Worry and Fear

Scene from my first story and regular canon happen if they are not contradicted.

"Regular speech"

'Thought'

"Video call or voice chat"

Marlene

Marlene sat at her new station, trying to get the communication systems back up. Lasse was assisting on other parts of the ship and Saji was outside, helping fix the hull of the ship. Most of the systems were severely damaged during the battle and it would take several hours to just get them to a functional level. 'At least we got the camouflage system back up.' That would give them time to fix up the ship before the enemy could discover them, though she had no doubt they would find them eventually.

Frustration ran rings in her head as the sheer scale of their situation was getting to her. Despite destroying the Memento Mori, they were in no shape to fight back against the A-Laws. Sure they had the Gundams, but if they reached the ship, it was all over. 'Another reason why we need to get the 00 Raiser back.'

That was another weight on her mind. The fact Setsuna and Feldt were on their own distressed her, which was not helping her mood. She had a small regret immediately after the crash about letting Feldt pilot, but knew that was her being selfish. Feldt was happy where she was, not matter what happened. 'But was I wrong? Is she in serious danger?'

And on top of that, Mileina was complaining and talking under her breath, which Marlene could barely make out, but she could tell the girl was bored, as a lot of system repairs involved sitting and waiting for things to happen on the computer end. 'We are in a desperate situation and she is complaining? I don't care if she's a teenager, that is not what we need right now.'

She heard Mileina yawn and grumble, "Why is this taking so long? This is the second time I had to deal with the power settings." Marlene turned to look and saw Mileina was pouting as she took a sip from her drink, "It's so boring!"

That word caused something to snap in Marlene. All the weight that was resting on her suddenly felt more intense. Her role as commander, her medical condition, her worry about Feldt and Setsuna as well as their current situation. It all came down on top of her. Balling her fist tightly, she turned her head to look at Mileina, her voice low and full of simmering anger, "If you are this bored, then go help your father with the Gundams, or Saji outside."

Mileina's eyes widened, shock and hurt clearly expressed on her face, "Ms. Vlady…"

Marlene's expression hardened, "We are all not happy to be here, but complaining about it helps nobody! So either get focused her or find something else to do!"

Mileina began to tear up slightly, and Marlene felt a little guilt set in, though that was quickly squashed by everything else going on in her mind. She turned and looked at Anew, who was leaning away from Marlene, the new ship pilot's eyes widen in shock and worry. Marlene's voice was low as she spoke, "Any other complaints?"

Anew shook her head, immediately moving back to the task she was working on before, leaving the bridge in silence as Mileina had stopped complaining. 'One less thing to worry about. The sooner I get this done, the faster we will have the 00 Raiser back, along with Feldt and Setsuna.' A single tear rolled down her cheek, unnoticed by the rest of the crew, an empty feeling in her chest. 'Where are you two? Are you safe?'

Setsuna

As the 00 Raiser finally reached the surface of the planet, Setsuna began to orient the Gundam to start heading towards eastern Europe. He didn't have enough data to know one hundred percent where they were, but he guessed it was somewhere in the Carpathian Mountains or at least that general area. After a little bit of traveling, Setsuna came to a shocking sight below him. All he could see was what looked like a crater, and roads that led up to the crater. 'This must have been the capital of Suille that the A-Laws destroyed.' He gripped his controls tightly. 'Seeing in person is just…a reminder of why we have to succeed.'

He could see Feldt's face on his display, a thoughtful and sad look on her face as she looked at the ruins of the previously most powerful country in the Middle East. But out of the corner of his eye, his saw a red particles trail and his sensors showed a red mobile suit flying by in the distance. The lanky, yet bulky mobile suit was moving to the west, away from the direction Setsuna was headed. 'What is he doing here?'

Setsuna turned to follow him, which caused Feldt to look at him, confused, "Setsuna, the ship is to the north. What are you doing?"

Setsuna gave her an even look, his voice low, "That's Ali al Saachez's suit. I want to know what he was doing here. And where he's going."

Feldt looked conflicted as she responded, "I know he did a lot to you, but the ship needs us." He could see the unspoken words by her expression that she wanted to see the crew was safe, but Ali had been wildcard, burning the capital of Azadistan, and attacking him and Tieria. He was working for someone and Setsuna suspected it might be the innovades. 'I need those answers.'

Setsuna took a deep breath, hoping his new fiancé would understand why, "We need to learn what Ali is up to. I promise we will head back to the ship once I get those answers."

Feldt gave him an uneasy look, "Setsuna, this is a bad idea. We should just get back to the ship. I need to see that everyone is safe. I need to see my mother." He could see the desperation growing on her face, causing a pit of guilt to appear in his chest.

Setsuna just frowned, knowing he needed the answers, "I need to do this. Sorry." Setsuna took off, keeping a short distance away from the red Gundam, which he remembered was called the Arche. Setsuna took a few potshots at him, but Ali easily dodged them and Setsuna knew a man as skilled as Ali would not fall easily to a few blast from his sword blasters. So Setsuna unhappily took to following him, wondering where he was going. And as time passed and the sun began to set, desert and rocky terrain began to turn into the ruins of a town. 'Looks like a ghost town.'

As more of the town came into view, a realization hit him. 'This is in Krugis!' It was just one of the several towns that had been devastated during the war between Krugis and Azadistan. 'More people lost because of that man.' Setsuna's hands shook slightly on his controls, but he took deep breath, calming himself down. 'Have to stay strong.' Ali seemed to be moving further into the town, so Setsuna cautiously following him. 'He seems way too calm and he didn't want to fight. Did he want me to follow him?'

As he followed Ali to land next to a church in the middle of the town, Ali stood up on the shoulder of the Arche, signalling Setsuna to exit the 00 Raiser. He spoke to Feldt evenly, "I need you to stay quiet. I don't know what is going on, but hopefully they don't know you are in there."

Feldt gave him a slightly concerned look, but nodded, "Are you going out there?"

"Yes. Ali seems to want to show me something and this is strange for the man. Something is up."

Feldt looked at him nervously, "Setsuna, please! It's already dangerous enough. Let's just leave."

Setsuna pursed his lips and shook his head, "I will try to be safe." Setsuna exited out of the cockpit, putting out the 00 Raiser's hands to stand on. He could see Feldt ball her fists in frustration.

As he got out, Ali called to him, "Well, well, well, it's been a while Krugis punk." Ali's voice took on a mocking tone, "Sorry, I mean Mr. Krugis punk now."

Setsuna spoke in an angry tone, "Ali al Saachez! You work for the innovades?!"

Ali shrugged his shoulders, "That's right. If a mercenary is asked to do a job, he'll go anywhere for the right price."

"So are you saying that you don't need a reason to fight!?"

The mercenary just shook his head, "Even if I did have a reason, I'm sure you wouldn't understand." Setsuna drew out his gun, beginning to aim at Ali, when the mercenary called out to him, an annoyed tic in his voice, "Hold on a minute. I brought you here because there is someone that wants to meet you." Setsuna looked at him confused. 'So that answers that question, but who wants to meet me?' With a dramatic flair of his arm, Ali stated, "Allow me to introduce my sponsor."

Setsuna heard steps coming from the other side of the tower heading towards the pair. As the person came into view, Setsuna saw a lithe green-haired man with purple eyes walking casually and confidently to face him. The first word that came to Setsuna's mind was "innovator" upon seeing this man. 'So this is of those that corrupted the world.' He spoke harshly to the green-haired man, "Are you an innovator?"

Nonchalantly, Ribbons replied, "I am. My name is Ribbons Almark. It's been a long time Setsuna F Seiei, or should I say, Soran Ebrahim." Setsuna's eyes widened in shock. 'How did he know my name!?' Ribbons continued, "To you this is the first time we met. But I first met you eleven years ago." Setsuna glared at the man and Ribbons just smirked, "Here in this hellhole of a battlefield where foolish humans were fighting. And on it was one child running for his life. I was watching you, from the vantage point of a mobile suit cockpit."

"A-are you saying…" Setsuna remembered those moments vividly. Running for his life from enemy mobile suits. Ineffectually firing at them, hoping to get a lucky shot. Rejecting God for the cruelty he saw and did. And that shining light in the sky saving his life. He had lived his life after that wanting to bring the justice that only a Gundam could bring and now it turns out the pilot of this suit was this cruel, destructive being in front of him? 'Was he the same then or had he changed?' Setsuna unconsciously looked towards the 00 Raiser, which Ribbons seemed to take notice of and look at him curiously.

Setsuna took in his words and suddenly he saw Ribbons's eyes glow gold, "That armed intervention was a field test for the 0 gundam. We were supposed to dispose of all witnesses to maintain secrecy. But on the spur of the moment, I decided to spare your life. It was because the way you stared at the 0 gundam, at me. And that's not all. Because of that, I decided to recommend you to Veda as a gundam meister."

Setsuna continued to soak in what he was being told. 'I was chosen because I fed this man's ego? That's the reason?' Setsuna sent a harsh glare at Ribbons, narrowing his eyes, "Do you think that I'll thank you?" A small part of him was still affected by his words, but he would not show Ribbons weakness.

The innovator closed his eyes and smiled before reopening them, "Now that your services are no longer required, I thought it was about time to return that to me, seeing as I am its rightful pilot."

Setsuna was about to act when Feldt's voice suddenly spoke to everyone, her voice barely containing her anger, "Millions of people are dead. Why did you kill them?" Setsuna let out a silent sigh, not wanting Feldt to have drawn any attention to herself.

Ribbons just smiled and responded, "Ah, you must be Feldt Grace. It looks like the little girl followed the footsteps of her parents."

Setsuna could feel the scowl on her face as she spoke, "How did you…?"

Ribbons let out an annoyed sigh, "I control Veda. Of course I know who your parents are. As well as the fact your mother is alive." His smile became more malicious, "It would be unfortunate if anything happened to her if you kept resisting."

Feldt growled a response, "If you hurt my mother, I swear I will-"

"Ah, that is a temper. I suppose targeting her is pointless, as you all will be dead." He shrugged casually, "As for why I killed those people, they stood in the way of a peaceful world. No need to concern myself about insects in a war. Just kill them all in one swoop." Setsuna could tell Ribbons was doing a good job of pushing Feldt's buttons, as she normally did not get this angry. 'This is what I feared.' He smiled again, "Now please get out of that Gundam and nothing will happen."

Feldt and Setsuna spoke at the same time, "Never." Feldt continued after that, raging at the green-haired man, "You are a monster! You would only hurt more people with the 00."

Ribbons shook his head, "Ah well, it looks like you'll have to go then. I gave you a chance." Setsuna immediately tried to raise his gun to take a shot at Ribbons, but a shot rang out, and he felt shooting pain in his right shoulder, causing his arm to drop, almost losing his pistol in the process. He turned to see Ali with a smoking gun, a satisfied grin on his face. What surprised him even more was the GN particles floating out of the barrel. 'What is that?'

Feldt called out in immense worry, "Setsuna!"

Setsuna grunted out an answer, "I'm alright!" He raised the hand to give him cover and get back into the cockpit. He landed, searing pain in his shoulder as he gripped his controls, moving the 00 Raiser away from the town as he took off.

Feldt spoke in a worried voice, eyes wide with concern for him, "Are you ok?!"

Setsuna thought about nodding, but knew Feldt would see through him. He let out a hiss of pain, but spoke, "No. Ali shot me in the shoulder. We have to get out of here."

Feldt nodded, but he could see her training take over as she focused on the moment at hand, "Ok. I'll put the location of where the ship was. No knowing if they have moved." Her eyes narrowed as she shared something on his display, "The Arche is chasing us! Do we fight?"

Setsuna grit his teeth and nodded, "We might have to fight."

"Can you do that in your condition?"

Setsuna took a deep breath, "I will have to. Keep track of his fangs for me so I can focus on the machine."

Feldt nodded, determination entering her expression, "Alright. Just give me a heads up if you are going to use trans-am." Setsuna nodded and braced for combat, knowing this was not going to be easy. 'Especially with my good arm hurt.'

Marlene

Marlene stood in her room, Sumeragi looking at her like an annoyed mother, the brunette's hands on her hips. Marlene looked at Sumeragi, annoyed, "I'm fine! I can keep working."

Sumeragi shook her head, letting out a sigh, "Marlene, you've been up all day and haven't taken a break. You need to get some rest. The bags under your eyes make it a bit hard to hide the fact you are exhausted. And I heard about your outburst towards Mileina."

"But I haven't-!"

"Haven't found Feldt or Setsuna." Sumeragi completed her sentence, a sympathetic look on her face. Marlene found it disconcerting that Sumeragi could see right through her so easily, her brown eyes able to pierce her defenses so easily.

Marlene's shoulder slumped, the blonde woman collapsing into the chair in her room. She exhaled deeply, a tear running down her cheek, "I just need to know they are safe. That they are not alone out there." The exhaustion of working all day reared its ugly head, Marlene

Sumeragi walked up to Marlene, placing a kind hand on her shoulder, "Marlene, the crew can handle it. They don't need you to be watching over them. Right now, all of us need you to get some rest."

"I just…" Marlene didn't know what to say. Guilt had settled in her chest and refused to go away. She felt like a bad mother, being unable to help her daughter. Marlene took a shuddering breath, "Am I a good mother? Did I fail my daughter?"

Sumeragi kneeled down, looking Marlene in the eye, "Marlene, you are not a bad mother. Your daughter wanted to become a pilot. She is happier than she's ever been being in the 00 Raiser. Kids eventually leave the nest and make your own path. It hurts, but it's part of her growing up."

Marlene just nodded slightly, "But how can we know they are safe?"

Sumeragi just smiled, "Marlene, both Setsuna and Feldt are stubborn people. They will come back to us. We just have to trust they will find their way back. We have to survive, for them and for everyone else. And when they get back, you show both of them how you feel, how much you love your daughter and care for Setsuna." Marlene's nodded at that, the love of her daughter and growing affection for Setsuna flowing through her, causing her to blush slightly

Marlene smiled back, the tears fading, leaving drying trails on her face, "I will. Thank you for helping me. It's just so hard to…state my feelings to the crew."

Sumeragi looked at her curiously, "Why do you have such a hard time with that? Why do you separate yourself from the crew?"

Marlene dug her fingers into her thighs, chuckling bitterly as she responded to the tactical forecaster, "Besides wanting to be the professional leader of crew? I can't get attached again. I don't know if my heart could take it."

Sumeragi gave her a look of sympathy, pulling up another chair in the room and sitting down, "What do you mean by that?"

Marlene contemplated as she looked at the brunette sitting near her. 'Should I trust her? Can I even tell the full story again?' Marlene then nodded, speaking quietly, "It's a long story, but to keep it short, I lost almost my entire Gundam team on an operation that put me in a coma. One that included my husband." Sumeragi gave her a look of understanding, Marlene remembering she lost the man she loved in mobile suit combat as well. Marlene silently thanked her and continued, "After I woke up I promised myself I wouldn't get attached, that I wouldn't have to go through that pain again. So I kept everyone at arm's length, trying to avoid that."

Marlene hand curled into a clenching fist, "But more and more, I started becoming attached to the crew, wanting to keep them safe, keep them from suffering the fate that my team did. My heart clenched when I heard Allelujah was missing. I tried to fight it, but it's becoming harder and harder."

"Is it so wrong to try to bond with the crew? To protect them and make sure they are happy? Marlene, you are allowed to move on, to find new happiness." Sumeragi looked down sadly, "I know what it's like to lose everything, to try to fight what you want to do. You went through immense pain, which I completely sympathize with, but you only hurt yourself sealing yourself off from everyone emotionally."

Marlene's voice was weak, "I just…I don't know…" Some of the guilt that had settled in her chest began to evaporate, leaving her feeling lighter

Sumeragi once again put a hand on her shoulder, "No one is asking you to be friends with everyone. But relax a little and let the crew operate and banter. They know what they are doing. It might do you a little to join in a little. It will show you are a human."

Marlene huffed and crossed her arms, "Are you saying I'm a robot?"

Sumeragi laughed, "No, but you are a bit stiff. Loosening up a little would do wonders for the crew liking you. Granted you still are going to be a hardass, but being a little less of a hardass would be nice."

Marlene sighed, Sumeragi's words hitting her harder than she expected. She wasn't exactly wrong in that she wasn't the most well liked, even if the crew respected her. 'Maybe I could lighten up a little.' Some more guilt settled into her chest, her words to Mileina bouncing around her mind. 'I was too harsh on her. She's only a teenager and has done very well so far. I need to apologize.'

Marlene gave Sumeragi a warm smile, "I will consider what you have said. Thank you for helping me, especially as intolerable as I have been today."

Sumeragi waved her off, "It's not problem. You are a friend and only human. You were pushing yourself too hard and needed a break."

Marlene smiled at the word, "Friend. I haven't had a new friend in a long while, but I think I can be happy with that."

Sumeragi rolled her eyes good naturedly, "Get some rest. I'll send any updates to your console."

"Thank you." Marlene stood up and moved to her bed, laying down as she closed her eyes. Exhaustion overtook her as she heard steps leaving her room and after a few seconds the conscious world faded as sleep overtook her.

Marlene stood at the railing in the hanger, watching Mileina assist in repairing the Gundams. They had just fought off an enemy attack, though the Seravee had taken some damage in the battle. 'I shouldn't hold this off any longer.' Letting out a deep breath, she approached the girl who stood further down the walk way, the teenager focused on the Haros fixing up the Seravee.

As she got close, Mileina turned to look at the blonde woman, eyes wide with curiosity and a slight amount of fear. Guilt seeped in Marlene's mind at the slight fear in her eyes. 'I really shouldn't have yelled at her.' Seeing that look in the eyes of a teenager under her command was something she did not want to see. Mileina swallowed and nervously spoke, "The Seravee should be operational soon. We are working as fast as possible."

Marlene nodded evenly, "Good." Marlene's voice then softened, an undercurrent of regret in it, "Mileina, I'm sorry for snapping at you earlier."

Mileina looked at her with shock, stammering in reply, "You don't…need to…apologize. I…shouldn't have-"

"No, I should have acted more responsibly, especially as your commander." Marlene looked around for a second before continuing, her blue eyes full of guilt, "I should have spoken to you in private, not yelled at you in front of the crew." Marlene took a breath for continuing, "You've been working hard and our current situation is…stressful."

"You must also be under a lot of stress as-" Mileina sounded confused, clearly wanting to make an excuse for Marlene.

"I will not make excuses for myself. I need to be better than outbursts like that. I need to be in control when in bad situations and I shouldn't have exploded at you. So I'm sorry for doing that." That had been one of the thoughts that had gone through her head upon reflecting on her conduct.

Mileina looked down at the ground, speaking softly, "It's ok Ms. Vlady. I shouldn't have been complaining like that. I know we are in a bad situation and I shouldn't have been grumbling like that."

Marlene felt a smile come to her face, "You are just like your father when it comes down to it. But I appreciate all the work you have done and continue to do. If you ever have any concerns or complaints, please come to me or Sumeragi. We will gladly talk to you in private."

Mileina nodded happily, her peppy attitude coming back, "Got it!" She giggled slightly, "It's funny to see you so…open? Friendly?"

Marlene resisted the urge to roll her eyes, "I got some advice that it might help with morale."

"Well seeing you smile would certainly make people less likely to avoid you." Marlene saw an errant spark come off the Seravee and Mileina turned around, a worried look in her eye.

Seeing Mileina had her hands full fixing the Gundam, she called out to her, "Keep up the good work. Update the bridge when repairs are done."

The teenager turned to face Marlene, saluting, "Understood Ms. Vlady!" She turned back around, guiding the Haros like a mother hen.

Marlene smiled to herself, enjoying the warm feeling in her chest. 'Sumeragi was more right than I expected. Maybe being a bit more open to the crew might be good.' She would take her cry, but she would start by cutting them a break. It's the least they deserved for their service

Feldt

Feldt looked with worry at Setsuna as he was wracked with pain from his shoulder wound, Ali al Saachez's cockpit escaping from the wrecked Gundam. The battle had been rough, Feldt noticing Setsuna having to ignore the pain from his shoulder, but she had kept him aware of the movement of the drones Ali's suit used, making it easier for him. But even after the 00 Raiser had used trans-am and pushed Ali into a metaphorical corner, Setsuna's wound had acted up, allowing Ali to make an escape. 'We were so close!'

But as much as she would want to have chased him, her injured fiancé took priority. She looked at orange Haro, her voice tense, "Haro, give me control of the 00 Raiser."

Setsuna called out weakly to her, wincing in pain, "I can-"

"No, you need to stop putting pressure on your shoulder." She could see the blood leaking from his wound onto his pilot suit, her heart clenching in worry, "I'll fly us to safety."

Setsuna reluctantly gave up control, her screen shifting to the view from the 00. On her sensors, she saw the approach of a few older model suits, and Feldt let out a sigh of a relief as she realized they were Katharon. A voice appeared on an open channel, "Are you ok, 00? We saw you were engaging an enemy and came to back you up."

Feldt responded evenly, trying to hold back her panic and worry at the whole situation, "We are safe for now. But my co-pilot is injured and needs medical help!"

"Understood. Follow us." Feldt began to follow the suits, which eventually led to a large hanger hidden in a crevice in the mountains, which shocked her as they had a base relatively close to. 'I sometimes forget how widespread the organization is.' The 00 landed smoothly and she desperately shot out of her cockpit, lowering herself down from the 0 Raiser onto the floor of the spartan hanger, which contained a dozen or so mobile suits, all of them from four years ago. She needed to see Setsuna, to see in person how bad his injury was.

Fresh tears came down her face as she saw Setsuna lowering down on his own rope, barely holding onto the handle. She rushed over as he collapsed on his knees as he hit the ground, letting out a groan of pain. She scanned his form, seeing a clear bullet hole in his pilot suit at the right shoulder, dried blood coloring the blue suit brown at the location. He looked like he was drifting in and out of consciousness, She lifted him up, supporting his good shoulder, speaking desperately, "We'll get you help! Just please hold on!"

She heard a worried voice approaching them, "Setsuna!" She immediately recognized the voice of Marina and turned to see her rushing towards the couple, eyes wide. Marina stopped in front of them, speaking quickly, "What happened?! Why is Setsuna hurt?!"

Feldt took a deep breath, trying to calm down as she replied, "He needs to get to a medbay! I'll tell you after."

Marina nodded, balling one of her fists, "Alright. I'll show you where it is." Marina guided the couple to the medbay, helping the redhead lower Setsuna onto one of the beds. A doctor immediately rushed over, beginning to check up on Setsuna.

Her turned to the two women, "I'm sorry, but I need privacy to check up on him. We have a waiting room if you want to wait, otherwise I can send someone to check up on him." Feldt could see his eyes were closed and was breathing steadily, though it was more shallow than normal.

Feldt was about to object when Marina interrupted her, "Alright. Make sure he's safe." Feldt wanted to stay, but she could see in Marina's eyes that she trusted this doctor, and she knew Marina would want to keep Setsuna safe.

He nodded, "I will, princess." With that, he focused back on Setsuna, leaving Marina to guide Feldt to a plain waiting room, which had a few benches and a desk with a chair on it. Marina sat Feldt down on one of the benches, sitting next to her and putting a supportive hand on her shoulder, "Setsuna is in good hands. You can be assured that we will treat him as well as we possibly can."

Feldt just nodded blankly, tears rolling down her cheeks, "Thank you. It all just happened so suddenly. I never had time to…He is so…" She trailed off, more tears threatening to come out.

Marina pulled her into a hug, speaking gently, "Just let it all out. It always hurts to see the ones you love get hurt." All of the emotions she had been holding came rushing up and she sobbed into Marina's chest, the tears impossible to stop. Marina caressed her back, not saying anything, letting Feldt process her emotions. The tears lasted for several minutes, Feldt's voice becoming hoarse, and eyes becoming puffy and red. As the tears winded down, she began to hiccup, feeling a bit better, though she was still immensely concerned about Setsuna.

Feldt pulled back from the embrace of the older woman, frowning, "Thank you. It was just so much…"

Marina smiled back kindly, "Everyone needs comfort when they get so emotional." She gave Feldt a curious look, "I apologize if it's too fresh, but what happened? How did Setsuna get injured?"

Feldt took a deep breath, nodding as she told Marina the events after the destruction of the Memento Mori, leading up to the conversation with Ribbons and Setsuna desperately fighting against Ali. It had certainly been a shock to Feldt to learn that not only was their main enemy someone who knew Setsuna, but they had personally recommended Setsuna as a meister. 'Was Setsuna the only person Ribbons picked? Or was it just him?'

Marina gave the redhead a sympathetic look, having taken in her story, "That must have been horrible. But I'm glad Setsuna had you by his side. It was so sad to see him alone." She let out a deep sigh, "And while I now accept that he has to fight, him being alone on earth would have been upsetting."

Feldt couldn't help but smile a little, blushing, "I try my best to be there for him, even when he thinks he doesn't deserve love or affection."

Marina smiled, "Sometimes you have to beat people like that over the head with affection till they get it."

Feldt then heard the door to the waiting room open and the same doctor entered, giving them an even look. Feldt looked at him expectantly as he spoke, "Well we managed to get the bullet out and bandage his wound, but we can't do much more without putting him in long term care."

Feldt looked at him, relieved, "So he's stable?"

The doctor nodded, "Yes. He's asleep for now. Remarkable that he fought a battle with his arm like that." He then nodded at Marina, "You both can see him if you want. Just be careful with his arm." With that, the doctor walked off, leaving the two women alone once again.

Feldt could feel exhaustion overtaking her, which Marina noticed as well. Marina put a hand on her shoulder, speaking softly, "I can show you quarters you can stay. You need to get some rest."

Feldt shook her head, "I'm going to stay with Setsuna. I don't want him to wake up alone."

"I can wake you up when-" Feldt shook her head, knowing what Marina was about to say. Feldt would not leave his side, not after everything that happened. Marina sighed and stood up, looking at the medbay door, "Let's go see Setsuna. I'll get you a chair."

Feldt stood up and the two women made their way to the medbay, quickly finding Setsuna's bed with a curtain around it. He was breathing steadily, deeply asleep. His pilot suit was hanging up, having been put in a hospital gown. His shoulder was bandaged up, and Feldt instantly felt her heart clench. It hurt to see someone who seemed so tough be injured like that. She gently caressed his face, "Oh Setsuna."

Marina put a chair on the bed next to Setsuna's good side, then looked at Feldt, "I'll leave you two be. I'll be here to check on you later." Marina took her leave and Feldt took a seat, resting her head on his shoulder. She knew her back would be stiff in the morning, but right now all the mattered was being with Setsuna. They had promised they would be together and she would keep that promise. As she faded into sleep, she saw Setsuna smile slightly, to which she unconsciously smiled back at. 'After this, we just need to find out where the Ptolemy is. But sleep would be good.'

Author Note

And that's chapter 10! Fun drama and character moments! I'll see you guys next week, and reviews and comments are always appreciated!