Chapter 15. Mad about You
Blackness.
Coldness.
Time, stretched into meaningless substance.
Aoi couldn't wake up. Her mind helplessly wandered between infinite abyss and delirious visions; and eventually she lost herself in that irrational realm.
Her very conscious dissolved into the stream of essences.
Being a part of that unsteady surreal ambience where everything had a meaning and nothing made sense was both familiar and unknown.
At some point, her illusionary prison got highlighted with the intimate gold; it started to pulse with heat, contracting around her, pushing her into comfortable closeness.
It felt like bathing in the warmed up honey.
Gremory...
Her eyes saw nothing but darkness.
Her body was tightly enveloped in his warmth. In his scent.
"Orga..."
His lips lingered over her forehead. "How are you?"
"I... I can't see..."
He probably heard a faint note of panic in her voice. "We're in your room. The lights are off. Want me to?.."
"No." Aoi hurried to answer. "I mean, I probably look like shit. Don't want to scare you away."
His voice softened with a relief. "You silly."
Her memories were chaotic and unclear. The last thing she remembered vividly was their desperate kiss.
"Orga... What happened? How long have I slept?"
"Twenty hours." He paused. "Don't worry."
Her clothes reeked of blood.
"Orga..."
"Everyone in Tekkadan survived. Turbines, too." His voice was calm and rational.
She smelled like death.
"Orga... I need a shower..."
"Do you want me to help..."
"No!"
Aoi collapsed on the floor under the lukewarm torrents of water. The unwanted memories flooded her mind. Static pictures of corpses and destructions she had left behind filled her with remorse and self-disgust.
She couldn't let him know how she felt.
She could hide nothing from him.
Aoi tried to push each and every thought away. She took the usual minty soap and started to wash herself, concentrating on simple, routine tasks.
For all my sins I will atone.
She rubbed the tiny spot left by the infusor pump's catheter. Watched the white soap bubbles sliding down her skin on the shower floor and into the drain. Leaned on the cold wall, letting the water pour all over her body.
For all my sins.
Her mind turned numb. Empty.
The water ran out, and Aoi slowly dragged herself into the room.
Illuminated by the dim light from the shower stall, his tall frame seemed somewhat unreal in the small space of her quarters. His firm gaze felt almost palpable, though; and under that intent stare Aoi felt double naked, as if both her body and mind were completely exposed for him.
The automatic lights in the shower stall blinked and turned off. She silently stepped away from him and slipped on the floor, wishing to dissolve in the salutary darkness.
He found her unmistakably.
He sat next to her, and she felt the hot breath hitting the skin of her neck.
Orga's warm large hand gently cupped her face, slowly stroking the soft skin with his callous thumb, effectively stopping her shudders. Aoi closed her eyes, hypnotized by that delicate touch, by the warm safety of his body next to her, by the steady sound of his heartbeat.
"I'm the one who pulls the trigger." He stated quietly.
Orga took her right hand and slowly kissed each finger, one by one, engulfing her with the heartbreaking fondness.
"My hands taste like blood, and iron, and gunpowder." He whispered, kissing her left hand, finger after finger.
"You're merely my weapon." He murmured. "The perfect weapon."
Orga slowly licked her right forefinger from tip to base and sucked it into his mouth.
Blind in her lightless room, overwhelmed with the strikingly erotic sensation of his wet mouth sucking on her digit, his soft tongue swirling and dancing around the sensitive tip, his teeth biting delicately on each phalanx, Aoi tossed her head back helplessly, eyes wide opened in a desperate attempt to actually see him, to memorize that sensual image for good, and failed to outline anything in the sheer blackness.
Orga's lips trailed along her middle finger, tongue flickered around the tip, traveled down the underside; and then both her fingers sank into his mouth, wet and warm and welcoming.
Aoi gasped and moaned; the sensation of him wrapping his mouth around her fingers, sucking them in and out, was incredibly erotic.
"Your weapon?.." She whispered into the darkness, fire flared in her blood.
"Mine." Deep low voice reverberated through her throat as his lips placed the sensual trail of kisses up her neck, pausing on the madly pulsing vein under the jaw.
His right hand slid up the nape of her neck. His fingers intertwined with messy locks to restrain her head. His mouth, hard and tough, roughly claimed hers, demanding access.
That forceful, dominating side of him clouded her mind with lewd thoughts, igniting the kind of lust Aoi never knew to exist.
Her lips parted, allowing Orga to burst into her mouth, to fill it with his tongue, exploring, stroking, teasing. To load her with his taste and scent, slightly salty and undeniably masculine.
"Mine." Orga breathed into her mouth, making her tremble.
Aoi craved to hear him saying that again and again, setting her free of being herself.
"Mine." Voice came out even lower than before, almost as a growl. "Can do whatever I want with you."
Aoi moaned, low and dark.
Orga's left hand touched the naked skin of her stomach and wandered upwards, in search of breast. Long fingers roamed along her body, teasing the soft flesh with gentle touches. Large hand covered her pliant breast, brushing against the sensitive spot in the center lightly.
Aoi bit her bottom lip to stifle the cry of pleasure as his fingers squeezed and rolled the erect nipple.
Orga's tongue ran along her teeth.
"Don't." He whispered. "I want your sounds, all of them."
Orga's hands were traveling across her naked body, impatiently, swiftly; and eventually Aoi found herself straddling his lap, pressed against fully clothed body tightly, feeling all the rough patches of fabric and raw edges of buttons against the softness of her skin. And some part of her mind noticed that concept incredibly erotic.
"Give me all of you." Aoi heard his raspy voice.
Those words alone were enough to send a scorching flow down her spine, but the primal need behind them stirred the almost unbearable desire inside her, the painful hunger for all of him.
Aoi clasped Orga even tighter in her arms, trying to soothe away the dull unfamiliar ache in her chest; her lips flowed over his face, attempting to imprint it in her memory, every little frown and scar, the fine line of brows and sharp edges of long eyelashes, the light contrast between the smooth, still boyish skin of his cheeks and the roughness of cheekbones caused by uncountable bruises.
I could hold you for a million years...
"Aoi..." Orga managed between kisses, unmistakably sensing her emotional turmoil, but she silenced him with a passionate claim of his mouth.
"Want you naked." She moaned, dragging away his scarf, pushing the jacket off his shoulders. "All of you."
Orga wordlessly complied; and Aoi straddled his lap, pressing their bare bodies together.
Her senses went overload. The intense heat. The hard lines and planes of long, lean body. The smooth skin, slightly moistened with perspiration. The smell of sex and sweat, warm and musky and entirely manly.
Aoi's mouth climbed down the length of his throat, kissing and licking and sucking gently on tender skin. Her nose hovered over the base of his neck, where the masculine smell was especially intent. Her tongue lapped against the heavily pounding spot, trying to get more of his taste. Her teeth sunk into the supple flesh, scratching the fine skin, granting even the better access to his flavor. Orga gasped in a small pain. His arms wrapped around her tightly, pressing them even closer.
Her mouth trailed lower across his left shoulder, freezing at the top of the scar. She kept in memory every curve of the whitened tissue; and the sheer darkness didn't prevent her tongue from outlining the contours with almost automatic precision. Orga stopped breathing, the muscles under her lips tensed.
"Don't." He whispered.
"It's so old." Aoi breathed against his skin. "You were a kid. Military knife, wasn't it?.. The wound went very deep and long. I understand you couldn't stitch it or use antiseptic or bandage it thoroughly. But how... How it could become like this?"
"I asked Mika for one of his bullets." He said quietly. "I was lucky we had at least gunpowder to stop bleeding and prevent infection. I know it's ugly. Mika was very worried to see it first. Had to tell him ladies like the pretty scars."
He was smiling, she could tell by the voice.
"You're right." Aoi smiled lightly, to keep the mood. "I love yours."
She kissed his shoulder. "I love all your body, scars or not."
The utter darkness concealed his body from her vision; and Aoi started to map the way across his skin with persistent kisses. She wanted to memorize everything about him: all tenses of strong muscles and swells of pliant flesh; drops of bittersalt sweat and heated puffs of accelerated breaths; flawless smoothness of chest and hardened buds of small nipples.
It seemed, she could spend an eternity just like that, kissing every bit of his skin; and it would've never been enough.
Suddenly, Orga's arms grasped her tightly, pulling their bodies so close she actually felt a slight pain in her chest; his lips crushed on hers in a deep, open-mouthed kiss. His left hand took a strong hold of her buttocks while the right one started to glide unevenly along her back, in the uncomfortable proximity to the implants. Aoi shuddered as strange jolts shook her body. Orga's fingers swirled around the protrusions, without actually touching them, but even that was enough to curve her back into perfect arch.
"Turn around." His hoarse whisper sent a hot shiver down her spine. She complied, straddling his lap with her back facing him.
Warm large hands roamed down Aoi's body to settle firmly on the hips.
"Ride me." He whispered, hot breath hitting her face. Aoi gasped, struggling for air; his demand fogged her mind with almost toxic desire.
The familiar tidal wave was slowly rising in her when Orga's lips touched her back.
At this point, Aoi couldn't possibly object.
She froze, feeling the warm softness of his mouth wrapping around the upper implant and sucking on it.
The staggering sensation paralyzed her.
"Or... ga..." She barely managed through spasmed throat. "Move!.."
He immediately caught up with the rhythm, keeping his mouth around her port, sucking, licking, grazing it with his teeth.
Aoi felt his strong arms wrapping around her tightly, heard the deep stifled growl vibrating throughout his chest and around her implant, pulsing down the spine, setting every nerve in her body on fire.
Eyes wide opened, Aoi stared in the sheer blackness but saw only pulsing, heated white.
The waves of pleasure turned into fiery avalanche, accelerated by Orga's restrained moans, and only a moment later she tumbled into the whirlpool of pure ecstasy, forgetting how to breathe, drowning in a delirious agony, dissolving into the burnt blackness.
She's drifting in a golden serenity, dreamless, mindless, helpless; and there's no one to disrupt her neverending trip.
Except him.
"Wake up." His voice is tired. His face is stained with blood. The mech's cramped cockpit is stained with blood. "It's been twelve hours. Should be enough for you."
Naked stars are all around them. They're in the middle of nowhere, together in the tiny Mobile Suit, sharing the endlessness of space.
Aoi watches the consoles and control panels. Their destination is unknown to her, and it's days away. The fuel seems to be enough for the ride, though.
She's still weak, but he looks so much worse.
"What?" He gives her a smirk. "Don't worry about me. I gave one hell of a fight to those idiots who dared to chase us outside the lab; and this old guy - the name's Gremory, by the way - wanted some sacrifice in return. Take it as our bloody contract. So, get your lazy ass in the pilot chair."
It's easier said than done. Because of the Alaya-Vijnana system, he has to turn off the Gundam first.
Absolute darkness swallows both of them. All stars are gone from the observation panels, and Aoi instantly knows something is wrong.
Silence.
Anxious, alarming silence. Commandless, orderless, demandless. Empty.
She rushes to take place in the pilot chair, connects to the Alaya-Vijnana and switches the systems on by touch.
Gundam's insides flare with warm amber light, illuminating his face, smiling, bitter, beautiful.
Finally, Aoi understands the meaning of sacrifice. The contract made on his blood.
Gremory took his voice.
She woke up to Orga's opened eyes. The faint light cast rough shadows upon his face, making it especially handsome, as if carved out of bronze.
"You lost conscious." He whispered. "Did I..."
"I'm okay." Aoi slurred. "The pleasure was too much."
Her body weighed nothing.
Her mind was empty and unfocused.
His face softened.
His fingers stroked her face lightly, pushing the strands of hair away.
His lips fluttered gently over her cheeks, like butterfly's wings.
"Orga..."
It felt like falling.
"Orga..."
The narrow bunk left no space for her to part. His arms flung around, enveloping her body in the safe warmth; his legs got entangled with hers, bringing their bodies closer.
The gold in his eyes was burning, scorching, melting her heart away.
"Let's stay like this." Aoi whispered. "Just you and me. We deserve a break."
His fingers caressed her spine, stroked her buttocks.
"I wish I could." His eyelashes flickered against her palm. "I need to get ready for this press conference."
Aoi's brows curved up in surprise. "Press conference? You?"
"McMurdo sends me there as a Teiwaz' representative." Orga's face darkened. "I think I'm his safe choice."
"Perhaps. On the other hand, they don't invite outlaws to press conferences." She mused thoughtfully.
"I'm an outlaw?"
"A very handsome one." Aoi smiled. Her fingers brushed over the skin of his neck and moved lower, down the ridge of his spine. "Can't wait to see you on TV, all that charm and messy hair."
His body responded immediately, snuggling up to her closer; but the face remained serious, solemn even.
"Not fair." Aoi whispered, watching the pyrite orbs. "While you always seem to know what's on my mind, I'm utterly clueless about yours. Did something happen?"
"A lot happened, actually." Orga yawned and rubbed his eyes. "In a nutshell, Dort 6 belongs to Teiwaz now, the other colonies practically claimed their independence, and the Union workers got what they wanted. Civilian losses are within expected limits."
"Sounds like everything's just peachy." She stroked his soft hair, putting the stray bangs behind the ear. "Wait, Dort 6 belongs to Teiwaz? How could that happen?"
"Dort 6 was Teiwaz' goal from the very start. McMurdo told me the truth after I refused to smuggle those weapons." He gazed at her from under the thick eyelashes. "In fact, he was extremely straightforward about their plans. Somehow, back on Saisei Mika impressed him a lot. And he knew about your ability as well. That combination made him stake on Tekkadan."
"It doesn't make sense." Aoi huffed. "If you didn't refuse to smuggle weapons, Tekkadan would be busted by Gjallarhorn. Someone definitely set a trap."
"Gjallarhorn wouldn't know if someone didn't spill the beans." Orga sighed. "Not the first leakage from Teiwaz, though. Aniki's investigating it."
"What about... Gordon Nobliss?" Aoi couldn't help but tense at the sound of that name.
He watched her calmly. "I mentioned him. McMurdo pointed out very clearly that my job isn't to investigate."
"Cute." She hemmed. "Anyway, I don't understand how to get a colony by arming a demonstration. What's the sense in it?"
"Political blackmail. The original bloody scenario was meant to prove Gjallarhorn's incompetence in defending colonies; and Teiwaz planned to use it as a cause to start negotiations considering Dort 6 purchasing. In order to protect their investments." His stare was so tired, so adult now, that the girl involuntary thought about the heavy weight of responsibilities constantly burdening him. "Actually, Dort administration never had much of choice - the corporation is on the brink of bankruptcy. But I found out that only recently."
"But you didn't submit to their plans." She whispered.
"I... negotiated. And McMurdo offered me to find another way of getting Dort 6 for Teiwaz. As for the rest, I received a complete carte blanche. That let me minimize the losses and add workers' requirements in the picture." His voice sounded hoarse, weary.
"Why do you seem unhappy, then?" Aoi's fingers ran down his cheek and neck, to the chest.
"I don't know." His eyes were telling her otherwise.
Maybe, the risk was too much?..
"Hey Orga... Would you really drive the colonies away?" She probed.
"Yes." He nodded. "Not all of them, though. Turbines plotted the route for Dort 6. If things went south, it would leave first."
"And then?.."
"Depending on the situation." He sighed and closed his eyes. "But I had the courses for the other colonies prepared, if that's what you want to know."
"I thought all the colonies could only exist as one system. With Dort 3 as the central operation hub."
"No, not after the manual override."
"We probably wouldn't survive such outcome." Aoi resumed thoughtfully.
"I don't know." He buried his face into the crook of her neck and inhaled deeply. "Doesn't matter now."
His plan went smoother than anyone could guess, and yet there was something gnawing at him. Something Aoi wasn't able to recognize. But before she could ask another question, her stomach growled loudly.
Orga smiled watching her blush. "My bad. Next time, I'll bring breakfast."
Next time.
The warmth surged through her body. And it was more than just an embarrassment mixed with arousal.
So much more.
Aoi found the mess hall almost empty, with the exception of Kudelia who was sitting painfully upright in the far corner.
The Revolutionary Maiden was already dressed and ready for the press conference. Aoi skeptically observed her official red outfit and brown shoes.
"Spunky." The pilot girl showed a thumb up.
"Thanks." Kudelia's vacant stare stayed glued to the floor.
"Where's Fumitan?" Aoi sauntered to the coffee machine. "Coffee?"
"In the infirmary. No, thank you." Her replies sounded automatically, lacking the usual emotions.
"Oh. Is she okay?" Aoi furrowed her brows in concern.
"Yes." The word dropped in the air like an ice cube.
Humming, Aoi rummaged through the kitchen in search of meal and ended up with a full tray. Her stomach growled again, in anticipation; and she couldn't make herself feel embarrassed. Fantasies of Orga waking her up with the similar tray clogged her mind, still somewhat hazy from being together with him.
"How long have you known?" Kudelia's darkened stare almost made Aoi choke on her food.
"Known - what?.." She blinked, dumbfounded.
"About Fumitan."
"Don't know what ya talkin' 'bout." The pilot girl blurted out swiftly and shoved a spoonful of stew into her mouth.
"Well, but I know now that she has been spying on my every move. For years. Also, I know that you know. So, spare me your acts of pretence, please."
Aoi carefully chewed the stew, letting her mind digest the new information.
"So, you two playmates finally had a talk." She mused. "Not my business, Goldy Locks. Not at all."
"You should have told me!" Kudelia's small fist banged on the table's surface. "You should have told Orga. Fumitan could... endanger Tekkadan."
"She did not. On the contrary, she risked her life to save yours." Aoi calmly sipped her coffee. "And take my advice - keep Fumitan's little secrets to yourself. After Dort events, she gained a very powerful enemy. We must protect her."
"I'm not sure if I can ever trust her." Kudelia whispered, covering her eyes with hands in a feeble attempt to hide tears. "I'm so used to her assisting me on a daily basis I can't imagine my life without her! And yet..."
"Hey." Aoi stared at the Maiden of Revolution pointedly. "Take your time. You'll figure it out, eventually. Right now, you have a duty to fulfill. Press conference, remember?"
"I can't!" Big violet eyes desperately searched Aoi's face; a single tear slid down the perfectly shaped cheek. "I don't know what to say! I still feel that smell of blood all over me... I was soaked to the skin with it... and her body was so heavy over mine... And there's no one I can share it with! Not anymore."
Her lips trembled, and tears streamed down the flawless skin like crystal springs, ruining her makeup.
Aoi furrowed her brows, completely out of the picture. "What are you talking about?"
"Everything happened so fast." Words were rushing from her delicate mouth hastily, impulsively. "One moment, it was Mikazuki protecting me from the killer, disarming him; and the other one, it was a gunshot, from a completely different angle. And then... that girl... She was all over me, bleeding. I've never seen so much blood! And yet, she was smiling and... and thanking me... And I... I didn't even ask her name..."
Aoi tilted her head, recalling the course of events on Dort 3. Indeed, a single gunshot gave a start for the whole operation; but she never interested whether it found its target or not.
And now it was obvious that the bullet had taken more than just one innocent life. A large part of Kudelia's naivety and idealism had been left on that square together with the nameless body; but instead of sympathy, Aoi only felt irritation.
Delusional or hypocritical, she has to understand the danger of her choices. One way or another.
"Get your shit together, you drama queen." Aoi hissed through gritted teeth. "That girl wasn't the first and only person who died because of you. Don't act like others - Tekkadan others - died because of some random cause. You're the one who paths their way. Accept it already."
Slowly, Kudelia's shoulders stopped trembling; and the Revolutionary Maiden glared at Aoi with reddened, tired eyes. "You, who killed so many... Did you accept yourself?"
Aoi nodded and finished her coffee. "For all my sins I will atone."
Heavy silence stagnated in the medical bay. The familiar prominent smell of blood mixed with sanitizer immediately got stuck in Aoi's throat.
She glanced around, searching for Subaru.
The doctor was sleeping right on the floor, next to the monstrous worktable. The mop of his black messy hair was resting naturally on Merribit's lap, anchoring the young woman to the floor in an obviously uncomfortable pose. Subaru's polarized glasses were off, baring his exhausted, aged face.
Aoi stepped over to them and reached out a hand to shake the doctor up, but Merribit's defensive stare prevented her.
"Let him sleep." The woman whispered. "Whatever you need, it can wait."
"I thought you hated him. And rightfully, by the way. He is a jerk." Aoi shrugged.
"He's a genius." Merribit's fingers absentmindedly stroked Subaru's hair. "He saved so many lives today... I can't help but admire such devotion."
"It's his job." Aoi yawned. "And, by the way, I'm a part of it."
"I won't let you trouble him." Merribit glared at Aoi fiercely. "I've never seen such perfect skills, such concentration, such indefatigability! Surgery after surgery after surgery! From under the bullets of the battlefield to here... He worked for more than fourteen hours!"
"Good to know the old fart didn't lose his grip." Aoi smirked.
Something akin to pure wrath flared in Merribit's eyes. "He didn't even curse once. Go bother someone else, Aoi."
The pilot girl nodded. Obviously, Merribit's line of defense was impenetrable; Aoi had no choice but to ignore Subaru's interest in her blood tests.
"Whatever." She said aloud and looked around the infirmary once again.
In the corner, Aoi noticed Fumitan sitting on the floor next to the one of Medical Nanomachines tanks. The woman's face was unnaturally pale and exhausted; and it looked like she had spent previous twenty hours on the very same spot.
Aoi slowly stepped to the tank.
She instantly recognized Kurtz inside, his long blond hair and fair skin; and vivid memories sparkled in her mind. Kurtz, who was always slightly out of place with his gentlemanly behavior and unnecessary politeness. Kurtz, who refused to spar with her in hand-to-hand combat. Kurtz, who kicked her ass in the simulator every now and then with the help of his eagle eye.
"How's he?" Aoi uttered quietly, dull pain tightening her chest.
"Stable." Fumitan whispered, glancing up at her. "He's just a kid. Why would he cover me?.. That bullet was for me."
"He's a man." Aoi answered and smiled bitterly - Kurtz was barely younger than herself. "Don't you dare to look down on us."
"I never did." Fumitan shook her head. "I just can't accept such sacrifice."
"Then, make sure it was worth it." Aoi tightened her lips.
"Certainly. But, I don't know what else I can do." The woman whispered, scrutinizing the floor between her shoes.
"Oh." The pilot girl arched her eyebrow in surprise. "Your sudden revelation to Kudelia was a part of that... payback?"
"Yes. I'm going to tell everything to Mr Itsuka, too. When the time is right."
Aoi huffed. "You could choose the better time for Kudelia, too. She was a mess the last I saw her, suffering from both the latest events and your betrayal."
"Eventually, Young Miss has to mature. Or she won't be able to accomplish her mission." Fumitan shrugged.
"True." The girl nodded. "Can I help you somehow?"
"I want Tekkadan to judge me." Fumitan tightened her lips.
"Then, you have to wait until everyone is on their feet." Aoi smiled and leaned on the tank, peering at Kurtz' pale features. "They'll make it through. All of them."
Without glancing back at the maid's distressed figure, the pilot girl turned to leave the infirmary but almost bumped into Ride on her way out.
"Hey Ride, where's the fire?" Aoi caught the boy by the shoulder.
"Sorry, Ms Aoi, I'm just... You know, gonna check on Yamagi." The green eyes watched her perplexedly.
"Yamagi? Is he okay?"
"He lost a lot of blood. Should be better now." Ride moved to the medical tub in the far corner, and Aoi followed suit.
The blond boy inside the tank looked similar to Kurtz - the same pale and sharpened features; and the pilot girl involuntary remembered every dead or dying face she had ever witnessed, how alike they had looked. She tried to recall Yamagi's smile instead but failed. Only their constant bickering came to mind.
Thankfully, Shino was cuddling up next to the tank, sleeping soundly. His right forearm was hastily bandaged, but otherwise he seemed well; and Aoi smiled, perfectly aware that Yamagi wouldn't wish another company.
Ride sat on the chair next to the tank and sighed. "It's my fault." He said quietly. "I didn't stop him. I didn't think..."
"Don't blame yourself." Aoi uttered quietly. "It won't change anything. Focus on helping him to recover."
Ride's green eyes flared with anger. "You weren't there! You... know nothing! I had to do something!"
"Like what?"
"I shouldn't let him volunteer in the first place! It's Yamagi, for God's sake! He's never been good at such things! But the task seemed simple, and because of Shino..."
Ride stopped talking and glared downwards.
"Yamagi wanted to look cool." Aoi sighed with realization. "And you decided to give him a chance."
"Yeah." Ride rubbed his eyes. "I told him to stay close and follow my orders. I should have reminded him to leave feelings at home."
"Huh?" Aoi blinked at that.
"Sometimes, they wound people on purpose, you know? Just to make them a bait and shoot those who'd try to rescue them." Ride whispered. "Orga taught me that. And I should have taught Yamagi."
Aoi nodded. She had been taught the same long time ago. "It wouldn't stop Yamagi from trying."
"You're probably right." Ride sighed and smiled bitterly. "He's just that kinda guy who wouldn't leave a wounded girl behind. But in the end, Mr Subaru saved them both." Admiration flashed deep in his eyes. "He was pretty cool over there, you know, walking under the shower of bullets like it's nothing but a drizzle. The doc certainly has the balls."
"Yeah." Aoi smirked. "Even Merribit is impressed with their size."
Ride chuckled. "No way."
For several moments, Aoi just stood next to the tank, glancing down at Yamagi with an odd desire to see him opening eyes and scowling at her in his usual manner. Then, she sighed and turned to leave.
"Later, Ride."
"Yeah, bye, Ms Aoi."
Aoi took the rest of the day easy. She wandered aimlessly around the Isaribi until mechanics in the hangar urged her to play cards.
The pilot girl had never been really good at such pastimes; besides, her mind was constantly spinning around the latest events and forecoming press conference. For Tekkadan, that could be the fateful moment; and she didn't want to miss it.
"Leaving so soon?" One of the mechanics asked. "You're no fun, Aoi."
"Next time we'll teach you how to play strip poker." Another one smiled. "Don't be a stranger, girl."
"No way in hell. I don't have enough clothes to play with you guys." Aoi smirked.
"That's the point!"
"Yeah, yeah." She grinned and drifted towards the exit.
The mess hall was crowded with Tekkadan guys who wanted to watch the press conference; and Aoi had to take the seat next to the stranger - young man with brown eyes and hair. His eyebrows and a couple of stray bangs were painted in blue; and that exotic appearance made him stand out among Tekkadan.
"I assume, you're Ms Aoi Augus, the only female pilot in Tekkadan." The stranger mused with deep, well-trained voice.
"And who the fuck are you?" Aoi arched an eyebrow - an alien abroad immediately made her defensive.
"I worked for Dort Independent News until recently." The guy cleared. "The name's Akari Hizamaru."
Finally, Aoi remembered that voice. He was the one who improvised the narrative for the broadcast. "Aren't you too young for a journalist?"
"I'm on academic leave, in search of minority reports and journalistic investigations." Akari smiled humbly.
"Someone still believes in that shit, huh? No wonder your circus kicked you out." Aoi huffed.
"That's very observant. Dort Independent News do need clowns, not journalists." His smile turned into a grin.
"You're funny. But not very smart. Orga wouldn't let freeloaders abroad."
"Well... You see, Gjallarhorn made my team responsible for broadcasting that report about Dort 3 demonstration. Now I'm suspected in spreading knowingly false information; and your Boss granted me a safe harbor. So, what about a little interview? I'm thinking about a documentary about Kudelia Aina Bernstein; and you could be a great help." Akari smiled openly.
"Not interested." Aoi yawned. "Besides, I'm going to watch that press conference, you know."
"Really? Let me join." His stare turned to the screen.
Meanwhile, Mikazuki entered the mess hall and took the last empty place next to Aoi. Naturally, he placed a date seed into his mouth; then, the boy looked at Aoi and silently offered her his snacks.
"Thanks." Aoi nodded and took a couple of seeds.
The taste was surprisingly good.
Finally, the screen flashed with the logo of Dort local TV channel - stylized red digit 1 in blue circle.
The large studio room was decorated with brand Channel One colors, dark red and pale blue. It easily housed the group of guests, various institutions' representatives, journalists and, of course, the pretty TV host.
"Hello everyone, this is Flay Allster for Channel One, live from Dort 3." The beautiful red haired girl announced. "Today we're going to discuss the latest events on Dort 3 regarding the recent acts of terror. All the updates and insides, news and prognoses, theories and rumors are available only here and now, on Channel One with Flay Allster. Stay put, we'll return in ten seconds."
She flashed a smile, and the screen showed some advertisement.
"I know her." Akari mused. "The rising star of Channel One. She graduated from the University of Alberta, the one I'm studying in."
The screen was showing the studio again, and Flay Allster began to introduce the guests.
Following her speech, camera moved around the room, accenting on the visitors. The central position behind the long table was claimed by the Dort administrator and his confidants; Aoi's gaze briefly observed the group of men in classic fit suits, noting the obvious difference between them and Navona's faction dressed in workers' uniform. Despite the contrast, those people shared the same table; and without any exaggeration this fact alone could be called a victory.
A close up picture of Orga filled the screen, and Aoi's attention immediately focused on Tekkadan Leader - in the official outfit he looked incredibly handsome. The dark grey suit emphasized his unique pale lilac hair, while stylish maroon tie beared a resemblance to the usual ragged scarf. A frosty nod was the only answer he gave to Flay Allster when she announced his name.
Kudelia didn't bother to change her notorious dress for something less remarkable; and the bright red fabric drew out her pale features and tired eyes onto the almost dramatic level. When the journalist called out her name, she didn't react even in the slightest.
Camera moved further, and Aoi's heart stopped in her chest.
"And let me especially welcome Mr McGillis Fareed, Gjallarhorn's Specialist Major and, in addition, a very handsome man." The red-haired hostess winked at the blond young man.
Aoi gripped the edge of the table.
His beauty was calm and serene like a cloudless sky over tranquil ocean. His eyes kept the exceptional shade of green. His smile was both genuinely sweet and fearsome.
"Thank you, Ms Allster. It's my pleasure to represent Gjallarhorn at such important meeting." A sarcastic hint was barely there, hidden behind the courteous manners; but the journalist undoubtedly noticed it.
"Then, Mr McGillis, the first and most important question is for you. Despite the numerous promises, Gjallarhorn's forces weren't able to provide Dort 3 with the effective security and defense. Moreover, the mere fact of terroristic activity cast doubts on Gjallarhorn's competence. How would you explain that?" Flay pressed.
"The investigation is in progress. I'd refrain from theorizing and commenting on the situation before the ascertainment of facts." His smile didn't faltered even a bit.
"Give us a hint, at least. You've been assigned as the head of the investigation, right? You should know something." The red eyebrows arched persuasively.
"I've already appointed a committee of investigation. Everything's going on according standard procedures; and those involve secrecy on the every stage of investigation. Don't ask me to spoil my job." McGillis smiled charmingly, obviously closing the subject.
"What a sly fox." Akari said to Aoi, sighing. "Flay just doesn't stand a chance."
"Chocolate Man." Mikazuki suddenly said. "I remember him."
"Really?" Aoi turned to watch the icy blue eyes. "How so?"
"Back on Mars, he was sneaking around our base. They almost got Cookie and Cracker hit with a car."
"He wasn't alone?"
"I don't remember his mate's name. Gali-Gali? Something like that."
"Gaelio? As Gaelio Bauduin?"
Mikazuki just shrugged, continuing to watch TV. On the screen, Navona Mingo was explaining the detailed program in improving job conditions.
"But why did you call McGillis Chocolate Man?"
"Dunno. Because he offered chocolate?"
Aoi blinked. Perhaps, Mikazuki's meeting with McGillis who offered him chocolate was nothing but a coincidence. However, for the pilot girl such incident tasted like an extraordinary mystery.
"Our next question is for Mr Mingo. Please, Mr Aiman, feel free to voice it." The red haired journalist continued.
Camera turned to show young blond man in a casual fern-green suit.
"Hello, my name is Miguel Aiman, I represent the Maghrebian Trade Union, African Union. First of all, let me express our sincere respect and admiration for all the job you've done. Hopefully, in the future we'll have a chance to exchange experience in improving labor conditions. Now, to the question. In the light of present interest to social programs, do you plan to develop an affordable education for workers' kids?"
"Thank you for the question. Such plan is still a long way to go." Navona answered honestly. "And I wouldn't call it an easy one. Our short-term project involves a fund for sponsoring talented kids; but the goal, of course, is to make education affordable for everyone."
"And my question goes for Dort administration." The black haired woman in a shining white dress interfered. Flay pouted at her defiant meddling but kept silent. "The name's Natarle Badgiruel, the chairman of the Northern Union of Veterans, SAU. Do you really support all those programs? They cost a fortune! How do you plan to sew your financial gaps?"
Camera moved to give a close up of Frederick Arthur. He was smiling calmly, absolutely composed. "Dort administration supports compromise, as you could notice, Ms Badgiruel. After all, that's why we're here today. And of course, we'll continue our work on reaching consensus in all actual questions, including social programs."
Next to Aoi, Akari tsked and shook his head. "The guy looks like he has an ace up his sleeve."
Maybe, not really an ace but Teiwaz' first transaction for Dort 6.
Aloud, she said nothing, instinctively marking all the information Orga had shared with her earlier as secretive.
"Who's next with the question? Ms Labatt?"
"Hello, my name's Mayura Labatt, Alaskan Daily, Arbrau. I've got a question for Mr Itsuka." The young woman fixed her short ginger hair. "Will you please shed a little light upon the role of Tekkadan in defending Dort from terrorists?"
Aoi watched Orga's petrified face. His golden eyes stared at the woman with such intensity that she involuntary tried to hide behind her ginger tresses.
"Tekkadan is hired by Ms Kudelia Aina Bernstein." He said sternly. "It's our job to prioritize her security. Of course, when she decided to join the demonstration I had to ensure her safety."
"Mr Itsuka just shies away from accidental fame." Frederick Arthur rushed to interfere with a wide grin. "Of course, Tekkadan's help in detaining one of the extremists and evacuating innocent people from the square can't be overestimated."
But Ms Labatt was a persistent person. "I heard that Tekkadan are mostly kids. Not just kids, though, but child soldiers who underwent the prohibited surgery. How will you comment on that, Mr Itsuka?"
Orga tilted his head, gritting his teeth. Silence hung in the studio room, spread across the mess hall.
"Let me comment on that." Camera rushed to show a close up picture of Kudelia. "I personally picked Tekkadan as my escort, each and every one of them. I specifically chose young kids to bring attention to the problem that everyone refuses to see, not just on Earth but on Mars and Dort, too."
She stood up. "The Alaya-Vijnana system, or prohibited surgery, as you hypocritically put it, is just one symptom of the sickness called colonialism. Earth Unions dictate the policy of economic disparity; and that results in mass poverty and social, humanitarian degradation in colonies. Because of it, people are getting stripped of their basic rights, of their citizenship." Her arm suddenly pointed at McGillis. "And eventually, those who should protect the said rights become executors."
Aoi watched as McGillis slowly stood up and bowed his head, closing eyes.
Kudelia continued. "So, I want the corrupted Gjallarhorn answer your question. Because they definitely know that this world is based on greed and violence. Because keeping the power, not liberties, is their only goal. Because death and destruction became their usual instruments in achieving the said goal."
McGillis' eyes flared with the new kind of emerald fire. Aoi watched a smirk, settling on his face. Watched a gloved hand, pulling and twirling the stray blond lock.
"I'm ready to answer." He said quietly, but everyone in the studio turned to look at him. "Even the finest steel can be tamed with rust. But a honorable heart will never be tamed with corruption. Will you accept my escort service, Ms Bernstein?"
Astounded, Kudelia silently watched him. Seeing her hesitate, McGillis strode to the Maiden of Revolution and bent one knee. In his Gjallarhorn uniform, he reminded Aoi of a knight in the shining armor.
Kudelia tightened her lips, looking down at him. "With pleasure, Mr McGillis Fareed."