Rei caressed SunTzu as good as she could and slept with him very gently and tender that night, and although troubled she managed to make him feel more at ease.
Although it was shallow he slept for a few hours.
As he got up he saw that Ada sent a message and a holo, he didn't want to wake Rei up so he waited with watching the holo and just read the message.
It contained information about the Captain of the freighter he destroyed yesterday, a count of war crimes the Peace Brigade did in the Vong War and even a deathcount of the First Death Star's destruction. She put in quite some effort to make him feel better too. He appreciated it, but after all he came to the conclusion that he was a warrior and not a killer. That Captain was scum though.
The message ended with the reference to check the holo.
Rei woke up soon after him as well.
Sleepdrunken she lifted her head and rubbed the sleep out of her eyes, gazing up to him while he was reading something on his phone.
"Please tell me you're just reading a comic and it's not work." She put her head back on his chest, closing her eyes again as she heard his heartbeat.
"I guess it is work. And why a comic and not a book?" He looked to her skeptically.
She sat up and smiled brightly.
"You don't seem to be the type to read books. Except for that one the guy wrote you're callsign is named after. But I bet it's just because you read the title and author. My brute little barbarian."
She laughed and SunTzu put his arms around her and started tickling her, making her laugh even more.
"I'll show you brute barbarian."
They continued where they left off before sleeping and afterwards the two lovers were cuddled up in bed, enjoying the sight of morning Tokyo in the distance.
SunTzu suddenly remembered the holo.
"Can I use your holo projector?"
"Sure. If it's not for nudes of your devotees."
The holo showed Ada and Leon Inside a cockpit, probably their shuttle on the way back to Coruscant.
"Hey SunTzu, glad that everything went so well. Ami should already know about that but I got another job for you, this time it's about gaining Intel for the war. And on Coruscant. You're going undercover so bring your girlfriend also. I'll see you on Coruscant then."
"Coruscant? God, i love Coruscant. Oh, I'll need new clothes." Rei said beside him.
SunTzu had never been on the planet of Coruscant, that moloch of a planet wide city, the center of the universe. Alone from hearing that he had to go to Coruscant he wanted to pack more fire power.
Ami was late at her office today but she was happy and seemed relaxed, SunTzu draw some conclusions but Gentleman as he was he kept them for himself.
Ami received them finally and came straight to the point as usual.
"As you both know we're going to Coruscant. I already arranged everything."
"Good, if you girls would excuse me. I need to go." SunTzu said and got up.
"Where to?" Ami asked.
"Get AICA fully armed and then hit up the armory. Ain't no way I'm going to Coruscant without a grenade launcher."
"You're not taking AICA." Ami replied.
"Oh, I do take my starfighter." SunTzu insisted.
"No. We're flying commercial, the tickets are already booked. The only one who can take a gun is Rei. And that's only because her diplomatic immunity." Ami stated and then looked at Rei. "I prefer you don't take one with you though. Ada will provide us with weapons on the ground."
"I'm not okay with this. Really."
"What's the matter? Why so tense?" Rei asked him.
"I don't wanna go to Coruscant unarmed. That's all."
"Wait. Are you afraid of Coruscant?"
"I'm not afraid, course not! I just don't want to be unarmed on such a planet."
"TopGun, it's Coruscant, not Nar Shaddaa."
"Still, it's unnatural that a city is so big. So many people. I mean Tokyo is already too big but Coruscant. It's insane!"
"Ami, can you imagine that? Our ace pilot and half-Jedi is afraid of the big city." Rei bursted into laughter as her boyfriend began to sulk.
"Don't worry TopGun, your Girlfriend and Aunt Ami are City Girls. We'll take good care of you." She laughed some more.
Meanwhile Ami asked herself if she should have just gone by herself.
They took the evening flight from Haneda to Coruscant Center, generous after yesterday's coup, Ami had booked the Buisness class for them. SunTzu, who gave AICA into Hotaru's care, with the instruction to be ready to leave for Coruscant on the minute, seemed pretty tense which amused Rei to the fullest. Even Ami had to smirk because the Bavarian was so afraid of the big city.
The ship didn't even left the terminal yet and he already was asking for his first strong drink to relax a bit.
Rei was reading the board magazine, waiting for the departure of the shuttle, as she looked over to him, while he drank a big sip of whisky, looking rather pale.
"I think It's cute how the Doitsu no Akuma, merited Pilot of the Galactic Alliance and one half of the bane of Tokyo's underworld is afraid of a mere city." She leaned over and kissed his cheek.
"Take it easy. Coruscant is a metropolis like any, there are places you shouldn't go but there's so much cool stuff to see and do."
SunTzu just glanced at her and took another sip, the whisky burning down his throat.
Six hours later, the two Woman had mostly slept the whole flight while SunTzu tried to distract himself with the entertainment program of the shuttle, they landed on Coruscant. The procedure was pretty much the same as on any airport on earth, except that Rei was able to skip the whole security check because her diplomatic pass. SunTzu and Ami were processed with priority too, their service identification cards helped immensely to speed things up but also they saw that security was still working as intended. Very good.
Ada was waiting for them in the arrival hall and greeted them when they walked up to her. She had an official hover shuttle of the Intelligence Service including driver waiting outside.
Soon they left the spaceport and flew in direction to the senate district which not only housed the Senate but also the renovated or rather rebuilt Imperial Palace, which housed most of the top legislative and executive offices like the office of the Chief of State as well as offices and Headquarters of the Intelligence, Military, Diplomatic and other services.
SunTzu was awed by the size of the city and the height of its skyscrapers. The bottom was never to be seen from where they slowly worked their way trough the traffic. Although it was the middle of the night the traffic was still dense. But apart from most parts of Tokyo this city probably never slept for a second.
Billions of lights and holos lit up the city but sometimes remains of the Yuuzahn Vong War and the terraforming of the planet through the outer galactic invaders was visible like patches of green Jungle or rock like structures on top of broken buildings. The nearer they came the Senate District the less visible this traces were though.
"We're heading to my office in the Palace. Have you ever been to the Imperial Palace?" Ada asked.
Rei and Ami nodded, SunTzu shook his head.
"First time on Coruscant." He told, trying to sound unmoved.
"He's a bit nervous, it's a bit too much of metropolis for him here." Rei said with a side glance to him and then smiled to Ada.
"Coruscant has that effect on the more rural based people."
SunTzu just nodded slowly with a frown.
They soon passed the Senate, a large dome with enough room to house every delegation of the Galactic Alliance.
The Senate Building was huge but it still was tiny compared to the Imperial Palace.
Although it's official name was Republic House now, the name Palpatine gave it during his reign still sticked and a lot of people still called it the Imperial Palace, other called it the Capitol though.
The design of the rebuilt was the same the new republic gave it with various towers, domes and pavillons on columns. Gardens and patches of green were mixed In through the different superstructures.
In front of it was a large lake, wherein Corals and lush vegetation outside were visible also. Probably a side effect of the Vong Terraforming a few years earlier. A lot of traffic was going in and out of the palace.
They landed at the east wing at one of the many landing spots.
The east wing was composed of a lot of offices for the intelligence, judicial and military services. It also housed the office of the Supreme Commander although the current one rather lead from his flagship.
The west wing housed other administrative offices like the offices for agriculture, interior or rebuilding.
A large tower in the middle of the giant building housed the Chief of State and her office, at present the position was held by Leia Organa Solo after her predecessor Cal Omas was killed in an assassination attempt around one and a half years ago, shortly before the return of Darth Vader.
The backers were still unknown but a lot of people assumed it was the same people that were now leading war against the galaxy.
There were two small gardens and two landing spots a few floors under the base of the tower. Also there was a meeting room in it's base for meetings of the Alliance's high committees like the defense committee.
After landing Ada led them to her office, while she told them the story of the Palace.
Ada's office, which also housed two more desks, was pretty near the tower's base, which spoke for her rank and importance. Interesting, SunTzu thought. Ada was way more important,or favored, than it seemed.
There also was a table with sofas around for meetings in the office.
That's where they sat down, as Ada fetched a envelope.
She sat down as well and smiled.
"I'm sorry it got so late, but here's your key cards for your hotel rooms, the shuttle will bring you to it, afterwards. You're here on an official visit, Ami will work from here with me and Miss Hino…"
"Call me Rei."
"Rei, you will visit the senate tomorrow, officially applying a fixed seat for the Sol System. SunTzu, you're officially deployed as her Personal Security Detachment."
The couple smiled at each other, didn't they just had that before?
"That reminds me, I need a weapon." SunTzu said to Ada.
The Agent got up and took something from her desk.
She got back and handed him a blaster pistol, covert holster and two spare energy cells.
"I know you prefer weapons from Earth but I'm pretty sure you're proficient with Blasters too." Ada told him, while she gave the weapon to her charge.
"It's not my Glock but it will do." He said as he checked the blaster.
"You probably won't need it anyway. Our operation will be very discreet here. I'll brief you two on it tomorrow evening."
SunTzu and Rei shared another glance. They heard that before and hoped this time they wouldn't need an axe or Katana to get out of it. Maybe SunTzu was right with his desire to be armed, Rei thought.
Ada led them out of the office again and they left for their hotel, one of Coruscant's top addresses.
Ami got her own room and to their surprise Rei and SunTzu got a room together. It weren't suites but the rooms were nice and had a great view over the senate district.
They went to bed almost immediately. Or at least Ami did.
SunTzu marveled at the view, although it started to rain when they left the palace and Rei exactly knew how to make the impression of the skyline, shown through the big glass door to their balcony which was covered in drips of rain water slowly gliding down on it, and including the Senate, Capitol and New Jedi Temple more afar, even more valuable.
The next morning they met Ami for breakfast in one of the restaurants of the Hotel. It had stopped to rain and the weather looked promising for a sunny day.
Local Pastry, strong caf and exotic fruits made for a great meal. So far the trip could have been worse.
The three earthlings soon left for their planned activities and while Ami went to Ada's office with a hover train, Rei and SunTzu took a hover cab to the Senate.
While she was wearing her official Diplomat Corps Uniform, SunTzu was in his Star Fighter Corps Service Uniform.
They landed at a spot at a higher floor of the senate and were welcomed by one of the leading officials of the Senate.
Inside the building a debate regarding delivery of food from a cluster of agrarian worlds to the poorer parts of the Outer Rim was going on.
You guys better not fuck that one up, SunTzu thought.
I'm already fighting CIS Ships, I don't need another civil war on top.
They observed the scene for a bit from an observation balcony, the guide keeping his distance. Next to speak was the representative of the Chief of State, a young woman that was the daughter of the legendary Rebel Alliance Leader and Chief of State Mon Mothma their guide told them.
Thanks to the force the young politician was as gifted as her mother when it comes to talking and she stated and supported the fact the Chief of State had on this opinion. The richer worlds had to share their wealth for the sake of the poorer planets.
Diplomat Hino leaned in to her bodyguard and boyfriend.
"With young politicians and the far-sightedness of Misstress Organa-Solo I sometimes do have hope for this galaxy."
"The galaxy needs more people like that. Or like Leia Organa-Solo. Most of the non-commissioned armed force personnel is from the outer and middle rim. They're out there fighting for this galaxy while some senators and buisness men try to deny their homes food. Makes me sick."
SunTzu, at least it was highly probable, wasn't from a poor background or planet, hell he just slept in a palace before his stay in an exclusive hotel but he was out there flying, fighting and lying in trenches with people from poorer planets that put more soul into the fight for the Galaxy than almost any member of the top brass on here or Anaxes. He remembered how motivated and spirited the personnel on board the Shadow was, ready to do their part to make the galaxy a better place.
"I understand. We're still fighting the same problems on earth. I might be the diplomat but I already told Mamoru and Usagi to force the richer countries to help the others. The Selene is quite the security for pressuring governments. Ask a certain Middle Kingdom."
"Who will be our Senator when we get a seat in here?"
"It's not decided yet. We need Naru on earth , Luna in the palace and the Royals are too busy as well. It's not easy to find someone." She sighed.
"What about you? I'm sure you'd do a great job." SunTzu told her, stating his honest opinion.
She looked at him but didn't say a word.
"I mean, you have the political background but also you still know and care what's happening in the galaxy. And apart from most politicians you have a backbone and the heart on the right place to really represent the people." He continued while Rei still stared at him.
She lowered her gaze.
"I was thinking about it, but… it's not easy, you know."
"I might have woken up in a Bacta tank just three months ago but I already came around the universe quite a lot and I haven't met a many that have so much determination and strong will like you Rei. Honestly, who could represent Earth and Sol better than someone that repeatedly safed it with her fellow Senshi."
The Diplomat thought about it for another moment before she looked back at him and leaned In next to him.
"Thanks for the kind words, Love." She kissed his cheek, not caring for the guide behind them.
"One day you'll be the Chief of State. I know." SunTzu smiled at her, a sincere smile, that showed how proud he was of her.
She smiled too, sheepishly and then took his hand and let him away from the balcony.
"First of all we have to take care to get the right to place a Senator in here."
They followed the guide to a meeting room in the building and soon after the debate ended a delegation made up of some senators as well as the representative of the Chief of State came into the room to debate about a own senator for the Sol System.
It was just an exploratory discussion but Rei made some points why Sol should have his own representative in the senate.
At one point most of the delegation was told to leave the room because some things above Top Secret that seemingly made a point for this were to be discussed. Although acting Bodyguard for the Crystal Kingdom's Top Diplomat even SunTzu was ordered to leave the room.
For a short moment it crossed his mind, that even Rei might know more about his past than she told him so far. He quashed the thought immediately, they loved each other and she knew how important it had been for him to gain more information about his past. Maybe the Royals would tell him something more one day. On the other side, he had found his place, his love and his friends. And life was good, apart from the dangerous lifestyle he lead.
The talk didn't last much longer after they were asked to go outside and soon the door opened and the attendees left. Rei and Lieda Mothma, representative of the Chief of State Organa-Solo, exchanged some words before a beaming Rei walked over to SunTzu, as the people walked away.
"Well, that went better than expected. Maybe because someone boosted my ego with his words earlier." She gave him a small kiss and whispered a thank you to him.
Their guide waited a bit afar to them and then led them to a communication room, which Rei used to contact Crystal Tokyo and give a report about the talks.
On the way they crossed ways with a certain Senator from Metellos, the Senator nervously nodded as greeting and rushed away when he saw them, which led the two earthlings to a satisfied look on their faces and holding hands.
SunTzu waited outside the room with the guide, while Rei contacted the Palace.
After that they were led to the main entrance where a hover car with driver was at their disposal.
"I have to write down a report about the talk but let's have dinner first. And I wanna go shopping before going back to the office!"
After she said that SunTzu smiled and reached into his uniform jacket, revealing a few hundred credits he brought with him.
What she didn't know, was that he also checked if his blaster was still stored that way that he could immediately draw it.
A few hours, a few hundred credits and a very, very happy girlfriend later they were back at the hotel. He didn't get why people were so hyped about the Coruscant Fashion but well, at least she was happy. For him a lot of it looked like stuff that had been famous on earth years or decades ago.
They still had a bit of time left and she went on to do her work on the reports for Crystal Tokyo. Knowing that he would bore himself to death she told him to do something he'd enjoy. He was her bodyguard but she was busy and the senate district was one of the most secure places in the galaxy, plus she could throw balls of fire, she told him as he didn't want to leave. He finally gave in, and decided to visit the Galactic Museum which didn't prevent her from mocking him to not get lost without her.
Rei took a deep breather when SunTzu finally left and she could work on her confidential report.
He took a hover cab to the nearby gigantic museum and decided to go to the part about space faring and starships.
Two hours weren't enough and he had to rush the exhibition a bit. On some parts, like the invention of Hyperspace Travel he took his time though and he was very proud about his two female wingmen when he was in the room addressing Galactic Hyperlanes and found the names of Haruka and Michiru on a plaque as the discoverers of the Coruscant Trade Exchange. Yup his sisters from other misters were acknowledged on Coruscant as two of the galaxy's latest and greatest discoverers. He even took a pic and couldn't wait to show it to them.
When the Pilot came back to the hotel room Rei had finished the report and got ready to leave for the appointment with Ada.
He told her what he did and that Haruka and Michiru were named in the Galactic Museum and how proud he was.
Rei's heart melted the way how enthusiastically he told her about what he saw and how proud he was of the two Outer Senshi when he saw the plaque. It felt a bit like the enthusiasm of a boy that talked about his first bike ride on his own or first victory of his baseball team.
How could someone be so badass and deadly in one moment and also so cute the other?
Within thirty minutes they were on a shuttle to the Imperial Palace and SunTzu was glued to the window of the shuttle, indulging the view of the Skyline while they waited in traffic for their landing permission.
Finally they were approved for landing and touched down at one of the landing spots at the east wing.
Ami was waiting for them, wearing her Intelligence Service Uniform.
They greeted each other and Ami asked how they were and what they did and Rei gave her a quick summary about what they did why SunTzu stood at the Landing spot and observed the traffic. This city was so huge and overrun.
Rei had to grab him and pull him along.
"Baby Boy here was at the Museum and marveled about how his besties were named on a plaque about Hyperspace Lanes." The Senshi of Fire mocked him a bit, dubbing how much she adored his behavior.
They got to the office, said Hi to Ada and sat down on the sofas.
"Ok Ladies, and gentleman, Ami already knows it but here's the deal. You're going to tail a manager from a subsidiary of Rendili StarDrives we suspect to sell technologies to the enemy.
He will be in the Club Corusca Gem tonight and we expect the middleman to show up. We need someone to witness and proof the whole situation. And since nobody knows you around here and you have experience in situations like that Ami told me, you're going to be our undercover agents." She looked into the round. "Also, the music they'll play and the theme there tonight is very specific and from your planet so it's another plus for you. You probably know better than anyone else how to blend in."
SunTzu looked skeptically over to the Agent.
"Which kind of music and theme is this?"
Ada pulled a document from her desktop.
"Lemme see… Ah yeah. It's called a 2k Party."
SunTzu and Rei bursted into laughter.
"You're shitting us, right?" Rei asked in between laughing.
Ami chimed in, totally serious.
"It's true. You guys know how much earth's music and culture are in right now in the galaxy."
"I heard that, but really? The 2000s?" SunTzu said. Nothing against that period but it was a bit weird to think about that they made a theme evening regarding the first ten years from beginning of the earths current millennium on Coruscant.
"Earth's entertainment industry is making billions right now. Music is one of our highest export goods right now."
And we have to rob the enemy of money to finance the security of the galaxy. These were strange times.
SunTzu and Rei quietened down, as absurd as it was, it was reality.
"You guys need to get some clothes to fit in. I'll bring you to a store where you can get the stuff. We should get going tho."
They left the office and went to a small hangar where Ada had her repulsor car parked. A few minutes later they arrived at a mall that had a shop specifically for earth culture, music and clothes. And the store, which was huge, was packed with people shopping in it.
SunTzu escaped a "What the actual fuck?" when they entered the store. It was like a time travel trough different decades of earth's culture. Hell, they even had Vinyls and clothes for Hippies and Disco Era Clothes.
"Can you actually believe this?" Rei asked the other two Earthlings.
Both shook their head.
"And then I still have to fight for a seat in the senate for us." Rei commented further, Earth was pretty obviously having its impact on the galaxy already.
They went over to the part of the store that was obviously the 2000s and went to look for clothes. They were back in their teenage years and acted accordingly.
Ami opted for a regular short black dress, which was something unusual to see on her but lt did look so good on her, that her companions complimented her a lot. SunTzu and Rei on the other side went all out for the theme. And they had way too much fun doing the dress up.
SunTzu got a baggy track suit, XXL white Tee, a matching fitted cap and matching Jordan sneakers. He was a hip hop head after all. At least he thought so.
Rei, inspired by her boyfriend, got grey baggy sweatpants, white and grey Airforce Ones, a white bandana and a short white tank top that showed her belly. The look was completed with a visible boxer short, showing because her sagging sweatpants.
The prices were ridiculous and around three times as much as on earth but hey, what do you have a shadow budget for. SunTzu still was a bit mad, that Ada didn't want to drop 2000 Credits on a oversized bomber leather jacket for him.
Well at least he could store the blaster in the track jacket too.
They bought the stuff and went back to the Hotel to get ready, dinner was brought by the room service while the trio was getting ready in Rei's and SunTzu's Room. Which meant SunTzu pretty much sat around for over a hour while the girls got ready.
He used the time to go through everything with Ada again and memorize the suspect's face.
It was around 11pm local time when the girls were finally done and Ada suggested to not head out before midnight.
While Ada and Ami checked the equipment SunTzu and Rei killed the time with Rei telling stories recounting the time they started to really go out, back when they turned 20.
The couple was standing on the balcony of the room and had a cigarette and while she was talking enthusiastically about the chaos the first nights out of the Senshi caused, SunTzu noticed that she was also wearing the watch he gifted her. They seemed to had a great time back then, although Mamoru and the Mau had their hands full to keep the girls in check.
SunTzu couldn't recall any stories of course but he told that Germans start going out way earlier. At least he thought so.
Rei joked that for SunTzu tonight probably meant a musical trip down memory lane.
Probably. But he couldn't say.
The group left and Ami got a tiny headset with microphone from Ada. She also got a ring with a built in camera.
The plan was that SunTzu and Rei would be all over the place and look for the the target while Ami filmed the contact. SunTzu and Rei could also be used as distraction, Ada and Ami were sure the two would find a way to do that, should the need arise.
Ada would be nearby in her vehicle, if anything would come up.
They entered the club without much hassle, thank god Ada took care and gave them VIP tickets for the entrance, people were lining up the block. It was surreal that something that moved earth almost twenty years ago excited so much people on Coruscant. And they were really playing music from the first decade of Earth's 2k Millennium.
After they entered Ami was over voted two to one to where to go first. She voted for the upper floor, the other two for the bar.
"I mean, who the hell goes to a party like that sober." Rei told her.
"Not that it's often that I share her exact opinion, but Rei's right." SunTzu stated and conceded his girlfriends point. For that statement he earned a very passionate kiss from his girlfriend and why the two of them started making out, Ami knew why she usually let the two of them do their thing on their own.
"Guys, galactical security. Let's get a drink and get going."
The trio went over to the bar and while Ami got a alcohol free, sweet but also sour tasting, colorful something that reminded her of soda, while the couple had something they even couldn't speak out right. It was strong but also tasted well. They decided to try to learn the name of that stuff for later.
After the bar they took a long turn to the stairs to the first upper floor of the club.
While the girls decided to check out that floor, which also housed a second smaller dancefloor, overlooking parts of the bigger dancefloor below. They hid their searching as trying to find the rest rooms.
SunTzu went up to the second upper floor.
The floor also housed a lounge like VIP Area and a balcony to look down at both of the dancefloors below.
He was pretty sure to find the guy up here and so he casually strolled along the lounge and looked out for the target subject, until a bouncer, a large Bothan, asked him if he needed any help.
The pilot asked if any of the lounges were still available but the bouncer denied and friendly but assertive told him to leave the floor.
Well, that didn't went as expected.
SunTzu downed his drink and put the glass on a nearby table.
He also noticed that nobody searched him yet. It could have been the point that he was entering with two beautiful woman, his age or the fact that they were just naive here because the exclusivity of the club but security wise he found the club to be lacking.
On the other side there were at least two Coruscant Security Forces Squad Cars parked on the plaza the club was located at and you didn't want to mess with this guys.
Not that an Officer of the forces would be in much trouble if they would find a gun on him these times. Disciplinary Punishment wouldn't happen with SunTzu for bringing a blaster to a club. Next time I'm packing heat he thought.
He stood at the dancefloor on the first upper floor and checked how much insight he got from here to the VIP Lounge a floor above him.
Suddenly someone tipped his shoulder and asked him in basic with a strange accent if he wanted to dance. He turned around and a light red colored Zeltron Woman with blue hair in a revealing dress with a lot of slits stood behind him.
He had to admit she was quite a sight to behold but neither did she rival Rei's looks at all nor was he here to dance. He was thinking about an innocuous excuse to steal himself away.
"Sorry Sis, Man's taken." A voice came in from his left side and someone turned his head to where the voice sounded from. Without warning a pair of lips found their way on his and he immediately knew it was Rei. Great timing my Love, SunTzu thought as their tongues found each other.
The Zeltron left, leaving the couple on his own.
"Sorry TopGun, I didn't want to cockblock but the way you exactly hit the theme of the party with your outfit made me too hot to hold back." She smirked at him and he looked deep into her eyes.
Mocking aside, her outfit did hit a nostalgic spot within him.
Rei looked over to Ami who was standing nearby rubbing her nose and shaking her head.
"Wait here for a second."
She went over to Ami and exchanged a few words with her and the grabbed her hand and pulled the blue haired woman over to the dance floor. Ami didn't look very amused.
Rei just let go of Ami's hand when they were on the dancefloor and when she started dancing. Ami was reluctant at first but then started to move too. Soon the two girls danced frolic. Rei went over to SunTzu and let him to the dancefloor. They started dancing too and soon they were grinding on each other, his hands on her hips.
After a few songs they left the dancefloor and, although Ami grinded her teeth a bit, had another drink.
Glasses in hand they went over to the balcony and observed the ground floor. Suddenly Rei jolted both of her companions.
"That's the guy, isn't he?"
With her hand she motioned to a guy who just entered the club.
"That's him." Ami confirmed. "Don't loose him."
The Man went to the bar and started talking with the barkeeper.
Soon after a bouncer came and led the man up.
Rei and SunTzu, seemingly engaged in flirty conversation, were standing near the stairs up to the top floor when their target passed upwards.
As expected he was heading for the VIP Lounge, which meant they needed a way to get inside there.
The trio met again.
"We need to find a way up there. They don't let me In though. And it's full." SunTzu told them.
"Well, I guess it's up to us then. C'mon Ami."
Rei downed her drink and left, pulling Ami with her. They walked up the stairs while SunTzu went back to the balcony near the dance floor on this floor, trying to observe what was going on up there.
Of course he didn't see much.
The Pilot decided to check out if he would see more from the ground floor and got down there.
Standing near the dance floor there he looked up but still couldn't make out anything. Even less than before.
As he was looking upward he saw someone moving up to him from the corner of his eyes.
A middle aged but attractive brunette woman in a tight, dark green dress, highlighting her curves in the best possible way, came up to him. A big Quarren followed her, observing the surroundings. A bodyguard so.
The woman walked up to him and leaned in, next to his ear.
"Wanna dance?" She asked him, her raspy voice making the hands in his neck stand up.
"No, thank you. I'm good."
"Too bad. I have a lounge up there and you seem to be pretty interested to the VIP as I observed. Let's have a drink on my table and we see if you might change your opinion."
Sorry Rei, you know, I do this just because of the job.
"I'm not much into dancing but maybe you can convince me." He answered and the woman nodded with a satisfied smile.
"Believe me, I always get what I want." The woman replied and took his hand leading him to the stair, her Quarren Bodyguard following them both close behind.
They went up to the Lounge and took a table. Would you've known, the neighboring table was where their target person was located at. And two certain Sailor Senshi were placed now, socializing with the suspect. Ami was sitting to his left and Rei to his right, the suspects hands where on their thighs as he was talking to them. Reading from his mimic he was pretty much praising himself as the girls were pretending to talk closely.
A waiter brought some bowls with ice and drinks and the green dressed woman whispered into his ear to get whatever he desired.
That moment his eyes met with Rei's eyes and for just a split second he could see that she was everything else but pleased to find him like that, a woman next to him, whispering into his ear. Her eyebrow got up and she leaned over to their table pouring herself a drink.
The suspect seemed to prefer Ami as he was now giving her all his attention, talking to her with a big, self assertive smile.
The woman at SunTzu's table poured herself and SunTzu a tumbler of Corellian Whisky and toasted with SunTzu.
She took a sip and let the distillate work it's way down her throat, cleaning her lips with her tongue.
The whisky was exquisite and probably very expensive.
"What's your name?"
"It's Max. And yours?"
"Oh, my name is actually a secret. You have to earn the right to know my name." She laughed and then fixed SunTzu with her eyes again. "You know Max, you really remind me of someone that I know."
"Is that so? Maybe I have a nondescript face."
The woman smiled mysteriously.
"Oh, definitely not. The person I talk about is quite… extraordinary."
"I don't know if I fit that description." SunTzu said, glancing at Rei from the corner of his eye. This didn't go undetected.
The woman leaned back to his ear.
"Don't worry, I don't mind that you stare at her. That black haired girl is quite the beauty. Want me to bring her over? See that man on her table. I have him in my grasp too. Watch this."
She waved her bodyguard over and told him something.
The big Quarren went over to the other table and flustered something into the suspect's ear.
The man's eyes widened and his face told he wanted to protest but something held him back.
He looked at the woman next to him and she waved with him with a look of superiority.
This mysterious woman was very sure of herself. Could it be she was the enemy's contact?
The male suspect visibly agonized with himself and looked back and forth to the woman and Ami. He came to an inner decision and got up, walking over to the table SunTzu was at. The Woman's bodyguard followed him, eyes stuck on him.
The woman took another sip and then leaned over to SunTzu.
"I have some buisness to take care of. I'm sorry but you have to excuse me a minute. Why you don't go over to that table and play with those girls. I want you to introduce me to that black haired beauty afterwards."
She nodded and he understood. He got up and got over to the other table.
SunTzu sat down next to Rei, knowing what probably would follow right now poured himself a shot glass full of what seemed to be the strongest alcoholic beverage on the table, gulping it down in one sip.
It tasted horrible, what was that stuff? Kerosene?
Rei leaned over to him, taking his hand and shaking it.
"Hi, I'm Rei. My boyfriend just left me for a old hag. What's your name?" Her voice was very stern.
"Stop it. It's not what it looks like." SunTzu told her.
"What is it suppose to look like then? Nice to see that I cannot leave you alone for five minutes."
"Says the woman creeping over a guy she doesn't know."
"At least he's the target. And not just an old bitch. I mean you're not even that young to fall in a scheme for this cougar ass bitch." Smoke was getting up from Rei's hands.
Ami leaned over from where she was sitting.
"Could you guys stop? This is the best thing that could have happened to us. She's the contact."
"As i expected." SunTzu said as he poured himself a glass of Whisky. This one was different, probably cheaper than the other one.
"Yeah, of course." Rei commented and rolled her eyes.
"I put a tiny bug onto him. Ada can listen to what they talk about. It's not perfect because of the music but it's probably enough to bust him."
Ami smiled satisfied. "That guy should check who plays with his collar."
"Who wears a turned up polo collar anyway?" SunTzu asked.
"Who follows along a brunette witch?" Rei commented snarkily.
SunTzu took a sip of his Whisky, not bad but the other was way better.
The two suspects talked to each other. It was obvious that the man was kowtowing to the woman. Who was she and why was he so afraid of her?
The woman looked at him while he was gesturing around and noticed something on his color.
She took something small away from the collar and examined it.
Ami swallowed hard, that had been the bug.
The woman's face turned towards the three earthlings, her expression grim.
She got up and said something to her Bodyguard, who then began to walk over the trio's table, taking a wide turn and coming from behind. The two suspects hastily left their table and went for the stairs.
The three earthlings acted like they weren't watching.
As he arrived at the trio's table the bodyguard grabbed into his jacket. Before he could get his blaster completely out SunTzu suddenly jumped up and punched him into the gut. The Quarren didn't even flinch though, he answered with a left elbow blow to the forehead, which sent SunTzu stumbling back onto the sofa. He was just about to turn the blaster on SunTzu when a flaming fist hit his face, this time knocking him at least completely out.
Ami was already up and sprinted after the suspect and the contact.
Rei leaned over SunTzu and took his head into her hands.
"Are you okay?"
SunTzu, still seeing stars, showed a thumbs up with his face twisted.
Rei nodded and kissed his forehead quickly before she followed after Ami.
Ami was in close pursuit of the two suspects as the older woman run into a bouncer and told him something.
Then she grabbed the male suspect again and ran further.
The Bouncer approached Ami asking her something but the Senshi just pushed him out of her way and ran after the two aspects. She really hoped Ada had made preparations at the door.
Just as the bouncer got up again and wanted to sprint behind Ami, Rei reached him and pushed him down from behind again.
SunTzu finally was back to his senses again.
He got up and ran to the railing of the top floor, overlooking the dance floor below.
Around 3,5 meters.
He climbed up the railing, sent a quick prayer to the force and hoped that it would help him touching down.
Obviously it did because he landed in the middle of the floor unharmed.
The Force-Sensitive took a quick look around, while startled party goers on the dance floor made way for him.
He saw the suspects and began running towards them. On the corner of his eye he saw Ami incoming and the Bothan Bouncer from earlier running towards her, obviously ready to snatch her.
SunTzu changed his course and seconds before the Bothan got to Ami SunTzu crashed into him, elbow into the face first.
Ami nodded and ran past the two.
The Bouncer got up again and SunTzu knocked him out with another force-increased punch.
As he turned around Rei just ran past him and he fell behind into Ami.
Ahead, near the stairs to the ground floor, Ami ran into two bouncers and was struggling to get out of their grips.
The two suspects already reached the stairs.
SunTzu reacted the only way he could come up with and veered off to the railing of the floor, getting up that railing too and jumping down.
He landed kneeling and thanked the force for doing the same thing two times unhurt then he sprinted over to the stairs and was immediately attacked by two bouncers, a human and a Solem.
The human pulled out a telescope baton, the towering Solem didn't need any weapons.
While Ami already had knocked down one of the Bouncers she was still going at it with the other.
Rei was at the railing near where SunTzu jumped from. Being himself and doing stupid stuff as always.
SunTzu saw the two bouncers closing in on her boyfriend and knew she had to do something.
His girlfriend climbed up the railing.
"SunTzu!" She yelled as she jumped.
The pilot was taking a few steps back away from the bouncers, thinking about how to get through them as Rei yelled his name.
Rei jumped from the first upper floor, force boosted reflexes be thanked he somehow catched her and the Senshi of Fire smiled at him as she landed safely in his arms.
He let his girlfriend down safely and both got into a fighting stance, facing the bouncers, with Rei facing the Human and SunTzu the Solem.
People around them were getting away from the scene as fast as they could.
The huge Solem seemed like a golem and the Human had the advantage of his baton but was standing next to the person you love, ready to kick ass while the DJ played Crunk made the two lovers hyped enough to take on everyone.
The human bouncer made the first move and swung the baton overhead, aiming for SunTzu's head, obviously he made the mistake to think Rei was no threat. Behind him the Solem circled to the right side of SunTzu.
The Human Bouncer was greeted by a a Airforce 1 in his face, as Rei did high jump kick using SunTzu's back for more energy.
The high kick was followed by a low slash and the man went down, Rei got over him and a fist to his forehead knocked him out completely.
She muttered a Thank you as she took the baton.
Meanwhile the Solem circled SunTzu some more and got his arms ready to snatch him. He stormed forward and SunTzu dodged him, the Guy was big but slow.
"Babe!" Rei yelled and as he looked over to here she threw him the baton.
The Solem again rushed after SunTzu and the pilot jumped out of his way, bringing the Baton up. With all his might he brought the metallic Baton down on the back of the Solem's head.
Only thing that happened was that the baton deformed.
And that the Solem was really angry now. He grabbed SunTzu and threw him through the room. SunTzu landed somewhere on the dance floor, his hat got lost somewhere in the air.
Rei looked at the Solem, whose back was turned towards her and a fire began to shine in her eyes. She jumped up on the Solem's back and put her hands around his neck, beginning to choke him while the giant tried to shake her.
Meanwhile Ami still tried to fight down the bouncer at the stairs.
The two suspects were hold by a manager of the club asking what was going on and although the woman tried to rush outwards the manager, supported by a bouncer didn't give way for her. The dozens of onlookers on the stairs made getting through impossible too.
The middle aged beauty was getting furious and started screaming.
SunTzu got up and saw Rei struggling with the Solem.
As he just stood up another bouncer came running towards him.
The bouncer tried to land a punch in his face but SunTzu grabbed his fist with one hand and punched the man's solar plexus. The Man went down, as a second bouncer came also in running. The man tried to snatch SunTzu off his feet but he just stepped to the side and the man landed behind him. SunTzu moved on as the Solem tried to grab Rei from his back.
The furious Senshi didn't showed any signs of getting weary to choke the Solem though.
As SunTzu moved on a third bouncer tried to jump into his back but SunTzu just rolled away, and pushed the man forward with a kick in the back.
The man rolled in front of the Solem.
The Solem now was angrily shaking himself, turning around. Finally he even tried to punch Rei.
That was the point she decided to let go, unfortunately the Solem was just starting a sudden turn and the centrifugal force made her fly. She embraced for a hard impact but instead she landed safe in her lover's arm again.
Always there when I need him.
SunTzu looked in his girlfriend's eyes, a caring expression in his face, which was answered with a quick pressing of her head onto his chest.
He let her down and both looked at the Solem, that was rubbing his throat.
SunTzu found his cap and put it on again.
The third bouncer got up again beside Rei and was knocked out immediately by her fist.
It was time to bring this Solem down and get the suspects.
SunTzu and Rei looked to each other and nodded. She raised her arm, her hand emblazed in flames.
With firm steps they walked towards the Solem who swallowed hard as he saw Rei's burning arm.
Suddenly the club's doors flung open and a whole troop of fully armed and armored Coruscant Security Force stormed Into the club. Behind them Ada followed.
Good for the Solem.
While the CSF Cops formed a semicircle Ada stepped forward and showed her service card. The DJ finally stopped the music.
"Galactic Alliance Intelligence Service, nobody moves."
Rei and SunTzu pointed her to the stairs.
While the Rendili Manager was pale as chalk and sweating the brunette woman was completely calm now, only her eyes throwing daggers at SunTzu and Rei.
Ami, who finally got rid of the bouncers walked towards the stairs from behind as Ada moved in from the ground floor, people made room for her and backed up behind her, leaving the stairs. Even the Manager and the bouncer.
As Ada walked up the stairs the male suspect lost it and started yelling that he was innocent.
The woman silenced him with a slap in the face.
"Pathetic."
After that the Manager finally was quiet and just rubbed his red cheek.
Ada didn't even look at him but focused on the woman.
"Finally a face to talk to."
"Oh, you don't have any idea." She looked at SunTzu. "You don't have any idea what is coming!"
She suddenly made a movement as she was biting something and foam filled up her mouth.
A poison pill.
Ada reached down as the woman collapsed and tried to get the capsule out of her mouth by turning her around and punching her back but it was already to late.
The two Senshi, a CSF Sergeant and SunTzu rushed beside her.
For a moment Ada stared at the dead woman lying on her stomach over the stairs while foam still spilled out of her mouth. Then she turned around stony-faced and mentioned the Cop to arrest the Rendili Manager.
"Well, this cougar is not taking anyone home anymore." Rei commented dry.
"The suspect is going to the HQ for interrogation. I'll drive along." Ada said, as they were outside the club, the suspect being loaded into a CSF Transport, Rei and SunTzu were smoking. "Fuck. We almost had someone from the enemy." Frustrated she shook her head and sighed. "Anyways, we got the target person and enough proof to keep him under arrest. Good work, although I didn't expect it to escalate like that."
"Shit Happens." SunTzu stated bluntly.
Ada wheezed. "Yeah. Anyways, you guys are free to go. I'll see you tomorrow."
She nodded as goodbye and walked away.
At her car she turned around again.
"Try to not start any more fights tonight." She laughed and got in.
"Oh, I will still start one last tonight." Rei said and extinguished her cigarette under her shoes. "TopGun, anything you want to tell me about that dead ol' witch? Not that you should ask Ami anyway if she lets you sleep in her room, because no way you sleeping near me tonight."
SunTzu had been quiet since ever that woman died, but her last words didn't leave him alone or rather the way she looked at him before she bit that pill.
He thought about what to answer for a moment. Rei stood there arms crossed, the night was pretty crisp now.
"As i know you my dear Moeru Shojō, I know I'm not coming out of this one anyway. And yeah, maybe I shouldn't have tagged along when that woman told me to follow her in the VIP." Rei's gaze was unchanged angry. "I could say something about the mission or being curious to see what you were doing up there but I'm not. You should know how much I love you and that there's no other for me or that there's anyone more beautiful for me in this galaxy." He sighed "And since you're done with me tonight anyway, I hope you don't mind I'll take a cab and get drunk somewhere. But first of all take my jacket, I can't stand to see you cold."
He handed Rei his Track Jacket and she reluctantly took it. When she took it she immediately put it on.
SunTzu nodded towards the other woman.
"Ami."
Then he turned around and walked away, to a landing spot for taxis at the other side of the plaza. He tried to wave at the the passing speeder cabs but they ignored him.
"He's not going to get one." Ami said as the two woman watched him from afar.
"No, he's not."
"You really want to leave him alone? In a city this big?"
"No. I'm just being a bit of Tsundere to him, I mean, we both weren't better at all. I'm not even that mad. I was just surprised to see him with another woman. More shocked to see him so close to someone else than jealous actually."
She took a deep breath and then looked in Ami's eyes.
"Sometimes I'm a bit afraid how much I love him, especially after this short time."
"But this isn't something bad, no? I mean he's crazy for you. Anybody knows that." Ami replied, glancing over to SunTzu, who still was trying to get a taxi.
"After Yuichiro I swore myself to never get attached to a guy like that. Never ever again. But, whaddya know, suddenly our great leader comes around with a crazy pilot that can't even remember his real name but somehow manages to conquer my heart within a few weeks. And now we're here. In the center of the galaxy, playing spies. And this Baka not only makes me think about becoming Senator for Earth but also if I don't want to start a family when this mess of war we're in is over one day. That is if we survive at all."
Ami saw a tear roll down Rei's cheek.
"I hate to be that vulnerable. I don't want to depend on anyone, except maybe us Senshi. But on the other side I want that suicidal maniac around me every second, every minute and every day now. Ah, I don't know Ami. I'm so goddamn afraid that he's gone one day and I'm alone again."
"I know how much you have been hurt Rei, but this guy over there only has you, and to a much lesser content us other Senshi. He doesn't strike me as someone that wouldn't come home one day anymore, because he's not sure if he's following the right path anymore. You've seen it often enough, how many times he risked his head for us, for you. If he would run he would have done it already."
Rei thought about it for a moment looking to the ground.
"Rei, we can talk about this the rest of the night or you make up your hard head and go over to him. Oh, and maybe you should hurry, because he actually got a taxi now."
Rei was about to rush off but she stopped and grabbed Ami's hand.
"You're coming along genius! I need emotional support when I have to apologize to Topper Harley."
They both started to run over the plaza as the Taxi just lowered in to the landing spot.
SunTzu was in a very unpleasant state. He thought that Rei at least would say something before he left. Actually he wished that she might come over. That really made him sad and hurted. But what made him mad and things therefore even worse were this fucking taxis. Why was it so hard to get one goddman cab here. He was at the motherfucking landing spot for Taxis why didn't they stop here for fucks sake.
He was cooking innerly when one finally stopped and began to descend.
Blue but too proud to turn around and take a look at Rei he decided to ask the driver where to get wasted nearby.
It hasn't been his fault the woman was into him. And Rei hasn't been any better, that guy had his hands on her thighs as well.
Ah, fuck all this! i'll just drink till the sun comes up, get my stuff and leave this moloch on the next flight.
He got in the cab and was just about to tell the driver to lift off, as the doors left and right of him opened.
The girls jumped in, both grinning from ear to ear.
"Sorry, we needed to have some important girl talk first" Rei said as she got in the cab from the left. "Hi." She looked at SunTzu and then started kissing him.
"I don't know about you, but I need a drink. Bring us somewhere where three seasoned warrior can have a stiff drink." Ami told the driver from the right.
The other two guardians looked at her as the cab lifted off.
"It's 2pm on earth, no way Ryu is still awake so I could call him. So i need something else to calm me down."
Rei nodded knowingly and looked at SunTzu that thought about something for a moment.
"Ah, I see. Telephone sex."
SunTzu started nodding too.
"Yeah, I bet."
Ami blushed and looked away, out of the window.
Just a few minutes later they landed in front of a bar, a few blocks away.
SunTzu paid the driver as the women already left the speeder. As SunTzu got out and the taxi flew away again, Rei suddenly hugged him from behind and laid her head on his back.
"I'm sorry. I was shocked to see you with somebody else."
SunTzu looked to the ground and put his hands around hers.
"I'm sorry too. I guess I just saw a possibility to get up there too. And I have to admit I was curious what you were doing up there too."
She started to smile.
"I love you Baka."
"I love you too, you goddamn Tsundere."
She hugged him even tighter.
It was a bit dim inside the bar but the place wasn't too shady. Quite a few guys in uniform too.
They found an empty table and sat down. A waiter showed up and they ordered a round of the famous Coruscant Coolers, a famous cocktail originating from Galactic Center.
Two rounds later, SunTzu finally didn't feel the pain he he had since the Solem threw him on the dancefloor anymore.
Three rounds later the two lovers had to promise Ami to not tell Ryu that she kind of flirted with another man.
Scout's honor. Rei and SunTzu also confirmed it was just for the job.
After another round they decided to hit up another spot across the road and soon they found themselves in a mixture of lounge, bar and club filled with all kind of people and alien races from all over the galaxy
Rei lead both of her companions on the dancefloor again.
The trio left overnighted when the sun was slowly rising up at the horizon. While looking for the next mag train station or taxi spot they stumbled across a food stall selling Coruscanti Street Food. Perfect after a night of partying and club fights.
The friends sat down at the curb to eat, smiling happily because the food. The sandwich like meal was a mess to eat but so good.
Ami was sitting in midst of the other two and when they all were finished they observed the sunrise. Ami slang her arms around the two and pulled their heads in. SunTzu and Rei were also holding hands, behind Ami's back. All three looked a bit done after that crazy night but were happy.
"I love you Guys. We should do crazy stuff like this more often. I haven't had that much fun in a long time."
Ami grinned happily and SunTzu and Rei kissed her on the cheek. She smiled even more but than yawned.
"Let's head back to the hotel." SunTzu said and got up, extending his hands to help up the the two women.
Ami fell asleep in the taxi, her head resting on SunTzu's shoulder. On the other side Rei's head was resting, the couple was holding hands and just absorbing the beauty of Coruscant in the early morning sun.
SunTzu carried Ami up to her room, she gave them her purse when they had to woke her up at the hotel.
Rei walked in front of him and opened the door.
SunTzu gently laid Ami down on her bed and Rei pulled the cover over here. They both wished her a goodnight and stroked gently over her head. Ami slept in with a smile on her face and the couple left their friend's room for their own.
They kicked away their shoes and Rei took off her bandana as the two lovers got in their room and laid down. Cuddling on the bed they enjoyed the skyline and the morning a bit more.
"Oh, I got a surprise." He said and got the remote for the room's entertainment system.
"Fitting for tonight I made a 2k R'n'B Playlist."
Rei began to laugh as SunTzu started the music.
After a few minutes she had to admit she liked it though. The closeness of each other, the music, the view, everything was so right in this moment.
Her head was next to his, even after all of the things they did tonight, she could still smell hints of his perfume on him.
She gripped his hand extra tight and he pulled her in tight.
"Never ever I would have dreamt that things would go like they did. And I thank the gods for you." She started to caress his cheek, her hand running through his beard that was growing again after he shaved it off for Yuma.
"You are my everything Rei. Please never forget about that."
"I'm afraid sometimes because I love you so much." She paused for a moment. "And this from Rei Hino, loner and men-hater." She smirked although her words came out very stern. "I'm afraid to loose you. I can't afford to."
"Bad weeds grow tall. And as long as I have you I always have a place and, even more, a reason to come home. I love you."
They kissed and she sat herself up and turned around, kissing him more passionately.
They looked each other deep in the eye.
"Did I already tell you how hot you're in this outfit? Even after this night?"
She started dancing to the music that was playing on top of him, grabbing his hat and throwing it away before leaning in to kiss him again.
Rei and SunTzu didn't sleep that much but enjoyed a long shower together before they got dressed and together with a hungover Ami went for lunch in one of the hotel's restaurant.
After that they were off to the Palace and Ada.
The three earthlings entered through the official east wing entrance and had to go through various security checks before they were allowed inside.
As they were making the way to Ada's office, Ami had the location on her datapad, a highly decorated General in a Starfighter Corps Uniform crossed their way and SunTzu, also in his Starfighter Corps Uniform immediately rose to attention and saluted. He didn't bring his medals but wore his service ribbons on it, including the one telling he was participating actively in the Defence of the Galaxy.
The General saluted back.
"At ease Lieutenant. Glad to see some active fighting personnel visits this building too."
"Thank you, General Cracken Sir!"
The General read SunTzu's name badge.
"SunTzu? I heard that name before." The General thought for a moment.
"Wait, weren't you one of those pilots that got the Distinguished Flying Medal after the Droid's Attack near Arkania?"
"Affirmative Sir. Nothing near your accomplishments though Sir."
The General extended his hand and they shook hands.
"Don't understate your achievements, Lieutenant. I read the mission debriefing, that was some outstanding flying from you and your wingmen."
"Thank you Sir. Means a lot from a Ace like you."
"I need to get going, it was my pleasure. Keep the thrusters on max Lieutenant."
The General, Commander of the Starfighter Corps, said his goodbye with an old greeting between A-Wing-Pilots.
SunTzu followed the General with his gaze, till he took a turn down an alley.
Did Pash Cracken, the most famous A-Wing-Pilot ever, really praised him right now?
"Why are you fanboying this General TopGun?"
After explaining to Rei which legend just acknowledged his actions they finally reached Ada's office and entered.
Ada's desk was a mess and she didn't look much better than the overnighted earthling trio.
They gathered around the small meeting table.
"We have a confession of the Rendili Guy. Fuckhead was very communicative after the death of that woman. And he seems to be afraid of the backers and people with that woman, although he doesn't know much about it."
She paused and looked into the round.
"It does seem that they are trying to build up a more powerful navy and also to gain some new technologies. Fleet intelligence is at it also now and we hope to get more intel soon. Good job, although it went different than i expect."
"Thank you, but this is usually how it goes with us, especially with those two." Rei and SunTzu grinned as Ami answered and motioned to the couple.
"What bothers me, is that we couldn't find out any thing about that woman. No ID, no entries anywhere. Like she was a ghost."
"Or someone deleted everything about her."
"This is my fear, that someone in such a position is working for the enemy."
The trio nodded, a traitor with such power would be very dangerous.
Before the meeting ended SunTzu asked his two companions to give him a minute with Ada.
The women left, although they looked curious what was going on.
SunTzu opened his jacket and handed the blaster back to Ada, barrel facing towards him, a sign of trust towards her.
She took the gun, moved the barrel away from facing him and looked to him.
"Ada, that woman said I look like someone she knows. And that letter that went to the Crystal Palace after these Vong tried to kill me was like my handwriting. What is going on here?"
She stared at him, thinking.
"I know people have a problem to tell me about my past and I'm not holding it against anyone. But what did this woman mean?"
Ada broke her eye contact.
"We don't know. I'm being honest here, believe me or not and it's really not easy to say for me but we don't know anything about the forces or people behind everything."
"Guess, I just have an evil twin then."
He got up and closed his uniform again.
"Thanks for the honesty, I appreciate it." He said as he turned to the door.
"SunTzu." Ada said and he turned back to her. "You did great till now, keep it up."
SunTzu nodded slowly and left the room.
The two Senshi and the pilot went back to their hotel to pack. They would take the evening flight back to Gaia. Of course Rei needed space in SunTzu's luggage after the other day's shopping spree.
Ada and Leon took them from the Hotel to the spaceport and they checked in.
"See you guys. Probably very soon again if things stay like that." Ada said and shook everybody's hand.
"If you guys are bored, visit us on earth. It never gets bored with us." SunTzu stated and shook Leon's hand.
Then they left for the security check and boarding, looking forward for their home.
Ami was already sleeping as the boarding was completed. She was sitting in front of the couple this time. The shuttle was pretty empty this time. The flight attendant brought two glasses of champagne for the couple.
Rei was sitting at the window and when they lifted off the couple had a last long look over the skyline of the Metropolis.
"That was fun. We should come again."
"Oh, this sounds different to when we first got here TopGun."
"Guess it was my company that changed my mind."
They clinged their glasses.
"To us. And Ami for still tagging along with us."
"To Ami. And to us. The acknowledged ace pilot and the contender to Sol's Senator in the Galactic Alliance. If we ever get a seat that is."
"You made your head up and will be applying for it?"
"Yes, your words gave me the start."
SunTzu took Rei's hand and squeezed it softly.
"You know what i was thinking about? We should stop going to clubs. It always ends in chaos and I'm getting to old for this." SunTzu said. Rei looked at the champagne glass in her hand.
"I think we should even go out to clubs some more. I developed a liking in kicking ass beside you."
She smiled at him mischievously.
