Chapter 10. Carry On
"Aniki, can you teach me how to please a woman?"
Determination kept his shame at bay. Orga didn't blush. Didn't avert his intent stare from the older man. Ignored Amida's acid snickers, even.
Naze tilted his head, grinning. "Aren't you the one to fill my boring old days with the brightness of youth?" The Boss of Turbines laughed wholeheartedly. "Amida, babe, that's a man-to-man talk. No eavesdropping."
"You're so gonna pay for that, Naze." She smiled and leaned in for a kiss.
"Can't wait." Naze murmured, giving his wife a light peck on the nose.
After Amida left, Naze began to rummage through the lounge room, searching in the most unexpected places.
"Here it is!" He fished out a bottle full of amber liquid and winked at Orga. "I promised you the fancy stuff and here we go. The real Scotch, should be your age or so. Trust my judgment."
Orga carefully took the carved bottle. "Viking Pride?"
Naze shrugged, smiling. "Thought that should suit you."
He took the bottle from Orga and poured decent portions for both of them.
"It might be a bit tough on your tongue." Naze mused. "I prefer such drinks on the rocks. What about you?"
"No ice." Orga cringed.
"Oh, let's wait until we get to the hot stuff, then I'll ask you again." Naze smirked.
They both tasted the stinging liquor in silence.
Orga felt bad that he couldn't fully appreciate the beverage. Hot bitterness burned his mouth and throat, masking all other taste nuances. However, he started to enjoy the immediate warmth spreading around his body and instant calmness in his mind.
"So, what exactly do you want to know? And how much have you already learned?" Naze probed.
"I've never been with a woman like this. I learned the anatomy, but it's complicated, to say the least. I don't get it." Orga defiantly closed his right eye, trying to hide the discomfort their talk about his lack of experience caused him.
"You should have said it before we left Saisei." Naze shook his head. "However, if you are not in a hurry, that can wait. I know some girls here and there, who can for a certain payment..." Naze abruptly stopped, startled with Orga's intent glare.
"No." Orga said firmly. "No brothels. No prostitutes." He glanced sideways and added after a small pause. "I... I don't want it like this. I've seen enough of that business to understand how it works. I don't want a quick fuck. I want a wife."
Naze furrowed his eyebrows, his stare darkened. The quiet crackles of melting ice in his tumbler sounded like distant gunshots in the deep thoughtful silence.
"A wife." He echoed. "You do realize I can easily deduce who's your woman of choice?"
Hot blush settled on Orga's face immediately. He lowered his gaze in confusion, staring at the undulating liquid in his glass.
"I thought it doesn't really matter." He muttered. "A girl is a girl, right?"
"Physically, maybe. Though, in her case even that aspect can be different." Naze sighed. "Orga... Sex starts in human mind. And her mind is... wrecked beyond repair. You think you know her? Think you can handle her?"
"I know enough." Orga glared at Naze stubbornly and pushed a gulp of burning spirit down his throat.
"Really?" Naze leaned back in his chair and rotated the glass in his hand thoughtfully. "Tell me then, Orga, how much do you know about Dobermans?"
Orga blinked, surprised. "Um... Rich people back at Mars keep those as pets. Usually to protect their property from thieves or homeless people."
Naze swiftly drained his glass, put it on the table and rubbed his temples. "Dobermans are known as highly intelligent and implicitly loyal dogs. Intimidating, fearless and strong, they are indeed pretty skilled at guarding. If trained properly, that is." Naze poured more whiskey for himself and shook the glass thoughtfully. "Have you ever asked yourself, Orga, for what purpose Gjallarhorn trained her?"
Orga felt the chill settling at the pit of his stomach, and gripped the tumbler tighter.
Naze continued. "Such high tech project must have required quite an investment. What kind of people would pay for it and why? For what purpose, Orga?" He leaned forward, narrowing his eyes at Orga.
"I don't know. I don't want to know. Some elite bodyguards, maybe. Does it matter now? She escaped that fate anyway." The younger man pressed his lips into a thin line.
"Is that so? Or maybe she just found a new owner to please, in any way possible?"
Orga instantly felt sick. He put the glass on the table and interlocked his hands into a tight ball. He could barely control his breathing.
"How do you think, Orga, why I never accepted her in my family? As my wife?" Naze added sternly. "Because the mutual consent is the key. I've already told you."
Orga bit his bottom lip and took several deep breaths, trying to relax and get his confidence back.
"I know I'm wanted. I know she wants sex with me." He exhaled, shutting his eyes. "Do you know how it feels, Aniki? I can't stand it anymore."
Naze's fingers were tapping quietly over the fine leather of his chair.
"I... It... Sex seems like the right thing to do." Orga continued quietly, blushing. "I can give her what she wants. I just don't know how to make it... pleasurable for her."
"What about you, then? What do you want?"
"I want her to stay in Tekkadan. Whatever it takes." Orga stated firmly.
"But you don't love her?" Naze pressed.
Orga almost groaned in annoyance.
"I don't have time for love! Everyone in Tekkadan depends on me, on my decisions! That's the responsibility I'm willing to take on. But love?.. You can't really expect me to deal with dates and flowers and shit!" He exclaimed. "Should a marriage always be about love? She could have me, and I could have her staying in Tekkadan. As my wife. Isn't that enough?"
"You're playing dangerous games, Orga." Naze sighed and shook his head. "Of course, marriage should be about love and passion, not just another duty of yours. What do you want me to teach you? How to give your wife a pragmatic orgasm?"
Orga hung his head. "I didn't mean it like this. And... I definitely wouldn't be able to behave... pragmatic in bed."
Naze pursed his lips and glanced aside. Drained his glass and poured more whiskey for Orga and himself. Sighed.
Orga made a gulp of burning liquid, waiting for his brother to break the silence, to answer something, anything; but it never happened.
"Sorry I took your time, Aniki." Orga returned the glass on the table and straightened in the chair, readying to leave. "It's fine. I guess, I'll just figure it out myself."
"Wait, brother." Naze's voice stopped him. "Look... I might not agree with your ways, but I definitely won't let you on your own with this one."
They both slowly savored their drinks. Despite the light-headed feeling alcohol was inducing in him, Orga couldn't shake off the uneasiness and awkwardness of situation. He had never planned involving Aoi in this talk in the first place, counting on less intimate and more abstract discussion.
It's no wonder. Nothing's been easy with her from the start. Even though I know I'm the one who complicates everything.
"So, first of all: Never rush things up." The older man stared at Orga intently. "You have to be sure she really wants it. Take your time with just holding her, kissing her. All girls love that. The second: Think all the things through beforehand; like, time and place. Nobody should disturb you. Considering the specifics of our mission, I might even recommend you to postpone the actual sex until everything's over."
Naze took a significant gulp from his glass and added pointedly. "And the third: Don't hurry her up with the marriage. Aoi is her own woman. She's independent and she likes it. Don't freak her out with such request. Believe me, a girlfriend sounds much better, for a start. You both are too young anyway."
"Reasonable enough." Orga muttered at last. "But what about... Well, you know... How do I make her feel good?" He blurted out, blushing.
Naze smirked, nodding. "Oh yeah. I remember I've promised you the hot stuff." He took a small pause. "A girl's body is very sensitive, Orga. Special zones are everywhere, from earlobes to toes."
Orga remembered the fine protrusions of Aoi's Alaya-Vijnana interface, how delicate they had felt under his touch; he recalled the softness of her skin under his fingertips, the bitter salty taste of her sweat on his tongue, the feminine curves of small supple body in his tight embrace. He remembered his own Whisker, and the unmistakably erotic sensation the girl's touch had caused him.
The thought of experiencing the same again, intimately and willingly, privately, sent heat spreading throughout his body, settling in the lower belly.
Orga glanced downwards, ashamed to meet Naze's stare.
The Head of Turbines chuckled. "Take your time exploring her body, with mouth and tongue, preferably. Lovers' bed is not a place for disgust. There's nothing wrong in sucking her toes or licking between her legs. Actually, I'd recommend you to enjoy the oral pleasures thoroughly. Savor her body, slowly and gently. A woman in a man's life is always a special gift."
Naze tilted his head. "And then, her body response will guide you. You'll have to go with the flow, so to say. Don't force anything, just let it happen."
Orga thought into it, allowing the memory of her previous responses emerge in his mind, and understanding that he inevitably would share all of those. It was beyond his experience to predict the power of such emotions, and therefore, the consequences.
He sighed and closed his eyes.
"Oh, I get it." Naze chuckled again. "Maybe, it's really better to see once than to hear a thousand times. Well, then. I'll give you a personal access to Teiwaz' adult video database. Only the soft stuff, of course."
Orga opened his mouth to protest but Naze interrupted him. "Just take it as a manual for your sex course, nothing more. Don't think much into it, okay?"
Tekkadan Boss bowed his head in agreement. "Thank you, Aniki."
"You're welcome, brother."
Orga slowly opens his eyes.
The eyelashes stick together, and it feels like someone's thrown a fistful of sand in his orbs while he has been sleeping.
The room around him is dark. It's the same place he's been spending the last week or so, laying on his stomach, healing after the surgery.
He is the last one left.
Five of them are already on their feet, Mika included. Thankfully.
Four kids have been taken away, in various states of paralysis.
Orga's back hurts. His whole body hurts, and for a moment he enjoys the pain that makes him aware of his existence.
The door screeches open, then silently goes shut. Orga hears the footsteps, and terror slides into his chest, pools down at the pit of his stomach.
It's the man who punched him after the surgery.
Who kicked him in the fresh implant on his back.
Who spit on him afterwards because of Orga's stubborn silence.
"You've got some spunk." The man says. His hands stroke the boy's back down the waist, and Orga wants to jump out of his skin. "But all for nothing, tell you what. I've seen such before. You'll end up just like those four, paralyzed down your waist or something."
Orga tries to crawl when he feels the man's hands groping his buttocks.
"Anyway, I've got good news for you, kid. You won't get back to that gutter you came from. I'm going to send you to another place, where certain people will enjoy your spunk. And your paralysis."
Large hands roughly tear down the boy's pants, exposing the cheeks. Orga grits his teeth. He's not afraid of the pain. He's horrified with the man's sickening emotions, with his sadistic urges and repulsive lust.
Heavy body is on top of him. Sour stink of rotten teeth out of the man's mouth hits Orga's senses.
"But first, I'll have my time with you. While you still feel everything."
In the close space of the room gunshots are deafening. Orga is suddenly enveloped in warm sticky blood; the heavy weight of convulsing in agony body pressures him to the mattress. In less than a minute the bulky mass is gone, followed with another gunshot.
Orga raises his eyes.
"Perfect timing, Mika." He whispers.
Mika's lips are moving but Orga hears nothing. He senses, though. Mika is calm but annoyed with all the mess he has to clean now. And worried about Orga.
"I'm fine, Mika. It's nothing. I'll get better. I promised, didn't I?"
Mika nods.
Orga woke up in the dark and almost empty mess hall. Next to him Mikazuki was diligently scribbling the word brother on his tablet. Opposite him, Atra was sleeping peacefully with her hands under the head.
"Atra! Coffee and breakfast, please." Mika demanded calmly, without even looking at Orga.
"Hush, Mika, just let her sleep, I'll manage something myself..."
"Didn't you hire her to cook?" This time blue eyes met his.
"Well yeah, but not 24/7."
Meanwhile, Atra opened her eyes and smiled sweetly. "Just a moment, Boss." She rubbed her face. "It's nice to see you in the mood for my cooking."
Orga sighed. "Thanks, Atra."
He watched her stand up, turn the lights on and start the usual kitchen routine.
"Akihiro stopped by." Mikazuki mentioned, looking at his tablet. "Said he wants to talk to you. About Gusion."
"He's the best candidate to pilot it." Orga nodded, trying to leave. "I'd better talk to him right away."
Mikazuki gripped his elbow. "Breakfast first. Orga, this word looks okay, right?"
Orga glanced at the tablet. "You misshaped the b letter. Here. That's how it should look."
"Thanks."
Orga sipped his coffee, observing the black haired pilot struggling hard with the writing tasks.
"Orga... Piloting seems so much easier than this." Mikazuki clenched his fist. The blue bracelet danced frantically around the wrist. "Maybe, I just... can't learn letters?"
"Sure you can, Mika." Orga smiled softly. "Just don't stop trying."
After finishing breakfast, the Boss of Tekkadan made his way to the hangar. Akihiro stood next to the Graze, silently looking up at the mech, while Shino earnestly argued about something with him.
"Boss."
"Hey Boss! I want to pilot this guy!" Shino exclaimed, pointing his digit at the Graze. "Of course, right now he isn't handsome enough for me, so I've got Ride to improve the design and color scheme!"
Orga raised his eyebrows. Akihiro awkwardly cleared his throat. "Well, Boss... It's actually about Gusion..."
"Yeah, Akihiro wants the tough mech, so leave the fashionable one to me, and Shino Yours will make a great use of it!"
"You decided to keep Gusion anyway, right, Boss? So, I thought..." Akihiro was immediately interrupted by Shino.
"He thought! Huh! It was me who did all the thinking and offered to pilot Graze while you were desperately hesitating between your wishes and honors!"
Orga sighed. "Give me a break, Shino. Akihiro, I respect your decision. But have you talked to your brother about it? And to the other guys, too? That mech might be a somewhat... unpleasant memory for them."
"They don't mind." Akihiro stated. "They do understand that a weapon cannot be blamed. And Tekkadan will benefit immensely from obtaining such powerful Mobile Suit."
Orga nodded. "That's settled, then."
"I want to keep the hammer as well, Boss. But I wouldn't mind certain changes in the mech's design. I'm not used to such heavy armor."
Orga scratched the back of his head. "Seems reasonable. Dropping some weight will reduce fuel consumption and maintenance price. I'll ask Aniki to help us with modifications. Eco is probably more capable to lead this project."
"And remember all the pretty colors, Akihiro!" Shino pointed. "Don't let this mech be as boring as you! Have some fun, just once!"
Akihiro huffed and looked at Orga inquiringly. "I noticed a symbol on Gusion's lower front. Boss, maybe you know what it means?"
Orga remembered the bulky silhouette of Gundam, its heavy green armor and white sparkle of the fork-like rune.
"It's the algiz rune. Means protection." He said thoughtfully. "Courage in the face of fear."
"I'd better keep it, then." Akihiro smirked. "Double it, even. For good luck."
Ah... we need all the luck possible. First, Gremory. Tyr and teiwaz rune, standing for justice and sacrifice. Second, Gusion. Thor and algiz rune, and the upgraded version of Mjölnir hummer no less. Thor, who died after killing the World Serpent, Jörmungandr. What should I expect next?..
"Long before, Gusion was a name for a demon who reconciled friends and gave honor and dignity." Orga slowly uttered.
"So, a demon of honor, then." Akihiro's black narrowed eyes met Orga's. "Count on me, Boss. I'll ride it best."
Orga opened the infirmary door, only to be immediately smacked with the image of Aoi's bare torso. He glanced to the side, intending to leave.
"I... um... Until later, then." Orga managed.
"Don't bother." Aoi chimed pulling her sports bra on. "We've already finished." She tied the jacket around her hips and sauntered to the exit. "Ok, doc, until the next time."
Orga observed the medical room, registering all the remarkable changes it had suffered under Subaru's management, specifically, the monstrosity of a worktable mounted in the center, littered with tools and equipment.
The Boss of Tekkadan shivered.
He realized he would be lying down on that steel surface soon.
"Is she... okay?" Orga asked after the door was closed.
"So, she didn't tell you, huh." Subaru scoffed, tapping something swiftly on the tablet. "You'd better take a sit, then."
Orga shrugged and took the nearest chair.
"The girl's full of surprises, isn't she?" The doctor uttered, continuing to work with the tablet. "Unique Alaya-Vijnana system. Experimental nanotechnology. Gjallarhorn surely doesn't fuck around." Subaru leaned back in his chair and watched Orga from behind the polarized glasses. "I believe the current situation goes beyond any medical ethics. Thus, I have to inform you about her certain body specifics."
Orga frowned. "Meaning?"
"I've been researching nanomachines in her body for a couple of years already." Subaru said. "Their mechanism of existence reminds me of a virus: The protein coat and specifically programmed nucleic acids. They have life cycles, and can reproduce themselves; though, only with the help of original body cells and energy source."
"What?.." Orga didn't understand much and closed the right eye, unable to hide his incompetence and irritated because of that.
"I assume, the purpose is to boost the muscular system and speed up the reflexes. Once activated, nanobots start to reproduce themselves exponentially; then, they connect to peripheral nerve system, becoming its extension, and enhance electrical impulses from axons to muscle tissues." Subaru made a pause. "Like a virus, those nanomachines mutate with each life cycle, adjusting to Aoi's metabolism and nerve system specifics. They improve themselves and increase the ability. However, mutations aren't flawless, which prevents me from modeling the process and predicting their behavior in the future. That's why I need to take samples from her periodically."
"Human extended abilities research laboratory. Muspelheim project." Orga recalled, frowning. "I need to know more about it. How it works? She's just... faster? Stronger? Or is there more to it? Is it... dangerous to her? To anyone?"
"You have to ask Aoi for the details. I can only suggest that it's not some kind of super power. She can't dodge the bullet. It's just the ability to use muscles more effectively, without brain limitations. And yes, it comes with a certain price. For as much as I've learned, her nanomachines use glucose as the energy source. That can cause deficit of sugar in blood system, and hypoglycemia eventually leads to coma."
Orga tensed. He couldn't help but imagine the miniature shreds of alien DNA flowing through her blood. Ready to breed, to feed, to kill. Like a poison. Like...
"Parasites." He muttered, squeezing lips into a thin line. Rage burned deep in his chest, reminding him of her words.
"I want their secret labs and underground experiments gone."
"Actually, virus sounds more accurate." Subaru corrected him, and Orga glared at him in exasperation, clenching his fists.
"Is it... contagious? Can someone else become like her? Accidentally? Purposely?"
"I tried to synthesize the process in a test-tube but failed. Nothing happened, that is." The doctor mused. "Anyway, since I can't predict the exact consequences I wouldn't try it on a living person. Actually, I doubt it would work out nicely. It is a weapon. There should be some sort of a safety."
"At least tell me Aoi is in control. That she activates it out of her own will." Orga wanted to wipe that calm expression off the doctor's face.
Subaru shrugged, unaffected. "You could say that. A shot of epinephrine does the trick. That also means the possibility of accidental activation during the life-threatening situations and standard reanimation procedures."
Orga probably couldn't hide the puzzled expression off his face, so Subaru added. "You might have heard about adrenaline. It's the same thing. Accurate choice, if you ask me. Simple and effective. Gives more chances to survive even without the actual shot."
The Boss of Tekkadan remembered meeting Aoi for the first time, after the fight with Gjallarhorn, her porcelain white skin and sleepy eyes; then, he recalled the recent battle with the Brewers, how she had been slumbering deeply in his arms afterwards, pale and cold. Sudden realization made his blood freeze.
"Our every battle is life and death." Orga's heated glare ineffectively tried to cut through the doctor's glasses. "How much adrenaline does it take? Could it be... that she activates the ability each time fighting in Gremory? Regardless of her wish?"
Subaru shrugged. "Who knows. And what if she does? Would it prevent you from sending her to fight? I do so not believe that. Moreover, I'm only telling you this because her ability might become crucial for succeeding in that mission of yours. Tekkadan is just a bunch of amateurs. Politics will use you for their own benefits and throw away afterwards, like garbage. While Aoi's a professional. If you want the revolution, she alone can do all the dirty work."
Orga gritted his teeth. He had nothing to say against that. He had asked Aoi to risk her life for Tekkadan's protection, he had even named a price for that, and now it would be downright hypocritical to claim her safety above everyone's survival.
Subaru was right, all around, completely.
"Thank you for letting me know." Orga uttered quietly, lowering his head. "I... appreciate that."
"Then, strip down your waist and welcome on the table." Subaru stood up and strode to his workspace. "I assume that's why you've brought your ass here in the first place."
Orga dragged down the red scarf and shrugged off his jacket, watching the doctor carelessly rake the surface off the most of his tools, piling them in the far corner.
"So nice to have gravity for a change." Subaru hummed. "Saves my efforts to keep every little piece of shit in place, heh. I might get used to all of this, shower and warm meal and even pretty women's faces around. By the way, this room isn't spacey enough. Part of my equipment is still in your cargo bay because of that."
Tekkadan Leader sighed and scratched the back of his head. "Takaki's probably feeling better already. I'll make him organize the extension of your workplace, with the help of Fiji Bruno, Agurre Schick and others from our cyborg squad. I'm sure they'll be glad to help. But not until after tomorrow. We, um... We've got a tournament tomorrow."
"Cyborg squad? Tournament? You shoved me into such deep asshole of a workshit that I'm completely out of the picture. And that stubborn woman, Ms Merribit, doesn't really talk."
Orga sat on the table, crossing his legs. "Tekkadan carries out the contest for the best pilot, which was actually Aoi's idea. Some of the kids we took from your lab - yeah, we call them the cyborg squad - participate in it. As for Ms Stapleton... I think she doesn't like you swearing around, especially in kids' presence."
"Huh? Some punk dares to teach me manners? Stop shitting your pants first, at least!"
Orga leaned back and arched his spine out of habit, to prevent touching the cold table with his Whisker. "I don't really care about your manners." He stated calmly. "Those kids... They've seen, heard and experienced worse than your unvarying cussing. Much worse. Ms Stapleton just doesn't get it." He shivered and squinted under the bright lights.
Subaru huffed. "Face down, you moron."
Orga turned on his stomach. The hard icy surface under his naked chest inevitably stirred up the memories of installing the Alaya-Vijnana system, of fear and pain and...
"Why do you even need my scans?" Orga grumbled, to suppress the waves of panic. "Some nasty hobby of yours?"
"Like I've got time to entertain myself with hobbies." Subaru muttered sarcastically, tuning his equipment up. "To put it straight, I think your empathy is the result of genetic experiments on your ancestors. Therefore, I expect to find certain mutations in glial cells, in your brain and spinal cord."
"Say that again." Orga furrowed his brows, unable to decipher yet another bombshell dropped on him by Subaru.
"Which part you didn't get, shit head?" The doctor hovered above Orga, cautiously placing the emitter over the table. "I read about such experiments in Gjallarhorn's archives describing the pre-colonization era while I still was a student. Apparently, one of the goals of so-called supersoldiers research project was telepathy, which they tried to achieve by modifying glial cells. I believe you inherited only a small part of them, and that's why telepathy had been reduced to almost human-like empathy."
Subaru navigated easily around the cramped room and rummaged through cabinets, pulling out a handful of small metal sensors. "What else?.. Glia is heavily intertwined with nervous system, though it doesn't produce electrical impulses; its functions vary from supporting and maintaining neurons to improving cognitive abilities and even pain signaling. Tweaking such complicated matter inevitably caused a bunch of different side effects, including even schizophrenia; but mostly, supersoldiers project patients just ended up with a high amount of lipochrome in their irises. Yellow eyes, that is."
Orga blinked, uneasiness started to sink in his belly. "You're wrong. Genetic experiments? Modified what-not? You really jumped to this conclusion just because of my eye color? That's dumb."
"Dumb, huh. Your ass is dumb. And your head doesn't differ much." The doctor chuckled and began to place wireless sensors around Orga's scalp, down his neck and along the ridge of his back. "Your empathy and your eye color, yeah. That's enough to make me curious. There might be a scientific explanation to those unique traits of yours. Why everyone submits to your orders? Why no one questions your leadership? How do you always say the right words? To inspire, to cheer up, to calm, to comfort?"
Orga shuddered as an unnerving amount of small iron leeches glued to his skin. "That's my duty. I proved myself capable. I can't read minds, if that's what you imply."
"But some of your ancestors probably could. Or not. Just let's check it out, once and for all."
Orga cast a sidelong glance at the emitter. "It doesn't look like your usual scans." He muttered.
"Oh yeah, about that. Of course, such cells can only be found under certain radiation. It's imperative for qualitative and quantitative analysis." Subaru turned the emitter on and tilted his head, listening keenly to its steady hum. "The radiation won't harm you in any way, but you might feel... pain. That's how modified glial cells response."
Orga watched him stride to the large set of scales and scopes. The young man tried to fight nervousness growing heavy and cold in the lower parts of his body. "It can't possibly be worse than getting the Alaya-Vijnana installed."
"I don't know." Subaru shrugged. "In theory, the more mutated cells you have the more pain you feel. I can restrain you. If you wish."
"No. Don't." Orga glared at the doctor from under his furrowed brows. "I'll... endure it."
Subaru nodded. "I'm going to progressively increase the power. I'll need it in full only for a split second. I promise you the whole thing won't last more than ten minutes."
The soft click on the main panel stunned the room into silence. Orga felt nothing, not a slightest hint of pain. "What's in it for you anyway?" He inquired.
The doctor clicked his tongue. "It will provide me with the glia structure image I could use in my prosthetic research." He leaned to look closer at some scale and pushed several sliders. Orga started to feel light-headed a bit, an awkward warmth pooled inside his skull. "You see, Orga, it's not a problem to create an artificial limb; to substitute joints, bones, cords and muscles with even more durable materials. Problems begin on the stage of integrating it into the nerve system. Which I hope to resolve with your passive help." Subaru closely observed the large scale. "Meanwhile, half of the power."
"Telepathy and prosthesis?" Orga breathed out, waves of heat started to rise in his head and run along his spine, pulsing, throbbing in a chaotic rhythm. "How do they even come along? Moving a limb with a force of thought? Isn't that telekinesis or whatever?"
"You're surprisingly neat in your guessing. Primitive, but accurate, yes. Sure you can't read minds?" Subaru chuckled sarcastically. "I'm not inventing anything revolutionary. It's similar to Alaya-Vijnana. Brain-Computer Interface. Man-Machine Interface. The idea is to accept signals from neurons in brain and spinal cord and transmit it to the prosthesis."
Tekkadan Leader let the idea sink in, despite the burning sensation settling firmly in his head and back. "Alaya-Vijnana seems... more complicated." He managed between the flickers of pain flashing consistently in his head.
Subaru sighed heavily. "I want to create a medicine, not a weapon. Though, everything is complicated when it comes to ethics. Maybe, they originally invented the prototype of Alaya-Vijnana as a remedy for paralysis." He added after a pause. "Anything can become a weapon, actually. A single word can start a war."
A flow of burning pain washed over Orga's back, making him choke on his breath. Another blinding wave roared inside the skull, cascaded throughout his body, extending into every cell, reaching for every forgotten nerve. He gripped the table tightly, trying not to lose it.
"Talk to me." Tekkadan Leader demanded through the squeezed teeth.
Subaru nodded curtly. "Apparently, the modified glial cells enhance and extend electrical impulses in neurons. I intend to use that concept for the brain implant to ensure transmissions between controllers and prosthesis, and vice versa. Of course, I'd prefer to examine the real telepath, but you have to work with what you have, right?"
"The real telepath would've already died." Orga groaned, unable to stand the pain anymore. His whole body was wrapped tightly in a burning charring torture, slowly progressing into pure agony.
"No. And you won't. Relax, we're almost done." Subaru continued talking but Orga couldn't focus on his speech anymore. The surface under him turned into a roaster. Invisible, non-existent flames of scorching plasma licked his skin and insides, dived deep down to his bones, crept into the skull plaguing his very conscious; and at some point Orga seriously doubted he'd make it out unharmed, both physically and mentally.
Almost blinded and deafened with the pain, he pushed his left fist between the fangs, bit it, chew it, letting the blood contaminate his tongue with its foul, copperish taste; his right hand grasped the table tightly, turning white.
And suddenly it was over. Every hint of pain was gone. All of it. Like someone turned the switch off.
Well, guess that's exactly what happened. Subaru turned the power off.
For the first couple of minutes Orga just enjoyed the slow, deep breathing. The steel surface seemed comfortable now, appealing to him for a brief nap.
But the doctor obviously had other plans. "Who's the lucky guy around now? I am, huh! Fuck you, Gjallarhorn, and your medical license which you can shove into the deepest asshole in the whole Universe! I'm the almighty now!"
He started to remove sensors from Orga's head and body. "You'd better take the rest of the day easy. You know, warm meal. Decent shower. Sufficient sleep. Sex or masturbation would be good, too."
Orga blushed. "That's so not your call!"
"It's just a recommendation." The doctor shrugged. "Considering the scan result, you have more modified cells than I expected. I believe the pain was... extreme. It's better to give your brain a break. To satisfy it with primitive pleasures."
Orga huffed. Pushed off the table and wobbled a little. Slowly put his clothes on. Inhaled the familiar smell of the red scarf around his neck. Relaxed.
"Will you need more of my passive help for your project?" He inquired, tilting his head and letting the stray bang of hair fall upon his right eye. The cocky, stubborn smirk found its way back to his lips.
"No, but I learned the ass hundreds of other pain inflicting methods if you like it so much. Enjoy responsibly." Subaru replied with a smirk of his own. "Don't you dare to ignore my reports, by the way. I've got my needs too, you jerk."
"Thank you. Mr Pleiades."
"Feel free to call me Subaru, asshole."
The sufficient sleep took more time than Orga had initially planned.
Exhaustion combined with Subaru's experiment caught up on him. Hard.
His slumber was deep and dreamless.
"Orga, wake up." The voice belonged to Biscuit. "Orga... We've got the tournament today."
Orga slowly opened his eyes. Blinked, squinting at the bright lights. Sat on the bunk and turned to face Biscuit. Yawned.
"How long have I slept?"
"About eight hours." Biscuit smiled. "That's such a rare occasion I might leave a proper note about it in the flight journal. Especially so, since the last two days were completely eventless."
"But not today."
"Yeah." Biscuit adjusted his cap. "Definitely not today."
Orga remembered his visit to Subaru, and the doctor's recommendations echoed in his mind. "Let's check out what's for lunch today." He tightened his lips, not feeling hungry even the slightest.
"I bet it's another delicious meal, as usual in Tekkadan." Biscuit beamed. "Good thing you don't forget about that."
The mess hall was pulsing with lively crowd gathered around Shino who was yelling loudly from the epicenter.
"Bets! Guys, it's your last chance to make a bet! Now or never! Two absolute leaders - Mikazuki and Lafter! On the second line - Akihiro, Aoi and Ms Amida!" He turned his stare at the newcomers. "Orga, Biscuit, choose the winner and place your bets already. Show 'em the true courage of real men's gambling!"
Orga shook his head. "No. First of all, I am the Boss here. I don't want to prioritize anyone, even if it's just a bet."
"You can't really choose between Mikazuki and Aoi, that's the case, right, Boss?" Shino winked and laughed loudly. "What about you, Biscuit?"
"I think I shouldn't." Biscuit hid his face under the cap and shrugged. "I'm responsible for drawing straws. I have to stay unprejudiced."
"Oh yeah, again with the responsibilities, even when we're going to have some fun, at last." Shino commented sarcastically. "What would you do without good ol' Shino?.."
"I want to make a bet." Yamagi's voice was quiet as always but somehow it made everyone stop chatting.
"Yamagi! That's my man!" Shino skyrocketed from behind the table and dashed to the blond kid. "Now, who's your choice? Mikazuki or Lafter or Aoi would be the wise one." His arm snaked around Yamagi's shoulders.
"You." Yamagi blurted out. Orga frowned, watching the soft rosy blush coloring the kid's single visible cheek. "I mean, I want to bet on you, Shino. You're participating, right?"
Shino blinked, confused. "Yeah, I do, but my rating isn't really high."
"It doesn't matter." Yamagi stiffened under Shino's arm. "Just do as I say."
"Alrighty, then." Shino stepped back, a casual smile returned to his lips. "Accepted. Anyone else?"
The rowdy crowd bubbled around him, chatting, roaring with laughter, bursting with clear excitement. Orga tilted his head, hiding the soft smile under the red scarf. The feeling of being among his family, together, at home, even if it was just a miniscule spaceship in the endlessness of space, warmed his heart. His whole entity.
Orga poked in his bowl full of grilled corn and kidney beans seasoned with soy sauce. Though the bits of spring onions trimmed the meal's taste with unusual freshness, it couldn't wake his appetite up.
"Atra organized a hydroponic garden, can you believe it?" Biscuit smiled, fishing a small green bit out of his bowl. "Ms Azee showed her one aboard the Hammerhead, and then Atra arranged the similar here. With the help of Mikazuki and our mechanics, of course."
Orga raised an eyebrow. "Mika?"
"Yeah. I think it's something he's really interested in, growing up stuff, that is."
Tekkadan Leader frowned and sipped his coffee. "I know. It's just... I thought he'd tell me about something so important to him."
Biscuit shrugged and continued to chew eagerly. Orga sighed and followed his friend's example. Appetite or not, he had to respect everyone's efforts in diversifying the menu.
After the lunch they both headed for the bridge.
The bridge today was almost empty with the exception of Chad, who occupied the communication center, Kudelia, and Fumitan, who stood next to the maiden accurately putting the headset over the crown of golden locks.
Orga took his place in the captain's chair.
"The flight is going just fine, all lights are green, Boss." Chad reported. "The course has been corrected by Deputy Eugene recently. Patrolling during the tournament is going according the new schedule. Guys chose Graze as the most suitable mech for such task. In combination with a Mobile Worker, of course, just in case."
"Thanks, Chad. That means... we've got eight mechs ready for the tournament, right?"
"Yes, sir. All three Turbines' mechs, three Gundams and two Landman Rodis. That's all our mechanics came up with for now."
"Good. Start the broadcast. I'm ready when you are."
Chad pushed several buttons. Showed three fingers. Two. One.
"This is Orga Itsuka, the Boss of Tekkadan and the captain of Isaribi speaking. Welcome to the first Tekkadan Best Pilot Contest." Orga imagined his voice bursting through the mic and into every speaker on the Isaribi, echoing on the Hammerhead's bridge, booming from the comms in the Graze somewhere in outer space. "I want you to fight your best, even if it's just for fun. Give your everything. Don't hold anything back. Stand straight and don't knuckle under. For there's always a great prize at the end of every battle, and this time it's the kiss from our beautiful and courageous Ms Kudelia. Good luck, everyone."
Orga slowly pulled his scarf off and handed it over to Biscuit who folded it accurately and tied over Kudelia's eyes.
"I'm going to inform you guys about the rules." Biscuit began. "So, it's going to be a single-elimination tournament. There are thirty-two participants in total; eight mechs can be used in a tournament, which gives us only four simultaneous fights. That's why all pretenders will be split into four groups of eight people each to participate in the first round. This way we'll have sixteen battles and sixteen winners respectively. Only one fight to choose the winner, no second chances, no rematches - we just don't have time for it."
Biscuit took a small pause. Orga slowly stood up and exited the bridge, his headset firmly on.
"Those sixteen winners will proceed to the second round. They will be split into two groups, eight people each. The group A will include the winners from the first and third groups of the previous round, who will oppose each other respectively. In similar way, the winners of the second and fourth group will form the group B." Biscuit voice continued to hum through Orga's headset dynamics. "Only the eight winners will get to the third round."
Orga strolled down the hallways to the lift, stepped inside it and slowly started to descend onto the Isaribi's zero gravity level, alone.
"In the third round, we'll define the four winners for the fourth round; and, as the result of the fourth round, we'll get our two finalists who will meet in the last round. And that's it. No second place, no additional battle for the third place. The ultimate winner is our only aim."
Orga strode out of the lift, adjusting to specific movements in zero gravity where only magnetic soled boots kept him glued to the surface.
"Now, let me get to the most exciting point, drawing straws, that is. We decided to perform it the old-fashioned way, without the help of machines. If nothing else, it's important to keep the historical traditions up." Biscuit explained. "So, you can see here a helmet with numbered balls inside. Every participant will get a personal number straight from the hands of blindfolded Ms Kudelia. I'll announce the name, Ms Kudelia will pull out the ball, and we'll get the number. Then, everyone will be paired up according those numbers, in ascending order. For example, number 1 will be paired up with number 2, number 3 with number 4, and so on."
Orga's thoughts wandered far away from the tournament, swirling around the latest revelations. And while the scientific explanation of his own ability didn't impress him much, Aoi's unexpected power troubled Tekkadan Leader utterly.
I need to know everything about it. Whatever it takes.
"Here we go. In alphabetical order. Altland, Akihiro. Ms Kudelia, please, put your hand inside and take out the ball. Let's see, everyone... the number is 11! Chad, type it down, please. Altland, Aston. And the number is... 5! Altland, Derma. 14. Altland, Masahiro. 7. Arca, Amida. 27. Augus, Aoi. 28. Augus, Mikazuki. 8."
Orga pushed the lock on the massive hangar door open.
"Frankland, Lafter. 12. Guiner, Kurtz. 26. Gurumin, Azee. 2. Itsuka, Orga. Number 6."
Tekkadan Boss grinned at cheers and greetings from the crowd in the hangar. His stare momentarily found Mika sitting on the Barbatos' shoulder; then, slowly crept to the black silhouette of the pilot girl standing on the floor next to her monstrous Gundam.
"Mass, Ride. 15. Minko, Dios. 3. Mithril, Aloo. 18. Mogro, Dante. 9."
Orga pushed himself off the railing and dived towards the Barbatos' shoulder. Mikazuki caught him by the hand and tugged down, until he stood firmly on the steel surface.
"Sevenstark, Eugene. 1. Simon, Liliant. 4. Shino, Norba. 32."
"Hey, did you hear that? Who's the number one here? I'm going to win now, you just wait and see!" Deputy Leader stuck out his chest and hit it with the right fist.
"Number one, heh? Sure you'll be the first to kick the exit!" Shino laughed.
"Says who? The one with the last number possible?" Eugene tightened his fists.
"Uno, Takaki. 13."
Mikazuki silently pushed several Martian palm seeds into Orga's hand.
"They're disgusting, Mika."
"Eat."
"That's a diversion, right? You just want me to vomit in the cockpit?"
"I'd never want Orga to get sick."
Orga sighed and placed one seed into his mouth. Surprisingly, the taste wasn't as foul as he remembered.
"See." Mika was almost smiling. "They aren't all bad. Just some of them."
"Zeo, Gatt. 10. And that's it, guys." Biscuit smiled. "Now, let me take that blindfold off, Ms Kudelia. Would you lead the show from now on, please? I have to return to my duties here on the bridge."
"Yes, with pleasure. Ms Atra kindly agreed to assist me in the hangar, she's got the mic and bags full of tasty sandwiches; I hope you'll find some nice words for the interviews after your fights." Kudelia beamed. "Perhaps, you're all already aware that we decided to use classic duel model as a standard battle protocol. And, as you also probably know, all Mobile Suits' stats such as speed, offense and defense, etc, have been equaled by our simulation program. That's why we decided to choose mechs randomly for every participant. Please, everyone, take a look at the screens. Round first, group first, off we go!"
Orga looked at one of the four large screens installed in the hangar.
1st round :1st group
1st pair
Sevenstark Eugene (STH-05/AC Hyakuren) vs Gurumin Azee (STH-05 Hyakuren)
2nd pair
Minko Dios (UGY-R41 Landman Rodi) vs Simon Liliant (STH-14s Hyakuri)
3rd pair
Altland Aston (UGY-R41 Landman Rodi) vs Itsuka Orga (ASW-G-56 Gundam Gremory)
4th pair
Altland Masahiro (ASW-G-11 Gundam Gusion) vs Augus Mikazuki (ASW-G-08 Gundam Barbatos)
Orga smiled softly and kicked away, towards the Gremory. "Good luck, Mika."
Blue eyes watched him floating away. Intently. Closely. As always.
Tekkadan Boss caught the railing next to the mech and placed himself on the opened cockpit panel. Stripped off his jacket and sent it flying towards the dark slim figure on the floor. "Keep it for me, okay? It won't take long."
Aoi's eyes met his for a split second and, there and then, lowered down. "Sure, Boss."
Orga climbed inside the Gundam, pushed the lock shut and adjusted the chair. Golden light flooded the cockpit, comforting him with the memories of the moments he had spent there for the past weeks, training. Even the machinery smelled familiar now; the hot cramped space felt like home.
Tekkadan Leader activated the simulation program, trying not to think about the broadcasting that most likely simultaneously turned on as well. One of the four screens was probably displaying his image now. And the image of his opponent, too.
The scarred face appeared on the communication screen.
"Um... Hello, Mr Itsuka... Boss..." Aston looked clearly confused with the situation. "I'm not sure what I should do..."
"Give me your best, Aston Altland." Orga grinned, narrowing his eyes at the boy. "Or did you forget what Tekkadan is made of?"
"Will do, Boss!" The kid answered with a grin. "Good luck!"
"Sure I'll need it, man!"
The artificial eternity sparkled with innumerable stars, filling the Gremory's observation panels. Open space was dancing and rotating around the mech, and Orga hurried to push the controls forward to gain the speed.
He remembered Aoi's words. "What's a classic duel?.. It's a challenge. First, you and your opponent gain the maximum shooting distance between each other. Second, you both turn around and charge forward face-to-face, shooting. Of course, you can maneuver your mech to dodge the hits. Third, you have an attempt to strike with a melee weapon of choice while meeting midway. Repeat if needed. Simulation program counts damage points. The one who gets 100% damage first, loses."
When his mech reached the maximum distance, Orga accurately performed a 180 degree turn, perfectly remembering about his poor maneuvering skills. As expected, Aston was faster, and the first hit banged against the Gremory's left shoulder even before Orga started to move towards his opponent.
Though, from such long distance the shot brought minimal damage.
Orga aimed his rifle and chose to start shooting from the optimum distance. Aston dodged and ducked with speed and excellence, but Orga saw his maneuvers right through. The first shooting round hit the opponent's mech with maximum accuracy.
I can predict the kid's moves easily even if those are smooth and well-trained. Is that also because of my ability?..
Orga tried to thrust his partisan into the vulnerable area under the opponent's cockpit but Aston successfully parried the strike with his hammer chopper, hurling the deadly pike aside, out of the Gundam's reach.
Tekkadan Leader gritted his teeth. He had never expected to excel in melee, counting mostly on his shooting skills, but had hoped to hold on for at least two close combat rounds.
The disappointing defeat in melee required quick changes in tactics, and Orga decided to focus on maneuvering, to prevent further damage from Aston's shooting. Again, he thought about his unusual ability to predict the kid's actions which seemed to work regardless of his will.
Orga's dodges probably lacked the certain elegance that comes only with great experience, but he managed to minimize the destructions caused by Aston's rifle. The distance between mechs was closing rapidly when Orga fired his second round almost point-blank, clearly surprising his opponent and preventing him from precise strike.
The hammer chopper just glided against the Gremory's shoulder instead of tearing the Gundam's arm apart; and both mechs sped up in opposite directions.
Orga cast a glance at the damage screen. For now, he was winning, thanks to his shooting and strategical skills; but ammo had been already half-used, and without melee weapon the chances to win were slim.
Tekkadan Leader grinned.
The real victory is to be here and now. With everyone. Mika. And her...
This time Aston didn't shoot. The distance between their mechs decreased in calm tranquility. Suddenly, Orga sensed the kid's intention to cut the Gremory's arm. The one that held the rifle.
Tekkadan Boss opened fire, aiming for the opponent's hand, trying to make him lose his grasp on the hammer, showering it with bullets until exhausting the ammo. Then, he managed to catch the heavily damaged Landman Rodi's arm and twist it up at an abnormal angle.
The hammer chopper went flying aside, fast.
But the barrel of Aston's rifle watched him straight in the face.
Before Orga revealed the lethal danger, his opponent opened fire. Gremory's optic sensors went down first; static noise filled the screens in the cockpit. The radars had been destroyed next; and finally, all communication systems got broken.
Disoriented, Orga still moved, though he neither had the slightest idea on his opponent's whereabouts nor the weapon to attack him.
He was blind, deaf and disarmed.
Yet, he propelled the Gremory towards the invisible point that existed only in his mind, and wasn't really surprised by the headlong collision. The Gundam's fist hit the Landman Rodi's head, scrunching the steel surface up, demolishing various sensors.
The damage screen registered Aston's chaotic fire, every hit and impact. Gremory's insides flashed red, notifying about critical losses.
When Aston finally exhausted his ammo, Orga threw another punch, this time in the mech's waist, in search of vulnerable zones.
The kid mirrored his tactic, but with a full knowledge of the exact weak spots. He ended the fight with a single forceful hit.
Tekkadan Boss glanced at the damage screen, the last functional device left in the cockpit.
Smiled.
Everything went dark. Orga remembered Aoi's face, so close to him, parted lips and droplets of sweat.
Is that... how I'm supposed to feel right before my death?.. Alone, in the pitch black darkness, thinking about all kinds of random stuff?..
He pushed the cockpit open. Aston stood on the Gremory's chest, stretching his hand to Orga, smiling.
"Boss! Such a cool fight!"
"Yes, Boss!" Atra beamed, moving closer to them with a sandwich in one hand and a mic in another. "Can you say something about it? For the show, you know?"
Orga took his sandwich and grinned. "Let's do this again, Aston. Someday. I definitely need a rematch!"
"Sure, Boss!"
All the screens in the hangar showed the table with results of the first round.
1st round :1st group
1st pair winner - Gurumin Azee
2nd pair winner - Minko Dios
3rd pair winner - Altland Aston
4th pair winner - Augus Mikazuki
Orga shifted his stare towards Barbatos. Mika was floating next to the mech, poking his ear, emotionless.
"Now, please, second group, get ready for the fight!" Kudelia exclaimed. The new table took the place on the screens.
1st round :2nd group
1st pair
Mogro Dante (ASW-G-56 Gundam Gremory) vs Zeo Gatt (UGY-R41 Landman Rodi)
2nd pair
Altland Akihiro (ASW-G-11 Gundam Gusion) vs Frankland Lafter (STH-14s Hyakuri)
3rd pair
Uno Takaki (ASW-G-08 Gundam Barbatos) vs Altland Derma (STH-05 Hyakuren)
4th pair
Mass Ride (STH-05/AC Hyakuren) vs Pilaw Gary (UGY-R41 Landman Rodi)
Orga flew towards the exit, intending to proceed to the bridge. The sulky figure of his deputy waited for him next to the hangar door.
"Bad luck, Eugene?" Orga grinned.
Eugene pouted his lips. "Ms Azee ended me in one go, can you imagine that? So not fair!"
Orga shrugged and unlocked the door. "Look at the bright side. When it comes to real battles, she fights with us. Not against."
Eugene scratched his chin and entered the lift. "Yeah. And Lafter, too. I wanna see how she kicks Akihiro's ass!"
"Then, we'd better hurry." Orga smiled and pushed the elevator button up.
When they entered the bridge, two battles had already ended, and Ride was proudly thanking his opponent. On the other screens Orga saw desperate fight between Akihiro and Lafter, and even more dramatic combat between Takaki and Derma.
"Hi Orga." Biscuit greeted him. "You were amazing! Really stood up until the very last damage point!"
"Uh-hm." Orga took his place in the captain's chair. Takaki, already disarmed, was trying to withstand heavy blows of Derma's hammer. Akihiro was using his mech's arms to shield the chest from Lafter's unstoppable fire. "Reports?"
"Sending to you." Biscuit smiled. "Everything's going nicely. We've got three more days until our destination at Dort."
Orga scrolled down his tablet, reading reports and glancing at the screens from time to time. Takaki was hardly holding back tears while Derma was shaking his hand, serious and silent. Lafter was hugging Akihiro from behind, laughing at his disappointed face.
"Three days." Orga echoed. "It's just an ordinary delivery job, right, Biscuit?"
His close friend shrugged. "I think so. About that, actually... Can I have a day off when we'll reach Dort? I'd like... to visit someone."
"Certainly. Do you need someone to make you a company?"
"Nah, I don't think so." Biscuit shook his head.
Kudelia announced the third group and placed her hand over the mic. "Oh, by the way, Boss... I wish to visit Dort, too. Shopping, you know." She blushed slightly. "Fumitan will accompany me. Also, Atra wanted to join us."
"Okay. But it shouldn't be all ladies' walk. Anything can happen. I'll ask Mikazuki to escort you, if you don't mind."
"Oh... Thank you, Boss."
Fumitan coughed a bit, and Orga raised an eyebrow at her. "Most likely, your company is enough to ensure the safety, Ms Fumitan. And yet, I insist on my decision."
The young woman bowed her head in agreement.
"The Hammerhead's online." Chad notified.
"Put Aniki through." Orga smiled.
Naze looked like he had just eaten a whole chocolate cake, alone. A pretty girl was sitting on his lap, holding a glass of whiskey; another one was standing behind the chair, combing his dark long hair.
"I must admit, I underestimated Tekkadan's potential at having fun." Naze purred. He took a glass out of the girl's hand and shook it slightly before taking a sip. "I'm positively envious. Well, at least, I made my bet."
"We should make it our family tradition." Orga grinned. "For both Tekkadan and Turbines."
"Think bigger, brother. If we'll sell the idea wise, mech duels can become the new sport in the Jovian Sphere. With championships, and bookmakers, and cheerleaders." Naze chuckled and stroke the lap girl's back tenderly.
"I doubt Gjallarhorn would let that happen." Orga tilted his head.
Naze sighed. "Guess you've still got a lot to learn, brother. Anyway, now it's neither the place nor the time to discuss that. I'm calling you about the goods delivery mission, actually."
In the background, Orga heard Kudelia continuing to comment the tournament, announcing the first winner of the third group.
"Isn't it just a common job?" Tekkadan Boss tensed. "Right, Aniki?"
"Well, the job itself is really that simple. The circumstances, though... might become unpredictable." Naze tightened his lips. "You've got the certain Maiden of Revolution onboard, remember? The symbol of great changes for everyone's better future."
Orga glanced back at Kudelia. She was animatedly discussing with Atra the details of current fights, clearly oblivious to Naze's words. Fumitan next to her wore the same emotionless expression as always.
"Fat cats at Dort don't need better future." Eugene grumbled. "Sure they're happy the way they are."
"That's not true, actually." Biscuit interfered. "The Dort Enterprise consists of six colonies. All of them are the property of African Union but only Dort 3 is a rich place. A homeland for business owners and commercial facilities. The other five colonies are mostly factories and slums for workers."
"Huh?" Eugene turned his head to glance at Biscuit. "How do you know about Dort so much anyway?"
"I... was born here. At Dort 2." Biscuit hid his face under the cap.
"Meaning, Ms Kudelia is a famous person here." Orga assumed, gripping the arms of his chair. "What do you suggest, Aniki?"
Naze watched Orga closely. "Mind your business. Stay out of trouble. We're entering Earth Sphere. Gjallarhorn here is more trained and motivated, and also well-informed. I wish I could join you on your first job but Teiwaz wants me on Dort 6 where the official company branch is situated. So, you'll be on your own."
Orga thought into it. He had read news whenever it was possible, and there had never been any significant headlines about Dort.
It's just unloading some cargo. What can possibly go wrong?..
"Understood." He replied firmly. "I won't let you down, Aniki."
Naze smiled and took another sip. "Then, let's continue enjoying the show. Oh, my lovely Amida against the tough girl Aoi?.. Some thrilling battle awaits us, brother!"
The connection with the Hammerhead was out.
Orga looked at the screen. Aoi seemed cold, apathetic even, especially in contrast with Amida's playful attitude; her automatonic moves lacked the usual energy and precision.
"Did you forget your big girl panties in a laundry?" Obviously, Amida was displeased with the fight as well. "Or are you only capable with that cord up your back?"
Aoi kept silent.
Orga couldn't avert his stare from the younger girl.
Not in the mood, huh?..
Meanwhile, all other fights in the last group had ended.
"I'm in the next round, can you hear that, Eugene-dumbhead?" Shino's close-up appeared on the screen. "Yamagi, this victory is for you, since you're the only one who dared to place a bet on me!"
Orga watched Aoi's mech damage points getting higher and higher, slowly and steadily. Both Mobile Suits had already exhausted their fuel, and were fighting in close combat now. Amida showered Aoi with punches and kicks; the young girl's defensive strategy clearly wasn't effective against such aggressive style.
Finally, with a spectacular blow Amida ended the prolonged battle by tearing the Gremory's head apart.
"And the winners of the fourth group are: Rion Scarlet, Amida Arca, Naguri Kyanite and Norba Shino! I hope everyone is still enjoying the show." Kudelia smiled brightly. "Now, since we've got all the second round participants defined, let's move on! Group A, prepare for your fight!"
Orga could easily predict the outcome of all eight battles in the second round. Actually, he already knew the winner.
"Guys, I'm going to the mess hall. Will be back in half an hour." The Boss of Tekkadan counted on Aoi's coffee addiction to lead the girl to the only source of her kick on the Isaribi.
Indeed, in the mess hall Aoi was sulking over her cup of black bliss, alone. Absentmindedly, she was ducking her digit into the liquid, then licking her finger clean, then repeating all over again. The girl didn't spare Orga a glance.
The jacket he'd given her in the hangar was lying on the table, forgotten.
Orga sauntered to the coffee machine and scratched his head. He'd never run the thing before, and had no idea how to use it.
"Um..." He felt himself blushing. "Aoi, will you lend me a hand here?"
Wordlessly, she stepped next to him and pushed one of the buttons. Bitter smell of grounded coffee hung in the air between them.
He caught her wrist. "Aoi..."
There was so much he wanted to ask her about. About that dispirited fight, about her unusual ability, and why she had kept it secret. About her feelings for him.
Black tired eyes met his, reminding him of their first meeting. How he'd been interrogating her.
"Never mind. You'd better get some rest."
They both returned to the table. She finished coffee in one gulp. Licked her lips. "I'm going on patrol in half an hour."
"And the winners of group A are: Azee Gurumin, Agurre Schick, Aston Altland and Mikazuki Augus." Kudelia announced from the screen. "Group B, get ready to fight!"
Aoi stood up, intending to leave. Orga glanced at her. "Don't you wanna watch the show? Ms Amida versus Lafter? It's probably the most interesting battle in this round."
She tightened her lips. "But we both already know the winner, right?"
Orga shrugged. "People tend to surprise. Stay." His left hand found hers and tugged down until she was sitting back at the same table, opposite him.
Instead of watching the screen, they stared at their hands connected on the plastic surface. Her skin looked so pale and smooth in contrast to his dark and rough one. Orga felt the warm and steady pulse echoing into his palm, heating the blood rushing through his veins. Sudden, awkward shyness suggested he should withdraw the arm, but Orga stroked the back of her hand with his thumb instead.
If I can't handle touching her hand, how am I going to hold her? To kiss her?..
His fingers painted slow patterns on the back of her hand, eventually sliding under it, to caress the sensitive skin of the palm.
Black eyes pierced his. Orga stopped breathing. Her pulse was exploding through the fine skin of her wrist over his forefinger, resonating deeper, straight into his blood system.
Her eyelashes fluttered up and down. Her lips parted. "Orga..."
The unbearable want to claim that soft, welcoming mouth forced every single thought out of his mind.
"Hi Boss, Ms Aoi." Ride entered the mess hall and paced to the coffee machine. "Heh, I lost to Shino, can you believe that?"
He searched through the cabinets. "Ms Aoi, do you know where Atra keeps that thermos bottle? For the coffee, you know. Guys in the hangar asked me to bring them some."
The girl quickly stood up and dashed to the coffee machine. "I'll take care of it, Ride. I... I have to return to the hangar anyway."
"Thank you, Ms Aoi, you're the best! Though, I actually put my bet on Boss. And it was a really cool fight! Hey, look here! Seems like Ms Amida is on her killing spree today!"
Orga blinked and glanced at the screen. Lafter's mech already lacked an arm and a leg; and in close combat the girl didn't stand a chance against Amida's fast and furious single-edged blade. Before long, the extremely precise strike straight under the cockpit finished the battle.
"Now, we've got all the winners of group B: Dante Mogro, Amida Arca, Derma Altland, Norba Shino. In the next round they're going to oppose the winners of group A. So, get ready, everyone! Let's start the third round!" Kudelia's face radiated the same charm and delight as in the beginning of translation. She didn't seem tired a bit, which probably was the result of her previous experience at public performances.
3rd round
1st pair
Gurumin Azee (STH-05 Hyakuren) vs Mogro Dante (ASW-G-56 Gundam Gremory)
2nd pair
Schick Agurre (STH-14s Hyakuri) vs Arca Amida (STH-05/AC Hyakuren)
3rd pair
Altland Aston (UGY-R41 Landman Rodi) vs Altland Derma (UGY-R41 Landman Rodi)
4th pair
Augus Mikazuki (ASW-G-08 Gundam Barbatos) vs Shino Norba (ASW-G-11 Gundam Gusion)
Aoi exited the mess hall carrying a thermos bottle full of coffee with her.
"Now, that will be one super fast round!" Ride exclaimed. "Go, Mr Mikazuki, go! Kick that arrogant ass of Shino the Douchebag!"
Orga sighed. "Ride."
Ride pouted his lips. "Sorry, Boss. But that's true! Shino distracted me! He called my tournament logo a child's daub! Right in the middle of the fight!"
Orga looked at the screen. The Ride's logo was right there, in the upper corner - two toy-like mechs, measuring swords.
"Challenge him once again." Orga suggested. "Nice logo, by the way."
"Really? Thanks, Boss!"
Orga watched Mikazuki finishing his battle by piercing Shino's mech with the partisan. The standard spike looked almost fragile in comparison to the brutal mace Mika would have used in the real combat; but Teiwaz simulation program offered weapons produced by Euro Electronics only.
"Ride, I'm going back to the bridge. Take a look after the younger kids, ok?"
"Will do, Boss!"
"Thank you."
Tension on the bridge was almost palpable. With bated breath everyone watched two fights simultaneously, and Orga silently admitted both of those appeared absolutely magnificent.
Passionate rapid Amida against cautious calculating Azee.
Focused unblinking Mikazuki against tough steadfast Aston.
"...and with a rigorous strike Amida cuts the right arm of Azee's Hyakuren, leaving her opponent without melee weapon! Meanwhile, Aston showers Barbatos with bullets but Mikazuki skillfully dodges the fire, letting the shots hit only the most armored parts. They're approaching towards each other faster than before! Mikazuki holds the rifle in his left hand and the partisan in the right - what's on his mind? Is he going to shoot or thrust? He fires! Point-blank! And thrusts the partisan straight into the damaged zone! Oh, considering the damage points, this battle is already over..." Kudelia took a deep breath and continued. "Azee doesn't give up! Her shooting is exceptionally precise, and Amida's mech suffers great losses! Let me see... Yeah, all optic sensors are down and the right shoulder thruster is out of order. And yet, it's not enough to trouble the pilot - Amida closes the distance between two mechs and uses her blade to cut through various Hyakuren parts. Guess this is the end, guys. And the finalists are: Amida Arca and Mikazuki Augus!"
Orga looked at Mika. The black-haired pilot was slowly chewing his favorite palm seeds, his face blank and indifferent.
Does he even realize the whole thing is for fun? Or is it just another order for him?
Orga continued to stare at Mika's serious face while the pilot was taking his seat in the Barbatos' cockpit and getting ready for the last fight in the tournament.
"Hey kid." Amida smiled playfully. "Personally, I'm not interested in winning that stupid prize. I just want to demonstrate that Turbines are the best at piloting."
Mikazuki licked his lips. "Orga... will be glad if I prove you wrong."
A knowing smirk twisted Orga's mouth.
"By the way, who's responsible for converting the simulation program parameters into animation? Seems like one hell of a job." Orga noted, looking at the Gundam and Hyakuren speeding towards each other, belching up fire.
"Oh, that's Dante's idea." Chad smiled timidly. "The text translation isn't really eye-catching, right?.. So, he took 3D models from databases, Ride worked on the design, then our geek team under Dante's guide coded the animation module. Dante said it was a piece of cake, actually. Now he's planning to make up some kind of video game based on this work. For the kids, you know. Mech duels on a tablet."
Orga watched Mikazuki catching Amida off guard and punching her Mobile Suit in the side instead of attacking with his partisan. Both mechs dashed in the opposite directions.
"Cool." Orga commented. "The kids will certainly like it."
I wish those game duels would be the only battles they'll take part in.
Amida looked quite annoyed after her first failure at damaging the Barbatos. Also, Orga spotted barely noticeable sighs of tiredness on woman's face. For both pilots it was the fifth battle. Both of them had fought the skillful rivals in their previous combats. But only Amida had withstood Aoi right in the beginning of the tournament which probably had exhausted her from the start.
Amida made another mistake, opening up too soon on approaching the Barbatos; and Mika didn't fail to take advantage of such opportunity. Short striking distance let him shoot with almost inhuman accuracy, damaging the Hyakuren's fuel tanks. His partisan finished the job, and the most of combustible splashed in the outer space.
Now Amida's mech had only Ahab thrusters for maneuvering. Under such circumstances the woman's usual offensive strategy wasn't possible anymore.
She concentrated on defending the mech's vulnerable areas, trying to lure Mikazuki closer, into the melee.
But Mika wasn't in any hurry. Calm and easy, he destroyed everything he could with his rifle, step by step, leaving Amida without optics and sensors and communication. Then, he propelled to the Hyakuren from behind, to stab it in the back with his partisan.
Orga knew that usually fury tends to blind people. In the heat of the tough battle it's vitally important to keep your head cool. For so many times he had seen the tragic results of recklessness caused by fury.
However, it looked like the very same fury gave blinded Amida the vision. She bent back just in time to intercept Mika's partisan with Hyakuren's right hand and tugged the spike forward, zeroing the distance between two mechs. The brutal cascade of single-edged blade hits fell on the Gundam.
The sudden assault didn't confuse Mikazuki at all. The younger pilot shot the last round straight in the Hyakuren's head and threw the useless rifle away. With his face serene and tranquil, he caught Amida's right arm and swiftly bent it behind, making her lose the grasp on the weapon.
The partisan flashed upwards, thrusting through the Hyakuren's skull, mercilessly tearing it from the mech's body.
"And the winner of the first Tekkadan Best Pilot Contest is Mikazuki Augus!" Kudelia exclaimed cheerfully. "Thank you, everyone! It's been a great honor for me to lead this show! Now, I should return the mic to Biscuit. I'm heading to the hangar, to congratulate our winner in person!"
Kudelia took off the headset and sighed deeply. Fumitan carefully adjusted her golden locks.
"How was it, Boss?" Big violet eyes looked straight into Orga's golden ones; he sensed a sheer excitement mixed with uneasiness, anxiety even. All because of his opinion.
"Great job." He grinned. "You're a real pro."
"Boss..." She paused and blushed a little. "About that kiss, you know..."
Orga blinked and felt the blush warming his face too.
Mika?.. Getting his first kiss?..
"What about it?" He asked as naturally as he could.
"Um... How should do I it? I thought about it before and decided that a peck on the cheek would be okay, right?"
"I... I think so." Actually, Orga imagined it differently. "Whatever makes you feel comfortable."
"Right. Thank you." She smiled and exited the bridge.
Orga looked at the screen. Atra was trying to interview Mikazuki about his victory.
"What do you feel right now, Mikazuki? You're the best pilot among Tekkadan and Turbines. Are you proud? Tired? Glad?"
"Hungry. Gimme one more sandwich, Atra. And something to drink."
"Which battle was the toughest for you?"
Mikazuki bit on the sandwich and thought a little. "Can't tell. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. Ask Biscuit for the stats. The longest battle is probably the toughest."
"Would you please say something to inspire other participants?"
Mika shrugged and took a gulp. "We're Tekkadan. We don't need inspiration."
Orga smirked.
Kudelia entered the hangar. It seemed, she tried to leap gracefully onto the Barbatos shoulder where Mika was standing but failed. Obviously, the lack of gravity was still sort of tricky for her. The girl clumsily floundered and rotated in the air, getting entangled in her golden wavy hair.
Mikazuki pushed off the Barbatos and caught Kudelia by the waist. His precise movements led them to the upper railing, where both landed accurately.
Kudelia's face turned crimson.
She took the mic from Atra's hands. "Um... Let's congratulate our winner once again. All together now! Mikazuki Augus is the best!" The girl smiled cheerfully and leaned closer to Mika. With her eyes shut, Kudelia placed small but determined kiss on Mika's cheek.
Everyone went silent. Orga watched at Mikazuki's arms coiling around Kudelia's waist firmly. At his eyes observing her suddenly startled face. At his lips pressing to hers in a powerful, intense kiss.
Their eyes fluttered shut while everyone else watched them kissing in deafening silence.
It didn't last longer than several seconds, though. Soon enough, Kudelia pushed Mikazuki away, obviously surprising him. The crowd in the hangar yelled and cheered and applauded in excitement.
Everyone except Atra.
Orga checked out the latest reports and straightened in his chair.
"The flight is going on safe and sound, Boss!" Dante showed thumbs up. He was clearly satisfied with his results in the tournament. "Take a break and let your bloody warriors do all the dirty work."
"Yeah, go ahead, take a walk or something. It's too crowded here anyway." Eugene grumbled, sulking in the pilot's chair.
"Don't be a sore loser, Eugene." Biscuit chimed in. "Just do better next time, okay?"
"Says who?!" Eugene exploded immediately. "It's you who should do better next time with the rules! We should have ranks or something! To make at least first battles even!"
"Well, maybe you're right." Biscuit sighed.
Orga stood up. "Where's that hydroponic garden, again?"
"Middle deck, next to the engine area." Dante clarified. "Machinery bay."
Orga descended onto the middle deck, thinking about Mikazuki's lips placed firmly against Kudelia's mouth. The image of that unexpected kiss kept returning to his mind again and again, leaving him irritated and puzzled at the same time. Orga was certain he didn't feel jealousy towards any of those two. And yet, he couldn't really name the uneasy sense.
Is that because Mika's grown up so fast and I've never even noticed?..
Orga pushed the lock on the machinery bay door open and stepped inside. Dark, warm humidity swallowed him. Harsh light pointed directly on the several tiers of containers in the center almost blinded him.
Mikazuki was sitting on the floor, looking at the small green sprouts without tearing his stare off.
"They like gravity." He said quietly. "Did you know, Orga?"
Orga strode to his friend and sat next to him, crossing his legs.
"No." He answered. "I thought they only need water, soil and light."
"Atra read about it in some book. Gra-vi-tro-pism."
Orga closely observed transparent plastic containers of various forms and designs; clearly, they had been collected randomly or even self-made. Fresh, fragile sprouts of different shapes and heights had already broken they way out, and now were reaching for the light. Liquid flowed at the bottom of each container, forming some sort of a circulating system.
"Guess my knowledge is outdated, Mika. No soil, huh?"
"Uh-hm. Special water. With nutrition."
"And what are you planning to harvest? Tomatoes? Carrots?"
"Atra offered cucumbers. I rejected. We decided to go slow. Opted for fresh greenery. Salad. Green onions. Spinach. Pea. Stuff like this." Mikazuki took a pause and added. "I want to learn the simplest things first."
Orga nodded. "It looks amazing. Tekkadan's first farm."
He closed his eyes, enjoying the warmth and humidity and silent calm presence of his best friend.
It's not about growing up. It's about Mika's life taking on more goals than just survival. With girls and hobbies and studies. Isn't that exactly I always wanted for him? What do I want for myself, then?..
"So... How did you enjoy your prize?" Orga inquired, smirking.
"Kudelia felt really nice. Warm and soft. Wet lips. I liked it." Mikazuki shrugged. "She liked that kiss, too. Why did she push me away?"
"Well, some things are considered improper. Like, public displays of affection, passionate kisses included."
"Why? Mr Naze does it all the time."
"Yeah, but he kisses his wives. It's different."
Mika took out a palm seed, popped it in his mouth and started to chew slowly. "Should I marry Kudelia now?"
"It doesn't work like this, Mika." Orga smiled tenderly. "But if you like her, and she likes you, and if you both want it, then..."
"Have you ever kissed Aoi?" Mikazuki interrupted him.
Orga clenched his teeth. "Nah. You beat me to it, with your first kiss."
"You should try." Mikazuki raised an eyebrow at Orga. "You might like it. Hugs and kisses feel really nice. Relaxing but exciting at the same time."
"Yeah." Orga tightened his lips. "I know I might like it."
