Love You To Death, Chapter 4
Part I: Never Without You.
Sei stopped in front of Meg`s door, although she didn`t expect the young girl to be in here. She knocked on the door, and waited. There was no answer from within, and after a moment, Sei moved on. Ten paces took her down the hall to Jo`s room, and it was here that she expected to find the girls. Another knock. There was absolute silence for a moment, which puzzled Sei, then the soft, muted sounds of rustling clothes and sheets.
"Yes?" Came Jo's soft voice from within. Sei did not open the door. "News from Bailan. I will discuss it with you when you join us in the kitchen."
Another stretch of silence. If Sei concentrated, she was sure she could hear whispered talking; she did not try to make out what they were saying. "Okay. Be out soon."
Sei turned, and headed back toward Amy and Leo.
Fifteen minutes earlier...
Meg awoke slowly, her mind in no hurry to rejoin reality. Each of her senses slowly came online, one after another. She became aware of the scent of vanilla; even before she opened her eyes, she knew what it was. She felt a gentle warmth pressing against her back, and an arm around her waist. She could hear Jo's slow inhale and exhale of breath; about six seconds in between each. Jo was still asleep.
Meg became aware of their position, and a slow smile crept across her face. Meg was on her right side, facing the wall. Jo was behind her, cuddled up against her. Jo had her left arm slung over Meg's waist, holding her close, while her right arm was underneath Meg's head. Jo's face head was bowed, her nose nestled in Meg's hair.
Meg inhaled deeply, and the scent of Jo, mixed with vanilla made her heart swell with pride. Jo was with her. No one else. The strong, beautiful warrior was holding her right now, had only ever held her, and would only ever hold her if Meg had anything to say about it.
I'm surprised she still has it... Meg thought to herself. It was an old gift...
When they had moved from America to Japan, they had spent the first year looking for work. They had found it on and off, and weren't doing too badly for themselves. Jo had, of course, adapted easily to the culture; whether it was her avoidance of people or her innate uncaring of anything to do with tradition and the general way of life, Jo had shown no signs of stress switching from American to Japanese culture. Sure, she had probably offended a lot of people, blatantly disregarded tradition and customs regarding nearly everything, but in typical Jo fashion it hadn't been done out of arrogance or disrespect; she simply did not know any better. Meg, on the other hand, had gone into Japan knowing things were going to be vastly different, and every day was a challenge as she struggled to learn the language and interact with people. Over the years to come, Jo slowly learned, and she learned from Meg. Meg took the time to tell her why the things she was doing weren't accepted here like they were in America, and to help her adapt. Jo learned the language from Meg, and although Meg never had time to sit down and formally teach Jo, she would merely talk to Jo in Japanese, repeating sentences over and over, then saying it again in English. Jo caught on through word association, and it was good enough to get by.
When Christmas rolled around, things weren't looking too bright. They had a place to live, yet barely enough food to eat, and work was scarce. Their clothes were thin, and their wallets thinner, but Meg was happy. She had Jo, and it was Christmas time. She didn't have a care for anything else in the world. It was a week before Christmas, and Meg was walking through the mall. Jo had opted to stay at home, but Meg wanted to go out and enjoy the snowfall. She had thrown on whatever clothes she could find, and set out, walking aimlessly through the falling snow. It was beautiful. If only Jo had come with her, walking with her hand in hand...
After an hour and a half, Meg had gotten cold. The sun had just been setting when she had left, and now it was dark out, the snow falling faster with big, fat snowflakes. She had wandered her way to the town center, and decided to stop in at the mall. She had a few yen on her; might as well see if she could get something to warm her up. She walked over and pulled open one of the big glass doors; a wave of heated air blasting her from the heaters above. She smiled, and shook off the snow clinging to her hair, shoulders, pants and boots. She had been in this mall more than a few times over the previous months and knew her way around pretty well. She immediately began walking in the direction of the coffee shop.
'Ahh, I wish Jo was here with me...' Meg thought sadly. 'It's so Christmas-ey, and she's cooped up inside!'
Meg reached into her pocket and jangled the meagre coin, wondering what to get. As she approached the coffee shop, her eye was caught by the store beside it. It looked interesting, and she decided to go check it out. She wandered in, and was greeted by the person operating the til. Meg smiled at her, and slowly walked down the aisles, looking left and right. It seemed to be a store aimed at personal health and beauty, and most of the products Meg either knew of, or had used before. One shelfing section caught her eye though, and she moved closer. The shelf was lined with body moisturizer, in varying scents. One container in particular caught her eye, and she picked it up, reading it.
'Hmm, Body Butter, eh?' Meg flipped it over, and looked at the bottom of the round container, but it revealed little useful information. She flipped it back right side up, and looked at the scent. She wrinkled her nose when she saw 'cucumber' on it, and put it back.
'What else do they have?' She wondered. Her eyes caught a vanilla scented container, and she smiled. She loved vanilla. She picked it up, and wondered what the price was. If she could get it, this would make a good gift for Jo! She slowly made her way back to the counter, and held it up questioningly. The woman smiled, and took it from her, running it through the till. 387 Y flashed up on the screen, and Meg frowned.
"I only have 350 yen." Meg said. The elderly woman nodded, and held out her hand. Confused, Meg shook her head. "I don't have enough." She said.
"Christmas...is...time of give." The woman said slowly, in English, then repeated it in Japanese. Meg nodded slowly, and gave her to money, thanking her profusely. The kind lady smiled, her brown eyes shining brightly. Meg didn't know what to do, so she bowed awkwardly, then left. As she left the store, she glanced over her shoulder one more time, and the woman waved at her. Meg waved back, and a smile crossed her face. She walked with a slightly lighter step, and wanted to hurry getting home. She had a gift for Jo, and it wasn't anything expensive, but she hoped Jo liked it. She had never had enough money to give Jo a present before, and more than a few times, Christmas had passed without either of them noticing. Sure, it was impossible to miss the festive music, and the decorations, but neither of them paid much attention to the date on the calendar.
When Meg got home, she ran upstairs to their shared room, and peeked inside. Jo was on the bed, leaning against the backboard and staring at her feet. It was the same position Jo had been in when Meg had left, and Meg recognized it for what it was. Jo was trying to remember anything about her past, before Meg had found her.
Meg`s heart always went out to the girl when she saw her like this. She wished she could help, but in reality, there was little she could do. But maybe a gift would cheer her up...?
Meg had originally been wanting to wait another week til Christmas day to give her the present, but anyone who knew Meg knew that she wouldn't be able to hold out that long.
"Hey, Jo..." Meg said softly, approaching the girl. Jo was silent and unresponsive for a minute, before she looked up at Meg. Meg felt her heart skip a beat when she looked into those dark red liquid pools, but didn't miss the way Jo's pupils dilated slightly when she looked at her. Meg slowly walked over to the edge of the bed, her hands behind her back.
"While I was out, I...uh...I thought of you." Meg said softly. "And I got you something. You know, as a gift."
There was no noticeable response from Jo, and Meg felt her courage faltering. Now that her confidence was weakening, she started doubting herself.
"I-it's...nothing big or expensive, but I thought of you when I saw it." Meg said, bringing the item out from behind her back and holding it out to her.
Jo's eyes slowly lowered to the offered item, and she reached out to accept it. Meg's hands were shaking when Jo took it, and Meg was sure that Jo had noticed. Jo said nothing, but she looked at the round container in her hands with little more than slight interest.
"What is it?" Jo asked, turning it over in her hands. Meg sat down on the bed beside her.
"It's a body moisturizer!" She said. "And it's my favourite scent, vanilla!"
Jo looked at it for a second longer, before setting it beside her. "Thank you, Meg." She said.
Meg smiled at her, although her heart fell.
'No discernable reaction...' Meg thought sadly, getting up. Jo looked up at her, but Meg walked out of the room with her head down.
'I was stupid to think she would care about something like that...'
Meg smiled to herself as she slowly turned over to face Jo, hoping she didn't wake the sleeping girl. Jo didn't awake, and Meg stared at the sleeping girl's face, envious of her dark skin tone.
It was a week after she had given her that gift, Meg thought, on Christmas day when Jo first used it.
Meg hadn't talked to Jo much, embarrassment over somehow feeling rejected by Jo, and had kept to herself. Jo wasn't one for talking, nor for understanding delicate feelings, but had obviously known through Meg's behaviour that something was wrong. Jo had come up behind Meg, and gently slipped her arms around the shorter girl's neck, pulling her close. Meg closed her eyes, and relaxed into Jo's embrace. After a moment, Meg realized what the familiar scent she had caught was, and had turned around excitedly. Jo only pulled her into a tighter hug, and Meg rested her head on Jo's shoulder, her face in the crook of Jo's neck. There she could smell it the strongest, and she inhaled deeply, wishing she could stay in Jo's arms forever, and never leave.
Meg leaned forward and kissed Jo lightly on the forehead.
'Jo is so cute when she`s asleep!' Meg thought. 'But then again, Jo is always cute.'
Meg gently brushed a length of hair from Jo's cheek, and leaned forward to kiss her again. As her lips touched Jo's cheek, Jo moaned softly. Meg quickly pulled away, looking down at Jo.
Jo slowly opened her eyes, and focused on Meg.
"Sorry Jo, did I wake you?" Meg asked quietly.
Jo shook her head. "No, its fine."
Meg was about to reply, when a knock on the door interrupted her. Jo cast a dark glare at the door, then sat up, pulling the blankets across her legs to her waist.
"Yes?" Jo asked quietly.
"News from Bailan. I will discuss it with you when you join us in the kitchen." Sei's voice reached their ears, muffled slightly by the door.
Meg leaned in close. "I wonder what that means?" She whispered. Jo shrugged her shoulders. "Whatever it is, it probably isn't good." She replied quietly.
"Okay, be out soon." Jo said, her voice a bit louder. There was no reply, and they assumed that Sei had left.
"Well, we should get out there and see what`s going on." Jo said. Meg nodded, and they slowly got out of bed. As soon as Meg stood, she arched her back into a luxurious stretch, arms high in the air.
"Mmm I like sleeping with you, Jo." Meg said. "We haven't shared a bed in a while." Jo said nothing; she was busy undressing. Meg didn't bother; she knew there was nothing going on today. Might as well relax in her casual wear.
Within a few minutes, Jo was back in uniform, complete with gun holsters and loaded guns.
"Hoping for some action, eh Jo?" Meg asked, grinning. Jo nodded. "A fight would be nice." She replied.
Meg placed her hand on the door knob, and turned it. "Something tells me you shouldn't get your hopes up."
Jo lowered her nose into her scarf, and walked toward the door as Meg pulled it open.
"One can hope." Jo said, as she stepped into the hallway. Meg stepped out after her, shutting Jo's door tight behind her.
Meg followed slightly behind Jo as they walked down the hall, and it was only a few short seconds before they entered the trailer's kitchen, and unofficial meeting area.
"Morning, you two." Sei greeted. Meg replied in kind, while Jo's eyes travelled to and from each of their members.
Amy was sitting back on one side of the table, drinking a glass of milk and casting a critical eye at her computer, no doubt testing an auto-hack program she had written, or watching the status of a critical download. Leo was on the opposite side, sitting beside Sei. His clothes were clean, which told Jo that the majority of Django's work was completed. Work on that thing was never finished though, even if Jo let it sit for a year, she would come back and find Leo tinkering with something. Sei was, as always, beautifully dressed, hair done up to perfection. Her light, classy perfume was not heavily applied, and only the barest of whiffs every now and then reached their noses. Always enough to intrigue, but never too much to be over-powering. Her eyes shone brightly in the artificial glare of the kitchen lighting as she surveyed Meg and Jo.
"Have a seat, you two." She said, indicating the space across from her, next to Amy. Amy obligingly moved over to make room. Jo motioned for Meg to sit first, and she did. Jo slid in after her, hand disappearing under the table. A second later, and Jo's hand found Meg's. Meg was surprised, but glad that Jo had initiated contact for once, and slowly intertwined her fingers with Jo's, and held tight.
"Bailan contacted me this morning," Sei started. "And it seems that Bailan has been very active recently in the political spectrum."
Jo's eyes narrowed; she already knew where this was going. Her grip on Meg's hand tightened.
"They have ordered us to not make any moves for a period of one week." Sei said. Although she was reiterating herself for the benefit of both Meg and Jo, it was only Jo who she directed those words at.
Jo's mind began racing at the thought of being inactive for a week. She was already craving war, and seven days without it seemed...
"Bailan has agreed that if we play nice for them for a week, they will arrange something for us at the end of the week for those of us who feel the need to stretch our muscles."
Once again directed at Jo.
"Ooor..."
Jo's head came up at the thought of an alternative.
"We can go straight to work for any one of the thousand factions resisting Bailan and their obvious supremacy, and consider Bailan an enemy. The pay will be significantly less, also."
Jo didn't particularly care who she worked for, but knew that Sei would not betray Bailan. Meg would follow her, of course, but Jo wouldn't have Django. Or if she did, they wouldn't have Bailan's massive financial backing to pay for the repairs every time Jo broke something. And with Bailan as their enemy...Django would be broken often.
Sei, seeing Jo carefully consider the offer, and the subsequent decision not to accept the offer based on her continued silence, moved on.
"Obviously we do not want to separate ourselves from Bailan for many reasons, each different for all of us but equally as important. Let's keep a low profile, recuperate, enjoy our time off. If I know Bailan, things won't be quiet for long. They thrive on conflict, and before we know it, our week will be up and we will be thrust into eternal war once more."
Jo knew all too well that the carefully prepared speech was for her alone. Each of them were tied to Bailan in some way. All of them, except her. And maybe Meg...
Jo's eyes sought Leo's. Leo was a skilled heavy duty mechanic, and could take his trade anywhere he desired. He remained ever-faithful to Sei, though Jo did not know if barking up that particular tree would ever yield the results he desired. Her eyes slid to Amy. Her skills, as well, were versatile, and could be employed anywhere, at any time, for anyone who paid the right price. Amy's age was invaluable to her. She would never fall behind the technological advances. She was merely tied to Bailan through, again, Sei. She considered Sei a mother-figure, and would follow her to the ends of the earth.
Jo closed her eyes for a moment, and when she opened them, they were focused on Sei, across from her. Sei was returning the stare, and Jo did not flinch away. Sei, the one person this group revolved around, was tied to Bailan in such an obvious and explicit way that it was clear she would never leave.
Sei offered her a small smile, and Jo nodded her head, nose hiding deeper into the high folds of her scarf. From the corner of her eye, she could see Meg. Meg had been with her ever since she could remember. Probably always would, and that was a damn comfortable feeling. Meg liked Sei and the others, Jo knew, but Jo also knew that she intentionally kept herself from them. Jo had never formed an attachment to anyone but Meg, and Jo would have no problem leaving this oddball group of humans if the time came. To avoid getting hurt, Meg didn't allow herself to get too attached to anyone that Jo could leave. For Jo, that was everyone but Meg.
Jo closed her eyes once more. It would be in her best interest to remain here. War would come again. She could feel it. Bailan always provided engaging and challenging battles; she would never give that up no matter how long she needed to wait. Yes, war was coming. The excitement was building in Jo's chest, but she had to contain it. For now.
Jo opened her eyes, and stood. Still holding Jo's hand, Meg stood with her. Jo could feel everyone's eyes on their clasped hands, but she felt no embarrassment. They had held each other tighter than this before in more ways than one, when the cold got too hard to bear and the hunger kicked in. Other times they held each other for the peace it brought them. Other times, Jo held Meg when she was overcome by grief; Jo was thankfully spared that feeling.
Sometimes, Jo got the feeling that Meg would one day walk away. Reason unknown, just up and leave. Those were the nights Jo spent hugging Meg the tightest, unable to speak a word as she locked herself inside her mind, combatting silly fears and unreasonable doubts. Meg had never left yet though, and Jo was glad for every day she had woken up to Meg's sleepy face, and unruly hair.
Jo walked down the hallway hand in hand with Meg, head bowed, deep in thought.
"Y-you alright, Jo?" Meg asked timidly. Jo did not answer right away. When they reached Meg's room, Jo stopped and let go of her hand.
"Do you want to go out somewhere, Meg?" Jo asked.
Meg wasn't sure what to say. "That's...unusual. Normally I have to pester you to come out with me."
Jo shrugged. "There is nothing else to do, and I know that going out entertains you. I cannot allow you to go by yourself, unprotected. I shall accompany you."
Meg smiled, and reached out, hugging Jo's arm. "Aw, is it like a date?" She asked. "Where you taking me, Jo?"
Jo's neutral expression promptly turned to a frown. "I...guess this could technically be called a date...I'm familiar with the meaning of the word...although I have very little knowledge concerning the protocol to follow on a 'date'."
Meg only hugged her closer, her smile widening into a grin. "Just go out for a walk with me, take me somewhere to eat, then we can watch a movie or something!"
Jo's eyes narrowed as she looked at Meg. "You have done these things with people other than me multiple times before."
Meg looked up at her, surprised at the display of emotion. "Aww, are you jealous, Jo?"
Jo gently pressed Meg against her bedroom door, hands around her waist.
"I do not know what I am feeling, but I do not like it."
"Jo, don't worry. All those things mean something else when I do them with other people. With you, it's...special."
Jo was silent for a minute, then she looked at Meg with such wide, sad eyes that Meg's heart almost broke.
"Promise?" Jo asked quietly. Meg nodded. "I promise." She said softly.
Jo smiled, and pulled her into a hug.
"Want to go now?" Jo asked. Meg nodded. "I want to shower and change first though." Jo nodded her agreement. Meg began walking toward Jo's room, and Jo followed.
"My shower, again?" Jo asked. Meg stopped with her hand on Jo's door handle. "Do you mind?" She asked. "I can use mine if you like."
Jo shook her head. "It is alright with me."
"You sure?"
"Positive."
"Good!" Meg said, opening the door and walking in. "I like showering with you anyway!"
Jo wondered if she should ask why, but quickly decided on a separate subject.
"Meg...I have a question."
"Yeah, Jo?"
"When we are done showering...can you help me find something nice to wear?"
Meg looked at Jo, surprise evident on her face. "What do you mean?"
Jo looked down at her fighting outfit. "I feel like a change." She said. "You wear a variety of clothing that accent many different desireable parts of you, and I fear I lack that trait."
Meg was silent for a moment as she slowly slid her sweat pants off.
"Well...you don't really own much in the way of clothing...so...SHOPPING TRIP!" Meg exclaimed.
Jo smiled, and started to remove her clothing. Her holsters came off; laid gently on the floor. Next, her scarf. Carefully unwound, and dropped on top of her guns. The rest of her clothing came off carelessly and was strewn about the floor with no particular thought given to where it ended up.
Meg slowly unzipped her hoodie, feeling her breasts move slightly apart. Next, her bra. She reached behind herself, her fingers expertly finding the clasp. She undid it in one swift move, before turning to face Jo completely.
"Oh, Jo..." Meg said softly. Jo was already looking at her. "Yes, Meg?" She asked.
Meg let the bra fall, revealing her soft, supple breasts. "Come here." Meg said softly. Jo stepped closer, her bare feet silent across the carpet. Meg slowly backed away as Jo moved closer. Meg smiled. "I need you to do something for me, Jo." Meg whispered, letting her fingertips slide slowly up her navel. Jo's eyes slid slowly down Meg's body, until they landed on Meg's tantalizing hips.
"And that is?"
Meg took two more slow steps backward, and she stepped onto the cold tile of the bathroom floor. She hesitated in the doorway for a moment. Slowly, she leaned against the door frame, her hips curving out.
Jo moved closer, staring down at her. Meg reached out, and took Jo's hands in hers, guiding them to her hips. "Take these off?" Meg asked innocently, looking up at Jo.
Jo, her hands on Meg's hips, could feel the fabric of her panties.
Jo stared into Meg's eyes for a second, before slowly hooking her thumbs under the waistband of her underwear. Meg smiled in approval, as Jo slowly pushed them down.
As Jo reached down as far as she could, she realized Meg's naughty intent. There was no way Jo could remove Meg's panties without bending down...
Jo slowly moved down, her face passing within inches of Meg's chest. Here, Jo paused for a second. Inhaling through her nose, Jo could smell the delicious, unique scent that was only Meg. Jo leaned in, and pressed her lips against Meg's left breast, just shy of her pink nipple. Meg reached up and stroked Jo's head as she continued to move down, threading her fingers through Jo's hair. Jo left a trail of kisses down Meg's taut stomach, pulling her panties down inch by tantalizing inch. Meg felt tremors running down her spine as Jo's lips moved lower and lower, ever so slowly.
As Jo bent down on one knee, the panties hit the floor. Jo knew she was done, but Meg's hand was still entangled in her hair. Jo closed her eyes, and kissed Meg's navel, slowly moving down, her hot, wet tongue pressed against Meg's skin.
An audible moan escaped Meg's throat, and her fingers tightened in Jo's hair.
'Mmm...just a bit lower, Jo...'
Almost immediately, Jo stopped. Meg felt her begin to stand, and she opened her eyes to come face to face with a smirking Jo.
"Shower time, isn't it?" She asked, before slipping past Meg. She reached into the shower, and turned it on. Meg stared at Jo's behind, trying furiously to control her desire. This was going to be a long week...
Sei sat down the table and handed a cup of steaming offee to Leo. He thanked her, before reaching for a box of sugar cubes.
"It's been quiet lately, eh?" He asked, dropping a few cubes into his coffee. He picked up a spoon and stirred it slowly. Sei nodded. "I'm not sure what Bailan has planned, but I have a feeling they aren't telling because they know I won't like it."
"You have a certain position of authority, can't you...find a way to be let in on the plan?" Leo asked, taking a sip of his coffee. He nodded in satisfaction as Sei contemplated her answer.
"Well...I can make certain requests, but if it's obvious there is something going on, and they don't bother to tell me what it is, it would be quite disrespectful to try to insinuate myself into their circle of discussion."
Leo nodded slowly. "Makes sense." He said. Sei said nothing; she quietly sipped from her cup of coffee.
"Well," She said after a minute, "There really is nothing to do except wait. How is Django coming along?"
"Mechanically, Django is fine." Leo said. "Everything that was banged up is working now, and fully functional. For some reason, one of the turbos were acting up. I pulled the unit, replaced the seals and it didn't fix the problem. Took the entire unit off again and tested the impellar blades and shaft balance. There were no nicks, or balancing issues, but there was some nominal resistance to the other-wise smooth operation of the unit. The bearing was starting to go, so I replaced it. It was a hefty job, and Bailan will be billed accordingly." He said. "Jo over-revs those engines too much. She asks too much of them. Those bearings are normally sealed units. They are designed to last the lifetime of the turbo itself. Their only weakness is excessive heat. It causes a breakdown of the lubricating oil used in the bearing system. I know removing the rev-limiter helped Jo improve her ability with the machine, but the machine isn't as strong as Jo." Leo said. "I feel silly saying it, but it's true. Since we cannot put a damper on Jo's performance to meet Django's limits and abilities, we need to significantly upgrade Django, or we risk a catastrophic engine failure, perhaps at a critical point in battle, which would be lethal to Jo. That's worst case scenario. Best case is, she blows something, has to fight on limited power and mobility, and if she wins, Django is down for at least a month while it undergoes repairs."
Sei nodded. "You certainly do know Django the best, mechanically." She said. "It would be foolish of me not to heed your advice." Leo picked up his spoon out of nervous habit, and stirred his coffee, clinking the metal spoon against the ceramic cup.
Sei was silent, deep in thought. If something was going on, it would be best to upgrade Django during their downtime. She would have to see what kind of engineering budget was available to...
The noise finally getting to her, Sei gently reached out and stopped Leo's hand.
Leo looked up at her, then hurriedly pulled the spoon out, setting it aside.
"S-sorry, Sei."
She smiled. "It is fine." Leo nodded. "What of Django?" Sei asked.
Leo was quiet for a moment, contemplating. "Tolerances are acceptable measures," He said, thinking. "The most cost-effective, time-efficient, safe thing to do would be to pull all three turbos, and replace them in their entirety." He said. "They all sit in the same engine bay, so if one failed, the others are not far behind. They are also a year and a half old; that particular model is out-dated." He said.
"Do you have the necessary man-power and tools to pull all three by yourself? Or should you hire help? You know the time-frame we are working with, obviously."
Leo nodded, pushing his glasses up on his nose. "One week, yes. I have not decided whether I shall require help or not. The time I would save by having an assistant would invariably be squandered by having to stop and show him around, if he be less experienced than I."
"Well, I leave that call up to you." Sei said. "Anything of importance I should know about?"
"Yes, Jo brought it to my attention that she wants...er..."
"Yes?"
"She wants Django to be airborne. She wants Django to fly."
Sei took another delicate sip of coffee. She stared cooly at the mechanic, while she thought about it.
"Do you have the technical skill to make it happen?" Sei asked. "Can it even happen?"
"Within the timeframe presented to me? Absolutely not." Leo said. "Furthermore, I am no aerospace engineer. If it broke, I could probably fix it, but I cannot make something fly when it wasn't designed to."
Sei was silent again, but only for a second.
"We are in the habit of giving Jo everything she desires when it comes to fighting." Sei said.
Leo hummed thoughtfully. "The absolute best I could do, is redirect her main rear thrusters to a vertical bearing, instead of horizontal. If I encounter no problems, I could probably run an electric motor and wire it to the controls to make it functional as both, like the jet exhaust ports on the old Harrier jet, but thats best case scenario." Leo said. "Although, I would love to see a swivel thruster design on Django."
Sei nodded. "Well, you have your work then. Unlimited charge account, and put in for overtime on every hour you work. Pull the turbos, hire help, whatever you need to do. Second objective is to make Django airborne." Sei said.
Leo nodded, and stood. He drained his coffee in one gulp, and set the mug down on the table.
"I'll keep you updated on my progress." He said. "And I trust you will let me know if anything comes up that shifts this project away from a rebuild, and more toward a 'get that machine operational right now' kind of deal."
Sei nodded. "Of course. What are you planning to do first?"
"Order the turbos and a few miscellaneous parts. If I order it on priority to Bailan's charge account, I should have everything I need within twenty-four to forty-eight hours, and that's all I will need to do most of the teardown." He said.
Sei nodded. "Go for it. Feel free to upgrade the weapons, and anything else, if you prefer. You know the machine, Leo. Do whatever you feel is necessary, and do not worry about cost."
Leo nodded. "Will do, Sei."
Sei turned back to her coffee, and Leo was off to work.
A/N: Well, there is part one of chapter four. Sorry for the long update time, I got into an auto accident, and things are hectic. Luckily, I built my truck like a tank, and although I wrote off the other guys vehicle, my truck has moderate cosmetic damage. His fault, also, so I'm laughing. Aaaaanyway, reviews are appreciated, part II shouldn't be far behind.