Orange Star: A revised history

Commanding Officer Mel

Disclaimer: I still don't own the company that made Advance Wars but I do own a copy of the game as usual.

Author's note - And anything that is in Romanji or Pinyin and base Cantonese will be translated, or stated otherwise. Read And Review!

Time: 7:00 p.m. YC ST

Place: White Sun HQ

"This, my young friends, is the main region of the White Sun peninsula and the area of your command. Even as of now, it is heard that there are attacks all over your own country, and that you would like to help, but however, your training comes first." Kanbei said, leading the five around. Sonja was following slowly along the back, talking to Mel.

". . .you should get some rest Sonja. You look terrible."

"Mmm . . .I'm okay, I just miss him, that's all."

". . .oh."

" . . .do you miss her?"

". . .yeah."

". . .oh? What's this?" She noticed a gold glint instead of the normal silver one. "Sami-chan gave this to you, didn't she?"

" . . .yeah."

". . .it's pretty."

"I guess so." He sighed.

"Don't worry too much about her."

"Then you shouldn't worry too much about Andy then." He said.

"But . . ." She protested.

"If I'm not allowed to worry, you're not allowed to worry." He said, pulling loose one of her pigtails. "Nyah."

"Hey!"

"This is for cutting my hair that day." He said, pocketing the hair band.

"Hmph."

"Whatever Sonja. This facility is kinda . . .boring."

"Yeah, but what can you do?"

". . .nothing really."

"There you go."

"Huh."

"What now?"

"Where are we staying?"

"Well, I'm gonna be around here for a bit just to get the same basic training as you, so there'll be plenty of me around."

". . .oh."

"What? You don't wanna hang around with your childhood playmate?"

". . .I spent most of our childhood, trying to protect you Sonja." Mel said, giving her a bemused grin.

". . .onii-chan . . ."

"What?"

". . .thank you." She gave him a small hug.

"Your welcome Sonja. We better catch up." He broke into a run.

"Huh? Mel! Come back here!" She chased after him.

Time: 5:47 p.m.

Place: Mel's home

Sami had spent the past few days going about cleaning up her stuff and wandering around the garden in the back of the house. She was lying on the grass and resting her eyes.

"Ooh . . .this is awfully boring." She sighed, looking up at the sky. "I wonder how Mel's doing . . ."

"Sami!"

"Uh huh?"

"What did Mel say in his letter?"

". . .he said hi and stuff."

"Oh?"

"Yeah." She shifted slightly and closed her eyes again.

"Oh . . .did he say anything about Sonja?"

". . .nope."

"Aw."

"Whatever Andy, I bet she's doing fine, probably missing you or something." She pulled off her outer shirt and placed it over her head. "Man, it's sunny out here . . ."

"That's why I'm still inside . . ." Andy said. He was going about making dinner.

"What are you making tonight Andy?"

"Rice."

"Is that all you can make?"

"No."

"Then what else do we have?"

" . . .nothing really. We didn't go for groceries yet."

" . . .okay. Scratch that, I'm ordering pizza again."

". . .again? Aren't you gonna get fat?"

". . .Andy!" She sat up and headed into the house.

"Huh? You're back, hey, what are you – " The air was filled with pained screams . . .

Time: August

Place: White Sun HQ

Mel sat at his desk, his coat hanging on his chair, and he was busily writing and signing documents. He peered at the photos he had left on his desk and smiled slightly.

". . .I miss you." He sighed.

"Miss who?" Gabe asked, carrying a large stack of files.

". . .Sami."

" . . .oh, Red."

"Do you insist on calling her that?"

"Not really. It's just kinda weird, she's got red hair. Heh."

". . .right."

"Anyway, here's some more for you to deal with. Gary's setting up the WS systems with Alice and Allison right now."

"Uh huh?"

"Sonja just left a while ago. She had to go back to Yellow Comet."

"Okay."

". . .and as of now, you're in full command of White Sun."

"So?"

"It's all going smoothly."

"Well, look at this! This is not going smoothly!" Mel took out a newspaper, which was showing continuos reports of the constant assaults on Orange Star and the rest of the world.

"With this going on, no one is safe."

"Uh huh." The black clad young man shrugged slightly. "We can't do anything unless we have direct orders or permission though."

". . .yeah, yeah, I know." Mel said, as an explosion rocked the HQ. "What the hell was that!?"

"Shoot." Gabe radioed Gary. "What's goin on there!?"

"It appears we're under attack . . .by . . .Orange Star!?"

". . .what? Orange Star can't attack us . . .they're busy with Blue Moon!" Mel said, getting up. "This is bad."

"Well not that bad once I'm through with those sorry pricks." Gabe said, heading for the command room. "It's my watch, they're mine!"

". . .all right, don't go overboard though."

"Heh." He ran his hand through his hair. "Don't worry, I'll be fine. They won't once it starts raining flames."

". . .huh." Mel laughed. "My friends, the messengers of death. Haha . . ."

Place: Orange Star

Sami had been quickly dragged back into the academy with Andy once the attacks had started getting serious.

"What's the matter Nell?"

"We need some of the younger recruits to oversee some of the battles! We're short a few officers!"

". . .really?"

"Yeah. Better get moving, you're posted in the south. While you're at it, get your hair cut. As a field officer, I don't think it'll be safe to have such long hair. You'll be in the special forces region. Good luck!"

". . .but I . . ." Sami ran her hand through her silky locks. "Mel . . ." She said to herself, remembering the day she asked him how he liked her hair. Blinking back tears, she nodded and saluted, rushing to get her uniform and to get her hair cut. "I promise I'll be alive when you come back Mel!" She whispered to herself, running towards the locker rooms.

Andy found himself in a similar predicament, but he was to be placed under intense basic field training. He headed towards the battlefields. Tools in hand and a gun from Sonja kept in his jacket, he started to run, in preparation for the next assault.

"Look out Blue Moon, here I come."

Nell was pacing her command post, deploying troops and sending her remaining officers to battle. Max said he'd look for Grit for her later. She wondered where some of Orange Star's finest officers in training were though.

"I'd expect Mel to stick around and help Orange Star . . ." She said.

"Ma'am! Ma'am!" A technician rushed in.

"Yes?"

"We have a situation! Blue Moon has breached a small region already!"

"What!?"

"It's bad ma'am."

" . . .oh dear. Who was in command?"

"Officer Rush. He's currently retreating as of now."

". . .I wish we had a few more officers. Most of the students are still in field training, and we need some better than that."

". . .but ma'am."

"That, or at least someone with enough strategic sense to help us make quick and precise attacks against them."

". . .yes ma'am."

"As well, we need to capture Olaf and bring him back for questioning."

"Of course."

"Now . . .where is Mel when you need him?" She wondered aloud.

Time: Mid August

Place: White Sun / Yellow Comet region

"Andy!?" Gabe said, having a death grip on the commanding officer in the black headquarters. "What the hell!?" He was surprised.

"Fool, you cannot avoid the Black Maelstrom . . ." 'Andy' croaked as Gabe tightened his grip around his neck.

". . .wait a sec. You can't be the real Andy, you don't even know what the hell you're talking about. You . . .you're a copy!" Gabe said. "You're dead." With that, he let out a terrible roar, as En streamed through him in the form of an ancient dragon and tore the clone to shreds. "Anyway, the real Andy is in Orange Star right now with Mel's girlfriend. You can't fool me with your second rate abilities."

"Come in Gabe!" Came Allison's voice.

"Huh? Yeah?" Gabe said, speaking into the headpiece he wore.

"It's been confirmed that these 'so-called' Orange Star forces are popping up everywhere and attacking anything that moves."

". . .weird."

"Mel says return to the HQ as soon as you clean up this region."

"All right."

"There's also been SOS's coming from Green Earth and the like."

"Really?"

"Yeah."

"Hmm . . .something's probably very wrong there." He said.

Place: Green Earth

Green Earth was taken completely by surprise as the dark Orange Star army was attacking it mercilessly. People were being slain left and right and all Eagle could do was watch pained from his office.

". . .who is that commander leading them?"

"We managed to get a picture."

". . .give it here."

"Here you are sir."

". . .Andy!? Grr . . .that does it! Let's clean out this remaining force attacking us and hold our ground, then I shall personally see to it that Orange Star will pay for this!"

" . . .but sir, Orange Star is . . ." The officer said, but Eagle had already left.

Time: A week later

Place: White Sun

". . .Gary, what's our status?" Mel said.

"We've managed to hold them all off for the time being."

"But they keep on coming. Who knows when they'll stop?" Gabe said. "Did I tell you who the enemy commander is though?"

". . .no. Who?"

"None other than the famous Andy Lau." Gabe said gravely.

Time: ???

Place: ???

"What is the meaning of this!? We have resistance in the offshore region of Yellow Comet!?"

"Actually sir, we have resistance from across all the countries. One of the clones has already been killed. Number . . .3."

". . .resistance eh?"

"Yes sir."

"Hmph. Goes to show what they're doing."

"What shall we do?"

"We shall withdraw from the countries as soon as all the remaining clones have been slain."

"What!?"

"Except number 1."

"Why not that one?"

"That is the ultimate clone."

". . .is you insist sir."

"I do."

"All right." His underling saluted and headed off.

"Soon, even despite all this, soon the entire world will be mine and that fool Olaf, will help me achieve that goal!"

Time: 5:00 p.m.

Place: White Sun

The fighting outside continued, as the might of the White Sun army continued to send the black troops that kept pouring in to their deaths.

". . .Andy is doing this?"

". . .well, a double perhaps. When I capture the HQ, that . . .thing or whatever the hell you call it was yammering nonsense about black maelstrom. And anyway, the real Andy would have survived my Dragon Wrath attack. That one was turned into dust in a matter of seconds."

". . .probably is . . .oh god." Mel cursed.

"What?"

"Remember that assault in Christmas?"

"Yeah."

"Well, if I remember right, they shot Andy, took some of his blood, and sent it somewhere. Apparently, this somewhere is where they're producing clones. The other note is that all those involved where shortly and mysteriously killed after."

"All those involved that were the assailants." Gary corrected. "Because I'm not dead, Gabe's not dead, and it is absolutely preposterous to even say that Mel would be dead. After all, he did survive getting smashed in by a meteor."

". . .ooh, don't remind me." Mel groaned, feeling a pang in his side.

"Still sore?"

"Unbelievably." Mel said. The wounds he had suffered caused lasting damage.

"Can you walk properly Mel-san?" Alice asked.

"Yes."

"Then what's wrong with you?"

"Occasional pain spasms."

" . . .oh."

"I need some coffee. And to write Sami a letter." Mel said. "You guys are free to go as of now. But I need one of you two on patrol."

". . .hmm. I'll do it." Gary offered. "It's been slow. And I need some sort of stress relief." He pulled his rifle out his suitcase and began assembling it. "Red blood splats all over the battlefield under my watch."

"Okay. Have fun." Mel said.

"Oh trust me, I will." He nodded, getting ready to pick off a few black clad soldiers himself. With a final spin, he finished assembling the gun and perched it on the window.

Time: Evening in Orange Star

Place: Orange Star

Sami lay dejectedly on her bunk, playing with her now incredibly shortened hair. It used to be a bit past her shoulders, now about a few inches above them. She wanted to cry, and cry she did. That was, until there was a knock on her door.

"(sniff) . . .who's there?" She asked, wiping her eyes.

"It's me, Nell. Can I come in Sami?"

". . .just a sec." She went through her pockets and pulled out a silk handkerchief she got from Sonja and dabbed gently at her bleary eyes. "Come in . . ." She stuffed it back in her pocket.

". . .are you all right? I've been hearing reports that distressed noises have been coming from your room."

". . .uh yeah, I'm okay."

"Hmm . . .you don't look that okay." Nell said, noting her slightly red eyes.

"It's just my contacts, that's all."

". . .if you insist Sami." Nell said, worried.

". . .I'm all right, really."

"Boyfriend troubles, isn't it?"

". . .how did you know?"

"I felt that way for a bit when Max and Grit both left. Ah, but the thing is, if I remember correctly, you live with Mel, so that makes it a whole lot different."

"That's right."

"I can't blame you for being upset then. Even though I did expect him to stay here in Orange Star . . .but then again, Kanbei snatched him up first. Oh well." Nell shrugged.

"Mm hmm."

"Tell you what, if I ever see him, I'll tell him to find you."

"Thanks ma'am."

"Just call me Nell, Sami. Everyone else does."

"All right . . .thanks Nell."

"You still look all right with short hair."

"You think so?"

"Well, I did like it when it was long like mine, but your job is a bit harder than that, so we need it short."

" . . .mmm." She nodded.

"But you can always grow it back when your off-duty."

"Thank you."

"All right, now that everything's settled, I'll be going now Sami. Bye."

"Bye . . ." Sami watched as Nell headed out and closed the door. She got up and locked it. ". . .I'm so lonely . . ." She sighed, as she kicked off her shoes and started to change into her pajamas. After hopping around a bit, she pulled out her contacts and crawled into her bed, crying herself to sleep for another night.

Time: 9:00 p.m.

Place: White Sun HQ

Mel fell asleep at his desk, halfway into his letter to Sami.

"Zzz . . .zzz . . .zzz . . .Sami . . .zzz . . .zzz . . .zzz . . ." He snored. That was until Gabe ran into his office.

"Mel! Mel! Mel! Mel! Mel! Wake up!!!"

"Zzz . . .wha?"

"We're under attack!"

"So? I thought we still were."

"They're surrounding the HQ!"

"Blah. So? Deal with it."

"They have 10 tanks surrounding OUR HQ."

". . .so?"

"You do something!!! Gary's units are out of range, and well, their slowly moving in infantry to capture us."

". . .oh. That's what you mean." Mel sat up and shoved Sami's letter into the drawer. "Lousy bastards insist on attacking in the middle of the night." Mel muttered, pulling out his gun. "Let's see . . .I think I can manage to take them all out now." He closed his eyes as he carefully gathered his energy, channeling it through the barrel of the gun.

". . .this might prove interesting." Gabe said to himself. 'I've never paid much attention to Mel's CO power . . .Destruction Strike. Heh, typical deadly move.'

". . .die. Die all of you!" Mel shouted to the Black forces as he fired En blasts from the window. A series of explosions lit the night sky as the enemy attempted to retreat, but were completely destroyed before they had a chance.

". . .whoa. Mad crazy damage." Gabe said regarding Mel's masterful skill.

". . .it's done . . .ugh." Mel fell to his knees, clutching his chest, his breathing becoming ragged and weary . . . ". . .ah . . .ah . . .(cough)" He spat out a small amount of blood, staining the white floor crimson.

"Whoa! What the!? Medic!" Gabe shouted, as the new chief commander of White Sun was now laying face down in a pool of his own blood.

Time: Later

Place: Infirmary

". . .what the hell happened to him?" The medic asked, alarmed that under the first few days of his command, Mel was out cold.

"Well, he channeled his energy into his gun and got rid of all the Black forces surrounding us, but he then lost it and kinda . . .passed out, yeah." Gabe said.

"Ugh . . .where, where am I?" Mel groaned coming to.

"You're in the infirmary Mel." Gary said.

". . .what?"

"You passed out after you destroyed that black army."

"Damn it."

"What?"

"I think those injuries were more severe than I thought." Mel said.

"From the tournament?"

"Yeah."

"Well considering being smashed in by a meteor, and getting sucked into a black hole, I'm not surprised that you're still alive." Gary said.

"Bite me."

"I'd rather not Mel."

"Then do something."

". . .well . . .it seems like you're fine right now, but maybe you shouldn't over do it." Gabe said.

"Heh. Yeah, that's an idea." He laughed weakly.

"Mel, perhaps you should ask Kanbei whether or not if you should still stay and command here. After all, maybe they have some positions that need filling in Orange Star. We'll hold out without you for a bit."

". . .hmm. Go back home?"

"Yeah."

"I would, but I highly doubt that Kanbei'll let me."

"No worries, we called him and told him about your situation as soon as you blanked."

"Haha. Very funny guys, you trying to get rid of me?"

"No. We're afraid for your health."

"Why?"

"You know, when you beat that black clad guy, you were basically emanating enough En to use the Destruction strike twenty times."

"What!?"

"I did a quick En scan before I went off to save those that were out cold. Gabe and Eagle tried to hold off the guy, but they of course failed miserably."

"Hey!"

"Well it's true." Gary said.

"Anyway, you came back, kicked ass and took names. Well actually, we still don't know the name of our mystery foe, and it doesn't take a genius to figure out that he's probably involved with these Andy clones."

"Andy clones . . .hmm. Bring me back one of them. Alive. I need to see something."

"What?"

"That way I can beat him up without getting in trouble with Sonja."

"WHAT!?"

"I always wanted to do that."

"You're crazy Mel." Gabe muttered.

"Well, you killed one already, how did that feel?"

". . . strangely satisfying."

"There you go!"

"Fine, fine. I'll go attack that Black Maelstrom or whatever and capture an Andy."

"Thanks." Mel said. "How much longer do I have to stick around here for?"

"Until Kanbei and Sonja come to check up on you."

". . .well damn." Mel muttered, "That's no fun. This is probably the second time I got stuck in an infirmary for something stupid."

"Heh, sorry I had you do that without properly charging your energy. But it's pretty cool that you can do it without having to take unit damage." Gabe said.

". . .no wonder. That probably did it Gabe." Gary said, swatting his friend with a large fan.

"Ouch!"

"Actually, no. I could always do that." Mel said.

"What then?"

" . . .I think I over did it when I fought big, black and ugly."

"That guy?"

"Yeah."

"Considering you unleashed three maxed out En skills in succession, you most likely did over do it." Gary said, pulling out a disc containing a recording of battle. "I asked for a copy to study, and since it looked pretty damn cool when you pulled off those moves." He shoved it into the DVD player and turned on the monitor.

On the tape, it showed from the various angles, the dark figure being thrashed relentlessly by Mel's alternate form.

"Well, now it's official, Mel, your 'alternate' state is most likely more powerful than you."

"Hmph. Well I couldn't do anything about it. I heard voices for crying out loud!" Mel said.

". . .voices?"

"Okay, fine. A voice."

"Whose?"

"I dunno."

"What the heck did it sound like then?"

"My own . . .but a lot odder, because it was coming from my head, and I KNOW I wasn't talking to myself."

". . .right." Gary said. "Anyway, that is trippy!" He pointed to the move that was currently being labeled as the 'Destruction Wave'.

"Gah! You're still intent on watching that movie?"

"Yup."

"Grr. Anyway, Gabe, go to my office, and look in my desk. There's a letter I need to finish. And if you look at it, because I know you'll try, I will beat you within an inch of your life."

". . .gulp. Okay, okay, I'll get it. I promise I won't look." He said, running off.

Time: 11:00 p.m.

Place: White Sun infirmary

"Onii-chan!" Sonja said, walking into the room. "Are you okay?"

"Getting better."

"Good. Anyway, I've spoken to father about this. Even he thinks you're in no state to act as a CO of White Sun."

"What!?"

"Perhaps you should go home and leave it to your friends."

". . .Hmm."

"Then again, you can always do other things." Sonja suggested. "There's supposed to be quite a few openings for desk jobs and the like at Orange Star."

". . .whatever. Oh just a thing Sonja. The enemy commander is rumored to be Andy."

"Andy!?"

"Well, not the one we know and love, but a clone of sorts. Gabe's going out to get me one as soon as the next attack occurs."

"Clone?"

"It seems so."

"Well then we shall have to see." Sonja said, furrowing her brow.

"Indeed."

Time: A week later

Place: Orange Star

Sami was overseeing the latest assault to hold back Blue Moon forces, but she wasn't doing too well.

"Ooh. This is bad. This is soo bad." She mumbled to herself.

"Commander! We're in big trouble, the enemy has brought in reinforcements and they're pushing us back!" The tech cried.

". . .what!? What's out status?"

". . .currently, we should just retreat and regroup."

"What!?" Sami felt nervous now. All over Orange Star, they were being forced back, and simply because there was a large number of troops loyal to Olaf that defected. Orange Star was being outnumbered. "Retreat then!" She said bitterly. "We've got no other choice."

Time: Within the hour

Place: Orange Star encampment

Sami sat on top of a storage tub, looking absolutely depressed.

"I lost again . . ." She sighed.

"A communiqué for you from White Sun, commander."

"Hmm?"

"Well, actually, it's a letter."

"Huh. Let me see." She took her pocketknife and tore open the envelope. Pulling out the letter, it was in Mel's handwriting. "Ooh. Not again." 'Each time I get a letter from him, it just makes me more and more depressed.' She felt a tear run down her cheek.

Dear Mi,

It's Mel. Life is boring as usual. Sonja came by and whined about how she missed Andy. Gary took his time to beat back some assailants that were attacking us. Oh yeah, Gabe said that he could have sworn he saw Andy in the enemy HQ. But then again, it could have been something weirder . . .

(droplets of blood in the middle section of the page)

Sorry about that . . .I fell asleep halfway through, and where the blood is, well, I don't know where that came from. Anyway, I just got hospitalized . . . again. I just sent who knows how many of these Black Army soldiers straight to their deaths. Anyway, I'm just checking up on you and

(the rest of the letter has become illegible as it is now covered with tears and the ink has begun to smear . . .)

(it was supposed to say)

Anyway, I've discussed with Kanbei and Sonja, they're recommending that I'll leave command up to Gary and Gabe and I am to return home to Orange Star and try to recover all good and properly. I'll call as soon as I get back. That and I'll probably end up getting drafted back in Orange Star's army. Haha.

Hoping you're doing all right,

Mel

Sami hugged her knees to her chest and started to sniffle.

"Why? Why? Maybe I should tell him to not write anymore, it just makes me feel worse." She rubbed her eyes and regained what was left of her composure. "Ah well. Hmm? Oh dear, I think I smudged off half of that letter . . ." She said, looking at the runny ink. "I wonder if it was important?" She tore off the soggy half of the letter and kept the dry part and headed off.

Time: The next day

Place: White Sun HQ

Mel had begun packing his belongings, with Sonja's help. He occasionally blacked out and was just weary in general. Using one of his swords as a support, he made his way around the room, taking what few things he brought.

"Onii-san."

"Hmm?"

"You sure it's okay that you have to go back soon?"

"I can't do anything about it. Your father wished it."

"Mmm." She nodded. "I miss Andy."

"Well I just saw him. Well a fake him anyway, then we . . .uh yeah, never mind."

"Right. Those stupid clones."

"Has he written you?"

"No."

"Called you?"

"No."

"E-mail?"

"Not even."

"You look even more depressed than me." He said, patting her shoulder.

". . .(sniff)"

" . . ."

"Ooh." She sat down on the foot of Mel's bed.

". . ." 'Best leave her alone for now and let her cry.' Mel thought, "Sonja, I'm gonna take my stuff out and get ready to leave soon."

" . . .mmm."

'Such a sad little princess . . .' He thought, as he moved the few pieces of luggage he had out towards the airstrip.

Time: In a few days

Place: Orange Star

The attacks continued constantly, as it neared September, bits and pieces of Orange Star territory had begun to fall to Blue Moon clutches. The officers Hikagi, Sami, Rush, Squall and Max were wondering how much longer they could hold out. Chief Commander Nell was getting more and more worried as the attacks continued. She wondered if there was any hope for her country.

As the attacks constantly occurred, there was one person completely ignorant of it all. in his own bitterness and anger in failure, a young man in a white uniform sat lazily in a jet, being flown back to his home country, due to the fact he was powerless to do anything.

"This is the biggest load of crap ever." Mel muttered, sitting by himself in the empty plane. "I am more or less the most powerful CO in White Sun, but I can't even function properly now." He tilted his head back as he downed another can of iced coffee. "Bah. That stupid idiot that attacked me in the tournament, I'll get him for that." Pulling out the Origin, he examined it carefully. "Hmm . . .perhaps it's this weapon?" It had a strange gleam compared to the Destruction Blade. The En that came from it evidently was much stronger. Mel felt somewhat strengthened as he grasped its hilt. "Heh. Perhaps it is this weapon. Then again, it could be something else. Maybe, just maybe I could control the power . . ." A thought came to mind. "Of course! That's how it was possible! This sword is the means!" He laughed quietly to himself as the realization of how to possibly master his skill was now clear. "After this, then I'll be able to stop Blue Moon and the Black Army for sure!"

Time: Late August

Place: Downtown Alara

Mel had returned home and had gone shopping. Pacing the emptied streets of the city center, he headed towards a jewelry shop. Peering into the windows, he was inspecting the various baubles and bangles, now on clearance, as the country was in war. No one had such need for these things. Pushing the door open, and heading in, Mel came out in the next half hour, pocketing two small boxes in his coat and whistling softly as he stepped through the fallen leaves.

Time: September 3

Place: Orange Star HQ

"Commander! Ma'am!" A breathless technician ran in. "We just received some incredibly valuable Intel!"

". . .hmm?" Nell looked up weary from her work. "What could be so incredibly valuable right at the moment?"

"Do you know who this person is?" She placed a brand new photograph on Nell's desk. "Reconnaissance on the streets noticed him and snapped the photo. They weren't going anywhere near him though."

". . .M . . .M . . .M . . .MEL!? What the hell is he doing back here in Orange Star!?"

"So you do know who that is right?" The girl smiled.

"Yes! That's the one and only person that ever got a Gold Dragon for strategic command in their second year at the Orange Star Field Academy! And the one who was almost killed by some maniac this year too!" Nell was ecstatic. "Why is he back here!?"

"The report is that he has been . . .on leave from White Sun military forces and is currently residing back in Orange Star for the time being. They say he's not going anywhere."

"Scrap what they're saying! We need him here! NOW!" Nell said, tugging on the poor girl's lapels.

"I doubt he'll be that willing. They say he took on a group of those street thugs that tried to mug him and he beat them straight into the ground."

"So? That's what he always does."

"Oh . . .really?"

"Yes, Rei. Really."

"Then, we can convince him?"

"Perhaps, just perhaps." Nell said thoughtfully. "Prepare a convoy, we're gonna pay Mel a visit." She stood up and grabbed her hat and coat. 'Whatever brought you back here, we're lucky to have you back Mel.' She thought to herself.

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Place: Mel's house

Mel realized that something definitely was wrong, as Sami and Andy were both missing.

"Where are they?" He said, furrowing his brow. He went into her room to check for any signs of her being there. Opening a drawer . . . "Oops." He blushed. "But it's half empty . . .could it mean . . .?" He ran to Andy's room and found something similar. Both of them had had clothes packed up, and most obvious was the fact Andy's tools had gone. ". . .they're at war!" he exclaimed. "Those two! Going off to fight off Blue Moon! Grr . . ." He was interrupted by the sound of the doorbell.

'Ding dong!'

"Hmm? Who would it be at a time like this? Gangsters? Thugs? Assassins? The enemy?" Mel pulled out his gun and turned off the safety. He leapt up and using whatever En and balance he had left, he grinded his way down the stair rail and landed softly on the carpet. "Huh . . .still got it." 'Better use some serious discretion, who knows what the hell is after me . . .but then again, why the hell would the enemy use the door bell?'

'Ding dong!' The bell rang again.

". . .well, they're awfully persistent." He said to himself, sliding his shoes on. Carefully opening the door, he then spun around and whipped his heel around smashing in the face of the person in front. "Who are you, and what the hell do you want with me!?" He demanded, gun aimed at the second person.

". . .yikes." Nell managed, as the barrel of the En Rifle was just inches from her forehead. On the floor out cold was a lieutenant, and behind her were various techs and officers.

". . .Nell!?" Mel said, registering the image before his eyes. "What brings you here?" Mel spun the gun around his finger and sliding it back in the holster in his coat.

". . .uh, thanks for putting that thing away Mel. Um . . .we just found out that you came back from White Sun."

". . .so?" He kept his arms crossed as he moved backwards a bit, and then kicked the lieutenant onto the front porch and kicked the door shut.

". . .did he just?" Rei said rather confused.

"It appears he closed the door." Another tech said.

"I know that!" the girl said angrily.

"Uh . . .I don't think he wants us around."

"Well, we want HIM around though." Nell said.

"What are we gonna do? He just took out our only source of muscle in one hit."

" . . .damn."

"Can we just try knocking and asking nicely?" Rei said.

". . .worth a shot." Nell shrugged, knocking on the door.

'Creak'

"Yes?" Mel said, peering out the door crack. "Oh, you guys again." He was about to close the door, as Nell jammed her foot in the way.

"Um . . .Mel can we come in?"

". . .uh . . .no." He tried to force it closed.

"Please?" She pleaded, sticking her foot in some more.

"No."

"Why not?"

"Can't you see I'm trying to figure out where Sami and Andy are?" He said, visibly annoyed.

". . .they're fighting against Blue Moon as we speak." Nell said calmly.

"Well! Why didn't you say so? Come on in!" His expression changed as he let the door open.

"Thank you." 'THANK GAWD! MY FOOT IS PROBABLY SWOLLEN NOW! HE PUSHES HARD!!!' Nell thought to herself.

"So, that was all you were gonna tell me? Tea? Coffee? Junk food?"

" . . .Uh no thanks Mel." Nell said. "Come on everybody, get in here, and bring the lieutenant in too. And no, we're not here to tell you that. We're asking if you'll considering joining Orange Star again as a commander."

"Hahaha! Funny. Very funny." Mel laughed, pulling off his glasses. "That's the funniest thing I've heard since I left White Sun!"

"I don't get it."

"Well the only reason I left White Sun was because I can't be a commander."

"What?"

"You see, I'm worn out, I can't store energy properly and using my CO power last time knocked me out cold. There's no way in bloody hell I can do a thing about commanding properly." He slid the black framed lenses back on his face.

"But . . ."

"Therefore, you guys are screwed. I can't do a thing." He sipped his coffee.

"But we're short officers . . .Olaf's in Blue Moon and Grit just went missing."

"Well whoop-dee-doo Nell. Thanks for the info." Mel said, laughing.

"Have you just gone crazy or something Mel?"

"I broke my promise to Sami. I can't save Orange Star from Blue Moon, nor can I save myself at the moment. I'm a worn out CO."

"But . . ."

"Now if I could just walk about on the battlefield and figure out a way to restore that balance, then I could help you. But as of now, I'm most likely the last person that can help you." He realized that possibly, with time, he could use the Origin to help restore his power to its normal level.

". . .walk about the battlefield . . .hmm. Hey Mel, how are you for strategy?"

" . . .is that a rhetorical question Nell? Hello, I'm the ONLY one with the Gold Dragon for fighting skills and strategic deployment. What do YOU THINK?" He was obviously getting riled up.

"Gulp . . .well if you can't command, I think I have a suggestion that might be able to benefit you and Orange Star."

"I'm listening." Mel said, his fist already glowing with En.

"You can be a military strategic advisor."

". . .Advisor. Does that outrank CO?"

". . .yes."

"Does it out rank commander?"

"No."

"Damn . . .hmm. I'll take it. I don't see why not, as long as I can see Blue Moon get blown to bits, and I'll somehow manage to keep my promise." He shrugged. "Well now, Mel formerly of White Sun, formerly of Orange Star, now back in Orange Star is at your service." He saluted loosely and went to gather his still packed things.

"Thank you! Thank you!" Nell said, bowing deeply.

". . .uh . . .right.' Mel said, coming back down with his things.

"Just how long have you been here though Mel?" Nell asked.

"I just came back last night. I went shopping this morning, and then you guys show up this evening. How'd you figure I was back?"

"Intel Mel."

". . .damn you guys and your Intel . . ." He muttered. ". . .double damn!" He swore.

"What?"

" . . . I knew I forgot something." He said rather pained. "I left my car in Yellow Comet."

". . .What!? How'd you get around to downtown then?"

"I have ANOTHER car." He said. As if everyone only had one car.

"Guh." Nell fell face down to the ground. "WHAT!?"

"MY good car is still there. Whatever, do you guys have a transport or something? I'll take that." He dragged two large suitcases and had his guitar strapped to his back.

"Wha . . .this guy has gone nuts." Nell said, as the now frightened techs carefully followed behind. "I wonder if it was a good idea to let him be the strategic advisor . . ."

Time: The next day

Place: Orange Star Capital HQ

Upon arrival, Mel was immediately put in charge of the current conflict. He was to liberate the Alara region of Orange Star and push back Blue Moon's main forces.

"Oh what!? Give me the hard crap will ya?" He muttered.

"Well, you're supposed to be a gifted strategist hands down. And you're complaining?" Nell said.

"Yes."

"Ooh! I'd ought to . . ."

"Don't make me resign the first day Nell." Mel said threateningly. "The only reason I'm here is to try to find myself all over again."

". . .right. Anyway, we've got a small squadron as of now. I'll be your support and we'll see what Olaf has to give us."

"Small squadron?" Mel said raising his eyebrow. "I wouldn't call ten infantry men a small squadron. I'd call that tank bait." He said, pointing to the two-infantry units awaiting orders.

". . .I'm sorry, but I couldn't get anymore to work with." Nell whined.

"Argh. Whatever, this can't be too hard, almost any idiot should be able to take on two enemy infantry units with their own two." Mel said, wishing Sami was here with him so they could just laugh it up.

"You're probably right. Olaf isn't the brightest of COs, but he's pretty good at what he does."

"All he does is make oversized snow cones." Mel grumbled. "This is gonna be a long day." He said as he sent the troops out to do battle.

End of Chapter