Chapter 13: Loosing the Path

"A month of searching, and we still haven't heard anything." Holland sighed tiredly as he sat down in a chair. Stoner, Hap, and Matthieu were there as well. All of them sat around a table with a large black screen surface. The screen projected a large map, and several red dots softly glowing across it.

"We've checked several U.F. facilities and command centers… But the P.O.F. keeps turning up with nothing." Hap responded in the same tone. Silence filled the room as they looked down at the radar table. Stoner tilted his head up and looked over at Holland.

"How are the kids and… Him holding up? Ever since a month ago, when she randomly ran off with the U.F…. Well, Renton just seemed to disappear. Except at dinner and other meals of the day." Stoner asked carefully and shifted his gaze back down towards the radar screen.

"The kids are doing a lot better then he is. Around the kids he acts normal, as if nothings wrong. But when he steps away, he totally locks himself in." Holland responded while scratching the back of his head.

"He's changed, I mean, me and doggie tried to invite him along for some reffing. But he wouldn't even open the door to his room." Matthieu said from the side. The whole area felt a little too dark to Holland. Everything was starting to go down hill ever since Eureka had disappeared.

"It doesn't help with the U.F. starting to launch attacks on random command centers. And now that they're using the S.U.s." Hap grumbled and leaned back in his chair.

"Well, at the moment, we need to re-supply on some of our food storage. Not only that, we might need a few more charged batteries. The 606's is starting to get finicky." Holland started, pushing away the grim feeling that was filling the room, and restoring a sense of importance. Every one else nodded and sat up in their seats. "Matthieu and Stoner, I want you two to go and re-supply the food items." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small piece of paper. Both Stoner and Matthieu looked up in surprise, their eyes pressing with protest.

"Why not get Gidget, Talho, or Hilda to do it?" Matthieu asked in an irritatingly whiny voice. Holland raised his eye brows as if he didn't care, in which he didn't.

"Talho is tending to my child. Hilda and Gidget have gone out for the last three restocks, not including Renton and Eureka. You two on the other hand have done nothing." Holland sat up and responded dully. He then looked over at Hap. "Me and Hap will go and replace the batteries." Hap nodded and stood up himself. Both Stoner and Matthieu's heads fell down in defeat. "Oh and take Renton with you, that kid needs some fresh air." Holland grinned slightly before both him and Hap left the room.

Matthieu and Stoner grumpily walked down the hall and stopped in front of Renton and Eureka's room. Stoner lifted his fist and knocked the tip of his knuckle on the door.

"Renton! You in there?" He called through the door. At first no sound would come, but a muted shuffling noise could be heard. Matthieu and Stoner quickly looked at each other uncomfortably. The door slid open and Renton stood there, looking down at the ground. Both of them flinched back slightly, seeing how lifeless his face was.

"R-Renton, hey buddy, me and Stoner are heading out to the city. We're going to go restock on some of the supplies, and Holland wants you to come with us." Matthieu attempted to speak casually, but a few nervous chuckles found their way out of his chest. Renton nodded and stepped out lazily.

"Alright then, let's go." His response was too simple to match his features. He began walking down the hall gloomily. Every step he took seemed tired and lost. Stoner leaned over slightly to Matthieu.

"Geez, now the kids starting to make me depressed." Stoner mumbled into Matthieu's ears.

---

The Gekko-Go soared down and dove in for a steep landing. The wheels barely tapped the ground when they immediately took hold of the speeding road. Gently the Gekko-Go drew to a soft halt and turned into one of the many large hangers. The landing base was convenient and mostly plain. Several large buildings lined along the road with either open or closed doors.

---

Holland stood up from his command chair and walked over to Gidjet's comm. Station, and just as he thought, the comm. switched on to a receiving signal.

"Gekko-Go, eh? What brings you people around here?" A young male voice asked through the comm.. Holland smirked slightly and tilted his head back.

"We're just here for refuel and a restock in supplies. That wouldn't be to much, would it?" He asked and shifted his head back down to the comm..

"Sure, no problem, but its going to be a little expensive. You know with the war starting up… Heh, what am I saying? You would know that all to well." Holland grimaced slightly, not really feeling it was a subject he wanted to discuss.

"Right, Gidjet here will give you our specifications. In the mean time, we don't want any one entering the hanger besides Gekko-State Members." He nodded at Gidjet to take over for him. Hap stood up from his station and started for the door.

"Meet you at the hanger Holland." Hap said and waved before leaving the door. Holland shared one short nod and quickly ran over to his station. His eyes darted across the small computer screen until he was satisfied, and then started for the hanger himself.

---

Stoner sighed and placed his hands in his pockets as he walked down the catapult ramp. Matthieu walked along side him, while Renton slowly fell behind. The three walked across the large hanger and entered a small door. As they passed through, they were instantly led to the outside. Renton shielded his eyes at the sudden burst of light.

"Alright, looks like we don't have too much to find." Matthieu muttered and he glanced at the list with little care. A few moments passed, and they just stood there doing nothing.

"Well?" Stoner shifted his attention to the bewildered Matthieu.

"Hey, don't look at me! How am I supposed to know where to find these things…" He whined slightly and passed the list to Stoner. Stoner took the list and examined the items himself. After more time had passed, Stoner sighed and closed his eyes in defeat.'

"I have no idea, we're not usually called on these kind of things." Stoner indicated the list with a wave of his hand. Matthieu nodded in complete agreement, but still expressed the same look of defeat. When silence started to settle again, Renton stepped forward and snapped the list out of Stoner's hand. Both Matthieu and Stoner looked down at Renton as the he scanned the list in aggravation.

"This way." Renton muttered and started down a small trail between two large buildings.

"How do you know that's where the market is?" Matthieu curiously asked as Renton gained distance away from them

"Well, the city is this way, and market places are generally inside the city." Renton responded in slight annoyance.

"Oh… heh heh." Matthieu laughed innocently and ran to catch up with him. Stoner though, hadn't yet made a motion to walk. Instead, he was curiously looking at Renton's movements and actions.

"You're really letting this control you Renton… You got to realize what you're doing to yourself before it's too late." He whispered under his breath and ran to catch up.

Two hours had passed until Matthieu, Renton, and Stoner stood in the market place. For a change, Renton wasn't carrying any of the items. Rather it was Stoner and Matthieu who were stacked with the heavy supplies.

"Aye Renton, are we almost done?" Matthieu complained from behind his large stack of items.

"Yeah, my arms are killing me." Stoner grumbled as he shifted his hands.

"Just one or two more things." Renton replied and he turned away from the two. He faced a younger woman selling a group of various fruits. She smiled gently, but the smile was filled with little care. Renton frowned slightly, but quickly pushed away the strange feeling of emotion. He couldn't help but feel that she had lost something as well.

"Can I help you?" She called up in a mellow voice. Renton smiled and nodded down at the fruits.

"We could use four or these, and six of those." He pointed at the various foods. The woman nodded and began to bag the ones he had selected. After she had finished, Renton handed her the money and placed the bags in Matthieus already tired arms.

"Ok, one last thing and we're good." Renton said with little enthusiasm to being finished. Matthieu and Stoner sighed in their own great relief.

"Good, then we… can…" Matthieu faulted in his words as his knees started to buckle under the weight. He attempted to take a step forward, but it failed as he fell back into Stoner. All the supplies flew into the air and landed in scattered formations about the ground. The two lay on the ground and didn't attempt the move. Even though the dirt was hard and hot against their backs, the feeling of just lying down was satisfying enough. Renton turned around and rolled his eyes at the two. Then he slightly flinched and shook his head. He hadn't recognized the sudden feeling of agitation before. Though, now that it crossed his thoughts, a lot of things were different about him, things he didn't like. Little things got on his nerves and he no longer felt the energy to play with the kids. But even through his fatigued, he fought his heavy eye lids. Over the month he had very little nights where he got a full rest. Every time his eyes softly closed, the image of Eureka would pop into his mind. And even though it wasn't her, it felt so real to him. But what could he do, the fact was, there was nothing he could do. Every time an idea struck against his mind, it was quickly washed away at what little control of the situation he had. Even the thought of it made him tired and left him with the desire to keep moving. His eyes slowly drifted downwards towards the ground. At that moment, all he wanted was sleep. But his eyes caught the little white note in his hand, the one filled with the needed supplied items. The world seemed to flow back to life around the note. He was absorbed out of his thoughts, and back into the thick reality around him.

"Last item." He muttered in his hollow voice. Gently he lifted the paper and read the last item on the list. It was only one word, and even so, it made no sense to him. "Violets?" He muttered in his uttered confusion. Swiftly he glanced at Stoner and Matthieu to see they were still cleaning up.

"My back is killing me." Matthieu whimpered as he picked up a dirty bag of fruits.

"Hey guys, I'm going to grab the last item on the list." Renton called out and started to walk away.

He made his way through the market, finding it a little harder to get around as the crowds got thicker. Eventually he spotted a colorful display of strange shapes off to the corner of his eye. He turned towards them and broke through a group of people. The sudden exposure to color washed over his eyes. To his surprise, the display was covered in hundreds of different flowers. But at the moment, those weren't the ones he cared for. His eyes darted about the display, searching for that one flower he wanted. Finally his eyes settled on one single flower. Taking a few steps forward, he pulled the flower out from the gathering. The soft violet colors beamed against his eyes. Little crackling black lines curved along the peddles, making several circlets. And before he could stop it, he was instantly reminded of Eureka's eyes. His pleasant feelings faded, and he was suddenly filled with fear. The flower shook in his hand as images of Eureka flushed through his mind. But what he saw the most was her eyes. They were soft, gentle, and kind to him. Slowly his hand stopped shaking and the feeling of fear washed away. Carefully he raised the flower to his nose and took a deep whiff. A fruitful smell filled his nose and a sweet feeling fell down and touched his lung. He pulled the flower away and gazed down at its beautiful features. A feeling of absolute purification flowed through his body.

"I got to stop being afraid… Thank you Holland." He almost laughed, whether at his own stupidity, or the fact that he fell right into Holland's trap. But just as the feeling had come, it started to fade away. The flower's stem bent slightly under its own weight, and his hand lowered down to his side. A sigh started do fell from his lips, but stopped when a strange feeling wrapped itself around his stomach. A frown encased his face as he tried to comprehend the new sensation. It left his breathing stiff and his muscles tense with every movement. It was so sudden, but at the same time, so familiar. A feeling of warmth grew around the edges of his stomach, and his lips quivered as he attempted to speak. Gently he moved his hands to his sides and found that there were two arms wrapped around him.

"Eur…Eureka?" The name trembled against his teeth as he spoke. Both arms slipped out from around him, and in its place he felt the warmth drain. An icy feeling was left in the pits of his sides, but now that didn't matter. His desire and need to find out who the person was, controlled every action of his being. He turned around to around to see some one running away in a brown cloak. His legs instantly shot up and rushed him forward. The stranger was in his sites, and there was no way he was going to let them slip away. There was a small opening between two medium size buildings. The stranger turned in and Renton followed.

"Stop!" He begged and his voice echoed down the stretched pathway. They continued to run. The voices of the crowding market place were starting to fade away. All Renton could hear now was his heavy breath, and both their pounding feet. The figure broke out from between the buildings and out into a wider area. Renton couldn't loose them in the chase, so he picked up his feat and broke out into the open as well. The second he ran out, an overpowering burst of light covered his eyes. He stumbled and fell back in surprise. His vision was watered out, and all he could see in front of him was a fuzzy black mass. He shook his head and rubbed his eyes tenderly. When he looked back up, he saw that the mass had become smaller and fewer. With only another few blinks, everything focused into view. But the new vision instantly made him jerk backwards. Eleven U.F. soldiers stood around him in a semi-circle. Each one held their gun firmly, and stood at ready if action was need. He turned around in attempt to run, but four powerful arms gripped him and held him in place. The hope in running instantly diminished. Even though he was captured, he cursed himself for falling into such a foolish trap. Who ever he was chasing, was most likely just a decoy.

"Hello Renton, I'm glad we have the chance to meet again." An old, gruff voice spoke out to him. Renton raised his head to see the commander of the Gallian standing in front of him.

"Polin?" Renton muttered in overwhelming shock. The older man nodded grimly as he looked down at Renton.

"I'm sorry that you have to be left in such confusion. But I can offer you back something you lost." Polin smiled, but there was no mockery or cockiness behind it. Actually, what Renton saw, was the the smile was genuine, and understanding.

"What… what do you mean?" His breath was still heavy from the running, but images of the person he was chasing flashed through his head.

"I can't tell you now, but please wait Renton. I promise that you'll once again be reunited with what you have lost." Polin lifted his head and nodded towards the two soldiers. One nodded in confirmation and picked up his knee into Renton's stomach. For a second, a brief pressure of pain built in his belly. He could feel the very essence of burning and compressing his chest. His lungs desired air, but no air would come to his needs. Curtains of shadows started to drop before his eyes, piling over each other until it seemed as if it were night. His knees lost strength, and he fell to the ground. Even through the blackness he could see the solid floor advancing towards his face, and he had no strength to resist it. Tightly he closed his eyes and waited for the flash of pain… But it never came, instead he felt something catch him. It held tight to him, as if saving him from the terrible destruction. The feeling was all too familiar. He felt safe, protected, and no longer alone. There was no doubt that she was there for him… once again.

---

"Oy, where in the world do we set all this junk?" Matthieu muttered as he and Stoner entered the hanger.

"I suppose the food storage?" Stoner responded and grumbled when all of the supplies almost fell out of his hands.

"Right, then lets do it." At last a cheery tone tinged at Matthieu's voice.

The two made it down the halls and settled the food supplies inside the storage room. And once everything was situated, they both headed out and started for the lounge.

"Hey, did you guys get everything?" Holland's voice called from behind them. Matthieu turned around and spotted Holland and Haps staring at them. He nodded, seeming pleased with himself.

"MmmHmmm, we got everything!" He stood with his arms in his pockets. Holland looked between the two in mild confusion.

"Where is Renton?" Holland asked.

"He said he needed to get the one last supply, I thought he came back here." Matthieu responded casually, but a look of concern crossed over Holland's face. He turned and looked over at Hap, who nodded in silent agreement.

"We got a problem. Renton isn't back yet, and that last supply shouldn't be taking him so long. Woz said he was picking up some strange radio signals… possibly U.F." Hap said, and both Stoner and Matthieu titled their heads back in surprise.

"Matthieu, take the 606, and go with him, Stoner. Me and Hap will search by feet, be ready to receive our signal." Holland motioned to the radio in his hand. Matthieu's energetic nature vanished, and was replaced with a serious reflection to the situation.

"We're on it." He said and turned around with Stoner.

---

"I don't think you needed to kick him so hard…" A voice wisped into Renton's thoughts.

"Meh, he can handle it just fine. And if I did it any less, I don't think he'd be out right now." There was a short grunt of agreement.

"Though… I still find it a little creepy." The same voice came again, but in a whisper. Renton shifted his head, feeling something soft under it. "She just kind of sits there… not even saying a word." The man whispered again. Renton attempted to open his eyes, and was revealed to a strange site. He couldn't remember where he was, or how he got there. The ceiling was metallic, and everything was slightly shaking. There were seats on either side of the walls, each one having a strap to hold some one in. Four U.F. soldiers sat on the opposite wall, while only one sat on his side. He couldn't make out the figure above at first, being his vision was blurry. Blinking a few times, he refreshed his vision. His eyes focused, and he glanced up to see a figure looking back down at him. At first he wasn't sure he recognized the person, or rather he wasn't sure he could believe what he was seeing. Eureka was staring back down at him, sharing that warm smile only she could give. His head was in her lap as she softly stroked his hair. It was Eureka, nothing was fooling Renton's senses. Her eyes were shinning a glassy violet into his. But she wasn't wearing her blue and white dress. It was the same design, but this time it was black and white.

"Eureka?" He whispered in a quiet voice. She nodded and held a finger to her lips, motioning him to be silent. Just looking at her flushed away his worries and stress.

"Hey look, he's awake." The man called, and all the soldiers turned their attention to them.

"Maybe the silent one will finally speak." One chuckled from the side. Eureka's head instantly jerked up, her eyes settled into a fine glare at the others. The man flinched back slightly, seeing a darkness he'd had never witness before, dwelling in her eyes. Even Renton felt his head twist uncomfortably at the look. All the men looked away, as if nothing were to be seen. And once Eureka saw this, she tilted her head back down and smiled.

"Renton… are you alright?" She asked in a soft cool voice. A frown crossed his face, trying to comprehend how anything could be wrong, now that he was with her. But then he felt a hand on his stomach, a shock of pain rang at the touch. He struggled to lift his head, and saw Eureka's hand gently lying on the bruise. She lifted it when she noticed the twinge of pain in his face.

"Yes… I'm alright." He whispered back and leaned his head back down.

"Good." She closed her eyes in relief.

"What about you?" He asked and attempted to sit up, but Eureka pushed him back down.

"I'm fine… everything is fine." Her voice soothed his pulsing ears. But there was still something in his stomach, and he felt another question forming in his lungs.

"Where have you been?" A strange tone of concerned curiosity crawled into his voice, revealing how much he had missed her. She turned her head away, breaking the wonderful gaze she shared with him.

"I've been here." A look of guilt was submerging her face, and Renton couldn't figure out why.

"Here… in the city?" He asked, not understanding what she had meant. But something started to move in his thoughts. Old thoughts and memories were beginning to return again, and he suddenly feared the coming answer.

"No Renton…" She closed her eyes and gently shook her head. When she opened them again, her eyes were on him. "I've been with the U.F." Her words were drained of energy. Renton quickly fumbled with what he had just heard, and looked around the room in sudden anxiousness.

"You mean… you've been captured right?" Eureka shook her head again. "But you don't have a choice?" Once again, she shook her head. He opened his mouth, but she softly laid a finger on it, stopping his speech. Again she shook her head, and tear fell from her face.

"No… Renton, you don't understand. I'm here because I want to be here." Renton felt everything zone out after she said that. All he could hear was the words repeating in his head.

"Eurek… Eureka… please." He whispered up to her, and felt another drop of warm liquid touch his cheek.

"But it's alright Renton." He shook his head in her lap.

"No… Don't." His breath was starting to quicken, he wasn't sure who he was talking to any more.

"We can be together now… we can pilot the Xellien and save everyone." She smiled, but it was forced. Renton's eyes went wide in shock. He knew it was her, and it felt like her. It was her same smile, her same caring eyes, but what she had just said didn't sound like her.

"Eureka…" He spoke softly, closing his eyes tightly. His thoughts were scrambled, and all he wanted to do was remove them. The warm feeling that had once protected him, faded away. Tightly he closed his eyes, wishing everything would make sense, and his thoughts would settle. A small pressure built at his eyes, and he felt a wet liquid press through the cracks. Just as it all seemed to fade, he felt something touch his lips. His eyes shot open, and he found Eureka kissing him. Her tears were falling off her face and into his own. Slowly he closed his eyes, and let everything else be forgotten…

"What the… Dang it!" A voice yelled from the front. Eureka and Renton lifted their heads, and Renton noticed that they were in a vehicle. But just moments after this realization, everything broke into chaos. A loud explosion rocked the massive vehicle. Renton lifted out of his seat, but was briefly pressed back down as Eureka held on to him. He noticed that Eureka had some how managed to get her strap on. Even though he couldn't see what was happening, he knew that they were rocking hard. Everything tumbled on the inside. The lights flickered, and the U.F. soldiers were launched out of their seats. They smacked around against the insides of the Vehicle. He felt his legs doing the same thing, unable to withstand the force. But thanks to Eureka, he was held in place. With one last bang, it all stopped. Renton was still in his seat, and Eureka was still holding onto him with all her strength.

"Renton…" She whispered into his ear, she didn't even need to word the question.

"I'm alright… you?" He asked back as she lifted her head away from him.

"Yes." She smiled in relief, seeing that they had both made it through. She undid the straps and scooted out from under Renton's head.

"Are they all dead?" Renton sat up, the pain not as strong as it was. Eureka looked around at the limp bodies, and then nodded grimly. He stood up, and fell as a pain shot through his stomach. Eureka rushed forward and caught his fall.

"Careful, maybe I should check things out before we get out. We don't know who we're dealing with." Renton nodded and rubbed his tender stomach. Eureka walked down the small room, and Renton noticed she was walking towards a door. She was about to reach out and open it, but the latch suddenly took on a life of its own. The latches twisted aside, and the door slid open. A man jumped through, quickly holding a gun to Eureka's stomach. But only a second later, he fell back in utter surprise.

"Eureka?" Holland called as he almost fell out the door, but caught himself. Eureka seemed just as surprised, and she quickly reached down, grabbing one of the U.F.'s guns. She then held it up towards Holland.

"Don't move Holland… I don't want to have to kill you." Holland's eyes went wide in shock.

"What?" Holland almost laughed at what she had just said, not even considering her to be serious.

"Eureka, what are you doing?!" Renton almost yelled as he looked between her and gun. She quickly glanced at Renton, but then shifted her gaze back to Holland.

"I don't suspect you to understand Renton, I would have been just as confused. But now I understand everything, and I'll show you everything I've learned. I'll uncover that darkness shielding your eyes that had once shielded mine."

"Eureka?" Holland muttered, completely bewildered at what was happening.

"Renton, take my arm." She said, and held her arm down for him to take. He looked at the arm unsurely, then at Holland, and back to Eureka. Slowly he reached up and took her out stretched hand. Carefully she pulled him up and let apart of herself be his crutch. "Holland, get out of the vehicle." She motioned the gun towards the door. Holland complied, and stumbled out the door, though he still seemed utterly confused. She then helped Renton out after him, and they both stepped out into the warm sun.

"What the?" Hap's voice called this time, and Eureka twisted her gun up at him.

"I don't know… something is not right." Holland's voice was distant, and his stare was dazed, as if lost in thought.

"Eureka, put down the gun." Hap motioned gently and caringly. But Eureka didn't even blink to his command. She only held her weapon and slowly carried Renton backwards.

"I can't, Renton needs to see the truth. I finally see it myself, the one that you've been hiding all these years." She spoke in a cold and fierce voice.

"Truth?...Truth?" Holland muttered, but then his voice became stronger.

"She showed me everything, and I'm sure she'll reveal everything to Renton as well." Both Holland and Hap looked at each other, loosing all comprehension they had on what was going on.

"Eureka." Renton said and reached a hand out while putting it on top of the gun. "Something is not right… can't you feel it?" His gaze was solid, and Eureka hesitantly turned to look into his eyes. But once their gazes met, he could feel the grip on the gun lessen. At that moment, he though he could feel and look inside of her. She seemed lost in something, but Renton couldn't tell what.

"Renton… please let me show you what I saw." She called in a weak voice, begging him with all she had. He wanted to believe her, to just follow her so that her pains would be softened. But a lie was lurking about everything, and he didn't want both of them to be caught in the trap.

"Eureka..." His voice called into her thoughts, calming the very essence around her. The arm around him seemed less tense, and her eyes slacked as they turned soft against his.

"But… I'm so sure." She searched his face, seeking an answer to a new born question. She opened her mouth to say something, but it was quickly muted out by several loud explosions. One emitted right next to them, throwing both Renton and Eureka apart. They called out the others name, but neither heard the sweet sound. More explosions burst around them, leaving everything in chaos. Where the incoming fire was coming from, no one could tell. But Renton considered one possibility, and that was the U.F.. His thoughts were interrupted as he slammed against the ground.

"Hap, are you ok?" Holland yelled through another explosion. There came no response, until an irritated grunt came from the spoke.

"Yeah, what was that all about?" His voice swerved in tones, irritated and confused at the same time.

"I don't know, but apparently they've stopped." Both Holland and Hap stopped to listen for more shots, but everything was seemingly quiet.

"Renton, how about you?" Hap asked as he ran over to help him up. Renton graciously accepted the help and took his outstretched hand.

"Where's Eureka?" He asked, ignoring Hap's question completely.

"You're right, look over there." Hap pointed in the direction where the explosion that separated had occurred. Renton desperately turned his attention in that direction, but even as he did so, he was only revealed to a site of horror, and relief. Eureka was alright, but she was being carried off by the U.F..

"We got to stop them." He started in a sudden outburst of urgency. But a hand gripped his arm tightly, holding him in place.

"No Renton, we're out numbered and they want you. We have to run…" Holland's voice was solemn as he spoke. Renton knew he spoke the truth, and in all the time he had spent with Holland, he knew what he had to follow his order. So, he started to follow as the three of them ran. But every glance at Eureka tired and stressed face held him back, as if two arms had literally reached out and stopped him, but there was no time to wander. Just before they turned behind a pair of building, he saw Eureka's eyes open, looking directly at him. They only held eye contact for a brief moment, until the buildings blocked their vision.

"I've told Gidjet to contact the Izumo. Hopefully they're already on their way. I just want to know how the U.F. knew we were here? We spent an entire month trying to disappear… So how did they know we were going to land here?" Holland asked in irritation.

"All I can think of is an inside spy… But there's no one in our crew who'd pull a trick like that." Hap responded, his breath getting heavier as they ran.

"I agree… so then what could it be?" The question drifted in the air, and no one answered. Just as they turned around another building, a massive orange object flew in front of them. Renton quickly covered his eyes as a massive wind blew across.

"Hurry, get in the hands!" Matthieu called out from the 606. They all ran forward and jumped into the 606's lowered hand.

"We don't have much time. Gidjet got a hold of the Izumo, hopefully they're on their way." Stoner called down, who was also snapping a few shots of them.

---

"You're sure the U.F. is there?" Jurgens asked again, who doubted the situation.

"Holland is positive. He's already set out to find Renton." Gidjet replied through the comm.. Jurgens smirked and leaned back in his seat.

"Well, I'll have to put my faith in him again. We'll be there as soon as we can." The comm. shut off and Jurgens stood up. "Vice Captain, quickly get Anemone. Tell her that we'll be needing her help in this." The woman nodded and started out the door. "Jarek, contact the Orak, see how their special operations are going. Some how the U.F. found out where the Gekko-State would be landing, and I want to know why we didn't know." A man down at his comm. station nodded, and started away at the controls. Jurgens waited patiently, waiting until the Orak would respond.

"The signals a little fuzzy, I'll see if I can clear it up." The younger man continued working at the controls, occasional stopping to turn a knob.

"Izumo…." The name crackled through the comm. until it was washed out by a clutter of crackles. "This is the Orak… Do you read?" This time the signal was stronger. The man seemed slightly excited as he turned a few more knobs.

"Got it Captain, it should be ready." He gave a thumb up, and then turned back down to his controls.

"This is the Izumo, we were just contacting you Orak, what is it?" There was a long pause, and it almost seemed as if the connection was lost again.

"Finally, we have been trying to reach you for several days now." A relieved voice came through the comm.. Jurgens looked up in surprise.

"Several days now?" Jurgens repeated in a curious tone.

"Yes, I'm hoping we're not too late. But we've recently discovered that there is a large force of U.F. ships rounding in the southern coast, around where the city of Alika is." Jurgen's eyes became slightly wider.

"That's where the Gekko-Go is… Orak, I want you to report to that area immediately." Jurgens commanded.

"What? Right away commander." The man seemed a little lost, but he followed the order. Captain Jurgens then stepped over to the comm. station.

"This is going to be a big problem. If that information is right, then Holland is right. The U.F. must be trying to get Renton…"

---

"Gah… This is not a fair play… what do you call this game again?" Konner asked in a dreary voice. Dominic rolled his eyes and leaned back in his seat.

"It's called chess, now make your move!" Dominic pointed down at the board with its scattered piece. Kon scratched the back of his neck nervously.

"Ok… well." He started, but then stopped to consider another option.

"Kon, you think too much." Anemone called across the room in a dull tone.

"I think too much?" Kon responded, slightly hurt by the comment. He looked back down at the board, still lost on what to do.

"I can't take it any more." Anemone whined and she stood up. She walked over to the board, lifted a piece, and moved it forward. "There!" She smiled in satisfaction, but it was quickly received by Dominic's defiant laugh.

"Anemone, that wont do you-" He paused as the smile faded, and it was immediately replaced with a look of shock. "Impossible!" He gasped as he realized that the tides of the battle had turned.

"What? What did she do? Am I winning?" Konner's excitement began to build, finally seeing some good action in the game. A few moments passed with Dominic desperately looking for his next move, but nothing came.

"Dominic, do you mind if I try something?" Klera asked from behind them. Dominic looked back with a raised brow, and then turned back to the board.

"If you can do something, go ahead." He responded with a small snort. Klera stepped forward and looked over the board carefully. She then reached down and moved a piece to the right. Anemone glanced at the piece, and then her own move. Shortly after, Klera made another move, then Anemone, then Klera, and they both continued to switch back and forth. Dominic and Konner were forced out of their seats as the two heated in the sense of strategy.

"How did this happen?" Konner asked from beside Dominic. They were both looking down at the two, who were intently staring down at the board.

"I don't know… but it leaves a sharp pain in my stomach." Dominic let out a depressing sigh. The door slid open, and every one turned their heads to see the Vice Captain of the Izumo step in.

"Anemone, we're heading to Arika, and Captain Jurgens wants you to pilot the new prototype. Konner, I think you should prepare with the previous prototype." Anemone and every one stood up, ready for the duty at hand.

"The new prototype?" Anemone frowned slightly, not having heard of it before.

"Yes, it's been a project taking place in hanger D for a while now. It's a new type that requires two pilots." She saluted and then left the room.

"Two pilots?" Anemone groaned as the door shut behind the Vice Captain.

---

"Let me go!" Eureka yelled as two men attempted to hold her back. Captain Polin watched with what looked like little sympathy, but there was something else moving in his eyes.

"Leave it to us, we'll capture him sure enough. This whole region is blocked off, the Gekko-Go won't be escaping." He spoke in a stern and confident voice, but Eureka refused to agree.

"Captain." A female called from the comm. station. "There is a signal from Rekina." Polin instantly cleared his voice and stepped forward.

"Put her through." He commanded with a wave of his hand. The woman nodded and tapped a few buttons.

"Captain Polin?" A cool female voice called through the comm..

"Yes Rekina?" He called back, almost stumbling over his words. There was a short pause that left an ominous feeling in the bridge.

"How did the operation go?" She asked with a tinge of curiosity.

"The first plan didn't work, even when we caught him alone… But we have the area blockaded, this time we'll get him." Another paused settled in the silent comm., only leaving the sound of the small pops of miss fed signals.

"Very well… send out Eureka." She ordered and Polin took a step back in surprise.

"Eureka? Are you sure that is a wise decision?" Polin stated while he took a quick glance at Eureka, who seemed to be smiling mockingly.

"Do you doubt my idea?" The voice shuddered against the air.

"No, She will be released immediately into the battle." Polin gritted his teeth, trying with every he had not to protest.

"Good, make sure she is the one to obtain Renton. Since she is the only one who can convince him. I'm positive that Renton will be drawn out when he sees the Xellien." Polin nodded, letting the new idea enter his consideration. Originally, he figured he would have to take down the Gekko-Go all together. But luring them would be easier, and relatively possible.

"Of course Rekina, I apologize for my lack of understanding." Polin bowed, even though she wasn't there to see it.

"We all make mistakes Polin… follow your orders." And when her last word finished, the comm. shut off. Eureka attempted to move, but the two men held her in place.

"Let her go, Rekina is right." The two men looked at each other in surprise, and then lifted their hands from her.

"Thank you Captain Polin." Eureka glared before she left the command room. Polin watched her walk away, a strange look on his face. His brows crumpled together into a frown, and his eyes ran the motion of worry.

"When did I loose site of the path…" He murmured under his breath, and then sat down at the command seat.

---

"This thing isn't like the type theEND, its loaded with many different functions. It also cant be managed with one person. You could drive it, but doing battle in it is a different story." A scientist spoke to Anemone, who was sitting in the seat of a large LFO. This LFO was shaped strangely, with its cockpit built on either side of the head, rather then through the back.

"Alright… a second pilot?" She mumbled and looked down at Dominic, Klera, and Konners, who were looking back up in amazement. "Konner is taking the other prototype… Klera and Dominic can't pilot anything, well, besides a shuttle." She sighed in a small whimper. But then a strange thought leaped into her head,

"Then again… there is always Renton." She whispered.