In Sickness & In Health {Chapter 10}

[dd]

What came before: A fax message. A condom. Many misunderstandings. Personal growth. A perilous battle. Comrades missing in action. Kaname in the hospital.

What happens next: Sousuke plays doctor. Will Kaname's disease threaten her life, or will Sousuke? Why does 'balloon' become a four-letter word? What makes Kaname feel sick soon after she's given a clean bill of health?

What does Kaname do to Tessa???
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It was totally dark.

Sousuke was warm in his location.

A slight but somewhat pleasant odor was present.

Once again, he went through mental relaxation exercise, successfully reducing his heart rate, respiratory rate, and his feeling of tension. The prelimary word he received about Kaname's condition, received from Captain Testarossa while he was in a cloaked Mithril Helicopter approaching the coastal waters of Japan, should be reassuring if taken at face value.

Appendicitis. Inflammation of the appendix. A commonplace disorder.
Appendectomy. Routine surgery. Extremely low rate of morbidity and mortality.

Sousuke's heart rate increased slightly. Kaname was not a routine individual. Should any adverse situation effecting her be comfortably accepted as being routine?

Appendicitis. The signs and symptoms, while sometimes highly characteristic, were by no means exclusive. Naturally occuring ailments could mimic the pain. Purposely instigated actions could produce similar features. Drugs. Experimental directed microwave technology. Even hypnosis.

The possibilities assaulted Sousuke again, and he shifted uncomfortably, trying to find a less irritating position. He was on hospital grounds. That was to be expected, as Kaname was in this building. But with her being in a hospital, certain possibilities must be considered, no matter how unlikely.

Why was Kaname here? He knew the reported particulars...he needed to examine the larger picture. Was this what it appeared, a simple medical ailment. Was Kaname here as an act of providence...or was she here at someone's intent? Yes, a hospital was a place to receive medical attention and appropriate treatment. But...what opportunity would a hospital provide someone with designs on Kaname? Drugs of many types are present in a hospital. Countless instrumentsand machine, all capable of some form of examination, were available. Surgical exploration occurs routinely, and would not seem out of place. Tissue, blood, and other body fluids could be readily obtained and examined without undue scrutiny.

He was moving again. Good. He had no choice but to hear the conversation of two nearby individuals.

"...and I says to her...Yuki, if your diarrhea is that severe, you need to drink somethin' and you need to see a doc. She told me to screw off, saying it was her business if she wanted to squirt all over the place, if you know what I'm sayin..." The voice was male...squeaky...relaxed.

"Oh, I know. And how! My boy Kato, he had the runs big time last week. Practically had to bring him his food on the john. Yup, that and a pillow and blanket. And then he starts with this pukin'...I mean like he had a damn hose in his mouth...sheesh, I don't think his mom put the mop down all night..." Another male...lower pitched...probably with partial upper dentures.

To Sousuke's annoyance, the conversation continued, covering all sorts of colorful ailments involving a large number of faceless names. He had to continually fight the urge to grab his tazer.

Finally...blissfully...both the cart and the conversation stopped. The voices faded, growing distant. No other voices were heard. He carefully extracted himself from the laundry cart, attempting not to disrupt the fresh linens any more than necessary. It was time to see Kaname.

************************************************************

Kaname reclined in bed, still feeling drowsy. The medicines she had been given still kept the pain away, and she felt no hunger and no thirst. She watched the television: all channels now showed soap operas.

She was too exhausted to think about the events that lead to her being in the hospital. But, she was certainly awake enough to be annoyed at the trash that was showed on the TV.

"Who writes this stuff?" She asked no one in particular. "I mean...C'MON?!" She shook her head in disbelief. No one actually had a life like these people. What utter nonsense.

One character, a young woman, was sitting in a room devastated at her terrible and dramatic situation. The plot was just too unreal for Kaname to have any sympathy for the girl. "That's not realistic...that's not what happens to people...a real life would have---"

She consciously intended to say "--more friends, fewer physical ailments, and no long-lost father intent on using her to generate a freakin' clone army!"

What she blurted out was "--accidents, chases, explosions, and......Sousuke."

She turned off the television with a sigh. Where was Sousuke? Was he safe? Did he ever think of her? Would she ever see him again?

***********************************************************

Having bypassed security, Sousuke had managed to keep possession of the weapons he had chosen for this mission. As it was a hospital...a reasonably safe location...he had limited himself to two grenades: white smoke and flash types. Watching the Short Stay Unit from his chosen position, he failed to notice suspicious activity. He shifted his pistol and ankle knife to more comfortable orientations. He considered his next plan of operation.

If this were simply a routine situation, he could just walk right in and see Kaname, who was located in a single occupancy room just thirty feet from him. If. To be safe, before he said anything to her...and before she said anything that would give away his presence there...he should be certain that there were no bugs in the room, and no watchers outside her window.
He thought a moment. Ah! Yes, that would suffice. He headed back down the hallway, a specific goal in mind.

Ten minutes later, he returned to the Unit and headed into Kaname's room, stopping at the foot of her bed. She appeared to be sleeping, but opened her eyes soon after he arrived.

"Doctor?" Kaname asked.

Sousuke...dressed in a full length surgical gown, large face mask, and opaque surgeon's cap...turned quickly to the door to see if a physician were entering. Realizing that she was in fact refering to him, he moved about her room, closing her curtain...looking behind framed pictures...checking under her bed...examining her phone.

"Doctor, what are you doing?" Kaname asked, a little louder. Sousuke looked at her a moment before answering. He was glad to see her. Glad to see that she was alive.

Sousuke had prepared well. He had an excuse ready. "Uh--there have been reports of security problems involving lawyers, lately. Rooms have been tapped so they could discover details that lead to frivolous lawsuits. How are you feeling this afternoon?"

"Better, doctor. What can you tell me about my condition?" Kaname asked, still reclining.

Sousuke weant to pick up a chart he had found a chart he had found at the nurses station, a chart labeled witha large "528," Kaname's room number. He opened the chart and spoke authoritatively "Yes...vital signs stable...heart rate 60...respiratory rate 14...blood pressure 125 slash 70...afebrile...all good."

"Thank you doctor, but what can you tell me about my condition?" Kaname asked, a touch of concern in her voice.

"Yes, of course." He turned a page, and talked as he read: "Of course. Abdominal scar healing well, no evidence of metastatic tumor..."

Sousuke stopped at that word, shocked. Tumor? But Captain Testarossa had told him it was appendicitis. Had she been trying to keep him from worrying during his trip?

Kaname was equally surprised. "Tumor. What do you mean *t u m o r*? Nobody told me anything about that."

Somewhat numb, Sousuke resumed reading and speaking: "Let me see what else it says here, Miss Chidori. Bowel movements copious and particularly noxious...mental status unclear, and psychology service consult-order placed...recommendations for reconstructivve surgery to correct facial abnormalities...social history includes sexual relationships with numerous women, including prostitutes..."

He grew more and more confused as he read. "Ah. Yes. The 'Surgical Pathology Report.' Let me read it to you. The orchiectomy specimen was received intact, and histological examination of the left testicle revealed em-bry-onal carcinoma."

"What?!...Testicle?!!! ...Doctor, just *w h o s e* chart do you have?" Kaname said, growing angry after having in succession been thoroughly embarrased, greatly confused, and aware that things did not apply to her.

"Room 528," Sousuke said, as if to claim he was not at fault. He then did what he should of done before, read the name printed on the side. "Uh, Hideki Haruma."

Sousuke had gotten the chart from the Old Chart Room.

Kaname sat up in the bed and said with acid in her tone "Just WHAT kind of doctor are you!"

Afforded a new perspective, she looked down and saw...that the doctor was wearing combat boots. Combat boots that had a scuff mark on the left toe shaped like a bird. A scuff mark like on Sousuke's boot.

"S o u s k e?" She asked quietly, almost timidly.

Sousuke said "Yes, Kaname" as he began taking off his disguise. He had his back to her, but could picture her smiling, glad to see him. He was taken by surprise when he was struck in the back of his head by something substantial, accompanied by an explosion of water and ice.

"SOUSUKE, did you do that on purpose?!" she asked hotly.

"What's going on in here?" A nurse asked, looking into the room.

"Miss Chidori knocked over her pitcher. I am helping clean up the mess. I assure you, it is not a problem" Sousuke said.

The nurse looked at Sousuke, drenched with water, a pool at his feet and ice all over the floor. She then looked at Kaname who said "It's OK nurse...this is my friend from school..."

The nurse stared at Sousuke a few moments more, then said "I'll go get you a mop..."

*********************************************************
Sousuke had dried off as much as possible. The nurse, having returned with the mop, had asked if he would like to borrow a pair of scrubs. He replied in the negative, thanking her.

Kaname was very pleased to see Sousuke. But, she was not about to let him know that this early...she was still too miffed at his arriving disguised, and at the subsequent embarrasment it had caused her. She was not going to let him off the hook that easily. She was waking up more, and her mind was getting sharper. She WOULD think of some way to get even.

Before too long, opportunity came knocking.

Two nurses were having a coverstaion outside, coming closer to Kaname's door. Kaname was not certain if they were talking about a patient, a family member, or themselves. She noted that Sousuke was listening intently. They paused right in front of the door to her room, their voices reaching the peak of their crescendo, both looking in the general direction of the room. "...AND," one said, "the pregnancy test was POSITIVE!!!"

"Oh...positive...that's what I had hoped." Kaname said with a huge grin.

"Kaname?"

"Weren't you listening, Sousuke?" She aksed sweetly.

"Yes, but..."

"The pregnancy test, Sousuke. It was p o s i t i v e. Isn't that great news...Daddy?" She tried hard not to laugh...and succeeded.

"Daddy?"

"Yes...isn't it wonderful. Now you won't have to go back to that big bad sub ever again!!!" Kaname started cradling her arms as if she were holding an infant

"Are you saying..."

"Sousuke...what should we name our baby?" She asked, eyes wide.

"Ours, Kaname? Mine?" Sousuke was confused and was visibly sweating. Copiously.

"Of course, silly, whose else could it be?" She was REALLY enjoying this.

"But, how...we never..." He was starting to get a bit flustered. Had he suffered some form of memory loss. Could he and Kaname have....

"It's funny isn't it, Sousuke. All that trouble we had because of that silly condom. And then you forget to use it...." Kaname could no longer hold the laugher in. She laughed so loud and so long that a nurse checked to see if she might be hysterical. "I'm s-s-sorry, S-S-Soussske..."

"It will be alright. I will be responsible..." Sousuke started.

"Sousuke" Kaname said after finally settling down, "I meant I was sorry for pulling a prank on you. It was a j o k e Sousuke. They were talking about someone else."

"Oh. I see."

***********************************************************

Shortly after Kaname had told him she was joking, an authentic physician came into the room, and Sousuke had to leave the room for matters of confidentiality. When the doctor had left, and after a nurse had come by to check her temperature and blood pressure, Sousuke was allowed back in the room.

They both had so much they wanted to say, but neither knew how to start.

"I'm really glad to see you, Sousuke" Kaname offered.

"And I am glad to see you. Glad you are safe." Sousuke returned serve.

They both sat quietly a moment, and Kaname smiled. Sousuke too. "I 'm too tired to talk much now, Sousuke. I'll tell you everything that happened to me...later. I really feel ready to do some listening, though. Will you tell me what went on while you were away?"

"Certainly." Sousuke spoke about his meetings, talking in general terms. She aksed the questions one might expect regarding his continuation as her guard, and he gave her all the answers he was free to give...and felt comfortable giving. While he could not give her details, he also told her that Kurz and Melissa had gone on a mission without him...and that they had not been heard from...had not returned.

"I'm sure they're OK, Sousuke...you know Kurz, he loves to have a good time, and dying wouldn't be fun, right?! And Melissa...what could possibly stop her. God would never let Kurz live and Melissa die...the world would be at too much risk!" Kaname tried to reassure Sousuke...and herself.

"I hope so." Sousuke said, sadly.

They continued talking, touching on nothing in particular, just happy to be talking. Sousuke didn't say much, but his voice spoke volumes.

There conversation was interupted by the arrival of the food cart. The attendant placed the tray on Kaname's table, accepted her thanks, and departed. Sousuke walked over to the tray and removed the tray top. He glanced at the meal, and his expression and voice grew suspicious. "There is something wrong here, Kaname?"

"Wrong, Sousuke?"

"This meal. It does not look like food. It does not smell like food."

"That's alright, Sousuke. I am suddenly starving. I could eat a horse! I can eat anything!" The word 'horse' led Sousuke to think of the word 'pony,' thanks to one of their prior escapades. He wisely kept his thoughts to himself.

Kaname took one bite...made a sour face...and coughed "Uhhh---what are they trying to do, kill me?"

Sousuke moved swiftly, reaching for a grenade and his pistol. "Kaname, what is the situation?!!!" he said, assuming a ready stance. "WHO is trying to kill you?!!"

"Relax, Sergeant. And put those things away, before they send Security in to get you! Poor choice of words. I was talking about the food..."

"Yes. How could I have been so STUPID. I should have tasted the food first...." Sousuke sounded contrite and upset.

"No, Sousuke. There. Is. No. Danger. Sergeant. At ease!!! Hospital food ia ALWAYS terrible tasting, Sousuke. I was only joking." Kaname was slightly exasperated, but still looked fondly at Sousuke.

"I see. I apologize."

"It's not a problem" she said, imitating Sousuke's voice and inflection. With her own voice again, she said. "I would just DIE for something good to eat. Strike that!!! I mean, I would really like something good to eat."

"What would you like, Kamame. I will obtain whatever it is that you want."

"Let me see...oh, I would LOVE some takoyaki...for some reason, I have a craving for takoyaki. That's odd. But, pregnant women have strange cravings...."

"Kaname!" Sousuke said, pretty certain she was joking again.

"And Sousuke, I will like a large cup of green tea."

"I will find what you ask for, and return as soon as I can. Should I leave you my gun? Would that make you feel safer while I am gone. Or, I could leave you this..." he reached into his pocket and pulled out the tazer."

"Sousuke, I'll be fine...what would I do with those?" She thought a moment. A couple of moments. Thinking of Sousuke trying to get through security. Schemes he might think of to get by security. The safety of innocent bystanders. The safety of THE FOOD! "On second thought, why don't you leave me everything you have!!!" Her face was very intense.

Sousuke grinned. Kaname would be safe. He was also pleased and intrigued by her enthusiasm to keep the weapons. He hadn't realized that she felt that way. Perhaps it would be a good idea to train her in the use of weapons...some other day, as she was busy now.. And, she seemed to like to receive gifts. His thoughts were interupted by Kaname, who complained that her growling stomach sounded like it was trying to escape its cage.

Just before Sousuke left to get food, a small bouquet of flowers arrived, as did a cluster of colorful baloons. "Oh, how sweet, " Kaname said, looking at the cards. "They're from all the students in our class."

Seeing how pleased Kaname looked, Sousuke asked "Why are you so happy, Kaname?"

"It's nice to know someone cares, especially when you're in the hospital." She replied, smelling the flowers, and fingering the balloons.

"I see. I will go and get your food now."

"Thank you. Don't take too long, or I might be forced to eat the hospital food..." She laughed. Sousuke sped from the room.

One half hour later, Sousuke entered the room even quickly than he had left. He hid behind the chair in the back corner. Moments later, a squad of security officers ran into the unit, checking in each room. When they peered into Kaname's room, she pulled the blanket up over her chest and squealed convincingly "EEEEE...you perverts...." The guards quickly left, continuing on their search.

"Kaname...thank you for covering for me." No pun intended. "Your response time is commendable!"

"SOUSUKE!!! What...did...you...DO?!!!"

They stopped me at the checkpoint, Kaname. They wanted to look in your food bag. They looked HUNGRY. I could not take the chance...." He said proudly.

"Sousuke...it's good to have you back."

**********************************************************

Sousuke walked over to Kaname and handed her the bag of food. She was so hungry, she didn't notice Sousuke walk over and place a brown canvas satchel in the chair.

"Kaname?"

"Mrrf, mrrf, mmm..." she started, while chewing. "Yes, what is it?"

"Will you be alright here by yourself? I have an errand to run."

"Mrrf, mmm...I'll be just fine Sousuke. As long as you don't take the food." She took a long sip of tea. When she looked up, Sousuke was gone.

Kaname finished the meal, and lay back utterly contented. That was good! Maybe there was something good about being in a hospital, after all!

Just as she finished that thought, Sousuke returned. He was pushing a rather large cart, literally overflowing with flowers. "These are for you Kaname. No one was using them."

"S o u s u k e . . . they're absolutely beautiful. And so many." She got gingerly out of bead and walked over to inspect the blossoms. "Sousuke, you *really* shouldn't have." She smiled but did not answer when he asked "Why not?"

Her elation subsiding, Kaname noticed something. Cards. Lots of small cards attached to the flowers. She read the cards out loud "To Mabel...to Suzuki...to Enre...to My dearest," she blushed before continuing "to Izo...to Randi." She looked up at Sousuke and said "Sousuke...YOU REALLY **SHOULDN'T** HAVE!!!"

"Is something wrong, Kaname? I thought you liked flowers, so I got you LOTS of flowers" he said, confused.

Kaname looked at Sousuke, and then at the flowers. She looked at Sousuke again, then started collecting the cards, dropping them in the trash when she was done. "No, Sousuke, no problem. They're beautiful."

***********************************************************

After Kaname made it a point to smell each and every flower, the two of them chatted for a while. Sousuke noticed Kaname looking at the clock. "Is there something wrong, Kaname. Are you waiting for something? Hopefully not another hospital meal!"

"I was just hoping I would have heard something back from the doctors by now. The doctor who stopped in earlier said the laboratory would probably have word back by now."

"Are you worried about something?" Sousuke asked. "Would it mean that much for you to know at this time?"

"It's not a big deal, Sousuke. If I find out that my appendix really was abnormal, we would all have an answer, and they wouldn't need to run anymore tests. And I could get ready to go home." She sighed every so slightly.

"I see." Sosuske started to walk towards the door.

"Sousuke, where are you going?! I hope you are not going to start more trouble...." Kaname was curious AND concerned.

Remembering something Kaname had once said to him, Sousuke replied "Kaname, is that something you really ask a man. I'm going to the rest room...."

"Oh. Sorry." Kaname said, not initially picking up on the reference.

Sousuke was not lying. He really did go to the rest room. He had no need to...he just didn't like to lie if he didn't have to. He took some moments to organize his thoughts. There were people to see. Answers to find.

When Sousuke returned, he was carrying a torniquet, a 25cc syringe, an alcohol swab, a cotton ball, a red-topped tube, a grey-topped tube, and a capped 20 guage needle. He also had a very intense look on his face.

At first, Kaname smiled, seeing he was back. Then she saw his face. And she saw what he had brought back with him. "Soususke...what do you think you are going to do with THOSE?!!!"

"Kaname, please remain calm. I am a professional. I need to draw your blood. For necessary tests. I will place the tourniquet...swab your arm with alcohol...set the needle in place..." He was interupted before he could finish.

"Sousuke, you are NOT a doctor!"

"We cannot trust the doctors here, Kaname."

"What are you talking about? What idea has crawled into that cramped and cluttered moronic military mind of yours! I would REALLY like to know, Sousuke! And you will NOT be taking any more of my blood. I already feel like a pincushion, " she finished, showing Sousuke the bandages on each arm.

"Kaname, relax. I will explain. I wanted to find the answers for you. The nurse would not tell me. She said to check with one of the attending physicians. I checked with them all, and none would tell me. They told me to check with the lab. I asked three different hospital employees how to get to the lab, and they each gave me bad directions. Do you see where this is headed, Kaname?"

"No Sousuke, and I am beginning to get a bit concerned. Maybe y o u should have some tests done..."

"Kaname, be patient. Finally, I reached the lab and asked about your specimen. They would tell me nothing until I said I was your husband, just as I had needed to tell the doctors and nurses." Kaname blushed.

Sousuke detailed his encounters:

"When they would give me results, they would only give me information about bloodwork."

"When I raised my voice, they told me that I could not find what I wanted in the Clinical Laboratory, even though I had been told by professionals that I should go to the lab!"

"I was very unhappy, and only after I raised my voice again did they answer my question and tell me to where to go."

"I got to the Anatomic Pathology department, and the secretary would not tell me the results."

"Transcriptionists refrerred me to a Pathologist's Assistant, who only said the gross specimen looked abnormal, but he would not give a definite answer. He told me the name of the Pathologist to talk to...the professional!"

"The Pathologist said he could not give me an answer because the specimen hadn't come off the tissue coverslipper yet. This, despite the fact that your doctor said the specimen would be ready."

"Everywhere I looked, I was sent on to somewhere else. Finally, when I realized that two different professionals had given conflicting anwers, I realized it was wise to consider the possibility of a conspiracy. You are Whispered, Kaname...you are of interest to different organizations."

"I understand that, and I appreciate your concern, Sousuke. I just think you are over-reacting. This is just the way hospitals work. So many rules and red tape. And things take time." Kaname said reasonably. "Why do you want to draw my blood anyway?"

"Toxicological studies"

"Toxicological?" Kaname asked.

"Yes. To be certain you were not given any drugs without knowing or remembering."

"I see...I will make a deal with you Sousuke," Kaname said. "If we do not have an answer by the end of the day, you can draw my blood."

"Agreed."

"And Sousuke?" Kaname asked.

"Yes?"

"If I do have an answer later today, you will take me on a date." She looked at his face in a very serious manner.

"Uh--"

"Do we have a deal?" She asked.

"Uh--"

"Sousuke, take it or leave it!" She started to sound angry.

"Agreed."

**********************************************************

Kaname hung up the phone, disappointed.

"Kaname, that was the tenth time you have called in the last fourty-three minutes." Sousuke said, perplexed.

"I know, Sousuke, I know. They are quite familiar with my voice, and have have Dr, Ichihara's number on speed dial. Each time they answer the phone, they say 'It's HER again.'"

"Relax, Kaname. We will find out soon enough. There is nothing to worry about. If I have to draw your blood, I will do my best not to hurt you." Sousuke said.

"Thank you, Sousuke."

The phone rang, and Kaname quickly grabbed it, almost knocking the reciever off its perch. "Is it abnormal?!" she quickly asked."

After listening a moment, she looked disappointed and said "Oh, it's you guys......no, no, it's OK, I'm sorry.......I really AM happy to hear from you.......No, I have been waiting all day for them to call with my results, and I was hoping......Yes, he's here....... No, that's not why I didn't want to talk, I mean it's not that I don't want to talk.......sure, I'd be happy to talk with her too.........I'm feeling much better......" The conversation carried on for quite a while.

When Kaname hung up the phone, she told Sousuke that it was some of her girlfriends from school, who were worried about her. They also wanted to see if she needed them to help her catch up on her homework for school.

Kaname said "That was really nice of them, but I won't have too much to catch up on...but you will Souske, since you were away from class longer than I was. Heyyyyy...I can help you with your homework, if you like. We can answer all the questions together!"

Kaname was expecting Sousuke to be pleased. At the very least, if they came up with the answers together...the right answers if she did it...he wouldn't have any reason to fear the halisen. But, Sousuke didn't look happy, he looked...bothered."

Sousuke did not try to look bothered. Sousuke did not want to look bothered. Sousuke could not help feeling bothered. He knew what Kaname was refering to. What had flashed through his mind at her words was something else altogether. He remembered Captain Testarossa calling his assignment 'homework.' He remembered that he coincidentally had the papers Lt. Cmdr. Kalinin gave him securely in his pants pocket. He remembered the questions.

"Sousuke, are you saying that you don't want to do schoolwork together with me?" Kaname asked hesitantly.

"Not at all, Kaname. I would be glad to do schoolwork with you!" Sousuke said, his expression brightening somewhat.

"Then why did you look bothered when I mentioned homework?" There!
That look again! She started to form an idea.

"Did I Kaname?"

"Yes, but you are truly glad to do schoolwork with me?" AH, the look is gone.

She didn't leave him time for a reply. "Even if it's......Homework?" Yes. The look. Again. " Wait, let me ask you something else" Kaname schemed.

"Sousuke, remember when you said that you would answer any question I asked you, and promised to tell the truth?"

"Yes, Kaname. I remember."

"That's very sweet of you. I accept your offer!" Kaname made the quick verbal thrust. Engarde!

"But, that was that night. Today..." Sousuke started. He was interupted.

"Oh, I see. I was important to you then...but not now...." Kaname said, faking anguish. She started swaying in place. "Oh. I'm starting to feel so dizzy. I can't believe you would do this to me. I never thought a professional would go back on his word. I never thought you would go back on your word." She grabbed her stomach and grimaced. Ahh---my stomach is hurting again...and my head is spinning..."

"Kaname, what can I do to help you?" Sousuke was truly concerned.

"I-I-I...I will be alright Souske, even though you have foresaken your promise. A promise I put so much faith in." She tried to get up, but tumbled off the bed."

"Kaname!" He helped her up, and helped her over to the chair. Kaname saw him remove the strange looking item on the chair. She sat down and put her hand to her forehead. She closed her eyes.

"I am sorry, Kaname. I did not mean to get you upset. I will not break my promise to you. I promise that!"

Opening her eyes, Kaname zeroed in for the kill. After moaning slightly, she asked "Why are you so upset with the word 'Homework' Sousuke?"

He stood quietly for a couple of minutes. When Kaname's lips started visibly shuddering, he reached into his pocket, and took out the papers.
"These are an assignment Lt.Cmdr Kalinin gave me to fill out and return. He gave me an extra set, in case I lost one. He thought you might want to help me fill them out, or fill one set out yourself. I told Captain Testarossa about it by mistake, and she changed one set and gave me another assignment...she called it 'homework.'"

Kaname had seen a number of looks on Sousuke's face but not this one. What did it mean? She thought a moment, and came up with a decision. "Sousuke, will you help me up, please?" When Sousuke complied, she quickly snatched the papers from his hand. Her transformation floored Sousuke, literally. He tripped over her, landing next to the satchel. He then watched her dramatic series of facial expressions and coloration as she proceeded to read the questions submitted by Lt.Cmdr. Kalinin. He listened to the diverse set of noises she made when she saw the papers where Capt. Testarossa had crossed out Kaname's name and written in her own.

Sousuke didn't know quite what to expect.

The phone rang. Sousuke was certain that Kaname would rush to answer, snapping out of her trance. One ring. Two rings. Three rings. Kaname stood still, clinching the second set of papers brutally.

Sousuke answered the phone. "Yes. I see. That is good news. Will the doctor be willing to testify under oath that the answer is correct? Will he agree to a thorough background check? Investigation of his finances? I see. Thank you." Sousuke hung up the phone. "Kaname, you did have appendicitis," he said.

"Oh." Was all Kaname said.

"Kaname, is there something wrong?" Sousuke asked, concerned.

That question snapped her back into shape. "We...We'll talk about that later. After I get home." Her voice seemed normal, and she didn't seem in the least bit angry. Sousuke was relieved.

Starting to walk back to the bed, Kaname tripped over the satchel. "Sousuke, what is this?" She asked.

"It is a gift. I forgot. I apologize. I was going to open it outside and place it by your window for you to see?"

"A gift? For me? Thank you Sousuke, that's very sweet. Why can't I open it now?" Kaname asked.

"It would be dangerous..." Sousuke started, walking over to grap hold of the satchel. "I will hold it in safe keeping for you." He pulled it from her grasp.

"Dangerous? Dangerous! Sousuke, EVERYTHING is dangerous to you." Kaname started to heat up. She grabbed the satchel and said "I...want...to...see...what...it...is...NOW!"

Kaname pulled with all her strength. She did not pull the entire satchel, though. She pulled a large plastic tab. A loud hissing noise could be heard.

"KANAME!!!"

"S-S-Sousuke?!!!!!" Kaname said uneasily as the old Signal Corps balloon, which Sousuke had bought for her at the military surplus store while out getting lunch, quickly began to inflate.

**********************************************************


Sousuke climbed down the outside hospital wall carefully, looking at the dumpsters and maintenance van below. He had managed to get out through Kaname's window just in time, as the balloon had inflated to fill the entire room. He had waited anxiously by the window until he had heard Kaname cry out for help, and subsequently heard her stream of invectives after the balloon had reached the limits of its growth. She would probably be very angry. It was probably a good time to leave. It was difficult enough to be a visitor at this hospital. He had no wish to spend more time here as a patient.

Two stories down, and ten windows over, Sousuke finally found a means of entrance back into the hospital. It would not be good to be seen sneaking out of a health facility...something like THAT might draw attention.

He pried open the window, and stepped into a busy hallway. An old woman in a costly coat stood staring at him? "Uh--Window washer, madame!" Sousuke said.

The woman smiled, reached into her purse, and placed some paper money in Sousuke's hand. "It's so nice to see young people doing something constructive with their lives!" She walked away smiling, and said to someone who must be an acquaintence "Such a nice young man. And the windows look so nice, don't you think?"

He walked down one hallway until he realized that it ended at the door to the Pediatrics ward. He turned around to leave, when something caught his attention. Someone in a Bonta-Kun costume. He stepped closer to hear the conversation between a young woman and the person in the costume.

"It's very brave for you to go in there and face that danger!" The mention of danger certainly made Sousuke take notice. But, if there was danger, why was the woman laughing like that? She might be hysterical.

"Well, you know, anything to help those kids. See you later...I hope."
The man in the suit walked towards the door.

"Excuse me, Sir...did you say danger?" Sousuke asked.

"Huh...Oh, yeh...danger. Yes, very dangerous indeed. I may be fortunate to get out at all, much less get out alive." He laughed. Sousuke was impressed. This must be a true warrior, to laugh that way in the face of danger.

"Do you require assistance. I am a specialist!" Sousuke said.

"A Specialist? Oh, I see. Awfully young aren't you?" The man asked.

"I started at a very young age." Sousuke answered.

"I see. Very good. Sure, I could use all the help I can get. Are you new here?" the man asked. Seeing Sousuke nod his head, the man continued "Best let me go in first, then."

The man opened the door and walked in, Sousuke ten paces behind him. They walked ten feet. No trouble. Twenty feet. No danger. Twenty five feet. Nothing. Suddenly, a number of bodies rushed to the Bonta-Kun and took it to the ground. Sousuke drew his pistol and flattened against one wall.

He blinked. The attackers...they were children...in hospital robes.

A number of the children kicked the prone costumed-man. Others hit him with a wide variety of items from pillows, trays, arm rests, and even a bed pan. A full bedpan. A once-full bedpan. Some of the things the children said shocked Sousuke: could some of these children be related to Sgt. Major Mao? The man was indeed in danger, but not the kind of danger Sousuke had been worried about.

One little boy walked up to Sousuke and pulled on his sleeve. "Mister, are you a doctor. You look to young to be a doctor?"

"No. I am not a doctor."

"I hate doctors, they hurt people. They really SUCK!" The boy walked away, leaving Sousuke to stare in wonder.

Another boy walked up. "Why do you have a scar? Did your mama give you that scar. My mamma gave my dada a scar, THIS big" the boy said holding his hands six inches apart. "She said he would never do THAT again."

The boy made room for a little girl who looked up at Sousuke and asked "Are you the Police? You have a gun. Are you a robber? If you're the Police...can you shoot my brother...he killed my hamster."

"Can I try the gun?" A boy asked. "Me. Me too!!!" a girl said. "It will be just like on TeeeVeee." "No, me." "Me" "Me...me...me...me..."

One little girl walked up to the flabbergastered mercenary and asked "Are you here to play with us? Why are you with Bonta-Kun?"

Before Sousuke could answer, a boy piped up "I saw sumpin' on TV. They're probly Luv-vers." "Oooh" "What's luv-vers?" "Probly have a baby." "I LIKE babies."

This was more than Sousuke was prepared to take. There was no danger here that required his expertice. Time to head out.

As Sousuke started to leave, a little girl with a very sad look on her face stepped up in front of him. Keeping her head down, she asked "You...you are dressed in black. And you don't talk. You h-have a gun. Are...are you Death?"

Sousuke was taken aback. "N-No, I'm not."

The girl looked up at him. "Am I going to die?"

Souske honestly said "I cannot say."

"Could you talk to me," the girl asked, and Sousuke saw tears welling up in her eyes.

"Yes. I can do that." He said kindly.

"Could you tell me a story?" She asked, a hopeful look on her face.

"I...I am not good with stories" What could he tell? Seeing the look in the girl's eyes, he said "I will do my best."

"I will go get my friends." She ran off, returning with a number of boys and girls. Souske saw Bonta-Kun stand up and straighten his costume. It appears Sousuke had managed to pull off a rescue after all.

"Story time!" The girl said with a smile. A chorus of replies kicked in, like a grove of cicadas. "Story!!!" "Yeh, let's have a freakin' story." "What yer waitin' for???" "Storeeeeeeeee...."

"Once upon a time..." Sousuke started. That much was easy. But what should he tell? He paused.

"Is that all? That's not a story!" one boy said. The young girl who had asked for the story looked at Sousuke and said "P-p-pleeeaassee..."

Sousuke started again. "Once upon a time, there were three mission specialists, separated from each other way behind enemy lines, lost in the jungle. They needed to build structures to sleep in, to keep them safe from the enemy..."

"What's a structure?" A boy asked.

"A structure is...like a house." Sousuke answered. "They must each build a house, and hope that the enemy would not reach them.
One specialist had not read his survival guide. He tried to build a house of branches and leaves. He did not set out warning lines with noise makers. He fell asleep."

"What happened?" asked a little girl.

The specialist was caught off guard. He did not hear his enemy approach. He had not masked his heat signature. They called for him to come out. He said 'No.' They asked again, saying they would kill him. He said 'No, I will not.'" They fired a warning shot and said for him to come out. He said 'no, not by the hair on my...'" Sousuke was about to say 'ass,' as the saying was one of Sgt. Major Mao's favorites. "Chin" he said instead.

"Ohhhh." One girl said, eyes bright with recognition. "Are specialists pigs?" The girl asked.

"Some can be, " Souske replied. "Not most."

"More story more story more story more story...."

"The second specialist was better trained. He sought good cover. He doubled back on his trail. He avoided areas of likely ambush. Finding a cave, he built a wall of logs, and covered it with rocks and leaves. He added plants to the mound to make it look natural. He knew when the enemy were in the area..."

A boy interupted him. "Were they wolves? Were the enemies wolves?"

"You may think of them as you like" Sousuke replied. "But the specialist had made a simple mistake. An MRE had fallen from his pack, and was on the ground near the cave."

"Who's Anne Marie?" A girl asked.

"Huh--"

"You said Anne Marie was on the ground."

"No, I said M...R...E..." Souske said.

"Oh" said the girl.

"Then quickly, the enemy..." Souske resumed the story, only to be interupted again.

"What's a M...R...E?"

"It is food" Souske said.

"OK"

"The enemy knew where the specialist was..." Again, interupted.

"Why didn't you just say food? That's what most people call food."

"Yes. The enemy called for the soldier to come out. He was trapped...there was no other opening to escape through. He told the enemy 'No.'"

"Yeh, with a hairy chin!!!!!!" One boy yelled. The other kids joined in, excited.

"Hearing his reply, the enemy threw fragmentation grenades into the cave and blew the specialist into small pieces."

The children stared wided eyed, silent. Finally, one boy said "That probably hurt, right mister?"

"Yes" said Sousuke.

Nurses. doctors, and visitors watched Sousuke and the children from a distance, amazed at how quiet the children were. They were sitting still!!! That must be such a wonderful touching story!!! One parent started to walk over to hear what kind of story worked like that, but a nurse stopped her. "This is very good for them. We shouldn't interupt."

Sousuke was emersed in his tale. "Then, the third specialist. He was very skilled. He made use of the land. He looked where he should look, and listened when he should listen. He found appropriate cover and left no evidence of his presence..."

"Presents?" "Why would he have presents in the woods?" "Was it his birthday?" "Was it the enemy's birthday?"

"Sorry, my mistake. The word is spelled different. It means that someone is there..." Sousuke said.

"Who was there?"

"The specialist was there. And he had a good cover, a good field of fire, and good position relative to the wind. When the enemy came, he was prepared..." Sousuke remained patient after yet another stoppage to his tale.

"Was the enemy wolves? Wolves are bad guys, right. They eat the good guys in the story my father told me. They were pigs"

Sousuke was shocked that a father would tell his son such a tale. Longpig?! Cannabilism was not an appropriate subject for children!!! "No, no eating in this story."

"The story would SUCK if the wolves were good guys," one boy said, very proud of his advanced vocabulary. "Yeh, it would suck MAJOR LEAGUE!!!"

"I see," said Sousuke.

"Wolves are really like big dogs," one girl added helpfully.

"Uh---"

"Yeh, I like dogs!" A boy chirped.

"---the specialist..."

"My brother says the nurses here are dogs." That from a boy near the back.

"---the third specialist."

"My dog's name is Poochie." "My dog's name is Shadow." "My dog's name is Franklin" "My dog is dead. He's not alive any more..."

The children had gathered together and had forgotten Sousuke. He stood and brushed off his pants and headed out of the unit. The girl who asked for the story, seeing him leave, ran up to grab his hand. "Do you have to go now?" she asked.

"Yes."

"Oh... OK...I liked the story." She gave him a hug, and ran back to the other children who had all started playing specialists, wolves, pigs, and dogs.

Sousuke headed home.


**********************************************************

"Damn that Sousuke!" Kaname cursed. "When I see him again, I am going to feed him to the wolves!"

She had come into the hospital with appendicitis, but was in no danger from that. She had survived countless examining, cutting, poking, prodding, measuring, sticking, and other sundry uncomfortable, embarrassing, or annoying things...only to almost be killed by a freakin' balloon!

No, not wolves. Sharks. Tigers. Lots of hungry rats. Whatever she could find!!!

A nurse came into her new room, and let her know that a taxi was on it's way. It should be at the hospital by the time she finished checking out. Per hospital policy, the nurse had Kaname sit in a wheel chair. The nurse wheeled her off to the check-out desk.

During the ride, Kaname shuddered when she thought about Sousuke's 'gift.' Donors give the 'gift of life'...Sousuke on the other hand....

She mused. The hospital engineering department had been apologetic, but Kaname was actually impressed at their speed and handiness. They had the balloon punctured, deflated, and removed from what remained of her room before she could think of one hundred good curses for Sousuke. She was also quite pleased with the nurses, who made a few phone calls and had quickly arranged for another room for her. And, since she was on such a roll, the doctor walked in moments after she settled in. He told her of her tissue results, confirming what she already knew. He talked a while to see how she felt, more concerned about her encounter with the balloon than her recovery from simple laparoscopic surgery. And he had cleared her to go home!!! All this happened without Sousuke, of course!

Kaname sighed. "Something wrong?" the nurse asked, stopping her wheelchair. "Any discomfort?'

"No, not physical." Kaname said.

"Ahh...I see...your young visitor? He was cute, even if he was a terror! Is he your boyfriend?"

"Uhh--"

Seeing Kaname blush, the nurse smiled. "Here we are, check-out. We shouldn't have to wait too long, the line's not too bad this late at night."

"Great" Kaname said. "I can't wait to get home to my own bed."

While she waited, she thought of Sousuke. He HAD warned her after all. He had tried hard to help her feel better and he had been deeply concerned for her, she could tell. Of course, during his stay he had been very...Sousuke-esque...but very sweet. He had done so much for her. Flowers. Food. Gallantry. Honesty. Perserverence. Caring...

By the time it was her turn to check out, Kaname was feeling VERY good.
That is, until she saw her hospital bill and the estimates for repairs to her room....

The nurse looked over Kaname's shoulder, read the estimate, and shook her head as she wheeled Kaname outside.

"Damn you, Sousuke" Kaname said. The nurse smiled

***********************************************************

Kaname's anger had cooled again. Now her big problem was impatience, which she happily thought was better than being one of the inpatients. She wanted to get home. She wondered what thing she would choose to do first when she arrived in the welcome quiet and safety of her own apartment. Food? Something cold to drink. A nice warm bubble bath?

She smiled. No, she grinned rather wickedly. Even though it was getting kind of late and she should probably get cleaned up and go to bed, Kaname knew EXACTLY what she wanted to do. She didn't know why she had thought about it when she did, but that didn't matter. She was going to have some fun.

She tooks the papers out of her purse, and started to laugh. Let the cab driver think she was a bit wacked out...she didn't care. "Tessa...Tessa...Tessa...Tessa." She said expectantly.

************************************************************

Sousuke had just walked into his apartment a few moments before the lights on his communications console came on.

"Urzu 7, come in...Urzu 7 please answer." It was Captain Testarossa. Could she be calling with information about Sgt. Weber and Sgt, Major Mao?

"Urzu 7 here. Is this about the away team, Captain?" Sousuke asked hopefully.

"Hello, Sousuke. No, I'm afraid we haven't heard any good news or any bad news yet." Tessa replied

"Why are you calling this late, Captain? Is there an emergency?" Sousuke was concerned. He felt exhausted, and hoped his services were not required.

"No, Sousuke...I had called earlier...a number of times. I wanted to check on you and see how you were doing." Tessa said warmly.

"Oh. I see captain. I am very tired. So many things have happened in the last few days. I was about to go to sleep."

"I see. I won't bother you now then," her voice sounded disappointed.

"Thank you, Captain. I really do need the rest. I have no plans for tomorrow as yet." Sousuke said.

"That's good!" Tessa said. "Have a good sleep, then. That's an order!" she said cheerfully.

"Roger. Urzu..."

"Oh, Sousuke?" Tessa asked before he could sign off.

"Yes, Captain?"

"Sousuke...have you had a chance to finish your homework yet?" Tessa asked.

"Uh--not yet, Captain..." Sousuke replied.

"OK. Good night then."

Transmission ceased.Sousuke didn't even realize that he had not signed off with his call sign. He was too busy worrying: The papers! He had forgotten all about the papers. Where were the papers? Kaname?

Sousuke was certain he would not get much sleep tonight. He had to find those papers.

************************************************************

Sousuke wanted to know whether or not Kaname had THE papers. He also wanted to know how she was doing. Hopefully she would have calmed down after the balloon incident by now.

"Hello. What is the telephone number for Tokyo General Hospital, Short Stay Unit?" he asked the operator. "Yes, thank you...can you connect me? Certainly, I will hold."

"Hello, I am calling to talk to Miss Kaname Chidori, Room 528. Is she available?" Sousuke asked when he was put through.

At the other end of the phone, a busy nurse was sorting through a pile of charts, answering the ringing phones while the ward clerk was out for a quick smoke. "Let me check for you..." she said, answering Sousuke while she looked through the logbook.

Still holding the phone to her mouth, she knocked over the pile of charts, causing a full coffee cup to tip over and spill its contents on the shoes of her fellow nurse. "Oh...I am very VERY sorry..." she said to her co-worker. Finding the information she needed for the caller, she said "She has left us."

Very VERY sorry? She has left us? Sousuke was familiar with that euphamism! "Are...Are you saying..." he started to ask.

"Yes," the nurse said, "she's gone."

"Gone...?" Sousuke asked.

"Yes," the nurse replied, "there was nothing more to do for her here. And, they've already wheeled her out of the hospital."

Nothing more to do? As in nothing more that could be done to save her life? And they wheeled her body away?

"But...I had wanted to see her again...." He mumbled, stunned.

"I'm sorry" the nurse said before she hung up.

Sousuke sat unmoving in his chair, phone in his hand, busy signal indicating it was off the hook.

*************************************************************


It had been a VERY long day, but for all that Kaname complained outloud, she really had to say that things HAD been interesting, and certainly H*A*D been rather exciting. Of course, there was a curse about interesting times, and excitement was not necessarily the best elixir for convalescence.

Still, she had laughed a lot, and laughter IS a good medicine. It certainly was GOOD to see Sousuke again.

She chuckled, thinking that Tokyo General Hospital just M*I*G*H*T...perhaps...m-a-y-b-e...not want to see Sgt. Sousuke Sagara again. Her laughter died as quickly as it came.

"DAMN you, Sousuke!" Kaname said, remembering the repair estimate that had been left for her by one of the assistant hospital administrators. She thought numbers that large were generally exclusive to GNPs of small nations or biannual dues for ultra-exclusive yacht clubs.

Well...SHE certainly was not going to pay that bill. If it took extraction of teeth without anesthetic, or even removal of something more significant, she would be certain to get Sousuke to foot the bill, seeing that Mithril paid its operatives very very well. She blushed for a moment when her thoughts wandered and she unconsciously began a rank order assessment of significant anatomy.

"Hell," she said to herself to stop that train of thought, "I don't even know if Sousuke HAS one of those!!!"

Back to the subject of payment! Or is that 'pay back?' Heh heh heh.
"Oh...I think you just may be off the hook Sergeant Stupid Large Balloon Sagara...Mithril should pay this bill...no, Captain Testarossa MUST PAY!!!"

It was late, and Kaname was feeling very relaxed after a long warm shower and a short glass of chilled coffee drink. She probably should just call it a night and hit the sheets. But, Kaname did not want anything to do with 'probably' at the moment. How could she have almost forgotten her favorite new anticipation?!!!

She walked over to the fax machine that Sousuke had once insisted she set up, and was glad it was here. Aside from having a capability she now wanted to make use of, it had symbolic value...because of the misunderstandings caused by a fax message...and because it had been Captain I'm Sure Gonna Regret It Testarossa that had sent that fax. She switched the machine into copy mode and swiftly made duplicate copies of the papers Sousuke had left her holding moments before 'balloon' had become one of her new curse words. She would give Sousuke the copies...she didn't want him to get in trouble over not doing his 'homework.'

This was going to be fun!!! But, it might take a while. She went into the kitchen, returning with a pile of flavored wafers and a large glass of milk. Milk was good for growing bones! Maybe that Captain should have drunk more milk as a kid!!!

Well, how should she go about this. She couldn't write things...her handwriting might be recognized...and at the very least, it looked NOTHING like Sousuke's. She'd have to type it in somehow. Oh, yeh! She still had her father's old word processor in the closet. She hoped it would still work.

It did.

*************************************************************

She would start with the one set of questions, the ones related to herself, the bright and devious Kaname Chidori:

1) RE: MISS KANAME CHIDORI, STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES AS YOU SEE THEM

There are too many good things to list. But I will give it my best. Its is not a problem. Weaknesses first, as there are few.

Miss Chidori is somewhat violent towards myself, but I cannot hold that against her as I deserve such treatment. I do not understand all of her reasoning, but I trust in her judgement because she is the brightest student in class and worthy of full admiration. She also does not possess sufficient weapons skill or hand-to-hand skills, although she is very good at physical contact. I have no problem with all of our physical contact. School is about learning, and Miss Chidori is teaching me things I had never known before. I still have not been able to locate the Karma Sutra on the school required reading list, but I trust her word.

Her strengths are great. I should use good military doctrine and make use of obvious comparisons. First, she is very clever, but does not appear as freakish as most Whispered. Her athletic ability is extraordinary, and I have no doubt that she could qualify for Mithril's forces. However, that is not necessary, as Mithril will obviously accept women of small stature, even those lacking all physical ability and all attributes of beauty. Her hair color is very pleasing, and does not make her stand out unduly in a crowd. That makes her easy to go out on the town with on missions and on dates. Were she to have silver hair, she might be considered diseased or infirmed, if not prematurely aged. She might also look odd in a crowd.

Miss Chidori is also an excellent cook, and an accomplished masseuse.

2) MISS KANAME CHIDORI, PERSONAL FEELINGS FOR SGT. SOUSUKE SAGARA:

This answer shall be simple, as she makes her feelings very clear, both during and after school. During scholastic activities, she is disappointed in my abilities at time, but has great respect for my perserverence and strength of character. She is not pleased by explosions and other disruptions to the school architecture and structural stability, but I think that is because she is a noncombatant. It is not a problem. She is quite pleased with my duties as garbage detail, and says I may have found my calling.

After school, her feelings are also quite evident. There are times she screams out "Soooouuusuke, YOU.........ARE..........THE..........BESSSSST!!!" oftened followed by screams commanding me not to cease in my activities. She also says that variety is the spice of life, and I am like Baskin Robbins ice cream: she will not stop until she samples all 53 varieties. She does, however, offer what I think is unfair criticism of Mithril's professional conditioning programs. She says that my stamina is deficient.

She also commends me on my excellent taste in woman, saying it takes a discerning man to choose a beautiful full-figured girl over some shriveled stick of a girl with the breasts of a boy. She commends me for being so talented at finding a good companion at such an early age. She does, however confuse me greatly at time: her moods can vary, and I cannot keep track of them. I also do not understand why she sometimes calls herself Kaname Sagara, expectant mother. There has been no marriage that I have been aware of.

3) SGT. SOUSUKE SAGARA, RE: SUCCESS AND FAILURES IN HIGH SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT, REFERENCE TO STUDENT AND TEENAGE EXPECTATIONS:

I must apologize. Not everything comes as natural to me as destruction and disruption of necessary targets. I find myself at complete odds with teenage life, and it is only through the patience and closeness of Miss Chidori that I am able to survive. Without her, I would be lost...or worse. Her instruction is not simply physical. Her assistance with common but confusing every day life has drawn me to her more than her well honed charm and her rather formidable hungers. As inferred above, my success as a student is wanting. To use comparisons again, my performance in school could be equated to the initial Arm Slave skills of an incompetent beginner pilot acting only out of pride or competitiveness and not out of professional correctness and common sense.

4) SGT. SOUSUKE SAGARA, FEELINGS TOWARDS MISS KANAME CHIDORI, RE: COMPATIBILITY, FRIENDHIP, LOVE, AND SEXUAL RELATIONS:

This answer is also simple. Physical compatibility is a definite, as all parts are complete and fit very well together, showing no sign of wear after considerable use. Self-lubricating parts are definitely preferable to those requiring physical lubrication. Perhaps such insight can be passed onto Whispered designers who all seem to be deficient in the understanding of lubrication. Emotional compatibility is occasionally questionable. Miss Chidori often say she would die without me, but I see not physical evidence to suggest that is true. Otherwise she does not lie to me. This is not a problem. As for friendship, she does not treat me in the same manner as she treats her friends at school. I do not feel remorse any longer, as she had said that she would work on that area after she has sufficiently broken me to the saddle. Out of respect to her, I do not question her word in this...however, she has as yet not taken me horse-back riding. I do not understand the meaning of the word love. However, I must say that I could not see myself wanting to be with any other woman as Miss Chidori, as all others would suffer in comparison. Sexual relations are a disappointment. With all of the time spent involved in such activities, Miss Chidori says I have not shown sufficient improvement. She does take things very well, remaining cheerful when she keeps increasing the time needed for practice.

Faithfully submitted,
SGT. SOUSUKE SAGARA

*************************************************************

Uh, huh perfect. Just perfect. Wish I could be a fly on the wall when you read THAT, Tessa-baby!!!

Ok, a couple more cookies and the last of the milk. Tired? No way!!! I could do this all night.

NEXT!!!

Tessa/Captain Testarossa
1) RE: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX, STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES AS YOU SEE THEM:

Weakness is a very apt term. I will not go into a list of her infimities or physical misshapeness, as too much attached paper would be required. I have also been given a short time in which to do this assignment. That IS a problem. Suffice it to say, had a dog breeder found a young animal like her, it would have been put down to prevent impurites in the breed. That is unfortunate, as she has the personality one can attribute to a good pet.
Other comparisons would be illustrative. As a human being, I would say she could be considered a pistol where a cruise missile were required. Although one must also see the similarities to both weapons. She is as ineffective in big time situations as the former, but just as explosive as the latter. However, she is not always wise in her selection of targets: she oftem aims for things that are way out of reach and well beyond her capabilities.

Her strengths are admirable. I know of no other person of such minimal value who tries as hard as she does. Most people say that she is too stupid to know when she should quit. I think it is because she is valiant and good of heart. By comparison, I am weak...as I would shoot myself if I were like her...or, if I were in a generous mood, I would use my last dollars to purchase a large arena so that all the people who wanted to shoot me could have an equal opportunity. She is a competent designer, and an able commanding officer

Tessa/Captain Testarossa
2) XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX, RE: IMPRESSION OF FEELINGS FOR SGT. SOUSUKE SAGARA:

Misplaced. Inappropriate. Fruitless.


3) SGT. SOUSUKE SAGARA. RE: SUCCESS AND FAILURES IN HIGHSCHOOL ENVIRONMENT, REFERENCE TO STUDENT AND TEENAGE EXPECTATIONS:

See Copy RE: MISS KANAME CHIDORI , entry #3, for completed answer. Of note, Miss Chidori's assessments of my ability will hold more weight in this specific matter as she is an actual high school student and has a normal female high school female perspective. As I put much weight in her opinions and assessments, my own opinions can be considered identical to hers.


Tessa/Captain Testarossa
4) SGT. SOUSUKE SAGARA, FEELINGS FOR XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX , RE: COMPATIBILITY, FRIENDSHIP, LOVE, AND SEXUAL RELATIONS:

Compatibility: excellent relationship of subordinate to superior.

Friendship: as commanded

Love: not likely

Sexual Relations: Why?


Faithfully submitted,
SGT. SOUSUKE SAGARA

*************************************************************

Kaname was quite content. This had turned out better than she had hoped. It felt better than that memorable walk-off homerun she had hit in the school league softball tournament last year. Yes indeed, it could be safe to say she'd hit THIS one out of the park too!!!

She was very glad that Sousuke had been so very complete in his description of Mithril safe houses, drop-off points, and courier stops. With some convincing acting, and with crucial information she had gleaned from Sousuke about opportunities available in critical situations, she should have no problem having these papers delivered to Captain Testarossa under the cover of Sousuke's name!

And, she wouldn't be lying, either! The situation WOULD be crtitical...the moment the papers reached their destination. Or she might more accurately say things would reach critical mass...and MELTDOWN!!!

She slept very well that night, and for many nights thereafter.

*************************************************************