DOMINION CONFLICT ONE. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SECOND EPISODE: "Turning point". By CAPRICORN. Disclaimer: Characters and backgrounds( with some exceptions) are personal property of Shiroo Masamune Sensei and are legally owned by Seishinsa. They are used without permission, but with the most deeepest respect. Do not sue the writer! It would be useless. Instead pass the script to the genius who is behind the original creation of it in the hope he might actually enjoy it. Have fun! Communications:Praises ,love, money, comments, cute sisters and/or flames are to be sent to fabcasu@tin.it Warning!:There could be problems that rises while writing this fiction too difficult to explain without stopping the plot; for this reason a set of technicals explanation is given at the end of the text. If you find a number into the fiction just check for the note. Overall advise:This text contains explicit sexual situations and (mild) violence scenes; if you do not like or approuve or are not entitled to read it please do not! Just erase this text; if you'll go on have fun, but do not say we did not warn you! Thanks for sustain and help to Greg, Matt, Julian and Efreet; Thanx ladz! Additional editing Greg. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- She thought . Anna turned in her bed and looked at her side, watching the immobile silouette of her sister's back. She could not sleep at all and kept on thinking of Alessandro. She had met him again for the first time in five years that night; he was sleeping in his car, as commander Ozaki ordered him to step out he had thrown up on her and then fainted. She grinned remembering the expression of Leona as she saw herself covered with the remanants of a good beer fest, dripping down from her kevlar vest. She had screamed in absolute fury and had him arrested for insulting a public officer during the accomplishement of his duty. Later she had calmed down and had called his friend on the phone so that she could come and retrieve him. Uni remembered Tamiko's number because she had had looked at Alessandro's telephone list and remembered that she was a good friend of his; or something like that. They had fled him and did not dare to meet him at all. Why? Difficult to say, or at least Anna had no clue; Uni was stubborn and didn't let her come near him a inch. Anna trusted her sister, so she did not talk to him nor let him notice her presence. But she was not happy at all and the thought she let him go like that, that night did not leave her, nor permitted her to sleep at all. She looked at her sister, peacefully abandoned in Morpheus's embrace, and tried to figure out why. < Uni...> As if a command word was spoken Uni sighed deeply and turned around; two ruby red eyes inquired Anna from the darkness, tired but mostly concerned and full of sorrow. -Can't sleep sis? Anna shook her head- Did I wake you up? -I can almost hear the tinkering of your brain in your head.- She remarked flatly, then smiled- A cred for your thoughts? -Stingy, aren't you?- She pointed, chuckling sadly -You think your thought's are that expensive?.- She sighed and lifted her cover- Come here. Anna got up and left her bed only to enter Uni's, she cuddled against her giving her her back; Uni tossed the cover over both, embracing her sister from behind. They wore the same; a bright orange body, that left not much to immagination at all, in all they where the closest thing to a naked woman you could think of. Anna enjoyed the feeling of her sister's body against her and caressed slowly the arm that embraced her. Uni gave her a quick kiss on the left ear and asked again. -You're thinking of him, right? She nodded. -It's over, stop it. We can not go back.- She tightened the embrace- We made that choice five years ago. -It was not the right one.- Anna snapped, then slowed down- Maybe. -It was. You saw right.- She lifted her hand and stroke her mass of hair- We could not afford to stay a second more there. -You should have seen him. -I saw him. -I mean as he stepped out of the car.- Anna gritted her teeth as she remembered- He was the worst battered human being I ever saw in my entire life. -Are you sure we are the reason?- Uni inquired flatly. Anna was silent for a long moment; Uni went on- It's a long time for a man to be alone. I'm sure he has made something from his life, maybe he is married, maybe he has children. Anna started to shake slowly, Uni knew that she hurt her, but she could not let go of her grip, she hardened her heart and went on. -It's not like he purchased us or something, we were not his choice, we just dropped at his place, waving a machine gun at him and led him into deep shit. -He was remarkable, sure, he helped us, sheltered us and gave us cover. I'm grateful to him for each second we spent together. But we were messing with his life. She stroked Anna's hair again and felt the shaking of her body, she felt her hand balling into fists, as she tried to control the pain, knowing each word was right. -I don't know what he's on now or what his life is. I just know that we were driving him on the way to make a choice: us or his mother. You read the letter. Didn't you? Uni reached with the hand on her sister face and catched a lonely tear that was falling from her left eye. -Don't worry, you've made the right choice. No buts. Anna broke down and started to cry. Uni sighed and craddled her like a baby, knowing how it had always been hard for her to accept the fact that she had made that decision. -I'm sorry...- Anna sobbed. -Shhhhh- Uni hushed her gently, still rocking her tenderly. -I'm... getting... soft.- She stuttered trying to calm down. Uni knew that it was not the truth. Anna always was the hardest between the two. For sure or she would not have had the guts to make that decision that night. -It comes as you get older, sis.- Uni smiled Anna giggled and calmed down- I love you. -I do too.- She nodded- Now try to sleep, we have to start our turn in a few hours, and you'll have to paint Ozaki's tank for tonight. -Shall I go back to my bed? -No, I always wanted a meter eighty kitten plush doll to sleep with. Anna giggled and patted on her sister arm kissing it lightly, then remembered something. -Will you lend me a hand?- She asked half turning around and gaving her a glance. -Forget it, I've got to write your report and have a whole pack of little other shitty things to end. -Aw, come on! It will be fun!- Anna prayed feverently. -Exactly which part of "NO" did you not understand?- She replied. -Umphh- Anna cuddled closer pouting- you're half the fun Ozaki is, and she's not fun at all, just for the record. -I said no! And that pretty much settles it!- Uni pointed out. Silence. -Did I mention she did not tell me anything about the color? -When do we start?- Uni snapped her eyes open and smiled evily. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The doorbell rung and he woke up suddenly. he regreted it at once as a wave of pain invaded his head like a black ocean in a bath tub. He moaned loudly and put his face back on the the bed, laying still and trying to recover. A second passed. The door rung again, a little longer this time. He tried to move his arms but succeded only in moving the left, the right was under his belly, hard as stone and totally anaesthetised. he thought, but kept on trying to rise, ignoring the deaf pain from his arm as blood started to flow into it again. He scratched his head and went for the door. The bell rung a third time. -I'm coming! I'm coming!- He shouted running for the knob. As he opened the door he saw a person standing in front of it. He needed a pair of seconds to understand who this person was; He looked at its face for a long moment, examinating closer he realized that the person was actually a woman, about twenty five, twenty eight years old. Short, but well built, dark long straight hairs framed an obviously japanese face. Little golden glasses stood on a tiny nose, that seemed almost sculpted on her smooth skin. In all a very attractive person; Alessandro wondered if it was the first time he actually noticed it in almost six years. He rubbed his face and looked at her again, trying to smile but only grinning in a very disconcerting way. -De Rossi- kun are you alright?- She asked without a particular intonation, like she was asking what time it was. -Perfikly.- He fumbled- Uh, am I late for work? -It's sunday.- She remarked, a hint of a smile on her face.- I'm here to bring you to the police station, since your car is there. Alessandro arched his eyebrows and asked puzzled< Police station? My car?,____________________________________________ Then he realized, in the same time as the pain came back into his head hitting like a hockey stick on ice- Ah! Yes, you're right. Hmmmm...- He winced then turned around and went for the bath room- Just a moment... -May I come in? - She asked a little irritated.-Or should I wait on the door? He froze on place and rose his eyes to the ceiling, then swore in italian and came back, blushing slightly- Sorry Tamiko -kun, I'm almost dead today, accept my excuses and enter my undign home.- He smiled at her and gestured to enter, bowing. She smiled and entered leaving her shoes on the entrance, then waited as he retrieved for her a pair of slippers from a low furniture on the left side on the entrance. He opted for european style for his flat, so he did not use slippers as he entered. Leaving them in the bedroom. Besides, he did not get that much visits at all. She went for the kitchen and sat down on the chair he offered to her. He pointed at the stove as to ask if she was hungry. She shook her head- I already had breakfast, thank you. -Well, I'm going to shave and wash, can you wait for me? -Sure thing, may I use the phone? -Do as if you were at home.- he smiled and went for the bath. -Which one? Mine or yours?- She teased. -Yours, surely, I bet you have a better taste for furnitures.- He did not even turn around. She laughed, but as he entered the bath and turned the door she looked sadly and sighed deeply, shaking her head. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -Do what? Are you nuts?! Asada was really upset now; she looked sternly at Uni and waited for an answer. Uni bit her lip and tried to start a new strategy. She looked at Asada and examined her closely.She was one of the member of Anna's squad, former gunner of the T-33, about twenty years old, with long blond hair, held in a pony tail. She had to be half japanese and half something other, her hairs were natural blond and Uni had noted that even her pubic hair was blond when they had shower together at the end of the turn. Her body was well shaped, even if the kevlar vest of her uniform hid it very well. Her face was really common, but her eyes had a sweet and tender light in them, it seemed like she was a puppy, lost and away from home. Right now, the puppy wore an expression that would have matched the one of a Rotweiler. -Listen Asada, I know it's not that simple, but I need it badly. -I'm not against it, but I want to know why I have to do it.- She glared at her- I guess it's not too much to ask? No? -Well, it's kinda long story... -I've got time. -No you don't, your turn starts in fifteen minutes... -Then make a summary of it! Uni sighed; she hated when Asada got so stubborn. Normally she was kind and gentle, but being always held as the dummy in the room had made her a little suspicious. Normally she and Uni were in good relations, and the cat girl was really interested in keeping the thing right as they were. -I would gladly explain, but it's too difficult... -Sorry then. I wont do it.-she turned her spinning chair and looked at her desk. -I thought we were friends!- Uni whined. -Behave as a friend then!- she turned and looked at her- No secrets. You want me to do it? Tell me why! Uni sighed, then gave up- Okay, let's say that five years ago we lived with him, let's say we left without much explanation, let's even say there was a good reason before and there is a very good one right now and let's say that it's better Anna I or do not meet him at all.- She glared at Asada.- Is that enough for you? She blinked- You lived with him? -It's not what you think.-Uni snapped. -Was he not a boyfriend? Uni was caught by surprise, then realized her friend did not know much of her life- Oh, you meant that. Yess... You could say it was something like that.- she shuffled her feet a litle embarassed. Silence fell. Anna glanced at her.- Well?- She dared. She sighed and looked at the ceiling, then nodded.- Okay I'll do it.AAAh, how the heck did you make it?.- Then turned her chair and looked at her desk. -Yahh! Thank you so much!- Uni jumped in joy and embraced her from behind. -HEY!- Asada yelled caught by surprise. -Sorry, sorry.- Uni stepped back,waving her hands, understanding she had overdone it. -You'll never change, will you?- She glared at her from behind her shoulder. -Thank you again, I'm counting on you, see you later! Uni turned around and started to walk. Asada called behind her. -By the way. Who was the lucky one? You or your sister? -Both!- Uni did not even turn nor stop. Asada blushed strongly. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -Here, I'm done. - He came out from the bath- Sorry it took me so long. He was shaved and was generally most acceptable to look at, even if he felt not that much better at all. He did not see her at the table in his kitchen and blinked surprised, then he caught a movement at his left side down with the corner of his eyes and noticed she had moved on his couch and was busy reading a magazine. He looked at her and noticed that her skirt was not so long after all, in fact he had a pretty good cut to her legs and found them a really good sight. He was so busy looking at them, he totally forgot to say anything. Tamiko suddenly noticed his presence and was stunned to find out he was actually peeping at her legs. She blushed and covered them rising from the couch. He snapped back to reality and flushed too, looking at her. -Err... It'ss... I mean, is it the november issue?- He stuttered too embarassed to think of anything better. She nodded. -I guess you were looking the notes about the immunitary system, right?- He smiled sheepishly- It's a pretty... I mean a good article. -Yes, yes. Sure. Very good.- She nodded. -I thought it was definetly something I should think of, a friend of mine is busy studing it and she continually... -She?- Tamiko arched a eyebrow. -Yes, she's a foreign student that... -Oh.- Tamiko cut down the conversation and put the magazine on the sofa. She looked at him- Shall we go? He stopped and looked at her.-Did I drink yesterday?- He asked calmly. -Awfully. -Were you there? -No I... -Did I offend you? -As I said... -Did I try to take advantage of you, as I was drunk? -De Rossi -kun!- She shouted, embarassed. He stopped again and nodded.-Very well. Now tell me. What's going on? She looked at him and thought of something to say but she couldn't think of anything that could match the truth in any way. She smiled sadly and sat down back on the couch. - The problem is not something that happened to me. -Are you concerned about the fact I drank last night?- He was really embarassed now, Tamiko was a good friend and he wanted not to give her any problem.- I'm flattered, but if I gave... -De rossi -kun; What happened to you? He blinked- Uh? She took a deep breath and nodded- Your professional capacities are dropping steadyly. You are not accurate, serious, nor interested in your job.- she rose her look and met his eyes, they were cold as ice, but Alessandro noticed a little light in the back of it. Something.- What happened to you? Alessandro widened his arms in disbelief.- Well, what's that? The company sent you to me?- He started to feel bitter. She shook her head- It's not that. I'm telling you this privately and as a friend.She lowered her gaze and kneaded her hands together.- You know I always respected your work and your person. She stood up glancing at him- It's something more than professional here, I always thought of you as a friend and thought you did the same. -That's why I'm here now. We are losing control of our line of products, I seriously fear they won't give us any more class four type 1 and send us back to the lower classes. Alessandro opened his mouth in absolute confusion, he felt his throat dry and started to sweat.-No, they will not. -I'm not so sure of it, if they notice what I noticed, well, you know the procedure. There'll be a short time before, but it will come in the end.- She hardened her look.-I hate to point it out, but you're not messing only with your carreer. -So everything comes to this? You're doing it on purely humanitary purposes?- he stabbed sarcastically, grinning evily. She flushed and answered coldly.- Is that what you think? He sighed and hid his mouth in his hands, not leaving her eyes a second. He then shook his head- Not a single second.- He put a hand on her left shoulder; a very intimate act that did not put her at ease at all. He kept on forgetting that he wasn't in Italy anymore.-Now calm down and tell me. What's on? She reached for her sack and took an envelope from it; it was marked with the symbol of the company.- I received this today. He took it and looked at it, he shot a glance at her as he noticed that her name, not his was on the envelope; there was the intestation of his working group on it though. He ripped the not already opened envelope and gave a look at his content; after he read the letter, he looked at her. She spoke- Why would the company send the letter to me, the assistent and not to you, the chief? He sighed and gave her the letter.- Read.- he ordered. She widened her eyes and took the letter back, then started reading it; Alessandro waited patiently, and noticed her face blush more and more as she went on. As she was at the end she looked at him red as a clown nose and with the most embarassed expression he ever had seen on a face. He could not help but smile. -You... You're going on a holiday?- She stuttered. -Yep! From tomorrow morning 9:00 AM you're in charge of the sixth section of Takada robotic division, until I return in fifteen days. -I... I... do not... -I know, I know.- He nodded, then laughed loudly- Come on Tamiko- kun I'm not angry with you. -I feel real stupid right now.- She was on the verge of crying. -Stop it, you acted as a friend and did the best thing- He took the letter from her hand and left it on the little table at the side of the sofa,right near the phone.- I'm glad you did it and I'm sure that you had a ground to do it that had nothing to do with your carreer. She nodded and smiled sheepishly. He bowed deeply- Thank you. I'm in your debt . She bowed back and smiled not knowing what to do. He clapped his hands, then rubbed them together.- Very well, shall we go? -Yes. - She said quietly retrieving her sack and going for the door. Alessandro got his mac from his room and joined her. -Tamiko- kun, just for the chronicle. Why did they call you? I mean the police? -Oh? Well they said they found your phone list on you and that my number was there. -That's right. But why did they call you? -No clues, maybe you draw a heart or something at its side.- she smiled as she exited the room. -Stop it Tamiko- kun!- he flushed and closed the door behind them. -Sorry.- she giggled- Anyway, that blond officer called me and she said I could bring you back home and th... -She? -I should have said it. It was an android- She arched her eyebrows as she walked down the corridor- Comes to think of it;I did not know you could use a pleasure model as a police officer. I don't think they are properly programmed. -A pleasure model?- Alessandro asked absent-minded.- How did you come to that conclusion? -Well it's the Animorphe model of Sakura- Kiory.- She touched her hair.- You know the one with the cat ears. Alessandro tried hard not to faint. -Hold on a second. I forgot something.-he said dryly leaping back to his door. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -Are you the officer in charge? Asada turned her chair and looked at the one who just spoke to her. She was really impressed. He was tall, a european from the light musical accent in his voice; his hair was cut very short, making a fuzzy appereance on his skull. His eyes burned fiercely at her. He was dressed with a blac mac and the only remarkable features in his dressing were a a pair of dark trousers. Asada noticed something funny, he had a plush doll of a lion under his right arm and in all seemed very excited. Was this hunk Uni's boyfriend? -Yes, Officer Asada. That's me. How can I help? -Well in many ways. Er... Actually I was brought here yesterday night and my car was confiscated. They told me I could have it back today.- he acted a bit embarassed now. Asada smiled; she liked the sound of his voice. She pouted mentally, how come she never caught someone like that? She turned to her desk and looked at her notes for the day; searching through the papers she found the one that interested her. -A black Toyota Kaiman? Is that right? -Yes. -May I have your driving licence sir?- She asked and opened her right hand, not looking at him directly. He searched for his wallet but did not find it into his inner mac pocket. He then remembered he had put it in his back pocket of the trousers. He put the plush on the empty desk at his left side and opened his mac retrieving the wallet. He got his licence and handed it to Asada. She brushed against his fingers as she retrieved it and smiled faintly. He looked at the doll and started to think about it. Why would Anna work here? It was ridicolous thinking that the infamous Puma sister felt for the right side of the law. It was true that he had lost track of them about a year after their departure and never heard anything more about them, but let's face it: Cops? He would never believe it even if God himself had told it to him. Then why?. Maybe he had thought that if there was an android, Sakura- Kiory model, that could be used as police officer that was one of the Puma sister. If you spoke of fighting and shooting, sure; he was not so sure about the part that spoke "to protect and serve"... -Sir? He snapped back to reality- Yes? -He turned to Asada. -I said your car is parked on the rear of this building, parking 14.- She gave him a ticket- Here, give that to the officer in charge. He got the ticket and smiled.- Thank you. -My pleasure.- She smiled warmly, then started to turn her chair- Have a nice day. -No, wait a second. Asada stopped and blinked- Yes? -Ah... Well... It's kind difficult to explain.- He scratched the back of his head- Where is the officer that spoke with Takigawa- san yesterday? -Takigawa- san? Takigawa Tamiko? It was me.- She answered with a perplex face- Why? He blinked, then shook his head.- No you cannot be; she told me she was a blond android with cat-like ears. -I'm blond sir.- She pointed out flatly.- Just in case you did not notice it and for what concerns the ears... She opened a drawer of the desk and retrieved a hair ring that had a pair of cat ears on it. It was something really common, if you go to a carnival or a party. She put it on.- Satisfied?- She blushed smiling sheepishly. He was speechless. She broke the silence.- Do not think I use it often, I just lost a bet with a collegue and had to use it for the whole day. I'm sorry if it did cause some inconvenience. He sighed and bowed.-I'm sorry you had to put it on again. Thank you. -As I said my pleasure.- Asada was blushing so deep that she seemed violet . Alessandro raised his head, turned around and left the office without a single word. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Anna put the brush into the color and then rinsed it lightly on the side of the pot. She proceeded then with broad regular strokes, applying the coat of paint on the side of Bonaparte. She stopped, backed from it a second and examined her work, paying attention to the overall look. She closed one eye and tried to figure out how it would have been in the end, then smiled nodded and went back to work. -Did you finish your side, sis?- She asked to Uni. Uni's head popped up from the other side of the tank, all covered with paint, brandishing her brush with the gentleness of a knight armed with a mace. The paint spilling on her hand and wrist- Almost. -Hey!- Anna protested pointing at her- Don't mess with my side, you're spilling your paint on it! Uni looked at her brush, then swore, as she noticed the paint on her wrist- Sorry! I'm back to my side. She disappeared behind the tank and started to hum a song that she heard some time ago. She did not remember the title, but she liked the melody. -Uni? -Yes?- She asked lightly brushing a corner of the side armour, her tongue out in a supreme display of precision. -Asada is... I mean, are you sure he will come? -If he does not plan to leave his car in our parking lot and doing a lot of running in the future, yes, I think he will. A long silence fell. Uni knew very well why, but could not do anything at all, it was hard even for her. Even if she would not admit it in front of her sister, she missed him too, and the idea that he was there, a few meters away from them and she could not even look at him was driving her into a very bad mood. Suddenly the air was filled with the sound of the intercom. -OFFICERS PUMA ANNA AND PUMA UNI; REPORT IMMEDIATLY TO COMMANDER OZAKI, I REPEAT, IMMEDIATLY. Anna glanced at herself and saw she was covered with paint; she saw Uni emerging from her side and looking even worse. She grimaced and went for the internal com unit, on the wall, near the exit of the hangar in which they were. She got the receiver and spoke in it.- Asada? Anna here, please tell Ozaki we were painting her tank and we will stop there after we have a shower.It will take no time. Anna put the receiver back and looked at her grinning sister- Unless you're not planning some kinky play.- She noted sternly Uni smiled innocently, widened her ruby eyes and brought her little fist to her mouth- Oh, would I? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Alessandro drived his car without paying too much attention to where he was. He did not care at all, as a matter of fact, downtown, city, industrial zone. To hell. It was all the same shit. He hated what he saw, he hated what he felt, he hated what he was. What... Half god, half father... Like shit; a lonely egomaniac and it pretty settled it. How many years did he live here eight, nine? How many friends if he did not count Tamiko? Zero. He realized he knew very little of the streets, of the places, of everything of Newport city. He was work, home, occasionally sport center or bar sometimes a night club. Nine years of loneliness, five of awakening at the sound of a radio alarm clock in a cold and empty bed. What else? Ah, yes, he took the only person that actually cared about him on this earth and threw her heart in the mud, soiling it with his egoism. He was alone and felt like he did not even have himself to care about. Did he actually? Yes, maybe at least that remained; He thought it as a sin to waste God's given life with a extreme act of pure egocentrism. He did not know why he did what he had done in the police station. Someone could have found the doll and what was in it. He did not care. If someone other had found it, then he had nothing to lose, if they really had found it, then they could make their decision. In each case that story changed at that time. He slammed his foot on the gas and the car jumped forward. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Leona was busy reading some report she had under the eyes, as she heard a voice calling her from the front of the desk. -Hi there, here we are! She rose her eyes and looked at the Puma twins, cladded with the dark blue uniforms of her unit, with their kevlar vest on. Man, each time she saw that she felt like trowing up, but her job was not always easy and after all there could be something worst. She considered what could actually be worst, but her brain did not react. She let the problem fall. -I would gladly expect you to start to behave like a policemen, see that you use your uniforms!-She hissed sternly- I happen to be your superior. -Woops! Sorry! Here we are commander!- Uni saluted smiling widely, liking the feeling that gave her teasing Leona. Commander Ozaki gritted her teeths- I just have finished the report for yesterday night; I would like to know if there is something you would like changed.- She looked at Anna who stood silent and without any trace of expression on her face- Well? -Did you write what happened? -Sure. -Everything? -Yes. -Well, in that case I have no changes to make. Leona looked at her, then at her sister who kept on smiling at her side- May I ask why I found Asada at your desk, doing your job, during your turn? Uni's smile disappeared from her face, she shuffled her feet and stuttered. -Well... I... As a matter of fact... -She helped me painting the tank. -Yes! That's it!- Uni nodded enthusiastically. Leona sighed and let the silence fall on the trio. Then after a second spoke again. -Okay, let's cut the bullshit. I don't know what this person, this Alessandro Nicola De Rossi means to you two, I do not give a damn.- Her voice increased the volume steadyly- I'm not interested in the private life of you two, if we admit you could have one, nor of the one of any of the member of the squad! She was near to yelling, but controlled her voice, due to the fact that the room was full of people and she did not want to show the problems of her squad to everyone. That was the problem of that station. No privacy. She rose from her seat and slammed a hand on the desk-So if I ever have another problem like that, if ever someone you two know gives me problems on the street - She glared at Anna- Or in the HQ- Her glare moved to Uni- It will be three months of suspension! Was I cleaaar?! 2 Anna was on the point of answering but Leona cut short- Oh, in case you were wondering, while you ditched, you'll get no pay. Uni clamped her sisters mouth shut, and both looked at Leona with widened eyes, filled with terror. -No pay?- Uni muttered. -Not a cred.- She smiled shaking her head and smiling evily- Do I have your attention now? They both nodded and Uni let her sister's mouth go; then they both stood there sweating slightly. Leona slowed down and sat on her chair again. She let the silence fill scientifically the room again for a second and could almost hear them gulp down. She liked greedy people. You always knew how to get to them. -I will consider this incident closed, no note on the report will be made. You're both dismissed. Anna and Uni relaxed and turned around, heading for the hangar. -Anna?- Leona called her back. She turned and stiffened at once- Yes, commander? -There are two seats in my tank, one for the driver and one for me.- She looked like she would incinerate her- Bring your private problems with you in it another time and I'll kick you sorry butt out of it faster than light speed. Got it? -Five over five, commander- Anna nodded; understanding it was no joke at all. She joined her sister and they both went to the locker room. -Phew. Is she always like that? -You have to try her in a tank.- Anna said, simply nodding. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was late in the evening, as Asada entered the room and went for her locker. She realized there was a strange sound that filled the room. As she turned and looked around she saw that someone sleeped on a bench and beside it. She neared the snoring figures and realized that Anna and Uni had fallen asleep as they changed after the shower. Painting Bonaparte had been exausting for them. 3 Asada gently shook Anna and she opened an eye looking at her. Realizing what was going on she stood up with a jump. Uni, who was leaning against her dropped to the floor and let a muffled cry escape. -Ouch! -What time is it?- Anna asked Asada full of grief. -Relax it's nine, your turn is over.- Asada smiled. Anna breathed and calmed down. Uni stood up massaging her brow- Pay attention when you get up sis, I like to wake up the gentle way! -Sorry.- Anna giggled. Asada opened her locker and started undressing. Meantime the cat twins did the same; no one spoke. After a second she closed the door and turned to face them- Okay, We'll see you Tuesday, right? -Yes, see you then Asada.- Anna smiled and waved her hand to her. -You two too. -Oh, and, Asada? -Yes?- She turned to Uni. -Thanks for covering me.- She bowed slightly. -Humph. That's okay, but do not make an habit of it- She grumbled going for the exit- I don't want to be held as the official twit of the squad by each cute guy that enters the building. -Relax, it was only for today.-Uni giggled. -Hmm, Okay, See you then.- She opened the door and exited. Anna and Uni both closed their locker and got ready for the night; they had not been paid, so no party for now, but they were planning to do something about it at the end of the month. The door opened and Asada entered again- Oh, by the way... .- She said as she opened her locker- The guy forgot something here... where is it? Oh! Here! She tossed something to Uni and she caught it while it was flying. -See you!- Asada run out from the room. Uni looked at the object and widened her eyes. Her lion doll looked at her, nearly smiling. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Uni sat on her bed and looked at the lion. This time she could not sleep and Anna was snoring at her side. She held it in both hands and gazed at it into the eyes, trying to figure out why Alessandro had left it on her desk. As she kneaded the doll she felt something hard under her hand. She turned the little lion and noticed something was stuffed through the seam. Perplex she extracted it and found out it was a little piece of paper. She put the doll on the cover of her bed and started to unfold it. It was a letter. She read. "Dear Anna, Dear Uni. I hope you're the one that are reading this letter right now. I'm putting much in this bet. I had no news of you for five years, and I was wondering what you're now, where you sheltered, if you're alright. You're two grown cats, so I'm sure you're doing your best. My life is not that good after your departure, my job has some problems, so I'm taking a few days of holiday to think about it and decide what to do about it. I'm in a moment of my life were I must decide what to do about it, I'm getting old, and I'm starting to desire a light that filters under my door and someone that expects me inside, instead of a dark room and a precooked meal. I could even decide to drop everything and go back to Italy. I don't know, really. I'm physically alright, I think that the mind will follow, as said I'll take my time to think. I charged this little lion with the task of finding you; I thought that being a big cat he knew where he could find you better than me. He's lost, like I am. Please, if you retrieve him bring him back home, where he belongs. Someone expects him. Love Alessandro." Uni balled her right fist crushing the letter, then brought her other hand to her face covering her eyes. She sobbed once,twice, then started to cry silently. The lion looked at her from the quilt, but did not move... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Alessandro exited from the lift and went for his flat. He had wandered the whole day in his car; then had decided that he wasn't going anywhere nor solving his problems and headed home. As he approached his door the lights in the corridor went out. He hated when it happened. He suddenly realized that a blade of light was filtering from under his door. His heart stopped beating for a second, then raced forth, faster and faster. His eyes watered and his hands started to shake. With supreme strenght he controlled himself and opened the door racing into his appartement. He found only the light inside it. No one other than the light. He must have pushed the switch as he went out that morning. But that did not change the facts. They were not home. He had failed. Again. He fell on his knees and hid his face in his hands suffocating a scream full of frustration, burying it deep into his soul. Then he started to pray. Silently asking a God, he had lost long time before, to forgive that lonely human being. To give him again a light to follow. A light that was not so crude and merciless as the one that lighted that room. And himself. How long did he stay on the floor? He did not know, maybe hours maybe days, maybe a mere couple of seconds. He rose in the end and looked at the window, tears running free on his cheeks, coating his black turtle neck sweater, under the opened mac. Then he found himself looking into the eyes of someone... He shuddered as he met the immobile gaze of the peluche lion doll. It rested on the window frame and seemed to expect him. He wiped his tears and walked to it taking it into his hands, noticing that the letter was not there. Then he heard the voice. -Sandro? Time stopped. He spun around and looked at them. They where there, shocked as he was, tired, sad, wonderful like he remembered them. They both dressed their usual orange body suit, Uni had a blue sack hung over her left shoulder. They both looked at him from behind the low wall that separated the kitchen from the rest of the room Anna was crying and sniffed loudly looking at him; suddenly she ran to him and hugged him so strong she nearly crushed his bones. He held her tight not caring at all to the pain she just inflicted on him; she buried her face in his left shoulder and cried like there was no tomorrow. He stroke her hair and inhaled her scent, trying to sooth her. -Long time no see, uh?- Uni came closer and winked at him- You seem to do alright. He nodded- Now I am. What about you? -Oh, pretty fine. But you know that fluffy head, she had to come back. So, even if I did not... -Liar!- Anna said between her tears. Alessandro smiled as tears started to flow free on his cheeks again. He looked at her- You're beautiful. -Thanks.- She blushed. -Your figure has improved. Uni looked at herself puzzled, then smiled embarassed- You think so? -Yes, your breasts have grown up at least.- he stabbed Uni reddened and bit her lip- Fuck you!- she hissed as she felt her eyes get teary. -The same here.- He widened his right arm , leaving for a moment her sister and looked at her- Welcome back kitten. The sack fell on the ground as Uni shaked strongly- Bastard. -She ran to him and embraced the two together- Little, dirty playing, bastard.- Then kissed him lightly on his lips and started to cry brushing her right cheek against his. No one cared if they looked ridicolous, clinching together and crying like babies in the middle of the room. Only one thing mattered for all of them. They were home. At lacks_________________________________________ast. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Technical notes: 1 There are 9 classes of androids;the classification is based on the patterns of their AI's. For more information in this subject read the "DCO Unofficial Technical book"; soon out (I promise). 2 Leona is overacting; she's the squad leader, it's true, but disciplinary decisions like that are taken by the division commander. 3 As we said, androids do not need any sleep. The twins are only making their usual internal sistem check. They slept there because the sistem took control and obliged them to do it, since they worked the whole day and it did not have any other moment before.