what are you - eeeek!"
"..." Marina peered over the table as she sipped her tea. "...kitty paw print underwear? Cute." She commented.
"Ma-marina! Help me please! Please!" The blonde squealed as Fiore continued to molest her. "Eep!"
"...Fiore..." The blue haired lady sighed. "If you're going to do that to the poor girl... at least do it upstairs in the bedrooms and not here in the kitchen."
"...aw." Fiore stopped poking Angel. "Fine."
"...thank... thank you..." The blonde gasped as she sat up on the floor, her face was red from embarrassment and exertion. "...I... I don't think I'll ever get used to this..."
"It probably beats whatever your old superior did." Marina shrugged. "Am I wrong?"
"...the scary part is you're not wrong by a long shot..." Angel sighed as she got back up onto her seat. "...are all White Sun officers... this crazy when they're off the clock...?" She asked.
"...hmm? Sometimes." The tall lady replied. "Depends on who's around. After all... you're new. And somewhat fun to tease I have to admit."
"That... I'm not sure if that makes me feel better or not..."
"I have no problem if you want to sit around the kitchen in your underwear... though my old roommate back in the day used to complain to me about that. That was years ago." She smiled.
"Sit around in... eep." Angel got up and dashed upstairs.
"...poor thing. Fiore, could you not strip her down and molest her every day after work?" Marina said to the younger girl who was busy looking through the pantry.
"But she's so fun to play with!" Fiore said from the pantry.
"I know it's probably fun for you, but you're going to break her at this rate..."
"Every other day then?" The redhead asked.
"If you don't mind."
"Okay!" Fiore agreed as she walked out of the pantry clutching a package of cookies and canned soup.
"...s-sorry about that..." Angel said as she came back downstairs to the kitchen, dressed in a tank top and sweatpants. "...I'd rather not sit around in my underwear..." She sat down at the table again and sprawled face down on top of it. "...it's hard getting used to work again..."
"Sitting in a cell for a year kind of does that to you." Marina said. "But as long as you're fitting in."
"...mm-hmm." She looked up at Marina. "...by the way, who is the person that approved my release anyway...?"
"Well... technically I was the one who signed the paperwork, but the person who gave the go ahead was the Commander General."
"...well, who's that?" Angel asked.
"Hm? Fiore! You didn't tell her who was in charge here?" Marina yelled at the redhead who was busily cooking and snacking.
"Huh? But... well... she didn't ask though!" Fiore shouted back.
"...I'll deal with you later." She sighed. "Well... Commander Mel's the one in charge. I think you've probably met him before... dressed in white, glasses, carries a sword..."
"...th-th-th-that... p-p-p-p-person..." Angel immediately paled and started to shiver. "H-h-he's... he's the one that's in... charge... and..."
"Oh right. I forgot he was the one who..." Marina cut herself off. "...right. That."
"Eep. But... well... why..."
"Well... the main reason you're still alive is because he doesn't believe in killing women and children... so... well... I mean even after everything else..."
"...mmm." She continued to shake.
"Oops." Marina sighed as she got up and walked over to the other side of the table. "There, there..." She started to pat the quivering blonde's head. "It's okay..." She said soothingly. "It's safe now..."
"...(hic)...(sniffle)." Angel was crying in Marina's shoulder. "I'm... I'm fine... really..." She sniffled.
"Are you sure?"
"...mm-hmm... but... well, that kind of freaked me out... okay, really freaked me out..."
"To be fair, you were on the enemy side at the time..."
"...I know... but it's still scary thinking about it..." She rubbed at her eyes. "...but... I... wait. It's because of him I still am alive isn't it?"
"Yep. If it was someone else, you'd be pretty... well dead." Marina said bluntly. "Hate to say it, but it's true."
"...still scary." She mumbled as she clung to Marina.
"...my, my..." The blue-haired lady sighed as she took a seat and hugged the blonde. "I guess this'll take some work... or some getting used to."
"Is she okay big sis?" Fiore asked from the cooking area.
"...eventually." Marina said. "Eventually. It'll take... time."
"If you say so! Anyway, food's ready." She said as she carried the pot of soup and some bowls to the table. "Soup!"
"Just put it there for now Fiore. I think this will definitely take more work... didn't you take her for an assessment like I told you to?" She asked the redhead.
"...oops."
"...take her tomorrow Fiore." Marina glowered at her roommate. "And don't forget."
"M'kay."
"Good. Okay, c'mon sit up. At least eat something, then you can go to bed, okay?" She sat the blonde down on her seat.
"Okay..." Angel nodded.
"...you're fine. Okay? Nobody cares about your past here. So don't worry about it. He probably meant well... all things considered you were treated pretty well too... so don't cry. Okay? You're alive and that's all that matters." Marina patted her on the head. "Good girl."
"...mmm. Okay..." Angel sniffled again and wiped her eyes. '...these two are a lot nicer than Lash... I guess it is a good thing... even if they're weird...'
"Now then, let's have dinner, all right?" The tall woman got up and walked back to her seat. '...dealing with these two makes me miss my own sisters...' She shook her head. "Fiore! Stop eating all the cookies! Save those for later!"
"Aw... but..." Fiore whined.
"Later!" She scolded.
"Fooey. Fine."
Place: Yellow Comet Field HQ
Mel was still sitting around inside his APC with Sami. She was sorting through her things until he started sneezing.
"A-a-achoo!" Mel sneezed. "God dammit. Someone's talking about me behind my back again, I swear..." He grumbled.
"How is that anything new?" Sami asked as she handed him a tissue. "Here, tissue."
"Thanks..." He sighed. "...it must be because of something I approved recently..."
"What'd you do this time?" She asked.
"Not much... just some recruiting stuff." He shoved the tissue into his coat pocket. "Had some loose ends to tie up."
"Hmm? More things back at home base or something?"
"Pretty much. Two birds with one stone really... now if only one stone would be enough for the two birds on this battle field right now..." He laughed.
"...that's terrible." Sami sighed. "Just because their names are Eagle and Hawke... not to mention that you still want to beat Eagle to a pulp..."
"Old habits die hard." Mel said. "I don't think I'll ever get along with that crop duster. Not in a million years."
"I bet..." Sami shook her head. "Say..."
"Hmm?"
"Just what is White Sun like anyway?"
"...different. I don't know if you'd ever want to visit there... but who knows? It's kind of a mix of Orange Star and Yellow Comet culture... with bits of everything else in between."
"Sounds... neat."
"Now then..." Mel sat back down. "Ugh... can't we just... this is starting to become a pain." He sighed.
"Well if you think it's taking too long, why don't you just go kick down the door to the factory and just start blowing things up?" She suggested.
"...too much effort on my part." He shook his head. "And really, there's only one person that I'd particularly like to turn into alien goo right now..."
"...Sturm?"
"...yep." He tilted his head side to side and cracked his neck. "Chief trouble maker and all that. Alien motherfucking sonnuvabitch..." Mel grumbled. "Once I get my hands on him... oh the horrors I'll put him through..."
"...you're getting scary..." Sami said.
"...eh? Oh... sorry."
"Although... I guess it's probably validated that you want to cause him all sorts of terrible pain and stuff... he deserves it for all the pain and suffering he's put people through here in Wars World..." She sat down on his lap. "I'd help you do it too... but I don't think I could... hee." Sami leaned back against him.
"It's the thought that counts sweetie."
"Exactly." She looked at her watch. "...it's not even five yet... man... and I'm not hungry either... should we just nap for another hour or so, then grab something to eat?" She asked.
"...not like there's anything else to do right now... sure why not." Mel sighed as he leaned back and laid down. "Phew... from the looks of things, we're probably here for another two weeks I bet..."
"...whatever." Sami said as she curled up again him.
Time: Two weeks later
Mel wasn't too far off with his guess. The battle was nearing its last legs as the allied forces continued to press their assaults on the Black Hole troops and artillery batteries. The Black Cannons and mini-cannons that were once in the way had been reduced to smoldering rubble. The remnant of Black Hole forces were being pushed back and they were getting cornered against their own factory. A few more pushes from Green Earth's air force and the Orange Star ground forces would be enough to cause the battle to come to its decisive end. The Yellow Comet forces continued to strike from the sea.
Place: Black Hole Factory
Hawke stood, his face was grim and expressionless.
"...things are drawing to an end here I see. I daresay it's checkmate for us here..." He finished downing his mug of coffee. "Just a few more pushes and they'll have overrun us and driven Black Hole from Green Earth as well... meaning their final push will be aimed at the homeland. I would think that's how they'd all think... after all... no sense in letting Lord Sturm continue this... farce." Hawke dropped the mug, letting it shatter in pieces. "...there are still those two I wish to face off against once more..." He continued to watch the battle unfold for the time being.
Place: Yellow Comet Field HQ
Mel stood in the command tent with Sonja.
"Well, looks like we're almost done here." He said.
"Indeed it does nii-chama." She nodded.
"I think I'll have my men withdraw from here... time to start getting ready for the final battle and all." Mel said.
"Probably a wise move... and especially with your forces first... we'll handle things here for the time being."
"Works for me." He said. 'Now then... knowing Hawke... I don't think he's going to plan to stick around here any longer... especially when things are getting this ugly. He's no fool.' Mel started to head outside. "Sonja..."
"What is it nii-chama?" She asked.
"...I'm going to head out for a few days. Take care of Sami for me, will you?"
"...I see. Understood nii-chama."
Mel walked over to his APC where Sami was seated on the roof.
"Hmm? What's going on Mel?" She asked.
There's some business I need to take care of... can't have you come with me though."
"Huh? Oh... okay." She nodded.
"Stay with Sonja here. I shouldn't be too long, all right?"
"... all right." Sami hopped off the roof of APC. "Are you doing something dangerous?"
"...perhaps."
"...be careful then." She hugged him. "You're definitely coming back. I know it."
"Heh. Exactly." He smiled. "Look... actually... later." Mel shook his head. "My men are withdrawing from here. We need to pave the way for the final assault for you guys... and all that fun stuff."
"Fair enough." Sami sighed.
"I won't be long. Really." Mel said. "All right! We need to start moving again boys! You guys contact our troops in the Western front! It's time to move out!"
"Yes Commander!" His men shouted in reply, as they prepared to leave the Yellow Comet Field HQ
Time: Two days time...
Place: Black Hole Factory
Repeated volleys of explosives, rockets, bombs and weaponry continued to rock the Black Hole factory. The flickering of the lights and sound of machinery grinding to a halt were the tell tale sounds that the pipe seam outside of the factory was slowly starting to give way.
"...so this is it?" Hawke muttered to a nearby soldier.
"...it seems like it Commander." The alien replied. An explosion shaking the building was indication enough that the battle had been lost.
"Is this the end?" Hawke said to no one in particular.
"Commander...? What are your orders, sir?" The alien asked. "It looks like we've... well we've lost."
"Do as you please." Hawke said as he headed for the exit.
"Um... and you, Commander? You're not planning on going down with the... er... factory?"
"...fool. This place may be important... but I have no desire to die with it. It's no longer of any importance to us now. Now go! IF you want to save your own skin, you must do it yourself!" Hawke berated the alien.
"Yes sir... farewell sir." The alien saluted as explosions continued to rock the building. "It was an honor to serve with you."
"...tch." The grey haired CO made his way through the escape route as klaxons and alarms blared, the place was in complete chaos and the sound of gunfire rang through the complex. 'Hah... this is one situation I never expected to be in... I survived though. And where there's life there's opportunity.' He thought to himself, as his strides started to slowly change to a run, then a sprint as he continued to dash outside, for survival.
Time: A matter of moments later...
Place: Green Earth Field HQ
A Green Earth soldier ran into the Commander's tent and saluted.
"The... the factory has been captured sirs!" He gasped.
"...and the enemy CO?" Eagle asked, his eyes narrowing. "Did you find him? I'd like to have a few words with him..."
"...the... well, Hawke or whatever his name is... he's missing in action sir. He disappeared around the same time when we had secured the factory... sir."
"Hmph." The pilot snorted. "Dammit."
"Really now..." Jess sighed. "Nice work anyway soldier." She nodded.
"Thank you ma'am!"
"Well, what's done is done. It's over at last." Jess said.
"Mm." Eagle nodded. "Peace will now return to Green Earth..."
"Phew... that's nice." Drake said simply.
"Huh? Now that was unexpected." Jess smirked.
"Hmm? What was?" The captain asked.
"All you said was 'that's nice'. I thought you'd be more... excited... you know liberating the country and all that." The smirk changed into a bemused grin.
"Heh... aye... I'm thrilled really. Well, I just want to take a nap is all. I'm bushed..." Drake yawned. "You wouldn't believe how hard it's been to sleep, worrying about all this."
Hmm-hmm-hmm..." Jess tried to stifle her laughter. "Pfft... hahaha!"
"Hahaha!" Eagle started to laugh as well. "That's great Drake... really! Ha!"
After recomposing themselves, the Green Earth COs met up with the Orange Star and Yellow Comet officers. Nell beamed as she approached them.
"Congratulations on your victory. As your allies, we're also happy for you!" She said.
"We couldn't have down it without your assistance. On behalf of the people of Green Earth, I thank you."
"Now hearing that, definitely makes this whole journey worth it's while!" Kanbei nodded.
"Yes, yes it does Commander Kanbei." Nell said. "But... well, I assume you've received the Intel reports as well... and I think you're aware of the situation, yes?"
"...right. The war is not over yet." Eagle's eyes narrowed. "Hardly."
"Well, we know that what's... left of this pipe... where it leads to. Until we've defeated Black Hole's army on their own turf, this war will never truly be finished." Nell said.
"It sounds like things are just going to continue getting tougher." Jess sighed. "Right flyboy?"
"Hmph. It's not like the combat we've seen up to now has been child's play Red. No matter who the foe may be... we won't lose. We'll keep fighting until we're done."
"Now that's a good attitude to take." Nell said. "We've already informed Olaf's troops of the location of Black Hole's operations."
"But it looks like we should regroup first and then move out as a collective unit... correct?" Sonja said.
"...that's a good point." Nell said looking around. "All of our forces have suffered heavy losses as well during this last battle. It'd be a good time to regroup and resupply first before heading out to the final front."
"Agreed. It should only take a few days to arrive at Black Hole's front door so to speak... so perhaps we should make preparations here on Green Earth before setting out then?" Eagle suggested.
"If you'd be willing to oblige us, then yes, that sounds reasonable." Nell nodded. "What do you think Commander Kanbei?"
"...hmm. I have no objections to this... it would be most prudent to lie in wait before we strike first."
"Well, if we're all in agreement then, let's head back to the capital and start talking shop there." Jess said.
Sami stood away from the conversation being had among the heads of the military.
"Phew... looks like we're finished here." She breathed a sigh of relief. "...I think. But... Mel hasn't come back yet..."
"Hmm? What's bothering you girl?" Sensei asked her.
"Huh? Eh... oh! Yamamoto-sensei, you surprised me." Sami said realizing the old man was nearby, hearing her chatter to herself.
"Ah... my student's student... I don't see him. Nor do I see his forces... where did he go?"
"He said he had some business to take care... and he'd be back sooner or later."
"...I see..." The old man nodded. "Well, obviously if he said he would be back, he'll probably hold true to his word. Assuming my student taught him right!"
"Hee... here's hoping." Sami giggled.
Place: Northern Outskirts of the Black Hole Factory - a fair distance away and out of sight...
Hawke stopped to rest as he noted that he was not being pursued by Green Earth or allied forces.
"...heh. Those fools." He muttered to himself. "I think I should make my way back to base... eventually. After all... there are still things to be done..."
"...now what things would still have to be done...?" A voice asked.
"Wha... who's there?" The grey haired CO demanded, his fists glowed with dark energy.
"Hmm? Now this was somewhat expected. But also partially a surprise." Mel stepped out into the field, by himself. "I would've expected you to run back to Black Hole already... but here you are... by yourself... and on foot no less." Mel's left hand rested on the hilt of his sword.
"You." Hawke glowered at Mel. "...White Sun's meddling has cost me enough as it is."
"Well, really I should hope it did." The White Sun commander said as he continued to circle around Hawke. "All things considered... your people were doing the invading after all... I just decided to throw some... wrenches into the works... so to speak."
"State your business." Hawke said simply.
"...? My business? Well... to put it simply... I'd like to have you dead... but... well in reality, you haven't actually wronged me in anyway... much." Mel shrugged. "In fact... all things aside, I personally have no problem with you. The only person I really have a problem with is this... Sturm character that you just happen to work under."
"..." Hawke remained silent.
"What I would really like is to cut that alien dirt bag into a million itty-bitty pieces... and not have any left to put back together as something recognizable..." His hand remained on his sword. "Now wouldn't that be nice? It'd solve most of the problems here in Macro Land in one fell swoop. Don't you agree?"
"...what are you getting at, White Sun Commander?"
"...well... again, like I said... I have no problem with you whatsoever. Maybe two of your subordinates... the snake and the ape... and well... again, that leader of yours. Of course... we get rid of Sturm... then what happens? Tell me this."
"...this conversation is over." Hawke muttered. "Now do you intend to let me leave alive, or will you keep chattering away aimlessly?"
"Hmm? Leave?" Mel stopped pacing for a moment. "I just wanted to talk. That's all."
"Then..."
"Take it easy Hawke... really." A bemused look was on Mel's face. "I hear you like coffee. Black."
"...huh." Hawke lowered his hands slightly. "...what are you getting at Mel."
"Hmm. Here, catch." Mel threw a can at Hawke.
"Mm?" Hawke caught the round cylinder thrown at him. "...canned black iced coffee." He smirked.
"See? No ill will whatsoever." Mel squatted down, he was at least five meters or so away from Hawke. "You've obviously been running for a loooong time... I'd wager if you were a normal human, you'd be exhausted... but you're a CO... and you have En abilities, so I doubt that. Either way, we're still only human... right?"
"Heh." Hawke snorted as he opened the can and drank it. "...hmm." He was pleasantly surprised as he downed it. "You have my thanks..."
"Well... you're welcome. Glad you like it. It's my usual brand... but I don't like it black. Ha!" Mel laughed.
"So are you going to bore me to death with your idle chatter... or is there a reason for this... meeting?"
"..." The bespectacled commander stopped laughing. "You're as cunning as I thought you were."
"And you're as strange as I believed you were to be..." Hawke muttered.
"...well if you've already caught on... I don't think there's need for words anymore." Mel smiled, his expression darkening. "So much to say... yet so little time." He stood back up. "Don't you think?"
"...indeed."
"Now then... I've always wanted to face off against you once more... face to face. Prepare yourself Hawke!" Sword drawn, Mel lunged towards Hawke. "En guarde!"
"Hmph... you should've done this at the start." Hawke said, running towards Mel. "Let's go whelp."
End of Chapter.
