Chapter 3. Black Wind, Fire and Steel

He is tall, dark and handsome.
At least, that's how she sees him, being small and weak and frightened. Still childish in so many ways but not a child anymore.
No one of them here at the lab is.
While he is an adult.
Or it's just how she sees him.
His voice is low and deep when he explains her every little detail about the gun.
His hand is large and heavy when he slaps her across the face for not being able to repeat after him correctly.
"Some blue blood, aren't you?" He smirks when she soundlessly rises up after his beatings, again and again. "Well, you'll be Aoi from now on."
She admires him.
She wants to become the perfect aim.
Just like him.

Aoi woke up to the loud howls of the ship alarms. She jumped out of the bunk, still somewhat sleepy, stormed to the doors and bumped into Shino.

"The bridge?" She gasped.

He nodded shortly and led the way.

When they got there, a fat man on the communication screen was screaming something about returning his property; and it looked like Tekkadan guys on the bridge were caught off guard with the whole incident.

Aoi blinked, rubbed her eyes.

For how long exactly have I slept?.. Doesn't seem enough, though.

She finally recognized the Hammerhead's bridge on the screen; and the next moment camera revealed a close-up view of Naze, relaxed and confident as always, the impeccable white suit matched his famous fedora hat. Amida, naturally, stood nearby.

In sheer contrast to that self-assured posture, Orga looked all tensed and straight, darkened stare fixed on the screen; the well-worn clothes and small apathetic Mikazuki by his side heightened the difference even more.

Looks like the Boss of Tekkadan is a bit confused. Well, then I'll settle my business first. That should buy him some time. Even I know how to spell gratitude.

She stepped forward, covering Orga from Naze's line of view, and folded her arms behind her back.

"Naze Turbine, you old fart." Aoi purred. "Isn't it a nice coincidence to talk to you, at last?"

"Aoi. Looks like you abandoned our rendezvous point." If Naze was surprised, he didn't bat an eye.

"After seventy hours of waiting, yes. You're so going to pay for each fucking minute."

"Don't you doubt me. Here, transferring to your account." He showed her the tablet.

Aoi shook her head.
"How did you know I would be aboard the Isaribi? If you did, that is."

Naze took a pause, tapping his fingers on the arm of the chair.

"I saw you fighting alongside these kids. When did it become so natural to you, Aoi, to put your nose in other people's business? Found someone your size at last?"
He smirked.

Aoi ignored his remark. "What took you so long?"

"I have no intention of discussing my business with you. So, stay aside, Aoi. Take my advice on it."

"Oh really, Naze?"

Aoi stretched the hand out for the tablet, and Biscuit wordlessly gave her one. She checked the account and pursed her lips disapprovingly, calculating the extra payment Naze had transferred.

"That's not enough." Aoi raised an eyebrow coldly. "According our contract considering Gremory's service, you still have to pay for the fuel and ammo I've used during the mission. And this - this only compensates for my wait. By the way, I'm being soft with you, since technically the mission continues while I'm away from the Hammerhead."

"Yeah." Naze smirked. "I guess it's a bummer, kiddo, because I won't pay for your Gundam's service while you aren't aboard the Hammerhead. So, take it or leave it. And get your ass back, I still have to deal with those kids."

"About them, actually..." She started, but was interrupted by Orga who motioned her aside.

"Those are Tekkadan's matters. Stand back, if you've finished your business." He stated sternly, and continued almost without pause. "I'm Orga Itsuka, the Boss of Tekkadan."

"Well, I guess, there's no need to introduce myself anymore. So, Orga Itsuka, I've made a deal with this Maruba guy. Let's say, the Turbines provided him with a safe route from Mars which he needed desperately. In exchange, he promised to hand over his company's property. However, when I looked into it, on the paper, Maruba had gone out of business. All his assets had been transferred to some Tekkadan company."

"Meaning, you came to take what he promised from us?" Orga furrowed his brows, staring at Naze gravely.

"Oh my, don't be so uptight!" Naze smiled. "I witnessed that fight with Gjallarhorn myself, and, have to admit, you're quite talented for a bunch of kids."

Orga raised an eyebrow at him. "And?"

"Let's make a deal. You'll give me the goods. I'll assign you a job, a regular one, where you won't have to risk your lives."

That made Orga silent.

"Sounds suspicious." Eugene grunted. "Why would we believe someone who stood their employee up?"

"Yeah." Shino added. "Seventy hours in a cockpit! That's downright cruel, man."

"Why would I lie?" Naze shrugged. "Of course, at first you should split up into smaller groups..."

"I don't want us to separate." Mikazuki interrupted suddenly in a quiet voice. He took out a palm seed and started to chew on it slowly.

Orga looked at him, squinting, then gripped the chair's arms tightly and declared in a firm voice. "As Tekkadan, we took a job, to escort Kudelia Aina Bernstein to Earth. It's impossible for us to accept your generous offer therefore."

Aoi furrowed her brows at the familiar name. She began to put all the pieces of puzzle together, considering the story of Tekkadan and Naze's deal with Maruba.

Kudelia Aina Bernstein... That's how it turned out. The famous inspiration of the Martian Independence Movement is now escorted to Earth by a bunch of child soldiers. Seems fitting from what I've heard about her. She's probably the real reason of Naze going back on his word to me. And the real reason behind the Gjallarhorn's attack.

Meanwhile, Biscuit chose the pause to step forward.
"My name is Biscuit Griffon. Would you please hear our counteroffer, Mr Turbine?"

"Shoot."

"The safe arrival of Ms Bernstein to Earth would be of great importance not only for Tekkadan but for the whole Martian Independence Movement. The upcoming reforms would change the economy of the whole Outer Sphere drastically. Participating in such mission could provide significant benefits to Teiwaz, considering we continue our job under your patronage as Teiwaz' affiliate."

Naze scowled.
"I'm already intended to bring Ms Bernstein to Saisei; the Old Man will resolve her issue. As for your offer... I've got my principles, you know, when it comes to business. You talk big, but the only thing you've done so far was stealing your company."

"Says who?" Eugene burst out with anger. "You are sided with this coward who ran away with his tail between his legs leaving us to die!"

"I'd love to know more about your principles, Naze." Aoi stated coldly. "Instead of keeping your word to me, you preferred to deal with some shady fellow who uses child soldiers in his military business. And I don't like being looked down on. I might be a space rat but I've still got my pride and honor to protect."

"Child soldiers?.. The Alaya-Vijnana?.." Naze muttered, surprise obvious in his voice. "Is that true?"

He was probably asking Maruba but Orga reacted first.

"You bet." He said in a darkened voice. Aoi felt goosebumps running down her spine because of that tone alone, and turned around to watch him in action.

Behind her Orga rose up and stepped closer to the screen, narrowing his eyes.
"Yes, we are the space rats. We've got nowhere to return and nothing to protect but our honor. We'll teach you we're not your mere bunch of kids. And Maruba as well. He has to pay for our dead comrades in full."

Has he always been... that attractive?..

For there he stood, towering over the bridge, with his shoulders broad and fists clenched, with his narrowed eyes flaring gold and those hard stubborn lips pressed into a thin line. Intimidating as hell and equally tempting.

And behind the strength and courage - a dreamer, a poet, an empath. The most dangerous combination possible.

Aoi mentally slapped herself out of the inappropriate thoughts and returned her attention to the screen.

Naze didn't move a finger, but she recognized the threatening calmness in his relaxed features. The fight was inevitable.

"Such high headed behavior should be punished thoroughly." Naze stated coldly.
The connection was out.

All the bridge came into motion. Orga, being the sole center of it, hastily barked out instructions for the crew. At last, his eyes focused on her small frame.

"I might give you a chance to protect your pride and honor." He said, the wicked grin displaying sharp white teeth.

Aoi raised an eyebrow at that, giving him a smirk of her own.

"On reasonable conditions, of course." Orga added. "Same payment as for my other pilots. Deal?"

Aoi thought about the Turbines, how she had never been able to feel equal to all the girls with their bodies intact.

The Alaya-Vijnana system... Maybe, that's why I don't fit among them. The real reason they've never wanted me in. While everyone in Tekkadan is just as disfigured as I am.

She looked at Orga's outstretched hand, large and rough and callous, and gripped it with her much smaller one.
"Deal."


"The catapult is ready." The brunette woman, whose name was still unknown to Aoi, gave her the all-clear.

"Gundam Gremory, Aoi, launching." Routine words, familiar comfort of the cockpit, steady noises of thrusters now fully fueled - all of it made her feel calm and confident as she emerged out of the Isaribi and to the abyss of space, towards the fight. After all, that was her natural habitat, like the ocean for the killer whale.

This time she was hunting in a company and under straightforward instructions, which left not so much of thinking for her. Mikazuki led the full tactical unit of three Mobile Suits, and, most likely, they would fight the whole Turbines' unit headed by fierce Amida Arca.

Aoi didn't doubt Mikazuki's skills, she had seen them first-hand and had already marveled at his inhuman impassivity combined with cold brutality. She didn't know what to think of the other guy, Akihiro. He was obviously new in piloting, and his Graze didn't have the Alaya-Vijnana system installed. Aoi decided to keep an eye at him, just in case.

Amongst the countless sparkles the Gremory sniffed out two mechs and recognized them as friendly, Amida and Azee.

"Well, Gremory, the times they are a-changin'. Now these are the enemies, like it or not. So... no hard feelings, okay?"

Aoi sped up towards Amida, unwilling to fight with Azee, who had been the closest person to her among the Turbines.

Suddenly, Mikazuki appeared via the LCS channel. "Guys, hold the front. I'm going after the one at the back. Don't let them get closer to Isaribi."

"Roger that." Aoi and Akihiro sounded almost in unison.

The Barbatos flashed white and charged ahead, its speed and agility making Aoi slightly envious - the Gremory minored in both those qualities, being the heavy defensive machine.

Amida, noting Aoi's approach, immediately occupied her communication channel.
"Why, hello to you too, Aoi."

"Always my pleasure, ma'am."

"The bunch of naughty kids suits you better than the Turbines? Or is it just the one naughty kid?" Amida smirked mischievously.

"I do prefer boys, you know."

"But this time you've pulled yourself into the losing battle. I won't get easy on you."

"Please, ma'am. I like it hard." Aoi wetted her lips.

Two shots, one after another, pierced the vacuum under the Gremory.
"Going by the book, ma'am?" Aoi had easily dodged the fire.

"As your former mentor, I'm proud you've learned your lesson." Amida smiled.

Aoi instantly knew that the battle would be more about teaching a lesson than actual killing.

Another couple of shots, and this time the direct hit got the Gremory's right shoulder; the distance though was still too much to even scrape it. Amida definitely was playing with her, like a wild lioness with its prey.

I'll let her, then. My only goal is to keep her away from Isaribi... and Hammerhead.

And she dodged, and swayed, and occasionally took hits, always failing to reach Amida's Hyakuren and engage in close combat with it. However, Aoi could feel the older woman's courage and feral passion of a predator; her former mentor obviously was getting too carried away with the teaching.

Aoi retreated, luring Amida even farther away from the Hammerhead and Azee, letting her perform yet another successful hit; and checked on Akihiro's Graze.

Disarmed, severely damaged, he wasn't defeated. Moreover, he had somehow succeeded in getting Azee's Hyakuren in melee; the left hand of his Graze was holding her Mobile Suit's leg in a tight grip while the right one was punching the said leg desperately. Despite the absurdity of such fight, Aoi felt the wave of sincere respect towards the other Tekkadan pilot.

They do fight different than the Turbines. Like the victory is their only mean to survive. Like there's no way back. Like I've been taught to.

"Did I let you get distracted?" Amida snarled. "Need some spanking as well?"

"As you say, ma'am". Aoi smiled. They probably had bought enough time for Orga and others already.

Amida startled, seeing her smile, observed the battlefield and got that too.
"Azee, Lafter, we've got too far from the Hammerhead. Everyone, fall back!"

The Gremory roared in full propulsion towards the Hyakuren, blocking Amida's retreat; red claws grabbed the mech from behind, puncturing thick armor.
"Sorry, ma'am. Can't let you."

But the older woman's face was surprisingly calm.
"You know you can't win against me."

Amida's Mobile Suit suddenly went rabid; there wasn't a single chance to hold it in place, like it wouldn't be possible to strangle a thunderstorm. Its thrusters flashed blue; the Hyakuren performed a 180 degree turn, allowing the Gremory's claws to scratch deep in the armored shoulders. The next thing Aoi saw was the barrel of the 130 mm rifle pointed at the Gundam's head. Even the heavily armored protective hood wouldn't be able to stand the damage from such short distance.

She gritted her teeth.

No way back, huh?..

Red claws pierced Amida's Mobile Suit again, holding it in tight embrace; the hooded head lowered down and forward, closing the gap between the Gremory and the barrel of the rifle.

"Are you really willing to die for them?" Amida growled.

"Go ahead. Shoot. Let's gamble on what will explode first." Aoi's nose was bleeding, coating her mouth with metallic taste. But for some reason she didn't feel fear, weird courage shaped her lips into a twisted smirk.

"Everyone, fall back." She heard Mikazuki's emotionless voice, and at the same time noted Amida's changed face.

"Lucky, aren't you?.. Naze said he actually wants to hear the kids out." Amida sighed.

Aoi quirked up an eyebrow at her questioningly. "Wanna me aboard the Hammerhead, ma'am?"

"Oh yeah. We've definitely got some shit to sort out, so make yourself at home."


The Gremory was the last one to enter the Hammerhead's hangar, so when Aoi got out of the cockpit Azee and Lafter were already chatting at the upper railing. Apparently, Lafter was highly impressed with Mikazuki's skills.

"He's such a stubborn kid! And his mech!.. What a piece of junk! But I can't wait to fight him again, got me heated all over, that kid! What about yours?"

"Tough. Brawny." As usual, Azee was way too laconic for Lafter's taste.

"Huh? What's that supposed to mean?.. Hey, look who's back! Aoi, why did you fight against us?" Large green orbs were staring at the pitch black ones with plain curiosity.

Aoi caught the railing and placed herself next to Azee while Lafter was floating above.

"Well, Naze left me no choice. Send all your complains to him." Aoi responded.

"Yeah, darling can do that to a girl." Lafter smirked. "So, will you stay on the Hammerhead?"

"Don't know yet. Have to settle things with Naze and ma'am first. Oh, and Tekkadan owes me money. And Saisei sounds tempting. Lots of options, you know."

"I'm in your team for Saisei. Shopping, and shopping, and then even more shopping!" Lafter somersaulted happily in zero gravity.

"A cup of coffee, Aoi?" Azee suggested.

"Yeah, thanks. Had to fight without one."

All three of them coursed through the pristine corridors of the Hammerhead to the canteen. Aoi couldn't help but compare the accuracy of the Hammerhead's maintenance, the solid steel and neat red paintwork, to the Isaribi's mess, its scratched hallways stained with rust and childish graffiti. She thought yet again how she didn't fit here, among girls with their neat clothes and everyday make-up, surrounded by the spotless luxury of Naze's love vessel.

The Isaribi suits me just fine. And Tekkadan goes to Earth, just as I need. Moreover, with such celebrity as Kudelia Aina Bernstein being in the limelight I could sneak to Vingolf unnoticed. Lilac Wine might become a problem, though. It's impossible to hide anything from empath.

"We'd probably need to get to Saisei anyway, to properly fix the hole that Tekkadan guys broke through the Hammerhead's boarding at the cargo bay." Azee noted, pouring three cups of coffee.

"My point exactly." Aoi sighed. "Because of the last assignment, Gremory has been left with the scythe only. I'd love to know what engineers at Saisei can offer. So, yeah. Shopping it is."

"Aoi! I was talking about the girlish stuff! Like, clothes, and lingerie, and make-up!" Lafter pouted.

Aoi looked at Azee helplessly.

"I'll make you a company, Lafter." Azee sighed. "Need to buy gifts for the upcoming birthdays anyway."

The doors of the canteen slid open and the tall tanned figure appeared on the porch. Green eyes pierced Aoi's black ones, red lips twitched in a smug smirk.

Amida Arca sat at the table, and Azee immediately put a full cup of tea for her.

"Naze is learning the details, but I can tell he's made his decision already. Means, we're all going to Saisei." Amida stretched and took a sip of her beverage.

"Yay! Saisei! Shopping!" Lafter brought her small fist in the air.

Amida smirked mockingly.
"So, what about you, Aoi? Intended to join Tekkadan already?"

"You know me, ma'am." Aoi shrugged. "Something truly remarkable should happen for me to become one of them."

"Remarkable defines those kids pretty much." Amida responded with a sigh. "Same goes for you, though."

The doors slid open once again. Naze brought himself in, immediately saturating the canteen with his inherent confidence and smugness. The right arm of the Turbines' leader was draped casually around Orga's shoulders, making the boy bend slightly under it because of the height difference - even with his hat on Naze was notably lower than Orga.

"Amida, babe, I most definitely have to celebrate. Instead of dealing with this scumbag Maruba, I've got myself a little brother. Azee, two glasses, please. Yes, girls, you do not drink, just in case. Piloting doesn't come along with alcohol."

Orga visibly blushed at that outburst. Biscuit behind his back just sighed and moved closer to Aoi. She made a space for him to sit down and glanced at Azee, who wordlessly put on the table a couple of empty glasses and a full cup of coffee in front of Biscuit.

Amida raised an eyebrow inquiringly.
Naze laughed, rummaging through the cabinets.
"Relax, babe, it's just one shot, and the kid needs it more than me anyway, right, brother?" Triumphantly, he raised his hand with the discovered bottle of cheap whiskey and returned to the table.

Naze nudged Orga with his elbow, and Aoi was satisfied with the image of deeply confused Tekkadan leader.

"I trust your judgment on this one, Aniki." Orga blushed furiously, and Aoi had to bit on her thumb to suppress the unexpected giggles, fluttering in her throat.

They both took their sits. Naze opened the bottle and splashed a decent portion of amber liquor into each glass.

"Cheers, little brother. Let the Turbines' luck guide you."

"Cheers, Aniki."

"Well, it's been overly cute so far, but what now? You both owe me money, which I hope to spend on Saisei, for Gremory's upgrades. What's the plan?" Aoi piped in.

"Hm. Almost forgot about you, Aoi." Naze grinned charmingly and tapped his fingers on the table. "Both the Hammerhead and Isaribi are going to Saisei, but the ride will cost you, since you aren't one of us. However, I can recommend my brother here to hire you, and in that case the ride would be free of charge, right, brother?"

With the strong liquor in his system, Orga mimicked Naze's smug posture naturally. "Couldn't think of a better solution myself, Aniki. Tekkadan needs experienced pilots anyway."

"About my debt now." Naze continued, sipping his whiskey. "I admit I was wrong choosing to deal with Mr Scumbag, so let's make the outcome beneficial for every party presented, including you, Aoi. Since Gremory needs upgrades I'm going to pay for them, partially. Let's say, for the materials. The engineers' and mechanics' work is your concern. Do it yourself, if you wish. Satisfied?"

Aoi stretched and smirked.
"Wanna keep me away from the Hammerhead, Naze? Or am I just a part of some trade with your new little brother?"

She squinted at Orga but he purposely avoided her stare.

"Think whatever you desire, Aoi." Naze smiled genially and continued. "However, it's strategically justified to place a full tactical unit on each vessel. And, just sayin', you seem teamed up quite well with the boys."

Actually, she couldn't dream of better conditions herself. Free ride to the Saisei, the employment for next two weeks or so, the resolved issue with Gremory's upgrades... However, in return she had to deal with Tekkadan. With him.