Chapter 2. One More Cup of Coffee

In the hangar Orga watched the Gundam Gremory being parked at the free slot. Huge, at least four meters higher than the Barbatos, it looked gloomy even under the sharp lights. Heavy hood kept the head hidden, aside from two red spike-shaped antennae and ominous yellow eyes. Massive armor, painted in dark blue, covered shoulders, arms and upper torso. Red claws. High heeled hoofs. And that weapon...

"What the hell?.." Eugene breathed out. "Is this some kind of fucking Grim Reaper?"

Orga could see the resemblance too. The Gundam, holding the scythe, hiding under the dark hood, looked like the Death God.

"Sums it up pretty much." He murmured in response, and added in a louder voice: "For now she is our guest. Gramps, will you fuel this big one up?"

"As you say, Boss."

The Gundam pilot emerged out of the cockpit, took her helmet off and dived towards Orga, who helped her to her feet.
He frowned at the girl, shoving hands in his pants pockets.

Small. Slim. Black battered pilot suit. Two holsters, under each armpit. Military knife, firmly attached to the thigh. Black filthy hair pulled in a tight bun. Pale skin. Bloodstains under the nose, across the pale lips, over the chin. Pitch black eyes, tired, sleepy.

A girl, huh? Doesn't look or smell like one. Blood, and metal, and lack of shower. Don't forget the Alaya-Vijnana plug on her back. Never seen that on a girl before.

"A cup of coffee?" He raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, please." Her voice sounded raspy.

"Eugene, man the ship. Dante, Chad, make him company. Mika, Akihiro, Shino - you go with me. Someone, find Biscuit and send him to the mess hall. Atra, I'm counting on you to fix some coffee for our guest."

"Orga, it's not fair!" Eugene pouted. "Why do you have to count me out when there's a girl involved?!"

"Because you're my deputy." Orga grunted. "Deal with it."

He led the small group to the mess hall, boots clanking steadily on the metallic surface of the hallways.

So... No way to Mars, no way to Earth either. Jupiter, then. Teiwaz. The Turbines. Teiwaz' transportation company should know the safe routes to Earth. This girl, then... Aoi, she said?.. Seems useless for the negotiations with Teiwaz. What, then? Information?

In the mess hall Atra put the coffee pot and several cups on the table.

"Thank you," Aoi said, glancing at her. "That is much needed after a week spent in a tin can."

"Um... enjoy yourself." Atra blinked. "Should I return to my duties, Boss? I've got lunch boxes to deliver."

"Sure." Orga said absentmindedly. He felt uncomfortable interrogating the obviously exhausted girl but still preferred to take advantage of her state.

Aoi filled one cup with dark liquid, briefing in the strong aroma contentedly.

Orga sat across her at the table and watched the girl sipping hot black coffee, unconcealed pleasure softening her pale face, even bringing some color to it.

What should I do with you, huh?..

Mika stood next to Orga snacking leisurely, right hand shoved deep in the jacket pocket. Akihiro took the place behind the girl, looking like a giant in comparison to her small form. Biscuit sat in between, ready to mediate as usual. Shino leaned against the counter, small smile playing on his lips.

Orga nodded to Biscuit who tapped several numbers on the tablet and gave it to Aoi.

"Here's... um, for the fuel."

She took the tablet, squinting at the numbers.
"Okay. What about the ride?"

Orga ran a hand through his hair.
"Yeah, about that. I can't afford freeloaders aboard."

"Freeloaders?!" Aoi exclaimed. "I helped you fight. I shook Gjallarhorn off your back. Didn't you notice? As a mercenary, I'm pretty capable."

Orga didn't bat an eye.
"I appreciate your help, even though I've never asked for it. As for your skills... Mercenaries are only loyal to money and usually know no honor. I believe I can't afford that either."

She took a gulp of her coffee, stroked the cup thoughtfully. "That's rich, you know, coming from PMC."

"I know. Tekkadan is... quite fresh on the market. For us, the unstained reputation is more important than money."

Aoi nodded, scratched her chin. Orga watched as she unsuccessfully tried to get rid of the curdled bloodstains under her nose.

"I get it." The girl yawned. "Guess it's a bummer, then. I'll pay for the fuel. But coffee is on you. It doesn't taste bad for a surrogate... but I wish it had more than zero caffeine in it."

She swiftly tapped on the tablet and pushed it towards Biscuit.

"Hey, Orga." Shino prompted from against the counter. "Couldn't she help in the kitchen or something? Don't you have any sympathy in you? It's just a damn ride!"

Orga gritted his teeth and glared at Shino, trying to silence him.

"The kitchen?" Aoi snorted. "Oh, I'd better not. If you wish to keep your everything unstained, that is." She stood up and stretched. "Well, since it's all been settled, I'd better get going. A long journey ahead, you know."

"I've never said you can go." Orga noted calmly. Mikazuki stopped chewing, the muscles of his right arm slightly tensed.

Aoi observed him briefly and squinted down at Orga.
"Well, who would have thought, huh?" She smirked arrogantly. "There is something you need, pretty boy?"

Orga rose up to his feet, towering over the much smaller girl. Stepped closer to her, leaned in, invading her personal space. Furrowed his brows.

"There is." He confirmed, in an almost intimate voice. Coffee colored eyes sank into him. "I need information, on Teiwaz and on the Turbines. The more I get the longer you ride. Deal?"

Orga saw her glancing back and forth, between him and Mikazuki and the exit.

"Or what?" She glared at him. "Your pilot will shoot me on sight?"

Orga sighed and stepped back, folding his arms.
"I wouldn't want any unnecessary violence, not with the kids and ladies aboard. And then, you're all armed as well."

Aoi pursed her lips and sat back. Placed right elbow on the table and cupped her face. Observed Orga from under thick black eyelashes. Bit on her bottom lip.

"I'm not interested in your anything personal." He leaned closer, hovering above her, softening his voice. "I only want the info that can help me to protect my comrades from Gjallarhorn."

Fingers of her left hand tapped on the plastic cup.
"I'm in no possession of the intel that can convince Teiwaz to protect you from Gjallarhorn."

Orga rolled his eyes. "No doubt. That's not your concern, though. Just answer my questions."

"Fine, then. What do you want to know?"

Orga placed himself back at the table.
"You said your employer was Naze Turbine. Tell me about him and his company."

"Technically, he still is my employer. I've been working for him for about two years already, mostly goods escorting."

She took a sip of coffee. Her tongue darted out and licked her lips.

"Gjallarhorn has to watch over the Outer Sphere." Her voice became hoarse. "But instead of eliminating pirates, who rob and murder and sell people into slavery, Gjallarhorn makes all kinds of deals with them. Pirates pay the specified fee to Gjallarhorn and get access to the official trade routes to raid the merchant ships."

Orga observed Akihiro shifting uncomfortably behind the girl's back.

"I think, about ten years ago Naze Turbine came up with the idea of militant transportation company." She continued. "He started shipping goods using the secret routes. Hired the top-level mercenary, Amida Arca, for the safe escort. Joined Teiwaz, to get his back covered from Gjallarhorn."

"Why Gjallarhorn doesn't mess with Teiwaz?" Orga interrupted.

"Teiwaz is called Space Mafia for a reason. Their business relationships with Gjallarhorn are in the perfect balance for years and years already. I'm not aware of the details... and I'm not sure I want to. Such agreements are usually based on obtaining compromising information."

Charcoal eyes stared at Orga tiredly, and she continued. "So, long story short, Naze succeeded in transport business. Now the Turbines work both in shipping goods and escorting them, in the vast territory from Dort colonies to the whole Outer Sphere, and pirates are well aware of their reputation. Conflicts are rare."

She took a gulp of cold coffee and winced at the sickening taste.

"What kind of person he is, your employer?" Orga inquired, raising an eyebrow.

"Well... It's hard to answer that question without giving you tactical advantage." Aoi smirked. "I wouldn't want Naze in trouble because of my naughty tongue. Who knows why you were under Gjallarhorn's attack in the first place."

"That speaks volumes, considering the situation I found you in." Orga tilted his head, letting the stray bang fall upon his eye. "You do realize that your employer probably stood you up for a better opportunity? Space rats are expandable. Even the capable ones."

Her eyes sparkled furiously at that. She huffed, clearly irritated. "Think whatever you want."

I might not understand her concept of honor and loyalty, but she's definitely got one.

Orga dropped the issue and continued.
"Do you know how exactly the Turbines joined Teiwaz?"

"No, not really. There's a rumor that the head of Teiwaz, McMurdo Barriston, has a soft spot for fearless youngsters who are willing to gamble with their lives. Maybe, Naze was such youngster ten years ago. Maybe, he had a really good business plan. Could be both, actually."

She dipped her forefinger in the cup.

Entranced, Orga watched as she licked her digit thoroughly. He coughed, clearing his suddenly dry throat.
"It's... um, better when heated. More?"

He nodded at the coffee pot. Aoi locked her inky stare with his, pale lips trembled slightly.
"Yes, please."

"Tell me about Teiwaz." Orga requested, pouring more coffee for her. He could see the tiredness breaking the girl, and decided to suspend the talk after getting the answer.

"I know nothing specific. If you read about them on the common information network than you're probably more educated on the case than me."

Aoi shrugged, closed her eyes, slowly swallowed the warm bitter liquid with obvious pleasure.

"Teiwaz is a large conglomerate of various businesses." She continued, eyelids heavy with fatigue. "Lots of people, different goals. Conflicts of interests are inevitable. Some want their job legal, some don't. I might be wrong, but it seems to me that Mr Barriston wants to legitimate all Teiwaz' businesses."

She bit on her lower lip and tortured it between her teeth.

Orga's insides stirred uncomfortably as he watched her swollen mouth spotted with scarlet tracks. His hand laid on top of hers almost against his will, in an unconscious attempt to comfort the exhausted girl.
"Enough." He said. "You need rest."

"McMurdo Barriston is known as an admirer of ancient Japanese traditions; however, the name Teiwaz obviously isn't of Japanese origin." Aoi raised her pitch black eyes at him, cold hand didn't flutter a bit under his large and warm one.

"Victory runes you must know
if you will have victory,
and carve them on the sword's hilt,
some on the grasp
and some on the inlay,
and name Tyr twice."

Orga blinked, glanced at Biscuit perplexedly, trying to figure out the enigmatic words. But even his most educated friend looked confused.
Aoi swung the cup in her hand pensively.

"No wonder you don't know. It's not a common knowledge; and I've just always been a bookworm who can recite Poetic Edda out of the blue." She smiled somewhat sadly. "The name Teiwaz is directly associated with Tyr, the archaic God of War. Teiwaz' insignia, the topped up arrow, is the very same victory rune from the poem. The ancestor of the T letter."

She sipped the remnants of coffee, the heavy eyelids lifted to pierce Orga with inexplicably knowing stare.

"Tekkadan... Such a poetic name... Orga Itsuka." Aoi mused.

Involuntary, Orga pressed on her hand harder, but she did neither flinch nor push him away.

While the fictional content doesn't concern me at all, that knowledge indeed might be useful. There's so much I don't know about yet... I have to read more, even if it's freaking mythology.

The awkward silence lingered in the mess hall, disturbed only with the occasional dull clanks from the hangar.

"Hey Boss, can I also ask something?" Shino piped in, and instantly continued without Orga's approval. "Aoi, where did you get your Alaya-Vijnana system installed? I've never seen it on a girl before. Not that I mind, by the way, it should look really hot!"
He winked, showing a thumb up.

Inwardly, Orga groaned.

I was an idiot thinking that Shino's so-called experience with girls could be helpful... Such a tactless question, and after my words about not being interested in her personal matters...

Orga tensed, watching the sly smirk twisting her lips.

"Oh yeah, Honey Bee, it is hot." Her jet black stare darted to meet Shino's warm gaze. "Dare to give it a look?"

Norba stepped closer, nodding eagerly.
"You bet!"

Orga parted his lips to prevent the inevitable from happening, to stop Shino from provoking the armed mercenary furthermore, to take control back in his hands again, but he wasn't fast enough.

With a calm, tranquil expression settled on her face, Aoi threw Orga's hand back from the top of hers faster than he could blink.
As if in slow motion, Tekkadan Boss watched both of her guns touching the table, sliding across it in swift rotation to hit his knuckles with their cold steel. Simultaneously, he heard the click of Mikazuki's safety stunning the room into stillness.

Staring her straight in the eye, Orga placed his left hand on Mika's wrist and slowly tugged the pistol downwards.

Obsidian in her eyes never left pyrite in his.

Abruptly, Aoi stood up and pulled the zipper of her pilot suit down the waist mercilessly, baring her torso.
White, round, pliant breasts topped with pale rosy nipples appeared straight before Orga's face.

Orga shut his eyes.

Could this fucking day get any better?..

When he opened them, her naked back was facing him with the suit drawn off her shoulders, showing three Alaya-Vijnana ports.
Akihiro averted his stare, cheeks flushed; Biscuit's face turned crimson; Shino's eyes widened, forcing the stupid grin off his face. Only Mika seemed unaffected by the sudden stripping.

"Hey, Orga." He said curiously. "Hers looks just like mine."

But Orga knew better.
He knew Mikazuki's spine like the back of his hand. He had watched the implants appearing one by one, surgery after surgery, with all the asymmetry, the sharp ends and the imperfections. He had helped them heal. For uncountable times he had placed the metal lobe of adapter against the ridge of Mika's back.
Certainly, he knew better.

"Nah, Kozmic Blues, you're wrong. Those implants are made by Gjallarhorn. Human extended abilities research laboratory, Muspelheim project." Aoi stated quietly.

Nobody moved.
Orga couldn't move. Hundreds of thoughts sparked through his mind, leaving only the silent emptiness behind.

"But it... it can't be true, right?.." Orga heard Biscuit saying. "Gjallarhorn and the Alaya-Vijnana system. They restricted the interface, organized massive propaganda against using or researching it. And now space rats aren't even considered as humans."

However, her implants definitely looked different, all symmetrical and smooth and perfectly aligned, like they had always been there. Like she was born with them.

They probably found a way to implant all three of them at once. Pain should be unbearable but Gjallarhorn wouldn't save money on anesthetics. And it's not a manual surgery, only machine can operate with such precision.

Orga couldn't help it. He stood up, stretched his arm out and stroked the fine protuberances lightly with his fingertips. Just to test the reality of them.

Aoi gasped. Arched her back.

"Well, I guess you should have one implanted to know how sensitive it can be." She said bitterly, fastening up the zipper of her pilot suit and turning around, her stare at Orga dark and deep and even more tired, as if he had drained all the energy out through her ports.

He took off his jacket and dark red scarf. Turned his back on her. The loose tank top left the Whisker entirely visible, but Orga stripped off it anyway.
"Touch all you want." He challenged.

Orga could almost feel her gaze drifting across his spine, ghosting over the nape of his neck and shoulder blades, fixating on the protrusion.

Chill fingers lightly touched the skin on both sides of the port, and Orga bit on his bottom lip, his breathing stopped. Her thumb and forefinger slowly glided to the top of the implant, freezing at the point where skin met the steel melted with his nerves.
Heat rushed down his spine to pool at the small of his back.

Why is it... so sensitive?.. The stress?.. Or because of a girl?..

Orga knew she was waiting for his reaction and didn't want to give her one, staying still even when her fingers gently squeezed the Whisker, sending the electrified jolts of pleasure almost merged with pain through his vertebral column.
Orga closed his eyes.

Or she just knows where to push... Fuck her, I can handle it.

Orga grinned and glared down at Aoi, raising his eyebrow.
"Enjoying so far?"

She smiled weakly, pulling her hand away. "You tell me, huh."

Aoi slumped heavily back to her sit, and Orga followed suit, not bothering about putting his clothes on. He picked up one of her guns and checked it out mindlessly, before returning both of them to the girl, one by one.

"Your implant technology is common in the Outer Sphere. Underground surgery with high lethal rate." She said quietly. "How many of you guys have it?"

"All of us." Orga saw no reason to lie.

Her gaze examined his naked upper body, outlining the broad shoulders, following the hard planes of his chest down to the abdominal muscles; then stopped at the scarred arm, scrutinizing it thoughtfully.
All of a sudden and much to his surprise, Orga felt uneasy, nervous even, under her attentive stare; goosebumps ran up his forearms to the shoulders and down his back. He clenched his fists on the table, trying to hide an unwanted emotion. Without saying a word, Mika carefully placed the jacket over Orga's bare torso.

Aoi watched them both with obvious curiosity, and most likely was ready to comment on the scene when Orga's single glare prevented her from making a sound.

She huffed. "So, what's your decision?"

Orga didn't want to decide. He wanted her to retreat to the monstrous Gundam of hers and never come back. He needed her to stay and fight alongside his comrades.

Should I invite her in? She's an experienced pilot with who knows how many additional skills. A girl, still. Guys might start to behave all competitive because of her. But that will fade away eventually, while Gundam won't. If I could know her better...

Orga cut his trail of thoughts.
The uneasy, inappropriate feeling had a name, the one he'd normally never let himself even think about. She became the first person to make him hesitate about what would be the best for Tekkadan; and such contradiction could only mean that somehow he let his heart interfere.

Knowing her better... might affect myself in a way I can't possibly have.

He gritted his teeth.

"You've earned your rest and your ride damn well." Orga finally determined. "For now."

"Huh? Not a single question about my Gjallarhorn past?.." She mused.

"I promised not to ask." Orga rubbed his face. "And it's not like I care."

"Why, thank you, then." Aoi visibly relaxed.

Orga glanced at Mikazuki. "Mika, show our guest the way. Any empty quarters. Everyone else, meet you on the bridge in half an hour."


The small group on the bridge was waiting for his decision. Orga knew that they would follow him no matter what. Eugene would criticize, just to look more important. Biscuit would support him, like he had always done, despite his own convictions. Shino would tag along and perhaps enjoy every bit of it. Akihiro would keep silent and comply implicitly; after all those years of being Human Debris it would take some time for him to open up. Kudelia... Well educated and resourceful but too naive for this shady world, she wouldn't be much of a help.

His gaze traced the Isaribi's bridge, stopping at every person, at every look on their faces. They trusted him. Maybe, they didn't have much of a choice, but still.

I can't possibly fail.

"This big job is the only chance for Tekkadan." Orga stated, looking at Kudelia. "Everyone will know about us. There won't be troubles with getting regular jobs in the future."

He stepped to the map, pointed at the small dot representing Jupiter.
"The mission might be tough but not the impossible. We can't oppose Gjallarhorn on our own but with the help of Teiwaz we can make it."

Kudelia joined him at the map.
"I've heard Teiwaz is known as Space Mafia." She said quietly. "Business with them might affect Tekkadan, its reputation and future."

Orga sighed.
"Ms Kudelia, Tekkadan's future is my responsibility. As for Teiwaz... They probably understand your role in Martian Independence Movement, and will want the benefits. Please, think about your own ways of negotiating with them first."

Kudelia nodded.
"Half-metal mining rights. I understand."

Eugene huffed.
"Sounds like you've already decided everything by yourself, Orga. How are you going to negotiate with Teiwaz? We're just kids! Biscuit, why don't you talk some sense into him?"

Biscuit lowered his head, hiding the face under the cap.

"Get your panties in a twist again, Eugene?" Shino grinned widely. "You should've seen Orga with this girl! Huh! Boss didn't lose his shit, though those perfect tits were poking him right in the face!"

"What's to wonder? Orga's being Orga? He's always like this!" Eugene grunted.

"That's my point exactly! Big boobs or big shots, Boss won't let it shit out!" Shino exclaimed.

Orga felt the light blush warming up his cheeks.
"Cut the crap, you two." He took a deep breath. "I'm offering to join Teiwaz. Objections?"

Nobody said a word.

Biscuit made a step ahead, closer to the map.
"Teiwaz is probably our only chance to get this job done. They can provide the safe route, can support us on Earth. Also, Tekkadan fellows back on Mars could use such help and protection."

Eugene scratched his head.
"Now, when you put it like this..."

"It's settled, then." Orga stated calmly. "Eugene, set the course for Saisei. Chad, what's with the communication?"

The dark skinned boy turned his head on the sound of his name.
"Um... Miraculously, we've got the connection. This lady, Fumitan Admoss, just came here, turned something here and there, and... Everything works!"

Orga smiled.

Sometimes there's no such thing as too much luck, right?..

"Ms Fumitan, could you assist us with the communication from now on, then?" He quirked his eyebrow at her.

Fumitan looked at Kudelia, who nodded vigorously, and gave Orga a small bow.


Orga found Mika on the lower deck watching the stars, serene, distant.

"Kudelia's going to teach me how to read." Mika said without glancing at Orga who leaned on the railing next to him. "I could help more with Barbatos. And someday maybe even get a farm running."

"Yeah. I remember you've always wanted one. Aren't you tired, Mika? It's been one hell of a day."

"No. Aren't you?"

"I'm okay. As always. Don't you know?"
Orga grinned, awakening a small rare smile on Mika's face.

"Who's watching after our sleeping beauty now?" He inquired, trying to look casual.

"Shino tried. I asked Dante." Mika shrugged.

"Thanks."

"Uh-huh."

Orga felt uneasy over his gnawing need in Mika's opinion about the other Gundam pilot. He watched their reflection in the transparent panel, trying to catch the younger boy's attention. Blue eyes didn't meet his; their unperturbed gaze went away, farther than Orga could reach.
Orga smiled, feeling slightly bitter at himself.

I want her to stay. She and her Gundam could really be Tekkadan's lucky shot. But... I do have a personal interest, and that I cannot have. It's better to let her go.

He watched the infinite darkness of space, black stars and golden suns dancing entangled in the eternal emptiness, circling closer and straying away.

"Make her stay, Orga." Mikazuki suddenly said, eyes piercing Orga in a familiar way.

Orga looked at him in disbelief.
"Mika, but... She's troublesome. And... she's a girl."

"Atra's a girl too, and you've never seemed to mind. As for the troubles... Sure you can handle her." Mika said undoubtedly.

Orga smiled.
"Someday we'll get you a farm, Mika."