Chapter Two:
JUPITER AIRFIELD 1300H
“Eagle one is boarding in gate 5, Xeth. We need to hurry.” Jesse fixed her uniform before taking her suitcase with her and charging towards the direction of the gate. “Where were you last night? I was looking for you in the party. You weren’t in your room too.”
Xeth grinned at the puzzled comrade. "Hey! I was looking around the ship… You know, in case I miss it. We stayed here for more than 6 months after all…” She followed behind her friend.
“You’re right… My gosh! And in those months, we never got to have a boyfriend! Oh my! Rica will be laughing at us when we get back!” Jesse shook her head in worry. “Hey…we still have the plane ride…” She wiggled her eyebrows at her friend and superior officer. “What do you say we check out the cabin attendants, huh? I bet some of them are hot enough for us, mobile suit pilots…”
Xeth chuckled at the suggestion. “I’m sorry. But I’d rather date a pilot…or someone who knows how to fly, that is…” She joined in.
“So you want the pilot, eh?” Jesse gave off a mischievous look.
“Hey! That was a joke!” Xeth replied laughing.
“Jokes are half-meant… Besides, you should look around more often!” Jesse said, exasperated. “I mean, you never get to appreciate guys, you know… Get your heart caught once in a while will you?”
Xeth stopped laughing at that. I already did… And it did me no good… They both entered the gate and waited for their seat number to be called out.
“Hey, is something wrong?” Jesse looks at her friend. She smiled. “You’re tired, huh? I know how hard you worked since the beginning of the training. In fact, I think Commander Joule was impressed.”
Xeth smiled ruefully and remembered something. You’ve already showed him you love him and he didn’t want any of you! Wake up! Stop living around him! She faced Jesse with a large smile. “Of course! Hey! You also showed him, huh?!”
Jesse laughed. “Yeah… He is really what Chairman Zala said… Arrogant to the core! Ahahaha!” As their seat numbers were called, they both walked towards the gate and into the plane. “Once we arrived in Orb, it will be home sweet home!”
“You must be Miss Andrew…” Xeth gave off a knowing smile at her friend.
“OW! You keep that up and I’ll really get angry…” Jesse pouted. “Don’t bring his name up yet… I’m still going to flirt with the cabin attendants remember?” She winked as they seated themselves.
“Isn’t that cheating?” Xeth asked.
“No, no and NO!” Jesse shook her index finger in front of Xeth. “It’s what you call scooping.”
“Scooping?” Xeth gave off a confused look as she took a newspaper in the back pocket of the seat in front of her.
“Scooping is checking out and nothing more. It is definitely different from cheating.” Jesse explained a matter-of-factly. “It’s just like looking at a menu or a brochure… Besides, Andrew does that too. It’s not fair. So...there. I’m not guilty at all. You don’t have to worry. Most couples do that. It actually makes you aware of your competition…therefore, healthy in a relationship.” She added.
Xeth was listening but looking outside the window where she can see the ship they lived for 6 months, the Sovereign. Does Yzak scoop? She immediately shook the thought off and concentrated on the paper in hand.
“Aren’t you excited to be meeting with your cousin once more?” Jesse asked.
“Cagalli is busy. You know how she is…” Xeth answered smiling. “Even Athrun carries a copy of her schedule with him…or else he’ll be obliged to make an appointment.”
“They’re funny, huh?” Jesse’s brows furrowed. “But I do admire them for keeping their relationship intact. Most people connected to politics usually stay away from relationships.”
“They’re both strong… So it’s not a problem for them.” Xeth explains. “Anyway, what about your Andrew? Don’t you think you must be proud of him? He’s the ambassador of Athrun. He’s risking a lot having a relationship with you and here you are…scooping.” Xeth giggled.
Jesse frowned. “Hey… That’s not fair at all…”
ORB, ATTHA MANSION 2000H
Xeth entered to be greeted by Andrew Flagone. “Andrew.” She reached out to shake the man’s hand. “Have you seen Jesse yet?”
“Not yet, Xeth.” Andrew answered weakly.
Xeth immediately sensed trouble. “What’s the matter? Is something wrong?”
Andrew sighed. “I’m sorry, Xeth. I can’t tell you for now. But be assured that I will when the decision is final… You will be the first one to know.” He straightened and walked out of the house.
Xeth continued towards the main hall where she saw Athrun Zala, her soon to be cousin-in-law with Mu Laflaga, the now retired commander acting as adviser for the OIT. She immediately saluted. “Xeth Cobalt reporting, sir.”
“Don’t be too formal, Xeth!” Mu laughed. “Come sit with us… How’s space?”
Xeth smiled. She likes Mu a lot. He’s the only one who seems to feel happy everyday. “Pretty good.”
“Ah, Xeth… Yzak told me you’re very good and scored the highest in the training program.” Athrun grinned. “You showed them, eh?”
Xeth nodded in reply. It’s nice to be back where she could hear compliments and feel accepted once more. “It was as you’ve said, Athrun. Yza - I mean, Commander Joule is a good tactical officer. I’ve learned a lot.” She scolded herself for nearly calling the commander casually.
“Jesse was praised too. I can’t believe you two topped the program.” Mu smiled widely as he stood up from his seat. “You should be tired…”
Xeth immediately posed the question. “What’s happening?”
“Huh?” Athrun asked innocently.
“Don’t play with me, you two… I know something’s happening…” Xeth glared at them.
Athrun sighed. Just like her cousin… He thought remembering his fiancé. “We are not sure yet, Xeth.”
“Well…just tell me then.” Xeth answered. “I won’t jump into conclusions…”
FLAGONE RESIDENCE 2200H
“WHAT?!” Jesse shouted. “That’s impossible!”
“I told you to be quiet, Jesse.” Andrew covered his fiancés mouth as he saw some housemaids look their way. “This is not proven yet. But I’m sure we’ll have answers tomorrow.”
“How can that be?” Jesse looked at the tall man in front of her. “ZAFT can’t possibly be responsible for it…”
“We can’t do anything, Jesse. The Emirs were shocked at the news. Even if the ZAFT denies the theft, it was recorded. ZAFT forces took several GUNDAMs from Morganrate 7 days ago.” He paused. “We all know it’s hard to believe since ZAFT has already sworn peace and even placed an embassy here under the management of Athrun… But, it can’t be helped.” He explained further. “You know how touchy these topics can get. So please…don’t tell anyone yet. I’m sure Xeth knows about it now. You know her…” He held the young woman in his arms.
One week later…
SOVEREIGN
“Commander?” A soldier asked him. But Yzak continued to stare into nothingness. He does hear the voice of course…but he’d rather not confuse his mind for now. His brains chose something else that what’s happening in the present. There have been a lot of distractions but one keeps on appearing almost everyday. Xeth Cobalt. “Leave me. Tell everyone I’ll answer their questions tomorrow.”
“Of course, commander…” The soldier answered reluctantly.
As soon as the soldier got out of his room, he took his phone and view several pictures. They are pictures taken when Xeth was still on board. He has taken pictures of her without her knowledge. He smiled when he saw a picture of her pointing out something from afar. They were visiting the PLANTS that time. It was so…peaceful… He was disturbed by a knock on the door. “Who is it?! Didn’t I tell you to not disturb – “
“What’s the matter with you, Yzal?!” A tall blonde man with the same rank as his entered the room.
“Dearka?” Yzak stood up immediately as he closed his phone and placed it on his desk. “Why are you here?!”
“Why AM I HERE?! Orb is about to declare war and you’re here sitting in your office…having a nice time?!” Dearka shouted. “Have you gone mad?!”
“WHAT!?” Yzak stood frozen. “When did this happen?!” He immediately buttoned his loosened jacket and went for the door. ‘Walk with me to the bridge, Dearka.”
“ZAFT soldiers were caught stealing several mobile suits from Morganrate last week. We denied this of course…but they have hard evidence, Yzak.” Dearka explained. “If this goes on, we’ll be having another war…and this time, it won’t be pretty, believe me... I have seen those new prototypes, Yzak. We better put a stop to this.”
When they arrived in the bridge, Yzak ordered, “Connect us to the Orb Infiltration Unit immediately!”
Orb Infiltration Unit 1400H
“Commander Raize, there is a message from the ZAFT ship, Sovereign. Shall I put it on screen?” A soldier informed.
“Who is it from?” Eric looked at the soldier.
“Commander Yzak Joule, sir.”
Eric Raize faced the large monitor and nodded.
“Commander Raize… I am contacting you now since there has been no order prohibiting this yet. Can I speak with Chairman Zala?” Yzak asked.
“Chairman Zala is not present. I am the only commanding officer in charge of the bridge and an officer from the mobile suit OIT unit.” Eric answered. “What do you want, Commander Joule?”
“I do not see why I should explain. How dare you blame us of stealing your mobile suits?!” Yzak lost control of his rage. He could hear Dearka’s warning from behind him. “We have accepted your request to train soldiers and to give them special coordination skills and this happens? Just what are you Naturals playing on?”
Xeth entered the bridge and immediately saw Commander Raize speaking with Commander Joule.
Eric took notice of the new comer. He turned and motioned for her to come close. “We are not playing anything, Commander Joule.”
At the mention of the name, Xeth looked at the monitor to see a very enraged Yzak.
Yzak was surprised to see Xeth’s face on the monitor. He immediately lost the fury. He stared at the screen for several seconds until he saw Commander Raize looking at him. He clenched his fists.
“Major Xeth is one of the delegates we sent to you to train. I believe you know each other?” Commander Raize asked. “Her team found the theft. She’s in charge of the Guard Units placed in Morganrate. As you can see, Major Xeth’s men can’t be wrong. You have seen her skills.”
Yzak gritted his teeth. Of course, you bastard! It’s her team? He looks worriedly at Xeth and then back at Raize. “It doesn’t mean that if the Major is a good soldier, her subordinate are the same… Besides, no one is perfect. Have you checked the data again? There might be something amiss.” He saw the hurt in Xeth’s eyes but he didn’t flinch. “I expect to talk with Chairman Zala the next time. I will not talk with anyone else. Please inform him of this.” Yzak cut off the communication.
“Bastard!” Eric shouted. He turned to the woman beside her. “Is he that arrogant up close?”
Xeth is still at boiling point at how Yzak insulted her tactics. “What you see is what you get… That’s what they say… But in Commander Joule’s case, it more than what you see…sir.” She snorted in disgust.
Eric laughed and places a hand on the woman shoulder. “Come on; let me treat you to lunch. This might be the last lunch outside since the war is about to begin…”
“Who say’s a war is about to begin, sir?” Xeth looked curiously at the commander.
Eric laughed even louder. “Major…don’t tell me you’re blind? Everything is in chaos right now… Even the ZAFT forces are in chaos… They are beginning to point fingers. It won’t be long until the government declares war…” He paused and looked at Xeth carefully. “Or are you unaware that except for the Tempo and Pulse, the three GUNDAMS; Rage, Venom and Storm were some of the mobile suits stolen?”
They both entered the nearby restraurant. Xeth feeling a bit embarrassed that she is going out with the commander looks about for people she know. And of all the people to be there…
“Xeth!”
She turned to see who it is and was surprised to see Mu Laflaga grinning. I know that smile…oh noh… “Mu… I never thought I’d find you here…” She laughed nervously.
“Former Commander La Flaga…” Eric reached out to shake hands with the older man. “It’s nice to see you here, sir.”
“Commander Raine…well, well… Xeth never cease to amaze me…” Mu winked at the young girl. “Well…I have to leave the both of you…as I see that I am intruding…” He passed by Xeth and whispered, “Nice catch…” He winked and left.
Xeth reddened. Commander Eric Raine never did make his intentions clear to her. She noticed his actions changed a year ago. Eric seems to be nicer and more consid
erate than when she was just a junior officer.
“So you know Commander LaFlaga…” Eric smiled as he offered a seat for Xeth. “Here…”
Xeth nodded as she seated herself. “A family friend…”
“I see. He must be a very good friend of Mr. Yamato?” Eric asked as he browsed through the menu.
“Yes.” Xeth answered. She looks about to make sure no ones around. It’s not that she’s embarrassed or anything…it’s just that she doesn’t really feel comfortable with a superior officer as a date. Yzak was different… She thought to herself. She leisurely stared at the glass of water in front of her.
“Hey…is there something wrong? You seem to be a little off since you got back from space.” Eric cocked his head to the sides as he asked the question. They have finished ordering.
Xeth blinked at the question. What? He’s observing me now? She looks closely at the commander. He isn’t bad looking… I mean, a lot of girls go for him… Not a lot… A girl must be stupid to turn him down! She shook her head. “Jetlag or something, I guess…”
Eric smiled as he looks at the girl. ”You heard what Commander Joule said, right? I’m sorry about that…but the team you trained are the ones who saw the incident. I know it’s unbelievable. But who are you going to trust? Your team or the ZAFT soldiers?” He paused as he sipped his wine. “It’s good that they weren’t able to take the Pulse and the Tempo with them. It will be the send of us if they took your machine.”
Xeth nods. She knows that the most important and lethal weapon Morganrate created is the Pulse – her machine. It has the same fire power as of the Aegis GUNDAM that the legendary Athrun Zala used to maneuver. But its special ability is that it could terminate nuclear power for about a mile rendering any GUNDAM present, immobile.
“Mark my words, Xeth. War will be upon us in no time…” Eric added as their orders arrived.
To be continued. . .
