Hi, here's the next chapter.

Disclaimer: RahXephon and its characters are the rightful property of their respective owners.  This piece is not for profitable purposes.

Chapter 2: -5, 7:00

"Kamina-kun…"

I shoot up, the buzzer ringing in my ears.  My eyes still blurry with sleep, I fumble until my hand turns off the alarm.  I move my arm back towards the bed and remain motionless for a moment.  I faintly remember dreaming when I was awakened, I heard my name, but I remember nothing else.  What could that have been about?  Realizing I need to get going, I brush aside the feeling of uneasiness as I push away the sheets and get out of bed.  I put on my slippers and make the bed.  When I finish, I exit my room and head towards the bathroom. 

I stop in the hallway and, in a raised tone, say, "Kaa-san, are you home?"

I wait a few moments, but hearing nothing in answer, I shrug my shoulders; of course she isn't here, it's the same as always.

I continue to the bathroom. When I enter, I turn on the faucet before washing my face and brushing my teeth.  I then return to my room and change into my uniform and place some items in my briefcase before closing it up.  My briefcase in hand, I walk to the table, where I see a plastic wrapped covered plate with breakfast underneath and a note on top.  Already knowing what it will say, having read similar notes many times before, I ignore it.  I place my briefcase on the table away from the plate, and debate whether or not to eat the meal.  She spent time preparing it, but, angered by yet another in a string of broken promises, I turn away and return to my room.  I glance at the clock and notice that there's still some time before I have to leave.  I sit down on the edge of the bed and then fall backwards so that my back is resting on the bed.  I look up at the ceiling, noticing the unsettling silence.  Restless, I stand up again and walk to my bookshelves.  I scan through my books, randomly picking ones out and flipping quickly through the pages.  After I replace one, I look to the clock again and see that I should be going.  I head towards the door, but take one glance at the painting before exiting.  I return to the table, pick up my briefcase, and lock the door behind me as I leave. 

I glance at the calendar on my office desk, the red marks increasing, leaving only five days before the date circled and re-circled.  I move my face so that I am looking at my computer and return to writing my report.  I need to have it done in the next few days, as it relates to the operation.  Time passes, and I hear a noise.  I continue typing the sentence that I'm writing, but, when I finish, look up and see Elvy in the doorway.

"Elvy."

"Captain Shitow."

I stand up and smile, she grins in response as she approaches my desk.

She looks at me as she says, "My squadron is taking a break.  Lunch?"

I nod my head and say, "Sounds good.  Let me just finish up here, I won't be long."

"Sure."

As I start to put things away, she steps closer and looks at the calendar.

Quietly, she says, "Operation Overlord."

I stop mid-motion and my glance returns to the calendar.

Still looking there, I say, "Yes, at last."

She chuckles and leans forward as she places her hands on my desk as she says, "We'll show those MU bastards."

Not wanting to express too much, I continue, locking up files and securing my computer.  She straightens and steps back as she waits silently for me to finish.

When I am done, I look at her with a smile and say, "Shall we go?"

"Sure.  What were you thinking of?"

Nervous that she may have found my silence odd, I say, "What was I thinking of?"

"Yeah, for lunch."

Relieved, I say, "Our usual."

She smiles and says, "Ok."

I move so that we are standing next to each other and accompany her as we walk out the door of my office.