CHAPTER 16
Mesartim, Valexa PDZ,
Capellan March, Federated Suns,
May 3, 3074
The Overlord dropship 'Dragneel's Keel' made its final descend in the distance, kicking up drab cloud of dust that contrasted the plume of white smoke from its exhausts. Small jets around the main engine guided the massive dropship to its designated landing platform. Eight massive legs stretched out to anchor the egg-shape behemoth when it landed.
"The Redfield Renegades are in full retreat," Major Fernandes debriefed the Ryuken-go Strike Lance as the Overlord touched down in the distance. "The mayor of Pequod Place had return to his office, and Mesartim militia had retaken the city from the Capellan mercenary, with help from the 1st Fed Suns Armored Cavalry. Your contribution to the Cavalry's war effort is critical."
"Just doing our job, Sir," Kayoko replied modestly, but the gleaming conceit in her face was imminent.
"You've done a hell of a job as a young team," Fernandes shot a mischievous grin. "I am thoroughly impressed with your performance. I've been talking to Field Marshal Nathaniel Hasek to give you – all four of you – the Federated Suns Star for performing above and beyond the line of duty."
"Holy sh…" Kayoko blurted. "Thank you, Sir!" she snapped a vigorous salute, followed by Noloty and the other two mechwarriors.
"The Ryuken-go will be proud of you," Fernandes continued, "yet I am a fool if I don't offer you a position in my unit. Granted, I'll be burning the bridge with Sho-sa Scarlet, but for the sake of the Federated Suns, I'll do it. So… Do you want to be Davions? The 1st Federated Sun Armored Cavalry is working at 50-percent strength, and we could use high-caliber mechwarriors like you."
Kayoko turned to Noloty with a smile, and the twinkle in her eyes was enough to support her decision. "Thank you, Sir, we are flattered by your offer. But we are servants of Draconis Combine. We will always hold the banner of Kurita for as long as we live."
Fernandes threw a small smile at Noloty. "Alright, then. Happy trails back to Kuritan space. Give my best regards to Tai-sa Sandokan." He turned around and walked toward his omnitank. "Safe journey, ladies. I'm sure our path will cross again in the future."
Kayoko and Noloty watched Fernandes until he disappeared into his tank, then started walking toward the dropship. "Well, what do you think?" Kayoko puffed up her chest, making her breasts bustier. "How would a platinum Davion star look on my bosom?"
Noloty snickered in response. "I think it'll fit you."
"He's not bad, that Major Fernandes," Kayoko grinned from ear to ear. "If his eyes are not fixed on Sho-sa Scarlet, I'd love to discuss his proposition over dinner."
"Do you really think of joining the Davions?" Noloty said halfheartedly.
"The thought did come to mind. After all, I have a Davion star, haven't I?" Kayoko replied. "They are the strongest nation in the Inner Sphere. They have the most advanced battlemechs. Have you seen the Templars? Sweet ride. They govern the most planets and the largest territory. Who wouldn't want to be in the winning team?"
"They are arrogant and unrefined," Noloty shrugged. "Lack of valor, lack of respect. I am a simple Draconis Combine girl. I don't want to serve any other nation, no matter how great the nation is."
"I admire your devotion," Kayoko slung her arms over Noloty's shoulder. "Perhaps I should follow your lead. Stick with the Ryuken-go."
"I think that's what's best for us," Noloty beamed. "Long live the Coordinator!"
"Long live indeed!" Kayoko pumped her fist in the air as they climbed the ramp into the dropship.
Halstead City,
Halstead Station, Ashio Prefecture,
Dieron Military District, Draconis Combine,
June 17, 3074
The interstrellar trip back to Kuritan space was anticlimactic. Absolutely nothing interesting happened during the flight, and the Kuritans were inches away from becoming insane from boredom, before the journey mercifully ended right where it started 4 months prior.
The Ryuken-go began to dismount, and Noloty couldn't wait to get her feet on solid ground, but the sight of Tsagoi made her knees stiff. He wore haggard Kuritan fatigues that made her mouth dry, and he casually conversed with Chu-I Seether at the end of the dropship ramp. She did miss him, and she thought of him a lot of times, especially during the boring return trip, but she didn't expect 'front gate pick up' like this. She longed for him but she was not ready for him.
"Is that your 'guy'?" Kayoko's breath was hot on Noloty's neck. "Shit, girl, you're one lucky cookie."
"Tsagoi Sandokan? What is Tai-sa Sandokan doing here?" Chu-I Kiyomi blurted. "Is he relieving Scarlet? Are we going to be integrated into the 13th Legion of Vega? Damn, that would suck."
"No we're not," Kayoko threw a wink at Kiyomi. "He's here for 'her'."
"OK let's not overreacting," Noloty attempted to play down the situation, but her flushing face and neurotically raised pitch only added awkwardness into the mix. "He is not my 'guy'. We are not together. He is not here for me. See that? He's talking to Seether. They're talking about some mech-y… stuffs… thing to… you know, talk about…"
Kayoko and Kiyomi traded incredulous look. "Hey, we're cool. You're the one that's not."
Noloty realized how stupid she made herself look. She took deep breaths and tried to minimize the damage. "I'm cool. Nothing to be stressed out about. He's not here for me. You go ahead. I'm just gonna… uhm, stay here for the time being."
"Alright, if you're not going to talk to him, I'll go talk to him," Kayoko said playfully. "I'm going to deliver Major Fernandes' message to him, then I'll see if he's free for dinner."
"Alright! Alright! I'm going!" Noloty knew Kayoko's perception toward men, and she could barely stand the thought of her friend chasing Tsagoi in full speed. "I am fine. I can handle Tai-sa Sandokan." She barreled out of the dropship like a battlemech diving headlong into battle. "You can do whenever you want. I'm outta here at this moment, but not for him… unless he's going for me… ah, who am I kidding. Let's get out of here!"
"She's a wreck," Kiyomi tried unsuccessfully to stifle her laughter. "Stay with her, make sure she does not embarrass herself or bring shame to the Ryuken-go, but give her space."
"Ryokai, approaching objective," Kayoko nodded and started following Noloty.
"Hey," Kiyomi grabbed Kayoko's arm. "Whatever you think of him, don't do it."
"With all due respect, Chu-I, Heishi Noloty is my best friend," Kayoko stiffened up, clearly offended by Kiyomi's remark. "Our friendship weighs so much more than a pair of balls, even at Tai-sa Sandokan's station."
"Good to know loyalty still has worth," Kiyomi released Kayoko's arm. "Carry on, Soldier."
Noloty tried to act nonchalantly but the knot in her lower abs forced her to cringe uncomfortably. Seether had left, so Tsagoi was locking his eyes on her, making her even more uncomfortable. Tsagoi noticed the weird grin and the weird gait of the chocolate-skinned girl, but he could only guess that it was due to the long interstellar flight.
"Welcome back," Tsagoi chirped. "Enjoyable flight?"
"It was fine, Sir," Noloty saluted awkwardly. "I'm glad to be back. What brings you here?"
"I was in the vicinity, and I heard that you'd return with a sparkling platinum Davion star on your chest," Tsagoi coined a fib. "I'd like to see it myself."
"Ah, well, it's still under consideration, Sir," Noloty's face turned blood red. "Major Fernandes is proposing it to Field Marshall Nathaniel Hasek. It's going to be a while."
"Even then it's an accomplishment, considering you are still an intern," Tsagoi smirked.
"I just uh… doing my job, Sir," Noloty could barely stand straight.
"Heishi Noloty is too modest, Sir," Kayoko suddenly appeared, holding Noloty's shoulder before she broke down. "I am Sho-Ko Kayoko Kuraishi, Noloty's commanding officer. I can attest Noloty's heroics and sacrifice under enemy's heavy fire. Her selfless deeds are the reason everybody return safely."
Noloty shot a 'what-the-hell-are-you-doing' stare at Kayoko, but the long-haired woman returned with a wink.
"I never had doubt," Tsagoi nodded. "Sho-ko, I would like to borrow Heishi Noloty for an important post-campaign debriefing."
"She is free for the rest of the day, Sir," Kayoko smiled knowingly. "If I need her, I will be in contact. And Sir, Major Fernandes sent you his regard."
"Thank you, Sho-ko," Tsagoi grinned. "Heishi Noloty, follow me."
Noloty could only stare at Tsagoi's back as the burly man turned around and started walking away from the dropship. She turned to Kayoko, who flashed a lewd smile at her.
"Go get him, Tiger!" Kayoko hissed under her breath, then slapped Noloty's butt before leaving.
The smooth ambience of the local bar and half a bottle of Black Pearl sake loosened up Noloty's tongue. The better part of the two-hour was spent blabbering about her time at Mesartim, from the moment the Ryuken-go lance touched down right in the thick of a battle, to the unlikely triumph over the Redfield Renegades' mixed company, leaving no detail untold.
"You should've seen the size of that thing," Noloty took a large gulp from her glass. "Three rows of tracks, armed to the teeth. Its entire fat ass was covered by missiles. A Gauss rifle and an LB10X were thrown into the mix, mounted on a turret for 360-degree coverage. It was slow as a hog, but who cares about speed if you have that many weapons. And armor. We put good numbers at it, but it just kept rolling."
"That's Commander Circe, one of the top lieutenants of Commander Rahxephon that you killed," Tsagoi took a swig from the bottle. "A tough bitch, who likes to toy with her 'preys' before she demolished them. With Rahxephon gone, she'll most likely take command of the Redfield Renegades. You'll meet her again. Redfield Renegades, like the Markham's Marauders, are slaves to the highest bidders." He looked at Noloty's face until she blushed. "You have a penchant of pissing off high-ranking officers. Nachtschatten, Dultom Markham, Rahxephon, Circe. You haven't pissed off a Word of Blake officer yet but I think you are due."
Noloty giggled. "I guess it's my luck."
"It's a rare 'talent' DCMS may have a use. We have lots of enemies. We are great allies with the Fed Suns, but it may change in the near future. We are at standoffs with the Lyrans and Ghost Bears because of a common enemy, but the war with Word of Blake will not last forever. And don't forget the Outworld Alliance and those pirate bands at the outskirt of Draconis Combine."
"I wonder what would happen if the Ryuken-go has to fight the 1st Federated Suns Armored Cavalry," Noloty mused. "What is the nature of Sho-sa Scarlet's relationship with Major Fernandes?"
"Why are you interested?"
"I guess I'm just wondering if Sho-sa Scarlet and Major Fernandes would put duty ahead of their relationship, or the other way around."
"I don't know, and to be honest, I don't care," Tsagoi finished up the bottle and ordered another one. "But when their loyalty is put to test, I assure you they will not fail. Scarlet is a very proud Kuritan. She will carry the banner of Draconis Combine until her last breath. The same with Major Fernandes."
"What about you, Sir? Have you ever had to decide between your allegiance to the Draconis Combine and your loyalty to a woman?"
"No. I don't burden myself with someone that could potentially become my adversary."
"Are you uhm…" Noloty cleared her throat before continuing, "… seeing anybody?"
"I see you."
Noloty laughed awkwardly. "I take it you meant professionally."
Tsagoi shrugged. "How about you? Are you seeing anybody?"
"Not at the moment. I am not emotionally available."
"How about physically?"
Noloty didn't know if it was the amount of alcohol she consumed or the adrenaline in her veins. She started sweating. By the way she acted around Tsagoi, it was clear how she felt about him, but this was the first time he gave her a hint about how he felt about her. Was he interested in *physical* relationship with her? Or was he only messing with her? It was tough to tell someone's true intention when her best judgment was impaired by alcohol.
"I uh… save it for special occasion with special someone," Noloty played it down casually, but made room for his interpretation. "Did you hear anything from Sho-sa Scarlet?" she changed the subject.
"She hasn't returned, but she successfully lobbied Dieron Military District to release Ryuken-go. 'Lobbied' might be too subtle a word. Knowing her, I would expect a lot of yelling and cursing. But I digress. You'll be going back to Ashio soon."
"Soon? How soon?"
"Couple of weeks, couple of months, I don't know." Tsagoi caught the bummed expression in Noloty's face. "I thought that's what you want, kicking Word of Blake's asses."
"It is, but…" Noloty leaned back on the couch and sighed rather audibly. "I just got here."
"So?"
"I wish I had…" she paused, wondering if she should divulge her feelings, "… a little bit more time."
"You may not get much but you should get enough for special occasion with your special someone."
Noloty couldn't anything but to giggle. He knew exactly what she meant, and wasted no time to get back at her. It takes two to tango, and he was playing the same game as her. Noloty wondered if anything would ever happen to them. He was so much different than any boys that had come close to her, boys that showed no restraint about what they wanted to do with her. He was so close yet so far.
By this time a mid-tempo ballad with a mellow pop tune played in the background. Tsagoi squeezed Noloty's hand and gave it a gentle tug. "Do you dance?"
"Dance?" Noloty was at a loss of word. She took a few quick breaths to gain ground, because her felt like she had just been hit in the head by a Gauss slug. "I thought this was a mission debriefing, like you told Kayoko…"
"Debriefing was over an hour ago," Tsagoi squeezed her hand tighter. "Come, dance with me."
"I haven't danced since boot camp, Sir," Noloty resisted. "And that was a different kind of dance…"
"It's not that hard. Put your hand in here, your other hand in here," Tsagoi towed Noloty to the center of the bar, "then just move with the music. Imagine you are the leaves, and the song is the breeze."
"I- I- I don't know this song," Noloty whimpered.
"It's an old love song, Aishiteru Banzai, by Maki Nishikino. Beautiful piece. I don't want to waste it by sitting on a couch drinking sake. I always want to dance to this song with the most beautiful girl I have ever met."
Noloty choked. She didn't realize Tsagoi felt that strong for her. Her mouth gaped and she stood like a statue as Tsagoi put his hand on the small of her back, guided her toward her until her breasts pressed flat against his steel-hard pectoral muscle. It made her knees wobbly and her backbone turn to mush. His musk overwhelmed her senses, drowning the canary on the speaker who kept on singing about the sun and the rain and the hopes and dreams for the bright future. Who cares about the song anymore?
"I uh… I hope I do not disappoint you, Sir," Noloty stammered as she rested her head on his midsection.
"On the contrary, you exceed all expectations," Tsagoi slowly pulled her hair back, forcing her to look at him. "You know, when I heard the news that you are going to Ashio, I realized that we are not going to see each other for a while. A long time, if ever. I'm gonna miss you." He leaned forward and planted a gentle kiss on her nose, then down to her lips.
Noloty didn't react, and she knew she would regret it, but she was too engrossed in the event to do anything else. It was a rough yet genuine kiss, but she could see his heart through his lips, and she was glad she saw found nobody else. Only her.
"I uh… I had missed you too," Noloty struggled to find words. They were not necessary, but she felt the urge to say something, since she hadn't said anything since everything went spiraling out of control. "I haven't stopped thinking about you, especially at Mesartim, when I we are parsecs apart."
"Well, then, I don't really like this song," Tsagoi broke the kiss and perked his head to check on the music, which had changed to something more upbeat. "How about some fresh air?"
A nod was all Noloty could muster. She knew he was not looking for fresh air. She knew she could fall into a major fiasco with internal affairs if she went with this, but by Hachiman, she wanted it. She had to have it. She might not live through Ryuken-go's Ashio campaign, she wouldn't forgive herself if she missed this chance to be with the man she adored so much. Or by her own words: a special occasion with a special someone.
