Stay with me, the ride might start out slow.



An ear-splitting roar cut through the air, drawing the attention of those working around and startling the brave few trying to get closer to scurrying back. The zoid shook its giant head in protest, horns flying. It was the same as every other time anyone tried to get near him. Beac never hurt anyone, but those foolish enough to get too close were either scared back or knocked breathless.

Glancing at his companions, a soldier took a breath and gave a discrete signal to those gathered around him. The men positioned themselves safely away from the DiBison as he reached one hand inside of his uniform, his finger grazing the button to set off the electric field.

" Stop!" The commanding voice was enough to freeze his finger from hitting the button. Spinning the men watched the tall from of Colonel Schubaltz striding toward them, Captain Van Flyhieght miraculously keeping pace at his side.

"Colonel!"

Everyone snapped to attention, the stubborn DiBison behind them all but forgotten as their commanding officers strode toward them, anger apparent on the elders face.

" Stand back from Lt. Shubalzt's zoid, Now!" Karls voice held an edge to it suddenly, an authority that hadn't been there since the news had reached him.

" Colonel, all due respect sir, but we-" One of the officers spoke out.

" Enough. I'll take of this Lt. Please take your men and move on." The order was said politely, but with no room for the argument that sat on the other mans lips.

" Sir." The Lt. saluted and motioned briskly for his men to follow as he returned to those clearing the rubble, leaving only Karl and Van standing before the somber sentinel.

" Well Beac, what do you say buddy?" Van looked imploringly up at the now silent zoid. " Karl?" Van looked on worriedly as Karl took a few steps forward, not stopping even at the warning growl.

Karl reached out without hesitation when he reached the zoid, placing a warm hand on the heated metal. He stood his ground when the great bison shook his head and let out another roar.

" Please Beac, let me in?" When the zoid didn't show any response other than to continue his shaking Karl tried again. " For Thomas?"

Beac slowly calmed. For a long moment all that was heard were the sounds of the workers around them, till even that faded out to the quiet breaths of the two men and creaking of metal joints. The sudden woosh of air that signaled the opening of the canopy broke the silence in a deafening rush. It appeared that Beac agreed to letting him in, but Karl was still going to have to climb his way up. He gave the zoid a quirked grin.

Now that he was here everything caught up to him. This was perhaps the biggest physical link to his brother. Taking a deep breath, Karl began to climb.

" Karl? Karl!" Van called after him, but he continued heedless. It was time to face this.

The pilots seat was as it had been the last time it rightfull pilot had sat there for the last time. The helmet that served as a direct link to the organoid system lay across the chair. Gloves that were designed especially for Thomas' slim hands lay where he had left them atop a consol.

For a moment Karl was stunned by feeling of his brother that permeated the entire place. It was almost as if, if he just closed his eyes for one moment his little brother would be there, almost there. No, he wouldn't let himself indulge in his fantasy or his pain, it was time to start living.

" Karl?" Van clapped a hand gently on the colonels shoulder, feeling the slight shaking underneath the sweat soaked material of his thin cotton shirt.

" Van." Karl turned his face to the sky as he spoke. " I'm entrusting you to all the information compiled in Beac's system. Good luck, my friend."

" Thank you Colonel."

Van watched sadly as the Colonel quickly gathered what personal effects lay about the small cockpit and jump effortlessly over the side. But the sadness was nearly overshadowed by the anger that suddenly welled up in him. Even Karl had given up now. But he couldn't just let this go. There was something more here, he knew it, could feel it! He would just have to do this himself.

Sitting down, Van gently ran his fingers over the consol. It was time to move. Dark brown eyes lit up as information sped across the screen. In a blink the cockpit was empty.

" A bomb. B-O-M-B. Get it?" Moonbay was on her last nerve. Talking to the commander's subordinate was like talking to Irvine when he was working on his zoid.. 'Scratch that,' she thought, ' talking to Irvine anytime.'

The man looked warily at the crooked grin that the girl had plastered on her face.

" Y-yes, Miss Moonbay, I can see that, what do you want me to do about it?"

" Urgh!" Moonbay began muttering under her breath, getting louder with each new phrase.

"What she means, Captain Hemmings," Irvine quickly intervened, slapping a hand over the woman's mouth. " is that this proves it wasn't an accident."

" Quite." The captain looked down his nose at the broken mass Moonbay still had clutched in her hand. " Well, hand it over and I'll have one of my men check it out."

He made a move to take it from the girls arms but Irvine's other hand shot out, covering her hand with his.

" Actually, Sir, I think this is Guardian Force jurisdiction still." The former mercenary narrowed his eyes at the captain who currently had his nose too far up in the air.

" Hum, well I don't think, in light of the situation, the guardian force can take the case. Seeing as the agent died in the attack." There was a glint in the mans eyes.

For a split-second there was only a widening of eyes. It was Moonbay's high pitched squeal, muffled by Irvines hand, that broke the still. Irvine gently shook her, his eyes holding a dangerous light to them. In a flash a badge was in his face.

" As an certified agent of the Imperial/Republican Guardian Force I am taking over the mission given to Lt. Thomas Richard Shubaltz one week ago to investigate and arrest any responsible for the attacks inflicted here if you have any complaints I'd be happy to shut you up. Clear?" Irvine raised an inquiring eyebrow. After the crisp nod from the man in shock he smiled grimly and turned away, a struggling Moonbay in tow.

Moonbay looked sidelong at the man as he let go of her mouth. Irvine was staring intently ahead, quietly seething under his all too cool exterior. Her eyes trailed down to the leather badge he was clasping tightly in his hand. It looked practically new, not bearing any of the marks or dust of travel or battle. Questions were on the tip of her tongue but Irvine spoke first.

" Don't say it Moonbay."

" Jerk."

Irvine stumbled.

" What?"

" That man, is a jerk."

" Whatever."

" So."

" Here we go." Irvine threw his hands up.

" Where'd you get the badge?"

For a moment there was no answer. Looking back to the silent man beside her Moonbay was surprised to find a clear look of grief on his tanned face.

" Thomas, ' just in case'."

"....He'd be proud of you."

They walked in silence for a few minutes, each wondering what they had just gotten into, but determined not to back out.

" Moonbay! Irivne!" Finoa's voice called out. She ran up to them panting, grabbing Irvines arm in an attempt to steady herself.

" Fiona? What's the matter?" Moonbay shifted her bomb and looked at the other girl worriedly.

" Van. He's gone."



A/N:Things will pick up after this.