Run! Run! Run!
Just like his body did, the soldier's mind raced as well, trying to figure how to get away from that… creature. That monster that had the body and the face of a beautiful blonde woman but a grotesque mouth with dozen of sharp, pointy teeth that went from one ear to the other. And those tentacles she, it, had instead of fingers and toes. And those eyes… as if the void of space itself was looking at you.
It all had started when that man came onto board of their Carrack Cruiser, the official ship of the Chancellor of the Zenox Star Cluster. It had been an official meeting and the man, who apparently was an arms dealer, had arrived in a TIE-Shuttle. But as soon as the chancellor and his aide had welcomed the man on board something had taken over the honor formation and had made them kill themselves in the most horrible ways possible, while that man had drawn a lightsaber, the blade the color of blood but the core completely black. Without batting an eyelid he had cut down the chancellor, more or less cleaving the chunky man in half before he drove the blade in one swift emotion into or rather through the forehead of the Chancellor's aid.
And then it emerged out of the TIE, using it's tentacles to move forward faster than a human could ever run. And so the killing had begun, the tentacles were capable to even pierce body armor and it's velocity as it catapulted itself forward with the use of the suckers on the tentacles was too fast to effectively counter and so it slaughtered it's way right through the ship, where halfway through she had stumbled onto the completely overwhelmed squad of the fleeing soldier. The young soldier had dropped his weapon and begun to run as the two comrades next to him had been gored by tentacles at the same time, while their blaster bolts just seemed to have bounced off that creature.
The soldier ran to the bridge, if he could activate the security systems he could close the blast doors and then sent out an emergency call.
Lungs burning, drumming pain everywhere in his body, he had given his all and finally had reached the door to the bridge. The hope killed all the ache in the young man's body, he would survive, he was sure now.
The door moved up and revealed the bridge. And in it the corpses of the bridge crew, partly with missing body parts or cut into pieces. And in the middle of the bridge stood that all in black dressed man with a grin and a deactivated lightsaber in his hand.
The soldier froze, how could that man had managed that?
The feeling of utter defeat befell the soldier, there was no escape. And then something bumped into him from behind and embraced him. But not with arms, tentacles wrapped around him and he could sense a warm breath in his neck, making his hairs stand up and his blood freeze. He was like paralyzed, a voice in his head telling him to let go.
That twisted grin with the needle like teeth appeared next to his face and tentacles embracing his neck.
And then the young man felt soft lips on the side of his neck, while she gently used a tentacle to force his head to lean backwards. And then she raised one of her smaller tentacles, next to the ear of the soldier, and fast as lighting let it shoot into the young man's ear.
The soldier paralyzed by fear and Abeloth's voice in his mind, telling him sweet nothings and that everything was okay, only felt a small sting of pain and then nothing anymore as everything went dark.
The Guardian of Space and Time jolted up from her sleep, there it had been again. Someone, with an aura very similar to someone that meant a lot to her, had crossed time and space, if only for a fracture of a second, and again she couldn't trace the exact location. She looked at the digital alarm clock next on her night stand, reading 03:52. Wonderful, the anger and frustration to not be able to stop someone from deliberately teleport himself around probably won't let her sleep anymore. Not that she would be able to stop it alone anyways. She let out a frustrated sigh and then folded her blanket back and got up.
The Herald had sat down on the seat of the Captain in the cockpit of the Carrack-Class Cruiser. With his finger rushing over a touchpad in the armrest he opened a holo channel to a nearby planet. A holo of a middle aged man with black hair going grey and hawk-like features appeared.
"I'm sorry to inform you that the chancellor passed away, Vice-chancellor."
The man the Herald spoke to bowed down. "My sincerest thanks."
"Oh, it has been my pleasure, just make sure the Cluster is in line before my fleet arrives."
"Affirmative."
"Good. Don't forget how easy you can be replaced as well."
"I won't." The older man, still bowing down, replied.
"Good. Congratulations to becoming chancellor then." The Herald said and then ended the connection.
In that moment the door to the bridge opened again.
"Did you get them all?" He asked as a figure walked over to him.
"What do you think?" The figure answered in a soft female voice, the usual echo gone from her voice.
Her hands and feet had formed back into human form and her mouth was that of a normal human as well again as she stopped next to the captain's seat and leaned down to him. She had a satisfied grin on her lips as he took her chin in between his hand and turned her face to look her in the eyes, this two voids of absolute darkness, those globes the exception of a small silver light in the middle of the gloom in each of them.
"You're so beautiful when you have sated your desire for violence."
Her smile grew even more and after a moment he let go of her face but his hand wandered to her hand and grabbed it.
"Let's go back and see if General Phyncx is ready to receive our friends from Earth." The hint of a smile rushed over the Herald of Chaos's face as he took Abeloth's hand and gave it a kiss on it's knuckles.
Everybody expected some downtime after the maneuver, at least after everything had been most firmly cleaned and maintained but what SunTzu and Major Andersen, his Battalion Commander, just had been informed about in a meeting of the leadership of the Taskforce was rather surprising. Of course it was clear that Sol would get back into the fight but not that they would leave Earth in four days already but the Warning Order for that had been issued at the meeting. Also it was communicated that Taskforce Sol would be augmented by US-American troops.
SunTzu had sat with his Battalion Commander in the middle of the seats in the Command Center, opposite of the Senshi.
Nonetheless Hotaru and Michiru had immediately came over and greeted him as he had entered the room.
They had talked about the maneuver briefly. Although Jansen got a lock-down, which had earned him a case of beer from his platoon commander nonetheless, unfortunately not long enough for a simulated shoot, and although AICA and Hotaru had given their best, Haruka and Michiru had scored a kill against Hotaru in the end, a close one though. SunTzu had been proud to hear that and Michiru had praised Hotaru's abilities once more as well. They had to part soon as the meeting had begun.
SunTzu stole a glance at Setsuna from time to time, her RBF showed traces of tiredness today and SunTzu hoped it was the jet lag and not something else but she also seemed to also be a bit absent and SunTzu wondered what had happened. At least for the moment he found the time to not listen to the briefing.
SunTzu left the room a step behind his superior and as they stepped outside, where the Major and him put on their uniform hats again. Before she left for the vehicle pool to head over to the barracks to inform the Battalion the thirty-year nine old Norwegian Major with blonde hair that showed the first strands of silver congratulated her subordinate to his platoon's good job at the maneuver. And then she made clear that now the time for training was over and things would get serious.
SunTzu went over to the Air Base, AICA was alone with Karlena doing a checkup on her in her hangar. Both already had heard the news and Karlena told SunTzu to take those next days off and enjoy a bit after those probably enduring last weeks before they would leave for combat again.
As she had left the hangar SunTzu climbed into AICA's cockpit and just stayed there for a few minutes. Had the pilot seat always been this comfortable?
It was beautiful, SunTzu finally could relax his body and mind fully for a few minutes in the cockpit of his beloved starfighter and for a moment everything didn't matter, except maybe a certain someone. And AICA's other pilot. Daydreaming about Setsuna and maybe one day having something like a family with her and Hotaru sure was a nice thing. But that was not why SunTzu was really here, he had an idea, or rather an urge to give his platoon a little something. After all they would go to war again soon. And there were enough flashpoints all over the Galaxy where they could be used at. Wild Space, parts of the Mid Rim, Core, it didn't matter there were battles going on everywhere, everyday.
When SunTzu arrived at the barracks later that day, the rumors had already spread and the Gunny knew about it officially already.
Nevertheless SunTzu mustered the Platoon to break the news officially to them.
He told them they would leave Earth in four days, destination yet unknown but definitely to combat as reinforcements were direly needed everywhere. And the other rumors were true as well, to further intensify their alliance with the United States Military an unit of the US-Forces, precisely a US Marine Corps Infantry Battalion, a squadron of UH-1Y Helicopters to transport them and the support units behind them, would arrive from Okinawa tomorrow and then would be shipped in into the Eternal.
SunTzu told his platoon that they had four days of free time and he enforced the young men and women to see their families and loved ones before they would leave. He had seen the looks on their faces, most of them had their families half the world away. But he had a surprise for them.
"I know some of those found that cynical because you're far away from your families and friends and the WARNO is meant to step of in 96 hours. I took care of that, a very good friend of mine, and by chance one of the most developed artificial intelligences in the Galaxy, sent you a form asking for you want to go on this planet. It's a gift from me to you. Check your emails, enjoy your off-duty-time and try to make the best out of it, if anything comes up, contact the email or phone number giving in the email. You're almost dismissed but you know that I have to do a safety briefing before that, so here we go. As long as it's not a fixed relationship, don't add to the population. Don't subtract from the population. Stay out of the hospital, the newspaper and jail, that goes especially for you, Private Elrod. If you happen to end up in jail, establish dominance quickly. That's it, I see you at 0700 CTT, May Sixth right here. Second Platoon, you're dismissed!"
The platoon began to cheer and some of the members even went to SunTzu to shake his hand and thank him. Others were busy on their phones, filling out the form for AICA to book their flights and train rides home.
Five minutes later the whole platoon, except for it's leadership was in their barracks, quickly packing.
Gunny Ortiz waited until the soldiers were out of earshot before he faced SunTzu.
"Sir, don't you think that you overstepped a border here? That's fraternization."
SunTzu looked away for a moment before his gaze turned back to the NCO awaiting an answer.
"Gunny, we both have been on the frontline pretty much since ever this conflict started. From fighting pirates on the CTE to fighting battles through whole systems. We both saw how all this escalated."
Ortiz stayed quiet and just looked at him and SunTzu continued after a small break.
"None of us, not you, not me, not any of these soldiers, have a guarantee to come back. I thought it was the appropriate thing to do for a platoon full of soldiers which had never seen combat with Taskforce Sol. Give them the chance to see their families again, before we all might die. And what does my money help me, when I die? Everybody that is close has been already taken care of."
Ortiz nodded slowly and then he was the one to break eye contact for a moment.
"Sir, are you able to cope with casualties in your platoon?"
SunTzu nodded. "Have to say, I really like these young women and men but yeah, I'm able to do so. I've had my share of loss in this war already."
"Good. I guess it's a nice gesture then." Ortiz began to grin. "But don't think being rich makes you a better PL."
SunTzu began to smile as well and he nodded again. "Say Gunny, you have kids?"
"Two beautiful girls, Maria, six and Ava, three. Haven't seen them in a while tho."
"Then you should pack your sea sack and get going. AICA will book tickets for you. She'll see into it but I guess, taking the space flight to Miami or Sao Paolo would be the fastest way."
Ortiz looked at his shoes for a moment, his face unreadable before he faced SunTzu again and offered him a hand. "Thank you, Captain Sir."
"No Gunny, thank you. I'll see you on Wednesday."
SunTzu had went home as well, he had or rather didn't know about a family he could visit, so he at least could take some time off. Video games and binge watching series were at least would kill the time as he thought everyone would take their time with their loved ones. He had invited Hotaru but she politely told him she was already planned with Chibiusa and Helios, meaning their shopping trip had to wait.
He was home for a few hours, when it suddenly rang on his bell. He got up and checked the spy hole.
A certain couple of Outer Senshi was standing in front of his apartment's door and SunTzu couldn't help but smile as he opened the door.
"Hey you two, I thought you'd be off abroad for some days."
Michiru spoke first, beating Haruka. "Oh, we're basically off to England but we wanted to ask if you won't join us for a night out tomorrow. We thought about going clubbing in London."
And then Haruka chimed in, hastily. "Don't get the wrong idea, I don't hang with ground dwellers. It was Michiru's idea to invite you."
"Ugh", Michiru sighed, "Don't listen to her, she's just irritated because she missed you and Setsuna so much and can't say she'd like to go out and party with you."
SunTzu looked at Haruka, pressing her lips together, looking away, clearly busted.
"Yeah, sure. Let's meet for dinner in London already tomorrow?"
"Magnifique. I'll let you know time and place." And then Michiru nudged Haruka with her elbow.
"You don't have to say anything after being so moody all the time because you missed your friends?"
Haruka's gaze turned back to SunTzu, one of her hands rubbing the back of her head. "Uhh… I'm looking forward to it. I… it's nice that you'll come to London for us."
"It's my pleasure, Haruka."
"Cool." Haruka and SunTzu smiled at each other. "We better get going now. See you tomorrow."
SunTzu arrived early in London and took a time to do some shopping in the city. But apart from getting his measurements taken for an order in Savile Row, Haruka had recommended some of the tailors, he mostly went out to buy gifts for his friends.
In the early evening he met up Haruka and a Michiru, both were dressed in matching Dior outfits, including sunglasses, dress and short boots for Michiru and pants and Bar Jacket for Haruka.
This evening even Haruka was openly happy to see SunTzu and to catch up with him. His experiences as infantry officer and what the couple and the Outer Family as whole had been doing were the main topics at dinner in one if not the most sophisticated restaurant London had to offer. It was almost impossible to get a table there without having to wait for months but if being part of British as well as extra-planetary royalty, ex-Formula One racer and discoverer of the Coruscant Trade Exchange with a girlfriend, who's a world-renowned violinist, Haruka didn't had any problems to get a private table for three in the shortest notice.
It made SunTzu thoroughly happy to spend time with the two and catch up and he even could forget all the things he had on his mind and heart. A special kind of tension had crept up into him, he had began to ponder about if one of his soldiers would get seriously wounded or even killed in action. It had him when he had seen a bunch of young men looking for a wedding suit for one of them and SunTzu couldn't help but think that these young men could also be his soldiers, as they all still had their lives in front of them. But nonetheless being around his two wingmen and best friends he could let go a bit and enjoy himself. At least at the restaurant.
After dinner, they rolled up to London's most hip club, of course in a Bentley, and of course people and paparazzi went crazy seeing the couple in their partner look. Even SunTzu was recognized by a few people and photographers and got pictures taken, tonight only to his dislike.
They had a table reserved and although Haruka tried her best SunTzu just wasn't feeling the lights, sounds and masses of people. He was standing most of the time, slowly sipping on his drink, looking around and being polite if someone talked to him but not very communicative and extroverted.
Haruka was busy talking with some of her British friends, among them a famous British racer and SunTzu was happy to see her having fun and enjoying herself. And Michiru being happy just because Haruka was happy. But Michiru was more than stunning eye candy, Haruka's friends knew that and some of them were also engaged in conversation with the teal-haired beauty.
What SunTzu didn't see was that Michiru, good friend and excellent observer, very well realized that he wasn't feeling all too splendid and was pretty tensed up. But it seemed to be more than the same old story with Setsuna. She guessed it was the pressure of leading an unit into combat soon. Probably paired with had SunTzu already had endured in the Shadow War, this made a very nice combination to give one anxiety.
It was all too much tonight for SunTzu. Too loud, too crowded, too muggy, he felt cramped. He loved his Harumichi and spending time with them but right now, he rather would have been somewhere calm. And who was he kidding, apart from the anxiety, his heart ached to spend some time with Setsuna and he couldn't stop asking himself about what she was doing. It was the moment he observed someone dropping his glass by accident on the dancefloor and someone else stepping onto it breaking the already broken glass more, which made him somehow realize he should leave, a strange but distinct feeling. It was like he could hear the glass breaking in his head, loudly, triggering a headache.
SunTzu took a last glance into the crowd on the dancefloor nearby and then downed the rest of his glass, before he pushed a button on his watch.
He turned around, walked over to the table and leaned down to Haruka. "Sorry Sis, I'm not feeling too well tonight. I'll head home."
Haruka was protesting at first but SunTzu told her that he had headach, maybe the jet lag. He also said goodbye to the other friends of the couple.
His last goodbye was for Michiru and he leaned down to give her a kiss on the cheek, she did the same and then she whispered into his ear.
"I think we have to talk. You don't seem well."
SunTzu turned his head around. "Let's do that another time. Don't wanna spoil your evening." With that he left and as he walked outside the club a black shadow broke through the night and the dark clouds above London and AICA sat down in front of the club, using her repulsors. SunTzu didn't even cared for the show he just gave to London's nightlife as he entered the cockpit and AICA lifted off on her own again.
He let her did the flying and after a small stop at his hotel to get his stuff he told AICA to head back home. Still incredibly tense he used the solitude trying to calm down and sort himself, fighting the anxiety. But he couldn't concentrate enough for Jedi techniques and soon gave up.
The flight didn't took long and AICA dropped him in front of his department. Her scanners had noticed that his pulse was higher than usual but SunTzu insisted that he was okay, when she asked him.
"Just a headache, that's all." He had told the AI.
As soon as he had closed the door SunTzu got himself ready to sleep, the club had drained him, he was tired, exhausted. At least he would be able to sleep, even if it was morning in Tokyo already, but he didn't care. Maybe there would be some peace of mind in his dreams. Maybe she would wait there.
SunTzu was gone until the early afternoon and although physically fit, he hadn't drunken much, but his mood wasn't much better. He felt like he wasn't good enough, in any way.
Really hoping that he hadn't spoilt Haruka and Michiru's evening with his sudden exit, but this was just the tip. Was he able to lead an unit into battle? Would his mistakes kill his own people. And then there was the heartache.
SunTzu got up and within ten minutes was doing sport. He had to get better, he had to proof himself and his platoon and everybody else, how capable he really was.
While pretty much every other member of Taskforce Sol was enjoying their free time until the Taskforce would disembark again, SunTzu had went to the base and grabbed his rifle at the armory and made way over to the rifle range. He wasn't a bad shot but of course there were way better marksmen in the Taskforce. But he had to proof that he was equally good in every aspect as all of his subordinates, how could he otherwise lead them? Which meant he had to hone his skills more.
He carried his rifle and his gear he had gotten from the armory over to the range, out of the Humvee he had taken over at the motor pool.
After loading the magazines with bullets, and putting on his AVS-Plate Carrier, he wanted to train as he fought, he put a gun into the magazine and then zeroed in his weapon before he really begun to train his shooting.
More than one hour later, SunTzu still was still at the shooting range. He had sent hundreds of bullets down the range, not only with his 416A5 but also with his Glock, training transitions from pistol to rifle as well. He had shot at targets at ranges from twenty five meters up to three hundred meters.
A few minutes ago, someone had taken one of the longer range shooting lines at the end of the range but SunTzu hadn't even cared to look who that was. He was completely focused on his own training, even with his use of the Force. Although he tried to shield his Force use down as he could, because he wanted to be able to shoot well enough to be an able infantryman without having to rely on the Force.
Taking his time, trying to make them count, SunTzu emptied his last three magazines into the targets three hundred meters away. He definitely had gotten better already, and these brand-new service rifles he could procure for the platoon were amazing as well.
Aiming carefully before every shot but gradually getting faster with shooting, he heard the shots from the other range. Single shots, often hits on the steel targets, which were up to six hundred meters away. That person seemed to be quite the able shooter.
After having shoot his last bullet, SunTzu checked his rifle and pistol and made sure they were empty. And then he took a deep breather and stopped suppressing the flow of the Force into him. And immediately twitched, when he sensed who was on that other range.
He tried to pack his things in peace but midway in he decided that he just had to walk over there.
Another hit, six hundred meters out, she heard the ping and she saw the impact on the human-shaped steel target through her Low Power Variable Optic. She still had it, she thought as steps began to become audible behind her. Probably the other person on the range, checking who was doing the plinking on this line. No arrogance behind that but yeah, she knew she shot well.
"Those new M855A1 rounds are fantastic. They have match-grade accuracy." She told when the person stopped behind her and she changed her magazine, still lying on her stomach, on the shooting mat, rifle propped up on a bipod and resting on her shoulder. Setsuna was wearing combat clothes, tactical glasses and tactical gloves but no further kit, except a baseball hat, her hair was in a pony tail falling down her back, and a pair of tactical earmuffs, concentrated on the targets in the slowly going down sun.
"Those Block 3 URGIs are awesome too. I really need to tell Bob to get me one as well."
She twitched and her eyes widened when she had realized who was behind her and then immediately turned to SunTzu.
"You… I didn't know you were the other person here. I didn't sense you."
She put the safety on the rifle and unshouldered it.
"Same. I lowered my Force Flow. Don't want to depend on the Force while shooting." SunTzu explained to her while she got up. As she was standing, she knocked off her gloves before she looked up to him.
"Good idea."
There was something in his face, she could clearly see that. And no, it wasn't the usual glint in his eyes when he was looking at her.
"You seem to be tense." There definitely was something on his mind.
"Do you have any Intel where are going already?" He spoke after a moment looking at the range he just used.
"I'm sorry, i don't have any idea."
She mustered him again, yes, his body was tensed up as well. And she understood immediately, she had expected it. So typical for him.
"You're worried about your unit." It was a statement not a question.
"I have problems sending Hotaru to combat, and she is already one of the best pilots I have ever seen. And now I have fourty people I'm sending into combat and what could be their death."
SunTzu had turned his gaze away into the distance again while he had spoken. Setsuna fixed her gaze on him for another moment before she replied.
"I've been there as well. Please don't forget all these individuals are all adults and know what they signed up for. But it shows your qualities as leader and as human that you worry about them. And that you want to bring them back home safe. But keep a cool head, you will need it to do so. Remember a few weeks ago, when you allowed that dangerous mission for Hotaru? You have faith in her, you should have faith into your soldiers as well. Lives could depend on it." SunTzu gaze was back at her, head slightly lowered.
"You're right, i guess have to trust more in their abilities. I mean, yeah, they're some damn fine soldiers."
"See, you have to trust your subordinates a bit." She gave him a small smile to which he answered with a small nod. Setsuna looked at her watch to have a reason to not stare at him or rather into those green-brown eyes too long.
"It's getting late, if you're not doing a night shooting exercise on top, you should get going and at least have something from the evening. Who knows when we will get home again this time."
"Yeah… you're right." He looked around "How you get here?"
A small smile and a shrug. "Wanted to shoot in a somewhat stressed situation and teleported myself here to be exhausted."
"Train as you fight." SunTzu replied as he now saw the signs of exhaustion in her face.
"That's what Delta taught me." SunTzu nodded, he hadn't forgotten her stories back when she was with one of the most elite military units on this planet. But it didn't mean that you can't be nice to a tough warrior nonetheless.
"Can I offer you a ride back to the base?"
"Definitely wouldn't say no to that."
SunTzu drove both of them back to the armory, where the NCO on duty took back their guns and gear.
Within five minutes they were back outside.
Somehow they had talk shop about guns and gear the whole way to the armory, and it had felt nice, but now both of them realized who they were with. And how they both had enjoyed each other's company so naturally.
"Can I drive you somewhere else?" SunTzu asked, motioning to the Humvee.
"It's… it's okay, I can get someone from the motor pool to get me." Setsuna answered, too quickly. "You should get home and enjoy yourself. You're probably tired from coming home from London so early."
"Oh, you knew?"
"Yes, Michiru told me you left early, when I asked about how they were and if they were enjoying London."
Actually Setsuna had very distinctively asked about SunTzu and if he had left with someone else. Michiru, on that club's sofa in London, a drink in her hand, had a big grin on her face and shook her head in amusement when she had replied.
"I see. Anyways, it's really no big deal to bring you somewhere."
"I… I… maybe the Palace? I told Chibiusa I would help her with a school project. But only if it's really no problem."
SunTzu nodded happily before he walked around the car and opened its door for her.
This drive was spent in awkward silence, as both desperately tried to not look at the other after having realized that no matter what they were doing, it felt natural to be next to him and they had that great chemistry on her behalf and too scared to say something wrong again on his.
When SunTzu finally stopped at the entrance closest to the Crystal Tower, she had her door opened before he could react, spoiling his plan to be a gentleman and help her out and thwarting his preformed plan halfway. But he had plucked up enough courage for the second part.
"Hey Setsuna… would you… umm… would you like to have dinner with my later on? We can go to wherever you feel like."
She couldn't look in his eyes and looking at the ground while it was getting dark outside he couldn't see her face blushing.
"I am sorry. But I promised Chibiusa to help her and I don't know how long it will take. Sorry." Her last sentence was accompanied by an excusing bow.
SunTzu forced a smile. "Never mind. Another time then. Maybe, if you want." The first part of the sentence of course had been a lie but he didn't want to let her know how bad that one had stung again.
Setsuna didn't answer this question at all. "Thank you for driving me. I hope you still have a nice evening."
"Uhm… sure thing. Goodbye Setsuna." SunTzu said and already put the Humvee into drive again, he needed to get away from there before he would embarrass himself some more.
"Goodbye SunTzu." Setsuna said with a formal nod again.
SunTzu left, feeling defeated once again. Too bad, as he had really had felt something from the time they had met on the range until they had stepped into the armory. At least her words had helped her with the anxiety about leading his soldiers into battle.
Setsuna's gaze followed the departure of the truck. So much again for bringing distance between them. Good thing her promise to help Chibiusa had given her a reason to decline his invitation. It would have been too hard to say no otherwise. If only for the fact that she wanted to make him feel better, as his tension made her feel bad for him. Poor guy, had the weight on the universe on his shoulder.
SunTzu just had brought the Humvee back and was thinking about the ways to get back to his place when his mobile phone vibrated, a message, from Setsuna.
Try to not agonize yourself in the last few hours before stepping off into combat. Rather enjoy the time and try to get your head off a bit.
And thank you for the invitation. I am sorry, that I am already occupied this evening.
Setsuna
For a long moment SunTzu stared at the screen of his phone. This meant that she would, maybe, hopefully, join him for dinner on another occasion. Right?