[FIC] Guess Who's Coming to Dinner? (pt 21)
Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 6:13 pm
Sousuke was holding up. Just barely.
Izumi and Kumi had taken to their task with a vengeance. They kept shuttling between the parlor and the kitchen with trays of appetizers and drinks.
Both Kaname and Sousuke found themselves wishing they could have something alcoholic.
“Here Sousuke, Shrimp pate with Cream Cheese.” As she had each time before, Izumi bent over unnecessarily when she held the tray out for the young soldier’s perusal. “Take your time selecting the best one.”
Kaname growled. She couldn’t help but miss the sly hint there. She was the best one!
You can have as many as you want, too.” Izumi winked.
Headed back to the kitchen she ignored Mr. Smith, who was busy waving bother arms.
Kumi bumped her cousin aside. “Risotto alla Spinachi. Say ‘Ahhh….’” She held a small cup of the confection. A spoon dangled in front of Sousuke’s mouth. “Ahhh-h-h-h-h….”
Sousuke knew that Kumi would stand there blushing until he ate the appetizer. He did so as quickly as he could.
“Hmmmpppfff!” Kumi tossed her hair when she brushed past Izumi.
Mr. Smith whistled. The young lady kept on walking.
Sousuke looked over at Kaname and gave her ‘It’s not my fault’ look. She just put her nose in the air and looked away.
“Oysters Rockefeller with Lemon….” It was Ayame. She had gone and changed her clothes, putting together an ensemble that matched the nieces’ outfits in color. She had also taken Kaname’s high heels out of her suitcase.
Sousuke sighed.
“Don’t you want one from me?” Ayame pouted.
Sousuke took some oysters.
“Score one for Ayame!” Kaname’s sister ran back into the kitchen, jumping over Mr. Smith’s outstretched leg.
Sousuke looked over at Kaname. “I’m glad to see you are taking this calmly. I am usually the one who gets hurt when you get angry at others. It’s good that you let your sister do this, without trying to defeat her.”
“Of course. I’m a woman, after all. Not a girl. Hmmppff!” Kaname frowned when she saw Izumi circling for her next pass.
“Lemon-Olive Meatball and Cheddar Cheese.” Again, Izumi made it a point to offer Sousuke a spectacular view of her cleavage along with the tray of food. “See anything that makes you want to say ’Ahhh…’?” She fluttered her eyelashes and picked up a meatball on a toothpick. “Oooops….” The meatball fell inside her shirt. “My hands are quite full. Could you….”
“Here!” Kaname took the tray from Izumi after a brief struggle. “Your hands are free now. Scram.” She took up a meatball and held it out for Sousuke. Wisely he ate it. Quickly, she followed it up with another. “Score TWO for Kaname….”
“Having fun, dear?” Oichi smiled at Kaname.
Kaname frowned for a moment, then smiled. “Yes.”
“Good.” Oichi chuckled and went off to join her fiance.
Ayame stood there with a tray. Her eyes were narrowed and her breaths deep and fast. “Zucchini Puffs?”
“Certainly. You are doing a terrific job, Ayame.” Clueless as he still was, Sousuke knew that Ayame needed some attention and encouragement.
“OK. Here.” She handed the whole tray to Sousuke. “Let’s see. That’s one… two… three… four… five… six… seven… eight… nine… ten… ten for Ayame!” She walked away humming happily.
“Hey! No fair!” Kaname stomped her foot. She tilted the tray back too much. A meatball rolled off and fell down her blouse. She looked at Sousuke.
“I think that will be enough appetizers for now….” Shunya smacked the ladle against his hand.
“But Uncle Shunya, the Deviled Eggs with Paprika….” Kumi looked downtrodden.
“They’ll do well enough as a side dish.” Shunya turned and headed back towards the kitchen. He stopped and turned back.
“Kaname… you take the meatball out.…”
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After doing their duty serving the plates, Izumi and Kumi sat down to dinner.
Despite their persistent pleading, they were assigned the same seats they had last time.
Ayame waved to them happily. She was seated next to Sousuke again.
Finally, it looked like things were settling down. The only thing Sousuke thought he had to worry about was the topic of conversation. He even had a plan for that. If Izumi or Kumi asked about his heroism, he’d just say that he wasn’t ready to talk about that yet. It was not a problem.
The doorbell rang.
“Are you expecting anyone else, dear?” Oichi looked over at Shunya.
“No.” Shunya looked over at Mr. Smith. “I hope it’s not reporters.”
“Or terrorists….” Ayame smiled, glad to be of assistance.
“Mr. Smith, if you please.” Shunya nodded his head.
“Oh, sure. The rolls?” The bodyguard held up a wicker basket covered with an embroidered cloth.
Shunya put his head in his hands.
“On it!” Sousuke stood up quickly, took his MP7 out from under the table, and headed for the kitchen window.
“Ditto!” Stacy untaped the Colt M1911 stuck underneath her chair. Ducking beneath the nearby windows, he ran for the back door.
“I should see who it is,” Kaname groused, looking at Mr. Smith. “While they’re still in one piece….”
“Let me do that, Miss Kaname. After all, I am the bodyguard.” Mr. Smith grabbed another roll and headed for the front door, a few steps behind Kaname.
Sousuke glided onto the scene first, even hindered as he was by his various injuries. There was a dark shadowy form looking in the front windows. A smaller shape was standing near the door. Light reflected off of the taller figure’s facial area… glasses or night vision goggles.
There was a slight noise. Stacy. Sousuke threw a rock at her feet, caught her attention with a few clicks of his finger, then pointed at the smaller intruder.
They both moved.
Smooth as silk, Sousuke slid in behind the taller interloper. Grunting in slight pain, he tossed the man over his shoulder, watching him land hard just outside of the front door.
Stacy pulled an arm up behind a back, and pushed the smaller individual towards the front walk.
The porch light went on. The door opened and Kaname looked outside. She gasped.
“Kaname look out they’re….” Sousuke’s voice gave out. He began to sweat heavily.
Not again.
“Tessa and Commander Mardukas,” Kaname finished for him.
“Friends,” Sousuke told Stacy, after he found his voice again.
Cmdr. Mardukas’ face was evidence to the contrary.
“I’m sorry, Sergeant. I wanted to surprise you. I was flown in to supervise the clandestine retrieval of Arbalest. I wanted to stop by and check in on you after your ordeal.” Tessa twisted her ponytail in her hands.
“That’s why I accompanied her,” Mardukas said. “Though, I did NOT expect this kind of rough treatment from my subordinate. Again.” He turned to Tessa. “I thought you were going to call the sergeant and inform him of our plans.”
“Ooops….” Tessa blushed.
“What’s going on out here. Everybody put your hands where I can see them!” It was Mr. Smith. Finally.
“Kaname?” A voice came from inside the house. Shunya. “Is there any problem? Should I call the police?”
“No, Daddy. No problem.” Kaname lied. She frowned, staring at Tessa.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Shunya graciously invited Tessa and Cmdr. Mardukas to join them all for dinner.
“That would be wonderful, Mr. Chidori,” Tessa replied in her sweetest voice.
Kaname squeeze her fork so hard that she bent it.
“Captain, our prior engagement….” Cmdr. Mardukas looked at his watch.
Kaname perked up. “That’s truly a shame. Busy busy busy. But, a Captain’s gotta do what a Captain’s gotta do.” She looked over at Sousuke. “Right?!”
“Uh….”
“That can wait, Mr. Mardukas. It would be rude for us to leave before we see how Sousuke is doing.” Tessa smiled sweetly at Sousuke. “We can talk to him a bit after dinner. We have plenty of time.”
Kaname grumbled. Cmdr. Mardukas stiffened up.
“Ayame, go get another chair. Miss Testarossa will be taking your place at the table.” Shunya smiled at Tessa. “What may I serve you, young lady?”
Ayame pouted. She looked at Sousuke. Then she went and did as she was asked.
“Oh, anything would be great, Sir!” Tessa curtsied. Shunya beamed, placing a little bit of everything on Tessa’s plate.
Kaname mouthed ‘Anything would be great, Sir.’ She looked over at Sousuke again. That big idiot was sweating up a storm. He kept looking at Tessa. Where was his backbone? Hero? Hmmmpppfff!
Cmdr. Mardukas stared at Sousuke. His face promised horrendous happenings if Tessa was discomforted or distressed.
“Better put more than that on there, Mr. C.” Mr. Smith looked over at Tessa. “She’s a small one. Small, but very cute.” Tessa smiled in return.
“Hmmm. Better make it even more. She’s rather small up top, too.” The bodyguard held his hands out in front of his chest.
Tessa’s mouth fell open.
Kaname smiled at Mr. Smith.
“Sousuke… we never got to find out this morning… you like big breasted women?” Mr. Smith scooped a majority of the papaya salsa onto his plate.
Sousuke began coughing. His water had gone down the wrong way.
The table went dead silent. Tessa looked down at her chest. Izumi leaned forward. Kumi bit her lip. Ayame mumbled to herself. Kaname stared intensely at Sousuke.
Sousuke was caught between the Devil and the Deep Blue Hair. Anything he answered would be trouble.
‘No’ would earn him Kaname’s wrath.
‘Yes’ would have her punishing him over noticing ‘women.’
‘One particular big-breasted woman’ would have Kaname happy, but him kicked out of the house or on a helicopter back to the TDD-1.
Shunya came to his rescue again.
“Kaname, let the Commander have your seat.” Kaname did as her father requested. Cmdr. Mardukas nodded to Stacy as he sat, having read her dossier. He graciously accepted a plate when Shunya was done.
“Tossed salad, Commander?” Shunya held up a salad fork.
“No thank you. I’ve had quite enough tossing for one day.” Mardukas’ voice was deep and gravelly.
Sousuke dropped his fork.
There was an uncomfortable silence until someone stepped into the void.
“So, you all know Sousuke. How wonderful. The more the merrier.” Oichi smiled graciously at the newcomers. “We’ve certainly enjoyed his company. He’s such a fine young man.”
Kaname blew Sousuke a kiss. That had Tessa frowning. Cmdr. Mardukas slowly pushed his glasses up off his nose. Shunya glared, then caught himself.
Yes,” Izumi said.
“Really fine,” Kumi said. Her eyes went wide. She started blushing again.
“It… certainly seems… like you… made a lot… of friends…..” Tessa said. She toyed with her hair and pursed her lips. “I suppose… there’s always… room for… one more.” She winked.
“Er hemmmm.” Cmdr. Mardukas tried to change the subject. “This dish is rather good. The cream sauce is exquisite. And, unless I’m mistaken, are these quail eggs?”
“Yes, they are. Are you a conniseuir of fine food?” Shunya’s smile brightened when Mardukas nodded.
“When I have the opportunity,” the Commander answered. “I am particularly fond of quail eggs. They are considered a delicacy in our area of operation. Though, I’m certain you know that. Domesticated quails have a long history in Japan, initially bread for their fine meat.” He held his wine glass up in a salute to Shunya.
“I am sorry to correct you, C-C-Commander.” Sousuke stuttered. Shunya smiled. It was good to see that the boy was human after all. Ayame sighed… Sousuke was cute when he was nervous.
“Quails were initially developed for song. The army pushed for quail domestication after the Emperor was thought to have found relief from tuberculosis after eating quail meat. The popularity of the meat and eggs grew during the time of imperial expansion into Korea, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asia.”
The look the Commander turned on Sousuke could have cured tuberculosis. Cancer. The common cold. Just about anything.
“That’s right, Sousuke.” Shunya nodded his head. He looked over at Cmdr. Mardukas. “Dids you know your young subordinate had become rather adept at cooking in such a short period of time.”
“I like gourmet cooking, Sousuke.” Tessa smiled, then broke down into giggles. “Da Danaan is missing something.” The look she turned on him was not subtle.
Cmdr. Mardukas began to growl.
Kaname joined him.
“I like gourmet cooking too!” Izumi and Kumi both spoke at the same time.
“And he saved ME from terrorists!” Ayame spoke up, arms across her chest. Time to change the subject. It was her turn for the spot light.
“Me too,” Tessa said.
Ayame frowned.
“Me first….” Kaname put in.
Ayame clenched both hands.
Izumi and Kumi sighed. They hadn’t been saved from terrorists by Sousuke! At least, they didn’t know they had been.
Kaname was glad for small favors. Who knows what those girls might do then?
“Yes, his talent for getting people out of trouble seems to be surpassed only by his propensity to get himself into trouble.” Cmdr. Mardukas made a steeple of his hands.
Shunya smiled. “So true.”
“Sounds like he’s a rebel….” Izumi almost purred.
Kumi came close to swooning.
Oichi smiled, drinking it all in. It was fun watching Kaname. She raised a glass to her stepdaughter-to-be. “That which doesn’t kill us, makes us stronger.” Friedrich Nietzsche.
Stacy chuckled. She froze when Mardukas turned to look at her.
“The price of greatness is responsibility.” The Commander quoted Churchill. Neither Stacy nor Sousuke knew whom that remark was intended for.
Shunya raised his glass. “The empires of the future are the empires of the mind.” He added his own Churchill quotation.
Oichi smiled. This time the game was less tense. “For myself I am an optimist… it does not seem to be much use being anything else.” She looked over at Sousuke and winked.
“Sousuke?” Shunya was curious what the young man might add.
“A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject.” Sousuke swallowed hard, thinking how Cmdr. Mardukas might read that choice. “Although prepared for martyrdom, I prefer that it be postponed.” No, that one was not much better.
Tessa giggled again.
Sousuke looked over at Kaname. Her smile gave him encouragement. Sousuke tried one more time. “Every day you may make progress. Every step may be fruitful. Yet there will stretch out before you an ever-lengthening, ever-ascending, ever-improving path. You know you will never get to the end of the journey. But this, so far from discouraging, only adds to the joy and glory of the climb.” Whew!
Shunya smiled. He nodded his head. He began quiet polite clapping of his hands. Oichi joined in.
Cmdr. Mardukas looked inscrutable.
“He has all the virtues I dislike and none of the vices I admire.” Shunya dropped his wine glass. That Churchill quotation had come from Mr. Smith.
“What?” Mr. Smith shrugged his shoulders. “I read that on the inside of an imported cigar wrapper one day.”
“Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm.” Tessa looked over at Sousuke, flipping her ponytail faster than usual. She sighed.
Then, with a wicked looking her eye, she turned and looked over at Kaname. “Do you have a quote for us too, Kaname?” She doubted that the blue-haired girl would.
“I… have… not… yet… begun… to… fight….” Kaname’s face was a picture of tranquility. Inside, she was a seething maelstrom.
“Kaname, that’s not Churchill. That was John Paul Jones.” Sousuke spoke up helpfully.
“Why………. thank……….. you………… Sousuke………..” If Kaname’s eyes were a doorway unto her soul, her soul was on fire. “He………. say……….. anything………. else?”
If Sousuke had been wise, he would have kept quiet. “Certainly. "If fear is cultivated it will become stronger, if faith is cultivated it will achieve mastery.”
“Fear. Yes. Be afraid, Sousuke. Be very afraid….” Kaname’s smile was TOO sweet.
“He’s so smart….” Izumi said to Kumi.
“Cute too.” Kumi put her hand over her mouth.
“He rescued me from terrorists!” Ayame said again. She had already played her trump card. That didn’t mean she wouldn’t try it again.
Everybody looked at her and laughed. She didn’t like that. Her hackles went up. Enough was enough.
“Ka-naaaa-maaaaay…..” Ayame didn’t care who was the match. She had plenty of kerosene. “Is Miss Tessa the shrimpy Captain you are always complaining about? The one who wants Sousuke for herself, but can’t have him?”
Tessa knocked over her water glass.
Cmdr. Mardukas began choking on a mouthful of Orecchiette.
Ayame didn’t wait for an answer. “Soooo-uuuu-ssss-kaaaay…..who do you think is prettier, Kaname or Tessa?”
Sousuke turned white as a sheet. He began to sweat heavily again. He froze when both Kaname and Tessa turned to stare at him. Cmdr. Mardukas’ look suggested that either answer would be a bad one.
Izumi, Kumi, and Stacy all giggled. Things were never boring in the Chidori household.
“Want to know what I think?” Mr. Smith reached for a wine bottle.
“NO!!!” All of the women except for Oichi answered at the same time.
“Well-l-l-l-l-l-l-l-l-l-l-l-l-l-l-l-l…..” Kaname banged her knife against the table.
“Ummm….” Sosuske felt like he did when he walked Arbalest into the estuary.
“Sergeant?” Tessa began drumming her fingers on the table top.
Errr….”
“Remember what I said about disappointing the CAPTAIN….” Cmdr. Mardukas took off his glasses and began cleaning them.
“I….”
Sousuke desperately searched for an answer. It came to him. It might just kill two birds with one stone. Then again, it just might get him stoned.
“Ayame,” he said, winking at Kaname. “Ayame is the cutest.”
“Oh!” Ayame blushed up a storm. She suddenly looked very shy. “No more questions.”
Oichi looked fondly at Sousuke.
Shunya raised his glass to Sousuke. “That’s a rare man you have there, Captain Testarossa.” He suddenly realized his error. “I should say, that’s a rare man that your group has.”
Kaname was torn. That slip was inexcusable! But, that was a rather nice thing for her father to say about Sousuke. Was he growing fond of him? She could only hope.
Cmdr. Mardukas sniffed.
“Yes, he’s one of a kind.” Tessa answered brightly. Her look towards her teenaged subordinate was predatory.
“We couldn’t afford two….” Cmdr. Mardukas was not making a joke. That made everybody laugh all the harder.
“I wish there was two….” Ayame said, blushing.
“Three.” Izumi took a deep breath again.
“Four.” Kumi looked away from Sousuke.”
“Five.” That was Ayame again.
Tessa opened her mouth, then sighed.
Kaname smirked. She had the only one.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
After dinner, Shunya set the girls to cleaning the table in preparation for dessert.
Tessa and Cmdr. Testarossa would speak with Sousuke while everyone else settled in for custard, cake, and coffee. Before they could usurp him, Kaname broke away from the clean-up crew and pulled Sousuke aside. She looked troubled.
“Sousuke….”
“You did very well in there, Kaname. I am proud. I half-expected you to dump the tureen over Captain Testarossa’s head or run into the kitchen for a carving knife.” His face was smiling, but his eyes gave clear evidence that he was exhausted.
“Sousuke….” Kaname’s voice changed. She brushed her hand against his cheek. “You need to take it easy. You need to rest. She better realize that.” She was trembling slightly.
“You’re worried that she make take me back with her?” Sousuke had a good idea what had Kaname on edge.
“Yes.” That answer was muffled. Kaname had buried her face in Sousuke’s shoulder.
“She might. But it wouldn’t be forever.” Sousuke stroked her hair, feeling her relax against him.
“How do you know?” When Kaname looked up, she had tears in her eyes. “You told me what she said before.”
Looking down into her eyes, Sousuke wiped away a tear. “As long as I have conscious choice, I will always return to you. If you want me to.” His voice became husky. “Always….”
The two of them simply looked into each others eyes for a long moment.
Kaname pulled his arms around her. “I will never stop wanting that….”
They kissed tenderly until Kaname heard her father calling for her.
As Kaname began walking away, she stopped and spoke over her shoulder. “In this house, we do not play favorites amongst our guests.”
“Kaname?”
“You’ve already thrown Cmdr. Mardukas hard to the ground. You shouldn’t forget Tessa.” Kaname tossed her hair and headed off to help clean up.
Just the thought had Sousuke sweating.
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After Ayame kept finding countless reasons to interrupt them, Souske and his two fellow Mithril members went for a walk outside. As they strode along the sidewalk, the Mithril limousine shadowed them.
Sousuke had his weapons bag over his shoulder. Cmdr. Mardukas has made it quite clear that HE was responsible for the Captain’s safety.
“I… I need to apologize, Sousuke.” Tessa played with her hair.
Cmdr. Mardukas frowned. He and Lt. Cmdr. Kalinin had tried to break her of that habit, at least as far as subordinates go.
“Captain?”
“You did a remarkable job. Again. I should never have called you a coward.” She stopped walking and looked up at Sousuke. “I hope you don’t hate me.”
“I do not hate you, Captain. I understand the pressure you are under. I have had more than my share of pressure lately.” Sousuke was relieved just to be out getting some fresh air. He had to walk somewhat slowly, but it was good to stretch his muscles.
“Yes. And, you have left Arbalest abandoned and under the water again.” Cmdr. Mardukas felt compelled to mention.
“Commander, don’t you think you are being a bit unfair?” Tessa stood up for Sousuke. “No one has appropriated the ARX-7. New York City is saved. Sgt. Sagara could have died in Arbalest.”
“Yes, I am being unfair,” Mardukas admitted. “But, there is always room for improvement. I do not want the sergeant to grow too enamored with his own press clippings.” He also did not want Captain Testarossa to get too personal with the young man.
Sousuke swallowed. The Commander had obviously not seen the tabloids.
“Has he ever done that before, Mr. Mardukas?” Tessa’s voice was as sweet as ever, but her posture had stiffened somewhat. The two men were good enough observers to notice that.
“No. That’s not the point. He has not done that yet.” Mardukas turned to look at Sousuke. The look the young man returned him was somewhat uneasy. Good. The Commander had an important role in his development too.
“Captain, is there an official reason you wished to speak with me?” Sousuke’s voice was calm, but he felt a strong touch of anxiety.
“Ummm… yes, Sergeant.” Tessa blinked repeatedly. “Your medical report was quite thorough. You will benefit from physical therapy. The trainer aboard Da Danaan is one of the best in Mithril” She looked away from Sousuke.
“There is also an excellent trainer on the main island,” Cmdr. Mardukas put in quickly.
“I see. Your concern for me is admirable. But, while Arbalest is in for repairs, my services will not be needed with it, whether I am healthy or not. It would be a good time to continue with my current mission, and to further my education. I have sufficient funds in my account to find a good therapist in Tokyo.” Sousuke decided to take the bold course.
“But… you see… while they are repairing the ARX-7... there will be an opportunity to add refinements. I am currently the highest ranking Whispered in Mithril, and Arbalest is part of my force. No one has the familiarity with that system that you do.” Tessa tripped on a crack in the sidewalk and fell hard. Cmdr. Mardukas helped her up, turning an accusatory look on Sousuke.
“You could be stationed at the research facilities,” the Commander said, for Tessa’s consumption. “The benefit for Mithril might be substantial. Your insights might help reach a breakthrough.” While he didn’t say ‘it’s your duty, soldier,’ the thought was obviously implied.
“I could use my leave time on the island, Sousuke.” Tessa’s voice was small and timid. “I… I have spent time reading over Bunny’s notes. If we worked together, we might find a solution to the Lambda Driver interface that doesn’t require medication.” She took a deep breath. “After your heroism, our contacts in the United States will no doubt be able to supply us with more secret funding as a reward. We might be able to build more Arm Slaves like Arbalest.”
Tessa felt somewhat dirty. There was definitely a hook there. More L.D. capable Arm Slaves would mean less exclusivity for Sousuke. And, if he spent any extended period of time close to her….
“This work requires that I be physically near the ARX system?” Sousuke’s clueless nature was taking the moment to rest. “Until the machine is repaired sufficiently, wouldn’t I be as useful as a fifth limb?” He looked curiously at Tessa. For some reason, that question had her blushing.
Tessa didn’t answer.
“May I ask a frank question, Captain? Commander?” Sousuke stopped.
“Y-Yes….” Tessa stiffened her posture.
“Proceed.” Cmdr. Mardukas guessed correctly what the question would be.
“Is it your intention that I be removed from my current mission? Now? Is my closeness to Miss Chidori a problem?” Sousuke knew things would eventually necessitate that question.
Tessa’s face gave the answer, on any number of levels.
“Yes,” Mardukas answered. “We have overlooked the breech in military and professional ethics for long enough as it is. I disagree with Kalinin regarding the need for your emotional growth. I also do not see your talents best utilized as a babysitter. Despite your shortcomings, you are an exceptional soldier. What you need is a refinement of that talent.”
“No one had made any efforts to kidnap Whispered for a while, Sergeant.” Tessa was playing with her hair again. “Mithril can still keep an eye on Miss Chidori, it just doesn’t need to be so close. You really are special Sousuke.” Her voice warbled during that last part.
“I understand. May I speak freely?” Sousuke set his shoulders.
“Yes.” Tessa looked up into his eyes, expecting some form of refusal.
“I believe the two of you are severely underestimating Miss Chidori’s importance. She…” he was interrupted.
“I am certain that the Captain is well aware of the value the Whispered have, Sergeant Sagara. You are well acquainted with the fact that she is Whispered herself. We all know that.” Cmdr. Mardukas’ voice snapped like a flag during a sharp gust.
Sousuke stood quietly for a moment, angered that people thought they knew all the answers, or had his life so carefully and precisely mapped out for him. He took a number of deep breaths.
“There are other things you know, but may not place enough value in.” Sousuke’s voice was strong and stern. At that moment, rank meant nothing to him.
“Sousuke?” Tessa was surprised by the steel in his voice.
“Both of you read my report on Khanka and my introduction to the ARX system. Captain, you are intimately aware of the encounter with A21.” Sousuke looked at Tessa, trying to see if there was any understanding in her eyes.
“You are merely repeating the obvious, Sergeant. What exactly is your point. I assume you DO have a point.” Mardukas brushed off his coat sleeves.
“Miss Chidori,” he began. He stopped, thought, and made a decision. “Kaname was instrumental in both of those battles. True, Captain Testarossa was of pivotal importance against Behemoth, but I would not have succeeded without the help of Kaname. The same is true of this recent dilemma.”
“H-H-How….” Tessa did not like the direction the conversation was headed.
“The medicines worked wonders with my ability to use the Lambda Driver. Without them, this would be a wasteland for years to come.” He waved his arm around him. “But. But, I was a slave to my emotions again. My fear and anxiety would have left me unable to fight effectively. I never would have been able to come up with the solution I did.”
“Are you saying Miss Chidori is responsible for your success, Sergeant? Should we be putting her on a retainer?” Cmdr. Mardukas sounded sarcastic.
“Affirmative. I was in contact with her throughout the confrontation. She was the reason that I was able to hold myself together. Kaname Chidori will never receive the thanks she deserves from millions of people. I question whether she will get the respect she deserves from Mithril.”
That last statement had been lobbed in like a 155mm shell. Sousuke was unconcerned. He wanted to make a point. He did so. Let the fragments fly where they will.
“You…” The Commander rose to his full height. He clenched his hands into fists.
Tessa stood quietly for a moment before speaking softly. “It would be better if you didn’t need to rely on anyone but yourself, Sergeant. If… if you grow too dependent on someone that way….” She coughed. “You could also work on your self reliance while you help with Arbalest.” Her eyes sparkled under an arching street lamp.
“Your point has merit, Captain.” Sousuke nodded his head. Tessa’s hands grabbed hold of her skirt. “However, there is another point.” He paused. A 155mm shell would be a party favor in comparison. “I do not wish to be separated from Kaname.”
“You… do… not… wish….” Mardukas literally sputtered. “A soldier does not have room in his kit for wishes!” His hand made a brisk chopping motion. “I should think this little jaunt had taught you something. The lives of countless people are worth more than the wishes of a teenage boy.”
“Not to me.” Sousuke said. “Not if I have to choose one or the other.” He pulled a handful of leaves off of a nearby hedge, letting them trickle to the ground, watching their spiral paths.
They all stood silently, the rising breeze sending a slight chill across their bodies. Tessa trembled. Cmdr. Mardukas seethed. Sousuke felt at peace.
“Please, Sousuke. Think things over. I know how responsible a person you are.” Tessa had a card to play too. “You can remember how you felt as a child… the kind of life you were forced to lead…. the path you may have ended up following.” She didn’t say ‘You owe your better life to Mithril.’ She didn’t have to. “The work you do… and the further things you can accomplish… it can make a difference in so many other lives like that.”
Cmdr. Mardukas nodded his head.
It was a shrewd blow.
“I….” Sousuke felt a sudden tornado of emotions and conflicting voices within him. Damn her. Just like Achilles, he had had one small chink in his invulnerability.
“Take time to think about it, Sergeant.” Mardukas put on his most authoritarian tone. “You are a soldier. It is what you are suited to do. I am certain you will be able to come to a reasonable decision.”
Sousuke nodded his head. After walking a block back towards the Chidori house in silence, he spoke up. “I would ask that the two of you consider something as well. There is a common story that takes many forms. A goose that can lay golden eggs. In one version of the story, the owner of the goose cuts the goose open, wanting to find all of the gold inside her. The goose turns out to be like any other goose inside and, being dead, could lay no more golden eggs.”
Tessa chewed on her hair. Cmdr. Mardukas stared at Sousuke for a moment, then nodded his head. He then raised his arm and made a specific signal. The limousine pulled over to the curb.
Tessa and the Commander climbed in the back of the car.
“Remember what we spoke about, Sergeant.” Saying that, Mardukas sat back and looked out the window on the other side of the automobile.
Tessa suddenly went through a change in expressions. Her spirit was returning.
“Sousuke, do you think I would look good with implants?” She looked down at her chest, then stared at his face.
“Uh….”
“Bye.” She closed the door. The car pulled away.
The incident didn’t leave him shocked like it normally would have. He was too solemn.
He had thinking to do again.
Izumi and Kumi had taken to their task with a vengeance. They kept shuttling between the parlor and the kitchen with trays of appetizers and drinks.
Both Kaname and Sousuke found themselves wishing they could have something alcoholic.
“Here Sousuke, Shrimp pate with Cream Cheese.” As she had each time before, Izumi bent over unnecessarily when she held the tray out for the young soldier’s perusal. “Take your time selecting the best one.”
Kaname growled. She couldn’t help but miss the sly hint there. She was the best one!
You can have as many as you want, too.” Izumi winked.
Headed back to the kitchen she ignored Mr. Smith, who was busy waving bother arms.
Kumi bumped her cousin aside. “Risotto alla Spinachi. Say ‘Ahhh….’” She held a small cup of the confection. A spoon dangled in front of Sousuke’s mouth. “Ahhh-h-h-h-h….”
Sousuke knew that Kumi would stand there blushing until he ate the appetizer. He did so as quickly as he could.
“Hmmmpppfff!” Kumi tossed her hair when she brushed past Izumi.
Mr. Smith whistled. The young lady kept on walking.
Sousuke looked over at Kaname and gave her ‘It’s not my fault’ look. She just put her nose in the air and looked away.
“Oysters Rockefeller with Lemon….” It was Ayame. She had gone and changed her clothes, putting together an ensemble that matched the nieces’ outfits in color. She had also taken Kaname’s high heels out of her suitcase.
Sousuke sighed.
“Don’t you want one from me?” Ayame pouted.
Sousuke took some oysters.
“Score one for Ayame!” Kaname’s sister ran back into the kitchen, jumping over Mr. Smith’s outstretched leg.
Sousuke looked over at Kaname. “I’m glad to see you are taking this calmly. I am usually the one who gets hurt when you get angry at others. It’s good that you let your sister do this, without trying to defeat her.”
“Of course. I’m a woman, after all. Not a girl. Hmmppff!” Kaname frowned when she saw Izumi circling for her next pass.
“Lemon-Olive Meatball and Cheddar Cheese.” Again, Izumi made it a point to offer Sousuke a spectacular view of her cleavage along with the tray of food. “See anything that makes you want to say ’Ahhh…’?” She fluttered her eyelashes and picked up a meatball on a toothpick. “Oooops….” The meatball fell inside her shirt. “My hands are quite full. Could you….”
“Here!” Kaname took the tray from Izumi after a brief struggle. “Your hands are free now. Scram.” She took up a meatball and held it out for Sousuke. Wisely he ate it. Quickly, she followed it up with another. “Score TWO for Kaname….”
“Having fun, dear?” Oichi smiled at Kaname.
Kaname frowned for a moment, then smiled. “Yes.”
“Good.” Oichi chuckled and went off to join her fiance.
Ayame stood there with a tray. Her eyes were narrowed and her breaths deep and fast. “Zucchini Puffs?”
“Certainly. You are doing a terrific job, Ayame.” Clueless as he still was, Sousuke knew that Ayame needed some attention and encouragement.
“OK. Here.” She handed the whole tray to Sousuke. “Let’s see. That’s one… two… three… four… five… six… seven… eight… nine… ten… ten for Ayame!” She walked away humming happily.
“Hey! No fair!” Kaname stomped her foot. She tilted the tray back too much. A meatball rolled off and fell down her blouse. She looked at Sousuke.
“I think that will be enough appetizers for now….” Shunya smacked the ladle against his hand.
“But Uncle Shunya, the Deviled Eggs with Paprika….” Kumi looked downtrodden.
“They’ll do well enough as a side dish.” Shunya turned and headed back towards the kitchen. He stopped and turned back.
“Kaname… you take the meatball out.…”
- - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - -- -- - - - - - - - - -- - - -
After doing their duty serving the plates, Izumi and Kumi sat down to dinner.
Despite their persistent pleading, they were assigned the same seats they had last time.
Ayame waved to them happily. She was seated next to Sousuke again.
Finally, it looked like things were settling down. The only thing Sousuke thought he had to worry about was the topic of conversation. He even had a plan for that. If Izumi or Kumi asked about his heroism, he’d just say that he wasn’t ready to talk about that yet. It was not a problem.
The doorbell rang.
“Are you expecting anyone else, dear?” Oichi looked over at Shunya.
“No.” Shunya looked over at Mr. Smith. “I hope it’s not reporters.”
“Or terrorists….” Ayame smiled, glad to be of assistance.
“Mr. Smith, if you please.” Shunya nodded his head.
“Oh, sure. The rolls?” The bodyguard held up a wicker basket covered with an embroidered cloth.
Shunya put his head in his hands.
“On it!” Sousuke stood up quickly, took his MP7 out from under the table, and headed for the kitchen window.
“Ditto!” Stacy untaped the Colt M1911 stuck underneath her chair. Ducking beneath the nearby windows, he ran for the back door.
“I should see who it is,” Kaname groused, looking at Mr. Smith. “While they’re still in one piece….”
“Let me do that, Miss Kaname. After all, I am the bodyguard.” Mr. Smith grabbed another roll and headed for the front door, a few steps behind Kaname.
Sousuke glided onto the scene first, even hindered as he was by his various injuries. There was a dark shadowy form looking in the front windows. A smaller shape was standing near the door. Light reflected off of the taller figure’s facial area… glasses or night vision goggles.
There was a slight noise. Stacy. Sousuke threw a rock at her feet, caught her attention with a few clicks of his finger, then pointed at the smaller intruder.
They both moved.
Smooth as silk, Sousuke slid in behind the taller interloper. Grunting in slight pain, he tossed the man over his shoulder, watching him land hard just outside of the front door.
Stacy pulled an arm up behind a back, and pushed the smaller individual towards the front walk.
The porch light went on. The door opened and Kaname looked outside. She gasped.
“Kaname look out they’re….” Sousuke’s voice gave out. He began to sweat heavily.
Not again.
“Tessa and Commander Mardukas,” Kaname finished for him.
“Friends,” Sousuke told Stacy, after he found his voice again.
Cmdr. Mardukas’ face was evidence to the contrary.
“I’m sorry, Sergeant. I wanted to surprise you. I was flown in to supervise the clandestine retrieval of Arbalest. I wanted to stop by and check in on you after your ordeal.” Tessa twisted her ponytail in her hands.
“That’s why I accompanied her,” Mardukas said. “Though, I did NOT expect this kind of rough treatment from my subordinate. Again.” He turned to Tessa. “I thought you were going to call the sergeant and inform him of our plans.”
“Ooops….” Tessa blushed.
“What’s going on out here. Everybody put your hands where I can see them!” It was Mr. Smith. Finally.
“Kaname?” A voice came from inside the house. Shunya. “Is there any problem? Should I call the police?”
“No, Daddy. No problem.” Kaname lied. She frowned, staring at Tessa.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Shunya graciously invited Tessa and Cmdr. Mardukas to join them all for dinner.
“That would be wonderful, Mr. Chidori,” Tessa replied in her sweetest voice.
Kaname squeeze her fork so hard that she bent it.
“Captain, our prior engagement….” Cmdr. Mardukas looked at his watch.
Kaname perked up. “That’s truly a shame. Busy busy busy. But, a Captain’s gotta do what a Captain’s gotta do.” She looked over at Sousuke. “Right?!”
“Uh….”
“That can wait, Mr. Mardukas. It would be rude for us to leave before we see how Sousuke is doing.” Tessa smiled sweetly at Sousuke. “We can talk to him a bit after dinner. We have plenty of time.”
Kaname grumbled. Cmdr. Mardukas stiffened up.
“Ayame, go get another chair. Miss Testarossa will be taking your place at the table.” Shunya smiled at Tessa. “What may I serve you, young lady?”
Ayame pouted. She looked at Sousuke. Then she went and did as she was asked.
“Oh, anything would be great, Sir!” Tessa curtsied. Shunya beamed, placing a little bit of everything on Tessa’s plate.
Kaname mouthed ‘Anything would be great, Sir.’ She looked over at Sousuke again. That big idiot was sweating up a storm. He kept looking at Tessa. Where was his backbone? Hero? Hmmmpppfff!
Cmdr. Mardukas stared at Sousuke. His face promised horrendous happenings if Tessa was discomforted or distressed.
“Better put more than that on there, Mr. C.” Mr. Smith looked over at Tessa. “She’s a small one. Small, but very cute.” Tessa smiled in return.
“Hmmm. Better make it even more. She’s rather small up top, too.” The bodyguard held his hands out in front of his chest.
Tessa’s mouth fell open.
Kaname smiled at Mr. Smith.
“Sousuke… we never got to find out this morning… you like big breasted women?” Mr. Smith scooped a majority of the papaya salsa onto his plate.
Sousuke began coughing. His water had gone down the wrong way.
The table went dead silent. Tessa looked down at her chest. Izumi leaned forward. Kumi bit her lip. Ayame mumbled to herself. Kaname stared intensely at Sousuke.
Sousuke was caught between the Devil and the Deep Blue Hair. Anything he answered would be trouble.
‘No’ would earn him Kaname’s wrath.
‘Yes’ would have her punishing him over noticing ‘women.’
‘One particular big-breasted woman’ would have Kaname happy, but him kicked out of the house or on a helicopter back to the TDD-1.
Shunya came to his rescue again.
“Kaname, let the Commander have your seat.” Kaname did as her father requested. Cmdr. Mardukas nodded to Stacy as he sat, having read her dossier. He graciously accepted a plate when Shunya was done.
“Tossed salad, Commander?” Shunya held up a salad fork.
“No thank you. I’ve had quite enough tossing for one day.” Mardukas’ voice was deep and gravelly.
Sousuke dropped his fork.
There was an uncomfortable silence until someone stepped into the void.
“So, you all know Sousuke. How wonderful. The more the merrier.” Oichi smiled graciously at the newcomers. “We’ve certainly enjoyed his company. He’s such a fine young man.”
Kaname blew Sousuke a kiss. That had Tessa frowning. Cmdr. Mardukas slowly pushed his glasses up off his nose. Shunya glared, then caught himself.
Yes,” Izumi said.
“Really fine,” Kumi said. Her eyes went wide. She started blushing again.
“It… certainly seems… like you… made a lot… of friends…..” Tessa said. She toyed with her hair and pursed her lips. “I suppose… there’s always… room for… one more.” She winked.
“Er hemmmm.” Cmdr. Mardukas tried to change the subject. “This dish is rather good. The cream sauce is exquisite. And, unless I’m mistaken, are these quail eggs?”
“Yes, they are. Are you a conniseuir of fine food?” Shunya’s smile brightened when Mardukas nodded.
“When I have the opportunity,” the Commander answered. “I am particularly fond of quail eggs. They are considered a delicacy in our area of operation. Though, I’m certain you know that. Domesticated quails have a long history in Japan, initially bread for their fine meat.” He held his wine glass up in a salute to Shunya.
“I am sorry to correct you, C-C-Commander.” Sousuke stuttered. Shunya smiled. It was good to see that the boy was human after all. Ayame sighed… Sousuke was cute when he was nervous.
“Quails were initially developed for song. The army pushed for quail domestication after the Emperor was thought to have found relief from tuberculosis after eating quail meat. The popularity of the meat and eggs grew during the time of imperial expansion into Korea, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asia.”
The look the Commander turned on Sousuke could have cured tuberculosis. Cancer. The common cold. Just about anything.
“That’s right, Sousuke.” Shunya nodded his head. He looked over at Cmdr. Mardukas. “Dids you know your young subordinate had become rather adept at cooking in such a short period of time.”
“I like gourmet cooking, Sousuke.” Tessa smiled, then broke down into giggles. “Da Danaan is missing something.” The look she turned on him was not subtle.
Cmdr. Mardukas began to growl.
Kaname joined him.
“I like gourmet cooking too!” Izumi and Kumi both spoke at the same time.
“And he saved ME from terrorists!” Ayame spoke up, arms across her chest. Time to change the subject. It was her turn for the spot light.
“Me too,” Tessa said.
Ayame frowned.
“Me first….” Kaname put in.
Ayame clenched both hands.
Izumi and Kumi sighed. They hadn’t been saved from terrorists by Sousuke! At least, they didn’t know they had been.
Kaname was glad for small favors. Who knows what those girls might do then?
“Yes, his talent for getting people out of trouble seems to be surpassed only by his propensity to get himself into trouble.” Cmdr. Mardukas made a steeple of his hands.
Shunya smiled. “So true.”
“Sounds like he’s a rebel….” Izumi almost purred.
Kumi came close to swooning.
Oichi smiled, drinking it all in. It was fun watching Kaname. She raised a glass to her stepdaughter-to-be. “That which doesn’t kill us, makes us stronger.” Friedrich Nietzsche.
Stacy chuckled. She froze when Mardukas turned to look at her.
“The price of greatness is responsibility.” The Commander quoted Churchill. Neither Stacy nor Sousuke knew whom that remark was intended for.
Shunya raised his glass. “The empires of the future are the empires of the mind.” He added his own Churchill quotation.
Oichi smiled. This time the game was less tense. “For myself I am an optimist… it does not seem to be much use being anything else.” She looked over at Sousuke and winked.
“Sousuke?” Shunya was curious what the young man might add.
“A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject.” Sousuke swallowed hard, thinking how Cmdr. Mardukas might read that choice. “Although prepared for martyrdom, I prefer that it be postponed.” No, that one was not much better.
Tessa giggled again.
Sousuke looked over at Kaname. Her smile gave him encouragement. Sousuke tried one more time. “Every day you may make progress. Every step may be fruitful. Yet there will stretch out before you an ever-lengthening, ever-ascending, ever-improving path. You know you will never get to the end of the journey. But this, so far from discouraging, only adds to the joy and glory of the climb.” Whew!
Shunya smiled. He nodded his head. He began quiet polite clapping of his hands. Oichi joined in.
Cmdr. Mardukas looked inscrutable.
“He has all the virtues I dislike and none of the vices I admire.” Shunya dropped his wine glass. That Churchill quotation had come from Mr. Smith.
“What?” Mr. Smith shrugged his shoulders. “I read that on the inside of an imported cigar wrapper one day.”
“Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm.” Tessa looked over at Sousuke, flipping her ponytail faster than usual. She sighed.
Then, with a wicked looking her eye, she turned and looked over at Kaname. “Do you have a quote for us too, Kaname?” She doubted that the blue-haired girl would.
“I… have… not… yet… begun… to… fight….” Kaname’s face was a picture of tranquility. Inside, she was a seething maelstrom.
“Kaname, that’s not Churchill. That was John Paul Jones.” Sousuke spoke up helpfully.
“Why………. thank……….. you………… Sousuke………..” If Kaname’s eyes were a doorway unto her soul, her soul was on fire. “He………. say……….. anything………. else?”
If Sousuke had been wise, he would have kept quiet. “Certainly. "If fear is cultivated it will become stronger, if faith is cultivated it will achieve mastery.”
“Fear. Yes. Be afraid, Sousuke. Be very afraid….” Kaname’s smile was TOO sweet.
“He’s so smart….” Izumi said to Kumi.
“Cute too.” Kumi put her hand over her mouth.
“He rescued me from terrorists!” Ayame said again. She had already played her trump card. That didn’t mean she wouldn’t try it again.
Everybody looked at her and laughed. She didn’t like that. Her hackles went up. Enough was enough.
“Ka-naaaa-maaaaay…..” Ayame didn’t care who was the match. She had plenty of kerosene. “Is Miss Tessa the shrimpy Captain you are always complaining about? The one who wants Sousuke for herself, but can’t have him?”
Tessa knocked over her water glass.
Cmdr. Mardukas began choking on a mouthful of Orecchiette.
Ayame didn’t wait for an answer. “Soooo-uuuu-ssss-kaaaay…..who do you think is prettier, Kaname or Tessa?”
Sousuke turned white as a sheet. He began to sweat heavily again. He froze when both Kaname and Tessa turned to stare at him. Cmdr. Mardukas’ look suggested that either answer would be a bad one.
Izumi, Kumi, and Stacy all giggled. Things were never boring in the Chidori household.
“Want to know what I think?” Mr. Smith reached for a wine bottle.
“NO!!!” All of the women except for Oichi answered at the same time.
“Well-l-l-l-l-l-l-l-l-l-l-l-l-l-l-l-l…..” Kaname banged her knife against the table.
“Ummm….” Sosuske felt like he did when he walked Arbalest into the estuary.
“Sergeant?” Tessa began drumming her fingers on the table top.
Errr….”
“Remember what I said about disappointing the CAPTAIN….” Cmdr. Mardukas took off his glasses and began cleaning them.
“I….”
Sousuke desperately searched for an answer. It came to him. It might just kill two birds with one stone. Then again, it just might get him stoned.
“Ayame,” he said, winking at Kaname. “Ayame is the cutest.”
“Oh!” Ayame blushed up a storm. She suddenly looked very shy. “No more questions.”
Oichi looked fondly at Sousuke.
Shunya raised his glass to Sousuke. “That’s a rare man you have there, Captain Testarossa.” He suddenly realized his error. “I should say, that’s a rare man that your group has.”
Kaname was torn. That slip was inexcusable! But, that was a rather nice thing for her father to say about Sousuke. Was he growing fond of him? She could only hope.
Cmdr. Mardukas sniffed.
“Yes, he’s one of a kind.” Tessa answered brightly. Her look towards her teenaged subordinate was predatory.
“We couldn’t afford two….” Cmdr. Mardukas was not making a joke. That made everybody laugh all the harder.
“I wish there was two….” Ayame said, blushing.
“Three.” Izumi took a deep breath again.
“Four.” Kumi looked away from Sousuke.”
“Five.” That was Ayame again.
Tessa opened her mouth, then sighed.
Kaname smirked. She had the only one.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
After dinner, Shunya set the girls to cleaning the table in preparation for dessert.
Tessa and Cmdr. Testarossa would speak with Sousuke while everyone else settled in for custard, cake, and coffee. Before they could usurp him, Kaname broke away from the clean-up crew and pulled Sousuke aside. She looked troubled.
“Sousuke….”
“You did very well in there, Kaname. I am proud. I half-expected you to dump the tureen over Captain Testarossa’s head or run into the kitchen for a carving knife.” His face was smiling, but his eyes gave clear evidence that he was exhausted.
“Sousuke….” Kaname’s voice changed. She brushed her hand against his cheek. “You need to take it easy. You need to rest. She better realize that.” She was trembling slightly.
“You’re worried that she make take me back with her?” Sousuke had a good idea what had Kaname on edge.
“Yes.” That answer was muffled. Kaname had buried her face in Sousuke’s shoulder.
“She might. But it wouldn’t be forever.” Sousuke stroked her hair, feeling her relax against him.
“How do you know?” When Kaname looked up, she had tears in her eyes. “You told me what she said before.”
Looking down into her eyes, Sousuke wiped away a tear. “As long as I have conscious choice, I will always return to you. If you want me to.” His voice became husky. “Always….”
The two of them simply looked into each others eyes for a long moment.
Kaname pulled his arms around her. “I will never stop wanting that….”
They kissed tenderly until Kaname heard her father calling for her.
As Kaname began walking away, she stopped and spoke over her shoulder. “In this house, we do not play favorites amongst our guests.”
“Kaname?”
“You’ve already thrown Cmdr. Mardukas hard to the ground. You shouldn’t forget Tessa.” Kaname tossed her hair and headed off to help clean up.
Just the thought had Sousuke sweating.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - -- - - - - - - -
After Ayame kept finding countless reasons to interrupt them, Souske and his two fellow Mithril members went for a walk outside. As they strode along the sidewalk, the Mithril limousine shadowed them.
Sousuke had his weapons bag over his shoulder. Cmdr. Mardukas has made it quite clear that HE was responsible for the Captain’s safety.
“I… I need to apologize, Sousuke.” Tessa played with her hair.
Cmdr. Mardukas frowned. He and Lt. Cmdr. Kalinin had tried to break her of that habit, at least as far as subordinates go.
“Captain?”
“You did a remarkable job. Again. I should never have called you a coward.” She stopped walking and looked up at Sousuke. “I hope you don’t hate me.”
“I do not hate you, Captain. I understand the pressure you are under. I have had more than my share of pressure lately.” Sousuke was relieved just to be out getting some fresh air. He had to walk somewhat slowly, but it was good to stretch his muscles.
“Yes. And, you have left Arbalest abandoned and under the water again.” Cmdr. Mardukas felt compelled to mention.
“Commander, don’t you think you are being a bit unfair?” Tessa stood up for Sousuke. “No one has appropriated the ARX-7. New York City is saved. Sgt. Sagara could have died in Arbalest.”
“Yes, I am being unfair,” Mardukas admitted. “But, there is always room for improvement. I do not want the sergeant to grow too enamored with his own press clippings.” He also did not want Captain Testarossa to get too personal with the young man.
Sousuke swallowed. The Commander had obviously not seen the tabloids.
“Has he ever done that before, Mr. Mardukas?” Tessa’s voice was as sweet as ever, but her posture had stiffened somewhat. The two men were good enough observers to notice that.
“No. That’s not the point. He has not done that yet.” Mardukas turned to look at Sousuke. The look the young man returned him was somewhat uneasy. Good. The Commander had an important role in his development too.
“Captain, is there an official reason you wished to speak with me?” Sousuke’s voice was calm, but he felt a strong touch of anxiety.
“Ummm… yes, Sergeant.” Tessa blinked repeatedly. “Your medical report was quite thorough. You will benefit from physical therapy. The trainer aboard Da Danaan is one of the best in Mithril” She looked away from Sousuke.
“There is also an excellent trainer on the main island,” Cmdr. Mardukas put in quickly.
“I see. Your concern for me is admirable. But, while Arbalest is in for repairs, my services will not be needed with it, whether I am healthy or not. It would be a good time to continue with my current mission, and to further my education. I have sufficient funds in my account to find a good therapist in Tokyo.” Sousuke decided to take the bold course.
“But… you see… while they are repairing the ARX-7... there will be an opportunity to add refinements. I am currently the highest ranking Whispered in Mithril, and Arbalest is part of my force. No one has the familiarity with that system that you do.” Tessa tripped on a crack in the sidewalk and fell hard. Cmdr. Mardukas helped her up, turning an accusatory look on Sousuke.
“You could be stationed at the research facilities,” the Commander said, for Tessa’s consumption. “The benefit for Mithril might be substantial. Your insights might help reach a breakthrough.” While he didn’t say ‘it’s your duty, soldier,’ the thought was obviously implied.
“I could use my leave time on the island, Sousuke.” Tessa’s voice was small and timid. “I… I have spent time reading over Bunny’s notes. If we worked together, we might find a solution to the Lambda Driver interface that doesn’t require medication.” She took a deep breath. “After your heroism, our contacts in the United States will no doubt be able to supply us with more secret funding as a reward. We might be able to build more Arm Slaves like Arbalest.”
Tessa felt somewhat dirty. There was definitely a hook there. More L.D. capable Arm Slaves would mean less exclusivity for Sousuke. And, if he spent any extended period of time close to her….
“This work requires that I be physically near the ARX system?” Sousuke’s clueless nature was taking the moment to rest. “Until the machine is repaired sufficiently, wouldn’t I be as useful as a fifth limb?” He looked curiously at Tessa. For some reason, that question had her blushing.
Tessa didn’t answer.
“May I ask a frank question, Captain? Commander?” Sousuke stopped.
“Y-Yes….” Tessa stiffened her posture.
“Proceed.” Cmdr. Mardukas guessed correctly what the question would be.
“Is it your intention that I be removed from my current mission? Now? Is my closeness to Miss Chidori a problem?” Sousuke knew things would eventually necessitate that question.
Tessa’s face gave the answer, on any number of levels.
“Yes,” Mardukas answered. “We have overlooked the breech in military and professional ethics for long enough as it is. I disagree with Kalinin regarding the need for your emotional growth. I also do not see your talents best utilized as a babysitter. Despite your shortcomings, you are an exceptional soldier. What you need is a refinement of that talent.”
“No one had made any efforts to kidnap Whispered for a while, Sergeant.” Tessa was playing with her hair again. “Mithril can still keep an eye on Miss Chidori, it just doesn’t need to be so close. You really are special Sousuke.” Her voice warbled during that last part.
“I understand. May I speak freely?” Sousuke set his shoulders.
“Yes.” Tessa looked up into his eyes, expecting some form of refusal.
“I believe the two of you are severely underestimating Miss Chidori’s importance. She…” he was interrupted.
“I am certain that the Captain is well aware of the value the Whispered have, Sergeant Sagara. You are well acquainted with the fact that she is Whispered herself. We all know that.” Cmdr. Mardukas’ voice snapped like a flag during a sharp gust.
Sousuke stood quietly for a moment, angered that people thought they knew all the answers, or had his life so carefully and precisely mapped out for him. He took a number of deep breaths.
“There are other things you know, but may not place enough value in.” Sousuke’s voice was strong and stern. At that moment, rank meant nothing to him.
“Sousuke?” Tessa was surprised by the steel in his voice.
“Both of you read my report on Khanka and my introduction to the ARX system. Captain, you are intimately aware of the encounter with A21.” Sousuke looked at Tessa, trying to see if there was any understanding in her eyes.
“You are merely repeating the obvious, Sergeant. What exactly is your point. I assume you DO have a point.” Mardukas brushed off his coat sleeves.
“Miss Chidori,” he began. He stopped, thought, and made a decision. “Kaname was instrumental in both of those battles. True, Captain Testarossa was of pivotal importance against Behemoth, but I would not have succeeded without the help of Kaname. The same is true of this recent dilemma.”
“H-H-How….” Tessa did not like the direction the conversation was headed.
“The medicines worked wonders with my ability to use the Lambda Driver. Without them, this would be a wasteland for years to come.” He waved his arm around him. “But. But, I was a slave to my emotions again. My fear and anxiety would have left me unable to fight effectively. I never would have been able to come up with the solution I did.”
“Are you saying Miss Chidori is responsible for your success, Sergeant? Should we be putting her on a retainer?” Cmdr. Mardukas sounded sarcastic.
“Affirmative. I was in contact with her throughout the confrontation. She was the reason that I was able to hold myself together. Kaname Chidori will never receive the thanks she deserves from millions of people. I question whether she will get the respect she deserves from Mithril.”
That last statement had been lobbed in like a 155mm shell. Sousuke was unconcerned. He wanted to make a point. He did so. Let the fragments fly where they will.
“You…” The Commander rose to his full height. He clenched his hands into fists.
Tessa stood quietly for a moment before speaking softly. “It would be better if you didn’t need to rely on anyone but yourself, Sergeant. If… if you grow too dependent on someone that way….” She coughed. “You could also work on your self reliance while you help with Arbalest.” Her eyes sparkled under an arching street lamp.
“Your point has merit, Captain.” Sousuke nodded his head. Tessa’s hands grabbed hold of her skirt. “However, there is another point.” He paused. A 155mm shell would be a party favor in comparison. “I do not wish to be separated from Kaname.”
“You… do… not… wish….” Mardukas literally sputtered. “A soldier does not have room in his kit for wishes!” His hand made a brisk chopping motion. “I should think this little jaunt had taught you something. The lives of countless people are worth more than the wishes of a teenage boy.”
“Not to me.” Sousuke said. “Not if I have to choose one or the other.” He pulled a handful of leaves off of a nearby hedge, letting them trickle to the ground, watching their spiral paths.
They all stood silently, the rising breeze sending a slight chill across their bodies. Tessa trembled. Cmdr. Mardukas seethed. Sousuke felt at peace.
“Please, Sousuke. Think things over. I know how responsible a person you are.” Tessa had a card to play too. “You can remember how you felt as a child… the kind of life you were forced to lead…. the path you may have ended up following.” She didn’t say ‘You owe your better life to Mithril.’ She didn’t have to. “The work you do… and the further things you can accomplish… it can make a difference in so many other lives like that.”
Cmdr. Mardukas nodded his head.
It was a shrewd blow.
“I….” Sousuke felt a sudden tornado of emotions and conflicting voices within him. Damn her. Just like Achilles, he had had one small chink in his invulnerability.
“Take time to think about it, Sergeant.” Mardukas put on his most authoritarian tone. “You are a soldier. It is what you are suited to do. I am certain you will be able to come to a reasonable decision.”
Sousuke nodded his head. After walking a block back towards the Chidori house in silence, he spoke up. “I would ask that the two of you consider something as well. There is a common story that takes many forms. A goose that can lay golden eggs. In one version of the story, the owner of the goose cuts the goose open, wanting to find all of the gold inside her. The goose turns out to be like any other goose inside and, being dead, could lay no more golden eggs.”
Tessa chewed on her hair. Cmdr. Mardukas stared at Sousuke for a moment, then nodded his head. He then raised his arm and made a specific signal. The limousine pulled over to the curb.
Tessa and the Commander climbed in the back of the car.
“Remember what we spoke about, Sergeant.” Saying that, Mardukas sat back and looked out the window on the other side of the automobile.
Tessa suddenly went through a change in expressions. Her spirit was returning.
“Sousuke, do you think I would look good with implants?” She looked down at her chest, then stared at his face.
“Uh….”
“Bye.” She closed the door. The car pulled away.
The incident didn’t leave him shocked like it normally would have. He was too solemn.
He had thinking to do again.