Chapter Five

"Pvt. Kiva Andrews. You've been summoned here to the Coalition military tribunal for assessment of your first battle record as the only survivor" Colonel Burnside said. He was sitting atop a high, column bench. Beside him were Lt. Cols. Yamizawa and Tarkhov

"You are to explain exactly what happened there" said Tarkhov

"Sir, Sgt. Waters ordered me to be bait and lure the enemy in. The Glorft overran us easily, and I stayed in hiding until I could do something and then-"

"Relax, private. Like we said, this is only assessment and not a court case" Yamizawa said.

"Pvt. Andrews, you've survived against overwhelming odds. During great times like this, people need heroes to look up to. And so, we'll confer upon you the errr… a service medal!" Burnside declared.

"You are dismissed."


"… In other news today, Pvt. Kiva Andrews, the sole, surviving member of the 31st squad, has been awarded a service medal for surviving impossible odds at a battle that took place at a park in the recently destroyed city. Apparently, all her fellow compatriots were killed in the line of duty defending the city and she clearly managed to fend off the invading Glorft until reinforcements could…" the reporter said on the news channel.

Kiva was sitting down at a café when she noticed they were talking about her on the news vid. She kept her head down so no one would notice her here as she drank a cup of lemonade.

She covered her face as she thought back to the things people at the base were saying about her when she wasn't around. Her supposed heroism actually hurt her once, unknown image.

"Oh my god, she's no heroine! She just sat down and hid like a coward while her whole unit got killed!" said one.

"I can't believe it! She gets a medal for chickening out of the fight and fleeing? That's real absurd…"another said.

"Geeze, people these days. Just because no one can stand up to the enemy, they're willing to award surviving deserters with medals, well, just because they survived!" others claimed.

Kiva got reassigned to reserve duty here at New York City on the North American continent after getting rescued. It was the capital of the Earth Coalition where its military HQ was also located. It was perhaps the safest place on Earth where the bulk of the Coalition marines were located and the moon was where the space forces were stationed. If the Glorft were going to attack, they'd have to deal with the alert fleet up in inner space before coming down. The city was always very busy and bustling with many people. She liked the atmosphere of the mostly peaceful and vibrant life here. But she did wonder if people here were truly aware of the possible danger they faced. The past few years have proven well that the Glorft could strike just about anywhere with little to lose

"Excuse me, all the tables and seats seem to be taken, so uh, can I just seat with you this one time? That is if the seat's still free" asked a young man.

"Oh…uhm, sure, go ahead" she said not removing her hand from her face. She was still busy in her thoughts.

The guy took a seat beside her and looked at the menu.

"So, you having anything else?" he asked.

"No thanks. Already ate."

He ordered a hot dog, a plate of Chinese, and iced tea. After eating a while, he seemed to take notice Kiva was still there occasionally sipping her drink and holding her head looking down.

"Hey, listen. My name's Heero" he introduced himself.

"I'm Kiva" she said monotone still without even looking at him.

"Alright, Kiva You must be feeling pretty down… I know a good place to have a good time. Wanna give it a go at badmington or tennis?"

Finally looking at him and having nothing else better to do while off-duty she agreed. For some reason, while she played with him, she seemed to feel better. Kiva now saw he was a pretty good looking guy. He had brown hair and blue eyes and Far Eastern features. Although he was lean, he still managed surprisingly strong serves at her and he really enjoyed the thrill and excitement of the game. His laughing and smiling were pleasant to see as opposed to the rumors that spread about her and her recent experiences on the battlefield.

"Wow, that was really a great game. I want to introduce myself again. I'm Kiva Andrews" she said.

"I'm HeeroYuy it's really nice to meet you, Kiva."

(To be continued…)

(A/N: Okay people, should I continue this? Please send reviews! Say what you like and don't like and what I could do to improve. Explain! Thanks.)