Chapter 2:

The Crack in the Armour

"..."

"What! That boy just disrespected a direct order! Officer shut down the lift!" ordered Mardukas.

"Stop, let him go." Tessa over ruled Mardukas catching Kalinin in the corner of her eye.

"Teicho!" Mardukas began to argue

"It's an order."

"Hai!" Mardukas swallowed his pride and joined the others in watching the battle continue to unfold before their eyes.

Chidori jumped as sirens rang out in the night air. Holding back her hair that was flying around by the prevailing winds frowned as she saw the Arbalest been launched from the deDanann. Sousuke had never mentioned a mission.

'I never did ask him what he had to do to be honest.'

"Ma'am, please." Masahiko was trying to hurry her up back into the compound. Chidori disappeared in the doorway as Masahiko hung back as the Arbalest vanished into the darkness.

"Co-ordinates set. All systems operational. Lambda driver at forty-eight percent efficiency." Al the A.I went through the last minute checks.

"Bring up the topographical map."

The cockpit illuminated green surrounded by the odd bleep of Al's constant analysis.

"Pilot compatibility at forty-eight percent."

"Shut up Al." Sousuke was trying formulating a plan to get the SRT's back with the cargo for pick up without been under heavy fire.

"Pilot's stats are well below operating standards."

"I said shut up! What is the E.T.A?"

"..."

"Al!"

"You requested that I 'shut up'."

"Al I'm not in the mood for your 'personality', all I want to hear is the battle data."

"ETA is three minutes. This is why pilots must meet a certain standard."

"Why anyone would give an AI a personality is beyond me." Sousuke mumbled to himself.

"Teicho, the SRT team has retreated into the high valley's. PRT has arrived on the coast. They have five minutes max."

"Uruz 1 continue to move your team and the cargo towards the coast. PRT has arrived. Uruz 7 is enroute, ETA two minutes."

"Copy that!"

"Uruz 2 to Uruz 6"

"Niisan? Kurz answered out of breath.

"Keep on your toes, were at as much of a disadvantage in these valleys."

"Hai hai! At least it's a breather!"

"Uruz 1 to all units! Five minutes to rendezvous at the coast or miss the pick up."

"Shit, Ryo kai!"

"INCOMING!!!"

The darkened valley illuminated for an instant and fell silent.

"Shit they found us, move!"

Sousuke headed towards the momentary flash. Drawing closer warning sounds rang out and the Arbalest was thrown back by the force of the explosion. Sousuke moaned loudly at his body was thrown back as the Arbalest hit the ground.

"Al! Report!"

"Unknown source."

"Bring the video back online!"

The screen showed the valley ablaze and no sign of the other M9's.

"SRT's continuing their retreat to the coast. Communications back online."

"Uruz 2! Uruz 6!"

"Shit Sousuke what took you so long!" Kurz shouted over the comms.

"Uruz 7 begin cover fire!" Mao order, obviously winded.

"Ryo kai!"

"Pilot compatibility at thirty-nine percent."

Sousuke took position in front of Mao and Kurz as Closeau moved on ahead with the rest of the team and cargo. With Sousuke and Mao providing cover fire within the constraints of the valley walls, Kurz was able to take out the remaining three enemy M9's and begin their retreat.

"What was the source of the explosion?" Sousuke asked the others as they followed to catch up.

"Dunno but it packed one hell of a punch."

"Sensors couldn't pick it up." Mao added.

Sousuke's screen started blinking followed almost instantly by the emergency alarm. Given the split second decision, Sousuke pulled back as a smaller explosion separated Mao and the others from him. The emergency alarm rang out again.

"Incoming, twelve o'clock."

"Shit!"

"Uruz 7!" Mao screamed.

"Pilot compatibility at twenty percent."

Sousuke lunged the Arbalest forward. He felt his reaction time slowing down, as he tried to move the increasingly heavy M9 around such a tight enclosed space. Leaving the valley could mean certain death.

"This is Uruz 1, one minute till PRT's leave, MOVE IT!!"

"Uruz 7 just run!"

Sousuke took Mao's advice and followed the other two M9's. He chest hurt and his eyes would no longer focus as he fought the urge to pass out.

'Not yet, not yet, not yet, not yet, not yet! not yet!!'

"Pilot compatibility at sixteen percent. Switching to automatic pilot."

"Al no!! Continue to monitor the enemy!"

"I am capable of doing both unlike you-"

"There they are!" Kurz called out as the valley opened out into a little bay where the PRT were waiting.

"Just fucking do it and don't ever!-" Sousuke shouted at Al.

"Incoming, nine o'clock, 200 meters."

"What!?"

"Incoming at ten o'clock, 100 meters."

"Uruz 7!!!"

"I can't see it!"

"50 meters and closing, pilot compatibility at fourteen percent, failure immanent, switching to autopilot."

"No! The Lambda driver, Al activate it! NOW!"

"It is currently online, pilot compatibility is too low, switching to autopilot. 10 meters"

"Uruz 7!!!"

"Sagara-kun!!"

"Move the fuck!"

"Shit it's gonna get us!!!"

'Shut up! Just let me think, let me think, god why don't they fucking shut up!!!?'

Sousuke grabbed his head, panting, in a cold sweat. Holding his breath for a second he looked up at the screen filled with information.

"Al!" Sousuke ordered no longer noticing the blaring alarms nor the shouts of protest from the deDanann nor his fellow teammates. "Delay that command. Cut internal and external communication, prepare the Arbalest for the Lambda driver."

"Negative, pilot compatibility too low to relay that order."

"Computer override, officer clearance Sagara, Sousuke-gunso, code, b dash three one two eight."

"Code accepted."

What felt like a lifetime was nothing but a mere half second. Despite the commotion outside of the PRT's beginning to leave as the last of the SRT's were loading on. Sousuke looked on to the incoming threat that was Gauron's Cordeal AS. Watching the incoming threat Sousuke could tell immediately that it wasn't Gauron himself piloting the AS. Sousuke knew Gauron well enough that the tactic's used were too amatuer for the likes of Gauron. Either way it did not matter. Sousuke figured as much as the Cordeal suddenly backed off and moved from the attacking line. However Sousuke had not anticipated the incoming missile with Al now silenced. Sousuke drew a deep breath as his eyes widened in surprise, his mind now blank. He could do nothing but look on in horror. The bright flash forced him to shut his eyes.

"because you never think of anyone but yourself."

'Chidori?'

He let out a roar as his body was pulled in every direction.

'No, your wrong!'

It took a while for Sousuke to register the fact that he was still thinking. Cracking an eye open he saw the computer screens flash between static and a dust cloud outside. The Arbalest was on it's side and Sousuke failed to move his limp body. When he tried to speak aloud his voice croaked. He painfully cough up some blood and tried again.

"Al bring internal and external communications online and run a systems diagnostics.

"Ryo kai."

A rib or two was definitely broken.

"...zu 7 come in! Uruz 7!"

"Teicho?"

"Oh thank god!" Sousuke could hear the relief in Tessa's voice. "PRT just departed, we've sent someone to get you, E.T.A eight minutes. What's your status?"

"No enemy in sight. Arbalest is moderatley damaged, nothing serious."

"Understood."

Sousuke ached from the tip of his hair to the top of his toe as he climbed out of the Arbalest's cockpit back on th deDanann. Pulling off his helmet he could feel the stickiness of matted blood on his temple.

'...you're killing me...'

"Sagara!" Mao yelled as herself and Kurz crossed the vast floor space towards the Arbalest. The other M9's were already secured and been worked on by various scientists and mechanic's. Sousuke felt like death turned over and was not in the mood for a telling off.

"Just what the fuck do you think you were doing!? Cutting communication! I mean what the fuck!?"

"Sergeant Major I'm not in the mood to-"

"Not in the mood! You little fucking chickenshit!" Mao growled as she pinned Sousuke up against the Arbalest. " I do not stand-"

"I had no other choice given the circumstances, I provided the cover fire required for you and the other to the cargo safely off." Sousuke unexpectedly answered back catching Mao off.

"Not at the expense of your own life!" Mao shoved Sousuke hard back into the Arbalest again before letting go of his flight suit. It was obvious she was upset. Kurz however looked pissed off and punched him hard in the shoulder before walking off after Mao.

"Report to the medical bay. Mardukas wants to speak to you. He wants to be sure your alive and kicking before hand." Mao called back.

Sousuke swallowed hard. It was only then he noticed the blue dress of Chidori at the exit. He stooped to pick up his helmet he dropped. Mao and Kurz were talking to her. That exit was the most direct route to the medical bay. Sousuke frowned as he began walking towards her. Masahiko should have prevented her boarding the deDanann. It was off limits. Looking at his watch it read just before eleven pm. To him it felt a helluva lot later. He felt his fever had reached its peak and a steamroller had done a couple of runs over him.

"Sousuke!"

"Aa?"

"You look-" Chidori started.

"I just need a shower." Sousuke cut her short. Speaking with her was angering him.

"I-"

"Where is Masahiko? You are not meant to be here."

"I-wha-...Mellisa said it was fine!"

"You haven't answered my question and no it is not. The Sergent Major was just been pilot."

"Yeah she was, something you should bloody well try once in a while! Remember it was YOU that dragged me here!"

"Return to your quarters." Sousuke pushed by Chidori. He had to get away before he lost his tongue with her.

"Who the hell do you think your talking to!? I'm not one of you little solider people!"

"Chidori...please." Sousuke replied through gritted teeth.

"You never think about anyone but yourself and your stupid missions!

"..."

Sousuke began to walk away. He had originally planned to shower and change first but he need to get away from her. He rubbed his forehead as her heard her footsteps follow after him. She was giving out but he was no longer listening. He gripped his helmet tighter as he navigated the maze-like corridors of the deDanann. He stopped just outside the mens changing room and turned around to the still ranting Chidori.

"Chidori, just for once, just shut up. Simple as that. Silence." Sousuke said plainly before turning to go off again.

"You bastard..." was all Chidori could reply, been utterly gobsmacked by Sousuke's cold attitude.

He didn't want to do it but before he could stop himself he had Chidori pressed up against the wall, his nose centimeters from hers. He managed to keep his mouth shut and stalked off. Behind, Chidori sank to the ground, her whole body trembling. She hadn't felt such fear. He had frightened her with the dangerous stare he had looked at her with. Kurz emerged from the locker room and went straight after Sousuke seen the tears run down Chidori's cheeks.

Hearing footsteps behind him once again Sousuke stop and turned but his face connected with a fist. With his brain still swimming around his head Sousuke felt himself been pulled off the ground by the front of his flight suit and shoved exceptionally hard into the metal wall behind him. Opening his eyes, he was face to face with a very angry Kurz.

"Boy, you made her cry."

"I-"

"You have no excuse for that. It was your fuck up on the field not hers. If Kalinin had a reason to keep you off the field you should have stay the fuck away. We can cope. So you better think of a very good and very normal way to apologize to that young lady or so help you god."

Kurz let Sousuke go, his index finger still pointed in his face. Sousuke watched him go and for the second time that day he stooped over to pick up his falling helmet. Studying it he flung it against the wall in a fury. He rested his two hands against the wall hanging his head, his moist eyes closed.

"This is turning out to be a very bad day."

"Forty point five." Carter sighed removing the thermometer from Sousuke mouth. "You trying to give yourself pnuemonia?"

"Iie."

"Gunso you should have been in bed days ago sorting this out. It is pure carelessness that you let it get this bad!"

"Hai."

"It is very dangerous. For yourself and others."

"Aa."

Carter looked at the dejected solider sitting in front of her. She found it difficult dealing with such young soliders, not saying dealing with older ones was easier, but as a mature woman, to her the likes of Sousuke was just a child. She rested her hand on his knee.

"You can't protect others without protecting yourself and that is looking after your health."

"Hai."

"Change into these and bed number ten is yours. Commander Mardukas can deal with you tomorrow."

"Hai." Sousuke had no energy to protest. He changed into the crispy pale green scrubs and crawled into the bed. He was glad he didn't have to deal with Mardukas. He finally gave into the fever feeling the nurse place a cool damn cloth on his forehead and the prick of a needle in his arm. Here he could finally find some peace.

"Hey kiddo." Kurz sat down beside Chidori who was still outside the mens changing room.

"Hey."

"Listen, ignore Sagara he just-" Kurz trailed off as Chidori broke down sobbing into her knees that were drawn up into her chest.

"He hates me!"

'This is a job for Mao!'

"No he, well he 's socially inadequate and can't deal with a beautiful girl like yourself!"

"His eyes they were so full of hate." Chidori cried trying hard to stop.

Kurz sighed, scratching his head.

"Listen, I say we forget about Sagara, get ice-cream, niisan and the captain and cheer you up!"

Kurz stood up pulling Chidori to her feet. He bent of slightly wiping away her tears.

"He doesn't hate you. What you saw in his eyes was not meant for you, trust me, as a fellow solider." he spoke softly. "Now! Ice-cream, a room full of young girls and me! Let's go!"

Kurz took off dragging Chidori behind him off the deDanann and into the compound.

Chidori sat amongst an increasingly drunk trio. She shook her head a the naivety of Tessa who believed Mao had purchased non-alcoholic beer. Kurz was sitting nursing a swollen face after trying, repeatedly to make moves on all three of them. Mao seemed perfectly sober despite hitting what looked like to be the twentieth can but Chidori gave up trying to count. Tessa on the other hand was twirling around the room her hair loose singing something about been a fairy. The clock read after two in the morning. They had succeed in cheering her up but wasn't brave enough to witness what was to happen next after a few more beers. After much protest Chidori finally took her leave. Outside the office a rather sour looking Masahiko wait for her and escorted her back to her room.

Chidori sat on the bed holding her Bontu-kun plushie close to her. Sousuke had won it for her at the shooting range on one of their first visits to the funpark. Chidori couldn't help but smile at how incredibly stiff Sousuke was back then. He had, for him, come a long way since. The more she thought about it the more she realized how little leeway she gave him. How much she actually thought about him.

'I'm a bitch.'

Thinking about school without him Chidori flopped down on the bed, letting the tears come. She was about to drift off when the door clicked. Looking over she was sure she had shut it tightly. Tensing the light suddenly flicked on.

Kalinin and Mardukas stood on the bridge of the deDanann. The report of the cargo had come in and both were analyzing it before they presented it to Tessa. Kalinin had remained silent in the Arbalest situation. Mardukas was trying to get a confession out of him, for own piece of mind. Despite the fact he was always hard on Sagara, he recognized his abilities and respected them. He want to be sure Sagara had not acted upon personal feelings, rather a military judgment.

"Tessa!" Chidori half screamed.

The captain wobbled into Chidori's room and half trip, half fell on top of Chidori, breaking into a fit of giggles. Chidori waved her hand in front of her face trying to disperse the reeking fumes of alcohol on Tessa breath.

"Ugh you drank way too much!"

"Teeheehee it's NON-alco-alco-mo-holic! BEER! Heehehehe!"

"Ok! Ok calm down!"

Tessa waved her off leaning in close.

"Hmmmm.." the captain smiled "I came to tell you what's wrong with my Sagara-kun!"

"Your Sagara-kun?" Chidori replied one eyebrow cocked., trying to lean away from Tessa's face.

"Mmmhmmm! He's sick! Very very very ooooooh loookie a Bontu-kun!" Tessa went to pick it up but toppled off he bed.

"What!? Sousuke's sick? Tessa!" Chidori asked trying to de-tangle Tessa and claim back her Bontu-kun.

"Yes?"

"Sousuke! You said he was sick, why didn't you tell me earlier?"

"Hmmm?" Tessa sat in a dreamy state on the floor. "He wouldn't have wanted to worry you! Huh? Aaah!" Tessa suddenly gasped.

"What!?"

"Oh nothing! I had an image Kurz was making a move on me!' Tessa blushed.

Chidori coughed uncomfortably remembering Kurz's red thong, surely Tessa would remember something as vivid as that!

"Ummm Tessa? What's wrong with Sousuke?"

"Fever and two broken ribs and oh-my!!! Look at the time, I need to get back to the deDanann!"

Chidori watched as Tessa took off out the door all flustered after managing to get it opened. Clicking the light off and lying back on the bed Chidori felt a bit better.

'If he's that sick, he wouldn't have been himself , would he?'

Chidori heard the door click again. She sighed. Drunk people were really a handful. She fumbled around in the dark for the light switch, sitting up in the process.

"Tessa you really need to-"

Chidori stopped as the room illuminated and the cold metal barrel of a gun was pressed against her forehead.

"Masahiko!?"

Next chapter: The Armour Cracks. Mao and Kurz rush to slove the infilteration of the deDanann as Sousuke's life hangs in the balance. What is the captain descion?