*--*

I could see the apprehension and worry in Kristen's eyes. I felt a little queasy myself, because this seemed a little *too* easy. So I could understand her dilemma, but there was no way this could go wrong. We were to infiltrate the building, then capture Mariemaia and Deakim Barton, then leave. It was simple.

Leaving for the last base we would attack for this war, I thought about what I would say to Kristen after we successfully completed this mission. As soon as we were done, I would tell her that, even though I'd only known her for a couple for months, that I liked her as more than a friend and comrade. Trowa said the worst that she could do is reject me, and I agreed. My pride would be injured, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. He told me that a man once told him to follow his emotions, and that's just what I'd do.

"WuFei . . . ." a voice and a light hand on my arm interrupted my thoughts. I caught a glimpse of Kristen's worried face before she turned away. "Are you all right?"

My glare softened a bit. "Yes, I'm fine."

She walked on quietly, not saying anything. I finally broke the silence. "Kristen . . . after . . . . after this whole thing is done, I . . . I want to tell you something."

She turned around completely. "What?"

*--*

"Kristen . . . after . . . after this whole thing is done, I . . . I want to tell you something."

That stopped me. *After* this was done, he wouldn't just leave? I had hope, turning around. "What?"

"I would wish to speak with you when we are done."

"Oh." So it was all business, I guess. Just friends. "Alright. Afterwards, then." I sighed. I probably wouldn't ever tell him. Especially after that incident a month ago.

Soon, we were at the front gates to Augustus, the last stronghold of the Mariemaia Foundation. It was midnight, but there were still a few lights on in the building.

"There's minimal security," Trowa whispered, scaring me out of my wits. "Even so, take these." He and Jaime handed everyone communicators. "Just to be safe. Just turn them to channel B when we get to the front door. You'll be able to talk to anyone you wish using the numbers on the left side, or to everyone with the number zero." He nodded, satisfied. "Remember this."

I nodded, showing that I understood. Time to get moving.

*--*

Once we all split up, we went to our designated places. Kristen and I went to the side entrance, and set our communicators to B-5. I picked the lock on the door, and we went through without making a sound. Once inside, Kristen pulled a gun from her waistband and loaded it. I did the same thing.

"Well?" she whispered. "What now?"

"Well, now we go after any guards that get in our way between here and the main control room, where Mariemaia and Deakim are. How's that?" I answered.

Kristen grinned. "Sounds good to me. Are we splitting up?"

I shook my head. "Not right now. Let's stay together for the moment. Agreed?"

She nodded. "Let's go!"

*--*