Waking suddenly, details from the nightmare fade quickly but the sense of dread hangs on like it always does.

"Was it Kevin or Mom…?" I wonder quietly.

Sighing and not wanting to know I slide out of bed and turn off my alarm. The sun is just starting to rise and the first rays are sneaking into my bungalow.

Today is the day, a lot is riding on what we find; I hope Miyuki has everything in order. I shouldn't have included her in the mission, she's smart but she takes things like this too lightly and forgets easily. To late now, I'll just have to be ready to cover her mistakes.

Turning on my connection gear I am surprised to see there aren't any new messages. Usually Doctus reminds me of the dangers and asks if I want to back out.

"Hmm, maybe she's starting to take me seriously."

Setting the gear back in it's charger I rub the sleep from my eyes and walk to the kitchen counter to turn on the coffee maker, usually I have tea but I need to be extra alert today.

I feel restless, maybe it's because of the mission, or maybe it was the dreams…it doesn't really matter I am not going to sit here and brood over it.

Stepping outside I slide my nightshirt over my head and grab the swimsuit that's hanging up. I know there is no one out here but the animals and me but I still feel watched as I pull on the bottoms and the clip the top together.

Just to be safe I grab the Connection Gear from its stand and jog lightly out to the beach. Stopping next to my lounge chair I take a deep breath and drink in the warm morning air. I never really got a chance like this when I worked for Vector, I could have taken a vacation if I wanted to but there was always too much to do.

Vector…I hope Kos-Mos is doing ok. I didn't want to leave her but I just couldn't be there anymore after I found out what they were really up to. I know Allen will watch over her, there isn't anyone else I would trust her to. If he wasn't there I don't think I could have left, no matter what I discovered. Still…I worry.

Damn, I can't think about this right now, I have to focus on the mission.

Dropping the Gear on the seat I run out to the softly breaking waves and the cold water washes over my legs as I plunge into the inlet. Just as I am about to dive into the swimming hole I hear a chirp behind me. Half crouched I look back over my shoulder as the chirp sounds again.

"Of course I get a call now, I can't ever have a minute to myself." I groan. Turning I walk slowly back through the surf, relishing the feel of it on my legs.

The warm sand is under my feet before I know it and the peaceful morning is broken as I pick up the Gear and open my message.

Shion.

The timetable has been moved up. I hope you are ready. As soon as you get this log in, I will notify Vector-girl and will be waiting for you.

alea iacta est

Doctus

"Damn." Squeezing the Gear tightly as adrenaline rushes through me I close the window and snap it into its holster; sprinting off the beach and up the hill to the Dinah I jump into the pilot seat and enclose the cockpit.

Engaging the system I close my eyes as the darkness engulfs me, "Your right Doctus, the die has been cast."