And In This Corner, part two {Chapter 14}

[dd]

Highlights: a) CATFIGHT b) More CATFIGHT c) An end to the CATFIGHT d) Melissa gets her beer e) The conspiracy f) Casimira takes center stage g) Kurz gets his just desserts !!!
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At first, neither Kaname or Tessa looked at the other. They took time to check out the lay of the land, and they started marking their own territories.

Next, they worked up to looking in each other's general direction, still avoiding eye contact.

Finally, as the silence threatened to become deafening, Kaname began to speak. Hearing the first syllable from Kaname's mouth, Tessa rushed in with the first words. "I take it we are going to handle this like adults?"

"I plan to," Kaname said, in a level and reasonable tone, miffed that Tessa had pounced at the chance to speak first.

"As do I."

"Good."

"Yes."

More silence ensued, and three minutes passed before anyone spoke again.

With a trademark laugh, Kaname asked "Are we going to handle this by talking..."

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Kurz: "In this corner we have Miss Kaname Chidori. At 166 cm., Miss Chidori weighs in at 50 kg. She's a second year student at Jindai highchool and her hobbies include cooking and softball..."

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Acting as if she smelled something unpleasant, Tessa wrinkled her nose and frowned. "No one is stopping you."

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Kurz: "And in this corner, wearing the platinum hair, we have our own Captain Teletha Testarossa. At a height of 158cm, she weighs in at a whopping 45kg. She may be small in stature, but she HATES to lose...

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Kaname laughed again. "You misunderstand me...I just meant to say we could have Sousuke set up a couple of FAX machines...right?"

Tessa's resultant facial expression made Kaname smile. Kaname's smile made Tessa irate. "Oh...my...that is SO very mature. Instead, why don't we have Sousuke send us both in a large halisen...we could use his bruised head to send each other Morse Code!"

Kaname accepted the challenge, just as if she were facing a good pitcher in softball. "Wait...I have a MUCH better suggestion. Why don't we type each other notes on Mithril stationery. No...I'm sorry...THAT wouldn't work. We couldn't trust what the other one wrote! Right, Miss Financial Accountant?"

Tessa was also up to the challenge. If she could handle a room of grizzled old veterans, she could certainly hold her own with some young chit of a girl. "Of course...of course. But, I would then have to take YOUR paper and write some childish fiction on it before I returned it to you...oh, and I would have to lack the courage to sign my own name! And I would have to exaggerate wildly, because I certainly would have nothing to brag about!"

Kaname clenched her teeth slightly, but still manage to project an image of moderate serenity. "Well, Madame Captain...it's simply a matter of my not wanting to brag. I certainly could tell you a good many things, but I would not wish to make you jealous. Wait...I know...why don't I tell you AFTER you turn off all of the external listening devices!!!"

Tessa, thinking back to her own actions at the end of the Behemoth episode, narrowed her eyes ever so slightly. She then laughed an annoyingly gentile laugh, designed to make Kaname's laugh sound like something from the animal kingdom. "Jealousy...you have the gaul to talk about jealousy when you have to steal Sousuke's official papers because you are afraid of what he might write about me? And you misuse an emergency courier as part of a child's petty game?!"

"Petty!" Kaname almost literally spat the word. "You send an ambiguous fax to Sousuke suggesting he might have to leave his mission guarding me, hurting Sousuke, and you call ME petty?" Kaname's voice and pitch slowly rose. "But I would not want to restrict my options by labeling that petty. I would have to call that DESPERATE!!!"

Tessa looked exceedingly cross, and had to wait a moment before she spoke again. "Really...whatever you wish to believe...but at least I am not a big put on, or a coward! You're so afraid that Sousuke might fall for someone else, that you run him harder and faster than he is ready for. Then again, we should add 'insensitive,' as you obviously have no concern for HIM!!!"

"That's..." Kaname tried unsuccessfully for a rebuttal.

Triumphant, Tessa felt she was on a roll. "Of course, when you push him too fast, what happens...he stumbles or trips. THEN, you turn away from him when he fails to keep his feet! And, of course, I have no problem with clumsy people..."

Kaname had lost all pretense of civility. "Sure...sure...Captain Bligh!!! You stand there, while he watches his friends die...while he digs up painful things from his past...and you never let him have a normal life! I think I can REALLY hate you for what you do to him...you yank hard on his chain and train him to be an attack dog...and then you fuss at him when he doesn't come running to lick your...hand!"

Kaname had pushed Tessa's most sensitive button. "DO YOU THINK IT'S EASY TO BE IN COMMAND?!!! Do you think it's easy to make so many decisions...to direct so many lives...to hold so many responsibilities...and to have to live with so many consequences. I am a submarine designer and commander. You, if you work your hardest, might be fortunate to work in a Deli some day, building SUBMARINE SANDWHICHES!!!"

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Kurz: "We have a WINNER. And that one will pay 5:1 odds..."

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"Oh...THAT convenient excuse again. You are SO lame!" Kaname had taken a body blow, and was eager to return the favor. " 'Oh...Kaname...I use him up...but HE WANTS me too. If I didn't do it, someone else would...' " Why don't you just save him the time and shoot him YOURSELF!!! You've already stolen his life from him!"

Tessa was visibly shaken by that claim. "You are so self-centered. You have such an immature and narrow view of the world. Sousuke is a soldier. That is what he DOES. It is what he chooses to do. At least when he does well for us, we praise him and offer him gratitude. When he falters, we lift him back up again."

Tessa had to catch her breath, as her growing anger was making her breathing come fast and heavy. "But...what do YOU do??? When he makes a mistake, you yell at him or hit him! Then, not too much later, you make nice with him. Then, only a short while after that, you slam him again because he's not what YOU want him to be...at least for that minute on that day!!!"

Tessa walked up to Kaname and boldly looked her in the eye. "How's he supposed to live in a world with absolutely no constancy, with no single behavior he can trust?!!"

Kaname was taken aback at first, but rebounded with a fury of her own. "Constancy? CONSTANCY? Don't make me laugh!!! You send him from one island to one desert to one jungle to one city. From one crisis to another catastrophe. And you talk about constancy?"

Kaname had to refrain from lashing out physically. "At least when he is at school with me, he is in a place where he knows where he'll be and when he should be...not to mention with whom he should be...."

"Oh, that sounds so very utopian. But, who should he be...what will you allow him to be? Ah, I see...whoever YOU tell him to be! You won't be happy until you make him into something you want him to be...no matter what he might actually be...and regardless of whatever HE might want to be!"

Tessa smoothed her hair a moment before continuing. "And if he doesn't know yet what he wants and you continue to make all of his choices for him...you will be nothing more than a common thief, trying to steal his decisions from him!"

"No!" Kaname seethed. "But don't you do that very same thing, you hypocrite?! He's your subordinate. That's all the rules say he CAN be!!! But you try so very hard to make him your friend, wanting him to become even more than a friend. And when he does not come running fast enough to you, you abuse your power and try and pull him to you!"

Tessa had no opportunity to speak before Kaname continued. "Do you REALLY think he can come to care about someone who tampers with the rules that way? Someone like Sousuke who is so serious and proper? GET REAL!!!"

Both Tessa and Kaname stood panting, their thoughts seething like dark and foreboding clouds around them. Flashes of lightning showed in their eyes.

"Really, Miss Chidori." She used a quiet, controlled voice, almost devoid of pitch. "I am not surprised that someone who uses Sousuke's heart like a boomerang would think THAT way. I may do some things to get a rise out of Sousuke, but when I bring him back here, it's solely because the mission requires his presence."

Tessa walked over to the refrigerator, opened a bottle of water, and drank. "I want to care about him as much as you do, but I have to do what's right for many people. You want to be selfish and hold him to yourself...while I have to find the courage to continually send him from me, knowing he may never come back."

Tessa held up her hand, pulling a finger down for each point she made:

"Sgt. Sagara goes into battle voluntarily...he has to face life and death as one who kills, and one who may be killed...

"I, as the Captain, have to make life and death decisions, balancing in my palms more lives than you can ever know...

"You...you just have to worry about what skirt to wear and about who to assign to garbage duty!!!" Tessa did not have to purposely inject her voice with contempt.

Kaname was entering a realm beyond furious. "Don't you GET IT???!!!" She nearly screamed, catching Tessa off guard. "You're his CAPTAIN. That's all you CAN be. That's all you WILL be! THE CAPTAIN!!! I am somebody who can offer everything she has without breaking any rules!!!"

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Kurz: "Whoa...that one HURTS!!! Anyone ready to bet on the first act of violence...yes, yes, I will take all comers..."

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"Sure...everything. FOR HOW LONG? As long as he is intersting and convenient?!" Tessa was angry at Kaname for her own reasons, and angry at her for Sousuke's sake as well.

"What do you think you will do after highschool? Are you so certain that you won't just use him now, to feel the things you want to feel NOW? Do you ever consider his future...his needs? Part of Sousuke is still a child. He's just learning how to care again...trust again. He has been alone inside himself for so long. Are you going to end up destroying that trust when you become ready to throw him away for the next handsome face?"

"Why don't you just stop and THINK a minute, Miss Genius Testarossa?" Kaname was angry AND hurt now, and was ready to return the favor. "Just WHO do you think is the one who has brought back that caring...rediscovered that trust? ME!!! And who the Hell are YOU to talk about giving him something special and then taking it away?!!!"

Kaname looked so red in the face, that the saying "Red Sky at Morning, Sailor Take Warning" sprang into Tessa's mind illogically.

"Sousuke has found something special with ME! Who do you think is going to take that away? Who do you think already sent him some place where he can find a happiness he wouldn't find anywhere else...and will some day pull him away from that happiness when he has finished serving her purpose?! YOU!!!"

Kaname looked ready to explode when she continued. "He doesn't deserve to be chosen just because he is the only choice available. YOU only want him because he is CONVENIENT!"

"Convenient? You think he's convenient to get to know, convenient to reach..." Tessa retorted.

"CONVENIENT!!! He's the only sixteen year old boy around YOU. I could choose from a good many suitors, but I choose HIM. He is the only shot YOU have. And you would try to keep him away from anyone he gets close to, no matter how much she means to him!!!" Kaname's anger was mostly for Sousuke's sake now.

"I already told you that is NOT true!!!" Tessa was very close to shouting herself. Her voice had noticeably gone up a few octaves.

"NO!!! You have tried to convince yourself that it's not true. That's NOT the same thing."

"You are WRONG! There are wise and experienced people here who trust me and my judgement, people who could tell you how wrong you are."

"Oh, yes...respect you...humor you, is more like it!"

"No...respect. Who really respects YOU?!! You may be highly visible. You may be popular. But there are more important things than being loud and being pretty. Maybe that is what you think Sousuke wants. But do you really think that's what he deserves?!!!" Tessa's hands were on her hips, and she shook her head angrily.

"You know, Tesssssa...there is nothing wrong with being attractive! It certainly beats the alternative. I'm certain that Sousuke is attracted to me for who I am, not just how I look or how near he works to me. For my looks...AND for my strength."

Kaname walked slowly around Tessa, quite obviously judging her appearence. "Sousuke probably does NOT want some fragile china doll who would break when she falls, or is afraid to move because she might break a nail or break into a sweat!!! 'Oh...help me Sousuke...that mean old floor tripped me.' 'Oh...save me sergeant...I am a victim of gravity!!!' " Kaname laughed her loudest laugh. "At least he wouldn't have to spend the rest of his life rescuing ME!" Those last words rang hollow in Kaname's ears. Would he?

"Let's not talk of victims! How many times are you going to play THAT trump card around him? 'Oh...save me Sousuke, so I can trap you into getting close to me and developing forced feelings for me!' You would use any opportunity to draw him close to you!!!"

"And what am I supposed to do?" Kaname asked. "Let myself get killed?"

Tessa's look answered her question for her.

"At least I can get MYSELF out of trouble. And, help Sousuke when HE needs it. You think we would have escaped that kidnapping, and that maniac, without MY help? But...what do you do...during the next crisis? You are so starved for attention, that you disregard his good judgement and get yourself captured! You almost got Sousuke KILLED!!!" Kaname could picture herself clubbing Tessa to within an inch of her life."

"I am NOT starved for attention. I receive more than enough attention here...and probably too much attention. The personnel on this submarine are fond of me for what I AM, not for some big exaggerated show I put on!" Tessa spoke with a strong sense of conviction.

"Sure. Sure! They're all SO fond of the cute little Captain. They are so happy to watch the little trained monkey in the Captain suit. Oh look...some one has trained the darling little thing to dance to the music and carry a cup for collections...Mr. Mardukas and Mr. Kalinin do such a nice job turning the handle on the hurdygurdy!"

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Kurz: "THAT one was below the belt!" Kurz looked at the clock. "Any one bet on a low blow in the second round?..."

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Kaname thought of something, and almost doubled over laughing. "Maybe YOU should send the Financial Department a bill for all those bananas!!!"

"At least I can wear the Captain's uniform and take the responsibility that comes with it. If you put on a uniform, no one would ever think of you as anything more than a crossing guard. Of course, you couldn't even do THAT job. You wouldn't let the people cross...you would be too frightened of abandonment!!!"

It was Tessa's turn to laugh, turning her face away as tears of amusement ran down her cheeks.

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Kurz: "Talk about your killer instinct! The house covers psychological abuse at 3:1...."

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"That's low!!! Even for for a pathetic NEEDY bitch!!!"

"Needy? Who's the one that was so starved for attention, that she tried to trick Sousuke into believing she was pregnant?"

"That was a JOKE, you complete and utter MORON! At least we can all assume that I can get pregnant. That's NOT possible with you...you're probably the only one of your species. Freak!"



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Seeing the brutal confrontation, a well-versed naturalist might think of an epic battle between a badger sow and a marauding wolverine. Kaname's black hair and white-striped shirt certainly fit the image of a badger. Tessa's silver hair and dark sweater might fit the image of the wolverine.

The scientic name for wolverine means 'glutton' in French...and Kamame would certain think Tessa was a glutton for punishment. However, knowing that the wolverine is nicknamed 'the hyena of the north,' Tessa might think that appelation better suited for Kaname and her laugh!!!

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Kaname changed tack, and said very quietly to Tessa "You cannot stand the fact that he wants to be with me and not you...can you?" Kaname looked at peace. She looked happy and almost serene at that moment.

Tessa also turned the volume down, getting a rather sly look in her eyes. Sweetly she asked "And how do you explain the prolonged tenderness we shared the other day, when we spent so MUCH time in each other's arms?"

Tessa chuckled, and licked her lips slowly. "I certainly did not order him to do THAT!"

Tessa thought she had struck a mighty blow, but Kaname reached into her purse, pulled out a number of photographs, and placed them on the floor at Tessa's feet. "Oh...I'm certain that was kindness and not attraction! Take a look at those pictures, you won't have to bend down...I left them at YOUR level."

Kaname smiled as Tessa picked up the photos. Kaname said "So...maybe you got some hugs from Sousuke...I suppose you EARNED them, considering the hardships you went through for everyone. But...I get hugs from Sousuke because of the way he feels about me in peaceful times AND hectic times."

Kaname paused, and walked over to the black board. She drew a large heart, and placed a large 'K' anda '&' and a large 'S' within it. She then wrote K--I--S--S on the board, with an arrow pointing to the heart. "And...Sousuke kissed me because he cares about me. You haven't even come close to kissing him, have you?"

Tessa grabbed the chalk from kaname's hand and walked over to the blackboard herself. She crossed out the heart. She wrote 'It's just a matter of time' and drew an arrow towards KISS. "Not Yet..." she said teasingly.

"NOT EVER!!!!!!" Kaname yelled, grabbing one of the pillows and hitting Tessa fiercely on the side of the head, sending her into and over a metal folding chair.

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Kurz: "First blood!...Ok...who gets next...."

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Growling, Kaname continued with her assault. "You won't EVER kiss him (whack!)"

Tessa, blood in her eye, struck back tentatively...this sort of physical expression was new to her. But, she definitely did not want to lose. "Oh...you think you OWN him (smack)? You think he will only care for someone like YOU? (whack!!!)?"

Kaname laughed. "You call THAT an attack? Do you think that Sousuke (smack!) could ACTUALLY care (whack!) for someone so utterly WEAK (slam!!!) and PATHETIC (big time whack!!!)?"

Tessa was NOT about to back down. She was NOT going to lose. "I admit (whack!)...you have the advantage in fighting (smack!)...since you are always (smack!) HITTING Sousuke (whack!)."

Tessa stepped forward, to make better use of her shorter reach. "Why should he care (whack) for someone who tries so hard to drive him away one minute (whack!)...and who then seems pathologically afraid he might leave her the next (smack!)?"

Kaname put her pillow down for a moment and smiled, infuriating Tessa. "The love I show Sousuke in the good moments we share will touch his heart in ways you never will, no matter how hard you try...no matter how many orders you give!"

Kaname lowered her head in front of Tessa, inviting her to strike. "And," she added triumphantly, "the more time we share, the more intimacy were learn together...the more intimacy we learn together, the longer the good times will be. I have that to look forward to!"

Tessa had an evil look in her eye. She walked over to the blackboard, drew a large question mark, and walked back again. "Yes...but for HOW LONG???" She quite obviously baited Kaname. "Your life will continue on...but Sousuke's mission will end. Do you really think he would give up the world he knows, the world he has always known, just for you? DO YOU?!!!"

Kaname growled low in her throat. "I don't know. But at least I can hope. That's more than you can ever do. That's more than some desperate stick of a girl like you can EVER have!!!"

Tessa swung her pillow wildly, missing and tripping over Kaname's pillow.

"Yes...you missed. You missed me, just like you have missed your chance with Sousuke!!!"

Tessa stood up, brushed herself off, and smiled. "Are you really sure? Are you? When he chooses to come back here to his HOME...I will be here. AND...I will not have to stay a Captain forever. I won't even have to stay in uniform . With my knowledge and experience, I will make an excellent and coveted consultant!"

"IN YOUR DREAMS!" Kaname said.

"No. Kaname dear...In YOUR nightmares!!!"

Seeing Kaname shake her head, concerned, Tessa twisted the verbal knife. "In actuality, I should probably thank you," she said with a sickening amount of saccharine.

"I should probably pay you a finder's fee. You helped Sousuke find a part of himself that he was unaware of. You helped him touch a place within him he probably didn't even know existed. As a result, I won't have to work so hard when he comes back here! Thank you!"

Tessa laughed, seeing Kaname's expression. "Yes, the things you have taught him...we will share them when he returns. You might even end up getting more than a kiss. I will be jealous, of course...initially. You might get him first, but I will get to enjoy him...forever!!!"

Kaname became enraged, swinging her pillow harder and harder, bruising Tessa's face , knocking loose her ear rings, and totally destroying her sculptured hairdo. "He's NOT just some prize (smack!)...he's someone very special (whack!)...and he cares about ME (smack smack whack!)...you wishful (whack)...little (whack!)...BITCH (whack whack whack whack whack!!!)!"

Tessa, reacting with some instinctual desire to survive, leapt upon Kaname, beating her with her fists. She pulled Kaname's blouse up over her head---tearing it severely in the process---and began hitting her with a pillow until feathers started to fly.

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Kurz: "You gotta see it to believe it...that one gets bonus points for ferocity. Who had dibs on first take-down?..."

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Just as abruptly as she started her assault, Tessa stopped. She backed away. "After considering things a bit more...I don't think I will wait for you to sample all of Sousuke first. I think I will just take the baton from you and run with it, clumsy as I may be!"

Tessa had simply switched her attack to verbal blows. "You got the puck moving, Kaname, the crowd will give you that. Be happy with the assist you get credited with when I score! Or...should I say...when Sousuke and I score TOGETHER! "

Tessa backed away a bit when Kaname stood up and adjustered her rended shirt. "Perhaps I will send you another 'URGENT' note to let you know when! But...I'm afraid that with my being such a desperate needy little bitch, I won't have the courage to send him away from me any more...once we have shared certain things."

Tessa ran to the other side of the room, trying to keep a table between her and a white-faced Kaname. "Enjoy whatever hurried and clumsy moments you still can, Kaname. I can afford to take my time...."

After that, Kaname slid across the top of the table, taking herself and Tessa to the floor. The pillows began to swing fiercely again, continuing until there was nothing intact left to swing. Both combatants lay exhausted against the wall, breathing heavily, completely covered and surrounded by feathers and occasional clothing fragments.

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Kurz: "OH YEH!! It doesn't get any better than this...I hope you gentlemen rember to tip your host well tonight...."

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The loud shouts and physical noises that Sousuke had been hearing all along certainly troubled him. But it was the silence that caused his imagination to run amok.

Thinking a moment, he grew concerned about his plan. He had thought that a time of quiet relection might help the two young women settle down and think things out. Sousuke now worried that he had given them TOO MUCH time to think, and hoped that they had not used that time to take inventory of their grievances and build up their anger.

He had left sharp and heavy items in the room, as well as furniture with treacherous edges. He could picture one or both of the girls laying in a pool of blood. When his thoughts got ridiculously fanciful, he saw them drowning in a pool of each other's abdominal contents. He should check in on them just to be on the safe side. After all...the calm may simply indicate that they are working constructively together.

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"Have you reached an agreement about the particulars of the contest?" Sousuke asked as he strode into the war-torn conference room. He was soon shocked by what he saw.

Neither of the brusied and battered girls saw fit to answer.

"Have you even tried to discuss it?" Sousuke began to sound angry.

Both girls looked away from Sousuke. Kaname realized just how much she had let her pride and her emotions control her.

"I left the assignment and the fate of many people in the hands of my submarine commander and my student class representative...was I mistaken to do so?

Both girls looked embarrassed. Tessa looked at her hands...finding it hard she had done any of the things she did. All of the things she did. She felt she was waking from some sort of dream.

"I see...I make an effort to assist two people who are very importantant to me...and they only worry about themselves!" Sousuke's dissapointment was almost tangible enough to touch.

Both girls looked up at him, sheepishly. Both wished they could rewind the whole thing and start over again, knowing what they knew then.

"I thought this opportunity might give you an outlet to act responsibly and diffuse away your anger and envy. I had hoped that you would discover a common ground and reach a compromise acceptable to both of you...an understanding best for everyone."

"Sous-" Kamname started.

"I have to admit I was arrogant and foolish. I had thought that you both might care enough about me to put aside your differences. This whole conflict is difficult for me. I never know what to expect."

Tessa too tried to get a word in "Sousuke...I'm...I'm..."

"This is all just like a battle. I get a little bit of information, and I am thrown here and knocked there...I have to keep moving just to stay in one piece! But, at least battles end! This seems as if it will never end!" Sousuke turned, angrily rubbing at his own hair.

"Sousuke...wait...It's NOT because I don't care" Kaname said desperately. "It's because I am afraid to lose you...and I was trying to protect you...."

"We all lose things, Kaname. I could have lost my life today. I may lose it tomorrow. But...Lt. Cmdr. Kalinin has helped me understand that it's not whether or not I am alive to fight...it's how I live while I'm still alive."

Sousuke looked intently at Kaname, turned and did the same to Tessa. "I do not want everything in my life to be a battle!!! I am growing beyond that...and I am growing tired of that...."

"Yes...I suppose we at Mithril have used you very hard as a soldier, Sousuke...but that was NOT personal. You would never let me have even the slightest hope of anything personal." Tessa sounded defensive and dejected at the same time.

"Tessa...there are still many things I am trying to understand. I have told you that before."

Sousuke walked over to Kaname. "Kaname...when you say you do not want to lose me...that does make me happy. But can you understand that your fear is about something you want for yourself?"

"Sousuke..." Kaname started.

"Please," Sousuke continued. " Tessa...you are thinking so much about who you want, that you forget to ask what that person might want."

Souskuke walked over to the door, and turned back to face them both. "I will say one last thing. I will hope that the two of you will do ME the favor of coming to terms here today. If that is not possible, then you may both find that there is no longer anything left to fight over." Sousuke left and closed the door.

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Crowd: "Sousuke...Sousuke...Sousuke...SOUSUKE...SOUSUKE...SOUSUKE...SOUSUKESOUSUIKESOUSUKE!!! Whoo Whoo Whooooo...."

Pandemonium!!!

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The final pronouncement and all the weight it carried fell like the proverbial ton of bricks. But, in this instance, it fell along with a rain of mortar, seailng the bricks together, and forming a cold and lonely prison cell for each of the two occupants. Both Kaname and Tessa wondered if they would lose their chance at EVERYTHING...or whether or not a stay of execution might be granted.

"Kaname..." Tessa eventually offered. "I will admit that you know Sousuke better personally than I do. Do you think he is serious...or was his speech only a calculated attempt at getting us to work together?"

"I don't know, Tessa. But...I know I care too much about him to even take the slightest risk. Everything he said was very true. And...and...I feel SO ashamed!" Kaname began to cry silently.

Tessa too looked crestfallen. "I do too. I have been his commander through many things good and bad. I've seen him in triumph and defeat. And I NEVER realized just what depth of feeling he might have. He is so hard and unyielding on the outside that I always assumed he would be cold and unfeeling on the inside."

Kaname perked up a little, even managing a small smile. Softly she said "Aha...you see that now. You were after him when you thought he was cold and unfeeling. Does that mean you no longer want him now that you realize he's not?"

"Oh no...certainly not...I may have been desperate and needy then. But now I have a really good and normal reason to want him...."
Tessa winked.

"Oh..." The two of them looked at each other, and then tentatively smiled together.

"Uh huh. Maybe we should go back to what I said when we had finished our troubles with A21." Tessa offered.

"Yes...let the best woman win." Kaname finished the thought. "I agree. And I thank you. I never expected you to gift wrap Sousuke that way for me!!!" She laughed quietly, playfully.

Kaname smiled.

Tessa smiled.

"We are both TOTALLY hopeless, aren't we?" Kaname asked.

"No" Tessa said. "Not hopeless. Hopeful."

After that, they got down to work.

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"Awwww...what a touching Kodak moment" Kurz said, watching Kaname and Tessa make their first attempts at reconciliation.

Kurz then turned to address the now milling group of men. "Remember...copies of today's once-in-a-lifetime event will be available for a small fee. And, all rights and privileges pertaining to this program remain the property of the Amazing Kurz Weber! Oh yeh!"

Kurz was surprised to be answered by dead silence. Turning, he saw Lt. Cmdr. Kalinin standing at the open doorway.

"Security had been rather concerned about the level of noise coming from this room, Sgt. Weber. They were equally concerned to find the door locked and effectively barricaded. They were in fact concerned enough to bring matters to my attention. I am grateful that someone chose to open the door for us."

Kurz was visibly wilting more and more with each passing moment.

"I must say that I feel highly insulted that I was not invited to attend this gala event" Even the dullest knife in the drawer would catch that sacasm. "To start with, you may make up for it by supplying me with ALL audio and video recordings of the events."

Kalinin turned to face the crowd of soldiers and sailors. "The remainder of you...gentlemen---" Kalinin said slowly and deliberately memorizing the face of every man present "---are welcome to remain with Sgt. Weber if you like. Otherwise, I strongly suggest that you find something useful to do, lest we decide to fund future combat operations by means of payroll deductions!"

The men scattered like cockroaches surprised by the first beams of a kitchen light.

Kalinin turned his attention to Kurz. "Sgt Weber. I have recently learned that our busy and dependable kitchen staff is short-handed and in need of some help. I am certain you can find something to do that would be of great service to them. For the next three days. In fact, you may consider it to be an order. Oh, and sergeant..."

"Yes, sir?"

"Be certain that you wash your hands thoroughly!"

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

Kurz' bad luck was about to get worse. Lt. Concepcion...with an expectant and concerned looking medical corpsman in tow...was seen headed in the direction of the kitchen.

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

Lt. Cmdr. Kalinin, in a rare moment of levity, returned to his office and put a call through to Sgt. Major Mao. He made it a point to describe the latest activities of the two AS pilots under her supervision. The resulting laughter did more to improve her condition than any of the medicines and therapies she had received up to that point. Things were definitely beginning to look up. Now, if only Sousuke would send that beer...

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

The Chief Mechanic left the graphics department, having picked up a decal he had commisioned them to design and create for him. The decal displayed the day's date, and in yellow letters proudly spelled out Sousuke's name and rank. It was a large purple heart. Bobo walked into the hangar, climbed up the stairs to the ARX-7, and placed the decal on Sousuke's Arm Slave.

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

*************************************************************
The lights in the room were low. The room was out of the way, not a location likely to be stumbled on to accidentally. Voices were hushed. A thorough check for listening devices had been done, and the area had been deamed clear.

The members of the conspiracy were very determined. Highly motivated. Each of them had suffered grievously, or had been significantly discomforted. The possession of a common enemy strengthed the resolve of everyone present.

The plan was bold, but the potential outcome was irresistable. Revenge, like French pastries, should be savored and not rushed. Retribution, like a fine wine, should be appreciated in good company, not guzzled in some dark alley way. Justice, like a fine tea, should be served with flair, not thrown around indescriminately.

The members present in the room reported their prey's whereabouts and condition. The members off-site, talking by means of secure conference call, detailed the progress of their missions. Things were going well. Their involvement should not be suspected until it was too late.

It was only a matter of time until things came to fruition

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

Kurz' extravaganza served as a large stone thrown into a small lake. Ripples spread out from the center, rocking everyone's boat as they passed.

Kaname had returned home feeling somewhat chastened and down, but three things in particular lifted her out of a potential state of despondency. The first was Sousuke. He let Kaname know in no uncertain terms that his feelings for her had not changed. The second was Tessa. Kaname was not ready to view her as a friend, but it was good to have someone to weather the storm of embarrassment with. The third was Kurz. When Kaname heard what he had done, her anger burned away most of her feelings of shame and concern.

Sousuke was none too pleased with Kurz' judgement and irresponsibility. Being who he was, Sousuke did not explain his displeasure with his fellow pilot in words. On the contrary, Sousuke refused to say a single word to Kurz for the first week after the big event.

Tessa was forced to wrestle with her honor, her pride, and her reputation.
She had a long talk with Lt. Cmdr. Kalinin, and came away with a sense of hope and anticipation. Despite the mistakes she had made, she felt that she could learn and grow from her experiences. She was afraid of the damage her actions might have on her crew's respect for here; but, at the same time, she thought that there may be a lasting benefit from being seen to have normal human feelings and frailties.

Melissa, healing better than expected, was disappointed. She wished she had been aboard the TDD-1 to offer her support and condolences to Tessa after her ordeal. And she would have enjoyed exacting frightful punishment on Kurz while the iron was still hot.

Lt. Cmdr. Kalinin was given the opportunity to think upon his presence on the submarine. He had been given advanced knowledge of Sousuke's plan, and had given it his blessing. That had been a calculated risk, and he should not question his own judgement too much. The incident did help remove the last vestages of self-doubt he once had about his continued acceptance of his role within Mithril. They NEEDED him here!

Kurz, situated at the epicenter, felt the greatest impact of all. On the plus side, he had managed to acquire a rather considerable sum of money. He was very surprised that Lt. Cmdr. Kalinin had not thought to appropriate the money as well as the recordings. And, he had greatly improved his relationship with the rank and file. The memorable event was legend, and those who had been present considered themselves to be truly blessed. On the negative side, he had to deal with an unhappy Sousuke, and he had to prepare for tropical storm Melissa. At least the friction with Lt. Concepcion had decreased.

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

Souske, shouldering his clothes bag, stepped off of the helicopter and walked out onto the hangar floor. He had been away visiting Melissa, having his routine physical examination performed, and having standard laboratory tests run.

Souske was given a clean bill of health, and was judged fit to continue duty. Melissa, who had suffered multiple internal injuries as well as numerous fractures, was mending well. She was comfortable without medicines, and was anxious to return to duty. She greatly appreciated the magazines and sweets Sousuke brought her. But she was truly ecstatic over the beer he had smuggled in disguised as chilled coffee. Bobo's talents were not limited to larger weapons systems, it seemed.

Melissa asked to hear everything ABOUT everything. Sousuke's relationsship with Kaname. His adventures in the hospital and on the date. His feelings for Tessa. The action in Malaysia. All of the smallest details about Kaname and Tessa's historic confrontation. The full laundry list of sub gossip.

Melissa went through a full set of moods and emotions before Sousuke finished, winded. And, she had gone through half of her beer. One particular train of thought seemed to be pulling into the station more frequently than others: Kurz. Kurz did bad! Kurz really must pay!!!

Sousuke, very detailed in his descriptions, mentioned Lt. Concepcion: how Kurz had knicknamed his Starburst 'Cassie'...how he had approached Casimira after he returned from Pakistan...and her direct and painful defense of her dignity.

"Mira?" Melissa had asked. "Mira and I are buds." That statement, combined with the primary thought of 'Kurz must pay' lead to an interesting conversation between Melissa and Sousuke. And that coversation lead to a phone call to Casimira Concepcion.

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

Sousuke met with Tessa and Lt. Cmdr. Kalinin in the Captain's quarters. Sousuke was involved in mission planning, and he wanted his commanding officers to contribute their thoughts, give their approval, and take actions necessary for the success of the endeavor. The conversation was congenial and very productive. The mission objective was of great tactical and strategic value, and success would have tremendous benefits for morale.

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

Sousuke called Kaname and shared his recent activities with her. She in turn described everything that had been going on at school in Sousuke's absence. After pleasant small talk, Sousuke asked if Kaname would do a favor for him. Kaname was delighted. She was happy to do something that both she and Sousuke would enjoy. And she was proud to have been entrusted with such an important task.

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

"Still not talking to me, Sousuke old chum?" Kurz slapped Sousuke on the back, causing him to spill his coffee. "That's OK, because it's always a pleasure to listen to Kurz Weber. Oh yeh!"

Kurz seemed to be in an exceedingly fine mood. "You will have to get by without my keen wit and incomparable charm for a while, I'm happy to say! I'm off to Tokyo for some security work, and I will have the pleasure of spending some fine time with Cas-i-mirrrr-a! Be still my beating heart."

"Ah...I can see the questions in your eyes, sergeant. We will both have some free time between our separate assignments. She has invited me to a fine French restaurant as a way to apologize for her earlier treatment of me. And you can guess what's tops on Kurz' menu...oh yeh!!!"

Kurz did not say a word about his date when he returned to the TDD-1.

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

A few days later, another crucial mission required the special abilities of the Tuatha De Danaan and crew.

The target lay in the general vicinity of the Cambodian city of Krachap, but nearer to the Cardaman Mountains, in a region once famous for the mining of precious stones, but now infamous for mines of another sort. Not too distant from the Thai-Cambodian border, the site of interest was situated within one of the heavily mined areas not yet cleared by workers in the hire of the Adopt A Mindfield group and other agencies operating under the Ottawa Convention. Mithril would borrow the slogan of that humanitarian group, planning to "clear a path to a safer world." The mines they would leave for others to deal with. A greater danger needed to be removed.

A figurative island of treachery lay at the center of the seas of Russian POMZ-2M and Vietnamese MBV-78A2 mines. Underground facilities served as both a home and a laboratory for a virulent terrorist group that presented an enormous threat. Scientific research with captive human test subjects was the most recent modus operandi of the terrorists, and their current project had chilling implications.

A majority of the briefing was already complete, including the background information on the enemy, the threat analysis, and the final plan of action.
All that remained was a more detailed description of the specific threat they faced.

Lt. Concepcion handled that part of the briefing.

"The New Asian Dawn group has long experimented with various bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic pathogens. Up to this point, their actions had been more geared towards disruption of food crops by plant viruses, or the reduction of animal stock by means of various agents.

Their newest project is aimed at human targets."

An photograph of a trasmission electron microscope image of a virus was projected onto the viewscreen. "Hantaviruses, members of the Bunyavirus family, are DNA viruses with double-stranded DNA. They are zoonotic, meaning that they can be transmitted from animals to humans, with the unharmed animals serving as a reservoir for the virus."

The next image was a collage of various rodent species. "For Hantaviruses, the reservoir population is most often some form of rodent. As a result, they are not transmisable by moquitos or other insect vectors. The virus is often contracted through food, or through touching of the eyes or mouth by hands that have touched infectious materials. Airborne transmission between individuals is possible, and often is the cause of larger outbreaks."

A map of the Asian continent was shown on the screen, colored markings indicating endemic areas. "Hantaviruses exist in different parts of the world, and produce various symptoms and diseases depending on the various subtypes. In Asia, the most common variants are the Hantaan, Puumala, and Seoul types. Infection with one of these variants may lead to Hemorrhagic Fever Renal Syndrome, a disorder resulting from severe damage to the infected individual's kidneys. Fortunately for those with the sickness, the mortality rate is only on the order of ten percent."

The image of a man in a white lab coat was shown. "The person in the image is Dr. Ramesh Kupatra. Dr. Kupatra trained at Harvard Medical school...did a residency at the Mayo Clinic...and subsequently spent considerable time working at the Center For Disease Control. His area of expertice is exotic viruses. He has been linked to various terrorist organizations in the past, and is thought to currently be managing the medical activities of New Asian Dawn."

"It is difficult to judge the validity of the rumors we have heard. Nonetheless, we cannot simply ignore the threat. The rumored project at the facilities in the Krachap area involves purposeful mutation of the Puumala variant Hantavirus, with the goal to produce a more easily transmissable form with much greater pathogenicity. Given the abundance of rodent species worldwide, the threat posed by this research is unpresidented."

Lt. Cmdr. Kalinin stepped to the podium. "The threat is great ineed. That was an excellent presentation, Lt. Concepcion. While that now ends the primary portion of our briefing today, I believe we have some additional special footage to show?'

"Yes, sir. The following video material will be of great value to those of us gathered here today. If you will please start the film" Lt. Concepcion directed her request to the media personnel situated in their cubbyhole adjacent to the briefing room.

The lights in the ready room dimmed down. Music from Juan Chrisostomo De Arriaga's Overture to 'Los esclavos felices' played, later to be followed by his Symphony In D Minor.

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

The film that showed was obviously not from a professional source. The images shown were taken covertly, from various video and still-shot cameras and other video devices. The images showed a metropolitan area, soon recognaized as Tokyo. A large crowd of people walked the streets, and the sounds of city life were heard above the background music. A title to the film appeared, and that image WAS of professional quality and origin. "Just Desserts" was the title.

A voice-over began. It was Sousuke's voice. "The following mission was undertaken by dedicated individuals with a common goal. Non-combatants were just as crucial as professional soldiers and operatives. We, the members of Mithril, owe them all our gratitude."

The images shifted from the general to the specific. Photographs of the Fountainbleu restaurant were accompanied by pictures of the establishment's staff and customers. Next, video with audio accompaniment showed Sgt. Kurz Weber and Lt. Casimira Concepcion walking into the restaurant.

"Ah...finally here, my dove. I hope you are looking forward to this as much as I am." Kurz' voice seemed cheerful and eager. He pumped his fist in the air.

"The way I feel at this moment, I don't think anyone could possibly experience greater anticipation than I feel now!" Lt. Concepcion projected an image of utter sincerity. The two of them were shown to a table.

"Don't sell yourself short, beautiful lady. My anticipation knows no bounds when you are around. And no doubt you, like me, are probably thinking about the things that come later." Kurz sounded smug. His hand reached out to cover hers. "This is quite a nice place...but I have a better place for us later. Oh yeh!"

"You can only guess how much I look forward to showing you my true feelings! I do not risk putting my thoughts...or my OWN plans...into words. I almost feel faint when I think of the pleasures to come. And only you could make me feel this way." She leaned a bit closer to the table in Kurz's direction, pushing her chest out some and smiling coyly.

"I see," Kurz said smoothly and triumphantly, "Perhaps I should limit my sampling of pastries now, and save room for the laaaaaater sweets."

"Yes, I would be so disappointed if things don't go the way I've planned. This will be such a memorable time. Something we will never forget. Maybe even something that will never be surpassed!" Casimira licked her lips ever so slightly and ever so slowly.

A waiter arrived with a menu for pastries, coffees, and teas. Kurz and Casimira had come for light fair.

"Do you see something you like, Kurz?" Casimira asked, arching her eyebrows and briefly covering her exposed cleavage with one hand.

"Yes, very much. But I will have to force myself to stop looking, so I can peruse the menu." Kurz' teeth showed in all their glory.

"Oh...you are too galant, sir. You embarrass me!" Casimira said, quickly hiding her face behind her menu. One camera angle clearly showed her laughing silently.

After scanning the menu, Kurz exclaimed "So much to choose from...but I it doesn't matter what I choose first, since the best will be saved for last. I have always been particularly fond of French tarts...but I hear the Paraguayan varieties are something special." Kurz' tone and look stopped just short of being lewd.

Casimira put her hand to her mouth, acted slightly flustered, and then showed her most luminous smile. "Oh! The more you speak, the more I look forward to the things that come later! I only hope I am worthy of such joy!"

The waiter returned, and asked if they were ready to order.

"Yes, thank you" Casimira's voice was musical. "In honor of my date, I will espouse a strong French wine or a rich coffee..." She placed obvious emphasis on 'strong' and 'rich.' "...instead, I guess I must settle today for a delicate light tea grown in Japan, with a touch of some Alpine flavor, if I may..." The word 'delicate' also recieved special attention.

Casimira looked at Kurz and smiled. "...and, I think I will have the Vol an vent, as I am in the mood for something flakey, and something chicken. Yes, and the Orange tuiles...it is so light. So very feminine." The emphasis was on 'flakey,' 'chicken,' 'light,' and 'feminine.'

For some reason, Kurz felt an unconscious sense of dread slowly building. When it was his turn, he selected creme brulee and an asortment of lunettes and brioches. A glass of expensive red wine rounded out his order.

"Kurz, my treasure, may I ask you something...personal?" Casimira fluttered her eyelids.

"Certainly. WHATEVER you like, gorgeous!"

"What does a woman need to do to get Sgt. Sagara's attention? He is such a dashing, strong, masculine young man..." Casimira affected a dreamy look.

Kurz knocked over his water, and almost choked on the complimentary baggette he was chewing on. "S-Sousuke?"

"Yes...I see you are on a first name basis with him...such a great opportunity for both of us. I have had my eye on him a long time, now."

Casimira fanned herself with her napkin.

"Sgt. Sagara...?!"

"Yes...I believe that is his rank...the thought of him makes my heart race...talking about him does not make you flustered, does it?" she cocked her head to the side, and smiled brightly.

"N-No...why would you think that?"

"Well, how can I put this? The way you seem to hang all over him sometimes. Your lonnnnng blond hair....or I should say, wig. Your graceful dancer's physique. You know." Casimira laughted and lowered her voice, looking around as if to see if anyone was listening.

"No...I don't know..." Kurz looked totally perplexed.

"Oh, I should be more direct then. I only wanted to know if my interest in the delectable young sergeant made you jealous. Of me, I mean...It's OK, I couldn't possibly think less of you if that's the case!" She waved her hand briefly in the direction of a serving boy, who subsequently headed back into the restaurant.

"What? Are you saying...? Sousuke and I are not THAT way. I'M not that way. Are you saying you don't find me attractive? Then why....?" Kurz was clearly flustered.

"Why am I here with you? I feel safe with you. I'm not distracted with womanly urges around you, and you are so utterly harmless."

Kurz was clearly on the defensive. "Well, I must say I am disappointed in you...Cassie dear. But I can't expect every female to be woman enough to appreciate Kurz Weber! But, no doubt you still have things that make your life worthwhile...." Kurz smiled, as if he thought he had won a point.

Casimira laughed. Her laughter briefly turned into into a truculent shriek reminiscent of the bare-throated bellbird, the national bird of her native Paraguay. "You mean, don't you, that every female cannot be woman enough to BE Kurz Weber?!"

"What! You MUST be joking...there is no one more manly than ME on that submarine. It's not my fault if you have some freaked-out South American view of things! Maybe you suffered a tragic head injury. Who knows? I truly feel sorry for you...but it's no big loss, babe!"

At that moment, the restaurant owner's wife made her way through the crowd with a basket of flowers. She handed one to Casimira and one to Kurz. With a big smile she said "It's ladies' day today...a pretty flower for every pretty lady!" She walked away swinging her basket, singing happily.

Lt. Concepcion conspicuously covered her mouth with her napkin, unsuccessfully smothering a laugh. "Yes, so very...m-m-masculine."

"She probably was legally blind!" Kurz spat angrily. "She probably could only see the long hair, and made an understandable mistake."

At that time, a trio of musicians started playing sprightly music. From a number of tables, couples headed to an impromptu dance area at the center of the open air cafe.

Before long, a young man in a cleanly pressed suit came up to their table. "Would the lady care to dance?" he asked politely, bowing.

Oh...I am honored...but no thank you" Casimira said politely.

"My apologies, madame...I do not wish to slight you in the least...but I was speaking to her..." The young man smiled at Kurz, who almost choked.

"I'm a man!" Kurz exclaimed, trying to make his voice sound as masculine as possible.

"Please, m'lady," said the man. "Such a falsehood will not ease my pain. I thank you for your kind attempt, nonetheless." He walked away, head hung low.

"Well...you truly ARE a heartbreaker, aren't you Sgt. Weber." Lt. Concepcion's laughter rang across the cafe like the tolling of bells. "It seems that this cafe is full of people with bad eyesight! Ah...and here come a couple more, I wager."

Two sailors, impeccably garbed in their dress uniforms, approached the table. "Would you ladies be interested in a double date?" They both spoke in a rush at the same time.

Before Kurz could answer, Casimra said "Certainly? Which one of you handsome gentlemen gets me?" She stood up, and slid her hands down along her flank.

"He does" one soldier said, elbowing his buddy. "It's my turn for the pretty one!"

"Hey, wait a minute..." Kurz started.

"No way! You got the babe last time, and I was stuck with the leftover"
"Screw you...it's my turn. I'm not getting hosed again"
"Hose THIS!!!"

The sailors started wrestling with each other, until one broke his arm free and started punching the other. They fell to the ground, yelling, pummeling each other unmercifully. The fight looked as if it might have gone on for a long time, had the restaurant staff not threated to call for the police. The sailors were escorted back out on the street.

"My...my...my...I don't see how any of the men on the submarine get any work done with you around. Then again, I heard that you were entertaining a large number of them the other day, and that you had earned a lot of money! No wonder Lt. Cmdr. Kalinin was so disgusted." Casimira feigned a shocked expression.

"What?! That was nothing like you are saying!!! Whatever it is you have been drinking, let me know...I sure would like to try some of it!!!" Kurz was not amused. His agitation showed in his posture, and in the waving of his arms as he spoke.

A little boy walked up to Kurz and pulled on his sleeve. "Excuse me..." he said in a small shy voice. "Excuse me...my momma said it was OK to come ask..."

Kurz shook off his anger with a toss of his head. When he spoke, it was with the higher pitched voice that some people use when speaking with children. "What would you like to ask, little guy?"

"I...I...wanted to...know..." The boy faltered, hiding his face in his hands.

"It's OK. Take your time. You can ask" Casimira said in a very soft reassuring voice. "She won't bite you..."

The boy straightened his shoulders, stood taller and spoke in a rush "I wanted to know if you would be my girlfiend when I grow up?" He was looking at Kurz.

"Uh...I'm sorry, but..." Kurz started to say. Before he could finish, the boy ran away crying loudly.

"Young boys, too?" Lt. Concepcion laughed. "Do you make old men lament their loss of youth and the lack of youthful vigor?" She laughed so long, it seemed for certain she would run out of air.

"I think you've already worn out THAT nonsense, don't you think...sweetie? Why don't you be a good little piece of eye candy and pipe down a bit...you're sweet on the eyes but sour on the ears!"

Casimira narrowed her eyes angrily. "You, Sgt. Weber, are good for neither. But then again, one need only speak to ANY of the women onboard to figure that out! A legend in your own mind, maybe. But of no use to women. The girls will LOVE this story!!!"

"Right...right...I see what you're doing." Kurz' posture relaxed, and his usual smile and smarmy look returned.

"You DO have some attraction to me, but you've been trying hard to hide it from yourself! No wonder you have been talking such nonsense! Why didn't I see it earlier...the famous Weber charm moves in strange and mysterious ways." Kurz laughed, finally feeling in good spirits again.

"And don't worry...I WILL let the other ladies know what they're up against. They shouldn't be too jealous of you..." Kurz actually preened.

Lt. Concepcion did not bother answering. She was too busy writing something on her napkin. When she was finished, she waved her hand towards the head waiter. She handed him the note...along with large denomination paper money. "Could you please see if we could set this up? I would appreciate it greatly. And, I am certain that some of the guests might find it very entertaining."

"I will see what can be done, madame." The waiter went up to the restaurant owner, and whispered a question in his ear. The owner thought a moment, and nodded his head affirmitively. The waiter then went off and spoke with each woman at every table, like a honey bee visiting every head of clover.

"What are you up to, babe?!" Kurz asked, curious. "What kind of crazy woman stuff is this? You probably won't be able to convince yourself no matter what you do..."

All of the women in the room walked towards Kurz' and Casimira's table, forming a semi-circle around it.

"Thank you, ladies. I know this is a bit odd, but when Cupid's arrow strikes, what's a woman to do?" Casimira was laying it on thick. No one should have been suckered for even a moment. Kurz smiled, however, and said to himself "Oh yeh! Finally, she's cracking."

"My date...my dearest heart...he will NOT believe me when I tell him how wonderful he is. Will you all promise to answer some questions for me, and answer them only with the truth?" All of the women agreed.

"Kurz, could you please stand?" Casimira asked politely, coyly.

"Certainly, sweetcakes!" He stood up, took a setp back from the table, smiled, and hooked a thumb in each pocket.

"Ladies...isn't he just the most handsome man you have ever seen?"

The response consisted of laugher, blurted 'NO!"s, shocked expressions, and shaking of heads. One woman, who had laughed loud and long, said "Oh my...I almost wet myself," blushing when she realized what she said.

"No, please...no jokes...love is serious business." The woman quieted down after hearing Casimira's plea. "Looking at his finely sculptured body, can you possibly tell me you would not desire him if he could be yours?"

The laughter was even louder this time. One woman said "Maybe if I needed something to burn in the fireplace!" Another exclaimed "He doesn't have enough hooks to be a good coat rack!" "Sculptured...looks like they chiseled off way too much!!!" "You poor poor girl you."

The one woman from before looked embarrassed as she ran off to the ladies' room.

"Oh...now I understand...you are afraid to answer truthfully with your husbands and boyfriends listening" Lt. Concepcion exclaimed. "You can't be afraid of that...honesty is important in any relationship. If you care for them, they should have no reason to fear!"

When the women started to chuckle, Casimira stomped her foot and said "Please!" The women became silent. "Now, one last question. And I will thank you for your honesty. Where on earth do you think I could ever possibly find someone more wonderful than him?"

The women all pointed in different directions. Some pointed in a great number of directions. "Anywhere!" "Just walk until you trip over someone!" "Have you looked in the prison?" Everyone had a helpful suggestion.

Kurz was clearly turning red.

While the women were laughing, the young boy walked up to them and stopped. When the women were quiet again, the boy pointed at Kurz and demanded "Why is everyone being so mean to the pretty lady?"

The women all started snorting and cackling, and the woman who had returned from the rest room had to turn around and go back again. The boy stood his ground bravely....brushed his hands together...and walked up to kiss Kurz on the cheek. "That's OK," he said, "I'll still marry you!!!"

It seemed that the entire cafe crowd had gathered around, and they were all laughing like there was no tomorrow.

Casimira had a radiant smile.

Kurz looked unhappy. VERY unhappy.

The waiter walked up to Kurz and presented him the bill with a grand flourish. He was laughing too. When Kurz opened up the bill case to check on the damage, he saw a note. The camera zoomed in to show what was written:

"AMOUNT PAID IN FULL. COURTESY OF SOUSUKE SAGARA...KANAME CHIDORI...TELETHA TESTAROSSA...AND CASIMIRA CONCEPCION

....................OH YEH!!!...................."

Casimira walked up to Kurz and kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you for a wonderful date, Sgt. Weber." She then joined the crowd in laughing and applauding.