Chapter 10 for Project R. I am still looking for a grammar beta. Anyone interested please drop me a line. I know things have been slow but its how the story needs to be for a while. I can promise that things will pick up and more and more will be revealed. I don't own FMP or MGS. I do owe Michael and SniegZ owns Joe. Thanks again to SniegZ for being my first beta.


The long hallways did nothing to ease or give Michael peace. In any other instance the hallways were a way for him to think and figure things out.

However it did nothing at the moment. All that he had were guilt and anxiety inside him. They chewed away at him and it was starting to affect him in more ways than Michael cared to admit.

He was not sleeping as much and was pushing himself even harder. Things were getting worse and worse each day and there seemed to be no end in sight. These new events forced Michael push his Gene therapy to be next week instead of the end of the month.

The final stage was meant to completely stabilize and ensure that Michael's body could handle the changes on its own without the nano-machines. He needed that extra edge since he could be fighting Fox again.

The therapy was dangerous but Michael volunteered for it the moment it was announced. There were many risks since this was all theory and had never been tested on a human before. It was dangerous and since everything was theory there was no telling what the short and long term damage could be.

The pain he endured was good enough since he needed to be better and stronger. Things were getting out of control and Metal Gear only made it worse.

Michael cracked his neck thinking back to the fight. It was no surprise that Sousuke would get upset but not like this.

Sousuke was committed to protecting Kaname from not just enemies but from war itself. It was a foolish dream in Michael's eye and one that would come crashing down. The thing that Michael could not deny was that it kept Sousuke going. He was absolute in this and would die for it.

That was what Michael was worried about. Many times in the past Sousuke's spirit could also be his pride. He always wanted to protect people even if it resulted in his death.

Michael thought back to the fight and knew that it was not the first time they had fought like that. Fights like the one he just had sometimes ended with their fists instead of words. They fought before but they never really tried kill each other. There other times it escalated.

It was only twice in their time together that they almost really killed one another. In the end neither could ever pull the trigger but both knew under the right circumstances it could be done.

It was a scary thought and both were well aware of it.

Michael's thoughts drifted back to the mail in his hand. It was something that he had been waiting for and happy to finally have it.

The cooking magazine gave a new recipe for pasta and fish. It had to do with cooking the sauce over oven and stirring it for sometime.

Sousuke had his own hobbies like fishing and Michael's was cooking.

Surviving in different countries with different food motivated him to learn how to put something together wherever he was in the world.

Sousuke seemed to survive on just MRE's, jerky and calorie mates. That kind of diet could not be healthy and he always wondered how Sousuke's stomach put up with that abuse.

After many failures and sick stomach's Michael got it right. Now he could put a meal together in just about anywhere and make it edible.

Deserts, jungles and even harsh blizzards could not stop Michael from scavenge something together. In the end it was worth it if he did not have to eat a month old MRE that Sousuke would keep.

Michael reached his door and finally could relax. He had some meat that he marinated this morning and would cook some fried rice with a small salad on the side.

He opened his door and was greeted with a strong smell of smoke.

Normally Michael would have his gun up but not this time. He simply put his knife and gun on the living room table.

This would not require either one. He knew who was in here.

Michael could not suppress a small grin looking into his kitchen. He leaned against the door frame and watched the frantic girl try and manage the disaster. Michael would admit that she looked good wearing his 'Kiss the Cook' apron.

A pot of boiling water was bubbling over with the oven venting smoke. Mei Ling opened the oven door and black smoke came out.

"Damn it!" She cursed and heard a steaming sound. Mei Ling shot up and slammed the oven door pulling the pot off the hot top.

The hot water poured a little on her hand and she slammed the pot on the kitchen counter. Mei Ling rubbed her hand and grabbed a pair of oven mitts. She took a deep breath and opened the oven door.

The black smoke poured out while she reached for the meat inside. The smoke filled the room while she gazed at the ruin chicken.

Mei Ling cursed a third time upset about this. She was trying to make something for Michael since a lot had happened. She really wanted to help him out!

She knew him better than anyone else in FOXHOUND and saw the stress he was under. He was always someone to carry his burden without help.

This time he needed help whether he liked it or not.

However, her plan was not going the way she hoped.

Mei Ling waved her hand around clearing the black smoke around her and looked at the chicken. It was black and burnt and something not even Snake would eat. He would be back any minute and she needed to come up with something quick. Her mind raced trying to find a good-

"Need a hand?"

She jumped and did a full turn to face Michael. Mei Ling bit her lip and said, "Michael hey." She looked around at the dirty kitchen, "What are you doing?"

Michael laughed a little, "Watching you make a mess in my kitchen."

Mei Ling shrugged her shoulders, "A little mess."

Michael stepped into the kitchen so he could get a better look. The kitchen was a mess that was the only way to put it. The counters were messy and stains were all over the floor and the smell of smoke was just as strong, "A little mess?"

"A little." Mei Ling raised her hand to emphasize little.

Michael crossed his arms, "So you need a hand?"

"No!" She jumped at him pointing her finger at him, "No I will do this."

"You don't need…"

"Yes I do. You just got out a few days ago and I think a good meal will do you go." Mei Ling said with a little perk.

"I can cook you know. So let me help you." Michael suggested.

"I can do this." Just as she said that a small boom was heard from the microwave.

Before Mei Ling could do anything Michael walked over and opened it. He could not help but laugh as the potatoes had exploded inside the microwave.

Mei Ling threw the apron off, "Why is cooking so damn hard!!" She than started to curse in Chinese and said words that Michael had never heard her say.

Michael walked over and put his hand on her shoulder, "Look, I can make something for the both of us."

"But I.."

"I appreciate the thought. I really do." He said sincerely, "However, you need some practice on your technique."

Mei Ling threw Michael a pout, "But I really wanted to do this."

Michael leaned against the now off oven, "I know you did but let me handle this."

Mei Ling looked at him, "Okay." She said softly finding the plates and silverware.

Michael put his apron on and popped his knuckles. He opened his refrigerator door and looked around. Thinking for a second an idea came to his head and hoped that he had some of that mix left in his cupboard.

Mei Ling pouted around the table throwing the plates on the table. She huffed trying to find something good out of this night.

The plan was to make him dinner, have him relax a little and for him to just not think about anything involving Amalgam, Mr. Frank or even Sousuke. Now her plan was all over the kitchen and Michael was the one cooking.

Mei Ling put the silverware down and looked at Michael from behind. She could not help but laugh a little that he was actually wearing an apron. She knew Michael would not let Mei Ling tell anyone this.

Mei Ling quickly finished setting the table and turned to the living room. She took a seat on the couch and looked around. Mei Ling looked at the living room table and saw his weapons laying out for all to see.

Mei Ling sighed and shook her head. He still carried those things around the base like they were his favorite toys or something.

Mei Ling picked up his Mark 23 and held it. It was a heavy weapon for a pistol and meant to be an offensive weapon in a shootout. She rubbed the trigger and wondered how many battles this weapon had seen. She thought grimly on the lives this weapon took.

In the short history she knew Michael, he always seemed to keep the stress of battle under control. He killed in missions but Mei Ling took some comfort that he never took joy or satisfaction in killing like some people in the world.

Mei Ling was always in close contact with Michael in every mission that he did. No matter what happened she was always the little voice in his head encouraging and guiding him everywhere.

She loved him. That was the only way to she could say it.

Mei Ling loved Michael with all her heart and would do anything to protect him. Despite all his bravado and control of his emotions he still was a human being. Michael kept alot bottled and in time it could destroy him. They were close with each other but even with her he had a wall around her.

She never understood him until Mei Ling read his full report. Losing someone that he loved and being the one to kill her was a scar that would always be on him.

Mei Ling understood something about scars. It was something that she could relate with him. However, the ones on her back were something that very few people knew about and fewer that have seen them.

Michael was the only one who could understand her and she was the only who could understand him.

The wall around him was tall and deep. It was something that very few people could even imagine to climb. He was like Sousuke in so many ways. They both refused to let anyone help them out of fear of hurting others. They fought there own battles alone when they did not have to do it alone.

Despite their arguments and Michael's insistence she kept trying to break it down.

Michael saved her in China and she would save him from this war.

Mei Ling put the gun back and clenched the knife close to her heart. He was always fighting, always throwing himself in line for others.

He would give an inch of his life for those he trusted and more for his brother.

He would even give his life for Mei Ling without hesitation. Mei Ling wondered if that was his way of expressing love to anyone. Mei Ling wanted to show him that love had many meanings and show Michael 'her' version of love.

Mei Ling thought back to Sousuke and the young lady Kaname. She knew very little about Kaname except from what she read in FOXHOUND's file about her. She was a teenage girl thrown into something that she could not avoid no matter how hard Kaname tried.

Mei Ling could not help but laugh a little at what they shared. She could not wait to actually talk and get to know her. Mei ling knew they had a lot in common.

Mei Ling smelled something familiar and put the knife back on the table. She walked into the kitchen and stood in awe.

"Pancakes?" Mei Ling poked at his back. Poking him from behind would almost gurantee Michael grabbing and holding that person but Mei Ling was different, "Your making pancakes for dinner?"

Michael turned around and looked at her, "Cook with what you have." He pointed to the other stove tops that he cleared away, "I also have eggs, bacon and can get toast going if you want."

Mei Ling could not help but giggle than start laughing outloud. She braced against the wall as she tried to keep it together.

Michael put the pan down, "What is so funny?" Already embarrassed that she was laughing at him. Michael would never understand why women do what they do sometimes. It was mystery he sometimes did not have the energy for.

She soon got control and took a few deep breaths, "It's funny." Mei Ling looked at him smiling a little.

"What's funny?" He asked more defensive.

Mei Ling could not help the big smile she had, "I don't get you sometimes."

Michael stared at her, "I don't understand your statement."

Mei Ling walked up to Michael and looked at him, "I sometimes wonder who you really are."

Michael took a moment before he spoke, "I know what I am."

Mei Ling shook her head, "What did I say last time?"

Michael turned the temperature on the stove down, "What do you want me to say?"

Mei Ling was prepared for this. He always got like this when she asked those kind fo questions.

"What did I say last time?" He challenged.

"I know a person who is loyal." Mei Ling would not answer his questions. He was going to answer hers, "Your judgments may not be popular but you know they are the right choices."

"What does that have to do with who I am?" Michael had been pushed this way before by Mei Ling. Something about her was different this time. Mei Ling seemed determined to prove a point, "The choices I make have nothing to.."

"You have a goddamn choice!" Mei Ling shouted at him. She grabbed his shirt and kept a firm grip, "Everything you do and everything you have done you have chosen to do. Look at where you are now."

Michael shook off Mei Ling's grip, "Like you know anything about me."

Mei Ling was shaken by that claim. He never spoke to her like that and she started to get angry, "I don't know anything about you?" She punched his chest as hard as she could, "I don't know anything about you! What do you know about me!!" She shouted at him.

Michael hit himself when he realized what he just did, "I-"

"No!" She pointed at him, "No! You always talk and I listen so you will listen and I will talk Mike." Mei Ling used his nickname getting the point across.

Michael was about to say something but knew it was wiser to just keep his mouth shut.

Mei Ling huffed and continued, "You have other choices besides being dead!"

Michael was taken back by her statement, "When have I ever-"

Mei Ling started listing, "Iran, Israel, Brazil, TOKYO!" She screamed out the last one, "Do you want me to continue?"

"No I-"

"Too bad I'm going to keep going." She started listing more places and saw Michael starting to get nervous with each place she named. Mei Ling was with Michael every step of those missions and watched everything he did and said.

"Northern China." She said softly.

Michael looked at her than down, "Why bring that up? I thought you would want to forget that."

Mei Ling reached into her pocket and pulled out his dogtags, "You still wear the same ones from when you were in the SAS."

Michael snatched them from her and looked at them. His finger gently touched the imprint 'SAS', "Why I wear them is not your business."

"It is Michael." Mei Ling rubbed her left shoulder gently, "At least you can take off something that reminds you of the past. Mine, " she gave a low scoff, "are always going to be with me no matter what."

Michael looked at the dogtags and walked over to Mei Ling. He put them around her neck, "I'm sorry about what I said." He paused and struggled with his next words, "It's hard to think about things when the first thing I see is London."

Mei Ling could say that it was not his fault but the reality was that it was his fault, "There are some things that are part of us no matter what." She shoved the necklace underneath her shirt, "We take the good and bad as life goes on."

"Sometimes," He grabbed a large plate and put the pancakes on it, "I wish that I could just remember the good and not the bad." It was hard for him to admit something like that. Michael wondered if Mei Ling had some kind of special skill.

Mei Ling giggled, "We all wish that but the good and bad define who we are." Mei Ling walked up to him and grabbed his shirt, "You're a good person Michael. No matter what anyone says you are a good person to me." She froze when Michael's hand was on her shoulder. It was very soft and almost tender.

Michael could not get out his words, "I-" He paused, "Give me a second. I-"

"Just say it." Mei Ling offered.

Michael nodded and pursued his lips together, "A lot is going to happen and I need you to do something for me."

"What is it?" Mei Ling squeezed his shirt.

"I-" He lowered his head and looked at her, "I may need to hear that from you again."

Mei Ling had an iron grip on his shirt. The next thing she knew she was resting against his arm. She felt Michael's arm holding her tight against her. For awhile she just enjoyed this. It was like before Zeus with him holding her while she slept.

She slept peacefully even though it was for a few hours. It was the best sleep she had in a long time and he was gone.

The next thing she knew he was on his way to be at the head of the assault. He came back almost dead against a man who was Sousuke and Michael's father.

"I'll say it as many times as you want." Mei Ling held the tears back, "You're a good person Michael and I'll punch anyone who does not think so."

That same feeling started to creep back to Michael. It was the same feeling of peace that was forgotten until recently.

It scared Michael.


The hanger was empty with only thirteen suits for both FOXHOUND and Mithril combined. Three units belonged to Bel, Mao and Kurz with the other nine belonging to Mithril and FOXHOUND.

The thirteenth suit was the Laevatien and no one was in the hanger. It was how Sousuke hoped it would be. This would be the only place he could just be alone.

The fight kept playing over and over in Sousuke's mind. He heard things he did not want to hear and other things that were the truth.

He needed time to think, process and than how to move on. It was a three step process that worked in combat effectively and one he would need to apply to the situation.

The situation became worse now that Fox returned from the grave. He thought that Wolf's rifle was enough for him but it was just another obstacle. A huge obstacle that seemed inpassable.

Sousuke needed to be ready mentally if he was even going to have a chance against them. They were more experienced than he was with little to no hesitation when it came to the trigger. Sousuke wondered if he could even aim a gun at them.

"Mr. Sagara."

Sousuke turned around startled and saw Sarah Miller, "Ms. Miller how are you." He took a deep breath and turned around to the red haired girl.

Sarah looked at the ARX-8, "It's a powerful tool Mr. Sagara."

Sousuke looked at it too, "It is. Thank you for getting it to me." He never had a chance to say thanks but now was the perfect time he thought.

"He was insistent on getting to you." Sarah added.

"Who?"

"AL." She shook her head, "He is an 'interesting' AI and one I have never seen before. He is very curious about a lot of things. Almost like a child Mr. Sagara."

"He is." Sousuke looked at the green eyes of the ARX-8, "I hope I can beat him." He froze when he realized what he said. Sousuke was suppose to keep his feelings personal and he was letting them out like a teenage girl. What was wrong with him!?

Sarah nodded, "It's okay Mr. Sagara. Everyone wants him to fall. I want him to fall." Her gaze became intense almost hateful.

Sousuke looked at the young girl. He puased for a second and said "Where you taken under his orders?"

"Yes I was." She sniffed a little, "Killed my father and took me to that cursed place in Siberia."

Sousuke only listened to her words. Leonard's style was something he knew very well but was very difficult to predict or even plan. Leonard seemed to control the situation from start to finish.

"I remember seeing him while I was having my brain probed. I later heard he was in charge of my kidnapping." Sarah looked at him, "He has done this before me and Miss Chidori."

"It would not surprise me." Sousuke said still looking at his machine, "That machine he has is something I have never seen before. I could not even scratch it." The feelings of guilt and anger that he kept buried were starting to come out.

"His personal AS suit." Sarah explained, "We are still going over the combat data from your first fight."

Sousuke looked at her, "I was not told about this. When did we get the combat data? I always thought that the remains of the Arbalest were destroyed."

"They were Mr. Sagara but Mr. Kanzuki retrieved the data before you left for Namsak." Sarah explained, "Since than Mr. Emmerich and now AL have been going over the data extensively. I think they are close to something."

Again Michael was keeping something from him. He seemed to not trust Sousuke with anything, "Michael never told me this. Why-"

"He was going to tell you as soon as we had a machine that could stand up to Leonard's suit. It was classified information shared only with Mr. Snake and Dr. Emmerich. Mr. Kanzuki kept it from leaking since we are not sure if we still have traitors." Sarah explained the situation precisely the way Otacon told her.

"Why did they tell you?"

Sarah cocked her head toward Sousuke, "You saved my life Mr. Sagara." She touched the ARX-8, "This is my way of saying thank you." She walked past him giving him a little smile.

Sousuke dissected what she told him and it hit him. He turned around, "Thank you."

Sarah stopped, "I'll tell no one I say but you have to promise me one thing."

Sousuke stood at attention.

"Make him pay." Her eyes filled with hate, "So many people are dead because of him." She squeezed her fists when she first saw that man's smile. It still scared and angered her, "and he thinks he can get away with it. Make him pay." Every word was precise and focused toward Sousuke.

"Affirmative." He turned toward his suit and started to climb up the suit. Sousuke looked at Sarah one more time as she walked out of the hanger.

Sousuke opened the cockpit and slid into the seat. He booted the systems up and the computer started running through its diagnostic systems and checks.

Sousuke realized that this was the second time he was in a AS suit when no mission or checks needed to be done. He just needed time to try and figure something out.

Something to give him either hope or point him to the right path. Kaname ordered him to come after her no matter what but did she really understand what she was asking.

Accomplishing this mission would mean that a great deal of sacrifice and fortitude beyond any mission Sousuke had in his past.

Michael was always one to point things out to Sousuke and he hated it. He was right about a few things that Sousuke did not want to admit.

Giving Kaname a gun was a stupid but desperate move. However when Sousuke thought about it what choice did he have. His opponent was tougher than either one could imagine.

This was the legendary Gray Fox. They both knew well his history both as a professional soldier and mercenary. He was the only man in FOXHOUND's history to ever obtain the 'Fox' codename. The former right hand man to Big Boss himself he was not only intelligent in combat but was a master in tactics and adapting to whatever the battlefield threw at him. He personally taught them how to use CQC and more.

He was Sousuke's hero.

This was just one opponent that Snake, Sousuke and the rest of Mithril and FOXHOUND would have to fight and still Liquid was a mystery.

Sousuke knew that Liquid was nothing like Gauron or even Leonard. Liquid was a dangerous man that could break Sousuke without even trying. The one thing that bothered him was the offer Liquid extended to Sousuke.

It had to do with Metal Gear and the Lambda Driver.

"Sgt. Sagara are you well?"

Sousuke turned to the screen as AL came online, "I'm fine AL." He said quickly wishing that he had a mute button for him.

"I would disagree about that Sgt. Your heart rate and other medical tests would disagree with that." AL pointed out like he was a doctor.

"You should file a request to the medical wing AL." Sousuke shot back at AL a little irritated that he still threw jokes and insults at Sousuke's way.

"I'm too big for that Sgt"

Sousuke was actually impressed with that one. Still like Sarah said he was not like anything he had ever seen or used, "Nice one AL." He had to give his partner that one.

AL did not speak for a moment, "Sgt Sagara can I ask you a question?" AL said out of the silence

"What AL?" The AI always asked to ask questions and it always related to something surrounding Sousuke.

"Your relationship with Master Sgt Kanzuki, you call yourself brothers correct?"

Sousuke looked at AL almost confused on how to answer the question. His relationship with Michael was at times strong and other times strained, "I guess you could call us brothers."

"The definition of brothers are two individuals that share the same parent. Am I correct Sgt. Sagara?"

"That is the text book answer AL but the term brothers," He paused, "is a loss term in the real world."

"Can you clarify on your statement?"

"When you are on the battlefield you need to depend on people. They have to be people that are like family to you but they are not really family." Sousuke was not sure if that was the best way to answer but it still had truth to it.

AL took a moment before he spoke. It seemed to try and digest this new information and process it into something it could understand, "You depend on me Sgt. Am I correct?"

"Affirmative."

"Than could you consider me a brother?"

Nothing in Sousuke's military career or his history with Kaname had prepared him for that question. It was true in some ways. AL came to Sousuke in his time of need on the island and supported him while the Arbalest was around.

Still, AL was an AI and was not a real person. So based on that logic he was not a real brother.

Sousuke still knew how to answer, "AL, you watch my back in battle and I make sure we both come back. So I would say that we are brothers."

AL was silent and than spoke, "I like that Sgt. How should I describe it?"

"Happy AL, that is how you describe something like this."

"Than based on your response Sgt. Sagara I am happy."

Sousuke did not know what to really make of AL. It seemed that he was something different everyday.

AL, in Miss Miller's opinion, seemed to be like a child growing up and learning about the world. He wondered if Bunny had something more in mind before he died.

"Sgt. Sagara if this makes me happy than what makes you happy?" AL asked.

Sousuke turned his head on that one. He never would have expected AL to even comprehend that others were happy. The AI continued to quiz Sousuke on just about everything dealing with human emotions and ideas.

Sousuke sighed and his head banged against the seat, "A few things make me happy AL."

"What makes you happy exactly Sgt? I am sure that piloting this suit is not something you would want to do all the time."

Once in a blue moon AL seemed to be right about a few things, "Fishing is something that makes me happy."

AL was quiet for moment and than asked, "Did going to Jindai High make you happy Sgt?"

That was something that Sousuke had not thought about in the long months he was away. There was no doubt in his mind that everyone in the school wanted nothing to do with him and Michael.

Why would anyone want to be associated with people who killed for a living or even be associated with killers?

It was something Sousuke always tried topush away when he was deep in his thoughts. Every time Sousuke thought about Jindai he thought about that day.

It was a day that Sousuke would have nightmares about. The terrors were either the school being destroyed as a result of his fight with the Venoms or with Belial.

Another one he had was arriving too late and Ocelot executed Michael right in front of Kaname and everyone else.

However these were a break compared to the one that caused him to shake and sweat in his sleep. Seeing Kaname leave with that bastard always shook his core. He could almost hear Gauron laughing at him from the grave.

The truth was that he failed and no matter how hard he tried to forget those feelings would always been with him. A painful reminder that he was human and no human could stop every bad thing that happened.

In a way Michael was right.

"Other things made me happy Al." He said just exhausted from thinking about it.

"Did Miss Chidori make you happy?"

Sousuke looked at AL, "You know me pretty well AL." He said that with a little spite in it. It always got to Sousuke how noisy and perceptive AL could be.

"It does not take an AI like me to know that answer Sgt. Sagara. I believe this may make you happy."

The HUD display changed to an email screen and Sousuke realized that it was his personal email!

"AL!" Sousuke screamed at him, "Have you been going through my email?!"

"No Sgt. I merely have been taking care of it. You can see that all I have done is not delete anything. I have kept a track of anything coming to you. I was hoping that Miss Chidori would try and send you something. I could trace it and than follow that lead but she has not or Amalgam keeps a keen eye on it."

The logic was sound according to Sousuke and it was a clever one, "AL never do that again unless I give you specific permission to do so."

"Affirmative Sgt. Sagara but this email is what will make you happy." The screen scrolled down to one that was just sent last week.

Sousuke recognized the email as Kyoko's!

The message opened and it read only a few lines. It was enough for Sousuke.

Sousuke, I do not blame you, Michael or even Kana for what happened to us. In fact some view you as heroes but others view you as killers. I heard that you were trying to find Kana after she was taken. I cannot imagine the sacrifice and pain you are enduring but you are not alone. I heard from Shinji that Michael took part of the blame and was going to help you. Michael may be rough and rash but he is someone you want in this. Shinji was able to help with this and wishes you the best. This file may help you. Open it when things get tough. Come back alive! All three of you!

Kyoko, Shinji, Ren, Tusbaki, Hayashimizu.

Sousuke took a moment for his heart to start beating again. He would have never expected or even predicted that Kyoko or anyone else would do this much for him and the others. It made things a little bit easier for Sousuke, "Open it Al."

The file downloaded and it was full of pictures. The file had various pictures from all the different events that Kaname and Sousuke did together. He just looked blankly at them as the memories rushed back to him.

Everything they did was right in front of him. It happened and it was not a dream as he thought before Belial finished them off.

He also came across pictures of Kaname smacking Sousuke around like a drill sergeant would do to a rookie. Instead of wincing like he would do, he just shook his head and smiled a little. Maybe Kaname was right, he could ease on the explosives and learn to not view every person as a terrorist trying to kill him or her.

Sousuke stopped and looked at one picture of Kaname just smiling at the camera. Sousuke looked sadly at this picture. He would do and give anything to see that smile just one more time. When they saw each other at Paris and she smiled after there hug he felt that everything was going to be okay.

Sousuke lowered his head and the shame came back. He swore to protect her and her home no matter the cost and he failed.

He failed!

No matter what Sousuke did from this point on, that failure would be on his soul and that was the end of it.

Sousuke raised his head and remembered the first time the peace. It was after the mission in Afghanistan. It was after hearing Gauron killed all the members of the team he worked. It was after seeing Gray's M9 crucified in front of him. It was after he finished Zaied, an old comrade who was shooting against him. It was after that long and unnecessary flight back to Tokyo to his apartment. When he saw her sitting outside his apartment waiting for him to come back, he knew that there was something 'special' about her.

Sousuke moved his hand from the controls and his index finger traced her face. He would give anything to touch that face and more to hold her close, "I miss you."

Sousuke was shaken out of his thoughts when he heard a banging sound outside. Sousuke composed himself and thankfully AL closed the files, "AL did you.."

"I saved the files. No one will know they existed and even if they found them which will not happen, they are password protected. I have that password and it changes every hour. Anytime you want to see them link up with me and I will give them to you."

Sousuke was never more impressed with AL until now, "Thanks AL. You have made me happy."

"That's what brothers do Sgt." AL shut down and the cockpit door opened.

Sousuke got out and still heard the constant banging. He looked near the feet and saw Snake kicking the feet.

Snake looked up when he realized the door was opening, "Hey Kid, I knew I would find you here."

Sousuke closed the hatch and kept his gaze at Snake, "How did you know I was here?" He made sure now one would follow or even guess where he was right now.

"Lucky guess." Snake leaned against the leg as he watched Sousuke jumped down to the floor. He pulled out his cigarettes, "You work things out with Mike?" He offered one to Sousuke.

Sousuke refused, "Not exactly Snake."

"Sure you don't want one Kid," He had it in front of Sousuke's face, "These can help with the stress."

"I have other ways of dealing with stress Snake. Those things are proven to cause lung cancer." He pointed out to Snake.

Snake waved him away, "You sound like Mei Ling kid, always taken the fun out of things." He pulled out his lighter and proceeded to smoke disregarding Sousuke's disgust over the legend's habits.

"I would like that you stop calling me 'kid' if your taking requests." Sousuke offered since Snake called him kid since they first met.

Snake laughed through the smoke and shook his head, "That is not going to happen kid." He pointed at Sousuke taking the cigarette out.

"Why do you call me kid than?"

Snake walked past him, "You'll know in time but that is not the reason why I am here." Snake turned around putting the cigarette back in his mouth.

"What is it? Has Amalgam made another move?" Sousuke asked ready to take the fight to them again.

Snake shook his head, "No we are going to make a move though. I am leaving with Wrath to locate one of the whispered kids Ocelot told Michael about. We may have a lead on two of them but we are not going to wait on this."

"So why are you telling me this." Sousuke asked wondering why Snake had even bothered to come to him with this news, "Do you need back-up?"

"Nah, I'm a big boy and I can take care of myself but your mission will be a little different. I do hope that you and Michael can work out your differences and fast." Snake dropped his cigarette and stepped on it putting it out.

"What is the mission?"

Snake motioned for him to follow him, "I'll tell you on the way to the Colonel's office kid. This one though, you two will need to be at your best for this one."

Sousuke followed Snake out of the halls hanging on every word he said. He did not know where this new strength seemed to come from but it came at the right time.

"During Zeus we secured a lot of potential back lash targets in case you girlfriend refused to work with them." Snake did not have to look that he got embarrassed. He shoved him and got him back to his senses, "We secured the school, friends, relatives and any other potential targets but we are not sure about one."

"Which one is it?"

"Her father and sister." Snake stopped walking knowing that Sousuke would freeze when he gave those names. Snake again kicked his legs to snap him out of that daze, "Pay attention kid or we will find someone else to do this."

Sousuke resumed soldier mode, "That is not necessary." Snake was right, he needed to be at his best.

"Good, so we need you and Michael to 'convince them' to enter under our protective custody. We are sure we got the assassins but we want to leave nothing to chance." Snake finished.

Sousuke gulped when he heard his mission, "So I have to meet her father?"

"Yup and I would advice you to not do anything or say anything that could get you in trouble." Snake looked at him with a smirk, "If you thought she got angry at the stuff you pulled imagine what the dad is like."

It was a thought that Sousuke did not even want to think about.


Two Days later

The cab through New York was just like everyone said. It was hell with the driver unable to understand the customer. Traffic was a maze with drivers on all sides trying to get where they are going and no one knew how to drive properly.

Sousuke was pulling on the tie and trying to stay in his seat with the driver swerving through the traffic. Next time Sousuke would pick the driver.

"Would you leave the collar and tie alone Sousuke?" Michael turned from the dossier file he had.

Sousuke stopped for a second, "I'm not use to wearing," He looked down at the uniform he was wearing, "this disguise."

"Give it time. You'll get use to the whole thing." Michael closed the file and saw the U.N building in coming up.

Sousuke and Michael thanks to the Colonel and the others had fake ID's that would get them in. Hopefully, Amalgam was broken up enough to not have anyone tailing them.

Their ID's had them as seniors from Oak Ridge Military Academy in North Carolina hoping to get into West Point Academy. They had first rate grades and recommendations from the Academy forged from Otacon and the Colonel's contacts in the military and some from Tessa. Campbell was even able to get them the exact uniforms of Oak Ridge which consisted of a gray formal shirt with black pants and matching coat. They even had white hats similar to the Marine Core's hats.

Colonel Campbell commented that even though these documents were forged, he had no doubt that the duo would have earned them on their own.

Sousuke's ID had him as Nathan Hawthorne and ranked as a cadet Major in the program. He had interest in military tactics, management and weapon safety. As Nathan he wanted to go to West Point and hope to work in the National Security Sector of the CIA.

Michael's alias was Benjamin Capelli and held a cadet rank of Major just like Sousuke's. He was annoyed that every one seemed to give him the rank of Major as a joke. His interest was in foreign affairs and economics. He, like Sousuke, was listed as an orphan from Wisconsin looking to go to West Point. After West Point he wanted to work for the State Office in Washington D.C and than move on to work for the Department of Defense in foreign relations.

Sousuke did not like the idea of lying to someone like Kaname's father but they needed to get in. He just wished that he did not have to wear this suit, "Why do we have to wear this thing?"

The cab stopped in front of the U.N and Michael got out with his coat and bag in one hand. He paid the driver and put the coat on, "Because we have to wear these disguises because I don't think we want to draw attention to ourselves."

"Still." Sousuke pulled the tie back and forth trying to figure out this thing worked, "Why the ties. It restricts neck movement and makes it tougher to move in a gunfight." He closed the door and walked around the cab avoiding the speeding traffic whizzing past him. Sousuke swung his bag over his shoulder and followed Michael.

"I had to wear a tie for a long time when I got back to the base." They headed toward the front entrance and looked at the massive structure in front of them.

They took a deep breath realizing that they had no weapons with them. Both felt naked without them but it was wise to go. They would go through metal detectors and it was best to avoid that trouble right off the bat.

The plan was well put together despite how fast everything was moving. Sousuke and Michael would meet Shunya Chidori under these false ID's. These ID's were only meant to get them in with little suspicion. Inside the office they would try and convince them to come with them. Michael and Sousuke both were prepared for this with intelligence from their respective groups to help them get Shunya on their side. They had back up from the SRT posing as janitorial and maintenance workers. They requested Joe to be in the squad, if they needed a quick escape or if things got hairy.

They would meet with Joe who smuggled in weapons for the two mercenaries. Joe suggested to the office to use knock-out gas in case he refused to come.

Sousuke and Michael protested against it since they would be the ones to answer to Kaname, not Joe. God's wrath would pale with her's if they ever did that.

Ayame would be left to Kurz and Mao who volunteered to get her out. Sousuke convinced Michael that they could be trusted with this.

"Any word from Snake or Wrath?" Michael asked Sousuke. They went through the front doors and were about to go through the checkpoints.

Sousuke reached into his bag and found his papers to get him through. After the guard looked at it he waved him through to metal detector, "Not so much a word from either one of them. Last time they checked in they were in Canada talking to a lead. After that they made arrangements to Seattle where they may have found the two whispered."

Michael went through the metal detector with no problems and grabbed his bag from security, "Hopefully we can find them alive. If not, than we have no leads to where Liquid is holding Metal Gear."

The files were analyzed and torn apart by Otacon and the rest of the intelligence members of Mithril and found very little. Metal Gear was well protected and little information about the current design was found.

The only clue was the rail gun that Lockheed was designing along with the missile designed to fire it. Other than that, they had nothing about the design or even where it was in the production stages.

Sousuke and Michael went to the security office and showed them their papers to receive guest passes. After a few minutes the officer came back with their guest passes and told them where to go.

Neither said anything as they made their way to the elevator. The atmosphere between and around them was tense at best. Both realized that they were running out of time much faster than originally predicted.

The latest news stated that talks between the East and West were breaking down and both were ready to fight. The U.S and Russia were gathering their allies to try and push a stalemate and it was not working.

Countries in Africa, Europe and even close the U.S had a surge in fighting but that was not the problem. Recent reports revealed that more sophisticated and advanced technology was being used at the front lines.

A report in Africa had a rebel groups using a Mistral-II with ECS technology and radar systems. Rebels in Brazil were using sophisticated radar and guns to decimate the government forces.

All reports pointed that someone was providing this technology at an alarming rate and it only pushed the world closer and closer to exploding.

They exited the elevator with everyone else and walked in silence next to each other. Neither really talked about anything besides the briefing and the current mission. Both knew how to separate personal and professional problems and work fluidly as a team in tough situations.

Sousuke thought about everything that happened between them and considered everything Michael was doing. There was no question that Michael had Sousuke's back and was helping him just like he promised.

The two entered a bathroom and found a scruffy looking janitor. He was just a little taller than both the brothers who were the same height. The gray mustache had them looking.

The janitor looked at them holding his mop, "Anything I can help you with?"

"Negative." Sousuke answered walking past the guy without a second glance.

"Just a second there, fellas." His hand was up to stop Michael from moving, "I just remembered - the second and fifth stalls are out of toilet paper. So if you're planning on getting a load off – use another one. I'll go get some new loo rolls." He turned and left.

Sousuke had already opened the top of the toilet. The contents in the plastic bag were a Glock 17 with a clip already in the gun and two extra clips of ammo. He pulled back the slide, loading the chamber and pocketed the gun. The clips went into another pocket inside the coat.

"Have you taken care of the matter?" Sousuke pulled out a lighter and lit the plastic on fire. He threw it in the toilet and flushed it quickly.

The loud click was clear even with the toilet flushing.

"They gave me a Colt SSP." He showed Sousuke the gun. The entire thing was black, "Good gun but a little too light for my liking. I'm not used to plastic guns like you are."

Sousuke looked at him, "It is more comfortable to maneuver in CQB than that anvil-of-a-pistol, Mark 23, you use."

Michael nodded his head and stuffed the gun behind his coat, "I hope it doesn't break when I sit down.."

Sousuke straightened his coat, "Ready?"

Michael washed his hands, "Ready and willing."

Sousuke nodded, "I'm sorry."

Michael grabbed a paper towel and dried his hands, "For what?"

Sousuke took a deep breath, "I'm sorry for saying that I don't trust your judgment."

Michael looked at him and said, "I'm sorry for saying you should seek your death."

Neither said a anything as they shook each others hands. It was a simple gesture that had great importance to Sousuke and Michael.

Sousuke nodded and took a deep breath, "Let's go."

"Hey wait a second," Michael stopped Sousuke.

"What is it? Is there some new information about the mission?" Sousuke asked ready to start. Any new details could help them.

Michael shook his head, "Nah but we need to settle some stuff." He needed to be honest with Sousuke about a lot of things. One of those included Operation Strip Mine.

"We do." Sousuke opened the door, "But we have a mission to complete Major."

"Don't call me Major." Michael grabbed his bag and threw Sousuke's bag to him.

Sousuke caught it with a little wind knocked out of him. He could not help but smirk teasing him like that.

Michael walked past him and the door swung open.

"Alright! Time's up! Get lost!" The janitor yelled at them.

Sousuke and Michael froze in place as the janitor went off on them.

He grabbed there arms and started to drag them out. The janitor whispered so both could hear him, "Yang and the boys are hot and ready. Just give the "Go" when you start to feel uncomfortable and they'll be there in a muzzle-flash. Mao and Weber are on there way to the girls school. Piece of advice – stay away from the walls. Now, good luck and… Get out!" he promptly shoved them out of the now closed bathroom.

Sousuke and Michael shook their heads as they straighten their coats and ties.

"Does this look presentable?" Sousuke ask Michael as he adjusted his jacket.

"Yea its fine to me but your tie," Michael straighten it for him, "needs to be straight. Relax."

"Affirmative." Sousuke said trying to stay calm and collect. He found it difficult since Sousuke was meeting Kaname's father. There was not telling what could happen after they give him this information.


Amy was working at her desk trying to fight the boredom. She closed her book and started to stare into space. She wished that she could find a more exciting job to help pay her tuition but it was the only one that worked well for her schedule. This was a time that she wished the phone would go off, at least something would happen.

"And I'm telling you that you look fine."

Amy looked up and saw two young men open the door to the office. She smiled a little when Amy saw them. They were both rather good looking and well built for boys there age. The one that caught her eye was the guy with the scruffy brown hair and scar on his left cheek. Amy had never seen a scar on a face and wondered if he got into a fight or if it was an accident when he was younger.

"I want to look presentable to him since he made time for this." The scared one said adjusting his tie back and worth. He seemed more worried about his appearance than with the meeting.

The other one had short black hair and was just as tall as the scar one. She noticed they had military uniforms and realized that they were here for their meeting. Two guys from Oak Ridge Military Academy were going to talk to Mr. Chidori about the U.N. The purpose she was told was to get information and maybe a good reference since he dealt a lot with foreign relations and trade handling.

Amy smiled and straightened her hair. She only wish she had a mirror to look at herself, the scar guy was pretty cute, "Can I help you two gentlemen?" She flashed them a nice smile.

"Yes," the scar one said taking his hat off, "I am Cadet Major Nathan Hawthorne and this is my friend Cadet Major Benjamin Capelli." He pointed to his companion who nodded and took his hat off, "We have a meeting with Mr. Chidori at one o'clock."

She got there names, "Well Mr. Nathan," She smiled at him, "Let me check you on here." Amy opened her computer and pulled up the schedule, "Yes Mr. Chidori has you on here so please take a seat while I page him."

"Thank you," Nathan paused, "What is your name?" He asked politely.

Amy smiled again, "My name is Amy." She took his hand and shook it. Amy also shook Benjamin's hand. She grinned when she felt how strong they were. Amy could only hope to get a little more out of them.

Benjamin walked over and took a seat in the couch at the office.

"Thank you Amy." Nathan said again and took a seat next to Benjamin.

Amy heard the busy tone and put the phone down, "He must be on the phone but I paged him so he should answer soon."

"Thank you." They both said in perfect unison.

Amy closed her computer screen and turned to them ,"So can I ask you a question Nathan?"

"What is the question Amy?"

She pointed at his cheek, "That scar on your face. How did you get that if you don't mind me asking?" Amy was curious as to see why he had it on his face. Medical knowledge now could hide the scar on his face.

"Well Amy I," Nathan stopped and pondered. He thought for a few more moments and than said, "I am not sure."

Benjamin looked at him, "You've had that scar for a long time haven't you?"

"You both know each other?" Amy inquired.

"Affirmative, we attended Oak Ridge together and we work together most of the time." Nathan answered.

"He's fun to work with. I can always depend on him to get the job done." Benjamin complimented.

"And he has proven to be reliable in any circumstance." Nathan said to Benjamin.

Amy giggled, "Ahh, you two are like brothers right?"

Both nodded agreeing with her.

Amy smiled, "It's important to have people you can rely on. It makes living a lot easier." She than said, "So you don't know about that scar?"

"Negative. I've had it for so long I forgot when I had it."

Amy looked at him curious, "So do you have other scars on your body than?"

"Why yes I do. I have-"

Benjamin elbowed his arm, "Now Nathan, I don't think she wants to hear those kind of things."

"She asked the question though and I think I should at least tell her." Nathan countered, "Miss Amy was simply asking a question and I see no wrong in answering her."

Amy blushed when she heard Nathan call her Miss.

Benjamin sighed through his hands, "I bet if she asked to see them, you would take your shirt off and show them."

Amy's eyes lit up at that. This job got a lot better, "Could I see them?"

Nathan and Benjamin both looked at her confused.

"No I would think that would be inappropriate Miss Amy." Nathan answered and flinched when Benjamin hit his arm.

Amy smiled and the phone went off. She answered it quickly.

Nathan and Benjamin leaned back and turned their Codec's on.

"God you're an idiot sometimes." Michael said.

"Whatever." Sousuke answered, "What is the status with Kurz and Mao?"

"They should be at the school soon. By the time they get there we should be done with Mr. Chidori." Michael said to reassure Sousuke.

"I don't like this. Amalgam could still be watching him right now. We need to be cautious about what we say and do."

"Agreed." Michael said, "We have the jammer in the bag that Mei Ling made. That should give us enough breathing room to talk to him and than get out."

The channels closed when Amy said their names. Both of them looked up and looked at her.

Amy continued, "Mr. Chidori regrets to say that he cannot see you today. He has had something come up."

Michael was annoyed, "Please tell him that this is really important. We can't come back since the deadline is coming up and we can't reschedule with our schedules."

Amy smiled sadly, "I know and he apologizes but he can get you in with someone else. Mrs. Redstone handles immigration and trade disputes one floor up and Mr. Chidori has spoken with her. The good news is she has agreed to meet you both."

Michael and Sousuke were getting nervous. If they did not get to him today they would have to scrap the mission and revise it. This was would only increase the chances of something happening to him.

Sousuke stood up, "We thank you but can you please tell us why he cannot meet with us. Does he have an important meeting or did something come up."

Amy looked at the door and motioned them to come to the desk. Both walked up and leaned over the desk, "He is meeting with his daughter's boyfriend."

Years of training and discipline did not prepare them for that statement. Both struggled to keep a straight face without giving too much away.

"Apparently he asked Mr. Chidori's daughter to marry him and says he wanted to meet with them both to discuss this." Amy was getting a weird feeling about this. She could tell that they were angry but it seemed angry was not the proper word.

"What is the young man's name?" Sousuke asked praying that it was not who he thought it was.

"Mr. Leonard Testarossa." Amy was now nervous.

The two had their heads down like they were thinking about something. Both had there hands on the desk like they were disappointed. It looked like they were trying to control themselves as best they could. She could not blame them for being upset. They traveled all this way to only be turned down because of that guy. Amy hated that guy every time he visited. He was always rude and thought that he was God's gift to the world.

If this job's pay was not so high Amy would have knocked him down a notch.

Michael looked up, "Could you excuse us for one moment? We need to call our superiors and let them know about this."

Sousuke nodded and followed Michael out the door.

Amy breathed a sigh of relief glad that they did not break the door down. It seemed like there were about to do that. She looked over the edge and her mouth hung open.

The edges of her desk had been scratched slightly by nail marks.


Sousuke closed the door gently behind him to cover their trail. The moment the door was closed Sousuke opened his mouth, "I don't know if whatever god up there hates us or loves us."

"Agreed." Michael said exhaling loudly to get Sousuke's attention. He knew that Sousuke was one step away from charging in and grabbing Leonard by his hair. Michael would follow by either punching or shooting Leonard to make him cooperate.

The ringing in their ears went off and both knew it was Command.

"How did we miss this!" Tessa demanded.

Otacon came on and pulled up the video records, "I monitored his broadcast since the moment they arrived. They must be jamming the camera or they have people on the inside. It is the only way to explain this."

Sousuke started to get impatient. Every second they wasted was one second closer to failure. He was not going to that guy escape this time, "Command requesting permission to detain subject codenamed Silver."

"I second that request." Michael said hoping to get the push they needed to do this. They both knew that this was not an opportunity to be wasted. If they could get him fast enough than they could not only find Metal Gear but all of Amalgam's secrets would be spilled out.

"Your orders are to wait. We need to discuss this." Mardukas came on the radio making sure to emphasize wait.


Tessa stood silent considering the situation and her options. On one hand they could capture her brother and make him spill everything he knows. Metal Gear could be found and much more. She knew full well that this chance was not to be squandered and if it was than they were text book fools.

On the other hand, Sousuke and Michael were there and she knew their history with her brother. It would not be a surprise that they would 'rough him up' to get him caught and even worse if he tried to escape than it would be worst case scenario.

Michael was still holding a grudge against her for the destruction of Strip Mine and knew he wanted a second chance to get even.

Sousuke would want Leonard to talk about Kaname's location. Tessa did not put it past her mind that he may use 'unconventional methods' to make him talk. These were methods that she would morally disprove.

"They should take this opportunity." Mei Ling said, "This is our chance to get a big fish and they can do it."

Mardukas turned to her, "Lt. your opinion is noted but we have no idea what could be waiting for them. This could be a setup or worse they let their emotions get the better of them and something happens."

"Your opinions are noted as well Commander," Campbell said, "But your Captain and myself have the final orders. You two are to return to your post right now. Is that understood?"

Mardukas and Mei Ling nodded and returned to their respective positions in the command center.

"Captain Testaroosa," Roy got her attention, "What is your vote?"

Tessa bit her braid, "I understand that we cannot let this chance pass but with limited knowledge of the room one arm is tied."

"I doubt that Silver would have those robots with him in that room."

"And if they are using Stealth Camouflage? They have pistols and they cannot take on two Alastors Colonel." Tessa pointed out trying to find a solution and fast.

Roy paused and whispered in her ear, "We can have SRT on that floor in five minutes. They just need to delay them and get the room secure. Once SRT is in position we can arrest him. Specialist Black is on standby and has 'means' to 'provide support' if it comes to that."

Tessa turned her head, "I cannot agree with that Colonel. We would have two people in a room without back-up. We can't take the risk that those things are in their waiting." She started to play with her braid again, "We cannot afford to lose people. Especially not those two and not now."

Roy understood where she was coming from but time was short, "And if we wait for SRT to back them up and find him dead what than?"

Tessa's face was indifferent.

"We take a risk either way but we need to think about one thing. That's man safety is imperative and those two know that. At least with those two in there we have eyes in that room. Mei Ling can scan that room and find anything in that room." Roy looked back to the screen. He saw Sousuke and Michael checking their pistols, "You have to accept the chance that people will die. It is the duty of being a commander and leader, Captain."

Tessa turned and walked over to Mei Ling and took the headset. She only hoped her judgment and trust would pay off. She did not want more people to die, "Sgt. Sagara and Major Kanzuki," She paused and hoped for the best, "Your request is granted. You two are authorized to capture Silver by any means necessary. Use any means to detain him alive and with little injury as possible. You are not authorized to kill the target. We need him alive gentlemen, alive and not in a body bag. Understand?" She waited for their reply.

Both answered with a quick, "Yes ma'am!"

The channel closed and Tessa gave the headset back to Mei Ling. She put her hand on her shoulder and Mei Ling smiled. Both were wishing for the same thing.

Tessa only wished that she made the right choice, "Commander Mardukas, contact SRT and have them on that floor. I want them there in three minutes."

"Yes ma'am." Richard responded and relayed the order to the rest of the staff.

Tessa took a deep breath and the wait started.


Sousuke switched the safety off and tightened the silencer barrel. He stuffed the gun in his coat pocket for quick access and took a deep breath, "We need Miss Amy to get out of the room. If she is still there she could be a hostage if things turn for the worse."

Michael agreed with him, "SRT will be here in three minutes. We need to secure the target with as little damage as possible. Agreed?"

"Affirmative." Sousuke answered, "How 'little' damage are we talking about?"

Michael copied Sousuke with the Colt SSP, "No serious gunshot wounds."

Sousuke nodded and opened the door. They both walked up to Amy who was a little nervous to see them come up this close.

"Can I help you two with something?" She inquired.

Sousuke paused and said, "Miss Amy we need you to leave."

Amy looked at the two flabbergasted by this request, "You want me to leave this desk?"

"No," Michael looked at her, "we need you to leave this room. Quickly and as far from here as possible."

Amy started to panic a little but kept herself composed, "You two come back here after being rejected? I mean what is going on here?!"

Sousuke raised his hand keeping her calm, "Please Miss Amy, we need you leave this room and not come back for some time. For your own good."

"Are you going to hurt me if I don't?" She asked quietly.

Sousuke shook his head, "No. But 'others' might."

"Why should I believe a damn thing you say!? You could be tricking me and do something Mr. Chidori-" She paused and rushed for the phone.

Michael had his hand over it. He looked at her pleading, "Because we're here to make sure nobody gets hurt… and you're making our job a whole lot harder by not cooperating. So, pretty please, with sugar on top…"

Sousuke looked at her with Amy looking at him.

Amy lowered her head and opened her desk. She pulled out a purse and rushed out of the room. She opened the door and looked at him one last time, "Who are you really?"

Sousuke paused and said, "Garbage men."

Amy turned away and without saying anything closed the door. They could hear her footsteps rushing down the halls trying to get away from this place as quick as possible.

Sousuke and Michael could only hope that she would not be hurt by Amalgam. They would request for her to be protected and monitored just in case.

Once they knew she was out Michael looked at the door. He turned to Sousuke and said, "Are you ready for this?"

Sousuke took a deep breath and stood next to him, "Direct or indirect approach."

Michael looked at his brother, "You choose."

Sousuke smiled and kicked the door as hard as he could, "Direct approach will throw the enemy off guard."

Michael took a step back and put all his weight into the door. The hinges started to come out and the door started to bend in, "The direct approach is the most appropriate, considering the situation."

Another kick from each brother and they could hear screaming and cursing. Both knew that command had to be throwing a fit over this but they did not care.

"One more should do it." Michael commented holding the back pack tightly. All the files they need were their.

"Together on three." Sousuke suggested holding his own bag close.

Both stood next to each and in one fluid motion they kicked the door one final time. The door swung open. The hinges and nails of the door stuck out of the wall and the door was a mere beaten shadow.

The two waltzed in and looked at the two furious faces in the room. The mission was now complicated.


Chapter ten is done. I'm still in the planning stages of Chapter eleven and hoping to get started on it soon. School is picking up so I am not sure how much I will get done. I am still looking for a grammar beta. Anyone interested should send me a message. Thanks for you reading and review please! BW