Chapter 6: Brush with Death
Disclaimer: I don't own Vandread or the Ace Combat series.
The Odyssey of Discovery: Gryphus 1
A stretcher was rushed through the hallway toward the infirmary. The injured pilot was Meia, pushing the stretcher was Duero, Hibiki, Dita and a member from Meia's team.
Duero diagnosed, "Surface wound to the head, ruptured spleen and a visually fractured femur."
Hibiki grunted, "You idiot! What were you thinking, trying to take on the enemy by yourself when you knew full well that another fighter jet was closing in on you?"
Flashback
The Nirvana crew find themselves in battle with the Harvesters around some gas giant planet with its massive moon looking like someone took a huge laser and sliced a good part of it out, creating the ring system around it.
Gryphus 1 shakes off a bunch of heat-seeking missiles launched and fires the Swarm Missiles in retaliation. The transport missile screams to its targets and splits halfway there, unleashing its payload of missiles. The enemy fighters don't react in time and get shot down. He takes evasive action when he hears the missile alert going off and increases the F-22 Raptor's speed to dive straight down. The Shockwave Ballistic Missile goes off and the explosion destroys nearby asteroids. Carefully flying through the ring system, Gryphus 1 uses his superior eyesight to find the enemy aircraft responsible for that attack and his eyes narrow at what he saw. It was like seeing a ghost from the past he struggled to forget.
The giant resembled the Gleipnir except it was not as bulky as its predecessor. The SWBM launching ports were still in the same spot on top of the airborne fortress's back, the wings had the swept-back design and four engines that propelled the mammoth forward. Despite its size the new airborne fortress could turn amazingly fast thanks to the design and powerful engines. In addition to the SWBM, the Gleipnir 2.0 had the Optical Camouflage System, cannons, SAMs, AA guns and multiple Mason Cannons in the front of the wings making a frontal attack suicidal.
'It appears the Harvesters have created a Gleipnir class of superweapons.' Gryphus 1 thought.
He understands that the SWBM had to be out of commission to prevent anyone losing their lives. He firewalls the throttle quickly closing the distance and arms the XLAAM, patiently waiting to gain a lock. Once he does, he fires 4 missiles that destroy the SWBM launching ports effectively stopping the threat. However, he doesn't get time to celebrate because another of the Harvesters' new toy fires lasers at him.
It was shaped like a dart and its wings were fixed in a X shape.
An X-2 Wyvern fires its cannon at him and Gryphus 1 barrel rolls through the bullets. A quick glance at the passing fighter and Gryphus 1 knew who flew that particular craft.
Gryphus 1 said, "So you've chosen to show yourself after all this time, Francesca. I've been waiting to cross paths with you again."
The young woman's laughter echoed through the radio, "Ah, Gryphus 1. Nice to see you again your flying abilities have improve greatly since the first time you took to the skies. Diego Navarro has longed to see you after you humiliated him during the Aurelian War."
Gryphus 1 demanded, "Where is he? He must pay for what he's done to me!"
Francesca laughed evilly, "Why would I give away that information? It's more fun torturing you now than I did back then!" Gryphus 1 grips the joystick this psychotic woman had nerve to dig up such memories that plague him so much.
The male pilot said, "Don't fuck with me." Turning his stealth fighter around, the Aurelian fires the F-22's Vulcan Gatling cannon but the X-2 Wyvern dodges the attack with minimal effort. The enemy fighter shoots at him and Gryphus 1 weaves through the ring system to dodge the rounds.
Crux readies a pair of AMRAAM missiles on some F-16 Falcons while being cautious of his surroundings.
Once the lock-on symbol turned red, he cried, "Crux, Fox Three!" The AMRAAM were released and they score home at the targets, turning the F-16s into fireballs. He quickly banks right to shake off an AIM-9 Sidewinder. He U-turns and shoots his E-3 Sentry II's Vulcan Gatling cannons, ripping holes in the attacker's frame. He feels pink laser beams grazing his jet and pulls evasive maneuvers to prevent sustaining damage. A radar warning tells Crux that some MiG-21s were shooting their 30mm cannons at him. Crux takes evasive action but the MiGs stay with him no matter where he went.
Gryphus 1 and Francesca continue their game of cat and mouse through the ring system. To his 9 o'clock he sees Meia trying to engage the dart-shaped fighter on her own.
He said, "Meia, that new enemy's too fast for you to handle on your own. Combine with Hibiki's Vanguard, your Vandread's speed will allow you to keep pace with the enemy."
Meia replied, "I don't need a man's help! I can do this on my own!"
Gryphus 1 told her, "This isn't the time for stubborn pride, Meia! You're going to get hit at this rate!" It's like he was talking to a brick wall because the light blue-haired woman ignores his advice and tries to take on the enemy by herself. However, the dart-shaped fighter uses the environment, its slender body, alarming speed and agility to its advantage. The enemy shoots lasers from its "eyes" and strikes near the cockpit. The next thing Gryphus 1 hears is a scream on the radio before static noise takes its place. As the enemy readied to deliver the killing blow, it breaks off the attack to avoid Gryphus 1's Swarm Missiles.
Gryphus 2, who was nearby, exclaimed, "Meia!"
His flight lead alerted, "Nirvana, this is Gryphus 1. Get the infirmary and stretcher ready and bring Gascogne's ship out here! Meia's been injured badly!"
He heard BC gasp, "What? Meia's been injured?" In no time, the Reg delivery ship arrives and secures the damaged Dread. Gryphus Squadron escorts it back to the Nirvana, the fellow Dreads keep the enemies away from them. After landing in the hanger, Gryphus 1 spots a stretcher waiting so he helps Parfet open the cockpit to the damaged Dread once it's opened Gryphus 2 fought back the urge to vomit at the sight of Meia's injuries. Gryphus 1 and Parfet pry Meia out and gently place her on the stretcher not minding the blood pouring out of a wound on her head staining his g-suit with the crimson fluid.
Gryphus 1 ordered, "Don't stand there! Get her to the infirmary! Go, go, go!" He hops back into his stealth fighter to rejoin the fight occurring in space.
End of flashback
Meia looks at the passing lights overhead, the voices of the people over her barely audible as she's wheeled to the ER. Her mind drifts back to her past, to her Ohma and Fahma and the incident that changed her life forever.
Duero sees the look in his patient's eyes and realizes there was no time to waste.
He ordered, "Clear the Emergency Room!" The door slides open and Paiway gasps when she spots Meia coming in. Her circlet falls off her face and Duero removes her chest and shoulder padding followed by unzipping her flight suit, rendering Meia bare from the waist up. Duero ignores this because he knows time is of the essence. He places an oxygen mask over the injured pilot's mouth.
Meia said weakly, "Moth..er..." With Meia out of commission, Jura takes command of the Dreads.
She ordered, "A team, switch to alpha one formation now and B team...well..." The enemy takes advantage of the chaos as the Dreads get hit by enemy fire or crash into each other.
Barnette said, "Get a grip on yourself, Jura! The formation you ordered is not working!" Her friend could feel the pressure getting the best of her rapidly.
Jura replied, "I know that! I know that!" Gryphus 1 combines with Mia's Dread to form Amaterasu to combat the X-2 Wyvern that somehow turned into a robot that looked exactly like Amaterasu in terms of appearance but was colored black and dark red. It was armed with a sword staff and a single laser cannon mounted on the left shoulder blade. It was dubbed Hades after the Roman god of the underworld.
Hades draws one blade and charges, raising its weapon over the head and brings it down full force however Amaterasu parries the attack and looks to jab its opponent. Hades grabs hold of the silver machine's arm, pulls it in to drive the knee into the gut. Gryphus 1 spots the enemy raise its blade to head level and tilts its head to the left to avoid the blade going through it. Amaterasu uses its free hand to connect a punch that careens the hostile back. Hades proves to be an annoying opponent because swings its weapon prompting Amaterasu to parry each attack yet Gryphus 1 can't help but feel that Francesca was toying with them.
'What is this woman's plan?' Mia thought.
A powerful shield jab pushes Hades back, the black robot readies its shoulder cannon. In response to this Amaterasu aims its twin-barreled plasma rifle, yellow-white and red beams collide testing each other's strength. The beams explode producing a blinding flash of light. The dark visor to Gryphus 1's helmet protects his eyes while Mia raises her arm to shield her own. When the light faded, Hades was nowhere to be found until Gryphus 1's head snapped up violently and whips their machine around to block a horizontal slash that looked to slice Amaterasu in half.
Francesca taunted, "What's the matter, Gryphus 1? Why aren't you fighting like you normally do? Is it possible that you're more concerned about that light blue-haired woman than your own life?"
Mia seethed, "Shut up, you sadistic fuck! My sister doesn't give up!" She then gasps when Hades points its shoulder cannon toward the Nirvana and fires. The machine races to the ship and gets between it and the laser beam. It brings its shield up and the pilots can feel their machine vibrate as the shield deflects the attack. After the beam dies down, a glowing scorch mark is left. Overwhelmed by rage Mia separates her Dread from Kyle's F-22 and chases after Hades.
The dart-shaped fighter pierces a part of the Nirvana's shielding.
Belvedere informed, "We've lost the outer layer of our aft shielding!" The bridge staff can only listen as the distress calls pour in.
BC said, "To think that our enemy has the ability to create decoys." The stagehands of Reg Central feel the pressure bearing down on them until Gascogne shows up.
The Reg leader told them, "Calm down, girls. Panicking isn't going to help us win this battle so stay positive. What's our motto?"
The stagehands said in unison, "Send our friends out with a smile!"
Gascogne nodded, smiling, "Right. Carry on." Bart screams in pain when he felt a laser collide with him, BC grits her teeth as the relentless distress calls keep pouring in. However, Magno's mind was on something else.
'Meia.' She thought.
In the infirmary Duero ordered, "Paiway, adjust the oxygen saturation levels! Stabilizing her condition is our top priority!"
Paiway nodded, "Understood." Meia looks back on her past again, this time on her mother.
In the back of her mind, Meia hated her mother thinking she was weak. Meia felt that if she became strong enough, mature enough, she would be able to protect her mother but in the end Meia realized her mother was protecting her.
A tear slides down Meia's face.
Paiway saw the tear and said in awe, "This is the first time I've ever seen Meia cry." Due to Jura's lack of experience in leadership, the situation deteriorates as more Dreads get damaged by enemy fire.
Barnette told her friend, "You're not gonna let things end this way, Jura! Jura!"
Jura finally reached her breaking point, "Shut up, don't ask me anything!" Hibiki knocks an asteroid out of his Vanguard's flight path and narrowly dodges a passing Dread.
He said, "Man, this sucks. Guess I have no choice. Hey Dita, let's combine!"
Dita blinked in surprise, "Um, sure!" She normally expected Hibiki not to call her by her name but giving how dire their situation was, she understood.
Their machines combine to form Vandread Dita. The blue machine chases after the dart-shaped fighter and readies its shoulder cannons, gaining a lock and was about to fire when the enemy swings around an asteroid. Caught off guard, they dive under to prevent crashing into it and they see Jura's Dread pulling up.
She said, "Nice flying. Is that all you can do?"
Hibiki told her, "Shut up, how about you find yourself useful and think of a plan!"
Gryphus 1 said, "That's enough, you two!" Though they can't see his face through the dark visor of his demonic helmet, the pilots could tell that the 19-year old Aurelian was not in the mood for their tantrum, "Snapping at each other won't help! Find some other way to blow off steam when this battle's over. Hibiki, return to the Nirvana for refueling and rearming. Go, now." Hibiki salutes him and heads for the Nirvana. He doesn't want to admit but Hibiki was starting to look up to Gryphus 1, seeing as the kind of person he could be.
The pilot turned to Jura, "You should head back for refuel and rearm as well, Jura."
Jura retorted, "I don't need a man to tell me what to do!"
Gryphus 1 said in a calmer voice, "I'm not ordering you, Jura. I'm just giving you advice. Crux, please go find Mia. She's fighting an old enemy from my past." He closes the channel and decides to take control of B team.
Crux looks at his radar hoping to find Mia and soon finds her dodging 30mm bullets from the Wyvern's cannon, opening a screen and zooming in he see holes in the Dread's frame. Knowing the consequences of what'll happen if that frame tears apart Crux firewalls the throttle and shoots the twin M61A2 Vulcan Gatling cannons to make Francesca break off the attack. The crazy female turns her attention to him and arms an AMRAAM. However, she doesn't get the chance to fire it because Crux's E-3 Sentry II releases an electromagnetic pulse that disables her plane.
Crux said, "Come on, Mia. Let's head back to the Nirvana, that EMP won't last long!"
Mia growled, "Fine. This ain't over, bitch." The two head for the Nirvana.
On the bridge BC continued to hear the pilots yell in confusion, "It appears we've taken Meia's leadership for granted. We neglected to properly train a sub-leader in the event she was incapacitated."
Magno explained, "It's not entirely our fault, BC. It's because Meia would not allow us to." The platinum-haired woman looked at her, "She avoided human contact unless necessary. She avoided relying on people. From the moment I picked her for this group I knew this day would eventually come. After the incident that forever changed her life, the eyes of society that once looked at her with the highest praise now looked at her with cold stares, calling her every name in the book among other things. At that moment, she realized that she had nothing in this world. That girl insisted on punishing herself, she can't tolerate making mistakes! She blames it on her own weaknesses. I remember she used to say to me one time, 'I have nothing precious left. When you let yourself become attached you become weak. I want to become strong, strong enough so that nobody has to go through the hell I went through'." The pilots return to the Nirvana for repairs and to review their strategy.
Jura sat against the wall, "I can't do it. I don't have what it takes to replace Meia!"
Gascogne walked up to her, "Don't be so hard on yourself. Trust me, no one's asking if you have what it takes to replace Meia. Try to take it easy and rely on others. Look around you, these people aren't having doubts about you. Don't be someone you're not and don't pretend to be someone you know you're not. What can you do and what can't you do, that's all you need to ask of them. Once you know that, everything will fall into place."
Crux said, "I agree." They turned their heads to him, "When I was assigned to be Gryphus Squadron's AWACS, I had doubts about myself. I was afraid that I wouldn't live up to everyone's expectations. During the intercept mission where Gryphus Squadron was sent to repel a bomber squadron from destroying Cape Aubrey, I watched as the SWBM launched by the Gleipnir destroy Gryphus Squadron. I was afraid they were completely wiped out, fortunately Gryphus 1 and 2 survived. This left me traumatized making me constantly worry for Gryphus 1's life. As the war progressed I watched him deal one blow after another to Leasath forces, his actions spurred the remaining Aurelian soldiers to fight against the invaders. With each victory, I felt a boost of confidence. Once Griswall was liberated Gryphus 1 became the hero of Aurelia. However he said that he didn't feel like a hero which confused me because being called a hero by your fellow countrymen is an honor. It's like he was fighting an internal struggle that no one can see. Everyone has demons, Jura. If you can overcome them, there is no limit at what you can achieve. I still have doubts about myself but with Gryphus Squadron and this crew, they give me the strength to conquer those doubts. I know you can do the same, Jura. Don't give up on yourself. Okay?" He flashes her a friendly smile before walking off.
Gascogne smirked, "He may not be from Tarak but he can give some advice if needed. I think hanging around with Gryphus Squadron is helping with his confidence." Alex wanders the hallway to see where Mia ran off to and soon finds her sitting on the bench outside the ER hugging her legs and burying her face in her arms.
He starts advancing but stops when he hears faint crying from the younger Gisborn. Steeling himself Alex walks over to Mia who lifts her head to lock eyes with Alex, aqua blue meeting hazel. Mia watches Alex kneel to her level and gasps when he pulls her into his strong arms.
Alex rubbed her back, "It's okay, Mia. Your sister is a fighter she won't give up so easily. You need to have faith in Duero and Paiway, girl. They will bring Meia back. I promise you that."
Mia started, "But what if..."
Alex cut her off, "Don't be negative, Mia. That's not like you. Kyle, Eugene and myself have vowed to protect this crew including you. I promise no harm will come to you." He pulled back to smile at her, "Okay?" Mia was captivated by Alex's gentle eyes, they held strong conviction it made her heart beat faster.
Mia said, "Kyle..."
Alex smiled, "Come on, we got a ship to defend." Mia returns the smile and gets to her feet. Nodding the two run toward the hanger where Gryphus 1 sat in the cockpit of his F-22 waiting to see what strategy they have come up with.
Vandread Dita was secured by grappling arms while it was nice to have some breathing room thanks Crux's EMP the enemy refuses to let up its attack.
Hibiki growled, "Man, all this sitting around is annoying!"
Dita said, "I'm afraid that Meia's gonna die. If something like were to happen..."
Hibiki stated, "There was something grandpa used to say to me. You can worry about things all you want but that doesn't mean you'll always get an answer. What's important is that you got through it all somehow. Were you that person you wanted to be?" He turned to her, "I know you're worried but Duero will do everything in his power to save her. The only thing we need to worry about is protecting the ship and sick bay your leader's in, don't you think?"
Dita looked at him, wiping a tear away, "You're right. Thank you, Mr. Alien."
Her smile made Hibiki feel warmth but he covered it up with some excuse, "I'm sure she would say the same thing if she were here."
Jura said over the radio, "Listen up, pilots. Change the frequency of your barriers and beams, I'm transmitting the data now. We'll protect ourselves from friendly fire this way."
Hibiki grinned, "That's right, we still have a card to play!" Inside the infirmary Duero and Paiway look at Meia's CAT scans.
Duero explained, "The problem we have now is the Paksis fragment that entered her wound. It's creating reactions of its own inside her, invading Meia's brain cells in some strange way. I don't know how long her spirit will last in the confusion that's attacking her central nervous system." Meia experiences another flashback.
In it, Meia's mother tells her not be so hard on her Ohma saying she was a little unapproachable but was an honest person and refuses not to help someone. This was one of the reasons why Meia's mother fell in love with her and Meia was born. She assured her daughter that it'll happen to her one day when someone important shows up in her life. Meia, to be more precise her younger self, said she didn't need that if they got hurt because of her. Meia's mother told her that falling in love with someone was a wonderful thing you become strong because there's someone to care for. Meia disagreed saying you become weak because of it, asking if her mother got it whose fault it was they felt the way they did. Meia's mother apologized stating that she shouldn't have brought her daughter into this mess. Meia regretted saying those words and wanted to apologize one day but she can't. No matter what, her mother would never hear it.
Duero noticed the drop in Meia's vital signs and urged, "Hold on, Meia! You mustn't give up!"
'I don't want to anymore." The Dread leader thought.
The dart-shaped fighter shoots its lasers through the Nirvana's shield protecting the left wing.
Belvedere alerted, "Portside has been hit! The ship is starting to tilt!"
Amarone added, "Decks 2 through 9 are heavily damaged! Shield strength's decreasing! Dread team, how much longer until you launch?" BC clutches the empty bridge control console in frustration as their situation grew more dire by the second.
Hibiki appeared on the monitor, "There's no need to get so worked up over this. I got a plan I'd like to try."
Magno asked him, "Oh, yeah? A suicide mission?"
Hibiki chuckled, "As if! This plan will destroy the enemy with zero percent chance of missing. When this mission's over, I expect you to whip up a sizable feast!"
Magno smirked, "If your plan goes well, you can eat until you burst."
Hibiki gave her the thumbs-up, "That's the way I would like to go!" Gryphus Squadron returns to the battlefield and Gryphus 1 automatically goes after Francesca.
Francesca looks around for her target when her Wyvern releases the missile warning and she turns left to avoid an XLAAM missile.
Gryphus 1 asked, "Missed me?" A game of cat and mouse ensues but this time Gryphus 1 had calmed down refusing to have the crazy woman get under his skin.
He closes the distance and fires his stealth fighter's M61A2 Vulcan Gatling cannon, the 20mm bullets fly through space but the pilot barrel rolls through the deadly barrage. Completing a hard left turn, Francesca arms a Sidewinder and fires, Gryphus 1 shoots a Sidewinder in retaliation. The two missiles crash into each other resulting in a fireball that lights up the blackness of space.
Francesca gained a crazed look in her eyes, "Ah, this is the real you I wanted to face. Nemesis, the pilot who struck fear into the hearts of his enemies. Show me more!"
Gryphus 1 replied, "Your words don't work on me." The two fighter jets speed toward each other seeing who'll flinch first, to both pilots' surprise neither flinch so they fly past one another belly to belly. Francesca readies the AMRAAM missiles, she waits for the lock to turn red and fires. In a display of incredible piloting accuracy, the F-22 flies between the asteroids making the missiles connect with them instead. The radar warning sounds and Gryphus 1 looks over his shoulder to see the X-02 Wyvern chasing after him. Unknown to the pilot is that's what Gryphus 1 intended.
Dreads line up on both sides of Vandread Dita.
Hibiki said, "I'm hungry as it is. Let's finish this in one shot. Tighten your safety harnesses, everyone and let's get down to business!" Parfet hooks Meia up to a device they hope will break up the Paksis fragment in her skull, Duero knew this was dangerous but he was running out of alternatives.
Parfet explained, "We only have one shot at this. If this doesn't work, Meia will never return to the woman we know." She activates the machine and Meia screams in pain as the electrical currents hit her. After several minutes, Meia flat lines much to Parfet's horror.
Hibiki waits until the enemy closed in to 900Gr then signals for the attack. The Dreads get into assigned positions while Vandread Dita uses its bladed gauntlets to deflect enemy fire.
Dita said, "I can't take it!"
Hibiki grinned, "Don't give up now, the fun's about to begin so let's get this show started." Vandread Dita connects the shoulder cannons to its gauntlets, charging them up and fires them in multiple directions. The beams bounce off the Dreads' shields creating a swarm of lasers that destroy every Harvest unit in its path not even the dart-shaped fighter could escape its fate. The Gleipnir 2.0 sustains heavy damage and retreats activating its Optical Camouflage System to hide it from radar.
On the Nirvana's bridge, BC said in awe/surprise, "What an insane idea, using our Dreads' shields to redirect his shots!"
Magno smiled, "It maybe a man's insane idea but it's a pretty good one." She was impressed that the plan actually worked.
Francesca arms another Sidewinder and was about to fire when an aqua green laser beam catches her eye, gasping she breaks right the beam of energy leaves a large scorch mark on the aircraft's body. Feeling that retreat is wise the crazy woman leaves the battlefield.
Looking over her shoulder, she said to her opponent, "This isn't over, Gryphus 1. You will die by my hands."
'Actually it will be the other way around.' Gryphus 1 thought.
Meia finds herself on a field of grass. She felt no pain, no fear, only peace.
She said, "Finally I can go."
Meia's mother told her, "Don't give up, Meia." The Dread leader stood up immediately, "My dream was very different from your Ohma's. I wanted to create a safe haven, one where you could feel peaceful and secure when you came home whether you were happy or sad, full of energy or exhausted. A place where I can greet you with a happy 'welcome home' no matter what kind of day it was."
Meia said, "No! You weren't the weak person, mother it was me. I didn't have the courage to understand others, I was afraid of showing how I felt. I was afraid of not being liked."
Her mother smiled, "Meia, you're strong-willed and have a gentle heart. Please, don't blame yourself anymore. You have nothing to fear. Open your heart, people can't live by themselves. Go. Go back to the place you belong where the people who are important to you are waiting." She began to disappear.
Meia said, "Wait, mother. I still have things to say to you!"
The older woman replied, "I know, little one. I will hear them inside your heart. There's another person who is suffering as much as you: Kyle Masterson."
Meia gasped, "What? Kyle?"
Her mother nodded, "Yes. He's in pain and feels lost, you need to help him before he gives up." She sees images of the crew.
Magno asking her why she keeps her heart tightly shut, Bart telling her to loosen up, Hibiki asking if she was an idiot, Mia's smiling face, Duero for his calm attitude and treated her like a person, Alex with his laid back personality when not in battle, Eugene acting a little uneasy around them and finally Kyle himself.
She recalls how he explained that while he didn't completely trust her he would protect her along with his wingmen. Next she remembered how he scolded her for nearly getting them killed during the recon mission on the desert planet.
Alex said in her mind, "He...he's experienced tragedy like you'd never believe. He hides that pain under a stoic mask. A mask that I'm afraid is beginning to crack." Meia finally understood the meaning behind their words. They were trying to get her to realize that you learn from mistakes and improve. Meia had to choose. She could give up and find eternal rest but in darkness or continue living, enduring more hardship and pain but have the support of her friends. An image of Kyle crying flashed before her eyes and that made her heart break for some unknown reason. That sight caused Meia to make her decision.
She opens her eyes to see Parfet and Paiway sobbing.
Parfet said, "You came back!"
Paiway added, "We saved you!"
Meia smiled, "Oh, stop it you two." She feels her face to find her circlet but panics when it's not there. However, Duero shows it to her in hand, cleaned and ready for her to wear.
He said, "Don't worry, it's right here. This is something pretty important to you, isn't it?"
Meia answered, "No, it's a lesson." Later that night, most of the Nirvana was quiet save for a few.
BC types on the control console and sighs looking out the observation window.
Ezra rubs her growing stomach, happy of the fact they survived and looks forward to seeing the birth of her baby soon.
Paiway lays her head on the desk while Duero did a journal entry behind her.
Parfet finds herself in despair as she lost another round of cards with Gascogne. It was like the Reg leader was a natural talent with the game.
Meia sits on her bed wearing surprisingly a pink nightgown, her circlet back on the left side of her face. She couldn't sleep and got dressed into her flight suit and heads for the cafeteria, entering she discovers plates stacked upon plates. Earlier, the crew had a massive celebration over the fact that they won to fight another day. That wasn't the reason Meia disapproved this breach of discipline because she knows the crew deserved and they did it without her help. She walks up to Hibiki sleeping without his jacket.
Magno said, "They all did their best out there."
Meia turned, "Oh, it's you captain."
Magno placed the jacket on Hibiki to keep him from catching a cold, "It's ironic. He is the exact opposite of you, the passionate fool. But he's won everyone's hearts and right underneath our noses at that. You're not much different from him Meia, you and this rascal. The only difference between you two is whether you express your feelings."
Meia said, "Captain, I..."
Magno smiled, "Meia, isn't it time you found some forgiveness? For yourself, that is?"
Taken off guard, the Dread leader said, "I don't know..."
Magno closed her eyes, "It's okay if you are confused, Meia. I know it's hard to move on but it's a step in the right direction." With that the pirate leader takes her leave allowing Meia to ponder on the elder woman's words. There was one more person she needed to see.
Kyle stands in the quiet hallway outside his room, his troubled mind prevented him from getting proper sleep. A part of him clings to the hope that he, Alex and Eugene can return to their own time but that hope was becoming less likely each day. Could they survive in this alternate universe where the two genders fight one another or can they put aside their differences and find some way to co-exist? Whatever happens from this point on the Aurelians will figure something out during the journey back to Tarak/Mejale territory.
He senses someone's presence and looks to the right quickly his eyes making out the shape of Meia. Looking into her eyes, Kyle didn't see any hint of anger, disdain or hatred. More like conflict, sadness and...regret?
Kyle returned his gaze to the window, "I see you chose to live, Meia. Are you well enough to walk around?"
Meia lowered her head, "I'm fine. I wanted to apologize, Kyle."
The Aurelian asked, "Apologize? For what?"
Meia explained, "For the recon mission last month. I ignored your order to stay on the Nirvana because of my pride and I almost got the recon team killed. That same pride almost cost me my life today because I again refused to listen to you. I'm sorry, Kyle. Please forgive me."
Kyle answered, "I understand you're still getting used to the fact men are part of the crew. I forgive you, Meia." Shock ran through her, Kyle had forgiven her! Meia was expecting him to scold her for not listening to his advice but that wasn't the case!
Meia asked, "Kyle, do you...hate me?"
The young man turned to make full eye contact, "What brought this on?"
Meia said, "I was raised to believe men were our sworn enemy and the mere touch of them was said to corrupt a woman." Kyle wanted to find the person who came up with this bullshit and give her a proper education about the opposite sex.
He chose his next words carefully, "I don't have anything against you as a human being, Meia. Men from my home world would be lucky to have an extremely beautiful woman like you. Your eyes could make someone stare at them for hours, your hair shines exotically, your skin is flawless and creamy soft, your toned and athletic figure shows you take care of yourself and your courage is admirable. It was your arrogance and cold attitude I hated. Opening your heart to someone after suffering a personal loss is challenging but if you don't you will make yourself more miserable. However, reaching out to your friends can help you cope with the death of loved ones such as your parents." Meia lifts her head to show pink-tinted cheeks at the compliment she received about her appearance.
Meia blinked, "Um, thank you." Her heart races when Kyle closed the distance between them and pulled another surprise on Meia.
He pulled her into a hug, "For all it's worth, I'm glad you survived. The crew would be utterly devastated if they heard you died, you are the pillar of strength Meia. I would be devastated if you gave up living, I'd never forgive myself. What is the point of living if someone you knew chose the coward's way out?" Meia unconsciously wraps her arms around Kyle's waist, she came up to his chest due to the man's taller frame. For reasons unknown to her, Meia felt safe in Kyle's arms. It was like he was the light to her darkness.
She mentally moans when Kyle breaks the hug to bring them at arms-length.
The young man said, "Hope we can start anew, right? I'd like to get to know you better, Meia. Well, I'm going to bed you should do the same thing. Good-night, Meia." The bedroom door opens for Kyle to enter and closes behind. Meia places a hand over her chest.
'Why is my heart still racing?' She thought.
A/N: Chapter 6 done.
Here the crew found themselves in their most intense battle yet and Meia came close to knocking on Death's door. The spirit of her mother told her not to give up, however.
Another ghost from Kyle's past has come to haunt him. What is Francesca's connection with him?
It appears the Harvesters have created a Gleipnir class of airborne superweapons.
Lastly, Kyle showed he doesn't actually hate Meia like she feared he would.
Read and review.
Stay tuned for chapter 7.
Vader 23A