Chapter 12-Changes

Gekko-Go was in the air. It was flown slowly by Moondoggie. He and Gidget were the only ones present on the Bridge. Gidget was busy with some work she was attending on the communicator while Moondoggie was just steering the ship.

Hey Gidget! he called

What is it? Im busy now answered Gidget from her work

Why are we going to Tresor now?

We were supposed to visit there this month. Did you forget that?

I know that. Its early then scheduled

What was that?

It was supposed to be somewhere around last week. Why do we have to go there so soon? Is this because of Eurekas return?

Renton and Eureka are alright. Its for Anemones sake I guess, looks like she needed some care from Tresor quickly than expected this time.

But, she is fine

How do you know for certain?

If Dominic is scared of her, that means she is fine. If he is worried about her, that means she isnt

I heard that said Dominic as he entered the Bridge, Is this, what you talk behind my back?

Sorry bro, just telling the truth replied Moondoggie, Besides there is no shame in being scared of the girl you love

By the way, did Holland send you? Where is he now? asked Gidget

He is with Mischa at the infirmary

Who is it, Anemone or Eureka? asked Gidget again

Its Renton replied Dominic

Renton? Hasnt he still recovered? asked Moondoggie

I dont know replied Dominic, He is there for almost 3 hours now. Eureka and kids are worried sick about him

Why is that? asked Gidget

Thats because, Mischa hasnt let a single person inside. Even Holland seems to be worried to be for some reason

Is something serious? asked Moondoggie

Dont know. Renton looked fine to me replied Dominic

He must be feeling under the weather then commented Gidget

Nah Yesterday, he was great with Reffing. I didnt spot any unusual difference in him said Moondoggie

He was fine in morning as well! But suddenly Mischa called him and ever since then, they havent even come out added Dominic

Poor boy sighed Moondoggie, He should have known better before taking those medicines

But Doggie, he did it so that Eureka wouldnt feel outcast

He didnt know what he was getting into smiled Moondoggie

Whatever the case, Holland said that we will be staying in Tresor for a while

What?! exclaimed Moondoggie and Gidget

You heard me; we will stay there for a while. So, he told me to tell you guys to pack your stuff. We will be staying in the quarters provided by them.

You got to be joking exclaimed Moondoggie

For what reason? asked Gidget

Dont know replied Dominic, Holland is a bit grouchy to ask

What the heck is going on in his mind? We have to stay in that place mumbled Moondoggie

We will find out soon enough said Dominic and exited the bridge

There goes our routine sighed Moondoggie as the ship flew out from the white and fluffy clouds

I got permission to land. reported Gidget.

Roger replied Moondoggie as he slowly approached their destination. Tresor was before them

The door slid open and Renton entered the room. As soon as he stepped inside, Eureka ran to him and jumped on him. She wasnt the only one to do that, kids too grabbed him making it almost impossible for Renton to breath.

Rentonare you alright? Please tell me you are by Eurekas voice, Renton guessed that she cried a bit until now

Papa please tell me, it wasnt anything serious cried Linck

He gently placed his hand over Eurekas and Lincks shoulder and said, No! Mischa said that it was just a normal checkup

You are sure right, you dont have any serious injuries asked Maurice and Maeter.

Yeah, nothing at all he smiled

Im glad they all had a breath of relief

We were scared that you were called a sudden examination by Mischa. We thought that it was something serious said Eureka and, the rest tightened their grip

You dont have to worry about me he smiled

The rest then stepped back

Renton looked around the cleaned room. Whats going on? he asked

Oh this Holland said that we will stay in Tresor for a while. So, we were just packing the stuff

Tresorwhy? he asked looking at Eureka

Eureka just shook her head.

Noticing this Maurice thought the situation could get dull. So he asked, Renton, can you teach me to do a Roundhouse Cut-Back? changing the topic.

Sure thing Maurice smiled Renton

Me too added Linck

Linck, you are too young for that said Maeter

No Im not argued Linck

Linck, Maeter is right. You are a bit young said Eureka

But Maurice is young as well Linck still argued

Mauricehe trusts waves said Renton

I trust them too. I love reffing replied Linck

Renton just smiled, There is a difference between loving them and trusting them

What is it then? asked Linck

Well, to put it simply-I too loved the waves since I can remember. But I trusted them when I was a lot older

What does that mean? asked Linck again

You will understand when you are old as your brother smiled Renton.

ALL CREW MEMBERS PREPARE FOR LANDING. WE ARE AT TRESOR. ALL CREW MEMBERS PREPARE FOR LANDING. WE ARE AT TRESOR. Announced Gidget in the protocol

I think its time said Maeter

Lets finish the job then said Maurice.

They then resumed in packing the room

Ageha HQ, War Station

Arc was standing near an orange ship. He was looking at it as the fuel was being filled in. Soran walked in the room. Arc sensed this and when he looked at him, he found that Soran wasnt alone. He had other 5 soldiers who also wore the orange SOF uniform.

So, these are the LFO pilots for this mission? asked Arc

Yes, these are the best in our arsenal answered Soran

They are still so young! said Arc

So are we Soran paused. He felt that Arc was acting a bit different than usual, Dont be fooled by their age Arc, these guys are much more capable than you imagine

Still, I dont think they can survive this mission. You do know the orders dont you?

It will be alright. These are from Elite section answered Soran

There was a reason for them to worry. It was the strange order issued by the Supremacy. He had ordered that-not a single person in the research facility should be killed, neither by accident nor by situation. It didnt matter how much necessary was, they were strictly ordered not to hurt the people from lab. Nobody understood why such order was placed above them. It only made the mission more risky.

I will be coming too came a voice from behind

Colonel Beffort Soran looked at the man who was around 40 and wore a navy green uniform.

The colonel ran to them and said, I will assist in this mission too

Who are you? asked Arc in an emotionless voice

Colonel became angry on hearing this. I am the Colonel who is in the command of this ship

We dont need any else on this mission said Arc

What did you say? Colonel asked raising his voice

The lesser there are, the better it is replied Arc

Its clearly against the regulations for any unit to be dispatched without having a ship he said

Like I care, all we need are LFOs. I need it to end as quickly as possible and carrying more weight will only slow us down said Arc in a cold voice.

You need to listen to your superiors. Just because you are young, doesnt necessarily mean you have power. This mission is highly dangerous as it is, and along with that-the Agehas commander is participating in it. These cant be taken lightly. We at least need another 15-20 ships for this mission! said Colonel. The situation was getting worse by the minute

I know how much strength I have. And once again, like I said I dont want anyone else interfering in this mission

If so, then I will cancel this mission Colonel Beffort was serious this time. It was the first time he was ever spoken like that.

Calm down now Soran interfered Remember, we are on the same side he then turned towards Arc, Arc, I know him. He was one of my fathers closest friends. You can trust him

Arc didnt respond. He just kept looking at the ship. Finally,

If you say so replied Arc, But, he should stay away from the mission. Make him clear that he has no active role in this mission except of escorting our LFOs. If he agrees, then he can come

So, what do you say colonel? asked Soran

I completely disagree Colonel announced his decision quickly, You young bloods think you can survive there? Even with you caliber, this mission is hands full as it is

Just shut up! If you want to come, then come. Or else, do whatever you please shouted Arc. He was getting impatient with this conversation

You dare defy my order? shouted Beffort

Colonel please Soran tried to calm him down

He then whispered something in Befforts ears. Colonel, please understand. This mission is important for him. Its rather a complicated thing for me to explain. But, he told me what this means to him and I understand why he is acting like that. If you were in his place, then you would do the same exact thing. So, please forgive him.

Colonel Beffort nodded for a second, If you say so he answered

He knew Soran since he was a little kid. So, he fully understood the capabilities of him. He knew that the decision that Soran made would ever be wrong. But, the green haired Arc was the one who made him angry.

My crew and I will be here shortly he announced and then walked out of the room

Arc, now dont get angry Soran said

Please Soran, leave me alone for now he said and walked out of the room

Soran just looked at him, It has to be something serious for him. For him to be this much depressed, it has something to with Nirvash. And, what does he plan by attaining Nirvashs data? Does he plan on bringing them to surface again? What the heck is he thinking? Sorans mind was all jumbled up. He didnt understand a single thing that was going on with Arc. He just sighed and continued with the preparations

Tresor Research Facility

The Gekko-Go landed in the same bay as they did before. Moondoggie was becoming more and more professional since the first day he piloted Gekko-Go, especially in landing. His landing skills were finely polished and were even better than Talhos now!

What brings you here? Holland who was the only person who came out from the ship was welcomed by Morita, as soon as he came off the Gekko-Go. By the looks of it, Morita was worn out

Morita exclaimed Holland What the heck happened to you?

Morita smiled, The same thing thats going to happen to you

What? asked Holland

Dont worry he said and then walked near Hollands ear and whispered something, By the way, that months renton=out, is it really true that they got married?

Yeah, it was something unexpected to be really replied Holland

Why do you say it was unexpected? Morita asked

We just had to collect something from there and they forced them their ceremony. Why do you ask?

Oh! Its nothing at all replied Morita.

Sorry for this unexpected visit said Holland after a moment

Yeah, thats right. If I remember correct, you appointment was at the end of this month. Did something unexpected happen to her?

No, its not Anemone Holland was interrupted

Is it Eureka then?

No

Then why did you come here this quickly?

I dont know the exact reason. Mischa said that it was urgent that she had to meet with for some reason

Is it important?

By what she said, it sounded like it. She didnt say anything to me though. So, I too dont know much about it

Oh! I see then. Where is your crew? asked Morita looking at the empty hanger

They are still getting ready inside. This was rather unexpected so they were still in the edges for preparing

Oh yeah about your rooms, I will arrange someone to guide you there. There are only 2 rooms at the moment

What? 2 rooms! You know we cant leave in there said Holland

Dont worry, they are big enough to hold your crew he smiled

How do you plan on splitting us then? asked Holland

We will just split you into 2 groups. Men and Women that is

Are you sure you cant arrange anything better? asked Holland

Cmon now, we are here for researching. We are not obliged for your shelter said Morita Besides, if it wasnt for remodeling your ship we wouldnt even allot any rooms.

Yeah, thats for sure smiled Holland

Are you sure? asked Morita You want to upgrade Gekko-Go! Its not like we are at war or anything

Im sure. I dont know why, but I have a feeling that I need this. I think they are starting to move Holland replied. He thought for a while and felt like this had to be done. So while reporting their arrival, he also mentioned this news.

Upgrading Gekko-GoEh? It will sure take some time, we will have to reschedule again sighed Morita

Is it going to be a problem? Youdont have any projects now do you? asked Holland a bit worried

We have one or two, but they arent that important answered Morita as he looked at his watch.

Oh! Its time, I have to go now. Please wait here, I will send someone to escort you guys he said as he ran somewhere. Holland just looked at him as he vanished. He then sighed deeply, Hes just as always then returned inside the ship to inform his crew.

Everyone was gathered in the lounge. Holland walked in as usual.

So, is everything alright? asked Hap

Yeah! They agreed on upgrading the Gekko-Go replied Holland

Leader, What about our stay here? asked Mathieu.

Its arranged as well, we will split in two groups and will be staying in 2 different rooms here. They said that the groups will be based on Gender, so there is no arguing

Then what about children? asked Eureka

Maurice and Linck will stay with us while Maeter can be with you Eureka answered Holland

So leader, how long do you plan on staying here? asked Moondoggie

Well, its up to Mischa to decide that Holland said as he looked at her, So sensei, how long is this gonna be?

Its up to Greg in this matter replied Mischa.

Does has anything to do with the repairs? asked Jobs

This took Holland and Mischa by surprise. They didnt respond to the question, instead they looked down to the ground

There was a moment of silence

Whats wrong leader? asked Mathieu

Well, you will find out replied Holland.

As soon as he finished, Sonia Wakabayashi came inside the room

Its been a while she greeted the crew with a smile

So, you are here to escort us? asked Holland

Yes, now will you please follow me she said as she walked out.

The rest stood up with their backpack and followed her. They walked through the facility until they reached the rooms.

Now, here you are Sonia said The one to the left is for men and the other one is for women There were 2 rooms which were right next to each other. The doors were pretty far away from each other for the rooms being right next to each other

And also Renton she said

Yes

There is a surprise for you

Surprise! Whats that? he asked

You will find out soon enough she winked And, I have to get back to my work, rest a little before doing anything now, Got it she said and left them

Lets get going then Holland said and the two groups entered their rooms. The room was a lot spacious. It was painted in white and had many bunks for them to sleep. It had a pretty big bathroom as well. They just looked at the room which was supposed to be their house for some time.

Hurry up and unpack ordered Holland, We need to get back to the ship and take care of LFOs. And then, we still have to plan our upgrades. There are many things to do here. We cant afford slacking off

Chill out leader said Mathieu We are not military refugees now. We can take our time and

Idiot yelled Holland, We dont have time for all that

Whats the rush? he asked again

Holland didnt answer

Leader?

I just dont want to stay here. Thats all Holland replied, seeing a weird expression in his face Mathieu decided not to ask anymore questions. Then all of them started to unpack their things.

Holland called Renton

Yes Renton, whats it? Holland asked

Is here? he asked

Yeah, they said that he was sunk in his work. What for?

I needed to thank him for Nirvash replied Renton

O.K then Holland said, Rest for a little while then you and Eureka will be visiting him with Mischa. And also, Dominic you too

Alright agreed Dominic

Can we come too? asked Maurice

No Holland said Its only those four this time

But I want to go with Papa cried Linck as he held Renton

Dont worry now Linck said Renton. Its not like we are leaving you or anything

Maurice placed his hands on Linck and assured it with a smile.

Linck slowly left Rentons grabbed shirt.

Renton Eureka called standing at the door

As all of them turned towards her, Renton asked What is it Eureka?

Mischa is asking are you ready?

Wha But we just got here said Hap

She seems to be in a hurry so paused Anemone

Mansighed Holland, Renton, go now. We will take care of your unpacking. Dominci you too

Alright then Dominic stood up

Seeing them move, Anemone and Eureka left the door and started to walk towards the research section where they could meet . For Dominic and Renton who followed them in a distance, it looked like they had become close friends. Although Anemone seemed to be doing most of the talking, Eureka was nodding at the proper moments

Anemone-san, hasnt changed at all; hasn she? asked Renton

Do you think so? I think she is whole new person from before replied Dominic.

No, its her personality I mean. She is just like the person I met 5 years ago. She was just like a kid

Now I think about it, she is just as carefree as ever replied Dominic, But she too has started to take responsibility in her own way

I noticed replied Renton, Most of the chores on ship are done by her. She also looks after the kids education. She is just like a mother looking after her children now; isnt she?

Well, you could say that. She seems happy now and that is everything thats matter to me

Its a good sign replied Renton, It means that she considers us a part of her family.

Family, huh? replied Dominic. After the war, I didnt think I would be able to experience the same warmth again, but I guess I was wrong

Yeah, when on ship it never feels like I am alone. Its always like there will be someone who will give their shoulder to you

What do you mean? asked Dominic

There will always be someone on whom you can depend on in tough situations. Getting advices, shouting, fighting, crying these are thing I experienced when I came into Gekko-Go. Of course, at first I was frustrated, but now when I remember them, they feel like valuable memories which I dont want to forget

Dominic just listened to Renton who was speaking. He never once thought that Renton could speak like that.

You know what said Dominic, Anemone isnt the only one who has changed. You and Eureka too have changed from the time I met

What do you mean? asked Renton

I thought you were a stupid, uncool idiot blinded by love when I first met you. But now, you seemed to have matured like an adult. And also, I never though that you could change Eureka so much that she would be able to mingle with humans just like a human after having her wings. But you changed that too

Thats mean Dominic-san replied Renton, Besides, she was the one who changed me. I am the one who owe her a lot

Hurry up now Anemone yelled at them standing near a door.

We better go now said Renton as he increased his pace. If he had turned, he could have seen Dominic with a smile