The couple's day started with a visit from Master Cilghal in Rei's office to question them about yesterday's encounter with Abeloth, the so called Bringer of Chaos, but it seemed that it wasn't much new, which they could tell the Jedi Master about the Force Entity. Cilghal told them, that the Jedi, as well as their unlike Sith Allies, were on it but it appeared that Abeloth was able to flee, probably she had already left the system again. Nonetheless, Strike Teams were still out on the hunt and Jedi all over the galaxy were looking for signs of the Monster's appearance.

The couple then bid farewell to the Mon Calamari Jedi Healer and went on with their days.

SunTzu and Rei did indeed take consequences from their fight against Abeloth. While Rei, decided to take a break from their daily training and focus on her work as Senator, SunTzu did the exact opposite and trained like a maniac. Against everybody he could find, Outers, Inners, Commandos, he didn't care. He was driven by yesterday's encounter, and his inability to proper face Abeloth, and he told himself he desperately had to get better. And after physical training and physical exercising he went to the range of the base where the Far Side had landed on and trained some more there, joined by some of the troops onboard as well as Setsuna, while the other Outers were training together with Terra and some local Squadrons. SunTzu would switch places with Hotaru later on and train with AICA as well. He didn't plan on taking a break today.

When he finally came back from training in the late afternoon, Ami had shot him a message to come visit her as soon as he could arrange it.

On the way to Ami, SunTzu called Rei. She was still in her office but they would meet each other for dinner. Both were missing the other.

He told her he just would visit Ami and then come right over. The training had been exhausting.

Ami was in her office onboard the Far Side and so SunTzu knocked on the door and entered.

"There you are, I was waiting for you." The Head of Royal Intelligence greeted SunTzu.

"Good evening to you too, Ami."

"Sorry, good evening." Apparently the blue haired genius was quite excited about something.

"So, what's the matter? You found a certain blonde Force Creature?"

"Errr… no. Too bad the Jedi couldn't get that Monster. But I found a really attractive target just around the corner on Metellos. After an incident a few years ago, the planet's military bases are under a close eye from the Intelligence and someone noticed that every month large amounts of ammunition are being shipped off from a depot on the planet."

"And this is odd because?"

"This is odd because nobody knows where the ammo is going. It's been pretty well hidden but the ammo just vanishes. And it's always the same two Imperial Galleons that pick up the ammo."

"Imperial Galleons? This means they're not the usual lightly armed freighter."

"I know, that's why we have some backup this time. It's a combined action of Galactic Alliance, Fleet and Royal Intelligence. AICA and the Voyager take care of the Galleons with some EMP-Missiles and Teams 2 and 3 seize them. Fleet Intelligence lends us a modified Freighter for this. On the ground, both Fleet and Galactic Intelligence will raid the depot." She paused for a moment and then continued with a joyful smile. "And the best thing is that I mediated that we can keep the two Galleons after their seizing."

"Oh, that's why you're so excited. We're into ship theft now."

"Confiscation is not theft. So, what do you say?"

SunTzu weighted it out for a moment about it, if they could take out the Galleons weapons and engines this could be doable. If the ships were full with ammo and not troops.

"If we catch them by surprise we might have a chance."

"That's why we have to act immediately, as the three week interval is due tonight. The Commandos are already prepared, as have been the fighters and Haruka and Michiru have been briefed already as well. As I said, I was waiting for you already."

"I see. When are we leaving?"

"You have three hours."

"I see. If you would excuse me then, please. I want to at least have dinner with my girlfriend."

SunTzu left the Far Side on board of AICA and went to Rei's apartment in the Senate District.

Rei had arrived a few minutes before him and was under the shower.

Pragmatic as the pilot was, he joined his girlfriend under the shower to save some time.

Rei wasn't exactly happy about the fact that SunTzu would leave after dinner again and come back somewhen in the middle of the night or even later. To make at least partially up for it, he treated her to some of the best street food Coruscant had to offer and a small walk in one of the most artsy neighborhoods of the planet before.

He flew her back to the luxurious high rise building she was residing at and Rei got out of the cockpit. The former shrine maiden had seemed to enjoy herself and the normality and their togetherness at their casual dinner date, but on the way back to home she fell pretty silent.

"Happy hunting and take care of TopGun, AICA." The Senator said as she climbed out the cockpit and moved away from the Starfighter.

SunTzu raised an eyebrow as she seemingly walked away without saying him goodbye.

She kept walking on, so much for trying to at least trying from his side. He pressed his lips together and focused on the displays in the cockpit.

Suddenly a head appeared next to him.

"Did you really think I'd go without saying goodbye?" Rei asked with a playful smile and then she laughed as she saw him pouting and she couldn't help herself to anything other than to wrap her arm around him and lean in for a kiss.

"If I'm waking up alone, I'll burn down your collection of caps." She joked after the kiss.

"Don't worry, I'll hurry. Just gonna help our retired pirate captain to steal two capital warships. I'll be home before the late news end."

She smiled and shook her head before she leaned in and planted another affectionate kiss on his lips.

"Go get'em then, Tiger."

"Yes Ma'am. I love you Rei."

"I love you too. I'll be waiting here."

She jumped down and took a few steps back as the canopy closed and SunTzu shot her a wink before AICA lifted off and began to ascend into the night sky.


Galactic Intelligence had provided them with a bulk freighter that had enough room in it's hangar to stow two starfighters and two Larties.

The freighter would fall out of Hyperspace near Metellos and the two snubs would disable the two Galleons before they could jump away. Then they would be scanned by the advanced sensory on board the modified freighter before the Commandos, supported by two Tactical Teams of the Intelligence Service, would board and seize them, stipulating anyone on board.

That was the theoretical plan, and everybody hoped that Murphy's law for once wouldn't bite them in their well formed butts.

The freighter fell out of Hyperspace and immediately the Voyager and AICA shot out of the huge hangar door.

In stealth mode and using every thing they could use as visible cover from asteroids to moons to other ships, they closed in on their prey.

"I suppose you guys hurry, the Galleons will be at their jump point in less than two minutes." Ami's voice came in over a secured radio channel.

"What do you guys say, we sacrifice stealth for velocity?" Haruka came in over SunTzu's and Michiru's comms.

"I feel the need…" Michiru replied.

"…. the need for speed!" All three of them finished the sentence as both pilots gave full thrust and shot away from the large freighter they were hiding behind.

"AICA Darling, would you please be so nice and give me and our two charming companions a lock on the two Star Galleons."

"Nothing i'd rather do. Michiru, targets locked."

"Ladies first." SunTzu stated as the two snubs rocketed towards the two Galleons so fast that they were hard to track with eyes only.

"Too kind. Missiles away." Michiru replied and two EMP missiles shot out of the TIE Aggressor's warhead launchers.

"Two away." SunTzu stated and launched two EMP Missiles as well.

The missiles hit the two transport ships before their crews even had time to sound an alarm.

The two Star Galleons now were drifting dead in space, all their offensive and defensive systems short circuited.

"Command, both targets hit. No sign of any opposition so far." Michiru sent the news to their mothership.

"Copy, Voyager. Be on standby for any complications."

"Roger." That said from Michiru the three pilots fell completely silent while waiting, nobody wanted to be the one that called it, if something bad would happen.

A few minutes later the Freighter had maneuvered next to the still motionless transport ships.

The three Guardians were still on standby as suddenly two missiles or rather harpoons shot out from a hidden launcher on the Intelligence Service's freighter and one each punched into a Star Galleon. They were connected with cables to the freighter.

A short time later Ami came in again.

"We scanned the ship and took over their remaining systems. Both are running on skeleton crews so the Commandos shouldn't have any problems. Jupiter is on standby next to me though, just in case."

A minute later the Gunships left the freighter. A few systems onboard the ships sprung on again and an airlock on each ship opened.

The Larties flew to the locks and the Commandos and Tactical Teams entered the ship through those locks, all of them in full armor.

Within a few minutes both teams reported that they had seized control over the ships. Specialists on the Intelligence Teams were trained to steer the capital ships and assessed the situation.

The crew was disguised as actual Alliance personnel but quick background checks and one-the-spot-interrogations showed that they had been hired to do so and steer the vessels.

Another few minutes later the specialists were done with the check-ups on the ships. Both ships were functional enough to jump to Hyperspace and reach Coruscant and so the three ships formed up.

Before they jumped the two starfighters landed back on the freighter and the three guardians went back to the small control center on board, where Ami and Makoto conducted the mission.

As the trio arrived at the control center, the ships jumped to Hyperspace and the three pilots fist bumped each other. They had made it without any complications.

Each of the Guardians then let out a big breather, for once things worked out better than they had even hoped for.

A satisfied looking Ami was talking to Makoto, the Special Forces Captain looking rather relieved as well.

"Good work out there guys. We're not home yet but I'd say the mission was a success."

"Like i once said, Makoto is a lucky charm when it comes to your little, how did you call it, confiscation missions." SunTzu said with a smile.

"What can I say, even the Universe seems to know to not mess with me." Makoto stated with a shrug of her soulders and a smug grin.

"Guess I'll keep my cap collection. And get some timely sleep." SunTzu stated.

"Sleep sounds wonderful." Michiru chimed in.

"Talking about that." Haruka said and walked over to a table where some cups and a pot of coffee were standing on.

She fetched herself a cup and after blowing to cool it off a bit she took a sip.

"Mhm." She stated on the quality of the coffee and then offered it to her girlfriend.

Michiru walked over and took a sip from the cup, while Haruka still held it in her hand.

"So, any Intel on who sent these guys? Or where they shipped the ammo to?" SunTzu asked Ami.

"Not much yet, apparently these guys were just free crewers that were hired at spaceports, bars and the like. And apparently they always made a few jumps to shake anyone potentially following them and dropped the ammunition off at a different place every time. We'll see what else we can get out of them."


Two hours later the ships fell out of Hyperspace near Coruscant where a frigate already was waiting to escort them to the planet. The two Star Galleons would be thoroughly checked and maintenanced and then brought to Earth.

As soon as they fell out of hyperspace SunTzu asked Ami if they would still need him. She dismissed him and he immediately took AICA and left the ship, rushing home where his beloved girlfriend was waiting.

AICA glided in silently on repulsors onto the landing on the roof of the building.

SunTzu got out and AICA silently lifted off again, back to the Far Side.

SunTzu took the elevator down to the floor where Rei's apartment was on and silently opened the door.

He sneaked into the apartment and noticed that the holo was still on.

Trying to be as silent as he could, he entered the living room.

The pilot stopped in front of the couch, a warm smile forming on his lips.

Rei, a wool blanket over her, had fallen asleep on the sofa. She probably had waited for him, as she was already in her nightgown.

SunTzu just stood there for a moment, taking a moment to adore her in the light of the holo projector, which was playing some stupid series, laying on her back, an arm under her neck. Her face as beautiful as the face of a sculpture, her flawless skin, her silk-like, long black hair spread out behind her, her perfect curves. His smile widened, how lucky he was to have such a goddess as his significant other. Her passion, her way to love, her intelligence, her gracefulness, her humor and her ambition.

Rei Hino, you perfect piece of art.

Quietly, to not wake her, he walked up to the sofa and kneeled down.

He slide his hands under her and carefully lifted her up into his arms.

Rei's lips curled up and she leaned her head onto his body.

"You are home." She said half asleep. "I was waiting for you my Love."

"Let's go to bed." SunTzu stated with a low kept voice as he carefully carried her over to the bedroom and the bed.

Gently as her body was a piece of fine china he laid her down.

Her eyes opened halfways and she smiled at him again, tired but happy.

"I'll just take a quick shower and then join you."

When SunTzu came back from the bathroom a few minutes later he found her to be sleeping again, at least he thought so.

Silently he laid down next to her and just as he was about to put the blanket over his body she rolled onto him and pulled her hands around him, embracing him tightly.

"I'm glad you're home. I missed you." She whispered.

"I missed you too. I'm glad I could come home so early."

"You smell so good." She said and lifted her head up.

Their eyes locked and for a moment they just lost themselves in each other's eyes before she leaned down and placed her lips on his and he reciprocated the kiss tenderly.


The couple had been thinking to have a quiet morning the next day and that they could at least sleep a bit longer, so they were both surprised and angered when at eight o' clock local time the door rang.

"What the fuck?!" Rei remarked angered, after being awoken this way.

"I'll go." An annoyed SunTzu said as he got up, just dressed in boxer shorts.

Sleep drunken he walked over to the door as the bell ran again. It was the bell for the door directly, not the concierge in the building's entrance.

"Yeah, I'm coming. For fucks sake!"

Having arrived at the door he took a look at the monitor by the door, which showed what or who was in front of the door.

SunTzu closed his eyes and nodded with a grin. Who else of course, he thought as he opened the door.

"Woah SunTzu, it's too early in the morning to make me feel that thirsty." Minako said with a mischievous smile while she let her gaze wonder over his half naked body.

"Good Morning Minako, what brings you to this senatorial residence so early?"

"I'm sorry if I woke you up. I heard you were on a mission yesterday night. You two did sleep, did you? Or did you two made insatiable love until now?"

"First of all, don't be so curious. And second, yes we were sleeping, that was at least, until you had to wake us up. You're playing with your life my dear Goddess of Love!" Rei now sullenly remarked as she came out of the bedroom and put a morning robe on.

Minako stepped inside, taking a last quick look to SunTzu at the side at the door, holding said door with a wide smile before she looked back at Rei.

"I'm sorry, but when I was crossing a magazine shop on my way to breakfast today I saw this and I had to buy and show it to you." The blonde extended a magazine before the raven haired and with an annoyed look Rei took the magazine.

"Oh. My. Gods!" She literally jumped up into the air in joy and began to cheer.

"Yasssss! Damn, these pics at the Jacuzzi, you guys are so hot in them." Minako chimed in in the cheering of Rei until she was next to Rei who opened the magazine now and began to browse it.

"Come here Babe, that's the newest Vogue." She held up the magazine. The two lovers, Rei as Princess Mars and SunTzu in his Starfighter Corps Uniform had made the cover, and they looked so good on it.

"You have to see the other pics." Minako told and she and Rei went over to the living room and on the sofa to see the rest of the pics.

"I'll fetch us some coffee." SunTzu said to the girls that were absorbed into the magazine by now.

"Thanks Babe. And please, put some clothes on before Minako starts drooling."


Author's Note:

Beginning after this chapter, various side-stories will become a part of the series IBWFY is a part of. To simplify things for me and because I personally like the platform more, these will only get posted at AO3 (same author). Apart from the side-stories, the chapters on AO3 have more side informations and sometimes even the chapter's soundtrack mentioned in the notes as well. So if you want the whole experience I suggest to have a look there as well.

Thank you all for reading this fic and the support.