Chapter 6
HMA – 2 weeks later – 1000 hours – Virtual Battle Simulation Complex
The Virtual Battle Simulation Complex was a converted football stadium left after the phantoms attacked Earth. Gray, Mark, and Zane walked into the complex in full battle gear. Several 2nd and 3rd cadets came in behind them, also dressed in full battle gear. Each carried the Nocturne, a 12-gauge bio-ethric pulse rifle. All in all, each was carrying about 80 pounds of weight on their bodies. The 2nd year cadet's gear was shiny and new looking, while senior's gear was more used looking, with lots of scrapes, dents and nicks. The younger cadets were there to learn from the seniors. Since it was simulation no harm could come to them from the virtual phantoms, but this was as real as it got for them until 3rd year. Gray "enjoyed" simulation just for that reason. When someone got "killed" his or her battle gear would freeze up, due to a computer code encoded in the hydraulics, simulating death. As well as an electrical shock was surged through the suit so cadets could "feel" the pain of death. But afterward, that cadet was released and they ALL got to learn from their mistakes.
As the cadets lined up in the staging area for their assigned teams, Gray noticed Fontaine was among the 3rd years. Mark noticed him too. Many an altercation had occurred right after simulation, in this very room, between Gray and Fontaine. Usually because Fontaine felt that it was Gray's fault that Fontaine got killed or had killed someone else. The senior instructors, and each time Gray had tried to be fair in his assessment had spoken to Gray about Fontaine. Maybe he was trying to hard to save Fontaine's career. Gray would have to wait and see.
As the cadets milled about waiting, a second set of doors opened. Aki, Maria, and Devon walked into the complex. Aki was shifting in her new uniform. Maria was checking behind her as she walked. Aki had just been fitted with her official wasteland recon uniform. It was form fitting with steel plates sewn in to protect her back, shoulders, abdomen, and chest. It was very constricting, but Maria had assured Aki that it would feel better once she got used to it. Aki wasn't so sure about it. It was a lot heavier that she had expected, and she wasn't quite sure why she needed it.
"Why do we need this armor anyway? It won't stop phantoms." Aki remarked as the walked.
"Its not to protect you from the phantoms. It's to protect you from them." Devon spoke as he pointed to the line of battle attired cadets lined up in the staging area. Aki swallowed noticeably. She had never seen armor so huge. It made the cadets look 2 times bigger.
"You want to talk about weight," Maria replied, "We've got nothing compared to them." Aki had to agree she had better stopped complaining.
"C'mon Ballentine, Ross, Stratfordshire! We haven't got all day!" The instructor called.
This was her first simulation and Aki was very nervous. She didn't feel ready to do simulation, but she would have to wait and see. Maria was relaxed, but she had been doing this for months. Devon, well Devon was being Devon; was always relaxed.
Gray heard the instructor call out Aki's last name. He groaned inwardly. He was happy to be able to see her, but not like this. These simulations could get pretty dicey. But she needed to get some experience before going into the field, Gray thought to himself. If he could help her, he would.
Aki walked past Gray, not able to see his face because of the helmet, and lined up with the others.
"3 teams. Edwards your team alpha, Wallace your team bravo, and Zane your team Charlie. Team alpha will be the commanding team; all other will take orders from Edwards. Your objective is to rescue 4 trapped soldiers inside Old Washington D.C., recon the area and get out of there. The longer you stay the more phantoms will appear. SO get in and get out!"
The instructor pulled an electronic clipboard out. Gray silently prayed for Aki to be on his team. He'd have more control that way. He was in command, but the other team leaders would have ultimate say as to how each achieved the goals Gray set forth.
"Team alpha, Edwards, Gomez, Linburger, and Ballentine." Gray groaned again as his prayer was not answered. Aki sucked in her breath in shock that Gray was out here too. She cautiously peered down the line of cadets. Aki noticed a helmet look slightly her way. Aki snapped back into formation.
"Team bravo, Wallace, Harold, Fontaine, and Ross." Now Gray was really concerned. Aki was on Fontaine's team!
"Edwards!"
"Yes Sir!"
"You've got 10 minutes to plan your mission. Get to it!" The instructor left the complex.
The three teams crowded around a holographic table, showing the layout of the virtual terrain. Gray made a few calculations, lifted his helmet, and then spoke.
"We'll go in here. Hump around this hill and down this road. This building it where the soldiers are. My team will be in first." Fontaine rolled his eyes as Gray spoke; Gray noticed. "Something to add, Ensign Fontaine?" Gray deliberately addressed Fontaine that way to signify his lower rank.
"Well, I don't see why we don't go in here, over this hill. It's a more direct approach and less humping." Fontaine spoke as he pointed to the places on the diagram.
"That's true, ensign. But how are we going to 'see' what's over on the other side of that hill? Could be loaded with phantoms or big metas. Besides, we're to recon the area as much as possible. The way I've indicated is the best."
The others nodded in agreement. Gray had a knack for finding the best routes into an area. Aki could now see that he was born for this.
"Team alpha will be in first, then Charlie team. Bravo team you wait outside. All med techs will go in next. Determine if there is anyone to save and then get out." Gray looked at each med tech, not lingering one more than another. Gray's urgency was partly because Aki was here. Med tech got "killed" to in simulation and Gray didn't want Aki to feel that electrical shock pass through her when she was "killed."
"Lt. Edwards," the voice radioed through Gray's helmet, "are you ready?" gray put his helmet on and radioed back an affirmative.
Gray punched in the landing code for the simulated drop site and the place turned black as night. Each team disembarked, fanning out across the road as they walked. The light from their Halos was all that lighted the way for them. Aki glanced around; looking for signs of life, all she saw was cold stone from monuments long forgotten in the war with the phantoms. As the approached the building where the "soldiers" were, Aki noticed a blip on her wrist-scanner. Phantoms were starting to appear around them. Gray wasn't far from Aki, and heard the blip in his helmet, so all of the cadets were looking around for the phantoms. As they reached the top of the stairs leading to the building, a phantom appeared through a wall. A second year cadet fell to the ground as the simulated phantom killed him. Fontaine opened fire on the phantom, killing it. But that only brought attention to themselves.
"Okay everybody, let's move!" Gray ordered as med tech followed his team inside the building. The med tech reached the soldiers and determined all were dead. Aki was stunned at the realism of the simulation. As Aki stoop up from the ground, she caught a glimpse of a phantom coming straight at her. Aki quickly raised her rifle and fired – dead on. The phantom fell to the ground and evaporated. Aki turned and sprinted towards the others who were fighting an enormous battle outside. The phantoms were drawing closer and getting thicker.
"Bravo team, pull back. Retreat to the rally point. We'll regroup there." Gray commanded.
Bravo team pulled back, but Fontaine was less inclined to leave. He continued to fight a losing battle. "There's too many of them Fontaine! Get the hell out of there, NOW!" Gray shouted to Fontaine.
"Maybe too many for YOU, EDWARDS! Not for me!!" Fontaine retorted and continued to shot the meta phantom lumbering towards them. Gray cursed under his breath, running towards Fontaine's position. Gray shot a few times and grabbed Fontaine's collar piece, pulling him back. As he did a tentacle from the meta swiped past Fontaine's body, jus barely missing him.
The phantoms continued to come at Gray and Fontaine. The others saw that they needed help and rushed forward. Aki ran towards Gray, shooting down two phantoms in the process. As ray continued to struggle with Fontaine, Gray threw Fontaine's weapon from his hands. As the weapon hit the marble stairs, a few rounds shot out of the weapon hitting Aki and Zane. Both fell to the ground, jerking spasmodically from the electrical shock running through them.
Fontaine watched as Aki and Zane both where "killed." Gray was furious. Not because it was Aki, although he was angry about her having to feel that shock, but because Fontaine had disobeyed an order and got other people killed.
"Everyone pull back. Back to the ship!" Gray, Fontaine and the others ran down the street, shooting phantoms as they went along. Two more cadets were lost as they made their escape. They reached the "safe" zone, where Gray punched in the code to complete the mission. The images disappeared, leaving only the scattered bodies of Aki, Zane, and the other cadets lying on the floor. Gray's also lost control.
Whipping off this helmet, throwing it to the ground, Gray yelled at Fontaine. "I gave you a direct order to pull back, Cadet!"
"You were playing too safe, Edwards!!" Fontaine and Gray were nose to nose with each other. Gray's sweating face was glowing in the lights, eyes looked like he could kill Fontaine right there. "The DEEP EYES don't want guys who play it safe, they want guys who can win!"
"Let me tell you something, Fontaine. You grew up inside the barriers, I didn't. The DEEP EYES want soldiers who come back AND who can win!! They've got not time for hot-dogging or showboating, so think about that!" Gray was furious, more furious than he'd ever been. The instructor was walking quickly towards Gray and Fontaine. Both took as step back from each other.
"The two of you are suspended from simulation!! Fontaine, you were given an order by a superior officer! You should have followed it." The instructor pointed directly into Fontaine's face. Then he turned to Gray.
"Edwards, I would have expected a lot better judgment on the part of senior cadet leader. You shouldn't have gone back for Fontaine. If he wants to stay and be a hero – let him! You lost 4 people because of your misjudgment! And as commanding officer of this mission YOU are ultimately responsible." Gray stood at attention, listening carefully as the instructor laid out the numerous errors made in the mission. Gray watched from the corner of his eye as medical personnel revived Aki. She was swaying on her feet, stumbling back and forth. Gray knew that it was his fault.
As Aki passed by them, she looked into Gray's eyes and seemed to stare "I'm okay," to reassure him. Gray realized at that moment that Aki was made of sterner stuff than he gave her credit, but it didn't make what happened any easier to take.
"Major Hien wants to speak with you both. Get out of those suits and report to him in 20 minutes."
HMA - 1 Week from graduation
Aki had never been as happy, or as frustrated, in all her life. Her and Gray's attempts at being alone together were severely limited. Part of the reason was there weren't many places they BOTH could go and not look suspicious. When they did get to be alone they spent most of the time talking. Gray told Aki stories of his family. Aki showed Gray the pictures inside her family photo album of Hawaii and the world before the phantoms. Their safest place to meet was at the study group. It was clear to everyone that Gray liked Aki. He always chose to sit next to her. He always seemed to understand what she was trying to say about a subject. It seems to the others that the two of them were very familiar with each other. But no one KNEW if Aki liked Gray. Aki seemed indifferent to Gray around the others. In private, which was seldom, it was another story. As the months progressed and graduation loamed for the seniors, Aki seemed to notice anxiousness about Gray. He hadn't heard from the DEEP EYES yet. Their secret relationship was wearing Aki's nerves thin. She constantly worried about someone discovering them. She also knew that Gray and her would probably be separated soon, and that weighed heavily on Aki's mind. She had grown so close to Gray in the last few months she didn't want to leave him. But she knew she had to.
Aki's training continued swiftly. She even was able to actually go into space for 2 days for hands-on weightless and aerospace technology training. At the same time, Gray was assigned to another escort mission just outside the Houston barrier. He had been getting assigned more frequently lately. Again, Aki knew it was because he was graduating soon and they needed all the "experienced" hands they could get. Most of the time nothing happened, but occasionally they would encounter trouble. Aki also knew that this was how it was going to be if she was going to stay "with" Gray. She would always feel that fear when she watched him board the transport ship to go on a mission. Since Aki hadn't completed her med tech training she hadn't been assigned to any team. The med tech director had explained since Aki had come in late, she probably get her certification and go straight from the academy to a field unit. Aki didn't like the idea of going straight into the field, but her volunteer contract was for 20 missions. Getting assigned right away meant she could complete her contract more quickly, get back to the Gaia theory, and Dr. Sid.
Aki had no contact with Dr. Sid and she wondered how he was fairing. She missed him and his active mind. For a man of this age his mind still worked incredibly. He saw things in different ways that anyone she had ever met. Aki thought it might be because he had been a scientist before the meteor had hit. But Aki had met other people and scientists who were around the same age and none could reason like Dr. Sid could. She loved him for that.
Aki walked towards the firing range at the back of the academy. She HATED this part of the training. But Gray had insisted that it was necessary that she knew how to defend herself if she was ever caught in a tough situation alone. That thought weighed heavily on Gray's mind. Aki knew Gray was concerned about her going into the field. He knew she was capable of holding her own, but he didn't want her to have too. He wasn't a chauvinist, but he wanted Aki safe; working somewhere like a hospital or even a military clinic on the partial completed Zeus station.
Aki walked into the armory to get her weapon. She had been trained on a "lighter" rifle. Aki didn't seemed to notice the lighter part because it was still damn heavy to run, jump, dive and maneuver with. She gave her ID to the cadet, who scanned it, then handed her a rifle and two magazines. She hefted the weapon in her arms, walking gingerly towards the door. As she opened the door the noise from the range was deafening. Aki put one hand over her ear to block out the noise. She suddenly realized that she had forgotten to get ear protection. It wasn't required, but Aki couldn't stand the noise. As she turned to walk back into the armory, Gray came through the door with Mark, Brady and Zane. Each had a Nocturne that was twice the size of her rifle. Aki wanted to look relieved and happy to see Gray, but covered her emotions. She had gotten really good at that in the past months.
"Hello, Lt. Edwards" Aki shouted.
Gray noticed Aki's discomfort with the noise. Gray reached into his pocket and pulled out a pair of earplugs. "Here, you look like could use these. Don't worry they've never been used." Gray smiled at Aki. Aki nodded and mouthed the words "Thank you" to Gray. Gray and the others continued on into the range.
Aki stood down the line from Gray and his friends. This was the only "subject" that she had trouble in. She just couldn't get comfortable with the rifle. She had done well with the handgun, but the rifle was too heavy and cumbersome for her slight weight. Every time it fired Aki felt like her shoulder was going to come out of socket. She had a perpetual bruise on her right shoulder from the weapon. Aki took a few deep breaths, hoisted the weapon to her shoulder, aimed and fired. The recoil jarred Aki back once, twice, and three times. She winced each time the weapon fired, but Aki didn't pull the rifle from her sore shoulder. Gray watched as Aki tried to hide her pain. Gray knew how hard she was trying. He had tried to "show" how to hold the rifle a bunch of times when they were alone. But each time he did, his mind and body drifted into different, and very improper, ways of holding other things in Aki's arms. Needless to say, Gray and Aki had spent a lot of time trying to improve Aki's firing stance.
Aki paused after a few rounds. She flexed her shoulder to alleviate the knot there. She picked up her rifle again, aimed and fired. Finally, the bell called for all to hold fire. The targets were cleared and reset. Aki kept firing over and over. She suddenly sensed someone was standing behind her. She thought it was Gray at first, here to help her stance again. She smirked as she turned behind her. Her face fall at what she saw; Major Hein stood there with his hands behind his back, grinning like "the cat that eat the canary."
"Major Hein?" Aki shouted. Hein indicated for Aki to follow him inside the armory. Once inside Aki turned her weapon and empty magazines over to the armory cadet, and followed Hein out. One outside, Hein continued to walk until they were in an area devoid of people.
"Ms. Ross I've just received some information." Hein stated as he turned and faced Aki. "He knows about Gray and me!" Aki screamed inside her head. Aki remained silent.
"Aren't you curious about what about?" Hein inquired.
"I'm sure what ever it is it must be of some importance if you've come all the way out here to tell me personally." Aki replied slightly sarcastically to Hein.
"It is. I've just received your command assignment after you leave here. And I must say that I am glad to see you practicing with your weapon. Because with this assignment you'll definitely be needing it." Hein stated maliciously.
"You've been assigned to Sector 12, Division 6 - a DEEP EYES squadron. You'll receive your team assignment when you get to your command."
Aki didn't know whether to be happy or terrified. Aki could've been happy, since Gray was going to be a DEEP EYES. But he hadn't gotten his assignment yet. Nothing was for sure until you got it in writing from strategic command. But then, Aki became terrified at the thought of being assigned to that sector. It had the highest phantom concentration of all the sectors. No one knew really why, but more missions had been lost there than anywhere else. Aki felt sick to her stomach.
"You're to depart in 24 hours. I'm sure that you'll do well there, Mr. Ross." Hein said as he started to walk off. Aki was shocked at the immediacy of her departure. "24 hours, sir? That's before graduation. I haven't even received my certification yet from the med tech board." Aki replied a little anxiously, wanting to hope she could delay her departure. Hein paused, smiling again as her turned back to face her.
"Your certification was processed through 1 hour ago. With your qualifications and recommendations," Hein sneered, "you are a highly prized addition to any military division. You should feel honored." Hein turned and continued to walk away.
"24 hours, Ms. Ross!" Hein called over his shoulder.
Aki was stunned. 24 hours until she would have to leave Gray. 24 hours until she left this place for a far worse place. She felt like she could've cried right then. She could tell Gray where she was going; he'd be very concerned. Hell, he'd be absolutely terrified for Aki. She and the others had heard the stories coming out of Sector 12. All of them were very disturbing, but they all acted like they would never be sent there. Well, one of them was going there; in 24 hours!
A few moments later Gray and his friends walked out of the armory. Gray hadn't been able to concentrate ever since Aki had left with Hein. His score sucked, but he didn't care. Gray wanted to know what was going on. When Gray exited the armory he spotted Aki standing just a few feet away. Her face a complete blank, as if she was in shock.
"Hold on a minute Mark, I'll be right back." Gray called over his shoulder as he walked quickly towards Aki. He didn't want to get anyone curious about his concern, so he slowed his pace.
"What did Hein want? Are you okay?" Gray asked as he saw the look on Aki's face.
Aki didn't want Gray to worry. She knew she couldn't tell him the truth. So she lied.
"Nothing. He just gave me my assignment."
"HE came her to tell you that, personally." Gray sounded suspicious. "Where are you going?"
"I'm going to Sector 1, to work with the engineering unit on the pipeline." Aki replied not looking Gray's face.
Gray looked at Aki closely. Something was wrong. Either she was lying or she was afraid, maybe both, Gray thought.
"Aki, does Hein know about us? Don't try and protect me. Tell me the truth." Gray whispered.
"No. He doesn't know. Like I said he just came here to tell me my assignment."
"Pretty petty thing for a major to come and see a med tech personally about." Gray remarked.
"Well, that's what he told me. Gray, I leave in 24 hours." Aki looked at him gravely.
"24 hours!" Gray shouted. Mark and Gray's friends glanced up at his shout, curious at Gray's uncharacteristic intensity. Aki jumped at his shout as well. Gray winced at her reaction and glanced about nervously. "No reason to give up the goose now, Edwards," Gray thought to himself as he paused to calm himself.
"Gray, we knew this was going to happen. It's better this way." Aki didn't really think it was better, but she didn't want Gray to be troubled. She wanted their last 24 hours to be happy – whatever that meant.
Gray knew he was treading on thin ice. He was ready to explode. Gray didn't want her to leave. He wanted her here until the end of the week. He had been trying to arrange a time for them to meet again. All his attempts had been "thwarted" by something. It was almost as if someone DID know about them and was making sure they stayed apart. This situation only confirmed his suspicions.
"I have to see you before you go." Gray whispered to Aki, touching her elbow lightly.
"When?" Aki whispered breathlessly. She knew it was a terrible risk they were taking, standing here, talking and now touching. She had to break contact before someone important saw. Aki stepped away from Gray.
"Meet me at the telescope at 2000 hours." Aki nodded her head in agreement the said casually, "Have you gotten your assignment yet?"
"No. I haven't" Gray replied curtly. Obviously Aki wasn't going to tell him what was bothering her. That bothered him was that she didn't trust him enough to tell him. Or that she felt the she needed to lie to him. He didn't like it, but he wasn't going to let it show. He knew Aki would eventually tell him.
"I've got to go." Aki whispered under her breath. Aki walked quickly away from Gray, her feelings in turmoil. Gray returned to his friends, equally distressed.
Hein watched Aki and Gray talking outside the armory. "Fontaine was right. There is something going on with them." Hein thought as he watched the two of them converse. Hien wasn't stupid; he could tell that Edwards had been interested from the start. But he very thought Edwards would risk his DEEP EYES assignment over her. Edwards seemingly "good fortune" perturbed Hein. Hein had NOT recommended Gray Edwards for a DEEP EYES assignment, sighting some minor faults – which Hein felt were major. Apparently, Major Baldwin, Edward's former CO, had written a 9-page dossier on Gray Edwards' achievements up until he died. Strategic command had chosen to over rule Hein and assigned Edwards to the same unit as Ross. Hein had received Edwards' assignment to the DEEP EYES weeks ago, but had kept it a secret, trying to reverse it through his contacts in strategic command. Each time he spoke to someone, they told him the same thing – NO. That irritated Hein more than anything else. Just then an e-mail message appeared on Hein's computer screen. Strategic command wanted to speak to him about his next command assignment. Hein smiled to himself, hoping that this would be the assignment had been waiting for.
Hein turned back to his desk, looking at the assignment orders for Edwards. "Well, if I can't keep you out of the DEEP EYES, I'll just make sure you go to the worse sector possible." Hein spoke out loud to himself. He marked a box on the assignment for Sector 12, Division 6. Hein smiled to himself. "You'll be able to be together – and then you'll slip up and get kicked out of the DEEP EYES for fraternization." Hein thought to himself and glanced at a plaque beside his desk. It stated: "Revenge is a dish best served cold."
HMA –2020 hours– Abandon Telescope Room.
Gray paced nervously inside the dark telescope room. He had been there for 20 minutes waiting. He was starting to get worried. He knew something was wrong was with Aki's story, but they hadn't been able to talk earlier. He'd get the truth from her tonight. He wanted her to trust him. He noticed that he knew all about her childhood, her family, and her medical achievements, but she always skipped the year before she came to HMA. She was always changing the subject or giving vague answers about what she was doing when he inquired about what she had been doing before she came to the academy. That had not gone unnoticed by Gray. He wasn't particularly worried about it, but now he was concerned this was a becoming a growing trend with their relationship. Gray wanted the truth.
Aki cautiously walked up the stairway. She didn't have a light, but knew the way well. This was one of the only places her and Gray could really be alone. Several times they had lost track of time and barely made it back to their rooms before lights out. She laughed at that then, but now she wasn't laughing. She felt so horrible about lying to Gray. She knew he was suspicious about her story, but she had to protect him. She didn't want him doing something stupid to jeopardize his DEEP EYES assignment. He had been troubled he wasn't going to get it because of Major Hein. Aki could understand his fear. Hein was very ambitious and unforgiving. She could see Hein would do anything, to anyone, if they defied him.
Aki reached the top of the stairs. She navigated the cluttered hall confidently. It wasn't just familiarity with the place. All those hours on treacherous simulated environments, all those cuts, bruises, and falls. The pain had cultivated in Aki a certain sense of care and environmental awareness that had not been there before. Gray had remarked about it one night. Aki had replied, "There's something about carrying a heavily-loaded rifle, that could kill you, that makes a person more aware of their movements." Gray had laughed mightily at her comment.
As Aki reached the telescope room door, she noticed it was slightly cracked. She peered in, looking for Gray. Suddenly she saw him pace by the door. He seemed to be silently talking to himself, as if practicing something he wanted to say. Aki took a deep breath and walked through the door.
Gray stopped pacing as soon as Aki walked in. He stood watching silently as she slowing closed the door behind her, leaning her back against it afterwards. Gray couldn't say what he had planned to, now that she was here. He didn't know what to say anymore. The thought of not seeing her everyday, even just in passing, alarmed him. She had become so much a part of his life. "What was he thinking?" Gray thought to himself, "You want to be a DEEP EYE, which means no attachments". The thought didn't sit well with him, now. Before he met Aki, he had been resigned to the fact he wouldn't be able to have "serious" relationships. An occasionally dalliance to relieve stress was all that was allowed – unofficially.
"Gray…" Aki started to explain, but couldn't as she looked at his face. He seemed so torn. Aki felt horrible that she had caused all this. She wanted Gray to be happy, to have his dream of being a DEEP EYE to come true. Even if it meant that she had to give him up.
"Gray, I know this is hard. But we knew this was going to happen." Aki explained logically. She pushed from the door and walked towards Gray, her hands moving animatedly as she explained all the reasons this was the best way.
"You don't need the distraction of me during graduation. The DEEP EYES are going to select you. I know it. They're just saving the best for last." Aki smiled sweetly up at Gray as she took both of his hands in hers.
"Aki, tell me the truth. Tell me what Hein told you." Gray pleaded.
"I already told you." Aki stated coolly.
"Don't lie to me. I can see it in your face. You're LYING TO ME!" Gray grabbed Aki's shoulders forcefully, slightly shaking her to prove how close to losing it he was.
"Gray! You're hurting me! Let go!" Aki struggled out of Gray powerful hold. Gray release his grip, Aki spun away from him.
"I want you tell me the truth. No more lies." Gray demanded. Aki rubbed her upper arms slowly, still feeling the results of Gray's barely controlled anger there.
"I never lied to you before!" Aki shot back.
"No. You didn't lie. You just didn't tell me anything or told me half-truths. In my book, a lie is a lie, whatever form it takes!"
"Who do think you are! Don't preach to me about lying! Are whole relationship has been a lie! We couldn't tell anyone the truth without risking your precious DEEP EYES assignment. What do you think the DEEP EYES board would have thought if they had known?"
"I don't care what they think!" Gray blurted out quickly. Aki was stunned by the admission. "And our relationship wasn't lie, not to me. It was real. But obviously it wasn't to you." Gray replied coldly.
Aki's eyes narrowed in anger. "You don't care?! Now you're lying to yourself!! This is war, Gray. What choice do we have?" Aki crossed her arms over her chest in challenge.
"Don't preach to me about war and choices, Aki. I've been out there fighting in it a lot longer than you!" Gray started to leave. Aki was shocked as he started to open the door. She was mad, but she didn't want to end like this.
"Gray, I don't what us to end like this." Aki spoke to Gray's back. Gray stopped and glanced over his shoulder.
"Well, like you said, it was bound to happen. I just thought that when we left here it wouldn't end, not completely."
Aki's chin trembled as she realized that she had made a terrible mistake. She didn't want this to end either. She didn't want to Gray to hate her. She rushed over to where Gray was standing. She put her hand on Gray's arm.
"Gray, I'm sorry! Please, don't leave like this. I care about you so much. I don't want you to give up your dreams, just for me." Aki's voice quivered as she tried to hold back the tears. Aki's quivering voice broke through Gray's anger. He placed his hand over hers on his arm, and turned towards her. The light of the moon shone brightly through the barrier, reflecting in Aki's beautiful eyes. Gray could get lost in those eyes forever.
"Well, I have to give up one dream to have the other." Gray replied solemnly. Gray stroked his thumb over Aki's knuckles soothingly. Aki bowed her head as Gray's statement sank in. Her tears came in earnest now, flowing down her soft cheeks. Gray's eyes clouded with emotion, not quite tears, but something close to it. Aki raised her head to look at Gray's face. She wanted to say so much, but knew it wouldn't be enough. Instead, she took Gray's face in her hands, and pulled him down to her trembling lips. They kissed with the intensity of lovers who knew that they would never meet again. Gray's kiss, normally so tender and gentle, was suffused with a passion that Aki had never tasted before. He wanted her to remember this kiss. It was a kiss that seemed to never end, that warped the very passage of time and looped it back on itself. And then it was over, and it was just the two of them standing in each other's arms, forehead to forehead, their breaths co-mingling.
"What time do you leave?" Gray asked breathlessly, stroking his hand up and down Aki's back.
"1500, tomorrow," Aki replied quietly.
Gray nodded his head in acknowledgement. Time was running short for them. Lights out started in 10 minutes, and it would take them that long to get back their rooms on time. Gray slowed extricated himself from around Aki. She seemed less inclined to release Gray, her head now lying on his chest. Gray unwrapped her arms from around his waist, holding her hands lightly as he looked directly into her eyes.
"I want you to know that if you EVER need me I'll be there for you."
Aki nodded, to upset for words. Gray wrapped his hand around the back of her neck pulling her towards him. He kissed her forehead sweetly and spoke softly, "I'll never be far away. I'll do what ever it takes to be with you, if you still want me."
"I still want you, Gray. But it'll be so hard. And what if the DEEP EYES find out."
"Don't worry about them. Once I get to my command, I'll contact you. We'll start there. Then we'll see. Okay?" Gray squeezed Aki's hands as encouragement. "It should be too hard for me to get a transport out to Sector 1." Gray smiled.
Aki's face fell at the realization that Gray would try to reach her at Sector 1, and she would be at Sector 12. She had to tell him the truth – but what would that do his state of mind?
Gray looked down at his watch. "We've got to go Aki. We've only 6 got more minutes until lights out." Aki softly whimpered at the thought of leaving him.
"But Gray, there's something…." Aki stopped suddenly Hein's voice was heard over the PA system.
"Attention all cadets. Lights out will be commencing early tonight. You have 2 minutes." The PA switched off. Gray looked at Aki, both dashed towards the stairs. Aki ran down the stairs, while Gray jumped over the railing, down each level. They didn't care about the noise, or that they were together. They knew that they would get reported if outside their rooms after lights out. Aki knew that she was already leaving, so she probably wouldn't get in trouble that bad if she was caught, so she urged Gray, "Go ahead of me!" Gray turned to Aki questioningly. "I'm outta here tomorrow, what can they really do to me! Now, go!" Gray understood Aki's logic, but didn't like leaving her. Gray dashed swiftly through the academy, knowing the hallways well. He reached his room in time, but with Aki it was a different story.
The sentries escorted Aki to Major Hein's office. Aki didn't know what to expect, but she was prepared for the worst. What could they really do to her? She was a volunteer. Okay, it might tarnish her perfect record, but so what, Aki thought. She had plenty good reports to overshadow one small indiscretion. And they were already sending her to the worst sector. So Aki wasn't truly worried, although with Hien she was always worried.
The sentries deposited Aki in Hein's office. Hien was sitting in his chair, waiting. When the sentries left, Hein touched a button and began speaking.
"This is the interrogation of Aki Ross, med tech cadet 225149887, concerning her violation of command order 154." Hein looked back at Aki. Aki remained standing before him.
"Why were you outside your barracks room after lights out?"
"I was caught by the early lights out announcement. It was not mentioned in the daily posting"
"Let the record show that an early lights out was announced 10 minutes before normal lights out. This is a routine precaution to discover deviant behavior."
"It wasn't 10 minutes before, more like 4 minutes before. And you only gave 2 minutes to get to my room."
"And you were so far away from you room that you could reach it in 2 minutes? I would imagine Ms. Ross that you would have had a rough time reaching your room in time during a normal lights out call. Judging by the distance you were from your room, as you said 4 minutes before normal lights out call." Hein remarked coolly.
"Major Hein-" Aki tried to respond, but Hien cut her off.
"It is also interesting that you were conscious of exactly how much time you had left until the normal lights out call." Hein paused letting the information sink in. Aki chose to remain quiet, the less she talked the better, she thought.
"Who were you with?" Hein demanded. Aki wasn't about to tell him. He could do his worse, but she wouldn't tell him shit.
"I said WHO were you with, Ms. Ross?" Hein repeated more forcefully. When Aki didn't reply, Hein stood up and leaned over the desk at her. "Your silence is an admission of guilt, Ms. Ross." Aki remained quiet. Hein ground his teeth menacingly, then reached over and stopped the recorder. Hein walked around the desk. His demeanor frightened Aki, but she stood fast. Hein walked straight to her and stood nose to nose.
"I know you were with Edwards. Don't try and deny it. I saw you two today outside the armory." Hein smiled sardonically. "Did you tell him about your assignment? I bet you didn't, probably don't want you lover to worry about you, huh."
"Lt. Edwards is not my lover, Major Hein." Aki spoke the truth, partly.
"Excuse me, not lover…boyfriend? Is that a better word?" Hein spat out in Aki's face.
"No sir, it is not a better word." Aki replied dryly. "Friend would be an appropriate term, sir."
"Friend, huh. Well, med techs and cadets aren't supposed to be friends. So you are guilty of that violation!" Hein was getting increasing irate at Aki's indifference.
"What if we brought Edwards you here? What would he say about your 'friendship'? Or your assignment for that matter?"?
"I couldn't speak for Lt. Edwards."
Hein spun away from Aki; afraid if he went any further it might backfire on him. He thought he had Edwards with tonight. But the little bitch had been caught instead. There wasn't much he could do to her, and he didn't want her, he wanted Edwards. Hein walked back behind the desk. He pushed the record button again. "End of file." Hein retook his seat and glanced back at Aki.
"Ms. Ross, you are embarking on a dangerous road with Lt. Edwards. Lt. Edwards is a fine soldier and leader. You could jeopardize his career with your dalliance with him. Do you want that you mind? Knowing that he risked his career to be with you?" Hien went for the preverbal "jugular."
Aki remained cool, but concerned. "Lt. Edwards won't be jeopardizing anything for me. Since there is nothing but respect and friendship between us. Besides as you informed me today, I am about to leave. "
"Well you can never know where you might meet again." Hein replied casually, but menacingly. "Sentries! Escort Ms. Ross to her room. See that she is packed and but on the 1st transport out tomorrow to Sector 12." Hein ordered.
Aki was shocked. She wasn't leaving at 1500; she was leaving at 0600. She wouldn't have time to say good-bye to everyone, or Gray. And it was lights out now, she couldn't get word to Gray tonight before she left. Aki wisely remained quiet as she exited the room.
"It was a pleasure having you here at Houston Military Academy, Ms. Ross" Hien called out as she left. Aki thought she heard a faint laugh come from the office as she rounded the corner.