Sorry for the long wait in getting this chapter up. I had a bad case of writers block and I also had some personnel problems as well. Also, I would like to thank everyone that has read The first time?. I am also still working on another story calle "Whispered Tech" which is a cross over with another cartoon series that takes place in about 80 years in the future. I hope to have that story ready soon. Well, I shall let you all read this latest chapter.

Disclaimer: I do not own Full Metal Panic! Others do so do not sue.

Are you ready for changes?

That Evening the entire crew and the base personnel are all assembled in the large underground hanger on the Island. Everyone is in formation according to what section they work in. As they wait patiently they wonder why they have all been assembled. Only three people know the truth. One is in formation with the rest of the SRT personnel. The other two stand in front of the formation awaiting the Capt.

Tessa for her part was in her quarters making sure her uniform was just right. With one last look in the mirror she turns around and heads for the door to head the hanger to address the crew and personnel. As she get closer to the hanger area she begins to cry. Not knowing if or when she will return to command.

As the entry way to the hanger gets closer she looks to the future and wonders what she will do. Just as Tessa reaches the door, tears begin to fight there way out of her eyes. Taking time to stop and wipe away the tears Tessa looks to her heart to find the strength to tell the people she works with that she has been relieved of command.

With one deep breath Tessa takes one step forward thru the door and out into the large hanger. Upon entering the hanger Cmdr. Mardukas calls the formation to attention. Tessa walks straight and tall with all the military bearing she can muster. She walks up to the stage that was set up with a microphone so she can address everyone present. Turning to face the crew who has been her family since she arrived, Tessa looks at everyone that is there. She knows that she can do this, so with a heavy sigh she begins to address the crew.

"Earlier today, I was called by MITHRIL High Command." She begins making sure not to allow her voice to falter. "The message I received from them was that I am to be relieved of duty for a period of one month or more." As Tessa says this she feels the tears well up inside her eyes.

"As of today at 1900 hrs Cmdr. Mardukas is in command while the Teuatha De Dannan is being repaired. I do not know what I will be doing in the mean time but rest assured that I will still be in MITHRIL." As she says those last words, Tessa feels her voice falter and the tears begin to roll.

Tessa struggles to look at her crewmates and with a nod to CMDR. Mardukas she turns and leaves the stage. As she leaves the hanger she hears the CMDR. tell the crew they are dismissed. When she gets back to her quarters and closes the door she begins to cry. She sits on her bed holding her bear tight. She lays down on her bed and cry's herself to sleep.

After being dismissed Souske went to his quarters to start packing for the return trip to Tokyo. As he packs he wonders how Tessa is doing. Earlier it was decided that she would return to Tokyo with him. He begins to think of all the events that led up to now. Deep down he knows that feelings for his Capt. began surfacing during the A21 incident. His feelings towards Kaname were also in conflict. As he talked to Tessa, his feelings for her began to grow stronger as they moved closer to each other. He leaves his quarters to go to Tessa's room to make sure she is all right and to see if she has packed yet. He gets to her quarters and knock's on the door.

Tessa hears a knock on her door through the fog of sleep and the whispers. As she rubs the sleep from her eyes, she walks over to the door to open it. She looks up and sees souske standing there with concern in his eyes. As she wipes the tears away that are beginning to flow again she jumps up and wraps her arms around Souske. In response, Souske wraps his arms around her and just holds her as they go back into her quarters.

As the door closes behind them Souske leads Tessa back to her bed and they both sit down. They sit in silence just holding each other when Tessa looks up at Souske with here gray eyes in which Souske returns her gaze. They both look into each other eyes with a realization that this is a new beginning for both of them. Tessa seizes the moment and kisses Souske passionately. After what seems to be an eternity, they break the kiss.

"Souske, what do you think will be going on while I am away?" Tessa says breaking the silence.

"I do not know Tessa, but I am sure you will be back in command before you know it." Souske says then kisses her tenderly.

"Now lets get you packed so we can leave tomorrow morning."

"Ok."

With that they both get to packing Tessa up for the trip to Tokyo.

A/N: I hope you all liked this chapter. It took a long time to write. I will try my best to get the next chapter up sooner rather than later.