CHAPTER 25
VALENTINES DILEMMA
Peering out towards the pitch-black sky, Lucia squinted her eyes in hopes of sighting their expected guests. Though both she and her brother were dressed in thick winter parkas, the howling wind made the blizzard swirling around them feel like thousands of tiny icicles were stabbing their exposed faces. "Have you seen anything yet?!" Lucia heard her twin brother Lucas call, his voice almost drowned out.
"No!" Lucia replied.
"What a time for the power to go out!" Lucas noted as he zipped up his padded winter pants. Lucia simply grimaced in disgust.
"One day you boys are going to whip it out and it will freeze off." she warned.
"What, it never gets old pissing off the edge of the mountain!" Lucas joked as Lucia rolled her eyes.
"Men."
"At least we have a soldier like Dolton from the Galia falls here." Lucas commented. "He's been a great asset to have. Coms signals are stronger than ever thanks to him."
"How long until he and the other mechanics get the generators working again?" Lucia asked.
"I just called in on the radio. He should have the main power back on in a few minutes." For almost an hour, all of Sanctuary had been dead due to a faulty generator. The rush on repair was more than an urge to get the heat back on. Captain Jacob was expecting arrivals from one of the other bases and had assigned the twins to stand watch for the incoming Para-mail.
"I really don't like this weather. Do you think they'll even be able to spot the runway?" Lucia called
"The landing lights are on a separate system." Lucas replied. "That's why we got put out here remember?" Finally, a tiny pin prick of light over the mountains appeared and began to grow in brightness, accompanied by the low rumble of an engine. "Finally," Lucas sighed as he pulled a distress flare and popped the cap, signalling the hanger grew to activate the emergency landing lights.
Once back inside the lights flickered back on and a rush of warmth spread across the entire base, as everyone burst into cheers of relief. "Remind me to give Dolton a big hug when I see him." Lucia puffed, her face red from the bitter cold. Undoing the tight bun in her hair, she shook it loose and let it fall in a glorious fashion. From the corner of her eye, she noticed four of the maintenance staff watching her with looks of awe. Lucas spotted them as well and gave them a deadly warning look.
"Get back to work!" He growled, making them dash off like their lives depended on it.
"You could tend to drop your Lieutenant persona occasionally. You always get so serious and strict." Lucia teased. "Your always so sweet when it's just us."
"And I should remind you that you're too soft with them." He said rather harshly. Despite her rank as lieutenant, Lucia was among the more popular women throughout the Sanctuary. The unfortunate truth was that men outnumbered women five to one, even with the new arrivals from the Galia falls. Finding a girlfriend or partner was serious business among the residents and fights between male residents were not uncommon. "If I don't keep them in line, they'd slack off and cause even more trouble. Now, we should see who our visitor is and find out why Captain Jacob called them here in the first place." No doubt Hosea knew, and it just so happened the old man himself appeared around a nearby corner.
"Lucas, Lucia, Captain Jacob wants to see you in the command office." Hosea announced. "It's important."
As soon as the three of them entered Captain Jacob's office they saw a large man standing by his desk. He was tall and lean with a short mohawk that ran down the centre of his head. And at the sight of him, Lucia beamed and ran forward to hug him.
"Harper its' great to see you again." She beamed.
"It's good to see you too." Harper agreed as Lucas came forward to shake his hand. "How long has it been, seven years?"
"I'm afraid we'll have to cut this reunion short," Captain Jacob suddenly interrupted. "Lucas, Lucia, as I'm sure you know, things in Misurugi have been tense lately. Ever since the princess Angelise was exposed as a Norma, our runners have found it difficult to get anything across the nation's borders. That includes both Norma and supplies."
"How bad is the situation." Lucas asked.
"I doubt we'll make it through the next month." Harper explained. "Rationing has gotten so bad even the children have had to miss a day without food. Right now, all we can do is move everyone out and into the nearest hideout on the border between Misurugi and Endurant. But I doubt with the personnel and resources we have that the kids will be able to travel that far on foot."
"That's awful." Lucia gasped. "The poor children." Lucas creased his brow and crunched some numbers in his head.
"I think I can spare ten soldiers, maybe more." He finally said. "Just give me a day or two to see if I can stir up some volunteers and work out the logistics."
"Thanks you guys I appreciate it." Harper saluted.
"There something else that you all need to see." Jacob interrupted. He turned his data pad over to show them and their eyes widened in shock. On the screen before them was Villkiss, back in all its glory. And Siegfried was flying alongside it.
"How did…wait it must be the Princess." Lucas gasped.
"I can't believe it." Lucia gawked.
"Looks like Alektra has everything she needs to move ahead." Hosea chuckled. Lucia however looked down to see her brother's fists were clenched in anger. "Is it true that Gaz's kid is flying that machine?"
"We still don't know." Jacob said. "I've tried to contact Gaz, but I've haven't gotten an answer. And the last signal from his skyhook was tracked to a small island eight months ago. If he sent the boy to Arzenal, then it's possible the worst has occurred."
"Well then our only option is to make direct contact with Arzenal." Hosea suggested. "Though I doubt Alektra will be pleased to see us. As far as she and the rest of Arzenal know, we died with the others."
"Wait so does that mean…" Lucia asked, a surge of hope rising in her.
"Yes," Jacob nodded. "Libertus is back. I'll spread the word to every hideout and base. We need to be ready for what's to come. Especially since the NMB are hunting us like rats. For now, you two get to work on whatever help you can scrounge up for Harper. Dismissed." Everyone saluted before they filed out, but Lucia was still concerned for her brother. She didn't at all like the angry look in his eyes.
"Lucas what's wrong?" she finally asked.
"Isn't it obvious?" He answered coldly. "How could Alektra assign Siegfried to Gaz's kid? Even if he is a male Norma, that's OUR machine. He's got no business piloting it."
"We'll sort that out soon but for now, we need to focus on the task at hand." Lucas however, had only one thought on his mind.
'It should be me piloting Siegfried not some kid that lived soft and easy while we were fighting just to live.' Lucas thought bitterly. 'I'll show Alektra and Captain Jacob otherwise. Tusk lost the right to that machine and his title the day he ran away from all of us, so that means I'm the only one fit to do so.'
"Cal on your left!" Salia warned. Flying as fast as he could Cal, circled Siegfried around the sky, dodging Schooner after Schooner that swooped in on him. Despite it being a Category 2 attack, the DRAGONS seemed even more relentless than usual.
Cal flashed his blades and cut down two schooners that tried to flank him from front and back simultaneously before assessing the situation. The massive Galleon was still far behind its much faster and smaller brethren, three more of which were darting down towards him. Cal drew his rifle and took aim when suddenly, all three of them were torn apart by someone else's bullets. Before he could adjust, Villkiss suddenly thrust past Siegfried and knocked him aside, a sharp pain shot up Cal's wrist from the sudden impact. "Goddammit Ange!" He grunted in pain.
Ange meanwhile brought her blade down on another, bisecting it in one strike before blasting another with her rifle. A sixth charged in on her from behind, only to be blasted by a huge explosion. Ange looked back to see it was Rosalie who'd taken the shot and glared at them with distain. 'Dammit stay out of my way.' Ange thought bitterly.
"Damn!" Rosalie grumbled. "I missed."
"Let me try." Chris offered. With Ange in the middle of the swarm, it would be easy for her to become collateral damage. After all, accidents did happen in battle. Before she could establish a lock however, Ange broke off and charged head on towards the Galleon. Like an angry hornet, Villkiss flew side to side, dodging and shooting any Schooner unlucky enough to get in her way. Up ahead Hilda's red Glaive fired an RPG at the large DRAGON and managed to stun it. She seized her chance and readied her freeze bullet to land right in its neck only to be knocked aside by Ange. Hilda let out a painful yell from the sudden crash as Ange lurched forward and planted her own freeze bullet right in the base of its throat. Shards of Ice sprang from the spot, piecing through the other side of its neck and back as the Galleon hit the water and freezing the resulting splash on impact. Rosalie and Chris glowered that they had missed their chance to rid themselves of her while Hilda seethed over how Ange had stollen her kill.
"That bitch." She snarled. Upon return to base, most of the squad were less than happy. Except for Vivian of course.
"Yaay! I beat my record for schooner class kills!" She cheered.
"Well there were a lot of enemies today." Ersha laughed.
"Hey sorry for stealing the Corvette." Vivian apologised to Miranda. "You looked like you were having some serious trouble fighting it on your own."
"No, it's fine." Miranda said, doing her best to mask her disappointment. "It's just I only killed three schooners and I haven't managed to kill a larger class since I've joined the first squad."
"Hey, don't worry about it." Ersha assured her as she patted the younger pilot gingerly on the shoulder. "We all have days when we get a small pay. I'm sure you'll do better next time."
"Yeah, but Ange was definitely today's MVP." Vivian pointed out. Ange however simply ignored everyone and walked away.
"That little shit stole my kill." Hilda scowled.
"She just used my unit as a steppingstone." Rosalie moaned.
"Mine too." Chris added. Atop his own unit, Cal clenched his fingers around the palm of his brace, his left wrist prickling with pain.
"That stupid bitch." He spat. "Who does she think she is?" Salia meanwhile looked down the floor in shame. 'Something must be done about Ange.' She thought. 'But what?'
Once evening set in, Ange headed straight for her room after a quick shower for some peace and quiet. That didn't last very long however as Cal came barging in looking angrier than Ange had seen him all week. "What is your problem!?" Cal shouted at her. "How could you go and pull off a stunt like that!"
"I don't see what the problem is. I'm a Norma and my job is to kill the DRAGONS." Ange replied dismissively.
"You could have gotten someone killed!" Roared Cal. "Breaking off on your own when someone could need your help!"
"So what?" Ange argued back. "The red head and her two cronies keep giving me grief, but I don't hear you getting up their asses about it!"
"And I don't blame them!" raged Cal. "Don't you realize you could have gotten Hilda killed knocking her aside like that!? I told you if you put anyone else in danger again it would be the last time!" For the next twenty minutes, Ange and Cal continued to bicker back and forth. For the past week they had argued and snapped at each other, which grated not just on the squad but the other residents who could hear them in their rooms through the open windows. A sudden banging on their door interrupted their fight and Cal turned away to throw the door open.
"What!" he snapped, coming face to face with Sadie from second squad.
"Will you two fuck heads keep it down, some of us are trying to sleep!" she yelled. Cal turned his head to hide his blush as the older Norma was only wearing a thin white t-shirt that barely hid her modesty. "Either one of you move out or shut up!"
"Look mind your own business." Cal told her growing suspicious from Sadie's wicked grin.
"If she's bothering you that much you could come to my and Betty's room again." She offered licking her lips seductively.
"That was a one-time thing." Cal grumbled. "Especially with you. I thought I was gonna die that night."
"Well, if you change your mind, you know where to find me." Sadie blew him a kiss as she walked off, swaying her hips in a way that was hard to ignore, until he spotted the familiar whip lashes across her back that reminded him of Zola. He turned back to Ange who wasn't even embarrassed changing in front of him anymore and was now crawling into her bed. Cal rubbed his throbbing head when there was another knock at his door. To his relief, it turned out to be Mei.
"The Commander wants us in her office in 10 minutes." She instructed.
"Thank god." Cal huffed. "Any longer with her and I'll end up having a brain haemorrhage."
Salia, Jasmine, Maggie, and Vulcan were already waiting from them when they arrived. "Good you're finally here." Jill greeted them.
"Commander." They saluted as Jill began reading off a clipboard.
"I'm very impressed with the number of kills on Ange's third mission." Jill observed.
"Only because she charged in like a maniac all by herself and stole most of them." Cal grumbled.
"Be that as it may, she's the only one to get that machine to function properly after all these years." Maggie commented. "She's a total natural."
"Yeah, for some reason Ange and Villkiss seem to just click together." Mei noted as she rubbed her chin.
"So does this mean…" Salia stuttered.
"That's right." Jill said with a triumphant smile. "Since we have the right pilots for Villkiss and Siegfried, Libertus begins now." She looked to the young Captain. "Your thoughts Salia?" There was a long pause until Salia spoke almost in a whisper.
"It won't last. She'll die." Jill then turned to Cal.
"And you?"
"She is a great pilot and has improved significantly but I don't trust her." Cal admitted. "It's bad enough having to fight alongside Ange let alone share a room with her. And I'm not sure but I think some of the others tried to deliberately shoot her down during the last encounter."
"You can't exactly blame them." Maggie interrupted. "She got their beloved Captain and cute little Coco killed. No wonder they all hate her."
"Whatever you two have to work out, do it soon." Jill told him. "You're the pilot of Siegfried and the knight of Villkiss now." Salia clenched her fists as everything she wanted was now crashing down.
"I could do it." Salia spoke up. "If I had the chance, I could pilot Villkiss better than Ange." Cal looked at Salia, surprised by her outburst. "So why would you?"
"She's the right one for the job." Jill stood up. "Like it or not these are the cards that we've been dealt."
"But what if something happens to Villkiss?!"
"Then I'll fix it. I stake my life on it." Mei smiled with confidence. "That is the mission of our clan after all!" Cal smiled at the younger Norma's enthusiasm while Jill approached Salia and put a hand on her shoulder.
"I need you to focus on your own responsibilities." Jill told her. "Alright Captain." Her smile did little to comfort Salia who looked away in disappointment from the woman she idolized. Cal saw the look in Salia's eyes and could tell something was riling her. "That's my girl." Jill gave her an affectionate pat on the head before turning her attention to Cal. "Moving on to other matters, have you noticed anything different with Siegfried after its performance last week?" Cal gave her a puzzled look but answered.
"Everything is just as normal expect…" He paused until he noted the few things that seemed off. "The max capacity of Siegfried's drives and engine have increased substantially. I noticed it when I was flying today that despite this bum hand, Siegfried's accuracy and mobility were more fluid than before."
"I see." Jill said. "That must be the Valkyrie system." Cal tilted his head in confusion, but Mei almost jumped for joy.
"You're kidding!?" She gasped loudly.
"The what…" Cal asked.
"You somehow managed to break through the locks on instinct." Jill explained. "It seems when you saved Miranda, you used the Geirönul abilities. If only temporarily."
"I knew something didn't feel right," Mei pipped up. "Siegfried's engines were running at triple the output that day. And it's performances drives have improved rapidly."
"Hold on." Cal interrupted. "Siegfried has some kind of hidden power?"
"Exactly." Jill answered. "That's why I know you're the right pilot for Siegfried. Siegfried is secondary to Villkiss but who knows what you'll activate when Libertus begins."
"So then how do I do it?" Cal said. "How can I break through the locks to use Siegfried's hidden abilities on command?"
"I'll help you." Mei said patting him on the back. "We'll figure it out, so you'll equally match Villkiss when Libertus begins." The idea of being able to do the impossible on command cheered Cal up enough to forget all about his earlier fight with Ange.
"Then let's do it. If Siegfried has more to show, then there's no way I can stop now." He clenched his fist. "I'll break through those locks and learn to control the power of Siegfried on command!"
"Things are definitely heating up." Maggie mused. "We all have to be ready when the time comes."
"Don't let yourself to be caught by the Inspector." Jill ordered. "Stay on your guard and be careful."
With the meeting over, Mei peeked through the door for any incoming security. Once the coast was clear, Mei, Maggie, Salia and Cal filed out. Cal quickly glanced back to see Jasmine had stayed behind but a sudden tap on his shoulder drew his attention back to Salia who gestured for him to follow her.
"What's the matter?" He asked as they walked off together.
"I just don't understand. Why would Jill give Villkiss to Ange? Why her?"
'Why is that machine so important to you anyway?' Cal wondered. Though he had to admit it didn't make sense. Aside from being a former princess, Ange was just like any other Norma on Arzenal. What was it about her that made her the key to Libertus?
"I'm at a loss too Salia." He admitted. "I may not like it, but she did awaken Villkiss back to its true self. For now, let's just work on the squad. Knowing Ange, sooner or later she's going to cross the line and Jill will have to assign it to someone else."
"I guess you're right," Salia sighed. "I especially need to do something about Ange and her issues with Rosalie, Chris and Hilda."
"I could have a word with them about going off on their own during…"
"No!" Salia said suddenly. "I'm Captain now and it's my responsibility to take care of these things. Captain Zola would have nipped them in the bud right off the bat. I just don't know how to approach the situation the right way."
"You'll figure it out." Cal reassured her, smiling warmly. "You always do." His reassurance seemed to lift Salia's spirits, and a sudden blush appeared on her face.
"Hey, do, you maybe want to bunk with me tonight?" She offered shyly. "Just for sleep!" She added in embarrassment.
"Or maybe we could just go sleep in my room." Cal suggested grinning. "It is closer and would make sense if security or the Inspector asks."
"But Ange is in there, you pervert." Salia frowned before Cal spun a single key around his finger. "Those aren't your room keys." She realised. "Where did you get those?"
"I picked them up from Jasmine." He told her. "She said I could rent out one of the spare quarters for 900,000 a night to work on…studies." Salia narrowed her eyes in suspicion.
"What kind of studies?"
"Well, Hikaru taught me a lot about…radar and…how to find things when you can't see." Salia however looked as if she was about to slug him. "I just thought maybe you would like to work off some stress."
"I could use some…stress relief after all." Salia decided, her face going brick red.
"You must be needing it when you're being honest about it. You're so cute when you blush Salia." Salia went to smack him on the back of the head for that, but Cal caught her hand and with one swift motion picked Salia up and hoisted her up on his shoulder before giving her a little clap on the rear.
"Gyaah, what are you doing you idiot?!" Salia yelped.
"What's wrong I thought you liked being on top." He joked before taking off at full speed.
"Don't run!" Salia shrieked.
Once the others had left, the two older Norma were left to chat alone, "That's my girl, huh." Jasmine repeated to Jill as she stroked Vulcan's neck. "You're such a schemer you sly dog. You know you could try and be a little nicer to Cal and Salia."
"I'll use whatever methods I have to." Jill replied coldly as she lit a cigarette. "Whether it's emotions or lives, I'll use whatever I can to make Libertus is a success this time. I'm already dammed so I've got nothing to lose."
"If you say so," Jasmine yawned. "I best be going myself. I need to finish the decoration banner before morning."
"You mean the Juliet Soirée Event?" Jill said irritably. "I'll never understand the fuss over that stupid event. Knowing Cal, all he'll be interested in is the food."
"You always get so sour when this time of the year comes." Jasmine joked. "Gaz was the same too when it came to Valentine's Day. But he could always be a charmer when he wanted to be." Though she thought he lost his charming looks when he grew that horrible beard.
"Girls will you settle down!" Jasmine's irritated voice cracked like a whip through the mall as Cal tried to push past the large crowd of girls while carrying a few new items to stock up. If he had to guess, the commotion was due to the new display set up next to the entrance. A large rose red sign with silver fancy writing that read, 'The Juliet Soirée Special Event.' When the crowd failed to heed, Jasmine grabbed a megaphone and turned the volume up as high as it would go. "Listen up girls! 'The Juliet Soirée Special Event,' will be taking place on Valentine's Day this Saturday." Cal's insides seemed to curl and shrivel as he felt what seemed like hundreds of hungry eyes fall on him. 'Valentine's Day!' He dreaded. He only heard about this day from Gramps and now he was about to experience it in ways he never could have imagined.
"It is a special day meant to be shared with our partners and dates!" Jasmine continued. Cal wanted nothing more than to get on with his shift as he knew all too well that he'd be the primary target for this event and dating was the last thing on his mind. "Tickets cost 1 million cash for both you and your chosen date to be treated to a luxurious 3-course dinner this Saturday evening at 7pm!" Now that piqued his interests. The thought of a fancy three course meal made Cal's mouth water. However, his train of thought was broken when he noticed Miranda who was by herself staring blankly at an arcade machine. When Cal approached her, he was shocked by her appearance. She had tear stains down her cheeks, her hair was messy and the bags under her eyes indicated she hadn't slept well for days.
"Hey, you okay?" He asked.
"Not really." Miranda croaked. "I'm just really tired."
"Hey don't do that." Cal said as she began to cry again. "I know what you're going through. I lost someone who meant a lot to me not so long ago." Suddenly, Cal had an idea. "Hey come on," he said as he took her hand. With a confused Miranda in tow, Cal led her to the table where Jasmine was handing out tickets shaped like love hearts for the Soirée.
"Hey there hon have you finished already?" she asked.
"Actually, it's about Miranda. She's been having a hard time with losing Coco and I thought maybe it would do her good to work here. It would help to take her mind off things."
"Always looking after your younger squad mates huh. Like a big brother." Jasmine mused.
"Back when I lost Gramps, working here really helped me to get through those tough first days and I think Miranda needs that more than anyone."
"Well, I guess I could always use some extra help with the Soirée." Jasmine took the younger Norma aside for a chat while Cal took over handing out tickets. However once Cal was on his own a swarm of girls began to surround him.
"Do you wanna take me to the Valentine's event?"
"Please be my date?"
"Hey! I saw him first!"
"Take me!"
"Wait hold on a minute girls." Cal pleaded as they closed in.
"Alright break it up!" Barked Scarlett, making the girl scatter with a crack of her knuckles.
"Thanks for saving me there." Cal gasped.
"My pleasure." Scarlett said. "I guess you weren't given a heads up about today huh?"
"Why do they have to travel in packs?" Cal flinched seeing a group of girls eyeing him at the entrance.
"Hey consider yourself lucky. As the only guy on Arzenal, 8 out of 10 of the girls here would claw each other's eyes out to ask you out."
"That's what I'm worried about." Cal said gloomily.
"So, who are you thinking of taking?" Cal didn't answer. He knew who he'd like to ask but that meant leaving everyone else out.
"Is there anyway it could be more than one?" he asked.
"Afraid not," Scarlett answered. "But if you all agree to group together in pairs then technically it's not breaking any rules." That made things a little easier, but truth be told dating was the last thing Cal wanted, especially since the one person he wanted more than anything to share the day with was gone. Scarlett caught the sad look in his eyes and knew who he was thinking of.
"Hey if you aren't ready to date yet you could just take Salia or Ersha as a friend." She suggested. Cal appreciated the idea but it did little to help the matter.
Later that day a curly haired blonde girl with glasses from third squad to whom Cal had never spoken to in all his life, asked him to take her on a date to the Valentines event. Cal was so taken aback he blurted, "No" Before he even stopped to consider the matter. The girl walked off looking rather hurt and had to endure Hilda, Rosalie, and Chris' teasing about her all through training the next day.
Following simulator training, the first squad went to Arzenal's bank to collect their earnings from their previous battle. "3 schooner class kills, then there was the Galleon you fought recently," The girl behind the glass typed away her calculations. "After fuel, ammo refill and armour repairs, your pay this week is 180,000." Rosalie took the small amount of cash with a sour look.
"Pocket change." She grumbled.
"You're lucky, I didn't even get half of that." Chris sulked.
"Yeah and mine is a tenth!" Miranda pouted, displaying her abysmal pay of 18,000.
"What did you get?" Rosalie asked Hilda, who smirked as she showed off a stack three times as big as Rosalie's. "No way!" They gasped. Cal himself didn't fare much better. After Ange had bumped into him, Siegfried's smaller left wing had been dented resulting him only scraping 780,000.
"Better luck next time." Hilda commented.
"Don't you start." Cal warned. "I wouldn't be in this mess if Ange hadn't dented the wing."
"And your total pay this week is 5.5 million." The entire squad and a few armourers who were hanging around turned in shock at the 3 huge stacks of cash for Ange who took the money with a dispassionate look.
"Way to go Ange!" Vivian cheered.
"You've really racked up this week." Ersha praised. Ange ignored them as she picked up one stack and shoved it through the hole.
"Depositing two million." The teller said as Ange set the tray with the remaining 3.5 million on the counter.
"Here," Ange told them. "Do what you want with it." She then left without a word, oblivious to the mixed looks of confusion and contempt the others shot her.
"Whoah!" Vivian whispered, almost drooling at the stack of money Ange had left on the counter before Ersha pulled her back.
"I don't feel comfortable with this," Ersha said. "It doesn't feel right taking money I haven't earned."
"And if you think we're taking any charity from that bitch you can think again," Hilda spat.
"Yeah but…" Rosalie tried to say.
"Do you either of you want to wind up owing her?" Rosalie and Chris took her point though they both still seemed conflicted about it.
"So then what do we do with it?" Miranda wondered.
"I'll take care of it," Salia said. "I'll open a joint account in all of our names. We can use it as emergency funds in case one of us gets injured."
"Good idea," Cal agreed. As Salia filled out the paperwork, Cal cast a glance back down the corridor Ange had gone down. It was if Ange was deliberately trying to start a lone mutiny. And then another headache came up. Behind him stood an army of Norma including Irma and Tanya who blushed and giggled nervously, love heart tickets in all their hands.
"That will do," Ersha warned with a smile. "Or you and I can discuss it privately." The thinly veiled threat was enough to make the entire crowd run for their lives.
Once target practice was done, Ange opened her locker and gasped at the sight before her.
"What's going on." Vivian checked. "Holy…"
"Oh my." Ersha gasped.
"Wow…" Miranda gulped. Cal peered over Ersha's shoulder and cringed. Ange's uniform was torn to shreds and her locker had been vandalised with black spray paint in the most obscene language possible.
"Was this you three?" Salia demanded.
"Maybe…" Rosalie said sarcastically rubbing the back of her head. To their utter astonishment Ange simply grabbed her shredded uniform and threw it on, tying the top into a knot to cover her breasts with her panties visible through the rips in her skirt.
"Are you kidding me Ange?" Cal gawked his right eye twitching.
"You must be desperate, trying to get Cal to ask you to the Juliet Soirée Special Event?" Rosalie sneered. "No one will ever touch a dirty slut like you." With the anger bubbling over from all their torment she had endured since she arrived, Ange pulled her knife and jumped at Rosalie before anyone could react. Two quick slashes with the blade, and the top half of Rosalie's yellow plug suit fell from her breasts, the orange haired girl shrieking as she quickly covered herself.
"Rosalie…" Chris worried.
"Close your eyes you!" Hilda hissed at Cal who turned around.
"Watch yourself!" Ange warned slamming the door behind her.
"So awesome." Vivian awed with stars in her eyes.
"I don't understand why you're embarrassed I've seen you naked a hundred times." Cal pointed out which seemed to put Rosalie at ease. "But it's not like it gets boring." He added with a sly grin earning him a hard pinch on both his cheeks by Salia and Ersha.
"Cal you pervert!" Salia scowled.
"Naughty boy!" Ersha laughed.
Sitting at the officer's table on the cafeteria balcony, Emma Bronson was enjoying the nice cool breeze. One of the more well-behaved Norma was pouring her a hot cup of tea while she talked with her father via Mana screen. She had been waiting to hear from him, especially with one subject in particular.
"I've managed to get a total of over thirty candidates." Mr Bronson informed his daughter. "All of which have spotless records in both service and character. I've even found a few from Rosenblum."
"Thirty? I never thought that many would want to work here." Emma said in surprise, "Not that the job is unsatisfactory. And the Norma aren't too bad."
"Even the Male Norma?" Mr Bronson asked. "He hasn't tried anything has he?"
"Don't you worry Papa. Nothing gets past these eagle eyes. He knows better than to try anything funny with me." She replied sipping on her tea, only to spit it out in shock.
It was the former Princess. But her uniform it was in tatters, and she was wearing it. Even the other Norma stared at her in amazement at her brazen indecency. "Excuse me Papa. Stop right there!" Emma ordered as she ran after Ange. "Explain yourself!" Ange stopped and dispassionately looked over her shoulder.
"Something wrong?" Ange asked.
"Of course, it is!" Emma said shrilly. "Honestly when are you girls going to behave around the Male Norma? I've spent over 8 months yelling at you all to dress appropriately. Now fix it or buy a new one. That's an order!"
"Fine." Ange grumbled.
"That's Chief Inspector Bronson to you and don't forget to salute." Emma scolded. "You might as well be naked wearing that. Aren't you embarrassed?"
"Why would I be." Ange said mockingly. "Would you be ashamed to be naked in front of vermin Chief Inspector Bronson?" Emma could only watch as Ange gave a half-hearted salute and walked away, though her comment didn't escape the notice of some other residents who were eavesdropping.
"Wow did you hear that?"
"Who does she think she is!?"
"She got the nerve to call us vermin!"
"Yeah, you're a Norma too Bitch!" Rubbing her temples, Emma returned to her table and took her father off of hold.
"Sorry about that Papa. I had to deal with a troublesome Norma."
"At least you put it in its place." Her father said. "As I said, once I've made my final choice, I'll contact you."
"Aw Papa, could I not choose him myself?" Then Emma blushed in embarrassment realising what she had blurted.
"Why, did you want to pick the one with the largest muscles?" He joked. "Sorry Emma but that is for me and the Norma Management board to decide. But don't you worry. I'll make sure they do their job right in protecting my baby girl from the DRAGONS." Once the call ended, Emma sighed heavily. The thought of having another human for company, let alone a man, felt like a breath of fresh air. But having her own bodyguard to watch over her especially if he was from her nation was a dream come true. Such a shame he couldn't be here for the 'Juliet Soirée Special Event,' but she quickly pushed her girlish dreams out of her head. Professionalism must be maintained after all.
As they finished up training for the day, Hilda noticed something off about Rosalie's pilot suit. Namely that it seemed brand new instead of self-stitched. "I thought you were broke," she said. "Don't tell me you actually took cash from that bitch."
"Hey, she tore up my last one so it's not charity," Rosalie argued as she shoved it in her locker. "It's her paying me back." Truth be told, it was taking all of Rosalie's will not to take a little extra out for the Soirée. 'And I was really looking forward to it as well.' She huffed. "Trust me, from now on the Burn Princess and I are at war."
"We'll make her squirm for mercy." Chris snickered.
"You in Hilda?"
"Sure whatever." Hilda said flatly, strolling off without a glance back at them.
"Hilda…" Chris tried to go after her.
"Just leave her alone, she took Captain Zola's death harder than any of us." Hilda meanwhile just wanted to be alone. A short trip down the hall took her to Zola's former quarters where she plopped down onto the bed and pulled the prosthetic eye from her satchel. It had been found that day and out of respect, Maggie thought Hilda should have it. She looked at the many pictures on Zola's wall, one brought back warm memories of when Hilda first joined the first squad back when she was 15 years old. But beside it was another photo showed that of a younger 16-year-old Zola with her arm around Scarlett looking distinctively happier compared to with her.
"Why did you have to abandon me, Zola?" Hilda began to sob, clenching the prosthetic eye and unaware someone was watching her.
"Hilda." Hilda nearly jumped out of her skin and quickly wiped her eyes. Someone turned on the lights and Hilda looked up to see Scarlett standing over her. "What are you doing in here?"
"What's it to you!" Hilda said rather coldly. "I just wanted some privacy." Hilda felt the bed creak as Scarlett sat down beside her.
"I know the feeling." Scarlett told her. "God, it feels weird being back in this room." Hilda didn't respond and Scarlett tried to think of something to say to break the awkward silence. "You going to the Juliet Soirée with someone?"
"No." Hilda said sharply. "I've never been once."
"I thought Zola would have…"
"Zola's idea of a Valentine's Day would be to spend all day in bed with me Rosalie and Chris." Scarlett felt rather guilty. Of course, Hilda was still upset about Zola, and she didn't blame her. "It doesn't matter though if she was alive. I still would have been left out with you two back together."
"Look, I understand that you're angry," Scarlett sighed. "So am I, but you have to keep strong not just for yourself but for your squad mates. Trust me, I want nothing more than to tear Ange's limbs off. But I know deep down Zola wouldn't want the squad to be torn apart."
"Just drop it!" Hilda snapped. "And leave me alone!" Scarlett saw the tears spilling from the redhead's violet eyes and left without a word. 'She'll come around eventually.' She hoped. 'Only Zola would know how to deal with what she was feeling.' Then it suddenly clicked to Scarlett what Zola had said during their last night they were together. 'Hey, he said we owe him a nice meal. I'm her Captain and I always will be. It's my responsibility to watch over her.' Was this Zola's intention to look after Hilda despite their history by having her gravitate towards Cal? 'Dammit Zola even to the end you were looking out for Hilda.' Scarlett thought as a happy tear trailed down her cheek.
The next morning, Rosalie and Chris began phase one of "Operation Bitch Slap." Upon seeing Ange waiting in line at the cafeteria for her breakfast, the two girls grinned evilly and cut in line behind her. Once the chef dumped a load of food on Rosalie's tray, she glanced at Chris who snickered.
"Whoops!" Rosalie cried as she tossed her tray at Ange who instinctively dodged just in time to let it hit the back of another girl's long brown hair.
"You little shit!" Rosalie's face turned blue in fright, realising she had hit Sadie of all people who had murderous intent in her eyes.
"Sadie I'm sorry…I can explain." But at that moment Sadie sank her fist into Rosalie's face.
"Rosalie!" Chris cried in panic as Sadie tackled both of them to the ground. Chris' tray went flying, covering all three girls in gruel. Before the Cafeteria could figure out what was going on, Rosalie and Sadie were wrestling with each other on the floor with Chris trapped underneath them and desperately trying to escape. From where he was sitting with Irma and Tanya, Cal leapt from his seat and tried to wrench the three girls apart.
"Hey, hey break it up!" he yelled as he forced his arm between the two girls who continued to punch and kick each other, egged on by Vivian who jumped across the tables squealing. "Go Rosalie! Give her a left! Now a right! A Right!"
"Vivian!" Cal yelled before an elbow slammed into his nose just before the Commander and Inspector came storming in on the commotion, making everyone in the cafeteria flee and leaving Ersha and the chefs to deal with their angry superiors and the large mess.
"Cal I'm so sorry I didn't mean to hit you." Rosalie tried to apologise, wincing from her stinging face.
"Nod…won…wowd." Cal grumbled as he held a napkin to his gushing nose. Rather than make him angrier, Rosalie and Chris retreated to the showers so they could wash the food and gravy out of their hair.
"Well, that didn't work." Chris sulked.
"Guess we'll just have to try something else." Rosalie sighed as she punched her fist into her hand. "That little bitch is too quick. Next time we'll have to be sneaky."
"I think I have an idea." Chris smirked.
The next day during simulator training, Rosalie and Chris tiptoed up to Ange's simulator and swapped the water bottle Ange had placed outside the door with one that had a little surprise dissolving in it. "This will show her." Chris said maliciously.
"What are you two doing?" Salia questioned, almost catching them in the act.
"Nothing." Chris gulped.
"Then get back to training!" Salia ordered.
"Aw all we wanted was a quick water break." Rosalie mocked, waving Ange's bottle of water around as she and Chris giggled.
"Rosalie, Chris! Listen to your Captain!" From around the simulator's front, Scarlett appeared and made both Rosalie and Chris flee. "Sorry about that." She apologised.
"They don't listen and neither does Hilda or Ange," Salia sighed. "How am I supposed to take command when they won't follow my orders in battle?"
"I was just the same when I was first appointed Captain." Scarlett told her. "But you'll get it eventually. All they need is a firm hand and a kick up the ass." 'That may work for you,' Salia doubted. Meanwhile, drenched with sweat from her gruelling combat simulation, Ange felt the left handle begin to stick every time she turned it. Pausing the mission, she exited and knocked on simulator 8.
"What's the matter?" Cal asked as he stepped out.
"Somethings wrong with the simulator." Ange said impatiently. "Hurry up I've almost finished on level 9."
"You can swap with me. I'll see what's wrong with it."
"Hurry up then!" Ange demanded.
"Alright don't get all pissy about it." Cal mumbled which earned him a stamp on his foot from Ange. Cal mounted up in simulator 7 and knew immediately what was wrong. 'The left controls must have rusted up. I'll have Mei look at it later.' He mused. Emerging from the unit, Cal saw Ange's water bottle hadn't been touched and took a sip though he noticed it tasted funny. And then his stomach began to rumble. 'I must have overeaten at breakfast today.' He decided as Ange emerged from his former simulator towelling the sweat off her forehead.
"You fixed it?"
"I'll have Mei take care of it. But I'm impressed you managed to complete a level 9 on your own without failing." Ange didn't reply but took a look at her water bottle in his hand and with a look of disdain, grabbed his and walked away. As she took a swig, she saw Rosalie and Chris staring out her but ignored them.
"How many laxatives did you use?" Rosalie whispered.
"All 8 in the pack." Chris said completely puzzled. "I don't understand. They should have worked in seconds." A sudden groan caught their attention as they looked over and saw Cal clutching his stomach. "Oh no," she whimpered. With an anguished groan, Cal shoved past them, running faster than they had ever seen him go. Out of concern, they followed him to a nearby bathroom where his agonized cries followed after three girls fleeing with their noses held.
"Eww that is so gross!"
"I think I'm going to be sick!"
"I knew it was a mistake letting a man live here!" Finally, things seemed to settle and Cal stumbled out, looking like all the energy was sucked out of him.
"Uh you okay?" Rosalie nervously asked. Cal weakly raised his head, then glared at the bottle Chris held in her hand.
"Give that to me," he wheezed. Chris and Rosalie exchanged confused looks but did as he requested. After popping the top, he began to stalk towards them.
"Bottoms up," he hissed with an evil grin.
"No!" Rosalie shrieked. "Please! Anything but that!"
"Cal we're sorry!" Chris pleaded. "It was an accident!" Cal continued to advance and both girls fled for their lives with Cal in pursuit
"GET BACK HERE!" He yelled.
Valentine's Day was drawing closer and things were getting out of hand. The girls were now doing everything in their power to get Cal as their date even if it meant kidnapping him, though they could never catch him. It was getting to the point Cal would rather go another round with the Scarlett Demon. It was starting to dawn on him just how many girls lived in Arzenal with them giggling and whispering in the hallways or shrieking with laughter as he passed them.
The following day five more girls asked him, an Armourist three years his junior, the entire Command staff, and to his horror Sadie, who looked as though she might knock him out if he refused.
"Aw c'mon Sadie's good looking when you get passed her scars." Rosalie said after she had stopped laughing.
"I'll set her back on you." Cal threatened which made Rosalie go blue in the face with fear. Cal had enough. He was just going to have to bite his tongue and finally ask someone to go with him just to stop all the aggravation. It was getting to the point that he actually welcomed time spent with Ange as at least she left him alone.
"Hey Ange, what is Valentine's Day like back where you come from?" He asked her one night. Ange turned over the side of her bed to face him.
"What are you talking about?"
"I've never gone on a Valentine's date before. And the only source of information has been from my Gramps or the girls who have tried to gang bang me this week."
"So go ask them," she curtly told him. 'Well screw you too,' he thought with a glare. He was just on the verge of going back to sleep when Ange suddenly spoke. "I've never even had a boyfriend." Cal sat up and looked to her.
"Really?" Ange shifted under her covers as if curling into a ball.
"When I was a princess, I couldn't just date anyone." She told him. "And even if I wanted to most of the boys were too intimidated to ask me anyway. I wonder if they would have been so eager if they knew what I was." Ange sighed and it almost sounded like she was crying.
"Well…to hell with them." Cal said. "If they'd turn you down just because you're a Norma then they aren't worth it anyway. At least here you know people are honest with you." Ange looked over her shoulder and in the dim light, it almost looked as if she was smiling at him.
"I guess you're right," she said. "Better honest hatred than false friends." Ange turned away and was soon fast asleep though Cal stayed awake to watch her a bit longer. She was so hard to get a read on. She acted as though she didn't need anyone and yet also seemed so incredibly lonely. She'd kill steal and refuse to follow orders in battle and then share her reward with the rest of them. Laying back down, Cal finally made a decision as he drifted off to sleep. He could already imagine the look on her face when he asked her to the Soirée.
"Huh…what did you say?" Salia gasped. It was right after breakfast and Cal had pulled her aside for a private word.
"Wanna go the Juliet Soirée with me?" He repeated. Salia's mind exploded. She began to shake as if she were about to faint, and she could already feel her face going brick red.
"Oh…Cal…I…I'd love to!" She almost yelled feeling a burst of excitement. They stood there looking at each other until Salia said. "Well…I'll meet you there at 7." She blushed.
"Okay see you then." Cal waved feeling his heart was about to burst. They had been on private dates before but that was always involved role play, and this was something entirely alien, going out to dinner.
Valentine's day had arrived, and Cal was showering with Ersha after a long intensive training session with Ange. "I think it's rather sweet of you to take Salia." Ersha smiled as she scrubbed his back.
"I'm sorry I couldn't take you." Cal apologised. "I would have taken everyone in the squad if…"
"Don't worry about it." Ersha assured him. "I'm watching the kids this evening anyway. And Salia's always wanted to go to the Soirée with a boy so I can let her have this one year."
"You really are too nice for your own good. But that's what I like about you." Cal said, making Ersha beam.
"Will you two get a room," Ange grimaced as she lathered her hair.
"We were here first." Cal reminded her. "By the way, thanks for that heads up earlier. I thought I was gonna choke to death."
"What are Rosalie and Chris playing at?" Ersha sighed in annoyance. "Putting a smoke pellet in the simulator. Someone could have gotten hurt."
"You seriously don't have a problem with them messing with you?" Cal asked Ange.
"I could care less what those idiots do."
"Yeah well I'm the one taking collateral damage in case you haven't noticed!" Cal cried.
"I fail to see how that's my problem," Ange snarked, making Cal scowl.
"Now, now let's be civil," Ersha urged. "You don't want to be tense before your big date with Salia."
"Yeah you're right," Cal sighed. "I better hurry up and get ready. I don't want to keep Salia waiting."
"Are you nervous?"
"A little," he admitted. "This will be the first time I've ever been on date since…well…since Naomi…" Ersha turned him around and the next thing he knew, Cal's face was pressed into her ample bosom.
"It'll be fine." Ersha promised. "The food will be good plus you'll be with Salia."
"That makes me feel a little better." His muffled voice said. Ange however rolled her eyes. Sole male Norma or not he at least could have some decency. After throwing a towel around his waist, Cal waved goodbye to Ersha but when he opened the door, he found Rosalie and Chris hunched over the laundry bin.
"No way! She really wears those things!?" Rosalie gasped. "Whoah! Who would have guessed she was such a hootch!"
"What are you two up to now!?" Cal demanded. Rosalie and Chris looked up with an evil gleam in their eyes.
"We got her this time." Chris said excitedly.
"Check it out!" Rosalie whispered, in a way that was half mocking, half aroused. In Rosalie's hands was a pair of thong panties with a see-through mesh over the crotch. "We'll hang these up in the cafeteria. That'll humiliate her for sure."
"But those are…" And then Cal stopped himself as an idea occurred to him. "Yeah. Good idea. That'll really show her." Cal went to his locker, his cheeks aching from holding back his laughter. Right on cue, Ersha emerged from the shower.
"Ah how refreshing." She sighed until she saw Rosalie and Chris. "Oh my."
"She's gonna die." Rosalie laughed.
"That'll teach that dumb ugly slutty cow, we'll show the whole world." Chris mused.
"Good idea." Rosalie said.
"Could you repeat that please?"
"Oh, I said that'll teach that dumb ugly slutty coooooow…" Rosalie jerked her head around, a look of horror on both her and Chris's face as Ersha towered over them, cracking her knuckles with a calm smile on her face.
"Yes, one dumb ugly slutty cow at your service." She laughed evilly before grabbing a hold of them both. Rosalie shrieked as she grabbed onto Chris's ankle who clung for dear life onto the bench.
"Cal help!" Chris begged. But Cal tugged Chris hand from the bench as Ersha dragged both girls across the floor while he simply sat down to enjoy the show.
"Ersha pile driver! Ersha powerbomb! And for my finishing move, TOTAL IN-ERSHA!" Rosalie and Chris's cries of pain and mercy continued even as Ange emerged from the shower. Unconcerned with whatever stupidity they were causing now, Ange changed into her uniform. A sudden sneeze followed by a rip of cloth and Cal looked up to see Ange's top had torn open.
"I think you've made your point," Cal said as he changed into his uniform. "It's time to get that fixed."
"Whatever," Ange muttered.
"I didn't want to have to do this but…" With his good hand, he grabbed Ange's wrist and dragged her out the locker room. "Hey, let go of me you pervert!" Ange protested.
The usual bustle of Jasmine Mall was even more chaotic than usual, with it being Valentine's Day. The last of the tickets were selling out as everyone crammed in to purchase a gift for their friend or lover.
One bubbly young Norma in particular hadn't the slightest interest in that. While her last few missions hadn't earned her anything substantial, she was still eager to buy a new upgrade. "Whaooo. They got a new toy in!" Vivian drooled. A new model of the boomerang weapon she used for her Razor was in stock. "Hey Granny, name your price!" In response, Jasmine gave Vivian a good whack on her head with the death stick.
"Watch your mouth!" Jasmine huffed. "Granny! It should be Big Sis! Now then, that's the new chrome-steel Boomerang blade 2.0. Unlike the previous model it can be split into 2 dagger blades for close combat. I'll need 18 million cash for it."
"You got a deal!" Vivian beamed as she dropped the large sack of cash she carried over her shoulder. As Jasmine counted her earnings, every Norma around gawked in amazement whispering to each other.
"I'll have the armourists install it right away." Jasmine promised when a sudden growl from Vulcan made them turn their heads. In the centre of the crowd, Cal came strolling in dragging a half-naked Ange behind him who struggled to get free of his grip.
"Woah sexy." Vivian whistled.
"Don't encourage her." Cal groaned.
"Enjoying a nice breeze, are we?" Jasmine mused.
"I would have come here myself!" Ange spat rubbing her wrist.
"Just get a new one Ange." Cal said, clearly at his limit with Ange who tossed the older Norma a stack of bills. After retrieving a fresh uniform, Jasmine took Ange to one of the changing stalls.
"Hey big bro you want to hit the arcade?" Vivian asked.
"Sorry but I've got to get going." He said as she walked off. "The Juliet Soirée begins in 10 minutes, and I don't want to keep Salia waiting." Vivian sulked at being rejected while Jasmine tossed Ange's old shredded uniform into the trash bin.
"That thing looks like it's been through the shredder." She commented as Ange emerged.
"Thanks," Ange said as she walked off.
"You're leaving now? Aren't you gonna buy a new weapon?" Vivian asked.
"You make enough money after all." Jasmine pointed out. Ange glanced back in annoyance. "Fine."
Vivian squealed in excitement and proceeded to drag Ange around the display floor. "What about this Ange?" Vivian suggested dreamily to a large GN style blade. "It will look totally awesome on your new Para-mail."
"They have may have already mentioned this, but you're gonna die in that machine." Jasmine said. "So, you're allowed to customize it however you like. From powerful weapons, tougher armour, even a little decoration. Being able to buy what you want is the only real freedom the Norma have."
"No wonder they've been going nuts over this Valentine's event." Ange huffed as she turned away. "But it's all pointless."
"You're so touchy. You can't blame your squad mates for hating you for something you started." Jasmine's comment seemed to touch a nerve with the former princess who gave her a cold look. "I know about how you gave up most of your reward to the others. That's a good start but unfortunately, even money has its limits. In the end, we Norma only have each other to rely on so friends shouldn't be taken lightly." Ange gave a sardonic laugh.
"I only let them have it because I had no use for it," Ange scoffed as she walked off. "And I don't need friends who can be bought."
"It was worth a try." Jasmine sighed giving Vivian a pat on the back. "Don't take it personal. Newcomers always take a while to get over it." It was then that Vivian's face lit up as if she were planning something.
"Hey, you still got more of them tickets?"
"Yeah. Why? You have a partner for the Juliet Soirée?"
"Get me three tickets. I'll be back in just a second!" Vivian grinned as she dashed off. 'What is that girl up to?' Jasmine wondered.
It was now 7 o'clock as Salia waited in line at the entrance of the cafeteria with many of the other couples. Due to being a special occasion, the usual dress code had been relaxed and the attendants were all dressed in relatively fancy clothes. Salia herself had chosen a short dark blue sequin dress that left one shoulder exposed along with letting her hair hang loose. A sudden rush of footsteps and Salia looked up to see Cal rushing towards her.
"Sorry I'm late." Cal panted once he found Salia. "I had something that needed to be taken care of."
"It's okay," she told him as she fidgeted. Once the others noticed Cal and Salia were date partners, Salia caught more than a few looks of deepest loathing. Comparatively speaking, Cal was dressed more casually in a polo shirt and khakis but as the selection available to him at the mall was more limited than the female residents, she wouldn't hold it against him.
"You look really nice," he told her.
"You think so?" she said in a half squeak. 'I just hope he doesn't notice I had the chest reduced to make it fit better,' she prayed. Upon reaching the head of the line, they handed their ticket to Emma Bronson who was standing guard.
"You better behave yourself!" She warned Cal. "If I smell any trouble…"
"I promise I'll behave Inspector as long as you'll give me a kiss." He teased earning him a slap on the head from Salia. Inside, the entire lower floor of the cafeteria had been redecorated. The usual tables had been switched out for smaller round tables to give each couple their privacy. Topped off with white tablecloths and sprinkled with red petals, a single candle gave illumination. Cal and Salia chose a table near the balcony. As to be expected, Cal's first act upon sitting down was to pick up his menu and start browsing through the selection. Salia pretended to do the same but what she really wanted to do was talk. If only she could think of something to say.
'What am I supposed to do?' she fretted. Salia had rehearsed this scenario a thousand times in her fantasies. And now, she was actually on a date, a real romantic date with a boy and her mind was a total blank.
"Everything alright?" Cal suddenly asked, making Salia jump a little.
"Uh yes," she said. "I guess I'm just a little worn out from Captain duties."
"I don't blame you. Between Ange and the others, you've got your hands full."
"I heard about the incident with the smoke pellet and Ersha's underwear," Salia groaned. "I just don't know what to do. I know how Captain Zola would handle it and Scarlett's told me to throw my weight around but I just don't feel comfortable doing either."
"Well," Cal said, "maybe that's because you're not them." Salia looked crestfallen. "I don't mean it like that!" he panicked. "I mean, you shouldn't lead the same way they do. You should find your own way. The Commander wouldn't have put you in charge if she didn't think you could do it right?" Salia looked up and managed a smile.
"I guess you're right. Thanks."
"And hey, don't worry. I'll have your back just like always. Just so long as you don't make us do a Pretty Lillian formation in battle."
"Cal!" Salia moaned as she hid her face in embarrassment, a few of the girls seated nearby casting a curious glance their way. And Salia couldn't help noticing more than a few had an air of jealousy around them. "Um Cal…why did you choose me?" Cal looked at her as if she had gone crazy.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean you could have asked anyone," she said. "I don't think many here would turn you down if you did. And there are a lot of girls here who…well…are prettier than me."
"What are you talking about?" Cal asked. "Salia…you're one of the prettiest girls here. Besides you're one of my best friends. Why wouldn't I want to come with you?" 'Friends huh?' Salia thought. That was good but would they ever be anything more than friends? Salia knew he still missed Naomi and didn't want to force him into anything he wasn't ready for. But with the threat of death hanging over their heads every time they went out could she even afford to wait? "Besides, if I didn't, I'd have to go with either Ange, Hilda, or Sadie. And I'd really not have my first Valentines date turn into Halloween." Salia frowned in annoyance but finally cracked a smile and they both laughed. Gazing down, she saw his hand stretched out across the table as she slowly reached over and, with her heart feeling like it would jump out of her chest, laid hers over it.
Cal looked up at her and swallowed the lump that was forming in his throat. Salia really was beautiful. Her warm bronze eyes and her sleek dark hair that accentuated her lithe form. And she was easy to get along with just like…
Behind Cal, the shadows cast by the candlelight began to shift and a figure began to materialize. Purple eyes, long deep pink hair with two bunches done up like cat ears with two thin pigtails trailing from their edge to fall across her shoulders, and Cal froze at the sight.
'Naomi?' The girl he loved smiled warmly at him as she laid her hands on Salia's shoulders and it seemed as if his date was moving closer to him, as if Naomi was pushing her forward. 'Are you telling me it's alright?' he wondered. 'Do you want me to be with Salia?' It would be the kind of thing Naomi would want for the two closest people in her life. But why, why did he have this feeling as if he was sinking, all he wanted was for her to be here.
"Um Cal?" Cal blinked and Naomi was gone. However, he and Salia were now just a few inches apart and her face was tinted bright pink with her blush. Cal felt his own face begin to warm up as well and the entire world faded away except for Salia as he began to close the distance even further.
"What's up!" Both Cal and Salia jumped as they looked up and saw Vivian had appeared out of nowhere behind them with Miranda in tow.
"Vivian!" Salia growled, looking as if she were about to murder the girl.
"What are you doing here?" Cal asked.
"I got a ticket!" She squealed. "You didn't think me and Miranda were gonna miss out on some tasty grub did ya? The others should be here any minute." As if on cue, Rosalie and Chris arrived a few seconds later, their faces bruised and bandaged.
"I thought you two were broke." Salia said.
"Vivian paid for our tickets," another familiar voice said as Ersha showed up with a gloomy looking Hilda as her date. "She thought it would be nice to have a shared meal together. Ms Mary overheard and said I could have some time off."
"She and Vivian wouldn't stop pestering me until I agreed," Hilda groaned. "Besides, it's a free meal so at least I'm getting that out of it."
"I wanted to get Ange to come too," Vivian pouted. "But no one here wanted to be her date."
"Can't win them all I guess." Cal pointed out as Vivian and the others began pushing chairs around the table.
"Hey!" Salia pouted. "What are you doing?"
"Setting up of course," Vivian answered. "How else are we gonna sit together?" Salia's eye twitched while Cal simply shrugged. Once Vivian got an idea in her head there was no stopping her. And the meal certainly didn't disappoint. Braised scallops for an appetizer, beef wellington with a side of roasted golden potatoes and asparagus, and rich double decker chocolate brownie for dessert.
"Oh wow," Rosalie groaned. "I wish I could eat like that every day." While his first Valentines had not turned out to be as romantic as he hoped, Cal had to admit that it was far from disappointing. After the tragedy of losing Zola and Coco and dealing with Ange, them being all together seemed to elevate their spirits.
"Hey why haven't you gotten your brace signed yet?" Hilda suddenly asked.
"Is that really a thing?" Cal wondered as Hilda gave a mischievous smirk.
"Hold still." Grabbing his wrist, Hilda out a marker and lipstick from her satchel.
"Hey why are you putting more lipstick…um…w-what are you doing…" Cal tried to pull away as Hilda bent her head down to his cast.
"That's actually a good idea," Ersha suggested. Everyone else followed suited and Cal felt his face steam up like a kettle. Soon, his entire cast was covered in red lip marks with their names signed under it indicating which one was who's.
"Uh…wow…thanks." Cal grinned going red in the face.
"Yeah, well don't get too happy." Hilda said as she pointed behind him. A sudden pressure hit his back and Cal turned around just as every girl in the cafeteria came running up to him with their own lipstick and markers. Cal felt he was like a tiny rabbit about to be devoured by a pack of wolves.
"My turn!"
"Me too!
"Let me do it too!"
"Um…girls…you're…crushing me…" Cal wheezed.
"Will you all stop!" Salia snapped.
"Don't worry big bro I'll save you." Vivian cried as she jumped over the top of the huddle.
"This is no good Hosea." Jacob sighed, feeling a headache coming on. "I thought I'd have a solution when this day would come but I'm completely at a loss."
"Be that as it may we have to act now." Hosea advised. "Villkiss and Siegfried are back so we can't afford NOT to get involved."
"I just hope Jasmine and especially Alektra won't be too bitter and refuse our help." Jacob hoped. "Lucas especially will be pissed if I put it off for too long."
"Is that really why you sent him away on a milk run?" Hosea asked.
"I can't have him distracted. He's our best soldier and his talents will be put to better use out in the field instead of being stuck here." Jacob told him.
"You know that's not what I mean." Hosea frowned. "It wasn't your fault. Zolton gave you an order to get Siegfried back to Arzenal. What happened to him was just bad luck." Jacob signed and knocked back a glass of whiskey he had poured earlier.
"I know how Lucas feels but there are more important matters right now. If Alektra has chosen Gaz's kid as the pilot of our machine then there's nothing we can do. I just hope the kid is the right choice as the Knight of Villkiss." Privately though, Jacob was disappointed. He had always hoped Tusk would someday find the will to take back up his father's mantle. "For now, we need to find some way of contacting Arzenal. With Gaz MIA and presumed dead, our only choice is sending a messenger. The real question is how we can do so without attracting attention."
"Captain Jacob!" The command office doors swung open as a tall, thin, dark skinned young man with large glasses and spikey hawk hair came storming in, panting like he'd run a marathon.
"Dolton what's the matter?" Jacob questioned.
"Check this out." the technician gasped as he held out the paper he had printed out. "I managed to hack into Senator Bronson's private Mana interface and managed to look at all his recent contacts and calls." Jacob scanned through the document and his eyes widened at what he saw.
"The NMB are sending another human to Arzenal next week." Jacob announced to Hosea. "There was a huge DRAGON attack on the base 2 months ago which almost killed Senator Bronson's daughter."
"Ah she must be the new chief Inspector of Arzenal." Hosea said. "Are they sending another replacement?"
"No, it appears it's for her protection." Jacob corrected. "Someone who has worked as security for one of the seven royal families."
"That isn't good." Hosea frowned. "Sending another human at Arzenal could be a huge jeopardy to Libertus. For all we know, he might just be a double agent for the NMB." Jacob scratched at his beard and grinned. "You've got a plan don't you?" Hosea grinned.
"Yes, if this chief Inspector Bronson is getting her own personal bodyguard, then I think we can use this to our advantage."
