I sat alone in the dark, terminal in hand, perched on the steps of the tunnel's exit. The moon light was all that illuminated the area while I prepared myself to contact the other side. We needed to get as many people out and alive before noon and I could only hope they were finished digging through the collapsed part of the tunnel. I felt incredibly numb, and while Ride and Chad both offered to make the call, I insisted I needed to do it.
I finally sent the call through and waited a few minutes for a strong connection. One of the newer recruits, whose name I didn't know, answered. Without hesitation he shouted out for Eugene, "Deputy Boss! A transmission from the other side of the tunnel!"
"Yeah!" I could hear the relief in Eugene's voice as he took control of the terminal. "What'd you find out, Orga?"
I jaw clenched briefly at his assumption and tears welled in my eyes. I shook my head and blinked back the tears before speaking. "It's Kai."
"Oh, hey? Where's Orga?"
"I'm sending you the coordinates where the tunnel comes out." My voice was hollow as I ignored his question. "Makanai has agreed to help us out and we've got a secured ride through Azee and the girls."
"That's awesome!" He celebrated; I could hear some cheers from those around him listening in. I muttered a yeah, soft enough to practically just be a breath. Despite the fact that I always say he is, Eugene wasn't completely stupid and caught it. "Kaiya, has something happened?"
"You guys need to hurry up and finish digging. Gjallarhorn has the media believing they sent us a surrender notice and that Tekkadan is refusing."
"That's bullshit! No one told us anything."
"They'll strike at noon. So, hurry up and get everyone out of there as fast as you can. The orders are to get as many people out as possible, don't forget that. We need to keep as much of our family alive right now."
"Kaiya"
"Hm"
"You're upset. We've been through worse together and I know that can't be the reason you sound so empty." I was a bit surprised; I wasn't aware he ever cared enough to notice something like that about me. We didn't hate each other but we certainly bumped heads every chance it seemed. "So, what is it? Is everyone okay?"
The line was silent, and my heart started to race as I tried to figure out what to say. I held my head down, eyes catching the dried blood stains on my boots. Kudelia convinced me to at least change my clothes a few hours ago, and though I tried, my hands were still red. From his blood or from all the scrubbing, I don't think I know right now. "Kaiya? Answer me!" His impatient shout pulled me from my trance.
"Orga" My voice cracked, and I started to shake once more, reliving the events from today in my head.
"Something happen to Orga? Is he alright?!"
"Eugene," I whimpered and the dam burst. "They put a hit on him. He...he's dead." Saying those words out loud for the first time felt like being shot again but this time the burn from the wound stung all over and didn't fade.
"What?!" He shouted, murmurs and gasps were heard from behind him.
"They shot him. Just like Lafter, they...they just unloaded." I took a moment to catch my breath. "Chad got hit first, but his arm will be fine. Orga did it to protect Ride, no one else was physically wounded."
"Those bastards." I could hear the pain in his voice and could only assume he had joined me in my tears.
"Eugene?"
"Yeah?"
"What about Mikazuki?" I, to this day, couldn't tell you the exact bond those two had, but I know this news wasn't going to sit especially well with Mika. "I know it was Mika's gun he had."
"Shit" Eugene sniffed a bit, probably trying to act tough as he now defaults to Tekkadan's main leader.
"Whoever tells him..." I sighed as a way to regain composure. "Can they at least thank him for protecting him and saving Ride and Chad?"
"What are you talking about?"
"Those guys weren't planning on stopping. Orga got a few shots in and must have gotten one of them pretty good since they hightailed it out of there immediately after that." The squeal of the tires rang through my ears briefly. "If he didn't have that gun, they would have kept firing and we could have lost three members of our family today."
The line went quiet, and I had almost wondered if I lost connection before he spoke again, "Mika isn't going to take the news well, but of everybody, how are you handling it?"
I bit the inside of my lip and started to chew at the irritated skin. "How about we just focus on getting you guys here." He gave a heavy sigh but hummed. "Gather your senior officers, come up with a plan. I'll be here waiting for you."
"I'll let you know what we come up with. Can you do something for me?"
"Hm?"
"Take care of yourself until we get there."
"Sure thing...Boss"
"Don't-" I cut the call and placed the terminal on the ground beside me, hunching over. The silence didn't last long as the heavy door scraped across the concrete behind me, a quiet voice calling out to me.
"Big Sis?" Ride was hesitant as he stepped through the door. I heard his footsteps approach and stop once he was behind me. "I'm sorry." He sniffled. "It's all my fault." I stood up quickly and whipped my body around to face him.
"Don't you dare say that!" I snapped, suddenly feeling guilty as he stepped back with tears streaming down his cheeks. It dawned on me he probably thought I blamed him for what happened. I softened my gaze, stepping towards him and resting both hands on his shoulders. "Don't you ever blame yourself." I said softer this time, bending down slightly to be level with him. "Those men were after Orga from the start, okay? No one blames you. I don't blame you."
His tears fell harder, and his lip started to quiver. I pulled him into me, resting my chin on his head and holding him as tight as I could hoping he believed me. His arms circled my waist and clung to me as he sobbed. He'd been brave long enough. I knew he looked up to Orga, he was Ride's biggest hero.
"Should anyone ever make you feel Orga's death was on you, point them my way, you got it?"
–
"We've been working nonstop, and the tunnel is just about cleared. Once open it's gonna take us about two hours to reach the Chryse end of the tunnel. When we get the clear and hear the first group has made it to the other side, we'll start clearing out from the battlefront." Eugene had contacted me to give me an update. Mikazuki had called a meeting around sunrise, and in the true Mikazuki fashion, declared anyone that stood in his way was an enemy and he'd carry Orga's order out till the end. He was ready for bloodshed, and I'd truly hate to be on the other end of his wrath.
"Make sure those guys remember they are just acting as decoys and that the goal isn't to kill the enemy but to stay alive." I was back on the stairs, deciding this would be my post until I knew the plan was a success. The morning sun granted me some light from the high window behind me but did little to brighten my mood.
"I'm going out too." I snorted.
"What fucking suit? You're not a pilot and your position now is more important than ever."
"I know how a mobile suit works!" I could practically see his eyes roll in annoyance. "I was planning on using the Shiden." He sounded a bit uncomfortable, and I was confused as to why.
"From my knowledge there aren't any other Shiden's available with what's left of our inventory."
"The custom" I bowed my head. Right, there was one Shiden available.
"King's Throne"
"Yeah, sure, King's Throne...I'll never understand how Shino came up with all these flashy names." He chuckled a bit, causing me to smile.
"He was always really imaginative and good at keeping it interesting. Sure wish I had that sort of creativity." I thought back on him, my heart aching at losing both of my closest friends in Tekkadan. "I hope King's Throne serves you well."
"Kai...I-"
"Just promise me you'll make it here."
"You got it. I'll see you soon."
The line disconnected and I moved the terminal to my side then leaned back on my hands. All I could do now was wait and I sure hate waiting. I was especially annoyed I wouldn't have ears on the battle to make sure everyone would be smart enough to stay alive. Mikazuki and Akihiro were the two I worried about the most. At this point I knew they believed they had nothing left to lose and I feared they wouldn't consider how wrong they were when it came down to self-perseverance. With Mika asking Kudelia to help raise his baby with Atra, I had no doubt he didn't even consider how important his role would be for his child. Though I don't really think either one of them realized how important the task of creating and raising a new life was.
'As if Akiko isn't now in that situation.' I solemnly thought. 'How the hell am I going to do this alone, Orga?' Low rumbles could be heard that pulled me from my thoughts. I glanced over at the terminal to catch the time. 'Gjallarhorn sure wasn't messing around when they said they'd strike at noon.' Chryse was too far to really feel the impact, the noise was faint, but that didn't stop me from straining my ears to hear something that could give me hope.
I must have been too lost in my head as the sound of footsteps startled me. I glanced over at my shoulder to see Ride back in the doorway. I offered him a weak smile.
"We should hopefully be seeing someone coming through the tunnel real soon." I said, dragging myself up to my feet.
"Did you want me to take over watch?" He stepped towards me. "You've been in here a lot and should probably go eat something."
I shook my head. "Until I know everyone is safe, there is no way I'd be able to eat." He frowned but leaned against the handrail across from me.
"Boss wouldn't like you saying that." I cracked a smile at his words.
"No, no he wouldn't." I looked at him and saw his faint grin. "But knowing him he wouldn't be eating either so here I shall stay. How's Chad doing?"
"He's doing good, or as good as someone who's been shot in the arm can be."
"Well, been there, done that." I snorted and he laughed lightly. "Seriously though, I'm glad he'll be okay, and it wasn't worse. An injury like that is manageable."
The clicking of heels against metal softly echoed from the steps beneath us. We both straightened up, waiting to see who would emerge. Tired pants could be heard as they ascended the stairs and Ride held out a hand to help them once they got close enough. I peeked over the side to see if they were finally in sight, a relieved smile on my face when I saw it was Merribit.
She paused briefly once she noticed the hand stretched out to her and glanced up at us. "Ride! Kaiya!" She took hold of his hand and allowed him to guide her out.
"I'm really glad you're safe Miss Merribit." He stepped back from her to give some space. "I was-"
"You did a wonderful job." She said softly and looked over at me, a slight look of pity in her eyes.
"Yeah but...It's my fault Boss is..." He started to shake, and I sighed as she turned her attention back to him and pulled him in for a hug.
"Ride, I've already told you; it isn't your fault." My voice was low, and my eyes were glued to the ground. Arms soon pulled me in, and I felt myself go limp.
"If you hadn't gotten word to us about the situation, none of us would be here right now." Merribit's voice was soothing as she ran a hand up and down my back. "I'm sorry for your loss." Those words and the comfort of her arms sent a jolt through me. I looked over at Ride to see his eyes watering like my own. I wrapped my arms around her and let my sobs go. I guess what I needed the most was the embrace of a trusted adult.
–
More and more boys filtered from the tunnel over time. We were all gathered outside the tunnel's access door waiting for the last of the group to arrive. I was walking around the crowd trying to get a gauge on who had made it when I heard Chad talking with Zack. I quickly rolled my eyes, immediately annoyed that the coward was back here when I thought he had already left the moment he could.
"Eugene and the maintenance crew are on their way. They just started down the tunnel." I heard Chad explain. Merribit convinced me to grab a bite to eat and go take some time with Akiko while we waited, so Chad had instead taken post next to the terminal.
"Hold on, you're saying the fighting is over?" Zack sounded surprised.
"Not quite. Mikazuki and Akihiro are keeping the enemy at bay until everyone reaches Chryse." I quickly ran over.
"What do you mean Mikazuki and Akihiro are still on the battlefield!?" I could see Zack flinch back at the sight of me and I sent him a glare.
"Eugene said they still had things they wanted to take care of." Chad said, not sounding too concerned. My eyes screwed shut.
"Fuck!" I shouted before taking a deep breath. "This is bad. This is so bad." I muttered just as the ground violently shook beneath us. I snapped my head in the direction of the battle, breath caught in my throat. Murmurs spread through the group in confusion of what caused the quake.
"Is this from the explosives we set at headquarters?" I heard Zack ask someone, but I didn't tear my eyes away.
"They would have given us a warning." I could hear Merribit reply, "Plus that blast is far too big."
"They wouldn't..." Chad started. "I noticed that the news reports from the site stopped today."
"Those Gjallarhorn bastards." I growled, a realization coming to me. Once again it came back to those stupid weapons and how hypocritical Gjallarhorn truly was.
"What? What is it?" Zack shouted at me, and I looked at him, jaw clenched.
"Dainsleives! They just blasted HQ and our boys with those damn dainsleives!" The boy didn't seem to understand why that angered me so much and I huffed, turning to walk away when the distant rumbles of battle picked back up. "No way."
"They must have missed them!" Ride cheered a bit but that funny feeling bubbles in my gut. The alaya-vijnana would keep them alive as long as the machines were running. They'd feel no pain and just keep pressing on until those suits completely shut down. Instead of tearing down his hopes I gave Ride a hesitant smile before continuing my earlier rounds of headcounts and making sure everyone was doing okay.
The last group of guys started to finally exit the tunnel. I smiled seeing Nadi and Yamagi but it quickly fell as I watched Merribit run towards her lover and fling her arms around him. My heart ached at the sight, and I immediately felt foolish for being so jealous.
Eugene's mop of blond hair finally emerged, signaling that was the last of the evacuees, and I think this was the most excited I had ever seen him. This topped his save at Edmonton, that was for sure. I sprinted towards him and shouted his name. He looked over at me, a look of confusion on his face as I slammed into him, immediately throwing my arms around his neck in a tight embrace. His arms cautiously wrapped around me.
"It's good to see you, Eugene." More tears pricked my eyes as I tried to hide my sniffle, not wanting to hear anything about it. The number of times this jerk has called me a crybaby is way too many to count, regardless that the majority was while pregnant.
"It's good to see you too, Kaiya." He let me get the comfort I needed before speaking again. "You did great, by the way." I bit my lip, holding back a sob. "Thank you for everything you've done."
Before I could find a way to reply the air grew silent once again. I slowly pulled away from Eugene's embrace, eyes set towards the battlefield, wondering how it ended, but fearing I already knew that answer.
"What do we do now?" Part of me wanted a team to go out and make sure Akihiro and Mikazuki were safe, but HQ was rigged with explosives, and we didn't have much time to get to port.
"I'll try to make contact." I chewed my lip but nodded at him. "You get everyone in order and ready to go. Contact Azee and make sure our route is clear, got that?" He laid a hand on my shoulder, an attempt to ease my nerves.
"Sure thing."
"We're almost out of this mess, I swear it. Let's just keep moving forward and we'll rest when we make it to Earth." I flinched at those familiar words but nodded once again.
We just need to make it to Earth, and we'd be saved.