VANDREAD: The World After
Chapter 9: Flirt all you want. You can't get anything from my flimsy swimsuit!

Suddenly after Duero was asked to lead the rescue operation, the doors of the hospital bay was locked. Paiway or anyone wasn't allowed to come in except for emergencies. Duero also knew about tactical systems and the like. He studied boarding techniques and technology needed. He also studied the crew roster, choosing the best candidate to assist him in the rescue operation. All books about tactics and the like was all over the floor except his copy of "Purge the Neurotoxin" by a famous Talark doctor.

Duero heard a knock.

"Doctor, Here's your food!", Parfet offered Duero some ramen.

"No thanks. I have pills here. I'll just take some of them."

"You're going back to those pills?"

"Just until my work is finished, after that I'll eat again."

"O…k"

Parfet left the ward's door.

***

It was two months since Duero locked himself up in the hospital ward for his planning. Meia was nearly in her third month. Magno checked her up once in a while for her baby. A routine Duero did for Ezra. Parfet was thought by Duero how to recalibrate and check-up Bart's bionic wrists.

Just suddenly a hiss came out from the door of the hospital ward.

It was the first time in two months Duero ever came out of the ward. Paiway and Parfet have obviously set camp outside the door. When they have heard the doors opening, they stood in attention.

"Duero!", Both of them shouted.

"I need to go see the boss!", He replied as he walked pass them.

The two were dumbfounded.

"Hey Paiway, do you smell something?", Parfet asked.

***

"Boss, this operation will remain secret to these candidates also. I will give instructions to them as soon as certain events occur, just not to keep their hopes up."

"I see.", Magno replied with a clothes pin on her nose.

Magno viewed the candidate roster, and then she saw a distinguishing name on the roster.

"Where will you get this guy?", Magno asked.

"With your permission, I would like to contact the Menerasu Main Fleet to let The Enduring Light to rendezvous with us."

"Granted"

***

"Magno Vivan! Captain of the Survival Guard Alliance ship Nirvana! It is a pleasure to assist you in anyway.", The captain of The Enduring Light remarked.

After the primary attacks of the Anpatos' Fleet, Talark, Meger, Menerasu, and the other minor colonies against Anpatos joined together to become the Survival Guard Alliance. With the treaty, each party must assist any other party in anyway.

"Yes sir. We would like you and you crew participate in a top secret mission we are planning. Don't worry; I'll give the details to you personally. I would just like to borrow Arthur Lewis for this mission. And kindly would you help us in building this small ship for the mission.", Magno asked.

The schematics of the ship they're planning to build were displayed in the Menerasu captain's personal monitor.

"We'll handle the resources, and also some of the manpower. As for Lewis, he'll be there soon."

Magno thanked the captain before ending the link.

***

"Ms. Vivan, Dr. McFile. I am Lieutenant Commander Arthur Lewis, first officer of The Enduring Light. How may I help you?", Arthur introduced himself before the two officers.

"As you were briefed by the captain, you will be a part of Dr McFile's secret mission. But for a head start against the others, you will be the helmsman of the ship we are building right now. And aside from that, you will be also allowed to include a separate unit to the ship for offence and defense purposes."

"Like a Bangata, Ms. Vivan?"

"You know a Bangata?"

"I built it myself. I was fascinated with the Talark's means of fighting. But, I also added some long range weaponry on it."

"Impressive. You will now meet your fellow mates on the ship."

Just after Magno said that the briefing room door opened with Barnette and Gasco entering.

"Were here boss!", The two reported.

"Arthur, meet Barnette Orangello and Gascogne Rheingau.", Magno introduced Arthur to them.

Arthur didn't mind Gasco, but he went straight to Barnette.

"Hey, you have a nice outfit there, nice to meet you!"

Barnette turned her head away from Arthur. But Gasco pulled her head back facing Arthur.

"Barnette, that's not how you introduce yourself to a man. Remember, smile smile!", Gasco said as she pulled her face.

Just then, Magno whispered to Arthur's ear.

"You'll get used to it."

***

It was about time for the candidates to leave. Just the crew bid their final goodbyes. Gasco was advising Parfet and Meia to handle the delivery, while Duero gave some last instructions to Paiway on taking full time the ward. Jura was being angry for Barnette to leave.

"Barnette, you can't leave. You will not see the baby shower!", Jura shouted.

Just as she told that, the rest of the crew dropped their jaws.

"It was supposed to be a secret.", Bart told Jura.

Parfet approached the Doctor.

"Um… Duero… Good luck,", she said.

Just then Duero looked on Parfet's eyes. Then slowly, he searched for her lips. Then their lips met. It was their first kiss.

"I know you'll miss me.", he said

The rest of the crew did nothing more but dropped their jaw.

It was time for them to leave. Just as they were walking towards the docking bay, Duero whispered something to Meia.

"Everything will be alright."

Just then Meia knew what the mission was all about. It was a rescue mission.

***

"Power up the system, ready the engines, contact Nirvana!", Duero commanded.

"Boss, this is The Falcon. Flight plan has been set. See you all soon!", Duero told them as he was departing.

"Activate the cloak!"

Just then Nirvana, the cloaked Falcon, and The Enduring Light parted ways. All of those ships didn't know what will happen next. They all have an uncertain mission, two for helping the Alliance, the other for rescuing a dear friend.

Meia was looking at the open space behind.

"Find my lover… Bring him back…"

TO BE CONTINUED

Author's Notes: More Sci-Fi, less Romance. Smile! Smile!