Chapter Nine – Run for your life! (And Everyone Else's)
A/N: About three chapters ago I said I would be done in three to five chapters. OK, I lied. It won't be too much longer but don't expect the next chapter to be the last one. Thanks for all the great feedback.
22 hours later
Cosmos
The climate control on the Cosmos was always set to a bit colder than normal. Maybe it was the captain's preference or maybe it was to keep everyone alert. Regardless, Tenkawa Akito was soaking in his own sweat as he sat at the desk in his room. He had been there for a while. Six hours to be exact since he had woken up.
At first he had tried to calm himself by remembering every recipe he knew and writing them down on the notepad. After that he wrote love poems to Yurika. After that his flowing verse degenerated into doodles. So he had been doodling for the last ninety minutes on the computer writing pad. He wasn't sure he had ever been so nervous in his life. Even when he was learning to fly an Aestevalis he didn't feel so powerless.
He briefly considered flinging the computer across the room at the wall when it alerted him he had a message. The message was anonymous but he knew well who sent it.
"Get ready. It starts in one hour. We must move fast."
Yeah, he would be ready but another one hour! He was sure he would go insane between now and then mulling over every possible thing that could go wrong. Something always went wrong and something would go wrong this time but what?
Jovian Battleship Leviathan
"Admiral, they will be within range of our advance forces in about an hour," Kusakabe's first officer reported.
"Excellent send the orders to the grasshopper swarms. This should be interesting to watch," Kusakabe said wryly. "Also, bring Fressange to the bridge. I want some information out of her."
Nadesico
The crew had been briefed. The preparations had been made. Yurika had forced him to check fifteen times to make sure the preparations had been made correctly. Jun figured everything was in place. There was just that one matter that he and Ruri would take care of discreetly that was still up in the air.
He sent a message to Ruri's console asking how the work was going. She replied progress had been made but she was not sure it was enough. Whether it was enough progress they would soon find out.
Excalibur
No one had ever seen Chairman Akatsuki Nagare look so distraught and nervous. He still had the determined and ardent glow in his eyes but his composure lacked its usual confidence. He had been tapping the armrest of his chair for over an hour now and a few of his bridge crew would like to tell him to stop before they went insane.
He was still surprised Jun had actually agreed to play along. In about an hour this whole thing would be over. Erina, Akito, and worst of all his beloved Cosmos would be vaporized. Before then though they had to find a way to extort the data out of Erina. That was the tricky part. He still wasn't sure whether or not to have Jun killed at a later time. He could become a big liability and Erina was teaching him what happens when you have people who know too much running around free. That was a later decision though. It was imperative that he focus on the task at hand.
One hour later…
Suzuki walked through the halls of the Cosmos looking at every passing crew member and trying to see if her cover had been blown. Each one she expected to pounce on her or pull a gun. She was good at hiding her emotions though so no one seemed to know she was on edge. She finally arrived at Akito's room. She knocked three times as planned. After a brief pause he opened the door.
"So, where are you going to interrogate me this time?" he asked following the agreed script.
"Same place as last time, Tenkawa. Maybe if you'll talk I'll let you have your picture back," she said pulling out the picture Akito had packed of him and Yurika from her pocket. Without another word Akito stepped out and followed her. The moment of truth had arrived. In two hours he would either be in Yurika's arms or dead in space.
They arrived at Suzuki's quarters and they instantly sat down and got to work. Suzuki gave Akito a computer and he began to transmit their plans in code to the Nadesico. Suzuki meanwhile made sure the unmanned fighters were hacked and ready to fail. He received an acknowledgement from Ruri that they would be waiting. Also, at the end of the message was a "good luck" e-card from Yurika showing a chibi version of herself waving at him. Akito smiled and shook his head. He would need more than luck now.
Jovian Grasshopper Regiment – JG-02-1425
Contingent: 700 grasshoppers, 2 battleships
The grasshoppers were on normal patrol of the front when they received the priority signal to disengage from their monotonous routine and head directly into UEF space.
The battleships, the automated kind in order to facilitate chulip crossing, complied as well. They seamlessly fell into formation, communicating and synchronizing with each other. One of the reconnaissance satellites fed them data on three blips that were rapidly approaching the front. They homed in and began their charge, their red eyes giving off a ferocious intensity.
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Suzuki interfaced with the computer and began sending commands at a frenzied pace. The unmanned fighters were set. Both of their Aestevalis's had been well maintained and were ready for launch at a moment's notice. Everything was perfect. Suddenly, alarms went off everywhere.
"Dammit! They've found us!" Suzuki said standing up frantically.
"Oh crap, oh crap!" Akito cried. He knew something just had to go bad and here it did.
"Don't just stand there in shock! Take this!" Suzuki said pulling a pistol out of her desk and handing it to him. She then took another from the desk and stood aiming at the door. An eternity seemed to pass and then Erina's voice came over the intercom.
"Attention all crew. We are coming under attack by Jovian forces. I repeat combat is imminent. All pilots to the mechanical bay immediately. All crew to battle stations!"
Suzuki was stunned and then lowered her gun. "Of all the things that could happen now!"
Akito looked at her and then said, "Who knows maybe this can be a better diversion than we planned."
Suzuki instantly saw his logic. "Come on lover boy! To the Aestis!" Without another word they ran out and down the hall.
On the bridge Erina couldn't believe her luck. If it wasn't enough to be harassed by the Nadeisco and Excalibur. "All crew prepare for battle! Where is my first officer?" she snapped. As if to answer her query Suzuki's face appeared on the screen.
"Captain, we are preparing to launch. We will have four Aestis but we are still vastly outnumbered."
"Fine…four Aestis! Who's number four?!" Erina asked realizing only three of them had survived the last battle.
"Tenkawa has agreed to help," Suzuki replied.
"Absolutely no! He is too important and must remain here. We will probably need him again once we arrive at the coordinates. He might try to run off anyway," Erina finished.
"Captain, we are vastly outnumbered and the Nadesico and Excalibur trail us by ten minutes time. Tenkawa was an ace pilot on the Nadesico and his help may be necessary for our survival. Anyway, he suspects his girlfriend's loyalties so what reason would he have to defect?"
Erina considered her logic and finally relented. "Let him go. If something goes wrong though it's your ass Suzuki!" Erina said. Suzuki gave a short bow and signed off.
Akito stood in the elevator as it raised him up to the entry hatch for his pink Aestevalis. Each time he got in this thing he hoped it would be the last time. Maybe though this machine was an indelible part of his life. Maybe it would be impossible for him to ever escape…No! He had a real life. He had friends, he had a girl, and he had cooking. This would all end someday. He just had to keep pushing. He got into the seat of his unit. Looking to his right he saw Suzuki boarding next to him. She turned and noticed his attention and replied with a smile and a wave. He waved back and then nodded to the technicians as they closed the hatch on him.
"AESTEVALIS LAUNCH!!" The tactical commander cried as the four Aestevalis units were catapulted into space one after the other. Akito was the last to exit and he quickly fell into formation behind the wing leader Suzuki.
Once launched, the foursome instantly began to wonder whether or not this had been a good idea. "This is crazy," Akito whispered as he watched his radar screen fill up with so many targets that they appeared more like an amorphous blob than hundreds of individual grasshoppers. The only consolation was that the majority seemed to hang back while the others were launched in waves of 30-50 grasshoppers.
"All units prepare yourselves. The first wave will be in range in twenty seconds!" Suzuki yelled. "Back to the good old days," Akito replied. Before they knew it the grasshoppers were on them. Their formation rapidly broke as the Aestevalis's ducked and weaved to dodge the cannon fire and missiles of the grasshopper units. Akito, temporarily in shock from being back in a hopeless battle after a year's absence came around and punished the grasshoppers with a flurry of shells which felled seven of them. Meanwhile his wingmen were doing their own job of slashing and burning every grasshopper in sight. The battle would have seemed trivial but they realized that there could be at least 500 more left.
A great irony of the battle was the total impotence of the unmanned fighters. Suzuki had forgot to re-enable them before they took off and thus they were quick work for the rampaging grasshoppers.
"Captain Won, we need support immediately. Please use the PT cannon on the swarm that is staying back!" Suzuki asked over her communicator.
"We're already on it first officer," Erina replied. "On my mark, fire into the densest section of the swarm," Erina commanded and then paused. After a tense moment she yelled, "FIRE!"
The blast emanating from the Cosmos ripped through the swarm like a knife through butter. When the numbers came back the total number of grasshoppers had decreased by about two hundred. However, it would take a few minutes to recharge the cannon and the rest of the swarm decided not to wait that long. They began a full charge with the battleships at the rear. The entire ship was frantic as everyone realized this could be the end if a miracle didn't occur soon.
Akito flew an erratic maneuver, not much unlike those flown by houseflies on Earth, as he tried to dodge the fire of a contingent of ten grasshoppers who had made it their mission in life to take him down. He turned around and fired into the swarm to only hit three and watch the others fly away from his fury. Akito clenched his teeth in frustration and rage. Where was a good pilot like Ryoko to back you up in times like this? The answer to his hopes appeared as Suzuki came out of nowhere and began to cover his retreat.
"Come on Akito! What's the deal? It's not like these are real pilots," Suzuki teased him.
Akito was about to say something smart but he decided it was better to swallow his pride and join her to fight in tandem. They quickly finished off the annoying contingent of grasshoppers and then turned around to rejoin the main battle. What they saw discouraged them. A huge sea of yellow along with two purple specks which were obviously battleships, rapidly approached them. The Cosmos by this time had charged up its PT cannon once again and fired once more through the swarm. The grasshoppers were more diffuse now though and only about 100 perished in the direct hit.
"This is suicide!" Suzuki yelled. "We must take refuge inside the Cosmos's distortion field immediately!"
"But what about our escape!? This may be our only chance!" Akito yelled.
"If your friends would arrive then maybe that would be an option, however, I don't see…" she stopped as she noticed two huge blips appear on close range radar. "About damn time!" she yelled.
Jun was surveyed the scene from the bridge of the Nadesico with alarm but determination. "It looks like we'll have to clear out the closest ones with our PT cannon and then launch all of our Aestevalis units. Do you agree Yurika?" he asked looking at her.
"I agree, however, I believe we should dedicate the Excalibur to handling the battleships. It is newer and could probably handle them both," she suggested.
Jun nodded. "Megumi, contact the Aestis and tell them to clear the way for our PT cannon. Also, tell Akatsuki to get ready and engage the battleships," he commanded.
"Right away Jun," Megumi chimed sending the orders through.
Akito and Suzuki both received the commands and sped away from the blast corridor as fast as they could. Once they were clear they watched as space warped and glowed with energy as the cannon directed its energy into the advancing horde. Soon thereafter they saw the two Aestis of Ryoko and Izumi rapidly approaching.
"You are always getting yourself into some fool mess Tenkawa!" Ryoko yelled at him. Akito smiled. It had never felt so good to hear Ryoko's verbal abuse.
"Let's clean this up!" Akito replied to her. The four headed into the cloud of grasshoppers leaving a path of mangled metal and destruction in their wake. Meanwhile the Excalibur sped ahead to confront the two Jovian battleships.
"The Jovians must realize that no amount of cookie-cutter alien technology can defeat the ingenuity of Nergal!" he said regaining his old pomposity. The Excalibur used its rapid recharging PT cannon to give damaging punches to the Jovian battleships, taking down their distortion fields.
Suddenly Erina came up on the view screen of the Excalibur. "Dear Nagare, I can't just let you have all the fun can I?" she said in a mocking tone. The Cosmos fired its PT cannon into one of the battleships and watched it explode in a bright, incandescent glow. Akatsuki laughed and gave orders to finish off the remaining battleship which took about ten seconds.
As quickly as it had begun, the battle began winding down as the six Aestis finished up the remaining grasshoppers. Suzuki realized that the unity this battle had engendered would quickly dissipate with the destruction of the Jovian forces. She therefore brought up Ryoko, Izumi, and Akito on the communicator saying, "Let's begin to make a fighting retreat to the Nadesico. We need to be within its distortion field range in case Erina or Akatsuki try anything. They all agreed and began to fall back towards the Nadesico.
Erina, previously occupied by battleships and grasshoppers noticed the position of the units. She opened a channel to Suzuki. "Suzuki, watch out! You're getting too close to the Nadesico. Bring yourself and Akito back this way immediately!" No response. Erina at first wondered if the Aestis' close proximity was allowing the Nadesico to jam their signals. She tried again with a more powerful signal on all channels.
"Suzuki! Remember our mission! The danger is gone and we must escape immediately!" Erina said starting to panic. She wasn't exactly sure how they would escape this time but she knew if she at least had Akito she wasn't going to be destroyed. Again, after a long pause, no response. "Suzuki should know that she was getting too close to the Nadesico," she thought. She should be trying to right her movements but she wasn't. A creeping suspicion began to engulf Erina and she suddenly realized that Ryoko and Izumi were not attacking Suzuki as an enemy combatant!
"Tap into their communications now!" Erina yelled. The communications officer jumped and rushed to comply. A fuzzy picture of Suzuki came on the screen, both audio and video garbled by static and encryption. "Aki….in…disto…fie….get in….hurry," the voice said. Erina needed no more evidence. "THAT BITCH!" she yelled. It was obvious now. Suzuki Miaka was defecting. Her most loyal officer was leaving her for the enemy and taking her most precious bargaining chip with her. Erina wondered how she could have been so blind. She knew Suzuki liked Akito but not to the extent to betray her. Were the two in love? No, that wouldn't be true because if it was why would she take him back to Yurika? No, there was something else. Probably her conscience had finally gotten the best of her.
Shaking her head and realizing defeat Erina figured that perhaps this was poetic justice. After all, she had betrayed Akatsuki in a similar fashion. How could she have been so arrogant to believe she was immune from such deceit? She then received a communication from Suzuki Miaka. "Captain Won, I know you are upset at this treason but I assure you there is a method to my madness. My reasons for doing this are larger than anything you could possibly imagine. Do not worry, I will not side with Akatsuki against you." Suzuki then paused and said, "Thank you for the great mentor you have been to me these few years." Then she closed the communication.
"Captain, Ryoko, Izumi, Akito, and Suzuki are safely within our distortion field. They are now preparing to dock," Ruri said.
"YAAAY!!!!" Yurika yelled nearly blowing out the eardrums of half the bridge. She turned to Jun and gave him a big hug and then turned and ran out to the hangar. On the way she met her father who had been returning from the cafeteria. "Father! Akito's back, he'll be docking soon!"
Admiral Misumaru smiled. "It seems that things are finally ending up well. I will be glad to see him too." They then both continued together to meet the two pilots who had just escaped the jaws of death.
Akatsuki sat puzzled as he watched the events unfold on the screen. One of Erina's Aesti units and Akito flying to safety at the Nadesico?! He began to seethe as he realized this was obviously a premeditated act that Jun had not bothered to inform him about. He knew it had all been too good to be true. Jun obviously was about to double cross him. He would deal with them both though very shortly.
"Tactical officer," Akatsuki yelled. "Target the Cosmos and open a channel to both it and the Nadesico." The tactical officer complied. Akatsuki stood up burning with anger. This was going to end here and now.
Akito jumped out of his Aestevalis not waiting for the mechanics to give him the OK to disembark. As he lowered himself on the elevator he could see the bright face of Yurika with tears of joy already streaking down her ruddy face. Still impatient he leaped over the elevator rail and plunged about a two meters to the ground landing hard but getting up unfazed as he ran over to the only person that seemed to exist in the universe at this moment. They met in a nearly picture perfect embrace and Akito picked her up and swung her around in joy.
"Geez, this is like a scene out of one of those sappy romance anime," Suzuki thought as she descended unrushed from her own Aestavalis unit. This crew really was as nutty as Erina said they were. As she walked over she was first acknowledged by Admiral Misumaru since the other two were too busy kissing and hugging to notice her.
"I understand you were the mastermind behind this plan. What changed your mind from such loyalty to Erina?" he asked her quizzically.
"I never changed my loyalty. I have always had a loyalty to seeing the universe become a better place. I thought Erina was the best person for that struggle. I realize I was wrong and have shifted my allegiance accordingly," she said tersely.
Admiral Misumaru nodded. "Strange girl," he thought. Well, at least she was on their side now.
Ryoko and Izumi began to walk over. They looked at Suzuki with animosity and she returned their stare in a nonchalant fashion. Ryoko then continued as if she would walk by without a word but suddenly swung at Suzuki. As if she was expecting such a move, Suzuki expertly dodged the punch and grabbed Ryoko's arm.
This sudden show of violence was enough to disrupt Akito and Yurika's amorous embrace. "Ryoko, no! She helped me escape!" Akito said running over.
Ryoko, unable to counterattack, spit in Suzuki's face. "She also nearly killed Hikaru! How dare you come here and expect us to embrace you as a friend and heroine after what you have done! What's the catch, huh? Why you helping us now or is this one of Erina's byzantine plots?"
Suzuki released her arm. "I'm not asking you for friendship or camaraderie. You're right, that is too much to ask. However, I can tell you that I will fight with you to end this. Whatever you want to feel about me, I will not dissuade you from feeling it."
Ryoko and Izumi turned and left in disgust. Yurika then offered her hand in gratitude. "I know how they feel, but you brought my Akito back to me so I owe you a debt of gratitude," Yurika said.
Suzuki smiled. "Akito, is a very important person. I see why you love him so much," she replied. Yurika continued to smile though she was irked by her referring to Akito on a first name only basis. Anyway, how could she know why she loved Akito? She better not have eyes on him…
"Let's go to the bridge," Akito suggested. They were turning to go but then stopped as they looked at Admiral Misumaru. He seemed stuck in place, oblivious to the conversation, and staring intently at Suzuki Miaka.
"What's wrong father?" she asked him. He did not reply.
Admiral Misumaru had not noticed it at first, but after watching her for a minute he began to have a strange sense of déjà vu. Something about this Suzuki girl was strangely familiar. He didn't recognize her face at first but her talk and mannerisms began to make him feel as if he had known her before in another time and place. He was jolted from his ruminations by Yurika shaking him.
"Father, are you alright?' she asked with a concerned look on her face.
"I'm fine," he replied coming back to reality. He turned and finally greeted Akito. "Hello, Tenkawa-san. I am happy to see you safe again," he said. He can't be too easy on the boy. He didn't want him thinking he could do just anything to his Yurika.
Akito blushed. "I'm fine sir. I was just suggesting we return to the bridge."
"A good suggestion. Let's go," Admiral Misumaru answered him. Yurika gave him a pleading look like she was going to say, "Can't you hug him or something?" Admiral Misumaru did not return her stare and the four walked to the bridge.
Little did the celebrating couple know, another crisis had been brewing in their absence. Akatsuki had turned the Excalibur on the Cosmos and locked its powerful PT Cannon on the ship. He then hailed the Nadesico and Cosmos.
"I see you both think that you can easily betray me and succeed," Akatsuki said. "You Erina, have one chance to live. Give me all information on the coordinates you will be traveling to or risk annihilation. You will help me or perish Jun! If you help I may forget about this underhanded rescue of Akito and another pilot you just pulled off!"
Jun stared intently at Akatsuki's menacing visage and then looked back at Ruri. Ruri nodded her head and said she was ready. Just then Akito and company arrived on the bridge. Seeing them Erina finally vent her spleen at Miaka.
"I see you have found company with those idealistic fools first officer! I hope they throw your behind out the airlock. You are as guilty as I am in this," Erina snapped.
"I may be guilty but at least I am doing my penance," she replied.
"First officer?! Then you must have the coordinates for our destination!" Akatsuki interjected grinning ferociously. Suzuki's shocked look betrayed the answer to him. "Excellent. There is no need for negotiations then. Tactical officer! Fire on the Cosmos! Erina, it was great knowing you but you realize that it's bad business to leave loose ends!"
Erina blanched as she realized she was about to be blown into smithereens. The tactical officer on the Excalibur followed his orders and engaged the PT cannon. The cannon began to fire as space distorted around its nozzle. Suddenly the field dissipated and the cannon shut down without firing. The tactical officer, obviously confused, tried to fire it again and again and a fourth time. No response. Soon thereafter the entire bridge went haywire as the crew was locked out of all the vital systems of the Excalibur.
Ruri sat at her seat in the Nadesico smiling as she shut down the Excalibur system by system. She locked even Akatsuki out of any system of significance. She then initiated a program that caused every screen and holographic generator on the Excalibur to show her face with her tongue sticking out in disdain. Akatsuki was livid to put it lightly.
"JUN!!!" he yelled. Jun motioned to Megumi to turn off the audio so the Nadesico crew didn't have to hear the string of expletives Akatsuki was currently screaming.
Suzuki exhaled in relief and turned to Jun. "Thank you. I am more certain than ever I have made the right decision." Jun nodded in acknowledgement.
"Jun, we can't just leave them here. They'll be easy prey for the Jovians," Yurika said concerned.
"Don't worry we didn't plan to," Jun said. Jun turned back to a now calmer but red-faced Akatsuki. "Mr. Chairman, I understand you are quite vulnerable right now. We could leave you in this position…" Jun started. Akatsuki was about to speak and then had a horrified look as he realized Jun really could just leave them here paralyzed. Jun continued, "However, unlike you I value human life so I may be willing to spare yours in exchange for…the command of your ship."
"NEVER!" Akatsuki yelled. "Only I can use the key for this ship and if I pull it out you won't move a damn inch!"
Jun ignored him and addressed the bridge crew as a whole as Mr. Prospector came to his side. "I know most of you are Nergal employees. You have no loyalty to Akatsuki as a person but are just following orders. I beseech you to reconsider. What kind of man is it that tries to kill a helpless ship full of people because he is upset at its captain? What kind of man is it that has consistently asked you to compromise your own integrity and morality for his own ends? If you feel a dedication to him, then you can stay with him as you float helplessly through space. Otherwise, you can accept a new command that will help you regain your dignity and sense of purpose."
Akatsuki couldn't believe what he was hearing. Jun. That sissy punk Jun was appealing to his own bridge crew to commit mutiny? He began laughing at such a feeble attempt. He stopped laughing when his first officer pulled out a gun and put it to his head.
"What the hell is your problem? Did you really buy such crap?" Akatsuki asked incredulously.
"I am tired of the corruption and two-faced nature of your chairmanship of Nergal, Akatsuki. Many here would agree," the first officer said as several others nodded. The rest of the crew look bewildered.
"You bastard! Since when did you start thinking this foolishness!?" Akatsuki demanded.
"It started quite a while ago, Mr. Chairman. However, it became more urgent recently. This played a part in my smuggling the video disc out to Mr. Prospector," the first officer finished. Mr. Prospector smiled as everyone but Jun looked at him with shock.
"You knew this would work, Jun?" Suzuki asked.
"Mr. Prospector let me know that many of his good friends in Nergal were in command on the Excalibur. All we needed to do was give them a bit of breathing room to act," Jun replied.
Akatsuki, seeing he was out of options, gave Jun and Mr. Prospector one last baleful glance and then surrendered. As the guards escorted him off the bridge the first officer turned to the view screen and said. "Captain Jun, Mr. Prospector, I have been impressed with your leadership and I would welcome it here on the Excalibur."
Jun smiled. "If I have the blessing of my captain, Misumaru Yurika, I would be glad to accept. Yurika, the Nadesico is yours again."
Yurika saluted him. "I am accept Jun. Good luck over there, I'm finally glad to see you have the command you deserve." Jun extended his hand to her but Yurika pushed it out of the way and hugged him instead. He had to force himself not to blush but thankfully Akito was all smiles too.
"Mr. Prospector, Mr. Hoary, could you please join me on the Excalibur?" Jun asked.
"I think it would be an optimal distribution of personnel if we do as you suggest," Mr. Prospector replied. Goat Hoary gave his silent nod of agreement.
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"Admiral Kusakabe, they have successfully defeated our assault team. In excellent form I might add," one of the strategists informed the Jovian admiral.
"As was expected. They are good aren't they Fressange?" Kusakabe asked the scientist.
"You should watch yourself Admiral. You could be undone just as easily," she replied.
"Now, now Fressange. That's why you are here isn't it?" Inez frowned. She had to get out of here quick. "Set a course to shadow their navigation but do not get too close. We don't want them to know they're being stalked," Kusakabe ordered.
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The shuttle ride from the Nadesico to the Excalibur was uneventful. Jun looked out the window longingly at the Nadesico. His sadness at leaving his friends was moderated by the excitement of finally having his own ship. He turned and looked at the Excalibur, currently humanity's most advanced weapon. Suddenly, he noticed a shuttle take off from the docking bay. It sped directly towards them but suddenly broke left and sped away. The Excalibur began firing its turret guns at it but to no avail. The shuttle escaped.
When they docked Jun finally found out what had happened. Akatsuki and a few of his more loyal followers overpowered the guards and escaped in the shuttle. An almost carbon copy repeat of the incident with Admiral Munetake when Gai was killed Jun thought to himself. The fact Akatsuki had so cunningly evaded him made his arrival even more bittersweet. He had nothing to do though but put it behind him and finish this mission.
Once on the bridge he hailed Erina. "Ms. Won, I know you are trying to escape but I do not think that would be wise. You are now entering Jovian territory and judging from the last fight you will not fare well against an all out onslaught, especially in the absence of two of your pilots."
Erina frowned but replied, "I'm listening."
"We will all three fly together in formation to the coordinates you have discovered. We will defend each other. We will uncover whatever this secret is together and we will go home. Any provocation on your part I assure you can be met with not only equal but greater force," Jun said laying out his terms.
Erina, seeing her options were much less bleak than a few hours ago, assented.
"You ready, Jun-kun?" Yurika said with her smiling face coming up on the view screen.
"Let's go Yurika," Jun said. The three ships flew side by side towards their distant destination.
Admiral Misumaru had participated temporarily in the festivities the others were celebrating on the Nadesico. He had returned to his room early though. This was partially due to fatigue. It was also partially due to the same nagging feeling he had about Suzuki Miaka. He was now sure. He had seen her before somewhere, but where? She was about Yurika's age. But it didn't seem like he had met her recently…
Suddenly he knew where her face had come from. No, it was impossible he kept thinking. He had to check it out though. He pulled out his computer from his travel bag and began accessing old files from his stay on Mars when Yurika was young. He looked through countless files and photos until he stopped.
He remembered this one photo from the lab of the Tenkawas when Nergal had allowed the top brass to tour their work. The old picture was taken for publicity purposes for Nergal's annual report. In it were Admiral Misumaru and several other top brass, Akatsuki's father, then chairman of Nergal, and the members of the research lab. As part of the lab group were Mr. and Mrs. Tenkawa and five other scientists. Only one of these scientists mattered though. Her name was Heather Snowden. Even though she had bright red hair and freckles the familiar green eyes seemed to penetrate one's soul even from the picture. If you would make the hair black and remove the freckles you would have a totally different person. In fact, you would have Suzuki Miaka.
Admiral Misumaru nearly lost his bowels as he stared at the girl in the picture and realized he had just met her a few hours earlier in the hangar. The picture had been taken eighteen years ago. Suzuki Miaka had not aged a day.
* Note Heather Snowden is a made up name and any resemblance to a real person is purely coincidental.
A/N: About three chapters ago I said I would be done in three to five chapters. OK, I lied. It won't be too much longer but don't expect the next chapter to be the last one. Thanks for all the great feedback.
22 hours later
Cosmos
The climate control on the Cosmos was always set to a bit colder than normal. Maybe it was the captain's preference or maybe it was to keep everyone alert. Regardless, Tenkawa Akito was soaking in his own sweat as he sat at the desk in his room. He had been there for a while. Six hours to be exact since he had woken up.
At first he had tried to calm himself by remembering every recipe he knew and writing them down on the notepad. After that he wrote love poems to Yurika. After that his flowing verse degenerated into doodles. So he had been doodling for the last ninety minutes on the computer writing pad. He wasn't sure he had ever been so nervous in his life. Even when he was learning to fly an Aestevalis he didn't feel so powerless.
He briefly considered flinging the computer across the room at the wall when it alerted him he had a message. The message was anonymous but he knew well who sent it.
"Get ready. It starts in one hour. We must move fast."
Yeah, he would be ready but another one hour! He was sure he would go insane between now and then mulling over every possible thing that could go wrong. Something always went wrong and something would go wrong this time but what?
Jovian Battleship Leviathan
"Admiral, they will be within range of our advance forces in about an hour," Kusakabe's first officer reported.
"Excellent send the orders to the grasshopper swarms. This should be interesting to watch," Kusakabe said wryly. "Also, bring Fressange to the bridge. I want some information out of her."
Nadesico
The crew had been briefed. The preparations had been made. Yurika had forced him to check fifteen times to make sure the preparations had been made correctly. Jun figured everything was in place. There was just that one matter that he and Ruri would take care of discreetly that was still up in the air.
He sent a message to Ruri's console asking how the work was going. She replied progress had been made but she was not sure it was enough. Whether it was enough progress they would soon find out.
Excalibur
No one had ever seen Chairman Akatsuki Nagare look so distraught and nervous. He still had the determined and ardent glow in his eyes but his composure lacked its usual confidence. He had been tapping the armrest of his chair for over an hour now and a few of his bridge crew would like to tell him to stop before they went insane.
He was still surprised Jun had actually agreed to play along. In about an hour this whole thing would be over. Erina, Akito, and worst of all his beloved Cosmos would be vaporized. Before then though they had to find a way to extort the data out of Erina. That was the tricky part. He still wasn't sure whether or not to have Jun killed at a later time. He could become a big liability and Erina was teaching him what happens when you have people who know too much running around free. That was a later decision though. It was imperative that he focus on the task at hand.
One hour later…
Suzuki walked through the halls of the Cosmos looking at every passing crew member and trying to see if her cover had been blown. Each one she expected to pounce on her or pull a gun. She was good at hiding her emotions though so no one seemed to know she was on edge. She finally arrived at Akito's room. She knocked three times as planned. After a brief pause he opened the door.
"So, where are you going to interrogate me this time?" he asked following the agreed script.
"Same place as last time, Tenkawa. Maybe if you'll talk I'll let you have your picture back," she said pulling out the picture Akito had packed of him and Yurika from her pocket. Without another word Akito stepped out and followed her. The moment of truth had arrived. In two hours he would either be in Yurika's arms or dead in space.
They arrived at Suzuki's quarters and they instantly sat down and got to work. Suzuki gave Akito a computer and he began to transmit their plans in code to the Nadesico. Suzuki meanwhile made sure the unmanned fighters were hacked and ready to fail. He received an acknowledgement from Ruri that they would be waiting. Also, at the end of the message was a "good luck" e-card from Yurika showing a chibi version of herself waving at him. Akito smiled and shook his head. He would need more than luck now.
Jovian Grasshopper Regiment – JG-02-1425
Contingent: 700 grasshoppers, 2 battleships
The grasshoppers were on normal patrol of the front when they received the priority signal to disengage from their monotonous routine and head directly into UEF space.
The battleships, the automated kind in order to facilitate chulip crossing, complied as well. They seamlessly fell into formation, communicating and synchronizing with each other. One of the reconnaissance satellites fed them data on three blips that were rapidly approaching the front. They homed in and began their charge, their red eyes giving off a ferocious intensity.
**********************************
Suzuki interfaced with the computer and began sending commands at a frenzied pace. The unmanned fighters were set. Both of their Aestevalis's had been well maintained and were ready for launch at a moment's notice. Everything was perfect. Suddenly, alarms went off everywhere.
"Dammit! They've found us!" Suzuki said standing up frantically.
"Oh crap, oh crap!" Akito cried. He knew something just had to go bad and here it did.
"Don't just stand there in shock! Take this!" Suzuki said pulling a pistol out of her desk and handing it to him. She then took another from the desk and stood aiming at the door. An eternity seemed to pass and then Erina's voice came over the intercom.
"Attention all crew. We are coming under attack by Jovian forces. I repeat combat is imminent. All pilots to the mechanical bay immediately. All crew to battle stations!"
Suzuki was stunned and then lowered her gun. "Of all the things that could happen now!"
Akito looked at her and then said, "Who knows maybe this can be a better diversion than we planned."
Suzuki instantly saw his logic. "Come on lover boy! To the Aestis!" Without another word they ran out and down the hall.
On the bridge Erina couldn't believe her luck. If it wasn't enough to be harassed by the Nadeisco and Excalibur. "All crew prepare for battle! Where is my first officer?" she snapped. As if to answer her query Suzuki's face appeared on the screen.
"Captain, we are preparing to launch. We will have four Aestis but we are still vastly outnumbered."
"Fine…four Aestis! Who's number four?!" Erina asked realizing only three of them had survived the last battle.
"Tenkawa has agreed to help," Suzuki replied.
"Absolutely no! He is too important and must remain here. We will probably need him again once we arrive at the coordinates. He might try to run off anyway," Erina finished.
"Captain, we are vastly outnumbered and the Nadesico and Excalibur trail us by ten minutes time. Tenkawa was an ace pilot on the Nadesico and his help may be necessary for our survival. Anyway, he suspects his girlfriend's loyalties so what reason would he have to defect?"
Erina considered her logic and finally relented. "Let him go. If something goes wrong though it's your ass Suzuki!" Erina said. Suzuki gave a short bow and signed off.
Akito stood in the elevator as it raised him up to the entry hatch for his pink Aestevalis. Each time he got in this thing he hoped it would be the last time. Maybe though this machine was an indelible part of his life. Maybe it would be impossible for him to ever escape…No! He had a real life. He had friends, he had a girl, and he had cooking. This would all end someday. He just had to keep pushing. He got into the seat of his unit. Looking to his right he saw Suzuki boarding next to him. She turned and noticed his attention and replied with a smile and a wave. He waved back and then nodded to the technicians as they closed the hatch on him.
"AESTEVALIS LAUNCH!!" The tactical commander cried as the four Aestevalis units were catapulted into space one after the other. Akito was the last to exit and he quickly fell into formation behind the wing leader Suzuki.
Once launched, the foursome instantly began to wonder whether or not this had been a good idea. "This is crazy," Akito whispered as he watched his radar screen fill up with so many targets that they appeared more like an amorphous blob than hundreds of individual grasshoppers. The only consolation was that the majority seemed to hang back while the others were launched in waves of 30-50 grasshoppers.
"All units prepare yourselves. The first wave will be in range in twenty seconds!" Suzuki yelled. "Back to the good old days," Akito replied. Before they knew it the grasshoppers were on them. Their formation rapidly broke as the Aestevalis's ducked and weaved to dodge the cannon fire and missiles of the grasshopper units. Akito, temporarily in shock from being back in a hopeless battle after a year's absence came around and punished the grasshoppers with a flurry of shells which felled seven of them. Meanwhile his wingmen were doing their own job of slashing and burning every grasshopper in sight. The battle would have seemed trivial but they realized that there could be at least 500 more left.
A great irony of the battle was the total impotence of the unmanned fighters. Suzuki had forgot to re-enable them before they took off and thus they were quick work for the rampaging grasshoppers.
"Captain Won, we need support immediately. Please use the PT cannon on the swarm that is staying back!" Suzuki asked over her communicator.
"We're already on it first officer," Erina replied. "On my mark, fire into the densest section of the swarm," Erina commanded and then paused. After a tense moment she yelled, "FIRE!"
The blast emanating from the Cosmos ripped through the swarm like a knife through butter. When the numbers came back the total number of grasshoppers had decreased by about two hundred. However, it would take a few minutes to recharge the cannon and the rest of the swarm decided not to wait that long. They began a full charge with the battleships at the rear. The entire ship was frantic as everyone realized this could be the end if a miracle didn't occur soon.
Akito flew an erratic maneuver, not much unlike those flown by houseflies on Earth, as he tried to dodge the fire of a contingent of ten grasshoppers who had made it their mission in life to take him down. He turned around and fired into the swarm to only hit three and watch the others fly away from his fury. Akito clenched his teeth in frustration and rage. Where was a good pilot like Ryoko to back you up in times like this? The answer to his hopes appeared as Suzuki came out of nowhere and began to cover his retreat.
"Come on Akito! What's the deal? It's not like these are real pilots," Suzuki teased him.
Akito was about to say something smart but he decided it was better to swallow his pride and join her to fight in tandem. They quickly finished off the annoying contingent of grasshoppers and then turned around to rejoin the main battle. What they saw discouraged them. A huge sea of yellow along with two purple specks which were obviously battleships, rapidly approached them. The Cosmos by this time had charged up its PT cannon once again and fired once more through the swarm. The grasshoppers were more diffuse now though and only about 100 perished in the direct hit.
"This is suicide!" Suzuki yelled. "We must take refuge inside the Cosmos's distortion field immediately!"
"But what about our escape!? This may be our only chance!" Akito yelled.
"If your friends would arrive then maybe that would be an option, however, I don't see…" she stopped as she noticed two huge blips appear on close range radar. "About damn time!" she yelled.
Jun was surveyed the scene from the bridge of the Nadesico with alarm but determination. "It looks like we'll have to clear out the closest ones with our PT cannon and then launch all of our Aestevalis units. Do you agree Yurika?" he asked looking at her.
"I agree, however, I believe we should dedicate the Excalibur to handling the battleships. It is newer and could probably handle them both," she suggested.
Jun nodded. "Megumi, contact the Aestis and tell them to clear the way for our PT cannon. Also, tell Akatsuki to get ready and engage the battleships," he commanded.
"Right away Jun," Megumi chimed sending the orders through.
Akito and Suzuki both received the commands and sped away from the blast corridor as fast as they could. Once they were clear they watched as space warped and glowed with energy as the cannon directed its energy into the advancing horde. Soon thereafter they saw the two Aestis of Ryoko and Izumi rapidly approaching.
"You are always getting yourself into some fool mess Tenkawa!" Ryoko yelled at him. Akito smiled. It had never felt so good to hear Ryoko's verbal abuse.
"Let's clean this up!" Akito replied to her. The four headed into the cloud of grasshoppers leaving a path of mangled metal and destruction in their wake. Meanwhile the Excalibur sped ahead to confront the two Jovian battleships.
"The Jovians must realize that no amount of cookie-cutter alien technology can defeat the ingenuity of Nergal!" he said regaining his old pomposity. The Excalibur used its rapid recharging PT cannon to give damaging punches to the Jovian battleships, taking down their distortion fields.
Suddenly Erina came up on the view screen of the Excalibur. "Dear Nagare, I can't just let you have all the fun can I?" she said in a mocking tone. The Cosmos fired its PT cannon into one of the battleships and watched it explode in a bright, incandescent glow. Akatsuki laughed and gave orders to finish off the remaining battleship which took about ten seconds.
As quickly as it had begun, the battle began winding down as the six Aestis finished up the remaining grasshoppers. Suzuki realized that the unity this battle had engendered would quickly dissipate with the destruction of the Jovian forces. She therefore brought up Ryoko, Izumi, and Akito on the communicator saying, "Let's begin to make a fighting retreat to the Nadesico. We need to be within its distortion field range in case Erina or Akatsuki try anything. They all agreed and began to fall back towards the Nadesico.
Erina, previously occupied by battleships and grasshoppers noticed the position of the units. She opened a channel to Suzuki. "Suzuki, watch out! You're getting too close to the Nadesico. Bring yourself and Akito back this way immediately!" No response. Erina at first wondered if the Aestis' close proximity was allowing the Nadesico to jam their signals. She tried again with a more powerful signal on all channels.
"Suzuki! Remember our mission! The danger is gone and we must escape immediately!" Erina said starting to panic. She wasn't exactly sure how they would escape this time but she knew if she at least had Akito she wasn't going to be destroyed. Again, after a long pause, no response. "Suzuki should know that she was getting too close to the Nadesico," she thought. She should be trying to right her movements but she wasn't. A creeping suspicion began to engulf Erina and she suddenly realized that Ryoko and Izumi were not attacking Suzuki as an enemy combatant!
"Tap into their communications now!" Erina yelled. The communications officer jumped and rushed to comply. A fuzzy picture of Suzuki came on the screen, both audio and video garbled by static and encryption. "Aki….in…disto…fie….get in….hurry," the voice said. Erina needed no more evidence. "THAT BITCH!" she yelled. It was obvious now. Suzuki Miaka was defecting. Her most loyal officer was leaving her for the enemy and taking her most precious bargaining chip with her. Erina wondered how she could have been so blind. She knew Suzuki liked Akito but not to the extent to betray her. Were the two in love? No, that wouldn't be true because if it was why would she take him back to Yurika? No, there was something else. Probably her conscience had finally gotten the best of her.
Shaking her head and realizing defeat Erina figured that perhaps this was poetic justice. After all, she had betrayed Akatsuki in a similar fashion. How could she have been so arrogant to believe she was immune from such deceit? She then received a communication from Suzuki Miaka. "Captain Won, I know you are upset at this treason but I assure you there is a method to my madness. My reasons for doing this are larger than anything you could possibly imagine. Do not worry, I will not side with Akatsuki against you." Suzuki then paused and said, "Thank you for the great mentor you have been to me these few years." Then she closed the communication.
"Captain, Ryoko, Izumi, Akito, and Suzuki are safely within our distortion field. They are now preparing to dock," Ruri said.
"YAAAY!!!!" Yurika yelled nearly blowing out the eardrums of half the bridge. She turned to Jun and gave him a big hug and then turned and ran out to the hangar. On the way she met her father who had been returning from the cafeteria. "Father! Akito's back, he'll be docking soon!"
Admiral Misumaru smiled. "It seems that things are finally ending up well. I will be glad to see him too." They then both continued together to meet the two pilots who had just escaped the jaws of death.
Akatsuki sat puzzled as he watched the events unfold on the screen. One of Erina's Aesti units and Akito flying to safety at the Nadesico?! He began to seethe as he realized this was obviously a premeditated act that Jun had not bothered to inform him about. He knew it had all been too good to be true. Jun obviously was about to double cross him. He would deal with them both though very shortly.
"Tactical officer," Akatsuki yelled. "Target the Cosmos and open a channel to both it and the Nadesico." The tactical officer complied. Akatsuki stood up burning with anger. This was going to end here and now.
Akito jumped out of his Aestevalis not waiting for the mechanics to give him the OK to disembark. As he lowered himself on the elevator he could see the bright face of Yurika with tears of joy already streaking down her ruddy face. Still impatient he leaped over the elevator rail and plunged about a two meters to the ground landing hard but getting up unfazed as he ran over to the only person that seemed to exist in the universe at this moment. They met in a nearly picture perfect embrace and Akito picked her up and swung her around in joy.
"Geez, this is like a scene out of one of those sappy romance anime," Suzuki thought as she descended unrushed from her own Aestavalis unit. This crew really was as nutty as Erina said they were. As she walked over she was first acknowledged by Admiral Misumaru since the other two were too busy kissing and hugging to notice her.
"I understand you were the mastermind behind this plan. What changed your mind from such loyalty to Erina?" he asked her quizzically.
"I never changed my loyalty. I have always had a loyalty to seeing the universe become a better place. I thought Erina was the best person for that struggle. I realize I was wrong and have shifted my allegiance accordingly," she said tersely.
Admiral Misumaru nodded. "Strange girl," he thought. Well, at least she was on their side now.
Ryoko and Izumi began to walk over. They looked at Suzuki with animosity and she returned their stare in a nonchalant fashion. Ryoko then continued as if she would walk by without a word but suddenly swung at Suzuki. As if she was expecting such a move, Suzuki expertly dodged the punch and grabbed Ryoko's arm.
This sudden show of violence was enough to disrupt Akito and Yurika's amorous embrace. "Ryoko, no! She helped me escape!" Akito said running over.
Ryoko, unable to counterattack, spit in Suzuki's face. "She also nearly killed Hikaru! How dare you come here and expect us to embrace you as a friend and heroine after what you have done! What's the catch, huh? Why you helping us now or is this one of Erina's byzantine plots?"
Suzuki released her arm. "I'm not asking you for friendship or camaraderie. You're right, that is too much to ask. However, I can tell you that I will fight with you to end this. Whatever you want to feel about me, I will not dissuade you from feeling it."
Ryoko and Izumi turned and left in disgust. Yurika then offered her hand in gratitude. "I know how they feel, but you brought my Akito back to me so I owe you a debt of gratitude," Yurika said.
Suzuki smiled. "Akito, is a very important person. I see why you love him so much," she replied. Yurika continued to smile though she was irked by her referring to Akito on a first name only basis. Anyway, how could she know why she loved Akito? She better not have eyes on him…
"Let's go to the bridge," Akito suggested. They were turning to go but then stopped as they looked at Admiral Misumaru. He seemed stuck in place, oblivious to the conversation, and staring intently at Suzuki Miaka.
"What's wrong father?" she asked him. He did not reply.
Admiral Misumaru had not noticed it at first, but after watching her for a minute he began to have a strange sense of déjà vu. Something about this Suzuki girl was strangely familiar. He didn't recognize her face at first but her talk and mannerisms began to make him feel as if he had known her before in another time and place. He was jolted from his ruminations by Yurika shaking him.
"Father, are you alright?' she asked with a concerned look on her face.
"I'm fine," he replied coming back to reality. He turned and finally greeted Akito. "Hello, Tenkawa-san. I am happy to see you safe again," he said. He can't be too easy on the boy. He didn't want him thinking he could do just anything to his Yurika.
Akito blushed. "I'm fine sir. I was just suggesting we return to the bridge."
"A good suggestion. Let's go," Admiral Misumaru answered him. Yurika gave him a pleading look like she was going to say, "Can't you hug him or something?" Admiral Misumaru did not return her stare and the four walked to the bridge.
Little did the celebrating couple know, another crisis had been brewing in their absence. Akatsuki had turned the Excalibur on the Cosmos and locked its powerful PT Cannon on the ship. He then hailed the Nadesico and Cosmos.
"I see you both think that you can easily betray me and succeed," Akatsuki said. "You Erina, have one chance to live. Give me all information on the coordinates you will be traveling to or risk annihilation. You will help me or perish Jun! If you help I may forget about this underhanded rescue of Akito and another pilot you just pulled off!"
Jun stared intently at Akatsuki's menacing visage and then looked back at Ruri. Ruri nodded her head and said she was ready. Just then Akito and company arrived on the bridge. Seeing them Erina finally vent her spleen at Miaka.
"I see you have found company with those idealistic fools first officer! I hope they throw your behind out the airlock. You are as guilty as I am in this," Erina snapped.
"I may be guilty but at least I am doing my penance," she replied.
"First officer?! Then you must have the coordinates for our destination!" Akatsuki interjected grinning ferociously. Suzuki's shocked look betrayed the answer to him. "Excellent. There is no need for negotiations then. Tactical officer! Fire on the Cosmos! Erina, it was great knowing you but you realize that it's bad business to leave loose ends!"
Erina blanched as she realized she was about to be blown into smithereens. The tactical officer on the Excalibur followed his orders and engaged the PT cannon. The cannon began to fire as space distorted around its nozzle. Suddenly the field dissipated and the cannon shut down without firing. The tactical officer, obviously confused, tried to fire it again and again and a fourth time. No response. Soon thereafter the entire bridge went haywire as the crew was locked out of all the vital systems of the Excalibur.
Ruri sat at her seat in the Nadesico smiling as she shut down the Excalibur system by system. She locked even Akatsuki out of any system of significance. She then initiated a program that caused every screen and holographic generator on the Excalibur to show her face with her tongue sticking out in disdain. Akatsuki was livid to put it lightly.
"JUN!!!" he yelled. Jun motioned to Megumi to turn off the audio so the Nadesico crew didn't have to hear the string of expletives Akatsuki was currently screaming.
Suzuki exhaled in relief and turned to Jun. "Thank you. I am more certain than ever I have made the right decision." Jun nodded in acknowledgement.
"Jun, we can't just leave them here. They'll be easy prey for the Jovians," Yurika said concerned.
"Don't worry we didn't plan to," Jun said. Jun turned back to a now calmer but red-faced Akatsuki. "Mr. Chairman, I understand you are quite vulnerable right now. We could leave you in this position…" Jun started. Akatsuki was about to speak and then had a horrified look as he realized Jun really could just leave them here paralyzed. Jun continued, "However, unlike you I value human life so I may be willing to spare yours in exchange for…the command of your ship."
"NEVER!" Akatsuki yelled. "Only I can use the key for this ship and if I pull it out you won't move a damn inch!"
Jun ignored him and addressed the bridge crew as a whole as Mr. Prospector came to his side. "I know most of you are Nergal employees. You have no loyalty to Akatsuki as a person but are just following orders. I beseech you to reconsider. What kind of man is it that tries to kill a helpless ship full of people because he is upset at its captain? What kind of man is it that has consistently asked you to compromise your own integrity and morality for his own ends? If you feel a dedication to him, then you can stay with him as you float helplessly through space. Otherwise, you can accept a new command that will help you regain your dignity and sense of purpose."
Akatsuki couldn't believe what he was hearing. Jun. That sissy punk Jun was appealing to his own bridge crew to commit mutiny? He began laughing at such a feeble attempt. He stopped laughing when his first officer pulled out a gun and put it to his head.
"What the hell is your problem? Did you really buy such crap?" Akatsuki asked incredulously.
"I am tired of the corruption and two-faced nature of your chairmanship of Nergal, Akatsuki. Many here would agree," the first officer said as several others nodded. The rest of the crew look bewildered.
"You bastard! Since when did you start thinking this foolishness!?" Akatsuki demanded.
"It started quite a while ago, Mr. Chairman. However, it became more urgent recently. This played a part in my smuggling the video disc out to Mr. Prospector," the first officer finished. Mr. Prospector smiled as everyone but Jun looked at him with shock.
"You knew this would work, Jun?" Suzuki asked.
"Mr. Prospector let me know that many of his good friends in Nergal were in command on the Excalibur. All we needed to do was give them a bit of breathing room to act," Jun replied.
Akatsuki, seeing he was out of options, gave Jun and Mr. Prospector one last baleful glance and then surrendered. As the guards escorted him off the bridge the first officer turned to the view screen and said. "Captain Jun, Mr. Prospector, I have been impressed with your leadership and I would welcome it here on the Excalibur."
Jun smiled. "If I have the blessing of my captain, Misumaru Yurika, I would be glad to accept. Yurika, the Nadesico is yours again."
Yurika saluted him. "I am accept Jun. Good luck over there, I'm finally glad to see you have the command you deserve." Jun extended his hand to her but Yurika pushed it out of the way and hugged him instead. He had to force himself not to blush but thankfully Akito was all smiles too.
"Mr. Prospector, Mr. Hoary, could you please join me on the Excalibur?" Jun asked.
"I think it would be an optimal distribution of personnel if we do as you suggest," Mr. Prospector replied. Goat Hoary gave his silent nod of agreement.
************************************
"Admiral Kusakabe, they have successfully defeated our assault team. In excellent form I might add," one of the strategists informed the Jovian admiral.
"As was expected. They are good aren't they Fressange?" Kusakabe asked the scientist.
"You should watch yourself Admiral. You could be undone just as easily," she replied.
"Now, now Fressange. That's why you are here isn't it?" Inez frowned. She had to get out of here quick. "Set a course to shadow their navigation but do not get too close. We don't want them to know they're being stalked," Kusakabe ordered.
*************************************
The shuttle ride from the Nadesico to the Excalibur was uneventful. Jun looked out the window longingly at the Nadesico. His sadness at leaving his friends was moderated by the excitement of finally having his own ship. He turned and looked at the Excalibur, currently humanity's most advanced weapon. Suddenly, he noticed a shuttle take off from the docking bay. It sped directly towards them but suddenly broke left and sped away. The Excalibur began firing its turret guns at it but to no avail. The shuttle escaped.
When they docked Jun finally found out what had happened. Akatsuki and a few of his more loyal followers overpowered the guards and escaped in the shuttle. An almost carbon copy repeat of the incident with Admiral Munetake when Gai was killed Jun thought to himself. The fact Akatsuki had so cunningly evaded him made his arrival even more bittersweet. He had nothing to do though but put it behind him and finish this mission.
Once on the bridge he hailed Erina. "Ms. Won, I know you are trying to escape but I do not think that would be wise. You are now entering Jovian territory and judging from the last fight you will not fare well against an all out onslaught, especially in the absence of two of your pilots."
Erina frowned but replied, "I'm listening."
"We will all three fly together in formation to the coordinates you have discovered. We will defend each other. We will uncover whatever this secret is together and we will go home. Any provocation on your part I assure you can be met with not only equal but greater force," Jun said laying out his terms.
Erina, seeing her options were much less bleak than a few hours ago, assented.
"You ready, Jun-kun?" Yurika said with her smiling face coming up on the view screen.
"Let's go Yurika," Jun said. The three ships flew side by side towards their distant destination.
Admiral Misumaru had participated temporarily in the festivities the others were celebrating on the Nadesico. He had returned to his room early though. This was partially due to fatigue. It was also partially due to the same nagging feeling he had about Suzuki Miaka. He was now sure. He had seen her before somewhere, but where? She was about Yurika's age. But it didn't seem like he had met her recently…
Suddenly he knew where her face had come from. No, it was impossible he kept thinking. He had to check it out though. He pulled out his computer from his travel bag and began accessing old files from his stay on Mars when Yurika was young. He looked through countless files and photos until he stopped.
He remembered this one photo from the lab of the Tenkawas when Nergal had allowed the top brass to tour their work. The old picture was taken for publicity purposes for Nergal's annual report. In it were Admiral Misumaru and several other top brass, Akatsuki's father, then chairman of Nergal, and the members of the research lab. As part of the lab group were Mr. and Mrs. Tenkawa and five other scientists. Only one of these scientists mattered though. Her name was Heather Snowden. Even though she had bright red hair and freckles the familiar green eyes seemed to penetrate one's soul even from the picture. If you would make the hair black and remove the freckles you would have a totally different person. In fact, you would have Suzuki Miaka.
Admiral Misumaru nearly lost his bowels as he stared at the girl in the picture and realized he had just met her a few hours earlier in the hangar. The picture had been taken eighteen years ago. Suzuki Miaka had not aged a day.
* Note Heather Snowden is a made up name and any resemblance to a real person is purely coincidental.
